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Ok my disclosure is, I did eat these when I was on Atkins.. so I only know of its 'impact' on Atkins if you want to eat them. As for calories, since I am on a reduced calorie diet-- I stay away, calories are calories. But apparently carbs are not created equal! My husband is doing Atkins now and eats these as well. Anyway.. I don't know what sugar alcohols actually means (besides it can act as a laxative if consumed in large quantities), but if you're counting carbs, you get to subtract Fiber and Sugar Alcohols from the carb count. So, on Atkins these candies work out. They never affected mine (or my husband's currently) weight loss on Atkins. The nitty gritty which I don't quite understand is that they don't trigger your sugar levels to change (diabetic info inserted here--that I don't know), so it doesn't impact you like a normal carbohydrate would.

Laura, I just responded to your post a few lines up. With a lower BMI, check into Cincy weight loss center. Doc Osborne will operate on lower BMI people. I don't know what the costs are with docs out of the country, but being in the same state may even out the costs. It's also a same day thing with them so you don't have to stay overnight. (unless you have other health problems...) Their web site is www.CincyWeightLoss.com. I found them from a commercial during the Dr Phil show lol.

All the factors are unique for you. You're right, as an ex smoker, you've done damage to your skin but you may naturally have better skin than the next person. There's just nothing but time will tell how your skin is going to react to weight loss. One thing's for sure. Nothing you put on it will stop loose skin, but there's nothing but good to come of keeping your skin in great condition.

Sugar alcohols come out of the carb count. But as Laura said, they are also good laxatives, lol. The calories are still the same. In my humble opinion, you are doing yourself more of a disservice by eating the 'fake' chocolate with the fake sweeteners. Eat REAL chocolate, but in moderation. Those fake sugars screw with your metabolism. That's why you are not seeing weight loss. There is plenty of science out there that shows sugar free is NOT the way to go. Nor is the Fat free stuff. Off my soap box now. :wink:

I'm just curious if anyone else has noticed this and what it really means. They show on the package that they have low carbs, but if you look closely it says sugar alcohols. It seems whenever I eat any of this chocolate and even accounting for the calories, it pretty much puts a stop to my weight loss. I'm not eating more calories per day, but I'm just wondering if the "sugar alcohols" is really reacting just like normal carbs and preventing me from losing weight. I am one of those people who really has to watch my carbs or I don't lose.

Hi ya katie...I had my lapband over a year ago now and I have as much a head full of hair as I always did. Think positive, chances are you will be a lucky one too. Keep us posted becky

Its bad im so emotional about it. I see a psychiatrist every 2 weeks because of the problems my weight has caused. I see a doctor for my knees probably one a week (different doctors to get medicine), I have a low immune system from my knee pain, and cannot do ANYTHING! My whole body hurts all the time, I cant even curl my hair anymore! My hands hurt too bad. I ache and cramp all over my body, and all that is wrong is im fat. WHY ME! I have to work hard for everything I get, nothing ever comes easy, and on occassion that it does, it always has some horrible consequence. I think I am cursed. There is one lady who did have it done under mom insurance that worked for mom's company, mom she was dismissed for controversial reasons and now she cannot talk to anyone affiliated with moms company.

This is truly unfortunate. I don't know what you can do about that except petition the company to change their policies, and that's a hard thing to accomplish. Jodie, the cost of banding surgery is comparable to the cost of a low-end new car, and people afford that all the time. Loans, credit, selling things, payment plans are all ways people manage to afford something that means a better life for them. From what you say it sounds like your doctor is not very caring. If banding is not in your immediate future, maybe it's time to concentrate on your legs. Get a new doctor and some new ideas! Perhaps physical therapy would help you learn new ways to move so as to minimize pain? Strengthening the muscles of the thighs is what I've always been told helps stabilize and support the knees. Don't lose hope, Jodie. You shouldn't be in pain and I'm sure there are things besides weight-loss surgery that you can try. You're so young! In a couple of years you'll be on your own insurance and perhaps you'll have more options at that time.

Serena, I am in the same boat. I have knee surgery in March, which has really not helped much. Now the other knee is hurting and I have a herniated disc in my neck. Good grief! We are both screwed in the exercise Dept. The only answer I have right now is to try extra harder to lose more weight, and maybe it will become less painful for us to exercise with another 25/30 lb. weight loss? If you want to buddy up, PM me. I can use all the help I can get. I am upping my Protein shakes right now and really keepin up with the fills. When did you have your surgery? We seen at the same level weight wise also. I have my surgery in April.

Your First Adjustment The first adjustment usually occurs about six weeks after surgery, although the exact time varies from patient to patient. The LAP-BAND® System is designed to help you achieve steady and safe weight loss, so don't be in a hurry. You and your surgeon will decide when the time is right for you to have your first adjustment. At your first adjustment appointment, you should expect to discuss your eating habits, exercise, and rate of weight loss. This will help determine if it's time for you to have a band adjustment. If it is, you can expect the following: An evaluation of your pouch size and stoma size before adjusting the band (this isn't always done. Your surgeon may or may not evaluate your pouch size and stoma size before the adjustment.) Adjustment of your LAP-BAND® System Evaluation of your pouch size and stoma size after the procedure to confirm that the proper band adjustment has been made. When the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is first placed, your surgeon usually leaves it empty or only partially inflated. This gives your body the chance to get accustomed to your LAP-BAND® System during the first few weeks after surgery. It also allows healing to occur around the new LAP-BAND® System site. It's critical during this time to avoid vomiting and/or putting any pressure on your new small stomach above the band. The first time the LAP-BAND® System is adjusted is usually four to six weeks after surgery, although the exact time will vary from patient to patient. During the first year, most patients get between five and eight adjustments. Sometimes, small adjustments are made over the years. During each adjustment, a very small amount of saline will be added to or removed from the LAP-BAND® System. You may feel a pricking sensation during an adjustment, as the surgeon will use a fine needle to inject or withdraw Fluid from your access port, which is located under your skin. The feeling is similar to the pinprick you feel when you give blood. Sterile saline is used to adjust the LAP-BAND® System. Saline is a type of salt Water, just like your body's natural fluid, similar to tears. Adjustments are done either in the surgeon's office or hospital using a palpation method (simply pressing down on the skin to locate the access port) or via X-ray equipment (fluoroscopy). The surgeon may also use fluoroscopy to guide the needle into the port or to evaluate your pouch size and stoma size after the adjustment. As you take a drink of a special liquid (usually called barium), your surgeon will be able to watch it travel down your esophagus into the small upper stomach pouch, through your stoma, and into your big lower stomach. To get the best results, you may need more than one adjustment. The most common reasons for adjustments are not being able to eat without feeling uncomfortable or vomiting, being able to eat too much without feeling full, or not losing weight. Get into "The Green Zone" The LAP-BAND® System Journey is different for each person and the exact amount of fluid required to make the new stomach opening the right size is unique. An ideal "fill" level should be just tight enough to let you gradually lose weight. That means you should still be able to eat enough to get the nutrients that you need, while still reducing the overall amount you can actually eat.

That's kinda the beauty of weight loss. The more you lose the more energy you get back. Avoid the coffee and drinks and kick-start things at the gym. You'll thank yourself for it........

How much Protein are you getting? Does MFP show you a pie chart of where your calories are coming from between protein fat and carbs? If so, what are the average percentages? Are you getting in all of your Water? My best guess is that, if you just started going to the gym two months ago, your body is right now trying to adapt to the increased level of activity. Most people experience a slow down in weight loss when they take up exercise. Keep up your activity level and maybe try introducing more high protein Snacks to curb hunger. When I started exercising intensely around 4 months post-op, I had to add a morning snack to my regime (a reduced fat cheese stick), because I was getting hungry between Breakfast and lunch. I also added a little granola to my afternoon greek yogurt, so the little bit of extra carbs would help fuel my late afternoon workouts.

Perhaps the band wasn't the best choice for you? A therapist can perhaps help. I've seen several posts from you about how you're struggling and aren't losing and have other issues; the band unfortunately does not work for everyone. I'm shocked that your teeth have been ruined in just six months but if the band is costing you so much, you perhaps need to have it removed and try to find another path to weight loss. Good luck to yoU!

Hi everyone. I'm 45 years old, 5'8" and pushing my highest weight ever at 295. BMI 44. I was a thin and active child and teen. After college I started a sedentary job and had a baby a year after that. Gained 60 pounds while pregnant and that was 20 years ago! Over last 20 years I steadily and slowly have gone up on the scale. I have done many diets over years with only small early losses but weight always finds me again plus some. My father died at age 43 from a sudden heart attack. At that time I was only 23 and was still at a healthy weight but now that I am obese and older than he was it is a severe fear of mine. In fact I have always had anxiety anytime my heart rate goes up even from daily things like climbing stairs or vacuuming the house. This is probably one reason I don't exercise. Anyway my mom had a few friends that have had some success with Lap Band and she has begged me to consider it but I've kept thinking no way my insurance would ever pay for it. Well recently I called my insurance and they WILL cover it if I meet all their requirements. I do meet them all now except the recent 6 months doctor supervised diet. I did WW within last year but dang it I only lasted 4 months that time before I gave up! My insurance assigned me a case worker advocate and I have my first phone interview on Monday afternoon. I also have a physical scheduled for next Friday with my PCP because I am clueless of my cholesterol or blood sugar. And I will ask for his support and recommendation as well. I have done a lot of research online and read a couple eBooks and I'm actually leaning toward vertical sleeve now as opposed to Lap Band. It seems to have better long term results and fewer long term complications after getting past the initial surgery and leak test. Plus the foreign object inside me forever w LB kind of freaks me out. My husband supports me but has never had a weight issue so he doesn't get why it has to come to this for me. Nobody besides my hubby and mom know yet that I'm considering this. Not even my son yet. Anyway that's my story. Journey about to take off.

Hi, friends! Okay...so I took all the warnings from the nutritionist about getting in the Protein. I get between 75 and 90 grams of protein a day. I take my multi-vitamin every day too. But in the past couple of weeks, my hair is just falling out all over the place... I go to condition my hair and come back with strands and strands tangled around my fingers. I have an appointment with my family doctor next week to maybe do some blood work and talk about the situation, but I thought I would ask you guys too. Has anybody else gone through this... getting the protein but losing the hair anyway? I've combed the net, but find no other tips for bandsters to prevent hair loss other than the protein intake. Thanks for your thoughts!

I really don't think there's a whole lot you can do except wait it out. I started losing my hair at around six weeks, and it stopped falling out at about four months. It was basically overnight when it started and when it stopped. I had the same thing happen after childbirth and two other surgeries. If I were to guess, I think it's hormonal and not unique to WLS. At least it wasn't for me.

This was super interesting to me to hear...I never even thought about it. I've always thought that BMI was all wrong wrong wrong...and I'm intrigued by the idea to reduce my BFP. I'm in! I have absolutely no idea what to do to get started or even what an appropriate goal is so I'll have to do some research... Ultimately, the weight loss in pounds still plays a huge roll for me right now at the beginning, but I think that the closer I get to goal the more interesting it will be to track that body fat percentages...

Hello everyone. I am just beginning my weight loss journey. I am 44 years old and a type II Diabetic who is insulin dependent. I don't want to be on insulin for the rest of my life; I'm ready to commit to my life change! I have my first consultation on Oct 15th. Does anyone know how hard it is to get approved through Cigna? And how long does it normally take to have surgery? I see everyone on here talking about 6 months waiting period, I was wondering if that is the standard. I'm so ready to be off of insulin and get into better shape! Thanks, Jodi

Hi Revision buddies! Just a bit of backstory: I had a lapband placed back in fall of 2007, so almost 12 years ago. Unfortunately, I have always struggled with my band when it had fluid in it (vomited frequently, inability to eat most proteins, GERD, could not drink anything that wasn't warm or at minimum room temperature.) My band and I officially "broke up" in 2015. All of the difficulties I had been struggling with had gotten so bad that I had developed acute gastritis, and esophageal spasms due to the GERD and persistent vomiting, which resulted in me having to have all of the fluid removed. While the vomiting every time I ate and esophageal spams stopped, the GERD remained and the last 60 pounds I had managed to keep off after my initial loss, rapidly returned. So here we are in 2019, through an unfortunate incident my husband had earlier in the year, our deductible and out of pocket maximum have been met for the year. The window of opportunity for me to finally end 12 years of GERD and struggle with this band is finally open. I found a surgeon I really am confident in and have had an EGD to check for Barret's and see what kind of shape my stomach was in. I was lucky in that my hernia had not returned and I didn't have any ulcers, but he did notice that even with no fluid in my band, that it seems tight, I'm not really sure what that means, but it would explain why I still struggle with most proteins. At my last appointment, we reviewed my EGD and he was sending the letter to the insurance company. Because my revision would be due to band complications, my insurance doesn't require the 6 months of dieting, psyh visit, etc, just a letter from the surgeon showing medical necessity for the revision. Since I have a history of GERD, we have decided that RnY is the best option. The paperwork was probably sent in sometime after July 3rd, my appointment was late afternoon on the 2nd and I can't imagine that they would be able to get the letter done and submitted the same day. And now I wait. UGH! It's the worst. I don't have any idea how long it should take. I've read the boards and for some people, it's taken as little as a single day for approval. and some waited for weeks only to be denied. It's maddening!! Thanks for the vent! TX2NC

I have been reading this site for a long time. I am still pre op but feel comfortable answering you. Some people have written that they can not eat some foods for months after surgery, chicken being one of them. Sometimes it is red meat or turkey ect.. but they can usually eat it again after a while. Take your time and eat the things you can for now. As far as the weight loss stopping- every body is different and everyone stops losing at some point while their body catches up. It is a shock to lose weight fast. When your body stabilizes it will resume losing. Sometimes it is because you are not eating enough and have to boost good calories. If you feel like you are eating enough it is your body playing catch up. If you feel you are not eating enough then up those good calories. I wish you the very best

If i were you I'd find out First what is going on with the Band, a Revision to sleeve doesn't have be done at the same time a band is removed. Also if your Surgeon is saying he thinks the band has eroded, Then a Sleeve revision MAY NOT be possible? Then your going to have to consider another form of WLS. personally I'd start researching all the options (why wait). The literature states that a Loss of restriction is a sign of erosion, and epigastric pain, where others experience nothing. What happened that you Failed the Barium swallow? Did the Surgeon see the flow of Barium going somewhere other than through the esophagus/stomach? OR were you just unable to tolerate drinking the Barium? I ask because this is a Concern for allot of Banded ppl. Any information can be helpful. In regards again to the Revision, Get on the Phone call the Insurance company, then get them to send you a hard copy of the policy to explain your Bariatric coverage, it varies greatly and you can't always trust the person that answers the phone to explain it correctly. BMI isn't the only factor that the insurance approves a revision, if Co-mobidities are present those are also factored in the decision. Good Luck!! So Sorry that your having band complications, Please keep us Posted and i hope all works out in your Favor!!

It appears as if I am losing my hair at a faster rate than before being banded. I eat about 80 grams of protien daily on an average. Is anyone else experiencing this?

I'm not yet sleeved but I did maintain a nearly 100 lb weight loss for the last 6 years with my lap band and never once wrote anything down. In fact I refuse to live my life that way. Focus on health and your relationship with food and look into why you eat and not just what you eat and find what works best for you and you will be fine

Hey Allison: I couldn't find the right thread to send this on, but I remember that you're going for your sleep apnea test this week. I just wanted to mention that you might want to line up a friend to help you out with getting the glue off of your head the morning after the test. They put things on your body to read what's going on and they have to glue them to your head. I have a Daughter that's 20 and I know how important hair is to young women so you'll want to have someone help you out with this. Good luck. Sue

Hi: I am such a slow looser, 1 lb per month. I thought by starting a link for turtles we can encourge each other along. I love reading about the huge weight losses of others but sometimes I get a bit down that I am so slow. Don't get me wrong there is no way I am not happy with my loss as they add up to 80 lbs but I thought I would like to hear from people like me. :confused: