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Look at YOU!!!!! Wow those pics say it all!!! That’s so awesome!!! You must be so over the moon, that’s the most AMAZING change in 15 weeks ever girl!! Yaaay!!! I’m so happy for you!! I can only HOPE to get down to what I was at 19- that was the best time of my life, & I was so active. I got married at 19 actually, & I think I was about 150-155lbs & I’m about 5’8.5” to 5’9”. So was pretty thin! We’ll see though, truly Ide be happy at 170 though! Seriously! Heres me before my surgery and me now at 6 weeks post op. I think I see a difference but it’s hard when you see yourself daily...I hate that! But I def see it in everyone else’s pics!!😜

I am a type2 diabetic, I was taking Byetta 10 units 2 x a day, 50 units of Lantus, 12 units Humalog before meals and a sliding scale between. After my sleeve my Dr.told me no more Byetta, 25 units of Lantus, and sliding scale of Humalog. I now take 15 units of Lantus,and I may have to take 1 or 2 units of Humalog occasionally. I saw my primary Dr last week and he said my AC1 was 5,and we may be able to lower it even more. I have lost a total of 85 lbs. I feel better than I have in yrs. Good luck on your journey.

I am a type2 diabetic, I was taking Byetta 10 units 2 x a day, 50 units of Lantus, 12 units Humalog before meals and a sliding scale between. After my sleeve my Dr.told me no more Byetta, 25 units of Lantus, and sliding scale of Humalog. I now take 15 units of Lantus,and I may have to take 1 or 2 units of Humalog occasionally. I saw my primary Dr last week and he said my AC1 was 5,and we may be able to lower it even more. I have lost a total of 85 lbs. I feel better than I have in yrs. Good luck on your journey.

Hi there! I'm 10 days out and I'm having diarrhea since Wednesday (5 days). I'm following a diet that requires to drink milk or yogurt 6x a day. I'm wondering if I developed lactose intolerance. I'm seeing my nutritionist tomorrow morning but I was wondering if it's common to develop this disease after WLS. Did anyone develop it?

My date is 10/19 and I am so ready since I have been working on this since 2013. I am not doing good on my pre-op diet because at the pre-op seminar with the surgeon he said that they found it doesn't matter if you do the diet or not. However, as I have been working with my Bariatric doctor that has always been the plan. My mind now has its own battle going on and the wrong side is winning.

Yes, I am scheduled for 10/15.

Welcome to VST! I was taken off of one of my high blood pressure meds when I was discharged. I was taken off the other one just yesterday. I haven't had a Metformin for diabetes since I entered the hospital. It was so cool to me to see my surgeon take me off of all these meds. Recovery? I was out of work for three weeks. To me, I recovered the first week and enjoyed the other two weeks of vacation. And the worst part of the first week was the first hour after surgery. I felt better by the minute after that. I lost 50lbs preop and 34 postop. My waist size before surgery was 62. As of this morning, it is 56. I wore a pair of pants to work this morning I had not been able to wear for over 10 years.

Hi All, Well another crappy week and another week with no loss. You would think the fill would have worked, but only 1 lb in 3 weeks. My MD won't see me until April! I may need to call after 1 month and tell them I have not seen any loss and hope they can get me in. I know when I spoke with the MD for this fill he said that he is surprised that I needed another fill. He said that most patients are fine with just 1-2 fills and I am now looking for 3! Oh well. I did get in 4 workouts last week, but the sweets in the office and the wine at parties were my downfall. I stopped the wine on Monday, but the sweets are still getting to me. I have thrown everything out and put a note on my door NO SWEETS ALLOWED! Let's hope this works! Here are the latest results. I don't see everyone's number, so let me know. Name Start/ Finish/ Loss to date (1/29/09) Gilta 174/ 162/ 3 Accountess 231/ 218/ MistyD65 249.4/ 237.4/ 3.6 krtork 205/ 195/ 7 Charlietuna XXX/ -10/ di1138 XXX/ -15/ innotu XXX / -10/ 3 Brad 202/ 187/ 7 legdxdlr XXX/ -15/ nic XXX/ -17/ amaltha 166/ 157/ lanakila 268/ 258/ 1 Shelleyelise XXX/ ??/ Ninner 341/ 299/ heartfire 191.2/ 181.2/ 2.5 Gary B XXX/ -10/ charlie4171 208.6/ 199/ .3 k4str 213/ 200/ Mommie2 XXX/ -20/ Brendaanise XXX/ 155/ 166.8 lellow 169.8/ 159/ 8.1 maleliz777 257/ 247/ edel 195/ 185/ Kaytatree XXX/ -8/ 4.0

Just got my approval. Scheduled 11/19/08. OMG I am scared and excited. I hope the surgery is a quick and easy one.

My date is set, May 6... I had lost up to 20 lbs, was down 16 when I got okay'd for surgery on March 10, but I have gained 6 back. I am back on a strict diet. I had to go off of it, I was exhausted and it was affecting my ability to do my job... (I had done the pre-op diet for around 3 months!!!) Now I need to start a regular exercise program, because in order to be successful, as I have learned from all of the bandsters here, you must follow strict diet and exercise often!!! Back on the Chain Gang for me :eek:

nausea-no 2 week liquid ( we were given a certain amount of meal replacement drink powder to have each day) pre-op diet with 2-4 cups of certain vegetables for a 10% weight loss had a pre-op class, then chest x-ray, upper GI, EKG, h-pylori after surgery, at least 48 hours of clear liquids, then if we felt ready move on to full liquids (thinned creamed cream of wheat, thinned mashed potatoes, as long as it could still pour off a spoon) The main thing is to allow your surgery to heal. Follow your Dr. guidelines exactly during the healing phase especially.

I've lost 75 pounds since my surgery (2/10/09). Horror story? No way! This has been the best thing I ever did for myself. I no longer take any medications for ANYTHING, I have boundless energy and feel better than I can remember. Is this the easy way out? NONONONONO. You still have to make the right choices about food and you have to change how you eat...that is, smaller bites, well chewed, no drinking during your meals. It is possible to ignore how you should eat and not be successful, so remember that the responsibility lies with you; the band only helps you Without my band, I know for a fact I would have falled off the wagon and started regaining long ago. That's the difference, Unaided, your old habits can and likely will resurfaced. With the help of the band, you have a sort of built-in stop signal.

I just had my surgery yesterday I would say the following - loose clothing to go home in - flip flops to easily slip on - a pillow for the car ride home or something to put over your clothes while the car is in motion. - gas x mouth strips - diet snapple, chicken broth, auger free jello and protein shakes at home for the first 10 days. - I disagree about excersise besides slow walking around for 7 days - you want to make sure your band doesn't move its so sensitive in the beginning my doc doesn't even let u walk up stairs unless u take them one by one and very very slowly. - make sure you have someone at your beck and call they will be needed with all lifting and bending. - a 100% daily value chewable vitamin and a chewable or liquid calcium and vitamin d vitamin- my doc says take this everyday for rest of your life

@Lateese92 @@AlanaRN I'm about 6 weeks out as well and as soon as I started 'real' food I stalled...bad. The scale is beginning to move a little now but I was totally stumped (and still feel a bit confused). The way it was explained to me is that the body has an amazing ability to adapt. So now that it's gotten used to so few calories we have a lower threshold of what we can eat and not stall or gain. So while I may not eat ever 1/4 of what I used to, just simply eating more carbs than we should can stall you because of the increase in calories. I'm not sayign that's what's happening with you but for me it made perfect sense. I wasn't eating horribly at all but there were definitely some times when I either ate too much or ate something I probably shouldnt' have. And the opposite holds true to...if you don't get enough carbs your body will hold onto what you do eat to avoid you starving it. For me I've had to go back to being VERY careful to get all my Fluid and Protein and cut out any carbs that don't come from veggies. The only other carb I'm allowing myself is sweet potato and then only once a week. It's hard and not fun for someone who spent the bulk of her life addicted to food but I'd hate to have gone to all the trouble of the surgery only to sabotage myself. The other thing I really have to get serious about is exercise. I walk occasionally but not nearly as much as I should. i work with a girl who is a personal trainer and she's helping me come up with a plan to help me get my body together. And interstingly enough it's mostly strength/weight training and limited cardio (since our bodies are kind of fat burnign machines for the next few months at least). I'm hoping it works. I'm consistently amazed at how complex this whole process is and sometimes I wish I'd taken more time to wrap my brain around it before I started. But at the end of the day I'm pleased. I haven't seen anything in the 220's in many many years so I have to sometimes cut myself a break and realize that progress is progress and all of it is more than I'd have had if I hadn't had the surgery. At least this year I don't have to worry about gorging myself during the holidays and starting the year 10 pounds heavier Good luck to you both! Let us know what kicks you out of the plateau!

Hello All, Thanks so much for all of the suggestions. I even looked up Borland and Umbach. But today, my insurance was verified and guess what... I HAVE COVERAGE!!! I am so happy that I wont have to self pay. I have a Pre-Op appointment on 01/10/2012. I will keep everyone informed probably in another thread or topic. Thanks again everyone!

I am actively considering the sleeve procedure. I am researching extensively. I have insurance that will kick in on 01/01/14 but I think there might be an exclusion in my policy. Is there anyone from the Houston area that can tell me if they paid cash and what is the price? I would even travel to another state in the US. I am saving Mexico as my last resort but it is still an option. Any info would be appreciated.

I am in soft food now, been struggling a bit with it. Not really because of my sleeve, but more of my own fear. I've been having various soups, greek yogurt, SF applesauce... I tried oatmeal, that went poorly. I ended up in bed with some crazy nausea with that. I tried a baked potato last night and that went fine. Scrambled eggs have also been successful. Next week I hope to move on to some egg salad and chicken salad if I can increase my bravery levels I was sleeved on 6/10/15.

My energy levels are good. They seem better than before surgery. I'm walking 30 to 60 minutes a day, every day for exercise. At work I take 10 minute walks at least four times per day. At home on the weekends I'll take a 30 to 40 minute in the mornings.

I came home the same weight I was pre-op and then started losing weight at about 10 pounds a month at the beginning more came off.

Hi Casey I guess I could consider myself a "third generation bariatric". Grandma, Aunt, Mom, and Dad all had surgery before my wife and I did. My Grandma and Aunt had it back in the 90s (Aunt in her 20s, Grandma in her 50s). Mom had it in early-mid 2000s (40ish age), and Dad had surgery in 2010 (he had just turned 50). With Grandma, Mom, and Dad, they were so heavy for so long that between getting older and having been too heavy for too long and some damage being done, they still had issues with their joints or health. Grandma and Mom have both had knee replacements, despite remaining relatively healthy since their surgeries. Dad had triple bypass heart surgery last year. My Aunt has been relatively healthy. None of my relatives regret the surgery, but I can bet if I asked my parents or Grandma, they'd all probably wish they had their WLSs sooner. I had surgery in 2017, three days before my 29th birthday. Doctors have told me that, despite my lifelong being obese (probably been "the fat kid" since 2nd grade), I haven't done any significant damage. Pre-op I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and a vitamin D deficiency (I live in upstate NY, everyone has a vitamin D deficiency!). And since my surgery, I've trained and completed two full marathons, and have more to come. I was training for a marathon this spring, but COVID-19 canceled that one, as well as another long distance race has been canceled. I feel like I have the rest of my life to do things I've never even dreamed of doing! When I wife and I were dating, she asked me if I had considered it (I was a 380 pound 22 year old) I took what I call a "typical man" position and told her "I'm young enough that I can lose the weight myself", which was true, but I couldn't maintain it, and I never got as light as I am now (230-240 neighborhood, with approx. 20% body fat). Sorry for the long backstory, but I fully support having surgery in your 20s. Probably 95% of the people I've spoken to about surgery say their biggest regret is not having it sooner. Good luck to you!

Once upon a time it was nearly impossible for a bariatric patient to keep their protein counts up. We were taught to only eat certain foods and to avoid others. Chicken breast, lean beef, and fish was the rule of thumb. The problem with these foods was that several people had problems eating, swallowing, and digesting them. And we were told that once we hit a certain point, to avoid protein drinks as we needed to be eating our protein rather than drinking it. Isn't it nice to know that times have changed? New research and information has given the bariatric patient so many more options on foods we can eat now to keep our protein levels where they should be. We are no longer restricted to the leanest cuts of meat, but are encouraged to try other cuts such as dark meat chicken, 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef, and (a personal favorite) BACON. Additionally, we are encouraged to eat eggs and shrimp, salmon and pork. And protein drinks (when done RIGHT) are no longer a no-no! How Much Protein Do We REALLY Need and Why Is It So Important? According to most surgeons and nutritionists, we need about 65-70 grams of protein daily. That goes up a little bit if you're recovering from surgery or are sick or pregnant (to about 85-90 grams). Protein is an essential building block of our bodies. When we're losing weight, especially, protein is one of the hardest working macronutrients on the planet. Beyond muscle building, it also helps strengthen our immune system, rebuilds tissue, and can even improve brain function. Additionally, when we lose weight, our bodies burn protein. When we're not getting enough protein, our body takes it from wherever it can get it - typically our body muscle. What's more, it can actually take muscle from our cardiac system! How Can I Get My Protein? Focusing on protein is the #1 concern of many bariatric patients. Of course, eating your protein is the very best bet. Focusing on protein foods with a high protein to fat ratio is the very best bet. Some of the best protein foods are egg whites, chicken breast, and shrimp. Although other meats, poultry, and seafood are also good options. Cheese is another great choice as are nuts and seeds. Beans do give some protein, but many bariatric patients have issues with digesting them. Another good option is the protein drink. Once only encouraged in the early phases after surgery, now many nutritionists and dietitians are encouraging the bariatric patient to include protein supplements in their daily diets. Most contain high (35+ g) amounts of protein, and leave you free to consume other healthy (and needed) foods later on such as vital fruits and vegetables. The #1 suggested protein drink that nutritionists suggest is whey protein. It is, by far, the most digestible and assimilated protein on the market (that means your body can use it a lot easier than other kinds). Sadly, many people can't tolerate whey or stomach it. If this is the case, there are other options available that are almost as easily digested such as egg white protein or vegan (brown rice, pea, and hemp) proteins. If I'm Focusing On Protein, I Don't Have Room For Other Foods, HELP! VITAMINS! You remember those vitamins and fiber supplements the doctor sent you home with? TAKE THEM. It's true that we often have to forgo fruits, vegetables, and whole grains when we're focusing on protein. That's why these supplements are so important to our lifestyle. Remember The Basics! The basics of our lifestyle don't change with time. We still need to remain focused on protein, water, and our vitamin supplements. Keeping these three things at the forefront of your mind will help ensure you successful weight loss, successful maintenance, and a successful lifestyle overall!

So I am very excited that I was approved for the vertical sleeve surgery. I am overjoyed and I have a scheduled date for May 10, 2013 with Dr. Alberto Aceves in Mexicali. Although I will say I am a bit nervous and I have been researching Dr. Aceves and haven't came across or heard any negative reviews about his work. Has anyone had any bariatric procedures with him? and if you did how was your surgery and recovery at the hospital and hotel?

So I may have to pay for 10% of the surgery out of pocket, but I got health insurance through my employer now, which covers the procedure! I immediately called my PCP and had her put a new referral through to a different program and just a couple days later the office called me to set up an appointment! Yesterday I received a bunch of questionnaires to fill out and my consult is on the 30th! I'm glad they got me in so quickly, I'm so ready for this to get going! I'm having issues with my husband's lack of support for all of this. When I told him about my consult next week he said I was wasting my time and being stupid. He said the same when I was filling out my paperwork. I'm not sure what his problem is, but I would think that he would be happy for me. I hope he comes around. Anyone reading this have the same type of problem?

Mine isn't that serious, he just said try to lose 5-10 lbs. if you don't that is okay. So really I just want to get back to where I was at the office.

I can come in here and do back flips and cartwheels.....whooohooooo I LOST 4 POUNDS LAST NIGHT.........WOOOOHOOOOO.......I NOW WEIGH 3 HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE POUNDS.......385...YEAHHHHHH I AM SO HAPPY:lol: 459-389-385-380-375 :wow2: I can't wait to get to 375 that is 10 pounds away. August 15 -3 pounds August 22 -3 pounds August 29 -3 pounds I can do this. :humble: I have enough weight that I can lose 3 pounds a week. OK this is where I get stressed out about adding strenght training and causing muscle gain....whhhhhhhhh breath, muscle burns fat. :Banane10: :Banane20: :Banane20: :Banane20: 3min circuit 9:35