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Just got my info today. I get 2 shakes (their brand only, I think) mixed with Water only. NO MILK!! These are in place of 2 meals. I get a 3rd meal consisting of 4 ozs of my choice of Protein (any meat, eggs, cheese or fish). They gave examples of protein as lean beef, steak, veal, turkey, chicken, any kind of fish, cottage cheese, eggs, and cheese. We are also allowed 1/2 cup of non-starchy vegetables. They gave examples of broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, green Beans, salad greens, and cucumbers. NO FRUIT, PEAS, CORN, POTATOES, TOMATOES, OR OTHER STARCHES!! We also have to take a Fiber supplement, 8 chewable orange (ugh!!!) Vitamins per day and 200 mg of CoQ-10. We must drink 64 ozs of liquid (no coffee, decaf coffee, tea, or soda). No carbonated beverages. We can also have 2 servings each of SF Jello, SF Popsicles, and broth per day in between meals. I'm pretty much typing this verbatim from my preop instructions.

I have been given my pre-op diet instructions from my surgeon! He said that I need to do this diet for at least 10 days, and can do it longer if I so choose to. I would like to "try" to do it for a month. In part, to try to get my body a little ready for a big change. And also to lose weight and be as healthy as me and my fatty liver can be! So tell me... What is your pre-op diet like, if you have one? WHAT are you eating for your one "meal"??? And do you think a month is doable? Too long? I believe it's going to be insanely hard to get used to, so I want as much time to adjust as I can get! Here are my guidelines: 30g or less carbs 60-70g Protein minimum 2 shakes per day 1 lean protein meal per day 64 oz Water per day Snack can be SF Jello

Your an adult and I know it sounds odd but they are adults also at 17 and 19. You had to do what is best for you and they will know that when they see you skinny!!!! Its your life and you have to live Chris

I have PCOS and my symptoms were pretty bad i had to be put on Metformin and Birth Control to try and get my periods to come because i would not get it for months, i went up to 250 lbs my highest weight ever, i was sleeved on September 10, 2013 and i can tell you i am no longer on any medication not for PCOS, not for my back or any other problem for that matter, i now get my periods regularly ever month i am at 170 lbs and i feel GREAT, i went from a size 2x or 22 to a size 12 and still dropping quick, i bought a pair of size 12 skinny jeans about 3 weeks ago and already they're loose on me my daughter is loving it because she gets to keep them i have to admit i haven't been excercising for about a month and a half but am going back this coming week now that the holidays are finally over =) idk why they would tell you it's not recommended for women with pcos, my surgeon recommended it 100% its less riskier and still has great results.

its now been 4.5 years since I was sleeved. my high weight was 323 lbs. my goal weight was low 180's. I did reach goal weight but over the years I realized that my desired goal weight was too low for me. now for the last 2 years ive steadily maintained a weight in the mid 190's and that appears to be where im supposed to be and im happy with that weight. today 10/1/17 I weight 195 lbs. I exercise 3-4 times a week and my choice of exercise is running. I will also be running the 2018 boston marathon and im so excited about being able to run this historic race! im running it for the jimmy v foundation for cancer research and ive committed to raising $6000 which is no easy task. if any of you have ever been affected by this terrible illness feel free to click the link after this post and make a 100% tax deductible donation to the jimmy v foundation for cancer research. every dollar donated goes to research. you will be supporting my run and a cause that affects everyone as everyone knows someone that has been affected by cancer. as far as my eating, I still have to be very mindful of what I put in my mouth. I can eat much more today than I could 2 years ago but still no where near what I could eat before having the surgery. hope everyone on their journey is doing well and feel free to ask any questions. im also attaching my before pic and a few current pics taken last week. have a great day! heres my donation link for anyone willing to support this wonderful cause: http://jimmyv.convio.net/site/TR/Endurance/General?px=1409952&pg=personal&fr_id=1370

Good Morning Jan. 10, 2014 begins a confident journey for me. Finally doing something for myself not the husband or children. I will be delighted to have others who are doing this journey and have did this journey to encourage me. For I am a little bit tensed. Thanks in advance

Congrats to you and my date is also 10/23

My surgery is scheduled March 17 at 10 am

Post op Day 2 and I feel like I'm constantly working on getting liquids in. Some go down okay, but slowly. Others, particularly the protein ones, feel terrible in my stomach and make me nauseous. I am also so tired but am afraid to sleep for any period of time since I don't get any liquids in while asleep! Lots of gurgling, etc. in the stomach. Thankfully, pain is minimal. Does anyone have any advice/reassurance? I am trying to follow the plan to the letter but my new little tummy doesn't quite want to get with the program! Oh, and I'm walking 10-15 mins of every hour, so I feel good about that. I hope the other 7/17 folks are doing well!

I just had my base weight weigh in and my first appointment with the LPN is in October. But I have all my appointments set and ready to go. Actually will be done with them before I visit with the LPN for the first time! Just started the south beach diet. My dr wants me down 5% before surgery. That is a requirement for all his patients. I would love to be down 10%. I'm on day 2 of the first phase and it's tough! It's getting better! I have a friend who did it and met another woman locally. I'm excited... Not nervous yet... Looking forward to a new and improved me!! Anyone local just starting out?

HI I joined forum today. In November 2012 I started my journey...my insurance required 9 months with a medical doctor for weight loss efforts. I completed it and all other test and clearances by August 2013. I didn't hear anything for about 2 months. I tried to contact the clinic and all they kept telling me was the person over the department had to review my file and send it to insurance. Called my insurance and they said it only take maybe a week for approval BUT no one sent then anything. Frustrated, it seemed when I called the clinic to get some direction people avoided my calls and began not being as friendly as they had been before. Now, I wasn't calling a lot and I even told the redeptionist I understand workers are busy and things take time I just wanted to know a time limit..1mth...3...6..before my paper work is submitted to insurance? Everyone who has been through the process knows for insurance it is time sensitive because after a certain amt of time I would have to start my 9mths all over again. Then one day the receptionist said well you need to speak with the coordinator she has some questions...ok 2 mth later and you are just telling me this? At this time I had postponed starting a new position because I couldn't miss any days during my 6 week training. Left a message for coordinator to contact me..stil nothing I had to start my training. In my 3rd week of training she finally called me at 8am in the morning and she wasn't friendly at all. I was told that since I had gained weight during the 9 mths that they need me to do another psych eval which I was cleared before. They all knew I was seeing one of their doctors for weight loss using phentermine which I lost 22lbs in 3 mths 20 in the first 2 mths. I had gained 10 of those back during the last 7mths being off the meds and by law you can't be on for more than 3mths at a time. This has been my weight loss struggle for over 20 yrs I would do well on some meds until the effect wore off and although still trying weight over the years would creep back on plus some. We all know that story. I was very upset that it took them 3 mths to get in touch with me to tell me they wanted another psych eval and my insurance company was stunned as well they even said "It is proven that usually people who take meds for weight loss regain some if not all and more weight back after the dosage has stopped". I was not happy...I am ok with the waiting process as long as things are moving forward but it was the disregard I felt that made me uncomfortable. So I thought if it is this hard to get and answer and the feeling I was bothering those who are suppose to help...how will my after care be? How will the surgery go? One lady in one of my nutrition classes said her April 2013 surgery was postponed due to sergeon not being available and it was July and she was still waiting for a new date. So I called another hospital OSU Medical Center. They scheduled me for intake. I met the coordinator first who was very nice and gave me a lot of information on what she will be doing for me during the process (she will handle paper work for insurance) and same day met the nurse who went over all my options because they do all 3 surgeries at OSU (I stuck with lapband) and after her met with the nutritionist. They received my paper work from the other clinic and if all goes well all I would need to do is 4 weeks of nutrition with OSU (once per week) and meeting with the surgeon because everything else hopefully is done. They did their own lab work on me but will accept all my other clearances. I felt comfortable and at home at OSU. Crossing fingers that I can get approved and maybe surgery before the summer. I will finishing up my degree in April this year as well! woot woot lol Looking forward to the support this forum offers & future banding friendships. ~Blessings

Hi all.. I was sleeved march 19 and to date I'm down 76 lbs. since August I've only lost about 15 pounds.. I've been at a stall.. Can anyone help?!

Hi everyone... just wanted to let everyone know that I am out of surgery and recovering. Pain level is about a 4 out of 10. Hospital Angeles in tj it's beautiful staff is amazing...no regrets . No nausea or vomiting... it's really better than what I had ever imagined. Thanks again for everyone's support and posts.. .

Your body will level off and find it's sweet spot. You may or may not like that spot. Time will tell. I am your height and started at same weight. I got to normal BMI in 10 months but that wasn't my final goal. My body must've agreed because it wasn't hard to lose another 25-30 pounds Today I am 145 pounds. My surgery was in August 2012 I wear a size 4. Perfect for me. A size 6 would be cool too I never had boobs so not having any now is no biggie. Push-up bras are amazing I used to have a big booty. Even when I was young and skinny, I was known as the girl with the big butt. Well that was the first to go this time. It's not FLAT but for those who knew me back in the day, it's different. I'm not mad thought. I have hips and curves still and look great in a bikini. You will too!

I really ain't sure, my story is kind of confusing as I was going through the stages of surgery preparation in adolescence but once I turned 19, they've put me on the adult route (apparently it's quicker?)So now I don't know if I have started again or continuing but I've been told that this is the appointment I've been waiting for and then in 3 months I find out if I have been accepted/rejected. Thank you for your help, really helped. I have been nervous as to what it's about since I received the letter haha xx

hey all i have has my band for 9 months now and so far so good , i have lost 3 stone 10 lb , im so pleased ! i know i could have probaly lost more in this amount of time . but im not in a hurry . i struggled at christmas with my portion size cos i havent told any family about my band , so was slightly akward with 14 of them around the table lol , but i made the usual excuses . im excited about the year ahead and getting into some nice summery clothes( smaller sizes thank god ) i have just had a fill on the 19 th jan 15 so have a 10 ml band and am up to 7 and a half ml , i really feeling it now , the resriction is much more and this is probably the first time i am actually eating the portion sizes that are recommended , hard work but thats what its all about ! hope every one out there is happy and healthy xx

Today, Oct 20th, marks my second anniversary of this surgery we call RnY. In a very real sense it feels like the second birthday of the new and improved me. I can't help but reflect back on all of the changes that the last two years have seen. And at the same time, thinking in terms of new goals and challenges for the coming year. The first year following my surgery was an exciting time indeed. I was laser focused on one thing - achieving my optimum weight. I decided even before my surgery that rather than set a specific goal weight, I would allow my body to tell me when it was where it wanted to be. Just over a year later, that message came at 155 lbs. My weight stabilized. I felt great. And in my one year follow-up visit with my surgeon, she recommended that I not lose any more. It was time to shift my thinking, and my actions, away from losing and toward maintaining the new, 130 lb lighter, me. I had reached my destination. When I looked back at that first year, it occurred to me that is was much like what walking a tightrope would be. Maintaining an average calorie intake of just under 1300 calories a day was something of a delicate balancing act. There were days when I was over my goal. And those days had to be followed by "corrections" - days when I was under my goal. It was all about balance. And in the back of my mind the nagging, and always present fear that one misstep could result in all being lost. The more rational, confident part of me did not think that would happen. Still, I knew the surgery could be defeated. What if... So in that same follow-up appointment, my surgeon recommended that I increase my calories to approximately 1800 a day. To be sure, the number had some appeal. But I was concerned that it might be too high. What if? So I opted for a gradual increase to a more conservative 1600 calorie goal. My decision was undoubtedly due in part to a concern that kept going through my mind. It seemed that everywhere I looked, I read that many (if not most) bariatric surgery patients gain 10-20 lbs somewhere between 12 to 18 months post-op. A weight gain that is often described as "bounce back". That was out of the question. I was determined to not let that happen. So my goal for this past year became ensuring that I held my weight at, or very close to, the 155 lb mark. As the days and weeks went by my confidence grew. I decided it was time to really get to know my new body. I was tired of the balancing act. I wanted to enjoy a nice dinner at a nice restaurant with my wife, our family or friends. Or Celebrate a holiday or birthday enjoying the food that is inevitably part of festivities. I needed to test my limits. And I needed to know whether or not I had what it takes to do those things and still control my weight. Thanks to the amazing power of my food log, I got my answer. And it was in pursuit of that Quest that I discovered something quite remarkable. First there was the occasional 1800 calorie day. Not surprisingly, the following morning weigh-in usually reflected a gain of a pound or so. So my calorie goal became 1400-1500 for the next day or two. And sure enough, my weight would drop back down. Not just once or twice, but a number of times over the weeks and months that followed. Then came the occasional 2000 calorie day. Not often, but every now and then. Weight went up. Calories were reduced for a day or two. Weight came back down. At some point along the way I had a revelation. Controlling your weight is not about walking a tightrope - it's about riding a teeter totter. Up...and down. Up...and down. Gently. Relaxed. No fear. One misstep is not catastrophic. Wow. Since hitting the 155 lb mark almost a year ago, my weight has never been more than 156, or less than 151. This morning, this second anniversary of the new me, 152.2. No bounce back. Wow. So my goal for the coming year? More of the same. I have read in many places, including this forum, that maintaining your weight becomes more difficult after the two year mark. But I will be facing that new challenge coming not from a place of fear, but of vigilance. My food log will guide me. And it will tell the story. So next year, same time, same place - the next chapter in this amazing, life-changing journey.

Congratulations, Do not forget that you need to be up and walking every hour for 10 minutes. Do not be lazy about this. It doesn't hurt. The only thing that "hurts" is the gas pressure and some people don't even have that. The more you walk the less gas pain you will have. The first 48 hours are the toughest and each hour after you are in recovery it gets better and better. Do not set yourself up for disappointment or failure. Your body will do what it needs to do on its own, Don't force anything. Measure yourself and take photos weekly, When you come back and complain you are in a "stall" your actually not in a stall. You are probably losing inches or your body is shifting. A stall is nothing lost at all weight or inches in over 30 days. You are going to do amazing. I can't wait to see your journey. Sarah

Well - in on Tuesday and sleeved at 10:30 AM - Home on Wed at 5:00 Feeling pretty good except for the gas pains. Thanks

I have read oodles of post here searching for the information that will set my mind at ease. I've been looking for the answer that "everything will be alright". That the my decision in going to Mexico to get a Surgery that will make my 19 years of obesity a thing of the past. My biggest dwelling point is whether am I picking the right Surgical team. I have looked up all the information I can find -which is not a great deal- about Dr. Osuna at Specialized Beriatrics. Does anyone have any experience with Dr Osuna? I will be sure to post a long and detailed account of my experience with her, because I want to be around for a long, Long time. Also because I want you to know that I made it ( : Please if you have any advice about her, her team, and any suggestions on how to settle down and let go of all the anxiety let me know. Thanks Surgery date: May 28, 2014 Specialized Beriatrics, Dr. Osuna Mi hospital Tijuana MX 43y/o 306lb s/w 298lb 1-1/2 weeks pre/op

Good luck to you all. I was banded on 09/08/10. When I did my protein diet, I took a protein supplement that had 42 grams of protein. The first day was worst, because I didn't have the supplement, but when I used the supplement, I didn't have any problems with being hungry.

I have started the process of getting a sleeve. I have 6 months of physician monitored weight loss, and since I'm a teacher, I'll probably wait until Christmas break to get this done- so I have a bit of time to go. I have a lot of questions, but they are questions my doctor at least treated quite superficially. (I'm going to meet other surgeons because of what seemed to be a very short-term mindset). Here are my big important questions. I'd love to hear what others who are further along in their journey and hopefully some people who are 2 or more years out from surgery. Big Important Question 1: I feel like surgery is the most extreme and kind of like a last chance at taking care of my weight problem. There really isn't anything else to try if I can't make a weight loss stick with surgery. I've lost weight before (sometimes a lot of weight) but it ALWAYS comes back with extra. I'm 28 and maintaining for life is a serious commitment- I've been lucky in the past if I can maintain a weight loss for more than 6 months. Can the sleeve help me when it comes to maintenance? For those of you who have had long-term success with any weight loss surgery, what was it that worked to help you stay healthy long-term? Big Important Question 2: I don't only eat when I'm hungry. I eat sometimes out of habit (when watching tv or because its 'dinner time'). I also eat when I get stressed out or emotional (especially when I'm disappointed or frustrated). With those kinds of triggers for eating, will having surgery still be able to help me? Is that something that I have to stop completely before I would be likely to have a good long-term outcome? Does the process leading up to surgery or the surgery itself help you to really change so that you will still have the weight off 2 or 5 or 10 years down the road? Please share what you felt like going into surgery and what you've learned along the way. Thank you!

Hi All! I am a newbie here, I have stalked a lot of threads but never posted. I am on day 7 of my 10 day liquid diet and I have lost 14lbs so far, but I did cheat a little last night and I have been beating myself up over it all day long. I even had a dream that I was told no for my surgery Wednesday because I didn't loose enough weight. I am terrified and as soon as my daughter wakes up from her nap I am going to bit the gym at full force with what energy I can gather from the sole liquid diet:/ I don't want to sound pathetic, but I have been seriously obsessing over what the scale says every day and I don't want to get to the date that I waited so long for and my surgeon tell me he can't do it:/ anyone else feel this way?

Sleeved August 10. Tips for 1st 2 days in hospital. Take chap stick my lips were so dry. Remember toothpaste and brush i must have used it every four hours while awake. I slept most of the time. Try to get nurse to start IV on non dominant hand because you really need your dominant hand for lifting, drinking fluids and especially when going to bathroom. I found it was easier to stay out of the bed and in a recliner. Lifting forward using the arms of recliner to push me up was so less painful. I took a sweater I seemed to be colder than usual. My lips got swollen and my cheeks were red. This has gone away. The IV fluids kept me going to bathroom every 2 hours. I took my pillow to place over my abdomen during the car ride home. The staff wakes you up every so often to check vital signs. It was tiring but I walked down the hall several times. Also remember to do the incentive spirometer to help with lung expansion. Just remember the first week is only 7 days long and each day there is something that feels better.