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Let's hope the food funeral I've been on for the past two weeks hasn't caused me to gain weight! LOL I meet with my surgeon Wednesday to sign consents and get my date. It's so amazing to me that something I've prayed about, wanted, wished for the past two years is finally happening. I had my mother take my measurements this evening. Bust, waist and hips are all 51 1/2......can you say HEART ATTACK waiting to happen???? I think tonight I'm going to list my fears and then I'm going to list what I'm going to look forward to be able to doing. Maybe putting pen to paper will help me process all of this. Leanne

Hey There I only know about week one...lol. But I will say that from three days before surgery to day 8 i have lost 13 lbs. It may not sound like much..but what's more important is how great I feel. I can FEEL the 13lbs gone and what's absolutely the best feeling in the world is for the first time in YEARS I feel very hopeful. I really had lost hope about losing weight--truthfully I had just given up. And now I am losing and feel certain I'll make it to my goal including all the ups and downs and plateaus and stucks..I'll get there. So even though you may not be exactly the size you want to be by the end of the summer---if you follow the instructions..you'll likely to feel great about your progress. Good luck!

Im hungry. I do a shake and an hour and half later I'm starving. My blood sugar is also getting really low which makes me hungry. I believe I'm going to have to back off the diabetes meds now. I meet with the surgeon tomorrow to sign consents...and I BET I haven't lost any weight. I feel bloated and TMI I'm PMSing. Not a good time to get on the scale. Maybe he won't be too upset. I'm not having surgery til June so that gives me some time to loose some weight. They said to shoot for 10lbs. Just enough to get my liver in shape apparently. I would, however, like to loose more pre-op. Rant over Hi! May I suggest some strategies for this PreOP step? First of all, you are trying to shrink your liver. Dr told me not to worry about losing at this point, just get 60-80g Protein in each day and to avoid carbs and sugars, but drink lots of Water. I use Propel, and Powerade Zero to fill in between my bottled water, and am getting about 64-70 oz in daily. I have lost some weight without trying. I started at 223, 218 when I got my PreOP diet, and am now at 215. I suppose I will be about 210 at surgery. I would make sf Jello, put your nonfat cot cheese in it--tastes great with lime, cherry, orange, etc. I also got sf popsicles, and also eat lean fish and chicken. I did eat a burger patty tonite and blotted all the fats away from it. I put some plain horseradish on it. I use pepper to flavor with. My protein supplements are Premier and Muscle Milk light that I got at costco. Those taste very good. You mix with water the Muscle Milk. I got Premier premixed shakes to carry with me when I am out on errands, etc. I try to vary what I eat as much as I can to break the monotony of the diet. As is, the diet is cut and dry. Mine is revision surgery, so am being extra careful with this and the whole phase of my journey. If you are low in sugars, do not take any more pills or insulin as that would just make you drop dangerously low. Also, make sure you take your vitamins--a multi, Calcium, B12 sublinguals, vit D3(this absorbs the calcium). My thinking is you may not be getting enough liquid in your diet. I hope this helps! Good luck!

I am on month 3 of 6 I gained month 2 and have my 3rd weigh in next week I am hoping I show a loss

I recommend going to a different doctor. I'm living on base now, they do it at the hospital on base, and my doctor only told me to try and lose weight and if iv couldn't she'd refer me to the surgeon. Anyway, I got my surgery date for the 29th of December. I think your doctor is just being difficult. TriCare covers it

I am six weeks out how much should I have lost

Hi, I think those are GREAT reasons. Congratulations on doing this. I have been teaching in an Alternative High School. And I always show the kids my "fat pictures". I want them to know that I can relate to those who struggle with their weight.

I am a type-2 diabetic, which is very much weight related for me. (In the past, my need for medications has fluctuated with my weight). I have good control using Lantus (long acting insulin) and Janumet. I've asked my PCP about how to handle my insulin during the pre-op diet and post op and he pretty much said that I'll have to monitor my blood sugar and adjust accordingly. Although I don't have a surgery date yet (it will hopefully be in December), I am trying to test things out and see how my blood sugar reacts to the Protein shakes, the all liquid diet, etc. Does anybody have any advice or experience in this area? Thanks

Thanks Munchkinkan, Big Wave Dave. cookielover etc. . You guessed right. I was panicking this past weekend. It was odd. I suddenly felt like I was taking the easy way out and got quite down on myself about it. I started to tell myself I was weak and just needed to buckle down and diet properly. I think this was fueled by losing weight on the pre-op diet, seeing that loss actually gave me false hope that I could do it on my own..... then I cheated, and now I have gained a few pounds back, which reminds me of the yo-yo dieting I have done all my life and the fact that I don't want to do it anymore! I know I have to do this, but part of me still feels that I should be able to do it on my own, I guess that feeling is just culturally reinforced and will probably stay with me. But, it is Monday, and I am being banded on Thursday, and I will do it! And can't wait for the rest of my life to start! Thanks sooooo much for all of your support..... it is so helpful to hear from people who understand the emotions behind these issues! THANK YOU ALL!

Hang in there! I know that just when everything seems to be pulling together in the right direction someone has go and put a wrench in the works. I myself, had to go through 2 1/2 weeks of waiting for sleep study results and then had to wait for an appt for my CPAP machine. Because I have moderate sleep apnea I had to go for 2 more weeks and use the CPAP machine before my surgeon would even think of doing the surgery. I finally have my dates: one being the gallbladder surgery on Aug. 14th and finally my lap-band surgery on August 21st. I would talk to your Doctor that you saw in June and explain to him/her what's going on and I'm sure they'll give you a note to document the diet. Have you tried any other supervised diets within the past year (i.e. Weight Watchers, Curves, etc.)? If you were with anything like that you could get them to copy the documentation showing that time span and save yourself the trouble of another supervised diet. In the mean time, plug away at getting all your other appts that you need for approval. That way when you're done with your supervised diet they can put the paperwork through sooner and you'll get your date before you know it!:biggrin1: It'll get better I swear!

Losing weight, getting healthy and getting plenty of cardiovascular exercise is probably a safer way to prevent heart disease!

So i had my seminar and i got home and started feeling some type of way like if i wasn't 100% sure of going along with this i am self pay and i feel so dum for bot being able to do it on my own without having to waist $$$$ to get to loose weight i feel so sad stupid and i don't know why i feel this way I'm scared to regret it ????

I was misdiagnosed as having apnea before (I don't have it). What I understand is that even if you still are stuck with the machine you might be able to have a lower pressure after weight loss. You can ask your doc about an autopap- that will adjust the pressure based on how you breath and typically also results in lower pressure than traditional CPAP.

vixie, that nutritionist is the big boss when it boils down to your surgery date. i remember gaining 6 lbs. before my scheduled date, she pecked some info. in that computer and when i met the surgeon he was like no, u need to lose it. basically mine's asked me what do i eat in a week. they just want to see if you will be and are committed to losing weight before sugery and even afterwards. just an extra piece of info., start a food journal. good luck to ya!!

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to go with the Withings Wifi Body Scale. Its $159 on Amazon with free shipping or they also sell it at my local Apple store for the same price (but you have to pay tax). I'm going to buy it from the Apple store since I can get it here in town. I seriously cannot believe I'm spending this kind of money on a scale! The idea of having my current weight/bmi/etc at my fingertips is really tempting. On the other hand.....do I really want it accessible all the time? Hmmmmm....choices choices!!

Does anyone have a favorite brand of scale? It sounds so silly - but I've returned two so far. The weight changed multiple times in ten minutes on both scales. I'm guessing I need to shell out some more money (rather than Walmart). I'm in Phoenix, so there are plenty of stores, I just don't know where to start. I figured you guys might know. Amy July 2011 Bandster

You were banded not quite 2 weeks ago, correct? In that case, I really wouldn't worry too much about what you lose (or don't) till you have had your first fill. In the first 4 to 6 weeks we should really concentrate on healing. Any weight you do lose before your first fill is a bonus, really. But at 2 weeks out, and 12lbs down, I think you are doing really well. Congratulations!

Oh heck yeah, I can totally relate. I was really worried about it before surgery too. I had made some small changes and lost some weight. I have been off reg AND diet sodas for almost a yr now. But I was still a fast food type person for the convenience, as well as the "gotta have it now" mentality. I didn't plan ahead and keep things on hand or prepare meals ahead of time. And that hunger I used to have, where I didn't wanna even take the time it required to cook before i shoved it in my mouth. But the sleeve has helped that, I don't get the omg I am starving, get in my belly NOW, feeling. I get a sort of empty feeling and kinda go by what time I ate last to confirm it is actually real hunger, not head hunger or acid. But I have to admit, I do mostly easy/convenient type foods at home. Cause to be honest, I don't know any other way of life,so I think as long as it's a good protein source and all, it's ok. I don't do the protein shakes as much, but I really like the taste and convenience of boiled eggs now. So I boil half a dozen or more at a time, to have on hand to eat, or to add to tuna/chicken salad, or make egg salad with. I've been babysitting this wk, and having to get up and leave WAY earlier than I am used to, so I have been taking my boiled eggs, cottage cheese, cans of tuna and chicken, my diet green teas, so I will have the ability to keep up with my protein. I use greek yogurt a lot not just cuz of convenience but it's high in protein and makes meat go down so much easier if I make it into dips. I add it to the tuna/chicken/egg salad. I use it in place of sour cream. I do string cheese and other cheeses a lot to add more protein to stuff. I will also take a whole bag of the frozen chicken breasts and put in the crock pot before bedtime, then the next day I divide it up into small portions and use some for chicken salad, some to dip in greek yogurt/w/ranch mix. I really like the hidden valley fiesta ranch mix. Or I will use other sauces and flavors like BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, white sauce (the kind that goes on bbq and smoked chicken) etc. to kinda change up each meal. You do have to watch the sauces for sugar and stuff, but some have fewer carbs than others. But I do eat a lot of chicken. lol. I like how the crock pot will make meat tender and fairly moist, I hate dry meat. But anyway!!! You are not alone!! And you have done a fabulous job losing 45 lbs pre-op, congrats!!! It seems to me, you are doing a good job of preparing yourself mentally for the sleeve and making positive changes. Give yourself some credit, and I am working on becoming more of a real cook, but until i master it, as long as I do protein first, I ain't gonna worry too much about it. The sleeve really does make it easier to stop and think and plan meals out, so you have that to look forward to!!

Thanks. Now the hard and dreaded part is the two week liquid diet. I've gained some weight since I've met w the surgeon I hope he will still do the surgery. He should. Just a big ole worry wart here

Went for my consultation and basically went like a seminar about how and what surgery is he didn't really mention if I was or wasn't a candidate BMI is at 39.4 I have Gold Coast health plan more like medi-cal the rules are the same to qualify I know but he is asking for 10% weightloss by next appt and an appt with psych and dietician which are scheduled after my weight update does that mean I am in the process of surgery? So confused, how was ur experience?

You are starting the preliminary phases to get insurance approval for the surgery. That includes doctor supervised weight loss.

I feel that I have changed for the better. The lost weight has given me my energy back. I can exercise without pain. I am more social. I attend more activities and events. I am no longer hiding at home. And I feel more confident.

your right i need to eat slower and only eat a little and then wait to see how i feel sometimes i just eat the whole weight watchers meal because im used to eating fast. if i slow down ill eat less. i do sometimes only eat half of a meal on purpose because i dont think that i should eat the whole thing. i have been eating less than i ever did before but 1/2 a cup is 1/2 a cup and i shouldnt push it. i know that im eating a cup right now. thanks for the feedback andrea

I was about a 38 BMI and have lost 61 pounds so far. I had very little stomach fat to begin with (my surgeon commented on this too) and knew that when I lost...it would come off my midriff quickly. I am down to normal sizes now. Yes, when I lay on my back there is a little bump below my chestbone where the port is. I have a low-profile port. Doesn't bother me at all and I certainly prefer that to the alternative (not having lost the weight!).

I am tall too! I went on the high side of what I "should" weigh. I will start there and see. I am afraid that will still be too thin for me tho, as I have been about 10 lbs heavier before and looked really good at that weight! I think it is a trial and error thing. I will just see. I am not going to be 140lbs just cuz they say I should if I look horrible at that weight! Kelly