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So I'm not off the rails by any means, but struggling to get even a few lbs off. I'm 2 yrs & 8 months post VSG. And 4 months post LBL. Up until my LBL I'd consistently maintained a 130 lbs weight loss. Maintaining that loss was not without effort. My diet in check, track everything I eat, exercise 6 days a week. Immediately after LBL I feel like a switch got flipped. My weight bounced around a bit with the expected weight loss with my skin removal (which was minor as it truly was just skin being removed) and then the expected gain with swelling and of course lack of activity while I recovered. Nothing that concerned me. But now I'm up 7 lbs and I can't seem to shake it. I've locked down my eating, increased my water intake, I've been back to previous amount of cardio for over two months, I'm keeping a tight control on sugar and carbs which is much harder these days, getting in all my protein and still the scale isn't moving. It's like my body is intent on holding onto the extra weight. What gives!!!! I feel like if my calorie intake goes above 1,000 a day, I gain weight which is crazy. I was able to maintain eating 1200-1400 a day before. I know it's just 7 lbs, but 7 becomes 10. And fear of returning to old habits and regaining weight is always top of mind with me. I'm sure I'm not alone. Hoping this is just part of the recovery.

Hi all. my 6 month supervised wl program ends in january, and im losing steam. i have lost 15 lbs so far...but ive been gaining and losing the last month or two. what do i do? what if 15 lbs isn't enough?? i just don't wanna be denied! aahhh

If you are going to do it in the States with your insurance, the length of time really just depends on the hoops that you have to jump through. I started the ball rolling on actually getting this surgery about a month ago and that includes my first surgery consult, my nutritional eval and my psych eval. I will be having an EGD on Friday just to be sure that my esophagus and stomach are okay for this type of surgery. I have a great surgical team consisting of a nurse who works closely with the surgeon. She gave me her e-mail so I could e-mail her at anytime if I have any questions and said that if I feel that I just need to talk I could all and ask for her or the surgeon, no matter when or what the circumstances are. My insurance doesn't require the 3 or 6 month diet that some do, but there is a possibility that they might ask that I do the 3 month if they get a wild hair up their butts when my insurance papers are sent in. I look at all of the stuff that they are requiring as ensuring that my body and mind are ready for such an extreme life change. The surgical team has also said that there will be appointments every couple of months and they will be able to hold me accountable if I am not losing weight or start to gain after the sleeve so that I don't fall back into bad habits. I guess what I am saying is that I prefer to have to do all of the tests and make sure that I am really going to be okay afterwards. I also like that I live, literally, three minutes away from the hospital so if anything happens, I don't have to worry about dealing with a team that hasn't had any experience with my case. Also, my surgeon requires a minimum two night stay after the surgery to make sure that there are no leaks or problems after the surgery. I agree with Seltyl that the U.S. has a long ways to go in the field of medicine, but I don't think you can generalize that hospitals in the U.S. require outpatient for this surgery or that they are all bad. A lot of them are, but not all. Just make sure to ask a lot of questions and learn as much as possible. You have a right to ask for or change anything that you don't feel comfortable with.

To shape my body while losing weight . I got my sleeve 2014 and I didn't lose weight. This time im optimistic that I'll lose weight . Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

Hi All!!! A little about me: I'm 27 and my current weight is 259 (wow did I just say that out loud? Lol) oh and I'm 5'5. I just had my consultation with my surgeon on this past Friday and I'm stoked. My surgeon told me that I was a "star candidate" and the insurance rep told me that my insurance was perfect since it would only cost me about $250 out of pocket for the syrgery. The only thing is that I have to wait another 5 mos before I can have the surgery due to insurance requurements (not so perfect after all). So it'll be around December or January before I'm banded. Like many of you I have been battling with my weight as long as I could remember..I was at my smallest my last two years of hs when I was fitting comfortably in size 12 jeans...and even then I thought I was fat (crazy much?) But since then things have spiraled out of control. I've been up and down beteween 30-40 lbs but the weight loss never lasts and the weight gain is always around the corner. Last year was the first time I contemplated the band but my insurance didn't cover it so I kind of just gave up. Then this year I got a new job with really good benefits and revisited the possibility of having the procedure done. And so here I am. I know that this will be the kick in the pants that I need to get me to the healthy me that lies underneath the fat girl that has been smothering me for all these years.I love swimming and want to start running and I'm so excited that I will finally get the chance to do both freely while eating healthily. So in the closing of my intro I would like to say thank you to all of the members of this platform. The joyrney pics, the success stories, the fall off stories, the pain stories (pre and post op) and just the openess and honesty of each and every one of you has encouraged me to follow in your foot steps and take control of my life. I am open to any comments or suggestions as to how I can be successful in my journey. (Steps down off soap box:) Thanks! Sweets27

I can't imagine how knee pain could be related to the band, unless you're very, very fresh postop. In that case, operating table positioning could be a factor. Also, if you're freshly postop and guarding your abdominal muscles due to pain, this can affect posture and gait, thereby requiring you to use your legs/knees differently. This, too, can result in pain issues. For my knee pain, ice is tremendously helpful. (Heat feels better, but ice works better.) I can't take NSAIDs (not just because of the band, but because of allergy), so the only pain meds available to me are actually not terribly effective. The best "medicine," by far, has been losing weight and consistently exercising. For the latter, it would be a good idea to get a physical therapy referral (after a good assessment of the knees by an orthopedist to rule out any issues that might preclude PT, or guide the prescription), so that you can learn exercises that target the area. The recommendation for glucosamine/condroitin is a good one. Be aware, though, that glucosamine can skew blood sugar. For diabetics, this can be a real problem. For nondiabetics, it can trigger hunger as blood sugar rises then plummets. Just something to be aware of. The cherries previously mentioned do have antiinflammatory properties. They need to be dark tart cherries. I avoid dried because their sugars are so much more concentrated. But Dole's frozen dark cherries do the trick for me. Just ten cherries makes a difference. Two other good additions for inflammation: flax seed and fish oil. For flax seed, do NOT buy the oil or already-ground seeds. The oils oxidizes very rapidly, and loses its Omega benefits. You're left with a perfectly nice oil (or nice seed meal), but the most important properties for inflammation will have dissipated before you even get home. Instead, buy whole seeds, and crack or grind them right before using. (I use a coffee grinder.) A tablespoon a day in your yogurt or sprinkled on a salad can really help with inflammation issues. Fish oil does the same thing. A combined EPA+DHA level of 1,200-1,500 mg is a good starting place; you can work up to around 6,000-8,000 mg/day.

Best wishes and good luck with your weight loss.

I work out of town so only see my husband on weekends. When am I came home this past Friday, he kept telling me how good I look and how much weight I've lost. And he gave me bunches of kisses. Lol! It's only been a month since surgery but he says he sees a big difference. He is so sweet.

She is very pleased and glad that I finally made the decision to have the surgery. She has been very encouraging throughout the years. I have always been fearful of doctors visits because of my weight ("morbid obesity"), feeling hopeless about the situation and having to endure her "talks" about my needing to lose weight. Although I know she was telling me for my own good. Ultimately it was my decision to make that step into bandland. I just wish I had done it sooner. But it is better late than never. I am finally in tooterville after 20 long years.

I don't know who all Diane may have contacted, but I heard from her today. She has successfully gotten through 2 surgeries to the brain and is recuperating in San Franciso where the work was done. She will be returning home on 9/9. She is doing very well. Because she has been on steroids during all of this, her weight loss has been put on hold, but she has a wonderful attitude and is going to do just fine. Just wanted to let those of you know who might have been wondering.

Today is August 28th and a week and a half since my surgery. I decided to weigh myself for the first time since my initial visit to the surgeon in May, a couple of nights ago. In May I weighed 230 pounds. The dr. took a picture of me. I had been cutting back on carbs and exercising quite a bit on the treadmill since May. I now weigh 208 pounds. My clothes are starting to feel bigger on me. A jacket that I wore with my dress pants is too big now. That is a good feeling. I feel like I am hungry even after I eat my yogurt or my Slim Fast. I know I won't get a fill until 6 weeks out in order to give my stomach time to heal. My stitches are starting to itch and I am able to sleep on my stomach now without pain.

I started at 321 and got down to 242.. big whoop.. I needed to be down to 165.. Started gaining and have gained back 40 pounds. My problem is not portion control.. it's sweets.. Ice cream is the big one for me. I have it daily and cannot stop. Even as I read the boards I just went into the kitchen to get some cookie dough.. How nice huh?? I am looking into overeaters anonymous. I went to my surgeon and he said that the Dr that put in my band totally recommended the wrong thing for me.. I should have gotten the bypass which is what I wanted in the first place. Now my original doctor is suggesting I take out the band (he will do it for free) and get the sleeve (which is $12000) as sweets with the sleeve are tough to handle.. But who has that kind of money laying around.. NOT ME!! I am dying to be thin... I'm miserable daily and don't know what to do..

My journey has begun. I went to my initial consultation with Dr. Enochs today and he was very pleasant and easy to talk to. My BMI is 49 :thumbup: yeah because BCBS will not approve the lap band for a BMI 50 and over. He said that I will lose 100 over 2 years:lol:. Oh by the way, I lost 4 pounds since the dreaded day the scale entered the house:biggrin:. I have cut out the after dinner snacking and try to limit my carbs:angry:. I have bought a ton of sugar free Jello and do like that if I need to snack. I am drinking a minimum of 60 oz of water and going to Curves Mon – Thurs. I know I am on the right track to weight loss. I don’t want to get derailed again. I was sent home with a informational booklet and I was reading the nutritional and eating information aloud to my husband. He asked was that forever!!! I said this is a permanent lifestyle change and yes it is forever.:thumbdown:

Love how you post in the Mens Room and get mostly female answers? Upper GI endoscopy is probably the test. (The tool is an endoscope, the procedure is endoscopy, and upper GI is where they're going.) You'll most likely be in twilight sleep for it, and completely unaware - or maybe slightly aware. I can remember being wheeled into the room. I remember them telling me "We're going to stick this in your mouth" and it looking like a big beige Tylenol with a hole in it (they thread the camera through it), but I don't remember it going in my mouth. I also remember them telling me they were going to spray the stuff that numbs the throat (limits gag reflex) but I don't remember tasting it or anything. I just remember these things as snapshots after the fact. It's truly no where near as horrible as I expected it to be. Usually insurance companies are wanting "documented" weightloss attempts (e.g. those mentioned before, for which you would have a receipt, or log, or weigh-ins, or could somehow verify you really did it). But not always. Write down anything you can think of: what you did, what you lost, etc. In my documentation for my first bariatric surgery (lapband) I included a crazy, but successful diet I did ~1995 where I ate whatever I wanted but no more than 10gm of fat a day. I also documented my Atkins diet attempt, for which I printed out logs I'd kept on an Atkind diet messageboard. DcMak72 - it indeed will be here like *that*. Use the time to get your preparations done - find a few Protein powders you like, start making the behavioral changes you'll need post-op (e.g. chewing everything to goo - breaking bad chewing behaviors is harder than it seems it would be), if you don't yet start ensuring you're taking in 64 oz of Water a day, at least -- if you're going high protein use 64 oz as your base, and add 8 oz for every 25 lbs of weight you need to lose. I had to wait about 6 mos between my band removal and my sleeve (insurance fiasco), and about 1.5 mos between being scheduled and surgery date. At the time it seemed impossibly long, but overall it flew by. Best of luck!

Congratulations! I have Cigna too and I'm hoping to be able to stop the weight loss supervision after 3 months under the new policy. I could actually have surgery this summer if they allow it. Enough about me, congrats again.

New to the group, sleeved on July 2nd, going on my 3rd week and disappointed in weight loss. Weighed 207 day of surgery, down to 194 on the 16th, back up to 196 on the 18th! Not like I ate something really bad...had 6 small boiled shrimp, a protein shake and bowl of egg drop soup...don't see a calorie issue yet gained weight. Not exercising yet...not cleared till 6 weeks. I thought in the first few weeks I'd drop like a lead balloon but not so...worried.

Today I have my 5th month apt (out of my 6 month pre-op process). I am more than nervous. I didn't over do it on Thanksgiving but still I worry I have not lost enough weight. I read a blog post that said people really only gain about 5 lbs. over the holidays but most of us tend to think we gained more. That's me. I am so worried that I gained and/or didn't lose enough to qualify. I mean I have 1 more month before I can be submitted for approval and well Christmas is in that month. I'm trying not to stress out (I'm known to do that around highly important events). I also have to submit my food diary, questionnaire (why I want surgery and what my lifestyle is like), 1 day of meals post-op, and 1 day worth of meals during the puree stage. Looking back, this has been a long frustrating journey. Every time I am ready to have a pitty party or get frustrated I think about the blog 300poundsdown.com. Holly is a true inspiration. She is someone who has a story to tell. While sure our stories and challenges are different, I can count on her posts to help me realize that no matter where you start, it is worth it to keep going to goal. One thing about me...I've never been a crier (at least not a sappy one - pain sure okay). I watch movies and when the person dies, falls in love, rides off into the sunset...yup I'm in the wow, s/he can act camp. But cry and feel a sudden sense of loss...nope, it is just not me. Same goes when reading high charged emotional books, stories, etc. That being said, I have to say, I've never met Holly but feel like I know her. Her posts can bring anyone (yes even me) to tears. Her determination and sheer positivity is amazing. Her blog is my go-to when I'm ready to get down on myself for not losing enough, making a bad choice, thinking of giving up, not having progressed in this process enough, etc. I realized a few minutes ago when reading her post over lunch that I have made her my unofficial WLS hero. She will never know this but I say this to encourage anyone else out there that feels frustrated during this pre-op process: Go on over to Holly's site and check out her story. You'll find she will really inspire you to just keep on going.

Find out what it takes to change on the inside to support your goals on the outside. Katie Jay is director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery, holds a masters in social work, is a certified WLS life coach, and is author of "Dying to Change: My Really Heavy Life Story, How Weight Loss Surgery Gave Me Hope for Living". <embed src='http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mediaplayer.swf?displayheight=&file=http://www.blogtalkradio.com%2fTheWLSCoaches%2fplay_list.xml&autostart=false&shuffle=false&callback=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FlashPlayerCallback.aspx&width=180&height=152&volume=80&corner=rounded' width='180' height='152' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' quality='high' wmode='transparent' menu='false'></embed>

I was the same way Mona. After I graduated from college, I dedicated my life to working out. I went from 220 to 170, however I had also been on phentermine as prescribed by my old(slave to the drug company) doctor. Low and behold, I had to have surgery (unrelated) and in recovery they could not get my heart down to a normal beat. It scared my so bad I was off for good...ballooned back up and past my first highest weight. Oh and PhotoNut..I hear you. I plan on getting back to the gym and getting a head start, but I AM going to treat myself on the cruise. It was preplanned, surgery or not. I will get it together though...just to make myself feel good :-D

I was banded on April 1 in Mexico by Dr. Rodriguez. He is a wonderful surgeon and all has gone well since surgery. I have lost a total of 55lbs and I feel wonderful. I was 336lbs before and my BMI was 53. I am now 281lbs and my BMI is 47! The band does not lose the weight for you but is sure does help. Good luck in your weight loss journey! Sandy

My insurance asked for past history, more then likely you already have it.. Even been on weight watchers? Does your doc know that? Also my BMI was under 40 and I got the same thing. I have been working on this for 1 year. I finaly got it. If you are under a BMI of 40 and do not have a morbid disease. I did not have one, they turned me down. So I thought that I might have sleep apnea, and guess what after going through all of the testing I did. You more then likely do if you are over weight. As soon as I got my results I sent them to the insurance co and they approved my surgery with in two days. It all depends on how bad you want it. I am a single mother and there is NO way I could have paid for this on my own. Good luck !! If you want it, just keep on trying, you never will know if you do not try.

I am new to this site, I am hoping that I will gain the support that I have seen many others gain here. So far I am encourage through what I am seeing from others. I will be attending a seminar on Sept 22,2012 which I guess is the first step to this journey. I am so excited about this life change and upsetthat arrived to the first seminar that I had scheduled late and they would not let me enter. But I am 26 years old weghing 268 and stand 5'5". I normally wear like a 14-16. I am just simply tired of being over weight. Please share you ensight with me

Date Printed: January 5, 2007: 10:48 PM Supplemental Letter for January 9, 2007 January 3, 2007 Dear Review Panel: Presented to you for review is my case for a gastric procedure known as a laproscopic banding procedure or "Lap-Band". In a lower review, BCBSFL did not dispute that I meet the criteria for the Lap-Band procedure. There is no dispute that I would benefit from weight loss surgery and there is no dispute that losing weight would be beneficial to my health. At issue is the coverage of this surgery and the exception I am requesting for this exclusion. Ironically, I received a phone call a few weeks ago from BCBSFL's new Diagnostics Program that offers support to wellness. Through this program, I gained beneficial information in the form of a booklet, catalog and DVD on the very weight loss surgery I am requesting. There is evidence in my medical records that I have tried for years multiple weight loss regimens and used pharmacotherapy for obesity under the supervision of my physician, Dr. Alan Sichelman. For my mental state, it is documented by my therapist, Jane Fenby, that I have a full understanding of what this procedure entails and that it will be a lifetime commitment on my part. There is no indication that I am unstable, misinformed with perceptions of unrealistic expectations; Rather so, that I have pursued this avenue under the direction of my primary care physician and other medical personnel, with cooperation, information and education; That I am laying the course for my surgical event and post surgical life by the compass of these individuals and their combined medical expertise demonstrates I am an individual who very much wishes to be healed. Unquestionably, I am ill and feel I am fighting for my life. As a result of my severe morbid obesity, I suffer from sleep apnea, diabetes, depression, back problems, joint pain, hypertension, migraines, Pictures will show my condition and the severity of my obesity. It is true that my life is endangered. This procedure will prevent the worsening of my condition, alleviate present harmful medical conditions and perhaps cure them. It is the conclusion of my physican(s) and myself that I am in need of this operation. Please authorize my surgery. Additional: As providers of health care coverage, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has historically authorized weight loss surgery. Currently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina cut in half hospital re-admissions "by the twelve surgeons in North Carolina that are designated as centers of excellence for bariatric (obesity) surgery." Additionally, BCBSNC was one of the first insurers in the nation to officially recognize centers of excellence for bariatric surgery. Illinois also follows this model as well as South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan and several other states. In recent publications in the Tampa Bay area, BCBSFL appears to be using bariatric surgery denials as a financial decision rather than one in the best interest of patient care. I must express my concern that with sufficient evidence from their medical providers and informed decisions with which they move forward, it is very troubling that patient/physician decisions of health necessity are disrupted, ignored and denied, superceded by a focus on cost. It is hoped that Florida will soon follow the successful excellence practice as established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in other states. Patricia Reeves

Thank you guys! I'm just worried about getting the 2 years of my weight history becuz my bmi was lower then what it is now... I don't understand how they gave me a surgery date but didnt submit anything to my insurance yet... I'm just stressing myself out... Will they deny me if my weight was lower 2 years ago?

You can eat whatever you feel like eating actually. The point of the clear diet is to jumpstart your weightloss. Your stomach will have swelling from the trauma to the tissue from surgery. The swelling will be the tightness you feel when you consume food or liquids. Heavier things could cause you to need to throw up, it isn't a regular nausea it is more like choking and needing to get it out, and I am sure you have been told that that is bad for your band. If you are very hungry try some Jello, fudgesicles, or a cup of warm tea. These will help aleviate the hunger, as will the Protein drinks. You can get some from quixstar online with 35 grams of protein and just 5 carbs. The vanilla is terrific. I am in hormone hell and having hunger issues way more than I can control, I was done on May 7, 2008. You want to lose 2 a week at most or you get too flabby too quick. See some on here dropping way too fast and know that my sister looks awful after doing that with bypass surgery. I fought getting this done for a long time, but know it is my tool I need. Plugging away at increasing exercise and hope in the next 2 weeks to control the hormone hunger then get my 2nd fill. My best help has been reading on here where I can get some shared info and incentive. Good Luck and work into soft slowly so you don't get disappointed in your weight change.