Search the Community

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.

I belonged to a group where one young lady had 10 fills...problem was her Dr. only gave 1/2 cc per fill.....and after a year she was upset her weight loss was so slow. I have only had 3 fills, and the first was 4cc's.... So it's not how many,...but how much....but many people cannot tolerate large fills, creating large changes to fast.

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.

Thanks!!!! It's odd to see me on the PC screen! lol I've been extremely lucky Donna. I haven't had many complications. I was banded 2 weeks before my best friend, who incidentally has lost over 280 with her band!!! (she's been in the papers & glossy mags over here too!).. So I feel that having someone there just to say.. "is this right? did you feel like this?" helps more than anything. The only time I had anything 'wrong' if I can even call it that, is when I was filled too tight & couldn't keep fluid down, I became dehydrated & was faint when I stood up. An unfill sorted that out in a few days & I was back to normal again (whatever that is! ) I also had reflux at night when I was in bed. It got to the stage where I forced myself to PB before I went to bed, to allow my not to be woken up with saliva choking me in the middle of the night. I got round this initially by not drinking/eating after 7pm, but it soon came back. I eventually got a wee 1/4 ml taken out of the band & I've never had the problem since. I suppose a tip - if one were needed, is really simple. Stick to the 'Bandster Rules' they work. I know they can be a real pain at times, but I promise, if you stick to the rules for 10 days, you'll see/feel the difference. Also, go for a walk, I'm really bad at the gym & didn't get to 390lbs lovvin the gym !! so what I do is go for a wee walk when I get bored (or want to eat - actually thats usually at the same time! lol). I really hope this helps. Stick in there, it WILL work. aud x

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 knew surgery was the only choice for me when my younger sister gave birth to her second daughter in February 2019. I was 389 pounds and my health had only been declining as the years passed. When I first held my niece I was hit with the realization that if I didn't do something then I wouldn't be around to watch her grow up. It broke my heart. I was only 31 at the time (I just turned 34 last month) and I was absolutely sure that I'd be dead before I turned 40 if things didn't change. I'd done numerous diets over the years and nothing worked so surgery was really the only option for me if I wanted to be around to watch her grow up as I'd been able to watch her sister grow up. It's one of the best decisions that I ever made for myself. And, since I made that choice, and made that change, my sister has given me my first nephew and my brother gave me another niece. I get to watch all three of my nieces (ages 12, 2, and 17 months) and my nephew (age 9 months) grow up without having to worry that I'm not going to be around for them. My family has always been my strength and has always helped pull me through the worst times of my life and the idea of not being around to watch the youngest family members grow up into these amazing and complex little people were what pushed me into making the choice for surgery. I'm grateful every day that I made that choice.

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

@RJ'S/beginning I am definitely researching stuff! I lurk and read a LOT here and have read over my packets from the NUT several times. Originally my EGD was scheduled for November 19th, but they had a cancellation and I got in on 10/8, so I know I should just be grateful I am at this point. I am just looking forward to starting my new life!

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

I was wondering , if I am the only one here who got wls done at a young age .Im 19 and almost 7 months ago I got a gastric plications done. So far I have lost 42kg ( my biggest weight was 127kg, and now im 86kg) If there are people here my age , how do you deal with various situations infront of your friend,relatives,co workers. Cause i feel like my friends dont want to hang with me anymore bc I dont eat junk food or (as I say) I am on a strickt diet. Sent from my SM-J730F using BariatricPal mobile app

The insurance requires 90 days of supervision, meetings with a dietician, all of which were silly as I had the band for 10 years. It quit working about 4 years ago and I had it removed it last year. Then I had to wait for the journey for this new surgery.

Hi, my name is Ronda. I have been a bariatric patient for 10 years now. Initially, I had RNY done and lost 85 pounds with it. My maintenance was steady for about 5 years, but started declining--regained weight, bone loss, anemia, circulatory and cardiac problems. I have hypertension, but am severely allergic to those drugs for treatment. Weightloss and management is the only way I have of keeping my health in good shape. In 2007, I went to a new bariatric surgeon to seek an evaluation on my prognosis; he said revision surgery was needed to attend to severely stretched stoma. Insurance always held strong opposition to any treatment for my problems. This visit, Dr. tried 2 times to appeal the insurance for treatment--failed both times. Some time passed, and I had changed employment status and my healthcare needs were being covered on State Medicaid. This time, I learned that my bariatric treatment was covered under my Medicaid plan, but would need evaluations from the pulmonologist, cardiologist, psychologist, and dietician/nutritionist, in addition to following a dr-supervised weightloss plan with my pcp--I started all of this last September. It took solid 9 months of negotiating coverage and ultimate surgery that I had with my doctor on May 31st here in Phoenix. AZ. I am 3 weeks postop now. My loss is 23 pounds, and still mostly blender shakes and some pureed foods. I find that I don't really like what I ate preoperatively. Most of the foods taste too sweet--even if sugarfree. I had laparoscopic surgery so the healing is great--just unable to lift anything yet. I am driving, and doing most of my chores as long as I don't lift anything over 15 pounds. I walk the malls, and try to keep busy per dr's orders. Yet that is a challenge now that we have 110 or hotter days coming this summer. I still keep at it, tho. I know my surgery was a gift from God--in every sense of the word, as was the initial RNY procedure back in 2001. Both surgeries saved my life! Forever, will I be indebted to the Powers that Be.

I know all doctors are diffrent. He asked if i was going out of town for xmas. When i said yeah he said i needed to geta fill at least 5 days before i leave in case i need an unfill. He didnt want me sick while i was out of town. So i guess he is letting me get a fill a few days before my actual 1 month. I don't have any pain or soreness in my belly so thats a plus also. I have noticed the past few days that i am hungry even after eating so i hope this will help lots only 10 more days to go!

Yes, as stated in earlier posts, wait about 2 or 3 weeks for the incisions to heal before undertaking ANY exercise, it's important to let the incisions heal from the inside out to insure you don't have any weak spots or ruptures. Then have at it. I swim 3 or 4 days a week about 2 miles a day, then go home and bike for 10 miles on the same day. Last weekend I was celebrating getting a new bike and biked over 60 miles. It's amazing what taking a ton of fat off your body will do

My Wal-Mart has the New Whey protein shots with 42g protein 0 sugar for a good price. I bought a 6-pack for about $10 to stock up since my surgery is coming up pretty soon. I had one before and they're not bad, but I think I'm going to break them up into 2 servings because I was told the body can only really process 30g at a time.