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Soup like tomato soup does nothing for me as far as feeling full. I try to eat less but it is just me doing it not the band. I also eat cream of chicken soup for the first couple of days because it has protein. I have had three fills and was worried that even this last one did not do much good but once I tried to eat more solid food I realized that I had restriction. I was getting very discouraged but feeling a lot better now. I bet you will be able to tell a diffrence once you are eating solid food. Just be careful and eat very very slow. Good Luck!

Congratulations! Very inspirational and encouraging. I get banded in 2 weeks so seeing your results is so hopeful.

I'm exactly one month out today and have only lost 18 lbs. I've been in a stall since week 2.

where you start is going to make a difference too. I am 24.8 at two weeks but I can't even imagine keeping up that pace for two more weeks.

Okay. So I know "stalls" happen and that I'll get over this hump....but REALLY? 2 weeks out? :crying: This miserable diet of liquids only is the pits. I never want to see any chicken broth again a day in my life and now that I'm on "full" liquids, I'm already sick of Soups in general. The only reason this liquid diet and I get along is because I lost about 2lbs a day the first week. I was being a little obsessive with weighing and knew I needed to tone it down, so I decided to stick with once a week on Saturdays. The last 2 days I could barely contain myself with excitement and anticipation waiting for "weigh day". I wake up this morning...glad it's finally weigh day and get on the scale and guess what the stupid scale said? It said I lost 0.6lbs since last Saturday. :w00t: BOOOOO!!!!! What kind of miserable torture is this? This cruel diet...my head is spinning trying to consume enough calories so that I feel healthy and have energy to get me through the day, getting 70g of Protein and 64oz of fluids everyday....all this for 0.6lbs? :sneaky2: I know it will get better....I just had to vent. Thanks for listening!

Hello y'all! I just wanted let anyone, who is being denied by their insurance company, to consider Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, to help in your fight for approval or overturning a previous denial! My story.... I was denied coverage for revision surgery (lapband to sleeve) twice, by insurance xyz (I am not naming insurance company, until I get reimbursed), and enlisted Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy for 3rd appeal and subsequently, a review by an independent doctor. After a few months of diligent and expert advocacy, on my behalf, LHA convinced the doctor and insurance xyz to finally approve my surgery! And this was almost 3 months AFTER my surgery, in which I funded myself! I am just waiting on reimbursement, which is in works now. I've talked to my insurance company and they are keeping me updated in the whole process. They have assured me that I am covered and reimbursement is in the making. Just a matter of claims and paperwork from my providers. Walter and Kelley Lindstrom, makeup the army that fights the good fight for you, by way of expert letters, phone calls, and legal knowledge. These guys are lawyers, who have made their primary scope, that of advocating healthcare, for those who need it. Insurance companies, in many cases, will use a multitude of reasons for denying coverage! In my case, insurance xyz was denying my coverage, due to a clause in our policy, that allows only one lifetime bariatric surgery. Walter Lindstroms letters and provided facts, convinced that my revision was not only necessary, but also eligible for coverage. Regardless of clause in policy. Kelley Brown Lindstrom, does ALL the leg work, as far as medical records and release forms. I can't say enough about her help and willingness to listen and answer all questions! She is simply genuinely awesome! As for the cost, it amounted to about 10% of the cost of my surgery. A risk indeed, but nonetheless, worth it. I will be getting back, minus deductibles and out of pocket maximums, about 90% of my total surgery cost! Three months AFTER my self paid surgery! My revision surgery was worth my self funding, regardless of an approval or not. I am now only 15 pounds from my goal weight, in just 16 weeks out of surgery! But with the help of Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, the victory is just that much more sweeter!

Okay. About a month ago, I wrote on here how I was having a slight problem with my band. One morning about a month ago, I woke up and everything I ate or drank hurt going down so I knew something was wrong. My doctor came in and let all my Fluid out. The following week I went for a fill under fluro for him to check out my band. He said I had a prolapse like mushroom above my band from being too tight for so long. He put a little fluid back in that day, and told me to take it easy and to come back in a few weeks. I went back last week, and he put another cc in for a total of around 3.8 cc total. I had gained 4 lbs. in that 3-4 week period in between the fluro and the fill the other day. He told me to come back as needed. I asked him about my band, and he said something about it changed shape, and that we hope it goes back to the original shape or something like that so that we don't have problems down the road and have to have it fixed. I haven't been in pain or anything since that initial problem back over a month ago, and he asked me if I had threw up any which I haven't. I do get a little sharp pain every once in awhile right under my sternum which is where it hurt initially (I guess that it is still a little swollen or something?). I am able to eat A LOT more than what I could before I had this problem. I just feel so nasty because I am eating more because I have no restriction, and I'm feeling so fat even though I only weigh 170. My question is I know I will need another fill because of the amount of food I am eating and how it seems like I'm always searching for food. Will getting more fills and getting to restriction going to hurt my band further or make my slight prolapse worse? Is there a risk in getting tighter with this problem? I worked to lose these 90+ pounds and reaching my goal before I had this problem occur, and now I am worrying about gaining more weight, which I thought I would never have to worry about after I had surgery. I was feeling so good, and I was starting to feel good about myself, and now I just feel bad because I can eat more. Any suggestions? It seems like bandster hell all over again, even though it wasn't bad for me the first go around. This time it is worse. I'm just worried that I will never get back to where I was.

My doctor put me on cream of wheat the second week after surgery. Is it pain, or discomfort? Call your doctor to be sure.

I also have different levels of restriction depending on the day... but usually for only about a week after my fill. My NP said that it's the saline "settling" into the band, and my stomach getting used to the restriction. She said that it could take up to 2 weeks for everything to settle down and be normal after a fill. If you're experiencing problems outside of this timeframe, I would certainly go see your doctor to talk about it. Phlphan -- I would keep your appointment, even if you don't get a fill, just so you can air your concerns, and see what they say. Best of luck to you all!

I had the same. Getting out of bed was really hard - thought I would rip apart. I used a small, very firm pillow to support my tummy every time I changed position, got out of bed, stood up, or rode in the car ( we have a bumpy road). I basically carried my pillow buddy with me everywhere for at least a couple of weeks. The pain gradually gets better.

I was sleeved May 6th, and have only had maybe 2 weeks of NOT bleeding.... Not a lot, but still...

Thanks all!! FnC, My ultimate goal is 170 pounds but if I never lose another pound I am content where I am now. When I set the 170 goal, I set a plastic surgery goal of 215 pounds and I hit that 2 weeks ago. I'm estimating that I will lose 10 - 20 with surgery and 6 - 8 inches off of my "waist". I don't mind a little sag in the scar. The surgery is strictly for practical purposes, not cosmetic. I actually asked the doc about lipo and he said that the cost is close to that of surgery and surgery would be needed later anyways.

It really depends on your doctor's restrictions. At two weeks, I was on soft Proteins only. I would not likely have had any difficulty with "regular" foods, in terms of getting stuck---but they were completely contrary to my doctor's plan. There are as many postop eating plans, it seems, as there are doctors/nutritionists. I'd give your doctor a call to see what his/her postop "rules" are. It's great that you're planning ahead--and that the venue seems very receptive to meeting your needs! (It might be a good idea to pack a pouch of Inspire Protein powder or something similar; I suggest Inspire not only because it tastes better than anything I've tried, but also because (a) it packs easily, and (:thumbup: it dissolves easily in just 4 oz. water---you won't need a blender or shaker cup, or anything special at all.)

The premade shakes worked best for me to insure the Protein. I used Atkins, Nutrilife and Premier. The Premier has 30 protein compared to 15 for the other two. I liked the chocolate flavor in all three. They are 11 oz and it would take me about 2 hours to drink it. In the beginning, I sometimes had two of those a day. I filled it around that with potato Soup, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, SF chocolate pudding (LOL). I was fortunate that I was able to go from clears to full to mushy by the end of the first week, and felt great. Be cautious, use common sense and do what makes your stomach and you feel the best. Good Luck!!

I probably didn't walk as much as others that got in there protein from the beginning. But, I could not tolerate any of the Protein drinks, mixes, even the ready to drink made me sick, or the taste was horrific. When I first came home, I was pumped full of nutrients and calories through a pic line, and that gave me what I needed initially. I only went about 3 weeks without getting in my protein. Obviously, I didn't jump into 60 grams per day when I first hit mushies because restriction is extremely obvious on mushies. I had to work my way up. I took my Vitamins and supplements religiously, and wasn't willing to miss those. Overall, I had a super slow recovery due to my complications, but I don't necessarily think going without the full 60grams of protein per day set me back anymore than I already was. Hope that makes sense.

Do you find it different to run on a treadmill vs. outside? I've been trying outside for now but only about once a week. I'm in Boston so the weather is definitely getting colder/rainier (and even snow!). I don't know how to dress for that weather yet for running. Also, at night when I get home from work, it's so dark. It's not as safe as I would like it to be where I live. I hadn't been brave enough to try running at the gym but I think that is what I will have to do until I can figure out how to dress for the weather outside. I just don't want to be embarrassed!! lol. I do have a treadmill that I lent to a friend. I don't think she is using it anymore so I think I will ask for it back, Thanks

The late great luther vandrose i heard tell had three different closets - which had his various sized clothes in different areas. One closet, his extremely big sized clothes, and medium size clothes in the other, and smallest clothes in the last one. Kindof sad that he knew to expect his sizes would vary, so he needed to keep all different sized clothes kathy

had my first post-op visit yesterday also. I was sleeved on 9/24--highest preop 345 weight day of surgery 323 (after two weeks of full liguids)--weight yesterday 313. I am down 32 lbs total and 23 lbs since began prep for surgery. Why am I disappointed? Has anyone else experienced this?

I was hungry too. I am sure that had I tried I could have eaten anything I wanted to. However I didn't. Why not ? Well I wasn't stupid enough to go through all that prep, go under anaesthetic, have surgery just to mess it up because i was incapable of following a diet for a couple of weeks. Was it hard? Hell yes but the alternative which is risking stuffing up your surgery, contributing to a future slip and other problems were just not worth it. If you are hungry eat/drink more of the items that you are supposed to be eating. If you really "can't" stick to that then call your Dr and discuss it with him and see if he has any ideas for you.

Wow, I think I posted this same post..lol First off let me start off by saying CONGRAT ON 30LBS..That is GREAT!.. Before I had my first fill, I did not loose NOTHING for 3 weeks and I was very frustrated. I thought ok I need a fill. I got my first fill and for the first four days it was great and then I felt like I have never had a fill. I could eat ANYTHING! I was not eating as much as I use to, but anything I put in my mouth I could eat. So two weeks later, I get my second fill. In those two weeks I had lost 3 lbs, which is good. In my mind I thought it was bad and what I was eating was WAY to much. I had to stop and think thqt what I was eating was really not that much compared to what I use to eat. I think we all have it in our minds that we are only suppose to eat two bits and be full. I have GREAT restriction now, but on the flip side of things I have to really work hard to get my 1200 calories a day. I have learned that this is a tool that you have to work with. I now can not eat eggs, chicken, pretty much have problems with anything solid. I have to chew chew chew and eat VERY slow. I get that "stuck" feeling very easy. I think somtime that I would rather have to have the "Self Control" rather that the "stuck" feeling after eating a couple of bits. I have learned that with anything in life, this takes WORK and good choices. Again 30 lbs is GREAT! Keep up the good work.

Congrats and thank you for sharing! I have a huge event the third week of January and I am so excited and a bit anxious to see what size I will be at that time. My hubby is like yours and always says I'm beautiful no matter what size I am, hubbys like ours are a true blessing! Good luck to you and I hope you reach those 8s before you know it!

Good Morning So I decided to start this blog after reading so much on this site from so many people my head is spinning!!! First here is some details about me: I am 52 Married for 30 years great husband (Professional Chef) I have a 27 yr old son who is a research chemist and a great guy (not just cause I'm his mom). He also makes homemade wine and vinegar's. I have two wonderful and crazy dogs that keep me laughing all the time. I am a full time college student Criminal Justice. I volunteer with senior citizens and abused children. I am a cancer survivor and a host of other crap. I have been on disability since 1996 and my goal is to become whole again. That being said lets get to the meat of it all: I am a classic YOYO dieter, I have tried every new or old thing I find. I always seem to lose but gain back more. I finally realized I needed help, so I turned to the internet and looked at information on WLS. My cousin whom I am close to had RNY lost it all and gained it back, she then got the lap band and does not lose, so I was aprehensive about the whole thing. I went to my Dr. (who is also a good friend) loaded with all the information I found, and asked her if she thought I would be a candidate for WLS, she said yes. From there her and I went to a seminar. I already had so much of the pretesting that is required done, so I scheduled a consult with the surgeon from the seminar. I felt like I was in a used car lot, all he cared about was how he was going to get paid from the insurance company. He had good reviews on the interent however that did not sway me, I ran from his office second guessing myself. I then went to another seminar at Duke University, and another at a private Dr.'s office. What a difference from the first dr. I learned there are so many different procedures available and not everyone can have the lap band. I have decided to go with Duke and Dr. Yoo for a lap band with plication (they stitch the stomach into a sleeve and it is reversable). I am going for my consult with Dr. Yoo on april 28th, I only need two more months of documented weight consult with my dr. I am trying to have my surgery the first week of June. I have only told a limited amount of people what I plan on doing, I found the less people know right now the better. I don't want anyone to try and influence me. The best advise I can give to anyone just starting this journey is find out what your insurance company requires and start doing it now! The wheels move slowly and as the time gets closer you want to know you won't miss anything that would cause a delay. Be totally in love with your Dr and the staff cause this is a marriage. Keep a book with you at all times and write down questions nothing is a stupid question. So many of the postings I have read are questions people should have asked their doctor. Start experimenting with protein powders and drinks now, cause you want to be somewhat prepared when the time comes. Remember this is a tool not a magic pill. I will post as often as I can or when something happens good or bad cause we are all in this together. Peace T

Jiggle - Congratulations on our decision! It will change your life! I think you'll have a good idea when you're ready to pick up your daughter. Just wait until your port incision is well healed and follow your doctor's advice. 4-6 weeks as Laura said is a good idea - just be careful while you're healing. You sound like many of us when we finally get to the point where we've had enough. Look forward to the journey and your new life. It takes awhile, but very rewarding and life changing. I wish you the best!

8 weeks out and had my first one last week. I DID get a buzz so be careful. Definitely no carbonation and do realize those are empty calories and full of sugar. Enjoy in moderation!