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I am “fortunate” that my port was removed in 2007 after it developed MRSA and that giant incision never healed. This will only be the band. I’ve not had any bad complications that I’m aware of beyond things getting stuck... but it’s been a source of worry for 10 years and completely useless. I self paid for the band in 2006, so I didn’t have Insurance coverage for Bariatric until now. Such a relief.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I got the band in 2013 only lost about 40 pounds. I had two prolapse. My esophagus is damaged from throwing up. In May 2018 the band was remove. I gained 30 pounds [emoji849] I was sleeved 10-8 Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks for pisting that. I also use the Tespo vitamin dispenser and think it's great! I'll have to check out the water bottle. Hoping to ha e my RNY in early 2019 Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

My GERD has been bad when I was 120 pounds and when I was 220 pounds. I am 10 years out, gained some weight back but still glad I did it. I was a normal weight most of my life until my mid 30s...exercise nearly every day for 40 some years. Still, I got heavier and heavier. Like food too much and stay up late at night at computer and get hungry and eat too late! Have to starve myself to lose weight...always cling to weight and gain easily for 30 years. Had large hiatal hernia fixed when band was placed but its back somewhat. I am glad I had the band surgery but may change to a sleeve. I recommend the band, especially if you have been struggling and struggling with your weight for years. Its only a tool, but a pretty good one. I have probably stretched my band...that's my fault. I say do it but don't be surprised if you GERD eventually comes back. Good luck! Take the leap!

I am sure someone probably posted this before- but if not- Everyone should check out the hidrate spark bottle. I have the second generation and I love this thing. It connects to a phone app, counts your amounts for you- reminds you to drink throughout the day, and even flashes at you as a visual reminder if you aren't looking at your phone. I have been trying mine since I found out I was going to have surgery and I am way ahead in the water that I used to drink. I have a link if you PM for 10 percent off- but please know that I also get a percentage off my next bottle... If you aren't looking to order online, I found mine at Target in the USA- I am not sure about internationally. However this has been an amazing tool to use- and I thought it was worth sharing. Another great tool I bought that I am loving is the Tespo vitamin dispenser - again if you are interested I can send a link that I have to give you 20.00 off the machine or first order for friends. I am using the sleep pods and vitamins pre op and I am really loving sleeping through the night, and the energy pod does actually keep me boosted working. I will admit I haven't tried the bariatric formula yet- as my surgery isn't until 10/29/2018. I just thought I would take the time to share these two items, and let you know I find them pretty valueable. I do believe the only way to get Tespo right now for those who might as is online. Again I do not want to post links here in the forum- but if you PM me - I can send you refferal codes. Otherwise check the products out on your own, and see if they could be a tool for you on your journey! :) Also if anyone else knows of any other cool tools or things to use- please add to this topic. As I would like to find something to help with portions.

Nikki - I had sleeve surgery last Wednesday (10/10) and came home Friday because I was vomiting so much. Once the nausea and heartburn subsided (Monday) I have been SOOOO hungry! I wondering if they didn’t take enough of my stomach! I’m looking forward to next week when I have my follow up appointment so I can talk to my doctor!

Fluffy, This was in my email inbox today - no kidding! https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/foods-high-in-potassium/?slot=0&xid=nl_EHNLwomenshealth_2018-10-17&utm_source=Newsletters&utm_content=2018-10-17&utm_campaign=Women's Health&eh_uid=82463892

Hi Armartin, I have had the lapband for ten years, and am having it switched to a sleeve. The lapband resolved my GERD-- I had a small hiatal hernia and they corrected that when they put in the lapband. I imagine they would also do that for the sleeve. Sorry about the insurance issues. But I had to go through a 4 month prep and they almost flunked me on the psychology test. I had to lose 10% of my weight, to prove the weight would go down with calorie restriction. Not all people can lose weight well with diet and exercise. One reason I'm glad to get the sleeve is I can't manage travelling to see a specific doctor every two months. Lapband doctors and hospitals that deal with lapbands are few and far between here in N CA.

unfortunately, there is no one answer to losing weight. I have had my band for ten years, and have s-l-o-w-l-y lost weight(160 pounds). I'm almost wheelchair bound, and exercise is difficult. But my band still works if I work at it. You don't need to go on a diet, but change your way of eating. Some people do well on a low calorie diet, others on a low carbohydrate diet. For me it is low carb. I wonder if you have time to plan menus and always have proper food available. Have you been able to empty your house of foods that tempt you to overeat? I've noticed I always blow it if certain foods are in the house. My husband is the opposite of me and thrives on healthy, high carb food. So I am careful what I allow in the house. His high carb foods have to be cooked, which helps me not to cheat. I don't allow sweets, and we have few processed foods. I once gained 50 lbs in a month, and the doctor told me it was impossible. Later, I read of a study done on a tribe of Indians that live near the Mexican border. They tend to put on a lot of weight on few calories. They can also gain a lot of weight in a month, but the researchers learned they weren't overeating when the weight gain happened, but over the next few months their eating increased to maintain the weight. What I'm saying is there are weird genetic factors that influence how you gain or lose weight. And the band requires work. Before you condemn yourself, ask if you've really had the time or energy to make up menus, keep your kitchen free of tempting foods, and keep a food diary. Also, are you getting enough sleep. I had so many diet failures because I tried to live on 6 hours of sleep a day, or cut my calories too low. I'd recommend you get your family on a healthy diet and work on your eating plan from there. I agree, luck is not an issue. But if you really want to lose weight, keep trying until you find a way that works. I've known of bypass patients who lost a lot of weight the first year, and gained it right back. Others lost weigh and kept it off. The main difference is that the ones who kept it off took the time to learn what and when to eat and never stopped following the rules. No shortcuts, no "this is probably close enough", but follow the rules as closely as you possibly can. But because we are all different, you need to pay attention to what helps you lose weight and what makes you want to cheat. Maybe the rules say sweet potatoes are okay, but you find yourself grazing in the kitchen every time you eat them. Then sweet potatoes are a no no for you. For me it is beans--beautiful, delicious, healthy beans. But they cause me to crave more and more and I will eat until I am ready to burst, and try to eat more. Find What Works. Look at what you've been doing and start making changes. What did you do the first year that you aren't doing now? start making choices, and if they don't work, make other choices. I was a horrible candidate for a lapband, and the doctor apologized to me, because he doubted I had what it took to make it work. almost housebound, using a wheelchair, to sick to cook food for more than 5-10 minutes a day, too weak to do much of anything. I am losing slowly, and had to stop trying to lose weight for a couple of years due to cancer (and gained 50 pounds, but lost it again). But losing 160 pounds is an accomplishment, and I'm planning on going on a strict diet and losing 50 more pounds over the next few months. The lapband has been a great tool. But that's all it is, a tool that I have to work.

1. What made you choose the Lap Band over the Sleeve? My doctor wanted to do the sleeve, but 10 years ago my insurance wouldn't cover it. The bypass was a no, no because some reports indicated it could have adverse effects on Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. 2. Have you had Hair loss with the Lap Band? No. Plenty of hair loss with chemo, but not with the band. 3. What can you absolutely NOT eat now with the Lap Band? Bread is a big problem. So is any solid meat, like steak or chops unless the meat is cut tiny (pencil erasure size) AND has a sauce to help it go down. Rice and pasta are iffy. 4. At what point did you know you made the right decision with the Lap Band surgery? When I realized I didn't regain the weight. I have to go to extremes to lose weight--Atkins below 1000 calories a day. If I do it right, I lose a lot of weight fast. But if I go to say 1100 calories a day, the scale doesn't move. When I lose, I lose fast, but can only keep it up a short time. So my weight loss has been s-l-o-w and intermittent. But I don't gain it back easily Over the last ten years I've lost 160 pounds. I did have a regain, after cancer treatments, of 50 pounds (I wasn't paying much attention to what I ate then) However, the weight came off over the next few months. I still have 100 pounds to go. 5. What as been the best tool you've used in keeping your weight loss progressing? Following the bandster rules. Eat small amounts of food, cut very tiny. No drinks with meals. Watch your body for a sign it's full, then STOP eating. For me it is a small belch. Always have a sauce for your meat. Be very careful with eggs or hot dogs. If you aren't paying attention you could get stuck. Keep forbidden foods out of your kitchen if possible. (Not possible with me, but...) If you have a gain, go right back to what you did at the beginning. For me, I eat a ketogenic diet, tightening it and loosening it. I do allow myself 5 cheat times a year. Christmas, Easter, my birthday, and two other holidays. When I see an ice cream flavor or a candy bar, or something I know I can't have, I tell myself I will have it at the next cheat day. It is important to keep that promise to yourself. If I had been given a choice, I would have taken the sleeve. But I have learned a new way of eating with the band, and I believe it will help me with the sleeve.

Man its great to see other big dudes succeeding. I got sleeved 10 weeks ago. Starting weight was 440lbs yesterday was 344lbs. 96 lbs down. People ask if I feel better. I really didn't feel that bad before. My knees do feel better, but as far as overall I don't feel much different. I think I have little more energy, but not a ton. I can still sit in chair and watch TV. I gotta force myself to get my butt up and go do something. I see all you guys hitting the gym or getting up at 530 to exercise and I still have not found the motivation to do it. How do you guys get the motivation

Everyone looses at different rates. For me it is around 0.4lb per day (it goes up an down a little). However my rate relates to the balance between my calories in vs calories out. I have calculated my BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) at around 2200 calories per day. There are plenty of calculators online which will give you this number. I am consuming an average of 865 calories per day. In order to loose or gain 1 lb you need a deficit or surplus of 3500 calories (more or less). Therefore I have a 1335 caloric deficit which calculates out to a loss of 0.38 lb per day (1335/3500) which is +/- 10% generally of my results. That's not to say even with the same logic you will see consistent results, this just works for me and I have seen plenty of cases where these relationships don't seem to work in other people. My suggestion is to closely track your food intake, and keep a diary like myfitnesspal and once you find an approach and meal plan which works, keep doing that. You will loose at your own rate. There is no real magic too it. Generally speaking the less you eat and the more you burn, the more you will loose. At the end of the day all the surgery does for you is give you the superpower of eating less, the rest is up to you.

Hi!!!!! How did it go?? Just checking in and seeing how everything went! Mine is scheduled 10/25/18

I gained 6 lbs, but my first visit was last Sept!! I should have been done in June. My surgeon's office messed up and never scheduled the nutrition classes I needed. My bypass surgery is on Monday, 10/22. My surgeon scolded me, but I bit back and told him about his staff and their error, which they had admitted why everything was delayed. Also, since I started this I've seen my daughter pregnant and have her baby, my son got married in April, and my daughter got married in May. All in another state, so I traveled by car a lot! I developed a DVT from the traveling, which has since resolved. I've had steroid injections in both knees and my neck. He scolded me and told me I owed him 6 lbs by my surgery date. Whatever!! It could have been worse. I'm down over 11lbs today and ready for Monday. Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm on day 10 of pre-op diet, now on 4 protein shakes and clear liquids each day. Doing great! No cravings, not even jealous of the family's meals. Surgery is Monday, 10/22. #newlife Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm mad at your family on your behalf 😡 I'm also still pretty tired (10/3). I have always needed more sleep than most people (9 hours a night, give or take), but I need even more than that, right now. I'm really paranoid about blood clots, so I'm setting an alarm to get up and drink a few sips and walk a few laps of my room ~5 hours after bedtime, if I haven't been up to use the restroom yet. That probably? isn't? helping? Nor is the Benadryl my surgeon has me on, probably--I'm getting a lower quality of sleep, I think. I'm very tired.

I understand completely! I'm having my surgery 10/30 and have kept most of it to myself since i've had people tell me "oh you have no motivation now well then you wont after surgery so its pointless" "or why dont you just diet and lose the weight". so sad to hear people judge my decisions so quick that are supposed to be my friends and be supportive but at the end of the day i have to keep telling myself, im doing this for my body and my mind and not for them

Had 2 bags on the 1st while I fell after tripping, slipping or parsing out, son feels the first, I'm thinking the last because I don't remember tripping, bruised up my knee, the one that was first replaced, bruised my belly and tore my right arm open, a long skin tear, this week it's good enough to go without a dressing. So I am getting patched up, and someone passed along I was status post an RnY, now my local hospital is only a community one, so like a purple spotted giraffe EVERYBODY had to come see the strange animal. I had to end up doing a tutorial, a few had seen lao-band, a few had VSG patients but a bono fide Bypasser? Nope, never ever! I'm told my "BandAid Station" is adding Bariatrics 2019 or early 2920, they do have a new accredited and experienced in place, just doing general surgery at this point. But like Sgt Schultz from Hogan's Heroes," They Know nothing, They see Nothing" Finally I got enough fluid in that I could void, this pleased them and I was free to leave! Since then, although Dr Noria, my surgeon's partner that ❤doing endoscopies, told me not to be concerned about counts until my stricture is alleviated, I have endevored to be Q.S, on fluids and proteins , not easy on a restricted liquid diet , This morning my protein shake isvrepulsing me so I will heat up bone broth, good for me but I will need something else within 2 hours, never "sticks" with me. Oh I do yearn for purees and soft solids, just pho,euntil I am repaired, it All Comes Back Up and faster than I swallowed it.💦💦Anyone want to come to my Pity Party? Only passing out Regrets Today.

Just got my official approval for my surgery on 11/5. Pre-op appointment on 10/24 and liquid diet starts on 10/25. Anyone else starting liquid around the same time? I'm nervous about surviving 10 days of liquids. Would love to have someone in the same position to chat with and support with!

Thank you! I was wearing a size 18-20 jeans and XXL tops. I am now wearing a size 8-10 jeans and a Med-Large top. It is so weird looking at myself now and before.

My family is being rough too.. my dad was sleeved in 2011 and has gained about half of it back so keeps monitoring everything I put in my mouth. My aunt and sister think I’m cheating by having surgery and should do it the “real” way. They are both overweight too so I don’t get it. My bf was supportive but he dumped me recently. So that was fun. I was sleeved 10/1 and am still sooo tired. Anyone else?

I totally understand how you feel. I’m facing the same challenge; therefore, I’m only sharing my journey with my husband. My surgery date is 10/29 also. Wishing the best for you, good luck!!

HI All! I’m new to this group and so happy to have found you all. I had my surgery 10/2 and I wish I had known about this group sooner. It’s so nice to read through and see people living through the same experiences both successes and struggles that I am. It can be a very lonely process but your stories make me feel a little less crazy and justify my feelings. And it also reduces my panic with some of the aches and painsI’ve been having to hear it’s normal. To all those still in the pre-op phase feel free to ask me any questions you may have as I wish I had had someone to talk to who had so recently been through what I was about to go through.

Thank you for reaching out. My family are in three distinct groups: 1. My husband and kids (ages 16 & 19) are trying to be supportive but since they are all active and not overweight, it's hard now that I am on a liquid diet. 2. There is the "I'm disappointed in you." Crowd. Those that I've told who, despite watching me struggle for over 20 years still think it's because I don't really want to lose the weight. "You don't need to get the surgery. Just eat like you already have." To them it's a willpower issue and if I truly wanted to lose the weight, I would. Then there's group 3. A small group of family who believe in ONLY holistic medicine. This is the group that's been the most difficult to stomach. They've told me I'm going to die from the complications, I'm going to spend the rest of my life depressed and an outcast because I won't be able to be a part of family gatherings (which ALWAYS include a ton of food/sweets) and if I would just commit to a couple flushes and the whole 30 diet, I could get the same results. I had come to terms with the negativity and settled in knowing my husband was behind me. But now that I'm on the liquid diet, all those fears I had laid to rest are weighing on my mind...it's only been 3 days and I'm frustrated and angry. My sons football team has their team dinner Thursday and family dinner Sunday...here I am making taco salad and chili and I can't even have a bite. Sweetest day is coming up this weekend as well as my husband's birthday and for the first time in 19 years, i can't take him out to dinner. I just really hope giving all of this up is worth it in the end. I don't want to stretch my pouch and end up right back where I am now. [emoji53] Sent from my BLN-L24 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was sleeved on 10-15-18. So, 1 day post op and I’m resting at home. Hurts to take sips, just trying to figure out what temp works best for me. I am really sore and thirsty. Just trying to stay hydrated because I don’t wanna have to go back into the hospital. 1st day I was up and down and walking all around halls and the nurses station. Ice packs are a life saver. Tylenol w/ codeine helps with the belly pain, but my throat is still kind of sore. Trying to walk walk walk and sip sip sip. And remembering that this pain and nausea is only temporary. This too shall pass. Hope everyone is doing well.