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I am looking into a lap band procedure for my failed gastric bypass (open surgery) from 2001. As you mentioned, I was also sucessful intially and the weight dropped off. After 18 months the weight loss seemed to stop and I have been going up, up , up every since. I am now only 30lb from my intial weight of 272 in 2001. I called Day One in Chicago tonight, a counselor is supposed to call me in the morning. I hope I will qualify as a canidate since I had the open surgery in 2001 I am afraid they may say its too much scar tissue. Hae you had any progress in this area??

Anyone had a brain fog & memory loss Sent from my U307AS using BariatricPal mobile app

I am early in the process of getting banded. I have had my required nutritionist appointment and psych appointment. Now waiting for insurance approval and hoping to have surgery scheduled on December 19th. I am going through True Results Weight loss in Houston, wondering if anyone else has used them. What can I expect (besides pre-op diet) between now and my surgury date?

Thanks! I had plans (don’t we all) to change it more regularly as I lost weight but the app won’t let me do it and I don’t typically log in here from my desktop… but I’m done with the weight loss, officially considered healthy per BMI charts so it was time…. Ok I really feel like I’m intruding, I promise I’m not reading any other threads in this particular forum but I gotta gtfo before I get banned or something :) you’re all loved and you’re all beautiful.

I’m having VSG on July 26. I’m wondering how everyone did weight loss wise with VSG, after having went through surgical menopause? I gained most of my excess weight in the last 3 years due to this surgery. I’m just hoping VSG will help me lost it and keep it off.

Many people think they are a "slow loser" but in fact they just have unrealistic expectations from shows like My 600 Lb Life, which features people who lose "fast" because they are much bigger than your average WLS patient. You may still be a slow loser; I can't tell how much of your 33 lb weight loss was before surgery, but I lost about 9 lbs on average per month for the first 6 months after surgery, and my surgery center said I was doing great! Try to focus on things you can control, like eating and drinking and exercising the way your surgery center recommended, and don't worry about the scale. You might also focus on how your clothes fit or other "non-scale victories". You might also consider reaching out to your surgery center to make sure you're on track, and consider seeing a bariatric therapist. Good luck!

we have inch loss but no weight loss....how is that possible? I am confused about this sentence.though i have also experienced it. My clothes are loose but weight is the same.

I am worried about not being able to firm up with exercise after I reach my goal. I have absolutely no desire to have "body contouring surgery.". I have spoke to many wls alums who say that the extra skin often can be as frustrating as being obese. My Dr. did say that with my age, health and the fact that I am at the lower BMI spectrum I should have good success through exercise. I would like to hear how other's have handled this. I am 48, 5'2" and 210 lbs. My surgery is scheduled for September 10th

Hello New Friends! I need some support and hope to make some new friends here. I had a Lapband down in Mexico in 2004 by Dr Kuri and lost 150 lbs then maintained that for about a decade. I started at 536lbs and got down to just under 400lbs which my surgeon said was a success. I never hit my goal weight of 300lbs but I was happy. After several gallstones and trips to the ER my doctor in Portland said I needed to have my gallbladder removed. The gallbladder surgeon in Portland offered to remove the 10 year old Lapband which was causing me trouble so I did it without even considering other options. At that point it was taking me 1.5 hours to eat half of a small meal and I had zero restriction. So his offer was a welcome relief. I thought I was doing fine. I knew I had gained a little but not 80 pounds. That scared me because it had only been a few months. I was getting to the point of having a hard time walking, and I had developed neuropathy in my feet. I also had a couple weight related injuries and then my knee got real bad. This was a real low point in my life. I visited a friend in Texas who had the sleeve and I didnt even recognize him! I was shocked at how much he had lost. So that was the start of my sleeve journey. When I got back to Portland I started off talking to Puget Sound Bariatrics in Washington and Legacy Emanual in Portland but both surgeons needed me to lose 30-40 pounds before they said they could operate on me for the sleeve. They said I had to be under 500lbs. One surgeon suggested I try a low carb diet. I didnt know what he was talking about! Thus I began learning about low carb eating. During the last 2 years I have been learning about the weight loss industry. Ive read The Obesity Code by Dr Jason Fung who is a doctor that helps cure diabetes, a supposedly incurable disease. Reading his book educated me on all the "great advice" weve been getting all these years about how to lose weight, advice that was pretty much worthless to people with obesity. Dr Jung examines all the recommendations passed down thru the years and then explains why they dont work, its a real education that answers a lot of questions. He also explains how foods we eat turn to glucose that is stored in our liver for the first few hours after we eat a meal. Then as our bodies use up the glucose and our insulin levels drop our bodies are able to access the stored body fat for the energy our bodies need. This is what causes weigh loss. Thats why intermittent fasting works so well. I learned about intermittent fasting and have found that to be fairly easy to implement into my lifestyle. I hired a personal trainer and spent a year in the gym doing water aerobics - inbetween injuries and weightloss restarts. I bought a few weeks worth of Adkins meals and then figured out how to use those concepts with regular food and even some fast foods. Ive learned about portion control and how important that is. Ive learned about carbs in food including veggies. I had no idea there were carbs in lettuce! Or that a banana contains 55 grams of carbs! I spent 2 weeks getting my body into ketosis which required frequent emergency trips to the bathroom for explosive diareah....no fun. Ive tracked all my meals and had to get honest with myself about late night snacking, the scale doesnt lie. But overall I havent maintained much weight loss. I admit Ive had some depression these last few months since my dad died, but Im moving forward now... A few months ago I was surfing the web and started hearing about guys bigger, older, and taller than me having the sleeve surgery with great success. Yet the 3 surgeons I dealt with in the Pacific Northwest all said I had to be under 500 lbs...BUT WHY??? I soon discovered it was because they dont have the equipment to handle patients over 500 pounds and they didnt want to lose me as a patient so they told me to lose weight instead. Seems crooked to me. Ive needlessly suffered for years now. If I had known better I could have had this surgery 3 years ago. Im now scheduled for January 26 with Dr Rodriguez down in Juarez. Im a snowbird this year so Im moving down to El Paso for the winter, surgery and recovery. The one mistake I made when I first got my lapband was I didnt make it the sole priortiy of my life. This time around my sole focus for the next two years will be losing weight and getting my health back. Im now looking forward to leaving Oregon for a few months and getting really focused on my health. Being in a sunny location will help me feel better and keep me motivated as I begin losing weight again. Today I discovered this forum and read some good stuff. I need your support and hope I can provide you some too! Thanks for reading, Free Stanley

When I was about 8 months out, my appetite returned and my weight loss slowed. The losing phase is not so much a veterans issue, but most of us have been through it. Here is what worked for me - going back to the basics -protein & veggies -water -no snacking -exercise -really low carbs - total, not net -eliminate Protein Bars and other food that i tended to "abuse" Eating that way helps curb hunger and definately keeps losses on track.

I am starting to loss the nervousness and gain excitement about this journey. I meet with the BariatricPal NUT last night and got lots of positive comments and made a plan for this month of food log weighing Protein and healthy eating out choices.( also only eating Out twice!) shall be interesting! April surgery date seemed a reality to her if not even march! Seems surreal a bit still but so excited and the positive changes are helping me emotionally. Here's to starting the new year right! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations on the weight loss and thank you for sharing your story, it's motivation for us all Sent from my SM-G998U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had gastric bypass on 5/7/2021. I began my weight loss journey in August 2020 when I attended my hospital’s bariatric seminar. My insurance required 6 months of diet before surgery approval. My fist dietitian appoint was mid-October 2020. Prior to this appointment I had very little motivation to lose weight. I was 280+ pounds (5’ 7.5”) and depressed. My ankles swelled every day, I had trouble moving, none of my clothes fit well and my wedding rings didn’t fit at all. I had gone off the rails. Between October and March 21’ I managed to lose 45 pounds. I attribute my success to my husband also taking charge of his health and being a great partner. My packet was submitted in March and approved 1 week later. My surgery was scheduled 7 weeks form the approval to my disappointment. It was a long 7 weeks! I didn’t gain or lose weight during my wait. I was officially 237 at my pre-op appointment. I managed to lose 10 pounds prior to surgery on the liver shrink diet. I was 227 the morning of surgery The surgery went fine. I had some nausea and dry heaving the first few hours. I was able to get water down but not much else. The drain really caused me trouble so it was removed 12 hours later. I ended up only staying 1 night in the hospital because I was determined to get released early. I walked all the time and really kept my RN on his toes. Thankfully the doctor agreed with me that I would recover better at home. The next evening I was discharged and could sleep in my own bed. I followed the diet exactly for nearly 8 weeks. I went on a cruise with my family and 95% ate to plan. I would have a taste of dessert but let me tell you I sure paid for it. Dumping is real and it affects me. I seem to dump if I eat too fast, too much, or an item too high in sugar (hello chai tea!). I learned many lessons that week I’m thankful for. The surgery did exactly what I needed it to do- deter me. I have had trouble with constipation. I am taking 3 colace per day and benefiber each morning. Seems to help but my body likes to hold onto waste. I might go back to miralax to help move things along. I’ve always had trouble in this area but now it’s more consistent. On Saturday I hit “onederland” and weighed 199. I never thought I would get here. I weigh myself each day and I am fluctuating between 198 and 199 this week. I have a heck of a lot more energy than I did a month ago. I am moving my body every day and using my elliptical at least 3 times a week. I have changed sizes! Last summer I wore a 20 and now I need a 12. It blows my mind. It’s hard to describe how I feel. I can see the change but I don’t believe it’s me. People I haven’t seen in a year take a look at me and their mouth drops and tell me they didn’t recognize me or make a comment like “omg you have lost so much weight!” In a way it feels good to be validated but at the same time I hate the attention. Honestly if I didn’t lose another pound I would be happy. I am under 200 and I feel/look great! I can move without pain and I have energy. Heck I mowed the yard today! I’ve had some negative comments too- mostly from my parents- “you’re starving yourself, don’t loose too much weight, and I think you’ve lost enough” It’s painful so I don’t speak with them much. I feel my weight loss has been slow but I remind myself how far I’ve come. 80+ pound weight loss is nothing to bat at! I’m doing a great job! I hope to be better and update this thread monthly! Thanks for reading.

HI I was banded on May 10,2007. I lost about 18 pounds immediately from the all liquid protein diet but now that I'm 51/2 weeks and eating soft and some regular foods I seem to want to overeat at nite. I don't seem to feel that full from my band at all and wondered if anyone else was experiencing this too. My weight loss has slowed down considerably.

Made the choice in 06. Not many other options available then. Also wanted least invasive and adjustable and removable so lap band fit my prerequisite. Slight hair loss at 4-5 months. It did grow right back. I have a hard time with very dry chicken and salads don’t like me sometimes. I knew when I lost weight steadily and it did NOT COME BACK!! That this was the right choice for me. My tools are: this board to and ask things and check in, Drs appts scheduled and kept, sharing a personal trainer 2x weekly, and also going back to shakes when my band acts up. It is the best I can do and I try everyday.... some days or weeks are better than others! Nothing in this life is perfect! Lastly, it is usually the same 5-10 lbs I deal with.... Not 85 lbs!!. Best of luck with your WLS decision.Pick what the Dr and you agree on..

1. I chose the lab band in 07 because it was the least invasive and not permanent. At the time about 50 percent of my coworkers all had wls and they all were looking sickly after their weightloss surgeries. So I did not want to look like that at 25. So I went with the band because I felt I had some control. 2. In the beginning I did but it was the side effect of the anesthesia. 3 months out stopped and I haven’t had any issues since. Unless I go under anesthesia then my hair thins out again. 3. The only thing I can’t eat is bread. We are sworn enemies. Some dry meets but I take my time chewing and I have not had any issues. 4.since the beginning I knew this was the right decision for me. If you are not sure before the surgery then I would wait and do some more research on the other options. 5. Staying active by walking, treadmill or elliptical, not eating after 7 pm. Always meeting my protein and calorie goal for the day. It is super easy to not meet your goals since you tend to not to be hungry until you are starving. I am told a dairy helps but It is just too much for me to do during my already busy day. I will tell you this. With the band For me I feel that yes it is least invasive but has high maintenance. Remember you may have monthly visits for fills and don’t forget that you may have some discomfort with your port area once you start loosing weight. Mine has shifted a little and i have to wrap the site when I work out to stop it from being sore. You must keep your appointments for follow up and really be careful when you are years out to follow your restrictions because you can stretch you esophagus and have to deal with pain and heartburn when that happens. I had this happen to me in January and I had to empty my band. After 7 months I am now slowly back on track with my fills. Best of luck with you decision!

So Friday afternoon I ate some Pirate's Booty Snacks. I ate more than normal, they went down easy and tasted great. Two hours later I started to feel nauseous and thus began the worst night ever. I had the worst runs with alternating bouts of nausea that lasted the entire night through. Apparently there is early and late dumping. Late dumping hits 2-3 hours after eating and is usually from too much carbs. The next day my mom brought me immodium and all I could keep down was Water. Today I feel human again and I guess the only upside is I loss 7 lbs in 2 days. Moral of the story, be careful! Wouldn't wish what I just went thru on anyone! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hi Newbie! Welcome. We all had those feelings of doubt and being unsure. The best way to overcome all of that is by educating yourself. Only you will really know what is right for you. Read everything you can get your hands on, including the Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies book, which is quite informative. Also, peruse this site and obesityhelp.com and you will get all the good, the bad, and the ugly--and the remarkable and inspiring! None of us can tell you if this is right for you. But a good conversation with a gastric surgeon and maybe even visiting support groups in advance would go a long way toward making your decisions. Yes, start with your primary care doc as he/she will be an integral part of your care and pre-op activity if you decide to go through with it; however, your primary doc may not be the best source of information about the surgery. Honestly, they seem to know what it is and that it could benefit the obese, but not much more. After all, it's not their specialty. Information is your best bet! I'll leave you with what my surgeon told me: the lap band is a slight risk, the gastic sleeve slightly more, and the gastric bypass even moreso. But the most dangerous and risky thing you can do about your obesity is nothing!

Welcome to the infamous 3rd week stall! Just keep getting enough protein and fluids and you will be fine! Your body needs time to adjust. Congrats on your loss so far!

How far are along in the process? I wonder if the BMI during the 6 month supervision is based on your policy? I called and spoke with the insurance company today and asked the rep if I dropped, and only for a month, would I be denied? I also asked if an appetite suppressor would weigh on their decision to deny or accept? She very strongly said no and that both are indicators of my attempt to lose weight on my own, but prove that I obviously cannot maintain the weight loss. I've seen it go both ways...for multiple insurance companies. Everything is so convoluted. I understand it being a ton of money up front, but the cost they save in the end after surgery and the positive effects it has on your body/medical situation, you'd think they'd make the process a little easier. Either way- I'll just have to wait and see how it all works out. I wish you the best of luck in your process and hope it goes by as quickly and easily as possible!

I know that about 3-4 weeks after surgery I had a 2.5 week plateau. I was only eating about 700-800 cals a day. I upped it to 1000-1200 and immediately started losing weight again. I lost 60 pounds in 3 months and I am on another plateau. I know that I am eating the right amount of food and doing the right things and that my body will catch up again. But darn it is frustrating! I loved dropping 2 pounds every 3-4 days. I know that pace of weight loss is not realistic so 1-2 pounds it what I am aiming for. I just need the weight loss to start up again!

For me after post op I didn't have any cravings or hunger. I was focused on sip sip sipping fluid and protein shakes all day and then after that; learning to eat again. Tiny slow bites. By that time I hadn't had any refined sugars in weeks and sugar is what triggers my cravings so I didn't have any cravings or hunger for about 10 months when I ate some sugar. I had lost the majority of my weight at that point so I was learning and testing the waters of the next phase... Maintenance!! I am almost two years post op and I do have cravings, and some hunger. I just know that for me as long as I keep my carb count low then the cravings are almost non existent. However, I do have periods where I eat treats and then just get right back on my plan. With weight loss surgery it seems like it is a little easier to get back on track. I agree with JamieLogical that it is the huge change in the food relationship that makes the most difference. Not to sugar coat it, for me I do have to have constant vigilance.

There is no valve, or other object, outside of your body. The band, the tubing, and the port are all inside of your body. Someone is giving you false information about the port, which is what is accessed when fills are done. It's typically placed under the skin, between the fat and the muscle. A syringe, which contains saline, is inserted into the port. Your doctor will determine how much saline is required at the time of each fill. As far as the outcome of the surgery, most people have good results. Remember, it is a weight loss tool that should be used properly. This is a great place for research. I hope this answers your questions. Good luck.

Hi there I am Bobby, I live in NC and I am 28. I have always been a big man all my life. When I was in 10th grade in high school, I weighted roughly 419lbs. I lost a little weight since then, but I am still morbidly obese. I have stayed in the range from 360 to 380lbs. I have tried diets from all veggie down to 500 calorie diets, not eating just taking Vitamins and drinking Water and milk. During that process I may have lost 6 to 10lbs but then I gained 20 to 35 back. I was told about the Bariatric Surgey about 4 years ago. I was recently told about the Lapband Surgery by my new doctor her in NC. So I have been researching it for about a month. And I didn't really find anything out about the outcome of the Lapband. Some say you have an external object outside of your body, so the fills can be done. Can anyone help me figure more out about the outcome of lapband surgery? I know the weight loss out is spectacular from the photos I have seen. But if that valve(if you can/could call it that) is outside the body. I doubt this surgery is for me.. But I could also be very wrong, It maybe perfect for me. Thank you for you help and time.. P.S. I am just worried if the object is outside my body.. I will damage it in any/some way..:phanvan

Hi all, I'm newly banded, banded in august! I was so disappointed with my one pound weightloss over the past 10 days! So silly of me to think this way, but I was hoping for more, I was blinded by how quickly the initial weight came off, but at least I kept losing and didn't gain!!! Since my weight slowed down with that one pound loss, I got my first fill yesterday :smile: I have this lump in my throat feeling, not too sure if that's how it's supposed to feel. I was having some greek yogurt this morning and I can't even make a dent in it. I enjoyed the fill because I feel rejuvenated with my process. I'm feeling motivated to shed more pounds and even did a 2.5 mile walk yesterday! Before, I was only averaging about a mile. Hopefully with this spike in exercise, the fill, and motivation.............I can jump start my weight loss again to reach that new year goal !!! Wish me luck and good luck to everyone feeling like they are in a slump! You can do it!!!