Chele H

If you have any skin issues....rashes, yeast infections, etc. insurance may pay for a panniculectomy. Don't self treat if you have any issues with the skin...see a doctor and document it.

I still don't get it all in. : (

Imported foods sold in this country (United States) have to pass the same federal (USDA and/or FDA) regulations as food produced here. You really have nothing to fear. I'll pass

I never had a band but I can tell you that in 19 months post op VSG I have never thrown up, not once. If I have an uncomfortable feeling it is my own doing by eating too fast, not chewing enough, etc. The first few months raw veggies would sit like a rock but I am ok with them now.

Just please read the labels for country of origin...some of Dollar Tree food in my area is from China. I, personally, would not trust any food and safety regulations for food processed in China.

Completely and totally...yes I did. Not that I am recommending it.

You may need an acid blocker...Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec. My surgeon prescibes all WLS patients for a minmum of one month. Acid reflux is a very common side effect of VSG. Hope you feeel better

Isopure is sold at GNC and Vitamin Shop, they are like Gatorade in consistency and are fruity type drinks. I have never had them but people seem to either love them or hate them. I know they are pricey. I love Premier Protein Ready to Drink Chocolate. They are sold by the case in Costco, Sams Club and BJs and they will take them back if you do not like them. Each 11 oz drink has 30 grams of protein. I still drink one every day for breakfast.

I like board shorts intead of boy shorts...not clingy and cover part of the thigh.

VSG patients don't dump nearly as much as RNY. It happens, but not very often. Introduce new foods one at a time, in small quantities at home in case you have a reaction . As far as measuring goes...maybe you can but a bunch of those little food saver containers and measure out a few meals/days in advance. You can make a bunch of containers of soup or chili and freeze them to grab and go. Greek yogurt comes pre-packaged in 6oz containers, you can get cottage cheese this way too. You are still very early out and it seems overwhelming I am sure but it will become second nature with time.

My opinion only.....no need for pita, no room in your tiny stomach for pita. Focus on Protein first, then veggies. You want to get as much protein out of the little amount of food you will be eating and pita is not going to give you that. You can make your own chili or lentil Soup to control the gluten issue and puree it in a blender. You can make egg salad or tuna salad..is there gluten in mayo? How about making meatloaf with GF bread crumbs and mushing it up with some GF brown gravy. Or meatballs with GF breadcrumbs with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. You can bake some ricotta cheese in a small casserole topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Have you tried greek yogurt for breakfast? Ricotta or cottage cheese with some Splenda and cinnamon is a good breakfast too. Oatmeal has too many carbs and no protein. Have you tried tuna or egg salad? Black beans with some cheddar cheese? How about some deli turkey or ham rolled up with some cheese or a pickle? Deli meat is usually pretty moist and easy to digest. Definitely need to up your protein and cut the carbs back to feel fuller longer.

A PPI is a proton pump inhibitor which stops your stomach from producing acid...like Nexium, Prilosec, etc. I was given one for 30 days post op and now I take Zantac which is an acid reducer. Reflux is a very common side effect of VSG. You can buy Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec over the counter. I would definitley try it and call your surgeon. Hope you feel better.

Ooops, just saw you are Lap Band...could still be reflux or maybe your band is too tight???? I would call your surgeon

Sounds like reflux...are you on a PPI?

Really, not much. I wore yoga pants, a sports bra and t-shirt to the hospital and wore it home the next day. The hospital will supply you all of your basic personal items. Bring lip balm, charger for your phone(I brought and extension cord) Good luck!

Yes...call, just to make sure they received the file and everything necessary. I was waiting, waiting, waiting....turned out they were missing (or lost) notes from one of my visits and were going to make me do more visits with my doctor because they claim I didn't have 3 consecutive months(I did). My insurance coordinator called them, faxed them what they needed and I was approved immediately. Put your mind at ease and give them a call.

Oooooh, totally different post op, for me anyway. I had no real hunger or desire to eat for at least a week post op. Getting your Water in will be your top priority and with the tiny sips you are going to be taking, you will be sipping all day long. sugar free ice pops and italian ice were both great post op because you sort of chewed something. Good luck....before you know it, it will be a memory.

WOW....4 weeks! I had to do 2 weeks and I am not going to lie, it sucked. The hardest part of the journey in my opinion. Looking back now, I still can't believe I did it, but I did and I lost 10 pounds in 14 days. The first 3-5 days are the hardest and then after you detox off of sugar and carbs it gets easier. I drank a lot of Vitamin Water Zero to keep me going and the electrolytes and Vitamins helped the fatigue and headaches. Piping hot chicken broth sipped out of a mug was somewhat satisfying when I got tired of the sweet sugar free dinks. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Aren't you having protein drinks? How about chicken broth? Sounds crazy but when I sipped it piping hot from a mug, it was sort of satisfying. Decaf coffee or tea?

Is it on your doctor's list of approved things to eat and drink? If so, then go ahead and have it with any little bits strained out. If it is not, I wouldn't

I am 4'10" and I bounce between 122 and 125. I started at 200lbs wearing a 16 or 18. I now wear a 6 or an 8(have one pair of size 4) .....although sizes vary so much who the heck knows what size I started with and what size I actually am. My surgeon said I could lose 80 pounds which would get me to 120lbs. I set my own goalnof 75 pounds and 125lbs. Many people have told me I am too thin or frail looking but I am technically still overweight. Most people have never seen me anything but obese so I seem very thin to them.

Miralax in your morning coffee or tea until you get relief and then a few times a week to stay ahead of it. Milk of Magnesia if you really have a problem.

Did you notice the stall after you started eating the Quest bars? Protein bars can cause stalls in some people.

Liquids slide right throug, the more your swelling reduces the faster you will be able to drink. You will feel the fullness once you start solid food.