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OA is overeaters anonymous. I don't go to meetings but some of the principles in a 12 step program are so very helpful. I did a ton of soul searching preop. I basically got down to the deep and dirty of just how, a seemingly intelligent person can get to 325+ pounds. Obesity and chemical dependency are rampant in my family. I really had to examine the why's. I highly encourage a 6 month preop phase for this alone. I was suppose to only do a 3 month one but had a scheduling snafu that moved it out 6 months. That was a blessing in disguise. I was very impatient too. My preop diet was basically the same as post op except I are about 1600 Cals a day. I also went on BP meds with a diuretic at the same time. That probably helped with the preop weight loss. I was in rough shape preop. Just miserable. 28 pounds felt good but not as awesome as 103. Any weight loss before is beneficial. I didn't do perfect though. I had plenty of good funerals throughout, which in hindsight were unnecessary. I can eat almost anything. But cravings are seriously diminished now. I'm one of the lucky ones who have far less physical hunger post op. I still get hungry but sooooo much easier to handle. I no longer feel panicked when hungry. I am perimenapaisal do that is some of the hormone issues. Most women our age have some issues with hormones due to estrogen storage in fat cells. Not all of my issues are weight loss related and I'm sure it's very individual on the changes that occur. Ask away! Personal message me with questions. Very glad to help. I could never have gotten through without this site!

thank u both for responding,firstly for sharing ur story & inspiration & secondly for ur experience & wisdom.i have read so much on this forum & others trying to get a realistic grasp on how everday life would be ,before,during,& after surgery.i have even more of a respect for all the work & dedication it takes & everything people are going thru at every stage.i definitely would be doing this for myself for sure.i have fine hair already & now that im getting older along w/ thyroid problem i am losing more & dealing with dryness.i am so scared of losing even more after surgery, especially w/ the wedding in nov. i know i can buy clip in hair or a wig if it comes to that & it is not gonna keep me from having the surgery if i decide to. the lose skin is also a concern as i dont want to do surgery after surgery trying to fix this later on,not to mention the cost.i am also worried about trying to get all the liquids,proteins,& vitamins in while working as i am a hairdresser & sometimes don’t have time to take a potty break or eat anything & if so am shoveling it in so fast.

Wow, I love love love your story! What is an OA? Our struggles are similar, it took the death of my mom just before my 45th b-day (due to complications caused by obesity) and realizing I was following right in her footsteps, to get me serious about making a change. I realized I am 45, not 85, time to start living on the right path! I couldn't bear the thought of forcing my husband into caring for me the way hers had for her fir so long and so young! I will say that the lack of accountability is too much for me. I've had 6 months of managed nutrition and did very well, but have a 2 month lag from my last weigh in with the NUT and surgery. The fear of not being to eat certain things for months if not forever, have me wanting them all the more, add to that I thought surgery would be less than 30 days away so waited until the last minute to quit smoking! Argh! I really need to get back on track. Weighing every day: I can see the pros and cons. I haven't bothered at home because I was weighing in monthly w/ NUT and didn't want to stress myself out w/ ounces at a time, and am afraid to right now! It felt good to see pounds shredded at one time. But post surgery for me also, if I see a gain, I'll know right away to make a change. I do worry about the stalls, they are the reason no diet in the past has worked for me, I give up when I don't see progress or movement. Aaahhh... pizza is mine as well, I have not yet been able to surrender it just yet. It's the one thing I allow myself right now, and have my sights on it all week while I graze on healthy food. It's almost like a reward for me. Tracking carbs and calories sounds like a great tool, I have only been tracking Protein, sugar and fat at this point. Bread is like crack! I can do well without it, but once I taste it? It's all downhill from there! I love your statement about 300 lb brains being unable to understand portions! I've said similar things recently. There is a reason I'm fat (and don't have a problem saying that!) I had to learn why I am and how I got that way, to understand how not to return to it. No 'diet plan' has ever taught me that! A fat brain doesn't understand why it is, only how to sustain the body it sits on. And that I got the way by not paying attention. When I get busy talking while eating I pay less attention. I tried really hard to get out of the required 6 months with the NUT, really because I'm just impatient. But it truly was the best thing I've done, ever! I feel ya on the activity also! My body is screaming back at me! My knees gave in to my brain for a little while and they have finally decided they are not having this anymore! But I started doing exactly as you did. I USED to drive around until a spot close to the door at the grocery store became available, now I choose a spot at the far end and in a different aisle than the cart return is. It forces me to walk to the car and back to the store again. And after a little weight loss already I'm finding it a LOT easier! I'm no longer deciding if I want to go some place based on how far of a walk I'd have to give. I may just try the Water aerobics, I hadn't because, well, I just thought, 'I'm not going anywhere in my bathing suit where there are other people'! My surgery is Nov 3, and it will be too cold then to get outside. Fortunately I love Christmas shopping! But don't that will be enough. How great for you to be able to participate in activities with your kids now!! I was considering a Fit Bit or the like. But don't know anything about any of them. What made you decide on that one? So... I had not heard that I should expect a change 'hormonally' at all! 5 months!?!? I still have some crazy dream that a bikini is in my future before I'm 50! And in the back of my brain I know that's not going to happen, but for awhile I'll let the front drive me for awhile and worry about that disappointment later when I'm wearing a size 10 and no longer dealing with the co-morbidities! I wish you luck with the legs, is that something that can be resolved with PS? Please feel free to share away! There are so many stories online but none similar to mine, it's been hard to find a story I can relate to. I love the before and after pictures and am so happy for those with great success, but really no one has talked about what it took to get there, what worked and what didn't, so thank you for that. I was impressed by your loss in a short period if time, and thought you would have some incredible insights. I really want to know what the higher rates are that cause the average to be 60% of excess weight loss, what did those people at the higher end of that spectrum do differently than those at the lower end? I don't plan on sitting still while my body does all of the work, I need to ensure I don't return to this lifestyle. Thank you again!!

Hi Michelle, I had the same diagnosis as you. I think they called it (and I'm going to butcher the spelling here) chondromalasia. I think that word just means generalized knee pain. But the orthopedic surgeon sent me to physical therapy first. The physical therapist showed me how my knee cap was not tracking in the right groove any more. It VERY common in women because of the angle at which the thigh bone meets the knee. Anyway, she expalined that basically, there is the quadricept (one of the biggest, toughest, strongest muscles in the body) pulling on the outside edge of your kneecap. While the only thing counter balancing it, to keep the knee cap in line, is this teeny tiny skinny little muscle called the VMO pulling on the inner edge. I went to physical therapy three times per week for six or eight weeks and they (and I) worked on strengthening my VMO. At the end of the sessions, it was like magic. Pain GONE. And I mean COMPLETELY!!! See if you can look into some physical therapy before you opt for surgery. I don't know why the weight loss would make it worse, but it can't hurt to ask. Good luck. LizzyD

I had my first appointment with Dr. Selim in Lake Charles and he is sending me to New Iberia too do all my appointments. I’m confused .. I am on Medicaid and thought I would do everything local . So does anyone know of doctors in New Iberia ?? And does that mean I’m now a patient on the road to weight loss surgery??

My hair is my pride and joy so I too was horrified to watch it come out by the fistful. A year post op and I get more complimwnts then ever so remember it is temporary. I feel your sadness though, I really do.

I have always had thin hair (but a lot of it). I started losing my hair at 2 months out and it got really bad ...through this ordeal I discovered clip on extensions and I absolutely love them. Now that my hair has grown out in length (not in fullness) I still wear them, I even got longer 18 inch ones for Christmas. They are so FUN! It's soooo worth it!!!!

I had surgery 9/7 and am in the same boat. It's horrifying. I cry when I brush my hair. I'm getting all my protein, I'm taking biotin, I don't know what to do. I've never seen so much hair come off someone in my life. I did cut my hair to my shoulders, about 7 inches off..... Still noticeable. I have to wear my hair up 24/7. I'm so upset. But I'm thrilled to be 80 lbs lighter. And to be honest I've never seen a WLS patient go bald, so I think although its sad, there are ways to make it look okay. Best wishes, I know for me it's easier to stay positive, but I do have my moments! Good luck! Chin up! Sent from my iPad using VST

I have been worried about the same thing, as my hair has also always been thick and pretty and frequently complimented. But I decided this: I know it's coming so I'm donating the majority to Locks of Love before it gets too bad. Then once it gets thin, I'm going to rock wigs in every color of the rainbow, and learn how to tie beautiful scarves over my hair until it decides to grow back. Beauty is mostly attitude. Pretend you feel gorgeous, and eventually you'll start to feel gorgeous. When you get a compliment on ANYTHING, act arrogant (in a humorous way) and say, "Thanks, I am pretty awesome, aren't I?" Hang in there sweets. You are still you, no matter what the outer shell looks like.

While I've had several NSVs, nothing was more meaningful than this one. I started at a dance studio last year 2 months before I had surgery, and returned a few months post surgery. Last month I participated in the filming of a promo video for the studio. It can be found on YouTube by searching ShakeItLatinStyle PreRoll. The studio is in Mill Creek WA. I've attached the link, I'm not shown much but I'm wearing a purple tank top - short hair in the back corner. The very idea that I am actually LIVING life instead of watching from the sidelines is great accomplishment!

Hi my name is Jason. My journey has been a long one. I have struggled with my weight most of my life. I am tall, 6'5", so the weight seemed to slowly distribute itself all over. I have had high blood pressure since I was 15 and in the past 2 years was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. I guess I was also a bit depressed at times, that I had let my life get this far out of control. Difficulty finding clothes, breaking chairs. Before I knew it, I had hit an all time high (or low, depending on how you look at it). My weight reached 412 lbs this past February. That was when I had decided I had had enough. Things needed to change. My father had passed a year before of heart attack and with the all of the problems I was developing, I needed to. Not just for myself, but for my family (beautiful wife and two adorable daughters). I have a couple of relatives who did the gastric bypass surgery and had good results so I looked into it. Going in to the decision, I was going to try to do the lap-band. The RNY seemed too drastic and to me didn't look like the thing for me to do. Not saying that it doesn't work for some people, just needed to find out more. I connected with the Memorial Weight Loss and Wellness Center in Springfield, IL. They are a multi-level support group based program. They have many different physicians, dietitians, psychiatrists, and physical therapists working together to ensure that you are well educated and are able to be successful in your journey. They showed me the different surgeries available to me, and got me pointed toward the gastric sleeve bypass. After about 4 months of preparing my mind for the lifestyle changes and my body for the eating changes, I was ready for surgery. On July 21, I was reborn. Surgery was a success. Recovery room experience was rough, but only because I had a bad pain med pump. Once they got that worked out, everything smoothed out. I was up and walking the same day as my surgery and checked out of the hospital in 3 days. It has now been 4 months since my surgery. It has been quite the journey. My sleeve is holding out. It is taking food and drink well. Not usually very well together. I am down to 307 lbs.. I am off of my blood pressure medicines and my cpap machine. I have more energy than I know what to do with. I feel great and I am beginning to look at myself in a more positive way. My body is starting to look more like a healthy persons. Anyway, that is my journey so far.

(Permission for this post has been sought and approved by Alex Brecher - the Bariatric Pal founder) http://goo.gl/forms/tzfhG1CzRk Have you had bariatric surgery more than six months ago, and within the last ten years? Research for a Master’s degree at the University of Nottingham would appreciate your help! I am carrying out a research project into barriers to weight loss upon completion of bariatric surgery. There is often little-to-no aftercare provided for bariatric surgery patients, and many people can find it difficult to adjust to their new strict diet and exercise regime without any external help, resulting in a lot of variability in patient outcomes. By taking part in this short questionnaire, you will be contributing to an important field of research that can ultimately help bariatric surgery patients achieve their full potential in their weight loss journey. Above and below is a link to an online survey, where we would like you to provide us with information about your experiences after your surgery. Please click the link and follow the instructions on screen. Please share as much information as you are comfortable with. This study has full ethical clearance from the University of Nottingham, and please be assured that all of the information you provide will be completely anonymised. Thank you for your help. Katie Sutherland Postgraduate Student in MSc Health Psychology, the University of Nottingham. http://goo.gl/forms/tzfhG1CzRk << Click here!

I think complex carbs are fine, but with our limited portions, I want to focus on protein first just to make sure I get enough to keep my hair from falling out! And I agree with fresh foods! I've even tried some of the shortcut TV dinner style foods, and they are gross! As long as I'm making healthy changes in my life, I'm going to stick with whole foods/raw foods!

I am 1month out of VGS surgery today. I am following what I need to be following and haven't lost a pound in about a week and 1/2. My scale seem has become my worst enemy. Each time I step on it I want to throw it out the window. I am happy that there was weight loss in the 1st 2 1/2 weeks but now . Any suggestions plzzzzzz. Sent from my LG-H631 using the BariatricPal App

Hi Madam, Welcome to the board! This is such a great site isn't it? I have not been banded yet, but am in the process. Madam, if this is what you want, go for it. The process takes a while from your first visit with the Weight Loss Ctr., so you absolutely will not be rushed into anything. From what I have read on the board and from my experience with my Weight Management Clinic they make sure you are really, really informed. They will no push you, that is your decision to make. I initially went to my first meeting last August and it actually seems like yesterday. I let about 5 months go by, holidays, etc. Now I wish I had taken the step sooner. Good luck with your decision! This site actually really, really helped me decide this was the right decision for me and I can't wait to get this "lap dance" going!

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes, its nice to learn we are simliar in alot of ways. Tracy i was a little worried when you mentioned the evidence of my past weight loss attempts. I did find an old WW weigh in card from 2002 but it only shows 2 months worth of weigh ins. I through alot of that stuff away because it reminded me of my failed attempts. I was going to the Y that same year, I wonder how long they keep contracts on file for. Atkins I did on my own so I dont have proof of that. I belong to a gym now but my husband and I only just signed up in January.

Wow that is a long journey, I thought at first it would take atleast 5 months to get anywhere so atleast Im not that far off. After years of being overweight whats 6-8 months more ya know? Im curious if my surgeon will require a 10% loss since its something I hear often. Not sure how that will play out because I am borederline BMI qualified. I cant lose more than 19lbs or I will be under 40bmi but if he wants a 10% loss that 28 lbs.

I fought with BCBS of TX for what seemed like forever. They along with DH's employer's required a 12 month supervised weight loss program with bi monthly meetings with a nutritionist. Well I live in a very rural area of New Mexico, and we have no licensed nutritionists in network. So after wrangling over that for 2 months, they agreed to let me use my PCP for nutritional consult. So I did, he mind you continued to charge me a co-pay every 2 weeks for this...so I went, I began all my other testing. It all had to be done within the same time frame. I also gathered in all my medical records so I had everything in place to show a problem with obesity for minimally 5 years. I did my sleep study. I did my psych consult. I was on my way home from a check in with my PCP---down 43pounds---and was slammed into by another car. It wedged my left knee between the dash, and the door. I ended up having to have surgery on it. So between surgery, and rehab, I missed a 2 week check up....I WAS seeing a Dr....just not THE Dr. I happened to be in the hospital recovering from the surgery---but it STOPPED everything in its place. IF I wanted BCBS of TX to pay, I had to start my 12 months over, as it HAS to be CONSECUTIVE! I called, my Dr. called...always the same...start over. 10 1/2 months wasted. My insurance will only pay for the sleep study once every 2 years....it was all wasted. I would need a new psych study, new blood work up, everything! I had really been working the extra appointments, because I only had 6 weeks left....and because of a ditzy woman on a cell phone, she was trying to find a # so she could report a suspicious driver---he was weaving---and she didn't see us stopping, so she swerved almost around me, but because of the phone in her hand she said it caused the steering wheel to jerk around and nailed me down the entire side of my car, and pushed me into the car on my right. I was then looking at another year....talk about depressed. the weight started coming back on with a vengeance. Between the depression, and the lack of mobility with my knee. I appealled, and was denied. I started with my appointments again, found out insurance would not cover the visits again for the same purpose. Frustrating does not begin to cover it! In the end----I received a settlement from the accident, and I took my money and RAN all the way to Mexico. My year anniversary from the last denial was last week. If I had continued to fight with them, I would still not be done jumping through their hoops---and that is only if nothing happened. As it was my DH had open heart surgery, then a massive GI bleed and was in ICU. If that had caused me to miss and appointment---it would have been screwed up again. Instead I am down close to 90 pounds now...and getting close to goal. I take no prescription meds...my blood pressure is normal, my blood sugar is normal, and I have energy to spare. I'm just thankful I am no longer in the boat with you guys using all my energy attempting to satisfy the stinking insurance company. Whatever you do DOCUMENT every little bitty tiny thing said to you, by who...what time....EVERYTHING!!!! I was never told the word "consecutive"---or I would have crawled out of my hospital bed....sorry it makes me angry all over again!!! I know you guys are just like I was, you work so your premiums are paid in good faith, you do all the stupid things they make you do, and they end up saving money---obesity is NOT cheap! But they do everything in their power to not pay. Part of me wished I had hired an attorney and forced the issue---the other part is just happy it is all behind me, and prefer to look to the brighter future! There are some excellent letters people have written and are willing to share if you should get denied. Stay on them---you deserve this! Kat

Hi New Friends, I’m 5 days post-op and here’s my story… At my heaviest I weighed 265 and I’m 5’2. I’ve dieted my whole life and only twice Iwas successful enough to lose 50 lbs. The last time was in 2005, on Weight Watchers. I was down 50 and feeling great then in 2006 mysister, who was my best friend, died suddenly, our house sold, I got a new job,and bam it came back really fast. I wasso disgusted with myself and majorly depressed. One night I got on the computer and read about Lap-band surgery. Icontacted a surgeon and had the procedure in 2008. I lost 50 lbs. but hated itthe whole way. Lots of pain while eating and at the location of the port. It was never adjusted quite right, too tightor too loose. I also never lost more than50 lbs. after 3 years…So during my last annual visit with my surgeon in Januarywe talked about it and he asked if I had heard of VSG. Now, I had to pay $7,000 out of pocket forthe lap-band, but he said insurance companies are paying for VSG, and thiswould be a lap-band reversal as well, and he was right. I already know I’m going to be happier. I’m pretty sore, especially where the portwas removed, but I already feel better. I’m happy I found this forum and I plan to stick with you guys all alongthe way. Thanks! Fast Weight loss Online at the Weight Loss Center

I used to suffer from sinus and upper respiratory problems *constantly*, as did my youngest son. Then, about 15 years ago, I discovered that eucalyptus essential oil kills airborn bacteria. So I bought one of those little potpourri crocks...looks like a crockpot but only holds about 1 cup of Water. I put half a cup of water in it and about 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and the water warms up just enough to give off the aroma but not enough to burn off the oil quickly. I also put some straight oil into a mister bottle (you can get them in the hair care aisle at the supermarket) and when I change the bedsheets, I mist the mattress pad and the pillows. I do this in the morning so by night it just smells fresh. The purpose is to kill dust mites (yep it does that too) but the bonus is that the smell will go through the whole house and kill airborne bacteria. I'll put about 1 Tbs in the rinse water when I wash the sheets to do the same thing (kill dust mites). I can't remember the last time anyone in our home had a sinus or respiratory problem. Oh, and my son and I are both asthmatics and don't have a problem with the aroma from the oil. Since you already have a sinus infection, you might try putting a few drops of the oil in a bowl of warm water (warm enough to give off steam (but don't boil the water!), put a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe in the vapors through your nose...assuming you can. Most places charge an arm and a leg for this stuff, but you can get a 16 oz bottle at Rainbowmeadow.com for about $14. Last time I priced this at a health food store, they wanted $8 for a little 1/2 oz bottle.

Ok, this is more of a vent because I'm sure some people on here can relate or sympathize since my husband doesn't really understand. My husband noticed that I've been a bit depressed lately so he said he would watch the kids and gave me his credit card to go clothes shopping since I've been living in the same 4 outfits for almost a year. Any other woman would be ecstatic, but I on the other hand, HATE shopping for myself. I stood in the dressing room with my size 24 capris and 3x tops wondering how the hell I ever let myself get this heavy (tipping the scales at 290 and im only 5'3"!) I cried the whole way home and gave the hubs a horrible attitude as I walked in the door. Now I'm sulking in the living room while he eats dinner with the kids. He says my weight doesn't bother him, but how can it not? He's so handsome, has a great body and could probably land himself something a hell of a lot better looking then me. I know I know, he's a great guy and loves me for me. But what he doesn't like is that I've simply stopped caring. I'm a stay at home mom. A FAT stay at home mom. I rarely get out of my pjs never mind do my hair or makeup. I need this surgery so badly. 3 more months! I just have to make it through 3 more months. I have an apple body, so it's all in my stomach/arms/face. How do you ladies (or gentlemen) make yourselves feel better? What can I do to help to "care" about myself until I get my surgery and lose this weight? Any specific clothing types that flatter plus size women? I bought some jewelry and makeup and I'm going to try to put the effort in for my husband. And to think when we met, I was the hot college cheerleader!! Ugh, thanks for listening to my extremely depressing rant!

With both of my pregnancies now (currently almost 10 weeks pregnant) I was only able to keep my 'green zone' fill level in until last week. My body swells when I am pregnant and I get so tight I cannot keep food down. I had half of my Fluid taken out last pregnancy and gained 60 lbs! This time around, I only got 1.5 cc taken out so I can try to maintain some of the weight loss and not gain an excessive amount. I'm using My Fitness Pal again as well to try to keep myself in check. I know there are people who can go through all or most of their pregnancy without getting an unfill and some get it all taken out right away. It really just depends on your surgeon and your body! I wanted to wait longer to get an unfill, but I just couldn't do it!

I know how much myself and everyone else love comarison pictures. I hit 50 pound loss a couple days ago (HW 230 CW 180) so I thought I would take update pics. Also have bare belly and arm pics for those that are curious about loose skin along our journeys. So far with just 50 my skin is good, arms are flabby but still alot of fat hangin in there and I've always had very large arms, also skin on abd is good so far, I can tell a little more give in skin on upper abd but I'm hoping over more time that it will keep tightening and I can avoid the plastics in the future. 30 pounds til goal now Hope these help those that are very newbies and those considering surgery

Hi everyone, I'm Kathryn and I'm new around here so please forgive me if I'm not too familiar with how things go around here....so let me start at the beginning, I guess... I've always been fat...even as a child. I weighed 8lbs when I was born and apparently that was unprecedented in the Philippines. And as I grew...oh did I grow...and it just did not stop. It took me a very long time to accept myself the way I am. At one point I was able to lose about 29lbs after my divorce by watching what I ate...not even exercising. But then a great big stress happened. My youngest brother was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2013. He recently passed away in July 2016. I was his caretaker. After he was diagnosed, I just let go of the healthy habits I had like watching what I ate and I was just not eating healthy. Of course this brought sadness to our family and at the same time the weight came back and more. Right around his funeral I just noticed I have not been able to do more physical things like getting on a treadmill, walking for long distances, kneeling on a church pew--something as simple as that. Thereafter I went to my doctor who referred me to an orthopedist. He told me my right knee needs replacement and that was the only thing that would improve my knee. Meanwhile I was only 39 years old. I did some physical therapy which made it better for a bit. I then realized that maybe it would help if I get weight loss surgery. Around the same time, a friend was also in the process of getting hers done. A doctor friend advised me to do it and said she would support me and even offered to medically clear me for surgery. So here I am...since May 2017, I have been going back and forth with appointments with specialists and with dietician visits at Harlem Hospital. My appointment date with the surgeon is on November 9th. I believe thereafter, they will decide a surgery date or what have you. I guess I'll wait and see. In the meantime, thank you for the platform and support. I will be perusing the forums with things that may interest me. Best of luck to all of us. And thank you for the opportunity.

IMO, too much of a fill is worse than not enough restriction. It's unhealthy and your weight loss slows, because your body is holding onto every thing you put in, because it's so little. I put up with being too tight for a month and finally went back and he a bit taken out, OMG, what a relief that was and is. That was over a month ago, and I have no desire for a fill any time soon. I have the small band too, 4cc. Don't try to be a hero if it's too tight, get a little taken out so you can eat properly.