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Ugh. So I've been thinking about lap band for years. Last May I decided I wanted to actually look into it and see what I needed to do. The doc gave me a whole bunch of things to do before I could qualify with him for surgery. Loose 15lbs, (I was at 360, 6' tall) which, I've lost 10, then gained it back and now I'm at 360 again. Heart clearance, sleep apnea tests, sleep studies, nutrition counceling, psych test, plus assembling lots of info. I've done everything except loosing 15lbs and the barium swallow. I can't schedule that because I need to be 330lbs to get the barium swallow. I feel like every time I make a move, there's another road block. I commit to go bike riding to get active and loose weight - I get a flat tire. I suck it up, do it again. Get another flat tire. Now I finally schedule the barium swallow and I find out I need to loose 30lbs before I can even do that. I'm starting to get super defeated here. I'm dragging my feet as it is because the idea of the surgery scares the heck out of me. It's just so frustrating though. I haven't been 330 in about 5 years. I feel like if I could diet down adn loose 30lbs, I would have done it already. I did it once, about 10 years ago. I went from like 310 to 260 but I didn't have a child, I had a lot more cash flow for healthy eating and I was way more active. It slowly crept up, then I got pregnant, then my son had some medical issues - that's when the stress eatting really kicked up into high gear. The doc wont' do the surgery if you weigh more than 350lbs. Which doesn't really make sense either, since I know other people who weighed more than that who've gotten the surgery - just from a diff doc. This is the only one in my area though, so, I'm kinda stuck! I'm not sure what I'm looking for here. Just a bit of a rant. I'm not telling anyone except my hubby about the surgery so I don't have anybody to rant to really. I'm just feeling emotional too because I turned 30 this week and this is not what I wanted to look like on my 30th birthday.

Abbie - for me, the surgery was the easiest surgery I have ever had. I didn't have any gas pains (proactively took GasX just in case), the pain wasn't even pain - it was soreness, which goes away completely within 2 weeks. I was literally up and cleaning my daughter's house (stayed with her the first two days post surgery) and doing her laundry and feeling fine. For me, it was a breeze and I know it will be the best tool I have ever had, along with the hope and knowledge that I will one day be thin and be healthier. Again, keep in mind, the first several months post surgery, most people don't feel any restriction and even question whether or not they actually have a band - I did. I have had one fill of 5cc in my 11cc band and still don't have any restriction. I can eat anything and everything i want - which is good and bad. Good because I have more time to convert to a new life style and become more focused about loosing weight and eating healthier, but bad as I have only lost 10 lbs. in 6 weeks. My next fill is April 2nd - hoping to start filling restriction so that I can eat only 1/2 cup of food and be full. That is my dream. I say go for it - I don't the only regret many people ever have is not doing it sooner. Good Luck girl!!

hey guys, my name is Josh im 26 and from Louisville Ky, I am 4 years post op (july 2, 2008) I started at 402, and got down to 280, and since then have gained 30 to 40 lbs back!, I HAVE NOT been doing what I am supposed to do, and have little to no restriction. Should I go on liquids for 3-5 days to shrink my pouch down? and then get back on it hardcore and get the rest of this weight off? I have a baby on the way and I need to be healthy! any help, guidance, or similar experiences is greatly appreciated! 2007 2011

It is pretty noraml to feel bloarted you are swollen on the inside . No one who just had weight loss surgery will starve on 600 cals a day so don't worry just follow the plan and drink your proteins as best you can as you heal you will be able to get more down . It takes time hang in there..

Curious how much weight every one has lost this month? I lost 17 lbs. I had lost 20 but 3 lbs came back the beginning of week three and now I am stuck at the same weight week 3 and 4. I started yesterday trying to eat every three hours to get more in and to keep my metabolism up. Focusing on the Protein and fluids. I did see the scal move from 261 to 260.4 so maybe that is going to help me get going again.

I have my first visit with my surgeon next week. I am keeping my upcoming WLS pretty much under wraps. I only told a few people who are positive and supportive and can keep a secret. My fiancé, Mom, sister, and best friend. I am not going to post about it on Face Book I don't want to give the playground gossip crew anything new to talk about( We all have nosey FB friends). WLS is not an easy way out it is a tool and maybe after I get to my goal weight I will shout it out from the roof tops!

Hi Levi27, In case you haven't kept up with the other thread, I don't post very often because I cannot use my own computer and have to wait until I visit in RI. Good to hear from you and I see your great weight loss!! Congrats!! I finally was banded on March 6th at Beth Israel, Dr. Jones. I am doing very well. I have lost 19 lbs, but I hope to have a fill my next visit to get a little more restriction. I felt like it took forever to get it done. I was the last one in the group from the get together. I am glad I got to see one of your posts. I figured out how to do the ticker but I cannot for the life of me transfer it to posts:phanvan Nana

Welcome. I think it is a good idea for them to come along. I am now finishing the second day of my pre-op diet and will get banded 9/23. Seemed like the Journey started a while ago but it has gone quick. This is a great site with lots of support, and I can't think of a question that you can't get answered here. Best of luck. If you end up deciding to move forward I would suggest grabbing a copy of weight loss surgery for dummies. It is a good book that lays out alot of what you are looking at doing. Good Luck Greg

Let me share a personal story with you that may have you second guessing if you really need to tell everyone you had weight loss surgery. Back in 2004, a woman who is a friend /mom in my son's playgroup lost a lot of weight. She claimed she was doing Weight Watchers and lost over 100 pounds in a really short amount of time. Now of course I couldn't really tell you the exact time frame of her weight loss, because I was too busy leading my own life and attending to my own family and career to pay attention. This friend has successfully kept over 100 pounds off (sometimes going up/down 15 pounds) over the last 10 years. I have found myself jealous on occasion. How has she been successful when statistically speaking, most people regain their weight over time? Never once did I even consider she had WLS. It wasn't on my radar because WLS wasn't a part of my world.......yet. Flash forward almost 10 years later. A few months ago I met this friend and a few other moms for a mom's night out. A few days before this, I had attended a WLS orientation at my hospital. Fresh on my mind were the eating habits I would have to implement after WLS - eat Protein first, chew slowley, don't drink while eating, etc. I watched my friend eat her dinner. She ate her chicken breast first and left most of it on her plate. She ate some veggies second and avoided the rice. She didn't take a sip of her drink. Not even once. Could this friend in fact had WLS back in 2004 and chose to only tell a select few? Maybe. I could ask her, but at this point I've decided not to. If she chose not to tell people, I'm going to respect her decision. Not once in the 10 years did it register on my radar that she may have had WLS. Not. Even. Once. Here's the point I'm trying to make Weight loss surgery and the process is kind of like buying a new car. Once you buy one, you suddenly become more aware of every car on the road that looks like yours. People tend to be egocentric and aren't as focused on what we are doing as we may think. I am so much more than a woman about to have weight loss surgery. I am a mother. I am a wife. I have built a successful career. I have many hobbies that I enjoy. I am a private person, in general. I don't want my weight loss journey monitored by everyone in all of my social circles. For me, I'm telling close family and that's it. These are the people who live with me day to day and who I really need support from. Who knows, maybe with time (and proven success) I may choose differently. For now, that is a decision that I'm comfortable with. If someone asks about my weight loss and asks how I did it, I plan to answer with a very simple, "I made some lifestyle changes and the weight is falling off" or "With a lot of hard work!" That's the truth, right? Trust your intuition and make a decision that's right for you.

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Jessica! I'm also 25 and I got banded 10/16. I was wondering the same thing. Let's keep in touch and see what works and what doesnt. I'm working out often and started doing light weights. It seems to be helping. I've lost lbs since then. I had a starting weight (initial consult...July 30) of 279 (yes insane)...and now I'm 235. I have 100lbs to go but I'm excited! Let me know what kind of exercises you're doing!

Merry Christmas to you and congrats on the weight loss!

I was banded 4/06 and have lost 100 lbs. Over the last 7-8 months, I gained a few pounds and feel no restriction. After having an upper GI to determine if any problems exist. None were found and surgeon attempted to remove Fluid from the band. I have a 5cc. band that was filled to 5cc. When he attempted to remove the fluid there was none! :biggrin: I had at least five fills prior to a year ago. He filled the band with 1cc and said to wait a month and comeback to see what is in the band then. Otherwise there may be a leak in the balloons or tubing (none was seen on the upper GI). Help!

I have a child and I am currently 1 week post RNY. Like you I wanted a sleeve but my reflux was too bad and I wanted to avoid another possible surgery in the future to correct it or convert it since it's not just that easy as oh just get a revision. My husband and I are not planning to have more kids per say, but if after my waiting period something happens then we would be thrilled!! We had to endure trying, expensive, and frustrating fertility treatments in order to have our child and while I wouldn't change it for the world, if I had to do it over I would have had surgery first. I'm reading some misinformation on here in regards to malabsorption and by no means am I an expert and truthfully that is the exact reason I was afraid to have RNY, but truth is your body may not receive as many calories or nutrients from foods that aren't the greatest for you. That is the benefits to malabsorption. Your stomach doesn't just dump everything the second you ingest it unless in most people it's pretty unhealthy and in that case you're not receiving nutrition from something like that anyway even if you didn't have the surgery. My very good friend had RNY almost 6 years ago and while she still had issues getting pregnant she is currently pregnant with her second child in less than a year lol! Actually her children will be 1 year and 9 days apart if baby 2 stays in there that long ha ha! She had zero complications as it relates to her surgery and was substantially healthier and more readily able to carry a child because of it. The only thing that's common in terms of a normal pregnancy and RNY is having your glucose testing done differently and finding a dr that had treated and delivered babies to mothers that have had RNY just in case. Back to the malabsorption, as long. As you are eating correctly and being religious about taking your vitamins as directed by your bariatric program/surgeon you shouldn't ever be malnourished. This requires follow up blood work and specified intervals forever and reporting to your doctor if you feel off. Also eating for 2 is not healthy and it's not a thing, you literally only need 100 more calories a day when you are pregnant and that essentially an extra, healthy protein filled snack. I would not be concerned about malabsorption since there is a big difference between malabsorption and malnutrition and as long as you stick to the plan and take your supplements and get in your protein you would be fine. I know a lot of people do research into the things they want to do and their surgeries but I kind of go over board on it before doing anything and for me this was the right choice! All of the research I read about pregnancy after WLS showed significant higher numbers of healthy babies and healthy mothers with a drastic reduction in pregnancy/higher weight related complication such as GD, PreE, bed rest, etc.. I was lucky I had a healthy pregnancy and a healthy daughter and while I wasn't as big as I am now I only gained 20lbs my entire pregnancy, ate healthy, and kept active. I however was always worried and I actually switched doctors about 12ish weeks in because my weight was an issue for them and I would leave every appointment crying. You need to make the choice that's right for your life, but word of advice I don't think I will ever go back to regular vitamins you swallow even though they say 6-8 weeks after you can take pills like normal. I think it's better to have the nutrients available almost immediately for absorption by allowing them to dissolve or using chewable.

Ok so I was terrible last night....I had 3 pieces of deep dish pizza:pizza:....It was wonderful, but afterwards I felt so guilty...:emoticon(':killit')"]...This waiting for my fill and not really having a real restricton is getting to me...I am sure that one day of falling off the wagon wont kill me...I did not see any difference on the scales this morning which I was expecting about a pound gain but I guess that I moved around enough yesterday working in the yard and mowing that it evened out...Oh well, 1 more week to go then I am sure that I will do great...After all, everyone is expected to have a fall back every once in a while but I feel like crying due to letting myself down...I went into the OB yesterday for my bleeding problem and had to have one of those sonograms with the long wand, that wasnt pleasant...Well, anyways my dr said that some bleeding is normal since I havent in such a very long time and that maybe it was just time for me to get cleaned out...Said that there is only a very thin lining left and that it should stop anytime on its own...Also said that the depo shot that I got yesterday might actually help stop it and that if it doesnt before long that he would put me on some estrogen patches...He was really kinda rude, like I was wasting his time for something like that...Well hello, I dont think that bleeding for over a month is actually wasting his time...I guess that my drs visit might be why I fell into the pizza, I always feel depressed and so violated going there and then for him to treat me like that just made it worse...Well, I am feeling a little bit better about it this morning but not by much so I only ate the toppings off of 3 pieces of left over pizza for breakfast (I said a little bit better, atleast I didnt eat the crust this time) lol[/b]:emoticon(':slap')"]...Tomorrow is a new day!!!(Thank GOD)[/b]

Ok so I was terrible last night....I had 3 pieces of deep dish pizza:pizza:....It was wonderful, but afterwards I felt so guilty...:emoticon(':killit')"]...This waiting for my fill and not really having a real restricton is getting to me...I am sure that one day of falling off the wagon wont kill me...I did not see any difference on the scales this morning which I was expecting about a pound gain but I guess that I moved around enough yesterday working in the yard and mowing that it evened out...Oh well, 1 more week to go then I am sure that I will do great...After all, everyone is expected to have a fall back every once in a while but I feel like crying due to letting myself down...I went into the OB yesterday for my bleeding problem and had to have one of those sonograms with the long wand, that wasnt pleasant...Well, anyways my dr said that some bleeding is normal since I havent in such a very long time and that maybe it was just time for me to get cleaned out...Said that there is only a very thin lining left and that it should stop anytime on its own...Also said that the depo shot that I got yesterday might actually help stop it and that if it doesnt before long that he would put me on some estrogen patches...He was really kinda rude, like I was wasting his time for something like that...Well hello, I dont think that bleeding for over a month is actually wasting his time...I guess that my drs visit might be why I fell into the pizza, I always feel depressed and so violated going there and then for him to treat me like that just made it worse...Well, I am feeling a little bit better about it this morning but not by much so I only ate the toppings off of 3 pieces of left over pizza for breakfast (I said a little bit better, atleast I didnt eat the crust this time) lol[/b]:emoticon(':slap')"]...Tomorrow is a new day!!!(Thank GOD)[/b]

When I hit my goal of getting to a normal BMI weight I thought OK my body will stop...uh guess what? SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE to my shock I dropped 5 more lbs. immediately WITHOUT trying. I started adding more carbs and eating more and now I bounce between 5 and 2 lbs. under goal. I do not diet, but for the most part try to eat well. I keep my eye on the scale and am really trying to keep the balance of it all. And so far, so good.

Only thing my doctor told me was not to lift more then 30 pounds first 3 weeks but seems every doctor says different. surgery: April 28th~~~current weight loss 20 pounds

....wearing regular size shoes and not wide widths ....crossing my legs ....feeling comfortable enough to start dating ....playing basketball and tennis ....letting loose instead of always being self-conscious ....going to the beach or water park and looking great in my bathing suit ....getting really dressed up and going out for the 1st time at goal weight ....shopping at regular size clothing stores ....having guys that never gave me a second look all of a sudden pay attention to me ....felling better about myself and having more energy ....feeling attractive and not just "pretty, for a big girl"

I got a letter today - and I am starting through the process - I am a tad excited. My appt with the dietitian and psychologist is in a few weeks. But I have a questions for all you who have gone before me.... I need to go through a 12 week Professionally-Supervised Weight Loss Program - supervised by a registered dietitian, PCP, nurse practitioner, or behavioral health counselor. Now the hospital that I am going to offers a program - but I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on programs. also - I know from reading all of you have lost weight prior to surgery due to the diet programs they make you go through in preperation for the surgery - this is silly but what if you are "too" successful and you loose weight - can they say - see this is all you need to do...... thanks for your wisdom.... Helena

I'm 4 months out, and have had 4 2-week stalls in that time, including one around the 2-3 week mark. I'm still down 71 lbs in 4 months despite those stalls. Once they broke, the weight started flying off, then would slow down, then another stall. You can't expect it to happen in a straight line. I didn't do anything to break the stalls, they broke on their own.

I'm looking for advice on gas but not the gas from surgery, the gas you make like burping hiccups and farting. Those has been KILLING my stomach. The otherwise pain isn't bad at all but the constant gurgling and lurching is really hurting it. I have had some BMs so I'm not worried about being constipated. I'm just drinking Water, diluted juice, and had 1 Popsicle since Wednesday so I don't think I'm eating anything I shouldn't be. I looked for gas strips but only could find mylanya gas relief chewable tablets. Which of course taste like chalk and old mints. I did chew 2 of them a few hours ago hoping for some releuf before bed and have felt absolutely none. Hasn't gotten worse but definitely hasn't gotten better either any ideas? Starting weight 321- sleeve date 07/10/13 Sent from my iPhone using VST

Be very careful going off bp meds. I lost 104 lbs after lapbanding and my bp was perfect for 2 yrs (I only took at 2x a year at the drs office. Took myself off the bp pills. Like u, I took way too many pills (about 12 a day)This past June, I got that telltale headache. Went the Vons and checked it. it was 220/135. We were on vacation and I didn't have access to bp meds so I tok some of my mother in laws. After day 4 of extremely hi bp, I called my dr at home and aked him what to do. He sent me to the Er immediately. After a bunch of tests and a brain MRI, they found I had a TIA (very small stroke) from my hi bp. I was advised by my dr never to take myself off pills of any kind. An that since it;s really hereditary (dad had first MI at 32 and die from 2nd at 43, mom had major stroke 18 mths ago at 65), I need to take them forever. Whether or not losing weight brings it down, it may eventually go back up again without me knowing. Good luck!

tonight for the first time sense my surgery i was nauseous, it was from taking all my pills, i cant believe how many i am on and i think it is a little much for my little sleeve. i have 2 for bp, 1 for allergies, 2 for acne, my giant multivitamin, and 1 for acid. I am supposed to take 2 more multivitamins and a calcium but i dont think i can right now. i am desperate for some of them to go away and since the only weight related ones are bp (and ive heard great things on the boards about leaving the hospital off bp meds) im hoping those may go away soon. i have lost 20 lbs since my surgery. i bought a chewable multivitamin from gnc but it is disgusting and i cant do it. anybody know of others that wont make me puke?

You don't say what your starting weight was. My highest weight was 410. My NUT has told me many times I need at least 1200 cal but closer to 1400 to lose the weight. I've struggled w that for a while but finally gave in. Also started exercising. I've lost 4 lbs in 6 days. She said less CSS for my weight is too little and that my body goes into a starvation mode when I go under that for very long. I was stuck this sat tie for almost 2 mos because I didn't do what she said. Also, she told me to fluctuate the number of carbs per day for a while to shack it up. Finally the lbs are moving again.