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12 weeks! Wow!

I hit my first stall around 12 weeks post -op.

My surgeon says four weeks.

Does anyone know how long you are supposed to wait before having sex? I am one week post op and really don't have the energy ( or honestly the interest) but am curious how long everyone waited.

Hi there, I got back from my three weeks vacation to Texas and Mexico on Saturday, did any one miss me? I see there are lots of new members and lots of posting going on. I am so swamped with work this week, it will take me awhile to get caught up on what's going on. Well, I am doing really good and lost some more weight on vacation. I am down to 142 and can see my final goal weight is finally approaching. I wanted to share with you all how exciting this past month has been for me. These 7-8 lbs I have lost this month have really been a defining point in my weight loss journey.. I am not fat anymore. I have been fat for so long that I never realized how good this feels. My sister-in-law took some pics of me on her digital camera and when I saw them I was truly astonished. I don't look fat anymore. People have been telling me for awhile, but even though I look at myself in the mirror, the picture is so distorted I never realized how I've changed. I have been screaming it out, I'm not fat anymore, isn't that wonderful???? I don't want you to think I'm conceited or anything, but I do look really good and for a person that has hated the way she has looked all her life and has been the fat girl all her life, this is major stuff. The compliments I received from family members that have not seen me where awesome. It just boosted my self-confidence that much more. I am so excited to share this with you all. What's even more important, my husband, who has never in the eight years that I have known him ever given me a compliment, told me I look really nice and that he would like me to maintain this weight and not lose anymore, he says this is the perfect weight for me and that I look just perfect. I wanted to get a fill on the way back because my band surgeon does them for free and my husband said absolutely not, I don't need one, this weight is perfect and that I need to keep my walking up and my weight training and that's all I need for now. Isn't that fabuloso. Well just thought I'd share this with you all my lapband family that has always been here for me. I love you guys. Well I better get back to work, I have a board meeting tomorrow and I need to get ready for it. Talk to you soon. Love ya,:nervous

I am such a slacker with updating. I'm so busy trying to get everything taken care of before surgery, but I know I'm going to regret not being able to look back on these posts! My surgery date is 11/6.:scared2: I'm still kind of in shock that I'm getting banded in 10 days! I originally started looking into the band last year, so it's crazy to me that I'm actually going to get one now. I had my preop appointment yesterday. I told Sue I was a nervous wreck even though the surgery is so far away, but she said that she would be worried if I wasn't worried. That makes me feel a lot better. I found out that Aetna will pay for an overnight stay. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I understand it's better to be there in case something happens but I would much rather be miserable at home. At least at the Reston Hospital all the rooms are private. I love my boyfriend so much.:wub: He's going to spend the night with me there b/c he knows I'm upset that I have to stay. We only live 5 minutes from the hospital and it's kinda silly for him to stay, but I appreciate it! I've been buying supplies like a fiend. I've decided that none of the protein shakes are good so I'm going to stop wasting my money. They're all either milky, chalky, smelly, or something. I only have a 7 day preop diet, so I'll just drink what I have and deal with it. The only thing left on my list to buy (for the moment) is pajamas. I am SO not wandering around the hospital with my butt hanging out of that gown! I'm most confused about the financing part. I called Aetna, and she said my out-of-network out-of-pocket maximum is $2000 + $300 deductible. I don't think insurance covers the $2500 program fee from my doctor's office though. So I took out a Care Credit loan for $5000 and hopefully that will be enough. I have yet to see a bill from anyone but if I show up for surgery and everyone is expecting a check I want to be prepared! I'm also confused about the short-term disability at work. Does anyone else work for Booz Allen Hamilton? I know they cover it, but the process is a little weird. I plan to take 2 weeks off b/c the environment is very dramatic on client-site and if I'm grumpy, hungry and in pain, I won't be able to grin and bear it as well as I do now! I start the preop diet on 11/30 which is messed up b/c I can't have any Halloween candy (but my boyfriend and I already ate a couple bags we bought a few weeks ago, so I guess I'll be fine. ). I'm not too concerned about the liquids, I'll do what I have to do to make it easy on my surgeon, but I am worried about the headaches. I've done other diets and the drastic change in calories gives me ridiculous headaches. I think Sue said tylenol was the only pain killer I can take. I'll call and confirm that. It's lunchtime so I need to figure out what to go get. I know this sounds weird, but it's almost a relief that I'm going to be on liquids. It's so exhausting for me to decide where to go, what to get, what size, etc everyday for lunch and try to eat healthily, then hate myself when I just end up getting a burger and fries.

Surprisingly, I haven't really been that hungry since starting the high protein, low carb pre-op diet. Don't get me wrong, I would totally kill for a cheeseburger right now, but I'm not hungry. . .I just want a cheeseburger. My emotions are running wild right now. I'm glad I had the weekend to get used to the diet. I have a short fuse, and I've randomly bust into tears a few times. I went to the Trader Joe's with my boyfriend b/c I wanted to pick up those papaya/pineapple tablets and see what soups they had. They had a few sample carts cooking and it smelled really good in there. I was only mildly disappointed that I couldn't try them. Then some lady next to me on the soup aisle was talking to her son about how good the sweet potato bisque was. (I can't have that one b/c it has like 28g of carbs per serving). I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden my eyes welled up and I almost burst into tears in the middle of the store. I told my boyfriend I had to leave, paid for my stuff, and bawled in the car for 15 minutes until he finished shopping. I've read a few other posts about mourning the loss of food and I think that is definitely a part of it, but I think one of the biggest reasons I'm so emotional is b/c I don't have anyone to talk to about everything I'm feeling regarding the band: the surgery, life afterwards, being embarrassed that I even need a band, etc. My boyfriend is the only person who knows I'm getting the surgery (for now). I love him for trying to stay interested in what I'm doing, but he's never weighed more than 150lbs and has no idea what I'm going through. Anyway, I only have to make it through 4 more days. I'm really nervous about the actual surgery (I'm just a nervous person. I worry about everything!) so I'm just trying to keep it together and wrap up everything at work over the next 4 days. No work for two weeks! At least I have that to look forward to!

Surprisingly, I haven't really been that hungry since starting the high protein, low carb pre-op diet. Don't get me wrong, I would totally kill for a cheeseburger right now, but I'm not hungry. . .I just want a cheeseburger. My emotions are running wild right now. I'm glad I had the weekend to get used to the diet. I have a short fuse, and I've randomly bust into tears a few times. I went to the Trader Joe's with my boyfriend b/c I wanted to pick up those papaya/pineapple tablets and see what soups they had. They had a few sample carts cooking and it smelled really good in there. I was only mildly disappointed that I couldn't try them. Then some lady next to me on the soup aisle was talking to her son about how good the sweet potato bisque was. (I can't have that one b/c it has like 28g of carbs per serving). I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden my eyes welled up and I almost burst into tears in the middle of the store. I told my boyfriend I had to leave, paid for my stuff, and bawled in the car for 15 minutes until he finished shopping. I've read a few other posts about mourning the loss of food and I think that is definitely a part of it, but I think one of the biggest reasons I'm so emotional is b/c I don't have anyone to talk to about everything I'm feeling regarding the band: the surgery, life afterwards, being embarrassed that I even need a band, etc. My boyfriend is the only person who knows I'm getting the surgery (for now). I love him for trying to stay interested in what I'm doing, but he's never weighed more than 150lbs and has no idea what I'm going through. Anyway, I only have to make it through 4 more days. I'm really nervous about the actual surgery (I'm just a nervous person. I worry about everything!) so I'm just trying to keep it together and wrap up everything at work over the next 4 days. :smile: No work for two weeks! At least I have that to look forward to!

I feel like everything is going to be Ok now that i have made it to day 3. Surgery day was a blur, I was groggy from the anesthesia and tender (sore muscles). I went in to the Hospital at 6 am for registration, they did my vitals, I put the lovely gown on, the doctor came and talked to me, then the anesthia doc came next. Before you know it they were wheeling me to the OR on a gurnery. They had me move over to the table then put the O2 mask on me then before you know it I was waking up in recovery. The pain was doable, remember to take advantage of your pain meds while you are still at hospital. I didnt at first and I let my pain get ahead of me. Once back under control post-op seemed very doable. Best advice is to get up and WALK WALK WALK. It helps with circulation, helps with gas, helps get back into the swing of things:) I was sleepy too it wore off by day 2. Lets see day 2 I was still in hospital. I got to go home at 2 pm. Day 2 seemed worse than day 1 pain wise for me. I just kept the walking up and pain meds of course. I made it, at one point I thought what the hell did i do?? That down moment didnt last long and I got through day two with my ice chips and liquid diet. Day 3 is going wonderfully. I feel stronger and was way more active and less sore today. This site has helped me out a ton as I have referred to the FAQ's several times over the past week or so. My journey is just beginning and I am excited for the new healthy me for 2010! Have a wonderful journey and good luck to all of my fellow bandsters too. We can do this:biggrin:

The last few days I have been extremely depressed. I am not sure why. All I want to do is sleep. Today I started feeling sick (sore throat, congestion), so not sure if that is part of the tiredness. I have bad dreams, some about people that aren't in my life anymore, that meant a lot to me, and then I wake up so sad and I can't get out of the funk all day. I have been crying just out of nowhere too. The last 2 days I have been walking almost 2 miles, and then come home and just sleep. I have been on Lexapro for years for depression and it has helped. It just seems like it does nothing now. I am only on 5 mg. Maybe I should go to the dr. and have him increase it? I am 12 weeks out now. I was kind of depressed the first few weeks, but then it got better, and now its way worse. I am on my period too, and its still getting back to normal, so maybe that is part of it too. I have been losing weight pretty fast, I guess, (70 pounds in 12 weeks) but I have 204 pounds total to lose. Can losing quickly cause depression? Or do you guys think its just everything combined? I also don't have a job and have been having so much trouble finding one, and its really been bothering me a lot lately. Maybe it will just get better on its own with time?

MIRALAX! It really is a life saver! I don't take it every day, but if I take it every other day, it seems to keep everything moving just fine. If I am having a particularly tough time with constipation, then I go back to taking it every day. I am 3 weeks post-op, and I was cleared to start taking it on day 2 post op. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had surgery with Dr. Tillquist last june and had a great experience with the surgery. I did experience frustration initially when I was trying to get insurance approval. It seemed to take a long time to get it submitted 7 weeks or so. I was denied and then decided to self pay. I submitted an appeal and my insurance is going to reimburse me so it all worked out.

I agree with the above satement that's a lot of weght lost , stay focus trust me you are going to have stalls I am 6 months post opt . And I have had stalls it's just goes with the procedure, stay focus and do as your doctor says,you are to hard on yourself in-which you should be congratulating yourself .

Sex in 4 weeks, sooner if you want to avoid putting pressure on you stomach. It only burns about 3 extra calories per minute....you can walk slowly and still get more calorie burn.

I had a very similar blog post a few weeks ago. It's crazy how we focus so heavily on that damn number. I still check every day, but I allow myself the usual fluctuations each week and only REALLY count my Friday number. Good luck =)

Congrats on reaching Onederland, I'm shooting for it myself in the next few weeks.

Haven't had any fills yet, get first fill in a couple of weeks. I can pretty much eat anything I want, but have been limiting the amount. I eat mostly protein and then maybe some kind of vegetable. Protein keeps you feeling fuller longer. Sometimes a greek yogurt for snack. If I eat too much I get an uncomfortable feeling and also start hiccuping. I've heard it sometimes takes several fills before you feel restriction.

I was sleeved 3/28 and I just reached 25 lbs this week. I haven't hit a stall - I've managed to lose every week - but not in any "large" amounts. I think you are doing fine

Nothing much to report back on solids again, had a chobani for b/fast with some granola (1 T) and yogurt covered raisins (1 T), was feeling fine until an hour before I could eat again and my stomach is growling, I know that's not "real" hunger but it's annoying. Wooo talking about "real" hunger, um let's see what have I learned this week: headaches and fatigue for me = hunger. On Tuesday, I had a huge headache, I was still on liquids per mds orders so I thought "well maybe I'm hungry" made myself a protein shake and sure enough voila! Problem solved! Yesterday, I was so tired that I ordered a cup of coffee (something I don't usually do after 4pm) and a packet of veggie cream cheese (since I was still on mushies) at D & D and I don't know if it was the coffee or the cream cheese, but once I got home, I was ready to go kick some @$$ at the gym! So, I think I figured when my stomach is growling, that's just my body being pissed off. When I have headaches or am about to fall asleep standing up, that's hunger. Also I ordered a Keurig for my office, I really do think I need a pep in my step in the afternoon. It's 1:30pm here and I'm yawning! Have a good weekend! I'll be back on Monday!!!

I love Fridays I hate Fridays too. Why? Because this is the day that I don't keep track of my calorie and protein intake. Why do I do this? Doctor's orders, she doesn't want me to obsess, and also not to eat the same thing every day (which I do), so that it confuses my body (I kind of imagine my body going "hey what the heck? Eggs? Veggies? Omlette? Where's my chobani??????") trust me I feel the same way, I'm having chobani withdrawls. I hate Fridays..... I'm so tempted to figure out how many calories the egg white omlette is, but I can't. It's only ONE day a week. Four days a month. DARNIT! The MD and I are going to have to talk about this.... On another note, I realized I cannot keep any snack food in the house. Last night on my way home from work, I just got really stressed thinking about the future and how I have no control of it and I hate it (yes if you haven't figured it out by now I'm kind of a control freak). I was on my phone with the dbf while I was getting ready for the gym and I said "I cannot wait for this vacation because I need a week to really figure out what I want in life" so then of course he thinks it's about him (which to be honest, it is) and thinks he can read my mind and knows what I need to figure out (but darn he was right). And of course I got stressed out. So I went to the gym. 40 minutes on the elliptical, with cramps, thought I would feel better. Nope still stressed out. Go home, have dinner (portobellos mushroom pizza, peas, and a little bit of hot antipasto) still stressed. And of course when I'm stressed where do I go? THE KITCHEN!!!! and sitting right there is a bag of trail mix. I usually only have an 1/8 cup of serving before bedtime. And here I am sitting on the couch hand to mouth with trail mix. Then I realized wth this isn't going to solve the problem, and I throw the 6.99 bag of trail mix out. Along with any other snack food (which there wasn't a lot to begin with). Until I get my emotions in check, no snack food in the house. Tonight, I'm going to dbf house for Chinese. I'll probably have shrimp chop suey. This weekend will be spent cleaning the house (how the heck does one cat shed so much?), laundry, then dbf comes over and I'm trying a new recipe-taco pie, which I just realized I didn't get the ingredients yet at the grocery store DARN! Sunday I am just vegging out to catch up on my DVR. 43 days until Key West....sigh Have a good weekend! XOXO, Andrea

yes, yes, yes, yes,,,,,, I had that problem BIG time, and have not really heard much about others dealing with that. It was very frustrating, I even had to go to bed with some applesauce next to the bed because the stomach hunger pangs would wake me up. I would eat something, and be hungry, very very hungry in about two hours. This went on for about the first 6 weeks. I don't have that problem as much anymore, but I can eat a lot more. I tried everything, even a prescription from the doc, but nothing other than eating helped me. So, I wish i could tell you how to make it better, I can't, but I can tell you that you are certainly not along! Anyone else have this problem?

Funny thing. I lost alot the first week and then in week two I stalled. I ate less, (400cal.) drank more, added more Protein and the scale didn't budge. I read stuff on here and some said eat more calories. Sounded unlikely, but I was discouraged anyway. So I had to work hard to eat more than twice the calories, logged in with fitness pal and noticed how with my biking and walking I was still only netting about 800 a day even with eating so much. Low and behold, instead of gaining like I thought, the scale went down. Go figure. Something to do with starvation mode when you eat too little. Who would have thought I'd actually have to work at eating MORE to lose more. Whatever the reasoning, I'm gonna follow more of what is suggested and less of what I think should work. I don't know why I'm surprised.....my way of eating never worked for me before, so I will be relearning everything since WLS,

At week three my NUT told me not to worry about calories - focus on the Protein and fluids. What you list doesn't look like a lot - you'll be able to take in more soup and thinned oatmeal; it will pass thru fairly quickly. Once you move to a puree diet, you probably won't be able to take in 1/2 cup, more like 1/4 cup or something like that.

All of you have VERY valid points. I just think it's time to change the way we look at the scale... It has always been our enemy. We are always waiting for it to turn on us....lol. With the band, we can start believing more in ourselves and not putting our trust in that scale and it's stupid numbers. I'm going to try trusting my doctor and my boyfriend and give it a few weeks of only weighing on Friday to see how it goes...

Hello everyone, I had my surgery 15 days ago and the healing process has been going well until I’ve started having these episodes of heartburn about 4 days ago. On Monday of week 2 (this past Monday), my doctor said I could eat soft proteins. I tried a few times through the week and they upset my stomach each time so I went back to full liquids on Thursday. Since then, I’ve been experiencing heartburn daily which only goes away for a few hours when I take a Pepcid tablet. I was also taking my multivitamin and calcium supplements in solid pill form while I wait for my dissolvable tablets to come in the mail. I asked if it was safe since they are somewhat large pills and my doctor said they were. However, I’m not planning on taking them tomorrow so I can try to figure out what is causing this heartburn. I spoke to a nurse (who I’d never spoken to before) at my doctor’s office who said heartburn is normal because I am still early in the healing process and to just keep taking my Pepcid. I am worried that she may have just wanted to get me off the phone and I’ll be calling again next week to reach someone who actually knows me. Sorry to be so long-winded. Has anyone else experienced heartburn this soon after gastric bypass and did it ever go away? I’m scared I’ll have to take antacids permanently. I haven’t had any nausea or vomiting on full liquids and when I did try the soft proteins, they went down fine, I just didn’t feel too well after which is why I went back to liquids. These bouts of heartburn are my only issue at the moment. ANY and all insight is appreciated!