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Anyone else? Pre-op diet starts this Thursday! I am so nervous and excited! I have three boys (7,5, 10 months) and I'm most scared of a surgical complication. I am looking to lose around 150 pounds. I'm 6'0 tall and have always carried a lot of hidden weight. In 2009-2010 I lost over 100 pounds on my own, but I have gained a little more than half back. So ready to get it off and keep it off!

I didn't have any. You can Google complications to find out more.

So I was sleeved on Jan 9th with no complications,except a little burning feeling in one of,my incision scars. But my question is how do I know when my stomach is full. Not getting any signs and scared I am gonna over eat. I am getting my proteins, vitamins and water in and am only down 8lbs since the 9th. Been on a 8 labs weight loss for almost a week. Is this normal, because I am feeling frustrated. Amy helpful hints would be much appreciated, thanks so much!

@ Hi Jake, We are all here to help each other. The thing I had to learn is that everyone is different. The speed of recovery from surgery and what we can eat and when. And right after surgery is very different from where I am today at 8 weeks post-op and I'm guessing it will change again and again. The band seemed different. I was eating most things pretty soon as long as I chewed like crazy. Like the band surgery, I had no real hunger for weeks. Someone told me, the sleeve (and all WLS) allows us to hit the pause button while we figure out how to make serious life style changes. Eventually that honeymoon is over, just like the band. I say this for me, cuz this is my last chance to get it together. With the sleeve I was on mushies longer than most cuz I kept vomiting. When I could eat mushies I did measure out a small amount but it turned out to be too much. Realized too late. Also if I went too fast I'd vomit and believe me it didn't feel like I was eating fast. So to answer your question, no I didn't seem to have any clues that I had eaten too much or fast. ((but some sleevers do) I kept having a band mentality, thinking I would know immediately. So I had to learn, to eat a very small amount slowly, just a few tiny spoonfuls and then wait. It was a while before i could eat 4 oz and even now I can't eat 4 oz of chicken at one sitting. I have to be careful about introducing new foods. There are some in my January group that are eating salads and all foods. The only vegetable I can eat is steamed broccoli and steamed squash. Still no raw fruit. I also can't eat Protein and vegetables at one sitting. I have to eat the protein, then wait 30-40 minutes and eat cooked vegetables. I expect at some point that will change when the swelling from surgery is gone. Also I have been told that it can take 2, even 3 months for the sleeve to heal completely. The band healing is much faster. Today I feel real hunger. With the band I could get satiated when hungry with a small amount but it always hurt so bad. The sleeve at 8 weeks does not hurt at all. If I feel real hunger I eat 2 oz of chicken (I weighed it initially but now I know what 2oz is) and slowly eat it. Within 10 minutes I am no longer hungry for hours. At first I could only eat 1/2 cooked egg taking 30 minutes to eat the egg and then I wouldn't be hungry for hours. Now I can eat one egg. My Doc and NUT told me that eventually I will be able to eat more and then to plan on 3 meals with Snacks. But for now, they told me to eat when I have real hunger. Keep track of protein etc. And get the fluids in. Doc said I probably had more swelling than some (the vomiting didn't help) which is why my tiny little tummy couldn't hold more than a few tablespoons. Having said all this, the sleeve is much easier than the band and it doesn't hurt. What they don't tell you with the band is that after surgery, when all is healed, the band has far more complications than bypass, sleeve and RYN. Because a foreign object is in your body can erode, slip, break, etc. The sleeve once it is healed has very few complication risks. Now no one told me that when I got the band. I am SO glad my band is gone. No more tightness and pain in my stomach, no more port moving around tugging at me. Do you feel that freedom from the band too? Probably TMI, but there you have it. Best to you!

I think it's outpatient if you don't have complications??

I had my consultation this morning and it went well. My BMI is 41 so I am not expecting major ins complications. The only issue was that my DR. practiced in California 4 years ago and said at that time they required 6 month supervised diet. I know of 3 in our company that had the surgery and this was not required. I spoke to BCBS last week and they just told me as long as you have a 40 bmi and psych eval then I should have no problems. Anyone have recent experience with BCBS CA? Greg

Definitely take this time to get prepared! Spend more of your time reading the post-op forum than the pre-op forum. That way, you won't be the one asking these same questions that get asked every single day here: HELP it's after surgery and I feel hungry, is that normal? HELP every time I eat my stomach roars and grumbles, is this normal? HELP I'm three weeks out from surgery and the scale hasn't moved in four days, what am I doing wrong? HELP I'm on full liquids and I can drink a protein shake really fast. Did they actually do my surgery? HAVE I STRETCHED MY SLEEVE? What should I eat on purees? When should I start exercising again? How long until I can lift my baby/toddler after surgery? When can I go back to work? If I lift weights, use expensive oils and body wraps, and gobble 1000000 mcgs of biotin every day, I will successfully avoid having any loose skin or suffering any hair loss, right? What should I take with me to the hospital? etc. Seriously, though, being nervous is completely normal and understandable -- but keep reminding yourself, complications and an early death are a lot more likely if you remain obese rather than undergo a surgery that is safer than a gallbladder removal. No surgery is risk free but obesity is a lot riskier than this surgery!

Apparently LapBandTalk is wondering where all of it's former members went and why us "old timers" no longer post. So far the first 4 pages, to my surprise have been "I'm doing great, lost my weight and enjoying my new body" type posts. I was the first bust thy bubble with complications. I figured those who had bands prior to VSG would at least enjoy the read if not want to share your story to prevent another poor soul from going through what we have. I did NOT go looking for this thread of LBT, they sent an email out asking where some of the "Old Timers" were and I figured perhaps some of you who used to post there may have changed your email address but would still LOVE the chance to be honest with what the band did to you and your body http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/126044-any-old-timers-still-around/page__st__60#entry1584321 is the link. Enjoy!

I had my vsg/gallbladder surgery on January 10th 2017 @ 2pm. I had a couple complications during surgery which required for me to have a laparoscopic AND open surgery. I woke up from surgery with a pain score of 20+. The pain was so serve that I just wanted to be knocked out the whole time. I was given morphine(the whole hospital stay) which is a pain med I was already on for going on 6 years (chronic back pain/6 slipped disc)but just a little extra(which I was hooked up to a med machine)through my iv. So I followed instructions and walked as much as my body would allow me. I couldn't even sleep in the hospital bed because I was having issues breathing (when laying flat) and I couldn't keep getting in and out of the bed to go potty so I slept in the chair(recliner) that was by my bed. I stayed in the hospital a total of 3 and 1/2 days, with no meds. I feel better everyday(thank god) but now that I am almost two weeks out I'm still having some pain but its way better than before(its around a 6 or 7).... Sent from my LGMS550 using the BariatricPal App

Remember everyone our bodies just came through major surgery. Swelling inside and out, pain inside and out. Fluids that were given and body trying to adjust to its new plumbing...try not to obsess about the scale and how fast or slow it comes off we are all different body types with and without complications major and minor. YOU WILL LOSE....YOU WILL SUCCEED...STAY POSITIVE.....

Im so sorry to hear about your complications. Make sure you keep up with this with your doctor. I am only 6 days out and it sounds like I can drink and eat more than you. Best of luck I will send good wishes your way.

I have been re-admitted back in the hospital last Friday due to complications. Soooo after I had been on an IV most of the week I thought for sure I lost 10+ pounds. Got on the scale and gained 3-4 pounds Wth???

I just need to get mine removed. I've had more complications with it then success. I also heard the sleeve isn't the best. Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

Hi. After being denied by my insurance company (Health Choice) because I'm not diabetic, I've decided to self-pay and have my sleeve surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia on March 18th. It's kind of like a roller coaster ride. One minute I'm excited, the next I'm nervous. One minute I'm confident with my decision, the next I'm ready to back out. My biggest concern is about complications and aftercare upon returning to Oklahoma. I live in the southeastern part of the state - about 2 hours from Oklahoma City and 2 hours from Tulsa. Maybe 3 hours from Dallas. Could anyone recommend a doctor for aftercare? Has anyone found a doctor who will take patients who've had their surgery in Mexico? Did you just see a Primary Care Physician? Or did you do your aftercare with someone who specializes in bariatrics? Has anyone had experience with Health Choice insurance? Will they pay for any complications? Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

And I have lost 30 pounds:) I have had no nausea at all, but I do one uncomfortable incision:( also my doctor has me in full liquids for 3 weeks to ensure my stomach heals and there are no complications. My biggest challenge is this mid morning slump I get? Afternoon I pick back up but between 11-2 I could sleep!?

Everyone is different so it's hard to tell. Some people lose a lot, some lose a little. Some have complications, some don't. I will be at my two-months mark next week and have lost 33 pounds since my surgery but have been fortunate enough to have had no complications.

1 month out today from under the knife! Overall very happy with month 1 - 35lbs down post op. Had dreamed it would come off quicker, but given I lost 40 preop a slowdown was a bit expect. So nice to be down 75 from Oct 7, 2012 and 58 since first doc consult Nov 15. Did my diet advancement (my surgery center is very conservative but great reputation for minimal complications). No vomiting and only discomfort was eating too fast. Getting 60 - 90 g Protein a day, but was averaging under 600 cals. Burning 700 a day swimming so I know I need to up to between 900 and 1100 but I dont know how as it seems I am already just eating or drinking all the time. Thank you all for help along the way!! Off to goal 2! Kevin

Hi everyone! I am almost finished with my 6 month supervised diet that is required by BCBS AL My general practice MD told me to print my medical records from my patient portal online so I have the 3 years of height/weight records that I need (Hopefully the surgeon's office will accept a printout). Realistically, I don't think I have any reason to worry that I won't be approved but my anxiety is getting the best of me lately. I am getting so close to being finished with all the requirements and my anxiety is making me a nervous wreck. I am either constantly worrying that I won't get approved or worrying that I will get approved but have complications. I have called both my insurance company and my insurance coordinator but haven't heard back yet (and it's been over a week). The waiting and not knowing part is the worst part for me. Has anyone else dealt with similar feelings this close to surgery? I'm just hoping to find some words of encouragement from fellow patients. Thanks in advance!

2 nights ago I figured it was time to bite the bullet and tell my 7 year old that I am going away for 5 days without him. He cried and cried and cried when I told him mommy is going on a mini vacation with Nana. I didnt tell him about the surgery, and wont until I get home. I still have some time to figure that part out. Only family member that knows (besides my Ryan) Nana (my ex-mother in law out of all people) who is coming with me and has been a major support this whole journey. I haven't even told my own mother. I tried reassuring my son that Nan and me weren't going anywhere fun. There wasn't going to be any amusement rides or beaches. It was strictly a vacation for mommy and Nana to spend some time together as she has been sick and in the hospital recovering from lung complications. He still wasn't happy. What got him okay with the idea was when I told him that I took the whole day off work on Tuesday to take him to his first day of grade 2. I would pick him up at lunch, and pick him up after school. He got shocked and laughed at me when I asked if I could take "Lambie" his favorite stuffie (since birth) with me so I would really be without him. He told me I was silly. To think I could take Lambie away from him was blastomy !!! It broke my heart to see him so upset. I took him on a Mommy and Me vacation 2 weeks ago, where we spend 3 days at the waterpark in the hotel, ordering room service and shopping till we dropped. That still didnt make him okay with anything. Luckily I leave at 5am for the airport when he will still be alseep. Not sure how my hus-friend will the tears when my son wakes up and I am not there. Our bond has been so air tight that being away from each other throws the whole universe off course. As much as I want the surgery, THIS part is what I have been dreading. The 5 days in TJ cant come and go fast enough. ..ii.ll.aa.. (means I love Alex double time) How did you tell your kids that you were going away for a few days without them? & without breaking their tiny hearts.

Is there anyone who experience weight stall after you had baby, yes I got pregnant after I had sleeves bypass surgery then I was still losing weight as I lost close 70 pounds off and notice my appetite changed after birth and am trying to lose more weight, I had surgery back in April 2014 and had birth back on March 20, 2015. I weight at the same but would like to lose more weight, any tips? SHould I restart on liquids or eat smaller or what? ALso is there anyone who experience to have still high blood pressure ongoing after surgery it was low but got highter after birth very complicated, yes am still seeing doctor to adjust on meds until they get in control.

Hi everyone, I'm a 31 female from NY who's been struggling with her weight since childhood. I've tried every diet you can name of. I'm sure we all can relate to it. However, now I have high blood pressure and I'm pre-diabetic, which scares me because my grandfather died from complications from diabetes. I'm so apprehensive because like all other "tools" or diets I've failed. Also, I've seen on here that a lot of people weren't full until they received their first adjustment. That is just too scary! I've lost 11 pounds on the liquid diet for the last 10 days. Basically, I'm asking what did you consume that had enough Protein that kept you full, and also assisted in your weightloss for the first 4-6 weeks? I can't imagine being able to drink my protein replacement shakes that are 8ounces and have 27grams of protein since, they say you can only sip 2 ounces at once. If you have any tips or foods you suggest, please advise, as I will be going shopping this weekend. Thanks from your, SCARED PREOP NEWBIE PS: I heard that sometimes food gets stuck and you should eat a scoop of butter? TRUE OR NOT? [sharedmedia=trackers:tickers:4417]

I originally wanted to go with the band, but my surgeon said he'd seen too many complications and revisions, to recommend it. Did you experience problems or just poor results?

Saturday night I woke up at about 11 PM and my stomach was soaked and through my pants were soaked I called the surgeon to let him know that I had serous drainage. As a nurse I know that this is common however I have never seen it so bad in all my years of nursing. So he stated to just put a dressing over it and it should be okay. So the next morning I wake up still draining. By after noon is was draining so bad that the dressing was soaked within ten mins of changing it and I don't mean just wet I mean soaking through pants shirt and hoody. So my husband said I think u need to call the surgeon back. Long story short he said met me at the office on a Sunday which was wonderful since he was in the operating room all day anyways he said. So he looked at it and said everything looks okay and it may take a few days to stop draining. Today it's still draining super bad. I've been nauseous today a lot and now started with diarrhea. I'm hoping not related . I just don't wanna develope seroma. Or any infection as a nurse I do great with patients but not with my kids or myself bc I fear the worse. Lol. Which I know co workers have told me they're the same way when it comes to them or they're family probably bc of all the things we see in patients. Anyways I'm still soaking through dressings like crazy changes them atleast ten times today already. They have me comming back in tomorrow morning. I guess my biggest fear is that everything has gone sooooo smooth is this where I start having complications? Has anyone else had this? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Eva and welcome. I think we all had some level of anxiety before banding. The recovery time varies from person to person. I went back to work to a fairly physical job in just under a week. Others have been off for only 2 or 3 days. For me, day to day life with my family is not much different. I cook all the same things, I just eat much less of it. The incidence of erosion is quite small. Remember that you will hear more of the complications on this site than you will of the people just doing alright with their bands. The best thing to do is just read everything you can here and ask lots of questions. You won't find a more supportive bunch anywhere.

Home tomorrow morning they say. A couple minor complications, otherwise in good shape with a hiatal hernia fix up, to. If this is the worst I feel, I,m doing great. Missing my Dad.