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You can refocus- especially since you are aware of the things that are holding you back. I am almost 10 months post op too and I think this is the time it can get really hard. Our stomachs are healed and can hold more and for some the appetite comes back (happened to me). However, we can do this!! I am upping my exercise. I just brought a fitbit to encourage me. I am also cutting my carbs way back. Try logging your food again and see if that helps. Also, being this close to goal it becomes a little harder to lose those last few pesky pounds!! You got this!! Good luck

*hugs* I had my sleeve done in Mexicali on 8/12. I'm 23 and never had to deal with any comorbities either. At 3 weeks post-op, I still feel like I made a mistake by permanently altering my body. I try to remind myself why I opted to have this surgery. We're healthy now, but for how long? Half my family is obese and they suffer with hypertension, diabetes, and joint problems from carrying so much weight. I'd like to dodge that bullet. No matter how much I tried to monitor what I ate, I still gained roughly 10 lbs a year from slipping and indulging a little bit here and there. I wanted to nip this problem in the bud; at the rate I was going, I was destined to weigh hundreds of pounds more and almost certainly have hypertension and/or diabetes. At my highest weight of 225 lbs, I tired easily from walking too much or standing too long. I used to sweat at the drop of a hat. In college I barely fit into those tiny lecture hall seats, and couldn't get those little flip-over tables to fit over my lap. I had to cross my legs with my notebook on my knee to "comfortably" take notes. Most of the time I was the fattest person (or at least the fattest female) in the room/class. People here often say the first month/few weeks are the hardest, and that things will get better once we can comfortably eat normal foods. We had major surgery and need time to heal. We're just experiencing some buyer's remorse at the moment

Dont get discouraged! I was banded on 01/21/11 and when I went in for my 2 week check up the Dr. told me all of this is to be expected. He even said, dont get discouraged. He said once you start to heal you will be able to eat just about the way you did before being banded. This is normal until your start getting fills. Im glad he forewarned me or else I would have been worried too...Im just holding out and looking forward to that stage

Like many of you out there I am one out of 10 women out there with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, AKA PCOS. For me lapband surgery was a no brainer but before I go into that I want to talk about what led me to my decision. I was fist diagnosed with PCOS in 2004. From 2004 to 2011 I was taking high doses of metformin and spirnolactone. This was to assist with my hormonal imbalance and to assist with monthly menstruation. In late 2011 I developed health problems related to the medication I was taking. So I decided to go on an organic diet, limit my calories and up my exercise. I signed up for my first 1/2 marathon with a friend and began doing yoga a couple of times a week. I lost little to no weight. So I decided to see a natural doctor and starting taking herbs to assist with my ailments. After a year of my efforts the symptoms of my PCOS were not reversing but in fact getting worse. Although I was exercising I managed to gain 15 additional pounds as well as excess belly weight. I finally decided to make the decision to have lap band surgery. I want to have children one day and found the lap band to be less evasive and also be at a low risk for any health issues. I have been battling PCOS for so long that I was tired of trying so hard to see no benefits in return. I did some research on the lap band and women with PCOS and found it to be successful for them, in hopes it would in turn be successful for me. Sometimes it is hard to battle the bulge alone especially when your body is working against you. I wanted to create a blog where I could inspire women to keep moving forward and to not give up on their goals of weight loss and possible pregnancy. I was hoping to hear from other women and their success stories. So here is to 2013, let's make it memorable with stories and pictures and show it is possible to overcome PCOS. For more information on PCOS please visit: http://www.pcosfound...on.org/ http://women.webmd.c...-topic-overview

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Hello all, I am getting ready to begin the process for getting the sleeve hopefully. I have my first appointment this week with my Medical Doctor and psychologist. I hope I can get approved for real. I haven't been to the doctor in years almost 10 so I am scared with what they may say and if that may have any complications. I'm 480 6'6. I am pretty active. I just started back working out. Been playing basketball 2-3 times a week. Don't have as much energy as the competition lol. Any tips on how I can be successful??

I told my kids the truth. They were 10 and 8 at the time, my daughter was only 2. I feel that its important to acknowledge the health dangers of obesity and the importance of doing something about it, its something you could never hide from your family - the change in me has been huge. Our entire lifestyle is healthier, the effects of my surgery have flowed onto my husband and kids etc etc.

I'm at 2.5 and I believe I could be tweaked but that's about it. Last visit I opted for no fill since I was doing so well. I have a 10 cc band

I think everyone feels that way, I mean who really wants to have life changing surgery that carries so many risks?? For me I wish I could have found the strength to do it 10 years ago. Im so mad that I wasted so much of my adult life feeling fat and miserable and torturing myself with diet efforts to never see any real long term success. I would renew it every year if I had to. Doing this was the best thing I've ever done for myself.

No thank you https://sciencebasedpharmacy.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/the-detox-delusion/

I was given strict instructions not to lift anything over 10 pounds for the first week and nothing over 30 for the first 4 weeks. I am also a college student. Though, I am about a year away from my associates. Is there anyway you could leave a few books in the car and get them between classes? I guess being at a small campus does have it's perks. I would def call and demand to see the doc if you have any concerns that aren't addressed over the phone.

Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids. How much water should you drink each day? — a simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live. Though no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day. Health benefits of water CLICK TO ENLARGE Functions of water in the body Water is your body's principal chemical component, comprising, on average, 60 percent of your weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. How much water do you need? Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water. A couple of approaches attempt to approximate water needs for the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate. <LI class=doublespace>Replacement approach. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total Fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids. Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. Even apart from the above approaches, it is generally the case that if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce between one and two liters of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate. Factors that influence water needs You may need to modify your total fluid intake depending on how active you are, the climate you live in, your health status, and if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. <LI class=doublespace>Exercise. The more you exercise, the more fluid you'll need to keep your body hydrated. An extra 1 or 2 cups of water should suffice for short bouts of exercise, but intense exercise lasting more than an hour (for example, running a marathon) requires additional fluid. How much additional fluid is needed depends on how much you sweat during the exercise, but 13 to26 ounces (or about 2 to 3 cups) an hour will generally be adequate, unless the weather is exceptionally warm. During long bouts of intense exercise, it's best to use a sports drink that contains sodium, as this will help replace sodium lost in sweat and reduce the chances of developing hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening. Fluid also should be replaced after exercise. Drinking 16 ounces of fluid per pound of body weight lost during exercise is recommended. <LI class=doublespace>Environment. Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional intake of fluid. Heated indoor air also can cause your skin to lose moisture during wintertime. Further, altitudes greater than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) may trigger increased urination and more rapid breathing, which use up more of your fluid reserves. <LI class=doublespace>Illnesses or health conditions. Signs of illnesses, such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea, cause your body to lose additional fluids. In these cases you should drink more water and may even need oral rehydration solutions, such as Gatorade, Powerade or Ceralyte. Certain conditions, including bladder infections or urinary tract stones, also require increased water intake. On the other hand, certain conditions such as heart failure and some types of kidney, liver and adrenal diseases may impair excretion of water and even require that you limit your fluid intake. Pregnancy or breast-feeding. Women who are expecting or breast-feeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated. Large amounts of fluid are lost especially when nursing. The Institute of Medicine recommends that pregnant women drink 2.4 liters (about 10 cups) of fluids daily and women who breast-feed consume 3.0 liters (about 12.5 cups) of fluids a day. Beyond the tap: Other sources of water Although it's a great idea to keep water within reach at all times, you don't need to rely only on what you drink to satisfy your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion of your fluid needs. On average, food provides about 20 percent of total water intake, while the remaining 80 percent comes from water and beverages of all kinds. For example, many fruits and vegetables — such as watermelon and cucumbers — are nearly 100 percent water by weight. Beverages such as milk and juice are also comprised mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake. Water is one of your best bets because it's calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available. Dehydration and complications Failing to take in more water than your body uses can lead to dehydration. Even mild dehydration — as little as a 1 percent to 2 percent loss of your body weight — can sap your energy and make you tired. Common causes of dehydration include strenuous activity, excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include: Mild to excessive thirst Fatigue Headache Dry mouth Little or no urination Muscle weakness Dizziness Lightheadedness Mild dehydration rarely results in complications — as long as the fluid is replaced quickly — but more-severe cases can be life-threatening, especially in the very young and the elderly. In extreme situations, fluids or electrolytes may need to be delivered intravenously. Staying safely hydrated It's generally not a good idea to use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time one becomes thirsty, it is possible to already be slightly dehydrated. Further, be aware that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience either. To ward off dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following: Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal. Hydrate before, during and after exercise. Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings. If you drink water from a bottle, thoroughly clean or replace the bottle often. Refill only bottles that are designed for reuse. Though uncommon, it is possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water, the electrolyte (mineral) content of the blood is diluted, resulting in a condition called hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). Endurance athletes — such as marathon runners — who drink large amounts of water are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who consume an average American diet. If you're concerned about your fluid intake, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian. He or she can help you determine the amount of water that's best for you. RELATED Vitamin water: Better than plain water? MayoClinic.com Bookstore 'The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook,' Concise Edition (Softcover) ARTICLE TOOLS Print E-mail this Larger type Reprints and permissions By Mayo Clinic Staff May 23, 2006 © 1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. NU00283

I live in Houston and will be getting sleeved next Wednesday 7/19 in New Orleans. I have a flight back to Houston on July 31st, should I be able to lift a small carry on bag by then? I'm staying with my mom to recover for the first week or so and I don't have any clothes at her house and don't want to leave anything there. It's small enough to go under the seat so I don't have to lift it but my mom is terrified that carrying anything heavier than my purse will hurt me.

I don't think you should think about picking anything over 10 lbs up and certainly not lifting it up and over your head. Ship what you need to your moms house now so you don't worry.

14 months out and sometimes I wish my restriction was as good as 7 to 10 months out. There are days that I have to restrict myself. I believe it gets better. Hang in there.

Thanks for taking the time to write that. I still have a wAys to go before surgery. One question at 10 weeks what stage are you at eating wise and what are some of the things you can have and can't have? Thanks

Look for great changes to come your way. I got sleeved on 10/11 so I know just how you are feeling.

I started a list of motivational sayings and thoughts. I add to it whenever I think of something good. I read it everyday. I thought I'd share and encourage you to do a list of your own: 1. If I can take it than I can make it. 2. A goal without a plan is only a wish. 3. I got this, come hell or high water! 4. White jeans, heels, tankini and a dress.. 5. Take control of food and your life. 6. Live the life you dream of! 7. Crossing my legs, being comfortable on a plane, less jiggly while running and more stomach space while riding. 8. Climbing!!! 9. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a new result, is called insanity! 10. How's that working for you?! 11. This is the beginning of making all your dreams come true. 12. You are braver than you know and stronger than you think. 13. Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. 14. FOCUS 15. Be kind to yourself. 16. PATIENCE 17. You can train yourself to be disciplined. 18. It's just a habit, it's ok to break it.

I have been looking forward to this surgery for months now! It was a huge struggle throughout the year to even get to the point of scheduling, and I was so relieved when I finally had my date. I was psyched up and have been killing it with my pre op diet! All the sudden about 4 days ago it finally hit me, like a punch in the gut, that this was really happeing. I haven't been able to sleep and when I do I have HORRIBLE nightmares. I have been so nervous I am making myself ill. I have been vomiting and now dry heaving for 2 days straight because of nerves. On top of that I feel like I am going insane! Everything has been making me cry or unreasonably irritated. I hope I am not the only one that has felt this NEUROTIC before surgery. My excitement has turned into dark thoughts of everything going severly awry tomorrow! Please help!

I am almost 10 months out,117 pounds down. My loose skin has become just ridiculously itchy. Its mainly my belly but my sides a little too. I dont know whats causing it and hydrocortizone isnt helping. Theres no rash or anything (just red from where I am scratching myself to death) Any ideas? Its driving me crazy, I'm willing to try about anything!

Has anyone been approved that has Blue Cross PPO of Tennessee? I'm set for my doctor on Feb.5 for my approval, I'm not worried about them approving me. It's the insurance company. I want this so bad!!! I have been overweight since I was 10.I'm tired of starving myself to lose weight.If anyone has could you tell me what all I need to do?

I have BC/BS NJ PLUS which is the state employee plan, if any plan would deny it I would think the government one would and they approved me with NO problems. In fact it only took about 1 week to get approval. I had a BMI of 51 at surgery time and had no co-morbidities. Plus I didn't have any out of pocket other than a $10 co-pay. If you have a referral from your Primary Care Doctor the consultation I would think should be covered as well. Good luck

Good luck to you all! I work for Anthem, and believe it or not they cover WLS surgery. I have to fork out 10% co-insurance. I am calling to setup my consultation with the doctor....wish me luck Dacoz21

My Company uses UHC, AETNA, and some smaller health care providers. They all have weight loss surgery in their packages. Aetna, however has the 3-6 month diet regimen. Luckily for me my provider is UHC. Which poses my next question. My surgery inpatient/outpatient coverage is 90% covered by uhc after deductible ($100) is met. Can anyone share from their experiences what the 10% cost to me will be? Will I have to pay up front or will my insurance company bill me? I am going through Lap-Band Solutions in Dallas so any advice you can offer definitely will help. I'll probably know for sure after my consultation but knowing a rough estimate sooner would be wonderful. Thanks

I am in my 5th month before surgery( hopefully) and have lost 12 pounds. I am try tall and original weight of 262 pounds. My bariatric doctor told me that my weight loss goal pre-surgery was minimum of 5% my original weight. Which is about 14 pounds. My primary has been behind all his requirements. Only suggestion was more water and exercising, preferably walking. I was also told that the liquid pre-op diet can make you lose up to 10 pounds. The main goal I was told was to set up your routine and learn better habits. And shrink your liver for surgery. Long story short, PvP needs to be more supportive or replaced. Just saying. Sent from my VS501 using BariatricPal mobile app