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If you absolutely have to. I would stop every hour or two to make sure to walk about 5-10 minutes at your own speed and make sure you have plenty of Water to drink. The pulmonary embolism is a danger if you are not moving regularly while your body is metabolizing the anesthesia. To combat this, walk at least 5-10 minutes every hour. It should say something like that in your discharge instructions.

I got stuck about 9-10 months post op also. I reached a weight some where in the 170"s and just sort of sat there with only losing a few pounds here and there for about 6 months. I know that is probably not what you wanted to hear but it happens, I about drove myself crazy trying to figure out what I was doing wrong or what I needed to do. I analyzed my food diaries and all I could see was I was always over in fat and carbohydrates and under in calories, below 1200 and sometimes below 1000. I talked with my nut. at the doctors office and she suggested I increase my protein and increase my cardio from 3 days a week to 30 min daily. I did all of this and finally started losing again. The one thing that did happen to me was I lost inches when not losing weight. On the months I had a large weight lose I lost little inches and on the months I had a small weight loss I lost a lot of inches. Just have patience, I know that is hard to do some times when you want this so bad but patience pays off, believe me it did for me and I was not aways perfect and did allow my self an occasional splurge. Good luck!

When I dine out, I order off the kids menu when I really just want to save money and I don't really want left overs lol but you could also share a plate with someone. Me and my boyfriend tried that last time we ate out and it worked out pretty well. Our bill ended up being 10 bucks! I think you should be fine for vacation in October, by 6 wks out you should be past most of the pain, if not all of it and your energy level will be alot higher because you will be eating solids again

August 22, 2006..I remember that day like it was yesterday. I arrived at the hospital so happy so excited so full of joy and ready to prove my doctor WRONG. You see my pre-op weight was 416lbs and the surgeon wanted me to undergo a gastric bypass or a duodenal switch (which I don't think they do anymore) because my BMI was so high. But at that time I was only 20 years old no serious medical issues and my mother didn't want me to have either of those surgeries so lapband it was. Moreover, my bariatric doctor made it very clear that I wasn't going to lose any weight and in two years I'd be back for a gastric bypass. Fast forward a few years and I was making tremendous progress. I'll never forget when I walked into Dr. Prachand's office in August 2008 for my two year post-op appt and I was down 138 lbs. And he looked at me with a smile and said "well Liqui you proved me wrong" that was the best feeling I ever felt. I was on a mission..I had a point to prove. Needless to say a few years went by and the weight slowly stop coming off...I was getting discouraged...I was losing my motivation and I had to switch doctors (I started a job and my health insurance changed). In 2011, I started seeing a new bariatric doctor (who I'm stilling seeing today) and it was like starting all over again at the time I had gained some weight back and I was about 310. At my first appointment with Dr. Mihil he told me to tell him my journey to this point...although he had my huge file in front of him. I told him my story anyway and he said "so let's start campaign prove Dr. Prachand wrong again." I laughed through my tears of disappointment and agreed. He proceed to say "I don't know Prachand personally but I want you to succeed because he wrote everywhere in your file. Placed band despite better judgement." When I tell you that doctor was AGAINST the band he was AGAINST the band and if I'm not mistaken he doesn't place them anymore at all. Moreover, my motivation started to come back I was checking in regular with the new doctor, losing weight, then BAM in 2013 I found out I was pregnant with TWINS. I was sooooo happy and excited yet sad because I knew I was going to gain weight. Well needless to say I gained more weight than I and the doctor expected. During my pregnancy I gained 73lbs I was mortified. I delivered my twins 4weeks early so I can't imagine how much more weight I would've gained if I carried them full term lol. My babies were born completely healthy but I was left with almost 60lbs of weight to loss. I avoided the bariatric doctor for two years...I kept saying "I wanna loss the weight before I go see him." I hadn't seen him since I was 4 months pregnant and he removed all my Fluid from my band. Then one day a few months ago I realized that I wasn't going to lose the weight on my own (which is why I needed weight loss surgery in the first place). And I finally made in appointment to go see him. I felt like a dead man walking.. I weighed in at 359. Which I was okay with considering I was 374lbs post babies. So I had lost weight but I still wasn't where I started. I was sitting in the room so nervous I thought the doctor was going to chew me out for waiting two years to see him and gaining so much weigh. He came in the room, gave me a hug and asked to see the babies. I just started to cry. I felt like I let him down. But he reminded me that "you're doing this for YOU and now those babies not me." That visit was such a breath of fresh air until he tried to give me a fill and to our surprise my port has flipped around. We played around with it for a while but no luck he couldn't get the fluid in. Another doctor came in and tried to give me a fill as well... No luck So I left that day with no fill but gained my sense of hope back. I have an appointment in the 26th of this month. And we're going to try it again or discuss possibly going in for a revision surgery which I really don't want. But I know something has to be done because right now I have no fluid in my band and feel no restrictions. I know everyone feels differently about the band and although weight wise I'm not were I want to be I'm still pretty happy with it because I haven't had as many complications like I hear about from the other WLS. And when I have fluid in my band it works of course with exercise and eating right. Moreover, I just really hope at my next appointment they can find the top of my port and give me a fill. Has anyone had a lap band revision surgery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey GB family, I’m super discouraged today. I’m two weeks and five days post op. I’ve only lost 15 lbs from surgery weight (311). I thought I’d be losing more weight.I’m only worrying because l’m at a stand still. Has anyone had this problem? The scale is just not moving !! My 1-month post operative appointment is in 10 days. I’m afraid that’s not enough weight for 1 month.. HW:311 CW: 296 GW: 165

My doctors instructions and everything else I have found has what to eat but doesn't give me like specific amounts... any tips or ideas? I have been getting the liquids down just fine...takes me about 45 min to an hour for 10 oz bottle of G2. And the little bit of cream soups Ive tried just today I would say I ate about 2.5 very slow, took me about 30 min. So let me know what ya'll know!!! thanks!

Hey beautiful how far off In weight are you can you Gain the weight. I had to gain ten pounds sounds silly but to me I'm 75lbs overweight and always unhappy so to gain 10 more was harder than I thought but was well worth it. I pray something will change for you. I'm 252 at 5'7.. I pray you get good news and also call the insurance company and see actually why they denied you. Remember everything happens for a reason my friend. I hope you ok!

My BMI was 36 when I started off but I have 6 out of the top 10 comorbidities so my insurance approved the first time through. (thank God) If the doc talks to the insurance company and can prove that you are unable to lose on your own, he may be able to convince them. What is meant to be will be. No worries. & Good Luck!

I use GNC's Pro Performance AMP - Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 Heres the 411 on it: 1 serving (3 scoops) is 60 grams. I need between 40-60 a day.. so depending on what else im having for the day sometimes i do 2 scoops, sometimes I do the full 3 scoops. You cannot digest 60gr of protein in one sitting of course.. so usually I do one scoop when I first get up, another during the afternoon a few hrs before dinner, and if i do a 3rd I do it at night. Anyways...... its 280 calories for all 3 scoops (60Grams of protein) .. of that 280, only 10 calories from fat, Total carbs 7grams, total fat 1gram, and total sugar 2grams!! I have not found ANYTHING that is as lean and I have been on a mean search for months lol ........ anything that I found that was less calories tasted like butt. My dr says this is a GREAT choice. Flavors - Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, Cookies n Cream, and Fruit Punch........ I have tried all except fruit punch.. and LOVE them all. TRY IT

Yes it happened to me too. All thoughts led to my upcoming surgery. Once I had the surgery and got back to work (I stayed home for only 10 days!) the obsession seemed to subside. Now I actually sometimes forget I had the surgery! Unless of course I eat too fast or don't chew enough...then I get reminded real quick!

Hi everyone, I'm New to BariatricPal but many posts have been very helpful throughout my short journey. I can't wait to continue being motivated by reading about everyone else's struggles similar to mine and success stories I aspire to accomplish. Best of luck to all! So today is my 10th day post op, & had an appointment with my NUT i was hoping she'd say I was good for mushy foods because I was so sick of protein shake at this point. 2 weeks pre op & 10 days post op liquid diet. Turns out she did give me the go ahead and I went home for some beans and low fat melted cheese... First, the cheese didn't melt all the way (gross) almost like imitation cheese. Second, the moment I ate the first baby spoon I immediately had gas like lil burp bubbles coming up. It continued for the whole 1st ounce and the 1/2 ounce after that was fine but I did have a slight stomach ache afterwards that took me to the restroom. I'm a lil scared it might have been too soon to go off liquids, I'm so sick of protein shakes and was looking forward to some kind of food other than broth. How was your first experience??? Should I hold off on trying again or is this a normal reaction?

Wow! What a difference a year makes! I have been thinking about this day all week. One year... What a ride! Here are some stats: I am 1.1 pound away from being "normal" BMI; I am down 147.8 pounds total (121 pounds of that since surgery); I have lost 83.5 inches (18 inches off my hips ALONE / 12 inches off EACH thigh!); pants size down from loose 28 to 12 or 14; dress size down from 24 or 26 to a size 12. Some of the best NSV's: Buckling airplane seatbelt and not having bruises on my thighs from the plane seat arms; ability to get up and down off the floor so easily; my clothes have stopped falling off hangers; ability to fit in a "normal" robe when I go to a spa or even the doctor; crossing my legs; not sweating all the time; diabetes in remission and no diabetes meds; off cholesterol meds; ability to mow my own lawn without being so exhausted I had to lay down for hours afterwards. I know there are more.... How did I do it? Perseverance. Seriously one bite at a time. I ate poorly or too much, I got right back up and did better next meal - not tomorrow, not next Monday. My keys to success: Therapy and logging my food daily and having occasional checkups with my NUT. (It is good to have someone look over my food logs and say "careful on that, or try more of this"). I really think therapy though is my number one tool. I had some breakthroughs just this week in how I saw food and will continue to see this therapist for AT least another year if not longer. Oh and I cannot forget the support I received from friends and family. Were it not for those cheering me on and yet still staying out of my business (i.e. not constantly saying "should you be eating that"), I do not think I would have been so successful. And of course this incredible website. Without the advice and the ability to rant and read others experiences here, I would never have been able to do this! What do I eat: deli turkey, cheese, blackberries, blueberries, apples, tuna, pork tenderloin, lean ground beef (less than once per week), turkey sausage, turkey pepperoni, LOTS AND LOTS of chicken (grilled, boiled, fajita style, rotisserie, baked, roasted, etc etc), cucumbers, avocado, green olives, mushrooms, onions, occasional slice of bread (a few times a week), triscuit crackers (limiting myself to 2 or 3 at a time), did I say cheese LOTS and LOTS of cheese. I still have 1 Protein shake per day (30g protein) to make sure I get to my protein goals. I eat around 100 - 120g protein per day / 60-80g carbs / 45-55g fat - total calories 1100-1300. (I have been averaging closer to 1000 this last 2 weeks and I need to be sure t get those calories UP because I am ready to stop losing weight.) I cook for myself, so it is much easier to manage I am sure than others who cook for families. What didn't change: I am not one of those people that have SO much energy they cannot stand it. Nope. I am still a fairly lazy person. I hate that I am but it is true. I watch too much tv still and I still don't enjoy exercising really (and don't do it as often as I should). (I mostly walk and it is nice to know that I can go on a 2 mile walk without a lot of effort but I don't get that HIGH from exercising some talk about.) I want to be healthier and I will keep working on that part but I will never be a marathon runner or CrossFitter, etc. I still struggle with making food choices. The struggle is much easier than it used to be (most things don't even cross my mind to eat anymore) but I still crave salty Snacks. I give in sometimes but I am working on the addiction part of that. Not because you cannot have salty snacks but because it is an ADDICTION for me. And yes - I have loose skin. LOTS of it. My butt and boobs took the worst hit. You cannot see it when I am dressed and it isn't as bad as I thought it might be, but I am going to have it fixed. I am planning my first of plastics for this fall. I took money out of my 401K to pay for it. I do not need to be perfect, but I want to be able to wear sleeveless shirts and some shorts without being uncomfortable and I need my butt and thighs to be reshaped so I can fit in pants (which are tough to buy right now). I had some struggles in the beginning - I had a stricture which we didn't figure out until 3 months post-op so I was constantly vomiting. I stayed nauseas until 6 months post-op. The constipation is probably the very worst part and it has only really resolved in the last couple of months as I have started to incorporate more Fiber in my diet. (It is tough to get fiber in the beginning.) I thought I was a SLOW loser (average 10-12 pounds per month). I know now that isn't slow. It is just right. My best advice to people starting this journey - DO IT! Seriously - just do it. Just work the program. Use the tools - all of them - therapy, logging, NUT, restriction, Vitamins, exercise. STOP comparing yourself to others!! It will derail you! (PLUS I just don't buy into the "I lost 40 pounds my first month") This is your journey. No one else's. Everyone's journey is different and comparing yourself to others is defeating mentally. GO SEE A THERAPIST! Please... accept that you have a food "issue". I will buy that some of you don't but let's be honest, the overwhelming majority of us have food "issues" and until you face that fact, you cannot learn how to start to move past it. HANG IN THERE - just keep moving forward. You are going to be stunned when you look back a year from now... My journey is not over. The hardest part is just beginning - Maintenance. I have lost weight before but never kept it off, so this is the real test. Can I do this for the rest of my life? I truly hope so. I have a great head start by having developed some great new habits and faced some of my food addiction issues that I allowed to derail me in the past. I have some big changes in my life coming up job-wise and it is going to take discipline to make it work. I will keep seeing my therapist and keep my eye on the prize!

Does anyone take this? Or know anything about it?? I am trying to lose 10 more pounds and I was told this would be very helpful!

I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass surgery. After surgery I was given a maximum weight lifting restriction. Since it was so long ago I don't really recall the limit but it was around 10 or 15 pounds. That restriction went away fairly quickly. I think by the time of the first follow-up meeting where they removed the stitches after surgery, they eliminated this weight limit. The weight limit was in writing and most companies will honor the weight limit due to recovery from surgery. It means that certain tasks cannot be performed until you are healed. If you work in surgery, I would think most hospitals would comply with this requirement.

Oh my. So sorry you're dealing with all of this. Please keep us updated! My symptoms were vomiting nightly and daily, discolored stool, mucus in stool and massive leg cramping at night from no potassium or magnesium in my system because of the malabsorption. It took the docs WAY too long to diagnose and thus I suffered for 8 months. To the OP: The discolored stool is a big indicator of gallbladder or pancreatic problems. It's due to malabsorption. Rapid weight loss can cause gallstones and gallbladder attacks so definitely keep an eye on this and let your surgeon know. Wow, I'm so sorry. That is horrible. Are you ok now? Gosh, it irks me to know that your doctors took so long to diagnose you, especially when your symptoms are obvious indicators of a possible gallbladder problem. The same thing happened to my mom; she kept having weird bowel movements and back pain, which went misdiagnosed for so many years. Her doctor kept saying it was IBS, but she just wasn't convinced. Several years later, the back pain got much worse. One night, her back started hurting so badly that she was in tears (my mom barely ever cries, so I knew something was really wrong). My sister called 911, and she was rushed to the ER. Sure enough, it was her gallbladder. Her surgeon said that she was one of the most difficult procedures he's ever had; definite top 5 most difficult. He said her gallbladder was completely rotten, and as if it had been rotting for 10-20 years. He said it's a miracle that her pancreas was not affected. After her gallbladder was removed, the back pain went away. For years she dealt with that back pain.

10/24 sleevers...GOOD LUCK!!! :>)

I think I lost about 10-12 pounds also. However, my surgeon said he didn't even want me to TRY to lose weight until at least the first-third month post-op. He said you only need to be concerned with HEALING during that time; the (possible) swelling and the "trauma" of surgery will likely keep you from "overdoing it" during that time, as things will not go down as well and you'll feel full rather quickly. At about 3 months is when he actually was interested in starting to track my weight loss. Until then, they didn't even mention the scale!!! I think that is a good approach; you want everything to heal properlly MOST OF ALL and you need nutrients and calories (and vitamins) to accomplish that before you try to limit your body's intake. If you lose during that time, all well and good, but don't WORK AT losing during your post-op period. You'll do best in the long run if you concentrate on healing as your first priority. Best of wishes for you as you become the thinner, healthier person you will be very soon!!!

I'm being banded on 12/10

First of all it sucks typing on an iPhone. Second this may be really long. Well after missing my flight I was able to get everything adjusted by one day. So the next morning I was two hours early for the flight lol. Flight was uneventful but it was a cool 63 degrees when I arrived, I am used to 100 or more. Samuel was waiting for me around the corner and pulled up shortly in a very discreet white mini van. He's super friendly and we chatted the whole way. He pointed out a few interesting things and soon we were crossing the border. Not scary at all. A little run down and dirty but not scary. When we pulled up its not a huge hospital. More like a medical annex. Very modern and pretty. As soon as I walked in the lobby even the receptionist was asking about my flight. They were expecting me the day before so everything was ready. I got my allergy bracelet and was taken to my room. Ana the coordinator was so nice, also asking about my flight. I felt bad that they had to run around and change everything to get me in next day surgery, but she said not to worry. I signed far less paperwork than I ever did for a hospital stay. Less than 10 minutes later I was given a gown to change into and taken to blood draw. I am a hard stick so I expected a lot of pain, but she looked all over both arms for a good 15 mins before trying only twice. Because I hadn't drank since midnight on Sunday I was pretty dehydrated. Next was chest X-ray right down the hall. Then back to my room. They tried to look for a vein for the i but no luck. Dr. C said they would inly try twice because they could always do it once i was under, they didn't need to cause pain. but they got it on the second try. vI was given a pill and a sip of liquid to relax. Dr. C came in to tell me about anesthesia and to take a medical history, Dr. V came to discuss nutrition and post op care, then Dr. G came to discuss the surgery. It all seemed so fast and so sudden! I went for my height and weight. I lost 15lbs!! Wow. I went back to my room and was told I would be operated on shortly. Well three hours later and a much needed nap I was woken up and told to get ready. They brought in the gurney and I hopped on, put on my "sexy cap". Rolled down the hallway to the OR. It's very small. Not like the huge US OR. But everything looked modern and clean. I have quite a few tattoos and everyone seemed very impressed and asked me about them and my job. That must have been a distraction because next thing I knew, i was fighting the oxygen mask and I was back in my room lol. Now for the part everyone is waiting for... NO PAIN. I was prepared for so much pain and soreness I kind of freaked myself out. I had a very sore raw throat. I almost thought I didn't have the surgery! But the doctor said everything went smoothly. I slept through the night and the nurses came in with meds every few hours. Again I was shocked at the lack of pain. I even refused meds a few times just to make sure lol. One thing I had severe nausea. Every time I stood up I vomited. So there was no walking for me. But I had no gas. I guess the vomiting pushed it out. I was given a few extra bags of electrolyte because of dehydration and nebulizer treatments every 8 hours. Nausea and pain meds kept up the entire time. The first leak test, hard to describe the taste. Yucky but it goes away fast. Dr. V came in again and scolded me about walking, but since I have no gas pain or overall pain she wasn't too hard on me. I slept most of the day away until they brought the blue dye. It's a huge cup! But I was worried for nothing. It just tasted like... Blue dye. No leaks in my drain. So that's my story. Very simple, very easy. And I leave for the hotel today. Oh every nurse I had spoke English. And I speak a little Spanish so communication was great. If you have any questions about the small details, just ask away.

In a deeply emotional moment, I sat down and wrote a list in order of importance. I will share it here, in case it helps anybody organize their thoughts, emotions, and priorities. 6/25/2014 RNY Surgery Goals To be able to eat half a yogurt and be satisfied, full, and fortified. to no longer be consumed with healthy food shopping and meal preps, the miseries of weighing cabbage, and be satisfied with my minimal needs. to get off my blood pressure medication Lower my cholesterol to normal levels to beat the odds of my family’s heart disease to be able to navigate stairs without dislocating my knees to be able to walk down the stairs and see past my stomach so I don’t trip To be able to get up from a chair without leaving a sweat-spot to be able to wear dresses without leggings, and not chafe my thighs to see my knee bones and ankles to be able to pick up a tissue from the floor without waiting for more things to accumulate before bending down to be able to walk for more than 10 minutes before my heel spurs start throbbing to breathe easier for longer periods and not trigger my asthma to sing for two hours straight without throat pain to sit on the floor with my clients and play guitar. to send all my old clothes to Lisa and Beka be able to play a narrow-neck guitar play the violin without colliding my fingers enjoy airplane flights without stopping the circulation in my legs because my thighs are squeezed in between the neighboring armrests to be able to lift and move objects without throwing my back into spasms to be able to wear trendy shoes with less support be done with granny-panties to be able to buy size medium clothes on the sales rack to be a normal-looking healthy American

Does anyone still look at this site? CHULA VISTA here! Jess ______________ banded 10/06/06 Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana Start 250, surgery 235

I have Kaiser. I'm able to email or leave a message for my doctors, are you able to do that? I usually remember questions after I leave my appt. I email. Usually my surgeon's PA gets back with me, but once the surgeon did himself. At my 10 day I'd lost 15 lbs. now I'm 20 days and have lost 2 more. I look at it as 17 lbs in 20 days, none of my diets were this successful. I lost 96 lbs pre-op and was losing an avg of 3 lbs weekly (some 0, some 6). Depends on that time of the month for me too. Per my surgeon, I'll be very swollen internally for weeks and need to focus on healing, liquids (64 ounces daily) and protein (60 - 80 grams daily) for at least the first 6 weeks. So that's what I'm doing. I've already had a fainting episode and "over-did" activity, trying to walk to much, too many errands, and I've become over tired and pain increased. I'm reminding myself to take it easy, day by day and weigh once a week and not really count it but every 2. (In one day my weight can fluctuate 3-4 lbs).

There is different degrees of pain for everyone. I had no gas pain so I was lucky there but I had bad pain for about a week in the incision he took the stomach out of. But in my case he had to go through a 30 year old scar and he said it took him an extra 15 minutes because it was tough. I stayed on the liquid pain medicine every 6 hours and it was bearable. My stomach. Looked like the himalaya mountains from all the Fluid they had put in me. I gained 10 lbs after the surgery but it left again within a week and my stomach was back to normal. That was surgery but now I am 3 months post op and down 52 lbs. I am also 66 years old. You young woman will do so much better. Just remember it is major surgery but it is well worth it. I could never have lost this much weight before. Best of luck to you all. Get r done, LOL.

I'm almost 2 years out from surgery, and still losing in drips and dribbles, I've loved almost every aspect of having WLS. I've loved the smaller clothes, the CUTER clothes, the stares, the compliments, ALL of it!! EXCEPT! I would like to write a memo to the designers of pants, blue jeans in particular. Dear Blue Jean Designer People, I love your product! It is roomy, durable, comfy, can withstand multiple uses without washing, it truly is the universal napkin! My only complaint (and it really is quite a serious and big one) is pockets. I have gone from a 24 to a 4. My legs have shrunk, my thighs have shrunk, all of the junk in my trunk...has shrunk. HOWEVER, the items that I like to carry in my pockets...HAS NOT SHRUNK!! When I was a 24, I could happily carry my cell phone, my keys, chap stick, I'm convinced I could have even smuggled small animals and children in my jeans pockets. I loved it!! If I didn't want to carry it, I popped it in my pocket! My HANDS even fit in my pocket!! Now, I'm lucky if I can squeeze a toothpick and half a penny in the pockets that you make for the size of jeans I wear now. I am thouroughly disguisted! Yes, I AM SERIOUS! I cannot tell you how many times since wearing size 10 jeans and under I have left my cell phone somewhere, been left with parched dry lips because I didn't have/couldn't fit my chapstick in the tiny fold of fabric that you try to pass off as a 'pocket'. I have wasted at least 16 hours of my life digging for keys that are lost somewhere in the bottom of my gigantic purse while juggling groceries, and simotaniously sweating/freezing the death. I am convinced that you are now in cahoots with the purse industry. Since I have been able to buy smaller jeans, instead of being able to cherish the extra funds, I've had to spend it on Much. Larger. Purses. I'm onto you, and your shenannigans! Don't think that everyone is complacent about your lack of design and the sham that you are pulling! I have almost enough mind to cut out your 'pockets' and sew in my own!! I'm watching, I know, and I am spreading the word!! Give me my pockets back!! Sincerely, One Pocket Lovin' Lady

Hi tried to drink your shakes and chicken broth often at least every 2 hours 2 oz also drink water it help a lot , keep drinking you pain medication as prescribed by you doctor, it must be gas if is a shoulder pain, the sugar free popsicles help also hope you feel better, keep walking at least 10 minutes three times at day it help a lot with the pain!!