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I get my Band on 10/31/06. I have to admit,,, I'm getting nervous. I've got all these people telling me "Shirley don't do it! Youv'e already lost a lot of weight!" Like I don't no this wright??? Anyway they are telling me about how many people they no that have had this done, and they are forever sick. "My guess is By-Pass Surgery" They just don't no the difference. I'm told I wil never eat again. I no I plan too! I no it won't be much, but,, I still plan to eat someday. If some one out there wants to get back to me, and give me some pointers or tips. I would really appreciate it. Because I have all ready bought my Protien Drinks, I've watched a tape on the Procedure, I'm going for my Pre-Op visit Wednesday,Whew, I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row as they say. But,,, somehow my head is getting spun around So please get back. I'm in Michigan, my highest weight was 356, now 239 that's on 1200 calorie diet it works!!! My Surgeon is Jeffrey Genaw. Out of Henry Ford Hospital.

Twas the Night before Vacation, All dogs out of the house. Nestled on a Ranch, hopefully chasing a mouse. I'm trying to figure - what clothes to pack, keeping my mind busy so not to snack. It's that "in between" stage that's my daily struggle, size 10, 12 or a 14 I juggle. So and extra suitcase I order to hubby, to pack my workout clothes, to fend off the chubby. I'm going to run, workout, and take care & Hope the margaritas dont' kick me too hard - in the derriere. So off from LBT I am for a week, my support system in mind - so not to cheat. I thank you all for the journey right now, and hope my fill keeps me from eating a cow.

I want to thank you all for being so very brave to allow all of us "soon to be's" to use your experiences. I am scheduled for Lap Band on 10/13 and so ready to start this new chapter in my life.

Struggling with getting my eating/drinking balanced here (eating here being soup/yougert/cream of wheat/etc). I would love to do what you are suggesting, it's dang hard to "eat" for me. But then how do you balance the drinking? If you can't drink 30b4/30after....I am having a heck of a time. If I ate a couple of bites every 20 mins when would I drink? I was so proud of myself getting in all my Water Sunday and as soon as a started "eating" it got much harder! You are right. That was confusing. Let me clarify. Let's say I take my lunch at 11:30. I would have ensured I had at least 20 oz of water by 11:00 because I am so good with that. So, let's say I have 3 sliced ham with cream cheese wraps. I'll take one out of the fridge and take a bite. Chew it ridiculously putting it down after my first bite. For the ham I use, this roll will take about 4 bites. Takes me about 10 minutes to eat it. 20 minutes later, I head back to the fridge and grab another one AS LONG AS I AM NOT REMOTELY FEELING FULL. (or whatever my new definition of full is) So, I repeat the process. Yes, it does mean I am usually eating at my desk, but that is fine, for me. Continue to repeat this process until you BEGIN to feel the restriction. Doesn't matter if you are half way through one of the ham rolls, STOP! Just because there is food in front of us doesn't mean we have to eat it. I know ... that was a new one for me, too. 30 minutes later, resume drinking. On the rare occasion I go out with co-workers for lunch, the process isn't much different. If I am not sharing my surgery with others, if I am asked, I say I am just not that hungry right now but will probably have another bite when we are back at the office. I've been doing this for well over 2 years and it really isn't a big deal. I thought it would be at first, but then I discovered it really isn't all about me. We're learning new habits here. It is a good thing. I love the fact that I don't have to or want to power down food the way I used to.

I know, I know. It’s been toooo long since I’ve updated. We’ll just blame it on life. The last couple of months of 2010 were a dooozy. I was so glad to kick that year in the arse on the way out the door into 2011. *sheesh* Praying for a much smoother ride this year – though all things considered: at least I got my health on track. shake weight for Christmas. Might seem like a gimmick, but it’s doing something. I feel it! I won’t even talk about the rapidly depleting “fun-bags”. I’m greatful I still have significant cuppage – even if it is on the count of them being so longgggg. By the time I scoop the slinky’s up into one of my FAB new over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders from Lane Bryant, I still have an ample bosom. *cheeze* I have also noticed that my build-a-booty exercises are working better than I expected. That, and a nice proper fitting pair of slacks makes me look Beyonce-bootylicious (even if HERS is fake). Speaking of slacks – I’m in a size 18 now. CANUFRIGGENBELIEVEIT?? At my biggest (in August) I was a sz 22/24. I’m now about 60# down (give or take, depending on the day), and its still somehow lost on me. Yeah, I get that its gonna take awhile for my old brain to catch up to my new body, but I feel like in some weird parallel universe at times. I mean – is “this” really…ME? The last time I saw 250# was over 10 years ago. And now, I’m only 51# away from my first super big goal of getting UNDER 200#. I’m on my way to ONE-derland, baybee!!! Though, I guess me hitting 50# was worth some fanfare – I just kinda…forgot. *shrug* People ask me a lot how I feel. Well, most days, I feel pretty good. I’m pretty much back to “normal”. With the exception of raw veggies/salads (and I’m craving a ceasar salad something fierce). The nausea/vomitting has subsided. And my knees and back/hips are thanking me. I’m more active in terms of walking when I can, takig the steps when I can, dancing when I can, and doing my lil mini-workouts in the bedroom. Really, its been going pretty well. I’m rather proud of myself, even if what I’m doing is minimal at the moment. Protein in the first couple months…my hair started falling out. BIG time. In CLUMPS. My big beautiful fro is no more. *sadface* At first, I went with rockin drawstring pontails for a minute, but I just didn’t feel like…ME. So, on Christmas, I cut my hair off. I figured I rather have short, vibrant, healthy hair.. then longer/bigger patchy hair. So I’m going to keep it short for the next 9 months or so until I can get my protein & everything where it should be. Maintain my fiery crown of red (with the help of Clairol textures-n-tones “Flaming Desire”), however short, and rock on… I will say one last thing – the weightloss surgery was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Rough start aside, it gets easier every day. I’m making much better food choices, which means I still get to enjoy the things I love on occasion (cupcake, anyone? Well, in my case 1/2 a cupcake *lol*). I’m even rather fond of green veggies. Who woulda thunk it!? I do still feel guilty when folks give accolades of “keep up the good work” b/c I don’t feel like I’m doing much to earn that. But, if deciding to actually “do” something about my weight & health (surgery or no)…well I guess that counts for something! Thanks to all who have continued to support, encourage, and drool. Think I’m lookin hawt now? Just *weight* until the summer almost halfway there!

Hi guys! Sorry not to post for so long. My surgery was delayed because my husband had a massive stroke and a heart attack on Oct. 16. My surgery was scheduled for the 20th. By God's grace he survived and finally came home on Nov.8. I had surgery on Nov. 10 and I'm walking on air I'm so happy. In 10 days I've lost 10.4 pounds and yesterday I cleaned out my closet and gave away all my "fat" clothes! Everything just hangs! First week was a little hard because I don't care for broth but second week much better. Minimal pain except my left side at night. I am convinced this is the best thing I ever did for myself and therefore for my family. No more pain in my knees and ankles ALREADY!

I'm impressed that you could lose the 17-22 pounds just waiting for the surgery. I only had to lose 6 and they delayed me a month because I hadn't done it by the end of my 6 months. I have Kaiser Permanente for insurance-- The bad news is that I weighed in and got the referral, then went on a 10 cruise to the Greek Islands... Now, I've got to lose most of it all over again before I meet with the surgeon!

I was banded in Feb and have only lost 10 lbs. I've lost 18 total but I have gone down THREE sizes! From a tight 26/24 to a comfortable 20/18!!! I get so sick and hopeless when I just focus on the scale. Take pictures so u can see the difference. That's what I've done.

Since we don't have a pouch, our stomachs will only shrink so much on liquids but once you go back to eating solids, your stomach capacity will change again. I noticed a big change in the quantities I could eat at around 7-8 months out, but good news is that I can't eat more today than I could back then, 10 months ago. The swelling goes down, and our stomachs become acclimated to consuming solid foods, and we inevitably can eat more. BUT, the sleeve doesn't "stretch" like RNY or Band pouches. Like I said, I can't eat more today than I could 10 months ago even though it's twice as much as I could eat at 2-3 months post op. I had to go on full liquids right before my gallbladder surgery in February (8 months post sleeve), and I noticed once I started back on solids my restriction was a bit more limited, but about 2 weeks back on solids, I was back to eating 3-4oz of dense protein per meal.

congrats on getting a date. I am getting sleeved on 4/10. So excited and nervous. The liquid diet is hard, first week I crashed and burned then realized I HAD to make it work. I feared I'd be that one person that gets on the table and the doctor says nope, can't do it because my liver is too big. I think the first 3 days are the hardest then your body kind of adjusts. I've found that even when i do palm sized meal in the evening I'm full. I do one Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch and in between Water. If I get the case of the munchies I eat sugar free Jello. I find sipping shakes (EAS AdvandEdge) and water with a straw helps me savor it more and I take longer to finish it. Can't wait to see our progress. See you on the losers bench

I had the same thing. Mine started on day 10, my surgeons office says there is a line of nerves right there and that 95% of their patients experience it. It is totally normal and lasts about 2 weeks on average. I can tell you that I am 3 weeks out now and it is starting to get better.

Thank you, LipstickLady. Logically, I know he has my best interest in mind. He wants to ensure a safe procedure. I just quickly got my heart set on it, and it seems so unattainable. In my entire state, there are only three clinics. I'm going to go ahead and do the testing, to see the results. If he does not/will not proceed, I will see another clinic, as my general practitioner is actually three hours away, so therefore was actually more familiar with another clinic (my OB had referred me to this specific clinic, as it is closer to my home - sounds confusing, but I live between two places, as I have a home home, but a secondary home, because I teach at a University). As far as a plan for losing the weight at the moment, they simply printed off the 10 day preop diet they use. That does not really work for me, however, as it incorporates a lot of 'green' foods, which I cannot eat (on blood thinners, so I cannot eat green veggies). I also asked him for suggestions for controlling hunger, as I am on Depo Provera shots, which his nurse practitioner said was more than likely increasing my appetite (I asked her how it influenced weight, as I was told by a doctor it does, and that was the reason I had regained the 74 pounds I lost last year, with friends). He had no recommendations.

Hi all, I am new here. I will be banded on 04/20/10. I am nervous/excited. The only emotion I can compare to this countdown is getting married and the birth of my children. I think that is because I now this is my "rebirth" and new beginning. I will post again after surgery. I needed to lose 11 pounds before surgery, which I have done. I would like to lose 80 pound more. I love reading all the entries - it is soo important to know that WE are not alone. Best of luck everyone. :tongue_smilie:

Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind words. I have been praying a lot! I will let you know how it goes. You are 10 days behind me. Good luck and God bless.

Little update... Landed back in the hospital Friday with pneumonia. Really think it's directly related to not being allowed to walk that first day. Still just pressure in the chest. At least now they are letting me roam the halls all I want. Should get out late tonight or Monday. Very easy to stay compliant when they're bring your Clear liquids on a tray. Even getting the hospital's bariatric Protein drink! When I was admitted Friday I was down 10 pounds from Mondays surgery weight. Probably in one-derland right now. Need to have them weigh me again! Lol

When I first started this process in September of 2019, I was on the fence as far as if insurance would pay for it or not. My BMI was very close to the cut off of needing comorbidities, which I had none. So they told me not to lose weight. When my surgery was derailed due to covid, I gained 20 lbs. I didn't have a scale, so I didn't know this, until I went to my PCP for unrelated issues. I was shocked! I didn't change anything, but of course wasn't as active due to nothing to do. However, if I had tried to lose weight I was afraid that insurance wouldn't pay anymore.

My 10 day (week 3) stall is finally over. I have lost .2 the last two days. I think it is the start of something good! I am happy to be under 40 BMI!

I think we all experienced those feelings ...I know I did and on the morning of my surgery after not sleeping at all the night before panicked and told my husband I didn't want to have it...but he put his arms around me and calmed my fears and reminded me of the hard work I had put in for this change and how much I was really going to benefit from it. My surgery was Sept 10, 2012. I was on high blood pressure meds before the surgery but not anymore. I am 28 pounds down and feeling very good. I have lots of energy. The pain I experienced was not unbearable. I stopped taking pain meds after 3 days out. I attribute my success to my doctor. I have followed her directions to the "T". I was scared to death...yes...but I have no regrets. As each day goes by you will get better. Good Luck and just take it one day at a time.

Do not worry, I had the same, just be patient and sip water every 5-10 minutes.

Very scary stuff. This is what I want my country back from. Some on these boards support this, which is the real agenda of the right - to go back to a two class system - the rich and the poor and eliminate the middle class and the power they have and are quickly losing: Sen. Sanders tells the ugly truth "We're an Oligarchy and I think it's getting worse" Sat May 22, 2010 at 01:29:10 PM PDT THE Question - Is America a Democracy or an Oligarchy? Sen. Sanders: "Right now, what ends up happening, is Big Money interests, whether in fact it is in oil and energy, whether it's in prescription drugs . . ." Dylan Ratigan: "BP" Sen. Sanders: "Whether it is in banking, these guys have huge amounts of money, and the situation gets worse with the recent Citizens United Supreme Court decision, and anyone who stands up to the big money interests can expect a huge amount of 30 second ads against them. That's the reality. Are we a Democracy, or are we an Oligarchy where the very powerful special interests exert enormous influence over our Government?" Ratigan: "What's your answer to that question?" Sen. Sanders: "I think we're an Oligarchy and I think it's getting worse." Sen. Sanders: "The middle class in this country is collapsing. Poverty is increasing and the gap between the very rich and everybody else is growing wider. And what's happening with the banks, is one of the reasons that that is occurring, so this is not esoteric. This is our standard of living. This is the survival of the middle class. There is tons and tons of data that back up the claim made by Senator Sanders that "Poverty is increasing and the gap between the very rich and everybody else is growing wider.", and it isn't hard to see when the average real wage (wage growth vs inflation) has been stagnant for decades while the average CEO salary is 100 times what it was a few decades ago/ Compare what Senator Bernie Sanders says about how Special Interests control congress and the disappearing middle class and growing poverty of the average American to Kentucky GOP Senate Candidate Rand Paul, who claims it is "Un-American" to criticize oil polluters, and then ask yourself, who is on my side? We have seen the failure of the Kaufman-Brown Amendment 33-61 to break up the Too Big To Fail banks, we have seen how the return of Glass-Steagal has failed, and how derivatives reform is likely to fail. Yet again, another vital reform is being watered down, only this time, it will directly lead to the next crash. And yet again, the rich shall get rich will get richer and every one else will get poorer. When Bill Moyers told America about the fact that 6 Banks Control Wealth = to 60% GNP. And asked the question "Is the U.S. at the Mercy of an Unstoppable Oligarchy?" there is one and only one Senator with the guts to tell us the ugly truth, and his name is Bernie Sanders. Is America a Democracy or an Oligarchy? Sen. Sanders: "I think we're an Oligarchy and I think it's getting worse." Damn right it's getting worse, the banksters have planned their Plutonomy and are betting on it. So what else can the non rich do but take the power back? dailykos

Everything went well!! I was sleeved yesterday @ 0730. Just started my 2oz of water every 1hour. If all goes well ill start with protein at 10:00

And 2019 will dawn a Banner Years for all of us! The old saying is- What does not kill me, only strenghtens me , could be true but I do reserve the right to be POed and scream!

I thouroughly agree with Nancy. I had ahigh BMI- I am very pleased with my progress. I really know I did on the high end, and it is slowing down to 5- 10 lbs per month now, but I feel great and I am very happy- I never want my innards rearranged and this worked well. I really feel I will make my goal weight long before my date of December 31st.

I was banded 1/19/07. I got first fill on 4/11 and second on 5/23. Started feeling good restriction after the second but I think that I may need another soon.

It was 4am, and super cold outside (like it usually is in the winter...) and I woke right up when the alarm went off. I wasn't allowed to shower that morning, but I had to wipe my abdomen with this weird sticky wipes..gross. We had to take our 6 year old daughter with us because our babysitter caught the flu at the last minute. She had to miss school that day because no one was going to be home to get her up and ready. Her and I had packed a bag of her toys, and made sure the DS and iPad were fully charged to keep her occupied. 4:30am, we were off. Stopped by to pick up my best friend who wanted to see me off before she had to go to work. We arrived at the hospital at 5:30am on the dot. Checked in and waited. They called me back and took two tries to get the IV started. I knew this would happen and warned them when they called to do my pre-op registration. I still have the bruise over two weeks later from the first failed try. The next two hours went by super quick. The surgeon showed up and made sure I didn't have any last minute questions. The anesthesia team came in and asked me a million more questions and then gave me some meds to help me relax. Not that I really needed it. This was going to be my 8th surgery, 6th one on my abdomen. They wheeled me in to the OR, and it is all a blur after that. Woke up in recovery with some pain and nausea. They had given me a 72 hour nausea patch prior because I knew I get nauseated after anesthesia. It hurt to take a deep breath, and I asked for pain meds. The only pain I had in my abdomen was from the port. The pain in my chest was from gas as was the pain in my left shoulder. I knew this would happen as well thanks to this forum. I kep falling asleep, and every time I did, I de-sated so they kept waking me up and put me on oxygen. Once I finally got my pain under control and started breathing okay (about a few hours) they moved me to short stay. The whole time I was in recovery, this guy came in and had surgery on his leg, but kept complaining about his stomach hurting, and was cussing up a storm. I asked them to give him pain meds so he would shut up lol. They did, and they he was quiet. After resting in short stay, they wanted me to try taking deep breaths and using this device (can't remember the name of it) but it's to help prevent pneumonia. It hurt SO bad to do that, but I kept trying. They also set a 15 min timer, and I was in charge of re-setting it, and every time, I had to take a cap full of water. My pain came back, and they gave me liquid lortab, man that stuff was nasty! I asked for pills after that. Then it was time to go to the bathroom. I felt like I had to go, so they slowly helped me sit up which was painful. Then I slowly walked to the bathroom. Only I couldn't go. Turned the water on and everything. So after a bit, I walked back to my bed. Sat for another hour and tried it again. This time my nurse gave me a cup full of warm water, and told me to pour it over my private area and that might help to stimulate me to go. Sure enough, it worked! Felt much better after that. My daughter came back to visit me not long after I was moved to short stay. She did so good the whole time! She was asking the nurse all these questions about mommy. When it was time to go, she asked if she could watch them take out my IV and then help wheel me to the car. The nurse thought my daughter was very caring and had a great time showing her everything she asked. She has always been fascinated with the body and health. I see health care in her future like her mama! At 1:30pm, it was time to go home. I was very excited to get home and rest. The drive home was fine. I like about an hour from the hospital. That was my day. I'd do it all over again in a heart beat.