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I asked this same thing about a week ago.I was sleeved on Dec 7, so I am 9 days out. For me, I would say the gas lasted about 4-5 days. Day 3 was when the left shoulder pain began. They say that walking helps as well as fluids. As for the bloating....I am bloated whenever I drink one of my Protein shakes. I think the bloating might last about 4 wks. I had my post op today and that is what they told me. Also, it's not just bloating and gas. You are also swollen from surgery. When I went back to work yesterday, I could button my pants, but I had lost almost 10 lbs. It's due to the swelling. My dr said it could take 4-6 wks for the swelling to go down from the surgery. I was on my pain meds for 6 days. Day 6 was just to help me sleep. As far as pain on day 9, I am sore...maybe uncomfortable depending on which way I move. It gets better every day. Everyone is different. I hope this helps. Hang in there.

Hi there, I am two weeks banded now and for the first few days i was really dizzy and weak. I found out it is dehydration, If your pee is dark coloured and your are dizzy those are sure signs. I really had to purpose to get water in i aimed for 50 oz a day and managed to do it althiugh it was a all day event, but by the next day i was feeling much better. After a week my swelling went down in my stomach and drinking got easier. Now it's no problem. Good luck<><

I am almost 3 weeks post op sleeve. I sometimes feel hungry. Is this normal? Part of me thinks maybe my sleeve didn't work. It also maybe gas!? Anyone else feel like this?

Here I am 3 months after being banded. I feel proud of the progress that I've made... but sorta bummed because I have such a long road ahead of me. I look back to last April and I realize how far I've come. I actually weighed 332 lbs before I got sick. So, since then I've actually lost 70 some lbs. I know, I know I should be proud but I'm looking at more than a 100 lbs to go to get to my goal. That's a lot of weight. I need to set small goals to keep myself motivated. I'm also bummed because I have so many back problems that its making it impossible for me to exercise. I've had two fills. I have 6cc's in my 14 cc band. I'm calling today to see if I can come in early and get my third fill this week because I know I need it, I'm not in the green yet. Which brings me to my next thought. I had an "Ah Ha" moment this week. I don't know how many times I've heard that the band is just a tool it doesn't make you lose weight. This is SO TRUE! I've had the band for three months and really I've been dieting for three months. I've changed the way I eat and watch my calories. My band isn't tight enough to "KEEP" me from eating. Technically, I could eat whatever I wanted and quite a bit of it, but I'm using my willpower to keep myself on track. Some days are better than others. My point is the band isn't working for me right now so I'm still on my own. I made up my mind that I was going to lose weight and that's exactly what I'm doing! I just didn't realize it would take so long to get my band to the right spot to get me losing with my band. If anybody is reading this that hasn't been banded yet, just realize the band does work it just takes a lot of maintenance. You have to be in contact with your surgeon. I've only been going once a month but I'm hoping to start going every two to three weeks until I get where I need to be. After my fills usually by week two I know how I can eat and what's going on with my hunger. I know I'm just rambling, but that's what my blogs are for! I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving this year and I'm not worried about gaining. I'm more nervous about being around family, and them seeing how slow or what a small amount I eat. Plus, those who know will be looking at me to see if they can tell if I've lost weight. I've lost two jeans sizes. Go me! Go me! Go me! My daughter who comes home on the weekends from college always tells me she can tell the difference in my weight. She told me my clothes were too baggy and I needed to wear smaller clothes to show off my body more. This is another issue. I don't see myself any thinner so I'm still wearing clothes to disguise my body. I really still need to because I have a bad case of muffin top going on now. The jeans are all low cut and I need to lose weight around my middle. Can't wait until I'm to the point where I can get a tummy tuck!! Also, my poor tata's are shrinking. Of course, the first person to tell me about that was my hubby. LOL!! Finally, I mainly wrote this for myself to remind me where I've come from and where I am and to set my mind straight to where I wanna be! I can do this! I am doing this! BUT, its hard. This is not an easy fix. The band is not a quick fix. The band requires dedication and pure commitment to your goal. It's not just another diet either. It's a life changing way to help you eat healthier and in turn you get your life back! I'm getting out more. I'm doing more with my friends and that happy party girl is coming back! Everyone around me has noticed it. I'm THANKFUL that I feel more confident! I'm so glad I got the band and I'm so glad I found this site. Even though it's changed dramatically. I love all my new lapband friends! I'm thankful I have friends and family that are supportive! I feel blessed and I'm going to continue to work hard to lose these last 100 lbs. It might take me two years but I'm going to get there! Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! Till Next Time, Tara

I have a mini crockpot that I use several times a week at work. This little thing is amazing and everyone that has seen it has bought one of their own! It plugs into an outlet and will have your food piping hot within an hour. It holds 20 oz. I'm hoping to get as much use from it post surgery as I am now. Go check it out! http://www.crock-pot.com/specialty/for-lunch

It took me about 1 week to recover and I was back to work in a jiffy.

pain meds to days post op. but the gas pain about a week after. three weeks felt weak and like crap 4th week was amazing felt better now amazing 3 months out.

Are you saying that you are going to have our pre op tests done in Mexico also and then plan to have your surgery right away on the same trip? I have an on-line friend who went for his stress test here in US last week; they found a blockage and scheduled him for an angioplasty (inserted a stent in his heart). He will have his wls when he is fully recovered from that. I know of another case in which the psych eval indicated depression and the shrink required the patient to see a therapist before they would schedule the wls. So, yes, things do happen. Would it be possible for you to find out what Dr R requires, do the pre op work here, then take the results with you to Mexico.?

jgandg, This is the toughest time to be a bandster. You've just had major surgery and you feel like you deserve to be losing a ton of weight, but you just plain don't have any help until you get your fills. This time is for healing. Please don't forget that. If you can stick to a low calorie diet, you will lose and that will be great, but if you can't, just be sure to stick to the consistency of foods your doctor requires during this period and worry about losing lbs later when you have a fill. If it makes you feel any better, I didn't lose ANY weight during the 3-6 week post-op period (once I left liquids and before I got a fill). That said, I'm just shy of 6 months post-op and just shy of 100 lbs down. I tell you that because you shouldn't worry. This IS going to work, you just need to pass the next few weeks and then be diligent about getting to a proper restriction level. Best of luck!

I can sympathize with you. In just a year I've gone from 250 to almost 300. I'm like 290'ish. I could get around pretty okay at 250, but this being almost 300, I hurt so bad. My fingers are so swelled up that my wedding ring is like digging into my finger and causing rashes... Just walking up the three flights of stairs I have to go up everyday kills me. The tendons in my knees snap and creek... then, what do I go and do??? This morning I stopped by Chic-fil-A and got a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit!! With a small sweet tea!! As I ate it I was telling myself "WHYYYY???".. but, I ate it with pleasure anyway. I think I'm eating even more because maybe I'm pre-mourning food that I won't be able to have later if I get the lap band. I say "if" because until I get approved, you never know what could happen.

Good evening. I am getting the band on 12/17/08. I have been on liquids only (three Slim Fast and soup each day) so it is not quite a shock after surgery. I met with the nutritionist and who said that the Slim Fast had too much sugar. The four items above give me the Protein required. I am wondering if the sugar is such a big deal when I am taking in only 1,000 calories per day. Any advice for alternatives. I thought sugar was a big deal with the bypass. Thank you.

I had a short vacation four/five weeks after sleeve surgery. It was a lot of walking and I was fine. Immediately after surgery I was exhausted and barely got out of bed for four days. The next four days I was feeling a little better, just needed a nap. After that first week I was back to my normal schedule. I don't work so that wasn't an issue for me. I never had any gas pains, vomiting, or other side effects from my surgery. I did bring protein shakes on my vacation and ate a lot of soup as my meals. My surgeons plan has you on a regular food diet at one month, so eating a special diet was not an issue. Also, as far as bathroom issues, constipation seems to be the general rule for sleeve patients.

Brann - I had surgery on 12/21 with no fill. Had my first post op on 1/4...no fill, just checking in. I'm scheduled to go back the 2nd week of February. They said they would do an aggressive fill of 4cc's (10.5cc band). I am just now at 3 oz of protein with 1 tablespoon of veggies, three times per day with no snacks and I'm totally not hungry or have any cravings. I asked the doc on 1/4 if I'm losing weight and feeling fine by the time I come back, can I opt out of getting a fill. They said absolutely. So if I continue at this rate, then I'm not going to get the fill. I would rather wait and get it when I absolutely need it, which I imagine will be when the time comes to maintain my weight. However, if you feel you need the help and aren't losing, then I think you should go for it. It's supposed to be there to help you along. But if you feel you don't need it and are continuing to lose weight, then speak up and tell them you don't want a fill yet. I believe you should be able to make that decision, not your doc. At least that's what my doc said.

Im 4 weeks post op. Went for a fill today. To my surprise I have 4cc since surgery. I added another to make 5. So I am half full. I did a lot of pushing from the table and didn't give into stomach growls (banster hell). Dr was pleased with my progress. Don't think getting fills is bad or bc you are doing bad. They are to help you on this journey and make it easier on you

Woohoo!! I'm about a week ahead of you. Congrats on being so close to goal and on your engagement!!!

Lol Thanks today is my one month celebration too!! I too am at a stall so We are in this together!!

I see we had the same surgeon and mt VSG was a week before yours! If you review your binder, there are a lot of helpful suggestions in there. chips are not on the diet and could be a slippery slope - stay strong! I'm in soft stage too - usually I do a scrambled egg with cheese for Breakfast, either tuna salad, or some other soft meat for lunch, and cottage cheese with something added like taco seasoning for dinner. Based on the NUT's suggestions I am having a Protein shake with milk for mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Today I had salmon for lunch - delicious! Good luck!

@@soonergirl619 I don't mean to criticize your husband, but I think you need to set some expectations with him about your eating timeline after surgery. Three weeks after surgery, your diet is still pretty restricted (pureed), and you could hurt your pouch (or throw up) by eating foods too advanced too quickly. Just the facts. Eventually, you should be able to eat a wide variety of foods and going to restaurants will be easier. But early on, I think the expectation should be that you can't eat in restaurants very easily if at all. I would hope he can support you with that at least during your early weeks after surgery. I would agree with the others: soup (with all solid stuff removed if at a restaurant) or take your own foods. If you do eat at a restaurant, be careful of hidden sugar and fat.

@@anthonyb hey dude 120 lbs down!!! holy moly that's wonderful!! great accomplishment!!! next month i will be 4 years PO can't believe how time flies!!! one month after my sleeve i turned 58 years OLD 235 lbs next month i turn 62 years YOUNG 130 lbs GOAL (actually i am 6.3 lbs over goal now) little temporary setback please don't tell anyone "they" lied about saving money since we don't go out to eat the money i've "saved" - all went to my crossover addiction SHOPPING LOL sounds like you know what i mean!! i have had my share of ups and downs, stalls, frustration etc etc all those issues don't compare to the way i feel now that's my story and i'm stickin' to it kathy congrats

I was scolded by other peeps about this already for taking some small bites of things I should have not. B careful ask your doc or nutritionist bout a post op diet. I had to do 1 week of liquid, 1 week of blended n 1 week of soft, all post op oh ya n pre op was 2 weeks of liquid. I started my week 4 post op on Wed. And was just approved for reg food.

If you really want to get a handle on how much food/calories you should be consuming to lose weight, you might want to consider getting a BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), or RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) test done. I got a RMR test done by a registered dietition at my gym. She plugged in my daily activity level, and the amount of exercise, and gave me a number to shoot for. The test was about $80, and well worth it. Although I don't believe in "starvation mode" per se, I do believe that some people eat too few calories to efficiently lose weight. They even talked about that on The Biggest Loser a week or so ago. Kim was fussing at Bryan for not eating enough! Of course, a huge component of The Biggest Loser, and for any of us wanting to lose weight and keep it off is to exercise consistently and progressively. It's the only way to imrove your metabolism. Tami

Great work!!! My doctor says no carbonation at all. It can ruin the band. I put mio liquid in my water to make it taste better. I can't swallow well until I have been up for 2 hours. I do take musinex before bed a few days a week and that helps. Good luck.

This is my first time posting on here..I had my surgery on December 11th. I started my journey at 417 pounds. The surgery itself went very well. I spent the night in the hospital and went home the next day. I had minimal challenges after the surgery itself. I did the liquid diet for a week, then the blended food, etc. My only difficulty that I have is first thing in the morning I have a hard time drinking Water when I first wake up. Having a C-PAP machine I tend to be quite parched when I wake up. I was told that there is a build up of mucus and it's usually best to drink warm liquid first thing in the morning to break that up. I'm usually not a warm liquid drinker but it's helped. Since the surgery I've had 2 fills. The first fill was challenging in the first week but after that I was eating normally but my intake was a lot less. When I got my second fill last week I've noticed it to be more challenging to eat. I've had more foods getting stuck than in the past. I've learned that I have to make sure I really cut my food smaller. (especially steak) I've been able to tolerate a soda from time to time. I pour it in a cup and stir out the carbonation and I've had no issues with it. I know that I should avoid it not only because of the carbonation but for the sugar as well. Once in a while I've just gotta have one. I'm tolerating alcohol pretty well. I haven't had a beer yet but I've been doing mixed drinks and I haven't had any issues. I haven't really exercised that much other than walking further in the parking lot to the store because I intentionally park further away. So far since I've started I've lost 42 pounds!!! My pants are falling off my butt...shirts are getting big. I'm loving it!! I want to lose another 10-15 pounds before mid May so I can go to Six Flags and hopefully fit on a roller coaster again and ride with my kids!! My goal weight is 260 and I know I can get down to that.

My PCM's nurse called me to tell me that my referral was submitted yesterday and I should receive a letter within a week. I'm going to call the insurance company tonight to see what the status is. Even though it takes a week for the letter you can be approved within 1-2 days. I'm so excited right now. I can't wait until I get the letter.

I sure hope this isn't true!! I had surgery 10/29/12 then gallbladder surgery 12/29/12 then 3 weeks ago a total hysterectomy so I really haven't been able to exercise much!!! As 20 weeks out of my 6 1/2 months post op has been healing and can only walk!!