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Can anyone tell me what it feels like to get stuck? I was banded 2 1/2 weeks ago and I don't get my first fill until the 21st.

It's completely normal. Lots of people stall at 3 weeks!

I work in the substance use prevention field...many of us supported legalization in CO. Are re you in a state where it is legal? If so you may be able to make a case for legal off duty activity...perhaps they would allow you to continue to do random testing to show that it was old use. A series of tests will show the levels dropping. With drug testing there is no way to tell if a positive for THC is from recent use or several weeks ago. Since it is stored in the fat cells...weight loss can prompt a positive test well after you would expect (several weeks). Passing the the test will depend on the lab used, cut off levels, etc. if you drink lots of water you may get a dilute test but the THC would still show up....however it may be at a level closer to incidental exposure. Not sure I'm much help. Good luck.

My surgery is the 17th. I have 2 left in my packet and I have promised myself I wont buy another packet. I only smoke a packet a week so its not a huge habit to break but I think it'll help with the surgery and the recovery.

I'm a week ahead of you! Welcome!

Last week in group one of the ladies talked about The Daily Plate which is now located on Livestrong. I had been tracking my calories manually in a spreadsheet, not much fun. Well on The daily Plate you can track what you eat, when you eat, and your exercise. It is just awesome, since I am trying to stay around the 1000 calories a day. it is so easy and has food by the brand. I will soon be adding a link so you can see what I eat. Also I still continue to walk when it is not raining. Will write again soon, gotta run.

I weighed yesterday and today and I think my stall has finally ended. I'm almost afraid to say that in case it is just a fluke! Anyway if it's not, I dropped 4.5 pounds and an .5 a pound under 200 (that's 199.5). I'm just crossing my fingers that my scales are correct! I'll feel better when I lose another 2 or so and get farther away from Mr. 200!!

Well I told managment (2 of the 3 assistant managers and the store manager) about my plans for surgery next year (and that my endo has put me on a new anti-dep to give me more energy...basically 'covering my tukus') Reactions were interesting...the skinny female Asst Mgr didn't 'get it' (she was very nice but I could tell the 'why can't you just lose weight' reaction) the other asst mgr was....odd (he is pleasant but lives in his own world), he couldn't stay on topic but I DO answer to him). The store manager didn't really give a hoot, gave me a muttered thing about 'we will just need to know whether to put you on medical leave or.....) I will worry about that next year.... but I did do the 'I want to be a better associate' type speech... Interesting reaction I am seeing... one type is 'I am happy in whatever you do', another is 'why can't you just diet and exercise' one thing at lunch- I mean to start practicing chewing everything until it was 'gone' and realize I read while I was eating and not paying attention to my food...so am I not 'realizing' I was eating? something to look at (the whole relationship/with food) thanks PenNdulum

Here is my 6 month update: I started the process at 331 lbs and now am 255 lbs; I went from size 28 on top to size 24; 48D bra to 44C bra; and from 28/30 on bottom to size 22 jeans. I lost the double chin. hair loss not a problem. I'm off diabetes, triglyceride, and cholesterol meds. I no longer need a seatbelt extender on a plane, and I can walk without being out of breath. I don't exercise like I should, I've got to get on that. I am very good with portion control, and used fatsecret.com to track calories until I got used to calculating it in my head. I eat fast, pretty normal bites, but about a cup of food only, often less, 3 meals a day and I usually don't snack. I drink wine when I want. My tummy is fine with all foods that we are allowed. I've got restaurant ordering down to an art, and always have a to-go container. My dining companions don't notice anything. I didn't tell anyone I had VSG and I'm glad I didn't--there was just no need, and who wants to have to hear everybody's opinion about WLS?. I'm eating less, period. And that really is what VSG does, so it's not a lie! The biggest change is that I changed from a diet mindset to a lifestyle mindset and stopped stressing over stalls and the scale. I realized if I just ate right it would eventually come off and I was right so I started to trust the downward trend and just get on with life having new habits instead of obsessing over every carb. I don't eat rice, bread, or Pasta, though. I have a bit of potato, but like 1/4 baking potato or less, not a whole one. I cut it before I cook it for portion control. I feel way more optimistic about life. I'm still big, but I'm no longer huge, and that rocks! VSG was the best decision I ever made. I haven't been 100% perfect with my program (lack of exercise), but I'll get there. I rely heavily on portion control and now that I'm used to it, it's automatic.

Here's something I copied from ButterTheBean (a veteran sleever): If your weight loss has stalled, read THIS. You are certainly not alone. I've been in a stall for 6 weeks. I thought I had it conquered at one point, but now I'm right back where I was, number-wise.

All of those - Not every day I have a weekly schedule zoom in - you need to get balanced = Some i only have to take once a week, some daily But for sure I take the liquid vitamins daily - two supplement blasts and The GNC powder daily - It is hard as hell to do and requires a lot of work to get your personal plan in order - I will tell you a multi vitamin is not going to do it - and for me eating 5 pounds of veggies is not a option - Since your food is limited i choose to go high on the following along with my GNC of 50 vit.minerals and then the regular B,C etc Omega 3 Fish Oil. Omega 3 fats are one of the most popular supplements for athletes, often in the form of a fish oil supplement. ... Whey Protein. ... Magnesium. ... Vitamin D. ... Creatine. ... Beta-Alanine.

Most people hit a stall at 2-3 weeks, do a search on it and you will find you are in good company! Stay the course with your surgeons plan!

I have the same stuff. I only have a small amount at a time, but it tastes sooooo good I really have to be careful. I easily gravitate to foods that have a real taste appeal much like I did before surgery. I could easily eat wayyyyy more PB than I should and then I know it would have negative impacts. I made a packet of sugar free banana cream pudding and same thing- I couldn't resist the urge to eat it up in 2 days- maybe it was a day and a half. I'm not making anymore of that either. Maybe when I'm able to get more physical exercise in (only 3 wks out), I can use those as treats so I can better counter balance the calories.

Hey All Stars! Good Morning!!!!! Let's give a team shout out to trizzy35, happyevraftr, BigManIndia who are all having surgery today! We have 3 batters up so for those of us who have already run the bases let's cheer on our team as each one gets their turn "at bat". For those of you in the lineup we are cheering you on as well as you go the the liquid preop stage..Not easy at times! So....Go Team Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (If you see an advertistment next to this post it is not from me! )

Hi all, I had my sleeve surgery March 5th 2014 with zero complications and lost 130 lbs my first year. I got pregnant 1.5 years out and gained 20 lbs during the pregnancy, and that weight came off very quickly after delivery. But unfortunately during the pregnancy my hunger came back full force, and I stretched my sleeve no doubt. My baby is 13 months old now and I feel like even though I still can't eat as much as I was once able, I am able to eat more than I am supposed to, also I am slipping calorie-wise. I was doing so well the first couple years, I had fought the head hunger to where it wasn't a problem, and now it is back. Making unhealthy eating choices, etc. I have not gained back much, 10 lbs or less, but it is noticeable (clothes are snug and overall feeling sluggish and terrible.) Those who are years out, how do you keep focused? This is a lifetime commitment and I should NOT be struggling at only 3 years out!! I feel like I need to start from square one, with Protein shakes and all that. Please any advice is much appreciated.

I've never bought any bariatric foods from here or any other place. Doing just fine and my grocery bill is tiny even feeding two adults. I don't eat much any pre-packaged/prepared foods after I realized they were part of the problem (most are crammed with fat/carbs/sodium). I cook from scratch with whole food sources about 75% of the time. Things like marinara sauce or turkey pepperoni I do buy prepared, but I get the lowest carb/highest Fiber versions, and avoid high sodium, and other questionable things. I read nutrition labels of everything. It also works to help me put things back if I'm suddenly craving them and want to buy - one look at a package containing 50 grams of carbs per serving and I can't stick that sucker back on the shelf fast enough! I buy lots of chicken and fish. We eat on a chicken drumsticks or thighs at least once a week, and I usually do them in the slow cooker so I can create broth from the fat/bones and then make a lovely Soup with it later in the week. We eat lots of veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, turnip greens and spinach, okra, brussel sprouts, (not so much of the carby veggies like carrots, potatoes, peas). eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, Beans (kidney, black beans, pintos, great Northern), and brown rice. High fiber wheat bread on occasion. Pork rinds are a great snack substitute when I'm desperate for the crunch of chips (but eaten sparingly since they are so high in sodium). I have a very large variety of awesome recipes that are low carb, high Protein and moderate fat.

Ok so i dont know my offical surgery date weight bc they didnt take it but i dod have the pre registration weight whit was a week and a half b4 surgery so my numbers are BW 450 SW 430 CW 401 down 49lb altogather The Losers Bench

Almost 6 weeks post op and it just started a few days ago

Hi I'm sonji i live in the Atlanta ga area. I had a sleeve 5 weeks ago: still recoverying doing okay , still dealing with acid reflux real bad, nausea on a regular . I do happen to know a great fitness trainer. must learn what area u live. good luck!!!!

Well, that's great. I know at two weeks I wasn't even INTERESTED in eating, it was so painful for me. I was on broth and protein drinks for three weeks, and couldn't even do soft foods until about five weeks, so I think you are doing better than I did! Good luck!

Thanks for the reassurance! I went to my 2 week check up yesterday and they lifted all my food restrictions, said that I need to eat ALOT more! So now I am working on that and am already feeling better! I usuallly heal quick also, and this has really thrown me for a loop! Just want my life back...but, looks like I'm getting there. Dr also told me that the hiatal hernia I had fixed also causes more prolonged pain

I am a single mother of two wonderful boys. I have been divorced for 2 1/2 years now. I have battled my weight my entire life. FINALLY, there is a way out!! I have tried just about ever diet out there: slimfast, weight watchers (4xs), cutting calories, metabolife, trim spa, hermal remidies, ect.... I have also bought so many exercise programs - i could make my own : the firm; walking off the pounds; turbo jam; windsor pilates, gazelle, billy blanks circut training, jazzercise, ect..... so this is my last resort! I have to do something now or i know i will just continue on this distructive path and end up so large ~ my health will suffer much more than it already is. I attended the SCOR Lap-Band Seminar April 18, 2006. My weight is 210 and i'm 5'3. I had researched online and spoke to family before even committing to attending. Luckily my family was behind me 100%. I was excited before i ever got there. I had looked into my insurance policy before even going also ~ it's not excluded however i've been on plenty of diets but none of them have been medically supervised. So, that was my biggest fear of not getting approved. There just is NO possible way i can self-pay. I made my inital consult w/Dr. Powells office for April 26th, 2006. My insurance pre-determination said i needed 3 years of physician supervised weight loss attempts. I told them there way no way that was plan specific ~ so we continued with the consult anyway. I was told i was a good candidate for the surgery and i had to get my psych and nutritional evaluations done and then we could sumbit to insurance. I had already gotten all of my medical files for the past 5 years before coming to this appointment~ i didn't want any delays My psych exam was May 5th ~ seemed easy enough, just a bunch of questions and a computer test. May 10th met w/ psychologist for review of my psych results ~ it was a student and she told me she was going to suggest my surgery be placed on hold until i seek Pyschiatric help to re-evaluate my current depression meds and further counseling. I was OUT RAGED!! What did she think has been causing my depression all of these years? OH well, i called Myra (Dr. Powells nurse) and we decided for a second opinion. However, the nutritionist did clear me and said she saw the medical neccessity needed for the surgery and her report. May 17th~ I went to Dr.Howard Smith - a psychiatrist - and he cleared me on the spot after 30 minutes of talking to me. Thank Goodness~~i was getting worried. Friday May 26th ~ my paperwork has been mailed to my insurance company~~it was too large to fax - LOL. June 1st ~ insurance has received my paperwork! I am gonna call every other day until i hear something probably. I'm just afraid that it will just sit on someones desk. Not likely w/my insurance - they are pretty on top of things. However they said it could take up to 28 days for review..uuuugggghhhh! June 19th ~ WWWHHHHOOOOO HHHOOOOOO!! I just called insurance and i am APPROVED! I am blessed to have such a great insurance company. I was afraid i would have some of the same issues as i have read about here and other boards. I am glad that i didn't. I talked to Myra(Dr Powells nurse)- and she was very excited for me and said as soon as she gets the letter she will call me and we can get set up to see Dr. Powell and get a surgery date :Dancing_biggrin: So, i called the office responsible for sending out the approval letter and she's not in..but the secretary said she'll e-mail her and try to get it printed and faxed to Dr. Powell's office by Wednesday :confused_smile: I am SO excited it seems sureal. I know it's not a quick fix ~ but a very valuable tool to help me get back to a healthy lifestyle. June 22, 2006 ~ met Dr. Powell today and got my lovely Myocel and surgery date :behindsofa: It is July 6th, 2006 @ 7:30am. I am SOOOOOOOOO excited. I'm sure i may be nervous the morning of, but right now it is a wonderful feeling knowing it's really gonna happen! June 25th, 2006 ~ OMG, that Myocel (vanilla) is AWFUL. I thought since i am used to drinking Slimfast that it would be alright. Well, after adding chocolate pudding mix (sugar free) it wasn't so bad. Tolerable atleast. I know i have to do it~ so i will. Went to Beth Moore Living Proof conference in OKC this weekend..it was SO awesome. All i could do was praise our God b/c he is GOOD. I prayed so much that this surgery would be his will and i could get approval. Well, obviously~~ it was and its great! June 26, 2006 ~ My surgery is ONLY 10 days away...i have to go get blood work done today-ewwww. OH well, just a means to an end :rolleyes2: June 28th, 2006 ~ atleast i'm getting used to drinking the protein shakes, but i'm pretty sure i will get the cholocate myocel next time! Kinda afraid to weigh myself ~ it's that time of the month...and it's probably better if i don't anyway. I'm still excited about surgery date ~ just trying to stay realistic though and not expect results too fast :lightbulb: Well, only 6 days left until surgery! I can hardly believe it's actually gonna happen. By no means am i expecting any miracles. I know this will be work ~ i am just gaining a very effective tool to help me. I am ready to be healthy! I want to be able to play with my kids as they grow up and grandkids when the time comes! God willing ~ i will be able to make this work. Better hit the sack :rolleyes5: :notagree June 30, 2006~~Ok guys, only 5 days until surgery! I have still been reading posts n this site and some others. There are some very unfortunate omplications that have risen from this band. I am trying to be optimistic, but not naive to this fact. So many people have lost weight in the first 6 weeks of healing, and some are having trouble losing even after fills. I know everyone is different. I also know its just a tool. I guess i'm just venting concern. I am still excited and wanting this surgery ~ just a little freaked out by what some have said here and there!!! Well, only 3 days left :rolleyes5: Yesterday i went to a family gathering and a friend of the family was there. She'd had the lap band back in May 2003. She almost died. She was following the post-op directions to the 'T' and lost 60lbs. Then all of a sudden she couldn't keep anything down. She got so ill~~~so many hospitals~~~ just awful. Fortunatly, God wasn't ready for her to come home yet. After removing the band and much rehab ~ she is alright now. I completly believe that the lapband is not for everyone. Don't quite know how to "know" who it is right for~~guess i'll find out. I belive in my heart that this is Gods will for me. Going to the store today to get post-op foods and such. Guess i'd better be going....update later :thumbsup: December 5th, 2006 I got banded July 6th, 2006 -so i have a new birthday! I haven't done so well with weight loss though. I am only down to 202 - so that's 10 lbs in 4 months!!! I now have a 2.4 cc in my band and i have major restriction. I'm really going to start trying to walk on the treadmill more - i have run out of excuses! I am not giving up ~ NO WAY~ never!!!! I will make this work!! I have to remember the band is just a TOOL... not a miracle worker by itself. So...i'll try to keep up - ttyl __________________ :)Jessica Stevens Dr. Powell 7-6-06 212/202/120

I am a single mother of two wonderful boys. I have been divorced for 2 1/2 years now. I have battled my weight my entire life. FINALLY, there is a way out!! I have tried just about ever diet out there: slimfast, weight watchers (4xs), cutting calories, metabolife, trim spa, hermal remidies, ect.... I have also bought so many exercise programs - i could make my own : the firm; walking off the pounds; turbo jam; windsor pilates, gazelle, billy blanks circut training, jazzercise, ect..... so this is my last resort! I have to do something now or i know i will just continue on this distructive path and end up so large ~ my health will suffer much more than it already is. I attended the SCOR Lap-Band Seminar April 18, 2006. My weight is 210 and i'm 5'3. I had researched online and spoke to family before even committing to attending. Luckily my family was behind me 100%. I was excited before i ever got there. I had looked into my insurance policy before even going also ~ it's not excluded however i've been on plenty of diets but none of them have been medically supervised. So, that was my biggest fear of not getting approved. There just is NO possible way i can self-pay. I made my inital consult w/Dr. Powells office for April 26th, 2006. My insurance pre-determination said i needed 3 years of physician supervised weight loss attempts. I told them there way no way that was plan specific ~ so we continued with the consult anyway. I was told i was a good candidate for the surgery and i had to get my psych and nutritional evaluations done and then we could sumbit to insurance. I had already gotten all of my medical files for the past 5 years before coming to this appointment~ i didn't want any delays My psych exam was May 5th ~ seemed easy enough, just a bunch of questions and a computer test. May 10th met w/ psychologist for review of my psych results ~ it was a student and she told me she was going to suggest my surgery be placed on hold until i seek Pyschiatric help to re-evaluate my current depression meds and further counseling. I was OUT RAGED!! What did she think has been causing my depression all of these years? OH well, i called Myra (Dr. Powells nurse) and we decided for a second opinion. However, the nutritionist did clear me and said she saw the medical neccessity needed for the surgery and her report. May 17th~ I went to Dr.Howard Smith - a psychiatrist - and he cleared me on the spot after 30 minutes of talking to me. Thank Goodness~~i was getting worried. Friday May 26th ~ my paperwork has been mailed to my insurance company~~it was too large to fax - LOL. June 1st ~ insurance has received my paperwork! I am gonna call every other day until i hear something probably. I'm just afraid that it will just sit on someones desk. Not likely w/my insurance - they are pretty on top of things. However they said it could take up to 28 days for review..uuuugggghhhh! June 19th ~ WWWHHHHOOOOO HHHOOOOOO!! I just called insurance and i am APPROVED! I am blessed to have such a great insurance company. I was afraid i would have some of the same issues as i have read about here and other boards. I am glad that i didn't. I talked to Myra(Dr Powells nurse)- and she was very excited for me and said as soon as she gets the letter she will call me and we can get set up to see Dr. Powell and get a surgery date So, i called the office responsible for sending out the approval letter and she's not in..but the secretary said she'll e-mail her and try to get it printed and faxed to Dr. Powell's office by Wednesday I am SO excited it seems sureal. I know it's not a quick fix ~ but a very valuable tool to help me get back to a healthy lifestyle. June 22, 2006 ~ met Dr. Powell today and got my lovely Myocel and surgery date It is July 6th, 2006 @ 7:30am. I am SOOOOOOOOO excited. I'm sure i may be nervous the morning of, but right now it is a wonderful feeling knowing it's really gonna happen! June 25th, 2006 ~ OMG, that Myocel (vanilla) is AWFUL. I thought since i am used to drinking Slimfast that it would be alright. Well, after adding chocolate pudding mix (sugar free) it wasn't so bad. Tolerable atleast. I know i have to do it~ so i will. Went to Beth Moore Living Proof conference in OKC this weekend..it was SO awesome. All i could do was praise our God b/c he is GOOD. I prayed so much that this surgery would be his will and i could get approval. Well, obviously~~ it was and its great! June 26, 2006 ~ My surgery is ONLY 10 days away...i have to go get blood work done today-ewwww. OH well, just a means to an end June 28th, 2006 ~ atleast i'm getting used to drinking the protein shakes, but i'm pretty sure i will get the cholocate myocel next time! Kinda afraid to weigh myself ~ it's that time of the month...and it's probably better if i don't anyway. I'm still excited about surgery date ~ just trying to stay realistic though and not expect results too fast Well, only 6 days left until surgery! I can hardly believe it's actually gonna happen. By no means am i expecting any miracles. I know this will be work ~ i am just gaining a very effective tool to help me. I am ready to be healthy! I want to be able to play with my kids as they grow up and grandkids when the time comes! God willing ~ i will be able to make this work. Better hit the sack :notagree June 30, 2006~~Ok guys, only 5 days until surgery! I have still been reading posts n this site and some others. There are some very unfortunate omplications that have risen from this band. I am trying to be optimistic, but not naive to this fact. So many people have lost weight in the first 6 weeks of healing, and some are having trouble losing even after fills. I know everyone is different. I also know its just a tool. I guess i'm just venting concern. I am still excited and wanting this surgery ~ just a little freaked out by what some have said here and there!!! Well, only 3 days left Yesterday i went to a family gathering and a friend of the family was there. She'd had the lap band back in May 2003. She almost died. She was following the post-op directions to the 'T' and lost 60lbs. Then all of a sudden she couldn't keep anything down. She got so ill~~~so many hospitals~~~ just awful. Fortunatly, God wasn't ready for her to come home yet. After removing the band and much rehab ~ she is alright now. I completly believe that the lapband is not for everyone. Don't quite know how to "know" who it is right for~~guess i'll find out. I belive in my heart that this is Gods will for me. Going to the store today to get post-op foods and such. Guess i'd better be going....update later December 5th, 2006 I got banded July 6th, 2006 -so i have a new birthday! I haven't done so well with weight loss though. I am only down to 202 - so that's 10 lbs in 4 months!!! I now have a 2.4 cc in my band and i have major restriction. I'm really going to start trying to walk on the treadmill more - i have run out of excuses! I am not giving up ~ NO WAY~ never!!!! I will make this work!! I have to remember the band is just a TOOL... not a miracle worker by itself. So...i'll try to keep up - ttyl __________________ :)Jessica Stevens Dr. Powell 7-6-06 212/202/120

Hi all- I just finished my last preop appt. I had to do 3 appts in 6 months, a phsych eval and nutritional counseling. I have only lost 4 pounds and my BMI is 39. They are submitting today. But I am just curious if any one knows how long it will take for an answer? they told me up to 4 weeks.....Thanks!