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I'm 33 years old, and I currently weigh 344 lbs. Everyone tells me that I don't look that big because I'm 6'2, but I definitely feel that big. I was very active in my younger days. I played Division 1 basketball in college and I am now a high school teacher/coach. I started gaining weight immediately after I graduated from college and my basketball playing days were over. I became less active but I continued to eat whatever I wanted, and it eventually caught up with me. I'm tired of being this big and not being able to fly without a seatbelt extender or not being able to go to a concert because I probably won't fit in the chair. My mother died suddenly in 2011 at age 60 of a heart attack. She had congestive heart failure, diabetes, and numerous other health issues. As of right now, I'm relatively healthy other than high blood pressure, but I'm terrified I'm headed down the same track as my mom. I want to be healthy again. I use to LOVE running and working out. I want to get back to that place again. I want to be healthy. That's my #1 priority. The thought of having this surgery terrifies me, but I'm ready to take the leap of faith and just do it. It encourages me to hear other success stories, so keep 'em coming. I have received the referral from my doctor for my initial consultation, and I'm attending a seminar this Thursday. I know I still have a way to go before my surgery is scheduled. I will continue to post updates throughout my journey.

We can be the harshest person to ourselves. We get enough negative from those around at times and it we are not positive we may believe their lies. We get upset our letting our body and health get so bad. We lose weight then it's the loose skin and things we have to work out in or lives even emotionally. Try to keep this post in mind and speak positive everyday. Get going tell us great things about you. Sent from my LM-Q710(FGN) using BariatricPal mobile app

I can't believe I'm even writing this. I had heard great things about Dr. Arif Ahmad and Long Island Laparoscopic but after my various interactions with the office, medical staff and the group meeting, I'm seriously considering looking elsewhere. My initial consultation went wonderfully, I felt comfortable and excited for the next step. Then...the other shoe dropped. I scheduled my first battery of tests (blood work, pulmonary, ultrasound, nutrition and psych evaluation) and off the bat something was wrong. I'd speak to one receptionist/scheduler who would tell me my insurance won't allow me to do everything on the same day so she schedules the tests on various days - then I got a call from someone else who asked why I did it this way and when I said someone in the office had told me to do it that way she said "oh, don't listen to her...she doesn't know anything". I scheduled everything for 10:45am (I had planned other things later in the day), I got a call 3 days prior and was asked to come in at 12:15pm as they had a scheduling issue (I rescheduled the rest of my day). I then show up at 12:15pm and was told everyone had been waiting on me! They rush me into the room for blood work, then into another room for the ultrasound then a 3rd room for a pulmonary test. I'm then told due to a scheduling error (again) I have an hour and a half until my next appointment. The nutritionist, bless her, was a fresh faced college grad who clearly had never struggled with food or weight and spent 20 minutes telling me about sugar free Jell-O. I was then rushed into a meeting with the psychologist (who is not a psychologist but a licensed master social worker - not the same). She spent, at max, 30 minutes with me (10 of which were telling me it's her birthday and then she was fielding calls from her mother) asking if I've ever been suicidal, what diets have I tried and have I decided who is going to drive me home from surgery. I was disheartened and confused -- I have friends who had the surgery with other doctors and who had wonderful pre surgical experiences, that's what I was hoping for. But, I thought "hey, you've already spent the $250 program fee and you have the group meeting tomorrow...it could turn around!". I just left the "support group" and I'm completely disappointed. The "meeting" started with a 30 minute sales pitch from a Bariatric Advantage salesman. We were then "discussed" surgery...by discussed I mean we sat around in a circle, introduced ourselves and talked about how we can't drink after surgery. WHAT? I didn't come here for AA, I came to ask questions and be informed. The "group meeting" was again run by stick thin dietitians, not people who have gone through surgery and could give first hand experiences. Bottom line...I don't feel comfortable. I don't think this is a competent group of people and I don't want to put my life and future into the hands of a bunch of halfwits. I run a business and had been conducting my meetings/schedules (I perform wedding ceremonies) based on the idea that I'd be having surgery in the middle of July, now I have no idea if that's possible and I could have potentially lost hundreds of dollars from clients. Has anyone switched surgeons? Is anyone familiar with Dr. Arif Ahmad? I'm thinking of using Dr. Brathwaite at Winthrop - any tips?

Well, nothing's coming off. Ve been gaining and losing the same 7 pounds since January. I think I've fizzled out on weight loss. Still down 120 pounds so I'm not complaining. Just thought So'd get more than 4 months of quick loss. The person who had surgery the same day has also stopped. How's everyone else from August doing? How long did you lose weight? Anyone still seeing the scale drop?

JustWatchMe, I'm terribly sorry that you're going through all of this! My thought as to the two main questions you asked: "Was my band tighter-feeling all month because of the constant stress level every day?" Yes, definitely! I know when I'm stressed even just slightly over a bad day the amount I'm able to eat is drastically reduced. I have no appetite and so when eating something as small as yogurt can make it feel like the old days of hitting a buffet and eating until I was about to pop. The amount of stress your under right now is definitely the cause of the band tightness and in my opinion also the culpret of the cold sores and arthritis flare-ups! You are SOOOO strong and you've come so far! You can and will make it through this. In the same way your weight isn't gong to come off overnight, the stress can't be gone in a day so give yourself a llttle break and try to just take time for yourself. To tell you not to stress isn't going to happen, it's a process in life (or atleast in mind) get it all out so that you aren't hanging on to anything and then when it's over it's over!!!! Regarding another fill, if this were me I would definitely hold off! With that said though I would still keep your appointment at the end of this month just to check in but I'm just afraid that if you were to get another fill at this point and the stress spikes back up you won't be able to eat anything and then you'll have to schedule an additional appointment to have some taken ut, probably causing even more stress. Don't worry about the 3lbs that found you, they're likely just Water weight or just another side effect of all the stress! Just try to keep yourself as busy as possible! it will help you keep your mind off things and off of eating and as silly as this sounds drink alot of Fluid. Again, I'm sorry that you're going through this stressful time but you are strong, look at how far you've come there's nothing or no one that can stop you! Keep your head up lady!!

Did you tell them that when you called? You don't want to get yourself too backed up. You could also try a glycerin suppository or fleet enema if you feel really constipated. Honestly, I think most of the pain I was experiencing in the second week was due to constipation. I told them I was constipated at my two week check and I got the response I seem to get a lot lately "Oh, that's normal" It's funny, it used to be every time I complained about something, no matter what it was, they would tell me it was because of my weight. Now I just keep getting told that I'm normal! Lol

The weight you want to lose is much easier than a 50 80 100+. Pound gain.... It can be done. Years out, much of weight loss is fighting the mental battles to get back on track. Seriously I have motivators on my fridge to remind me of my goal and where I want to be. Its right in my face when I am seeking food. Makes me stop and ask. Am I hungry? How much room for calories do I have left in my log for the day? Is this boredom or emotional/stress eating? (see photos below *lol*) All I can share is my personal experience. I’m a sleeve. My surgery was in 2014. I have worked off a gain in my third year. Log your food. Make sure you are eating your weight loss calories and macros.(Log including alcohol) I’m female 5”5” My calories are 900 to 1100 Carbs are 60 grams for weight loss. ***We are all different - You may need to dial in your calories to see what range you lose weight***. If you need help with this let me know. Get temptation out of the house and keep healthy options for sweet and salty cravings. I have a bit less restriction than I had in the first year. I found ways to fill the extra space and keep my calories/macros in range. Add as much veggies as you like until full. Ditch liquid and soft stage protein. Dense protein will help keep you feeling more satisfied. I’m not sure how you are going to trouble shoot your hydration. My surgeon gave me a prescription for zantac. Trial and error for fluids that sit well. I drink crystal light, pre workout or nuun tabs. I’m also back in weight loss mode for the summer* My food log is open.

First of all, the depression is TOTALLY normal right now - your hormones are still all out-of-whack from the surgery and you are adjusting to a radically different lifestyle. Second of all, just work your plan and keep track of everything you eat - as long as you are doing all the right things, you are just in the 3 week stall - it will eventually end and the weight will start coming off again! It happens to everyone at some point in their sleeve journey - keep the faith!

Gosh I'm so glad we have this website. I'm right there with ou as well. I'm 5 weeks post op and find I'm stuck at 228. I've been 228 then 229 then 228 for almost 2 weeks now. Very frustrating but wait........I just incredibly lost all this weight I'd never dream of losing before over the last 5weeks and it wasn't even an effort, so who's really "winning" now over losing weight? We ALL are......my life doesn't even remotely revolve around food other than trying to keep my Protein up. I'm not obsessing over food, not craving food and not planning my life around it. I'm the winner and not the scale! Try to remember that It's not just a numbers game in this battle, but a new life's journey. Enjoy your time and be patient. I can't believe I'm writing this as I was just as frustrated as you about ten minutes ago until I read everyone's post. Heres the deal....when you feel frustrated at the numbers, measure yourself. I've measured 3 body parts: boobs, waist and hips. After about 3 weeks, I lost 5" overall. This past week, while my weigh plateaued for a bit, I come to find I've lost 9" overall. That's awesome...my face and neck really show the loss as well as my now baggy shorts. I even sat on the floor this past week and was able to cross my legs comfortably. I was able to hook the ankle straps on my dress shoes without unbuttoning my pants. These are all accomplishments of our commitment . It's to change our lives forever vs. just for now. Don't think of it as sacrificing....it isn't any longer as Sacrifice, its a lifestyle change. It's defeating the enemy which is food. I love what johnlatte said....it's full of wisdom! Good luck and remember, we're all on the scale with you, each of us defeating it together, it's not just you being alone. I'll finish my coffee, get on the scale and be pissed off again....oh well. My theory......increase my Water. That's what I'll do this week and let's see if I find a loss.

I'm at 9 weeks post op and dealing with the same 2 pounds up and down for the past 2 weeks. I just remind myself that it will keep going and that I wouldn't have lost the other 41 pounds otherwise. I can only hope to step on the scale and have a few pounds down like some people report. I'm exercising, eating my Protein, low carbs, getting my Water .... it's bound to come off eventually. Hang in there! You have still lost an awesome amount of weight

I sure as heck hope the band isn't a sham. I'd hate to have to regain all this weight I've lost!!! Seriously, it does work, but you need to figure out why it's not working so well for you. (Although 40 pounds since November isn't that bad. They say 1-2 pounds a week is normal, and that's about where you are.) It's not a magic bullet, as you know, but it does work very well once things are fine-tuned for your body. I'd say examine everything you're doing, (or not doing), go back to square one, and try doing something different. You have to manage the band, not let the band manage you. Good luck! Dave

I'll chime in with my thanks too. I'm 3 1/2 weeks out and the scale this weeks shows that I gained 4 pounds, and I am freaking out a bit. I really hoped for significant losses in the first month. I'm trying to stay positive ... it helps to see that I am not the only one that is frustrated.

Welcome to the club. It's just the way some of us lose. I know it, but it still drives me NUTS!! I'll try and attach a screen shot of my last month of tracking my weight.

I had band with plication on 6/13/12 starting weight was 260 and as of this morning I'm weighting in at 199! I still like 50 more lbs to go to hit my goal weight but just getting into the 100's is a big achievement for me! And I'm so trilled!

I live in Ann Arbor- I am a nurse at St. Joes. ???? My surgeon is Dr. Weiner in Commerce TWP- he runs Michigan Weight Management Institute. He performs surgery at Huron Valley Sinai. It is a bit far but I love Dr. Weiner and his nutrition philosophy after surgery- veggies first, whole foods. I have three more months of my supervised diet left.... I seems to be going fast now. ????

Hi, I'm Traci and was re-banded on Friday, Jan 16, 2009. I was originally banded in 2003 and lost about 80lbs...I had band slippage in 2006 and gained all my weight back...so I decided to have the band hooked back up! I am in alot of pain, but it's getting better every day!! I just wanted to say hello!

LouiseC i think its great that you are taking better care of yourself , treating yourself better, feeling good - just for you nice that Facebook friends are giving you encouragement with their heartfelt compliments, always nice to hear. i don't know how common it is for WLS patients to start taking better care of themselves. when anybody does their "grooming" better, it shows that you care for yourself more, and feel better about yourself too - so with WLS i could understand this happening in this case you've had WLS, lost a lot of weight, (or anyone at anytime of their journey) you are looking great, you just want that good feeling from inside to show on the outside too you don't need WLS for this change to occur - this happens to "normal" people too btw your new picture does look great keep up the great work kathy

Great attitude! Plus now you know you can handle the pre-op diet! Did you lose a lot of weight on that? Mine is just one week but liquid only. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

i havent had one since surgery. i am soooo late! i am a normal 28 day like clock work kind of girl. 4 day periods, not to bad.....i was expecting my period 2 weeks ago and even went through all the pms and everything, then nothing......and to answer the obvious question, no im not pregnant. i have my tubes tied. i was just hoping to have it by now because always after my period comes i drop a ton of weight.

So weird! I had an ablation done 6 months before my surgery and hadn't had regular periods in years. I guess because of my weight and diabetes. I am 2 1/2 months out and blam.... My period came back. Anyone else have this happen? I actually thought it was menopause for me do this shocked me.

I've had 4 fills and am definitely feeling restriction, but am just not losing weight. After this last fill, I thought for sure that I would see the scale heading downward, but it's not. I find that I eat a couple bites and feel the pressure of the restriction. If I feel "stuck", I get up and walk around a little bit, and I usually feel better in a couple of mins. Then I sit back down, eat slower, chew more, and can finish my meal. I know I am eating much less than I ever did before, but am not seeing the results on the scale. I am still seeing my nutritionist and she says that I'm only supposed to be able to eat a cup of food. I'm pretty sure that I'm eating more than that, but I don't feel full from the band, it just slows me down. Should I feel full? I'm wondering if I should get another fill. I am afraid to, because I don't want to get sick. I do not drink with my meals. I forgot a couple times and took a sip with my meal and ended up heading for the bathroom. Do you think I am "eating around the band" as they say?

I feel the same, I do have to take a couple of sips of a drink during a meal, or things get stuck. My doctor always bugs me about exercise but I am not able to at this time so losing weight is even harder.

A few things.... you are lucky that you haven't had to work really hard so far...haha. I had to push push push, eat low carb etc to get to a normal BMI. People around you will always think you are "too skinny" but eventually they forget what you used to look like and they won't see it that way anymore. Excess skin looks like fat. You can get thin as a rail and still have excess skin. I was at a healthy weight even a bit heavier than goal, I consider the remaining "vanity pounds" and each person has to decide what is worth it to them - lower weight might be harder to maintain.

slow downs happen all over the place, some generally effect everyone at the same time, but lots are just all over the board individual occurrences. Having a higher starting BMI, you can drop some serious amounts of weight, your call out stats appear to show 100 lbs already since March, which is fantastic. Pay attention to your BMR, the amount of calories you burn just from being alive. As we age, and as we lose weight, this number drops. So we have to adjust our routine to keep the weight loss the same rate (or just accept the changes) https://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/bmr So for you, without knowing your age, I'll just assume 35 Your starting BMR was 3042 calories per day Today your BMR would be 2607 calories per day That's a rather large change in caloric burn per day , 435 calories less per day are getting burned, just because you lost 100 lbs. So, keep tracking your intakes, keep your water intake in the 128oz range if possible, and keep exercising. You'll either need to accept the slower weight loss or change your daily exercise or intake or both to cover the 435 calorie change to keep your original caloric deficit the same. Hope that helps!

Also, I'd tell you just walk but that's a given and the weight lost and all you'll probably enjoy that so much more, please, I don't know how bad that injury is, I want to help a bit if it can: ... http://beta.active.com/fitness/articles/the-best-and-worst-exercises-for-bad-knees ,, I got that searching it on the net, I've trouble to and it makes pure sense that when the joint is surrounded by muscle it works best and pain is a controllable issue better you use give and take you know best for how much you can do..