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hi, my name is melanie. i am 26 years old, about 125kg (275 pounds), 5 8" and have a bmi of about 39. i have had depression from an attempted rape 2 years ago and am on 37.5mg of exeflor xr, down from 150mg. i have polysistic ovarian syndrome, very erratic periods, 4+ miscarriages, sleep apnoea, and am pre diabetic. i have had 4+ misscarriages in the last two years and my periods can be up to 10 months late. right now i am almost 2 months late and am not pregnant. i have just kept putting on weight since i started my periods at age 14 and havent stopped. i have gone from from a size 12 to a 22/24. i have tried the gym, weight loss shakes, weight watchers, daily excercise, excercise buddies, diet meals and more and just havent been able to shift the weight. the most i have been able to loose is about 10 kilos and that is it. i want to be healthy, be around for my adopted kids and live a long and healthy life with my family. i dont want to get diabetes or any other health conditons that will shorten my life and not give me quality of life. my husband also has a brain tumor and leukemia and we want so desperatly to have a child. we can still concieve naturally in spite of the cancer - well except for the fact that my body wont. your stories have given me much comfort that even if i do not end up having a child, if i can loose all this weight, i will be able to live a long and healthy life with my family and be able to watch my kids grow up. melanie

Hello everyone: I have been searching these forums for some advice. Just quick I will rewind and give all of you my history. I am 30 i am recently remarried and we want to have kids. I was Dx with PCOS about 10 years ago from my GYNO never really treated my just told me i needed to lose weight( always around 200's). When i was 18 I had a successful pregancy and now he 12. I never thought he would have been and only child. Sorry I am rambaling. Ok now more present time over the last 2 years we tried to concieve but nothing. I did Metformin, clomid, synthroid and even tried femara but nothing. I only had 1 period naturally. So we decided that weight loss was going to be my only hope. I had LapBand 04/2010 i am almost 3 months post op and still no Aunt Flow. HELP?? I have had breast tenderness like crazy but no AF. I am not on BC because it makes me sick but we are protecting against pregancy at least for this year. So I guess I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a chance that I will resume normal cycles. Should I we an RE now or wait my year? If any one has any advice i would appericate it!!

I'm in much the same place - lost 110 lbs on WW, maintained it for 18 months, and then gained almost all of it back. My right knee is bone on bone and walking is very hard. My lapband is scheduled for 10/29 and the exercise worries me, too. Starting little with short slower walks will help build up the muscles and as the weight comes off, I know I can do more. Do you have access to a pool? Water aerobics or even just pool walking will help without pain. I've lost 35 lbs in the last 5 months on WW and I do feel better going into WLS. I have more discipline, have already eliminated a lot of "bad" food, and know that my knee already feels better having gotten rid of that much - more will be better and easier! Good luck. Let's stay in touch.

I do the following daily and love it! Champion chocolate Pure whey stack (1 scoop = 130 calories/23 g protein) 1/3 small banana (30 calories) PB2 (powdered peanut butter) 1 TBS = 27 calories/2 gr. protein) 10 ozs. Water 4 ice cubes I put it in my bullet and is it REALLY good. The total nutritionals look like this: 187 calories/4 g fat/14 g carbs/6g sugar/25 g Protein I also will sometimes use a vanilla Protein powder mixed w/ 1 TBS of sf pudding mix (flavor of your choice - I like butterscotch) and water/ice - also very good.

I have been in that boat too lately. Plateau that is! I think exercise has helped me. I really haven't done much exercise since my surgery. Have been bike riding and getting on the treadmill lately, and it has helped. I have lost 5 more lbs the last 10 days. I think I may need a fill just because I think I want more restriction. I have a little under 40 lbs to lose, and if I have to suffer a little, it will be all worth it. I have been debating..... my dr. comes back from vacation next week. I may call him. I wouldn't get rid of the Diet Coke if you love it. Maybe buy those little half size cans so you can still enjoy it. I am the type that has to have a root beer or dr. pepper several times a week. I just buy the small ones because it satisfies me and I drink less. Just a few thoughts!

glynda.... Look for wasabubblebutt, she went to him about a year ago and is doing fantastic... she met her goal weight in 10 months and goes back to him for her fills.... Good luck to you.....

Have you talked to your Primary Care Doc or whoever is helping you manage your diabetes? I know in the Info. Meeting I went to they said that Gastric Bypass is much more effective with Type 2 Diab. I think there probably is better results with GB, but that is because in addition to the restriction you get (like the band) you also don't absorb the fat and calories like you used to , which can be good and bad. What is your BMI? If you have a BMI over 35 with the diabetes you qualify with most insurers, but I know nothing about Medicare. Can you call them yourself and find out? Check out the Insurance section of this site and see what other Medicare users have experienced. Look online and see if you can find their policy. And talk directly with the person that deals with insurance at the office you are going to and see what they say. They are old hat at this and should be able to really help you with the process. With any bariatric procedure you are going to get out of it what you put into it. That 50% loss is an AVERAGE. Some lose less, and some lose more! So for those that only lose 10% there are also those that lose 100%. What are YOU willing to put into this to make it work? The lap band is just a tool to help you out. But if you aren't willing to do the work of changing your eating habits and exercising regularly then it won't work and you will be right where you are now, but with a bunch of scars and a useless medical device in your body. Keep us updated on what you find out.

Ok...here goes: My sleep study: I arrived at the center at about 7pm. After cleaning my skin in different places with alcohol and pumice, the "sleep technician" hooked me up to a lot of electrodes (a couple on each leg, a band around my stomach and chest, several electrodes stuck to my chin and around my eyes and about 6 stuck to my head). The electrodes were connected to wires that were hooked up to a monitor. At about 10:30, I went to bed. There's a video camera in the room watching your every move and you are wired for sound (they want to see if you're snooring!) I got up at 5am, they disconnected my wires, I took a shower and went home... The psych eval was easy! First I took a written test of about 120 questions. I just had to answer True False or SOmetimes...they were questions like..."do you ever think of killing yourself?", "Have you ever taken someone elses medications?" Stuff like that. Then I sat and spoke with the psychologist for about 1 1/2 hours. She asked about my weight loss efforts, my family life growing up and about my family situation now. She also asked about my support at home, etc. I hope this helps! If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to try to answer! Marsha

I have two other very normal daughters, five normal grandchildren, 4 normal great grandchildren . . . One daughter and I are the only overweights out of the whole family-- plus our husbands are all very slim. Mine, in particular, eats carbs like you would not believe, (I make him buy them and stash them himself!) but has weighed 180-190 at 6'1" for twenty years. So it is not that we cook ourselves fat or everyone else would be too! Just she and have a weight problem and I started her off with Weight Watchers with me when she was 10. We both eat no JUNK, no desserts and no fried and basically low carb it and have for years-still we are both big. She has not had any luck with two insurance companies and has been trying for two years to get approved. I feel a little guilty that mine came through so easily! She was supposed to go first and I was supposed to cheer her on!

I am 17 months post-op on RNY. I lost 20 pounds pre-op and 80 pounds post-op. This occurred during the first 7 months. Then I went into a maintenance mode where I stayed within 2 pounds of my lower weight. A couple months ago I contracted a stomach flu and lost another 10 pounds and decided to maintain my weight at this newest level. I am 150 pounds. I weigh myself each morning when I get up with an accurate scale good to 0.2 pounds. I am led to believe that at about the year and a half mark, my stomach will heal. As it heals the stomach will begin to absorb 100% of the calories instead of 70%. This is just what I have heard and since I have not reached a year and a half, I cannot say this from first hand experience. This could present a problem. In the maintenance phase, one can eat within a range (for me this is 1000-1500) calories per day and not gain weight. I generally consume on the high end of this range. I am happy. But if my body becomes more efficient, it might mean that I will have to drop my calorie intake down significantly in order to maintain my weight.

This argument has merit. As someone who knows the people who first researched and discovered the connection between Ghrelin and being fat, I also learned a lot over the years about the GI microbiome. The thing is, there are about 100 trillion bacteria in the gut, but only 10 trillion cells in your entire body. Do we really think that giant colony of bacteria aren't doing anything important? Some research suggests that specific types of Fiber (for example,) might help alter the microbiome of our colon. By doing so, it might help people become more or less thin. I think this will be an exciting area of research moving forward, and I think there will be many interesting discoveries down the road.

I am a band to sleeve revision also. Had the band out in Oct after having it for 10 years, and am scheduled for my sleeve Jan 13th. I feel the exact same way that you do. What if THIS doesn't work either? I am self pay, so have invested a lot, first in the band, and now the sleeve. I have looked at bypass and even sleeve with Duodenal switch. This last option is the "fail" safe one, but also the highest risk and long term issues with mal-absorption. I think I am going to be ok after sleeve. I know there are ways to "eat around it" but I am determined not to get in that rut, and am also hoping the surgery does away with the hunger issues as it's supposed to. Good luck with your journey.

I bought some 2.5 oz jars of the baby food meat. I haven't tried as surgery isn't until 5/21. The small jar has 8-10 protein.

Newgrandmother...glad to hear you are OK, although it sounds like a rough experience. I think we were sleeved the same day (9/10) and I am feeling a tiny better each day but knw that there can still be some complications. Hopefully being at home and getting a good nights sleep will be a big step. Keep us posted!

Wow, I was banded on 01-07-08 too and have only lost 10 lbs! well, dont i feel like a pig! 34lbs!! that is amazing! good for you! I dont know how you do 1000 cal a day though. I have been eating out and although I only eat half of the portion, obviously there are a lot of calories in what I am eating. I have changed my eating habits and am going to be changing up my exercise routine and see if that helps. doc says that 1-2 lbs is what he wants me to lose. my BMI was 38 to start. I have lost inches though from all the walking. My goal is another 10 lbs by mothers day........i can do it!

How many have you tried? I had to try at least 10 before I found some I could stomach--most are quite vile but I found chocolate Premier Protein ready-to-drink at Costco and I can get them down. Chike makes really good-tasting ones, too, and they have a sampler pack so that you can try the flavors. Nectar makes fruit-flavored ones that some people like.

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1, Date of banding. May 9, 2006 2, Weight/BMI on date of banding. I think it was like 48.6, weight was 331 pounds 3, What band do you have. Swedish 9cc Midband 9cc Vanguard Lap Band 4cc or 10cc :biggrin1: 10cc Heliogast 7cc or 9cc A,M,I soft band 7cc or 9cc 4, What was you own person reason for WLS Cosmetic :biggrin1: To look better and not feel like everyone is staring at the fat guy Health To lower my blood sugar and blood pressure. Both were high and doctor wanted to put me on meds for both 5, Why the band and not Bypass or DS. Safer, wife was not supportive of RNY 6, What were you’re expectations about the band. After much research and doctors advise, I knew I would have to work hard. This is a tool and not a magic potion to loose weight 7, What were you’re expectations about the impact weight loss might have on you’re life. Longer and happier life 8, What is you own personal target weight/BMI. 170 pounds 9, What is the realistic target/expected weight loss/BMI. 160 pounds 10, How much was you’re band and how did you fund it. Insurance :biggrin1: - about $500 out of pocket Re-Mortgage Loan NHS (uk patients) Savings 11, Do you consider the cost of your band justified or expensive. Yes, much cheaper than a lifetime of taking medication for health problems, not to mention doctor's visits and possibly hospital stays. Also much less likely to have to have joint replacement because of the reduced weight 12, How many fill’s/unfill’s have you had. 4 fills, 5cc I beleive 13, How did you have you’re fill’s Blind 3 fill's 2 unfill's Under x-ray all 4 done under flouro 14, How much are you’re fill’s $15 co-pay through insurance 15, Does your surgeon do your fill’s or a fill provider. Surgeon or Physicians assistand done at his office 16, If you travelled for your band why did you travel. N/A17, Did you experience any complications/Difficulties. No 18. When did the problems begin. N/A19, what problems did you experience were they resolved and how was they resolved. N/A 20. Would you be banded again or chose another op. In a heartbeat. Best thing I have ever done. I feel like the band has saved my life or at the very least made it worth living.

I had my first fill on 7/19 and have been on liquids since. Tomorrow I get to start soft food and was wondering if low carb tortilla wraps are considered soft? I'm not sure and don't want to mess anything up. I know people have trouble with it, but figure I won't know till I try. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Hi Everyone, My name is Gina. I just joined this forum last week. I came across it by accident actually. I was researching information on the Sleeve procedure and I bumped into this wonderful forum. I've been hesitant to post anything because I am just learning about the procedure and diets, etc. But, I wanted to introduce myself. I am 33 years old. I just started my 2 week pre-op diet today. I'll be having surgery on 12/20/10. This forum has been a tremendous help on what to expect and how to prepare for this upcoming event! Surprisingly, I'm not really scared, I'm excited, I can't wait to start this journey, although it won't be an easy one. Has anyone ever had the VSG and had a filter inserted for DVT? I have history of blood clots and have been on Coumadin for over a year, but, my surgeon is going to have my Vascular surgeon come in and implant the filter to avoid the blood clots. I'm pretty sure I'll have more questions coming up, but, I just wanted to introduce myself. Gina

I have been battling synovitis of my knee since one week post op. Normal course of treatment is oral steroids and NSAIDS. My surgeon said no to every anti inflammatory med. I waited until week 6, when he was finally ok with a cortisone injection. He felt very strongly about the increased risk of a GI bleed with the new sleeve. I'm now 10 weeks out and still have swelling, just doing PT now. I've really missed my Motrin!

Per the CDC Bmi calculator you can get a range. You have to decide where you are most comfortable as long as it is healthy. <TABLE borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=760 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=14></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left width=544 height="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=544 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=544><TABLE borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=PageHeading>BMI — Body Mass Index: Adult BMI Calculator: Results</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width="100%" border=0><TBODY></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE class=boxBackground style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#cecfb5 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="90%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD scope=col align=middle width="100%" bgColor=#ffcc99><TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="50%">For the information you entered: </TD><TD width="50%"> </SPAN>Calculate again: English | Metric </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD scope=row bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE id=AutoNumber3 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="50%"><SCRIPT language=javascript> var inches = delineate2(text) var inches = inches - 0; // an arithmetic operation converts string to numeric var pounds = delineate(text); var pounds = pounds - 0; // an arithmetic operation converts string to numeric var bmi = Math.round(pounds * 703 * 10 / inches / inches) / 10; var feet = parseInt(inches / 12); var inches = inches % 12; var inches = Math.round(inches*100)/100; //rounds off long javascript decimals document.write('Height: ' + feet + ' feet, ' + inches + ' inches '); document.write('Weight: ' + pounds + ' pounds '); document.write('Your BMI is ' + bmi + ', '); </SCRIPT>Height: 5 feet, 0 inches Weight: 125 pounds Your BMI is 24.4, indicating your weight is within the normal range for adults of your height. Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with overweight and obesity. For information about the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity in maintaining a healthy weight, visit Tips for Adults on Achieving a Healthy Weight. </TD><TD width="50%"> <TABLE class=boxBackground style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#cecfb5 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD class=psmall scope=col align=middle bgColor=#ffcc99>BMI</TD><TD class=psmall scope=col align=middle bgColor=#ffcc99>Weight Status</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Below 18.5</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Underweight</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>18.5–24.9</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Normal</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff> 25.0–29.9</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Overweight</TD></TR><TR><TD class=psmall scope=row align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>30.0 and Above</TD><TD class=psmall align=middle bgColor=#ffffff>Obese</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I had my surgery on 8/28/06. I know that I don’t and won’t have any restriction until my first fill. But right now I am eating just as I normally would pre-surgery, which is NOT healthy eating at ALL. And Ive gained back the 10 lbs I lost in the liquid phase. I’ve had no vomiting or uncomfortable feelings at all. (Which I kind of wish I had so that I could stop eating) How much of a difference does a filled band make verses an unfilled band? I understand that its not a cake walk but it has to be easier than this or I would have just dieted without the band to lose weight. It certainly would have been cheaper. I’m really starting to wonder if they even put a band in there, lol. I am really disappointed in myself but am mainly curious to know if this eating like this now could cause some type of problem when I actually get the fill. Am I setting myself up for failure? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> I guess what I am really asking is, how many of you pigged out when you found that solid foods were okay? And was it easier when your band was filled? Am I abnormal? I’m really depressed about this, no more’Yay, happy I’m going to lose weight’ feeling. HHHEEELLPPP

I lost quickly at first, gradually slowed down after a year - now at 14 months I'm still losing but the plateau's are longer. However....I have average 10 pounds a months over the entire period and I'm still losing. Don't fret over the plateau's ....they just happen....doesn't mean it the weight loss has ended!!

I am sure I do not stand alone when I say to you, we are here for you! It wasn't always this way, I didn't used to have a supportive husband. In fact I come from a 10 year marriage where support was the last thing I would expect. My oldest three children are from my first husband, he was a drunk and drug abuser. My oldest son, the one I speak of in this blog was my ex husbands biggest fan. How heart breaking when he found out the truth and still to this day finds out more and more. I am going to add you as a friend... there is much much more to my story that I haven't even gotten to touch yet in my blogs and I think... well I hope you may benefit from it. Please, any time you need someone to vent to, to listen to you, someone who wont judge, someone for support... call on me!