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I actually only lost 20...29 was a typo. I've been getting on the treadmill 1-3 miles 5 days a week. I did start lifting some weights to firm up.

There is different degrees of pain for everyone. I had no gas pain so I was lucky there but I had bad pain for about a week in the incision he took the stomach out of. But in my case he had to go through a 30 year old scar and he said it took him an extra 15 minutes because it was tough. I stayed on the liquid pain medicine every 6 hours and it was bearable. My stomach. Looked like the himalaya mountains from all the Fluid they had put in me. I gained 10 lbs after the surgery but it left again within a week and my stomach was back to normal. That was surgery but now I am 3 months post op and down 52 lbs. I am also 66 years old. You young woman will do so much better. Just remember it is major surgery but it is well worth it. I could never have lost this much weight before. Best of luck to you all. Get r done, LOL.

I have gone to 2 of the 6 required nutritionist visits required for weightloss surgery. I see the surgeon next month to decide what type of surgery I want to have. I am 26 yrs old, 6'3", and 327 with sleep apnea, high cholesterol, pre diabetic, and minor reflux. Dieting hasn't worked too well bc I always gain it back. I've been on 4 major (and expensive) diets since I was 13. I am just so tired and beat down feeling... My wife is scared for me to have gastric bypass and I am too but I am starting to feel likes its my only option. Any encouraging words?

Hi! I have been home a few days now. I got banded on Tues 9/21 by Dr. Johnell in Greeley, CO. I was AMAZED at how much easier everything was than I had expected. I had never had any surgery before, and I think this went great. I'm a tad sore, but not in need of more pain meds. I stayed home all this week from work and will go back to work on Monday. SO, I'm pushing the liquids for now! Some people are in the pre-op decision stage, and all I can say is this: find out as much as you can, talk to people on sites like this and with others you may know who are banded, and go for it if you are feeling ready!!! I also tried to get in the best shape I could for 4 months while waiting for insurance, etc., and I was doing at least 30 mins of cardio, weights, and 200 abs a day to prepare...and I think my level of fitness paid off! Hospital staff was amazed at how well I did walking, etc. I was learly of having surgery, and now that I've done it, I can't believe I worried so much about it! I'd do it again in a heartbeat because now I am going to reap the rewards!!!! Good luck! Rose

Woohooo, welcome Rose!! And congratulations on such a good surgery experience! I totally agree that trying to get into better shape BEFORE the surgery is definitely a leg up when the time comes. Can't wait to see how your weight loss goes!

Hey Guys - I was also banded on 8-25-09. As of today, lost 7 pounds since 8-24-09 (yeah, water weight, but it's a start!). Had no problems. Still have all the energy that I had pre-op. Was on clear liquids for 3 days. Now I'm on full liquids. This means I can eat Grits (yes, I'm a southern girl at heart) with melted cheese, chili (homemade - pureed really well in the blender by adding in chicken broth), yogurts, ice cream (watching the calories & serving size), and drinking a Low Carb Slimfast Protein Drink for breakfast (20 grams of protein). I will stay on this full liquid diet until 2-3 weeks from surgery date. Then it's on to mushies:biggrin:

I was banded on 8/26 and the first couple of days I spent a lot of time in bed. Each day it has gotten better, the last couple of days exponentially. I was on Clear liquids for the first 4 days and then progressed to full liquids that included milk, Protein drinks, yogurt, oatmaeal with a lot of milk, and creamed Soups. I am anxious to move to the next phase. So anxious that I bought yams, rutabaga (I am one of the few that likes them!), turkey, and broccoli and cooked, pureed, and froze them so that I would be ready to move on to them probably by my post op visit next week. I know I will be very busy going back to work next week (home working this week) so I thought it best I prepare ahead. I might make a couple other things that will be ready to go also. Probably butternut squash (bake it with some olive oil...need some good fats), possibly lean ham steak or turkey ham ground (my friend did that for baby food and it turned out pretty good). We'll see.... So far all food and drink is going down well. Today I have been trying to make sure to "follow the rules" and not drink before eating or for 45 minutes after. By doing this I am able to notice the "full" feeling. I have been drinking a Protein shake (either a ready to drink or an unjury or muscle milk or ??) before each meal, to insure that I get the amount of protein that I need every day. I am not hungry until I am suppose to be, at a meal time, and I am satisfying it, and losing weight, so...So far so good!!! As of today I am down 22 lbs since starting pre-op diet on 8/15 and 8 lbs since the operation. I know this rate of loss won't continue but it is a nice start!!:smile2:

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I am having my surgery on 12/14, excited yes, but worried about one thing. I am hypothyroidism And I am wondering how this will effect my losing the weight. Anyone else with same story?

I just had the sleeve 10 day ago. I do not have a thyroid. I will be on pills for the rest of my life. But as far as weight loss goes I have lost 25 lbs since pre-op so I guess it doesn't matter. If you don't have an endocrinologist, may I suggest that you go to one. They know more then the primary care.

Can everyone who'd like to participate, tell me how much you lost: 1 month after surgery... 3 months... 6 months... A year and further? I know everyone's different so I'd like to get as many experiences as possible! Thanks! =)

O I am still in the pre op phase... Looking for a February surgery date... So it's been almost 6 weeks of the south beach diet and I'm down 15lbs and 6 inches!! Woo hoo! So happy for sure. So here's my problem...I am a clothes horse... I love clothes... My mother and grandmother have the same affliction. Lol. So now that I am losing weight and inches my clothes are hanging on me... Don't get me wrong... I'm now where near being thinner... Started at 301 size 24... Now at 287 and getting into 20's or 2x and even some 1 x stuff. I keep thinking of people to give my old clothes to then I get sad. I know some of you have good funerals but I think honestly mine is going to be giving my clothes away. I know it sounds silly they r just clothes but for me they have been my armor. My protector. I am a realtor so I am always dressed up and honestly I always felt better dressed up. And now that I am losing my clothes don't look as nice with the plumber me in them. They are hanging nicely now. Anyone else feel this was? I know... Cry me a river right? ???????????? Thanks!! Co

Mine is just awful. I have lost 170 pounds now, have about 15 to my goal. My arms, thighs and stomach are the worse. My doc and surgeon have both said that I will be a good candidate for the stomach surgery and have a very good chance of having insurance pay for it. I work out with weights at least once a week. I can actually see the muscle definition under the baggy skin. I am hoping that it will get a bit better with time.

I had to get a referral from my doctor and since I hadn't had a physical in over ten years, I'd never met her before. I put together a book with photos showing my weight change over the years, all of the different diets I've tried, all of the many many many diet books and workout videos I own, all of the pills I've tried, all of the diet food in my pantry and freezer, and the mountain of weight watchers materials I have from the four different times I joined - including the time I made lifetime. I also had an essay about how my weight has affected my life, what I expected to get out of the surgery, what research I'd done, etc. (The essay was required by a different program that I wound up not going with.) Basically, it showed that I've been there, done that, and that I'd really put a lot of thought into this. Maybe it was overkill, but in the face of all the evidence, I knew there was no way she was going to try to put me on a diet. She was very impressed by everything, but I think she would've referred me without it.

Mallorie, I have to say that it wasn't stressful for me at all. I've had the same PCP since I was 18 and I am now 36. I would complain to him about my weight issues for years, he gave me meridia at one time, it didn't work. About the letter, it was odd to me. I asked the Dr. for a referral to a nutritionist and at that time I asked his thoughts on WLS. He said that the Lapband would be a great choice for me, but he'd support the bypass if I chose too. ANYWAY back to my point. I went to the weightloss Dr. that he referred me too and that was pretty much it for me. I never heard about a letter of referal or anything else. This hospital did it all for me. SO as you asked.. was it that much of a big deal?In my case, it wasn't. My nutritionist, surgeon, Psych. eval and exam were all located in the same area of the hospital. They all worked together and got me approved, in a short period of time. Obviously, I had to have the insurance requirements met. I also wrote a letter explaining why I'd be a good candidate for surgery. My struggles of weight loss and gain, diets, pills, books, exercising history and all I could think of. What I did was made a timeline from my adolescent yrs. until now. It consisted of what I weighed, how active I was, any weight gain or loss within the time frame and so on. I gave every person involved in my WLS a copy. When I turned the timeline in to my nutritionist, she stated that this is awesome to send along with the papers to the ins. comp.. That way, they can read what your thoughts and struggles were/are. Sometimes when they can read what you have been through and hear a voice through your letter, they soften up.. more likely if their decision is on the fence. (so I was told). Anyhow, don't sweat the PCP. That, to me, was the easiest step of the whole process. Best of luck

Hi Guys, I have my first appointment with Dr. Jack Rutledge in Chattanooga, TN on Thursday. I'm trying to get everything in order and everything together before I go see him so the process will be smooth and fast. Tomorrow is Monday, and I need to call my primary care physician for a "medical necessity referral." Joy. I'm new to Tennessee, only been here a year, so I have only seen this doctor once. He seems very conservative -- in fact, when he told me he wanted to see me lose some weight, he mentioned that his wife worked at the local Weight Watchers. I just don't know if he will do it, and plus I don't have a "five year history" report from any doctor about being overweight. Did anyone else stress out about this as much as I am? Did the referral letter not end up being that big of a deal?? Please say so! Mallorie

Hi everyone, It's been 5 days since I've had my surgery (7/11) and I've been reading these posts religiously each day. I've noticed lately a lot of questions regarding post-op eating plans and I thought I would share what I've been instructed as part of my post-op recovery. Day of surgery and the following day--Clear liquid diet...My diet for these two days consisted of clear broth, Jello, gatorade and Water. I had no appetite and took my time drinking fluids. Full liquid diet for 1 week...my diet this week consists of milk, Protein shakes, thinned or liquid yogurt, jello, pudding, strained Soups, broth. I'm required to eat 50 grams of protein each day, low fat and sugar free/low carbs. One product I fould I like is called Isopure. It's high in protein, low/no carbs and about 150-190 calories depending on flavor. You can buy it at GNC. For my Protein Shakes I drink something called Muscle Milk. I'm also trying to eat only 3 times a day and not include extra liquids like water during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 hrs. after i eat. So far my appetite is non existant but I'm sure that'll change as the days progress. Next is pureed foods for 1 week...I'm actually looking forward to this. Everything I'm suppose to eat is to be blended. Some examples include beef stew, mash potatoes and gravy, blenderized soups, maltomeal or cream of wheat, strained or pureed veggies and fruits. I can supplement my protein intake by adding in protein powders or shakes. Again 50 grams min. protein per day, low carbs and low sugar, 3 meals a day and NO drinking during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 after you eat. After blended foods come mushy/soft foods for 2 weeks. Examples of foods to eat...soups, ground meat (not steak), flaked fish like tuna, eggs scrambled with milk, cottage cheese, yogourt, well cooked veggies. Again 3 meals a day, 50 grams min. protein per day, low carbs and low fat if possible and no drinking during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 hours afterwards. The last two weeks is a regular diet. Again 50 grams min protein/day, 3 meals, low fat and sugar if possible and NO drinking during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 hours afterwards. The main goal the first 6 weeks after surgery is to give your stomach time to heal. If you start eating too much you risk the chance of stretching your new pouch. These 6 weeks should also help reinforce eating habits you'll have to follow to make this process successful. To help with hunger and cravings make sure you eat protein first. Doing so will help minamize hunger and cravings between meals. Also make sure you "layer" your foods when you eat. Protein first followed by starches, carbs, etc. And no drinking during or up to an hour to an 1 1/2 afterwards. Doing so will just wash the food out of the pouch, thru the opening and into the stomach causing you to get hungry sooner. Please keep in mind that nothing is full proof and that you can cheat but if you stick with the plan you should lose weight. Also keep in mind what I've written is what my dr. has told me to do. If others have been told differently than they should follow what they have been told by their drs. Finally I want to say that patience and determination will be rewarded. Each one of us has had many years to program ourselves in the way we eat. Now we have to learn to re-program ourselves. The weight didn't come on overnight nor will it come off overnight. Keep with it because it's our chance for a new beginning. Den

My *** plan covers 100% for BMI 40+. For BMI under 40, a person needs to have 2 well documented comorbidities. All surgery patients have to go through Psych evaluation, 3 months (4 appointments) of supervised medical weight loss, an upper endoscopy, visit with dietician, 2-3 weeks of liquid diet (dependent on BMI) and anything else that may come up (I had to see a vascular specialist because I have blood clotting disorders). I have done everything through my surgeon’s office - so easy and they are really nice. I am 2.5 months in on the supervised medical weight loss and having my endoscopy and dietician visit next month. Should be good for surgery in Sept or Oct, depending on COVID and the schedule of my surgeon (they had over 3,000 surgeries to reschedule after the first outbreak of COVID). I will submit to be approved once I complete everything. Hope this helps!

July 2015 first consultation weight 284 November 2015 surgery weight 277 Today's weight 201.5 (6.5 months post surgery)

The other thing they both told me was that when you are trying to lose weight it is really important to change things up. Your body needs variety to not the same thing all the time.

hi guys i have not made a post in quite a while i've been reading about everyone and you all are doing great. i'm still no closer to my sleeve but that's another story all together but i digress. i just had a general question for everyone, how much weight did you lose on your pre-op two week liquid diet. i'm just curious any feed back would be greatly appreciated. every one keep up the good work and i am so happy for everyone progress.

Welcome Twilight! I felt exactly as you have described before surgery - I think a lot of the people on this board have. But I knew I needed the band to use as a tool to not gain the weight back. I've been successful losing the weight in the past - but never successful at keeping it off. This was a big decision for me, but as my health continued to worsen, and my weight was still rising - I KNEW I had to do something different. I was banded on Nov 1st and have worked my way through 2 weeks of liquids and am now enjoying mushies. Reading through the threads on this board (old and new) helps me immensely - during research, pre-op and now post-op. There are some bandsters here that I "clicked" with (even though they don't know it! ) and I look for their postings and get lots of help and encouragement from them. What you are feeling is natural for anyone going to have surgery - but try to think about working with the band and being successful, and improving your health and quality of life. Best of luck to you!!

@@BestDayEver Congrats on hitting maintenance! I completely agree about weighing frequently. I have weighed myself, written down the weight and taken a picture of the scale every single morning since surgery. This helps because it keeps me accountable, but I can also go back through my phone when I'm feeling fat and see pictures of myself looking great and that morning I weighed exactly what I weigh now. My little bit of crazy about recording my weight helps keep me saner in the long run.

Hi all new to site. Read a lot of info thanks to everyone sharing. Not sure if it's made me more anxious or calmer lol. Wondering if anyone wants to share their experience together i'm scheduled for next week dec 8th. Excited anxious nervous scared!! Just want it over with before I change my mind. Scared of the hair loss oh I probably could go on. Looking forward to doing things I haven't been able to do in a long time due to my weight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was told by my case manager that for people that go the self pay route that any complication from the lap band surgery will not be covered. Is that true. I h ave BCBS of Tennessee. I am being held up now because I did not have a 10% weight loss in the last 5 years. So they say I need to loose that 10%, before I qualify. However, that would put me out of the BMI range, even though I have several comorbidities. The did say that it would not be held against me. I could do it in the pre-op diet. Any thoughts?