Search the Community

I had bypass, I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days, I had no complications what so ever, the pain was minimal and I was back to work in a week !!! I am now 9 months post op and feel fantastic... it was the best thing I ever did. BTW.. you lose more weight with the RNY than the sleeve or band, that is why I chose the RNY, if I was going to do it I wanted the best bang for my buck.

Great questions. I did do some of that, but my situation was different. I was bouncing around between 27 to 29 BMI when I went to my doctor and requested the lap band. I did some things to increase my weight for the initial consultation, but found that the doc was fine with operating on me. It seemed his cutoff was significantly lower than my BMI at that time. Maybe 25? He joked that if I wasn't self pay, that weights might be necessary for insurance purposes. I suspect that he wasn't entirely joking and that it has happened. It's so expensive. I wouldn't fault anyone for trying to get insurance to pay for it. Good luck!!!

I noticed in a few other thread that there are quite a few twin moms on here. I have b/g twins and they are 3yr old. I was just wondering how you are all doing with your bands? My tummy never tightened back up after having my twins, so I'm a little nervous as to losing weight, will I just "deflate" more? Do you have any other kids? I have a 7,6,5,and twin 3's.

I appreciate the honesty. But realistically there are many things that I already don't eat. I am vegetarian. And fairly strict.. I don't know what accounts for my body changed that won't allow me to metabolize and lose weight. So many things that are in the average diet I don't eat But you would never know that looking at me.

I'm still trying to figure out this site, and really don't know where to start so here goes: I'm 5' 2 1/2", I weigh 310, and I am disabled with multiple ruptured and bulging discs in my back, as well as deal with extreme depression, and anxiety. My back pain has gotten worse than ever with the new onset of numbness in the legs. My dr says we can't wait any longer for me to try to lose weight on my own so that I can have back surgery. He's ordering lap band to be later followed by neuro surgery on my back. I'm overwhelmed and don't even know where to begin. I barely know only one person that has had lap band and I understand that she is now back to her original weight before surgery. I didn't know that could happen. Now I'm even more scared than ever. I do tend to overeat, so if I go thru with this and it fails, I don't know how I would deal with that? I'd like any feedback I can get. I've got to start somewhere.

Alcohol is discouraged because it is liquid calories. That said, I do drink alcohol, but mostly it is red wine which has some health and, purportedly, weight loss benefits in moderation. I wouldn't drink a whiskey with coke because of the carbonation in the coke, but I do occasionally have a margarita, vodka cranberry, or gimlet (none of which have carbonated mixers). That said, some bandsters do carbonated beverages sometimes and just take the risk with the band. I'll say this-- you certainly won't be able to drink as much as before.

Do you have a nutritionist? You might ask. I don't have one...but my son has been seeing a special needs nutritionist for years and she prefers for us to feed him alkaline vs acidic foods (he has a ton of gi issues) Anyways, from the beginning, she has always had us add a few drops of lime juice to his pear juice or Water to make alkaline...and encouraged us to cook foods from the acidic foods list with it. I have been wondering abt it too, because I have always squeezed fresh lemon or lime in my water and I miss it. In a normal "non surgical" stomach, it's a great acid reducer...but I just don't know if the conditions are the same... Btw, when I say he had GI issues, I mean he had reflux, so bad, that from age of one to age two he only gained one pound, had to go to feeding therapy to be taught to eat all over again...we are talking SERIOUS special needs nutritionist! it took about 5 years but he's doing great now eats better than most 7 year olds!

Sleep study - I believe why they order them, other than the fact that many severly obese people have sleep apnea (as described above) and can die from it, it's because most insurance companies won't pay unless there are some "co-morbidities" unless your BMI is extreme. I have it, and use a CPAP machine at night - the change was fantastic - I felt so much better with it, since I wasn't having to sleep sitting up and waking up dozens of time a night) So, you need to know if you have it so it can be treated immediately - leads to high blood pressure, stress on heart, and even death. And because it will be helpful information for anesthesia when they put you to sleep. And because it will be another marker of sucess of weight loss, because weight loss may eventually cure it. Pre surgery diet: My bariatric center required 3 month supervised diet in order to see if I could maintain a healthy diet and loose weight (follow the rules). Many insurance companies require it (some 6 mos to a year). If you can't maintein or loose weight before the band by following the diet, you may be a better candidate for gastric bypass, since the gastric bypass doesn't let your body absorb as many nutritients from the food and has more severe consequences if you over eat sweets (dumping syndrome). Another reason for the pre-op diet is to shrink the liver, which makes it easier for the surgeon. The presurgery diet is basically a healthy diet - low fat, high Protein - 60 - 80 grams of protein a day. Plus lthey wanted me to find a Protein shake that I liked because you need them for the first month after surgery until you can tolerate solids better. Some surgeons require a clear liquid diet before surgery for a week or two - mine didn't. I think that's to shrink the liver. PIll size: I break my pills in half and have no problem. I don't have a good restriction. Post op I used liquid paid meds. I have heard capsules can cause problems, but I haven't had any problem. Talk to your phamacist if concerned about med size - often they can be crushed or you can get liquids, but some meds shouldn't be taken out of the capsule or crushed. And by the way, since my surgery in April, I'm now OFF most my meds, so it's not a problem anymore! :-) Hope that helps.

So recently I've been pretty hard on myself. My weight loss has been very slow over the last few months (mainly because I don't have much restriction and I'm not doing enough exercise). I live and work in Seoul, South Korea and Koreans don't really recognise changes even if those changes are pretty drastic. So I haven't had many people compliment me. That was up until this week that is. This week I've had seven different people compliment me about my weight loss. Saying I look so slim and asking how I've done it. It's such a great feeling and has really motivated me to keep going until my goal. In addition to this I've met and fallen for a great man. It's early days but I never though I would meet someone like him. He's very special and we have so much fun when we are together. He makes me smile a lot. Before my surgery I always dreamed of meeting a man like him. It also helps that he's really healthy and fit so we get out and do active stuff at the weekend like mountain climbing, hiking and biking. He also cooks me amazing, healthy meals (and I secretly think he loves it that I give him half my food!). I'd say that this is my biggest NSV! Life is good and I'm happy. Here I am at 215lbs on the right. And down to 160!

I started the couch to 5K program a year ago and ran my first half marathon on Sunday. Running every day when you first start is really hard on your body. I recommend every other day and cross train the other days by biking, lifting weights, or swimming. Always have at least one day of rest a week.

Losing weight is my struggle I'll lose 10-15 lbs and gain it back...Anyways I was wanting someone/anyone BEFORE THE PRE OP DIET to go on a diet with me if you can I know not everyone can because ...I understand...Anyways I am TRING to lose 15 lbs and KEEP it Off or whatever anyone else want to lose 15lbs or close to it I have at least 21 days until I go for my evaluation then plus some so say a month if possible....I walked 3 mile yesterday but I am off the rest of the week and won't before the PREOP Diet maybe 15 lbs thats it...I Might not make it but at least I'll get my body in shape (my muscles in shape) for the preop and surgery I usually do plan on walking 3 miles a day... 3 miles when I can its NOT everyday right now its not everyday but after surgery it will be everday...and 50 sit ups...

Manda 87 amen to that. Couple years ago my office was moved from one end of the building to the other. And by building I mean 3 enormous factories that were connected to make one collosal building. I sat as far away from the cafe as you could get. After that move I started buying a breakfast sandwich at Dunkin Donuts every day; which was also pretty expensive. I started buying low fat breakfast sandiches by weight watchers and lost probably 10 pounds from that alone.

Is there a trainer at your gym you can talk with? Maybe you could take a fitness test with them and they could help you establish a routine to help you meet some goal with weights, flexibility, pull-ups, those crunches where you swing your legs up, etc. and then you can re-test in about 3 months. I totally understand the need for a goal. Good luck!

I was sleeved 2/20/2019. Nearing the one year mark! Obviously the weight loss has slowed down but I'm curious if anyone is still losing this far out? I started at 273 on the day of surgery and have gotten down to 181 but have been here for a couple months.

What are you eating? Are you tracking your food? The weight gain might be from upping your Water and you may lose that very quickly. If your diet is carb-heavy, you might try upping your Protein and reducing your carbs. I would recommend tracking everything that goes into your mouth so you can see exactly how many calories you're eating (and what the mix of protein, carbs and fat is). Good luck, I'm sure it's frustrating!

My weight loss was ridiculously fast at first- I was losing 2 lbs a day for the first 10 days. And then it came to a halt and slowed wayyyy down. It drops a little bit here and there, but anywhere close to my original high rate. It's normal for your weight to fluctuate. It can be anything from hormones to Water retention to your body just being frustrating (I know I've felt that way). You didn't really gain the weight, so don't worry! So early in the game, it's practically impossible for us to gain weight. Over 100 lbs to lose can seem like a daunting task. I have 80 lbs to lose and it feels unreachable at times. We have the sleeve to help us, and it will help us. I'm only 3 weeks post-op, so I might not be the best source of information. If you want a companion in the same boat as you, feel free to PM me or add me as a friend.

Even though this article is for DSers, I really think it is helpful. Hope it breaks soon! http://www.dsfacts.com/weight-loss-stall-or-plateau.html

My journey into this surgery was not by the usaual means, it seems most folks I run into and find out they have had this surgery, completely planned this out and went down this path. Some are even surprised I had this done, I know I still am surprised. I am using this venue to also make this into a very helpful learning tool for those considering the surgery. I know I still have VERY angry feelings that sometimes still boil up to the surface and I must deal with it. About a year and a half ago, I was on the floor at circle time teaching my very ranbuncious and completely challenging. We were getting up to begin a game at circle time when all of a sudden my left foot was numb, thinking all I needed to do was stretch it out and get some weight on it, however my foot had other ideas by going the opposite way it should, I fell like a wobbley spinning top down on that foot which twisted my ankle. I thought for sure I had broke it. I went around the rest of the day in pain. When school was over I went directly to the hospital to have it checked on. I was in the exam room for about 20 minutes after having the x-ray to confirm I had a broken ankle. The doctor came in and said" Forget about this sprained ankle, you have bigger issues at hand, Very puzzled and starting to not like the expression he had on his face. He continued on.... Your kidneys have stopped working, and you have all kinds of Fluid backed up in your body. Because of this, we are going to send you up stairs to have a stint put in and begin dialysis.What this all translated into was, I had to take a leave of absents from my job. I started out by rapidly losing 30lbs with in a 2 month time. I was told this was extremely good for me and that I need to even lose more to lower my BMI to get on the transplant list for a new kidney. Easier said than done, with a litney of different issues I was going through, I gained back the weight almost immediately. Then came the hardcore reality, I either find a way to get this weight off, or live out the rest of my life, sick and hooked to a machine 3 days a week, and never teach special education preschool again. I began looking into the surgery and found out, that my primary insurance would not cover a dime of it to be done, but medicare would if you pased 3 critierer. First, you must have a long term medical issue due to obesity such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, or other simualr issues. Second, have 3 months worth of counseling by a dietician. The third is a BMI of over 40. Of which I had all three. So pre-op check list was easy to accomplish. My turnaround time from first investigating into this venue to the surgery was 2.5 months. I was very angry at first that I had to do this with myself and if it was not for a very devoted kidney doctor who stuck by me and guided me throught the process, I know without her there, I would have never gone through with it. At this point I am still about 20 lbs away from gaining a spot on the transplant list, but now I know it is achievable and I am seeing changes everyday in my ability to move and function. so I know I made the right decision.

Didn't mean for it to be so verbose Amy. It just sort of came out like that. Fitness is something I really enjoy now and like sharing with others. I hope you find some good ideas in any of the posts above. Like you, I was never focused enough at the isolation lifts in a gym like 24 or LA fitness. Don't know why. Perhaps I get bored easily when doing something like that in a gym atmosphere. I found full body exercises as a post op to be much more fun. This also includes weighted exercises like kettle ball swings and olympic lifts. Even lifting tires looks like so much fun and that, my friend, is a killer full body exercise. I also like working out with someone to keep me going, whether that is an instructor on one of my DVDs or a personal trainer. They always keep me interested and the end of a workout feels well done. For this reason, you might still like to do a workout with, say, Jillian because I know you have and enjoy many of her exercise videos. She probably does full body training videos like pdx90 or insanity. Those are all going to be fun when compared to isolation lifts in a gym somewhere. Hope you find some information that is helpful here, even if I am rambling a bit. Lol.

hi....our bodies respond differently isnt it... I too am not loosing..but I have understood 3 things...drink plenty of Water, eat lot of Proteins and exercise.... and i am not doing these regularly...so I cant blame the band... but I am happy I put the band..at least i eat less and stopped putting on weight..all the best to all of us slow loosers..

I really like bodybuilding, as you may gather from my avatar. Right now, I'm taking a lot of dance classes, but I make sure to hit the weights at least once a week so I don't lose muscle mass. I was worried about losing muscle after the sleeve, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. Depending on what my skin looks like in a couple of months, I might even do an amateur competition this summer. I haven't had major loose skin issues - tiny bit on my inner thighs and butt, but both areas are still carrying some fat, so it's too early to tell. To give you an idea, I just get wrinkles on the underside of my butt when I flex my glutes, so this isn't something that would prevent me from, say, wearing shorts. I definitely don't have loose folds or anything major along those lines. I've heard it can take up to a year for your skin to fully tighten up. I don't think I'll ever have so much that I'd have surgery, but maybe I'll look into a laser or some other non-surgical option, if I can find something effective.

Started out with an exercise bike that I could only pump 1 or 2 rotations....now I do 100 and very little pain. Anyway, bought weights for upper body and the hanging skin on the arms are getting smaller! I'm 60 and never thought this could happen. Now I'm looking for a complete set and bench I can afford...weights become an obsession though I've discovered but a good one.

Somewhere (now I can't find it :-( ) on here, a lady posted pictures of her saggy skin before she starting lifting weights and after she started lifting weights, and the difference was amazing!! She totally sold me on lifting weights!

Slim in 6 is part exercise program and part nutrition program. When you order the program, you get a nutrition guide and some other helpful info. Proper diet and nutrition is the first step to ANY successful weight loss regime. This program though, does have a pretty intense fitness component. What you do is use the DVD's that are provided for a 6 week period. There are 3 basic stages: Start it Up: Basic and shortest of the routines but still does give you a great workout; Ramp it Up: Stage 2 which incorporates more resistance training and more cardio than the first and then Burn it Up which is the third and final stage which is totally killer but is definitely worth it, even if you can only stick with it a little bit. This is one of the BeachBody programs (think P90x, etc) and does have a pattern of great results. However, as with all of the BeachBody programs, it's not easy-peasy. You have to commit and stick with it. Even if you miss a day, that's fine, but get back in the next day. Why I like it, is because it mixes cardio and resistance training into a workout utilizing resistance bands as well as your own body. Squats, push ups, crunches and lunges all work your body, without any fancy equipment and give both good cardio AND strength training. A lot of people I find, also mix in Shakeology, which is a protein/multi-vitamin/meal replacement shake. They have that for Breakfast and call it good. I've often considered going to that at some point.

How long does the stall last after you add weight training? I added it to my regimen on 5/2 and have been at a stall since then. I know that's normal because I am building muscle but it's still frustrating. I can feel slight changes in the way my clothes are fitting so I know the inches are going but when will that number move? My plan was to hide the scale for 30 days because I knew this would happen but I thought I could show restraint and not hope on. Boy was I wrong and now that I know I am at a stall I am obsessed. and I am getting plently of Proteins and Water.....80-130g of Protein (80-90g a day is average, that's supplementing with shakes and shots) and 80-100g of water (90g being average). I measure/weigh and log all my meals.