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Hi everybody, well I had my surgery in October, and I'm lingering around a 30 lbs loss. I can't get passed it. I just weighed myself this morning, and I think I have lost like one pound in the last two weeks. I am happy that I got the surgery, but I get a little discouraged when I don't see the scale change. Going into the surgery, I thought that afterwards, I was going to be like this lap band poster child, I was going to do everything right, but it has been quite the contrary. Anyway, I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I just joined, and I am looking forward to meeting and reading everyones stories.

From April 6 to April 20 is 14 days and you've lost 11 pounds. That is over 3/4 of a pound PER DAY! Please try not to be so disappointed, that is a great weight loss, the scale will go down again. You're most likely feeling the effects of your old dieting attempts, where we always failed, so you're worried this will fail. It's less than 2 weeks from surgery, give it time. Your feeling is common, time will fix it! My ticker was once at the beginning and now it's more than half way and I was worried just like you, not so much anymore!

Unfortunately, no amount of revisions will work if your head isn't in the game. You'll just end up in the same place. Have you thought about the reasons WHY you sabotage yourself to not become successful? Would counseling help? I wouldn't consider a revision to bypass until you feel you're emotionally ready to change your lifestyle to ensure that this surgery is successful. Otherwise, I think a revision to bypass would be a good option for you. The sleeve isn't for everyone, and some people need the additional help the malabsorbtion offers with the bypass. Also, take anyone's advice who chimes in that hasn't had regain with a grain of salt. They don't understand the struggle of being several years out and trying to get back on track and go back to basics. They all think the weight loss comes as easy as it did during the honeymoon period, and I'm here to say it absolutely doesn't. It's a whole different animal several years out. Our metabolisms, appetites, and capacity changes, making going back much harder. It can be done, but you're talking pre surgery effort at that point.

Welcome to the group! Insurance approval is always hit or miss for many people. Some insurance companies approve it quicker than others. Mine was 2.5 months from my first doctors appointment until surgery date, but I didn't have a 6 month waiting period like a friends insurance plan required. I do agree that you need to mentally be ready for the surgery. Most insurance companies require a Psych eval to determine this. You need to realize that this is a lifestyle change and a tool to do that. That the surgery isn't a fix all. Also, many people go into surgery with unrealistic weight loss expectations. That they assume the weight will drop off instantly, and that they will be "skinny" with no excess skin. Yes, the weight might drop off quicker at first, but eventually it slows down and stops. Excess skin does happen. And if you don;t change your eating habits the weight can/will creep back on. The sleeve (aka your tool) didn't fail, you did. Also, if you don;t go in with realistic expectations you might find yourself frustrated at the weight loss process. I'm not trying to sound negative, but informative. You already said that you don't think you're ready for it, which is good. It shows that you're giving this thought and realize that this is a life changing procedure.

I've recently just heard about the sleeve at work from co-workers being this is the new thing that everyone is doing because our insurance approves it sooo fast and people are looking into weight loss options. I've been on this page days now just looking around and researching. Although a lot of my questions were answered, I still have a few. Is there an age limit that you shouldn't get sleeved? Has anyone had it more than 10 years and can tell about their experience? I'm really considering being that I've gained so much weight and don't see myself losing because I eat alot!!! Im 5"7 and weigh about 260!!!!!

Hi Anna I was operated on by Chris back in May '08 and couldnt recommend him more highly. Very skilled and very professional surgeon, hospital in Vilvoorde is great (if that's where you are getting it done) You cant predict how long it will take you to lose weight, depends primarily on how much you have to lose initially. Just remember it's a tool, not a magic cure I've had good weight loss which has been a combination of good food choices and exercise - but the band wont stop you putting chocolate in your mouth - that bit is up to you ! Feel free to PM me if you like Siepie

((((HUGS)))) (just cause you sound like you could use one.. ) Have you met with a band surgeon yet? What does he/she say about your case? I think weight loss would help with several of them. Your energy levels would improve too. I've read a lot of inspiring posts about people who have seen their comorbities improve or completely disappear. I sincerely hope that this is the case for you too!! I've had the same thoughts about wishing I had done this 2 years ago (before my back gave out and I had to have surgeries to repair it). The important thing is, you're doing something about it now. Good luck to you.

Congratulations on your weight loss. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I will be having surgery in February. I work in health care too and because of that it has taken me longer than many to decide to have surgery. When I received my date, I was taken off guard that the approval had come through. I was told that it would likely be rejected & I would then need to appeal. I am cautiously optimistic and hopeful that the surgery will be a great tool for me.

Thank you everyone for the advice. I feel a little better. The doctor never mentioned anything about this, plus I read over and over about how much these people have lost and it just gets me depressed because I am hardly eating and starving to death with no weight loss. Thank you again for the advice. I think I will go have another bowl of ice cream...LOL Just kidding.

Get a new makeover,, new chic hairstyle and clothing.. Even shoes. Build some muscle. Just a few suggestions., sometimes your body has to adjust to weight loss so your skin elasticity will get better over time. If not, Try juvadurm for any sagging or shallow areas.

I am 39 days into being banded and today I struggled. I am on a low carb/ no sugar diet plan and I had two slices of bread with my chicken. I kind of feel like I am getting hungrier a lot often. every 2-3 hours. I don't want to keep shoveling food into my mouth esp since I am only working out once a day three times a week. I feel like I am battling with food addiction. I mean I have never had any issues with food thus far. I am just genuinely worried that if I eat again tonight I might eat too much. I am looking forward to having my first fill in five days. I am hoping that I will get the restriction I need and to be able to get satisfied and start making my mark. I didnt want to get into the habit of weighing myself but I am flirting with the idea of buying a scale. Idk what I am doing wrong. I eat my 60g of protein. I eat my protein first. I am making healthy choices minus the bread. Maybe I am just obsessing right now. I need to breathe and relax. I think I will be much better once I see my doctor and dietician. I am hoping I make it to my first goal of reaching 299 by my appointment. I would be sad if I dont reach my goal. I love seeing them happy when I show up and surpass their expectations. So, Ive been thinking about my goal list I previously had. I think some of it is unrealistic. Goal 1- is to go from 310 to 299. by the first of september. I've been working on it since July first. Goal 2- work out starting in one week four times a week for an hour. Goal 3- Avoid bread, pasta and rice. Goal 4- Have fun more. Goal 5- take more pictures to have as a guide on how much I have loss. the rest will be updated at a later date.

Wow! This forum is overwhelming! I don't know how to find the appropriate section to read/write my questions... So, I'll start here! I'm 47 yo female, BMI 55, 5'10" 400 lbs, with no medical insurance. :cry Of course, I'd like to get the best, safest band experience for the least money! How do I go about researching all that I need to know? I've read LOTS to know that this is what I want -- plus I'm a registered nurse -- but I can't find an unbiased source to answer my specific concerns. Has anyone used MedRetreat.com to go overseas for this procedure? How can I do my own research on reliable foreign options? What kind of cost are we REALLY talking about? If I'm banded overseas, how do I deal with fillings? (From Montana!) I see that weight loss is slower with bands than bypass (which is fine with me), but are the longterm success rates comparable? How have people dealt with excess skin after weight loss: is it a big issue? requiring surgical correction? improves with exercise? Does it make sense to have some liposuction at the same time as banding? It seems like it might! Does anyone do that? What are some things I should know that only experience has taught you, that you wish you'd known before making the commitment? Many thanks, Dhira (dhira at aol dot com)

Plateaus totally suck! And you are doing all the right things to combat it. You are already doing everything I had in my suggestion arsenal. How did you change up your work outs? Maybe try changing from weights to all cardio? Or vice versa. Or you could go with my latest method of weight loss, catch a cold and have it turn into a sinus infection. Down 3#s! My bet is that sometime soon you will break through it and you'll show a big loss when you least expect it. Like you'll take an exercise break for some reason and bam! Maybe go ahead and get that fill and do softs/mushies for a few days to see what happens. The closer we are to goal, the harder the fight it seems! Best wishes!

This is by far one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life! It's not a "quick-fix" like some people may think, although the weight loss is "quick", the pre and post surgery diets alone no doubt scare away the weakest of the frey looking into having WLS! Even now at 3 months post-op, I'm looking forward to the holiday season ending because it is hard, constantly making the right decision on what to eat and how much, when in the past over-indulging in food and drink was "tradition". (I've only had one pity-party, recently and I posted about it "Cranky Mom- Help!" LOL) but those who know and love me, also know my history with food and would rather see me alive and healthy than slowly dying! (I've reversed Type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea is cured and I no longer have back spasms daily!) It's only those who feel insecure about themselves who actually feel jealous when they see others doing what they themselves should do. All we can do for them is to pray that they one day make those hard decisions like we did, to better our bodies - and our lives and to be a positive energy! Happy New Year's everyone! Just think of next year when it'll be a year post-op...I'll be really celebrating then (and watch out haters, I'll be looking hot, too -- for an "old lady!")

Has anyone lost about 50 lbs and had loose skin? That's my target weight loss. Thanks Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

We're at about the same post op from surgery, I'm at 7 weeks post op today. I will try to get my protein in other ways and see how I do! I've been working out in the morning doing Pilates type exercise and wondering if maybe I'm building muscle and that could be a reason for no weight loss? I also track my food with the bariatastic app so hopefully that will continue to work as well! Thank you for your response!!

No, you should not do a liquid diet. I didn't need to do a preop liquid diet at all and my BMI was 41. the post op diet was so easy to follow because I had sooo much restriction from surgery. I have done liquid diets in the past and they are wicked. They are hard to follow and for me usually results in huge binges and weight gain instead of loss. Have you met with your sugeon yet? If not, I would not try to lose weight untill you see him. Qualify for surgery and then if you want, try a liquid diet. You can always cancel the surgery once you qualify, but it is alot harder to qualify for surgery if your BMI drops below 40.

I thought this was an interesting article. I hope the link works. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/health/biological-changes-thwart-weight-loss-efforts-study-finds.html?_r=1&

Just be careful what you eat.... Stay away from greasy food and slider foods. You will be fine as long as you eat healthy and exercise a little. Also, i use a timer on my phone which beeps or vibrates every 7 minutes to remind me to drink Water, try this if you are not able to keep up the water intake which helps with weight loss (and the easy passage of your stool ). You don't want your pipe clogged, do you? Oh, and you need a minimum of 2 litres of water a day, so get started

Yes! I posted a link to it on my blog. You can find it here: Virtual Weight Loss Simulator Lise The Loser’s Weblog

I am seriously stuck. I have changed up my food, changed up my work out though this week I think I will put 12 hours in at the gym instead of my regular 10, and still weigh the same every single morning. I promised myself that I would not be overweight when all was said and done, but I am 3 pounds BMI wise till I get in the normal weight category. I do think I need a fill as I mentioned before I don't think I have great restriction as I did a few months ago when I had a complete unfill. Have you ever started over doing liquids then back to mushy's, etc to jump start weight loss? Any other suggestions?

Here is the link: Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test I didn't do an unfill, so not sure about that question??

Congrats on both weight losses! Happy New Year!

Sleeved 12/19/12. Lost 32 since 12/3/12 preop start. Husband has lost 55 since preop and sleeve of same dates. More than just the loss of weight - we both feel better physically and more in control of our lifestyle as we move forward. Happy healthy new year to all of you.

if i had the cash RIGHT NOW, i would have made my appointment and gone. i started off curious, then i went into information overload and panicked. now i feel strong, confident and ANXIOUS as all get out!!! at night i lay in bed and fantasize about being skinny again. see, i've always been heavy. i remember when i was in the 5th grade they weighed us in front of all our peers. i weighed 125 and was MORTIFIED. i, at 12, out weighed my mom when she was 9 months pregnant with me! (she weighed 115lbs.) in high school, i went to an arts school where i didn't have to deal with a lot of the crap 'normal' high schoolers went through with popular cliques and cheerleaders, etc. so it didn't really bother me that i was so heavy... i was judged based on my talent, not my looks. but after high school is when i really started getting bummed about my weight. my best friends were all knock-outs. i was the fat friend. i let myself simmer in my misery until 2000. i was going to go to europe for a month and did not want to be fat in my pictures! i busted my rump dieting and exercising and lost 30lbs... i was 170 and felt like i looked AMAZING. but when my friend's grandmother said that maybe i wouldn't weigh so much if i didn't eat so much cake (i had ONE piece after dinner!!!) i was crushed. when i got home, i kicked off a diet exercise program like a mad woman. but i was doing it in a very unhealthy way - for breakfast i would have a cup of coffee blended with ice, for lunch i would have the same thing. for dinner i would have a bowl of cereal or a tiny piece of chicken. after a few days i would be SO HUNGRY that i would binge eat, then punish myself for a few days afterwards by eating nothing but dry cereal. i was at the gym around 2 hours 5x a week. i was exhausted all the time and my hair was falling out. but i was losing weight! i got down to 130lbs and a size 6. even though looking back i realize i was smokin' hot, all i could focus on was getting down to 100lbs - what my mom weighs. i was miserable all the time, but then i fell in love. we went out to eat all the time and i gained 25lbs in 6 months. when i got too heavy for his motorcycle we broke up. my rebound guy ended up being the love of my life and my husband! for the first time in my life i was blissfully happy... and the weight piled on. at first i didn't care. my hair was thick and beautiful, my nails were long, i wasn't exhausted all the time and i could EAT. but... then i started not being happy with my clothes not fitting and the way people would look at me... sex started being less and less in frequency. then i hit plus size again and i realized i had to do something. but i couldn't lose like i did before. i couldn't abuse my body and i also had a husband to cook for. i overhauled my entire diet... i stopped eating red meat and dairy. i only ate whole grains. blah blah blah. i even joined weight watchers. but... i lost 15lbs and nothing more. in 5 months!!! that's when i decided to research weight loss surgery and discovered lap band. for the first time in a long time i have hope. i want to have babies and be hot again! i want to make my husband proud to have me on his arm. hubby is totally supportive of me getting the surgery. he knows that once i lose the weight, i can get a job bartending (i bartended when i was skinny and made FABULOUS money)(vegas, baby!) in a big name strip casino (i have connections... yey for juice!) and we won't have to worry about money again. of course we have to figure out how to pay for it right now... we are looking into a home equity line of credit but i don't want to wait that long!!! he has freakishly good credit so i'm trying to talk him into getting a surgery loan for me... then we can use the home equity line of credit to pay it off. i want my life back! i'm so excited... and READY! so. that's my first entry into my lap band journal. :clap2: