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What your uncle did was horrible, and I hope surgery will be healing for you. Will you be in therapy during your weight loss process to help you cope with your new body and the new way it will force you to relate to the world? If it's something you can manage, it might not be a bad idea. Although I'm not a survivor of sexual abuse, I can relate to not knowing how to accept male attention. In fact street harassment is one of the few things I'm really worried about regarding life after weight loss. I get some now, but not as much as I know I'll get when I'm smaller, even though I live in a country where it's not as big a problem as others. Truthfully though, I'm not a particularly feminine woman. I wear dresses and skirts everyday now because they're comfy and stretchy and relatively flattering and fashionable, but once I drop down to a 12/14 I think I'll be presenting much more masculinely (get a short haircut, wear menswear inspired looks, etc). Not just to stave off street harassment, I genuinely am something of a tomboy, but I'm hoping a reduction in street harassment will be a bonus.

Ok, hi everyone , yes tomorrow I will be having my VSG surgery.:biggrin0: I need to lose alot of weight! What's the most that you have lost since you were sleeved? Oh, and please pray for me! Princess

Hi, I am very new to this, and I just made the decision that I want to change for the better and have comitted to a Lap-Band. I am looking for someone to talk to about this, who could offer a little advice and encouragement. I am new to the Lubbock area and really don't know many people. I am doing this with only my husband and kids in my corner, my family and parents are totally against this procedure. They feel like I am taking the "easy way" out, which hurts me because after failed diet after diet and gaining and regaining any weight I had lost, I had lost only my hope to make any kind of progress with my battle with my weight. I would just like a girlfriend to talk to who understands what I am going through and who could offer advice and help. I am a 37 year old mother of two, my son is 13 and my daughter is 14 and I have devoted my life to my kids and husband, putting myself last.... and now it has caught up to me but now I understand that I need to take care of myself as well if I am to be around long enough to care for and be in my kids and loved one's lives. Like I intend on, lol ok well I hope to hear from you ladies, I have read a few topics here on this site and am very happy to see so much encouragement and possitivity!

I am having the same second guesses as you are! Scared something will happen in surgery, scared something will happen after surgery, scared ill never be able to eat what I enjoy again, the list goes on. I am in the pre op diet stage - my 6th day today. This stage has not been easy. I've also dieted, lost over 100 lbs - gained it all back and then some. I have numerous co-morbidities - and honestly, not to discourage - I threat to call it off every day, but then I think to myself - where will I be in a year if I stay on this path that I'm on? If I don't get the surgery, a year from now, I'll probably be wishing I would have and my condition will be FAR worse along than what it already is. I don't have children. I'm 21, BMI 43-45. Starting weight: 326. Today: 301 - and ironically enough even though I am doing just a liquid protein diet (no actual food) 2-4 protein shakes a day, water and/or crystal/wylers light, three bites of sugar free jello total, and sugar free Popsicles and I CANNOT break the 300 marker. My surgery is scheduled for Feb. 28th. Ultimately, this is a personal decision, but as I've read on here and from my own personal experience - we ALL have doubts before the surgery. You just need to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risk worth taking and always remember that prayer is a powerful tool. Hope I helped! Good luck!

My ins co paid for what was supposed to be revision and ended up bein a removal and then approved the replacement of either band or sleeve and I was almost at goal weight. The argument is that it took the band to get you to your weight nd you would still need the band for maintenance. Now they may have approved mine because I think we all new surgeon 1st surgeon screwed up. My stomach was adhesed to my spleen which I believe was an inexperienced surgeon touching something w instruments he shouldn't. If they don't approve I would definitely appeal w or without an atty. but because it's a complication of first surf they usually will ok it.

No Dr. Patterson will not look at another Doctors work period. What is so Ironic is the MD that is following me now having a hard time with the fills. Was an intern under her prior to setting up practice at OHSU. I do like my MD however the 1st surgeon screwed up and I am not sure if I want to have the port moved. This would cause a lager scar and the tubing would have to be more exposed for possible leaks. All I was asking for was an other oppinion prior to even thinking about another surgery.:phanvan Banded 04/04/2003 Starting weight 258 current weight 192 goal weight happy with 150

Thanks for the info Teresa. I'm in Hillsboro, Oregon. Sorry to hear about Dr. Eubanks' troubles. I can call him and check for updates if you have the number. (He doesn't come up on obesityhelp.com's list of bariatric surgeons in Oregon). A friend of mine with a lap band has had fills in Mexico and fills in the states. She said they are MUCH more generous with the fills (and cheaper of course) in Mexico. They just go for it and give you a good tight fill. Here they want to give you drips and drops and overly cautious about it. :0( Which ends up not as effective, and more expensive with all the return visits to get a little more. So . . I think she gave up on the Washington doctors and will just return to TJ mexico for fills. I'll still stay open to finding someone who is closeby if I can find a good one. Otherwise, will just have to head back to mexico too, if I want to make progress on this weight thingy . . :0)

EXERCISE! Everyone preaches this. Everyone who has ever had a tiny little weight problem knows this. Exercise is key to weight loss and maintenance. However, we CAN lose weight without exercise. I've done that before. If you restrict yourself to 800 calories per day, you will lose weight. You can lose a lot of weight. You will be flabby and tired and you will lose your hair, but you will lose weight. However, if you want to maintain a certain weight you MUST exercise. It's a fact. Like mathematics, taxes and death, it's required. No escaping it! I've maintained a healthy weight, in the past, by exercising faithfully. But, I hate to exercise. Well, that's not true. I hate to excercise as a fat person. Now that is true. I mean, right now, my morning shower is a workout. Let's not discuss walking long distances, jogging, stair-climbing, spinning, aerobics, resistance....not pretty. I think I mentioned before that lately I've been very emotional. I've been crying easily, been a bit bitchy, seems like I jumped on the emotional roller-coaster ride from hell! But I don't live alone. And it's unfortunate, but others have seen me going up, down and all around. For Mother's Day, my boyfriend gave me Wii. He ran the risk of me bursting into tears...and I can almost hear my fretful words now...Why did you get me a mother's day gift, sob, sob, am I old enough to be your mother?? So he bought a card from the dog and said the gift was from the dog. Whatevah...Wii is GREAT! I am sore today. That good kind of sore you feel when you stretch your arms. That good kind of sore you feel when you lean forward. It's that good kind of sore that shouts out CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MOVED YOUR ASS YESTERDAY! Yeah..I moved my ass yesterday...my big ass...and I feel great! And I can't wait to get home tonite and move my big ass again! It's fun! Here is something I can do! I can play this interactive video game, laugh, and exercise all at the same time! Oh, this guy is a keeper! So now I have my gardens (and I do work in them) and I have my Wii. And my boyfriend is the Best Guy Evah! He's a keeper. I have never had anyone more loving, caring and supportive in my corner since my Mama was alive and healthy (and that is many years ago now). yeah...Wii can do this and Wii will get this done! I love you Stevie...:biggrin:

Soooo I was sleeved on June of the past year and so far I lost like 90 ish pounds and still have 90 to go but it's just so hard to stay on track. I guess I really was never was on track because I never did the protein shakes and just ate small amounts of whatever . And now my weight loss is at a halt for obvious reasons and I need to know how to get back on track ! Like I can't find a protein shake I like there's one I kinda can tolerate but it doesn't fill me ! I'm also losing like all my hair ...ugh the struggle is real here ! Any advice ?

Thanks so much for your input. I don't like the fact that with the Bypass your stomach gets cut either! I also don't mind a slower weight loss. You've helped me a lot with your input. Thanks again!

So, I’ve read various posts about regretting the journey that sleevary (yes I’ve created a word) brings. However, do some of you fully regret being sleeved or are you impartial to it? For instance, my journey to sleevary was quick fast and in a hurry. I never considered having WLS. In fact, I was one of “those” individuals whom laughed at the very idea of WLS and even said “I’d never do that”. Until June 2011 hit and I was diagnosed with Diabetes. That is when I said I HAVE to take control of my health and weight and must be proactive about it. And proactive I was. I was dieting, exercising and losing weight. Until, my cousin told me about a WLS forum. I attended not thinking anything of it. And the surgeon announced the fact that WLS reversed diabetes. Instantly, I said “sign me up”. I did not hesitate nor did I think about it. My insurance had a short process – 3 months, and since I had a comorbid disease the doctor said I would be approved. I did my research and sure enough it was proven in the research that WLS fully reversed diabetes. So literally, less than three months from my first WLS forum, I was on an operating table getting sleeved. I did minimum research, I knew about the risks, but to me, being diabetes-free far outweighed any leaks or any other complications. July 17, 2012 I’m sleeved. Told no family members, coworkers or anyone and went through the recovery process by myself. Thankful to God, I had no complications (and still do not have any). It’s January 2013 and I’m down 91lbs thanks to my sleeve and exercise (I’ve been a gym rat). 91lbs Horray!! One would be ecstatic right!? I look good (like a new person), I feel good, and best of all I’m diabetes FREE. After all, that was my goal for sleevary… Right!? Absolutely. One would think I’d be living the high life, I’m no longer classified a “big girl” I don’t have to shop at Ashley Stewart or in the plus size section(s). I should be happy. Shouldn’t I!? Well, I’m not. And here’s why… I can barely eat. I throw up sometimes but it’s very minimal. I feel most foods going down my esophagus, and although it doesn’t hurt it is uncomfortable. I can’t enjoy basic foods anymore…! Am I miserable? Am I unhappy? Absolutely not. I was never a food junky. However, do I believe I should have and could have lost this 91lbs without being sleeved? Certainly!! So why did I do this to myself!? Why did I take away 85% of my stomach? And now I can’t even enjoy the simple things in life... I can’t go out to eat with friends or on a date to a restaurant with a cute guy or participate in work functions that involve food because it’s embarrassing to be full off of three bites and have everyone sit and stare and wonder what’s wrong with her!? There’s just so many “normal” things that you just cannot be a part of post sleevary -- like enjoying a full slice of pizza, or popcorn at the movie theater (granted NOW I can eat popcorn but a month ago forget about it, pizza not so much) or how about a bagel with cream cheese or a full sandwich (and I’m not talking about a gigantic 12in sub just a measly homemade sandwich with two slices of bread), or how about indulging in thanksgiving dinner or eating a snickers candy bar without feeling stuffed or eating more than 1 egg or to have to chew EVERYTHING to a paste-like consistency before you swallow. The list goes on… Two of my friends know about my sleeve, and one is overweight. She is so excited to be sleeved and I told her if you do not have any medical problems it is not worth everything that you are giving up. Sure, you are skinny but is it worth the basic joys of life!? To some it is. To others it is not. To me, a person formerly (I love that word) living with a horrid debilitating disease YES it’s worth it! With that being said, I DO NOT regret my sleeve. And I thank God that I have not and prayerfully will not in the future have any complications. I just caution those whom are out there to try to lose weight naturally (unless you have severe health problems) and truly think about whether the sleeve is worth you losing your basic liberties (whatever they maybe)…! But, I can and will say. I love my sleeve. I love my surgeon and I love God for allowing me to become insulin and finger prinking free! However, I do wish that I would have taken control of my health BEFORE I became diagnosed with diabetes. Had I had any inkling that I was even close to that diagnosis of that dreadful disease (and I don’t care what people say, IN MY OPINION, that disease is like being diagnosed with HIV it is just awful – don’t even get me started on how life altering living as a diabetic is and how depressed I was… Ugh!) I would have ran to the nearest gym and stopped all the ice cream and soda (because that’s all I used to eat) cold turkey!! All I am saying is… Think about it! Truly, sit down and think about whether being sleeved is right for YOU! If it is, WELCOME TO THE LOSERS BENCH!!! If it isn’t, WELCOME TO THE LOSERS BENCH ALSO!!! You can do whatever you put your mind too! Persevere and rise to the challenge. God Bless you all~!!!! I love my VST-Family. SmoochieS~! TinaMari – Sleeved & Loving It July 17, 2012 – Washington Hospital Center.

My doctor did not require a goal weight. But, he is making me do a liquid diet for 7 days before surgery. Bet of luck to you.

Hello------ I can only speak of what I know. I know that I am glad of going to Mexico Dr. Aceves and paying HALF what the states cost. I know that the care I got there was far far superior to any hospital I have ever been in. Now regarding calories and muscle building, to maintain muscle while working out you must have protein as you stated...to me I still have a stomach not as large so again to me it would seem that if I wanted to build I would ingest protien...like before. I am no expert. Regarding the cancer of the stomach...I too am predisposed for cancer, however, I am losing the weight and doing other things for my HEALTH. I refuse to allow the thought you threw out to enter. The way I figure it is HEY I am doing better weighing less....

I am about 10 weeks post Op and have lost about 35 pounds. The last week I have eaten some things I shouldn't and I feel like I am failing at this whole thing, not just because of what I ate but because I feel like I should be further along and I can't see the weight loss on myself. I'm driving myself crazy. Anyone else struggling? Thanks.

Lianntx I m with you on this sister... Weight loss is happening slow and steady.... Again no complains... Just making it a point to stay focused and positive... At this point that's the only key ☺️

Here is the best thing about the sleeve - it takes away your hunger and cravings (for a while at least). I know it is hard to imagine but it is true. You won't want carbs - you won't want food. I had to make myself eat for the longest time. I am now about 18 months out and my cravings have come back some. Nowhere near what they used to be and I also can control myself and I know I can't overeat because it could stretch my stomach back out. I do eat what I want now that I am at 160lbs. That means sometimes I will have one scoop of ice cream or sometimes I might eat one small slice of pizza. The key here is I don't do it all the time and when I do I have very small portions. I also workout a few times a week. I have ate this way for about 6 months now and have successfully kept my weight around 160 give or take a couple pounds. I had similar concerns as you. I am 100% glad I did this and I feel awesome! I look awesome! I wish I would have done this sooner. If you follow all your doctors guidelines for what to eat at each stage you will do just fine. Congrats on your surgery date. A new you is right around the corner!!!

Sweetie - BOTH of your parents abandoned you - not just one of them...I guess our parents did what they knew - and if they knew better they would have done better...... that said - your feeling like you have to 'please' everyone via weight loss or other things you accomplish in life - is normal - yes normal -- how the heck does a child parent their siblings? my step-son (who is now 16) played the exact same role for almost two years with his 8 years younger little brother....while his mother sat on the computer in her bedroom, often with the door shut! -- it is neglect and abandonment - on many levels -- HUGS to you! you are brave and determined to resolve the past so that you can walk smiling into the future - good for you!

Hi. I'm also from KY (Alexandria, about 80 miles north of you) with a history of panic disorder and clinical depression. They've mostly been under control, but I must admit, about 3 days after surgery I started to panic somewhat. But not because I felt anything inside - in fact, if it hadn't been for the incisions and gas pain, I wouldn't have known I had a band in there. I panicked because I was afraid I'd never be able to eat normally again. I'm two months out now, and to be honest, I kind of wish I WASN'T able to eat what I can. I haven't hit my "sweet spot" yet - the amount of restriction where I am satisfied between meals. But at the same time, I've lost 20 pounds. I could never have done that without the band. The only time you "feel" anything is if the band is too tight (and they regulate that with the fills) and you don't chew your food properly, eat chunks too large, or eat too fast. Otherwise, the band itself shouldn't cause panic. The depression might be another thing, though. But again, it's not so much because of the band itself, but the things in life that make us eat so much in the first place. You might want to share your concerns with your doctor and his staff, and certainly your co-worker who shares weight loss experience. I've found that the more I share my panic and depression with others, the less hold it has on me. Don't let your panic keep you from getting healthy. Keep me posted on your journey and best wishes. Jan

Don't limit yourself to what someone else has said or tried to limit you to. You say "This was my chance to lose weight, and now it's gone." nothing is stopping you from losing weight, with or without surgery, in the meantime do what you can and switch insurances. It's more than likely your coverage level and not that they don't do them. Even with Aetna - they state they don't do them to some, for others it's a 6 month wait and for other it's a 3 month, depends on what your plan level is. Keep checking, see if an upgrade is available or just change insurances all together. BCBS is only a 30 day wait, you may want to check into getting them if you REALLY want the surgery.

There are days where I hesitate to even think about getting the band and there are others where i am excited for the unknown!! I have managed to make a few calls today with the dietition and the physicion that the surgeon reccomended for me (man I cant spell today) Im not thinking straight!!!Anyway you get the drift! Either way I really know in my heart that something needs to be done about my huge weight problem that has been haunting me forever! I remember the days when I was 100kg (about 220lbs) and now I wish i was back there instead of being 131kg (288lbs) If i can manage to get off 132lbs (60kg) which is a huge ask I will be happy. That will bring me down to 70kg which is (154lbs) That for my height is still big but It would be true bliss. I have yet to meet a banster that has lost this amount of weight anyone out there with this success your motivation will be appreciated!

Hi, all I had the lapband surgery in Lafayette, LA with Dr. Gary Stevens December, 2006. To date I've lost 43 pounds. I would have hoped to have lost more weight almost two years post surgery but I had a complication which I am now just getting over. I started vomiting January of this year but did not tell my doctor. I can't tell you why but it was a definite mistake on my part, because by March I couldn't keep anything down. My doctor unfilled my band for 3 months and told me I had a pouch dilation. My band was too tight. Three weeks ago I had my first refill. So basically I'm starting over. I did manage to maintain a 40 pound weight loss through all of this. I lost another 3 pounds the last 3 weeks since my refill. My surgery was self-pay and so were my fills so I guess you could say I'm a lot smarter now that I've been through all of this. I will ONLY be eating 1/2 cup of food per meal; only drink between meals; limit carbs, and CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. (I'm addressing head hunger which promotes emotional eating for me.) I have so much to make up for but I feel I'm back on the right road and feel fortunate I was able to keep my band. Sorry so long, but I felt the need to write all of this down, for myself and just maybe for someone else out there with my same issues.

After I gave birth in 2010, I attempted to lose weight quite a few times. I reverted back to my old fail safe...the south beach diet. This diet has worked for me numerous times and fairly quickly too. I also got a prescription for phentermine from a local doctor. In Hawaii, only one type of phentermine is prescribed, which is the non time-release pill. I used to get it in New York and have only used the time-release capsule in the past. I'm not sure if it was the pill or if it was me, but it didn't work for me this time around. I was able to eat through the symptoms. It wasn't as long lasting and didn't do much for my night time eating. My husband and I purchased an elliptical, but I rarely used that. I even tried to go walking with my cousins, but it was just different this time. Everything was different this time. I couldn't find my motivation, and when I didn't succeed my depression would take over. I have always been able to overcome, but not this time. Worst of all, was the pain. With every pound that added to my frame, I found a new nerve, muscle, or tendon that ached. I had pain when I stood too long. I had pain when I sat too long. My feet, heels, back, arms, shoulders, neck, and everything in between were in constant pain. Eventually my workouts subsided, and I entered the cycle of putting on weight and being in pain. I started to think of other options of losing weight. I saw an old co-worker on my facebook that used to be 400 lbs down to less than 200 lbs. I haven't seen any pictures of her in a long time and was surprised at how much weight she lost. I started searching her facebook page for any clues for her success. Alas, I finally found a discrete post from a year prior about her surgery. That was when I really started to think and wish about having weight loss surgery. I have thought about it when I was lighter, but I have always been what I like to call a "healthy fat person." I don't have diabetes, gout, high blood pressure...nothing. I was now a weight where the doctors would start to take surgery as a valid solution for my problem. I often wished that I wouldn't have cravings about food that was around me. I often wished I didn't always have this problem and that I could fix it somehow where it didn't dictate my life. So in June of 2013 I made my first move towards getting weight loss surgery. I called Dr. Fowler's office.

Delarla, my first period was scheduled to arrive 4 days after my surgery and it did not happen. The following month it was late by 5 days. But my PMS was strange . I got bloated and my band became very tight I actually lost 3 pounds during that time since all I could do was liquids and yogurt I was so tight . This month is the same thing, the past week I have had this tightness and again I have lost 2 pounds but have not actually started yet but I know it's on it's way. I have the classis symptoms. My Dr. (ortiz) told me this was all normal, rapid weight loss and surgery can delay a womans menstrual cycle, he told me it could take up to 3 months to regulate. Don't worry, I think this is the norm for most of us new bandsters. Hope this helps Michelle 4.6.04 265/238.5/160ish

Hi Everyone, I'm off to Bali in July and I am absolutely dreading the flight to and fro. It's only about 5 hours but it is so uncomfortable. I was hoping to have lost more weight before I went, but my first fill hasn't had much effect, and I don't have another until the end of May. I have an aisle seat, so that helps a bit, but the tray won't go down and the belt won't fit. I hate the idea of asking for more seatbelt. oh,cringe cringe. I'm 320 pds. Anyone have any tips? Thanks, Rachel.

Oh sorry this was the first method of weight loss back in the 90's here is the definition Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), also known as stomach stapling, is a restrictive operation for weight control. Both a band and staples are used to create a small stomach pouch. In the bottom of the pouch is an approximate one-centimeter hole through which the pouch contents can flow into the remainder of the stomach and thence onto the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract. Back then it meant being opened up and not using laparoscopy will say it hurt will not lie but I did it again hoping for better results seems the lap band has better results and if something goes wrong it can be removed easily well surgery anyway not removing a band. Go to this link to see a picture http://www.docshop.com/education/bariatrics/gastric-banding/vbg