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Welcome! This is a great place for support and to share experiences and ideas. A lot of us had the similar experiences of working so hard to lose weight and either being unable to lose it or gaining it back quickly. Working out is still a big part of it: I work out 5 days a week, 1.5-2 hrs per session. But the band helps you stop eating so you aren't so hungry all the time. It's so hard to make good healthy choices and go work out when you are hungry all the time. I'm assuming you haven't had surgery yet? Banding definitely isn't easy. There is a lot to learn and you'll find there are things you won't be able to eat anymore, and you have to learn new ways to cope with stress if you have emotional eating issues, like 99% of us here! And you have to choose good foods, avoid bad ones, and exercise. But the band helps keep the portions small and keep you from getting hungry soon after a meal. Like you said, there's nothing to be ashamed of in getting this surgery. It's done to help us save our lives and our health! You want to be around to raise your baby. :tt2: A lot of folks worry over other people saying it's the "easy way out" but those people who think that just don't know any better. Welcome to the board and hope to hear more from you! If you haven't been banded yet, when you get a surgery date there is an area where you can connect with other people who were banded the same month. I find that really helpful to follow up with the same group of folks who are at the same stage of banding life as me. It's in the support area, pretty easy to find. Best of luck to you!

:thumbup:I found this board by accident i never knew a site like this existed.. It is so good to hear from real people that have had the procedure done and that it can be done you all are living proof that it can and will work for you. I have had so many fights within myself because I have lost a lot of weight before when my brother was killed. I could not talk to my family because I had to be the strong one for them and I thought i could not let them see my anger or my tears so i worked out before work and after work. At the time i was just trying to change my focus i actually wasent trying to loose weight go figure... After about 8mths of loosing 100+lbs i got prego with my son whom is now 3 and i gained about 85more pounds back and i have lost all but about 30lbs from the pregnancy. Once i loose that I would then be back at the starting point to loose an additional 85+pounds or so to get me to my goal. I can't work out like that anymore 2-3 hours a day... OMG it's like killing myself. I have a 3-year old for goodness sake, i'm a single parent and i have no one to help me. My mom passed away the day after thanksgiving 06' and she always wanted to see me healthy. I know I have to excercise that's not the problem but for me to see results I literally have to workout 6-days a week no less than an hour and 1/2 each workout, and right now I don't have that kind of energy to do that. There was a post about keeping it from the people at work. I actually told a few people that I was thinking about it and one girl took it and ran with it and it at first pissed me off then i stoped and thought about it and said no i don't have anything to be ashamed about yes it is my business and no one has the right to judge me and they don't know my story... But again I just wanted to say thanks for everyone opening up their hearts to share their ups and downs with total strangers like myself because you would never know how much it helps. So many times I would love to get that support from my mom but she is no longer here so thanks again....:thumbup::wink::thumbup::tt1::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Back in December my doctor and I discovered I possibly had a leak in my port. We waited a couple of months to see exactly how much Fluid I was leaking and finally decided to replace my port on February 17th. My doctor only left 5.5 in my band but after 2 days of liquids and 2 of soft foods I could eat whatever I wanted to eat. I called the office and scheduled a fill for Thursday (2/26). After several attempts at finding my port he put me under flo and discovered my brand new port had flipped but after pushing and pulling and maipulating my body he was able to give me a fill. He took me up to 6.2...I have been as high as 6.8 so we both did not see this being a problem. We were both very wrong. I was able to drink Water when I left the office and drank a smoothie on the way home (I was in some pain from all of the pushing and have some bruising so I did not go to work). That night I had some problems drinking a smoothie but just thought that my system is just a bit swollen and irritated (I did just have surgery last week and then the difficulties getting the fill). I woke up a couple of times coughing but did not think much of it. The next morning I got my usual Frap took a couple of small sips and threw up all over myself on my ride to work. I called my boss and told her I would be working from home and explained the situation to her. I went home and threw up a few more times and e-mail the doctors office (I did not want to be too much of a pain) after several e-mails back and forth the patient advocate told me to wait 4-6 hours and try to sip warm tea that my body is swollen and my stomach is irritated. I waited slipped and threw up...and have thrown up several time since. My husband contacted her last night via phone and she told him to tell me not to try anything until this morning....same song and dance. I am completely miserable, I have called the doctor's voice mail and left a message and hope he will call back soon. Any suggestion please???

How much and how often are you guys drinking? I'm 9 weeks out and I'm drinking pretty often, but not a lot each time 1-2 drinks. How did drinking affect your weight loss.

Super excited today. I hit Onederland!!! 15 weeks out and down a total of 74 lbs. Yaaaaay WLS: 5/14/13- HW: 273 SW: 258 CW: 198 GW: 135

I'm trying to get everything together for the predetermination for my insurance (BCBS Federal) and I feel like I'm trying to walk up a wall. My BMI is 41.6 with no comorbidities, I just moved to a new college and have found myself more active because it is larger (classes and food are a half mile away from my house instead of a block away) while this is a great thing, in terms of losing weight, I can't help but feel like it is the worst thing ever. I know that this surgery is the best option for me because for the past 5 years I have been bouncing from 230-260 lbs. and while I have no comorbidities now, I feel like there is a time bomb strapped to my back. If I continue to fluctuate and never get to a healthier state I will eventually develop one or more comorbidities. My PCP tested me for diabetes last month as a precaution and I was shocked to find out that I don't have it because my weight has been an issue that has been progressing for almost 10 years now. I keep second guessing myself right now. What if I just haven't done enough and now that I have better resources around me I could lose the weight with out surgery? At the same time I know that this goes much deeper than just losing weight or exercising more, I've become so used to shoveling massive amounts of food down my throat that I look at a recommended portion and see it more as a snack or appetizer. I need something to not just help with the weight issues but a way to retrain myself on how to eat as a way to nourish my body, instead of continuing my unhealthy habits. I'm worried that with all the changes in my life right now I'll lose enough weight that I'll be denied by my insurance and be back on that yo-yo cycle of bouncing from 230-260. My window of opportunity for this surgery is small, because I'm only on this insurance plan for another 10 months. I'm hoping someone has been in a similar situation of feeling like they have to maintain their weight just to have a chance to be healthy in the long run and can give some advice on how to deal with this. I find myself getting excited because my pants aren't as loose as they were my first 3 weeks at this college (I lost about 8-10 lbs. during the moving process and my first few weeks here because of the larger campus, stress, and a few other things) I haven't gained past what I was at the dr. consult in December, so I'm basically just maintaining the weight at this point. And I can't help but feel that it is a little twisted that I'm excited because I gained back some weight so that I can qualify for a surgery that will help me lose weight. Maybe I'm just not looking at this in the best light? Thanks for reading and any advice is appreciated Also, thanks for giving me a place to reach out to people who could possible understand. I've talked to a few close friends and they think it's a bit odd, because they all cheer for weight loss, not gain

I go out to eat with friends just as much as before. As a matter of fact, two days last week Alone. I still eat, just a quarter of what I would've ate. I choose the healthiest option and enjoy. All my friends know about my surgery, so there are never any questions or comments about the amount I eat. It's actually nice, because most of the time I have several meals in a doggy bag after words It is what you make of it, is the way I look at it. I am blessed to not have any problems so far. I feel so horrible for those who do.

Angie...it gets better...I have been on my pre-op for almost 2 weeks...surgery is scheduled for Thursday. Weekends are so very rough because I have a 3 year old and a husband who has told me that he needs to eat At first it was very hard...but I just made a point to start my shakes later in the morning--about 9ish and then the other one about 1ish. I get home and eat about 5 and then I take a walk when my husband is eating his dinner. I had to keep telling myself that this will all be worth it in the end. Be strong and you'll get through. It's only a couple weeks...then you'll be onto the new you.

Shane I am somewhat in the same boat. I am 2 weeks post op. WIth the pre op diet and first week post op I lost 34 pounds. now after another week I am up 5 pounds..... which doesn't make sense, and personally I am freaking out.

Also, this is about time for your first stall (which usually comes at the third week). Just one more reason to focus on your Protein and fluids and not the numbers on the scale. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I was really exhausted for about a week after my procedure. I had a nurse who had the gastric sleeve and she told me to take it easy for a week that I would probably feel tired. I went to a concert 4 days post op. I was so tired I didn't want to go, but the tickets were pricey so I made myself go. I had fun but passed out as soon as I got home. I'm so sorry you are having so much pain. Just take it easy and hopefully it will subside. I did notice the more I tried to move around the better I felt. Just take it slow..baby step it.

That sounds normal to me, in my experience anyway. I can honestly say that I was in more pain than alot on this forum. You are explaing what I felt almost to the T. I did get some very good pain meds from my dr that helped. I am about 7 weeks out but I can honestly say the first 4 days were painful. Around day 5 is when I started feeling a bit better and I would say after the 1st week I was back to almost normal. I still couldn't bend but it does get better. I still feel a little bit of uncomfort every now and then. Hang in there! It does get better.

August 16, 2012 7am! The date I wanted!! From the seminar to surgery less than 8 weeks! Yay!

any words or wisdom out there? The fat person in me is so worried about the food i'll be missing

Well, it's possible that your body is working to readjust again to the new intake "style". However if it doesn't improve in the next week or so, make sure you talk to your doctors!

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery whereas you are having duodenal switch so your requirements are a little different from mine. They are actually more extensive than mine. But having said this, I will make the following observations. Your surgeon office should provide you with a complete list of what vitamin requirements you will need to take daily. After surgery I found that I could no longer swallow medium to large pills. As a result I used pill crushers or pill splitters to make them small enough for me to consume. This condition lasted for a couple months and then I was able to swallow them again. Vitamin chemistry is important for absorption. Calcium supplements should be calcium citrate. There are also different chemistries of B12. I use the sublingual B12 and was told to use methylcobalamin. You cannot use a time-release version of B12. If you are taking iron supplements, it must be ferrous sulfate for the best absorption. Gummy vitamins are not absorbed properly and should be avoided. It is important to put a 2 hour separation between the vitamins that contain iron and those that contain calcium. So in my case I found that what works best for me is to take the iron supplements just before bedtime. I put my vitamins in a weekly pill container. I have one container for the morning and one for the night. And I use a very small glass bowl for my calcium supplements. I put my calciums in the bowl in the morning and take them throughout the day. If I am up and about I put my calciums in a ziplock bag and carry them with me. The directions I received also included a list of those who underwent duodenal switch surgery. These were: Four Flintstone complete chewable multivitamins daily. 1800 to 2400 milligrams calcium citrate daily [this can be tricky because the dosage rate is per 2 capsules - therefore this can mean around 6-8 capsules per day of the large size [horse pill] supplements. Even more if you use the petite size. A total of 5000 International Units of Vitamin D3 Daily. 1000 micrograms sublingual B12 weekly or a B12 injection once each month. 100 milligrams Thiamine (vitamin B1) weekly. I suspect that after surgery they will place you on a blood thinner for a week or two to prevent blood clots. As a result they will restrict you intake of aspirin (another blood thinner) for the first month or two. Also they may restrict you from taking any other vitamins or medicine during the first few months. Since you are taking prescription medicine for depression, you will want to work these through with your surgeon's office. The absorption rate may vary after surgery.

That's totally normal. The first few weeks, I was struggling with losing. Just follow the plan and it will come.

I am 6 weeks out since my sleeve. I have lost a total of 40 lbs ( including pre op diet). I am now officially "obese" rather than "morbidly obese" Woo HOO!!!

Thank you for the links. I am more than willing to risk the complications for the benefits of the surgery. My concern is that right now my surgery is scheduled 24 days prior to my wedding. So I am trying to decide if the risks are worth taking before the wedding. Having the surgery scheduled when it is works best for work and making the life changes I am trying to make for us as a couple to make this successful. That is if everything goes well. If I get a complication and have to be in the hospital for several weeks that would obviously not be good for the wedding situation. When I had my beginning appointments it was very positive regarding the timing and that they didn't think it would be a big deal to have it when it is scheduled. Today I got a call saying that the team had their mandatory meeting to discuss the case and now they wanted me to rethink the timing "just in case." So it made start to question my decision.

I bought a Ninja early on and started trying to puree things. I was making meats in the crock pot and saving the broth for veggie purees. I got a case of Apple Melon Isopure. That is the only one I really liked. I also have unjury chicken Soup, GNC Lean 25 Vanilla and banana. I just went to pick up UNJURY Vanilla for this week during liquid diet. It has less calories and I am mixing it in Silk light soy milk. So, I needed to reduce the calories. Certain flavors don't taste that great to me with just Water. So, I tried the soy milk. Did your clinic give you a book? I have an entire list that includes both types of foods and meal ideas per meal. Hope this all comes together for ya soon!

I was great coming out of it and for the first 2 weeks. But these last 2 weeks I've been so nauseous. I have headaches. Can't poop. Kinda sucks. But at the end of the day, worth it. 100% worth it. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I am only 5 1/2 weeks out but i find that dinner is my biggest problem. I think because I am eating too fast. I am trying to slow down but its not that easy because after two bites i remember and I am full! But I find that I do best with shrimp, crawfish, fish, and crab meat. I have tried chicken, can chicken, ground turkey, ground beef etc. It sits in my stomach like a brick and I usually throw up. If you like seafood try it. Others have said the samething it seems to go down nicely.

Hi all, On tuesday I'll be 5 weeks post op. I was doing really great and lost about 17 pounds from my surgery on 12/16 till New Years. Since the 1st, I have gained two pounds. I'm still not eating that much, and I'm walking around, taking my Vitamins, and trying to drink as much Water as I can. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. Could I be eating too little? Any suggestions to help me get out from this stall will be appreciated. I'm feeling pretty unmotivated - this was such a big decision to do this surgery, and I'm worried that I made a mistake by choosing to do it.

I eat an egg every day for breakfast, sometimes with bacon, sometimes with steak, less often with ham or sausage. Or I will eat a 1/3 cup of omelet with a dribble of cheese, and onion, pepper, mushrooms, avocado, and a bite of fresh tomato. It may have a few calories, but I eat it in the morning and have the rest of the day to adjust my food choices. Haven't tried oatmeal since I have a strong issue of stalling when my carbs go over 20 per day.

My surgery was 3/27 but my Dr keeps us on a 2 week liquid diet (I should move to soft foods by the end of the week). One of the things that has really helped me to get my protein in is Unjury protein products. You can order a sample pack that gives you about 10 packets fairly inexpensive. I like the Chicken soup flavor as a broth or the Strawberry Sorbet with crystal light lemonade. Both give you 21 g of protein plus you're getting your liquids in at the same time. Personally, I started feeling so much better when I increased my protein levels (getting 60-70 g of protein every day) and it helps boost your energy too.