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Hey guys! So my surgery was about a week ago and i still havent passed gas yet. Any tricks you guys had? My stomach is killing me until this is done!

The pre-op diet isn't designed for you to lose a lot of weight. It's designed so that you shrink your liver since it's in the way when they band your stomach. A heavy liver is a dangerous liver to move and they don't want to sever anything. Just losing a few lbs is plenty. And you might want to lower your expectations on how much weight you can lose per week post surgery. Losing 1-2 lbs a week is quite normal. 9 lbs in 2 weeks is great but it's mostly Water you're shedding due to the diet. tmf

Hi. I am in Illinois (the Joliet area). I have insurance approval, but am still waiting for my surgery. I am having my surgery at Silver Cross Hospital (Dr. Brian Lahmann) and have been given a tentative date of October 7th. However, Dr. Lahmann's staff never calls me. I only speak to them when I call them, even though they say things like "Oh, I was just going to call you" or "I'll get back to you next week." I know there is a pre-surgery meeting I need to attend and a pre-surgery diet I should follow. I am getting very nervous because of the lack of communication. Has anyone else had Dr. Lahmann or his partner, Dr. Joyce? I sure hope I picked the right place because this is a huge and costly undertaking (my insurance only pays half and may not pay for any follow-up care).

HI there!! Good Luck with your surgery! My date is April 16th.. 5 more weeks!!

Hi all, I am still pretty new at posting, but I read on this board everyday. I love the information that is shared. 3 weeks ago I finished up with all of my 'pre req's' I started this process in July with the seminar, then had my consultation, then a group meeting followed by a meeting with the RN.. Then I had my meeting with the psy,nut, and fittness dude. I was told then that the info would be forwarded to my insurance by the end of the next week. I called after the week was up and found out that it had not been sent yet and it would be the next week. i wait a week call my insurance and it had not been submitted yet,, ok so this past monday I call the Doctors office and find out that they were sorry but the paper had not been sent yet, they were very nice but told me that they had 65 new pts and there was a back log. I understand this I really do. but I am more that redy to go.. today I called my ins to see if they had recieved the paper work,, they had not.. so this is so frustrating. I am a very impatient person, and I was really hoping to have this done before my daughter gives birth in Oct. I want to be in good health to do the grandma thing of course. My insurance is one of the better one that approve of bariatric surgery. I feel better now just venting all of this. I guess this is just part of the "journey" But I just keep wanting to know "are we there yet".:sneaky:

Everybody seems to have different instructions from their surgeon! At that point I was on full liquids - protein drinks, sf jell-o, sf popsicles, juice, broth, milk. I was adding protein to the broth and jell-o to make sure I was getting enough protein in. I was supposed to be at 60g of protein by the end of the two weeks.

It sounds to me like you are just hitting a stall! I hit my first at about 3wks out and it lasted almost 3 wks! I was distraught and depressed thinking I went through this surgery and all I got was a lousy 15lbs! It turned out that it's normal to go through stalls and that I needed to boost my protein because I was exercising a lot. Don't worry, you will lose again, but if you are super worried, call your NUT and ask for advice. It may be time to up your protein.

Hi All! I've been a lurker for the past 2 months and everything on here has been really helpful! I was sleeved on October 10th, 2010 with Dr. Mark Colquitt in Maryville, TN at a starting weight of 308lbs. This has been the best thing I've ever done for myself!! I've now lost 76 lbs and am feeling soooo much better! I still have a long way to go but it doesn't seem so overwhelming now. I go to monthly support group meetings (which I highly recommend) but in those off weeks this forum has been a lifesaver! Thanks to everyone who continues to post updates... Us newbies really can use your helpful advice!

I am so glad to find a place to have all my questions answered. My journey has been disappointing but your stories have uplifted me and I realize I am not alone and my story is not so unusual.. I was banded on 12-11-08 by Dr. Nicholson from Baylor Plano. Looking to talk to any of his patients since I haven't had a support group meeting yet. I have been so hungry...I have only lost 12 pounds. I didn't realize that Dr. Nick doesn't put any fill into the band until 6 weeks post op. Something he forgot to mention. Is this common? Oh well, my fill appt is next week, maybe it will help. Would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences.

I've been looking for an uplifting wls forum and im glad I found y'all! Having RNY on April 12th. I can't wait! Not looking forward to the 2 week liquid diet but I know it's for my own good :-) Looking forward to reading talks post!

I was not happy a while back because my weight lose stopped only after 2.5 weeks (after surgery). So I stopped weighing myself so much. Had trouble with amounts I was eating (ate to much), but now I think I'm getting the hang of how to do this! At least at this point! I have been on regular food about a week and here is how I see how to work with the band. I have not counted calories but try to eat good food, of course protein first,then veggies, sometimes a carb, even a small desert . 3 meals a day and maybe a bit of yogurt (greek). THATS IT! Weighted in this morning (after about 2 weeks) 2lb loss. and feeling good! One question though; At dinner time I can not feel satisfied, I was thinking about drinking more water/crystal light. Doc told me no liquid .5 hour before and 1 hour after a meal and it's after the meal I think I need to drink more to feel satisfied? What to do? TIA

I had my surgery last week and had staples removed today. The asked if I've had any problems with acid reflux or heartburn and I haven't but I've read on here were a lot of people do experience it. The nurse then asked if I was taking my prilosec and I had completely forgot, as soon as I got home I took my first dose, an hour later I had the worst case of heartburn and stomach bubble...this is very strange to me. Other than this little issue everything else has been going great and I've lost 22 lbs:)

Hey guys zoe here. I've just turned 21 an I'm from Mansfield, notts which is in the uk. I'm new to this rny talk but finding it really interesting. So I had my pre op on 20/8/13 and had my bypass on 25/8/13, I was discharged on 27/8/13, I was so glad because my 21st birthday was on the 29/8/13 lol I had my surgery at royal derby hospital which is in derby. The op went well. I did have some trouble the first night though because my pulse was between 130+160 instead of the normal rate so I had an emergency ECG, blood tests, urine tests. They all came back fine. The only thing that would bring my pulse down was my CPAP. I have obstructive sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with in in feb 2013, but they think I've had it years. My weight at my first seminar in sept 2012, I was 352lbs, pre op I was 326lbs and my last weigh in was Wednesday and I was. 302lbs, so I may pop on the scales later and check to see if I'm below 300lbs I'm still on the liquid diet, in that for 2weeks so that ends Sunday, then blended food for 1week then soft textured foods for another 1week then normal foods. I can start the gym after 6 weeks so I can't wait for that I've gone from a size 26 to a 22/24 so far. I've been to the shops with sales on a found a couple if items that's are size 16/18 to get into next, overall I would like to be a 10/12. All in all I'm getting on great I have Facebook if anybody would like to add me on there it's : zoe4queencity2921@live.com, just type that in the search bar and it will come up or just reply trough thread or send me a private message

Hello everyone I had my surgery last Wednesday, I am 38 years old married with three kids my weight was 103kg, my height is 173 cm and my body mass index 33. I did the operation in Kuwait, Royal hayat hospital I went to hospital at 7 am The surgery was for 40 minutes and then in recovery room for one hour, first day I was ok but in bed and wasn't allowed for any food or drink until next morning thats when the dr told me that my blood results are fine ,he encouraged me to start walking and to sip apple juice and Water and jelly. After 2 days I went home feeling tiered with head ache things were improving every day and I feel much better today. Still feel tiered and my main problem is the heartburn and reflux the dr prescribed Gasec-40 which I did use for the past 4 days and have felt better. So excited about the weight I lost so far 6 kilos woohoooo Just wanted to share my story and I hope to reach my goal the healthy way with no extra skin

Many will say it's because you should drink Water. Many will say because the carbonation will cause the stomach to 'blow up' with air and stretch. Others will say because it will rot out your teeth. And then there's the new research released saying diet sodas can actually cause you to gain weight...hear that one yet? Something about because of the taste, your brain expects it to be sweet...therefore doing something to the metabolism...but the sugar never comes and so....well, it's supposed to not help in weightloss. I'm sure others will respond but my doctor has told me no such thing and I from time to time will have Mt. Dew or Coke. I used to drink 3 a day preband, but over the past year I've gotten down to about 3 a week. My goal is to give it up altogether...but this is a process.

I had to work with my Endo for around 3 years before I got approval for the surgery. My Dr. was somewhat apprehensive because I may not see the results that were similar to people who were not dealing with Hormonal issues. I have issues with my thyroid and my pituatary gland. So as far as hormones go I am in my 'sweet spot' and wanted to have every opportunity to get this weight off. I have currently lost 126 lbs. and I had the surgery on 8/31/2011. Now I lost most of this weight pre-operative and I still have a ways to go but with my hormones I am learning slow and steady will win the race. I don't have a scale at home so I will only be weighing in when I go to get my B12 shot. This helps me mentally so that I don't see stalls which can be a downer when you are losing inches more than pounds. My weight loss goal is 1 to 2 pounds a week. Which doesn't sound like much but I believe as long as I am losing each week that is half the battle. Now I am losing more than 2 pounds a week but I wanted to set goals that were realistic for me and taking into account I may be a slow loser. I just want you to be encouraged. Make sure you keep up with your thyroid meds and know that this is not a sprint.

I also have a cpap machine and have lost 33 pounds since being banded and have notice that Iam not tired etc any more. I notice I take it off a lot at night and my setting has been changed. I will be seeing my doctor next week to talk more about the weight loss and if I should do another study. I had one 7 months ago. Once I know more about what he says next week I will let you all know. Chris

Your body is adjusting. I'll bet when you go to week 2, you will drop more than you expected, so hang in there!

Hi! I totally understand where you're coming from -- the hardest part is waiting! From beginning to end it took a little over six weeks until I received approval. This includes my initial consultation & completing the insurance requirements. Once everything was submitted by my doctor's office, my insurance approved it quickly! Nothing wrong with you calling to check on it. Fingers crossed that you get the approval!!!

Started the shakes a week ago and have lost 7 lbs. Met my surgeon yesterday and all clear for surgery next Wednesday April 4th. Ready!

I know the feeling you have because my surgery is on the 3rd of April and I am excited yet nervous. I want to make sure I am doing everything correct also I had to do a two week all liquid diet, so your lucky you havent had to do the pre-op diet that long. Congrats on the all clear.

I was banded 4 weeks ago and the first two weeks after I had not much of an appetite at all. I was really scared too but don't be scared, you will be fine. Personally, I scared myself because I did not completely understand how everything was going to work even though I read all kinds of literature about it. The steps have been much easier than I ever imagined them to be. Hang in there, try and get a goods night sleep before you surgery

It's hard to believe it's been over 6 weeks already! It still feels surreal that I went to Mexico, that I flew on a plane and that I had this surgery. I am down 34.6 lbs. I've already gone from a size 22 jeans to a size 20. My starting weight was 242.2 lbs. That was the heaviest I had ever been. I was in denial for a long time that I was really that obese. I didn't have any health problems, so I didn't worry too much. However, my habits were starting to rub off on my 5 year old daughter and the light bulb went off. It was time for a change. I tried Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time. I think all of you know how that goes lol. Well, long story short I was fed up and finally made the decision to have surgery. I did lots and lots of research and decided on Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. Everything went great! My experience was pleasant. I never felt unsafe. I battled a lot of emotions for the first few weeks, but I feel pretty good about everything now. I'm starting to get compliments and that's awesome! To anyone pre-op, it's worth it!! Thanks for reading!

Hello everyone! I have been lurking about and researching for about a month now but things just got real. I scheduled my surgery and sent the check off in the mail today!! I tried to schedule with a local surgeon but my insurance does not cover any weight loss surgery and it was going to cost $15,000 so I started researching surgery in Mexico and decided on Dr. alejandro lopez with Specialized Bariatrics. My surgery date is November 3, 2014 in Tijuana at Mi Doctor Hospital. Thankfully my husband is an English/Spanish interpreter and I've been to Guatemala before and I love Hispanic culture so I don't think I will feel uncomfortable in Tijuana. Also, my husband's parents live in Los Angeles so I'll be able to recover there for two weeks before I fly back to Florida. My husband has been very supportive and I am very grateful for that. My mom is freaking out a bit and I have yet to hear Dad's opinion but I know this is what I need to do and I made the right decision. Here's some info about me: My name is Kristen. I'm almost 29 years old (my birthday is a week after my surgery!) I am 5'7" and 260 lbs but I have a very muscular/thick frame with well-proportioned fat so I "hide" my size well (or so I've been told every time I tell someone how much I really weigh) Current BMI is 40.7 My highest weight ever was 290 My lowest weight in my adult life was 217 but I gained most of it back after a two year stall discouraged me from continuing to track calories. I have PCOS, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure without medication. I am an expert on diets! (Haha, aren't we all??) I love to exercise but I also have a lot of back/muscle issues that flare up and I get discouraged easily. I have a very "all or nothing" "perfectionist" kind of attitude so if I can't do something perfectly I don't feel like it is worth trying at all. This is why I fail with diets and exercise. I'll be 100% committed but if I don't see results from my hard work, eventually I give up. (In all fairness, a two year stall...I have the patience of a saint!) I have started a running program on 3 separate occasions and every time my back gets messed up and sets me back a few weeks I give up and never return to maybe try walking. Because I want to run! I'm still working on refining my brain. I obviously have a negative relationship with food because now that I know I'm having the surgery I feel like I should eat as much of my favorite things as possible. How horrible is that?? At least I can see that this is not normal behavior... I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know some of you! I would appreciate if you drop me a line with some advice, words of wisdom or encouragement :-) Kristen

Hello again, fellow sleevers. I've been on and off this site since October, 2012. My story is long, and it's available in my blog link, so I won't bore anyone with it again. The latest highlights are that the job I started last July actually covers bariatric surgery. I was submitted in December with my past data, but was denied because the new insurance required 6 months with NUT, as opposed to the 3 months my previous insurer required. 6 consecutive months. After completing an additional three months, January through March, the office got around to resubmitting me around 4/10. I had actually lost so much faith in the front office staff, I continued making my NUT appointments, and actually had my 4th visit with her on Thursday, 4/17. Yesterday, 4/18, I got the call that I have actually been approved. I would have expected to be a little more excited, but I'm not really. I don't know if it's because I've been relatively successful in the dieting since January, or if I'm waiting to have the rug yanked out from under me again, or if it's just nerves. I don't feel like I'm going to back out of it or anything... just not excited. So I'm back. I know I need to brush up on all the knowledge I gained here in the past and have probably just plain forgotten. So my tentative surgery date is 5/19. Here I go!!!