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My husband and I have been TTC for four years without success. It was one of the major reasons for having the sleeve surgery two days ago. Husband's numbers are fine, I'm not dx with endo or PCOS or anything like that. Doctors wouldn't do IVF at my weight, we were even open to looking at adoption and many countries have a max weight limit for adoptive parents now! I decided it was better for my health and my baby's health to get me healthy first, then TTC again. I just turned 34 and my doctor wanted me to wait 1 1/2 years after surgery, but I told him "I'm 34 and I want to have three kids- one year wait is all I will agree to" and they were ok with that- just not any shorter time frame! So now I have an exciting year to take care of myself and then, God willing, a baby in one form or another! It took my mom 10 years to get pregnant from when she started TTC in her early 20's , so I'm not too thrilled by that precedent. But my doctor says fertility goes very high after sleeve surgery, so we'll see! Good luck to all you TTC sleevers out there!

twy_marie, looks like the original poster hasnt been here since 10/17/06...

I have been overweight all of my life. I was a fat kid before there were fat kids. Starting at age 6 I really started to put on the pounds and that didn't stop for years. As an adult I have gone through a ton of counseling and have found that my weight has stayed right around 350 for the last 5-10 years and every time I go on a diet I end up right back at this weight. So I actually have a couple of questions. 1) I'd like to hear from people who have been fat all their life that have been banded to see if their results are any different than those of people who got fat during their adult years. 2) I'm hoping the fact that my weight has been steady for the last several years is a sign that I'm not doing too much emotional eating, and wondering if that fact is going to increase the chances that I will be successful after my surgery which is scheduled for Jan. 3rd.

I wouldn't worry at all about it. I am 22 days post-op myself, and for the last 10 days I have paid no mind to the dietary guidelines. I've tried everything and have had no problems. Good Luck!

I'm 1 week out and have only lost 10 lbs but I think my body is holding onto water and I have hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Water tastes disgusting. It causes pain when other liquids don't. I've been doing 1/4 juice and the rest water or crystal light or non-caffeinated iced tea. It's 105 degrees in La so I need so much liquid and I was doing great at first but have fallen behind.

I gained almost 10 pounds... it eventually came off but it was upsetting to me. No one told me that would happen. The surgeon said some people are still heavier at the 1 week post-op visit....Don't despair!

Mine aren't as young as yours are, but I still struggled with how much to explain to my kids (Daughter-13; Son-10). I did not want my daughter to have any reason to watch her weight since she is very tall and slender, must get it from DH side of the family. Anyway, the kids usually start to eat first-- and by the time I sit down with them, they're more than 1/2 way finished and our portion sizes are more equal to each other. The big change was TIME. It takes much longer for me to eat now, and my son loves it. He likes to talk- A LOT. So, it's just he and I finishing up at the dinner table. I think he enjoys having more one on one time. As time went on, they understood more and more about stuff that I *couldn't* eat vs. stuff that I just didn't want to eat anymore. Oh, and we are all eating more and more grilled fish- which they love!

Hey fellow sleevers! I'm not too far away...Valley Center (10 mins north of wichita)

I had my surgery in 01-21-09. I have lost 80lbs to date and in the last three weeks continue to eat like a cow but i can never eat what i use to eat. I tried to get a fill in october but my stomach was way to sensitive so they had to take it out. i will go back in Jan10 and see how i do.. they told me to stay with the lowest fill possible. I notice when i over eat my left side hurts under my rib cage so i am trying to be extra carful at this point..listening to others on here made me think my band may be eroding. I PRAY TO GOD ITS NOT....I STILL HAVE 60LS MORE TO LOSE.

Has anyone got close to their goal weight maybe 10 or 15lbs away and are happy where they are at now???? I feel content being 14lbs away from my goal, everyone says I look great actually too thin but I think I look great. I probably could lose the rest but I am not going to kill myself over the last few lbs as long as they are off by summer!!!! Anyone else feel the same way?

Go explore the gallery or the VSG success stories thread. Heck, go read my profile! I was convinced I was going to die, and I had the medical problems to make that a real threat. I gambled and won! You will, too! Imagine where you want to be in a year. How about this? In one year, imagine yourself 100 pounds lighter, wearing great skinny clothes, hair done, makeup on, heading out for a date with the guy/gal of your dreams. It's a real possibility... and it's my reality at 19 months out. All you have to do is get on that table, then follow the post-op diet for six weeks, add in a little exercise and you'll be 100 pounds lighter in no time. I would have given my right arm to lose 100 pounds pre-op. All I really had to give up was 1.5 hours on the operating table, with no memory of that time, 85% of my stomach, and about an hour 4-5 times a week to exercise. I think I won the lottery!!!

I did about the same thing about the same time. I bounced around about the same weight for about 10 days or so, and then started to drop so fast, I started to worry. Now, the last couple of days, I've held pretty steady. And some of that "stall" time was during my super low calorie consumption when I thought I was dehydrated. Could have played some role, but I'm not sure of the exact effect.

So, have not been feeling too peachy last couple of days. Insurance changed some of their requirements for surgery. I was scared. I sent an email to my coordinator asking the status of my approval...because I was thinking positive. She said sorry...no news yet. Within 10 minutes of her email, I got another email which stated I was approved. Woo hoo. Chubby girl dance. Thought I would share with anyone reading....all smiles.

I used to get to the 6 week mark too and then fail, in fact then I'd gain back what I'd lost THEN some. Like every other single diet I've ever been on my motivation started high on this and waned over time. I lost enormous amounts of weight early on. Know what? Doesnt matter! The thing I've learned is that the major benefit of the lap band is that it gets you through that period. I've far from perfect restriction, and far from perfect eating habits. I got through liquids/mushies and early solids without faltering and then some of my less than perfect habits crept back. But I simply cannot eat enough to stop my weight loss completely or to cause a weight gain. It continues to come off at a slow rate and I cannot even contemplate my worst habits - like a Quarter Pounder, Large fries, large coffee and caramel sundae. I'll never ever be able to eat all that again. The lap band is so great becuase you dont have to be perfect, you just have to improve. That's all it takes. Some people are more determined, have more self control than others, and some have absolutely none at all for a variety of reasons. But most of us fall in the middle somewhere and will have varying degrees of success with the lap band. I find now as I get to weights I havent seen in 10 years, my motivation and enthusiasm are gearing up again and I'm starting to lose more quickly again.

I just read a great article about Easter; it can be found here: http://www.dailybreeze.com/opinion/articles/6877872.html?page=1&c=y Here's a cut and paste: Evidence of faith, cause for hope Here are ten reasons why the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains the most important occurrence in history. By Paul Viggiano Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church Charles Hodge, the renowned 19th century Princeton theologian, penned these words concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ: "It may be safely asserted that the resurrection of Christ is at once the most important, and the best authenticated, fact in the history of the world." Hodge buttressed this assertion with 10 arguments. Nine of these arguments would pass muster vis-à-vis any other notable historical event. The 10th is undeniable: 1. It was predicted in the Old Testament. The Christian faith began at the dawn of man with God making a promise to redeem mankind through the death and resurrection of the Christ. The Old Testament was a widespread and well-known document. 2. It was foretold by Christ himself. People have twisted the Scriptures from the very beginning. For those who doubted the promise of the Messiah, or were inclined to bend the Scriptures to their own agenda, Jesus re-announced that he would die and rise again. 3. It was an easily verified event. The Resurrection wasn't a matter of secret knowledge. It was a physical resurrection. There was no faith required to observe the risen Christ. 4. It was substantiated by abundant, suitable and frequently repeated evidence. Jesus was a threat to the religion of the Jews and the authority of Rome. They wanted Christianity to end. All they had to do to achieve this was produce the dead body of Jesus. This would never happen. 5. There were numerous, competent witnesses of the event.The Resurrection didn't happen in a vacuum where only the devout or those skilled in piety could observe. Jesus was a public figure followed by hundreds and seen by thousands for 40 days after his resurrection and before his ascension. 6. The conviction of the witnesses was testified by their willingness to suffer even to the point of death. The Christian faith grew dramatically after the ascension of Jesus, due to the spirit-inspired testimony of the apostles who all (but one) were put to death for their faith. It can be argued that people have been known to die for a lie, but it is a much harder argument to make that people will die for something they know to be a lie. 7. God confirmed the testimony of those who witnessed the Resurrection by signs and wonders seen by entire communities. Jesus conferred the power to perform signs and wonder to his apostles; this continued for years. The authorities certainly had the time and occasion to expose these apostles if they weren't genuine. 8. The fact of the Resurrection has been commemorated by a religious observance of the first day of the week from the time it happened until this present time. The regularity of millions (now billions) of people meeting on a weekly basis for thousands of years speaks toward the reliability of the data. 9. The effects produced by the Gospel admit of no other rational solution than the truth of Christ's death and subsequent resurrection. The Christian church is his monument. All believers are his witnesses. The tome of literary, archeological and historical evidence of the Resurrection is simply unmatched. Unbiased observers have taken historical events as fact with much less evidence. The truth of the Gospel, the Resurrection, in fact all of Scripture can, and always has, passed every legitimate method of scrutiny. The real question is, "How legitimate are the methods?" Using man-made disciplines and evidences to determine the authenticity of Scripture would be like using my Casio to determine the accuracy of the atomic clock. Add this to the fact that man has a propensity to interpret facts through his own grid. For example, if someone's grid doesn't allow for miracles, he won't believe the event was a miracle no matter how much evidence he is given; he'll just wait for some new explanation. Besides, it would be foolish to think that God has left us at the mercy of our own ability to do research in order to know the truth, let alone be saved. This brings us to Hodge's last point. 10. Simply put, we know the Resurrection truly took place. Jesus said that his words are sufficient to judge us -- words which we still have in the Bible. The testimony of God's word is self-evident and undeniable. When people deny the Scriptures, they are denying something they know to be true in the depth of their heart. Man's accountability to God is not capricious; it is based in something men know. And what a glorious thing God has revealed to us -- that there is hope beyond the grave. Jesus is called the first fruits of the Resurrection because those who trust in him will be resurrected as well -- this is what the Bible calls the good news. He is risen indeed!

I had my surgery on the 10 and i can barely get in all 64oz but i do get all my protein and my dr only want me stay hydrate and no vitamins yet .

Mine lasted from about month 4 to between 9 and 10. I was getting all of my Protein, taking all my Vitamins, and was taking Biotin from my pre op diet on. I tried nioxin, fight fall shampoo & everything else that has been suggested. Nothing worked. And my hair was thin to start with. It just stopped on it's own. I now have tons of little baby hairs at the roots. I wish I had better advice. I can tell you the 155 pounds I've lost is well worth the hair loss.

I met with the surgeons office 1/18/13, after considering wls for the past 5+ years. The director gave me more hope than any other diet I have ever tried. (And I have been dieting since I was 10!) I am excited about the surgery, but I have a mandatory six month supervised diet requirement. I am a bit disappointed but I've done it this long, six more months won't kill me I have been lurking around this site for 6 months and thought its time to speak out and join the ranks. Everyones story's, good and scary, have helped me make this decision, and I have a feeling I'm gonna need support from you all more than I know at the moment. Thanks for sharing everyone!

57 lbs!!! That's awesome! At least the number on the scale went down not up. You should feel wonderful about that. I have read several posts similar to yours where people are adament about the number on the scale and comparing their loss with others and it's easy to do but Stop!!! No 2 people are alike. What everyone is failing to realize is that they have upped their grams of Protein which causes more muscle building which weighs more than fat, so the scale is not going to move. So you may be getting the wrong type of protein. Lower your intake of the meat and try a faster digesting protein such as whey or Soy. Also you probably are exercising more which is building muscle and causing you to stay at your plateau. Lower your intake by at least 10 grams for 2-3 days and up your cardio. Try to do at least 20 mins of heart rate elevating cardio at least 2 times a day. You should be able to move past your plateau this way by allowing your body to feed off it's fat and not muscle. And measure, measure, measure! Your body will drop inches before it even registers on the scale. Keep your head up!! You're doing a great job!!! You'll get where you want to be before you know it!

You are both faster losers - I have been told that 20 lbs. is average for the entire first month. I lost 30 lbs. my first month and my surgeon was blown away, so 20 lbs in one week - AMAZING. 26 lbs. in 10 days also amazing!

Jambalaya Soup 1Lb smoked sausage sliced 1 Lb chicken breast, cut into squares 2 green peppers, cut or sliced 3 stalks celery sliced 2 cans chicken broth 2 tap minced garlic Cajun seasoning Butter Melt enough butter in large pot to cost and cook chicken. Pour enough Cajun seasoning in a bowl to cost chicken. Place chicken in bowl, stirring to cost it well. Place chicken in pot of butter, cook till almost done. Add sausage and garlic. Cook about 10-15 more minutes. Add green peppers and celery. You may need to add a with me more butter. Saute. When the celery and green pepper are softened add the chicken broth. Add more Cajun seasoning to taste. Let simmer got about 1-2 hours. Delicious.

Wonderful post, Sandee! At 12 weeks post op (has it really been that long????), I can say I feel awesome. Better than I have in years - not only physically, but mentally. I wake up in the morning and feel good - no headaches, no aches and pains (unless I had a hard workout the day before LOL), and I look forward to what the day has to offer. I no longer feel like I'm trudging thru my life - I'm living it and I'm happy. That's a 180 degree change from 4 months ago. This is an amazing journey - I know that it's not all sunshine and lollipops every day and I have ups as well as downs, but I can tell you the good/great days outnumber the bad ones 10 to 1. I wish you all the success and happiness!

Yesterday I had to be at the surgery center by 9:00 for the procedure at 10:00. I think we left to head home around 12:30.

I'm guessing you did not gain 30 pounds of FAT in two weeks. I would reason to say that your body is probably holding on to extra water, or perhaps you weren't properly hydrated before and this would be your real weight at the right hydration. I could easily see a 5 or 10 gain, but 30? Do your clothes still fit?

I am being banded at the tlbc and this is their pre-op diet recommendation, remember...the reason that you do this is not necessarily to lose weight, it is to shrink your liver, you want to make it as easy as possible for the surgeon to have access to your stomach. The TLBC says this diet works best and it's cheap. For me its 10 days *quantities are not specified, you can have as much as you need of the following items. You may also have foods that have negligible caloric or nutritional value such as the following: coffee, tea, diet drinks(crystal light), sugar free jell-o and salt & spices. This is the diet Cottage cheese -choose low fat or non fat varieties Yogurt -Opt for low fat or non fat yogurt. Flavored yogurts are acceptable, as long as they are artificially sweetened Milk -Drink 1% or Skim, flavored or sweetened milk is NOT a recommended option Water -make sure you drink a minimum of 1.5 liters a day. Hope this helps you. Financially, its cheaper. And it works, its time tested on TLBC patients.