Search the Community

I was banded in December and I've had 3 fills since. A week after surgery they removed all the fluid in my band because I was very nauseated so as of right now I'm still a little behind fill wise according to my Dr. After my last fill, about a month ago, when I eat certain foods (for some reason fries in particular, I KNOW BAD BAD!) I get this awful pain that radiates to my shoulder and I have to stop eating and wait 10-15 minutes before I start to eat again. I'm assuming that this is food getting stuck. I'm about to be off my dad's insurance in a month or so and wondered if I should try to get another fill even with this recent development. I've noticed that I have been eating a slightly larger portion than in the first 3 weeks since my last fill but I'm kinda worried that I shouldn't get it until I get this problem under control!

Hello everyone. I "stumbled" unto this site about 2 hours ago and I can't get off of it!! It's so wonderful to have this supportive site. I am in the beginning stages of this process for the Lap band. I am excited, scared, and nervous all at the same time. I've heard horror stories and I've heard success stories. I am not detoured because I know that I need to do this for my health. After many many years of losing and gaining weight, at 35, I realize that I have to gain control!! My father, who is 62 years old and weighed over 340, had gastric by-pass surgery in May 07. He has since lost over 130 pounds and looks fantastic. When he first talked about getting this surgery, I was so against it because of all of the horrific things that I heard about the surgery. Did I mention that my father was diabetic, has angina, high blood pressure, etc, etc?...After his surgery, he no longer needed insulin every day, no longer had high blood pressure and he feels great. My father is my inspiration. I've read all of the good, bad and the ugly and I realize that having this surgery is a heart felt, personal decision. I was among the people who said that and WLS was the "easy" way out but I have watched my father discipline himself with his eating and his excercising and I realize that even though WLS gives you a "boost" towards weight loss, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. I have opted for the Lap Band surgery because I am 35 years old and I have had 1 still born and 1 miscarriage . I want to have a baby and I feel that the LapBand surgery is adjustable and more conveinant. I also don't want to spend a lot of time out of work. I'm still doing my research and I am excited about this journey to my new life. I will be attending the weight loss seminar on Feb 19. My pre-op appointment with the doctor is on Feb 27. I'm confident that things will go well and that insurance issues will not be a problem. I have a lot of documentation for my weight loss attempts for the past 10 years. My main "advantage" is that very recently, I was seeing a nutritionalist for 6 months through my insurance. Sorry this is so long but I'm so glad that I found this board!!

I had surgery oct 8. I had 1 BM about 6 days after surgery. But nothing since. I just went bought colace and moralax. Hoping that helps. Feeling constipated. Uugh. Still on full liquids. Only lost about 7 lbs. 12 preop. Total of 19. I'll take it. But still swollen on my stomach

I think a great deal of this could have been avoided if Star just came clean about her surgery. Everybody knew that she had the GB but she wouldn't admit it and appeared sneaky and as a liar. Therefore, the audiences got sick of her and wanted her out Especially when for the longest time she was always preaching about how she would never date a man unless he loved her fat and how she loved her fattening dishes. People loved her for who she was, fat or not. Since she lost all of her weight she got an attitude and that turned people off. If somebody asks me if I had WLS I don't lie. I am very happy about my results and inform people that I am eating less and exercising more and that no i didn't have the GB. It seems as though maybe Star is ashamed that she had WLS b/c she wanted ppl to believe she was happy fat for so long..Just my 2 cents ~Liz~ banded 03/10/06 241/191/150 5'7'' DOWN 50 LBS TODAY!!!! :clap2:

Thanks Zeus. I have actually tried to cut back on the almonds lately but I have been eating the wasabi & soy flavor by Blue Diamond. They have 170 cal per 28 nuts. Not sure of the fat but I will def switch to raw from now on. Being stuck at 163 for 2 months is disheartening because I have been doing all the right things and im less than 10 lbs from goal. Im just getting scared that I'm going to gain all my weight back. This journey us just an emotional roller coaster! Lol!

In a new position statement, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) have replaced the word “obesity” with “Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease” (ABCD). While that sounds like a clunky switch, the authors have laid out why a simple notion should be replaced with what they call a "complications-centric" approach to the diagnosis and treatment of excess body fat (adiposity). It's more complex than something like BMI. By making this change they have decided to use a new term that puts more emphasis on the chronic diseases that result from excess body fat. Here is a link to the article that discusses this change. http://acsh.org/news/2017/01/20/abcd-obesity-has-new-name-will-it-stop-epidemic-10751

I am a type II diabetic and 12 days post op gastric sleeve. For the last 7 days I was able to take just a few units (10 to 15 units) of rapid acting insulin to bring my sugar levels to acceptable (9-13). But now that I am able to eat more substantive foods my sugar levels are of course going up but I feel very scared to take the long acting insulin. Are there any other diabetic sleevers who can share some of your experience on controlling blood sugar after surgery and did you use long acting insulin or only short acting? I am scared of long acting and going to sleep...…...I live alone so there is no one to check on me. Of course I need to keep BS down to help my incisions heal as well as the internal staples. Incisions are healing very well, Thank God! How long did it take before you stopped needing to use insulin?

im 5"10. And its certainly is discouraging...I know im complaining about losing like 70lbs. But 20 was before surgery. I usually eat portion size of about half a sandwich but I would say my pouch holds between 4=8 ounces Depending on day. I havent been counting calories religiously but estimate between 900=1300. But im up at 7am till 11pm so its a long day lol.....ughhhh...idk

Today was my appt with the psych on March 13, 2009. It went pretty smoothly I talked to the Dr for about 40 min. about my childhood, education level and my weight loss attempts. When I was leaving her office she said that I was approved, (I don't think she was suppose to tell me that; she had not given me the computer tests yet). I had to do 4 test on the computer and boy did it take long. I was there from 10:15 am to 2pm. When I got home finally I was so tired I had to lay down for a couple of hours. That test drained me. Well next week will be my physical from my regular doctor and my nutritional consult. Hope everyone is doing well. BTW I started a required Exercise Program and boy is it kicking my bunns. :ohmy: TTYL

Good luck to you. I start my 10 day liquid diet on Sunday. My husband and I are going to the Final Four in Dallas. I am going to stick to the diet. I just hope I won't be grumpy. We'll be walking a lot and my knees aren't in the best of shape. I'm so happy to be getting closer and closer to my surgery date.

I had my 9 month post-op appointment yesterday. Nothing special, just a routine follow-up. The only thing I wanted to talk to my surgeon about was the continuing saga of constipation and whether I should still be on a 1300 calorie goal. I was thinking that perhaps I should up it to 1500 to see if it helps with the current plateau I appear to be on. First thing he does when he comes into the room is break into a huge smile and shake my hand. He had me stand and turn around so that he can check me out. He had me lift my shirt so that he could see how much excess skin there might be and what my BMI might be before calculating anything. He then asked for my log printout that I always bring in with me. Here is where my surprise came. He called me one of his best success stories. Success? But I am not done yet. Am I? According to him, since my ribs are now visible as well as my xiphoid process (pointed bottom of the sternum) and that my knees touch when laying down, and just general visibility of muscle and joints that I am already pretty lean. There may be a layer of fat still attached to the inside of the skin, but not a lot of reserves. I pointed out that I still have a belly and he said that it mostly skin and of course with constipation I am a sticking out a little, but he is happy with where I am. I thought I still had 20-25 lbs to go. My original goal was 220, but I thought I would bottom out at 200 and maintain at 220. I am currently at 225. Don't get me wrong, it feels wonderful to be here from 330, I just didn't think I would have "finished" already. I asked if I could continue to try for the 200 lbs mark, and he said it was fine, but it would only be for personal satisfaction. Health wise, he was happy where I am now. He liked the muscle that I was able to maintain and wants to ensure that I do not sacrifice it for a number on a scale. I totally understand that. He then went on to praise my record keeping. Said not only did he wish more patients did it, he wished he was able to do it. I have logged every bite I have eaten since I started logging food. I didn't start it because I wanted to log it, I only started doing it so that I would know how close I was to my Protein goal. I have since come to appreciate the data aggregation and analysis that I can do with it. (kind of a nerd here). He also said that I should be consuming anywhere from 1200 - 2000 calories! Woah there chief, not ready for that just yet! But I think I will go ahead and change my goal to 1500 and see if that changes anything. I also think I am going to change my categories from: Breakfast lunch dinner... to time ranges: 06:00 - 12:00am 12:00 - 05:00 05:00 - 09:00 I think that would be a better way to track it. anyways, I wanted to put this information out there because I know some of the men are wanting more topics relevant to them. I have also attached part of my log in case anyone was curious as to what I do. This is only an example, I have several different analysis tabs going on.Paul MyFitPal 2015-11-19.pdf

I'm on day 4 of my 10 day liver reduction diet and have had a bit if food each day. Usually more veg, some lean protien, or cottage cheese. Mine is very strict (3-4 protein shakes and 1/2 c. Non-starchy veg each day), and I'm confused why I'm even on it, as I am getting a revision that is altering my intestine where the large and small connect, at the opposite end from where the pouch and liver are. I'm going to call the dietician tomorrow to ask about it. All the liquid is killing me, and I'm a teacher and can't just go to the bathroom whenever I want. :-( (Also, this diet is making me whiny. Please excuse my mope.)

I too have had two fills on 5/29 and on 6/26. Total of 6cc's. So far have had very little discomfort with or after the fills. Did not lose much weight the second month but look forward to this next month. The first fill did not have much affect, I was able to eat anything I wanted as well as practically as much as I wanted. Granted, I didn't want as much as I did pre-surgury. As stated before I didnt loose much but I did loose inches, between 10-12 inches in the waist. All good and I also would do it again.

Hi! My name is Tammi. I will get banded on 10/01/08. I was kindof worried about the pain level, but since I read your story it really encourages me. Thank you so much!

I live near Indiana, Pa. I am scheduled to be banded by DR. Marley 11/10. I went thru the magee program, but they didnt accept my insurance. I really like DR. Marley and his office staff so far. I am older so I am getting nervous. :sad_smile: They had a story the other day on channel 4 about a soap star that got banded....and it got me excited. I start my shrink my liver diet Monday.:rolleyes2::wub:

I am in the same boat, I had initial consult today, and am very scared about the same thing. I have been in rehab for BED (Binge Eating Disorder). My friends from there have voiced the same concerns. I also will loose my wife if I go through with it. But if I don't go through with it, I will die in next 10 years. Classic catch 22

How are you feeling? I ended up staying in the hospital until Sunday. Feeling pretty good but exhausted. Doc says it's because I'm not getting enough nutrition. I'm averaging about 700 calories a day. Today I was weighed at his office. I've lost 15 pounds. He said 10-15 at this point was average.

The thing that helped me on the drinking front, and my wife when she went thru this a few years ago, was to get some small 1 oz cups - sometimes they're sold as condiment cups and maybe dixiecups makes something that small, or the small cups they use in the hospital for dispensing pills (or a shot glass would probably work, too) and think in terms of sipping one of those every five minutes (or at whatever rate your doc gave you). Even if you goof and down the whole thing it's not going to hurt (too much.) After a couple of months you'll be back to drinking fairly normally (unless normal for you is a chugging contest!) It does take a while to get used to the small sizes of things (clothes too, in time....) but small plates and bowls, weigh the portions upon serving and when you see how small your meal really is you tend to shrink your bites to make it last. Some people go with baby spoons to help, though I never went that far. 18lb down was about what I was a week out, too (actually the 10 day mark when I officially weighed in with the doc - so you have me beat by a bit on time.) You're making good progress, keep it up.

My hubby is happy that my "Big Girl Panties" are skimpier and he has convinced me to buy some push-up bras and show the "girls" a bit more (usually when we are out together only)... he's so cute... 10 years and he still grabs at me too... I just love him to pieces!!! He was there when I was HUGE and he supports me as I reduce; he just wants me to be happy... but I'm sure he'd be happy with me wearing some boots, etc too ... Life is too short not to enjoy the simple pleasures! Congrats RJ (and y'all) on still having someone in your life that loves you like that! <3

Thank you everyone! I received the email from Alma on preop- looks like I'm having to do it 10 days prior per bmi... Anyone do it for 14? What is your average loss for preop!??Wanted to get a jump start and start changing some habits earlier. Surgery 4/2 so not so far away...

Well i don't have bcbs, but I did find out today that I was approved!!! I decided to just call my insurance and inquire. She was able to tell me I was approved but said it could take 7-10 days for my approval letter to arrive. I hope they don't make me wait for that to come in to get me started. I'm going to call the office in the morning and see if I can squeeze a surgery date out of them. Good luck everyone!!! Waiting is the worst part

I have BCBS Kansas. Submitted 1/17, approved 1/19, surgery 2/20. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Helps to actually type the response before I post it! My Drs say lift what you can, 10 mins a day if you are starting. Never go more than 48 hours without resistance. For example, if you can do resistance in your arms with no back pain that will boost metabolism. It doesn't need to be full body to be beneficial to metabolism. I totally know what you mean about the same weight but not as lean. It's that fat-thin that we feel in our jeans. I hope you're having surgery soon and it's not super major! I had my rotator cuff repaired and that was a brutal recovery because I was so limited. It was a mental game for sure. Maybe once you're on the other side of survey you can get the REE and body comp. My insurance covers it through the endocrinologist....

I have the same concerns for my sons (7&10). It is something we work for everyday. We discuss the importance of healthy food choices and exercise. Treats aren't labelled as bad, but as something we have occasionally. My youngest has life threatening food allergies which has made us read ingredient labels for every item we buy. We have turned label reading into a teachable moment and they are learning the difference between natural food and chemical "food". I also use their school lessons in our house to broaden their understanding. All we can do is try. Nobody is perfect but the fact that you worry about their nutrition says a lot! Hang in their and know that just by trying to find out how to help them is the biggest and most difficult first step!

We eat out a lot too and I LOVE OLIVE GARDEN!! salad is not a problem for me so I have about 1/2 bowl of that. And if I really really want some of the breadstick I will take a little pinch off the end where it is crusty, and I've only done that 1 time out of 3 that we've been there. My FAVORITE menu item at Olive Garden is the Mixed Grill and I get it with all chicken. There is NO Pasta with this dish. It is all grilled chicken on a kabob with bell peppers & onions in the most amazing marinade...keeps it all moist. It comes with steamed veggies like squash & zucchini and roasted potatoes. I put 1/2 in a to go box right off the bat. 1/2 of a full order of all chicken mixed grill has 315 calories, 43 g Protein, 10 g fat and 10 net carbs. Or....if I'm in the mood for spaghetti I get spaghetti and meatballs hold the pasta. I don't even miss the pasta. In a mexican restaurant I'll order a burrito or enchiladas and just eat the filling, not the actual tortilla....or a taco salad, or sometimes fajitas (i don't eat the tortillas). I also always order it with ground beef not shredded beef. Chinese...pork & seeds & an egg roll or sometimes cashew chicken, no rice. Rice, chow mein, and lo mein are not my friends. Tonight I had pizza for the first time since banded...Papa Murphy's thin crust combination with some salad. AWESOME!!! So yes, you will be able to eat out again. During my pre-op diet I left 2 restaurants crying and posted that I thought I'd never feel normal in a restaurant again....so you're not alone!!! But it will get better. The first couple weeks after surgery are the worst but it all gets so much better after that!!