Search the Community

If you don't want to read the whole dang story just move onto the colored text at the very bottom of this post. I am so conflicted right now! My husband and I have always planned on having a large family. However I'm starting to feel like I'd be the dumbest person alive to actually INTENTIONALLY get pregnant after getting WLS and reaching goal. Especially considering how much it costs out of pocket for us to get pregnant without insurance for my infertility issues!!! We can certainly afford both......but I can't help but feel like maybe I'm being stupid not waiting to get the VSG. But then, when the thought of waiting occurs to me.....I feel like hell because I know that we will have to wait at least 2 years (as usual) to even begin TTC, and with my infertility/pcos it'll be more like at least 3 years to actually fall pregnant. That is so long to remain unhealthy and unable to enjoy my life with my children. I fear becoming diabetic and getting hbp and high cholesterol as I'm already bordeline...and it's only getting worse the longer I wait to lose all this weight! I also feel like if I waited for the WLS, I'd be stealing a further 3 years plus from my children to have a normal healthy mom who can do everything with and for them that a mom should! UGH! So confused. The thing is.....Both times I've been pregnant, I have had IUGR babies due to my severe loss of appetite coupled with the first two trimesters of nausea. I lose 20-30 lbs everytime I become pregnant, and that effects the growth of the babies not getting enough nutrients like they should. I always thought that even if I wasn't getting any food, the baby was supposed to be fine as he would just take from my body, and the ill effects would just be mine, and mine alone! That is what the doctors told me the BOTH times. But apparently they changed their minds after I had my second child the same way! This last pregnancy I had gestational diabetes, which wasn't even a concern the first time. Both babies weighed approximately 4lbs at birth, and had stopped growing at 37 weeks, and were always measuring 2+ weeks smaller during all of the ultrasounds. Proving that they were not getting what they needed to grow properly. Thank goodness they are both incredibly healthy now and are doing exceptionally well and are not only caught up, but hitting milestones far ahead of their age groups! But the problem still remains, because of my weight and the ever looming PCOS, and pregnancy hormones making me severely ill and causing my loss of appetite due to the PCOS....it's a never ending cycle you know? I know that if I lost the weight, I'd no longer have PCOS, my hormones would be healthy and normal for once. And any pregnancy from then on forward could only be healthier. My doctors say the same thing. However, we are simply not ready to get pregnant so soon yet as the little one is only 8 months today. However, if I do get the WLS and hit goal by 1 year and maintain for the 2 years after, and THEN decide to get pregnant, I fear that I might just actually GAIN all the weight back trying to EAT and KEEP THINGS DOWN this time around. I know that any time I become pregnant in the future I am dedicated to eating ALOT, whether I can keep it down or not, and eating very healthy despite weight gain or whatever else. I CANNOT have IUGR babies any longer, and my doctor agrees that I am one of those women who absolutely need to eat twice as much in order to keep the growing child healthy. Because of this, I feel like I may ruin all of my success after WLS. Basically.....I just wanted to know if any of you knows what the likelyhood of gaining all of my weight back and becoming unhealthy like I am today after the procedure is? I don't want to get the procedure now, and have a pregnancy throw me off and back on the train to imminent disease and early death! But, I don't want to not have any more children either. That is just not fair to my husband, and not to myself. Very selfish of me if that thought ever even occurred to me, which it wouldn't! I know some of you will say that I simply should not have any more children, especially since I have 2 already and my pregnancies barely go well. But my doctor's have pinpointed the actual problem and are willing, as am I, to do anything (even if it means to become hospitalized for the first 2 trimesters in order to keep an eye on my food/appetite and the babies growth) to keep the same from happening again. My doctors have both suggested that WLS would be the best option for me, for my health AND for the health of my future pregnancies and children in so many ways. But............why can't I shake the fear that if I end up pregnant after the procedure and eat like I'm supposed to, and successfully gain weight (albeit 11-20 lbs only, since that is the goal my docs have for me since I always lose weight during pregnancy) that I won't be able to get rid of it and then I'll eventually be back where I am because my stomach will have stretched due to the eating!!! Am I losing my mind here (my doctor sure thinks I am) or are my fears legitimate and rational? In a nutshell: I am afraid of gaining the weight back if I fall pregnant 2-3 years after the procedure. I have a habit of losing too much weight DURING a pregnancy, and gaining it back plus some immediately afterwards when I regain my appetite that was suppressed due to my reaction to the hormones during gestation. I can't decide if I should have the surgery now or after I'm through having children. My dilemma is: If I have all of the children I want than I will be waiting 5+ years to have the WLS, and will be in a much much worse place health-wise by then, than I am now. I feel like I'll have stolen those years from my children's lives as well, they deserve all of their mommy...not just what she can barely give. Not to mention the fact that who knows where we may be financially in 5+ years, yes we do have it well planned....but goodness, in this day and age of recession ya never really know do you? Insurance so far, isn't an option, who's to say it would be in the future. I just want to know if you guys think what I fear is likely? If so, how likely is it? Has this happened to anyone after the VSG and having fallen pregnant? If I exercise and keep my calories/carbs down will that help. I just fear that the extra eating I'll have to do to gain enough healthy weight during a pregnancy will stretch my stomach and it will be a never-ending cycle afterwords.

Biotin is supposed to help prevent hair loss.

I started at 216 on Aug. 18 and just hit the 50 lb loss. I have been slow at losing, too. I just keep thinking what I will have lost by the one year mark and that makes me feel good.

I have days like that too but as long as I can get showered and hair done I fell better..

I am almost 3 months post op. I was feeling great until I went back to work with the cesspool of germs we define as a high performance work area. I feel like I've had a cold or cough now for several weeks. Any suggestions on how to fight this? I take biotin, vitamin d, multi vitamin, calcium citrate and B12. My weight loss has been pretty steady - down 50 lbs since surgery day Dec 28. Only 38 lbs to my goal weight - woohoo!

Hi! I have been a close follower of the forum, more in the initial days post the surgery. It helped reduce my stress level as whatever concerns or questions I had was shared by someone or the other. Lately, I have been visiting the forum less and realize that I have also been less disciplined and motivated with my regime. I am happy with the overall progress at an individual level but when I compare myself to any of the case studies, I think I am an outlier . I had my VSG on 6th Jan 2011 with the pre-surgery weight of 202.6 pounds (am 162 inches). Today is 12th June and I am 159 pounds. A total loss of approx 43 pounds. Infact, its been 1 month and I have not lost more than 1 pund. Do you think it is because of disciplined exercise regime? I feel too weak and lazy to exercise. My diet is under control though there is a lot of room for improvement with respect to Water consumption. Please do also advise if such slow progress is okay since I did not see a single case study recording such low averages...and share what I should do to reach my goal which is 18 pounds away! Cheers!

Its so great to hear from people that have been banded for a few years & that they are so successful at their weight loss! Most importantly that their health is good. way to go I hope you hit your goal of under 200 really soon!

Congrats, Janet! Happy Weight Loss Trails to you!!

My sleep apnea abated with the weight loss. That said, I used my machine until the readout showed there were no episodes for over 3 weeks. (My bipap tracked episodes where it needed to increase pressure). I ask, but no one I have slept with since I have dropped below 230 has ever mentioned the fact that I snore, which is really dang cool for everyone involved.

The hair loss started around 3.5 - 4 months out for me and it's still happening, though it's getting to be in smaller amounts. I have thin hair and not much of it so it's been a bit of a drag for me and I'll be very happy to see it even out again. I'd NOT trade the hair for the 85lbs I've lost. My surgeon gives a handout that says we should expect to loose hair, nothing will stop it if that's your body's reaction and there's no way to avoid it. I think their hidden message is don't waste money on fancy supplements or hair treatment systems. From what I've read, its a physiological response to drastic calorie reduction and rapid weight loss. The body looks for things to shut down to conserve energy and hair growth is something the body considers non-necessary for sustaining life. As the body adjusts to the weight loss and calorie intake, it will turn hair growth back on. I do see a bit of new short hair but I'll happy to see it thicken up again. Meanwhile, I'm wearing it shorter and layered for a little volume, wearing hats in the sun and keeping a scalp sunscreen applied.

I lost at least 50% of my hair. It was a horrible and scarey time. It does come back! My hair is so thick now! Its scarey but you will get thru it. When it starts coming back you will notice it right away! Good Luck and keep your head up. Its so worth it in the end!

Hi, everyone. I'm a newbie who has been lurking on the forums for the past month or so. You all are amazing and I am so grateful for your candid comments and generosity of information. I have my first seminar next week so I am trying to get my ducks in a row. My insurance does cover banding so I am very fortunate (horizon bc in nj). However, I am a little concerned about whether my lack of medical treatment records might impact the insurance decision. I do not have pcp, haven't seen a doctor in a number of years. I dont have anything "official" documenting my weight and weight loss efforts. I have a few years of cardiovascular screening records, including my weight, from my job. Do you think i can use that proof? I guess I've benn avoiding medical testing and treatment all these years because I just didn't want the doctors to make me feel any worse than I already felt. Not sure if anyone else has been through this. Thanks for any help.

:thumbup1:For me, it all started after the family Christmas (2009) dinner. I was very unhappy with my appearance in the Christmas dinner photos. Aside from a big gut, I had other medical concerns that resulted in me going to my PCP for advice. I had heard about Bariactric procedures and I wanted to get a medical opinion on whether or not I would be a good candidate. My doctor felt that it would be a good step for me as it would improve some of my other ailments and possible reduce the amount of prescription medications (about 11) that I was taking daily. The Doctor referred me to the Weight Loss Clinic (Kaiser Permanente) and was scheduled to attend a seminar on the various surgeries. As a Medicare patient, I was concerned whether or not the procedure would be covered. Through Kaiser, I was informed that the procedure would be covered if my PCP determined the surgery to be "Medically Necessary", which she did. Within a week of the orientation class, I was scheduled an appointment with the head Bariactric surgeon, who agreed that I could benefit from the procedure. I was then scheduled for a 12 week surgical preparation and education class. I am currently in the 6th week of the classes, and I am certain that I made the right decision...Bariactric surgery is the right course for me.

I'm two weeks out and I've found that I was struggling with the same thing. I've literally had to remove myself from situations where my family is eating crap food bc I feel so compelled to eat it. Stuff I never ate like chips n soda seemed appealing. Just remember to remove yourself from the situation and also your insides are healing. You don want to have to go through the entire process again bc you made careless decisions. Also once you start seeing the benefits of he weight loss and fit into your skinny jeans your relationship w food starts to change. Your no longer eating as a hobby your eating for fuel. Yesterday at my post op I wore size jeans that were two sizes smaller and I was like yes! And it clicked. I'm trying to surround myself with people who are more into fitness and active then food. Only two weeks in its hard but keep in mind why you made the decision in the first place! You can do it!

How much fun...a great NSV. Little things make weight loss with VSG makes me smile...a lot. Great job Caliblond!

You should be down 50-60 pounds in 2months after surgery. Please remember you have to et protein in for the weight loss to work. If you don't get the protein in the weight loss will stall and start to lose hair.drink protein shakes chicken fish what ever protein you can to maximize the weight loss

Congrats on your weight loss, keep on that good path it only gets better. I am three days from my 5 mth surgiversery ... 81 pds down since the start of the journey, 64 since surgery. I have never felt so good in my life. I am smaller than I was in high school, love every day of it.

I had the same problem I was always regular with my periods then after I had the surgery and started to lose weight they became irregualer. I talked to my Dr about it and he told me it was normal. That it had to do with your hormones and the weight loss and not to worry about it.

You need to go back to your doctor and find out why? If you are eating around 1000-1200 calories a day and exercising you should be losing weight? Sit down with your dietician and find out why it's not working. I did with mine and it made all the diffrence in my weight loss. tmf

Cherub - I have no advice for you as I am in the same boat (7mos post op and NO loss) but I must commend you for being 76 and knowing your way around a computer so well!! Please don't take this the wrong way... my parents are 60 and they are lucky to be able to check their email!! lol

That's not a small NSV. It's HUGE!! I find myself taking pictures of myself now and I've never done that before. I take pics because I really like the outfit I have on, or because I like my hair that day. NEVER would have happened before. I'm thrilled that you're now in the family pictures! That's terrific for you and for them!!

I just realized I'm half way to my goal. I want to lose a total of 90lbs and I've lost 45! Whoohoo! This is awesome! I'm 2.5 months post op. I know the weight loss will slow down but I'm on Target. I was hoping to be wearing cute sun dresses this summer and I think I will get to!! I love my Almanzo! Just like Laura Ingles! That's what I call my sleeve...Almanzo. lol, I'm a dork.

I'm 219.8 today!! YAY FOR ME :thumbup: I'm so happy the weight is coming off. I stopped counting calories and protein grams, stopped stressing so much about losing. I know I'm eating way healthier than I was before banding. I've decided not to watch what I eat as long as I feel good and my hair is not falling out. I'm eating when I'm hungry and only until I'm satisfied. I do reach for the protein first and take my vitamins. When I'm stressed and want to eat, I get a sugarfree popsicle or sugarfree Jello, usually can't eat all the Jello cup, but enough to make my brain happy. YAY again :smile::tongue:

I am having the same problem! I have been bouncing up and down the same 2 pounds for 2 weeks now. I get so depressed that I went through this ordeal and the loss has stopped already but I know deep down that it is just a stall and I WILL get losing again soon. It is hard to look on the bright side, but it is helpful to see that it happens to us all....guess misery loves company, right?

I started out by going to a seminar. Then I called to start the process and was assigned a nurse navigator. Next I started my 6 month supervised weight loss with my family dr. At month 4, I turned in a big packet of information I had to fill out. Then I went in for an appt. with a therapist, nutritionist, and nurse. I had to pay a $300 fee at this time but they said it would cover me for the rest of my life whenever I wanted to meet with any of the above people. A couple of weeks after that I went in to meet with my surgeon. Just last week I completed my 6 month SWL with my dr and now waiting to have some testing done. They're doing an echocardiogram, spirometry (lungs), and some kind of test to check for blood clots in the legs. My dr. also did some lab work. After all that is turned in it's just a matter of scheduling the surgery, which they said shouldn't be long after that. When I started all this it seemed like a lot to do and so far away, but now that it is right around the corner, it seems like time went by pretty fast. Every dr. gives different guidelines, so just follow along with whatever they tell you. Good luck.