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From what I have read on here, it seems many bandsters have problems in the morning and then as the day progresses they loosen up. I am tighter in the mornings, but I CAN eat, but don't during the school week, because I don't have time to sit and eat my breakfast like I should. Many times I don't eat real food for lunch, because I have to stay with my students and have about 10 minutes to eat when I sit down. I COULD eat solid food, but don't have time, so I usually have Soup. Talk to your doc and see if it would probably be more beneficial for your to get a small unfill to be able to eat food earlier in the day.

Hi Nursejen, I too am "starting over" but much closer to goal! I started at 284, got down to 212 in 10 months, then completely fell "off the wagon," eating slider foods and eating too much even though it made me feel terrible (physically and mentally). I gained back 24 lbs. That was a bummer to see- of course, I had stopped weighing myself too. As of August 1, I started over, and my first wid I had lost 5.5 lbs! I know a lot of it is Water weight, but it was still nice to see, LOL. I log everything into MyFitnessPal, it totally keeps me on track. And I portion control and eat by the rules, with Protein first and small bites, no drinking while eating and no soda at all (that is one rule I did keep, well two, I didnt' and don't drink with my meals and I gave up a 2+ liter a day soda habit before I was banded). The band is always here to help, but we definitely have to do our part! As CarolinaGirl says, every day we have is a new start! Good luck! Nicki

Hi I have had my band for 6 years, during the first three I lost over 100 pounds and was at goal. I started to suffer with quite bad acid reflux but before I could do anything about it I fell pregnant and removed most of the Fluid (still had 4cc in 10cc band with barely any restriction) I then had another baby quite quickly afterwards. Now my youngest is 10 months old so I tried to have a small fill and the reflux is so bad! I had it taken back out again....so it's probably a suspected slip so now I have had a total unfil. My question is has resting your band for 4 to 6 weeks fixed your slip? And do you think after such a long period of time it will work for me? I have around 50 pounds to lose

I'm 31 years old and have been fat for the past 12 years or so. I struggled with anorexia in high school because my dad was always calling me fat and that if i could pinch an inch I needed to lose weight. He was physically and emotionally abusive to my mom, sisters, and I. After I got a fiance and started feeling decent about eating in front of him all hell broke loose lol. I don't know what happened but I kept gaining weight. It was like my body rebeling against me. I've tried for 10 years or so to lose weight and I'd lose a little and gain even more back. I've tried South Beach, Slim Fast, Weight Watchers, the gym, and more to lose weight and I can't keep it off. I was talking to a gal at work that just had gastric bypass and I was always one of "those people" that said "I don't need surgery, thats a cop out, thats the easy way out." When in fact I think I was just jealous of them taking control of their weight. The gal I was talking to told me about the sleeve since my only reason for not doing surgery was because I didn't want a foreign object in me and I didn't want my intestines re-routed. It was like a light bulb went off!!!! I researched everything I could and decided to do it! I looked up my insurance info and found the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery center in Everett, Wa. They had a lot of great reviews. I didnt' know what doctor to choose so the receptionist picked her fave doc for me. I love Dr. Michaelson. When I went into my consult he told me I was more knowledgable than med students he's seen!!! Makes me feel good lol. (I went to school for medical assisting and I want to be a Nurse Practitioner someday) I had my first meeting with my nutritionist this week and can't believe how much my portions really were! The size of fruit is supposed to be like a tennis ball....the oranges I buy are huge and so are the apples. I was eating almost 6 or 7 servings of fruit a day! and 2-3 servings of chicken at one meal... I told my husband I'm going to do this and he supports me although he thought that I was just going to go have my fat cut off...lol...he's silly.

Hey Melaniek. Welcome to the forum. I am 32 and have been struggling with mines for the last 10 yrs maybe. This is actually my 2nd attempt to surgery. My first one was 2 yrs ago, while trying to do the lap band. I bagged out at the end of my 6 months cus I too thought that I could do it on my own. I was then 230 to 240. After the two years passed by, my weight soared to the highest ever..290. As the weight continued, someone told me about the sleeve and I to began researching it and fell in love with wanting to take back control over myself and do something about the situation. In my research, I found this forum. Didnt join at first. I was so moved and touched by the openness that everyone endured for one another. I loved the fact that I could read posts of people that were feeling what I was feeling and were so so honest about thier feelings. I have never been the one to join social networks. I dont even have a facebook page but I have fallen obessed with checking into this forum SEVERAL times a day. I want to read what others are going through and be a comfort to and for someone who feelings what I have felt or am feeling. I want to say again welcome. You are headed in your new direction and have found a new family to join along with you

I am also scheduled for Dec 10, with Dr. Erin Cummings, Jackson, MS.

And it was only a seminar! After a slightly stressful drive over there, because GoogleMaps is the worst, thank god for my iPhone.... Ty and I arrived about 10 mintues late. I had this image in my head of them turning us away because we were late and I was so scared that I would have to wait a month to go to the next one, but they let us right in, lol. It was amazing to see and hear all the facts about obesity in America, I was shocked by some of it. The doctor running the seminar kept calling it a disease, that obesity is the fastest spreading emidemic in America and that we should consider it a disease. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I know that due to genetics, some people are more proned to being overweight then others, but I really feel like it's more of a culture issue. Our portion sizes in America are out of this world. When I first arrived to Japan in January I honestly thought I was going to have to order two of everything when we went out to eat beacuse the portions were so small there, but after about 2 weeks I found that I could "survive" off the portions that they served just fine, that it was indeed, enough food. We learned about the 4 different types of surgeries that they offer, and all the pros and cons. Then they had three lovely ladies come up who had had the surgery and give their story. That was actually pretty cool, until the audience started focusing more on succes stories, then having important questions answered. That was the frustrating part. I thought that people there would be more prepared like I was, with a list of important questions and ready to just open fire while the surgen was there. And when did raising your hand to ask a question go out of style? My arm got so tired while being raised and having to wait because people were just blurting out questions that I had to rest it on Ty for support. (I don't wan to sound like a b*tch and say that no one should have been asking questions but me, lol, it was just a lot of questions were about clothes and such, and before and after pictures. I just wanted to tell everyone about this site and say "go there! They have awesome b & a pics! but please, I need to know some things first!" but I didn't ) So, as we were walking out, I was eager to set up the next appointments for Ty and me and when I spoke to the lady in charge of that, she asked why we hadn't filled out the insurance sheet (where she calls and checks with our insurance for free) and I told her that I had called about 2 weeks ago and that our insurance didn't cover the band because our employer has decided to exclude it from our coverage. ( I was proud that I could tell her verbatim what was told to me 2 weeks ago) (and I also thought this was something she must hear everyday) She asked if they covered any other WLS and I said yes, gastro bypass and she said she wanted our information, because it's almost illegal for them to cover one but not the other, because the band is FDA approved. So that is what I am doing today, filling out the insurance forms for Ty and myself to fax in. If we can save 30,000 by not self-paying, I'm sure I can find it in my heart to wait a bit longer to have the surgery, plus 30,000 can buy me the new boobs that I've always wanted, or at least some jeans that fit right after I lose weight. lol Sorry this was so long, I was just so excited about last night, I would have posted last night if the drive home wasn't 2 hours long, but luckily for all you folks, it's time for me to get ready for work and finish my last day of training. Hopefully I passed the test yesterday so that I'm not going to training today for nothing. Happy Friday! ~Shelley

Ty is the best man for me! Today after we both had to work 10 hour overtime shifts at work (yuck, but the money is to good to not go in) wehad to drive to a near by city to drop is car off for work. It was about an hour and 15 minute car ride, so we had time to talk on the way home, and I asked him what he wanted me to do with the appointments. And he asked me what I wanted, and I told him the truth, that I wanted to keep the appointments and for him to come home in december and for us to get banded in December like we originally planned. And then he said no matter what, we would be banded in December! He said that if he gets extended, he'll just fly home and take a bit of time off, then fly back. My night has been made. I know that this is short, but I'm just so happy! Have a great rest of the weekend everyone!!

I don't understand what your post is supposed to say. What do you want help with if you are losing about 10 lbs a month? That is fabulous so what is the problem?

My first fill is 10/4. I feel I will gain what weight I have lost. A little frustrated!!

I am so glad you posted. I am having the same difficulty! My doctors nurse told me to just go hungry and if I could do that why would I have needed the surgery. I am at 7.2 cc in a 10 cc band and have very little restriction. I can eat anything and the nutritionist said I should be having trouble with bread and carbonation. Not me! I hope someone writes in, and gives us some hope that it is a matter of time and soon we will not be hungry so often!

Hi! Haven’t made any personal posts in some time… I’m one week shy of my bandiversary, 5/19/11. I went from 349 pounds down to 202.8 (-146.2). I arrived at my lowest in December and haven’t lost anymore. I have maintained or stayed between the same 5 pounds since that time. My ultimate goal is to get to 165 and maintain and I know I’ll get there… Here’s my dilemma…I’ve been bingeing on slider foods for the past few weeks and I put on 10 pounds!!! It’s always been really easy for me to gain or lose weight…. Since losing weight and for the most part, ceased from abusing food (until recently) I’ve had to deal with my problems like a normal person. If I don’t drown my issues with food then I have to feel/deal with them and they hurt L…I guess it’s new for me because I never dealt with these issues in the past, I just kept eating them away. Being super obese made me invisible from the opposite sex and now that I’m visible – I’ve been putting myself out there…but with that comes a lot of self esteem issues…I think a lot of bad thoughts about myself if a guy doesn’t reciprocate feelings or attraction to me…this sucks but I’m trying to deal with it… In the meantime I’m over here stuffing my face and getting depressed… Please, if anyone understands and can over any words of encouragement I really need something to click for me… Thanks…. Rebecca (feeling lost and alone)

Well folks we are one month away from the big day. When do y'all start pre-op diets? My dr only requires a 2 day liquid diet but I'm putting myself on a 10 day low carb and shake diet. Gonna start it 2/15. Where does everyone live? I'm in Mississippi but having surgery in Louisiana.

So, I've always had a very active social.. mainly because I'm a vocalist and run in the music/arts circles.. Anyway, friday night I went to a new karaoke spot to hang out for a bit...So, I sang a song and proceeded to go hang out around the bar area w/ the DJ and his wife... This guy walks up and introduces himself and kind just lingers... I had this look on my face like.. ahhhh... can I help you??... He keeps talking, finally sits down and an hour later.... were talking about what I like to do besides read and shop.. I had to sing another song, so he follows me back to the stage area and just stands there.. .When I'm done singing, he kind of grabs me and showers me w/ all these compliments from my smile to my clothes to my voice.. I'm like.. okay...stalker!! LOL... My friends were like laughing.... I'm in shock that this stranger just grabbed me.. LOL... Previously, I would have found a reason to excuse myself because I would be totally over analyzing things... but, now I feel that life is short, so I may as well have fun!!! Oh, my favorite karaoke DJ (who I have a little crush on), can't seem to keep his hands off of me... I was singing and he walked up behind me, put his head on my shoulder and wouldn't let me go!! LOL... I was like.. Lord have mercy!! GEEZ!! Then on saturday, we had an event at church.. my ex was there.. He was turned around in his seat, staring at me... I didn't notice at first (well, I thought I was imagining things)... but my friend was like.... Stalker, 10 o'clock!! LOL.... afterwards, he walked up to me w/ his mouth open trying to think of something to say... LOL... I just spoke and walked away, as he stood gaping and wrapping his mind around the fact that he I'm over him!! So, how do I keep myself out of too much trouble??!!! I've gotten numbers, 'interesting' offers and some fine brothers asking to take me out.... LOL...

So I guess this works as double duty - an introduction and a (kinda) question. I am a Registered Nurse...a very fat nurse! And I've been that was (fat, not a nurse ) for almost 13 years. I've done diet after diet. Acupuncture, moxibustion, hypnosis. HCG to the point I got gallstones. And each year, my weight just keeps climbing. I'm ashamed to say that the only significant weight loss I had was after I had met the love of my life, and then lost him...(but later found him...and my lost weight, grrrr!). I have stereotypical PCOS and Metabolic Syndrome (hello, black hairs on chin - I grow an impressive beard!), so that has exacerbated my weight issues. I started seriously looking into bariatric surgery 6 years ago, but didn't like the available choices of RNY, DS and then LapBand. Over the intervening years, I decided to try to get a LapBand anyways. I had one of those insurance companies that required a 6 month supervised diet, consults, etc...I jumped through all the hoops, found a surgeon I liked...and then he quit! Left private practice to accept a teaching fellowship. I was very bummed. So I figured this was my clue to try dieting again. So I went back to more failed, frustrating dieting. About this time, I was diagnosed with diabetes, which complicated matters even more. After nearly a year, I decided to go the LapBand route (again!). All my previous tests had expired, so I had to do the 6 months supervised diet and consults again...then got turned down by insurance due to an exclusion...the appealed and won!...set a surgery date and then got very, very ill. The chest xray that was done the week before my surgery showed a shadow in my lungs, so I had to see pulmonary, etc. Turned out to be nothing, but by then my precious "vacation" days from work were wasted and I had to go back. I felt ashamed and defeated, and just gave up on trying to lose weight altogether. Here it is, 2012, and I can now add hypertension, high cholesterol and tryglycerides and hypothyroid to my medical litany. And finally in January, I said....enough is enough. I'm going to make this happen! I'm 5'8, 310lbs....what would I advise a patient to do in my situation? So I called my insurance and found out that they do not cover bariatric surgery for any reason. ANY. I'm trying to not make any rough comments here, but it's terrible that I am an RN, I devote my life to the health of others, and my company has specifically excluded dietician visits for weight loss, weight loss plans and bariatrics....wtf?? But I digress. After realizing that I would get no help from insurance, deciding to self-pay was the least difficult choice. My darling husband (the aforementioned lost love who was later found ) had a RNY over 2 years ago with wonderful results, and has been very supportive. I've spent the last month researching my options, and have decided that Dr Aceves is worth my time and money. His track record and reviews have convinced me that Dr Aceves is the best choice for my new sleeve and new life. And here is where I come to the crossroads. My family is totally unsupportive of bariatrics in general, and Mexico as a whole, so I will not be telling them. The can comment ad-nauseum. I'm still pondering what to tell work - I work in a very tight-knit facility with only a handful of nurses, and my role is such that my absence for even 10 days will be sorely missed (when I fractured my foot in December and I was gone for 2 days, it was mass chaos!). I really, really don't want to tell my boss WHY I need a week and a half off, so I'm trying to figure out how to be creative. The problem I was NOT anticipating, was needing to find a new primary care physician. When I told my MD what my plans were, she began to tell me how I just needed some willpower, and that she could not support me going to some "back alley hack" in Mexico. She then implied that she would refuse to assist with my follow through care, and that if I did indeed go to Dr Aceves for a sleeve, I would need to find a new PCP. So I'm stuck on these two things - work and finding a PCP who will be ok with my having weight loss surgery out of country. Argh. I have not set a date for surgery yet...I keep thinking I need to try to get time off first and then try to make a date, but what if one's not open....? I can't afford to lose my job, too many bills! But I need to regain my health. Getting through every day at work is like running the gauntlet, in more ways than one. Anyways, sorry to ramble. I just want to add what an inspiration it has been to follow along with everyone's progress with their sleeves - I've been reading this forum for quite a while! Thank you so much for your help on my own journey -Asche, The Crazy Cat Lady

I have finally reached my first mini goal of getting out of the 200s and into the 100s. I am 5'8, 22 years old. Starting weight was 235 and today I weigh 197!!!! I'm very excited to finally be back in the 100s! My bra size has gone down from a 40D to a 38C. Pant size from a 14-16 to a 10! Overall I am loving my sleeve! I have been lucky to not have any complications or pain. I am able to eat normally and nothing really irritates or upsets my stomach. I'm not sure if at 10 weeks and having lost 38lbs is a good pace or not...how is everyone else?

I feel your pain. I was banded on Sept. 18th and have lost only 19 lbs. I lost the 19 with no issues between Sept and Nov. I have not lost anything since Thanksgiving. I have gone as far as joining weight watchers hoping that between the band and WW I will start losing. Why so some loose so my much and others seem to have issues loosing? I have 7 cc's in a 10 cc band and I am finally having some problems with certain foods. Sorry I was not able to give you any food advice but at least you know you are not alone.

Good luck to you all. I was banded on 09/08/10. When I did my protein diet, I took a protein supplement that had 42 grams of protein. The first day was worst, because I didn't have the supplement, but when I used the supplement, I didn't have any problems with being hungry.

Haha T I am just like you!!!!! I am tired of trying to get situated in bed...waking up from pain when I try to do my usual turn over. I can't stretch like I want to....small stuff but I know it will be over before I know it. I can't seem to get enough protein either because the shakes that I loved so much before almost make me gag now...might be all in my head but I try. So I've done some carnation instant breakfast with milk which tastes great and depending on the mil has about 10-13 g of protein. Prolly not the best option, but better than nothing. I too am used to just stopping by somewhere, getting a burger and coca-cola (my fave I'm gonna miss it!) and keeping driving. But yes, planning is overall better. Remember this is for our health ladies!! It will be worth this mini-torture in the end! lol

Pray it doesn't last long and becomes unstuck. If its a bad stuck, you might have to call dr for a slight unfill, or for a few days go back to Protein shakes and fluids until swelling goes down. Whatever you do, do not drink something to try and get it to move. My Dr told me that and I didn't listen. Bad mistake. My stuck episodes have only lasted 10-15mins, lots of spitting slime and a few PB(productive burp). Good luck

Hey guys, I found a couple chicken receipes that sound really good. Haven't tried them yet, but will. CHRISPY ONION CHICKEN BREAST TENDERS Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 15 min 1lb boneless skinless chicken cut into 1 in strips 3 to 4 tbsp honey mustard 11/3 cups french fried onions, crushed 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat chicken with mustard. Dip into crushed onions. Place chicken on baking sheet. 2. Bake for 15 min or until chicken is cooked and crispy ORANGE CHICKEN PICCATA Prep time: 5min Cook time: 10min 1lb bonless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin 2 tbsp flour 1/2 c orange juice 1/4 c honey or dijon mustard 1/4 c orange marmalade 1/4 tsp rosemary leaves, crushed 1 orange, thinly sliced and quartered 1. Coat chicken with flour. Heat 1 tbsp oil in nonstick skillet. Cook chicken for 5 min until browned 2. Mix juice, mustard, marmalade and rosemary. Stir into skillet; boil 5 min until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens 3. Stir in orange pieces. Serve with rice

Squeal! I know! I'm still excited, but I'm prepared for that "omg what i am doing" feeling to creep up. I am doing so well on the pre-op. I think I'm able to stick to it better than my other attempts because I know that it's gone for good. My pre-op diet is no carbs, no sugar and lean Protein. I've gotten very sick on Atkins before so my nut. ok'd some carbs. I've lost 9.5 pounds in 7 days. I bought a new battery for my scale yesterday because I was worried something was wrong with it! lol How is your pre-op going? What type of pre-op do you have to do? You only have 11 days left! @@Fat2FiveK - Haha! I am getting really excited! I don't have to start my diet until tomorrow. My surgeon requires a 10 day pre-op diet. It consists of 3-4 Protein shakes (with a brand that they approve ), atleast 64oz of Fluid - Water, crystal light, broth, sugar free Popsicle, sugar free Jello, and 1/2 cup of non starchy vegetables. I have been doing a modified version of this for the past couple of days - a shake for Breakfast, a Light and Fit Greek yogurt and 1 cup of non starchy veg, and then a reasonable dinner. Since Monday, I am down 5lbs! Can't wait to see what I am able to achieve on the full pre-op diet! GREAT JOB!! 9.5lbs in 7 days!! That's SO fantastic!! Just think of how great you're going to feel when even more comes off!! Did you have to do a 6 month pre-op? @Erin414 - Welcome!! We can all be buddies!

It's worthwhile to also consider getting a sleeve first, and after 12-18 months, think about adding the DS component. We have several heavier patients on the board that have had fantastic results with just the sleeve. You would still need a few vitamins with the sleeve, but much less. A big question to ask yourself is whether you think you can stick with a "diet" forever. ALL of these surgeries (including the DS) require mindful eating forever. I had the opportunity to speak with a 10 year DS veteran, and she lost about 200lbs. She was still 100lbs from goal, but the scale just stopped. She was eating on-plan (meat and veggies), but wasn't counting calories. When she finally started counting, she realized she was eating 2500 calories a day! She started cutting back to 1500, then 1300. She finally reached goal. My point is that no matter which procedure you get, you'll still have to pay attention. And if you pay attention, it won't matter much which procedure you get. @Dashofpixiedust8 might be able to help here. Don't get me wrong, the DS will be extremely effective for you. But the vitamins are not optional, and if you are concerned about them now, what happens in 2 or 15 years when you get bored of the whole thing?

My doctor took them off at my 10-day check-up.

Sleeved 1/19 at 261.8 today 253. Are you counting cals protein or both ? I'm so confused and discouraged