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I'm just a few pounds from goal and mine sticks out and can be quite sensitive as well. Last summer I got nailed by a spiked volleyball right where my port is and it hurt for a few days. I didn't even think that it maybe could have gotten broke.. eek.. but I've had a fill since and that went ok.. so I'm pretty sure my port is ok. Also, my six-year-old's head is right at port level and she bumps into it sometimes when she's giving me hugs.. so I just try to remember to shift her to my other side and squeeze away! Maybe you can talk to your doctor about the location of the port.. maybe he or she has a few tricks to make the site not so sensitive. I didn't start to notice mine being so touchy until I was within about 10 lbs of goal.. before that I could feel it when I looked around for it.. but it wasn't at touchy. Good luck.. HTH, Kortni

I am scheduled for surgery February 10. I live in the FM/HV area. Would like to hook up with a support group. Do you know of any that allow men to join?

I am careful with what I eat and I track everything but I would never call it a diet. The tracking is for my information only and helps me stay focused and grounded. I did stop tracking for a week when I went on vacation and I maintained/lost a tiny bit that week. I know people who have done really well limiting themselves and being incredibly strict and focused, and people who have done well with some of the above responses (I eat whatever I want, just less) and I don't think anyone can judge from the outside which approach will work. I have taken a moderate approach. I don't call anything off limits unless it makes me feel physically ill. I exercise hard, about 3 or 4 times a week. I lose a little more slowly than some but (despite my ticker, which I can't seem to change) I am about 13 pounds from my personal goal at 10 months out. I actually adjusted my official calorie count up recently with the aim of not eating back my calories when I work out. In other words, just calling it 1300-1400 calories rather than having my goal as 1200 calories and eating more the day of or after exercise. Strangely that has taken some pressure off. I have yet to eat up to the new amount. Who knows? I think I do better mentally with just a bit of slack, but that's me.

That was me at your stage. Why is that a problem? My surgeon was fine with it as long as I was meeting my fluid and protein goals. I didn't get above 600 calories till maybe 6 months out. I ran up to 10 miles a week and did 3-4 hours of yoga at that calorie level too. Lost all my weight in a year and have kept it off for over three more.

I was 296 before I went in for...my pre op weight was 191.5. I am about 10 days out because I was sleeved on 12/18/12 and I am today 272.0!! That's is a 19.5 lbs in 10 days! I know I won't be able to keep this up though!!!

Sea bands are a must for me. I wear them every day. At four weeks post op. They are sold at Walgreens. I'm on soft puréed stage and I'm good with apple sauce, chicken salad, tuna, Beans, split pea Soup, clam chowder and mashed sweet potatoes. surgery 10/17/12 pre op wt 215 surgery wt 201 current 185

Vegas I'm post opp n am on that same strict liquid only diet had my surgery 10/23 n I'm not only going CRAZY but I'm also STARVING!!!! u should b very proud of yourself:)

Hi. I'm new to this site. It took me six months of diligence, but I finally got approval from my insurance company for my sleeve surgery. I had it on April 17th. I'm feeling remarkably well on Day 3 post surgery, much better than I had mentally prepared myself for (from past experience with C-section, tubal ligation, hysterectomy and two knee surgeries). At 7 am today (65 hours after surgery) I walked my dog around the block and had no set-backs from it. Later, I took a car ride (first real outing) to shop and came home very weary, but still ok!and, 3 days post surgery, I've already lost 10 lbs. That's what really impressed me! My motivation to have this procedure stems from my decimal history. Like most obese people, I am becoming diabetic, my joints hurt, and the GERDS is only getting worse. But, unlike most other obese people, my thyroid tanked about 27 years ago, which has made weight loss an even greater challenge. Add to that, I found out 5years ago that I have - not one, but TWO rare auto-immune diseases. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis ("PBC") and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Another name for NASH is Fatty Liver Disease. My weight continued a gradual climb over the years, despite my efforts to change my eating patterns and selections. I felt cornered. This surgery was my only hope to delay - and maybe even eliminate the need for a liver transplant someday. And, if a by-product of this decision is that my sweet husband gains 'arm-candy,' then great! I selected the sleeve over the other procedures because the full bypass surgery makes it impossible to receive a transplanted liver in the future (nix that one), and the Lap-Band is too easy to reverse. I wanted this decision to be permanent and never look back. I work with three people who had the Lap-Band, and only one of them has been successful at it. The other two have gained back all their weight and more. I know several others who have been successful at Lap-Band, but I wanted a permanent life-change. I'm so glad I did it. Pain and nausea? You bet! Unbearable? Maybe once or twice for five minutes, but I kept telling myself, 'this is normal. This, too, shall pass. The outcome of all of this is that YOU get to live to see your 3 year old granddaughter grow up.' There is so much stigma with gastric weight loss surgery, that I've chosen to not share it with more than my husband and two very close friends. It's no ones business why I chose to do this. I see people who have been skinny all their lives say, "Oh, I see.... No wonder you've lost weight," implying the fat person failed and had to "cheat." My coworkers, siblings, and others were told I'm having a procedure done to 'prop-up' my liver, give it some relief, and hopefully delay a transplant - all of which is 100% true. Maybe someday, I'll feel better about sharing the whole story with everyone. I am into Day 4 post-surgery. I've lost 10 lbs. I'm on the right track.

I just wanted to clarify something regarding what I said above about having sex even when you're not in the mood. I never once "faked it" with my hubby. At that time in my life, I didn't care if I EVER had sex again. My husband was aware of my libido issues, so he knew that when I did it, it was because I loved him and wanted him to feel that fulfillment, even if I wasn't "into it" so to speak. This was something I told him I was doing to try and help save our marriage. I also believe it's kind of like when people say if you smile more often you'll eventually feel happy for real. If I had just stopped having sex at that point in our relationship then I feel the marriage would have been over many years ago. I know I wouldn't have put up with it if I had been him. That's just one way to block someone out of your life, which eventually leads to no communication. I was 47 when I started on the testosterone cream, so I would ask your doc about it for sure. It's so amazing I took my doc a bouquet of flowers the next time I saw her just to thank her for giving me back such an important part of my life. Now I'm about ready for the last rugrat (he's almost 19 and not in college) to move out of the house so we can have it all to ourselves and not worry about getting "caught"...

I had a 6 month required wait time before my insurance would approve my surgery. That being said, once it was approved I had surgery about 10 days later. :star: But I had done each and every single requirement from my insurance AND from my surgeon. So there was nothing left on the list to cross off AND he happened to have time. He did my surg. on a Fri which he normally doesn't like to do because you are in the hospital for a weekend and he typically takes the weekends off. But I only had to stay overnight and my nurse kept him updated. I was discharged by 11am on the Sat. after my Fri. am surgery.

I recently bought a Weight Watchers digital scale from wal-mart. It was like 30-36 dollars and has a BMI calculator, tells bone mass, water percent and body fat percent. It also holds information for up to 10 people (not sure how many people have 10 in their family lol). I use it in my kitchen on linoleum. I think it should be on a flat surface but if its only on a small shift because of the house tilting, as long as it doesn't move when you stand on it, it should be fine.

Hello everybody! I too am new-just joined yesterday. I got banded on 10-7-05 and Dr. St. Laurent says that I have done real good for a bandster because I have lost 58 pounds in just 3 months!!! However, I had my second fill 5 days ago and and am not doing well at all. I can just barely keep down liquids or a few bites of yogurt. I'm going to give myself another 3 or 4 days and if no improvement I will call the doctor back. Does anybody think that this is too restrictive or should it settle down after a week or so? I tried a few bites of baked fish yesterday and it got "stuck" and lasted for about 2 hours and I about died. Couldn't throw it up but it finally stopped. I am afraid to eat any solid food right now and I swear that I will never go through that again!!!

I've had tuna (4oz.) with Home made roasted peppers chopped up about the size of a pea...then took about 6 croutons cut them in half.. and would have the tuna with roasted pepper on top with a piece of the crouton..and it does not bother me. and i hear about liquids and mushy foods not being able to stay down, I'm not getting it can there be something wrong w/ my band? I feel like i can eat solids too i took a bite of my wife's pizza right after i finished my tuna and nothing..mind you I was banded 10 days ago.. in other words i don't feel like i have to blend anything..

Yes, welcome to bandster hell...it is such a miserable place to be, but we have ALL been there! You have to be diligent with getting your fills and you WILL get out of there, I promise! I have found if you call your doctor's office 4-5 days after a fill and tell them you have no change in restriction a lot of times they will schedule you to come in sooner for another one....don't be shy in asking for what you need to! Unfortunately until you get to a place where you feel true restriction you will feel as if this is a diet and it is SO not fun....but please know we are here to support you, anger, frustration...we have ALL been there and understand what you are feeling! I am "only" 10 lbs or so from my goal....but I have been going up and down 2-3 lbs for months now...which has totally frustrated me to no end! But I know it is the choices I am making in my foods and splurging too much with birthdays, etc...so I have to buckle down and get to exercising, too! Do what you can to make small changes....they will add up!

Well, get this. I will have had about 3 weeks between my post-op visit and my first fill and the doctor wants me to lose 10-15 lbs. Is he kidding? Lose? I'm starving!! I'm maintaining my weight - but lose at this point? I don't think so. I was 196 at surgery and am 185 now. No diet should expect you to lose 10-15 in 3 weeks. I hope my first fill makes a difference because I am very hungry now.

Aggiemom , I'm sure you will do wonderful!! I was naturally nervous laying in the OR waiting to "count to 10" but SO happy with my decision. First dr visit tomorrow and we'll see if my diet changes at all. I have never been looking forward to cream soup so much!!

I think you're doing great! That's a lot to lose in just two short months. I think a lot of those huge fast weight losses are also with folks who started off heavier than you did at your sleeve weight. I've read in medical journals that the overall average loss with the sleeve tends to be 10 - 15 lbs per month. Upping the calories makes a lot of sense. I read somewhere about the science behind stalls, Water weight and the like. Sometimes it takes a calorie increase to get back to losing. You're to be congratulated on your success! Also, just think that pre-sleeve how much would you have gained during this past holiday season? Best of luck on your continued success.

Kaiser Fremont Bariatrics recommends the following labs at 6 mo., 1 year and then annually: Chem 10, ALT, AST, PT, Albumin, Prealbumin, Ferritin, Iron/TIBC, CBC, Serum B12, RBC folate, B1, 25 OH Vit D, PTH, Alk phos(metabolic bone disease) Vit A, glucose, lipids, HbA1c. Use “PNL BAR” in Order Entry in HC, Consider copper deficiency if unresolved hypochromic anemia. They also recommend annual bone density screening.

My surgery was 12/10. At my 2 week check in my doctor told me I could start on my kids chewable vitamins until I wasn't as sensitive.

I am getting banded by Dr.Quilici ( Cedar Sinai ) on Feb. 19. did you ever get banded yet?

It has been two weeks and five days since my surgery, and I am left in wonder and introspection. I have had my first post-op doctor's appointment and am scheduled to see him again in about two months. I am to lose 24 pounds by then. My scale and the scale at my doctor's are different by six pounds; I also weigh myself nude at home while I am fully clothed while at my doctor's (plus I think I had my car keys in my jeans pocket). I've realized I haven't been following the schedule that I am supposed to have set with my meals: 3 meals a day, 2oz each, and 2 protein shakes. I am still on a liquid diet; broths and protein shakes have been my meals. I've been nearly meeting my protein intake of 50g a day (I get around 46-50, depending on the kind of shake I drink). Along with my realization that I need to work on my food schedule, I also realized I need to be measuring my broth so I can get used to the 2 oz of food I am allowed, so when day 22 comes along, I will measure my soft foods out of habit. Instead of measuring my broth, I've been pouring them into my little toddler bowl and eating it slowly until I feel full. I believe that I was eating double of what I should, but then would not "eat" broth the rest of the day, but would focus on drinking my protein shakes. Even with the completion of my third week coming up and soft foods will soon be on my menu, I am still only allowed 500 calories. This is somewhat concerning to me in that a protein shake that I am loving automatically gives me 220 calories. I can reduce that by using just water to make my shake as opposed to a cup of soy milk and half a cup of water; though with the current way I make my shake, I get 33g of protein in. I'm considering having that shake as a "breakfast" and shake combo. I am also concerned about the 500 calories since I will be starting to exercise, besides the everyday walking that I do. I will start slow, but I also know that beforehand I could burn 400 calories with 30mins of cardio. I trust my doctor, so I just have to hold on to that while wrapping my head around the idea of small calorie intake and the addition of cardio and eventually strength training. With all these changes that I've been going through, I've realized that I've been focusing on the wrong numbers: instead of focusing on my number triad of 500/50/<40, I have been focusing on the number on the scale. and disappointed in that I see no difference in my body shape. Still, I know I am losing weight, and I tell/comfort myself with the idea that I may be losing slowly compared to others but that could be good for me skin wise and also, just adjustment wise. I've taken to keeping a food diary, and have set up a weight loss chart to remind myself that even if I cannot see a difference, I am losing weight and am on track. With all that being said, I am glad that I've taken this big step and am making progress on my journey. I've realized my mistakes and am seeking to correct them. I am working on my water intake, thought I do get my full amount of liquids in through the broth, shakes and bit of water I do drink. I know I need to get better at my water intake since I will be trying soft foods soon, so I will be including broth less and less in my liquid intake (and really, I am getting so freaking tired of chicken broth). I am making my way down this path and with each little step I'm realizing past mistakes in the way I ate and took care of myself, and I'm realizing the mistakes I was making now and am working on correcting those. Sometimes, things that are worthwhile must be worked for and earned so their enjoyment is that much sweeter. My life will be so much sweeter learning and meeting the new me. And for now, in the short term, the sweetness will come with my first scrambled egg!

Hello All, My surgery date for the Roux en y gastric bypass is 11/1/18. My original surgery date was 10/11/18 in which I completed 11 days of my 3 week pre op diet ( which consists of 4 protein shakes a day, 2 protein bars, 1 small banana, up to 3 servings of sugar free jello, low sodium broth, and of course clear liquids). Now when I first did the diet the first time I followed it very strictly and did not cheat at all. This is now my second time doing the pre op liquid diet which my doctor wants me to do 2 weeks instead of 3 this time around. I "cheated" and had Vietnamese Pho broth only the broth and I am freaking out that I really screwed my self. I haven't deviated from the diet except for that but I noticed my weight loss has plateaued since I did this. Just looking for advise on here since I am freaking my self out so much =(

I was sleeved on 10/22 and was two months late...... Where you nauseous at all!!! I have extreme nausea which is making me more nervous

In the first 10 days post-op I lost about a pound per day! For the last 3 days, there has been no change ! Arrggh... I walk every day, and yesterday began going back to the gym. My intake has not changed, still taking in mushies and liquids. My fear is that I will remain stuck here for a long time. Anyone experience the same thing? Any advice? Thanks, in advance. Rachel