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i'm not sure who the reply is aimed at, but my gym is planet fitness. They have a huge section of weight machines that are targeted at all of the major muscle groups. I do that entire section 3 times a week, alternating with an hour of cardio on the non-weight days. On the weight days, I do half an hour at least of cardio. I was doing twice daily cardio, but that did a number on every muscle in my body, so I've scaled back a little bit. In the beginning, I did 2 pound weights every other day: biceps curls, front arm raises, skull crushers, and triceps kick backs. I started with 10 reps per exercise and built up until I can do 80 reps of each one with a 5 pound weight. It's working.

3 weeks post op and 32.9 pounds down. Great App: weight drop. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

that is a good ? as I have had a slip in my diet, but i was never told to stick to 1120 calories, maybe it is a difference in weight....good luck!

You've done amazing. No, it shouldn't affect anything. I didn't have to do a "pre-op" diet. I was just required to try to lose some weight. But was not put on a liquid diet. The purpose of the diet is to shrink your liver. It shrinks no matter how you lose the weight, liquid diet or just dieting. If you are losing weight, you are doing what you need to. Obviously, following dr's rules is best. Congrats and good luck with your surgery

I have been banded for 6 years and have kept the majority of weight off BUT I need quick alternative to Sonic Cream Slush- one without the carbs-that is same consistency- icy, creamy and strawberry. I need to be able to take it to work and keep it cold so I can sip it.

I had my surgery on September 23 in Puerta Vallarta Mexico and haven't posted a real post-op summary yet. But A. I wanted to now and B. I love reading everyone's posts as they anticipate their surgery. I wish I could think of the magic words of comfort to let everyone know it will be okay.... to think of the words I would have liked to hear going in. I haven't thought of the words yet but these are my 5 week post-op thoughts... For all of us, who have been so resourceful as to recognize the possibility of weight loss surgery. And to educate ourselves enough to identify VSG as the most effective, and then on top of that to track down Mexico as they most affordable option when we don't have the support of an insurance company... I just think we all deserve a big pat on the back/round of applause for being so smart, and strong and resourceful. I can't imagine there is a way to go in to the surgery without some fear and anxiety. But, enough pioneers have gone before us now that we have to know-- any concern we can think of-- we are not the first to have it. One of my biggest ones was 'Am I crazy to do this?' (particularly the going to Mexico part) The answer is 'no'. When you balance the stories of success with the very difficult to find frustrations. Our judgement is sound. As long as you have been dilligent enough to ensure your surgeon has the experience and track record of success that we all require-- you have every reason to believe things will be okay. Some of the most universal post- Mexico thoughts I have found... 1. You will be surprised by how nice (though small) the hospital is 2. You will be impressed with how kind and understanding your surgeon is (mine brought me flowers the day after surgery)... this is BIG business for them and as long as they have the technical skills-- unlike US doctors, they are highly motivated to get you to go home and rave about the experience. 3. You will wish you knew more Spanish when interacting with the nurses after surgery (but we are all pretty much asking about the same 4 things... pain, sleep, bathroom, drinks... so they figure it out... you migh want to get a few key phrases related to those things memorized before you go) 4. You will remember you always have to be your own advocate but, they are thinking about the same things you are... getting you to and from the hospital, taking you to a pharmacy to get your post-op prescriptions filled (just wait till you see how cheap they are), getting you back to the airport in safe flying condition. 5. You will realize its actually pretty easy to get in touch with the surgeon direclty pre or post surgery as many of them seem to make themselves available via cell phone (can you imagine a US Surgeon giving you their direct cell number) 6. You will learn that to Doctors in Mexico have actually been doing VSG a lot longer and more frequently than the US surgeons and have many more surgeries under their belt) Unlike my understanding of the US experience though-- I do think you should be prepared to educate yourself on recomended post-surgery diet. Possibly enrolling yourself in a program or with a nutritionist that will help you manage your post-op nutrition (no Doctor check-ups), Having a doctor in mind to remove any stitches after surgery (I'm sure some use disolvable but I had stiches to remove 10 days after I got home)... (oh, and the Doctor I went to at home--- very young-- didn't recognize the type of stitch so she had to call a back-up Doctor to figure out how to remove--- a little worrisome but ultimately easily solved), and boards like this are that much more valuable because you will have questions about how you feel along the way as you heal (last week I had a resurgence of pain 3 weeks after surgery and was able to figure out that it was that acid reflux they warn you about... renewing my commitment to taking the prilosec they sent me home with has solved the problem) All in all in addition to feeling the thrill of 'the losers bench', I feel brave and proud to have done this... and right or wrong-- a little bit smarter than all the people that navigate their insurance and testing and doctor schedules for 6 months+ to get to their surgery date in the US. Oh, one more thing-- again-- good or bad...by doing the surgery in Mexico-- you will miss out on 90% of the pre-op tests they do in the US so, if you have reason to believe the stress test, psychological testing, nutrition analysis, pre-op diet, etc. are an important part of your pre-op plan (which they may well be)... you will not get that in Mexico. I had no pre-op diet, 1 blood draw- the day before surgery in Mexico, 1 shot to prevent blood clots- the day before surgery, and never got on a scale or anything else as part of the pre-op process (I kinda wish I had now so that I knew how much I had lost from day 1... I'm down 15 pounds starting with my weight 10 days after surgery). Anyway, take care of yourself, and good luck but, I don't think you'll need it.... they know what they're doing.

Today my wife weighed in at 199 lbs for the first time in about 25 years. This makes her weight loss at 85 lbs since her banding in Dec. 2008. Along with this is my weight loss of 75 lbs giving us both a second chance for a healthier & longer life. We both have a way to go but together we will do it.

I also had surgery on april 11, 2011 Shout out to my surgery sister, katmagmom!!! 4 month is today I am currently hovering at 216 and my surgery weight was 265. So you are doing better than me Since surgery I have lost 49 lbs. My total loss for the year is over 72 lbs...I was in denial and didn't really acknowledge my weight. I use the start weight of 288. Maybe if I hypnotize myself I would be able to recall that horrific number that I seem to have blocked from my memory

I had surgery on April 11th at 244lbs. I just reached onederland about a week and a half ago. I am also a slow loser. Today is my 4 months anniversary of surgery and I have lost 51 lbs since then. The rest of my weight loss is pre op as well. Looks to me like you are right on par with me! Maybe we are normal after all?? lol Congrats on the weight you have loss thus far and good luck in continuing to lose!!!!

Hey everyone.....next week I start my 3 month supervised diet.....so excited to find all of you on here.....Little scare though because my BMI fell below 35 in 2013. I do have sleep apnea and high blood pressure. My psych appt is next month. I hope the time go by very fast. Just ready to get this weight off .

Ok I'm new here. I have been over weight all my life. I have been looking in to wls for 4 years and know quite a bit about it as far as how its done what you can eat after results typical etc. What I don't know is the process.. I have talked to my doctor. Went to the seminar and I am now waiting on the nutritionist from dr.bass's ft myers fl office for an appt. I have medicaid and under stand this will be a long process does anyone know the time frames?

Hi all, I went to my seminar, and sounds like I'm a good candidate for surgery. I'm meeting for the actual consult in a few weeks to discuss a specific plan. On the literature that was given at the seminar, it states that every pre-op patient goes through a "weight loss challenge." Anyone care to share what % of weight they had to lose? I'm hoping it's actually realistic given that I wouldn't be pursuing this surgery if weight loss was easy for me.

It took me about five or six weeks to feel semi-normal in terms of my energy. The good news is that once the weight starts to come off you will have three times as much energy as you did before surgery. Take it easy and don't push yourself too much.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has had the gastric sleeve surgery in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne under Medicare? I had the sleeve surgery last year by Mr Frydenberg but had to use private health insurance. My friend has many health issues and I heard that you could get the surgery done under Medicare if your weight is life threatening. I would like to let her know she had this option if available. I have not looked back since having my surgery. Thanks

What a great weight loss. I always forget to ask you what you have lost on the band. That's phenomenal, but then you are the model bandster. You keep a journal and everything. I only hope to do half as good and I will be thrilled. You seem to have just kind of flowed through the process with no major problems and that's what I need to hear. Keep up the good work. (and Dawg amazes me what he is doing piggy-backing you. Kudo's to him too).

I got my band one week earlier than you. Most of my weight loss was the 2 weeks pre-op and the 2 weeks post-op. My doc said that the average is around 2 lbs per week once you are on solids!

I got my band February 11, 2010... I did pretty good my first year lost 60 lbs, then I got complacent and stopped trying... a year ago we moved to Washington and that's when I really stopped exercising.. rain was my excuse.. I gained back 10 lbs... In July I had emergency back surgery, and they unfilled my band completly .. I got a fill afterwards but swelled shut and got some taken out the next day... Finally, this month I got refilled under fleuro and am so tight again... the problem is, I'm so tight I'm unable to eat anything most days. coffee is difficult to get down I think because I put creamer in it (sugar free) Water goes down ok, but very slow. I know I'm tight but there is no common ground with these drs. At both my appointments they draw out all the Fluid, measure it, then add to it. If I get some fluid out I'll be too loose like last time. And then it's another $375 for another fill. They don't do it by cc's, they do it by xray... I just don't know what to do -Sara B. Banded 02/11/10

The important thing is that you're getting back on track. I'm not sure since I've never been a regular size but I suspect this is what people who don't have a weight problem do. They Celebrate, they look at the scale, say "oops I gained a bit there. Time to watch what I eat for a couple of days!" So don't be mad at yourself. You're acting like a thin person! That extra will come right off.

So I had my first fill yesterday and boy do I feel it. I am having trouble not getting stuck. I had 3 cc's, the doctor tried 4 but I couldn't handle that. I am hoping this help me get on my road to weight loss. I know I still have a waise to go before I find the "sweet spot". If anyone has advice on what to eat for a few days after the fill that would be great. I am trying to stay on soft/liquids for a few days. But also want to avoid the burping and getting stuck part if possible.

So I had my first fill yesterday and boy do I feel it. I am having trouble not getting stuck. I had 3 cc's, the doctor tried 4 but I couldn't handle that. I am hoping this help me get on my road to weight loss. I know I still have a waise to go before I find the "sweet spot". If anyone has advice on what to eat for a few days after the fill that would be great. I am trying to stay on soft/liquids for a few days. But also want to avoid the burping and getting stuck part if possible.

My port has started sticking out now that I have lost so much weight. I can feel the port very clearly. I would say that there is only 1/8-1/4 of an inch of fat/muscle covering it. I cannot lay on that side any more. It feels uncomfortable. Can they reposition it so it doesn't stick out? If so, is it difficult surgery? I am self-pay, but have insurance. Will they cover the repositioning?

Hi jewelj, I agree with what the others have said--stress is so tough on our bodies, especially as you are recovering from this major weight loss surgery . But you have taken a couragous step in reaching out to friends here on BariatricPal. Like others have suggested, please give us more detail about what you are eating in your typical day so we can help. But meanwhile, as you know, the MOST IMPORTANT is to be getting your Protein (60-80g or whatever is recommended by your surgeon) and your 64 oz of water/liquid every day. And I could not agree more that taking care of yourself FIRST is what you must do in order to be able to best care for your husband. I don't mean to make that sound "so easy" because I know it is not. You really haven't had a lot of time and opportunity yet since your surgery that it takes to do all these lifestyle eating habits changes with everything else that is on your plate. And all these adjustments take time. Be gentle with yourself and keep posting here and you'll get ideas to help you learn to cope better day by day. Take care.

I'm 14 weeks out and down almost 70#s from where I started. For me this has absolutely been the right decision for me. Life is better for me and I'm more content and comfortable in my own body. Having less of me, physically, is so much easier. Easier to move around, walk, turn over in bed, fit in chairs in public places, find clothing that's not super expensive, breathe etc. Mentally/emotionally life is better too. I feel more free to really be me, who I am at the core of me. We still eat we just eat less and make heathier choice which I find leads to more contentment and happiness because I'm being more thoughtful about what I choose to put into my body. Not just mindless eating of sub-quality, highly processed foods. I enjoy the conversation and company more at meals as I'm focused on that and not the food. I've a long way to go yet and for me the challenge has always been in the maintaining of weight loss but I feel I'm up to that task now. So short answer: YES I ENJOY LIFE MUCH MORE NOW! Good luck to you and God Bless you in this journey!

Hello, my name is Annie, but I love the Beatles so I named myself Abbey I am 25 years old and I had weight loss surgery on 8/23/2010. My highest weight was 330 lbs and by that point I became really scared of reaching the 400lbs. I have always been overweight but I usually remained just 50lbs above my ideal weight (which for my hight it should range from 140 to 150). I began dieting one year before my surgery in hopes that I could lose the weight on my own, and I did lose about 20lbs. After a year of not being able to lose more I decided to have the vsg. My starting weight was 311lbs, on the day of my surgery I was 295 and currently I am 224. I used to be a size 28 and I am now size 18. I am currently at a stall and for the last three weeks I have not lost a pound. I am a big meat eater so my diet consists mostly of chicken or beef, I try to stick to the no carb diet. Usually I was eating three meals a day, but at the start of this month I began to snack still sticking to the no carbs. I believe that my snaking is the reason for me not losing this month. I exercise for about 2 hrs two or three days a week, I do cardio for 45 mins and the rest is weight lifting. I had my surgery in Laredo, TX at a hospital name LMC and it ran for about 8,500. I hope this is enough information but if you have any questiosn go ahead and ask I'd love to help. I also hope to have some of my questions answered I think it is an awsome idea that we have a forum to share info

I've lost 50 pounds in a little over 5 months myself. I know that if I compare that to other people, it seems low. But I was told that I'd be considered a slower loser comparatively because I had a lower BMI, so I tried my best to prepare myself for that. I don't get too focused on the numbers because I'm following my team's plan and I know the weight will continue to come off even though I'll still have stalls. The amount of pounds I've lost in this short amount of time is the most that I've ever lost and I'm so proud of myself! I'm also over 50% of the way to my goal and that's what's most important to me! So, as long as you're doing what you're supposed to do (sticking to your plan) then you'll be fine. Stalls are inevitable, but so is the fact that they pass. Sent from my SM-N920P using BariatricPal mobile app