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My Story I am 42 years old, 5’5” and weigh 243 lbs. I wear size 20/22 pants and 2X tops. I never really thought about my weight one way or another until I wanted to join the military (18 years old). When I went to check out all the branches I actually choose the Navy because I had to lose the least amount of weight – 30 lbs (I was 180 at the time). I put myself on a crazy crash diet and exercise program to lose the weight as fast as possible. I could only get to 25 lbs down and the day before I had to weigh in I took a bunch of laxatives (NEVER AGAIN!). I was over my weigh in by 2 lbs but they gave me a waiver and I joined the Navy for 5 years. The good thing about the military is that they give you a PT test and weigh in every six months so I kept myself within my weight range (not easily but I did it for five years). The moment I left the military and restrictions of weighing in and exercising came off I started a progression of gaining weight. Getting married, moving, new job, college, graduate school, and an uncertain future helped add more weight on. I work very hard to not let my weight interfere with my life. We live in a coastal region so summer clothes and swimsuits are a staple. My husband (not overweight) loves the water and I love my husband so I am good about not letting my weight become an issue in our marriage (which means even if I feel uncomfortable in my 22 size bathing suit I fake my enthusiasm for spending the day on the water). I never thought about WLS until my sister had lapband surgery a few years in Mexico. She actually had a bad situation with her band slipping and had to go into emergency surgery and now she is battling the insurance company to cover the emergency surgery. Up until then I hadn’t know about medical tourism or about the many WLS options. This past fall I started to research different WLS surgeries. I have to lose 100 lbs and that is beyond overwhelming to me. The most I lost was 30 lbs on WW but gained that back and more. I liked the sleeve option better then gastic bypass. My insurance does not cover it so I knew I was going to be self pay. My husband isn’t very chatty and I he said if that is something I wanted to do then fine but he is fine either way (I married an easy going guy). He won’t be going with me….no sense in both of us going if he’ll be bored. I am not telling anyone about the surgery. I don’t want to be talked out of it (it is enough to keep myself from talking myself out of it!). I think I am a good candidate for surgery. My health is very good (minus the 100 excess pounds). My weight related ailments include – lack of energy, knees that bother me, and snoring. Our only son is married and serving in the military (so no small children). I am on temporary assignment outside of the classroom this year so I don’t have the crazy and stressful teacher schedule (which will make recovery easier for me). I am mentally preparing for a rough few months after surgery (I am not a complainer and can tough out a lot). I am worried about the normal things – complications, insurance not covering complications, dying, long term ramifications, dealing with my eat out friends. However I am looking forward to buying clothes in normal sizes, fitting into airplane seats, crossing my legs, having more energy, enjoying being outdoors. My surgery is on March 28th.

Hello! Welcome! I am new here! My surgery is March 27th. Thank you for sharing your story.

I love spicy hot foods. For lunch today I brought in pinwheels (flour tortilla, shredded chicken, jalapenos, tomato, taco seasoning and reduced fat cream cheese) but I can't eat them plain like that. I add Franks red hot to the them. I am sweating more now than after a strenuous workout. I would hope it was doing something for me. I might be burning some calories, just reaching up to wipe the sweat from my brow. LOL

Seems like u are in great need of a fill which will probably help you a lot. Might be an idea to go back to basics and start off with some liquids then mushies and back to small portion foods. This is going to be hard without a fill tho. The band is there to help you but u need to help the band do its job too, and that means maintaining it. After all a car wont run without gas will it Good luck

I was banded on May 31st and lost 14 lbs the first week. Since then, I've lost 16 more lbs. At first, I started watching what I was eating and taking a lot of protein, but now I feel so discouraged. Fall semester for school started in August and since then, I have not been eating like I should. I have 4cc's and I feel like I can eat normal again. It's the worst feeling in the world because I look in the mirror and feel horrible about myself. I'm 12 hours away from my doctor and nutritionist, and phone consultations are not motivating or helpful. Does anyone know of a diet plan that can get me back on track? I'm thinking of finding a doctor close to my school so that I can get a fill and get back on track. I started INSANITY a week ago, and I've been sticking to it. I'm only 20 years old, and this has just been really difficult to deal with. I need motivation again. Thank you

Ditto what the others have said. Plus, how many CCs you have doesn't matter. It is how you FEEL that matters. If you are eating solid Proteins, able to eat large portions and big bites without issue, and getting hungry every couple of hours, then you probably need a fill. Definitely see if you can find a doctor closer to you for a fill. There is no point in having a band if it is not fine tuned.

Just be careful about what you eat. I do not understand why the Drs feel the need to take out so much even.1 of a cc makes a huge difference. Maybe you can get in earlier to get a fill. Hang in there! The times time I had to have a small unfill one was 0.1 cc and it was like night and day in the difference. I also had to have another .2 cc taken out after I went in for ½ cc and I tell them when I go in there I am too tight but I only want .10 taken out and if that is not enough I will come back again. I even hold my hand over my port till they agree lol. Cheri

You are going to be fine. I had all the same reservations and I went to MX and 4 weeks later I am running , playing tag football with my grandbabies. I am so happy. I also had to lose almost 100 lbs. Expect the worst but pray for the best. Always, always only tell your self positive affirmations. You can and will do this. I decided not to share with anyone either, with the exception of my husband, sister in NY and a boss at work. Best decision I made. I also would rather focus on what I need to get done than be preoccupied with others doubts. I am so happy for you. I will be praying for a speedy, save and easy recovery(for you also lovelylirpa). Keep us posted how you do.

Everything will be ok. Praying for you.

My surgery is march 13th. 2 weeks of low cab and 1 day of liquid then it's surgery time! I'm very excited yet nervous at the same time. I would love to be band buddies with all of you! I'm 30, female, 240lbs, goal 150lbs!