NJMOMof2

The burping, gas, gross feeling literally went away from one day to the next. I was about 8 weeks post op. I can empathize with you feeling down. That was a terrible feeling. I dreaded eating food. Now I eat fine, I don't eat until I am "full." I now can gauge the portion to eat until satisfied. I stay full for hours and don't even need snacks anymore.

Funny you should mention about the inconsistent taste of Max Protein. My sister-in-law bought it and said it was amazing and i was seriously unimpressed. It almost tastes like it came in contact with a mocha flavor at the factory.. I still like Designers Whey the best.

I am having major hair loss but luckily I have a lot to begin with but it still is scary. I read that losing more than 15 pounds a month could be the factor. It has to be in my case because I am getting my protein in no problem. I was thinking of starting the biotin as well but my surgeon says there is no hard evidence it works. I think I am going to give it a try anyway. Can't hurt.

YOU ARE ALMOST THERE! At 4 weeks post op I felt so good I took my kids sledding and I went down the hill. My doctor said that having this surgery is like hitting the "control, alt, delete" button on your body. It's hard for active people like us but it is sure worth it. Keep looking forward to all the things you will be able to do shortly. Love your pics.

Ask your doctor for dilaudid. It's a tiny pill and I could swallow it. I didn't need during the day after a few days, just at night. The drain would stab me when I slept. By about a week out, I didn't need any meds. Good Luck and Congrats

A friend of mine once said, "Big boobs, big everything else ." He was sure right with that!!! I was a 42DD and now am a 38D and they are getting smaller. I actually like them smaller. The breasts like everthing else store fat and when they go, they go... When I am at goal, I plan on getting a tummy tuck and boob lift!!!

((((HUGS))))) It will get better. Your body has been through a lot and I think the anesthesia and especially the pain meds do a number on your mood. I was an absolute mess!! Pretty soon you will start feeling better and have more confidence in your decision. I didn't start "loving" my band until about 2 months post op. Taking a PPI is very important to feeling better. If an over the counter brand isn't working, call your doctor for a prescription. I had some reflux in the beginning but it went away and I don't need it anymore. Most of all, keep focused and try to look forward to things that your weight prevented you from doing. Stay on this forum and talk to all of us. That's why we are here for eachother. good luck!!

I don't wait with shakes but and I do 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after as per my doctor. I don't have a problem with not drinking with meals but after meals I want a drink. I now pop in a piece of gum and I found it really, really helps with the thirst. As for the soup, I haven't really had any since I was on liquids. I associate soup with that phase and just CAN'T eat it now Good Luck on your journey! Keep sipping sipping sipping....It gets better !!!

Hi, I had the band back in 2009 for only 3 months. It slipped and I had to have it removed. I waited a year (my own reasons) to have the sleeve. I can tell you this.....it's WAY better and WAY more of a normal way of life. No more getting nervous with every bite I took, no more horrible food stuck feeling. There is only one type of sleeve operation that I know of but doctor use a different size bougie (a guide) to make the pouch different sizes. But it is a very small difference in the pouch. It is NOT difficult to transition but the recovery is much more involved. I am not going to lie, the first couple days are rough, but you will get through it. I have BCBS and it was covered. I paid zero for the band. 1. I would ask the doctor if he had any paitents with a leak. 2. How many sugeries he has done. is he board certified. 3. What size bougie does he use 4. Does he sew or glue over the staple line? (my doctor used this mesh stuff with glue) 5. Does he place a drain and if so, how long does it stay in? (A drain is very useful is detecting a leak even before u get symptoms) 6. Has he done any band to sleeve revisions? Good Luck on this journey....it's sure worth it!

Tiff...you look freaking adorable!! I love that dress, it's soo cute! You worked so hard for this and enjoy every minute. Before you know it..you will be holding your beautiful baby in your arms. Congrats Nina

Get a letter from your doctor too. I had one even from my therapist!! My friend was denied twice then approved the third time around. Be persistent and keep trying. Good Luck. Sending good thoughts your way.

Politely suggest that your friend metion the "easy way out" comment to the therapist when she gets a psych eval! Guaranteed she will fail the test!! LOL Ignorance is a part of life!! No one knows except for all of us how unbelievably hard WLS is!!! At this point you should tell your friend that you don't want to discuss the topic anymore. If she does get the surgery...she will defintely apologize to you

The band is PURE HELL and should be banned!! I can't believe it's still legal!! I am SO GLAD I got that evil thing out and got the sleeve

Congratulations! I remember your post when you were cancelled. Don't rush back to work. Give your body a chance to heal and you a chance to adjust to the new way of eating. My doctor said it best...."it's like hitting the control, alt, delete button on your body" Keep sipping and walking!!! So happy for you!

Wow! What a difference. What a great message!!!! Keep up the great work. You look awesome!

You look beautiful!!! Congratulations on your weight loss! Keep Hiking!!!

Thanks so much for sharing...I too have a size for a goal! It would be surreal to be into a 4 or a 6!! You have so mch to be proud of... Keep up the great work!!! I fit into a size 14 now and I can't believe it..... You are my inspiration!!!1

I think the hormones stay around for different times for different people. I was so upset because I was hungry all the time and suddenly around 10 weeks post op...the hunger pains went away.. I occasional get an emptly feeling but never hunger pains like before. I am lovin this sleeve and the confidence it gives me.

This may sound ridiculous, but are you constipated?? I have had that issue and then it "resolved" itself and I find that the scale has moved..... GROSS...YES.....TMI.....Maybe....Losing Weight.....PRICELESS

MY only regret was having the lap band first. If I would have waited I could have had ONE surgery, (instead of 3). I am very happy with my choice. I don't feel different from others. I can eat socially and I LOVE not beging hungry all the time.

I had the evil lap band for a mere 3 months (blessing in disguise). After a full slip and horrid pain, I had emergency removal. I had lost 50 pounds with the pre-op and post-op diet but after the band was removed, I gained about 45 pounds back. I had the sleeve done a year and three months later and I can tell you this is a more NORMAL way of life and I have no food intolerances, no vomiting, no horrible pain. I was lucky have very minimal scarring (probably because it was in for such a short time). That lap band should be banned. I am so sorry for what you have been though. My sister-in-law had RNY 1 1/2 years ago is is doing GREAT with it. She has lost 160 pounds, and looks amazing. Whatever the outcome is, I hope it's one that brings you happiness.

I was thinking about you and wondering how things went today. I can't stop thinking about what you are going through. ((HUGS))

The doctor did a favor (in my opinion)...I had the LapBand and it was hell. Here I am (3 surgeries later) with the sleeve and I am very happy with it. I hope the plication works well for you. Good Luck and Congrats!

I am heartbroken for you....You should not have to feel this way. Be sure to ask the surgeon WHY you have an "L" shaped pouch? Did he use a bougie to guide him when he dissected the stomach??? If you are not comfortable with your care, ask for a new doctor. I pray for you and hope this all works out and you are back to your self and with your family (((HUGS)))

I am 3 1/2 months out and drink normally. I even gulp Water when I am spinning. I have a problem with depression and has troubles after surgery. I think the anestesia and pain meds do a number on people's mood. The burping and gas goes away, literally from one day to the next. That really bothered me, then suddently it stopped. (Maybe about 6 weeks out) Now for the hardest question.... YES..you will enjoy food but in a different way. Last night I went to a 7 course dinner and I got to taste what I wanted (skipped on the Pasta round). I didn't eat huge portions, just tasted every course and had a larger portion of the fish but I was satisfied and had fun with my friends. So YES, it's an adjustment but you need to keep focused on the goal and remember that eating socially is more about the social experience than the eating. I had a tough time with this in the beginning but now I am fine ( and you will be too!). I be sure to order food that re-heats well so I can enjoy the food 1 or 2 more times!!!