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Questions from a newbie...



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I was on a clear liquid diet for 3 days prior to the surgery. I've read other posts where people were on liquid diets for 2 weeks or so before hand. Others have had no special diet. It's all doctor specific.

Good luck with the insurance maze.

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We tell patients to try for two weeks. We suggest yogurt and Water. This cause the liver to let go of fat quickly there by making band placement quicker using less General Anethesia and less recovery time overall. Its part of the Safe Protocol. Its what we pay the Dr.s for. Don't shortcut this stuff you are the only one that will suffer.

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wish i knew how to really work this chat room stuff...can't ever seem to get any response...

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Ok, another question for the group.

I am feeling almost no restriction 5 days out from banding (6/25) and am curious if i should be this hungry. I am able to drink a 1/2 liter bottle of Water in less than 2 hours (thats 25 oz) and an 8 oz Protein shake in about 1/2 hour. I have yogurt in 3oz increments and I am starving 30 minutes later. I can drink 5 oz of Soup and don't feel full either. Basically, I am so hungry that my stomach is constantly "growling"... even to the point where the hunger pains wake me out of sleep.

I feel a slight tight sensation beneath my sternum when I swallow my medication, but that's the oonly time. None of the liquids bother me at all and I haven't had any nausea. I have avoided drinking within an hour of eating, but it doesn't seem to affect my fullness level.

Should I be worried? PLEASE tell I me I won't stay this hungry for mcuh longer! Or is this how I should expect to feel until I get my first fill?

Thanks so much!

Dawn

Hey Dawn! I was banded in April. From the first week I could eat or drink ANYTHING!! And as much as I wanted. I was told to wait until I get my first fill. I waited the seven very long weeks. I got a fill of 1 1/2cc's and right after that in the doctors office downed an entire water bottle. Again nothing. I really feel as if I am on Weight Watchers as I have not had the help of the band yet. I need help as well, we can't be alone. Ja9

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I was banded in April. From the first week I could eat or drink ANYTHING!! And as much as I wanted. I was told to wait until I get my first fill. I waited the seven very long weeks. I got a fill of 1 1/2cc's and right after that in the doctors office downed an entire Water bottle. Again nothing. I really feel as if I am on Weight Watchers as I have not had the help of the band yet. I need help as well, we can't be alone. Ja9

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I was banded on May 21st. I get my first fill a couple days from now (July 5th).

I haven't had much restriction, and could probably go back to eating the way I used to eat...having 2 or 3 meals worth of food for one meal.

For me, the band isn't what I'm relying upon to lose weight...it is part of the overall life-change I've decided to make. So, even though I could eat more, I'm limiting myself to 4-5 oz. of food per meal.

I have to stick to my decision to change things or I won't lose weight...band or no band. The band is easy to sabotage...just eat high calorie foods that turn to liquid or slurry when chewed: chocolate, potato chips, ice cream, milkshakes, etc. Or drink non-diet sodas, beer, etc. Easy to get 3000 calories/day whether you have restriction or not.

So...for me...I have to practice the mental art of weight loss...just as important as the physical restriction of the band. I have to exercise, I have to follow that quantity of food guidelines given to me, and follow the do's/don'ts of what to eat. This (the time before my first fill) was the ideal time for me to work on the mental aspect of my life-change. So far, so good.

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Peggy, the next 6 months are time for healing. Just take it one day at a time. Make sure you are taking in enough fluids and rest. You will find the swelling will go down and your hunger may return. Once this happens it will be time for a fill. Fills are very easy so don't worry too much about them. Julie

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Wow DBA! Can you tell me what you've done to lose 62 lbs in 6 weeks? I'll suffer through anything if I can have those results!

Ja9, thanks for responding to my post. You've made me feel better. I was worried that I wasn't doing something right. It can't hurt me to drink too much liquid, can it? I've being trying to stick to small portions on my Soup and yogurt but I have been letting myself as much as I want.

Can anyone else chime in on this one?

Thanks,

Dawn

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Thank you everyone for your responses and your encouraging words. I'm now 10 days postop and feeling much better. You guys are awesome!!!!

Peggy

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I was banded on May 21st. I get my first fill a couple days from now (July 5th).

I haven't had much restriction, and could probably go back to eating the way I used to eat...having 2 or 3 meals worth of food for one meal.

For me, the band isn't what I'm relying upon to lose weight...it is part of the overall life-change I've decided to make. So, even though I could eat more, I'm limiting myself to 4-5 oz. of food per meal.

I have to stick to my decision to change things or I won't lose weight...band or no band. The band is easy to sabotage...just eat high calorie foods that turn to liquid or slurry when chewed: chocolate, potato chips, ice cream, milkshakes, etc. Or drink non-diet sodas, beer, etc. Easy to get 3000 calories/day whether you have restriction or not.

So...for me...I have to practice the mental art of weight loss...just as important as the physical restriction of the band. I have to exercise, I have to follow that quantity of food guidelines given to me, and follow the do's/don'ts of what to eat. This (the time before my first fill) was the ideal time for me to work on the mental aspect of my life-change. So far, so good.

Well said my Band Brother well said.

The band is only a tool. We must work and use it or nothing positive will come of it..

Matt

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I was banded in April. From the first week I could eat or drink ANYTHING!! And as much as I wanted. I was told to wait until I get my first fill. I waited the seven very long weeks. I got a fill of 1 1/2cc's and right after that in the doctors office downed an entire Water bottle. Again nothing. I really feel as if I am on Weight Watchers as I have not had the help of the band yet. I need help as well, we can't be alone. Ja9

I just had my 2nd fill & I'm not feeling any restriction this time, either. Anyone have any suggestions?

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Really?? I never knew it took sooooo long for some. What kind of band do you have? I have the new LP large. Just wondering if that has anything to do with it. Also how much did they fill you each time.

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I have a 10cc band which holds 4ccs. I am at 2.9 right now. It took me forever to get proper restriction. Thankfully I still lose 1 lb per week. It took me about 6 or 7 months.

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 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!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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