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Follow weight watchers basically same as enjoythetime does. It worked great for both of us.

Now that I am "approved" for surgery and this is becoming a reality, I figured NOW is the time to post my story so far. I am 49, 5'7 and 235 at my highest weight. (Can't believe I actually wrote that down for public consumption!) That made me a BMI of 36.8. I had considered weight loss surgery off and on throughout the years of yo-yo dieting. My last good weight loss was about 30 pounds back in 2009 and I was lighter then. So that means I have put on about 40 pounds in four years. (Less than a pound a month, not too bad, right??!! Ha!) I have some lung problems, high blood pressure (if you would only lose weight, you wouldn't have to take these pills anymore....) and hypothyroidism. Too much for someone my age I decided and started considering the lap-band. I am a nurse and considered that to be "least invasive" and "easiest" to have done surgically. On November 28, 2012, I signed the hubby and I up for an informational seminar. While hubby wasn't interested (I'm hoping to change that), I listened to the doctor present the band, sleeve and RNY options. To his credit, he didn't try to sway anyone to any one procedure, but I had changed my thinking from lap-band to sleeve. I submitted my "insurance verification" form and left. In lateDecember/early January, I was contacted by the doctor's office and told that my insurance (CIGNA) did provide WLS benefits. I had started a post-holiday "kind of" diet about mid-January with Weight Watchers. I saw my surgeon for the first time on January 28, 2013. We discussed all the usual things and agreed that the sleeve was a good procedure for me. My only beef with the process was that the coordinator told me "All your insurance needs is the evaluation and 3 months of diet history. Just print out Weight Watchers and it will be ok." More on that in a minute.... From there, I had: EGD (endoscopy) on 2-4 and found to have a small hiatal hernia. Psych eval and nutrition eval on 2-13. In the mean time, I had researched CIGNA's bariatric policy and found out that I needed a lot more than "Just 3 months of Weight Watcher history." Rather than chance it, I went and got clearance from my PMD and met with a nutritionist for 3 months of a supervised diet. (2-20, 3-16 and 4-20...boy am I glad I started that "kind of diet" back in January!) Am now at 222 (fluctuating pounds.) My coordinator submitted my packet on about May 10th with a comment of "everything looks great...should be no problem." On May 17th, I was notified of denial...based on two points. My physician had failed to state that he BOTH recommended me for the surgery AND cleared me (he only recommended me....despite the fact I had asked him to do both.) The nutritionist did a summary report that detailed all three visits, with all of the components required, but CIGNA wanted it in three separate notes. At least it wasnt because of medical criteria! So...my coordinator got all that together and on May 21st, she submitted again, stating it could take up to 90 days, but probably not that long. The waiting is the hardest part!!! Well, today I got the news I was waiting for...APPROVED! It took 7 business days for the appeal. Now we are in fast-forward mode: 6-10: Pre-op meeting with surgeon to sign consents, etc... 6-15: Start of pre-op diet! (Not looking forward to it....) 6-17: Pre-op lab/x-ray work at hospital 6-25: Surgery I travel for my work (I am a healthcare consultant) and will be out of town three weeks between now and then, so it will fly by! I am so excited. I think now that it's a reality, my husband is concerned. I got the "If it makes you happy, it makes me happy" but I am not convinced. I know he is supportive of my decisions, but probably a bit insecure at the same time. food has always been a big part of our life and I have been slowly withdrawing from that over the last few months. Thanks for listening! I am so darn excited I just needed to share it with someone. I have told very few people. I will update after the surgery.

I had my surgery 4-19-08; have lost 43 pounds; am struggling right now with keeping food down and same as you just seem to handle the chicken salad better than anything. Eggs come right back up no matter how they are cooked or made. I have a sinus infection right now, tons of drainage and we think that is what is making everything come right back up - not being gross - but mucus looks to be the main thing coming up in huge bulk amounts. Sorry to be gross. Also, I am battling an issue of needing root canal and the pain is awful, so the pain meds are not helpful to eating right. I am just stuck and so down mentally. My weight loss has been on stand-still mode and now these issues don't help. I love my smoothies more than anything but was told to get more food down as my body is in starvation mode. Anyone else going through anything like this?

i think i t all depends on how quickly you gain proper restriction. im a little over 5 months out and have lost all but 15 pounds of my weight. but everyones band and body are different. there are people who get it after only a fill or two and others it takes a while for. but just because it takes you awhile to gain restriction dosent mean it wont happen. just ask restlessmonkey, it took her a long time to get to the right spot but she toughed it out and is now doing extremey well with her band. there can be a lot of trial and error involved in gaining restriction.( a definite drawback of the band) it also requires al ot of follow up care for fills. if thats something you are gonna have a hard time you might wanna weigh your other options before making a final surgery decision. good luck

That is natural as I was the same way @@shermcky but after the pain, when you are on your feet,it's so worth it the results are wonderful. Now I have people telling me to stop losing weight when I am 30 lbs away from my goal.???? Good luck to the New U!

Thank you for the great responses. Logging may be in my future if I find that I am not loosing without it. I've done it before, but I love to cook and mix things and it becomes very difficult to try to figure out things that aren't listed, or things with multiple ingredients that I didn't weigh first. I just went over my monthly weight loss from November, December and January, 8, 3 and 6 respectively. And 2 this morning. I agree about the consistency of workouts and meditation also. I think slowing down and focusing on our next steps is helpful. Will keep these tips in mind. Thanks again

March 16, 2008 Today has been a long day. We celebrated with a Family and Friends' Day at church and what a time! There were so many people present that it was absolutely amazing. You know, it's so easy to trust God in most areas of my life, but for some reason, it's difficult to know what to do about my weight issues. Tomorrow starts my spring break...YEAH! I am so excited that I will be able to get some much needed rest. It's also going to be a good time to refocus on my weight loss goals. I normally weigh everyday, but I haven't for the past couple of days because of my TOM. My goal this week is to refocus and recommit to my health! I am on my way...

I'm now 5 day spost op and am still feeling quite weak and shaky. Just taking a shower and doing my makeup exhausts me. Is this normal? How long does this last? I want to start doing things again but just dont' have the energy. I'm drinking 2 protein shakes a day and eating my cream of wheat twice a day. I am losing weight and am happy with that but gee, I'd like some energy as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :rolleyes2:

Hi , I was coverted at my goal weight to fix GERD. So far it has been resolved from conversion from VSG to RNY. You *can* maintain if you work at it. But above all resolving the medical issues in play was invaluable. Speak with your surgeon to come up with a plan! Good Luck 💚

Hello All Surgical Weight Loss Clinic patients, Our Mississauga and Area Peer Support Group meetings have started up again. Our next meeting is Thursday Sept 16th. For furture details check out the clinics message board or contact me. Hope to see you there.

I actually have lost some weight like 4lbs during my pre-opt diet. The problem is It has been 6 or 7 months since my consult. During this time I had summer vaccations and I gained 5 or 6lbs. Now I think I am one or two lbs more than I was at consult. My BMI according to an internet site is 36.3. I am really stressing about my apt tommarow. I know it is my fault, I should have been more carful during summer. But since then I have gotten my head and habits in the right place.

Thanks. I'm glad to know I'm not alone in this situation exactly. I'm literally obsessed with the scale. I think I'm honestly stepping on it at least 4 to 5 times a day. I'm so scared of gaining anything. I actually had a dream last night that I stretched out my stomach already some how. Sent from my Pixel using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you guys so much!! Peach, I've been doing the lowered carbs and following the nutritionist's suggestions for the past 6 months that I had to do a weight management class. The water thing will be a big change for me in a lot of ways because I'm a big water drinker but I can gulp it down like nobody's business lol I'm trying to practice sipping so I'm gunna try to practice the none during or right after the meal, thanks!

I hear ya. I had a small unfill back in May or June? I still lost about 10 more lbs after the unfill but now I'm starving all the time. I think I'll go in in January for a small fill. I'm not gaining but this is like I was a year ago. I ate a small pizza last night. Not a hint of restriction. Gotta love these little detours eh? tmf

I gained 10lbs from the day of my consult, this is my third day of my 3 day clear liquid diet and my surgery is tom. when i went to my pre-op they didnt even weigh me...so who knows! every doc is different, but I wouldnt think it was a big deal. Good luck!

I've have long had a sports car of some sort (MR2, Z4's and the like - I topped out at 335lb 13-14 years ago) so my girth never entirely excluded me from those (your height may do as much as girth though!) but my preferences haven't really changed much. Surgery has offered more opportunity for occasional interesting diversions like a Formula Ford (those little skinny-assed open wheel cars) and a NASCAR stocker (the kind with no doors where you have to climb in thru the window...) My old M3 track toy was accommodating enough for my former size, but now I have proper skinny-assed racing seats in it so I dont go sliding around inside it. On a semi-related topic of travel preferences - airline travel isn't nearly the issue that it used to be (though, again, your height may make it so irrespective weight considerations,)

Hello to everyone on this journey! I have read many stories here and I am very hopeful now in my journey. I had my first meeting with the caseworker and nutritonist today. I have my first meeting with Dr. Metz on Sept 19th. I was very down after my meeting today because the nutritionist said that very few lapband diabetics get off insulin and meds. I want to lose weight but I really want to get my diabetes under control and off meds if possible. After reading the stories here, I am more sure I want the band instead ob bypass which is what she stated is best for diabetics. I have DM2, hypertension, fibromyalgia, exercise indused asthma, and a BMI near 40. I have a Vitamix ordered and am looking forward to experimenting with it before my surgery. I hope to have some good high Protein recipes ready to use after my banding. I will share anything that is good in a Vitamix topic. I live alone except for my 2 dogs so I hope this site/forum will help me saty the coarse. I have had laprascopic surgery when I had my appendix out in March 2008. I was emergent surgery. The MD ordered Torodal IV post-op and as I am an ICU RN I know all about this med. I have given it often but I was amazed at how well it helped with the pain. I got 2 doses and the 2nd dose was given right before they pulled my IV for me to go home. I plan fo asking Dr. Metz for this med post-op. One important issue with this med is good renal function which thankfully I have. FYI - Torodal helps with the inflammatory reaction to surgery. It can best be described as juiced up Ibuprofen IV. I am not an exercise person due to my fibromyalgia. My pain is centered in my hips and even walking hurts. I am really trying to fight through this as I know exercise will help in this journey. I actually to a long 45 min/2 mile walk this afternoon. Yeah me! I look forward to meeting all of you as we travel this journey together. We may be at different places along the path but we are all on the same journey to good health and happiness. May God bless each and everyone as we travel the hills and valleys I am sure we all will face during the life long journey.

Also just wanted to add give it some time- I always feel tighter the morning after and even a few days after then when I had my fill... took me 4 fills to get to feeling green zone and now I'm here but my weight seems to have stalled for now but I'm not giving up - hope you won't either!! Best of luck to you.

Wow congrats on the weight loss that is great. My sis n law actually turned me on to this site. She is doing the sleeve I'm dong bypass. So we are doung this together. But its great to have people who have actually done it to talk to. Thanks

I moved back in with my parents after my divorce. My mom asks me daily if I lost any weight and she totally cannot understand the concept of a stall. I just finished my first stall which lasted for 2.5 weeks. The entire time she made suggestions daily, maybe I'm eating too much, maybe I need to take a water pill, maybe I need to call the doctor and tell him I've stopped losing, maybe I need to exercise more. The list goes on and on. Here I was trying to " embrace the stall" and she was making me nuts about it. I started telling her now mom Google this and research before you give me suggestions about something you know nothing about. Boggled my mind though, she just couldn't get it through her head that I actually wasn't doing anything wrong.

Anybody got that family member thats still giving you advice on how to lose weight after surgery and what they and other people are doing; and then buys the Protein shakes you have as a "meal replacement" for themselves, but doesn't change a thing about their diet. Also, they don't usually cook, but now all of a sudden your kitchen has become an all you can eat buffet. *rolling eyes! Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

I've said before that I'm not great with numbers so if I'm a bit off from previous posts, please forgive me. I'm not trying to revise history, just not that observant on numbers. But I'm just now starting my 2nd year in this life and thought I'd share the markers. In mid-October 2010 I started my pre-op diet. I think was was right about 326. Strict program requires loss prior to surgery. In mid-April I started my pre-diet liquid fast. I was at 309. I was 100% faithful and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. 10 day fast and I ever skipped two packets. I think my mind was on the future by that time but I was also going a bit numb. I knew I had to do it so I sort of went into denial which worked for me. I was actually sleeved the last week of April 2011. As of today, I am at 235. That's a loss of 92 pounds. It's not tearing up the track. I've seen others who have lost tons more but that's the main reason for this post and something I want people to understand. You body, if you stay within reason and safety in eating, will lose. It just might pace itself differently than others so try not to judge yourself by others. I lost horribly when I was in the 400 calorie a day range. When I moved to the 800 calories, it wasn't much better. But now, in these past several months, with being able to take 1200 calories a day and having the energy and strenth to pick up more exercise (and with almost 100 pounds less stress on my knees) my weight loss has become steady and consistant. As I've added more calories, and 1200 is very reasonable to live with, I am not stopping weight loss. My surgeon preached that if you didn't lose in the first year in his program you were not going to lose with the sleeve. He was 100% wrong with me. This is now my new normal and the key to that is that I no longer fight it because I've accepted it as my normal. It's no longer something that was forced on me to save my health but something I'm thrilled to have done to have saved my life. It feels like I was born this way. I stopped counting every bit of food about 3 weeks ago. I just got sick of it. I concentrate on Protein and take a good multi every day as well as my Calcium. In that 3 weeks I have become far less obcessed with food. I think of it so much less, eat only when I am really hungry (and I do still experience hunger). But now I'm just a human being who has a small stomach. Most days I love it. It's a relief. I had had a bout of depression but I'm also going through menopause, lost 2 brothers (both under 60) and my Mom is now terminal and these things are the tip of the ice berg.. I have never turned to food in stress. My stomach actually gets tight and hard to eat so I don't think the sleeve contributed any to the depression. But I'm not being a hero and getting the depression treated so I'm thinking I'll be better by year end. And at least 10 pounds lighter. Oh, and one more thing. One year ago rolling my trash can to the end of the drive was a challenge. The last several days I've walked a 1/2 mile trail behind my house. And I have very bad knees. So plan for the best. It's right around the corner for you.

I'm 51, nearly 52. Yes I am more productive and motivated. I know that for me my weight loss won't happen if I do not work out I don't lose. I make it a point to get to the gym regularly and I find that as I lose weight I have more energy. So the 2 go hand in hand for me.

Hi all, so I have a question because I'm freaking out a bit. The day off my bypass 13 days ago I went into the hospital weighing 275lbs. After surgery my weight went up 10lbs while still in the hospital which I understand is from the IV fluids and what not. However after coming home, I dropped to 264lbs and in the past three days I have gained 3lbs. I know that's not a drastic gain but I'm still concerned. Has anyone else had weight gain after leaving the hospital during the first couple weeks post op ? Sent from my Pixel using BariatricPal mobile app

Today, for the first time since surgery, I woke up wanting something. For the last few days I’ve had to force down the water, protein and broth but today I look forward to it. I took a few sips and no pain from my new stomach. I want to gulp it all down but will not, I will just keep sipping for Now. [emoji1374] Thank God I finally can drink fluids again without pain [emoji1374] Have a great day! Amanda [emoji16] HW 248 CW 238 SW 231 Surgery Date: 11/21/2017. Goal weight 150’ish 🤞🏼