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definitely find out how many calories to maintain. I think it is 1500. regular is 2000 but that's for women that doesn't have weight issues

Awesome info! I am excited now. I am 5'3" and starting weight of 258. I am at 251 today. Since sticking with the NUT suggestions the past month or so. I hope to get down to 150...if I hit that goal 135 would be my maintaining weight.

Awesome! How goes weight loss? Sent from my moto g play (2021) using BariatricPal mobile app

Annoyied. I've finished all my Options classes through Kaiser but I lagged on doing my Psych evaluation. If it were done prior to finishing my pre-op classes I probably would already have my final meeting with the Surgeon and a step away from getting my surgery date. This is just going to push everything further out. I'm scared because I've only lost 5 pounds during my pre-op weight loss classes and I don't want to gain those back since now I'm basically on my own without support from my classmates. It sucks. It's so damn easy to put on the weight but so hard to loose. =(

May I add that the sleeve, being permanent, will not allow you to change your mind, down the road, which is why I chose it. I know that if I follow the rules, I more than likely will not have re-gain, and I am committed to that. A good question to ask yourself is "how committed to this AM I?". After your informational seminar, you should be able to answer that without a doubt. Good luck to you!

Hi Oz! Your age will definitely be an asset for losing weight, and your gender, too. Congratulations on this decision to turn your health around. I am three months out and thirty pounds down so far -- one third of the way to my goal. Know that you will probably experience an excellent initial loss but then there may be a slow time while you get to the right fill, then you'll go down again. Working out will be an excellent aid to weight loss so start exercising as much as possible now or maybe you are doing that already. I think that's the magic ingredient. You are going to do great!

I will be post op 3 weeks on tuesday, i lost about 16lbs the first week post op while on clears, a soon as i advanced my diet to puree, i gained like 3lbs and have been stuck at my +3lb weight for almost a week and a half! Im feeling really discouraged and starting to regret my gastric sleeve decision..

Your story reminds me a lot of mine also. I am 22 years old and ALL of my family members are over weight. I was not brought up with correct eating habbits and I believe that I made a lot of bad food choices that got me where I am today. With that said, I did struggle with the decission to get the band, mostly because I am so young. I am not sure if I could do it long term or not with out the band, but I do know that I am making the right decission for me. I need to loose 74 more pounds to get to 130 and to me that is a huge goal and I am very thankful that I have the oppertunity to make it happen! My advice is do it now, don't wait until your 30 or 40 and look back and wish you had done it sooner.

I would think they would have you lose more weight to improve your sleep apnea in order to make you a safe candidate for the surgery. I don't think they would cancel at first just delay until you get the issue better controlled. I remember when I had to lose weight pre- op I put myself in a "zone" of controlled thinking about no carbs, protein & protein drinks. I was able to lose the needed weight to be approved. Good luck to you.

I joined Weight Watchers on December 30, 2012 after being banded on October 25, 2010 mainly for the support system of people all in it for the same reason! I had lost 85 lbs put on about 20 lbs because I was letting life's complications get in my way and then feeling sorry for myself or resentful that this(weight) was yet another struggle I had. Weight Watchers may not be for you BUT do try to find something or someone to help you puzzle out your feelings, emotions & actions. Good luck!!!

Hello there! I do not have my surgery date, but im afraid that I wont be approve neither, All that I have left is one dietician appt, meet my sugeon,send for approval then get date whew!!! not a lot at all ;lol but the problem is the dietician gave me a one pound weight loss goal and I know that ive gained at least 5 lbs!!!! over the holidays im very nervous about this, just wondering is this gonna turn out bad????? HERES TO WISHING BOTH OF US GOOD LUCK AND A POSITIVE OUTCOME!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations on your weight loss thus far.

It has been awhile since I have posted here. So long, that I almost forgot that I was a member. September 15th will make 5 months since I had my surgery. A lot of things have changed for me. First off, the Protein shakes, had to stop. At first they were easy, and great. Except, I could only drink one kind and only one flavor of that kind. Everything else was making me sick. Of course, two of the same flavor, of the same kind, twice a day, every day, after a few months, also started to make me sick. It got to the point where I was getting sick, thinking about drinking the shakes. My meal also changed. After the healing seemed to complete, I noticed I started eating more often. At first this bothered me, because the idea of eating more often, seemed in my mind to defeat the purpose. Yet, I also noticed that I was eating a lot less.... just more frequently. I also noticed I was drinking a lot more fluids then I had ever done. I also, have not had a drink of soda, since my surgery, which I think probably also helped. I noticed that bread, will not be eaten again. That includes cake, bagels, doughnuts, etc. I have tried almost all of these things, and while it does not make me sick, it hurts. I am not a fan of pain, so I do not try them again. I find that I do not miss any of them. I have noticed that I have a very huge craving for grapes. I now go through grapes, like I used to go through milk. I used to go through a lot of milk (something else I find, I do not miss.) Well, after almost 5 months, and fearing that my eating was going to become a problem, I have lost 92 pounds. I am very close to the goal that my doctor set for me, and I believe I will pass that goal. Some other things that have changed. I am off all of my medications, except for my thyroid. Since I eat more times a day then I used to, I find foods that are high in protein for Snacks, such as tuna. For the first 3 months, I could not eat tuna, but my dietitian told me to keep trying. She said that if I am going to cut out the Protein Shakes, I needed to find other sources, and tuna is a great source. So far, now at 5 months, I find I can eat tuna again. In fact, other then the breads, I have found that I can eat just about anything. My sweet weakness is M&Ms. I usually eat a bag of them a week. Which compared to how I used to eat them.....much much different. I also have a weakness for chocolate chip frappachino from Mcdonalds. I had someone tell me, I should not drink those, but I compare it to what I used to get at Mcdonalds. One meal at Mcdonalds for me used to be, a double quarter pounder, large fries, two mcdoubles, and a milkshake. Now a meal for me at Mcdonalds is the frappachino, and thats it. So I felt guilty at first, but not so much in contrast. That and instead of going like 3 times a week, I go like once a month. I also found out, that I can run. I started running a mile every morning. It was only taking about 7 minutes once I got into it, that I thought that was not enough time. So now, I run for 30 minutes every morning. One day I will try to see how far I am going. I leave my house, and run for 15 minutes, and then turn around and run back. It is amazing, because I would not run before. I used to have a joke at work, that if someone made me chase them, they would get hurt if I caught them for making me run. Now, I have had to chase people, and smile the whole time I am doing it. In my local area, I am signed up for two 5ks.... coming up in October, and another run, called a Mud run in December. That one has an obstacle course, which I think I need some training for. Learned about something called a Zombie run, which I will be doing next year. As far as more personal things, there was a rumor that I was told about.... size. I am talking about the little guy size....downstairs. Anyway, I was told that for every 30 pounds lost, I would gain an inch. I thought that was complete BS, yet, it was extremely pleasing to one day wake up in the morning, and notice that I could see.... everything. In a way that I had never experienced. Then to top it off, my wife, told me some stuff about things that could not be done before, that was being done now. I do not want to go into detail, but that rumor, seems to have a bit of truth behind it. Something I used to be ashamed of, I am now very proud of. My kids have noticed a difference with me as well. I am doing all sorts of activities with them. Went to a Water park with them, and they where shocked that I went on the slides with them. Something I would not even think about doing before. I had an amazing time, and I am sure they will remember it for a long time. Something I do not think I would have been doing before I had the surgery. I also got very luck with loose skin. As, so far, I do not have any, and have been told by the doctor, that I might not have any. He said to make sure, once I lose to the point I feel comfortable, I should start weight training. That building up muscle, would help fill in the skin, that was full of fat. Sounds like a plan to me. Anyway, that is my story so far. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me.

I was required by my surgeon's office to lose 10% of my total weight during the 6-month lead-in to WLS. That should have been about 26lbs. I began the program at 256lbs on my 1st weigh-in. Surgery Wt was 222lbs. I lost 34lbs on their weight loss plan.

I just had my sleeve surgery on the 22nd. I have to agree that it was a rough time to have surgery as I mourned the loss of a turkey feast Thanksgiving day... HOWEVER, it was one day and has now passed. I'm still on full liquids, which is getting old but I've only got 4 more days before the puréed part starts. My highest pre op weight was 288 and this morning, 263.6. I'm still feeling a wee bit weak but post op pain is minimal now. I have another week off before going back to work. My sweet husband has done the diet part right along side me so I wouldn't struggle doing it otherwise. As difficult as the beginning part has been, the journey so far has been amazing and we both look forward to a life changing year! I feel incredibly grateful to live in a time where medical advances provide the tools and opportunity for a longer, healthier life, rather than to succumb to the health problems of morbid obesity all too early in life. Lots to look forward to!!?

I weigh 280 lbs and 5'11 with high blood pressure, my pri doc said the lap band would be good for me but when I went to that last seminar the surgon there kind of changed my mind. He scared me because he was so blunt. My primary doc told me to not go to him because she didn't care for him. So Iam going to find another surgon and try this again. My insurance is good the worst they would make me do is wait 6 months (diet) and I've already started that. I don't want to take diet pills. Hey Yeehaw me and you are the same height how much weight have you lost so far? Stories and pictures really help bring my sprit up about the lap band. I almost forgot my first goal weight is 199 lbs as long as I can get under 200 lbs. Thanks ~Carmille

Hi everyone I am 1 month out from surgery. I desperately need to know things are gonna get better because I am really starting to get depressed. I don't want to live the rest of my life fearing to eat. Please give me some suggestions. I am at the puree stage but everything I try makes my me feel sick or gives me cramps in my stomach after I eat it. Even liquids feels like a big ball is stuck in the middle of my stomach. I have to let my adult kids come over a literary pat my back and rub it like burping a baby to get gas bubbles out my body. They only good thing about this is I have loss 32 pounds since my surgery but it has come at a high price. If it were not for the support I receive here I would be so depressed. I can't talk about this with anyone else. The people I have talked to and casually mentioned the subject of Weight loss surgery think it is crazy to have part of your stomach surgically removed. ...I can't reverse what I did but I need to know things will change. Thank you for your support. [ATTACH]13243[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]13243[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]13243[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]13244[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]13245[/ATTACH]

I can't think of a single thing to improve on what everyone else has said. I'm not banded yet, but my surgeon has made it clear that we are partners in this journey. He cautioned me not to have inflated expectations and to take it slow. He wants to prepare me for the fact that before the first fill, it's very possible I may actually gain a pound or two, but not to let that concern me. He also said that as time goes on, when I come into the office some times I will need an adjustment of the band (and he pointed to his stomach) and sometimes I might need an adjustment of the mind (and he pointed to his head), but he said not to worry about either adjustment, that we are in this together and whichever adjustment I need, he is there to help. If your surgeon believes otherwise, it might be a good idea to have an "exit interview" with him and let him know why he will no longer be your doctor. . . .

If you are not happy with your doctor then find another one who can follow your progress and do your fills- set up an initial consult with the new doc and explain your issues. It is very difficult to get over a doctor treating you that way- and he will gain a very bad reputation if he continues that. Oh and BTW he can't take your band away---- Its YOURS. And you are doing fabulous!!

Ok, this is more of a vent because I'm sure some people on here can relate or sympathize since my husband doesn't really understand. My husband noticed that I've been a bit depressed lately so he said he would watch the kids and gave me his credit card to go clothes shopping since I've been living in the same 4 outfits for almost a year. Any other woman would be ecstatic, but I on the other hand, HATE shopping for myself. I stood in the dressing room with my size 24 capris and 3x tops wondering how the hell I ever let myself get this heavy (tipping the scales at 290 and im only 5'3"!) I cried the whole way home and gave the hubs a horrible attitude as I walked in the door. Now I'm sulking in the living room while he eats dinner with the kids. He says my weight doesn't bother him, but how can it not? He's so handsome, has a great body and could probably land himself something a hell of a lot better looking then me. I know I know, he's a great guy and loves me for me. But what he doesn't like is that I've simply stopped caring. I'm a stay at home mom. A FAT stay at home mom. I rarely get out of my pjs never mind do my hair or makeup. I need this surgery so badly. 3 more months! I just have to make it through 3 more months. I have an apple body, so it's all in my stomach/arms/face. How do you ladies (or gentlemen) make yourselves feel better? What can I do to help to "care" about myself until I get my surgery and lose this weight? Any specific clothing types that flatter plus size women? I bought some jewelry and makeup and I'm going to try to put the effort in for my husband. And to think when we met, I was the hot college cheerleader!! Ugh, thanks for listening to my extremely depressing rant!

I noticed that too. One of the first things I noticed, was that I started sleeping less. Went from about 10 hours of sleep at night to about 5 or 6 hours. Yet, I feel like I have slept when I wake up now. Sleep Apnea was the first thing to go for me. Wife told me I stopped snoring midway through week 2. Anyway, I started trying to run around month 2. Once you get started, it gets easier each time. I am not an expert, but I think with the less weight, the blood can travel faster, as it has less area to go, and thus the oxygen is made available more. I might be totally off about that, but makes sense to me.

I didn’t have surgery with Carrum but can tell you that the length of time the process takes is dictated mostly by the insurance company. Some require a 3 or 6 month weight loss attempt where a doctor weighs you every month. Also most require a psyc evaluation and you may also have to do some medical tests to determine you are fit for surgery to name a few of the common requirements. Beyond that, it will just depend on how busy your doctor is. Once I had completed my requirements it was about a month till my surgery.

I think it's because a lot of over weight people have sleep apnea and some surgeons make their patients wake up on their machines. Not sure why but I know my surgeon said there was a possibility that one I'd either wake up with the tube down my throw still or I'd wake up on my cpap. No need to panic either way though, it's just a precaution.

I was recently diagnosed with sleep Apnea. I'm headed into my third month of my 6 diet. My question is does sleep apnea ever get "cured" after losing a lot of weight after surgery?

Definitely know what you mean, my banded twin! But I'm really just so excited. I am nervous about the fact that the band won't stop me from eating things like ice cream, chocolate, Cookies, cheesecake, etc. But - that's a decision I need to make and I knew we just made the major decision to get the band so decision to turn down foods that we know are not going to help us will just be part of the journey. I've lost weight before - 70 lbs last year - then gained back 90. It's not fun. In fact, it's just plain rotten. But now is the time to take control of our lives and know that we have support, a tool, and the motivation to do it. Won't be easy, but definitely will be worth it. :thumbup: