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Two Weeks Post-Op Weight: 286.3 Weight Lost: -3.1 Total Weight Lost: -18.6 BMI: 44.2 All in all, I think I had a pretty good week. My pain has pretty much subsided. The only pain that I am experiencing is the spot where they actually pulled out my stomach. It is still tender and hurts if I bend, or cough, or sneeze. Sneezing is the worst! Thank goodness I don’t have allergies! But in general, the pain that is there is minimal. I have only been taking the pain medicine before I go to bed because the muscle is sore by the end of the day. I have to admit that my walking has decreased. However, it is because I am up and about doing other things, and wear myself out. But my goal this week is to get back out walking. Good things that happened at the completion of this week: Liquid diet is finished and no more self-injections! Saturday ended the injections. I do not like needles to begin with, let alone having to do them myself. It was a struggle for sure. I will get to the new diet further down. Sunday was a family party. It was the first time that I had to eat away from home and have a ton of food sitting in front of me that I could not have. I thought that it would be pure torture. But it really was not as bad as I thought it would be. I tried to stay away from the food table, and ate my yogurt while everyone else was eating the main meal. Was I a little sad that I couldn’t have what everyone else was having? Of course! What girl who is in love with food wouldn’t be. But my overall future happiness definitely over shadows any food sadness that will come. I also tell myself that the super restrictive diet is only temporary. Yesterday I was able to start my pureed diet that will continue for four weeks. I don’t think that I have ever been so happy to eat semi-solid food. I started with a half cup of cottage cheese. I ate it slowly while I was on the phone, and when I was finished with it I was still hungry. So I got another half a cup. Halfway through it I started feeling that super full feeling. Kind of like my stomach was overflowing into my esophagus. So I stopped eating. Later for dinner I plated myself 1.5 ounces of salmon and a quarter cup of smashed cauliflower. I was only able to eat half of that. Again, I had that still hungry feeling, but I decided to ignore it this time. Today I saw the doctor. Main question I wanted to ask was about the hunger feelings that I am having while I am eating. He said that this is normal. The part of the stomach that pumps out food is smaller and right now working more slowly than normal. It will eventually get back to a normal pace. I was also worried that I was not getting enough liquid, I am only averaging 45 ounces a day instead of the 64 ounces that I should be having. That is normal as well. The dietician said that it takes some time to work up to the 64 ounces. The doctor was pleased with how I am progressing. I forgot to ask about the amount of weight that I have lost. But I am assuming that if the weight loss was not on track he would have said something. I see him again in two more weeks for my one month follow up. So goals this week are to increase my average liquid intake and get back to the regular walks. Check back next week for more updates! Thanks again for reading!

11 Weeks Post OP Weight: 261 Total Weight Lost: -43.9 BMI: 42.3 Let’s just say that last week was a bad week. Personal issues topped off with work issues. Before the surgery I used to deal with stress by eating. I would get a pint of ice cream or stuff myself with whatever fast food restaurant was my obsession at the time. But now that I do not have that option anymore, how do I handle those bad days? Unfortunately I sacrificed my workouts. Instead of going to the gym and working out those frustrations of the week, I went home and hid from the world. By the end of the week I was disappointed in myself for not keeping my momentum going and got back on the exercise track. I feel more accomplished at the end of the day when I have done some sort of workout. Eating is still going good. I am still consuming less than 1000 calories a day. It continues to blow my mind. I don’t feel like I am depriving myself. I have started to notice things are getting easier every day. Walking up the stairs to my apartment. Simple movements that used to be difficult are now slightly easier. It feels good to know that these changes are happening and that it will only continue to get better! The best thing is seeing people that I haven’t seen in a long period of time. I had breakfast with my grandma last week and she was astonished with how I looked. She was amazed. I haven’t seen here since a week post op. I really looking forward to November when I see my parents whom I haven’t seen since last November and my brother whom I haven’t seen since one month post op. Other than that, not much more to report. All is well and moving forward. I am continuing to do my workouts and training. Three month post op follow up in a couple of weeks.

My hubby and I were huge foodies, and one of our favorite things to do was try new restaurants and new foods. Since my surgery, I have seen a change in his eating habits in that he is making better choices and eating less. I don't eat many carbs anymore, so he has stopped as well. I see him eating more salads than he ever did. I have never talked to him about this because this is my journey and he doesn't need to loose weight, but I have been surprised and happy by the changes that I see him making. So for us, my surgery has had a positive impact on his eating habits.

That must have felt amazing Conrats!! The majority of my friends and family are at least 1000 miles away from me and I cannot wait to see them again after I have lost my weight. I am not a huge picture person so it will be a big surprise to all of them! I can't wait to see their reactions!

I do not know how to start the weight tickier.

I had my surgery this Tuesday 10/29. . Still have not lost any weight. How long until you started losing.

Hi Jennifer, As far as I can tell, a Protein shake diet probably won't be harmfull for a few months . Here is a brief article from the Mayo Clinic: Some high-protein diets restrict carbohydrate intake so much that they can result in nutritional deficiencies or insufficient Fiber, which can cause such health problems as constipation and diverticulitis, and may increase your risk for certain types of cancer. High-protein diets often promote foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products. Some experts believe a diet rich in these foods can increase your risk of heart disease. A high-protein diet may cause or worsen liver or kidney problems because your body may already have trouble eliminating all the waste products of protein metabolism. If you want to follow a high-protein diet, do so only as a short-term weight-loss aid. Also, choose your protein wisely. Good choices include fish, skinless chicken, lean beef, pork and low-fat dairy products. Choose carbs that are high in fiber, such as whole grains and nutrient-dense vegetables and fruit. And if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes, if you're taking medication for a chronic health condition, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting a high-protein diet. So if you're going to do this be sure to add fiber and make sure to take your Multivitamin. If you're really losing 15 lbs a month, you're probably losing a lot of muscle, so either slow down or work really, really hard at the gym.

I started this journey at 290 pounds, and promised myself that when I reached my first major goal, I could buy some new clothes. Today I weighed in at 250! Mission accomplished! Guess who gets to go shopping this next weekend! New underwear first--the old bras and panties are way too big. Next goal is 225. I'll actually think about getting some new jeans and tops then. BTW, I went to the thrift store this weekend and bought some broomstick skirts. I didn't even check the sizes. If they are too small, I'll fit into them someday, and if they fit now or are too big, I'll put a drawstring through the elastic casing. I'll be able to wear them until I'm almost at my final goal weight! That will help with my clothing budget. I now have 8 of these skirts, probably spent no more than $50 on all eight. New they cost $35 apiece or more. Now, I'm not a skirt person, I never liked shaving my legs that often, but these are long skirts and are great for traveling. Just roll them up and stuff them in the suitcase. Just an idea I thought I'd pass on.

if you have GERD, go with bypass. If you don't, it comes down to personal preference. Statistically people lose more weight with bypass, but it's not by a significant amount. IIRC, the average weight loss is 70% of excess weight (RNY) vs. 65% of excess weight (VSG). I don't know that cutting out 80% of your stomach and throwing it in the garbage is any less invasive than putting a staple line across your stomach and moving your small intestine up, but that's just me. They both seem pretty drastic to me... anyway, you'll find people who are wildly successful with both surgeries - and others who have failed both surgeries - and others who are kind of in the middle. Success is really more a matter of your level of commitment rather than which surgery you go with. They're both good surgeries and if you're committed, you'll succeed with either one.

Before your pre-op, did you put yourself on food intake control or you ate everything and anything your heart desired? Seriously since my 1st visit back in october.... I've gained the 60lbs lost the previous months (may to oct). The more I wait for my surgery the more I get fustrated and my eating disorder kicks in big time. (Binge/bulemia). It took about 5 years to get the 1st consult and now this waiting period is getting the best of me..... Anyone from anywhere in this world can help me out?

I decided to tell my family and my best friends. Everyone has been very supportive. I thought I would get hell from my brother but he is excited for me. Once I have the surgery and people see me dropping weight I will probably tell them about the surgery. I'm handling this much in the same way I handled my homebirth. I told those who would need to know and then afterwords I spoke more freely about it. It keeps a lot of the "you are going to die!" and other stupid comments away but allows you to also speak to the benifits of the surgery so that someone else may see the path you are on and follow.

I am telling my co-workers and family. I think they will figure it out anyway once the weight starts falling off! LOL However, that's a good thing right??

i fell and broke my arm 1 month exactly after i had the lap band done. i had to have surgery pins and screws. it didn't seem to affect my lap band at all except emotionally. my doctor said the anesthesia used in both surgeries takes time to leave the body. i told him to call it what it was, depression because i couldn't exercise anymore so my weight loss would stop. i had a big pity party going on. but i don't believe breast reduction will give you the gas that lapband did. to do the lapband they filled your belly with air. but i agree with missy. wait until after you lose the weight.

3 yrs ago tonight my eating got way outta hand and worse. Yes I had always been overweight all my adult life but 3 yrs ago tonight my ex asked for a divorce out of nowhere, that sorry piece of SH*&. I know most of you are blown away at my language as I don't curse but if you knew what I know about him now, boy oh boy, have I found out things in the past 2 weeks, man was I blind! He was such a DOG! All I can say is I can take comfort in knowing I'm over him once and for all and have moved on and life is good and on with my weight loss and healthy eating and lifestyle. Now if I can get my sore toe to heal so I can exercise properly I'd be good. But with that said, I did blow up a stability ball today to do sit ups and I bought bands to do upper body workout, so that's a start. I thought about one of those mini stepper things with bands, do any of you have one? I happen to live with my mom so not a lot of space so I thought it was something I could tuck under the bed or in the closet when not in use. Thanks Donna

Congratulations on your continued success. You look wonderful. I have to agree with you, I also thought the first year was pretty easy. The second year, still easy, but a little more challenging. I also agree that maintenance is not too exciting. I am so impressed with your ability to maintain your weight during this time of extreme stress. I'm sorry for your loss, and the pain it causes. The fact that you are not relapsing into what I assume (from personal experience) is previous habits of self destructive eating says a lot about you and your commitment to yourself. Thanks for an inspirational post!

I've enjoyed all of your posts and comments. You are an inspiration and a true success story. You not only lost weight and got your mindset back you also overcame alcohol abuse. It by itself is a huge pat on the back! I'm so sorry about your friend. You look great and I hope to have a similar mind set down the road about life in general and not live in the now. Congrats to you. Heather

@@Kindle I totally agree with the others. your posts are always spot on and your post here was personal and heartfelt. for a newbie hearing you have survived weight-wise thru some personal tragedies helps me. thanks Kindle

When I flew to London, I stopped over in Paris, and in the airport, they had these little lunch places. The French people were sitting in there eating these tiny slices of pizza, like the size if you cut one of our regular slices of pizza into three, and that was their one piece. The yogurt containers were about three ounces, and the sodas were about 6 ounces. I never saw anything like it. I also read an article once that said the average caloric intake for a French person is 1,200 per day! When they're not on a diet! In the same article, it said these French people went into a Mcdonald's and ordered a happy meal and they were "stuffed". In another article I read, a British woman and her mother came here to the states and went out to dinner, and when the plates came out, they burst out laughing because they thought it was a joke because the portions were so enormous. They were horrified to find out that it was a "normal" restaurant portion. When a friend of mine (who is very slender and eats very sparingly as it is) went to Paris, he stayed with a friend, and the friend would give him a tiny slice of quiche for breakfast, and my friend was ready to pass out! His friend was disgusted with him for being hungry all the time. The French also do not snack in between meals, ever. In my old job a few years ago, there was an intern from France, and one day we ordered Chinese food. It came in one of those round metal containers (about 10 inches in diameter). She said to me "no offense, but I have to say, you Americans wonder why you're all so fat, and the reason is this" (she pointed to the container) "Back home", she said "this would be lunch for me and four other people. Here, it's lunch for one person." Also, I met a girl from Germany who had moved here to the states, and she said that since coming here, she had gained 18 pounds without changing her portion sizes or the type of foods she normally ate back home. She attributed this weight gain to the fact that all of our food is so heavily processed. She said in the UK, all foods are fresh and often organic, and that they purchase foods fresh every day instead of relying on canned, frozen, and boxed foods like we do here. So, my two cents is that yes, we eat waaaaay more than the rest of the world and our food is crap. My best friend is Indian, and she said their plates are much, much smaller, and their large pizza is the size of an individual pizza here. Also, she says all their food is fresh and unprocessed. I believe that if Americans ate like the rest of the world, a large percentage of obesity would go away.

Can I be the only person who has failed a two weight loss surgeries??? Had lap band and lost 100 pounds. Switched to the sleeve in Sept and lost 40 pounds. But, I have lost nothing in the last 3-4 months....in fact I have gained 15 pounds. I am almost back to my surgery date weight. WTF?? Can I be re-sleeved??? I can eat moderate amounts of food and obviously is doing that. But, I feel hungry most of the day. What is this pouch test/diet I am seeing a few mentions about? I feel like a complete failure and that I will never be an "acceptable" size.

Your story sounds identical to mine. Just get that band out! I hope your insurance covers sleeve surgery because life with the sleeve and the band are like night and day. I can eat anything I want and I have been maintaining my weight loss for over a year. This was the best thing I have ever done for myself.

I'm the same way - I'd say it is definitely hormones. I read that estrogen is stored in fat, so when you are losing weight, especially as rapidly as we are - the hormones get released - so yeah... hormones going crazy, lol. Mine are comparable to pregnancy hormones, crying at practically anything... sad, happy, sweet... doesn't matter, lol.

Hi viaasskick . Is it the surgeon who has the requirement or your insurance? I went to Brigham and Women's Hospital for my RNY. They offer the stupid classes () but you don't have to take them. Only if your insurance requires. Mine didn't. I was told to lose 50 lbs before surgery but didn't have enough time. I had everything required by my insurance company prepared and ready for my first visit. After my psych evaluation and dietary class I was approved. Surgery was a little over two months from my first visit. Check and see what your insurance mandates. Lastly, there's a great bunch of people on this forum. We support each other and don't want to see anyone fail. RNY isn't an easy fix. Lots of people go back to old habits and gain weight back. Or, get sick from not knowing what to do post surgery. We're here to help. We want you to succeed. Hugs, Pam

labandster-- Am I reading this right? You are down about 100 pounds and are embarrassed and feel like you failed? I got to say, I bet if you hadn't been banded not only would you be 100 pounds heavier but if you were like me, you would have gained another 10 to 20 pounds a year too! I am going to challenge you to look at the big picture. Your Dr works for you, you pay his salary. He is there to help you. He has your $19K and he owes you! Get your moneys worth! He has seen worse I promise! I am a firm believer that when you go through a life changing transformation sometimes you need to take a break and let your mind accept where you are now before you can continue your journey. Maybe now you are ready. If it were me I would start with 1 thing, and add 1 new thing a week until I had the process going. Its kind of like that running program couch to 5K. Instead of starting running a full race you start a little at a time and improve every week, that way you ease yourself into it and its not a big shock to your body and you quit. So my philosophy is like that. This week start journaling your food. Next week go and get a fill. The week after you will have 2 weeks worth of food journals and you can look for somewhere to cut. The next week start walking a few days a week. Then every week after that find 1 thing that you can improve. Everyone can fix one thing a week. In your mind say " OK Sunday night I am going to sit down and decide what the 1 thing is and then I am going to do that 1 thing for the next week." I hope this helps. Think positive thoughts and remember if you did it before you can do it again!

Hey there! I am new to this board, but not to the world of the Lap Band procedure. I began researching this WLS back in 2001. I went for the first visit with the surgeon, got freaked out that I could actually have surgery and lose weight, and then lost my health insurance so I could not follow through with the surgery. I am recently married, and am getting my Masters Degree in a week and a half. I am going to start teaching English in the fall. I realized that I want a better life for myself. I have severe asthma, and walking long distances has become a chore, to sometimes impossible on my bad days. I need this surgery to live a normal life. I just want to be able to breathe. I am eager to continue on this journey into Bandland

Interesting topic...I don't have all that much experience with perspectives outside of the US, or their medical stats, for that matter. I do know that public demand causes restaurants to serve larger portions, and we get used to seeing that as normal, and we get used to eating that much as normal, too. Maybe they pioneered the lapband because weight issues have more importance to them???? Just guessing, Cindy