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I feel your pain! I was banded 9/24 and started getting very hungry about a week out. Didn't help that my husband and everyone around me was eating pizza and burgers and all of the things I can't have. I saw my Dr. on 10/6 which was like 12 days postop, and they moved me on to mushies. I think as long as you can handle it, then its fine. Every surgeon has their preference, I've even heard of people going to mushies on the 3rd day. Since I've been on mushies/soft foods, I feel great!

From what I've read here, everyone is a little different. I was clear Liquids for 3 days, the "heavy" liquids (Shakes, Soup, etc) for 4 days. Started "mushies" on day 8 for 2 weeks. Then reg food for week 4. First fill end of week 4.

you guys are not alone. I am also 6 weeks out and have been suffering from the vomiting/nausea since week 2. My surgeon says it is probably scar tissue in the stomach and is at it's toughest around 6 weeks. I am also trying to look at the brighter side. It has been horrible and I have been in bed for weeks. I know I need protein but some days I can hardly eat or drink anything. Hang in there, that's all we can do and hope later we will reflect and say that was just a short time we suffered to get to the goal!

I can only speak from my experience, but my Dr. did put a small amount of fill in my band during the placement. I think 3cc's in a 14cc band. It was about 6 weeks after surgery before we added any more. My Dr. asked about how long i was going between meals, etc. and then decided to add 2cc's. Then appx every month i would return and we would discuss, and add if he felt necessary. It was a simple procedure to add/check/remove saline. Took only a couple minutes. I will say this, I STRONGLY suggest that all fills be done with fluro.

I had my surgery on January 2nd and I'm not sure how the fills work. I think some people get fills as soon as they have surgery and others not for a couple of weeks. I have to see my doc on Tuesday (not even a week since I had surgery.) Since surgery I haven't felt too hungry, in fact I've been almost disgusted with eating. I've also been nauseous. Please give me some inputs on theses fills and might I have been filled already? What should I expect at my first appointment?

I'm 2 weeks out and have yet to have a "solid" BM - just moved to the pureed stage. I'm an RN as well. Liquid in, liquid out as they say. Just keep sipping your fluids as you should - you will be fine.

I was on clear liquids for a week, then I graduated to full liquids. The Glucerna my Surgeon had me drinking the 2 weeks prior to surgery gave me the runs bad. It is a similar thing to Ensure. I was actually nervous about losing my bowels during surgery it was so bad. Fortunately, they had me cleanse my bowels first. Now, 8 weeks post-op, sometimes my muscle milk light makes me make a mad dash for the bathroom. I think all of these drinks are super sweet and that is what causes the problem for me.

Thank you for posting this! I have not been banded yet, but I thought the same thing! I had my seminar last night and one of the things the Dr. addressed to my questions, was that after the initial surgery the band is relatively loose. He said they do that because of all the swelling around it..and over the next 2 to 4 weeks as they fill the band and let thing adjust and settle you will begin to feel the restriction. So glad I went to that seminar! All the best on your journey!!

Socalband, I noticed today that I'm not so swollen. This morning was the first time I gained .6 instead of losing. So I'm back to weighing in just once a week. If I stick to the plan, I will lose the weight. I've noticed weight loss in my face, breasts, and bottom. That's not too shabby, but I'm ready to lose some weight around my waist (that's my least favorite spot on my body). In terms of the pain medicine, I only took the Toridal that they gave me for three days, and I took a total of 3 teaspoons of liquid lortab. I've been off the pain med's for five days. So I don't think my swelling is from that, but who really knows. Thanks for your recommendations. Good luck to you! Keep me updated!

I am on week 3; started solids. Today I tried a half sandwich (I didn't eat the crust). The cravings come and go. The rule of thumb is a craving (with anything) will last approx. 15-20 mins. That's when I pick up the phone and talk to someone. I just try to keep my mind off of it and next thing I know I'm not craving anymore. That's the hardest part for me. Today, I also went swimming...I loved being in the water. I felt I could do anything...the second I got out....now; I felt all the tightness rushing back. Discomfort; no pain. My stomach is still a little swollen and that is normal. I still have two sutures left that are about half way off. Can't wait until they are all gone! Over all I can say I am very happy that I have made this life-changing decision. I go August 1st for my first adjustment. A little nervous (the needle). You are doing great!

So I’m officially one week post op. I haven’t posted until now because I’m just really trying to take it all in and enjoy this very special experience. Here’s a small recap of what I’ve been through thus far. My first seminar was on 6/11/09 I weighed 250. I met with the dietician on 6/20/09 and weighed 245. The day of my surgery is 7/7/09 and I weighed 237. Today I’m one week post op (7/14/09) and I weigh 228. I feel really good about that, and I can’t wait to see more weight melt away. Tuesday 7/7/09 Today is the date of my surgery and I weighed in at weighed in at 237 lbs. I’m really impressed with myself because that means I’ve lost 13 pounds since my first seminar on June 11th. Everyone at the hospital was great. I’m not going to fake it, I was nervous about having this surgery. I kept thinking did I rush this decision, could I truly have done this on my own, isn’t this a drastic measure, etc, etc. I could think of a million other things that I would rather be doing than having surgery, but this surgery was my one opportunity to truly change my life. I knew that then, and I know that now. How wonderfully exciting it is! My surgery was scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and everything started on time. By 1 p.m. I was wheeled into my room, and the rooms were new and very nice. Surprisingly I was not in very much pain. I couldn’t have any water or broth until 6 p.m. so they started having me walk a little after five, before I started the liquids. The first time I got up, I felt very warm and a bit nauseas. So I sat on the chair and waited a while until I took my first journey down the hall with my lovely IV. The gown that I had on was so big and long that my lovely husband went out and bought me a shorter gown and light robe (I don’t know why I didn’t bring one on my own) 6:15 p.m. until midnight that night I took in a total of 6.5 ounces of water/broth. They would allow me 15 ml’s every 15 minutes. I also walked roughly an hour that night (they even showed me a longer path) that way I wouldn’t have to keep turning around. That first day I didn’t nap or anything like they. I remember them waking me up just a little before midnight, at four the next morning, and at eight the next morning. Overall I got some decent sleep. The majority of my time in the hospital was spent seating in the hospital chairs. When I was in the bed I felt like a patient, when I was in the chair I felt like a visitor. I’m such a freak. Wednesday 7/8/09 So today I feel pretty good. I’m not hungry but I am a little thirsty. Again I could only have 15 mls of water/broth per 15 minutes and I ended up consuming roughly 16.5 ounces. Again the pain is under control and I’m just not in nearly as much pain as I anticipated. Thursday 7/9/09 Today is the first day I’m feeling some hunger. I can’t wait until tomorrow when I can have a protein shake. I spoke with my friend who had her Lap Band surgery a little over two years ago. She’s one heck of a mentor and an amazing example of how successful you can be with this Band. She has went from 243 pounds (a size 24) and is now 127 pounds (and a size 2/4). I told her that I am going through a small bout of buyer’s remorse. I know that a protein shake will help suppress my hunger, but I can’t wait until I get some normal food. I’m just excited at the thought of eating cottage cheese, yogurt, roasted veggies, cheese, and chicken, yum. This time I can tell that I’m having true physical hunger, not just head hunger. I walked with my husband and Adrie (our black Lab) around the block. Halfway through it my stomach had a lot of pain. The pain is near the incision where the port its. That’s where all my pain is, nowhere else. Today I’ve had 21 ounces of water and 4 ounces of light Tropicana Orange Juice (super delicious) for a total of 25 fluid ounces. Friday 7/10/09 Today I woke up hungry and I was glad to know that I could have a protein shake, thank goodness. My mom came down to see me today. She said that she was impressed that I was in regular clothes, and not all slouched out in pj’s. J Yes I get up every day I take a shower, put on some make up, and do my hair. I’m not a girly girl, but by doing so that way I feel better which I hope will help the whole process. I went with my mom and hubby to the bookstore. Instead of the “typical” lunch we had unsweetened tea and enjoyed an hour of reading magazines and books. I looked all over for a book on weight loss surgery. There was one book (besides two separate recipe books) called, Before & After: Living & Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach. I really liked what she had to say and I could find myself relating to her story. Granted we had two separate weight loss procedures, but we’re both fighting the same battle. Today I had water, 4 ounces of prune juice, green tea, ½ cup of soup, and 1 ½ Bariatric Shakes. That’s a total of 37 ounces for today. Saturday 7/11/09 I woke up early and I decided that I was going to find a couple of garage sales to attend to. I found this one exceptional garage sale and I was in bargain heaven. J I drove by the farmers market, and I told myself that I could stop on over there next week (when I could actually purchase some veggies and fruits for the next stage of my post op diet). I had a total of 43 ounces today, mostly water, 4 ounces of OJ, 8 ounces of a Bariatric Shake, and ¼ cup soup. I feel asleep at 7 p.m. and didn’t wake up until 8 a.m. on Sunday. Now that’s so good sleep! Sunday 7/12/09 Today was the first day where I didn’t much hunger. I love that feeling. I feel so good not having food at the forefront of my mind, I have this new sense of peace and hope in my life. It’s an amazing feeling. My sleep is improving and I’m finally not waking up in the middle of the night. I’ve been having quite a bit of pain today and yesterday with the area around my port. I don’t like taking the liquid pain medicine, because it makes me feel a nauseous and I’m worried that it will make me vomit (and I haven’t done so yet, and I’m a bit scared). I went with my hubby and my little brother to watch Bruno. I had this scheduled for quite some time, but I told them that we would have to wait until Sunday before we could see the movie (I just didn’t think I could sit through a whole movie until then). The movie was totally out of control, but very funny and I laughed the whole time. Going to the movies now is a totally different experience. I didn’t have my diet coke, with popcorn, and sour gummy worms. Nope, this time I had water and I was completely satisfied. Instead of the movie experience being about the food, it was being with my family and just enjoying ourselves, with food not included. What a first. I had 2: 8 ounce protein shakes, 52 ounces of water, 4 ounces of OJ, for a total of 74 ounces of liquids. Monday 7/13/09 So this may be TMI, but I haven’t been having any bowel movements, and I’m thinking that’s why my lower belly is still so swollen. I miss my old bowel movements; I had worked my way into one bowel movement a day. Now they are pretty much non-existent. Is anyone else having any problems with their stomach looking very swollen? I’ve noticed it in my lower stomach, and I’m thinking that its gas related. I wonder when it will go away. Even though I’ve lost 21 pounds, I can still only get one of my pairs of jeans to button. I’d figured that I could wear some old pants that were too tight, but it looks like I’ll have to wait until the swelling goes down. I’m having some strange cravings, grilled cheese (because I’m thoroughly convinced I won’t be able to tolerate bread) and Mexican food, more specifically chips and salsa and corn tortillas. Today I had one protein shake, water, OJ, 4 ounces of prune juice, ½ cup of soup, and one serving of jello. I’ve had a total of 40 ounces of today.

I'm on liquids and inna week can start puréed can't wait!! I'm gonna have tuna with a lil low fat mayo!

In the last week or so, I've won serveral lotteries:scared: , most in the UK, that I didn't know even existed, and never entered. I've been selected, based on my "Impressive profile" to join in many business partnerships, to process paperwork or help retrieve an inheiritence:clap2: . I've been warned that my Pay-Pal account is at risk and I need to follow their link to fix it:eek: . Boy, what a busy week... :faint:

I think your doing fine! It took me till my 8th fill (9 months after banding) to finally really feel what it was to have this band work for me! I think no actually I know I was not patient but then my surgeon kept saying slow and steady wins this race. And I'm a week from being 1 year out and I must tell you that slow and steady does win the race. I did have a lot of depression in my mix with stress, which all factored into my progress. I also had to re-look at what I was consuming not always the best choices when I realized I needed to get it all together (eating, working out and my personal self worth) this all started working for me and I'm loosing. You will fail if you don't believe in yourself!

Clear liquid 3 days, liquids for 1 week, mushes 1 week and then slowing added solids in. Every Doctor is different for what reason I do not know but I suggest you follow what your doctors says. Cheri

SO I'm 6 weeks post op and I'm desperate. For the whole first month post op, I was totally fine. I was able to eat, drink my liquids and be merry. Now, for the past two weeks, I've been dead ill. Throwing up everyday, hospitalized twice for dehydration and now its not so bad, but its comin back. I'm working on keeping my fluid intake ok, but I'm sick!! All the protein drinks make me sick and when I was eating, I made sure to eat high protein foods to get my daily intake. now, I'm lucky if i can stay hydrated. The dr said be patient and it will pass and gave me some meds but I'm ready to give up......although how you give up on the pouch I still haven't figured out. HELP PLEASE!!! What should I be doing?!?!?!

Thanks for the encouragement you guys! :thumbup: I guess that I didn't think of people including their pre-surg weight loss. I will try bumping up my calorie intake. I have just been afraid to do it because of the stall. I go for another fill on the 31st so hopefully that will help with the hungry feeling. I got 1.2cc on my first fill so I am at 3.2cc right now, she originally put in 1.8cc but had to remove .6cc because I couldn't get the sip of Water to go down. I am going to continue with the exercise because it just makes me feel good! I have noticed that my clothes are fitting a little more loosely in the waist and thighs and my stomach has gone down some. Just not seeing it on the scale. Good luck to you all as well! By the way where did you get the weight loss ticker from?

I was 'liquids' for two weeks but that included protein shakes and creamed, strained soups. Then I went to softs (puddings, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs etc.) for 7-10 days and if I was tolerating that I could move onto solids.

Hi there, I completely understand where your coming from. I was sleeved on 4/21/10 and everytime I eat something I throw it right up. I've tried eating slower, going back to mushies and last week, I was in the hospital for 5 days because my blood pressure was so low and I was so dehydrated. I'm praying that I didn't make a bad decision by getting sleeved. I hear all these great success stories and I feel so far away from them. I'd love to hear some motivation from some of the older sleevers. Thanks in advance, Daisy

So if anyone knows exactly which body chemicals change during the post op process, my doctor had said usually your bodies chemicals change and balance out in about 3 weeks and some people it takes longer. But i have been unable to find any thing concerning these changes, i know one chemical change causes the hair loss in some and thinning of hair in others..etc....

I'm very depressed... I was banded June 2010 and I've barely lost 50 lbs. I'm 69 today and wonder if it could be an age thing. I don't eat much but the exercise is very hard for me. I have arthritis in my knee but when the weathr is good I walk at least a mile a day. I will lose a few ounces when I walk daily, but now it's winter and I gained back what I lost over the summer. I can't get out and walk... people don't shovel their sidewalks and with cars parked along the street it's hard to walk... We live in Buffalo NY. I babysit 3 days a week so I can't join a gym even if I could keep up with the others there. I don't drive at night. I'm very worried about going in for my check up this month because they are not going to be happy with me. I reallly thought Lapband was the answer for me but I feel like I have failed. Start weight 247 Surgery weight 237 present weight 202. (End of summer it was 198). I have a lot of trouble with eating too fast and getting food stuck and having to barf... but after I master that by eating slower I can eat too much. For instance... I can eat a whole chicken breast plus veggies. I'm good then for about 3 hrs. I dont' eat sugar or breads at all.

i'm 2 weeks post op and have great restriction still. hope it lasts. would rather forgo a fill if i can.

Thus far, it has everything to do with my doctors. Some are apparently either extremely busy with a very high volume of visits and surgeries, or maybe they're just not very flexible, I don't know. But I've been able to call them and get my appointments scheduled for within a week of calling. They called me to schedule my first class less than a week after I mailed my app, they wanted me to come in 3 business days after they called but I couldn't (vacation), and a bunch of other stuff held me up until finally I made the class, but that was all my fault. I could have been banded by now had it not been for that. The psych and dietician both have been very flexible, I could have had my appointments sooner but I have to consider my job and how they'd feel about me going to more than 1 doc appt in a weeks time. So I'm trying to spread them out a bit without delaying everything too much. Everything is almost ready to submit to insurance, this time next week it should be sent off. My insurance said they take about 2-3 business days to review and I don't think I'll have any trouble getting approved because my BMI qualifies and they don't require a medically supervised diet. So, long story short, things are progressing quickly thanks to physicians with flexible schedules.

I was still on full liquids at this time during my recovery, and then to mushies. I don't know how anyone could tolerate soft solids 3 weeks post op. I know it's boring, and mundane, but your stomach is still swollen from surgery. It may need more time to heal. I'm sorry you're having a difficult time, but honestly at 3 weeks I was still on full liquids so I didn't experience this issue. I was 6 weeks out before I started soft solids, and still had to rely on mushies a lot of the time to get in calories because my body just wasn't ready for food.

Bored, you are doing so good, down 40lbs since surgery in 4 weeks!!! I'm only down 25lbs. Way to go. The introduction of solids for me has been a slow process and I always put some liquid/sauce to mush it up, for everything. Doesn't always look appetizing but have to or pay for it later.