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Ok, well I have been up movin around alot. Yesterday, my friend, her sister, and my step sister all went to the mall. I had lots of fun, but the hard part was when I became very hungry, my stomach started hurting, I was trying to wait till the others were hungry, so then i told them I had to eat something. So we went to the food court, there was not really nothing that I could eat. So my sister and I went to the Cajun food place, she ordered one small plate where we could share, we got some burbeon chicken, and some noodles and potatoes. I ate the chicken(small pieces), and ate some potatoes since that was something soft. I became full quickly, but I keep catching myself, still eating when I know I am satisfied. Then today at school, I went ahead and ate some scramble eggs, and some bacon. I bought some apple sauce for lunch time to eat. This week has been hard these are the todays I really have ate food like this, I did very good i think last week all soups. I guess yesterday i need something i could chew, but i did chew until it was small enough to swallow down my throat. Well all is well here, except my grandfather did pass away yesterday morning around 4am. That was really sad, eventhought I was entirely close to him, he was on my mothers side of the family. I will miss him though, I really am worried now about my Grandma, I love her so much. She has lost a daughter (my mom) and now her Husband. Its alot for her to handle. But I know she is a strong woman, and I know she will hang in there. I really want to try and visit her sometime this year. If not anyother time atleast Christmas or some part of the summer coming up. But I am very excited about loosing my weight, we have a scale, its my stepmoms but i know hers is wrong because wehen I went for my pre-op i was 235 thinking i was 220. So on hers i used to be 220ish (some where around that) Now I am at 210 so I see I have lost something, but today she is going to bring a scale from work. I am glad she works at a health place. Oh I can't wait for my trip to see my boyfriend in Jamaica, he is going to be like Whoa!! Hot Mamaz!!! (hahaha) :clap2:. I already found a bathing suit that I really really really want it is so cute, I found it in the Junior department in Foleys at Willowbrook yesterday. But it cost $76, I want it so bad. Its like a one piece but all the back is out, and it ties up on the neck and the colors are so different. I am going to try and get it, i was thinking about buying it soon. And hanging it up on my wall for something to look forward too. I might do that on my next check if i have it. So my goal is to really loose so major weight by June 23, because thats when we are leaving for JAM ROCK MON!!!!!! and my birthday is June 26 i will be 21. I know i always said i would never get a belly ring but that was because i thought i was to fat and that i would never show my belly but when i loose my weight i can a little. But loosing my weight is for a new beginning in my life. My step mom thinks it my go to my head, and become a little wild, but I really don't think i will be like that because thats just not me. I never really went out because i always felt tired no energy. But i am not going to lie I am going out to the beach parties when i go to JAMROCK MON!!!!! Just have a little fun!!! But ok . lAtErZ!!!!:eek:

Started pre-op diet 12/04/06 at 289 Pre-op testing 12/11/06 at 278 Banded 12/21/06 at 278 Follow up 01/03/06 at 267

I had to have my band completely emptied two weeks ago i have gained back 14 lbs so far. I can't get any fluid back in until the 22nd. I need help on how to get back into this thing before i gain all my weight back. If there is anyone out there with words of wisdom and encouragement i would greatly appriecate any help. thanks so much

I had to be completely unfilled due to gallbladder surgery. I was completely empty for three weeks while I was healing and had to start over again. I gained 5 pounds. It was a stuggle, but I measured my food like I always did, and tried my best to stick to it. Once I got my fills going again, it fell off in record time. I've lost 7 pounds since my last fill 3 weeks ago. Hang in there. It will work out fine.

Here are URL's for both: BioTrainer Weight Loss System - measure physical activity and caloric burn bodybugg armband device

I was sleeved 2 weeks ago to the day. I'm back at the office for the first time today, and I feel great! My first time back in work shoes... I walked 3 blocks downtown, and I've been thinking all over the office since 6am...my feet don't hurt AT ALL! AAAAAAAAAHH! Even if I never lose another ounce (which I know I will), my surgery was worth it if JUST for this. It feels so good to get my life back. Just thinking of all the things that used to being me joy, and how I'll be able to get to do them more has me bursting with joy. I suffered with Lupus and RA (steroids...) and to get even a portion of the weight off made a hell of a difference. Yay! Sleeves! LOL!

My thighs have always been big, even at a size 2, they were larger than most because if genetics and soccer. Now that I am losing weight, my thighs resemble melting candle wax. It's actually kind of amusing although I do hope the skin catches up with the weight loss, even a little. Instead of chub rub, I now have flap slap when I do martial arts. I can actually hear them slapping together when I do spinning kicks. GROSSSSSSSS!!!!

So, last night we were invited to go over to my sis-in-law's house to have BBQ and drinks and hang out. Well, since I am only one week out from surgery I did not think that the 8lbs that I have lost are that noticeable. So, I just put on some jogging pants and blouse that I would always wear. THE FIRST thing my sis-in-law said was that she could see I was losing weight! Mind you, they do not know about my operation. I was so happy on the outside and jumping for joy on the inside! It was my first family gathering since the surgery. It did not bother me that everyone was eating and drinking around me. I took my little can of Soup and drank it there with them at the dinner table. And drank two bottles of Water while I was there. BTW, they still don't know - I also have a cold so they figured I was not in the mood to eat nor drink and completely understood. It was great! ReadytoMaintain

my insurance didnt require any supervised weight loss like alot of insurances are requiring.

Every day of the week at my field office people have been bringing different themed foods. Monday was chocolate, Tuesday was savory, etc. I get away from there to go to my home office and we have a huge all day office party centered around....food. Then I return to my field office and today is their big food party. And people are giving me gifts of home baked treats. Now I get to go home for the holidays where there will be ......more food!!! But at least my dad has a lap band and understands something about moderation, even if he is a candy muncher. I've been very good every day at Breakfast and at supper. I've allowed myself one small plate of tiny tastes of various things at each of these parties and I count that as both lunch and one snack. I'm not gaining and I'm not losing. Temptations are so challenging!!!

Hi All This is a great forum ! I have my date...24th October ! I'm currently 177kg and can't wait to start seeing the weight drop ! Hoping for lots of replies with your success stories to keep me motivated as my journey begins please !!!!! S Sent from my SM-G960F using BariatricPal mobile app

Exercising probably won't make the weight fall off, especially since exercise inflames your muscles and makes you retain water. I'm at the same weight as you, the only different is I have lost a lot of weight to get here. The lower your weight, the slower the weight comes off. You are not going to see the huge losses you see most people posting about because they started so much higher tan you. Not just that but your body naturally stalls, adjusts then starts losing again. That is part of the process.

Relax...I am guessing you hit it right with the fluid retention. Anywhere close to that TIM? And when you exercise, like in your walk, the muscles do retain fluid. But it is not forever. There are lots of people on here, who are VERY smart when it comes to these things, I am sure they will have lots of answers and advice for you. I just wanted you to know someone was here, and caring that you are having this problem. Have you checked the sodium content of the new things you are drinking? It will also cause fluid retention. And also remember, that as you build muscle, your weight may go up, but the inches will come off, muscle weighs more than fat. Hang in there, you will get it figured out!! Kat

Pretty sure I have. I went off over the holidays and gained about 10 pounds. I had stopped logging, so went back to eating as I had and started logging and weighing again. I was eating the same things I had before in (I think) same amounts. Lost the weight gain. Then have only maintained since then. I didn't realize how long this had been going on because I had a bad thyroid (cancer) for a long time before my surgery and had experienced long, long stalls because of that. I guess I was used to it, so it didn't register this shouldn't still happen. Then, like I said, I screwed up over the Holidays. But, yes, basically since about July I have been at the same weight (other than the 10-pound gain and subsequent loss). It's possible my portions were larger before the holidays I guess, but I really don't think so. I get all my protein from real food and don't do shakes or bars because I'm cheap. I eat veggies and the occasional fruit (no more than 1 oz.) with Greek yogurt for breakfast. I don't eat bread or rice or potatoes or sugary stuff. Two mistakes I pinpointed was drinking Fairlife milk with my decaf in an effort to get in more protein (I forgot about the calories involved) and eating too much cheese when we didn't have other protein in the house. I have cut out cheese because that's so high in calories and I don't think it was helping me. Also stopped the milk. Right now I'm trying to decide between upping calories, staying this low or trying to reset my sleeve. So, it's possible I was consuming more calories than I thought even though I wasn't "eating" a lot. But in my tracking of food I have noted I just can't seem to lose if I go over the 800 mark.

Through this whole process what was the hardest thing for you?

Yes, I think I understand what you're saying. I also have a lot to lose, and many of us who have more weight to lose to begin with see more dramatic weight loss in the beginning. However, I think you touched on something very important: the surgery will not magically fix everything and it does require a lifetime commitment on our part. It's not a diet, it's agreeing to embrace a different lifestyle. We didn't get like this overnight and we're not going to lose it overnight, which actually is a good thing, since sustainable changes over time is what leads to success long term. We all need something to keep us motivated, and the weight loss will definitely be a big motivator, but just remember that there will be times when you are frustrated. You can't throw in the towel, but you can come here where we will be waiting to support you, and you can support us, too Be comfortable with and committed to your decision, and you will accomplish great things!

It's hard to know which is best for everyone because everyone is so different. If there was 1 perfect operation then that is all anyone would ever get. There are pros and cons to all of them and you need to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle. Everyone on here is going to be somewhat biased because we all seem to be pro-sleeve, but the best thing you can do is gather your research and go to your appointment with the surgeon and ask a lot of questions. A good surgeon is going to look at your BMI, how much weight you want to lose and your current health issues and will be able to recommend what they feel is your best option. Personally I chose the sleeve because I like the fact that nothing is re-routed and I will not have to deal with malabsorbtion issues. I know that if you have a very high BMI and you are looking to lose a lot of weight my surgeon recommends the bypass, but he is confident that I will be capable of losing the 90 pounds that I would like to lose with the sleeve. My surgeon told me he never recommends the band anymore because that is only to be used as a temporary fix and there are too many complications with it. The sleeve is relatively newer than the bypass (which is still considered to be the gold-standard of WLS due to higher amounts of weight lost), but I feel confident in my choice. Yes, it is permanent and can not be reversed, but that is part of my body I wouldn't want back! Sleeve can always be converted to bypass down the road if you do not see the results you were hoping for. Hope that helps!

I started Welbutrin on Tuesday, and I'm about to crawl out of my skin. I feel nervous and jittery. I also have constant ringing in my ears. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can call my Dr. and ask how to stop taking this. My Dr. and I were trying this to see if it would help with weight loss--I have not been banded yet. I suffered from depression years ago and took Prozac. I never had any problems with it, so I didn't think anyting of taking Welbutrin. It's definitely helped with my appetite. I don't feel like eating anything, partly because I feel nauseas. I would rather be fat than feel this way. I don't think I want to wait a month to see if the symptoms will go away. Has anyone had a similar experience with horrible side effects?

I'm assuming my new tummy is pretty swollen because I'm definitely not getting in the ounces or calories I thought I would be. I was actually pretty nervous about following the post-op liquids only diet but it's been much better than I thought. I am trying to stay hydrated and not be overly concerned with Protein right now. My liquid diet so far is as follows: Breakfast - 3 oz. of warm tea mixed with 1 spoonful of unjury unflavored Protein powder Snack - 2-3 oz. of Water or water mixed w/ crystal light lunch - 2-3 oz. of warm low sodium chicken broth mixed with 1 spoonful of Unjury Snack - about 1/2 a container of Jell-O, 2-3 oz water dinner - 3 oz. of warm tea (or broth) mixed with 1 spoonful of Unjury unflavored protein powder Water whenever I think of it. Sip, sip, sip! Gas pains are getting better as I've been walking. I haven't walked outside yet because we are having nasty Santa Ana winds today I am following this liquid diet for another 9 days so hopefully it'll be this easy next week! genepha lapband replaced, plication performed 2-7-11 Starting weight 281, I gained 2 lbs. in the hospital so my SW was 283 , Today I weigh 274

Hi Wendy, I had my sleeve on May 7, lost almost 60 lbs (yay me!) and have not had my belly button hernia repaired. I have not had any pain, I thought that as I lost the weight, the bulge would become more prominent but I honestly can't see it anymore, I do have a bit of excess skin so that's definitely a factor. I'm scheduled for an ultrasound in a couple of weeks and my PCP thinks it was a good decision from my Mexico doctor not to touch it. I'll have to wait and see. Since every case is unique, I hope you find the doctor, group or facilitator that fits your needs. Seems like most of the folks on this site are very happy with the service and the support. I'm 50+ and was initially traveling to Tijuana alone so I looked for a facilitator that would cater to that. I did not want a mini-vacation or shopping trips, I wanted to focus on my surgery and recovery. In the end my daughter came with me which was great, but my facilitator was golden. Let me know if you have any questions about the process and I'll be happy to share what I know.

Hi all! Just checking in. So far I'm down about 12 pounds from my weight the date of the surgery. I've been walking almost daily, except the last two days. Got back on the treadmill with a vengeance today. 64 minutes walking plus about 15 minutes of yoga. This is the last weekend before I go back to work. Each day, I learn something a little different about how to be successful. Like organizing my meds and vitamins. Hope everyone is doing great!

Yes, it is certainly is a good feeling to see that scale drop! But just remember, it isn't real. You have not had anything to eat in weeks. Eventually you will return to normal, and begin to eat normal food again. So don't get bummed out when that begins. You will then begin the next phase of being banded, and then you will see the real-permanent weight loss begin.

Welcome! My weight gain came on with hypo-thyroidism also. Welcome to the group! My surgery is April 8th.

Hello! My name is Heather and I am 25 years old. I have been battling with being obese since the age of 13. When I was 13 I gained 73 lbs. in 1 yr and no clue why. When I was 15 I was told that I have hypothyrodism and that was the reason for my weight gain. I have had a stable TSH level for over 1 yr now. I was just put on medication for having hypertension and also acid reflux. I seen my bariatric coordinator today and I have decided that the sleeve is the way to go. I am 5'4", 224 lbs and I have a BMI of 38.6. I am waiting for the call from my surgeon after they recieve the papers from my family doctor. I am hoping to have surgery the middle or end of July. I am ready to become more healthy and prove to my children that being obese is not the way to live.

I tend to be honest with other obese people. As far as normal weight or skinny people, unless I'm pretty close to them (in which case, they knew about the surgery from the get-go), I just give them the lifestyle answer ("I'm on a low carb diet, exercise a lot, and am working with a dietitian"). All true - I just omit the surgery part.