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Hey all, I've spent the past 12 months reading blogs and posts in preparation for my own sleeve surgery. It's been an intetesting time and I've taken in a lot. This is my first contribution. I'd love it to be funny and lighthearted but its a kinda dull past, but the future looks so much brighter. I've struggled with my weight since teen years. It's felt like my life has been one seesaw between gaining and losing weight. Try as hard as I can to play the "it doesn't bother me" part, but of course it does. Always slightly out of place and awkward. I'm 47 and making changes. Look out! My start weight was 135kgs. I was sleeved on 4 March by Dr Ramsay in Coffs Harbour Australia. I did a two week pre op optifast diet (punishment for years of personsl health offence) and lost 7kgs - good start, and have lost another 8kgs since my surgery - woohoo still smiling . I learnt very quickly that nearly everyone on the forums are supportive and informative and there are many of us. Although we share common experiences, we're all on our own journey and shouldn't compare or be negatively affected by what others have to say. I've been lucky and had an easy recovery but feel that the hard work is still ahead. For now I feel no hunger and can resist temptations without the mental anguish. How great would it be to have that for the rest of my life. And then to get to the point where I love exercise (I've been told it can happen??). I can only hope in another 12 months time I am able to post that I'm still smiling, getting near my goal weight and it's been an easy year. So glad I'm on this ride. Wishing a safe, happy and successful journey to all.

There are two phase to weight loss surgery: the Weight Loss Phase and the Maintenance phase. The weight loss phase tends to be short. I had RNY gastric bypass and I transitioned into the Maintenance phase at around 7 months. Sleeve patients lose weight at a much slower pace and sometimes enter Maintenance at 2 years. So during the Weight Loss phase I advise that you adhere to the meal guidelines given by the surgeon and nutritionist. In the Maintenance phase, you have more freedom and go with what works for you.

Hi Juniper, I was in about the same situation. I got my band in 2012 and started having significant reflux last summer. I had my band unfilled which helped the reflux but I packed on 40 pounds. I went to Inova Bariatrics and talked about revision to bypass; they said I had to go through the whole program again, which I did. I did not have the supervised diet part and I continued to gain weight until I went on the 2-week liquid diet just before surgery. I had the band removed and the bypass done March 21. I have Federal Blue Cross and they approved as soon as I met the requirements, including cardiac clearance, primary care physician clearance, etc. I don't quite get where your diet supervisor is coming from; I had comorbidities in addition to the high BMI - reflux was one of them (high bp was the other). I think your doctor is right that the reflux should be enough because reflux is one of the signatures of the band. I wish I had known that in 2012 - I would have done the bypass then instead. If you stay with that practice you might be stuck (pardon the lapband pun) doing as the diet supervisor commands. Different practices have different rules. I like my practice very much but they're in Fair Oaks and Woodbridge, likely a huge trip for you. Remember, even though the pre-op diet is very difficult the reward will be worth it. You can do this!

Brief background, got lapband about 11 years ago (starting BMI was 43). I did well and kept off 55 pounds (BMI 33)... until I started aspirating at night. I had a barium swallow which showed a distended esophagus and a endoscopy which showed reflux. Doc said band needs to come out. I had band unfilled, and as I expected, I've gained weight. I've gained about 30 lbs in the last 5 months (current BMI 38). I want to revise to a gastric bypass. I am well aware that I need surgical help to keep at a healthy weight. Prior to banding, and since being unfilled, I'm constantly hungry and never feel full. I finally felt "normal" with the lapband. When I'm not constantly hungry, I can maintain a healthy weight. But, even with the extra 30 lbs, my BMI is still not over 40, which as I understand it, would make insurance coverage easy. (I have Maryland CareFirst BCBS) My doctor has me doing all the things needed for insurance approval for the revision, including being on a supervised diet. But I'm gaining weight. This does not surprise me -- there was a reason I needed surgical weight loss in the first place -- but I'm getting mixed messages from my doctor and from my diet supervisor (who works for his office). Diet supervisor tells me that I'm less likely to get insurance approval due to my weight gain since being unfilled and being on the supervised diet. Doctor has made vague statements saying that the reflux found on the endoscopy may be enough to make it go through insurance successfully. Diet supervisor wants me to lose a significant amount of weight in the coming month, to try to offset my gains, by going on the pre-surgical diet early. Very honestly, I'm hesitant. If I do end up having to get up to a 40 BMI to have the surgery (12 more pounds...), I don't want to yoyo any more than I have to. And if the reflux finding will get me approved, I don't want to starve myself without the benefit of surgical help. Anybody been in any kind of similar situation? I can use any advice or commiseration available.

Hi there. I have Aetna and am 6 days post op. Sounds like you may need to start from the beginning unless you have seen your physician on a monthly basis with weight documented, as well as a dietician and therapist. I used TMH Bariatric Center- wonderful group. I have a bariatric MD, dietician and therapist all in the same building. Once you complete the three month plan, and are not gaining any weight, the MD submits a letter of medical necessity and refers you to your surgeon. Once your surgeon gets the referral, they submit your paperwork to Aetna and from there is a waiting game. It was less than a week before I received my surgery date. You can call member services and they may be able to help you see where you stand. From start to finish, it took 5 1/2 months for the entire process. Good luck!

Johnnie welcome. A very precious name to me as,it was my late husband's. Son, you have been through the mill, haven't you? I share many comorbities with you but then I'm many years older., Old enough to be your granny or even great- granny. I was 72 the 26th of last December, live smack dab in the middle,of Ohio, mother of 3- 2 living, grandma to 2 beautiful young ladies, 22 and 20 1/2. Younger one is a Sophomore at Ohio State studying to become a forensic pathologist , older one had been married for 2 years, came running back home to her parents, tail between her legs and is in the process of getting a divorce. No great grandbabies there, praise the Lord. That would only made the situation worse, wouldn't it? A little more about me, I should have a RnY early-mid March at Mount Carmel in Columbus Ohio. As the late Tennessee Ernie Ford used to say "Lord willin' and the creek don't rise"! I'm widowed, have been for nigh onto 6 years, will be 6 the 4th of July. My main emotional support is my son, I call him TK or Tomkitten on here but his real 1st name is Bryan. His sister R.D. short for Rotten Daughter lives maybe 7/8 miles away, I see her only when she wants to or when she wants something from me. Not my idea, hers. When she came into this world both grandmothers set out to spoil her,,they competed to see who could shower her with the most gifts. She is now 49 years old feels God asks her permission before the sun comes up,each and every day. So she lives her life and i guess I live mine. Tried to tell her a couple of a months ago i was planning surgery, didn't make no never mind, proceeded to tell me how her left knee hasn't been real right since it was replaced last Fall. Might as well saved my breath., I can offer you friendship, emotional support along your weight loss journey, won't be easy but it will be worth it. If it wasn't I wouldn't be able to do it myself. I think you are not gonna get better without surgical help, and at your age a sleeve would probably be best. You're not gonna be the easiest patient Dr Foreman has ever had, will have to get your situation as stable as possible but I bet he can do it. Hey any time you need to crawl upon my virtual lap, I'm always here. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

So next week is my first appointment with my doc for lap band and ive read everywhere that its required to do diet for 3 months prior to getting scheduled for surgery. My question is, is it neccesary? I was working with my personal doctor for 6 to 9 months on loosing weight and I did loose some but gained it back very quick so thats when he referred me to this bariatric doc. So basically I just want to know if I have to diet again for another 3 months if ive tried for 9 months already and my doc is giving me a letter that says all that? Any answers would help a lot

I'm about 25 lbs. from my surgeon's goal weight for me, and the above posts are completely correct- it is a total mindset shift about food & our relationship with it. I still love going to restaurants, but most of the time, it's a "fail" because a lot of what's on the menu isn't bariatric friendly. Usually, I'll just order an appetizer or even something off the kid's menu...eat what I can, then don't feel bad when there's leftover food on the plate. Feeling "full" is completely different now too, and not at all pleasant. Before surgery, stuffing myself made me happy, sleepy, and very content. Now, it's extremely uncomfortable- something like pressing your fist into the end of your breastbone, right where your ribs split apart. Sometimes I actually miss that happy, sluggish feeing, I'll admit it- but I don't regret my surgery for one second.

I have no idea your insurance stipulations or the surgical group, but they are in the business of bariatrics and you will probably be approved even if you continue to lose weight. The psych visits are to help your head match the sleeved stomach because unless you address the binges you will circumvent the sleeve (eat around it and not lose or keep it off). We all have to face whatever food demons we have in order to make it work. I am pre-op and needed the 6 months to evaluate my relationship with food. I have a month left, it goes fast.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm down 102lbs, but still have 136lbs to go,you look FANTASTIC, sorry you've had such a hard time it seems like we all have some kind of issues after this surgery. The fast weight loss is great ,but man I'm so sick of puking!!! To Suzan I'm so sorry to hear that you have Cthorns, I don't know much about the disease vs surgery maybe a second opinion?? I 'll pray for you feel better. Peace. Mary

mother natures nature's miracle is a liquid vitamin that i have used for years. i really love using it before surgeries because it makes me heal faster. it is really great it has everything and then some in it, even protein. it is a small company and their site is not fancy but the product is really great. Mother Nature's Miracle™ | Liquid Vitamins | Eden's Miracle of Mother Nature | natural vitamin program Vitamins Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Vitamin A; Beta Carotene 14,000 IU Cancer Prevention, Prevents Eye Problems, used for Acne, Ulcers, & Tissue maintenance repair. Enhances Immunity. Protects against Pollution. Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 4 mg Maintains health nerves, Skin Eyes, Hair, Liver, Mouth, Muscle Tone, & G.I. Tract. Coenzyme, Energy Production, used for Depression, Anxiety, Metabolisrn / Stress & Prevents Anemia Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 1000 mcg Skin, Eyesight, Fatigue, Abnormal Sleep Patterns Vitamin C 1200 mg Helps Wounds, Surgery, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Immune System, Heart Disease, Cancer Prevention, Bleeding Gums, Protects against Pollution. Vitamin D 1 800 IU Osteoporosis, High blood pressure, increases the absorption of minerals. Vitamin E 1 180 IU Antioxidant, Cancer prevention, Tissue repair, improves circulation, Prevents Age Spots, & PMS Vitamin K 170 mcg Blood Clotting, Tissue repair, Bone formation, may prevent Osteoporosis. Sulfur** Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments & tendons Lupus, Sickle Anemia, & Collagen Diseases Copper 2mg White/Grey or Brittle hair, Hernias, Varicose Veins, Aneurysms, Anemia, Hypo or Hyper Thyroidism, Arthritis, Liver Cirrhosis, Violent Behavior, & Learning Disabilities. Coral Calcium 1100 mg Osteoporosis, Receding Gums, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia Kidney Stones, Bone Spurs, Calcium Deposits, Cramps, Twitches, & Bells Palsy Iodine 320 mcg Fatigue, Colds, Muscle Pains, Heavy Periods, Low Sex Drive, Brittle Nails, Weight Gains, Hair Loss, Muscle Cramps, Depression, Puffy Face, Dry Skin & Hair, Poor Memory. Magnesium 260 mg Asthma, Anorexia, Migraines, Growth Failures, Muscle Weakness, Tremors, Vertigo & Small Arteries Iron 10mg Hemoglobin, Pica, Fatigue, Heart Palpitations, Memory Deficits & Anemia Phosphorous 500 mcg Brittle Bone, Low Energy, Inability to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates Potassium 300 mg Muscular Weakness, Mental Apathy, FACT: May lower Blood Pressure Zinc 30 mg Impaired ability to heal, hair loss, fatigue and acne Chromium 200 mcg Depressed Growth Rate, Glucose Intolerance in Diabetics CoQ10 3mg Anti Oxidant, Cancer, Heart Disease, Poor Immune System Herbs Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Gingko Biloba 100 mg Improves Memory, Brain Function, Blood Flow, Depression, Oxygenation, Asthma, Alzheimer's Disease, Heart & Kidney Disorders. Aloe Vera 6000 mg Restores Tissue, Anesthetic, Heals Burns, Itching, Regenerates with no Sear. Ginseng 500 mg Used for Impotence, Energy, Diabetes, Colds & Chest Problems. i Enhances Immune Functions & normalizes B.P. Enzymes Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Proprietary Formula Amylase Is the digestive enzyme used to digest carbohydrates Lipase Is the enzyme used to break down dietary fats Papian Helps improve skin and breakdown protein Pepsin Is the principle enzyme which helps aid gastric juices Ptyaln Helps in aiding digestion in the stomach for several hours Protein 3 G From vegetable sources is essential in building, repairing and maintaining body tissue Trace Minerals Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Sulfur Important mineral in several amino acids within the body involved in functions of Hemoglobin, Insulin, Hormone, Adrenal Hormones, Enzymes, and Antibodies. Deficiency: Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments and tendons, Lupus, Sickle cell anemia, Several collagen diseases Ten Animal studies show deficiencies cause: Poor growth and Poor feeding, Hearing loss, Male pattern baldness, Cancer prevention properties Chromium Deficiency: Low blood sugar (Vanadium& copper also) Prediabetes (Vanadium also), Diabetes (Vanadium also) Hyperactivity, Learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD Hyperirritability, Depression, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde rages Impaired growth, Peripheral neuropathy, Negative nitrogen balance (body lean mass/protein loss), Elevated blood triglycerides, Elevated blood cholesterol plaque, Infertility & decreased sperm count, Shortened life span Copper Deficiency: White or Gray hair, Dry brittle hair, Ptosis (sagging tissue-eye lids, skin, breast, stomach, etc.)Hernias, Varicose veins, Aneurysm (artery wall bulges) Kawasaki Disease, Anemia (common in vegans & high milk users), Hypo or Hyper thyroid, Arthritis (especially where growth plate are involved), Ruptured vertebral discs problems, Liver cirrhosis (Number 9 killer in US) Violent behavior, blind rage, explosive outbursts, Learning disabilities, Cerebral palsy & hypopasia (failure to form) of the cerebellum, High blood cholesterol, Reduced glucose tolerance (low blood sugar) Praseodymium Enhances normal cell growth. Doubles life span in laboratory animals Antimony Effective against blood flukes Strontium Strontium can replace calcium in many organisms including man, Essential trace element Thulium Enhances growth of normal cells Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Trace Minerals Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Gold Reduces active joint inflammation Molybdenium Essential as a metalloenzyme of several enzyme systems Iodine Needed by body for thyroid function (Thyroxin is thyroid Hormone), Copper needed to utilize iodine Deficiency: Under Active Thyroid, Fatigue, Cold intolerance Muscle Aches and pains, Heavy periods or less than 28 days cycles, Low sex drive, Brittle nails, Weight gains, Hair loss Muscle cramps, Depression, Constipation, Elevated blood cholesterol, Puffy face, Dry skin & hair, Inability to concentrate, Poor memory, Goiter (throat swelling) Over Active Thyroid, Insomnia, Heat Intolerance, Excessive sweating, Light periods or longer than 28 day cycles, Hand tremors, Rapid pulse, Bulging eyes, Weight loss, Increased appetite, Muscle weakness, Frequent bowel movements, Irritability, Nervousness Goiter (throat swelling) Lithium Deficiency: Depression, Manic depression, Lithium deficiency aggravated by high sugar consumption Reproductive failure, Infertility, Reduced growth rated Shortened life span, ADD, Rages & fits Manganese Deficiency: Congenital ataxia, Congenital deafness, Asthma, Chondromalacia, Chondrodystrophy, Poor cartilage formation problems, Repetitive Motion Syndromes (like TMJ, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Convulsions Infertility (failure to ovulate or testicle atrophy), Still births or spontaneous miscarriages, Loss of sex drive, Retarded growth rates, Shortened long bones Nickel Deficiency: Poor growth, Anemia (low hematocrit) Depressed oxidative ability of the liver, High newborn mortality, Rough/dry hair coat in animals, Dermatitis Delayed puberty, Poor zinc absorption Silver Kills over 650 disease causing organisms, Systemic disinfection & immune support, Subdues inflammation & promotes healing, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Anti-fungal Boron Essential for bone metabolism, Aids efficient calcium & magnesium use, Proper endocrine function Reduces calcium loss from bones (Osteoporosis) Bismuth Ulcers result from lack of bismuth & a bacteria Heliobacter pylori Calcium High protein diets increase demands for calcium Deficiency: Osteoporosis (& Dowagers Hump fractures,) Receding gums (osteoporosis if facial bones & jaw bones) Osteomalacia (failure to mineralize the protein bone) Arthritis, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Kidney stones, Bone spurs, Calcium deposits, Cramps & twitches, PMS, Some low back pains (sciatica, muscle spasms), Bell?s Palsy, Osteofibrosis (enlargement of bones with scar tissue), Tetany, Panic attacks Cobalt Essential part of Vitamin B12 (Growth & nerve system) Emaciation, listless, starved look, pale mucus membranes, Anorexia, Anemia Cesium Cancer aid cesium enters cancer cell and produces alkaline condition Europium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Fluoride In plant based colloidal form will aid bone strength & no toxicity Iron Deficiency: Hemoglobin (Oxygen carrier in red blood cells) Pica (mineral lack and eats dire and chews ice), Listlessness & fatigue, Heart palpitations, Memory deficits, Sore tongue, Anemia Gallium Reduces brain cancers Silica Increases collagen in growing bone by 100%, Deficiency: Dry brittle hair, Brittle fingernails, Poor skin quality, Poor calcium utilization & arterial wall strength problems Samarium Enhances normal cell proliferation, Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Selenium Effective anti-oxidant, Deficiency: Anemia (red blood cell fragility), Age spots or liver spots, Fatigue, HIV (AIDS), Myalgia, Scoliosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, Cardiomyopathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Heart palpitation, Irregular heart beat, Liver cirrhosis, Pancreatitis, AS (Lou Gehrig?t Disease), Parkinson?s Disease (associated lead poisoning), Alzheimer?s Disease (associated high vegetable oil consumption), Infertility, Low birth weight, High infant mortality, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Cancer (associated with high vegetable oil intake) (Number 2 killer), Sickle cell anemia Germanium Highly efficient electrical impulse initiator, Aid in oxygen utilization, Enhances immune systems function, (Killer cells, interfering, macrophage and T-suppressor cells), Deficiency: Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Low energy, Cancer Yttrium Enhances normal cell growth, Doubles life span of laboratory animals Potassium Deficiency: Muscular weakness, Mental apathy Lanthanum Deficiency: Maybe involved in chronic fatigue diseases Magnesium Deficiency: Asthma, Anorexia, Menstrual migraines, Growth failures, Neuromuscular problems, Tetany-Convulsions, Depression, Muscular weakness, Tremors, Vertigo, Calcification of small arteries, Malignant calcification of soft tissue Vanadium Aids in glucose (blood sugar) oxidation and transport, Enhances insulin effectiveness (aids with blood sugar problems), Decreases cholesterol production, Increases effectiveness of heart muscle contraction, Anti-Cancer properties Deficiency: Slow growth, Increased infant mortality, Infertility, Elevated cholesterol & triglycerides, Hypoglycemia & Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Obesity Amino Acids Function & Symptoms of Deficiency - Proprietary Formula Alanine Important source of energy for muscle tissue, helps in the metabolization of sugars Arginine Improves immune responses to bacteria, crucial for optimal muscle growth Cystine Powerful antioxidant, aids recovery from burns and surgical operations Glysine Helps trigger release of oxygen to energy Leucine Used for production of energy to the upper brain Methionine Prevents disorders of hair, skin, and nails Phenylalanine Improves memory, reduces hunger pains Proline Helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles Serine Strengthens immune systems, synthesizes fatty acid Tyrosine Improves memory, helps overcome depression Valine Promotes mental vigor and muscle coordination Sea Nutrients Proprietary Formula Alaria Valida Rich in Vitamin A, vitamin B and calcium Costaria Costata Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Helps improve thyroid function. Agar Used for constipation Algin Ability to draw harmful pollutants like lead from the body Dulse Rich in protein, fluoride and iron Kelp Helps thyroid conditions Kombu High in Trace Minerals Kuzu Helps soothe the stomach and strengthen the intestines Nori Good for prostate and thyroid, high in protein

I'm 4 days post op & I'm up over 10 lb, back to my pre-surgery diet weight. Guess its just lots of hospital fluids, hopefully will go down soon!

NP and if that is the case take body measurements, notice the reshaping of your physique, tone of your muscles,texture of your skin etc as indictors of change (not just loss of weight) and muscle burns calories while in a state of rest, and men's bodies reshape differently after wls. Only month 2, you got this! If really worried, contact your team...VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 167

Hi All, Just curious how long you all lost weight for. Was it 6 months, 9 months, a year? Just curious on the average amount of time. I know it slows down, but wondering. I am at the 4 month mark, doing everything right so far, protein, liquids and exercise and I feel it's a little slow. I am fine with that, as long as it all comes off. Starting weight was 311, was 255 today, so yes, I know that is good, just seems a little slower than others I read on here. Thanks

what is your daily calorie intake? drinking 64 oz of liquid a day really helps. my wl kicked into gear when I started drinking more. whether its warm or cold mix that 64 oz at the start of the day and track it. weight training will cause muscle to build which weighs more but in the long run will cause better metabolism to burn the cals. are you male or female?

thanks, thanks, and more thanks for all the sharing!!!! i look forward to seeing what my nutrition requirements will be. on march 15th, i'll be one month out...... i may start something like one of the above suggestions just for the hell of it - take off as much weight as i can pre-op!!!

I hit wonderland too but so unhappy about just spending seven days in the hospital due to my sleeve narrowing where my band was that created scar tissue. I had to have another surgery last Wednesday to balloon it and get it open. I'm so depressed I don't even care about the weight. I had sleeve surgery five weeks ago and had such a hard time recovering and now this. By week five I was supposed to be on soft meats and advanced and I'm still on full liquids with all kinds of surgery pain again where they opened me up. I'm sorry I did this surgery and I'm in a very bad place mentally. I know one day I will be happy to be in wonderland. I'm just so sick and weak I can't be happy and wear jeans and be happy. So for the venting but I had to get it out.

I"m so sorry to hear what you've been going through - that's awful, and definately takes the joyful thrill out of hitting the 100s! Rats!! A guy at our weight loss surgery support group last night (now several years out) talked about that last night since he had the same thing. For what it's worth he said it worked and all was well after that. We're all different though, and your case is YOU - so you absolutely deserve to vent! Go for it!!

Feeling a bit concerned. I'm taking all my Vitamins that I'm supposed to and have been fine up until I reached my goal weight. I'm struggling badly with energy later on in the day and really craving sweets! Anyone else had this and what did you do?

LOL, I am an old timer, at least 3.5 years banded. I haven't had a fill in over a year and I have recently started having small bouts of ...hmmm, I'm hungry, that's odd, so I may need a tweaking as Dr. Terracina calls it. I so enjoy where I am now, that I'm going to resist on my own, but if I start to gain, I'll be making that dreaded fill appointment. Alisa, what size band do you have? I have a 4cc with a little over 2.5, so I've still got lots of room in mine, LOL. Also, who said you'd only eat 4oz, that sounds like someone who has gastric bypass. Sounds like you've got your head on straight now, as for telling others, I'd shout it from the mountain tops, I love my band and the new me! You can do it and anytime you need someone to lean on, let me know... Hugs!

I gained 7# on the day of surgery from the IV fluids, but I had already lost all of that and more by the time I left the hospital two days later. "When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

I researched the band in 2006, but never followed through with it after my first consult, which I'm glad. I then wanted the sleeve. My younger sister was in the process of doing pre-op testing for the sleeve, so we researched it together. I wanted the sleeve because It seemed less serious than the bypass and I liked the fact that there was less malabsorption issues. My friend in college also got the sleeve and lost over 100 and told me it was the greatest thing she ever did. My sister is two weeks post-op from the sleeve and loves it BUT.... 1) Found out my insurance won't cover any weight loss procedure except gastric bypass 2) Found out most people who get the sleeve end up NOT losing as much weight as they hoped for 3) I figured if I'm going to have a weight loss surgery, I want the BEST one out there with the best long term results, etc. Now After much research, I wouldn't have any other procedure done besides bypass

I was at a stall beginning on day 17. I was so scared and nervous that I was doing something wrong. Everyone told me judo that stress and keep doing what I have been which is following the plan and walking. Your body just needs time to regulate to its new normal. Give it a few days and you will be fine and losing weight quickly!! Good luck!!

Yep. They pump you full of IV fluids and you have excess fluids held up in all your surgical swelling. The excess weight means you're well hydrated, which is a good thing. I came home 15 pounds heavier than I went in. Totally normal and to be expected. It's very frustrating for me that doctors don't inform their patients of this. It would ease a lot of anxiety.

You look so much younger! Beautiful - can't wait to lose my weight!