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Welcome to LBT, jojo. The first thing I did was to go to the weight loss surgery seminars and investigate gastric banding on the Internet. That's how I found this site. Do you have any questions in particular that you want to ask?

I have struggled with my weight since I was five years old. Late in 2016- at 28 years old at my heaviest weight- I had my first appointment with a bariatric surgeon in Akron, Ohio where I live and began the steps towards gastric bypass. I was so scared. But I knew that I would rather risk my life than live like this forever. I feared that my parents would bury me in 20 years and that my sister would become an only child. I knew I had to do something. I had tried everything. Between the ages of 8-28 I had tried everything under the sun. I could not lose/maintain the weight loss. On June 26, 2017- I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost/maintained 180 pound weight loss. I have a whole new life. It is quite beautiful. I look forward to living everyday. I share my journey on Instagram - (my name on there is Maddie5088) and I also have a public Facebook Page called Mornings with Maddie. I created a blog almost a year ago that focuses on sharing my journey, creating/sharing healthy recipes. You can find it here - foodfitnessandbeauty.com I share body positivity, kindness, self love, inclusivity, healthy recipes, grocery hauls, I do monthly giveaways, how to meal prep, affordable/easy meals for bariatric patients and I do Q and As for Bariatric patients. I have felt very called to share my journey with the bariatric community! I hope you come follow along my story! It’s been a heck of a ride! Xoxo Maddie

I turned 43 today. I'm three days into my pre-op diet--I'm on the road to a thinner, healthier me. This is the best gift I can give myself. It will last the rest of my life. I'm sticking pretty much to Isopure protein shakes, chicken, tuna, cheese, cottage cheese, and almonds. I'm getting in about 100 grams of protein a day; my minimum is supposed to be 70. I'm doing great. My carbs are supposed to stay under 30 a day; this is soooo not a problem. Hubby took me out for dinner to celebrate. We went to Outback Steakhouse and I got the center-cut filet (medium rare) with a Caesar salad. I enjoyed every single bite, because I know it will be quite awhile before I can eat another steak or salad. It was delicious! We're looking to buy some riverfront property on the San Marcos river here in Texas. I went out and stomped around on the piece we're most interested in--most likely it's in the flood plain. I wish it wasn't. It's gorgeous. We so want to live on the San Marcos river after I graduate from dental hygiene school in May 2008. George retires from the phone company after 30+ years in December 2009. Life just keeps getting better for both of us. We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on July 4. We've been together for almost seven years. After several failed marriages between us, we took our time getting to know each other. We are perfect for each other. Anyway, back to the lap-band. My sister had a band placed five years ago and has done very well, despite having stretched her pouch. She's lost all of her weight and has been training daily and running marathons for about three years now. I started investigating different weight-loss surgeries for me about a year ago. At first I thought I'd do the vertical sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch, but since I have Crohn's disease, my gastroenterologist wouldn't approve it for me. Then I thought the Rouen-Y--same response from my doctor. Well, then I figured that the lap-band would be okay, because it could be reversed, if I had a life-threatening flare-up of my Crohn's disease. My doctor said he thought that was a great idea. In April, I went to a bariatrics seminar held at Seton hospital here in Austin, Texas, and Dr. Mark Sherrod presented all of the information, pre-qualification factors, etc. and he was so personable. I enjoyed the presentation and spoke with him for sometime afterward. My husband came with me and enjoyed it as much as I did. He really liked Dr. Sherrod too. I made an appointment and saw Dr. Sherrod for the first time on a doctor/patient basis in May. With a BMI of 43, I was definitely a candidate for the surgery. There was a ton of paperwork to fill out, questions to answer, future appointments to schedule, etc. that kept me very busy. I went back on June 25th for a meeting with anesthesiology (for an EKG), the psychologist (to make sure I had realistic expectations), an exercise therapist (to give me ideas on what kinds of exercise was reasonable for me), a nurse with the bariatrics team (to discuss the actual surgery, possible complications, etc.), and a dietician (to discuss my eating habits, the pre-op diet, and post-op diet, and lifetime eating habit modification). My gallbladder decided to go bad, and after a couple of gallbladder tests, that came back strongly indicating a malfunctioning organ, Dr. Sherrod was kind enough to take it out for me on June 29. Whew! I feel so much better. I had my gallbladder removed at the Central Park Surgical Suites on 38th St. here in Austin. And I had such a terrific experience that I've canceled my lap-band surgery at Seton hospital, and have scheduled to have it done at the Central Park Surgical Suites. Dr. Sherrod raves about the staff there, and I can certainly understand why. I had my very own nurse who made sure that I never felt any pain. She was priceless! I don't really have any misgivings about the upcoming surgery. I know that I will mourn the loss of my best friend (food), but honestly, my best friend has let me down for 20 years. It's a sick, sick, sick relationship. Food doesn't make me feel better about myself, it hasn't made me healthy, it turned my mom into a type II diabetic, and I know I'm next. If I had a human friend who treated me the way food has, I sure wouldn't have kept that friend around for 20 years! So, the lap-band goes on July 19. It's a tool to help me control how much I eat. And since I will have such a tiny stomach, I will have to be super smart about what I put into my body. It's no different than when George stopped smoking four years ago. He used the patch, the lozenges, and the gum. They were tools to help him curb is addiction. The band will help me curb my addiction. I'm very excited about starting my new life. I'm only 43, if I treat myself well, I could live another 40 years and enjoy my grandkids and their children, and maybe even their childrens' children. How cool would that be? I'm going to commit to posting here once a week. I sure I can do it once school starts up again. We shall see.:kiss

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I am almost 7 days down on the liquids and 7 to go. I want a meal so bad and keep trying to quit and reschedule for September (also because of travel plans). I keep thinking I have 2 weeks on liquid after surgery too and it makes me really nervous. Hearing you say it is easier after really helps. I had a slip up and ate popcorn last night at a movie, so I have to call my doctors office tomorrow and see what they say. I'm sure it will be fine, hearing how a lot of people just have a few days on liquid. How long before you were eating normal food and protein? Anyway, yes we have horses. Both my daughters barrel race and I used too, but refuse to now because of my weight. My daughters are way excited for me to start competing with them (if my back allows) as soon as I lose some lbs. I am in Utah.

Wow guys.... Thanks for all the replies! It's nice to know that I'm not alone in these feelings. After a long holiday weekend, I am feeling a lot better about getting the surgery. It seems that I might be actually boring myself with these thoughts, as I am feeling more relaxed the closer I get to it. Fact of the matter is that I am in dire need of getting rid of this weight. I have to take this opportunity to better my life, and the life of those that love me and want my presence on this earth. After doing a bit more research, I realized that a lot of these complications that happen and result in death, is the patient themselves not following Doctor's orders post-op. This will not be a problem for me. Thanks again.

Hi. What an achievement 90 lbs.! Great job. I can't speak as someone with long-term experience as my sleeve surgery was 12/28/17; however, I do have sugar cravings at times. I notice the cravings tend to strike when I haven't eaten yet (when I should have already eaten) and when I'm not getting my protein in bc I'm not eating on a regular basis. So focusing on reaching 80-90 grams of protein daily may help you if you are not already doing that and eating meals every 3-4 hours. I also find if I busy my mind with an activity like a jigsaw puzzle, my cravings subside. Brushing my teeth after meals and following that an hour later with drinking water helps me too. About exercise being a challenge bc of pain and fatigue issues: I really relate to that. I often think I'd be losing significantly more if I didn't have these "issues." It's tough too bc these are invisible disabilities and are often misunderstood. The pain and fatigue issues I have existed before I was overweight and I'm sure the excess weight hasn't helped. If you'd ever like to message about it, I'm here. You know what you need to do. You've got this! [emoji259]

I am only in month two of my six month supervised weight loss but I wanted to do a trial run and see how long I could do the liquid diet for. I have been going 7 hrs. Had coffee water poweraid zero vitamin water zero a protein shake and yogart. I'm a lil hungry but not enough to eat a foot off yet

I was sleeved on Nov 26th I have Gone from my highest weight pre-op at 423 to my current weight 7 weeks pre-0p at 348 with the majority of that being post-op loss. Thats a total of 76lbs since this time last year when our Journey began. Yes I have had support from friends ,my Husband, my children but most of all from My sister "Kapoorvilla". She encouraged me and walked every step of this journey right beside of me.She was sleeved on Dec 5th. My sleeve went great home the next day walking a few hrs after, took almost no pain meds, have had no nausea or vomiting and can eat and drink about anything just have to watch the amounts, be sure to get in my proteins first and stay away from bad carbs and sweets, not that these things bother me but i just know my sleeve is only a tool. My sister drove us back and forth to doctor appts, in heavy big city traffic, pushed me in a wheelchair because i couldnt walk far, encouraged me, kept my spirits up, was proud of every lb I lost or NSV I achieved like being able to go from wheelchair to walker and now just my own power in short distances. I just wanted to publicly thank her and tell how much that it all meant to me. It is sucha blessing to have some one to share it all with step by step and compare notes and complain about the different diet stages with. We share recipes and any new finds such as products with a lot of protein etc.. She has been such a inspiration to me and I so admire her determination and ability to bless others even when things are going the best for her. During her operation her bowel was pierced, it turned into an emergency situation she was cut from breast bone to vagina practically lost blood had to be transfused 4 units of blood. Had to have asecond surgery 3 days later to put her bowels back in place, was finally released after 5 days and took 4 weeks to recover enough to resume her many responsibilities. She is doing good now, does well with the sleeve eating and drinking pretty much what she wants too but very little of it. not sure of her exact loss but its pretty good. I'm so sorry this all happen to you and I don't know the hows and whys you definiteley didnt deserve it and yes If it had to be I wish it had been me instead but I think the Lord knew you where stronger and im not sure I would have survived it and then recovered as well as you have, my health is so much worse. You are a real trooper and a great example to me, you have more will power than anyone ive ever known and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm so proud you are my sister and hopoe someday I can do for you all the things you have done for me. Thanks again I love You! Ascooke.

I have tried every weight loss method, diet, plan, doctor....anything to lose weight. I am a 32 year old female and I have been over 200 lbs since middle school. I have been banded for 2 weeks and am patiently waiting on my first fill (my doctor won't fill for the first 4 weeks for healing). I am hungry, but I can already see the tremendous difference in my ability to discern the right portion sizes. I am calorie counting so that I don't over eat with an unfilled band. I welcome any suggestions for the future, any success stories, any information at all!

Yesterday was the 2 month anniversary of my GSV surgery. I felt like sharing that I was at 58 pounds of weight loss yesterday, 59 pounds as of today! I had set a goal of reaching the 60 pound mark by 2 months, and for all intents and purposes, met my goal. Close enough, anyway! It is easy to stay focused and motivated when I see this kind of result. I have had my plateaus, which everyone knows how aggravating they are, but have managed great weight loss, with a lot of gym time and power walking! Here's to the next 60!

There is also that same chance that you will NOT gain the weight back and for me that was hope and reason enough. I can't speak for long time success, I will leave that to the veterans. I was just reading a post today from some 3 year veterans. ???? I can speak to the fact that living with a restriction tool has already changed my life in the best of ways. I am experiencing great results not only in weight loss but the way I feel about myself. Feeling proud of my choices instead of guilty is so empowering. Not being hungry all of the time has allowed my to think about the reasons I was eating so much in the past. Do what you feel is best for you. You really don't have to convince him, just believe it for yourself. Good luck on your journey.

Can I pick a ton.. not just one! 1) I can wrap my bath towel once and a half around me and tuck it in. Before... I just tucked it under each boob to keep it up ..LOL. it was like a 5 inch space in the middle showing my belly.. 2) My kids play and wrap their hands around my waist without touching me and extra room left too. I get a kick off of them getting a kick from it. LOL. 3) Sex... (TMI)...Whoop whoop!!! Before I use to get on top and my honey would complaint sometimes that I was hurting his hips because if my weight. NOW! ..... he's tossing me around like I'm light as a feather. LOL 4) I love the fact that I no longer have to try on my clothes before buying them. As long as its a Medium and a size 9 .. it'll fit! 5) YES.... the men are starring even harder, but I just laugh and keep it pushing. Sorry boys..but I gotta man! LOL.... And he was down for.me when was P.H.A.T! 6) I busted out a bikini at the beach the other day. Yes I did have a see thru cover up that camouflaged my stretch marks, minor loose skin and a little cellulite... RMAO! Yes if I was single I would have been false advertising... But I'm not so I was simply working it! LOL 7) I love being able to jump up and do this when I don't feel like picking Something out. My honey has every color you can imagine. [ATTACH]4232[/ATTACH] ~Leticia **HW: 259**PreOp: 216**SURG: 3/21/13 **Discharged @: 221** 3 mons post op. CW: 165.0 lbs. --- Only 15 lbs to my goal ---

Hi everyone...Britt here from NY. I've been lurking around reading posts here for a while, and all the supportive people on this site really helped inspire me to go through with getting banded. I've been overweight since I was a child, and always the heaviest in my family. Lap band was never something I considered simply because I felt like it was "giving up," and that being banded meant I was weak...which is exactly what everyone else thought of me, and why I didn't want to give in. I have completely changed my opinion in this regard, and know that I am taking a step in the right direction to get myself healthy, which DOES NOT mean I'm weak, rather it means I'm strong enough to admit that I can't do it on my own, which so many people can't admit. I'm less than three days away from surgery and I have many different emotions going through me right now. I'm scared, excited, nervous, determined, and confused. Will my liver be small enough? Will I be able to handle the pain? I'm terrified to wake up and find out that my liver was too large and I couldn't have the surgery. I've been doing opti for two weeks, and have cheated once or twice the first week, but only with a small piece of low fat cheese, or a bite or two of a banana. I have only lost about six pounds, which I think is good, but hearing what other people have lost makes me think I should have lost more. My doctor didn't specify an amount of weight to lose prior to surgery, so I'm super nervous that I won't be able to get banded! Is there anyone else who didn't lose a lot on Pre-op but still had no problems with getting the surgery, or their liver being too large? Thanks for any help you can give me, I appreciate it!

I'm 5 weeks out and haven't seen my youngest daughter in 4 weeks....she goes to college. She came home and said OH MY GOSH MOM you LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT...WOW I can really tell! You are looking good...I didn't think you would look that good already! LOL I wanted to say GEE THANKS but instead I did my "STRUT YOUR STUFF WALK" and gave her a BIG HUG AND KISS!!!!! I MISSED my BABY!! LOL That was my FEEL GOOD MOMENT!!! I hope EVERYONE has a GREAT weekend.

Congrats on the weight loss. I had my surgery December 17th and I'm down 72 lbs since surgery and 82 lbs total. I agree with you, the head hunger is tough. Its tough when food was our best friend for so long and now we can't rely on that food for comfort. You've come to a great place here for support. Welcome!!!

I used to love flying when I was younger. I grew up in Alaska with family in Texas, Indiana, and new Mexico. Flew all over the country, regularly. Flew intermittently through my 20s for business and vacations. For a number of reasons, I hadn't flown since before 9/11 so my business trip this week has been my first foray on a plane with the tsa nonsense and the whole carry on luggage nonsense. I now hate flying. And it's only partially because the plane seats are so freaking tiny. 17" across... I looked it up. That's nuts. And not just for wide loads like me... most athletic men have broader shoulders than that. No way to have any speck of personal space. I'll lose weight after the surgery and not have to squeeze my butt and thighs into a seat, but it's not going to make me any shorter or do much about my shoulder width. My knees were touching the seat in front of me and the head rest was in my shoulders. And that's not even considering the dammed tsa. That was a nightmare. I will be fixing my name on my passport and getting pre check as soon as humanly possible when I get home. I also think I'm checking a bag next time, because trying to pack for a week business trip in a roller is just nuts. I'm not sure where I was going with this, but needed to rant somewhere. It was a miserable airport and flight experience, I don't care for hotel stays, and I get to endure the airport and flight again tomorrow. Geez. sent from mobile device

I'm seeing my surgeon for pre-op consult. We're going to set a date for the surgery (hoping for the week of the 20th, but will take sooner if offered!) Just so excited, scared, relieved, inquisitive, determined....*sigh* I could probably go on for days. I'm just ready. I'm ready for this weight to be taken off of my shoulders...figuratively and literally. I can't wait to be sitting on the losers' bench with all of you post-op'ers.

Thank you everyone! Still want to drop about 8lb but I'm going in the right direction. To reGain weight was never an option and For thiis not be a success story was never going to be an option, this op cost me £10k and was very painful and it's been a long hard road but well worth it.. I'm now slim fit and healthy and to put it simply there is no ever going back... I think to make it work this is the only attitude to have , it's not a quick fix , it's a life style change. Good luck to others doing this but there is really no reason for it not to work... Not matter how hard things get just think of the end goal...

My therapist had her stomach stapled and a band around her stomach back in 97. She is just wonderful. She said she'd be willing to start a group if I could find 4-5 people. She really is helpful since she took the slow weight loss route also. If you are interested let me know. This is something I think would be a great support. We all support each other which is wonderful but to have a counselor lead a group who has gone through all the same stages we are going through! How great would that be!

Penni I'm so glad you are enjoying your self and you deserve to be!! You have worked hard to lose weight and to feel better about your self is just one of the awards!!! Dance and have the time of your life on your trip!!!

:sad:[you look really good, What all did you do to reach your goal weight. if you haven't reached it what are you doing to get there...

When I read this thread, the first thing that came to this 'Negative Nelly' was I wish my legs were smaller. I carry a lot of weight there as well. BUT I need to think positive. So far I like the fact my stomach and back fat are under control. I can wear more fitted tops istead of the flowy 'tents' to hid in. I almost died the other day when I tried on a large jacket in Jrs and it fit. I know it was cut big but still that was amazing to me!

Immediately after I was walking. At two weeks I was swimming & at on month I was cut loose on weights & cardio!

I started walking the day of surgery and never looked back. I walk every day. Now, I'm up to walking 1-40 minute session and 1-30 minute session per day--that's over 2 miles per day which sounds wussy, but is HUGE for me. At 6 weeks I was released to do strength training and I began in PT again to help me build core strength and endurance in preparation to working with someone to help me with a strength training (weights) plan. I have no limitations.

I started more walking yesterday, but will wait a few weeks before I do anything more high impact. I am hoping to do a little light weeding/gardening next week, and might even be able to squeeze in a light-weight fishing session in the next few weeks (no heavy surf fishing for at least 3 months for me though).