Search the Community

Congrats on your great success TSB! I am just starting the process, but my stats are very close to yours. Same height and same goal weight but I am about 10 lbs over your starting weight. I am more "compact" on the bottom and currently wear a 16 or 18 in jeans and dress pants but am "well endowed" on top and usually a 2x or 3x in shirts and jackets. Hope you don't mind if I follow your progress! kagead

Hey my July peeps! I had my 2 week post op visit today. I was sleeved on July 21. My starting weight in Jan was 274, surgery weight 263 and today,,,,,,,,,, (drum roll) 253!!!!! Its 10 lbs in 10 days, yeah i will take that. Gosh i cant stop smiling!! 21lbs gone. Thank you Jesus. Woo woo i am so excited!!!! I have no problems eating or drinking water and protein requirements are at 30 for this week. My Doc goes slowly upward to a total only of 45. I have been drinking at least 60oz of water a day. I was always a water drinker only. I feel good except for pain that I am having because I had a lot of scar tissue due to my previous surgeries. He even had to do 6 insicions instead of three. But i am walking and all my incisions are healed. I will be in my pool tomorrow starting slow. I have lymphedema in my legs and the pool helps with the swelling. Another wonderful thing is that i am off all diabetic meds !!!!!!!!! Oh yeah!! Can you tell i am busting???? (Seinfeld: George: I am busting Jerry, busting!!!!) God Bless my woderful surgeon and his team. It does feel as great as everyone says. Hang in there July peeps.....we gonna do great!!!!!

I just had RNY on September 26th, and all went great but it is so hard to get all liquids and Protein in this first week. I literally wake up at 6am to start and it takes me till 10 or 11pm and is extremely exhausting. I'm sure it will get easier but I just want to take a nap and that screws my whole schedule. But I am happy I had the surgery. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

I sure do hope you are right! I have been stalled for several weeks and just can't seem to budge the scale no matter what I do. I am exercising at the gym 5 days a week and have lost 10 pounds of body fat in 2 months but no weight. At least I'm not gaining! Have worried that my pouch has stretched but I do still feel the restriction. I am able to eat more than I expected before I feel the restriction.

The last thing I needed to get my surgery date was a CPAP machine. I decided to go through the VA for this, because they appeared to be pricy. They scheduled me an appointment after I sent my primary physician the results of my at home sleep study conducted through SNAP diagnostic. I paid $375 for the sleep study test which was done over the course of three nights. The VA scheduled me an appointment date that I thought was fairly far out, when I asked about getting an appointment sooner, they advised I had to have a physician appointment in order to receive the equipment. So, I am excited about getting this last little bit done, but I can wait. I get to my appointment and the guy in front of me is asleep, in a wheel chair, and on oxygen. I go to the counter and make sure he is checked in before I check in. As I am waiting in the lobby I witness every other person checking in do the same thing I did. I am feeling good about people and my fellow vets taking care of each other. The nurse (LVN) calls me back for vitals and the standard questions start. I interrupt her and ask, do you really have to ask the same questions for every single visit? She said they have to because so many vets commit suicide. So I answer all her questions without her asking them. No, I am not depressed, suicidal, having trouble at home, in an abusive relationship, or homeless. Next stop Doctor right? Nope, it is another nurse (I think nurse practitioner, but the fine print was too small to read). He spends 10 minutes advising me why SNAP Diagnostics isn't really very good and that their algorithm for determining pressure is outdated. Why they are going to go ahead and provide a VA CPAP even though the VA in-house sleep study is so much better. He then tells me how dangerous it was for my oxygen to go down to 77% for 20 minutes and how I stopped breathing 22 times. I am thinking, I read the report before I gave it to you, I want the machine, you don't have to talk me into it. He then describes how the new machines works and it is pretty cool, they calibrate automatically based on your breathing. Then I am thinking why did you spend all that time telling me about the math problem SNAP uses to calibrate pressure if the machine is going to do it automatically anyway. Then he says, we will see you back in a month or so to get you fitted for your CPAP. Wait, what about my dangerously low oxygen? I really wanted to go off, but instead stated, I thought the reason I had to wait so long was for a physician appointment in order to receive a CPAP. He then advised that this is my physician appointment. I really don't care if they count a nurse practitioner appointment as a physician appointment, but I am thinking to myself I can read and your badge and it does not say Doctor, so someone is lying to me. But alas, I know if I don't stay calm I will not achieve my objectives. So, I explain to him that I will have to pay out of pocket again to re-do labs if I do not receive this CPAP machine. I also tell him that I know I can buy one on amazon or go through the medical supply store that SNAP recommended. He starts telling me why those are both bad ideas and I tell him I have to do what I have to do. He then says he will see if he can get them to double book so I can see the Doctor today. Then he has the gall to say that my appointment will cause other 100% disabled and service connected vets to have to wait longer. So, I sit back out in the lobby feeling a little guilty, when I get called back sooner than expected by a tech who fits me for the machine and goes over all the instructions in less than ten minutes. She was super nice and wished me luck on my surgery. I thanked her for squeezing me in and told her how much money she saved me. So, I will have my surgery date by next week. Since I am not officially on a pre-op diet I am going to have a 97 calorie shot of vodka later to celebrate not losing my sh** at the VA.

Had my revision surgery on 10/18/16 from LapBand to sleeve due to esophagus issues from the band. I was banded in 2010. If I can answer any questions, just ask away. Recovery wasn't easy, but it wasn't terrible either. I haven't had any problems with drinking or getting my Protein in. Still off work but that's only because I want to make sure I've got a good handle on food before I return to my job. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My insurance did not have a six month diet period; but due to a health issue I had to postpone my surgery. This meant that my first consult was 12/28/09 and my surgery is now scheduled for 8/12/10. My understanding is that the doctor's office sends in your original weigh in from your first consult. While I still would qualify today my insurance reapproved me (had to be done when my surgery was postponed) no problem even though I have lost 54 pounds since my first consult. As mentioned by a previous poster; many doctors want you to loose 5-10% of your body weight before they do the surgery. Sooooo as my doctor said this is all about the end game. The more you loose before the surgery hopefully the more you will lose in the end. While I am impatient and a horrible waiter you will be putting the six months into good use. Realistically how long will it take you to loose 10% of your body weight?

Hi, i've been researching WLS for quite sometime. I attended a seminar on july 15. Initial consult was yesterday August 03; Psych. evaluation scheduled for tuesday August 10. Started Weight watchers on my own on July 17. Appointment with Nutritionist on Friday August 6. Anybody out there going through these stages? I need some friends for mutual support. My Insurance, Care first Blue Choice requires 6 months of medical weight management. Can my Insurance deny coverage if I loose too much weight during the six months? My Doctor said no but I just want a second opinion. I enjoy reading and talking to folks on this forum. I've learned a lot and found tons of inspiration here. Anyone interested in sharing the ups and downs of this journey? I know I won't be banded for another 5 to 6 months.:tongue2: I'm sooo impatient and afraid I could get discouraged along the way. Congatulations on your decision to live a healthier and happier life.

I keep saying I'm going to get serious & set up my nut & psych appts but I still have not. I want to but then feel guilty because dh is still not working (he's not laid off either- it's a weird vortex of manipulation really c/o his co.) Dh has said he doesn't mind me going in for the nut & psych but the conversation always ends up with him asking why we wouldn't tell his family about me getting LB. He's close to his family & as much as I love them too, I have come to the conclusion its better to keep it private, especially since its not happening for sure right now. As I was getting ready for bed, I decided I'm calling to set up the appts for sure tomorrow. Then I started thinking about the actual surgery. If dh's job situation works out, & I get surgery, we're gonna have to tell his family. I have a toddler who I don't want hanging around the hospital (swine flu anyone?) I don't have any of my family close either. I'd be ok on my own a night or two in the hospital but the day of & day leaving we'd need help w/ dd. They will want to know why since we never ask. I don't know if I can give them the hernia excuse. Originally that was my plan but now what if I have a complication & they have to watch dd again? If I claim its hernia surgery I would have to stick to the story or come out a liar. Ughhhh. Its really just two members of dh's family who have big mouths (both men oddly.) I just don't know but I gotta figure it out.:smile2:

I lost 20 on my preop (one month) and an additional 30 pounds over the next 2 months. I started with a high BMI though. Then it slowed down and it took me another 2 months to lose another 10 pounds. About 16 months to lose 100.

This is the best support group ever. Had my sleeve yesterday 5/10 still in the hospital recovering. Thanks all 💗😘

It is now day 10 for me and the shoulder pain in minimal, gas pain is gone as long as I walk right after I drink, I finally burped like a big dog, and went #2 twice this week, Oh it really doesn't take much.... I went fishing with my dad today and worked yesterday, Oh still no food but can finally drink more than 6 oz of Water at a time.... Oh it doesn't take much:thumbup::biggrin:

By the time you get to this point...you will have already had to go on the liquid diet for at least a week before the surgery. That was hell. I realized just how out of control my eating habits were and it did mature me to realize, hey, i don't need to be stuffing my face with junk all the time. I got depressed, I got upset, I took it out on everyone. I drank CONSTANTLY during my pre op diet so I was never hungry, and it worked, so keep something with you all the time. I'm post op day5 and struggling some. My docotor's instructions allow me to have foods with a little more substance like milkshakes, smoothies, cream Soups for the next 10 days. Unfourtunatley all I really WANT is pizza so nothing really appeals to me, but that's why I"m here in the first place. It will be hard not to move on to mushy foods just yet but you can DO it. You can do the liquid diet at first because you see a light at the end of the tunnell. You can do it post op because you don't want to mess up your band. Just keep in touch with your doctor. My biggest problem was feeling hungry but I've figured out what works for me and it's fine.

I can vouch for the all-inclusive nature of Dr. Illan's package. I paid the flat fee, bought my tickets (mine were about $600) and passport ($70 for the card), and that was all the required expenses. Extras: Tips for the Valets and drivers (Much appreciated) Cab fares for running around for 2 days after leaving the hospital. (Plan for about $20-$30, depending on how much running you do) Cost of food at great restaurants (Broth and beverages)... plan for $40-$50 per person. Each time we ate, I spent about $10 for just me. Extra days at the hotel..(I forget, but around $80/night.. confirm this). Souvenirs (Can get a few little things for $5, but the sky's the limit... I spent about $300 because I spoil my kids, lol.)

I’m one week out from surgery and my husband and best friend are making menhavwbsecond thoughts. They have no idea they both agree. My husband says I’ve had enough surgeries during my lifetime from car accidents and complications post car accident. I’ve also have a history of sepsis (infection) every time I get opens up for surgery. He know what I went through with all that.ni think he’s just afraid of what could happen or me not pulling through this time ans my friend said likewise. I really and and nee this surgery but now I feel like I’m second guessing myself. My initial plan was to have the sleev but the doctor takes me into duodenal switch because it’s less likely for weight gain. I agreed but also has second thoughts about that particular lad surgery just because of all the additional nutrients you malabsorption va the other surgeries. In my head I was also think duodenal would allow me to lose weight faster than the sleeve. Then again i don’t want to loose too much I don’t want to be looking too skinny from excessive weight lost from duodenal (CW 232 GW 150-160). Although not reversible the sleeve is less invasive and not switching around parts. Then again I’ve had a gastric ballon (obera ballon) and maybe lost 10 pound at most so that was also my reasoning for wanting duodenal switch more aggressive than sleeve as to me the obera balloonMimics restriction just like sleeve but it’s temporary. As you can see I’m a week out from surgery and all over the place. HELP!!! Has anyone that is slightly obese or obese who has extremely hard time losing weight even with diet or excercise had success from the sleeve? How fast did you lose weight?

LMAO! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 225.2 GW = 220 (6'5")

Disclaimer: I've never been a person who paid much attention to other people's opinion of me or my actions. I did tell a few people of my decision prior to banding and now tell anyone who asks. The prebanding reactions were mixed but the post banding reactions have all been positive (as in I'm proud of you for taking decisive action). I think most people (unless they've been living under a rock for the past 5 years) realize that weight loss success rates are somewhere between 1-10% without medical intervention. The ones who had negative reactions were mostly due to the fact they didn't understand the lap band procedure is not the gastric bypass procedure. Once I explained the difference, there were even some with less than 40 lbs to lose who were wondering if they could do it because they haven't been able to take the weight off on their own. I have been banded just shy of 6 months now and by some standards, am a slow loser. I'm OK with it but the first 3 months were really tough and I had my doubts. What I know now is that everyone loses at their own pace and not to compare myself to others who lose faster. If I had the chance to go back and reconsider, I would do it all over again.

Dr. Aceves has his patients on 10 days of clear, then 10 days of full liquids. That should be where you are now. You can have Soup that you put in a blender to get rid of all the chunks.I blended tomato soup and cottage cheese to get more Protein. You can also have the egg flower soup from the chinese places, and of course any kind of Protein Drink you can stand. There are also drinkable yogurts. Hope that helps!

Would anyone be interested in forming a clothes exchange club? I was considering starting a website on my own, but I don't think I can do it without spending a few hundred dollars a year. I've been looking at this company: http://hosting.ipslink.com/community.html This company provides a photo gallery with its community--something you can't get with the free message board. If anyone knows of any other companies with better products, feel free to share. Anyway, I think there's probably enough people interested in this that if we had a $10-$15 club dues each year, it would pay for the board with the photo gallery and hosting. Then all exchanges would be free, except for any shipping between the parties involved. What do you guys think? I am willing to give my time and effort, but I would really like some help. Plus, I don't know anything about setting up a club, so if you are a former board member of any kind, please help. Everyone's input and ideas would be appreciated.

New to this site! Had surgery 5/12/14. Feel pretty great. Woke up feeling good much better than I thought I would:) been getting all 70g of protein in lost 10 pounds! Over all feel amazing! Today was a lil sore which is unusual. Had to take a pain pill today which is a first since I left hospital. Thinking I may have just walked too much. At least I hope:) see dr. Tomorrow for my first visit!

Hi numby2017, I am just a bit ahead of you at 5 weeks today. At 10 days I was able to get alot of liquids, Soup and yogurt in. I thought the surgery was a fail. Now on soft food, I feel a pressure, that's when I know to stop or the food will come up. I rarely can eat more than a couple ounces of food and liquids are even going down slowly now. Surgery was a complete success, although, I have wicked head hunger. Good luck! Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

I just started my liquid diet a few days ago. My cousin said she will follow my diet for 10 weeks to lose weight. More power to her! I wouldn't have the motivation to do this if it wasn't not for surgery. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

I am 7 weeks post op and I got my first fill 1 week ago 3cc). I ate 10 wings and a small salad today I am full but I thought I would not be able to eat as much. I am really concerned because I am not sure if this band works or maybe I have stretched it out (if that's possible). I am currently 260lbs and I started at 280lbs. I have not once had an incident of sliming or PB like I hear others talk about. I can eat anything (bread, chicken, shrimp, steak, etc) I have no restrictions. Is this normal?