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I was banded in April and have gone from OVER 180# to 133#, with one fill in Juen at 1.9cc. I am 59 and only 5' tall, so a "sub-compact" model. I have had to suffer a learning curve (CHEW) issues, but I am gradually getting it. I ramped up my exercise by using my home glider and going to a gym 3Xweek. Size-wise, I started out in sz 14 pants (tight) and 2X tops. I have dropped sizes so quickly that I gave up buying anything expensive and started getting a few things at thrift shops since I was only getting to wear them a time or two. My question is, how did you know when to stop losing? I know that is a foolish question, but according to the weight charts and websites, I "should" weigh around 110#. However, I am now down to a size 4 pants, small tops. If I go down much more, I am going to have a hard time finding clothes, especially ones that aren't too "cutsey" for someone my age. My SO tells me that he really doesn't think I should lose much more since he thinks I am starting to look "peaked". I was sick last week and could hardly get Water down, but am better now and back to eating real food (about 900 cal/day). I have lost lots of inches, but still have more around my belly than I would like. However, I know that at my age I am never going to have the body of a 20 year old again... It has been so long since I was at a good weight that I really don't know what my "best" weight/size is. Could some of you "veteran" bandsters tell me how did you determine it? Also, how did you decide upon a proper "maintenace" level? Again, according to the websites, I would need to eat around 2000cals/day to stay at a level weight, but think I would blow up like a balloon if I do that. Like most of us, I am thrilled with the results I have had and realize that the difficult times are the "wages" I pay for the chance to finally get control of my weight. However, I still am somewhat fearful that if I quit being as vigilant as I have been about my diet I will start on the diet yo-yo again. My logical mind tells me that I shouldn't have to worry about that as long as I have my band and be sensible, but I haven't proven to myself that this is possible yet. Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/133/110?

Per the CDC Bmi calculator you can get a range. You have to decide where you are most comfortable as long as it is healthy. <TABLE borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=760 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=14></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left width=544 height="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=544 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=544><TABLE borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=PageHeading>BMI — Body Mass Index: Adult BMI Calculator: Results</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width="100%" border=0><TBODY></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE class=boxBackground style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#cecfb5 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="90%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD scope=col align=middle width="100%" bgColor=#ffcc99><TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="50%">For the information you entered: </TD><TD width="50%"> </SPAN>Calculate again: English | Metric </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD scope=row bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE id=AutoNumber3 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="50%"><SCRIPT language=javascript> var inches = delineate2(text) var inches = inches - 0; // an arithmetic operation converts string to numeric var pounds = delineate(text); var pounds = pounds - 0; // an arithmetic operation converts string to numeric var bmi = Math.round(pounds * 703 * 10 / inches / inches) / 10; var feet = parseInt(inches / 12); var inches = inches % 12; var inches = Math.round(inches*100)/100; //rounds off long javascript decimals document.write('Height: ' + feet + ' feet, ' + inches + ' inches '); document.write('Weight: ' + pounds + ' pounds '); document.write('Your BMI is ' + bmi + ', '); </SCRIPT>Height: 5 feet, 0 inches Weight: 125 pounds Your BMI is 24.4, indicating your weight is within the normal range for adults of your height. Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with overweight and obesity. For information about the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity in maintaining a healthy weight, visit Tips for Adults on Achieving a Healthy Weight. </TD><TD width="50%"> <TABLE class=boxBackground style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#cecfb5 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD class=psmall scope=col align=middle bgColor=#ffcc99>BMI</TD><TD class=psmall scope=col align=middle bgColor=#ffcc99>Weight Status</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Below 18.5</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Underweight</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>18.5–24.9</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Normal</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> 25.0–29.9</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Overweight</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>30.0 and Above</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Obese</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

hey guys, my dm was doing well post op (when my intake was zilch)...but i've been having fasting levels around 140...and my weight loss has stalled...i'm calling my endocrinologist and bariatric dietician.... but wondering if anyone has experience with this phenomenon/// also i've got to ditch my glucophage...even cracked in to 4 pieces and with little restriction it gets painfully stuck....i'm gonna try januvia + glimiperide 2.0mg did today and felt a little shaky hypoglycemic at lunch....will keep you posted amanda

OKAY, I HAD MY 4TH FILL 3 WEEKS AGO. I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS GOING PRETTY GOOD. I AM NOT SURE IF MY FILL HAS GOTTEN A LITTLE TIGHTER OR WHAT. I CANNOT EAT ANYTHING W/OUT IT COMING BACK UP. I EAT SOUP WITH ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS. I CAN ALSO EAT JUNK PRETTY GOOD AS WELL. I TRY TO EAT OTHER THINGS, BUT IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO COME BACK UP. I GET THAT TERRIBLE PAIN IN MY LEFT SHOULDER AFTER ONLY ABOUT TWO BITES OF FOOD. IS THIS JUST GOOD RESTRICTION, OR IS IT TOO MUCH RESTRICTION? ANY REPLIES WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. IF IT IS TOO MUCH OF A FILL, HOW DO THEY DETERMINE HOW MUCH THEY TAKE OUT? I HAVE ALSO BEEN AT THE SAME WEIGHT OF 200 LBS. FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS. I THOUGHT FOR SURE I WOULD BE IN THE 100'S IF I WAS AT GOOD RESTRICTION. THIS IS JUST VERY FRUSTRATING.

Yesterday was my 49th birthday. As I look back over the past almost-decade, I’m amazed at how much has changed, and how far I’ve come. Since I turned 40, I have gone through a number of big life changes, including divorce and remarriage, job/career changes, and achieving a college education. All of those changes have been enriching and empowering for me. It feels like my 40’s have just been one change after another. I have really come into my own over the past few years, in so many ways that I never anticipated. I am excited about becoming a professional counselor, and inspired by the opportunity to have a positive impact in my small corner of the world. I have been so blessed by supportive friends and family, and I am very grateful for the love that lifts me up each day. Over the past few years, the one major negative change has been my mobility. I can no longer do so many things that I used to do and still want to do. The degree of limitation in my life has become unacceptable to me, and the time to take action is now. So, as I celebrate turning 49, I am already looking ahead to my 50th birthday next year. At that time, I will be 11 months post-op. I have no idea how much weight I will have lost, but I trust that my physical condition will have changed for the better. My plan is to celebrate the beginning of my new decade by doing something physical that would not have been possible at the end of this decade. I don’t know exactly what it will be, but I’ll think of something. It seems very appropriate to celebrate turning 50 by doing something that was not possible for me at 49. I don’t expect to start running or take up mountain climbing; I just want to walk without pain. I want to be able to stand for more than a few minutes, and maybe even to dance again. I want to be able to walk around downtown, or go shopping at the mall. I want to be able to do projects around my house and work in the yard. When we go to the beach, I want to be able to take Tony’s hand and go for a walk in the sand. But until that day comes, I will be thankful to hold his hand as I take this next step, and give myself a gift for next year and beyond.

Hi everyone. I had my first and only fill to date about 5 weeks ago. It was 4cc in a VG band. I have had restriction since then (not enough, but some)and then this last week I am feeling much tighter. I go for a fill tommorrow and I wanted my doctor to go pretty aggressive with it , but now I don't know. It is hard for me to go to his office to get my fills because he is three hours away on a good day. Has anyone else had a fill 'kick in' after so long? My weight loss has been slow but I am losing and I don't have any PBs during or after I eat. Any advice? Thanks.

My doctor said that lifting weights will help in burning fat---I do cardio and weight training every day i exercise (3-4 days a week). I do the eliptical machine for cardio and weights for legs and arms. My core I end up doing floor exercises or w/ the ball. keep up the good work to everyone.

Okay, I was thinking about the swimmers and wondering what Dara Torres does to get that fabuolous shape and all those muscles - so I Googled it (I love the internet). I share below (even though I appear to be accidentally tresspassing in the Men's Room - forgive me). BTW - she's 6 feet tall and 150 lbs. It's not something any of us folks with day jobs are going to be doing, but it shows that she has a great mix of cardio and weights work. What's your workout routine like now? I do a lot of core work, and I work out on a Swiss balance ball. I train with a coach from the Florida Panthers hockey team, and my body has completely changed. It's a very Fluid type of training, which is great, since swimming is a very fluid motion. In the weight room we concentrate on equipment that works a lot of different muscles at once. As for swimming, I'm now in the pool 5 days a week from 8 to 10 a.m. And I'm in the gym for an hour and a half, 4 days a week. Two days upper body, two days lower.

For the most part its just a step the insurance requires. But it is to see if you have unrealistic expectations, or very obvious eating disorder. But its pretty hard to diagnose anything with one short session with a psychologist. IMO there really should be a little more emphases on the mental state of people before WLS is approved. Its pretty obvious from some of the posts on this board that some people need a little counseling to assist them with them with their weight problems.

Big Opie u may as well take the Big out of your name because you won't be there long. See yourself at the end of your weight loss journey. You will get those 136 pounds off and are already making strides toward that end.

Welcome @@Big Opie. We share similar starting stats (although I'm probably a lot older than your mother). Losing as much weight as you need to is definitely do-able. You are starting off right by seeking out fellow travelers who will encourage you and give you the straight dope. Over the next months you will feel exhilaration and disappointment in turns. But the healthy habits and slimmer body that you will develop are worth all of the effort.

Your body has reached its new set point. Losing more weight will be as difficult as losing weight preop, and as difficult to maintain that loss. Others have discovered that (for example), to maintain 130lbs, they had to eat 1100 calories a day. To maintain 150lbs, they could eat 1800-2000 (they were also exercising). So, you need to decide how important those last 20lbs are to you. You'll have to restrict your calories and exercise more to burn them off, then figure out how to eat/exercise to maintain.

I have gained almost all my weight back I wish I had just waited and done the sleeve. The band has been a complete waste of money for me.

Thank you for the encouragement. Still head vs health. My head says I'm not that obese. I dont have any comorbidity. I have lived my whole life over weight and at 35 both my parents has passed away from major health issues. I'm trying to do what I can to live healthy because I can't change my genetics. I have a son who I want to see achieve great things . I miss my mom and dad so much and I grieve the time he ( my son) has lost with them. So I'm in it to get healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. Praying my nerves don't get the best of me.

mine doesn't allow weights or strength either till 6 weeks in particular abs.. but i didn't think the elliptical trainer was part of that. Now its a moot point I am SOOOOOOOOO sick. I've done nothing the last few days. Not walking home (1.6 miles) no gym no nothing.

Hi Everyone thanks for your words of encouragement. Its actually Optislim I am using, not SlimFast, I got them mixed up. Weight loss has picked up. I am one week out from surgery and have lost about 17lb. However I am constantly starving and wanting to go grab a burger or something which I will not be able to eat after the surgery (will only ever be able to eat part of a burger). What is the impact if I snap one week out? Can you still recover on liquids or does it put your liver back to square one? Thanks, Firefly

Hey fellow banders! My name is Lindsay and I am approaching my surg-iversary on April 19th. Starting this journey at 290lbs, I have successfully lost 75lbs and my goal is to be in onederland by July. My long term goal is to be a curvy 145-150lb bombshell. I like to keep that 5lb buffer just in case. It's been a slow, but steady weight loss since my surgery. Frustrating, exciting, and challenging all in one. Some days it's the best decision I've ever made and somedays I second guess myself. Did I choose the right surgery for me? My friend just got the gastric sleeve and boy did we go head to head when she announced her choice for wls. She's committed to the argument that my surgery will ultimately fail me, and I think that she was looking for fast results without considering the future. I chose the Lapband because I've never had trouble loosing weight. Rather, I had trouble with maintenance and loosing motivation at every brick wall. Considering my ripe age of 24, I thought the band would offer me more control over my body. With a sleeve stomach or gastic bypass theres more room to stretch out over time, the band offered adjustments. Having kids wouldn't terrify me as much because my band will be there to back me up at postbaby. Its hard to stay optimistic sometimes when I see her creeping up on my weightloss markers faster than I did post-op, but I try to remind myself why I choose the band. But it's hard not to wonder if I chose the right path. Do any of you ever think what if?

When I did weight training my losses were cut in half. I do find that walking for cardio did well for me, though. I used to walk an hour every day. Now I shoot for 90 minutes, as these last few pounds are much slower coming off.

Hi Firefly! My son is due to have surgery soon and it's good to see another guy on the forum. I never did use slim-fast because it has a high carb/lowprotien ratio. That may be why your weight loss is not as big as you may want. Did you mean diet Jello or Jelly? If it's Jelly, take a look at the carbs on what you are eating. A better Protein shake would be something like Muscle Milk light or Premiere protein ready made shakes. They have a very low carb/high protein (premiere has 30 grams of protein per shake) ratio. If you try to stay below 6 grams of carbs per meal you should be dropping weight super fast. If you get bored with the flavors of the shakes nectar makes some really awesome flavors of shakes, but you have to mix them yourself with either Water, non-fat milk, or almond milk. Hope I helped a little. Good luck on your surgery!

You have had to focus on fighting cancer rather than weight loss. I am glad you are almost at the finish line in terms of the cancer. I don't understand why your doc. thinks your in the green zone when your hungry all the time. Maybe give your doc. clear data on what your eating and how long your staying satisfied. Best wishes!

Hey amykins! I think i've seen you around the forum. :-) Imabear: i had it pretty easy. I was one of those whose doc did a long postop diet. It was about a month before I ate solid food. So when I did, I was ready. I've never overeaten, have never hurt my tummy or sleeve. I do eat something every 2-3 hours bcs I get hungry. And I am back to eating my pre-surgery pace. It doesn't take me long to eat. The only issue l had was 6 weeks post-op my gallbladder had to come out. That slowed down my weight loss a bit bcs I couldn't exercise. It's a great life, being a sleever.

I had my sleeve May 20th. I feel really good. My scales do not work but I know I lost 26 pounds on my preop diet. I am sore and get tired easy but yesterday was the first day I didn't get my fluids in so today I'm gonna be really good. I'm so excited to be on a weight loss tract that I think I can do!

@@Qtpie28 my doc told me not to gain any weight but loosing 5%, 10% wasn't required some docs/insurance do require that you loose 5% , 10% of your initial weight weighing 350 lbs you must loose either 35 lbs or 17.5 but, on the other hand the more you loose pre op, the better obviously that means you have all the less to loose post op follow all the necessary rules for WLS practice as you get ready for the big day these are rules you will be following for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life good luck kathy

I have suffered from depression since the age of 5, seen therapists/psych on and off my whole life and have been on anti-depressants since my 40's. Being depressed in and of itself will not necessarily fail you for surgery. They want to know if you are able to commit to this life changing surgery, that you are strong enough emotionally to stick to the diet, They want to make sure you don't have any psychotic thought processes including hallucinations and delusions. They also touch a bit on your family unit to see if you have support at home. Remember, they are doing all this for a good reason and it is all for our benefit. They want to make sure there are no roadblocks to impede you on your new journey to your new self. Like super said, you cannot get to be our age (i'm 60) without being depressed sometime in your life. As I suffer from severe chronic depressive disorder, I am hoping this diet will free me from most of the problems I have to deal with from day-to-day caused by being morbidly obese. I know it will not take it all away, as it is a medical issue, but hope losing the weight and becoming more mobile and getting into exercise and getting out of the house and starting to really live will lesson the symptoms (I don't even remember what it's like to not be depressed). That said, I am an eternal optimist and I have totally committed to this program. I have 6 days to surgery and feel like I am floating on a cloud! I am doing this for me .... whatever it takes!

Not a problem. I was outside working on my boat trailer I was in pain but I'm too hardheaded to ask for help. Im 7 weeks out now and fully realesed. Now kiteboarding and running and lifting weights. It gets so much better. Don't sweat it.