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Rica, you are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! You've done amazing on your weight loss. Each dr. seems to have a different regimen to follow. I blenderized my regular food for a couple of weeks. This went down well and I felt fuller for a longer period. Be careful with the anti-inflams. I have arthritis, but I held off until I had my 4 wk. post-op. My Dr. advised I could use my Celebrex (as needed), but to take a Prevacid first. It might be a little early for Tae-Bo. But please check with your Dr. about exercise and meds.

I do not know how much sodium is recommended. Though I will say that when I eat salty foods my weight loss slows down. When I stay away from salty foods I loose faster. So you are not alone in this!!

What feels to me like the biggest hurdle has been jumped! And it's fine! I came down on the other side on both feet! I had my appt with my PCP today. I need from her a letter of medical necessity. And I wasn't sure how my visit with her would go - whether she would make me defend and justify this, whether she would be adamantly against it, whether she would emphatically support it...I just wasn't sure at all! And she said she would absolutely give me that because while she's only known me for a year, she's seen enough to know that I'm not lieing when I say "I TRY!" And it comes off. And it comes back. She said we would do some testing to prove a comorbidity that she thinks I may have. She said we will jump through those insurance hoops and give them NO REASON to deny this! She also said three or four years ago she would have been hesitant, would have said, 'do it yourself' but she's seen those people she told that lose the weight and then gain it back plus some. It's something about a BMI over 40 that makes your body NOT WANT TO LET GO! And she's seen lap-band® after lap-band® do wonders for people. She said my choice in surgeon is fantastic. Can't beat him in my area and she would have suggested him had I not found him myself. She recommended doing the supervised exercise and diet program with them because she likes their nutritionist and the staff in that office are all fantastic. She gave me copies of everything I need for the consult tomorrow - which should help some of this role along faster. I did some blood work because I had questionable liver function earlier this year and she wants to see if we can prove it's fatty liver. If the blood work warrants it, I already have the order in hand for a abdominal ultrasound. She said even if we can't prove that comorbidity, it's enough that my parents are ALREADY deceased - were deceased by 55 (mother) and 61 (father) - for things that are comorbidities. I already have tons of odds against me, I don't need this weight stacking my odds even further! To me, getting her approval was potentially my biggest stumbling block. Had she said no, I would have gotten myself a new PCP and kept trying. But I like her and I didn't want that hassle which would also potentially become a demotivator. And I KNOW I'm fat enough. She laughed at that. Was impressed at how much research I've done, what I knew, and how I've been taking care of myself in this endeavor. Wasn't asking for the answers, was asking for endorsement - and from what she said, the people willing to do this from start to finish like this, on their own - if you will, are the successful ones. The people on this website, I'd venture! Can't be done on your own - don't get me wrong. But I'm not being spoon fed my information. This wasn't suggested to me, I explored the thought. That's what I'm talking about... Anywho... She said she has seen it before where people are like me, on the fence with the BMI with no comorbidities. And she's seen - and even supported - minor weight gain to get them to the "acceptable level of fatness". I find that sad. But it's the game we have to play, apparently. Comorbidities help, but I've enjoyed my food this weekend to ensure my weight today and tomorrow would not be an issue. And hopefully tomorrow can start the six month supervision. And hopefully I can be looking at the March/April time frame. And if not, I'll take it as it comes. My biggest stumbling block has been passed. I just feel like now I can say "Ok, hope is on the horizon!" YAY!

The first time I heard about lapband surgery was from a dear sweet lady named Theresa passing through my life--leaving behind in her wake--a hope that things could change for me. I did look up the surgery then--but my insurance didn't cover any part of it--and self pay in this area was so high--it was unthinkable for me--even with the changes I now know it brings. So--a few months later--I was on the path to gastric bypass--which my insurance does cover--ever more nervous and getting more frightened as I heard first one then many side affects/risks--which I had to decide if I was willing to take for the drastic change I needed to make in my life if I was to live to see my small children grow. My history with surgeries and complications being as it was--I was VERY sceptical of the numbers I was given--I know that some of it was just to filter the serious from those who were not--but 1/50 was a number that really made me uneasy--as the other times in my life the numbers game showed my in my favor i.e. 1/500 or 1/300--and I still ended up being that 1 percent with complications. I know we all go through a tremedous amount of inner turmoil in making decisions that can affect the length and scope of our lives. Many thoughts and fears, hopes, and dreams. I was no different-- and I had hit that moment in my life where It was do something--or be lost to myself. I am sure that if I had gotten through it--I might have had another of those moments...we all come to our own crossroads--this was mine. I decided to look up the lap band procedure one more time. This time--I really started digging--and comparing for me--which one would give me what I needed most--as well as be affordable for us. Comparing what I could--researching where I could--I looked more deeply into all of it--obsessively (my husband's word). I finally found a dr with terrific credentials at a more affordable rate for me to handle--which I needed if I was going to self pay-(another story there believe me). I had more than a week of sleepless nights (not unusual for me anyway) thinking of the hope--and the chance lap band could give me--and finally told my husband--this is it. He said to give him some time--so we could figure out the finance part of it--lol problem there is once I came to the conclusion that this was it--there was really no stopping me-- I gave him 4 days--then called and booked my appt for 2 weeks out. He had that long to figure out how we could pay for it. When I told him that I booked the appt--he laughed--he thought I was kidding. I had never been more serious. Healthy and young still at 30--even at my weight--I was starting to have more issues with joints, and been warned of pre-diabetes--I could see the road ahead of me with out some action. I had dieted and lost 60, 80 lbs more than once--only to have them return and bring friends--over and over for the past decade or more. I have been heavy since the onset of puberty-- progressively more so at I get older--I just couldn't let it keep happening--this is where it had to stop. I started the liquid liver shrinking diet the day I booked the appt-- and promptly lost all control--like some switch was flicked in my brain or something--eating a bag of doritos-and whatever else I could get my hands on that day and the next. I finally got a hold on myself the third day and managed to stick to the pre-op diet losing 12.5lbs by the day before my surgery. I spent every one of those days researching on the yahoo boards-- asking questions of all of the post banded people who woould answer and reading every post along the way--finding that others often asked questions I hadn't thought of yet--but was glad to know the answers to. When I got to TJ--I was nervous--but exceedingly well informed on what to expect, and everything went very smoothly. I met up with 3 other women having the surgery and their support--I had also arranged to bring with me a very dear person for support. So we all shared info and stories and got to know one another through that first day while we all went to pre-op testing and checked into the hotel for the night before surgery (included 3 nights in the price for the surgery), we all got to enjoy a really super "last supper" as we thought then at a restaurant called 'los arcos' MMMMMMMM yummy! and we met with the surgeon and his team for question time and basically for them to explain more on what to expect. I found it funny almost to learn that I had already gleaned in my research most of what they had to say--and after meeting with them and finding out what order the surgeries for the next day would be in--we were free to do as we pleased--in this case--we all met in the restaurant of the hotel to chat some more--I found myself being able to field a lot of the questions that some of the others still had--ironicly enough. (told you I am obsessive--lol) The next day--we had surgery and everything went very quicly--I woke up after surgery to some nausea--and sipped some water and slept a lot. The next day--I walked to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription and then it was off to the airport to fly home. My friend made sure to get a wheelchair for me--which I didn't think I needed but by the time we got across the airport I was thankful for--and I was pre-boarded on the plane for the 2 hr flight home. I spent the evening at home-- resting as much as possible. The next day--I drove my friend the 7 hours home, and spent the rest of the week with my daughters (2 and 4) up at her house--chasing littles and visitiing with family. Drinking fluids--Not so easy since everytime my family gathers-- there is a barbeque--lol. I progressed well for the first six weeks--my appetite returning with a vengeance after the first week--and struggling to eat like a bandster should and not always winning the battle. By 6 weeks out--I was SOOOO ready for my first fill--1.5cc--I was disappointed in myself because I had only managed to lose 10lbs (actually 20 but with no restriction--gained 10 of it back by the first fill) but determined that this was going to work. I had very little restriction still--but forwarned is forearmed--I knew there was a possibility that it would take 3 or more fills to get there--that was part of my choice in picking the band--and that I REALLY needed to work on my patience--gee wonder why that was so hard--I know that it took years to get to this point--what made me think I could change it all overnight? So, as soon as a second fill was allowed I was there! I managed to lose 3 lbs between my first and 2nd fills. But after that second one--I felt the restriction--not immediately--it actually kicked into high gear about a week later--and by this third fill I got--I had lost another 15 lbs! Now I am losing steadily and happily. I have continued to live on the support boards, and exercising (yes--you guessed it--almost obsessively--mostly walking 4x a week for at least an hour) So that is my story--basically anyhow-I left out the depression I was going through before, and the bandster blues after as I mourned food, (and wanting to throw my hubby from the 2nd floor window because he just didn't understand what I was going through--bandster rage--it passed--lol)--he never knew that part until yesterday--you should have seen the look on his face when I laughingly told him he narrowly missed a few broken bones at the least.(it really was a true ally mcbeal moment) -I am sure there are people making the same decision I had to make here on this board--and others in other places on a daily basis--I can only say--ASK QUESTIONS! Be proactive--don't settle for what you can get if you really want something else. You are worthy, and smart and should be proud of yourselves for making a choice to take your life into your own hands and make it happier and healthier and longer than ever. I, for one, would not go back for an instant! If anyone wants to ask questions--please feel free to email me I am by far not the most experienced person on the board--but I am here:). Whatever your choice--it is YOUR choice--and you make the best of it. I wish everyone well in their journey--and reasearch. Hugs, shrina 7/12/05 Dr. Kuri 274/226/125-150 3 fills Dr. McKeen 2.4cc currently

Great post! I for one feel as good as I did when I was a teenager (im well over 40) and attribute it to no processed food, whole food, clean Protein choices and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. I still eat fat but use olive oil almost exclusively. When I want butter I have it in small amounts. I drink 2% milk and real half and half for tea (I drink mine like the british except no sugar). I never crave sweets and haven't really tried processed crap frankenfood since surgery. Food is fuel so pick the best!!

Hi, rice may get stuck and even though it's soooooo good, it's not really that great for us bandsters. No protein at all. Just starch which turns into sugar. Mashed pot. aren't so great for us either but at least they won't get stuck. I cut chicken chunks up into tiny, tiny pieces during this stage and chewed them thoroughly. I also ate lots and lots of Yoplait yogurt and SF jello. There's many soups out there too that would be seen as mushy stage food. Cream of pot., Dinty Moore Beef Stew is great too. Just mash up the chunks with a fork. My doc. let me have homemade chili with ground beef at 2 weeks. It went down fine. I had no problems until my first fill. At this time, I began having food get stuck and throwing up. I had to learn how and what to eat. It's a learning process. Just try things you think you might can handle...just a little at a time. Good luck.

Hi Everyone! First some background- I started my journey with my first pre-op appt in sept 2014. I was 221lbs and 5'2". Had to do 6 months with nutrition for my insurance company. I lost 20 lbs in those 6 months and insurance approved my surgery. I was sleeved on 3/16/15 and surgery day weight was 201. On my 3 month surgiversary I weighed in at 156 lbs. I never took my measurements but wish I had. I went from wearing size 18/20 pants to wearing a size 10. Shirts were size 2X now down to a large shirt is wearable and a medium is better but slightly snug. I don't go crazy with exercise. I figured it wasn't sustainable for me. I try to at least workout 3x/week either I walk 2 miles at a quick pace or I do 30-45 min at the gym alternating cardio and strength training. I knew I could keep up a plan of doing that everyday. I'm happy if I get it in 2X/week and if I do 3 that's a plus! It was definitely hard at the beginning no being on liquids and the puréed foods. I started a journal at the beginning and it helped when I was feeling low to go back and read how far I had come. It does get better. Being on unrestrictive food is wonderful. Don't get me wrong there are sometimes especially during dinner I wish I could eat more. Especially if it's a really yummy meal. I pushed my sleeve to the limit twice and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I felt horrible. Felt like I was going to throw up, got feeling I wanted to Pass out and got hot and sweaty. It lasted for about 30 min and rest of night just felt horrible. I ignored my sleeve when it told me enough food. I start to hiccup when my sleeve says no more food and I normally stop when I start hiccuping. But I have to say those 2 times were enough. I stop when my sleeve says stop. I have been eating out at restaurants again but make good choices and always have them bring me a small plate and I put what I can eat on the small plate and have them bring me a box to put my leftovers in so they aren't tempting to me. Then I have them the next day and sometimes the day after that. I still have a protein drink and 1/2 of a protein bar a day to help get in my protein. I have learned that I can have a few carbs and not feel guilty. I have a biscuit sometimes it a whole one sometimes it's a half. But I don't eat all 6 like I used to. I can eat 1/2 of a cupcake if I'm at a birthday celebration and that's enough. I don't need to eat 4 or 5 of them that half is just enough to make me feel normal. I guess what I learned with carbs is don't beat yourself up. Someone told me it's a tool to help you be the best you can be. I am actually loving being able to go out to social situations and to participate in choosing food that makes me feel good. Not food that after I eat I feel guilty like I did before surgery. I don't do it all the time or everyday like I used to but it's great to know I can occasionally if I choose to. I will be fine, my sleeve is fine. I feel better than I ever have. I had been over 200lbs for about 20+ years. I know it's tough at the beginning but it will get better. Keep on focusing on goals that are for your best interest and health. You have to be able to sustain these for the rest of your healthy active lifestyle. I have some more weight to loose as I'm only 3 months out. They tell me 111lbs is my ideal weight. I personally think that's way to low for me. I think 120-125 will be best for me. I know that everyone is different and I'm just saying what I have experienced and what is working for me. Your experience maybe different. No 2 people are the same. Here's wishing you and me a successful And healthy journey!!

Hello everyone, I'm new to this. This is my first time doing this. I had my surgery 5 months ago, I've lost 35lbs. It has been a stand still for the last 2 months. I'm trying so hard to keep up with this lapband. I make so many poor choices in the foods I eat, even though I can eat that much. I've had 5 fills in the last 5 months, and I'm now at 7cc's. I work 12 hour night shifts, and just don't have the energy to get up and exercise. I have to find something that works for me, and I also have a big sweet tooth problem. Can someone please give me some advise on what I need to do. And some words of encouragment. Thanks:unsure:

Hey! Welcome to the post op community !! I was on clear liquids for one week after and then started total liquids for an extra week, so I just started puréed food on the 3 week. Also my doctor didn't told me to start my protein shake and vitamins until I was 1 and a half months post op and I had no problems what so ever, but I'm NOT a doctor so maybe you have other needs different to mine. My advice would be to just give him a call and explain your tummy is not agreeing with the protein and vitamins, and ask if you can start in a couple of days or if you can start with less and increment it little by little. Good luck !!

My doctor is the only one I've heard of that makes you wait 3 months for a fill. At first I was ok with it because that meant I would still be able to enjoy the holidays a little before getting a fill. I wouldn't eat as much as I would normally but would still be able to eat pretty much whatever I wanted. Now that I am almost 1 month post-op, and haven't really had problems eating anything (even though I am staying away from breads and rice voluntarily).<br /> <br /> I am starting to struggle with the amount of food I am eating. For example, yesterday for lunch I had a Healthy Choice meal and by the time I left work I was starving. For dinner I went to KFC and for some chicken strips and potatoes and ate all of it. Then I felt guilty that I ate so much but didn't feel like I had overeaten, I was just comfortable. <br /> <br /> I'm starting to get scared that until I get a fill I will be eating too much. Any ideas on how I can get through the next couple of months? Should I be increasing my Protein shakes? Should I be having smaller, more frequent meals? Help! I should add that my doc already has me on a regular diet. I only did 5 days of full liquids and 5 of mushies before he had me putting regular foods into my diet.

I am primarily still on liquid/pureed, but tried a scrambled egg yesterday and today. I'm struggling to get my Protein in and tired of the Protein drinks already. It's unreal that you can take just a few bites/sips and be full. Not liking the sensation that food is stuck in my throat if I try to eat any more than that. I find myself doing a lot of pacing to release the air bubbles. I have a couple of extra incision sites from the gallbladder removal. But in general, how long does it take before you can bend over at the waist comfortably?

within reason of course....because its my birthday! So for breakfast I had a cup of fruit salad for lunch though we went to DQ and I ate two of my husbands chicken strips and six fries. And I have had a 100 cal pack of cookies and now I am baking an angel food cake. Not my cake of choice but its the only cake my husband will eat and he can eat it in one sitting so I will have my piece and give the rest to him. I am not sure what I will have for dinner yet.

Take your foods with you. Stock up on plenty of protein drinks, yogurt, popsicles, and juices. You should be fine. I would lift more than 10 lbs at first. Be sure to ask your doctor. Good luck. Its exciting.

Hi everyone, hope you are all making it thru the holidays fine. I have a problem and was wondering if anyone knows why??? I go to take a deep breath and it hurts, very uncomfortable,,, I am in the 2nd week of pureed food, what could it be, it did feel like somthing was stuck a few days ago, but now its just uncomfortable when i try to breathe deep, give me some suggestions. love Khrissy:help:

Hi, am new to this site. I am scheduled for Gastric bypass surgery July 25 at TWH in Toronto. I am excited about my surgery but also apprehensive about the unknown and so have found this site very helpful. I have been on Optifast for 14 days, 7 more to go. I am a little disappointed that I am Only 30lbs down after 2weeks of no food. I have stuck only to optifast shakes & sugar free Jello. Is this comparable to others? I feel very light headed and feel unable to go out to do too much because I need to be close to the washroom! Would appreciate any helpful tips or advice. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am having a good day. First today is the last day of school for my daughter. I am on vacation for a week as of tomorrow. Then when I got to work I found out that my main supervisor is out sick today. Oh what a shame. Now I was just told that the other life sucking form of management had to leave because she lost a crown. Maybe I should play the lotto today. Or hopefully someone will discover a way to make Mexican food fat free. Anyone else having a good day? Thanks for letting me brag, my office can be such a drag. :confused:

Great suggestion! I'm not sure starting an entire forum for discounts is appropriate. How about start a topic within the food and Nutrition forum and if it becomes wildly popular, we can move it to its own forum.

Cool good to KNOW!!..can't wait to be on solid food again...I have two days more before I start the "mushier" food....I can't wait to be an actual healthy vegetarian because I think being a vegetarian over 22 years...I was more of a carbitarian...lol....glad to see others out there!!

Hello:) I'm new and have a question regarding my lapband which was put in May 2010. I went through surgery just fine, came home on liquids about a week, soft about a week and solids with the exception of the obvious foods that down go down easily (steak,pork,tougher meats) for 3 years I had no problems at all. I was up to 10cc and needed a fill , but being on Medicaid right now (soon to get insurance tho) they will not pay for my fill. I had insurance when I got it. My question tho is...a week ago yesterday I was eating a handful of blueberries and had eaten about 5 when I felt pressure and realized I needed to stop eating them. I threw up finally ...but after that I was unable to eat any solids at all...I felt very tight and threw up any sold I swallowed. Went to ER at the hospital where I was banded and they removed 10cc. I am down to 3 which is my original amount. I have not had a lot of luck with the band although I don't regret having it. Just wondering if anyone has had this happen. Going for follow up appointment the 11th and hopefully they will be able to determine the cause. I had an xray at hospital and it showed that the band was in the right place and nothing unusual about it. I'm being careful of what I eat and am getting full quickly but it is just so strange .....

I agree it is usually tight at breakfast and then looser at dinner. Your body must just react differently to the band. Try to have the good protein shakes you like availabe when it gets real tight to at least have that to sip on for your meal. I really like the Pure Protein drinks that come in a can like soda because they are easy to grab to take with me. They are 35 grams of protein. Try to count your calories threw the day to make sure you not going way under what you should be eating. I know that sounds weird because diet was usually starvation but when we don't eat our body metabilism shuts down and your body goes in starvation mode. You will feel tired and fatiged but not loose weight. I have done it a few times and I think to myself I am practically starving why am I not dropping wieght. Your body will think it is in starvation mode and just shut down and any little bit you do put in it will just hold onto. Our bodies are amazing and you will really start looking at everything as a science with protein and vitamins for fuel not just eat it to fill your belly. Just be careful with the soups because they are super salty and when your tight it is hard to get the water you need and by having lots of salt your going to have cotton mouth and feel FAMISHED for liquids. It is a balance that everyone's body is difference and some need more iron some need more B-12. I love the Bariatric Advantage multi vitamins you can get online because they are easy to chew and taste good. Then you know at least your multi vita are covered for the day. Check them out if you need suppliments or vita that are made for Weight loss patients. Good luck.

Your portion choices are as important as your food choices. I remember when I went to the seminar the speaker said "you can not expected to loose weight eating oreos and ice cream for dinner." I think that was so funny because it had crossed my mind that I could eat anything as long as it was small portions. Sometimes its hard to change old habits. Portion control is a problem for me mostly at dinner time and I encounter that more often if Im eating out. I think my problem is that by the time dinner comes am starving due to the fact that I eat very little during the day. So I eat til my belly hurts (like Ilene said). I wish I didn't do that, I dont want to stretch my pouch....

Banded 6/26... Am on solids and am gaining some of the weight back I lost prior to surgery and immediate losses after surgery. Still trying to understand the meaning of "Full." I know what it meant as a fat person, belly so full I had to loosen my belt... But now? While I dread the first fill, last week of Aug. I have yet to change my eating habits (ie. poor food choices). Wish me luck.. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but damn how I wish it would be.

I have read else where that when people go thorough a major stall they go back to basics, the post op diet and even mushy food for a week or two and it jump starts them. Good luck! 82 lbs is AWESOME!

I was scheduled for May 17th, but now May 20th. I cannot wait! I m going to do my shopping two days prior. My biggest concern is that I have to have a hiatal hernia repair and my doctor said it could cause slippage of the band, hopefully that will not happen. I am now on my pre-op diet and it seems all I can think about is food, but I did good today. Why is it that when we are restricted from things, it is all we can think about? LOL Good Luck to all of those May bandsters!

Heyas Kim.. I saw my surgeon last Tuesday for the three week follow-up and expressed concern that I can eat too much at one time. He said the band is wide open still and I should be physically able to eat just like I could prior to surgery. The reason we are on soft foods is so we dont push the band until its good and healed. Remember, you have stitches in your stomach where they pulled the stomach over the band. Princess was funny but Im afraid there's a lot of thruth in her humor. You shouldnt worry about stuff too much right now. But you should be practicing following the rules. If you dont, youre going to feel that lightning strike! And 18 pounds!! Excellent! *cheers* Go Kim! I have no idea where I am since last Monday. My DH took away the scale batteries and I can only weight on Mondays. Youre right on track girl, stop worrying and enjoy the ride! :bananajump: