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I can't answer for everyone, but for me it was 1.5 years from first appointment until surgery, it does depend on how much weight your surgeon wants you to loose before surgery :-)

True. I saw the same trend, too. I found it ironic.....go into the hospital for weight loss surgery....come home the next day heavier than before I went in. I had a post-op appointment with my surgeon six days after surgery. The weight "gained" in the hospital had gone by then and I was two pounds lighter than the day of surgery. My surgeon dismissed the rise and fall with a wave of the hand and said he wasn't even concerned with scale readings the first couple weeks. Danmitman !!!! I coulda used this little decree from him prior to this encounter. Inflammation is heavy stuff !!!!!

It's a weight loss thing... make it a great day

Now I don’t want to make anyone else jealous, but I just finished my psychiatric evaluation over the phone and it took all of 15 minutes. That’s it. No paperwork. No questionnaires. Done over the phone. No sweat. Granted, this did cost me $400 and it is not covered by my PPO. There was also the option of doing it via skype but since I'd have to do it during work hours and i can't use my company laptop for personal use, so I opted for phone. We arranged for a time for me to call her last week so I called her right on time as planned. She first asked why I was pursuing the surgery. I explained that while my eating has not gotten out of control, my various ailments including a bad back that may require surgery, arthritis in my shoulders and bone spurs in both big toes have made it difficult if not impossible to exercise without pain. I have not been increasing my portion sizes over the last few years as my weight climbed, but without the ability to burn off the excess calories I just kept getting bigger. Next, she asked some medical history questions (I never drink to excess because I’m allergic to alcohol and I’ve never smoked or taken illegal drugs) then asked if I was an emotional eater, a binge eater, a habitual eater or a miscellaneous eater, i.e. problems like portion control, which we’d already covered and I’d already identified myself as being. We went into a little detail about my current eating habits and previous weight loss attempts, which had mostly been successful when I could exercise freely. She asked about the kind of support I’ll have for the surgery and during my recovery at home. I explained that my daughter (who graduates from college this Friday with a BS in psych and a 3.7 GPA, thank you very much) will be taking me to and from the surgery. That’s because when I have it in late May/early June, my wife will still be recovering from knee replacement surgery. So, my kids (my freshman son was nominated by a professor for membership in an honors society that only admits 15 kids from each graduating class at his school, again, thank you very much) will be taking care of both of us. We consider it only a tiny portion of the payback they owe us for putting them through a private college. Finally, she went into a little detail about the required post-surgical changes in habits, such as measuring and logging food and sticking to the prescribed post-surgical plans, and asked if I thought I’d be able to handle. Having read through this board, some FB groups and all the literature I got from the surgeon’s office at my initial consult, I repeated everything back to her chapter and verse to confirm I know exactly what’s expected of me. I also told her that I’m far too cheap to spend all the money on the surgery only to throw it all away with bad habits. She asked if I knew about the types of complications that could arise, so again I referenced this board and the FB groups, explaining I’ve learned a lot about the types of problems that come up most frequently. She asked if I had any fear of the surgery and I said I’ve had many surgeries in my life, so I’m not afraid of it, plus I know that for each person who complains about a post-surgical ailment, there are probably fifty who do not have that problem so the odds are clearly in favor of not having complications. That was pretty much it. She said the approval will be on its way to my surgeon by the end of the day. I gave her my email address so she could send me some literature she likes to send all of her patients and her contact information in case I had any further questions. I am not kidding when I say it took me twice as long to write this as the phone call itself. With this and my endoscopy both out of the way, all I’ve got left before submitting for approval is my final visit with the nutritionist and the pre-op visit with my PCP who’ll also take care of my chest x-ray and EKG. The only real problem between now and the surgery is avoiding the temptation of pigging out at my daughter's graduation party...

Yeah not eating is really tough. I am way to scared to even try anything but broth or Popsicles but I am ready for the weight loss. It just hurts right now and I am ready to be feeling better. But thank you this helps ease much mind so much.

At my 4th appointment I had gained 3lbs from the 3rd appointment. You would have thought I kicked her kitten. I got a lecture and the "so disappointed" talk and she is making me come in again in 2 weeks for an additional visit to make sure I am mentally ready to start a new life style diet. [emoji42]. Or maybe she has a crush on me who knows. I did go ahead and schedule both my 5th and 6th appointments so hopefully early July will be submitting to insurance and fingers crossed, surgery a short time after. Looking like no food funerals for me. [emoji26] Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using BariatricPal mobile app

My dietitian requirement was in order to learn band friendly eating and start practicing new habits before surgery. I personally did not have a weight loss requirement pre op but some people do.

OMG, me too! I had mine done about 6 years ago. I am hoping that as I lose weight, my cycles will stop all together. Otherwise, my doc is recommending I have another one. She said that since I was younger than 35 when I had mine done, I may need another one within 5 years. Good luck to you!

Just wondering how many cc's it took those with 11 cc bands to reach their sweet spots. I currently have 10.2 ccs and am not sure is I am there yet. I get still eat a fair amount until I'm full yet I have a tough time eating baked or grilled chicken (my favorite.) Will another fill put me over the top? I have yet to experience PBing and know for that I don't want to. Please share your own experiences so that I may gain some insight. Thanks!

Hi, I have seen some of your other posts so I know that you have been struggling... I know you don't want to diet, but for me, I have to, in order to be successful... If I don't know the fat and calorie content, I look it up so I know whether it's worth it to eat it, basically I just try to watch what I'm eating because I know if I graze or snack alot, it all adds up... I'm probably eating between 600- 800 calories a day but maybe a little more some days. I don't go crazy trying to count carbs or calories but I do try and keep up with my protein so that I make sure I'm getting enough. I have been working out fairly hard (at least 45 mins of cardio and some weight traning) so I know that really helps my weight loss. I'm sorry that you are not getting the results you wanted and I know how frustrating it is, I was a bander also and I went through it with my band. Don't get discouraged, I know you can do this! Try to get back to basics and you will see the weight come off... best wishes!

I was sleeved 4/18/11 by Dr. Jawad in Ocala, FL. Not sure exactly what I have lost since each scale weighs different, but including pre-op diet, around 25-30 lbs. , maybe 20 of it since surgery. When I read what you are doing, first of all, make sure you gets tons of Water. Sounds like you are good on Protein but is it high quality and low carb? I love Jay Robb--too many of the shakes are full of chemicals and artificial ingredients and simply unnecessary carbs. Jay Robb is really tasty and mixed easily with anything and comes in lots of flavors. Sweetened with Stevia, a natural no calorie sweetener, but does not have the aftertaste of some Stevia sweetened products. Plenty of availability--on line, Vitamin Shoppe etc. And, you may be like me--I have always succeeded best at weight loss by varying calories, protein/carb content, and exercise intensity. Read up on interval training (going hard for a few minutes then backing down, over and over). I have added some full fat dairy because it is actually beneficial to blood sugar and weight loss to a point. Greek yogurt is usually packed with protein, and mixes well with the Protein shake powder I use. Don't get discouraged. Throw yourself into it, get off the couch, and record what you are eating and doing to keep moving. I am humbled by your great success to date, and know you will experiment with some of these suggestions you will find the combination which tricks your body into letting go of this comfortable plateau and finding a new, healthier one.

The more dense the food, the more you'll feel restriction. Liquids and soft stuff never really triggered mine, but once I was on solids, it definitely kicked in. One bit of advice...weight and measure your food, don't rely on that 'full' feeling or restriction to do portion control for you. Portion your food, sit down with it and eat that portion. Good luck!

If your surgeons office doesn't have a nutritionist on staff I highly recommend you find one. They will let you know what you should eat after surgery (and before if that's needed, I didn't have a pre-op diet either, I was 225 when I started this process). My surgeons office had a NUT on staff and she's fabulous, if I ever have a question (like can/should I eat this) I email her, she's always available and it's been such a huge support!! Good luck to you, it's a big decision. I was just about where you are weight wise when I made the decision to have surgery (oct. 12th) and it wasn't easy, I had a ton of people telling me i wasn't fat enough and shouldn't I be able to do it without surgery. The answer was always no and I'm so happy to be and feel healthy, for the first time in my adult life I fit in jeans that have single digits for a size

To try and minimise loose skin as much as possible you need to make sure your majority of weight loss is fat and not muscle. Two ways to ensure this eat enough calories each day and eat lots of protein.

You are unlikely to feel full when all you are consuming is liquids. Just wait until it's time for real food . . . you'll be amazed at how soon you feel full and on how little food. I know it's early for you both, but the first month is amazing for weight loss, generally--although I'm not sure I appreciated that, given how miserable I was the first month. I found that things improved greatly when I was able to eat again, but I'm still, six months out, consuming very small portions. Today I had a banana and a yogurt for breakfast and an omelet (ham, onion, and cheese) with some rye toast for lunch. I have not been hungry at all today. I may have a protein shake for dinner--because I need more protein. Hang in there . . . it will work out.

They probably gained 3 lbs of Water weight after surgery. You're on an IV and that puts water weight on some or probably even most. Don't freak out about this surgery. Be realistic about your expectations an keep remembering it's a tool not a miracle and don't expect it to be easy.. You got a lot of work ahead, this is just the beginning. My daugher had Dr. Garcia on Jan 23rd. We loved him and his staff in TJ. She's down from an 18 to a size 8-10. She like me struggles with the food addiction. We were just saying, "well you can't eat a whole gallon of ice cream at one time, but you can eat a gallon in a day!" Some days it's just hard.

Hi! My name is Irene and I am 25 years old. I was banded yesterday, January 9th by Dr. Bessler of NY Columbia/Presbyterian. The surgery went fine, or so I am told. My starting weight yesterday was 200.7, and my ultimate goal is to get down to 124. My doctors goals are a little higher, at 145 lbs. Well, we shall see. So far I have not experienced too much pain, but I am hungry! Is this normal? Right after surgery?

Here is the run down... Had vsg 2 years ago. Lost 180 pounds. Pre-vsg I had a slew of health issues. PCOS, high lipids, high blood pressure, diabetes...you name it, I had it. Now...I am 10 weeks pregnant. I see a high risk ob with consultation from my Bari surgeon. However, I now have to eat every hour or two and for the first time in my life, I am constantly hypo! Docs are ok with 1 hour post meal bs at 70. My body is not. I also had two miscarriages pre-vsg and was constantly hyper with them. I am struggling to keep weight gain at a minimum but loading carbs is zapping me! Any advice?

thank you! I'm working with both a nutritionist and a psychologist, today was good day I try to eat more, even had pasta, Greek yogurt, and finally some shaved meet with olive oil and lemon. I was able to keep it down. I need to let myself gain some weight and be ok with it. Because I had surgery to have a healthy life with my kids and husband.

Definitely morning, naked after bathroom. During weight loss phase, I was on the scale almost daily. Now, at 18 months and maintaining since 2-2013, I typically weight about 1-2x a month. I can get all the feedback I need in terms of clothes and mirror.

I've been dehyrdrated since week one when I took 4 iv bags of Fluid right in the dr's office...I'm going on week ten....I just can't drink alot & struggle with getting Water & milk down...I work on it every day...but not doing a good job. Keep working on it. It is so important for your weight loss & skin & just how you feel. Best of luck to you!

in that case, your rate of weight loss is completely normal..

Thank you so much for this post. I start my pre-op shakes next Monday and surgery is June 4th and this issue is giving me the most anxiety. Thanksgiving and Christmas is held at my parents, because it's easier on them in the winter, I host all spring, summer & fall functions like Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, 4th, Birthdays through Labor Day. I'm not doing Memorial Day this year because I'll be on shakes only, I'm really upset about Father's Day because it will be 2 weeks out from surgery. My surgeon expects 5-6 weeks of liquids AFTER surgery. I think it will be much too hard for me and I do wonder what it will be like for all the other holidays this year like Thanksgiving & Christmas. I am hoping to be at my goal weight for my parent's 50th in December, hopefully that will make up Father's Day. He's my biggest supporter of the surgery, yet he's the most apprehensive about it too.

Today I went to court to finalize my divorce, hallelujah !!!!! And I saw my ex-husband after about four months for the first time and he said. "You lost a lot of weight, are u starving yourself?" Lmao idiot. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

I'm 2.5 months out and my leakage has improved a bit. I definitely don't get up at night much anymore and I haven't had any significant leakage like I used to get. I think as I lose more weight it will continue to improve as well.