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It very much depends on your insurance requirements as ShoppGirl mentioned. My insurance required 6 months of monitored weight loss, 3 months of nutrition, lung clearance, heart clearance, nutrition classes, surgical classes, psyche clearance, etc. The whole process took approximately 8 months from my first appointment until the day I had my surgery. I was also able to lose 68 pounds in that time so I was at least productive during that time lol.

Take it one day at a time. Make a promise to yourself that tomorrow you will exercise for at least 30 minutes. If all you do is take a walk, make sure you take that walk. Then plan your food for tomorrow. Every bite. Don't plan past tomorrow. Just get tomorrow in. After than do it again. Protect yourself. Do not bring anything into the house that you cannot eat responsibility. Lastly plan something non-food related to do when you start feeling sad. Sorry for your loss. Just realize that there will be other challenges. You need to start building up your arsenal of new responses now.

@@bunsy I recognize that you feel you have completely grieved this loss - but depending on how close you were to this person, how frequently you interacted with them, symptoms of grief will reach up and grab you in the intestines for two years or more - sometimes when you least expect it. I grieved my mom for 5 years, easy - random bouts of tears, anger, and chocolate craving. My dad - 6 months; his illness made his death less of a shock, although their birthdays and my birthday are still hard, more than 10 years later. Be kind to yourself and recognize that it's ok to feel it, acknowledge it, really experience it - without medicating with food (or other things we sometimes use to medicate away pain), and it will process through. Next time it hurts less. I am one of those people that, in the presence of something I don't want to deal with, say, "I need some chocolate". Pre surgery decision, that was a 3 musketeers and/or a milky way and/or a SKOR bar.. now, it's a chocolate Protein drink, and I make sure that I carry that powder with me at all times. You can do this - you are worth it.

I have tried every weight loss method, diet, plan, doctor....anything to lose weight. I am a 32 year old female and I have been over 200 lbs since middle school. I have been banded for 2 weeks and am patiently waiting on my first fill (my doctor won't fill for the first 4 weeks for healing). I am hungry, but I can already see the tremendous difference in my ability to discern the right portion sizes. I am calorie counting so that I don't over eat with an unfilled band. I welcome any suggestions for the future, any success stories, any information at all!

Hi All, I am Renee' from Washington state. I am a wife to a wonderful man (together for 17 memorable years), mother to 2 fantastic children, one beautiful daughter (who has given me 2 beautiful precious granddaughters and a wonderful son-in-law) and a handsome fun loving son. I think my weight story starts in my memory when I was about 10-11 and in 4th grade. I really was not extremly overweight just "chubby". I now do not even think I was that chubby but the teasing from the other kids assured me I was. Once I hit teenage years, I started dieting and got quite thin. I had my daughter at the tender age of 16 and after birth started the "Jane Fonda" craze. It was easy becasue at 16 and 17 you have all that energy anyways. I even got thinner then before pregnancy. At the age of 24-25 the weight started creeping up slow at first, then I was in a car accident that messed up my back and neck and the weight really started to pack on due to the lack of phyiscal excercise (which I really needed to lose and keep it off). I remember when I hit about 200 lbs, I was looking at my knees and I thought something was wrong with them because they looked different, not really realizing it was because they were fatter. From that point on, I think I blocked out my weight gains, even though I have weighed myself every week now for 26 years and have kept a weight diary just as long. I had joined Nutrisystem when I was about 27 and was able to lose about 35 lbs at that time. I joined a TOPS group about 1999 and got down to 246 at the time I stopped going. What a wonderful group of people. I have joined Weightwatchers at least 3 times, all with some degree of success, only to stop going due to finances or other reasons and gain it all back and then some. In 2003 I really started looking into weight loss surgery. I even attended a couple of seminars put on by the surgeons only to find out my insurance did not cover it. In August 2008 I weighed in at my highest weight ever, 305lbs, an extreme amount on a 5'4" frame. At this point my knees were so bad I was heading for a wheelchair fast. I learned in 2005 that I have Degenerative Joint disease in both knees and also arthritis in both knees. In October 2007 I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. My father died at the age of 39 (when I was 12) from a heart attack. He was extremly obese as well. Being a long haul truck driver did not help his weight. All of these aliments and all the odds against me and having such a wonderful family, I finally got serious about doing something about my morbid obesity. Wow what a hard word to say about yourself, morbid obese, morbid meaning death. When the realization came, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was way too young to keep on living this way and my family watching me suffer, how unfair to them. In April of 2008 I started the battle with my insurance. Even with all my co-morbitities and several doctor recommedations and appeals, I lost. Talk about a punch in the stomach, it hurt hard and deep. It also did something else, it made me so determined to find a way to get surgery, that I was like a freight train with a vengeance! My husband attended yet another seminar with me that my surgeon Dr. Lee Trotter was putting on, this was in early September 2008. Out of all the seminars that I had gone to, this one was "the one", the one that really insipred me, informed me and gave me the strenghth to pursue a Bariatric Surgery. It was at this that I learned about the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I had heard and read up to this point about RYN and the band. I was leaning towards the band until this seminar. After I got home, I researched the VSG and at first thought I must say I was like no way, I am not removing a good portion of my stomach! The more I researched though, being that I would have to self-pay, the band would have extra costs for fills and possible slippage (which would be extra cost which I do not have), and the RYN was way more extreme (and more costly) then I wanted to go. At the seminar the surgeon handed out the paperwork if you were interested in WLS you had to go out and get several tests. Within 2 weeks and the hard work of me and my husband we got the finance part figured out and I got all the tests that were required. I made my appoinment with Dr. Trotter. At the first appointmnt we discussed the different surgeries. I shared with him my research and felt that the VSG would be best for me, he agreed. I was able to make my sugery date for 2 weeks later on October 20th, 2008, a date I will never forget! The day of surgery I was at 292, down 13 pounds since my high at the end of August. I remember being so at peace, I knew this was for me. My surgery went well and I went home after about 28 hours. My surgery cost me 17,000.00 which included 1 year monthly followups with Dr. Trotter, labs done every 3 months and a BIA (Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis) at each visit. My experience from start until now has been phenomenal and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! Within 3 months of surgery I was off of all my diabetes medication. I am still currently on Hypertension meds but only a half a tablet a day now. I can now walk more then a mile at at a time which I could not do for so long! To date (8/1/09) I have lost 93 pounds since surgery (just 9 months) and 106 lbs (less then 1 year!) since my high last August 25th, 2008! I am like a whole new person which and I am so thankful to have met Dr.Trotter and for his tremendous talent, experience and compassion, he helped me get my life back! My family is so supportive and I am so glad I am here for them and they for me. I wish each and every one of you reading this, the best whether you have had surgery or seeking surgery! Dont give up, you are worth it! Renee'

Hello I'm new here also and wanted to say hi and wish you the best of luck. I had Melanoma about 6 years ago as well. I have only just gone to the initial seminar at Cedars Sinai here in Los Angeles California. My first consultation is March 10th. I am also a female but a little older just turned 45. I have been heavy myself most of my life, I have tried the Weight Watchers and Nutri Systems and many other diets and have lost a little weight but never all of it except for once. The one time I lost alot of weight, my son was 7 and diagnosed with Diabetes. At the time I weighed 256lbs on 9/1/99 by Feb 13th of 2000 my family forced me to go to my doctor because I had lost weight (turns out I was down to 141) my hair was falling out and I was having heart palpatations. I was extremely depressed over my sons illness and everytime I tried to eat after only a few bites I would throw everything up. I got down to about 121lbs and stayed there for about 3 years but I never really learned good eating habits or choices. Now I'm back up and heavier than I have ever been 272lbs and I want to be healthier and have a happier life. My son is 18 and I have decieded that its now time for me to focus on me again. I am scared and nervous but I am going to do what I have to do to change my life style to improve my life.

I agree CIB are not a good source of protein. Day 15 I was cleared to move to mushies like cottage cheese. For meals I would have a cup of tomato or sweet red pepper soup (about 100 cal) and then an hour a so later a serving of cottage cheese. I think you are slowing down your loss if you are only having 3 servings of CIB. Also some people do gain weight when they go from clear liquids to semi solids. Keep in mind your body goes from 400 cals a day to more reasonable amounts. Who would'nt loose weight on that kind of intake?

Honey, Life has started and is with you every moment. It doesn't drastically change with weight loss. You must heal your mind,body and spirit in order to be happy. I just don't want you to be dissapointed. Praying for both of you.

I was worried too, but more worried about getting stuck or not tolerating certain foods. I find my weight loss has definitely slowed down a bit, but slow and steady wins the race, right?

Pre-op I focused how excited I was to be taking control of my weight problem, how happy I would be to see the scale going down, remembering how it felt to have clothes that fit, and that getting a sleeve was major but many people have successful surgeries far more extensive than a sleeve. Post-op I did exactly like my doctor told me to. I set a timer for every 15 minutes to remind me to drink. I drank Protein drinks to kill two birds with one stone. I walked until I was tired or starting to get sore, usually 20 minutes every two hours. I slept in a lazy boy because it was much easier to get in and out of vs a bed. I did not rush to the next stage of food, I did not cheat at all. After the first two weeks of liquid only ( my doctor requires 3 weeks of liquids) I was really ready for something I could chew, but I waited. I told myself it was a small sacrifice in light of how far I needed to go, and I knew that I had to learn to resist temptation if I wanted the sleeve to work for the rest of my life. I always take my Vitamins. I weigh once a week at the most, and only if it feels like "a skinny day". I look to the future and sustaining the weight loss as my goal instead of losing X # of pounds. I think of future events and how I want to look, feel, and enjoy those events years down the road. This way of thinking helps me internalize that the sleeve is a life style change for the rest of my life, not just a quick way to get to certain size.

Congrats on your weight loss. That's awesome. Keep up the great job.

If I had issues with my heart I probably would have made the exact same decision Amanda! As it stands though, I think the price difference was over 3000$, so I just put that straight into the BOOB fund, I'm going to need some boobs after all this weight loss! I was so embarassed at the gym yesterday, my trainer had me doing these superman things in front of a mirror and I was on all fours, and I could see down my shirt and my breasts were dangling like 6 inches even with a bra. Obviously I need a better bra But they're really not pretty

At my pre-op at the weight loss clinic, I found out that they will staple, but not stitch to reinforce. I won't have a drain tube and I can expect one overnight. Most of the pain is associated with gas and mostly in the shoulder, but walking really helps. The stomach is removed from the right incision so that is where any tenderness and pulling will be from. Very excited and ready for the next stage of my weight loss journey. I lost 100 lbs on my own, couldn't get below 190, even though my ideal weight is 110. I didn't weight enough to get approved for surgery, gained 50 pounds and lost 20 over the last 6 months. Got approved for surgery and now over the next few months, I can expect to reach my goal of 110! So happy!

My appointment with the weight loss counseling center is the 13th. Since I last posted I have learned that I have hypothyroidism, slight anemia and Vitamin D deficiency. Does anyone know how any of this might impact me approval for the surgery? Thanks.

I have UHC as well...and the funny thing is, I am working with Karen as well. I am at the very beginning of the process: I have met with my PCP to get my weight history (that was a wake up call within itself), identified a Center of Excellence and attended an information session as well. My UHC plan does not require the 6 months supervised weight loss requirement, but I have been following a plan since November 2009, so I have it in my back pocket just in case. I am so happy for you and I could feel the happiness radiating from your post as I read it. I cannot wait until I get further along in the process and get that feeling as well! Warmest regards to you and your current and future success...and save a spot for me on the loser's bench when you get there!

rebecca, just got finished ready Kelly Doran's one year aniversary post. She speaks of a plateau, but watched her measurements go down. Myself, my weight loss has slowed down and I keep on tracking through without getting too frustrated. it goes down and thens stalls for a few weeks and then back down again... keep up the hard work it will pay off. Best of luck!

I went back and forth between both pictures trying to figure out if it was the same person. You are doing wonderful! Can you tell us more about the scary part? Waiting less than 1 day before seeking help doesn't seem like a lot. What symptoms did you have? Congratulations on your weight loss and thanks so much for sharing your story with us.

What a beautiful baby! Congratulations! I admire your quick return to weight loss, too.

It is so frustrating not to feel progress, especially with something like pain and mobility. But you are well on your way with weight loss, physical therapy, and lifting, and I am hoping your pain eases. Is there an in-person support group near you where you might be able to connect with some new people in similar situations?

I was banded May 18th and am down 50 lbs but have been STUCK on top of a plateau for about 10 days. No matter what I do I can't break through so I'm trying to just ride it out. Congrats to everyone on your weight loss success!

That really stinks! I am sorry that you are having to consider more surgery. I know there are a lot of people on this site that had revisions to bypass so hopefully you will get your questions answered. Many of them have done fantastic with bypass. I can tell you that from what I have read, the initial weight loss is much slower but I have seen folks get to goal. Personally I am so thankful I went the bypass route because it put several illnesses into remission for me. One of them was very severe Gerd, I have not had a single bout of heartburn at all. My diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, anemia and stage 3 kidney disease are also all in remission. Do you still have the same insurance? You might want to give them a call to better understand coverage. I had Medica United Health Care and I was only allowed 1 Bariatric WLS surgery in my lifetime. Now I have a completely different insurance and they cover nothing. It really depends on your specific insurance. I wish you the best of luck!

I am in desperate need of a non-stim energy booster for pre-workout. I am persistently tired (I've been this way my whole life, nothing new).... and going to the gym is a waking nightmare (although I suck it up and do it). Looking for some supplements or non-stim weight loss/metabolism boosters + energy boosters to take pre-workout. I can't take any stimulants because I have bad anxiety and even a cup of tea makes me feel like I am having a panic attack, lol. I am really overwhelmed by all of the options on Amazon. I currently take the following vitamins/supplements: Thyronine (T2), chia seed extract, vitamin e, calcium, keratin, vitamin d, super b complex, iron, bariatric multi, and magnesium citrate. I do have some green tea extract on the way.

Just thought I would share that as of last Sunday I have lost a total of 50 pounds. I started my pre-op diet on February 22 and was banded on March 12. I had my first fill on 4/13 which consisted of 3cc's and my second fill on 5/18 consisting of 1cc for a total of 4cc's. I really felt like I needed another fill two weeks after my first fill but I can honestly say that I do not see the need for another fill at this point. I still feel like I have a lot of restriction. I eat pretty much what I want (except most breads) but much smaller quantities. I average 1,200 calories per day (I am male) and I do my best to get 90 grams of protein per day. I track my calories at livestrong.com. My member name is rmbj0721 if you want to check out what I eat. I have also attached an Excel chart showing my weight loss progress. Although I don't advocate this I don't engage in any formal excercise programs. I am hoping to lose between 25 and 35 more pounds before I reach my goal weight. :thumbup: Weight tracker.pdf

I have an under active thyroid and hashimotos disease. I was told no amount of weight I lose will change my thyroid function by an endocrinologist . I have has slow weight loss with every other attempt I have made, except the band. It has been an amazing tool to help my lose weight.

I think having the WLS requires me to take a good vitamin and I won't skimp because of cost. I have a friend who is a compound pharmacist and one other person who recommended Source of Life Liquid Gold. One bottle (huge), lasted me ?4 months. It cost me $52 but is about $40 on Vitacost with free shipping. My bloodwork (labs) has been excellent. Please make sure you take excellent vitamins whatever you choose. Also I have taken the Biotin religiously, and at 5 and 6 months post sleeve my hair is still coming out in handfuls. Best of luck everyone!