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I've always managed to get to, or close to, the 60gr my program recommends. To go over by that much is a first. I'm going to try to keep it up. Maybe it'll help me keep up my steady weight loss through the winter. I would love to see a single digit size by the time it gets warm again. :-)

I'm heading in for appointment number 1 today. I've got my binder all ready to go. They are going to think I'm a nut. It has the notes I took during my information session via webinar; a calendar for the several date options I would like to consider based on my teaching schedule (April, May, July); my documentation proof of 6 months of supervised diets as required by my insurance; copies of recent blood work and EKGs from my recent gallbladder surgery; pages of stuff I've found on this site and most importantly my list of questions for today. I've been thinking about WLS since 2004 when my then 60 year old mother had her bypass. I was heavy, but not heavy enough. I can remember joking with my PCP about being more than capable of gaining a few more pounds to qualify. But at the time I was working for United Airlines and our insurance policy specifically excluded all kinds of WLS. So I never actually thought I would be walking into a surgeon's office for this discussion. I retired from United and gained 35 pounds over the 10 years- neither of which I thought would happen. I'm a life long dieter. Diet pills in high school when I weighed 140lbs; Weight Watchers in college dropping from 160 to 140; Jenny Craig, many attempts at WW, South Beach, Atkins and most recently Ideal Protein. I even took Redux in the FenFen era. I have really good BCBS insurance now. Unfortunately I pay a fortune for it because my husband lost his job and we pay cobra. But since the payment is as big as the mortgage, I figured I should take advantage of it while I have it. The requirements for approval are surprisingly few- Be 18, have a BMI of 40 or 35 with co-morbid conditions; complete a psychological examination and participate in either a 6 month structured diet program or 2 three month consecutive programs. I'm 48. My BMI is 42. I did WW for 7 months in 2013 and Ideal Protein via my cardiologist for 9 weeks. I take BP medicine, a low dose aspirin, and a nitrate to reduce chest pains caused by a totally blocked small artery in my heart. So with the exception of the pysch eval- I'm already done with my requirements. It was a comment during a snow storm this winter that was really my light bulb moment. My 17 year old and husband headed out to sled one day and my daughter made a comment that broke my heart- She said "Mom, have you ever gone sledding with us? I can't remember even one time" OUCH! The truth hurts. I haven't done anything with my kids over the last 10 years and now they are all grown up. (17 & 20) I don't think my daughter ever understood because she was very heavy but never slowed down. I think she just thought I didn't want to do anything with them. Breaks my heart and I need to change that by being active with them moving forward. I want the 4 of us to do a Mud run kind of thing or ride the roller coasters at Cedar Point with them. (side note: my daughter stayed on WW and lost 65lbs in 2013 unlike the hubby and I who weigh more now) I have enjoyed lurking on these boards for the past view weeks and look forward to taking the plunge with all of you. Happy Friday!!! Amy

Well it's been 3 months since my surgery. A lot has changed obviously. The sleeve is a great tool, it's worked wonders for me so far. It's allowed me to make clear decisions about my health and diet choices. I'm working out around 4-5 times a week (30min weight lifting and 20min of cardio). I feel like my mental state is returning to normal. Those first few weeks of caloric deficit really alter your mental state. I've had some ups and downs. I lost my brother I was close to on December 5th. He had diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. I was following his path in life. He was so proud of me for getting the surgery. He said I hope I can get it one day too. He died of a heart attack at the young age of 49. If I had not of had the surgery before they I would been in a completely different state now. I made it through the holidays. It was different not gorging on food,but honestly it felt so much better this way. I have clarity now I didn't have before. I enjoyed family more without focusing on food. Overall at work my mind is clearer and sharper. Just this week I returned to joking nature. I'm down about 70lbs. I would like to lose another 60. I start p90x next week and am looking forward to that. I tried to focus more on building muscle and not just losing weight. I feel so much better. See yall in 3 more months!

My first two weeks, I lost and then gained half of it back when I started mushies/softs.. I talked to my Dr and he gave me a fill early. (Early as in my 2 wk appt)

And I understand and would love to chat with ya too....I have been through everything you are about to go through. I am excited for you and I don't even know you. You are on an amazing journey. 6 months from now you could be at your goal weight.

It's very normal not to lose much if any during this period. My doctor told me to do the best I could, but not to be surprised if I gained. Weeks 2-5 after surgery I was up and down the same 3 pounds, actually was down 3 pounds when I went for my first fill. Hang in there, it will get better and you will see the scale move. This period before you get restriction (and it may take several fills to get there) is bandster hell for a reason. Just go by your doctor's directions re: portion size, food choices, etc, and it will pay off. It sounds as if you are doing great! Keep up the good work!

I had the surgery May 28th. I have been eating normal foods now for the last 3-4 weeks, and will get my first fill in 2 weeks. I can eat now like before surgery , except that I have to be very careful to chew and chew and not swallow anything to big as it is really uncomfortable when it gets stuck. This slows me down and I usually get tired of eating before my plate is empty. And my food gets cold! I started this process at 300 lbs a little over a year ago. I went into surgery at 285 lbs, partially from the 2 weeks of liquid diet prior to surgery required by my doctor. Another 2 weeks of mostly liquid diet and then mushies after surgery got me down to 277. I have been able to keep my weight to under 280, but was wondering if I should have lost more, or do most people gain weight before the first banding? One very positive about this process so far is that food has lost its attraction to me. All the work of being careful to eat only soft foods, and chewing it to death, and the anxiety of swallowing something not chewed enough and the ensuing pain almost makes you long for the liquid diet days, when everything was so simple.

After being single for more than 30 years, I've finally found a lady that likes hanging out with me. I haven't told her anything beyond the fact that I've lost a lot of weight and I have to limit how much of certain foods I eat. I've told her that I can't eat a whole bunch of anything if I want to keep the weight off. That seems to be enough info to share with her for now. When we go out, I told her right from the start that I would not be eating much and I was going out, not to eat, but to hang out with her and enjoy her conversation and company. But if you are going to be dating later in the year, that means you'll be further along in the healing process and will probably be able to eat much more than you can now. At 6 months, I was up to eating 1 cup of food per meal. I know that's isn't much, but it's more than 4 bites. As far as scars go, I'm going to try to make a joke of it by telling her that the big scar is where the alien popped out. If she laughs at that, then I'll feel comfortable telling her the rest of the story. But seriously, 4 out of 5 scars I have are faded and look like big freckles. The 5th one is very faded and in low light, very difficult to notice.

Also having some MAJOR rumbling grumbling like almost like I have to poop but I don't. I had 3 good sized BMs last night which have me good relief but I've had nothing but Water since I've been home (and liquid pain killer) so I can't really change my diet at all. Even though I don't have to go to the bathroom it's still keeping me awake because I'm scared ill go in my sleep. Starting weight 321- sleeve date 07/10/13 Sent from my iPhone using VST

Never thought I would need advice on underwear! I have really not been able to find underwear that are comfortable after my weight loss. I need to get something new since they are now way too big. My problem is I need something that will be sort of supporting to the hanging skin in my lower abdomen but aren't super thick. I am in Texas so it is still going to be hot for awhile. I have a support panty I wear over my undies with certain clothes but it gets crazy hot with the layers. I am lucky to not have a large apron but I still have enough of one you can see it in certain clothes. Can anyone recommend a good brand? Appreciate any suggestions!

I was sleeved on Wed. June 1st and got out on Thur. at about 4. I am doing really good. I feel good and have been able to get down the two required shakes today. I couldn't have asked for a better surgery. I think a lot of my good success is "attitude." I was determined it was going to be a good experience and it was. I credit a lot of my good feeling about it to this website. I have been reading it for the last 5 1/2 months and have read the good, the bad, and the ugly here. But I felt I was so well prepared by learning from everyone else's experiences. I'll have to update my ticker because I weighed in 41 lbs less on the pre-op diet. Now to get to walking. Many thanks to everyone on this site for all the great knowledge I have gained from this site.

Yes, very helpful, thanks! I need to find the OH maintenece forum, thanks for mentioning it. I agree totally about the soft 'slider' foods. I can eat soup, tuna or something like that, and sit and visit for a little while and eat a little more. I weigh or measure everything when we are home, and am 'snacking' on Peanut Butter string cheese, cottage cheese....stuff like that throughout the day to get my calories in. A couple of weekends ago we ate out all weekend and I gained 2.5 - three lbs....I was still below goal, but I didn't like it...I just didn't do my normal 'snacking' during the day on Monday and Tuesday and it was gone. It is shocking how quickly it can be gone again. Is it like that for you too? On the downside, if I FORGET to add in those extra calories I will quickly lose even more. You are way below goal, so I KNOW you KNOW what I'm talking about!! It can happen fast, I can see that. Thanks again...and I think the greens are good too!

Yet curious of the ppl in the 300 lb range age 21-27. What has been your progress? How much weight did you loose in what amount of time? Ex. 60lbs in 3 months. And how is your skin is far??

Any suggestions? Been out of town and driving for 5 days, and I am puffy! Of course had my 2 month follow-up Appt. yesterday morning and I was up, not down!! We talked about what I was eating, and she showed me the pitting from the edema. Overall she is pleased with my food log and appearance, but the scale was once again not my friend! Any suggestions for getting this Water weight gone?

We know all the side effects from painkillers( IBUPROFEN, TRAMADOL, ect) , they are hard on our bodies , After my banding my Doc OK'ED me to continue taking my pain meds ... Tell your Doc about your pain. I know what you are going through I have osteoarthristis my knees hurt bad without my med ...Happy to report that after even a small weightloss I have cut my med in half. I am expecting after I get more weight off the knees I will be able to stop taking my meds for pain. But now you must focus on your new eating habits not pain....... Just my opinion................Please consult your Doctor good luck

I hear you! I was like a 52 DDD before I started losing weight. I am not down to a 44DD to 48 DD, depending on the style of the bra. I am okay with them getting smaller but my husband is in a bit of morning. I think its mainly because he's worried that I will lose too much of them. I already told him that if I could get a breast reduction at the end of this process, I may look into it. It would be nice to feel a bit more proud of how they are shaped. But I admit that I am a bit worried that I will get real small after everything in the cup area. Being big busted has always been a part of my identity so it will be an adjustment if I do get smaller than a D in the end. I think it is a price I am willing to pay but it will take time to get used to! Becky

I don't know that there is a typical duration. Our bodies are so different and constantly changing through this process that there is no really predictable rate of weight loss. You may notice rapid physical changes when the scale isn't moving. Just follow your plan and stay off the scale if it is driving you crazy. http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Hello, I am having the same experience. I was banded 4/30 and have had two fills. I don't have any restriction. My last appt was 7/8/09 and he is out of town early Aug so my next fill appt isn't until the end of August. The only weight I've lost so far has been due to the preop diet. I put 5 lbs back on when returned to solid foods. Since then I bounce up and down 2-3 lbs. I have been at the same weight my last 2 appts. It is very frustrating. I certainly thought I'd see a little bit more in 3+ months time. I have also been discouraged by my doc office, who tells me to exercise and eat right. If I was able to do that would I have needed the band in the first place?

At face value it's because I lost 90 pounds over a looong three years, then stalled for a year despite trying my hardest to break the stall, and then after going on a 1200 calorie diet recommended by my doic I started *gaining* weight back. That was it. I had tried for so hard, and so long, and I feel like I gave losing weight 'on my own' my best attempt and I was sick. Sick of being fat, sick of being undesirable, sick of society not accepting me (my main motivation for losing weight at all, really), sick of chronic knee and back pain... Overall, I'm just over being fat and everything that comes along with it. I'm a big fan of fat acceptance and health at every size, but imo health includes mental health and at my size and my size-based self imposed prison, I was verging on tossing in the towel on life in general. I have a history of depression. I don't think losing weight will fix that by any means, but even though I'm only 5 weeks out I have no regrets and I'm so happy and so relieved that I finally went through with WLS after researching it and skirting around it for 8 or so years. Losing weight may not fix my mental perception of myself, but I'll be happy if it prevents a knee-replacement in the future.

Whats my motivation!!! I am tired of being fat point blank period!!! I am tired of working out and getting frustrated when I only see 10-15 pounds and give up t gain 30 back..I have clothes with the tag on them when I lost 40lbs but I gained 40+ back... I want to cross my legs.. I want to look down and see my vag jay jay..lol.. Without having to hold my stomach... I want to look sexy in panties and bras.. I don't want to be ashamed of my body... I want to work and wind m damn hips during sex and not be tired after 5..lol.. Sent from my iPad using VST

The following comment is based solely on my own personal experience with the sleeve. I feel for you. But my concern is that at your current weight I don't see how you wouldn't wind up with the sleeve post-op becoming terribly underweight. I'm 13 months post-op and have lost 95 pounds and am now below my goal and trying to stay here without losing more weight. The sleeve really, really limits how much you can eat at one time. And when you're "done," you can't just put on the weight loss skids when you want to. It has taken me 5 months since reaching my weight loss to get to the point where I can regularly eat 1600 - 1700 calories a day, which is my maintenance calorie budget. And getting here took significant planning and snacking (not grazing!). In the meantime, I've lost another 10 pounds -- which, as it turns out, I like sitting at. And then there's this: If you're one of the unlucky ones who has a WLS complication of some kind you won't have a big overweight buffer to tide you over while your body recovers from the complication. These are the obvious reasons that surgeons don't do RnY or sleeve or other permanent WLS on patients who aren't already very overweight or obese.

I had my surgery today at 11:30 and I am so shocked at how very little pain I have! No nausea right now, but I haven't started my clear liquids yet. I'm walking and pulling 3000 on the incentive spirometer. I really just had to share this because its pretty awesome!!! I guess I was expecting the worse. I'm 5'2 #215, SW 195#. I followed a preop diet of strict carb/starch restriction to lose my weight. The Dr said by detoxing from sugars and starches and caffeine before hand is probably why I'm doing so well.

Anyone else headed to TJ for Dr Ortiz this week? I was sleeved by him last November but have not lost any weight. Because I had a revision from a band he thinks I had too much scar tissue to get a small enough sleeve. So, I am going back. He said this is ony the 2nd time he has had this problem. and, NO cost to me.

My surgeon has a swimmer's build. I wouldn't trust a fat doctor no less a weight loss surgeon. Maybe it's a personal failing of mine, but I feel like people need to look the part. Mine was Dr. Menish Parikh in Bellevue Hospital in NYC--I haven't seen anyone else on here who went to him.

I was sleeved 2/20/2019. Nearing the one year mark! Obviously the weight loss has slowed down but I'm curious if anyone is still losing this far out? I started at 273 on the day of surgery and have gotten down to 181 but have been here for a couple months.