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Good luck with your pre-surgery loss and your procedure on the 14th. The liquid diet is harder today than it was yesterday. UGH! I know it will be worth it.... Good luck and God bless!

Thanks for replies. I have confided in my aunt who has had gastric weight loss surgery. I am really shy when it comes to personal issues/problems so I usually just figure them out on my own without involving family becuase they tend to make a bigger deal out of what it really is. She said she is happy to see me do this she was planning on talking to me about it. I told her my situation and asked her if she could help me save and while she said she would'nt be able to co-sign at this time she knows a doctor where I can get it below 9000 in dallas. SHe is a nurse director and has connections. So in the end I am glad I asked for help from her know I just have to save up enough money and get it down as soon as I finish saving....Thanks Lots.:thumbup:

Can you feel the device once it's in? NO NOT AT ALL Any complications at all? NONE Ladies: Can you take birth control afterwards? YES I DO Sex: When can you start up again, and is it safe...? MY DOCTOR SAID WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE IT BUT NOT IN THE HOSPITAL!!! Did you experience a lot of vomiting? JUST ONCE WHEN I GOT A PIECE OF pizza STUCK Will you ever be able to eat food? YES YOU JUST HAVE TO EAT SMALL BITES AND CHEW AND CHEW AND CHEW Right after surgery, what did they give you for nourishment? I WAS ON LIQUIDS FOR 48 HOURS AND THEN 4 WEEKS OF MUSHIES, BUT EVERY DOCTOR IS DIFFERENT How much weight did you lose within the first month? I know it's slow and healthy weight loss, but do you feel like it goes quickly? I LOST ABOUT 9 LBS RIGHT AFTER SURGERY THEN 2 LBS A WEEK SO FAR Any change in emotions? THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS I JUST HAD SOME MINOR PAIN THAT THE MEDS HELPED WITH. I WALKED EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR ABOUT 20 - 30 MINUTES FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS SO I DID NOT HAVE GAS PROBLEMS A LIKE SOME PEOPLE DO. I WOULD WAKE UP AND THINK I MUST HAVE DREAMED THAT I HAD THE SURGERY AND HAD TO LOOK AT MY SCARS TO BE SURE. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I HAVE DONE FOR MYSELF. YOU MIGHT HAVE TO DEAL WITH SOME EMOTIONAL THINGS IF YOU USE FOOD FOR COMFORT LIKE I DID. BUT IT IS WORTH GIVING UP ANY BITE FOOD FOR THE RESULTS YOU GET IN RETURN. Good luck to you! Hope you make the right choice for you.

A lady that I work with that had the bypass done looks greyish and chalky. She is very pale skinned. She does not follow her diet. She does not take vitamins. She lives on twisslers and diet soda. Her hair is horrible too. She is sick all the time and a little mental too. Moral of the story is eat your protein and take your vitamins and not to be stupid.

thanks your very inspiring... i will be in for 2 days min.. i guess its just hard lossing the things u love

Thanks for the info! And congrats on your awesome weight loss!!! I haven't had any problems with the eggs so far. I had some again for dinner last night. I won't have a fill for another two weeks, I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I don't scramble my eggs until they dry out, and I like to put about a tablespoon of ketchup in them... maybe that's what has kept me from having a PB with them.

Today is my one year Bandiversary :biggrin: I am down 72 pounds. I so wanted to be down 75 by today, but I am happy with the 72. I still have a long way to go, and wish I was one of those people who could say I've lost 100 something in a year... but I will just have to work harder to get there. Looking back on this year.... When I get down about my (in my mind) not fast enough weight loss I sometimes wish I had gone another route (bypass)..... but even while I have these thoughts, I know the band was the right choice for me. Do I regret being banded... never!!!! Any advice to newbies?? E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E I do regret I did not exercise at the beginning. I had some post op complications that made me quite miserable, but I wish I had pushed myself a bit more. I lost 40+ pounds just sitting in my recliner all day/every day. I imaging how much I would have lost had I actually moved around those first few months. I let myself lose focus for a while (3 month plateaus when you are doing everything right can do that to you) :thumbup: In the last month or so I have recommited to my band (I was never too far of the reservation...just not as careful as I could have/should have been) I am watchng what I eat... making better choices. I am also getting more moving in (I hate to call it exercise... that sounds like work :glare:) I will get there... it is just taking a bit longer than I had hoped and planned. __________________

If you had asked me this question the 1st week after surgery I would have said it was the worst decision I've ever mad in my life!! Today..THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE!!! The things I would change.... Not comparing myself and my weight loss to anyone else-VERY self sabotaging!! Would have done it 3 years sooner!!! Other than that..NOTHING!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND!!!

Absolutely would do it again! The first few days are difficult but bearable. Yes you're uncomfortable- the pressure from swellling & gas pain. If you have hernia repair which it seems about half of us on here have, the discomfort is more. But its a surgery- its inevitable to be uncomfortable. Are you in agony and brought to tears by it? Far from it. At least for me. I took liquid loritab (yes ofcourse all ur meds should either be liquid or you need to buy a pill crusher ($4 at walmart!). A crushed pill can be put over a tablespoon of something flavorful to avoid the taste. (Protein shake or juice) That's this nurses trick! =) For me cutting out rice & bread during pre op dieting helped curb the withdrawls during post op diet. I always loved carbs but I haven't had it for so long it doesn't bother me. Same goes for soda! Be prepared at home pre op. Have your supply of broths, Protein drinks, crystal light, v8splash light (good way to get your veggie/fruits in!), gasX strips, heat pad, and the help of a friend or family member that you're comfortable with & can depend on. You will need help the first 24hrs- you will be out of it immediately post op til the anesethesia wears off. You may even need help getting on/off the toilet. (Bending hurts!!) You should know you will be passing a lot of gas due to the co2 used during surgery... so if you're like me & don't like tooting in front of the bf- warn him!!haha =) If you live with ppl make sure they understand the process- it will help them be more supportive. I emptied my kitchen of temptation before the pre op diet- chocolate syrup, Cookies & all fatty condiments. My bf now eats light or fat free everything bc its all we have & its really not that different. You can't eat what isn't there. I recommend having a special day to weigh in and otherwise keep your scale put away. With the swelling & gas the first weeks your wt will fluctuate & it may throw you off your game if you don't necessarily see results daily. Keep in mind it takes 2-3 days to lose a single pound depending on your basal metabolic rate. (A deficit of 3500calories is equivilant to 1lb loss). Beware of bandster hell! You may take a while to find your sweet spot of restriction. I personally felt restriction from day 1 but from what I've read that's not common. Be prepared to use self control & will power for a while. Don't expect immediate rapid weight loss. People that expect to lose a lot immediately tend to have post op regret/depression. And for many of us depression leads to comfort eating. Excercise!! Lack of calories slows the metabolism so keep your body moving to keep it up & you can keep losing! Remember the band is a tool you have to do your part. Make smart food choices, do NOT drink with meals & do not eat or drink a lot of empty calories. And finally find & keep a support group! Accountability is essential for me. I tell certain people my losses & my slip ups. And if I slip I forgive myself & make a plan how not to do it again. Don't be too hard on yourself this is a learning process. Other bandsters will know exactly wat ur goin through & how you feel. The best ppl to advise you are those who have been there. Stay positive & inspired. You can do this!

My doctor required a 3 week pre-op diet as well as a required weight loss before surgery.

Hi Elizabeth, I was wondering how you are feeling 17 days post op? I hope everything is going well. Your weight loss is great. Also, when did you go back to work after surgery? Thanks Paula

Hi there! Over the past few weeks I have decided to go ahead and move forward with the sleeve. I have considered weight loss surgery in the past, but due to insurance issues and my general dislike of the risks associated with an RNY, I did not proceed. I am happy to say I feel the sleeve is the perfect tool for me. I have done a lot of research and read about the good and the bad. I have chosen a surgeon, starting working on insurance approval, and working through my pre-op. I know this process is going to be a challenge and I am so grateful that this website exists, and is full of people willing to help! As I progress through this process, I wanted to find a sleeve buddy. I'd prefer to find someone around my age. If you read this and think your interested let me know!!! Thanks!

Hi Fabulous....Im not banded yet either but i met with my surgeon and have just finished all my pre-op testing AND 6 month supervised diet with my PCP. It seems like many insurance companies require this...for different reasons as a requirement for possible approval. Basically, you need to visit your PCP to be weighed in by your DOCTOR and discuss/implement a weight loss program and exercise program. I pretty much maintained my weight during the 6 months (up and down a pound or two here and there). My surgeon's office gave me a form that the doctor had to fill out each of the 6 months that will be submitted to the insurance company with the tons of other reports from all of the testing that I had to go thru. Hope that helps....good luck...it does seem like a lot to go through...i'm just trying to focus on the end goal of getting banded. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the insurance company unless you self-pay....i've jumped thru all of the hoops and within the next week or two will have all my stuff submitted and i hope and pray, like many others before me, that i will receive insurance approval without any problems... ...good luck!

WTG Sue on your awesome weight loss! You're an inspiration of newbies like me.

Tell work only what they need to know! The nerves go away with the weight loss. Good luck,nice to have your own built in coach, just don't angry at her, worst comes to worst,come back her and we will help!

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Hi Steve. Congrats on your weight loss. I have had a hard time not drinking when I eat. It is a hard habit to break but I keep working on it. Donna

You should definitely be trying to build or maintain your muscle during "losing" -- you'll have lots of extra skin if you don't -- more than likely there'd be loose skin with such a big weight loss anyway - but w/out weight training it will be even more -- it helps your body work for itself and burn calories even when you're not exercising. If the stomach is still fat & not loose skin - have patience - it will eventually fall off. Good Luck!

I was able to join curves when I was 3 weeks post-op. I did though need a note from my dr. I agree with what everyone says about curves- it only works as well as your motivation. I have been going for almost 1 year and I have to say I am getting bored. But i also went from a size 28 to an 18 and it's not just weight loss I've only lost about 50 lbs. Curves is really helping with firming and i'm getting much stronger. Also at the center I go to you don't have to join for a year they do have month to month-it costs a bit more but at least your not locked in. Also the new curves smart program is much better as momcof3 says you really can see the results and work out accordingly. So yes I would recommend curves but like any exercise program it can get monotonous.

First, congrats! A number of ladies experience increased fertility with weight loss, despite how much we hate it when our docs tell us weight is a factor or no matter how many times we've been told we have a number of female issues. Somehow, with the weight loss, the body gets back on track and it surprises a lot of ladies. As you can see from all of the surprise pregnancy posts you'll find here! I was two years out when I got pregnant but still had a very limited capacity. I could eat one scrambled egg with cheese and one turkey sausage link in a meal and feel stuffed. As my pregnancy has progressed my capacity has increased as well as my appetite, so while it's still a bit of a challenge to consume enough, I'm doing alright. My situation was complicated by nausea. If I ate any meat, I'd get sick. I'm already lactose intolerant and while it's supposed to improve during pregnancy mine got worse - to the point where putting a tiny bit of butter on toast would make me ill. My Protein shakes were totally off limits for several months, too. So I really do understand the concerns you're having. The solution is to go back to the way things were in the beginning, when you forced yourself to eat around the clock to hit a nutritional goal. It means choosing your meals carefully so that you can get a well balanced meal in a tiny portion. It also means trying your darnedest to get back on those shakes and make them stick. I have been able to drink mine again for the last few weeks and I feel MUCH better and have more energy since I was able to do that. And I really can eat more in a sitting now. Your stomach should relax as you get further along and the hormones are really increased. That helps a lot. When you say your stomach hurts are you talking about cramping and nausea? Is it hurting after dairy? I first developed lactose intolerance with my twin pregnancy and the first clue was really uncomfortable stomach cramping after anything dairy based. I would definitely bring this, and the fact that you've had WLS to your OB's attention ASAP. I am on two different prenatals, additional Calcium, B12 shots and a special Iron supplement to keep my levels up. I am only just now, five months in, getting enough nutrition that my labs come back in good shape. While it's been a particular challenge for me, try your hardest to shelve concerns about weight gain. I was so freaked out a few months ago because I had already put on seventeen pounds. But here I am, 24.5 weeks out and I'm only up 15 pounds - somewhere along the way I lost a couple of pounds. And it's all baby (okay...baby and boobs, but I'm not complaining about that part!) and I really do realize that I'm going to do just fine losing this weight afterward. The biggest concern is making sure the baby is getting enough, and you sound like you're already working to help this issue. My doc told me and I believe it - the baby will suck every bit of energy and nutrition from my body and leave me tired, nauseated and run down before it will go without. So if you're at least trying, even when it's not easy, you should do just fine. So, try the shakes again. Try to set a timer to eat small, regular, protein and calcium rich meals. Eat as much of what you're able to eat as you can, within reason, of course. Foods that are really good for protein, besides meat are lentils (lentil Soup saved me when I couldn't eat any meat a few months ago), cottage cheese, seitan (if you like it), and of course Beans always help, too. Good luck, ~Cheri

I would have thought that the shakes would have been good for you. High in Vitamins and minerals as well as Protein. You don't want them for weight loss, but for nutrient boosting. I would make an appointment with your Obgyn ASAP and aske them for a referral to a pregnancy nutritionist. Good luck, and congratulations. Also, make sure you are taking a pregnancy Vitamin including folate.

So Happy For you!!!!!! I am so jealous! I am down 35 pounds and am still in same clothes and size! guess I was stuffing myself into those 18/20.LOL I think I am bordering on dropping a size and need about 10 pounds to go! This is why no one has noticed any weight loss I guess since I am in the same old outfits!!!! Keep it up. The day I can't shop in the Avenue will be a very happy day for me!! Hate that store!

Hey Kimmie I Was Banned On 9/5/07. Doing Great Iv'e Lost 20lbs. I Haven't Weighted In Almost A Week So It May Be More. Wanted To Warn You About Cravings. I Had Them Really Bad Around Week Three. Now They Are Pretty Much Gone. This Will Be Easier Than I Thought!!! Congrats On Your Weight Loss. I Celebrate Every Pound. I Am Also A Bariatric Nurse So If You Have Any Questions Feel Free To Ask. Good Luck And God Bless!!!!!

Good for you! Keep pushing...it took me a year to get approved. This included the 6 month pre op with primary care and constant calling to the dr's office. One year - a totally frustrating difficult year. So hang in there and be prepared it is going to take more time to get to know the band, work with it and get to where you feel comfortable with yourself again. I'm not there yet bc I'm only at a 51 lb weightloss in 6 months and can barely notice the loss. Hang in there and keep pushing!

I love hearing that my child is not the only one who does crazy things!! My 9 year old son decide to give himself a reverse mohawk last week, The only problem is he used the dog's face clippers, they are about 2 inches wide, and started right in the front, whe he got about 3 inches back, shaved right to the scalp, the clippers got stuck in hi shair so he had to go get help from big sister. She was laughing so hard she could barely get them out of his hair!!! Now he has a 2x3 inch bald spot right smack dab in the front!!! Arent kids fun???