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First bit of advice? Get off the "dreadmill" and run outside. Unless it is below 20 degrees, there is no reason I can see to not run outside. Second bit of advice is to run "sub-threshold." Most beginning runners try to run to exhaustion and burn out. When you finish, you should be tired, but you should not be doubled over gasping for breath, unless you meant to go "all out." If that means running 15 minute miles, then so be it. Better times will come, but not if you "kill yourself" and burn out. I have a signature on my tri site that says, "I run like a gazelle, if it has a lion hanging from its neck." 10 months after I started running, I may need to change that soon. Tonight I ran 2 miles in 16:39; you can get there too; it's just a matter of running smart, not running harder.

Do a lot of research. I got my band about a month ago and i am sooooo glad i did. I do not get my first fill till tomorrow, but just having the band in there has really reduced my appetite. I have lost 19 pounds so far. Best of luck. Donna

I had a GSP in 10/2010 with minimal results. I am getting a sleeve. Dr #1 said that he may not be able to do the surgery, it would depend on the condition of my stomach tissue and could possibly require two surgeries and/or NOT getting the sleeve at all. He said that the surgery would require undoing/removing the original plication sutures and if there is a lot of scar tissue, that could cause problems/leaks when doing the sleeve.?? Dr #2 said that he would do a EGD prior to surgery to take a look at the previous surgery line but that he was not concerned about the previous plication? He would leave it in tact, creating the sleeve from the inside of the stomach, removing the previous plication/sleeve with the excess stomach? He further said that as long as he could do the sleeve without having to staple over the plication sutures/scar tissue that he was not concerned about leaks or problems. Two different doctors, two different approaches..

Hi. I'm new to this site. It took me six months of diligence, but I finally got approval from my insurance company for my sleeve surgery. I had it on April 17th. I'm feeling remarkably well on Day 3 post surgery, much better than I had mentally prepared myself for (from past experience with C-section, tubal ligation, hysterectomy and two knee surgeries). At 7 am today (65 hours after surgery) I walked my dog around the block and had no set-backs from it. Later, I took a car ride (first real outing) to shop and came home very weary, but still ok!and, 3 days post surgery, I've already lost 10 lbs. That's what really impressed me! My motivation to have this procedure stems from my decimal history. Like most obese people, I am becoming diabetic, my joints hurt, and the GERDS is only getting worse. But, unlike most other obese people, my thyroid tanked about 27 years ago, which has made weight loss an even greater challenge. Add to that, I found out 5years ago that I have - not one, but TWO rare auto-immune diseases. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis ("PBC") and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Another name for NASH is Fatty Liver Disease. My weight continued a gradual climb over the years, despite my efforts to change my eating patterns and selections. I felt cornered. This surgery was my only hope to delay - and maybe even eliminate the need for a liver transplant someday. And, if a by-product of this decision is that my sweet husband gains 'arm-candy,' then great! I selected the sleeve over the other procedures because the full bypass surgery makes it impossible to receive a transplanted liver in the future (nix that one), and the Lap-Band is too easy to reverse. I wanted this decision to be permanent and never look back. I work with three people who had the Lap-Band, and only one of them has been successful at it. The other two have gained back all their weight and more. I know several others who have been successful at Lap-Band, but I wanted a permanent life-change. I'm so glad I did it. Pain and nausea? You bet! Unbearable? Maybe once or twice for five minutes, but I kept telling myself, 'this is normal. This, too, shall pass. The outcome of all of this is that YOU get to live to see your 3 year old granddaughter grow up.' There is so much stigma with gastric weight loss surgery, that I've chosen to not share it with more than my husband and two very close friends. It's no ones business why I chose to do this. I see people who have been skinny all their lives say, "Oh, I see.... No wonder you've lost weight," implying the fat person failed and had to "cheat." My coworkers, siblings, and others were told I'm having a procedure done to 'prop-up' my liver, give it some relief, and hopefully delay a transplant - all of which is 100% true. Maybe someday, I'll feel better about sharing the whole story with everyone. I am into Day 4 post-surgery. I've lost 10 lbs. I'm on the right track.

Hello, all. I'm a 3 year band veteran and new to this site...judging from my current prediciment, I would've done well to find this site a years ago. Hold on to your hats...this is going to take a while... I was banded by Dr. Santiago Horgan in Chicago in Feb. 2004. I have not kept vigilant track of my loss, or my fills/unfills as most people seem to on this site. I did however, have amazing results of weight loss in the first year or so. I began somewhere around 308 and was down to 209 within a year. Couldn't ever make it past the 100 mark. (I am now 29 years old and have lost and gained significant amounts of weight prior to the band. Numerous times. In fact, I had an abdominoplasty and lipo in various areas following a significant loss. I proceeded to gain over 100 lbs. over the course of the next year. Just to give you an idea of my classic yo-yo syndrome.) I was extremely faithful in my exercise program and in my eating habits for about a year and a half following being banded; however, I threw up ALL THE TIME, on a very regular basis, even with just liquids and I don't mean literal vomiting, but "PB'ing" as I've come to learn it is called on this site. My weight loss was going so well, I chose to just accept it. My weight loss slowed after about 18 months...and at this point, I'm positive the scale is going in the wrong direction, I'm just too ashamed to look. I've only had about 3 or 4 adjustments over the course of the now 3 years of having the lap band, but have no idea as to how many ccs, I don't even know what band I have, specifically. I suppose these are things I should be more aware of. The last time, (which I'm estimating was 6 months ago if not longer) I saw my surgeon, I had an "un-fill", because I had completely stopped losing weight and finally owned up to the truth about my "PB'ing" and evidently my pouch had stretched out? (I don't know that that is the correct terminology). I went back in 2 wks later for an adjustment. I have not been back since. (Let me clarify, I was a self-pay and every time I walk in the door of my surgeon's office I'm spending $250). Since then I have not had the problem with the PB'ing barring a few exceptions, like when I tried to eat more than I should. The truth is, I eat soup and soft foods. And I most definitely, on a regular basis exceed the 4 oz. that my pouch should sufficiently hold. I don't even try to eat things like meat or bread. They don't even exist in my vocabulary. I have for at least 3 months lived with pretty acute pain in my upper abdominal region. I have chosen not to address it, because I am so ashamed, as I, at one time, was a "star patient" and now I have failed, yet again. (Unfotunately she shame goes far deeper than that). I am beginning to rapidly gain weight again at this point. I just decided to start researching and found this web site. I have finally called my surgeon and admitted my failure and told him what has been going on, in particular, the pain I've consistently had now for quite some time. Now that I have admitted this, the pain is quite more apparent. I will be seeing my surgeon (actally, Dr. Horgan has left the practice, however, he had a team of surgeons with him who have continued the practice). I spoke to him yesterday and he seems confident that I simply need to have the band deflated for a few weeks. I, however, after perusing many of the threads on this site fear major complications such as erosion or slippage. I don't have the reflux, as I have taken nexium for about 10 years (but if I don't take it, the reflux is constant and unrelenting). I am extremely frightened and am feeling so, so utterly ashamed of my failure and neglect and I hate that I know I will be made to feel even worse when I do go in on Wednesday, but I fear my health may be in jeopardy at this point, so I have no choice. I'm curious what you would do in my situation. I feel like an Upper GI is necessary, but I know that my doctor is simply going to do a barium swallow under fluoroscopy, deflate the band and send me on my way, to return for an adjustment in a few weeks. Should I be demanding an Upper GI? I have also requested a referral to a psychiatrist and will soon be seeing one who is also a patient himself. (I was req'd to see a therapist for 6 months prior to my surgery, and continued for about a year). I apologize, as brevity is not my stong suit, but would greatly appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks very much. ABP

Put on 13 lbs from the fluids they pumped into me for the surgery. That was gone in about 8 or 9 days. Have list a total of about 43 lbs but as someone else said I am trying to stay away from the scale!! I am down three pant sizes which I am thrilled about . Surgery was 9/10. Hang in you will do great!!

I am on a two protein drink two meal pre op diet. it is not two bad I have cheated a little but I have lost like 10 lbs the first week. this is exciting I am ready. I will not have to spend any more money on diets that do not work. Good luck with your surgery we can catch after ward to see how each of us are doing.

I've averaged about 10 pounds a month in the 6 months since I've had my surgery (down 64 since surgery, 94 total). My loss is much slower than I expected it to be and even got discouraged early on because my surgeon asked me why I wasn't losing more weight at my first 2 post op appointments. I've noticed that I tend to lose on a pattern and I stall every month for 1-2 weeks around my period. It's frustrating but it's my bodies way to dealing with this process so I've come to accept it. I started this process a year ago July 19th and I'm down just under 100 pounds so the frustration and stress has been worth it in the long run. I would like to lose another 37 pounds to reach my ultimate goal.

Yes, fills are what it is all about! That is how the band works. Without fills your band isn't doing what it is supposed to do (unless you are one of those people who have restriction without it, and I'm NOT) My doctor lets us get fills every 10 days. He is conservative with amounts because he would rather have us come in more often if needed and not be overfilled, trust me that is a much wiser way to go about it. My fills are free for the first year so he doesn't make any extra money whether I have 2 fills or 10. Your doctor is doing what is best, ramping you up slowly. That can be frustrating, but I really believe it is better physically and emotionally. Once you are at the right restriction you should be able to lose about 10 pounds a month, but it might take several fills to get to the right restriction. Don't be too discouraged if you can't lose 30 pounds by May. In ten years you are not going to remember if it took you 10 months or 10 weeks to lose this weight. I know just how you are feeling, and felt exactly the same way after my surgery, and my weight is just starting to come off now and it's okay...because I know it is going to come off!

I was banded 9-6-06 and was doing wonderful. Until november. I only lost 4 pounds. Dec caught a stomach virus and had to let all fill out for three weeks. Had the fill put back and lost 10 pounds. I am still at a stand still. I have lost 50 pounds in 6 months. I lost the majority during the first two months and only 15 since. I too was wearing a 20-22 but can now wear a 12 in pants and 16 in a top. I want to get back to losing at least 2lbs per week and I can't seem to do it. I would love some insight as well. I don't want to get another fill. Twice I have been filled too much and it is horrible. I am at 1.2cc. My veryfirst fill, they put me at 1.8 and I couldn't even hold down water 4 hours later. I am going to try and choose different food items and change up my workout routine. I will let you know how it goes. Hang in there. We will get to our goal.

I actually started a day early, so that means I am in liquid diet hell right now! hee hee hee! It's going better than I thought so hopefully the next 11 days fly by! I can hardly believe that all this time has passed and it's my turn now it's kinda weird but in a good way! I already got my magic bullett working (slim fast with added Protein powder is my drink of choice!) and it's been great! Did you lose any weight on the pre-op diet? I am hoping to lose about 10-12 lbs.

I'm a single mom. I had my son when I was 15, and had a tormultous relationship with his father. Wasted a lot of my life. Now I'm 34, my son is 19, I'm single, and hope to find true love and be married. I also would like to have at least 1 or 2 more children and have the even celebrated. I lost my left ovary due to having a dermoid tumor two years ago. My doc told me on Friday, that I may have a small one growing on my right ovary. I can't have sleeve surgery until next year this time. I've tried losing weight on my own to attract guys but losing weight is a bear as you all know. Once having the surgery I have to wait 12mths to get pregnant. I just have so many stressors right now, I'm afraid of how things are going. I don't want to lose my other ovary and my chances of having any more children. Sometimes I feel like I'm being punished for some things i did when I was younger. Why me???

Made it to second goal, which was to be down to what I was when I got married. 230.6 this morning, and 19.4 lbs until my next goal. Which is to be down 50lbs. I know it will take longer to get the 19 off than the last 35.4 lbs, but I know I can. I'm almost 7 weeks out ( will be on Tuesday).

One word: percoset. Do not be shy about taking the pain pills the doctor prescribes. I was on morphine while in the hospital (ugh) and percoset at home. You need to be as pain free as possible to help you heal. A body stressed by pain has a harder time. I was off the pain pills by day 6. In all honesty, my pain level was never above a 5 (1-10 scale) the whole time. Good luck to you!!!! -Kendra

My doctor did not allow lapband patients to return to work until after 2 full weeks of recovery at home. I kept myself somewhat active by short walks and the like, but no lifting whatsoever during that period. Although I have a desk job, I really needed the full 2 weeks to heal and get my strength back. I had a laparoscopic procedure done about 10 years ago & at the time I felt the need to return to work within a few days time. I paid the price. I ended up with a number of complications and then developed adhesions from being too active too soon, which I still feel to this day. I learned my lesson & felt no remorse for "babying" myself for this procedure!

I couldn't answer the poll. I went back at 4 days post-op. I was still pretty weak. At 5 days, I did a bit better. I was operating at about 75% until 10 days post-op when I was feeling 100% better. I have a medium-level physical job. I work night security patrol. Getting in and out of a patrol vehicle a couple dozen times all night long, walking through properties, etc.

I was banded on 1/4/08 which was a Friday and I went back to work on Monday 01/07/08. I was very tired but I made it! I am an accounting manager, I do sit at a desk, but I also have to walk alot!

My motivator was if I eat those fries my liver will not shrink and it could kill you. If I wanted candy, that is what I would think that one small candy bar could kill me if my liver has not went down in size. I lost 10 pounds in one week on liquid diet. I had egg drop soup, broth from top roman noodles, sugar free popsicles, diet soda a few saltines every now and then. You can do it. Jovonia - St. louis

I tried them at 10 weeks. Did great with a spring mix at home with avocado and chicken. Then had a salad out with iceberg and the typical radicchio etc and it did not sit well. I am sticking with the spring mix or baby greens for awhile I think but everyone is different. My plan allowed salad 6 weeks out but I was afraid to eat for awhile.

My Doc is really conservative. My post-op paperwork says 5 lbs the first week and increase at 5 pound increments each week. My problem is.... I'm traveling to Mexico, and I have to pack. I'm going alone, so I'll have to manage my own luggage. My plan is to take a light weight tote, and only bring the bare necessities. Normally, if I was going away for 5 days, I'd have 10 changes of clothes, at least 5 pairs of shoes and purses to match, LOL. My plan is a loose long dress to fly home in, a small pillow and airline blanket in case I get cold on the plane (the Airlines no longer provide those), enough changes of panties, a nightgown, the bare minimum of toiletries (I won't be wearing make up), some broth packets and Mio drops for the last night, a book to read, and a journal. Of course, my I-phone and charger. I'm not bringing my lap top with me since that alone weighs at least 5 lbs. I've already spoken to my "sleeve Sister" and I'm sure we'll have enough to talk about to keep ourselves entertained. Am I missing anything???

Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!! I don't think I've seen a size 10 since 4th grade! lol Great job!

I never really had a weight issues till I was pregnant with my son at the age of 18 I had gone from 110lbs to 220 lbs in that time. He was trying to come at 5 months a long and I started to get steriod shots a lot and my wieght went up. I struggled for years to try and get the wieght off. I did everything the doctor asked of me and after 10 years I went with this option. I wont lie either, I went with this surgry because they said the weight came off faster. I really wish I didnt go with this option. I had it done Sept 2008 by Dec 2008 I was in the er I had lost over 70% of the blood in my body. I had a tear in my intestine and was bleeding out, so I started throwing up all the blood. I woke up a few days later in an CCU room. After that I struggled with vomiting everyday all the time, I never could even get through a yougort for the whole day. I was in so much pain all the time and cried all the time. 2009 I went in to the er and had to have my gallbladder taking out. in 2010 I went to er again with pain and was flown off to a hosiptal to have emergancy surgry my large instine was twisted and dying and that is th e reason I had been throwing up for almost two years at this poing. I spent three weeks in the hopital and was out of work for 3 more months. My life has been more downs then ups since I have done it. I get blockages all the time, my teeth are falling out. I lack viatims, and to this day i still do not eat much. I do not like oign out with people becusae they do no understand the struglle I have. because other people they dknow dont struggle like me. My sugar drops so low i almost pass out. Everyday is something new and more of a reason I wish I never did this.

I am self pay also and had the same reservations. My sister had the surgery (insurance covered it for her) and hasn't had any complications. Also, insurance companies are starting to cover more and more procedures for obesity so who knows. 10 years from now, if you need to have the band replaced, it may be covered! I looked into having lapband over 2 years ago and when I found out insurance wouldn't cover it, I was devistated. Then I realized I could take pay for the surgery using the medical flex plan through my job. 1) the surgery was almost $2000 cheaper having it in Jan 2010 than it would have been in Sept 2007 AND taking out the $$ through the flex plan means the $12K surgery is only costing me $8K. (b/c I save income tax, SS tax, and medicare tax on 12K!!) I understand your concerns and you need to do what you feel comfortable with, but my advice is go for it!!!

You might ask about his success rate compared to national averages. And also rates for several years up to 10 years post-op. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was holding off grocery shopping for my post-op diet until I saw my NUT...I am planning on doing that shopping this weekend...it's about time, since my surgery is Monday I have been taking notes from the message boards for several weeks now, and I am merging those notes with the packet my NUT gave me Wednesday...I could use a little advice and guidance please My post-op prescribed program is Clear liquids for the first two days...that includes a clear Liquid Protein drink--60 to 70 grams of protein each day...the brand my NUT recommended is New whey liquid...they come in 3.8 oz liquid vials, and each vial contains 42g protein...that means I would drink (sip) 1.5 to 2 vials each of the two days...she is advising I just sip about a third of each vial in a "sitting," which means it would take six sittings throughout the day to get it all in...plus of course the rest of my fluids...I am tempted just to buy the 4 vials of what she recommended--it's only 4 two days post-op, and I think I could drink them very cold and tolerate them for just 2 days...any feedback on this? I am more concerned about shopping for the next 10 to 12 days when I will be on a "full liquid" diet...the NUT says that the New Whey Liquid used during the first two days aren't sufficient nutritionally for this full liquid phase...she gave me a list of suggested brands with her personal recommendations highlighted...here are the highlighted options (in this phase I need 70-75g protein daily): --EAS Myoplex Original ready to drink; 17oz has 42g protein --Oh Yeah! Nutritional shake from GNC in powder or ready to drink; 32g protein in 14 oz drink --Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Protein from GNC in homemade vanilla ice cream flavor; 23g protein/scoop of powder --Pure Protein Shake from Walmart or GNC; comes in chocolate and vanilla with 35g protein in 11 oz drink --Unjury Whey Protein Powder (comes unflavored; also in a chicken Soup flavor) each scoop has 20g of protein From my notes from the message boards, I have these recommendations: --Syntrax nectar shakes --Matrix (mint cookie flavor) --Premier Protein (choc and vanilla) ready to drink has 30g protein per bottle --Isopure fruit flavored (orange, grape) --EAS dark chocolate with PB powder My NUT says during the full liquid phase, I can mix the protein powder with low-fat milk products if I desire; also I can have cream Soups (like cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, cream of celery) and I can add unflavored protein powder to the soups my other two options on full liquid are low-fat cottage cheese (which I don't like now) and light yogurt (not sure what "light" means here) I must complete my shopping on Sunday--any advice, feedback, guidance from those who have "been there" will be appreciated...at this time I am not even planning for the soft food stage, since I won't be there until after my follow-up NUT visit two-weeks post-op