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Don't feel bad. Tomorrow is my one month surgiversary and I've only lost 11 lbs since surgery. (10- pre-op diet). I've always been a slow loser. I know my body is resisting going into the 180's. I've been at 190 for several days. I totally believe the body has "set points" and has to adjust with stalls. I agree with the deli meat issue. I bet if you switch to soft fish (tilapia, salmon...) and/or shrimp you'll the scale moving again. Me, I think I'm going to try the HCG food plan (without the HCG) for today to shake things up! It's 2 apples, 4 oz meat & veggies for lunch & dinner. That's it. 500 cals. Good luck and keep us posted.

I am on regular food now. I am not eating raw veges or steak yet, but basically everything else I am eating. I do try and eat a little all day and at first that was working great. I would have a Atkins shake on the way to work then a yogurt a couple hours later then lunch and another yogurt or something in the afternoon and then dinner. For the most part I am ok doing this and I am not chowing down at dinner, just eating more than a cup of food. Probably between 1 and 2 cups at dinner. I was expecting to eat like a half cup to a cup and be satified. Well it is not cutting it! I guess I just feel like I did before surgery and my weight loss has been at a standstill for the last week so I am wondering when things will feel different. And should I only eat a cup of food even if I am still hungry?

I'm excited to get my second fill this afternoon. But, I'm feeling a little anxious about it as well. My weight loss has stalled a bit - i'm ready to begin the journey of losing this weight in earnest. But, I also like having my band that restricts the food intake without the terrible side affects - pbs, getting stuck, etc. Fortunately, I haven't experienced any of these things yet but I'm afraid that this second fill may actually take me to the next level where I'll really have to confront my food issues and slow down my eating. While I know the benefit will be weight loss, the fear of losing normalcy in my life is taking over a bit right now.

Today was my FIL's birthday and the family met at Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner. My thought was that I would just have some Soup. It turns out, they don't have soup! I eneded up getting mashed potatoes and ate a couple of tsps, maybe. It was a little odd as, although I've done lunch out with my husband and then again with my daughter, this was a whole other ballgame. My in-laws know that I had the surgery but my SIL/BIL don't, might, probably know. I wonder if they do. I'm not sure if MIL said anything. I didn't ask her not too, but, it doesn't really matter. I feel like f they didn't know, there would have been more comment on my choice. I wish I would have had more of a "plan" other than to have soup. Everyone ordered dinner plates which, when they came, seemed HUGE to me. Of course, it wasn't any more than I've ever eaten at any given time, but this time was different. The servings just seemed ginormous. My BIL asked me if I was dieting and I said yes, as always, but there was not really any more comment made on my dinner choice other than the waitress who said, "that's all you want, mashed potatoes"? I took it really slow but again, forgot about not drinking while eating. Since my plan was to order soup, I had asked for Water (which I brought crystal light for) and sipped on it while eating the MP. It took me just as long to get through those couple of bites as it did for everyone else to finish. I think using the tiny forks/spoons at home has really helped slow me down. They were certainly one ofthe best tools I have bought. I felt a little silly just ordering the MP while everyone was ordering normal, so I thought, next time, I might order a regular plate and just push the food around a bit to blend in more. Then I thought, man, that's just kinda stupid. If I would have had a better plan, I would have thought to ask for a bowl of hot water and I could have mixed the single serving packet of unjury chicken Soup that I had in my purse and would have been perfectly fine. Then if anyone asked, I could just say that I am doing a liquid Protein diet. DUH! NOTED! Another thing I notied was that closer to the end of the meal, I got slightly nauseated from the smells. It was just a little overwhelming. I wonder if I had skipped the water if it would have bothered me. So, there's my first moment out in the real world and I certainly learned a few lessons. We are now back home and I am trying to fulfill my daily protein req with having that Unjury soup. I had 2 protein shakes today so I'm getting my usual 75 gms in. YAY me!

So I went to see Dr Nutcase (the psychologist) yesterday for the first time. We went over past experiences, childhood, past relationships, etc. We talked about my anxiety and self esteem issues, as well as weight loss and lack of coping mechanism. She gave me a book on tape about this, called When food is Love. I started listening to it this morning on the way into the office. The author was an abused child and thankfully, I can't identify with this, but as for the food issues and dependency on people in my life/attention seeking, I can definitley relate. We talked about my insecurities regarding my relationship and my jealousy. I explained that I don't want to be a jealous person and that my husband has never given me any reason to not trust him .. quite the opposite. She said sometimes, jealousy stems from intuition. That caught me off guard a bit. I was expecting her to dismiss my fears - instead, she wanted me to investigate them. After thinking about it throughout the afternoon yesterday, I now think I understand what she meant. I need to explore the reason behind my feelings - whether it be reality, past experiences (ex husband cheated on me, dad cheated on mom, etc), self esteem issues, being alone (that's when I usually have these feelings), etc. I have homework this week, in the form of writing a 6 page autobiography about emotional pressure points throughout my life. She said to sit down with some wine and just let it flow. LOL .. when I drink wine, tears tend to flow, so this should be interesting. She's encouraged me to get back to meditation - something I've enjoyed in the past, that helps me identify negative or "tearing" thoughts for what they are. I picked up my old Happy For No Good Reason (excellent book if you'd like to learn to meditate) book last night and started reading it again to refresh myself with how to meditate lol. She's also encouraged me to get out and make friends. Easier said than done however, as I tend to get nauseous in those social situations. We'll work on that though. Anyway, just thought I'd let you guys know how it went. I go back next week. I've just gotten to the office, from the gym (yayy me), so I best get to work now lol.

I was banded March 28, 2012. I love the band I had my first fill on May 17 I eat about 1 cup of food every meal. I exercise 45 minutes four to five days a week.

To me chicken and fish, that I have not cooked myself, tend to be a bit risky. They can be dry and get stuck easily so although preband they may have been the ideal diet food ,post band they are not. I would choose a Pasta dish - a starter sized serve of canneloni or lasagne or something with a tomato based sauce. They are less likely to get stuck which to me is more important when eating out than choosing the lowest calorie food. Dieting successfully is about what you do 90% of the time. So going out and occasionally having something that may be less than ideal does not hurt.

I use my Lose It app to check out the calories and fat content of food before I order it. It's shocking to see how different dishes compare nutritionally. For instance, I was going to order an open faced tuna sandwich at a restaurant but when I looked it up it was almost 1000 calories and loaded with fat. I ended up ordering a small hamburger, which was (shockingly) less than half the calories as the tuna. I would have never guessed that in a million years if I hadn't looked it up before ordering. A lot of restaurants have their menus online, too. This way you can decide before you even leave the house what you're going to order.

That last night is really scary for many of us. I didn't sleep at all the night before my surgery. You have made a huge decision for yourself and now you're looking it in the eye and wondering the same things many of us wonder. Should I do this? Will I be able to live with this decision for the rest of my life? If you're truly in an introspective mood, go back over your list of pros and cons. But, remember this, once you're sleeved, you will lose that 150 pounds and be happier, healthier and more energetic. You'll get to live a lot longer than you will if you remain obese. Even if you manage to lose that 150 pounds on your own, how hard will it be to take it off and keep it off. Yes, you've lost weight pre-op, but you've done it by literally eliminating food from your diet. I had the same thoughts you're having right now. Less than a year later and 112 pounds lighter, I'm STILL thrilled I got on that table. Think of this: What would YOU give right this minute to be 112 pounds lighter? A piece of your stomach is easy compared to whatever the answer to that question is. Good luck! I'll be here waiting to welcome you to the loser's bench after your surgery!!! Your future is so bright that you're gonna need shades!

It's normal to feel nervous and have second thoughts. You will also change your relationship with food after having 80% of your tummy removed, you won't have the ability to eat huge meals at one time. And for some people like myself, I forget to eat sometimes and I just don't want to eat because I'm not hungry. I now eat for nutrition because I have to eat to remain healthy and nourished. As for making healthy meals, you can do it because you will have to plan your meals like some one else stated (at first liquids, then puree foods, then soft foods, etc). During that time you will be surprised what you can prepare at home (like healthy chili's, stews in the crock pot and learning the best foods with protien (beans, eggs, cottage cheese and such). This is a learning process and you will do great, see you on the loser's bench.

GREAT POST LISSA, AS SHE SAID ITS ONLY NATURAL TO HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS. yOU WILL BE FINE. yOU WILL BUILD A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD. PLUS IF YOU WERE GONNA LOOSE THAT WIEGHT YOU WOULD ALREADY HAVE. I LOST 65 POUNDS GETTING READY FOR SURGERY, I TOO THOUGHT MAYBE I CAN DO THIS ON MY OWN, I COULDNT. I AM DOWN A TOTAL OF 154 POUNDS 86 SINCE SURGERY ON 4/20.........COULDNT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT MY SLEEVE. YOU WILL BE FINE AND GOOD LUCK

after 10 days of liquid diet what is next .what can I eat ? what do you graduate to? on wednesday I'll find out I'm on my seventh day but if anybody has any ideas for food after the 10 days please let me know

On July 21st it will make a whole year since I had my band put in. Lately, I have second guessed my choice to have this band. I have had some many episodes of feeling that stuck feeling and throwing up a slimly substance because things are not going down properly. I have spoke with my doctor about these issues and several different reasons have been given for my episodes. No- I don't eat large bites of food at any given time, and I always take my time while eating. No- this is not happening all of the time, but yes- it's happening more than I would like for it to be happening. I feel like "my" band has a mind of its own. There are certain days I feel super tight and other days things feel just right. My doctor has explained that my band should always feel the same unless it's swollen and irritated by something I have done wrong. Honestly, this band has so many rules and does & don'ts! I do thank God for my weight lost, but it has truly come with a price. I could have never understood this before actually going through a lot of different trials. Having this band is not an easy fix with losing weight. It really takes a lot of discipline and complying with a lot of different rules. On the flip side, my niece has the sleeve and she has none of these issues to deal with. She can only eat a smaller portion of food, but there are not all of the other restrictions Iike band patience do. I can deal with the smaller portions, but sometimes I feel just miserable and wishing my choices was different. I do understand that with any weight lost procedure anything can go wrong, but sometimes I just want to feel normal during meal times. I really don't eat out with my family any more due to the awful things I experience while attempting to eat. (having to leave the table to spite up food that will not go down or have this crazy look on my face because I fee this awful pain in my upper chest area) Then I have days that I have no problems at all. I want to emphasize once more that small portions are not a problem, but to always worry about my meals and if I am going to be able to swallow what I am eat is. It’s the most difficult with my 6 year old son when these things are going on, because he now tell me “Mommie you should have never got that band”! I feel like I've come too far to have every single thing taken out of my band, and honestly I only have 4cc in a 10cc band. My doctor wants to take everything out and for me to start all over again with my fills. I am almost at my 12 month mark and my fills will be no longer covered per my contract. My band is not even half full and in less than 17 days I will be a year banded. There are some things that I have found that really help me not to experience that stuck feeling in my throat/upper chest area. If I drink warm drinks throughout my day things have an easier time going down vs. me not drinking warm drink. I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if I try to eat real food my day is shot from then on. Therefore, skipping breakfast or having a protein shake works a whole lot better for me. I just want people to be aware that there maybe complications with this band and there is definitely no easy fix for losing weight. Each person has to figure out what works best for them and their band and continue to apply the principles of having a band. (Don’t mix food and drink- eat very, very slowly to prevent things from getting stuck- don't over eat to the point of throw food back up- don't over do the protein because it's bad on the kidneys "I learned that one the hard way"- exercise is your best friend if you want quick weight lost- learn to research things you have questions about or seek information from reliable sources) Following these steps have really helped me to get to the point where I am now with my weight lost. I do realize this is a daily effort to keeping my weight off, but having these tools handy will really make things a lot easier to accomplish your goals.

I have problems with being tight in the mornings. I am not able to eat first thing or have anything cold. I have also found that my band gets tight when it is colder out or the air pressure is high. I thought I was going to have to get some taken out, but I tried a liquid diet for a few days and that seems to have helped some. I also found eating mushy foods when this happens is the best way to eat. I love navy beans now more than ever. I make sure that every thing I eat provides protein so I reach my goal every day. Greek yogurt packs tons of protein in a cup serving and makes wonderful smoothies.

I have a question about acid re flux and vomiting. I had my sleeve on June 17 and my doctor had me trying to introduce food by the end of my 2nd week. I have been trying to introduce food ever since however no matter how small I cut my food or even if I eat yogurt or pudding it pushes it's way back up I cannot eat or drink or anything without it coming back up. Is this normal? I have emailed my surgeon and he just says it will work itself out but I am beginning to wonder...I take a pepicid regimen and the acid re flux is still horrible. Please help.

Congrats on join the Post Op ranks! It gets better. I was sleeved on July 26 and the pain is beginning to subside and I begin soft foods in 2 days. I have actually started back to work this week and I do recommend buying a belly binder to wear after about day 4 or 5 to cope with the pain while still trying to be mobile and walk some. Take care and good luck!

Scrambled eggs are a good option. Pureed chicken is basically chicken salad. Tuna from a can is already a decent consistency.

I would definitely discuss this with your doctor. It sounds like you need a fill. It takes most people a while to find their "sweet spot." Once you find it, you will not be able to eat large portions and there are some foods that will get stuck no matter how much you chew them. Stay in touch with your doctor and DON'T feel like a failure...the band will work, you're just not at your sweet spot yet.

My name is Leslie, i've been obese since i was a little kid, i weight over 200 pounds starting in fifth grade, never really had any friends, kids were always so mean...but my family was worse......my own grandparents don't even have pictures of me up on the walls in their home, and they only have 2 grandchildren.....and pictures everywhere of my lesser obese cousin....it really saddens me when i visit them and see that....when i was 18 and graduated high school i decided i wanted to loose weight, i stopped drinking sodas, and ate alot less, and only once a day, and stopped eating sweets, and i lost 80 pounds, weigthed about 250, was able to fit into blue jeans that didn't have ellastic that was like the best feeling, but it wasn't good enough for my famiily, they told me i had to keep loosing, and not to eat this and not to drink that, and them harrassing me just got me down, my entire life they harrassed me on my weight and they couldn't have just been proud of me that i lost 80 pounds in only 3 mothes, so i got what i wanted out of the weight loss ( a boyfriend) and then started eating and drinking whatever i wanted again, and gained all the weight back, luckily not right away, it was about a year or so before it all came back, and as i was in and out of relationships the weight would come on and off, i'd loose weight when i wasn't in a relationship and gained weight by being comfortable in a relationship, of course most of the guys i went out with were also overweight so they liked sodas, sweets, and fast food restaraunts, not a friend to someone trying to loose weight.....but then i met my husband moved from san antonio to dallas after knowing him 1 week, and after 1 month living with him i gained 30 pounds, weighing 300 when i met him, we lived with his parents the first month, and they had sodas galore in their house, and all the sweets you can imagine, and every chip available, i love them to death but the temptations in their house are awful to someone who needs to loose weight, so yea i started drinking sodas again, before i met my hubby i was off sodas for a while, and the first 30 pounds came fast....then we got our own place and started trying for a baby, we weren't having any luck getting pregnant, i wasn't having regular periods, i haven't had regular periods since junior high, so after we married in nov we went to the doc to find out why we weren't getting pregnant, and after being treated horribliy by the obgyn telling us there was "no magic pill i can give you to get pregnant" those are her exact words, and not what we were looking for......we had tests done....found out i had a thyroid problem, but oddly enough i had the thyroid problem that affects skinny people, which happens to also be the thyroid problem that the meds you have to take are not safe to get pregnant on, so that left us with only one option, to kill off my thyroid and have me become hypothryoid....so that happened about a year after we met plus a few monthes, and i was bed ridden for about 3 monthes, in horrible pain after i had my throid killed off waiting for the meds to level off and have normal thyroid levels....i could barely move, my neck would cramp up my back would cramp up, it hurt to lay down, to sit up , to do anything so this was another 30 pounds added to my weight gain.....so now the biggest i've ever been in my entire life and can't do some simple things that i used to be able to do i'm so misserable.....then all the meds i'm taking to get my hormones in check to give me periods and to make me ovulate cause me to gain another 20 pounds......so now i'm really uncomfortable, i mean i was always used to being a big girl but 80 pounds on top of what i was used to being is ridiculous and so uncomfortable, i told my husband a few weeks ago if the clomid didnt work this month to make me ovulate that i want to have the lapband surgery, and of course the clomid did not work.....so i talked with my obgyn and she said having the lapband surgery would be a very good idea.....and go figure a week later and i have my first period on my own in probably about 2 years, my husband was thinking about trying just in case i ovulate on my own too......but i told him no, i decided i want to have this surgery, i don't want to try till after i have this surgery and get the ok to start trying.....it was just so depressing all those monthes trying and thinking maybe this time....and then getting a negative pregnancy test, i just want to feel like me again, and if i loose more then the 80 pounds to get me back to the "me weight" the weight i'm used to, then thats just an extra bonus.....

I was sleeved on the 18th and I woke up in the ICU? I was allergic to the anaesethic( cant spell it). anyone else have this happen to them? I guess I was paralyzed and it took almost 6 hours for the sedative to wear off. I woke up with a breathing tube down my throat, boy, was I scared. So far, I have been doing okay, I get food cravings still, I know I have enough will power to say no to my cravings and I do but my brain is still saying to me, hey your bored...go find something to eat. what do you do then? ive been keeping myself busy by cleaning mostly. my incisions are looking really good, I just wonder how the inside is doing. Just wanted to drop a few lines, Im new to this forum and wanting to make some new weight loss friends....

Is it imperative to keep a food diary?

Tx., Congratulations on lasting 5 weeks on full liquids w/o cheating. Wow. I was only on for 2 weeks and that was hard. Enjoy your Mexican food! I think you deserve to treat yourself after working so hard.

OH, ok..Me again! :laugh: I'm back to say that some months are definitely better than others. I've had a problem keeping ANY food down for nearly 4 or 5 days now. I'm hoping today is easier. My last fill was back after Thanksgiving, so it's not as if I'm suddenly over-filled, though that can happen.... Just wanted to let you know that even a year and a half after banding, I still struggle with the same things! :drool:

I am 7 weeks post-op & craving salad. My dr. Is fairly conservative--I was on full liquids for 3 weeks and started soft foods 3 weeks ago. No issues so far. Thx.

watch your sodium in your food. And cut down on carbs if you are eating them make sure that you are not adding fats to your diet.... it will cause your weight loss to stop...... that's what the Dietcian advised us. ARe you using regular mayo in your tuna salad..... it's high in fat. You may just be retaining Fluid. Try drinking more Water and see what happens and go back to the Protein shakes for one day with one light meal maybe? IDK we are all learning here.....