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I did... I started with fitday,its really simple but they don't have a lot of namebrand food choices so you have to do a lot work to get correct calories ect....then I did daily plate..it has a steep learning curve but you can really break things down and has almost every food or you can add your own. But I like my fitness pal the best ,great food selections and you can add your own,track weight,fitness,calories,fat carbs...its really easy to use.

Hi Smartiegirl, This is Haileesmommy ( I finely remembered my original username) Well after a long lecture on how I have to work the band and almost not giving me fill because I didn't bring in my weekly weight charts, he finely gave in and gave me one. I had a break down while I was there when I was telling him about why I hadn't been working the band. My Little man was born with Down Syndrome and with that has come alot of worry and stress and some other personnal issues in our family the band and my weight loss was not my biggest concern, so because of all that he said that he was giving me a get out of jail free card. I have to bring in my weight charts and show that I am working the band and sticking to the band rules or he will not give me another fill. The more I thought about it after I left there, he was right, why keep filling me if I'm not going to give it 110%, he knows that I know how to work it with my previous weightloss success. Sorry I unloaded on you, I needed to vent. I have been doing the same thing you have eating to fast and not chewing my food as much as I should. My Little girl used to tell me to chew chew chew and when you think your done chew some more. She told me today that she would remind me everytime we sat down to eat. She is my little food police (she is almost 7). Let me know how you are doing on your weightloss journey. Cogradulations on your Little one

I usually try to avoid replying to these posts about weightloss just a couple days post op being too slow, but I think it's important people get a realistic picture and not just see posts from people with massive weight loss the first week or two. Yes, some people lose a lot the first two weeks, others, like me, don't lose anything the first two weeks. You are only 12 days out!!! You just had MAJOR surgery and your body is trying to heal - that is the only thing you should be focused on right now - healing. You were also pumped full of IV fluids in the hospital and likely weighed more at discharge than when you went in - it takes a while to clear that excess Fluid. Please try to avoid comparing weightloss to anyone - it is a recipe for dissappointment. There are a ton of factors that go into the rate at which we lose - gender (typically men lose faster than women), genetics, how much excess weight you have, how long you have been obese, how much you lost leading up to surgery etc etc etc. So forget about the scale for now, just focus on following your plan - getting your fluids and Protein in, walking etc - the weightloss will come - it will not be linear nor consistent, you will have many stalls along the way (and yes they ARE frustrating, but they end).

Just as a reminder, please put on your calendar the August meeting of the Bariatric Pal Local Support Group. The date is August 20, 2015 @ 5:30 PM in the Simpson Community Center (6 North Main Street Camden, DE This on the corner of North Main Street and Route 10) and we will meet there. Please fill free to invite anyone Pre- and Post-surgery or family member who is seeking weight loss support. Text me if you need more info 302-632-8111. Thanks, Doyle

Just sharing my experience with pregnancy and lap band. I had lapband through True Results about 2 years ago. I tipped the scales around 300lbs. At surgery time I was around 281. My lowest weight I reached was 206. At that weight I ended up being dehydrated and as far as food went, it wasnt an option. I had 8ccs and no food wnet down. But I was losing weight so I was happy. I had some fluid removed to about 6ccs then I became pregnant. My weight shot up to 271lbs at the time I had my daughter was Jan. 1, 2016. I am currently at 223 lbs. I developed severe acid reflux in my pregancy. I thought it was normal. I found out my band has almost slipped. I had to have all the fluid removed. I am on a liquid diet for 2 weeks and soft food for a week, then I will go back for a fill at that time if everything is healed. My band went back into place after the fluid was removed. This is my current status with my lap band. I was told this is common in pregnancy with lap band.

I have struggled with my weight since I gave birth to my two boys. I gained 90 pounds and have never lost it. That was 16 years ago. Just added year by year. I was diagnosed with cancer the same year my mom died of cancer a year after birth of kids. It was difficult year. My husband also had a heart attack. More than 1 person should have to deal with in such a short time. It took me years to recover but It has been 14 years cancer free and it's finally time to work on me and my weight. I have tried many many many times to lose. It's hasnt worked. I'm the heaviest I have ever been. I have so many health problems because of my weight. I feel old and im only 43 years young. I want to live again not just exist. I started on this WLS journey in October and I was just approved by insurance today!!!! I will be sleeved in March. I can't wait to use this tool to help me be me!!!

You are right on target. Are you getting in your protein FIRST? That will help fight the hunger. As for the other people, don't let them put you down. Explain that this is a tool for weight loss not a magic wand. Tell them that you have a long long way to go and you'll let them know how much weight you have lost when you're ready to tell it. Please don't give up....you can do it.

Keep calm and carry on. Make a deal with yourself - no scale for 4 days. Stalls are nothing.... just dust in the wind Chell it is the long haul that matters. Just remember poo weight is huge in this stage. It will be a while before you can count on your digestive system again. I remember having stalls that resolved themselves with stool softener.

Firstly I am delighted that I have found this forum it has really helped reading about the diverse views and experiences. Thank you all for being so honest. Here is my story so far... Moment of truth. Decision made..... I live in UK and have a job I love, but it can be a huge pressure. My work takes me away from home quite often, in the UK to the US and the Far East. Over the years that has taken its toll eating the wrong food, at the wrong times. (And maybe a tipple or two) For a big guy I am quite fit but over the last years have found more aches and pains, to the point I felt the need to visit my doctor, something I don't normally do. I did this 10 days ago. Long story short he gave it me straight .....lose weight or die young....I'm 43 and heading towards an illness crisis .....and his opinion, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems and that early grave. I've tried lots of things I've had my ups and downs but now the time has come for something more drastic. The wake-up call I needed had arrived! I don't want to wait to go through the process and however fantastic our national health services is (and it is fab), it will take and age. I don't want to be diabetic or have a heart attack. So...... By 10 AM the following morning I was sat in a consultants office having the various options explained to me. My choice, the sleeve. Within a further 24 hours I'd booked my date with destiny September 13th (and it's not a Friday for the superstitious amongst us!) I have gone from being petrified to super excited I see a future me, doing things that I've not enjoyed for number of years... fastening a seatbelt on an aeroplane....going on the trampoline in our garden writhing rolling off! walking into a normal shop and buying clothes from a normal section. Don't get me wrong I don't want to be mega thin, I like being me but I want to be a me that has longer to live and can enjoy my family, my children, my future grandchildren and actually my work too. Mentally I've got this.....! My concerns....... Personality: I don't want to change my personality has anybody out there experienced that over the long term they change? Food: i've got my head round that it is going to be a nightmare for the first 3/4 months but after this.... Is it truly normal food but obviously in smaller portions and healthier options? Alcohol: now then..... my biggest enjoyment and my nemesis ....my consultant asked me? do you drink a lot? I said no ....however when I go out I'm always known as the life and soul of the party and the last man standing.... response you can still be a life and soul of the party but expect to be the first one falling. What have people experienced with alcohol? How much on a night out? What type? Rightly or wrongly , I've created a bucket list of things I wish to eat or drink before the pre-op diet....my son made me laugh yesterday when he said 'Dad make sure you don't die while trying to complete your bucket list'... Point well noted! If you have got to this point thanks for reading I'll be keeping in contact via the forms. I'm sure as I need the help on the journey.. You, the Warriors that have gone before me will offer the support and help needed! Ollie x

I'm assuming you're pre op? Yes, I've lost 45 pounds before on phentermine. As soon as I stopped it, I gained it back. It's definitely effective, but not for long term use. The extra energy it gives you at first sure is nice My husband calls it legal speed.

My bags were packed. I was ready to go. I was at my lowest weight and psyched. Got to the hospital at 9 am this morning and sent to Pre-Op to ready for the 11 am surgery. Stripped down to the hospital gown with an IV in my arm and waiting the green light. At 11:15 am I was notified it was delayed 2 hours due to complications with the patient before me who was in surgery at that moment. At 1:30 pm I was notified it was delayed at least another hour. At 3:00 pm I asked if I stayed could the surgery still be performed and more importantly was the surgeon in any condition to do it ? They passed that question along and to my surprise the surgeon showed up. He asked me to cancel. He said his regular team was going off duty and this was major surgery. For my safety he recommended it be rescheduled. I was bummed but what could I do. I'll get my new date in the morning. UPDATE: 5/26//12: I've been rescheduled for June 6th.

Congrats on the start to your new and improved life! ???? my friend also had pain and it got better each day. My husband had rny 9 years ago and had a stitch on his right rib that created a dent and hurt really bad but it got better as time passed and he lost weight. Hang in there!!!

My first stall hit at 2 weeks post op and lasted about a month. Stalls are a normal part of the process. If the scale is making you crazy, stay off of it. Follow the plan. Trust the process. You'll be fine. The pattern that my body seems to have settled into is, I lose about 3 pounds. Stall for a couple of weeks. Gain back 2 pounds. And then stall for a week. And then it starts all over again. I'm losing on average of about a pound a week. So the scale is going down, but not without going up first. Your body is going to do what your body is going to do. If you're eating in a calorie deficit, you're going to lose weight.

I had the vertical sleeve performed by my surgeon on Monday, October 1st, 2012. That is a day that I will always remember, because I know it has changed my life. At my highest weight, or at least the highest weight that I ever saw recorded, I was a total of 413 pounds. I was losing my life because I couldn't get the weight off, no matter what I tried. I had been previously diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in my lungs, I had been treated for chronic lung issues, and then there was the issue of my immune deficiency that was causing me to spend a few days in the hospital every year with pneumonia. I literally was fading away every day. Surgery was not a popular decision. My family refused to talk about it whenever it was brought up into conversation. They would tell me to work harder. They would tell me to eat less. They would tell me that my inability to lose weight was my own fault for just not trying hard enough. That really wears on a person to have to go through that. It was just ridiculous to know that I wasn't supported by the same people who I loved with all of my heart and supported with every bit of my soul. The best thing I ever have done? I learned to block that part of what they were saying to me from reaching the cognitive part of my brain. I didn't care what they had to say anymore. I went through with surgery for me. Maybe a little bit for them, too, but mostly for me. What is this major victory I allude to in my topic title? I sit here, a little over 100 days after surgery, and I am 100 pounds lighter. I still have a LONG way to go, but I have come so far that I am strengthened to continue on the journey. I hit 100 pounds on Friday by the scale at the clinic and I was so excited to see the number that I probably could have hugged my nurse. The moral of my (so far) story? Listen to your heart. Outside sources be damned. Do it for you, because in the long run, "you" is what really matters most. I hope all of my sleeve siblings are well! <3

@@HeavenlyGirl101 i gained 12 lbs pre-op i had whats commonly called a "food funeral"!! also "inhaled" a bunch of yummies, sweets, etc i knew i would be eating these sweets lllllater down the road ttttteny little amounts if doc didn't say "you better not gain" you should be ok buttttt- i would work hard to take those extra lbs off ASAP whatever you have gained now, is all the more you have to take off!! you will need to follow many rules PO (on fear of death!!) LOL i'm sure you will be able to succeed try hard in preparing for surgery "do or do not, there is no try!!" Yoda prepare yourself for a wonderful new life with WLS you will be on a roller coaster, but you'll stay on top! hope you get a date sooner than later good luck speedy recovery kathy

It's very normal. I'm self pay also. The combination of nerves and quitting smoking cold turkey has made me gain a few lbs. Surgery date 6/28. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

You know the answer: it's not possible for you to have gained 16 pounds like that. its just a differently calibrated scale, probably along with some travel and time related water weight. I saw my longest plateau around 7 weeks.

Hi there: I would be more than happy to help you get back to the basics. First, don't minimize your 30 pound weight loss. As you can see, you haven't gained it back so that is great! You may want to check out this section on my website and see if you can find some useful information about getting back to your weight loss journeySetbacks, Regain, and Plateaus Please feel free to send me a PM or just a direct email with your questions and concerns. good luck!

I'm only 8 months out from my DS surgery so I can't speak for stalls at over 2yrs post op. But we do know that at approx 12-18 months post op our stomachs will stretch to approx 75% that of a "normal" person. Your stomach at 2 yrs is likely as big as it's going to get, and no longer the lil 25% size it was. That just means you need to work harder at weight loss nowadays, as compared to the early days when you had zero appetite. You CAN lost those last 30 lbs if you want to badly enough. Do you? That's the question you need to answer. I've lost 173 lbs so far and WILL ACHIEVE my target weight before my surgical anniversary on May 8th. The rule I have for whether something is possible or not, is the suit case rule. Simply put, if I had a suit case here with $1 million dollars in it and you'd get it if you lost those 30 lbs...would you do it? I suspect the answer is yes. If I asked you to lift a truck over your head, no matter what money was offered, you couldn't do it. Lose those 30 lbs and be able to know you achieved your goal! Pay the price and claim your reward. You've come too damn far to wimp out now.

Hi Everyone, I have been reading some of you guys topics and decide to join to get a better view or insight on how the lapband process actually works. Mostly, I need u guys support. I have been overweight my whole entire life. And I am definitely ready for a change. My bmi is 60 and I am 5'3 @340lbs. The most I weighted ever...I just found out my husband insurance covers WLS, but there is a six months supervised diet I am required to do before approval...Im lil anxious, so I am new to this and looking for support from people who have been thru where I trying to go...Any comments or suggestions will be greatly be appreciated.....

I had the DS 3/2012 I am 30lbs away for my 100lb goal. Seems like I'm at a huge stall is this normal?

1.) To be healthy. Being as heavy as I was at 19 isn't healthy, and even though I didn't have severe health problems, I'm sure I was getting there. But 45lbs lighter I'm healthier feeling both physically and mentally. 2.) Comfort. I don't feel very comfortable carrying around 100lbs+ of extra weight. It sucks, and even dumb things such as going to the mall really makes me uncomfortable. The weight is coming off and I see myself feeling much better personally. 3.) I LOVE rollercoasters, though I always aimed for the middle of them because that's where the "heavier" people can fit. I never had a problem fitting, but it will be nice to go on and be able to sit where I want and not have to worry about a thing. 4.) Looks wise. Of course, at 19 going on 20 I wanna be able to look good and feel good too. I'm already down to a size L/XL in most clothing and down 2 pants sizes, so I'm getting there.

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I got up early,took some Tylenol, and was off doing errands. How liberating to feel independent again. I am definitely not getting the coddling and attn from DH as I would like. He is helpful if I ask, but I am still up doing dishes and the like since no one else in this house seems to mind if this place turns into a rat's nest. It drives me batty. And now he has a cold which sucks, but I swear if I am sick, he is sicker. Is it a guy thing? I actually thought I would be waited on a bit. Not that I need to be, it just would be nice to be nursed like my mom would have. Okay..enough pity party for me. I had a couple of weird chewing incidents yesterday. I chewed 3 cheezits and spit them in the trash. then a piece of chicken. How gross. I am not proud of my crazy behavior. Iwas just desperate for something of substance in my mouth. I am over it though and will try not to do that again. The last thing I need is to have some eating disorder where I start chewing and spitting..not to mention, it is just no fun when you can't swallow the food. My banded friend came to visit last night and brought some shakes for me to try. I am looking forward to having them this morning! She made me feel good since she said I didn't look like i had sx 4 days ago. That was nice. I actually feel so much better than I could have ever dreamed! I went to WW yesterday on a whim since I missed my meeting on Tuesday. I was down 7 pounds! I felt a bit fraudulent, because I know I havethe unfair advantage of having had sx. Whatever-this is about me. I need to lose this weight by whatever means necessary without hurting my body. I don't feel like I need to be going to WW right now, but my membership is paid for until the end of January. By that point I will be on some regular food and that iswhen I think I will need the accountability since I will still have to make good food choices. It helps me to keep ontrack and journal what I am eating. Looking forward to havinga good, productive day. And tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Exciting. This is my last fat Christmas! I already feel so much more attractive down 25 pounds than I did a few months ago. Yay me. Check in later.

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I got up early,took some Tylenol, and was off doing errands. How liberating to feel independent again. I am definitely not getting the coddling and attn from DH as I would like. He is helpful if I ask, but I am still up doing dishes and the like since no one else in this house seems to mind if this place turns into a rat's nest. It drives me batty. And now he has a cold which sucks, but I swear if I am sick, he is sicker. Is it a guy thing? I actually thought I would be waited on a bit. Not that I need to be, it just would be nice to be nursed like my mom would have. Okay..enough pity party for me. I had a couple of weird chewing incidents yesterday. I chewed 3 cheezits and spit them in the trash. then a piece of chicken. How gross. I am not proud of my crazy behavior. Iwas just desperate for something of substance in my mouth. I am over it though and will try not to do that again. The last thing I need is to have some eating disorder where I start chewing and spitting..not to mention, it is just no fun when you can't swallow the food. My banded friend came to visit last night and brought some shakes for me to try. I am looking forward to having them this morning! She made me feel good since she said I didn't look like i had sx 4 days ago. That was nice. I actually feel so much better than I could have ever dreamed! I went to WW yesterday on a whim since I missed my meeting on Tuesday. I was down 7 pounds! I felt a bit fraudulent, because I know I havethe unfair advantage of having had sx. Whatever-this is about me. I need to lose this weight by whatever means necessary without hurting my body. I don't feel like I need to be going to WW right now, but my membership is paid for until the end of January. By that point I will be on some regular food and that iswhen I think I will need the accountability since I will still have to make good food choices. It helps me to keep ontrack and journal what I am eating. Looking forward to havinga good, productive day. And tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Exciting. This is my last fat Christmas! I already feel so much more attractive down 25 pounds than I did a few months ago. Yay me. Check in later.