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I should clarify smtg, because I think my post came across differently than I meant for it to. I'm not worried about looking perfect or stealing the show. I'm more worried about not looking ridiculous and making a very conscious effort to avoid being "over the top" or the unintentional center of attention because I'm overdressed or too "blingy". I'm normally very confident in most things I do, very independent, but I've been asking opinions left and right for this. The last wedding I went to was mine, 10 years ago. I went to some before that, but I was either thin and it came easy, or a thin bridesmaid and told what to wear. I always avoided weddings when I gained the weight (and crowds of all sorts). So I guess this is more of a "keep it in check" post. Keep me from being ridiculous and unintentionally making it seem as though I'm trying to steal the attention, because the spotlight is my worst nightmare. With that said, here are some pics. I stopped by DSW on the way home to get some sandals, and saw some really cute shoes. I'm an addict, what can I say. So the ones pictures are the new ones, not what's described above. he dress w/ flash, the dress in natural light (shows the lay of the fabric better), the shoes.

I'm 10 tens post-op. I swear each day I feel better. So I hope you feel better soon. I have had the GNC Whey no-flavor protein. It was not terrible. I also have sent away for UNjury protein which I have been told is really good. They sell sample packs so you can see what you think.

Eggs!!! Those are OK. Take sausages and press between napkins to remove excess grease! I have actually done this with fast food patty's off of hamburgers! hahahaha We don't eat much, so I've found that it works in a pinch. I just travelled this last week and carried with me; jerky, baby bell cheese, Protein shakes and a couple Protein Bars. I've never eaten the bars before (I don't have a sweet tooth). But the ones I picked up were in the "sugar free" or diabetic section of my grocery store. I do NOT remember the brand, but it was Peanut Butter. 100 cals and 10 gr protein. Not bad, but it saved my bacon on the plane! If you can carry a little insulated lunch bag...I HIGHLY recommend the Hormel Turkey Pepperoni. It travels real well and 17 slices and a cheese stick will give you abt 19 gr protein. A nice little meal on the go... Good luck,

I was banded August 25, 2010. I have had few issues with the band. My health issues are now taken care of (gall bladder surgery in October 2012). After 18 months of fighting with three drs. that kept telling me it was my band. I stood firm and did not listen to them but my stomach pain continued. After lots of tests, of which I am glad came out great, we found out in August 2012 from an urgent care dr. that it was my gall bladder. While all this was happening I gained back 10 lbs of the original 50 that I lost. I am now cleared to start exercising and I found this forum and joined today. Looks like there are alot of great help here. As I am going to reach out to them, you should do the same we can get help together. This forum is what I am going to learn from to use my band tool to the best of my ability. I am glad I was banded and have cut way back on my food intake because of it. I had my first fill 6 weeks after surgery and have had three before my problem started and just had another last month after I was cleared by my dr. Exercising has been a bad word for me but after reading stories it will become my friend.

I feel like we had the exact same psych eval. I went home from my appointment so bummed out. I was told I need to seek outpatient therapy for coping with anxiety, and to abstain from alcohol for at 3 months before they will revisit my case. I honestly drink a few drinks a couple times per YEAR, like on holidays like New Years and 4th of July., but my mother is also an alcoholic so that pretty much means I am too. I've also been diagnosed with GAD (general anxiety disorder) and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) well over 10 years ago, and have been medicated since. (Prozac only- no benzodiazepines)...now he tells me I'm bipolar according to my testing, and questions. So frustrating!! I totally understand what you are going through!

Hi. I have a few motivations: 1. To be healthy. When I started this journey in January I weighed 230. I had surgery on May 2nd. And I lost 20 lbs Preop and 10 lbs post op. 2. Family history. My father died at 55 after numerous heart attacks and stroke. He was seriously overweight. I don't want to be like my father. 3. My family. I have a very supportive and loving husband as well as 2 sons ages 3 & 4. I want to be around for them. 4. To do things I want to do. I have an aspiration to obtain my diving certification and dive in the caribbean. I want to go camping, hiking, bike riding with my family. I want to go sky diving with my sister-in-law.

My surgery is scheduled for 10/29 and I am feeling the same way. My pre-op diet starts on Monday and trying to figure out everything is getting very overwhelming. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

When first making the decision to open up to the tool of bariatric surgery I simply assumed that the sleeve would be the procedure that I preferred. This was due to having the full run of my plumbing and perceived ability to eat the foods I wanted, but restrict the amounts. Seemed simple. My younger sister had bypass 15 years ago and I just didn't think that "aggressive" a procedure would be needed for me. After all.....I've lost large amounts of weight in the past through diet and exercise....I just needed a little help......or so I was believing. My physician who was discussing this with me eased me into the conversation and led me to find my way to the surgeon I've selected. I've been to his group presentation.....the first required step. Even after listening to my sister and seeing her progress.......for 15 years......and for secretly thinking in some small way that she took the easy way out.........I didn't "get" it. That presentation really altered my thinking about restrictive and absorptive restriction. I realized in that group session my "hero" status as the big brother doing it on his own......over and over again......was a stupid cycle. I needed to get all the help available.....every tool in the toolbox to get the lifelong results I strived for. Dr Carlson addressed the full room and fielded every question asked. An hour went by....then more.......he'd long since made his informative presentation.....yet stayed to discuss our concerns. A lot of "ah-ha" moments were had. I heard the lady seated behind me speak to her friend, "The sleeve is what will work best for me". My wife, seated beside me, was quiet. She reserved her comments until much later when we were driving home. She proceeded carefully fearing that she knew my mind had already been made up on the sleeve. It was a relief to her when I acknowledged that I felt I needed the bypass.......like my brave little sister did so many years ago.....doing her own research.....as a young woman on her own.......when most folks hadn't heard of such. One of my issues is reoccurring reflux. Some nights it can be really bad. It subsided greatly once I completely cut out alcohol from my intake on April 2, 2015. Back in early April of this year I'd begun resuming the fight to loose my weight. I'd taken evaluation of my current state of living. I loved to grill out.........really loved it. It is therapeutic. I loved to crack open a cold beer and fire up the coals. More beer throughout the cooking and serving everyone had me relaxed and happy. After dinner, I'd normally get drowsy due to several beers......then it'd be time to hit a couple tequila shooters and another beer......or a rum & diet coke or two. I'd get my relaxed and happy state back. It was clear which non-essential calories to drop first......cut out the beer and liquor along with seriously revising the menu on my plate. Guess what.....these were the nights the reflux was bad. Drinking + spicy food (the only kind off my grill ) = reflux. I discussed this "revelation" with my wife. She pointed out a few times since when I'd complained of reflux....since I'd cut out alcohol. I realized she was right......it was still occurring but less often. I have decided that I'd prefer the bypass.......but don't even know yet if I'm approved for it. The waiting and suspense of insurance is driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong.....I'm glad the procedure isn't something as easy to get as a bad tattoo.......but I wish it was more straightforward from the insurance company standpoint. Down the road the results I get from the bariatric will certainly lessen the costs I'd otherwise pose to them, right ? Sorry for the rambling. I'm just eagerly impatient and ready to get this ball rolling in the direction that will lead to successful and long lasting health provided I continue to do my part. I'm checking stuff off the mandatory list at least.....and this website and the folks here are already helping me find answers to the tons of questions I have. My mandatory checklist: Attend the group session---done in early June. Meet with the bariatric program's & surgeon's nurse to review my case and 8 pages of medical Q&A i was to complete--done this past week. Meet with surgeon on official visit----scheduled for July 1. Meet with program's nutritional guru----first of the 6 visits is on July 7. This I understand will be the "start" date of the mandatory 6 month timeline to surgery. Meet with psyche guru----awaiting appointment scheduling now. Internal scope evaluation of stomach and other plumbing-------to be scheduled after visit with surgeon I still don't have any type of official indication that bypass is a covered procedure (United Healthcare). I don't know if I can hang on 6+ months before getting this latest umbilical hernia taken care of. I want to get on to eating the foods I'll be living by after the surgery......eat like I've had the surgery......begin accelerated weight loss now......not wait until the surgery. I just want to be sure that I can't lose "too much" on my own that the insurance balks and says, "No way buddy.....you got this.....do it yourself". I can do a lot off by myself.....but I fail to keep it off. I don't want to sabotage my chances for coverage. So many questions that I'm sure will be resolved and clear in the weeks ahead......it's just right now I want to get going with progress of some type......no matter if it's from bypass or from my jumping onboard with the new plan. The compelling reasons for the need to get going are probably no different than most other folks here: I'm having back spasms from reoccurring back injuries due to herniated T-12 vertebrae. Spine surgeon stated that bariatric surgeon can do more for my spine than he could with back surgery. Sounds legit. Umbilical hernia is driving me nuts. It's worsened when back goes out and my posture and such gets weird. Knees are shot....ortho doc says I need knee replacements sooner than later....he's saying 5 years tops.....plus hip, too. He also stated that 200 lbs off my frame would push those replacements back a long time. I already feel some benefit in my knees from the initial pounds coming off. Swelling in my ankles is greatly reduced. Sorry again for the rambling. I'm jittery after finishing up the last day of miracle steroids (4th round with them since April) on my back. The side effects are sleeplessness for me. I get jittery after the 6 day cycles. I'm hoping for a good long sleep later today....tonight. Aside from dropping the alcohol, fried food and reducing sugar & starch intake (doing these).........what can you advise me to do? What other dietary-related actions? Breakfast choices now are oatmeal (made with Water and small amount of salt) vs sausage biscuits and such. lunch & dinner has me eating lots of salads. Snacks are nuts, fruits like blueberries and apples and occasional whole grain toast with small amount of health choice butter substitute or Greek Yogurt. Drinking tons of water. 40oz of coffee every day during the first portion of the day......a lot, I know. I use nonfat creamer and Splenda or Equal (10 packs for 40oz coffee). I'm still having 2-3 20oz Diet Mt. Dew's every day. Sounds like a ton....but it's way down over the number I used to drink. I go to one a day on days off....but do poorly during workdays. No more drive thru's and only salads from fast food restaurants. What else should I be doing? Should I order the "Big Book on Bypass" and get started on it ??????? Stir crazy and tired of my 46 years of fat fighting. 5 years ago I burned off 120 and felt like a new man.......still have many of the 2X & 3X clothes. I saved most of them.....refusing to toss them due to that being symbolic of me throwing away my hope of wearing them again. I lost that weight.....but failed to keep it off. The brief period at that reduced weight was enough of a taste of healthier living that I have craved ever since. Virtually painfree and full of energy. Leaner.......able to wear my old high school letterman's jacket and button it up......too small still, but at least it would button up. Another 100 pounds off that and I feel like i'd be walking around feeling like a Gazillion dollar lottery winner. I may never get a winning lottery ticket.....but I'll be supremely happy to get 200 lbs off........and MAINTAIN that level. So ready to get this machine krunk up and in gear and burn some rubber down the track. This waiting is like sitting there with the engine revving up but the parking brake locked in place...........

Hi everyone, I had my gastric sleeve surgery on Monday dec 4. im 24, and I’m 5’5 my starting weight was 219.2, I am 5 days in and currently 207.6. Has anyone else got gastric sleeve surgery at around this weight? im kind of struggling. I’m confused by the diet and I think I’m not having enough fluids. My diet says to drink 3-5 oz every hour. And to includ Protein Shakes 2x a day. I haven’t been drinking enough fluids because my stomach starts to feel very fulll if I drink too fast. When did u start eating puréed food? ya diet plan says after 7 days to introduce puréed foods but I feel like my stomach will not be able to tolerate It. I’m also very worried about having loose skin. I’m hoping that my age will be on my side and my skin will be resilient but anyone that has had gastric sleeve at around my weight, what is your experience with loose skin? if anyone could comment on what a normal daily diet for them looks like I’d appreciate It example: 9-am 3 oz water 10 am 4 oz Protein shake 11 am 3 oz Water 12 pm 4 oz broth 1pm scrambled eggs

Hello everyone! I just recieved my card in the mail. It comes from the lapband company. Someone did day you should have recieved a packet with a temporary card and some 7-digit number on it....however, i never recieved that. On the lapband site, they list a number if you do not have the number or access to your surgeon. That's what i did..... All you have to do is call 1-800-lap-band and press option #6. They will ask you a few questions regarding your surgery. You have to know what size/type of band you have. I.e. Lapband ap, your surgeons name, city, date of surgery, your address and a few other ???. They tell you it will take a few days, i think 5-7 or 7-10 days to recieve your card. Mine took 3 days to come. Be sure all the info on the card is correct when it arrives. I had to order mine twice. It had a max fill amount listed that was incorrect. Mine is a 10cc band and it said max 4cc. Good luck and please order your cards today.... 1-800-lap-band option#6 have a great, banded day!!!

I am sorry that your feeling pain, but glad that your finding it tolerable. Congratulations on your surgery, and please let us know how your doing. Mine is on Thursday 5/19. Thanks, Sherry

I've had my band since 24 May 2010; lost 71 lbs. in 10 mos. It was the easiest weight loss I've done (& I've done them all) and KEEPING IT OFF IS THE EASIEST THING EVER!!! My lapband is the ABSOLUTE BEST thing ever ~ I swear by it!!! It is "an insurance policy" to be able to take/keep the weight off, but you still have to do your part. The first few months after you start ARE weird but, that's because you're learning a whole new way to eat and think about food. If your friends will support what you are doing, it will be MUCH easier. If you can find a weight loss surgery (esp. lapband) support group (yes, there are some ~ ask your lapband clinic), that might help, too. If you make sure the way you think/act about your band stays positive, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. It's a good thing that you want to lose your weight by the time your brother moves back from Japan. That will help you with what you're doing (yes, you should be able to lose at least quite a bit, if not all, of it). Once your brother sees you, you won't have to say anything! But, when you tell him about it, he should feel good that you're doing something so positive for yourself (seeing the results should convince him). By the time he does get back, the "lapband life" will be totally normal for you! The most important thing for you to remember is that if you have a question about anything concerning your band, ask the clinic that's doing it for you!!! That's their purpose in life! I haven't had any problems with my band that couldn't be "fixed" (remember to talk to your clinic and do what they tell you). Just BE READY FOR YOUR LIFE TO CHANGE (not in a bad way, just change) with your band. If the clinic you go to offers counseling to help you know what's going on and how to handle it (maybe how to tell others, too), USE IT!!!! If other people have trouble understanding/dealing with your lapband, that's their problem. Do not allow anyone (even your brother) to affect what is right FOR YOU!!! (may take some time/work to adopt that attitude but, it will help you succeed with this ~ I promise). GOOD LUCK!!!!!

A couple things. 1) As far as I know you can only change your profile stats from the web application (not the app). To do so is Under your profile (Link). This is where you can update for your surgery and add your weights if you choose. 2) I believe the newbie stat (and all those stats) are a function of how many posts you have made (I think it changes at 10 posts)

Every 10 pounds I buy a sack of flour and set it in a stack next to fridge. I'm 2 bags in since surgery (Sept 27) Good motivator when I want to open fridge for a unnecessary bite! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Bunz --- I'll be banded July 21 also at 10:30 AM. Be sure and keep posting, let us know how you are doing. I've already started using my magic bullet and really nice. So easy to clean up. Don't forget to take a pillow to hosp for the ride home.

Hi Sherri, I'm sorry you're feeling so lonely. I know how bad that hurts. You're husband is our hero too!!!! I was curious by what you meant you were realized on July 14th? By my best guess since you're on this website is that you're overweight? Well if that's the case, you're in the right spot. The Lap band has changed my life. I started at 237 when I had the surgery (260 Highest) and now I am down to 179. This has not been the easiest journey for me, but nonetheless, I would do it again. I have never possesed the willpower do get this weight off. The band helps me stay in check. God bless you and your husband. I want you to know the two of you will be in my thoughts. Take care and I hope to see you again. Cindy BTW surgery was 10 months ago 9/25/07

What surgery are you having? Recovery times should have been discussed with you at some point. Depending on the surgery, and your work requirements you could go back in a few weeks. But standing for long periods of time leaving over people might not feel all that great. And most are told not to lift anything over 10 lbs or so for upwards of 6 weeks.

I think its all a bit individual but I'm typing this from my desk at work on day 6. I'm a family doctor and have managed to sit through a three hour session dealing with about twenty patients without any major problems. (phew !! .... touching wood as he types !!) I think you should be fine to return to studies by day 10. If watery stools are a problem then taking some medicine that you can buy over the counter in a pharmacy should resolve things. Good luck Gordon

Today when I weighted in I had to triple check to make sure I was seeing correctly. I lost 10 lbs this past week which puts me at exactly 100lbs less than I was 15 weeks ago today, my day of surgery. Holy crap was I excited to see that number. I had in the back of my mind been hoping to 100lbs lost post op by 4 months out which would be next Monday. Wow what a great day.! Next mini goal now is only 6lbs away and I'm now only 30lbs heavier than my lightest weight in 10 +/- years. Total lost since initial consultation Nov 23, 2010 is now 136lbs. I praise God for this opportunity.

i got banded by Dr. C on 04/21/08 and i'm heading down for my first fill on 05/19/08!

I'm fitting in the surgery during a 10 day window between semesters at school (I recently returned to work toward a degree in nursing). Am I kidding myself in thinking that I'll be able to sit for 3hr classes Mon-Thurs 10 days after surgery? Technically, I guess I can skip this summer session and give myself a six week reprieve to heal. Though, I kind of hate to lose that time in getting the credits I need. I think I'm probably most worried about the whole 'liquids in/liquids out' scenario more than anything else. Any insight, experience would be most helpful/appreciated. Thanks! -m

Oh my, Dawn! I can't imagine five years of it! I had my band removed on July 7th, when it got to the point that even sips of Water was causing excruciating pain. It was removed on a semi-emergent basis. I didn't have time to research the sleeve, and not sure i would have opted for that anyway. I have never been in such hell as I was the last two weeks. I had the band in for nine weeks, with perhaps six days of what a "normal" banded person probably feels like. I got a nasty postop wound infection after the removal surgery, so I was down for about 10 days following that. Since I've healed completely, there were a few days in the beginning where I would have spasms at least once a day, but thankfully, that has abated. On the down side to that, of course my appetite has returned, and that totally blows. I gained 5 lb back... but I knew I would, since I had been living on tiny sips of water and a few sips of Protein drink for 2-3 weeks prior to removal. Common sense told me that I would gain some when I was able to eat again, especially not being able to exercise. I lost 3 of those lbs already, but had a terribly, horrible weekend, and it looks like I've gained those 3 lbs back. So.. it's back to square one. I was down 52 lbs the day of band removal. I needed to lose 90 lb. So I'm still in an okay place... just SOOOO relieved to have that thing out of me. Can't say i totally regret it, because i believe it "jump started" me, and I've lost enough weight that I think I can keep going. Just gotta watch those weekend pig-fests. I sure hope you can get straightened out. A friend of mine has done lots of research on the sleeve, and I think she wants to convert. If you've done your homework and are sure that's what you want, then get that band out of you. It makes no sense that it can work properly when it is misplaced. I never even had a pouch... and had full restriction from day ONE!!! So my poor esophagus is trying to push food through this restricted area, and it's not going through... so my esophagus starts spazzin out... no dang wonder I felt so bad. I know there are lots of people with great results with the band, and I'm truly happy for them. I would just have to say it works for some and for some it doesn't. I was one of the unlucky ones, and it sure sounds like you are too. Get that thing out!! How horrible that you are suffering so and now are gaining weight! I'd get it taken out for that reason alone! Good luck to you. Let me know what you decide and how you are doing! CathyB

hello folks! my husband and i will be traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia soon to meet the baby girl we are adopting. my doctor and i are considering unfilling my band for the trip for a couple of reasons...1.) the high possibility of getting sick and throwing up, which could cause a slip. 2.) medical professionals there have no idea what to do with the band, so if i were to having problems, i'd be out of luck with getting help. has anyone else done this while traveling? does the hunger come of fast? i have 6 cc in a 10 cc band and have lost just over 80 lbs. i'm scared of gaining weight, but near as scared as what could happen in Ethiopia with my band if i got sick. any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the food tips I would of never thought of adding favoring to my liquid drinks. Now I won't be making those messed up face as I try and force the drink down .You asked how I feel well I can't even find the right words ,but excited and scared do come to mind .I have never been so nervous in my life and I've had plenty of surgeries. This one is so different because someday in the near future I'm going to wake up to seeing someone I don't know . That really freaks me out in a way ,but I look forward to that . Make sense ? I can't believe you've already lost 10 pounds your doing so good you should be so proud of yourself .Now I gotta get my butt in gear I really should walk ,but my knees are so bad and with this cold air here in New York that's not likely to happen .I have had surgery on my right knee twice so far and the last one really made me worst then ever . I know once the weigh comes off I'll be walking like a normal person again. I had lost 98 pounds in the pass with Weight Watches only to gain it back in a year (after the second surgery). I was in so much pain I was crying all the time ,but when I had lost all that weight walking was no problem . I was a manger of a hotel chain Best Western,then the knee surgery put me out of work and I just could not stand on my legs all day . Now I'm a stay at home house wife .(not for long I hope ) I miss the people and the excitement hell I miss my fat pay check . I say let my new life begin now!!! I'll be here if you ever won't to talk ,and keep me updated talk with you soon .

PS You should not drink Water or anything with your meals, you should wait at least 1/2 hour after eating to drink anything. Drink a hot beverage, like hot decaff tea before dinner (that curbs the appetite) of course do not drink with your meals. Also, chew each bite at least 20 times. Set your fork down in between. I lost 10 pounds a month each month pre-surgery. Basically I lost 70 pounds before I had surgery.