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So glad to have found a site that is dedicated to those who have chosen the Lapband for weight loss, for one reason or another. I am pre-op right now, surgery is scheduled for August 24th and I cannot wait. After a lifetime of gaining and losing, tears and frustration and continued travail, I have finally found a tool that I know will help me gain control. Reading your posts is most supportive and I look forward to participating on a regular basis. Katie2

Hi All!! I have noticed over the past few days there are a bunch of us struggling with the same things right now so I thought I start a thread. So, after my visit to the dr yesterday I am in complete panic mode. I was told 800-900 calories and at least 70 grams of protein. I know this is best but I am completely terrified. It is like it has given me a license to eat. I was not snacking. They told me to snack to get my food and protein in. But I'm scared. If I pick all day I can but that is what got me here in the first place. Also, I see all of these people 6, 9 months out eating 600 calories and dropping weight like crazy. I'm already behind and stalling again. So, I want to eat to "lose" like the say but afraid. I have been getting better with water but the exercising has faded. I leave for work at 7 AM and don’t get home to almost 6:30. I am so tired by then. (Yes need more protein). By the time I cook dinner and clean up it is 8 and I am ready for bed. (How sad is that). I am down about 28 pounds. How are all of you coping?

Band to sleeve on 4/9 my stomach is bloated as well!! I even gained almost 10pounds on the day of surgery from everything they put in my body that day...

so frustrating to stall. I checked with my nutritionist who told me it was totally normal - because our bodies are adjusting to the weight loss. A stall or plateau just means that your body is healthy and working to stay healthy. It thinks the rapid weight loss is due to illness or trauma - so it protects you until it adjusts again. The most important thing you can do is continue to drink as much Water and take in as much Protein...maybe even go back to the Liver Shrink. Keep us posted!

Thank each of you for your reply. I am just not feeling with the program tonite. I keep thinking of all that lovely food I will miss...or maybe I can find a way to make it non-fattening. Food's been a big part of my life for so long, I love to cook. Can't say I do as much as it's just 2 of us again. Husband never really cared a lot about food, he'll eat just about anything I put in front of him. And if I'm not around, just make sure the Peanut Butter jar is. I have fought with my weight for the past 40 years, and lost the battle. One time I lost 100 lbs. fast, and ended up in the hospital for 2 wks, before the Drs. decided some exploratory surgery was called for. I broke my ankle at 27 and have had arthritis problems started from that - I no longer could walk correctly. My knees were both replaced about 10 years ago, (I was 50, at the time. Doing them both was a major mistake in terms of recovery for me, but got thru it.) I have had diabetes for about 15 yrs. Got a insulin pump last November. At the same time, I was diagnosed with Polymyalfia. The only med to control it is Prednisone. Between the pump and prednisone, I am just sitting back, watching myself expand. My level of exercise is practically nill, though the podiatrist is making progress with my arthritic feet. I now weigh over 300 lbs. and see no end in sight. Just gotta suck it up and do it, I guess, if I want to live another relatively comfortable 20 years. I am scared of what my life will be like if I can't get it under control. As I read what I answered, can't see a reason to hesitate. I'll be more chipper tomorrow. Thanks again.

Hello, I am due for my first official step, the seminar next Tuesday. I am really conflicted about this, but I don't see another way available to get control of my weight, and life. I have many problems that the weight complicates. I'm looking for support, and I thank you for any offered.

Today I had my first appointment since re-enrolling in the program for roux-en-y surgery. I met with the nurse practitioner, surgeon and coordinator. I'm happy to report I have been approved for surgery which will most likely take place this coming June or July. I had previously completed some of the requirements so a few I don't have to do. But. I'll be getting a call with my appointments soon. Weight loss goal 30 lbs. Since making my commitment I've lost 4. I can do this!

I had a sleeve done in December of 2015 and had an Anterior Cervical Dissection and fusion at C3 C4 C5 done in February of 2014. My neurosurgeon was hoping that losing 100 pounds would delay the need for L5S1, which so far has been the case. I have thoracic radiculopathy, with a total of 17 herniated discs. My spine was literally colllapsing under my weight. To answer you question about recovery from cervical spinal fusion: Wearing the collar for six weeks was inconvenient, but overall the recovery was not painful. My boyfriend had to do his smoking outside, but he obliged very nicely. My exercise and movement was limited, and I slept in my lift recliner for those six weeks, as I could not lay flat with the collar. Some people do not have to wear the collar at night. There is a exercise video I have by David Stamps called Exercise for the Bedfast, which I wish I had at the time. I use it on orthopedically bad days rather than my other more active or vigorous ones. He also has several styles of exercise that can be done sitting in a chair. So, you won't have to be a mummy (we even managed to get frisky - but making sure my neck was supported).

Hi I'm 16 year old girl who got the sleeve Jan/25/16. My original date was Dec. 21 but due to insurance issues was postponed another month. Post surgery It was quite the experience with the bad reaction to morphine and the 2 days of straight dry heaving but I have already lost a good amount of weight. It was all definitely well worth it! Highest weight:254 Before surgery:246 Now:232 Height 5'6" Also do any of you think I'll have loose skin based of my age weight and height?

Congratulations on your surgery. The whole skin thing is almost impossible to predict. However, at your age, weight and height I would say you got a great chance at having a bikini body!!! I am 5'3" and when I was 30 I went from 250 down to 150 and my skin was great. It all tightened up. Stomach was flat and boobs perky. I gained it all back and when I lost my weight this time post sleeve at 43 I went from 271 to 140 and things are droopy and saggy. Your age should help you tremendously. Good luck and keep us posted!!

Today it has been one month. It has been an eventful month. The last week has been a challenge, I eat what I want. - i hurt sometimes when I eat. I don't eat anywhere close to the foods or the amount of food I use to - I just haven't lost anymore weight. The other thing is I am not getting full. - Hint from reading blogs I think I need a fill. I go back to the dr. in 2 weeks, it isn't going to come soon enough. Some days are hard, everyone knows I have had this surgery and they are expecting the pounds to just pile off I guess. I have increased my physial activity - so maybe we will get it all figured out - one month out - i feel good- just wanting to see some results for putting myself through this and my family. I am still excited, and will continue down this path until my goals have been conquered.

Welcome and good luck! Just fyi...many surgeons prefer you don't get pregnant for a while (like a year, but it varies) after banding, for your safety and that of the baby. But also losing weight helps many many get pregnant, so that's the total upside! If you decide you want the surgery, since you want to get pregnant (I assume?) ask your surgeon what his "wait" limit is! :biggrin: (something to check into at the seminar!) Hope you enjoy your seminar! Mine was a gas! (not the bad kind LOL)

Congrats and welcome! I have my surgery the 10th; presurgery diet starts tomorrow! I'm pretty excited too; waiting is kinda hard. I just want to get the ball rolling and start my journey. I was 278 at my highest but managed to lose and keep off 12-15lbs recently...the weight DOES kind of sneak up on you. Don't know how I've managed to put on over 100lbs in about 7 years. But no more dwelling in the past; we have wonderful futures to look forward to! Again, welcome, and good luck; you should join the January 2011 thread.

I struggled for a year with too tight of a band. I was to my Dr. just last week to talk to her about it because I was miserable and struggling with maintaining and was not losing. I was actually starting to gain and was scared. She decided to take only .4 (point 4) cc (a very small amount) out of my band. Almost 1 year prior she had put in .6cc for me. It is amazing how so little of an amount can make a difference. I am doing so much better! I can eat much better choices of food and stay satisfied. Before I would try the challenging foods (almost forcing them down) and be in pain, so, then not being filled up, I would look for the easy foods like ice cream or high calorie drinks to satisfy me. But . . . now I believe I may be at my "sweet spot" finally. It took me a whole year of fighting with food and it hurting when it would go thru the band, even when it was soft foods, to realize that maybe it was just a little too tight. I wish I would have admitted it sooner, but I am very happy with how I can eat and feel full (satisfied) for the desired amount of time (4-5 hrs). I hope this may help anyone who is struggling and wondering if their band could be too tight. It is so different for each one of us individually. Sometimes it is hard to decide what to do. For me, I did not have the typical signs of it being to tight such as the acid reflux or heartburn, no throwing up or having pb. I never have had that with my band. I did not get plugged or stuck totally more than 3 times in the almost two years I have had it. So, it was hard to say it was too tight except that I was not even enjoying eating, other than the things I shouldn't be eating because they went down easy. Now, after a year of being at a plateau (I tried to look at it positively as learning to maintain) I believe (and HOPE) that I will be on the road to being able and motivated to lose more weight finally! Thanks for listening!

My doctor signed the 6 months diet history sheets, the letter of medical necessity and referral to bariactric surgergy on July 08. I went to Flager Hospital Bariactric Seminar on July 14. Every requirement the surgeon's office has asked from my PCP has been quickly completed. This has made a huge difference in getting my tentative sleeve surgery date of August 24. I propably would have insurance approval by now but I was in the process of the pyschologist evaluation and that has been the delay in filling for insurance. I just wanted people to know if you have been with your doctor for a while and have been struggling with your weight it doesn't take years or a lot of months to complet this process. I have Cigna *** insurance and Dr. Robert T. Marema is my surgeon. Huge Alabama football fan and can't wait for the new season to start.

A lot of women's thighs touch, even at a healthy weight.

I too remember that feeling. So excited for you! The best advise I can give a newbie is to do exactly what your dr tells you to do, eat the foods they tell you to and do not deviate from that plan. I made the mistake in falling back on those foods that got me to where I needed intervention simply because they didn't make me sick (milkshakes, cream of anything soups, ect). Had I ate what I was told to and the exact amounts I was told to I would have already reached my weight loss goal and would not have had such a struggle over the past 4 years. It's a constant battle for everyone I'm sure. With the proper support and guidance, you'll do just fine!

I am new, just joined today, although I pop on and read some of your posts now and then. I have a great doctor who just moved from the east coast and he is waiting for his privileges to practice. Hence, my surgery is about 2 weeks out. I will find out the date this week. And Monday I am planning to start the two week preop diet. Originally wanted the lap band, found out I wasn't a good candidate then decided on the sleeve until I changed my mind and wanted the Duodenal Switch. Chickened out of that one, and feel like a flake now. Back to the Sleeve now, and I think I am settled on it for sure. My story is probably the same as hundreds of you all's...Was thin my entire life, (born a premie at 4#) and started gaining at 19 with the birth control pill, and subsequent pregnancies. Yo yo dieting, start/stop smoking, rich foods, lack of exercise...the usual stuff-- brought me to 350 today. I have recently lost 30 (since March) but am trying so hard to not gain any of it back before the surgery, although it fluctuates daily, mostly in the right direction. I have been researching wt loss surgery and discussing it with my dear sweet husband (#2) for a couple years. And now, while I am between jobs (got laid off in March) no insurance hoops to jump through since I lost my insurance with the job, the timing is perfect. financing out of pocket so I will take any money saving tips you all can give me. :001_tongue: I am wondering if anyone actually loses 200 on a sleeve? I am 5'10 large frame and large muscles under a whole lot of fat tissue. If I get down to 150 I am probably looking at being a size 14. Not the 2-8's I see here, but I won't be discouraged. I am afraid of plateauing out. Still, even when I get to 200, I will feel like I have a new lease on life. Co-morbidities...how much time do you have? Severe sleep apnea (diagnosed a year ago) Pre-diabetic with a long family hx of it Neuropathy in arms and legs B/P creeping upwards GERD & Hiatal Hernia I left some things off, but you get the idea. A ticking time bomb just the same. I used to love cooking, but now I just dread it. And my husband loves eating. He is 6'2 250# could stand to lose about 30 so he has recently been trying to eat better while I am on my better eating habits. I have two major goals 1.) to be and feel healthier 2.) I know I might be too sensitive, but I am so tired of the cruelty and want it to go away with the weight. I don't know what possesses people to think they can treat obese folks like we're not human, but I am fed up. And after tolerating abuse my entire adult life (even from my first husband) I am so not looking forward to being abused for my decision to do something about it and take radical action. I have heard horror stories of the cruelty for making this decision. Anyone care to share their thoughts on that with me? So I am reluctant to tell many people I am doing this. Ok, enough of my random thoughts...I'd love to hear from you all. Anxious to start melting (and scared to death), ~GeorgieGirl1957

Hi, I'm new here and having problems! I had the surgery on Dec. 3 and I'm still miserable. My weight is going down, but I'm in almost constant pain and discomfort. It feels like I have "bubbles' in my lungs and I am struggling to get a night's sleep. Any body else having these pain problems?

How do you get your posts to show your personal information at the bottom? My weight, etc...doesn't show up when I post a new thread. Thanks!

i was banded about 2 months ago. i have not had a fill yet. I have progressively been losing weight. but i will say when i sit down to eat i eat a bit more than i have been. but my sweet tooth cravings have become stronger. i have decided not to deny myself i little bit of sweet because if i do i will binge. But what do others do to help curb your cravings either sweets or carbs. Just needing a bit of advice.

Thank you sooooo much for you encouraging words. This isnt the first time my family hasnt supported me in major decisions I have made. About 5 years ago(i'm a therapist) I decided to become a traveling therapist where I would take different assignment for 13 weeks throughout the country and all i had to do was pack my bags and go.. My companies paid for my lodging. My family had a fit. I did that for 2 years and have never regretted it. I'm like the black sheep though, I'm the youngest, but most adventurous! So it really is no surprize they arent supporting me. ASK ME IF I CARE ANYMORE! I have the 2 friends that i've decided to share this with and they support me 100%. They have seen all the times i've tried and failed at losing weight, and yet love me inspite of it. I am getting to the point where I can admit that I use food for comfort, when i'm bored or just cuz i see it! So I'm looking forward to my first consultation on april 7th and looking forward to moving full steam ahead. I hope to be banded by late spring, since I dont have to go through the insurance hoops. Thanks a million. Jennifer

The two aren't mutually exclusive but if you are following your pre-op diet well enough, odds are you will lose a little weight and shrink your liver.

I just went to one. I was told that most all insurance require the suervised 6 month diet by your Dr. a psychological assessment and a nutritional assessment (these are only good for 6 months). They handed out a list of insurance co and what they require. Some insurance co like mine requires you to lose a % of your weight before they will approve it also.

I had Medicare, so they didn't require a 6 mth diet. So I had surgery exactly 3 weeks from my seminar. I also didn't have a pre op diet (which is rare). I was just told to eat a lite dinner the night before and nothing after midnight. I went to outback for ribs - thats what I considered lite back then! I stayed 1 nite in the hospital (required by Medicare) - your insurance will tell you whether you have to stay or can do OP. The pain was bearable - I had my liquid Vicodin, which I got refilled once. I don't work, but if I did, I think I would've been ready to go back after 1 week for a sitting job, maybe 2 for a more physical one. My pre op diet sucked. I misread my booklet and thought it said 4 weeks of clear liquids and Protein Shakes. I literally starved the first 2 weeks, till I added tomato Soup (thought I was cheating and didn't ell my dr). Come to find out after many month and after re reading my post op directions, I was sposed to be on full liquids for 4 weeks (to include cream Soups, yogurt, pudding) and I wasn't cheating at all! After 3 weeks of liquids only, I cheated and added mashed potatoes. The best thing I ever had. I could've bought stock in KFC! Please don't make the same mistakes as I did tho - my first "real" food was Burger King cheeseburger. Ate the whole thing and felt nothing. Ate normally (just like pre band) for the first 2 fills and 4 mths. Then came my 3rd fill - it was "MAGIC". That's when I really started losing weight. I eat everything, including bread, rice, Pasta. Alot of people can't tolerate them or are on a low carb diet. The only things my band won't tolerate is pizza crust, pineapple chunks, and pancakes (all the P's!) I just eat very little of it. When I go out for a meal (about 3x a week), I can eat about 1/4 - 1/3 of my meal and the rest comes home with me. I just got my restaurant card in the mail today (make sure you get one from your dr) (I've lost the last 2 I've had) which asks restaurants to serve you smaller portions or the kids menu. They charge you the kids price at buffet - it's really nice since I don't eat $12.00 worth of food - ever! The kids menu isn't very healthy, though, so you really have to be careful. I still go to buffets occasionally, only filling my plate once, taking a couple bites of everything. You'll be fine. We're all anxious before surgery. The pain really isn't all that bad. The worst thing is the liquid diet, but if I can do it, anyone can! Good luck! Marci