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I have been banded since Nov. 10, 2005, I have lost 111 lbs. and have maintained it since July 25, 2006 and have been going to my weight doctor religiously. Of course until I lost all the weight that I had needed he was seeing me monthly. August of 2006 I was seeing him every 3 months to be sure that I was maintaining and also for not losing anymore, according to him. I just saw him last week for my 3 month check up and he told me, I guess I don't need to bother you much anymore and I looked at him and I said, what do you mean? He told me that I have lost 111 lbs. and I have maintained a loss of 105% of my BMI so maybe I should just check in with him every 6 months or so. I feel as though I lost my best friend. I looked at him and told him, you are my incentive to keeping my weight off and I will still be seeing you every 3 months. I don't know if I can learn to be without him. This has been such a hell of a journey for me and knowing that I have FINALLY kept my weight off for 1 1/2 years is an incredible accomplishment. It wsn't losing the weight, it was keeping it off. Can I trust myself without him to keep it off? I am so scared!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only that................ I have 10 more sessions with my personal trainer and that will be the end of story too. I have been with him a year and I am terrified also not having him either. Will I know what to do without him? Will I cheat on my sessions without him? All these final habits are making me feel like I will have started all over again, square one, and lonely, and distrustful of myself. Does the fear of failing ever go away? Can anyone relate to me? Josephine OOPS ! I spelled the word "lies " wrong and sent it without checking my spelling.

Hi I am on day 6 also date of surgery July 13 so glad we are almost 1/2 way done I want something to chew?? I have lost 15 pounds hope more comes off this week?? I try to stay busy but..............I go to MPLS, Minnesota for my surgery. 1 nite is what they think I well have to stay.

Hi everyone, I am wondering what is required after insurance is approved? I saw my surgeon on July 9th, I was cleared by my PCP 7/8, nutritionist on 7/10 and the psychiatrist on 7/17. Everything was sent to BCBS on 7/22 and I have been calling them every day since for status updates…..pending. I meet all the requirements since my BMI is > 40 no supervised diet period, so I am confident I will be approved. I’m just wondering what else I will have to do before I can have my surgery? I know I will have to see the surgeon again, probable some blood work and I have been avoiding sugar like it is a plague (to shrink my liver). I’m concerned because I have to travel for work out of town for 2 weeks in September, home for 1 week and then the whole month of October. I will not be back in town for 30 days in October. I am afraid I will be approved but will not be able to have the surgery in time to recover before I have to leave , if that is the case I will not be able to get my band until November

When I show up for surgery tomorrow I'm not going out of my way to find a scale. They made me weigh in last week to verify I was on the liquid program. I obviously cant hide the weight loss if they insist I weigh in. I'll give you guys a for sure answer tomorrow after I get banded. Game on!

Hey Everyone!! Well, it's been over three months since I revised from band to sleeve. I just thought it is time for a new set of pictures. I think it's a really good idea to keep record of how things are going and I prefer to do it about every month. I would say 10 Lbs, but ya know - with the sleeve that could be every 10 days! LOL So, the Brown sweater is me at my heaviest 330 The Pink Shirt is me at about 300 The Blue Dress is me gained all my weight back after being banded at 280 And The black shirts is me today at 235... Yippeeee!!! I feel AWESOME!! I'm rolling right along and I can't say that I've ever had more fun losing weight. This surgery was plain and simply a miracle for me in which I'm thankful DAILY that it was created. Also, thank you to everyone here for providing such an awesome place to share the good times and the not so good times. You all have been amazing to me, and watching you all melt away keeps me fighting to do the same. Hugs!!!!

Took me over 2 weeks. I did peppermint tea, heating pads and gas X. Nothing worked. My body just had to reabsorb it. Edit: It looks like it worked for others, though, so always worth a try!

I wear a shirt and tie to work everyday. One of my coworkers met me for lunch today and he said "Damn man you look like you raided your dad's closet. The shirt is too big for you now." I got back from lunch and a lady that I work with said "You have been taking the assaway pills, it looks like you got no butt in your pants." Ok I must admit I have never been accused of being light in the seat. Both together made me laugh today! 6 weeks post op today/46lbs so far

Thanks Auri P. You are an inspiration. My surgery is exactly 3 weeks from today. I'm ready........I think.....

That does sound expensive. My surgery was self-pay-financed. I pay $400/month for the next three years for surgery costs of 13,000. $600 month for 5 years sounds high, that would mean you'd pay back $36,000 in 5 years, with a certain percent of that being interest. But it sounds like the intial cost of your lap-band surgery is on the higher side as well.

I'm nearly three weeks post-op and I have gotten the nasty could, cough, and congestion that my two boys have had. I have not had a fill yet but did have a hiatal repair when I had my surgery. Everything was going good until now. I feel miserable from these "cold" symptoms. I bought a liquid Robitussen that isn't really working. I used to take Mucinex but don't know if I can still take that but in liquid form (did I mention I hate liquid medicines?). What do you take for these symptoms that works? What for the daytime when I have to work and what at nighttime when I don't have about drowsiness? I'm going out of town for Christmas so I need to be better before then.

I had steak, mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and corn last week. Brownies for dessert. My last hurrah, and it was deliscious, and I bet I'll remember it for years to come. :-) I probably would not have done so if there was not such a list of food that my doctor said I should not eat after the band, red meat (unless ground), Pasta, rice, tortilla. I am sure I can eat them at some point, if I am careful, but the fact that he says not to, had me thinking it would be my last steak ever. I still remember stopping at culvers for some cheese curds and chocolate custard with Peanut Butter and chocolate sauce right after joining weight watchers too. This was 5 years ago. I started weight watchers the next day. Last hurrahs are big to me I guess. I am ok with it, and I am ready to leave it all behind me!!

I am 1 week post-op today I am having trouble with my diet my body doesn't want any of that sugar free stuff basically the artificial sweeteners no Splenda, no equal, no Stevia none of that so I'm basically left with Water, broth and that's it that I know of unless there is a suggestion someone out there can give me? Sidenote I feel like pressure above my belly, under my breast area what is that pain? Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

today I went to receive my first fill...it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be but I wasn't prepared for the in the back of my throat full feeling that it gave me...He only put 3 cc in and I am praying I can eat something later. I go back in six weeks for the second one...keeping my chin up and best to all....

Chris...I recently noticed all the sodium in my Sf waters (propelle, nutrilite) and started just drinking plain water. I was stalled for a few days, and since just drinking water..I lost a few lbs more...I know its hard, when all you can have is liquid. Im in the same boat as you. You get bored easily. I think you can get some low sodium broth as well...

I really believe that anesthesia can cause you to feel blue... I know it's been a few weeks but I really think it can linger and make you feel down. This surgery wasn't minor... You're body is going through tons of changes... Also your mind and emotions too... I think it'll pass in a few days. Hang in there! :-)

For the first month or so post op, I could feel my port when I bent over. Hard to explain the feeling, kind of a pulling, but not really. In any case, it is totally normal and went away at 4 weeks or so. I can't feel it al all now (unless I'm digging for it!)

I went to the Dr on the 16th for my first fill. Had 1cc in the band and he added another 1.2cc. Doing ok with it, can't really tell a difference. He does want me on a liquid diet for a week though, yuck!!!! Clear liquid for 2 days which is over with then a full liquid diet for 5 more days. Have only lost 17lbs since Feb 21st. The fill hurt more than what I thought it would be, but since I still have sores on my tummy where the needle had to go that could be the reason why.

It isn't easy. Ever. But I am glad I get to restart every morning and say today is going to be a good day full of self control. So far I've only had 2 days where I fell and ate foods that I shouldn't have. I'm only 3.5 weeks out so I anticipate those will happen from time to time. Both things happened on the same day. The next day I brushed myself off and started over making sure to get my fluids and protein in. I know that there are foods I just can't have around- others aren't a problem. Pizza and pie are the 2 that just can't happen for me. But ice cream, chips, soda. candy so far I haven't even been tempted yet. I'm sure as I become more active and lose more weight I'll have other motivations for sticking with it as well. And I have you all here to pull me through it. Thanks! Hw 223, SW 217 CW 200 GW 135

I have to agree with @Pam_2-06-2017. You have to find the strength and perseverance within yourself to do what you need to do to reach your goals. It's as simple as that. My partner lost 115 pounds from February 2016 until December 2016. That time period was my six month pre-op diet program and three months of post-op life. He got to his goal of 200 pounds (he's 6'1"). At that time (end of December 2016), I weighed about 250ish, and still had a ways to go to get to my goal. Since then, he has eaten what he wants (and gained some weight back, too). Crap is in the house all of the time. He wants fast food, so we go through a drive-thru. You know what? I buy it at the store for him. I hand him the credit card in the drive-thru line. I hold the ice-cream cone while he gets situated in the car. But I don't eat any of it, because I know that isn't what I am supposed to do. The mental part of this game (whether it is pre-op, immediately post-op, or 2 years out) is the hardest part, and where the war is won. I wish you the best as you continue. I'd recommend working with a psychologist and/or a nutritionist to help you get re-started. Having an experienced person to talk to often really helps.

Well, after all this time of waiting, I am finally scheduled! The longest part was trying to get my weight history from the last 5yrs. Fortunately I was never a sickly person but then that means that I don't have history from anything within the last 5yrs either...well, except for 2007 and this year. So, I had to write a letter to my insurance company instead. Luckily I was blessed with a little bit of writing skills. I had been 2nd guessing my decision because I kept thinking..ya know if it's just eating small portions and exercise, well, hell I can do that on my own! I don't need this surgery-LapBand is the easy way out. So this mentality took over in about June-when I stopped my pre-lapband work ups-So I tried it. I watched what I ate and exercised a little. It was going great for about ohhhhh...3days. Then I decided I don't need to diet, I am fine being me! Then my husband asked me to go to the waterpark with him. I made up some lame excuse about not feeling well and he went with his family and without me. I stayed home and cried. What have I let myself become? I didn't go out anymore. We hadn't been on a date in forever. I am so paranoid that people are watching me wondering how much I weigh or what I am going to eat. My hubby thinks I am beautiful but I look at myself and all I see is my double chins, big arms and huge stomach. My hubby and I sat down and talked about it all. My weight, my health, our relationship and our future. After he has seen me struggle through the ups and downs of dieting he finally said that he wants me to be with him for a long time and to do that, I need to be healthy. My OB/GYN also said she wouldn't even talk to us about having kids because I am too overweight. This time when I considered surgery, I looked at this with a different mindset and realized this is NOT the 'easy' way out. I had tried to lose weight on my own and I am good for a couple of days and at most a couple of weeks, but I needed help. I needed something that would make me learn to eat properly and watch my portion sizes. I needed a guide. So, I decided to proceed with the process. Alot of it fell into place and moved right along and alot of factors played into my decision to go ahead with the surgery. When I had to write the letter, I prayed. I believe in prayer and that God answers prayer. Some people choose to believe different things, but I believe in God. The day I mailed off the letter I told God it is all in his hands. I asked that he would help me accept the response, whatever it was. A few weeks later I received the authorization and am scheduled for Surgery on Dec 31st. New Year, New Me! I know this was God's helping hand. I know that this is going to help me to control that which I am not strong enough to. I have read about being 'stuck' and pbing, erosion, slippage, people who the band didn't work for or who didn't work with the band. I have read it all and then some. But if I let myself keep believing that I can change on my own, I am just fooling myself and ruining my future. I am 35 and weigh 365lbs all because I keep telling myself...I can change whenever I want. If I could...don't you think I would have by now? Maybe there are those people out there who can lose the weight on their own and keep it off, but I am not one of those people. I need help and this is how I am going to get it. I have read about people being scared of death during surgery or because of surgery. I am no different. But I would rather die trying to help myself than to die because I never tried. Well thats my story for now. I will let ya know how surgery went. If you are reading this and thinking about the band. Make sure you weigh all your options, be ready to work hard on your lifestyle change and have a good support system (family, friends, spouse, anyone you chose). This isn't just another diet you can give up on if you want -this is surgery, expensive and invasive-you've already done the yo-yo dieting or you wouldn't be here reading blogs and researching lapband. Just be confident in your decision and trust yourself. Good luck on your journey Cheryl

I was released for alcohol at 3ish months. Doc warned me it's wasted calories so just don't go overboard. I drank Riesling the first time, and it hit me kinda hard and fast, but wore off pretty fast as well. I drink socially now, and have a glass of wine once maybe twice a week. I've tried margarita, and they didn't settle well. But, mixed drinks, rum/coke, and various shots work just fine. My tolerance is like it was pre-op, it doesn't hit me hard and fast, and I can maintain a decent buzz. I don't drink a lot, but when I do, the big plus is that I rarely get a hangover anymore.

It's been a rough day today. Actually, it's been a rough 25 weeks! Some may already know my "story," so I'll just be quick with it. 25 weeks ago, I had the vertical sleeve done. Right away, there were problems. I couldn't keep liquids down. I was told it was a stricture, and had numerous endoscopies done, to no avail. I ended up literally standing constantly, when I wasn't sleeping, in order to let gravity pull liquid through my sleeve so I could stay away from Urgent Care. Finally, on December 17 I was converted to RNY. I can't tell you how difficult it was to go back into the hospital knowing I had to go through all the discomfort again, not to mention my just actual fear of something going wrong - again. I came out okay and able to hydrate myself. Over the past week, I've started vomiting again. (When I had the sleeve I vomited every day, multiple times a day.) I had an upper GI today, and although I don't have official confirmation from the doctor about it yet, it looks like I have a stricture. This is how it all started before... stricture which turned out to be my whole sleeve severly messed up... I'm just not sure how to get through this. When is my bad luck going to end? When will it get better? How do I get through this?

I got the lap-band on 9/16 and am down 20 pounds so far - YAY! But, after three fills of 1cc each (so I'm at 3cc's of fill) I'm still not feeling hardly any restriction. I was able to eat whatever I wanted for the first two fills and only feeling very minimal restriction with this last one. My question - is this normal? If not normal could I have stretched my pouch :thumbup:? If I did stretch my pouch what can I do to shrink it back? Please help, I do not want to fail! Thanks

I wonder why it seems our sleeves are different sizes. It took clm a year to be able to eat quantities that I could eat 8 weeks postop. Once I realized I COULD eat more than I SHOULD, I've continued weighing and measuring. This is lifelong behavior, so I guess it's just as well that I had to start sooner, rather than later. Actually, I wonder if I will be more likely to be successful, since I'm not relying on sleeve restriction from the get-go. (Success for me is to be healthy and happy in my skin.. whatever that means).

Hi there! I am scheduled for the 11th as well. I'm on the 2 week 1200 calorie pre-op diet. I did my pre-admission today and only have my stress test left before the surgery. It has been a long 6 month journey for me. I'm ready to get it done. How are you doing on your pre-op diet? HB