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This is not an original recipe, but when you get to have meat or even puree, this might work for you... It'll easily feed 6 people. 60 if they are all sleeved HAHAHA cut up a 3 lb cut of pork (I use pork loin because its leaner) rub with 1 Tbspn of Hawaiian Red Sea Salt (you can find this at places like Trader Joes...and if not, Kosher Salt makes a decent substitute) Rub with abt 1 Tbspn of liquid Smoke (I like the smokey flavor, so usually double that amount for us) 1/2 Cup Water Put it all in a crock-pot and cook on high for about 8-10 hours. Then using 2 big forks, shred the pork and let it rest in the juices. I usually serve this over Trader Joes Brown Jasmine Rice with some sauteed cabbage (and if I'm lazy, I buy a bag of coleslaw shreds to saute and use that!). I made this for my family this week and ended up really grooving on the pulled pork. I shredded it very finely for myself and then chewed well. YUM!

Hi there! I'm scheduled for a revision from Lap-Band to gastric bypass on May 19. I have had my band for 5.5 years and have just had too much trouble with it almost the entire time but worse for the last two years, and I'm looking forward to having it out. I initially wanted nothing to do with bypass and thought the band would be my perfect tool but of course didn't anticipate all the negative effects. It took me a while to decide to revise and now it can't come quick enough!! I am most nervous about my port coming out as I've read that it can be quite painful, and it's been sitting in there getting all encapsulated for more than five years, whereas it seems like the majority of revisions are only two-year-old bands. My biggest hurdle will be my Protein shakes. I can't tolerate artificial sweeteners too well and don't really like whey protein, so I've been researching alternatives. I have an egg-white Protein powder and a vegan powder ready to go, which both are highly rated by consumers. I tried a sample egg-white powder and it was far better to me than whey. They are both sweetened with stevia, also better for me personally. I am also planning on purchasing unjury chicken Soup, which is whey but (apparently) better hidden with the savory flavor. Most of my prep is done and I'm just waiting. PS, I'm not too patient!!

I praise God !!! I am very thankful to Him and my wonderful husband for their support, without doubt I couldn't do it without them. I just arrived at home under pain medication, so far so good. I am on a liquid diet. I am so exited to continue in this journey . Little bit of my medical history. I'm 43 . 5'0 . 198 pounds Diabetic type 2 . 15 years ago I was diagnosed developed in my pregnancy High blood pressure 10 years ago. Fatty liver. And many others illness due to my diabetic condition. q Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I experienced that rumbly tummy but it was the air/gas rumbling around.....I felt like I was carrying a 10 lb baby~~

Are you taking all your Vitamins supplements? Are you managing to eat well? Did they check your Iron? You are still only 19 days out and probably still recovering from what was a major operation. It's good they could not find anything sinister. I hope you start to better soon. Xx

My husband has been with me from day one. He has come to every single seminar and up to including day of surgery sitting and waiting with me until they pushed me into the surgery room. He sometimes might make a remark how hot I look, even at my age and that somebody might steal me and I feel very pleased with myself when he says that. But...he also knows we have been together 32 years and nothing on this earth would make me leave him for another man whether fat or skinny. I am off all meds and even though he is 10 years older than me and heavy he is on no meds either ( good genes in his family). I explained that even though his mom is 99 years old, the people in my family have died by the time they hit 70 because of weight issues. Good luck and just keep reassuring him that you are there for him. If the marriage falls apart, I do not believe it would be because of the weight but because there was problems from other things that just came to a head after you getting the weight off. Time will tell and I for one believe in fate, which is to say that some things cannot be controlled. I never regretted the surgery and you will not either.

For the past ten days, I have been experiencing constant dull nausea in my lower abdomen. It worsens when I eat (so I'm only getting about 400 calories a day) and sometimes I have to lay in bed because sitting and eating can increase the nausea. I messaged my bariatric surgeon last week and only heard back from his nurse on Monday. She was rather dismissive, saying that I might have the stomach flu and I should write again in a few days if I'm not feeling better. I also messaged my PCP who does not have a bariatric background, and she hypothesized that it might be heartburn (I don't think so -- I have no pain in my chest or upper abdomen) but said if the nausea continued, she would see me in her office. But again, she's not familiar with the surgery and possible complications, so might not know what tests to order. I spent time researching through Dr. Google and got worried about internal hernias, which could be life-threatening if left untreated. Apparently, sometimes the only symptom is mild nausea. Or maybe I have an ulcer. Am I worrying too much? Has anyone else had a long episode of nausea (lasting over a week) that resolved on its own? Or was from another cause? As you can see, I am already seeking proper medical advice, so only would like to hear anecdotal information and suggestions. Thanks.

Sounds like you are doing well. Congrats on the loss! I'm a day behind you, and was feeling great this morning - until about an hour ago when the diarrhea came back with a vengeance. So, now I'm sitting in my bedroom about 10 steps from the bathroom sipping on my Water waiting for my tummy to settle back down. I did take a Zofran last night even though I didn't feel nauseated - but I thought it might help me sleep. It did - I slept like a baby - only waking to pee. Although I have a headache today (which is one of the possible side effects of Zofran) - so I'm not sure I'll keep taking it. Perhaps just when I really need to sleep... lol Yeah, I'm sure the surgery has screwed with mine - I was supposed to start TOM the day of my surgery and it hasn't come yet. We'll get through this though!

Start watching what you eat and how you eat it. Eat slowly. Chew completely. And put your fork down between bites. It isn't easy to do. Also, when you reach for something to eat between meals, stop and ask yourself if you're really hungry or just bored or head hungry. Then wait 10 minutes and see if you still want it. If you are not a regular Water drinker, start drinking water now. If you are addicted to soda, start weaning yourself off of it, replacing it with water instead. Good luck on your journey.

Hi Everyone! I was banded on 10/28 and am very excited about starting a new life with the band. This looks like a great place for information and support! Looking forward to hearing about others successes!

Hello everyone, My name is Joyce. I was banded November 15, 2007. I live on the east coast. I completing my fourth week and I have lost 10 lbs. I have maintained the weight since I lost. I have not had a fill as of yet. I will see the surgeon the first week of January 2008. I am thinking I will probably need a fill. My weight fluctuates everyday. It seems I am losing then I gain it right back. I initially exercised, but my incisions are bothering me. I am getting sharp pains and a pulling sensation when I am standing and walking. My stomach is drooping a little, maybe that is the reason for the pulling?? Anyway, I am getting my Protein requirements in everyday and I am keeping good records of my diet. Oh, well. I do feel a lot better and my friends are complimenting me on my initial weight loss, especially those who didn't know I had surgery. I just want to get the ball rolling though. I am new to this site and look forward to everyone's comments.

Hello! I'm 2 months out and I'm experiencing the same thing! I was bypassed 04/04/2019 and since then i've lost lots of weight but the pounds seem to drop all at once for a week or even less and then stall for two or three weeks, then drop a bunch in a week and then stall again for 2-3 weeks. I feel like all the weight i've dropped was in like 2 weeks total and the rest of the 2 months was just stalls. I think it's normal though, as long as we're losing weight in the end. I feel you, though, it's very frustrating. I'm 21 so yeah it may be our age too. Good luck!

I meet with the NUT on Tuesday 10/23. Their literature says its a 2 week Protein liquid diet - so I'm not sure if it's 100% liquid or if I get 1 regular meal with chicken & veggies. I'm going to assume the worst (100% liquid) so if I do actually get a meal I'll be thrilled.

Low carb diets will work but you have to make it a life time commitment because once you go back to eating carbs you will gain FAST!! How about the Mediterranean Diet? Its loaded with veggies and its a very healthy way of eating. My friend lost 87 lbs on it and she's got 10 more to go. She looks amazing. Your even allowed wine. http://www.mediterraneandiet.gr/index.html Personally I've never done good with WW, Nutrasystem or any of those diets but this way of eating is very healthy and you get to eat alot of veggies. Just set a calories level and follow the guidelines. No diet is easy thats for sure, guess thats why they don't like to call this a diet. Its a way of life.

I spent the better part of the weekend crying about the turn of events in my WLS saga. I talked to my DH about it (more than he wanted to hear I'm sure! ) He said that we could take a loan through one of his retirement savings accounts so I can still follow my dream :wub: I've always known that I'm a lucky girl to have trapped a good man like him! :tt2: I love him more & more every day. He knows the score with obesity. His dad has type 2. His mom had bypass surgery about 5 years ago. He saw her struggle for so many years, being beaten down by military doctors & the insurance company every step of the way. We've struggled together with our weight over the years. We're like that cartoon couple you see in the Slimquick commercials. :frown: I told him that I feel like being able to have WLS would be like a new beginning for our whole family (all 3 of us!) Y'know how the mom/wife is kind of like the glue of a family, well I know that if I could finally get my weight under control it would have a huge, positive impact on all of us. I could finally set a good example for my child - so that he can grow up with a healthier relationship with food than my DH and I did. We'll be able to "go" and "do" together. I know for sure that I've held them back from doing things recently. It wasn't with malice - I just don't want to go out walking in our neighborhood and risk more people seeing me & how huge I am. (Not to mention that I might make it one whole house away before I start huffing & puffing.) I've had people yell disparaging remarks at me when I was outdoors on more than one occasion. I know that I'm not the first & unfortunately won't be the last, but I didn't deserve it (nobody does) and I don't want to deal with it again. Today I had the pleasure of calling up Pacific Surgical to schedule a consultation. Yay! I spoke with Michelle. I remember her from the seminar I attended a while back. So much of what she said about her experience still rings in my ears. She was so nice! The way she treated me was the polar opposite of the way Karen did. Amazing how when you're a self-pay patient things can happen sooo quickly! I was able to get a consult scheduled for next Monday! Michelle said that it would be possible to have surgery as soon as May 11th! I think we're still going to shoot for a surgery date towards the end of July. My DH said that since we just paid off the last loan through his retirement plan, we need to wait 2 months to apply for another. He'll be back from his partial-deployment in time to help me with a summer surgery. I'll find out the nitty gritty when I go for my consult, but I believe that all I have to do for Dr. Neal is a nutrition consult, and I assume pre-op bloodwork. I'd imagine there's some sort of pre-op diet. Pre-op as in a week or two before surgery - not Dr. Oh's type of pre-op diet. Oy vey! He wanted a 10% weight loss in the months leading up to your procedure & two weeks of clear liquids prior to surgery. Not to mention that Dr. Oh had a huge list of other pre-op things that had to be done. Speaking of that, I need to call and cancel my endoscopy & follow-up. I really hate that we'll have to pay $ every month for the next few years, but... I have a feeling the return-on-investment will be priceless! :ohmy: I'm actually kind of relieved now. If I can have surgery w/ Dr. Neal, I don't have to make that arduous trip over to Federal Way, cow-tow to Dr. Oh & his excessive pre-op testing, and worry about coordinating all the babysitting I'll need to cover those appointments. When I tried to picture myself going through surgery & whatnot w/ Dr. Oh I couldn't quite "see" it; it didn't feel like that was the place I needed to be. I haven't had my consult w/ Dr. Neal yet (just the seminar), but already I feel that this is where I need to be. I'm feeling much better 'bout everything now!

Thank you one and all your positive input has been very helpful. One of my main things is I only have a 10% chance of keeping my weight off that I have lost so far. Only 1 out of 10 who lose 100+ pounds keep it off. I know the band is not a fix but a tool. My surgeon feels that with the good eating habits I now have and my workout routine the band will be a successful tool for me. I talked this over with my best guy friend today and he said if I do it good, if I don't that is fine to. But a couple other friends told me they were proud of me taking such a big step. So I think I'm moving forward with this. Less than 9 days to go!!

Are you counting your calories? Even though I am banded with a 4cc band "yep that's old" I still keep a diary and try not to eat over 1200 calories. I give myself a window just in case we should go to a restaurant, and you really don't know the calories. So I try to stay between 900 - 1200 calories. If I go over ten at that restaurant, I won't kick myself for it. Go to calorie counter.com and look for calorie king. They are the most accurate I think. Just type in what you had to eat "weigh your stuff, and measure like 1/4 cup" It will tell you your calories, and keep track of your Protein also so you don't go over, because then that can cause weight gain also. Good Luck. Shirley Banded 10/31/2006 Henry Ford Hospital

I had surgery on July 13, 2010 and I went from a size 10 to a size 8 1/2

Yes, lifting objects is a huge concern. Until you're four weeks out, you can't lift more than 10 lbs. because your surgeon will cut straight through the muscle in your lower right abdomen (where he or she will pull out your lapband and 85% of your stomach) and it will be painful and fragile in that area. Last thing you want to do is tear it open. I couldn't carry my kids for four weeks and it was SO HARD. My husband left on a business trip during my last week of recovery, and my surgeon okay'd me for lifing the toddler for diaper changes and getting in her in her car seat, but that was about it.

I understand that everyone has different reasons for needing weight loss surgery. We also all have very different problems and triggers. In my case, I am a very A Type personality who lives in a world of black and white. This surgery (and some therapy) is helping me find the grey areas. I am not saying it is easy. I struggle with lack of "perfection" in the things I do every day. However, I think I am doing this in the most healthy way possible. Some of the people that I have seen and spoken to scare me. I asked my NUT yesterday how our bodies respond any different than that of an anorexic. I have asked her this question 3 times and she doesn't like it because she cannot answer it. Yes, we do not have the same mental issues to deal with, but our bodies have been anatomically altered, not physiologically. Due to this, I find that it concerns me when people who can only get in 700-800 calories a day workout so hard that they are running in the negative. Again, I ask my NUT how this can be healthy. Our bodies need both nutrients and calories to function properly. While I understand that our bodies will force us to function at a deficit, how do you sit there and tell people that it is okay to have a daily net that is negative? Calories are how we get energy. I don't mean empty chocolatey calories, I am talking about making healthy choices. I do not understand how people can look me in the face and tell me that it won't have any effects. If someone was eating exactly how we are forced to without the surgery, people would tell them about hair loss, amenorrhea, lower cognitive functioning etc. Yet, people can look me straight in the face and tell me it is ok for me because I am anatomically different now. Can someone please explain this to me? No one else has been able to, and I just am trying to wrap my head around this. Don't get me wrong. I understand the definite need for exercise. Unfortunately, so many people take on this surgery and don't realize they are treating it as though it is yet another one of their DIET attempts to lose weight. I hear about perfection, perfection. I won't ever touch a candy bar, ice cream, cookie, white carb etc. etc again. I completely understand that everyone has a trigger that they may need to avoid permanently, for me it is soda (which I can never have again), but I am talking about every single thing that may not be perfect for your health, but you enjoy. Also, I have seen a lot of people that seem to start off telling themselves "I will work out for an hour a day 6 days a week for the rest of my life" and take no consideration for life happening around them. Not only does this sound like a recipe for disaster, but to me, it just sounds like another diet. I chose this surgery because it is not a diet. As previously mentioned, I struggle for moderation not an all or nothing attitude. I may not have lost 50 lbs in my first month, but I feel as though I am making permanent changes that will serve me (and eventually get me to weight) in the long run. If I did great all week and I want a cookie, I might eat half a cookie (truth be told, I used to be a cookie monster but I don't really like them anymore, but you get the point). If I decide to take my son out for frozen yogurt one Friday, I don't feel guilty as I have made a huge lifestyle change. The choice of frozen yogurt over Baskin Robins is a huge step and I don't feel jilted. I won't sit and eat 16 oz anymore. I might have 4 and I feel satisfied. I have made a lot of friends that have also had this surgery. It really worries me that they treat it like another diet, they never give themselves a break and begin to disturbingly obsess about every single calorie they ingest (again, not saying you don't need to pay attention, but if you accidentally go 10 calories over, so what??). I feel that little changes add up quickly. Walking your child to and from school instead of driving, using your bike to make a run to the corner store, playing outside with the kids, swimming a couple laps while you are out sunbathing on the beach. I feel like I am running a lifelong marathon, not running a sprint to goal weight. It can be frustrating sometimes, watching those around me that had the surgery about the same time lose weight faster. However, I have no extra skin to contend with and I am certain that I am losing a lot of body fat, not just body weight. My struggle is to keep telling myself this. My struggle is to find a lifelong change that isn't necessarily as quick as I may like, but teaches me the moderation that in 32 years I never learned.

Hello, I am a little concerned and I want to know if this is normal so early in my post-op phase? I was sleeved 10/11/12 (9 days ago) I am feeling kind of hungry all the time. I am on full liquids and am able to drink way more than 1 ounce 15 minutes, in fact I can drink 1/2 cup of broth in less than 10 minutes and a few minutes later I'll feel hungry (not head hunger) and I can consume 1/2 cup of yogurt (thinned out) like nothing. I am following Dr's directions and am consuming anywhere from 48+ ounces of Fluid a day and Calories between 400-600 and Protein between 60-91 grams (that has been my range) It just seems I am able to consume quite a bit of liquids with no problem and I am worried this won't work for me? Please any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

congrauts.... I will also be banded soon 10/28/08 happy as can be no one understands your happiness until they walk in fat people shoes.

THANK YOU Ladies, for your enthusiasm and support! :tt1: I'm sooooo excited. I was told today that I may be able to have surgery as soon as 10/16. I have to wait until my dr. returns from vacation for it to be confirmed. I'm trying not to think about it too much. I don't want to be disappointed if that date doesn't work out. Thanks again!

Hello! I understand your frustration. I, too, was a very slow loser for the first month. If you keep your Protein and Water intake where it should be, the weight will eventually begin to melt away. I'm almost 11 mos. post op and have lost about 80 lbs since my day of surgery. Even at a month post op I seriously questioned my ability to shed the pounds other VSG patients do. While others were losing 20+ lbs per month, I was losing 5-10. In the end, I couldn't be happier and I know you will feel the same next summer! Best wishes on your journey. Lisa

I know it's frustrating to read about people who seem to be losing HUGE amounts of weight in the first month or two, if you're not one of them. But honestly, there are so many factors that go into how much you'll lose and how fast. Men lose faster (damn them!). People with a higher starting BMI lose faster. Younger people seem to me to lose faster. People who didn't have a larger pre-op loss seem to lose faster initially (because the first 10 pounds of any weight loss is mostly water). Some people who are losing faster may be losing muscle mass as well as fat, which will slow down their weight loss later (because muscle mass makes your resting metabolism higher). And some people stall earlier, some people stall later. What's important to remember is, you will lose the weight. It may take longer to come off for some of us (I lost about 15 pounds the first month, 10 the second, and 7 so far in the 3rd month), but it's going to come off, and it will come off consistently, without you feeling like you're starving all the time, and it's going to stay off. Yes, maybe you've been on crash diets where you lost faster, for a little while, and how long did that last? Stick to your surgeon's plan, give your body the liquids and protein it needs (you want to keep the protein up so you maintain muscle mass, which will keep your metabolism from slowing down), take a deep breath, and remember it's not a race, and it's not a diet. This is for the rest of your life. You want to be learning good eating and exercise habits, and learning how to live with your new sleeve and eat for life, not live to eat. And if you're still feeling like a slow loser, check out this thread on slow users unite - you're in good company, and it's full of people who are successful sleevers! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/11308-the-good-thing-about-being-a-slow-loser/