Kathie719

When I was on pre op I talked to my doctor about craving more food and he had me add powdered protein to my shakes and it helped a great deal. I like Beneprotein because it has very little flavor and can go in shakes or soup. Good luck

Welcome jbrod. I did have a llittle trouble staying on the optifast because I kept craving meat. I am a true carnivoe, but after talking with my doctor, he had me put more powdered protien(Beneprotien has no taste) in my drinks which helped alot and I did not crave meat so much. I ended up loosing 20 lbs before surgery which was good. I am down 30 since. It is easier as you go. The first few days are the hardest but remember in about 3 or 4 days it gets easier and easier. It prepares you for after surgery too since you cannot eat solids for a couple of weeks. I think it would have been hard to do if I had not done the liquid before surgery. I have heard great things about diabetes retreating after surgery. Good luck and hang in there it will be great.

I find that breads, fries and chicken if not chewed real well will cause a problem. I have had to expel food 3 times to get rid of the pain. The first time that happened I did not know what to do. I bent over with pain and that took care of that. Good thing I was outside. I feel like I have not been loosing good and think maybe I need another fill. I am at 5 cc I think, maybe more would help. I drop under a 0 and can stay there but loosing another 10 lbs is lots of work. I want to be like TxArcher and loose 94 lbs. But all I have lost is still better than before, I just need to work harder. Good luck to all.

DLW, Hi. I too get a "lump" feeling if I eat too much. I called it a bubble like an air bubble is lodged. I find I have to control my portions and only eat, say a cup of food, then get up and move around. I do not get the same full feeling I did before either, but if I pay attention and give it a few minutes I am satisfied. Hey this is all a learning thing and everyday is different. Sometimes I can eat more than other days and a few foods, like almonds, only take a little bit and I am over the top wondering if it will come up. I have a 10 cc AP band and I have 4 ccs and am told they only will do 7.5 cc. I have an appointment in a week and since I live a long way from my doctor I will see about getting a .5 cc. not sure if he will do it if I have restrictions. I do best if I am restricted alot, makes me think before I put food in my mouth. Hope you find your spot. ( I too get the rumblings) Good Luck

Glad to hear other people have times when they can hardly eat and times when they can eat what they want. I was hoping to drop my weight a bit faster and sometimes gain, which I hate and then work to lose it. A roller coaster ride, but all in all the weight is moving better than it did with dieting alone. Still have to pay attention to servings and of course the proper foods. Good luck to all.

I too play with 3 or 4 pounds. Loose it, gain it. This roller coaster has been going on since Dec. I have had one fill. 2cc. I think I can eat much more than I should. Can't seem to shake these pounds and get with it. I can go for another fill in a couple of weeks and maybe that will help. I keep hoping for the Sweet Spot people talk about.

Thank you very much

Thank You..

what exactly is meant by the "Sweet Spot"?"

Will you tell me how to get a ticker? I have tried and tried and it will not copy to my profile. Help.

I had my first fill of 2 cc 12 weeks after surgery. Not sure if I have hit my "Sweet Spot" not sure what that is. I do feel restrictions. I have not had good weight loss for the last month.

I just had my first fill. Like you I was nervous. The scar below my ribs in the middle is where my port is located. The only thing that was uncomfortable was the pushing in that area to locate the port. It was a bit of a sting. As for the injection, they went through the scar and it did not hurt, I barely felt it. I was put on 24 hour liquids , and the band area itself was kinda sore for that day. It does feel like I have some restrictions but the Doctor said it could take more than one fill to feel the effects and that I must monitor my food intake. But all in all my fears were for nothing. Good luck.

I too have gained and lost the same 3 lbs a couple of times now..am stuck. I have plataued for some time. My first fill is end of month. My big question is how you get that ticker. I have followed it through but when I go to save it, it says invalid. any help ?

I cheated a bit by adding tiny pieces of meat to my soup at night. My doctor had me add more protien to my shakes to help fight my cravings for meat. It did help.

I had surgery 11/26/07. I have another insurance alone with Tri Care. So far every bill is not in but will let you know what they pay. Hopefully all that my other insurance does not. k

I too was afraid and was sick right before surgery. My fear is waking during it, but that did not happen. All went pretty good except I had to spend the night when most are sent home that same day. My blood ox went down too low so they kept me on oxygen all night. I am 9 days out now and doing good and most of my discomfort is leaving. Not drinking much but it gets better every day and you all will do fine. I am 56 and have only one lung and am doing good. Good luck to all

I am nine days banded. I feel good, still a little weak. I too had fears and was very sick to my stomach before surgery. My fear is waking during surgery. I did not. It went pretty good. I did spend the night when most people get to go home, but my blood ox kept falling too low so they wanted to keep me on oxygen all night. You will do fine and soon you will be on the mend. I feel better everyday. good luck to all

I also had lap band surgery the 26th. It is just over a week and I still take vicodin at night to sleep but do ok other wise. No real energy but drink my shakes and have a protein soup at night. I also add sugar free jello and pop cycles. I have been in my bed since my third night. I have a little squishy pillow, you know the kind with little beads inside, and I put that up tight against me and it holds everything in place more comfortably and helps me sleep. I wear out fast but have been shopping twice (Walmart & Costco) and did ok. Just needed to eat and rest when done. I also where a band around my middle which helps pull things in tight. I too am hungry and am still on liquids like before surgery. My doctor had me on liquids for 6 weeks before. I have lost 11 lbs since surgery which looks about the same as those of you witht he chart. I gotta learn how to do that. Good luck to all..I think every day gets better.

I am only a week from my surgery and still on protien drinks. (3 weeks) My doctor does not want me eating Oatmeal, potatoes anything starchy and nothing with lots of fiber. That includes breads. The starch can gum up the stoma and cause terrific problems. Here are a couple of meals per my team. The 4 to 5 week period should only be 1/4 cup food. Cream of wheat, puree or blenderized soups, sugar free pudding or custards. Smooth yougurts. Applesuace or pureed fruit. 6 weeks out mushy textures. Breakfast: 1/4 cup scrambled egg white 1 tsp grated cheese 1 tsp mild tomato salsa Lunch: 1/4 cup cottage cheese 1/4 cup green beans or carrots Dinner: 2 slices chicken or turkey chewed well 1/4 cup veggies cooked. I have more if any one is interested I would be glad to share. Protein is most important. and at this point only a 1/2 cup food. Happy days

My doctor had me on Opti Fast, which is like Medi Fast. It is mostly liquid. Shakes and soup. I was on this for 6 weeks. They want you to loose liver fat and I quess just 10 pounds does that. I lost 23. Opti Fast is doctor only but Medi fast is a good compare and can be bought on line. It taste good and it takes a week to get use to but it helps prepare you for after surgery too. I am to be on liquid, high protein for 3 weeks. Helps you heal better. If I can help more let me know. kathie719@cableone.net