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I am having this surgery directly linked to my osteoarthritis. My surgery is in 11 days and weight loss goal is approximately 110 lbs. I am virtually bone on bone in my right knee. At 43 my knee surgeon does not want to replace my joint until I get closer to 50. The weight is a huge factor in the deep intense pain I have daily and especially after exertion of any kind. I have not been an overweight person my entire life; its all post baby circa 15 years. I was an athlete until age 38 when I could still hit the ball hard but only hobble to first base. I will keep you posted on my results. I am concerned about easing the joint pain as I lose weight as well. It has been a catch 22 for me...work out to lose weight...injure knee in the process (no matter how easy the pool is...I dislocated my knee in the pool!!) but if I don't lose weight my knee will stay in pain... *sigh.

You can do this!!! Congrats on the weight loss so far and for getting a date!!

Anyone out there that was motivated to have the surgery because of severe knee pain? Before surgery I was in constant pain at work and the first thing I did when I got home was ice my knees. I am down 42# with the preop diet and postop loss at 3 months. I really thought my knees at the end the day would start to feel better. The only exercise I have been able to consistantly do is pool walking, pool aerobics and pool zumba. Even with that my knees flair. So I keep to an every other day schedule. Im am interested in others experiances. Both with the weight loss and what exercises have been most comfortable. Was there a point where the pain got less? Ortho wont touch me for joint replacements till i lose weight , then they said 6-12 mo after i stablize because of nutritional considerations. I am probably looking at 2 more years - per their requirements. Im hoping for more like a year. Cyndi

I ad my RNY 11 years ago with a revision 9 years ago. I had a gasto-gastric fistula. My stomach and pouch grew a hole and I was feeding my stomach. After the revision I lost 122 pounds and felt great. 3 years ago I started to have knee problems. Already had back problems and arthritis, especially in my feet. The most exercise I get is in a pool or on a Gazelle, (which is like an elliptical but not as intense). I do work part time so I'm not too much of a slug-a-bed. Anyway, the reason for this is since my knee problem started I have felt more and more run down. I have had my thyroid checked a million times as well as B-12 and D. Yes, I forget my vitamins, all too often, but still do B-12 injectables. That is usually fine. D is ALWAYS low. I've started taking Hema-Plex which has iron among others in it. I'm hoping that helps. Anybody else have these problems? I've also gained about 42 pounds back. I don't and CAN'T eat a lot of sugar but I like beer. Even though I don't drink but one or two days a week, people are always telling me it's the beer. Sometimes I feel like I can't win.

Between family parties and celebrating my last blast for awhile before starting nursing school, working overnights, breaking up with my bf of three years and gaining a new one... This summer has been a hell of a ride and my weightloss efforts have suffered. I really let all of these things take the front seat in my life. I have put my weightloss on the back burner. I did well for awhile and when I get back into that groove I lose pretty quickly. I just saw a 2 week pause and kind of gave up. I can't seem to find the drive to get back into my low carbing and I keep finding that I am making a lot of excuses for myself. I have found out how to eat around the band even though I am pretty tight. I usually have no issues when I eliminate carbs...the band does its job. This is awful and I'm really upset at myself

Thought I would just share something that has really helped me lately. I'd been having lots of trouble being "too tight", and had two partial unfills--still with problems. I realize now that I'm a gulper when it comes to eating. I thought that I was chewing enough (compared to my old ways, I was, but not enough for the band). Then, I was reading a book called Mindful Eating (which I would highly recommend by the way), and the author talked about "Fletcherizing' as a way to be mindful of the food in your mouth. Fletcher lived at the turn of the century (1900) and lost 40 pounds by chewing each mouthful 32 times (I found out later on the internet that he also spit out his food before eating it--he erroneously thought you could get enough "micro nutrients" just from the well-chewed food being in your mouth--no wonder he lost weight--he didn't actually eat!), BUT I tried counting my chews (and swallowing!) and found out that if I did indeed chew each mouthful at least 30 times, that I was no longer getting stuck. I was also able to savor the taste and textures of my food; I was able to dramatically lengthen my meal times; I was able to actually eat less and feel fuller and more satisfied! So "count me in" as a counter! For me, it's given me something tangible to help me follow the band rules of "chew, chew, chew, and chew some more). Also, I'm not afraid of losing my band anymore--whew!

I do not think most stores use normal, or average in their models. so, I don't think you can go by that. it would be more helpful to look for pictures of women who will be about the same height and near your goal weight, although even that can be deceptive because we do not all carry our weight the same way. so, I would focus on what style of clothes you want to wear when your body is wherever it is going to settle weight wise. I love pinterest for this! I have a whole what to wear board. some of it is overthetop but there are things in there that I actually aspire to have in my closet once I get close to my goal.

Just got off the phone with them I am scheduled for 9/25 I am to start my Pre-Op diet on 9/11 Amazing how fast everything is going. Looks like you and I have very similar Starting weights - I am 254

I was denied twice. Had to get help through Obesitylaw.com with my surgeon's recommendation. I was at like 38 BMI, mild apnea, lower back pain (already had spinal fusion surgery) but they denied me for not having 2 years documentation that i was over 40 BMI.... they said my apnea wasn't enough. Just make sure you have everything documented and gather as much medical information as you can about your weight. Good Luck!

Hi all, I have just joined this Forum today and have learned a lot from all of you....THANKS!! I'm wondering if any of you have experience with Aetna Insurance with a BMI that was less than 40 with a co-morbid condition. I know that they are requiring a two year history, but I'm not sure if my BMI had to be over 35 for these two years and if my sleep Apnea had to be diagnosed two years ago. I have struggled with my weight for my whole life but luckily I haven't had any health issues - until now - Severe Sleep Apnea, High Cholesterol, Knee and Back Pain. I need to get this done and re-claim my life!! Any information and sharing of experiences would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Good for you! The first two weeks you tend to drop a lot of water weight. Depending on your weight, they say the first 10-20 lbs is water weight. It's normal. Then it slows down to about 1-5 lbs per week. Make sure you get that protein in though, and plenty of liquids. You don't want to end up dehydrated and with your hair falling out. I, for one, was getting maybe 20 oz of water in a day (counting 2 protein shakes made with water) and started getting very dizzy and strong migraines...I was getting dehydrated really bad. I upped my water intake using lemon ice tea crystal light, because water tasted gross to me after surgery, and I began to feel better within a day.

I found this posting of information by another veteran bandster that had taken the time to research this and I thought it was so helpful and thorough that I wanted to share it here also. "The importance of adequate Water intake cannot be over-emphasized for Bandsters serious about healthy weight loss. Drinking enough water is more than "a good thing to do" or "kind of important." Adequate water intake is ESSENTIAL to our health and well-being, and especially in any weight-loss attempts. The body interprets HUNGER the same as it interprets THIRST. Many times, when you feel hungry, you really need WATER, not food. First, a few facts about WATER: (taken from a variety of resources) It comprises about 60-70% of the adult body, and 80% of a child’s body. Your lungs are 90% water. Muscles are 75% water. Your brain is 95% water. A water deficit of only 1 quart (32 ounces) greatly slows circulation and impairs brain function. Thirst is a very poor indicator of hydration level. By the time you are noticeably thirsty, you are already fairly dehydrated and your body is struggling. You won’t feel thirsty until you are at least 1-2% dehydrated. A 2% dehydration results in a 15%-20% loss of mental and physical performance. Regular water intake throughout the day is much better than a lot at once. Symptoms of early dehydration include HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, FATIGUE, NAUSEA, VOMITING. An average person loses 80 ounces of water a day simply through breathing, perspiring, and other normal body functions. This DOES NOT take into account extra loss through the extra perspiration, and muscle, and lung work of exercise. This extra loss must be replaced as well. In one hour of light exercise, the body loses more than 1 quart (32 oz) of water. You can live less than a week withou water. You can live many weeks without food. Now, what does water (good hydration) do for ALL people? It lubricates the organs and joints Reduces the risk of colon cancer, especially in women Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections, especially important for women. Keeps skin moist and soft, reduces aging effects, and aids skin in healing Helps maintain muscle tone Helps regulate body temperature Carries essential elements like Potassium, Calcium, and sodium to the cells Helps maintain sinus health – especially important with allergies Is used as fuel by the body (fuel is not just food) Aids digestion in a great number of ways. Suppresses the appetite Aids in breakdown of fat Helps digest Fiber Helps maintain good bowel health and regularity Prevents sagging skin from weight loss Increases metabolism Keeps mucous thin and loose – especially important for Bandsters! Helps maintain kidney function and helps the kidneys excrete broken-down fat Moistens oxygen for breathing Helps decrease menstrual bloating Decreases Fluid retention from various illnesses and dehydration New studies are relating even a slight, ongoing dehydration with increased rates of breast CA Assists in healing from wounds or surgery Cushions the internal organs Reduces the incidence of heart attack and stroke Dilutes stomach acid to reduce GERD HOW MUCH water is ENOUGH WATER ?? As cited earlier, normal body functions (breathing, walking, eating, perspiring, etc) uses up at least 80 ounces a day of bodily fluid. This is the basis for the commonly-stated need of (8) 8-ounce glasses of water a day. This fluid, plus the fluid in normal foods, will equate to the needed 80-100 oz a day adult humans need. BANDSTERS AND WATER Since Bandsters are consuming a lesser volume of food in general, and more of it is SOLID foods with a lower WATER content than the average person, BANDSTERS need to be drinking a lot more water than the average person. ALL fluids count - not just plain water. It was once thought that drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages caused dehydration, but this is since disproven. Bandsters, therefore, need about 80-100 oz a day from the liquids we DRINK. How water particularly benefits Bandsters: Keeps the mucous thin and functional. Especially important if you are "sliming" or . PB’ing ! Maintaining very good hydration helps minimize restriction variations – a very important issue. Helps keep the mucous membranes healthy and able to resist damage if you PB or or expose the membranes to damage from acids (citrus, coffee, soda, etc) or medications Drinking a large glass of water right before eating will moisten your mouth and esophagus, making it easier not to drink with meals. This is called "water-loading" and also decreases your hunger and fills you. Drinking a large glass of water when you think you are feeling "hunger" often resolves the "hunger." (The body feels hunger and thirst the same way) Decreases the risk of the constipation, which can be a problem for Bandsters. Increases the metabolism to assist in burning calories Helps the kidneys excrete all the fat you are breaking down It’s entirely possible to get TOO MUCH WATER. Excesses are NOT needed, and can be harmful for those with diabetes, kidney disease, heart or Blood Pressure problems, or many other illnesses. Never consume more than the above without specific input from your physician. Some illnesses require a LESSER fluid intake. ARE * YOU * GETTING ENOUGH WATER?? The easiest way to tell is looking at your urine color – before it is diluted in the toilet water. An easy trick to do this is to put a thin layer of toilet tissue on top of the toilet bowl water and urinate onto it. Urine from a well-hydrated person in only slightly yellowish, almost CLEAR. Any degree more color means you are dehydrated, unless your urine is dark from kidney or liver disease, or unneeded mega-doses of Vitamins that are being excreted. " Posted by Sandy R. on Obesity Help.com

This morning i weighed my self and I'm finally under 300!! So happy wed i will be 4Weeks post op starting weight 352 surgery weight 322 current weight 299!!

You have me for company... June weight 348 Sept 24 surgery weight 304 Today's weight Oct 22...1 month post op 280 I cheered when 299 arrived..glad you r here friend!

I had metatastic breast cancer back in 2012... I just got the bypass...being overweight and getting fatter by the day was worrying me....weight gain and obesity would cause it to reoccur and I have to lose this weight.I take anastrazole and lupron shots post breast cancer...now I am off metformin and ,chloresterol medication. Nosy relatives with too many damn opinions.Keep the em out of your business...tell them you have hiatal hernia...end of story...being overweight you just may have a hernia. Not being able to drink and eat at the same time? are you kidding me..,you will be drinking Water every second throughout the day. Being a big fatso is no fun and I am sick of being invisible...I am too good for that...I had to do something.Bypass is working...it is helping me...take control.

I don't. My scars from the band surgery faded a lot over time. The only scar that I'm concerned about is from where they took the port out. That by far is the biggest and ugliest of the bunch. It's about 3 inches long while the rest are 1/2 inch at most. I'd love to find something to help minimize it, but honestly, there are no bikinis in my future regardless of my weight so I'm not willing to throw tons of money at it.

I did get the same thing from it, if you're going on the high Protein short term, your risks are minimal. It seems to me that the problem occurs when it becomes a permanent way of life. I really think at the end of the day- South Beach, Atkins, Weight Watchers,etc- it all boils down to what works best for your body. I can't do high protein/low carb because it adversely effects my kidneys, but that doesn't mean it won't work for others. I just think in light of this study, women need to take their family cardiovascular history into consideration before going on high protein/low carb long term. I do find it interesting that this study only profiles women, not men. I wonder if their risks are similar.

How much weight can a person really lose? I'm 5"1' and 240lbs, 31 years old and moderately active... Can I reach 130-140???? If no, what's real? If yes, give me some tips... I'm building a notebook to refer to and do this thing !!

It took me like 6 - 8 months to get out of the 250s. I can't say for sure it was anything other than my behaviors, but I know that not much changed between then and when the weight started changing again. On Atkins I would sometimes stall for 6+ months, even though I remained in ketosis the entire time. ETA - those are scale reflections.

I'm sorry I wasn't replying... I was out in Michigan, and couldn't figure out how to find posts. I was just reading another post and saw where it showed you could find threads you had subscribed to in your user CP. yayy.. I found you guys again! I'm a dork.. I know.. sorry. I did exercise a few times out in MI and on my mom's scale I thought I lost 2 pounds.. but I got back home on Monday and it shows I am 2 pounds more than I was when I left... so.. a total of FOUR POUNDS more than I thought I weighed. What a bummer. But I'm already down a pound, so maybe it was just Water weight from being sedentary on the 14 hour drive or something. I don't know.. I'm not going to let it get me down. I'm eating Protein first and drinking water like crazy. Hopefully I'll have some lower numbers to report soon! Glad to hear you guys are doing well!!

My name is Stephanie... I started poking around here a couple weeks ago, and finally set up an account and decided I should do an introduction I have tried countless weight loss strageties and spent a lot of money trying to make it work. Frankly, I don't know what else to do to help myself, and so I began to look at the lap band. When I first went through my insurance benefits (Regence BCBS of Oregon) , the booklet said that they did not cover any type of WLS surgery (and this is for an actual employee of BCBS!!). I started to look into Mexican banding options, as I could not afford the $18k self pay quoted in Oregon. One of the gals from Oregon Weight Loss Surgeries said I should send my insurance info over anyways, and that sometimes with these companies you had to ask the right questions to see if you're covered, even if the book says you're not. Lo and behold two days later I got a letter in the mail saying that I could get WLS surgery under my insurance. The copay is $3750, and I do have to do a 6 month supervised diet through a BCBS program called "Turning Point." I'm so excited to be covered in the US, and I don't mind the diet program requirement My question is this: Has anyone from Oregon that is covered by BCBS Innova plan gotten the lapband with the 6 month diet requirement? What is the program all about (I am waiting on a call back from a health coach from Turning Point)? Has anyone purposely not lost much weight to stay in the BMI requirement? Has BCBS looked at beginning weight only? So many questions

My sister thinks that a woman will never win the Biggest Loser. On the show men generally start off with a lot more weight to lose but they have more muscle mass and lose weight faster. My sister thinks that because of the way they determine the winner that a woman will never win. She doesn't really have an answer on how she would do it to eliminate the bias that she thinks is there. I am not sure what I think. In some ways it does seem like the men have a better chance. But on the other hand, it was down to 2 women and 2 men in the final four. What do you all think? Is it biased? If you think it is biased, how would you fix it? Should the men and women compete together or separately? I would like to see the man and woman biggest loser both get a prize. I would also like to see one season where they take a group that is not quite as heavy as the people they normally pick... and see how they do. Maybe that wouldn't be as dramatic. I liked the at home challenge this time.

I spoke to Maral today and one of the things I asked her was why I got the Swedish band when so many others have the mid band. She explained that the Swedish is a longer band (not larger in capacity than the Mid) and it depends on the size of your stomach. Apparently mine is quite large, but I think that is a given! LOL Actually, she then rushed to tell me that the size of the stomach is NOT reflective of a person's size or weight. It is genetic and a large size person can have a small stomach and vice versa. I feel better knowing. I also love that Dr. Yau makes these calls when he peeks inside and is able to choose the best band for you. Did I mention my crush on Dr. Yau???:embarassed: Even though he looks 15!!! Don't tell my DH. :high5:

You lost an incredible amount of weight, that's GREAT! So you gained back a few, it's okay, you've got this. You know how many calories to eat, you know to focus on protein, you know to drink 64 oz of water each day. You can do it!

My whole process took about 4 months. I did not have a weight loss required by my insurance (although I lost 29 lbs on my own), but had the normal psych, nut, egd, blood work, etc. etc. When everything was completed it took about 3 days to get the paperwork to my insurance and then only a couple days for my insurance company to approve. From my approval date to my surgery was only two weeks. I also went through a center of excellence. They had all the people in place to get everything done efficiently and quickly. I guess everyone's experience is a little different. Be patient...and good luck!