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I am so excited for Monday! I started out with the sleeve as my focus but the more I learned about gastric bypass in conversation with other patients and my surgeon....I'm scheduled for gastric bypass come this Monday. I've waited nearly 7 months and did everything I was directed to do. I am confident my life will change for the better as I move forward toward a healthier life. I have some co-occurring conditions that will benefit from surgery and I simply cannot really put to words the overwhelming emotions I have about this. Wishing all of you well as you move through your journey. I'll be back on the grid a few weeks after surgery.

Hello everyone... I have been lurking for awhile getting as much info as I can. I have contacted an office that does banding here in Ohio and I have to do a seminar and then an evaluation before any details are discussed. I'm hoping that my insurance will pay for the procedure. I had considered gastric bypass but the thought of having my digestive tract permanently severed scares the dickens out of me! In addition I work in an ICU at a local hospital and we get to see first hand the bypasses gone wrong and it is terrible. So I want to say hello...congratulations to those of you who have succeeded in getting your band. Keep your fingers crossed that mine will come through for me.

Good morning CynthiaK. I watched all of his videos and he gets great reviews!!!! If I were you, I may think of taking a shuttle to the airport and then one home as well. That is if you don't find someone else to take you. My insurance covers the sleeve, but makes me go through a 3 month medically supervised diet program. I started that on Friday, so by early May we will submit my paperwork to BCBS Federal and once we get approval, we will schedual the surgery. We always go to teh beach in early June so I am trying to figure out when to have it, before or after. I feel we are making the right decision. Did you consider the Gastric bypass? I did, but, something about my intestines being re-routed is terrifying to me. I know it is the best in terms of success but, I don't like the possible side effects of the malabsorption..etc.....Do you have any co-morbidities? Well, I think you should go to your party and have some fun! How is the weather in TX? Cold and rainy up here in Nashville. Have a wonderful day!!!!! H

You're under NHS? I'd get on that chunnel-train to the continent and buy myself a lap-band instead! 3 years is FAR too long. I started THINKING about this surgery in November of last year and am having surgery in March. And I drug my feet a lot! I wish you luck.

Thanks, Betsy! Yes, the doctor said that we are playing catch up now because he had to unfill the first 2 cc's in that 3rd week. According to him, I am moving along just fine. He is a Bariatric Center of Excellence rated doctor who has personally done well over 700 lap band surgeries alone, not sure how many gastric bypass surgeries in addition to that. He is definitely experienced in this. I agree that I would prefer a more conservative approach than some of the other doctors that I have read about on here that seem to be way too aggressive. I think that would definitely have more propensity to cause complications resulting in PBing and unfills, etc. Betsy, I admire your resolve and self discipline when it comes to your diet. Unfortunately for me, I cannot be that strict with myself all the time. If I do so, then eventually I will have a complete meltdown and cram any and everything I can find into my mouth! I do much better to allow myself a little here and there so I don't feel so deprived over all. But you are right, whatever works for you! Thanks for your input! It is much appreciated! I hope to one day be working on maintenance like you too!

I have heard and read repeatedly that results vary and not to expect as much weight loss from the band as the bypass but I can't get a definate answer from anyone about their loss. I have seen results that "so and so" lost 110 pounds after a year and a half, but can someone definitively tell me approximately how much a week or a month or within six months what they lost? I am just trying to be realistic. I have surgery this Friday, the 11th. Also, how long before you were able to eat "real foods" not continue on broths, shakes, etc. I have friends that ate baby food for a few weeks. Thanks for any input!

Went to the doctor Friday and they thought I had been at 7 cc for the past 3 months but couldn't figure out why I was still hungry. They pulled all the fill out and measured and I have actually been at only 5!!!! They looked back in my records and realized that they did their math wrong. This has been a frustrating journey as I had just about given up hope on the band as I could eat WAY more than 1/2 cup of food before feeling satisfied. For those of you like me who have been slow losers, be patient. Now that I am up to REALLY 6cc, I finally have some restriction and feel so much more in control of my eating. As an emotional eater, I have had trouble eating healthy too which has been part of my problem. I read a great book called "Why Can't I Stop Eating?" which was very helpful too. I guess I thought I would have the surgery, lose weight and that would be the end of the story of my fat self. It has been more work and time than I ever thought as I was banded in November of '09. I have lost 30 lbs but wish it was more. I am happy with my loss--but had unrealistic expectations of where I would be by now. Anyway, I am excited about the days ahead as a RESTRICTED bandster. I know this thread is all over the place, but I guess I just needed to get some stuff off my chest and make room for a fresh start! Have a great day!!!!!:rolleyes2:

Hi! I had band with plicaton in November 2012. Like others, I don't know the physical comparison from band alone versus plication, but to give you my experience... I started at 325lbs in November and my official weigh-in from Thursday was 265. So, 60lbs in 7 months. Right after surgery and after my initial recovery period, I could feel the plication restriction when my band was loose. I've had 3 fills now, and I'm feeling, what I think, is band restriction now. When I do my band fills, my doctor uses fluoro, which shows the position of the band. When I drink barium, you can see the band restriction, and then after passing the band, you can see the plication as is slips right through. My doctor says its does have the equivalent of bypass results at the end. With the band, my estimated loss from my doctor is approximately 75lbs. With the plication, he estimated 130lbs. Now, it doesn't come off as quick as the bypass, but the results are equivalent. We are placing my 130lb weightloss goal between 1-3 years. Hope that gives some perspective. Best wishes to you!

I feel like this is taking a long time, but then I read what you all are doing and I seem to be moving pretty quickly. October 22 will be 2 months and I will be done with all requirements by November 1st. That's like 10 weeks or so. I just hope there are no red flags on the tests and that there is still room on the surgery schedule. Sent from my LGLS992 using the BariatricPal App

I'm in week two after gastric bypass and on pureed foods. I am measuring all of my intake but every time I eat anything I get a dull ache and discomfort in my stomach. I have eaten so slowly but maybe not slowly enough? I haven't had any nausea or vomiting...just stomach pain/discomfort. Any tips on what I'm doing wrong? Oh and the constipation is totally a thing. I'm on Miralax powder every day and Colace and I'm on day three without going. Ugh.

Hello everyone I have to do some traveling in November and wwas wondering has anyone flew southwest airlines lately. I wear a size 26w (down from a 32) and was sondering if I possibly needed to purchase another seat. I'm sooo nervous and hoping that I will lose another 20lbs by then. HELP HELP HELP!!:thumbup:

I agree with getting a second opinion - but keep in mind that your surgeon is the one with medical expertise and the vast majority of surgeons really do just want the best results for their patients, they don't have ulterior motives. Maybe see if you can attend some support groups and talk to people who have had the gastric bypass. It wasn't my choice for wls surgery and I love my sleeve, but lots of people do well with the bypass. My niece had one and is doing fabulous, has kept off all of her weight, leads a normal life with no complications - it can be a good option. But I would definitely get a second opinion!

Hey I've started a LBT group so that we can all easily keep in touch while we go on this crazy ride together. [/b] http://www.lapbandtalk.com/groups/november-2010-bandsters.html[/s] Join up and come on in! Good Luck to everyone who had or is having their surgery this month. We are brave - doing it all during the holiday season. Have a great day EDIT. With the site upgrade - they've deleted the group. Here's our best chance. Please add to your favorites to keep in touch http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/2468-november-10-bandsters/

Yes... what a process. I've been at this since November, and I think it's Been the longest 6 months of my life!

1 week till surgery. O.o 1 week done on the preop diet, 1 more to go. I've done pretty well. I had 1 sort of cheat night for my Brother's birthday on Saturday but it was just Caesar salad and maybe a few more than 3 oz of meat. I didn't have any appetizer or dessert, man was that tough lol I'm down 12 pounds since the 10th of November. 6 of those pounds have been lost since i started my preop diet last Monday. Hoping to get a few more off before next Monday but wouldn't you know it Aunt Flow has made her unwanted appearance. So that might make things difficult with retaining water. And I'm dying for some Midol right now but I'm not sure if its ok to take so I sent an email to my Dr's office to see what they say. I am happy that I'm now in my 1 size smaller pants again, LB's 7s instead of 8s. I've been doing good on my shakes and nighttime meals. I've learned I like 2 scoops of Muscle Milk Light - Chocolate with 8oz of water better than Chike's Chocolate. Been doing pretty good getting in at least 54oz of water every day with most days hitting the 64oz We've been making dinner every night and I've been measuring out my 3oz of lean meat. So far it's mainly been chicken and pork. I still need to take my before photos. For some reason I keep putting it off lol. Think I'll try to do that tonight. I've been doing awful getting in my walking every night, last week i only walked 2 nights for 30 minutes. I'm determined to get back to it tonight. I've also started getting all the things i'll need for surgery day. I've got my clothes I'm wearing there, a new pajama set coming in the mail and some nonskid warm socks. Got the gasx I've heard everyone recommend and the rest of the stuff I already have on hand. Also got most of my post op diet stuff. Got chicken, beef & veggie broth. Sugar free jello and Popsicles. The nerves are starting to kick in. I've had a few nights that were really hard. My mind is still trying to divorce food. Every where I look there's something that's tempting and the nights where i have hunger pains its really difficult. The real challenge has been between lunch and dinner since thats usually about 6 hours or more apart. I do just fine 4 hours between protein shakes but the 5 and 6 hour mark i start getting pretty physically hungry. I also have fears of not being able to have large amounts ever again of the foods i love so much, but i know this is awful thinking and i'm trying to put it behind me. I'm also worried about what my body will look like after all the weight loss. I'm absolutely dreading the saggy skin and wonder if i'm trading one ugly look for something even worse. My hubby has been very supportive and says that we can get the skin removed after but It's expensive, comes with its own risks and then i worry about the scars after. It's like i dont know if i will ever be truly happy with my body. But i know for my health and if we're ever going to be able to have a baby I have to get this weight off. Well I'll keep y'all posted. Good luck to the others having surgery soon!

After years of research and finally making up my mind to make the choice to improve my quality of life. I am starting to feel this will NEVER happen..and I am bombed about it. I have been waiting for this surgery for years now. I did my research and decided on which I wanted and I made up my mind do have gastric bypass. At the time the insurance I had did not cover bariatric surgery. I swicted jobs a few years later and FINALLY the ins co I had would cover... I made up my mind to have surgery! I called my insurance company to see what was necessary I was told that my plan did NOT require the supervised weight loss. My surgeon's office was told them same thing. In January 2015 I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, so of course wls was put on the back burner. I am over that and all healed up so I go back to my weight loss journey. I get to one of my last appts last week (Nutrition) and was advised that I my insurance requires me to be on a 6 mo medically supervised weight loss plan...WHAT?!!!!! I know that a lot of people have to do this so when I 1st called my insurance company to see what was necessary I specifically asked that question and I was told that my plan did NOT require the supervised weight loss. My surgeon's office was told them same thing. I really wanted to get this done this year because I have met my annual deductible and the surgery would be covered by my insurance co 100%. ..a 6 month diet plan means I wont be done until December. Which will probably push my approval (surgery) into 2016..I can not afford to pay the high deductibles and fees. I am sooo disappointed and hurt. I was really beginning to accept this was going to happen...I am crushed...devastated!! I just want off this ride. Hopefully something can be worked out somehow...but if not...I am afraid that the "life" I have now is what is as good as it is going to get. has this happened to ANYONE else or does anyone know about how long the approval process takes???

Thank you for responding to me. I do still live at home. My goal is within the next year I will be able to afford living on my own. My mom has tried talking to him but that does no good. I think just limiting anything to do with it would be best like you said. I think why he is so worried is because my aunt had bypass and she was miserable and my cousins husband also had bypass and he had to have it reversed. I know there are risks but I think since I am doing the sleeve it will be a much different outcome. The other issue I think he has is that he can't imagine giving up food and the quantity he eats so he thinks I shouldn't either. How long are you post op if you don't mind me asking? Do you think that the surgery was worth it? Everyone I have talked to says it's the best thing they have done and that they wish they had done it sooner.

Just a thought, can you talk to your doctor about doing the DS but limiting the bypass part of it? In other words, still do the entire operation as your insurance requires, but ask him to limit the amount of small intestine that gets bypassed. I'm not super familiar with the surgery, but it seems like it would be worth asking about.

Congratulations on your date. I am scheduled for November the 10h @ 9:30. I know the feeling of being overwhelmed because I feel the same way it seems like alot. Have you tried wal-mart for your protein shakes they are pretty reasonable. Good luck.

I will be 7 weeks post op from my gastric bypass when my husband and I head out to Las Vegas in mid November. We are both on vacation and hunting for a home out there for 10 days which is the longest we have ever been there. I moved to the soft food stage last week and I am doing very well with most foods on the plan although eggs and I are having a love hate relationship. I love them, depending on how I eat them, they hate me. I am a little concerned about eating out that much while I am in Vegas and I am looking for some tips. My nutritionist suggested taking protein shakes and even some quest bars to ensure I keep up my protein. I do not eat beans of any kind, I just cannot get them down. Does anyone have some tips for eating out in restaurants at this stage? Seems crazy with what little i can eat to order meals. I am guessing you all have some experience with this? Thanks so much!

Thanks so much for all of the great tips! I appreciate it. The good news is, we NEVER did buffets to begin with so we will be ok there and will be staying away. You guys gave me a lot of ideas to consider and I am sure I will be able to power through this. I have a mini run to Milwaukee coming up on the 6th of November so we will see how I do then. It will be my first trip away from home. Thanks again for the advice. I have great will power so I am not worried about that.

I had bypass, but I had the same problem with water in the first couple of months, particularly with not drinking for 30 minutes before or after eating. All I can say is that it got easier over time and I can now consume about 90 oz per day!

Here is my bariatric study: My brother died of a heart attack at age 47, when he weighed 420 pounds. My mother died at age 67 (just three years older than I am now) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm when she weigh 320 pounds at 5'2" tall. Her mother, who was not overweight died at the age of 98, and she would have lived longer if she had not broken her hip and gotten pneumonia. Other grandparents, aunts, and uncles who were not overweight lived well into their mid-eighties and early nineties. Many of my 60 first cousins have already died of overweight-related health issues in their late forties to early sixties. My older sister weighed about 300 pounds when she graduated high school in 1968 and gained another 100 pounds after that. She got a gastric bypass 15 years ago and is still doing well at age 67 (the age Mother died). I had the sleeve at age 62 because I just do not want to be done yet. I have grandchildren that I want to see grow up. One of my younger sisters who weighed close to 400 pounds got a band three years ago. She lost enough weight to get to a size 12, got a tummy tuck, breast lift and all that - and looks awesome! She is healthier and happier than she has ever been. So, my family is my example for life-span. I know I have greatly increased my odds for a longer life with good quality of life.

Hi...congrats to both of you No comorbidities either, BMI does not qualify either, but with everything I have tried weight is going up not down. Researching SILS VSG perfomed in MX. Hoping for November date Sent from my SM-N900P using the BariatricPal App