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I was denied for a weight gain during my 3 month supervised diet. And no weight for 2013. But I had 5 years of dates. Didn't matter. I was denied in July, sent my appeal on my own by August, denied 2 weeks after and hired lindstrom. They had me approved in 2 1/2-3 weeks! I was approved October but because of my work I couldn't schedule surgery until jan 5th. I was looking at end of November/December with my doc. But had to wait. And it was 100% worth it. I'm down 95 pounds since jan. Best thing i ever fought for!!

Congrats on the first 5k! Hey, those are the days you can see weight go in the wrong direction and still smile. When you exercise so much more than normal, your body demands exactly what it needs. Sure, you could have found better ways to eat, and hopefully next time you will, but just doing that activity is a huge accomplishment. You may take an extra week to lose the weight gain, but your body will be better for it. Stronger, more muscular and better apt to lose in the future. My brother is a bike racer and told me that all the cyclists agree you never lose weight during the race season. It's just too hard contending with what your body requires. But it's during e offseason that the racers get so thin they can fit into toddler clothing. What I take from that for my exercising is I don't expect to lose much on my most vigorous workout days. But it's exactly those vigorous days that set my body up for big losses on the more normal workout days. Two weeks ago I went on a monster ride, over 60 miles with a mountain. I burned almost 5000 calories, but only lost 0.2lbs that day cause of all the food, salts, power bars and shot blocks I consumed, not to mention a glass of wine that night. But in the two weeks since that ride I've lost 9lbs. Sure, I exercise daily, but 500-1200 calories usually. And I've been good on my food intake. But I personally think that huge workout day jump started my body to burn more calories and that's why the last two weeks have been so prosperous. I'm planning another huge days soon. Anyway, my point was, congrats on the 5K and don't let the immediate weight response mean more than it should.

Agree with everything you said and one of the things I didn't mention I couldn't eat was potatoes, cake ... Rice, bread and a few other things was more because of in many people it causes problems long term. And because of some of those foods that swell and can lead to more stretching. So my doctor as well teaches moderation (although there are definitely some things she said to never touch again, soda) and says that one day I'll feel like I can eat just about anything I want in small portion, but just to be aware of the ones that are more prone to trigger changes that may lead to weight gain. I think we're saying the same thing and should be proud we're being diligent enough to listen and learn from the experts as well as our own bodies

Have any of you taken up bike riding since you have lost your weight? I loved to ride bikes before my weight gain and it has been years since i have been on a bike. Have any of you had any problems riding a bike as exercise since your surgery? (after being released by your doctor of course). This is one of my goals after the surgery. I have begun to make a list of things I look forward to after the surgery that I have not been able to do for years. Thanks.

I was banded September 09. Benn filled unfilled etc. never really lost more than 26. I'm now at 201. Esophagus dilation been totally unfilled for the last two months. I just realized there was a thread for revision only. I have a realize band. Thank god no weight gain. Since unfilled stated weight watchers for tracking etc. it's been good. I failed my band and my band failed me. I'm headed to the Brigham in Boston. I had such an easy recovery with the band I'm praying the same with the sleeve. I teach zumba so I love being active. But no matter how much you excercise it won't correct a bad diet or eating habits. I'm not nervous. But more afraid of the unknown pain. I didn't even have gas pain with the band. My third day post op I walked a 4 mile jaunt in the park. Any helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I DID IT ! I hit MY weight goal. NOT my surgeon's goal 10 years ago when I started this advent....that was to weigh145 pounds. Then he agreed that having started at 320, (and then 5'3" ) that a more logical goal would be in the area of 160 to 170. The lowest I ever got was 175. And I did not maintain that for even a moment. The the next 8 years of losing my only sibling to the Flu at the age of 49 (please get your flu shot) and then my surviving parent a few years later... personal illness and drama.... and creeping weight gain.... 14 months ago at 220 pounds and 63 years old I got my act back together. I went back to eating protein - first and foremost - protein, healthy vegetables and fruit, and a smattering of healthy whole grain carbs and healthy fats. I ate mindfully - and intentionally to fuel my mind and body. I ate a treat daily I slowly changed HOW I eat, what I eat, and when I eat it. I did not announce it, I did not talk about it. I just did it. I lost 45 pounds in the past 14 months. Not fast weight loss, but steady And I may decide to lose a bit more. Or not. Thank you for being my sounding board. Thank you for being here for support. Today I am thankful for my sleeve, for saggy baggy hanging skin and not caring. And for being healthy !

I did lose some pre-op (28 lbs-around there). I ran into complications in the hospital with the surgery and actually gained 13 lbs right off the bat. My stomach was amazingly purple and black and very, very swollen. I looked larger then the first day of program. After about 3 weeks or so, that weight gain of the loss pre-op came off in about a week. Then I started losing so fast those first 2 months. Two months ago, I started a job at a factory working ft with heavy lifting and running (my dept is on a line in receiving heavy boxes of merchandise). I stopped losing for about 2 weeks at that time and then it just came off unbelievably fast. I do have to see my Dr as it is much faster then I think is normal and my skin is becoming very loose. It truthfully seems like every two or three weeks I am still going down a size. Besides weight loss, most important, my measurements are really a loss of about an inch a week. Right now, I have a problem with trying to eat because of my new job and the jobs of everyone in the house. I work overnight then am on schedule for picking the kids up from their jobs, etc. so I don't really feel much like eating. I do try to get in at least 600 calories and pretty much just drink my protein powder mix with water while I'm working all night. My boss is extremely kind for giving me consideration with the surgery. Thank you for the congratulations. Losing 53 lbs before the surgery is absolutely amazing and a lot of work on your part.

I don't know if it is bad for the metabolism to eat at night, unless you are eating and going right to bed. I am concerned about the fact that I am eating less, but I gained 2 pounds instead of losing. I don't eat much at night, instead lunch is my biggest meal. I bought some cottage cheese just in case it is my lack of protein causing both the hair loss and the weight gain. I am running out of ideas as to what to eat. It is tough since I am not used to restriction, so I don't know what is going to go down with no problems. I am tired of fish.

This morning has been an interesting one for me. I have talked on my blog about how emotional I am and how I have been working on keeping things in perspective. I think in day to day activity, I'm doing a good job, but I still have a way to go. Let me give you some history: I have been overweight all my life. I remember thinking I was fat as early as first and second grade. My nickmame in fourth grade was Buffalo Butt. Nice, huh? My first weightloss memory (real or manufactured...) was going to a Weight Watchers meeting with my mom in fourth grade and weighing 144 lbs. I feel like I've been on a diet ever since. I love my mom. In fact, there is no one on earth I love more than I love my mom. My mom was always "normal" sized, but was almost consistently on a diet while I was growing up. My mom grew up in a household where her father expected perfection from her. She & Dad truly strived not to be that way with my brother and me. They just wanted what was best for us. They wanted me to be healthy and happy, so they helped me try and lose weight. They took me to Weight Watchers which helped when I was actually doing it. They took me to Nutri System in high school and after a week or two I was sneaking food on the side. They found out and were really mad at me. In retrospect, I understand that they spent a lot of money (that we didn't really have) to do this for me. At the time, I felt I let them down because I stayed fat. I was a food hoarder. I would eat normally in front of people then binge when I was by myself. I remember when I was young (maybe third grade?) I dipped a big tablespoon of peanut butter in sugar and started eating it. I knew it wasn't good for me, but it was tasty! I was in the living room and I heard my parents coming so I hid it under a piece of furniture. They found it and yelled at me. I feel quite sure that they were yelling at me because it is disgusting and gross to leave food around and it would attract mice and pests (which we had issues with anyway in our pre-1900 house.) I just heard them yelling at me becaue I was a disgusting fat pig. Every time my mom tells me I look thin or that I have lost weight, I soar! When my mom mentions that I look like I have gained weight (or she asks if I have gained weight), I get physically sick to my stomach. It has always been that way, but I'm just now starting to tell her when that happens. She thinks I'm being silly, and objectively, I probably am. I talk to my mom every morning during my commute. Every morning, I cheerfully tell her how much weight I have lost. I'm typically up a little on Mondays, but not much. Yesterday, I knew I was going to eat popcorn and I told my mom. She gets a little hitch in her voice when she says "okay" that makes me feel guilty. I was up today and I kid you not when I tell you I was in the shower this morning rehearsing what I was going to tell my mom. Sigh. I'm 36 and sometimes I'm 12. According to rehearsals, I was supposed to cheerily say that I was up a pound that I felt confident would be gone tomorrow. Instead, I told her that I don't share gains with her, only losses. She started laughing and said that I must have gained a lot because I tell her when it is a pound. (I want to step in a second and say that I truly do not believe that she was laughing AT me or trying to be insenstive. My mom loves me ridiculously so and would never intentionally hurt me under any circumstance.) My face and body started to get hot and I could feel myself tense up. I told her that it hurt me that she was laughing at my weight gain. She tried to explain that she laughs at herself all the time. I was so wrapped up in my anger that I almost hung up with her. Crazy! But I was able to change the subject and we moved on. When I got to work, my friend Liz approached me and said that she messed up. I had set up a birthday party for my friend Cori and had invited Liz, but not another work friend. Liz had mentioned the party to our other friend and other friend was hurt. To be truthful, it really wasn't something that was done intentionally. Neither Liz nor other friend has ever been invited to Cori's birthday party, but right at the time I was doing the invitation, I think Liz was on her mind so she said to invite her. It certainly wasn't an act of meaning to NOT invite other friend. In my mind, other friend is in a bad place right now and she is interpreting everyone's actions as something AGAINST her when in reality, that's not the case. I was actually that way last year, before I got my life on track. I realized that NOTHING anybody else said or did truly made a difference to me inside. If I loved myself, everything else would work itself out. That brings me back to my mom. I am so unbelievably fortunate to have my mom. I can't even list off all of the wonderful things she has done and continues to do for me. Nothing she does or says is meant to hurt me. If fact, I have no doubt that my mom would lay down her life for me. I have 35 years of demons to work through. I feel like I have gotten through a lot in 6 months, but it is still going to take some time to get through the rest. Occassionally, my feelings are going to get hurt through no fault of anyone's. But as long as I realize that I control the situation and it is I who decides my emotions, I will be able to move forward. I have have nightmares on occassion of a 5th grade me on a bus where kids are chanting BUFFALO BUTT! I have dreams all the time where people make comments that I'm fat. It is my achilles heel. But I'm doing something about it! At 60 pounds lost, which I should hit sometime this week, I will be halfway to my goal. Take that Amber Melvin from 4th grade! Take that mean, mean Debbie on the school bus! But most of all, TAKE THAT BETH! I am my own worst enemy, but this time is different. This time there is no self sabotage. This time there is no letting myself get caught up in the enormity (pardon the pun) of it all. This time, I'm not just losing weight...this time, I'm changing my life. Mom, I thank God for you and dad everyday. I love you.

Kat, kat, Kat! Relax. You are still HEALING, actually. The Band is not a "Switch" that turns weight loss on. Or weight gain off. It's a whole different thing, and you are still right at the Beginning. The whole Lap band Experience is SO different for everybody. It might be a few more weeks before you see any changes. Or it could start tomorrow. But, as everyone here has already said, you are at the BEGINNING of this process, really. You need to give it some time. Life with the band is all about "tuning". Adjusting what you eat, when you eat, how much you eat, how much Fluid you have in the band, etc. There are people here who went for a LONG time before they began to lose. But, then it just began to ROLL off, and they were on their way. If you have concerns, talk to your Surgeon. But I'm pretty certain that he/she will tell you the same thing everyone here is telling you: Relax, and be patient. It will happen. Just give it some time. :crying: HH

I don't mind you asking at all, but it's a hard question for me to answer. I had my surgery right after my final and third child was born over 15 years ago, and with each pregnancy I put on more weight. It had been a steady incline set in motion after my first pregnancy. My best answer is that I had been gaining weight for five years at that point, and I didn't notice a marked increase of weight gain after my gb surgery, but I continued to gain weight over the years. There's plenty of over weight to obese people in my family, but only my mom and I had to have our gall bladders removed. This is not scientific, but in all honesty, I don't believe losing your gall bladder will in any way affect your weight loss.

:help: Hi! My name is Stephanee and I am a 27 year old mother of 5 kiddos...3 birth children and 2 foster children, ranging from the ages of 3 all the way up to 16. My co-worker told me about the Lap Band about 2 months ago but I was still in denial then. On Friday, I went to see a plastic surgeon about recieving a much needed tummy tuck due to 3 c-sections and major weight gain. I informed him that we go to the gym 3 times a week and we eat healthy. I explained that I didnt want to have the procedure done until I lose some weight. Without him weighing me, he assummed I was accurate on my weight and proceeded to tell me he "didnt know why I thought I was healthy because 240 pounds and 5'5" is NOT healthy". And he went on to repeat the same sentence 2 more times within a 3 minute time frame. I was devasted. I knew I was overweight, but he was being really harsh. I looked at him and told him, "With you being a Doctor, is that all you can contribute to this conversation?" His reply was, "Yes, I guess so." I then told him that I didnt think this was going to work. He agreed with me and got up and left the room...leaving me there in tears and in an XL robe that fit me perfectly. I didnt take an opportunity to tell him that I had recently been tested for diabetes, thyroid issues and even had a CAT scan to make sure I didnt have any tumors. And those tests came back normal. I didnt take an opportunity to tell him that my mother died from complications from obesity. And I didnt take the opportunity to tell him that I was currently wearing a size 16, so I couldnt be as hopeless as he made me feel. As soon as I made my way out to my Jeep, I told my waiting boyfriend that it was over...no more feeling horrible about myself. We went to our gym to speak to a personal trainer. We decided I was going to hire a personal trainer to help lose the weight. But I still felt like I needed something more. I have tried many different diets and have been obese for the past 5 years. I work out reguarly, I am a volunteer baseball coach and the PTA President, so I am always on the go. But no matter how hard or long I try, I get no where. And then, last night, I remembered about the Lap Band. I stayed up until 12:30 in the AM doing research. Before, I was terrified at the prospect of surgery, as my mother passed away when I was only 6. But the more I read, the more comfortable I felt about such a major change. What I need to know is, are there anyone else in my shoes who was able to be approved for the Lap Band? I am 5'5", 230 pounds, with a BMI of 38.3 and I have UHC as my insurance company. Any help you can offer, I would really appreciate it. I am soooo tired of giving 100% to other people and 0% for myself. Thanks!!!

Congratulations!! I have not experienced this before but I know MANY women who have been pregnant and not gained any weight, some that were overweight even loss. I would definitely talk to your nutritionist and your dietitian as you want to ensure that you are getting what you need for a healthy pregnancy. I would think that with a healthy, balanced diet, proper vitamins and exercise that you can have a healthy, successful pregnancy with little to no weight gain. Please keep up posted. Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!

Hey there. First congratulations. Second I’m in a similar situation. 8 months post op and coming up on 6 weeks. I’m still in shock. Although I haven’t hit my goal weight, the weight loss has stabilized. Im planning on continuing to eat healthy and exercising to minimize my weight gain. Doctors recommended no more than 15lbs which is okay with me. Obviously this was not planned but is welcomed none the less. I pray you have a safe and stress free pregnancy.

We have the same surgery time period! June 2nd 2014 for me. I have gained and working my weight back down. Guilt and shame over weight gain are unproductive and useless emotions. Don't let yourself wallow in the negative head space. Get up and fight for this! Make this the year you will be healthier, stronger, brave and fierce! Some things to try: Once you eat carbs and sugar you will crave them more. Time to detox off carbs. (get them out of the house) Acknowledge your triggers that take you back to bad habits : Could be depression, emotional/stress eating or boredom. Get back to basics. 80-100 grams protein. Drink plenty water hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! (if you're not doing this already) Be sure to log your food. (food logging apps makes it easy) http://www.myfitnesspal.com/mobile/android Yes, even if you have to force yourself. Get out and walk or find some activity for exercise. It's winter. Treadmill in your home, workout videos, walk a mall or gym. Keep busy and find things to distract yourself from food. Bariatric pal has a great holiday weight loss challenge. Join us to keep motivated. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/405183-holiday-challenge-time-lets-do-this/

Hello Boomers, I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year. It has been awhile since I have been here but I am now back on track after the past holiday. Too many dinners and Cookies and I see that I have gained 3 pounds over the holidays. This holiday weight gain is the lowest of my life so I am thankful. I gave myself a few treats and did not work out like I usually do but I am back and focused so I can complete my weightloss journey. I started to get my Water intake up today. I made a pitcher of water and added the slices of 2 fresh lemons. I let the water set for almost an hour before I started and I must say it tasted great. I have also bought a bag of red grapefruit and will use that in my water tomorrow. And, starting tomorrow I will start my Protein liquids again. Take care and it is good to be back, Cheryl

Why don't people share? I guess everyone has their reasons. I think some are embarrassed that they could not defeat the battle on their own. I have also had that feeling myself. But I realized that is nothing to be embarrassed about! I am proud of myself for doing something about this as I have many medical conditions I didn't have 2 years ago as a result of my weight gain. I am going to have a healthy life. I am the type of person that is a pretty open book so for me I will tell anyone that stays still for 5 minutes, I am not a private person. Not that I share absolutely everything about my life to everyone. I still believe the main reason is embarrassment. It is within our human nature to try to not have the feeling of embarrassment which is why I think people keep certain information to themselves. Just my opinion :-) Why don't people share? I guess everyone has their reasons. I think some are embarrassed that they could not defeat the battle on their own. I have also had that feeling myself. But I realized that is nothing to be embarrassed about! I am proud of myself for doing something about this as I have many medical conditions I didn't have 2 years ago as a result of my weight gain. I am going to have a healthy life. I am the type of person that is a pretty open book so for me I will tell anyone that stays still for 5 minutes, I am not a private person. Not that I share absolutely everything about my life to everyone. I still believe the main reason is embarrassment. It is within our human nature to try to not have the feeling of embarrassment which is why I think people keep certain information to themselves. Just my opinion :-)

Had the surgery on 7/29/14. First 2 weeks were ok, had very low blood sugar so had to eat some carbs. By the 3rd week, I could drink more fluids, so I upped my Water to reach the minimum. I was severely dehydrated the first 2 weeks due to adjusting to the sleeve and can only down at most 17 fl oz of water in a day. So I lost 21 pounds first 2 weeks, then my weight bumped up 5 pounds on the 3rd week when I am able to finish 40-50 fl oz of water in a day... Parents are freaking out complaining about me eating scambled egg and fish and want me to go back to full liquid diet. I'm just wondering if anyone else had this problem of weight gain at the 3 week mark? http://www.urinecolors.com/dehydration-chart.pdf I know I got dehydration because for the first 2 weeks the urine color was the bottom color of this chart. Right now, it's the 2nd to 3rd from the bottom.

I was sleeved July 18th. Came home 12 pounds heavier. Took me 5 days to lose it. At my 10 day post op appt I had l Iost 4 pounds. My doctor tried to hide her disappointment. When I told her of the 12 pounds weight gain she admittedI was now putting out enough urine during the surgery so they just kept pumping fluids into me. I've lost a total of 15 pounds in the 19 days since my surgery.

Well you know they say what opinions are like... a$$holes... We all have them and most stink... But WTH, I'll opine anyway... There are some things you may wish to consider before running out and stocking up on a supply of chocolate milk... Before jumping on the bandwagon of the study, we should know more about the study... Who financially sponsored it and why? What about the participants? Were they obese people trying to lose weight - or competitive athletes? Was the nutritional content of the chocolate milk consistant across the study group (and what was the nutritional content anyway). You can go to the grocery store and find all sorts of different brands of chocolate milk - with nutritional content all across the spectrum. The people in the study may be very different from us - with very different goals than us. It appears they were simply looking at this from the perspective of endurance and muscle recovery. Very few of us are competitive athletes burning 4000+ calories a day In fact, most of us are trying to LOSE fat, are people prone to weight gain, and likely a bit more sensitive to carbohydrates than most - especially simple carbs. The chocolate milk controversy isn't new - it's been around awhile. I tried it as a post workout drink for awhile back in Nov. and it adversely effected my weight loss. I attributed that likely to the high sugar content. So I began mixing a commercial Protein mix with skim milk - and that did the trick. Tasted just like chocolate milk - and still had the milk - but not the simple carbs. Protein intake is a whole other debate. Personally, I'm of the opinion that people who exercise significantly can benefit from a higher protein intake. It just depends on how you want to achieve that intake. I think whole foods is best, but I supplement with commercial products as well. Even though it is a buyer-beware market. The fitness supplement industry is one of the most deceptive and cut-throat markets there is! Thats my two cents and a whole lot more.... Brad

Hi Suz and D Strangely, I don't feel half as gutted as I thought I would... but Friday isn't here yet. Just had news from work that our national conference has been cancelled (hurray!) which means that I don't have to go and face all these people judging my latest weight gain. That's taken the pressure off as well. I think that everything happens for a reason so as they say in the song Que sera sera.... I know that I am going to have it done and I really want to book a date for January, and that will probably happen sooner rather than later. He's still being a bit funny about me borrowing the money but I feel that I'm worth the expense of the credit as in the longer term I will only benefit from it. Just a case of waiting for it. Yes I feel desperate. Yes, I am disappointed, but I am no longer despairing at what the future holds for me. I've made a decision. I've got the old man on side and I know that it will happen and it will happen sooner rather than later. Make no bones girls, I am a woman on a mission!

Day 7 Clear Liquids: soooo ready for a protein shake!! Soooo sick of "sweet". But I've busted through the last of the surgery water weight gain and I'm officially a loser now, so there is that! My abdominal tenderness improves every day, but the incisions itch like crazy. I'm drinking 2 ounces of clear liquids at a time now, every 24 minutes over 12 hours -- its an all-day job! Best wishes for safe, uneventful surgeries this week, peeps!

I was 200 lbs and growing when I arranged for the surgery. I made an appointment with the clinic that did my operation, asked them if I was a suitable candidate, and when they said yes I wrote a cheque. Then I decided I better learn more about the band so I joined this site and I read the information materials which they sent home with me. I kinda jumped into the band back to front but that was because I had become so fed up with this post-menopausal weight gain loop that I was on I was ready to do anything to stop it. Sometimes I used to wake up at 3 in the morning, grab my gut, and think to myself that if there was such a thing as an emergency liposuction clinic I would call a cab and go there immediately!

I didn't count either of my hospital stays. It is very disheartening to lose weight, go in for surgery and gain a lot of weight. I didn't count the water weight gain from IVs either time into my lose. The day of surgery I weighed 237. That was Dec 15. Now I'm at 201. I've been a slow loser too, I believe. I'm 8 weeks out from RNY w a total of 36lb lose. I went in for second surgery @ 204, gained 14 lbs. so back up to 218. I was so discourage but what could I do but wait for the water weight to come back off and it has. The numbers on the scale are discouraging. You have to look passed those #s and look at what Smile was talking about and the positive NSV statements. We have to remain positive cuz all negativity ever did for us was help us put on the weight. We all are going to reach stalls but we need to restructure on minds on how to deal w those stalls. Gen :-) 12/15/12

I came into this world a 9 pound baby, and have been heavy most of my life. I was always the "fat" kid in gradeschool, and thought I was fat when I graduated highschool at 135 pounds (I'm 5'4"). I gained weight during throughout college and when I started working (although would lose 30 pounds with Weight watchers occasionally). I married at 24 weighing 175 pounds. Even though I was too heavy, I was healthy for amany years. Then I started gaining weight every year. Finally - in the 1980's - before Oprah lost with Optifast - I lost 90 pounds with Medifast - lost to my lowest adult weight of 118. Even though I was a regular gym rat and watched my food intake, I couldn't maintain 118. My weight crept up, and I felt like a failure again. I did Optifast again in 1990 before my hysterectomy - to get to a healthy weight before I underwent surgery. By then I was on bloodpressure medicine, and cholesterol medicine. In the late 90's I did a doctor supervised (weekly) program where I took ~ 85 pills a day of vitamins, minerals and supplements - along with folowing something similar to the south beach program.By now, I had a heart they wanted to "watch" for future problems. Never felt better - and got to a nice size 12 - but taking 85 pills a day is a BURDEN and I finally stopped them. (cold turkey - BAD IDEA - threw my immune system into a severe downturn and I got shingles as a result). I gained weight for the next 3 years, and finally in 2002 at 237 pounds I started a weight loss program with a hypnotist. Best way to lose weight except for the sleeve! I lost 103 punds in 9 months and kept it off for about 2 years - during which time I watched my intake, exercised and listened to my hypnosis CD's. Then, I was in a car accident and screwed up an ankle and foot (couldn't exercise), started travelling 80% of the time for work, not listening to my hypnosis CD's and eating on an expense account. Hello - weight gain! Since then, I continued to gain weight and get more health problems (sleep apnea, shortness of breath, worse blood pressure and higher cholesterol problems). WIth my family history of serious heart problems, I was a heart attack waiting to happen. My absolute highest weight was last September (263) - on a trip with my two sisters and my 85 year old mom. We were hiking up a hill in a park to go to a balloon fest. My mom was out-hiking me. My chest hurt so badly I thought I was having a heart attack right then. I guess I had an epiphany that I really needed to do something. When I got home, I seriously started pursuing the sleeve. I had been working to get certified before that (because my insurance would pay for the surgery) - but wasn't "serious" about it. I am absolutely serious now! Three months post surgery, I have lost 54 pounds. Best thing I ever did for myself.