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Haven't been here in a while...today out of the blue I get an e-mail from a member asking me questions (?) How (or why) they found me I don't have a clue. For you newbies, I was banded Jan 2011. Met my goal weight (100lbs down) in one year. Band did everything I had hoped it would. Suppressed appetite, cravings, limited portion sizes. blah blah blah. Because of this I was forced to develop a new lifestyle, new foods, new eating methods, throw in some exercise and presto...a new me. Got my life back. Now, every day is just like any other day...I don't worry all that much about what I eat or how much (thanks to the band) it all comes natural now. I'm not worried, or have been since a few months after surgery about gaining any weight back...how can I? Over eating is impossible....and certain foods are just as impossible....It all comes very natural and effortless. I know, I probably already pushed a few buttons but I am only speaking for myself and my experiences. Prior to surgery I was a insulin diabetic, plus I had all the other ailments you read on this forum associated with obesity...could not get anything under control no matter how Dr. s regulated all the drugs they were prescribing. I also had coronary artery disease resulting in heart surgery. While they were in there they noticed I had had a Heart Attack, although I never knew it which is common for diabetics ( and women) but I am fortunate to be here. All that is behind me, and at age 65 my Dr.'s still are amazed...My cardiologist said I am getting younger, not older. I am going to make an appointment with my surgeon.....I am contemplating having the band removed...not because I am having issues..I have never had problems with the band. It's just after years of forming new habits, perhaps I can continue without the aid of something foreign in my body. Besides, one of the selling points was that it is reversible. At the least I will ask him to take out all the fluid and see how that goes for a while. Ok, so where have all the veterans gone? Are they still out there? Successful? The answer is yes..we are out here. No Offense, but there is not much happening here for us. When I logged in today, which hasn't been in a while, I looked down the list of trending topics and they are all the same as they were 6 years ago. The same hot topics also. And after a while, after you're thru the early stages, you start to realize things. I used to get roasted for saying some of the things I did from someone who just went thru the surgery whereas I after years, had a different take on things. The majority of people here are new to this, and sorry, just don't have that much in common with veterans. Ok, that should make up for years of not posting. But to all my fellow banders out there, remember this...THIS THING DOES WORK !! Don't sweat the small stuff...give it chance, it is adjustable and takes a little time to get it just right. After that it is all easy-peasy. See ya!

Hi guys!!! Tomorrow is the big day!!! I'm a bit nervous, but good nervous,excited, so many feeling all at once! Tomorrow my new life beginning! Wish me luck, and as soon as I built some energy I will get back to all of yous! Good to those September Surgery we got this!

It feels incredible! Somedays I forget just how run down I felt from my body carrying all that extra weight. It's so much easier to move during exercises too. Congrats on your success! It's so exciting that you're so close to goal!

I just took a urine ketone test and its in the moderate-high range. I know the urine tests are the best way, but at least it gives me a general idea. Certainly explains the bad breath and makes me feel a little better about it.

I was planning a Gastric Sleeve procedure but was unable to due to Barret's. I had my RNY bypass on July 10 and everything has worked out great. I am down 50# and have decreased my risk of esophageal cancer, amongst other things! I was initially upset about having to change my plans bit once I got used to the idea and educated myself, I went for it. I am so glad that I did! Good luck!

Right after surgery the majority of your pain will be from trapped gas. The gas inside your intestines will be easy to deal with. Don't be afraid to fart. The inter abdominal has is more difficult to rid and the Only thing that helps is WALKING, I'm not kidding. Make yourself a promise that you will walk as soon as you can and as often as you can tolerate. Pain meds will do nothing to help. Remember to sip water slowly, I was given a medicine cup to drink from. Try to wean off of pain meds as soon as possible as the cause constipation. Don't be afraid of healthy fats, do not eat a low fat diet. It won't be good for you. When you get to soft food stage try very ripe avocado. Your system will thank you. Gas is common, it will have a strong odor especially if you eat lots of sugar or veggies. If you aren't already find a support group in your town. Do not expect your friends or family to understand what you are going through or be as supportive as you will need. Buy a belt. You will lose weight faster than you can buy new clothes. Wait 4 or 5 months and try thrift stores or second hand stores.

I struggle some with acid issues. One of the things that helped most is sleeping propped up. I went home through my first few days of surgery and slept on my parent's reclining sofa, which was a huge help since I could lay back some and use my legs and arms rather than abs to pull me up. I added tums to my routine (2000 mg 2x per day, the 2 of the 1000 mg tums of which you can take 7 in a day). Also I found the Zofran I was prescribed for nausea often helps with acid. I'm now 6 weeks post op, and have found sleeping propped up with several pillows to help with sleep. Also, hydration helps too! I have found my acid is worse after introducing new foods, and has gotten better the further out from surgery I've gotten. I hope your recovery is going well and you're acid problems get better over time!

My surgeon and nutritionist was at the Fresno Kaiser N. Cal. I did my classes thru the Modesto Kaiser N. Cal. We were allowed to weigh in at any Kaiser health center. I was not weighed on day of my psych or nutritionist appointment. The surgeons scale was the one that trumped any other scales. I noted the weight difference between his scale and my home scale. So I always had a pretty good idea what my weight was. Fresno Kaiser let us take off our shoes. It was summer so I was always in flip flops. I weighed myself in different clothes to find the lightest outfit I had and I wore that specific outfit thru my whole process. Even on surgery day. I wanted to stay at least 3 lbs under my surgery required weight. I was so afraid that I'd be above surgery weight. So i gave myself a 3 lbs cushion. My required weight was 227 and on day of surgery I weighed 220. I am almost 8 months out. Starting weight 243 Surgery weight 220. Current weight 159.6 Good luck to you all. Sent from my SM-G892A using BariatricPal mobile app

Speedy recovery many blessings and well wishes

Thanks LittleLizzieLiliput! I understand what you're saying. congrats you're almost a year out!