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Thanks for the "pat on the back" Marci! I am one of those who have "only" lost 50 pds. I have been rather disappointed with myself at times, but then I think back to how I was a year ago and I'm SO glad I'm not there anymore! I don't even mind looking at myself in a mirror now. A year ago I was appauled to see myself in a mirror and didn't "know" who that person even was looking back at me. I have a long way to go but am confident that I will get there. The lapband isn't the quick weightloss method - it works slowly over 5 yrs. My goal is to lose another 50 pds this next year! I am going in for a fill today, hopefully I'll get put to 9cc's in my 10 cc band and really feel restriction. I also need to stop cheating myself and sneaking things that are no-no's. I am really going to buckle down now and get serious about losing weight. Have a great week everyone and keep up the good work!

I have a story similar to most on here.. at age 6 I started gaining weight rapidly... I was adopted so my adoptive parents couldn't exactly figure out why. At the time, all I knew was that my birth mother had thyroid conditions. I've been tested over and over again for that, and nothing was found. Now I know my birth father, in fact live with him here in San Antonio texas. He's 400lbs, but that's after losing 100lbs. His family also has a history of being overweight. My whole life I have felt trapped. like my personality didn't match my body. At 8 years old I weighed in at 180lbs... at 10, 200lbs, at 13, 270lbs, then at 16 I was 320, lost down to 269 on the atkins diet, and then the next year at 17 in college went back up to 300lbs, and now I weigh 340lbs at 20 years old.. I'm 5'7 and look very proportionate. This weight has caused MANY years of pain because I can't even do simple things girls my age enjoy... like wearing heels or going to amusment parks. I'm at the point of desperation. I work at citibank and the insurance here is wonderful, the surgery is almost fully covered, and lots of my coworkers have gotten it. I am more than ready. My seminar is scheduled for January 26th going under the company of "New Dimensions" formerly "Weight Wise." I'm amazingly excited, and scared. More scared that for some reason it won't happen. I really need a support system, I guess at this time, because I feel this is my only chance, or really second chance at life. Please keep in touch! Write back on here, or here is my myspace link: MySpace.com - Gabrielle - 19 - Female - San Antonio, Texas - www.myspace.com/gabriellewilliams thank you and God bless you! sincerly, Gabrielle

Hello all, I am back with another thought. I was sleeved on 10/26 and I just realized that I have not had a cigarette for a full week. My doctor only required a week of no nicotine and a week of liquids - but as some of you know, this was cut short for me since my surgery was moved from 10/30 to 10/26. I saw a pack in my purse and thought about lighting it up just to smell it but I grabbed my respirator thingy instead and did my deep breathing exercises. It's getting easier to drink my liquids. But this morning I got a little cocky and drank too fast and made my chest hurt a bit. I am really excited about this journey and thanks to all of my fellow sleevers for your support. To the pre-sleevers, I just graduated from that group a few days ago....lol...feel free to ask me anything because there are times when I can't believe that I am actually sleeved. The morning I stood in the mirror looking at my incisions saying....wow...I really did it!

I had gastric sleeve done on 3/18/19. I am having a hard time getting in the 60 grams of protein and 64 Oz of water daily. I'm supposed to be on pureed foods. I still have to do liquids a lot though. I'm trying really hard but I can only get so much liquid or food down before my stomach gets upset or I vomit it back up. Is this common right after surgery? Has anyone else had the same problems? Any tip or tricks to meeting my daily requirements? Thank you!!

Well I'm a pro at short term disability. I've used it 4 times for the birth of my kids. Many companies have a waiting period before your short term disability kicks in. Some have no waiting time but typically it ranges from 3 to 10 days. For the 3 to 10 days you have to use sick or vacation time. Once that kicks in, you should have your other paperwork already completed by your surgeon and it starts automatically. The problem I think you are going to have is that the time off has to be doctor approved. Unless you have complications from the lapband (which I hope you don't), the doctor will probably only give you a 1 to 2 week recovery period. This is something you really need to talk over with your doctor. I'm not sure how much time you are wanting to take off. So you might not be granted STD based off of the doctors release. The key thing to remember is that you need to file for FMLA (family medical leave act) this is DIFFERENT from STD but should be in the same packet of info that you get. The FMLA ensures that you have a job to come back to if you are going to use STD or if you don't have sick/vacation days to use. Hope this helps!!

OMG ( gosh ) you get your band and you show your husband -- it is not easy - but you can do it- the first week I wanted to tear the band out -- ha ha - glad I did not do it -- you get used to not drinking while eating--- takes a few weeks but you will adjust -- the best thing, to me, about the band is that I feel like I will not regain the weight I slowly lose -- you know you lose 10 and feel good and then gain it back - plus a few lbs - I have to repeat this is not easy but I love it - I still need to get used to not ordering too much food - I bring a lot home in boxes and either eat it at another time or treat my cat and dog --- my children are not home anymore and my husband usually does not like what I order -- YOU CAN DO IT

Israeljustice - I had my surgery on January 10, 2012.

I was Sept 10 also. I hurt, too. I am taking liquid meds. I am just resting a lot, trying to get these fluids down, and walking. I hope our pain subsides soon!

I was sleeved June 19. I'm eating soups, yogurts, hummus, tuna, canned chicken, eggs, avocado/guacamole. My fat ass had the tiniest bite of my husbands burger the other day. Keep us updated when you all level up to new foods. Keep truckin!

I have a few questions if you don't mind...how much do you weigh, how long and what is your preop diet, and has your doc told you what he wants from your preop diet (ie shrink your liver, drop 10% of your weight, etc?)

I am 10 lbs from goal and I've been in a stall for the past almost 3 weeks. I've been bouncing around 170-172. 160 is my goal. I'm almost 10 months out. I log everything and get 100 grams of protein a day. I only eat good carbs and I watch everything. Now I do work out 4 times a week and my workouts are getting more intense. I do find I eat more now but it's all good stuff that I'm eating. What gives? Could I be done losing? I'm starting to freak out a little.

Clear liquid 1 day PO Full liquids 10-14days as tolerated Mash/soft 10-14 days as tolerated. At 1 month PO I was on my forever diet. I'm 5.5 weeks out and can eat anything now.

When I had my VSG I was 278.2 the week before surgery, 271 when discharged, and 258.3 at my post-op appointment 10 days later. I had very minimal bruising or swelling that time. When I had my revision (8 months later due to gerd), I was 222 a week before surgery, left the hospital at 234.4 (was there 4 days due to needing iron), and was 215.7lbs at my one week post-op appointment. I had loads of bruising this time around. The picture is from a week post-op and I still had visible bruising at 20 days post-op (second picture) though it never hurt.

Another thing to keep in mind - you may not be losing weight but you may still be losing inches. Measure the following locations and measure them once a week to see the changes (it only takes about 4 minutes to measure all of these spots): Neck Around the chest (widest part) Around the chest (under breast for women) Upper arm (always the same distance from the elbow crease) Forearm (same distance from elbow crease) Wrist Waist (narrowest area) Waist (at belly button) Hips (widest) Hips (at the dip, if you have one) Thigh (same distance from the crotch or back of knee) Calf (same distance from the back of the knee) Ankle You may not notice changes in all areas, but on those weeks where you have no weight loss you will very likely lose a half inch, an inch, or more. One final note - women gain between 5-10 lbs every month due to our cycles, so if you don't lose this week, you may lose a lot next week. If you're tracking you'll see these fluctuations. And even women who are going through menopause or who have gone through menopause will have fluctuations though they'll be a little smaller in the 2-4 lbs range.

I was banded 10/24 and went to Disney 12/5... rode everything! No issues... in fact, it was nice fitting better into them! You should be fine.

I'm 5'8" in a 22/24 I'm currently about 345lbs blah!!!! When I was 17 I put myself on a strict diet and exercise program and got to about 175 in a size 10. But soon after got pregnant and only went up from there. My PCOS plays a big part in it too though! I hope you and your boyfriend beat the odds too!! And I love the idea of buying an outfit in the size you want to be at. Awesome motivation!!!

That's awesome he is supportive. My boyfriend is also supportive he told me he would do whatever he needs to. I've heard a lot of couples don't make it after one has the surgery but I'm hoping we beat those odds. If you don't mind me asking what size are you starting at? I'm 6ft an wear 24/26 and hoping to maybe be a 10-12 I'm not sure what a realistic goal would/should be. One of my friends recommended buying an outfit in your goal size and hanging it were you can see it everyday she said It really helped her stay on track!

First time 4 days I was denied because they sent in wrong info not all way faxed but then day 10 I was approved

I think you've self identified some of the real problems like that you're a stress eater and you don't always follow the rules but 2 things really stick out to me. First of all you are dismissing the weight you've lost. You're describing it as a "measly 20 lbs" but when you were at 249 you'd lost 10% of your body weight. That's not a small accomplishment. Too often we get caught up on the # of lbs we've lost and don't take into consideration the fact that not only our our metabolisms different our entire body make-ups and structures are different. For instance I would love to weigh 277 that would be 10lbs less than I weighed in college at what definitely felt like the peak of my physical form but for you that was just a starting point. Don't dismiss your progress just because it doesn't fit your preconception. Second of all you've identified you have a behavioral component to your eating and as you've identified the band is just a tool but specifically it's a mechanical tool. It is easy to figure out how to eat around our bands which is why we have to focus on our habits first and foremost. I would really encourage you to try and find a bariatric support group where you can talk about your eating and exercise habits with others who understand. If you're too shy to do that or there isn't something available near you then I'd encourage you to identify a person on the forums here who posts frequently and generally says things you find insightful then ask them to be your friend and start exchanging messages or emails regularly. Having someone to talk to one on one can make a huge difference.

Okay, I've had several emails and people ask questions about what I'm doing to lose solid numbers every week and I've compiled my list of personal habits (disagree or agree this is just how I'm doing it, feel free to take as little or as much as you want): 1) Protein. I went off the doc's diet after week 3 (bad i know!), I get 90% of my calories from pure protein. I completely avoid carbs like the black plague. I snack on chicken, and whatever I can get my hands on. Yesterday for lunch I had pulled pork bbq, 3 oz and I was done, saved the rest and ate it again for dinner. No sides, no bread, nadda. The bbq was more than enough. 2) Routine is my bff. I know what I'm going to eat every single day before I leave the house, I leave nothing for imagination and I workout with other people so even if I'm not feeling motivated to do it, I know they are waiting on me to show up- there for I actually do my workouts religously. 3) Here's the tough love. 20 minutes is not good enough. 30 minutes is not good enough. 45 minutes is NOT good enough. You need to commit to 1 FULL HOUR EVERY SINGLE DAY to working out. I don't know your schedule but I know this- simple math says it takes 3500 calories to burn 1 lbs of fat, even on a low calorie diet and your BMR helping to burn some calories that still a LOT Of calories that you need to burn. 4) READ the guru's. I've read Jillian Michaels and Bob Harpers books, I've read Oprah's trainers, I've read all the top hollywood trainers books. I've educated myself thoroughly and there are several key things THEY ALL AGREE ON: A) To lose weight you must work out a MINIMUM of 1 hour 6 days a week and it must be intense, not lolly gagging- doesn't matter if it's running, walking, elliptical or what you got to make it intense and get your heart rate to 120. Weight lifting is NECESSARY. At least 3 times a week for 30 minutes at max weight. All the trainers said it, if you want to change your metabolism it starts with weights. Muscle burns more fat. There for increase your muscle. If you rotate a day of weight lifting for cardio, or add them both in for a 2 hour workout 6 days a week, magical things might happen. C) Carbs are the enemy. They all agree. We are a carb heavy society. And because of our sleeves now is the time to back away slowly and reconsider them later. Eat a very heavy protein diet. D) Sugars are the enemy. And you know what I'm talking about. Even the protein shakes are full of crap. Time to step back drink h20 (and none of the other crap) and focus on proteins again. I will miss my smoothies and my fudigcles and my occassional sweet tooth cravings, but do want to lose weight or not? E) DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT eat after 7pm. Water ONLY. Sleeping on a full stomach, partially full, or any thing at all in your stomach will screw with your metabolism in your sleep. Just don't do it. Maybe masters swimming and water polo are my saving grace, but I know several people who've had success with trainers, workout buddies, etc. It's HARD. Period. No matter who we are to get this done. It takes time and commitment. Now, with all this said and done, let me also say that I will NOT be losing ANY weight this week. WHAT?! Why do ask ?! Because my period should be starting tomorrow, and well I got PCOS (PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome which has been a huge factor in why I needed the VSG- my body cannot regulate my hormones or my insulin), and I have always gained between 7 and 10 lbs on my period (sorry guys for the TMI but weight gain is true for the vast majority of women). If I only fluctuate by a pound or so I will be delighted. So this week I'm easing up on myself and just training and ignoring my numbers as they will most likely go up. BE AWARE of your cycles and get a calendar. Start tracking on your calendar, calories consumed, when your period is, when your PMS'ing (which is when your hormones start to surge and the first onset of weight gain pre-period happens) and watch what happens. You might be bloating because you're so close to your cycle. I also get horrific acne- which right now is pretty bad :/ so that's my indicator mother nature is about to come kick my a$$. I work out a LOT. A minimum of 2 to 5 hours a day and that's why I've been dropping numbers. I know a lot of people cannot commit to that, but I'm doing with with a packed schedule and a kid because my health is #1. It's time for me. THIS IS MY TIME. And I don't have anymore time in my life to waste. I'm being as completely proactive as possible. Hope this helps!

You will be fine. I had my surgery on Tuesday. No issues, just getting enough fluids can be a challenge. There's nothing to be worried about. On my surgery date, there were 10 of us total. Yes 10. It's not a long procedure and we had 2 surgeons. One doing the sleeve and the other completed the hernia, if needed. In my group there were at least 4 people over 60 years of age, 3 females and one male. We all hung out on the hospital floor walking and talking about our experience. Hang in there, think about your new lifestyle after you successful surgery. Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations, and wishing you and rapid recovery! Were you in surgery for 10 hours? Or you had surgery 10 hours ago?

I got rid of all my old clothes. I do not plan on going back. I can wear a size 4 now. However, I will not expect to stay that size. So I will keep the siz 8 to 10. I lost enough in case I gain the 20 pound average at year three. I am 26 months out.

I am sorry but I have to disagree. Not everyone has amazing metabolism. I have been the same weight (give or take 10 lbs) for 10 years before I got the surgery. I use to cry to my husband all the time because every show about obesity and even the biggest looser people were sharing how they ate a whole pizza with a 2 liter bottle of soda or use to eat a big mac super size and dessert and that wasn't me. I would have easily thrown up if I tried to eat more than 2-3 slices of pizza. Never drank regular soda because it was too sweet and ate a lot of healthy stuff and still couldn't loose weight. Oh and I always ate Breakfast. I love breakfast and even it for dinner many nights of the week, but still couldn't loose weight. After surgery if I am in between 600-800 calories and less than 30 grams of carbs a day I can loose 2 lbs a week except that less than 30 grams of carbs a day makes me feel like I am going to faint every time I get up and with 2 small kids and a deployed husband and no family around its extremely scary and I didn't want to do that. So I changed up my diet which now consists of : 1 Protein shake in the morning, a string cheese, a lean cusine meal (which I don't even eat all of it) or some tuna with crackers or shrimp with tomatoes, another Protein Shake or a Protein Bar, and dinner is the same as lunch. I only drink diet tea because I can't handle carbonation ever since surgery and I am completely stalled. So while its great that you have this amazing metabolism and can get away with that, not everyone can and they have to be in a "diet" per say and moderation is not the key. Heck I lost 44 so far with 38 to go and I am at 4 months post op. I have about 2 more months to loose the rest before I am out of this window. So honestly its great for you, but some of us can't indulge and still have to be on a diet.

My surgery was yesterday. They pushed me back frommarriving at 6 a.m. two arriving at 8:30 a.m., so that's what I did. They had me taken to pre-op at 8:40, where I was supposed to get an IV and all of that and then my husband would come back and hang out with me until they move me to holding and then he would head for the waiting room when I headed for the OR... But I ended up in pre-op until sometime after 10... without my spouse.. because I had a complete and utter meltdown. :-( I have no idea what happened but the minute they came at me with that IV, I thought about what my husband said as we walked into the hospital which was "last chance ... are you sure you want to do this?" And I just started bawling! Sobbing and sputtering& scared to death that I was going to end up regretting doing this! And it took four different nurses, my surgeon and his helper, Amy anesthesiologist to come in and get me calmed down. I have no idea what came over me. One of my best friends had this surgery about a year-and-a-half ago ... and she works for a lighter me ... so I called her and she helped me a lot and eventually I did sign everything get my IV and agree to go into surgery. I was out of recovery and in a room by around 3:00 pm. My husband and my son came to visit me after I got into a room. They stayed until 8 p.m. and then headed home. Around 6:30 I had them help me get up and I sat in a chair for a while which felt better I hadn't really had a lot of pain at that point... but man was I bloated and that gas is very uncomfortable! I have not had my week test yet, so I haven't been allowed anything to drink... I keep getting a headache off and on it feels like a dehydration headache even though I'm not dehydrated because I'm on IV fluids. Maybe it's a lack of food headache because I haven't eaten anything since the day before yesterday. I walked one time around the ward, felt very tired, and decided to lie down. Around 9 or 10:00 last night the gas became very very painful... at that point they had given me Toradol around 6 p.m. and I had a pump for morphine that I had not used it all yet. I used it like 3 times and it did not touch the pain so I had them get me out of bed. Once I was sitting up in a chair it was better and then I decided I needed to walk to start getting this gas moving... I walked around the ward twice, took a break, walked around the ward three times, took another break, walked around the ward twice, and didn't really get back into bed until around 3 or 4 this morning. (I I'm unable to sleep without taking my Seroquel and I'm unable to have my Seroquel because I'm unable to swallow anything). I dozed off in a straight backed chair for a few, then slept in the bed, partially on my right side, until about 6 this morning... it is 7 a.m. now and I'm hoping to go for another walk very soon. The only gas I have moved has been a few very small burps... and they won't take my catheter out until after I've had my leak test. I am using Gas-X strips they're just not helping much. At this point the gas is uncomfortable and a little painful but the only pain I've had from my stomach has been when I cough which I've done, thankfully, just a couple of times. Also a stomach sleeper so my back and hips and butt are killing me :-P That's about it for now I'll come back and update more after my leak test which hopefully will be in the next few hours. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App