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There is a reason for this. When you first had surgery and were burning fat there is a step that happens before you burn fat. The first thing to go is the glycogen in your muscle. For each gram of glycogen that you burn you lose 4 grams of Water. Most of the weight loss immediately after surgery is water, 80% as a matter of fact. After you deplete your glycogen stores you start burning actual fat and no water so the scale starts to slow down. It's all normal and it is working just as it is supposed to. Consider any weight loss between surgery and your restriction a bonus since that time frame isn't designed for weight loss but healing instead.

At least you were the one to out yourself. I see your posts all the time and your weight loss is awesome so far. Keep up the great work!

Hi, This is my first time on here since having my surgery on July 10, 2009. I started at 397 pounds, lost 13 during the pre-op diet, lost another 7 during the post-op diet, have had one fill and am totally stuck and feeling awful. I've been feeling insanely defeated, totally useless. I have no restriction and can eat the same huge quantities I could before. What's worse, I am eating whatever the hell I want. It's like my brain is saying, "Well, you have no restriction, so may as well just eat what you want." How ridiculous is that?! I saw a psychologist before surgery as was required by my insurance, but she was AWFUL. She tried and failed to finish my sentences correctly and spent most of the meeting talking about how much she loves rice and pasta (my favorites). She also made an assumption that I didn't feel loved as a child! Insane! Now I am basically afraid to go back and see a therapist and feel lost. I wish they had meetings in the North Mpls./St. Paul area that took place on either weekends or after 7 p.m. I work too late to make it to any of the meetings in my area, so I feel like I have no way of getting support. I allowed myself to get up to almost 400 pounds! How absolutely ridiculous. And now we've invested all this money, time, and energy into this surgery, and I can't manage the willpower to just say NO, I won't eat that or drink that. My husband and I want to get pregnant in a year, but if I am not in better health, we will not do it for obvious medical reasons. I feel like I have to EARN my pregnancy, but even the thought of having a baby doesn't seem to motivate me. I just CAN'T find the willpower within me anywhere. I am 25 years old and in desperate need of someone like me...close to my age but, more importantly, close to the same weight loss goal that I have which is a hefty 200 pounds. Are you out there? I need you! Amy :thumbup:

We've received one common request over the last year+ from members on LapBandTalk who've undergone or are interested in the Realize® Band procedure: An online community they can call their own. Following the success of LapBandTalk and VerticalSleeveTalk, we're happy to announce that we've just launched the beta release of the Realize Band Support Community, located at RealizeBandSupport.com . We're confident that you'll find what you're looking for at the new Realize Band Support (RBS) Community. If you're currently a member of LapBandTalk or VerticalSleeveTalk, you can just log in with your current credentials, there's no need to sign up for a new account. Log in now to join the REALIZE Band community and become one of our founding members! Wondering if Realize® Band is the right choice for you? Looking for information and community after your Realize Band Surgery? Look no further. You'll find everything you need at RealizeBandSupport.com . I started LapBandTalk the night I came home from surgery mid July 2003. Following my own Lap-Band® procedure, I was looking for information and community support. I came across a few helpful web sites, but they all lacked a sense of actually belonging to a group of people who share many similarities, struggles and habits. After years of researching and reaching out to the community, we've been able to build the most comprehensive online resources for all types of Weight Loss Surgeries. Hundreds of thousands of registered members contribute amazing stories and useful information to our pages.

Wow, that would really piss me off! I had the exact opposite experience. My doctor tried to encourage me for years to consider weight loss surgery and I kept trying to lose weight through every other method known to man. When I finally scheduled a visit to discuss it with her, she was thrilled! The funny part is, I haven't seen my doctor since my surgery because I've been so healthy I've had no need to go! (I'm the type of person that likes to avoid the doctor unless it's absolutely necessary). Definitely find yourself a new doctor.

Hi, Just wanted to add my voice to the others telling you that you are not alone. My surgery date is 3 days away, March 20, and I am bouncing off the walls. It is so difficult to concentrate on anything, like work, for example (which is what I should be doing now, instead of being on these boards :nervous) . The only things I have found that help are trying to concentrate on positives. I am lucky, there is a bandster support group in my area and I went Thursday night. It is a small group, but 2 of them were banded in Mexcio, as I am going to be, and they were very reassuring. Everyone but me is already banded and the lowest weight loss was 58 pounds! I still have fears, about the surgery, about going to Mexico to have it done, about the $$$$$, that it won't work for me, worried about complications.....but I am forcing myself to think of the positives.....hopefully my type 2 diabetes will go into remission and I can lose a bunch of the meds I am currently taking. And, yes, looking and feeling better and smaller size clothing. Already with the preop diet I have gotten in jeans I wasn't able to button a few weeks ago, and yesterday I tried on another smaller pair of jeans, and although I could not possibly go out in them yet because they were so tight, I actually did get them buttoned and zipped (I couldn't breathe, but I will be able to after another 10 or so pounds:llama: ) . That helped my jitters alot. Somewhere, another person with an upcoming surgery posted about being restless and asking for advice what to do about it.....I never saw any suggestions, but if anyone has any, it would certainly help. Right now, I am obsessed with reading these boards (the positive ones, I try to stay away from the negative ones right now, just before surgery). So, that's my 2 cents. I know it is normal to be nervous just before the surgery, but it isn't much fun. Maybe we could try "holding" our sweaty palms together??? :phanvan P.S. The dancing llama is for our wonderful boy llama, Chip.

Hang in there, it does get better. I was banded on May 20th, 2010. And I just started eating last week and it gets better everyday. You will do fine with your weight loss. :biggrin: Why did your dr not repair your hiatal hernia? I had a huge one and my dr repaired mine and then he put a regular size band on me. Don't forget to drink your water, that helps with the hunger. Good luck and God Bless.

are you exercising? and it almost sounds like you are not eating enough. How much water are you drinking? There are a lot of factors that play into weight loss. Let us know...

I think you should do what is working best for you and obviously you have done something right, that's a tremendous amount of weight to lose that quickly. You will start slowing down on the weight loss though. I wouldn't change anything if it were me. Keep up the good work.

I was the same way until I saw this silly video on YouTube....It simply said...I AM WORTH IT!..I got to thinking..hmm what am I worth? I'm, worth $9888.00. That's what my surgery cost. I'm a single mother and grandmother and work for a non-profit organization that excludes weight loss surgery. So I had to self-pay. I went to True Results and I only had to come up with $4000.00 ( I had to beg, and borrow hehehe) and they financed the rest for me. $190 a month for 36 payments. YAY!!! I did it and would do it again. I already feel better and cant weight till next summer!!! Wish I would have don't it sooner!!! :wub:

Well tomorrow is my four year Bandiversary; the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. This truly has been life changing journey. I’m sure you hear a lot people say this; I have to tell you it’s not just some cliché. As a result of my surgery I found my calling and what my life purpose is. In my book “Transformation Caravan” I discuss my journey openly and honestly. My journey turned into something bigger than the Weight Loss itself. My journey unfolded in a manner of discovery. Discovering who I wanted to be; as a woman, girlfriend, and member of society. I had allowed so many failed relationships hold me prisoner. My self esteem was shot, I felt unworthy of a healthy relationship. After my LAP-BAND surgery this all changed. I had an awakening and realized I was worthy of a healthy relationship. I also realized what I contributed to each of my failed relationships. Trust me this is hard; allowing yourself to be so raw and open with yourself and seeing your short comings (scary scary stuff). I went there; I took myself to the dark place to really examine “ME”. It’s so easy to blame everyone else for the crap that is in our lives. I didn’t want to do that; this journey was for me, about me and damn-it I was going to find “ME”. Now understand this isn’t something I set out to do; not even close. When I signed up for this LAP-BAND journey I only had visions of losing weight not losing the old me (I’m glad I did lose her). The first thirty seven years of my life had not turned out like I wanted them to; I wasn’t going to continue down the same road. It was time to take a hard sharp left turn off “Regret Blvd” and find new roads to travel Excerpt from “Transformation Caravan” My first year post-op was really a growing, learning, accepting of myself journey. I really didn’t expect the changes taking place in body, mind and soul. As my body was changing; so was my opinion of myself. I was on the emotional “Roller Coaster” ride of my life. I still experienced self doubt; my self-destructive mentality still showed up here and there. Unfortunately we don't lose those feelings immediately as we lose the weight. Try to be kind to yourself during this phase; because that's exactly what it is- it's a phase. Your emotions are going to be all over the place; take advantage of this time to really feel your emotions and to get to know the authentic you. It was during this emotional roller coaster ride; I learned the most about myself. I relished all of these changes. I really looked at my life from a different view point. I allowed myself to see and feel things differently. I had been given a gift; a new lease on life and I wanted to make the most of it Trust me it was the best left turn I’ve ever made. As with any major decision in our lives there will always be the would-of could-of and should-of’s, believe me my journey is no different. I was not as committed as I thought I would be. I remember visiting my surgeon for the first time and he explained the procedure to me; I only heard half of what he said. My focus was on how much weight I was going to lose not what the aftercare was going to be like. I had visions of a size 4 and 6 dancing in my head *LOL*. Seriously listening to my surgeon was like listening to Charlie Browns teacher "Blah Blah Blah". It's not that I didn't take what he was saying to me seriously; I just wanted the procedure to be done and let the weight loss begin. Umm that happened for the first year with little effort on my part then it all came to screeching halt when I got comfortable with the new me. This was a sub-conscience decision; I didn't even know I was doing it. I can honestly say, “I was failing my band”. I became comfortable with the new me, I lost focus on my goal, and I just became downright lazy in my weight loss efforts Excerpt from “Transformation Caravan” I believe this journey takes each one of us in different directions; yet our destination is the same. Some of you will reach your destination on time; and others will take a detour then end up at your destination. Bottom line it doesn’t matter when or how you reach your destination as long as you reach it. For those of you who take a detour; enjoy the scenic route because there is a lot to be learned on the roads less traveled. Those of you who have reached your destination on time; you obviously mapped out your route and didn’t need to stop and ask for directions along the way. You may have had one mind set starting out and then something inside you flipped and now you have new goals, hopes and dreams. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. The point here is; are you happy, has your quality of life improved, are you living your dreams? If so: then you have reached your “Victory Volcano”. It was a long road trip reaching my final destination. I wouldn’t have skipped any of the stops I made along the way. I took this journey without a road map and I did get lost along the way. When my “Transformation Caravan” rolled out on the road I had no idea I would discover so many “Wonders of the WLS World”. You have been given a new “Lease on Life” make the most of it; embracing every change you go through. If you feel overwhelmed at times (which you will) get the support/help you need and work through it; don’t think you are in this alone because you’re not This is the time to take risk you have never taken before, try new adventures, and really start living your life like you have always wanted to. Don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams. If you are hitting roadblock after roadblock; re-access what you are doing and make the adjustments Weight Loss Surgery is so much more than losing weight, crossing your legs or even wearing a belt. This journey is completely life changing from the inside out. Reaching your destination shouldn’t be overwhelming, intimidating, or even fearful. Instead it should be embraced, appreciated and welcomed. I found my calling as a Life and Wellness Coach. I am trained to listen, observe and to customize my approach to your needs. My coaching approach helps you deal with obstacles and stay on course, so you effectively reach your goals. I want to "Empower" you during your transformation to health and wellness. It’s an honor and a joy to provide Coaching as you discover your path to living a joyful and rewarding life after your Weight Loss Surgery

I chose lapband for lots of reasons: 1) not a major overhaul of my insides; 2) recovery time; 3) if a problem can be reversed; 4) it helps me learn how to eat properly with a better chance of keeping the weight off. 5) slower weight loss giving my skin a chance to catch up. All in all, it is a matter of personal preference. I feel for me I have made the best decision...and my PCP agrees, even though I didn't see him until after my decision had been made. Good luck!

Hmm ok My surgeon has done 22 sleeves and over 1000 lap bands. He has a 100% success rate so far with sleeves. Where it's considered the newer surgery, I actually found bariatric surgeons not having extensive experience. TRUST ME , I've been worried - but I'm far more concerned about my weight/health. He's had high success with the other bariatric surgeries. He's the head of the Surgical Weight Loss Specialist of Mass. Do your research and talk with some of his sleeve patients. Today was my pre op and he offered to connect me with some of his first patients. I almost considered going to mass for my skin removal surgery I heard the surgeons do it at a discount. Plus one of the top hospitals.

@hollybower I've seen such convoluted information on this topic. A lot of it depends on your insurance and what they're looking for. Do you lose weight? Maintain? Make sure you don't gain? What happens if you go below your starting BMI and what if you drop below the required BM? I honestly have no idea what I'm doing myself. I've lost about 7 lbs which is still above my required BMI, but it's nerve wracking. Will the fact that I lost 7 lbs and have kept it off make my insurance company think I'm capable of doing it on my own? I surely hope not since that's like..1.1 lbs a month. Haha- not ideal for a successful weight loss program in my opinion. What insurance company do you have? So about this supervised diet, that is what I'm doing now. She didn't give me a specific diet just things to try and cut back on. Did you lose any weight? I'm scared to lose to much that would disqualify me for the surgery. Help!

I have found that the dr or clinic/ program likes to verify your insurance coverage and approval before they begin your mandatory weight loss nutrition appts and all testing begins a lot of insurance make you have some period of time to have weight loss usually required by the surgeon not the insurance but the insurance goes along with this as there is a chance u will quit or get tired of all the bs and change your mind I've also found that they will never give a straight answer

Hello all, I think we forget that when lossing weight we also build muscle. That muscle weighs more and that building muscle is not a bad thing either. SuzanneG, that is so great to hear about the weight you have lost! Keep up the good work and good things will happen! Sometimes when I get stuck I just watch more of what I eat and when I eat it. Walk a little more or change up my exercise program. I have made a call to go in for another fill in September. I have about 30 lbs to lose. I will be looking into the PS to remove the pann and a breast reduction in Jan. When I called, I also had Cindy share the percentage of my weight loss with me, which was 33%. So after a year and a half, I feel I am doing great! I for one am not in a rush and am not trying to compare myself self with what others are doing or have done. Since we all lose in different ways and means. Our bodies after all are all different. I like to take my time for the weight lost to give my body time to adjust and for my brain to retrain it self. This I believe gives me the longer lasting change I need for my life time. This weight loss and eating right, to me, is a process and retraining of what I "thought" was right. You all take care, be well, do right! ~Whirlwinds~

People often fall off the wagon. The trick to success with your band is that you are determined enough to get back on the wagon. So you messed up one day. OK. Next day starts back 'doing the right thing'. If you totally shuck your doctors orders, you may surely pay for that in lack of weight loss or band complications. If you are really serious about wanting to lose weight, you will have to make the changes necessary to allow the band to work for you. This includes a 6 week healing phase to allow you stomach NOT to grind and churn to digest harder foods. A gradual return to solids including hard Proteins, not soft foods that allow more calories to slide by your band, exercise at least 30 minutes 3/5 days a week and Water, water, water. Please be kind to yourself and your band. The stomach 'growlies' are inevitable, but don't necessarily mean you are starving. Pretty soon, they subside and you can get your mind on other things, like riding a bike or shopping for hours because you've lost enough that you can walk for hours. Getting your head in the right place is tough, we can all agree with that, but it will come, if you meet it halfway! Good luck to you!

I hope somebody find a cure for this ..I'll die if my hair falls out...just die

Yes it happened to me , after about the same weight loss and it scared me to death. I have heard every reason under the sun and I tried everything, but it does stop and your hair does come back, my hair came back as full as ever. I actually think it is the lack of nutrients but who knows, I am just a nurse not a doctor, but it does come back.

thank you, I need 2 knee replacements decided to do this first and thensee how the knees go. I will remember what you said no nutrients don't consume .congrads. on your weight loss, hope i do as well..hopefully this site and lap support at docotrs will help a lot I am sure... I also have a hard time getting around have to use scotter at stores, cannot walk a distance, or stand very long.. doctor says for me to loose 30 lbs before using step machine at the Ymca because of my blood pressure... so I use a floor pedal bike at home for starters, can't wait for it to warm up so I can use my pool.. should be April... Hopefully hubby will support after surgery, but he is not going to stop me, I take care of my motherinlaw who lives with us she is 83 and in a wheelchair on some days and a walker the other, also is on dialysis 2 times a week so I have o get better to take care of her better and hubby has a pacemaker defib. so I am needed by both of them.. have to do this for many reasons health being the first and looking and feeling better after that... so thank you for your support and advice !!!!

I live in France and had the band here in November 2008. I've lost about 35 pounds and am dissappointed in the slow weight loss. I am finding that i cannot eat in the morning or afternoon - can only tolerate eating in the evening and night time. Some days i am able to eat alot. Other days, I cannot eat a thing. Almost daily i make myself vomit because when i try to eat it is so painful (even water) that i cannot tolerate the pain and have to vomit. When i tell this to my surgeon, he keeps saying that this is normal and that's just the way the band is. It's very difficult with the cultural and language barrier - his philosophy is just not eat and i will lose weight. He also told me NOT to exercise! (very strange - i try to exercise at least 3 times a week anyway). As i don't have access to a support group here, i really wonder if what he is saying is true. Is it normal to have such a variable ability to eat with the band? I mean - some days i can really eat alot. Other days, even water causes such severe pain i have to vomit. How much damage am I doing to myself with the vomiting - i was never one to throw up before, and i really hate it, but i hate the pain even worse. I also burp all the time. I just realy don't know what to do. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone have any advice? thank you sooooooo much!

Have you consulted a dermatologist? Sorry about your hair loss. Hopefully it will resolve itself soon. I have heard so many stories about hair loss post surgery. I don't want to sound as if I am bragging because I have been fortunate to not have hair loss. I just want others to know that some people actually are fortunate to have improved hair.

If you have already lost 80 lbs since May 5th, that's about 5 lbs a week! That's tremendous! Good Job!!!! You must be very diligent in following all the rules. I wish my weight was coming off that fast. However, that kind of rapid weight loss is prone to make certain people lose hair. When your weight stabilizes, the hair will come back. This I know from personal experience. Biotin is a product that works for me and it is very inexpensive at Walmart. Keep up the good work.

Hello everyone! I just had my nutritional class and pre op testing on Monday. I met with an NP and she gave me my prescriptions. One was Vicodin and the other was for nausea. Should I have been given a script for antibiotics? After prior weight loss (years ago, since regained double what I lost) I had a breast augmentation and lift. I know it's a different operation and there was a lot more cutting, but once I got home I questioned if I should have been given some type of antibiotic. Also, were any of you required to crush your pills into applesauce or just not take anything bigger than an m&m? Lastly, I have a microdermal piercing on my wrist. I keep forgetting to tell them about it. (I really should have made a list before my appointment) and the base is an implant that would have to be cut out. Should I go ahead and have it removed or has anyone else had an experience with piercings? Thanks All!

great loss so far..but the pre op is not really about losing (weight) its more to get the body ready for surgery..larger BMI people can lose more and sometimes some people hardly lose anything...its basically liquids...and it happens fast and also on the post op.....and then when people start to eat again (slowly) because one is just in drinking their food, they can gain or (even not lose anymore) and then they start the whats wrong stuff.......AND that is where you need to realize, inches lost mean actual weight.. measure yourself now.......and then again a couple weeks post op.....use that guide as a sign.. all the best.