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Today I had my appoint with my surgeon to officially start my journey as a sleever! I really did not have any questions to ask because I have been reading everything on here and talking with a few people that I know that have already been "sleeved." The next step was to call the Bariatrics woman at our hospital and give her some information. It was mainly name, address, DOB, weight, and insurance. She is to send me an email with what to do next. I am excited about this! I feel very positive! So glad I found y'all! I need to go take my official BEFORE picture.

I was told by my dr that larger women have a tendency to get pregnant easier as they lose weight because fat absorbs a lot of our hormones, hence the sketchy periods. My surgeon wants me to wait at least 18 months before trying to get pregnant, but have told me a story of a client who got pregnant 2 months after surgery because it made her fertile again. Just err on the side of caution would be my suggestion...

OH, I am NOT ready to have a baby right now. Maybe in five years. It's just comforting to know that the reason I am not able to conceive is because of the weight. (which is going bye bye) lol

So I am scheduled for surgery on November 29th. I started this in August. It didn't take too long as my insurance covers Lap-Band, and I didn't need a 6 month diet. I started my journey at 265 lbs. I am now at 250 lbs. I started journaling my food and exercising more than usual. Not too bad. I am now on the pre-op phase as prescribed by my Nut. I am not hungry but not really satisfied. I guess this will be the new normal. I think some of the problem is the pre-op liquid diet is mainly milk based and sweet, ie Muscle Milk Light, yogurt, fat free sugar free pudding, etc. I really don't have much of a sweet tooth. I look so forward to my two daily meals of Soup to get some savory. Thank God I can cook. I cooked a big pot of soup. Canned soup is not all that tasty, but I have some to mix things up. I found out the hard way yesterday about getting enough to eat. I was about an hour late for my evening mini-meal, and had a real soupy soup with little in the way of calories for lunch. It was canned soup...big mistake. I was sick with a headache and dizziness by evening, and I ate stuff not on my plan. I started my pre-op diet 2 days early (on Sat) and was doing okay before yesterday evening. I am back on track today and am being a lot more mindful about getting enough calories in as not to get low blood sugar and compensating by eating the wrong things. I also went for walk on my lunch break, like I usually do, which may have contributed to the incident later in the evening in conjunction with not enough calories. I am excited about my surgery! My husband is "cautiously optimistic" as I have lost and regained weight most of my life. One of my sisters knows and is very supportive. My mom and best friend know but have bombarded me with failure stories as they are both jealous. I have decided not to tell most of my friends and co-workers as I am also "cautiously optimistic" about them. My co-workers have no need to know. I have told everyone I am getting my gallbladder out which my dr. does do so it won't seem odd with my dr excuse. Most of my friends are obese and I really don't need any more failure stories or other forms of acting out of jealousy. I'll be in North Shore LIJ Syosset, on Long Island, with Dr. Geiss. I qualify for single incision, and if all goes well, I'll go home the same day instead of staying over night as I am healthy other than being obese. I have bought most of the things I need post-op. I need to get a Fiber supplement and Vitamins. Any one else being banded on the 29th? Good luck to all out there in Bandland.

It will work honest! I felt the same way though and seriously without even trying that hard at all I am 19 lbs away from my goal and its only been a little bit over 3 months! and the BEST part!!!!! I wont gain it back this time!!! woo hoo!!

Its now been two months since I've lost weight! Im going to up my calories, lower my carbs, and force myself to exercise more.

GA_googleFillSlot("LBT-TextAd05");Hi, I am going to be having surgery in about 1 1/2 weeks and trying to get some advice with other guys who have had it done. What was your experience after surgery in regards to the diet and exercise? I am in need of loosing 50 lbs to be at my goal weight . I am wondering if anyone has experience visible ports or complications. For the past 3 weeks I have been eating small meals and working out in order to get a head start. I have lost 15 lbs but not sure if I should go forward with the surgery or not just a bit worried. Any comments will help. Thanks. Cesar

Dr. Schulman, Again I want to thank you for the reply. I know that my weight has contributed to the hernia, and that's one of my big motivations for the lapband. Your information will help so much when I lose this weight and start looking for a plastic surgeon. have a wonderful day!:thumbup:

Well..tell us a little bit more about yourself. How old are you? If you're 21, suck it up and change your lifestyle. If you're 71, then losing (only 1 'o' ) weight may significantly improve your quality of life and surgery may be a better option. Are you physically handicapped? I only needed to lose about 40 pounds to be at a pretty healthy BMI, but because my mobility and ability to work out is severely hindered by my spinal cord injury, I opted to do the surgery. It would be a catalyst to my healthy lifestyle. You have to give a background before any of us can answer anything...

Yes, I gained a few pounds along the way. Several times. But eventually lost 160 of them....forever! It's just the way it goes. Stay on your program and stay OFF the scale.

So today, just a few days before my 1 year anniversary of STARTING my program I've reached my goal weight! I started at 280lbs. I'm at 150lbs. Lost 60 of it before surgery! You guys this feels amazing. Size 24/26 to an 8. Sent from my LG-H634 using the BariatricPal App

@@usedtobeaskater I feel so much better than I did even 3 months ago. I'm still learning my sleeve and gaining confidence of mine and its ability. I do have so much energy now. I used to wait for two elevators in the subway in NYC to get to street level when I was going to work. Now I that the stairs without a moment's hesitation. I hope your journey continues to bring much success! @@agreen67, I am also trying to make going to the gym routine. I've been successful with three times a week for the last three. Go us!

Pre. Op Realize Lap band; Health history Apnea-Asthma-Hypertension Gluten Intolerance(s) Positive Celiac Spur (x3 years). Retired Military Nurse;Volunteer. Soda Pop lover-breaking the addiction now! stopping all (diet) type foods;(bad for you processed) etc... and trying to meet insurance requirements; Medicare primary and Tricare; BMI 37. Getting Assistance from: Flowers Hospital Dothan, Alabama choice-of-surgeon (?) unsure but like the facility; Have attended Seminar-Support Group x2 -3 diet appointments (non-required) but did so with my PCP; and twice with the facilities weight loss center;I have been Looking for others-in-the area that have DONE or are DOING the Realize Lap Band with ANY like issues to share-experiences -diet suggestions with regards to gluten problems-protein issues-etc.!!! I have been told nurses make the worst patients-and probably this is right-as i am stressing out probably without cause! I have not had the Gluten problems addressed very well-with anyone;looking for MOST healthy & budget conscious-way too make or buy the post op-high protein -drink(s) and / or food choices.... Not a Big fan of red meat or meats in general. But do love eggs-nuts-avocados-and fish and I can tolerate (meat) but prefer Organic and not every day... One week into 45 carb. or less; diet changes-as per the facility; a solid - History of weight-Lost 80+lbs twice on Atkins (with healthy fat to protein ratios) and (re gained when attempting to eat-right) off it over a decade struggles with-the weight not moving off as fast the past 3 years - tired of Carbs-and high processed foods that are suppose to be gluten free-had "really-packed on the pounds" and i felt diminished my quality of Health -drastically. Though the gut-healed fast and my immune system settled down -even joint pain improved; the weight issues created a horrible health issue beyond belief!.... So, addressing all that and the weight; turned to lap band as a means to offer increased discipline/and focus and - concurrently I Desire to DO these Health-and Life-changes (in full) BIG concern isn't Just the loosing parts -but the REGAINING my body size and HEALTH (and wanting to do so on Organic -Low or as few-processed nutritionally sound foods as possible; even it it means using my blender-juicer-freezing portions and so on! I have been researching diets like raw-gerson-eat right for your type-dr oz web site-and behavior modification(s) like the weight-down diet; checking out addicted to food-lifetime series/etc. ... have been doing a-lot of self-work; and research over the past year as I plan this to be a life-change not just a weight loss program for me. Looking to hear from others that maybe like minded or directed like this!!!!!!!!!! Thanks in Advance!!!

@@sukik sure its normal silly head many people have periodic stalls throughout their journey the good new is that in 6 months - this is your first stall??? if that is the case - that is great you are doing great with your food plan eating, drinking, Protein all sound right take your measurements many times when people have temporarily stopped loosing weight their measurements numbers are going down?? clothing fitting any better??? "maybe" your calories are lower than necessary check with your doc/NUT you are eating so few calories that the weight has to come off sleeve or no sleeve "God Grant Me Patience, Just Hurry Up About It" don't worry too much that only causes wrinkles good luck kathy

So, I've had my band for about 8 months now. Within the last week, I have noticed some pain where my port is. It's not severe, just a little uncomfortable. It almost feels like a gas cramp, or a cramp you get when you are running. I have lost around 40 pounds, and a lot of it has come from my abdomen. My port is definitely a lot easier to feel now. You don't have to press very hard to feel it. I was just wondering if anyone else has had the same kind of issue, after losing weight. I don't see my doctor all that regularly, only if I have any problems. And I would like to avoid having to go in.

I had my sleeve done in March of 2013, I was 59, I was a diabetic and taking 14 pain pills a day, I no longer take any diabetic or pain pills, it was the best thing I ever decided to do, I have lost 100 pounds 7 times before, but couldn't keep it off, I am at goal weight now and have been there for a year, I lost 100 pounds in the first year, I would look into having the sleeve and see what options is out there. Good luck!

Hello everyone! I joined the site yesterday and posted in the General Discussions, but thought that I would also introduce myself here since I am working towards bypass surgery. A little about me - I am 29 years old. I was an athlete my entire life, through college. After college, I stopped working out and stopped watching what I ate, and gained almost 200 pounds in about 8 years. I finally went to a primary care doctor in August, and he thought I may have a medical issue and that's why I gained so much weight. He ordered many tests and everything came back great, he said that I am fortunate to have great genes! He recommended weight loss surgery and sent me for a consultation. I went for my consultation and decided that the sleeve would be my best option. I began the process: started my nutrition classes, passed my heart clearance, passed my psychological evaluation, then went for what the surgeon thought would be a routine endoscopy on October 9th. When my surgeon received the pathology results from two biopsies he took during my endoscopy, he realized that I have Barrett esophagus. Due to this diagnosis, I am not able to have the sleeve surgery and will instead have gastric bypass. Because of the new surgery option, I will be having the surgery at a hospital and not at the previously planned surgery center. Also because of this, I now have to do everything through the hospital. This past Monday, I had my first nutritionist appointment there (they are counting my first one from the surgery center, so I have two completed). I am scheduled to have two more, one in November and one in December. The scheduler at the hospital also said that they do their own psychological evaluation, and will not use the one I previously had done. If all goes according to plan, I will be having surgery mid to late January 2019. I did a lot of research about the sleeve, but am still learning about gastric bypass. I am so sorry for the long post but just wanted to give an explanation of how I got to this point! I look forward to hearing about everyone's different experiences and learning more about weight loss surgery.

Easy. Don't tell. If they ask you how you're losing weight, tell them you are working with your doctor and suggest they work with theirs if they are interested in learning more. If they continue to ask questions, tell them you're tired of talking about your weight but you'd be more than happy to talk about theirs. Done.

Yes I have had pain in my port sight from the beginning. My surgury was September 05,and I have been at my goal weight for a year. My port sticks out of stomach you can definately see it. It does not bother my husband or any one else that has seen me in a bikini. If my port starts to hurt it is an indication that I am thirsty. After a few big glasses of water it subsides. Hope this helps.

I've noticed my dark circles are way worse after weight loss, and I do get a bit puffy there. But I have deep set eyes, and my kids do too and we all have that allergic, sinusy type constitution too - asthma, eczema, hayfever in our family. So dark circles are kind of there to stay. But yes, they are WAY worse with weight loss because I've got no fat left on my face and obviously with age, you lose a lot of the fat from your face anyway, my face is a lot leaner than it is when I last weighed 70kg in my early 20's. Oh well, at least I dont have wrinkles. All you can do is use a good eye cream, there's apparently one or two really amazing ones out there on the market but I dont have the funds to be spending over $200 on eye cream personally. For me, its the hollowness that causes the problem, and there's not a really good cosmetic surgery option for that, it all consists of fillers which cost an arm and a leg and dont last anyway.

Hello , I personally did not experience this issue as of right now. I believe because I only shared with my mother, sisters, and close friends my decision to have weight loss surgery. I believe if you know your friends then you know who would be the one. If someone tries or tried to talk you out of the surgery then watch them. The weight loss isn't drastic. Faster than the average diet and exercise but not instant. I'm two weeks out and have already loss 30lbs. I didn't have to do a 6month approval process. Stay away from comfort food and build you great support system.

Just wanted to share current weight loss. Started getting serious about my pre op diet mid September and was around 318, was 302 just before my October 8 Sleeve. Today I got on the scale and was 278! Love this sleeve! 40 lbs Baby!

They may be jealous, and therefore trying to tell you covertly that they still consider you a big girl. Or, they might just feel like coming from where they still are, you're in that club permanently - because surely you can understand their mindset. Or maybe they're not thinking - that the whole group contains larger women except for you, so the "group" is larger women. Regardless, you're not in that club anymore. You still do understand the mindset somewhat, I'm sure. So I'd choose to look at it as a compliment - because maybe they're just saying that in their hearts, you're still one of them - one of the people who knows this challenge and its difficulties. And that's true - you do. And always will. I think there IS room for you to say something - as long as it's not confrontational in any way. Next time they say, "because we're bigger", I might say something like, "I've worked really hard to get to where I am." There is NO refuting that - or that you've arrived at a different place. They are then forced to show their true hand. They'll likely say something like, "Oh, I know, girl! I was just saying US (pointing to the rest of the group)." Then you've made them aware that yes, you DO hear them, and it's insensitive because at the very least, it doesn't validate your work or current status. Maybe they'll just not say it the next time they want to. OR, they might be all, "Oh, so you go and lose a few pounds and now you're above us?" To which I'd reply, "I haven't lost a "few" pounds - I've lost X lbs. And I'm proud of myself." Then let that just sit there. They should respond by saying that they're proud of you, too. Or, they'll make it known that they don't consider weight loss surgery "true" weight loss. Which would be your opportunity to talk about the fact that you jumped through months of hoops just to GET the surgery. Then you went through the pain and suffering, the time off work, the weeks of eating liquids and pureed foods, and then a complete lifestyle change. Let that sink in for them. If they still voice their dissent, then maybe it's time to re-evaluate your friendships, and whether they currently serve you in the way that you need now. Sometimes we outgrow others.

Hi! I just had my appt with my surgeon at B&WH this week! I have my appt for January! I hate to wait so long! I was originally going to do the lap band but have decided I am going to do the sleeve! Is everyone happy with the sleeve? HOw much weight have you lost?

Thanks for the response... that is kind of what I was thinking. I wasn't wanting to get a fill until I stopped losing weight again, mainly because I didn't want to create a situation where I was having all those side effects. So many people with the band talk about the inability to eat bread and Pasta like it is a good thing, and I really would prefer to be able to eat those things at times. I tend to agree with SHM in that if I am not overfull after a meal and do not have food coming back up and I am not in pain, why would eating more then a cup of food cause slippage?? Every time I go in for a fill I get the 3rd degree about how much I am eating and a lecture if I try to be honest and say I'm eating more then a cup and taking less then 30 minutes per meal. It just makes me want to be less then truthful with them.