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I know what you mean Mike, I am starting to feel a sense of fullness, after drinking a shake or having some Soup and a pudding. I am trying to focus on the "thereafter", I was at the store and I was going to buy myself a new pair of pants for work, and I said to myself, "why am I going to waste the money?" In a few weeks I will be buying new smaller sizes. So I decided not. I think I am starting to look forward to paying more attention to myself as I begin this transformation. I hope that doesnt sound selffish. I have been so disgusted with myself that I havent really wanted to buy myself new things unless I had to. I think if I focus on what its going to be like to enjoy getting dressed and shopping for things that I like as opposed to things that fit, I will become less nervous. I wish you tons of luck on your surgery on 5/20, please keep me and the rest of us posted on how you are doing. All the best, Sherry

For the first month I did only walking. 6 weeks I started doing the treadmill with an incline. It wasn't until 8 weeks that I started to do weights and start doing core work. Start slowly as your really not getting a lot of calories so even burning 200-250 is probably half your daily intake. Good luck- LA

I am about 17 months post op. I made it to goal weight at my year mark. I am struggling with maintenance. I have started to exercise more shooting for 3-4times a week. I seem to be hungry more but am trying to really focus on if I am hungry or just bored. My question is how many calories and carbohydrates to you eat in maintenance? I am really good about getting my Protein in. Thanks in advance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

i will be meeting with my surgeon on friday. looking forward to that. maybe he will pull off these steri-strips! tuna, turkey and gravy, and mashed potatoes are all that ive been eating his week. yummy tho! im going to try scrambled eggs for lunch tomorrow! my husband says he can definitely tell im losing weight from the belly region. it makes me happy to hear but i wish i could see it. anyway, im off to bed. just wanted to update so people know im still alive.

Start weight 259, surgery date weight 238, today's weight 205 goal is 140. My hubby was not in favor of me having this surgery. We have been together for over seven years. I turned double nickels 55 this summer. My surgery was a planned open surgery due to lots of scar tissue on my stomach. We arrived at the hospital at 8:00 am, I was taken back, they weighed me and I remember thinking goodbye fat Donna. They started the IV the gas doctor came and talked to my husband and I, and off I went to surgery? now you should know that there was a chance They could not do the surgery because of the scar tissue. I do not remember waking up in recovery, I do remember waking up in my room. I kept asking hubby were they able to do the surgery? he said yes, then I would fall back asleep and ask the same thing again a few minutes later. I was up and walking around that evening with a morphine drip. I had 30 staples from my breastbone to a couple of inches below my belly button. I told the doctor I was expecting 36 staples. I was in the hospital for four days, my potassium level was low so they made me drink potassium prior to going home - very nasty stuff! I was afraid to drink and eat broth and it felt weird drinking and filling full. Even when I got home, I walked six times a day, around the block and kept increasing it. I did go back to work after two weeks. I have a desk job and am salaried so I only worked about five hours a day the first week. My stomach muscles hurt the most from getting up from my chair. Not sure what potassium everyone takes. I cut my pills in half, taking the whole pill will make me sick to my stomach. Wish they had told me that from the beginning. I was two weeks post op before they told me. doctor said any pill bigger than an m&m should be cut in half. My biggest problem even today is getting in enough liquids. I have not found a drink that I really like. Ice tea was my go to drink and I really am not fond of it now? Peach crystal light is okay, propel is better but I am told to only drink two bottles a day of the propel. just Water does not do it for me. I am going to try a lemon slice today. I have been dumping about once a day. I was eating three meals a day, doctor said I need to eat four to five times a day. My day starts at 4:30 am. Breakfast at 7:30, lunch at noon and dinner at 6:30, dinner is generally what I lose, so doctor suggested to eat at 3:30 something like a couple of bites of cottage cheese or half of a Protein drink. I guess I am a slow learner, I made BBQ chicken the other night and had some BBQ sauce with it and did not even finish my meal prior to getting sick. I never thought that the BBQ sauce had too much sugar. I now read every label prior to buying the food. BTW, the reason my hubby was against the surgery was our social life would change, and the horror stories of bad surgeries. He is very supportive, when I have a bad day, he just holds me and tells me tomorrow will be better. He llkes me being cold because I snuggle with him lots more to stay warm. One of my hobbies is scuba diving, the more you weigh the more weight you need to get under the water. My last scuba dive I needed 32 lbs of weights, my smaller friends use 18 lbs of weights. Trying to get into and out of the water with 32 lbs of weights and all your gear is difficult. I can not wait to go diving again maybe sometime in February using half the weights,I started with!

Hello, im curious about the weight watchers diet how do i know how many points i need to eat and do i really need to join?? i havent started on solid foods yet i'm just 3 weeks out and still on mushy food and reccomendations for me? all will be appreciated thanks in advance!!!

I started out with WW because of my insurance. I had to if I want the insurance to pay for the surgery. I exactly like do with WW with the lapband. Go rules to live by and the meetings were great. I don't eat rice or pasta because of the carbs, but I do eat bread, just not everyday. But I workout 6 days a week and 2 to 3 hours. I am down 60lbs in 3 months. But, I am nerves to hit my plateau.

GNC makes a pretty palatable gummy vitamin, I took them for a couple of months pre-op. I tried the chewable bariatric-specific vitamins before I bought the gummys...that chalkiness and the huge size was too much for me. I ordered BariMelts and used those for about a week before surgery and thought I had the vitamin issue under control, but about 2 weeks after surgery, they started making me vomit. Now I'm using PatchMD patches...

Sunday will be the 6-month (semi) anniversary of my surgery. As of this morning, I am 70 lbs down from my consultation weight. And, amazingly enough, I've even started a Personal Fitness Program and am now looking forward to getting to the YMCA every other day instead of dreading it. I am still dreading the elliptical which has nearly killed me several times! I got another fill on April 20th and I think that was the one that really did the trick. I'm finally at the sweet spot with 7ccs in my 12cc band. I am not hungry (most of the time), I can eat about 3-4 ounces at the most and if I do have one bite too many, I can feel it immediately. This last fill also gave me limitations I hadn't had previously: Bread, cake, greasy food - nope! And, if I have a soda or chew gum, I get terrible chest gas that requires Gas-X strips immediately. Can't do them anymore without severe discomfort. So, I've learned in the last two weeks what to avoid and how the band actually works. Yesterday I felt practically slim - I was wearing jeans a size too big, platform sandals and a nicely cut (cleavage revealing) shirt. Two friends said I looked "skinny." I know they meant skinny for me and not actually skinny but boy did I feel good. The only problem -- my underpants kept falling down! Guess it's time for new drawers. I have a few questions for fellow banders today: 1) How do you feel about your body? After years of being obese and of a certain age, my skin is not retracting at all. I've gotten super jiggly and wiggly and I really don't like how it looks or feels. I know I have a lot farther to go (another 60 lbs) but I'm already appalled by what I see. I suppose I should start saving for cosmetic surgery now. 2) Who do you tell about your band? I have told my very good friends, family and a few work colleagues but there is one guy I can't stand at work who keeps asking me what my secret is. He's not asking because he needs to lose weight, he's just being nosy. This same guy and his partner had a baby last November and the mother has got to be at least 48 years old. Last time he started trying to get info about my weight loss I nearly blurted out, "Hey, I don't ask how you got a baby out of 50-year old woman, do I?" 3) How long do I have to wait to get my neck/chin sucked out and tightened? I didn't have that big of a double chin to start but in the last 15 lbs or so, it's gotten sort of jiggly without the fat to fill it out. I will definitely need a neck lift and was thinking about going for a consultation now to find out what the surgeon thinks. Has anyone else had this surgery before they got to goal weight? Please open your books and begin your essays now. Put your books face down on the desk when you have completed answering the questions. Thank you and good luck. Barbara

Mine changes day to day. Sometimes I can have hot sometimes cold. Your body will tell you. But yes coffee is in my diet. I do sugar free because I don't need the sugar. I waited one week but never had reflux issues. Be careful and take it slow.

I've lost really really really slowly for the last 8 weeks or so. Like only 1.5 kg in that whole time, despite having increased my running distances to 10km at a time (for a race I was training for). That's 1000 calories burned per session - and nope, not losing!

Ugh, I can completely relate to this. I have been losing and gaining the same two pounds for about two weeks now. It is really doggone frustrating but I'm trying to shake things up by eating new foods I haven't tried before and I'm staying the course with exercise. Hopefully I snap out of it soon! Congrats on getting back on the losing side again!

Ok so here I am 4 weeks out and in 2 weeks will get my first fill....THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING:huh2: I had seen in many blogs that most bansters had to be liquids for a day....then mushies for a few days, then return to regular food. IS THIS TRUE???? I got on the horn to call my dr'c office to change my appointment, because there was NO WAY IN HELL I was gonna be sippin' on a protein shake on Thanksgiving, regarless if its turkey flavor or not (ewww....i know) SOOOO my doc's office said that that was a big misconception with fills.....and NO i did not have to be on liquids the first day after a fill......WHAT????? thats all i have been hearing on here and now they said NO I dont??? I;m just looking for a few opinions of AFTER THE FIRST FILL......I certainly dont wanna be drinking my turkey in a few weeks!! HELP!!!

@lisacaron, definitely the texture and feeling are a big part of it... The fats feel good going down, soothing, silky, and I've struggled with heartburn. I did have the band loosened about 2 weeks ago—I was suffering terribly with heartburn and starting to get some reflux, but that's totally gone now and I'm starting to feel better. And actually, until you asked i hadn't put the two together, so perhaps that's as much of it as anything, and maybe the cravings will go away as my esophagus heals.... But I think it's also just comfort food. Kinda like taking drugs. I eat the fats and my body goes "whoosh, relax!" I'm SO stressed out at work and crazed with life that I'm kinda like the rat who presses the button over and over and over again. Thanks for your kind reply, and for asking a question. A lot to think about here...

Hi everyone, its been ages since I've been on here seeing as how i used to live on here. I was Banded June 3, 2008 and i just had my 1st fill yesterday (7 months after surgery) I'm 20 years old and my starting weight was 365 I'm now down to 297.8 (according to the doctors scale). i have the V-something band haha but it can hold over 10cc's. My doctor, Dr. Prachand, filled me 5cc's my diet consists of 3 days thick liquids, 1 week mushies, back to regular. Yesterday i stressed my self out, it fill wasn't as painful as i expected, actually the numbing agent was more painful than the fill itself. I wasn't hungry at all yesterday but i had to get something in just so i wasnt hurting my body so i made myself some cream of chicken soup with milk and 2 slices of cheese and ate til full then put the rest in the fridge. Same for today cream of chicken and slimfast protein shake with added protein --> (down to 293.8 this morning) I'm wondering if i should feel a hardcore restriction since my fill was so high up in cc's??

My second out of three, dietitians told me there are no, no no 's, just be smart. I have Godiva dark chocolate almond bark in my house. One piece of Candy did not make us fat, the whole candy store made me huge. I know I don't do well getting rid of my triggers. Bread is #1 so I have it in restaurants only. Good luck. If you look at candy with sugar is sometimes less carbs.

Hi guys! I am one month post op and I am down 23 lbs! Whoohoo! I was getting discouraged because I have been sitting at 22-23 lbs down for a couple of weeks now. Last night I had my mom measure me just like we did when I was pre-op and I am down 9.5 inches overall. That made me feel so much better. Hopefully my body will start letting go of a little more weight now. Have a great day guys and remember....WE CAN DO IT!!!!

Hi guys! I am one month post op and I am down 23 lbs! Whoohoo! I was getting discouraged because I have been sitting at 22-23 lbs down for a couple of weeks now. Last night I had my mom measure me just like we did when I was pre-op and I am down 9.5 inches overall. That made me feel so much better. :confused: Hopefully my body will start letting go of a little more weight now. Have a great day guys and remember....WE CAN DO IT!!!!

I saw my surgeon today and he said I have everything in order for getting approved. Said I should know in a week or so and be set for surgery within 3 weeks. I am excited.:scared2: I only have to do two days of liquid and lose 3 pounds before surgery. However, I am ready to get started. I need some ideas of things others did that helped get prepared. I stopped drinking pop 10 days ago - not a bad as I thought it might be. I have a Protein powder I like (I am allergic to dairy so I have found a soy product with no carbs, one gram of fat and 24 grams of protein). I have found I like it ok with just Water and Crystal Light. I plan to start having Protein Powder drink for Breakfast and lunch and do a Lean Cuisine for dinner. I want to have my protein stores built up and my liver leaner by losing weight before I face the surgery. I have started on liquid Vitamins, Calcium, etc. I plan on seeing my docotr to find out what meds he wants me to continue and how to get liquid or can I crush them. I would welcome any other suggests of things that helped other people get prepared and do well in surgery and after. Thanks for your help in this. Debra:thumbup:

Depends on your healing and your doctor's protocols. I was okay'd for light weights (10lbs) at 2 weeks and could resume regular aerobic core workouts at 3.

I am 1 week post op and I have a bruise the size of a fist above my belly button. It looks aweful. Did anyone else have this issue? My doc says its normal it just worries me..

How is your port now? I know it takes 6-8 weeks to heal completely. Are you ok?

Hello all, I am almost 7 weeks post-op (surgery 8/20/09) and 30lbs are gone forever!!! :mad: Having issues. My first fill 9/30 and it was a nightmare. The woman doing my fill hurt me while pushing on my belly looking for my port. The she filled 3cc and could not swallow then almost passed out!!! It was crazy. Then we stuck me a 2nd time and she removed 1cc. Felt ok but still having problems eating during some meals.:thumbup: My biggest problem is that at 7weeks post op my port incision area still hurts. And it feels really thick like I have a bump right under the skin. And I still cannot sleep on that side without it feeling like my insides are sliding over. After UNSUCCESSFULLY trying to get in touch with my surgeon, I have to go see him tomorrow and get it checked out. I am really frustrated. What else can go wrong? I am having really good results so far but I hurt the majority of the time..:thumbup: Anyone help... if you have been through similar... Thanks

Hello all, I am almost 7 weeks post-op (surgery 8/20/09) and 30lbs are gone forever!!! :tongue: Having issues. My first fill 9/30 and it was a nightmare. The woman doing my fill hurt me while pushing on my belly looking for my port. The she filled 3cc and could not swallow then almost passed out!!! It was crazy. Then we stuck me a 2nd time and she removed 1cc. Felt ok but still having problems eating during some meals. My biggest problem is that at 7weeks post op my port incision area still hurts. And it feels really thick like I have a bump right under the skin. And I still cannot sleep on that side without it feeling like my insides are sliding over. After UNSUCCESSFULLY trying to get in touch with my surgeon, I have to go see him tomorrow and get it checked out. I am really frustrated. What else can go wrong? I am having really good results so far but I hurt the majority of the time..:thumbup: Anyone help... if you have been through similar... Thanks

BEER - COKE-- Ok Girly girl time for a banster recheck! Not sure about this sudden restriction deal but PLEASE hold back on those carbination drinks. You really may be able to stretch out your stomach- its not proven but its not not proven either. I hope things settle down before your next Doctors appt. If your still losing 2 pds a week why not just postpone your fill for a few weeks out? Best of luck & be good to yourself. FYI- Some say that flying does funny things to the band as well- like makes it more full for a few days- who knows?