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Don't let your surgeon get you down...that is 13 lbs! No small feat, right?! I'm guessing because of your starting BMI which is very high, about the same as mine, and I'm expected to lose faster at the beginning than someone who has a lower BMI. But don't sweat it (my dad always used to say that), the weight loss will keep going and one day your surgeon will be saying "wow!". Personally, I'd almost rather lose a little slower than "normal" just because that will give my skin a better chance and I won't draw as much attention as if I'm losing massive amounts right off the bat. Just my thoughts...

Thank you... I dumped on yogurt in the hospital and am scared to death to try it again. Worst feeling ever! There have been days I haven't gotten any Protein in. My hair is gonna eventually fall out and I'm never gonna feel better. I just wanna cry some days. I've lost a little over 30 pounds but I would rather have my 30 pounds back than feel like this! Jess...Surgiversary 9/19/12

I have the Realize Band, and so far I couldn't be happier. I haven't been hungry since the surgery, and my doctor offers a fill in one month, not six to eight weeks. My recovery has been fantastic, and I have had very little pain. I got to compare both bands (Lap Band and Realize Band) side by side, and there was no question in my mind that the Realize Band was the best choice for me. My doctor, whose office is qualified as a Bariatric Center of Excellence, gives the patient the choice of bands. My doctor is very pleased with the results he's had in his practice from both bands. So far, I've lost almost 20% of my excess weight, with the majority of the loss in the last week since surgery. I haven't had a chance to spend a lot time on the Realize web site, but from what I've been able to do so far, it's been very helpful. One of the major reasons I chose the Realize Band was the great anchoring method it uses for the port, and the size and shape of the port. I've had very little port pain, and from what I've read, that seems to be a major issue for people. Also, I loved the Realize Band's pillow system. It's much softer than Lap Band, and such I plan to keep my band for years, I felt it would be much safer to have against my stomach as a foreign object. Also, the band itself was wider, which I felt made it safer as far as potential slips. I'm certainly not trying to discout the Lap Band. I think each person needs to weigh what is important to them for the long haul, and those were a few of the reasons I felt the Realize Band was the better choice for me.

I just wanted to share some information I've found: From the Lab Band web site (www.lapband.com): "When the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is first placed, your surgeon usually leaves it empty or only partially inflated." (so, in other words, if your doctor places your Lap Band in empty, although rockbandster may disagree, the doctor is following the standards set by Lap Band). From this web site, I couldn't find the weight loss information on the Lap Band web site, (Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band) : "average loss of weight first year with Lap Band is 40% to 50%." The weight loss is given for Realize Band on this site as well, but its percentages loss is given three years out. So, not a true comparison. From the Realize Band web site(Realize Adjustable Gastric Band Health Benefits - REALIZEBand.com), the average weight loss after one year is: "Patients in a 3-year clinical trial lost a mean of 40 percent of their excess weight at one year." It's clear to me that weight loss with either band is similar, just as most of us have concluded. I think either go by your doctor's recommendation, if (s)he favors one over the other, and/or by your own research. I had a preference, but with all my research, I would be just as happy with either band as far as weight loss potential is measured.

Its smaller but keep in mind it is much wider than the lap band low profile port and your scar where the port is will be about double the size. You get to the website once you get the band and get a code. What you should know most important is the average excess weight loss with the Realize band is about 30% in year 12 months, The new Lapbands are 62% in 12 months. The average weight loss with the Realize band in 43% in 3 years, The older lapbands is 62% in 3 years. The Realize Band is the Swedish Band designed in 1996 in a new box and renamed Realize Band.The LapBand AP is the Third Generation LapBand released in August of 2007. The Realize Band MUST be implanted empty so there will be little to no restriction until 6-8 weeks later when you will have some very mild restriction after the first fill, the band is very soft and needs a lot of Fluid to restrict. The LapBand AP is implanted with the first fill, you will have restriction immediately.

Thank you for sharing that information. I am tired of feeling I have to defend myself for the choice I made of Realize vs Lapband. I guess my question is why are people who have the Lapband care and why do they continue to getting in these forms and debating the choice we made for ourselves. I am sorry but I keep seeing one person responding to the Realize band in negative tone and unless you have it how can you comment. I am VERY pleased with my Realize Band. Many are discouraged on the amount of weight they have lost but keep in mind with either band the weight loss will (or can) be slow but steady. I choose the band over RNY because I didn't want it to come off so quick that my skin would not have time to respond to what the heck was going on. As my Dr. said to me one day . . . "you banders want the band because if comes off slower but when you don't a 10 - 15lb loss a month you get upset and complain". He is correct we just have to hang in there for the long haul. Be postive and think of where you would be if you hadn't made the discussion to get band at all. This is a journey on a short road trip. Thank you for letting me vent!!!!

I self paid too. I actually fly from NC to Colorado for my fills. I have my second one in a few weeks. The thing you have to remember is that a person your size will only lose about a pound per week if you average it over a year. But you have to ask yourself, can I lose 52 pounds by myself over a year? Probaby not. And you have to ask yourself, can you keep your weight loss off without the help of the lap band? Probably not. It will take some time, but it will work. I am giving my self 2 years to lose the rest of my weight. And I am ready.

The bypass takes a lot less work though. I still think the band or sleeve is a better option overall but for people that aren't going to put much work into weight loss bypass is a better option IMO. Bypass is a set it and forget it surgery. Hopefully they set it right the first time. The band takes more work. You have to constantly get fills, there are constant hurdles such as heartburn, being too tight, being too loose, etc., along with adjusting diet to lose weight. The band is a good tool. However, if you give me the raw material to build a deck I'll do it. Some people are never going to build a deck no matter how many tools and materials you put in front of them. Some people are just better off buying something premade from the internet and hoping it ends up working for them. I talk to people all day in chat that honestly should not have gotten the band. The pre-op diet is tough...but if you're questioning the band before you even get it and think it's going to be too hard then it probably is.

I don't disagree with the preop diet as I know it has a purpose but I do disagree with the 6 month supervised diet. My center required me to lose 5% of the weight before they would do the surgery however my insurance required 6 months of supervised diet. My Surgeon told me he feels that is unreasonable as most people cannot lose and maintain that long and he would rather just do the surgery while true weight loss is occurring.

Got banded 4/25/2012 and only lost 30 lbs. Yesterday I went to the doctor's office and got another fill of 1cc. That makes a total of 2cc in my band. Hopefully my weight loss will go up.

wow that's great Rootman I can't wait to be sleeved I guess other than the weight loss I will gain lots of other things also

I'm a little over 8 months out (started at BMI 36 before my VSG, having previously dieted down from BMI 46 and am now at BMI 23.8) and starting to try to taper off the weight loss. I've been eating a little more the past month, 1500 calories or so per day, and have still lost the same 3-4 pounds as the previous month. Weight loss was very rapid at the beginning and is now clearly tapering off. I've read about others continuing to lose weight even when increasing calories gradually so I was prepared for this, and still want to lose 10 pounds or so. I can't believe how well everything has gone! I'm mostly wondering about a couple of things: I do have some excess skin, how much do you suppose that weighs? I'm aiming for a BMI of about 22 but of course I have no idea what my normal weight is so I'm shooting from the hip here. Should I factor in for the excess skin and if so, how much? I don't know if anybody has that info or would hazard a guess. I'm 39 and though there is some loose skin around my lower belly I've come out surprisingly all right in that area, I think. I'm not comfortable wearing short shorts, knee-length yes, and have been seen in a skirt (with tights!) ending a couple inches above my knees. My arms have really firmed up well (I'm doing Pilates weekly) and I'm trying to get more exercise done now it's so easy to move. For anybody just considering having the surgery, I'd say definitely go for it. It has been one of the best decisions of my life. And I'm really glad I found my way to this forum: I don't post a lot but I've read a lot of the info and it has helped enormously. To each and every one of you: thank you! So now what? I go on with my life, healthier, happier and half my size six years ago. I'm still a work in progress in other ways, but I think I've got this particular problem out of the way. I'll still continue to watch what I eat, make sure I get enough Protein and weigh myself weekly, and look forward to the rest of my new, healthier life.

Hi! I want to share to give encouragement for who is struggling like i did! I'm not "there" yet, but now that i reached my almost 60%loss i can go slow and i wont mind! Dear 200lb, i lived with you for a long while of my life, but today i have to "end our relationship"... Be happy! (50lb loss since surgery, 57 since pre op)

Hang in there girl - yes bipolar has it's moments and makes weight loss harder but you are doing it! One day at a time

During the time I was in "active weight loss", the first 12 to 18 months or so, the frequent congratulations and " you look so good" comments were awesome. They were one of the things that kept me diligent and working to follow all the rules and stay on track. I don't mean to say that I was an attention hound, but the immediate feed back was a motivator and felt great. In addition there were NSV victories coming left and right, the ability to climb stairs, fit in stadium seats, set in booths, etc were more instant gratification and motivation Now most of the people I encounter don't know anything about me "before" or have already shared in my transformation. I have recently started a new career and those people all know me as the "after" version. When I talk about running or biking as a hobby, to them I'm just a normal guy. It is bitter sweet. On the one hand, they don't look at me with disbelief, they see a guy that is fully capable of running for sport and completing long distance bicycle rides. On the other that "Wow, you have come so far" sparkle in the eyes of long term friends is nowhere to be found if I were to be telling them of my new hobbies. There still is the rare occasion when I encounter someone I have not seen since pre-surgery, and those times I get to re-live the initial joy I had from the congratulations and way-to-go's but its very seldom. I can't say I'm surprised about the diminishing attention, it's the natural course of events. At some point in time we all fall away from being the latest, greatest show in town and become who we will be from here on out. I do have to admit I miss those days of new experiences and excitement. Am I alone in this period of having to adjust to the new normal? Should I be concerned that I'm going to morph into a Daffodil?

Marc, Cheer Up, you have made a very positive step in your health and at a much younger age than most of us do. I am 50 years old, I have a son your age and I have just now gotten fed up enough to take a step like this. I wasn't always fat, and the largest I have been is 278, but over the years I have been on every weight loss plan you can imagine, including medifast, HCG, and hypnosis (to name a few of the less common). I was banded on 6/30/2010, and I am only down 13 lbs. 5 of which are from the pre-op diet. Now I know guys tend to lose weight faster, and the larger you are you tend to have faster drops in the beginning too, but 21 lbs is amazing, I mean WOW! As far as food goes, talk to your Dr. when you go in, tell him how you are feeling. Have you had any problems so far? When I went to my first post-op appointment I told my Dr. I was getting realy hunger and he told me this phase was known as "Bandster Hell" because we have had the surgery but none of the benifits of the fills yet. Now my Dr. seems to move at a faster rate than some other Drs. on here seem to, but mine gave me to go ahead to progress to regular foods at that point. He just cautioned me to chew everything really well, eat slowly and stay away from starchy carbs, so I would continue to lose weight. Oh, and this is very important, make sure to get enough protien in, only eat when you are hungry,and if something makes you throw-up stay away from it. I left his office on day 8 post-op, and stopped on my way home and bought a side order of bourbon chicken from a WOK place, I just ordered the chicken no rice or anything, and that single bowl lasted me threw 3 meals, I would eat a little of the chicken and something else like a yogurt or some well cooked veggies with it, and things have gotten much easier for me. The truth is I also had my first PBing episode after about the third bite of the chicken, but after that I have learned that well chewed REALLY MEANS "chew it until it disintegrates." At 5 days post-op I would immagine you are on a "full' liquid diet, which in my Drs. deffinition includes anything that could be sucked threw a straw (but don't use a straw). That includes creamy soups, either strained or blended so their are no chunks in it, and yogurt, blended no fruit chunks, even mashed potatoes and gravy, as long as they are not too thick. When I started eating these thicker items I felt much more satisfied, plus they tasted more like a real meal than Jello and juice. As far as when you can have a first fill, that is up to your Dr. but mine usually waits 4 weeks post-op, and many Drs. wait 6 weeks. Since I am going on vacation right at my 4 week date, I will probably wait until I get back which will be just over 6 weeks. The most important thing is talk to your Dr. and get support, on here or if they have one threw a support group your Drs. office may have or be able to suggest for you. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED !!! You are doing GREAT!

I am backed up! Have taken stool softener pills, mirlax, fiber, fiber gummy, laxative tea, prune juice, enemas, n suppositories and haven't had a good movement in about a month...not in pain, a little comes out but not a lot. Just lots of gas!! Lots! Also haven't lost any weight n a month, am around 20 weeks out? What to do???? N think no weight loss because backed up?

I am experiencing the same thing. I lost 20lbs preop, but after the surgery it stopped. I had my first fill last week 8/14 and I can still eat the same amout of food. My doc did tell me to call this week if I didn't feel any difference in my eating so I will be calling first thing in the morning to schedule my second fill. Hang in there! I have been frustrated with the slow weight loss myself.

This is a question for a friend who saw my success and began his own journey through weight loss surgery. Has anyone else had problems being approved by the insurance company (Aetna)? He was required to have all the tests done and to attend 6 months of supervised diet with a nutritionist, he's done all but with a big problem, he gained weight during the six months. I had been telling him it might be best to begin getting his head into it, I was cutting back on fats and carbs three months before my surgery, so I was in full swing by the time I was recovering. He's morbidly obese and has co-morbidities, so an excellent candidate except getting control of his eating. His PCP has spoken to the insurance company, and they still rejected him, now he's persuing a formal complaint. Has anyone had any luck fighting them? I don't know what else to offer in advice, hope someone else can.

Has anyone gotten a prescription to help with hair loss? Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

My story is just like everyone else's. The struggles of gaining and losing the same 100 pounds, that eventually turned into more. Every diet out there, I have tried. I've bought that T-shirt, worn it, out grew it, gave it away.. The story line is just like the same ol' song, just a different singer. I've watched a million commericals about weight loss, focusing on that magic cure. Of course, the logic side of me, knew --- There is no "magic" cure. I beat myself up for not having the will power to succeed. Of course, I would lose, just to gain it back plus some. Who didn't. Last year, my hubby and I purchased our first home. I was so excited, lots of planning to do, buying furniture, getting new things to make this house into a home. I was lacking something. I couldn't put my finger on it. So, as my backup, I ate. I always ate. It brought me comfort. Sometimes eating would give me ideas!! As crazy as that sounds.. THEN that one moment, emailing a friend at work, munching on chips, the idea came to me... Lap Band!! My friend hooked me up with a friend of her's.. I got busy researching, as I would have to pay out of pocket. Yep, I'm one of those that traveled to Mexico. The whole "enchilada" was worth it all. I know I cried a lot during the process of getting passport, filling out forms, saving money, and waiting. worrying worrying, I did some serious soul searching, knowing that if this didn't work.. where would my path take me. Soooo.. here I am, surgery done January 17 '08.. I've lost 90 pounds, feel great, energy, getting healthy. Some days I feel like that fat 365 pound person in the mirror, some days I could give "Twiggy" a run for her money.. I have some struggles with where I was and where I'm going, but I know that it was the best thing I could have done for myself. When my will power can't pull me through the day, my band is there to help me along.... I admit... having baggy panties, just makes me smile !!

P.S. if you're expecting to drop like 30 lbs a month, you need to adjust your expectations. Almost no one loses that much that quickly unless they're the size of someone on "My 600 lb Life". Unfortunately, I think shows like that give people unrealistic ideas and expectations about weight loss surgery. Us "normal" WLS patients, with very few exceptions, just don't lose that fast. After the first month, many of us settle into about a 10-lb a month (give or take) rate...and the further out you get, the slower the loss.

Wow! Thank you guys so much for the prayers and encouragement. I just joined this today and reading your reply's has made me smile and gave me hope and encouragement beyond belief. May God truly bless each of you in your weight loss journey!

Hi... congratulations !!! I didn't have to do a Pre-op diet and I came through the journey just fine. I lost 17 lbs my first week and there were no issues during the surgery. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I have a 12cc band and im at 9cc's as well. I have never had a sliming incident or vomiting or anything and i can eat whatever i want. I just started weight watchers a week ago in hopes that it will move the weight loss process along since i havent lost nearly as much as other people around my surgery date have.. its a little discouraging, i know its a tool and not magic but i expected a little more out of it. i am going for my next fill next week which will probably bring me to 10ccs. good luck and hopefully the next fill does the trick!