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Mine is getting harder to feel...I think it's tearing away from the abdominal wall, but I'm still losing weight.

Congrats! So happy that you're feeling good! Today is one month out for me too! I'm down a total of 35lbs... 17 lbs on the pre-op liquid diet and 18 lbs since surgery. Next week I go for my 1 month check up. I'm hoping to get cleared to start working out. Ready to get more weight gone! I have been completely off Metformin and injected insulin since two days before surgery. I'll get re-evaluated at 6 months to see if I need to be on anything. My numbers during the day have been very good and are still coming down. It's very exciting!

Remember your surgery weight is lower than most who post on the wls board.. So you should not expect your body to lose as fast as others. Sometimes slow and sure wins the race. One good suggestion...only weigh at dr office or once a month.

I have to lose 14 pounds by the beginning of October help?? Need suggestions on how you did this when you was doing your goal weight.

I just would love to hear from others on their experience....good or bad. Everyday, many times a day I think about my weight and health and how I would love to feel good about myself again. Would love to get rid of 80 to 90 lbs. Have first appointment set up for July.

I agree with B52! Protein is the way to go. Otherwise, after loosing a lot of weight you will appear drawn. Plus, you actually feel fuller longer with the protein shakes!!

Hi fellow Bandsters! I have never been on a forum like this although I have had my band 3 1/2 years. I plateaued 2 years ago and have gained and lost the same 11 pounds numerous times. Is there anyone out there like me?? I could have another fill but am concerned about getting enough nutrition and Water. I would rather change the bad habits not handled by the band. Any comments?? Leslie Oh BTW, I suppose being a chef poses it's own set of challenges even with a band. I am also considering other employment options.

Speaking in general terms since you do not say who your insurance is now. I don't think insurance will deny you but your surgeon might. WL surgeons tend to want people who really want to lose weight (not that you don't). Gaining weight will not up your BMI for insurance as your weight is measured from your intial appointment. Hang in there Bes and try not to drown your emotions in food. PS - I gained 5 pounds in the waiting process so I understand.

Why does he require weight loss at all when it's obviously necessary to remove the band? Did you ask him?

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Hello! I am new to posting here.. I have been reading and reading and thought it was about time I got involved! I am going to be sleeved on 8/27 by Dr. Alvarez in mexico. I have Aetna insurance, but they will not approve me ... I have to wait for 2 more years till I can show that my BMI has been consistently over 40. I have been up and down my whole life, but I have never been this heavy. I just could't bear the thought of having to stay at this weight just to get approved. I will be forty years old in a few months and I think its time to take my life back and not wait on Aetna. I am nervous, excited, worried.. all the emotions you could possibly have. I unfortunately am going alone to mexico ... anyone fall in the same category? Any other 8/27 sleevers? I don't know a soul that has had this surgery and only know one that has had gastic bypss so I am hoping for a comforting crew here on VST! You all seem so positive and helpful....

Good evening everyone, I'm concluding ny 4th day post-op, and feeling great! I think I may be close to 10lbs down......mostly water weight, but I'm eager to start back in the gym tomorrow morning. Ill start with a 45 min treadmill walk. I hope this is not pushing it. Ill just let me body dictate when it's time to stop. Has anyone else dine any gym work?

I have been banded for one week also and was craving something else besides clear broth so, I added in some meats and veggies, garlic, pepper, etc. then strained it. It added so much more flavor...and helped me a lot. p.s. How have you lost so much weight so far? You've only been banded a week???

I can't tell you how many times I have read on the forum not to expect too much if you are over 50!! That is just nutty. My mantra is "Who's Universe is this?" IF I buy into someone else's Belief System [bS], then THAT is what I am stuck with. Hey--I was stuck in a rut before my WLS. Dr. Aceves told me before surgery in a 45 minute consulation about what to expect with the RESULTS from this surgery that HE would deliver 50% to me -- but the other 50% was up to ME. 10 words 20 letters IF IT IS TO BE -- IT IS UP TO ME No one is going to do this for you. NOW is the time to get into relationship with your body in a way that you never have done before. Learn how to be a Body Listener--not a Body Big Mouth. What do I mean? I was told to TEST one food at a time. NOW just because suzy-q on the Forum can eat something post-op, does not mean that I can eat the same thing. So testing means I try to eat something--and if--my body says NO...then it is a NO. Don't try to override in your HEAD what your BODY is communicating to you.I read about the number of people who are NOT losing, who have gained __# of pounds and are shocked, or they are throwing up all of the time. To those people I would say to use a little SALT: Stop-Action ... Listen-Think. IF IT IS TO BE -- IT IS UP TO ME Stop what HURTS, stop what makes you throw up, stop trying to be your old SELF, stop trying to be like someone else. Stop those Actions. LISTEN to your body. Obey your body. THINK about it. THINK about what is no longer working, TEST it for yourself, Test it again and again if you need proof, and then BELIEVE what your body is telling you. Are you using a food journal? IF so, this is a great place to post your discoveries. For example, here we are in the middle of the summer and there are lots of BBQ's going on. Body Big Mouth wanted a BBQ'd cheese burger with dill pickles. So I tested. I ate 2-3 bites and the food was so HEAVY that I did throw up, then I had to sleep for a couple of hours to feel better. But Body Big Mouth did not give up. I waited a week or two and I wanted what I wanted. Test it. SSDD Same Stuff Different Day I ate 2-3 bites and the meat was so HEAVY that I threw up, and then had to sleep for a couple of hours to feel better. Now Body Big Mouth still wanted what I wanted, waited a week or two and decided to test it again. I ate 2-3 bites, the meat was so heavy that my body hurt. SSDD Stop-Action ... Listen-Think IF IT IS TO BE -- IT IS UP TO ME After three tests, notes in my journal, I realized that I was not being a Body Listener ... I was being a Body Big Mouth--I wanted what I wanted when I wanted it--I did not want the results that I was getting--my Ego was louder than my Body-Talk and I was not listening. So back to being a Body Listener. Back to doing what works for my body. I have lost 45 pounds in 90 days by realizing that Dr. Aceves gave me the vehicle for a new body. Now I have to retrain my MIND and my MOUTH to be in relationship with my new vehicle. I need to know when to throw on the BREAKS and Stop-Action...Listen-Think. I have to understand that this is a journey of Self determination and my surgeon gave me the support that I need. He did all he could do--he did his part. Now I have to do my part. IF IT IS TO BE -- IT IS UP TO ME Be a Body Listener. Will you please post your thoughts on how you have become a body listener for yourself? Here are my Before - After pictures [so far] on YouTubes

I had sleeve surgery on December 30. I lost 10lbs in a week but starting this week I have gained 4 pounds. I have been doing everything the doctor told me to, so is this normal?

Hey you! I heard the more you stress out, the weight won't come off. Not sure if that is true or not... But the way I'm thinking is that your poor little stomach as been through a lot. And I'm sure it takes time for everything to balance out. Relax and give yourself a break. I promise you, the weight will come off... Cross my heart!

Hi everyone lets get together and send up prayers for all the March 19 sleeves. Please post to let everyone know that your surgery went fine and anything else you like to add. Set weight loss goals for six months after surgery. I will be first my six month goal is 60 pounds gone by by.

Hello, I was banded 2 yrs ago and haven't had any major problems with my band. I have not 'followed band rules' for about 6 months now. I've gained back 15lbs. As for my problem/question... I started having pain in my legs, actually the muscles in the backs of my thighs about 2 months ago. [i don't have any lower back issues and haven't exercised in quite awhile.] When I bend over it feels like my thigh muscles are tied in knots. After about 2 weeks of this I then woke up with a severe stiff neck. I had to turn my whole torso to look around. My shoulders, collar bone and down my left arm hurts. It also hurts under my left shoulder blade and it feels like my spine is bruised in that area. I can't raise my left arm fully and hurts like hell when I try. It actually hurts in the 'socket'. My hip joints are so sore that I have trouble walking. I used to walk super fast, always did, but now I look like an old woman when I 'shuffle'. I went to my chiroprator about 6 times and it didn't help. I just spent 4 days in the hospital and had scans on my neck and brain and blood work out the wazoo all came back fine. I go to a neurologist[?] on monday and they're talking about doing a spinal tap!! Has anyone had these types of pain and found out it was from scar tissue from their band? I will crap if my band is the cause of all this!! Any help would be greatly appreciated, Darlene

I was devastated when I came to the realization that I could not lose weight any other way. I hated to put myself in the category of "those people" who had to have surgery to be healthy. It was the most difficult decision of my life and the stress of going through was nearly as bad as losing my mother 6 years ago. There were two family members who were absolutely delighted and have been my personal coaches throughout this entire event. They both told me they had been waiting for me to bring up the subject because they really wanted to see me get it done but did not want to hurt my feelings by mentioning it. One even told me,"get it done and do it as soon as possible," knowing I am the type to get a good idea then second guess it or put it off. Denial is a powerful coping mechanism but not always healthy. Had it not been for my Dad who insisted on going to support me to every meeting, appt., etc. I would have balked at the last minute and backed out (fear of failure?) One of my first thoughts the day after surgery was, "Take this thing outta me!" I still was not ready. Now, I am 2 months out. I would not have believed what a change in my life this has created. I think everyday about how blessed I am! Not only have I lost weight that I never thought I would lose, I have hope! Every day is a new beginning, there are so many things to do, I find myself smiling, giggling and those around me see it too. I would do this all over again. My doctor told me only 2% of people who diet lose and keep the weight off long term. That's all I need to hear to validate what I have done.

Hello, You feel pretty much as I do right now. I have also gone through all the necessary steps for my surgery. I acutallly had a date, it was October 6th then 2 days before my surgery, I called and postponed it. I also think can I do this on my own, I tried Atkins diet & lost 38 lbs then gained it back, I also tried WW but it didn't work. A coworker of mine lost around 100 lbs on weight watchers & everytime I see her I think I can do it to, but in reality I cant I think I need some help I never thought I would turn to weight loss surgery, but I know Lap Band is the less invasive surgery, and if it doesn't go well you know It can be removed, that's why I think I am going to go ahead with Lap Band. I am not mentally ready for gastric bypass and Lap Band good for me. I have another date Nov 27th. I hope you choose the right choice for yourself, I am tired of yoyo dieting also you have to at least give yourself credit for all the efforts and attempts you tried on losing weight. Good luck with your decision.

Pugger 1st quesstion what are you eating??? Are you keeping a food diary or logging your food on fitday.com?? Are you exercising??? Calories in vs Calories out = weight loss. I don't have much restriction - could eat a horse half the time - but i am makeing healthly food choices keeping my calories at 1000 - 1200 a day and exercise 5 times a week. Ya gotta let us know what you are or aren't doing for us to help..

3.5 years of listening to me go on and on about weight loss, Protein, and pretty much anything and everything WLS related. He has to be 100% sick and tired of me and the surgery by now, but he keeps that smile on his face and continues to tell me how proud he is of me.

I take more than a few meds daily. I asked about how soon after surgery could I resume meds. (I have a few meds for depression and ptsd. Important to not skip.) I asked about failure rate... about surgery failure and about people continuing to lose weight after surgery, if they continue on plan. There is a difference. Asked about recovery time to get back to normal activities and how long before I could start exercise. I asked if he likes to do surgery, a greatway to get an idea about the guy behind the knives. And every time I see him, even before the actual surgery date, I ask for words of encouragement. He is great about encouraging me. Gives me something new to think about every time I walk away from the appointment. Good luck. I feared more than was necessary. I've been more pleased with my decision for surgery than I ever imagined.

Does your insurance require a supervised diet pre-op? That's the only thing I can think of that would account for such a long delay. My surgery date was scheduled immediately following approval - no wait. My insurance required three months of a documented failed weight-loss attempt. I met that requirement already because BCBSRI paid for all my co-pays when I did Optifast four years ago.

Holiday was amazing! Weight loss a disaster! Not lost a lb since I set that target... the only bonus is that I haven't gained anything either! Having port trouble at the moment and need a reposition so that I can get a fill! Off to France next week again! Wish me luck!