Search the Community

Hi! I just recently started my "permanent" weight loss journey. Here's some info on me: I've done the psych evaluation and met with the dietitian. I'm scheduled for my first surgery class next week. I see Dr. Nagle at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for my second visit on 8/10/05. All of my information should be sent to the insurance company right after. I'm presently 248 lbs. I want to get to 150ish. Employed Full-Time Full-Time College Student (3.8 GPA Yipee!) Wonderful husband and three year old. Great parents who have helped out soooo much!

Wii fit DID inaccurately weigh me also until I put the board underneath it. Carpeting will not make it weigh correctly. That being said. Mine has 2kg of dust on it at the moment. Guess I'll have to wipe that off before i embark on this weight loss adventure. :wink:

I have BCBS of AZ and they require 6 months of supervised Dr visits, weekly visits to a nutritionist && documented proof of excercise at least 3x's a week. Really!! Ok, the 6 month wait I can uderstand and even the proof of exercise but weekly visits??!! We have lives!! Luckly I'm going through Scottsdale Bariatric Center in Scottsdale, AZ, and they have a physician on staff who is also a nutritionist and so for a fee I can get both done at once. And my boss (he's great) thinks it will be ok for me to leave work in the middle of the day 1 day EVERY WEEK so I can drive 25 miles one way!! But what about going under the 40 BMI? Has anyone every experienced being denied for losing too much weight? I want to feel beter and lose weight now but don't want to lose my chances at getting the surgery. Has anyone sabatoged their weight loss (wearing heavy clothes, rocks in pockets, etc)? Don't like the dishonesty but...? Any info will be helpful THanks!:eek::confused::confused:

Would love any feedback, it'll make me feel better . What do u all think, tomorrow is my four month mark and I'm down 48 pounds, I may be in another stall, oh well, point is I wanna know what people of my losses so fat. I eat 6-800 calories, less than 40 carbs and 30 fats and 60-100 grams protein. Am I doing ok? I hate feeling like a slow loser!

Once you have at least some level of restriction 1200 calories per day is ok. try that for a lifetime without the band and I think it would be struggle. Many get frustrated because it doesen't melt off. My loss has been slow at about 40 pounds in 5 months but I am not discouraged. Once you can come to grips with the fact it is a long process the easier it will become. We didn't wake up one day obese and it won't come off overnight. Just keep doing what you are doing and it will happen. Greg

I'm not onto mushies yet myself, but I wanted to wish you luck! I'm sure you're doing all you can and will see a boost in weight loss soon. It could be that you'll maintain until you get your first fill. But I wish you the best of luck and success!

This is a time to let your insides heal. The "pausing" of weight loss during these weeks is totally normal!

My BMI was 50. In one week after surgery my weight loss took 4 points off to 46. Congrats everyone! Maybe we will go from BMIs of Texas to BMIs of Delaware!

I had a revision on May 11. I feel hungry all the time and can eat/drink up to 5 ounces at a time(pureed soups, jello etc). I still feel hungry after that at times. I have lost 25 or so pounds since pre-op diet and weight loss seems to be slower than I thought it would be. Again, surgery was 14 days ago. I feel like I have already failed and ruined the sleeve. My lapband was a nightmare and it was a fight to eat EVERY SINGLE TIME so the feeling is so much different now that its gone and Im not throwing up every meal I think I am not noticing the "signal" for full or just ignoring it. I am doing protein shakes at least once a day. Please help and let me know if this is normal. Will I feel the restriction once I get on solid foods? I have had a pretzel here and there and a tiny nibble here and there of solid foods but Im scared so I really try not to do that.

I think you are doing great! Remember it's just one day - the important thing is that you are acknowledging that you weren't comfortable with your behaviors and that means you have an opportunity for growth. None of us go through life without struggle - I think most if not all of us on this board deal with the psychological issues surrounding food, disordered eating, dysmorphia following massive or rapid weight loss. I know I will always be challenged by these issues - it sounds as though you have a fantastic support system at home - and you have another one here. Don't forget - it is one day among many - it is the trend over time that matters.

Hey Winning, you have already contacted me through my blog but just wanted to post on here to say hello too in case you want to send me a msg here. As the person above stated the sleeve can be a good option for a weight loss surgery with less post op care but in South Korea you are required to have a family member in Korea who lives here to be able to have the surgery done ( or so I have been told). I researched the sleeve once because I thought of getting it here and a person I spoke to that got it had to fight for her surgery even though she lived here ( but was foreign) for many years and her fiance was a Korean living here. Where are you from originally and how much time are you planning on staying here? Have you checked out our yahoo korean bandster group?

Do you take your measurements? When I went for my pre-op class, the nurse told us about not losing weight for a while.... However, if you are still losing inches, you are still doing great. You can NOT lose weight but you CAN still lose inches. So, I say, if you aren't measuring , start! Then keep track of both the weight loss and the inches loss. When both of those stop, that's when you are at a true plateau and should consider changing up your diet. Hang in there!

Just a thought.............you're not gaining correct? your health is good correct? You have lost a considerable amount already correct? Well be mad, rant and rave get it out and take the time to do it! this is part of realizing we have to give ourselves the time and attention we need. call your surgeon and explain just what you went thru, remember she only heard half the story from the fill doc, and see if you can come in and have HER do the fill. don't get down on yourself, you did nothing wrong, just keep things in perspective and stick to the facts. IMHO you have done a great job with your weight loss. slow down is realistic, and until others walk in your shoes.......well your get the gist. g2s

I know how you feel. I didn't lose anything for 6 weeks straight. It was HELL! Couple of questions: Are you exercising? If so, how much? Maybe you should increase the time or change the type? What are you eating and how often? I eat 5-6 small meals at regular intervals of 3-4 hours. This is the key to my weight loss. Go online and find out what your BMR or RMR is so you know how many calories your body burns without effort. Then eat around this amount. For instance, my body burns 1600 calories everyday no matter what. I try to eat around 1500 calories a day and then I exercise for an hour or two 6-7 times a week. I strive to burn 1000 calories a day through exercise. So far this has really helped me. I hope some of these tips will help get you started again. Good Luck!

I was told that hair loss over a year out is probably related to zinc or Protein deficiency. .have you been checked? You mention you don't feel like the real you. I think that is at the heart of your regret right? I would be interested in your putting more words to that. I am 2 years 3 months out and can relate to the emotional. ..changes. I associate them with the weight loss and not the surgery itself so am wondering what you are experiencing. This journey has been both easy (never really believed I could transform and I have) and at times very hard. My whole life has changed...mostly for the better but it is still an adjustment. I am finally to the point where I am thinking alot about...what's next. I appreciate your sharing your story.

You also must realize that a lot of people don't just come to the board to say, "Yay, I am doing great!" Many come for inspiration, help, or just to complain. I don't do much posting, just commenting, because I am having great success with my band. I know many people who have not returned to this board after surgery because they are successful and don't want to see the negativity. The nerve pain is something that I, myself, have not experienced. ElfiePoo, I think, is a good one to talk to about that. You might want to message her. Picking a band - I have the lap-band. My doctor does both and I just left it up to him to decide which was right for me. I would ask for a low profile port. The location of the port seems pretty much the same, somewhere in the belly, but mine is different. My port is located right above my left breast. I can feel it and it is easily accessed. Also, it is less likely to be visible after the weight loss. Even if it does protrude a little, a bra strap or bathing suit will keep it covered. I have never felt misled! My doctor and his staff were great in preparing me for my journey. I feel that I was well informed. My advice to you is to just be sure you are mentally ready for this journey. If you are not, you will most likely fail. There are foods that you will not be able to eat again. You have to learn to eat to live, not live to eat. Enjoy what you eat. Don't eat senslessly. And always know you limits. Good Luck!

Hi shellbell, Actually they moved my surgery to Wednesday, so a little longer yet. I will leave to drive down to great falls tommorow in late afternoon. Then I have to be at the hospital at 6.15 in the morning. I am nervous and scared, but also excited. In the end, I will have a tool, but the question is will I use my tool or let my old life consume me. I am praying for relief and divine intervention from this lifestyle. I hope to loss some weight quick, so that I can get active. Thank you for your prayers, they made me cry tonight. My uncle died yesterday, and I am caring for my two terminally ill parents. A lot is going on, but I feel I will not out live them for long if I do not act now. So, surgery for me this week, and life to be lived awhile longer hopefully. Many blessings, Michelle

Alot of WLS patients have problems with gallbladders because of the rapid weight loss. It would happen after surgery, so you could have a perfectly normal GB on surgery day and develop a problem post op. Good luck. I get to keep mine for now.

Every person who has a Lap-Band. This may help you in understanding the restrictive mechanism of a Lap-Band. The INAMED protocol for Lap-Band fills calls for a six-week delay after surgery, prior to any fills. The purpose for the six-week delay is for the patient’s stomach to heal from the surgery, as well as allowing time for the Lap-Band to “Seat” or “Nestle” into the fat pad between the stomach wall and the interior wall of the Lap-Band. Prior to receiving an EFFECTIVE fill, it is VERY uncommon to have any restriction from a Lap-Band. Some patients will NOT lose weight, or may even GAIN weight until they have received an effective fill in their Lap-Band. Normal weight loss with a properly restricted Lap-Band is between 1 and 2 pounds per week. The normal cycle of fills, restriction and weight loss is as follows: 1. The patient's Lap-Band constricts when the patient receives a fill. Swelling for a few days after receiving a fill is very common. Many doctors require a patient to go on a liquid diet for a day or two after receiving a fill. A fill may have a “Delayed Action” of up to two weeks. A “Delayed-Action” means that the fill may not become effective for up to two weeks after the fill. That is why the INAMED protocol states that fills should not be performed on patients who will not have access to medical care for at least two weeks after a fill. 2. The patient's stomach capacity is lessened as a result of the restriction caused by the Lap-Band. 3. The patient loses weight because they cannot eat as much food. 4. The residual fat-pad between the inside of the Lap-Band and the outside of the patient's stomach reduces in size because of the overall weight loss in the patient. 5. The reduction of the residual fat-pad causes the Lap-Band to become loose again. 6. At that point, the patient needs another fill, because the Lap-Band is loose, and the patient has a loss of restriction, which allows the patient to eat larger amounts of food. 7. The patient receives another fill and the process starts all over again. Most Lap-Band patients receive several fills to adjust the Lap-Band as their weight loss progresses, and there is less and less residual fat-pad between the inside of the Lap-Band and the exterior of the stomach wall. Once a patient has lost all of their residual fat-pad, fills become less common. As the Lap-Band patient progresses in their weight loss, the effect of very tiny fills (Less than .2ccs) becomes greater and greater. It is not uncommon for a late-stage Lap-Band patient to experience a significant difference in restriction with as little as .05cc of fill.

I am almost one month out. I am sick of protein drinks and puréed foods. yuk!!! I know this too shall pass and I am so proud of my 25 pound weight loss. Just feel sorry for myself sometimes but glad I did the surgery. When I go shopping down the line I will be grinning ear to ear. Let's hang in there together!!!!

Hi there- I am a revision patient. I had a band for almost 4 years - lost 40 pounds, gained back 20. Totally not worth it. That said, only you can decide if the sleeve is the right thing to do after the band. I wanted an "insurance policy" after I had my band taken out. I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't baloon up again after the band was gone. It has been 6 weeks since my revision and I am ECSTATIC with the results. The recovery was hard, but the positives outweigh the negatives. I am at a point where I can eat almost anything (but very small quantities) and it feels really good. Make sure you read through this board extensively - there is so much infromation here! Also, there is a band to sleeve revision topic on the main page (scroll down until you see it). A lot of us revision folks post info there. As far as your questions: 1. Is all this true? Averag weight loss is just that - an average. Since I have less to lose, I am not sure how close I will get to my goal or how soon. People lose well over 100 pounds with the surgery. 2. Are there more than 1 type of sleeve operations? There is one variation that I know of - sleeve plication. You might want to do a search on this board for "plication" and send messages to some of the folks who have had it done. It is not nearly as common. 3. Is it difficult to transition from the lapband to the sleeve? Surgically, it can be challenging if you have had complications or excessive scarring. The doc won't really know until they get in there and see what is going on. My revision was not terribly complicated - Dr removed scar tissue and adhesions from my liver and my total surgery time was less than 90 minutes. Emotionally, the transition has its ups and downs. You will feel restriction like you never had with the band. This is good, but the first few weeks on all liquids and very strict diet can be tough on you emotionally. The good thing is that it doesn't allow you to cheat. After 4-6 weeks you are eating normally (but a lot less) and it gets much easier. 4. Does Insurance cover it? (I have Blue Cross) For some people it does - you will have to explore that option. 5. Are there other important questions that I am not asking? Read through the boards extensively and you will most likely come up with a list of questions for your doctor. Also, feel free to ask all of us questions about our experiences. The knowledge and support here is invaluable. Good luck to you in your decision! Lara

I got sleeved on Dec 21, within 4 days my sugar levels were under control with half the original medication (Metformin). Now after 20 days, my sugar was in full control without any medication at all, the first time in 5 years. I am careful though and check it with my glucometer at least thrice a day. Of course, I do exercise and walk for about 3 miles every day. Getting rid of diabetes medication is the best thing that is happening post-sleeve as my weight loss is slow.:smile:

my surgeon does my fills at the hospital under an Xray machine so he can actually see what he's doing, no bent needles, my gosh. I've had two fills. I can still eat all the quantity that I want, but the LapBand helps me by feeling like I don't have a bottom-less pit inside of me. I don't have restriction. Like they say, the LapBand is only a tool, so far for my weight loss, my head has had to do the majority of the work. Don't know how long my head will hold out, I'm a long-time yo-yoer.

I commend you on your research and hope you come to a decision you feel comfortable with. As for me...I am approximately 1 & 1/2 months out of surgery. I have had 0 issues, problems, etc. (including no PBing, stuck, or probs with food). I have not experienced any nerve pain, port pain, etc. I never got the horrible gas in the shoulders after surgery like some got, mine stayed around the abdomen area & was not bad. I have the Lap Band brand and my surgeon made that decision. I read lots of information before my surgery and talked with a fellow bander who gave me even more information. I feel like between my surgeon, his staff, my research, & the nutritionists, I had a great deal of knowledge going into this journey. This forum was amazing in letting me hear the good and the bad from people who already had the band. I know I am not far in this journey and have a LONG way to go, but I am so much further than I was 2 years ago when I first began my documentation with insurance. I know there may be a time when a certain food may not agree with me or I may get stuck or sick or something, but when I imagine myself without the band getting bigger and bigger and missing out on things with my family, I'll gladly take a little potential inconvenience down the road. I think one thing that has helped me is to track what I eat on my phone. I was successful with weight loss several years ago, but without the band to help curtail hunger, I slipped back into my old ways and regained all my weight plus. At least now, I have something to help keep me satisfied with less, plus a team of nurses, nutritionists, a surgeon, etc. to help keep me on track. Good luck in your decision. I wish you the best.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You will be in my prayers as well in your time of need. Hang in there.