Search the Community

I'm a food addict too, and like many others on here I believe in eating everything in moderation. Deprivation was a major mistake for me everytime I "dieted". I'd quit all my favorite foods cold turkey and when I'd become weak or just fed up with salads and grilled chicken I'd eat all the garbage I loved til I was sick to my stomach. I'd go on a bender that wouldn't stop until I just didn't care anymore about what I shoved into my face. That is the reason I've gained back all the weight(and then some) I've ever lost (pre-band). For us, unlike drugs food is everywhere. We dont have to go to a dealer to get a hit. We won't go to prison for odering a 20 peice nuggets and washing is down with #2 supersized. We are surrounded by food everyday. We just have to be aware of what we are doing. Seriously now if I feel I "need" chicken nuggets, I'll go get it, maybe I'll eat 3 or 4 and be full. That will kill my craving and I'll move on. This is how my life is now and I'm happy here. The weight is coming off slow, but for me the weight coming off fast means deprivation and that's never worked before and won't work now, even with my band. But Suzzie the other issues you are having with reflux are terrible, I'm so sorry. I hope you can find a happy medium with your band and start losing weight again. Also, here's a tip that might work for you when it comes to cravings/addiction. Do not keep crap in the house, ever. If you crave something or feel you need it buy a small bag of it, or a serving size. That's what I do and it works, for me anyway. I want something, I eat some in that moment once it's gone it's gone. Having it laying around would cause me to eat it just because it's there. These are very hard habits to break but it is doable, it's not a scam when people say "everything in moderation" there is truth to this. Also look for lower fat snacks/ice creams, at first they don't compare to the real thing, but they can kill those uncontrollable urges. There are many "healthier" alternatives to the garbage foods we love. I hope you do not think of yourself as "crazy" "weak" or "stupid" we are all struggling with the same or similar food issues and anyone of us could be in your shoes in a year or 2. The band was never a garuntee, we need the fills to help us, if you're out there with no fill how could you even be getting help from the band, it's as if you are on your own again battling your weight. Getting the band was for help, no fills+no restriction = no help. Wasn't that the point of all this? Perhaps you should see your doctor and get very small fills until you find that "sweet spot" where your reflux is under control and you have restriction. I wish you the best of luck and try to stay in touch and active on this site, it surely helps when you are in need of motivation or feeling down. Who better to understand you than others that have walked and are walking in your shoes?

My stall came with a weight gain, too. It was close to 3 pounds, I think? Since then I've had mostly loss, but occasionally I'll have a couple days where I don't lose, or a day where I put on a pound and take it right back off the next day. Bodies are strange >.>

I had surgery exactly 2 wks ago today. I can't help but think I'm jumping the gun going back to work (this coming from the woman who asked her surgeon if it was possible to get back to work in ONE week, now suddenly I wish I had two more weeks!). I had mush brain for most of the afternoon. I had to sit through a reallllly stupid meeting for an hour and a half this morning and I basically spent the entire day resisting the urge to run out of the building and never come back. I don't know if it's a coincidence or what, but after feeling great for about a week, I get back to work today and had a LOT pain on my left hand side. I think it's from the office chairs at work, which have always been uncomfortable. They are not built for fat people, let me tell you. I always feel like I'm spilling out of the thing and that it's not long enough in the seat to sit in any comfortable way. Well, with all the repositioning I have to do all day in that chair, I think it took its toll and my left side of by belly was aching by mid-morning. I hate my job. Actually, my actual JOB is something I enjoy, I just really dislike the company and management. If I could work from home, I'd never leave my job!! Being away from it really amplified that fact, because going back felt like a shock to my system. I missed having a nap, I missed being able to sleep in, I missed being able to wear comfy pajamas all day. Basically, I missed being on leave! In the back of my mind, when I decided to have this surgery, I said "When I lose some weight, I'm looking for a new job." I went on a few interviews in the past year or so and always get passed over. I even had an interview at a company that a fellow coworker also interviewed for. She was not as qualified as I am, had way less experience, and I can only conclude that she got the job because she's thin and pretty. I don't mean to sound hateful, she was one of my closest work buddies and I miss her, but it just seemed like that's what got her hired. I remember going to that interview and not seeing a single fat woman there. That's just the society we live in. All of the jobs I've gotten, I was interviewed by an overweight woman. All the jobs I DON'T get are when I'm interviewed by a man or by a thin woman. No, I didn't have this surgery to find a job. But I think if I can be slimmer, dress better and have more confidence, I'll be headed in the right direction to getting a new gig. Hopefully one that pays as well, because money is THE ONLY thing keeping me at my current job! :\ That was an unexpected tangent - but I can also share that I've moved on to the next diet stage, which includes soft meats like fish and deli meat. I haven't tried fish yet (not a huge fan, but would like to try it), but the deli turkey is working out great. I can have 1 or 2 slices and feel full. I haven't felt any hunger yet, but I am still fighting the urge to eat cuz I'm bored. That should calm down now that I'm back and work and out of the house most of the day. It was tough not reverting to old habits when I was just lounging around the house for days on end! Thankfully, even if I did eat out of boredom, I can eat so little that it's not a huge impact. Everything is going into MFP - I promised myself that I would track better after surgery, and I have. I'm getting in about 800-1000 cals and 90-110g protein per day. Part of me thinks that is too much/too soon, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not. I don't plan to bump my calories up too much as I move through the stages, and I'm happy that I'm not struggling with the protein. Everything I have tried has gone down just fine. I've had a bit of gas here and there, but I just burp and feel fine. No pain, no vomiting or over stuffing myself yet. Been feeling okay overall... just bummed I'm not independently wealthy. I've lost 21lbs since surgery 2 wks ago, but after the first week (which was mostly gas/fluids/swelling, my weight loss has slowed down. It's been 1lb every other day. I KNOWWW that's not bad, but considering that I started with a high BMI, I was hoping to be one of those folks whose weight slides right off. We'll see what happens. I'm hoping my soreness in my tummy with fade in the next 2 weeks so I can REALLY hit it at the gym. I feel like I can't even walk that fast right now because my belly moves around and hurts to much. Well, I'm going to try for that nap I've been wishing for all day! Hope all my fellow May sleevers are doing well!

I think it depends on your hospital. All i had to do was run a barrage of tests to prove I was fit for surgery. My surgeon then placed a 10lbs weight-loss requirement which added an extra month. Approval happened less than a week after it was submitted. Sent from my SM-N900P using BariatricPal mobile app

I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - Laparoscopic in August 2011, performed by Dr. George Merriman in Shreveport, LA. Prior to the surgery I was clinically labled morbidly obese, weighed 248lbs (at 5' 2"), wore sizes 24, and took over 8 different medications for high blood pressure, cholestrol, acid reflux, constant headaches plus medicine in connection to my Multiple Sclerosis. Now 11 months later the only mediciation I take is the one for my Multiple Sclerosis. I am only clinically labled overweight, weight 160lbs, & wear size 12. I feel better than I have in over 30 years. I find I smile more and am more comfortable in public situations. The surgery was non-eventful and recovery for me was quick without any problems. Dr. Merriman has an extremely supportive staff and is always attentive if needed. There's a private facebook support group of Dr. Merriman's patient that has provided the necessary emotional support after such a life changing undertaking. Although I still have about 20-25 lbs that I wish to lose the aspect of having a more healthy body and upbeat outlook on life is one of the biggest accomplishments that this surgery has give to me. In a sense the VSG & Dr. Merriman has given my life back to me. I can shop for clothes without being embaressed, fit comfortably in airplane seats, cross my legs again, knees don't hurt, And although I still have slight issues related directly to Mutiple Sclerosis I get around easier and have more energy. My general & neurology doctors are very pleased with my overall health which is great. Personal relationships are better than ever since I am not self-conscious of my weight. Life is good. <a href='http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com'><img src='http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/tickers/16943-sleepeone/bodyweight.png' /></a>

Band7 I did well with the band, had a revision and has gained 22 pounds since having it. I have had a upper GI and only about 50 percent of my stomach removed. My problem is will do it, trying to decide

I actually am the same height and about the same weight as you I am hoping to have my surgery next month so I would love to know if the suit works!!!!!!!!

My team believes I have a stricture, so I'm having a dilated endoscopy to fix it... Now, I think I'm freaking myself out, but a -dilated- endoscopy makes me think they're going to stretch out my sleeve, rendering less effective... I've read too much 'advice' thanks to google... Is anyone a ways out, and had to have a dilated endoscopy, and is still losing/have lost all of their weight?

I always say- the complications and risks of having health problems and diseases when I was obese were far more dangerous than the risks the band presents. Problems with the band can be resolved one way or another. Focus on your weight loss. You made the right decision!

Tami, good luck on your venture. I have BCBS Arkansas. They pay 50% of the contracted amount. Find a doctor that has a seminar close to you. Look in the forum of your state on here. You may find something close to you. That may not necessarily be the doctor of your choice. Do your homework on doctors. Check around the MI site and see what those that have had surgery recomend. Some insurances like mine didn't have to have a waiting period. My pcp wrote a letter with information I provided him. Numerous diets and diet programs, any ailments like high blood pressure, back pain, knee pain, or unable do do some every day task because weight hindered me. Some insurances will flat out deny you and you can appeal it and then it may be approved. I have seen examples of that on this site. Go to a seminar and get a good understanding of what banding is all about. Make sure that is what you want and then go for it. Many will help you with financing ect. Hope it all works out for you Let us know.

I have BCBS of Mi thru Teamsters and it is covered. I was told that BCBS of Mi will cover it but most coverage requires a six months of a controled diet. (weight watchers,etc.) What part of Mi are you from? I went to a seminar at Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti.

6 MONTHS OUT BUT ONLY 50LBS DOWN. A HELLA LOT OF INCHES LOST AND STILL FIGURING THIS SLEEVE THING OUT. 6 MONTH DR. VISIT SOON TO COME. HOPING BY THEN I WILL HAVE THE 1ST 60LBS GONE. I HAVE BEEN STALLED FOR A LOOOONNGG TIME. NOT PLEASED RIGHT NOW WITH THE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT THAT HAS COME OFF. HOWEVER HAPPY THAT I HAVE HAD THE VSG AND IT WILL BE MORE PROMISING AS TIME GOES ON. IN THIS 6 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO NOT HAVE HAD ANY PROBLEMS. THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL THAT GOD HAS BLESSED ME MORE ABUNDANTLY THAN I WOULD OR COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED. SLEEVEDANDBEAUTIFUL

My fave by far is the strawberry Premier Protein. A pretty close 2nd is the banana Pure Protein. A few others that aren't bad, just not my top choice include: vanilla Premier Protein Cookies and Cream Pure Protein Strawberry Pure Protein Beyond these, I've tried all others that are available in retail stores around here (GNC, Muscle Milk, Atkins, Weight Watchers, Isopure, Myoplex, LeanBody, ISS, HydroxyCut) and they all either have too little protein to keep me feeling full more than 2 hours or the taste is so bad I can't choke them down. Unfortunately though, like so much else with this journey, all of our tastes are different. There are plenty of others on here who say they can't stand the ones that I love, etc...

You know what is funny, though? My mom went on a cruise and came home thinking she probably gained weight from sampling all the yummy foods....she found that b/c of all of the walking they did (those ships are HUGE) she actually lost weight! (she has a lapband too) Sometimes by boosting your intake a bit or mixing things up a bit it does help you kickstart losing, too. So don't worry too much about the cruise. Also your first 6 weeks post op are definately no fun - you need to focus on healing and not on weight loss...I actually gained a few lbs before my 6 weeks appt and first fill. Don't fret - you will get out of bandster hell eventually - hang in there!!! Kim

Thanks girls!! I really appreciate your input it makes me feel like i'm not the only crazy one lol!!! I guess it is what it is. Th ething is that I have tried everything in the past and this is really my last shot at gettin git right and I have heard the first six months are crucial so I want to take full advanage. I weigh myself everyday because I have learned something about myself lately I lose weight fast and "easy" but I also gain it back doubley as easy. I'm giving it my all and as on eof you girls stated above I think I wont be happy until I reah goal or close to it I guess. As far as praise goes I find it hard to accept as well because i'm still pretty big I don't think you can really tell so soemtimes I think people do it just to be nice. Anyway thanks alot, an dgood luck on ya'lls jouneys as well =)

this is the reason why I have choosing to have this weight loss surgery for the same reason you just explain. I will keep everyone posted step by step.

hi roxy, first and foremost...you can do this! you already have taken a great first step by reaching out for help. (i appreciate your comment about not getting beat up...i find some holier then thou' people on here and stay clear of them.)' i did have "pitfalls" within my weightloss journey. i will share some of my experience and maybe you can get some ideas for yourself when i would fall off the wagon and wanted to get on track....the first thing i would do is to start journalling my food. i used sparkpeople. but there are many sites that calculate what you eat. i found i was fooling myself into thinking i wasnt eating alot. when in fact every little snack...added up. the second thing i did was to start drinking Water again. it helped me to feel full plus it just made me feel like i was "working my program" then i started moving. i would start slow like walking. then i got to the gym. that helped me to think twice before picking up junk after i just busted my butt working out. i also made myself only focus on "one day at a time". in the past i would think of all i had to lose and it would frustrate me. lastly and this seems to be hardest for alot of people but i think it helped me the most. i got rid of all my scales and i only weighed 1 time a month. i also measured myself because i was losing inches faster then weight. eventually the weight followed. the scale was my "god" and whatever it said put me in a good or bad mood. also i read post of people that had a positive lapband program. they gave me strength that it could be done. i used Protein shakes and protein bullets to insure i got enough in. otherwise i would start to lose hair. anyway good luck and keep us posted. josie anyway you definitely can do this. __________________

You need protein to heal and for weight loss. If you aren't getting enough protein then your body thinks there is a famine and it will do everything it can to conserve energy. I was told to concentrate on my protein target and getting at least 64 oz of Fluid. Calories are secondary. If you have to choose between going over 800 calories (which is an arbitrary number) to get in your protein then go for the protein. The quality and source of your calories is much more important than the number. 1200 calories of protein is much, much better than 800 calories of donuts. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I just had to share - I finally saw 198 on the scale this morning! I have been looking forward to this for some time now and I have to say it is all that I imagined! I am even more motivated to continue with my weightloss now!

Fluid ounces (measuring cup) and solid ounces (scale) aren't the same thing. They're a completely different unit of measure. I think (pulling from high school science, so I could definitely be off) that the only thing that has the exact same fluid and solid measure is Water -- i.e. 8 fluid ounces of water does indeed weigh 8 ounces on a scale. But if the thing you're measuring is denser than water, 8 solid ounces is going to take up less space than 1 cup (imagine meat). Likewise it the item is less dense than water, 8 solid ounces will take up much more than a cup (imagine coolwhip). When diet references say eat "3 oz" of Protein, for example, they're talking about solid (scale) ounces because solids are measured in solid ounces not in fluid ounces. That said, my pouch can't handle more than about 1 or 1.5 cups of any food at a given time (i.e. 8 or 12 fluid ounces, even if we're measuring solids). Contrary to what some do, I do measure a lot of my food. Not everything, but a lot. For example, this morning I ate cottage cheese for Breakfast. If I spooned it out without measuring it, I'd probably eat a cup. A serving is 1/2 cup and I'm satisfied on 1/2 cup, so I measure it out. if I want more, I get more, but that way I'm accountable to myself. I find weighing and measuring things to really help my weight loss because for me, my body is almost perfectly "calories in calories out." If I track my calories, I lose weight. Find what works for you with measuring or not.

What was your starting BMI? Usually if it's lower, the slower the weight loss. Are you tracking and measuring your food? Making sure you're eating protien first? Keeping carbs and sugar low? Getting 64oz of fluids?

Hi, I am new to the forum. I was sleeved May 6, and just feel like I haven't lost much weight - I'm only down 16lb. since the surgery. I don't know if this is common or not

I lost a lot of muscle in my legs and upper body. I was getting over 100 grams of Protein each day and was exercising a lot. Again, makes sense to lose muscle in my legs. Much easier to haul around less weight. But I definitely loss muscle in my arms, chest, etc. I've focused the last 6 or so weeks on getting it back and getting good results.

I was banded December 2007 and lost nothing that has truly made a huge dent in my weight problem. I have finally finished school last month. I have been fighting to get through school taking 18 credits as well as working full time. I was so tired when I would finally get home that I would really eat what ever just to go to bed and have a good nights rest. I feel that getting banded was a great thing but i wonder if I did it at the right time. I originally weighed 380lbs and now recently went to the doctor and saw that I gained back weight and now stand at 368lbs. I'm getting married Sept 1, 2011 and would love to get myself together so I can feel 100% beautiful that day. I told myself that I will not go to the plus size section to look for my gown. I'm feeling like this surgery has been a failure because I really do not feel any restriction.I have had about four fills and that is a long story. Any comments on how to get back on the band wagon is appreciated. Thanks in advance.:thumbup: