Search the Community

I get banded on Wednesday! I'm so excited to get this tool to help me out with losing weight. My pre program weight was 275. My current weight is 253. I can't wait to start losing more weight Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

hi reiterdr i have 3 more months on a 6 months dietian classes. i,m already way ahead, trying to practice, so i drink chicken broth, sugarfree jello an pudding, crystal light, chewing slowly, haven,t loss that much weight yet but i am trying.it,s hard i,m also drinking eas drinks, exercising 15 minutes on the bike, that,s what the nutrionist recomended, so hopely we will make it think i am gonna be band oct,nov don,t know yet but it,s around that time.

Can I ask if u don't mind what is your begin weight and did u have a tummy tuck? Your stomach looks so great you have no loose skin. Great job you look great. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

If you haven't lost any weight in 1 1/2 months then its time for a fill. Don't forget to exercise or add activity every day. How many cc's is your band?

Well my scale is about 4 yrs old and it is a weight watchers digital scale. I have been weighing myself through out my two pre op diets and it been saying i lost 19lbs:smile:. Well the battery started fading out so i went to walmart to get a new battery and they didnt have one. So i went and bought a new digital scale...that says its so great b/c doctors use it. WELL i get home and i get on my new scale and it says i weigh 345.5 (that means i have on lost 5lbs):thumbup:!!!! ERRR i was so mad. The old scale has been lieing to me, and it hurts my feelings b/c i thought i was doing such a good job:crying:. Well thats my disappointment for today...im sure there will be a new one tomorrow! Mandi Jo

Thanks everybody! You are so kind!! I just like to share the good news because I am so excited to have gotten my band. It's one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Working on becoming healthy has brought out more than just health. I also have become much more outgoing. In fact I have been doing lots of training at work. I work for Cal-Fire and this summer I will be called out to some major fires to help with payment processing for the firefighters. It will be pretty damanding, and I know it's not something I would have been able to pull off had I still been at my largest. I have in total since my heaviest weight lost 80 lbs. That is a lot of weight to carry around, especially now that I see I have about 99 more to lose. I often wonder how I was able to do that and why it took me so long to come out of that fog of denial. I think the fact I was diagnosed with hypertension really woke me up because we've had a family tragedy with it. I've seen that it is very dangerous and it CAN kill you... Anyway, stay strong VV's. We are all in this together. Take care!

I have this issue, but I haven't figured out how to love myself with it... I'm actually not at my goal weight yet, but feel like my excess skin on my tighs, hips, and tummy could be part of that... Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I have RA, I am MUCH older than you and got it only about 5 years ago...at which time I got more lethargic because of the pain in my legs and gained more weight...to the point I couldn't move...had to use a walker or cane.... I was to the point that I thought I'd have to go to a wheelchair 24/7!!! Now that I have lost over 120 pounds, I feel "normal" again!!! I can walk without assistance (except if I do a LOT of walking, I use a cane) This has helped relieve a lot of my pain because the weight was making things worse.

I have my pre op appointment in a couple days. They are shooting for April 30 or May 1 for surgery. I am very aware that this is going to be a lot of work. I am hearing all these stories of weight gain after bypass surgery that I am so afraid I will be one of the statistics that do gain it back. As many of you all know the feeling of diets not working, I can't help but keep asking myself what will make this any different? I know me getting the sleeve is different then bypass, but I am still very scared. Any advice would be so appreciated.

So this was humiliating, I know I am overweight but I have always been looking out for my mom who had always been overweight and older of course. Back track one year and she had her gastric sleeve surgery, I went with her to Mexicali and she had her sleeve done by Dr. Aceves. I went with her but at the time was not convinced this was something I needed to do. Ha! As she lost weight, got more active and looked and felt much better I started debating more and more about it. Even my husband was on board before I was, a little stubborn I am , I know. A month and a half ago I had surgery with Dr. Wilhelmy in Mexicali too. I had already been there once and knew this was the place I was to have my surgery done too. I am only a month and half out of surgery and have already lost 34.5 lbs. I still have a lot to go but feel great and really feel I will get to my goal of losing 140 lbs. So this weekend I am with my mom and we had to either climb 3 floors up or take the elevator. Feeling energized and motivated by my weightloss I am all for the stairs. Well, I guess I need to try them again in a month or two. Let me just say that I do walk 2-3 times a week and it is not the same to walk around the track and to climb stairs. By the 2nd flight I am out of breath and feeling dizzy, my mom??? doing great, ready to continue. I could not take the elevator at this point, a pride thing, so I sucked it up and kept climbing LOL I can't believe what my pride made me do! I was lucky I did not faint, I felt that bad. Felt really prod of her, she has lost over 100 lbs and deserves all she has accomplished but still felt pretty bad. if I look at the bright side I did make it which I am sure 34 lbs ago would not have been possible. Still have a long way to go and catching up to my mom will help me keep on track!

FYI.. found this on the following site, and thought it was a great comparison. Gastric Band Institute - Chattanooga, Tennessee - The LAPBAND® ProcedureGastric Band Approved by the FDA September 28, 2007 The Realize™ Adjustable Gastric Band has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe and morbid obesity. Ethicon news release Dr. Ponce has used this band during the U.S. FDA trial study since 2003. He was one of twelve Investigator surgeons that participated in the study. Also, for a couple of years in Mexico between 1997-1999, he placed more than 400 of them, making him one of the most experienced in the country with this band. Dr. Ponce’s thoughts are that both bands (LAP-BAND® and REALIZE™ ) will be similar in effectiveness. The minor details between the two are outlined below. If you prefer one band over the other, please tell me before the day of your surgery. I personally don’t think one band is significantly better than the other one. <TABLE borderColor=#000000 width=550 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top width=167>BAND NAME </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top width=194>Allergan Medical LAP-BAND® System </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top width=167>Ethicon Endo-Surgery Realize™ Adjustable Gastric Band </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Worldwide usage (Laparoscopic surgery) </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Since 1993 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Since 1996 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>U.S. approved usage </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Approved by FDA in 2001 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Approved by FDA in 2007 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Dr. Ponce's usage </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Began using 1998 in Mexico/ U.S. FDA trial use since 2000 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Began using 1997 in Mexico/ U.S. FDA trial use since 2003 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Made of </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Silicone </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Silicone </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Sizes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Two: AP Standard and AP Large </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>One universal size </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Adjustable </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Circumferential balloons </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Band Balloon </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low pressure </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low pressure </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Weight Loss at 2-3 years </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>50% </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>50% </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Slippage </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low rate <3-5% </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Low rate <2-3% </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Erosion </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>< 1% </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>< 1% </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Adjustment by port </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Yes </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Band balloon capacity </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>10cc AP Standard / 14cc AP Large </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>9 cc </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Adjustment port </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Anchored by sutures </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Anchored by special clasps </TD></TR><TR><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>Approximate adjustments first 2 years </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>8 </TD><TD class=style21 vAlign=top>8 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

That is so wonderful to hear! Thank you for the encouraging words. You are absolutely right. Also I would have to ask myself is it fair to myself not to give it a try? It is not that I have no faith in myself, it is just that I know how diets go. They don't work and if this like another diet, I don't want to go down this road once again and set myself up to fail. I can not believe how many emotions I have been feeling with this surgery coming up. I had no idea it would be like this. Excellent on the weight loss! Please keep us updated and I will do the same....

Thank you for the replies and kind words! I guess it's last minute nerves and I was frustrated that my weight wasn't stopping but this morning I'm down .9kg! That's almost two pounds! woohoo! I saw my therapist yesterday and she helped calm my nerves and put things in perspective. mechele8 -OMG! I don't know if I'd want to do this alone. You sound like a strong person. Do you have a therapist? I got one on my own and I must say it's one of the best things I've done to help me through this. I don't feel looked down on or analyzed. She's more like an older, wiser aunt and I feel lucky to have found her. I can discuss anything with her. Let's keep in touch. Good luck with your surgery. xo

I would suggest reading everything you can, so you can make an informed decision. Obesityhelp.com describes all the different procedure, including Lapband, and there is a book called The Lapband Solution, and another called The Lapband Companion. Both books are available on Amazon.com and are full of information. You don't give up real food forever. Check your insurance first and see if it is covered. Some insurances (mine is Blue Choice) require one 6 month or two 3 month documented dietary weight loss attempts before they will approve you. Mine did and I spent the 6 months going to support groups (you meet people at all stages of pre and post op--good place to learn) buying sampler packs of chewable Vitamins and Calcium (both are required after surgery, as well as B12), and reading online. I have been coming here since November. My insurance criteria for surgery is BMI 40 or more (you can calculate this on obesityhelp.com) and 100 pounds overweight, or BMI 35-39 with one or more co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint arthritis, sleep apnea, reflux). My BMI was 37-38 and I have everything on the list except diabetes. Most Bariatric groups require an informational seminar after which you have no obligation, but if you choose to have surgery the seminar is required as a first step. If you choose to continue, you will have a consultation with the surgeon, a psych evaluation, and once surgery is approved, a dietary consult on pre and post op food restrictions. I used the dietician for my 6 month diet as well. Different doctors do different things with pre-op diets. Some want a few days, some a few weeks, some a specific diet product, they are all different. My surgeon, if he thinks you may have a fatty liver, will put you on a full liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery to shrink the liver, and somewhat to jump start your weight loss. I was on it for 3 weeks (I caught a cold and my surgery was postponed a week--not enough time to go off and back on, so I stayed an extra week--lost 25 more pounds after losing 10 on my 6 month diet). After surgery most people do liquids for 2 weeks, then "mushies" or pureed foods for 2 weeks, then solid food. My liquid diet included Protein drinks, milk, juice(diluted 50% with water), fat/sugar free Jello, fa/sugar free popsicles, broths, cream Soups, tea, coffee. The pureed stage I had applesauce, refried Beans, instant mashed potatoes, creamy egg or tuna salad, anything the consistency of apple sauce. Solid foods are a bit trial and error. Some foods will agree with you, others may not. For me bread gets too chewy and sits like a lump, but I can eat croutons on a salad. pizza (I love pizza) dough doesn't agree so much, so I invented a crustless pizza (sauce, turkey pepperoni, peppers, onions, fat free Kraft mozarella in a microwavable disk; heat for a couple minutes and you have the toppings without the dough). I did the same with meatballs (turkey meatballs, spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese,heat in microwave--either meatball sub without the roll or spaghetti without the noodles). They told us not to have rice and Pasta for a while, but I don't think it is forever. I checked with the dietician and then went to a church spaghetti dinner. I cut up my spaghetti and meatballs like you would for a kid, ate the salad, passed on the roll and dessert. And for drinking, you wait about a half hour to eat after drinking, do not drink with meals, and wait 45 minutes to an hour after a meal to drink. So yes, the way you eat will change, and some of the things you eat will change. The amount of whatever you eat will definitely change, but it is worth it. I have lost an additional 35 lbs since surgery and gone down two clothing sizes for work (I wear scrubs--down from 2x to large). I am hoping also to reduce or eliminate some of the meds I am on. Sorry to run on but there is a lot to know. Check your insurance, talk to your PCP, go to the seminar and support groups, and then decide if this is the way you want to go.

Hi thanks for your reply, not sur how to work these forum thingy's new to it all so bare with me if I am not doing something correct. I think the banding sounds such a good alternative for me as I tend to eat large portions and from what you say it will suit me to the ground. Have only told three close friends and my son that I have been referred. My son is not too keen on me having it done. Two of my friends are supporting me and telling me to be positive but the third seems not so happy she keeps telling me not to get my hopes up as the NHS my refuse, I find this hard as I am trying to think positive thoughts. My GP's secretary had a good chat with me and she said she can "add" things into my referral letter if he has missed things out and I feel she knows the real reasons I want to do this. I have to say the thought of surgery is daunting I think something may go wrong and I get blood clot or something but the desire to be healthier is out weighing the fears just now, if I keep on increasing in weight my health will suffer so its a catch 22 situation. I know what I want and I wont stop till the NHS carry me off to the asylum. I am like a dog with a bone lol..

I just had my second fill and it might be my last fill. My doctor wants no more than a 2 pound loss per week. This way he knows I'm eating properly. Since this is my diet for life, he wants me to establish all the right eating decisions and still lose weight.

Feeling nervous, about first fill in London Uk tomorrow, although I did have a 4ml fill on surgery day, I did loose a bit of weight, during swelling and liquids, then it stopped, I do not feel any restriction, i can eat a fair amount, I was told not to count calories yet? I don't weigh anything either, do you think I am going wrong in that department, I am now 6wks into my journey. Hope to loose more in the next 6wks.

I've read it takes the body and metabolism 18 months to adjust to the surgery. That's when u want to get down to your goal weight. Then it's all about maintenance. I'm 4 mos post op and I know the feeling of wanting to hit the goal before the body adjusts. So I'm looking at it like I have 14 mos to lose another 50 lbs. Establish good habits and get my gym routine down Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Background: I'm having a DS 7 years post VSG. The VSG worked really well for a few years, but I slowing gained most of my weight back. I'm seeing the same surgeon for "part ll" which is the DS. She's very supportive. I had my second meeting with my surgeon and nutritionist today. The nutritionist essentially forbade everything but animal protein, non-starchy vegetables, 2 fruits per day max. Why this extreme diet prior to surgery? If we could lose weight on our own, read: eating the way mentioned above, we wouldn't need surgery!

Today was a great day. Surgery + 7 days. Yeah! It was my first day out of the house since coming home after my sleeve surgery and the sun felt really good on my face. I went to my surgeon's office to get my drain removed and was very happy to see that my weight is back to the level it was right before my operation. One year ago I was weighing +320 lbs. I clocked in today at 248. I was 247 on the day of surgery. I guess everyone gains a pound or two after the proceedure is done since they pump you full of fluids with the Meds that you get on the hospital. I will see my surgeon next week for my first visit with him since the proceedure. It is time to really get engaged with the exercise. My doctor is a strict about diet and exercise. I am now able to add egg drop Soup to my Clear liquids w/protein diet and walking 15- 30 minutes 5 times a week. I am committed to following the plan, but clear liquids and protien is really getting b-o-r-i-n-g. I know it will be worth it and I really enjoy the conversation with everyone would is also on this journey. Have a great evening everyone!

HI everyone I am new to ths site but not new to the band. I was banded back in 2001 but struggled and did not realy lose weight due to constant vomiting etc. I was following the band rules but still had major problems until i was diagnosed with ms that had affected my ability to swallow. gradually with the help of specialist nutritionists/speech pathologists we have worked out how to adapt the usual band rules and finally I am moving in the right direction. I feel like a born again bandster- if that makes sense. now since november I have lost 54.5 pounds!! I don't have anyfluid in the band at the moment but i'm hoping that I will be allowed to try a small fill again soon- i see my surgeon in a weeks time!!

Hi again- I forgot to say on my other thread that a big reason I bought the Bodybugg was that I saw how the Biggest Loser TV show uses it. The contestants wear a Body Bugg and work out until the Bugg shows a certain number of calories burned per day. I saw Bob tell one man that he had a long way to go to get to 3800 cals burned. If you figure that a man uses 2500 cals per day and exercises to 3800- he will be 1300 cals down every day. THAT's how they get those big weight losses every week. Excercising enough to burn 3800 cals is about 6 to 8 hours of exercising for me and that's what they do on that show. I think it is unfair that they do not tell you what the contestants go through to lose 5 to 15 pounds a week. Makes the rest of us dieters look like we just don't work hard. The Bodybugg does tell you how many cals you are using and it has been extremely helpful to me- see my other thread on this board. Sadie

As we all know and have said to each other over and over again. There are no miracles here. Hard work, dedication and desire with the band is what the magic is. I personally don't watch stuff like that because I want to stay focused on my own weight loss and I tend to compare myself to others if it is on TV. It is just better for me not to get caught up in it. I have been spending a lot more time outdoors and doing the things I love and it is really helping me.

Congratulations! Im now within the weight regulations to be able to go ziplining! I haven't yet since its still cold here but as soon as the adventure parks open I'm going! [emoji4]