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Hello everyone - My name is Jason and I'm 32 --though soon to be rolling over to the 33 year marker. I've been overweight for 24 years of my life and to this point, it's really all I can remember. My attempts at losing weight have been more than I can count on two hands and two feet and I can always succeed at losing 30-50 pounds. Anything beyond that has been a brick wall and it's been very frustrating. I work as an ICU nurse and I see so many patients that make me think "this really could be me in about 15-20 years" because of diseases that are secondary to chronic morbid obesity. I've looked into the options over the past 10 years. My first wife had a Gastric Bypass and saw massive results. My second wife also had the gastric bypass before we were married. I've decided that the LapBand surgery would be ideal for me. I am so very thankful to have insurance that includes coverage for weight-loss surgery. I have completed the pre-op paperwork to start everything and I am really going forward with it. I will be faxing the paperwork in on January 2nd, following my appointment with my PCP to start the required 3-month medically-supervised diet. I am hopeful that I can have my surgery by July. I am truly blessed to have the support of my wife. She is my rock and I know that with God's support and that of my wife, I will not fail. Though, I am doing this for myself. The comorbidies are starting to reveal themselves to me: I have obstructive sleep apnea, hypertention, knee and lower back pain... it's terrible. Weighing myself this morning, the screen told me I was a whopping 347lbs. Enough is enough. I realize this will be a journey and I am pleased to see an online support group for people like us. I look forward in reaching out to new names, new friends, and share this experience. All the best, Jason "The Night Shift Nurse" St. Louis, MO

I cant wait to get to a size 8. Im a 10 right now and still cant believe it. Way to go.

It's been a year this week. I am headed to the beach. It's also my husband and my 5 year anniversary. My surgon never set a goal and my personal goal was based on bmi. I haven't technically hit reached that personal numbers goal yet but here are some goals I have met: I can now run 20 minutes comfortably without walking so I jog 40 mins 5-6 days a week. Couldn't even shuffle quickly forward (what jogging used to look like) for 3 minutes pre surgery without gasping like a fish out of water. I had to buy all new clothes. All new. Bras undies and shoes too! I sleep naked and walk around naked IN FRONT of my husband. I used to be too ashamed and would change clothes quickly hiding in the closet. Extra details probably belong in the ladies forum but you can imagine there have been other improvements... No more fat girl waddle. I feel pretty. Out and out pretty. Men smile at me. People are nicer. That goal is harder to explain but it impacts every facet of my life. I have low blood pressure. I am no longer pre diabetic. I don't snore any more. I am not dreading the bathing suit part of the beach. Not wearing a two piece, but even at 19 I wasn't a two piece kinda girl. Goal is a fluid concept. Would do this sleeve again every time.

Hello all so yesterday I weighed myself and I.T look like I have gain weight instead of losing .. went from 193 on April 24 to 198 on April 30th . My nurse friend told me could be water weight or the fact I haven’t poop ? I’m not gonna lie feel like I’m failing and I’m a bit paranoid .. this COVID -19 has made me stressed eat only at work . Btw I work at a hospital on a covid floor.. Help ! I need some encouraging words

Two weeks ago I had a treadmill stress test. It was a nightmare. My heart was beating so fast that I could hardly breathe. I asked to get off and they kept telling me just a little longer. Finally, I told them I was going to pass out and they let me off. I didn't stay on long enough. I was really scared to go back to have the chemical stress test but I have to get cleared by a cardiologist. Yesterday I had a chemically induced test called stress pet scan. It was the total opposite of my first test. Just lay still for about a half hour. Machine kept taking picures. The last 10 min they injected me with something to make my heart beat faster. I had no bad reaction and could have slept through the test although I don't think they want you to. My point is to try to get the chemical test if you are morbidly obese, older and not in good shape. I had a lot of people tell me the treadmill stress test wasn't that bad and I could do it. I really tried but for some people like me we should have the chemical test.

@@Kindle, would you mind explaining a bit more? So, we should get like 10 gram whey Protein drinks at a time? Then sip on them for like an hour at a time? or should we sip 3 grams of protein every 20 mins or so? I will get the sleeve in August hopefully. I am starting to try to figure out the pre and post op diet. That is very interesting how all these high protein scoops are just a waste of money! Who knew! Those dirty rotten scoundrals! It was marketing!

Whoah.. I just felt a vein in my arm under the skin. Weird.. Amazing what just 38 lbs can do to you... I took the shower chair out of the shower as I can stand now without my back being in excruciating pain. I was able to do dishes without having to stop because of the pain in my back. I don't have to turn sideways to get thru the bathroom door anymore. I was able to move the head of the car seat forward one notch. I have been taking the stairs without running out of breath. I have actually been getting up and walking around the office. I went shopping for 2 hours with very little back or foot pain. I don't have near as much trash these days. My wedding ring is already too big for me. I am more often cold than hot! I don't sweat much anymore! I use to laugh at the teeny portions of TV dinners like Weight Watchers and Atkins... now it takes me two meals to eat it all. Career choices that I had been thinking I could never do because of my back pain... are now a possibility. I have saved lots of money from not eating out as much. My hubby has lost 10 lbs already! And most of all... after being controlled by my addiction to food for 35 years... it no longer has that control over me. My life no longer feels dictated by food... I dictate to my food. What are yours? 11/11/16: HW 380 11/28/16: Duodenal Switch Surgery 11/28/16: SW 374 lbs 12/24/16: CW 342 lbs

I am no expert as I just became aware of this today. From this particular article, it sounds like no more than 8-10g of whey Protein can be absorbed in an hour. Different types of protein (egg, casein, soy, pea, sprouted seeds, etc) will be absorbed at different rates. But of course more solid, dense Proteins like meat, Beans, cheese, etc. will stay in our stomachs longer and be slowly released into our intestines where all the absorption takes place. This further complicates figuring absorption. And our bodies use some of the protein consumed to meet immediate energy requirements. I think the absorption refered to in this article is the actual amino acids absorbed and used for building muscle. Anything more than that is used for energy or stored as fat. Google "protein absorption" and you will find a lot better explanations. As for solid foods, I saw several recommendations of eating small, frequent meals of no more than 10-15g/protein. In any case, my 40g shake over an hour is definitely a waste of money. So I am changing to 20g shakes drank several hours apart. (Of course I'll have a snack and/or meal in between)

For those who are at goal or veterans and posting, one thing that might help the rest of us, is for you to share how often you have treats and what a typical treat quantity might look like. I think it's easy for people to see that and not realize how frequently/infrequently you might have them, or what the size of a normal treat is. Case in point the person who has 10-12 tortilla chips with salsa, not half a bag.

At BMI of 42, you're not just obese, you're morbidly obese, and at just about my starting size. You're not just fat, you're at a dangerously unhealthy weight that is inviting diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, etc. I call absolute bull$hit on your husband. The surgery doesn't "fail," patients "fail to change their behavior." If his OR is seeing "lots of re-dos," what that tells me is that the surgeons/hospital are not properly preparing patients for the procedure (ie., setting them up to fail). You're 50 and morbidly obese. Ask your husband if he wants you to die within the next 5-10 years, maybe it'll change his mind. If it doesn't, maybe you need a different husband. I'm 4 days out and this is the best I've felt in so many years. My only regret was not doing it 5 years ago.

I am like @@1SlimmerMe because I was never regular before surgery and the lack of veggies an addition of Iron supplements made this "difficult". @sonnysun - I called and talked to the nurse and she recommended dropping the iron supplement because my multi already has iron in it. When I did my labs she said they would review my iron level. It was right on track, so I am not taking the extra 27 mg. I have been anemic (iron deficient) for the past 10 years. I guess being religious about my Vitamins has helped that, post WLS, and the fear of losing ALL of my hair! Nurse said I could take Miralax and I take it AS NEEDED.

The following bariatric surgical procedures are considered medically necessary for Members who meet the associated criteria: Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y; gastrojejunal anastomosis) Vertical banded gastroplasty (gastric banding; gastric stapling) Biliopancreatic bypass (Scopinaro procedure) Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch Gastric sleeve procedure (also known as laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) when done alone and not a part of the full operation to complete a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS or DS) Medical Necessity Criteria The Member must meet the criteria of either A or B: Class II obesity (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2) in a person who has attained an adult level of physical development and maturation, in the presence of one or more of the following comorbidities: Type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction, stable or unstable angina pectoris or coronary artery bypass) Life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems (e.g., severe sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, obesity-related cardiomyopathy) [*]Class III obesity (BMI equal to or greater than 40 kg/m2) in a person who has attained an adult level of physical development and maturation. New CPT CODE: 43775 - Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; longitudinal gastrectomy (ie, sleeve gastrectomy)

Hoping to have RNY just before I turn 19. Almost done with all the pre op appts!!

Why does my wound itch? The skin contains specialized nerve fibers that detect when the dermis is being irritated and send signals to the spinal cord, communicating that there is an itch. This is known as "mechanical stress". Wound healing also elicits mechanical stress that activates itching. As it heals, the cells around the wound proliferate, which means the margins around the wound grow and migrate inwards toward the base. In fact, the cells follow an electrical pathway at a voltage that is different than the margin so they can tell where the base is. The cells then unite at the center, attach together and contract to pull the wound shut. This process creates a mechanical stress that activates the itch nerves and tells the spinal cord to scratch. The dangers of scratching Scratching a wound that is trying to heal can cause damage to the new tissue that has grown to replace and repair the damaged tissue. If this happens, it can slow the healing process, which leaves your body susceptible to wound infection longer and can result in excessive scarring. Additionally, it can cause potentially harmful bacteria on the hands to transfer to the wound, again putting you at a higher risk of developing an infection. To find out more, including tips to reduce itching: https://advancedtissue.com/2014/10/understanding-wound-healing-itching-dilemma/

Just wanted to add to this thread that I've currently had a period for over a month. My Ob/Gyn put me on 10 day progesterone and now that I'm done with the pills, my period has become even worse. I'm going through superplus tampons every 1-2 hours. I'm feeling very week. I go to the Ob/Gyn tomorrow and she's talked about going on birth control pills. I have PCOS and am scared about going on birth control pills as I've had issues with fertility. Anyone else going through this? How long did it take to regulate? I'm really hoping this is just estrogen leaving my body, but I wish it would give me a break... I've been on a stall on my weight loss for just as long.

:rolleyes:I am new to this site as well have found some really interesting comments so far & am looking forward to being able to learn as I go alomg from some of you that have a heads up on us.. I love reading the success storys people have had & can only hope with time I can become one of them.. I have been over weight all of my life (I DID LOSS 125 LBS. & KEPT IT OFF FOR 8 YEARS ).. but now cannot seem to lose 10 lbs. then comes the battle with depression & the feeling of being unattractive.. I lost my husband of 28 years , then was in a relationship for almost 4 , but now find myself starting over again.. I just have to find & keep the motivation to change everthing.Thanks for listening & look forward to chatting & hopfully meeting & sharing on here..

I'm currently banded, and have had significant health problems due to the nutritional side of banding. I take "Source of Life" Vitamins. You can get either liquid or chewable, I like the taste of the chewable better than the liquid. They are more expensive than the stuff from walmart or walgreens, but the quality of nutrition is unsurpassed. When I told my doctor about the Flinstones that my surgeon recommends, he basically laughed his head off and told me the high number of patients he had with my same problems. i also take fish oil (liquid)' D3, liquid calcium citrate, CO-Q-10, and pro-biotics

I just had surgery, May 19, 2008. I didn't tell too many people. I did not want to hear their opinions on my decision and frankly I did not care what they thought.

I am sorry to post this, I just need to vent a little. I hope someone out there can totaly feel my pain and understand where I am coming from...... At 5 am I was woken up cause My Dog decided to she wanted to go out (She is nursing 11 pups) anyways As I got out of bed I noticed I was soaking wet in Sweat! But it was cold sweat...... I took Amanda (my dog) out, and as I came in OMG I felt HORRIBLE!!! I got chest pains, Rapid heart beats, my tongue went numb, my arm and hands went numb, I felt nauceous, I felt like I was going to pass out! I was breathing ok but its like the air was going in but my body was not absorbing the Oxygen! I thought I was going to die!! As I walked back to the bedroom, I realized this could be serious, so my symptoms got WORSE!! I woke my husband up and made him take me to the ER. They took me in right away, they ran all kinds of tests , and scans to rule out blood clots or Heart attacks. After like about 3-4hours they came back and said uhm, you results came in, and everything looks normal! Then he asked "are you under any stress??" OMG HELL YEAH!! I HAVE STRESS GALORE!!!! then he said well you had an anxiety attack..... I will give you a shot and that should help. (Ativan) I was like WHAT?? An anxiety attack?????? ME????? So they gave me the shot and 10 min later the chest pain stopped, my body just relaxed......:thumbdown: I hate the fact that due to: -me choosing to stay home and be a Mom and a Wife, -Me choosing to move into my parents house to Help them out financialy -me stressing all the time that my DH is cheating -me gaining so much weight -me being so unhappy in my Marriage -Me wanting to change my future and bumping into so many obstacles to get there. -me always being worried about my parents health I AM GOING TO END UP KILLING MYSELF! I DONT MEAN IT LITERALY..... But I am just so OVERWHELMED, that I am causing stress in my body and I am going to end up giving myself a heart attack! I need a change...... I would love to just Leave far away from all these problems and start off new life..... Or maybe turn back time and made different choices.... When I got proposed to, I should have ran the other way instead of say YES i'll marry u! I am 27 yrs old! I shouldnt be having these types of problems yet....... I got scared today.... REALLY scared! My life is not what I wanted for myself. My Husband is not who I thought he was,,,,,, I need to feel loved and cared for.....for a change........... I had enough, I really did............ I mean I love my husband but it just sux to live like Brother and Sister...... It sux to know he is never home due to his job, It sux to ALWAYS worry about him getting shot at every day at work, or that I will get a call from one of his supervisers saying " I have bad news" I cant do this anymore.... I really cant!!!

I'm a June 10th too! I've lost 30 lbs total so far (10 from pre-op and 20 post-op). I am getting close to getting in the liquids each day, but am no where near the amount of Protein I need. I just bought the New whey Protein Bullets in grape and I hope that will help. I am so sick of shakes! I'm not allowed to start purees until next Monday but I cannot wait. I have been to family social gatherings involving some really good food and it has been tough, but I've realized as I eat my Soup that I'm not really hungry, it's just in my head. I meet with my NUT for the first time this Friday so hopefully I will get some more advice and info then. I'm also going to a support group at my hospital next month so I'm fingers crossed that this is all worth it!

i got this surgery done when i was 19, and i do have to admit that this surgery does take a toll on a person psycologically, and i wish i had been better prepared for it. this is something that you need to live with the rest of your life and the person would have to ome to terms with that, and i know that i am facing a hard time with that.

I'm on day 10 now and have much better energy if I have had a good nights sleep (duh, I know ????). However do not over exert yourself, listen to your body. If you need to sit, sit. Some people bounce back right away! I have heard that walking before surgery helps a lot too.

Hi I was approved for my band and due to have surgery on Sept. 10 My insurance company lists that my Dr. is on their in plan and his name is even in my health plan manual along with a lisiting of all the other bariatric surgeons/general surgeons in thier group for they fall under the same address at least. Well anyway yesterday I got in the mail a letter from the Bariatric Group telling me that I need to sign the enclosed document in order for them to submit the claim to my provider which is no problem however as I am reading this over and over again not to miss anything I read the partWaco Bariatric Surgeons and physicans are non-participating providers with insurance companies for bariatric services and in order for me to have the surgery I need to pay up front 3500.00 for the surgeon and his assistant surgeon and it includes two pot op visits. But according to my provider yes they are covered under my plan and I have a letter stating just that and a fax from them too! Ok now here is the real kicker at the seminar I attended in March, we were all told that the fees paid will cover 1 year free fills, and that all the visits were included this was discussed several times by other people at the seminar. Wow now what do I do I don't have the money and cannot afford another bill coming in and I am just so confused and thinking of not having the surgery even ifg the insurance does cover it all due to the stress and the un known after surgery as to the costs. I just need to vent here but i still don't feel better. I will call my insurance company on Monday and tell them of this and see what they ahve to say and I am contacting the bariatric center as well. Seems really odd that no one mentions certain things at the seminar but now after insurance approval comes through tehre is a whole list of thigs I have to do and buy before surgery. Wow. Well thanks for listening. Sharon