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I run, hike, ride bikes, do yoga, kick box, and swordsmanship, and walk upwards of about 4 miles a day for work...and weight train. I also fired my gardner as of 2 months ago. lol -yup, I think I just expected more, sooner...

@@*susan* It is sort of like a Water coffin. You lay in there on your back. The temp gets up to about 118-degrees and the moisture (water, steam, etc.) makes your skin softer. They have several "add-in" options, but I like Co Q-10 and lavender. Supposedly the Co Q-10 aids with weight loss, but who knows if that is accurate. (I've been dropping weight the whole time I have been doing it, but that it is thanks to all the hard work I am doing -- but maybe the hydro therapy helps it along!) It is SUPER relaxing and I'll be happy to get back to it!

Hi! I'm Chris and I am new on vertical sleeve talk. I'm currently pre-op with my surgery scheduled on September 4th. I am both extremely excited and completely nervous. I know that the VSG is the right move for me but I am nervous about the potential complications. I have had a lifelong issue with my weight. I remember going on my first diet in the third grade. I got to a point when I turned thirty that I was considering weight loss surgery, but I wanted to try and give it another shot on my own. I didn't really like the idea of the Lapband or the gastric bypass for myself, so I didn't really want to do surgery at that time. I worked with a bariatric doctor and a nutritionist and went from 326 to 207. But then the my portions grew again and the scale started to creep back up. Now at age 35, I knew I had to do something and talked with my doctor who gave me a surgical referral. When I began talking with them they told me about another surgery I didn't know about, the sleeve. After some research, I realized that was the surgery for me, it was the one I was waiting for. When I began this process I weighed 301. Right now I'm at about 270. I appreciate anybody who has advice, encouragement, or even complications to watch for. Thanks! Talk to you guys soon!

I'll call today. He said everything was fine when I brought it up in the hospital, so I don't think it's anything else more sinister. I'll still call today though! Thanks for the replies, this is really discouraging so far. Pain is exhausting. Also, I gained 10lbs in the hospital just eating ice chips. I thought that was funny in a sick kind of way.

"@@Pink Ninja" a 12lb loss is not bad at all! I would definitely skip the Pasta, rice and bread though. At 3-4 weeks we are told to eat only about 2ozs per meal (volume not weight) and have 4-6 meals a day. We are also told to continue Protein shakes to get enough protein. I can't believe they said not to measure - that's very unusual! Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

I am not a happy camper. I was sleeved on Dec. 30th 2011 and up until a couple of months ago I had lost around 110 pounds and was still losing. I then decided to start a different type of birth control and I chose the Depo shot. I had heard that weight gain was a side effect but I thought maybe 5 pounds at the most. Well, I've now gained 12 pounds and I'm freaking out! I have decided to stop the shot but I'm sure it will take awhile to get out of my system. I'm just really bummed because I was on a losing streak and now that's all messed up. I worry that losing the weight I've gained will be harder since I'm further along on my WLS journey. Anyway, I just had to vent my disappointment. Thanks for reading.

I'm not super active on here, but you ALL have been a huge inspiration and motivation for me. I had my surgery on June 26 (band to bypass), starting weight 245 on my surgery date. While overall, I feel like this has been an good experience and much more natural than lap band, there have been some trying emotional moments! It all was worth it this morning when I hit my first goal! Can't wait to get to my goal weight. For the first time, I feel like it may be achievable. Congrats to you all on your success and thanks for the support!

Thanks. My Target size is 32-34. I was as big as 44-46. hieght is 5'10". My goal weight is 190-210. Right now its at 275 (lowest its been in 10 years). give or take 10lbs i've been hanging around the 300lbs mark. my Dad has 13 brothers and 3 sisters. I could pass for a brother to 7 of the boys just by when---- our hair line went up, our belt size grew , our hands started to hurt in the mornings and our ankles and knees began to give us grief. In a few years i have another 80lbs to look foward to comming around my waist. ALL of my Moms family is huge. the smallest one in her family is around 400lbs. So I have a lot of "genetics" going against me. But one of MY biggest problems is the size of meals i can eat. I'm the guy at the buffet bar that they dont want to see. (I've molested many buffet bars). 20 years ago I was a pro-bodybuilder. I know nutrition and I know how to exersize. And niether one of those two facts could stop my wieght gain. so now when i get start to hit the gym again in stead of a protien shake + Breakfast + a protien bar and then a snack, i'll be pleanty full with my drink. :cool: My goal isnt to have the body i did then (be nice) but the past is the past. I want to try to head of the diabeties and other things that run in my family, I Just want half the energy i did and the ability to run down into my field or fly upstairs in my house without getting so short winded my wife thinks i need medical attention, or feel like my chest is going to explode. when and if we have kids to be able to run and play with them and I want the extra years I'll gain by loosing the wieght to spend with my wife. so there it is. No this wasnt a rant against your question alex :cool: . I just figured I'd lay it out there.

Hey Dog, congratulations!! Glad to hear things went smoothly and that you're already reaping the rewards of your travail. But I have to ask--how tall are you? My husband wears a 40 waist in pants and he may need to lose about 15 lbs. How much weight do you want to lose, and what size are you aiming for? Just curious--people are all different shapes and sizes I realize, but 38 sounds to me like a perfectly normal pants size.

Hallen.....how are you feeling today? I'm doing so much better. Each day gets a little easier. This morning was my first "back to the grind" type morning.....woke up to snow so had to drive all three kids into town, made lunches, dishes, dinner in the crock. It's the little things that make me feel like I can get through this! I'm already down 10 pounds! Not sure how much of that is "water weight" but it sure felt good stepping on the scale! I've moved on from just clear liquids. I'm doing shakes (very smooth and runny) vanilla yogurt same way, soups with no chunks. My tummy seemed to be tolerating everything pretty well. I had a sugar free fudge pop last night, wow! It tasted heavenly! Hope you are doing good. Keep me posted! Take Care.

As others have discussed, some of the supplements commonly taken by bariatric patients such as Biotin and B12 can cause acne breakouts or exacerbate existing skin problems. I have stayed far away from biotin since it caused a horrific breakout two years ago when I took it to try to speed up hair growth after a hair cut. My dermatologist told me that biotin and excessive B Vitamins can cause acne breakouts in many people. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause breakouts, and losing weight can cause your hormones to fluctuate. For the most part, my acne has gotten better since having surgery, though. I have PCOS and have struggled with acne because of that for a while. I was taking medicine that cleared up my skin, but caused weight gain. I gradually went off that medicine post-surgery, and had some breakouts along the way. Some things that have helped me - - Simplifying my skincare routine. In the past I was using so many different products in a desperate hope for it clearing up my skin that they caused more problems than they resolved. Now I use rose Water on a cotton pad to clean my face in the morning, and only La Roche Posay products. I use their Effaclar face wash at night, and the toner a few times a week. I put a very thin layer of the spot treatment on as needed. Overdoing it with these products can lead to peeling, so I've learned to be careful. I also use a serum and moisturizer by this line. - Being very careful with all vitamins and supplements. I read through the labels and make sure they don't overdo it with B vitamins. The ones I've responded to the best are Garden of Life's Vitamin Code Multivitamin and Flintstones Complete with Iron (one or the other, not both). I take a multivitamin, and Vitamin D, and peppermint oil supplement (for acne and other PCOS issues; you can find it on Amazon inexpensively). About 4 months post op I took a B-12 supplement for a week when I was trying to bounce back from being sick, and it caused a month's worth of acne. I've had very little hair loss. - Not using heavy makeup, creams, or anti-aging products. I'd been using some Lancome anti-aging products that came in a gift with purchase bag, and my dermatologist said it was far too heavy for my skin. He said to use lighter weight products and avoid ones designed to be anti-aging. - Using fragrances sparingly. At the advice of my dermatologist I use fragrance-free laundry detergent and fabric softener because he said they can cause breakouts. I avoid putting things with fragrances on my face. - Changing my pillowcases three times a week. I bought extra sets so I can change them out quickly. - Using SLS free products. SLS in toothpaste and hair products can cause breakouts in some people with more sensitive skin. Loreal has an inexpensive, readily available line, and you can find many other options as well. - Having a facial once a month by a reputable esthetician.

For me after post op I didn't have any cravings or hunger. I was focused on sip sip sipping fluid and protein shakes all day and then after that; learning to eat again. Tiny slow bites. By that time I hadn't had any refined sugars in weeks and sugar is what triggers my cravings so I didn't have any cravings or hunger for about 10 months when I ate some sugar. I had lost the majority of my weight at that point so I was learning and testing the waters of the next phase... Maintenance!! I am almost two years post op and I do have cravings, and some hunger. I just know that for me as long as I keep my carb count low then the cravings are almost non existent. However, I do have periods where I eat treats and then just get right back on my plan. With weight loss surgery it seems like it is a little easier to get back on track. I agree with JamieLogical that it is the huge change in the food relationship that makes the most difference. Not to sugar coat it, for me I do have to have constant vigilance.

It was great to hear for ya'll to know that I am not just a freak. I am also cold all the time, & that is great living here in Austin where we were running our air conditioners 2 days ago and last night we had to cut on the heaters & I slept in a sweater. Going without a period for a while was not so bad, to me that is the greatest thing about getting older & menopause, so I was a little disappointed when it did started, but now maybe things will get back to normal. Don't want to lose much more hair, didn't have a lot to start with & when you are a hairstylist with no hair it really sends negative message. I guess if this stuff is happening to us, it must mean we are doing the what we all set out to do, lose weight, so congrates all. Kim

I can't understand why it's so darn expensive for out of pocket people to get a fill. I only need approx. 1cc of slaine and it's going to cost me $250 I am so darn mad. I got an unfill due to pregnancy and I gained feel like crap but in order to get back on the wagon I have to pay yet another $250, I have laready paid $17000.00 for the surgery!! YOU would think that they could make a special price for cash paying people but instead they charge us MORE than they charge or pay the insruances...I am so at a loss now and very frustrated and angry. Sorry!

we're all here for you. this is a wonderful support system of people who know exactly what your feeling and what your going through. I am not a perfect bandster by any means, but I try a little more each day - and its working for me. I've started just by parking far away from the stores I go to when shopping. gotta start somewhere right? well each day is a new day to start somewhere. as far as your husband goes - gggggrrrrrrrrr how frustrating I know! But when you say its because of your weight does that mean on your part or his? I know its difficult to be intimate when your so big - by the way how big are you? My boyfriend and I only have 2 main positions, at first he would want me to do all these positions that being a big non-flexible girl - it was impossible - he's stopped asking - I think he realizes its not that I don't want but I can't right now because of the difficulty. So what's the issue though ? I understand its weight but your problem or his? And yes with everything else you've got going on - this is one issue that can be put to the side only temporarily because it is an important one. I can't believe 2 years!!! I go without for 2 weeks and I'm sooo bitchy to him! I'm good with sex stuff as a biggin if you just want to fill me in a little more maybe I can help and if you don't want to do it on this thread then please private message me or email me and we can chat that way.

Candysmooch,You took the thoughts right out of my head! I was wondering about the husband issue as well. Micki, I'm so sorry to see so much is going on in your life right now. Please try to stay positive and strong. You will get through this. ((((hugs)))). We all have our days when we eat too much or don't eat the right thing. When you wake up in the morning pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start a new day. In my opinion, I also think 2 years is a long time to go without a intimate relationship. I'd be sexually frustrated right now, which would send me in a tail spin. I can only go so long without getting some. I'm also thinking why your husband is pushing away from you, sexually. I'm hoping he isn't punishing you for being over weight. I mean does he have a weight you need to get at before he'd be intimate? Or Is this really uncomfortable for the both of you, due to your size? I'm just curious, yet, it's really none of my business. Like candysmooch said, if you don't want to share with us It's understandable. I guess I'm also asking, is your husband supportive to you? Any way I hope you don't find my post rude or insensitive to your situation, it is not my intention. Best of luck to you and you will find away to get through all this, stay strong.

Oh Micki! I'm so sorry! Please give yourself a big hug! You should know that we are all sending you hugs. Please give yourself some time right now. That is one of the beauties of the band. Your life right now is out of your control, so it is no wonder you are feeling out of control. You need to give your band a few days rest on liquids and soft foods. We can get into a terrible cycle of PBs and irritated stoma and feeling sick. Schedule a fill if you can, but if you cannot do this, please do not fret. Your band will be there when you can get back to it. You must be kind to yourself. You must be. No one else will be. You cannot give to others if you are empty. So, if you need a scale, why don't you buy one yourself? I don't own one, nor will I, except maybe a food scale. (calories are my current obsession). 2 years is a hell of a long time to go without sex. *sigh* 6 months after getting married my husband fell into a deep bowl of butter and gained 200 pounds. He was terribly depressed, and when you weigh 600 pounds, well I expect that even the thought of sex was too much effort. I almost left him over it. I came within a hair's breath of stepping out. Get thee to a marrage councelor. If he won't go with you, go alone. It is not reasonable to expect someone else to live a celibate lifestyle. Not reasonable or fair. We are here for you.

Someone suggested that I post my list of questions that I brought to my consultation. Some are redundant, sorry about that. I hope this helps and please add your questions too. ABOUT THE DOCTOR: How many gastric banding procedures have you done? Is he a board certified surgeon? What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery and recovery and life with band? Is there a difference among the two different adjustable gastric bands? Do you have other Lap-Band® patients that I can talk to? Do you have a video or presentation that I can watch that shows the surgery? Do you specialize in the Lap-Band® or do you perform other procedures as well? Do you perform other gastric band procedures? What is the Realize band, pros/cons of each? What are the short term issues? What are the long term issues? What is the doctor's policy when a complication occurs during a procedure? (ie: does he discuss options with family or immediately convert to bypass or other WLS). What qualifications does this doctor have regarding the specific brand of band that will be used? (Lap-Band System, by Allergan or Realize Band by Ethicon/Johnson&Johnson) ABOUT THE PROCEDURE: Lap Band vs Realize? What is the “scarless surgery?” Do you perform the procedure on an outpatient basis or will it require an overnight stay in the hospital? What kind of anesthesia will I be getting? Will an anesthesiologist be present during the entire procedure Is the surgery being done at a surgery center or at a hospital? How will you protect me from infection/staff infection during the procedure? What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery? PREPARING FOR SURGERY: What tests do I have to have prior to surgery? Will I need to have a special diet before surgery? Will you notify my primary care doctor about the procedure? Do you need any of my medical records prior to surgery? AFTER SURGERY CARE AND FOLLOW UP When can I resume taking medications? How soon after surgery do you want to see me for a follow up visit? How do does the doctor determine whether or not my band will need to be adjusted? Is there a direct line in case of Emergencies? When should I have my first adjustment/ fill? What will I need to have prepared when I get home in way of food items? When can I resume exercise? How will I manage my pain after surgery? How will I have to change my eating habits after surgery? How much weight should I expect to lose in the first month? FRIENDS AND FAMILY What help can you give me to help educate my family and friends so that they can also support me? LIFE AFTER BAND: How do adjustments work and how often will I need adjustments during the first year? Ongoing? How often will I have to see the doctor over the next year and at what cost? How is it better than other forms of bariatric surgeries like Gastric c Bypass and Gastric Sleeve? What is the expected weight loss? How much time will be required for losing weight? Is there possibly a better weight surgery for me?

Thanks Aubrie. I wondered if it could be normal. I also have this feeling of being full all the time. No fill yet, I am in a 10 cc band. Should I be grateful? I can keep my 2 to 4 oz down at each meal just fine. I just get this periods of feeling discomfort. They pass very quickly. Can I ask how you did the weight loss ticker? I don't seem to be able to figure it out! Thanks Karen

I finished my 6 month diet in July. I lost some weight the first two months then gained in the third went down a little in the fourth then back up again in the fifth and no change in the sixth. In the end I was down 10 pounds total. I know I could have done better but my nutritionist was more concerned with my getting healthy than losing weight. We submitted my paperwork on August 14th and I got my approval today!!! So don't fret! I got an initial denial but only because they were missing some info, so make sure they have everything required and you should be fine.

The best advice I can offer is do not look at the scale. I made that mistake when I went from liquids to the mushy stage. I had gained and I wasn't happy about it. Your body is still healing. Focus on that and learning how to eat with a band. Also pay attention to how your cloths fit. I put the scale away and decided I would not weigh again until my first fill. At my appt the doctor was happy I had lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks. For some people the scale just discourages you, don't let that happen.

@@ddsweighin228, you still have a lot of Fluid weight in your tissues from surgery, and will for a couple of WEEKS. as valarie kk said, don't weigh on the scale if it bothers you to see that right now, because it's going to come off at its own speed. If you are on your doctor's eating plan, the weight will begin to drop steadily after the surgery healing is well underway. As for your desk job tomorrow, I was in the same boat, so I brought a small (8oz) Water bottle with me and sipped, sipped, sipped all day. The small bottle would get empty and remind me to get up and WALK. Walk around the whole building if you can. My coworkers only knew I was '"out sick" the Thursday and Friday before, so I acted like I was going to the bathroom a lot. Walk, walk, walk. If you get a lunch break, try to get outside and walk a little. Don't overdo other stuff though, like lifting. Nope. Leave the lifting to others for a few days. Good luck!

Thank Gawd its Friday!!!!!!!!! I love Friday and today is even Payday, its my year end at work, I made my goal which means I get a 10% of my yearly salary bonus!! Yehaw!!!! I won't get it until February 22nd, but thats okay, I am spending it on our next cruise that leaves June 29th, 2008 to the Virgin Islands. I'm hoping to be at goal by then. Wt this morning 168.6 - starting to drop the water weight!

Congrats to you! That's what I'm aiming for the one something.....it's been years since my weight registered in the one hundredth.

I was banded in december, I initially lost 56 pounds all together during this process. I get such small fills each time I see a dr. I only get a .3 fill, I'm getting one tomorrow. I'm only up to 3 cc's in my 10 cc band. I feel frustrated that the process is so slow, I feel almost no restriction except in the morning. By the end of the day I cant seem to feel satisfied unless I overeat. I have been exercising more than ever, Im walking a 2mile trail 3 times a week. I am hungry all the time. I know that part of it is that I havn't been as good with dieting. But the Protein shakes do not fill me up and I am hungry right after drinking one. I have depression and it gets so bad sometimes that I break down and eat the things that are easy like ice cream or chips. I KNOW I SHOULDNT EAT THEM! I cant seem to stop myself. I end up hating myself and lose the motivation even more after I cheat because I feel like "whats the point?" What are your suggestions? is there like a support group I can go to? Am i the only one who feels like I am failing? The worse part is the feeling when I have gone into the Dr's the last 2 times and have not lost weight and I feel like shit