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Dear Lap-Band, I did not expect to be saying this, but the time has come to part ways. At the end of 15 years of partnership, I am thrilled with what you have given me, but our time together is nearly over. You are going to leave me, and I am going to get RNY Gastric bypass surgery. Love at First Sight I was enthusiastic about the promise of the lap-band from the moment I first heard about you. Could you be the tool that could end my struggles with weight? Could it be possible that there could be an end to my unhealthy relationship with food? Could I say goodbye to the liquid diets, the low-carb diets, the fat-free diets, and all the other fad diets I had tried? You had worked for my friend; could you work magic for me, too? I dared to hope. I got surgery in July of 2003. Honeymoon and Beyond Surgery went as expected, and you lived up to your promise. I lost weight – nearly 100 lbs. – and hit a healthy BMI. I felt better than I ever had. Sure, you made me work hard for every pound, but each victory was so sweet that there was no question that I would not follow your guidance. In so many ways, the honeymoon period did not seem to end. Life has gotten better and better as I have gained confidence that I can maintain goal weight and prevent regain. Not once did I look back with regret. A Helping Hand for a New Lease on Life With the lap-band, I was able to gain control of myself and my life. I enjoy life’s events for themselves, and not for the food that comes with or after them. I am able to keep up with my children, who are my greatest joys. I have energy and confidence. You have made my relationship with food better, and that is liberating. I eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full. I give in to my cravings and become satisfied with only a reasonable amount of the food I craved. There have been bumps along the way, but you have been my dependable gauge and silent cheerleader throughout. My Life and My Livelihood Along with my health, you also gave me my career. Out of necessity, I started LapBandTalk.com as soon as I came home from the hospital after surgery because I needed the help of other patients. Not in my wildest dreams did I think that impromptu discussion forum would become my career. To LapBandTalk, I added other boards for the other weight loss surgery types, and they eventually became BariatricPal to recognize that we are all in this together. I am now honored and grateful to be able to call my life’s work my true passion – helping people through weight loss surgery. Nearly 15 years after I started a discussion board to help myself, BariatricPal now includes the forums, the store with protein products and bariatric vitamins, and even a full-service program for weight loss surgery in Mexico – at BariatricPal’s own hospital. I have gotten to meet and work with all kinds of wonderful patients, surgeons, and others in the weight loss surgery community. Time to Part Ways It is on a bittersweet note that I bid you, my lap-band, farewell. I have no real choice; multiple medical professionals agree that the safest decision is for us to part ways. I have been struggling with acid reflux (GERD) for a few years, and symptoms are getting worse, especially after my Lap-Band slipped. I also have been diagnosed with pre-Barrett’s esophagus and severe erosive gastritis, most likely caused by my lap-band. I will get my lap-band removed and opt for gastric bypass to help me maintain my goal weight. The lap-band may not last forever, as it was meant to. I know the I will succeed with the Gastric Bypass because I already have the skills I need to eat right. Of course, I am a little worried. How could I not be, after having been so successful with you as my partner for 15 years? But as is necessary with anything in life, I will do my best. I will take what I have gained from you, my lap-band, and carry it forward. Thank you, and farewell.

Love at First Sight I was enthusiastic about the promise of the lap-band from the moment I first heard about you. Could you be the tool that could end my struggles with weight? Could it be possible that there could be an end to my unhealthy relationship with food? Could I say goodbye to the liquid diets, the low-carb diets, the fat-free diets, and all the other fad diets I had tried? You had worked for my friend; could you work magic for me, too? I dared to hope. I got surgery in July of 2003. Honeymoon and Beyond Surgery went as expected, and you lived up to your promise. I lost weight – nearly 100 lbs. – and hit a healthy BMI. I felt better than I ever had. Sure, you made me work hard for every pound, but each victory was so sweet that there was no question that I would not follow your guidance. In so many ways, the honeymoon period did not seem to end. Life has gotten better and better as I have gained confidence that I can maintain goal weight and prevent regain. Not once did I look back with regret. A Helping Hand for a New Lease on Life With the lap-band, I was able to gain control of myself and my life. I enjoy life’s events for themselves, and not for the food that comes with or after them. I am able to keep up with my children, who are my greatest joys. I have energy and confidence. You have made my relationship with food better, and that is liberating. I eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full. I give in to my cravings and become satisfied with only a reasonable amount of the food I craved. There have been bumps along the way, but you have been my dependable gauge and silent cheerleader throughout. My Life and My Livelihood Along with my health, you also gave me my career. Out of necessity, I started LapBandTalk.com as soon as I came home from the hospital after surgery because I needed the help of other patients. Not in my wildest dreams did I think that impromptu discussion forum would become my career. To LapBandTalk, I added other boards for the other weight loss surgery types, and they eventually became BariatricPal to recognize that we are all in this together. I am now honored and grateful to be able to call my life’s work my true passion – helping people through weight loss surgery. Nearly 15 years after I started a discussion board to help myself, BariatricPal now includes the forums, the store with protein products and bariatric vitamins, and even a full-service program for weight loss surgery in Mexico – at BariatricPal’s own hospital. I have gotten to meet and work with all kinds of wonderful patients, surgeons, and others in the weight loss surgery community. Time to Part Ways It is on a bittersweet note that I bid you, my lap-band, farewell. I have no real choice; multiple medical professionals agree that the safest decision is for us to part ways. I have been struggling with acid reflux (GERD) for a few years, and symptoms are getting worse, especially after my Lap-Band slipped. I also have been diagnosed with pre-Barrett’s esophagus and severe erosive gastritis, most likely caused by my lap-band. I will get my lap-band removed and opt for gastric bypass to help me maintain my goal weight. The lap-band may not last forever, as it was meant to. I know the I will succeed with the Gastric Bypass because I already have the skills I need to eat right. Of course, I am a little worried. How could I not be, after having been so successful with you as my partner for 15 years? But as is necessary with anything in life, I will do my best. I will take what I have gained from you, my lap-band, and carry it forward. Thank you, and farewell.

I traveled about 11 hours for surgery, to save $10,000. Had my first post op in person, but our 3, 6, 9 and 12 month classes are group classes that I do online via Facebook live. I get my blood work drawn at my pcp's office, and send the results to the bariatric office for feedback. My PCP is happy to help and pretty much follows the advice given by my bariatric practice. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

http://www.laparoscopic.md/questions/coffee-safe-drink-after-bariatric-surgery

Thanks KCgirl, I think you could become a good Bariatric friend on this journey. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm wanting to poke out my minds eye..I got to see the actual sexting photo. My bariatric protein shake brings all the boys to the yard, And I'm like, Its better than yours, Damn right its better than yours, you can drink it But I have to charge I know you want it, The protien shake that makes me, What the guys go crazy for. They lose their minds, The way I whine I think its time La la-la la la, Warm it up. Lala-lalala, The boys are waiting

The insurance companies, by law, have to follow their established clinical policies. Everything from the Dr and nutritionists has to tick and tie to go smoothly. Experienced bariatric offices know the rules and typically follow what's needed for each insurer so that it goes smoothly. Hope things work out for you. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 225.2 GW = 220 (6'5")

Fluffy she has agreed to be my Bariatric godmother. Please activate the Mountain Dew Monkey. Danke . Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I am about 6 weeks out. My surgery went well, however my recovery is impeded by CFS/Fibromyalgia. My sleeve is healing and I am introducing new foods each week. It is very difficult right now as I cannot function properly and exercise (other than walking) is out of the question due to severe arthritis. These issues are the veryreasons I had the procedure in the first place coupled with hypertension and pre-diabetic condition. I felt that these conditions would improve if I got the weight off. My weight is slowly but steadily coming down. However, I am exhausted, having difficulty focusing and I am having a hard time with short term recall. I purposely came to this forum to see if anyone else with autoimmune issues was having similar occurrences. My blood work has come back showing my vitamin B,and D are high so it’s not a malabsorption issue. I began to wonder if the anethstesia was impacting me this far out—or, a possible blood clot/TIA. I literally was knocked for a loop when I had to leave my successful career due to health problems and file SSI disability. At Christmas we had a house fire,7 days later my father died from heart failure, my surgery was about a week and a half after his passing. My doctor prescribed an anti depressant but I am not tolerating it well as it makes me more nauseous. I continue to take my thyroid medicine which helps a bit. I supplement my protein with protein bullets which have 42 grams — trying to stay hydrated and taking bariatric vitamins. This has GOT to improve—it’s hell. Having to move to corporate housing this week—will take 6 months to renovate the house. What a way to start 2018.

I have been taking miralax daily for 11 years now without issue. MUCH safer and gentler than taking exlax. I have talked to many bariatric patients that take Miralax daily. Lack of fiber in the diet could be part of the issue.

Kirstyoz are you having your surgery there in Western Australia or are you going to another area? Tell us a little more about yourself and why you decided to have WLS. We all have a story why we made that decision. ×e hope you'll enjoy your time on Bariatric Pall. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks everybody. The information and stories shared on bariatric pal have been very helpful and inspirational during my journey

Hi all, I've been on a cpap for 2 years already, and i was diagnosed when I was 50 lbs lighter (NO carb diet). I was referred to a sleep specialist as part of the eval process for the bariatric surgery. I've had all my records sent over. Will they make me do another sleep test? My pap treatment is fine and they have the results from my PSG. No biggie if they do, but gosh... all these appointments add up to a lot of time off of work!

Back in my youth, yeah I do remember back then ,my Mama made a little item called No Bake Cookies. It had oatmeal, Peanut Butter and butter and cocoa in a hot sugary base, dropped on a buttered cookie sheet and left to cool. Oh I loved them little critters and was known to Filch,them before they,cooled out. Only took 4 or 5 and then I'd be in the bathroom crying,because they went right through me. She might as well used exlax instead of cocoa from the misery I went through. Did I learn my lesson? Well not too good, I thought maybe it was a bad batch so I had to inspect them a few more times before it sunk n it. Now 1. I'm allergic to chocolate and 2, it would be the last thing needed on a bariatric diet but I remember it well. PS cooked oatmeal also has a laxative effect. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm also a fan of the bariatric chicken crust pizza, but in my opinion, it sits a little heavier in the stomach. Also, we haven't been able to get a crispy crust out of it like with the fathead crust.

Wondering how much people had lost from their day of surgery weight at the 3 month surgery anniversary. I know it varies greatly and often if you have more to lose you lose faster. I'm just curious what people were seeing after being sleeved. I'm totally happy with my loss (51 lbs at last week's 10 week weigh in). The reason I'm asking is I was at a DR appointment and they thought I was losing weight too quickly and would need to increase calories. This was a regular DR and not a member of the bariatric team, so they probably don't have much data or experience with the sleeve. I see my team in a couple of weeks for my 3 month checkup. Last time they indicated I was middle of the pack in terms of what they typically see 2 months out. I'm not really worried, just curious what other people have seen loss wise... obviously this is a marathon and not a sprint!

Good luck on your journey, you have come so far already, I'm still a 3fer hoping for 2niceland and dreaming of onederland. My goal,that I've planned? 175 or a 15/16. will it happen? Only with surgery and then some serious dietary labor. Can it happen? It is my belief it can and I'll use every bit of my will, all the breath in my body and all the strength I can summon until it happens or I die in the attempt which at 72 Could occur. This I swear on a jug of whey Protein and a case of Muscle Milk, so help me Bariatric Pal.!!! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Yeah as I move along toward my surgery time( and yeah it's going to happen if I have anything to say about it) old resentments are popping up. Last week I received notice from surgeon's office that they no longer wished to perform my surgery. Mentally I harken back to the family members who told me I deserved nothing good because I was flawed and unworthy. Its hard to go forward when somebody who supposedly loves you had said such a thing. I even had a cousin who said I didn't deserve to live. I'm mildly on the autism spectrum, a very literal person, I actually stayed away from that person for fear he would kill me, & gain some praise for ridding the world of an obnoxious bug like me. Yeah I know better now but I was probably 8 or 9 years old then. I have sympathy for others with ADHD and other mental difficulties, you see I'm really something denied during my childhood, a female Aspie. When I grew up only boys were allowed to be autistic, I remember overhearing a so-called professional tell my parents" Its a shame about your daughter, if she was male I'd say ADHD or autism but of course only boys get that" the 70+ year old me can rise up and say "what am I, chopped liver?" but the baby me went and sat in the corner, rocking back and forth to self- soothe. As I grew older I learned better and more respected ways to pass off anxiety, I rocked in chairs,walked a lot and tried to not show the world, a world I totally did not understand , how hurt i was. And I ate, at first until I got sick, but as my stomach stretched I could eat more, did it truly satisfy me?. Nope but I thought I could control it, years later I realize it just controlled me. Now the stress of preparing is bringing it all to a head, I'm apprehensive to tell a psych this for fear I'll be rated as unstable, truly I feel the waiting is giving me unworthiness flashbacks, I want to move forward, felt everything was falling in place;, I had done the right things at the right time, -for the right reasons in the right place,- I was nearly at the goal to have it obscured by a group I had put my faith in. I will rise above this, I know I can but I weary from the struggle. I go early in March to petition another bariatric program to accept me and perform the surgery my body and emotions need. Will I be deemed worthy or was my paternal cousin right? Am I flawed, undeserving and unworthy? Only time and the will of a new surgeon will give me an answer. In the meantime I live in a painful body, every joint is sore from carrying this excess weight but I cannot and will not give up and die as this body wears out more. This can be the dawn of a new and better day. Please Baribrothers and sisters support me in this! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

The group we created is on Facebook. I linked it earlier in this thread it is called Bariatric and Beyond 2018 so of you go on fb just search that name. The group is all Feb surgeries! On the plus side today I am experiencing eggs for the first time. I am going super slow but so far so good!!

1 - switch to vaping. the thing about smoking that gives bariatric patients problems (ulcers) is not the nicotine. it's the other 2,000 chemicals in the things. i vape (albeit not regularly, at all) without problem. that doesn't solve your problem re: blood test for surgery, but it might help you after the surgery. for now you're going to have to give it up. google how long it stays in your system for drug tests and just grind it out... 2 - i know it seems like you're about to give up a lot of crutches. food AND cigarettes?!? but i promise you, you will change. you will look back and wonder how/why you ever took comfort in food. and you might very well do the same with cigarettes as you enjoy thriving in a new, healthy lifestyle. give yourself that room to change and grow. 2 - hot username.

I haven't tried it but have heard of it. Does have decent reviews at Walmart by several bariatric patients as well. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Protein2o-Protein-Infused-Water-Variety-Pack-16-9-Fl-Oz-12-Count/54393878#read-more

I'm following this thread. I'm in a similar situation. I am 6 weeks post op. Before surgery I trained hard as a triathlete, so swimming, cycling, running and strength training. I am currently following my post op diet but I have no energy. My program requires me to get 60-80g proteins per day. My trainer thinks this is way too low. I'm finding the bariatric program to be out of date. Lots of talk about calories, low fat, sugar free foods. Instead of balancing macros I'm taught to only look at calories. The protein is the only macro they talk about and only to stay within that range. My trainer says I need way more as an endurance athlete. I guess they are not used to dealing with athletes. I will continue to ask these question to the dietician but ultimately I will listen to my body. Sent from my SM-G900W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks Angel2018, glad you're here with me on Bariatric Pal. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Glory glory ElseeG, that is such good news. I'll be praying everything turns out well as I'm sure it will. We have a lot of good people here on Bariatric Pal.PS you're going to be 50? Beat you, I was 72 last December 26th, nah nah nah and so there! Be praying for you kid! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Oh , did you know Alex Brecher, the founder of Bariatric Pal, was instrumental in founding BariatricPalMx hospital? They've done a lot good things for good people. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app