NJMOMof2

I take a large chip, break it into pieces and have a scoop of salsa. I always take "bite" of app if it's on the table so I can taste it and feel part of the group.

I'm 3 1/2 monts out and I am down 58 pounds. I didn't lost any weigh pre op. Doctor didn't make me and insurance didn't require it. I can not eat more than 1/2 cup of food at a time. I always have a shake for breakfast Snack: I will have a piece of cheese or a yogurt (if I am hungry) Lunch: usually a lunch meat roll up or some egg salad/ and a couple slices of cucumbers Dinner: Have whatever I cook for the family Snack: a sugar free fudge pop EVERY night! LOL. It's my favorite snack. I had only one stall and it lasted for 10 days. I switched to a Protein shake in the AM and started losing. I also exercise a lot. I spin and work out with a trainer. The lower I get the more I need to exercise to lose weight. Good Luck and hope this helps.

Don't worry...it will do away!! Happened to me...I was burping and passing gas. I couldn't imagine this lasting forever but then one day, it stopped.. Maybe around 8 weeks post op???

My doctor did a leak test during and the day after surgery. He also specifically told me that you have a chance of a leak up to day 14 and after that time, the chance of a leak is "zero percent." I also had a drain the first 10 days after surgery. I would get a second opinion because you are getting such conflicting information.

Insurance Companies deny the first time around in many instances. My friend who had the sleeve and had a BMI in the 40"s was denied 3 times before approved. I had exactly a 40 BMI and was approved first time. So keep fighting..

YOU HAVE LOST 25% OF YOUR EXCESS WEIGHT IN 5 WEEKS!!!!!!! What an amazing accomplishment!! Remember, you went through this surgery to take care of yourself and improve your health. From now on, speak only kind and loving words to and about yourself!!!

Forgive yourself and move on!! Be sure to follow your doctors plan and always have some type of food or snack with you. It really helps. Funny thing is I have never carried so much food around in my life!! I have my little purple lunch box with 2 ice packs Remember ...it's about the journey and one tiny slip up isn't going to keep you from reaching your goal!

I was allowed as soon as I went onto normal foods (about 4 weeks). Since I can only eat 1/2 cup max of food I usually just take a couple fork fulls after my protein.

Ice packs were a LIFESAVER!!!! I had two on my stomach in the hospital and kept them on when I got home. It made such a difference!!!

My doctor had me scheduled to stay 2 nights but I asked to leave the next day, as long and I passed the leak test and could pass urine after the catheter was removed. I couldn't stand being away from my kids and my husband feeling like he was in a tug of war between home and the hospital. Talk to your doctor AHEAD of time so they can plan your tests and have your scripts ready to go home with. Good Luck

I chew gum immediately after eating and it really helps with thirst. I find that I am not thirsty when eating, I just want a drink after I'm done. The gum is a life saver but I am used to it and you will be too. I do occasionally sip.

I was able to sleep on my stomach once the drain was removed. My back was so sore for sleeping on my back, propped up. If you dont' have a drain, try it! When I did puree, I had black Beans with cheese and sour cream. It was delicious. If you have a magic bullet, put the beans in that and then add cheese before you microwave it. I also had refried beans, mashed potatoes with non-fat dried milk to add Protein. Another good thing was ricotta cheese mixed with some sauce and spices. Cottage Cheese, if you like that too. I had to get away from the sweet taste from the shakes. My favorite was I broiled some salmon, put in magic bullet and then chewed like crazy. Seems gross but it wasn't like babyfood, just chopped and the salmon is soft. You can also do the same with chicken but add a little broth when grinding. I then added some cheese and baked it. Before you know it, you will say, "Damned, I'm glad that's over!" LOL

I am so impress by your clarity!! I was so drugged up that I didn't know my mom visited me in the hospital!! Keep up the great work and remember, it gets better every day!

I am shooting for 100 pounds in a year! That would put me at goal but I am happy with my weight loss in 12 weeks. My doctor said I am "ahead of the curve" regarding weight loss. I know that people who weigh more can lose alot more weight in the beginning. Good Luck

I had the SAME problem in the beginning. I would get full feeling and gas pains mixed up. Until I was further out and the gas while eating went away it was easier. I am 12 weeks out and know I can not eat more that a half cup of food at once. It does get easier. Funny thing is that it took about 10 weeks for the hunger pangs to go away.

WOW...you got me there. I was thinking if u were pre-op you may not make it to surgery!!! LOL

Unlike with the band...I can eat whatever I want!!! There is no food that makes me sick and so horrible food stuck feeling. In 12 weeks since the surgery, I vomited ONCE at that was my own fault. This is a much more NORMAL way of life. I don't even have reflux, which other people say they have. I am telling you that as a former lap band recipient, you will be so happy you made the decision. Every time I put a piece of food in my mouth, I felt fear with the band. It's a terrible way to live. Good luck and you will feel great!

I had the band out for a year before I had the sleeve but my friend had the band and sleeve done at the same time and had no problem at all. We both were told by my doctor that there was a chance of an open procedure but it all worked out well. I know you really want to get it all over with but the most important thing is to heal properly. When I got the band removed, I felt totally fine in a few days. So if you need 2 surgeries, you won't really have 2 big recoveries...only one!! The sleeve recover is more involved than the band but it is soooo worth it!

For some reason, stores aren't carrying the liquid tylenol. You are fine swallowing the pills. I wouldn't take on an empty stomach or take them with a glass of milk.

I never ate pureed meat either. I just had shakes, oatmeal, refried rice, cheese ect. I just couldn't' do it either! Don't worry, pureed won't last forever

Thanks for the coupon code!!! I just ordered 3 bottles of the sugar free torani!

The lady who runs theworldaccordingtoeggface.com uses them in all her shakes too. She has a ton of recipes on the website. Good Luck.

I am going by my BMI to be in the "normal" range. To get there the most can weigh is 145, so I set my goal weight for 140, which still seems almost surreal to me (coming from 245)!! A dream would be to weigh in the 120's

You're feelings on both ends are perfectly natural and I think you are approaching it in a very good way, listing the fears/benefits. I have a very bad issue to anxiety/depression and I asked my doctor to increase my meds before surgery and it was the BEST thing I ever did. The pain meds, anestesia do a lot to your psyche and it's good to be prepared. The great thing though, is that it's all TEMPORARY. I was feeling PERFECT after 4 weeks but it took a little longer to deal with confidence is eating out in social situations. Being involved with a support group is extrememly helpful in that situation! Good luck. you will do GREAT!

WOW...that's an awesome price for the Botox...I got a price of $300 for the forehead area. Where do you live?? I may drive there! LOL