Search the Community

Sorry this is so long, but I am so frustrated this morning. I only have 1.25cc in a 4cc band. I've had 2 fills up to 1.5cc and each time the extra 1/4cc had to be taken out because I couldn't eat. Last time I thought maybe I didn't wait long enough for the swelling to settle before I had it taken out so this time I waited 2 weeks. It was over Christmas and New Years..I was miserable. Finally, my best friend and hubby made me call the doctor. I lost 13.9 lbs in those two weeks. After the fill was removed, I gained 5 lbs. I could live with that, I hadn't eaten in two weeks. Then the next couple of weeks I lost 1.5 and 6.5 lbs. This morning (I weigh every Monday morning), I had GAINED 13.2 lbs. I have been careful, I am exercising. I just can't seem to get to that 100 lb lost mark. Granted I am thankful for every pound I have lost. But it's not enough. I'm only 5'3" ranging between 206 and 193 is not good enough. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

I was sleeved 3/16/11...I am 3 mo's out and feel fantastic!! I started at 251 before pre-op diet and have lost 45 lbs to date. Here are just a few things I have noticed: No more aching joints Not as out of breath when walking up and down 3 flights to my apartment Not as hot No diabetes meds No liver pains Not hungry all the time Love going to the stores to try on clothes and find I need a SMALLER size Not tired all the time as before Feel younger More active with my family TMI...Being able to clean my ENTIRE body with out struggling TMI...Being able to wipe with ease after going potty But the BEST THING is....Making love with my husband!! Who has also lost weight as he has been drinking my Protein shakes- 3 times a day and a sensible meal for dinner. He's lost 20 lbs. Yea Pookie!! After gaining so much weight through our 18 year marriage...sex was quite difficult and not worth having. Now?? Well...let's just say everything is A-O-K in the boudoir!!

I had surgery June 17. Not winning any medals here either. Lost 6 on pre-op and 20 since surgery. Been in a stall where I have not lost an ounce for over a week. Trying not to get discouraged. I am following the plan keeping carbs at a minimum and drinking water as required, etc. my current weight is 199.5 and holding, and holding, and holding...:-). I will continue with the plan and eventually I will see the scale move again. I certainly hope so. I have a long way to go yet!

I will add too... with the bypass you lose weight quick........ my 2 best real life girl friends have both had the RNY... One OPEN (4 years post op) and one LAP (2 years post op) Both lost around 120 lbs in the first year.... One now has gained a significant amount of weight back because she NEVER suffered from Dumping and could eat anything without suffering, but because of this her pouch is stretched back out and she is to the point of depression where she will not disclose exactly how much she has gained back...... she is now wishing that she could get the band around her newly stretched out pouch......... my other friend just had a tummy tuck and a boob lift and is doing fine. Both have that "look" that bypass patients often get because of the lack of nutrients..... I will say that both my friends are glad they had it done. Even the one who has gained... she is still significantly down from her top weight, but it is now a struggle to lose since her pouch is stretched back out.

For now, The debate has ended. With the support of my doctors, including my proposed lap band surgeon, I have elected not to have the surgery. My weight loss in 110 pounds. The the rate of weight loss has slowed down, I am still losing weight. As may be expected, the weight loss to date has had a profound impact on my daily life. A year ago, I had a sedate lifestyle, having trouble just walking to the car. Now I am swimming 30 min three days a week, walking 1.5 miles three days a week and heavy gardening 1-2 time a week. My arthritis , though not cured, does not bother me when walking. My total cholesterol went to 88 and had to reduce my medication From all I have read on this group and other sources, lap band is an excellent choice for many or perhaps most persons with a long history of obesity and I fully support their decisions. In my case I was reluctant to proceed and chose a different path. Only time will tell If I made the correct decision For now, I am still completely committed to the diet. I maintain a daily diet of all I consume. I use portion control. weigh my meat, Measure my carbs, ie 1/2 cup Pasta and estimate my vegetables. Total intake is 1200 -1400 calories a day A major change in my eating habits was becoming satisfied with a bite rather than of full portion of high calorie foods

Ankle weights...that is too funny. When I was weighed they didn't have me take my shoes off so I think you will be fine that day for your weigh in.

I had surgery on 6/28 and we went on a week long trip to Florida on 7/23. It was wonderful!!! It's the only vacation I have ever taken where I didn't gain weight!!! I enjoyed very small portions and loved every minute of it. Good luck to you!!! myanniversaryband.blogspot.com

I was banded onApril 21st and have had 3 fills so far. I'm suppose to go back for another fill in a few weeks and I'm not sure I should. I have a total of 5 1/2 cc in my 8cc band and I have some restriction at times when I'm eating, depending on what I'm eating. I have to be very careful when eating and make sure I chew very well or I can feel the food having problems going thru. There is times that I have to just stop eating whatever I'm eating cuz it's having difficulty going down. I'm having great weight loss right now, but want it to continue.....sooo should I go in for another .5 fill in a couple weeks or not??????

I was put on a 14 day liquid diet to shrink my liver. I was allowed up to 5 slim fast shakes a day. I was able to subsititue one shake with low fat soup. They had to be chunk free. The first few days were rough, but then I got used to it. I liked not having to figure out what I was going to eat. Plus, it was a great jump start for weight loss. GOOD LUCK!

Hi, first time here, also scheduled for March 12 & just starting my liquid diet. I've been reading some of the Q& A section & it seems like almost everybody has a similar emotional process they go through to prepare for this surgery! I alternate between scared silly & being elated about FINALLY getting rid of this weight. I'm in my early 50's & about 7 years ago I started gaining weight with no change in diet or eating habits, now in the last year I have developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, acid reflux, & arthritis. The doctor basically told me I am a walking time bomb! Any young women out there contemplating this surgery, just remember that the older you get, the harder it is & the more co-morbidity factors you develope. I never thought I would have surgery for weight loss, but I can't keep going this way! Just want to say thanks to all who are willing to share & give support to us "beginners"

I know, it's such a bad habit to weigh every day, and I usually don't. It just just on a whim that I decided to weigh today and seeing a 3 pound gain freaked me out! Lesson learned.

Water weight! take a deep breath and try not to dwell on it.

This happens to me too, but then 2 days later I get on the scale and lost it again! Probably not a good idea to weigh yourself every day. Closer to that time of the month I usually show a gain-but then lose it afterwards plus some.

Ok ok, I know I shouldn't be weighing myself more than once a week but I stepped on the scale this morning and I gained 3 pounds since Tuesday! How is this possible? There is no way I have eaten 10,000 extra calories in four days! I am freaking out slightly here...am I just overreacting?

I've been doing pretty good, but back when I had my first fill which made 1cc in a 4cc band. Did great had some restriction. Then I got another fill which made 1.25cc did great. Then I got another fill which made 1.5cc. Could only tolerate that for about 3 days. Was unfilled back down to 1.25cc. Did ok then the weight started going up and down. Went back for another fill up to 1.5cc again. I hung in there for 2 weeks but only had about 4 meals in that time and could barely drink Water. So had another unfill back down to 1.25cc. I did fine lost 13.9 lbs in those 2 weeks I was too tight. I knew I would gain some back from the unfill, but that was ok. I gained 5 lbs. After that I was losing. I lost the 5 I had gained back plus 2 more. But now, one morning I weighed 193.4 lbs. The NEXT morning I weighed 206.6 lbs. How do you gain 13 lbs litterally overnight? I have taken a couple of those lbs off, but....I don't understand. I watch what I eat and the amount and I exercise. I don't seem swollen. How much does everyone else have in a small band?

It's so funny you mention that - I didn't even know we lose weight in our feet until my shoes fell off one day in the middle of the craft store, LOL!

First congratulation on ur weight lose. Mine hasn't yet been that major hopefully soon. Looking to have gastric bypass in april.. Well l have been working at reaching my pre opp weight I lost that plus some. Well last Sunday I was sitting in church service while 5 men members were singing church songs I had my bra brake. Being that I have financal struggles. I didn't have funds to run out and buy clothes for the weightloss I made . I had to keep adjusting the bra trying to hold up my chest.(take note I went from ddd to dd ) and I quit in church service. Felt one was supported while one was free. Omg talk about wronge place and timing.

Hi I'm from uk I need buddies who have had lapband removed and had a sleeve put in I'm cureny 300 lb been banded 6 years plus but no weight loss only 30lb

Hi, I just joined the group. My daughter suggested it as she herself is a successful 5 year RNY bypass patient. From watching her I kind of know pretty much what to expect. The good and the bad. I am 57 years old and a single parent. As for myself, I didn't really start to have a weight problem until after having kids. Through the years the weight slowly piled on. On top of that I developed type 2 insulin dependent diabetes in my late 30's. My youngest was born after I became diabetic. I also have several other chronic conditions as well. The last 3 years I have been in and out of the hospital with septicemia, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, diabetic foot ulcers, two partial toe amputations on both feet and diabetic ketoacidosis. It has roughly been every 4-6 months that I've been in the hospital for at least 1 1/2 to 2 weeks followed by 4-6 weeks of IV meds via PICC line plus home nurse visits, OT and PT visits. It's only been the last 5 months that my blood sugars have really been under control and that my feet have been healed. I was finally able to go and see the bariatric surgeon and start the process to finally reach the goal of having RNY gastric bypass surgery. I received my surgery date approximately 3 weeks ago. I am now on the last day and a half of my liquid diet before surgery. the Protein powder that my daughter gave me is disgusting (she just laughed and told me to get used to it. HA) and is difficult for me to choke down. I need to try different brands to find one that is more palatable for me. My biggest problem is that I have healthy (I am a good cook, like to cook and like to eat and enjoy food) eating habits. It's just that my portions are way too big compounded by the last 3 years of not being able to walk as the wound care doctors wanted me off my foot as much as possible. So, I became more sedentary. And, voila! I gained weight and couldn't lose it. So here I am and the big day is almost here. My daughter will be taking me to the hospital and staying with me. My son-in-law will come to the hospital after the kids go to school. He's staying home with the kids while my daughter stays with me for a week. My oldest son will be coming also to the hospital. My youngest son isn't (both of my sons are autistc) sure yet. My neighbor will cook and watch over my sons for me until I come home. Now that I've introduced myself, I'd love to hear from others. I am extremely excited and a little nervous. But it won't be long. Monday morning at 5:30am. I've also been thinking about the walking and eating. Anyone else having surgery on the 1st? Anyone willing to be buddies with me?

Welcome to VST. Your parents will be so supportive of your decision to take back control of your life. You are doing a positive thing for your continued healthy life. Stop with the shame/blame. This is not something you can do "by yourself" . Please start thinking of the sleeve as your new "tool" in the quest for a healthy life. Unless your parents have weight issues, and are the jealous types, you will most likely find them so supportive of your decision. Make the decision for yourself. Do not be bullied into this. The Dr.s tough love talk can be a catalest for action, but you must make this decision for yourself. Give yourself no excuses. Be very positive. Yes, there will be some fear and doubt, but, get past that, head up, clear on the goals ahead. Forward and downward! (scale joke) Confidence!

Hi Maddie! I think if your surgeon is STRONGLY recommending it then you should go for it. I know how if feels to be scared. I am scared too. I only have 2 more days.....so you know I am scared. But if you don't have the surgery and continue to loose this battle with weight (no pun intended)...then you will have too many possible serious issues to be so young. I think you parents would be scared but I believe they are scared for you now walking around carrying all of that extra weight. As a parent, when you kids are in pain, you are in pain! I think once you get happy...they will really be happy for you. Good luck with your decision.

I was banded on Feb 21 2008 and I started mushy foods too and have no restrictions. I cheated a little bit and had no trouble and still didn't feel full. It is hard to stick to mushy because I know I can handle regular food. Good luck I am just trying to focus on losing weight.:drool:

Same thing started happening to me. I knew from past experience some would say it wasn't the weight loss it was my attitude so I did a little social experiment, I walked around with resting bitch face all day and still had more attention in one day than in the last 25 years of my life. People, both men and women, are attracted to what they see on the outside and smaller is more socially acceptable. I'm trying to not be pissed about it.

The weight watcher scale is good also....holds 400 pounds, I have it 4 years and its still accurate.

I had surgery on the 29 too. Doing good up to 64 oz Water and 75 Grams Protein. Walk walk walk. Sip sip sip gained 8 pounds after surgery but today is 8 day out and lost those 8 plus 5. Had number 2 now which helps a lot HW 257SW 2291 day later 236CW 224