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Hi after many years, diets, etc I am taking the plunge. I feel like this is my last resort on one hand and on the other do I belong here? I am 69, 4ft 11 inches tall and weight at my consult in may was 181.7. I have sleep apnea, high cholesterol, arrhythmia. I have tried every diet under the sun and I know you have heard it all before. So I want to feel healthy with what little time left as I am on the other side of the mountain. Right now going thru Insurance requirements of 12 visit combination with medical weight loss. psych evaluation etc. At least I can do 2 appointments a month. I am going to Carillon in Roanoke, Virginia. They had this as one of the online support groups. I am a little overwhelmed with all the info, steps etc. My BMI is 35.59 but with my sleep apnea I can squeeze in. They want me to maintain my weight right but I think I gained about 3 pounds.

Hi, just wanted to introduce myself, I just joined this community and found out about this sleeve surgery after hours of midnight contemplations of what to do with my weight. I am a mother of 4, I have been stuck at 225lbs for the past 6 months and am working out but nothing seems to be helping right now. I am wondering if I would be a good candidate for this surgery. IS there anyone here that recommends a DR from ON?(Canada). I am 5'8 225lbs was 170 before baby #4(he is 17 months now) Been watching alot of youtube success stories and reading your community boards, sounds like this surgery is a GREAT IDEA.. Just scared if I will have any problems becuase my stomach will be smaller, like I read some people puke, if they eat too much... I read that OHIP covers this surgery here too, so thats good news... Please feel free to share any info, I am new to this idea, just found out last night and I think I would love this Michelle

Hi everyone! I'm from NJ and have AmeriHeath PPO … my doc said that according to my BMI of 36 and the fact that I have been on Glucophage w/ a diagnosis of PCOS for nearly 10 years, that I am a good candidate for Lap Band. I have met w/ the nutritionalist and have 2 1/2 months to go before I meet the 3 month requirement by AmeriHealth. In that time, I am also scheduled to see the Dietitian two more times, have an upper GI, see a therapist, attend a support group meeting, and meet w/ a cardiologist … all for clearance and validation of attendance. Whew!! LOL! Soooo my question is this … after I go through all of this, can insurance deny me?? I know my BMI and medical condition just inches me over the 'what qualifies you' mark … my fear is that in the end I won't get approved by the insurance, even though the doc gave me the thumbs up. I'd love your feedback on this!!! Thanks!!!!

Hi All, Being nearly 40 and fed up of being a fat bloke I’ve decided to get myself some WLS. Thinking sleeve as don’t like the re-plumbing idea! My GP has referred me to the NHS bariatric service but I can’t face the wait so am looking at private options. Curently thinking of traveling to Belgium using either Prof Dillemans or Chris De Bruyne. Does anyone have any experiences of these guys and of getting aftercare back home in the UK?

Hi all! I am currently in the process of losing the 15 lbs my insurance plan requires before my surgery is scheduled. Since I am working to lose the weight anyway, I figured why not start making the lifestyle changes that I'll be making post-surgery? So I've been working on things like eating a more protein-forward diet, not drinking with or for 25 minutes after meals, etc. I thought maybe all of us in the same situation could share some things that are working for us here! I'll start! Meals aren't really such a problem for me personally, it's more the Snacks that I find to be a challenge. Here's a few high(er) Protein snacks that I enjoy: Lowfat or Fat-free cheese Stick Fat-free cottage cheese mixed with a few cut-up olives Fat-free plain Greek yogurt mixed with PB2 and Splenda (this has a TON of protein and tastes like Peanut Butter pie!) A couple of slices of uncured turkey lunch meat 2 Wasa crispbreads with lite laughing cow cheese, sliced tomatoes, and herbs (Ok, this one isn't so high-protein, but it's soooo yummy!) Hardboiled egg with mustard (I call it poor man's deviled eggs!) What is everyone else doing to adjust to our new life?

Hello to all! So blessed to have found this site as I've sifted through various forums during my pre-op week. I was banded this morning and am now at home resting and drinking/sucking my ice chips and walking around well. I cannot wait until my throat heals from that tube, although, I am grateful the gas pains are finally dissipating. Just wanted to say hello to everyone and that I'm super excited.

Hi Everyone! I just want to hear some of the best advise you can give regarding WLS the good the bad the ugly! I am an avid traveler and i am worried about how this will affect that, and your daily life! Is it different now? Are you happier? I suffer from anxiety i have never had any type of surgery and quite honestly it terrifies me. i have extreme anxiety about anything medical related and i have what i would consider "worst case scenario brain" i enjoy torturing myself and looking up all that could go wrong with the surgery... but i am so tired of feeling like this, and have seen so many beautiful success stories it motivated me! I have been the "chubby kid" my whole life. At this point i am more than chubby but i have such a hard time loosing weight. I feel like the Gastric Sleeve is my only chance at truly being happy. I am extremely tired of living in a body i am uncomfortable with and ashamed of. I hope there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I am attending my first seminar next week to find out the process of insurance acceptance. I am very hopeful but also worried i will get denied. <3

I just wanted to stop by and say hi to everyone. I have been lurking around the site for a week or so now and I have seen and heard some wonderful things going on in this community. I have noticed a very close family - like setting of unique and diverse individuals and I love it. Everyone can have an opinion and people accept it and motivate and keep striving for what the ultimate goal is, a healthy life at a healthy weight. I am impressed and I hope I can be accepted among you to give and get experienced opinions and motivation. Thanks for reading and if you would like to be friends or get to know me better please drop by my page and give a hello! Thanks and have a Blessed weekend...oh and Happy Fathers day to all you dads on here!!

Good Morning, I am really new to all of this. I have a lot of questions, if anyone out there can assist me with procedure. I have been thinking about this for a very long time. As I have been on just about every diet out there. My problem is the exercising which I know to do it but the problem is my work schedule. I work graveyards and I am trying to make adjustments. I know that is a poor excuse but I need figure out to get this to work for me. I need some suggestions, if anyone can assist that would be awesome. My questions are: 1. How many times do you have to get a fill? 2. Does anyone get side effects like Nausea etc? 3. How long does the approval take? 4. How long is the procedure itself? 5. Is this outpatient procedure? Or in patient? 6. Do you have to prove you have sleep disorder? 7. Do most insurances approve the operation? 8. once the operation is done - do you have follow a strict diet? Like shakes? if so what kind? 9. Can you go back to work the next day or in my case Nights? once the procedure is done. Any suggestions would be awesome

I weighed in for week two and I'm at 288. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little let down since its only a pound, but I'm also not surprised. I've been having a hard time adjusting to eating on a schedule and eating consistently. It seems like my metabolism has completely shut down, which makes sense. The other thing is that I haven't been active at all. Between school through the week and work all weekend I've been giving myself an awful lot of excuses to not work out. I have a treadmill so at the very least I can be doing that. Hopefully I can settle into some sort of routine. No pain or discomfort at all this week. I have noticed I keep feeling my port. I don't know if its just a nervous habit to run my hand over it or the sheer fascination of being able to feel this strange object in my body but I do it a lot haha. My appetite is back, but still in a strange way. I'm having a really hard time trying to tell if I'm hungry or if I have the urge to eat. The urge to eat (and overeat) is in my head. Other than knowing its 'time' to eat, or knowing that i need to eat something I'm not sure if I'm feeling hunger. But when I do eat, I want to eat a lot. I've been trying to limit myself and have been doing a decent job but I definitely need to drinking my shakes more. I've ventured into new territory with my soft foods, I've been making chicken salad and chicken with bbq sauce. Does anyone else feel like by the time they add all the stuff to make it 'soft' they've added a ton of calories? I've been using miracle whip instead of mayo (which kills me lol), and substituting Greek yogurt in anything I can get away with (because it still tastes like sour cream), but still- it adds up. Any tips? I haven't really pursued vegetables except for potatoes (again-super starchy! help!), but thats on the to-do list for this week. In other fun news, I just booked my first real vacation ever! I'm going to North Carolina in May when school lets out to visit my best friend. I'm so excited because I feel like that's enough time to make a big difference. Since she doesn't see me everyday, it'll also be interesting to see her reaction. Plus ya know, beach ocean swimsuit blah blah blah. Should be quite an adventure!

So... I'm not sure where to start. . . I'm 30, mother of two, married, and have had a life long battle with the chub. I have been at my biggest for the past 6 months. I was at 220, now at 206. I'm 5'3 and have not even talked to my doc about lap band yet. I will tho. I have an appointment in a week. Currently, he has me on Phenterimine and see's me every two weeks. But I've played this game too many times. Diet pills, lose weight, no diet pills, gain weight back + tons more, etc. Its a vicious cycle. I'm at a loss. I feel discouraged. I'm embarrassed & ashamed of myself. I hate my body. I hate having body image issues.. Its a mess. I can't take it anymore. Something as to change ASAP. I'm hoping this is a safe and effective salutation to my life long problem. P.S. My mom is probably about 350 now. I know if I do not get help, I will end up exactly like her.

Hi LapBand community - I am brand new here. I am getting banded on 2/1. I was not given a restripcted pre-op diet although they did tell me to watch my fat consumption the week prior. I really enjoyed going through these forums and reading what everyone had to say. I am not really telling anyone besides my bf and my family so it is nice to feel like I have support here. I have also watched hours of videos on youtube and they have been very inspirational! Any words of wisdom or anything you'd like to say, I look forward to getting to know you guys!! Danielle NJ

Hello everyone! I am introducing myself to this forum for the very first time as a member; I have been a lurker for over a year, and I have to say that many of you have been so inspiring and helpful in my decision to get my surgery, and have been a helping hand (without knowing it!) through all of my pre-and-post op trials and tribulations. So, for that I am 100% grateful for your honesty about your stories and how supportive you are to one another. I am not much of a social person in my real life, so joining this forum is just another one of the lifestyle changes I am making to continue on a path to success. My name is Amy, a 28 year old student nurse from CT. I am happily married for 9 years to the love of my life Jorge, and we have a beautiful handful of a 2 year old name Jillian. I have struggled with my weight for most of my life, as many of you have. Even when I was younger and weighed my (now) goal weight, I was always teased for my size and thought of myself as the dreaded F-A-T girl. Many people say "wow, I wish I knew back then how thin I actually was" but in reality, a 12 year old at 150 lbs carries herself much differently than a woman of the same weight. So of course, like many, I was barraged with insults and self-esteem issues from a young age--and as anyone who has been there can vouch, food can sometimes be your only friend. Even with my size of 250 lbs at age 26, I was an active and healthy woman. I had recently lost 30 lbs (down from 280) and boom--after 7 years of trying while combating the dreaded PCOS, I finally got pregnant with my miracle baby! However, as little girls tend to "steal their mom's beauty" she definitely changed my body. Unfortunately my health started to deteriorate shortly after giving birth, and I found that my gestational diabetes decided to stick around for the long haul. I delivered at 315 lbs. I never realized until I saw pictures how big I really was. I do believe that body dismorphia is more common than we think and is not just for those who have anorexia...I would look in the mirror and say "wow, I look really nice today, and my clothes fit perfectly" and see pictures of that day and see a person I do not recognize. I decided to look into a surgical option after many failed attempts at low-carb, weight watchers, paleo, portion control--you name it. My sugar, my hormones, and eventually my blood pressure and heart were all out of wack. That's when I met Dr T. and his team at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT, and they started started me on a track to a brand new life. I am currently 3 weeks post op gastric bypass, down 30 lbs (20 lbs since my surgery date), and I am ready to be part of this wonderful community of brave men and women who are fighting the good fight as I am. I am having minor complications with getting my nutrition, but I hope to rectify this by reading your threads and getting good advice. Thank you all for taking the time to read this novel. I cannot wait to take this journey with you all. Sincerily, Amy

Once upon a time, I was an egg. 8 months later, I was born, yay! 5 lbs. I was so cute. A few years later, I was a kid. I wasn't as big kid yet, but I saw my really big Mom, and really big aunts, and put two and two together. When I grew up, I was going to be fat. Fast forward to High school. I was at 160 lbs. I thought this was fat. I thought this was my fate, and did my best to accept it. I didn't think I was ugly, because I still had pretty good success dating. I was a resolved and proud BBW. At the time, my younger sister wasn't far behind. I just thought it was something to be accepted. It was in our genes. Onto College years. I was a starving artist with no car, so I got down to a nice 140 lbs. Too bad I didn't appreciate it, because I had a roommate with body image issues that rubbed off on me. In pictures, I see that I looked amazing, but I didn't feel amazing then. In fact, I was in such a bad place mentally, I had to leave college early and take medications. Then, I moved back home from college. Yes, home to Mom's and Sister's cooking. Combining good food with different mental medications, I went up to 170. I thought, "Okay, this must be me fat now. I'm gonna be okay with this, accept it and be proud to be different." Then, I got a job in a cubicle. The money was great, but my weight was not. I got up to 210 lbs. I was very upset. I busted past 200. But I was in a very committed relationship, which helped me accept it. My fiance was wonderful to me, and called me beautiful every day. Notice I said fiance? That's right, a wedding was coming up. And we were both quite overweight, so we counded calories for the months leading up to the wedding. He lost 25 lbs, I lost 10, but it was something. It was just enough to make me feel beautiful again for our wedding. The year following our wedding, things went to hell. My mental illness got incredibly worse, what I thought was just a couple stomach bugs due to stress turned out to be a full-blown permanent problem, adding more medication to my list. I went through tests after tests, and they found nothing. So they blamed my weight. Then I had another medical scare, a bump was found and they had to do a biopsy on it. And, since I missed so much work because of all the medical crap, I lost my job. Back to my parents' house. Back to 210 lbs. Back to misery. Then, my husband met a guy at work who had the Lap-Band surgery a year ago and lost 100 lbs. He learned that the guy was very happy, and that the same health care we had paid for it almost in full. My hubby brought this information to me and asked me if we should do this together. The only time I ever said yes faster in my life is when he proposed to me. I didn't pause, I didn't mull it over. I wanted it more than anything. So we made our first trip to TrueResults. The people there are very nice, and very informative. Sadly, I was 2 BMI points under what qualified according to our health insurance. I had to gain 16 lbs. I thought it would be fun. I started by having an extra treat here and there. But I wasn't gaining the weight fast enough. Eventually I was eating candy and fast food every day, drinking more soda than I could stand, and I will hate Twix for the rest of my life now. But after 6 weeks, we went back, and my BMI read 40.7. I did it. But then my mother suggested we see other doctors too and learn more about things. Around this time, I started walking every day with my mother and sister. My husband and I went to a few other doctors and found one who was less nice and harder truth. And instead of gaining weight, they want us to lose weight before the surgery. We were given a strict diet and careful directions to follow. This was good, because I ended up gaining more weight and was up to a 41 BMI. And that is where my journey began...

Well I've been banded for almost 2 years now. Sounds really weird and sad to say that. I'd lost almost 90lbs by the end of my first year and i've gained 40 of it back. My mother passed away at the begining of last year, and not to lay blame or make excuses but I wasn't really paying attention to my self as much because of that. After she passed there was a lot going on, moving, planning the services, I only have one brother here in Mn (Whom I moved in with after this happened). So a lot of all the after fell on me, then I lost my job midway through the year and finishing school (Graduated in December 2011) I just didn't have the needed focus. I was clogging a lot and have problems getting tighter than 3.75cc's every time I've gone above that I've clogged. Just before the new year I went to my dr because I couldn't even keep down Water and he unfilled me half way. So I have deicded that now is the time, no work, no school I have no excuse not to work out, and eat right. Just here to find support, food ideas (which is my down fall), and maybe if there are any Minnesotan's a new friend! Thanks!

Hi my name is Pam Im 38 yo this Jan. (2013) I am needing some new friends Im a newbie just started on here I also have a page on facebook that I just started called MY WEIGHTLOSS ADVENTURE please like it I really need more likes on it....... anyways Im just starting Im on mnth 2 week 1 of my 6 mnth diet then its a 14 day preop diet so probley abt Juneish.......Im looking forward to haveing the SLEEVE surgery I cant wait...Its real hard for me to lose weight by myself.....I started out weighing 260 lbs and now I weigh 244 lbs so thats a little loss they want me to lose 1 lb per wk=4lbs per mnthx6 mnths =24lbs before surgery I really hope I can do this bc I really do need the surgery I cant lose 100 lbs or more without it even if its just close to 100 lbs I should be happier......(My profile picture is the same on here and facebook)......

If so can you tell me your experience 🙂 Thanks 💓

Hi Everyone, My name is Jen, and I'm taking my first step into getting the lap band. I figure I've got nothing to lose (but the weight!) and joining the forum seems like a good idea to get some "real" advice. Here are my stats: 28 Y/O female Current Weight: 311 BMI: 48.7 Height: 5 ft 7 My ideal goal is to get to 175'ish, which my DR and I agree is a healthy weight for me. Although that's still considered "over weight", measuring my bones, hand and foot size - she doesn't feel that 125-145 (the "healthy range" for my height) is good for me. I just got my approval from my PCP today, and scheduled myself for the next meeting at Ellis Hospital, which is March 8th 2012. From my understanding, the meeting is an orientation which has between 25 and 50 people who are "hopeful patients" in the same room. My PCP says that she's seen some people get through orientation and "jump through the hoops" and get their actual surgery in 3 months, while others take 18 months. Any insight on what would be the difference? Hoping to get my surgery and get healthy. I'm young and have a lot to live for! Thanks!

Hey, yall! I'm Andi from Tampa and I recently started thinking about and researching the gastric sleeve surgery. I'm 5'4.5" and weigh around 215-220 lbs. My BMI is around 37.7. No comorbidities but have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Of course, this worries me since I'm so overweight. I do not want any of those diseases and would like to be proactive about my weight/situation. I called my insurance UHC to see what the requirements are and how much would it cost. I was told that my BMI was in the range but without any comorbidities or having a BMI of 40, that I was not eligible. I asked to see if I could possibly get my doctor to help get it approved. UHC said that my doctor would have to do a peer to peer review with them in order to try and get it approved. I have an appointment with my PCP on Thursday so I'm hoping she'll be able to do a peer to peer then. Any suggestions or advice on how to help get this approved and get the process started? Thanks!

Hello Everyone! I am new here. 32 years old and female. I am scheduled to have my Gastric Sleeve surgery on April 14. During the 6 month diet process I have had trouble and am still having trouble figuring out what to eat, mainly because I am a picky eater and also because I really never know what to do with a bunch of ingredients. I was once a big time starch eater; mostly Pasta, pizza, rice, etc. However I started cutting it out of my diet for the sake of my surgery and the weight-loss alone from cutting that has been decent. I started drinking Protein powders (mostly BSN Syntha 6 because the flavors are tasty) about 5 months ago. Now my diet consist mostly of Protein powder, low fat string cheese, Beans, non starchy vegetables, eggs, and chicken or turkey sources with the occasional Peanut Butter on something or some plain oatmeal with smart balance butter and salt or grits (since I prefer that) and Fage greek yogurt with salt (since it makes it taste like cream cheese). I guess my problem is that I am getting bored with the food choices available and have literally been struggling to train my palate to like oatmeal and yogurt (since I never liked them ever growing up). I eat fruit occasionally, but don't really like sweets since I've weened off of sugar a couple years ago and now drink my teas sugar free. I was wondering if anybody who is pre-surgical or post surgical can offer some advice for me. For the past 2 weeks or so I have eaten close to nothing because I don't feel hungry and I also don't want to regain the weight. This is where the "borderline anorexia" bit comes in. Can somebody please help me get through this so I can have a successful surgery and heal properly? Thanks! Keyo

Hello all!! I have been pursuing these message boards for a couple of weeks now and finally decided to join. Here is a little about me...I recently turned 30 years old and am currently at 370 lbs (I'm 6', and carry my weight pretty well). Luckily I do not have a lot of medical complications due to my weight...yet! I just found out that our company is changing insurance plans next year to Medica, which will cover bariatric surgery. I've already signed up for an information session with Park Nicollet, which is next week. Currently I'm still in debating over the gastric sleeve or the RNY bypass. As I'm just starting, I'm really looking for any information that you think would be helpful. I'm not even sure if I know what questions to ask. Thank you all in advance for your support and help!

I have my first consultation next week to get a lap band . I was certain that the positive results from the lap band would outweigh the negative. Now I feel scared en very unsure after reading this forum. Everything from cancer to heart problems! How can I then go ahead with such a surgery?!

Howdy y'all, I discovered this forum when I would Google questions I was feeling and this seemed like a great supportive community to participate in while I go on my adventure. I'm currently 2 days post-surgery (had my bariatric sleeve done on the 11th) and was wondering if you guys had any advice for a newbie like me? Something you had wished you had known before. My current set up is I have a timer for an hour to ensure I hydrate and at the second hour I go for a short walk in my apartment hallways to avoid blood clots, shake down any gas still in me, etc. Currently, think I'm out of the weeds with the gas pains (though my shoulders still feel a little crunchy when I massage it, if that makes sense lol) and now just suffering from the abdominal pain from the main incision but I have my pain reliever for that when needed. But I am struggling to walk as I'm just shuffling my feet and hurts to reach for stuff, anyone know a good timeline to expect this to be lessen? I appreciate any helpful advice and guidance y'all might bestow upon me.

Hi! I just wanted to introduce myself. I just had my consultation today. Met with the surgeon and nutritionist. I'm self pay because my insurance (CIGNA) does not cover it on the plan I have. Big bummer! It's a lot of money, but I was already psyched to get it, so I am going for it! Never invested this much on myself in my life. That's what I said to the surgeon and he shot back, "So how much was your car?". Ok fine. Point taken. It just seems strange to pay this much just for something that is 100% only for myself. The best thing about self-pay is pretty much picking your own date. Mine is March 3. It's becoming a reality. I'm super nervous for everything to go right! Any suggestions on calming the nerves are appreciated! - K

Hey Everyone! I am new to this forum. I was planning on looking into LAP Banding, but after the weigh loss seminar I decided that the sleeve was the best option for me. I just scheduled my physical exam, nutrition seminar and 1:1 meeting with the nutritionist. I still have yet to even tell my dr about my decision for the weight loss surgery as the last time I brought it up she pretty much told me that I dont need it and that I just need to diet and exercise. I have to schedule an appointment to see her and have the paperwork completed that is required by the surgon, but I did ask at the seminar if my doctor's approval was necessary. He stated that although he likes to work with the PCP, if she is not going to be supportive, then I might want to look into a new doctor or just see the surgon's office for any issues or concerns. I have my physical exam on Jan 10th, which I am really excited about because I have a lot of questions regardin insurance. I was hoping that I might find some advice on here as well... My issue is that at the moment I am between 38-40 BMI (my scale broke so Im not quite sure) but I do have high blood pressure. Ive only had HBP for about a year, maybe a little more, and Ive never had a BMI of 40 (maybe when I was 13 and first diagnosed with hypothyroid). My BMI has always been around 35 and sometimes lower, although Ive been overweight since age 11. I am 5'5" and I havent been under 200lbs since I was 21. I am now 30. I am afraid that my health insurance wont apporove me since Ive only had a BMI of 35 or higher and a comorbidity for 1-2 years, but a BMI of 35 or more for 5+ years. Any advice as to whether its a good possibility that I will get approved. My surgon expressed that for his requirements I do not need to have the comorbidity for 5 years, but Im just worried about insurance. This is what my insurance states (I have Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield - Simply Blue and I am in Rochester NY): A: Patients must be morbidly obese, which is defined as either having a BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2 or having a BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2 and existing comorbid condition(s) (e.g., hypertensive cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, pulmonary hypoventilation, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemias, diabetes, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of weight-bearing joints, or other weight related arthropathies, and metabolic syndrome). Documentation of the comorbid existing medical condition(s) must be submitted by the primary care physician. B. The condition of morbid obesity must be of at least 5 years duration. Hope someone can give me some insight!! I really want this surgery.