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I need someone to help me through these first couple of weeks. I am 23 year old female. I just had my surgery and I am already getting sick of the Protein shakes! Since the beginning of my weight loss journey, I have lost 11lbs. my beginning weight was 291.5lbs. according to my scales. My goal weight is 135-140. If you are willing to be my buddy, you can send me an e-mail. I check that more often than I am on this. Thanks. Raphaella raphaellat@gmail.com

I eat. I catch myself trying to nibble but my nutritionist said no (so bossy!) so I make myself eat at least twice a day and shakes between for my lack of food and protein. @@Essence46

Hey there, I have a question....I am also back at 1 1/2 yrs out. lost 45lbs, had major back surgery in January so 6 months of no or little exercise. Thank goodnes for the band. I had a weird problem. I think I need to have a little taken out of the band but I am scared. If I eat three hours before bed and it is not practically liquid, I wake up choking, not sick though, for I can get water down easy. I try real hard not to do that.I am now really aware of what I am eating, definatly protein. I cannot eat in the early morn so I have a warm protein drink, the warmth seems to open the band. If I have some removed I am worried that I will be able to get too much in. I finally got filled to what I felt was the right amount. I just hate choking and figure it is really a must to pay attention and not eat meat that is not ground, or anything too heavy at dinner. I have stayed at this weight, otherwise without the band and a surgery( had 7 knee replacement revision in 5 years) why I gained so much, I would surely have gained again. I have not read of anyone being maybe overfilled and choking and or coughing during the night..... Anyone hear??? Info would be great. Debra

Hi It will be 3 weeks since surgery on Monday and I'm barely getting down 400 calories a day. I can't meet my protein grams. I get sick every time I try to drink a protein shake. I've tried about 5 different kinds so far and I just can't get it down. I don't meet my liquid intake either. I don't feel like eating , drinking anything.

I was not told to do the liquid diet but I want to try anyways to make sure my liver isnt so fatty, but Im not sure which liquids are allowed and which arent. Is it just Clear Liquids? Gatorade and Water is not nearly filling enough. Can I have milk? smoothies? Also, I am noticing that all the liquids have more carbs and less Protein which is the opposite of the pre-op food diet. Is it becuase I am drinking the wrong things or is it ok to have more carbs when you are doing liquids? Is it just the consistency that helps my liver, or does the nutritional value of the liquids make the difference? Sorry for all the questions, but I am on day 2 and so confused. I would rather not starve myself if it isnt necessary but if thats what its suppose to feel like, then Ill stick to it. :smile2:

Hello~ I start my liquid diet on your surgery date. My surgery is on July 8 so I have to do 1 week liquid diet pre surgery. What I was told that I can drink is protein shakes, soups (just the liquid), juice, water, and broth. Good luck on your journey!

My read of it is that they aren't specifically talking about weight loss diets, but general good health, so a 2000 calorie diet is the typical "standard" adult diet (that's what most of the RDA's are based upon - then you adjust those according to what calorie level is appropriate for your individual weight maintenance needs.) Their findings aren't really anything new, but merely a continuation of the evolution of nutrition science, which still holds that for optimum health we need a balance of various micro and macro nutrients, spread through the various food groups. One of the salient points they bring up, one that I have long followed, is that the quality of the food, whether they be carbs, fats or proteins, is a lot more important than the quantity. This is why these fad diets that hold to certain magical macro counts or ratios tend to be pretty silly - and we see that sometime in these forums. Some may hold to that magical 20, 30 or 40g carb count, and then skip the "carbs" in that apple or broccoli to save up for that Snickers bar in their carb budget. I never worried about carb or fat counts while I was losing (and still don't) as the restricted calories and protein minima in the early post op world took care of that; rather I just worked to maintain as healthy a balance of foods as I reasonably could within my calorie budget; on average I ran around 100g of carbohydrates per day, but I was still working to slow down the loss rate at the six month mark. I actually increased my average carb count selectively at around the 4 month mark to promote better exercise endurance, and my weight loss trends improved (they stayed steady rather than declined as is typical) as that probably helped promote a marginally better calorie burn rate. The other benefit of using a more "normal" diet during the weight loss phase is that the transition to maintenance was much easier, as my maintenance diet is fundamentally the same as the "loss" diet - just more calories from the non-protein side of the diet spectrum (as protein should already be at a maintenance level during the loss phase.) I didn't have to learn a new diet for maintenance, nor have to switch diets to lose again if needed - just adjust the calories as needed.

I also chose the sleeve because I didn't like the idea of having a foreign object left in me that can be adjusted or removed. I also know several people who either didn't lose weight or lose nearly enough for it to be worth it. I worked with a girl who could still take down an entire Chipotle burrito with chips, guac and a 32 oz soda. What's the point? I didn't like the RNY because I didn't want my intestines messed with, and the absorption and dumping was more than I wanted to deal with. I also know a guy who is still over 400 pounds 10 years post RNY. Sooo I went with the sleeve and could not be happier with my choice. I feel very satisfied with a small amount of food and have ZERO cravings. I had only a few complications and they were worth it. Pain was minimal, recovery was fairly easy except for the lack of energy which was my own fault as I cut down on my protein shakes too early. Best of luck to you!

Seppi, get out and walk, walking is the best cure for the gas. If the protein drink is causing you gas, buy a protein drink with no whey or soy, but honestly tell your friend that many bandsters have gas pains for 2-3 weeks after surgery, it has nothing to do with the protein drinks. I was not allowed protein drinks for 10 days after my surgery, and I had gas. You are only 3 days post op, totally normal Seppi to have painful gas pains, again walking is thebest cure, maybe a little gas x too hang tough, it gets better

Went for my final pre-op with the surgeon this morning. Everything is a go - 2 pm tomorrow afternoon. I had a chance to ask all the final questions I had, especially the ones I have from reading on this and other sites. I was a little disturbed to learn that the first two weeks post-op are Clear liquids only. I thought it was two more weeks of Protein drinks. So here's my question: I don't like Gatorade or Powerade or any other 'ade' so what caloric clear drinks do you think I can sip on for two weeks. Obviously I will be enjoying gourmet chicken broth, delectable beef broth, and even some exotic seafood broth. But beyond that, Water, and iced tea, any suggestions? I'm think I see the road to bandster hell in front of me. . . . .

Hello, I had my gastric sleeve on the same day, and I too experience the headaches and over all malaise. Also, after swallowing I have some sharp stomach pain that goes away quickly. I gave up caffeine 2 weeks before my surgery, and am not due to start protein until next week.

What the heck is a slither of chicken? Hey, it's Protein in some form if its chicken, right, so quit beating yourself up about it and get on with it tomorrow, it's a losing proposition to obsess about slips and small daily mistakes SO... live and learn. A LONG life is ahead the faster we learn the Individual ins-and-outs of the process. YOUR NOT A FAILURE. QUIT SAYING IT OR YOU WILL BELIEVE IT. WE are all here to help you get where you want to be and no question to far Out or what you might imagine to be stood, it's NOt.

Welcome Kathy from Canada! I did not have a liquid preop, just a hi Protein and veggie diet. The doctors do have diff preop diets, but I too can't imagine NO preop diet of some sort to shrink the liver.

I am lactose intolerant which is why I can't tolerate the protein shakes anymore. My doctor Has now put me on a diet of 2 ounces of lean protein four times a day and vegetables and lots of fluids. I must submit that I'm feeling much better now I think most of my problems were with the lactose in the protein shakes.

I'm on day 3 of pre op Protein shakes I'm just getting over a cold and I'm so tired. I have had a headache for 2 1/2 days I'm feeling low and tired and I can't help but think I hope it's better after surgery. If its not I can't live this way. I can't stand the constant headache. Am I the only one that has a constant headache does it go away?????

So I thought I had it all down yesterday, I had 60g protein, 64 oz water, took all my vitamins, b12, calcit...but today I've been sooo nauseas all day long. I drank a light muscle milk, ate a jello, and just had a few bites of cream of wheat. Everytime I sip water I feel like I'm going to throw up. Its the tiniest sips too. I have no fever. Throughout the night I woke up in a large amount of pain in my left side where one of my incisions is. It felt like someone was stabbing me and twisting the blade. Please help. Does these feelings go away?

Tomorrow I am going shopping for everything I will need at the hospital and the first week after. My list so far is the following: Body pillow Chewable Vitamins SF Jello broth Heating pad Gas X strips Water SF Popsicles I keep staring at it wondering if I'm missing anything. I was just wondering what you took with you to the hospital or had the week following surgery that was invaluable to you. There are a couple of obvious things I did not include like drawstring pants and my cell phone. I also am going to buy more of my Protein drink powder. Thanks!!

Hi Pete, thanks for sharing your story. Mine isn't EXACTLY the same, but pretty dang similiar. I had that lapband for 10 years and it was awful. I think I realize now that it is gone just how awful it really was. It was so embarrassing to be morbidly obese AND have this device that made my eating weird. Anyway, I had all the fill taken out about 3-4 years into the nightmare and it got better after that but it was still an albatrosse and reminder of my failure. I only lost 70 pounds after being banded, regained it plus a TON and then lost 85 on weight watchers later... kept much of it off for years but then was on t e regain train big time by the time I ws sleeved. So, I had all the fill removed like you did but the docs hardly believed it and kept trying to take more out - like just in case some had been missed. I thik the band that they used back then was too small because I had symptoms like that even with no fill. I had all of your skepticisms and fears. I am 10 months into the sleeve, loving it, it is so much better then the lapband, however, I still have fears about failing again. Here is what i would say about the sleeve and eating right. This is my personal experience, and I think shared by many but perhaps not all who revise. These comments refer to months after surgery - so when you are completely on solid foods and healed up. I can eat dense Proteins with no pain. I can eat salad and veggies no problems. I even had a couple of bites of rice, just because i could! (10 years, i could never keep down even a forkful of rice even with no fill). Is the temptation to eat slider foods still there? Yes. It wasn't in the early months, but my hunger has definately returned and there is something about those carb laden foods that gives us comfort and it does continue to call my name. HOWEVER, the sleeve gives me a tool that actually works. I have a fighting chance to overcome those old demons with the sleeve and last night was a good example. I went to an event (I was actually hosting) that started at 6:15. I wasn't hungry enough to have dinner before, but about an hour into it I was hungry. There were Cookies and donuts and even a cake! I didn't have a single one even though I felt hungry and it was because I knew that it would not make me feel good and not really satisfy me so it was easy to say "no" to myself and have some decaf coffee and just be fine until I got home. I could have NEVER done that presleeve. Bottom line, you sound like a very committed and disciplined person, and have learned alot from the band so I think you have a good chance at doing really well with the sleeve. When I was banded, I had almost no education. Now I totally "get it" and the ONLY way you will have long term success with the sleeve is tiny portions, Protein first (preferably dense protein) followed by greens and healthy veggies and perhaps some fruit. Really, need to minimize carbs (I do eat some whole grain bread) and eliminate junky carbs like crackers and chips etc. The long term stats on the sleeve are still a bit unknown, so that is a gamble. I personally could just never get comfortable with the gastric bypass - there was a heebie geebie factor that I can't totally explain. I had that with the sleeve at first too, but then I started thinking of it like "my stomach is too big and I am just having it reduced" which I was able to make peace with. You should know that a significant minority of people (probably 30%) experience ongoing issues with acid. I don't experience it as reflux like I did with the band, but do get an acididy tummy. Would probably help if I quit coffee, but what I do is go on a round of proselec when it acts up. This may be problem forever.... and just because you don't have it at first doesn't mean it won't show up later so be forewarned. I think fear of failure is probably the biggest issue for me, even now after having all this success. I remind myself what a doctor I saw said "You will be successful because you never give up no matter what". It sounds to me like the same could be said of you,.

Hello, now this will be my experience. 1. It was very hard to get the calories in. The main thing was to stay hydrated and try to push the Protein shakes. I had little appetite and had some nausea. Make sure to sip sip and sip. 2. At 2 months out, I can sleep on my tummy. 3. The Protein drinks kept me full and with the nausea, I had no desire to eat. 4.Head hunger to me is when I am looking at. recipe videos and I get hungry. Other than that, its real hunger over here lol. I am set to eat every 2 hours. I stop drinking my Water 10-30 minutes before I eat. 5. My go to foods/liquids are yogurt,Protein Shakes or bars. I am still depending on the protein drinks. There are plenty of people that can help. Keep the questions coming. Later!

yes, any time you have an episode (stuck, thow up, etc) go back to liquids for a day or so. an episode usually causes your esophagus to swell and it needs to have time to go down. fresh bread is ordinarily a no-no for the rest of your life for a lapbander. and sandwiches should really not be on your menu, espcially this early....just 5 weeks!! if you have to have a little bread, you can toast it very crunchy. But remember that white bread (as well as other white starches....potatoes, rices, Pasta, corn) are high in calories and will keep you from losing as quickly as you could without them. Always eat your Protein first and a few veggies if you have room and you can push the scale right on down (and also eliminate the cravings that white carbs cause when they cause the sugar in your body to crash). When you get stuck like that, it's normal reaction to try to drink and push it down....but that's the worst thing you can do. Try walking around, bending over, massaging your tummy, chewing some papaya tablets (if it's protein that's stuck....it's won't do anything for bread).

I agree with earlier posts , this forum has been a great support for me I too have to loose 20 pounds and I have just began me 6 month requirements, I have begun sampling different protein drinks, increase my water , as well as I am off all carbonation drinks. Just remember you are striving for a new healthier you. I have also register for my first Zumba class.

Yes gas pain and pressure can be monsterous! I just found out today that i have to switch to Lactaid as opposed to skim milk because im lactose intolerant. Milk has alot of protein so i was using skim milk in the protein shakes instead of water and it was causing alot if gas and pain. They said its not uncommon for ryn patients to be or become lactose intolerant. Walking has helped alot to ease gas pain and pressure. Now that i know there will be no regular milk for me!....yogurt and aged cheese they say is alot lower in lactose....looking forward to having yogurt again in the near future! Yay! Never really liked milk anyway

basically when i went i was seen by 3 people. the order varies i believe. nutritionalist talks to you about what works and what doesnt with the band, nurse weighs and measures height to check bmi, see doctor or consultant who gives you some more details watch a presentation about bypass/band options in my case

so I went to my appointment and they decided NOT to give me a fill... I guess I am ok with that... lectured me on lacking proteins and water intake.... but at least I got a little more information I though I was doing ok and then to find out I am not eating that great... live and learn now move on I guess... go back 9/9 for another appointment.

Hi everyone! Last post I made on this forum I was a bit confused and scared about my weight loss progress since I had lost my insurance in the middle of it all and was clueless as to how I was doing in terms of Vitamins and weight loss. Well, as I mentioned before I was able to get my insurance back and finally went in for a follow up appointment 6 months after surgery. As per my nutritionist, I am doing really well in terms of weight loss! As far as all my Vitamin levels go, I was low on Iron, (to be expected because I have a bleeding disorder) and on Calcium. Everything else was normal and right were it needed to be, especially the Protein levels! She recommended I change the calcium brand I was using because it may not work for me, and also suggested I stop my work outs for a bit until I am able to bring my iron levels back up. I usually feel really out of breath and dizzy after just a couple of minutes of working out, and it's not a Water intake issue since I always drink 62 oz. or more of water per day. Anyways, just wanted to update those who encouraged me and helped me get through those months of uncertainty and confusion and to thank all of you for being so supportive! You guys rock!! Here is another pic update!