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According to my doctor it is my Kidney, but I go to the urologist on Tuesday so I assume he'll be able to tell more. Fortunately right now it's not bothering me too much. Just the bladder infection that I came down with on Sunday, lol. My Kidney was sore from the back last night from that, but cranberry, Vitamin C and Water seem to be flushing it out nicely, :confused:. It would be very interesting to find out that it was on my adrenal gland though. I've been at a standstill again for a while with my weight loss, and I honestly think that it's a mental block. I know I can lose on 1300 calories, but I just can't make myself count them. Hopefully my councelor can help me with that part, lol.

for the surgery and it dawned on me that I am truly a 100% pure old fashioned smart ass. As I am looking at the class titles all I can think is a more fitting title for how these people treat those of us in the class. Now, for the most part they are definetly supportive, but they are also condescending. I don't do condescending well at all, I tend to get pissy with people that treat me with that particular attitude. Here are some of my smart ass titles (along with the original) Original is bolded, mine is italicized. Weight Management 1 Weight control for dummies part 1 Weight Management 2 just in case you didn't get it the first time PreOp GBP Nutrition Clinic We still don't think you got it Support Group (now this is the mandatory one I made comment of before) Listen to me talk down to you cause you are still fat (serious, that is how it went, pissed me off with this waste of time) Occupational Therapy Clinic This is a leg lift, this is a bicep curl... do these Ok, so maybe they are funny to me and no one else, but I got a chuckle out of my frustrated translations... and trust me, I am very VERY frustrated with the process at this hospital. *sigh* Oh well, I am jumping the hoops, doing what needs to get done, and hopefully in 3 weeks (might be a month) I will have my date. Cross your fingers I don't kick someone where it counts. :)

I also can't wait to lose the weight so I can get more tattoos

You guys, I really need help getting back on track with my lifestyle change after getting the sleeve. I had surgery in February. I can pretty much eat anything I want & not get sick, although it is a considerably smaller portion. Weight loss was slow for me after my band to sleeve conversion. I think that's what made me veer off path. Anyone out there interested in helping to keep me accountable? Have you been here? Any advice? Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Support YOURSELF! I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support. In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before. This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling. Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten. The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements: I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller. It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much. This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle. You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on. I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September. So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control. Bandarella????

Heating pad HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198

The head banding is sooo the hard part. it's natural to go to thinking about food alot since your diet has changed so much and you are learning a new way. it will settle down alot as the weeks go by and you start eating real foods. You will be amazed at how much less you worry about food when you can actually eat it and you don't really care about it! The hard part for me has been not eating, losing weight, and my body making me hungry for the calories it needs to maintain my weight. What has helped me (months down the road as I figure this out) is to be sure to EAT!! so the hunger doesn't sneak up on me and I find myself ravenous...even though just a bit will do me. It's weird, but you'll get it figured out. Your body and your brain do a little dance together. You just have to learn to monitor well to be sure the right one "leads".

I agree with Kimberb, my highest weight was 209 prior to pre op liquid diet and before surgery I was 199 and after my bypass which I did it 18 months ago I became 159 but totally stopped losing more! Last week I started another liquid diet and boom, I lost 4 pounds, presently at 155 and Still have to lose another 20 pounds in order to lose all my excess weight! Presently lost 75% of my excess weight! When I read other people's success story see that I lost what they've lost in just 2 months and get discouraged! I guess they had better results than me! But I read a lot of feedbacks and I realized I never took enough liquid on daily basis and now I Increased it to 48-64 oz, I start to lose little bit and that's good news for me! Thank you everyone for your efforts and input! It really helps and appreciated! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all. Sleeved July 22 2014. Time of surgery I was 216. My goal was to make it to 155-160. I'm 5'6. Well 160 came and went. And 155. And 150...I am currently sitting at 130. Which is way way too thin. How do I put weight back on? It seems no matter what i eat....i do not gain. I'm currently on holiday and I have been eating like an absolute animal. Pizza. Pasta. Crepes. Ice cream. And I've lost two pounds. I've been to a nutritionist and she gave me some hints (whipping cream in my smoothies lol) but I'm looking for other tricks or tips from my fellow sleevers. I need to put back on 20 or so pounds before I can book plastics.

RNY and sleeve both have their advantages and disadvantages. Some factors to consider: Sleeve is still relatively new - about 15 years. RNY has been done in various forms since the 1950's. RNY is by far the most common bariatric surgery. Approximately 80% of all bariatric surgeries worldwide are RNY. Becuse of the two factors above, there is a great deal more experience and long term statistical information on the outcomes of RNY surgeries compared to sleeve. This may be part of the reason that some insurance companies are still hesitant to cover the sleeve. RNY is more invasive than sleeve but average weight loss for RNY patients is substantially higher than it is for sleeve patients. That may change as more experience is gained with sleeve and better procedures and techniques are developed. RNY is widely acknowledged as the single most effective "treatment" for type 2 diabetes currently available to medical science. RNY has a greater risk of malnutrition than sleeve because RNY involves both restriction and malabsorption while sleeve is restrictive only. Both surgeries appear to be equally safe as far as mortality goes. However, non life-threatening post-op complications such as infections are more common for the more invasive RNY than they are for sleeve.

I have decided on the RNY but after learning more about the sleeve, I was considering it. Only because of being able to have my excedrin (well the other types now). I get lots of headaches. But on other hand I'm counting on having many less after weight loss. So may not be a problem after. Guess I've become dependant on it....scared to NOT be able to have the ability, if needed.... Everything else points me to RNY so will go with it but that's the one thing that gives me pause. Sorry, think I'm just rambling here...

I have to do protein mostly, but I can have lean meat and veggies. But they want me to have 4 of their products per day. I'm doing my best to do that. I have still been hungry. I want to include my kale to their shake, cause I don't want to be constipated. I want to be sure to loose weight prior to the surgery, but I don't want to be sick. I'm already starting to feel nauseous. I have to eat something. It's one thing if my stomach wouldn't allow me to eat, but I'm hungry. And with this band it starts to lock up if I don't eat. That's another reason I want this thing out.

I was told to take around 50-70g of Protein a day. What is ur protein target? I dint keep any expectation on what weight I want to reach in 3/6/9 month. I just have a general goal weight to get to in a year's time.. 70% off my excess weight. I try to keep active with house work n do got for yoga.. Try not to stretch the ankle a lot. I trying drinking at least 1.5ltr of Fluid a day but Water is still very hard on my stomach. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I heard someone else say they gained 5 lbs from the IV so I knew it was coming. I gained 5 during hospital stay but had lost the excess water in a day or two. Don't worry... drink plenty of water and you'll flush the excess through your system quickly.

Hi "Losing for me" Thank you so much for your reply. I would love to get together and chat or a coffee. I am open to both. I live in rural Onoway area. Let me know when you are available to chat. Evenings work best for me....I will be out of the country for a week and back on the 17th. Mondays and Wednesday evenings work best for me for chatting. Were you banded in Edmonton? Congradulations on your incrediable weight loss. I am so looking forward to a "new healthy me"

I'm no expert--but, are you drinking any warm liquids? I drank my liquids from a small custard cup first week in order to minimize amount of air I was getting in as I was swallowing liquids. Does your PCP allow Protein drinks yet--lo-carb slim fast has 20 grams of protein--not a bad taste. Sometimes powered protein doesn't dissolve well and can cause problems. Others swear by Isopure. Also--try standing after your "meal". Raise your arms over your head and GENTLY stretch up. Walk around as much as possible. I made quite a path around beds and couches for the first week after surgery. Couldn't get comfortable and couldn't sleep either. Be kind to your band and your body. You are in a healing phase and the weight will go if you heal properly and then "go by the rules" of the band. Our moderators have some great "info" threads that you should read and reread. Keep surfing the posts as much as possible--but never go against your own doc's guidelines. Each surgeon has a different system for healing. Combining everyone's plan could spell disaster. If in doubt, call your doc's office and ask for advice. All the best. Congratulations on being banded.

Copied from sneak eating thread - useful self-analysis to keep. For today - I'm going to be Scarlett O'Hara - "...after all, tomorrow's another day!". I'll start fresh tomorrow, when I am feeling back on my game. Thanks BJean, MoorLess, Little Bird - I'm still in shock about what happened this morning - I really thought I had dealt with that demon. Guess it proves that we always need to be vigilant. Primal urge - I like that expression - it's really what it is, isn't it? Funny how some of us are affected by these urges more strongly than others. It's the same feelings I still get when my 5YO son cries, the feeling that "turned on" oh so strongly when he was born, the emotions and memories stirred when I smell violets (they remind me of my nana). This morning, I remembered something about how the secret eating started . Since I was about 8 or 9, I used to offer to go to the milk bar for mum on a pretext of buying milk, bread or whatever, and then spending some of HER money on lollies to eat on the way home, or to hide at home for later. I knew it was wrong, on so many levels, not the least of which was because I knew she often didn't have any more money than the little bit left in her purse until pay day. I also (and still do) raid her pantry (and my own) in search of tasty morsels that I can sneak. I think she knew I did it, but I don't thinks she knew how often. I guess it's a power / control thing. Sorry mum. When I see her next, I'll share this with her - it'll help exorcise the demons! What also scares me- is how easily and adept we all are at hiding the evidence that these events happen to us from time to time. I hate feeling deceptive and deliberately denying God. I think a lot of the emotions and reasons why I do this stem from the self-loathing that I have for being in this condition - the emotions, (and the depression) gets worse the fatter I get. I know we all share similarities here on one level or another. I am looking forward to liking myself more in my new banded life, and finally freeing myself of these emotional chains (or at least lightening their load!). I'm at a low ebb today - partly tired (too much late night LBT! lol!), and partly hormones (mid-cycle always gets me down). Got a case of BFU (Big Fat Uglies) just now. The hormonal cycle also seems more out of whack the bigger I get - looking forward to normalising this with weight loss too! I'll be back on my game again by tomorrow, I'm sure. Anyway, thanks for your support gang, and especially BJean for taking time to read my blog (it's all out there... ...first time in my life I can write about these things, and now it's comming out in torrents! lol! I AM making progress!). I am glad not to be alone in these emotions, - I just wish for all of us that we didn't have to deal with these issues in the first place.

flower, I just put anti-biotic ointment on them, still do at 8 weeks. They are starting to raise up, so I'm thinking it's time for some Mederma to help them flatten out. Next time I'm at Wal-Mart, I plan to look for the Mederma bandaids. I can feel my port if I press on it. It doesn't poke out visibly. Some poeple do have pokey ports when they lose weight, but I don't think it's abnormal looking, really. Maybe those folks will post. Here are a few threads that might interest you... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6117 Scar Stages http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6938&highlight=poke who can feel their port? http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4268&highlight=poking wierd looking port Just a little research for ya, hope it helps.

I will throw my two cents in. I have a vague goal of 150 (I am 5; 4 1/2"). HOWEVER, I do believe the scale is such a small part of my goal. I want to look good in my clothes, not even sure what size I want them to be. What I don't want, is to struggle to be a certain weight and fight that battle vigorously. I guess when my body says "this is good" then I will do my best to accept that. Finally, I have a friend who wears a size 8 and I can honestly tell you that she is chubby. I have another friend who wears a 10 and she looks lean and trim. Go figure!

I had the surgery about 4 years ago. If you are not losing weight then you are eating too much. My doctor says not any more then your fist at any time. Not much but that's the unfortunate facts.

I started this journey at 245. I am now 155 and 5 pounds from what I thought would be my dream weight. I had a closet full of clothes that I JUST WANTED TO GET INTO again... that was my focus and goal. I was happy at that size, I felt healthy etc... (all thoughts I had prior to surgery and thus the determination to get surgery) All those clothes were size 14's and 16's. I am now wearing a 12 and can squeeze into 10's. I think if I loose anymore weight, I will be too thin. If I were to loose another 10 to 15 pounds I would honestly look sick. Does anyone else have any thoughts on WEIGHT and scale numbers? With the whole Keirsty Alley announcement, and dealing with my own perception, I am confused. Oprah says she weighs 150. Her goal weight. I weigh 155 and am much smaller then she is. We are both 5'4 to 5'5. Is it possible my bones actually weighs more? My organs? What?! I remember telling my doctor I just wanted to get to 150 to get into my size 14/16's and his reply was no, size 8. I remember thinking he was off his rocker at the time, and I still think so today. I would be too thin and feel frail all the time. My sister is a size 2, and she was wearing 18/20's when she had her surgery (she had RNY) and she is TOO thin. But with her surgery, she will gain back a little. (hopfully) Any thoughts anyone?

Hey Sleevers! I am getting cold feet. On my 2 week liquid diet and I have cheated but not letting that bring me down! I literally can not believe I will be getting sleeved in 10 days. I don't know where to start, I am so ready but nervous of the new life to come. I am taking 4 weeks off from work, because my surgeon suggested it was enough to prepare me for my new life. I suffer from sleep Apnea and the worst one of all Hidradenitis Suppurativa after gaining 70lbs so quickly my thighs develop boils on a weekly basis.. I hate them. They ruin my life and people think its easy to work out..but not when you have this embarrassing disease. Well here I am guys and my faith is in God! Tell me why are you doing it? What are some of you NON scale VICTORIES?

I had Lap Band surgery in 2004. I can't eat fruits and anything else that is not soft. I have severe GERD and acid reflux. I would like to have revision to Mini Gastric Bypass, all that done in Toronto, Canada. What is that like, is it a good choice? What are the possible problems with Mini Gastric Bypass? How do you maintain weight since it is not adjustable?

1. Everyone is different. I've seen some maintain on 1000 calories and some on 1800 calories. It's important as you get further out from surgery that you INCREASE calories in order to achieve a set point so you aren't having to maintain on 800 calories the rest of your life. I personally maintain on 1200. Anymore than that and I gain. 2. Protein is most important early out because you're healing, losing weight and losing muscle, and you have such little space in your tummy, that's really all you have room for. As you advance stages and can naturally eat more as the months how by, you CAN incorporate fruits and veggies into your diet. But protein always should be first, and then if you have room the others. Protein also helps stave off hunger and keeps you satisfied longer, which can be key if you're prone to snacking. 3. The amount of food you can eat in one sitting is totally depending on how far out you are from surgery. In the early weeks, you can sometimes only eat literally 4 bites. As things heal and loosen up, it goes to 4 ounces. At 2 years out, I can eat 3-4 Oz of chicken (dense) 4-5 Oz of beef with a bite or 3 of veggies. I can eat much more seafood (not as dense). As the years go by, you will naturally be able to eat more and more. It's normal and inevitable. I drink right up until I eat, never but a tiny sip with food, and even after 2 years still wait 30 minutes after I eat to drink. You get used to it. I can drink 16 Oz of room temperature Fluid in a matter of minutes now, instead of an hour like early out So helpful :-) I'm feeling more and more confident - especially after reading all the great replies. Taking that last big step and booking the surgery - so hard!

how much you loose will vary based on your weight when you start.