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Let me introduce myself, my name is Amy and I am a 27 year old mother to a wonderful lil 3 year old boy who was born with a very rare brain disorder. I was sleeved on December 21st 2011 in Canon City, Co by Dr. Timothy Brown. My pre-op process was very fast moving and with-in 1 month of asking my then primary doctor about getting the sleeve, I had met all the requirements and was scheduling the date for my surgery. I chose to do the sleeve for several reasons but my biggest reason was to be a healthy Mother for my son. I was on over 8 prescription medications for BP, high cholest, diabetes, sleeping aids, heartburn and more. I have never really been a "small" girl but after my mother passed in the same year my son was born (2008) my weight sky rocketed. My son is non-verbal and among many other health issues he is also not walking or crawling yet. I am now unable to work because my days are full of providing the special needs care my boy needs. I noticed that I had begun stress eating, and moving around a lot less due to spending 80% of my time at doctor appts or playing with him on the floor. I found out that my son would be starting a special needs pre-k in January and knew I had to get my health in check because I now have no excuses for time, 3 hours- 4 days a week I have free. I am over a month post-op now and about 25 lbs down. I weighed 220 the day of surgery but had been as heavy as 235 in the past. I am extreamly excited to have lost the weight and be off most of the meds but I am having this horrible case of the " not doing good enough blues." I have reached a point that I have lost most of my motivation because shortly after surgery my son's health issues flared up and it took me until just 4 days ago to get my gym membership. I also have the biggest frustration about my food intake. I can eat anything I want and am 1 of those lucky sleevers that does noit get sick or barely even uncomfortable if I overeat/ eat the wrong things. My will power has really had to play a huge role in my eating lately but everytime I eat even the smallest bite of a "wrong" food I feel like crying because I want to be sick, I want to have a low tolerance to bigger portions but now all I can do is deal with it. This is the 1st time I have ever blogged and just like I could talk anyones ear off I am certain I could type a novel so I will stop for now but what I will say is this... I do not and will never regret my sleeve. Every person is different and even though I am lossing weight I know it is only half my battle. Seeing the numbers drop on the scale is one thing but being mentally prepared and motivated is what is really going to make all the difference. Just my opinion

I have been on steroids the last 7 months, and I had gained almost 40 pounds. I was a carbohydrate junkie. Im not diabetic, but my sugar level had to be all out of wack. Even though Im supposed to still be on these steroids, I stopped taking it a month ago on my own. Carb cravings were gone in about two weeks. It helped a great deal because now being on the preop diet, I dont have any cravings for carbs. Im also convinced that being off these steroids helped me drop a bit more weight than I expected the last month.

This is exactly what I needed to read! I have been gaining and losing the same 3 pounds over the past 2 1/2 weeks. I will be six weeks post op Tuesday. I don't know if I am depressed or just having too much fun with an I dont care attitude, but I really screwed up this weekend. Had about 10 glasses of wine, a few tequila shots, a bloody mary, hotlinks, crunchy tacos.... Yeah, it was a fun filled weekend by the pool, but I lost control. I will be doing protein shakes this week to get back on track. Thanks for your post.

Well,,, this is a switch,,,,, How is your fill level ? are you hungry every couple of hours ? Or are you good for say 5-6 hrs.... i went through a lot also, they ended up filling my band to the fill line under Fluoroscope (this is painless) . If you are going to speak to your surgeon, ask him to fill you to your Fill Line, before you make any decesions You might actually be Happy with the results. You will be able to watch the whole thing on screen. Add in some walking maybe 3x a week, and you have a good start. I'm speaking from experience. I only had a slight tweaking since I lost some weight. But being filled this way put me on the right track, and it is available to you..... Tell your surgeon to do it, youre tired of waiting for weight loss to begin, and you believe this would help. What have you got to lose but weight. This is one fill straight to the Fill Line. Also check out myfitnesspal.com for journal, and tons of info...It's FREE ! Again, you might be impressed. Don't make a mistake that is not reversible. Then comes the problem with Melabsoruption. (I know I spelled that wrong..) Every one that I new that had it done,,, It did not work for them. Don't make a mistake, Think first. Shirley.

Thank you. Tonight I went for a power walk around the block with my husband. It wasnt a whole lot but it was something and it made me feel good. You have lost a massive amount of weight. That is so awesome. I can't wait to start seeing results.

If you feel up to light exercise right now then you should do what you can handle. As far as gaining weight, I doubt that you would be able to consume enough to gain anything right now. good luck! and congrats on your sleeve!

Knot Twenty-six ancient township down a cup) knot heartbroken wine residual tears in the Ukraine half Pei pure land to cover up her grave can not forget her soul in the heart forever bronze mirror reflects your sleeves makeup elegant locked eyebrow up the sword cut to thousands of sorrow before the Buddha lamp hum softly played six circles Soccer Cleatsof the door at but the tears of a symbol of war in ancient China broke the appearance you light makeup stand in the cold off at that I cut soft somehow return no death silently waiting just for the plum tree you sent me for my hair blew several white light burning me "Fly" "Fly" in 1 when I only keep one, imagination fly in vivo butterfly into the moonlight, the son gradually thin I became more and more light, almost no weight if butterflies will fly back, not into the lips 2 I clearly remember butterfly bones from the day it fell in the stiff from minor flaps its wings, tell me it's powerful. But Nike CR Mercurial Superflywhen I close it, but fly once again this time, it flew very high 3 Butterfly died, it's beautiful, inexplicable short this time, I'm sure it's dead, no longer to fly but I dream of it, in the imagine it's alive 4 "butterfly really dead" until long after I define a language can not be sad to cry out deep light while I open hands fly wall Black Butterfly quietly fly, and fly 5 I could not look back, Memory blurred shadow When you find one day in the future when you think of me when you suddenly can't contact me kiss you please accept the cruel fact I already did not want again and any contact when when when you QQ find me when when when your phone book not to be able to find me when when your mailbox to find me when when when the kiss kiss kiss to at that time that I had been completely forget this

How many calories are you eating. Maybe you need to increase them to get your weight loss going again.

I think it is just taking a little time for your body to adjust. I am sure you are feeling the difference in your clothes. The scale can be our enemy sometimes. Just remember, it took you a while to gain the weight thus it may take sometime to loose it's this is not a race, it's a lifestyle.

Hi everyone. I am behind on getting myself involved with the forums but I figure doing it now is better than after my surgery. I guess I'll just go into my story. I have been big most of my life. I'm 6'3" tall, have been since I was 15. Back then I weighed around 200 lbs and was one of the bigger people in my hometown. I joined the Army after high school, actually put on 25 pounds of muscle, but I was in great shape. Got out of the Army, got lazy and the weight ballooned. I am currently at 415lbs, when I first starting meeting with my surgeon and nutritionist I was at 458, he made me lose 40 lbs before giving me a surgery date. I'm getting sleeved on Feb. 18 and I'm nervously excited about it. I have a tremendous support system consisting of my wife (who is the reason I'm on the forum, she's a research nut and thought this might help me with questions) and kids. So that's me, all set to start the next stage of my weight loss journey. Thanks for taking the time to read this and sorry for typing your eyes crossed.

I have this issue, but I haven't figured out how to love myself with it... I'm actually not at my goal weight yet, but feel like my excess skin on my tighs, hips, and tummy could be part of that... Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Yes, I lost some of mine too and was quite depressed about it. I don't know what causes this but it is very common. Some say that it is the trauma of the surgery and others claim that it is the weight loss which causes this. It happens between 4 and 6 months after the surgery. It will stop and your hair will grow back eventually. Do remember to eat adequate amounts of protein. Hair is built of proteins.

My surgery was 4/25/12 Thanks everyone, it does feel good. I'm 7 lbs away from being under 200 lbs, last time I was this weight I was in high school lol

I had surgery 14 May 2013 at 98 kg. I expect to be 68 kg within the next week and my 6-month anniversary is 14 Nov, also this week. That will put me 30 kg down (66 lb) and exactly at 70% of excess weight lost. This was my surgeon's goal as it puts me at the very top of the Overweight range, rather than obese. Personally, I want to get to the middle of the healthy range if I can, which means losing another 18 kg or so. But I already feel like a success. How did I do it? I eat around 800 calories a day, get at least 40g Protein, and try to stay under 100g carbs. I'm not fanatical about the calories or carbs. I usually eat 50g of a meat for lunch and dinner every day, along with veggies and a little carbs. I started a running program and now run 15+ km a week in three runs. I log all food and exercise on MyFitnessPal. I do a lot of walking now as part of my everyday routines. And I stop eating when I'm full, regardless of what is left on my plate. I follow my surgeon's and dietitian's plans, which allow me to have everything in moderation. But I did not cheat one bit on the graduated diet. It's really hard for me to understand the severity of craving that makes people put their brand new sleeves at risk by advancing their diet too quickly. The first 6 months is the honeymoon. I realize that it will slow down and I will have to work harder to get the other 30% excess off. I'm not kidding myself that I have it all figured out. I have read every book I could get my hands on about the sleeve, bariatric surgery, and long-term success with changing habits and making life-long changes. I recommend "Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" which is available for the kindle or iPad as well as in book form. Another good one is called "Eat it Up." I have read the Vet forum since day 1 because I recognize that they are living the hardest part of the journey. I'd like to lose the rest of my excess weight within the first year post-op, but if I don't, I hope I won't be devastated. The most important thing is not how long it takes me to get there, but how long and how consistently I stay there.

I have lost about 21 pounds since surgery, 30 if you count pre op. Give or take the two silly assed pounds that keep doing an encore. This has been going on for two and a half weeks. If you average out the weight loss, I have lost a teeny bit over 2 pounds a week. And this is supposed to be the time of the fastest weight loss? It slows down from here? I am into my third month and I am starting to panic here. I don't feel any restriction when I eat but have realized that early on and measure and log every morsel of food that goes in my mouth. I wasn't given a specific carb or calorie guideline or even a minimum protein requirement. I try to get 60-80 gm of protein and usually get under 70 gm of carbs (30 gm of which are from the stupid chewable supplements!). The carbs I get are from dairy and whatever is found in green beans and cooked spinach and the occasional half cup of blueberries in my yogurt. I haven't given in to my chocolate addiction because I know that is a slippery slope for me and I am really trying to ignore the onslaught of goodies that are eaten in front of me. I dropped two dress sizes in a hurry and then stayed in one for five weeks. I just got down to the next size but only in stretch jeans. No stretch = no button (or even a meeting of the minds!) I have assaulted my body by preparing for solid food by going to the dentist and getting my teeth ready to chew. That kinda backfired since I lost all my molars on one side after already having only one upper and one lower that meets on the other side. I had to have my teeth scaled (one step away from root canal) and then had two teeth pulled in the space of two weeks. Maybe after I already went under the knife for the sleeve my body decided it has had enough abuse?

You look terrific!! Congrats to you! I as well have have 3 abdominal surgeries, not including 2 c-sections, 1994 and 1999....I should clarify that I don't need to do a pre-op liquid diet...I have been doing "low carb" for the last year and only have lost 27 lbs, very very slow...I continue to do low carb and I don't plan on even having that "last meal" prior to surgery as I don't want my liver to be in the way, so my surgeon said just keep doing what I've been doing and don't gain weight, I will be fine....so I will continue to "watch it"....thank you for the heads up! I will keep in touch., thanks!

Great job and just think how hot your going to look.( my wife just left the room so I can type this ) haha LOL Just think that with in 1 year you will be at your target weight and a brand new wardrobe. Surgery Anniversary 7/30/12

My doctor gave me the okay to start cardio exercise 1 week post-op. She told me to go ahead and start slow enough that I could hold a regular conversation with someone while on the treadmill or walking without needing to take deep breaths or gasp for air. 10-15 minutes to start, 1-2 times a day. Stop if you feel uncomfy, just listen to your body. More vigorous exercise that use your abs or include high intensity workouts or lifting weights shouldn't happen until at least 6 weeks post-op, or until you're given the okay by your doctor. But during the next 5 weeks, if you feel good enough, you can increase your cardio time to 30minutes at a time. Check with your doctor first, of course, but this is just what my doc told me! Hope everything goes well!

I thought I was the only person obsessed with the scale. I used to find myself jumpin on the nearest one. Guess we're a lil anxious!!! And congrats on your lost. I think the closer you get to your goal the slower the weight comes off....as long as it's coming off though:)

Probably. you're losing weight so your internal configuration might have changed a little. Now when you bend over your port isn't cushioned by as much fat. Check with your surgeon though, to be sure.

As happy as I am seeing my weight just vanish, i'm a little concerned that its unhealthy. I'm exactly 30 days post my surgery now having lost 75 pounds in the last 45 days (incl. pre op loss)! My 2 nights in the hospital were pretty uncomfortable but that was expected. So were the following few days. But then I started feeling much better around a week later once my staples came off. I stuck with my liquid diet and kept sipping on as much Water as possible. I almost started feeling back to normal by week 3 but then all of a sudden this past week has just been absolute hell! I've been visiting my surgeon regularly (weekly) to make sure that my diet is right and that there are no leaks. However since 7 days now i've been extremely dehydrated, nauseus and experiencing chest burn sometimes. I was put on saline in order to consume liquids and also did an xray to make sure there was no leakage. My doctor said this happens to some but very rarely. He said one of his patients suffered this for 2 months! Of course i've been forcing myself to sip as much as possible but most of the times it just comes back right out. I throw up thick sputum at least 5-7 times a day. Anything can trigger this vomit sensation such as a smell, a sip of water, or sometimes even a persons breath. Sometimes its even just sounds or images or thoughts that get me going. At first it was very painful as i've hardly ever puked in my life. But since the past 3-4 days i've gotten used to it. Obviously, this is something that I would NOT want to get used to. I feel very weak, even shake sometimes. And sometimes the pulling sensation while throwing up is so strong that I cant breathe till I suck on an ice cube. This past week has dirven me crazy and almost made me regret going through with the whole thing, and i'm someone who rarely ever regrets anything. I just hope this phase passes soon. I'd like to know if anyone here has experienced any of this and if you got any suggestions on how to fight it. Finally, happy holidays to every one here.

Tish - This is what I do to try and make my head (because its not my body...its all in my head) not feel as though I am depriving it (and maybe it will help you with eating too many carbs): Every 2 weeks, I give myself one treat. And its a good one, like my favorite ice cream or something. I don't go crazy with it (like I don't get 10 scoops with extra hot fudge plus an extra bowl of whipped cream on the side or something) but its enough to satisfy me and give me something to look forward to next time. Additionally, I work out 6-7 days a week for 30 minutes and I keep my calories at or under 1000 or so (calorie intake varies by person, but thats where mine is at). So if I spend an extra 500-600 calories splurging on ice cream once every 2 weeks, I don't feel too bad about it and I can work at least half of those calories, if not more, off at the gym. That works much better than eating carbs everyday. Also, however, during this time a lot of people gain weight. I really didn't eat very many carbs at all before my first fill, and during "bandster hell" but I know a lot of people eat mashed potatoes and such on the mushy phase and most doctor's think thats fine. So I wouldn't worry too much about it at this time. Good luck!

Hi Nancy I'm also 2 weeks out and started mush yesterday. I had the same feelings as you. I was really hungry and looking forward to some mush, but was afraid to eat too much. I also stopped eating with very little food - and felt OK. I'm also a little hesitant to add food since it will be some many more calories than I had the last 2 weeks. I don't want to stop the weight loss. But I also know I don't want to go into a starvation mode. I'm going to try a little more today. Good luck. Mary

That band does not just magically impart weight loss genes into your body after surgery. It's just a piece of plastic until you start getting fills. Of course you can still eat anything you want. The only reason you felt tight originally was due to swelling. I don't know what size band you have but if it's a realize band, you most likely won't get any real restriction until you're up around 8cc (in a 14cc band). Getting stuck does not equal restriction. It just means you aren't taking small enough bites or chewing well...or possibly it's just one of those foods that have difficulty due to texture (bread, melted cheese, etc.). .