Search the Community

@@jennabela If you're not getting enough fluids - that could definitely be a problem. Increase Protein and fluids and see what happens! You started at a low BMI compared to most of us - so your weight loss will be slower. Remember to think of it in terms of % of loss - you've lost 18.5% of your weight in 6 months. That's not a bad loss at all! Inches are definitely just as good as pounds! I bet if you increase protein and fluids you'll see the scale move again!!! Stay strong!!!

I stopped exercising after a couple of months (I was walking on my treadmill) because of my low energy & low blood pressure. The day I almost fell off due to being so tired & light headed I decided enough. It’s true. Exercise contributes very little to actual weight loss. But it does contribute to your general health. It also increases your appetite to compensate for the calories you’ve burnt. I still don’t exercise but try to be active in other ways. Dash up & down the stairs in my house. Park further away from where I’m going. Walk at a pace around shopping centres etc. Take stairs when possible. Walk to the local shops. It all helps.

Wanted to be sure all of you bandsters or those of you interested in learning about bands were aware of the NW Weight Loss Conference in Portland OR 10/28 through 10/30. Check it out here. Dr. Emma Patterson will be speaking and Sandi and Gloria of Banded Living will be conducting a table talk and presenting a break out session. Look forward to meeting some of you there!

My sleeve was 6/26 and I just had my hair colored. No problem

I colored my hair regularly (every 6-8 weeks or so) after getting sleeved. You're going to have some hair loss no matter what and I don't think the hair coloring exacerbates the issue too terribly much. I do recommend you get your hair colored as close in time prior to getting sleeved as possible, because for sure the 4-6 weeks following surgery you're not going to want to mess with things like that (if you color your own hair).

Wow!!!Congrats on the fast weight loss.:biggrin: I am one of the slow losers....I had my surgery last July and am down only 60 lbs. That's a bit slower than my surgeon wants me to lose, but he tries to adjust the band to where I can lose no more than 3 lbs or less than 1 pound a week. He really likes it when I lose 2 lbs a week. So I am going to have to go back for another fill soon. I have 7cc's in my 10cc band now and hope that the next fill gets me closer to the "sweet spot". I am really impressed with your will power and the weight loss. Don't think I could stand a whole pound of baby carrots, even though I like them a lot!!

Good Morning Everyone, I was told about this site by a patient that I met at my doctor's office that just had lap-band 2 weeks ago. My scheduled date for surgery is December 4. Ok, my name is Gretchen, I'm 30 and live in a suburb of Washington DC. I'm on here to start my weight loss journey with others that have experienced lap-band; learn from each of you; and hopefully share my experience post-op. I really can't wait to start this process! Gretchen

This week I am on an annually business trip. This trip normally messes up my rhythm on diet and exercise. It is a week of eating out, drinking and food on the company dime. I am currently in the supervise weight loss phase which I have lost between 15 to 20 pounds so far. I don't want this trip to derail me. Today I did ok but I fly in today and survived airport travel. I have another 84 hours before I am back home. Hopefully able to get my grove back quickly.

Started pre-op diet 12/04/06 at 289 Pre-op testing 12/11/06 at 278 Banded 12/21/06 at 278 Follow up 01/03/06 at 267

I am still at 154.5 so for the last two weeks I have been at a stall on my weight loss. I was banded May 15, so I am almost 3 months out from my lap band surgery. I have been very discouraged lately because the weight loss has stalled but I am confident I will get the weight loss going again real soon. I have not been exercising but plan to change that immediately. Going walking tomorrow morning. I have been eating really well. I have not cheated with carbs, sliders, sweets, candy or fast food. But I have noticed I am getting a little lazy. I am not getting in enough protein. I am not eating enough vegetables. I am doing well not eating late at night and I drink non-calorie drinks all day long. My hunger goes away for 4 hours after I eat so I may be in the green zone. I think I am in the green zone because I am not hungry between meals. But I do skip meals and I am not eating my protein first, veggies next. I have been very discouraged because three months out I thought I should be 30 pounds down. I started at 187 and now I am 154.5. Gotta get out there and exercise because I am not eating too much food but without the exercise I am at a stall and not losing right now. I am battling the negative comments flooding my head. But I will be happy with the thought that weight loss that comes of slow is probably the best way for me to get the weight off. Slow and steady win the race!!!!!!! Would love your input please. Jenn

I'd been on depression meds for about 10 years. My doc stopped them as of the day of surgery and I haven't taken any since. I feel better than I've felt in many years and, yeah, a lot of it is from the weight loss itself but a lot is also in the change the weight loss brought to my self image.

Does anyone have this? Are the recipes good/simple?

Sometimes in the beginning with tight restriction, 3 bites is your full. If that is too tight for you to handle, then it is time to see your Dr, for a slight unfill. I have heard many say on here, they like that TIGHT restricton because it works for them, the weight falls off. When I first got my 2nd fill, I was very tight, and 3-6 bites was my limit. But I never forced beyond that. My only PB's (2 of them) have not been an overeating situation, they were not thinking situations, and I didn't chew well enough. As for the chewing to liquid----yep that is how the band prefers it! I am surprised you didn't get that pounded into your brain pre-banding!!! Chew to goo. When you think you have chewed it well enough chew it some more. It is kinda gross with some things. You are forced to really taste some things, and they aren't as great as you think they are. How are you identifying your "hunger"? Is your stomach growling and churning, or do you just "feel" hungry? There is a real difference. It is not always easy with the band, but it should not always be painful either. Sounds to me like it is time to sit down with your band Dr., discuss how you should be eating, amounts, and HOW to eat. Then together decide if an unfill is in order. I hope you get some answers, it sure doesn't sound like you are having much fun on this weight loss adventure!!! Welcome to LBT, I hope you get some answers soon! Kat

I had my conversion surgery from band to sleeve on june first, i had it done in the Dominican republic because my company excluded bariatric from my policy. i was so scare and even felt regrets the day after surgery. Six week later those regrets are way off my mind, I have never felt better. I've lost 30lbs and I'm static My Self-esteem over the top, as supposed to six weeks earlier I wouldn't look my self in the mirror and today I'm jumping for joy. I've had my my ups and down, when my weight loss stalled I thought I failed, coming to this site has been a blessing. Can't wait so reach my goal weight, only 47lbs to go and I made a promise to myself to not drive my self crazy and enjoy the journey. Any other June first sleever. Share your story

Hey lady friends, I have PCOS and have been taking the pill continuously (no placebo week) for YEARS (over 15 years to be precise) with out having a period. Well for some reason, I started having moderate (not what I would deem as light) spotting a few days ago! I haven't missed pills so that can't be it. I'm finding limited answers online but did see something (not from a doctor/medical professional) talking about how rapid weight loss can cause you to produce more estrogen or something but again, I am on the pill so I can't figure out why is this happening. Anyone else have this happen or have an idea what the f*** is going on?

@@defibvt - try to do most of it without the mirror. It seems to mess your aim up. Only use the mirror to check and finish. I actually do the initial round in the back yard (mine is very private) so I don't have hair in the bathroom.

I know this is men only, but do hope it is okay to post if only to follow. We just recently started shaving the husband's back because we've really gotten into swimming and it is a real pain to get sunblock into his skin due to the thick hair, so got the razor and shaving cream out and he looked fantastic... for about 12 hours. And then his back got really red and splotchy and he got lots of little bumps that I am assuming are ingrown hairs. He's naturally curly haired, and despite me exfoliating his skin and using a new razor, it seems like using a standard razor at all is going to cause this issue because of the nature of how the razor works (pulling the hair out enough to cut it so it is slightly below the skin surface level, lending it to becoming ingrown much easier). The solutions I've read so far are to just use an electric razor and deal with the stubble, or get an old fashioned safety razor that uses the real razor blades, and use bristle brush and shaving soap. Hope someone has some ideas about this because he really liked having the hair gone and it is so frustrating that his skin kind of hates it.

Your body(hormonally) may be adjusting to the rapid weight loss. I too have PCOS and my Gynecologist forewarned me that the condition should correct itself as my hormones regulate itself (It can also cause spontaneous ovulation) Contact your pcp or gyne for testing.(blood/pap) Best wishes to you

I hit a couple of major NSVs today. I’ve lost 100 lbs (or near enough to count), and finally dipped down into the 100’s. I am pretty pleased with myself, and I am so glad that I had the surgery. HW = 299 CW = 199.4 SW = 280.0 Surgery Date = 07/23/2020 I follow my program of eating healthy extremely well. Cravings are at a minimum, but the weight loss isn’t a complete breeze. I feel like I need to make a conscious effort to stick to the plan. I’m a slow and steady loser, and weirdly each pound lost always feels like it’s going to be the last. Not sure why, because I am not a pessimist by nature. The body dysmorphia is strong, and I have absolutely no sense of how big or small I am now. I feel much better than before, and my clothes are getting looser, but I don’t *feel* like I’ve lost much weight. How very weird! It’s not disheartening - just kind of a clinical observation that my brain can’t quite figure out what’s going on. My initial goal weight was 165 lbs. I picked that weight because it was a goal just beyond what the average weight loss for my height was. I honestly didn’t think it was attainable. But now I do. I’d like to shoot for maybe 140 now. I initially didn’t think I was going to be interested in plastic surgery. However loose skin, age and gravity are not a winning combination. It’s on the table now! I’m glad I don’t have to think about it anytime soon, though. Other observations: * I log my food meticulously. I focus on high protein and low carbs, and feel like it’s a good day when my protein intake is > carb intake. I pretty much ignore the fat intake, but I am eating healthy so it’s just not a concern. * I’ve averaged about 1100 calories/day since the new year. * I don’t think I would have been this successful if i hadn’t been teleworking since the pandemic started. I live alone so I cleared out my kitchen of all temptations. * I walk 3.5 miles a day and I’ve grown to really enjoy it. I rarely miss - only if there are monsoon-like rains will I stay in. * I wear a Fitbit, and I think the most important and useful feature is the reminder to walk throughout the day. I typically average about 15K steps/day. * I have started jogging a little bit, and have been ASTOUNDED that I can do it. I’m super slow, but I can do it. This morning I jogged over 3 miles without dying a single time. 😂 * I do not like jogging. * I was going to the the gym, but stopped because of the crowd of ‘New Years resolution’ people who didn’t seem to be very good with the mask-wearing. I’ll pick back up with that once I get the vaccine. * I have become more limber, and a lot of my aches and pains have receded or disappeared. I love that I can cross my legs now. * My hair fell out. A lot. Started at about 3 months and it was just shocking. It was particularly bad around my temples, and around the crown of my head. It is growing back as seen by the scraggly hair sticking out in all directions. I am so pretty. 😱 It seemed to stop falling out pretty abruptly about 2 weeks ago. * Eating breakfast is still a struggle. I’ve always hated it and I still do. I almost always rely on the Fairlife shakes for breakfast. * I eat a lot of chicken, shrimp, salad, and Morningstar frozen vegan options. I am not a good cook, and as much as I think about food I guess I am just not willing to spend much time preparing it. I like the salad kits that most grocery stores have now. * I take a tremendous amount of joy in cleaning out my closet of clothes I can no longer wear. My closet is so empty! It is seriously so awesome! I’m not ready to do much shopping yet, though. I don’t need clothes for work (yet), and I’m hoping to still lose more weight. * I weigh myself every morning, and I think I’m always going to have to do this. It’s an accountability thing for me.

Congratulations on your success! We are pretty similar — I had my surgery just a week before yours, and I have also lost 100 pounds since my surgery (I lost about 70 pounds before surgery). My initial goal weight was 180 pounds based on average weight loss (this was before I lost the first 70 pounds), but now I’m shooting for 150, although I honestly don’t care all that much about the number on the scale; for me, it’s all about the NSVs. When I stop and think about it, I’m in disbelief that I have lost such a massive amount of weight. I used to see people who have lost 100+ pounds and think it was impossible, and now I’m one of them. i also have the same sense that it doesn’t feel like I’ve lost as much as I have. I am literally half the size I used to be, and of course I can tell that I’m smaller, but I definitely don’t feel like I’m half my old size. I actually like to cook, and I spend a lot of time on Pinterest looking at bariatric-friendly recipes (I find a lot of recipe on keto web sites, even though I don’t exactly follow the keto diet, but a lot of keto recipes are good because they’re low-carb). One of the cool things about being a bariatric patient is that my portion sizes are so small that I get a ton of servings out of a single recipe. I made a batch of turkey meat sauce that came out to 27 portions! I have a freezer full of single-serving meals from just a few cooking sessions. I’ve really enjoyed finding new, healthy recipes that I love, and I hardly even miss the old unhealthy foods I used to eat. I recently discovered that I like spaghetti squash! And I eat cauliflower rice all the time. I hardly recognize myself anymore. Anyway, it’s great to see someone else enjoying great results from WLS. It is truly life-changing!

No regrets whatsoever for me!!! And nothing for me was really the "worse part." I could have been released the day after surgery, but my program called for 2 nights hospital stay. If there was a "worse part" it would have been in the first 10 hours or so after surgery when rolling over and sitting up was uncomfortable. But all the walking I did after surgery really helped me with that. Everybody is different. My first week was a snap and it has been ever since. I've been really lucky! Maybe you will be too. Here's the best advice I can give... Be prepared for stalls in weight loss. They will happen soon and more times than you'd hope. Celebrate the little victories of a pound here and a pound there. You're not on the game show The Biggest Loser and your weight isn't going to melt off. Don't let the scale rule your life. I weigh in once a week, but I know some people who only weigh in at their monthly or quarterly doctor's checkup. Judge your weight loss by how loose your clothes get, how slim your face looks, and how much energy you have once you've hit your sleeve weight-loss stride. Good luck and take care.

It does regrow. I lost half of my of my hair, literally half of it. I didn't wear dark colored shirts if I could avoid it because I was blonde during my losing stage. But, it does grow back. My new growth is growing in stick straight. I had super wavy, voluminous hair pre-sleeve, now my hair has little body, and it takes a lot of product for me to get it to do anything. I mainly flat Iron it now to tame the stray, fly away, chia pet new growth. Edit to add: My shedding started right around 3.5 months, and lasted 3 solid months. During this entire time, my labs were fabulous, and I was consuming normal foods and hitting Protein goals every day.

OK so i'm two weeks out and no hair loss yet obviously. I've been reading posts about all of the people who experience hair loss. Tons of it. I understand it does grow back but it is scary. Now I want to hear from those of you who did NOT lose hair. There must be some out there. Does it happen to everyone? Do men experience it? Let me know your hair loss stories and that it regrows. And if you have had none let me know too..thanks...seaview

I think the place to look for answers is your weight loss surgery center--make sure they accept Medicare and see what questions they are willing to answer. Or call a couple different centers if you haven't decided on where you want to go yet. My clinic put me through to their insurance coordinator. That person might also be able to give you a Medicare number to call so that you can call them and ask some questions. (Rather than the number on back of the card, where you get people reading the Medicare book back to you, no matter how many "supervisors" you are supposedly talking to.) I have Medicare and my clinic says they usually approve everything without a problem, as long as you have met their criteria. One of their criteria is 6 months of consecutive, "successful" appointments with a Dietitian. This is a requirement of my surgery center anyway, so no big deal. But Medicare will not pay for those appointments. My center knocks the price waaaay down so it's affordable. Those are the types of things I would want to know in advance, because otherwise when I got my explanation of benefits from Medicare saying I owed over $200 for one visit, I would have freaked out.

I started my "diet" two days after my consult, and found that it's more of a behavior mod diet that one to lose weight on! My guidelines are to eat at least 4 times a day, lots of protein, eating slowly, drinking lots of water.... etc. The dietician says it's not about weight loss, mostly practicing to eat like a bandster. If I lose weight, thats great, but I just can't gain it! I can live with that. I've been on it for 4 days now, and am finding it hard to being eating "so much", as I usually don't eat much during the day. Not drinking with meals has been fine, but eating slowly and taking smaller bites has been a challenge. I guess it'll get better with time and PRACTICE! As for exercising, I haven't started anything yet, I need to start walking at least a little bit though, just as a start. I need to make an appointment with the exercize physiologist to get a routine made for me, that will help! I know that I need to get moving for all of this to work!