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I think I understand . . .only for me, "feeling normal" was "being big" --big child, big teenager, big momma, then fat momma! Five years ago I got banded and without any of the complications here, lost about 5-10 pounds a month (1-2 pounds a year) and one day I was 100 pounds less --242 to 142 --I'm 5'9. There were some psychological changes too --I called my doctor's nurse (I only saw him for the six fills and one unfill --then he died) --because I was worried I'd starve to death --she said that fear was normal, about the time you start feeling bones under your skin, you start worrying about "what if I can't stop" --but "we're here" she said and assured me I wouldn't starve to death. One day in the mall, I saw an attractive woman and thought how I had a similar shirt --only it WAS me in a mirror! ME! and I thought I was attractive!!! Until then, I avoided looking at my reflection . . . And size by size I went down. And down. And down. When I hit the weight I wanted, I got a face lift, dyed my hair platinum blonde and got rid of EVERY stitch of clothing I owned "before" I sold every sinlge thing on ebay or gave to Good will ---then I bought underware at Victoria's Secret, clothes from ebay and Goodwill --but with labels from Gap and TAlbots --as high end as I could afford and find and I bought NEW SHOES (my feet shrank too) with HIGH HEELS. I wear makeup every day!! Do I feel normal? Heck NO! I feel great!!! :-)

There are almost too many "goods" to list...and that list would vary person to person. My goods? Never (and I mean NEVER) experiencing hunger Losing 85 pounds in 5.5 months Going from a snug 26 (pants) to a 16 Being able to buy "regular" clothes from a "regular" store Being in control of my relationship with food...for the first time EVER Enjoying the little (2oz) meals that I eat Not craving....anything Feeling strong Getting compliments from people who haven't seen me since before surgery Getting to buy all new clothes, even if they're second-hand, or clearance Bads? Spending 6 days in the hospital because of a relatively minor complication following surgery (but the care was awesome!) Un-growing my clothes so quickly Having to spend money on clothes so often Only being able to eat 2oz at a time...and offending caring people who have prepared a huge meal to share with you That's about it. I enjoy my Protein shakes and bars, so they're not "bads" for me. I also enjoy all of my supplements, so no "bad" there, either. Laura

I am 13 days out from surgery. No complications. 10 days clear liquids. Now into protein shake stage until 7/15. I am trying to follow the program (4 shakes per day), but for the past two days I have been vomiting the shakes up almost all the time. If I can keep it down, it is only 1/2 a scoop worth of protein powder. I have tried different flavors, brands, etc. I drink water all day (except 1/2 hour before the protein shake, per dr order). I know I am not getting nearly enough nutrition and because of this, I can barely make it through the day, much less do any exercise. Today, I packed my protein shakes for our outing on a sailboat. 15 min into our drive, up and out the shake came. I was so desperate for nutrition, I ate 3/4 a hard boiled egg. It stayed down just fine. On the boat, the heat and waves made me so seasick (1st time ever) I couldn't bear the thought of a shake. During the day I ate a thin slice of deli ham, and a half cup (over 5 hours) watermelon. It stayed down. This evening for dinner I ate 1/2 cup restaurant egg drop soup. I really feel I am ready for soft food. I have no interest in overeating or back to unhealthy foods. When I talk to my NUT, the nurse navigator, or my doctor, they all say the same thing. "You have to drink 4 eight oz shakes per day. There is no other option. You signed a contract agreeing to follow our orders". And out the door I go, $50 poorer. Does anyone have any ideas? I literally feel as if I am wasting away. I have stopped losing any weight, probably because my metabolism has slowed to a crawl. HELP!!

Hi there, I had surgery on 2-6-17. I live in a rural environment in Alaska from April to October and in rural Texas in the winter. My Surgeon cleared me to head north 7 weeks after surgery. I was switched to a normal diet but reminded to chew well. I will be coming back for my 6 month followup in August. Then I'm pretty much clear. I will return each year for a checkup with my surgeon and NUT just so they can pat me on the back for how awesome I'm doing;-) I chose the sleeve for many reasons. Primarily because it doesn't change how my digestive system works. There are fewer complications with the sleeve and it is proving to be an awesome tool for me. I have no complications or contraindications from the surgery. It has been a life saver and like many here say, I wish I would have done it sooner. Depending on your disposition going through the surgery can be pretty emotional because there is such a life change that you must experience. And it is self induced so there is no one to blame:-). As an outdoors woman, it was not at all emotional for me. I have more time because I am not so fixated on that next unhealthy meal. My yard and garden are amazing. My walks are pleasant and pain free. I enjoy nature like I never did before. And I've only lost 33 pounds. Imagine what it will be like when I get it all off!!! I can't wait. There are always risks and it is important to be aware of them. But the risks are circumstantial compared to the guaranteed risks of continued obesity. That is what decided it for me. Heart attack today or heart burn... diabetes forever or a little acid reflux. The risk of surgery is there for everyone not just WLS and statistically your chances are pretty good. Especially if your generally healthy. I was self pay. This was great because I didn't have tons of time to second guess myself. My first appt was 1/19 and I was sleeved 2/6. I had considered surgery for many years but thought it was too drastic. I had lost 40 pounds doing low carb and started to regain AGAIN and that was it. I was tired of fighting my body. Decided to do a little fighting back and threw myself for a loop. Through the confusion my body has decided to get in step with my goals:-) Is it challenging? Sure..but I feel like I've finally been given a break. A chance at the life I always dreamed of. I didn't tell anyone but my husband and son about my surgery because I no longer wanted my weight to be the center of everything or the topic of conversation. I didn't want to talk about WLS with friends and family. I wanted to be normal for the first time in my life. Ultimately, discuss with your doctor your timeframe. They can tell you their timeline and you can make it work. Heck, I was wanting this bad enough to come to Texas in August! That's dedication!!! Take care. Hope I offer some positive words for you.

Complications can happen but generally if you follow your Surgeons instructions you should be fine. I had my surgery in Mexico so all of my follow up care is done by my PCP but honestly other than having Blood work done I haven't needed anything. I think that a Ketogenic Diet would fit Hand in Hand with the Homesteader Lifestyle. All those fresh vegetables and game meats should Help you weed most of the Sugar and Carbs out of your diet and give you the quality fats that your body needs. We will just have to ship you Avocados and Almonds lol.

I guess that's your take. Don't you think lots of other people have LapBanding recommended by their doctors, for the same health reasons? Of course they do. That is not what is medically indicated for Obesity Surgery - nor by international bariatric standards and certainly not the standards utilised here in the 'States. That's ironic. I'm reading your statistics in your signature. If you're aiming to lose 75kg ( 165#) and you call that vanity? Wow, people really do have different viewpoints on this. I would consider you being 165# more than a vanity issue, it would seem to be a health issue. Obviously you felt differently. I've expressed clearly that I had this surgery to look (and secondarily to feel) better. Now in my case I thought 90 extra pounds was affecting my looks. In your case, you came to that realization at the 165# mark. OK, again, difference in viewpoint. No one suggested it or forced it on me. I very dedicatedly got myself approved (initially for RnY bypass) on my own with sheer will. My aim was to lose about 38kg - 40kg (85-90 lbs) or so. Yet I had been so overweight for so long, and was so weary of fighting obesity that I gladly welcome a tool that offered long term solutions. And I consulted with over a half dozen (more, actually) of the top bariatric professionals with both international (and national) outstanding reputations. They agreed to me seeking bypass due to my incredibly long and generally failed diet history. These surgeons were all quite trustworthy and did lengthy consults with me. The consensus was this: surgeons estimated I'd lose approx. 90-100# with the RnY bypass in just over a year or so. Bingo - right where I wanted to be. In fact, with RnY I might lose a bit more than I needed, which could be a welcome change for once. When I expressed interest in the LapBand (which was done in Europe where I used to study & live) my eventual surgeon said'd probably lose about 80# with the LapBand but it would take somewhat longer due to having no malabsorption. It was a brand new method but I was interested. We both agreed that it was a great choice for a single, childless woman. I thought it was worth trading losing 10#-20# less with the LapBand in light of the benefits. What I didn't realize was that many of the things I thought I was avoiding with the bypass (complications) did pop up with the LapBand, and I still lost far more slowly than either me or my LapBand surgeon thought it would take. So hopefully everyone makes the right choice for them, but it's important to realise we all have different aims, goals and beliefts that may affect our choice. It's good to have faith in having made the right choice, but it's still admirable to be objective about the other choices that are out there.

It sounds like some people are getting discouraged/pessimistic about the band because some people have slippage, etc. I think this "ticking time bomb" is WAAAY overstating the case. A lot of people are in car accidents, but you drive, don't you? I suspect that car accident ratios for the public are a lot higher than lap band complications are. And if lap band complications are scary to you, just read up on the complications for RNY! One thread I read was about how it gives everyone constant, really stinky gas. Not to mention the runs. Not to mention bone loss, Iron deficiency, and then all the serious complications. Kathi: you say you have lost "only 12 pounds." But it has been less than 2 months since your first fill! The average loss is about 7-8 pounds a month. So you are right on target. This isn't a miracle solution, where you wave a magic wand and the weight magically falls off. Again, go read the web pages for RNY patients, and you will see how hard people who had RNY are working to not only lose the weight but to keep it off. Again, I'm not dumping on RNY -- just pointing out that there is no magic bullet. Lap band and bypass are both only tools that help us lose the weight.

I agree with your post and 100% feel like a ticking timebomb.... after reading here from the people who have lost their band it becomes a big burdon on your brain thinking about it. My mom keeps saying "Don't worry, don't think about it" but I do! Since I was self pay and I know if I have complications I have to pay more that's very scary. So I've already made plans with a doctor that if I have a complication and need removal I will immediately convert to RnY ByPass. The cost of removing the band vs the conversion isn't that much. The doctor said that he would also do it if I was at goal weight as opposed to letting me gain it all back. This has put my mind at ease knowing that I have this option. Also, I don't like this PB thing and it happens quite often (and yes I chew well and don't rush).

Several years ago my doctor had suggested gastric bypass but I didn't want to hear it. I researched and found too many "serious" complications. Not to mention, I wanted to get pregnant and I read that was more difficult with the bypass. I had several friends and associates who had gastric bypass and they did wonderful for a year or so, then all started to gain the weight back. If your eating habits don't change, your stomach stretches and you gain. I felt the band was the safer bet. It's a much less invasive surgery. There are less complications during pregnancy. And more importantly to me, this is a LIFELONG weight loss solution. Granted...I say all this having not had my surgery yet. LOL!!! But this was my logic when I made the decision to go for it.

Cathi, welcome to LBT Early congratulations on your upcoming anniversary! It's really great to hear a success story like yours. I was banded in Oct 2005, am approx 25-30 lbs from goal. I have to tell you, I still find it hard. I am not perfect, I don't always make proper food choices. But, with the band I definitely can't eat large quantities. I find holidays (Thanksgiving/Christmas) especially tough, it's really hard for me to see others eating such large portions. I want to have a small taste of everything, but that's not always possible. Last Nov I think I had 3 bites of turkey and a bit of veggies and I was done. Those holidays are so focused on food/preparation, and for us it's over in such a short minute. Good news is I'm in a much healthier place and size than I was 18 mo ago. I've lost at a steady rate, and have been fortunate to have few complications which have enabled me to maintain where I'm at. I've made a commitment to be at goal by my 2 year anniversary in October, in a couple of weeks I'm starting a program at a new fitness center opening in my neighborhood. I've signed up for a few personal training sessions, and am excited to begin targeting some of my problem areas. I hope others are not too shy to chime in, it really helps to have many different perspectives. All the best, Karla

Have you considered getting the gastric sleeve? Especially since you are self pay. Don't forget that with the band, you will have to pay for fills until you get to your "sweet" spot. You will also need to have follow up EGDs yearly to check for erosions, etc. Lastly, contrary to what some say, the band isn't always "reversable". I spent nearly $40,000.00 after I had the band dealing with the problems that the band caused (this is not including the original surgery which my insurance paid for). I am not trying to scare you but just think about it. The sleeve is the same thing as a partial gastrectomy, which they have been doing for years for other issues such as cancer, severe ulcers, etc. It is considered "experimental" for weight loss because of the "newness" of doing it for weight loss. Kind of like when they use a medication for one thing and then a few years later find out that it helps other diseases than just those that it was approved for. There are many people who I know that have had "partial gastrectomies" for years. The only problem they have is that they are "skinny". Once you get the sleeve, you are done. No going back and paying for "fills". No having multiple surgeries to correct adhesions and other issues caused by the band. No paying for yearly EGDs. No worrying about finding another surgeon to take care of you and do the fills if you move away or your surgeon decides to "retire" or close his practice. I could go on and on but I won't. As I said, I'm not trying to scare you or piss on your parade so to speak. Just giving you something to think about. This is especially true since you are self pay. Just trying to let you know that there is a cheaper, safer way to achieve weight loss through surgery. Just go to verticlesleevetalk.com and obesityhelp.com to the revision sections/complications section and read, read, read, read before you have your surgery.

I had my VSG January 24th. As of this week I'm down 76lbs. I'm in Des Moines and had Dr Eibes do my surgery. Where are you at? I am super happy with the sleeve and have had no complications.

I still get a bit nauseous - sleeved 7/24/12(with complications). i cannot drink water still. try one food item at a time.....it is a daily ordeal of trial and error. i promise you - it will get better. and give yourself the rest you need...surgery is hard on our bodies....keep reading the responses.... everyone is super helpful!

Thank you Marie, Alex, Vicki and Donali for your replies and support. I feel so strangely. LIke 2 people fighting in my head. One calm and rational, thinking " I knew it! I was right!" and angry that my doctor chose to think of me as a hysterical hypocondriac. I know at some level that I can't wait, and I know I don't have to tell if I don't want, and I know what comes next so I should be less scared. And then, there is Ms. hysterical hypocondriac ( which means my doctor must have been dealing with her and not me all this time and had no choice but to think I was exagerating) wanting to run away and have this magically fixed without going through surgery again, wondering whether I should have the band removed instead, rather than going through this again in the future. I wanted to have another baby next year and now, with this "complication" it just seems that my band and pregnancy dont mix (specially when last time I was throwing up all day every day for 6 months, and a horrible retching attack while changing a diaper moved my band 2 months ago). Then the guilt of "lying". I read Gail's post and thought "she shouldn't feel guilty! She doesnt have to tell!" But now, after avoiding lying the first time, I get to go through this again! and instead of just dissappearing for a few weeks, i will have to avoid and tell them im having the reflux fixed, which is true, if not the whole truth. I am working on my husband, explaining that if he sticks to " fixing the reflux" its not actually a lie. But his mother is so nosy! Called the Dr. and told him what happened. He sounded a bit annoyed, but said he highly recomends this surgeon, so I guess thats a good thing. Talking to him, I felt like a child, terrified of dissappointing a parent. I have serious issues! Thank you all. Sorry I made it so long! Tellie

Try very hard not to be too nervous, your blood pressure will be through the roof. Do you have insurance of any kind? If so, they usually pay for emergent complications following surgery, even if they don't pay for the surgery itself. These may very well just be some road bumps on your journey. You won't know for sure until you see him. I know it's somewhat silly for me to sit here and say "calm down" but that's what I'm doing. Do your best to calm down and relax, you have to drive safely and make it to the appointment. We'll be here when you get home and we'll be looking forward to hearing what he had to say.

Hi I too feel that this type of surgery and being surgery it is absolutely necessary for your husband to know. There is always the potential for complications that could necessitate a serious or emergency situation. Best Wishes, Donna VBG/87 Revised To Lapband/06 By Dr. Cobourn 251/162/125 goal

I was wondering the people who was revised from the lapband to gastric sleeve did you still have to do the 6 month weight lost management to be approved? I'm having sooooo many complications with my lapband and I'm hoping I don't have to wait 6 months. I need this band out asap.

Ask about: Complications General success rate (from surgery) % of excess fat / weight lost Pre-op requirements NUT and medical support before and after...

Heard the band had too many set backs/complications. My insurance would not cover the sleeve. So I chose RNY.

I am afraid that a common complication of the band is a gradual build up of scar tissue. Thus us beyond our control and is simply the individual's reaction to the implant.nI have read it can be aggravated by keeping the band too tight in the first place but I have not seen research to support that. If this hapoens, the band gets tighter. It has happened to me twice in my almost nine years, but both times in a very minor way and the removal of just 0.1 cc sorted it out. Reflux for banded people is NOT due to a small stomach as the stomach in which the acid is made us a,most the original size, It is caused by pressure from an over-restriction. Have you been checked for a slip?

I had the same worries. I was sleeved on February 5 and it went so amazingly well that the nurse thought I was a visitor on the second day. I was up dressed and walking around. Don't read the complication stories too much on the threads, they will just worry you more. For me, my little boy is 2 and I was already staying home from things because I was worried about my size. My kid missed out on hay rides, horse rides, sports things, all because I was worried about myself. So that was my motivator. I WILL take my kid to Disney and fit with him on the ride. He won't miss out because of me. And only 5 weeks out I'm already chasing him all over the house and way more able to keep up. Find a goal (like going up Disney) and focus on that when you get nervous. This has been the best decision of my life! No regrets at all!

Yay, go you! Impressive! Yea no complications here either- lucky. I put side by side pics of my face together a few weeks ago- crazy differences Go us Keep it up and keep posting HW 242, SW 236- (Bypass 12/20/17) GW#1- 199 [emoji736] (2/11/18) GW#2- 180 [emoji736] (4/2/18) GW#3- 160 CW 178 5’6”

I guess my surgeon doesn't feel it's necessary to shrink the liver. He has done thousands of bypasses and lap-bands, so I assume he has the experience. He also claims a very low complication rate. So hopefully he knows what he's doing!

thanks for the welcome! I hope you are both doing great and everything turns out wonderful for you in the end. I've been reading about some of the possible 'problems' that can happen with the lap band and that has me nervous, but I can either not do it out of fear and stay unhappy or at least try it and see if I might be one of the patients that dont have any complications at all, or just minor ones! I think i choose the second path ready to read some more, and I have some questions! see ya around.

I am part of a WLS family - hubby, MIL and I have the band, FIL had gastric bypass. We all did it within 6 months of each other in 2010. I can tell you that in the beginning the weight will fly off with just limited portion sizes and by adjusting the band. Then you have to figure out to eat better food, and exercise. My MIL lost about 50 lbs but honestly is lazy about it and not tracking what she is eating in any way, and not really exercising. She floats in a pool like once a week. She lost 50 lbs and that is a great result considering the effort she puts in. She not psychologivally willing to adjust the band as tight as she should because she is not ready to let go of eating larger amounts. So anyone looking at her 2 years out will say she is not successful, as she has about 80 lbs excess weight. But she is not putting in effort. My husband is the same way except he has adjusted his band as much as possible and he is not willing to change his eating habits or exercise. He lost 120 lbs and has about 80 to go. I had 95 lbs to lose, have lost 76.5. I watch what I eat 80% of the time. I don't track what I eat, I just make good choices most of the time. I work out 4-6 days a week for 45 min or an hour at a shot. I am very pleased with my weight loss. I know it's not coming back. I can maintain it. I have a metabolic disorder and I feel I am beating it now. My FIL lost 140 lbs with bypass in 6 months, he is at goal. Had horrible complications for life that can't be addressed. Seeing him go through that constantly reaffirms my decision to get the band. So if they say lapband only loses 55% of excess weight, it's not that they can't get to goal, it's usually "won't". People are more in control, which often leads to people doin what they want...