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the protein whey shots help me a lot (42 grams of protein) ... if I don't have one, I tend to eat more

@@luiggib, I'm in Chicago too, my surgery is October 17. So I'll be doing a liquid diet in two weeks. try not to stress over it. I decided I am going to take it one day at a time and do the best I can. I had a colonoscopy as well. If You recall, you were only allowed to drink broths and Jell-O. So of course that made it hard. However, with the preop liquid diet you are allowed protein shakes which hopefully should help fill you up. Okay, maybe "fill you up" is not the right word, the better word is satisfy. :-) Good luck , you'll get through this. Try to stay positive and keep your eye on the prize.

I'm on day 5 of liquids. Thought I'd lose it yesterday when I had to go into a grocery store but I managed. I have to have 4 Protein Shakes a day for at least a total of 80 grams of Protein. I can have decaf drinks, Crystal Lite, sugar free popsicles, broth (thank God cause it's the only savory thing on the menu). Have to do this for 2 weeks. It's only really hard when I smell what my husband is making for dinner. So I find something else to do and leave the room. Today I cleaned my closet and drawers to keep busy. It was fun. I have all sizes of clothes and I can actually look forward to wearing some of them again. I also got rid of some of my really big things. I could wear them around the house, but I don't think its a good idea for me. I've also been buying smaller clothes a little at a time. Keeps me focused. I have them all together in my closet and I love to check them out every once in a while. I'm just trying to fill my time with positive thoughts until the 23rd. Doing this is a challenge, but one I'm embracing. WE CAN ALL DO THIS!!! Just need to help each other along.

Today almost to the minute 2 weeks ago I had surgery. I must say that the recovery has been pretty easy, at least once I have gotten home ( and not running through customs and ATL 2 days after surgery!) but there really hasn't been anything I couldn't or can't do, I probably shouldn't have been holding my big baby 4 days after surgery, but what am I to do leave her in her crib? Eating is getting a little trickier, ecspecially when I am out. I need to figure out how to work around that, I LOVE eating out, it is one of my biggest pleasures in life. I also love being on the go with the kids or even for a little alone time. How do you spend the evening in a book store and movie theater when you can't eat anything they have besides a bottle of water and maybe a latte? I really also find it hard because many of the things they say are on the O.K list I refuse to eat ie... Cottege Cheese, Tuna. I'll have to try and make a plan to have on hand things I do like for on the run. But even then I know how I am I get bored easily with soup in hand and protein shakes. I know this is just the begining and at this point I am probably just grieving the foods that I will probably never be able to have again. I'm thinking that I may try a little Salmon this weekend for Superbowl Sunday. Erik makes the best grilled salmon, my diet for week 3-4 is soft foods still but even now allows for a little more give. At least that is a big change from last year with feasting on chips dip and hot wings. I have yet to get on the exercise band wagon, just getting back into the normal routine has been hard enough with very little family time due to my new work schedule. My goal is to walk tonight at work on breaks and be prepared with dinner at my desk and Mp3 player and walking shoes. No more excuses.

I drink a lot of hot tea, and usually have a cup, or sometimes even 2 or 3 cups early in the morning. Normal for me is eating my first "meal" sometime between 10:30 and 2:00. Anything earlier hurts, because I'm very tight early. Fortunately, though I am not hungry early on, and the tea does the trick. Lots of people use the Protein shakes, but I can't consume anything cold. My fill doc has a band, and she told me that for her it is usual to wait until maybe 1:00 in the afternoon before she is able to eat. So, morning tightness is perfectly normal for some, and for others "normal" seems to be a little different. You'll do great!!! I've just hit the 40 pound mark! Losing slowly but consistently, and I'm very thankful! (I was banded on November 12, 2007 - 40 pounds lost in 26 weeks) Kristine The Woodlands, TX

GNC Amp Wheybolic Extreme 60 the cookies and cream and chocolate are my favorites, I will have no problem drinking this protein. And it is affordable

Hello Everyone... Just wanted to introduce myself Im looking into having the lapband done. So just looking into my options or any advice.

Great advice - I haven't begun to investigate the Mexico options yet and I hadn't even thought of that possibility. Makes great sense to secure the fill dr first. thanks!!

My surgery was December 13, 2007. It's really not that hard if you put your mind to it. I started several months before surgery cutting down (DRASTICALLY) my food intake and stopped drinking with my meals. The hardest thing to do is stop drinking with meals. But, doing those things made it so much easier. I LOVE to cook, but not necessarily eat what I'm cooking. The coolest thing is that I can taste or eat a couple of bites and I'm good to go. I start with my proteins and then add veggies and fruit, if I have room. As I said, my mom just doesn't get it... She intentionally tries to tempt me with things she knows I won't eat or am not supposed to eat. No kidding, less than a week after surgery, she was begging me to eat cornbread. We literally had an argument in a restaurant because she just 'couldn't understand' why. Now keep in mind, I explained every step and showed (even copied some) of every handout or informational sheet/diet sheet I have gotten. I feel like mom, who is 59, about 5'7" and weighs around 370-375 (has been as high as 437), is upset that I am trying to change my life and avoid some of the health problems she has encountered. Jealousy is a terrible monster!

Hi! In the beginning of my journey I got in touch with INSURE nutrition to see if I qualified for no cost protein shakes, scar cream and vitamins. They did all the leg work and I ended up receiving all of that ( 5 cartons with 18 in each. Premier protein) for about a year. It then stopped and I was bummed. Because we all know how expensive it can get. Well, they contacted me 2 weeks ago. They check with former customers ins. plans to see if they re-qualify. I did! It is so worth the time spent going back and forth with them. I received the shakes, bariatric vitamins and a new folic acid supplement.

Besides what others have mentioned: Small spoon like a tiny dessert spoon or a baby spoon. One oz. cups or shot glasses (shot glass generally holds 2 oz. when filled to the brim) Measuring cups ( I used these like a pitcher so I could drink 4 oz. per hour without getting up every few minutes. Extra pillows if you don't already have a few ( I slept propped with lots of pillows the first couple of weeks) Flushable wipes ( I had diarrhea for the first two weeks and most people do) Only Protein powder I tolerated at first was unjury chicken. It must be ordered, so you may want to buy it ahead of time: http://www.unjury.com/ I agree with others: don't buy too much ahead of time. I bought Jello, sugar free pudding, and Popsicles and gave it all away. The Jello and Popsicles tasted funny to me and I'm lactose intolerant after surgery. Lynda

I started taking Biotin, the higher dose, before surgery. Post-surgery I quickly got my Protein intake up to the required 60 grams and exceeded it, often getting well over 100 grams by a few months out. My dang hair still fell out. Not by handfuls, but one hair at a time. It didn't start until later than most people's loss, maybe at 8 or 9 months. I don't have any bald spots, but I do have thinning in the typical top of the head male pattern baldness spot. It stopped falling out at about 11 months, and has not yet started regrowth at 12 months. Fortunately, I started with a surplus of very thick hair. And my hair is very dry, where it never was before. And my skin is dry and my nails are thin and brittle and fragile. But this shall pass. I'm slathering it all with the best products I can find. It will be ok. It's not forever. And it is worth it. Fat with lots of thick beautiful hair? Or thin with not quite so much hair? Easy call.

I know how you feel. I have found that once I start snacking throughout the day and eating processed carbs it's extremely difficult for me to control myself, and my band seems to become less effective, almost as if all the slider foods cause it to loosen up. On the other hand, when I eat no more than 3 times a day, and I avoid carbs, I feel much more in control. It's probably somewhat of a psychological effect, but it seems like my band will let me overeat when I really want to, but when I eat less often it gets tighter. I know that many people don't like to "diet" after getting the band, and I don't know what your views are on this topic, but I think something like the Atkins induction diet (or at least completely avoiding sugar, white flour, and processed carbs) for a while would help you regain control. I have had lots of slip-ups, and I know how hard it can be to get back on track. Just try not to beat yourself up about it. The important thing is that you're willing to fix this problem before it gets too out of control. I have tried several different eating approaches while being banded, and I have finally admitted that I need a structured eating plan that eliminates both the need to make daily food choices and "trigger foods" (carbs). I wish I could handle routinely eating all foods in moderation, as this is probably the healthiest way to go, but I have found that it really is necessary for me to completely avoid all carbs except for veggies most of the time (I eat junk food once in a while but definitely not on a daily or weekly basis). During my regular schedule I have a can of v8 vegetable juice and an atkins advantage bar twice a day, and for dinner I have Protein and veggies. If I start eating carbs I get completely out of control, but after sticking to my plan for a few days the cravings go away. Maybe you can eat some other whole grains and healthy carbs and do fine, but I know that I am better off sticking to veggies only as far as carbs go. I think using Meal Replacement bars twice a day is a good way to keep calories low, get in your protein and Vitamins, and help you regain control by taking away the need to think about food. Then for dinner have protein, veggies, and possibly one serving of a healthy carb. I know this plan is very rigid, and some people might say it's not realistic to follow it long-term, but I am pretty sure that I will always be following a modified version of this plan to avoid weight re-gain. Some people are complulsive eaters who need to avoid their problem foods (usually processed carbs) almost to the extent that an alcoholic needs to avoid alcohol. I know this is not true of everyone who has lap-band, but it's what I think you should try if you're feeling like a foodaholic. Oh, and exercise can also be very helpful, as I'm sure you already know. I would highly recommend the Bodybugg calorie counting device (www.myapex.com) if you're interested in tracking your calorie intake and seeing how many calories you burn through exercise.

It was always my assumption that if you followed band rules ie. eating your protein first, then veggies. etc...stayed full for 4 or more hours..this is your sweet spot. If you follow the rules, but get hungry less than 4 hours between meals...you need a fill. Am I right? I know we don't always follow the rules, but to make sure you do or don't need a fill.....wouldn't this be the way to check?

Hello everyone! I came across this website last night after attending my information session on weight loss surgery. My mom had the bypass last year and after doing research and being a nurse, I thought the sleeve would be a better option for me. I just made my initial visit with the surgeon for next week and am feeling very nervous about it. I am 25 years old, and I am at my highest weight which is 275. Crazy to think that just 7 years ago when I graduated high school that I was 168. I have tried dieting and I exercise and am just having no luck. I have borderline high blood pressure and cholesterol and my mom (before her surgery) had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and was prediabetic. I want to get my weight under control now before I start having major problems, cause as a nurse, I have seen the horrible complications of diabetes. I guess I am just looking for people's input on after surgery side effects. I am worried about nausea, which my surgeon said is common with the sleeve. I guess I am more worried about the vomiting that comes after nausea the most. Has anyone experienced this? And, my mom lost alot of her hair after her bypass, so this is another worry of mine, especially being a 25 and single. LOL. I know they say that you don't have the Vitamin deficiency with the sleeve, but I was wondering if anyone has experienced this as well. Any comments/suggestions/personal stories would be much appreciated!!!! I am looking forward to a life change, but it is super scary!!!!

My options are set for Central Time, and it's 2:37 PM here. But the board is telling me it's 9:37 AM! Can this be changed so that I see the correct time?

I guess I forgot to mention that, but yes, that forum should be closed. To do that, Alexandra, you go to Forums & Moderators in the admin control panel (admincp). Go to Forum Manager, and click "Add New Forum". In posting options (the 2nd to last section) click "No" on "Forum is Open". Moderators will still be able to move posts there, but people won't be able to start new threads there. You could also make a new category by doing the same thing, but selecting No to "Act as a forum". Then follow the directions above, and select the new category as the parent forum. Jonathan

Hey, all. I am making myself record the good, the bad, and the ugly. I believe this would be the latter, and I want to make a record of it. I believe I am soon to get a visit from "Aunt Flo from Redlands", and yesterday I was seized with the urge to eat sweets. I was at a meeting, seated right next to the lounge where there were every manner of bready sweet things. I had had a protein drink, but I was hungry. Or at least I told myself I was. So, I had 2 pieces of the only protein source there - string cheese (full fat). The person next to me was eating pan dulce (sweet bread), which is something I love. So, I went into the lounge and took a piece and sliced off a small corner and put it back. I knew that even though it was a small portion, I was entering into dangerous territory letting myself have it. I later went back for another small piece. For lunch I went with a friend to Subway and had a under 6 fat gram sandwich. I ate the protein first, then had some of the bread. Then I had about 2/3 of the macadamia white chip cookie that I ordered with the combo. Sugar bug again. When I returned to the office a few hours later, I was struck by a strong craving for sugar and specifically chocolate. Several of my coworkers routinely add chocolate treats to their desk dishes, so I didn't have to go far. There were very few at the office because they stayed at the meeting. So, in essence it was just me, the chocolate, and my craving. I did not make good choices. Okay, the ugly. I probably consumed the equivalent of two candy bars, perhaps even three. I actually wanted to kick myself while I was doing it. Afterwards, I felt so disappointed, like I'd fallen off the wagon, which I had. My body didn't feel good, either. I felt bloated and yucky and mad at myself. When I came home, I ate the other 1/2 of the fitness meal I brought home from a restaurant the previous evening. I was saited. Then I saw the garlic cheese pretzels and thought, "oooo. I want something salty." I ate them. There was probably about 1/4 - 1/2 cup left. (I want to record the amounts so I can figure out the damage I've done.) I went to sleep feeling absolutely defeated. I've been doing very well on the diet up until now, but I see that I must prepare. Food wise, in terms of meals, I did fine. But I failed the craving test. This morning I feel very bloated and am going to make myself get on the elliptical to get in exercise. Curiously, yesterday morning I felt great about my exercise because I worked up a sweat and stayed on 30 mins. I feel somewhat like I sabatoged that progress. :frown: I want somehow to keep sugar cravings at bay, even when Aunt Flo is on her way. I've heard that cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar, so I may try that. I'm determined to make today a postive day.

I'll try to do that---I am not very adept with my computer---pathetic I know......thanks!!! I just know there is something I could do different, as I see others changing multiple tickers each day to track not just weight, but exercise goals etc. I also knew I would never figure it out on my own, asking was my only option!!!! Thanks!!! Kat

Hi and Welcome to the talk center for us Banders! You are doing great! You will start to getting some food in now, I chose the High Protein Low Carb Diet to help me lose faster and keep those vitamins up. I never get hungry! High Protein does that for you! I have only felt my tummy growl about three times in 8 mos!!!!! Really, no lie! I did not eat all day one day until 4:30PM and realized it when my tummy growled! It was such a strange sensation, cause I had not heard it in such a long time! HA! I don't do that anymore, best to eat a small portion every two hours, at least drink something that often too but not when you eat! It washes the food through and you don't have that full feeling for very long!

I love the chocolate Premier Protein -- would love to buy them if I was closer! Hope you can return them or find someone to sell to!

Make sure you get your protein in as well

I appreciate everyones responses. To clarify things, i have gone to counseling, i have been to an eating disorder center, i have tried Atkins and many other diets. I know that it's not a lot of weight that i am talking about. However, someone mentioned about me being proactive about doing something about it ahead of time... and that is my point. I don't have a huge appetite, it's not the thought of food or looking at food and wanting it, it is my actual stomach feeling hungry and empty ALL THE TIME. Even after i eat a substantial amount of food, an hour later, my stomach is growling (not gurgling from digestion) but actually feels hungry again like i have an empty pit. Counseling doesn't fix this. And i CHOOSE to eat large amounts of vegetables so that i don't end up 300 pounds or more and risk other health concerns. Eventually this problem could lead to severe obesity, and that is what i am trying to avoid. I do not want a smaller stomach to down a 2000 calorie milkshake. I want to be able to consume a normal sized meal, and be done. Not feel as if i have eaten a grain of rice as others sit around me stuffed. Right now there is a physical problem- the stretched out stomach, and it hasn't shrunk on it's on through liquid diets or other methods. I see this as being the only option that could help me long term. I eat very healthfully and enjoy healthy food, it would just be a dream to be able to sit and have a yogurt and a sliced apple and it hold me over for a few hours as opposed to 6 yougurts and 5 apples and still that hunger nagging at me. Hopefully someone understands where i am coming from.

Surgrey was great it's almost 2 weeks and I feel great. I do notice there is a pain in my lower back Hoping it will go aWay. Best dishion ever. I notice I'm getting full and when I be I stop eating in the middle of the day. With everything with Protein drinks, pudding yogurts he gets to be a little too much for my stomach. I know that I lost 17 pounds so far. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I am starting to think about the next step in plastic surgery for me. I have lost 184 pounds, want to lose another ~50 to get me around 200 pounds before I go under the knife again. I say "again" because I had a panniculectomy about 100 pounds ago. My pannus was such a problem that I had it removed when I was only partially down, knowing that I would still need a full lower body lift when I get to goal weight. Now looking at my body, I know I will need a lower body lift, inner thigh lift, breast lift with probable implants, and possible brachioplasty. And lipo in various spots for sure. I know this is two operations, possibly three. So since I know it will be complicated and expensive I want to start researching options now. Obviously I can go back to the doctor who did my panni (which was covered by insurance), but I am hesitating for two reasons. First, I was not 100% pleased with the results. In the end it turned out OK but not great. Second, he is expensive. As is virtually any plastic surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area. So I'm hoping any of you regulars on this forum can give me any links or advice on having plastic surgery done outside the US, or other options for less expensive surgery when you have to pay out of pocket. Thank you!