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I ate lean cuisines for 10 years at lunch and kept gaining. Dinner was vegetables. Nevermore. No more pasta/rice/noodles. I am dead serious about this surgery and my results.

My doctor's fee includes one year of after-care -- 12 monthly appointments. I had one cc in my 10-cc band at surgery and three ccs added two weeks ago. I don't know how much will be added from now on but I will see the doctor every month whether I get a fill or not so I don't think his decision will be motivated by money but I can see where that could be an issue.

I have a 10 cc band and was filled to 4 cc at time of surgery. I must be a wierdo, because I DO feel a little restriction, and get a tummy ache if I try to eat more than a cup of food. I can't eat near the amount that I used to. Some foods stick with me for hours afterward and are uncomfortable. (Meat) I've been stuck once eating fish. I thought I would die. No PB yet though. I'm scheduled for my first fill on Jan. 11, but honestly don't feel like I need one yet. I'm 6 weeks out and lost 26 pounds. Do I really need a fill?

Yeah, I'm so excited for you!!! Let us know how your recovery is going, we're thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery!! 19 more days to go for me and I can't wait!! I have to be on Medifast for 5 weeks prior to my surgery. That means NO food at all!!! So thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot.

My name is Brent and I live in Central California. My surgery was performed in Visalia, CA by Dr, Karen Mac Kenxie. Before surgery I weighted around 332 lbs, but when I went to see the Dr. I was at 322 (tying to diet on my own). At the time of the surgery I was down to 308 lbs thanks to that god awful pre-op diet. Now after the surgery I weight around 288 lbs. My surgery was 8/28/2008. My insurance paid for it because I have everything in the book: Diabetes Hight Blood Pressure BMI over 40 sleep Apnea High Cholesterol My first fill is on 10/1/2008 and I thought it would be a good idea to fine a support site. This site looks like a good place to get information and support from this who have already been thru there.

I am 10 weeks out and I can honestly say this is the best thing I have ever done for myself! It hasn't been a walk in the park everyday, some foods my stomach hates now but I know it's just part of the process. I am down 55 lbs so far. It amazing to see the scale go down consistently.

OMG if I had to wait 10minutes between bites I'd probably go insane. My doctor says to eat slowly and I usually put my fork down between bites but waiting 10 minutes doesn't seem right. I know that all doctors are different but really... 10 minutes? I'd ask him to try it out for a few days

LOL, you'll do fine. I think my post op day was hard on me cuz I didn't even get my morning coffee. I really can go without breakfast if I let myself, as long as I have my coffee. But, I truly did get hungry. But they didn't come get me to take me back until 2:00 pm and my surgery was scheduled for 10. I was there til they closed the doors.

Kashi GoLean Orginial is good too. One cup is a serving with Protien at 13 grams, Fiber at 10 grams, sugar only 9 grams and 160 calories. I asked for a Yogurt maker for Christmas so my daughters and I are going to try our hand at making our own. My youngest is Lactose Intolerant so we are going to try making plain yogurt Lactose free so we can add stuff to it. We found some sugar-free syrups at wal-mart quite cheap.

I definitely liked the number when I stepped on it the first thing this morning in my nightgown, but was a bit shocked to think I'd lost 5 pounds in 2 days when the scale wasn't budging before. Which is why I weighed again in clothes and saw it was the same as 2 days prior. I had been avoiding the scale since it was hardly budging, but decided to give it a try last friday and was shocked to see I was down almost 10 pounds since I weighed a couple of weeks ago. I guess fixing the constipation issue helped quite a bit! My biggest concern with going with the number with the least amount of clothing and then stepping on the doctors scale fully clothed and seeing a higher number is the self esteem issue, like someone else mentioned. Thanks for the feedback.

You would think I would be upset, but I'm really not. I had an ok week. Didn't get to exercise as much as the week before, but still got in 5 hours worth. Using my calories in and calories burned record I should have lost 2-3lbs, but the scale shows nothing. I would be really frustrated, but since I know exactly where I'm at, I know it is just water weight changes making the scale not move. I can tell, I'm now starting to need a little fill again. I'm doing good, but my daily calorie intake is up about 100-200. Next week will be one month since my last fill, so it will be time for a fill anyway. I hope to get 10-15 hours of exercise in again next week, and see a nice loss for the week.

I've wondered about this myself. Over the last year, since making the decision to get banded, I'd lost almost 30 lbs as a result of a combination of things. But I can't count that as being surgery-related, so I won't consider it when I start posting stats. Then, once I won my insurance battle and knew I was going to get banded, I put back on about 5 pounds doing the last-supper thing. But I don't want to count those either. I'm figuring that my weight on the day of surgery is my top weight for the purposes of tracking loss. Of course, they didn't weigh me at the hospital so I'm really going by the weight at the doctor's office about 10 days before surgery. But since then I'm 11 lbs down and don't intend to let any of them go uncounted!

✌ I can neither confirm nor deny ✌ But I remember an ethical debate in my Post Grad courses about the collected genetic materials possibly becoming patented intellectual property of the companies that harvest, store and analyze them. Much like Monsanto and grains. Anyone else remember something along this vein? It's been years since I've done any real research on it. At the root no one is going to be shocked and find out they are 52% Neanderthal. We are still all Homosapiens Sapiens. No disavowing humanity allowed! Interesting thread!

I feel maybe a little out of place posting here, because I'm not a mother, so please forgive me if you would have preferred if I stayed out of the fray. My perspective as a graduate research assistant that works about 8-10 hours a day, most often including weekends with a new husband and a VERY demanding volunteer role that takes up the rest of my spare time, is that I had to sit down and have a frank discussion with my husband. I'm making 0 assumptions about your relationship, so perhaps this won't be relevant to your situation. I had to sit down with my husband when I made a commitment to regular exercise. I told him very seriously that this was important to me. And in order to successfully commit to exercise I needed XY and Z from him. I find at least my husband is very responsive when I present things that way. It sounds like you're very tired in the evening (understandable!) but very busy in the morning. If morning is a time when you feel like you're ready to exercise is there a tradeoff you can make with your husband ? For example, "I'll take morning duty Tuesday/Thursday and weekends if you take MWF ?" Or something like that ? Best of luck ! I hope you get a plan worked out !!

i am almost 2 weeks post op, my doc put me on some medication to empty my stomach out.. so i was having bms at day 3, and as of yesterday i have lost 20 pounds since surgery! 10 the first week and 10 more as of yesterday! good luck!

My approval ended up taking 8 days and my husbands took 10. We both submitted on the same day. Good luck to you! Waiting for approval is so nerve wrecking!

I was banded on May 21st. I immediately lost 5-10 pounds in addition to the 20 I lost pre-surgery, but have been in that range ever since. I have lost size (dropped two sizes - and my friend told me that my smaller pants have droop in the butt). I get my first fill Wed. I have been closely watching all that the nurse told me to do- 60-80 grams of Protein daily 1000-1200 calories (this one is tough - most days around 750) 64 - 100 oz of Water daily Plus Vitamins, etc. Been doing low impact exercise (due to existing ortho problems) including yoga, Pilates, and walking. I am not eating the "wrong things" ( fried, un helpful sugar, etc) but so want to CRUNCH something - I have had raw carrots - carefully chewing them up. Getting frustrated. Beyond lapband, I have never been known for my patience, so slow/no results isn't helping. HELP!!

I just posted this new weight loss surgery magazine article on the new Gastric Balloon: The gastric balloon is a newer approach to weight loss. It is an alternative to Weight Loss Surgery for obese patients whose BMI’s may be too low to qualify them for Weight Loss Surgery. It can also be an option for you if you do not want surgery because of its risks or because you want a completely irreversible treatment. How It Works The gastric balloon is placed in your stomach to partially fill it. This helps make you feel full so you are inclined to eat less and lose weight. The program depends on your readiness to make changes in your eating behaviors, and you are likely to be more successful if your doctor works closely with you during the time you have the balloon inflated to establish healthier nutritional habits. Like weight loss surgery, the gastric balloon is a tool for weight loss that depends on behavior change. Patients are supposed to have nutritional counseling and learn new eating habits during the months they have the balloon in place. Orbera also promotes establishing a sustainable exercise routine, managing your appetite, and learning how to keep yourself motivated. The Procedures for Implanting and Removing the Balloon It usually takes less than 30 minutes to get a gastric balloon implanted. The procedure is endoscopic, not surgical. You receive an anesthetic for your throat, and then swallow a deflated balloon attached to a catheter or small tube. The surgeon places the balloon using endoscopic instruments, such as a probe with a camera, and then inflates the catheter with saline solution or air. You can go home within hours after your balloon is filled. For 1 to 3 days, you follow a liquid or soft foods diet. You may have multiple balloons inserted over the course of your treatment. For example, Obalon’s 12-week program includes up to three balloons, each with a size of 250 cc (about 1 cup), for a possible total of 750 cc. Other company’s balloons may be larger, such as 400 cc. To remove the balloon, the surgeon gives you a sedative. The process takes only a few minutes, and you will be sedated for only about 30 minutes. Differences from Weight Loss Surgery In general, the gastric balloon is an obesity treatment designed for lower-BMI patients than weight loss surgery. In general, you are eligible for the gastric balloon starting at a BMI of 27. In contrast, health insurance plans that include weight loss surgery set eligibility for reimbursement at a BMI of 40, or a BMI of 35 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension. A BMI of 27 is not even considered “obese,” but rather categorizes you as “overweight.” Unlike Weight Loss Surgery, the gastric balloon is not intended to be permanent. The Orbera intragastric balloon can be used for up to 6 months, while the ReShape Duo may be used for up to 12 months. Manufacturers of the gastric balloon claim it can help you lose about 10 to 15 kg (20 to 35 lbs), at the rate of about 1 kg (2 lbs) per week. In comparison, Weight Loss Surgery patients may lose about 80 to 100 lbs. (35 to 45 kg) in their first year after surgery, which is also a rate of about 1 kg/week. They have continued effects of the surgery (e.g., restriction from a smaller pouch/sleeve) after that time, since surgery is permanent. Effectiveness and Safety The gastric balloon can help you lose weight at a steady rate for the months or year you have it in place. It can also help encourage you to establish healthy eating patterns. Some research studies have also found reductions in visceral (or abdominal or belly) fat (that’s the unhealthiest kind of body fat). Patients who are most compliant and lose the most weight are also likely to see improvements in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver. The gastric balloon has fewer risks than surgery. It can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nausea and vomiting are among the more common side effects. Pregnant women, individuals with psychological disorders, and individuals who are misusing drugs should not get a gastric balloon. A Few Different Versions Multiple companies make versions of the gastric balloon. For example, Apollo Endosurgery, makers of the lap-band, make the Orbera gastric balloon. Obalon sells its gastric balloon in Europe and Mexico. A smaller medical device manufacturing company, ReShape Medical, makes the Reshape Duo balloon, which was approved by the FDA yesterday!

My husband and I are getting the sleeve. My husband is a diabetic and he takes fast acting 10 units 3x and slow acting insulin at bed time and also metformin 1000mgs 2x daily. He weighs 277 and is 26 years old. Has anyone had to take meds like this before surgery and if so are you still on any med after surgery

My surgeon wouldn't let me pick up anything weighing more than 10 pounds for the first three weeks, and then he said to "work my way up" after that, but no restrictions. I'm guessing you will have similar restrictions, depending on your surgeon. Just let him know mommy has "boo-boos" (or whatever you use to explain a hurt spot) and he needs to be gentle. He should be able to snuggle up next to you fairly quickly, but wiggling around might cause discomfort.

At 1 week out it would take me an hour to drink a campbells tomato soup (individual sip cup) At 3 weeks I was on smooshies and could get about 5 bites in. (No beverage with meals) 2-3 hours I was ready for more...(I drank a bottle of Water in between, but not within a half hour of a meal. I am currently 11 months out at I eat between 10-20 bites depending on the food. I can still only eat 1.5 ribs of a rack. But I can eat a 5 oz filet of salmon no problem. I made the stupid decision to eat some Pasta last week and was able to eat a medium size plate 25 or so bites. It went down just fine, but I was so sick and bloated about 30 minutes later. Yup Pasta Alfredo used to be my favorite. I'm so glad it makes me sick now; I have no desire to feel that sick for pasta gratification.

Yeah i have the same issues - only diff is I've bin taking medication twice daily for my acidity for the last 10-15 yrs and it's beginning to take its toll now! Anybody here with similar symptoms where after HH repair they didn't need to continue medication anymore?

I did a clean up. I kept only the basics. The last time I lost a lot of weight (gained it all back) I didn't do a clean up and felt it was ok to have them to fall back on. New you new start. I feel like I'm a newborn. My surgery is mid April and I've lost 25 pounds already on my own. Can't wait for the surgery. Purging is good for the soul!! Screw size 24!!! You'll be buying 10's soon enough! Good luck

So I remember the first time I ever heard of any weight loss surgery. I was 19 and my mom went under the knife for the Gastric Bypass. I was so excited for her. She had been heavy all my life and recently found out she was diabetic. I remember my sister and I joking that there is no way she is getting skinnier then us and we went on short-winded diets. I met my now husband that same year and he even went to the hospital with me to visit her. She was in longer because she had complications. Ever since 2004 I always wanted to go the other route where I worked out and ate healthier for short periods of time. I never thought I would ever consider surgery ever! But, it was in 2010 my husband starting telling me I should look into the surgery. (Not negatively he knew I wanted to lose weight and is very supportive). but it wasn't until 2011 I finally took a good look at my health insurance at work. I was amazed when I found out that they included it in their coverage! Bless you Marriott. So I first went to my parents because not only did my mother have surgery and experience have physical complications but the 3rd party center that helped her get approved for the surgery set her up at a hospital with a doctor out of her network. So my father was very worried about me seeing the fine print so that I didn't end up with any mystery costs. After getting their blessing, I moved forward in my journey and in May 2011 started my 6 month supervised diet. I remember not thinking twice... I wanted gastric bypass. But then the doctor suggested the sleeve and his knowledge and these forums changed my mind completely. I had everything going well and then there was a bump in the road. Come to find out at the last minute literally that I could not get approved for the surgery because the hospital was not deemed a "Center of Excellence" which was a stipulation of Marriott when they chose the benefit. But God is good and i was able to get an appointment at new hospital and 2 weeks later was approved for surgery! My approval was January 3rd at 9:30am. I remember seeing the number come across my phone and held my breath lol... but leading up to that moment with the small stall that occurred...I couldnt believe how I had let myself start to think. See on the 2nd my doctor called me to tell me they denied me but really they had just read the letter wrong because it was sent out before the holiday break and the problem had fixed itself the nxt day. So I remember thinking on the way home that maybe I'm just meant to be overweight. I really thought this could be my destiny. But like a Weight Watchers leader once taught me ... delete delete delete.. negative thoughts. And here I am now about a month away from surgery ecstatic. I am all the feelings that everyone else has had on this forum but I am so excited to be the me I feel is trapped inside this heavier body! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a lil scared. I'm not really scared of the procedure itself but just the aftercare. I want to eat right and take care of myself right and get the most "bang for my buck" like they say. I can only take it one day at a time... but feb 13th can't come soon enough

I lost 40 pre-sleeve and 80 after. My pre-op diet started in June (so about a year ago) and my surgery was 9/19/2011.