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Right before and right after you have to be on liquids. My dr requires his patients to loose 5% of their weight before surgery to shrink the size of the liver to make it easier to see when they go in to place the band. After surgery it is impportant to be on liquids for two weeks to allow the stomach to get used to the band and heal. If you go right into eating solids or even mushies it could cause the band to slip or cause nausea and vomiting. The band is a "tool" to help restrict the "amound" of food you eat. You will be full faster and stay full longer if you go by the eating guidelines your dr gives you. Good luck and keep asking away!!!

hi .... i am ten weeks pregnant and well suffering from morning sickness and loss of appetite . i only have one cc in my nine cc band and had no restriction before i got pregnant. I have loss ten pounds since i became pregnant. i am confused whether i need to get my band unfilled or not . my loss of appetite is mostly due to nausea and not because of restriction. also apart from ginger can u suggest some medicine to decrease this sickness.what band complications can happen with this uncontolled vomitting.

I had my final visit this morning with my surgeon before surgery 10/9. I was surprised too as he said the only day I would be doing liquids only was the day before surgery. These next 2 weeks will be low fat low carb. He sad he didn't do the liquid diet because it's not good to put your body in shock like that right before surgery.

If you send me your email I can send you the diet my doctor gave me which allows one snack per day and it gives an entire list as you I've started my low carb diet my surgery is less than 2 weeks away yay

Congratulations on the approval and on taking the journey to a better life. My pre-op diet was an 800-900 calorie per day diet that consisted of a mixture of protein shakes and prepackaged foods that the doctors office sold. Some was good some was pretty bad but it worked. Lost 23 pounds in that 2 weeks despite a couple of weak moments - a last Panera's Italian sub. Told the doctor and he said he was there to do surgery and not take confession:) First couple of days will be difficult but you can do it. Just keep your eyes on the final goal - a new you.

Congrats! I just received my pre-approval from insurance today too but don't meet with the surgeon to set a date until 9/29. You're lucky on your pre-op diet - ours is liquids only (HMR Diet protein shakes) for 2 weeks. It's gonna be a long two weeks!

So it’s been 3 weeks since my VSG surgery. And can I tell you, WHAT a 3 weeks it’s been. I feel like a completely new person!!! I have energy, I willingly take my kids swimming (in a bathing suit… gasp!) and I look forward to the gym. Now for the (impressive, if I do say so myself) weight loss stats: I have lost a total of 22 lbs in 3 weeks!! I have stalled for the last week or so, but I’ve lost inches, so I’m not super concerned. In fact, I’ve more than 4 INCHES off of my waist in 3 weeks. So yeah, awesome to say the least!!! And I've experienced literally ZERO hunger since surgery. food just isn't exciting to me anymore. I did the 2 week pre-op diet, had surgery and had to modify my eating after surgery and I had to deal with my husband and other family members. I’ll go ahead and describe each of those items in a bit of detail. First, the pre-op diet: I had a strict 3-4 Protein shake menu, plus 1 small “Lean Cuisine” type meal per day. All in all, my diet is less than 1,000 calories per day. Since I had done the HMR diet in years past, which was surprisingly easy for me, I just went ahead and did that diet again – 5 shakes and 1 small pre-packaged meal. Very easy. I’m not saying that I never got hungry or had cravings, but with the volume of protein that I was ingesting, it was hard to stay hungry for long. And I had a big goal in mind – my surgery date of 8/8/11. Right after starting the pre-op diet, I attended the pre-op class. It was ALL DAY and went through blood tests, hospital check in, the post-diet surgery, the hospital stay and all post-op prescriptions. It was very thorough and thankfully they gave me a binder with all the info in it, because there was a guy in my class who (I kid you not) was the most annoying person on earth. He interrupted the doctor and nurse about every other minute with some personal concern (I knew his entire life history after this class), and he asked the same question multiple times. Now, I GET wanting to get your questions answered, but I made sure that I had asked all my personal questions ALONE with my doctor during my individual appointment. Anyway, it was hard to listen to what they were saying when that guy kept talking – I sort of stopped listening. But when I got home, I made sure to review the binder in detail. The day before surgery, I was allowed to eat a REAL Breakfast but only liquids after that. I was too nervous to eat honestly, so I just had my normal Protein Shake day but I skipped the “real food” dinner that night. I also had to shower the night before with Hibicleanse antibacterial soap, sleep on clean (washed in super hot water) sheets and PJ’s, and then take another Hibicleanse shower the next morning. They weren’t taking any chances with infections, thank goodness. I was scheduled for surgery at 8 am the following morning and I had to arrive at the hospital at 5:30 am. I ended up having a coworker drive me to the hospital and drop me off (she’s totally awesome, like an older sister that I never had). My husband had to get our 2 little girls ready for preschool that morning, so he was going to come to the hospital when I was still in surgery. So, I arrive at the Sharp Memorial Hospital at 5:30 am and I’m called back to the “S.P.A.” area to get prepped. Basically, I took off my clothing, they made me take another pregnancy test and they hooked up my IV. Then I sat and waiting for another hour or 2. The anesthesiologist came in to talk to me. Now, the one thing I made SURE to do was to tell him that during my last (and only) other surgery, I felt awful for about a day afterward because the anesthesia had made me so nauseated. Like I couldn’t walk without barfing – think seasickness or morning sickness times a thousand. And with a surgery on my stomach, I imagined that throwing up was NOT a good thing. And thank goodness I did that – no nausea at ALL after surgery. It was night and day different from my last surgical experience! Then my doctor came in, made sure I had no questions, and we were off to the operating room. I then moved over to the new bed in the room and the doctor told me he was giving me something to make me calm down a bit. Boy did it ever! I felt a bit drunk for about 2 minutes…. Then I woke up in recovery! Recovery: Now this was weird. I knew where I was and what was going on, I could hear everyone talking (nurses and doctors) and my brain felt like it was working OK… but I couldn’t open my eyes. Very weird! I lay like that for a few minutes before I was finally able to open my eyes. Then I got some pain medication, even though I wasn’t in pain, and fell asleep again. I woke up while being moved to my new room. And let me tell you, my room was AWESOME! Totally private and in the new wing of the hospital, and it was a corner room with ceiling to floor windows that overlooked pretty much all of San Diego. I totally lucked out with the room! My nurses were great, too. I was up and walking within an hour or so of getting to my room, and I had little to no pain. It was very surprising and, like I said before, a completely different experience from when I had my gallbladder removed 2 years prior. I had 5 very small incisions that really didn’t hurt. I was able to suck on ice chips for the first day with no problems, and then I was moved to Propel Water the next day. I did manage to disconnect my IV line (there was a connection in the middle of the line from the bag to the needle in my arm) while in the bathroom. I didn’t notice until I saw blood everywhere on the floor. That was a bit scary! But the nurse came right away (like within 10 seconds) reconnected me without having to run a new IV and I was as good as new. I was discharged the next day. OK, now for the family drama. I didn’t tell anyone about the surgery with the exception of a few people – my husband, my awesome coworker, my boss and my Aunt who has gastric bypass a year ago. That was it. I didn’t tell people because of my husband’s reaction. He was 100% completely and TOTALLY against the surgery. We fought about it for over 6 months, and he went so far as to schedule a shoulder surgery the WEEK before my surgery in an attempt to get me to cancel. (A side note, he’s needed shoulder surgery for years, but he decided to do it right before mine at the very last minute). Poor guy – not only did I not cancel, but he was left taking care of 2 preschool girls with one arm in a sling. That backfired for him badly. Anyway, now that the surgery is over and I’m not dead (that was his big concern obviously) and he can now see how great I feel, how much more energy I have (especially for certain “things” that I didn’t have much interest in before.. wink, wink) and how much better that I look, he’s much better about the whole thing. He’s turned from 100% NOT supportive, to completely supportive. Thank GOD! The other family drama that I had was with my Aunt. She knew I wasn’t telling anyone – I made it a point to tell her right off the bat that I wasn’t sharing with ANYONE until I was ready- but what does she do?? She calls my SISTER and tells her. So my sister was frantically trying to reach my husband to find out what’s going on with me, how I’m doing, etc. So now the cat’s out of the bag. My sister is very supportive, and I was going to tell her, but I wanted to do so on my own time, and I kinda wanted to surprise everyone in a few months with the “new” me. Now I also have to tell my parents because they would be devastated if they found out second hand. But, whatever… nothing I can do about it now. Anyway, that’s my story in a nutshell. I really can’t believe I’ve done it, and it was SO incredibly easy for me. I was expecting some problem, some complication or lots of pain, but I got nothing. No energy loss, pain, nausea, nothing. I was back to work a week early (after only a week) and I actually worked from home starting on the Thursday after my Monday surgery (I was bored and I’m a bit of a workaholic). This whole process has been a dream. I just wish that this DAMN 3 week stall would let up!!!

Congratulations to all of us who have been sleeved or yet to have our operations!!! My surgery is in 2 weeks and I am also going up and down but I'm mostly up and think of the things that will give me pleasure again such as exercising, shopping for clothes and wearing jeans. I can't wait!! I am feeling excited about never having to "diet" again - think of all the time and money we will have for other things!

Thank you to everyone who has responded. I've calmed down a ton! My nerves are mostly that I won't wake up. I have had multiple surgeries (I'm a klutz), and I've always been fine with anesthesia. Even my husband says I could administer my own. I guess it's just because the kids are growing up and I'm just afraid. I have a lot of support, and I know this is the best thing for me. I'm super excited. The 2 week low cal diet is hard, total shock to my body. I'm not used to eating so little! Of course, that's what got me in this mess in the first place! So, I just wanted to thank you all for your support and advice. I will have pictures up so we can all see how much better I look after a while! Good luck everyone!

I was banded in May 2009 and found out i was pregnant in August; with a conception date 2 weeks after my surgery!! I gained 36 pounds; going all the way back up to what i weighed when i first started everything. I was very nervous needless to say. I kept my fill during the whole pregnancy i think i had about 3 something in my band. Anyway at three months since the baby was born on March 7th 2010, i am breastfeeding and down 50 lbs. I just started exercising a week ago. The band has made a difference and i have had 2 fills since i had the baby, very conservative fills ; in fact i am just now feeling a real restriction at 5. Also i did not go gonzo during pregnancy ,but i wasn't an angel either !!:thumbup:) The pregnancy was the best of 4 and i felt the healthiest ever; i think this can be attributed to not overeating and gaining 50+ i usually gain. My son was healthy at 10 lbs. 3 oz. and i am looking forward to this summer and how exercise will play into my weight loss.... So do not worry is my advice ;;instead~~ eat healthy, get plenty of rest, enjoy being pregnant, and breastfeed! :smile:)

wow in 10 months u lost so much congrats on doing that. I also have the big fear of weight gain during pregnancy but in know that i have not been as strict as i should and have been using pregnancy as an excuse and im accually fitting quite a bit of food in. My first few weeks of pregnancy i accually lost like 8 kgs which i was so happy about because i wasnt budging on my weight for so long. But i lost due to having so much morning/ all day sickness.. now that i have passed that ive been eating n eating and have put almost all that 8kgs back on. I was very upset as i know it cant be all baby. People are telling me to stop being so effected by my weight while im pregnant, but i know i could do better.

i dont want to scare you but im planing a funneral for a helthy therty year old less then a week after surgery

I totally agree with you. Omg! I read and read and read, and still feel like I'm going to fail. But I've read good and bad but u have to listen to your heart and body. The mind is tricky but think strong. Today my hubby bought McDonald's for Breakfast. I smelled it smelled so good. All I got was a snack size parfait to eat for a snack later today, but I'm trying to control it now before my pre-op next week. Good luck to u! Keep us posted. Two years of reading should guide u on your journey for Monday!

I'm just glad I am finally feeling better and feel like I have enough energy to exercise. The first couple weeks were brutal on my system. Lol thank u all! This is the best support I have found. I get so excited but don't want to talk much about it to the friends and family that know I had the surgery. I'm afraid they will get jealous or get tired of hearing about it. So I just scream happy on the inside ☺️

I do, November 6. I started my pre-op last week. So far so good.

I waited till 2 years to start trying, per my doctors advice and wanting to lose as much as I could. I got pregnant on the 4th cycle. I can't believe she will be 2 weeks old tomorrow!!

I think the first thing you need to do is not go forward with the thinking that you will never have a certain food again! Yes we have to change our ways after surgery but I am able to eat a little bit of anything! I don't normally, but if there is a special occasion or meal I can have a treat sometimes. As far as the food funerals??? When I knew I had a date I went to the store before my pre op and picked up a pint of some kind of ice cream (can't even remember the flavor how sad) went home and ate half of it that night and finished it the next day.. After I ate it?? Nothing, it was just gone it didn't feel special it didn't make me feel better, in fact it did nothing for me except make me feel crappier about myself. And added to the weight I needed to lose.. Fast forward to today, I can eat normal again so if I wanted a bit of ice cream I could. So I guess what I'm saying is don't sabotage yourself with thoughts of "I need to eat this now because I can never have it again" Oh the pre op diet Zare will take care of that for you and provide the shakes, it's two weeks I think? You will go through all of the stages of food after that he has spelled out for you. Now I'm on all foods but I eat a lot different than I used too. Mostly Protein and veggies. No more rice bread and Pasta..

I had my surgery on August 2010. I got pregnant in November. I am now 9 weeks pregnant. I was not planning but it happened. So far all is good. I am glad that I have the band because it allows me to eat what I crave but also eat in moderation. As of today I lost 10lbs. !

Hi SunShyne, I started my journey (the group seminar) at the end of June. I had my first appointment with Dr. Pirrello about 2 weeks later. Then I spent from July - September waiting on and going to the other required appointments (nut. eval, psych. eval, etc.). There was a bit of a mis-communication with my psych. eval. and it ended up taking 1 month to have it sent to Dr. Pirrello. So, I probably could have been approved and ready for surgery by the beginning of October or so if it hadn't been for the "psych." delay. I found out the 1st of November that BCBS had approved me, and I had my surgery on the 20th. So, for me it took around 5 months from start to end. But - you sound like you have a lot of the 'little' stuff taken care of, so you should move right along! Hope I didn't ramble too much. :confused: Keep me posted on your progress!!! GOOD LUCK!

I had my surgeon appointment today after completing the 12 weeks option program through Kaiser insurance the doctor was amazed by my weight loss 55.8 pounds he did not put me on A special clear liquid diet he told me just to do what I've been doing and I'm actually having my surgery on May 31, 2017 I am super excited it is a little over a week away I have to do my bloodwork EKG and chest x-ray and I have to do my pre-admission to the hospital.

Hey I'm 9days out and have only lost 14lbs I believe some progress at 1 week is better than no progress at all. R u still on liquid diet

Local hospital that did all of my presurgery testing is awesome however insurance denied and after three denials I’m considering Mexico. Problem is my local hospital said they won’t touch me for yearly follow ups for a sleeve done in Mexico. Folks who have done it... how did you work this issue?

It took 7 months from the time I went to the first seminar to my surgery date. It could have taken less time but my work schedule did not permit me to go any faster. I only went to one class and one support group meeting, the rest of the hoops were testing and getting various MD clearances. My insurance company approved on the first submital (it took about 3 weeks for them to approve the surgery). I know some insurance companies want you to be one a medically supervised weight loss preogam for 6 - 12 months before they will approve surgery. Your surgeon's office should be able to tell you the hoops you'll have go through for your whatever insurance you have. To be honest I needed the time to get my head around the surgery and to commit to the life style change. I am so glad I did. Good Luck

good luck with your ops,,,, i am 6 week post op.. apart from being fed up that despite my first fill i have no restrictions yet - my body is happy. I joined the site yesterday. I am learning that i am no longer alone in the world of lap banding.. hooray !!!!!!!!!! and it may take several fills for restriction to happen... so i have to be patient. now the op.. on the morning i was nervous and excited.. but it went so well.. i was back at work after a week.. i didn't drive for 10 days, and my scars have healed so well... bit of rubbing under my bra on the top scar which took a bit longer to heal.. but honestly i have felt so healthy. also a bit of a numb feeling but that has all but gone too. i get a little discomfort on my right side if i squeeze my body to pick something off the floor or do up my shoe. i guess its the port ? but its minor !!!!! i hope it goes well for you all..

After a lot of research I have decided to go to Dr. Jaime Ponce for my first consultation, I haven't found a single bad thing about him and he is very experienced. I was wondering for those of you that had him as your doctor did you have to have the 6 month supervised diet? Did he require the 2 week pre-op liquid diet? I don't see him until the middle of next month but I'm trying to find out what to expect. What was your experience with Dr. Jaime Ponce? (Not to be confused with Dr. Ponce De Leon)