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Hey all! Just got banded on the 17th. Did great on my clear liquids for first 7 with no hunger. Now I am in "Bandster Hell" because I am trying to be good on the pureed portion of my diet (now in day 6 of purees) and I am starving....OMG.....I think I may have to move my portion sizes up of the pureed foods so I can feel more satisfied and keep the hunger monkey away...lol I go back to the doctor on the 5th of January, which will be 19 days post-op. I wonder if they will do a fill then? Had one "bad" day on Christmas and pureed a fresh piece of cooked ham in to a paste and ate it. It was good, but I am trying to be good now! Good luck to you all! Thank you for all your support! Happy New Year!:tongue2:

Sunday, March 13, 2005 By Dan Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All Murrysville dentist Michael Gigliotti wanted was a relatively cheap, last-minute flight from his mother's house in Florida to a natural-gas auction in Texas. But a $552 bill for the late-Februarytrip quickly went up when a late-boarding passenger complained he could not fit in the seat next to the 5-11, 300-pound Gigliotti. A supervisor from Southwest Airlines boarded the plane, crouched next to Gigliotti and said he would have to pay for a second seat on the return flight, claiming the dentist's large frame would not fit entirely in the 17-inch-wide space. Gigliotti did not feel humiliation -- just rage. "This won't hold up in court," he told the Southwest supervisor. "It already has," was her response, according to Gigliotti. The exchange captures a touchy topic in aviation -- how to deal with larger passengers as the nation's waistline expands. More than one-fourth of Americans are now classified as obese, and in an industry obsessed with fitting as many people as possible inside a giant aluminum tube, airline seats have shrunk to 16 inches measured from arm rest to arm rest -- narrower than an average-size computer keyboard and a tighter fit than the typical office chair or general-admission movie seat. "The airline seats are simply too small for a high percentage of the flying public," Gigliotti said. "We are getting bigger, we're getting taller, we're getting wider." Southwest is not the only major airline with a large-seating policy. US Airways, Northwest Airlines and America West Airlines all can require an overweight passenger to pay for two seats but said they do everything they can to find a pair of empty adjoining seats on the plane at no additional charge. Midwest Connect, which serves Pittsburgh from Milwaukee, requires that passengers unable to fit in one seat buy two; if there are other seats available on the same flight, they will be refunded for the second. But other carriers serving Pittsburgh, including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have no large-seating requirements. Hooters Air, an airline featuring slim, scantily-clad "Hooters girls" as flight entertainment, has no such policy, either. "We love large people," said Hooters Air President Mark Peterson. Hooters, which flies from Pittsburgh to Myrtle Beach, S.C., has never charged for an extra seat, he said, and fitting a larger passenger onboard has never been an issue in two years of operating the airline. While critics of Southwest's policy acknowledge that other airlines do the same thing, some said Southwest deserves to be singled out for its rigidity. "Southwest really expects its employees to enforce it, " said Mary Ray Worley, a board member on the Sacramento, Calif.-based National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. At other airlines, she said, "it seems to me their employees exercise a lot more of their own judgment in enforcing or not enforcing their policies. A lot depends on the prejudices of the employees involved." The large-seating policy is nothing new for the Dallas low-fare carrier, considered one of the industry's most successful companies, having made a profit 31 years in a row. It initiated a "customer of size" policy in 1980, requiring a larger passenger unable to fit in one seat to pay for two. But the airline, saying it could no longer ignore complaints from slimmer passengers, began enforcing the policy more vigilantly in 2002, requiring passengers to pay for the extra space even if others were available on the same flight. A refund is made available if the flight takes off with empty seats. Each case is a judgment call. There are no scales at the check-in counter. The test appears to be whether a passenger can sit in one seat without lifting the armrest. The increase in enforcement, leaked in a 2002 memo from Southwest President Colleen Barrett, sparked a few lawsuits and criticism from fat acceptance groups as well as jokes from NBC "Tonight Show" comedian Jay Leno. The negative attention was unusual for Southwest, used to glowing PR. Leno, in one of his monologues, stuck it to the Texas company, saying, "Boy, Southwest is cracking down on overweight passengers. Now any fat people standing in front of the terminal for more than 15 minutes will be towed." In another joke, he said Southwest had "been overstating each passenger's weight by 80 pounds so they can sell more fat ass seats." Southwest spokesman Ed Stewart attributed the controversy to "entertainment value." He mentioned the jokes from Leno and said "the reason you do it is because you think you can get a laugh out of it and it is something that affects everybody." The constant attention has "nothing to do with news value." It is little more than "people liking to make fun of other people." Most passengers, he said, like the policy. "For every 10 letters you get, nine of them will say they did not enjoy their flight because someone was sitting on them." Stewart said. A few, though, were upset enough to sue. New Hampshire businesswoman Nadine Thompson filed a lawsuit last year claiming she had no problem fitting into a Southwest seat but still was asked to pay for a second seat on a Manchester, N.H.-Chicago flight. When she refused, she was escorted from the plane, according to her lawsuit. Another woman in Spokane, Wash., filed a suit last year saying Southwest humiliated her in front of other passengers on a Orlando-Spokane flight, and that she spent the ride home in tears over her experience. But no one yet has been successful in overturning the policy in court. In 2000, a California judge ruled that Southwest's policy was "reasonable and not discriminatory" after a woman weighing 300 pounds sued. The woman's civil rights were not violated, the court said. But "I still think it's discriminatory to make me buy two seats," said the 5-foot-1, 350-pound Ray Worley, of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, who often will call ahead before booking flights to make sure there is enough room. "I believe I am entitled to the space I take up. It's a basic civil right issue. A lot of people believe it is within my control to be whatever size I am. That is completely false." When Southwest began enforcing its policy more strictly, it went before the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance's annual convention in Atlanta to explain it. It did not go well, according to Ray Worley, who was there. If Southwest hoped to make the policy more palatable, "They completely failed. ... The impression I got was they do not want fat people flying their airline. They don't want our business. They want us to go away." "What would make me want to fly Southwest?" Airline industry expert Terry Trippler said his biggest problem with the policy is its lack of consistency. If gate agents on one end of a round trip allow a large passenger to pay for only one seat, then the gate agents in another city should arrive at the same decision. But it doesn't always happen that way, Trippler said, and "everybody doesn't always have twice as much money for the airline ticket." "It's a tough call." Gigliotti, the Murrysville dentist, also has a problem with the way the policy is applied. "I think there has to be a measurable standard," he said. "The standard should be, can you put the arms down?" Gigliotti, who said his shoulders are wider than his waist from weightlifting, claims that he was able to get his arms down "without undue stress." The company, on its web site, said the armrest is the "definitive gauge." But in a Q&A about the policy on its Web site, Southwest said employees can still question the passenger "if a concern exists. ... Condoning an unsafe, cramped seating arrangement onboard our aircraft is far more inappropriate than simply questioning a customer's fit in our seats." Asked about Gigliotti's experience, Stewart, the Southwest spokesman, said, "I am sure he is a very slim 300 pounds" and it is "always going to be a judgment call." But every time the policy has been challenged, in court, "we have prevailed." Gigliotti was not charged extra for one leg of his trip, from Tampa to San Antonio, but he was charged for a second seat on the return trip to Tampa, despite the presence of other empty seats on the plane, he said. He was able to get a refund by calling a customer service number, but the experience is still with him. He fired off a letter last week to Southwest calling its policy "arbitrary and capricious." He vows never again to fly Southwest, even after its starts service from Pittsburgh in May. "I just want the public to realize what can happen to them if they fly Southwest."

I was banded 10/2 and didn't get my first fill until today. My doctor won't do a fill for 3 months after banding. My scale at home said I had lost a total of about 23 pounds but then I weighed in today I was shocked that according to their scale I am only down 16! I've only lost 4 pounds since my post-op visit! I was so mad but know that now I have my fill. My appointment took all of 10 minutes and I was out the door. I went to the mall and started feeling a little sick to my stomach. I think it was the barium I had to swallow for the fluro. My doctor schedules fill once a month so I have an appointment for next month for another one. I'm anxious to see what I can do with this band!

Michele's right, Bobby. Though I well know the temptation of sticking with a too-tight fill in the hope that it will accelerate weight loss, that's really not the case. However, if you're at all like me, you'll find that the fill will loosen after a loss of 10 pounds or so. Can you live with it long enough to see if that will happen? I don't know how difficult it is for you to get to your fill doctor. If it's not too big a hassle or expense, you might very well want to get a tiny adjustment. We are not meant to live on liquids.

I was just banded on Monday, April 19. I feel good (just sore and very tired) but I am sooooo excited! I started this process last August, and it felt like it was taking an eternity. Now the reality has come true, and I'm hoping I have great success, and I'm positive I will! Any tips or suggestions for me? Also, I'd love to hear any success stories. Thanks in advance.

Dos- 11/19/12 Pre op diet- 215 lbs Dos weight- 201 Current weight- 177 I excersise once a week, i need to do more!

I ordered Bariatric Advantage chewable multivitamin and Calcium Citrate chews from Amazon. Free shipping with a Prime account. Check with your surgeons office. Mine sells everything you need. Prices & my Dr's office was about 10% higher than stores or online but beats a blank.

So I figured I'd post post-op bypass. Today is Day 4 Post-op. It went really well. I was in the hospital two nights. Day 1 & 2 I was so nauseated I needed lots of anti emetics! Day 1 I had dilaudid PCA for pain and I think I just pressed it for the fun I it. Thy took down the pain pump day 2 in hospital. I actually have been getting away with minimal Percocet & Tylenol ...but mainly only Tylenol. The gas was horrific. I think I am a little addicted to gas-x (maybe because I like the taste & can't have anything else). I am on liquids...have my intense nalgene (48oz) bottle & am drinking my fluids adequately. SF pops are my buddies and I've been drinking Water & crystal light. As well as my Protein drinks. It's so crazy how I can only take small sips...my stomach gets mad and I swear my back starts hurting. But so far I am sooo glad I did this. I did this for my health, my confidence, my wife & my future children! I am down 10 lb so far. I even did the Wii a bit today! <<Ash>> Pre Bypass: 247.2 Goal: 140

They are really good. I'm able to get my chocolate fix for the day and my calcium and vitamin D all in one. Today I am going to try and microwave the chocolate for 5 to 10 seconds and mix in the PB2.

I was just banded on Thursday 5/22/08 and this has been harder than I thought. I have been doing the liquid diet since Thursday, but today has been VERY hard for me. Especially when all I can think about is FOOD!!!!! I am a very emotional eater, and have been pretty depressed since the surgery. I just now got out of the house this morning (too sore to leave before today) and actually had an adult conversation with my Mother (my dog doesn’t speak good English..lol). All I have been doing is lying down and watching movies since I got home Thursday afternoon. OK........I want something to EAT!!!!! I am soooo sick of shakes, pudding, Jell-O & the worst thing chicken BrOtH! YUCK!!!!! I have to fight my mind all the time; I have not slipped one time, and am VERY proud of myself. But it has been just as hard as being on all the other diets I have been on for over 10 years on and off! Anyone having this same problem?!?!?!

I've had my band for 6 days now and I have yet to figure out what's what. I have a pain in the middle of my chest and it burns. I'm burping all the time and I'm starving. Is my band just sore or am I having some serious gas pains. Also is anyone starving like I am. I haven't had any solids since 3/10. I would kill for a poached egg.

I was told that your puch can only handle 2-3 oz of liquids. Drink plenty of fluids, but You should know (or are getting to know) the "full" feeling. And to space out your "meals" over 20-30 mins. I too didn't get it until I got sick and almost passed out on my kitchen floor and then immediatly dumped (instant diarreah) DO NOT EAT AND DRINK AT THE SAME TIME, and, I was told to stop drinking at least 10-15 mins before you know your going to eat. using a Teaspoon, actually helped me slow down on eating the broths too quick. and distract yourself if you think your eating too fast. I ate applesauce yesterday *puree/mush stage* while I was in the middle of cleaning my house, so I would stop every few mins and take a spoonful. Hope this helps.

Hey everybody!! I'm 4"11.. starting weight was 218lbs, I had surgery on 10/24 (3 weeks ago). I'm now 200lbs!! I haven't officially weighed in this week, so it could be more!! Pants are fitting better, my face is getting smaller! I feel GREAT!!

Hey all - I was sleeved on Tuesday, June 10. I spent 2 nights in hospital because I was throwing up from pain meds. They changed the meds and I felt better very quickly. I'm resting a lot - today is 4 days post op, and drinking lots of Protein liquids. I won't go to mushy protein foods for another day or two. My sore throat from the tube is much better today and the gas pains are much less. I'm excited about the next few months and happy for all of us!

Hi everyone... I have had grand mal seizures since I was a teenager and have been on Depakote 250 mg, 5 times per day, since the late 90s. Does anybody who has had the gastric sleeve have experience with taking Depakote for epilepsy? I have not been to a neurologist in years because my seizures have been under control for 10 + years. My primary care doctor manages my medications and she is not sure if there is a liquid form that I would need to take or if the pill will still be okay after my sleeve is complete. Any help is greatly appreciated! Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all, I'm scheduled for sleeve on 11/18. I'm 5'6" and now 213lbs before my pre op diet in the next 2 weeks. I was 231 starting in May. If I loose 10 lbs on pre op liquid diet I'll be 203. I figure 50 more lbs may be doable on my own. Is this just nerves or is it not enuf lbs to have surgery! Help

All Bran makes a drink mix similar to Crystal Light that has 10 grams of fiber. It comes in 2 flavors. I've only tried the pink lemonade it's really good and you can have it while on the liquid diet. It helps a lot. Benefiber is good too but one serving only has 3 grams of fiber.

I had to ask the lady to repeat that I was approved on the phone. My whole process was a breeze but I wasn't expecting a call back so soon and then at 10 am my phone rings and I'm approved. I got a surgery date and a post op consult date five seconds after she told me that I was approved and then we hung up. I had to take a few minutes to get myself together. I just couldn't believe it! I'm so excited...11 days left!

Loggerswife: I got my date. It's 10/7. Are you still going to be banded early October?

Great job MacMadame!:smile2: No way I could swim that far. I still tend to sink rather than float. Just not meant for Water sports I guess.:sneaky: As for me, got up to fitness ctr @ work yesterday. Both good treadmills were taken at first. Hopped on elliptical for 19 minutes until one opened up. Then, hopped on a treadmill and did 1.5 miles in 12:39 followed by 5 min. cooldown. This morning, did 2.5 miles on treadmill in 23:30 @ .5% incl. followed by 10 min. cooldown. This afternoon will upper body and a little more cardio. Keep up the great work everybody!

Hi everyone! I have been toying with the idea of a band for a few years now. I had started the process again in early March of this year then got diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I've gone through surgery, radiation and now I'm on a hormone blocking pill for the next 10 years. My cancer was 100% estrogen positive and we all know that fat stores estrogen. Right now weightloss is my top priority. My MO, PCP and Bariatric Surgeon all agree. I just wondered if anyone else has been in a situation similar to mine? I expect to be banded early October regardless of whether insurance covers it or not. A generous friend has offered to cover the cost for me. Weightloss can help prevent reoccurance and even with knowing this I still can't control my food on my own!

I have been banded since Nov. 10, 2005, I have lost 111 lbs. and have maintained it since July 25, 2006 and have been going to my weight doctor religiously. Of course until I lost all the weight that I had needed he was seeing me monthly. August of 2006 I was seeing him every 3 months to be sure that I was maintaining and also for not losing anymore, according to him. I just saw him last week for my 3 month check up and he told me, I guess I don't need to bother you much anymore and I looked at him and I said, what do you mean? He told me that I have lost 111 lbs. and I have maintained a loss of 105% of my BMI so maybe I should just check in with him every 6 months or so. I feel as though I lost my best friend. I looked at him and told him, you are my incentive to keeping my weight off and I will still be seeing you every 3 months. I don't know if I can learn to be without him. This has been such a hell of a journey for me and knowing that I have FINALLY kept my weight off for 1 1/2 years is an incredible accomplishment. It wsn't losing the weight, it was keeping it off. Can I trust myself without him to keep it off? I am so scared!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only that................ I have 10 more sessions with my personal trainer and that will be the end of story too. I have been with him a year and I am terrified also not having him either. Will I know what to do without him? Will I cheat on my sessions without him? All these final habits are making me feel like I will have started all over again, square one, and lonely, and distrustful of myself. Does the fear of failing ever go away? Can anyone relate to me? Josephine OOPS ! I spelled the word "lies " wrong and sent it without checking my spelling.

It's so funny you should ask this! At the house we rented in Cape Cod last week, this magazine was lying on the coffee table. I never see this magazine, so I was interested to read it. The Bra Bible article was excellent! It didn't address foundation garments, though, just bras. And the basic advice was pretty much the same for everyone: make sure the band is snug and perfectly horizontal (i.e., not riding up in back). For a LOT of women, that will mean going down a size or so even if it seems tight when fastened on the loosest hook. The fabric will stretch with time, so starting out snug will give the bra longer life. And then look at the cup size and consider going up if there's any spillover or squishing in front. So, for example, a woman who thinks she's a 36B might actually do better in a 34 C or D. Or to translate that for women of size, if we think we're a 44DD but don't get the support we need, consider a 42 F. They also made the point repeatedly that the straps should only provide 10-20% of the support; the band should do most of the work. Of course, the recommended bras were all in the $50 - $80 range, except for the one that was in fact a 42F. THAT one was $167!!! Naturally. :rolleyes

Hi Angela, You are doing excellent right now. Remember that any weight loss before you are properly restricted is bonus weight. Now is a time for your stomach to heal, not to focus on losing weight(though I know that is VERY hard!!) I went thru the exact same feelings as you are, feeling like I wasn't losing as much weight as other bandsters....Usually there will be a fast loss at the beginning and then the weight loss will slow to 1-2 lbs a week AFTER you are properly restricted. This is the hard part, I won't lie. I couldn't wait till I had restriction b/c I was basically wide open and was able to eat anything and everything. Just try to focus your best on eating lean Protein and veggies once you are able to and off of mushies. You may be one of the lucky ones and experience restriction right off of the bat or with only one fill. It took me 2 big ones to feel anything. Patience is key with this band. I am still working on it!! About the working out, I was able to 2 weeks after my surgery. I was SO sick of simply walking as well so I got the OK from my surgeon to proceed. A lot of people will wait 6 weeks on the weights, it is up to you though. I was fine on everything but situps because of the pain in my port area and stitches I waited. Congrats on your awesome weight loss so far!!! ~Liz~ banded 03/10/06 Dr.Ortiz 241/199/150 5'7''

I was banded about three and a half weeks ago (on May 17th). At first the weight was dropping off quickly--I was losing one to two pounds per DAY. But then after about 10 days, my weight loss sort of just halted. I think part of it was due to the fact that I went out of town and several times I ate milkshakes (b/c there was nothing else on the menu I could "eat"). Part of it is probably also because I haven't been walking as much as I probably should. All in all, I've dropped something like 12 pounds (most of which was lost in the first 10 days or so). It's still pretty good to lose 12 pounds in less than a month, but I feel like I'm not doing very well compared to other bandsters. I probably just need to exercise more but I'm so darn tired of walking around my neighborhood. I want to start going to the gym but I'm not sure how long I need to wait before I can start doing the eliptical machine and/or swimming. Does anybody know how long after surgery one should wait before starting a more vigorous exercise routine? Thanks for any tips/opinions/words of encouragement!