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Hi all! I was banded on 8/30 by Dr. Darrin Hansen in Salt Lake City. Since I was able to gleen so much help and support on these forums before and after that time I though it only fair that I post my experiences so far so that I can return the favor to those that follow... My pre-op diet: Dr. Hansen put my on a 2 week pre-op diet. He didn't dictate any special diet, he just wanted me to 'lose some weight' to help with my liver size. I decided to stick to 1100 calories/day eating as much vegetables as possible. It wasn't easy and I was often very hungry, but I stuck it out and lost 35 pounds. :biggrin1: Operation day: I had never had an operation before, so I had the normal fears and anxieties as everyone else on this board. As long as I didn't think about it I was ok. I managed to avoid the 'last meal' syndrome and tried to not eat much the day before just to make things easier post-op. Despite my worries they got an IV in me just fine. They didn't actually say 'we are going to put you under now' so I eventually woke up in recovery. Dr. Hansen said things went perfectly -- my liver wasn't a problem and I was only under for about 60 minutes. Hurray! Post-op: It took my about 2 hours to clear away the haze from being put under. Due to my sleep apnea they had already planned to keep me in the hospital overnight so I was in my own room with my wife by my side. I ended up with 4 teeny incisions and one bigger one (which I still can't tell how big it is since it's covered in a mass of steri-strips). My pain level was ok until about 7pm (surgery was at 11am) -- they gave me some liquid Lortab and it helped. I was able to sleep off and on (with regular interruptions from the nurses for vital checking, etc.). Dr. Hansen called me that night to see how I was doing. He's a great doctor! He said he put in a 'bigger band' but I'm not sure exactly what that means -- I'll check at my follow-up next week. Day 2: Dr. Hansen came by early in the morning to give me a final look-over and then he signed me out. I was ready to go home. I had a Lortab prescription but never used it. I did end up using Children's Liquid Motrin about three times during recovery to take the edge off. Day 3-5: Dr. Hansen had me on Clear liquids for this stage -- I drank as much as I could but only had about 100 calories a day in Special K Protein Water and Gatorade and broth a couple times. I had a little Jell-o for a treat but couldn't eat much (not from restriction, just lack of desire and hunger). I used Gas-X strips to try and head off the gas pains, but they hit bad on days 5 and 6. Seem to be a little better today (day 8). Day 6-7: I moved to full liquids these days. I still didn't drink much though -- about 600 calories. I started my Protein shakes these days and had some yougurt. Still not too hungry, though I think my stomach growled a few times (it hard to tell exactly what it's doing nowadays). My muscles aren't sore anymore, but my port incision is, especially in certain postions. I still can't sleep on my side. Last night I was able to sleep all night for the first time -- that was nice! Before I was only getting 3-4 hours of sleep at a time, which precipitated lots of naps. Day 8 (today): I'm on to mushies! So far I haven't had any yet though -- just my Protein shake. It's 2pm and I think I'm hungry now so I'll go see what I can rustle up. I started taking my Multivitamin today (Horray for Flintstones!). I'm aiming for 800 calories during the next week I'm on mushies. After that I'm on a special soft food/mushy diet for three weeks to promote healing. I have my followup appointment next week. No fills scheduled yet. All-in-all it's been easier than I thought it would be so far, though defintely not easy. Including my pre-op diet I've lost over 50 pounds. For the first time in my life I have hope that I'll lose the remaining 250.:biggrin1: Cascavel

Remember too that your hormones are going nuts right now cause of the weight loss. You are getting the double whammy because you are hungry and hormonal. You are normal. When angry just keep in mind that this is your body being angry with your husband and not you. Your body is mad at you right now. I havent had the surgery yet but I am sure i am going to be like a wild anilmal for a while. I anticipate it...lol. hang in there.

For me it was really basic. I had a painful knee that I had suffered with for 37 years and I wanted to get a knee replacement. They wouldn't do it at the weight I was then, so I took the plunge. I had my bariatric surgery in March 2019 and my knee was replaced in August 2020. It's SO GOOD being out of pain now!

I had my surgery on January 5th and I am struggling right now. I haven't lost any weight since June and I am struggling to get to the gym and not cheating.

I'm so sorry for your struggles - it's hard to be a food addict - I know that I am certainly one! I'm a newbie compared to you (only 6 months banded) but in the past couple of months I've gone from no restriction at 6 cc's to complete restriction (couldn't even drink for a week) and now I'm at 4 cc's with ability to eat almost everything - fortunately I'm being pretty good and get another fill after waiting 30 days from the over fill on Tuesday - yay! I must say that it's been a relief knowing that #1 I can be completely restricted b/c 6 weeks ago I didn't believe that to be the case AT ALL... that said I don't ever want to be that cut off again - but I also know that at 4 ccs I can get a reprieve from the banded life if ever I need it - years down the road when I've maintained my desired weight for several years - or if something comes up... so I don't feel like the band would need to be permanently removed. That said - if you need to stop P&Bing maybe you should just get a substantial unfill and live life that way for a while...??? I don't see how the sleeve and/or RYN will be much different - in fact that's what I like about the band that it IS adjustable in a way. This is ONE HARD ROAD - regardless - prayers out to you my friend wishing you all the best! peace

Hi everybody! I am new here. I have been lurking for a little while and I have to say you all are a really good group of people. As I have been doing research on the lap band, I have come accross other forums, and I must say this one definately has the nicest, most supportive people. I am scheduled to have surgery on Sep. 22. Today I started on all clear liquids until the day of surgery. I am really wondering how I will handle this. I'm excited but scared at the same time. I guess I will take this hour by hour. The time I worry about most is at night. I have always taken in the bulk of my calories at night. The carbs have helped me go to sleep. I don't know if I can go to sleep hungry. Well, I will look forward to getting to know all of you and I pray that each and everyone of you is getting along ok and will be successful in you weight loss efforts. God Bless! Cindy

Your weight loss is on target. No you do not need to eat whey based protein powders. The numbers for the one you like sound okay. The extreme fatigue may in part be due to not meeting your protein requirements. I used FAGE 0% greek yogurt to my protein shakes for an added protein boost. A half a cup will give you 65cal 5carbs 13gms protein and 5sugar. I would add it to my morning protein shake since I worked out first thing. It was a terrific protein boost and fueled my day. You do need to watch your carbs and sugar throughout the rest of the day, but this helped get me started and kept me going without fatigue. It also made it easier to meet my protein goals by the end of the day so I had more time to focus on getting in my water.

Congratulations on the weight loss. Did your NUT provide you with a list of approved Protein shakes or give you guidelines? Many of the shakes that body builders use are high in carbs. What are the carb and protein amounts for the Protein shake you are using? I like Premier Protein, GNC Lean 25, Syntrax nectar, and ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates.

I am 8 week post-op and only down 37 pounds (kind of disappointed in myself), but I have been struggling with extreme fatigue and no appetite. I have no energy to exercise and I know I am not getting my Protein in like I need to. Every whey Protein powder I can find and try tastes the same as the one before it - - nasty. I found a non-whey protein powder that body builders use that I like ok, but I am worried it will cause me to gain weight. The man at the shop swears it won't, but I don't know if I believe him. It's Nutramedz Crave Protein (mango flavor). Does anyone know if we have to use whey based powders? I have to find a way to get my protein in!! Thanks!

@@leahhindi My Program does not require any weight loss prior to surgery (and no pre-op diet). The Nurse sounds like an asshole. If you think weighing yourself will be an issue (it will be for me too) then don't weigh until you go to Drs. Many others do that. You will not fail at this!

If you don't feel you enough Fluid in your band, then why haven't you gone back in for another fill? Also, keep in mind fills won't make you lose weight. They are meant to dim your hunger and keep you satisfied on much less food. Losing weight happens when you consume you less calories than you burn and that is up to you, not the band. The band just makes it easier because you're not nearly as hungry. Follow up with your surgeon and let him help you.

I had surgery 8/27/14 and lost 10 pounds the first week. I am three weeks out today but the scale has NOT moved in the past two weeks. I am tracking my food intake with My Fitness Pal and I am getting plenty of Protein.....eating ONLY things on the "approved" diet list (only about 700 calories a day!).....even joined a gym and am working out almost daily (walking a mile on the treadmill and 20 minutes on the elliptical machine). Even people who don't know I had surgery say they notice I am losing weight. I can tell a difference in my face, my stomach, my backside.....my watch is looser, my rings are looser, my shoes are looser, my pants are looser. How is it POSSIBLE the scale is not moving?????? Experienced sleevers -- HELP!!!

I had the sleeve surgery 8 months ago 2-17-12 and my starting weight was 381!I have lost 165lbs and now down to 216lbs!I used Dr.Davidson here in Dallas, Texas.A far as i know I've lost my weight quicker than any patient of his.My goal weight is 200.

I was 242 and am down to 229 and sleeved the same day as you. I am taking in between 50-60 grams of Protein through fairlife milk, nsa carnation instant Breakfast, yogurt, and a little soup. Walking 5 miles per day and can really tell weight loss in my face and waist. I start puréed foods on Tuesday. Dr. won't let me back into the gym for another month. I can't wait to get there!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Julie66 what are you doing to lose weight so fast and how much where you on the day of the surgery

1. get referral --> surgery consult I didn't have to get a referral as such, but I did have to attend a seminar that the Dr gave where he described the various bariatric surgeries he performs. They figure it will answer your questions about which surgery is best for you. Then a huge packet of paperwork and an application fee to get an appt. about a month later. 2. surgery consult --> surgery scheduled 6 months! I was required to go on a 6 month diet and exercise program to "prove" I couldn't lose weight by normal means before my insurance would pay. 3. surgery scheduled --> the actual operation From the day my approval hit the Dr's desk to surgery - 10 days 4. operation --> leaving the hospital I checked in at 6 AM, the operation was scheduled for 7AM; I was in the car on the way home by 10 AM. 5. left hospital --> first fill 6 weeks. I have heard that is the standard to allow for healing. I had my second fill at 8 weeks out and my third at 10. I have already scheduled my next fill for the end of January when I will be 15 weeks out.

I am doing pretty well thanks Amanda, so gald I have got my first fill becasue lots of Christmas parties coming up now and would have found it hard to resist. its early days and I expect the restriction will wear off a bit before my next fill in 6 weeks time but am aiming to make this Christmas one where I lose weight for a change. Sue

First congratulations on your new journey. Now STOP eating !!!! Your stomach had major surgery , it is swollen and healing. Follow your doctors rules and his rules only. You can do this and you have to. I love my band. Next month is 2 years for me. I never ever did before or after eating that was not on my list. I was afraid of what could or would happen. Just remember you didn't gain over night and you won't lose over night. Be patient. You can do this. Arlene

Re: I'll be glad when I can........ permalink _ Keep up with my boyfriend and my kids on a day outing _ Get in the pool or jacuzzi without worrying who's around in our complex _ Go shopping at regular stores and buy things I like instead of what fits. _ Put on my red high heel pumps without my back hurting from the extra weight. - Let my photographer boyfriend take some amazing pics of me _ Go shopping with my girlfriends, trying on clothes, instead of alone since I'm ashamed of my size. _ Go dancing at a regular dance club instead of a BBW club where the bigger is better and I am being hounded by chubby chasers who think of me as a "fetish" __________________

I was banded Dec 28,2012 and have only lost 40 lbs. Last month I only lost 4 lbs when before it was going so fast. I hate to ever tell my business but I suffer from bipolar disorder and the meds were what caused my weight gain of 75 lbs in 5 yrs. I don't need a fill,I am already super cautious because I seem to get"stuck" pretty easily. Is the hunger just in my head? I used to not get hungry for hours and now I find myself grazing. Not gaining weight,just not losing as much. Any advice?

have knee surgery that I really need once I get the extra weight off. The rest of it's just gravy.

Wowsers ! Im not sure what to start with ! Well, for starters, welcome to the other side ! I was banded Dec, 2011 and have had nothing but positive results. The band literaly gave me back my old life of being healthy, happy and close to a normal weight. You might want to see a Nutritionish ASAP ! He/she will help you deal with your emotional eating. As far as liquids, try different flavors, brands etc to see what appeals to you and makes you happy and full. (I admit I cheated once on the liquid phase too, a small spoonful of tuna with mayo. Yum!)

I once belonged to weight watchers and left only because I was the only guy and got tired of watching Oprah videos But I think it's good to lean on WW as a nutrition tool. It's a great reminder that we sometimes don't eat as healthy as we should. I know each visit with my nut is about $50 so WW is a bargain. Just keep in mind that for the tool to work properly we should eat our Protein first. And I know back when I used to go to WW, processed foods weren't crossed off the list as much as they are now. Processed flour, sugar & meats should be avoided in favor of fresh fruit, veggies and meats. imo tmf

Well, I'm frustrated to say that I've only lost 6 pounds since November. Up until now the band really has done all the work for me and I've been losing steadily getting to -50 with very little effort... But now that I'm at reasonable restriction (yes, I could probably be a little tighter, but I'm pretty tight) I decided to rejoin Weight Watchers and see if that helps. WAKEUP CALL!!! OMG I had no idea I've been eating this badly!!!!! I had a 50 point day over the weekend with absolutely no effort at all. I'm hoping that having a few weeks of conscious eating will get me back in the groove where I don't have to try as hard again, because I badly don't want to be on Weight Watchers. What do you long-termers do? Does the band do enough of the work for you where you don't need WW? Or are other people doing diets of one sort or another? How hard to you have to "try" to lose or keep the weight off? Thanks for any advice.

Your body will go through survival modes as your body is changing and from one type of diet to the next. I am going through the same thing for three days I didn't love anything and this morning 2 pounds gone. We need to remember weight loss is not just the numbers, but also the inches. We did not put this weight on in a month, so we have to allow it time to come off. If we keep following the rules it will happen. I was 218 in January and today I am 189.