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OK, so I have a problem that is stressing me out like crazy!!! I put it in the success forum because my problem comes from my weight loss, which is a great thing. However, there is still a problem. I am getting married. The bridal salon said I had to order my dress over a month ago. I did. Luckily it came in early and it was huge so they sent it back and ordered another size down. It is a size 12 and is coming in this week. I stopped by the bridal shop to get my measurements again and my measurements are a solid size 10. So the dress that will be here this week is too big. There are still 2 months before my big day. I know I am going to exchange the 12 for a 10, but now I am freaking out wondering if I should order an 8?!?! I will be more than upset if it is too tight around my hips (that's the largest area on me). I will fit the 10 perfectly today, but I will likely lose another 10 pounds before my wedding day. I am seriously worried, but I know they can alter the size 10. I know this seems trivial in light of the weight loss - I am so happy about it!! But, I want to look good on my wedding day. Not to mention I feel bad for the shop even though I told them when I started that I physically can't stop losing weight and I don't know what size I will be in 2 weeks much less 12 weeks. I must say, though, Davids Bridal has been really fantastic about this. They allow exchanges and I am really testing that policy right now. STRESS!!!!!

I turned 49 on Sept 17 and my sleeve procedure was conducted on Sept. 18. I started out at 293 in April, 2012 when I started my surgeon's program. By the date of my sleeve, Sept. 18, I had lost down to 268. This morning when I weighed, Feb. 25, 2013, I am now at 208. Total lost is 85 lbs. Feeling great now and looking forward to future weight loss. My procedure went well and I have not had any problems (sickness) since the procedure. The day of surgery and the next couple of days were difficult. Nothing anyone can't handle with the future reward you'll have. I thank my surgeon everyday for giving me my life back! Feel great, energy has returned. Best of luck to you. You'll do and feel GREAT afterward.

New here..I'm waiting on the final insurance approval...I've done all 6 classes meet my weight loss goal and now just waiting. .does anyone know how long its takes insurance to approve? I'm ready to finish with my pre op as soon as I hear an approval...thank you

Congratulations on the weight loss and the perseverance! You mention calories several times, but nowhere do I see you mention protein. What is your protein target? Are you reaching it every day? I don't see a problem reducing your calories as long as you aren't also reducing your protein (which I think is a big mistake). Have you talked to your NUT about your goals and strategies for reaching those goals, especially now that you are exercising more?

Thanks for the support and input everyone. This has been the most horrific experience for me ever. I am not certain that I could bring myself to face another surgery ever. Even if it were to remove the band. Having almost died during the second one, I am terrified. As for my mental state, I have issues, you are right. They consume me at points but they have developed as a result of this. December of 2009 I weighed 326, and decided I was going to change my eating habits. I lost 22 lbs by February. I began taking martial arts classes 2 days a week at a very intense work out pace. I did this for 5 months advancing belts and living in total muscle pain. I gained weight the entire time I was in class. (Go figure) And getting punched in the port is not very pleasant. I quit class after 5 months due to financial reasons. I weighed in 2 weeks ago at 335 the wheels had come off the bus and I was out of control. I have been reeling it back in over 2 weeks now and controling my food intake. This morning I am 329. 6lbs loss in 2 weeks. Grilled chicken, salad, grilled veggies, wendys chili, and weight control oatmeal. No Bread, Pasta, junk, or sugar. The good news is, the doctors have made a ton of money placing a "tool" in me so I can have the same rollercoaster life I lived for the first 34 years of my life on my own with no "tools".

Obesity is a very complicated condition and is recognized by many in the medical field as a disease. An alcoholic who has been sober for 20 years is still considered an alcoholic. An obese person who has issues with food can still have those after weight loss. This article (from webmd) speaks about how hunger hormones can sabotage our dieting. And hunger is not all head hunger. While that many exist, I believe doctors use that term too often to blame the patient when the band isn't working as it should (despite following all the rules) Some Dieters Are Set Up to Regain Weight And I know many thin adults who eat all they want, don't exercise, and by their own admission have inherited thin genes and are lucky. So, not all thin people are these healthy eaters/exercisers.

Recently ive noticed my hair thinning and i can see a lot of my scalp! ahh i dont know what to do. does anyone have any recommendations or has this happened to anyone else?! what should i do!??!?!

I do work comp insurance, and I see people find out they have chondromalacia all the time. The doc always suggests weight loss will help, but ultimately the need an arthroscopic procedure you just go in there and clean it up. A lot of people seem to find relief with that surgery because it is not like a meniscus or acl repair.

I still have to disagree with you. There is a cure for obesity: lose weight. The basic definition of obesity or obese it being extremely overweight or having an extreme amount of excess body fat. How do you get rid of an extreme amount of excess body fat? You remove it. Once you remove it, you're cured of your excess body fat. Most of my family is overweight except my little sister. My little sister is 14 and in a size 4. I was probably in a size 20 at 14. My little sister doesn't eat a lot. I think she only eats when she's hungry. Yes, she does eat junk food, but she doesn't over eat it. For example, she she can have a cookie and be okay with it. However, if I eat a cookie I'll want another one and another one and another one. That is why I don't eat Cookies anymore. I think there is a lot of excuses that people make to justify their obesity. I use to weigh 327 pounds. I use to blame my family and my genes, but it was mostly my behavior. My genes didn't make me go to McDonalds and they certainly didn't make me eat 12 chocolate chip cookies. I believe I was already depressed before I ate those 12 cookies. Yes, depression does get worse with weight gain, but I do think it is a major cause of weight gain. (HOWEVER, depression can be a major cause of weight LOSS. Many people who become depress stop eating and lose weight. It's amazing...) It's all about attitude. If you think you won't ever get healthy or you aren't meant to be healthy (which is probably the stupidest thing I've ever herad) then you won't become healthy because you set yourself up for failure. Those "I can't" attitudes are what brings people to failure. Simply, people need to stop making excuses and do something like getting weight loss surgery, a therapist, a nutritionist, a doctor, etc. You CAN lose weight. It's about wanting to do it and realizing it's going to take awhile. You certainly didn't get this way overnight.

I so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs your way.

@@francheskii I couldn't agree more with Djmohr! We were taught at Mayo to have 3 meals and 2 high Protein Snacks every day. That's what I've done and at 5 months post-op it's working just fine. I'm never hungry and get an average of 120-125 grams of protein in every day while staying between 800-850 calories. I've included a page out of my "Nutritional Guidelines" book given to us which breaks down every stage of the diet. Hope it helps. Congrats and keep on your successful weight loss journey

I have a counselor who is my venting place. My family is supportive, but don't really understand. I have a friend going through her own weight loss journey, strict diet and exercise programs from her dr/Dietitian... she's been helpful and I am to her. But who are other people's support systems? Sent from my XT1650 using the BariatricPal App

Thank y'all!!! I am here in the office getting fluids! I will ask about that med! I am so happy with my weight loss but feeling bad is sucking right now!!!!!

I called my pcp to get my name changed and be sure the Doc that comes in signed my weight loss study records so I could send off to insurance, turns out their internet was down the only day he came in the past two weeks, so I have to wait 2 more weeks for him to sign anything! I'm starting to get really ancy bc I need to be approved before the end of September, otherwise I'll have to start doing appointments over again. ???????? Working with all of these doctors has been a nightmare. Not to mention my surgeons office didn't answer the phone today, they never answer the damn phone.... I'm starting to get really discouraged.... I've been working for a year to have surgery and it just keeps getting pushed back further and further away. Ready for a chance at really living! ❤️

Does anyone else have this problem? I still have to sleep elevated slightly, or I get reflux. Also, after I eat or drink, I get like a "bubble" in my chest right below my throat. It growls, but I can't burp. Normal? Freakish? Also, weight loss is definitely slower this time around...but I feel better than I did post band. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just did this. I put boneless chicken in with a mix of spagetti sauce, diced tomatoes, a few spices and shortened the cooking time to keep it from being too dry. Served my daughter's with angel hair. And i broke off a small piece of chicken for me. It was great. Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Summer Essence. I am in a similar boat as you- my highest weight was 236 (but that was the day I gave birth to my daughter 2 yrs ago). In the last year or so I have been between 200-215 lbs (before pregnancy I was 180lbs). I am at 210 now, I started my preop diet yesterday & am scheduled for VSG on Monday. My BMI is just under 35, but bc I am not a BMI of 40+ and I do not have any comorbidities, my insurance is not covering it. I am getting a hernia repair (covered by insurance) and they are doing the VSG same time, so I am only paying the difference, which is approx. $3,000 which is 100% worth it. I do find it strange that so many people on this site say they paid 20-30K on these surgeries. I asked for the break down itemization and even if my insurance did cover it, it would only be between $12-15K. I see that we are both from NY, where would you be having your surgery that they gave you a quote of $28K? I also was considering the balloon back in December and decided not to do it once my doctor stated that there is minimal long term success and they only usually assist with a small amount of weight loss.

I am almost 8 weeks post op, started walking immediately. It took a while to walk a mild but now I walk a mile ever other day. I was cleared for all exercise at 6 weeks but so far other that some toning using bands not taking to it. We have a gym membership ( I actually walk by the gym on some of my walks!) but I just don't like it... I just got a gold gym home gym. Lots of exercise putting it together. Paid $75.00 for it on Facebook, still in the box! Going to start alternating a toning day with a walking day. Hop my weight loss will sky rocket!

Your tummy was butchered so it's still very swollen. Reintroducing foods is a very sloooow process. Some people need to go slower than others so take your time with the soft foods. Remember Protein and hydration are crucial. Not only will you feel better but it promotes weight loss. You are experiencing the classic 3 week stall. Everyone raise your hand if you experienced it? Lol. I did. I think many many do. I didn't drop anything for about a week. Your tummy is resting and healing. It WILL start dropping again. As always though if you have any questions ask your surgeon/nut. They are the best guide to what is normal and what you should be concerned about. Hang in there! Hope you are feeling better soon

Hello Sperry....Dr. Groves done mine! I am in Huntsville. Great job on the weight loss... I get my 1st fill on the 23rd. But if I am correct from what I am reading you have to give the band a few days after a fill to be sure about if it is tight enough or not. You say you think yours is to tight..How are liquids going down?If you are having trouble swallowing then you might want to call the office. Maybe get a little taken out. Good luck. Let us know how things go, alright.

Hey everyone, just wanted to know if anyone knew of any great skin firming lotions or creams to prevent excess skin after or during weight loss?

Wow- well I have never lost a loved one, so I can only imagine how you feel and I am so sorry for your loss. I can only say that I know your mom is looking down on you from heaven just as proud of you as she was here on earth. And I know she can still even see the progress you continue to make and new goals you are setting for yourself. Take care- one day at a time

GOOD LUCK! How exciting. You do not need to be nervous, everything will go fine and you will be feeling really good about yourself in just a few short weeks. You'll be amazing at the weight loss you get right after surgery. The only irritant I had after surgery was the gas used during the surgery. That was a little painful but it went away within a few days. I'm so excited for you, Monday will start a wonderful journey for you and I know you will be successful. Don't be scared and GOOD LUCK!!

One of my oldest and dearest friends had VSG surgery on 12/17/13. He has been doing absolutely fabulous. In fact, I am a little jealous at his success because he has trounced me in weight loss. ( He started his pre op diet 12/3 and since that date he has lost 85lbs. I started dieting on my own 8/1 and total, including post op weight loss since 10/21 surgery date, I have lost 75lbs) Ok, granted he is male. And he had a lot more weight to lose. But I have to admit I am jealous as all can be too. I know I should not be. And when we speak I do not mention my stupid, irrational feelings. Yet there is one issue that has me absolutely baffled and even more upset. I am two months ahead of him. I was a guide (of sorts) to him early on. I would share my experiences and thoughts with him as he prepared to journey through things I recently had. But since his surgery we have very little contact. I keep track of him through his weekly Youtube blogs. I can't understand what happened. We had planned to be there and support each other as we did this. We had discussed sharing food as neither of us could eat much, didn't want weeks worth of leftovers, yet wanted to create new recipes for our new lifestyles. I bought him a Yonana machine for his birthday last August, preparing for his coming surgery. In the two months between my surgery and his something happened, but what it was I don't know. Shortly after I had my surgery he sort of disappeared. I was not hearing from him and would have to reach out to him several times before we would actually connect. When he was struggling through the early stages of his pre op diet I tried to be as supportive as I could. I encouraged him and did all I could to be the friend he needed. Then he had his surgery. After that he shut down, at least towards me. During his recovery he was too tired or not feeling well and didn't want to chat. As he healed he continued the distance. He speaks about reconnecting with all his old friends on his video blogs, yet I am being left behind. I am not sure what the reason is. Maybe it is because I am his former fat friend, from his former fat life. Maybe he feels our friendship is toxic for his newfound healthier lifestyle. Yet I have changed too, I am not the fat friend I once was. I am the friend who has been there through many major life events with him. I held his had at his dad's funeral. I held his hand as he went through a fight with cancer. ( and came out of completely in remission) I accepted and supported him when he came out, even as he struggled with his family to accept. We have been through thick and thin together, literally. Yet now, when we were both at a place where support is critical and we are both on the same page....He has gone. Maybe I was expecting too much from him, I don't know. All I know is it really hurts me deeply that he is wanting to move on with his life so entirely while our friendship is being pushed aside. I truly thought both of us having the sleeve surgery would only ingrain our long time friendship that much deeper, but it appears I was wrong. Watching him from the sidelines is becoming hard to do. How do I celebrate my friend's success when it has meant our friendship is suffering?

Does anyone know of any clothing patterns designed for weight loss? I'm thinking, maybe pants with multiple buttons at the waist so you can adjust the waist size by which button you fasten, like how you can adjust a belt. With maybe a matching vest with some sort of button adjustment on the back too, so as you shrink the clothing shrinks. I would think someone could design a pattern like this that would take you through maybe 3 clothing sizes at a time before needing to purchase new clothing. Does anyone have any ideas of how to stretch your clothing budget?