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Glad to see this thread! I posted a question about caring for your skin during weight loss and didn't get much response at all.

Hi Erica I also have been overweight most of my life. So far I am glad I have the band, I have not had a fill yet but have lost about twenty pounds in a month I know that some of that is Water loss. So far I am hungry most of the time but it is getting better, when I get a fill I hope the hunger will go away and I still will eat less. Since you mentioned your knee’s I will tell you mine are so much better already I am able to walk better and my knees are not as painful. Good luck to you and please read as much as you can about this before committing. Please feel free to message me anytime. Lassie

Hi guys. Just found this thread (where have I been all these months???) I had my best loss ths week in a very long time - 2lbs. Yay for me

This past week as been one of the WORST ever. I ended up in the emergency room with SEVERE abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. I threw up all over the emergency room staff and was really scared something was wrong with my band. After being told it was only the "stomach flu" I finally got a decent dr who ran 3 or 4 more tests and viola! My gallbladder was infected and had to come out. I got my gallbladder out yesterday and am feeling like I got the band all over again. Ouch!! This explains why on a previous post I was complaining of constant nausea!! It hurts to breathe and the awful awful nausea! :sick So apprently after you lose a bunch of weight it's really commom to develop gallstones and possibly a gallbladder infection. So, if any of you guys end up in the ER with abdominal pain and vomiting insist on a gallbladder check bc weight loss can do that to you. If they tell you it's just the stomach flu don't buy it!!! After a few days I should be good as new! Can't wait to feel normal again! :phanvan

Yes the weight loss alone definitely helps. My cartilage is gone (age 63) so I will have knee replacement I imagine. Holding off a few more months until I've lost more weight to make recovery easier. I still have a lot of weight to lose but I already take less pain Med (hydrcodone) and cam walk longer and farther than 9 months ago. My balance is better. Have been using seated exercise videos but plan to add water aerobics when school is out (in education). Synvisc didn't help me when I had it several years ago at weight 290. Probably just weighed too much for it to work.

No, Pasta is not the devil. As far as your weight loss goes you need to monitor your carbs to an extent, especially if you are not working out hard but I think we would all do ourselves a giant favor to stop demonizing food. What we should be looking down on is letting food, inanimate objects have that much power over us that we think of them in terms of good and evil. the whole 'its not a diet its a lifestyle' phrase is so tired and cliche but for me, it rings true. You are not going to go your whole life never eating certain things. You should measure out an appropriate serving according to what you can handle and what your doctor advises, enjoy your meal and carry on with your life. Chances are you know everything you need to know about protein/carbs/fat but not every meal will fit some type of ideal picture - just please, be reasonable. Don't graze on it all night and you probably shouldn't eat it 3 days in a row.

I am (was) a HUGE pasta eater too. I find since my surgery (4 weeks ago today) on no longer have the cravings for carbs. I do love the cheese, sauce and meat though so I made lasagna with out the pasta and I'll tell you I didn't miss the pasta one bit! Make some small meatballs, 1 1/2 inch in diameter, or a about 2 oz each. Put them in crockpot with a jar of your favorite sauce or home made. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. When done, smash with a fork a meatball, two TBS sauce and throw two tbs of ricotta cheese on top, it's delish! Also, when I am feeling like I want just try some of the foods I'm avoiding, I remind myself that this is the weight loss period so stay focused on why you had the surgery to begin with. If you just can't resist then try a trick a friend of mine who had bypass 10 years ago told me-take a bite, chew it very well and spit it out.

hum you would have thought your case worker would have known the requirement and ensured to had met them all before submitting. That's is such a bummer to get you excited about the submission only to be denied. I started my journey last August and still have not had my surgery, I had a medical ER in January and that messed up everything! I have to redo my psych apt, cause it's now over 6 months old I have Cigna and they require it to be 6 months or less, my plan didn't call for weight loss just a supervised weight management plan. I agree with whoever said find out specifically what they need you to do and get busy. You can do this!!

Everyone has different skin, some more elastic than others. I would wait until the weight loss progresses and see. Most people will have some extra skin, but it sure beats too much fat!

Congrats! I am hoping to eventually stick to the weekly weigh-ins but right now I can't help but jump on the scale every morning. I hope I can report a loss like that in the same length of time!!

Congratulations on your GREAT weight loss! I'm so happy that you're feeling so good. Believe it or not, your kids will love you just the same - heavy or thin. My kids are now 23 and 20. One's complimented me on my weight loss, the oldest hasn't even noticed. But I feel so much better and have so much more energy. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for this and all the information I find on this site. I'm awaiting final insurance approval. Once I get to the actual surgery I will be so prepared with what to expect and knowledge of some of the typical struggles. I'm trying to get some sanity in my diet now, and so looking forward to winning at weight loss. I want to fully live my life and stop hibernating because I don't want to be seen by anyone.

Ok guys, I need some advice. Am I the only person on this earth who had a lapband and hasn't lost weight. I got banded July 3rd. After my surgery I lost weight maybe 3 lbs. quickly went into bandster hell where I gained 2 lbs. I had my first fill where I dropped an additional 8 lbs. at that point I was down 20 from where I started. Found out I was pregnant and gained 5 lbs! A second fill and miscarriage later my weight has not moved. My second fill did nothing for me after the second day. I am within the same 10 lbs I was on surgery day. What the heck is going on??? Some days I have absolutely no restriction???

Sounds like dehydration to me. If u are out in the heat and sweat then u must compensate for the loss of water in your body and drink more. I went through the same thing in the beginning. Just be sure to sip, sip, sip. Good luck and im glad your feeling better.

It was my understanding that the pre op diet is to prepare you and to allow the liver to shrink which makes it easier and safer for the doc to do the sleeve. That is what Dr. Nicks office explained to me. I had to do everything over the phone and via email. I asked so many questions I felt bad for bothering them. I didn't think it was truly about the weight loss at all. Just preparing you and your tummy. I will be 4 weeks out tomorrow and wish I could find some sleevers here in New Mexico. If anyone comes across someone please let me know. Zephra don't stress, you are doing what you should be doing. That alone can stall any kind of weight loss.

How many calories, protein gms and carb grams is your diet containing? I am just curious....I am about 700 calories, 50 protein and 25 carbs. Just wondering if that is in the right range for continued weight loss...I am 2 months post op.

When I weighed myself at home on 2/6/12, I weighed 256. I was so happy because I had lost 2 pounds (I was 258 the previous Monday). I stuck close to my diet all week, but did cheat a few times with some crackers and sweets in the evenings. I still exercised each day though. Then, over the weekend, we had friends over and they brought Long John Silvers for dinner. I knew it was bad, but I didn't want to insult them, so I had 2 pieces of fish, 2 hushpuppies, and cole slaw. While we were playing cards, I also ended up snacking on brownies and Cookies that my husband had made. I knew it was bad and a no-no, but it had been sooooo long since I had those things. Well, Monday morning, I had an adjustment appointment and I weighed in at 261. I was so angry and mad at myself. I couldn't figure out how I gained 5 pounds in 1 week, but I bust my butt to only lose 2 pounds the previous week.... Is this possible, or was it possibly Water retention. My PA gave me a big lecture about carbs and how they affect blood sugar, insulin production, and fat storage. I felt like a little kid who had failed their science test. I weighed today and I'm back down to 258, which I'm happy about, but I'm still at a loss of the 5 pounds in 1 week. My scales are also very accurate. They are usually within 1 pound with my doctor's scales. I know there will be bumps in this road, but I didn't realize one cheat day would produce those horrible results. Needless to say, I'm back on the wagon this week and hopefully next Monday, I can see that 256 or less again....

This is my story and Journey after having my bypass years ago-9 to be specific. It all started out with a huge hiatal hernia to be repaired. My surgeon recommend me to seek lap band surgery, as being overweight might not hold the hernia repair , and he told me it would be a real diservice to me if he did not advice me to do so. So, off I went to a weight loss seminar, and spoke with Dr. Gregory Schroder as to wether or not I would be a candidate. He felt not, as having the Nisson Fundoplasty could potenuate problems down the road. I so appreciated his honesty, and he mentioned a surgeon who performs gastric bypasses to see if I was a candidate. Immediately I was, despite my history of depression and chrohns.. So off I go. Oh I was told that there could be complications such as a leak, and nausea post op, but this rarely happends. I was also told to be very strict with my diet, because after three years, your puch my be stretched, and weight gain indeed can happen. I was very compliant. Weight loss very successful.Hoever, ther have been so many complications down the road. My surgeon left to go to Doctor's Without Borders, and has left the state. I ended up having immediate surgeery to remove my gallbladder 1 year later. Dr. Shroder's group did that for me. Three years post-op I had an open strangulated hernia repair- again by Dr. Gregory Schroder. I suffer from chronic nausea and vomiting. I have terrible painful lower cramps as well. I had a picc line 3 years ago, as my weight has drooped so low due to the nausea and vomiting. My weight has dropped as low as 86 pounds. I just can't keep the weight on. How ironic life is. You'd think how nice it would be to eat and not gain a pound, but it has become a curse. I could not work anymore in my favorite job as a PACU nurse, as I didnt have the strength to move the stretchers anymore, or the stamina. The excertion just made my weight drop even more. I can work , but can't do physical labor anymore. I want you to know I watch MY 600 POUND LIFE. My husband and daughter don't understand. So many people struggle with different things in their lifes. Life after surgery is a Journey in itself, and will always be. I so applaud those who share their stories, and know that the journey never stops. I share my story here, becaus gastric bypass is a serious surgery. I think people should really think about it instead of jumping on it right away like I did. Learn to love yourself. I know how hard it is to be overweight. Everyone wants a quick fix. I know I did. I wish everyone who does have the surgery much success. I will continue with my story as time progresses. Bless you all-CBT

I think these are great ideas! I too marked my 100 lb loss with a special purse, but when I finally made the decision to do this and got rolling on a date, I bought myself a Fitbit - SUCH a good reward! I also do: a magazine or trip to the bookstore my favorite hand lotion (Burt's Bees Almond Milk Hand Creme - yes!) a half day off to take a hike somewhere a new backpack because my old one really didn't fit this skinnier new body a Magic Bullet Blender was a great reward, and so much easier to clean than a big blender A small travel scale for trips, just because i'm a little obsessive quarterly massage to Celebrate my hard work, not about number of pounds though (I'm worth it, as @@gowalking says! sessions with a personal trainer new running shoes because not I do! I'm sure I'll keep thinking of ones for the future, especially since these last 22 pounds are proving REALLY hard to lose!

Well, it is week 3 and I have decided to name my band. I thought Caligula was an appropriate name it actually means "little boot" but I thought it was fairly appro for my "little band". So Caligula and I are moving on. It has been slow go since the banding I have only lost 14 lbs. I know in the past I would have been exstatic with 14 lbs in 3 weeks but no more. I want it all. I know I need to be patient. Even my doctor said I would not see a significant amount of loss until after my first fill which is in 3 weeks. He wants me to fully heal first. Anyway Caligula and I are moving on. I went back to work yesterday after 3 weeks. I was ready for a nap by 2:00. But I trudged on and sat through a 3 hour meeting and put in my 8+ hours. Today will be better. I love my job:wub:, but today all the big bosses will be in a meeting and I will not have to listen about how terrible it was while I was gone. I guess that would explain the daily phone calls desperately seeking advice. Oh well, I'm back. It was easier to work all day and then I was not consumed with the thought of what I was going to eat next. When I was home once the house work was done. All I did was contemplate my next bowl of soup. Although I did create some very unusual recipes. Spaghetti soup was a craving satisfier. But it was just soup because I blended it. Yep. Noodles and all. But yesterday teh time went by really fast and I was too busy just to think about food so I am really looking forward to being back at work assisting Caligula and I on this adventure. So until later. Chin up, we can do this together!!!

Well, it is week 3 and I have decided to name my band. I thought Caligula was an appropriate name it actually means "little boot" but I thought it was fairly appro for my "little band". So Caligula and I are moving on. It has been slow go since the banding I have only lost 14 lbs. I know in the past I would have been exstatic with 14 lbs in 3 weeks but no more. I want it all. I know I need to be patient. Even my doctor said I would not see a significant amount of loss until after my first fill which is in 3 weeks. He wants me to fully heal first. Anyway Caligula and I are moving on. I went back to work yesterday after 3 weeks. I was ready for a nap by 2:00. But I trudged on and sat through a 3 hour meeting and put in my 8+ hours. Today will be better. :thumbup: I love my job:wub:, but today all the big bosses will be in a meeting and I will not have to listen about how terrible it was while I was gone. I guess that would explain the daily phone calls desperately seeking advice. Oh well, I'm back. It was easier to work all day and then I was not consumed with the thought of what I was going to eat next. When I was home once the house work was done. All I did was contemplate my next bowl of soup. Although I did create some very unusual recipes. Spaghetti soup was a craving satisfier. But it was just soup because I blended it. Yep. Noodles and all. But yesterday teh time went by really fast and I was too busy just to think about food so I am really looking forward to being back at work assisting Caligula and I on this adventure. So until later. Chin up, we can do this together!!!:smile:

Don't beat yourself up...everyone is different and this journey is different for each one of us. I'm almost 4 years out and still have 20 lbs. to go until I reach my goal. It took me 1 1/2 yrs. before I reached my "sweet spot" and was well on my way. But with life's ups and downs, I too, had ups and downs with my band. I yo-yo'd a few lbs., got off track, got back on track, exercised like crazy, and slacked like crazy. All while struggling with my food addiction! Maybe you just haven't reached your "sweet spot" yet. You mentioned that you recently got a fill and lost 5 lbs? Be proud of that! Every lb. lost brings you closer to your goal. Keep up the good work! Maybe that's what you needed to jump start your weight loss again. I wish you much success in your weight loss journey.

Hi Joyce, Keep up the work in the basic rules that we should follow for weight loss! Keep us posted and if you have any troubles, give us a scream out

For me it's just been going back to the basics which are exercise and diet. I try to cut out many carbs such as breads, sugar, fruit juices, etc. and stick to proteins such as meats, cheese, and beans with some veggies thrown in as well. It's good to realize that weight loss is about 80/20 diet/exercise. As for exercise I would recommend consistent cardio such as walking/jogging or swimming.

awwwww goodluck && that's a really big step to take control of your life not sure if she'll approve you earlier than 8 months but honestly sounds like she should because from what you said you have co morbidities & you have documentation of your weight loss attempts so that should help in your favor but even if you do have to wait trust me the months fly by then one day soon you'll be sleeved! once again goodluck to you<3