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So this is my first time posting. Im 5'10 and my surgery was 8/26/13. My weight at surgery was 376 As of today im down 48lbs! Other ppl say they see it, I really cant. However my face is significantly smaller. Its soooo hard. Not the not eating part, but the way I feel. At times I wonder if this was the right thing to do. The numbers make me snap out of it lol. But my energy is sooo low its terrible. Im having problems with protein. The shakes make me gag... but hey it'll get better n i cant be mad at 48lbs in 26 days!

Well, I did it!!! I finished my first triathlon in 2:15:09. I was super slow on the bike and run but I didn't come in last!!! I loved the ocean swim and I was 20/57 in my wave!!! I'm already signed up for another one in September and hope that I can drop a little more weight by then. My weight loss has slowed to about 4-5 pounds a month so it probably won't be until next year when I'm able to really improve my times considering I won't be carrying the extra weight. I have a question for those of you that have done/are doing triathlons: my back aches on the bike and run after some distance and I'm wondering if that is weight related or just core weakness???

I liked that there isn't malabsorption, that our digestive tract stays "natural", and that it is "easy" to live with (not something that either bypass or band can say). IMO, the incremental improvement of weight loss that bypass affords over sleeve does not compensate for the additional risks and complications.

Yes, I'm more of a grazer by nature. I like a meal at night, but I dont really want Breakfast and I dont really want lunch, I just want bits and pieces all day long. It doesnt work for me, I MUST override this natural urge. If I get my 3 squares in, I'm much much much better, and I lose weight. Snacking is something I try to avoid. My biggest problem though is not eating lunch and wanting to snack - its making myself eat lunch in the first place! I just tend to think "later" and dont do it and end up eating all afternoon. I dont think I'll ever override this but I can control it most of the time and my band has worked well and I'm almost at goal weight. I dont look at my band as a solution, I see my eating habits as something I am going to have to control for the rest of my life, not something that will ever be "fixed". Its tiresome but I've accepted that its just the way it is. I dont demand perfection of myself, good enough most of the time works just fine.

wrennbird, Would you believe that horses had something to do with me making the decision to get banded? My mother, sister and I were on vacation and thought it would be fun to go horseback riding. My sister used to own a horse and I hung out at the stables bumming rides from other horse owners. Anyway, we found a stable and a large sign at the entrance read, "weight limit 250 lbs. No one over this weight allowed to ride." Well, I wasn't 250 yet but I was darn close. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I have gotten so fat that even a horse would not be able to hold me. This was just one more thing that I could no longer do because of my weight. I am being banded 2/15 and when this weight comes off, I'm getting back in the saddle. Good luck on your journey. Sharon

:help:Can someone please help me put a weight ticker on my page oooH!! I have tried an it comes out messed up every time please help me!!!! :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help:

Wow, I'm almost 3 months in and still no fill. Since I am losing and still staying satisfied on small portions my surgeon is not suggesting a fill at this time, my next appointment is in 6 weeks and we'll just go from there. I feel great and I am 5 lbs from getting out of the 3's. I decided to put my scale up for a couple weeks because I want to be in the 2's next time I weigh.... this is a really big deal for me!! I have many non scale victories and they are equally as important, one that really makes me happy is that I am seeing body parts that I haven't seen in years... and you know what I'm talking about :thumbup: Also I am wogging, what is wogging you say, well it's in between a walk and a jog and I am wogging a mile without stopping and it feels great. I'm also very excited that my husband has been on the plan with me, minus the band. He also has a weight issue and even though we are tackling this in different ways we are doing it together and that is all that matters.

We had almost the same conversation almost 3 years ago now, only DH wanted the surgery and I was worried about un-insured complications. It worried me a LOT. But then our doctor told us that if DH didn't lose weight, he wouldn't be here in 10 years. Scary when you are 41. So, in a way it was much less a gamble for him. For me, my health wasn't that bad. My surgeon said my health history was boring! But I couldn't do the things I wanted. And since I'd tried everthing more then once, I knew I wasn't going to do it without surgery. It does sound like you and your DH are able to talk things through, and be honest with each other, that's a very good thing.

Hello! I would like to start this thread by assuring all readers that I love my band. I have been banded for 3 months now. Even if I never lost another pound, I understand things about food and eating that I never did before. For instance, what full feels like. Or, the joys of bringing home leftovers from a restaurant. Or, not feeling like I have to order the largest plate on the menu and eat multiple large helpings in order to feel satisfied. Actually, eating is now more enjoyable because I can savor it, rather than shovel it. With that being said, I have to admit that I'm quite an impatient person. I understand that I have an underlying desire for all things to happen immediately as I want them. In regards to the band, weight loss is feeling slow. So far, I've lost 25 pounds since day of surgery. I suppose in three months, I expected to be losing more. It would be my goal to lose 100 pounds by my first 'bandiversary'. Are there any veterans who can speak to what feels like a slow start? Do the first few months have a tendency to feel like a shit show? I know this sounds ridiculous, but how important is exercise in motivating results? I know people have lost plenty of weight without it, but is that really an effective approach? Can anyone speak to how they felt after their first 3 months or so. This is an interesting time in the life of a bander. It almost feels like being a toddler. I can say that my experience has been fantastic. Never have I experienced sickness, pain, or any other undesirable moments. I'm interested to know when veterans starting "seeing" results. And please, (kindly) feel free to tell me I'm being a little whiny, impatient banded toddler. It's confusing because who really knows what normal is? It is an entirely subjective situation. It's like going to the doctor and being asked if you have a "normal period." How the hell am I supposed to know if it's normal, I've had no other experience but my own! Thanks all!!!

as long as one is losing (fast for us larger folks usually at the beginning) and slower in some cases for others for various reasons, it should be seen as a happy thing..its not a contest or a race, it is a lifetime/healthy way of living and dont compare..... inches lost are actual/true weight loss even if the scales stop moving or slowly move... no such thing as stalls in my eyes...it will catch up eventually sounds like you are doing great no encouragement needed to be giving to you your weight loss so far and your better health is encouragement enough. well done

Hello Everyone, I have been reading through this forum for 2 hours....and I have some questions about the lab band. I am currently 85 pounds overweight, and my BMI is at 37%. I am going to the seminar tonight to start the process to see if I qualify. I have PCOS and that is why I gained this weight. I have never had a weight problem growing up, just in the last 6 years this weight has slowly crept on. I have always been athletic and I know once I lose the weight I will be able to keep it off, but because of my hormone imbalance its almost impossible for me to lose the weight. I am wondering if anyone here has had this done who was in a similar position as me? I am also concerned that I may not be overweight enough for the surgery and I know this is my last option. I need some advise as to what this procedure entails and what happens if you have it removed after you've lost your weight. I would appreciate any feedback, good or bad! Thanks Shauna

@@MarissaSalvador some/many newbies are afraid they are not losing enough weight immediately after surgery some people like you, might be afraid they are losing too much weight there is no correct/normal answer we are all different and losing different amount of weights in different time periods never, never, ever compare yourself to others people have been shot for less!! you are not losing too much or too fast you are doing fine REALLY keep up the good work kathy

I'm 3 months out from gastric bypass so my experience might be a little different. I would say you're probably freaking yourself out more than you need to be. At this point my life feels relatively normal I just don't eat and drink as much as everyone else. If I'm really thirsty or dehydrated I can still drink a cup of Water fairly fast. Sometimes I can only get down a little bit, sometimes I can get down a lot. I feel full like I did before, but sometimes it a heavier fullness and I feel full much quicker. For the most part, I've been able to eat whatever I want, I just have to watch how much I eat. My pouch doesn't like bread and grease, but those are things I don't need so I avoid them for the most part anyway. The key is moderation. Once the weight starts coming off and you're all healed, you'll be so glad you did it. It's easier once you know what your body can handle and once you're all healed and can tell when you're hungry and when you're full.

I suggest light weight/high rep weight lifting.....and as much cardio as you can stand before you feel light headed.....(dont pass out though)..... I also workout early in the morning on an empty stomach....I see great benefit in that.....

I'm only almost half way thru in my weight loss journey. People are noticing and clothes are fitting better BUT my tummy is in the way. I can't wear anything besides frumpy if I want to cover it. I know when I'm done losing I will need a tummy tuck but do any of you know of any treatments at any of these med spas that actually work? I've seen body wraps and lipo injections etc.

Congrats on your date! It is my understanding that the pre-op diet is more to shrink your liver before surgery than for you to lose any weight. Often times the two go hand-in-hand. It's generally a high Protein, low carb (under 30 g) diet -- like Atkins -- that they put you on. I found it quite easy to follow and although I didn't lose all that much weight, apparently my liver was in wonderful condition! Hope that helps!

Hello! I'm new to the site. I've got my band on Dec. 29th. I'm still in minor pain and wonder if its normal. I've had 2 C-sections and my gall bladder removed just a couple months before getting banded. Since my surgery I've only losed 11 lbs, is that normal? Or should I've been able to lose more than that? I've just started to do my walking but I feel like I may be able over doing it since I feel like I should of lost more weight by now.

My port is located about 1 inch below my larget of 5 incisions. which is slightly to the left of my upper abdomen. Just feel around. It will feel hard. As we lose weight, it will be easier to find as it's under the fat and attached to the muscle.

I was put on a 4 week pre op diet, and the first 2 weeks went by not to hard at all, but the second two weeks oh man they were awful, i got just so bored having to eat basically the same thing over and over again, I hate eating the same thing like that, and then also the list of foods i was allowed...i didn't really like most of the veggies so it was really hard.. My surgery is on tuesday, and i've lost more then the required weight that they wanted me to loose so hopefully my cheating i did (was on the weekends when i was out and about mostly, and one of the days having to waitt 7 hours at the airport cause my mom's flight got delayed....ugggg cheating with gross vending machine sandwhichs just sucked but me and my husband were so hungry) doesn't hurt to much since i still lost the weight....but I know i should have been good, i just wish i had only had to do the 2 weeks that would have been so much easier cause it went by so quickly and i did so well those first two weeks.... They put me on the slim fast diet for the 4 weeks, had to do 4 instead of 2 because of how high my bmi is....unfortionately i'm not that much of a chocolate fan...(I mean yea i like chocolate but not as 5 meals a day...thats just overboard) .so yea slimfast products are like almost all chocolate especially the bars....i'm suppose to have 5 slim fast products a day including bars and shakes, and then i can eat 1 small meal, of 5 oz of lean meat and 2 cups of veggies. I guess the slimfast diet is better then just a liquid diet...but it still sucked.....I just started getting so sick to my stomach eating those dang slim fast bars, some of them are ok, when your craving a candy bar, but other then that, its not a meal fix its a craving for a candy bar fix......i found one of the shakes at least that i liked the cappacino one, but only suppose to have 2 of the meal items a day the other three had to be the 100 calorie basically candy bars...with only 1 g of protein, i don't know what thats suppose to do.......and reading about the surgeries getting cancelled cause the dang liver didn't shrink enough, it just seems pointless i don't think i would be able to go through with it again if that happened.....i'd think it wasn't meant to be, and i'd be extremely pissed....I may have cheated some, but i stayed away from mostly everything i was suppose to stay away from, i traded some of the meals with similar calorie and higher protein items, and for the most part stayed within the 1200 calories, and i didn't touch a soda not once, and i lost 5 % of my weight like they required plus an extra couple of pounds......so regardless of my cheating i think i did good, so yea for all who cheated....damn it we need food to live, we're not alcoholics who don't need the damn alcohol to live, but we need the food to live so its really alot harder to give up i think we have it the hardest of any addiction, you can't just stop eating.....you need food to live....so be proud of yourself if for the most part you did good, or you think you did good, and other then that, well screw it.....i'm just kinda rambling right now...its 2 in the morning and i don't usually stay up this late so who knows if what i'm writing makes any since...but anyways just a ramblings of a girl who wants a baby and is getting her stomach cut out to hopefully get pregnant......so anyways good luck to all you pre ops out there, don't give up, try to stick with the damn awful pre op diets....and keep your heads up high, and be proud of yourself for doing your best and taking this next step into a healthy better happier longer life

Hm, that's a decent amount. How much did you weigh before and what/when was your lowest weight?

hmmm... I guess I am a creature of habit and eat a lot of the same things every day and do not get bored. Your menu looks pretty much like mine. But I do believe your taste will return, it takes time. You are very early out. Looks like you are getting plenty of protein...don't forget your Water. Your weight loss is great. Does your plan allow some fruit yet? How about half an apple or banana with some Peanut Butter as a snack instead of a yogurt. i would peel the skin off the apple. I find I really enjoy these "treats" but only eat them sparingly because of the carb content. Tuna salad on cucumber slices? have you tried making your meat with some type of sauce or gravy? Chicken marsla, lemon chicken, meatloaf, meatballs with either brown gravy or spaghetti sauce....so you are not eating plain meat? One of my favorite and easy ways to cook chicken is to cut up boneless breast into cubes, season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, brown it in a little oil and then add a can of cream of chicken soup(and the water or milk as directed)and let simmer until done. I add dumplings for the rest of my family but the chicken is moist and tasty from the Soup. Google some crock pot recipes...makes meat moist and juicy and the cooking liquid/gravy adds flavor. You'll get there!

My surgeon was strict with meeting his weight loss requirements; if you did not weigh below his designated weight loss number for you by the day of your pre op appointment, you were not scheduled for your surgery. No exceptions. I was advised of this, so I was determined to make it happen and have my weight where it needed to be or lower. What have you been doing in an effort to loose weight? I followed the band diet pre op to loose weight (lean Proteins, low carb Fiber, strict portion control), and I got an hour of cardio exercise in every day. I lost 13 pounds in 21 days...8 pounds under what I needed to loose. Best wishes for success...it can be done, but it takes focus and a realistic timeline.

I am so excited...my BMI is finally below 40! Have lost 25.6 lbs since starting the pre-surg diet and BMI is 39.8. This is hard to believe. Seeing this happen makes it so much easier to deal with the challenges of weight loss!:laugh0::001_tt2::thumbup::biggrin0::biggrin0::biggrin2:

I do track is MFP and am staying around 1000 -1200 calls a day although my Doc doesn't have a specific calorie range. I also measure all of my food, no more than 3oz of meat plus 1/4 cup of veggies or fruit per meal generally. My NUT diet has as an example, Greek yogurt for Breakfast, Protein shake for snack, 3oz tuna for lunch, Protein Shake snack, 3oz cottage cheese plus 1/4 cup no. Starch veggie for dinner. The Protein shakes are part of the NUT diet, she requires a min of 16oz per day in this phase. My exercise is moderately more than pre surgery, I haven't been wih my trainer since Nov (I buy 6 week sessions with her). As for weighing, it's a tool I use after years of weight related therapy I have learned for me, daily weigh ins are a must, as my therapist says, it keeps it in the forefront of my mind.

I know that I've lost weight since surgery because the scale shows it and because I have found new clothes to wear in my own closet that I had forgotten about! But, sometimes you just want to hear someone say it. I think I'm at that stage where people are staring and saying that I look good, instead of saying that I look like I've lost weight. But, the true test of weightloss all of my life has been my direct, blunt parents. So, I walk into their house today. They haven't seen me in a month. My Dad yells to my mother, 'Come see her, this girl is getting skinny!' LOL! That's my true weightloss test!