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I'm new here! My name is Kassie. I'm a 33 year old housewife and mother. I've been overweight most of my life, and have been considering different forms of WLS over the years, but have never had the courage to finally step up and ask a doctor's advice. Yes, I've been labeled morbidly obese. Yes, they've told me to lose weight to improve my overall health and eliminate my high BP and pre-diabetes. Never, however, have they recommended WLS. That's been a bit frustrating... part of me wishes one would just recommend it. I think I could maneuver through the journey easier that way! The fact is, I've known lots of people that have undergone WLS and had great success. Unfortunately, my parents have known a few that have not done so well... they've known a few that have died or gamed the system and gotten surgery without real necessity... so the stigma of those few failure stories have haunted my parents. Yes, I'm a grown woman... but I also care an awful lot about what they'll think. I live in Maryland now and they're in Texas, so I could conceivably "hide" the fact that I got the surgery, but... I'm a weenie. I don't like lying. I look forward to the information and encouragement offered here, and appreciate any and all advice you can bestow upon me!

Hi everyone, I am so happy to have found this website. The others seem more dedicated to the RnY WLS and I had the sleeve done exactly 1 week ago. I weighed 256 pounds prior to the surgery, down from about 300 at my highest. I had been hovering around 250 for the past 8 years. Anyway, I had Kaiser Insurance and they have a program that is extremely rigourous. First, you have to prove that you have tried all other weight loss options. You need solid proof, like your Weight Watchers log or documentation that is extensive. Once you pass that hurdle you wait to go into a class that lasts 6 months! You go once a week for 2 hours for 6 months where you learn about the surgery, nutrition, hear success stories. If you miss a class, you MUST make it up. If you miss 3, you are out of the program. After finishing the 6 month class, you are evaluated. If, during the 6 months, you have lost 10% of your weight (in my case, 26 pounds) then you go to the next step. I did not lost the 10 % and, in fact, only lost about 3 pounds in 6 months (so depressing) so I was referred back to the Dr. for another consultation. After being approved by him, it's on to a gall bladder scan and a fitness test. With Kaiser, you have to wait 3 months for a gall bladder scan (very frustrating). The exercise fitness test consisted of walking three times around a rather small building. This was the easy part for me because I go to the gym several times a week, love to exercise but for whatever reason, my exercise did not lead to weight lost, only maintenence of 250 pounds. After the fitness test and gall bladder scan, you are assinged a series of three appointments. One is for the shrink, who spends about 20 minutes making sure you are sane, then the nutritionist who gives you the same information you have gotten in the class and finally, a consult with the surgeon where you decide which of the three surgeries you are going to have. lap band; RnY, or Sleeve. For medical reasons, my surgeion pushed the sleeve. I was happy with that choice because I don't want to be fooling around with lap band adjustments and also, at 55 years old, I feel I needed a permanent fix. Then FINALLY, you get a surgery date. This whole process, including the 6 month class took a year. It was a long long year. Very frustrating because I could not lost that 10% and that slowed me down by a month or two. I had to get through Thanksgiving and Xms without gaining weight because in the pre op appt and in bold black letter in the pre-op instructions, it is stated "If you gain weight prior to the surgery, your surgery will be cancellled." That is a sobering thought after waiting for a year. Needless to say, I pigged out at Thanksgiving and gained about 5 pounds which was hard to get off by Xmas. My surgery was scheduled for Dec 29, so I really watched myself at Xmas and managed to check in on the 28th at the exact weight of 255.1, a whole 9/10ths of a pound lower than the last appointment. Whew! So on the 29th of Dec, I checked into Scripps Mercy Hospital in downtown San Diego (this is who Kaiser is contracted with for bariatric surgery) and waited to go under the knife. My surgery was delayed by about 3 hours but they gave me a bunch of Morphine and Versed so i didn't care. Finally, they wheeled me in and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery, feeling so weird but actually, not in a lot of pain. My biggist problem was the after effects of the anathesia and, of course, the bloating from the CO2 they pump into you to do a laproscopic surgery. I was up walking within about 5 hours. Conditions at this hospital were amazing. The staff was the best I have ever had and all they cared about was my comfort. Their goals were to control nausea and pain. I didn't have nausea and the pain control was a morphine pump which I used liberally. I also got liquid Ativan to help my bad back so all in all I was pretty damn high at the hospital. I got out Sat. morning and things have been pretty smooth sailing since. I'm still obsessed with food and can't wait to get a little something on Monday (12 days after surgery after bargainaing my doctor down from 14 days) I'm so happy to have found this site to help with my recovery and to answer all my questions. My surgeon was Dr. Janos Taller who is with Pacific Bariatric Surgery. I personallly thought he was excellent. Thanks for reading and good luck to all contemplating this surgery. If you have Kaiser in San Diego, now you know the protocol. Smillzee

My surgeon is mike Schmidt. He used to teach the procedure and worked for a company that tought the rny procedure. I open with that because he is an amazing guy and knows his stuff. He told me day 1 that I will know when enough is enough. He said that just because a chart says my ideal weight is 170 doesn't mean that I will be ok at that weight. He said he is 12 pounds over his ideal weight but when he lost that 12 and was at his ideal weight he felt horrible. His advise was to listen to your body he does not like people to set number goals but rather an idea for how much you want to lose and go from there. I think that as you lose the weight your going to find a weight that works for your body. A weight where you feel good and have energy and are enjoying life. If that is lower than the weight your doc says is good great for you! If it is not the number you set in your head don't get down on yourself as long as you feel good and are healthy!

So I'm 4 days post op and my starting weight was 381. I weighed this afternoon and I am 367. I've lost 14lbs in 4 days....is this normal or not? I love seeing the number go down but I don't want to get sick b/c it went too fast... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am also new to this whole concept. my seminar is on the 16th this month. i'm hoping I can have everything go smoothly and get a date early 2013. since I have to wait for my short term disability to be active at work. I've heard diff things bout the supervised weight loss.. it seems like its depending on who the docs are that that part is required. best of luck with everything.

I am 4 months out and been stuck at same weight. My doctors/Nut said I'm. It rating enough? So she had me increase it. It's so hard to get food in. But I want to lose 30 more lbs. she also said give it till end of year.

Ok i hate the fact that people (health care providers especially) think that all over weight people know zero about fitness and nutrition! Everyone doesnt just sit up and eat Cookies all day! Dont get me wrong i eat my fair amont of cookies lol but i hate that! If you have struggled with weight your WHOLE LIFE you are basically forced to learn about it. (atleast i was) ive gone to the gym with ppl 1/2 my size and could out lift them and have twice tge endurance. #fatgirlsworkouttoo

May 22nd! My mom is getting sleeved the same day, same doc, etc. We can take our post op walks in the hallway together. I an doing the liquid supplements from May 1-May 21 to lose weight and shrink liver.

My insurance company required a 6 month medically monitored diet and exercise program prior to approval. I am 3 years post op RNY gastric bypass surgery. Prior to surgery I had high blood pressure and diabetes and took 4 types of medicine to treat these conditions. Within 2 weeks after surgery, these conditions went into remission and stayed there. I also had severe acid reflux (GERD) and that condition went into remission also. I don't know about PCOS and metabolic syndrome. I have seen a few threads where these conditions may sabotage the weight loss and health benefits after surgery so you may want to look into how surgery affects these conditions. Heart attack at age 25, that is simply terrible. May you live to be 100.

Are you in weight loss mode or maintenance? I only started having fat bombs when I got into maintenance, and for the purpose of reaching a higher calorie intake without the carbs. With that said, there are a couple of sites that I like that have some good fat bomb recipes/info: https://www.thedietchefs.com/?s=fat+bombs https://www.ruled.me/comprehensive-guide-fat-bombs/ P.S. Costco sells a coconut-dark chocolate fat bomb snack that is a staple in my pantry. P.P.S. Chicharron will also fit the bill (plus its high in protein as well..and CRUNCHY!)

I find out today if the surgeon will let me do three months instead of six for preop. I'm so nervous. I would LOVE to have this by the end of the year. I have a plane trip next week and I'm tired of the anxiety and being the biggest person at my new job. But I blessed the insurance does not excluded it. If it is six it will be ok but I'll be afraid holiday weight gain. Fingers crossed!! Thanks.

Yeah I gained 7 last month so now I can't gain any and have to lose it I am scared to death of getting denied because of gaining during this 7 month insurance stuff. The nurse practitioner said it is normal and she will make sure to note about quitting smoking but I have to lose 5 pounds this month then 3-4 in October which is my last appointment before sending info for approval

I did my supervised weight loss with the surgeon not my pcp. Because I live an hour away so the test he wanted done he had me get my pcp to schedule and order them. Started in April and had last weigh in October 4th. Now just waiting for insurance approval

I get my first fill friday and i am nervous any one with tips on what to do after the fill and what not to do please comment. Also anybody that can give me an idea of what to expect friday that would be great too. I was banded on March 2nd and have lost 20lbs so far but no restriction and can eat any amount but i have been dieting since i been on regular foods the past week or so. Can anyone tell me did you even have any restriction or more weight loss after your first fill or should I not expect to have no more weight lost until my next fill or so forth? I am so nervous about being stuck at this same weight and i do walk but Monday i am starting a new gym and personal trainer so we shall see..Please give advise and comments on your first fill experiences Thanks!!!

1. log your food 2. weigh your portions 3. change up your routine - does your workout still leave you in a puddle of sweat? 4. no added sugar 5. no simple carbs 6. adj your expectations and expect slower weight lose for the next year + 7. Hydration never stops being important number 7 should have been #1 good luck and stay positive

I've got a few types, Under Armour is good, but can be expensive. I found a company called Red Plume on Amazon that sells gear for a damn good price, but they can come from overseas so the shipping times can be longer. My avatar with me wearing my Superman Compression shirt is from Red Plume, and cost a while $19. All of the major sports gear manufacturers make different types of compression gear. The trick is to buy 1 size smaller than you normally wear. I personally won't buy expensive stuff right yet, because I'm losing weight and all, so my Under Armour shirt isn't all that compressive anymore (I bought it a long time ago though), Hell even my Superman shirt isn't as tight as it once was just a couple of weeks ago. You can find stuff at pretty much any sporting goods store, you're just more likely to find better deals online.

Excited for you, I have had great success with my lapband. I am 19 months post op and very close to my goal weight. Just go into this as a life style change and as the band being a tool to help you reach your goal and you will do great. I look as my band as my safety net, it helps me stay focused and on track. The band is my check and balance, it has helped me to learn true portion contol and the drop in pounds has motivated me to continue to make healthy choices. I encourage you to develop an exercise plan early in your journey it helps the pounds come off faster during periods when the scales don't move and also take your measurements because sometimes the scales do not move at all but you lose inches and drop sizes. Good luck and remember this is a journey and with all journeys there may be obstacles along the way but with a desire and a postive attitude you can be successful.

I eat them occasionally when I'm having one of those days when I'm feeling like an eating machine (that, or a bowl of bran), but I'm in maintenance and I don't have them very often. I didn't have them while losing weight since they're pretty calorie dense. I know that some Keto people eat them - but i don't know their circumstances. I would imagine they'd have to factor them into their overall calories or they'd start gaining weight.

Are you MO? Fbombs in my opinion (and Dr. Jason Fung and Dr. Andreas Einfeldt) are only for people who eat a low carb lifestyle and who are at peak weight (no weight to lose). Otherwise, you do not need exogenous fat for either satiety or health. We strap and carry our own Fbombs as MO and O/OW peeps.

I threw up just about everything I ate with the band, it was horrible. It was either too loose or too tight. I never got close to goal weight with the band and managed to gain back some of what I did lose. Then 4 years after having the band it slipped on me. I had it removed and had a revision to the sleeve on 06/23/11. HANDS DOWN, the best thing I ever did. It's been a little over 4 months since surgery and I have never thrown up a meal. I can eat a small portion and I feel like I ate a brick I am so full. I feel as though the sleeve does exactly what they said it would do where as with the band it did not. Everyone is different though. You are going to love your sleeve in comparison to the band. Good Luck!!!

Hi all.. so glad I came across this website. I am from the UK and it is soooo hard to get your Operation done on the NHS that I have to pay, this is what has stopped me for several years, but I refuse to wait any longer.. So., I am borrowing the 6000 pound and going ahead with it. After reading all the forums etc, realised that it is not going to be a walk in the park.. going to need hard work and dedication but no pain, no gain. Just wanted to introduce myself anyway.. anyone else in a similar position, get in touch... be nice to have someone to talk to as I am not telling my close friends... they are overweight too and they will not like what I am doing.

I am having gastric sleeve in about 3 weeks. I am currently at 244lbs, 165cm on Optifast diet. This is my body composition analysis taken a few weeks back: Weight: 248.2lbs/ 112.6kg Standard weight: 132lbs/ 59.9kg Lean body mass: 134.4lbs/ 61kg Body fat: 113.75lbs/ 51.6kg Soft lean mass: 54.7 Total body water: 43.9 Mineral: 6.3 Protein: 10.8 Body fat percentage: 45.8 My goal is to reach 144 - 148lbs. Is this achievable?

Hey Brandi! I gained 2 pounds, but I haven't even been given a surgery date. I'm still going through the required 6 month supervised dr's visit, but they say I should be going into surgery the end of august. I too am trying to get the process going with taking off with my job, I want to make sure that I give more than enough notice. I actually just posted a question about this very subject, how many days off are you trying to take? Will you use PTO, FMLA, or short time disability? My insurance required 6 months as well of supervised visits. I'm going to used disability! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

So I have had my psch eval, my weight records sent to my surgeon, and an appt with the nutritionist. My ins requires a 3 month doctor monitored weight loss program, which I am now undergoing- so far it is at my surgeon's office, and they are having me start to make small changes in preparation for the surgery (getting off carbonated beverages, more walking, etc). If all goes wellI shouldbe sleeved some time in April. But I am nervous... I have failed on soooo many diets before, and we are paying about 11K out of pocket for this... what if it does not work? Or what if it works then I gain it all back? Hubby waxes hot and cold about the surgery. On one hand, he loves me and supports me on doing what it takes to have a healthier, longer life. On the other hand, he has told me he is afraid I wont be able to stick with it and lose the weight... I can't blame him, we have been married for 18 years so he is well aware olf my history. But before this, i was feeling so confident and excited, now doubts are creeping in. Has anyone else been in my shoes and went ahead and did the surgery? Were you successful? Did you have any regrets? Thanks so much for your help, I am glad to have found these forums- people here seem to be incredibly supportive! Beth

I was banded 6 months ago. For the past year or so, I've been on a 28 day cycle, and I knew when I would get TOM. I even got it right on time 3 days after surgery. Now I'm late, I was due on Thursday and today is monday, I have been PMSing like crazy and I am bloated. I just hit onederland last week and now I'm struggling to stay in it. I do know once TOM finally comes it will hopefully come off, but I'm waiting for it. To answer the question in everyones mind, no, there is no possible way I am pregnant. (I'm 28 and due to weight, confidence, and self esteem issues, I've never even kissed a guy ) Has anyone had this happen. Id say the only thing that is different is my mom recommended B Complex and B 6 to help control TOM symptoms I'd been having. The complex I was taking last month and I'd started taking the B 6 like a week prior to last months TOM. Any advice? I don't know if this seems stupid to ask, but due to the bloating I'm about ready to cry (that sounds stupid), but it is getting me so frusterated, I go to kickboxing 6 days a week, I actually took today off though to see if that would entice her to come, but may make up for it by going twice tomorrow, depending on how I feel. Please help me. TIA