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Well Guys!! I made it. I was banded last week, 10/19. The day after the surgery I though to myself what the Hell did I do to myself!! That thought soon passed after having lost 11 lbs. since last Wednesday. I fell good for the most part, still a bit sore, the Doc says that its mainly from the Hiatal Hernia. I still have another 10 days to go on the liquid diet, that's getting kind of old. If anyone has any suggestions for liquids, I'd love to hear it. I get my 1st fill November 22nd. Just in time for Thanksgiving!! The only issue I seem to be still having is a lot of belching and gas. Is anyone experiencing that too? Good luck to all

Just wanted to share my before and after pics of my Tummy tuck and Breast Augmentation that was done on November 19, 2009 and my thigh lift which was done on January 18, 2010. My surgery was done by Dr. Passaretti out of Darien, CT.

Thanks for the comments everyone. I just packed my breakfast, lunch, and dinner for tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow is a long day for me. I will head out to work by 7 a.m. and won't be home until after my classes end at 10 p.m. It's hard trying to pack for all day!! Just gotta remember to drink, drink, drink!!! LOL

I had them -- supposed to be for 10 days, was so black and blue and sore I gave up after 5 days. I still am black and blue (well actuall purple now) from the shots after a month. I think my body reacts poorly to it.

I am using Dr Kuri in TJ, and due to my high level BMI (53) he required a 2 week pre-op liver-shrinking diet (LSD). This is because the liver when fatty is very fragile and it bleeds a lot. The liver is pulled over to the side during this surgery and if it is fatty it can be damaged. The liver shrinking diet is 0-very low carb which forces your body into ketosis (fat burning!) and reduces the size and fat content of your liver. My LSD consists of Protein, protein and more protein and 0-40 (net) carbs. Mostly Protein Bars and Protein Drinks. I also have had some pure protein solids (i.e. lean meat and cheese). Many Docs in the States require a weight loss in the beginning to satisfy insurance requirements (which is usually a 10% reduction in weight) Good Luck on your upcoming surgery!

Don't you feel the world is attacking obese people this week? It seems each day a new article comes out with another poke at obesity. Now, they are saying that being obese is linked to mental illness and that the fat aren't jolly? True, I am an emotional eater, who added two hundred pounds following the deaths of my mother and my boyfriend --- BUT I have always been FAT AND JOLLY!! I never denied myself anything that gave pleasure, and food gave pleasure. Also, I am a people person, so sharing good company and good food -- with a lot of laughter -- was common in my life. Though I am learning smarter ways to manage my weight, I certainly don't want to lose the laughter and friends. Joyce Here's the AP article... Study says obesity, depression linked By LINDSEY TANNER The Associated Press CHICAGO — Obesity is strongly linked with depression and other mood disorders, according to a new study by Group Health Cooperative. Whether obesity might cause these problems or is the result of them is not certain, but there are theories to support both arguments. Depression often causes people to abandon activities, and some medications used to treat mental illness can cause weight gain. On the other hand, obesity is often seen as a stigma, and overweight people often are subject to teasing and other hurtful behavior. The study of more than 9,000 adults found that mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, were about 25 percent more common in the obese people studied than in the nonobese. Substance abuse was an exception; obese people were about 25 percent less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than slimmer participants. The results appear in the July issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, released Monday. The lead author was Dr. Gregory Simon, a researcher with Group Health in Seattle. The results "suggest that the cultural stereotype of the jolly fat person is more a figment of our imagination than a reality," said Dr. Wayne Fenton of the National Institute of Mental Health, which funded the study. "The take-home message for doctors is to be on the lookout for depression among their patients who are overweight," Fenton said. Both conditions are quite common. About one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and depression affects about 10 percent of the population, or nearly 21 million U.S. adults in a given year. Previous studies produced conflicting results on whether obesity is linked with mental illness, although a growing body of research suggests there is an association. The latest study helps resolve the question, said Dr. Susan McElroy, editor of a textbook on obesity and mental disorders. "This is a state-of-the-art psychiatric epidemiology study that really confirms that there is, in fact, a relationship," she said. The study was based on an analysis of a national survey of 9,125 adults who were interviewed to assess mental state. Obesity status was determined using participants' self-reported weight and height. About one-fourth of all participants were obese. Twenty-two percent of obese participants had experienced a mood disorder, compared with 18 percent of the nonobese.

yes it is frustrating but dont worry and just keep your head up the more frustrated and depressed you get the harder it is to stay focused just stick to your diet and exercise i know it sucks but thats what needs to be done u will feel more restriction the more fills you .im up to 8.5 ccs in a 10 cc band so you have plenty of room i noticed what works best for me is pick one bad or enjoyable food and take it completely out of your routine until you just dont crave it any more. my first take away was pop i loved pop so i focused on not drinking that, then it was pizza, now im trying to work on no more burgers. its just making the right choices and i have to retrain myself to make the better choice.

I had surgery on 1-21-2013! First day I couldn't even finish one bottle of Water. But I remember people saying it gets easier everyday. And it's true everyday it gets easier . Ate 2 oz of Greek yogurt no problem and had some water too. And to top it off I am down 19 lbs since my 7 day preop diet. Everyday when I weight myself I say to my self "I will never weight this much again" Couldn't be happier! Even cooked my family 3 meals! Pork tenderloin, coffee crumb cake and turkey meet balls for lunch!!!

"In your post, please share information about yourself such as age, gender, marital status, occupation, geographical location, amount of weight lost, amount of weight to lose, etc." HI! I was banded 12/31/08 and have my first fill 2/03/09. I have lost 19 pounds of my 129 pound goal. I am 36, female in a long term relationship. I live in MO and work as an analyst in the finance industry. I think that answers all the questions above. I am looking for a female mentor in her 30's who's weight loss goal was over 100 pounds similar to mine. Someone who has been there and done that and kicked butt! THANKS!

I had my first fill on 7/19 and have been on liquids since. Tomorrow I get to start soft food and was wondering if low carb tortilla wraps are considered soft? I'm not sure and don't want to mess anything up. I know people have trouble with it, but figure I won't know till I try. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Disney Addict, Thank you for your post and CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is a lot of weight in the time since your surgery! I want to tell you, you crack me up! Some of your comparison's remind me so much of my husband! Too funny! Talking about the weight loss and not being able to tell looking at yourself, I went shopping yesterday for a dress to wear to my son's rehearsal dinner on Friday and I came home so frustrated and feeling so fat! I told my husband, "I wonder how fat I really was before I lost this little bit of weight! I was stuffing myself into size 14 dresses and I wore 14's before the surgery!" I really thought I would be in a 12. I stopped weighing myself everyday because I found it too defeating and it put me in a bad mood, so now I only weigh on Mondays. Last Monday at 2 weeks post op I had lost 10.5 pounds, but I had lost about 10 pounds before the surgery from my highest point. I think I had really buried my head in the sand about how heavy I really was. I used to tell people that I was the polar opposite of anorexic's. They look in the mirror and see fat when there is nothing but bones. I would look in the mirror and see "fine" when there was nothing but fat and rolls! lol! Well ignorance was bliss, I guess! I know that we didn't put the weight on overnight, but it seemed like it because it was so much fun eating and doing it right? I told my husband yesterday that the results of this are going to be really nice, but the process was no fun at all!! Keep the posts coming I love your sayings! Post some pictures so that we can all give you the affirmation that you need and that you are unable to give yourself at this point! Vickie

Plans this week Monday 12/04/2006 5 minutes warm up on treadmill @ 5.0mph Shoulders & Traps Exercise Arnold Press - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weights Side Lateral Raise - 8 reps, 3 sets - 17.5lb weights Incline Front Raise - 10 reps, 3 sets - 32.5, 42.5, 32.5lb weight Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weight Upright Row & Shrugs - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weight Cardio Interval training - 30 minutes on the Elliptical Abdominal training - 8 reps, 3 sets - Abdominal twist - 60lbs Abdominal training - 8 reps, 3 sets - Cruncher - 50lbs supplements Isolated Protein - Isopure Protein (meal replacement) Nitro Explosion - Pro Performance Multivitamin 1 capsule Lipo6 - fat burner 2 capsules Breakfast and lunch Biotin – 2 capsules Tuesday 12/05/2006 5 minutes warm up on treadmill @ 5.0mph Quads & Calves Day Exercise Front Squats - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weights Leg Press - 8 reps, 3 sets - 225lb weights Walking Lunges - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lbs weight (25lbs each hand) Leg Extensions - 8 reps, 3 sets - 65lb weight Standing Calf Raises - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weight No abs today Cardio Interval training - 30 minutes on the Elliptical Supplements - Isolated protein - Isopure Protein (meal replacement) Nitro Explosion - Pro Performance Multivitamin 1 capsule Lipo6 - fat burner 2 capsules breakfast and lunch Biotin – 2 capsules Wednesday 12/06/2006 Chest Exercise 5 minutes warm up on treadmill @ 5.0mph Barbell Bench Press - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weights Decline Press - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weights Incline Fly - 8 reps, 3 sets - 35lbs weight Pullover - 8 reps, 3 sets - 65lb weight Push-ups - 15 reps, 3 sets - Cardio Interval training - 30 minutes on the Elliptical @ a steady rate Supplements Isolated protein - Isopure Protein (meal replacement) Myoplex lite Nitro Explosion - Pro Performance Multivitamin 1 capsule Lipo6 - fat burner 2 capsules breakfast and lunch Biotin – 2 capsules Thursday 12/07/2006 Hamstrings/Calves Exercise 5 minutes warm up on treadmill @ 5.0mph Lunge - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weights Step-ups, Lying Leg Curls - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weights Standing Calf Raises - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lbs weight Seated Calf Raises - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weight Abdominal Training - medicine ball (15lbs) Cardio Interval training - 30 minutes on the Elliptical @ a steady rate 10 minutes Jump Rope Supplements Isolated protein - Isopure Protein (meal replacement) Myoplex lite Nitro Explosion - Pro Performance Multivitamin 1 capsule Lipo6 - fat burner 2 capsules breakfast and lunch Biotin – 2 capsules Friday 12/08/2006 Arms Exercise 5 minutes warm up on treadmill @ 5.0mph Barbell Curl - 8 reps, 3 sets - 10lbs/15lbs/20lbs/25lbs weights Preacher Curl - 8 reps, 3 sets - 30lb weights (15 each side) Reverse-Grip Barbell Curl - 8 reps, 3 sets - 15lbs weight each side Lying Cable Extensions - 8 reps, 3 sets - 50lb weight Seated Overhead Extensions Tricep Kickback Abdominal Training Cardio Interval training - 30 minutes on the Elliptical @ a steady rate Supplements Isolated protein - Isopure Protein (meal replacement) Myoplex lite Nitro Explosion - Pro Performance Multivitamin 1 capsule Lipo6 - fat burner 2 capsules breakfast and lunch Biotin – 2 capsules Saturday 12/08/2006 Back Exercise 5 minutes warm up on treadmill @ 5.0mph Assisted Pull-ups - 8 reps, 3 sets - 155lb weights Bent-over Row - 8 reps, 3 sets - 30lb weights One-Arm Cable Row - 8 reps, 3 sets - 40lbs weight Lat Pulldown - 8 reps, 3 sets - 65lb weight Straight-Arm Pulldown - 8 reps, 3 sets - 30lb weight Abdominal Training Cardio Interval training - 30 minutes on the Elliptical varied rate Supplements Isolated protein - Isopure Protein (meal replacement) Myoplex lite Phosphagen 1 serving Nitro Explosion - Pro Performance Multivitamin 1 capsule Lipo6 - fat burner 2 capsules breakfast and lunch Biotin – 2 capsules Sunday Rest Today! No exercise! Supplements Isolated protein - Isopure Protein (meal replacement) Myoplex lite Multivitamin 1 capsule Lipo6 - fat burner 2 capsules breakfast and lunch Biotin – 2 capsules

I have decided that today is the day I put a plan together where I can be either competition ready or beach body ready by May of 2007. I am at the point now where I want to try my hand at body building. My Personal Trainer and I have developed a plan for me to be in competition readiness within the next 4 -6 months (amateur) if I do this to the "T". Here's my plan: Weight Training My weight training will be consisted of a six day a week split, created and designed to put emphasis on each muscle group, individually and allowing me maximum recovery. I will train each muscle group once per week. There will be alot of emphasis on my posture and form. I will concentrate specifically on the muscle range, squeezing my muscles through the entire full range. I will be using heavy weights and will do 3-4 sets with lower reps..such as 8 - 10 on most exercises to maintain my muscle during my calorie restriction period. Remember lower reps, higher weights bulk you and higher reps, low weights tone you. Cardio I will do cardio 4-5 days per week doing only 30-40 minutes of cardio per session at a high intensity level. I will be training on the elliptical and my bike and take some spinning, maybe treadmill as well. I may take some classes such as yoga and pilates to vary my workouts. Nutrition I will be on a strict nutritional plan, taking in a 35%/55%/10% ratios on foods. 35%-carbs, 55% Protein, 10% fats. I will be consuming slow absorbing carbs that are low on the glycemic index. Since we all know protein is the key to building and gaining lean muscle, I will consume lean protein meats such as turkey, chicken breasts, tuna and eggwhites. They will be low in sat fats and low to no trans fats. supplements are extremely important in this process. I will be taking additional supplements which I know I will force down b/c i feel im taking in waaay too much now but...here goes: Isolated Protein Phosphagen L-Glutamine Multivitamin Creatine Lipo6 - fat burner Before & After I will post a before picture (current photo) and an after picture in 4 months which will be current at that time. Anyone wanting to participate with me on this, we can compare, research, share and take notes. Anyone down with me?

Hello! I'm new, and was just banded Monday. I have been reading on the site and for about six months and have a quick question. Did anyone else have a hiatal hernia repair with their band surgery? I had and enormous tear in my diaphram (about the size of a fist) and that had to be repaired at the same time. The Dr also pulled my stomach down and stiched it in place. I was in massive pain and wasn't even able to get liquids down until today. :sick I ended up in the hospital for a few days this week on IV fluids. This surgery seemed to be about 10 times more painful than I thought it would be, plus the complications with the hosital stay and stuff. Anyone else has trouble getting liquids through at first? My stomach has been so swollen inside that nothing would go through. I feel like this has been going so bad, I hope everything works out! :nervous Thanks for being such a great support! I'll try to keep my chin up.

Hi Jaygerlo5- My Surgeon is Dr. Hamn. I had surg on 6-2-05. I had lost 33# by 7/10 (actually only 25# because I lost 8# before surg) I was at a plateau, and was told Dr. Hamn doesn't do the 1st fill until 10 wks post op. He was on vacation my 10th week, so I have my first fill 8/19. Before my fill, I could eat whatever I wanted. Just not as much as before the band. Now that I've has my first fill (1.5cc), I'm definately tighter. I was on liquids 3 days and then soft diet for about 1 wks. I just tried a cheese stick wrapped w/ turkey and although I chewed real good, it still feels tight, but the 1 cheese stick w/ turkey has filled me up for now. Before the Fill, I could even do a handfull of popcorn. (my favorite food.) and just about anything else. Now I hesitate because I know it's tighter. I did try popcorn yesterday and got maybe 15 pieces down and was satisfied. (they're empty calories- so I didn't fill up.) I won't lie to you. After surg- the first thing I thought was, "oh GOD, what have I done." I've never had any type of abdominal surgery before... so the abdominal pain was intense. But by the next morning, with the help of a pillow across my abdomin whenever I walked, I was doing okay. I had surg on Thursday and by Sat I was walking 1/4 mile. Daily the pain got better. I went back to work on Wednesday. (could have gone back monday- but glad I took the extra time.) The worst part was the pain at the port site incision. It felt like everytime I sat down, the port was poking under my rib. I didn't notice that after about 3-4 wks. I originally bought 2 bottles of liquid Adult strength tylenol. I still have 1/4th of the 1st bottle left. Yes- I was apprehensive. We've all been there. I kept thinking- I've lost wgt in the past I can do it again. But I knew that I needed that help of the lap-band to control my portons. I can now eat approx 1/4th of a chicken breast or about 2 oz Protein w/ veggies and possible salad or some rice and I'm full. Would I do it again...... IN A HEART BEAT!! Keep your chin up and good luck. We may run into each other in Dr. Hamn's Ofc.

OH thanks for that... i dont see my surgeon till next week. you know... getting hungry and bored..lol so tomorrow i will head to the gym that will help. yeah i had some goldfish like 10 slow to mush and it made me feel full. i'm so thirsty for water i was always used to gulping and its so different now. lol so drink more, think less and do more... lol

Here is what I eat everyday.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Breakfast:<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape id=_x0000_i1025 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>Slim Fast Low Carb Creamy chocolate, 1 serving190 calories Lunch:<v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>GNC Protein Drink, 1 serving140 calories (I blend it in my Magic Bullet with 4 ice cubes, 1 heaping scoop of Protein powder, 1 tsp instant decaf coffe & 4 oz of Water. It tastes just like a frapucino!!!) Jello - Jolly Rancher sugar free Gel Snacks, 1 serving10 calories Dinner:GNC Protein Drink, 1 serving140 calories (blended same as above) V8, 5.5 oz30 calories<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> 8 glasses of water daily. I have 16 oz glasses, so I do 2 before lunch & 2 after lunch if not more. Some days I have a cup or two of clear Egg Drop Soup or chicken broth or broth strained from Veggie Beef soup. They only add 50 calories max. <v:shape id=_x0000_i1027 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id=_x0000_i1028 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>CALORIE Total: 510<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>

One thing to consider is a metabolic test. Everyone's is different. My doctor has me do a 10-minute one where I have to breathe into a machine and it tells me what my rate is. You could use that test to work with your NUT on a detailed plan for you.

Still trying to get used to his new app. Kinda sucks. I hope all you Feb 2013 sleevers are doing great. I'm down 88lbs over all 70 from surgery on 2/19/13 feeling great still need to lose 30ish. Trying to get back on the wagon. I hate tracking my food but I know I need to.

Is it possible that doing crunches, etc can stretch the band??? I started a 10 week boot camp. Today was Abs...I come home & was able to eat at a normal pace w no problems?

I am so happy to FINALLY be in ONEderland! It seems it has been so very long but tomorrow will be 7 months. I have went from 280 to 193 for a total of 87 lbs. I feel like a new person. I can't even imagine at this point how I will feel at goal. I have approx. 40 lbs. to go which doesn't seem like much in comparison to what I have already accomplished but I am guessing things will be going a little slower from here on out. I'm glad it summer and the weather is nice because being outdoors and exercising will definitely accelerate the weight loss. I hope to be at goal by my one year anniversary (11/01/08). The prospect is utterly thrilling. starryeyed

Mine was when I found out I had some major back problems and the extra hundred pounds was not helping. So one day soon after that in the shower I was washing my fat body and I burst into tears feeling very lost because I have tried every diet out there for the last 10 years with no luck. So that day in the shower was a turning point in my life. That afternoon I started the million of hours of research on weight loss surgery. I had my lap band put in on Jan 10th, and have lost 55lbs. Thanks to the Good Lord Above!!!! Amen

it is wonderful to have the band together! My hubby will have his two years this May and I waited patiently for mine, finally banded 10/13/2008. We constantly push each other and support each other. It's nice to know when he's at the table and looks at me with that look, I know how he feels, I know what's going on. I hate that it took me so long to get mine, but I wouldn't trade having him with me for anything.

Congratulations. The time will arrive faster then you could imagine. I would be happy to help you. I was banded on 10-23-09. You can email me at cc-dmtermini@comcast.net if you like or write here. My name is Dawn.

I agree with whoever said that small goals are good. I try VERY hard NOT to think about how much I have to lose to get to my final goal weight. I think of everything in terms of 10 pound goals! I have had the band for about 9 months now and am a very slow loser compared to some folks on here. These little goals are so much easier and "faster". I put that in quotes because it isn't actually faster, but my self esteem seems to think that it is! Try it! It is a huge help.