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I decided to look into bariatric surgery a couple of years ago. I was always thin, until I hit about 40. Then I started to gain every year. I have Rheumatoid arthritis so my mobility is impacted,had a hysterectomy, arthritis meds can cause weight gain, etc, excuses, blah, blah, blah! But, I just turned 55; I have legal guardianship of my 10 yr old grandson who has some neurological issues. I am the only stability that kid has ever had and I decided that I needed to do something to make sure I was around for him for awhile yet. I also want to be able to do things with him. I didn't want him to someday be embarrassed when some kid asked him who was the fat, old lady. I'm 23 days out. I'm doing well. Surgery weight was 200, and I will go for my 1month post op in a few days. I think I'm gonna be a slow loser seeing as my BMI was a little lower to start with. But, that's okay. Like I said, I'm 55 and the skin doesn't bounce back like it used to. I just want to be able to go for bike rides, go swimming, etc. with my boy BEFORE he gets "too cool".

Hi there. Anyone else scheduled for surgery in Ottawa this month? I just got the call this morning. Surgery is set for March 3!!!! Can't wait!!! Starting my OPTIFAST feb 10.

As a member of the obese community who is hopefully and happily on her way out, I can identify with the pride and newfound surprise you feel at no longer feeling the need for food. However, for most people who are grossly overweight, such as those of us who have been banded, one of the main reasons we got this way is because we have addictive personalities. Food is still something to nourish and fuel you. It's ok to still eat in celebration and with enjoyment. Food is a joy! But like family, children, drugs or men, there's only so much we can handle before it becomes a burden. My brain argues constantly with my inner-skinny child. It doesn't like leaving most of the salad on the plate or paying $10 for a meal that will mostly get left untouched. You and everyone reading this may benefit from researching addiction transfer. Google it. It is a HIGHLY common thing found in those who go thru the gastric surgery journey. Finding we can no longer stuff ourselves, we drink more, gamble, do drugs, etc. Sadly, many people confess that weight loss dramatically alters their personalities, marriages and lives. At one point you were strong enough to admit you needed help with your weight and diet because you couldn't do it alone. Now is the time to admit you may need help dealing with the mental side of things. I wish you luck and much happiness.

Hi BonJosie, My bff's son in law had the same thing a few months ago. He also got a complete unfill for about 3 or 4 weeks and now he's fine. He did gain a few pounds back but made sure he kept up with the gym to keep it at a minimum..Hope you get back to normal very soon!! Hi Lady Blue, I feel your pain with the heartburn coughing etc. I have 6.5 cc's in a 10 cc band. About 3 weeks ago I had such terrible heart burn. I'm 54 years old yet I never in my life before had a moment of heartburn...it's so gross...One night I spit right into my pillow...disgusting. I wound up taking Prilosec for 14 days and it just about cleared up. I especially have to make sure I don't eat anything close to bedtime.

Hope this isn't TMI - I had a tumor removed from my breast 10 years ago, a breast reduction and radiation so I have a lot of scar tissue in that breast. I'm down 40 pounds and all of a sudden I had terrible pain in that breast and of course with all the scar tissue I have to be careful not to freak out when I do my month BSE - Is that a lump?! Lucky for me I just had my annual mammo - while experiencing the pain(BIG FUN!:thumbup:) - and there was nothing there. The radiologist thinks that since I'd lost the padding the scar tissue is rubbing on the nerve. She felt that in time it would lessen - and she was right. Could be what you've got going on!?

I am a band over bypass patient. Had surgery 2/15/10. Yesterday 3/18/10 I went to get my first fill. Stood in front of the fluorscopy machine, drank some barium (nasty stuff) watched it run down to my stomach. She sprayed my stomach with freezing spray. stuck that gigantic needle in which thankfully I did not feel a thing. She filled up my band. Then released it all back out. Then she said why isn't it going down any faster than that. I was like huh? LOL She told me to take a deep breathe that did not help. I could see the barium drink in my esophugus and it was releasing into my pouch but very very slowly. So she was saying I had some good restriction and decided not to give me a fill. She said since I am a band over bypass patient there may still be some swelling in there which is casuing the restriction still. Now I have to go back in 2 weeks to try again. I sure the heck hope that nothing is wrong. The Dr. was quite surprised while she had me standing in there going thru this, so when they are surprised that makes me worried..anyone else go thru this type of ordeal ? Robin in Cincinnati, OH banded 2/15/10

UGH! Being 7.5mths post op (banded 5/19/08), I feel that I have reached that point that so many people reach---frustration. Its as if I can't be happy with the fifty lbs I've lost, OH NO!, I feel that I should have lost all of the weight by now. WTH? I know better. I know its 1 to 1.5lbs a week, I never ONCE thought that after surgery I would magically lose every lb of excess weight and suddenly be wearing a sz 4. I'm realistic. When I went for my pre-op psych eval I even told the psychiatrist that this was my "tool". Its just hard and I'm glad I was able to find a place where other people understand what I'm saying. On to the competition. Someone I am semi-close with started her weight loss journey around the same time I did (feb 08). She had planned on getting banded but didn't for whatever reason. So she started excercising excessively (2-3hrs/day) and eating minimally (700cals/day). I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that she could even stand, let alone function and go to the gym by eating so little. She weighed more than I did when we started (she was ATLEAST 350lbs+) and she posted her new year's resolution of wearing a sz 7/8 within the next two months. GRRRRR! Am I jealous? Of course, but that wasn't the big issue. The big issue was when she emailed me and bragged about her being so close to her goal and how she was so sorry for me that I had yet to even reach half way to mine. WTF? Who says that to another person trying to lose weight? Its very frustrating and annoying and I am not sure what to say to her. I mean, on one hand I want to ask her not to say things like that to me, that it bothers me and that my weight loss is a personal thing for me. But, on the other hand I want to cyber-spit in her face and tell her to shove off. I guess I just want her to realize that this isn't a competition between the two of us. My weight loss is a private thing for me, I don't tell family/friends my weekly weight loss (not even my dear hubby) nor do I tell them my short-term/long-term goals. Its just a private struggle for me because no one can understand it. I decided to post a ticker through this board because everyone else here can understand and sympathize. I know people here won't judge me or make me feel as if I am not doing well enough. :confused: I think I will go bounce on my ball a bit and watch some tv, maybe munch some celery, def. have food cravings tonight but I know I'll make healthy choices!

Hi Guys I found this site and think it will answer your question plus other information. The second point answers the life of the band question. LAP-BAND® System Surgery Frequently Asked Questions </SPAN> LAP-BAND® System FAQs | Gastric Bypass Surgery FAQs | Bariatric Surgery FAQs 1. What are the advantages of having LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery instead of gastric bypass surgery? See the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery Information page 2. Should I have the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band taken out once I lose the weight? No, the band is designed to stay in for a lifetime. Studies show that most patients will regain their weight if they have the band taken out. 3. Do I have to have adjustments for the rest of my life? How many adjustments will I need? Patients may need a little adjustment to the band volume every couple of years after the incremental adjustments required at the beginning. The average patient will come in for adjustments 6 to 8 times in the first year after surgery and may come in for an adjustment once or twice the second year. Patients may not need an adjustment at all in the third year. 4. Why don't you just "crank it up" and make the band tight all at once during surgery? The body needs to adjust to the new band. There is a little bit of swelling immediately after surgery and tightening the band too early or too fast has been shown in the research to result in more complications (including having to have the band taken out). 5. Is there such a thing as having the band tightened too much? Yes, the band can be over-adjusted. When the band is too tight, patients cannot eat solid foods without regurgitating the food or feeling very uncomfortable for many hours. When the band is too tight, patients tend to gain weight because they are resorting to the liquid and/or softer foods that travel through the band easily. These foods tend to be higher in fat and higher in sugar. When patients start this dysfunctional eating pattern, they are taking in more calories than if the band was looser. A band that is too tight will also cause heartburn and coughing in some patients. 6. What happens if 10 years from now I start to gain weight? What do I do? We see you annually in the office for a check-up, however if you are gaining weight, it is time to come in so that we can assess the problem. It could mean that you need a little adjustment in your band volume to provide a little more restriction. There may be a problem related to the types of food you are eating or there may have been a life crisis and emotional eating or depression may be taking hold. 7. What is the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band made out of? The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is made out of silicone and titanium. 8. Is it possible for a person to reject the band? Yes, it is possible to have a reaction to any foreign body. Studies on the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band have shown that it is extremely rare. 9. Do adjustments hurt? There are fewer nerve endings in the skin of the abdomen and patients say that the adjustments are nearly painless. Patients have said that the needle stick hurts less than a shot and less than the needle stick for blood studies. 10. Are adjustments made in the surgeon's office? Yes, adjustments are made in the surgeon's office. On a rare occasion, the port is difficult to feel and a patient may have to go to the radiology department to have the port accessed under fluoroscopy. 10. How long has the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band been in existence? LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band was first placed in a patient in Belgium in 1994. The FDA approved the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band for use in the U. S. in June of 2001. 12. How much weight loss can I expect with LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery? For the first 1-2 years you should expect 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week. In the long term, you can expect to have 50-70% of your excess weight stay off. 13. If after surgery, and despite following all the rules, I am at a plateau of weight loss, what should I do? Plateaus are a normal part of the weight loss process. In the first year or two after surgery, weight loss plateau usually means that you need to come in and have a little bit of Fluid put in the band to increase restriction. Occasionally, plateaus are caused by the Band being too tight. If the Band is too tight, weight loss will resume after a little fluid is taken out of the Band. If the above causes are ruled out, we will have you keep a food and exercise diary. The diary will include the times and quantities of foods eaten, drinks taken, Protein grams consumed, and an exercise log. We may have you consult with the dietician as well. 14. What should I do if I "can't cope" after surgery? Weight loss surgery causes a lot of changes in a patient's life including dietary changes and development of a new lifestyle. With any change in our lives, there is a feeling of loss of previous life patterns. Patients may have feelings of sadness, anger and frustration when going through so many changes at once. We remind patients to be patient with themselves! We advise patients that if they experience persistent sadness for more than 14 consecutive days, along with loss of interest in things they were previously interested in, they should contact the Bariatric Center or their primary care physician. These are signs of depression. 15. What should I do if I cannot exercise very much due to back pain? We know from experience and scientific research that you will decrease post-op complications and increase your chances of weight loss through following the pouch rules and nutrition handbook AND being more active. We encourage you to find resources in your community to help you develop a program of movement and activity. For example, many of our patients with joint problems enroll in Water exercise programs at a therapy pool. Others find that recreation programs have recumbent exercise bicycles that allow you to sit while pedaling a bicycle. 16. I'm worried that after surgery, my emotional eating will return. Want can I do? Here are several suggestions we give our patients: Talk about your feelings with your support persons. Perhaps the stress in your life is high and you are returning to old habits of coping. Schedule an appointment with the behavioral nurse or other specialists to explore alternatives to dealing with emotions in ways other than eating. Call the bariatric center and ask for assistance. Attend support group meetings to hear how other patients are solving that problem. 17. What is the purpose of support groups? There are many benefits to attending support groups; here a just a few of them: To hear from others who have similar problems to your own To Celebrate positive changes in each patient's life since the surgery To learn new information about bariatric lifestyles To brainstorm solutions to problems To provide motivation to follow the rules that will work for individuals for a lifetime To meet people who have had successful results of the surgery and are willing to help others To talk with a group of people who understand your journey like no one else does! 18. How much pain will I be in after LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery? Most patients experience mild to moderate pain. A common analogy used by patients post-op is that it "feels as if they did 200 hundred sit-ups in a row and their abdominal muscles are sore". More pain is commonly felt over the port site incision. Your pain will be well controlled so you will be able get up out of bed to walk and move around after surgery. 19. When will I be allowed to drink after surgery? You will most likely be able to drink Clear liquids on the day of surgery or the day after your surgery. 20. If I qualify for same day discharge, how long will I be in the hospital? Starting from the time you reach the surgical floor to recovery, it has been on average 6-8 hours. Times differ from patient to patient. 21. What are the expectations of patients in the hospital after surgery? Get up out of bed Walk in hallways as much as tolerated Sit in chair as much as tolerated Use your incentive spirometer (plastic breathing device) 10 times per hour while you are awake Concentrate on fluid intake Work on achieving good pain control with your nurse prior to discharge 22. What is the age range for being eligible for LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery? Age range is 18 to 75 years of age but depends on the individual surgeon’s preference. 23. How many days off work will I need to take for the surgery? Depending on the type of surgery and the surgeon’s preferences, most patients take 3-5 days off from work for LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery. It varies from patient to patient.

Aw, c'mon. Taking that nail off won't hurt that much. At least they didn't make you take the acrylic off all 10 nails. And just think of all the benefits you'll gain when this sleep test pushes you that much closer to weight loss surgery! Edited to add: don't eat beans the day before. During my sleep study, there was a microphone on the head of the bed so they could hear me snore, fart, and ask to go to the toilet.

I had surgery 10/14, and I will be honest: I am both encouraged and struggling. I am down 19 pounds PS, and was down 14 lbs from liver reduction diet pre surgery. I was in the hospital just one night, which was great, and up walking PS within hours. One thing that I wish I would have had at home was an elevated toilet seat like at the hospital. Transition to the lower, standard seat at home was ROUGH that first week. I didn't use a single thing that I packed for the hospital. I had read forums and blog posts about what to bring, and so must have been over prepared. Since I have been home, I have been struggling with no appetite. I'm meeting all of my goals regarding liquid intake and protein intake, but it is a battle. Still, the pluses way outweigh the deficits. Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

Well surgery is today guys!!! I have not had anything to eat since Sunday night. I am not hungry but feel kinda foggy in my head. Sorry if my spelling is worse that usual. I have to scrub my tummy again with anti bacterial stuff. I am all packed with books, netbook (too watch movies), and iTouch. The hardest part is going to be leaving my wedding ring at home . I am a little scared that my pain won't be controlled after surgery but my DH has assured me he will be right on top of it. My report time is 9 am but parking can be bad at that time so DH and are going earlier. I should be in surgery by 10:30 or so. I will be discharged on Saturday sometime. I will try and post from the hospital on a friends phone if it works like I think it will. I wanted to thank everyone here for all the incredible support you give. Honestly there were times I felt like this was the only place I could go and not be judged and harrased about my choice. Those already sleeved, you are getting huge karma points for helping those coming behind you. Catch you guys on the sleeved side!!!! :cool0:

Had surgery on April 27th. After overnite stay went to my mothers to recuperate. Concerned about not being able to hold much of the broth or jello served in small plastic 3 oz containers. Presently I have a small amount of discomfort from the upper right port site. I am also reovering from rotator cuff surgery on the left shoulder done two months ago. My problem is finding unflavored protein. Sugar free popsicles are my most favorite food. Apple sauce works also. EAS protein shakes were good before surgery. Now it takes me all day to drink one. Also takes all day to get in 8 ounces of water. I lost 15 pounds on liver shrink diet preop. I have lost 10 more since surgery. Hard to get my medication down but the applesauce also helps with swallowing the pills. I am enjoying this forum

That is a GREAT coincidence!!! I can't believe how similar our surgeries are. As for advice, I guess I would say that I am a big planner. I spent the past few weeks leading up to my liquid diet being proactive. I first started subbing one meal (breakfast) for a protein shake and then eating two regular meals. After about 2 weeks of that, I started subbing 2 meals a day for a protein shake and switching my last meal to low carb. I was doing that for about 10 days and then shifted to my full liquid diet (with sugar free jello and/or 1 greek yogurt per day) fairly easily. I say do what you can. I got this advice from my surgeon (along with his nurse and also my nutritionist agreed): If you can make two of your meals per day a protein shake, then eat one meal low carb (only carbs from veggies). Try to make your protein lowfat. It will still accomplish the goal of shrinking your liver and you should drop a few pounds. Try to make your meal about 400 calories or less. That one meal plus the two protein shakes will still make your calories around 1000 or less for the day. I don't know if it will help you, but it has been a lifesaver for me. And if I absolutely cannot make it until the 11th (no food at all the day before surgery) without eating real food, I know I can eat something as long as it is pure lowcarb. Good luck to you on journey. I wish you the best. I hope you will keep in touch with your progress, because it will be nice to see someone who's so similar to me going through the same process.

I was banded in March 2008 and so far i have lost 50 lbs. I am 10 lbs from a healthy BMI and 25 lbs from my ideal goal. We are starting TTC this month. I lost the biggest chunk of my weight in the first 9 months and since then i have been pretty plateaued where i am. I am starting to creep down again and am shooting for that "Healthy BMI". This was our first month of TTC and currently i am in the 2 week wait. I test on June 20 so we'll see what happens!

Hey everyone, I was banded on 6/10/10 and am eating mushies, i eat egg whites with cheese and deli meat with cheese as per a booklet my dr. gave me, my problem is i can eat alot and not really feel full!! i sometimes wonder if they forgot to put the band in!!! i have lost about 13lbs but am at a standstill, i even cheated and ate linguine and sauteed shrimp, i was able to eat the whole bowl, i got so mad at myself but i miss that full feeling, i wonder if this will get better once i get tightened in about two weeks, if you've been in my shoes i could sure use some help or advice, Thanks.

I was banded on 6-7-10 and have been experimenting with the food on the food list. I am finding I can eat any of it with no problem. I am not eating that much and am getting full. The problem is I am not losing at all, even gained 2 pounds. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I must admit I have not completely started an exercise program. I am frustrated, I am eating way less than I used to and way less than anyone else around me and not losing. Hoping I will see a difference soon. I did lose 22 pounds from the two week pre-op and one week post-op liquid diet. I'm still happy I did it!

Nov 4 2009 I was band... I was size 7x in pants...ot size 30 with lots of elastic ......now regular size 10-11

wow soon2b!!! go ahead girl! I was a size 26 and wear a size 18 with some 16's. Bra I am a 38d before a 42d. oh and I can wear victoria secret underwear size L of course other undewear a size 8 before it was a 10. I do have a big butt and hips still lol but shopping at VS was a NEVER before!

Well my curiosity obviously wondered off to these men fourms. Okay well guys are always supposed to be the ones that always want sex correct? ... well that's not my case I always have to start of the sexual interaction I have to nthrope one that starts kissing and etc... my husband does nothing. I even put on sexy out fits and heels and do my hair and cook a meal for my husband so when he gets home from work he gets turned on and what not and all I get is a babe you look nice. I dontthink its my physical.... I'm 19 I don't want to sound cocky because I'm not at all but when I go anywhere people are always staring at me and blowing me kisses I have a veryy nice curvy body and I'm tall and I have nice hair and a cute face I don't know. What is up with guys ... help?

June 10th - a GREAT day, my three year anniversary!!! Congrats to you and welcome to the loser's side!! You are fine, I lost 17 lbs my first month, I never lost that much again in one month. I'm not sure if I lost 10 lb in a month after that first time. It's ok, I did EVERYTHING I was suppose to do, and nothing I shouldn't. I knew I'd lose, and I did. I lost 23 lbs prior to surgery and the rest in the six months following. I reached MY goal in Dec 2010 with a total loss of 85 lbs. You will be shocked at what you're going to be experiencing a year from now, I promise you!!! It's a wild, wild ride, hold on and enjoy every single part of it......wait till you can see your collar bone, then your hip bones. YES, we do have hip bones!!!! Yay!!! Wait till your clothes are practically falling off of you. Wait until shopping is FUN!!!! Go walk the mall and window shop, get a feel for your "style" - it will be totally different than it is now!!! Wait until someone says you are tiny, small....even skinny!!! It is interesting to meet people who didn't know the "old" you and they comment on how small you are......the first time I looked behind me to see if this sales lady was speaking to someone else!!! I'm serious!!! The fat girl inside me giggled!!! This is fun.....it's all new. It's going to happen. I weigh every single morning, without fail. If I'm at home, I weigh. No way will I let five pounds sneak up on me, and I KNOW for a fact that I can gain five pounds in a week. It's happened to me all of my adult life!! I pay close attention to what is going on. The scale is part of my "dashboard", I count on it, my food scale and my fitness pal to keep everything in check....just like the dashboard in my truck lets me know what's going on under the hood!! See what I mean??!!! Take this time to make changes, make some of these things your new normal.....as natural to you as breathing, that's what I did!!! Good luck, you're going to do great!

I just had my sleeve on the 19 .. I'm still very soar and very gasy been up and down all day and trying to sip all my liquids I'm getting there hopefully tomorrow is better

I started at 5'3 and 320 pounds over BMI of 58 - I didn't go in to get weighed until I lost 10 lbs on my own! After 10 years, I am now 65 years old and am about 5'2" lost over 140 pounds and weigh 172 to 175. My BMI is (adjusted for age) 31. I am still considered overweight/obese. But this is as low in weight as I seem to be able to maintain and be healthy - My doctors are pleased. I am active and healthy ! I know, for some, this may not seem like a "VICTORY" - and I have been criticized even HERE for not losing more weight. I am more than thrilled with my results. I am as excited about buying size 14/16 petite clothing as someone buying size 2 clothing. (Well, I think I am as thrilled !!) I have zero desire to have plastic surgery to remove the extra skin - I have had enough surgeries to not want any more. I am over the moon thrilled with keeping it off and with my results. DO YOU.

Take away 1 shake and add more veggies. Drink water water water and do HITT cardio 3 out of the 5 days. If you don't have a gym membership then walk for 3 min and run as fast as you can for 10 seconds. Do this in intervals for 30 min. Do this for 1 week and I bet the scale moves [emoji6] Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok...counting down the days....almost three weeks postop!! I haven't lost hardly ANYTHING since the surgery--but I guess that is normal--the good thing is I haven't GAINED anything yet. It's just that I'm getting a little panicky like I'm not doing enough. Like I need to get my head wrapped around what is going on--or not going on with my weightloss. I am feeling like I could eat ANYTHING right now. I haven't thrown up, PB'd, Slimed or anything yet. Thank GOD for that!! I haven't been trying to test my band really---but if it's soft then I'll eat it. And I can eat ALOT of some things!! I can drink with my meals--no problem. I can do pretty much everything I could do without the band--salad, watermelon, bread. I haven't tried rice yet...or nuts. The "hard stop" feeling that I got the first couple of weeks seems to be passing...so Bandster Hell...HERE I AM! I've set a goal for myself of 10 pounds a month. I'm RIGHT at goal now for my first month post surgery---so I am sensing urgency of NOW is the time to get a grip...and work with my band! I have my first postop appt with my dr tomorrow--I know it's WAY out from surgery, but I've been so sick with pneumonia..etc. that now is the first time I can. Sixteen pounds gone since I was there for my preop appt...which is good, because I haven't obsessed about dieting or food at all. It is changing it's place in my heart from living to eat to eating because I have to. Family vacation is next week in Tennessee...I'm really excited about it and for the first time feel this sense of FREEDOM about it all. With my family--vacations revolve around food---preparation, cleaning up, having enough desserts, more prep, food, food, food. This time I don't feel the panick that I have always felt. It's hard to explain, but the diets to prep for seeing family--then getting there and feeling the excitement and the failure of overeating the whole time. This time---totally different. THIS FEELING OF INDIFFERENCE towards food is the EXACT reason I needed the band. The chains are starting to loosen their hold. I got my hair done Saturday! It's DARK and totally different but I love the cut. The color will take some getting used to. ) But I love the new look and fresh start feeling. And I went shopping for some capris. I didn't get a smaller size yet, but I liked my reflection in the mirror. My tushi is getting smaller!! :oD

Hi TC44055 My daughter(19) had plication surgery Dec.31/12 and is down a total of 52.6 lbs! She still has about another 50 to go, but is doing very well...I am soooo proud of her. We were both very nervous(I think I was worse!) right up to the moment she went in....she was uncomfortable for about a week. Her biggest complaint throughout the whole thing, was how extremely tired she was the first month....she would wake up and just want to sleep... she was frustrated the first while, cause she was hungry, but things didnt agree with her..I think she tryed to eat to much, and to heavy of foods the first while...now all is good. Follow the doctors orders, do not try to eat more, or do more then they advise. I do not know of any chat groups...Good luck!