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Before you know it, it will be dreaded swim suit time. I live at a condo and do go to the pool. I don't mind it because I was never the biggest. But this summer I will need a new swim suit. For women (sorry men) there is a wonderful site where I buy my suits from, swimsuitsforall. I really like their choices and have bought cover ups, too. They always have great sales. Another site I like is, Jones New York. They have great sales sometimes. The site is much less than stores when there is a sale. I recently bought a twin set with shipping for under $35. and list was over $150. I now fit into the misses xlarge but have bought from their plus sizes at their outlet store. Kohl's has wonderful 't' shirt type tops that when on sale are under $10. and they wash real well. The long sleeved ones recently were under $7. I own a lot of them. Have fun shopping.

Hello, My name is JJ. This week I have taken the first step in getting my health together. My insurance covers weight loss surgery after 6 months of supervised dieting. Today I saw my GP and she is completely supportive of this journey, and was genuinely honest about it being a tool, not a cure all. I appreciate the honesty. I have chosen a Dr. and will attend his seminar in a few days. At that point I will fill out the paperwork and go from there. About a year ago I had a major surgery that improved my health by 75%. Since then I realize how great I can feel, and the immense pleasure of being a part of life without pain. My BMI is 41. I am 5'1" and 219lbs @ 39 yrs of age. I have thyroid disease (hypo), high triglycerides, mild sleep apnea, depression (after losing a child) and am pre-diabetic. Around 10 years ago all self-esteem issues vanished for me after the birth of our child. I finally started living life as much as possible, only being held back by pain. I buy clothes that fit, and look nice, and never agonize about what I am wearing or how it fits. I take care to look up to date, and presentable for me. I like looking nice and feeling good. My husband is FABULOUS. When we met I was around 150 and as I grew through the years his devotion and commitment to me grew even deeper. He's not a chubby chaser, but loves me and respects me. He looks like a male model still, and I have grown obese. I know I have a good, good man. My goal is to feel as great as I can, be 100% a part of life, and come off of all my meds. I am ready for this change. Thank you to everyone that is so forthcoming on this site. Just what I have read in the last few days has helped with questions and curiousness!

Michele's right, Bobby. Though I well know the temptation of sticking with a too-tight fill in the hope that it will accelerate weight loss, that's really not the case. However, if you're at all like me, you'll find that the fill will loosen after a loss of 10 pounds or so. Can you live with it long enough to see if that will happen? I don't know how difficult it is for you to get to your fill doctor. If it's not too big a hassle or expense, you might very well want to get a tiny adjustment. We are not meant to live on liquids.

I am right behind you, I had my surgery April 27th. I am so obsessed with the scale. In December I was 265 and am down to 234. So everyday since I've been home I've dragged out my 20 yr old Health-O-Meter and stepped on looking for miracles. The first week after surgery I was getting on 2 times a day.. Woo Hoo, losing every-time. However in the past 3 days I have not only not lost anything but much to my horror, I gained 2lbs. God only knows how that is possible when practically nothing is going in. The good news though is that today it is gone again. I really have to make an effort to stay off that beast. Not only does it weigh 10 lbs and is a major pain the ass to drag out, but it's not doing anything for my mental health. I am driving myself crazy. I have decided that I'm only going to get on once a day. Wish me Luck

Surgery Date 8/10/09 Dr. Arif Ahmad John T. Mather Hospital I'm a little over a week post op. My first thought after surgery was hold crap... this hurts. Did I make a mistake came next. I was very uncomfortable but the peacefulness in the hospital room was very relaxing. I went home early afternoon the next day. I did laps around my yard and rested. I had absolutely no appetite thanks to the god awful taste in my mouth. I was told the taste was from the anesthesia. I could barely get down the EAS shakes which I had no problem drinking before. I got through my first night at home OK. My fiance took the next day off as well which was great. I needed a lot of help getting out of bed and he was great to lean on when I was walking. Second day home was pretty uneventful. Day three the kids came home. It was hard for me not to jump up when they needed something and I just had to prepare their meals. No one does it better than mom. I had been taking Vicodin at night but decided to stop. I went to bed that night and had trouble falling asleep. At one point I did drift off but woke up in a full blown anxiety attack. I wanted to climb out of my skin. My mind was racing with what seems like ridiculous notions now. What if I want to eat alot? What if I want to binge? What did I do to myself? I wanted the band out then and there. It was an awful night. Day 4 post op and I moving around better. My diet basically consisted of protein shakes, water and broth. I tried jello but I just don't like it. I went to see my surgeon for a check up and he advanced me to stage 2. I have found a new love of farina and yogurt. Day 5 Post op and I am expecting company. I washed the kitchen floor and did some laundry with the help of my daughter. My friend came over and we had a nice time. Then I went shopping to get my fiance a birthday present. It was about 93 degrees out and I almost passed out at TJ Maxx. I felt awful and needed to get home. I think I overdid it on Day 5. I spent the rest of the day hydrating myself and taking it easy. Day 6 Post Op and I'm having family over for lunch. I didn't do much but go grocery shopping and prepare some snacks. I ordered pizza for dinner. I had soup of course.I had a nice day. I like entertaining even though I didn't get to have anything yummy. Day 7 Post Op. One week banded. I still have soreness at the incision site and I keep getting an intermittent sharp stitch on the right side of my belly button. Not sure what that's from. Sleeping is still a chore but no more anxiety. I was an ambien user for a very long time so I am use to sleep problems. I found tylenol PM in liquid form in case I need a little help. Day 8 Post Op. Back to see my surgeon. I was so happy to see how much I lost that I forgot to ask him about the pain. I was hoping to advance to Stage 3 but he said I needed to stay on Stage 2 a few more days. Day 8 Post Op. Spent the day with my sister and our kids. It was hot out and I tend to get a little nauseaus then I get heated. Breakfast now is farina. Lunch is yogurt. I throw a protein shake in there somewhere and have soup for dinner. I'm not sure if I'm hungry or not. So here I am. I hope I get the results I am looking for. I have been overweight my entire life and have no idea what it feels like to be in a healthy body. I can't wait until I am well enough to get to the gym. Its way too hot outside for walking. Next week I will go and get on the treadmill and start out slow. More to come...

I am 230lbs. 5'7. I have been struggling with this weight loss battle for 10 long years. I've spent so much money, time and effort to loss 20-30lbs. just to gain all the weight back in 30 days or so. I was recently denied by my insurance carrier at the beginning of Feb. I went into a major depression until I researched surgeries in Mexico. My family and friends think I've lost my mind. I have no support and my husband is totally against my decision. But I know that I have to do this for myself to end this cycle of depression and food addiction. Any encouragement would be great...Thanks:smile:

My surgery was Friday, October 10th. 2 days ago. Surgery was at 4:00pm. I came home yesterday at 3:00. Here's my schedule for last night until now at 10:00pm. Got home, drank water, must sip!! Walked 10 minutes. Sat with the family. Took a pain pill at 9:30pm slept until 6 this morning. Got up at 6. Took vitamin, drank water and broth (don't want to get dehydrated). It's uncomfortable, but possible. Went for a walk. Sat with family. Took a pill and napped. Woke up and went to the theater to see Dracula with a pillow to put over my stomach. Drank a glass of water during the movie. Afterwards, stopped at a restaurant, my mom had lunch and we listened to music. Not hungry at all. Came home at 2 and napped. Woke up, drank some more protein drink and water. Sugar free Popsicles are the best. Went for a walk with the dog. Then went and rented two movies to watch with my mom. After this, will take a pill and go to bed for the night. Since last Monday, 7 days ago, I've lost 16 pounds. So thankful for this 2nd chance at getting my life together. No looking back.

Hi, I hope your doing better. Any of the protein powder's or premade protein drinks gave me the "steadies" with the bathroom, so I'm sorry, I can't help you. I just can't help. My Dr suggested Colase to all of us that needed help. I am 10 days out today (Oct 27th, surgery was the 17th) and feeling fairly good. In fact, I just might live! My blood pressure meds have already been cut in half and Mon I get to move on to the next diet level.

These are great... http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/01/cream-cheese-pancakes.html and you can have them with Walden Farms Syrup. No carbs. you can add 1/2 a tablespoon of coconut flour if you want them to fluff a little.

congrats...i can't wait til i get down to a size 10...still at 18

I am so excited!!! I am having this done. I am paying for this out of pocket due to my cheap ass company I work for.:sneaky: They want to give you the run around and if you are overweight they should be gladly to help you with that. I will be broke but looking good is ust fine with me. I look around here at work and see so many obese people and I need this is something my company should cover. They took this option off 3 years ago when people started getting it done. What a joke? I am glad to have found this site and I will post pictures me. So everyone will see the transformation. I am so proud of each and everyone of you all. Keep up the good work. YNFF(your new found friend), Pdburch

I went in for my pre-op testing yesterday (Ekg, blood work & x-rays) passed all of these with flying colors, again much to their surprise considering I now weigh 331. Then I got to sit down with the surgeon Dr. Morton and talk one on one and ask questions. I really like him. Very personable. He was impressed with my pre-op test results and wanted to know how old I was. He thought I was in my late 20's. He said that I am really fortunate to be my age and numbers wise be this healthy. He had a couple of band samples there and he demonstrated filling one up through the port. That was pretty cool. he's done over a 1,000 of them now. His stats are better than the us average. He has only had 12 bands slip, all of which he was able to fix. he hasn't had any erosions and he's only had four that leaked and zero deaths, blood clots or any other serious issues related to surgery. Todd has taken three days off next week so I'll be well taken care of. As soon as I'm able to walk and swallow a small sip of water without it coming up I'll be able to come home. It's considered outpatient. He said within 2-3 weeks my appetite will start to go back to normal, and that is when I go in to get my 1st 'fill' to restrict the opening in my stomach. he said sometimes it takes 2 or 3 fills to get the restriction just right. He thinks within 4 or 5 years that I will end up around 150 or 160. I was quite shocked. I have a hard time seeing myself below 200, but I guess that's because I haven't been below 200 in 16 years. He also said I would lose the fastest in the 1st year then it would taper off and how well I did was up to me and how I 'worked the band' and exercised. My surgery is next Tuesday Feb. 27 around 9 or 10 a.m. I'm kind of in the surreal part of this experience so far. I feel fortunate that my family and friends are so supportive. Thanks guys, Tracy

I went in for my pre-op testing yesterday (Ekg, blood work & x-rays) passed all of these with flying colors, again much to their surprise considering I now weigh 331. Then I got to sit down with the surgeon Dr. Morton and talk one on one and ask questions. I really like him. Very personable. He was impressed with my pre-op test results and wanted to know how old I was. He thought I was in my late 20's. He said that I am really fortunate to be my age and numbers wise be this healthy. He had a couple of band samples there and he demonstrated filling one up through the port. That was pretty cool. he's done over a 1,000 of them now. His stats are better than the us average. He has only had 12 bands slip, all of which he was able to fix. he hasn't had any erosions and he's only had four that leaked and zero deaths, blood clots or any other serious issues related to surgery. Todd has taken three days off next week so I'll be well taken care of. As soon as I'm able to walk and swallow a small sip of water without it coming up I'll be able to come home. It's considered outpatient. He said within 2-3 weeks my appetite will start to go back to normal, and that is when I go in to get my 1st 'fill' to restrict the opening in my stomach. he said sometimes it takes 2 or 3 fills to get the restriction just right. He thinks within 4 or 5 years that I will end up around 150 or 160. I was quite shocked. I have a hard time seeing myself below 200, but I guess that's because I haven't been below 200 in 16 years. He also said I would lose the fastest in the 1st year then it would taper off and how well I did was up to me and how I 'worked the band' and exercised. My surgery is next Tuesday Feb. 27 around 9 or 10 a.m. I'm kind of in the surreal part of this experience so far. I feel fortunate that my family and friends are so supportive. Thanks guys, Tracy

Good luck... Where are you having it done? I went to Penn Hospital with Dr Kirkland on 10/5/07. He is great.. I am doing well!

I did my 10 day liquid diet and IM so glad I did. My surgery went so great and my Dr was very glad I did it. I also lost 10 pounds! I think it prepares you for how the new life is goig to be for a while. I also weend my self off coffee and pop like 3 weeks before. I dont miss it it all now. mine was 90 grams protien shakes, clear fruit juices (watered down) SF popcycles, SF jello clear soup broth. Any how it was HARD, one day I even broke down in tears, try to take it one day at a time and stay busy, go out somewhere around dinner time, to let the time pass. Im one week and one day out and ive lost 21 pounds I CANT believe it!!! Im still on liquid diet for 3 more weeks, I wasnt hungry at all the first 4 days after, now Im getting a little hungry but not tooo bad Good luck, u can do it

My NUT said the Camelbak was fine since the bite valve sucks the Water up itself. I have some Nalgene "on the fly" bottles that have a covered spout but no straw. I don't like to have my drinks open to the air (don't want them contaminated with dust....lol) http://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-Water-Bottle-Clear-Green/dp/B0043T9CVW/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1380476733&sr=1-10&keywords=nalgene

10 days out your stomach is not yet healed and is still swollen. You may not be able to feel that you are hurting yourself. Just because you can eat something doesn't necessarily mean you should.

23.50 to be exact. All brand names, all from Goodwill. It took some hunting and dressing room time and 4 different trips in all. Pre vsg I had in 2 large closets sizes 20, 18, 16, and some 14. I had gotten to the point where even the 20s were tight and only a few items fit. That was in July of 2012. I was 5'3 218 lbs. mow I'm around 150 lbs and wearing a size 10. No way am I investing in a new wardrobe yet. I actually love my pants and capris from Goodwill. I selected carefully. They have no stains, tears or worn spots. Some even look and feel new. Don't be afraid to go to Goodwill, yard sales, the Salvation Army or consignment shops.

I made this today (super easy!) and it actually had some flavor! Old El Paso Refried Beans-I did not buy the fat free ones. I needed some flavor. I ate 1/4 of a cup. I put a 1/2 in my bowl, but could only eat 1/4 of a cup. So here is the makeup: 1/4 cup Old El Paso Refried Beans: 45 calories, .25g fat, 8g carbs, 2.5g Fiber, 2.5g Protein. 1/2 tbsp low fat sour cream, 1.25g fat, 20 cal, protein 1g, carbs 1g 1 tbsp Ortega taco sauce, 0 fat, 10 calories, 2g carbs I also sprinkled a little bit of shredded cheese on top. I didn't measure the cheese because it was such a small amount. I put it all in a small bowl and mixed it up. It was really good. Here are the totals: 75 cal 1.5g fat 11g carbs 3.5g protein So yeah, not a ton of protein, but it is something! It was really yummy!

Congrats on the total (and weekly) weight loss. I know I have to start adding exercise in! Our summer break starts this coming week so there is no excuse for not walking in the am or going to join the Y. Hopefully that will pick up the weight loss. I'm getting lots of compliments with my weight loss so far (nobody knows, except my husband, that I had WLS). Hopefully you are to. I am doing the Chobani with granola at lunch. I'm still doing protein shakes for breakfast because they are fast/easy and I can drink it while I am getting dressed. I usually supplement with a Atkins bar around 10 a.m.ish

I'm new (obviously) I've already spoken with my insurance co. and they pay 90% after the deductible is met, yay! Now, just to get started. I have an appointment the beginning of June for the initial consultation? - And I go to the required seminar at the end of June. All I really know so far is the mostly common BMI of 35 + 1 or more co-morbidities or a BMI of 40. And I was told that there is something about losing 10% prior to the surgery but clearly not to start that until after the actual weigh in. Anyone have any advice or experience they could share with me? Thank you! J

That's how long I have been banded. I am at work right now. I am so tired I could throw a temper tantrum. I'm a little dizzy and in a little pain:crying:. I just took some liquid Tylenol - a single dose to help me get through this day. I get off work at 3:35. It's 11:40 right now. As soon as I can I'm putting my head on my desk and sneaking a nap. Think I may start taking my liquid vitamins twice a day until I get back on track. I think I'm supposed to be doing that anyway. The liquid diet is still ok. Of course I get those moments when I want to put something chewable in my mouth, but I just remind myself that I am not really hungry and more importantly, I did not put my body through this just to fail. I'd better succeed just to justify the scars on my once perfect stomach! I have lost one steri-strip. When I bath I do not face the shower head and I have tried to barely get my stomach wet. In fact I clean my stomach with an alcohol wipe or two. I like that because it also helps with the itchy skin that the steri-strips cause. Oh! - A co-worker asked me if I was losing weight!!!! YEA!!!!!! I have only lost 10 pounds since surgery and I'm sure that 's not really noticeable on a person my size, but I will take any kind of victory can get. I need all the motivation I can handle right now. Now if only I could figure out how to post my weight loss ticker and find a rarely used bathroom in this place - I'm gonna need a little privacy:embaressed_smile:...

Leaving in 2 days, wish I was more excited about it. I really dread the drive. I will be long, driving from Missouri to Florida. I don't know why I dread the vacation, I know I will have a good time once I'm there. I don't know why I'm this way, but this is the way I always feel before we go somewhere. I worry about the house, cats, and of course my children and grandchildren. I just love being home. I don't every go anywhere except the to store and church. I really need to get involved in something else. I need to make more friends. I don't even go scrapbook anymore. I gave up the stamp club also. It worrys me that my husband is the same way. He never wants go anywhere, of course I blame myself for being so fat. He problem doesn't want to be seen with someone so big. At least he will go on vacation of course no one will know us. Oh well, just have fun. Diet is going better, except today I could eat a horse if it were in front of me. I just have to keep busy and drink my water. I know I can do this. It is just going to take time. Everyday is a new day and a new beginning.

I have the same problem. I weigh before work, after work, and before bed. Depending on what the scale says when I get off work helps me decide what is for dinner. I think the scale is my poison and I can't get away from it. Everytime I get on it, it just stays the same or I am up a lb...it's like it never goes down. The doctor put me on Xanax to help with the anxiety that has been caused by having this surgery. I never feel like it was a mistake but there are alot of mental games that your mind plays on you. My eating habits are either very low calorie or above what I should be taking in daily. There is no happy medium for me. I just have to learn what to do to get this weight off. I'm almost 10 months out and still have this problem. Good luck to you and like Bklynike says try not to obsess over it.