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What is the most weight you've lost in one month and what do you think you did differently? I'm just curious - always trying to try something new or change routine/food/exercise. Thanks

My friend had her surgery at Northwest Weight Loss in Seattle and loves the staff/surgeon. I am not sure if they take medicare.

This is exactly how I felt on the "last" day. What motivated me is that now, I'm truly on the road to loosing weight and there's no going back from here. Just 2 weeks away from surgery, and it's on! It feels like my life is really going to change from here on out! Good luck, and know you're definitely not the only one! No problem is unfamiliar in this community! :biggrin0:

Wow that is great.Have you had a pretty steady weight loss? I see you have lost seventy-nine pounds. I have been stuck at 165 for almost three months. I cannot buy the body bug because I am paying for college for my daughter. She has the band to. She has lost about 30 since March.The last thirty pounds is a B---- You go girl

This is not to say that you won't do well with surgery, but for you to say that you don't know [something] and feel that surgery will be the best decision seems like setting a trap for yourself. Having realistic expectations and a grasp of the realities of surgery and what follows are foremost, along with having confidence in one's ability to follow through successfully. Surgery means taking action and making changes. It is not a passive affair. Just as you've lost 10 and gained 12 in the past, it is possible either not to lose weight or to lose and regain after surgery. If you don't believe me, look at Chris Christie -- not a surgery success story. Making wise food choices and planning meals is imperative. Exercising regularly is important. Losing weight and keeping it off are pretty straightforward matters. The mental and emotional aspects are trickier. You can do well if you get yourself to the place where you tap your confidence in your powers of follow-through.

I gave up on having solid food in the morning and have my protein shake then. For lunch, something solid, but soft and for dinner something "normal." Dry chicken gives me trouble too, but if you work with the bands little quirks you will be much happier. Don't do an unfill unless you really can't keep liquids down. If you have a rough day and forget the band and try to eat something that anyone would get stuck on (like pizza with a thick crust...), give your pouch a break and do a few days of liquids to let it rest. Forget eating eggs in the morning. Hardly anyone with a band can tolerate that! Learn what you can and can't do and accept that it is your new reality. You will see the weight come off especially as you feel better and add in a daily walk.

My DH is a personal trainer (i never went to his classes because of having little kids and no help and too busy at home to try), he says weight training is the way to go.I have started pre op toning (i am making a concerted effort and he is being great about it...but TOUGH) i have started with 5 pound dumbbell 10 reps, 3 set of curls, the same for extensions. I am also doing 3 sets of 10 squats, holding on th the back pf a chair and rear leg lift bent at the knee. I cant do lunges yet due to bad knees and excess weight. It's a start, unfortunately I am laid up today with a stomach bug...of all things

I fly extensively for work. (I am a diamond medallion on Delta.) Before I began my pre-op six-month diet, I weighed almost 400 pounds at 5'11". I always fit in the seat, but at the highest weight, I barely fit in the seat. I always had to have a seat-belt extender. Now that I have lost down to 300 pre-op, there are no issues. Ironically enough, I always stayed away from window seats and opted for aisle seats since I could lean out into the aisle once we got in the air to give everybody in the row more room. I also agree with chycky about first class. If you can afford to buy first class, do it. These days, I get upgraded about 85% of the time, and it is definitely more comfortable. In fact, since gave up booze in April as I continue my weight loss journey, first class is all about comfort and the bigger seat. (And it all but eliminates the "will I make others uncomfortable" stress that comes along with riding in coach when you are of a certain size...)

I just had surgery on 6/15, I will follow up with my GP with a letter from my surgeon. There are labs to be performed. My BP is already lower from losing pre-op weight and having surgery so I need to see my GP asap. I called the office before I went to vegas for VSG so they know what I am doing.

Get it girl, you look great. Ive only taken 1 pic on this journey. Ive always loved taking pics until i put on this weight. But i guess ill have to get with it, love to see the progress. Thanks for the motivation Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Wow! That's some pretty impressive and speedy weight loss. Congratulations! I always have to ask...any tips? Tricks of the trade you've employed? Meals that always work for you? Very happy for you and your great success!

Being woken at 3am to the sound and feel of my daughter throwing up into my excessive chest hair started my day in a less than pleasurable way. It was the day of my pre-assessment meeting with the hospital, before my surgery next week. This is where the nurse checks to see if a) it is likely that I would suffer a slight death under anaesthesia and :confused: if I did, what blood type would they need to try and pump through my tightened arteries in order to try and revive me from aforesaid inconvenience. I was a little anxious going in because I do indeed tend to look at things as I flippantly scribed above and also...I am a great big baby girl when it comes to needles. Not to mention, having eaten probably less solids all week than my daughter managed to cast upon me in the early hours of the morning, I was very much inclined to keep all calories inside my body today - even the blood! So, I turned up at the hospital with a mix of nerves, excitement (despite my overwrought fear - I am very excited about what is ahead of me) and a faint smell of curdled milk. The nurse was a very lovely lady. Violet was her name and she had absolutely no idea about the surgery that was ahead of me. She wanted my history, my blood pressure, my drinking and drug habits, precious viles of my blood and of course, my pee. That was all she came for and that was what she was going to get. There was a small amount of pleasantry while she approached me for each - a few laughs about terrorism, the odd chuckle about famine. You know - all the things your mind stumbles upon when you are staring at what seems like a six foot long needle. I, being a responsible and caring citizen, advised her that previous attempts of extracting blood from my inner elbows usually failed because of my veins clenching up like a frail and pretty new prisoner on his first shower day. At which, she dutifully laughed at the obvious inexperience of the former extractors and moved in for her one and only successful attempt. After the one and only successful attempt failed, she proclaimed that I was indeed running a little tight and that she should have listened to me and prepared the veins a bit more thoroughly before stabbing me (I of course exaggerate for effect...but not much). A good fifteen minutes of a tourniquet induced black arm, some fist flexing and finger prodding allowed one scared little vein to pop its head above the parapets for a sniper shot - upon which she pounced. The vampire had completed her task and now needed my urine. After a failed attempt at humour about an equally clenched trouser vein, I scurried to the lavatory and half filled her pot as directed. I left it where she asked and I returned to the room to advise her of the package drop. Without a word she scurried off, slapping on a bright blue pair of rubber gloves. I always prefer the timing of the donning of rubber gloves to be as a nurse leaves the room rather than when she enters. No more than thirty seconds later, she returned with a beam on her face. Apparently, I was high in ketones - which meant my pre-op diet was working and I was burning fat. Time to get on the scales then! For a private hospital, the technology behind the scales was somewhat disappointing - and even a little humiliating. I was asked to sit on a chair (a very big chair) that had somehow been welded to a contraption that looked as if it was used to measure the weight of livestock. What happened to the ultra snazzy, hi-tech, digital, wireless, chrome-effect, wafer-thin machine I stood on at the dietitian's office last week? This was for big..big people. Apparently though - the looks didn't matter - they did the same job - which leads me to believe that I wasted my money buying an iPhone when I could have bought a touch screen breeze block for a lot less. My diet over the last week had been a success - I had lost 11lbs. If I was schizophrenic, I would have been beside myself. I knew it was mainly fluid loss and 11lbs a week is a pretty unhealthy loss outside of these controlled circumstances - but I was happy. For a moment I started to think about why I was going through this process, especially if I could lose so much in one week. But then I remembered all the other diets I have attempted over the years - the few pounds lost here, the more than few pounds gained there - and I realised that I didn't want a short term weight loss, I want it for life. She probed further into my family history, asking questions about past conditions and medications - when suddenly, a rather scary looking Italian Doctor in Residence marched in, lifted my top and slammed a stethoscope on my chest. He listened, whilst thanking me for seemingly having a heart beat, then spun me around to listen to my back. "Brease in. Sank you. Brease out. Sank you. Brease in. Sank you. Brease out. Sank you.". He then scribbled something incomprehensible on my records - drew two kidney shaped lungs with an upward pointing arrow across them - shook my hand then left. I looked at the nurse and waited for some kind of translation of what that was all about. Apparently it was all good. Which was nice. I was pre-assessed and, dependent on the blood tests, was pre-approved. I put my shirt back on and thanked Violet for her time, whereupon she showed me to the finance department where I could arrange the least exciting aspect of the surgery. As I sat and waited for the admin girl to come off hold, I couldn't help but stare at the cream bun that she was saving on the side for her afternoon tea. I couldn't help but stare and think "never again". And, I couldn't help but smile. Originally posted at: Lap Band Blog

I feel the same way..I'm hoping to go back to work after 2wks. How are you getting all your liquids in? I am in pain and have not lost a pound. My surgery was Wednesday April 3, I gained 7lbs. Everyone says that is normal because of the gas and air in our bodies, How are you adjusting to eating and weight loss

This also happens a lot in ppl with anorexia. More than likely related to rapid weight loss but def call ur gyn. I work as a nurse in this field so just everyday conversation to me but if periods have been heavy, need to check bloodwork to see if anemic. Also, may need to add iron or b12 to ur vitamin regimine and may help with the tired feeling.

Hi Traute, I am so sorry you are having a bad time. I agree you need to do all those practical things the others ahave suggested but could you also ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist (not a support group) where you could get some help dealing with the reasons and triggers for your emotional eating? I think sometimes you need a two pronged attack on weight issues, after all we are sentient and if all your best physical efforts are being sabotaged by your brain, thats what needs attention next. I speak as someone who has had therapy, and I found it both times I had it to be very helpful. Much love. Jane x

I never used shakes to supplement anything. The way I was able to hit 60grams of Protein was 4 meals per day, each meal consisted of 15 grams of protein per meal. That made it easy to hit those numbers and keep carbs low. At 4 months out, I was still tracking protein, and did all the way through maintenance. Protein foods just made me feel better. In pregnancy, I am supposed to eat 100gr of protein per day, and most day I hit that goal. Some days I fall short, but it's not from lack of trying. The recommended daily grams of protein for average women is 40-45gr per day, but higher protein keeps us from eating empty calories or carby foods so that's why the higher numbers are recommended especially during the losing stage. It also helps prevent muscle wasting during the rapid weight loss phase. My surgeon wants people to ditch the shakes as soon as they can get soft solids/meats in for their protein.

Thanks for the input. Im really nervous but everyone on here seems so positive. Congratulations on your weight loss. I also have a desk job so if I can be back in one week that would be wonderful ( I'm not getting paid for the time off...gotta pay the bills!)

There is a lot of controversy on this board about soda. So, I'm only going to speak for myself. I am almost 8 months out and have been drinking diet soda from about the 3rd month out with absolutely no problems. I have lost weight without issues. Now, I can't drink the amount anything like I used to, but I like that carbonation. It takes me almost an entire day just to drink one 24 oz plastic soda drink (diet of course). It doesn't bother me if it doesn't have the full carbonation and in fact it actually feels a little better to have it fizzle down a bit. I would just say follow your Dr.'s plan as close as possible the first few months and then let your tummy tell you what you can and can't handle.

SkiGirlDenver, Your story was very compelling to read, and I have a few thoughts. First, congratulations on making the wonderful and self-affirming decision to take control of your health! I too am getting banded - my date is May 16 so we are essentially getting banded at the same time. I want you to take time to really feel just GREAT about yourself and your inner and yes, your outer beauty as it is right now. Remember you ARE beautiful just the way you are. This band is going to give you the health benefits and will save your life down the road for sure. Please know how much courage it takes to make this kind of decision. I am 36 and am married, and my husband is very concerned about how my weight has ballooned. Mostly because of my health and because it interferes with intimacy. But he is standing by me and is doing that because he loves me. He loves me the way I am now though and that is what is important in any relationship. Of course, I am not saying that being overweight does not lead to discrimination in so many areas of our society - it does. But to those people who love you, the only thing they should be concerned about is your health. I am sorry if this offends you at all, but your guy friend is not worth having your friendship. He has insulted you and obviously is insecure because he is so focused on weight. If he loved you, really loved you, he would not say you would always be the fat girl. He is the one who is going to lose out as you lose weight. I know you are nervous this won't work, but it will. Physically, it definitely will. Mentally, of course, you have to empower yourself and refuse to see yourself - or let others see you -- as that "fat girl" any more. Take control, be powerful, and be kind to yourself. And pardon my intrusiveness, but please get rid of the guy friend. You are too good for him. Best of luck to you with your surgery! Angela

Just realizing I should probably put down my past. I'm 39 and have struggled all my life. ALL MY LIFE. I"m sick and tired of it. I've been up and down trying everything liquid diets, Weight Watchers you name it. I've been ashamed of all my failures. I have been lucky in one sense, I've married a man that loves me and have 3 great children [9/7/5]. 5Years ago after I delivered my daughter I had to have back surgery due to the fact that I slipped 3 discs delivering her. I was 268 lbs. Had back surgery & the doctor says to me ... So when are you going to do something about that weight? I was really surprised because I thought all my turtlenecks, long hair & sense of humor covered it all! Apparently not! Well, I managed to get to a great doctor & dietician that helped me to get to 203 lbs. through diet and exercise. I trained for a triathelon and did it! Then I had marital problems, went back to work full-time and 4 years later I'm here .... crying again ... praying every day that my pants will fit before I put them on. Here is where my journey begins [in this chapter] releasing control to gain back control of my life and for me? That's huge. Sometimes I think I"m just not worth being a 'normal size' I'm not really sure why but it seems that every time I get down to the 75% point I turn around and stop. I'm just not worth being under 200 lbs. Serious issues that need to be resolved within myself. I do know one thing about myself is that I'm so fricking stubborn that I know when I make up my mind - that's it and I'm happy to report that this weekend I finally have ... resolved myself to this knew life that is!! Easy to say before I actually do anything about it! It will be fun to read this as the months tick cause they are coming anyway whether I do something with my life or not!:biggrin:

Ok, it's the beginning of April so it's no better time to start. I have scheduled all my appointments but am worried that my "doctor supervised" 6 month diet stint will not be accepted because it was 4 1/2 years ago. I started in July of 03 & ended in Nov. 04 with those. I lost 62 lbs but of course have gained most of it back. I''m excited and scared and yesterday being the first of the month I wanted to be "good" and all I could think about was ice cream from Culvers. Which went went and had along with cheezeburgers and fries for dinner. I disgust myself.:biggrin: Get some control girlfriend.! I think it's just because I'm like you have about 3-4 weeks to eat what ever you want so get it out of your system. I had to gain 10 lbs to hit the 40 BMI so now that thought process is lingering ... I need to get over it quick because I feel like CRAP!!!

I had a paragard for 3 months. It slipped too low. After a lot of bleeding& pain, I got it out. My midwife didn't believe the bleeding was from poor positioning even tho the strings were much llonger every month, I've never had unprotected sex& made me pay for an std panel. All clear. I'm concerned about uterine scarring. The insertion was fine. I had the cervix softening med, but after that I had contraction like pain, bled 10 days the 1st month, 14 days the 2nd, & all of January. No time for sex & was really inconvenient. My normal periods were 4 days. I'm starting the minipill& praying for no weight gain or negative effects.

Interesting. My first thought is that it could be the muscles where the port is attached adjusting to your weight loss. I know that is why I felt so much pain initially after surgery (in the port area).

I'm almost 6 months out and I am just recently feeling my port inside me. I don't feel anything like you're describing though. I think I'm feeling mine because I have lost enough weight to make it more pronounced. Do you think this your situation too? Either way, I think you should mention it to your Doc as well. Good luck and I hope you feel better!

Thanks for this updated post Congrats to all of you my July Pals!! You all are doing great!!!! I was sleeved on July 21st and down 38 lbs. I too, struggle with the Protein. Getting my Water in hasn't been as bad as a problem, because I start my day with water. Eating isn't an issue either. I return for my appointment next week, so this should be exciting. I do not have an trouble with foods and according to my medical team's instructions, I'm in maintenance. As I was having joint problems prior to surgery, I hope to be able to walk more and more as the weight drops. I too stalled at week 3 and it lasted until week 5. But no more since. It's been a consistent 2-3 lbs every 6 days or so. I'm excited and happy! I wish i would have measured my inches because most of my clothes are falling off and the inches are definitely noticeable--have no plans to make purchases until I absolutely have too The best to all of you as we continue our journey!