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I just have to get this out.... In the last few days, I have reached what I think is a significant weight loss goal. I have lost my first 50 pounds! How exciting! Right? Well, I was quite excited... texting and calling family and friends. I called my mother in law... and instead of her congratulating me and telling me she was happy or proud or any such positive thing... the first thing out of her mouth.... "well good, now you can start working on the next 50". WTF?!?!?! Nothing like bursting my bubble! Sheesh! Made me want to go gorge on some donuts! Then today I was at the bank and I hadn't been in there in awhile because I ususally just use the drive through (it is easier then getting my kids out of carseats and trying to keep them from running around in the bank) Deep down, I hoped the ladies at the bank might notice my weight loss. Then, as I am heading out the door... one of the ladies asked me when my baby was due? WHAT?!?! Are you kdding me? This is the smallest I have been in 10 years! I went back to my car in tears. I'm glad my husband was with me and I didn't have to drive. Tonight I don't know how to feel. I am quite proud of my accomplishments so far. However, I feel hurt that I received what I felt to be negative feedback during a time that I was trying to Celebrate my success. Does it make any sense to have hurt feelings? Probably not. But I just can't seem to get over it. Maybe I need to keep my celebrations to myself in the future? Maybe I need to learn to not rely on others for positive feedback? Maybe I need to go get the damn donuts and get it over with and then just move on?? hahaha

Its so wonderful to hear from everyone and their great weight loss. I have lost a total of 53, 30 since the band. Its going slower than I expected, but at least its going.

I am so ready for this. Then I went to a psychic yesterday and he said that I would hate it and want to have it removed. And, that I really didn't need it because if I could really see who I was and honor myself, I would eat healthier and the weight would fall off because I would eat food that honored me. I get what he was saying but... After little sleep and much soul searching, I am still going get the lapband. That's why my log in is "18 months to know." Someone gave me some really good advice: She said, you have about a year and a half to figure out why you eat the way you do, if not, you may very well put the weight back on. So, I figure that I can truly find out who I am AND lose the weight at the same time. Maybe I will hate it and maybe I will have it removed, but I need to take this journey this way right now. God promises us not to give us any more than we can handle. I believe lapband is God's way of saying, your weight loss IS more than you can handle, so here's some help. Pray for me, I will pray for all of you. I trust I am in God's hands and His will be done. Any thoughts?

I'm new at this, so please be patient if I seem not-so-smart about posting, etc. I went to my first weight loss seminar in March of this year, and have been pondering it ever since. My niece and her fiance' have had the sleeve done, and are doing great, so I've been watching their journey as well. Since I've tried every weight loss gimmick and plan and have always gained the weight back, I finally decided that I needed something that would finally work. That is why I chose the sleeve. I made an appt. with the surgeon, went for all my introductory appts. at his office and finally met with him last month. My surgery is scheduled for the 14th, and I just started the pre op diet of protein drinks only on Wed. So far, so good. I wish myself and all of you pre op members the best!

To the original poster, I'm sorry you had to endure that. People judge and criticize things that they don't understand. It seems easy and simple for them because they've never struggled or battled it, but they have no idea the reality of the situation. However, I do agree with RJ. Weight loss surgery is not a miracle surgery that will end obesity for the rest of our lives. It is a means to an end. It will help us with QUANTITY control for a time being, but we have to retrain ourselves to only consume foods of QUALITY. We have to teach ourselves to implement activity into our lives (i.e. walking, biking, jogging, hiking). We have to change our life style for long term success. The sleeve is a small part of your overall success. It's just an instrument to help transition you from point A to point B. Before the sleeve, as much as I liked healthy foods , I loved my junk food too. Especially chips and dips, and anything sweet. I literally made myself throw everything out of the pantry and throw it all away before surgery. I refuse to buy any of the junk, because if I do I know I will eat it. The biggest battle is against ourselves. It's a mental battle. You can do this. It's not easy, but it can be done and the sleeve is a great tool to have at your side as you make these mental changes. Good luck to you.

I happened to mention to my mother that I was a candidate for weight loss sugery and she swiftly reminded me of a cousin who died from it. The responses you get from people will hardly ever be filled with joy. There will always be stories of someone who died, someone who never lost weight, someone who took the easy way out by having surgery etc. It irritated me that my mother said that to me, especially since she taught me everything that I know about food addiction and really doesn't know what caused my cousin's death. What I do know is that getting a gastric sleeve is not going to fix my brain. That's why it's referred to as a tool and nothing more. There are people who fail at weight loss surgery, but we all know that it's not the surgery that fails them - it's a return to the same destructive patterns that got them fat in the first place. If you do what you've always done, you will be who you always are. The real question is not whether the surgery will work for you, but have you done the work on yourself (on your brain and in your heart) to stop doing what you've always done. You can succeed at this if you have done the legwork and are well prepared to do the afterwork.

Here's a graph of my weight from 2014-now. It shows when I first started my first weight loss journey at 218lbs to how I got down to my lowest adult weight of 158 in less than a year, how I started to gain over the next couple years to reach 238 lbs. That is when I decided to have wls, so now it is showing how I've made my way back down to 176 lbs. I feel good right now but also terrified of gaining again because despite it just being a line graph to most, to me it also shows all the tears and depression I went through. How do I stay optimistic when I've failed myself many times before? I guess I'm just looking for some support, advice, and words of wisdom anyone may have. Thank you all in advance! Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

as long as you're following the plan, I wouldn't worry about it. There could be a number of factors affecting your weight loss (hormones? Constipation? Water retention?). The goal of this pre-op diet is to shrink your liver, so you're good..

The first thing you should do is call your insurance company and ask if it is covered. Then you should go to a seminar to get all the information you can. There is titanium on the back side of the port. But I haven't heard of anyone having any problems form it. I have been banded a year this month. My weight loss has been slow compared to some of the others, but I still believe it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. But you have to get it in your head to do it. No matter how much exercise equipment you buy, it won't matter if you aren't commited to using it and eating right. The band helps with portion control, but there are ways to eat around it. Cookies and chocolate still go down just fine and I can eat as much of that stuff as I want. So you still have to be motivated. Good luck!

Hi LegalLady- I got my referral from my primary care doctor on December 24. I went to the Bariatric program seminar January 24 where they gave me all of my requirements and I was off and running through required weight loss, sleep study, psych, and my 2 week lovely pre-op ;-)etc. Since it is a military facility, I am sure my process to longer than many sleevers do. 2 days it is!! Hard to believe. I am looking forward to donating lots of clothes very soon!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone. The encouragement is so appreciated!! I wanted to add this: another NSV for me is that I am healthy. I'm off my bp meds (well, I have been since the week before surgery, but it's due to the weight loss!) and haven't had any complications. I see so many posts from recent sleevers that are having issues, or having weakness with their food, and I really just can't help but be so glad it's not me. I realize that may sound selfish, but my journey is about me after all! What I've learned through this process is that my body - it's an amazing thing. The fact that I've lived this long being super obese and ONLY had high blood pressure for the past year is a miracle in and of itself. Add in that I just had major surgery less than a month ago and you'd never know it from looking at me, I realize I'm blessed. My body is healing well. My body is getting stronger. As much abuse as I've put this body through, it keeps on going... for me, this journey, even though I'm not at the end, has really taught me to LOVE MYSELF in a way I never did before. To love this perfectly imperfect body - and not just because it's the only one I'll ever have - because IT IS RESILIENT! It really brings a happy tear to my eye to know that I have more respect for myself now, and I'm not even close to the finish line. I'll get there... I'll (try to) be patient... but for now - this feels pretty great, too. Thanks again everyone! <3

I think she could halt any weight loss and probably tear her pouch. The rules are there for a reason. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using BariatricPal mobile app

Whether or not you are in a serious relationship, Valentine’s Day means candy is everywhere. If he or she has not gotten the message that candy is not part of your weight loss surgery diet, your significant other may give you a box of chocolate truffles to Celebrate your relationship. That box of chocolates may be the least of your worries before and on Valentine’s Day. Your workplace might have candies out in the reception area and staff breakroom, and your friends and coworkers might pass around valentines with candies inside or a few batches of beautifully decorated cupcakes and Cookies. All those temptations can get to you, so how do you cope?

I have Principal insurance. I am required to complete a 6 month pre op weight loss case management with Carewise. Then it goes to them for approval.

I'm going through this right now. I posted on another forum and have copied and edited it a bit below and hope I can help anyone in preventing this. As far as your question, yes you can get the pouch back to normal but you and you only can make that happen. It's difficult, but, it can be done. If the pouch is really stretched badly they will un-fill you and place you on liquids for a period of time. My doctor told me 6 weeks of liquids. Holy smokes!!! Here is my post from another thread: Under floroscopy my doctor told me that my pouch was bigger than it should be. She told me that I would get a warning this time, but if next checkup showed the same, she will un-fill me and I will go on liquids for 6 weeks. For now I have been instructed to measure my portions. I did get a slight fill, so, I'm thinking that I'm not that bad yet. I keep a loose band because my allergies and drainage cause the dreaded lapband cement on the pouch that is only dissolved by drinking lots of hot liquids and is very unpleasant, thus I have to be a bit more careful with my portions. I have decent restriction and my portions have been at least 1 cup of food and sometimes 1.5 cups, however, I got into the habit of not chewing well and eating too fast. I rarely got stuck because of my loose band. In my opinion, not chewing well and eating too fast is what caused the dialation. I was also doing way too much exercise and was feeling more hunger and I would eat way to fast and not chew well with the hunger I felt at times. Someone asked about symptoms. First of all my weight loss stopped for months. My weight would go up and down by 6 lbs. and went on like this for at least 8 months. I tried increasing calories, longer work outs etc. etc. and nothing! My biggest symptom was more hunger in between meals and was getting hungry every 2-3 hours. The most obvious symptom that I should have never ignored was feeling satisfied (full) and would get that uncomfortable feeling of "no more" at meal time then all of sudden I would feel a thump in my pouch, due to food going thru quickly, then I could eat another meal if I chose to and honestly sometimes I would. I thought this was because I needed a fill, however, this was not the case and Doc said that a enlarged pouch of course holds more food and will push everything down quickly. Since being warned I have gone on liquids 2 times consisting of 4 days of Protein drinks and 1 can of Soup a day. In addition, I have modified my drinking and wait 1/2 hour before a meal and 1/2 hour after a meal. I now feel a huge amount of restriction and can only handle the 1/2 cup of food at mealtime. So, yes you can reverse the stretched pouch. I will continue to do the liquid thing at least every other week for a while just to be on the safe side. Since doing this I have lost 10 lbs. Lesson learned? If something doesn't feel right get it checked. I knew something was wrong, but, I was embarrassed to see the doctor because I had not reached goal. I think the biggest disappointment is first myself and second, being banded is high maintenance, but, we are the culprit to our own complications in most cases. I still love my band though! Hope this helps anyone who may be experiencing some of my symptoms and have ignored them. jake

Don't become discouraged, you are making improvements. You are well within the 1-2 pounds per week weight loss. I know you want it to come off a little faster. Perhaps that will happen with you fill and additional restriction. Good Luck!!

Congratulations on your banding and weight loss! It's so great to hear of people's success. Keep it up, Welcome, and Best Wishes!!

Hey Guys, I get my banded on Tuesday and I am pretty excited. I have spent the last couple of weeks trying to figure out how fast I can lose the 70 pounds I need to lose and I have been trying use other peoples numbers as a gauge. My question is shouldn't I at least be able to do what I have normally done without the band? For example I can lose 40 pounds in 3 months without the band (cant keep it off) so I should at least be able to match that with the band. I was 5 years younger and didn't have ACL surgery back then but I should still get close to those results right? Sorry if this is a stupid question but maybe you guys have been able to tell a difference in weight lost over different time periods. Thanks for listening

How long did you guys wait to exercise? I'm almost 5 weeks out and my Doc cleared me to exercise at 2 weeks out but my incision is an open hole and leaking constantly so I'm nervous to workout and make it worse. I'm trying to let it heal but I want to work out to help weight loss. I've only lost 11lbs since surgery on August 19.

My reason and motivation for WLS....... 57 years old....morbidly obese...diabetes....smoker of 2 packs day....blood work all over the charts, ALL of it dangerously bad.... My brother died at age 60, sister at 64....I am the youngest of 3. They died due to weight related issues, so I have family Hx working against me.... I was Dx'd with CAD, Coranary Artery Disease.....laymen's terms I had too much fat in my blood clogging my arteries putting me for risk of CVA's, circulatory issues -amputations, and above all...SUDDEN Death.... A stress test revealed Coranary artery blockage.....underwent angioplasty which revealed one artery 60% occluded in 2 places, and another artery 100%, but that artery regenerated branches compensating for the blockage....cardiac catherization revealed scar tissue at the 100% area, meaning I had a MI ( heart attack) and did not even know it...silent, which is not uncommon for diabetics and women... I was getting dizzy spells all the time..lack of blood flow? Could not lift my chin and look up without vertigo... Loss of feeling in my legs, feet.. ( neuropathy) ....skin issues including infections....cellulitis.... My PCP sat knee to knee with me and flat out said unless I loose 50 lbs, I will surely die! Can go at any time.... Perhaps you can understand why I take this surgery very seriously....my very aggressive approach, I don't give a dam what others think...it is life or death! It may be why I don't have patience with whiners.....suck it up! So here I am, 2 years post banded, 60 years old......100 lbs down....ALL blood work normal, no more diabetes, passed my last stress test with flying colors.....off all meds, except the cardiac...those are for life.... I run 5 miles per day, 5 days a week, lift weights...make wise food choices...eat only healthy food, no more red meat. ALL my Dr.s are THRILLED! And I have 5 of them....they all want to take credit but I don't care.....I am their favorite patient, success story..... Bottom line, it is all because I had lap band surgery...I could never had done it on my own will power, self discipline...I needed surgery to correct my bad habits, prevent me from being a glutton .........easy way out? Yes, but so what! ...look at the alternative......I will never be fat again!

Thanks guys! Well I guess it's back to shakes for me lol. I wanted to try to do it with food but seeing it isn't feasible yet, and I do want to maximize my weight loss at this stage!

I am brand new to this forum. I have been researching the band for a few weeks now after my last doctor visit. I have to say, I am already so glad I found you all! I have been reading for hours, and all I can say is WOW, and THANK YOU! I have been feeling so hopeless in a time when I should be so full of joy...I am 24 years old and married the love of my life just over a year ago. Just before that, however, I found out that I had type 2 diabetes. What a blow that was, and is everyday. I have always struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember and I am so tired of it. I have dieted and exercised for years, and now that I am completely insulin dependant within one year, my doctor and I are trying a weight loss rx (pills). Nothing lost. It has been almost 4 months and I have not lost a single pound. I have NO self confidence at this point in my life and it is really putting stress on my new marriage. I know there is a long road ahead of me before I can really move forward with the band, but after reading what you have all posted, I finally feel like there is hope. I will be discussing the band as a possibility with my Endo on Monday and I am very excited. I am a little concerned about how people with diabetes do with the band. Is the diet the same? Any severe lows? I just have so many questions, and no one to ask...until now I am hoping...Thank you all so much for sharing and supporting. I would be curious to know if there are others with diabetes with the badnd who would be willing to share. Thank you all, so sorry for the long post, I promise I will be good from now on! Thanks!!

Hello, everyone. I am fairly new here...been lurking and putting my 2 cents worth in here and there. I was banded on October 25 and loving the results thus far. I appreciate all the helpful advice I've seen in this forum. You are all such great inspirations. We all had to get to where we were before we could get out and make that change. That life altering change to get healthy. I, for one, am VERY happy I made the decision to get the LapBand and that I found this great support system here on the net. I really am hoping to see all of us meet our weight loss goals. I know everyone has made this decision after much research and thought and probably a little bit of prayer and a whole lot of talking. YEAH ME! YEAH US! Good luck to all and I'm sure you'll be seeing more of me in the coming months.

"I think the LB is the way to go~ Obviously you do too~ My sister is having the same issue-- she has to lose weight before her surgery too- it's a safety issue due to too much fat around the liver.. Can the doctor give a plan to follow for those 3 mos? maybe that would help-- although I know it's hard- best wishes" Thanks, I am a bit less freaked now than I was the day I was told I needed to lose weight to lose weight...grr....I just don't want to take what will probably end up being another 6 months of my life in this same situation, but if I put a spin on it and start eating different today like I have started, then it hopefully won't take 6 months. I am on and off on the panic thing and I absolutely am scared to death to try the gastric bypass. Lap band is all I want. The dr said himself, he feels it is unfair for an insurance company to try and tell us what we can have when it is a benefit we are paying for. Also, it has been proven that the weight loss between the two levels off after about 2 years to be almost the same for either surgery, so forcing us to have one or the other isn't really right. OH WELL, I will just be glad my insurance covers it and start that wonderful watch what you eat thing...... Thanks everyone.

I keep forgetting things after surgery like where I kept my file or my med... Happened to anyone?