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I have now completed almost 10 months with the Lapband and I am very excited about the results. When I started in May 2013 I weighed 360 pounds and I could feel myself slowly dying. My life consisted of my office chair and my recliner chair at home. Otherwise I did very little. Now I weigh 220 pounds and am 20 pounds away from my goal. I really can't believe it has gone so well. I have only 2.5cc in my band and I have only had two PB incidents since I started (both were my fault-eating way to fast). I can eat pretty much anything I want (in a lot less quantities) and really the only thing I have had to give up was carbonated beverages. I am now approaching what I consider the most critical stage and that is weight maintenance which has always been the most difficult thing for me. I don't ever get really hungry anymore and the biggest challenge/temptation for me is late night Snacks. I can go all day long till 9pm and have no cravings, but when I sit down to watch TV after that the head hunger returns. I have tried to keep my calorie input a bit lower in the day so that I do not go over when I snack. I think I may have to change what type of foods I snack on to find something more filling. Any suggestions? For those of you beginning on your journey I am proof it can be done. I simply followed my doctors rules as strictly as possible, I try to exercise a half hour to an hour a day. You need to be patient as it took most of us a lot longer to gain the weight than it does to lose it. The three most important things are to 1) Eat slowly and chew your food well, 2) Track every calorie (thank god for My Fitness Pal), and 3) Exercise everyday for at least a half hour. If you have a bad day, don't beat yourself up, just start back the next day. We all slip a little, just don't make it an excuse to quit or fail. This message board has been extremely helpful to me. I have tried to focus on the positive messages that I have read, and try to use the negative ones as things to be careful about. Thank all of you for your help.

I also chose the sleeve due to the fact it was the first step in the DS procedure. I always knew if I didn't lose the weight with the sleeve alone I could have the second part of the "switch" to rely on. I have never been fond of the Gastric Bypass and to be honest I know more people that have regained the weight with it than have been able to keep it off. It is a personal decision but don't let any Dr or Surgeon tell you that you can't/won't be able to get to goal with the sleeve alone- because that is simply not true!

I have a friend who had gastric bypass 6 months ago. She still throws up at least once a day. My sister in law had gastric bypass 2 years ago and in the last 2 months has gained back 30 lbs. she claims to be eating exactly the same as always. My husband and I chose the sleeve. My BMI is very high. However, after all my research, it was the only WLS my husband and I were willing to do. We are 23 days post op and my husband has list 45lbs and I've lost 40lbs. Neither of us have thrown up or slimed or had any negative reactions. We feel good, have more energy and aren't hungry! Good luck however you decide. I just wanted to let you know about my experience.

Hello! I am new here. I found this forum while searching for a Doc. to get a fill. I had the lap band done last July through Belight weight & doctors in Detroit. :wub: I have not had much help from them regarding my problem. We moved & due to weather & the move had not been able to make it back to Detroit since Ocotober! I am currently in Wisconsin & am trying to find another doctor in driving distance to get a fill. I have not gained any weight since October. However, I have not lost any either. Has it been too long? What does this mean for me? Will I ever be able to find a docotor in my area? Was this move the ruin of my lap band? HELP! If anyone knows any of these answers I'd greatly appreciate if you'd take the time to let me know. THANKS!

I haven't started a fast weight loss diet yet? But I really don't eat right. Hopefully the Vitamins will solve the problems. I pray that I will be able to have the surgery. This is my last hope of getting rid of my sleep apnea. I have no energy to walk too far so I cannot exercise very long so I won't lose too much weight at this point anyway. Thanks for replying. Cheryl

Hi! I'm a newbie here. My name is Susan and I'm 61 years old. I've been on the diet roller-coaster since I was 18. Usually I'd lose 30 pounds. Then gain it back plus. Up and down up and down. I just can't go through another diet only to 'fail' again. I needed something to help me keep it off. I started to read everything I could on weight loss surgery. Thirty years ago I remember thinking to myself that if I had the means I would definitely have opted to have it. Now that the means are available I am looking forward to it. Currently I am 250 pounds with a BMI of 30. I am 5'5 with a large frame. My goal would be perfect at 150. I am on day four of the liquid diet and I feel crappy. I have caffeine withdrawal headaches because I had to stop diet coke. Are there others like me who are having the same problems? How long will they last? I don't want to get discouraged but when I think of eight more days of this I'm not sure I'll make it. Thanks for listening.

Hi everyone! I have been creeping around on this website for some time now and I am finally going through the steps to have the procedure done. I just got my call today to schedule my surgeon appointment for the last visit before I get approved. I have been overweight most of my life, but I have been really packing on the pounds since I had my son in 2009. My highest weight was 284 when I was pregnant and I am currently at 267. I did lose all my baby weight that I gained during pregnancy, but then I have gained some of it back and I do not want to gain it all. I have tried all the different diets, I exercise, and I can usually lose some weight, but then I find it all again along with some extra. I am looking at the procedure to be the tool I have always been looking for to help me stay on track with my diet adventure and exercise. I am so impressed with all the success stories on this site and can only hope to be one of those one day and be able to help someone else make the decision to have this procedure done to help improve their life and health like you all have for me. I started a blog to keep track of my journey for myself and to maybe share with others like me in the future of meeting my goal. You are welcome to view my blog and comment with any encouragement along the way or tips if you see I am doing something in the wrong manner. I hope to be able to join the June bansters soon. Kati www.swollen2swanky.blogspot.com

I simply did not want a piece of plastic floating around in my abdomen so I chose the sleeve. I also did not want a full bypass with the resulting lifelong malabsorbtion issues. I didn't want he hassle with insurance that I've heard others in my company fight with over WLS so I elected self pay and went ti Tijuana MX and paid $5K and was done with it in less than a month. The sleeve is minimally invasive, introduces nothing artificial into your digestive tract and bypasses nothing, it's simply a permanent restriction. MOST people have good results, a lot have excellent results and a few like me have EXTRAORDINARY results. I've lost over 135 pound in little more than 6 months. For ONCE in my life something has worked out way above and beyond what I expected. There are SOME people who have issues, a few that seem to still be ravenous even after the sleeve, a few with life changing complications and fewer still that completely failed, lost nothing or lost and regained. Nothings perfect especially something like this that not only effects the complicated digestive tract but the human psyche as well. I did it, lost weight, eliminated a whole host of medical issues and feel a WHOLE lot better. I exercise now and actually enjoy most of it. At least I'm not wheezing like an old broken down steam engine hating every second of it. I can do things I couldn't do even just this last fall. I can have sex with my wife and it is SOOO much better, no pendulous gut hanging in the way and it requires less effort just to move. Regardless of WHAT you do I'd recommend you do SOMETHING even if it's JUST diet and exercise.

HAd surgery on December 10, I was able to lose the recommended 10 lbs before and have lose 10 lbs after. Don't recommend having surgery at the end of a cold . I never felt so thirsty. So far so good . I see the surgeon this coming week and I definitely am beginning to feel hungrier . I weight 220 and it's been over 20 years since I was under 200. Trying to keep on track

My surgery was on the 18th. I'm starting to hit the hungrier phase and the rapid weight loss from the special pre and postop diets has come to a screeching halt. But I will persevere because I realize I chose a WLS with a slow weight loss. Keep up the good work!

Today is surgery day! Well, in the morning, but I cant sleep because Im so excited/nervous/ready. My highest weight was 281. My preop weight is 252. By the summer I hope that number begins with a 1, not 2. New life, here we go. : )

8th october is the date bmi 38.6 high blood pressure and recently glucose intolerance. A bit anxious but more excited to get rid of excess weight.

Hi everyone! Well the day is almost here! I have my surgery at 7:30 am on Monday morning. I am excited but also getting really nervous. I know it'll be ok though! I can't wait till I start losing weight!

I am only five months out but I was dry heaving until last week when I posted how I was feeling and was advised to take prilosec. I have to take two but I have not had not been sick since. I still have a problem eating, it hurt when I try to eat solid food. I am glad you are seeing your PCP, it sounds like you may need to have an upper GI to see what is going on. I feel that anyone who has had weight loss surgery should stay in close contact with their primary care. I see her once a month because of post op issues. I hope you feel better soon.

I'm a mom, grandma, and wife who has weighed over 250 for about 18 years. I'm 48 and now weigh 265. I chose that lap band because I don't want to be unhealthy when I loose weight. I want to continue getting all my nutrients from the things I consume. I have several co-morbidities such as, diabetic for the last 15 years, high blood pressure, proteinuria, probably sleep apnea, (haven't been tested yet), high cholesterol (when I don't take meds) to name a few. I'm really tired of taking meds and I realized that I could stroke out, or have a heart attack or something and I want to be around for my kids and my grandkids. So that is the gist of my reasoning for the surgery. I hope to loose at least 70 pounds. 80 or 90 would be great. I would jump for joy. I don't want that skin hanging thing though, but I'm 5-8 so perhaps it will be minimal with the exception of my tummy. I think that's unavoidable. However, I will do what I can to alleviate as much as I can. I don't care how fast I loose, except at first I would like to quickly knock off a chunk of my desired weight loss at least 40 of it, then 1 to 2 pounds a week would be wonderful. I'm going to try my best. I have mononucleosis right now so hope that won't hinder my surgery date. I'm pretty well over the main outbreak so I'm just weak and tired all the time. That slows your metabolism, and I can't exercise without getting a sore throat and fever. Weird I'm a music minister/Psalmist. The Lord gives me songs and I sing them all over the place. My music is on www.breadsite.org in the mp3 section. Free downloads. I need to loose some weight so I'm not so reluctant to go and sing places where they ask me. Most of the time right now I think, "I'm so tired". I want to be able to keep up and LIVE!!!!! Garden, decorate, paint, sing, pack my keyboard (musical) and go wherever, chase after my two toddler grandchildren!!!. That's my goal. More than numbers my goal is to LIVE! Blessings

I can't wait - I am so excited - I keep trying to visualize myself thin again....I can't wait! I really hope it works - part of me has this feeling like I will fail at this because I have failed at so many different weight loss attempts - I didn't tell too many people. I work with 200 women and I only told 3 of them. In my family, it's just my oldest daughter, my mom and my sisters that know. I am so happy that I am working until Sunday afternoon - I hope the time flies - I just got my time...1:00!!!! UGH! I don't have to be at the hospital until 11:30...I will go stir crazy..... ok - bye bye - say an extra prayer for me - thanks Amy

Hello all, I thought it was about time I made a post. I have been looking on the site for a few weeks now. My name is Chastity, and I live in Florida. I am 26 yr old, happily married to a very support husband. I started thinking about the band 1 ago, but changed my mind (thinking I could do it with just self control). Well I weight even more now. I had my first appointment with the surgeon today. I am starting opifast in the morning(Tuesday). My surgery is going to be November 18th. I am going to be self pay :tongue:. I feel ready this time. I really enjoy reading about everyones journey, no matter where they are in it. I am 5'4 1/2 ( weird I know) and starting weight 286lbs(SHH). Hoping that the Optifast will taste ok:w00t:

Thanks so much for your input Sleeve Master! I completely agree with you about the piece of plastic floating around! I kind of feel like eventually that's gonna have to come out, even if it's 10 yrs down the road! I feel like I'd be setting myself up for another surgery in the long run and I really don't want to do that. I hate needles as it is! Unfortunately I don't have the money to do it out of pocket. Turns out my insurance will pay all but about $2,000 and I've been saving that up for the last 6 months that I've been doing my diet plan. I really can't afford much else. I'm nervous about surgery because of the risks, but I've been exposed to those risks before with 2 c-sections, so it's nothing new to me. I'm just looking forward to losing the weight, exercising and enjoying it, playing with my little ones, and just feeling better about myself. I used to have such confidence, but it has just plummeted in the last 3-4 yrs, after I had my kids. And, I believe this will help my husband and I's sex life as well. I'm a lights off kind of girl and I hope to be much more confident when this is all said and done! After thinking about it all, it just seems like the sleeve is the most logical solution for me! I'm really happy I found this website about it and actually researched it! Looking forward to feeling happy and healthy again! Thanks again for your input! It is greatly appreciated! Katie

I am early in the process still but this is such a crazy emotional journey! I went to my first appointment with the surgeon at the end of February and so far have had 1 sleep study, 1 nut appointment, blood work (9 vials), upper gi/barium swallow, ultrasound, psychiatric evaluation and information session! I have done all of this still with the fear that I may not be approved! I have struggled with my weight for 20 years (and I am 33). I have lost and gained so many times over those years I am surprised that my body has survived! I have never had a problem losing it just doesn't stay off and when it comes back it usually comes back with some extra "friends" (more pounds). Right now I am 245lbs (5'7" tall) with a BMI of just under 40. I found out I do have sleep apnea and will be going for my second study next week. I am a mixture of emotions. I want this surgery! I NEED THIS SURGERY! I am sick of being fat. I am sick of not having enough energy to play with my kids. I am sick of constantly thinking and worrying about my weight! I have a few more steps, last one being my final nut appointment on May 21st and they we will submit to insurance! Fingers crossed! I love this board it has given me so much knowledge on what to expect! Look forward to sharing my journey with all of you!

I am only 6 weeks post op...so I really remember that feeling: excited AND nervous! This surgery is the best thing I've ever done. I have done EVERY diet and gained and lost the same 20 lbs for the past 20 years. My surgery went really well...and I healed very quickly. Some of the things I did (not necessarily on my surgeon's list...but I did them anyway!) I drank organic aloe vera juice 24 hrs post op and continued for 30 days. It's VERY healing. If you buy the EXPENSIVE brand, which is George's (available at health food stores) it tastes just like water. I also started taking arnica immediately after surgery. Great for healing and not bruising! It's difficult to get your water in, but it's very important. I couldn't handle the broth (yuk) but I ate sugar free jello and popsicles that were fruit...with no sugar added. It was good to get my first meal 10 days post op!! Now, even if I try a bite of something I'm not supposed to have....I know how limited I am for space in my new small stomach, so I can't try much more than a bite of any forbidden food!! I'm eating breakfast: either an egg, or a protein shake, or a half skinned apple with peanut butter. I LOVE soup for lunch and I make a chicken tortilla soup with lots and lots of beans and some salsa and spices (great protein) and for dinner I usually have fish, or chicken or turkey with a little cooked veggies. In between, I'll have a small amount of protein shake or some peeled fruit. My clothes are getting baggy....which I love. My only worry is because I'm in my 60's I'm already noticing some extra facial wrinkles and sags I've lost 39 lbs in 6 weeks (no required loss pre-op). Good luck to you....I know it will go well!

Now that I am "approved" for surgery and this is becoming a reality, I figured NOW is the time to post my story so far. I am 49, 5'7 and 235 at my highest weight. (Can't believe I actually wrote that down for public consumption!) That made me a BMI of 36.8. I had considered weight loss surgery off and on throughout the years of yo-yo dieting. My last good weight loss was about 30 pounds back in 2009 and I was lighter then. So that means I have put on about 40 pounds in four years. (Less than a pound a month, not too bad, right??!! Ha!) I have some lung problems, high blood pressure (if you would only lose weight, you wouldn't have to take these pills anymore....) and hypothyroidism. Too much for someone my age I decided and started considering the lap-band. I am a nurse and considered that to be "least invasive" and "easiest" to have done surgically. On November 28, 2012, I signed the hubby and I up for an informational seminar. While hubby wasn't interested (I'm hoping to change that), I listened to the doctor present the band, sleeve and RNY options. To his credit, he didn't try to sway anyone to any one procedure, but I had changed my thinking from lap-band to sleeve. I submitted my "insurance verification" form and left. In lateDecember/early January, I was contacted by the doctor's office and told that my insurance (CIGNA) did provide WLS benefits. I had started a post-holiday "kind of" diet about mid-January with Weight Watchers. I saw my surgeon for the first time on January 28, 2013. We discussed all the usual things and agreed that the sleeve was a good procedure for me. My only beef with the process was that the coordinator told me "All your insurance needs is the evaluation and 3 months of diet history. Just print out Weight Watchers and it will be ok." More on that in a minute.... From there, I had: EGD (endoscopy) on 2-4 and found to have a small hiatal hernia. Psych eval and nutrition eval on 2-13. In the mean time, I had researched CIGNA's bariatric policy and found out that I needed a lot more than "Just 3 months of Weight Watcher history." Rather than chance it, I went and got clearance from my PMD and met with a nutritionist for 3 months of a supervised diet. (2-20, 3-16 and 4-20...boy am I glad I started that "kind of diet" back in January!) Am now at 222 (fluctuating pounds.) My coordinator submitted my packet on about May 10th with a comment of "everything looks great...should be no problem." On May 17th, I was notified of denial...based on two points. My physician had failed to state that he BOTH recommended me for the surgery AND cleared me (he only recommended me....despite the fact I had asked him to do both.) The nutritionist did a summary report that detailed all three visits, with all of the components required, but CIGNA wanted it in three separate notes. At least it wasnt because of medical criteria! So...my coordinator got all that together and on May 21st, she submitted again, stating it could take up to 90 days, but probably not that long. The waiting is the hardest part!!! Well, today I got the news I was waiting for...APPROVED! It took 7 business days for the appeal. Now we are in fast-forward mode: 6-10: Pre-op meeting with surgeon to sign consents, etc... 6-15: Start of pre-op diet! (Not looking forward to it....) 6-17: Pre-op lab/x-ray work at hospital 6-25: Surgery I travel for my work (I am a healthcare consultant) and will be out of town three weeks between now and then, so it will fly by! I am so excited. I think now that it's a reality, my husband is concerned. I got the "If it makes you happy, it makes me happy" but I am not convinced. I know he is supportive of my decisions, but probably a bit insecure at the same time. food has always been a big part of our life and I have been slowly withdrawing from that over the last few months. Thanks for listening! I am so darn excited I just needed to share it with someone. I have told very few people. I will update after the surgery.

Hello I'm a young 32 year old woman who's battled weight my whole life. After starting a journey towards weight loss surgery in 2008 I have finally achieved it just past a week ago. Got RNY, laparoscopically, finally getting back to feeling human again. I'm down 5lbs so far and feeling good. I've had a difficult time healing due to a hysterectomy and bypass in the same surgery. So ready, and happy to have finally started this chapter my book of life!

Hey everyone! This is my first post even though I've been reading avidly here for months. I am so happy I found this site, because I have learned tons and it helped me really make the decision to pursue Lap Band surgery. I found out a little over a week ago that I was approved by Ins. and scheduled for surgery on May 16th. I was thrilled that it is was happening so fast, but now that it is only days away, I'm absolutely terrified and having second thoughts. I'm not really sure what it is I'm afraid of. I'm frightened of the actual procedure, simply because I'm not great with anesthesia, but I don't think that's my real fear. I really think my underlying panic is the fear of failure. I've tried so many diets, and the weight always comes back. I just want to be healthy and look decent. I think I have gotten to the point of giving up that anything can fix this. I am praying that this is the real solution for me, and that I'm strong enough to use it to its potential.

Hi my surgey is on November 10th. My starting weight when I entered the program was 216.4. My doctor who's name is Dr. Im from Kaiser, wants me to get down to 130 lbs. That's fine with me, I look at it as pre baby having days... Lol. Good luck on your surgery. Keep in touch. Let me know how your doing after surgery so that I can get an idea about how I might be feeling afterwards since we are having them the same week

Never too early! You have already lost a lot of weight, and I know the pre-op isn't easy! I'm doing it now! Lol great job! Keep up the good work?