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What is actually sad is that the only person in my family that has voiced their concern about my well being is my father, and he is the the one paying for the surgery. My sisters are mad because of it. To them, even though they are 19 and 23 it is "not fair" that I am having extra money spent on me. Especially for something "I can do on my own." That is actually the general consensus for the whole family. "I dont know why you cant just stop eating fast food three times a day and go to the gym." What really makes me mad is I do have a thyroid condition, and while it isnt hard for me to lose weight if I drop down to 1200 calories a day and work out 3 hours, if I stop doing that I WON'T maintain it. And I dont mean STOP and start eating fast food again. I mean the slightest slacking off and I stop losing weight and it is very discouraging. I work out 3 times harder than my 135 pound body conscience sister, but it doesnt matter because I am not as thin as her. Everyone is right when they say you don't have to defend your decision to go with WLS, and I didnt. I just think it is complete BULLSHIT that that people think because I am fat that it is TOTALLY fair that I DO work 3 times as hard as any skinny girl and that I should have constantly live in fear and depression of what I eat and how I live my life, AND STILL NOT BE THIN. I am so sick of hearing "Just do this... or Just do that"....you know what? Just kiss my fat ass because I know what I am doing is ultimately going to make me happy... AND you can say I did it the easy way, or whatever..but we both know who is going to look more attracting in the family photos for holidays come November and December this year. Jealous bitches. ::hops off soapbox:: Fine. I am through venting.

My doctor wanted me to do an open ended liquid diet of 500 calories a day. A special mix that you bought at the hospital. 1) It made my throat tingle, 2) it was $200 for 12 days so I stopped. I was losing weight on my own which included protein shakes made with whey Isolate. Anyway in 7.5 months I lost 50 pounds.

The sleeve does NOT fix head hunger, compulsive eating habits. None of the surgeries will. The sleeve does immediate and permanent restriction, but I can eat 6 Cookies in one sitting if I want to do it. I always tell people that if you have compulsive tendencies, or major food demons, do not think surgery will fix it. I had to do the work to change my relationship with food, did the sleeve help? Sure it did to an extent, but to this very day, if I want to I can eat an entire huge slice of red velvet cake, I can do it with zero issue. I can still suck down a 2000 calorie milkshake. I never dealt with compulsive eating issues, nor was an emotional eater so I never really struggled with these specific feelings. I can tell you the people that do have these tendencies typically need behavioral modification counseling along with surgery to be successful long term. Surgery will only work when you head is in the right place. Early out, you'll read on here that restriction is great, and you're so focused on getting in Protein that there isn't room for anything else. BUT, if you're food demons are bigger than your willpower, you will find away to eat around the surgery, and it's not difficult at all. And, as time progresses, and the months pass, you will be able to eat more than what you could at 2-3 months out. It happens to every WLS patient, it's normal. I have a max capacity, but I can turn around and eat 2 hours later. I hope this makes sense. Long term success is going to be a struggle if you do not tackle these issues. Some of my "old" habits have come back and at 21 months out, almost a year in maintenance, I can tell you that the head issues are just as present as they were pre-op. I have to still make the best choice, I still have to stay out of the fridge when I'm bored or I'll gain weight.

Hi everyone, I am being sleeved in a little over 2 months. I will start my pre op diet 2 weeks before surgery but I'm not sure what I should be eating now. I see that some people start calorie counting and protein shakes months before surgery..should I do that as well? I met with the fitness instructor today and they suggest that you watch what you eat up until the strict pre op diet is started. But to what degree should I watch what I eat? Should I get more strict with portion control as well? Thanks in advance

FYI: I have an allergic reaction to soy as well. Not as severe as yours though. I have had great success with the Amplify shakes. You can only get them from GNC though and from personal experience--not all GNC stores carry them. I like both the vanilla and Strawberry/Banana. 120 calories 4 carbs and 21 grams of Protein. I used this all last year.

I will definatly keep in touch, we can do this... its just another step to a new us! - I did find an new "snack" thanks to this forum to use instead of the sweet Snacks from slimfast all the time. Take 2 % string cheese and wrap thin sliced turkey breast around it, but before I wrap the turkey I spinkle some Mrs Dash Tomato basic and garlic.... it is SOOOO Yum and only 90 Calories, less the the snack bar. My biggest problem right now, is leg cramps, I am having them all the time, and I was told I needed to get in more Water. I am trying to do that and will see if that helps. I woke up with one in each leg this morning, it jolted me right out of bed crying! I am drinking as much water as I can, cause those things hurt!!! Have a fabulous day - Keep a smile on your face, this is all worth it in the end.

Sorry I got lost with the you can have as many Protein drinks a day and then it stating that you can only have a maximum of 40 - 50 carbs with the protein drinks. Then saying NO solid food allowed yet you can have protein bars and if you must chicken, steak, hard boiled egg... Plus there is no calorie limitations but how would you be able to have increased calories if you are not eating solids? When I was on my liquid diet post op I was trying to find ways to increase my calories to 500. My pre op diet was lean Proteins min 60 gms and reduced carb to 40 gms for one week. Avoid sugar and increase Water to min 64 oz. I had no problem following mine. I think you might want to get some clarification from your doctor on the diet.

I was banded on August 16th and I am having trouble getting more than 300 calories a day. Does anyone have any hints for me on how to get more? I'm starting to feel a bit punky from not having enough anything in my system. Today, I have started on full liquids so that should help. Does anyone have any good recipes, hints, tips or tricks for this phase?

This may be much more restrictive than what you are looking for but my pre-op diet has been low carb until I went on all liquids. The targets were 70-80 grams of protein, 15-30 grams of carbs and 20-30 grams of fat. That gives a calorie range of 700 to 900. I couldn't have any bread, pasta, rice, or starchy vegetables and no fruit. You could use this as a starting point and modify by adding fruit (more carbs), small portions of starches (more carbs) but I would be cautious about adding too many. Proteins are much better. I also used on protein shake instead of a meal, usually breakfast. I lost about 15 pounds in the 6 weeks before going to all liquids. Good luck. Your on the right track by switching to whole grains.

Hello, I'm new on here.....my name is Kathy....had my surgery on Sept 27th, 13. Was suppose to have the by-pass but the Dr. was unable to do it because I had too much scar tissue from a gallbladder surgery a long time ago. He worked for an hour to free my colon but said it was getting to much of a risk so he changed it to the sleeve. From all that he did, I retained a lot of Fluid for about 2 weeks....was sick most of that time. Had a C.T. done but all came back ok.... It has now been a little over 2 months since surgery and I still feel nauseated almost every time I eat and or drink...especially plain Water. I have tried all kinds of options but I still feel sick... I'm not getting many calories a day....just don't want to get sick to eat..... I'm not loosing a lot of pounds but I am loosing inches....but want both.... Would appreciate any help or ideas. Thank you, Kathy

Pick up there Cookies n creme, strawberry milkshake, chocolate Peanut Butter, chocolate milk, and vanilla creme. All in MUSCLE MILK LIGHT. There chocolate is lousy, but this,,, will keep you from being bored. It's good stuff and low in calories to. 195 cal. 25 G Protein. I drink this stuff every day, and my stock is running low, so I need to buy some also. If you see a good deal let me know. Right now, Amason.com has the best price I can find. Good Luck, Shirley.

You dont become a new person after surgery, one who can suddenly stick to a diet and exercise regime and have "willpower". Unfortunately, you'll wake up the same person you were the day before. However, there's a few points to consider. The first is that if you're putting yourself through weight loss surgery, one would assume that you're committed like you've been committed no other time. I think its important to have the attitude "right, lets have a crack at this one more time and this time lets do it RIGHT". I think going under the knife in desperation hoping that THIS will work is not guaranteed to fail but that you're going to have to face up to a few realisations and a steep learning curve when at first you dont get the results you expected. If you're not committed like you've never been before, then think carefully about how you can become that way. Secondly, it really IS easier to stick to a plan when you're not hungry. Which can be immediately or can take several months of fills (until you get restriction). And some people would disagree, but I find that the band DOES stop true diet breaking for me. I'm not an icecream, milkshake or chocolate eater - my vices are Cookies, muffins, cakes and the band does restrict those quite significantly for me. Especially since I always loved to eat those foods with a good cup of coffee - drinking coffee and eating cake together is hard to do in anything other than the most ladylike nibbles. And if I actually DO pig out in the afternoon, with a band, I just cant eat dinner. Not particularly healthy or functional eatibng but it keeps the calories in check. There's lots of automatic checks and balanaces with the band - for example, I just cant get down two big pieces of buttery toast and jam in the morning (my previous Breakfast of choice, with big cup of coffee!). I can do half a cup of Cereal with a few peaches on top and a dash of skim milk though. The calorie difference in those two choices is quite large. There's all sortsof things like that - I'm no low carber, but the band DOES tend to restrict those carby foods like lots of bread, rice and Pasta and not eating a lot of those foods DOES make a difference to your weight. Exercise wise, well no band will make you exercise. You have to grow up, suck it up and do what you need to do there. But even there, its SO much easier and more rewarding when you are actually seeing weight loss for your efforts. And that's the biggest factor, for me personally. I couldnt stick to diets and exercise plans before. But now I'm a runner, a dedicated one. Because for the first time in my life, I managed to do both together for a couple of weeks, saw a phenomenal result and was hooked! Once you realise it does work, its much easier to do.

Haven't taken even a sip of a protien drink since 2 weeks after surgery. I don't have trouble getting in my protien (most days). A lot of people drink them on a regular basis. I don't care for them... Also, it is liquid calories that don't fill you up because it goes right through your band. Good source of protien though. Good luck to you!

I wasnt expecting this rush of emotions after i got my ins approval. Before, when i was trying to get approved i was just so focused on that. But now, i guess im like oh crap! This is happening. I have never doubted this til now and ive been researching this since last nov with my first with dr in late feb. Can i do this? Have i exhausted all my other options? What if i regret this? What if something happens to me? I was having these feelings, then i had my nut appt and he said that my soda aka liquid calories and emotional eating will not be controlled by the band. I guess i started doubting myself more after that appt. I am prepared to give up sodas. Forever. I am addicted to them and know i can no longer have them. But the emotions, the head hunger, am i prepared for that? I dont expect the band to do the work for me. This isnt magic. I get that. I feel like i understand everything, have researched, etc. But yet, still have doubts.

Although I had my surgery in February - I hosted my husband's three day family reunion not long after my surgery. I cooked, baked cakes, bought bakery goods, etc - and served food throughout the three days. I had decided before the surgery what I could eat and when, and just set my mind to it - with little or no problems. I sat at the table with the family - ate my meals - and talked up a storm with folks I hadn't seen in a year. Everyone knew I had gone through the surgery, and eveyone was supportive. Looking back on the reunion - it was a lot of fun and I have great memories of it - and I don't remember any feelings of deprivation. Once, years ago, I was on the modi-fast diet. For nine months, I mixed powdered Protein mix into smoothies (no calories added except the protein powder) and ate nothing but smoothies and broth. I went through Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with the family. My sister and law and I cooked the whole shebang for both celebrations. She was suffering from really bad inflammatory bowel syndrome at the time - and all she was eating was mashed potatoes. She had her potatoes, and I had my smoothie and my broth. We had a great time during those holidays. It really came home to both of us that the celebration of the holiday with the family is about so much more than just eating a great meal. It is about family and friends, and sharing accomplishments, and catching up on what people are doing. Both holidays have much deeper meaning than just a gift exhange and a calorie festival. The important thing is making up your mind before hand, and making a plan. Then - you just do it. It got to the point that it really didn't bother me. Good luck with your surgery. If you do go through the holidays on the pre-op diet or just after surgery - my thoughts and prayers will be with you.

I hope this topic hasn't been addressed a million times. I am so sick of being overweight. I have not been successful with any weight loss program. I've tried Weight Watchers, sensible calorie control with exercise, appetite suppressants, everything. Nothing works. I have a BMI of 32. I think this means I will not qualify for a lap band. I also have high blood pressure. I hope to go see a doctor at Northstar Medical Specialties in Bellingham, Wa. I will keep reading these informational forums.

I AM INTO DAY #4 AND NO WEIGHT LOSS AND NO CHEATS I AM SO SCARED WHAT IS WRONG AND WHY AM I NOT DROPPING ANY WEIGHT. I TALKED WITH MY DR TODAY AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO INCREASE MY FLUIDS, BUT AT 800-900 CALORIES A DAY, PLEASE NOT EVEN A POUND. THEY WONT DO SURGERY IF I DONT LOSE 10 LBS BY 10/24/11 SURGERYDATE IS 10/27/11. ANY ADVICE? PLEASE HELP

Im in the middle of my liquid diet aswell. My surgeon requires 2 weeks of liquids. I am allowed 1200 calories and 130 carbs max - 2 glucerna Meal Replacement drinks - 1 scoop Protein powder - 2 cups milk - 4 fat free sugar free yogurts - 2 cups broth - 2 cups Gardennay soup unlimited Jello, crystal lite, and sugar free popsicles. No Caffine or carbonation. in the past 8 days I have lost 10 lbs. 8 days to go!! :smile1:

Thank you for the kind words. I don't use a food journal because I make a menu on Sunday and follow that the entire week. In other words..I plan before I put the food in my mouth. My band mom "IndioGirl AKA Janet" does journal everything. I like not having surprises. I want to know exactly what I am going to eat and when I am going to eat it. Either way I think it is important to record what you are eating. That way you can go back and see what you did when you were successful and when you were not. At first I did journal but I got sick of writing "licked fingers while cooking...approx. 12 calories" yes I was that detailed:biggrin: Then I found that if I made a menu I was more likely to have less of those incidents because I am a rule follower and that worked for me. So I think either a menu or a food journal is good. Whatever fits your personality. I always ate 1 cup of food. I had to measure it out because even with the band I have a hard time stopping when I am full. So if I could clean my "very tiny" plate then I felt like I had accomplished something. I am at work now, but on my computer at home I have a bunch of recipes that I will try to post on Thursday. I am going to be out of town this afternoon and all day tomorrow, but I will post them on here when I get back. If you are still hungry and you have eaten your Proteins...eat more veggies. They will fill you up and keep you full...if you eat them after your Protein. It takes the protein a while to make it through the pouch so if you add the veggies on top you will stay fuller longer. Breakfast choices: KashiGo Lean Cereal with Lite and Fit yogurt (I can't do milk) Johnsonville turkey sausage 1 scrambled egg with FF cheese Sausage and egg lean pocket Crustless quiche. lunch (usually was leftovers from dinner) 1 CUP!:biggrin2: Afternoon Snack Pure Protein Bar (that is the brand name. I get them at Wal-mart...stay away from the fruit ones...they are gross!) dinner Spaghetti (with about 6 noodles so I didn't feel left out!) Stir Fry (I can't do rice) Ground chicken Meatloaf (I grind my own chicken with my Kitchen Aide) Tuna Casserole with Beans instead of noodles Lasagna with beans instead of noodles. Chili with ground chicken Chicken cordon bleu (with a yummy low cal sauce) Fish and veggies Hope this is what you are looking for. I bought the gladware 1 cup containers and that is what I used faithfully! Glad you stopped by. Let me know if there is anything else you need!

Oh you're very welcome! I have fallen off the workout wagon here lately but will be getting back on track soon I hope. I go through spells when I work out about 4 times a week for about an hour at a time. I will do about 30 min of cardio and then 30 min of weight training. The exercise makes a tremendous difference on the weight loss. I think I could starve about to death and still not lose unless I exercised. At 300 lbs, I didn't have much muscle tone. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. I'll never be a body builder and never want to be. But it has helped me be stronger. I've noticed that my sense of balance got better with the weight training too. I had a tendancy to fall. Just stepping up on a step stool is a big difference in balance. I am not much on cooking so I try to eat simple things. I try to keep protein high on the list. For Breakfast I usually have chocolate Protein powder mixed in with coffee (kinda like a mocha coffee) with splenda and a little fat free coffee creamer. I'm a little bit odd as a Lap Band patient in that I'm able to eat better than most. I can eat bread (some cannot at all) and I don't have much trouble with meat. Today for lunch I'm having some beef stew that I made. There is more meat in it than carrots and potatoes but it's still got some. To help me with portions, I bought a bunch of those throw away plastic bowl like what Gladware puts out. You can buy them in 1/2 cup and 1 cup sizes. This way, I don't have to measure anything. I just dump it in the bowl and off I go. Sometimes I'll cook something and go ahead a pour it into those bowls ahead of time and put them in the freezer. I eat just about anything. Sometimes good for me, sometimes not. You do the best you can. You won't be 100% on the eating all the time. Sometimes you just gotta have that pie or Cookies. But I try to eat healthy and stay out of fast food places. Things I like that I couldn't eat before: I can't think of anything but will let you know if I do. The nutritionist at the bariatric surgeon's office gave me a criteria to follow for amounts of protein, carbs and fat. 60-80 grams of protein a day. Hard to get all of that in. 45-60 grams of carbs: That is really hard to stay in. I have to work at not going over. And under 25 grams of fat per day. I don't think I've ever managed to do that but I try to not go crazy with it. It's a tough diet. Most surgeons have nutrionists in their offices and they are FABULOUS. They give me all kinds of recipes, ideas and brands of foods to work with.

I'm about 19 days post-op and I'm surprised by the amount of food I can eat. I did the "cottage cheese test" (from "Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook) and according to the test, my stomach can comfortably hold 10 ounces (3/4 cup), which shocked me. I thought it would be half that. I plan to ask my surgeon more about this on my next visit, but is this unusual? I lost quite a bit of weight before surgery on the liquid diet (one week), but loss has been slower than I expected after that. I've decided to weigh weekly instead of every day, so I don't get discouraged by the inevitable up-and-down of daily weights. I know the surgery isn't a magic bullet and it's up to me to make this work, but the sluggish weight loss is a little discouraging. I'm still learning how much I can and should eat, and I'm tracking my intake on myfitnesspal to make sure my calorie counts are reasonable. I'm taking in between 800-1,000 calories on most days, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less.

Quaker oats is just my best friend right now. The 90 calorie granola bites.. delish! But now.. the 90 calorie Mini Delights.. Cinnamon Streusel Multigrain rice cakes. Oh.. me..oh..my. It's like a bag of candy.. One 90c bag is a lot (even more than the granola bites!!). I can rarely finish one bag. 1 bag: 90 calories 3g saturated fat 0mg cholesterol 95mg sodium 14g carbs 6g sugar 1g Fiber 2g Protein Do yourself a favor and try it out!!! :blushing:

Do you track actual food intake? It’s easy to exceed calories and not knowing exactly what you put in when snacking can add up in a hurry. I weigh everything I eat, even at work, and use Baritastic app to log calories and this way you know exactly what goes in. I actually lose too much weight while working because the food they serve doesn’t fit into my new diet. 5 months and 3 weeks post surgery and I’m down 135lbs. Follow the plan and you’ll do great.

I can't imagine going for the band after being sleeved, and I'm suffering with the "overconsumption" issue you mention - I've heard too much skepticism from patients and doctors alike about the long-term effectiveness of the band. Better to get the sleeve revised. But based on what you lost, are you sure your sleeve isn't ok as it is now? I don't feel the same restrictions as others either, but I've lost 41 lbs in 4 weeks - my POV is that my calories, despite being higher than most, are way under where they would be on a normal diet, and as long as I am losing weight the surgery is effective.

If it helps, when your stomach growls it means that your body has run our of calories to burn and starts burning fat for energy. Its called being in catabolic mode. It's a good thing! It just takes some getting used to. Personally, I love it when (as Winnie the Pooh would say) there's a rumbly in my tumbly!