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Hey everyone! I'm currently 6.5 months, and lose at an average 10-12 lbs a month. Last month was rough losing only 5 lbs, but I know it was my fault, too many carbs and little exercise. Anyhow I went back to the basics, protein first and low carb. Well this week I've lost 6 lbs! I'm not complaining, but is that normal for a 6 month sleever? I was dropping 6lbs a week at months one and two. Maybe because I still a little ways to goal, and I'm considered a "bigger loser". My stats are: HW 328, SW 312, Current 222 lbs. I hope to be at 190 by my wedding in 2 months! Thanks in advance for your feedback! Sette

Im out day 4 now..feeling good. I find it very hard to get all my protien in, do you guys feel that way too? Im constantly sip sip sip all day. Any liquids I have I mix in a few spoonfuls of Isopure. The only pain I can complain about is the hole where they took the stomach out of. Lots or bruising and tenderness but I take my pain meds as needed and take small walks and catnaps during the day. This new "full" feeling is something to get used to. Mentally-to only drink a few ounces at a time and feel so full you may burst is weird to get around. I can start my full liquids next week, very excited for that. Does it bother you to see people that live in your house eat normal foods? I can honestly say it doesnt bother me at all! Im sure that may change in time. Anyway..thanks for letting me tell my story! You guys are an inspiration! Keep up the good work all you LOSERS!! (losers meaning weight loss losers! lol)

I am searching for any person(s) have been very successful at losing weight with there bands to let me in on the best things to eat. I realize that the band is only a tool so therefor I need to be completely educated on good things that work for me to make this transition work. I want to not just lose this weight but be able to maintain it forever. I want to get to my goal weight and stay there. I really just would like your thoughts or feed back of what is the best way to get the most protein in a days time without the calories, the best liquids to drink, the best veggies to eat that won't get stuck, fun foods, vitamins, even exercise that will tone you and not mess with your port. I know that everyone's body is different and bands are different but I need to start somewhere. I absolutely do not want to lose my hair. I am extremely scared regarding that. Any info at all would be great. Thanks Beck

Hi Lorna and congratulations for joining this site for support. Only you can make the decision about which surgery, I can only tell you about making my decision for the gastric sleeve and here goes: Lap band was never a consideration for me because I have had two friends who've had theirs taken out because of slippage or fill problems. I was interested in something permanent. To my advantage, my next door neighbor had the sleeve surgery last October so I was able to witness her recovery and weight loss first hand. Although she is much younger than I am & realize her surgery might go much better than mine, I began intensive research not only on this site but also read any news reports I could get my hands on. I interviewed several people who had the sleeve with the same dr I was intending to use. I spoke to those who mattered to me for their reaction & support. Then, I began to prepare myself the months of eating liquids, then mushies, then soft solids. The thing which has encouraged me so much is my neighbor. She is 7 months out and can basically eat anything she wishes but in small amounts--3-5 bites, then she's finished. She's lost 52 lbs so far Something I know about my body is that it dosen't handle anesthesia very well. So my first day after surgery was rough however the next day was so much better, then the next day was even better and so on. I'm walking a lot and progressing on point as much as I can tell. I know the sleeve seems so permanent but my question was why would I want the extra stomach back at some time? Here are my stats: Age 59 Height 4ft 11& 3/4 in Weight at surgery 194 lbs Have not weighed again since surgery---am waiting for first dr appt. BMI 38 I wish you the best of luck in making your decision--it is not one to take lightly. And your comment about loosing weight on your own--of course that would be the optimal choice. I lost 59 lbs 6 yrs ago---it took a year of diligent work, eating low carb only, walking 3 miles a day for 5-6 days a week. Then you know what happened? I had an emotional crisis going on in my life so I began to eat as I did previously. I gained the lbs back and more. Then I went on a Quest to lose the weight year after year with nutri-system, HGC diet, Atkins, and nothing stuck. I am weak when it comes to food and like my dr told me, the sleeve will give me the control I need for those times when eating is out of control. I don't know if I've helped you but please continue to research. Oh by the way, I had little doubts pop up in my mind occasionally before the surgery, that is normal. This is a life altering experience.

congrats on your new journey to weight loss!!! you will have no regrets and you will totally love your new you!!! Godbless and best of luck....:smile2:

I had to do 6 months of visits with my PCP for insurance approval. At one point I said to her, "Maybe I should just try it again on my own." Her reply, "If you COULD have done it, you WOULD have by now." She was so right, and her words inspired me to continue with the WLS. Yo-yo with weight loss and regain is just deadly - you damage your metabolism more and more each time you do it. That's why most of the Biggest Losers gained it all back. How sad is that? WLS resets everything, cuts off the ghrelin hormone that tells you to eat and eat and eat, and amazingly, does NOT result in a lower metabolism. OK - promise to do two things: 1) Watch the "The Game Changers." It will truly inspire you in your athletic pursuits. Then watch "Forks over Knives." There is so much info out there on WFPB and I am in a wonderland of information and discovery now. I am convinced this is the healthiest way to eat, exercise, maintain weight, lower all the risk factors for cardio vascular disease, and live longer with quality of life to the end. 2) Please, please, please get a copy of "The Obesity Code" by Jason Fung. This will explain so much about what makes us fat. It will give you hope and a greater understanding.

Sorry to disappoint, but no, having the EGD and spending money doesn't mean you are approved. Call your insurance company (look for the member services number on your insurance card) and ask them what their requirements are for weight loss surgery. One thing I didn't see on your list which is a requirement for many insurances (or your surgeon if your insurance doesn't require it) is a psych eval.

Hi Danielle! I could have written your story as mine...three years ago banded - same problems with gerd and esophagas problems! wow...I'm 34 and had revision surgery to RNY in August. I had a tough recovery due to my surgeon did my revision as mini-open rather than lap...I'm finally feeling like me. I had gained all my weight back within three years of beingbanded plus some...I'm now down almost 50 pounds and had no pre-op diet. It is such a relief not to get that "stuck" feeling...never thought the feeling of an elephant sitting on my chest was a good thing! Now I don't have that...I've gotten sick some post op...mainly learning what I can and can't tolerate and moving from food stages as I advanced in my diet. No more foamies either! I hope you continue to write here...I'd love all of us to have a place to talk and make some new friends

Thanks Annemarie for this post! I needed to hear it! I am being banded on January 3rd and of course I am questioning whether or not I've done the right thing. I am committed but am worried because it is such a life altering procedure. I am tired of the up and down in weight loss only to gain it all back again. I believe this is going to be the tool that I need in order to change my life for the better. Congrats to you and continued success on this incredible journey! Lynn

You are absolutely right about how most of us thought PAST the surgery and fantasized about recovery and weight loss..........I did the same thing and was AMAZED at how badly I was hurting on the first day after surgery. I remember thinking to myself that I would NEVER try to convince someone else to have this surgery (but I WOULD highly recommend it), because I would have felt SO resentful if the decision was not totally MY OWN to have this done. But after a few days I was feeling WONDERFUL, I realized that this surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. I have to admit that it has been quite an adjustment, but I knew that going in. The first two weeks on liquids was not as hard as I thought it would be. The "mushies" week was GROSS to me, because I HATE that consistency.....and now, my doctor wants us to eat mainly Protein with a TINY amount of fruits and certain non-starchy veggies. My doctor won't allow us to eat any Beans, for example, for 6 months. I realize from reading things here, that most doctors are not this way, but my doctor is very "hands-on" and he and his nutritionist told me that it is more of a psychological reasoning on their part. They want us to learn to try to get most of our protein from meats, and not vegetables because the protein is quicker and easier for the body to absorb, and most people do not eat enough protein. They want to make sure we do not become malnourished. I must admit, that I am SICK of meat at this point and would LOVE to eat normal food. I am just 5 1/2 weeks out now, so I have quite a ways to go before I can eat certain foods. I seem to be losing about 5 lbs. a week so far. But for some reason, I have not lot that much this week yet. I am happy with my weight loss so far. People are really starting to notice, which makes me feel good and rather uncomfortable at the same time. The only slight problem that I have had, is that I have always been SUPER "regular" with the bowels....and now, I only have BM's every 4 or 5 days. So I have had to add Benefiber and it makes me gassy. Hopefully all will regulate itself soon. I am not eating much Fiber....so....it figures that I would have problems. Keep your chin up....FOLLOW your Dr.s rules, and in a few weeks you will feel GREAT! I promise! Keep in touch! And congrats! Cay

Jruss, Congratulations on your sleeve surgery and making to day 2 with your pain under control. Great job on your weight loss too that amazing!

I certainly understand that.... here we all are right at the beginning of the holiday season trying to be good and what?? Yes, someone brought YET ANOTHER huge bag of candy! And no, it couldn't be the yucky stuff..... gotta be the best! I do know what you mean about it being rough, but we can do it because we will benefit in the end. Let everyone else eat that candy and gain that weight! WE WILL BE STRONG!!! Hang in there!

Hi Katydid, and welcome to our forums. I am sorry you had so much trouble with the band. There are just some of us that seemed destined to have problems with it. I am also a band to sleeve revision and the difference is night and day. I am so much happier with the sleeve. You are not a failure. food is just as much an addiction as alcohol and drugs are. The difference is, we can't just quit eating. Until someone has actually walked in our shoes, it is difficult for them to understand how hard it is to commit to exercise and diet. Many of us need help, such as weight loss surgery. If it were as easy as some make it out to be, then there would be no obese people in this world. We are all here to support one another. You will find we are more a big family here than anything. And we are here for you whenever you need us.

Hi Everyone, Thank you all for your friendly welcoming and positive thoughts and advice. I will certainly try. It's a bit hard to stay positive at the moment, as I was told by my bone surgeon that it looks as though I'll have to have my shoulder reconstructed AGAIN. It was done approx 8-9 weeks ago but I've since hurt it again by being stupidly stubborn and not wearing my brace. As the weight is coming back with a vengence, I have only one blouse in the smallest of the bigger sizes I used to wear after giving everything away, thinking I'd never need them again. I spent hours yesterday trying to find something decent to wear for a change and hating having to go to the big sizes and especially having to go up another size again. I eventually found one but I came home totally depressed. Don't you find the shop fitting room mirrors the worst of all mirrors. It is so deflating to see the fat from all angles at once. Best wishes to all, Katydid.

I got an email from my surgeon yesterday telling me that I've been cleared to schedule surgery. WooHoo!! I'm so excited! I am supposed to get a call from the office in the next couple weeks to schedule, however I am seeking a June date so that I can recover during my summer break (Im a school bus driver) and not take time off. My only other Drs order is to maintain my pre surgery goal weight until surgery...for me that will be 6 months! Ugh. Thankfully I will have time to recover from any holiday weight gain. I'm hoping that won't be an issue as I plan to be "good" other than on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when I know the goodies will be hard to resist. LOL

I am sorry that you were sick after surgery. I didn't have anything like that but I did have a rough first month because the liquid diet and pureed foods were not appetizing and I wasn't getting the Protein that I needed. Eventually things got better. As you heal the fatigue will wane. You will be able to eat more choices which helps to ease anxiety about eating. From your post I see that you feel bad that you won't be able to overeat and drink with your friends. That may be true, so why don't you do something different with them? Go to a concert, dancing, rollerskating, miniature golfing.... You can be social. You don't have to overeat to be social. Also, try not to mourn the things that got you to this point in the first place. At 20 you have some unique opportunities that the rest of us didn't have, the biggest one is to nip your health problems in the bud before they could become unmanageable. My advice to you is have faith in yourself. Your experience is not going to be that same as someone else's experience. You have to make the choice that once you are feeling better you will stick to the diet plan laid out for you in order for you to meet and maintain your goal. Don't worry about gaining weight back. Have confidence in yourself that you can and will keep the weight off. I know you can do it!

Well im 27 also, not married :thumbup: but i did my band one year ago and I LOVE IT! Also, sometimes parents can be hurtful and not know it! My mom always used to tell me , i should loose weight, im too fat, look at my love handles, or my belly, bla bla and i used to eat more! I had my band, and i told none of my parents and they think im loosing on my own LOL, Just to show them that i have the motivation :eek: Anyways, good luck :thumbup:

Hello everyone! My name is Anne. I'm 39 and was banded in Nov 2008. I was 255 before and now, I'm at my goal weight of 130. I've been at my goal for some time but still watch what I put into my mouth, like a hawk.:thumbup: My sister was also banded this past January. She also loves her band. I wish all of you here the best of sucess in your journey to loose weight. It's so worth it in the end, to be healthy and happy once again.

This is a decision you need to make with your surgeon. Just learn as much as you can and ask lots of questions. None of us can tell you what is right for you. We can only share our own experience. You absolutely can lose weight with either surgery as long as you follow your program and do your part. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and started at a much higher weight than you. I couldn't be happier with my surgery, recovery, and results so far.

We lose hair all the time. All of us. It's part of life. It grows back and the process generally goes unnoticed. During rapid weight loss, the hair regrowth simply slows. It'll speed back up once you level off.

My moms BFF had bypass in 2002. She went from 380ish to 155ish (she is 5'9). 5 years out she actually had a band put in to help with restriction- her pouch stretched and she wound up gaining some, but it has put her in check. I had a BMI of 50 at surgery. I went into this knowing it was the first stage of the DS. Now- 2 1/2 months out and 53lbs down- I couldn't imagine going back. I have had zero problems. I follow the rules 90% of the time. I get my protein and I am thrilled with my decision. My sister's dr is trying to get her to move from the band to the sleeve. She is on band number 2- and is having lots of complications. Good luck with whatever you choose. And FTR- my dr wanted me to consider the rny as well for diabetes (everyone in my family has it), but I went with the sleeve based on all of my research.

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!