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Hello! I know everyone is different, and I am not asking to compare anyone's weight loss, I am just looking at averages. How much did you lose on average each month for the first year? How much did you lose the first two weeks after surgery? I know this answer varies greatly, I am just looking at what individual experiences were like. Thanks!!

I gained 10 # during hospitalization (water weight from IV). Took me 2 weeks to get back to baseline. I lose from 1 to 3 # per week (and am 5 months out from surgery.

With great regularity the question pops up on every Lap Band forum: to tell, or not to tell. Many people are afraid that if they share with friends, family and co-workers, they will be barraged later with uncomfortable questions, speculation, etc. You might be, but there are ways to handle "nosy people". It occurred to me last night that WLS isn't the only personal question people seem to have a vested interest in. My stepson and daughter-in-law have triplets. They are 5 years old now, but especially when they were babies, they attracted a lot of attention - and a lot of questions. The first thing anyone seemed to want to know was, "Are they natural, or did you do fertility treatments"? My DIL was always somewhat offended by that. First of all, there was the insinuation that her children might not be "natural". If they WERE the result of medical technology/intervention, did that make them unnatural? Secondly, she was appalled that anyone would ask a complete stranger such a personal question. It was, she said, like going up to an obviously pregnant woman that you had never seen before and demanding to know, "Was this an accident, or did you plan to become pregnant?" (Good point...score one for the DIL.) The triplets now have a little sister. No one, my DIL points out, has ever asked her if Emma was the result of fertility treatments. Because there is only one of her, people assume that she was conceived in the conventional way, although there are plenty of IVF pregnancies that result in only one baby. I have 4 children. One of them is adopted. Because the youngest one is my only daughter, people often "guessed" that Christa was the adopted child. I suppose the reasoning was that I had 3 boys, then adopted a little girl. People who knew I had one adopted child would ask me if I could not have more (after the first three), or if I was just afraid it would be another boy. My point (yes, I do have a point here) is that those who have had WLS are not alone in feeling that people in general need a lesson in common courtesy. I think the very best come back, when someone asks you a question that you don't want to answer, is "Why do you want to know?". You can also rely on a failing memory and say something very vague like, "I don't really know", or "I have no idea". I used this once when someone asked me (in front of my children), "Isn't one of your kids adopted?". I didn't want to say "That's really none of your business", so I replied, "Yes, but I forget which one." My advice, for what it's worth, is if you do take people into your confidence (and you often find support in some of the most unexpected places, believe me), don't let them make you regret it later. Control the information you want "out there" and hide the rest - especially the details. Don't tell people what you can and can't eat. Just say, "I'm not on a diet, although some days my band likes to show me who's boss". Don't tell people how much weight you've lost, or expect to lose. Just say, "It's not supposed to come off quickly. The Lap Band promotes a gradual, healthy weight loss". If they demand to know a number, tell them you only weigh once a month, at the doctor's office. And be very vague..."I don't know, but my clothes are fitting better". I have lost 97 pounds. People who haven't seen me in a long time notice this, of course. Their first question is ALWAYS "what did you do to lose all the weight"? I tell them I had Lap Band surgery and I have not had one single negative comment. When people are presented with it after the fact, what CAN they say..."It was a bad idea"? Obviously, it wasn't.

im thinking of starting a WLAFA(weight loss surgery foundation) chapter in chicago. please let me know if your.close to the area or are interested in joining or serving.as a board member... Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

I remember from one of the overview seminars I attended, a lot of people were really upset about the idea of having to see a psychologist as a prerequisite. (My surgical group requires it) I thought it might be helpful to talk about the appointment and let others know that it's really no big deal. I went in and did a big long questionnaire. The themes seemed to be centered around trying to discern how much of a role depression, anxiety and addiction play in your life. When I talked to the actual counselor, she was awesome. Very nice lady who wanted to ask me about my history with weight and weight loss, wanted to know what my motivators were for losing weight, and wanted to know what my support at home was like. I was a little resistant at first, but now I think the psych evaluation is a really good idea, and that everyone who can swing it should seriously consider doing it. Food addiction is tough...when you take away the food, it leaves a hole that could be filled by another more dangerous addiction. You need support, and you need someone who can help if you run into trouble half way through this major lifestyle change. While I don't really foresee having to continue counseling, myself....Having a relationship established with someone who knows my history a little just seems like a purdent preventative measure. It really wasn't that bad, folks. Piece of cake. And a really good idea.

I went out for one last day of freedom before I have to go back to teaching. I celebrated my summer weight loss (32 lbs) with a spa manicure/pedicure and then to lunch with my friend. We picked Red Lobster. I've been eating alot of shrimp at home so I felt that was a good choice. Of course the killer garlic biscuits came out (I'm five weeks postop) and smelled so good. I thought of how terrible it would make me feel. I took one morsel off and tried it, while good, I thought it wasn't worth the risk and sat it off to the side. That would be taken home for my family to enjoy. I ordered the "Quick Catch Lunch- Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Wood Grilled Chicken". I ate the scampi, boxed up the potato (said I didn't want the rice/couldve got broccoli too) , chicken, and some biscuits. I packed an insulated lunch box in advance knowing I'd have left overs (we shopped all day). I was full and felt good. When I got home to track on myfitnesspal.com I saw that that meal had 41 grams of Protein and 332 calories. I ate some of the chicken for supper so I thought that was a good protein choice. On a side note, my friend's side ceaser salad didn't come out before her meal so the server offered it to go for her. It looked quite cute in it's container. So that might be an option for the next time if I get a dinner instead of just lunch. At six weeks my doctor told me that I could add in small amounts of lettuce. I think that means a piece of a sandwich. Any way....good lunch option I thought.

Unfortunately, I DID eat like a bird before banding--1 1/2 times my own weight in a day! That's what birds have to eat to keep going, but obviously I didn't need it. LOL I had to get unfilled a couple of weeks ago (was tight to begin with then a flu bug pushed me over the edge). I was banded in April and have lost over 50#, but was scared to death that I would regain quickly. However, I have tried to stick to my bandster routine--60 gms. of Protein, etc. During my liquid phase, I decided to eliminate all "cheap" carbs and keep my intake of any carbs very limited (once I start eating those, I can't stop even with the band). Ironically, even filled very tight, I could eat bread and Pasta... I measure my portions and eat in the bandster way, and am amazed that I am not ready to devour anything that doesn't move faster than I do! I eat my bandster portions (no drinking), and then wait at least a half hour. If I am still hungry, I will eat a bit more veggies. Amazingly, I am almost never hungry. Even filled, I would get hungry in the evening, so now I am eating a small salad then, and it works great (I couldn't eat salad when I was filled so tight). I am going back in a couple of weeks for a refill--smaller than my last. However, I am thinking that the real "secret" of the band is that, at least in my case, it has taught me (sometimes in some graphic ways), how much--or little--I really need to eat to feel good. Like others have said, focus on training yourself to 1) know what a REAL portion size is-- When I started measuring, I was astounded to see that my typical meal used to be several "portions", 2) eat the banster way, with protein first and then veggies, fruit and carbs last (if at all), 3) I don't like to take 20 min to eat my food--I don't like it cold. However, I found that if I measure the amount, eat it comfortably and then don't eat anything for at least 30 min (even if I think I am still hungry), I virtually always comfortably full after that half hour. A word of warning: If you tend to be a gobbler like I am, you WILL learn the "eat SLOWLY, take SMALL bites and CHEW" lessons once you do get serious restriction. I don't know that I won't ever need the band to "remind" me to change that behavior. Good Luck, Penny, Idaho banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/130/110ish

Hey everyone.. I just got my surgery date for May 26th and I have to say Im super nervous and excited. My question is how did others tell their children that you would be away from home for 2 nights? My girl is 8 and my boy is 3 ... they both cling to me at bedtime so im really worried how this will impact them. I know its only 2 days but as a mom, they are my main concern! A nurse told me i shoudl tell my 8yr old that momma is going to the hospital to get help with my weight??? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks

I would not worry about it to much your body is in a state of shok and yes your weight will fluctuate up and day every day all day long so maybe you should be one of the people who only weigh once a week. as for the three week stall that is perfectally normal and I promise you as long as you are following your dr's guidelines you will begin to loose again.

It most certainly does help to know you are having the same results. In all my searching, I haven't found any other mention of this, so I was beginning to panic. Follow up with my doc is greatly anticipated so I can get a few answers. Thanks for responding. If anyone else had the same sort of experience, please let me know. I'm also wondering if it might be water-weight and/or (to put it bluntly)... poop. Haven't been doing a lot of that, and not sure if I should be, considering all I am consuming is liquids, even if they are protein-rich (somewhat),

New to the board, but I'm looking for some experienced folks who can help me out. My surgery date was 11/20, and things have actually been going pretty well until now. Then yesterday, when I stepped on the scale, I'm actually UP almost 2.5 lbs!! How does that happen? After a day of monitoring my intake fastidiously, I'm back down .5 pounds. This is the kind of progress I would expect from a regular "diet", and not after major surgery to enable weight LOSS!! Obviously, I'm a little frustrated and more than a little confused. I realize I probably shouldn't be weighing myself daily, but I'm glad I did so I could see this. Today I am following the menu/schedule to the letter, and I sure hope something happens to the scale tomorrow, or I might cry. Yes, I'm over-dramatizing (but not by much). Thanks for any input, CB

As of today, I am 11 pounds lighter than the 70% the docs say you will lose of your excess weight, which puts me at 78%. And this lady ain't yet done. She's going for the full Monty! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon doesn't give a goal weight, they ask what my goal is (160, i'm 5'8") and said it sounded good. Is there some kind of formula to figure out a realistic goal weight after RNY? Do many people reach the "healthy" BMI range or should I expect to be something higher ? How long does it usually take to reach goal?

He got records from my gun that my pap was up to date. I perform paps several times a week. If you do have to have a pap. Jst wash with soap and Water. DO NOT DOUCHE!!!! It can wash away things we need to see on the exam. Good luck, you'll be fine, and it is totally worth it! (And you need a pap anyway if it's been that long!!!!) HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 204.2

Congratulations Lisabug! that is a great NSV!!! Just getting off the meds is a success right there!! Yes, the weight WILL come off, remember rome wasn't built in one day! Good luck and keep doing what your doing!

I just turned 35 on December 7 I had my sleeve on December 5 my husband was really unsupportive but we have to do what we can to feel better about ourselves And become healthier people for our families. If your insurance is approving you and you can do it,do it if your husband Doesn't want to miss work he will find a ride. Sometimes we just have to do what we can and work with what we got. When you have lost all the weight you will not regret it.

I would like to know how many calories everyone is taking in daily. How many you aim for and how many you really get in. Also put in some info as to how far along you are with your lap band . Myself I was banded may 21st 2008 and i do not have a fill yet. Im eating 1 cup of food and still losing weight thus no fill. I can eat pretty much any food with no issues , and i try to keep the calories under 1,000 but my new goal is 500 if i can. ~~jessica

It sounds like it would fulfill it, but the one thing that my surgeons office stressed was that the visits needed to be specifically about your weight. It couldn't be a visit about your bad back where your weight may have come as a topic. If you feel the visits were documented as such then I say go for it!!

Lmbo. It came with a five pound one. I'll just buy the other weights at Target and skip the shipping and handling.

@@khuuxo I am not sure how much weight you have to lose. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if it is a lot it is likely that your apron will only continue to drop. When I started this process I never thought I would consider having plastics and that I would be simply happy with the weight loss all by itself. For me, I lost 152lbs which is nearly what I weigh now. I call it the mudslide that happens when there is extreme weight loss. So, in July I happily met with plastic surgeons and decided I would need to do something. The mudslide has actually made my back issues that I had before surgery worse. So I started with a arm lift in July and was amazed at how much it helped my neck which is fused at 3 levels. Not to mention I got outstanding results cosmetically. In 12 days I will have a full abdominalplasty and breast lift because they are not where god intended them. I am doing this to get rid of all that loose skin and am actually hoping I get some relief on my low and mid back. My lumbar is also fused but most of my back pain is in my mid back. I guess I found that my journey wasn't complete simply after the weight loss. I simply gained a lot of confidence which not only fixed my inside but made me want to enter the second part of my journey which was getting rid of the loose skin. How much loose skin you end up with all depends on things like: how much you have to lose, genetics, age. I am guessing if you have gone through WLS chances are you have a considerable amount to lose? Best of luck to you as you continue your journey.

hi my name is rachell, i had a lapband done in july 08 and so far have lost 42lbs. I am a wife and mom and spent most of my life skinny and active until it took us 3 tries to have our beautiful darling daughter, and then crushed my ankle which was a very long recovery. During both i went 150lbs a great weight on me for my frame where i wore a size 5-7 up to 283lbs and a size 20-22, the surgery center i had it done from doesn't seem to answer many questions for me or offer any support and we are currently fighting with them on billing, while our wonderful insurance paid 100% what we were told would cost our insurance 18k has been billed as 80k. so sorry for the ramble nice to meet everyone and that is my story so far. ps. i seriously miss bread products :biggrin: rachell

You are going through the dreaded 3 week stall, do not worry it happens to most people. Everyone gets over it and goes on to lose more weight. One your journey you might have a few stalls, for some people they last days and for others weeks! They are frustrating but have patience and perseverance and you will be fine.

Hello all and good luck to everyone on their weight journey. My surgery is coming up on June 21, 2016. Yea ! How many guys out there that SUFFER from erectile dysfunction pre-op ? Does weight loss improve erection and sex drive ? Ladies... ? If your man has satisfied you better after wls I would like to hear from you too please. Congratulations to everyone on their weight loss journey. Sent from my SM-N900P using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is in 2 weeks and I'm just curious about how much weight everyone lost their first week post op! I know everyone is different but I'm just trying to get an average!

Hi Everyone :thumbup: I'm new to this site and so far it is soooo helpful. I currently have the band and I too have a lot of questions. Just want to clarify...when you say you get full really fast and once you are full that is it..done. So do you mean (sorry if this sounds really dumb) you can NOT eat another bite? If you do, do you get sick?? or do you just not want to or?? I find with the band that I over eat a lot. I don't plan on it, but I get full, then it seems to settle and I can eat more. Some days I can't eat much but other days you would never know there is a band in there.... I also thought I would be able to NOT drink when I eat...ummm yeah...not so much. Why is this one so hard for me..not sure. Can you drink when you eat with the sleeve? My biggest issue is this....if I could control my portions..I would never have reached my highest weight of 420. I thought I had done so much research before getting my band a year ago, but now I don't think I did enough. What I'm trying to find is a surgery that once I'm full I can't really eat anymore. I'm so afraid I have streached my stoma, pouch whatever it's called because I just seem to be able to eat too much...and sadly I can't seem to find the control I obviously need. At the same time I wonder...am I just being lazy? Have I not given this enough of a chance? Should I just keep getting fills and hope hope hope I find the sweet spot I keep hearing about? I mean I've been fat my whole life...obviously control is an issue with me..lol. I too am self pay and am thinking of a revision. I currently have had 5 fills I think in a year and I'm ready to make an appointment to try another. I now have 8cc's in a 10cc band. I've lost 70 lbs but have not lost an ounce since Christmas. I was actually down 78 but have gained 8 lbs since Christmas even after having more fills. I know I'm at fault because of my portions and I often make poor food choices because I'm sick of getting stuck. I have told very few people about my WLS and when I'm invited out to dinner and get stuck..I'm so sick of having to excuse myself, dash to the washroom to get sick . At the same time...is this my fault? Am I just doing this all wrong? Sighhhhh...I'm frustrated and don't want to make another mistake with the wrong revision...