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Well I am now on the post op side!!!!! Yea me!!!! Had surgery at 10 this morning and doing pretty good. No drain ( praise the Lord), mo major pain just discomfort and no vomiting...(praise The Lord again). Really need to sleep but no rest in the hospital.

Momma, Congratulations on your 10 pound lost. Does Dr. Valin work with Dr. Yood ? Will you be going to the first support group on Oct.2 at 6 pm? Maybe we can meet there. How has your first week been?

Darby, we were all nervous here, I can tell you! My husband has so many health problems I was TERRIFIED but I felt we would die from the asthma, HBP, diabetes, heart problem, sleep apnea, neuropathy (not counting all the medicines we were taking for all these problems), if we did not have the sleeve. So there was fear either way. This is the best decision we ever made for ourselves and our health and we are looking and feeling great. Never even felt like I had surgery (I thought they pretended lol). It was 10 times easier than anticipated. Relax and go for it! Linda

Hello...My name is April. I am from Sacramento too and have been banded for over 3 years. Maybe we can exchange emails and we can swap stories. I wanted to give the information for the support group the I am co-moderating in Sacramento on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome! Let me know if you need more info... The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011! ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!! Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30. Sutter Cancer Center Classroom 1, First Floor 2800 L Street, Sacramento Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour. This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area. Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend. Please join us!

The pre-OP liquid diet isn't intended for weight loss. It is intended to shrink your liver. The way it shrinks your liver is by depleting it of glycogen. Glycogen requires Water. So really, the bulk of the weight you lose will be water weight. While the minimal food intake will create a calorie deficit, it takes a colorie deficit of 3500 to lose a pound of actual fat. That means to lose 10 pounds of actual fat, you need a deficit of 35000 calories. It's highly unlikely that you create a calorie deficit of 2500 calories a day for those 2 weeks, and I definitely wouldn't recommend that you try.

@@AudreyDarling I totally feel your pain Im a Cyster as well... Here is snippet of a journal entry from last year and what I was going through briefly: Thursday 4/30 I have been working my buns off in the gym. I have to keep it up. I really want to see what would happen if I work out for 5-6 days a week straight for about 1 month. If it goes well—I’ll keep doing it. So far nothing as far as I know. No new small victories. 1 or 2 people at work complimented me and told me I was looking good. I weigh in with WW at work tomorrow. I’m hoping for 5-7lbs BUT I think it’ll be more like 2 or 3. I really wished I didn’t have to weigh because it makes things more difficult. I hate obsessing over the scale. BUT I didn’t relax this past weekend- I stayed on top of things so I don’t have many regrets. Maybe 1 or 2 which is not bad. I tried on some clothes at Lane Bryant annnnnd lets just say... it didn’t go well. I always have bad experiences there. I have to remember the last time I really shopped there, I was about 217 lbs and I felt bad then. I mean really really bad that I was such a fatty that I even had to shop there. I mean, I always looked at that store with such pity because there's no way I would ever have to shop there. REALITY CHECK!!! I think that was the first time that I accepted what I was took a deep breath and said I would just continue to try and look nice even in fat girl clothes until I get where I want to be. AND here it is Now I’m 20 lbs heavier than I was then and that’s after losing 17 lbs! So even if I get down to 217 before Vegas, I’ll still be at the weight that I was when we went up North with the family and bought a few fat girl clothes from LB for the first time but I guess I should be happy to be here than where I was 2 months ago. Hopefully in July I’ll be in the 190’s But If I can get there in June—by Vegas! I’d be Totally Happy! WHAAAAT! You couldn’t tell me NOTHING. Friday May 1 Womp womp womp. Sooooo I didn’t lose even the stupid 3 lbs that I thought I would. I only lost 0.6lbs UGH! 0.6?!? not even a full 1 lb. Really??? Ok time to get out my feelings… I knew how this would go I just had faith that it would go a lot better that I thought it would. I can’t be mad. I tracked, I exercised, I watched my portions and I didn’t use my weekly allowance. SO either I’ve gained muscle, lost inches (or an inch)or I’m retaining water and the whoosh fairy will visit me soon. Hopefully next week—That’s why I hate weighing. I’m going to keep at it though because its got to go somewhere. Until next time… Oh haven’t thought much of him today—good sign? Until 5/5--His b-day. If I can get past that (why is it so important for me I don’t know). I don’t have urges to text him or FB message him so hopefully I will stick with it. Sigh… hopefully this weekend goes ok. Its Jerry’s bday so cutting up may be in order! Cake, Hot dogs, junk in general! LOL. No I have to be good though. (sigh) SO Anyways... the above mentioned is my journal entry, the agonizing, the exercise, the battle with the scale the struggle to go no where. All the effort, all the rigidity and I wouldn't get very far. This would go in for a month and then 2 then 3 and then Id get discouraged and give up. Since I've had the surgery, I do realize that I wasn't as rigid as I'd like to believe I was. I mean I was a lot more physically active BUT I'd sneak in a bite of this and a bite of that and have a drink here and there even keeping track of it all however, if you have PCOS, you know-- there is no room for error. ZERO. You will be punished for every morsel that you think about eating. And then there was this time I got a trainer (I've worked with trainers in my thinner days) This was my first trainer since I accepted that I was officially a fat girl. He put me on this strict diet for 14 days, and we were working out 5 days a week and I was eating eggs, grilled chicken and like orange slices. Drinking a gallon a day, although I could only manage to get in 70 oz... The time came to weigh in and I was supposed to lose like 10 lbs or more. Well I only lost like 2 or 3 maybe. He was scratching his head, asking if I had cheated but deep down he knew how committed I was to this journey and finally said. Ok well we just have to do the work. It was a devastating blow not because I have to do the work but because I was only 32 and having trouble losing weight to that extreme. I didn't want to believe that pCOS could do this to ME! I finally threw in the towel. I had the surgery. Because although I probably could do it on my own-- I couldn't do it on my own. The calorie restriction, the carb restriction without the sleeve, I couldn't do it. So on those days where I probably would have a little more on my plate, or have a little extra bite here or there the sleeve reminds me mentally FIRST, then physically... NO. I'm 6 weeks, and I've lost 30lbs. Most people lose weight during the period leading up to surgery, and then a few more lbs during the 2 week pre op diet. So the weight loss varies from person to person. I did not lose much weight prior to surgery. (actually this journal entry was 3 months into my medically supervised weight loss program with my surgical team) I was doing weight watchers at work, and exercise programs offered on site at my job (Zumba, Kickboxing) plus going to the gym, riding my bike etc. So far, I think the sleeve is great! And for the first time In a long time I feel like I'm getting somewhere, which only peaks my confidence and makes me WANT to do more to help the process along. I'm starting to feel more energetic, I'm increasing my activity level, I spent Sunday doing Meal prep for the week and I enjoyed it!!!! I'm already thinking of ideas for next week. I've gotten my 12 year old daughter involved in the process of exercising and planning back to school lunches and Snacks. She's overweight and although I didn't have PCOS until 29, I'm aware that she could have it. I have to lead by example and everything that I do affects her. I don't want to lose the weight and leave her behind. I want her to get there with me!! She's lost 4 lbs this week!! GOOD luck to you!!!!!!!!

What was it like? I am concerned because I signed up 10 days ago for one in Dallas tomorrow (May 19) at 10 am. They sent me confirmation email and I have been really excited about. Well, they called and left a reminder voicemail message today and sent a reminder email (around 5:00 pm) reminding me of my seminar in HOUSTON tomorrow!!!! Houston is like 5 hours from here. I'm not going to Houston. So, I called Lap Band Solutions and, of course, since it is after hours on a Friday, it was their answering service. They took an urgent message for someone to call me but I have not heard from anyone. Dallas is an hour and a half from here and I don't want to drive all the way down there in the morning if they are just going to tell me I can't stay. Did you have to be on the roster to get in? I have printed my initial confirmation email showing that it is in Dallas. Do you think that will be enough for them to let me stay? Do they have a limited number of seats usually? Thanks!

I am almost seven months out and still struggle with protein it has increase over time but I am still working on it I have tried over 10 different ones and still hasn't found the one for me I also tried powder

I've been exercising more and watching what I eat. I've lost a few pounds but nothing dramatic. My PCP told me I had to lose 10 lbs in 2 months and I went on a mostly liquid diet to lose those 10 lbs. I haven't been perfect doing proteins and staying away from sugar for the past week and I've gained a pound. I need to reset and get back on my diet of lean proteins and no sugar. I'm no were near a pre op diet yet.

DOS 12/15/11 235 lbs 10 1/2 months later 11/6/12 139.9 goal weight 135 total down 95.1 lbs 4.9 lbs to goal & century club WooHoo remember-- don't tell anyone

I am currently working with Weight Loss Centers. I had my seminar last Tuesday and my consult. I have my EGD scheduled for 5/10. I contacted them on 4/5/09 and things were rough at first, just getting to the seminar, but I stuck to it. Once I went to the seminar I saw why. There were over 40 people there. Then they do the one and one with the doctor. They also addressed other issues with me like possibilty for cosmetic surgery because I want a tummy tuck. They have already submitted to my insurance and it's only been two days. Good luck!

You're so right. I only have about 10 more days of this. That first day was a little more difficult than I expected. "This too shall pass" My Dad used to tell me that all the time!! Thanks so much!! Female NC HW:280 HT:5'9" VSG:9/6/16

Those look so delicious. I'm only 5 days out so still have a long way to go before I get to eat real food like that. Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app

Welcome everyone! Let us know where you are from? My VSG is booked with Dr. Pompa for May 19, 2014.

I had rny 6 months ago. Decaf was fine for me, but it tasted horrible to me (I’m sure this was a mental thing) after about a month or so when everything was healed up, I went back to regular. I have one fried that is 10 years out, one that is 5, and one that is a year and none have had any issues from “real” coffee

Hi Bryn, I too started over on Lapbandtalk.com, but wanted to do plenty of research before coming to a decision. Once I started seriously considering the long term complications of the band I decided it wasn't for me and looked for an alternative. The bypass was never an option for me due to bowel issues, so that left the sleeve. It sounded terrifying at first, and I almost scrapped the idea. But after chatting to these guys on here for a month or so and doing tons of research, I decided to go ahead privately as I live in Guernsey and the local health department do not financially support WLS of any kind. I was sleeved 10 days ago in Southampton, and recovery is going well. I am SO happy I didn't go with the band. You're in the right place for support and helpful information, trust me. There's nothing these guys don't know! :thumbup1: Welcome! And good luck on your journey! xx

My husband was more afraid for me than I really was! He thought I was going to die. I was not afraid. I trusted my surgeon. I even told him my husband thought I was going to die. he told me 1-2% of people leak. Besides trusting my surgeon, I took pain medication, rested a lot. I walked around my hospital floor. My surgeon wanted to discharge me after the first night but I asked to stay another night and he said ok. Don't lift anything, don't cook or clean for anyone. My family was so understanding and pampered me for two weeks. Don't eat what you shouldn't. My surgeon has me on liquids for six weeks post op. This gives the stomach a chance to heal. It will be swollen and sore so give it time. Drink fluids so you don't get dehydrated. Once I got to two weeks post op I was pretty confident I was not going to leak. But if at anytime you just don't feel right or your pain cannot me on trolled with oral medication, call your doctor. I had a spirometer in the hospital. I used it 10 times every hour I was awake. This helps prevent pulmonary embolisms. Walk as much as you can. Oh, and if you are nauseated ask for medication. don't be uncomfortable if you don't have to be. Lastly, I am not overly religious but I asked the Lord to be with me and to keep me calm. I think it helped. You will do fine and you will be so happy with your new life. It's worth it. Good luck and keep up the great work!!

Thank you for your posts.... Makes sense w the gall bladder... I had mine removed over 10 years ago...I will keep track & see if there is a pattern! Thanks!

This is very normal.... I am at about 10 and still have days I am not hungry. I have to remind myself to get in all the protien and liquids. As long as you do that you are sAfe. I drink the premier shakes from Costco. They have 30 grams of protien each. Continue to sip, sip, sip liquids. I had many days in the beginning I felt weak that is normal.also. Best Wishes

Just be careful of the sugar alcohols those can give you the runs as well. I by a carb smart ice cream bar it has two grams sugar and 6 grams sugar alcohols that is on the lower side that I have found and they satisfy the sweet tooth. Even though I can't even eat half lol. surgery date 08-01-12

In not quite 3 months I've lost 36 lbs. My goal is 10 lbs a month.

How are y'all doing?? I had surgery August 19, and have done well until today! This liquid **** is for the birds!!

I definitely feel/felt that way. I got banded 10 days ago. For the past 10 years of my life I have been all about natural-wanted natural childbirth with no drugs, shop organic...hate artificial sweeteners because I like natural sugar. So, having this foreign object in my body has been, philosophically hard to swallow (pun intended). But I am starting to feel better now...eating normally and anxious to implement changes using this new thing as a tool. Naming it helps. Mine is my DLF (dear little friend) like Trumpkin in Narnia. :-)

Also, changing my relationship with food has helped me not be consumed by thoughts of it. It's easy to think food is running your life early out because it is. The surgery is driving and you're basically in the backseat. At 10 months out, Im pretty much at the maintenance stage where I am super mindful of what I eat. But I dont beat myself up if I go over 100 calories. These days, I get about 800-1000 calories a day.

I but these to when it's my time of the month. 7*10*12