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had surgery 11/10 everything went fast from the time they put me to sleep till I woke up ... once I woke up I saw my family but the pain was serious had so much pressured for the first few hours Morphin was given to ease pain and they made me get up to walk 6 times a day ... felt a little bit better yesterday but was so sleepy always sleepy .... came home today morning but the only discomfort is the my side it’s stitches it’s hurt when i try to move get up or turn over to sleep ... but I managed pillows became my best friend ... trying to get my 60-80 grams of protein water but little by little I can feel it going down my throat and stopping in my stomach sounds weird ...walking bending up and down or lifting you legs help with the gas flow or even tapping your back while drinking like burping a baby .. anybody recommends any things else for gas?? other than that recovery healthy hurts yes but little by little things better ...

I was banded on Feb. 10, 2010...so I'm not far ahead of you. I can tell you that you just described me to a tee. NO energy - not able have anything but 3 or 4 sips of water throughout the entire DAY. I don't know how some of these people say that they feel great and are going back to work!! I can't imagine! I homeschool our son, and I'm tired after the first hour. It's crazy. I'm shaky, gassy, and I get the hiccups (painful!!) if I try to take more than my usual 3 or 4 sips of water in a few hours. I haven't started questioning the band yet - but only because I've already lost 28 lbs. Hang in there and let me know if you need a buddy!

Congrats!! I am a long way from a size 10 but I am on my way!! :thumbup:

I'm in Oklahoma City and was banded 4/20/10 by Dr. Gornichec. Support group is 1st Sat of the month and 3rd Tuesday. I'm very pleased so far. Email me or send me a note if you want more info. Support group is at Integris Hospital on NW Expressway and I'd be more than happy to meet you there to show you the way to the group:thumbup:

I have been able to get all my protein from food since maybe 4-5 week (Started solids by day 4 as per my program) We were told that each meal has to be 1 protein portion and on portion is 10g of protein. If you eat 6 times a day, you'll get 60g. I'm 6 months out, I now eat 20g pr meal, 4-5 times a day. The key is meal prep. Figure out how to get 10g of protein into a meal. We were told that 1 egg is considered roughly 10 g. I have found a high protein yogurt that will give me 11g pr 100g. You have fish, chicken, who are fairly light to digest compared to red meat. I make creme cheese sauce with my chicken so it's not so dry, chew chew chew, and it goes down. It is possible is you put some time and effort behind it. Also, track your protein, that is my biggest suggestion.

Hey, good for you on the 19 pounds! :thumbup: To get started, I bought running shoes, I downloaded the C25K app onto my iPhone, and I got a knee strap to keep my luxating patella in place -- definitely a necessity for me to have that knee strap! As far as motivation, I started talking about it on facebook and twitter A LOT. Then *I JUST DID IT!* I dove in! And I immediately had a whole network of folks cheering me on (and of course, holding me accountable!) -- another great thing I did was join a gym where I know a lot of the other members. During the winter, when I couldn't run on the road due to the unending snow and ice, I would run on the treadmill at the gym. I certainly couldn't give up when those folks (facebook friends, you bet!) were right there watching! Heh. :thumbup::thumbup:

My Surgeon required 2 wks liquid diet. He said the larger the liver the higher the risk of it being accidently knicked during surgery. I also lost 10 lbs during the 2 week liquid diet...Which gives you a nice jump start on the weight loss process. Everyone I have talked to said their Dr. required the 2 weeks liquid. I always tend to go with better safe than sorry...I would probably go on 2 weeks liquid anyway. But, it is entirely up to You. Best of Luck with Your surgery!!

Hello "doodlebug81"! I had begun my process back in October of 2012. I knew I had a hiatal hernia to have repaired. Because my BMI was 35 and I had co-morbilities, I was a great canidate for the Bariatric Program. I went to my first meeting in January 2013. They give you a notebook of paperwork that has to be signed. I put mine in a 3 ring binder with tabs. It helped me keep it organized. My dietician appointments were at Ft. Belvoir. I attend the 1st tuesday of each month at Ft. Belvoir (4:30 pm) which last about an hour. I had my Psychology eval at Walter Reed. Physical appt at Walter Reed. I had an Endoscopy in October which revealed the hernia. I had a sleep study done at a civilian location (if you have mild sleep apnea it is good since it gets you one step closer to being approved). You must use your machine at least a month before they schedule surgery. The whole process takes about 3 months. Your dietician appointments are each 4 weeks apart. You have to keep a food log and show you are under the required caloric limitations and you must lose 10 pounds. I didn't think I could do it, but I did! Once you schedule surgery, you have to do a 2 week liquid diet. Walter Reed has a great staff. The day of surgery, I had to report by 5 am. I packed slippers, an old night gown that won't interfere with IV, undies and silky bottoms. You have to walk the hallways alot after surgery and I didn't like the fact that the hospital gowns are open in the back. I packed an extension cord for my phone so it was close to me always. They have a toothbrush/toothpaste and mouthwash for you. I brought deoderant. One thing you need to bring is some gas-x strips....I didn't believe anyone but the gas pain was horrible. They didn't have any at the pharmacy at the hospital. It really does help. Chapstick for my lips, you won't be able to drink anything day after surgery. They give you swaps of Water but also give you a suction cord to make sure you don't drink anything! This is only up till they do they leak test. Surgery was about 3 1/2 hours for me since they repaired the hernia. You go to the recovery room and once you are cleared you are taken to a private room on the 4th floor. I had surgery on thursday and left on a sunday. You don't get much rest so don't plan on bringing any ipads, magazines, movies...etc. I did bring ipod with headphones and was listening to sade as I was being wheeled to my private room...I must have been on some good drugs!! My Dr. was Dr. Worlton. She was great. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me! Best wishes, Lisa

I was also sleeved on the 29th of october. I was on protein drinks from 10/15 - 11/15. I have been on mushie foods (yougart, eggs, cheese, refried beans, canned tuna, chicken, salmon and string cheese and sliced cheese. I feel your pain. Initially when I began to introduce my belly to food it was unhappy. My stomach griped and had issues. Today is my 5th day on mushie foods and my stomach is ok, but when you eat to much, to fast it will let you know. I also started my vitamins when I started. While on protein drinks I felt the same way. Once you get on food it will be better, but know this there is a new sheriff in town called your new belly. lol U are doing fine.

honeyg317 sure is overwhelming you have already started - and you are headed on the road to a healthier, happier, longer life everything you've learned so far..from your NUT/doc.............listen, listen, listen, then "obey" all the rules!!!!! practice stopping drinking about 15 minutes before you eat never drinking with your meal not drinking for about 45 minutes after you eat drinking at least 64 oz of H20 a day practice eating slowly chewing thoroughly to pieces little bites putting utensils down between bites continue to stay excited/later anxious nervous prior to WLS - good emotions do your exercises per doc lose the necessary 10 lbs really important............. realize you must be patient through your weight loss - people lose at different rates, and some/most/ALL people will have stalls do what you are supposed to do.........the weight can't help but come off good luck with pending surgery speedy recovery kathy God Grant Me Patience, Just Hurry Up About It

I'm having surgery on Monday too. My surgery is a 10:45 am I'm just as nervous as you i think, hoping for the best. Good luck!!!

Exactly my experience. Neither my surgeon nor my GP ever wanted to set a goal weigh--instead stressing the health benefits of losing even 10% of body weight and focusing on the "40-60% of excess body weight" idea. I lost easily to 135 and here I sit. My goal chose me. I had some vague idea of being happy at 165 (the lowest weight I maintained for a period of time as an adult) or even 155 (lowest adult weight ever).

I am a 34 year old mother of 2 busy boys ages 4 and 6. I was a normal size throughout childhood and adolescence, but have been overweight/obese since the age of 18. It seems with each passing year another 5-10 or more pounds get added. I know I can lose weight, but I can't lose the 90 lbs that I need to without help. I feel like I have been gaining and losing the same 10-30 lbs for the last 4 years and with each loss, it seems to come back with an additional 5 lbs. I am worried for the future if I keep in this pattern. Both my parents have diabetes and hypertension and I do not want to end up with the same conditions. It sounds wimpy but I have chronic pain in my left foot that hurts everyday and I am sure it is secondary to my weight. I feel like I own all the products in the arch support aisle, I've had steroid injections, and I take ibuprofen for pain at least 1-2x daily for this pain. I feel overwhelmed by the amount of weight I need to lose to achieve a healthy weight which is why I am seeking a permanent weight loss solution with a gastric sleeve. Although I am apprehensive about surgery (I've never had any type of surgery), I am more afraid of chronic illness, living with chronic pain, and seeing the number on the scale rise with each passing year. I know it won't be easy, and I realize that I will be permanently changing my dietary habits. I feel ready for this change, and more optimistic about my future if I can have the surgery. I am currently in month 5 or a 6 month supervised diet and exercise program and hoping that my insurance company will approve me ASAP!

I am bout 10 months post op and last weekend I had a terrible stomach flu which involved me vomiting quite violently for a full day. It calmed down and stopped and apart from shoulder pain which I get on and off occasionally and a little bit of port pain which again I get on and off, I have had no pain, the thing has me worried is that I have gone from having restriction to nothing at all. I have no reflux or trouble keeping things down but I am worried my band has slipped can anyone help?

Hi Terry, I'm on the books for 10/11 so I'm just one day behind you! I'm getting sooooooooo excited, hope you are too!

Melissa, girlfriend, your surgeon is right! I just made it to 'onederland' (slang for going under 200 lbs.) the past month. My surgery was Oct 11th-started pre-op diet Aug 11 weighing 278. Today, almost 5 months post-op and I weigh 197! I haven't weighed under 200 lbs in 20 years-since b4 my 2 daughters were born and they are 18&19! I never thought I'ld see the day-like you I've dieted only to stall and regain. I look and feel better than I have in many years. Is it easy? He-- no! I stll have hard days, but with my diabetes reversed and sleep apnea gone, I now have the energy and drive to live my life to the fullest. Not just being worried about having a full tummy. Good luck-we're here for you!

I had 5 incisions, 4 were glued but the one where the drain was left in continued to ooze for several days. I think I was told to keep them covered for a week or maybe 10 days.

Them: Wow you've been losing weight haven't you? Me: *wild look* huh? Um... no. __________________ Them: You look like you've lost a lot of weight! How much? Me: I lost 10 Lbs so far! *Big smile* __________________ Them: How are you losing all that weight? Me: I promised never to tell. *smile*

Hi Tracy - How you feelin? Steve - hope to meet you soon. I was banded by another doc in town but have switched to Malley for my fills. Have you seen his life size signed Kiss Poster? I've only heard about it. Seriously though Malley is great and his staff is top notch. You should come to one of his support group meetings that they have over at the NewHope Bariatric Center. Its a great place to talk with people face to face that have already had the band. We always welcome "visitors". With or without the band. Dolphin - Where are you in KS? if you don't mind me asking. Choosing to be banded is a very personal decision but for me I have NO REGRETS. It was the best choice I ever made. Surprisingly enough I hadn't even really been thinking about WLS surgery but my primary care doc referred me to someone she said was a bariatric specialist. She thought the doc would work with me to come up with the best weight loss strategy for me wether it be diet, exercise, pills, etc. It wasn't until I got to the seminar that I realized he only did WLS surgeries. But I was sold by the end of the presentation and have never looked back. My starting weight was 255 and I've gone from a size 24/26 to a 10/12 in about 2 years. And with no health issues.

Hey. I was sleeved 8-22. As of last Wednesday, 3 weeks post-op, I was down 31 pounds, including my two week per-op diet. I gained like 10 lbs during my hospital stay and it took a while to get rid of all the fluid, but I hope I'm on a steady losing track. Finding it hard to get my exercising and vitamins in.

Started at 233 DOS 8/30 & down to 210 for total loss of 23 lbs...of course 10 of that at least is water weight but I feel great anyway! Those who I've talked to say they hit there goals anywhere between 8 to 12 months do dropping 23 in 2 1/2 weeks is well on my way to total goal of losing 83 lbs...now I only have 60 to go. Woo hoo! Still on purée but not getting down much been busy & forgetting to eat or drink (which I NEVER would have forgotten to eat before lol) I don't notice till I start feeling weak or get dry mouth...sick of protein shakes yuck. Yesterday I had a yogurt & glass of water & a flintstone vitamin. Thinking of getting a juicer & getting a good portion of my nutrition that way. Gonna try scrambled eggs this next week...sounds really good to me Don't want my hair to fall out

Oh, and I should add... when I tell friends that I am 50-50 and not sure I would choose to do plastics if I had to do it over again they look at me like I am freaking insane. From the outside, it seems like a miracle. I have a tighter bod and perkier boobs than many 49 year old (or younger!) ladies who were never obese do. I get alot of attention from the opposite sex. I get all the things you think you want.... but i am still not sure it was worth it... money don't buy you love and a hot bod does not buy you happiness. just something to keep in mind. Having said that, i am basically an optimistic person with a good life, I am just trying to say it isn't really that much "better" post plastics or honestly even after losing the last 20#. I had hit a great healthy weight 20# heavier than I am now and can honestly advise people to really assess WHY those vanity pounds are so important. I am not saying don't lose those last few... I am just saying don't count on it really making jack difference in your life. Oh, and clothing size. I went into plastics wearing approx size 8-10 pants and a medium top. I did not get large implants because i wanted to stay med on top (I have a big ribcage and shoulders). I now seem to wear 6-8 no stretch pants depending on the brand. If I shop at H&M I definately need that. I went to that white house black market store and fit into their 2s and 4s pants. So, even size goals are just stupid really.... it is all just a head game. Be healthy, be fit, be strong, be happy

Had my sleeve on August 28th. I lost 10 pounds from my five day liquid diet. As of today I have lost a total of 27 pounds. I am very happy so far. My diet is soft foods, but have no problems with tender chicken, cheese, beans, Greek yogurt, shrimp, eggs. Glad I got "sleeved"! Good luck everyone.

Feel free to check out my blog on here or on you tube...jennypoo6043....this is the best decision i've made in my life..started last may at a size 20. Now i'm in 12's headed towards 10..hasn't been easy..but would do it again in a heart beat! Best wishes..you can PM me with any questions..i'm an open book.

4leafclover-Really? What time is your appointment? I haven't actually made mine with the aftercare center yet but that is the day of my appt w/ Dr B so I'm hoping to get my fill appt. that day too. I need to get in gear and call to make the appt. I hope to get mine early morning so I can get back to work. We will be doing Halloween preparations that day. Halloween is always a huge competition at my work. Did they tell you that you could start mushies on day 10? That's what they told us even though the sheet says 2 weeks. I'm starting mine this weekend!!! Has your largest incision scabbed over yet?