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The amount, and speed, of weight loss in the first six months after bariatric surgery is mainly determined by genes, so one person's results are in no way predictive of anyone else's. There are gender-specific differences in weight loss that you'll also likely benefit from. Genetic expression, however, is dependent upon environment, so we can all help our DNA along after surgery -- and for the rest of our lives -- by following key evidence-based bariatric rules such as no liquids 30 mins before or after meals, staying hydrated, practicing portion control, mindful eating, protein first veggies second, chewing food extremely well before swallowing, not slipping back into old eating behaviours and food habits, reading labels if you eat packaged foodstuffs, getting in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity per week, getting enough sleep, and taking all of the required vitamin and mineral supplements. Wishing you well with your surgery!

I lost 130+ pounds (surgery was 7/10/18) and I’ve stuck to my lifestyle meal plan. I can’t eat sweet things anymore, they taste terrible to me. I drink a gallon of water a day, exercise 4-5 times per week and stopped using food as comfort

did your clinic give you a food plan? They can vary quite a lot between surgeons. I was on purees when I left the hospital and moved into soft foods after two or three weeks, I think (it's been awhile), but some people are in liquids the first couple of weeks and then move to purees. I'd call the clinic if possible and ask them. Or wait until your follow-up appt and see what they say.

Qualifications on paper are nice, but wouldn't want anyone cutting me without hands on experience...and a lot of it!

Do you struggle with reflux currently? If so bypass might be a better option. I had mild reflux so I decided to go with the sleeve. Zero reflux since I had it done a month ago. Dumping was a consideration for me too. I personally wanted to live my life having a slice of cake on my birthday or a cookie with my kids from time to time. Some people feel like they need the strictness of bypass that will never allow them to eat certain foods again. Malabsorption was a factor for me as well. FWIW, obviously I don’t know your friend, but I’d guess it wasn’t the sleeve that failed her. Slider foods, grazing all day, heavy carbs, etc. will definitely stall your progress and cause regain. My head hunger is for sure still there. It’s a lot of work! (I hope that doesn’t sound like I’m judgmental of her. I get it.)

After 10 days post OP I went from liquids to puree. Liquids: shakes, sugar free or fat free versions of pudding, Jello, popsicles, Soup broth, gatorade, yogurt, milk. Puree: eggs, melted cheese or string cheese, mashed potatoes, bananas, peanut butter, applesauce, lean ground meats like turkey, and cooked carrots. Cheese and potatoes are not foods you want to plan to eat everyday in your future diet plan. The Puree stage is short so I had one string cheese stick everyday. I only had mashed potatoes once.

you don't want one of those - the medical ones only give you bone density. To get additional information, like body composition (percentage of fat, bone, muscle, etc), you have to get a commercial one or go to something like a sports lab at a university. The commercial places have names like "DEXAFit", and they run around $150. The ones at universities, when they have them, are sometimes cheaper. It's the same equipment as they have in medical offices, you just get more information from them.

I am a 62 year old male. I had lap band surgery about 12 years ago. I lost some weight but would find myself drowning in my own Saliva every night with a very minimal restriction in the band. I still have the band but had the saline taken out. I started at 6 ft tall and 320 and got down to about 250. My weight has crept back up to 300. I have sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. I would like to lose around 100 pounds. The Sleeve looks like the best option for me.I have tried every diet and failed. I read on Blue Cross Blue Shield this morning that the surgery was covered for people 18-60 years old. I couldn't believe what I was reading. Surely if my GP and Bariatric doctors think I need this it would be covered. Does anyone out there have any experience with this or have a similar situation they might be able to share. Thanks

Hey Guys, I am in a similar boat. Had a lap band put in Dec 2014, started at 300lbs and was able to get down to 240, I have started to gain back a little because the band just isn't working for me anymore, not to mention the torture it has put me through over the last few years. I still want to lose weight and with my medical conditions, they make it difficult for me to do so on my own. So now I'm considering reverting my band to the sleeve. I've been doing a ton of research, which includes popping back onto this site to speak to people who are going through the same. While the sleeve has a great overall effect on weight loss, it is still a scary notion to be cutting out most of your stomach! I can't put my finger on what exactly worries me the most, but the healing process post-op and quality of life after...I know losing weight will be a much healthier better quality of life, but will I be able to ever enjoy food again? I've suffered from severe depression for years and am being treated and seeing someone which has put me into a better state of my mind but doesn't change the fact that I still love food and flavor. I know this must sound crazy because being healthy is the most important thing... I would love to speak to some people who have had the band to sleeve adjustment if possible or anyone who has the sleeve and what their experience has been since surgery. Thank you in advance for all of your advice and wisdom!

Hey Tim, First I wanted to say hang in there. Please dont read anymore insurance stuff.Its just going to get your blood pressure up. I too have the band put in April 2009.I had lost 55 pounds before and nothing afterwards. I did gain a Hiatal hernia and gastric paresis. after 2 tries I had the band let and lived with pain for years. Finally I had removal in 2016. The doctor offered another procedure and I said. Good thing I did my hernia was huge and I needed time to heal properly before anything else. So 4 years later I am now a whopping 336 as of this morning. I was approved Wednesday. But Monday the insurance kept asking for lots of info. I was told it there usual and that I had a procedure before the guarantee was there. I hope you do not have t appeal but your doctors know how to get it done So dont worry.