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For a long time I was at a size US11 women's shoe, but in the two years leading up to my surgery, I often bought size 12s or even 13s just so I could fit them width-wise. Because of this, I am not EXACTLY sure how big my foot actually was at my highest weight. About 4 months after surgery (last March) I was measured for a new pair of running shoes for a 5k I was doing. By that point I'd already lost over 100 lbs from my starting weight and was measured at an 11 (10.5 on one foot, even 11 on the other). I recently needed shoes for a new job (second job) and realized I'd bought shoes that were just too big. I asked the clerk at payless if I could be measured and she measured me at a 10, (9.5 on one foot, 10 on the other). So I've dropped a whole shoe size in both feet AT THE VERY LEAST, possibly more. I'm still about 100 lbs from goal weight, so it may be possible that I could drop to a 9.5 or even a 9 before all of this is through. I am just curious -- how many shoe sizes have other people lost?? It is really nice not to be in an 11 anymore because it is really hard to find shoes that are bigger than a 10, but even 10s can be challenging depending on the store! Definitely one of my favorite shopping related NSVs.

Hello...My name is April. I am from Sacramento too and have been banded for over 3 years. Maybe we can exchange emails and we can swap stories. I wanted to give the information for the support group the I am co-moderating in Sacramento on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome! Let me know if you need more info... The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011! ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!! Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30. Sutter Cancer Center Classroom 1, First Floor 2800 L Street, Sacramento Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour. This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area. Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend. Please join us!

I was approved also and I'm now on my 4th day of pre-op diet liquids. I'm allowed 2 cups of specific veggies on the list they gave me and never thought I'd be so happy to have a salad. So far I've had no trouble and I drink Wylers sugar free in my Water and find them fantastic. Surgery date is Aug 19th My journey started June 5th 1st Seminar SW 276 6/13 Endoscopy 6/14 Pulmonary Part 1 7/3 Cardiologist Part1 7/17 Support Group ( which I needed badly to continue jumping the hoops!) 7/18 Pulmonary Part 2 ( Glass Box enclosure for breathing compacity) 7/22 PCP 7/24 Stress Test 7/25 Nutritionalist ( only 1 visit required) 7/31 1st LETTER APPROVAL 8/7 Meet with Surgeon again 8/8 Start Pre Op Diet 8/19 Surgery ( Praise God)

Thanks Paul. It's good to know that they are aware of the problem and are working on it! I just don't get on as much because of it:( SD: 10/10/12, Converted from Lapband to RNY, HW (before band) 263, HW (RNY) 230, Preop 219, after surgery 223, CURRENT... 190 YIPPEE!!!!

When i was a kid it was my sister n i we are a yr apart, we were active kids no cell phones no video game, we had skates jump ropes n tripple knotted tennie shoes so we didnt fall as we ran, we ate normal n bad then if we didnt like dinner we didnt eat. But for some reason i was always gaining weight, kids would always give my sister string cheese donuts twinkies ect, but they alwys told me i couldnt have any cuz i had already ate to much. 6 grade i started skipping lunch all the way threw high school, then after high school i started over eating cuz i didn't understand no mattor what i did i gained weight. Then i started dieting since i was about 20 till now n i lose 10 lbs then gain 20. I had acupuncture weightloss n the dr said he had never seen a person gain weight. That was sad. But i wanna kno has this happened to anyone n then with surgery they succeeded

YaY! 10 days will go by fast.

So a little update I s'pose. I was finally able to get up the courage to do something progressive. I went to a free WLS seminar held by our hospital. I felt like a moron because I showed up the first time on the wrong day and ended up having to wait 2 weeks over the holiday season for the next one... But it was worth meeting all the amazing people there and also comforting to find out the surgeons have had 0 deaths in the 10+ years they've been doing WLS. Anywho, the seminar really helped my subdue my nerves since they provided everyone with a to-do list (which is what I need in order to get ANYTHING done, ever.) So on friday I have an appointment to talk to my doctor about having surgery, and to check up on my H. Pylori and see if it's gone now (which when I went to my first meet and greet appointment with my new doctor, we discovered the H. Pylori and began treatment.) And then our hospital also requires you take 8 classes before considering you for the surgery, so I was signed up for my first one while at the seminar. So I feel like I'm finally on some sort of path in the right direction. I hope this keeps up.

If you just started at the gym take your measurements, get a trainer to do your bodynfat with calipers, keep a food journal, and don't do weights two days in a row and only exercise the same body part every three days. And if you are doing weights, lift the heaviest you can that you can only do 8-10 reps with. Less is pretty useless and more can lead to injury. Most people start with 5-10 lbs weights but don't hesitate to carry a 20 lbs watermelon or 25 lbs armful of groceries.

1. get referral --> surgery consult I didn't have to get a referral as such, but I did have to attend a seminar that the Dr gave where he described the various bariatric surgeries he performs. They figure it will answer your questions about which surgery is best for you. Then a huge packet of paperwork and an application fee to get an appt. about a month later. 2. surgery consult --> surgery scheduled 6 months! I was required to go on a 6 month diet and exercise program to "prove" I couldn't lose weight by normal means before my insurance would pay. 3. surgery scheduled --> the actual operation From the day my approval hit the Dr's desk to surgery - 10 days 4. operation --> leaving the hospital I checked in at 6 AM, the operation was scheduled for 7AM; I was in the car on the way home by 10 AM. 5. left hospital --> first fill 6 weeks. I have heard that is the standard to allow for healing. I had my second fill at 8 weeks out and my third at 10. I have already scheduled my next fill for the end of January when I will be 15 weeks out.

I take mine from my highest weight loss I was at my doctor's office. I was on a liquid diet pre surgery and lost 15 pounds. But I wouldn't have lost that 15 pounds if I wasn't getting banded so I take it from the highest weight. I mean that was what I weighed so it really doesn't matter. So yes I'm basically doing what you did. It's all good. and don't worry. I had a time where I gained back 10 pounds. Remember this is a journey. The band is always there for you. Just refocus and figure out what your doing wrong. For me I wasn't including exercise. Remember the band can only do so much. Take care

I just posted the same topic a couple weeks ago because for 4 months I knew I was getting the band ( I have a 6 month diet before surgery) some of my band.forum girls started a lil facebook group and everyday I would hear them say... I'm still hungry... I'm 3 months out and have.only lost blah amount... I'm not in the green zone. I've heard so many comments in those areas. Plus when I came.here and asked someone pointed out... how many.people have you ment that had a band for 10 years? I don't know anyone... plus once u get the band removed your stomach goes back to preop size. I also watched a video and it basically said the sleeve will make u eat better... the.band will not. I'm a huge girl and.I didn't want to commit to a surgery that I may only.loose 40 lbs with or in 10 years be iin the same situation. The only.reason from the beginning I chose the sleeve because they weren't removing anything and it was reversible ... well hell... take out my stomach and I don't want it.back!!!! I am now getting the band. Make the best decision for you and good luck!!

Good to know! No, I don't *want* to do that but after 10 years of trying to lose weight and being unsuccessful, I'm willing to live with pretty much whatever requirement it takes for me to maintain a weight loss and get my health back Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

There is more to a goal weigjt then height. Those of you that thing goal weights are too high should consider that not everyone is the same. I weigh 169 righy now solid size 10/medium tips and I am pretty muscular and have a big frame . I would like to be a size 6/8 which will likely still be a heaviet weight. I have been obese since childhood and have weighed over 300# for many years. 115 is just not realistic nor healthiest for me. I know I will end up in the 140-150s range.

Great comments Sally, I think the other item I would add is that drinking also makes a difference. I don't drink anything but Water, Powerade Zero, or other zero calorie drinks. I can manage an ounce or so of milk in coffee but its got to be a good amount of coffee and drank over a 10-15 min period or so.

newme2012 i felt the same way i was down 19 lbs when i went my first dr vist and i had surgery on march 21 and just went to dr on monday 4/9/12. i went shopping to get aleast 2 new pairs of carpris and i was able to fit into a size 16. I felt soo Good.I too have sent a goal to be down 45 lbs by the time i go on vac the first week of july. So keep up the good work

I'm 10 days pot- op. I've lost 15 lbs since surgery (early on...slow now)... 32 since pre-op diet. I am eating when I feel a need but really don't know if I'm getting enough or too much. I feel good (very sore) but I can tolerate everything without issue. Today I ate a sugar free hello, a fat free tapioca pudding, a cup of tea, water, a tiny bowl of egg drop soup, 1/2 an avocado and a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt. I'm every other day with protein shakes because I hate them. Is this too much food, not enough... I'm not someone who is going to measure and track and calculate- I know that so why fool myself? I start to feel hungry so I eat a bit... am I going about this the wrong way?

OMG!! Can I join your "scales anonymous club" too? I am so bad about this! I was banded 10-22 and now its an obsession. I have to weigh myself every morning before my shower. Its crazy. But I agree with everyone else I use it as a tool. If I ate something I wasnt supposed to it would show on the scale. It keeps me accountable. Kelli

I have Anthem BCBS. I had my initial consultation in August where I received a packet from my surgeon telling me everything I needed based on my insurance. I had to have the following: Psychological clearance, dietician evaluation, pulmonary clearance, letter from PCP, diet history, TSH test, upper GI. I did not have to do a three month medically supervised diet. My BMI was 49 and I have mild sleep apnea. My paperwork was submitted at the end of Nov and I got approved in less than a week. It would have been sooner than that had I not taken my time getting the clearances....i was trying to make up my mind between the lapband and bypass. Getting banded 01-05-12!!!!!! If you call Anthem...they will tell you everything that you need. Good Luck!!!

****LUCKY DAY 13**** Hi friends...it's day 13 for me since surgery. I feel and look great. I'm down to 165 which translates to this progression: Jan 23 188lbs Feb 10 181lbs Feb 15 174lbs Feb 27 165lbs My clothes already feel loose and people are starting to notice, big time....I have been consuming soups and liquids at least once every 2-3hrs. I can't take much down, no more than 2-3oz except smoothies. I make a killer smoothie with Frozen Berries, Lakeland Coconut juice, Half of a banana blended and its delish! I can take about 4oz of that but in sips and over time. Love keeping that at my desk, totally curves my appetite. Last week I was very good about my walking. The last day I walked 2miles was last Thursday. 3days since a good long walk kinda bums me out, because tonight i have an event and i am not sure i can get the walk in without being exhausted when i get home. I will do whatever it takes to get these walks in everyday. Wednesday makes two weeks since my surgery. I am finally getting use to this new appetite and mentality. Although this situation with the liquids is getting old already. At first it was kinda of fun to find different things to drink, fun soups, great yogurts etc but now its just getting to me. I want something to CHEW on for the love of Christ. I don't miss food, i don't care for it, i just need to find more variety. I still have another week before dr.'s orders will allow for soft foods, tuna, cottage cheese, apple sauce, pudding, puree vegetables, mashed potatoes. I am terrified of eating at restaurants and events. This weekend was my first experience being out of my 'comfort zone' with food and one of the worst for someone in this post surgery condition. In Miami it was the South Beach Wine and Food Festival an event that i not only work but also love to attend. This year was different, i could have cared less partially b/c my fear of being around all that food but also i am just over food. I think its the same stuff over and over and over again. I gave up some pretty expensive tickets all in the name of my sanity. On Friday, i worked the event and never walked in the doors, i did everything i could from the outside and left early. My grandmother made me black bean Soup and i ran home to eat that...so good. On Saturday i had an event late at night and thank goodness it was passed canapés, because they crossed my path but i never even blinked. I got extremely hungry during the event while it was in full swing and i took a break. I took a 10min break and sat down and had my soup. The key to bad circumstances is to fill up. Even though it takes 2-4oz of anything it is just like when you are full and eating large amounts of food, once you are full that sensation of disgust after is still there. When i got home almost 4hrs after my last meal, i tore up a small bowl of black bean soup...yes at 2am. Don't judge.. lol The next day i passed on the Paula Deen Brunch and the grand tasting village. Even though i could have gone and i am not tempted to EAT desirable things, i was just fearful that friends would want me to try something or drink wine or that i would be without something to eat for a while and I might panic. Especially since i don't want to tell anyone and i do need to eat my soups etc by 2hrs. I know this is a problem but i will ease into it little by little. I am going to try with friends that know my situation just so that i can start to ease back into normal life with my new stomach and not have to feel like i am explaining to the world. This to me is forever... Also my nutrition is worrying me...i am not eating but a mere 500 calories a day and not getting enough Protein that is for sure. going to my doctor on Wed for some b-12 shots and going to up the consumption of my Protein shakes. Lessons learned so far: Plans your meals or have plenty of back up just in case Throw a single packet or two of Protein Powder in your purse. Worst case scenario. You can mix it in a bottle of Water a voila! a meal MILK products are not your friend. When on the liquid portion of your diet do not expect to evacuate every day, its more like every 4-5 and if you feel constipation take Milk of Magnesia before going to bed, you'll thank me in the morning. This is all for now. I start back up with my trainer next week so i am excited about that and major GOAL is 150 right now. Hoping to get there soon. Until then....feel free to ask questions. I am happy to help with what little experience i have with this and as with all things, I am not a medical professional nor does this post imply any medical advise or suggestions, these are personal accounts. Good night SPT friends. xo 134 and Happy!

When I started this the band was the only procedure I even considered. Then I would read about issues with fills and issues with slippage and issues with too many things. I don't want to go through this again in 5 or 10 years.

I too was band to sleeve on 9/10/13. Although I have no regrets, I have only lost 21 lbs. My Dr. told me that since I was not a "virgin" WLS patient, I would lose slower than first timers. I hope he is right. I get on these sites and see all these people loosing 30-50 lbs in the same amount of time. BUT they are maybe larger, have more to lose than I do. I just keep plugging along. My clothes are fitting better, actually hanging is more like it. One day, I hope to get on the scale and have lost a bunch of weight. Over the weekend, we went to the movies. First time in 2 months. I ate popcorn. I thought, I wont' be able to eat much. NOT. I did not eat as much as I have, but seems like quite a bit. I felt bad afterward. SO the next day, back to the walking, and Monday, back to the gym. Did more than I usually do. Just hang in there.

<p>I agree with you now here is my problem. I was banded the first of Nov had my first fill in Jan (had lost 10 lbs because of scheduling 2nd fill in Mar and the dr said I had 4cc and should be very restricted. Now I have had that burping up food thing but only with bread type things and once a very dry hamburger w.o anything on it. I have only lost a couple of pounds since and feel like I am really struggling. Am I doing something wrong or do I just need to kick it up a bit. My exercise regimin is mostly walking in water. I'm hoping after I lose more (if I do) I can do more strenous exercise. Everyone I know is losing so much weight and I am just standing still.</p>

I made an awesome strawberry lemonade today. Take a scoop of strawberry protein, add it to 10oz water and 1/2 packet crystal light lemonade. (or pre make lemonade, use 10 oz and 1 scoop powder) I even put mine in the freezer, let it get ice chunkees in it... Mmmm, I want more now....

my doctor allowed veggies too, but no yogurt or any of that. i could only use Protein shakes and 1 cup of veggies per day. so, it sounds like you have more options than I did. while you may lose weight on the pre-op, please try your best not to cheat on it again. you can make it 14 days and that is really the most difficult part (other than the 10 days of liquids only right after surgery, if your doctor makes you do that) if you are really having trouble sticking to the diet, you should contact your doctor and tell him. don't try to reason with yourself and give yourself permission to eat cheese or do anything that is not per the doctor. that is not a good way to go into this process. if you do that kind of reasoning now, believe me you will do that after you have healed and are ready to eat real food again. resolve now to do what you are supposed to do and stick to it as best as you can.

Dear you are being selfish if you don't have the surgery. The wall of weight that you have built will only get bigger harder to carry as time goes on. You may have good health now but I can tell you in 2 5 10 years it won't be. It will slowly eat at you with a joint pain here, a type II borderline there, problems breathing and no energy. I have 3 boys one has autism. I got he light last year that I cannot die right now. I am 49 not really old but not so young. In the last 4 1/2 months I have lost 90 lbs and got back to a place I thought I could never return. If you need this tool, run don't walk towards it. If you feel that you can lose the weight the regular way I have your back. But if you feel that you have gone down that road and it hasn't worked, come to the sleeved side. In the long run when you are playing with your kids and have all the energy and health in the world you will thank god that he put you on this road to a better quality of life. Remember you could get hit by a bus tomorrow so using your children as an excuse will get you know where and all alone behind your wall. Come out to the daylight, we will be waiting for you with a great sunscreen!