Search the Community

Thank you all....your congrats are really appreciated! Good luck to you all on your weight loss journeys!

Well, I am doing really good, feeling good and been told that I'm looking good also:tongue2:. Yes, I did beat my husband in the weight loss challenge!!! I got below 200 before he did, although he really did not try. I know if he would have tried he could have beat me, but he loves his junk food too much. Plus, I think he wanted me to win, thank you dear. I now weigh 196 and feel soooo good. I feel good physcially and mentally. I did try the pills from my MIL for about one week and I hated the way they made me feel. They made me feel...well, NOTHING! And I did not like that feeling. I love to play and loving on my kids and feeling alive. I have been going through my closet and cleaning out alot of my fat clothes. I can now wear an XL, how exciting is that. I used to wear a 2XL, so yeah it feels good. My principal told me the other day that I was looking good and I said "I know!" So, things are going really good and I'm very happy.

I had similar feelings, I was angry with myself for getting to that point. This surgery was my ticket to a healthy life though and I wasn't about to back down. A little loose skin, can be worked with or ultimately fixed, the hair will grow back, but your health is priceless. Don't let your disappointment in yourself keep you from getting healthy! I am rooting for ya! It is so worth it!

Hi, I was banded 9/18/09 and have lost 55lbs so far. I was a little tight around Christmastime and had to get some Fluid taken out of the band. So I'm not sure just how much I have in there now. It's not very much. I've been losing more slowly now and it's getting a little frustrating. But I'm very happy with my loss so far. I'm upping my exercise: I do Pilates and ball exercises for an hour about 3 or 4 times a week, plus I do 40 mins on the elliptical about 5 x a week. I walk outside when it's nice enough, too.

I was sleeved on Nov 26th I have Gone from my highest weight pre-op at 423 to my current weight 7 weeks pre-0p at 348 with the majority of that being post-op loss. Thats a total of 76lbs since this time last year when our Journey began. Yes I have had support from friends ,my Husband, my children but most of all from My sister "Kapoorvilla". She encouraged me and walked every step of this journey right beside of me.She was sleeved on Dec 5th. My sleeve went great home the next day walking a few hrs after, took almost no pain meds, have had no nausea or vomiting and can eat and drink about anything just have to watch the amounts, be sure to get in my proteins first and stay away from bad carbs and sweets, not that these things bother me but i just know my sleeve is only a tool. My sister drove us back and forth to doctor appts, in heavy big city traffic, pushed me in a wheelchair because i couldnt walk far, encouraged me, kept my spirits up, was proud of every lb I lost or NSV I achieved like being able to go from wheelchair to walker and now just my own power in short distances. I just wanted to publicly thank her and tell how much that it all meant to me. It is sucha blessing to have some one to share it all with step by step and compare notes and complain about the different diet stages with. We share recipes and any new finds such as products with a lot of protein etc.. She has been such a inspiration to me and I so admire her determination and ability to bless others even when things are going the best for her. During her operation her bowel was pierced, it turned into an emergency situation she was cut from breast bone to vagina practically lost blood had to be transfused 4 units of blood. Had to have asecond surgery 3 days later to put her bowels back in place, was finally released after 5 days and took 4 weeks to recover enough to resume her many responsibilities. She is doing good now, does well with the sleeve eating and drinking pretty much what she wants too but very little of it. not sure of her exact loss but its pretty good. I'm so sorry this all happen to you and I don't know the hows and whys you definiteley didnt deserve it and yes If it had to be I wish it had been me instead but I think the Lord knew you where stronger and im not sure I would have survived it and then recovered as well as you have, my health is so much worse. You are a real trooper and a great example to me, you have more will power than anyone ive ever known and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm so proud you are my sister and hopoe someday I can do for you all the things you have done for me. Thanks again I love You! Ascooke.

Oh, these are all great ones! Elode, you are right…nothing like a good hard look in the mirror to convince yourself that something needs to be done…now! Lexie, those are both great. Developing a plan, tracking, and setting a goal like a 5k helps give you something to do and focus on NOW instead of thinking about the weight loss or body you’re hoping to have in a few months from now…and that you can’t possibly have now. Bandista…yep, a little reboot can help, whether it’s a mental recharge or a physical detox.

If I really limit my carbs then I usually have a big loss that week. Follow my lap band blog www.biscuitsandexcuses.blogspot.com

I got the dissolvable stitches and the purple glue, I have been itchy around the incision site, though I have been scratching lightly near it or not close to it. I took a shower today and noticed one of my stitches is missing a stitch and glue. This is day 4, and my birthday. Is it supposed to heal this quickly? Or am I turning into a superhero that heals quickly? I don't scrub or touch that area in the shower, I just wash my hair and face, then I am out. Does it look a bit healed? Just curious.

I posted this in the ladies but posting it here in hopes to get some more suggestions I am 3 months out and my hair is falling out in clumps:( hard for a female getting in all my fluids and protein and added biotin to my vitamin regimen in the last week what else can I do I feel like crying everytime I wash or brush my hair

Not everyone will experience Telogen Effluvium, but *ANY* shock to your system, even a fever can trigger it. Biotin won't stop it, but it *might* help limit the appearance caused by the fall out. The shock of surgery, drastically reduced calories, protein, etc will cause more hair follicles than normal to enter their rest phase, Telogen. So it's not that your hair is falling out exactly, it's that a larger number of follicles have entered the rest phase than would normally do so, and with the larger quantity doing so at about the same time, it gives the appearance of thinning hair/hair loss. It does go away. By all means take the Biotin (I do) and make sure your protein levels are where they need to be at (as well as your water) and you can hope it doesn't effect you much. But hope is really all you've got. You can use rogain as well, but this won't stop the Telogen phase, it just assists in the regrowth. Nothing out on the market now, will prevent Telogen Effluvium, they only helps reduce it's appearance /effect.

Thanks Susan...That is encouraging news. I am going back in a week and my NP is hopeful that that will be enough time. Well, I am hopeful (but I am also a realist). I think I can handle a week but A MONTH!!! I am so afraid of gaining the weight back. I am going to continue my work outs as I have been with hopes of continuing my weight loss. I'm curious, did you gain during that month? Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. God Bless

I've had blood work done twice now since my surgery which was back on Dec 2014. The last time was last Friday to figure out if my memory loss was cause by my surgery.

I was sleeved on December 16, 2014 and I haven't had any done either... yes I have lot and lots of hair loss

Hello Every. I am new to this forum so please bare with me. I recently called my insurance co. (care first blue cross blue shield) and they informed me that they dont cover weight loss surgery. I then called my local dept of health and mental hygiene, they informed me that medicaid will cover both the lap band and gastric bypass "if Medically necessary ." I dont have medicaid yet, but I am sure I'll qualify. I truly want to know how to go about it through medicaid? I will apply for medicaid, but once that's approved, where do I go from there. I honestly need this surgery, I am a female age 20 5'4 and 240pounds. Since 2008 i have had this respiratory problem, my general doctor never officially diagnosed it as asthma but I do take an over the counter inhaller daily, I am thinking it may have something to do with my weight. I have been on diets since I was 12 years old, only to gain more weight. My doctor has even given me a form of phentermane and that still did not work. I would have no other way to pay for this surgery, although I really need it. Can anyone please provide me with the steps I need to take to go the medicaid way? I have no credit so I cant just take out a loan and pay that way (im a full time college student, no job but I have the support of my parents) Thank you so much

Exactly well said post...I am more thrilled at the fact that I no longer have to lay down during the day for a nap from exhaustion,i WAS on 12 insulin shots a day and since being banded on May 16 2012 I have not had to take not the first shot!!!These are the results I was looking for..Yes I would be lying if I said I wasnt curious about the pounds Im losing but that is the least of my worries.Yes I have lost approx. 33 lbs since May 1st wene I started my pre op diet and Yes I have bad days but mostly good days..So to all of us no matter were u are at in this journey keep positive and I say this to myself too because I make poor choices once in a blue moon, I still feel no restriction, (going for 2nd fill) on July 5th but no matter what Lovemythree is rite there is so much more to look forward to than just getting on the scale and seeing the loss or gain yup Ive had both..We can feel the improvements or at least I can DAILY!!! WITH that I would like to thank my band for the help...Good luck to you all.

Oh and Jim - GREAT job on the weight loss!! You're rocking at this! I bet 47 lbs in 10 weeks feels amazing!!

Wednesday I received the pre-approval as a good candidate for a lap band from Dr Weaver in Memphis, TN. Today I saw my PCP doctor and she faxed copies of my medical record to Dr. Weaver. She is typing up a formal referral letter for insurance purposes. She is also referring me for an Upper-GI as requested by Dr. Weaver. I will look for my psychologist this week to have my evaluation and MMPI completed. Hopefully in the next 2 weeks I will have what I needed sent to Dr. Weaver so I can make an appointment to see the Nutritionist and Dr Weaver. Here I go...to join the Banders Club. Weight Loss Tickers Sharon/Memphis, TN

:(Hello all, Just had a few spare minutes to update my journal. To date I have lost a total of 44#'s. I am still going to the YMCA 3-4 times a week and I am also doing some exercising at my home. I bike ride with my son and play basketball with him. At the YMCA I am doing 10 minutes of Cardio and all 15 weight machines each day. I just added today the abdominal crunches on the mat and the standing crunches with the cross bar. I have had my first fill, but still have no restriction. I can eat what ever I want, so I have to watch it really close. I am not due for another fill until Nov. 5th. The scale has not moved since my last fill on Oct. 3rd. I still continue to go to the gym and nothing is happening. It is really starting to get me down. I have no one to talk to about anything reguarding my band and the weight loss. I am hungry all the time and the will power is going south really fast...... I am still makeing wise food choices, but I can't seem to make the scale move. Any suggestions? Please respond if you have any comments. I must go for now. Keep up the good work one and all and I will post more at a later date.... Nulife:cry:eek:

Hi, I'm very new to this,as I got banded Jan. 22nd. I've only had 1 fill and I'm not getting another for 3 more weeks,I'm always hungry have been trying hard to stick to healthy choices and exercising daily but my weight loss isn't moving in the past two weeks ,I've been thinking of maybe trying a fat burner but wasn't sure it was safe to use . Has anyone else tried fat burners? If so did they work and which one did you use? thanks, nicknock

I'm EXTREMELY paranoid about losing my hair...I have long gorgeous spiral curls and it would be devastating to me. I went to my long term hair stylist and we had a chat about it. She has me on the Bosley system for women and I'm going in to see her every month so she can check on it. If the preventative measures don't take care of it then hopefully we can catch it earlier and step up the treatment. I'm also taking Biotin. I'm not accepting the answer that it's just going to happen and I'm going to fight to keep my pretty hair. Sorry, rant but I'm scared :0

For many years I gained weight strictly due to being lazy and eating poorly. But for the last several years, I have been driving myself crazy because I feel like I have been doing everything I should be doing in terms of eating the right foods (Whole30 and Paleo) and exercising intensely (Obstacle Course Racing and Weight Training) and nothing worked for weight loss. I have often felt like my body and brain were working against my heart and preventing me from achieving what I wanted. In my ongoing research, I recently found another Bariatric Surgeon that post his bariatric videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrMatthewWeiner I found his Informational Seminar video to be much more informative than any other I attended during my search for a local surgeon. One point in particular is the slide I've attached to this post. The stats he shows in this slide are my exact stats. His explanation here is that to gain 100lbs over a 20-year period, a woman only has to eat an average of 50 additional calories per day. Which is basically nothing. This takes into consideration pregnancy weight gain, weight loss, and weight regain over this time period. He affirms that significant weight gain from such a low number of additional calories means that there is actually something else going on besides just eating more calories than you burn. And as many of us suspect, it is due to hormonal and metabolic changes because of both age and changes that occur from diets you go on. This alone lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Because I am not crazy after all, my brain and body were working against me. And surgery can help me get back to where I want to be. It further confirms my decision to have this surgery and use it merely as one tool in my arsenal to regain my health! I wanted to share this for anyone else has felt like they were crazy and wondered endlessly why diet and exercised worked from everyone else but you...

I've been thinking about Weight Loss Surgery for a long time, but could not seriously pursue it until my husband concurred, which was last fall. We attended an informational seminar in Palm Springs CA over the winter and began looking for a surgeon then. We were in CA for the winter, but moving to WA state at the end of April. My medical insurance is Medicare/Tricare for Life, so I had to use a "Center of Excellence". I was able to make an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Hunter at Virginia Mason Clinic in Federal Way WA. We met with him on May 3, 2007 and he thoroughly discussed the pros and cons of both bypass and lapband surgery. He told me that he would want me to lose 10% of my body weight prior to surgery. I weighed in at 325 that day. I started a 1000-1200 calorie diet the next day. I lost about 2 lb. a week for the first three weeks. Then the weight loss stalled and so did my enthusiasm. In a short time, I had regained the 7 lb. I was supposed to have a second appointment with Dr. Hunter in early June, but his nurse, Stephen called me early that week and told me that I didn't need to come in until I'd lost the weight. So the next day I started on a 350-500 calorie diet. Its been three weeks and I've now lost 20 lb. Last week, after several phone calls to report my weight loss thus far, Stephen called me back with a surgery date of July 20. I will have to go in about 10 days prior to that for pre-op appointments with Dr. Hunter, the dietician and the anesthesia department. :ranger:

Hi Im new here , I had my band since 11/07 . It has been nothing but a nightmare. to begin, Ive lost no weight.... I have a size 10 band, have had fills up to 5cc's which makes it almost closed tight. I vomit all the time, food gets stuck , I had the Dr remove all of the Fluid after the holidays, so with no fluid, I still have restriction. I can eat 1/2 of a weight watcher diiner approx 220 calories, and need to vomit it up shortly after. I now have lost alot of my hair, I have severe joint pain from malnutrition, I have anxiety attacks which I never had before. During PMS week I go back on a mostly Protein shake diet because everything gets stuck . My Dr has done several swallow tests, its always fine, and he has no idea why its just not working,in the begining I was eating barely nothing from all the vominting still no loss.... this week Im seeking a consult from a different Dr , my gut says its either slipped or something, I have never cried so much in my life as since Ive had this band. I've done everything that I was suppose to, recently I;ve attended Medi Weightloss clinics for injections to help replace all the Vitamins. looking back on pictures from a year ago, I looked healthier, full hair, great color, now I have thinning hair, bags under my eyes, and look awful. Im happy so many have been successful, I know I gave it my best but hopefully will get it removed sooner than later Anyone else with words of wisdom would be wonderful :thumbup:

113lbs. Per the average weight loss with the band you are doing just fine. Keep pushing along and you're sure to see more success. Is your knee that injured that walking is off limits? If not, walk! Not all exercise has to be strenuous. Good luck and you're doing great!