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I've lost about 10 lb so far and I'm on day 5 of 21. I'm having trouble with diarrhea so far but was just informed that taking fiber capsules will help. I'm pretty sick of the shakes already but I don't get the variety of products as many of you do

I didn't actually consult with the surgeon until the 6 month diet, 2 face to face support groups, psych consult and dietitian consults were complete. They wanted all the paperwork bits done so they can submit after the first consult. It was about 6 weeks, (could have been 4, but the doc had a trip schedules and didn't want to "cut me and run out of town"). Less than 2 for the approval and about 3 to schedule and complete EGD, pre-anesthesia testing, blood work, and for me, a pulmonologist visit to check up on asthma. I was also required to lose 10+ pounds for liver shrink between consult and surgery.

Kashi Go lean has great protein and fiber.. like 10 grams.. low everything else.. and that will keep you going.. I sometimes just have a half cup in milk.. and bring a half cup with me and eat it dry at work if I get hungry before lunch. .. It is just better than turning to something bad if you feel hungry and it is very portable..

There is nothing that says it should be replaced every 10 years or so....... I am a size 8 (Australian) which equates to a size 4 US. My port doesn't stick out but I am sure everyone is different. It depends on where the port is placed and where you lose your weight. I have skinny hips/legs but do not have a completely flat stomach.

Krystal, your making a great choice in life. I had my band in Mexico as well as many, if not most of the people online here. It is MUCH cheaper, they have 10 years more experience than the US doctors, as it wasn't approved by the FDA here until much later. If you look around the web blogs, you will hear some common surgeons names that have great reputations; Dr. Kuri being among the top. This surgery really is minor, 45 min at most, and most surgeons can learn to place a lap band very quickly. Not brain surgery. Unfortunately, some people, doctors as well, have a very negative view of Mexico surgeries. This does not go unwarranted. There are quacks, just as there are quacks here. But the more popular lap band places, are incredible! The care is superb, much better than here. They hear you, they listen to you, they cater to you. Their business is based on catering to us fat Americans! haha One of the things that is common, is that an American will go there, get their band cheap, and then comes back to the states, and doesn't have the proper support or follow up here. That is CRUCIAL to your success. You have to have good follow up with your doctor in Mexico, or a lap band doctor here in the states. Problems are common, such as reflux, vomiting, over-fill, frequent fills, sliming, etc,,,,,,,,,,,,more on that later. But if you just get your band, and abandon any kind of follow up, you will fail. So unfortunately yes, it often is patients from Mexico that "seem" to have more problems, but it because they haven't arranged or followed up with the required care that is neccessary for success. I LOVE my band. I've had more problems that I would have time to discuss, and I would do it over in a heart beat. I'm close to goal, and feel the best I've felt in years. You'll be there soon! Good luck and enjoy the journey, and don't drive yourself nuts waiting for the final result. Half the fun is just getting there!

You will be fine. Just look on this site for answers to your questions (always defer to your doc, of course). I made it through the first few weeks with by reading about others experiences. My surgery went like this: Go in 8:00 am, into surgery at 9:00, waking up 10:30 and out by 11:00. Very easy. Just take it easy untill your body tells you it is time to get moving. Follow doc's eating orders and smile, for you will be eating like a "normal" person soon. Good luck

If there is a planet fitness near you try there. $10 per month and they have free personal trainers

Hello Everyone, I'm new here but I have a few questions..... First of all I go this Thurs for Blood Work and then I go the following Thursday( March 31st) for my nutrition class ( 8-10), then at 10:30 I have my one on one with the Bariatric Counselor and then I meet with the surgeon , I already know my Co-pay But will the surgeon be giving me a surgery date ?? Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using the BariatricPal App

There is an AMAZING group of Bariatric Surgical Specialist in Louisiana & Mississippi. They are SURGICAL SPECIALIST OF LOUISIANA & MISSISSIPPI, & their # (985)234-3000 for the office I use, & they can direct you to your closest location. They have a very informational website, www.whyweight.com. The dr I use is Dr. Rachel Moore & she is top-notch! After 19 years in Medical Field, I've experienced, seen & witnessed it all. I floated from ER, all ICU Units, OR & Trauma, & I know all about physician credentials, what flags to look for, etc. so, in short, THIS GROUP IS IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN! Take a few minutes & go check out their website I listed. BEST OF LUCK & GOD's SPEED

In OS- sleeved on 11/21/14. Doing good went to pcp today, total weigh loss post surgery 13 lbs in 10 days.

Sleeved 12/23/2013 (I am one of those people who has to lose ONLY 100 pounds) For those of you who feel that our journey is less noble because we were not even larger, keep in mind that our co-morbidities are life threatening and painful, too. I have already had one stroke and my spine is degenerating and will not hold that extra 100 pounds anymore. I only say that because there have been a couple of recent comments in the forum inferring that we do not deserve access to this surgery. We need to be less judgemental and more supportive of sleeve brothers and sisters, especially since so many do not get encouragement at home. Pre-op weight 235 pounds (I am 5'4") Day of surgery weight 208 pounds Day of discharge weight 212 pounds Current weight 2/16/2014 - 189 pounds So far from the beginning, I have lost 46 pounds from my head, arms, and boobs. My belly still looks disgusting and has shifted south, but has gone from 53 inches to 50 inches, so I will accept that as progress. I am eating regular foods O K, but still cannot tolerate cabbage and cauliflower. Most days I am eating around 700 - 800 calories. It is challenging to get in 64 ounces of Water and 70 grams of Protein, but I come close. Except for a nerve pain issue not associated with the surgery: I am feeling a lot better sleeping much better do not make so many frequent trips to the bathroom exercise is easier and I can exercise longer I can move around easier and clip my own toenails I can roll over in bed easier Reflux is 80% better Hot flashes and night sweats are gone Have doctor appointment with primary doctor on 2/17, and expect to drop Metformin, Lipitor, Wellbutrin Blood pressure is rapidly improving - may drop that 3 drug cocktail, too. Saturday after exercise, it was 102/62. I have had one closet flush, going from size 22 to a snug 18. In about 10 pounds more, I will have another closet flush to 14/16, hoping to get into those sassy size 14 white jeans that are on standby. So, overall, my quality of life is improving......I'm glad I did it!

Yep, my insurance required it too, plus we're supposed to lose 10 percent of our excess weight. Initially I felt the same way you did, but I came through it just fine. The time absolutely passed by a lot faster than I could ever imagine and I did lose the required weight. It's been a month since then, and I've been approved for surgery! Only to find out that there are worse things than the six month mandate. And that's waiting for an actual surgery date. Could be July. Could be August or September. I don't know. But I've come to an understanding that I have no control over the "process" and no two "processes" are alike. So I rejoice in simply having made it this far, and in the sure knowledge that my day is coming. One thing is for sure though, my resolve that this is the right choice for me has never once wavered. So I spend as much time as I can imagining my great future, and as little time as possible wallowing in the wait. In the meantime I congratulate those who get there before me, and encourage those who will get there after me. Your time too will come! I promise! Just hang in there and learn as much as you can!

Hi all. I was banded 10/1/09. On Feb 16th I had to have the port out because of infection. (Also had my gallbladder removed at the same time). On April 16th they replaced the port at a different location. On May 29th they had to remove it again because of infection. It is a common staff infection, but I got very sick. Has this happened to anyone else? Are you still losing weight? I still have the band and do have some restriction. I hope I can end up at least keeping the band. Kathy:cursing:

I'm of the school of thought that "everything in moderation". I don't count carbs. Last year, I was on Atkins for 4 weeks. I was miserable. Woulda killed my mom for a cookie. Lost 12 lbs but gained them back as soon as I started eating carbs again (I think thats what happens when u restrict ur carbs that much. U gain when u have very little carbs). My husband is a total model of that: He uses Atkins Induction often. He aims for as close to 0 as he can get. It gets a little ridiculous when he counts the 1/16th of a carb in the pepper he uses on his food. Anyway, if he goes off his "diet", he will eat a whole package of Cookies, a 1/2 gallon of ice cream, a sandwich, 3-4 beers, etc in 1 day. A couple days later he will see a 5-6 lbs gain (which he loses rather quickly with Atkins but thats beside the point!). It's just my theory but I've seen it alot with people who restrict their carbs alot (like under 20 gms a day - as per Atkins induction) who then eat carbs gain quicker. Not sure what u deem as "low carb" ( I think the technical term "low carb" is under 60 or 70 a day, which I agree is pretty healthy, but lower than that and u get tired easily.) Carbs are what give u quick energy. It's why marathon runners carb load before a marathon. So I've lost 100 lbs without counting carbs (except for the 4 weeks last year). I eat everything but only small amts of it. It's why I had wls in the first place - so I'd never have to diet, count anything, or weigh anything. I listen to my tiny tummy and stop when it tells me to. Usually it's about 10-12 bites (about double of what it was at 3 mths!) but occasionally (maybe 3-4 days a month), I find I can eat much more. I will eat 50% of a portion (which scares me a little but I'm right back to eating about 1/4 of a portion the next day) Low carbing it works. Not gunna argue with that. I've read the scientfic facts behind it and the reason u lose (insulin resistance) and I can't argue with it. Hubby lost 80 lbs with Atkins. It works for him. Doesn't work for me. I don't like it. I will argue with anyone out there that what works for me is small portions of everything. I never feel deprived, I don't count anything, I don't feel like I'm dieting. I believe it's cuz I'm lowering my calories. Off my soapbox now. Good luck to u with ur upcoming surgery. Do whats best for u, but follow ur drs instructions.

So, some of you already know, I will have been banded for a year on August 15. In that time, I've lost 100 pounds, and can hardly believe it. It is taking a long time for me to recognize certain victories, but I can say for certain that today was one of the best ones. I had to go to a wedding, and the dress I was planning on wearing ended up being way too big. I didn't know, until I attempted to get dressed, and started to freak out because I had nothing to wear. I called my mom, ran to her house, raided her closet and while holding my breath attempted to wear one of hers. Well, this formally size 24, was able to wear her mother's size 10! That's me, the blonde on the right, in my moms dress!!

I will check out some of those. Have looked at Lands End. I can get into a size 8 but more comfortable in a bigger size, like a 10 or even a 12 because of loose skin issue. I didn't think it would be the issue it is, but alas my true size eludes me because of it. I saw some cool looking suits on Nordstrom website too. I guess I will check them out and give it a shot. Heading to the beach next week so gotta order one soon or hit one up at a store... thanks for the suggestions!

Just checking in, really trying to stay consistent on the forums here seems to help me stay accountable. I am 22 months post op and was doing great at my lowest (although still not my goal), then i gained 10 lbs during a SUPER stressful two semesters of grad school and starting a new job, and switching that job from days to nights, and just life in general. Because I haven't seen my surgeon in about 9 months and didn't have the option to see my usual nutrition clinician (new insurance doesn't cover their services), I took the steps today to make an appointment with my surgeon in June AND called for a NUT appointment with the bariatric clinic in a nearby town that my insurance covers. I had every intention of starting a 5 day pouch test too, but having just accepted a huge promotion in my new job, my coworkers are giving me a big giant potluck tomorrow night and even though I'll eat healthy, i didn't want to stand there with a shake and turn my nose up at their efforts. So, 5 day pouch reset starting sunday night... I would love any input as far as pouch test success, getting back on track, etc. I currently have 10 lbs to get back to my lowest, and about 25 to my goal!! I CAN DO THIS.

Hi. I have had the balloon for almost 4months. My weight and height similar to yours (211, 5'5") I chose the balloon because I did not want major surgery. I wanted something relatively non evasive that would kick start weight loss while helping to retrain my brain to see food differently, retrain my stomach to adjust to smaller quantities and retrain my psyche into not needing food to comfort myself! And yes, the balloon has done all that. Its been a very uncomfortable adjustment. Its not easy to have this thing take over a huge portion of your stomach. There are lots of uncomfortable side effects, besides being full. But that is what has changed my relationship with food. After four months, I can easily say I have no cravings of any sort. I do not crave cake or burgers or fries like I did before. If I see them, yes, I will take a few bites, and those bites are enjoyable, but I can also walk away...because I know if I eat too much I will hurt my weight loss goals and there are undesirable side effects. Is this new outlook on food sustainable after the balloon is removed...I don't know. And I am afraid it might not be. But I am eating so much healthier than I have ever done before and honestly relieved that my carb/sugar carvings are gone.So am hopeful I will be more aware of what food does to my body, moving forward. As I am sure you have read in your research...the balloon is just a tool. It is not a magic pill to weight loss. I have to count my calories (I keep them 1100 a day) and I have to exercise (3 times a week is good, but 4 times guarantees a good weight loss that week) I am very aware of every food I eat....I always try to make good choices (not necessarily perfect, but good enough). So at a burger joint the other night, after having a great weight loss, I wanted to have a nice meal with my family - I had a burger, no cheese, whole wheat bun and asked for a side salad instead of fries. Was it the best choice, no I could have had just the salad, but it was wonderfully satisfying. The balloon keeps me full so I am not starving all day on such little calories and allows me to eat only a 1/3 of my former portions. I have lost 23 pounds and hope to lose 10 more before its removed in 2 months. You will read plenty of people who lost much more (40-50lbs)- but always take into account their starting weight because others may have a lot more to lose than you do. I did not qualify for the sleeve or lap band or by pass, but really was not interested in anything so dramatic. I just wanted to lose some weight fast, get healthy again so I could enjoy working out again. Please read lots and lots before committing to this. The side effects are unpleasant and require major adjustments in what and how you eat. But it does work and you will lose weight. Good luck!

Megan, great minds think alike! I asked these exact two questions on SmartBandsters months and months ago. Well, not exactly with the crazy tongue, but I was having a real problem figuring out how people chew more than a few times before swallowing something. I still don't know; I haven't reached a point where swallowing a bigger bite causes me any problems. But I can see where it will when I have restriction--and I'm positive that will provide all the motivation needed to change my behavior. Negative reinforcement is a powerful thing!! As for Water, I've been told that it's really not necessary to take tiny sips. You will figure out how much you can swallow at a time, and it may be gulps, even. I've been drinking in a sort of modified chug--swallow, breathe, swallow, breathe, swallow, breathe, put bottle down. I can take in easily 8-10 ozs at a time this way. Of course, that may change too when I have restriction, but even then I don't think tiny sips will be necessary. Straws can be problematic for some people, anyway; sometimes they can increase the amount of air swallowed which can be uncomfortable for bandsters.

Curves is a 30 minute workout, you hop on to the circuit anywhere and listen to the music playing constantly (but it's good music). Every 30 seconds, a voice will say, "change stations now" and you move to the next station. When you go around 2 or 3 times (depending on the club and the number of machines) you have worked out 30 minutes and it's easy, fun, but a good workout! It's set up in a circle, you have 8-10 or so machines that works with hydraulics, so the faster you move the machine (eg: pushing and pulling handlebars overhead and down to your shoulders) the harder it is to push and pull. You do that for 30 secs, then move to a recovery pad where you march for 30 secs, then move to a lower body machine...round and round. You work out all the major muscle groups with the strangth training and the pace is good cardio, they also have you check your heart rate every 10 min or so. I loved it there but they didn't have child care and I needed more aerobics/cardio anyway, I wasn't doing it at home...but it was a great start for me. Youv'e got a great circuit at home, good for you! If i had to wrok out at home, I'd have to hire a trainer. I just can't motivate myself at home. I'm too distracted by the computer...LBT is a great escape!

I was banded March 07. I've only lost 10 lbs. I feel like such a failure. I eat around my band and I always have that head hunger. I eat just to eat. It's so frustrating. I think my band is working, I just don't get full very quickly. I know if I have another fill I won't be able to eat anything. I'm really at a loss. How do I get back on track? I don't count calories or exercise. I'm having a hard time getting back into it. I don't know where to start. Does anyone go to Weight Watchers, would that help?? HELP!!!

I'm in Wylie. Surgery is 8/19 with Dr. Nicholson.

I am a 32 DDD and a size 8/10 on the bottom. I just got two bathing suits from Victoria's Secret. The key for me was to get a top that is completely adjustable around so that the cups would be big enough but the around part could be as tight as needed. I also got a crop top bikini top which doesn't have underwire (has soft cups) but still feels very supportive and is comfortable. I can try and find the links if you're interested.

I'm about 19 days post-op and I'm surprised by the amount of food I can eat. I did the "cottage cheese test" (from "Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook) and according to the test, my stomach can comfortably hold 10 ounces (3/4 cup), which shocked me. I thought it would be half that. I plan to ask my surgeon more about this on my next visit, but is this unusual? I lost quite a bit of weight before surgery on the liquid diet (one week), but loss has been slower than I expected after that. I've decided to weigh weekly instead of every day, so I don't get discouraged by the inevitable up-and-down of daily weights. I know the surgery isn't a magic bullet and it's up to me to make this work, but the sluggish weight loss is a little discouraging. I'm still learning how much I can and should eat, and I'm tracking my intake on myfitnesspal to make sure my calorie counts are reasonable. I'm taking in between 800-1,000 calories on most days, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less.

I haven't been on here for a LONG time. I'm 3 years out from surgery and I got down to my goal of 150 (actually 145) but now I'm fluctuating between 156 and 160. I know that isn't a lot of gain but, for me, it's a slippery slope. 10 pounds can quickly become 20 then 50 and that leads to "screw it - I give up". I started off in therapy about 6 months prior to surgery and continued on for a year after. I only stopped because my therapist move out of the country (and I hate having to find someone new that I click with - she was amazing). BUT i'm realizing that I need to go back to therapy and probably the nutritionist as well. I can really eat anything I want now and I do (that's the problem!) So I need to go back to basics, make sure I'm focusing on Protein and veggies/fruit and stop putting the junk in my mouth. For me, therapy was the key to getting and staying (close to) goal for so long. I absolutely know that I would have gain back most if not all of the weight if I hadn't worked on WHY I was eating (using food as a drug to numb my feelings). I can feel myself slipping back into old behaviors and mindset. The old me would have just ignored these warning signs, deny there is anything wrong while continuing to overdose on my "drug" of choice. At lease I've become more aware - I can truly see the issues I have now and I know that food won't fix them.