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Hello everyone,

Just before I was scheduled for my surgery (early August) I had a diverticulitis attack that postponed my surgery a couple of weeks. I recovered and

I got my lapband August 26, 2013. I was told it might not happen due to previous hiatal hernia surgeries and how they were done so I wasn't sure when I woke up if I would even have a band. I was very excited when Dr. Fusco told me he was able to repair the hernia AND give me the lapband.

Luckily I have not had many episodes of trouble swallowing or throwing up. I can even swallow regular pills. I am blessed. Five weeks into the learning process I again had a bad diverticulitis attack that put me in the hospital for 4 days. Back to liquids AGAIN. It took me several weeks to bounce back from this attack so I mostly did liquids and full liquids during this time. Thank goodness for those Protein Drinks. When nothing tasted good I fell back on them to survive. I started out at 216 for most of 2013, got down to 202 just before surgery. (I retired and lost 10lbs. the first 2weeks I was home).

I am now at 179lbs but because of my illness I'm not sure what has gotten me to that point. I still only eat 4oz per meal as instructed but I sometimes eat what I shouldn't because I don't really feel like eating. I had to go back in the hospital AGAIN December 2nd to have a Colon re-sectioning to remove 12" of damaged colon. It's been a rough road and I can't say completely LapBand style. Hopefully, after the new year, when my incision has healed (got an infection-back on meds, no appetite) I can get back on the band wagon and continue on my Lifestyle journey. I can't wait to get back to exercise but at this point I can't lift more than 5lbs and walking is very slow and steady.

I'm hoping that the people here at BariatricPal can give me the encouragement I need to continue.

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Sounds like you have been a very sick lady. The weight is coming off and could very well be more the illness and not the band. Its still coming off. Most important thing is to stay as healty as you can, ie plenty of fluids and Proteins and Vitamins. Exercise when you are able and follow all of your doctors instructions.

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Wow! What a difficult road you have had! I hope that you are able to heal quickly and completely so that you can continue on with your healthy lifestyle changes. Hang in there! I am pulling for you!

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Thanks for the messages. I am not giving up on this at all, just have to get a little more healthy before I really concentrate on my band journey.

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Maybe you have lost weight because of your health problems, but now you are recovering.

A lot of people lose weight when they are ill, but gain it back when they recover.

I think your band will help you avoid it.

You can resume your journey to health and target weight. You are not alone,you have a friend, your band, to help you.

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Glad you are here! What a time of it -- you have such a great attitude and you are on your way to health. Thank goodness you addressed these serious medical issues and have a band now so you will be looking at a healthy happy future!

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Dear Chloesmom, I hope that you are healing well. You have gone thru a lot. Diverticulitis is a real bitch. My sister-in-law had that and was very sick. But, I think that was,also, when she found that she had celiac, have you been tested for that? It runs in my husband's family, and my son has been diagnosed, too. We all stay away from gluten in our family, now! Best wishes, I wish you a better health into the New Year. Karen...aka..kll724

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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    • Doughgurl

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      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

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      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
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      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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