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It is not time to panic yet! Nine pounds is a pretty decent weight loss in just a couple of weeks.

I got pregnant 6 months after surgery, i was on BC and also have PCOS, so it was a surprise ( albeit a good one, previous to surgery we had tried for 4 years with no luck)! I am currently 24 weeks along, but i keep losing weight. I was 195 when i got pregnant and i'm now about 178. I keep losing weight, about a lb a month. I've increased my eating and added an extra Protein shake into the mix for extra nutrition, but nothing seems to help. I am already forcing myself to eat more than what i'm comfortable with, but i'm still losing. My nutritionist doesn't think there is a problem, as i'm getting about 2,000 calories a day, but my doctor is starting to talk about putting me on high calorie shakes. Thus far baby is measuring just perfect and he's very active. I am just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and can offer any advice or ideas?

So i'm officially 100 pounds down, but still have a ways to go. This is the most confident i've ever been in my life and i feel absolutely amazing. Recently, however, as i've been healing and able to eat more and test out new foods, i find myself absolutely overwhelmed and terrified of gaining even a single pound back. i stick to my diet and exercise everyday, but occasionally (and i mean rarely) slip up and eat something i shouldn't or skip a workout. Gaining weight now consumes my every thought. I may sound like a cry baby but i just don't know what to do! It is so overwhelming and sends me to panic mode. I know i'm not perfect, but i'm trying my very best to be. Any advice or words of encouragement?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey Y’all!!! Wow this is so great – I feel like I already know most of you, I have been loyally reading your posts for quite some time now. I am grateful to each and every one of you for making my decision so much easier, and easing my mind on countless occasions. I have taken the first big step in this process and thought it only fair to introduce myself to y’all and hopefully my experience will be a chance for me to “pay it forward” to some of the other newcomers that are confused. Well let’s see where do I begin . . . My name is Jessi, I am a 27 years old, and I live in SE Georgia. I started battling my weight in junior high; apparently I am not much of a fighter because it has steadily gotten more and more out of control over the last 15 years. I started seriously considering WLS shortly after I lost my mother five years ago. She was only 52 years old, and she sill had so many things that she wanted to do with her life. It really got me thinking about how I needed to make the most of this sort time that I have been given here on earth. It seems that so many of the things that I want to change are connected in some way to my weight (health, energy, confidence, self worth). I have recently started to become more introverted and I find that I am becoming a hermit because I am scared that my weight will get in the way (Will I be able to fit in to booth that the restaurant? If I fly will the seatbelt reach around me? If I go out with my girlfriends will I be stuck sitting there alone when they are dancing with guys who aren’t interested in me? Will I run into that horrible little boy who has no problem loudly pointing out in public that I am fat?) sometimes it just seems easier to stay in, and I am finished feeling like that!!!! Yesterday I took the first step towards the new me – I had my consultation with Dr. Watkins and his staff. Their caring nature put my mind at ease, and confirmed my feeling that this is the right thing for me to do. I will talk to them again on Monday and schedule my surgery date. It feels good to know that I am finally on the correct path. Thanks again to all of you that have been so helpful to me!!!

My surgery date is very near yours, and I have only lost 46lbs in that time frame. However, I have only been at my optimum restriction for less than a month now. So I figure the weight will start coming off more consistently now, and also since it is March I am hoping the weather will break soon and I can get outside more, walking and riding my bike. I am getting very sick of my stationary bike in the basement!! My biggest issue now is I simply cannot tell from meal to meal whether my band will be loose, or tight. Just can't tell. Driving me nuts!!!

First of all - Congratulations on the weight loss - to all of you. I know how hard you've been working and what determination you have. I also know really really well the fear you are facing. I was in the same place 12 years ago. My surgery was 13 years ago this month. I lost 170 lbs and have managed to keep it off - Yeah! I was really afraid of re-gain those first couple of years - especially as my appetite came back. I've roller coastered a bit at times but have managed to stay within about a 15 lb range. Don't let the fear stress you out because that can act as a push into old eating habits. Here's a few things I did to help me stay stable. I changed my eating habits drastically in that first year while I could. I cut out all sugar, went low on the grains, stopped all fast food with the rare exception, and went organic. It was easy to do that in the beginning when I was v. motivated because I kept thinking long term. I set up good solid exercise routines - doing things I liked like biking, dancing, swimming and walking. I continued to do those things because I liked them. I didn't get on the treadmill or exercise bike because I didn't like them and knew I wouldn't keep it up. I also set up and have continued to do a simple weight training routine. I got help when I needed it - used the professionals in my program but also went outside for psychotherapy and life coaching. Lastly I worked hard at not freaking out when I did gain a pound or 2 or even 10! I'd just do an inventory of where I was getting slack - esp. with the rules of the pouch - and trusted myself to get back on track, even if it took me a few days or even a week. I didn't freak out, go into despair and start that downward spiral of beat myself up, eat more, beat myself up more, eat more, etc. This is all simply put here but I put in a lot of work and time and continued vigilance yet learning to let go and enjoy life up to this day. I know I'll never gain back that weight. Good luck to all of you. The fact that you are concerned and looking long term is a great sign that you'll make it!

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of advice but I just wanted to say Congratulations!!! How exciting for you. I have had 3 children (I'm still pre-op, so obviously I was not sleeved when I had them) and I am a nurse so I have some thoughts. It seems to me that as long as you are getting adequate nutrition and fluids and your babe is growing well, there shouldn't be any problem. I had gestational diabetes with only my second pregnancy (out of three) and I actually lost weight as well because I was following such a strict diet. Personally, I don't think high calorie shakes are the answer...but who am I. Well good luck and again congrats. Keep us updated on this little miracle!!

Hey there Manz, I'm sorry I took so long to get back to u, I had a pretty scary time post op. I started bleeding internally and had to go back to the hospital. Passed out and bp dropped to 40/10! Went to ICU for a night and finally got every thing settled. I got to come home Tuesday and everything has been getting better each day. I'm sorry you were so sick after surgery. I hope all is better now. We r gonna rock this sleeve from now on! I was 239 when I went into icu and this morning I weighted 223!!! I know alot was fluids but I'll still take that.

I'm sorry to read that you are experiencing band issues and are now facing removal, but wow! What a ton of self-knowledge you've noted here. Your words ring very true for me...many of your points are also mine (especially the knowledge of what your maintenance calories are.) You are well-armed at keeping your weight off and I am confident you will. May your removal surgery go smoothly and enjoy your first meal of salmon. Please let us know how you are doing with your post-band life.

It has been 2 months for me since I have been banded and I lost about 25 pounds. I am going for my next fill on 8/21. I'm not getting as full now and I am eating a little bit more; in addition, I gained a pound. Is this normal and is it possible that my band has slipped? Has anyone experienced this?

My fluid gain from the hospital was a whopping 16 pounds!!!! It went away after about a week and a half.

I had my surgery on July 18, 2013. I didn't check my weight the day of my surgery so I go by what my day 2 po weight was. Which was 321 lbs. My weight as of Jan. 18, 2014 was 246 lbs! Making my total loss by 6 mths a total of 75 LBS! I also weighed myself today January 25, 2014 & I have lost another 3 LBS so that makes my actually loss a total of 78 LBS! I am very proud of myself & also extremely amazed at the differences in my body & my face! I have attached some of my progress pictures. I have also lost approx 32 inches total from my entire body! Just AWESOME is all I can say! I do need to start getting back to the gym. Things get kinda crazy around here with my very ill Dad so I have not made it very much since the holidays. Which I totally admit I got lazy during the holidays with exercising. I was still losing but could have done better had I still been working out. I still have some bad emotional days which I am still trying to deal with. But I am still extremely happy with my choice to have this surgery! I am proud of myself for the progress I have made & anxious for what the future will hold! I am so thankful to God for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime to change my life & become a much healthier & happier me. I was scared to death to go through with the surgery & almost bailed out but I feel so much better & happier already & I still have a long way to go but making the choice to get the sleeve was the best thing I have ever done for myself & I could not imagine life without it now. I have not had to take any diabetic medicine since about nov. I was on 100 units 2x a day of novolog 75/30, Janumet, & invakana just to slightly control it. I am so happy to not have to take all that anymore. I have been holding steady in the normal range so far! I have my 6 mth follow up appt on feb 4th. This site has helped me very much along my journey. I know that my journey will be completely different then anyone elses & that my pace may be slower then some but may also be faster then others & I am fine with that. I am going to take all the ups & downs & emotional moods with grace & keep my eye on the big picture which is my health. I want to thank everyone who shares their journey, their experiences, their life stories because you all have helped me from reading your stories I know I am not alone & I am reminded daily that I am human & its ok to not be perfect all the time. Watching my fathers health fail. Seeing him dying & knowing that at any day he could be gone as he is in end stage renal failure & congestive heart failure because he did not take good care of his health. He is a diabetic & did not control his sugars well at all & now pays the ultimate price. He lost his leg below the knee back in 2008 & only had a week to live back then when he finally chose to let them take his leg & has been wheelchair bound since. Then back in May of 2013 about mid way through my process to get my surgery he went into the hospital needing emergency dialysis. A week later when they put in a fistula he died later that night but they were able to bring him back. He was in a coma for 14 days & the doctors tried to force me to trach him or pull the breathing tube but he came out of it only to find out his heart is majorly blocked & he is in congestive heart failure but he chose to not have open heart surgery & asked if I would be upset if he didnt do it. I told him no that I would support him & love & cherish him for whatever time I have left with him. The doctors said I would be lucky to have him through the holidays & well here he is still going strong! I thank god every day for him, every good morning, every goodnight hug & kiss, every I love you! He is not just my Dad he is my best friend!!!!! He is the main reason I had my surgery because I did not want to continue going down the same oath he was. Because I am diabetic as well & was doing exactly what he was not watching my sugars eating whatever whenever. I knew I had to make serious changes & I did! While my dad laid in his hospital bed I still pushed forward because when he woke up I wanted him to be proud & see me have my surgery. While he was in his coma I was downstairs doing the support groups & meetings & nutritional visit & all. I did gain some weight due to living in the hospital from 7am to midnight & not eating healthy but eating cheaply. But i lost it in time to have my surgery as alot of it was Water weight. My dad was released in the beginning of June & by July 18, 2013 I had my surgery & my dad is my biggest fan! I pray every day he is here a lil longer to see me skinnier, healthier & happier! Sorry for going on & on.... hope it makes since to you all though. [ATTACH]40718[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]40719[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]40720[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]40721[/ATTACH]

I'm 10.5 months out and down 120 lbs. My weight loss slowed a lot after I hit 9 months out. I've been so frustrated with it. I'm doing everything I'm supposed to. I'm 6 lbs from goal and just can't seem to get there!

I was just thinking about this because I started jogging and felt something kind of jerked out of place. I went to the chiropractor yesterday and my whole spine was out of alignment. I know it wasn't just from that, I did have some back problems before the weight-loss surgery. But with such a dramatic decrease in body mass in such a short period of time, definitely the body is working overtime, and some things sort of emerge from that. At 325 pounds my knees didn't hurt because I didn't walk very much. I started exercising after losing 124 pounds and found my knees were aching. I think some of this sort of just gets hidden underneath more severe issues-like in my case, I felt like I was almost too fat to move. I would break a sweat just going to the grocery store! Even with the occasional backache, I feel like I have my life back! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

NSAIDS offer too much risk in getting an ulcer post-op so its best to avoid them if you can. Tylenol is the go to for pain meds or the knock off brand for Tylenol. Also if you can steam like in a sauna or soak in a whirlpool post weightlifting I have found that to help with soreness after lifting heaving on weight lifting days. Try not to over do it, and remember Rome wasn't built in a day. So take your time slow and steady and you will get there.

Welcome to the other side! Small sips is recommended as a precaution against overloading your healing esophagus. I was delighted when I went from the sip...sip...sip... stage to full on Water glugging (one of my favourite things!). If you can drink more with no discomfort, I suspect there would be no trouble, however take it easy. I'm 5 months banded and am able to chug water like I used to. Watch out for very cold or ice cold water/milk/fluids - these can cause your esophagus to reject the liquid (and up it comes!) The "Liquids" phase is going to be a little different for everyone depending on what your WLS doc has advised. Liquids for me was two phases - Clear Liquids (broth, water, watery milk) and then full fluids (shakes, Boost, cream soups), but for you, it could be different. Yes, as the days go on between you and your surgery, you may notice yourself getting hungry. I was instructed to "eat" (drink broth, have a Protein shake, have a Jello, have a sugar-free pudding) whenever I was hungry. For most of us, it's a normal part of the healing process to have the hunger begin to return, but as you graduate from liquids to mushies, then soft food, then regular food, the Proteins and fibres should take care of things nicely. One thing I recommend is NOT RUSHING through any part of the graduated meal process (getting back to solids). Your stoma/stitches etc. need the time to rest and heal. You will also likely enjoy weight loss during this time, which is really awesome and sa-weet! Yup - Have water on hand constantly, day and night. Staying hydrated is really, really important in this early phase. :-) AND YES of course you are thinking about food - you have barely had any for a long time! Old habits (like eating when bored - I did this, too!) took a long time to form, and so they will take a while to break. I was banded on December 18th - 7 days before Christmas. So like you and your family BBQ, there I was sitting at a table LADEN with gorgeous yummy foods - prime rib, devilled eggs, green Beans and almonds, roast potatoes... and there I was. With my pathetic protein shake. I got my family in on the ridiculousness of it all, and we laughed about my situation. Keep your head in the game and remind yourself why you did this in the first place. Keep your eye on the prize! A serious (and friendly!) warning to you - whatever you do don't rush into eating solid food. The BBQ may tempt you like crazy, but if you eat solid food (especially ribs or meats) at this early stage, you risk having a stuck episode. Take good care and keep us posted. Every day it gets easier!

There is a program you can buy called Weight By Date. There is a nominal cost, if I recall right. There, you can keep track of your measurements and your weight. There is also a scale you can buy called the Omron scale. It keeps track of weight, muscle percentage, fat percentage and BMI, as well as body age. My actual age is 62. My body age when I started was 69. Now, it's 45. I keep track of as many stats as I can so that I am never relying ONLY on weight. So many things change with your body when you are on this journey, and it is kind of exciting to see all the changes that are taking place that you might not otherwise notice.

:sad:Hi everyone I haven't posted in a long time. Partly because I just didnt know what to say. I am a little backwards when it comes to things. But I am am feeling blue and I could use a little encouragement. I was banded on Sept 18th and have lost 21 lbs which I am saying I have maintained.I havent had a fill yet because........ I had a little trouble with my incision opening partly aftter the steri stips were removed after surgery. I have been doing daily dressing changes and thankfully it is healing nicely and hasnt gotten infected. It was only a small opening. I also developed a seroma and was very sore for a few weeks around my incision. But one day doing my dressing when cleaning my wound the fluid aspirated on its own it was really weird. But anyway it took care of itself. So if all goes well I will get a fill Dec 5th.n I go nov 18th for one more incision check. I know 21lbs is alot and am proud of that and to have kept it off when it is easy to eat with nothing to keep from eating but willpower. But for some reason I feel blue, could be the economy, or the time change, or the stomach virus I had the weekend or oh yeah I tripped over a rug and my right big toe is purple and swollen.My clothes are baggy and people think I have lost a lot more weight than I have. doc says I have probally have lost inches. thanks for listening. Renea

Sorry to hear of your problems after surgery, I am glad you are on your way ro recovery. I also had surgery on Sept. 18th. I have lost 16 lbs. so far, my weight has not budged in 2 weeks. I have noticed inches coming off, started off in a size 20, now fitting into some 16's. My first fill is Wed. 11/12. I hope that gets the scale moving again. Good luck to you.

A friend and I are both considering Lap Band Surgery. I have a very supportive family and they have all been behind me as I try to make this difficult choice, which I believe is a life saver for me. I have arthritis of the knees and dont want to be crippled so I feel it is vital to my continued happiness. My BMI is about 49 and I want to lose between 120-150 lbs. However, my friend, has a different story and really would like the support of her sister. However her sister has actually been pretty cruel, told her basically that she was too fat to have the lap band, that it would not work for someone of her Size, told her it was a cop out, the easy way out and is just generally very hurtful. Her BMI is around 50 and she would be very very happy with even 100lbs of weight loss. I try to be reassuring, but there is no substitute for the love, support and compassion of your sister, and I cant believe how awful she is being. Any words of wisdom out there to help her deal with her less than supportive sister. Her mother and husband are supportive, but she still needs her sister during this time.

All, Hey - I wanted to let you know that moved on to step 2 of the process at SMMC. I got the list of all of the appointments I need to make. I do not have insurance approval yet, but at least I can finally get the ball rolling. I have been waiting for almost 2 months, so I am jazzed to be heading the right way. John

Guys, there really is no solve for the stall. The best thing to do is follow the plan. Your body is simply taking a break that it needs badly. I have had many many stalls over the last 14 months, I have learned not to let them frustrate me. I weigh daily regardless but during a rather long stall I literally tell myself before I get on the scale that I am likely going to be the same or go up a little and it's ok. It will resolve if I stay true to the plan. The math simply makes it so. Take a breath and be kind to your body. By the way, I have already had a 28 day stall with absolutely no weight loss. 2 weeks is nothing, really your body just needs a break.

I am in the exact same boat as you. I had VSG in May 2013 and lost about 90 pounds. I have now gained back about 25 and I am starting to panic a little myself. The last time I went to the doctor I had gained some and they told me that that was typical to gain back about 15 to 20 percent of what you lost. I am thinking about going back on the bariatric shakes just for a short while to shrink my stomach back up. Good luck to you.

Sorry about my euphoria, but it's day 5 and I can see past my tummy and see my weight! A definite milestone since puberty! I can't believe how pounds are just 'melting'. I went to sleep last night and woke up this morning weighing four pounds less. It seems like a giant lie,. Somebody pinch me. Um, actually, no, I'm still sore :-)

Oh my god that's exactly how I felt I was sleeved November 13 Tuesday and i was just like you I went in and And before I knew it I was out with regret I couldn't believe what I'd had done to myself I was thinking .. god had made me perfect and I just ruined my system... ...eating wasn't so bad I really didn't hate the treadmill so much that I would never feel the same I was in so much pain. I can go on and on but today I feel better not only mentally but physically my back doesn't hurt as much I've only lost 7 pounds but I'm looking forward to feeling better as I lose more weight ... I know eventually I'm not going to regret doing this <3