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I started researching the sleeve specifically because of my sleep apnea. My weight triggered it so along with the other health benefits, Im hoping my apnea goes away.

My surgery date is Jan 22nd and I've been wondering what will happen to my loose skin as I lose weight. My plan is to get a personal trainer to help me tone up. Will this really work or is it wishful thinking?

OK, I will admit it. I am a electronics junkie and I love to have all the new toys! But - have any of you seen or possibly have the Withing WiFi scale? If so tell me how you like it. This scale is very cool - it takes your weight, BMI, fat content and other things and sends them to you computer where it creates graphs for you so you can see your progress without having to hand enter everything. It will even twitter your weight loss for you if you want! It hooks right into your existing WiFi system at home. A little pricey at 159 but still really cool. You can see it at Withings - The WiFi Scale (weight, BMI, fat mass & lean mass) - Home[/url]

I have finally found a doctor that is under my insurance -- 3rd times a charm. :-) I hope to have my surgery in 4-6 weeks but that will all depend on my insurance. I have BCBS, and they require six months of some kind of diet program. I hope that the time with my therapist will do. I really do not want to wait six months. I have many health problems related to my weight and I am tired of being in poor health. I am glad this forum is here. I have been reading posts and everyone seems very helpful and informative.

I hope what I have to say will be helpful to you and other pre-ops. I was banded in June 2009. First I would like to say that if you are an emotional eater (i.e., eat compulsively, eat because you are happy, sad, depressed, angry, lonely, tired, etc.), then the fact that you paid good money for the surgery won't really matter. When your emotions control your eating -- YOUR EMOTIONS CONTROL YOUR EATING. BUT, don't lose heart because the lapband can help. I know it has helped me. I am/was definitely a compulsive eater. After years of yo-yo dieting I got to my highest weight of 307 (when I went in the hospital for diabetes BG 917), once my sugar was under control I got down to 294. 294 is what I weighed on surgery day. Some people get the lapband and are pretty much "perfect". By that I mean they follow all diet instructions, exercise, journal, etc. Then there are others (like myself) that are not quite as focused and have stressors (i.e., teen/young adults in the home, stressful job, health problems, etc.) that conjure up old eating habits. So, suffice it to say that my weight loss has been slow. But, the important words here are WEIGHT LOSS. I am consistently losing (with a stall every now and again). I am getting exercise in (though not as much as I should). But the biggest thing is that the way I think about food has changed! I am no longer a slave to food. I credit my band, I really do. I credit my band because, with proper restriction, I have not been able to binge when I am overwhelmed by life. As a result, I am able to get back on balance and eat properly before I have done severe damage. BUT IT GETS BETTER. I have stopped reacting to stress in my life with food about 90% of the time! This is HUGE for me! I credit the band. Last night my kids made me very sad/mad. I was still thinking about it as I drove to work this morning. I had my Protein drink for Breakfast and had the forethought to bring another just in case my band was too tight for me to eat food at lunch (my band gets tighter when I am stressed). By the time lunch time came I was in the tank, on my way to being depressed -- a sure sign that Cookies were in my future. You know what I did instead? I put on my sneakers (I keep a pair at work - no excuses for not exercising while at work LOL) and took a good long walk. When I got back to my office building I sat in the sun (it's a beautiful day here) and tried to decide what I should eat for lunch that was healthy. In the end I went back to the office and drank my Protein Drink ... wasn't in the mood for food. Before the band, I couldn't have done that. The thing is, the band is a tool. You can learn to use to your advantage. Learn everything you can about the band. Be prepared going in ... and you will still be surprised. Know that you lose as fast or as slow as you are willing to work. ALL the power is in your hands, the band is just there to help you do what you really want to do. If you REALLY want to lose weight the band can help. If you don't really want to lose weight, the band won't stand in your way (ice cream and cake go down with ease). There are a few people that have problems with the band, but the vast majority of people have a tool that works. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

Try reading some blogs, that really helped me...these are people who have been where I am, have gotten banded and then had major success. Like anything else in life, it's not success only and there are people who find ways to make it not work, and there are some people who just don't like it but the vast majority it seems do lose weight and use it as the wonderful tool it is. I am scared too but am getting excited about getting it done because I honestly believe it to be the first time that I am truly going to succeed because the drastic physical change will force me to make permanent changes. I am on a journey already to finally put myself first in my life and that is what I am doing. Part of me feels terribly selfish to pay all this money but it's about time that I took care of myself for a change...I figure the family will have to adjust but in a short time I will be able to take better care of them and for longer because I will be healthy and I will be able to teach my kids how to grow up KNOWING how to be healthy so they don't have to wade through the train wreck of contradictory information out there. I think we will look back and say..."I should have done it sooner, it's the best thing I have ever done for myself."

If I were you I'd go see a nutritionist for six months only because it seems like your insurance is going to give you a hard time about this. I have Kaiser and they require six months of supervised weight loss with a nutritionist and to me its the best way to get a accurate/official log. Just a suggestion, but good luck!

I have blue cross through my husbands labor union. and I have tried everything but don't have documented dr notes or anything. I went so long without having health insurance I wasn't able to see a weight loss dr in the past. and I see that some women have a start to sleeve process of like 6 months, does this mean ill probably take much much longer?

Hi everyone I’m 31 and over weight. I have been battling being over weight most of my life. Until recently it has been an issuse due to all the side affects of being over weight.. DIABETIC..HIGH CHOLESTEROL..HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE..SLEEPING.etc.... Like most of you I have tried it all.... I have gotten to the point that every time I tried another diet or exercise plan I lost weight but it all came back and some. NO BUENO!! Have been thinking about weight loss surgery for the last past 2 years. I finally step into a doctor office but only to be turned away... Time went by and I meet a doctor that would finally refer to someone that would help me... So my journey began January 2011 with Dr Lyass (my surgeon). There where some few bumps in my road to get approve. But I was approved.. My surgery date is 4/8/11.... I’m excited, nervous, but at the same time just in disbelief like is it really going happen...my other thing I haven’t told my family...8( just been to scared. They are all thin and don‘t know what it is to walk a mile in my shoes. That's my biggest secret...

Hi love Congrats... And welcome !!!! Good luck on your journey and from time to time I will drop you a line for support if you would like... I'm 31 and battle my weight for about 10 years ... I'm glad I found this forum everyone's very supportive !!! I think you will find that out for yourself... Good luck and god bless!!!

Hi everyone! I'm Natalie and I have my consultation with a bariatric surgeon on June 5. I am considering VSG however I have 200+ pounds to lose and RNY may be my only option. I'm just curious by experience who has had which surgery and what are the pros (besides weight loss:)) and cons. I'm interested in hearing from all WLS patients - not just what I've listed here. Thank you and I look forward to getting to know you! Natalie

My name is Jennifer. I am 33 yrs old. I am from Springdale, AR. I was referred to my local bariatric surgeon by my neurosurgeon. My weight is killing my already broke down spine. I have had 5 back surgeries and their is nothing else they can do for my spine. I am just getting started with whole process of getting approved for the surgery. I have excellent family support. I am just very nervous about the whole process of getting to the surgery. The one thing I don't have to worry about in my insurance not paying, cause I called them and I am covered. I am really worried about the psychological exam. What is that like? I know I am ready for the commitment it takes after the surgery. If I would of had this opportunity a couple of years ago, I definitely wouldn't of been able to commit. I am ready to get out from under the diabetes medicines and the cpap machine. I want to take control of my health, I just need some help doing so. I want to be able to exercise without hurting. I guess now I realize I am not enjoying life, I am just living. I don't want to suffer the weight related issues my dad eventually died from. I had to watch him go thru multiple open heart surgeries and dialysis as a little kid and I lost him when I was 10. I fear I am may going to down that same road. Jennifer

My PCP told me he doesn't support surgery for weight loss if it's not life threatening.....

Here too I have a 15 year old with sever autism. Plus a 21 and 13 year. I had my come to Jesus moment 18 months ago when I decided I didn't want to die from something stupid that I had some control over. I had insulin resident type 2 and was on max oral medication that was not really working. I am also an RN so I know what it's like with shots. No way! So sleeved on May 1, 2013 went from 310 down to 177. Have met my goal and I am off all my meds except vitamins and thyroid med. we need to live as long as possible for ourselves and our kids with issues! So here I am down to what I weighted when I had my first kid. Feel great! Keep up the journey for yourself and your family!

Try to concentrate on healthy eating and exercise. If you commit to that the weight will follow! Even if the scale doesn't show it, you know that your living a healthier lifestyle! Your learning new healthy habits that will not only help you lose weight but to one day maintain it! Patience grasshopper! Lol!!!

I was a relatively low BMI patient at just under 40. The main reasons I chose the band is that I wanted to permanently lower my BP and cholesterol enough to get off of my meds. I also have sleep apnea and have used a CPAP every night for over 5 years and I would like to lose enough weight to be able to sleep without it. Does anyone have experience with being able to accomplish these goals? Adventure-Riser

I was taking a BP bill and one for GERD and a mear 2 1/2 weeks post op they have already taken me off the BP pill and I only take the one for reflux as I need it. My advice is weight loss is a major way of healing th ebody. My BMI was also low and I had to fight for the insurance to pay but they did and it took appeals and frustration, so if your not banded get banded ! Good luck.

I had my sleeve the day after Memorial Day. I think it was May 28th, 2012. Anyway, I have lost quite a bit, but NONE over the last TWO MONTHS. I am stuck at 198/199 depending on the scales mood...LOL! I don't drink sweetened drinks, and really don't eat a lot. Sure puts into perspective how much I was overeating before surgery. Has anyone else hit a plateau that lasted THIS long, and how do I fix it? I REALLY do NOT want to go back on just shakes. That **** sucked! Thanks for your thoughts and ideas, and I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year! (I would like to lose about 50 more #'s....)

Try not to compare yourself with others...it's going to lead to disappointment. We all got to our high weights differently, we're all going to lose it differently. My metabolism is different than yours - I may lose faster or slower. We may have different activity levels. Some people that lose very fast don't work out and they may be losing their lean muscle mass - others may be working out vigorously and retaining their muscle mass, but losing inches. I know it is hard to not compare. I know it's hard to not step on the scale and hope to see a new lower number. In a "had I known then what I know now" moment...I would have stayed off the scale. It's bad for your soul. I take more pictures and take my measurements more. I've hit the exercise really hard in the past week - I can already feel a difference in my body, even though the scale isn't moving. I think you're doing great! Enjoy this ride - embrace the changes you're making in your life. This process has become so much more than a number on a scale. This has been a life changer and life saver for me. I have my life back - I'm more engaged with my family. I am happier. These are all things NOT related to that number on the scale.

I am also going to Mexico, fearful that I could not get my surgery approved. Beliteweight.com is the facilitator we are using, JoAnne Narayan, program service director had helped us every step of the way. Our credit wasn't the best either as we are rebounding also. I did a lot of research I the doctor and hospital haven't heard one bad thing. I have been thinking about this for a long time, but it wasn't until I recently had back surgery and the doctor emphasizing re-injury chances drastically increasing because of my weight. Initially, my husband was absolutely against any type of surgery, but hearing the doctor and seeing me in pain for do long he is do supportive. A little more than you asked for but I am scheduled for October 9, and my process has been so great not having to go jump through a lot of the hoops or the disappointment of being denied.

You are so inspiring and gives us hope for those of us who are seeking out this journey. It so good to hear of great success. CONGRATS! CONGRATS! CONGRATS! On another note try to be understanding with your mom. My sister had lapband and lost tons of weight it was so hard to see especially when I tried so hard to make it a reality in my own life. I wasnt heavy enough to have the option of surgery. I was stuck in that size 14-16(its big for me) no matter how much i tried. I really was/am happy for my sister she really needed the weight loss because she is a single mom raising 2 boys. Nonetheless the jealous monster was there. I wasn't proud of it. Just my story. BUT I am so happy for you.

Thank You! And yes..I am understanding of how my weight loss may be making her feel. Even my friends give me the vibe that they don't want to hear about my loss. I thought that's what friends were for though..to be there for each other. I find myself very much alone with noone I can talk to. There are so many changes going on with me, but yet I don't have anyone to discuss it with. I guess I feel I've been there for my friends w/everything they have been through, so just because this has to do with weight...they don't have to be there for me? I know that wasn't what you had implied at all..just how I'm feeling right now. The message boards are great, but I really wish I had someone who has went through surgery and lived close by to get together with and talk one on one. I need a friend..LOL

15 lbs down... I am so full of emotions I am at a loss on how to express them. I want to cry when I think about how happy I am right now. I feel freedom! Freedom from the chains of food. I don't think about food EVERY second of the day. I enjoy food so much at this point because I am slowly taisting every bite. I don't beat myself up everyday for eating out of control. I am happy to get out of the bed because I know food is not going to be a struggle of wills. 15lbs is not much but but I know for sure this is the begining of something great. I can't wait till me dh has his so we can do this together. I just started working out again. Two days ago I did ten mins on cross trainer in the morning and at night. Yesterday I did 30 mins. just in the morning. I am slowly working my way back to where I was before surgery. I still can't do crunches or weights. But it won't be long!!!!

I am very scared to take this step to actually see the surgeon. I think my fear comes from being denied the surgery due to insurance reasons. I have been given the referral to see the surgeon. I have great insurance. I meet the criteria for the being at least 100 pounds over weight. However, I don't have any of the other medical issues. I am afraid of that denial from my insurance in the end. The patient advocate tells me that it is based on a case by case decision. Any advice on how to calm my nerves or make my chances any better of hearing a yes. I have tri-care prime.......Has anyone ever been through this process with this insurance??

Stacy, this is something that does come up in a marriage following dramatic weight loss of one partner. But, honestly, it sounds like HE needs the psychiatrist rather than you. He is the one feeling threatened for no reason. You sound like you're pretty solid and have a level head about this. You could say you would consider COUPLES COUNSELING/MARRIAGE COUNSELING and that would give both of you the opportunity to discuss your feelings with an unvested third party. So he could vent that he fears you will cheat on him/leave him now that you are looking pretty, etc. and you can express your concern that he is expressing such a complete lack of trust in you. I mean, did he marry YOU (the person you are no matter what) or did he marry a fat girl he thought wouldn't have the opportunity to cheat on him?