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Im pretty weak and the pains make almost impossible to lean. My nurses have neen amazing. Ive only had abt 10 water sips since i got back to my room. After using this site daily sine i made this decision so i know hat to expect and it will go away soon as they get me up walking. This happy with my decision.

I had my first checkup after surgery and I was down 10 lbs.... (1wk before and 1wk after)...first fill at 6wks... (5/9)...

I track my sugar for everything!!! I eat nothing with over 5 grams, but really like to keep it 3 grams or less. It is my belief that sugar is a HUGE factor in weight loss. My pre-op diet was the Sugar Busters diet and I lost 18lbs in 3 weeks. Now I am not saying that once in a while I eat a cookie or something, but I do have my general rule that I like to follow and it has really helped me. I have lost 63 lbs since Sept. 10.

Hi Dana, I'm getting sleeved on 12/19. I bought a binder from Walmart for like $5, not sure how it'll work since I haven't tried it yet, but from what I hear they do help when moving alot. Good luck on your journey and I hope you have a quick recovery.

I hit the 30lb mark today! Hurray!! I am still planning on getting another fill next week. I do not feel like I have found my sweet spot yet. I am at 4.5 cc. Surgery was December 4, 2008 2008 was a very eventful year for me. In Jan 08 I found a lump in my left breast. I had 2 surgeries, 4 months of chemo, lost ALL my hair. 6 weeks of radiation. Last chemo was 07/24/08. Last radiation was 10/15/08. Then I decided to lessen my chance for reoccurance of BC by losing weight. Lapband sugery 12/04/08.

I hit the 30lb mark today! Hurray!! I am still planning on getting another fill next week. I do not feel like I have found my sweet spot yet. I am at 4.5 cc. Surgery was December 4, 2008 2008 was a very eventful year for me. In Jan 08 I found a lump in my left breast. I had 2 surgeries, 4 months of chemo, lost ALL my hair. 6 weeks of radiation. Last chemo was 07/24/08. Last radiation was 10/15/08. Then I decided to lessen my chance for reoccurance of BC by losing weight. Lapband sugery 12/04/08.

Love this PRE OP VSG. 35/M. HW: 465 CW: 435. SURGERY 5/6/2019

Here's an article I found on caffeine withdrawal. Beware the perils of caffeine withdrawal Susan Todd loves her daily coffee fix. "I can drink four or five cups, easily,comfortably," said Todd, 59, of Clinton Township, Michigan. But if she skips her regular dose of caffeine, Todd warned, watch out. "I feel lousy all over. It's not that anything hurts," she explained. "I just feel sluggish, and a cup of caffeine will cure that." Todd is among the estimated 80 to 90 percent of North American adults and children who consume caffeine products every day. Experts estimate about half that number will experience headaches and other symptoms from caffeine withdrawal syndrome. There are a numberof reasons why someone might need to reduce or stop their daily caffeine intake.Experts tell pregnant women not to consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeinea day (about one 12-ounce cup of coffee). Caffeinated products are notrecommended for people who are prone to panic attacks or those who suffer fromanxiety. Some surgical patients may also experience the symptoms of caffeinewithdrawal syndrome on the day of surgery, because they are told not to eat ordrink anything. Researchers atJohns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, recognized the condition as adisorder five years ago after reviewing decades of studies. They concluded thehigher the caffeine intake, the more likely a patient was to suffer from severewithdrawal symptoms when denied the ingredient. Researchers also reported that some caffeine users considered themselves addicted to caffeine because they were unable to quit or cut down on their usage. Michael Kuhar,chief of the division of neuroscience at the Yerkes National Primate ResearchCenter at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, prefers to use the word"dependent" rather than "addicted." Even though he called caffeine a drug, Kuhar wouldn't go so far as saying it has reached the statusof cocaine or heroin. According toKuhar, caffeine is a mild stimulant. "If you take a cup of caffeine you'relikely to feel good and energized," he said. Miss that cup of"Joe" or can of cola and don't be surprised if you start feelingfunny, Kuhar warned. He said some people complain of "headache, fatigue,sleepiness, inability to focus and concentrate." Others report experiencing flu- like symptoms, irritability, depression and anxiety after skipping aslittle as one cup of coffee a day. Kuhar explainedthat caffeine blocks receptors in the brain that can dilate blood vesselscausing headaches. "Withdrawal symptoms can start from 12 to 20 hoursafter your last cup of coffee and peak about two days later and can last aboutas long as a week," Kuhar added. It is not justcoffee that can lead to caffeine withdrawal. While a 6-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains about 100 milligrams of caffeine, tea and cola have about 40milligrams each, a bar of milk chocolate has about 10 milligrams and hot chocolate has about 7 milligrams. Kuhar said that means adults as well as children may be suffering daily physiological and personality effects of caffeine withdrawal. He recommended that people who are motivated to give up caffeine, or cut back on consumption,do so very carefully. "The thing to do is what we do with so many drugs --basically you wean yourself off slowly," Kuhar suggested. "That doesn't mean it is going to be easy at every step, but it should be easier thangoing cold turkey." Johns Hopkinsresearchers also endorsed a stepped approach to quitting caffeine. Theyinstruct patients to gradually substitute decaffeinated products ornoncaffeinated products over time in order to reduce the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Kuhar suggested the process also can begin with reducing caffeine consumption by a half to a whole cup a day. Technology consultant ***** Spillane, 42, of St. Petersburg, Florida, started a step-down program after years of consuming up to three cups of coffee each day. He felthe was "drinking way too much caffeine." Spillane said heknew right away that he was suffering from caffeine withdrawal when he started getting severe headaches. His wife told him he was cranky most of the time. He now drinks tea instead, and occasionally sneaks a cup of coffee. Looking back, he was going through withdrawal was "tough for a while," but he's feeling better these days and he's glad he's not so dependent on caffeine.

Had my first appointment today! Im down a total of 12 lbs according to their computer. Its 10 lb according to my scale because I weighed myself on surgery day at the Y ...but they did not weigh me before surgery. I had been worried that I was doing something wrong because I wasnt losing as much as some that Ive read about! She said generally they see 6lbs lost at 2 wks post op appointment (the one I had today) and 12 lbs at 6 week appointment (1st fill). So- Im not doing too bad afterall! Am slightly excited! I also bought my first pair of pants from "the regular side" of the store today! They ALMOSTTT fit! Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

One of the things that contributed to my stress about this surgery was not knowing what was going to happen. (What can I say, I'm a control freak.) So here is the play-by-play as it pertains to me of my surgery. Your mileage may vary! I'll try to come back and update it. Hopefully it'll be of use to someone—"and knowing is half the battle." Day before surgery Liquid-only diet; two bowls of phở broth, some Protein2O, apple juice, and sugar-free lemon jello. Got about 830 calories in. Had to take a shower with a special CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate) anti-septic body wash. It made my skin a bit "slippery". Packed my bag with my CPAP hose, a book, a spare shirt, some chanclas for walking, my cell phone charger, and my reading glasses. Put out the two pills I was supposed to take (no losartan because it interferes with anesthesia). Day of surgery Took another shower with CHG as required. Reported to the hospital at 0630 as requested. Was checked in and taken to pre-surgery holding. My fiancé was allowed to go with me as an exception, because I'm hard of hearing and rely on lip-reading which is impossible with so many masks and partitions in the way. A surgical RN came and told me to wipe my abdomen with CHG wipes, then put on my surgical gown (which was HUGE on me—I understand I'm a bariatric patient but I literally couldn't keep it on my shoulders). Then he put an IV in the back of my hand, took my vitals (I lost 10 lbs in the two weeks between my surgeon's consultation and surgery day), went through all my medications, put an anti-nausea patch behind my ear, and gave me a blood thinner in my IV. My surgeon came in and asked if I was ready, went over a few things, then went to scrub up. My anesthesiologist came in and asked if I had had anesthesia before (yes), and if I had any questions. I asked him to give me a TAP block at the end of surgery, which is a localized nerve block, like an epidural for your abdomen. It lasts 12-18 hours. I was whisked away and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room, where I was given cognitive tests (what is your name, what hospital are you at, who's the president, etc.) and given ice chips. Once that all proved satisfactory, I was wheeled to my room. I don't remember it, because I fell asleep. Once in the room they put leg compression stockings on me and gave me water, Crystal Light made way too sweet, chicken broth that tasted like a salt lick, and a thicker vegetable purée soup. I couldn't get the vegetable soup down. I forced the chicken broth, Crystal Light, and water. I felt very, very hungry and it was frustrating not to be able to just eat something. I took 3 or 4 laps of the surgical unit floor in my fetching anti-slip socks, and kept falling asleep. The pain from the gas was pretty bad and I spent a good 30 minutes just burping, much to the chagrin of the man in the other bed in the room (though he was moaning so he doesn't get to say anything). Around 1730 the nurse came in, saw that I had drunk what I could and had peed sufficiently (you pee into a graduated container), and that I could walk. She asked my surgeon's permission to discharge me, and I was in the wheelchair going out the door at 1830, exactly 12 hours after I arrived. When we got home, I pretty much washed my hands and face and went straight to bed. I got up probably every 2 hours or so, would have a couple of sips of protein shake or water, along with Gas-X (simethicone) or, as needed, Tylenol. I did get about 7 hours of sleep, in various chunks. I was able to lie, carefully, on my side, which is how I prefer to sleep. My CPAP did increase the gas pressure inside a bit but it was tolerable. Day 1 post-op My first bout of the 'foamies'. I tried to drink a CorePower protein milk way too fast and spent an hour and a half wandering around whimpering. It was actively painful and it felt enough like I needed to vomit that I had a lined bucket at the ready. Eventually, though, it subsided. Gas pain is still here and very real, but better. We went for a walk which absolutely tired me out—and it was barely 500 meters! Right now I am using the timer on my cell phone to remind me to drink 1/3 oz. of fluid every 5 minutes, and I feel full but it's manageable. I am alternating full ounces of regular water and protein water. I also made some Jell-O with extra protein powder but the thought of eating it leaves me cold. If I can get these bottles down plus the shake I had earlier, I'll be pretty close to 48 oz. of fluid which is my surgeon's requirement for the first week (bumps up to 64 oz. after that) and 41 g of protein which will have to do for the first day unless I manage to get some of the Jell-O down me. I have been taking Tylenol, Gas-X, and my ondansetron—the nausea is there but it's in the background, like when you step off a ship onto land at the end of a cruise. I haven't had enough pain to necessitate anything stronger than Extra Strength Tylenol. My incisions are clean (I took a shower).

He isn't following the post-op diet very well as far as how long to be on clear fluids, pureed foods, soft foods etc. He is only 10 days out from surgery and he is pretty much eating anything he wants but he is keeping things to low carb and high protein. He doesn't mind that diet at all, he actually feels better on it. He was on Atkins for a long time, on and off, but was unable to lose any weight. Now he is actually dropping weight! I am so excited for him.

I can't believe that in just one week, my life will be forever changed! I am currently on the liquid diet and it is not as bad as I thought it would be. I am so ready for this new chapter in my life to begin! For the past 10 plus years I feel like I have been in hibernation - trapped in a body that was ever-increasing in size. Now I am just a week away from getting the tool I need to re-awaken myself and I cannot wait!

I have 30 more to go and have lost nothing since 10/27. I know the holidays have caused problems for me. I was also in a t-bone accident 12/13. My car was totaled, problems with the other person's ins co. I hurt everywhere and I start oft ducal that spy tues. I just want comfort food.

I'm 10 weeks post op VSG. I've been experimenting with the same thing. If I eliminate the shakes I don't lose a thing. If I add even 1 in per day I lose half a pound per day. My nuts want me to not be having any shakes but I know they work for me. I understand their logic and reasons but I'm just not sure what to do. Keep having 1 shake per day and not tell them or go to all food and lose much slower than everyone else.

There's a great forum on obesityhelp.com for DS patients and those that are researching that specific procedure. If you'd like to solicit business for this particular surgical group, you may want to find a DS site similar to this one, or visit the OH forum. I appreciate your desire to have everyone do their research, but this sounds like a push for this particular group of surgeons that perform DS. They probably are great surgeons, and congrats to your friend that has had DS with great success. I've lost more than 140lbs in less than a year with VSG, and zero malabsorption. Oh yeah, and I lost it with eating ribeye steak and my cholesterol, and other labs are picture perfect. With DS, patients malabsorb more than just 10% of their fat intake. If we're going to tout all the good of a particular surgery, let's be real honest and disclose some of the disadvantages as well. Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies are common even for some of those that are very diligent with their vitamin/supplement regimen. I've read plenty of personal experiences showing that not all DS patients get to goal, or maintain their loss either. So, it's not foolproof. Each patient that chooses to have any of the weight loss surgeries must make a lifestyle change, and deal with their food demons. None of us can rely on our surgery to do all of the work.

I made it! In almost exactly 10 weeks! I’m thrilled!

I experience pain in various locations in my abdominal area. I increase my Fiber when it happens an generally feel relief the next day. For me it is intestinal pain. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I had my one month (5 weeks) doctors appt today. Lost 25 pounds since surgery (10/9). Everything is going good. Hope you all are good. I had a stall for like 5 days aroind week 3. I did not like that.

I was sleeved 10/11/12 and have lost 33 post op. (This week I lost nothing - boo!)

I was sleeved 10/11/12. I saw the Dr. today. I've lost 34 lbs. He was very happy with that. He said I will lose slower than some people because I have less to lose. I was 205 the day of surgery, today I'm 171 lbs.

I'm 10 months out lost 55 lbs. I can't eat bread, rice and pasta. I try it all the time but up it comes. Sometimes I can get a teaspoon of rice in. A half dollar size of bread (whole wheat). Pasta's no way....

So something strange has happened to me tonight and I can't find it anywhere on google or perhaps I'm just not typing the write thing or using the correct terminology. Ive just hit 6 weeks since my gastric sleeve. Recovery went really well but I'm still trying to learn what I can and can't eat and what my limits are,sometimes throwing up. Tonight I had home made gnocchi, I didn't force myself and I ate probably about 10 (no extra ingredients, just sauce) and I ate it over two hours, so it wasn't consistent with maybe two sips of water in between. I've now realised while getting changed is my stomach is almost bulging out, so I hope is my stomach anyway... It's like a big lump, on my left side where my ribs are below my breast. Here's a photo. I'm slightly worried, usually things that have happened for example 3 week stall, I could find a lot on it in this forum but this one I couldn't find anything hope it just means I over ate, or just something new I haven't notice in my body - I don't know. Sorry the photo isnt great, wouldn't really show up in pics

Even if you DO stretch your stomach a bit as long as you're making healthier choices for foods I don't see you regaining much. I mean 5-10 pounds is pretty much normal for regain so if it happens just try to work to get it off and I'm sure you'll be able to do it eventually. Rice swells though after you eat it so it can potentially lead to your stomach stretching. That's the reason my surgeon advised us to not eat rice anymore (I use cauliflower rice as a substitute). But if rice is something you don't want to give up you don't have to. Just know that it CAN stretch your stomach out. It was ADVISED anyway. The choice on whether to add rice back into our diet is very much our own. For me I eat mostly in the morning as I get sooooo hungry after taking my thyroid meds, but the rest of the day I basically have little to no appetite. I talked to my nutritionist on Monday and we went over my diet and I unloaded about how I ate mostly in the morning and I ate a LOT in a 3-4 hour period and she said that I was doing fine and stressing over nothing as my weight loss has been steady and I'm not going over my carb, fat, sugar, etc. limit and I'm getting my protein in like I'm supposed to. Apparently my metabolism is most active after I take the stupid thyroid meds and decides to sleep the rest of the day lol