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I am 9 days out and I'm starving so I can relate! The weight loss so far (5 lbs post surgery) is keeping me motivated but I don't know how I'm going to handle this. I am off protein shakes. I took myself off today! (it's supposed to be 10 days). But today I did have protein shake for breakfast, cottage cheese for lunch (3 oz) and cream of wheat for dinner. This hard. but I knew it would be. I beleive it'll be worth it.

i was allowed full liquids from day 2 till day 10, then mushies for the next 2 weeks, then full diet after that. you doc sounds really strict.... sorry. you can do it. just a little longer.

Hey Everyone! I decided after reading my pre-op packet that i should start a good pre-op diet. All Of my surgeons lap band pts. have to lose 10 lbs before surgery....im hoping i can do it ! Im gonna try real hard! I started this morning a new somewhat liquid diet. Isopure Dutch chocolate shakes for moring and lunch , and will do chicken and veggies for dinner. Anyone else try this approach? Did it work for you? Thanks for your imput, Jennifer

I am starting a pre-op ketotic diet on the 7th for surgery on the 22nd. It's high protein (105g protein) low carb (20g) per day. Pick 4 proteins at breakfast and 1 fat, 5 at lunch and dinner with 1 fat. Plus, you get a small snack. I add a large portion of non-starchy veggies at each meal. You get to choose 1 carb per day - piece of bread, small piece of fruit, etc. If I feel dizzy or light-headed, I can have a 1/2 cup of applesauce to elevate my blood sugar. Nutritionist told me that most people lose between 10-20 pounds on this particular diet. It's like a re-vamped Atkins. I've seen half and half on this website. Half seem to be doing this particular diet, another half seem to be doing the liquid diet. I have seen both good and bad regarding both. I think it is more dependent on what your doctor's protocol is and also, what will benefit you.

In case any of these tips are new to you. #10 doesn't apply. http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-10-ways-to-control-eating

I love my treadmill and utilize all the time. The features I like the most is the Ifit computerized trainer system. Fan, incline to 12%, 10 mph speed. Holds weight of 300 pounds. It monitors my pulse. And it has a cut off switch. It is a Norditrack. Happy walking.

My program recommends an annual bone scan, because it's the only way to find out if your body is cannibalizing your bones for Calcium in your blood stream. Your calcium must be extremely low to show in a blood test, because your body will just leach it from your bones to make up for what you are not getting. I missed getting this done the first year somehow, so last month, I got my first bone density scan post-op. It's also my first one post-menopause, so not sure how much change is due to that and how much can be blamed on WLS. Last scan was in 2005. I am already walking 4 days a week, so plenty of weight bearing exercise. And I am taking the amount of Vitamin D and Calcium recommended by the Kaiser Fremont Bariatric program, which is 4000iu of Vitamin D per day (800 from 2 Multivitamins + 1500iu from calcium plus D + 2000iu vitamin D tablet) and 1500 mg a day total of calcium citrate. I was taking the calcium twice per day (3 tablets each time), but I am going to switch to taking it three times per day (2 tablets each time). So we will see what next year brings. Here's the scoop on the scan: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed to obtain bone mineral density (BMD) measurements using the Hologic Discovery bone densitometry unit. For each BMD measurement, Z and T scores are calculated. Z score represents the number of standard deviations of the patient's BMD from expected age matched values. T score represents the number of standard deviations of the patient's BMD from the average peak BMD value at age 30. A FRAX score has also been calculated using the LEFT FEMORAL NECK data. OSTEOPENIA is defined as a T score from -1.0 to -2.4 representing an INCREASED fracture risk. OSTEOPOROSIS is defined as a T score more negative than -2.4 and represents a HIGH fracture risk. T score: Fracture risk comparison to gender and ethnicity matched 30-year-old. 0 = Average risk -1 = 2 times the risk -2 = 4 times the risk -3 = 8 times the risk LUMBAR SPINE: BMD = 0.843 g/cm2 g/cm2 T score = -1.9 Z score = -0.7 LEFT HIP TOTAL: BMD = 0.855 g/cm2 g/cm2 T score = -0.7 Z score = 0 LEFT FEMORAL NECK BMD = 0.657 g/cm2 g/cm2 T score = -1.7 Z score = -0.6 ** IMPRESSION **: 1. Bone mineral density in the LUMBAR SPINE is in the Osteopenic range. Compared to the prior study, there is significant change.The bone mineral density has decreased by -15.0 %. 2. Bone mineral density in the LEFT HIP is in the Normal range. Compared to the prior study, there is significant change. The bone mineral density has decreased by -23.3 %. 3. Based on FRAX, the 10 year probability of hip fracture is 1.0 %. 4. Based on FRAX, the 10 year probability of major osteoporotic fracture is 9.2 %.

Funny... I have the same surgery date (10/6) and I'm also stalled. It's been two weeks. I have increased my protein and will see what happens. I'm sure things will continue to move eventually so I'm waiting it out. After a 42lb weight loss I will not complain.

Hi all, I'm about 9 days away from surgery and I'm still not offering information about the surgery to many people but when they see me drinking the protein shakes and turning down solid food as a part of my 10 day pre op diet, they ask and with out hesitation I tell them. So far no negativity, mostly just "oh ok" and 1 co worker whom i think is more excited than i am lol. I'm finding it a little easier to tell co workers than I am family. I guess because I'm forced to live with my families judgement while I only see co workers 8 hours a day.

Absolutely take him to a seminar! Once he hears that gastric bypass has a 10% chance of serious complications while lap band has .01% that should help some. Then, being able to ask questions about the specific things that are scaring him should take care of the rest.

I actually didn't have to do liquids before surgery. Dec 19 was surgery After surgery I was on Clear Liquids for two full days. And doctor told me when I was ready I could move to full liquids. He said I could try and i would now almost instantly if I was ready and I wasn't. Mouth started watering instantly. But yesterday tried same things again and had no problems. My stomach constantly gurgles??? Like an aliens in there.. Not sure if I'm hungry, full or adjusting to foods..

The holiday season always comes up faster than expected. That is even true this year when so many other things have been different. It is time to start thinking about gifts for the people you love. If they include bariatric surgery patients who are pre or post-op, we have the perfect gifts for you. First up are something your loved one is sure to love: favorite desserts. If they are missing creamy, starchy, sugary foods, you can be the one to give them their faves without guilt. Here are just a few favorite desserts you can gift this year! Gingerbread Cake Mix Nothing says, “Happy Holidays!” like gingerbread, but can your bariatric surgery friend really afford to be eating gingerbread this year? Yes, she certainly can if you give her a high-protein, low-carb version such as BariatricPal Gingerbread Mug Cake Mix. It has 130 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 1 gram of sugar. Even better than giving ready-made gingerbread cake or cookies, giving Gingerbread Cake Mix lets the recipient make it herself, which means the delicious smell of cinnamon and ginger can waft through the house. It is easy to make just by mixing a packet with water and microwaving it. Each box contains 7 packets. Creamy Cheesecake Cheesecake is not the standard choice for a smart dieter, but BariatricPal High Protein Creamy Cheesecake is no standard cheesecake. It has about half the calories, saturated fat, and sugar as the same size serving of regular cheesecake, along with 12 grams of protein to make it more filling. If cheesecake isn’t cheesecake without the graham cracker crust, you can easily make your own without adding the 20 grams of carbs per serving that a traditional one has. Just crush sugar-free Catalina Crunch Keto Cereal - Honey Graham instead of graham crackers to use in the crust. Each serving has 10 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. You can make an entire cheesecake using 7 servings of Creamy Cheesecake mix, or make your cheesecake in muffin cups for single servings. Each box has 7 servings. Pumpkin Spice Blondie A bariatric surgery patient could feel a little down after an entire autumn of passing up pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin lattes, and pumpkin muffins. How about giving a gift of a pumpkin dessert that comes without guilt? Eat Me Guilt Free Pumpkin Spice Blondie knocks the socks off the competition in taste and nutrition. The entire blondie has only 170 calories and 4 grams of sugar, or 90% less sugar than a slice of pumpkin bread from a bakery-cafe. With 22 grams of protein, it has as much protein as chicken and can be eaten for a meal, snack, or dessert. They come in single and 3, 6, and 12-packs. There is no shortage of desserts that are suitable gifts for bariatric patients and anyone else who is on a weight loss journey. By the way, remember that your favorite bariatric surgery patient can be...yourself! Go right ahead and give yourself the gift of weight loss and pleasure all in one with your favorite low-carb desserts!

Hi how's your weight loss and recovery? 2013 is my year....SD 11/19 Methodist Hosp in NY

@Soccermomkerry u will okay. Gods speed. When i first seen gorecki in sept 2011 it took me more than a year to get sleeved on 10/18. So everything will be okay. Just try not to miss any appt with your PCP

I'm being sleeved Monday by Dr Goerki 2013 is my year....SD 11/19 Methodist Hosp in NY

I got a nifty polar hr watch and strap for my b-day and am having a blast with it to improve my run training. It is a high end model and I literally spent a few weeks researching the different hr watches on Amazon before going with it. It does not have gps nor does it count steps or monitor sleep patterns, but that is fine by me as I primarily wanted a hr monitor with "Swiss accuracy." Battery life is supposed to be 5 years. This one trumps my cheap 20 dollar polar watch I used previously. If you have experience with both running and use of a hr monitor for training running patterns, then I have some questions for you. Sorry- this post is going to exclude most folks. If you have the experience and knowledge, feel free to critique in any way. My goal is to improve my running vo2 efficiency through hr training. I just completed a run today of 30 minutes using the watch for the first time. I wanted to see what kind of feedback the watch would give me for a run where I challenged myself. Start hr: 65 (not quite resting) 5 minute warmup up to 6.0 mph: 125 After 5 minute dynamic stretch, hr still around 125 At 5 minutes, speed at 7.0: 135 At 10 minutes, speed at 8.0: 145 Every minute, alternate between 8.0 (149) and 10(155) Finish at 30 minutes: 155 Cool down 6.0 jog for 5 minutes: 135 Walk at 3.5-2.7 for 3 minutes: 105 Total distance is about 4 miles over 30 minutes. Felt fine afterwards and immediately did another 30 minutes of elliptical with hr at 145-150. Here is some HR info a web site calculated for me given sex=male, age=38, resting hr=55 and max hr=186. Resting Heart Rate: 55 Maximum Heart Rate: 186 Heart Rate Reserve(HRR): 131 Fat Burning: From 121 to 134 beats per minute Aerobic: From 134 to 147 beats per minute Steady State: From 147 to 160 beats per minute Anaerobic: From 160 to 173 beats per minute Maximal: From 173 to 186 beats per minute Questions: 1. According to the chart, my sprinting at 155 hr is in steady state range. Is this where it should be or should I go anaerobic? I feel somewhat pushed at 155, but not winded. I could definitely turn up intensity if I should be doing it. 2. I would like my short 1 minute rest intervals after 1 minute sprints to drop lower then 149. How can I get it lower, such as 145 or even 140. I do not feel hr at 149 is giving me enough rest before next sprint. 3. What do you think of my hr at other running speeds (e.g. 135 bpm at 7mph) is that good, ok, bad? I just do not know. 4. If target hr for cardio is about 140 for my age and sex, is this what I should be running at on average (given no sprinting)?According to my watch and running session today, hr=140 is about 7.2-7.5 mph for me. I guess I am looking for some analysis on how to improve vo2 efficiency in the HIIT segments of a running session and what I should be targeting when in various states of running.

I am liking the feedback from my polar hr monitor. For example, today I did my usual Tuesday sprint workout: 10 min @ 6.2 mph (warm up) 10 min @ 11.5 mph 3% grade (30 s sprints) 10 min @ 6.5 mph (cool down) By the 3rd minute (3rd sprint), my top hr was 157 and my recovery hr was 148 (delta is widening after just a few sprint workouts - yeah!). I thought to myself, "anything below 160 is dogging it" so I bumped the speed up .3 mph and the incline up .5. The next sprint saw max hr @ 163. I played this little game of tweaking the treadmill settings or just pushing myself a little bit more until I got the top hr up to 168. It is a useful training tool. Let me tell you, that 10 minute cool down felt so slow after the sprints. All in all, I love my little hr watch for how it can help me not dog it even when I feel like j am putting in my best effort.

Update - my bike shop called yesterday and offered me a free upgrade to the next model because they had one in stock which had a small scratch on the wheel rim. Naturally I accepted which meant I was able to pick it up last night. After spending almost an hour in the shop getting properly fitted and the last of my accessories added, I rode it home. Sweet ride! I slashed almost 10 minutes off my usual ride time and I wasn't even pushing it as I was getting used to the bike. Average speed over my 30 km (18.6 mile) ride was 25.5kmh - well up from my usual 21 - 22kmh. Now we just need to sort our finances so DH can also upgrade to a road bike because we do a lot of our riding together.

That is great!! I was sleeved 9/10 and am down about 39 lbs!! Feel so much better already!

I just 10 days post op so I know I am extra slow right now, but my goal is to have it together by the end of the month. So whatever is in May, keep me in mind and I will see if I can stroll with you!

My surgeon didn't really pick a goal. The insurance considers WLS a success if you lose 50% of excess weight, and on average, gastric sleeve patients lose about 70% of excess weight. Since I surpassed that at my one year check, I was considered a success. My doc told me I could do whatever I felt comfortable with - continue to lose, or stay there. To determine excess weight, they look at a normal BMI to determine exactly what excess weight is for any individual, so it will be a range. I would love to get to a BMI below 25 since that's considered "normal" but I've also seen charts that are age adjusted. For me, that could be a BMI up to 27. So I stopped stressing that I'm not below 25 BMI, and I just keep plugging along. The weight is very slowly coming off at about 1-2 pounds a month, and I've made peace with that (for the most part). I look normal, wear a size 10, and am smaller than most women my age. I saw a plastic surgeon who told me I'd lose about 15 pounds with surgery, so if I had that, it would put me at a normal BMI. I don't think it's a one size fits all, I think it's a myriad of things we all have to decide for ourselves.

yaborhoo I have attempted the 5 day pouch test and lost 3 lbs that was 10 lbs ago:(,Im not having any ill side affects from the medication I started today, the other medications that has weight gain warnings I cam off of 4 months ago,and the new medication for BED is the only one on the market as of now,I have also tried kundalini yoga, Miss Mac I haven't meet the bariatric Dr yet,More like the game Frogger ,me being the alligator trying to eat the frog,I only meet with a nut once or twice so I am so lacking in that department any advice would help, FrankiesGirl that is a great question my beloved husband does the food shopping I have been fired because I try to get more fresh fruit and veggies he dosn't like it retired cop needs his donuts,and he is constantly telling me I have to eat something I cant not eat.he also gained some weight ,Freshman 15 ha more like FL 30.but he has a 6'3"height advantage. BLERDgirl ED oh had to think about that for a moment ( I dont have those parts) eating disorder yes that I do have,I figured I would try here first.but that does sound like a good idea, thank you all so much

What is your Protein target? If your protein target is 80 grams and you are getting 70 grams on some days, then you have room for at least one 10 gram protein snack (or two 5 gram protein snacks) on those days. Do you plan out protein-focused meals and Snacks throughout the day?

I was banded 10 days ago. I see the weight coming off but if I do too much out and about,I feel weak. Also, starting yesterday, I've had the worst hunger pangs I have experienced. Anyone else?

lmao!!! arent mom's fun? I love changing the words around to songs. theres a line in "2 out of 3 aint bad" by meatloaf that screams "ill never be faithful!!" and when i sing it, my husband thinks its very funny. What about a list of our top ten workout favorites for the time being? knowing we all have different music tastes..might be fun! ten keeps it from being a long list. we can post more later eh? ill start: 1. "All these things that Ive done" by the Killers: i love this band, and i love this song, and i can kick some arse on the machines as well as really test that treadmill with it on my ipod. Sometimes i catch myself singing out loud "ive got soul but im not a soldier!" to my treadmill neighbor. 2. "i saw the light" by todd rundgren. upbeat, reminds me of walking in crested butte as a teenager.Great for a time warp thing when i wish the timer read 15 minutes passed instead of 7 minutes. 3. "why do i keep counting" by the killers. theres a line in there "help me get down, i can make it help me get down" that really sings to that desperate 'pull me the heck out of this mess and ill keep it good this time' part of me. Great for the hard part of the bike ride. 4. "never coming home" by sting. great beat..sings to that part of me that gets ticked off when i think my wieght keeps me from intimacy. great song. 5. "Golden" by Jill Scott. Yes my sister we are living this life like its golden, and today is twice as good as yesterday was. Fantastic for a cooling off period between the treadmill and the bike. 6. "i love the nightlife" by ? disco song...its fun to sing along with. I got to boogy. I want to give it i wanna get some too...lol (its what it says) 7. "The Apartment Song" by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. Really upbeat and fun to sing along to in your head. Good for the rough part of the workout, keeps ya going. 8. "run like hell", by of course, pink floyd. well..sometimes you gotta run like hell. I cant run, but i can peddle like my arse was on fire. 9. "CANDY"S ROOM" by the boss, Bruce Springsteen. Good for motivation when i have trouble getting my led out. "she says, baby if you wanna be wild, you got a lot to learn. close your eyes let them fire, let them melt, let them burn!" woo yeah! 10. speakin o led..."Fool in the rain" by led zepplin rocks and great for that final stretch when you really push, knowing that a shower awaits! Theres my current ten workout songs. Im sure they will change later. post your top ten workout songs and why you like them!