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Congradulations....I am so happy for you. I started in 3/10(surgery date) at size 24 now i'm a size 16. It's is hard but not so much. I am sooooooooo proud of you. Keep up the good work and remember it's all for you first than everyone else. I hope that also inspires you.

Hi! I'm Pamela. I have only had the band for 10 days so i can't help you on the long term part but i have had a great experience with the band so far. You are truly blessed to have a brother that is willing to pay for your surgery. I would not have been able to get the band if it wasn't for my insurance. Mine would cover the gastric bypass or the lap band. I researched them both and decided to go with the lap band. I wasn't comfortable with the mortality rate and the band is fully reversible if needed. Every person is different but i am so glad i chose the band. Good luck on making the right decision for you. Pamela lost 31 lbs to date

I have heard the same harsh comments as many people have...just cut back, exercise, diet, drink more water, eat more veggies...you name it, and I have probably heard it. I didn't choose to be overweight, it just seemed to creep up on me slowly and before I knew it, I weighed 300 pounds...from having kids, from not being active, from being a good cook, from marrying into an Italian family. I had WLS after my husband said to me that he was concerned about me and my health, and that he wanted me to be around so we could enjoy retirement together. He didn't want me to sleep all day and not be able to go for a walk, and mostly he could see how I was depressed from my weight. He is my biggest supporter, and he didn't care how much it would cost, just "get it done". So, after years of yoyo dieting, trying every fad diet in the land, I was banded and I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent. I do not regret it for one moment because you see, I am a food-aholic...just like an alcoholic, but with food. I was not able to help myself. Now, I have learned healthy eating habits and choose the foods that appeal to me. I no longer crave the chips, chocolates, ice cream, cake, cookies, popcorn that used to rule my life. Now when I get a hankering for something to eat, my thoughts turn to protein, veggies and fruit. But I know this would not have been possible without my band. My band is a reminder to me each and every day of the new me, and I am going to be on this wonderful journey forever. So, when someone gives you a bunch of grief because you have decided or did have WLS, tell them to walk a mile in your shoes, and tell them to be sure to climb those stairs 2 or 3 times a day, and then tell them it is not a crime to want something better for yourself, to want to be around to see your kids or grand kids get married, to see them graduate. My bi-weekly trips to my dr's office are fantastic. I get excited to get on the scale and see that it has moved backwards, closer to a new me. The dr is proud of me too, and I can tell you, that goes a long way in my book of "good feelings". So if you are contemplating WLS, I say B-R-A-V-O. YOU GO AN 'GET'ER DONE'. You will probably find the road a little bumpy at times, but so worth it. I LOVE MY BAND Zil Banded 8/19/2011, starting weight, 299, weight loss to date 76#s, and another 65 to go...hoping to make it by 11/1/2012. Oh, BTW, it did take me 5 months to get into the green zone and that was with fills every 2 weeks.

The gallbladder was easier for me. I was up and paid. Free the same day. The incision where the stomach was removed was paid fuel for a few days and tender for about 10 days. Wearing a compression tank top REALLY helped with the incision pain.

I sure do hope you are right! I have been stalled for several weeks and just can't seem to budge the scale no matter what I do. I am exercising at the gym 5 days a week and have lost 10 pounds of body fat in 2 months but no weight. At least I'm not gaining! Have worried that my pouch has stretched but I do still feel the restriction. I am able to eat more than I expected before I feel the restriction.

I but these to when it's my time of the month. 7*10*12

Just be careful of the sugar alcohols those can give you the runs as well. I by a carb smart ice cream bar it has two grams sugar and 6 grams sugar alcohols that is on the lower side that I have found and they satisfy the sweet tooth. Even though I can't even eat half lol. surgery date 08-01-12

The last thing I needed to get my surgery date was a CPAP machine. I decided to go through the VA for this, because they appeared to be pricy. They scheduled me an appointment after I sent my primary physician the results of my at home sleep study conducted through SNAP diagnostic. I paid $375 for the sleep study test which was done over the course of three nights. The VA scheduled me an appointment date that I thought was fairly far out, when I asked about getting an appointment sooner, they advised I had to have a physician appointment in order to receive the equipment. So, I am excited about getting this last little bit done, but I can wait. I get to my appointment and the guy in front of me is asleep, in a wheel chair, and on oxygen. I go to the counter and make sure he is checked in before I check in. As I am waiting in the lobby I witness every other person checking in do the same thing I did. I am feeling good about people and my fellow vets taking care of each other. The nurse (LVN) calls me back for vitals and the standard questions start. I interrupt her and ask, do you really have to ask the same questions for every single visit? She said they have to because so many vets commit suicide. So I answer all her questions without her asking them. No, I am not depressed, suicidal, having trouble at home, in an abusive relationship, or homeless. Next stop Doctor right? Nope, it is another nurse (I think nurse practitioner, but the fine print was too small to read). He spends 10 minutes advising me why SNAP Diagnostics isn't really very good and that their algorithm for determining pressure is outdated. Why they are going to go ahead and provide a VA CPAP even though the VA in-house sleep study is so much better. He then tells me how dangerous it was for my oxygen to go down to 77% for 20 minutes and how I stopped breathing 22 times. I am thinking, I read the report before I gave it to you, I want the machine, you don't have to talk me into it. He then describes how the new machines works and it is pretty cool, they calibrate automatically based on your breathing. Then I am thinking why did you spend all that time telling me about the math problem SNAP uses to calibrate pressure if the machine is going to do it automatically anyway. Then he says, we will see you back in a month or so to get you fitted for your CPAP. Wait, what about my dangerously low oxygen? I really wanted to go off, but instead stated, I thought the reason I had to wait so long was for a physician appointment in order to receive a CPAP. He then advised that this is my physician appointment. I really don't care if they count a nurse practitioner appointment as a physician appointment, but I am thinking to myself I can read and your badge and it does not say Doctor, so someone is lying to me. But alas, I know if I don't stay calm I will not achieve my objectives. So, I explain to him that I will have to pay out of pocket again to re-do labs if I do not receive this CPAP machine. I also tell him that I know I can buy one on amazon or go through the medical supply store that SNAP recommended. He starts telling me why those are both bad ideas and I tell him I have to do what I have to do. He then says he will see if he can get them to double book so I can see the Doctor today. Then he has the gall to say that my appointment will cause other 100% disabled and service connected vets to have to wait longer. So, I sit back out in the lobby feeling a little guilty, when I get called back sooner than expected by a tech who fits me for the machine and goes over all the instructions in less than ten minutes. She was super nice and wished me luck on my surgery. I thanked her for squeezing me in and told her how much money she saved me. So, I will have my surgery date by next week. Since I am not officially on a pre-op diet I am going to have a 97 calorie shot of vodka later to celebrate not losing my sh** at the VA.

Mine were definitely healed over by 10 days out. I would say that if they are red and angry or have pus, it would be advisable to have them looked at. Are you using peroxide or anything on them?

My best advise is don't stress too much. I also think you may want to just ween off the coffee as much as you can to stop withdrawal headaches post op. And just remember after the surgery the game changes for many of us. I drank an average 6 cups a day before I started the liquid diet, got myself down to 2 during the liquid pre op diet. Now 10 days after the op I have had 0 and not craved it once and my energy is coming from different sources. I think my main reason for coffee in the past was the sugar I was putting in it! Good luck.

Had my revision surgery on 10/18/16 from LapBand to sleeve due to esophagus issues from the band. I was banded in 2010. If I can answer any questions, just ask away. Recovery wasn't easy, but it wasn't terrible either. I haven't had any problems with drinking or getting my Protein in. Still off work but that's only because I want to make sure I've got a good handle on food before I return to my job. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Please be up and moving. Blood clots and dehydration are the number 1 risk and potential fatal risks after surgery. You should be walking around at least 10 min every 1-2 hours to avoid a blood clot. They are no joke.

OK, silly maybe stupid question: I was sleeved in February still learning the thing my new tummy likes, doesn't like and just simply wont tolerate. My question is, If I eat it and throw it up within 10~15 minutes do I still count it? I have been eating and throwing up a lot lately and am not sure what to do here. Please offer your opinion's. Thank you in advance :}

Hi, my name is Michele. I am a 41-year-old female from Wisconsin. I am the mother of three beautiful children. I received my Lap Band on 01/09/07. I was lucky to find a wonderful surgeon in San Antonio, Texas who performed my surgery. I fly back down there for all my fills as I wouldn't trust anyone like I trust him. I started my reseach on the Lap Band in 2006. In late 2006 I contacted Dr. Jorge Rincon at the saweightlosscenter in San Antonio. I was very impressed with him and decided to start my journey. Now, exactly two years ago today, I am a new, healthy, happy person. I started at 305# and as of today, I am 130#; 175 pounds gone forever!!! Thank you to Dr. Rincon, Christine, Lucy, Marivonne, Doris, Mindy and all the new friends I have in my life for helping me on my journey!! Michele

Will I'm joining the club. My last visit with the surgeon was on July 19, 2010 that's when I was given the date for Surgery. I'm also concern about the insurance approving the surgery.

My story is not any different than the majority of people out there with this affliction. I have also tried several different diets and failed. Once when I was in college I followed a diet that I pieced together that worked, I dropped 120lbs in 9-10 months. I was doing well, but after an accident I had a set back and found my self in a downward spiral that led me to gain all of it back and more. As I became older I found it harder and harder to get back on track. Life started to really kick in and I began to make compromises against my well being. I would make excuses for myself regarding right eating choices and physical inactivity. I would make last minute decisions to begin a drastic life style change, work at it for a month or two, fail, and then obsess about my inability to commit. I am fully aware that this state of mind is the real dark passenger, and some have the ability to overcome that obstacle and succeed. I have personally have struggled in this aspect, so I sought treatment from a nutritionist for guidance. The nutritionist recommended that I do the gastric sleeve procedure. She advocated that the procedure was the best fit to attain my goal of a healthy and happy life. I had never considered doing any kind of weight surgery. I felt it was too risky. I began to consider several factors in my life and realized that the nutritionist’s advice was sound. I spent several days researching and going through forums and YouTube posts, and finally I made my decision and met with Dr Anthony Gonzalez. I had convinced myself that the Lap-Band was the best option for me but after speaking with Dr Gonzalez he recommended the sleeve, he told me to do some further research but in the interim I would need to complete some requirements, so I did just that. During my time I found that the sleeve was safer and people seem to be very happy with the sleeve. I also found some individuals that had gone with the Lap-Band but then converted to the sleeve. Four Months later I have completed all my requirements and I am waiting approval from my insurance provider. I all goes well I will have achieved a healthy weight, be happier with myself, and look very good for my wedding day early next year.

The basics Height: 5"1 Highest Weight Tracked: 241 pounds Largest Size: 18/20, XXL, 40D Surgery Date: 4/19/12 Original Goal: 140 pounds Revised Goal: 125 pounds Currently: Weight: 128 pounds Size: 4, S/M, 34C/34D Pictures! Before (left) (right was first 40 pounds gone) Current! Current! I am so excited with life right now, it's hard to believe. Part of me is always waiting for the other shoe to drop but so far it hasn't. Trust me for anyone who thinks they wouldn't be successful... if I can do it, anyone can

Hi, My name is KaRon and I am getting banded on 10/28/2010. I am looking for a mentor and some support to help me through this journey. I am in Chicago.

Hello all, I am getting ready to begin the process for getting the sleeve hopefully. I have my first appointment this week with my Medical Doctor and psychologist. I hope I can get approved for real. I haven't been to the doctor in years almost 10 so I am scared with what they may say and if that may have any complications. I'm 480 6'6. I am pretty active. I just started back working out. Been playing basketball 2-3 times a week. Don't have as much energy as the competition lol. Any tips on how I can be successful??

Yesterday seemed like a blur of appointments and blood work & tests. The highlight of my day was my annual appointment with my gynecologist--never thought I would say that. But, last visit, I was in there for ovarian cysts---not "Polycystic"--these were the kind they were really worried about...solid adnexal cysts with significant fluid around them. Didn't look good on the sonograms, but after being on the pill they have gone away. Problem is that I want to get pregnant again--sometime before I'm 35. The lady put my stats in the computer and I could see the history of the last 3 years as she did so. Weight 212.5, Height 5'4.5"....compared to last time of 203 and then the time before that at 186...I see a pattern. The girl didn't say anything. When I met with the GYN in his office we started talking about me wanting to get pregnant and then going back on the pill about a month ago. I took a breath and told him the surgery I am getting ready to have. I always feel trepidation when telling people. Not sure why--but am anticipating some kind of judgement or alarm. (Most of the time I get that!!) But anyway, He was OVERJOYED and SOOOOOOO supportive. He knows of my surgeon and said he's the best one around and that I would NEVER regret the surgery, and that someday I will look back and say it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. He looked at my blood pressure--history of weight--cysts...etc. He told me that he has had SEVERAL patients who have gone thru it and then have gotten pregnant--and they've done "remarkably"---and EVEN that they had LESS complications and problems than their FIRST pregnancies without the band. He just went on and on and the more he talked the more reassuring it was. I was thinking while I was waiting for the appointment...I wonder what he would say--and what it would take for him to say to make me NOT want to get it. Obviously that wasn't an issue. I have only three more hurdles before surgery. Monday is the first support group--my surgeon requires that I go to ONE before surgery......Tuesday is my PREOP appt with the surgeon (I will talk with the Nutritional Therapist at the same appt)...then the 10th starts my PREOP liquid diet. 19 days left...the countdown has begun!!! I am getting SOOO excited I can hardly stand it. My two sisters are distributors for this vitamin supplement called RELIV....they have talked me in to starting it NOW and taking it THRU the surgery--THRU POSTOP diet---etc. I'm excited about that too. It is a liquid vitamin--and 45 calories for the shot--which I can live with. It will provide plenty of great micronutrients vitamins and minerals. If I can get this stuff down then I'm good with whatever liquid protein stuff they can throw at me for this preop diet. I did my will---I know---that might be overkill, but it is a good feeling knowing that my baby girl will be ok if the worst were to happen. But, I'm hoping for the best ---and keeping my eyes on this Christmas and next summer and having a new little baby brother/sister for her.

Yesterday seemed like a blur of appointments and blood work & tests. The highlight of my day was my annual appointment with my gynecologist--never thought I would say that. But, last visit, I was in there for ovarian cysts---not "Polycystic"--these were the kind they were really worried about...solid adnexal cysts with significant fluid around them. Didn't look good on the sonograms, but after being on the pill they have gone away. Problem is that I want to get pregnant again--sometime before I'm 35. The lady put my stats in the computer and I could see the history of the last 3 years as she did so. Weight 212.5, Height 5'4.5"....compared to last time of 203 and then the time before that at 186...I see a pattern. The girl didn't say anything. When I met with the GYN in his office we started talking about me wanting to get pregnant and then going back on the pill about a month ago. I took a breath and told him the surgery I am getting ready to have. I always feel trepidation when telling people. Not sure why--but am anticipating some kind of judgement or alarm. (Most of the time I get that!!) But anyway, He was OVERJOYED and SOOOOOOO supportive. He knows of my surgeon and said he's the best one around and that I would NEVER regret the surgery, and that someday I will look back and say it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. He looked at my blood pressure--history of weight--cysts...etc. He told me that he has had SEVERAL patients who have gone thru it and then have gotten pregnant--and they've done "remarkably"---and EVEN that they had LESS complications and problems than their FIRST pregnancies without the band. He just went on and on and the more he talked the more reassuring it was. I was thinking while I was waiting for the appointment...I wonder what he would say--and what it would take for him to say to make me NOT want to get it. Obviously that wasn't an issue. I have only three more hurdles before surgery. Monday is the first support group--my surgeon requires that I go to ONE before surgery......Tuesday is my PREOP appt with the surgeon (I will talk with the Nutritional Therapist at the same appt)...then the 10th starts my PREOP liquid diet. 19 days left...the countdown has begun!!! I am getting SOOO excited I can hardly stand it. My two sisters are distributors for this vitamin supplement called RELIV....they have talked me in to starting it NOW and taking it THRU the surgery--THRU POSTOP diet---etc. I'm excited about that too. It is a liquid vitamin--and 45 calories for the shot--which I can live with. It will provide plenty of great micronutrients vitamins and minerals. If I can get this stuff down then I'm good with whatever liquid protein stuff they can throw at me for this preop diet. I did my will---I know---that might be overkill, but it is a good feeling knowing that my baby girl will be ok if the worst were to happen. But, I'm hoping for the best ---and keeping my eyes on this Christmas and next summer and having a new little baby brother/sister for her.

hello valerie Thank You for the words of encouragemet i needed them .Sorry It took me so long to get back to you . But my son-law is having back surgery . How is it all going 10 days post off ? Are you glad you did it? Are you very sore and is it hard to eat ? Hope alls well sue

I'm just so upset with myself right now. My surgery date was September 24 and it has already been 7 weeks and I'm not at all where I thought I'd be. I started out weighing 203 and am down to 176. That's only 27 lbs!! A few other people I've been following are at a little over 40 lbs by 9-10 weeks. What am I doing wrong? Can someone please give me some advice?!

I don't know how tall you are - or your BMI - but my understanding is that people with less to lose, lose slower? Have you talked to your doctor about this? I had my surgery on 10/22 and have lost about 29lbs, BUT I have/had 100lbs to lose...