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Congratulations! I wanted to tell you a little bit about my pregnancies. I was banded in May of 2003. Lost 130 lbs in about a year and a half and then found out I was pregnant! I just assumed that I would never get pregnant after trying for 14 years and then suprise! I'm sure it was the weight loss. Anyway, my first preganancy I had my band almost completely unfilled at about 23 weeks because I was experiencing really bad reflux and heartburn. I gained 40 pounds during the pregnancy. It took me about a year to lose it because I was trying to do it without my band but that didn't work out so I finally got my band refilled and was able to lose it and keep it off. In October I found out I was pregnant again! This time I thought I would stick it out and not get any removed from my band. Well, here I am 37 weeks pregnant and miserable because of the nausea and the inability to keep anything down most days (not even water). As of about 8 weeks ago I was ok and had only gained 8 pounds. As if today I have actually lost 14 pounds in the last 8 weeks due to me bemying stubborn thinking I could last it out and not have to get any taken out because the Dr. keeps telling me the baby is fine. Well all that being said, I have an appt. today to get some taken out of my band. I have less than three weeks to go but I am so miserable I cannot take it anymore. Yes I am worried about gaining weight but my baby is more important and although the Dr says she's fine I feel like I am starving her. Also, I have been so weak and dehydrated that I can hardly get out of bed most days. So don't be stupid like me and think that you can keep your fill the whole time. If you get sick, have some removed it's just not worth it. You can always get refilled and lose the weight again!

I'm planning on going in for my first fill after the baby on monday so hopefully the weight loss can continue.

Been banded over 4 years, lost all my weight a while back...so I don't get NSV';s that often anymore.... But Saturday Night was a big one! First, I graduated HS in 1970....I weighed 165, played football, ran track, etc. There is a class mate, who has become a very popular comedian, tours all over the world, TV, Movies...etc. (I'm not going to mention his name) Well the word went out through face book, that he would be the headline act at "Catch a Rising Star" here in New Jersey....and people from the Class of 70 were being contacted to attend...sort of a mini reunion....which a good number of us did. To get to the point, people I have not seen in over 40 years were there....of course everyone was thrilled to see each other. Lots of Love going around!.....and everyone could not get over how I have not changed one bit...I am still the same weight, and I am still in tip-top shape as I was in High School! People said I have obviously done pretty good for myself. The joke was, where everyone is getting older...I am gong in the opposite direction! IF THEY ONLY KNEW!!!! It's been over 40 years and they do not know I was once morbidly obese, was once a diabetic, have cardiac issues, along with a long list of other things. And as a last resort, I had to undergo Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery...and only then did I turn my life around....but they don't know, and that's just fine with me....just let it ride. I was walking on air all night, and it was not just the alcohol we were consuming! (of course we partied!) Stuff like his makes it all worth it....best decision I ever made!

I had my surgeon appointment today after completing the 12 weeks option program through Kaiser insurance the doctor was amazed by my weight loss 55.8 pounds he did not put me on A special clear liquid diet he told me just to do what I've been doing and I'm actually having my surgery on May 31, 2017 I am super excited it is a little over a week away I have to do my bloodwork EKG and chest x-ray and I have to do my pre-admission to the hospital.

Waiting for anything right now is a pain lol. I am in southern ca with Kaiser so I can’t answer your insurance questions. But I did have a lot of hoops I had to jump through (weight loss, classes, tests, psych eval, ekg, etc) and I finished in December..... yet ......I’m still waiting. Everything was shut down due to covid so you will find LOTS of people who are impatiently waiting and you will be in very good company 😅

We had a contest like that start at my work in January, but I didn't join because I don't like calling attention to my loss. I haven't told anyone except one friend (and family), and since I took prime time off of work, I wouldn't want to draw any more unwanted attention or questions. There are many pros to keeping it mum from everyone, but the con is you have to actively keep it on the DL.

HI 245hot This is a great site for information. I joined a few months before I was banded... just over 6 years ago. I have learned so much and have met so many great people here. If you have any questions please feel free to email me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net Started with a 54" waist now 32"

It took 7 months from the time I went to the first seminar to my surgery date. It could have taken less time but my work schedule did not permit me to go any faster. I only went to one class and one support group meeting, the rest of the hoops were testing and getting various MD clearances. My insurance company approved on the first submital (it took about 3 weeks for them to approve the surgery). I know some insurance companies want you to be one a medically supervised weight loss preogam for 6 - 12 months before they will approve surgery. Your surgeon's office should be able to tell you the hoops you'll have go through for your whatever insurance you have. To be honest I needed the time to get my head around the surgery and to commit to the life style change. I am so glad I did. Good Luck

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.. But this comment is very inappropriate. Especially someone who is already nervous about surgery. Maybe get doc wasn't a good doc. Don't know your reasons but this was not a good comment.

Same here. Even though I had big comorbidities along with the crazy weight loss they were under control months ago and significantly improved on the preop diet alone (normalized liver function, massive fibroscan improvements showing likely improved liver diagnosis, hba1c dropping from 7.9 diabetic levels to 5.7 which is normal or pre-diabetic levels). My surgeon has a rep of being a huge RNY fan but because my comorbidities were under control he pointed out the risk wasn't worth it in the mid 30s. Both second opinions saw both surgeons recommend VSG as well. For much of my time in weight management I was pretty set on RNY but reading the research, evaluating risk management, and seeing in person at classes never mind on forums like this the very high positive results combined with lower risk, it turned into a no brainer by the time it came to sign the surgery papers early this year. Unless someone is older or has extremely untreatable diseases with immediate high risk to their lifespan justifying the increased RNY risk, VSG is definitely worth it, in my opinion.

which ever surgery you get, its not a miracle you will have to learn to eat better foods and have a entire mental attitude change so many people go into this WLS and expect it to drop off...its not easy any WLS has pros and cons.....dont get it if you are just gonna expect to wing it... i see it all the time on here, someone get a band and in 2 months, they are wishing they got the sleeve.....little do they know, if they just tried...the band could work and just because they got the sleeve, it doesnt guarantee weight loss. have the surgery if you really want to lose weight and that means want it bad enough to actually follow how to use it and then do it..hemming and hawing will only keep you big and most likely get bigger.

I was banded on Monday and have the same anxieties. My whole process was rather quick with my first appointment being November 8. I did not have to go through a psychiatrist, nutritionist, or Dr. supervised weight loss. My first appointment I was sent to pre-op for an EGD on the 19th and a week later received a letter from my insurance that I was approved. I did Sugar Busters from the Friday after Thanksgiving until surgery on Monday. I had some of the "last supper" syndrome last weekend and ate pizza and a burger. Today is supposed to be my first day on creamy liquids after 4 days on clear liquids, but I was starving and started phase 2 a day early. I have not been able to get 64 oz in yet. I am terrified of stretching my band or having it slip. I've been sipping on protein shakes and G2 hoping it will make my lightheaded feeling go away.

I understand how most of you feel!! I have been weighing myself and found that I have been getting upset and thinking way too much about what if I did all of this for 30 pounds and no more loss ( I am 3 weeks out, lost 14 pounds since day of surgery, and have not lost a pound in a week). I am worried I will start self defeating if I don't stop weighing all of the time. I think once a week is sufficient and a great idea to remind yourself that this is as much about positive thinking and longterm committment as it is to instant gratification with a daily scale read! That is what I am telling myself anyways to feel better about a stall 3 weeks out.

I have been working on having surgery for about 6 years now. I live in the Victorville High Desert Area of CA. I was under the Dr. care recording my progress when I became ill and had to stop. It has now been about a year and I am better. I went back to my Primary Dr. to start back with the weight loss program where we left off and she now tells me I have to start all over again! Does anyone know of a Primary Dr. in this area that is truly in favor of helping us in need of this surgery without playing so many games... I feel I have played more than my share! I would greatly appreciate any help I can get. Thank You, Hopefullystillinwaiting

Hello everyone, I am 7 weeks out and I know exactly how you feel. I did a few things to help me out. Acid Reflux- I was initially on prevacid 24 hr right after surgery, but around week 4-5 it just wasnt cutting it anymore. I was prescribed Omneprazole generic, 20 mg, twice a day. I pop open the capsule and put it on some applesauce 30-45mins before Breakfast and dinner. It works great as long as I keep it on a regular schedule. Low Energy- I have been on Flinstones chewable Vitamins since post-op. I was still tired of course. I went to my primary care doctor and requested a B-12 Vitamin shot. It was the best thing I ever did! after a few hours I had an instant energy kick and I have been feeling like my old self again. Also, it will help with the hair loss down the road, and it definitely helped with my dry skin issue... i had terrible dry skin! Tightness in chest- I asked my PCP why I have tightness in chest. Main reason is when the surgeon performs the sleeve, the stomach is no longer in its original "J" shape. The surgeon straightens out the pouch and this creates a lot of pressure in the esophagus. essentially, drink slower/smaller sips, eat smaller bites (i ALWAYS use baby spoons/forks, no matter what the food!) DO NOT eat and drink at the same time, this is a recipe for vomiting. 30/30 rule, no drinking 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after. And, I always eat things that are saucy or juicy. Lesson learned: (I once ate 4 mcdonalds french fries and they all got stuck right in my chest. I took one sip of my crystal light and I instantly regurgitated the mushy fries.) If you are around your period- I saw a MAJOR difference when I had my period, I couldn't even eat applesauce! EVERYTHING was getting stuck in my throat! I go to a therapist who sees exclusively patients who have weight loss surgery done, she confirmed that women on their period have a tough time since there is a lot of swelling. So i'm guaranteed a week of barely eating every month... The fluids are definitely going to be a problem... I try to trick myself any way I can... crystal light, tea, milk and tea, coffee, apple juice... any flavored low-cal- non carbonated- liquid I can get my hands on, fruit smoothies. and if you still take normal size gulps, try holding half of the amount in your mouth while swallowing the other half. I normally do this because it helps bring the liquid to body temperature before I drink it anyway (sorry if this sounds a bit yucky!) Well hope this helps! And try to find yourself a medical professional who can help you... My surgeon was great, but his office staff are terrible at addressing post-op concerns. So I have been seeing my PCP and consulting my therapist who treats weight loss surgery patients. between both I have a great team on my side. Suzie

Congratulations on your loss and anniversary. Just keep going and don't focus on the past miss-direction and look toward your future. Always keep your goals and desires on your front burner and the rest will work itself out. You have the tool. You just need to want it. You're doing awesome though!!

Oh, Patiencemom, You Are Doing So Great With Your Weightloss. Honestly, Sometimes Cardio Exercise, Doing Alot Like You're Doing Can Actually Slow Down Your Metabolism To The Point Where U Don't Lose Like You Would Like. Also,just Consider The Amount Of Calories That You Are Taking In. Most Of Them Is Being Used Up By The Exercise Youre Doing. One Last Point, Maybe You Should Think About Doing Say 30-40 Mins Of Cardio. Each Time And Incorparating Some Strength Training Say 3-4 Days Per Week. The Strentgh Training Will Not Cause Bulk, It Helps With The Weight Loss And Will Give You A Nice Physique, Lighter Weights Definitely At First.

If you were losing a 1/2 Lb. a day,, that is Fantastic, but,,,, once filled , that might slow down for you. Maybe not in the beginning, but it will slow down to near or what it should be 1-2 lbs. a week... It is a s l o w go. But I think you are doing just fine. You started eating, so things kinda stopped ! Just Like a Diet ! So when your system gets use to what you are now eating, it will start back up. Enjoy your weight loss, and Cindy is wright ! Don't worry about that scale... Enjoy yourself instead..

Congrats on your loss thus far! Just stay strong, and remember this part won't last forever. Hang in there, you've got this!

You will definitely get there!! I wish I could say some fabulous words of wisdom, but it's all thanks to my fabulous sleeve!! I just listen to my body now. I try not to graze, and only eat when my little friend is truly hungry (which is never). I honestly wish I could say I hit the gym everyday but I don't want to lie. Now I do have a very active lifestyle and I have so much more energy now that I have begun my weight loss journey.

I have surgery next Tuesday, the 17th. I started my chewable bariatric Vitamins 10 days ago, in hopes that I would avoid the fatigue and hair loss. I guess we will see!!! What kinds of vitamins is everyone taking?

Here's a list of questions (with recent updates) that I posted quite some time ago. Since you're coming up on your last appointment you'll likely have answers to some of these already but hopefully you'll find others that will prove useful. What are the risks? How often do patients have complications following surgery? What side effects are the most common? What are the benefits? What should I expect after surgery? Realistically, what weight loss should I expect following surgery and over what period of time? What are "stalls" or "plateaus"? How long do they last and if I do experience them, what can I do to shorten their duration? Will any new technology be used e.g. robotics? Is the hospital and surgeons office accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)? This is a combination of the programs formerly offered by two highly respected surgical societies - The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Beginning in 2012, this accreditation replaced the former Bariatric Centers of Excellence. Are you board certified in bariatric surgery? How many roux-en-y gastric bypass surgeries have you performed? Have you experienced any surgery related mortalities? Do you have patients that are willing to share their weight loss surgery experiences, positive and negative? What types of support groups and counseling will be available post-op? What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand the surgery? How often do you see your patients following surgery? What is the significance of Protein following surgery? Does your practice offer support services for psychological needs? What assistance is available for helping me secure insurance approval? Who should I speak with regarding insurance related questions? What pre-op testing will be done? What post-op testing will be done? Will I need Vitamins after my surgery and if so, what types? When can I start exercising after my surgery? How likely is it that I will regain weight after surgery? Think of the meeting with your surgeon as an interview. You're looking for an answer to "Why are you and your team the most qualified for the job?" You're gonna love the new you!!

Thanks for responding. Do you think it makes a difference that this time you are not doing it all alone. You have the band which tends to help some in ways. I also have lost weight only to slowly gain it back, but since the band I feel as though if I fail this time I really did not put in the effort since I have help with losing and keeping it off, whereas before I was always on my own. Plus I was self pay, and in my family that was a lot of money. I already have clinical depression and it it harder to deal with than the weight, so I told my husband I could not deal with both anymore so I am losing the weight with the knowledge that I have some help now meaning the band. I keep a tight eye on my weight have lost 80lbs so far and would like to lose more, at least 20 more to put me at 150 lbs. Which I have to battle with every pound and it is slow now and even with exercise every night still slow. If I find myself falling into the emotional eating I just return to liquids for a couple of days so I can just take my mind off of all food. But if my scale goes up to 2 lbs and stays there 2 days and I know I have been grazing. I just stop all food and use ready made Protein shakes until I am ready to do it again. I hope my body will let me lose the rest. I am now a year older 50 and feel beter than I have in years. My surgeon does not think I need to lose that I have already exceed the amount they say you could loss with the band. He deems me a success, but like I told him as a women my regular Dr is not going to be happy with 170.4 lbs So it must come of. I do not know why they think it will just stop when you get above 60% of you excess weight. I have seen other people and i am going to do it also. But knowing I spend $12999 I feel I have a resonsibilty that is diiferent this time around. So I could never see myself letting it get past a few pounds this time. Hope you are feeling better? Cheri

Sleeved May 21 and am down 41 lbs since surgery with a pre-op loss (over a year) of 44 lbs. My biggest challenges are still wanting to drink and eat at the same time - and trying to get my left knee with the program so I can get more movement in, which will hopefully improve as I lose more weight. Great job everyone!

Today I am tired. I am not getting enough calories and have been cleaning the house and organizing, etc. This is what I have eaten so far: Breakfast: 1 cup Gano Mocha Coffee with soy milk; 200 cal, 6 g. protien Lunch: Creamy split pea, 1 cup: 120 cal, 9 g. protein Snack: Nectar Protein Shake, Strawberry Kiwi (90 cal, 23 grms of protein) with 1 cup soy milk( 100 cal, 6 grms protien Snack: 1 drinkable dannon light and fit;60 cal, 5 grms protien Dinner: tortilla soup with shredded cheese; 250 cal, protien; unknown Total calories; 820 Total protein: 43+ I have not had any extra liquids as of 4 pm. Maybe that is why I don't feel so good. I also was doing too much around the house and find I get tired easier. I will definitely be going to bed early. I still also have not weighed myself yet. I would be disappointed to not lose much, so I don't want to set myself up for failure, even if it wasn't. I'd rather wait to see a bigger loss. I think I will wait until I can "See" a difference. I can now somewhat.