NYC_PAULA

I was told the same thing. It's mostly a safety precaution so you don't develop a blood clot post surgery. I had to go off the pill prior to surgery too.

Liquid: Bodytech Protein Paleo Pro Protein (I used samples and single packs before surgery to see what flavors and brands I liked best). Now that I'm back at work I also use GNC Lean and Prue Protein because they are easy to grab and go with. Also herbal tea, skim milk, sugar free jello, and broth. Soft food diet: Refried Black Beans, Part Skim Riccota, Low Fat Cottage Cheese, Chicken which I puree with Greek Yogurt and Miracle Whip light for chicken salad, frozen broccoli and cauliflower (I puree it with some cottage cheese) Also I drink a lot of Propel Water.

Everyone is different. I'm only two weeks out. I've lost about 17 pounds so far and I'm happy with that. I'm starting to ramp up my walking and I'm looking forward to being a month post op so I can start running, swimming, and taking more classes at the gym again. When I was weighing the options between the sleeve and gastric bypass I also looked at the possible side effects. The biggest reason I choose the sleeve was that there was less of a chance that I would need to go on Iron supplements. From previous experience I know I don't absorb iron supplements well and didn't want to have to deal with anemia as a side effect. But again that is just me. There are different potential side effects with both surgeries and if you have concerns I'd definitely talk with your surgeon. Mine really worked with me to help me find what would be best for my body. Good luck!

Congrats! How are you doing so far? I had mine on 2/7. It's nice to connect with people who had surgery around the same time. It's good to go through this journey with others who understand.

@Elsy I'm so sorry the same thing happened to me. Surgery was fine and I never took the pain killers but I got nauseous from the anesthesia so the first 36 hours were unpleasant.

Thank you so much. I'm about 10 days in and so far so good. Good luck on your journey too!

I know mine is heavier/crampier because I had to go off the pill a month before surgery and am not allowed to start again till I'm a month post op. My surgeon had me do this to decrease the risk of a blood clot. Once I'm back on the pill and my body has adjusted to it I imagine it will eventually become less intense again.

Ditto to what S@ssen@ch said. I had the band for six years and then it slipped and had to be removed and I gained about 2/3 of my weight back when that happened. Band slippage and other complications are more frequent now so I lot of practices don't do as many bands as they used to.

That’s great! How are you feeling? If you work, how long did your surgeon want you to be out if you don’t mind me asking? My job is done mostly via computer so I took a week and a half off. I go back tomorrow but I'm working remotely from home this week so I can practice timing out eating and getting fluids so I know how to prep for the office when I return this week. My surgeon varies his recommendation based on what type of work someone does. If you aren't lifting heavy things or standing all day you can go back after a week or two. If you have a more physical job you may need to take off more time. You won't be able to lift anything heavier than 12 pounds the first month after surgery.

Great job! Congratulations.

10 days post op. I'm down 13 pounds. I can't do three 2 oz food servings and three shakes in a day yet but I'm able to get my 48-64 oz of liquid and some food in. I just make sure that I'm getting at least 70 grams of protein between my food and liquids.

Congratulations on this milestone! That's amazing!

I just had my Sleeve surgery on 2/7. I have my first checkup with my surgeon tomorrow.

I'm Paula. I'm 28 and living in NYC. I'm single, no kids, and got my lapband in August 2010.

Hey August Bandsters, I haven't been on the site much lately but since it has been months figure I should check in. Doing good and over the half way mark for my goal weight. How is everyone else doing?

I live and work in NYC. I am 28, single, no children. Interested in men. I was banded on 8/5/10. I am mostly looking for friendship right now but if things blossom into a relationship I am open to it.

Hi I'm Paula. I live in Brooklyn and work in Midtown. I am 28 and single. I would love to get together with other singles who have the Lap Band because I think we have a slightly different experience than those who are married or in relationships. Best of luck to everyone.

JoMi: I say do what makes you comfortable. I was dating people pre-surgery, but was not seeing anyone seriously. I have decided to put dating aside for a little while to focus on me right now. I will start dating again when I feel I'm ready for that, but that's me. If you feel you are ready now I say go for it.

I had my lap band surgury on 8/5/10. I am feeling pretty good. I'm down 20 lbs since starting the pre-op liquid diet. The hardest part for me has honestly been socializing since starting the pre-op diet. It is hard when everyone wants to meet for lunch or dinner. It got me to thinking about how much food revolves around our social lives. I have started to ask friends if we can get together for non-food related activities. I was wondering if anyone else is or was struggling with trying to keep their social life normal after surgury and what tips or suggestions you might have. Thanks, Paula

Thanks for the support and advise. I realize that I am not the one who is uncomfortable if I go out with friends and don't eat. I have heard from others that friends and family eventually adjust and not eating or eating little when going out becomes a non issue. Hopefully that will be the case with my friends. I feel terrrific though. No regrets. Glad I did this.

Hi, I read your post and wanted to wish you the best. I was just banded on Thursday by Dr. Fielding. How have things been going for you? How are you feeling now? Best wishes. -Paula

Hi Amber. I was just banded on Thursday. I have been having a hard time getting more then one shake a day in myself. Have you tried Isopure? I am finding it a bit easier on my stomach as it is a much thinner liquid. It has been a good way for me to supplement my protine so I can keep my strength up. Best of luck to you.

My name is Paula. My lap band surgery is scheduled for Thursday. I am excited and am so happy about all the support online.