Cindi2014

Hi - I have been under a terrible amount of stress and tonight I took 4 bites of dinner and immediately got that terrible pain like someone is sitting on your chest then came the sliming. I haven't experienced such pain like this before. Do you think it could be the stress that I'm under tightening the band?

Thanks so much. It really does help knowing people are here for me. Best of luck to you too.

I have just had my first fill in 1.5 years. My surgery was performed in May 2014. I lost over 108 lbs and I was so proud of myself. Here's the bad part, I became over confident in myself, thought I could start eating a few things here and there that I knew were bad for me but of course I thought I was invincible. I never went back to the doctor because I felt so embarrassed as the weight creeped back on. Well fast forward to today, I have gained back 55 lbs. of my 108 lb. loss and feel like a complete failure. I have picked myself up though and went back to the doctor today, had a fill and I'm restarting my weight loss journey all over again. Just want to tell everyone to not give into the temptation if you've lost a lot of weight because here I am 1.5 years later 55 lbs. heavier. I WILL lose this weight and get to my goal again. It's good to be back on bariatric pal. This was always such a great support system for me. Thanks for listening

I only had headaches for a short period. They were horrible but they passed. Once I was on mushy food, they stopped.

I promise you that it will get better. I had to take the pain medication for 1 week straight. After that, each day got so much better and 4 months later I am totally comfortable with my band. You'll get through it. Start walking as soon as you can. That helps tremendously. Best of luck

I started out at 268. I am now 196. 72 lbs. lost. Surgery on 5/5/14. Love my band

I did 4 slimfast high Protein Shakes a day plus at night I was allowed to have 1 cup of soft cooked veggies. I was getting in about 80 grams of Protein a day.

I promise you all that it will get better. I had discomfort for a week, I couldn't sleep on my sides for 2 weeks. I recommend walking as much as possible, will help you feel better and also will help with the gas. Also, don't be afraid to take the pain medication. I took it for a solid week and had no problems. I also think it's a good idea to start taking a stool softener. I suffered terribly from Constipation and wish someone had told me to start with them early. Other than that, you'll do great. Most importantly, stay positive and look forward to reaching your goal. You can do it. Just keep saying that over and over.

I did the slimfast high Protein Shakes. They were actually pretty delicious. I still do a shake for Breakfast. During the liquid diet, I did 4 shakes and lived on chicken broth, sugar free Jello and ice pops. You'll get through it, just try to stay positive

I started out walking just 10 minutes a day. 2 months post-op, I am walking for an hour, 2+ miles. I feel so much better and I'm really seeing a difference. I no longer get winded which is a blessing. Hoping to join a gym soon too.

Hi Betty - have you had a fill already? I go June 8th.

My port is still sore (surgery 5/5) and it's not flat against my skin, it's protruding out a little bit. Anyone have any idea why? It's not terribly uncomfortable but it is sore.

243 for me. Finally got to 25 lbs. lost. Only wish the next 25 would go just as fast, lol

I have heard that we should have approximately 1200-1400 calories a day once on full solids. How on earth can a person accomplish this by only eating a half cup of food a day, no snacking. Right now I am barely getting in 700 calories a day and that's with a Protein Shake in the morning. Also, I've stopped losing weight. Getting frustrated. Help!!!

I actually worry that I might be eating two few calories and that's why the weight isn't dropping. Maybe my body thinks it's in starvation mode. Just don't know how to increase the calories eating the 3 small meals a day with no snacking.

I am only eating around 700-800 calories a day. I log everything into MFP which is very helpful.

Glad you are doing well dlamp Betty - you're not the only one having tenderness around the port area. I am still quite swollen around the area and getting concerned but people have mentioned that it could take up to 2 months before it's healed and the swelling is gone. Occasionally I get really sharp pains there. I have lost maybe 2 lbs. since my first post-op appt. which was last Monday. It's discouraging to see the weight slow down but I'm sure we will at least lose the 1-2 lbs. a week. I wish we could drop 21 or 22 lbs. every month like during pre-op and right after.

Hi - is it normal at this stage (3+ weeks post-op and on mushies) for the weight to slow down? I lost 22 lbs. total but this past week I only lost 2 lbs. Is this what I should expect moving forward? I think that's what my doctor said. I'm eating right, enjoying my fork mashed baked flounder, shelly's baked ricotta, eggs and cream of wheat. Most meals are a 1/2 cup but sometimes I eat 3/4 of a cup. I think my dr. said initially 1/2 to 1 cup is okay. Just wondering if now is the time that the weight loss will slow.

Did you have to say Pop Tarts? strawberry Pop Tarts are my favorite, UGH, lol

Thanks everyone. I'm giving prune juice a try for now....yuk, lol.

I had surgery on May 5th. Port pain will be the last pain to go away. Mine still hurts and is still swollen but have seen my doctor for follow-up and this is normal. Each day will get a little better. Sirena, you should probably still be taking your pain medication. I took it for almost a week.

It's Day 4 and I haven't gone. I'm on the last day of the full liquid diet. I start mushy food tomorrow. Surgery was May 5th. I don't even feel the urge to go which is worrying me. Any recommendations? By the way, everyday I have two teaspoons of Benefiber in my Protein Shake and a tablespoon of Miralax in my tea. Still nothing. Help!!! I've been constipated before but at least I had the urge to go....this time, no urge.

Thank you all so much. These are some great ideas. Just what I needed to know. I'm back at work today and feeling pretty good. So happy I did this. Thanks again for all your support. Finding this group was the best thing I ever did

Hi - starting mushy food on Wednesday. I need ideas for how I can get my Protein in. I'd like to do a Protein shake for Breakfast still but not sure that's a good idea. Problem is, I'm very picky. I won't eat cottage cheese or yogurt and there's no way I can puree meat and eat it. That pretty much leaves me ricotta cheese, scrambled eggs, cream of wheat and Protein shakes. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my protein in?

I read this recipe and it sounded really good. I can't find the original one (the one that you bake in the oven) but here's this one.

No-Noodle Lasagna

This recipe is suitable for the pureed food stage.

Ingredients:

Low fat ricotta cheese

Spaghetti sauce (look for sugar free sauce)

Grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Put two tablespoons of ricotta cheese in a bowl. Top with one tablespoon of spaghetti sauce and one tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese. Microwave for three minutes.

Variation: One you progress to the soft stage, you can add cooked ground beef to the lasagna if you like.