I have been experiencing pain on the left side, but that is considered normal since that's where they do most of the work. Not sure what kind of pain you could be having in the center of your chest. I would call and talk to your surgeon's nurse about the pain you are having. I am sorry your dr didn't take it more seriously. By day 10 it should be tapering off not getting worse. Sandi 2/21/08

I had mine one day before you and have lost 18. I too have slowed down. I am eating 3 oz of chicken or fish at a meal. Protein shake gives me 35 grams of protein. Scambled egg with no milk. Oatmeal. I have to say I don't feel great...not bad...just off still.

Also watch your salt intake. Low sodium foods is good for reducing swelling. Good luck!

It's not forever. You have to remember that you will still be eating food - eventually. In fact, with the band you will have VERY few restrictions, which may be the biggest challenge you have. The only restriction you will have is in amount. If you focus on quantity, rather than quality you may not get the results you want from the band. There are ways to "get around" the surgery or sabotage yourself if you focus on foods you can eat in quantity - "slider" foods that just go right through **** cream, mashed potatoes, etc...) will still add pounds because you may be able to have those in large amounts. Make sure to seek out support & psych services if they are remotely available to you. I had my own issues. I was supposed to be on a monitored diet last yr to get insurance approval and I just wasn't there in my head. I just didn't have it in me. I lost about 5 pounds during the 6 month required diet but once I was approved for surgery I was ready. My last week of regular food I made sure to have my favorites, but it was a surprisingly small list. With RNY there really may be things I can never have again, but with band that isn't the case. I didn't go out of my way to eat everything and I feel really good about where I am (8 days post-op). I actualy lost more the wk before surgery than I did during the 6 month diet (note: I didn't have liquid diet until day before surgery). I'm not saying mine is the only way by any means, but look at the revision board & all the "WLS didn't work for me" topics - THEY ARE ALL OVER - and make sure you are READY Good Luck to you I wish you the best & hope things go well

My surgeon's practice doesn't recommend ANY protein supplements. They urge patients to get protein from food. In early stages they have found that the body burns protein the same way it does any other calorie and there's no benefit to supplements. Their practice has done over 4,000 surgeries and they have amazing results so I don't argue. At 3 weeks out this should be possible - the list of good sources I have for that stage include: soft tofu soybeans/Edamame beans (all types - chili, kidney, black, pinto, navy_ Seeds & nuts (VERY WELL CHEWED) eggs, scrambled, soft boiled, egg salad LF string cheese LF ricotta cheese fish (steamed or poached) finely ground beef, chicken, veal or turkey (moistened well) blended chicken, tuna, canned seafood salad, crab baby shrimp, seafood, shrimp ****tail I know all programs are different but if the supplements aren't working for you there are other options. Good Luck, DJ