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Great job! I love reading about someone's weight loss. Its very positive and inspiring!!!

I did! Hormones are trying to keep up with the weight loss.

I see my regular doctor this week, but I see Dr Vaughn next week. I'm beyond excited and hope something can be done. I'm only 28, standing 5'3", and weighing in at 300+lbs! My doctor and I have done everything, and I still can't lose weight!

And I feel lika big, fat sausage. I have gained 10 lbs since my band unfill the first of march, and I am worried about what might happen before I get the surgery. The doc has to remove my band(maybe week after next) wait 1-2 months for my stomach to heal, then i will get sleeved. I dont want to put on another 10 or 20 lbs! Maybe I should get some appetite supressants or something. Blech, Lisa

It is super frustrating. When I was waiting on my revision, I gained 16lbs pounds over 3 months. Totally frustrating, I still had my band, but no restriction, so I just ate more protein than carbs until I had my food funeral then I eat anything and everything I wanted for about a week.

Agencies considering changing policy on payments Friday, November 5, 2004 Posted: 10:59 AM EST (1559 GMT) BALTIMORE, Maryland (Reuters) -- Obesity surgery has helped many patients lose weight and improve their health, a panel of experts told U.S. regulators Thursday, but they added there was not enough data on how well it has worked for elderly patients covered by Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is considering whether the government's health insurance plan for the elderly and disabled should change its payment policy for the surgery, which shrinks the stomach by removing part of it or implanting a removable band. "I didn't see any data whatsoever that these very same results could be applied" to Medicare patients, said Barbara McNeil, panel vice chairwoman and head of health-care policy at Harvard Medical School. Regulations limit CMS coverage to defined diseases, but earlier this year the agency deleted language that said obesity was not a disease. The panelists' advice is not binding but will help CMS officials decide if changes are needed. The agency already covers weight loss surgery to alleviate serious obesity-related conditions like diabetes, but coverage varies among regions. Most Medicare patients who get coverage for the surgery are younger, disabled patients, according to the American Obesity Association. Private health insurers, which often eye Medicare coverage decisions when formulating their own, have been growing more skeptical of such surgeries, some experts have said. The panelists examined data on several types of surgeries, including gastric bypass, which removes part of the stomach and connects the remaining portion to the small intestine to bypass much of the digestive system. Another procedure, called gastric banding, uses a type a adjustable fluid-filled band to squeeze off a part of the stomach. A number of companies make devices or parts used in the surgery, including Inamed Corp., International Ltd. and Synovis Life Technologies Inc.. Johnson & Johnson also makes stomach bands used in Europe. Doctors and advocates called on the panel to recommend that CMS cover all obesity surgeries, including the adjustable band, as well as psychiatric and nutrition counseling. Picking a specific treatment "is a decision best left to the patient and to the surgeon," said Dr. Henry Buchwald, a non-voting panelist and surgery professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Some surgeons complained that Medicare denied coverage for some severe bypass cases and called on officials to establish a clearer policy. Weight problems are a growing health issue in the United States, where nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) - a weight-for-height ratio - of more than 30. For an average woman, that usually means being 30 pounds overweight and, for an average man, 35 to 40 pounds.

Thank you. I am trying to stay positive. Would live to lose weight been stuck for two weeks. Started low BMi but still. Hope adding more calories helps

Can anyone please help me with finding a doctor to adjust my band in the New Orleans area? I'm nervous of regaining my weight and since I've relocated I'm 4 weeks passed getting adjusted. I eat a lot if healthy food

I had 3 steroid injections over a few months last summer/fall--one in my S/I joint, one in my facet joints, and one epidural. I know a lot of people find relief with the injections, but they didn't make a difference with my pain. However, I think that my weight (and the fact that most of it it in my gut) has been causing most of my back issues--at over 40 lbs down now, my back is not bothering me nearly as much. The injections themselves are not a big deal. My doc did put me under to do them, but they only take about 10 minutes each. I couldn't drive the rest of that day, and slept most of it anyway. I did end up taking the following day off as well, because often you have increased pain for a few days immediately after the injection.

Really really discourged today. I've gain yet again. I have to get this under control. I really don't feel any restriction. I know I'm suppose to have 4.2 cc in my 4.0 cc band. I really don't believe it. I think there is a leak. They want me to have only 1 cup at a time, but I'm not filled up with only one cup. I just don't know what to do. I got this band thinking it would help me feel full, therefore I would not eat, but low and behold I'm hungry most of the time. I'm going to try to do liquids today till supper time. I hope this works. I have spent way to much money and time on this for it not to work. I think I will see about joining the y today. I need somewhere where I can go to walk. I'm hoping I can find a support group somewhere that will help me deal with my addiction to food. I'm really feeling like a huge failure at this. I could go back to weight watchers, I have had some luck with them at times, but thats just more money every week. I just don't know what to do. I have another appointment at the doctors in two week, debating on weather I will go or not. What good does it to go and have them put more fill in when its not doing anything. I would like to know if I really have that much in my band. If there is a leak what would they do. I have to decide if I want another band or maybe I should do bypass. I'm really conficted on this right now. If I don't go in two weeks when should I give up and have it removed. I just don't know what to do. I really really down right now.

Yesterday I had to have all of my fluid removed due to dehydration complications. I had a fill on 8-6 and it was really really tight, much tighter than ever before and I kind of suspected it was too much for me, but I had been plateaued for over a month and was impatient and restless to get back to losing, so even though drinking water in the dr.s office didn't go down as easily as I said to him it did, I felt like I could use the extra restriction. And the weight melted off quickly, 10 lbs in a week and I was thrilled. Sure I wasn't able to keep hardly anything down, but fluids went down fine and I ignored my body freaking out. I ignored my near constant dizziness and the fact that it is unsafe to live on 200-400 calories per day. Told myself I was fine and did not incerase my fluid intake or take my vitamins. Saturday we went hiking and it was a tough hike, Dh kept pressing me to drink more water and I ignored him, I didn't feel thirsty. Sunday I was wiped out and told myself it was just from the hike and rested most of the day, Monday I could not keep anything down, not even fluids. I'd sip and PB, water, juice, everyhing came back up- and I started to be a little concerned. SO Tuesday I took it easy and PB'd a little when I ate solids, but kept fluids down mostly- told myself I was good to go. Wednesday I could not keep fluids down again and admitted to myself that I was probably overfilled but rested Thursday and kept fluids down fine. I did not drink more than I normally would or attempt to really re-hydrate myself. Yesterday was Friday and I realized I was in trouble. I had dropped 15 lbs in less than 2 weeks and my lips were cracking and dry, my head throbbing and I realized I had no kept down a bit of solid food in about a solid week. I sipped water, it came up, I sipped warm juice, it came up, even my saliva was coming up. I called fillcenters that morning and asked to schedule the unfill, told them I was kind of in trouble. My dr was off yesterday and they had trouble scheduling to get me in. By 4pm I was throwing up saliva every 10 minutes and realized if I didn't get an unfill I was going to be in the hospital by the end of the weekend. So I called the dr's office directly and my dr found out the shape I was in and told me to get to his office immediately for an unfill and he came in just for me (nicest guy, I tell you) He advised a complete unfill for the next 2 weeks. I about started to cry but I knew I needed a break and to slow down. We talked about symptoms of dehydration, what I need to do differently and about the negatives of losing the weight too fast. He said for where i am at (close to goal) if I lose more than 3 1/2 lbs a week, I am losing too fast and need to change my eating or get some unfill. He said my body was spazming due to the severe dehydration and we removed all 2.5ccs of my fluid. So here I am, I have a game plan to maintain and stay on track during the next few weeks, going to work at not allowing all those carbs to get me addicted in the next few weeks and after I am hydrated, I have a weight loss goal of 2 lbs to lose on my own without the band. But it's kind of scary to fly solo right now. My body does need a break, but ugh-- if I had taken care of myself and not been so stubborn and high on the rapid loss, I would still have my trusty filled band right now for weak moments. SO DRINK YOUR FLUIDS, FOLKS!!!

I wouldn't stress about it, same thing happened to me shortly after surgery. I lost alot in that first week, and then it pretty much stopped and I gained back like three or four pounds. I was upset but just kept doing what I was supposed to and lo and behold, the scale started its quick move downward again. :laugh: I gather from seeing folks talk about it, that this is a usual and normal occurrence.

My name is Michelle and in 5 days I will be 21 months post op and still think it was the best decision of my life. I had the vertical sleeve and I have not had any complications. At the time of surgery I weighed 215. I now weigh 130 and have held this weight for over a year. I still stay away from the following: Drinking with a straw, sugar, carbonation, rice, and pasta. I still eat protein first, then veggies then carbs. I try to eat 65-70 grams of protein daily. I am now ttc our first child. As for exercise, I run/walk 3 days a week and thats it.

yes...I think that was usually a trigger for me that it was ok to eat this and that...and next thing I knew gained it right back

Wow. Hang in there and don't give up. Maybe it's time for a professional second opinion. Are there other doctors in your area who might weigh in on this? I know doctors like to stick together sometimes. You might have to go OUT of your area, but this seems like a questionable deal to me. If you are dealing with the doctor who did the surgery, that person had to know what a catastrophe this is for you. I;d be in that doctor's office saying we need to DEAL with this so you can lose the weight that operation was intended to help you lose. Until that happens, this surgery is a failure. If it was any other kind of surgery, you BET the doctor would be back in there trying to create a success of his work. I don't want to overlook the expanded esophogus. Were you eating too much too fast and throwing up at all? If so, that would seem to correct itself over time if you also corrected your eating. This doctor needs to work with you. If he doesn't, find another one. And, as for $250 a fill...WOW... I pay nothing except $80 for the x-ray. I've had one fill and one unfill. I've gained weight after the unfill but I needed to. Now I need to just figure out how to maintain. Best of luck to you.

There is scientific evidence of increased weight loss after plastic surgery according to the ASPS. I don't recall the specifics but it had to do with hormonal changes after removing fat, that increased satiety and improved metabolism. I am more than one year out from my plastics and I have maintained the weight that I lost, which was considerable. It was due to a combination of what Dr. Capella removed, decreased appetite from the muscle plication. improved diet and exercise.

Lots o swimming.. don't neglect.. weight training

After losing all my weight mine looks like a big golf ball sticking out, lol. I'm ok with it...I wouldn't dare be cut again just to move it.

Congrats to you @@Recycled! I think some achievement I like that, and perhaps it is because the goals we set when we start out feel so terribly important and monumental, and then (at least for me) the gains in activity and health we make along the way, and the joys we discover by living healthier sometimes end up being even better than that original weight goal. I am personally surprised to find it is easier to stop stressing each scale – number – milestone when I can enjoy marking the milestone of being able to do a 5K, a 5 mile, or a hike with a great view from much elevation gain I've climbed.but hey – in any case – major accomplishment, and congratulations well deserved!! I also have to say how often I have read your posts and found something of real value to consider or appreciated your directness and "take it as it comes "approach. Thank you, and I'm glad you will continue on the boards here. ???? Kate

Well...........I made it. Finally reached my original goal. And it's a good one too, as the bod seems to be pretty much at a neutral point. It's really tough to lose any more weight and it doesn't take much neglect to result in an increase in weight either. Funny thing is, it's kind of anti-climatic. I have enjoyed the challenge and the effort. Proving I can do it. I'm not ready to be done. So I think I'll add in another five pounds to lose to give me a little leeway. Then, I'm gonna set a goal of proving to myself I can maintain the weight without gaining for a year....then two. Yeah.....that's the ticket........... Guess you guys are stuck with me for quite a while......

A. You are not "bad". B. You are human, that's why you did that. C. Remember how you feel and think about that next time you are tempted to make a bad choice. If we were perfect we would not all need weight loss surgery!! It exists because there is a whole sub-category of people who can't control what and how much they eat. I am also a volume eater and that's why I chose the band and it has been a wonderful thing so far for 6 months. Dont' give up, Learn and move on. And try really hard for the next few days until your surgery....your surgery will be easier on you and the surgeon if you have followed the pre-op diet!! Good luck!!

My husband and I both had the sleeve done in 2013. I've lost roughly 90lbs along with having a baby as well. I've been sticking to Protein shakes and lean meats/vegetables while trying to stay under 1200 calories. It's still hard to lose the baby weight and I'm currently 181. My husband on the other hand has lost about 200lbs. He is 6'1 and now 180ish. His calorie goal is 1600, but most times he is getting 1200-1500 according to his food log. He is almost too skinny now and is still losing. He doesn't work out and gets most of his calories from beer and chips after a healthy dinner. I'm afraid he is going to keep losing and sacrifice his health. I know he never meets his protein goal and overstates his intake. Vitamins just sit in the cabinet unmoved. Guys, I'm looking for advice to relay and I would like to know your calories/protein goals. I've explained to him he needs more protein and at least 1800 calories. Am I over reacting or should I be worried? I've even asked him to see a nutritionist, but he declines. Not sure what else to tell him.

It's been a stressful two months with my husband out of work. We saw financial ruin at every turn and panicked daily at 3 AM. I'm a stress eater, and for awhile there I tested my band and hovered at gaining weight despite a band with close to 9 cc's in it. I gained and lost, adding more unnecessary stress to my life. Even when I thought I was watching my carbs, I refused to keep a food log. I truly believed I was limiting my stress by allowing myself some freedom. (Self-delusion time! Call me Cleopatra, Queen of Denial!) This weekend, I decided “enough is enough” and went back to my doctor's advice about keeping a food log. Immediately, I got results. The two pounds I'd gained dropped off me, and I was shocked to discover I once again –quite deservedly, I might add!-- had to go through with withdrawal from my carb addiction. I'm now back on track and less than one pound away from where I was when all my troubles and stress began. I now know the value of my food log and I will not stray away from it again. Someday, perhaps in the not-so-distant future, I'll be able to maintain a decent weight without logging every morsel I put in my mouth, or perhaps occasionally forgiving myself for a slice of birthday cake on my birthday. But today is not that day, and I love my smaller body size and healthier lifestyle too much to consider a quick stroke of a pen a hardship.

So, I am almost 2 1/2 months out from surgery. I got sick so lost a ton and then stopped...I have even gained 5 lbs back. I have such good intentions and I still can't get it right. I can eat anything and do. know that I have to get the mental stuff on track. Workouts have been difficult due to an injury but maybe I am just making an excuse! I don't expect anyone to read this but I guess just taking the time to write it out will help...plus it means that I am not eating:-) I need a good hobby. Something to keep me busy, something to take my mind of things. I have even thought about getting rid of my tv so I don't have that trigger. Night time and tv are the biggest along with all that emotional stuff.:huh2: I feel pretty hopeless. I want to do right for myself. I want food to just be food and not a crutch. I want to force myself to eat and forget to eat:-) Those things that thin people do. My boyfriend can just forget to eat for a whole day. How do people do that? My frustration is very high and I have thought of all sorts of things to try to get over it. Well....all I can do is try. And every day that I wake up is a challenge to be successful. I just don't know how to do it!

It all depends on how much weight you have to lose. I started feeling the energy right around 8 weeks post op and it only got better from there.