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I really hate to ask this and I'm not sure if it was addressed here..you mentioned the sugar addiction? Have you figured out for yourself how your going to deal with this issue? I know it all to well myself ???? i had to kick this issue myself it was part of my weight issue. Just asking bc it'll need to be avoided as much as possible (at least it was part of my protocol) and it also can cause dumping as with any of these..just asking..don't want to start no arguments. I was sleeved 8 months ago..it's been some journey I've had my struggles take day by day but I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Stick to your plan listen to your dr etc..do your part and it will work. You will get out what you put in..sleeve best thing i did! ????

I was sleeved on January 27th. I have only lost 15 lbs since day of surgery. I eat about 700-750 cal per day. I eat mostly protein (a lot of chicken, dairy peanut butter). I try to do vegetables but don't usually have room. I do eat 1 - 2 quest bars per day. I have only been walking 2-3 times per week for about 30 min. Exercise is very difficult bc I have chronic fatigue. I have been exhausted since surgery. Plus I have a really low metabolism according to the RMR test. According to that I only burn about 1080 calories per day so I don't want to eat too many since I can't really exercise. So I think you are doing ok.

I was on liquids for a week this particular moment I was adding foods with more consistency. Still to this day I can't eat oatmeal bc it gives me this feeling

Ty for the words of encouragement. Hopefully the drain comes out 2m. I'm Going to try peanut butter and also look into the bariatrix soups. It's hard bc I feel like my parents who are here don't get it and I'm Trying but they don't think I am. So ty very much

I'm on day 4 post-op. Getting all my Protein in, but building up to 64 oz of Fluid. I got 48oz in yesterday. I'm beginning to tire of the shakes - chocolate is too sweet (never thought I say that lol) and adding unflavored to broth gives a weird texture. I've got one bottle of isopure gonna use that to get my protein in today - definitely gonna stock up on that Monday. I'm just tired of the soreness. Not taking pain meds bc I don't like the flavor. I guess I'm suffering a little cabin fever/boredom which is to be expected. Going to my classroom to get papers to grade - maybe that will help boredom lol

I'm on the preop liquids now. My surgery is in 5 days. I purchased different RAMEN flavors and fed the noodles to birds. At $0.10 per pkg, you can't beat the price, and many flavors to choose from.

I feel so out of the loop bc my surgeon did not put me on a liquid diet at all...i will do the clear liquid diet with you @@ladycook9713 just incase...

It may not be true for *you*, but it was true for *me*. I had BC/BS PPO, and they were very clear about what they would and would not pay for. I had my lap band done in Mexico, and they paid for NO FOLLOWUP CARE of ANY KIND. I checked with them again before my sleeve conversion, and they told me the same would be true this time around. I'm with Aetna right now.

I'm not in pain, just really sore on my left side. I quit taking pain meds yesterday bc I can't stand the taste of liquid lortab!!! I've gotten all my protein in last 2 days but can only get in about 32-36 oz of fluids.

@@Laureadolce Thanks for the well wishes! I spent one night (3/19) in the hospital and got home around 8pm tonight. (Had to fill Rx and also torrential rains here in TX). Day 2 sucked. IV pain meds made me so nauseated. Once I got done with the leak test and could have liquid pain meds - things got soooo much better! I brought ear plugs but didn't have to use them (private room). I did use phone charger and extension cord. And also fleecy robe (which served as blanket too and was easier than bending down to cover my legs). House shoes also definitely better than the tred socks they give you. Now just trying to keep down anti nausea pills. I forgot to grab a pill crusher so hubby may have to go buy me one bc Anti Nausea and Acid Reducer are in pill form not liquid. So glad surgery is over and glad to be home. Now for 2 more weeks of liquids. Haha

Yes I im a little over 2 weeks out and feel like i can normally drink. Just not to fast bc it will hurt.

I went thru true results and dr adam smith did my surgery. I love his staff. They don't judge even if you are in there getting fluids or a vitamin dose BC you can't do it yourself. <3

I totally agree @JamieLogical. It is VERY valid to discuss the whys and why nots. What I do NOT understand here is who the OP has such a beef against (besides me, for reasons I am also unclear on). What is ridiculous about the process? I am genuinely curious. Is it the the approval process? If so, is she railing against her employer who chooses the insurance package or the insurance company whom she also seems to be defending when she states that someone (I am not clear who) is just "trying to get money from" them via the process. Who exactly is making her feel "like a lab rat"? Is it the doctor? The insurance company? The process? Again, I have no problem with discussing why someone would or would not go through this process. I have discussed and debated this topic many times and like I stated earlier, I support anyone/everyone who makes this decision no matter what they conclude. That said, there are a lot of highly inflammatory accusations in the original post as well as name calling and rude behavior from the OP in subsequent posts. I disagree that it "took a bad turn" as I think it started out that way. Perhaps I simply misunderstood the OP's original intent in her initial post but I certainly think she cleared up any misunderstanding there might have been in her follow up. She proved me right, in my opinion. @@LipstickLady I'm with you on this..If I had made the decision NOT to go through this why not just stay off this site? and be over it? Im starting to think something was said maybe or denied bc of maybe not meeting the criteria? IDK...or maybe fear did get the best . I wish them the best..:/

I'm 34 about 6 weeks pregnant, 3 months po, i had the sleeve and I also have two blood clotting disorders to deal with.. So yes I'm fed high risk.. I just can't wait to be in my safe place in my pregnancy!! Hope all is well!!

Walking, shopping, sightseeing and taking naps day 1 and 2. Flew from San Diego to SLC and drove myself home 5 hours on day 3/4 (had to stay in a hotel 1/2 way home because the roads were so icy.) Plowed my driveway, went shopping and fed horses and dogs when I got home day 4. Sat around and did nothing day 5 (Christmas day). Got a haircut and nails done and worked a couple hours from home day 6. Back to work day 7. But your schedule seems a lot nicer to me. I was hoping to relax for 2 weeks but that obviously didn't happen.... Enjoy your down time!

I read SOME of the thread and not all...I remember what I went thru the first 4 wks. I just kept it to myself. my mind was SCREAMING for a bite of a juicey burger or a bite of pizza! I had the thought going thru my mind " what have I done?!" this is what my surgeon told me some DO go through! I no I hit the "like" on a few comments and I did so bc I can relate to what your feeling or thinking?and I also at the same time KNEW what I had to do to get thru that mental thinking. (you wouldnt have typed it if you didn't mean it, right?) I understand. he told me this first 4 wks are the toughest! and it was for me! going through my preop psych classes yes they addressed this also! some think of this and just don't say anything ..like I didn't. deep down I knew I did the right thing I just had to push through it! its a road with bumps and then there is POT HOLES!!! but the "NORMAL" protions that you mentioned thats what got me soo fat and then on this website! everything is king size anymore. well maybe not everything but the "normal" portion sizes that we really should be eating if I ate them to begin with (alot smaller portions then what is served) just maybe I wouldnt have been almost 300 pds. I lived in TX for 20 yrs..believe me EVERYTHING is BIG in TX! lol...best food and thats where you can really eat to your heart's content. (just a figure of speach)..theres alot of great suggestions on what I did read. spring is offically sprung!! winters are hard. you've been through a drastic physical change. the mind is really pushing you for the junk its craving. it did me! but shortly after that 4th wk it was gone. my cravings disappeared! it does get better! hang in there! you did a wonderful thing. stick to your protocol! you have to do your part. drink your water get your protein. take some deep breaths. call your NUT if you need to. after that 4th wk was over I flipped to the other side..seeing others eat like I used to make me disgusted with food choices I was seeing others eat! while others were bringing mountains of salads from the bar I just sat and played on my phone looking like I was busy and I just really had to focus on my choice and dealt with it. I really had to work hard at not crinkling my nose at others piles of food. that was definitly NOT portion control! now I am in total control and it works! pretty soon as long as you do your part them numbers will keep going in the right direction more often then not! hang in there! summer is on its way!! xx

@@TammyDTM hi there..I still take plaquinil. I have only used the pred maybe less then 2 wks in the last 11 months (if my memory is correct) I have been scared to take it bc of the weight issue. thats just me. so I use alternative methods of pain management. the plaquinil helps termendously. Im no hurry to stop it bc I went thru a few months recently (within 4 months) that I was doing well to remember to get my second dose in. I was only getting 1 in its 200mg and man I was in soo much pain I couldnt hardly move got like the tin man! I thought geezzz I am in a bad flair! well it was bc I was only getting in half of my dose. I had to put them both out where I could see what I needed to take thru the day and I started feeling much better! I also changed from pill form on the D3 to organic liquid it has made a TOTAL differance! my swallowing solids is getting harder and harder. but the liquid is doing so much better. Iv been on pill form D for yrs but there was too many fillers and it wasnt affective..now its doing wonders! I stopped the pill form magnesium those are horse pills lol! they were impossible to swallow! I ordered pure magnesium oil and spray that on my muscles or feet or where ever and OMGoodness! what a differance! I have soo much more stamina energy yet at the same time I still pace myself...I do get really fatigued on exertion and I mean when I have my really good days I go and go and go and then I it hits me I have to recover. thats just the life of autoimmune..ugh..but over all I feel the best now despite some of the diseases. I feel more in remission now or milder in symptoms then I have in 15 yrs! I do keep pred and robaxin (muscle relaxer) on hand for emergency if I get desperate but I haven't used them. I see my kinesiologist 2 to 3 x a month get a message the same day total diet change organic as much as possible and grass fed meats if all possible. I have stopped my nexium few months back only need a rolaids occassionally I took nexium for yrs! I do take folic acid and biotin there really tiny so I can swallow them pill form still. I do take armour thyroid I will for life. I am glad you found me! this has been the decision I ever did (except for breast reduction 15 yrs ago) lol...your on the right road. but I believe some things can be controlled with the right foods and I mean by eating a non flammatory diet. night shade veggies promote inflammation as well. google. when you get to the point where you have more options of foods and can tolerate you will be able to see a differance. I am 8 months PO and my treat has been a piece of the 70% organic chocolate with coconut. thats my thing. I break off a square which is tiny and Im good! I have lost consistantly 1.5 to 3 pds a wk...you do have something to look forward to! although us lupies are at differant disease degrees. I do have kidney involvment , and several other organ issues but Im stable and really feeling so much better and I know the plaquinil is helping. I dont care to stay on it. but my meds have went down indeed! taking more then alternative route now days as much as possible. hang in there!!

So, I don't know if any of you read one of, what felt like was a HUNDRED, times I kept saying I didn't feel any restriction, was afraid that my surgery "didn't work," or that I was afraid i had popped open all my guts. If you did, I apologize and I solemnly swear to not freak out and obsess over things again (for at least the next ten minutes ????) BECAUSE IT WORKED!! I'm 17 days post-op. My parents (who I didn't tell before surgery at all, but know all about it now since visiting) came up to visit while I'm still off from work. Easter is coming up, and I won't see them on the holiday, and we had an extra turkey lying around bc my employer is very generous around Christmas time) so we decided to do an early Easter dinner. I just moved on to the puréed stage, and turkey is Protein protein protein, so we slow roasted it all day so it was super moist. I was a good little post-sleever, and I puréed my 4 oz of turkey into tiny little itty bitty peices with some of the natural broth. And then I proceeded to eat with my baby spoon for 30 minutes. (I'm posting here while I wait for my timer to go off so I can take a swig of Water, lol). I couldn't finish it. I slaved away at my plate, chatted with my fam, gave a little bite to my beautiful little dog. And the mountain of turkey hardly seemed to shrink. I weighed it out TWICE before I puréed it because I thought--"there's no way that can be 4 oz, it's like a whole plate of food!" And I had my husband come check the scale, and he confirmed I didn't "do something wrong." (I always always second guess). It just looked like such a huge portion to my fresh sleever eyes. I ate as much as I could, but stopped when I felt the pressure because I "slimed" on cottage cheese and it was disgusting. ...I ate so diligently. I COULDNT FINISH IT. It was the only thing on my plate. And I couldn't finish it. I felt so happy. I weighed it when I was done and there was 2.7 ounces LEFT on my plate. IT WORKED! I DIDNT BREAK IT ALREADY! IT WORKED IT WORKED IT WORKED! Hooray!! HW 276 SW 251 TODAY 235 (plus about 2oz of turkey and my other puréed stuffs today) ???? Hooray!! Thanks for reading, pals.

I really am afraid to say much bc I don't wanna tell anyone else yay or nay but me personally I got to the point where I was sick and tired of being trapped in a fat suit and it constantly weighing me down. I had been on every diet known to man and I had already wasted 35 or so yrs of my life trying I refused to to waste another minute! I had been thru talk therapy for 10 yrs and the diseases of dx's had hit over 12 I was willing to make the necessary changes I needed to make to be a better person mentally and emotionally bc for me my weight I carried around made me miserable and depressed! I had internally negative self talk myself and therefore used food for comfort and it was a visious cycle. 2 yrs ago I got off the eating myself into comfort frenzy got answers to some underlying food addictions reasons for eating and turned things around myself got off processed sugars and bad choices and still coulndt lose a pd when only consuming less then 600 or so calories a day. I had thought about WLS 15 yrs ago but never dreamed I was BIG enough in my own mind for Ins to pay for it. I never did see myself mentally as a big person boy was I in denial! hitting the scale at my highest at almost 275 2 of my specialist talked to me that the benefits OUTWEIGH the risk and the surgeon they both recommended he was the best in this tristate area death rate is less then 0.16% (or less) I was like man getting my life back at 50 yrs old an elliminating some diseases I could get around alot better less meds being alive and able to do things more with my hubs and grandkids my kids and me being proud of myself for making the needed changes and eating to live and not living to eat...life has a whoke NEW meaning for me. depression is gone I can't stop smiling Im in a happier place mentally emotionally and not to mention buying a heck of lot smaller and cuter clothes!! cleaned out my closet now 3 times!! best thing I have ever did for ME!! yea I was scared as hell 2 wks before the questions going thru my head you start to double questioning yourself believe me!! been there done that! I was approved within 48 hrs and in surgery within 14 days and that was only bc I needed a wk before to prepare myself physically. this is a tough lifestyle change...but when a person has reached their breaking point and is ready believe me you'll know it!! I was WAYYYY past ready!! my life is now beginning even though I have already raised my kids and their gone married with families of their own. some need to do this to be able to be the best they can be while young and rasing their families. that wasnt my time. the past 5 yrs was the worst for me and the biggest I got. I refused to live that life any longer. I only told 3 ppl...my hubs, and 2 Bff's..not even my parents . I am 8 months PO and still know one else know's theres enough neg thoughts and opinions and I wasnt about to hear them. my decision and fortunatly my hubs is my number one fan and biggest supporter! whatever I chose he backed me up. I am over 100 pds down and its an amazing feeling!! I hope this helps ya but this is my journey. first month is hard...especially mentally and emotionally it was for me. you go thru head hunger withdrawls. some have it maybe some don't. my surgeon warned me. if you can get thru the first month you have it made. he was right on target with me! I would do it again in a heart beat!! Best wishes ...

I have read the comments here which are nearly a month old now. I'm wondering how the ones who were newly banded are doing now. I had my surgery Feb 6 and just had my first band fill this week. I don't notice any new restriction. I can pretty much eat whatever I want and I too know that at times I'm prob not chewing quite as well as I should have to if my band were tight enough. I started my pre-op diet on Jan 27th. So I'm 7 weeks out from the first day of my liquid diet and I've lost 38lbs. I'm happy with that, but a big chunk of that was pre-op and the first 2 weeks following surgery. My weight loss slowly drastically between weeks 3-5. Then week 6 I lost 4lbs, but I started exercising regularly after week 5 bc I was so discouraged with my weight loss. So anyway, I had my first fill 2 days ago and I don't notice a difference. He didn't tell me how much he put in or how much my band holds either. Will my dr make me wait until my next appt (in one month) to add more saline to my band? I wish he wouldn't make me wait. My next appt isn't until April 14th. I know people say to be patient with the process, but at times it's very frustrating. So I was just wondering where you folks are now bc some of you were close to where I am now when you wrote these comments. Just interested to see what's coming in the month ahead.

I feel for you. my hubs goes with me on majority of dr visits period simply bc I have soo many health issues and he was with me when 2 of my specialist sent me to the surgeon. both these dr's ironically talked to me about the sleeve would be best for me the same week and neither of them know each other. they each explained the risk and the benefits and with the health issues I have the weight was just going to continue to go up. I had been 30 some yrs yoyo dieting nothing was helping. I'd lose 30 to 40 end up gaining 50 to 60! up and down all thru my life. the benefits outweigh the risks! I refused to end up 300 pds and stuck on the recliner not having a life. the way it was I was approaching 275. I had had enuff! hashi's was destroying my life. type 2 and insulin resistant and the list goes on. I kept this private from extended family including my parents. my hubs and a few BFF's is all I told I was not going to hear every bodys negative opinions on something that I personally had to do for me and my health. has your spouse went to any appointments with you? I even took my hubs with me thru all the preop classes. he was involved as well. I hope you can work thru this and sometimes a person has to do whats best for them regardless of what other members think and want. keep us posted dear...I didn't read the comments I'm sure you'll get more support! hang in there! I am soo glad I went thru this for ME. I am 8 months postop and over 100 down and its amazing..best thing I ever did for myself!

I guess it depends on what an individual considers a large amount of time. In reality, logging ones intake takes at the most 10 minutes per day. In my real time support group I have heard house wives that don’t work complain about not being able to lose weight. The first thing the nut is going to ask is to see a log of what they have eaten. Their response is they don’t have enough time to log food. Makes me laugh. I work full time and find time to exercise and have a life. The 125 lbs I have lost has given me more time and energy. Logging my intake is easy and takes minute. After a while you will know portions by heart and the various on line logs take most of the work out of it. Bottom line, when somebody tells me they don’t have time to log means they are looking for excuses. In short, BS.

Veronica - My doc said this isn't normal and I don't hear alot of others (I'm in a few groups) going through this. They all say they have great energy. But you would think it would make more sense given what we can eat now. But it is just so odd to me to feel so good but be this tired. Ginger - my doc tested my B12 and D and both were good - I was actually getting too much B12 bc I read my sub lingual bottle incorrectly.

Empire BC/BS covered my gastric sleeve, minus $250 in-patient co-pay. I had surgery on 06 Mar 15 at HMC-Pasack Valley and it was performed by Dr. Amit Triveti from Lap-Associates in Paramus, NJ.

Ok bc i have been reading on here about this diet and im like what the what bt i am going to try it starting tommorow any suggestions or recommendationa