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WARNING... :rant4: Let’s see I am 8 weeks out today. I was 272 the day of the surgery and today I am 244. I know I should be happy that I'm losing weight not matter how minimal. But it finally got to me today that in 8 weeks I've only lost 28lbs! (Oh and I gained 1.2lbs this week!) I say ONLY because I've been going to the gym and eating what I'm supposed to, being good! I am so freakin sore from the gym! I knew I was going to be a slow loser because of my PCOS but I'm so afraid I won't ever hit my goal weight at this rate. I know that weight loss starts to slow down as time goes on. But what does that mean for someone like me that started off losing an average of 2lbs a week? I also know that weight alone isn't the best way to gage weight loss. Sometimes clothes fit better and weight stays the same. Well... that's not my case! (At least not enough to go down a pants size) I guess the upside would be that I'm not getting depressed and stuffing my face. Instead I'm getting pissed and need to work it off at the gym. :boxing: Sorry about the rant, just needed to vent.

Mixed emotions to say the least. I feel like it's great because I've been at a stalemate, yet bad because for the longest time I was able to lose weight doing essentially nothing, bad because I can't eat and because I've been able to go so damn long without a fill :/ and good because this will help me to reach goal..I guess. I think my problem is that I felt I had a handle on my own weight loss. Like I was doing this on my own because I didn't need a fill and now I feel desperate. I feel like I'm failing my band.

#1 - Take a breath, and don't panic. #2 - Don't worry about the loss (or lack thereof). You are right at the stage where many people's bodies hit the pause button, so that part is normal. #3 - Investigate the nausea. Call your doctor. There are some super simple and minor explanations for nausea (like, you are still experiencing swelling), but there are also more serious explanations for nausea and the only way to figure that out is to get in to the doc. I started having nausea several weeks out. We needed to do an upper endoscopy to straighten out my staple line, which immediately relieved my nausea. Except a few days later, the nausea came back. After a couple weeks of it preventing me from eating/drinking enough (sub 500 cal/day, sounds like what you describe...), I was so weak and fatigued, I'd nearly passed out in the shower. After a trip the the ER and a CT scan, which confirmed there were no problems, we determined that the nausea was simply due to remaining swelling from the surgery. This can take 8-12 weeks to completely resolve. All I needed to fuel myself properly was better anti-nausea meds. Seriously, call your doc. It totally may be nothing serious, and that is actually the likely case. Unfortunately, nausea creates problems with your nutrition that can really cause you a lot of trouble. Fortunately, nausea alone is an easy fix, so don't be afraid to call your doc. Good luck! Do everything you can to advocate for yourself, you're worth it and you deserve to feel good, but even more importantly, your well-being is dependent upon your ability to nourish yourself.

Cardio gets the fat off! If you’re in the early stages of this weight loss, I just want to share and point out, that the best thing you can do to see inches lost and pounds keep coming off is Cardio! And tons of it. Cardio can be boring. I’ll agree. But it’s soooo effective in getting the heart rate up and also building the endurance required to get through those intense weight training sessions when they are added into your exercise regimen. I have been doing some tests on myself just trying to figure out my body. I am a gym rat at this point nearly 7 months post op. I do a lot of strength training and cardio. I notice some weeks I just don’t have the energy reserve to weight train, but because my endurance is so great I just go cardio crazy just to say I didn’t sit on my a** all week. This usually happens about 1-2 weeks before my menstrual comes along. I notice during this period I lose pounds (somewhere between 4-6 pounds in a week if I go consistently 5 days straight at 1 hour each day). Then when I jump back into my weight training, there is no loss, but rather a small gain (usually about .5-1 pound) but inches are loss. I’m guessing this is because muscle is replacing fat, and a pound of fat is much fluffier than a pound of muscle, thus why weight stays the same but body looks and feels smaller. Unintentionally I have been playing this game with my body, and it happens to work! Bodybuilders would call this cut and bulk phasing. Where they’d do massive weight training and eat like crazy to bulk up and gain some serious muscle, then do massive cardio and cut calories to cut some serious fat. They play this game alternating week by week sometimes longer, and this is what creates that chiseled ripped look. You bulk up for muscle, and cut to get rid of excess fat! In spite of it all, if you’re beginning to work out, don’t overwhelm yourself trying to weight train. Leave that for later when you’ve plateaued and want to switch up your regimen and jump start your metabolism. Just get into cardio for now. Your intake is already limited. The cardio will do its job for you. Become comfortable (not bored) with it. Switch it up. Try walking 30 minutes a day. When that gets easy, try a treadmill at the same pace but with an incline. You’ve doubled calories burned that quick! When that gets easy, jump on the elliptical (low impact and easy and burns a ton of calories once you get your breathing right). When that gets easy, add the stair master. Incorporate programs like 0 to 5k to increase endurance. Just work on that heart! It is essentially what burns fat and boosts the metabolism. Once you’re good with that, start weight training. You’ll have the endurance necessary to get through the workouts, and you’ll begin to tone and build muscle. The best thing for your body at this stage in the game is to get active. Don’t just sit around because your stomach is the size of a tennis ball and wait for the weight to fall off! Be proactive! Nothing worse than a skinny fat person! Meaning a person that is in the ideal weight range as far as BMI but has a body fat % of over 30%. Believe me, most skinny people are fat! Also don’t get bogged down with BMI charts. They are very misleading. For example, a man 5’8 at 200 pounds is considered to have a bmi of 30 which is obese. But what if he is only 8% body fat (like most bodybuilders)? Is he really obese or unhealthy? Or in vice versa, a female that is 5’5 at 130 pounds and 38% body fat. Her BMI is 21 which is in the normal range, but she is unhealthy. Build muscle, burn fat! And the best way to jumpstart that is cardio. You will look better and feel better.. hope this helps you guys, especially the beginners!

I have had above average loss and carbs are my friend Good carbs! Protein is my best friend though so only when I have room.

I'm 5' 3.5" sleeved June 6th, 2013 SW: 230 CW: 194 I'm currently working out at least 5 days a week. 30 mins of treadmill, minimum speed 3.5 (w/ intermittent sprints) or 30 mins of elliptical & 30 minutes of strength training (weight lifting). I eat approx 800 calories & 70 grams of Protein a day. I wish I would lose faster but I know I'm building muscle as well. I believe average weight loss after your first month or two is 6-10lbs a month. It drives me bonkers when I see someone post that they've lost 100 lbs in 6 mos.

Hey guys, I haven't been on for a few weeks and I apologize for that. I was banded 9/28 and since then, my life has gone through several twists and turns. I would say the 2 weeks after banding went as smoothly as possible. My band was a little tight the first couple days, had my first "unfill" on day 3 and from then on was pretty good. I took about 8 days off of work. Then it turns upside down. I returned to work on 10/8 only to be fired on 10/10 (really out of the blue, too.) I've been working with a lawyer to get a settlement on my contract and looking for new jobs. Frankly, the past 2 weeks have been the worst of my life and they have NOTHING to do with my band. In fact, I'm so stressed out, it's kind of good that I haven't had a fill yet because I'm really eating at a pre-surgery pace. I have always been a stress eater and I've never experienced as much stress as I have in the past couple of weeks. I was self-pay, the first credit payment is now overdue (will they repo my lap band? <grin>) I talked my wife into quitting her job to stay home with our 5 year old about 2 months ago. I tell ya, it's been about one Chevy truck and a dog away from a country music song. The good news is that I'm still losing a little bit of weight. I may grab for the chips or fast food, but it's WAY less frequent than the old days. This still has very little to do with the band. I'm feeling little to no restriction unless I eat really fast. Anyway, I just wanted to check in and those of you that are of that Faith if you could say a few words for me and my family to see us through the next couple of weeks as I attempt to rebuild my life. Plus, my first fill is on Nov 2. So I'm not really sure how that will factor into all of this... I'm still really struggling sleeping and having any energy, I'm falling into a little more depression after really feeling that I was coming out of it after the surgery. All I wanted was a "normal" weight loss surgery (if there is such a thing) but I got way more than I bargained for. I am still excited about the band, but it's just way on the back burner right now. But this, too, shall pass.

What an inspiration!! No wonder your hubby looks so proud! I can't wait until I'm that far down the road! It even changed the color of your hair! :) :eek:

Ditto for what ShortGal said. I was sitting thinking, wow! If I could lose 80 pounds, what an accomplishment. Not sure if it is PCOS or what but in 6 months on WW, diligently watching everything, I lost a whopping 7 pounds. Did you get that?? 7 POUNDS. So, give yourself time, talk with your doc (is he the one that had lap band himself?) and see what you can do differently. Ghost...I have a problem with putting words in DH's mouth that he never intended. Are you sure you're not projecting on him? Bless their hearts, most of the time they're just trying to say/do what they think it is we want them to, unfortunately, they can't keep up with the mood swings! :thumbup: I'm just saying, if he's like my DH, he sees my struggles with weight loss and he wants to be supportive -- He just can't keep up with what day I am on! No matter what, you ladies are ALL very inspirational and I hope I will be on here a year from now depressed about losing that last 10 or 20 pounds! :thumbup: Keep up the good work -- You'll DO IT!!

I had alot of discomfort around my port. All I did was go from the bed, bathroom, computer for the first few days. But each day was easier and easier. I took 3 weeks off from work. I'm a sec. in the Labor Room, so they felt I didn't need anymore time than that. Well, let me tell you I work 4 12 shifts with alot of up and down during those 12 hours. I was in so much discomfort that first week. But by the 4th week I was back to the normal and on the road to lossing. I didn't get my first fill until something in Oct. didn't feel much of a difference and weight loss was slow. Got a 2nd fill 4 weeks latter and a 3rd fill in Dec. Still a low weight loss. Thought I would have lost alot more by the time Dec. had rolled around but hey 20lbs gone is better than gain. Well I must have gotten a piece of steak stuck so off to Dr. Bass's to have a unfill. Not too HAPPY about it at all.:angry And of course what did I do but gain 2lbs when I went back for another fill.

I never talked to my PCP about it because before I had surgery she told me she didn't "believe" in weight loss surgery. I really like her otherwise and she is a great doc, but she's sort of a natural athlete and I got the impression she felt people didn't need to have WLS. So we never discussed it after I had surgery. I have been meaning to ask my surgeon to send a dictation to her so it's in my records, but I keep forgetting. I wouldn't worry about your current PCP if she's out of network now, just find a new one in your plan and let them know you've already had surgery.

Hi Linni-- Welcome.... I have similar stats to you. I am 32 years old 5'3" and weighed 242 at surgery date... I was banded on August 25 2009. I keep a spreadsheet on everything broken down by each weeks weight loss to monthly weight loss. I am currently a few days past 14 weeks post surgery (3 months and 2 weeks) and I am down 51 lbs. First month = 21lb loss 2nd month = 11.6lb loss 3rd month= 10lb loss the rest I have lost this month... If you have any other questions please let me know.

I am in West Palm Beach, Fl and hoping to be banded in late May by Dr Ortiz. I am not telling anyone, just hubby now. Girlfriend that I asked to go with me yelled at me and said I was just weak and stopped trying to loss weight but had the nerve to call me today about some news pill on market that suppose to be bettter than alli w/o going as much for potty breaks. We were good together about trying the new best thing to loss weight but now that I am tired of that and won't do it anymore, she is mad. She thought it would matter to me that she was told Oprah was trying it....I told her as big as Oprah is getting lately, she better try the lapband. LOL....she hung up on me!!! SO I am NOT telling anyone else in fear of having my friends upset. Lena23

I have been poked and prodded and have suffered countless indignities in preparation for my lap-band surgery. I have watched bloody slideshows and You-Tube videos and heard horror stories galore about potential problems associated with the surgery itself; yet, what did I fear worse than death itself? HUNGER!!! I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that during my Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet I would be starving to death! I worked myself into a bit of a snit at the prospect. I had a “Food Funeral” for all my favorite foods I would never again be able to enjoy: I mourned the loss of the Southern Cheeseburgers at the Penguin Drive-In, said a fond farewell to ribs at Shane’s Rib Shack, shed a tear for my husband’s gourmet grilled Rib-Eyes. I did so much goodbye-ing, that I gained 5 extra pounds prior to the coming of the Grim Reaper, bringing with him the Liquid Diet of Death!!! I did my ground work, you betcha! I researched and researched the most palatable Protein Powder. I bought a shaker, a new blender, and stockpiled Campbells 98% fat free Cream of_________ (you fill in the blank) Soups until I had enough put by to see me through a nuclear holocaust! I sampled this Protein Powder, and that, until I came to the conclusion that none of them are too tasty, but with some doctorin’, they’re almost as good as a Chick-Fil-A shake (without the whipped cream, of course!) I was even able to go out to eat with my family without salivating all over their meals. Those protein shakes are pretty filling, and seem to give me heaps of energy! The first day of the much feared liquid diet came and went…and guess what? I didn’t starve to death! I didn’t even get hungry! Another day passed…still, not too bad! The morning of the third day of the Liquid Diet I hopped on the scales, and was surprised to find that five pounds I’d gained during my week long“Food Funeral” were all gone! Today began the 5th day of the Liquid Diet, and I was down another pound and a half…6.5 so far! If I can avoid the Papa John’s commercial featuring the close-up of the pizza with bubbling cheese, I might just make it through this next couple of weeks alive!

I went to Mexico on 2/18/2011 and had vertical sleeve. Everything went well and the weight was falling off. On June 8th my only sister and best friend died in a car accident. My world fell about. I quit taking my vitamins, watching protein and just tried to eat my way through the grief. Fortunately my stomach did not allow me to go back to food for comfort. I have not lost as much as some but I am still happy with my weight loss. I have lost 57lbs in 7 months. I think if things had went different for me I would have lost more but we all deal with the cards we are dealt. I am just now starting to settle back down. My sister had 3 children that I have inherited and I have been focused on getting them settled and estate settled and so forth. I am committed as of October 1st to start focusing on myself and my health so I can live to raise all these kids. . So hopefully my weight loss will pick back up. I think right now I am not eating enough and getting my protein in so my body is storing. The weather is getting cooler so I am out of excuses not to exercise. Hopefully, at my 1 yr I will be at goal with hard work and exercise. Oh, and my child has broken and dislocated his shoulder. He had surgery last week so I think I have some pretty good excuses right now but 10/1 look out the excuses are over and I'm getting on the weight loss train again but hopefully for the last time.

Just as a reminder, please put on your calendar the August meeting of the Bariatric Pal Local Support Group. The date is August 20, 2015 @ 5:30 PM in the Simpson Community Center (6 North Main Street Camden, DE This on the corner of North Main Street and Route 10) and we will meet there. Please fill free to invite anyone Pre- and Post-surgery or family member who is seeking weight loss support. Text me if you need more info 302-632-8111. Thanks, Doyle

Here's a little inspiration we are all working very hard to achieve our own individual weight loss goals and sometimes it's not easy it's a new lifestyle just a reminder dont ever give up Sent from my SM-J737T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

As I sit here everyday looking at the forums and experiencing my WLS I realized something about my cousin. Last year my cousin came to visit and I was surprised to see that she lost a lot of weight. She said that she was into a completely new lifestyle that included meditation and inner soul searching. When we went out with the rest of the family for dinner I asked if there was anything special she had to eat. She said no and that she would only eat a small amount of food that was placed on the table (we were eating family style) and that would be sufficient. Now, after my own WLS and putting two and two together I realized she had WLS. I haven't spoke to about it as I too kept the people I told to a bare minimum. It will be interesting when we meet again and she sees my weight loss. I'm sure she will put two and two together and figure it out.

Congrats on making the choice. I am getting banded tomorrow morning. Believe me, I am sooooo ready to have half my syptoms go away. I am currently getting laser hair removal for my face, I have had 2 sessions out of 6. Which is what I will need to eliminate all my facial hair, in which I can probably grow a freaking beard! Not to mention I am fair skinned and dark dark hair. THE WORST! I have it in several other places too! Ewwww!

I think this is normal sorta, har!! I had surgery in January and I haven't had the visit since Feburary.. But I'm chaulking it up to hormones, menopause plus the weight loss...

Hi Candy! Welcome! Getting healthy for your children is awesome. My understanding is that if you are self-pay they process moves along quite quickly. It sounds as though just the timing of the tests and your required weight loss are the only things holding you back. Was the no-way just because your insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery? Can you at least take advantage of the anesthesia of the hernia repair and have the band placed then? Sort of like a 2 for 1 discount? Best wishes for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery!!

I have friends. On Monday to figure all this out. Glad to know once on the right med school I can still achieve my loss. Thanks again I have dr.. On Monday to figure all this out. Glad to know once on the right med school I can achieve my loss. Thanks again

So I'm just back from my psych eval & I'm so interested in knowing WHY they needed me to draw a clock & show the time 11:10 on it? Also had to draw a 3-D box & connect the numbers 1-2-3, etc, to the letters A-B-C. Really???? How is this going to help my weight loss or prove if I'm ready? I had to fill out a long questionnaire too which seemed to have the same questions over & over, just worded differently. I don't know, there must actually be a logical reason for this but I can't figure it out for the life of me. Also, the psych rattled off a bunch of letters & each time I heard the letter "A," I had to knock on the table. What your psych eval like this?

I would consult with another nutritionist. That is a lot of calories and protein for a wt loss plan. Best wishes, Mimi

Great loss!! I had bypass instead of sleeve on June 4 and I am already so done with the Protein powder! I still can't hold very much at a time, so it takes forever to drink one of those nasty drinks (which I thought I enjoyed but 1 1/2 hours in to it, I am more than done!) I have to try to figure out how to make the drinks smaller (i.e. half the scoop or something). To add insult to injury, I got on the scale this morning and hadn't lost anything since surgery. Tomorrow is another day - at least that is what I keep telling myself! Good luck to you!