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I think you need to have a blood test to check your protein levels, vitamins, minerals, sugar, etc. Then you’ll know what your missing in your diet & your surgeon & dietician will be able to best advise you. And as @The Greater Fool said camp out at your surgeon & doctor’s & demand attention until you get answers & a way forward. I agree completely with @catwoman7’s advice around your caloric needs. We’re not all the same & there are too many factors that influence what you need as an individual. The blood test will help inform what your macros goals need to be - whether you need more, less or are consuming enough. I really appreciated the 3 monthly blood tests (& appointments) my surgeon & his colleague requested the last three years (just moved to 6months now). We picked up things like how removing my gall reduced my protein absorption, my vitamin D levels drop a little in winter, I didn’t need to continue to take multivitamins after I reached maintenance (except D in winter). I also agree with the advice to cut out any high fat or high sugar foods out of your diet & see if the dumping improves. Hypoglycaemic episodes gives me similar symptoms to what you’re experiencing though. (I usually eat a couple of berries as the little burst of sugar ease it very quickly.) Maybe your reactive hypoglycaemia needs to be explored further with your doctor too. All the best.

Hi all, I like sharing the story, because I remember having just as many questions when I had this (lapband) done back when my youngest child was 2 (so 8 years ago) I had been at a regular weight (5'5 or so and 130 lbs) - was good for me....until I got preg with my first - and SOMEHOW gained 70 with him (when I was 26) and despite diets, Weight Watchers, boot camps, south beach, no carb, walking, gym memberships - I only lost 30 of it. THEN, 6 years later (at the age of 32, I purposely got pregnant again, gained only 30 this time around, But remember - I was still carrying around the 40 pounds from my first baby(cakes). Anyway, in desperation, I did it. And I felt embarrassed that I had to go that route. But with my new metabolism and having two pregnancies - and after all the regular stuff, gym, walking, boot camp etc. -- it would not leave me and I didn't feel healthy. So, I did get the lapband, and it was a pain in the ass, there were required seminars and prescreening and pretests, liver checks, etc. etc. (but btw, eating healthier, exercise *walking was a huge help*) So, when my daughter was 2-3ish (back then it took forever to get certified, especially if you were too close to the BMI weight, which I was right on the cusp of not being qualified. Back then, it was like you had to gain weight before you qualified for it. When all was said and done, (again about 10 years ago now) I did land at a net weight loss of 70 pounds (from 240ish to 140/150) - but once I stopped having it filled, I did gain about 20. However, it doesn't matter, i'm back to close to pre-pregnancy weight and feel more in control about losing that in a healthy way. I know it's not easy when it's more than 50 pounds to lose. But, I do feel better! I don't really care now the nubmer that I weigh, as long as I feel good and more healthy. I quit getting it filled after after three times- it was very restrictive , even the doctor could see that. So, LONG story short, I was at where I wanted to be and had it completely unfilled, then removed about a month ago - I have not gained any weight!!! That is people's fear, but nope, I am happy to report, I actually lost 7 pounds since it was removed. And I feel much better with it OUT. I, obviously, am not against people who want or need it, but just keep an eye on it. My doctor said (not quoting him direct but in a nutshell he said ----> "10 year shelf life, if that - the statistics are still coming in" - just be careful. One POSITIVE experience from it: because I was restricted from eating for so long (whether band was filled or unfilled), I learned quickly to eat reasonable portions, not binge eat like I did when I was pregnant or whenever (everyone situation is different of to why they over ate)....and with the confidence that came with losing the weight - it did encourage me to PERMANENTLY eat different, healthier, and overall be more conscious of our eating habits and choices. And for those of you with kids, I don't need to repeat that! we want our kids to lead by example. I wish you all the best - I guess I'm leaning any advice for people with hesitations or wondering about self-experiences , and here to say - if you have the band, control the mind set and make it a permanent mindset and keep an eye on it!!! Because eventually you will not need it nor be able to have it. The removal surgery very me sucked badly, it was all wrapped around my intestines. (my doctor quit even doing them 7-8 years ago because of the complications they are seeing now that they have been reported more). But I guess, after everything else I tried and in combination with the rest of effort, it was worth it. if you get into that new "groove" - you won't need it the rest of your life. The important part, I think, is to sustain how your appetite and mind reconfigures itself afterwards. If you have any questions at all - feel free to message me! P.S. - I am not condoning lap band nor against it. I am only sharing my personal experience - just because I know that people need it for whatever reason they choose (health/self-confidence/feel better/not be so hot in the summer/can't lose/new metabolism sucks/never lost that baby weight, , etc., 👨‍⚕️

I tossed those shakes as soon as I finished the liquid stage & not one has touched my lips in the three years since. There is a giant shining beacon of light ahead for you. Happy birthday @Sophie7713. ❤️ What a fabulous way to celebrate with your wonderful husband & the equally wonderful @GreenTealael. Cucumber sandwiches in white bread were my favourite too @Starwarsandcupcakes. No spinach but soaked the cucumber in vinegar (balsamic usually). So good. We had tomato flavoured chips here in Australia (Red Seal were the best) as I grew up which I think would be similar to ketchup flavoured. They don’t make them any more sadly … but then maybe not as they would be a terrible temptation to me. So relieved you have finally pooped @ms.sss but then probably not as relieved as yiu were. 😆 It was like poop watch there for a while.

there is no consensus among surgeons on this. None. Some patients are drinking it before they even leave the hospital. Others are told they can never drink it again for the rest of our lives. And then there are those in the middle - who say they can drink it after x amount of time (one month ....or three months...or six months). So I'd check with your clinic to see what they say.

My diet is 100% liquid other than a handful of vegetables that I can makes as a soup. It is also three weeks long. At this point, I think I’m going to just do four to five shakes a day and a soup like egg drop or miso.

My surgery is 6/22. I started a three week liquid diet yesterday with the only exception being a vegetable soup that I can eat if I follow their recipe. My surgery team recommends stoking up on the first week or two liquids before surgery in case you don't feel up to shopping during that time. I have a few items, but I'll need to get more. Before my pre-op diet started, I started eating very similarly to how I would need to eat once I return to full food after surgery. I did end up losing 28 pounds over five weeks doing that.

I too had/have metabolic syndrome. I'm three weeks out from surgery and my blood pressure is back to normal range, my blood sugar is back to normal range, and I'm losing weight to get me out of the obese range. Cholesterol was lower as of my pre-surgery bloodwork but I'm also on Fenofibrate to reduce my triglycerides. I have repeat bloodwork in about four weeks to see if I can cut down on the Fenofibrate. But so far after surgery, I've come off my Metformin, Lisinopril, Propanalol, and now my hydrochlorithiazide (HCTZ), so I think surgery really will help with metabolic syndrome.

Am I the only one who some days has no appetite and then turn around the next and feel almost no restriction? I’m only three months post op. I have been increasing my workouts recently so I don’t know if that is playing a part. I just feel like some days my appetite is non stop and I’m so afraid of stretching my pouch.

I just had my first meeting with the surgeon and I am getting very anxious. After studying the three surgeries available I met with the doctor and after a long conversation he convinced me the LapBand was not the best choice and that I should consider the Gastric Bypass. Looking at the facts I had to agree with the surgeon. Here are my particulars: male, weight 240, age 70, height 5' 8", currently using Rybilsus to control my type 2. Having read the book from the weight loss surgery program, I am now frightened, anxious, afraid and overwhelmed! How do I move forward? Sent from my SM-P610 using BariatricPal mobile app

Love it!! That is so cool that y’all were able to meet up!! I’m still hoping we can all get together for a BP reunion of sorts!! Great pic! All three look fab!

I went overboard with prep spending. (I'm a bit of a control freak, and that was my way of dealing with pre-op jitters/fear of the unknown.) One of the best things I bought: a 16-month planner with squares big enough to write in surgical appointments, weeks since surgery, diet change days, etc. Two things I wish I'd decided against: portion cups in various sizes (I used a grand total of about 25, not 200 each of three sizes!) and a big stockpile of protein shakes which I now can't abide.

Do you have specific medical issues that necessitate you eat three “meals” a day because my nutritionist was fine with my having just a protein shake for breakfast. I would ask your nutritionist when you speak with them but if it was for medical reason I would ask the surgeon.

Thank you for answering. Went to Dr. it was an extract oil I had started taking. Dr. Said to take at night instead of morning. Relieved not associated with surgery. Other then this incident I have had great success with my surgery. Very happy I did it and worth every uncomfortable moment in the beginning. I am down 3 sizes, lost 75 pounds, feel so much better. Dr. said if I had surgery to get rid of excess skin I'd loose another 5-7 pounds. Due to limited movement from an injury, I am considering it, as I am unable to do the great workouts I use to do. I still see myself as an overweight, obese person. But everyone tells me how great I look. Went to three weddings recently, I look at the photos, cannot believe I see the person in the photo!! It's me and I look damm good!! Keep the faith and you will succeed!! Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

If you truly are logging and measuring everything precisely, and your intake is under 600 calories it is impossible for you not to lose weight. It has to be the three week stall. Sometimes it can last a little while. I know it’s hard but try to trust the process. The weight loss will start again soon.

I experienced the same thing. Was eating less than 900 calories when I reached my goal & struggled for a while to physically eat more at any one time too. I had to snack & increased them until I was snacking 5 times a day. And yes I felt like I was eating all day long. My weight loss continued albeit very slowly & finally about 11 months after goal. I was still seeing my dietician through the first 6 months of this 11 months (Covid hit). For my snacks I added a second sometimes third serve of carbs (multigrain crackers), hummus, nuts, 1or 2 serves of fruit, protein bar, cheese, liverwurst, peanut paste, chia pudding, & used salad dressings. My dietician also suggested adding milk powder to my milk but I found it too sweet except in chia pudding. I eventually reached about 1300 calories. It can take a little time to sort this out in a way the best suits you. While you may lose more initially, you may also have a bounce back in your 2nd/3rd year as @catwoman7 said as you settle into a way of eating that complements how you want to live & enjoy your life. I eventually was able to eat about a recommended portion size of most foods (& I do eat slowly) & reduced my snacks to three a day. I am careful about what I eat 90% of the time. At my lowest I was 48.2kg but settled at 49kg for a good year. I put on 2 kgs a few months ago after I went on a higher dose HRT med & I had to add more protein to my diet due to an absorption issue (from my gall removal last year not my sleeve). I made some small changes to my diet but I still eat more calories as a result of the extra protein so the weight gain is understandable. All the best.

After three years, still no regrets. Sure it can be a bit of a struggle at first. Recovery, the staged return to eating, a fussy tummy, reassessing & changing how & what you eat, etc. aren’t easy. That lasts a couple of months or so which is nothing when you consider all the benefits & the rest of your life. To me, it was all very worth it.

Today is my three month anniversary. I can now eat solids! Doing ok, still rare occasional foamies, to avoid it I now watch the second hand on the clock and time each bite. Lost 52 pounds, mostly everywhere but my stubborn tummy. What I’m looking forward to is being to eat salad. Anyone out there have any problems with lettuce? I’m a little nervous about it as it seems like it might be hard to digest. Also every time I try something new I get nauseous after the first bite, then after a few minutes it goes away. Then after that if I eat the new thing again it doesn’t happen. It’s almost like my stomach is deciding if it wants to accept or reject a new food. Any one experience that? Any feedback would be appreciated.

More than three years out, and my only regret is that I didn't do it years earlier.

Literally never--even now, more than three years after surgery. I just walked as necessary for my daily routine. And it didn't impact my weight loss at all--I was quite successful.

Thanks everyone ! My surgeon confirmed it's normal and I should see some regularity around month three! My OB/GYN is a bit of a dingbat. She's never been very helpful in the past so I'm not surprised she was no help.

My wife said they called her 3 hours after I went back. The doc said the surgery should only take 90 minutes to 2 hours. So, two to three hours, I guess.

they often charge insurance companies way more than they charge self-pays. My plastic surgery was self-pay. I originally got a statement that my surgery (which I'd already paid for) was like three times more than what i paid for it. When I called, they said it was just a statement and to ignore it since I'd already paid. I'm pretty sure that was the amount that would have been billed to the insurance company if insurance would have covered it.

Currently sitting in the pre-op room. Surgeon is three hours behind schedule and I'm bored and just wanting to get this over with.

Look into the pampered chef one. It versatile! Three trays for air fryer, dehydrator, little oven, and rotisserie. It’s a little more then Walmart small air fryer. I actually have both, but my pampered chef one is the best so far.

Yeah, mine ended up halfway down the back of my thighs. Three years on & still not back though it is a little better shaped thanks to the slight redistribution/resettling of my remaining fat in my second year. If you are also experiencing bony ass syndrome, I can reassure you it does get a lot better eventually.