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Have You Ever Had a Situation in Your Life When You Wanted To Do Something But, People Try To Make You Think Their Way is Correct; buy a home, get a new career, leave your husband or wife, go back to school, loose weight their way,start your own career, buy a car, Spend your money, have a child, think your bosses way is correct, when he or she is not or what ever it is!! And people can't figure out why you won't listen!! John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:05 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice. Love You!! Happy Thursday!!

Hello, I have finally decided that I NEED the gastric sleeve after a lifetime of dieting...getting to my goal weight and then putting it all back on again! A workmate and his wife, who had the proceedure were kind enough to share their experiences with me. I have taken the bull by the horns and decided on my surgeon and have now commenced the pre surgery process. My surgeon doesn't have any free appointments for a first visit until September this year!! What does that tell you about the obesity epidemic LOL. So I am now just getting things done so if he has a cancellation I am well placed. It's hard waiting now I have made the decision...I want it NOW, but I am also a little scared and hope everything turns out well.

Most of the folks closest to me know that I've had the sleeve surgery so they know I will be eating much less at meal times, and that my husband and I now share a plate when we go out to eat. When others who don't know about my surgery comment on my weight loss, if it's a compliment, I simply say "thank you" and don't feel the need to go into any further detail. If they comment about how little I'm eating or drinking, I simply say I've changed my eating habits. I'm not rude about any of it. And some folks who don't already know I will sometimes simply say I had to have surgery because of various health issues. It all depends on who I'm talking with as to how much information I feel like sharing. I'm not ashamed of having the surgery so I'm not trying to hide that fact; I just don't feel compelled to explain to everyone I meet who notices the significant weight lose how I lost the weight.

So I'm not off the rails by any means, but struggling to get even a few lbs off. I'm 2 yrs & 8 months post VSG. And 4 months post LBL. Up until my LBL I'd consistently maintained a 130 lbs weight loss. Maintaining that loss was not without effort. My diet in check, track everything I eat, exercise 6 days a week. Immediately after LBL I feel like a switch got flipped. My weight bounced around a bit with the expected weight loss with my skin removal (which was minor as it truly was just skin being removed) and then the expected gain with swelling and of course lack of activity while I recovered. Nothing that concerned me. But now I'm up 7 lbs and I can't seem to shake it. I've locked down my eating, increased my water intake, I've been back to previous amount of cardio for over two months, I'm keeping a tight control on sugar and carbs which is much harder these days, getting in all my protein and still the scale isn't moving. It's like my body is intent on holding onto the extra weight. What gives!!!! I feel like if my calorie intake goes above 1,000 a day, I gain weight which is crazy. I was able to maintain eating 1200-1400 a day before. I know it's just 7 lbs, but 7 becomes 10. And fear of returning to old habits and regaining weight is always top of mind with me. I'm sure I'm not alone. Hoping this is just part of the recovery.

To shape my body while losing weight . I got my sleeve 2014 and I didn't lose weight. This time im optimistic that I'll lose weight . Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

I don't know who all Diane may have contacted, but I heard from her today. She has successfully gotten through 2 surgeries to the brain and is recuperating in San Franciso where the work was done. She will be returning home on 9/9. She is doing very well. Because she has been on steroids during all of this, her weight loss has been put on hold, but she has a wonderful attitude and is going to do just fine. Just wanted to let those of you know who might have been wondering.

Love how you post in the Mens Room and get mostly female answers? Upper GI endoscopy is probably the test. (The tool is an endoscope, the procedure is endoscopy, and upper GI is where they're going.) You'll most likely be in twilight sleep for it, and completely unaware - or maybe slightly aware. I can remember being wheeled into the room. I remember them telling me "We're going to stick this in your mouth" and it looking like a big beige Tylenol with a hole in it (they thread the camera through it), but I don't remember it going in my mouth. I also remember them telling me they were going to spray the stuff that numbs the throat (limits gag reflex) but I don't remember tasting it or anything. I just remember these things as snapshots after the fact. It's truly no where near as horrible as I expected it to be. Usually insurance companies are wanting "documented" weightloss attempts (e.g. those mentioned before, for which you would have a receipt, or log, or weigh-ins, or could somehow verify you really did it). But not always. Write down anything you can think of: what you did, what you lost, etc. In my documentation for my first bariatric surgery (lapband) I included a crazy, but successful diet I did ~1995 where I ate whatever I wanted but no more than 10gm of fat a day. I also documented my Atkins diet attempt, for which I printed out logs I'd kept on an Atkind diet messageboard. DcMak72 - it indeed will be here like *that*. Use the time to get your preparations done - find a few Protein powders you like, start making the behavioral changes you'll need post-op (e.g. chewing everything to goo - breaking bad chewing behaviors is harder than it seems it would be), if you don't yet start ensuring you're taking in 64 oz of Water a day, at least -- if you're going high protein use 64 oz as your base, and add 8 oz for every 25 lbs of weight you need to lose. I had to wait about 6 mos between my band removal and my sleeve (insurance fiasco), and about 1.5 mos between being scheduled and surgery date. At the time it seemed impossibly long, but overall it flew by. Best of luck!

I was the same way Mona. After I graduated from college, I dedicated my life to working out. I went from 220 to 170, however I had also been on phentermine as prescribed by my old(slave to the drug company) doctor. Low and behold, I had to have surgery (unrelated) and in recovery they could not get my heart down to a normal beat. It scared my so bad I was off for good...ballooned back up and past my first highest weight. Oh and PhotoNut..I hear you. I plan on getting back to the gym and getting a head start, but I AM going to treat myself on the cruise. It was preplanned, surgery or not. I will get it together though...just to make myself feel good :-D

I am new to this site, I am hoping that I will gain the support that I have seen many others gain here. So far I am encourage through what I am seeing from others. I will be attending a seminar on Sept 22,2012 which I guess is the first step to this journey. I am so excited about this life change and upsetthat arrived to the first seminar that I had scheduled late and they would not let me enter. But I am 26 years old weghing 268 and stand 5'5". I normally wear like a 14-16. I am just simply tired of being over weight. Please share you ensight with me

Date Printed: January 5, 2007: 10:48 PM Supplemental Letter for January 9, 2007 January 3, 2007 Dear Review Panel: Presented to you for review is my case for a gastric procedure known as a laproscopic banding procedure or "Lap-Band". In a lower review, BCBSFL did not dispute that I meet the criteria for the Lap-Band procedure. There is no dispute that I would benefit from weight loss surgery and there is no dispute that losing weight would be beneficial to my health. At issue is the coverage of this surgery and the exception I am requesting for this exclusion. Ironically, I received a phone call a few weeks ago from BCBSFL's new Diagnostics Program that offers support to wellness. Through this program, I gained beneficial information in the form of a booklet, catalog and DVD on the very weight loss surgery I am requesting. There is evidence in my medical records that I have tried for years multiple weight loss regimens and used pharmacotherapy for obesity under the supervision of my physician, Dr. Alan Sichelman. For my mental state, it is documented by my therapist, Jane Fenby, that I have a full understanding of what this procedure entails and that it will be a lifetime commitment on my part. There is no indication that I am unstable, misinformed with perceptions of unrealistic expectations; Rather so, that I have pursued this avenue under the direction of my primary care physician and other medical personnel, with cooperation, information and education; That I am laying the course for my surgical event and post surgical life by the compass of these individuals and their combined medical expertise demonstrates I am an individual who very much wishes to be healed. Unquestionably, I am ill and feel I am fighting for my life. As a result of my severe morbid obesity, I suffer from sleep apnea, diabetes, depression, back problems, joint pain, hypertension, migraines, Pictures will show my condition and the severity of my obesity. It is true that my life is endangered. This procedure will prevent the worsening of my condition, alleviate present harmful medical conditions and perhaps cure them. It is the conclusion of my physican(s) and myself that I am in need of this operation. Please authorize my surgery. Additional: As providers of health care coverage, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has historically authorized weight loss surgery. Currently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina cut in half hospital re-admissions "by the twelve surgeons in North Carolina that are designated as centers of excellence for bariatric (obesity) surgery." Additionally, BCBSNC was one of the first insurers in the nation to officially recognize centers of excellence for bariatric surgery. Illinois also follows this model as well as South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan and several other states. In recent publications in the Tampa Bay area, BCBSFL appears to be using bariatric surgery denials as a financial decision rather than one in the best interest of patient care. I must express my concern that with sufficient evidence from their medical providers and informed decisions with which they move forward, it is very troubling that patient/physician decisions of health necessity are disrupted, ignored and denied, superceded by a focus on cost. It is hoped that Florida will soon follow the successful excellence practice as established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in other states. Patricia Reeves

Thank you guys! I'm just worried about getting the 2 years of my weight history becuz my bmi was lower then what it is now... I don't understand how they gave me a surgery date but didnt submit anything to my insurance yet... I'm just stressing myself out... Will they deny me if my weight was lower 2 years ago?

My doc said no pre op diet either. he just said dont gain any weight, but if you lose a few lbs thats fine. i lost 5 lbs preop.

Good hello, Just wanted to introduce myself. I had the gastric sleeve surgery on Monday. I'm in bed, sore, but positive & looking forward to this new way of life! Becoming the very best version of myself. My heighest weight: 265lbs Day of surgery: 251lbs Current weight: 248lbs Goal : 150lbs Attached is a pic of me the morning of surgery. Excited to have some comparison pics in the next month or 2! Sent from my SM-F916U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am getting excited and nervous as March 10th gets closer and closer. I've lost 28 lbs so far (Since January 16) and have about 2.5 more weeks of liquids before surgery. I'm drinking New whey Protein bullets (mixed with about 20 oz of Water. I like the fruit punch and "blue" raspberry. None of the New Whey Proteins end up the color you'd think they'd be. I also drink some ensure and Soups. I am 37 years old, 5'10" starting weight was 378 current weight (depending on the scale is between 345-350).

Your welcome Staci... I'm so glad my family doctor suggested he take my measurements every month... this kept me motivated and I found maintenance to be fairly easy... I don't find myself getting as stressed like I did when I lost weight in the past and weighed myself everyday.

Wish me luck....I'm going tomorrow for my consultation. I've already done the seminar & it's my 1st meeting with the doctor. I have all my doctor letters to bring with weights & diets. Please cross your fingers for me that all goes well & the surgery is soon!! :thumbdown:

I had my surgery on 10/8 3 1/2 weeks out. My highest weight 238, surgery weight 230. Current weight 220. I seem to be loosing about 2.5 lbs per week so far. It seems like I would loose more with as little as I'm eating but I have always been a very slow looser. Although I never could loose like this in one week. It would take me twice as long, & starving at the same time. I have just a slight feeling of hunger when I haven't ate in 5 hrs. I have no trouble eating anything, but keep the amounts only at 1/2 cup at a time 2x a day. I have a Protein shake with fat free milk in the morning. I'm walking everyday but for only 30min. I feel great, getting energy back & no pain. I still have a little bloating & have to add miralax every other day to my Water to keep things moving. I get at least 60g of protein a day & 64oz of water. Hopefully I'm doing everything right!!

It could be that your husband sees you every day so it's a little harder to notice. That's one thing about diets/losing weight in the past, it was too hard for people i was around all the time to notice unless I didn't see them for a few days. Just know the scale is moving and you are losing. I would also recommend taking measurements with a measuring tape because that will clarify your loss there too. My surgery was 10/23 and I'm still having a little left over pain in my abdomen, I only need pain meds at the end of the day when I've done a lot of walking, which i have been doing the last 4 days. I haven't had any dumping but my Protein drink made me really sick the one time I had it, so i know im not getting my protein in. I start lunch meats tomorrow so I'm hoping to start making up a little of the protein. I even had a sweet tea (with very light sugar) 2 days in a row to help with my fluids and i was okay. What did you dump on? Congrats on the weight loss, that's pretty awesome. I was 353 on surgery day so we aren't too far from each other.

Hello! Just curious what people who are in this longggggg waiting period are doing to prepare. I have successfully started eating smaller, more frequent meals, am going to the gym about 4 days/week, not drinking calories, reducing sugar intake, and not eating out at restaurants. I am also starting to take Vitamins daily. However, I really need to work on getting in my 8 glasses of Water per day and weight training (I am only doing cardio right now). My surgeon's office doesn't put people on a specific diet but just focus on making small changes every couple weeks. I haven't lost any weight but I feel like eventually these changes are bound to pay off and it is a nice change to not be on a "diet" for once in my life because it gives me a chance to work on some less than healthy behaviors I have developed over the years. What is everyone else doing?

Hi! I am new to the band this website too. I was banded April 7th and was becoming really doubtful right before my surgery. In my opinion, there are many more GOOD stories than bad ones. I've only had my band for 10 days but personally-it has really helped me lose weight. I have not been "filled yet" but for some reason (whether it is mental or not) I have had restriction. I am on a 2 week liquid diet post-op and so far I have lost 19 pounds and 45 pounds total! A lot of it is willpower but I think that knowing you have a "tool" really helps.

Hi everyone, just wondering if there was anyone near me who fancied getting together to just have a laugh and gove support. I am in need of a buddy to keep me going and feel a bit lonesome!! Xmas was tough but I didn't put on anything but my weight loss has slowed right down. Going for another fill next week hopefully I will find that sweet spot! If anyone else want a buddy get in touch!!

Hiiiiiiii!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR DOUBLE VEES! Yes, we have all been off and running doing this and that - as for me I am back to posting. I've been away far too long and I do believe that adversly affected my goals and weight loss. It was so nice having a special forum here for those starting the road at the same time as me. This New Year has brought on me a whole new strength within, and I am going to try my very hardest to let this be the year I see my goal! We can do it! ...and most importantly - Congratulations to all our successes so far!

Parvathi, So did you gain all your weight back because of the slippage or was it something else? I gained all mine back too but I only lost weight prior to being banded when they put me on the liquid diet for about a month. So technically I haven't lost weight on the band yet, well all but two pounds I haven't gained back yet! I was banded August 2008. brandyII.

Is there a chance without all the extra weight your knees will get better?