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Are you eating too fast or too much? I ask because that's how I feel if I eat too much too fast. One Piece of bacon i can do... 2 is too much and it comes back, just my personal experience. You are still early on and just being banded 4 wks ago also may have something to do with it... You will find foods you can eat some weeks you cannot eat others... The band can be fickle. LOL

I'm on day 6 post op. Not sure exactly what it is. I'm sure I over did it I felt so good and probably did not rest as much as I should have but today it felt like heartburn (bad) I can't keep crushing Pepcid so I got chewable and they helped but still hurts so not sure what I'm feeling. Wonder if I ate to much. I may have drank my broth to fast do I took in to much? Or maybe half a yogurt was to much? I'm not sure how to tell. Glad I'm seeing the surgeon tomorrow I'm a little nervous.

I'm almost 2 years post op and I can still feel my sleeve. I can point on my body and tell you exactly where it is. Depending on what I eat and drink I can feel every inch of it. The only time it is painful is if I overeat or eat too fast. Your body is telling you to slow down or ease up. Early on right after surgery I could not tolerate cold liquids. That eased up over the first month. Cold was ok but ice cold or too cold was like daggers.

Ok, so I am new to this forum. My name is Tricia and I was banded at St Vincents Trussville AL on Nov 22, 2011. I quickly lost 50lbs and the loss slowed down to a stand still. I was ok with that for a while and went to have them put more Fluid in my band. I went from a 7.5cc to a 9.5 cc over a few months. I got the restriction I needed, but over time developed the horrid complication of nausea and vomiting just about everything including Water. Went back to their office, ( I live 50+ miles away), had a barium swallow and endoscopy which were both inconclusive. Had all fluid removed and basically was told my system needed a break and to reboot. I (and I know this is my fault for non restraint!) quickly gained back those 50 lbs plus a few friends. While all of this was going on, I lost the job with the bariatric coverage and now have only my spouse insurance which has no bariatric. Fast forward to early this year, had fluid put back in again and finally got an appointment where I saw the MD and not the nurse practitioner for the first time since surgery in 2011. He recommended starting over and bumped me up to 7.5cc. I explained to him that I am extremely frustrated with the band and the lack of patient care I have received from him personally since my surgery, and that I would like to explore the option of getting this band out and having the sleeve done. He said that he was sorry and basically since I no longer have bariatric coverage I am out of luck. I have gone to a seminar for a bariatric MD in Huntsville, but he wants $500 up front with no guarantee that he will even take me on as a patient! SO - here I am needing to start all over on my journey - almost 3 years out. I am disgusted and frustrated. Is there anyone here who has had a similar experience and been able to make the band work? I have pain that radiates up into my left shoulder almost every time I eat anything tougher than the consistency of an egg. Because of this I end up either not eating or eating "slider" type foods that I know are no good. Sometimes I wish I had never done this surgery!

Hey Everyone! My band date is October 2nd, so I will be starting my pre-op diet on the 24th. Basically I'll have the same diet the week before and the week after surgery: liquids. Then liquids/purees for 3 weeks. This is going to be tough, but I know I'm up for it! I ordered 3 kinds of whey Protein powders that were recommended by a friend I work with. I got chocolate, vanilla and Unflavored, so between the three of those I figure I should be able to add protein to just about everything. I'll let everyone know if these are good or if they taste like crap! For about the last 2 months for Breakfast I've been having a smoothie (get a Magic Bullet blender, they're awesome!) with milk, 1 scoop chocolate slim fast, a banana and a handful of mini ice cubes. Sometimes I'll add a scoop of Peanut Butter too. So fast and easy and really yummy!! Ive been collecting tips from people here on LBT for weeks so that I have a good variety of things to choose from during the liquid/puree stage, because I know broth will get really old really fast. Anything fabulous I try I'll pass it on, we need to stick together, right?!!!!!

It really is unfortunate. I was talking to the surgeon and he rarely performs bands anymore and his partner refuses to do them completely. They try to persuade their patients not to get them strictly because of the complications. Every person I know who has had the band has had to have it taken out. There are tons of pluses to getting the band such as teaching portion control and making you aware of when you are full, but there are tons of successful people who are starting to go downhill fast with all the complications. I don't know. It's a good surgery if you know the risks. But you gotta be able to handle any complications.

Okay Here we go! I am having my surgery on Tuesday the 22 here in Knoxville, TN. So the nerves have started. I feel very well informed, thanks to the people at my Dr.'s office and to the people on this forum. Still a little nervous. I have only lost 8lbs on the pre-op diet and I am hoping for 10 by Tuesday. I blew it today though I think partly nerves and the other is just that my will-power stinks! I have been exercising every other day and doing my deep breathing exercises too. Really I am excited too, Tuesday can't get here fast enough the waiting is is taking it's toll. LOL Dr. Stephen Boyce, Parkwest Hospital Pre-op 2/7/11 - 254 Surgery 2/22/11 - (hope) 244

Ok, my diet is different too. I can have two low carb slimfast or other low carb drinks a day, plus 2 servings of vegetables, and 2 servings of cottage sheese, or sugar free yogurt or pudding. And, of course, all of the calorie free liquids I can drink. I have not been hungry at all, but I swear I have thought of food every ten seconds, and I am on day 3. My surgery is Oct 3. I may be chewing on my own arm by then. But I really think it is just psychological. I'm supposed to eat the veggies raw, but tonight, I boiled a chopped carrot and a chopped onion in my fat free chicken broth. It was great!!! ANd I don't feel bad about cooking the veggies. I pretended it was like a chinese Soup. How fast does the liver really shrink? Isn't that the purpose of this whole thing anyway? I can't believe it will shrink in a week, but my doctor says it will. I do great at work, but when I get home, I want to cook and eat! I'm doing ok with this becasue I'm afraid of the whole thing not working becasue the surgeon can't get past my liver. How do you keep your mind off food?

I haven't lost any hair yet and I'm almost 5 1/2 months post op. I get in my protein, vitamins, water, and carbs. Maybe it will start some day but it hasn't yet. I also don't take biotin but it is in my vitamin that I take about every other day. My weight loss hasn't been super fast either, so maybe that's why.

Hi! I am brand new to this... I had my sleeve surgery on August 4th. I just started having pureed foods yesterday and am wondering about how much I should be able to eat at this point. Also, I think I'm eating too fast...as I get an uncomfortable feeling and some air/burping. Is this all normal? Feeling quite alone in this process.

At 5 weeks I am pretty sure I could have done 20 ounces in 30 minutes. I certainly can now at 9 weeks. I think your body will let you know if you are drinking too much or too fast. I (fortunately) have only gotten sick a few times - and twice it was from drinking too fast because I let myself get way too thirsty. If you sip sip sip and are comfortable - no big deal. Now if you were only a few days out I would say that the nerves of the pouch just have not developed yet too tell you STOP - but at 5 weeks you would know.

@ i dont measure. but i do feel looseness in my clothes. but im still annoyed after a week of hard work to only see one pound. i think i just got spoiled after the first 3 weeks post op to be losing so much so fast and then suddenly .....nothin. but i'm staying on track and hoping to rebound next week. just needed to pout.

Last night I was able to attend my very first support group. The two hours flew by and before you knew it we were leaving. I learned so much from that session. It was nice to have gastric bypass people in the group too so we could compare our experiences. Majority of the group were lapbanders. I have not experienced much of what the others have gone through. I don't venture outside of what is on my approved food list, but some said the rice cakes go down pretty good. Me, I am still a bit afraid to test them. I haven't even added bread. I do pretty good with flour tortillas, but that was before my 2nd fill. Guess you can eat pretty much anything when you don't have restriction. Can't say I don't have some now. It takes me longer to eat and I can't have the same portions I had just last week. Before my 2nd fill the nutritionist allowed me to have a cup and a half of food because I was so hungry between meals. Now I am doing good if I can get close to a cup. I still was losing weight though because in this day of Super Size me this and Super Size me that...a cup and a half is considered nuts. I was satisfied though and I continue to be very happy with my progress. I can't believe it's been two months already. Man it just goes so fast. I am very proud of myself. I have made the adjustments and the mind changes as well as added more activity to my day with at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Cravings have gone away. I don't really have a "taste" for anything. My tummy tells me when I am hungry and I stick to a schedule as much as I can. Sometimes that's hard when you are a Realtor but I keep things in the car so I don't get off track. I have to say it sure was nice to put a real face to a name. I met someone in group last night who I have befriended here on Lap Band Talk. She had her surgery in March and is doing fantastic. All I can keep thinking now is....life is going to be great. Sure, we all go through ups and downs but when you are fat...well they become more of an issue. The stares, the laughs, the jokes, the cruel remarks. Nope...no more for me. I am on my way....this butterfly is breaking away from the cocoon.:smile2:

Last night I was able to attend my very first support group. The two hours flew by and before you knew it we were leaving. I learned so much from that session. It was nice to have gastric bypass people in the group too so we could compare our experiences. Majority of the group were lapbanders. I have not experienced much of what the others have gone through. I don't venture outside of what is on my approved food list, but some said the rice cakes go down pretty good. Me, I am still a bit afraid to test them. I haven't even added bread. I do pretty good with flour tortillas, but that was before my 2nd fill. Guess you can eat pretty much anything when you don't have restriction. Can't say I don't have some now. It takes me longer to eat and I can't have the same portions I had just last week. Before my 2nd fill the nutritionist allowed me to have a cup and a half of food because I was so hungry between meals. Now I am doing good if I can get close to a cup. I still was losing weight though because in this day of Super Size me this and Super Size me that...a cup and a half is considered nuts. I was satisfied though and I continue to be very happy with my progress. I can't believe it's been two months already. Man it just goes so fast. I am very proud of myself. I have made the adjustments and the mind changes as well as added more activity to my day with at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Cravings have gone away. I don't really have a "taste" for anything. My tummy tells me when I am hungry and I stick to a schedule as much as I can. Sometimes that's hard when you are a Realtor but I keep things in the car so I don't get off track. I have to say it sure was nice to put a real face to a name. I met someone in group last night who I have befriended here on Lap Band Talk. She had her surgery in March and is doing fantastic. All I can keep thinking now is....life is going to be great. Sure, we all go through ups and downs but when you are fat...well they become more of an issue. The stares, the laughs, the jokes, the cruel remarks. Nope...no more for me. I am on my way....this butterfly is breaking away from the cocoon.

So I am 14 days post op. I have been able to eat anything and it does not bother my stomach at all. I feel like I can eat more then I should. Still a small amount but more than I think I should. I'm still only getting maybe 500 calories a day maybe more depending on the day. Can anyone tell me their story about feeling as if they can eat more then or basically whatever I want. Within reason don't get me wrong. I puree things and I can drink pretty fast. Ughh Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

My pre op diet is a 14 day diet with liquids and authorized bowl or can of soup, only restriction stay away from creamy Soups and basil. I’m scheduled for my Gastric sleeve on 07/29/2013 I’m currently on week 2 day 10 OF 14. A few things I have noticed during my pre op diet Day 1,of my actual diet was quite easy because the day before I started, I ate several large meals that consisted of a bunch of Protein and salad type veggies, with very little carbs for example I had taco salads with no tortilla(s) or chips. So on my first day of liquids I spent a lot of time in the Restroom taking care of business because of the large meals. Day 2-4 I found myself battling with the temptation of cheating with cheat meals, only to then start battling with myself on what type of cheat meal to eat. I was goggling every web site and ad I could find on how many people cheated on their diet, what they ate, did their surgeries go ok, and etc. The majority of information I found that people were cheating and still made it successfully through their surgeries. No one that cheated badly even reported they didn’t have their surgery. Some people had binges and ate like the surgery was a funeral for food. I did cheat on my 6th day; I gave in to my mental distress of not having what I wanted. For my cheat meal I had a light chicken salad instead of dressing I had salsa to replace it. At this point I figured hey I really need this because I’m oh so hungry and I can’t go on. Well this couldn’t be farther from the truth in reality I only wanted to cheat because I’m an emotional eater. I was bored stuck at the hospital with my wife the night before and the stress of everything was piling on top of me. I also found out by goggling in different states various surgeons were requiring little to no pre op diets. So how dare they put us on this crazy diet (lol)? I wondered with me drinking a bunch of fluids and having no solid food for 2 weeks really that healthy for me, in my opinion it’s no more healthier than the taco salad I ate, and it’s no healthier than the guy or girl who has that binge meal every night because the depression of being overweight, and their dissatisfied with their quality of life, I included. So my food addiction like so many others have made us seek out a surgery that lowers the appetite, our intake of food, strict guidelines on when we can advance our diets. So why was I so shocked and paranoid about a simple diet, lord knows if someone told me that I would need to eat a medium pizza, drink several beers ,and eat various sweets like cakes or ice cream for 2 weeks straight I would be like you’re crazy. Why would I eat all that unhealthy food on purpose. So the pre op diet is not that bad in my opinion, is it hard hell yes, can someone really do it yes you can, why, because your new life depends on you, and the food choices you make. The pre op diet in my opinion is more mental than physically damaging. I believe this because my ego, my man hood was challenged because I had to be told what I could eat and drink , this just can’t be right because I’m my own boss right (lol)? Not so fast remember I’m the guy who got me into these bad eating habits and I was the one who was so quick to look for an excuse to blame my mental health, my work conditions, the bad news I got, and that failed promotion that didn’t go through. At the time these excuses seemed to make so much sense to me. But 10 days later now my Food detox is complete , my caffeine detox is complete but I’m not cured by a long shot. Since day 8 I have removed my soup and just made it with all liquids and Protein shakes. So it was and is all in my mind that I just couldn't do this 2 week liquid pre op diet. My starting weight was 316 lbs and day ten I’m down to 289 lbs, with only light walking as exercise. 4 more days to go and I’m actually looking forward to it. I have had a lot more energy than I have had in years, my head is a lot clearer, I even have more patience with people than usual. This by no means is something I (us) could do for life, but two weeks no problem. I’m excited about changing my life in a positive direction and welcome the new relationship with food. So stay busy and don’t stress about the diet just take it one minute, one hour, one day at a time. I’m doing it and you can to.

Hello all, I am a little nervous but I am really look forward to my surgery June 6th in San Jose, CA with Dr. McKeen. He is the best. I made the decision after thinking about gastric bypass. As soon as the decision was done I was on the fast track to get this moving. It took me about 6 weeks to complete all the pre surgery items. What a thorough checking up that took. In any case, I am weighing in at 285 lbs. Funny the timing. I am putting the energy back into myself and my health. A dear friend of mine who has supported me through my weight loss previously is not speaking to me right now. It hurts really bad that I will not have his support when I go through the biggest transition to date. I didn't tell him about the surgery because we haven't been speaking as frequent. And when I did we ceased communication for another reason. I feel like my life coach is gone. All I can do is rely on myself. I know God is in my corner. Thank you for listening.

I had lots of gurgling after my last fill. I think I was just eating/drinking too fast, not chewing enough because now that I have adjusted and started using better mechanics, it has calmed down a lot. I still get the gurgling but it's not as bad. I just have to make sure that I take sips instead of gulps when I'm drinking fluids and chew my food really well when I eat.

Hang in there. I had surgery May 17, 2012, was in hospital 9 days and had to go back weekly. for about 2 months for IV fluids as I was dehydrated. Couldn't keep much down. I had 4 endoscopic stretches over the first 2 -3 months and finally started doing better. Just want you to know, I now have no regrets. I have lost a total of 161 pounds including 54 pounds lost pre op. Early on I had the same feelings of regret that you are having, but I want you to know that not only do I not regret the surgery, I think its the second best thing I've ever done. Going to therapy to prepare for this surgery was the first best thing as I know I would not have been successful had I skipped that step. I hope you will soon be done with the complications and miserable times and begin to enjoy the many benefits and pure joy and amazement that I feel as I watch my body change and my health improve each day. Sending prayers and.positive thoughts your way for strength to get through this awful time and fast healing and recovery.

Hi everyone.....today is much better (day 4). I am quite comfortable and am moving around more normally today. I was able to finish my 30g Protein shake this a.m. and am sipping a chai latte now. It all feels quite normal. My sweetie and I even ran a couple of errands today and it felt good. I only slept in the recliner a few hours last night and then went to bed. I was really comfortable and slept soundly til this a.m. I think it's because my incisions are far less painful than they have been in the past few days. It really is remarkable how fast we heal up. Just want to report a surprise though: I checked my weight this a.m. and I GAINED 4 lbs since my surgery. What a shock!!!! I know it's just retained Fluid and no BM yet, but I wasn't expecting it. Still, I wanted a little reward. Hope your journey is going well. It is so encouraging to have the pain subsiding and feeling more normal.

Hi AHM2013! I had surgery in Concord CA with Dr. Cirangle. I would say overall my experience has been good, although I've struggled with a few issues (all self-created). I'm a very impatient person, so making myself go slow - whether it's in my eating or my expectations of progress - is very challenging. The progression from liquids to soft foods has been difficult because I am impatient to get to 'regular' food. I've also had a few instances of the 'foamies' because I'm still learning how to gauge when I'm full or eating too fast. That part has been the hardest, because when it happens it literally takes hours to resolve (at least for me). I've also had to adjust to the fact that although I need to incorporate soft foods into my daily intake, I HAVE to maintain my Protein intake. I had about three days where I missed my protein goals by a LOT, and my energy just plummeted. Thankfully it was over the weekend and I could rest, but I've learned that for me, it is crucial to get my protein in. I also struggled with feeling really depressed the first week post-op. It decreased the second week, and has gotten better in the third week although I still have moments of regret. But they are fleeting and I know I'll feel differently as I progress. I just remind myself that it's normal, many sleevers feel this, and it passes for all but a very few people. Besides - it's not like I can reverse it! Believe it or not, that fact alone helps me get past it. No sense dwelling on what you can't change. As of today I am 23 lbs down from my starting weight (2 lbs pre-op and 21 post-op). I feel that 20+ loss a lot, in my joints, in my comfort level in moving around, and a little bit in my clothes - but it hasn't really become noticeable to the people around me. This is a double-edged sword for me, because I absolutely hate being the center of attention, but I do want some validation that I've lost 23 lbs! I haven't had a loss like that in years, and it took me months to achieve it, so I kind of wish it was noticeable. But again - I have to have patience, it will come. Although I like the idea of being able to wear smaller (and cuter) clothes, I really did make the decision to do this for my health. I'm lucky in that I didn't have any major pre-op health issues, but it was just a matter of time before I did. Nobody dodges that bullet. Minor issues were snoring, joint pain, lower back pain, lack of energy, and my inability to do stuff I wanted to do - either because I physically couldn't do it or because I didn't want to be the fat girl doing it! This forum has helped me a lot with getting past the negatives & focusing on the positives. This surgery isn't easy, and anyone who says it is is either lying or has had a drastically different experience than most people (always possible, and I have read some posts on here from people who breezed through, but I think they're in the minority). But it's not about the 'easy', it's about the 'worth it'. And I definitely think it is. I also think that the negative things I've experienced up to this point will fade (kinda like childbirth!) and I will be glad I took steps to become healthy. Probably more than you wanted to know, but I hope it helps! Best, zen

@@kandiB 150 So for me the gurgle happens when my band is feeling super tight. I can feel the food make that gurgle sound as it moves past the band. Think of your tub when you take the stopper out...and the Water starts moving down the drain...you can hear that gurgle gurgle. For me it's kind of like that, and it happens if I drink too fast, or eat too fast or if I drink right after a bite that hasn't fully past the band and things start to stack up in there. Even if we have been long term banders and we know we should sip, and we should eat slowly, take small bites, and chew chew chew...I think the way our life styles are busy busy rush rush rush, I know I can forget and the gurgle is the first sign that I better get back to good eating mechanics cause the next thing is the slimes, and the stuck and the swelling of the band and misery for a couple of days So heed the gurgle, sometimes it's just trapped air but most times..it's cause we are not following good eating mechanics when we have good restriction in our bands.

I was denied once because I wasn't at least 100 lbs over weight for 3 consecutive years... I was finally approved in Feb and had my surgery March 26.... Doing great, just not losing the weight as fast as i will like to.

Yay, congratulations! I have been following you from the beginning of your journey and am so excited to see you near goal. I had surgery a month after you and I'm a slow loser too. I had the same reaction; a few months of insanity over the slow loss to an acceptance and appreciation for the big picture. Of course I'd still like to lose fast but I know that's not going to happen and I'm hoping the one benefit I have is less loose skin.

Hello all I was banded on july 21st 2006 and have been doing ok since then but just in the past couple of days I have had a bad pain under my right breast and it hurt to take a deep breath it hurt to lay on my stomach. I feel full all the time like I over ate ( or should I say over drank ) but I do not think I have I am doing what I am suppose to maybe I am drinking to fast can this cause the pain I am feeling? Please has anybody experienced this pain and can give me some advice?? help a girl in need and pain :cry :cry