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Jennibee, congrats on no hunger. If I were you I would try to drink at least a protein shake during the day. It is quite common to not have as much hunger after you get filled. You may find that after you lose some additional weight the hunger may return.

I was sleeved 06/13. I had my 1 week post op yesterday... For the stats fans: 5'3" SW: 234 CW: 222 GW: 135 This last week has been utter hell! I have been in a severe amount of pain. I'm so jealous of the people who feel nothing afterward! My left incision is TIGHT and I have a huge bulge because it's so tight. It's swollen and hurts like a SOB. Especially when I go from sitting to standing. YOWZA! But the worst part is the pain with swallowing. Ever since my first baby sip of water on surgery day, I've had pain when I swallow. It is so much pressure and feels like a weight is sitting on my chest. Because of that, I'm not meeting my fluid or protein goals. The most fluid I have had in a day was 46 oz and protein was 32... And that was on my best day. My surgeon said she wasn't surprised I'm having issues because she thought the opening between my stomach & esophagus looked tighter/smaller than it should have been while she was in there. So that pain is because things are getting stuck. The plan is to go back in and have my esophagus dilated, but she wants to wait 4 weeks to give me time to heal. 4 weeks of this pain and exhaustion! Meanwhile, I have a standing order for IV fluids at my local hospital for any day I don't reach my fluid goals and anytime I'm feeling exhausted or just not feeling great. Which is all the time since I'm dehydrated and not getting enough protein! They also said I should wait to go back to work until at least a month or until after this issue has been fixed! I don't know what to tell my boss because I am not telling anyone about my surgery. Even worse... It's a brand new job! My first one after 6 years as a SAHM! I told them during my interview that I was having surgery (not what kind) and that I would need at least 2 or 3 weeks off. They said for the right person, they would make anything work and offered me the job on the spot. They said it was their first time ever hiring someone immediately, but they knew I was perfect for the job and team. That made me feel amazing! But fast forward a month into the job when it was surgery time, they only gave me 12 days off and put me back on the schedule. I told them I wasn't sure if I could come back that early, but that I would keep them posted. They sort of agreed to that... But a month? Now I don't know what to say! My doc provided me a note, but it says 'bariatric surgery' in the company letterhead. I can't use it... I only told 2 people about this surgery... My husband and my mom. And I am not comfortable telling anyone else. I'm sad it didn't go as planned... frustrated that my doc didn't fix it during surgery when she clearly saw it wasn't right, exhausted, and real tired of being in pain! Is anyone else going through this? I feel so alone! Please do NOT comment just to say "I never had any pain or issues!" Or "I'm going back to work 5 days post-op!" Yeah... Congrats. 😏😜😂 I can't tell you how disheartening it is to read all the stories like that. I'm glad for you, truly, but super jealous it didn't go like that for me! So, please don't be salty! Lol!

How long have you been at goal, how long did it take you to get to goal, did you have alot of weight to lose. Now at goal, how do you tell your mind no even though you have lost weight, you will put on again if eat all that junky food.

I'm almost 11 months out and was very slow for the first month or two. I had a huge drop of weight over a two week span around 9 months. Everyone is different. Just stick to it and I KNOW it is soooo hard, but stay patient. Love yourself and don't allow yourself to get discouraged. This is kinda cheesy and I've never told anyone this until now, but the song "I won't give up" by Jason mraz- I used to sing it to myself, sometimes looking in the mirror. Read the words and think about it ????

Try thinking of it this way - there is absolutely no doubt that as long as you follow the protocol as closely to the letter as you possibly can and stay active, you will lose weight. The laws of science and the universe cannot be denied. Sometimes you'll lose slowly. Sometimes you'll lose quickly. Sometimes you won't lose at all. But your plan of action is the same in all three cases. Follow the protocol and stay active. And of course I personally would add maintain a food log! Your goal is physical change but your challenge is mental discipline. You cannot directly control the path your weight loss will take. You can control your thoughts. Stay positive, stay patient, stay focused - persistence, along with absolute belief, can never be defeated. You're gonna love the new you!!

As part of my grieving process, I've found myself cleaning a lot. (Very out of character for me). This weekend I decided to gut my drawers and closets and ran across this forgotten weight loss "program". Positive Subliminal messages hidden in soothing music and nature sounds to help boost your willpower to lose weight. Brought me a welcome chuckle.....

Sounds awesome! I've been thinking about trying Zumba but wanted to wait until I lost more weight. You have convinced me to give it a try... I found a class on Sunday morning and I think I'll check it out! Thanks!!

I can walk through an amusment park with my kids without running out of breath. I can shop in the "misses" section and not have to search for the "women's" section, usually in the back corners of the stores. I can learn to eat to live and not live to eat. My list can go on and on but I'l stop at three.

I also have blue cross/blue shield of GA. Been to my psych..going to nutritionist this week. My insurance requires a 3 month multi-discipline program (including PCP, Nutritionist, and weight loss). Does anyone know exactly what this means that I need to do for the insurance approval? Thanks in advance

Folks basically need to ignore the FDA trials study...very flawed with inherent problems, primarily due to all the surgeons participating being very inexperienced. Inexperienced surgeons (and that means aftercare as well as initial placement), generally have poor results...less weight loss, more complications, etc. Nancy 394/270/180

I got my third fill last week of 1cc, making a total of 6cc., which was way too tight. I went in to see the doctor for a slight unfill and he asked me to try to wait it out to see if when the swelling went down, if it might be better for me. It wasn't, so I went in for a 1/2 cc unfill. I did feel better, considering I wasn't able to eat anything at all at that point. But now it's been 4 days since that unfill and I am still having some trouble with eating and feeling comfortable. It takes me about an hour to eat a small meal, and sometimes I feel a little nausous when it is time to eat, and sometimes get a knot feeling in my chest after I drink or eat even just a little. This doesn't happen all the time, but most. I think maybe I need another very small unfill, but he didn't seem to want to do the last one. Wanting me to wait it out. I hadn't been loosing any weight at all before my last fill, so I think he wanted me to be a little tight. I mean, I can live with it the way it is now, but should it be this way? I want to be able to eat and feel full but right now, I am afraid to eat and when I do, it is extremely slow! Will the tightness wear off? Should I wait it out for awhile? Is this the normal tight (good) feeling? Or should I get a little more taken out?

I wouldn't expect any miracles with the first fill. Most people need 2+ fills to get there. After my 2nd fill, I felt like I had failed yet another weight loss attempt. After my 3rd fill, however, the magic started. My first real meal was about 1/6 of a chicken breast, 1/4 of a baked potato, and a couple bites of green Beans and I was stuffed. Actually, I wouldn't say "stuff" cuz it didn't feel the same as being stuffed, I just knew that if I ate one more bite, I would probly vomit. Be patient. It WILL come. It may take a few fills to feel a difference! Good luck! Marci

With my first few fills I didn’t feel much restriction at all. I was worried it wasn’t working and that the doctor was trying to get money out of me (150.00 per fill out of pocket). After time I learned that it takes a while for you and your doctor to find that “sweet spot” where you can still eat and drink while losing weight. I went “hard core” at a few fills so the Dr. would put more in so I would have more restriction and every time I would foam, vomit and PB all over again until I got used to the new fill. Once I went three days without any real Fluid and had to schedule an appointment to get fluid taken out. Won’t do that EVER again!! lol Ohh and I Don’t know if this is true for others but I have learned that right after my fill I have to eat only Soup for a few days to a week while I wait for my swelling to go down. Then I start to slowly introduce solids again. Once you find that sweet spot you will know it.

Hello... I'm 25 also & started at 380 and last I checked was down to 360. Sorry to hear that you're struggling with your band but on the bright side you're still very early in the game I wouldn't be so hard on yourself. 30lbs is an awesome weight loss for 4 or 5wks! Its not uncommon to have mini stalls in wt loss this is all so new to your body. I'm very recently banded (4/14) but I have a lot of issues with food & I know it will be a day by day process to change my relationship with food. I'm busy & I've never been an excercise addict also so I can see this being a difficult journey without support so maybe we can encourage each other along the way. Sometimes accountability & encouragement from someone who knows how you're feeling goes a long way. Feel free to pm me. =) best wishes! ~Shay

Well I cant speak for everyone but I can tell you how I feel about it- GOOD!. I have heard of ppl still seeing themselves as fat even after they lose weight and others not being happy after losing, but I can tell you now I am one happy camper. I wouldnt consider myself "thin" yet, but I am smaller than I have ever been in my adult life and it sure does feel good. The energy level, the appearance, the ability to do things I really couldnt before are all a part of that happiness. Just keep your attitude in check and be happy with every pound you lose. Have realistic expectations. Happy New Year!

I am 42 and I have always been overweight as an adult. I have lost weight a few times. I lost the most when I had my stroke 65 lbs I was not trying then I was very ill and was not at all interested in food, I also had trouble with swallowing. I have never stuck with like now though and I have never lost this much weight on purpose. I would never have thought that I could have stopped drinking pop and eating candy and other junk and I don't even want most of it any more. I exercise alot more thanI ever have but not as much as I should. I don't know maybe I am just getting scared.

I'm having a hard time with comparing my loss to others. I know each body is different but I wish the weight would just go already!!! I've lost 22 lbs since the first of December. I'm super excited By the loss, but I want to drop a pants size or something. I'm on a Facebook page and love that the ladies who had surgery w me have lost 40+pounds already, but it's hard to keep pushing that "like" button when jealousy rears it's ugly head. *sigh*

Specifically for those who had been overweight their whole lives... I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I just have to ask. Have you had any problems emotionally dealing with being "thin" for the first time? I've been obese or morbidly obese for my whole adult life and most of my childhood, and I just can't wrap my head around what it would feel like to be a normal weight. I'm ready to be healthy, but I've never known what it was like to not be the "fat girl"...

Yeah I have a thing with my eyes too. When I lay down (and occasionally when I am sitting up) my eyes tear badly. They do not dry out, but the excessive wiping of tears dries the skin out around my eyes. My DH freaked out the first time he saw this. He thought I was having a bad dream and crying in my sleep. Its not like I gush tears, but there is a constant slow watering, and it can get annoying. the hair thing is true too...but I have to wash my hair everyday cause I have to use a heavy amount of conditioner to brush my hair. I have very curly red hair, and that much conditioner builds up worse than anything. Just curious about your friend... How much weight did she lose? With me losing over 200 pounds I am sure of surgery to come, but at the same time my PCP tells me at my age and skin condition I might bounce back just fine.

I can't recommend one or the other but here are my thoughts: Advice for those researching Lapband: Ask what your doctor's experience is with removing lap bands. How long can I expect to keep my band before it needs to be removed? (Bands are being removed anywhere between 2 years out and onwards. I personally know of only 3 people who have had their bands 5+ years and one of those is on band #2.) What long term negative effects have your patients experienced with Lapband? Lapband is a high pressure system. The band creates a great deal of pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. The esophagus, in attempting to move food into the pouch, puts tremendous pressure on the LES, as well. Over time this causes damage and the sphincter fails to open. This creates a feeling of being "stuck" but your food hasn't even made it to the pouch. This situation is becoming more and more common in the banded population and causes permanent long term damage that cannot be reversed. This is what is called "difficulty swallowing" on the disclosure. It's actually band induced achalasia. Often on the various wls forums or social media groups, people will speak of random tightness, difficulty with swallowing yogurt, liquids, etc, regurgitation of meals despite cutting their food, chewing thouroghly and eating only 1/2 cup meals. What's your practice's re operation %? (Re operation following Lapband is upwards of 50%) any claims of lower % might mean your doctors patients are seeking help elsewhere when problems arise. How many of your Lapband patients have reached goal weight? (Average EW loss is in the 40-60% range...if you have 100 lb to lose, you can expect to lose 40-60 lb.) What do you consider compliance? -attendance at support meetings? -weighing, measuring, logging food intake? -adherence to a particular diet? -steady weight loss? -monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual band check ups? -what is the protocol for fills? (Many doctors consider failure to lose 1-2 lb per week noncompliance despite their patients claiming to adhere to a strict protocol.) I hear a lot about certain complications such as: achalasia, gastroparesis, adhesions of stomach to liver, erosion, band slips, band tightening without a recent fill. What's your experience with these issues. (More and more banded patients are experiencing these complications starting as early as 1 year post op and as long as 9-10 years out.) Will you band someone with autoimmune disorders? (This is a mixed bag...my personal experience is that having a foreign object in my body exacerbated my IBS) Do you screen for contraindications using EGD, esophageal manometry and upper GI? (These tests should be done to evaluate your ability to tolerate banding) If I have a hiatal hernia, what procedure do you use to repair it? What type of sutures do you use? (Nissen fundoplication and pledgeted sutures are never used in conjunction with bariatric surgery to repair existing hiatal hernia). As a final warning, recently there have been increasing reports of cardiac issues following banding...irregular heartbeat, arrhythmias, palpitations, etc. The heart and the esophagus lie sued by side in the chest. The vagus nerve(controls heart rate, breathing and GI tract) is also in the same area. Food retained in the esophagus puts pressure on the nerve and heart. This is not good. I'm posting this because although I lost over 100 lb while I had my band, I now have permanent esophageal damage, cardiac problems and I'm on additional medications to manage the complications caused by my band. I was compliant with diet and lifestyle changes. Part of the problem was that my hiatal hernia was repaired using a nissen fundoplication and pledgeted sutures. Also, upon removing my band it was found to be placed very high on the stomach. I didn't have esophageal manometry testing prior to my band placement. (My band doctor was recently named as one of Seattle's Best Bariatric Surgeons for 2013.) 3 years later I had 0% motility when tested. I never had swallowing problems before banding. I still have difficulty with many foods. Bands are a money maker for doctors who are still implanting them. They get paid to put them in, fill them, empty them and remove them, then revise their patients. Many reputable medical institutions will no longer implant a band and many who still do, consider it a short term device and remove within 2-3 years then revise to gastric sleeve before permanent damage is done. I thought the band was least invasive. I have 15 incisions on my belly I didn't have when I started this. 3 surgeries, dozens of diagnostic, invasive tests, $150,000 later and I don't have a WL tool. I have a cardiac condition I didn't have, esophageal dilation and achalasia + 3 new meds costing me $150/month out of pocket. Do your research and be open to hearing the "negative" along with the positive...it might save you from years of suffering.

OK, I was put on metformin a few months prior to surgery. No real diag, my doc just realized that another doc was going to look at me and decided that it would be good to make it look like he was doing something for me (I wish i was kidding about that). Needless to say, I am in the market for a new doc....Anyway, I went off a few weeks prior to surgery and I was still loosing. I hit a stall at 3 weeks post op. The scale would not move at all, not even an ounce. I got very frustrated and shared my food log and weight log with my NUT and she said it looked like I was doing everything right. she then ques me on the metformin. I told her i wasn't taking it. Based on my blood, including the one where they look at the 4 month history and I was pre-diabetic. So my NUT told me to go back on the Metformin. I went on it on Friday, and finally after a 2 weeks stall, I lost 2.5lbs. I am just a little concerned being on it post-surgery. Has anyone else had any dealings with this drug post-sugery?

I think all your issues are normal. Are you drinking Protein shakes and eating sugar free things? All of those things give me terrible gas. The Protein Shakes make me so gassy. I'm not against them, I would just rather get my protein from meat or "normal" as opposed to drinking the gassy shakes :-) You're 10 days post op? You're most likely still swollen from surgery which is why you can feel that discomfort in your chest. Honestly, you'll always feel things pass through your band if you take too big of a bite or gulp your drink. Diarrhea is sooo normal. Once you start eating solid foods it should get better. I had the same problem. Life will get so much better. I didn't feel normal for a good 2 weeks. My recovery was long. And I regretted the surgery a few times. Now, I'm not looking back! The weight is coming off and it makes everything worth it.

If weight loss were available in such a form, the entire world would be a normal BMI!

Will someone please take a glance at my stats for the day and make suggestions? Good or bad, I can take it. I'm losing weight very well-- 37 lbs down since June 5th and 52 lbs down over all. I just want to make sure I'm doing ok... Unfortunately, I can't make it to my surgeon appointment this week due to starting my new job on Monday (can't take off yet). I'm going to call her PA tomorrow to chat about my progress. I feel like in doing OK, I just think I can do BETTER... If anyone has some suggestions, I'm all ears! Sorry I couldn't include breakfast, my phone screen wasn't big enough for the full pic. My breakfast was a homemade egg/cheese wrap on an 80calorie fiber one wrap and lunch was 1/4 cup leftover turkey chili from last night.