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Well, Thanksgiving was wonderful. All the family was there & everyone was doing great. Food was awesome! Actually ate more than I should have, (No Doubt) but still managed to lose a couple pounds over the last week. I've never been able to say those words during the holiday's. So, Yaay me:clap2:!!!! I am really starting to tell some differences now. The other night, shortly after eating, I decided to have a big drink of water, well, that was a mistake. It simply wouldn't go down. I actually had to spit the water out, go figure!:omg: That was just crazy. I go back to the Dr. on Thursday morning. Looking forward to that. I would so love to see onederland by Christmas. Can it happen?:guess Well we will see. Ttys, Tammie D.:kiss2:

I am almost four weeks out and am still tired. I am getting the fluids and the protein, for the most part, but still can't walk too far. I have been to the grocery store or to Costco but that is my BIg outing for the day. It might be my age---i'm 65. Pre op weight was 307. I have lost 24 pds (including pre op weight loss). I am on soft foods. I am afraid I will never get my energy back. any advice from someone farther down the road???

Hi I just begun my journey and decided lap band is best for me, I have a BMI of 54 (ugh), going through Kaiser to have procedure done and insurance say's I'm covered, checked 3 seperate times now to make sure, DR is writing my referral for the surgery once I complete the introduction class in a few weeks, began working out riding excercise bike 8-10 miles a day for 40 min and jogging in pool for another 20-30min evry other day, and started 1200 calorie/day diet hoping to drop some lbs in advance to get the ball rolling and get used to whats instore, been cutting my food into tiny pieces, and chewing to mush to used to that, I've had enough of being fat Anyone else gone through Kaiser or can offer what I should expect in coming weeks, I do know I will be required to lose 10% I was told of current weight, is this true I have read some posts that drs just want you to make an effort and lose what you can before surgery, basically what am instore for in coming week, tests, physc exam? etc thanks

Even though I just had surgery on Monday, I've already had a non scale victory! When I logged today's weight into my fitness pal, it said because I had lost more than 10 pounds, they had to recalculate my goals. I know my calorie goal was over 1300 (which I thought was a bit much) but now it's down 1240. I'm totally psyched! I'm not logging my food right now because I'm just on full liquids. I'm nowhere close to the amount of calories I should be having, so I don't see the sense in it. I love this app!!

We are running low on stuff we bought before the recall. Can I now go to Petco and buy food? Or is it still possible there is a problem? Has anyone officially declared that the problem is over going forward? (Not that they should be trusted, but I'm just wondering if any public statements have been made.) Thanks

I'm sure you've thought of all of these suggestions, but here goes. My Dr. allows me to have between 1000-1200 calories per day. I can have three salad plates of food each day as long as they are within the calorie boundaries. I swim 5 days per week and try to be as active as I can. Maybe just a little tweak will get you back on track!

Jodie, you've lost 46 pounds! You must be doing something right! Great job! Eating the proteins first, veg. second, then low carbs if room left will help you get the good foods you need and they will help you feel full longer.

I have not yet attended a support group meeting but Iam considering going,do I need to RSVP or just show up? Your surgery will be just find for some reason I was'nt nervous at all the day of my surgery before I knew it I was in recovery I dont remeber much,first week at home was a littel rough I actually enjoyed being on the liquad diet I had a hard time going back to solid food,I still cant believe its over and done with the surgery was the easy part I think now is the hardest trying to eat right and excersise.

I'm on soft foods and I can drink like normal but when I way something solid I get 2-3 bites in and i'm stuffed!

In 4 days, I will be 2 weeks post op with my sleeve. The first week was predictably difficult on my all liquid diet and I struggled to get enough protein and liquids. My surgeon authorized me to move to pureed foods after 7 days and since then, I have been feeling much better. I have been sticking to 3 ounce meals -- about 5 times a day -- and have been eating various pureed items such as butternut squash soup, sweet mashed potatoes, tuna salad, egg salad, hummus, etc. along with at least one protein shake a day. I feel like I have a notable appetite and was somewhat surprised by this since I've read that in the first few months, there is usually little to no appetite and you would have to be reminded to eat. Anyhow, I am wondering if having an appetite and even craving some of the pureed foods I am eating is unusual this early? Thanks for your insights.

1 wk ago, I did something that will forever change the course of my life. I think I was grossly unprepared for the emotional roller coaster I’d be riding though. I read about, but kinda shrugged it off. I’m emotional, this is true. But I’m strong…and this thang seems to be getting the better of me… Yesterday, I struggled with the thought of no longer being in “control” of my weight (for the most part, at least for the next year or so)…I cried when I realized that I would no longer be the bodacious, busty, lusty big girl that I’ve been known to be after I purchased a bra A LOT smaller than the one I wore 3 wks ago (46DDD/F to a 44DD)…I cried as I tried to remind myself that my “larger than life” body didn’t MAKE who I was as a “larger than life woman”. I am who I am…but if who I am – and always have been – is a vivacious BIG GIRL, BBW, +Sized Diva, FULL-FIGURED Vixen… What happens when the weight falls off and I’m no longer considered…BIG?? *sigh* :biggrin0: I’m sure folks who have never struggled w/their weight OR have lost weight on their own over a long period of time may not fully understand the BFD. But when you suddenly see yourself melting away – literally – especially in a significantly short period of time – it can be a little unnerving. YES, I know this is what I signed up for. And honestly, it’s kinda crazy because I DO love what I’m starting to see in the mirror. But the fact that it’s happening right before my eyes so quickly is Freaking. Me. Out. Little things like washing my face and actually being able to feel my face structure, or putting on a pair of sweat pants that now have a saggy crotch…or doing a double take when I walk past the mirror…or my aunt calling me a “skinny beeyotchhh” in jest. I guess there is a 1st time for everything! Skinnyway… In the midst of my emotional outburst yesterday, I temporarily did something hella dumb. Now, I have 1 more wk on the liquid diet to go. So why did I think I could get away w/taking a *teeny-tiny* bite of chicken salad? *smdh* Super. HUGE. Epic. Fail. It got “stuck”. It was the most awful feeling in the world (now I know what Lap Band’ers go thru. BAH!). No harm, no foul…but trust I’m sticking to the game plan from here on out. Just 1 more week to go to meatloaf & mashed potatoes…says my dietitian ! (Well, only a table spoon or so, but I’ll take it) Speaking of food – my dietitian/nutritionist recommended an AWESOME cook book for post weight loss surgery folks called “Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery”. Some high protein/lower fat recipes that will make your mouth water, are quick & easy, and full of flavor. (ie: stuffed cabbage, parmesan crusted turkey, and ham-n-cheese stuffed chicken breast *yummmmmoooooooohhhhhh*:drool5:) After all – there is life – and GOOD FOOD – after weight-loss. I am, and will always be a Foodie. I’m just learning to be a healthier one…I knew that for ME, I would be unsuccessful with ANY weight loss program/regimen/surgical tool that would not afford me the foods that I love. Portion Control & exercise. I. CAN. DO. THIS!:thumbup: One last thing: I don’t think you fully realize how out of control your weight was until you start losing it. And you never realize that even if folks compliment your fatness/curves/etc, they still notice when you have seriously crept up the scale – until they mention it on your way down the scale *lol* On that note – I’m calling it a night/morning. I’ll keep y’all posted – as usual. *Change came quick – I brought it*

Please join me on 12/29/2009 Dr. Duc Vuong will be joining me to share information about his "LAP-BAND GIVEAWAY". Not only will he be sharing information about his LAP-BAND GIVEAWAY he will also be sharing information about getting more from your Band. The Lap-Band is an effective weight-loss tool if aftercare is part of your program. Just getting a Lap-Band is not in itself sufficient - patients must be well-educated in how to develop a healthy relationship with food with the Lap-Band in place. Date: 12/29/2009 Time: 6:00pm CST Where: "The Band Banter" Talk Show Call in number": 347-237-4004 I hope to "Hear" you there!! Dr. Vuong is offering a Lap-Band for free ($15,900 value) to a worthy contestant! Register for a chance to win a free Lap-Band surgery. One lucky winner will be chosen based on demonstrated community or charitable service. Four runners-up will also receive great prizes. It's simple to enter: register for the free monthly e-newsletter written by Dr. Vuong (each issue is filled with tips on how to succeed with the Lap-Band) and you will be e-mailed an application form. A panel will review all applications to select five finalists and one winner. Entries must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2009. There is no cost to enter, and no purchase necessary. Must be US resident and age 18-65. Winners will be announced April 1, 2009.

Hey Charlotte, welcome to LBT! Oh yes, things will be very different with the band. But be prepared to put some work into your success. The band, unlike the bypass, does not circumvent our issues of eating high calorie foods that we can "get past the band". Weight loss will be slower but healthier. There are risks involved of course, but nothing as dangerous as those associated with the bypass. Im sure you see that already. Enjoy your journey, get to know everyone here, cruise the boards and find a wealth of info that will get you started with confidence and excitement!

I went back to work today, it's been a long day. I planned out my meals from Breakfast through Dinner, and packed all my containers for Am, Mid Day including, Drinks, Protein Shakes, Juice. Today was my first day on Puréed, so Cottage Cheese for AM meal and Refried Beans for Mid afternoon meal. Dinner I going to try lean Turkey Chili puréed a bit. I bought a Rotisserie Chicken yesterday, I going to chop-purée and mix with LF Miracle Whip for Lunch tomorrow. So far very few problems with food.

I found the same thing as Jack re carbs stimulating hunger, don't avoid them completely but do avoid processed and high GI carbs- cravings gone! Having a fill will not help if you are not "working with your band"- the drinking with food is a tough habit to break but it makes such a difference. I have a small warm drink before a meal ( helps stop me from being too tight) but nothing afterwards for an hour- if I am really desperate to refreshe my mouth etc- I will have a teasspoonful of ice chips and let it melt in my mouth- now that I have broken thehabit i rarely do this. I agree with Jack that a part of this whole thing is learning to replace old habits with new habits- no easy way round this, the band will not do all the work, we still need to do the head work! Good luck- you can do it! in fact you are part way there when you recognize the problems as you do!

I was studying th guide for my week 4 -solid food intro diet. Just to read, so much food, I am already disgusted. Breakfast 1.5 eggs with 1/2 toast Then between breakfast and lunch 8oz of water or crystal light 4 oz of protein 8 oz of milk Lunch 3 oz of Turkey roasted 1 oz of vegetables Then more liquids 12 oz of water or juice 4 oz of protein Dinner 3 oz of meat Vegetables And more liquid ... I am dying Well not now, I should start next Wednesday. Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello All! Today is my one year bandiversary! There's good news and bad news. I'll start with the bad news. I'm seeing my doctor today after an ER trip yesterday due to extreme pain in my port area. It's been growing increasingly worse since December and at times, I can't move or walk and just stand and sweat and shake with pain. I'm really hoping he will order a barium swallow, a CT scan, and an upper GI to start. I'll keep you posted on it. The good news is I've lost 80 pounds! I am very happy about that, but I really wish this day would be a purely happy one and not marred by this pain I'm having. Thanks for all of your support!

Hi everyone! I haven't been on here for awhile! I hope everyone finds this website as usfl as I did and still do! its been almost 15 months since my Surgery. My starting weight was 465 lbs and as of this morning I am down to 222lbs exactly that's a 243 weight loss total. I hit a stall for Weeks!! so I started walking more and added more food to my diet (healthy food of course) once I started that the weight started coming off again (PHHHEW) I am 42 lbs away from my original goal weight and let me tell you.. THIS FEELS AMAZING!!!! my life has completely changed for the better.. im more active and im living the life I always wanted for me and my daughter if anyone is deciding to get this surgery I will always tell you GO FOR IT!!! I had fears but the happiness of feeling free and "normal" outweighs that fear I had before deciding to have this surgery. it literally saved my life! good luck to those who are starting their journey and keep it up! I will always say this; This was the best decision I ever made and I do not regret anything!!!!!!

Today is 1 month since surgery. I have lost 35lbs, with 2 weeks of the past 4 weeks being no scale movement at all, however I have lost inches due to 1-my stomach is no longer pushing against the steering wheel, I can actually see my feet 2-my clothes are looser although the scale says I have not changed much recently. I have also decided that documenting these things is a good idea so I can look back on the stuff I am/will be going through so... I have started a blog. I have never "blogged" before so I am not sure what all will be posted day to day but it will probably consist of non scale victories, misc musings, food, recipes, food, and more food. No I am not obsessed. So, if you would like to check it out the address is The Bacon Goblin Thanks

I've been good. Really. Yesterday was the first day I could have solid foods, and I chose a hot dog. The first I cut up in bites I'd consider small for my two-year-old granddaughter. (sigh) It didn't stay down fifteen minutes. :thumbdown: Then my brilliant DH suggested I chop a second hot dog finer using a mini-food processor I had. By golly, it worked. It stayed down. (happy sigh) Okay, so I'm desperate for real food, okay? LOL! Tonight is an herb-crusted salmon, so I know that will stay down if I eat it slowly. Eating a la russe will definitely be important tonight. I'm going to attempt to eat a brussels sprout or two. I'm on a voyage of food discovery now! LOL!

Update: Learned a new lesson tonight. Chopping food into itty bitty bits is not enough. I need to learn to measure my portions and learn how many ounces I can have at a time. Apparently, 2 oz is too much. (sigh) At least the salmon tasted pretty good. The first time, anyway.

Hey! I had my surgery on 10/12 too!! My first fill was about 6 weeks ago and it was 2cc in a 4cc band. He said my stomach is small (of course, my stomach is small...BUT nothing else) and it may take more than others. I will be getting another fill again on Monday. I anticipate probably .5cc, I get restriction on dry food like DRY DRY meat and bread. Other than that I could eat a horse....right now the band is not helping to limit my intake (by sending those full signals) so I'm assuming it's still pretty open.

Getting banded tomorrow at 11am! Wow i am finally here! Finally it only took 9 months... I am a lil' nervous the liquid diet sucks! lol.. But I will be fine.. I just constantly keep liquids by me. I wonder how things will be like for me in a week! In 6 weeks I will post my before and after pictures. Anyway any words of encouragement, I will be discharged from the hospital on Thursday, I will be on the pc alot keeps my hands busy! :eek: And no food commercials! lol.. Anyway wish me luck! :crying::thumbdown::cursing:

For me I wouldn't say that maintenance is harder than before sleeve. I find it easier because you really can't eat much food and I find if I do I don't feel well. I agree that carbs need to be monitored as these foods you CAN eat more of so you do. I find if I watch my carbs and still basically eat what I did during weight loss phase I am fine. The luxury is that you can eat what others do and not worry about gaining because the sleeve is your built in portion control.

Oh, Doc! I understand what you are going through. I was emotional when I was first banded. Even now, I sometimes get frustrated. Tell your hubby that it's true that eventually things will get back to normal. However, at this time you need (fill in the blank here)....This will be a big support early on. My husband felt he had to sneak food items. Of course, I could sniff him out like a dog!!!! I eventually told him (about 4 weeks post-banding) that it's ok if he ate snacks, etc. around me. Just don't rub it in and offer me any!! The first 6 weeks is a time for healing and transition. I do try to keep any "trigger" foods out of the house (to this day)...