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has the thicker fluid worked still? I am so afraid that the same problem is happening to me. I only vomited once since surgery but I honestly feel that i have lost fluid these past few weeks... I am petrified and still have so much more to lose...

I'm almost 6 weeks out I started 312 now 270 I eat more than most people on here but I'm happy with my loss no loose skin and feel good

UPDATE**** My surgeon's office resubmitted the all the info Monday of this week. I have called the insurance company everyday this week and today I was told that their DR called my surgeon for a peer to peer yesterday and have gotten no response yet. My surgeon's office is moving into a new building TODAY (of course, another hoop to jump through) and he will not be avaliable until after 3pm today. I just really hope it all works out. Does anyone know about these peer to peers and if its a good thing or what? Keeping my fingers crossed. I want this surgery by the end of the year. I have a $5400 deductible that starts over jan 1. aaahhhh

I also have BCBSNC, and I was approved in three days, as was my husband. We both had BMI's just over 40 (mine was 42, his was 41) and zero comorbities. BCBSNC is not one of those policies that search and search for some reason to deny you - if you give them the paperwork they want, and you meet their published guidelines, you should get approval. My bet is that the problem was exactly as stated, and when your psych provides a better letter, you will get approved. Count yourself lucky - from all I've read, we are about in the best position of anybody from an insurance coverage standpoint. Besides my surgeon's $500 program fee, I've paid one $20 copay at my first surgeon visit, and a $20 copay for each fill, and that's IT.

Don't push yourself too hard, it's only been a little over a week. Make sure to walk. I'm sure you are getting sick of people saying that, but it really does help. As far as the pain medication, just make sure to come off it when you can. I know the stuff I was taking made me sleepy and zapped my energy-not to mention they are very addictive. Don't get me wrong, it was helpful for the pain, but you might want to try tylenol, to see if it helps. As soon as I went off the pain meds, my energy level went way up. As far as your co-workers, I agree with the idea to try to appoach them and take the first step to bond with them. If it doesn't work then it's on them. That added stress isn't going to help you with this process. Find a job that makes you smile, or at least not dread it. I know when I have a tough day at work, my old habit was to eat. Set yourself up to succeed. They should be greatful to have you:) I can only speak for myself, but getting up and moving helped with the recovery. I can suggest anything I want, but all in all it is your body and you know it best, just listen to what it is telling you. Keep in mind, you are only a little over a week out of surgery. Surgery is surgery, you need time to recover. Take the time you need and take care of you:) Good luck and I'll keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Moe

Hi Dana, I hope you don't mind, I edited out the extraneous code in your post that was making it impossible to read. Congratulations on your banding and on losing 22 lbs! That's a lot to lose in the first two weeks, but on a liquid diet it's certainly possible. Just be prepared that when you go back on solid food this weight loss will STOP, and you might even put back on a few pounds. IT'S NORMAL, and your loss will start up again--albeit at a MUCH slower pace--as your body adjusts. I don't know about the difficulty swallowing. The feeling may pass, but as with anything unusual if it doesn't go away, talk to your doctor. Welcome to LBT!!

I feel your pain and disappointment too. I lost more weight in the 3 months before surgery than I have in the 4 months since. I too often find myself drinking with meals to wash it down so I can eat. I hate the "new" full feeling. I know I'm not always eating the right foods, although I am eating considerably less of it. We do have pizza a couple of times a month and I tend to eat the cheese and toppings off of a couple of slices. I don't dare do breads, Pasta, rice, or eggs anymore. I've got a crazy work schedule and am at work before 5am so I do eat in the car more often than I'd like. I live almost an hour from work so If I don't remember to bring lunch with me I always end up grabbing something at the drive thru. Wendy's Chili is not easy to eat while driving. I'm a picky eater and this band has made that worse. Chewing food until it's chewed enough makes me gag, that mushy slimy food doesn't want to go down. I need to suck it up and be super strict for 3 weeks. If I can stick to it for 3 weeks I can do it longer... 3 weeks seems to be how long it takes me to get the cravings out of my systm. I've got to stop making excuses and accept that this is not what I expected, and adjust. Most of the time I don't like the band. I wish I had had the sleeve done instead. And I get so mad at myself that I had surgery and I'm still screwing my weight up. I was a better bandster before I was banded! I think I need to meet some other banded people in my area. I would like to eat a few meals with others who are successufl in it so I can see exactly how they eat. You're not alone. Lack of motivation is here too.

I am 3 weeks Post-Op, and am excited to eat some soft foods.. but am feeling sluggish, and tired... Do I need more portein? I getting about 50-60 g a day.. but, maybe not as early as I need it. It seems like about 10 am I cannot stay awake. I have not had any Protein yet, I usually get some about this time... Or could my blood sugar be too low?

hi kerri liquid intake not to good a mo.. found out its because im stilll full of gas and could take about a week for it to wear of. cant seem to burp though lol...ment to be walking to move the gas but its raining here. hope its nice tommorow. it will get better im sure. not missing food at all. I thought id be hungry feeling faint because of lack of food but feel fine. it hurts a little bit on side of the port. but thats all Ann x:wub:

I've been out of town the last few weeks; going to different time zones and getting up and going to bed at different hours than at home. I've also started getting to the gym at 5:00 am. 3 or 4 times a week I've been pretty tired, but have been trying to get to bed earlier and generally get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. Lately I feel like I've been sabotaging myself. I've been really hungry, even on days when I haven't gone to work out. I am getting really discouraged that I've been eating 2 Snacks a day, sometimes 3 (!!) because I'm so hungry. I feel like I'm a total failure and have just wasted $12,000. I called the Dr. today and am going in for a fill on Wednesday, but she also said that one of the reasons I might be so hungry is because I'm tired. She suggested skipping the workouts for a couple of days so I can sleep in later. She believes that getting more sleep, and also the fill, will really help. Because my kids and husband just went back to school, it is really difficult for me to find any time to exercise after work. Has anyone else noticed a change in their hunger when they are tired? Has it helped to get more sleep? thanks

So I just had my 4th fill and I totally needed it. I could eat a whole hamburger patty and a small bag of chips. I haven't blogged in a while. Things are going pretty good. I feel really emotional right now. I am down 70lbs though. My hip is still on the fritz. I commited to the 5k for my birthday, so now I have to kick it into high gear for training. I just decided to commit and if my hip starts to hurt during the run that I can just walk. Now I just have to get over my pride and realize it is OK to just walk. My BFF : ) is going to do this with me. She has done it before and assured me that some people do walk and everyone is really supportive. I got some new strength videos this week so I am going to work on strengthening my hip and booty and see if this helps. I really love the way I feel when I jog and i want to be able to do it pain free. I also need to work on the mental aspect too. I get overwhelmed when I dwell on the distance and I need to concentrate on something else. I am working on an upbeat playlist. My mind draws a blank when I think of what to download. If there are any suggestions out there on some good running tunes, I'm all ears! Well the 5K is on the 4th of Sept so I better sign off and hit the streets : )

I was banded April 21st. I returned to work May 11th. The last week has been tough. I too am hungry. But, I think some of my hunger is mental because of work stress. I called to make an appointment for my 1st fill and the nurse tried to encourage me to wait a little bit. She told me to make sure I don't drink 1 hr before or after meals. Especially after, because it just washes the food right through and you become hungry faster. She also told me to work on my thinking. Are you really hungry or is it mental hunger? Since that day, I have really put that conversation to good use. I was drinking too close to meals (especially after). And I think sometime my hunger is really mental. I won't be able to get a fill until July (because of a vacation I will be taking), but I am sure that if I can control my brain and use this band as a tool, I will be able to make it until then.

Once the band is in place and you have restriction it is thankfully much harder to binge. One of my recent binges (and they are thankfully rare) included a small french fry and 1 chicken strip. I couldn't eat anything more than that hang in there- what works best for me (I used to be a binger 4-5 x a week and now maybe 1x try every month) is to get out of the house when the urge hits. I go for a walk. By the time I come back, that urge is pretty much gone and some calories have been burnt to boot

I am 4 weeks out having same issues and surgeon said to use maalox. so I bought some yesterday and so far so good

I think everyone is different but for me i was able to go (TMI but it was like water) wishing 4days out of the hospital. And real solid #2 once I was advanced to soft/solids stage 3 but just this weekend I suffered from constipation to where I cried (yup it was that bad). Today marks exactly 4 weeks Post Op :)

I am 3 wks out from surgery and I have gotten off metforman as of surgery but I still take ongliza but in the last few days my blood sugars have been down and I have had to eat to get them up. I am hoping that I can get off all medication within the next few weeks.

First thing is remember each step is just a stage. Don't get too hung up on the details. The important thing is to get in your liquid and move around. Protein can come in as protein shakes, cottage cheese, bone broth, at the puree stage you can actually get pretty creative and puree chicken, tuna, eggs just about anything but the main thing is to remember to go slow and take small bites. 70-80 ounces is just a goal and most people don't get close to that at first. Don't get too discouraged or hung up on the numbers. This is just a stage and your still healing. I am 6 weeks out and doing great and there are still days I don't hit my protein goal and have to drink a bone broth or thrown an egg in my meal plan to try to hit it. Everyday gets easier but there are days that things are just tough to hit those goals and that does not mean you failed that just means you shoot for it again tomorrow.

With my surgery only 2 weeks away I think the thing that I most worry about is slipage.Im self paying which is exhausting our funds and if for some reason would need another surgery our money funds wouldnt allow it!!I know NO need in worring about things I cant change but Im a worry wart!!!!!!!!!:omg:

I believe it is around 4-6 weeks before they recommend doing that type of exercise. Walking would be fine but I would wait a few more weeks to do Zumba. Just my opinion though.

I have never done Zumba so I can't speak to that. I was back at the gym on day 4 doing the treadmill. At two weeks I was back swimming laps (presurgery I was swimming an hour a day/7 days a week.

I'm gonna answer you:) I was 33 when I had gastric bypass heightest weight 211lbs I had nothing wrong with me. Okay a little asthma but it was cause by being heavy. I haven't used my pump in over 2 years. I did a life change before surgery but wasn't losing weight but kept me off asthma pump. My knee was being affected by all this weight I was carrying. Now I can't tell you after WLS you will be jumping on one foot or you will never have issues or complications why? Things have its own way of happening & god forbid something happens. In life things happen we can't avoid but this is only a small 1% chance of a person being the one who has issues after WLS. My personal experience I had my share of small issues. One month non stop vomiting. When I was three months my stomach closed so tight I had to have a endoscopy to open it up just a little cuz it was causing me to vomit non stop for 1week. Now I'm 6 months post up down 85lbs no issues no complications. No dumping. I can eat almost anything in small portions. I feel great my only issue now is that my tummy is wrinkly which I will get plastic surgery in 2014. I want other things but lets see. WLS is a personal issue and it should be taking with open eyes. Some ppl maybe extremely lucky genetics or age not to ever sag. Each case is different so if your thinking maybe your too young to have WLS you can always get a dietician & lose the weight slowly but with out rush side effects or anything. You do what makes you feel comfortable. No one is going to judge you here. There is one other member who didn't get WLS either. This is not for everyone. You have to be willing to change. It's only a tool to help you lose weight the rest is up to the individual. Good luck & all the best in the decision you make one way or the other.

I had my VSG on Dec. 4, 2013. Ootpatient. Overall, I lost ~ 90 pounds, but alas, I have regained 20, and currently, am not still in "Onederland." I am not happy with that--as in bummed!!!. But this week, I am sticking to protein and working hard to avoid bad carbs. Pray for me, 'cuz I was really happy at the near 175 weight and a size 10 or so (down from a 22). I WILL get back to 180 or so. I WILL. How are the rest of my December 2013 sleevers doing? Share your stories and if any struggles. Share pics if you choose. Let's still be helpers one to another. And despite all--even if any slip-ups--congratulations on what I trust has been a slimmer, happier life, post-VSG five years ago this month.

I have primarily talked/posted with my November 07 group since we are all in the same time frames, but it is exciting to see so many close to my age having similar issues. I have done pretty well. Recently had problems and went on liquids. Just today I am going to try some real food. I am in need of a slight unfill, but my Dr. is out for a week or so. I would love to know if anyone is from East Texas.

Hi Anne, I'm so glad you're home and your recovery is going well. I'm exactly 14 days post-op with Dr. Aceves, and I feel 200% better than I did a week ago. The first few days were rough, but every day since has been a substantial improvement. Today is my first day back at work and it is going surprisingly well. Even now, I STILL have a bit of a sore throat! Take it slow.........

Not sure where I got this from.. somewhere that I was doing research on.. but thought it might be useful for this thread. Increase Your Chances of a Good Fill The following suggestions are good rules of thumb and will greatly increase your chances of getting a good fill. 1. Be sure you are very well hydrated when you come in for your fill appointment. That means at least 6 to 8 full glasses of liquid every day for at least several days before the fill. (Remember, Water is your friend). Drink especially well the morning of the fill. If you're flying in, it can be much harder to stay hydrated, so take an empty drink bottle and fill it after you pass airport security. TSA rules state you can bring an empty water bottle past the TSA security check point. Bring some of those "to-go" packs of Crystal Light, they’re ideal! Ask the flight attendants for a refill of your water bottle, pop one in, and then you will have plenty to drink. (Hint - If you flying in for a fill, while you're on the plane, grab a couple of those white barf bags. It’s good to keep one in your purse or car, for "emergencies".) 2. Do not to have any solid foods for at least 6 hours before the fill. Don't eat a huge or late dinner the night before. If you're having any trouble (reflux, possible slip, etc) please have nothing but fluids after dinner the night before. In some cases, food can still be in the pouch for 12 or more hours. ANY food in the pouch will make it impossible to give a good fill, or get a good fluoro 3. Don't drink COLD fluids for an hour before the fill. That will shrink your stoma and give a false fluoro reading, and a poor fill. Room temp fluids are fine. Let the ice in your drink melt and hour before a fill, and then you'll have room-temp fluids to drink right up to the fill time. 4. Avoid getting a fill during a menstrual period or a few days before an expected one. During this time, girls are usually retaining water, and the fluoro will not be as accurate, and the fill will not be either. 5. If at all possible, hang around for at least a few hours after a fill. Don't run right back home or to the plane. It takes the normal swelling after a fill 1-2 hours to develop, and by that time you might be too tight and need to come right back. 6. If you fly in, If at all possible, stay overnight and catch a plane out the following late afternoon or evening. If you are too tight, this will allow time to get a small unfill before you leave. This is not very convenient, but sure beats having to possibly return to TJ in a few days, on short notice, in pain, and at high last-minute plane fares! This is "prevention!" Overfills are not common, but they DO happen, even under the best of conditions. Be prepared, and think about this overnight stay. Test your fill the next day before you leave. 7. After a fill, please have liquids only for at least 24 hrs. This allows the stoma to rest and heal. Then, a day of soft foods, then back to regular foods. Full liquids are fine, no need for clears. Remember, if you staying over night test your fill before you fly out. 8. Review the eating and food guidelines again before every fill. You’ll need to refine your eating more and more with higher fill levels, and there will be less and less room for goofs. As you reach a higher fill level, you'll no longer be able to "get away" with things you might have before! 9. Please don't get a fill if you are having ANY trouble with the current level of fill. This means ANY regular pain, PB or barfing more than maybe once a week at the VERY most, not able to get enough calories in, not able to drink enough, able to eat only soft foods or fluids. More fill will NOT help, and will make things worse. Discuss all this carefully with your doctor. You may even need an UNFILL, to keep your band and stomach safe. 10. First fills are routinely given at 6-8 weeks after surgery, but only as you need them. Many people do, some do not. Your doctor will help you decide if you need a fill, just ask. There is no rush for fills. Too much can very easily get you in trouble, and you end up further "behind" than if you had gone slower with fills. 11. Give a fill at least 2-3 weeks to test it. Some fills don't "settle in" for a week or two, and sometimes more. Your weight loss is what determines how a fill is - not any feeling of restriction, necessarily. 12. One of the most important things in determining if a fill is good is choosing proper band foods. Soft foods, liquids, junk foods, sweets, etc, will NEVER be well-restricted, and will never tell a thing about having a good fill or not. Only solid foods give useful info. A good test meal is 2-4 oz of solid meat or chicken - be sure it's soft and moist - and about 1/2 cup veggies. You should be able to eat about a cup of food (no less) and this should keep you satisfied (NOT "FULL", but simply "satisfied, not physically hungry". for about 3-4 hrs. 13. Plan regular meals. A good fill will keep you satisfied for 3-4 hrs, but no longer. If you are hungry 5 hrs after lunch, it is not because you have an inadequate fill! Regular meals at planned times are important for a number of reasons; including avoiding snacking, maximizing your calorie burn and normalizing metabolism, which is essential for weight maintenance later on. 14. Learn to recognize YOUR "soft stop" sign. Common ones are chest tightness or "fullness", a sudden runny nose, a single hiccup or burp, an eye twitch, back pain, left should pain. All mean the pouch is full enough and we should STOP eating, even spitting out the bite that may be already in our mouths. If you do not, you could progress to the "hard stop" - slimming, pb, barfing. Please remember that good fills are very elusive, even with highly- experienced docs and fill people. There are just too many individual factors involved that the docs cannot control. Even the fluoro is only a clue, and not entirely accurate - for some of the reasons above. It usually takes 3- 5 fills to slowly and safely creep up on a good level, and they can be safely given a month apart. Trying to go faster with a bigger fill is not the solution, and the stomach rebels at big sudden fills. The goal of the first few fills is NOT to achieve a good restriction, but to gradually get your stomach used to some pressure so you can tolerate a GOOD fill later. SLOW and GRADUAL is the key! Going slowly with fills can be frustrating, but is well worth the wait to avoid problems. • After a “fill” you are on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours; then, soft for 24 hours; then, regular food o Clear – juice, water, broth, miso Soup, tea - no salty or iced drinks. o Soft – V-8, yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, (no ice cream), pureed Soups, squash, apple sauce. • Call me if you are unable to sleep lying down due to reflux to schedule a slight “unfill”. Do not talk yourself into “working through the reflux”. • Eat Protein at every meal; eat your protein first in order to facilitate proper digestion of this complex food. • Eat three meals daily or six small meals; do not snack – ¼ to ½ cup per meal • Drink water instead of mindless munching (add lemon to water) between meals. DO NOT DRINK LIQUIDS 45 MINUTES BEFORE AND 60-90 MINUTES AFTER YOUR MEALS.• Make sure your bowels are moving daily with ease not effort • Add Fiber into your diet if you are not having complete bowel movements – 1 tablespoon ground flax seed• Have some form of movement every day for 30 minutes • Avoid white flour and white sugar products • You are not allowed to be on an ice cream diet • You may not lose weight if you’re not eating enough • Eat slowly between bites; take small bites; sip your drinks. • Chew your food slowly • Throw out all the junk food in the house • Don’t buy anymore junk food • Eat organic as much as possible to avoid increasing exposure to false hormones, antibiotics, and other toxic substances • Join a support group, Curves, or weight watchers. • Stop eating after 7:30pm during the summer; and 6:30 in the winter • Keep working on the mental emotional component to comfort food eating • Schedule another fill when your portion sizes increase to “old day” sizes or you are feeling hungrier earlier then you remember. • Journal about your feelings, keep a food diary, create a collage of what your future looks like and hang it in your room. • Create a collage of images you want to let go of and burn the collage. • Laugh every day RECIPES FOR AFTER A FILL Master Cleanse Drink (adjust lemon, ginger and cayenne to taste) 4 oz of apple juice Pinch of cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon fresh grated ginger 4-8 TBls of Lemon juice 4Tbls of Maple Syrup or Honey Pinch of salt top off the blender with filtered water Blend till mixed Strain and drink ½ - 1 Quart a day SMOOTHIE: FOR DAYS WHEN YOU ARE ON SOFT FOODS AFTER A FILL OR UNFILL - A 24 HOUR REQUIREMENT FOR POST FILLS AFTER LIQUIDS. 2-4 oz of apple juice or Rice or Soy Milk 3-5 ground almonds 1-2 teaspoons of flax oil ¼ cup of frozen fruit ? berries, bananas, mangos, papaya 1-2 Tbls (or packet) Protein powder (I use a Rice Protein which is hypoallergenic and tastes pretty good) ¼ teaspoon Bee Pollen (do not add if allergic to bees or huge environmental allergies) ½ - 1 teaspoon of chlorella or spirulina