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I did it! Made my mini goal weight of 207 my most recent lowest weight - 2 years ago on Jenny Craig! I started JC in Feb. 2010 at 272. 10 months later Dec 2010, my lowest weigh-in was 207 lbs.I was working out (walking and videos) 5-6X week, plus I spent an average of $400/month on JC food! So excited to get back to where I should never have left-I worked so hard to get there only to plateau, stop going to get weighed (and I was getting sick of the food) and poof- weighed 278 this past summer. I'm working hard now, but it's different. Maybe it's the hunger factor, I just don't think of food the same way as I did before. I can't wait until next month...I've ordered my one way ticket to onederland!

Finally!! Just heard from insurance co. that it is approved!! This is 3rd surgeon so it has been a process. Dr. office just called & we have scheduled pre-surgery apt for 10/17 & probably scheduling surgery for 11/8 or 11/9. Will know for sure after pre-surgery apt. I've been through the run around w/ 2nd surgeon. So glad I found this new surgeon & they seem to have everything organized and running their office like it should be. I'm so excited!!

It happened to me. 10 days post-op I was doing great and it hit me like a ton of bricks. An abdominal binder helped and O was getting better, then it came back even worse. This was almost 4 weeks post-op. It got so bad, I could barely breathe and taking a shower was out of the question because I couldn't lift my left arm to do anything, it had to stay holding my side. The finally gave me Flexoril (muscle relaxer) to take along with the hydrocodone. Well, the long and the short of it is, I am 7 weeks post-op and haven't had any pain for about 3 weeks. It just vanished. Surgeon said it was pretty normal, some of us have a muscle structure that heals differently, especially if we amp up the activity right after surgery. While it was happening though, I scoured this site to see if anyone had a similar experience and couldn't find anyone that did. If it does happen to you, make sure you get in touch with your surgical center and tell them you need extra pain management help!

My first mushy food went down fine. I was allowed to eat it on day 8. It took me 10-15 min to eat one egg. I took small bites and chewed it well, but it was fabulous. Try drinking some New Whey bullets. They are considered clear and they have 42g of protein with only 3 oz. They are worth the money. You can get them from GNC for around 3.50 for each. Getting your protein up may help give you more energy.

Hello to everyone! I am newly banded as of 12-12-06. A week tomorrow. I had my surgery in Lenexa Kansas from Dr. Wanda Kaniewski. Highest weight was 296, already down 10 pounds. WISH ME LUCK!!!

Hi Short c! I think you would be hard pressed to find an American bandster who has been banded 10+ because the band was only approved for use in the US in 2001. In Europe and Australia the band has been in use since the early 90's, and while there have been reports of people having their bands removed, I personally know a few long term bandsters who are still very happy with their bands 7, 9 and almost 11 years later. Best of luck!

My desire for lapband surgery began in the fall of 2006. I'd struggled with being fat for over 10 years and had many health problems including: PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea and depression. By doing my research and speaking with my doctors, I'd learned that it was the PCOS that caused my massive weight gain of 100 pounds in a year. It was also PCOS that made it damn near impossible for me to lose weight. My desire to be healthy and to be able to have children further cemented my resolve to have lapband surgery. I'd done the research and knew all the risks involved. These risks were nothing compared to the ticking timebomb of a heart attack that I'd surely have if I stayed at the weight I was. We went to a seminar and shortly after I was already done with my surgeon consult, nutrition class and psych evaluation. My family doctor and cardiologist were both on board and had written my letters of support for the surgery. Now the only road block was our insurance company. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California had a BMI restriction in their policy. My BMI had to be 49 or less in order for them to approve coverage. Well, needless to say, my BMI was over 49. I struggled to lose the 15 pounds necessary to qualify for the surgery. If it was easy for me to lose weight, I wouldn't have been trying to get the surgery in the first damn place. After almost a year, I'd just about given up. Thankfully, my husband checked the insurance policy again and discovered that they had amended the restriction. So, in November of 2007 we called our insurance company (whose named changed to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and they confirmed the restriction had been lifted. We then contacted our surgeon to get the ball rolling for approval. We explained to them that the policy had changed and we should now meet approval for coverage. They stated they would submit the paperwork right away. But...instead of listening to what we told them, they simply reviewed the printed policy they had in their office and sent us a letter stating the BMI requirement. So, we had to call them and reiterate the amendment in the policy. Due to their lack of attention, this set us back two weeks. Finally, they submitted the paperwork as they had originally promised and we got our approval. My surgery was scheduled for March 3rd, 2008. In preparation, I had to spend 4 hours at the hospital for various exams: Upper GI, barium swallow, chest x-ray, blood tests, etc. The week before was spent gathering everything I would need post-surgery. We also cleaned out our fridge and cabinets, tossing out most everything that would not be allowed on my menu. My pre-op consult was on February 28th, only a few days before the surgery. He asked if I had questions. I really didn't. We had done so much research that I felt fully prepared. The truth is that for the two weeks prior to the surgery, I was crying every other hour. I was so worried that something would go wrong. I was envisioning the worst - that I would die during surgery. My concerns revolved around leaving my husband and parents behind. My father has emphysema and COPD and my mother is not as strong as she used to be. I wanted this surgery so that I could be more help to my loved ones - not leave them behind. My hugs lasted longer. Late at night, tears would roll down my cheeks as my husband slept. I made a point to tell my friends how important they are to me. I tried to make sure everyone knew how much I loved them. I had a wonderful time saying good-bye to the foods that I loved. T-Bone steaks are one of my first loves. I was also a Coca-Cola addict. Being asian, jasmine rice was a staple at every dinner...this is probably one of the most difficult habits to break. Luckily, I'd become tired of food, so saying good-bye wasn't difficult. Ultimately, I knew that this was what I needed to do in order to take control of my life and my health. As scary as it was, I was ready.

My desire for lapband surgery began in the fall of 2006. I'd struggled with being fat for over 10 years and had many health problems including: PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea and depression. By doing my research and speaking with my doctors, I'd learned that it was the PCOS that caused my massive weight gain of 100 pounds in a year. It was also PCOS that made it damn near impossible for me to lose weight. My desire to be healthy and to be able to have children further cemented my resolve to have lapband surgery. I'd done the research and knew all the risks involved. These risks were nothing compared to the ticking timebomb of a heart attack that I'd surely have if I stayed at the weight I was. We went to a seminar and shortly after I was already done with my surgeon consult, nutrition class and psych evaluation. My family doctor and cardiologist were both on board and had written my letters of support for the surgery. Now the only road block was our insurance company. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California had a BMI restriction in their policy. My BMI had to be 49 or less in order for them to approve coverage. Well, needless to say, my BMI was over 49. I struggled to lose the 15 pounds necessary to qualify for the surgery. If it was easy for me to lose weight, I wouldn't have been trying to get the surgery in the first damn place. After almost a year, I'd just about given up. Thankfully, my husband checked the insurance policy again and discovered that they had amended the restriction. So, in November of 2007 we called our insurance company (whose named changed to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and they confirmed the restriction had been lifted. We then contacted our surgeon to get the ball rolling for approval. We explained to them that the policy had changed and we should now meet approval for coverage. They stated they would submit the paperwork right away. But...instead of listening to what we told them, they simply reviewed the printed policy they had in their office and sent us a letter stating the BMI requirement. So, we had to call them and reiterate the amendment in the policy. Due to their lack of attention, this set us back two weeks. Finally, they submitted the paperwork as they had originally promised and we got our approval. My surgery was scheduled for March 3rd, 2008. In preparation, I had to spend 4 hours at the hospital for various exams: Upper GI, barium swallow, chest x-ray, blood tests, etc. The week before was spent gathering everything I would need post-surgery. We also cleaned out our fridge and cabinets, tossing out most everything that would not be allowed on my menu. My pre-op consult was on February 28th, only a few days before the surgery. He asked if I had questions. I really didn't. We had done so much research that I felt fully prepared. The truth is that for the two weeks prior to the surgery, I was crying every other hour. I was so worried that something would go wrong. I was envisioning the worst - that I would die during surgery. My concerns revolved around leaving my husband and parents behind. My father has emphysema and COPD and my mother is not as strong as she used to be. I wanted this surgery so that I could be more help to my loved ones - not leave them behind. My hugs lasted longer. Late at night, tears would roll down my cheeks as my husband slept. I made a point to tell my friends how important they are to me. I tried to make sure everyone knew how much I loved them. I had a wonderful time saying good-bye to the foods that I loved. T-Bone steaks are one of my first loves. I was also a Coca-Cola addict. Being asian, jasmine rice was a staple at every dinner...this is probably one of the most difficult habits to break. Luckily, I'd become tired of food, so saying good-bye wasn't difficult. Ultimately, I knew that this was what I needed to do in order to take control of my life and my health. As scary as it was, I was ready.

Good morning! I was scheduled for my surgery on May17th. The day after my pre-admin, my PCP called to let me know the enzyme levels in my kidneys were way up and my EKG didn't look right. She said she did not want me to go through with the surgery at this time. I was devastated! She set me up with a Nephologist. I met with her the following Monday. She said that since I had been on so much protein, lost 30 lbs quickly, was still on the same meds, and a bit dehydrated, my kidneys just couldn't filter all that out. So PCP dropped all my meds ( diabetic, bp, cholesterol) and put me on one low dose diabetic med. I increased my water intake.They did an ultra sound on my kidneys, no damage. YEAH! I stayed on the liquid diet, hoping that I would be rescheduled for WLS soon. I got the call that surgery was rescheduled for June 15th. So, I was on normal food for a week before starting back on the liquid. Cracker Barrel veggies was my first dinner. Next came the heart issues. I had an ultra sound on my heart. I was then referred to a cardiologist. The ultra sound showed that I had a hole in my heart. Next was a transesophigial echocardiograph (TEE). Lots of prayers were going up!! Dr. told my husband afterward that the hole was not there! Thank you God!! I had my pre-admin Wednesday for my surgery Saturday. All test results came back normal!! I am to report tomorrow morning at 8:00 for surgery at 10:00!!! It has been some journey! I can't wait to be on the other side of sleeved! Please remember, all you pre-ops, DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!.

I think motivation is key. That and accountability. That is what the bootcamp does for me. It is led by Jill the nutritionist at TLBC. We start every session by getting weight (they also take measurements at the beginning and end). We also get nutrition tips every week. Week one On our first session we reviewed the “Bandsters 10 Commandments”, the “Daily Nutrition Guidelines” and the “6 reasons for PBing”. In addition we signed a contract saying we will follow the rules and adding a goal for the weight we would like to lose by the end of the boot camp. We then did a very interesting exercise where we wrote out our Hopes, Fears and Expectations when it comes to our weight loss. We went around sharing our notes and it was amazing to see how much we are all alike. It was a great comfort to me to know that I am not the only one who is afraid of failing, of what is going to happen once I loose the weight and I reach my goal. What if I am never going to be satisfied with myself? Week two The second session was titled Awareness. Jill spent the hour driving home the point that “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. We had to rate these statements from 1 to 10 like: I am aware that change is necessary/ It is important for me to change/ I will be successful in my weight loss journey etc. You guys can just imagine what scores we gave ourselves. Jill had us erase our scores and give ourselves 10s across the board saying that you will only reach as high as you believe you can. We spent the rest of the session reviewing our habits, that have stopped us from succeeding in the past and what our triggers are. We also keep a food journal that Jill reviews. This week we also had to review the triggers for our cravings. What are the where are we, what are we doing and what do we crave. Week three The last session was titled “getting excited about your life”, about showing gratitude for today, and our successes in life so far. We went around and each of us shared some of our successes and described ourselves as our friends would describe us. (Our friends would never say we are fat or ugly or losers). We discussed how if you’ve got happiness on hold until you get to the “destination”, you’re never going to have it. The key is to enjoy the little things you see along the way and use them to divert you from the temptations that can lead you off the path. I know this posting is kind of long but I find myself in the mood to write lately. I think it’s somewhat therapeutical for me. Let me know if you guys would like more details. I was at a plateau for the last two months before I started this program and I was getting a little down on myself. It’s still me doing all the work now, however the boot camp gave me the incentive I needed to focus on my goal, make some changes and just plain do it.

I am new ! I went to the surgeon in Dec. and just finished all my testing this week. I was able to move my date up from Feb. 3 to Jan. 26. I am heading back to the surgeon this week for all my clearances. I am having my fingers crossed I am approved! I was on the lower end of the BMI scale. Starting at 201 5'3. Over the past month I stopped going to the gym and have definitely not been eating right and have gained maybe 10 lbs. My endoscopy came back I had a hernia in my esophagus and gastritis. I have to have another endo. Jan 12 to be cleared. Anyone else have this issue?! I was prescribed prilosec and have kicked caffeine for about 2 weeks now so that I would not have the headaches while on the 2 week pre-op diet. FYI my insurance is Empire BCBS (MTA in NY) Anyone a lower end BMI with EMPIRE BCBS??!

Has my surgery yesterday at 12:30 in Concord, NC. I feel pretty good right now. Moderate pain just above my belly button. Unfortunately they just weighed me and I was up 10 lbs from yesterday right before surgery. I know this is a lot of water weight, leg compression pads, etc.....but still. Walked some last night and it felt pretty good. The biggest pain is not being allowed to drink anything yet. My mouth is so dry and pasty. They did give me some mouth swabs so I can swab with a little water. All in all, so far so good! Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Wow I am a day away--tomorrow is finally my big day. I am more than excited I am over the moon. It has been a long struggle to get here and I am so ready! They did change my time from 7 am to 11 am. Bummer --- but at least they did not change the day! I am so happy. Been on my liquid since Thursday the 10 th...... My the weight is falling off -- I have been dropping 1pound a day so far. Since Thursday down 4 whole pounds -- go figure. I will keep everyone posted on my progress. Wishing all my May sleevers great success and looking forward to an uneventful recovery for us all !!! Hugs and prayers to us all, also.

actually as a breeded. newfs can be huge I have seen males about 200 lbs, but then again I don't like mine that big or else they won't live that long ( normally 10 yrs approx age span) My female is 132 and male approx same weight

**Looking for banded folks in The Woodlands, TX** There is a group of us that meet for coffee once a month at the Starbucks in the Panther Creek Village. Our next get together will be Saturday, June 14th at 10:00am. There are already 5 folks that have said they can come. Please email me at: rsb123@comcast.net if you'd like to be added to our email distro list and receive info about these get togethers. You can also post to this thread or send me a private message. Hope to meet some more great folks! -Rachel

Hi all. I have a 3/8/10 surgery date set and I am excited. I am starting to try and plan for the post surgery recovery and wanted to know what you all have seen. I am currently at a 34 bmi and should be around 32-33 on the day of surgery. I have a 3 day preop diet and I am sure a 2 week mushy food post op diet. I own my own business so I can be gone from work but I don't like to be gone. What kind of time frame are people seeing for going back to work? Primarily a desk job for me. I plan on walking tons as soon as I can after surgery as everyone seems to say this helps a great deal. I know everyone is different but I was wondering if you could share with me your experience. Thanks in advance to all that respond. Tom.

Hi it took me 10 months from start to surgery because there was a long waiting list for my surgeon my insurance required a state of excellence center and I'm from Michigan .

I decided to only tell my best friend and my husband. I felt like everyone else would be judgmental and add in a lot of negativity. It took me a lot to get to the point where I was ready to do the surgery. I feel like unless you have truly struggled with obesity for years, you have no right to comment on it. I have friends and family who have battled that same 10 pounds for life, or maybe gone up 20. They have no idea what I'm dealing with, even though they think they understand. I don't need to hear their comments. I thought going into surgery that it should feel really positive to me. It's actually a really healing thing. I've been working on a lot of other areas of my life and this is one that really needs healing and a fresh start. This is a good thing for me, not something bad or negative. By leaving their feedback out of the process, I was able to go into surgery with a much more positive attitude. Maybe I will tell them some day. Maybe I won't. I have yoyo dieted for years. I have done very low calorie diets where I lost a rapid amount of weight at once. So they have seen me do it before. I don't think their first assumption is that I had WLS. Many of my family members saw me doing the pre-op diet which I told them was a high Protein liquid kind of cleanse. LOL. One of my family members wants to give it a try! I think even when I'm a few months post-op, the surgery is over, and the weight is coming off, I won't care so much if they find out. I will be able to deal with them then if I have to because I will FEEL and know the results. I will easily be able to brush their negativity aside, because I will know the truth. Don't feel pressured to do it any other way that what feels right to you. If you feel you need their support and they will in fact be supportive, tell the appropriate people. If you feel like you need to keep it private for whatever reason you choose, then it is 100% acceptable to keep it private. It's a very personal decision and there is no "right" way.

I've never had hummus, but our local Publix in the deli section has like 10 different good-looking 'flavors'. I thought about buying one, but I wasn't sure what hummus was, didn't want it to end up being fish eggs or something.

Did you do the 2 days of liquids after the fill and give it a week and see how you feel I get the same feeling sometimes and I have to take a couple of REALLY SMALL SIPS after I eat but I give it 15 min I think that is the green zone I started losing again my last fill is Really letting me know not to eat to much at all I have 11 cc's in the 14 cc band and I am knowing when to stop cause I get the tightness in my chest and throat so I push it away and say I am done, cause my son made a comment a few weeks ago that I was becoming Anarexic cause I would over do just that last bite and end up having a bad stuck episode for 5-10 min, so I know now to Really stop.

SO excited and so scared! My surgery is scheduled for Wed Feb 12. I am looking forward to the new hotter, healthier, more active me but so very scared at the same time. I am nervous about trying to take care of my 18 month old post op. I'm nervous about being one of those people that is always nauseous and sick( it's not like they can put my stomach back!). I'm scared that I will look worse with all my excess skin than I do now. I'm afraid that my new smaller portions will somehow scar my daughter as she gets older and becomes food conscious. I'm afraid of how long recovery will take (I can really only be out of work 10 days). And of course the big one I'm terrified that something bad will happen while I'm under. Is this really worth dying for? I know that's extreme but when I look into my daughters face that's the one that gets me the most. On the bright side I finally had the first good (easy) day of my pre op diet positive thoughts encouraged please!

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Cathy- since you would consider changing insurance companies, United Health Care covers weight loss surgery where there is a diagnosis of MO (with my plan, the diagnosis came in the consultation appt with the surgeon). It only took them 10 days to approve me, and my surgery is in two weeks (Sept 14). I really hope everything works out for you! I understand how it feels to be 100 lbs overweight, because I am too.

Its not full liquids for that long. Its a day of Clear Liquids and a day of full liquids. Basically a diet similar to the early stages of post op just not for weeks at a time. Its 10 days Sent from my VS987 using the BariatricPal App