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Weight loss has been slow and steady at the ol' ranch. Officially down 62 pounds as of my five month post-op mark. Pretty darn happy with that. My body feels so different! I even started bowling again, after 20 years!!! I can get down on my knee without it collapsing under my weight! I am having a blast!! The last time I saw my surgeon, he took out about .2 cc's from my band. I was way too tight, unable to eat much of anything. Since then, as long as I eat reaaaaally slow, and take itty bitty bites, I've been doing pretty good. On the down side, I had to visit my primary care physician for the regular check up. He was busy that day, so I had to see his partner, whom I can't stand! First she feels my neck, and tells me I have a goiter. WHAT? So she sends me off for labs and an ultrasound on my thyroid. Whatever. When I get my labs done, she calls me and tells me my liver enzymes are abnormal, go have an ultrasound on IT. Okie dokie. I go have my neck and belly ultrasound-ed. Few days later, she calls asking if I am having stomach pain. Ummm, no, why, I ask. She says my liver ultrasound was abnormal. I ask what the problem is and she says we will discuss it at my next appt. FIVE weeks from now. Real nice. :thumbup: So the next day, I happen to have my appt with my bariatric surgeon. I tell him about the sitch and he can't believe she called and worried me, without giving me any information. So, he hops up, goes to his office and accesses my results. He is sooo my hero. Anyway, he comes back and tells me I have friggin gallstones! WHAT? Since I have had no symptoms he tells me he isn't worried, lots of people live with gallstones, with no problems. COOL! I decide I will be one of THOSE people! So, Murphy's Law being what it is, a few days later, I have the most God-awful pain I have experienced since being in labor with my children. The next day I google, and viola..... gallbladder attack. I have had four attacks so far. Sigh. I know I need to tell my doc, but I really do not want another surgery. I went forty years without a single surgery and now, I'll have two within five months. Major bummer!!

I had a physical this morning with my PCP. I saw him about two weeks before my surgery and briefly explained what I was having done and he hadn't seen me since. At the time he seemed a little skeptical, but was of course professional. Today I was shocked with how supportive he was. We talked for a long time and I told him the lab work I wanted for sure and that my surgeon wanted (vitamin D level was low below surgery) and he actually left for a few minutes to research what else he might want to order due to me having bariatric surgery. This was great because I was self-pay so if he didn't order everything I would have had to pay to get the additional labs done. Another great thing is that on their scale I weighed 164 lbs. I know it doesn't count because it's not the scale I weigh on all the time, but it was great to see that number fully clothed. The nurse who weighed me kept looking at my chart and then back to the scale and then finally I realized that she must be comparing my weight from the end of July (around 230 lbs) with this weight. I smiled and told her I had wls, she chuckled and said "oh." Then she told me how well I've done with it and asked questions about the procedure. I love my sleeve! Lastly, I decided to join the same gym as my husband as a way to do more things together. I only signed up for a month to see how much I actually am able to attend. Right now I can squeeze in a workout before tap class on Mondays, and Fridays after work, and Sundays. Every other day I'm pretty much booked up with Jazzercise although I might try to workout some days before going to class. We'll see.

Thanks for all the support.. I came to the same conclusions yesterday that this is about me, and whether I want to be here to see my children grow up.. My risk of heart disease is escalating every year and the thought of living through a serious stroke scares me to death. My doc told me to tell hubby that he could take care of me for a month now, or for years when I have other problems. I went to see my PCP yesterday and was totally stunned to here she was all for the surgery, and so was everyone else in her practice. I have had some real issues with them agreeing on whats best for me. I have some sleep issues and have for most of my life. Now that I have neck fat and reflux I am starting to get sleep apnea and have woken up coughing and choking lately. They won't prescribe anything until I see a psychiatrist.. I'll go, will have to see one at some point before my surgery is okayed anyways. There is a seminar on the 17th that I have to attend, and my doc will send my referral next week so a lot of the paperwork will already be done.. My hubby and I had another discussion.. he was being selfish and admitted it. He doesn't want to have deal with me being moody because I'm hungry and can't eat what I want to..Lol I have know idea where that came from,, I don't remember stomping my foot and screaming for icecream even when I was pregnant.. He also doesn't want to have to pick up the slack,, or do everything I do, which is everything but washing the kitchen floors, mowing and going to his job everyday. He is okay with things now and was happy for me when I told him my PCP was sending my info to the bariatric surgeon. There are huge waiting lists here so it could be a really long time,, up to nine months before a date is set.. frustrating, but I have things I really need to take care of.. I've played the surgery waiting game with my hysterectomy and I was sick,, I can handle this.. I am going to try to keep everything on the lowdown around here for now with my family and friends.. My sister in law already gave me a big speech about how I can lose the weight on my own,, just do some chi gong?? and some herbs.. lol,, shes a hippy from way back and is 66. I have young kids to take care of and want to be here.. I'm not much on "signs", but when I called my insurance company to see if they would pay for it, the woman who answered had the surgery 3 year ago.. she was my age and her children were the same age as mine at the time. She said she has a whole new life with them and even though the road was rough, she doesn't regret it for a minute.. It might seem frivolous, but I would really love to go dancing again and not be self consious, or out of breath with aching feet lol.. Thanks again ladies, your replies were fabulous

I'm glad to hear that you are walking a bit. Hoping your pain lessons so you can rest without the meds. That sucks about the milk. Unfortunately lactose intolerance is common after bariatric surgery. My doctor told us if it happens in the beginning to try it again in a couple months or use Lactaid milk. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Here's the diet and shopping list we were given for the first 90 days after surgery http://xnet.kp.org/misg/bariatrics/after.html I did like the Premiere Protein Shakes in Choclate from CostCo and Sam's.

They didnt take any blood or run labs. My bariatric doctor hasnt ran any blood work since pre-op. They gave me labs they want done and sent to them for my year check up. Luckily I have a great primary care dr and we have monitored things and other than my Vit D being a little low all labs have been great. I think my surgeon is a great surgeon and has a very very low complication rate and I am thankful for that but the follow up stinks!

Yes, my doctor offers Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacements. On them for 15 days before surgery. Today is day 1, so far so good! =) Good luck on your journey thus far!!

I have a GREAT psychologist whom I'm seeing privately. He is also the person who did my bariatric intake interview / testing / interpretations. But I swear that some of your stories sound like there are some incompetent buffoons out there doing clinical psychology work for a living who don't know how to interpret psychometric instruments and don't understand the strengths and weaknesses of those tools. Those tests should not be used like Tarot cards. (joke) S.M.H.

@@Miss Mac - As much as I like this forum I would never recommend it for pre-ops. The horror stories outweigh the happy successes and if you aren't someone who has had previous positive medical experiences it can be intimidating. I've seen far too many post of people who perseverate on worries about the gas, nausea and pain. I found the support groups my program offers to be much more helpful. I wanted to get my pre-op questions from the my bariatric team. Thankfully they were a tremendous support and of course, I had the handbook my program offers that I was able to use a my bible.

Good idea! The other place is the blog called "The World According to Eggface". She's a long-time bariatric patient who's been very involved in the bariatric community for many years. AND...she loves cooking. She also has a lot of recipes on her site for all stages.

Mmmm, that Lemon kind sounds good. I got Bariatric Advantage brand lozenges and think they're only just tolerable. I tried a mint flavor at my doc's office, tasted like a giant mint Tums. So I order cinnamon, wish I'd ordered Cherry. I only bought one bottle though, just until I'm allowed to swallow pills again.

Will you ever upgrade to the,point you can change and upgradebinfo on a Android or even IOS phone? I am sick of that erroneous date on my profile following me around. First and may we pray, last Bariatric Surgery was September 5 2018 not 2014 or whatever else. In 2014 I was obeses, without hope, sitting in my wide-seated armchair waiting for the Death Angel to come claim me or struggling along at Wally World, trying to convince my supervisors I could work circles around the younger employees. And did they care? Not so you notice!

I had my conversion surgery from band to sleeve on june first, i had it done in the Dominican republic because my company excluded bariatric from my policy. i was so scare and even felt regrets the day after surgery. Six week later those regrets are way off my mind, I have never felt better. I've lost 30lbs and I'm static My Self-esteem over the top, as supposed to six weeks earlier I wouldn't look my self in the mirror and today I'm jumping for joy. I've had my my ups and down, when my weight loss stalled I thought I failed, coming to this site has been a blessing. Can't wait so reach my goal weight, only 47lbs to go and I made a promise to myself to not drive my self crazy and enjoy the journey. Any other June first sleever. Share your story

I happen to love the Bariatric Advantage chewables and hand haven't tried anything else since I discovered them. I particularly like the grape ones. I also use their chewable calcium. As you said, they are like Starburst--and they are honestly sort of a treat every morning!

INSTA AVENTURER you got your educational Masters now you are going to receive your Bariatric Masters. Although you didn't have to compose and defend your thesis for this one, I bet you could have! Two Masters in less than a year, Cool to the Max and it couldn't have happened to a better more WONDERFUL person. I Dilute you for What You Gave Gone through and hereby convey this trophy 🏆to YOU!

Congratulations on your success! We are pretty similar — I had my surgery just a week before yours, and I have also lost 100 pounds since my surgery (I lost about 70 pounds before surgery). My initial goal weight was 180 pounds based on average weight loss (this was before I lost the first 70 pounds), but now I’m shooting for 150, although I honestly don’t care all that much about the number on the scale; for me, it’s all about the NSVs. When I stop and think about it, I’m in disbelief that I have lost such a massive amount of weight. I used to see people who have lost 100+ pounds and think it was impossible, and now I’m one of them. i also have the same sense that it doesn’t feel like I’ve lost as much as I have. I am literally half the size I used to be, and of course I can tell that I’m smaller, but I definitely don’t feel like I’m half my old size. I actually like to cook, and I spend a lot of time on Pinterest looking at bariatric-friendly recipes (I find a lot of recipe on keto web sites, even though I don’t exactly follow the keto diet, but a lot of keto recipes are good because they’re low-carb). One of the cool things about being a bariatric patient is that my portion sizes are so small that I get a ton of servings out of a single recipe. I made a batch of turkey meat sauce that came out to 27 portions! I have a freezer full of single-serving meals from just a few cooking sessions. I’ve really enjoyed finding new, healthy recipes that I love, and I hardly even miss the old unhealthy foods I used to eat. I recently discovered that I like spaghetti squash! And I eat cauliflower rice all the time. I hardly recognize myself anymore. Anyway, it’s great to see someone else enjoying great results from WLS. It is truly life-changing!

Hi I am using a local bariatric nutritionist (got sleeved in Mexico) and am going to have the blood tests she recommended before I go see her. I was curious if the doctors order the same things tested. Here are the tests she recommended: 1. CMP 2. CBC 3. Serum Ferritin 4. B12/Folic Acid - Specimen must be protected from light 5. Magnesium (RBC) 6. B1 Plasma - Freeze specimen 7. 25 Hydroxy/Vitamin D 8. B6 9. Serum Retinol (vitamin A) - Protect specimen from light 10. Serum Copper (not a standard lab, but I would check) 11. Pre-albumin

I just found out yesterday that my insurance has no bariatric benefits. I have my initial consult today. Anyone go through financing or trying to find a different insurance? I'm bummed. SmileyLG

If you are concerned about your energy level call your surgeon's office. Your body is still adjusting two months out. Give yourself time. Don't worry too much about your sex drive...It comes back for most of us as you get further out from surgery. Some questions for you... Are you logging your food to know if you are hitting your calorie and protein goals? If you are instructed to take bariatric vitamins are you taking the correct amount? How much are you exercising?

After bariatric surgery my iron levels dropped so I began taking iron supplements. I was told by my nutritionist to take ferrous sulfate as an iron supplement for the best absorption. Also it is important to give a 2 hours separation between iron and calcium.

As you age, your metabolism slows down. Older people also tend to have less muscle mass than younger people, which also reduces metabolic rate. This is why we encourage older patients to add light weight-bearing exercise to their fitness routines. So how do you keep that furnace burning in order to burn calories, even if you’re already achieved your goal weight? There are many simple tools to accomplish this task. I’ve outlined my favorites below: Exercise This weapon is key to maintaining and increasing metabolism. Seniors, take note−The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 65 and older get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and perform weight-bearing exercises on all the body’s major muscle groups at least twice a week. At any age, indoctrinate a 30-minute daily work-out, just like brushing your teeth and eating lunch, into your daily routine. Sleep To increase the chances of boosting metabolism, adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting too little shut-eye can significantly alter your body’s processes enough to predispose you to gain weight. (Do you ever feel hungry for no reason when you’re exhausted and then reach for the wrong foods to boot?) De-Stress When you’re tense, your body releases cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal system that is linked to weight gain. It can also significantly weaken your immune system and open the door to acute and chronic illnesses. Turn to regular physical activity, deep breathing, a quiet evening stroll, or professional help from a psychologist or counselor if you are experiencing chronic stress. Eat and Drink (First and foremost, follow your bariatric practice's instructions on post-op nutrition.) Eating the right foods−clean proteins, fruits and vegetables−fuels your metabolism firing on all cylinders. As soon as you awaken, charge-up those calorie burners by feeding them a protein and a fruit (think omelette with feta cheese, spinach and veggies and a cup of berries). Eat small meals throughout the day but stop by around 7 p.m. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining good health. Keep a glass or refillable water bottle with you throughout the day. You are properly hydrated if your urine is nearly clear. Other than choosing the right foods to eat and finding spiritual solace in your life, these tools serve as a roadmap to good health, including maintaining a healthy weight. Best of all, once you’ve adopted these tips, you will look and feel better--sooner than you think.

I didn't find it hard to adjust to the Band's rules at all. My Bariatric Center prefers me to stop drinking 30 minutes before a meal and then for 45 minutes after. Other than dinner, I never drank with my meal anyway. I don't have any issues with nuts or beans--I really haven't tried oranges or grapefruit or fresh pineapple. My Bariatric Center gave me a list of the things that are "generally not tolerated well" and I must admit--I take the easy way out and don't try them. Honestly, I can say that my life has changed very little with the Band--the very largest part that has changed is my portions, that's all! I still eat whatever we're having for supper, but a smaller amount (i.e. a piece of chicken and green beans--instead of 4 country style barbequed ribs, 1/2 box of Kraft macaroni and cheese and green Beans.) You see what I'm saying?!! Yes, it's scary--but each person IS different in what we can handle--and I know myself that whatever I give up forever is totally so worth my new life and quality that I have now! :mad:

I also had 6 months supervised weight loss. My doctor's office wanted me to use myfitness pal, but it had nothing to do with my insurance. It was mainly so that I was honest with myself on what I was eating, and so they could monitor what I was eating and help me make adjustments as I went. Most insurances, at least mine which is UHC, just want to see some type of weight loss; even a pound per month is good, of course more is better, but insurance wants to see a loss, never a gain. What will be enough for insurance coverage includes that you lose some amount of weight, that your bariatric office deems weight loss surgery necessary, also to have your primary indicate so on a letter. The process sounds intimidating and long, but it goes by quick. I am just over 3 months and can't believe my surgery already happened! The weight loss will be documented by your team on each visit. Hope that somewhat answered your question. In my case the app was mainly for my own personal tracking, and for them to monitor. You already started the process, don't quit no matter how hard it may seem! Best of luck!

Interesting article today... here's the link: http://news.yahoo.com/weight-loss-surgery-may-help-menstruation-skin-hair-180405888.html

I am really horrible at keeping up a blog, but I am really going to try to with this one, because this is an important journey I am about to embark upon! So many things will start to happen once I really get started, and I want to keep record of it. I had heard about the LAP-BAND® when I saw the commercials on tv, but never really gave it much thought. I was once thinking about having a gastric bypass, but the idea scared me so much that I never pursued it. Last October 2009 I was at my Dr's office, and I saw that there was going to be a seminar about the LAP-BAND®, so I decided to go and see what it was all about. It was a really informative seminar, I got to see and hold a real LAP-BAND® in my hands, and I learned about the differences between gastric bypass and the LAP-BAND®. That really cemented the idea that a bypass wasn't for me! But.... when I found out about the cost of the durgery, ($16,000), I was thinking that there was absolutely NO WAY that I could pay that on my SSDI income. So I went home kind of dissapointed. I again put the idea at the back of my mind. In January, I found the folder that they had given me, and I started reading the information inside....my interested renewed once I saw that there was a way that I could pay by CareCredit. I talked to my SO about it, because he would have to be the one to sign up for the credit, but he was not at all receptive to the idea because of the cost of the surgery. I kept bringing it up, but to no avail, he wasn't going to listen! Then last week, he was reading our insurance benefits, and saw that surgery for morbidly obese people was covered (at least hospital costs) and the other diagnostic procedure would be covered like regular benefits. At that point, he has been supportive of my starting this process. I have even convinced him to go to another seminar with me on April 1st, so he can get the information on the LAP-BAND® himself! I have made an appointment with the WLIA already, for the 6th of April to go over with them exactly what the insurance will cover, and I imagine they will tell me what the precertifications are that I will need to complete. After I know all that, I am going to hit the ground running.!