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I was sleeved on march 19 & i am down 42lbs. I thought it would be more but it is 42lbs I wouldn't have lost before so I'll take it.

I wondered about that. I need help with getting my Protein in. My doctor is one who says no liquid. My frank opinion is that when I can hold more than 3 ounces of food, I'll jump right in line. Until that time, I am using the liquid shots and it's the only "rule" I break. I use 1 a day and at the end of every meal, about 10 minutes after I've finished eating, I take a swig of the protein shot. I do it that way specifically so that it absorbs into the food I've eaten and stays longer in my stomach. I have no idea if it helps and I didn't start this until 2 weeks ago when I was certain it was "safe". I can't tell any impact of doing it in terms of the evil "liquid" with meals issue. It's just one swallow, the tube hold just a bit over 3 ounces of liquid which is mixed with 5 meals. If I could eat 60 grams of protein (minimum) I would. The "unflavored" stuff mixed with my food just doesn't stay down for me. So for a while at least this is my solution. I'll know it worked or not when my hair either completely falls out or doesn't.

I am about 4 months out and have lost52 lbs. more than half way to goal. I just worked up the courage to apply for two really great jobs. One as a nursing school instructor and one as a charge nurse in labor and delivery. I'm not sure I will qualify because it has been 10 years since I last worked. I felt to bad about myself to even think about re-entering the work force But today I got two calls. One was an invitation to send in my résumé. The second call is for an interview for Friday!! Never would I have had the guts to even apply before the surgery. I am hopeful for the first time in a long time. Hit 'like' to give me a boost and some encouragement Are you feeling better about yourself? What kind of chances have you been taking with the new you? Please share!

I was banded on 11/23/10 and lost 14 pounds. I keep losing and gaining the same 4lbs. I had my 1st fill on 12/30 and only received 1cc. I was mad. I asked the nurse practioner if I could get more and she no. She said the Dr. likes it to be small at first. I wanted 2 or 3 cc's. I started exercising. People are noticing that I am losing weight but I can't see it. I can feel it in my clothes. I am losing inches because I can fit a shirt and that I couldn't fit before. I bought a shirt that was smaller 3 months ago on purpose to see if I could fit it now and I can. I was shocked. I am a low bander. My bmi was 35 and now its 33. I am still obese. I am going for a fill this Thursday. I hope to have restriction. I am eating a cup of food. I started eating 2 Protein shakes (lunch and dinner) and I have a good lunch (baked chicken, tuna fish, Soup, veggies,etc). I hope this helps the weight come off. I try not to eat a lot of carbs. I thought I was the only one feeling this way. Let's encourage each other:)

Mine was going to the doctor for a routine visit and finding that I had a blood pressure of over 170 over 130! Yikes! That day I started seriously pursuing it, though I had been thinking of it before. That was in September this year and I have lost about 44 pounds (I think) since about October 10. Not super fast, but sure feels good, and my BP is below normal (because of the meds I'm still on). WOW!

finally it is day 10 post op!!!! Horray i have made it through the worst. I am soooo happy to have made it to here.... guess what wouldn't you know the pain is almost all gone. I'm off pain meds mostly and can almost get a good nights sleep. (breath a sigh of relief) I hadn't read about how you can't sleep any where except your back lol. That was not fun. I also haven't really worn a bra for the 10 days cause i only had wire ones and it dug into one of my sores, but thats alright now too. But i do have one question..... I am aloud to eat Puree food but.... everything seems to go straight through me :tongue_smilie: not nice. So much so that i would be too scared to eat around others in case i had to make a mad dash to the loo. I'm just wondering if anyone else is having this problem and if anyone knows how long it last? Really hoping it will go soon :thumbup:

My date is 10/23. Long Island, NY.

Mine is 10/16. Just 1 week away I'm nervous.

So I started this journey in November 2018 and finally received my surgery date on June 28 for September 19 I’m nervous and excited to start this new life journey.

I had VSG surgery along with gallbladder removal and hernia repair on 10/11/17. I had no symptoms the just discovered stones during pre-op testing and said it would be best to remove my gallbladder. All is well no complaints. Just taking it easy. Walking and taking my prescribed meds.

That's a normal loss. I was sleeved 10/23 and I'm down 48 pounds. Fruit and veggie diet? That will make it come off slower. We have to eat differently after this surgery to lose. Good luck dear. Do some research and EXERCISE!

I don't know anyone personally that lost 14 lbs first week. I lost about 10 lbs the first 3 weeks and then not a lot until I started getting fills. The recommended weight loss is 1-2 lbs on average per week. Depending on if you exercise or not or how well you keep your Protein count up will make a difference. If you drop your calorie count too low and your protein is not up to as close to 70 grams a day, your weight loss will not be great because your body thinks it's starving. You also can't go by anyone else. This journey is different for every single person. Every fill amount is different, every sweet spot is different in what it takes to get there. My daughter has been banded before me. So I knew going in what I was in for but we've had different results...all good. Just remember, that four pounds is four pounds you didn't have the week before!!

I'm still trying to figure your boards out so please forgive me if I've placed this on the wrong board. First I just signed up and look forward to each email. I am a SAHM to a 4 yr old both me and my husband of 8+ yrs have had the lapband....mine was on 11/10/05 and his 12/1/05. Here is my too Tight question....background.....Ok got my 2nd fill on 2/6 (2.5 cc) after talking to Doc over the weekend went in on the 13th and had some removed (2.4 cc). I am still unable to eat solid food of any kind without getting that feeling and discomfort....after just 2 bites (no matter how small). Since getting this 2nd fill I've had nothing but PB's where before I never had one. I can do chicken but I have to walk the floor just to eat it and pray it stays down. Bean and Bacon Soup with one very soaked oyster cracker did me in I PB'd that...hope that gives ya and idea...I can't do Protein shakes cuz half way thru I get that feeling and discomfort again. I'm limited to Soups and such which I can't survive on that. I am doing good with something warm first thing but again I'm dreading eatting and thus not eatting till my stomach tells me to feed it...but I do watch the bits and such....but I've even done a while week out of state like this and just not sure I can go on like this. So, do I get some more taken out, idea's, suggestions, opinions, anything? :help: Joy Dr. Cribbins 11/10/05 245/220/169.5 (175)

Well, this is my first blog post. I have been visiting this site for the past 2 months studying and researching the Lapband procedure. I am a Christian who knows the healing power of God. I went through a divorce 7 years ago after a 10 year marriage. The main reason for the divorce was my husband's infidelity. However, through the recovery process, I accepted my part in the whole thing. This was mainly co-dependency and putting my husband before my relationship with God. Through Celebrate Recovery, my church and family I have recovered from my divorce by giving God control of my life. I was able to forgive everyone who hurt me, and I have remarried to a wonderful godly man. We adopted our daughter after her family fell apart. She is about to turn 14. However, the one area that I have not been successful giving to God is my issues with food. I have been overweight all of my life. I started dieting in high school and lost a significant amount of weight with diet pills. I was still bigger than my friends, but I would love to be that size today. My weight fluctuated within about 50 pounds until my marriage got really bad. At that time, I see now, that food became my friend. I was lonely and often uncomfortable in my own home. Food became my escape. Now I am about 100 pounds overweight. I am 39, and my health is beginning to suffer because of the excess weight. My Mom has type 2 diabetes and multiple other problems and complications mainly caused from an unhealthy lifestyle. Right now my only problems are PCOS, infertility, and painful knees and feet. I have to make changes now to avoid my Mom's fate. About 3 years ago, I began praying about having lapband surgery. I was in a different place in my life wanting different things. At that time I was desperate, but not really ready to make the necessary lifestyle changes to be successful. I didn't know this at the time, but God did. He did answer my prayer then - with a "No." I then signed up for Weight Watchers again. I was determined to do it. I spent 2 years on the program and only lost about 18 pounds. At least I did not gain over that time. During that time, I did learn that my relationship with food was a problem. I would stick to the plan for a period of time. Then I would have a bad day, special occasion, etc. and lose control. On those days, I never really got full. I undid all the good I did in a few weeks in one day. I prayed for help and started each day fresh, vowing to do better. When I did have these weak moments, I usually didn't realize it in time to ask God for help. I had usually done the damage before I realized it. In October, I attended my 20 year class reunion. I found out that one of my good friends from hgih school had lapband surgery. This really got me to thinking about it, but I still wasn't sure it was right for me. In February, I began praying for God to show me if I should have this surgery. There was a seminar on my anniversary at the end of the month, and I planned to attend unless I felt God telling me "no" again, which I fully expected. Surprisingly, it seems like God has opened up doors since then. I went to the seminar at the end of February and had my first consultation with the surgeon that day. I began the process of seeing my primary care physician, nutritionist, psychologist, etc. All of the paperwork was submitted to the insurance company on April 21. I have talked to the insurance company who said that I have met all the requirements and my letter was in the mail. I hope that means that they will be paying for the surgery. I think I will be responsible for about $1,300, but I have saved that much in preparation for the surgery. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Monday to hopefully to set my date. My big concern now is will I be able to make the necessary diet and exercise changes permanently. I hope that the band will be my backup system. By that I mean, when I get into the situations I described above where I tend to overeat, that the band will be my constant reminder. I have been trying to prepare myself emotionally to let go of food as my friend and escape. I am trying to learn to bring my emotional issues to God (and maybe I can vent them here also) so that I won't need food to comfort me. I so want food to be only nutrition to me. I understand that (at least for me) I have to completely change the way I think about food. I hope the band is the tool that I need to make that change. However, there is also a fear inside of me that says, "I haven't been able to make changes before, can I really do it now?" I guess that is enough about me for now, but I will be back. I have never been one to keep a journal for very long, but I feel like I need to log this journey to be successful. I think it will help hold me accountable.

for side protein I use Greek Vanilla yogurt (15 grams of protein tastes great goes down smooth) and for others I use the Atkins bars. I try to find the ones with lower calories but with higher protein. I just had a peanut butter bar one that had 19 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar...but has 220 cals...based on what I've ate for the day I was able to fit it in.

Getting Vitamin D from Vitamins or food is pretty much a myth. You would need to drink gallons of milk to equal the Vitamin D in sunlight. And the sunlight must be without sunscreen or windows, any kind of block. You only need about 10 minutes per day. So roll up your sleeves and pantlegs and go outside! Actually the sunlight causes your own body to produce the Vitamin D you need. The reason why there is a Vitamin D deficiency in people is because we're told, "Sunlight bad, no sun for you!" And it's not true. Like anything else, the trick is moderation. The face is different, it's a future wrinkle issue, so keep wearing the sunscreen there. But don't be afraid of getting some sunshine on your arms and legs. The medical world discovers something and runs with it without thinking of the consequences. Like when they discovered fat causes heart disease. They started telling everyone to avoid ALL fat. And we know how well that worked out. It's the same with sunlight.

Hi. My name is Stacie and I live in Ohio. I am almost 39. I have three daughters, one is 19 and the twins are 10. I was always a pretty chunky kid and slimmed down as a teen. Of course, I thought i was a cow. I remember gaining weight again in 1994 and I have been gaining ever since. It was 1994 that I bought a size 12 pair of pants...and I am now in an 18W. Ugh. About four years ago, I lost 40 pounds, but I have since gained 50 back. I weigh 35 pounds more now that I did when I had my twins in 1997. That is sooo sad. I am going to college to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant and I will start doing clinicals full-time in March and I will graduate in June. This is why I decided I need to get this weight thing under control. I have been doing 8 hour clinicals once a week and I am about to die. My back is killing me, my ankles are killing me and I am ready to cut my feet OFF. By the time I walk out to my car, I want to cry. How can I do that 40 hours a week? I was first introduced to Occupational Therapy after my mom almost died from having Gastric Bypass Surgery. (seriously) After she got out of her "almost" dead state, she went to a nursing home and that is where I saw OT for the first time. They had to re-teach her everything. I saw what a great job they did with her, and I knew that is what I had to do with my life. Get people better and healthy again. BUT, how can I do that when I can hardly walk because my joints hurt too bad? Obviously, I am NOT going the gastric bypass route. So, I am thinking the lap band may be the best direction for me. I am sure my insurance wont pay for it. They hardly cover anything. So, I am going to be a self pay...I have been doing NOTHING but research for a week and I don't know what to do. I am broke (full-time student) but, I do not want to end up with the problems like my mom has (brain damaged, and more.) Any suggestions? That is all for my introduction, I guess.

HA! Sounds good to me! My husband says I look at least 10 years younger! 20 sounds even better, but then I would be younger than my oldest daughter! :oB)

My Surgery was scheduled for 7:00 this morning.. At 7:00 I was scared to death and was was in the holding area. They came and gave me a shot if Versed to help me relax. I barely remember anything else until I woke up in recovery at 10:30. My surgery finally got underway at 7:30 and the doc came out to speak with my family at 9:30. So far, it has been a little more painful than my band surgery, which I guess is to be expected. I am very sensitive to anesthesia and have been nauseated for most of the day. I have walked up a down the hall a few times. All in all it has not been as bad as I had feared!!! Let me know if you guys have any specific questions. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes,

Yes, just quit birth control. I have PCOS and have only had one period per year for the last 15+years. Last baby was conceived using all the fertility methods known to man. I'm 127 lbs down and 10 months out. I'm also 11 weeks pregnant with twins! No fertility meds. I have had a regular 28-30 day cycle since the first month after surgery. Good luck ladies. This surgery is a miracle in more than one way!

Don't fret, you will develope your own weight loss pattern, I didn't lose anything for weeks, then drop 5-10 pound s in a week. It's wierd and when I'm not losing I fluctuate up and down, 2-4 pounds. Keep at it, you'll see!

Just found site today. Trying to save money for lap band.Not sure if I want lapband or gastricsleeve. What do you think? I live in Waco Tx but could travel for surgery. I am 5 ft and 173 lbs . I have lost 10 lbs 6 times this year. That was with diet pills---Phentermine 37.5 mg twice a day which normally only taken once a day.So sick of being weak and gaining it back each time.

Hi, nice to meet you. You and I have a lot in common, I was diagnosed Hypothyroid 15 years ago. In 4 months I gained 60 pounds. I was put on medication and started working out and I was able to get it off. Prior to that I was at a good weight. I always wanted to get 10-15 pounds off, but I was a healthy weight. I got pregnant with my 3rd child, never gained more than 28 pounds with all three pregnancies. Well when you are pregnant and on thyroid they have to increase the dose. After the baby is born they are supposed to test you and lower you back down to pre-pregnancy. I learned this after the fact, my Doctor didn't do that. I was so sick! I felt like I was dying and they couldn't figure out why. TWO years of this!!! I changed insurance, got a new team of doctors and the Endocrinologist said I was taking more than double the meds. i was supposed to be. I blew out my thyroid completely! It put me into Hashimotoes Disease, It's when your antibodies are constantly attacking your thyroid. This has gone on for 10 years now!!! I have gained 80 pounds in 10 years. They can't regulate my meds so I have gained 3-6 pounds every 3 months off and on over the 10 years. So, I know how you feel!! It's been such a battle!! 10 months getting ready going through all the proper requirements to have the surgery. Finally!!! Sleeve is November 28th. I'm so ready!! Best of luck to you. Sorry so long but I know how hard it is...

Okay lets start with I had my surgery on 01/21/2013, I am at 6cc in a 10cc band, I have lost a total of 35 lbs... I have not lost any weight since the beginning of June. I am feeling really discouraged, I am having a hard time with portion control and I am getting into bad eating habits again (cake at birthdays, candy at movies, bread with all meals, etc.). It is really funny because I was one of those people in the beginning saying why would people mess up after having such a procedure and now here I am having those same problems. I think a lot of it has to do with my boyfriend, in the beginning of this he was right there with me eating all the good stuff and exercising 4-5 times a week and now he has kind of fell off the healthy wagon so to say and I feel I am following (he lost 38 lbs.). I know my portions are much larger than they should be and I am only exercising 3 days a week. AHHHHH. My question is what do other people do to get back on track, I really need help I feel like I am getting to a point where I am going to revert right back to where I was 6 months ago and I want to just cry. Side note: I am getting very angry inside and I am going through a mini depression. I have no one to blame but myself.

Emmajane read this short paragraph. It explains a little about the variance of weight loss: Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of water that was used to store the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet. As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy so it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored. I hope this helps.