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Hi Laura. My name is Maxi. Wow. You have done GREAT with your 95 lb weight loss. CONGRATULATIONS! I started the process (somewhat) in October 2009 but did not really make the decision until 5/10 when I got approval after having been initially denied by my insurance. I had my surgery in 9/10 and have lost 34 lbs so far. I lost 15 lbs pre op and 19 lbs post op. My weight has come off slow, much slower than yours. I've had 2 fills so far, for a total of 4cc in a 10cc band. I'll have my 3rd fill in a few days. Like you, I also feel that having the band was the best decision I ever made. It was a hard decision for me, though. You can see how long it took me to make that decision. Even after attending an info session about the band, I still took a while to come around to this decision. Now I know that it was the right decision for me. I'm so glad I had the band surgery. For the first time I believe I will permanently lose this excess weight. I live in the NYC area. I went to NYU for my weight loss surgery because they have such a good program. Maxi

Hey there, I was banded on the 24th of Nov and had my first fill last Sunday. Well, I have only lost about 10-14lbs depending on the day..lol. So I was wondering what a day of food is for you? South beach? Lo-calorie or lo carb or what and I am a blonde so can anyone out there PLEASE give me some sample menus of your day/week. I have copied some I have seen but y'all in particular and others who have been banded since this past July I am curious and need some success tips and motivation! catie

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It has been a harder, slower, and more frustrating experience than I expected. I was banded in July 2002 (3 years ago!). I had a Midband, also called a "French band," and it is a larger capacity band. Therefore, it took about 4 fills for me to get to a point of good restriction. Two days after my 4th fill, I started experiencing reflux, and so began my difficult struggle. Over the next 6 months, I had a couple of unfills, and finally a complete unfill. My weight loss over the first 1.5 years was pretty dismal. I had lost about 30 lbs overall (including the 10 lbs gain I had after my unfill). After a couple of months of being unfilled, I got a fill that was about 60% of my previous highest fill. I remained at that level for the rest of the time I had my Midband (about a year). At this time, I also started an exercise program (swimming 3-4 times a week). I didn't have the level of restriction I wanted, but I let it be because I did not want reflux again. About 4 months into my new fill, I started to experience a bit of reflux. Terrified, I immediately went on all liquids for a couple of days and then started being ultra careful with my diet, following all the general rules that one should follow when trying to control reflux (except cutting out coffee--never could do that!!). This really stepped up my weight loss. I then started experiencing sudden increased restriction. This, along with the reflux, should have been a clue to go get a checkup. Somehow, though, the onset of symptoms was gradual enough that it didn't occur to me that something could be drastically wrong. When I started having to throw up every night before I went to bed, I realized I better get an upper GI. Despite all the symptoms, I was still surprised when the surgeon told me my band had slipped!!! The good news is that I was close to my goal weight. About 10 weeks ago, I had a new Inamed 4cc band placed. So far, I am having a better experience w/this band. I have only had two fills, and am already at a level of restriction that is working for me (I am losing weight). No reflux so far, either (knock on wood!!). I am now 16 lbs from goal. -Yvonne (260/166/150) 5'8.5" tall

I think the real question is: What are you more afraid of? The possibility of the occassional PB - or being fat for the rest of your life? I was scared, too. I REALLY don't like throwing up - and that is essentially what a PB means - you pop the food back out through your mouth. I have never had any sensation of choking, if that helps. AND, I have only ever had one PB in almost 10 mos - so hopefully, that will take some of the fear out of it for you. Keep reading, keep thinking. Look at the before and after pages. Look in the complications forum. Read everything. Nobody will hold a gun to your head to make you have the surgery.... I, personally, think it is the best thing since sliced bread - but hey, that's just me. Good luck in your research and your decision. No matter what you decide, it will be the right decision for you. :]

I had surgery on 9/30 and returned 10/7 one week off. I also have a desk job so the lifting wasn't a concern. I could hsve probably went back soon but choose to just enjoy that extra time at home as a single mom. Just take it easy and try and sit up straight I notice that helps with the back discomfort and the standing up from my chair. I wasn't extremely tired after my first day and found that being back to my schedule helped me get my protien in. Good luck to you!

Don't be nervous. Mine is tomorrow too. What time is yours? Mine is at 10. I am not nervous (more anxious, really). I was numb, up until an hour ago when my aunt texted me that she was proud and happy I made this decision. You did the hardest part: you started this journey. Hugz.

I went to my doctor's support group on Monday and met a sleeve patient of his who is 10 weeks out. She recounted a couple of incidences where she was tempted by the smell of food (i.e. teacher who had a pizza party) and knew she physically wasn't hungry for the food...and chose not to eat it! I'm amazed at her stories (and those I've read on here) of simply not being hungry; I think that's the biggest hurdle for me! If I'm hungry, I know I overeat. Damn near every time. Having this forced behavior modification of a sleeve will force me to examine whether or not I'm actually hungry, because the effects of eating when you're not, or forcing too much food down a banana-shaped stomach, will end badly. I'm good with that . Surgery tomorrow!!

I've still got a lot of head issues to work on, I've found out since I have no restriction. I ate pizza today. 2 slices with no problem. Probably in less than 10 minutes. I just hope that the fill will work and I haven't spent $11,000 in vain. I just need the help I was getting from the band before the swelling went down. Now I'm staying so hungry and I never get full. It's just like it was before surgery. Tell me this gets better?

Hi Amber!! Welcome to the board, my name is Liz I'm 26 and hoping to be banded in April of '10 (oh that's a little weird to write). Congrats on doing such a great job so far!!!

10 hours on a plane Yuck! Be careful not to lift your baggage, Will. When I flew after surgery I asked for wheelchair assistance and they did all the lifting for me. It ended up being a bonus situation because I didn't have to stand in any security lines; they wheeled me right up to the front like I was a VIP! My hubby picked me up at the airport and he took over the lifting from there. Be sure to walk the aisles when you can and have fluids by you at all times. I hope you have enough reading materials to entertain yourself, or even better, you are able to sleep during the trip! Getting home will feel good.

I didn't know anyone made a list! I am on it too. Twice actually. I had a twisted stricture. Same sort of treatment as a leak. Happylife. I was most unable to work for months. I dont know the total cost of treatment. Would be scared to even guess. The facility that did my surgery covered the costs. God bless them. I went from Aug 10/2011 to Dec 24/2011 without eating and at times keeping down only some liquids. Long periods no liquids either. I had 8 dilations, 4 operations, 2 feeding tubes through my noes, stent placement, and than removal from migration. Than I had a unheard of fix. Called Stictureplasty. After the Sleeve healed for a long period of time they cut the twisted stricture out and put the two parts of the sleeve back together. And crossed fingers for no leak. It worked! The reason I mention this to you is they told me if the scar tissue from the twisted stricture was soft chances would be better for no leak. As it is difficult to have scared tissue mend. Another thing is they gave me a J tube. It was a feeding tube that went directly into my tummy so that I didn't have to eat or drink while the revision surgery healed. I would do it all over believe it or not. I love my sleeve so much. For you it is a personal decision that only you can make. I wish you the best and happiness!

I have not had a leak from a sleeve but I had a very serious lapband erosion (nearly killed me). Since then I am trying to get sleeved and have been keeping track of folks who have had complications in case I need their help in the future. Below is the list. You might want to contact them directly if you have any questions. Started May 1, 2011 1. Sandyd – infection from surgery (Reno) (VS Talk) 2. MeMeMEEE – leak (twice) (VS Talk) 3. Driver63 – leak 4. Tiffykins – leak (band revision) 5. Hansi – stomach ruptured 6. Dishdiva – leaks (Mexico) 7. YellowRose – infected incision (Mexico) & drain tube infection 8/5/11 8. Mommyinneed – seroma turned abscess (Mexico) 9. Sexypeaches33 – pancreatitis (Mexico) then gastritis 10. DivaDee84 – Infected incision (Mexico) leak (still @ seven months) 11. Honeyrubybee – splenic infarction 12. TKDBlackbelt15 (fiancee) – leak 13. Rblessed – leak 14. Jen Jen – leak (Mexico) 15. Ladiesassie – nicked liver (didn’t follow pre-op diet) 16. Moore37042 – leak 17. Jagator88 – leak & esophagus was destroyed and had to be rebuilt from muscle (Mexico) 18. Jsfound – leak (VS Talk) 19. Leisa815 – leak (VS Talk) 20. Jasleeve – leak 21. Joseph – leak Kuwait (VS Talk) 22. Peachqueen – leak (VS Talk) 23. Jcarelle – leak (VS Talk) 24. Jerseygirl74 – leak & spleen infarction (VS Talk) 25. Happylife – stricture (had a stent like a leak) (VS Talk) 26. Kookia – leak (VS Talk) 27. Nanaof5 – spleen infarction (VS Talk) 28. Jencomenz – spleen infarction (VS Talk) 29. Honeybunnyslp – spleen infarction (VS Talk) 30. Neese – spleen infarction (VS Talk) 31. Bedhead – erosion (ulcer) caused by an infection (VS Talk) 32. Donniej – leak (band revision) (VS Talk) 33. DogBone (wife’s cousin) – leak, tracheostomy, induces coma (Brazil) DIED 34. 4ALongerLife – leak 35. Minaleigh – twisted stomach, needed a stent 36. Mews – infected incision and blood clot 37. Laura74 – (husband, OH) stomach started to close up so had a stent (stricture?) 38. Victoria28 – leak (ThinnerTimes) 39. Happylife – twisted stricture (VS Talk) 40. P77tmy – blood clots (VS Talk) 41. CrazyCatLady – blood clot (VS Talk) 42. Karlij – leak (Obesity Help) 43. 1maryreigel – swollen 44. Gigglee – open wound? Vst 45. Twistedkitten25 – internal bleeding and abscess 46. Shane5958 – blood abscess 47. Cookies – blood clot 48. Wendyr – spleen infarction, leak, pneumonia (punctured lung when placing drain for leak) 49. Stephwb – leak 50. Irishgirlparisi – UTI (foley catheter) & MRSA from JP tube (Thinner Times) 51. Heidi P – leak (Obesity Help) 52. Moxy – leak (Obesity Help) 53. Cthompson580 – leak (Obesity Help) 54. Jsd2 – very sick also had blood clots, heart palpitations (VS Talk) 55. Abbybeep – stricture w/in first five days (VS Talk) 56. Lulugirl – bacterial infection & possible stricture (VS Talk) 57. Ready2Bthin – acid refluc & wasn’t able to get protein/vitamins in, developed problem w/balance & walking (VS Talk) 58. RawrrAshleex3 – leak (VS Talk) 59. Candice1222 – leak (VS Talk) 60. Cat_woman – leak (Obesity Help)

My highest weight was: 310 I started to lose weight & seriously inquired re: WLS Dropped wt to: 258 Pre-op appt: 245 Surgery date: 235 10 days post-op: 225 17 days: 220 stall due to my cycle :/ New Years goal... 200 Not sure if its doable but I would Love to succeed

Thank you for all your thoughts, comments, and prayers!! I came home on Dec. 5 and I am doing oK. Had lots of bad Nausa, but no vomiting. The only pain that I have had is from gas pains. I try hard now to keep them down with meds and watching what I drink. I was worried at first because my weight was up to 235 the day after I got home and the night before surgery I weighed 232. But now I am told that was probably some water, so I do believe it was, because now on Dec. 10 I weigh 226.6 pounds. That was a weight loss of almost 10 pounds in 4 days. I am so happy that I got the sleeve and Dr. Husted my surgeon here in Somerset Ky. is so great. He did not do a leak test. He has a very good reputation. I thank God and my Surgeon for everything going so well. Now I have a long journey ahead of Me to try to do my part. I have not been walking as much as I should be, but I try to get in some each day. I am having a little bit of a problem trying to find things to Puree on my Pureed Diet that will last one more week. I will be on soft foods starting on Dec.16. That is also the day that I go for my two week check up. I went to see a nurse at my family doctor's office yesterday and she said so far everything looks fine. I will be posting on different threads that I have started, so if you would like you may go to statistics on my profile and read all my posts. Thank you again and I hope you all have a happy, and healthy journey with your surgery and recovery!!

I eat more turkey, chicken and fish than I do meat, just to clarify, but meat isnt a problem and fits into my eating plan just fine. I am at goal (feels weird to say that, just got there yesterday) and 10 months out.

I'd just pack on the weight, you will have the pre-op diet and the rest of your life to lose the weight, 10-20 lbs is nothing. But that's just me

Hello VST gang!! Yay! I've been lurking between 2 and 5 pounds off goal for the last couple of months, and I'm thrilled to report that I'm finally there--and I'm sure about it, since I've been at this number for a few days now with no "bounce" back up! The last coupe of weeks, I've been trying hard to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and I think that has made a difference. As you may know from my numerous posts on the subject, I have a really picky sleeve--to this day, I feel like it's pretty tyrannical about what it will and will not allow me to eat, but most of the time, it works out well for my weight loss goals. I do wish I could tolerate certain healthy Proteins (fish and chicken, for instance!), but I now appreciate its inability to tolerate fried foods and sweets, so it all balances out. It was a huge challenge in the beginning to discover what would work--and I still find new foods that my sleeve will or won't tolerate, so I'm still learning. Next steps for me include getting my exercise on--I haven't really gotten into a habit of regular exercise yet, and I fully intend to do that. I am also still experimenting with getting my nutrition optimized and being sure I'm eating as wide a variety of foods as possible, including vegetarian sources of Protein. Now that I'm "at goal," I can see that I want to lose a bit more, although I'm not sure exactly how much; I still have a bit of flab around my middle and on the upper thighs that's not just loose skin--not sure how much of that will go away with exercise! Thanks to all posters on this board who continuously provide support, encouragement, and answers!! I seriously would never have done this if I hadn't been able to read all of your experiences beforehand, and I would have missed out. For me, the sleeve was 100% the right choice. I'm updating my ticker right this second!! Short story: Weight surgery morning 306. Weight today 190. (I'm 6'2", so while 190 looks really high, that's really normal weight.) Size surgery morning 3X-4X, tight 26/28. Size today L, comfortable 12 heading to 10--I pulled off my size 12 Eddie Bauers yesterday without unbuttoning--yay!! Biggest NSV: Being able to work as a conductor without getting all hot and sweaty!! I like that I can now wear elegant concert clothing, work like a fiend, and not end up drenched with sweat. I can hug people after concerts without feeling self-conscious and icky and unfeminine. Oh, and the shoes!!! I can wear cute shoes without my feet hurting!! Worst comment: From a lady at work: Oh, I see you've lost a lot of weight; me, too, but I did it the hard way (followed by me, startled, saying, "Well, congratulations on your success!" and moving quickly away). Best comment: From a female friend/colleague: I was sitting in the audience for your concert, and I was thinking, "Damn, her butt looks great!" (followed by me giving her a big ol' hug).

I try to give blood as often as the allow and just got an e-mail for the next blood drive at work. I will be about 10 weeks post-op and am wondering if I can do it by that point. Has anyone else done this?

Thank you all so much! This has been some great info! I'm sure I'll have many more questions but this has answered alot. Great to hear this seems to be successful with most people. I'm going for a re-evaluation now for the the sleep apnea because my previous results were from a study done over 10 years ago so they need more up to date info, but assuming that all goes well my doc says we can start looking at dates. Anyone have any suggestions for the best times of year/days of weeks to get the surgery? My husband is active duty military and we live about 1500 miles away from family so I'm trying to arrange my care taker needs, etc.

In about 10 minutes I would have drunk 32oz and I don't feel full at all!!! I can eat 4oz of applesauce and still don't feel full....call me crazy but if it wasn't for the incisions and little pain I would've thought they never did anything lol

I had VSG on 8/27/20. My sister is a PACU nurse and warned me not to get the bypass or similar surgery because she has seen too many bariatric patients lose the weight but develop severe medical related to malabsorption that the bypass produces. She even told me that having the bypass shortens ones lifespan by 7-10 years! I have NO clue where she got this information but she scared me into having the sleeve rather than the bypass. So far I am doing great with the sleeve but again, I’m only 6 months out.

From what I have heard the Med Grp decides if you are approved for the referral letter and once BCBS has that you get the surgery. The nurse told me not to lose much weight during the diet or I would not get the referral. What med grp are you with? My med grp used to have a 12 month diet for HMO and 10% wt loss but recently changed that because so many people were complaining. Im sure some day these 6 month diets will be a thing of the past. I have a 25 year diet that I could tell them all about.:thumbup: Please keep us posted on your progress.

Hello my name is De Anna... this is my first post... my surgery date was 01-06-09 I have lost roughly 42lbs... I haven't seen my srugeon since April... Last time I saw him he just seemed so disappointed I wasn't loosing more. I've been scared 2 go back, but I'm not loosing anymore... I'm stuck I'm going up and down between 7lbs. I go to school 5 days a week as well as work, I just feel like I dont have it in me 2 exercise. As fasr as eatting... being a college student, I dont have the finacial means 2 eat healthy all the time.. I try my best when I can but it isn't always easy. Point is, does anyone have any advice how 2 get back on track and stay on it??? I'd like 2 see my Dr. to get a fill but I just want to loose a little more before I go back...

I am scheduled for surgery in Austin, TX on 01/14/2014. I only have to do a pre op diet for 2 weeks which is 900 calories a day which contain no more than 30 g of carbs, 10g of fat, and a minimum of 70g of Protein a day. I do a Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch. I ate egg whites yesterday because I hit a starving moment and it did the job. Then for dinner I am eating salads, green Beans, broccoli, or some other green vegtable and about 10 ounces of grilled chicken breast. So far I am on my 3rd day and its not as bad as I thought it was going to be. But I can see what people mean when they refer to head hunger and after surgery when I am on complete liquids only, I hope that I feel just as satisfied now. This is definitely a lifestyle change and I have learned so much already in my journey. I wish you luck on your journey and your upcoming surgery.