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I have never had a blog or the desire for oen until now. I was banded in 2007 and started out very strong but after a divorce, a new baby, and becoming a single mom, my workouts and motivation just took a nose dive. A friend of mine wanted to lose soem weight and started this program through Team Beachbody. I watched as she posted stuff about her diet, challenges and victories all over facebook. I guess her before and after pictures are what affected me. I remebered seeing my before pictures and how excited I was to have made such a noticable change to my appearance and my health and I wanted that feeling back. So today is a new day. I have started the Turbofire program and to help me stay motivated I have decided to become a coach and help others as well. I'll never forget how important it was for me to be able to connect with other people going through the same things I was going through and what a help they were to me when I needed a kick in the butt. I'm going to pay it foward and again, make a choice to be the strongest healthiest me I can be for myself and the people that love and depend on me. Today is a new day and I look foward to many more healthier happier days. A new fitness program that I can work with and a wonderful support group with team beachbody and lapband talk. I'm coming back and I'll be better than ever. I'm worth it.

you are just looking for a fill doc? I'd call dr. glassgow's office in norwood mass surgical weight loss specialists they are a practice that just deals with lap band i think. a phone call can't hurt

Has anyone tried Miracle Noodles (Shirataki) post op and if so, how long after surgery? I lost a good bit of weight pre op cooking them with veggies and chicken and they have 0 calories/carbs.

I just had the band on July 27 and I have to wait 6 weeks before they will do my first fill, I feel like I can pretty much eat anything....the first 2 weeks is liquid diet but i have had crackers because the hunger was not being satisfied : ( im scared im going to gain weight and im just worried i did all this for nothing. Please help!

This may sound negative to some, but... I have been researching weight loss surgery for about 2 years and just recently decided lap band is the right option for me. Looks like I am tentatively scheduled for 9/27/13 to be banded. However, even though I am ready for this - I know it's only a tool. The weight won't magically fall off, I'm still worried that it won't work for me. I still will have to deal with pre-op diet, post-op diet, and exercise BEFORE the fills. So many other diets have failed, if i could stick to eating healthy and exercise, i wouldn't have this problem with weight. Right? I understand that post-op I won't have much appetite but what about the rest? Anyone want to jump in here and tell me I'm not alone feeling this way?

Thanx! Did you stay longer than the 1 night stay. Did ur reflux ( if u had any) go away? Did you loose any weight? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had just come from my Crossfit class and I was sitting there still sweaty form the workout I had done, I reminded them how hard I was trying and still gaining weight! I even brought out my original before pics and they all said they never even remembered me being that big ! I understand they love me and they are worried and it makes me sad but it also scares me because I don't want them to be right. I have researched SO much, I think it's just overwhelming for them and for me as well, I mean surgery is scary but on top of that there is worry about flying across the country, going to another country, and to a city once known as the most dangerous city in the world !! I admit, it's a lot of variables !! but, I can't do it without the surgery and I want so badly to feel better again.

I just had a Lapband revision to Gastric Bypass on July 5th. I was not required to do the diet beforehand. At first I thought it was strange but figure it was because I did not regain my Lapband weight loss and have been doing low carb for about 18 months. He said day before surgery, have a very light breakfast, lunch, and only clear liquids after noon. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

I'm going in for VSG tomorrow. I'm going in at 251 pounds as of this morning-- lost only nine on my two week Protein diet-- and I'm suddenly riddled with anxiety. I haven't quit the black coffee, which I should have, I know, and I fear I just haven't done anything right! Although I've been really open about my surgery, excited and proud to be taking this step for my health, I woke up today just ashamed that I'd gotten to this point and terrified that I won't get it right. I live in Boston, am a 44 year old married woman with a five year old daughter, but I'd take just about any sane mentor from anywhere! Thanks for being out there, wherever you are. Jenny (p.s. how do you get one of those ruler things that tracks your weight loss at the bottom of your messages?)

And don't expect weight loss to be consistently downward week after week. You will have weeks where you do everything right and lose nothing (or go up a pound), especially if you've recently lost a lot. Keep an eye on the big picture and don't sweat the day-to-day scale fluctuations. If you haven't already, I suggest making a chart in Excel, on graph paper, or some other way, to track your overall progress. If you go 2-3 weeks without losing, then it's time to make adjustments.

Hi - I was banded August 15th. I agree with Restless. Alcohol is empty calories. I truly have enjoy my beer and wine and vodka...etc over the years. . Alcohol, in addition to the love of food, are the main reasons I am obese. The band is a tool and a reminder that we need to change our old habits. I know that I can drink a few beers, but ....I am trying to lose weight. So far, I haven't endulged... I am sure I will, but for now, I am dedicated to lose weight. The band isn't a magic wand, we need to work at it. Try to limit all calories including limiting the booze. This is from a person who has loved his libations for years.....Good Luck..

I have been told no alcohol as well. Maybe eventually ONE glass of wine now and then. I have had 1-3 glasses of wine in an evening since my banding {9-02-08} even though I know better. I have never felt any restriction so it didn't upset my new tiny tummy. I can eat anything and swallow large pills too. I am trying to schedule my first fill now. The doc wants me to wait 6 weeks but I just gained a pound in the last week :thumbdown: so I want a fill yesterday. I need to feel the restriction......fast! And Gary, in case your doc didn't mention it, beer is carbonated and my understanding is that ANY carbonation is a no-no, forever. The bubbles can stretch your pouch and defeat your whole purpose. Maybe find another libation to love. Best of luck to all. Barbara

Everyone loses differently, It will slow down even more the more you lose but still remember that you are losing the weight. I eat 6 small meals a day, just continue to focus on getting in your nutrients and if you are picking it up at the gym, make sure your protein consumption accounts for that! Good on you and keep up the great work!

I'm having a weird struggle and I'm hoping you guys can provide some perspective. I'm about 5 months out and down 65 pounds. My surgeon said he wanted to see me lose 60 by 6 months, so I'm a little ahead. The loss has slowed down some, but not stopped. I can eat more now than shortly after surgery, so that makes sense. I've stepped up my game at the gym to try to balance things out. I still struggle with Protein, but usually meet my 60 g goal. My typical day is a shake for Breakfast, salad (spinach, chicken, and a little goat cheese, raisins and walnut) for lunch, and for dinner something like salmon, sweet potato and broccoli. Lots of Water all day. If I get too full with what I brought for lunch, I might eat 2/3 and eat the other 1/3 later in the day. Or sometimes I have cashews or some nut exactly balls as a snack or treat. I just barely pushed past my "glass floor" which is the weight I couldn't seem to lose past when I tried many times before surgery. So basically I'm just nervous I'm going to eff up and not lose all the weight. I have perfectionist tendencies and I've gone overboard into unhealthy territory before when it comes to losing weight. How do you balance that? When do you know you're doing enough? Should I be worried it's not coming off as fast as before? Or is perfectionism and anxiety making me worry unnecessarily? Anyone else felt this way?

Just an aside, Gadgetlady- under your name it says "looking forward to life" I can appreciate that. Life is/will be different when the weight is lost, but it makes me think you are not living in the moment and enjoying life today. That's rather sad.

Hi Marcia, I wonder if you have tried explaining this to your husband in the same way you explained it to all of us. I would think that he would understand and not want you to feel this way... I am not saying that he should move forward with telling his and your family about his Lap-Band, if he is not comfortable with this... but he may be able to come to your defense when remarks about your weight are made. Sometimes I just don't think people get it... unless they have actually walked a mile in your shoes. Even if their remarks are not meant to be hurtful, they are still causing you pain and that should be enough for you and your husband to come together and support each other through this journey. I imagine that since you don't qualify for insurance to pick-up the costs of surgery you are feeling left out and I don't blame you. Seeing him being successful with the help of his new tool and knowing in your heart that you could probably have those same successes if you were banded... well, let's just say that I agree with Bob... You are a great wife! I hope others on this site will be able to provide you with some support. Remember that there are people who understand what you are going through. Stay strong and good luck.

Hi Everyone, I have posted this before and some find it helpful if they are heading to Mexicali to see Dr. Aceves. If you are not just ignore this. Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves. 1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no Water required—nothing difficult to swallow either. 2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry. 3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask. 4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs. 5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like. 6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases. 7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great. 8. I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home. 9. As far as money someone suggested I bring about $45.00 to $50.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali. I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home. I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might appreciate the cash as a gift. I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk. The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec. 10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home. 11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home. 12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage” and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery. 13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you want. I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink. 14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too. 15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips. If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too. Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home. Suzanne This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom. I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort. You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some hot water and add some chicken broth to the hot water--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works. I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital! The best of luck to you! You will do great!

Hi I'm new to the forum. I'm 43 and bmi is 37. 213 lbs and high cholesterol with edema. Is the sleeve the right choice for me? I've gone through my evaluation, now waiting to get the ins approval. What I'm nerves abt is too much weight loss, but opting out the lap band. Any advise please!

Hi everyone, I had surgery on October 6th and today I am exactly 20 days post op. I could seriously use some help from some of you. I went to my 2 week post op appointment on Thursday October 15th and I was 12 lbs down since surgery (great ????) Then I was upgraded to puree foods. About 3-4 days after that I saw that I gained 4lbs ????????. And I panicked because I haven't heard of this. I hadn't been over eating because you get full quick, I hadn't been eating starch, I have been follow Doctors orders to the T with my protein and water intake. So I began researching and I found out it was some what normal (sigh of relief ????) but I haven't seen those extra lbs come off yet. I can admit I know I may be over thinking it but it's only because I want to do well and use this tool to my best abilities. And yes I'll be talking with my Doctor but until then can someone please shed some light on this. Thanks so much! Sincerely, A sleeve newbie

How much did u gain Sent from my SM-G920R4 using the BariatricPal App

I am about a year and a half out, and tonight I am struggling mentally. I have been holding around the 172 mark for about 5-6 mos. with at least 20-25 lbs to go for my own personal goal. My appetite has increased and I have been falling back into some of my old habits. I feel scared that I will gain back the weight I've lost and guilty that I am letting the "mind" thing win. Really, I feel as tho I'm caught in a vicious cycle! I don't want to fail!

Don't beat yourself up...everyone is different and this journey is different for each one of us. I'm almost 4 years out and still have 20 lbs. to go until I reach my goal. It took me 1 1/2 yrs. before I reached my "sweet spot" and was well on my way. But with life's ups and downs, I too, had ups and downs with my band. I yo-yo'd a few lbs., got off track, got back on track, exercised like crazy, and slacked like crazy. All while struggling with my food addiction! Maybe you just haven't reached your "sweet spot" yet. You mentioned that you recently got a fill and lost 5 lbs? Be proud of that! Every lb. lost brings you closer to your goal. Keep up the good work! Maybe that's what you needed to jump start your weight loss again. I wish you much success in your weight loss journey.

I read in Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies that there is a "magic window of opportunity" for weight loss that tapers off after the first year. So I'm going to be compliant like gangbusters until I get to goal. Well, I say that now, anyway. Surgery scheduled for March 29. Deborah

Goal weight is an artificial number. I think my surgeon told me that I could reach 190 pounds. I was happy with that. But in the end I dropped almost down to 140. As far as a goal, I would shoot for the high side of normal BMI. Normal BMI 18.5-24.9. So for your height of 5 foot 2 inch that would correspond to a goal weight of around 135 pounds. The reason why I would select that as a goal is because individuals on the high side of normal live the longest. It is important to keep a little fat in your body because when you have a very, very serious illness or accident, you need that reservoir of fat to keep you alive until your body recovers. It is O.K. to drop below that level for a little while to compensate for a small amount of weight gain as you progress in Maintenance phase.