samuelsmom

I'm impressed! Great idea!

Great news! So glad she is progressing so well!

I believe very strongly in everything in moderation. The day I had cake my calorie intake was 1295 calories and my Protein intake was 94 g. The day I had a cheeseburger and fries, I had 1500 calories and 99 g of protein. I've consistently lost the weight I am supposed to. As for why I want the surgery, obesity is a disease state and studies show that bariatric surgery is the only thing that resolves it. It's the only thing that resolves metabolic syndrome, the inflammation and the hormonal imbalances. I want it because I know that I can lose weight counting every calories every day, but I want more support. I understand that it involves a lifestyle change. But having one piece of cake one week should not even be considered cheating. If I were binging on cake or eating it every day, it would be different. But it was literally one piece of cake about 2"x2". I have read all the posts here and think many good points have been made. I think perhaps you need to see a different nutritionist. This person seems extremely rigid. During my dietitian visits, I told her that I was taking one day per week off. She was cool with that and we talked about using that as an opportunity to enjoy certain foods (like pizza) in a moderate manner that would not derail my eating plan and the new approaches I was learning. I found that to be very beneficial and has helped me have a balanced view of food. If there is another nutritionist on staff, I would recommend transferring. Good Luck.

I hope to one day have your problem How about adding healthy foods that are a little more calorie dense like sweet potatoes, Peanut Butter, or full fat cheese?

Best of luck to all of the pre-oppers! I had my surgery less than 2 weeks after my 55th birthday In November, 2014. The recovery was easy and the weight loss has been mostly steady. I do have some plateaus and then the scale will move again. Like most people reading this, I have gained and lost a lot of weight. I feel like this tool is giving me what I need to make this a permanent change.

My doctor does not use a catheter and I would have refused one if he did. One of the most important parts of recovery is getting up so having a catheter in so you don't have to get up is ludicrous. Also, for every invasive procedure there is a risk of complications. Some invasive procedures are essential--- such as the IV. However, a catheter is not.

I am so sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers for you and your husband.

Made it to Goal! 215 lbs! Thanks stephh for putting this challenge together!

@Shakti As you can see from all the posts this is a personal decision. For me, the idea of possibly having to have the band removed was enough to steer me towards the sleeve. Every surgery has risks and it gets more dangerous the older we get. Also, research is not supporting the band as a great long term option. None of that means that you personally will have a problem- but the risk is there. Below I have pasted an abstract from a long term study. There are some other studies also linked there which you may find interesting. Good Luck on this journey! Long-term results after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: a mean fourteen year follow-up study E.O. Aarts, M.D., , K. Dogan, M.D., P. Koehestanie, M.D., Th.J. Aufenacker, M.D., Ph.D., I.M.C. Janssen, M.D., F.J. Berends, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands. Received 30 May 2010, Accepted 3 March 2014, Available online 5 April 2014 Show moreShow less doi:10.1016/j.soard.2014.03.019 Get rights and content S1550728914001427Refers ToAllen F. Browne Paired Editorial to SOARD-10-151 Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Volume 10, Issue 4, July–August 2014, Page 640 PDF (47 K) Referred to byAllen F. Browne Paired Editorial to SOARD-10-151 Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Volume 10, Issue 4, July–August 2014, Page 640 PDF (47 K) Abstract BackgroundFor over a decade, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) was 1 of the most performed bariatric procedures in Europe. This study is a retrospective analysis with prospectively collected data of the experience in 1 specialized Dutch center with the adjustable gastric band over 14 years. MethodsBetween 1995 and 2003, 201 patients underwent an LAGB for morbid obesity in our hospital. Data on preoperative clinical characteristic, postoperative outcome and weight loss patterns, and co-morbidities for up to 18 years are presented and evaluated using the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS). ResultsAverage follow-up was 13.6 (±2.0) years (163 mo) and 99% of patients with complete follow-up. Two thirds of patients reached an excess weight loss (EWL)>50% at some point after LAGB placement. However, due to insufficient weight loss or complications in 53% of patients, the LAGB had to be removed or converted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Additionally, half of the remaining patients had disappointing results according to the BAROS score. In total, less than one quarter (22%) of patients had a functioning band with a good result after the follow-up period. Although initially the number of patients experiencing co-morbidities was reduced, most of them returned and a large number of patients developed new co-morbidities. Complications, other than weight regain, were numerous as 47% of patients experienced at least 1. In total, 204 reoperations were performed in 137 (68%) patients. Furthermore, patients who were lost to follow-up did almost twice as bad in terms of EWL compared to patients who had regular follow-up. ConclusionMorbid obesity is a chronic disease that can be resolved with bariatric surgery. One of the treatment options is the LAGB, which in the short term shows good results in terms of EWL and co-morbidity reduction. In the long term, however, EWL and co-morbidity reduction are disappointing, and the LAGB does not seem to live up to expectations. Besides the decrease in EWL over time, the number of reoperations required is alarming. In total, less than a quarter of patients still had a functioning band after a mean 14 years of follow-up.

Good thread. I have taken the word "cheat" out of my vocabulary. Why? In my opinion it is counter productive and just brings people down. I am NOT a cheater. I may not always make the best decisions but that is part of the journey.

How's everyone doing? I am feeling really good now. My brother had a 70th birthday party last week and it was so nice to receive a ton of compliments, enjoy the really amazing food, and not have to worry about putting on 5 pounds... thank you sleeve!

I hope the good days start to increase over the bad days. It does sound like she is on the right track. Sending thoughts and good wishes your way.

I'm beginning to think this is just one of those things that you either get or don't-- kind of like morning sickness during pregnancy- some get it, some don't. I am almost 6 months out and have not had any hair loss which I am grateful for. I did start taking biotin around 3 months out and started washing my hair once a week instead of twice but that's it. From everything I've read this is temporary so that at least is a good thing...

The scale moved! Yippee! Down 3 pounds to 216 today. One pound from goal for the challenge.

You're 32 pounds lighter so that's a good thing! You also started at a much lower weight than many people here. I also think the above suggestion is great also. I would recommend following it and keeping your chin up. You have made strides towards a healthier you and that's worth celebrating!

No change this week. Remain at 219 lbs.

Every practice is different. However, this appointment is traditionally the time where the doctor reviews the procedure, the risks and benefits, and answers your questions. If this is the pre-op physical then the medical review is done and the papers signed and checked to make sure everything is in order.

When healing it is important to think long and hard about what you eat. O full liquids, greek yogurt is included so that is fine. Once you get past that, things get a little dicey. You will find that surgeons do the post op eating plans a little different because there is no proven "right" way to do it. That being said there are a few things that are constant MOST of the time- the first week after surgery usually ranges between liquids and a very soft consistency (like a scrambled egg) depending on the surgeon. Progress from one stage to another is slow and as tolerated with the understanding that we all heal at different rates. I have not heard of one plan that allows bacon in the first week! I would highly recommend talking with the nutritionist and the surgeon. I would also highly recommend not eating bacon so soon post-op. It is an unnecessary risk.

I think you are on the right track by getting the testing done. If there are significant issues you can work on them and reduce your surgical risk. There are plenty of people here with very high BMIs who have had successful surgery. Does this doctor have a nutritionist or is there a team that can help you? If not, I would really recommend finding a practice that has a full team dedicated to helping you meet your goals. You can do this!

I don't think anyone on here can competently answer that question! I did not know I had a hernia and had no symptoms. The surgeon discovered it during the surgery and repaired it. I know that there are quite a few people on this forum that have had both done together (sleeve and hernia repair), however, you are presenting with a past history that can affect surgical requirements now. Good luck!

I had no idea this sub forum existed and honestly the OP words really saddened me. I believe that people should be able to express themselves and others can share or learn about beliefs other than their own. For example, I taught a class of Nursing Assistants several years ago. 90% of my class was Muslim. i found out a lot about the Muslim faith and it was very interesting. My medical director from years ago had the whole staff at his house and asked us to share our "holiday" traditions. I learned about Hanukah and Christmas traditions from a variety of perspectives. I remember when I left his house feeling uplifted and like I had really celebrated diversity. For the people who are thanking God, that is an expression of their faith, not an attempt to proselyte (at least not the ones I've seen). Also, offering of prayers is an expression of concern and caring when someone is going through a hard time. Sorry, didn't mean to ramble on....

219 this week

@@Big Opie My sister used to say to me that weight loss surgery was taking the "nuclear option." She also felt that I needed the "Nuclear Option!" When I read your post that was exactly what I thought. You are a young lady to be diagnosed with conditions more common to people decades older than you. This weight loss journey can change your life for the better and reduce or cure any of the physical problems you have now. As far as medications, all medications have side effects. I don't think it is a bad thing that you refused them as long as you are under a doctor's care and stay on program. If things don't improve you may have to go on medication at some point, however, use this time well and do everything you can to improve your health. Good luck! Work hard!

Glad you had no ill effects. My surgery was in November, 2014. I am someone who has never been a big drinker, however, I always had a wine cooler during the Super Bowl. I decided to give it a try and had no problems with it at all. My thinking is that this is something that is variable from person to person. Obviously moderation is important and listening to the signals your body gives.

Congratulations on the good start and recovery! Now that I am 5 months out weight loss has slowed considerably. For my family I update every 10 pounds or so which is plenty. They get to share the excitement without it being too much. Good Luck.