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When I feel hungry and it is not time to eat yet, I wait untiI have sipped a 10 oz bottle of Water. Usually the urge goes away. Another option is sugar-free popsicles. My vice has been artificial sweeteners, which I realize now are teasing Miss Tummy for the taste of something sweet. I stopped sweeteners on Sunday and the scale (which has been stuck for six months) has started moving again. Stalls are quite common around the third week post-up. It is like your body is pausing to regroup. In the meantime, eat your Protein first - all of it, before eating other foods. This will help you feel full, and the feeling lasts longer than if you eat something starchy. Starches make you hungry for more starches.

My job sure knows how to turn a smile upside down...Smh. So I find out from them, the day I get my approval that as of April 1, I will switch from a Kaiser Select plan to a Kaiser Signature plan. Which means for me that instead of going to any surgeon out of the 8 and any hospital out of the 4, now I have only 1 option for a hospital and 2 options for a surgeon. I've researched my surgeon and patients of my surgeon for over 7 months now and my approval came before the switch so why can't I proceed with the plans I gave on my referral request. I want this doctor and this hospital because I feel comfortable there and its literally minutes from my house. I don't drive but I would get all the way to the borders of another damn state to go there...is like 40 minutes on the Amtrack Vs. the one I can walk to. This is really bringing me down, when I was literally just on cloud 9. I want someone from Kaiser to be on here and save the day and tell me, don't worry, the changes won't apply to you since you've already been approved for that Dr. I waited so long and Kaiser is the one's that have me this late, I should have been sleeved by now, would have been in FEB if they had coverage for their very pregnant Nutritionist but NOOOO, they send me outta town to complete the process...is there no way to fight this?

Finally back with the Program after not being able to see a Doctor since July 2009. I had my band installed in Philadelphia and then ended up moving out to California due to divorce and had lost insurance because plan didn't cover visits here. Was able to find a Doctor here two hours away that was on my current health plan. I had backslid during the time of being off and I guess it somewhat loosened. I would have periodic sticks, but nothing that I generally couldn't manage. I just had a fill last Thursday of an additional 1cc so now I am at 7cc in my band. Things are going ok during the day but I have a nighttime pill I take which is on the large side and I cannot cut it in half. Last couple of days I have had a bit of a backup I guess I ate then took the pill with the food still not all the way down, some of it came up. Then tonight I took the pill and a half hour later tried to eat something which I think was too soon. I did the sliming thing, and last night i had the PB's which seemed to take care of the problem. It has been awhile and I think with all that I probably still have a bit of swelling inside as well. Anyone know tips or tricks to taking a large pill, to make sure it goes down? Do you take it after you eat and how long do you wait. I have read to drink something warm to help relax the stomach. I am able to drink liquids, protein shakes, I did eat some chicken which was fine when chewed well. It was just I guess learning to space the meal and the pill taking and in which order is the best. Anyway.. Hi to everyone i am doing alot of reading and learning about what you all are going through. I will add I did not have any problems with my pill at 6cc in it, and I can't remember but will it loosen up slightly? Just curious..

Hello Everyone, I had the Banded Plication (In addition to the Band the Plication is where the stomach is folded and sewn instead of the Gastric Sleeve, where it is completely removed, it is supposed to have the same result of the sleeve, which is more initial rapid weight loss, but it is less invasive and can be reversed if needed) on Friday, June 15, 2012 and I was terrified. I used this forum as a way not only to help me deal with my fears, but to also research some concerns that I had, and I must say that is was nice to read what some of you had to say. I just wanted to share a little of my journey in hopes that it may help someone else. At my Pre-op appointment on June 6, 2012 I weighed 244.5lbs. I started my Pre-op diet that night which consisted of 30 grams of carbs a day. No restriction other than the carbs. 2 Days prior to surgery I started my clear liquid diet; this was of course because the Doctor wants the liver as small as possible for surgery. On the day of Surgery, 1 week later I weighed 234.5. While in surgery the Doctor found a hiatal hernia which he repaired, that made the surgery 3hrs as opposed to the normal 1 hour procedure time. I spent 5 1/2 hours in recovery because I was so wiped out and they wanted me to drink 2 cups of water before leaving the surgery center. I only drank 1, but my husband made sure that I drank the other when we got home. I was in severe pain and to be honest had no idea where the pain was coming from. I was not sure if it was Gas, Incision pain or the hernia repair. I feel like I lost 2 days because I went to sleep that Friday when I got home, and slept all day Saturday most of the day Sunday due to Anesthesia and pain meds. It was a little miserable, because I had a hard time getting comfortable. Passing gas was a whole lot better than burping because burping actually hurt my chest. I only took 2 days off work Monday and Tuesday and I must say that I wish I had taken the whole week off, because driving and sitting up for long periods of time was very difficult. I ended up taking Wednesday off, left half day on Thursday and it looks like I am going to make it through my first full day today. My husband has been kind enough to adjust his schedule to drop me off and pick me up though. I stayed on my liquid diet 3 days more that needed, because I did not read my pre-op instructions carefully, but I had a small amount of an EAS Myoplex high protein shake on Wednesday evening which really gave me some strength. I do not think I was ready to have anything before then anyhow. Yesterday I boiled some broccoli and a small piece of steamed fish, put 2 teaspoons in my food processor and pureed them for dinner. It may sound nasty, but it was like a steak dinner after being on a liquid diet for 7 days. I took small bites and chewed each bit 30 times because I wanted it to stay down and not make me sick. It all worked out well in the end. Being afraid is normal, but I must say that the hardest part was getting there. I prayed and asked God for strength, I was so scared the morning of surgery I had chest pains and they had to give me an EKG to make sure that my heart was ok. I did get some medication to calm me down before hand, so by the time they wheeled me back I was feeling ok, then the Anesthesiologist said it's time to go to sleep and I felt dizzy for a quick moment and was out, the next thing I remember if a straw being shoved in my face in recovery to drink water. Being scared is normal, but I was not going to let my fears cripple me. I knew I had to do this and that kept me going. Pray and ask the Lord to calm your fears and you will be fine. Anyway, this morning I weighed 224.3, so I have lost a total of 20.2lbs in 2 weeks. I hope that this was of some help to anyone getting ready to have surgery, or has already had it, because you guys have been so helpful to me. God Bless

10 lbs in 3 weeks is great! You don't have as much to lose as others so it will come off slower. But unlike losing weight before surgery it won't come right back if you stick with the plan. Be sure to get your fluids in and enough protein and you'll be at goal in no time!

I am sorry to hear this. it is so tough. Avoid all or nothing thinking. A few rugged days does NOT mean that you are somehow broken or everything you have worked toward is lost. You know, even "normies" (never obese - need to come up with a better name!) can do unhealthy things as response to stress. The difference is they pick themselves up, lick their wounds and move on rather then staying in an unhealthy rut. A few times I have wanted to use food as comfort too - not saying it is good, but it happens. What has worked is substituting. For example, hot Protein cocoa is very comforting to me! Yeah, maybe I wasn't really hungry when I drank it, but it made me feel better and did minimal harm.

It sounds like you're consuming quite a few carbs with the juice and bread, but without knowing your exact intake it's hard to say what you could tweak to get the scale moving again. I suggest tracking your intake and make sure you are getting enough Protein in every day. Can you switch to a sugar free Fluid like crystal light, or decaf tea with splenda??? If you're on the scale constantly, hide or better yet, have your bf hide it.

I had my Sleeve done on 3/16/2011 in 5 days I will be 12 weeks out. My weight came down nicely and fast! Yay! So now the issue becomes IM STUCK between 231 (morning) and 234 (by night). My Boyfriend brought a scale in the house and I cant keep off of it. I have weighed myself everyday morning noon and night from mid May till now and I am just not loosing as fast as I was. Is my body platouing?? I have started excersize Water aerobics, just started eating wheat bread again, and eating meat for Protein intake. I just cant digest Protein shakes so I dont drink them, I do drink 100% Cranberry juice all day, water make me hungry...What am I doing wrong? Am I being impatient?? Am I on the right track...Help

I'd start tracking all your calories and fat and protein on a site like sparkpeople. You may find that you aren't getting enough protein. Also, click on my ticker and you'll see my weight loss pattern. It's very stairstep-I'll be the same weight for a week or two then drop 4-5 lbs in a couple days!

Congrats, that's fantastic!!! Yeah, I've been able to get more protein in also, and it definitely makes a difference. I am trying to increase my water now, I seem to struggle more with that than protein. Way to go on breaking your stall!!! :rockon:

((hugs)) You are right on time for the "Sophomore Slump". Come join us in the Sophomores thread! Honestly, it's a tough time. And your tool is maturing allowing less restriction. It's part of why it's so important not to believe the myth of restriction/malabsorption. At some point, everything in moderation will have a different meaning volumetrically and that could be enough to either derail losses entirely, cause stalls, or rebound weight gain. The things that helped me: 1. Planning, weighing, measuring and logging my food daily--good and bad 2. Following my surgeon's basic guidelines for the forever-diet including the 1cup max per meal; 3 meals + 1-2 VERY small snacks a day if necessary, protein first then veg then fruit and a tiny bit of fat. 3. Mixing things up to make them fun again--I added IF/EF to my plan. 4. Find fun peeps to hang out with who have shared goals/paths. Hope that helps!

Hi. I'm researching options re. a small group policy and looking for recommendations. I have insurance through the University of CA but it has been worthless for anything other than meds. That's partly my fault, but at nearly 35 years old, I don't want to go sit with freshmen in the campus health center so I pay privately for medical/dental costs. I am self-employed and have a few employees so I could purchase a small group policy. One of the surgeons' offices recommended United Health Care. I looked up some info and found out that the coverage isn't available "in my area," perhaps due to the small size of the business (3 FT employees vs. 3000 or something). Other question is... I thought when you purchased a small group policy that you didn't have to worry about preexisting conditions (e.g., MO), but the application does include info related to weight, medical history, etc. Ideas? I had previously tried to apply for individual policies before I gained more weight and was denied due to weight. I need to move quickly so that if I have to jump through any hoops I can get started. I'm having the surgery regardless, but if I can get help paying for it that would be great. Thanks for any ideas. Kelli

pittsy Inquiring minds want to know!!!1 i think many/most/ALL newbies (me ) heard the word NUT as they start reading posts i said to myself "what, NUT" people are saying your a NUT, stuff like that what the heck!!!!! not nice referring to people like that!!!! well, now my friend you know my NUT is sent from heaven with all her help and advice gotta love a "good NUT" so much Protein too!!! kathy

Everyone 's surgeon has a different plan...what are your instructions? 1 did 16 days of 3 Protein shakes /day plus unlimited leafy green veggies (spinach, lettuce, broccoli, brussel sprouts). I could substitute broth with unflavored Protein powder added for one of the shakes. I think I was allowed SF Jello but never had any. I made Popsicles out of Protein drinks for a treat. Drank lots of Water. Lost 22 pounds in 16 days and had a smooth easy recovery from surgery.

I have a 2 week liquid diet I have to do. Its almost all protein shakes that I got from my Drs office and 1-2 cups of veggies until 3 days before surgery then its straight protein shakes. For 2 weeks.. :/ Sorry I'm still wrapping my head around it lol. I start that on 10/5, with surgery on 10/20.. I'm a little jealous of the people that only have to do a low carb diet or a few days of liquids.

I am on day 2 of liquid diet. Not to bad I have to drink 4 protein meal replacements a day and 1/2 cup of non starchy veggies! N a lot of water. Spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Lol. But I am not hungry at all. I don't like the flavor of the shake but added sugar free jello to it and it is better!

I was supposed to do 14 days of Protein shakes and clear liquid only but I got a call asking if I wanted to move up my surgery. I am now on day 5 of 10 days of 4 protein shakes per day and no food. Honestly, it's not as hard as I thought it would be. I do make dinner for my family and the smells make me a little hungry but I try to plan my shakes as I cook. The only thing that I have noticed is that I am really tired. If I sit, I fall asleep. Can't wait until Friday!

light mozzarella string cheese...I also love the soy crisp but creamy ranch is my favorite...they are so good. The turkey pepperoni is good too. My nutritionist told me the protein in peanut butter is not enough to overcome the amount of fat in it. She told me not to eat it. Refried beans, hummus, there are quite a few snacks out there, you might do a google search for low fat low calorie snacks...Deanna

good question. I too want to know, do I stop when I get the discomfort or con't? What if I dont have all my Protein in for the day?? is the discomfort actually restriction?

Having had a lap band for 9 years, and it failing quite spectacularly! I have just been approved for revisional surgery. I have been given the option of Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass.... and I am struggling to decide which will be best for me. I understand both have their pro's and con's... Im aware of all the post surgery risks, but Im more concerned / would like to hear from people who have had sleeve / bypass for a number of years... at least 5 years ideally..... I would really appreciate any feedback on the following points that are worrying me: Bypass - Very little / No revisional options... has anyone had anything go wrong after a number of years? Dumping... How often does this actually effect people? Ive heard you get very 'noisy' digestion.. and a lot of wind!! Is this the same for everyone who has had bypass? Sleeve - Given this is relatively 'new' Im very interested in long term satisfaction / issues, if any? Ive heard after a few years the stomach can stretch and revision is likely to maintain restriction? Ive heard people revising from lapband to sleeve, often feel no restriction? it this common? Ive also heard the chances of getting heartburn are high with a sleeve? Are there many people who never had heartburn before surgery, who were effected post surgery? I am naturally a bit nervous having to have surgery again, and would appreciate your feedback. Look forward to any help from anyone. Thanks!

I have been doing pretty well, until yesterday (Sat). I drank half of my calcium (horse pill) in the morning. Then drank half of my protein shake, and felt a huge sensation of extreme GAS, at least I think it was gas? Then I felt like I could not breathe very well, it felt like a huge ballon being inflated in my chest... I got soo scared because I felt like I could'nt breathe. Then I feel like everything I drink, water, protein drink gives me gas and I start belching? Is all this normal, my post opt appt is on Wed...Any advice?

I bought the Protein bullets, I like them. I bought the fruit punch flavor, not using them yet, waiting until after Surgery on Monday. My pre-op diet isn't a liquid diet. ( whew ) I can eat 3 meals a day, and I've lost 12 lbs so far since July 21st. Its a Low Carb, High Protein. Hang in there on your diet, it will be worth it.

I use the protien new whey bullets. I think the are tolerable in taste. They have 2 kinds - 25 grams of protien and 50 grams of protein. Most experts agree that you can only absorb 20-25 grams of protein so I split the 50 gram one in half.

I use myfitnesspal.com. It's easy, free and you can track exercise. You can customize it to YOUR nutrition goals like calories, protein, etc.

Have any of you heard of "Raw Protein" it is a neutral tasting powder. It sounds great for a regular stomach but I'm not sure for a new sleeve. It has live probiotics and is sprouted brown rice protien. It says Raw,Vegan,Gluten free,dairy free.