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Hi everyone. So I just joined this app I'm a 17 year old girl. I weigh about 320 and I haven't been able to lose weight easily but I am in this program at my hospital, you meet once a month with a surgeon, occupational therapist, nutritionist, psychologist, and finally a endocrinologist. You have to be in this program for about 6 months in order to be qualified for surgery. I managed to lose a few pounds with this program but I really am struggling to lose it. I just had an appointment Tuesday and this was my 4th month in the program. The surgeon told me that next month, I can make the decision on whether or not I want to go through with surgery. I decided I do want to go through with a surgery and I've decided I wanted the gastric sleeve since it's less risky than the gastric bypass. I've been looking at many before and after pictures of people under the age of 25 and even some older and it does make me excited, hoping that one day I can do a before and after picture like that. My older sister actually had a gastric bypass surgery when she was 23 and she's 25 now and looks great. But, despite my anticipation, I can't help but be terrified. I'm scared of complications, I've had 2 surgeries but they were minor, just tonsils and adenoids, and tubes in my ears, nothing major, the thought of this major surgery scares me. I know it's the right choice for me as I've struggled with my weight since I was just a little girl. I'm sick of being so huge, I want to be able to go out with my friends and not struggle to keep up because I'm always out of breath, I want to go to theme parks and go on rides without fear that I'm too big for the seat belts and bars, I want to be confident, I want to be healthy. But the thought of surgery scares me. I'm scared I might regret getting the surgery. I'm scared there'll be complications. I'm just scared. Has anyone else felt like this before their surgery? Anyone have any advice?

It has taken time for me too see that i have lost weight but i have notice it in my clothing that their much bigger. But being honest when i see myself in the mirror i see that i look the same and that makes me feel out of place

I have lost 75 lbs. in just over a year. No one seemed to notice until I hit the 50 lbs. mark. But the biggest comments came when I cut my hair really short!! However when I look in the mirror I still see myself as over weight. I am 7 lbs. away from the goal I set before surgery but now think I need to lose about 20 more lbs.

I'm kind of like you... my weight had gone up and down, I do love to exercise and have always done so. I felt WLS was the way to go so I would stop the yo-yo dieting and lose the weight once and for all. I am almost 8 months post op and this is the best thing I ever done. You should have no problem because you like to exercise and once you are cleared to exercise it feels so good and the weigth melts off once you start.

Honestly, for me the biggest fear is that it won't work. I have failed so many times before, it's like I'm conditioned to expect failure. But I am refusing to let myself dwell on that. I've been slogging my way through my emotional food issues in hopes that it will help me succeed once I am banded. Plus I have been "speaking success" over this - telling myself and anyone who will listen about how positive this process is and how great it will be to lose the weight and keep it off. I am giving my fear over to the Lord, meditating on my success and allowing Him to provide it for me. Kind of like "let go let God" I guess. Getting stuck does sound scary, but I think it'll be easier to deal with once it actually happens. The first time, all you have to do is remember not to panic, and then if it happens again you will know what to expect and how to handle it. Great topic, by the way.

I agree with MIS73 post. You have to find out what works for you, i was stuck for 6 months and I almost drove myself crazy looking at what I was eating and trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. Honestly I am not sure I was doing anything wrong, I think my body was just stalling at different times and adjusting to the weight loss. I did continue to lose inches even when I was not losing lbs though. I started dropping weight again at the end of Jan of this year after I had a fill. I currently eat 90-120 gms of protein a day, try to stay under 70 carbs and about 30% fat. So my diet basically is 40% protein, 20% carbs and 40% fat. It seems to work for me. I rarely eat, rice, pasta or bread and I don't snack between meals, my snacks are planned and consistent of protein bar or drink. I know it is frustrating but don't get caught up in the fact your weight has stalled, use this time to develop your healthy choices and changes in eating, because remember this is for a life time and we all need the practice.

As has been stated, everybody is different. And some people are just naturally better at holding onto weight than others. I'm sure everyone on this forum falls into that category, so it's no wonder that all of us have the ability to defy the old "calories in vs calories out" logic. It's our super power. I would not try to live by the math, I believe it's better to eat a healthy diet and exercise everyday (or as often as your body and busy life will allow). Doing this, with the sleeve, the weight will come off. Also, those "calories burned" indicators on exercise machines are always wrong, so don't go by them if you are doing the math. You are better off going by time.

Not so much. If you eat 1800 calories a day, every day, you should start to lose weight if you excercise and burn 500 of those calories. Same for any caloric intake... 1800-500=1300 so 800-500 = 300. BTW you have to burn 3500 calories in order to lose 1 pound. I can go on the stationary bike and near kill myself for 45 minutes and only burn 350 calories. kind of puts things in perspective.

Well went to the doc and I had him redo my fill I now have 4cc in me and I do believe I can tell it too. I laid down with a pillow under the small of my back and he was actually able to put in more liquid. Amen So here is to hopefully me losing more weight. I had actually gained 2 pounds.

Arlene that is fantastic how much weight you have lost. You are doing way better than me. But I'm doing ok just at a stall for some time now. I'm hoping new exercise, adding shakes back in, etc will give me boost. Good luck and keep up great job.

What an interesting question. I've never thought about it. However, after reading this, I'll have to say, I do read more. I do spend more time doing things my husband wants to do. Of course, I am on this site a lot! I am enjoying this journey. I will be on the look out for what I am leaning towards after reading this question. I lost down to a size 3 about five years ago. I felt fantastic. I gained most of that back, and have lived the life of a hermit. I was so afraid of seeing someone I knew…knowing they would say, "OMG, look how much weight she's gained". I did this so much my husband thought I was ashamed of him. To me, he's the most handsome man on earth. I was just ashamed of me. I never want to have that desperate feeling again. Praying this works, once and for all! I am a lifer. Started my first diet at 14 with just a few pounds to lose. Then gained that back plus some…..

Congratulations! This is very inspiring as, like the others, I can identify with every word of your story. Here's to a healthy happy future where our weight does not define us and all the energy we have now in our lives. Best wishes for the next 50. You are doing beautifully!

Yesterday I had the worst day ever! Everything seemed to go wrong - right from the moment I woke up. I have been toying around at 200 pounds for a couple of days; having problems with people at work; completely overwhelmed with work and home. I was just over it! Everything! Today is going to be better - I woke up at 199! and I thought nothing is going to make me in a bad mood today! I did the best I could at home before I left to go to work, I got to work early & I am going to be good to myself today! I had surgery on 9/13/13 - I was 242 pounds the day of my surgery. My highest weight was 250. So, I have lost just over 50 pounds! On the day of my surgery I was very scared ... I was scared if I did have the surgery and if I didn't. I am married and have four children - I wanted to be with them for a long time and I thought if I didn't have the surgery I would just be heavier & heavier. I was scared of the money, because my husband and I are not rich - we work for everything we have (just like everyone else), but my insurance wouldn't pay for my surgery so I was cash-pay. But, I worked out payments and somehow worked it out! I have never ever ever done anything for myself and I am so very happy I had this surgery. I wanted so bad to look pretty for my husband - to not be the fattest girl at work. My weight totally defined me. I looked to food to make me feel better and it did while I was eating it - but afterwards I felt sickened by the way that I looked. I was tired of going to the doctor, to get on that scale - to hear the speeches about how I needed to lose weight, so I didn't go. I know that I had high blood pressure and pre-diabetes because it showed in my pre-surgery blood work. My legs ached, I was off-balanced, out of breath and just overall unhealthy. I wore a size 22W in clothes and they were getting tight. I felt embarrassed for my husband and kids. My side of the mattress even caved in where I slept (how embarrassing). I cry as I write this! I felt so ashamed of myself and I am still ashamed that I let myself get that way. I tried everything to lose weight - Nutrisystem, weight watchers, slim fast, pills, hcg, cabbage Soup diets - I mean everything ... I just could not do this weight thing on my own. So today - I am happy. I still have 49 pounds to go to get to my goal weight of 150. But I am out of the dreaded 200s. Thank you to every single one of you that has listened to me, answered my questions, liked my posts and just been an overall support for me. I am half-way there! Thanks for reading this really really really long post! I got carried away!

I'm also on the same liquid diet but mine is for 13 days. I have surgery on the 28th. I am amazed I haven't cut my throat yet. lol I am able to drink coffee, tea without sugar, and chicken and beef bullion and Water. The strawberry Protein shake is not too bad but only on day two. Let me know how you do. We should lose lots of weight on this I would think! Good Luck to all.

I know that this journey is about living a healthier life and we shouldn't dwell in the past but... I'm just wondering what or if you have had a Ha! In your face moment...You know the moment where you see someone that you haven't seen in a while; that was particularly mean to you because of your weight and you show up looking all HOT and you can see the astonishment in their eyes... I'd love to hear some stories if anyone would like to share.

They say the more the better I just had my primary Dr letter and her 6 months notes of my supervised dieting with her and my WW food logs and weights. But my BMI is higher than yours and I have several existing weight related illnesses. So I guess you just have to use your best judgement and if they need more they will let you know. My friend had to submitt several other things after the initial submission but she finally got approval. Good Luck and I know it seems like alot but the payoff will be so great! Jamtte

If its any help when I was 2 weeks out I'd only lost 14lbs.... and my start weight was 208lbs so not far from where you were. It does get better, but also be prepared for stalls etc.. it will shift but you've just put your body thru major surgery, plus add to that the reduced calorie intake /massive change in diet and then you'll start to see results once your body gets used to all that. Hang in there.... good luck

Well guys I am almost four months out on the 6th and only have lost about 28lbs. I have very active in the gym and just acquired a PT that said I needed to refocus my workouts so I'm excited about the PT. I am looking to lose 40-50lbs by May. Are there any suggestion on what else I can do to try to lose a little bit more weight? Looking for alternative from fellow bandsters that have the same issue. FYI: I am unfilled and my doctor wil not give me a fill.

Congratulations on your band and best wishes as you go through the next phases. I love yogurt to this day. As others have said, don't worry if the weight loss slows for a while as your body adjusts to the new mode and you will probably have to go through the process of assessing with your surgeon for fills, etc. In other words, it can take a little while -- don't worry and just keep going and you will get there!

I did have a big desire but I held off. For the first 6 weeks or so, even though you are losing weight, you are still swollen and looser clothing was more comfortable. As the healing proceeded, it was SO much fun to put on something and one day it was just not wearable any longer. Those are the days you are dancing out of your closet! It really helped when I was in a stall, the scale may not have been moving but the inches were and it has carried my though. Even last night, I have been in an awful stall for almost a month now but dang, another pair of jeans bit the dust! :-) It was one of the last of shopping in my own closet experiences I will have. My huge clothing size range is gone. I'm in new territory now!

Could it be muscle mass gain or maybe not enough calories? Or maybe just a plateau... Hope the scale gets moving again soon!

If you eat properly, you won't gain after the band is remove. Remind yourself that you're an adult who can make the choice. Your panic is just another obstacle you're erecting. Apart from that, a lapband does not cause anyone to gain weight. It's the individual's choices and the ways in which the individual deals with difficult times and events in life that add on pounds. The same holds for VGS (not VSG) surgery. From your own account, your periods of regain were your own doing, not the fault of the band. The vomiting may be a sign that the band just isn't right for you, but it may be the result of simply being too tight. Even with a too-tight band it is possible to gain weight, depending on what one chooses to eat. I'm unqualified to make any recommendation about attempting to adjust the band and work better with it or having it removed or revising to VGS, but I will suggest that, before you undergo VGS, you be sure of what you want and how much you're willing and eager to make the changes necessary to succeed for the long term. Weight-loss surgery, like any elective surgery, requires serious consideration. There is no magic. Anyone can gain weight despite surgery if he makes poor, careless and unmindful choices. Think clearly and write down your goals and what you're willing to do and want to do. Also consider that there is help if you're stuck. One good possibility is a therapist in the area of CBT and experience with eating issues.

i start my 10 day pre-op on the 24 too. i am doing the same thing, like almost in a panic, omg--what shoud i eat now that i wont be able to? i keep thinking i am doing horrible, but i havent gained any so it must not be. tonight my dh and i are going out with his brother and his wife to dinner and to the haunted houses. kinda like my last hoorah before monday. my bil and sil have NO idea that i am doing this though, they just think we are going out for a night w/ no kids. i am looking forward to it. we live in a small rural town and we going into the "city" in the neighboring state, so i get to eat at my favorite GOOD place...now i just have to decide which one that is!!! best of luck on your diet. i am excited to start, it just makes it all real, ya know?

Parvathi, So did you gain all your weight back because of the slippage or was it something else? I gained all mine back too but I only lost weight prior to being banded when they put me on the liquid diet for about a month. So technically I haven't lost weight on the band yet, well all but two pounds I haven't gained back yet! I was banded August 2008. brandyII.