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hi & welcome! I am exactly your height and weigh 236/237. I have my surgery 10/17. Feel free to add me as a friend &monitor my progress. Good luck to you

My pants are falling off, yet I do not show a budge on the scale- How does this happen? February 19, 2014- had surgery- not perfect eater, but try and get in all my Protein and Water My body keeps shifting every so many months. I usually gain weight or hold weight in my stomach, when I lose, it is not always in the stomach, so then I feel really fat again because my stomach protrudes. The I will lose in the stomach and feel more proportionate. The it starts all over again, Now I have lost weight, my pants fall off, but I still have a bigger stomach. Does this happen to anyone else? In the beginning I lost all boobs, but they are fine now. The only other problem is I have hair loss. I have stalls, but then a week or so later I drop several pounds, so I don't call them stalls anymore.

Cindy, my ankles are thin too! I must say, that's a really cool thing. My summer shoes are finally not pinching! I think you'll do absolutely fine tomorrow. Remember, the mushy food thing at this point isn't to avoid food getting stuck or PBing or anything nasty like that; it's to continue to allow your stomach to heal. You've been out of surgery for 10 days now, and mushy food won't be a problem at all. Have a good day at work! I'm looking forward to going back myself. Three days at home with the kiddies and I'm ready for a good long snooze at my desk.

Replying to first message, yes you are probably filled too full. Get a slight adjustment. Make sure you are on a good stool softener regimen. Your PCP can prescribe a liquid that works wonders on regulating you and won't mean trying to take pills. Avoid getting into using stimulants to have a BM. Believe me I got seriously backed up to put it nicely and it was not pleasant. It can cause some chest and stabbing back pain. I also want to make you aware of somethings that others may not be... Yes you want to feel full after but never want to get to where you are refluxing the food. It means you are eating too much, the wrong things, or your band is too full. I want to make sure you are aware that if you allow refluxing even without vomitting your esphogus can become stretched. At first it is like it is lazy and not propelling things down properly if you do this too long you could be lucky and just have to take a break from fills so it gets it's tone back. The real problem is when you let it get bad enough that it no longer propells and relies totally on gravity. Then eventually the band doesn't work because the esphogus will stretch and act as a part of your stomach pocket. The problems can get worse from there but your new and just need to be aware of some basic complications. Also don't eat my the hour or emotions, eat by your body. If you don't feel hungry and you are getting enough protein and necessary nutrients why take in the extra calories. You do need to make sure you are chewing properly and learning what foods you do not tolerate. I had to stop red meat and bread. I now don't have my band but I still don't enjoy red meat now or sandwichs. I guess pshycologically I just still have set in my mind they aren't worth the trouble! I can't wait to get rebanded. There is still a lot I have to learn about things after 3 years of having a band so take in information from who you can get it from and then find out what works for you. Best of Luck April mid-band 10/02 removal 09/05

I'm 5ft 10 and an E cup and people go goggled eyed if I tell them that, not that I go round talking about how big my boobs are, lol. But they go goggle eyed because they cant believe they're that big - on me they just look like regular breasts, a nice size, although I'd love to be a bit smaller, a D cup just so I can buy any bra I want would be PERFECT. Very best of luck to you, you've done soooo well and you're looking fantastic already.

Yes, I was banded the end of June 06. I haven't lost nearly as much as others, nevertheless I'm very happy I did it. I have a friend who had a lot lower BMI than I, and she came down to Mexico and was banded at the same time. She had much less to lose and now she's 10 pounds from goal. She looks fantastic and is an inspiration to me. Keep posting and reading on this site. It's a great place for information and support.

Hey Sunshine, Not good luvvy!!! Toast is never a good thing - best to steer clear me thinks. My Dr said substitute bread with Rivita crisp bread or Saladas, they dont turn into a doughy ball in your stomach. I had an 'experience' with sushi a few weeks ago. 3 bites in, 10 minutes of pain and then 'high tide' and it all came gushing out. I dont think i will be going there again. dont let it depress you though..... just make better choices. Megs

I was at my sweet spot for many months and lost most of my weight during this time. However, I only averaged about 1.5 pounds a week. I knew it was my sweet spot because the loss was steady and I wasn't hungry between meals and could only eat a limited amount of food before I was full. Really for me, I think the sweet spot is the point at which weight loss is no longer much of a struggle and it just happens if you are following the rules and exercising without feeling deprived. I would always lose a fast 5-10 pounds after a fill, but the sweet spot was long term with the 1.5 weekly loss on average.

Hello i am now a friend. Don't think i ignored you, i don't get on that much anymore. I had a lap-band placed by dr schuricht at pa hospital last march. To date i have lost what you see below in 10 months. Not that it is easy but easier than doing it on my own without any tools. I like the band around my stomach. Let me see, my initial consultation with dr schuricht was dec 4th 2008. That day is a meeting with the dr in a meeting room with other clients going to have surgery too. Dr s explains everything in detail to you over 3 hours. Also nutritionist and nurse practitioner there introducing themselves and answering all your questions. Then you will see the doctor privately in his office.he makes it a fun meeting.he is very nice man. After dr schuricht you will see the surgery scheduler and she gives you paperwork with everything you will need to know and when to do it, she tells you the insurance stuff.. My insurance(personal coice) said i had to see a nutritionist for 3 months(and try to lose weight,like i haven't tried this before lol) before i had surgery so dr schuricht's office set it all up for me and so my paperwork wasn't submitted to insurance till i was finished with those visits(i lost a pound). I had to set up appts with a psychiatrist, my primary (to write a letter stating why i needed this surgery),cardiologist,upper gi to see if everythg is normal, i already had a sleep dr so he had to write letter too sometimes you have to have sleep study.i had surgery march 23 2009. So in answer to your question it took me 14 weeks from my consultation to surgery day. I will tell you it does seem overwhelming after you go home from the consultation but you are committed at this point and it works out. Dr schuricht knows me as the open lap-band if you want to mention me. I started to bleed so he had to open me up but i was fine after(he also is very blunt so don't get your feelings hurt if he calls you fat etc). I was in recovery room after surgery and he comes in to see me and and tell me how surgery went, he said loudly that i had more belly fat then he thought that i had and it was more like "man fat". I just laugh at him. Good luck!!! Let me know how you make out.

Yay! I'm happy I'm down 4 lbs this week! Still in pain since banded on 2/19/13. But getting Better!

I had the same issue. I ended up passing out and hitting my head which resulted in 10 staples. Needless to say it was not pleasant. My blood pressure was low by the time I was seen in the ER (5 hours later) but that's normal for me. I believe it was dehydration, as soon as I got the IV fluids I felt like a million bucks. I am so diligent about getting enough water now.

UK-Sleever, I had a band, going to have RNY 10/29/13! I thought I might like the sleeve as you, but, I know myself and would cheat like crazy!!! My son has the sleeve and went from 320 to 180 when he was 19. He looks good, feels good and eats anything in moderation. Moderation is what I got with the lap band. I know for myself the restriction with malabsortion is my choice. It will not be kind if I want something bad.....I don't want to go thru all this again and not achieve success!!!! Good luck with YOUR choice. From Texas.

Mine was going to the doctor for a routine visit and finding that I had a blood pressure of over 170 over 130! Yikes! That day I started seriously pursuing it, though I had been thinking of it before. That was in September this year and I have lost about 44 pounds (I think) since about October 10. Not super fast, but sure feels good, and my BP is below normal (because of the meds I'm still on). WOW!

Hey all! I see "they" (someone...) moved our post to the November Month thingee.... took me forever to find it! Anyway, I'm moving it back! HAHA! 1. Spreadsheet is updated here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AnRM_HyvQ18GdGF5blFjTGF3RnpCNDJmeHF3d0p5YkE&hl=en 2. Please ONLY post data updates by clicking here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/groups/november-2009-bandsters-january-spreadsheet-data-d1829.html I can't keep track of 10 different threads with data! 3. How is everyone doing?? :smile2:

I can't help you regarding what they do for insurance purposes as I was self-pay. However, for me, after I had my initial consultation, I then scheduled my dietician consult and psychologist consult. My surgeon didn't require any other tests, but that was in part due to the fact that I didn't have any medical issues tha required it (such as sleep apnea). After I finished the two consults, I went in for a pre-op appointment, where they took my official pre-op weight, started my pre-op diet that day, and then 10 days later had my surgery. I found it to be a very smooth process and timely process. From the time I went to the seminar (which was in September), waited for my work schedule to clear (fall is a very busy season for us), had my intial consult at the beginning of November, then pre-op appointment on December 7, and surgery on December 17. Now, from what I understand, insurance can throw a monkey wrench in the entire process, especially if they make you do a six month doctor supervised diet prior to submitting the paperwork. If so, then it won't be so short. If not, you could be in surgery before you know it and on your way to a slimmer new you! Good luck with everything!

Its weird how when you lose weight you evoke such emotions in people.. most are delighted for you especially if you haven't seen them for a while. I've been 'dieting' for over 20 yrs, never reached my goal (not yet anyway!!) I lost 56lbs 3 yrs ago for our wedding and regained at least 28lbs.... Anyway.... we were out socialising with a neighbour last week who commented on my weightloss and said how great i looked, don't lose too much etc..... We also saw her last night, and boy did I suffer at her tongue. We've been invited as part of a party for a paella.... I accepted the invitation from the host saying we'd love to come but at the moment I am on a liquid diet to kickstart my weight loss again ( I'm not telling them about the surgery.....). The host replied she could do me a salad..... I politely declined saying no, honestly don't worry about me, I'd love to come but I'll sort myself out before we arrive and hubby would love the paella. Word has got round to the other woman who is going (as it does!) and she laid into me last night saying I was crazy being on a liquid diet... why did I want to lose any more.... I gave her my practised speech about the fact I'd like to be at the higher end of my recommended BMI of 147lbs. Also if I get there my husband added in an incentive that he would give up smoking. ( I actually want to get to 140lbs but wasn't telling her that) She replied well you'll never get there, she was 5ft 10 and wasn't 147lbs so how did I think I was getting there. (Shes not overweight IMO). I said well I've battled with my weight for the past 20 yrs... she said well if its not worked then why will it work this time.....(in a really bitter sort of way) She then started to go onto the fact I have a lovely face (WHY is that ALWAYS the pity comment they give...???) and then luckily we were interrupted by someone else which diffused it... but I was getting SO angry with her. The good news (?!) is that she said, don't worry we can finish the conversation on Tuesday when we meet up for Paella........ OH JOY!! The long and short of it kinda sums up why I'm not telling people about my decision for having the surgery.... most people just don't get it. Unless you've struggled with your weight, been bullied etc thru the years then you cannot grasp how desperatly unhappy it makes you inside. They don't see 'fat ' people as having problems, they see them as greedy. They don't realise there are eating disorders which make you over weight... they only know about the 'slim' ones..... I can tell I'm in for an emotional time when we do meet up, andthat I will tell her to butt out if she gets to me too much, its my life and my decision to lose the weight, if I'm not happy with myself then I have the right to do whatever I want to make me happy. What else is strange is that her husband told me I look 10 yrs younger already!! Phew.... sorry for the long post but it insensed me that she was really having a go at me for what she thought was fad dieting.... blimey if only she knew the truth I'd be hung, drawn and quartered over it!! Kathy

I had my Surgery on 12-10-12 anytime I eat anything it seen like it get Stuck in my Throat and that is with little bits and I get a really bad Headache and it makes me sick has this happen to anyone. I know you not Supposed throw up with the sleeve.

25 Signs That You Have Grown Up Saturday, November 05, 2005 1. Your house plants are alive, and you can't smoke any of 'em. 2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question. 3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge. 4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed. 5. You hear your favorite song on an elevator. 6. You watch the Weather Channel. 7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "Hook Up" and "Break Up." 8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14. 9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "Dressed Up." 10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won't turn down the stereo. 11. Older relatives now feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you. 12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore. 13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up. 14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers. 15. sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt. 16. You no longer take naps from noon to 6 PM. 17. dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one. 18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM now severely upsets, rather than settles, your stomach. 19. If you're a gal, you go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests. 20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff." 21. You actually eat Breakfast food before noon. 22. "I just can't drink the way I used to," replaces, "I'm never going to drink that much again." 23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work. 24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar. 25. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your hide.

ummmm I have several goals that seem odd....like "Fit in a lawn chair" and "shop at a second hand store" lol her is my list of goals: 1. Go to the fair and ride all the rides 2. Shop at Victoria Secret 3. Go to a major theme park 4. Be able to shop at any store 5. Have someone ask me for diet advice 6. Wear boots that go up the calf 7. Dance without feeling self conscious 8. Ride a horse 9. fit easily into a plane seat 10. Shop at a 2nd hand store 11. Swim in a bathing suit 12.Have professional Pictures taken 13. Be excited to go shopping 14. Ride a bike 15. go hiking 16. run 17. Go on a Cruise 18. Wear my 1st pair of high heels 19. Roller Skate 20. Own a Lawn Chair

As a Kaiser member (and the wife of a retired orthodontist and one who dealt with insurance/***'s for 20 years) may I just suggest that Kaiser is doing their level best to bully you. Yes, losing 10 pounds a month for 4 months running is feasible, but it's not very realistic. Everyone, even us sleeved folks, hit plateaus! They can not disqualify you from their program because you failed it once before & have gained/regained weight. They can & do gently mis-represent their guidlelines and they do their best to gently intimidate you into losing weight without surgery. But if you read your plan very carefully, and you speak with Member Services you will find that the Options Program (you see the word Options is plural? That includes their liquid program you see??) is filled to bursting with obese folks. They can't afford to do surgery on them all, quite frankly. That's what an *** is... health Maintenance program...they want you as healthy as they can get you without the expense of surgery. Remember that Kaiser is a business. They are in business... and that means that they have to collect more in monthly premiums from all their patients than they pay out for operating costs...building upkeep, salaries, operating rooms, maintenance, etc. So they have to "push out into the future" any procedures they can. They do it so they can stay in business financially. They must do things legally, of course. And there is the key. That means that you have a legal right to the surgery, too. They have to obey the laws, even if it costs them money. You have to be pro-active about your care. Talk to Member Services. Mention that you feel you are being pushed aside. If you have co-morbidity issues, mention them. They record every single conversation you have with them, so do not ever say anything that you know to be false. You have to "play by" the rules too. Member Services is your advocacy voice and you need to talk with them. You'd be amazed how quickly you can get a needed referral from your PCP if you mention that you are unhappy with the slowness and think you'd better talk with MS. Obviously, I do have Kaiser. I discovered that here in So Cal I could expect a wait of 10-11 months (although I did hear one rumor about someone who got into Fountain Valley for surgery in just 4 months). Believing the 10-11 mo. wait, I chose to go out of network and pay the $15K on my own. With my deductible at $6K that made the surgery $9K extra and I will have lost 100 pounds by the time they would consider me for surgery. Am I glad that I did it out of network, yes! I have it done now and I am 5 days post op. I've lost 20 pounds, including pre-op diet and I'm very happy. I did it on my time schedule and when I was ready for it. But Kaiser will do your surgery if you continue to work with Member Services. Hang in there. Hope these words of encouragement helped! Mary

I had super trivial goals. 1) To see the bones in my feet 2) To shave my girly bits without worrying about shaving or nicking off important parts 3) To see that little triangle of light through my thighs 4) To weigh less than my husband ( I weighed 110lbs more than him at my heaviest) 5) To have one chin 6) To never walk into a Lane Bryant/Avenue/Plus size only store 7) To wear single digits 8) To wear regular pantyhose, ya know not control top 9) To wear calf high boots that were real leather without the stretchy elastic that plus size faux leather boots come with to accommodate huge calves 10) To wear non-stretch jeans comfortably 11) To get pregnant All my to-do's are done.

Looks amazing. If you don't mind me asking roughly how much was it. I get sleeved on 10/6 and want to start saving for it as I'm sure I'll need it after 1yr Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow Carramia! That's a great weight loss! My turn to check in. I was 244.5 at the beginning and my goal was to lose 10 pounds to weigh 234.5. I am ecstatic to report that today I weigh 231 for a weight loss of 13.5.

kckaye: if you call Syntrax and let them know you are a bariatric patient they will send you a varity pack of 10 for $13. That way you can try it, I went to The Vitamin Shoppe and the 3lbs tub was for $36.00 I was told that Syntrax and Isopure are one of the best. Their phone number is 1-866-333-7403 ext. 803. I just ordered today. Good Luck....

Hello Betty, Glad to hear you have succeeded in the Options Program with Kaiser. I was told 10-11 mo. by the Options gal at the Downey facility. I believed her & paid for it out-of-pocket in order to have it done before Aug. of 2012. But you know, it's doing what you are supposed to do that makes for success. I wish you the very best! Mary