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Hey Speedy! I'm in New Bern, too. I went with ECU Physicians. They were very thorough and I feel like surgery went well, but they are not personal at all. I feel like now that its done I'm on my own. How long have you been in Afganistan? Be safe and congrats on your weight loss so far!

Thank you SkinnyJill and Longhorn for good wishes and compliments. The trip has been as good as I've allowed it to be - it's amazing how our beliefs and emotions determine our reality, no matter what the circumstances of the given moment are. Prayer has been very important for me lately - grounding me and lifting me up at the same time. Yesterday I managed to get together with my fourteen year old son who lives in the New York area with his mom, (my ex-wife), and also visit with my parents (I'm staying with my inlaws for the first few days of the trip). I am very close with both my son and my parents, but the distance between us makes these meetings very charged. In addition, my father has has Parkinson's Disease since the late 1970's, and is pretty incapacitated now. Anyway, on the train on the way from my parents over to pick up my son, I was feeling sad about my Dad's condition and pressured about whether I was going to make it out to my son's house on time. Then I stopped and said - "look at the gift you've been given,to be able to in the space of one day give and receive love from the dearest and most inaccessible people in your life, and here you are raining on your own parade! " Then I pulled out my prayerbook and read the Song of Songs, the lyrical poem from the Bible which it's customary for observant Jews to read before the Sabbath. Man, just try being depressed after reading that thing. That was a great intervention, and a lovely moment. I was able to get my mind and heart back where they needed to be. How does all of this relate to food and the band? Easy: in the past, I would have turned to two double quarter pounder meals instead of the Song of Songs. The combination of the limits the band imposes on me and the resultant weight loss along with it's positive emotional effects have brought me to the place where I am able to respond differently to situations where food was once the only recourse. When you think about it, food for me really had become a false god, whose altar I worshipped at ceaselessly. But , as ee cummings puts it so beautifuly, "(now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened)", and I can turn to what is for me the real source of all strength and nurturing. Sorry for going on about religion, I by no means want to preach or lecture - this is just where I am at. Thank you all so much for giving me the opportunity to share with you.

Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful post. My grandmother had Parkinson's so I understand how hard it is to see someone you love in this condition. I am so glad you are getting to spend time with your dad and your son. How has your family reacted to your weight loss?

As a designer, I used to think of my body as a canvas that I got to dress up everyday...Since I was a kid I wanted to be a fashion designer and I always always alwaysss wore clothes that were eye catching, so when I was in my teens and couldn't fit into anything, it was devestating because I loved the clothes so much, but I couldn't wear them or even buy them. I was forced to shop in places like Millers and it sucked because it was the same stuff my nan wears. :biggrin: Sigh. When I see people like you who have lost so much weight and are happy with themselves it makes me feel so motivated. Before I go for a walk, I think about people like you. Today a guy named Jamie posted his before and after pictures and I just felt so happy for him. I went and had a walk lol. :laugh: I've only lost 12.8 kilos at the moment, but I just know that some day I'm going to be able to walk into a clothing store, fall inlove with clothes again and buy them and look good in them! lol At the end of November, I have a charity ball to go to. I will be shopping for a cocktail dress then, getting eyelash extensions and hair extensions and going all out - I can't wait. :w00t:

Lol I too think of my body as a canvas. Dressing up for me is something I really look forward to. It's a way to express myself. At work, where most people slob around in ill fitting clothes and ugg boots (WTF!) I wear designer clothes and 5 inch heels everyday. I get my nails done, I put on make-up, I dress to impress - not them, but me! I did that even when I was bigger, but the clothes I can wear now mean I can look the way I've always wanted to look. I remember when I had lost 10kgs. It felt like goal was so far away. But looking back, it happened relatively quickly. Keep in the mindset of looking forward, and not giving in to the despair of sometimes feeling like you've 'only' lost this or that much. I have a friend who got banded in July. She's lost 12 kgs so far, and often texts me if she's frustrated about a plateau or if she starts to feel like she's never going to get there. I always say to her - I lost about 3kgs a month. It felt like forever at the time. It took me ages, this didn't happen overnight. But one day, there it was, that number on the scale. My goal weight. Then I stopped trying to lose, and still lost another 13kgs over the next year! So hang in there, just pluggng away, and soon you'll be the one others are looking at to motivate them. :laugh: Enjoy your ball! And post some pics! ETA: wanted to also menton that whenever anyone tells me that my weight loss motivates them, or that I inspire them, I still get baffled. In my head, I'm just a chick who got the band, and the band worked for me, in conjunction with me doing what my Dr told me to do. I didn't do anything special - most banders can do exactly the same thing!

I was banded on June 23...when I met with my dr. a week after surgery she told me to just focus on healing...she told me not to worry about weight loss yet...my goal these weeks has been to feel well enough to take my dog for a daily walk..with the reduced calories I get tired real easy, but today I walked the dog far enough to wear him out. It's great that you are sticking to the food progression...focus on healing not on the weight loss right now...do something wonderful for yourself as a congratulations you made it through the surgery and are well on your way to full healing...I plan on having a pedicure in the very near future... We have to be patient...but we will start loosing soon enough...Keep strong, have courage, keep focused you can do it

If I am reading correctly, you had the surgery in January and your first fill in April. Is that correct? I ask because what you are going through is normal. Most people don't feel restriction on the first fill. It takes a few fills before restriction which leads to weight loss. From what I understand, once you get to your sweet spot the weightloss is a little faster. It's easy to get discouraged, but you have to keep your head up and keep on trying. It will be a struggle, but it's worth it to get to a healthier you. Good Luck Cheryl

I was sleeved 6 months ago today and I couldn't be happier. Quick stats... HW = 238, CW = 154 Hit surgeon's goal weight 3 weeks ago and I'm 4 pounds from my personal goal. went from a size 22 jeans to size 10 (I would have been happy in size 12) Tops XL/XXL to M I'm going to go ahead and say it, I'm kind of starting to think this was the "easy way out" after all. Sure, the preop and postop diet stuff wasn't super fun but it was all so temporary. And then there was acid and nausea and diarrhea and constipation and stalls, but seriously, those things are minor compared to all the good stuff. I never thought I could look and feel this fabulous at 45. And the changes have been so simple....I'm not measuring or tracking anything so I don't feel like I'm on a diet. My excersise program is non existent. All I do is follow the basic rules....protein, fruits, veggies and Water. I eat when I'm hungry, I eat what I want and I eat until I'm satisfied. The only thing I really gave up is beer and I don't miss eating huge meals at all. My bloodwork is great and I'm actually having to add carbs to slow my weight loss now that I'm basically at goal. For the newbies out there, all I can say is keep your eye on big picture, follow your doctor's diet plan (no cheating!!) and stay positive. Whining and stressing over the recovery and reflux and diet restrictions and stalls and everything else that is a normal part of this process won't help. And good luck to everyone...I hope everyone feels like I do someday. P.S. gotta put in a great big thanks to everyone at Obesity Control Center for making this possible for me.

The fear of the unknown outcome Loose skin is a normal topic in here. Pre op I googled what weight loss loose skin looked like. I looked at best case and worst case scenarios to prepare myself of what my results might be. The only thing that will remove loose skin is plastics. If you have documented rashes, infections or mobility issues some insurance companies will help pay for plastics. Self pay is expensive. Research your options. Lotions are the same as all the weight loss pills promised quick weight loss...Lotions my soften but if the damage is done they will not make your skin snap back or prevent loose skin. I never thought I'd be a bikini model after surgery. Lost over 100 pounds. I have lose skin. Honestly it's not as bad as I thought it would be. For me, shapewear helps hide the skin and makes clothing fit better.

Congrats to you on getting a surgery date. Good luck on meeting the weight loss requirement!

Hi, Ryan!!! My name is Patty, and I live outside of Boston. I, too have been overweight since I was a kid, and have lost hundreds of pounds over the years. I got banded on July 1, and have lost about 70 lbs (about 50 pre op since may). It is by far the best decision I have made for myself in years. I wish I did it 10 years ago when I was thinking about it! So listen, you've got a great advantage!! Your youth!!!! seriously, the pounds come off easier, and with the band, they'll stay off.....plus your doing it early before doing too much damage to your heart and body. I applaud you on a great decision to take control of your life at such a young age!!!! The other thing about you being so young, is that you likely wont have many issues with excess skin, etc, as your body will rebound well, and work with your weight loss...if you were 40, yeah, not so much.....just remember when you're feeling up to it to put some exercise in your life...you will need strength training, along with cardio, and I bet your skin will look fantastic!!! Dont sweat the surgery...I didnt have any serious pain except some gas pain in my shoulder, and I was up walking that afternoon.....some pain in my port, but thats mostly due to my kids. I have 3 yr old triplets and my youngest has cerebral palsy, so I have no choice but to do some lifting.... so listen to your doctor and follow your pre op and post of diet. I use the EAS shakes (you can find them at Wal mart pretty cheap) and I use Protein powder as well (look for about 25 grams per scoop and as low carb as you can get...I get that from wal mart too) The eas shakes are really high in protein compared to the instant Breakfast and slim fast, and you dont need the carbs anyway... would love to keep in touch....give me a shout if you have any questions!! take care!!!

Congratulations on your banding! Big step!!! I haven't told anyone outside my immediate family for fear of what happened the last time....they freaked out and talked me out of it ten years ago. As for sisters, they will do that to you. Give her time and she'll see how great it has been for you. I plan on telling family once some serious weight loss happens. It will be obvious then and they can't talk me out of it at that point:) Good luck and journey on!

i used to be on this support site faithfully...giving advice...telling people what the "right" way was...truthfully there is no wrong or right way...i've been a big successful loser with this band...haven't alwayz lost weight using my tool...if u read my previous thread...i included laxatives and too much exercise to aid my loss...when people ask me for advice now...i tell them "ur way...will b the rite way"...not my way...not her way...his way..we aren't scientist or doctors...we r people that were once over-weight...and we r either trying not to b or we aren't anymore and itz that simple...i c members on here...saying "don't eat this...don't eat that"...i personally choose not to eat a lot of carbs...but thatz by choice...would i have lost just as much weight if i did...who knows??????...i can't eat rice or pasta...it gets stuck...can the next person...maybe...maybe not...it took me 6 fills b4 i hit my sweet spot...it may take jane doe 2 fills...it may take 9 fills..this is a journey...one that u will need support with...of course...but not 1 that can b done 4 u...no matter how much advice u get...

I also has the sleeve done 3/2015, lost 155 and gained back 40. I went back to my Dr because of gerd and no restrictions when eating since 3 months post op. I have cigna, they approved and I am now waiting on the dr office to schedule the surgery. I would love to find out what the average weight loss is for sleeve to bypass revision....

Yeah, today is my fist month, and it seems far away, I already forgot the pain, the discomfort and the constipation I had that first day. Went to my Cardiologist today and I am off my bp medication for good! Went to my Gastroenterologist and I am clear to do my schedule colonoscopy. Went to do my hair, feel and look gorgeous! All is well in my world. Peace, love, prosperity and harmony!

I haven't had any problems with bread crumbs. Everyone is different though. This journey is full of tests and trials. I am trying to stay away from chicken strips and other foods that are breaded because I believe that's one of the reasons my weight loss has been very slow over the past two months!

Hello. My name is Shannon (moeandez1) and I am 29 years old and I currently weigh about 280 pounds. I have struggled with my weight most of my life but didn't start having major problems until after high school. I had a sudden weight gain of a hundred pounds in one year and since then it's got worse. It took over ten years of problems..thinning hair, no periods, weight gain...until I was FINALLY diagnosed with PCOS in about 2009. Unfortunately I have only been diagnosed and not treated. In 2008 I started having issues with feeling like I had a flu all the time. If someone touched me I would yelp. It hurt so much. Eventually my pain got worse and worse and early last year I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been off work for about a year now. I am still in the process of trying to get the pain under control and finding the right medication. My weight keeps going up and up. I have recently started having issues with low blood sugar but haven't been treated for that either. I've tried a number of very expensive diets and I have been semi successful but then I end up gaining all my weight plus some back. I have made a decision to go with the lap band. I don't want my health getting worse and I really want to go back to work. Unfortunately in BC, the lap band is not covered and any other surgery is about a five year wait. I cant' afford this but I can't afford not to. My husband loves me the way I am but knows that I am unhappy. I have become very reclusive because of my weight and RA and I don't want to live like this anymore. I have my surgery date...June 27th! I am so excited but at the same time I am so scared. I spend time every day reading about the band. I have read a number of peoples blogs and for some reason every link I clicked on in the past day or so has been a negative experience with the band...I have to admit, it doesn't raise my confidence...therefore, encouraging words are defninitely welcome! lol. My husband and dad are super supportive and know this means a lot to me but the few friends I told have accused me of taking the easy way out and told me it's a dumb idea. Of course, all those people are within a normal BMI and have never had a weight problem in their life. I l love hearing about other peoples experiences and would love to hear from people who have had the surgery done or are waiting to have it done. Are you as nervous as I am? hehe.

I was nutrisystem with a young gal who tried out for the Biggest Loser who wanted it so bad, had a great personality, early 20s, but she weighed too much. They told her to shed 100 lbs or so and maybe she could try out again. They only pick women in the 200s usually who dont have so much to lose and the losses will show more as they lose. Dont feel bad about picking up your diet on your birthday. (Happy Birthday :wub: ). I had my fill the day before my birthday and realized I would be back on mushys the day after my fill, so I couldnt eat what I wanted for my bithday this year. I just had my birthday Sept 28th, so Im also a Libra. hi, fellow Libra.

well, i would say your body is adjusting to everything: the surgery, fast weight loss in the beginning, new diet. how much did you lose pre-op? stalling is normal. be patient and keep doing what you're doing. the weight will come off. you may see inches lost first good luck!

So I am 10 weeks post-op and feel like I’m not losing like I should! I know everyone’s journey is different, but I feel like I’ve hit a wall and stopped losing. Month one was great! Month two...not bad. So far this month I keep losing and gaining the same 2 pounds! I do have PCOS, could the be contributing to the slower weight loss? I know if I don’t get all my protein in that could cause me to lose lean muscle, but can it cause the scale not to move? Am I eating all the wrong things? Am I eating too much? It seems as though once I was able to eat solids and started to go to the gym my weight loss has slowed. Has that happened to anyone? I know I shouldn’t be focusing on the scale but it’s very frustrating when it doesn’t move. I do take my measurements so I can see if there is a loss there. I just thought I should be farther a long. Should I just toss my scale? Im worried the surgery isn’t working right!! HELP! Thanks for letting me vent!!

Yes I got all choked up when I saw my doc and thanked him and gave him the biggest hug! Who wouldn't get all choked up talking about something that changes our lives for the good? Congrats on all your weight loss!

15 weeks post op and I just started noticing a good amount of hair falling out after shower :-( Very nervous about this :'( Is this early or the usual time? Sent from my SGH-T999L using the BariatricPal App

By all means, make the lifestyle changes, as they will be essential to your long term weight stability and well being, even if they aren't likely to get your weight down to where you want it to be - once we get to the size where we are considering WLS. there are enough various factors stacked against us that we run into that 5% success rate noted above. The way I approached this problem, when my wife and I got serious about our respective weight problems and started toward WLS was to start doing those lifestyle changes that would help to ensure my long term success. We know what we have to do - be more active (it seems like you already have that inclination), cut the junk out of our diets, improve the overall nutrition while reducing the calories to a level that will maintain us (if not leading to total weight loss to normal.) Most have already found that the various fad and "book" diets (any book entitled "The _____ Diet", most particularly if it also mentions "miracle" and is authored by a "Dr.") don't work in the long term. They may get your weight down to something approaching normal, but they teach you nothing about how to maintain that loss over the years, and the weight builds up again when trying to go back to a "normalish" maintenance diet. I avoided those diets, but worked on moving my diet as close to the ideal as I could sustain in the long term. It was not "perfect" by any book or nutritionists' standards, but it was what I could do within my tastes and it was something that I could do forever, and it was much better than the normal American crap diet that got most of us where we are/were when considering WLS. I kept tweaking things to carve out a few more calories where I could, and improve the overall nutrition of what I ate. That was almost 13 years ago, and I dropped about 50 lb over six months (335 - 285) or so and came to a halt. I could make small moves down and then back again. But I did maintain that loss for several years. In the meantime, my wife had her WLS after the serial insurance denials and ultimately self paying for her DS, and we settled into a reasonable maintenance lifestyle, though I usually ate about twice what she did. Once our insurance started covering the sleeve, I went for it as it was clear that I was not going to lose the rest on my own in any sustainable manner. That was five years ago, and so far so good. I also used that interim period to test my maintenance ability and help choose which surgery, if needed, was most appropriate for me. Had I regained what I had lost over those few years, that was a sign that I should go for the DS, with its better regain resistance. With the stability that I had managed over that time, the sleeve seemed like a good bet that I could avoid any revisions due to regain problems.

Way to go! That is nice even weight loss!

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