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I've lost 60 lbs before (2 years ago... and surprise gained it all back in 5 months ugh) and I had the same problem. People would tell me how great I looked and I just didn't see it. I could see that the size I was wearing was smaller but it just didn't compute in my head. I don't know how long it takes but I know that I have dealt with it before too. It sucks!

I turned 60 mid November and had my lapband surgery April 21st last year. Had it tatooed on my hand so I would never forget it and to always remind me never to screw it up! My surgery was done at a military hospital and the cut off age date is 60. Good thing I looked into it when I did or I wouldn't have been eligible. I also am 5'2" and started out last year at 218. As of today, nine months later, I weighed in at 150. Until the last couple months the weight was coming off at about 2 lbs. a week. Now it's been one pound in the last two months. But I'm not gaining and that's fine with me. I've gone from size 18-20 to M/S's and wear size 8 jeans. I think I look fine right now but the Dr. says I should be 120 for my height. At this rate that will be awhile. LOL I would not change a thing. I tried for too many years on my own and it wasn't working. The only problem I've had as of right now is my port shifted and had to be relocated. I'm not an expert by any means but will answer any questions, if I can, if any newbies would like to ask me.

Im a 26 year old that has stuggled with weight my entire life before getting married and a class 2 ac joint seperation pretty ruff sports injury i was on my way down in weight to 240 from 300 in 12 weeks time then the injurys and 3 kids later the sames things dont work .im scheduled to see my doctor on dec 27,2011 to set up my lap band surgery . im currently around 370 pounds . how fast is weight loss expected after the prcedure . and are contact sports out of the question.

Hi! Me too & I am a tad nervous!!!! This may sound stupid but I am worried that this will somehow not work for me, but then again I am really excited because I am dying to lose weight!! Good luck tomorrow, Barbara!! Soon, we will look & feel fabulous! Andrea Hi, I am being banded tomorrow - Wednesday, January 19th- and thought I might start a topic for anyone else who is being banded that day. I have lost 7 pounds pre-op and am nervous but excited about tomorrow. Wish me luck! Barbara

It simply means that your diet is low in carbs at the moment; it will go away as your diet improves. Some diets promote it as a good thing in order to sell you more of their diet products, but it has little to do with successful weight loss; one doesn't need to suffer through bad breath and BO to lose weight and burn fat.

Sounds like you are making amazing progress! Good job!!! I just had a tummy tuck and panniculectomy 6 weeks ago tomorrow. It was the best decision I've ever made outside of my sleeve surgery. After losing 155 pounds, there were no number of sit ups taht would tighten up that lose skin. And after having 4 9+ pound babies, and carrying around 155 pounds in excess weight, my ab muscles needed MUCH repair. My surgery ended up lasting 7 hours. But my surgeon was a freaking miracle worker and he did the MOST amazing job!!! I feel sexy. Like honest to god sexy for the first time in my adult life. If you do go through with it, don't just get the panni, you will still have a belly overhang. Also take your time and find the right surgeon. I did my research and am SO pleased with the results. Now I'm just waiting to hear back on my insurance approval for him to do my arms too. I've attached my before/after pics. Keep in mind these pics were take 4 weeks post op, so there's a little swelling still. The scar is covered with "scar away" scar sheets, so it's safe viewing for the weak of stomach. And don't mind the stretch marks. They were proudly earned bringing 4 amazing kiddos into the world.

Anyone? Anyone? This is not just about weight loss surgery. I have been to a local surgical center for several procedures. Each time I am handed a sheet with the cost of the procedures and, in the next column, my insurance company's negotiated price. I obediently pay my percentage of that, then look at the original numbers in disbelief. For an operation that the facilty charges the uninsured $20,000, insurance (and I) anted up $7000. Another time it was $9500/$1700. These places actively court the insured, so they must make money on these payments. I know there is very little discount for self-pays, as a friend had a similar spinal procedure and paid close to the full price quoted me. The statements for doctor fees...surgeons, GP's, and specialists..show a similar range. Wouldn't you think cash payers would get more of a discount? Wouldn't we be able to afford to offer health care to more people if we were able to pay a larger percentage of the much lower amounts before insurance kicked in? It boggles the mind.

Way to go on the weight loss so far. I had my surgery on December 13th and am doing well. I didn't know I had a hernia until after my surgery when the surgeon told he had repaired it. I have had no problems other than some incisional pain,but not enough to take pain meds since I've been home from the hospital. Just do everything they tell you to do and you will be fine! Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

@@BananaSplit Please please please don't gain to have the surgery. Exercise alone will not get you there. With a 30 BMI, you can do this! But 90% of weight loss comes from diet with exercise being a much smaller portion though still really important. If you have that good habit built you can begin to change your diet to get rid of this extra weight. Go speak with a nutritionist, they really really can help you. Moving toward a high Protein, good carb diet is the way to go. Learning about portion management is critical and lastly staying away from sugar, rice, potatoes, Pasta and bread also critical during weight loss. Here is the thing, if you had this surgery, you would have to change your lifestyle to the above in order for it to be successful long term. So, although I am very thankful for having bypass, if I could have done it withou surgery I would have. My BMI was well over 40 and I had almost every comorbitity. Gaining weight to get there will only do more damage to your body. I hope that you find the best solution for you, I am just saying having your insides cut out or rearranged when you are not morbidly obese seems like a risk you don't need to take. This is just my opinion. I wish you all the best!

You asked what we thought.....here it is: Don't do it. Don't gain. It's very doubtful that such a plan would even work out like you'd want it to. You'd be making yourself miserable in the process. I read testimonies like the one recently posted by @@LowBMISleever explaining her experience with Dr Ortiz and I bang my head in the wall. I kick myself, too. The reason is that I wish I'd taken those steps so long ago. Well done. That would be my recommendation. Keep losing....save up some money and schedule when you are ready.

i know that there is a restriction on lifting weights for a few months post-op but what about calisthenic workouts? i'm talking things like push-ups, burpees, sit-ups, squats, lunges, etc. it's not exactly lifting but it is strenuous work

Confusedgirl, I absolutely loved Dr. Spivak and his care and after care. My weight loss has been slower than I expected compared to previous diets, however the major benefit is knowing that the weight is "gone for good". Where all previous diets it came back every time. So, on that note, I am very very happy with my weight loss and I love my band! It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Please feel free to PM me if you have more questions. Good luck!

Congratulations on your weight loss. It seems like you are doing wonderful. Dr. Spivak is who I am considering for my weight loss. I noticed that you had your banding done in August of 2006. How do you feel now that you have lost so much weight and was it difficult? I just feel like I will never be able to do it on my own and I have dreams about being skinny and being able to wear the clothes that i want, but i am wondering if this is for me. It seems that a lot of people do loose weight. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience so i can make the right decision? Again, keep up the good work! I am so impressed!

I know...I have had a bad two months, not gained, but not lost, but I am still getting comments about clothes looking nice, and looking thinner. Lots of people know I am trying to lose weight. Not sure what is going on, but not complaining. I haven't lost in two months! But, I just made a post saying I am back on track. I'll take looking thinner however it comes, pounds or inches! Inches are good!

On the other hand, since I had my ileostomy reversed, i've gained 10lb and not gained an inch in size! It must be all rehydration, dehydration is a constant problem with an ileostomy. But it goes to show that what the scales say dont tell you much about body composition and things can change for the better without a change in weight. Likewise all weight loss or gain doesnt necessarily mean you've lost or gained fat!

So, I was banded 6 days ago. I have lost 10lbs up until yesterday, but thanks to my monthly visitor, I now have gained a pound...a pound. All this work, and I gain a pound. Jeez. There goes the next few days. Anyways, I thought I would share some of my tips. They may not work for you, but they did for me. And if you have some, please do share. I am always lookinf for info. So let me start with medicines. I was told to take a multi Vitamin, acid reducer, and Calcium. Went to Walmart, got store brand Equate Acid Reducer ($5 cheaper than Pepcid, $10 for large bottle - may change to ); Viactiv calcium chews with vitamind D ($10); Active Kids Complete with Iron multi Vitamins ($6 for 120 tablets, with one daily tablet needed only, that is three months. Kids only need half, so one will do for you). Now, my doctor said ok to Kellogs shakes, and there is 10oz in a bottle, so I get 5 servings each. I found this baby formula container, which is perfect size to measure my 2 ounzes. I bought the multipack, so I saved $2 bucks on the shakes ($10 for 8). For my diet I am using Maggies and Campbells Soups, Water, sometimes 1/4 cup of apple juice and the 6oz of shakes. I do get hungry sometimes, but I have learned to extend my eatings until a little past my hunger. And I take the pills like food. So instead of taking them with the shake or Soup, I take them, and wait a while to take either of those. It is like a mini snack. I am not doing enough with the water, but I cant drink a lot, just sip and sometimes I forget. So far it was working, until the monthly came to visit. I think 10lbs in 5 days was pretty decent. I am also walking, very slow, half hour. Do not overdo it the first days. I did on my third day, and was told to take it easy by the doctor. Last thing, applications. I use four. This application for inspiration and questions. MyFitnessPal, which logs your water, food, medicine (the viactic has 20 calories so you better count it and your vitamins will show in application totals, telling you you have taken 100% of needed supplements). The app is not used to people eating so little calories, so ignore the daily message of completion telling you that you have not eaten enough. I also use runtastic, a pedometer that syncs with myfitnesspal, and something that has the word ticker in it. It creates that little ruler you see in message boards showing your weight loss journey. Go online and find more info on message boards, forums and youtube. You will also find ideas for foods to eat. I will post some later on in this thread and a couple of youtube videos. And remember, no solids during this phase. liquids only. Your stomach is healing and a scar is forming around your band, which will help keep in place. Do not put yourself up for future complications, by eating solids now. It is not worth it, even if you feel fine afterwards. You made your stomach work. That is it for now. Just remember, it maybe painful, and hard at first, but you will fet the hanf of it soon. And the results, the energy, getting rid of medical problems and why not, the clothes, are a great reward. Good luck and God bless your journey.

You guys are right about losing the weight preop. My last solid meal is tonight and its popeyes...funny thing is before i had my son i hated popeyes now its delicious too me I hope this surgery takes this craving away. I have preop appointment with my surgeon on the 11th. I hope i lose at least 5lbs by then. I have been getting post op items like protein shakes broth and vitamins. I still have some shopping to do. I am glad too see me fridge and cabinets going bare so i can start fresh. I know the challenge will come when my husband and 5 yr old son start eating foods i love...im the cook in the house so this will be a very trying time. Wylie i think its great the u and ur wife are doing this together i wish my husband could do this with me!!!

I am scheduled for surgerybon 1/17 I have seen my pcp any ekg and per op blood work are good. I will be starting my preop liquid diet one week in advance i want to make sure i can do this its like a test of will. My surgeon only requires a 5 day preop diet. I am nervous excited sad mad and happy. Its like im breaking up with a horrible boyfriend that i still have feelings for. I have been overweight all my life and surrounded by two sisters who look like super models. I do just want to lose weight to look awesome i want to do everything i have never done bc of my weight. I feel my weight has held back my career my motherhood love life and fun. I am done letting obesity define me. I am kicking that ***** named obesity down the stairs and never looking back. Are there any january dates out there? What are u doing to get ready?

Hi , I got my surgery done on 6-22-2016 , I am in my 6th week , I am in my early 50's and looking for a sleeve buddy in the same era and that has had their operation around the same time , at least within a month ,, female please cus you males lose weigh much fast ,,, (hate you all , just joking) would like to see if us 70's chicks are holding up to the younger ones, what issues having , exercise routine , foods etc.... Lets have some fun and lose some /// no // LOTS of weight together,,, what do you say ,,,, not opposed to a little group of us , more the merrier,,,,

Oh i wasnt aware back bain can be associated with the gallbladder...ive always had bad back issues but dr always just said because of my weight. Im going to stay positive. Keep you all updated. Sent from my LG-K540 using the BariatricPal App

Glad you're doing well. Your incisions look GREAT for so quickly after surgery, mine were still black and blue at this point. Good luck on your weight loss journey.

I have yet to set up a consultation with a doctor, but have the paper work to start filling out before I can agree on an appointment. How likely of a candidate would I be for coverage from my insurance? I know all insurances are different, and they all have their set of rules. I just don't know if I would even be considered. Like most of you all, I've always struggled with weight. I've been able to lose weight, then gain it back and so forth and so on. This time around it's much worse as I had my spine fused a year ago, and have gained 70lbs and am in a lot of pain. I know it's largely because of the weight gain. With me being in pain it's very hard to eat healthy and find the energy to work out. Even if it's low impact excersising. I have a family history of type two diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and I have asthma. Not sure if with all of this if it would even get my foot in the door. I'm 5'8 Male 265 lbs and 29 years old. My fusion was an L5-S1. Just looking for some input. Thanks!

40 lbs is awesome! I am about 4 months out as well and down about 35 lbs, I have hit a plateau recently. I upped my protein with shakes in the am and lunch when possible and it helped to get me back on track, Your body adjust and gets used to the routine, weither food or exercise it knows it and stops changing in lbs. Also as for the period I am 29 and have only had one since the procedure, but have been told it is from the weight loss. But hey I am not complaining about that. Good luck, platueas are hard, but worth getting past. I too am a runner and I recently joined a running group in my area, which is helping me change my pace. anything to shake things up! good luck!!

Thanks MrsGloMartin!!! Good luck to you in your recovery and successful weight loss as well!

It sounds like your doctor is punishing you for losing weight. You have a lap band what does he expect? You can not keep from losing 4 lbs between visits. I would search for a new doctor if one will see you. Unless you are not putting out issues your doctor is concerned with I do not see why you are not getting fills. Key questions they ask help them decide if you need one. If you are not throwing up and can eat the protein you need then nothing should prevent a fill. Good luck to you and remember your doctor works for you and can be fired and replaced. Of course with lap band I am not sure if other doctors are easy to get. Diana