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if you have not tried counseling, please do! it seems you are experiencing a grief reaction and really need help with that. if you can gain some understanding of why you are using food to cope right now, you may be able to let go of your unhealthy eating habits and move on. good luck!

I had a plateau that felt like forever....I would start a routine, then get discouraged because I felt like there were never any results..what worked for me was adding weights into my routine....I also did a month of insanity. While the scale didn't move a whole lot, I started seeing muscle definition. And as weird as this sounds, seeing my body change to being stronger and not necessarily skinner by the pound did something for me...while I am not where society thinks I should be to be labeled "skinny" I love how my body is changing......while the scale doesn't move, body fat % does and the way my clothes fit is different.....I have also added jogging into the mix.....so long story short, I would try some weights!

Up until last wk ( after a signifixant gain) I drank a glass of red wine everynite. Im 16 mths out of a band to sleeve revision. I never had that "tipsy on less" thing that some people have. The problem I have with alcohol is tjat it makes me tgink that unlimoted snacking is a fantastic idea... So no difference for me. Never noticed a difference with my band (2009) either. Guess Im a freak

Say, “my surgeon told me…,” not, “the only right way is…” Say, “I think I would choose …,” not, “You made the wrong choice.” Say, “Have you considered…?,” not, “You’re not ready for your weight loss journey.” Say, “I have found that …,” not, “The right way is …” Love these points! </p>

I would gain the 2 (coins, weights, eating, etc) lbs plus a few for safety, and start over with a new Dr. If you have that option.... But their testing ideas are great. If you have a comorbidity, then you should be good. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

The three most important elements after RNY gastric bypass surgery are to meet your daily Protein, Fluid and Vitamin requirements. food is secondary because your body is converting your stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. Weight loss is achieved after surgery through volume control. You begin at 2 ounces (1/4 cup) per meal and gradually over the next year and a half increase the volume to 1 cup per meal. With this minuscule amount of food, it is next to impossible to meet your protein daily requirements by food alone, so therefore you need to rely on supplements such as Protein shakes. So essentially, the approach is not counting calories, carbs and fats during the "Weight Loss" phase. Eventually after several months you will slide into the "Maintenance" phase, and the approach in that phase is different and you can go back to counting calories, carbs and fats.

Do you have a REALIZE band? There was some issue with the port become detached from the tubing or something along those lines. Perhaps your doctor can determine whether your band fits within the recall and you might be able to make a claim to the manufacturer. Here is the information: FDA Classifies Previous Field Action of Ethicon Endo-Surgery's REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band As Class II Recall Cincinnati - November 04, 2010 Obtech Medical Sàrl, a medical device manufacturer, and Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES), today announced the U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the companies' previous field action related to adjustable gastric band systems sold under the brand name REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Bands as a Class II recall, as expected. The voluntary recall, initiated on October 11, 2010 involves existing inventory only. Healthcare facilities were notified to immediately discontinue use of the device and return all unused REALIZE® Bands to EES. Since then, customers have been receiving an enhanced product, recently approved by the FDA, to replace the recalled inventory and for all new orders. There is no action required for patients who already have received these gastric bands, and removal (explantation) of the gastric band is not required. EES initiated the voluntary worldwide recall of existing inventory of adjustable gastric band systems sold under the brand name REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Bands due to reports of the potential for the Tubing Strain Relief, a small (2 centimeter) flexible sheath on the band’s Injection Port, to slide out of its intended position. Movement of the Tubing Strain Relief is highly unlikely to cause any serious injury or adverse health consequences and it rarely affects the band’s function. In the extremely rare instance (1 in 10,000) when tube kinking occurs at the Injection Port, the physician might be unable to adjust Fluid volume within the gastric band, which may require additional surgery to correct. In most instances, this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and in an outpatient setting. There have been no cases of gastric band removal due to the Strain Relief sliding out of position. Patient health and safety is our utmost concern. EES identified the Tubing Strain Relief issue through its continuous quality monitoring program. With the full knowledge of the FDA, healthcare facilities were notified of the recall by official letter beginning October 11, 2010, and then by subsequent communications from EES sales representatives. The initial letter included detailed recall instructions, including the specific product codes and lot numbers affected. EES also has provided customers and third-party advocacy organizations with information for patients on the recall. Regulatory authorities worldwide also have been informed. If surgeons or patients have any additional questions about the REALIZE® Band recall, they may call our Customer Support Center at 1-866-REALIZE (1-866-732-5493) between 7:30 am and 6:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday. For media inquiries, please contact: Bridgett Golden Manager, Corporate Communications 513-337-7387 About the REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band The REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band is used in one type of weight-loss surgery. It contains two main components: the first is a fluid-filled balloon that is placed around the stomach; the second is an injection port to adjust the degree of fluid in the band. Thin flexible tubing connects these two main components. The recall involves an ancillary component called the Tubing Strain Relief.

Hi! My name is Pamela. I live in the heartland of VA near the NC border. I am just in the planning stages of deciding if I am going to have surgery or not. I have been reading this website until my eyes are bleeding...LOL. Thanks for so much great information. I am currently severily obese. I have HBP, diabetes, and asthma. I take meds to control my HBP. I am currently on 2 meds for my diabetes and on a no sugar, low carb diet. I have lost some weight and my BS have lowered but are not where they should be. The doctor just put me on the 2nd med. We are giving it 2 months to see if it will help if not....I have to chose surgery or insulin. Personally, I don't want either. But I know that to live a long and healthy life I need to make a choice. I do have an appt with another doctor for a second opinion...but with the above factors I feel that he will suggest the same thing. I will keep you posted. I will be calling my insurance company. I want to see what all is needed. I can start the ball rolling just in case this is what I decide. That way when the time comes...I can have the surgery ASAP. Anyone with Raleigh doctor suggestions etc...would be welcomed. Any adviced will be welcomed. Thanks for reading. pamela:smile:

Got cleared from everyone waiting on surgery date.....Cleveland Clinic has a awesome weight loss surgery team btw!!

Congrats! if there is 1 peice of advice I can offer (taking with a grain of salt of course) don't get yourself worked up or obsess on fixating on a specific weight you want to be at this time. From personal experience- Your surgeon knows what's best for you and your body type- You cannot go by the charts in doctor's offices.. Take 1 day at a time and take into consideration all of the inches, healthier choices you are making, smaller clothes, NSV's (non scale victories) etc. I did not set out with a certain poundage in mind- NEVER owned a scale until after my procedure and am very happy with my results. I have surpassed my surgeon's goal for 1st year out and am continuing to loose and feel so much better about it, my other goals and where I want to be in a year, 2, 3 etc... Good luck! you wont regret it!!

I went on a cruise when I was 2 months post-op (Dec 2012) & I just got back from another one this past Saturday. The 1st one I didn't gain any weight & this one I actually lost 4 lbs. I took the stairs whenever I could, I walked the track & I worked out once in the gym. I watched what I ate but did indulge in dessert every night at dinner. You just have to make up your mind beforehand that you will NOT let the food rule you. I really thought I would have a hard time when I went on one 2 months post-op but I didn't. You can do this!

Thanks for your post, Petra. I have been on puree food for 4 days and gained a pound. My doc told me ahead of time not to be surprised if I gain weight when I introduce food back into my system after 4 weeks of liquid, but it's still frustrating. It's good to know that it will come off eventually! Like you, I am not hungry either. I eat my half a cup of food (ok sometimes 6 oz) three times a day and that's it. I guess I just thought because I was eating so little that I would lose weight. But I guess after 4 weeks of liquid my body is holding on to all the calories it can.

Before and Afters have been what has fueled my weightloss and kept me on task (mostly). However, I cant seem to take one of my own. I had gotten so used to taking pictures for various reasons that now when I seem my image I hardly recognize myself. I am so not complaining! What I have learned is that the last 20lbs made ALL of the difference. I look like a different person to myself! The only problem is that I feel that I look sick (not weight-wise). I am hating this winter complexion I have going on right now, I am not to pleased with my pallor. (Yes, Black people can look pale :cursing: ) Hopefully I will be able to take some decent pics soon to post on the B&A boards!

I was sleeved Sept. 17 and my total weight loss is 42, I am pleased with that, BUT looking at my MFP I have only lost 7 pound this entire month. I feel that is a little low for only my second month out- I will lose one pound and stay there a week and then lose another. Blood work looks good, I am eating 800 - 1200 calories a day. I am not getting in all of my water. Could this be it? I am going to be diligent today and this week and get my water in and see if this will help. Any thoughts? Thank you!

Did anybody else's cycle go way out of whack post op? I had surgery 8/13/03 spotted off and on till period 8/22 then fine for a week then spotting until yesterday and now I am having one of the heaviest periods I have ever had. I hate to be one of those people who think everything is related to the band but I am wondering if this might have to do with the stress of surgery or losing weight fast. I am debating calling the gyno but to be honest I will avoid doing that for as long as I can.

I'm not a mother but this really resonated with me. In 2008 I weighed 185 and lost 30 lbs. I slowly gained 100 lbs over 4 yrs and stopped being in any photos at the end of 2009. It breaks my heart that I have no memories from 2010-2012. I go to Florida 3x a year to visit my nephews and I never take photos with them. When they look back at their childhood photos I won't be in them. I feel sad about this. People have suggested that I take photos but don't upload them on Facebook. Seeing myself in photos makes me very upset to the point that I would binge. Obviously I'm not bingeing anymore but I can't deal with how I look in photos.

Woke up this morning and did my daily weigh-in and was excited (and relieved) to finally be under 200lbs! I've been bouncing around the 200 mark for over a week. Weight is now 199.6...just barely in there, but I'll take it! lol. Getting below 200 was my first major goal since having surgery on Jan. 11 (down from 243 day of surgery). I've also gone from a 38-40 in pants size, down to a 34 inch waist. Really glad I had this surgery!

My name is Sekea. I was banded on 04/26/2010. I am 34 years old and I reside in Las Vegas NV. My starting weight was 246 6 months prior to operation and 236 on the day of. I am currently at 177 and still have a total of 30 lbs to get to my goal. My main issues are eating out of boredom and over eating. I do exercise an average of 2 to 3 times a week (not enough) and I am really looking for some moral support and guidance. Please be my mentor.

I'm not a frequent poster...actually have been so busy I'm not even a frequent viewer lately. But it occurred to me today that yesterday was my 3 month mark, so I thought I'd check in. Crazy how time flies. I started my journey at 244, and am now down to 193, total of 51 pounds. Weight loss has definitely slowed down, but I'm eating differently now than I was right after surgery, so it's not surprising. Generally losing about 2 lbs a week, though. Still no regrets and no problems. I was in India in late September for a business trip. I'd generally stick with Protein shakes and bars during the day, then would have some local food for dinner with my coworkers. I tried to be smart...nothing too spicy or crazy, mostly chicken. A couple nights we went to buffets and our hosts would bring plates of a variety of things to try. I tried everything, to not be rude, but in very small bites. Actually lost 5 lbs that week. We also just got back from Italy last week...too many carbs and not enough Protein, but it was a special trip with my husband to Celebrate my 40th birthday, so I tried to just enjoy it...with very small portions. Several times, my husband and I shared a dish, and I ate about 1/4 of it, and he'd eat the rest. Only lost a pound, but that's better than most of my previous vacations. I've been very blessed in that I'm not ever gotten sick, and have tried a multitude of foods and had no issues. Water is always a challenge, sometimes I just don't think of it. But I've also learned pretty quickly that I feel lousy if I don't stay hydrated, so I'm getting better about it. I'm about another 50-60 lbs from my goal...weight training and running are the next things on my "do list" which will help me get there sooner. My son wants to do a Spartan race with me on the Spring, so I guess that's my next milestone. So zero regrets and zero problems, I'm thrilled I did this. Don't get me wrong, I hate that I had let myself get to where I was...5'4" and 244 isn't a good place to be. 262 was my highest weight during one of my pregnancies a couple of years ago...so I'm not proud of where I was. But I'm proud of where I am now and of the courage it took to do this. And I'm proud of where my life is heading...I made the right decision for my health, my family and my future. Cheers. No matter where you are on your journey, I hope you're on your way to getting healthier and happier for all the right reasons...starting with you.

Hi Camper-girl, I had my surgery 2 days after Christmas in 2013, the only people who knew were my son and my husband. I did have my husband with me for the surgery in Mexico but know I could have done it alone. My girlfriend went all by herself to the same doctor in Mexico and never told anyone. I only told two of my best friends when I got home and I am now almost 5 months out and still haven't told anyone else, this is my business and I don't think they would understand why I went to Mexico much less why I had the surgery. I wanted this surgery for my health, I was on so much medication that I had to do something. Even 50lbs over weight was killing me. Find one person that you trust more than anyone else, someone who won't judge you and will support you during and after the surgery. You'll do fine, just go for it.

It really hasn't been a problem for me. For me the key is to just not have something to drink sitting in front of me at a meal. If it's there, I'll automatically pick it up and drink. It's not a problem to occasionally sip some wine with dinner. I do. Alcohol is not conducive to weight loss, so it's good to not drink too often. The thing to watch out for with wine is that it relaxes you and you might be able to eat more than usual.

My weight loss has been officially noticed by the women I work with (from about 2 months post-op) and by my students, but not really from anyone else. Some of my students from 3-4 years back often don't recognise me at first, and do a double-take when they realise it's me. It is heartwarming to hear my students call me "slim" now, even though I'm not, as I'm still obese, and even if and when I get to a normal BMI I will still be considered big by Japanese standards (as I was when I first came here many years ago). The men I know haven't said anything to me unless I bring it up first.

I'm in the mushy stage of my post-op diet. I walk no less than a mile a day and the scale hasn't moved since a few days after surgery. I haven't gained anything (Thank God!) but I haven't lost, either. I take in about 800-950 cals a day. Should I eat less? Should I eat more? Should I keep doing what I'm doing and just wait it out? I'm not unsatisfied with what I've lost so far. I'm just wondering if and when the scale will move in the right direction for me again.

Oh your close to me. Who's your doctor your going with?I know someone who had that surgery recently and they have lost a lot of weight .