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I'm wondering if my kitchen aid stick blender would work---used to puree my son's baby food with something like it....I'll experiment this week with whatever I cook for hubby and see what kind of consistency it can produce. Thanks for your post....not sure I can justify buying the vitamix.

I really hope this makes you feel better but I had the same thing. I did great the first week and went back to work at the beginning of my second week. My suregery was 4/23/13. During my second week I started hurting so bad. It was really bad when I would first stand up. Not isolated to one part. On my left side and back. The option my doctor gave was for a CT scan to see if anything was wrong or to allow the swelling to go down. I think I really overdid it my first week or two. Just this week I started to feel a lot better and have been super cautious with every movement. Hope you feel better. My fear that something was wrong was making it even worse.

Hey hey. Just found out this morning that I got a surgery date. 10/9/17!! I'm super excited. I started my liquid diet yesterday because I received my insurance letter on Sat with an inpatient date of 9/28. When I spoke to the scheduler she said they had to put an arbitrary date for insurance but will call them and update it. I can't wait to be on the losers bench. I'm staying positive that these next two weeks on liquid only will fly by. Question...are we allowed to chew sugar-free gum during the liquid diet?? Any feedback will be appreciated. Thx

Hello VST gang!! Yay! I've been lurking between 2 and 5 pounds off goal for the last couple of months, and I'm thrilled to report that I'm finally there--and I'm sure about it, since I've been at this number for a few days now with no "bounce" back up! The last coupe of weeks, I've been trying hard to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and I think that has made a difference. As you may know from my numerous posts on the subject, I have a really picky sleeve--to this day, I feel like it's pretty tyrannical about what it will and will not allow me to eat, but most of the time, it works out well for my weight loss goals. I do wish I could tolerate certain healthy Proteins (fish and chicken, for instance!), but I now appreciate its inability to tolerate fried foods and sweets, so it all balances out. It was a huge challenge in the beginning to discover what would work--and I still find new foods that my sleeve will or won't tolerate, so I'm still learning. Next steps for me include getting my exercise on--I haven't really gotten into a habit of regular exercise yet, and I fully intend to do that. I am also still experimenting with getting my nutrition optimized and being sure I'm eating as wide a variety of foods as possible, including vegetarian sources of Protein. Now that I'm "at goal," I can see that I want to lose a bit more, although I'm not sure exactly how much; I still have a bit of flab around my middle and on the upper thighs that's not just loose skin--not sure how much of that will go away with exercise! Thanks to all posters on this board who continuously provide support, encouragement, and answers!! I seriously would never have done this if I hadn't been able to read all of your experiences beforehand, and I would have missed out. For me, the sleeve was 100% the right choice. I'm updating my ticker right this second!! Short story: Weight surgery morning 306. Weight today 190. (I'm 6'2", so while 190 looks really high, that's really normal weight.) Size surgery morning 3X-4X, tight 26/28. Size today L, comfortable 12 heading to 10--I pulled off my size 12 Eddie Bauers yesterday without unbuttoning--yay!! Biggest NSV: Being able to work as a conductor without getting all hot and sweaty!! I like that I can now wear elegant concert clothing, work like a fiend, and not end up drenched with sweat. I can hug people after concerts without feeling self-conscious and icky and unfeminine. Oh, and the shoes!!! I can wear cute shoes without my feet hurting!! Worst comment: From a lady at work: Oh, I see you've lost a lot of weight; me, too, but I did it the hard way (followed by me, startled, saying, "Well, congratulations on your success!" and moving quickly away). Best comment: From a female friend/colleague: I was sitting in the audience for your concert, and I was thinking, "Damn, her butt looks great!" (followed by me giving her a big ol' hug).

I've been really stressing out the last few weeks. I am on medicaid due to medical necessity (switched from a health and wellness plan). I am up for renewal/recertification this month, and if it wasn't approved, I would lose my insurance as of March 1. I do work part time, and my income is borderline. Long story short, I called them this am to find out I was approved for next month. Now I will be able to keep my 6th nutrition and weigh in appts. It's a relief to know that the last 6 months of work have not been in vain, and I can continue on in my journey.

MY FILL IS AT 2.8. I WAS @ 2.5 & POWERS GAVE ME .3cc I ALSO LOST 3LBS IN 2 WEEKS. POWERS WANTS ME TO SEE LISA GENTILE. HE FOUND MY PORT ON THE FIRST TRY THIS ONCE. JUDY MAUANG WAS THERE SHE TOO LOOKS GOOD! SHE SAID DAWN HAD STARTED TO THROW UP DELIBERATELY TO LOSE THE LAST 20LBS BEFORE HER TUMMY TUCK.POWERS TOLD ME THAT MOST INS COVER TUMMY TUCK TODAY FOR POST OP BECAUSE OF THE ITCHING IN THE FOLD.

My diabetes was pretty controlled prior to surgery so I got to leave the hospital without my meds. I had to monitor my sugar 4x a day for about 2 weeks to make sure everything was fine. Now I check my blood sugar every morning and it is never over 75.

I've lost a lot. I had a lot of weight to lose, so I've been super restrictive with my diet for 14 months. It started coming out around month 4, that lasted 3-4 months, and it's not really coming back very fast. I went to the dermatologist, got some cortisone shots in my head which quickly halted the loss. I wish I had done that sooner. I also got a topical solution which seemed to help the loss. After the shots, I could see some regrowth. My hair was a little thin to start with, now it's really bad. I use Bosley fibers to cover up the shiny scalp at the part. Yesterday I got a new product from the dermatologist that's supposedly been used with great success in Europe for years, and was just approved for use in the US in the past of couple of months. It's a shampoo, topical spray, and vitamins. The NP said her friend also has thinning hair, has been using this about 6 weeks, and you can definitely see regrowth, so I'm really hoping it works for me.

So I initially went in to start my bariatrics process at the hospital in February of 2020. They estimated the time was 6-8 months start to finish (surgery). This was right before the pandemic hit. Now being in Canada by March everything was starting to shut down. Panic was in motion and my initial consultation in Februarg followed by a group orientation in late February was all I had got to do in person. The next appointment I had wasn't until July! Like you it was on zoom. That I believe was a consult with the social worker. Basically someone who talked to me and asked me a bunch of mental health questions. Mostly to see if I was of sound mind, not super depressed or suicidal and if I was mentally prepared to go forward with surgery. She had one follow up over the phone a month later then signed off on her end. Next was the dietician who did what dieticians do, ran me through a PowerPoint presentation about the 3 food groups. I was given a little homework to do over the next 6 weeks. I had to fill dietary sheets saying how much I drank that day, what I had for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks. Times and a note about what type of food that was (ie protein, carb, vegetable). Just basically making sure I understood food groups. Once submitted she reviewed them and another couple weeks later we went over it on the phone. She made some corrections, went over food groups AGAIN.. and gave some suggestions on what I could have to balance a meal. She discussed briefly the phase 1 pre-op diet, phase 2 liquid diet and phase 3 pureed diet. Gave suggestions and ideas about what to eat, to avoid etc. Nothing you can't find online with a little research. Finally she signed off. Then the 2nd wave hit in November and everything shut down again. Fast forward I finally did my second doctor consult in January of 2021 and he reviewed the dieticians notes and social workers and then signed off. Throughout this entire now year that had gone by I was only ever initially weighed in and measured the first month. Blood work done that first month. A year had past and no updates to either were requested. More time goes by and I did a surgeon zoom meeting and he just asked me basic questions. I think the most in depth thing he asked for was to visibly see my stomach and move my head around so he could see my neck function. Then I had a brief phone call with pre-op questions. Finally a surgery date in May was issued. Again a third wave hit and that was cancelled. Finally I had my surgery July 23rd 2021.. nearly a year and a half after starting the process. That's socialist free health care for you though.. so I guess I can't complain. Anyways that's the process I went through and I too was concerned at no point they asked for updated blood work or weigh ins. There was no real monitoring of diet aside from just telling the dietician I understood and showing her a brief demonstration. Throughout that year and a half I fell off the advised diet a bunch of times. I was very dedicated at first, then the delays discouraged me. The additional delays and run around and feeling like this is simply never going to happen really made me fall off. By the time my May surgery date came around I was eating like I ate before, I kind of just didn't care any more. I was also drinking a lot of calories. At some point I fell off the diet drinks and went back to regular and with no bloodwork monitoring or being held accountable, I drank myself into diabetes type 2. Which was found a 3 weeks before surgery when I was checked for the first time ever at a clinic for my blood sugar, which was a 26.8 on the meter. My own fault entirely, but had they done more in person check ups and diagnostics they might've noticed I wasn't losing weight, my sugar levels were getting high. Maybe steps could have been made to help me be accountable and stay on track. After all I'm an addict to food and flavor, leaving me for a year and a half with no support to do it all on my own just didn't work out for me. So I do hope your process goes faster and smoother than mine. But you are not wrong in being concerned by the lack of in-person check ups. Do yourself a favor and speak up and don't just stay silent like I did.

The only diet I could ever follow without being hungry all the time was Atkins. Lots of Protein and salads. The first 3 or 4 days are REALLY HARD as your body detoxes the carbs but if you can through the first week you will be ok. Good luck, I know how hard it is.

Mines too everything I drink and eat I'm 2 weeks post op and I'm hungry when I eat there's huge pain. Sent from my SM-G360T1 using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved on 9/28 and the worse part was the pain on the left side, particularly the incision where they did the most work. It is also the incision they took out the excised stomach. It has taken me three weeks for the pain to subside. I can now get in and out of bed, the car with no problem. It does get better. My stomach still gurgles and makes funny noises but no pain. It depends on what I eat. Hope you feel better soon. Sent from my SM-T350 using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone I'm pretty new to the site but I love it already! I've just been reading and soaking in all the information for a couple of weeks. So much information and support!! I'm am in my 6 month monitored diet that my insurance requires right now, but my surgery will be Nov 20th!!!!!!!

pre band you are doing awesome!! just think how much easier it is going to be post op now that you've started making changes ... i was a diet (cherry) coke-aholic pre-band ... my surgeon did say i could TRY it a few weeks out ... i tried it and it didnt even taste the same so i havent tried it again ... ehhh... i'll stick w/ my crystal light.

Yeah, the prep is not pleasant. I had one a week ago, and was miserable the whole day. But it is great to clean out, and (even if momentary), see the number on that scale drop to an all time low

I joined slimming world and found their plan great. You actually get to eat meals and feel satisfied. The first week there I lost 4lbs, and the most in a week I lost was 6.5 lbs. I didn't do any extra exercise than my norm. Chasing after the kids, house work and walking in the park. I lost 70lbs in 9 months with them. Only now Im starting to lose my way, as usual. I lose a good amount and then I lose my motivation and start eating big quantities. Hence why I want the Sleeve. Restrict my amount. Worthwhile joining a group and meeting each week. That should help you lose the weight while waiting surgery date.

I'm 5.5 1/2 and 269. Start my 2 week liquid diet in November 12. Gonna do it on oct 12 in support of my BFF whose having her surgery on the 26th of October.

I'm 9 days post op and am still on liquids as prior to surgery. I can have some egg drop soup, but that's it. My doc is keeping me on the liquids only for another 2 wks. you should probably go back to clear liquids for another week or so. I still have pain/cramping if I drink too fast or take too much in at a time. take it slow.

no weigh-ins for me until the 2nd week of November. see what happens. i hate it, but it just depresses me when i see the scale not move or god forbid go up....

OMG - Heather ONE pound to goal!?! WAY TO GO!!!! I've been stalled since before Christmas, ugh!

Wow!! Mashed potatoes! I have been dreaming of food all night. Isn't that crazy? My MD here wants 7-10 days post op of clear liquids. I am sick of Gatorade and Powerade. Chicken broth seems so salty. True hunger has set in. Next week I can go to cream based soups and the week after that I can have mushy food. So it will be about a month before I can have fork and knife food. As far as weight, I gained some initially (maybe fluid retention?) but now I am back down to where I was prior to surgery. Wishing you continued good luck. Let me know how it goes with the food intake this week!

Congrats & good luck to both of y'all. I was out patient as well so not much advice on that lol. But like Bandista said, WALK, WALK, & WALK some more. It really does help. I wasn't nervous at all! I guess bc I was so obsessed & ready to get my life back. I will say its not been easy, but everyone is different. Just listen to ur body & doctor. I go tomorrow for my 1st fill & I'm not looking forward to going back on liquids & basically starting over when I finally just starting eating last week. But it'll be ok & I know totally worth it! 2MuchFun, love ur post.

Hey ! I am 2 weeks post op, I kno this may sound horrible but when I see people saying they gain weight, does this mean your sleeve isn't restricting you or what? Or you eating pizza burgers and fries? I say all that because it would be nice to know things will change...meaning I am 2 weeks post op and have had 3 baby spoons of yogurt....rest Water,tea,milk....so having a pretty bad dc regrets right now, would love to know hey I can get back to normal eventually and make better food decisions. Right now there are no food decisions...

I got mine the day after surgery (it was a week) early then got it again 2 weeks later. It only took a couple of months to get back on schedule but just recently (Im 9 months out) when I got mine I was 8 days early. Im just chalking it up to my body still getting used to being 94 pounds lighter. Ive recently had a 'women exam' and everything was fine so it is what it is.

sunshine, sounds like you are making VERY great pre-bandster decisions!! **clap** sorry to hear about your g'ma - mine just passed away in August - she had Alzheimer's and colon cancer - was not a pretty sight at the end... 4 weeks til you are banded - that is wonderful!!!