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I get banded on Wednesday! I'm so excited to get this tool to help me out with losing weight. My pre program weight was 275. My current weight is 253. I can't wait to start losing more weight Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

If you haven't lost any weight in 1 1/2 months then its time for a fill. Don't forget to exercise or add activity every day. How many cc's is your band?

I have this issue, but I haven't figured out how to love myself with it... I'm actually not at my goal weight yet, but feel like my excess skin on my tighs, hips, and tummy could be part of that... Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I have my pre op appointment in a couple days. They are shooting for April 30 or May 1 for surgery. I am very aware that this is going to be a lot of work. I am hearing all these stories of weight gain after bypass surgery that I am so afraid I will be one of the statistics that do gain it back. As many of you all know the feeling of diets not working, I can't help but keep asking myself what will make this any different? I know me getting the sleeve is different then bypass, but I am still very scared. Any advice would be so appreciated.

So this was humiliating, I know I am overweight but I have always been looking out for my mom who had always been overweight and older of course. Back track one year and she had her gastric sleeve surgery, I went with her to Mexicali and she had her sleeve done by Dr. Aceves. I went with her but at the time was not convinced this was something I needed to do. Ha! As she lost weight, got more active and looked and felt much better I started debating more and more about it. Even my husband was on board before I was, a little stubborn I am , I know. A month and a half ago I had surgery with Dr. Wilhelmy in Mexicali too. I had already been there once and knew this was the place I was to have my surgery done too. I am only a month and half out of surgery and have already lost 34.5 lbs. I still have a lot to go but feel great and really feel I will get to my goal of losing 140 lbs. So this weekend I am with my mom and we had to either climb 3 floors up or take the elevator. Feeling energized and motivated by my weightloss I am all for the stairs. Well, I guess I need to try them again in a month or two. Let me just say that I do walk 2-3 times a week and it is not the same to walk around the track and to climb stairs. By the 2nd flight I am out of breath and feeling dizzy, my mom??? doing great, ready to continue. I could not take the elevator at this point, a pride thing, so I sucked it up and kept climbing LOL I can't believe what my pride made me do! I was lucky I did not faint, I felt that bad. Felt really prod of her, she has lost over 100 lbs and deserves all she has accomplished but still felt pretty bad. if I look at the bright side I did make it which I am sure 34 lbs ago would not have been possible. Still have a long way to go and catching up to my mom will help me keep on track!

FYI.. found this on the following site, and thought it was a great comparison. Gastric Band Institute - Chattanooga, Tennessee - The LAPBAND® ProcedureGastric Band Approved by the FDA September 28, 2007 The Realize™ Adjustable Gastric Band has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe and morbid obesity. Ethicon news release Dr. Ponce has used this band during the U.S. FDA trial study since 2003. He was one of twelve Investigator surgeons that participated in the study. Also, for a couple of years in Mexico between 1997-1999, he placed more than 400 of them, making him one of the most experienced in the country with this band. Dr. Ponce’s thoughts are that both bands (LAP-BAND® and REALIZE™ ) will be similar in effectiveness. The minor details between the two are outlined below. If you prefer one band over the other, please tell me before the day of your surgery. I personally don’t think one band is significantly better than the other one. <TABLE borderColor=#000000 width=550 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top width=167>BAND NAME </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top width=194>Allergan Medical LAP-BAND® System </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top width=167>Ethicon Endo-Surgery Realize™ Adjustable Gastric Band </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Worldwide usage (Laparoscopic surgery) </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Since 1993 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Since 1996 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>U.S. approved usage </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Approved by FDA in 2001 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Approved by FDA in 2007 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Dr. Ponce's usage </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Began using 1998 in Mexico/ U.S. FDA trial use since 2000 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Began using 1997 in Mexico/ U.S. FDA trial use since 2003 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Made of </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Silicone </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Silicone </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Sizes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Two: AP Standard and AP Large </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>One universal size </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Adjustable </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Circumferential balloons </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Band Balloon </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low pressure </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low pressure </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Weight Loss at 2-3 years </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>50% </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>50% </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Slippage </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low rate <3-5% </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low rate <2-3% </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Erosion </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>< 1% </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>< 1% </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Adjustment by port </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Band balloon capacity </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>10cc AP Standard / 14cc AP Large </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>9 cc </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Adjustment port </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Anchored by sutures </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Anchored by special clasps </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Approximate adjustments first 2 years </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>8 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>8 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

That is so wonderful to hear! Thank you for the encouraging words. You are absolutely right. Also I would have to ask myself is it fair to myself not to give it a try? It is not that I have no faith in myself, it is just that I know how diets go. They don't work and if this like another diet, I don't want to go down this road once again and set myself up to fail. I can not believe how many emotions I have been feeling with this surgery coming up. I had no idea it would be like this. Excellent on the weight loss! Please keep us updated and I will do the same....

Thank you for the replies and kind words! I guess it's last minute nerves and I was frustrated that my weight wasn't stopping but this morning I'm down .9kg! That's almost two pounds! woohoo! I saw my therapist yesterday and she helped calm my nerves and put things in perspective. mechele8 -OMG! I don't know if I'd want to do this alone. You sound like a strong person. Do you have a therapist? I got one on my own and I must say it's one of the best things I've done to help me through this. I don't feel looked down on or analyzed. She's more like an older, wiser aunt and I feel lucky to have found her. I can discuss anything with her. Let's keep in touch. Good luck with your surgery. xo

Background: I'm having a DS 7 years post VSG. The VSG worked really well for a few years, but I slowing gained most of my weight back. I'm seeing the same surgeon for "part ll" which is the DS. She's very supportive. I had my second meeting with my surgeon and nutritionist today. The nutritionist essentially forbade everything but animal protein, non-starchy vegetables, 2 fruits per day max. Why this extreme diet prior to surgery? If we could lose weight on our own, read: eating the way mentioned above, we wouldn't need surgery!

Congratulations! Im now within the weight regulations to be able to go ziplining! I haven't yet since its still cold here but as soon as the adventure parks open I'm going! [emoji4]

Hi Elizabeth - Sorry no one has addressed any of your questions. It sounds to me like you are tight enough based on your description of how you feel. Have you really looked at what you are eating? How many calories are you getting in per day? If it's lower than 1200, you probably need to eat more. How's your activity level? I guess we'd have to know some more details to help you troubleshoot your plateau. I'd be hesitant to say you need another fill based on your current physical feelings, regardless of what you are eating. If you are getting in around 1200 calories a day, exercising 30 minutes a day about 5 times a week, that should put you on the road to weight loss. Many people use www.fitday.com to track their calories and exercise. Perhaps that will help you analyze that side of it. I don't know how many people experience the discomfort you describe, but I tend to have a little pain my first two bites and then I'm usually okay. I think my first two bites are a) not chewed as well as the rest and :cool: are eaten too quickly. Let us know the answers to the calorie/exercise question, and be sure to take it easy! But it does not sound like you need another fill.

I really want to know what is better.... I'm going to get the 60 mins in a day. I want to know what is better..... 1 hour with wreights after OR 2 thirty minute sessions with weights in between????? I think B52 may have answered my question the longer at my target heart rate, the better).

You've lost 31.8% of your excess weight in 7 weeks. 1/3 of your excess weight in less than 2 months. I lost about 13% of my excess weight in my first 2 months. I made it to goal and past goal, and am still at a normal BMI. You've convinced yourself you are not doing well when, in fact, you are doing extraordinarily well. Get off the scale. It's the devil. Continued success and good luck. Tek

SageTracy is right on the money. Many people think of this as the magic bullet that will fix their weight problem. But it can't do it on it's own. It needs your help. You need to ask yourself- Can I make a commitment to eat healthier and excercise? If either of these answers is no, then the band may not be right for you at this time. You definately need to get into that mindset. Have you gone to any seminars? Attending one or finding an online seminar may help your decision.

My doctor refuses to do a first fill before 3 months post op. I have been doing well in using will power to lose weight. Am I at any disadvantage or will the fact that I have to wait 3 months affect my long term treatment?

I used Medifast for breakfast, lunch and a snack and then 4 oz lean protien and a veggie for dinner for my pre-op diet. Medifast is low fat, low carb, high Protein and been around for decades for weight loss. It actually does not taste terrible. I actually like the pudding and the teas, the shakes are kind of the usual Protein shake experience. I did Medifast for weight loss in the late 80s (yes, I am so old!) it's not a great solution for long term because you gain the weight back rapidly once you start eating food again, but it works well I think for the pre-op diet. Remember, the surgeon wants you on the pre-op diet to shrink your liver, not necessarily to lose weight, so find something you can stick to!

I kept telling myself that I wasn't going to be that person that freaks out if i had a weight loss stall. But here I am.. Only 5 days out and freaking out about only losing 1 pound!!!!!!!!!! In my peop diet class they said that there is a small percentage of people ( 1% or something like that) that WLS doesn't work for them! What if I'm that 1%?? I mean.. 5 days ago I had this surgery and I've only lose 1 lb?!? I know I'm being stupid.. Sorry, but I'm just a little scared of it not working for me. :/

So I'm not sure where to put this post since it covers several different topics I guess Before I had my gastric bypass last year, as you all know 1 of the things that you have to do is see the psychologist. So I went & seen her, and she basically took the wind out of my sails. I had a binge moment before my surgery & I made the mistake of telling her about it. She then told me that I had to read a book called End Emotional Eating. I don't emotional eat, but she told me that I had to read this book before she would give me the green light. So then I tried several times to read the book & I just could not get into the book at all. I ended up writing her a letter letting her know that I don't usually binge eat, and that I am NOT an emotional eater, and all that good stuff. Anyway she ended up giving me the green light, and I had my surgery last August. What really upsets me is that I was doing great with the way that I was eating, and had lost weight, even with having quit smoking (I'm still smoke free & at the writing of this post I'm at day 456 (1 year 3 months). Thus far my lowest weight was 235, down from 281 on the day that I started my weight loss plan from the hospital. I had quit smoking on March 8, 2017 & I started my hospital diet on March 27, 2017. When she told me that I had to read that book, and she criticized me with stuff, she honestly threw me into a tail spin & I started cheating here & there, then fell off the wagon totally. Now don't get me wrong, when I had to do my pre-op & post-op diets I did them, with the exception of like the last 3 days of my final stage of my post op diet. We went out for Chinese with a friend of mine who's like my little brother. Unfortunately I guess that I had eaten too much & got sick. Fast forward to now & I'm back up to 250, I'm having more chronic pain that I had been having, and I'm extremely depressed. Trust me, I'm not going to do anything dangerous to myself or others. We also have been having money problems, though as of today things will get a little better since my husband will be back to working 6 days a week, not sure how long that will last, but we will take advantage of all the hours that he's getting. Plus he's working for cash filling sand bags for a pipeline. I NEED to get back on track. I can't keep doing this. We just got back on our medicaid insurance, and now that I've been approved for social security disability I'm just waiting to get on medicare. I want to find a counselor to talk to, but it's almost impossible to find someone that is taking new patients, or that will take medicaid. I just don't know what to do or how to do it. I sleep a good portion of my day, plus I'm drinking cappuccino for Keurig, way too much of it. It's 70 calories per 8oz cup, and I'm drinking 6 or more per day because I'm sitting home constantly. My car is in the shop & hubby is using the car for working. Monday I have to get up at 7 to make sure that I get him to work by 7:30a.m., and I have no clue when I'm going to get my car back from the shop. I'm beginning to feel like I'm a prisoner in my own home & am just really frustrated. We don't have public transportation. Needless to say, all in all, I just feel down, lonely, depressed, and frustrated with so much & I don't know which way to turn anymore. Maybe i f I can find a buddy that I can be accountable to that would help me to get back on track? And I can help them to stay on track as well. Thanks for hearing me out! Lauri

Hello Everyone!!! I had my band placed in August of 2006 and I want to shout to the world what wonderful changes that it has brought into my life!!!! I have lost 40 pounds so far and I am over half way to my goal! I feel like a million bucks and I have Cincinnati Weight Loss Center to thank for it! Dr. Osborne is the surgeon that placed my band, however, I have met Dr. Mobley and have absolutely wonderful things to say about them both. As someone else mentioned, Dr. Mobley has the band himself and he just oozes with passion about his beloved band. He has been there and understands how hard the struggle with obesity really is!! If anyone is even remotely considering having lap-band surgery, I highly reccomend that they indeed go to Cincinnati Weight Loss Center as I did. They have wonderful support groups that are full of information and keys to success. Cincinnati Weight Loss Center has the answer for obesity! Halleluiah!! :clap2: I hope that people can see that before they waste anymore of their life wishing it away!!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ banded 8/23/06 199/159:clap2: /125

Hi CarolynMarie, Would you mind sharing how much weight you have lost with the band in three years? Well done!

Wao, congratulations Peaches on all that weight loss, I am hoping to be there in that time frame as well! Good luck on the issue at hand, keep us posted....

I was banded Dec 16th and have lost 48lbs since before surgery, 38lbs since surgery. Since my 2nd fill I have hit the crap stage I am calling it! I am hungry again I have only lost 2 lbs in 3 weeks and I am waiting for my 3rd fill next week. I was not really expecting such an emotional roller coaster afterwards. I am happy about the weight I have lost but I feel like it sucks that it has slowed. I went jeans shopping and I have gone from a 22 to an 18 so thats something to be happy about but it still hard cause I just want to walk in and whatever I want to fit fit again. Ha ha. The expectations we as women have. Oh well I am done venting for now I hope everyone else is doing good!

Hi Kate33! I can't really answer your questions, BUT I currently have a Lap-Band (that I hate), I got it in Mexico (which I loved!) and I am 26 years old! I haven't run into too many "younger" people yet, so it's nice to see you here! I have some of the same questions as you. I have a date, and a surgeon, but I am still apprehensive! I am scheduled for August 11, in TJ with Dr. Almanza. I had my first surgery in TJ with Dr. Rodriguez and had a great experience. I have thrown up so much that I need an endoscopy this Thursday to look at scar tissue in my esophagus... I was banded in August of 2010. I have found a place here in Seattle who will do patients from Mexico. My American doctor told me that in this economy it would be stupid for weight loss surgeons not to see patients with procedures done in Mexico. (Many were trained by the Mexican doctors!) He said it is just losing them business to turn away potential patients because they were banded or sleeved in Mexico. He said initially he thought it would change patients' minds about going down to Mexico, but it hasn't deterred it--and it's much cheaper. Anyway! Nice to find you on here, if you'd like to talk more or exchange stories, here's my email: erikaj@aol.com <3 Erika

I've only had my sleeve two weeks but it really is a whole new world. I've gone 3 weeks without throwing up, which is a record with the band. Even though I'm only on full liquids I could have issues iwth the band when it came to eating something like yogurt. I can have breakfast in the morning without have to down 24 oz of water first to make sure food could even go down. I just feel like this is what weight loss surgery was supposed to be all along. I had my band 3 years but I was miserable with it. Fills, unfills, re-fills, re-unfills...neverending vicious cycle. I will never recommend the band to anyone. Sleeve ALL THE WAY!

I am doing very well, is good to hear you are too. This christmas i am not on a pre-op diet of just 600 calories so i am going to enjoy myself a little more. I wont lose any weight i dont think but i still intend not to put any on