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I'm having surgery tomorrow, and a hiatal hernia repair will also be done. From what I understand, it's pretty common, as one of the major causes is obesity. Regarding the port, since I haven't had my surgery yet, I can only comment on what I've read through these forums. A heating pad is what I hear most. Never heard of anyone using ice. Hopefully some seasoned veterans will respond. Good luck, and congrats on the surgery. I'm sure you will feel so much better in the next week or two

I went for my 2 week post op check up yesterda, lost 21 pounds, stitches doing great, go back in 3 weeks for 1st fill. I also had a hernia, it was repaired during surgery, I feel great, don't have to take prevacid now. So far, I can't eat eggs, they stick then they come back. Have tried two times so I guess I will mark them off my list. I can do popsicles good, also can still do slim fast with no problem, I can eat cheese. My short term weight loss goal is another 20 pounds by Christmas.Long term 80 more total.

Conceiving was one of my most important concerns with getting banded. Actually it was one of my MAIN reasons, among being healthier...to get banded. Being severely obese.. and needing to lose lots of weight before safely, being able to try for another child... I had my daughter when I was 325..lost some gained some... that was 4 years ago. I wasnt at a healthy weight then..it was rough. I talked to my doctors, surgeons... lapband specialist.. they ASSURED me.. that this was totally safe ( they just release the fluids through adjustment so you can get the nutrition you need during pregnancy. ) Pregnancy can happen safely, and shouldn't be feared after banding! I just got banded a week ago.,. and im looking forward to loosing weight so I can do the same!

I use a bariaric multi. I take three a day, so that would be 420mcg B12 (which is 6999% RDV) and 900mg calcium (90% RDV).

Hi Everyone, Beth, best of luck on your surgery it would be great to share stories in this process. :grouphug: When I had my sleep study they fit me for a mask right then, in fact they even came in and had me wear it for a time. Honestly, I didn't get my machine but I've been told recently that I should. The worst of it is just getting used to it, I've a several opions ranging from a day to 2 weeks to get used to wearing the mask. I'm 38 years old, live in Foxboro and I'm awaiting surgery. My doctor is Dr. Daniel Jones at the Beth Isreal. I have my last pre-op test on Friday. Due to scheduling I will have my one to one meeting with Dr. Jones in November. I had chosen him after meeting him at the information seminars at the hospital. I started this process after having a severe medical wake up call. I had a major "cardiac episode" in July '07. Obviously I'm nervous, but at the same time I'm excited, and very hopeful. I have an unbelievably supportive family which helps so much. Now I'm looking to this site to increase my support system, with others who have been where I am currently. It would be great to hear from everyone and your own experiences.

Is anyone terrified to put something in their mouth at the fear it will hurt you?? well that’s me. I’m scared to death to move onto another food. im 4 weeks today and been eating yogurt, that’s it. i did however eat a scrambled egg as I’m on stage 4, so far so good. Let me tell you this, I will never be fat again, I will always remember this torture

I had the Realize band by Dr. DeBruyne two weeks ago. He has performed nearly 4,000 Lap-Band procedures over the last 12 years. He has 7 different bands to choose from. Consult with Dr. at his clinic at his home the evening prior to the surgery. OK to have a "last meal" after the consult. No food or drink after midnight.... and no "clean you out" Fleet citric juice either. Check in at hospital at 7 AM. My surgery was just after noon. I got an IV during the overnight stay, so I had to use the "bottle". Nurse wakes you up every 2 hours to check BP and Blood Sugar. Dr. stops by in AM to see how you are doing. His assistant, "Frederik" stops by the hotel in the evening, to see how you are doing. The current pricing is: surgery, hospital stay, hotel & taxis for 4,000 euros, payable in cash to the doctor or "Frederik". Non-stop airfare from Dulles was $645 per person at airfare.com, but I would find a way to up-grade to "Economy-Plus"... more leg room. I used Unjury protein for pre-surgery diet and now to supplement food. Not much effect from band, yet. Have to wait 4 to 6 weeks for first fill. We used GoldPointsPlus points to stay a few days in Antwerp. Hotel in vilvoorde is like a Motel 6, but it is close enough to the hospital that you can walk, or ride the bus. The alternative hotel is the Crowne Plaza near the airport. Internet access at the Campanile Hotel in Vilvoorde is with AeroWisp, and is really sad. Hotel restaurant is good. Hospital is clean, and the staff does pretty good with English. The fluoroscope x-ray after the surgery is really pretty neat. I saved $10,000 over having the surgery done in Richmond, VA at St. Mary's hospital ($13.5k out-patient & $18.5k for overnight) or UVa ($15.4k for out-patient). EKG, bloodwork & Fluoroscope are included at hospital with Dr. DeBruyne. If you want to know more, let me know. Oh yeah, weather was cold with rain and some wet snow in mid-Nov. Fred[at]fastaz.net Max weight = 353, pre-surgery weight = 338 and now 321 after only 2 weeks. BMI was 48

If you're pushing yourself really hard at the gym, you're obviously going to need a few more calories to nourish the body. As long as you are eating healthy and within your ranges, you'll do great! Follow your NUTs advice. Currently on my full liquid diet, my NUT said any ranges my surgeon gave me I should be at the higher end (due to my structure), so for this phase it was listed 600-800 for me, so I'm trying to hit close to 800 calories a day. I found that hitting the gym everyday this week with 30 minutes of intense cardio actually slowed down my weight loss this week as I think I was pushing my body into starvation mode and i was getting those hunger pangs more in the evening this week then what I'm used too. As an example, I consumed 735 calories on Thursday, burned 630 from exercise in addition to what the body normally burns for the day and sets me up in a huge deficit. I'm going to reduce the intensity of the cardio for now until my calorie intake is back up to 1000-1200 and I think then I'll be okay. Everyone is different, so please don't use my numbers for yourself, as I'm just trying to explain whats been happening with me as it might shed some light on your own dilemma

I'm 6 weeks post op & have been having SHARP pains in my left side/area for days! When I laugh & certain movements.. I had the initial prolonged discomfort on my left side, which is normal. That stopped a few weeks ago.. This is new & I just want to know if anyone has had this and what was the reason?!?

fellow sleevers getting smaller cool looking new haircut/ hairstyle Got my 1rst tatoo 3 grandkids initials w/three little hearts right wrist healthier happier self-confidence going through the roof head up high reaching past the stars sky is the limit what is next?

My surgeons assistant told me to take GAsX and it helped. When I had a previous lapro surgery that gas pain hurt for over two weeks, with the GASX this time 2-3days!! Good Luck Oh and I actually used the ones from the Dollar Tree!!!

I am almost 6 months post op. My initial pouch was 4 oz. I was a little bit of a different case because I had a leak complication with my surgery which prevented me from being able to eat or drink at all for the first 5 weeks. At 5 weeks, when the leak was healed, I could eat one hard boiled egg. Today, I could probably eat two hard boiled eggs and two pieces of bacon. When I eat out with my friends/family, I tend to eat 1/2 to 1/3 of the portion I am served. I eat kind of like those teeny tiny skinny ladies who seem to barely eat... and you always wonder if they feel constantly starved...only it is not miserable. You feel just fine/full. At first, be prepared for waiters to ask you if "everything is ok" and you like your food (because you ate so little of it).

hey there....i had surgery on the 13th of october and all i had to do was clear diet the day b4.....nothing along the lines of some other people who have to diet for 2 weeks or more....good luck and lemme know how you make out!!!

I am two weeks out today. My day usually consists of a protien shake (yuck) in the morning, two thin slices of turkey and 1 slice of lf cheese at lunch and for dinner tonite I had 1/2 pc crisp toast and 1/2 of a scrambled egg. I like malt o meal, grits, , black bean soup, Low fat refried beans. Tomorrow I might try some chicken salad!

Hello Everyone: im gonna try to keep this topic brief.. I know I get long winded. I really want to express how I am feeling because I need HELP! In a bad way.. If you guys can give me input and feed back I would really appreciate it.. Im on the verge of going to see a counselor because I really cant understand what I am going thru.. Please be patient with me.. Just typing this post, Im getting teary-eyed (I now understand the importance of pre surgical psychological evals) HONESTY: I feel like I cant be honest with the friends and family that know I have had wls because people are so judgemental and no one was supportive of my wls to begin with. I want to be totally honest with you guys. I am 19 days post op and beginning with day 8, I have really not done well. One night, no lie, I literally was sleep walking into my pantry and opened/tried to eat a snack size bag of lays potatoe chips. Its like I was dreaming because I woke from a sound sleep and did this.. used to do this pre surgery.. Well, I was able to get the some of the chips down and I couldnt beleive they went down, once I realized what I had done.. I immediately threw up.. dont know if I did it on purpose or if it was reflex/reflux. While fully awake, on different occasions, I have tried to eat some chopped hamburger patty, I have tried to eat the topping from pizza and I even tried to eat the meat and cheese from the inside of a philly cheese sandwich. Well of course, none of it when it down and all three times it was followed by episodes of vomitting.. WHO DOES THIS? I just dont know what is wrong with me.. Its like following this post op diet is impossible.. WHY WHEN I KNOW I CANT EAT REGULAR food??? GUILT: On all four of the occasions where I have screwed up.. I have literally cried myself to sleep.. I feel like a complete failure.. I feel guilty ALL THE TIME because I didnt think I was this type of person.. I MEAN REALLY WHO CHEATS ON THE POST OP? I was able to stick to the pre op diet WITH ABSOLUTELY NO CHEATING WHATSOEVER. Now, I cant even make a 4 week post op diet? The only thing, aside from Soup, broth and baby food that goes down and stays down is this ice cream by Blue Bell, it has no sugar and very few carbs. But, even after eating maybe 5 teaspoons, GUILT SETS IN AGAIN cause who has wls and eats ice cream? After taking this trip to war torn Mexico by myself, enduring an invasive surgery, 72 hours of post op hell not to mention the THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS I SPENT AS A CASH PATIENT, i just cant believe I would be this weak and jeopardize everything.. I didnt realize my addiction to food was this bad.. I FEEL LIKE THE BIGGEST LOSER OF ALL TIME,.. how ironic, the wrong kind of loser. Oh, now all of a sudden, I hate looking at myself in the mirror, partly because of guilt. Even though I know I have lost (threw the scale out on day 9) because my clothes are FALLING OFF, I just cant stand the site of my own image and even pre surgery, I loved to look at myself. I dont know where this self hatred is coming from, other than guilt of not following this pre op diet. SUBMISSION: I am a believer and I pray on and about EVERYTHING. I have asked God why I am weak now, of all times, when I have had to be so strong my whole entire life. I wake up every morning wondering if im still "plicated".. I see other people eat, though I have not had ANY hunger since the surgery, and I realize that I will never be able to "enjoy" food again the way I used to but, I do know my "enjoyment" of food got me into this mess.. so, I get sad, just thinking that I will be on mushies FOREVER.. at this point, I cant even see me ever being able to eat regular food, even in tiny amounts because it hurts so bad and Im tired of throwing up.. so.. ACCEPTANCE AND SUBMISSION to the surgery is what has come up in my spirit after really praying and meditating on the subject. I guess to ACCEPT the fact that my life has changed forever and SUBMIT to the surgery.. meaning just realize that this sewed up stomach has the upper hand and this is just how my life is going to be.. If anyone here can relate to any of this, please let me know.. I dont have anyone to talk to that can remotely understand. I really dont want to spend the money on a therapist after taking so much from my savings for the surgery but I feel totally alone and I need to talk to someone.. If you dont want to share in front of anyone in the open on this topic, please send me a private message. I really need the help of anyone who understands cause I am starting to believe that I AM LOSING IT.. Right now, trying to heal my body, mind and spirit, I just cant afford to be falling apart like this. Thanks in advance for your help. Thanks for tolerating my long post. Texas-not feeling like a-DIVA

It definitely varies a lot between individuals. In pre-op I talked to folks who were doing the surgery and then was on the floor with them afterwards. Most did pretty well at least at that stage. I don't think its a super painful proceedure and most of the issues have to do with getting fluids and nutrition VS standard pain management. For me the procedure itself was fine, recovery room wasn't very fun (is it ever?), lots of pain that they struggled to control for a bit. On the floor I was doing ok and was up and walking very quickly, though had a lot of pain. They had to double the pain meds (I have a naturally high tolerance for them apparently). I had the hernia repair, which they say makes recovery WAY worse. I was set to go home after 1 night, but started to have stomach spasms (dry heaves) that were extremely painful and they kept me another night. I struggled with protein shakes because they were too thick and got stuck. The first night home was VERY rough. I couldn't get comfortable, couldn't do much water or protein and worse my pain pills weren't doing anything. Early in the morning I called the DR and they told me to get to the ER, I also had a very elevated pulse (200+) so went there via ambulance. I stayed another few nights in the hospital and eventually was doing MUCH better. The issue was that I was so swollen (probably from the hernia repair) that I couldn't get pain meds down and the intense pain and heaving caused a high heart rate (had a full work up and luckily don't have any heart issues). I actually think the extra hospital time helped a ton, I got lots of fluids and some nutrition and left in great shape. Things got a LOT better after that and now almost 5 weeks out I'm knocking on 40 lbs down and feel great. It is a lot of work though. Constantly drinking, eating small amounts, etc. You really have to be mindful because at least for me if I eat wrong or drink too quickly I'm in a world of pain. It's tough to argue with the results though!

Anyone else with me? I'm still in the early stages, as I still have 5 more PCP visits as well as my preop testing, but things will definitely start accelerating next week as those tests begin. I'm excited about what lies ahead, but a little nervous as well. My BMI is flirting with 40, and I do have comorbidities, but I'm afraid of insurance rejection. Still, though, I'm going to push forward and see what happens. I have big plans for myself post-surgery and can't wait to see where I am a year from now!

Hello and congratulations on the weighrt you have lost. Yes people stall with the weight loss. I too have and am going through that phase. I have learned through the support groups and keeping up with this web site that it can be a common thing. I have lost 45 lbs within the last year-- however I really would of liked to have lost more. Our bodies go through a lot of changes with this band and the body has to catch up with itself. Others will say no way but as the Dr. and nutritionist tell me everyone is different and all will lose at a different rate. Just keep up with yourself, stay focused and don't give in, to the downfall of being stuck. You will start losing again. Praise yourself for the beginning of a new you.

I am a fairly new runner (Sept 07) So i have ran a few 10k's and average about 20 miles a week. I would like to do the OshKosh half Marathon in April 09. I tend to put alot more effort into bikeing and swimming too as i like to do Triathlons. Jachut is a great runner and also Salsa on here is too. they might be able to help you. Also check out coolrunning.com

AW, thank you @Frustr8 ! Very excited for you! As a first time surgery, you will do awesome! This procedure is the Gold standard they say. I will be happy to stay in touch and share my experiences with you as we will be only 2 weeks apart. Thank you for the vote of confidence and for reading my long post 😊💕

Yep! One week post op my husband walked in the room and I was ugly crying for absolutely no reason. It was all harmonal and passed quickly. And the tiredness and weakness were so much worse than I had prepared for. I’m four weeks out now and am finally not only getting my energy back but have more than before. Be gentle with yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal.

Hello All, and Happy Friday!! I was banded last Tuesday the 12th. I had 1 week of thick Soups, pudding, etc....anything that you can pour. I did fine that first week, I didn't have any pain at all, and I was good with eating. I am now able to eat anything I want, but the Dr. told me to start with softer foods, egg salad etc... Now, when I started to eat regular foods, my problem is that my brain is still not understanding that I can't eat all the foods that I want. I am having a really hard time with only putting a little bit of food on my plate. I think this is because I have been a BIG eater all my life. All of my plates have been filled to the brim with food. So now I am having problems with stopping myself from eating too much. So, I guess I just need to know if anyone has had this problem too. That it takes a little while for your brain to follow your stomach. Because right now, I feel horrible. I feel horrible that I can't stop myself from eating too much. I feel horrible that I can't feel satisfied with 1/2 cup of food on the plate. And this has already caused me to think that I have failed the band. That I am not working it like I should. :thumbup: I know, it has been 10 days since the surgery, so I shouldn't be too hard on myself. But it is hard to sit here and wanting to slap myself silly because my stomach is too full and I should have stopped eating when I felt that it started to fill up....but instead I kept eating, thinking..."well, I hardly ate anything..."!!!! I feel so irritated with myself. Okay, I will pull myself up and start again. I have lost 11 pounds so far, so I will just have to keep it fresh in my mind that I have to MEASURE!!! That seams to be the problem I have....I have to measure my food....THEN WALK AWAY from the kitchen! Sorry for the long rant....just feeling scared and stupid for not listening to my body. But I will do everything I can to work this band! Did I tell you I lost 11 pounds!!! :w00t:

I kept reading about My Fitness Pal and thought ok...ok....Well, I finally joined and, If you haven't already, YOU SHOULD!! Not only does it keep you accountable throughout your day, it helps to see what you can do to keep the weight coming off! I had a really strong start being banded on 8/17. Then as predicted the weight just wasn't coming off as easy while I was doing the the same things. I thought this was just the process. I found out by entering my exercise and goals to loose that I wasn't eating enough calories. In less than a week I am already seeing the benefits of this great tool! You can use on your PC as well as an app on your DROID/APPLE device. HOW CONVENIENT!! It is super easy too! Thank You to all who have been promoting this and convincing me My name is leepfrog on there if you want to friend me Good Luck to EVERYONE! We all know this is not an easy road, but together, WE CAN DO IT!!

liquid diets suck! I was one of the lucky ones who wasn't required to do a pre op liquid diet. But the 3 weeks post op one sucked so much! Just hang in there, and take it 1 mean at a time. You are going to do great!!