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The first few weeks are the most draining emotionally and physically. It does just take some time for our bodies to recover. Take care of yourself, keep sipping and resting.

Hey Girls and Guys! Well I joined a fittness center Saturday. Although I've been walking outdoors, the recent fidgid weather has reaked havoc on that. So my best friend and I joined Fittness Lady together. I'm so excited. We started Saturday also. We walked a mile, biked 3 miles, and joined in on a Zumba class. It was so much FUN dancing to salsa music, but it wasn't easy. We were huffing and puffing and sweating at the end of the class, but felt great for doing it. We plan on water aerobics 2 nights a week, Zumba 2 nights a week, plus getting in a 2 miles of walking before the classes. I'm already seeing results, I lost 2 lbs the next day!!! I'm ready for the coming year...YESSSSSS!

I stocked my house with lots of protein samples, different things to mix them with (soy milk, almond milk, Hood calorie countdown milk, etc.), lots of different juices and different kinds of tea and flavored coffee. I was on full liquids for four weeks and knew I wouldn't be cleared to drive for at least a week (I live alone) so I wanted to make sure I had all that on hand. I made sure I had all the supplies I would need for my pets. I got a couple of 32 oz. Bubba Kegs - they keep your drinks cold forever. I could just fill one with ice and water in the morning and work on sipping it all day long. Per my surgeon's instructions, I knew I needed a digital thermometer and a blood pressure monitor (I take bpm) so I got those. I got a heating pad. I made sure I had comfy pajamas and a couple of loose empire waist dresses and soft cotton bras that close in the front, no underwire. My parents got me an immersion blender as a gift -- that was great to have on hand for making protein shakes. I also had some RTD protein shakes on hand, mostly Premier Protein. I got my prescriptions filled in advance so they would be waiting for me at home. I also got some additional OTC type products like Gas-X, Miralax, and Milk of Magnesia -- and as it turns out, I never needed any of that. The only thing I didn't have that I wished for was a recliner. I thought about renting one of those power recliners from RAC or Aaron's and never got around to it. I wish I had! Getting in and out of bed and turning over in bed was painful for the first 10 days or so.

Keep up the positive attitude! It is very hard, I know. I was denied once - 3 years ago. I began "the journey" again this Fall. I was the model patient, counting calories / Proteins / carbs, etc.....losing 17 lbs during the intake process. All appointments were completed in a very timely manner. Papers were sent to Insurance for final approval. My anxiety was higher than ever - as I was afraid of the possible outcome. One week, no response. 2 weeks, no response. 3 weeks, the same. I felt like I was on a roller coaster at times. Excited, afraid, angry and hopeless. With the Thanksgiving holiday and my growing feeling of hopelessness, I will admit, I quit documenting my daily intake. Luckily, I managed to keep on track with my "Protein first", low sugar, low carb diet. I really need to measure and document again - as it really served as a good tool for me. (While I am eating all the right things, I find it all to easy to keep dipping into the sunflower seed bag, and I'm fairly certain sf fudgsicles don't really fit into a healthy food category.) Just shy of 5 weeks after the insurance submission I received an automated call from my ins co regarding my "upcoming hospital stay"! Neither my doctor or I had had any contact from them - and then I got this call out of the blue. I had all but given up. I was a bit pessimistic, or scared to Celebrate quite yet, still. I phoned the company for confirmation and to have them fax a copy of the approval letter. It was approved - FOR REAL! My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 5th! I feel like I am rambling...... What I would like to say is never give the hope. It is a very topsy-turvey ride, but one that can be endured with continued focus. Good luck, and remember that there are lots of people there to support you on your journey.

I like many of you have had a terrible time with my weight loss. Some diets worked awesome and then boom the weight comes back. I'd bet that we all know this side of the story so I'll spare you. I am married to the absolute best wife ever. We drive each other crazy but I know deep in my heart that she will be there forever with me and I am fortunate for that. I have always been involved in volunteer Fire/EMS for the past 17 years and always loved helping people. In fact I used to love hearing others say "how do you move so good for a big guy"? I always got a little winded but never felt that I couldn't perform the position. After the years went on I started feeling that I was slowing down more and more and it seemed much more than the "I'm getting old" routine. About 4 or 5 years ago I had gone to a weight loss seminar with a former partner of mine from the ambulance service and liked what they had to say although I always considered it "quitting". My buddy who I went with never ended up getting the surgery as far as I knew. Around 3 years ago I was on my honeymoon and felt like I couldn't quite enjoy everything that I wanted to on the honeymoon as well as in my personal and professional life. I started to contemplate and about a year after my initial thoughts of having the surgery. About 2 years later I find myself fully informed and understanding everything that I am getting myself into. As I got home today I figured it appropriate to introduce myself to everyone after completing my psychiatric consult which was my last appointment before sending info to my insurance. I have been told that my insurance only takes a few days to get back and I should have a date in the next few weeks. Hopefully I will put up a few pics and look forward to talking with some of you in the future. Thanks

I feel like a broken record complaining. So, here goes. I had RNY on 12/18/14. I have only lost 13.2 pounds in three weeks. I get either right close to 60 grams of Protein a day or a little over it. My calories is 400-600. Generally in the low 500s a day for calories. I am sad and frustrated. I see others (I know we aren't suppose to compare...but it is so hard not to) who have lost 25-30 pounds or more in the same time frame. Right now I am 5 ft 4 and 212 even.... Is this normal? What am I doing wrong? I am freezing and irritable most of the time.

When I had my surgery I was slow to the draw. I also had complications. But I stayed at the same weight for almost a month!!! During that time I was eating nothing. No shakes either. My body was rejecting everything. So how could I not eat for 4 wks and survive and not lose weight? Iv fluids first of all and second my body was in starvation mode. Eventually I lost weight about 6-10 lbs a week depending on my participation in exercise. Now almost a year later I am down 129 lbs. You will get there! Each journey is different.

I had my pre-op clearance Monday, which I passed without any problem. I go back to see my surgeon for a second follow up on 8/29 and will have my surgery date set at that time, probably for the first week in October. Now that this is actually getting close, I'm scared out of my mind!! I'm a "what if", worst case scenario person. I am terrified of something happening and having a bad complication from the surgery. The surgeon felt that I'm an excellent candidate and I know by primary care doc wouldn't be on board if she was worried about it. Does anyone have any words of wisdom? Thank you in advance! Karen

We all want it off fast but it isn't going to happen over night. 1-3 lbs a week is healthy loss. Keep going. Look at it over a lifetime, not just the immediate.

Great ideas! Noah's Mom greetings! I am a recovering claustrophobic who still has panic disorder. I can recommend that you ask your doctor for a sedative, I take Klonzipam, starting a few days before your flight. ( you may not need it but I'm assuming you are like me and might hide in the bathroom vomiting for an hour like me) Give yourself a treat for arriving to the airport. The bookstore/gift shop just before the shuttle to gateside has some neat stuff and there are also several shops at gateside. Break up the flight into increments. Home to the airport=reward, to flightside=reward. I can recommend going over to the security check to the left rather than the line. I found I simply couldn't stand that long without pain ( I am 300 + ) You can also get a wheelchair at the front of the airport and instead of having to walk the entire way, you can be pushed through security (you will have to stand, take off shoes, etc.,) but will then be pushed to your gate and will be first on and when you get to California, last off. As you pass by the flight attendant, ask for a seat extender, they are in the first overhead compartment that they use for supplies. (my sister is a flight attendant) In the air, I take a camera and photograph the sky. It's just so awesome, absolutely amazing...all the clouds, the colors, fascinating. If you have a digital camera, all the better. Burn a CD of your favorite music or take your favorite CD. My CD had 1 hour worth of tunes and I also had loaded the MP3 player with music. Things to remember: Statistically, you have a greater chance of getting struck by lightning than being in a plane crash. Statistically, more accidents happen within three miles of your own home than anywhere else. Hyperventilating from anxiety does not mean you are "gonna die" and in fact, if you are breathing you are very much alive. Pick up a favorite magazine and read it over the second half of the flight. Take a nap. Enjoy a glass of wine. It helps you to relax. Depending on your airline, you might be lucky and have a screen in front of you to watch a movie. Best of luck. I want to share one last thing Noah's Mom, I had my surgery in Denver! So I flew from TIA four hours to Denver with a one hour layover in Atlanta for my surgery. I go back to Denver for fills and am going back in October. My reward is seeing parts of the country I otherwise wouldn't be seeing (one of the rare positive aspects of being obese...the Lap Banding). I almost went to Mexico (where I am told the accomidations are great) but went to Denver instead. Check out the shopping there. Flying home was a breeze. The pain medicine knocked me out! Patty

I am in the appeal phase of my journey as my insurance denied me the first time. I am waiting for assistance from Obesitylaw and so I won't know for another week or two when my appeal goes in. Once I potentially have an approval, I am wondering how long is it before I can have surgery? I know I will be going to do the 2 week liver shrink... so that's two weeks, but I thought perhaps I had to have other tests before I can schedule the surgery. How long from approval to table did it take you?

I was on a low-carb diet (under 20 carbs per day) for two weeks and then two days right before surgery of clear liquids. I lost 19 pounds.

I am 4 days post op. I've been craving onions and croutons with spinach leaves [emoji33] i did NOT eat anything. Im just confused to why i am hungry so fast being that half of my stomach is gone. I am on clear liquid diet. I honestly jist consume water and crystal light..haven't wanted broth and jello hurts my stomach. What can i do?? My post op appt is next week. I guess thats when i go to puree??? Sent from my LGMP260 using BariatricPal mobile app

HI I just wanted to let anyone know that my experience was good :crying: I was banded on july 16th. I gave the paper work over on monday june 23rd they filed by that friday and I was approved on that monday. So the nice ppl in the office is Kate the nutritionist and Audre. If you do go with them you have to stay on them all the time and ask lots of questions.. Everything went great for me because I did this but some other that I spoke to waited 6 weeks just for an appointment. So like my grandmaw always says the squeeky wheel gets the oil :eek: I tried to be that squeeky wheel :frown:

Here's what mine will be: 80-100g protein/daily, 60g carbohydrate, very very low fat (~1000cals/day) Pre-Op Diet (2 weeks prior to surgery) 1. Drink 4-5 (80-100g protein) servings of a liquid protein meal replacement* daily: Isopure Zero Carb Bariatric Advantage Bariatrix Essentials GNC Total Lean Shake 25 EAS Myoplex Lite Chike Unjury Jay Robb Premier Protein RTD Premier Protein RTD Clear *Supplement should contain at least 20g protein per serving in a 6-8oz serving. The first ingredient should say "Whey protein isolate" or "Soy protein isolate." 2. Drink 64+ ounces of sugar free fluids in addition to the above protein drinks: water Crystal Light or other flavored non-carbonated waters Sugar Free Jello Low Sodium Broth Sugar Free Popsicles Sample Day: 8am 1 serving protein meal replacement mixed with water or skim milk 9:30am 1 sugar free Jello (and 8oz water) 10:30am 1 serving protein meal replacement mixed with water or skim milk 12pm 1 sugar free popsicle (and 16oz water) 1pm 1 serving protein meal replacement mixed with water or skim milk 2:30pm 1c low sodium broth (and 8oz water) 3:30pm 1 serving protein meal replacement mixed with water or skim milk 5pm 1 sugar free Jello (and 16oz water) 6:30pm 1 serving protein meal replacement mixed with water or skim milk 8pm 1c low sodium broth (and 16oz water) But everyone's surgeon has a different plan, so PLEASE follow your own surgeon's plan for success! Good luck!

The last week or or so, say since 16th February, 8 have had some we8rd conflicting medical reports, I have gone from " Maybe this will be Okay with mere Home Treatment to my PCP to my local Emergency for Cat Scan. and additional and traditional. blood cultures. First one taken at PCP was within most limitations, but the second which,was v taken a few days laterThursday) showed something abnormal. Either the hospital here, an community one alas, not even a Trauma level unless you consider reference or "feeder fish" as one. Either they cross- contaminated it themselves, which knowing KCH not impossible, I have developed a strange blood abnormally or I really need more exstensive,testing. KCH calls on a Sunday afternoon when Mount Vernon not onlynrplls 6he sidewalks up, they sit a big rock on top to hold them,into place. Now today is Presidents Day, s9 even Publics Transport,is shut down So what am I asking? for prayerwise? A little clarity of thought would be a good start. Kay my good buddy who would normally drive across broken glass for me has her late' minor stage,grand daughters, 12 and nearly 17. Do I ask her to load them, my son Tomkitten in the back seat, her and I in the front, set out,on a modern day Conestogsa trek to Columbus, not knowing what we may find? One of the girls parents are in Kentucky, the other in. Florida, that's why they are at Kay's, house anyway. What to Do , What to Do ? Meanwhile am I feeling,better? N*O*P*E!

I am at 6 weeks yesterday have lost only 11 pounds since surgery, 17 total with pre-op, not happy to say the least, but hopeful to be at goal by end of year.

OK, that's alot of info you are requesting...plus everyone's journey has been different. What I can tell you is that I started with a seminar last July, a meeting with the surgeon in August, several pre op visits...to the psychologist, the nutritionist, the cardiologist, blood work, etc. During the whole process, depending on your insurance carrier, you have to show anywhere from 3-6 months weight loss attempt under doctor's supervision. I also had to show proof of weight loss attempts over the year prior. Then if you are approved and you get a surgery date, you have to be on a mostly liquid diet for anywhere from a few days to about two weeks to shrink your liver. Then you are on all liquids for a week or more after surgery, then you graduate to very mushy foods, and then you start on regular foods. I was banded on January 14th so that give you an idea of how long the process took. Just a disclaimer though...I was supposed to have my surgery in late November but the hospital I was going to was shut down after Sandy and didn't open up again till January. So...figure unless you are self pay, that you will need at least 6 months from start to surgery. FYI, this was the best thing I could have done for myself. I've dropped 41 lbs. and am feeling fine and adapting to eating a fraction of what I used to eat. Good luck on your journey. I

My surgeon was awesome! He was so upbeat and positive! He asked why I needed to wait until February for the surgery, and I told him that is when I have time off (school vacation week). He said there is nothing stopping me now, so he is having scheduling call me tomorrow to book my surgery at the end of December!!! OMG I can't believe it! I started crying! He just laughed, patted me on the shoulder and told me he loved his job! YAY!

I have read so much about the sleeve in the last few weeks, some good, some bad. For the most, more good then bad. Someone posted that they really have a hard time eating out with their husband. She said her husband gets upset that he pays so much for them to go out and eat because she can't really eat much. I am not worried much about this. My husband is very much into his body, he works out a lot and is very careful with what he eats (wish that rubbed off on me, lol). Sure we go out to eat sometimes, but not often, and certainly not to expensive places. My husband is also a fast eater, so I figured by the time he was done chomping down, and I was done slowly eating part of my appetizer, we would finish together. I think I would of course have more problems when I get together with friends, because we like to eat and drink, but honestly, I don't do this terribly often either. I think I would be able to adjust fine, in fact, I will be thrilled when after my surgery if I stopped being completely food obsessed! Anyway, is there anything you have experienced since your sleeve that you maybe don't really like, but the benefits really outweigh all that? I mean lets face it there are pros and cons to everything in life, I didn't think this was going to be any different, but I for one am willing to take any bad to just be thin!!! Just trying to see as many different views as possible before my (hopefully) surgery. Thanks!!

Not everyone gets a drain, but most do. My surgeon keeps it til day 3. I've read that some people here had one for as long as a week. I'm not sure what the reasoning is behind keeping it that long. I had a fair bit of Fluid come out of my drain over the 3 days (probably 300 ml?), so I like the idea of it coming out rather than swishing around in my abdominal cavity somewhere. It also helps with the first leak test - they make you drink colored juice and then look for colorant in your drain bag. I attached a pic of my drain for you, hope it works, never tried to attach anything before.

You may be a smidge slower than average, but not bad. 10lbs a month after the first month or two seems to be average. I'm 3 months out today and am in a 2 week stall All part of the journey, I'm afraid...

I did not have a drain 3 weeks ago when I was sleeved. I specifically asked my doctor and he said that unless there is a question in regard to internal bleeding he never uses them. I did however have what is called an On Q Pain Buster pump. They place it while in surgery to areas where most patients complain of pain due to a certain surgery. Apparently they can use it after many different kinds of surgeries (C-sections, hernia repair, etc). I went home after 1 night and Hubby and I had to remove it the following morning.

Is it okay to drink protein in coffee or other hit beverage without losing its value? I know some docs say no coffee but mine says limited intake is fine and I only drink one cup a day anyways. I stopped drinking for the past month (I am 4.5 weeks post op) but tried it the other day with a scoop of vanilla protein powder and it was good! Just worry about the absorption. Any thoughts? Am I crazy?!!

Ht3013, ultimately only you can make the decision to change your lifestyle and your body in such a way. For 99% of us here, if we could do it on diet alone we would not be here. Whilst we all have similar issues, we are all different. I to worried about how I would ever enjoy myself with friends if I am only going to eat 2 mouthfuls of food etc. Christmas Eve was 8 weeks for me and on Christmas Day I had a 1/2 protein shake for breaky, we drove to the coast to have the day with friends I drank 600 mls of water on the way 1 1/2 hr drive. We played board games and there was fruit and nibbles I had a cherry and a biscuit with dip. We went for a walk on the beach and played frisbee came back to the house and I had a slice of Ham some tomato, potato salad, cheese and cucumber (small amounts). Now it took me as long to eat as everyone else took to eat mountains of food, we did secret Santa and then went for a swim and I had a celebratory drink with water in between. No one noticed or said anything about the amount of food I ate, I was satisfied and had a ball and the best part was I went for a swim, on the beach, in front of people and ran around playing frisbee. Last Christmas I ate too much, skipped the swim (I made the excuse of cleaning up, cause I did not have bathers that fit me, nor would I have felt comfortable). I did not play beach games, again too uncomfortable not to mention with back issues I could barely walk let alone run around). That night I skipped dinner not because I was ill or feeling yuck, I was actually exhausted from having such a great time. Before I started this awesome journey I was 121 kgs (266 pounds). Christmas Eve I was 100kgs (220 pounds). What a difference it has made and to boot I have lost another kilo (2 pounds) since. I am not going to say the last 8-9 weeks has been easy and I still have a long way to go, but I can say it has been worth every struggle along the way and I wish I had done it sooner. I can only suggest that you research well, the opp and your chosen doctor. Be aware and prepared of all the issues and stages, it is major surgery and not to be taken lightly, ensure you have support and your own determination. Good luck with your decision and your future, happy to answer any questions I can and many others here will do the same.