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I also had my band removed, and had to wait 3 months. I was told is due to the scar tissue and it needed to heal before they do the sleeve, also insurance and you need to do some test over. I was sleeved on 8/10 and have lost 18 so far, I'm glad I did the revision, the band started giving me so much trouble and it begin to hurt. There is a 1500 calorie diet you can follow to help you maintain and not gain any weight, it was very hard for me and I found myself eating more, and more, I pray you can get it done soon, blessings to you all.

Alcohol does it to me. If I have one glass of wine weight loss would come to a dead stop. When you figure calories and such it really shouldn't but I've seen others post the same comments. What if you knock out all alcohol? Just try it for two weeks. Not a drop, see what happens. Might make the difference.

Well it is the 28th and not the 27th as I posted but this is my journal entry for yesterday. I could not get logged onto LBT. I assume from the lack of journal entries I wasn't the only one? Anyway, yesterday was probably my hardest day since the surgery. I really wanted food. I haven't eaten for close to a month now with the exception of the chalupa I had after losing my 25 lbs 2 days befor surgery. And I just wanted something, anything. But I made it through the day. I didn't get any exercise in. I was just lazy I guess. I didn't make it a priority. I consumed 600 calories. I am ready for November 8th to be here. That is my first post-op appt and when I'll be allowed to go on mushies. I would just LOVE a scrambled egg! I will write today's entry later. Until then..........

I drink Evolve shakes and they are also 140 calories:

I am feeling very tired too. Surgery was Nov 9th. I think it's catching up with reduced calories, not enough fluids, low carb and not a lot of real healthy nutrients (just protein). Also, it could be the winter weather and lack of sunshine. I felt like I've been fortunate not feeling real tired for the first 5 weeks but now it's hitting me. I think it's normal. Try getting more fluids. Dehydration causes fatigue too. Hang in there! You are not alone Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went for my 12 week follow up appointment on Friday. My surgeon was called out for surgery, so I met with one of the other surgeons in the office, whom I have met before, so I did not mind. My last follow up appointment was on October 30th (a month and 3 days after surgery) at which point I received a 1.5 cc fill, adding to the 2.5 cc's put in at time of surgery, for a total of 4 cc's in my 10 cc band. My surgeon was certain that I would need another fill by this next appointment (on Friday), however the other surgeon that I met with went on and on about how well I was doing. I have lost 30 pounds since surgery on 9/27/12. He said I have lost 23% of my excess weight in less than 3 months and said in his opinion I do not need a fill. When averaged out over the weeks since surgery I am losing about 2.33 pounds per week, which he said was amazing. I guess my question is, how many of you have gone in for a scheduled fill and not received one? He told me to call anytime before my next scheduled appointment to come in for a fill if I feel that I need one. What signs will I have if I need one? I am still very new to being banded and am looking for some Band Vets advice here. I do limit myself to a cup of food per meal, stay below 1100 calories a day, most days am successful of getting in all my Protein. I do snack between meals, still staying in my caloric range for the day. Like I said, I feel like I am missing something, or uneducated as to how I will know if I need a fill?? Thanks for any advice in advance and Merry Christmas to everyone!! Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

That's one thing I hate about the self serve places! I have gotten pretty good at measuring out 4 or 8 ounces. depends on how many calories I have to spare!

Initially, (the first 6 weeks out of surgery) I had emotional/anxiety/depression issues and was terrified of my 40lb weight loss, in such a short time. Now that my emotional issues are being managed, (more or less), through medical/medicine intervention...and food no longer is repulsive to me, I am eating/drinking approximately 600-800 cals a day. I'm weighing myself for the past two weeks and the scale fluctuates between 186-188lbs. I don't get it! I workout on the treadmill at the local Ballys and use some of the exercise equipment but the lbs are just not budging. At this rate, I can't even imagine myself even near goal...my hopes and dreams of a fit and lean body are becoming just that...wishful thinking. I just don't get how taking in less than half of the calories I used to pre-surgery isn't having an impact on my weight. Even some family members are questioning if this surgery was worth it. It's 2 weeks and I'm still weighing 187-188 lbs! This is some hell of a stall! I feel like I did pre surgery every time I tried to go on a diet. And, I may be put on an antidepressant next week so now I'm wondering if that will help or hinder my weight loss mission. Any insights will be appreciated very much. Thanks.

Hi guys, I've been having a daily meltdown since weeks. I had my surgery on March 18 at 86kgs and since have only lost 12kgs. I hear people who have had the same surgery talk about losing 50 pounds in the same time period but not me. Since July 13, I've lost maybe 2 pounds, not even a kg. They say it is because I started at a lower weight but I don't know if that's an actual thing. I have average 900 calories per day. I have about 55-60gms of Protein without any shake. I also snack but never more than a few pieces of whatever - crisps, small biscuits etc. I maintain three meals of which at least two are healthy. Since August been doing power yoga one a week and Zumba thrice a week. What should I do? How am I failing myself? Would love your help please!

Well this really sucks i did really good for 2 days and then took a 1hrs flight to Queens land, and im sick again. I think im going to make starbucks my new home and only drink my calories. On monday were leaving again on the plane for 3 night to Melbourn so im sure i will be sick again. My next holidays im thinking a cruise..

It is so hard I'm 20 days out !!! And never sure what to eat always have a protein drink in morning instead of coffee 50 grams protein!! Then at times I try fish!! I love my steamed vegs but can't have them yet live on low calorie Gatorade !!! I do try some soup or cream of wheat nothing taste the same!!!

It will definitely get better! Also- your diarrhea may not be because of the sweeteners- I had diarrhea for the first two weeks and then it cleared up. I am ot keen on artificial sweeteners at all but I encourage you to keep trying as the Protein drinks are an important way to get the protein I got used to the sucralose.. Another way would be to get unflavored protein - unjury has it and mix some into your yogurt and Soup. The Unjury chicken soup is great- it is a mainstay for me at 21 grams of protein. However- I suggest adding more water- I use 12-16 ounces- helps with the Fluid totals and makes it less salty. If you are able to get some Protein Drinks in that will boost your calories AND your protein. You are in this for the long haul and for me the chemistry of high protein , low carbs, and lots of Water has wrked beautifully and it is important not to leave any part out. Ideas-add milk to your soups- that adds protein, and also calories. Add a dollop of greek yogurt to a spicy or savory soup- it is like sour cream. Have full fat yogurt- you need to nourish yourself and that is NOT enough calories. It is so tempting without the hunger to just let yourself have that little and think it will mean bigger numbers, but the sooner you get the habits and the chemical flow of wieght loss in to place the better- and the sooner you will have the energy to kick butt work out! Don't let your body start consuming itself.

Thanks everyone ! I work out like 6 days a week. Mostly cardio 3-5 miles walking minimum. I recently kicked in jogging and weight lifting 3-4 days a week with it. I try to keep between 800-1400 max with the calories and switch it up every so often to play tricks with my metabolism. Generally I try and keep the carbs to a minimum and stay away from crap foods. I eat lots of grilled chicken breast and veggies. My weight has slowed a little the past month but I am noticing my clothes are fitting better.

I do occasionally eat them, but my problem with them is they don't keep me feeling full/satisfied for as long as real food does. So on days I eat them I usually end up eating more calories overall. But they're handy to keep on hand for a quick, not too unhealthy, snack when real and healthy meal options are not available.

Judy, I've been exactly where you are! I was so frustrated with the back and forth that first month. I couldn't believe I wasn't losing on 600 calories a day! I only lost 4 pounds the month after surgery and four the second month after!! It's so hard seeing everyone's tickers that seem to be losing so fast and you're doing everything right and not losing!!! Well here's the good news - After that second month post op the weight literally started falling off! I believe my body decided it wasn't starving and decided to let go of the calories. I know a lot of people on this forum do things differently than me, however this is what is working for me: I average 700 calories a day, 60 - 70g Protein, 30 -40g carb. 70 - 80oz. plain water. If I get hungry between meals I drink 16 - 24oz water all at once. My fills have helped, but I've been doing this from the beginning The fills have definatly helped curb my hunger, but I have to work very hard at it. It is so worth it though to see the scale go down every time I weigh now! Many have lost faster than me, but with my record for weight loss _ I'm thrilled. Just be patient and it will happen for you. You seem to have a good idea about what it takes to be successful so keep up the hard work and your body WILL respond!! Best wishes to you! .

If you feel restricted and are getting stuck a lot, it does not sound like you need a fill. I wonder if you are eating enough? Do you track all your food and calories? Are there specific foods that give you a problem with getting stuck? Is there a time of day you are more prone to getting stuck? Are you eating foods high in Protein? I know for me, when I was only eating 700-900 calories a day I stopped losing. Now that I eat 1100-1200 I lose consistently. I have never been stuck, but I dont have a lot of restriction. I've never thrown up. I do need to make sure I chew, chew and chew some more. If you dont already, I would track everything you eat, time of day, calories, protein. Keep track of your fullness, make a note if you get stuck. Do this for 2 weeks to really get a good handle on what is going on. Then take the information to your surgeon and discuss what is going on. I hope things work out for you. Hang in there!

Are you supposed to get in 1000 calories a day? Wow, did not know that, oh well. I guess I have been getting in 800 or 900, no wonder I feel tired. I am working at my desk as well. No psychos today , not yet

Today was a good eating day. It is now close to 9 pm. I'm done eating and I'm at 962 calories and 88 protein. I feel good. I know it's only one day but I'm proud of myself. Tomorrow is another day and I'm going to try to stay under 1000 calories again.

Yes, this is completely normal. For at least the 1st month post-surgery, I never felt hungry and couldn't tell when my stomach was really hungry or if it was just my old habits making me want to eat. One solution I found was to get some 1/2 cup plastic containers from Wal-Mart. I would eat 1/2 cup of whatever 5 to 6 times a day to get in my calories. I knew that I could hold 1/2 cup without over-filling my stomach. Hope this helps. Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!

Technically I don't have to start my preop diet until the 2nd, but since my bmi is so high (68) I decided to start cutting down on my portion sizes this week, and uping my protein intake as well. It's hard cuz i am never full, but I am trying my best. I eat about 2,200-2500 caloires a day-all from healthy foods-which is good for me cuz i usually eat like seriously 5,000-9,000 calories a day! i eat lots of sugar free popsicles to help get me through the cravings, also coffee w/splenda helps me feel full, as does adding spinach leaves to all my meals to turn it into a salad of sorts. Next week I will be replacing one meal a day with protein shakes, and the next week 2 meals a day and so forth. This has got to be the hardest part of this journey!

I was struggling to find a protein drink with enough protein to fulfill my post op requirements yet not be so sickly sweet that it made my already queasy stomach worse but I've finally found it! I went to GNC and they have a line called Isopure that has a whopping 40g of protein, 160 calories, zero carbs. It comes in several flavors, grape, mango/peach, green apple, coconut etc but what is best is that the flavor is very mild, not super sweet at all. I wish I'd had these right after surgery. Love them! I also found the sub-lingual b12 and biotin chewables

Whenever I'm complaining about the scale not moving fast enough...my husband always say....You know, sex is good exercise. He might have ulterior motives. But he's right, it is. It's cardiovascular...has some extra incentives. Why not? If you have a partner, think about the caloric benefits of being spicy a little more often. The average person burns about 144 calories for a half an hour of sex (including massage, pre-sex silliness, etc) So think about it....if you added sex every day....that's an extra thousand calories you're burning every week!

If I found a shot with 50gr Protein in 4 oz but it has 230 calories. Im only planning on using it for the first 10 days (clear liquid phase of post op) so do you guys think it an acceptable amount of calories for that many grams of Proteins? Also is there any truth to the notion that the body only can absorb 30gr at a time? Im thinking that Isopure has 15gr protein and 60 calories. So to get my protein in I would need to drink atleast 4 of these then the calories would be 240 so there's no difference right? Thanks!

All I can say is to measure your food with your meals being no more than 4 oz total. A lot of people use myfitnesspal to track how many calories they are eating as well. You should stay within 800-1000 calories if you possibly can. Have cheese sticks handy and protein bars for a snack. Good luck.

After my initial consultation they gave me a 5 page list of "Do Not Eat" and Phentermine for 60 days as a 1400 calorie/day pre-op diet. Need to lose down to 410 before they'll do surgery. If it was that easy, wouldnt need surgery in the first place! I digress. You can do a lot of cooking ahead. I cook 14 chicken breasts per week and stick them in a big plastic container in the fridge. 1 gets eaten with 2 fried eggs and an apple in the morning. One gets cut into bitesize pieces and tossed onto a bed of kale with 1tbsp olive oil. That's nuked at work. I get a bag of pre chopped kale at the grocery store, it wilts down well in a microwave. Replace Kale with a couple servings of any vegetable you like. Garlic salt had become my new friend. dinner is usually stir fry vegetables: Snow peas, broccoli, mushroom, zucchini, carrot, 1tbsp sesame oil, 1tbsp oyster sauce, 1tbsp low sodium soy sauce 1tbsp garlic, 1tbsp ginger (easy on this if youre not used to it! Maybe 1tsp). Sometimes i'll put meat in it, sometimes I wont. Most of those vegetables are pre-sliced or stir fry ready, though i cut the broccoli myself (cheaper) and the zucchini. All of my vegetables for the week are pre-cut on sunday when I prep everything else for the week. Light string cheese (sometimes), beef Jerky, raw snow peas with a serving of hummus, baby carrots and a LOT of Water are my between meal Snacks. If I'm hungry I've learned to think "am i just bored?" If i am, i go for a walk. If I'm not, I drink water and wait half an hour. I walk on both of my breaks at work M-F then Saturday & Sunday I walk 1.25 miles. My results so far are 12 pounds lost in 4 weeks, and a LOT of pain from the walking. My legs hurt pretty much constantly and now my arms are starting up. I dont take any pain med, the doctor's office told me not to take it. The only medicines I have taken are Imitrex when needed, multi-Vitamins, B12, and Phentermine. It's not cheap to eat like that where I live in California. The meat alone is $25/week. Veggies are decently priced and plentiful. I cook for a household of 4, 2 of which are diabetic, one normal, and myself. Easter I had 3oz ham, then filled up on salad and asparagus. I was raised in a family where food was everything. Happy? Food! Sad? Food! Holiday? FOOD! Funeral? Food! Not hungry? Food! So I'm using the pre-op diet time to fight the food = fun/pleasure thought process. It's very very very freaking hard. Deleted my pinterest boards related to food. Left my cooking message board. My friends, thankfully, understand and dont suggest eating out all of the time anymore. They ask me to come on walks, or i ask them. I havent joined a gym, I have workout equipment at my home. Even if I want to scream and say no, I'm exhausted, no more! I walk. Sorry that was long and creepy I guess. If you want recipes, I can write some. I think the whole point of the diet is to change your brain to think food is boring and for nutrition only, and to prepare you for your upcoming lifestyle.