Colleen C

Hello I went through pre-op diet and lost 22lbs in two weeks. Had surgery on the 20th (June) and been on post op clear liquid diet 5 days and have not lost a pound. Matter of fact day after surgery I gained 4 to 5 pounds back. I have been following the rules of the liquids. I record what I eat and use my fitness pal to tally my caloric intake. It has been only about 300 calories per day the last 4 days. I am HUNGRY but not allowed to eat. This is trying my patience for real. I thought maybe retaining fluids but my ankles don't seem swollen. I am hungry and feel like I should of lost a little more not gained since surgery. Did anyone else go through this? Thanks for taking the time to read this, Colleen

Thank you band-ster team, I needed that. Sometimes my brain goes on floored overdrive and I want to go about 200 mph to lap-band land, where I can use my cooking skills and cook healthy small meals and use the band help me do it. Regardless, like everyone else I will have to continue to click off one day at a time until I get there. Some days just get a person climbing the walls and today was my day. Icy one, you aren't so Icy underneath. ; )

I am irritated that I am not loosing weight! Otherwise great, little sore still getting up but very do-able. Oh yeah, hungry too...as usual, lol

It is your turn! yeah! Make sure to let us know how things work out.

yep, strips stay on and will eventually come off on there own.

Oh some of these stories had me chuckling! Just when we each feel a little sorry for ourselves we share stories and can see clearer how many of us are going through such similar circumstances. I don't work in an office but wow, yes, free goodies would be hard to pass but we just know we have too. I think if I did work in an office I would have to become the new party planner in charge person. At least get two sides to the food/snack table. If one side was bad, balance out with some good ones. Hard part is most people do seem to go for the not healthy side. I try to think of it is throughout my life, I already got my quota of junk in, now time for healthier. Colleen

I started this journey 5 foot 7' and 320lbs. My lapband surgery was June 20th. That is what I felt was best for me. (by the way the surgeon thought it was too) No one can make this decision but you. Whats right for one may not be right for the next person. Well meaning people sometimes throw their opinion where it isn't needed or wanted and many times don't know what they are talking about. Look up all surgeries, most are successful, sometimes they are not. Figure out what you think and why one would be better over the others and go to your surgeon and discuss your thoughts with him/her. Good luck! Colleen

You will do well again. This weigh loss will probably be a lifetime journey for most of us. So, you strayed. Come back, don't beat yourself up and know that you are doing the best you can everyday. i think it is M. Angelou that said, "Do better when you know better" What more can you ask of yourself? Thank you for adding me. Colleen

I was thinking the same thing, WOW That is a well written letter to them, more than maybe they deserve. I do understand your frustration with people not in your shoes making judgement. I suffer from a lot of pain and (not the Dr) but others involved are quick to pass judgement at times when they dont even know what they are talking about. We are here for support, Colleen

I am sure you are doing everything you can for your husband... but...how better could you care for him and your family than to care for yourself? I am not saying this out of judgement, I really do feel your heart in your statements. Most all of us on here suffer this obesity problem. I too have went through the struggles and heartbreak of cancer, it is wreckage on the soul for so many of us. I struggled through it myself and immediately after my mother died of it. You can not change what is thrown at you but you sure can control what you throw at yourself. Make a decision to stop eating yourself into more sickness. When family and friends, neighbors ask how they can help, let them. Maybe it is a healthy meal or anything you need. You can not keep running on empty and hurting yourself with food. If you were cutting your wrist you would stop and get help, so do it for you. Go to a counselor and continue to fight for you. You are so worth it. In love and support, stay in touch. Colleen

Yep, we were in the drive through (hospital) at Breakfast and back out of it after lunch. I didn't feel pushed to leave. We were hardly on a table. Mostly in a recliner. Actually I think the registration we did the week previous took us longer...

The Dr, should be your number one asset in the help you need to continue to be successful. If he is not going to do his job, consult with another doctor to make sure of what you need and move on. I totally agree with the above people, if you are unsatisfied with him share the news with healthgrades and so on. Goodluck, fight for yourself, you deserve it! Colleen

Yeah! Happy dance you are out and probably home by now! As for the anesthesiologist saying that. is outrageous. The surgeon would have been hearing about that. Very disrespectful to you and to the Dr. even though you don't believe it, you still don't need that negativity. As for scars, I hear you girl, I have a port scar above my chest from chemo, a bi-lateral masectomy scar across my chest and now 5 new scars from this surgery. Apparently these will become our battle scars, we shall wear them proud! We have all survived through all this and can go on to be happier/healthier. Keep us posted. Colleen

Pre-op diet is about your diet before the surgery. Especially the last few weeks right before surgery. There are many and yours will depend on your surgeon and insurance requirements.

I had surgery 20th too. I am on a clear liquid only, not even Protein shakes. I do feel hungry. Not starving but sure would like something. Next week is full liquid. I can say, I will be glad when all this liquid stuff is in my past. Every fill I get will also follow with a required 2 day liquid diet. I must be retaining Water though I have added 5lbs the last two days and only taken in about 500 calories combined.

I have not had any gas pains, the surgery did flare up my fibromyalgia but the pain meds for that I had at home got that under control. Beside the tenderness and soreness around the site I am fine. I got up a lot and walked around my house even in the middle of the night the first night because I would get really stiff otherwise and continued walking around a little but often. My hubby had surgery same day and has not taken any pain meds and he didn't take any pain meds since we have been home.

I was on 2 weeks of shakes, sugar free jello, broth. Lost 23lbs.

You are going to do fine! I am on day 3 post op and all is good. I am happy for you!

Hello! I am 3 days post op from lap-band. My stomach area is sore and tender and I don't think I could be comfortable with anything on there right now. With that being said (and I am mother of 4 daughters) I don't think you will have any trouble letting your daughter know even though she is little/young now, mommy has an owie/ouchy and take a little snuggle right next to you instead. More importantly stop worrying, somehow it always works out and you bond in so many ways. This will not slow you down, just open a new door. Good luck! Colleen

Oh my goodness! Have the juice room temperature and no gulping. You poor thing. I know it is hard but we have to so do your best. Try different combo's, could you put meds in grape juice instead? I always like to get the meds down quick as possible. I am hear with you! Better luck next time. ; )

I am 2 days post op and have to crush my pills. I have several pills and only allowed liquids. For me the best thing I have figured out is I crush them all and add some Water. I drink it down and then sip on a a 4oz apple or grape juice diluted with 4oz water. By the time I sip it down, the left over bitter pill taste is gone. It isnt as bad as it sounds, plus I dont have an other choice, lol

Pick another bariatric surgeon, I think you need a lot of knowledge and that knucklehead sure didn't give it to you. Arrggg.

Make sure to find the best surgeon in your surrounding area with the best track record and great successes. That is very important. The rest will work itself out. Don't be afraid to talk to more than one and ask your primary dr if they suggest anyone in the area. I suggest you have a serious talk with your husband and let him know your feelings and needs. This is a major life change and although it is ultimately your decision it would be best for you and your marriage to have his support. Could he think somewhere back in his mind you will loose weight and he will loose you because of it? You never know what he might be thinking so talk about it. Bring him to the consultation too so his questions can be answered if he is willing. Hopefully he is open minded enough to do that for you. Good luck, this is for you, you deserve to be healthy as possible.