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For the first 5-6 months I never felt hungry. Now I have something sort of like hunger, but it's more like I know my body needs to eat something as opposed to "I'm hungry." It's weird, hard to explain. It varies a lot from person to person and a number of people still have hunger after the sleeve, but I think it is safe to say that most everyone's hunger is considerably diminished after surgery, and find it much more managable. If I am hungry at all, I just eat a couple of ounces of something (preferably Protein like Jerky or deli meat or cheese) and it's gone like poof! That's a pretty slick thing about the sleeve. Very helpful keeping me on plan.

Barbara, Congratulations on having your surgery date and I'll keep you in my prayers this week. I am 10 days post op and these are the things I can tell you from my experience. First of all, know that everyone's experiences seem to be a bit different as you can see from the posts. So it could be different for you. I did have on hand and made up prior to surgery a Jell O buffet (lots of different kinds) and lots of different caffeine free teas - loved the Almond vanilla and it made me feel better to think I could have more of a choice - after all how much choice is there with clear liquids. I also thought no problem eating this way for a couple of weeks, but it is taking its toll no matter how different kinds of Jello and tea I have - it's boring. I can hardly wait for some texture. I heard about the gas pains after surgery, but had no idea what to expect. Found it is not a good idea to be in a public place because of the screams they would cause me. They don't give a lot of warning either. My pains were mainly in my left shoulder area. Took a box of Gas X (not at one time) and it didn't seem to give me that much relief, but would recommend having one on hand. Walk around and getting your fluids is a great tip! I did go back to work the Monday after my surgery on Thursday. Take it easy - don't think you are Super Woman you will pay for it - one way or another. It's funny how your body will "scream" at you when you don't take care of it. I learned this by Tuesday evening I was on the couch by 4 pm in tears, exhausted, and wiped out. I rested a while and felt so much better, so rest when you can so your body can heal. I felt really pretty much back to normal by the 7th day. The port incision is still tender however. I also tried to get by without the pain meds when I got home, there is a reason they give you the pain meds so feel free to use them and not try to be a hero for the first couple of days. I hated the fact that they would make me fall asleep - but in hind sight, that's not a bad thing -helps in that healing process. I also found that using a straw helps me take a sip and drinking hot tea is another way to change any "gulping" habits. The other thing I wanted to share with you is that you may feel a tightness in your chest - right between your breasts - I couldn't tell if that was I was hungry, full, surgery, etc. But I guess it is normal from the posts I have found now, so check those out. It is crazy because there are times it seems I can't get full and other times I eat a half of a yogurt and feel full. So just start looking for the "full" feeling, you'll know it and I am practicing now not to push the bar for when the fill comes, I am not wanting to practice the PBing. I find it hard to also get in enough Protein and eat all that the nutritionist wants me to - so I would encourage you to get some high Protein shake or I got some Protein powder that I can add to my Instant Breakfast or pudding or yogurt - it's flavorless and not bad and gets me lots of protein, with no fat or sugar. Bottom line always follow your doctor's orders and you'll be on your way to a new way of life. The posts here are also very helpful and looking forward to using this resource to its full potential. Best wishes, Lisa Banded 12/9/04 13 pounds down

Yes I'm struggling with my Protein and I think thats the problem but I just order my Protein shakes to get my 60-80g

So on the preop liquid diet, what are we talking about in calories? About 1000? My doc wants me to do Optifast but it's $180 for two weeks...that's more than my regular grocery bill! I have soy protein powder at home that I was using when I would get a fill. I think I will ask if I can use that instead of Optifast.

Also thought I could add some unflavored protein to it. Sent from my SM-T560NU using BariatricPal mobile app

Was anyone sleeved with Dr. DeBarros or Dr. Blackstone in AZ as a self-pay patient. If so, can you share approx. price and what the experience was like as a self-payer. I asked this on the Lapbandtalk site as well, getting ready to actually make some appts and see what my options might be. Thanks!

I have a milk intolerance and an allergy to soy bean. I want to make sure this surgery goes without any glitch because I cannot hear that "I told you so" from my husband. They suggested the Unjury Whey protein but after taking it for about 5 days, I'm experiencing abdominal discomfort, headaches...I am afraid to rely upon it for the pre and post surgical nutrition. I cannot tolerate soybean protein at all. Are there any recommendations for me from experienced surgical patients? I was amazed when I was told my the medical office to contact this block for suggestions...AND disappointed that the medical office seemed reluctant to do this research for me. Give me what you know!

Hi! I also am wondering what foods will be able to eat. Had my Lapband on 7/24/07. Have lost 18 lbs since started on high-protein food supplements (7/13/07). Feeling good - soreness is gone. Am hungry for food like cottage cheese and fruit. Will see my Surgeon and Dietician this Friday, 8/03. Any food suggestions?

I'm not to far behind y'all, I start on Monday. I have tried a protein drink called "Lean Body, On the Go" at Walmart, in Vanilla Ice Cream flavor and it is veryyy good. I have a few more samples to try too, the GNC brand, and Unjury. But I may just stick to the Lean Body one, I like it.

Hi friends! As I sit here on my second week off to recover (RNY was last Tuesday, exactly a week ago!), focusing on my fluids and protein intake, I can't help but dread going back to work. And it's not because I'm physically ill still or anything. I wouldn't mind going back to some other activity, just don't want to go back to this one. I've been meh about my career for years but ya know...pays the bills, has the insurance that pays for the RNY, etcetc. So...just curious. Do we have any dramatic tales of rejuvenating one's life after surgery, saying "screw it" and marching in a new direction?

4yrs ago my 4ml band was fitted and after a month the surgeon inflated it to my personal max which was about 2.5 mls. Despite following the (very strict) rules to the letter, vomiting or constriction required him to empty the band 4 times in the first year. A month after each de-fill he filled it up again to my personal max (under x-ray) which was slightly different each time. eg 2.2mls, 2.7mls, 2.4mls. I had now spent £10,000 in total on the op, fills, de-fills and travel to and from London. That was the end of year one and I had lost 7 stones. As I could no longer afford my surgeon or the travel, I sought alternative help which was offered infrequently on the NHS in Scotland within driving distance. I was advised that mine is a very old 1st generation band and that bands were now in their 3rd generation. (Larger and softer). Many of my NHS appointments have been cancelled due to 'clinical commitments', and I have made up for a shortfall in timeous treatment by doing my own fills/defills. This is not rocket science and has been very successful for me. I do not recommend it for you. In fact I recommend that you do not do it. I only do it because I don't want to vomit acid in my sleep and then inhale it. (If I did this I might be in intensive care with lung damage and not be able to keep my NHS appointment 2 days later for an 'emergency unfill'.:scared2:) After 4 banded years I now have slippage and am throwing in the towel. I Have found a lovely new surgeon in another town who seems to understand what I have gone through b4 and during this process. So, having had my final unfill I would appreciate your advice on what options there are and the advantages and disadvantages of different types of surgery. I still have this goal you see; that my BMI will be less than 25. Nicky

How much Protein does your surgeon wAnt u to take in? Because the ensure that has 26 G protein has 350 calories.. My dr wanted me to take in 100g that would have been like 1400 calories when he only wanted me to have about 1000..

Hey guys! I'm back. 4 weeks post op, I'm currently in a stall, but overall I feel great. Today I tried on an XL swimming suit and it could fit (bottom fit great, but I'm very top heavy lol) - I am happy to say that being able to see an XL is great, I'm usually having to try on 2 or 3X. I have tried not weighing myself that much this week due to my stall cause it only makes me upset. I'm increasing my fluids and taking in more Protein shakes and Water to see if that will help. It feels like it's been longer than a month, I'm 2 weeks away from being off the soft food diet. I do feel like I would be ok staying on the soft food diet due to my stomach being much smaller but I guess with more options of food I'm sorta looking forward to the 6 wk mark. Well, I hope all are well! P.S. My new swimsuit is too cute.

Hmmm, upped my protein to 70 grams for two days straight and knock on wood, the stall may be broken. Will update tomorrow, but lost 1.5 overnight!

Although I didn't have as much to lose, I did not lose as much as I thought I should at one year. I called my doctor and asked what I could do. She suggested that I go back to day 1 eating and start there. Use two days for each week (week 1 liquids- decaf tea coffee, sugar free Popsicle, sugar free Jello, clear sugar free juice, broth) (week 2 full liquids - Protein powder with Water, thinned cream Soup, thin oatmeal, sugar free pudding, thin applesauce) etc. You know the drill. It takes a lot of will power, but it works. Don't forget to exercise and drink water and make your meals last at least 20 minutes. No water before, during, or after any meal - even with liquid meals.

Chocolate flavored protein shakes and choc flavored protein bars and sugar free hot chocolate help me

I had to do a 2 week pre-op diet and by the 2nd week I was famished! Basically a starvation liquid diet without the appetite suppressing benefits of surgery, But it's important and will jump start your weight loss, shrink your liver, and get you used to what you will be doing for a couple of weeks post op. I am now 2 weeks post op and still on the same thing and I am hungry now! It's been 4 weeks of fluids and protein supplements. I see my doctor tomorrow and I will have my first soft protein food tomorrow for dinner !!!! Yippee! Can hardly wait. The pre-op diet is the first stage of your new lifestyle. Embrace it! You are on your way to becoming the new you!

Okay, I saw there were a few threads about Herbalife on here. I do have a question. Since the doc wants you to drink protein shakes, and I can see why, I was wondering what it would hurt to drink Herbalife. I have done it for a long time. The shakes to me taste pretty good, so is it going to hurt me to drink them when the time comes?

Hey everybody----if anybody is looking for some great protein shakes 35 grams of protein I can get you the hook up through my website.shoot me a email if you like terri.mike@sbcglobal.net

Herbalife should be fine. Just make sure you are getting the bang for the buck and getting at least 25 grams of protein for your shake. If not, I would switch. Good luck.

At last year’s annual physical, I asked my primary care physician (PCP) if I would benefit from weight loss surgery. She said, “Yes, weight loss surgery would benefit you. But, not something as drastic as the by-pass due to absorption issues.” Great – that is all I needed to hear. Last summer, I completed the program at my local bariatric center – even though I met insurance criteria, I was immediately denied – both insurance appeals were denied – I got determined – started researching all options - then chose my surgeon in Mexico. (My BMI was 36 and I had a co-morbidity and met the insurance requirement for surgery, but was denied because my hypertension was controlled with two medications.) It never occurred to me to ask my doctor for her “permission” to go to Mexico for surgery nor did I check to see if she would treat me after surgery. She said I would benefit from weight loss surgery, so I was doing it! After surgery in Mexico, I faxed her the surgery notes and she helped me get off all my blood pressure medication. Fast forward to today and this year’s annual exam. This was my first visit to the doctor since surgery in February. Of course my weight is down, my resting heart rate was great, and my blood pressure NORMAL with a normal sized cuff. YES! The appointment started out like normal, she was asking how I was feeling, etc. Told her I felt great, was eating well, exercising, and losing weight after bariatric surgery in February. She said, “Oh yes! I got the surgical notes you sent me…did you REALLY go to Tijuana and have surgery?! I thought you might have been kidding!” It was sort of comical. As I started with the story – here eyes were huge! But, once she understood my surgeon’s credentials, facility certification, what procedure I had, post-surgery follow up, she had a big smile. My PCP said, “You did good! Our medical system is such a mess and everyone watches the doctors & hospitals, but who is watching the insurance companies? Oh, and I would be really interested in talking to your surgeon about how to practice out of the country. We love the Caribbean and I would love to take care of the ex-patriots living there.” She looks at my incisions and said they looked great. For anyone considering Mexico and concerned about what your doctor might think, don’t be. If your doc is on board with weight loss surgery for you, they might be really interested in learning more about medical care outside the US too.

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone! I'm still having some trouble sleeping, as I expected as I am normally a tummy sleeper. But, otherwise I guess I'm doing ok. Trying to sip Water through the day. I haven't eaten much of anything, maybe 1/3 cup of Soup broth, 4 or 5 bites of yogurt and half a packet of cream of wheat (and we were out of milk so it was just the Cereal lol). It's not that I can't eat, I just really don't feel the need to. This morning I'm having a medifast chai to try to get some nutrients and Protein in me.

Hi Jacee, Glad to know you're doing well. I drink the same Carnation drink and I love it compared to the protein drinks my husband drinks when he's working out. Today is day 7 for me...and I actually got hungry yesterday. freaked me out...maybe i'm not taking in enough fluids. keep up the good work!

Thank you all so much for your heartfelt support. Yes, I need to sip more Water. I think I only got a total of 16 oz in yesterday. I will try harder today. I did get 30 grams of Protein thru my one Premiere Protein shake but since it's liquid, does that could towards 'liquids' too? If so, that was another 11 oz I got in yesterday. Plus a popsicle. I have to share this....what I find is funny is that everytime I sleep, I've been having dreams of EATING! LOL! I was just napping & in my dream I was having some almond flavored cake shaped like sea shells. Haha! I'm not even dreaming of eating cake in real life. Gimme Pasta or chicken parm or steak with pesto sauce slathered all over it! Enjoyed all your messages...thank you so much for caring enough to respond. xoxo

I agree with the water. I was told to get my water first, then protein, etc. Maybe you are getting dehydrated. I don't know. I do hope you feel better soon.