Search the Community

It's a tube of a certain diameter in millimeters. The surgeon puts the bougie in your stomach and uses it as a guide for the stapler, kind of stapling next to it. Not all surgeons use a bougie as a guide--some use an endoscope, but they all, I believe, use something as a guide. They're not stapling your stomach freehand. Research has shown that complications like strictures and difficult post-op days (nausea, vomiting) are more associated with smaller bougie sizes but larger sizes don't give as much weight loss. So your surgeon has to decide on a happy medium.

I've been stuck at the same weight for a year and half.... it's because I'm not willing to go down to 600-800 calories. I've discovered that I will only lose if I eat only 600-800 calories a day. If I eat "normal" I stay the same or even gain. I also ride the elliptical 30 - 45 minutes 5-6 X Week and it makes me sad and fustrated that I have to do this for the rest of my life just to maintain. I also get sad when I see people make fun of "overweight" people saying they aren't trying hard enough. I'd like to see some of them live on 600 calories a day. They would say we didn't have to go to that extreme but I know it's true. I think once you get overweight your body really changes and we do have to work hard, try harder and live on less then someone who has never had a weight problem or who hasn't yo-yo'ed all their lives. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself but I try to put the negative thoughts out of my head but I paid $17500 of my own money for this and still it's a daily struggle not to gain my weight back.

I know, I am struggling myself too! But we will move...I am sure it has a lot to do with our fills. My doc said that the saline we have in our band does still seem to dissipate a little bit, so they never get the same amount out that they put in. She wasn't really sure why, so if you have the same amount of say 6cc's in for over a long period of time and some of it dissipates, not to mention as we loose weight are bands get a little looser. Together those two things could equal maintenance fills, always.. Everyone have faith, I know how your all feeling as I am still 9 pounds away from hitting 100, and I still have almost 99lbs left to go....This can't be it!! We just can't give up!!!! Don't loose the faith you all!

Today was my first day back on real food. For lunch I had a Chick-fil-a sandwich (no pickles) and a small order of fries. I ate very slowly and tried to concentrate on chewing very well. It took me about 45 minutes to finish and now I feel FULL. This is awesome!!!! Before my band, I would go to Chick-fil-a and get a sandwich, large fries and a 12 pack of nuggets. The nuggets I would eat in the car on the way home. When I got home I'd inhale the rest in about 5 minutes. This is so much better. Since my fill isn't until Sept.20, I'm really worried that I'll have to make my ticker go to the left. I'll be happy if it just stays right where it is until my fill. Of course I wouldn't mind if it continued on its merry way to the right. I have come up with a strategy to combat the fact that I can now eat real food. This past week I have been faithfully walking every evening. I go around my neighborhood and the distance is roughly (measured with my car) 1.2 miles. I walk this in 33 minutes on average. Tonight AND FROM NOW ON I am going to extend my route. My neighborhood is vaguely shaped like a E. I live in the middle of the top. I go down the vertical, along the bottom, turn around, go along the middle both ways and then back up and over to my house. Tonight I'm going to do all that, except when I get to my house I'm going to keep going. I'll walk outside the E from the top all the way to the bottom and then walk the E again. That should make my route (for those of you who aren't lost yet) roughly 2.5 miles. I'm hoping that will keep me from gaining before my fill. Teresita, thanks for the reassurance. Although I gotta wonder why the icon is running away?:rolleyes

Thank you for the PM's and the guidance. I will continue to be in touch! All I can think about is talking to my PCP on Monday to find out about my out of network pre-cert that she has to give me to see my doctor (Robert Pinnar in Reston, VA). I am so tired of the struggle! I have done every diet that you can think of, every weight loss plan that you can join, and even had a botched liposuction, only to end up STILL needing something that fits into my life and works for me!!! I am assuming that once the pre-cert is done my surgeons office is who will submit my medical records and weight loss attempts to Aetna for approval. My PCP is fairly new to practicing and not very knowledgable about all that this is required or could arise. I really feel like this is my last hope to get my weight under control before I do develop serious health problems. My blood pressure is "elevated" but not what doctors consider high. My cholesterol is 2 points over what doctors consider high. I had gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy, which makes me a likely candidate for diabetes, but I am not diabetic now, I am borderline with most co-morbidities and I am just praying that I don't have to become "sick" or have to be on daily medications to control certain illnesses before I can qualify to better my quality of life. *sigh* To Be or Not To Be...continued...

Since the scale has agreed the last 3 days, I'm taking this as law. I am FIFTY POUNDS down! 50!! 5-0. FIVE OH. WOOHOOO!!! Reached my first major goal/milestone. So, so happy. Took 16 weeks. I don't know if that is slow or average but I don't care. As long as the weight keeps coming off, I will be happy. Next goal - next 25 pounds by June.

I consider myself to be a slow loser, but it is relatively steady outside of the usual stalls. I am keeping active with Water aerobics three times a week and also walking. I do consider this a marathon and not a sprint (are those the right terms?) and so I am being very patient. Perhaps get back to basics - I think there is a "bootcamp" posted by Lilmissdiva here. If you are eating chocolate, maybe other things are slipping as well. That is not judgmental, as we all do it! Maybe, Like Iowaandy says, go back to liquids for a week. Definitely up the Protein. I think that is our best weapon against hunger and potential bingeing. I don't see your stats, but did you start at a lower weight than most? I think some of the lower starting weights may not drop as quickly. Also, when I get a little discouraged, I look at my progress since surgery and I think to myself how there is no way in hell I could have lost that amount of weight and kept it off before surgery. Some of us are going to go a little slower but it is still better than where we were on our own. Good luck you you!

Well, I was banded in August (3rd to be exact), and it's now 7 months later and I'm down 40 pounds to 225#. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to now have my life back! A couple of things have happened to me since banding...my horse died (Feb 3rd), my aunt died (march 14th), and i bought a new horse (march 15th). The band has helped me in MANY ways, the most important was to get back into the saddle and showing again...I have a horse show this weekend in Tacoma, WA! I feel great; however, there are some frustrating parts...since loosing 40#, I haven't had the want to get a fill...but, I'm finding that I'm throwing up daily, no matter how little or much I eat. I know that my band hasn't slipped, I feel no discomfort but I'm wondering if it adjusted to a smaller size since I've lost a good amount of weight.... Here are some pictures of me now......

Well, I was banded in August (3rd to be exact), and it's now 7 months later and I'm down 40 pounds to 225#. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to now have my life back! A couple of things have happened to me since banding...my horse died (Feb 3rd), my aunt died (march 14th), and i bought a new horse (march 15th). The band has helped me in MANY ways, the most important was to get back into the saddle and showing again...I have a horse show this weekend in Tacoma, WA! I feel great; however, there are some frustrating parts...since loosing 40#, I haven't had the want to get a fill...but, I'm finding that I'm throwing up daily, no matter how little or much I eat. I know that my band hasn't slipped, I feel no discomfort but I'm wondering if it adjusted to a smaller size since I've lost a good amount of weight.... Here are some pictures of me now......

Hello...I am struggling with choosing the sleeve or plication. Is the plication as effective? Can you lose 100% of excess weight? Is it safe to eat less than 1200 calories a day? How many should you aim for with plication to have optimum results. (we'll assume excerise is regular and no sweets or too much carbs) Tx.

Im 5 almost 6 week post op...I lost 35 lbs I was 251 then 214 lost it with in 3 weeks. I got on the scale last week and I weighed in at 217... -.- not to happy but I have been going to the gym this past week too I do 30 minutes cardio and do weights for 30 minutes and then in the pool for 15 could I gain muscle and that's why I gained...I'm kinda bumped

Are those months really "wasted" if you lose some weight and make some positive food related choices? I know what you mean, but you can't look at the pre-op stuff as wasted time. You will have to re-learn your eating habits before or after surgery. AND, if you are denied (I hope you are not), does that mean that you are going to throw in the towel and just quit altogether? I don't think so!

So I'm officially 18 lbs down today and thought I'd throw some non-scale victories out there. The numbers are important to me, but never as important as what I can do with my new body. Here are just a few of the cool things I've experienced so far... walking upstairs is easier. I live in a 2nd story apartment and huff and puff just a little less when coming home. Also my knees hurt less when I walk downstairs. arms now lay against my sides. This is a crazy one. I have HUGE upper arms, like a freakin' 49er linebacker. Alright, maybe an exaggeration but you get my drift. With all the fat between my upper arms, breasts and midsection they never layed flat by my side when I stood up straight. This is now not the case. My favorite blouses look better on me. I brought this blouse down to Mexico with me for my surgery. Turned out I didn't have to wear it becuase I had enough clothes and basically hung around the hotel the entire time. But took it out last week to wear and it looked terrific! This is a shirt I bought when I was 190 lbs, but it didn't look good when I'd gotten back to 235 lbs. Now it looks awesome and I can start wearing it out again! hubby is all frisky now. He's really noticed the weight come off. He says I have a waist again and it's really sexy. I catch him staring at me sometimes and it's actually kind of freaky, but very cool. I have to get used to it again. :-) He bought me a fantastic bracelet to Celebrate 21 days of bandsterville. He's so proud of me for having the courage to do it. Once Aunt Flo goes home, I've got something for him as well. ;-D My fave pajama pants are helluv loose. They practically fall off of me now. It's just a cool thing I've noticed. :-) can sit with knee against my chest. I like sitting with my knees against my chest but my stomach has always been too fat. Now that it's going down in size I can do it. I have a long way to go before its completely comfortable though. But happy so far!

hi paul, I'm sitting here reading your terrific post with a big grin on my face. I am a newbie DOS 12/15/11, i am scared what the future holds for me like i'm sure you were 1 yr. ago too. Will this weight come off, can i really do it this. How long will it take? What does the future hold for me? Then I see amazing stories like yours. I smile to myself and say, "if Paul can do this, so can I" Your story gives me such good feelings and hope, I know i can and will succeed - it just seems so far away. I didn't wake up one morning with 90 extra lbs, nor will i go to bed one night will all this excess weight gone. I know your journey will continue you will do great. You have SUCCESS written all over your face. One million times over congratulations, keep walking forward and upward, i will be right behind you, before you know it i'll catch up with you. Congratulations, you will do this forever and a day with all the success you deserve. It was great hearing your story, you are such an inspiration. Thank you You deserve much applause and continued happiness. kathy

Did you go through a weight loss program?

So..the day after I posted this I purposely ate kinda different ..I wouldn't say crappy but not the usual eggs and yogurt..went to apple bees and orderd the salmon on the weight watchers menu...I also indulged in some spinich artichoke dip which I'm sure was loaded with fat..by some miracle when I weighed on Sunday morning I was down 4 pounds..I think I got my mojo back!

I agree w fiddleman.. I heard there is a huge stall after 6 month. I am at 7 never had a large stall but i am essentially at goal weight. Chris

My desire for lapband surgery began in the fall of 2006. I'd struggled with being fat for over 10 years and had many health problems including: PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea and depression. By doing my research and speaking with my doctors, I'd learned that it was the PCOS that caused my massive weight gain of 100 pounds in a year. It was also PCOS that made it damn near impossible for me to lose weight. My desire to be healthy and to be able to have children further cemented my resolve to have lapband surgery. I'd done the research and knew all the risks involved. These risks were nothing compared to the ticking timebomb of a heart attack that I'd surely have if I stayed at the weight I was. We went to a seminar and shortly after I was already done with my surgeon consult, nutrition class and psych evaluation. My family doctor and cardiologist were both on board and had written my letters of support for the surgery. Now the only road block was our insurance company. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California had a BMI restriction in their policy. My BMI had to be 49 or less in order for them to approve coverage. Well, needless to say, my BMI was over 49. I struggled to lose the 15 pounds necessary to qualify for the surgery. If it was easy for me to lose weight, I wouldn't have been trying to get the surgery in the first damn place. After almost a year, I'd just about given up. Thankfully, my husband checked the insurance policy again and discovered that they had amended the restriction. So, in November of 2007 we called our insurance company (whose named changed to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and they confirmed the restriction had been lifted. We then contacted our surgeon to get the ball rolling for approval. We explained to them that the policy had changed and we should now meet approval for coverage. They stated they would submit the paperwork right away. But...instead of listening to what we told them, they simply reviewed the printed policy they had in their office and sent us a letter stating the BMI requirement. So, we had to call them and reiterate the amendment in the policy. Due to their lack of attention, this set us back two weeks. Finally, they submitted the paperwork as they had originally promised and we got our approval. My surgery was scheduled for March 3rd, 2008. In preparation, I had to spend 4 hours at the hospital for various exams: Upper GI, barium swallow, chest x-ray, blood tests, etc. The week before was spent gathering everything I would need post-surgery. We also cleaned out our fridge and cabinets, tossing out most everything that would not be allowed on my menu. My pre-op consult was on February 28th, only a few days before the surgery. He asked if I had questions. I really didn't. We had done so much research that I felt fully prepared. The truth is that for the two weeks prior to the surgery, I was crying every other hour. I was so worried that something would go wrong. I was envisioning the worst - that I would die during surgery. My concerns revolved around leaving my husband and parents behind. My father has emphysema and COPD and my mother is not as strong as she used to be. I wanted this surgery so that I could be more help to my loved ones - not leave them behind. My hugs lasted longer. Late at night, tears would roll down my cheeks as my husband slept. I made a point to tell my friends how important they are to me. I tried to make sure everyone knew how much I loved them. I had a wonderful time saying good-bye to the foods that I loved. T-Bone steaks are one of my first loves. I was also a Coca-Cola addict. Being asian, jasmine rice was a staple at every dinner...this is probably one of the most difficult habits to break. Luckily, I'd become tired of food, so saying good-bye wasn't difficult. Ultimately, I knew that this was what I needed to do in order to take control of my life and my health. As scary as it was, I was ready.

My desire for lapband surgery began in the fall of 2006. I'd struggled with being fat for over 10 years and had many health problems including: PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea and depression. By doing my research and speaking with my doctors, I'd learned that it was the PCOS that caused my massive weight gain of 100 pounds in a year. It was also PCOS that made it damn near impossible for me to lose weight. My desire to be healthy and to be able to have children further cemented my resolve to have lapband surgery. I'd done the research and knew all the risks involved. These risks were nothing compared to the ticking timebomb of a heart attack that I'd surely have if I stayed at the weight I was. We went to a seminar and shortly after I was already done with my surgeon consult, nutrition class and psych evaluation. My family doctor and cardiologist were both on board and had written my letters of support for the surgery. Now the only road block was our insurance company. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California had a BMI restriction in their policy. My BMI had to be 49 or less in order for them to approve coverage. Well, needless to say, my BMI was over 49. I struggled to lose the 15 pounds necessary to qualify for the surgery. If it was easy for me to lose weight, I wouldn't have been trying to get the surgery in the first damn place. After almost a year, I'd just about given up. Thankfully, my husband checked the insurance policy again and discovered that they had amended the restriction. So, in November of 2007 we called our insurance company (whose named changed to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and they confirmed the restriction had been lifted. We then contacted our surgeon to get the ball rolling for approval. We explained to them that the policy had changed and we should now meet approval for coverage. They stated they would submit the paperwork right away. But...instead of listening to what we told them, they simply reviewed the printed policy they had in their office and sent us a letter stating the BMI requirement. So, we had to call them and reiterate the amendment in the policy. Due to their lack of attention, this set us back two weeks. Finally, they submitted the paperwork as they had originally promised and we got our approval. My surgery was scheduled for March 3rd, 2008. In preparation, I had to spend 4 hours at the hospital for various exams: Upper GI, barium swallow, chest x-ray, blood tests, etc. The week before was spent gathering everything I would need post-surgery. We also cleaned out our fridge and cabinets, tossing out most everything that would not be allowed on my menu. My pre-op consult was on February 28th, only a few days before the surgery. He asked if I had questions. I really didn't. We had done so much research that I felt fully prepared. The truth is that for the two weeks prior to the surgery, I was crying every other hour. I was so worried that something would go wrong. I was envisioning the worst - that I would die during surgery. My concerns revolved around leaving my husband and parents behind. My father has emphysema and COPD and my mother is not as strong as she used to be. I wanted this surgery so that I could be more help to my loved ones - not leave them behind. My hugs lasted longer. Late at night, tears would roll down my cheeks as my husband slept. I made a point to tell my friends how important they are to me. I tried to make sure everyone knew how much I loved them. I had a wonderful time saying good-bye to the foods that I loved. T-Bone steaks are one of my first loves. I was also a Coca-Cola addict. Being asian, jasmine rice was a staple at every dinner...this is probably one of the most difficult habits to break. Luckily, I'd become tired of food, so saying good-bye wasn't difficult. Ultimately, I knew that this was what I needed to do in order to take control of my life and my health. As scary as it was, I was ready.

Questions for everyone out there! I have a million and appreciate all the information you have. Well first off I am wondering if everyones doctor gave them an option of lap band versus the gastric bypass? My doctor told me that I am a canidate for either one. I am 5'1 and weight 225lbs. Honestly, I never really considedered gastic bypass, but when he mentioned it as an option it made me rethink things a little bit. I think the lap band may be a better choice for me because I do want more children; I have one daughter and I am 26. I feel as if the lap band is less intrusive and obviousy less dangerous, faster recovery etc. I am also curious at how long the process will take. I have heard it varies, but I am wondering how many tests I will take etc. I got all my blood work done yesterday and then he said I will come in in two weeks and as long as the tests are okay we will book the surgery, but it seems to easy?!? Thanks everyone!

Awesome story!!! Great job :-) Love reading success stories here. I can't wait to write my own someday. (Pre op) Journey Starting Weight: 341, Current Weight: 319, Goal weight: 140 (After GB) Hoping for December surgery date!!!

I started at 334 pounds and am now holding at a comfortable 177-180 (5' 8' tall). I got down to 195 with the surgery and held that for several years. Then I gained back up to 225. Not happy! I started doing research about the food available in the grocery stores and the food that I was eating regularly. I I had fallen into the trap of eating low fat low sugar foods that were highly processed and not very nutritious. I also was achy, tired often and sluggish. I cut out a lot of the processed foods that I was eating, and I bought a Vitamix. I started drinking a big smoothie with lots of fresh, organic fruits and veggies every day. Then, after losing about 25 pounds, I joined a local gym and I actually had the energy to exercise 2-4 times per week. I naturally lost 45 pounds and have maintained that for 2 years now.

Hello, Jori! 990ml isn't too bad to start out with, but really try to get in more so you don't become (if you're not already) dehydrated. Try room temperature, a little colder, and ice cold... see which you tolerate best. In the VERY beginning, I could only tolerate absolutely ice cold water, otherwise I would get terrible hiccups. That has changed and I can have all temperatures now with no problems. You definitely need more protein than what you're getting from one container of FF Greek yogurt, though. Have you tried protein shakes (that would help get in more liquid as well!) or adding some unflavored protein powder to your yogurt? If walking is really bothering you, I would maybe suggest holding off on that for now, until you are getting in more calories per day. I don't think your weight loss in the first month is *too* extreme for having had the surgery. It will slow down All the best to you, and keep us posted!

33 pounds in 2 months works out to about 4 pounds a week. That's HUGE and AWESOME!!!!! Your body is probably adjusting to catch up with itself. As you lose weight, you need to intake less calories to maintain that new weight. So 33 pounds ago, you may have needed (let's say) 2000 calories to maintain your weight, now maybe you need 1800. I'm not sure if you are tracking what you are eating or your caloric intake, but take a look and try to get your 60-80 grams of Protein in. I find that the tracking has been a huge helper in my being able to maintain my intake at between 900-1100 calories a day. It also helps me make better food choices as I can see how many grams of protein I have and maybe a piece of cheese is better to snack on than a cucumber, just to get that extra protein. You are doing so well!!! you should be proud of yourself. As time goes on, and you have more fills, you will have more restriction. It took me 4 or 5 fills before I reached the sweet spot. Good luck to you. Keep up the good work!

This is a very common phenomenon. I'm a year out and have been at goal for a few months now, and I'm still blown over by the stranger in the mirror. I accept it on a logical level of course, but it definitely plays games with my emotions. Part of it too, for me at least, is that no matter my current and hopefully future success, I never ever want to forget the fat person I was before. I never want to allow myself to become too comfortable because I can always gain it back. In that respect I try and treat the conflicting images as a stark reminder that my part in this is a lifelong contract to live as healthy as possible.