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Thanks for your help guys!!! I weighed in tonight and lost another 3 pounds. Hopefully I can keep it up 3 more classes to go. Is your final weigh in at your 12th class or when you see the surgeon?

Has anyone gone against doctors orders and moved into the 2 weeks puréed stage after the first week? Is it bad to do so? Opinions? Issues?

I've make all my appointments for surgery and they wanna have me in for surgery beginning of November it's both me and my mother my mother's name is Michelle Lol as well I was wondering being younger how r u feeling so far what things do u like most since after surgery and what were the most important thing I should bring with me or get for before and after surgery??? Other Wise I'm weeks away from becoming a new and healthier me and very excited just looking for support and some pointers ty

My surgery is scheduled for 3/14. That's tof*ckingmorrow. And I feel like absolute ****. I'm not even talking about all the cheating I did on my clear liquid diet. I'm talking asthma attacks (which manifest for me as coughing fits), low grade fever, and muscle aches that sort of resemble the flu. I don't have the flu; they're not as severe as that, but they're enough to keep me up and writhing. I don't even know. Even if they don't cancel surgery, I'm absolutely petrified of how my recovery will be feeling like this. Double edged sword.

I am stumped I have the older 4 cc band, I have had it for a couple of years, long story but I am still learning about the band. I got a fill in Feb of this year up to 3cc I lived with the pb and not being able to eat out and all of that. I have lost a lot of weight but still have more to loose. After reading on this site I have learned that I was to tight and it is dangerous to be to tight. So I went back to doc and he let it out to 2.6, now I am able to eat what I want most of the time, to much in fact. I can eat white bread and I can even eat breakfast. I do not want to gain weight I still have 70 pounds I would love to loose. I am thinking of going back for a fill, it has been about 3 weeks since he let out .4cc. I think with this band the numbers are very different than with the newer bands. Does anyone know anything about this older band. I do feel restriction when it comes to eating meats but nothing when it comes to eating pie, I know I know I should not eat that but I am being honest here. Fill or no fill that is the question I am askin here?:rolleyes2:

Res, I found this wedsite a couple weeks ago. It has been a great help for me. I haven't been back to my surgeon but I'm happy with my weight loss. As long as I continue to lose, I'm happy. Good luck with your fill. JudyH

Hello! I've finally been approved and my sleeve date is Oct 28th. I'm so excited. I start my two week liquid diet on the 14th of Oct. Just wanted to start a thread for all of us to talk. Anyone else around this date?

Had my surgery back in September and all is well (39 pounds lost). But I have the liquid diet stuff taking up room in my cupboards- would like to sell Vanilla Creme Bariatrix essentials by metagenics - bariatric meal, vanilla advanced protein powder and endura energy and rehydration formula. Each container 1/3 to 1/2 full. Should get you through the liquid phase no problem. $40 for all. Send a message if you are interested. I'm in downtown Toronto, very close to the TLBC centre.

August 2nd - same week, so maybe we can compare stories thereafter. Hopefully the nurse can give you a better idea. Although, I emailed the dietician a week ago and still haven't heard back... I am waiting to find out if dill pickles can count as a low glycemic veggies, like cucumbers are. I thought this might curb my cravings for something that isn't white and bland....

When I was on Atkins I had 3 days of hell, as my body withdrew from the carbs and sugar. I did it over a weekend and I actually felt sick (sort of like a mild case of flu), and I stayed in bed for two days. Then as suddenly as it started, it was over - and I felt great. I hope it will be the same for you (not the hell part)! :tape:

Hello from Florida.. My name is Jana.. I am 27yrs old! I was just banded on 3/6/2008 in Tampa by Dr. Dicicco! Boy is he something else! What a great group of doctors! I have lived in FL for 6 and a half years.. Originally from Oklahoma! Go Sooners! I am getting used to my new best friend the lap-band, and I am looking forward to learning and supporting all of you

My surgery is June 7. Just a couple days away- yet feels like forever. Lol. Just got to do this final hoop and I'm ready to rock and roll!! 3 weeks for you- are you excited?

I had planned on going to Dr (Don't want specifics) and there are many reasons I changed my mind. I researched and can only tell you the facts of what I found out and why I changed my mind. My experience was so great, I believe everyone deserves the treatment I received (best treatment in any hospital EVER). I researched other Dr's but these were the 2 I went back and forth with. I decided that close to the Border was easy in and easy out lol,a nd I was right:) Here is a list of why I changed my mind! #1 Its a small hospital and not a walk in clinic as Dr x has his place in a strip mall and I want to be in a actual hospital. #2 Dr x does 8-14 surgeries a day, My Dr does usually 2 but up to 4. I didn't just want to be a number! #3 My husband came with me and we had our own private room where he stayed with me, Dr x had recovery rooms holding up to 4 patients. I loved my privacy and getting rested the first 2 days with total care for everything I asked for. #4Dr x sends you directly to a hotel to share with (I'm not sure how many beds) but you do have to share, they leave the IV in and transport you every day back to the Walk in Clinic to check you, I personally wanted my own room and stayed in it 2 nights without being moved around, or bothered by another patient. #5 Dr x only staples when he does the VSG, My Dr staples and also sutures to ensure no leaks. I know all have their downfall, but my Dr is 100% no leaks, and just a wonderful surgeon. #6 If you want a private room you must pay yourself, my Dr gives you a private room at a 4-5 star hotel. If your husband (or anyone goes with you they have to pay for an extra room anyways) #7 On the 3rd day I wanted to see the city as I was feeling better and they provide a free shuttle to take you shopping, and bring you what you need, I loved it! #8 As I got back to my hotel it was around 8:30 pm and my Dr came to the hotel to check on me, I thought he was great. #9 I was so well tended to, I wish I could tell it to the world, my Dr is $4500 and with so many more perks now, I figure you save $400, and if you bring someone $800. #10 My Dr is Board Certified, and Dr x is not. In fact my trained Dr x when they studies for Bariatrics! Please feel free to respond, and I also have a FB group that has 350 members from ALL Dr's and if you would like to join please give me your email address and I will be glad to add you. Sorry so long, but you asked lol. You can also feel free to call me if you like, but let me know you are from Verticle Sleeve Talk. Congrats on your decision and good luck PS I choose not to use names, I don't think any Dr's are "bad" Dr's, just different and with different styles for sure. I have friends on my FB who have went to all Dr's! Pics are 21 days out If interested in any Dr's in Mexico contact me as there is alot of information in my Facebook group about several different Dr's:)

The first 6 weeks are about healing, not weight lost. Going back to shakes and stuff is not really going to help. You should continue moving forward (unless you're having problems and can't handle mushies), You're not going to stay on shakes forever. After my initial post op check up, I had a visit 4 weeks after, and I had only lost 2 lb, and that was in the last week. As for the exercise, the sooner you start the better. I started 2 weeks post op, but I'd been going to the gym for many years already so I wasn't just starting.

Dear Diary: I am so excited. My surgeons aa called a few hours ago with my dates: JULY 06, 2007: Office visit and hosp. preops. EKG/X-ray, blood work, and whatever else? JULY 19, 2007: SURGERY - won't know the time til the day before. aw shucks! I was so excited when she called, I didn't even remember that it was last July 19th I was rushed by ambulance, to the hospital - with as my doctor told me - (after I made it through) - "one foot on a banana peel and the other in the grave." Pondered for a moment whether the date would bother me. But decided, it was last July 19th the doctors saved my life and this July 19th I'm going to do something to change my life. And to be completely honest with you - that was the first date available. If I'd said no, the following week - I'd be kicking myself in the butt about it that whole extra week - for being superstitious or paranoid about the date. The first thing - even before coming here, was to join the Lucky '07's - the July Bandster thread. I feel such a relief. Three weeks from today. I can do that! Deep breath!

I would be more than willing to talk if you wanted to. I am just coming up on 3 months post op gastric bypass surgery.

You can do it! I will be starting the liquid diet in less than 2 weeks and I'm a little nervous about it, but keeping my eyes on the prize :-)

Good luck with your journey!! I just had my surgery a week ago & couldn't be happier with my decision! Feel free to check out my blog (listed in my signature) if you'd like.

What you are feeling is perfectly normal. Even the first week post surgery I was thinking 'what the heck have I done?" But now over a month out, the scale numbers are starting to get smaller, I am off my blood pressure medication and last night I bought a pair of pants that were 3 sizes smaller than the ones I walked into the store wearing (only reason they stayed on was due to my tightly cinched belt). It was definitely the right thing for me to do. I would never have made it to this point without the band. The thought of surgery is scary stuff, but you I'm sure you didn't make this decision lightly. A lot of thought and consideration went into it. You've come too far to let it slip through your hands. Just keep reminding yourself why you are doing it. If you need to, write it down so you can see it as often as needed. You will do just fine. Good luck!

Hi everybody, i had my sleeve surgery last week (09/06). It thankfully went perfectly and no hassles except what was to be expected. I am losing weight, but have a small concern. Until two or three days ago when I was on clear liquid diet and stomach was healing and swollen, I could barely swallow and keep up with the dietary needs. But last couple of days, I feel that I can drink a decent quantity of full liquids without any problems. E.g. I can down a 32 oz ninja blender cup of Protein smoothie over about one hour easily. One week out of surgery is that normal. I am not going to get cocky and indulge in real food for the next 4 weeks as my surgeon told me to, but is there anyone who had the same experience. I mean being able to down a 24 to 32 oz protein smoothie over one hour and take big sips, one week out of surgery. Thanks and please share. Jilani

Just a quick update- for whatever reason my doctors office submitted my info for approval to the insurance company before I completed my 6 visits. I had only completed 4 and the insurance specialist submitted it because she said she thought I was through. Nonetheless it was somehow approved without me completing those last two visits! So my surgery is scheduled for 11/3!!!!! Super excited and nervous as well Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I too am a march 28th sleever to be. Very excited???? been on pre op diet 4weeks. One more left. After the first week it's ok.

Good morning all. My first post. I have been reading and browsing for a few weeks. Some interesting takes on the Gastric lap-band. I was banded on Jan 18,08, Also a Friday, I really enjoy those Fridays these days. A new anniversary every week. Including pre-op diet and surgery I have lost 61 lbs. I just has my 4th fill I now have a total of 6cc in a 10 cc band. Feeling good, excersize about 5 days most weeks. Scale wont move unless there is body movement to go along with the tool I am using. For the most part of my journey has been good. Ther have been a few upchucks along the way, but we learn pretty fast from those incidents. So I have had no soda, no pizza slices, no white bread since Jan 4, which is when I started my pre-op diet. I now have the full sensation that actually kicks in before the Feeling to upchuck. I burp very little these days, due to the fact that I chew my food very, very slow. Since I have more fluid in my band there is less room for the air to go in when you chew very slowly. I have one protein shake at 6 am every mornng to start me off on a good protein count for the day. This is not meant for a meal replacement only in addition. I consume anywhere from about 60-90 g proteins daily. A good saying I remind myself constantly is this. "If it doesn't have at least 7 g protein, it does not go in my mouth." I worked for 10 months to be approved for this band due to insurance specifics and I was also borderline wt wise. Only 210 lbs, I have fought my wt issue for 25 or more years, and been on the Fen-phen and you name it. Dont want to fail with this. last option. I was size 16/18 in Jan, now I wear 6/8. I have about 15 lbs to go. It will slow down when you have less fat % to lose. Kudos to everyont that has taken this step to take control of there life. I remember the nurse in the recovery room telling me before the sent me to room to "ENJOY MY NEW SKINNY LIFE". I intend tod do that every day possible.

First take a deep breath.............................. Now would you be overweight right now if you could do it AND keep it off on your own???????? Ok, no probably not, So on to the What is the pain is unbearble??? Honey they have more shots then you have pain at the hospital and really what is couple days of real discomfort to a week of minor discomfort for a life time of healthy weight?? Will you ever be able to eat again, of course you, just in new healthy ways! It will all be fine, deep breaths and keep your eye on the goal!

I was a big worrier my biggest fear what if something went wrong. I went back over the pro and con list I made to once again remind myself why I need to lose my weight. I questioned why I was scared or what was the real reason I was scared/worried. I question one of my biggest worry, death. Why was I afraid I might die? For me I question the trust of my surgeon. I took a deep look at why I was worried about the surgery itself and looked at the reality of my worries. I looked at the fact my surgeon was a stranger, I looked at if he was experienced enough, I looked at the trust I had for my doctor and staff. I found that my fears were unfounded. Yes, there are concerns for anyone going under the knife, but when looking at the low complication rate and trusting your skilled surgeon is the key. For me, I couldn’t trust my surgeon. My head and my heart said I should rethink my surgery so that’s what I did. I researched the operation compared to others (I’m glad I did I was schedule 3 days later for Gastric bypass but I changed to a VSG, thank goodness I did the research), complication rate, hospital standards, and most importantly, the doctors background (success rate, complication, or malpractice). Once all my concerns where answered, I prepared for my surgery using positive talk and meditation by thinking of the weight I would lose and the health I will get back. To help me through the stressful period, I downloaded some free meditation audio files and listen to them. Here is a link to Kaiser Permeate Guided imagery programs that really helped me. Download the one for surgery and take it with you to listen on your mp3 player. Your probably don’t need it, but good luck on your surgery. https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/