tropicalgal

I had my band removed on the 12th of Sept. I, too have to wait, but only 1 month for healing. Yes, I found myself piling the food into my mouth about 1 week ago. It's been really difficult to remind myself that a lot of what I'm eating is due to head hunger. I'm really bad at wanting Snacks when I'm watching my favorite tv shows in the evening...That being said, I actually did really well today not answering when my head said, "Hey, there's Oreo Cookies in the pantry; there's chocolate cake on the counter; those Doritos look good!" etc., etc., etc.....(as you can see, my husband & teenage son aren't the best eaters either ). I'm trying to get 40 grams of Protein in per day, drinking lots of fluids & trying to eat Protein first. I have to change the way I'm eating now to be able to succeed with the sleeve. I agree that phentermine is probably not the best choice. I don't have the info now, but Dr. Oz had a show that promoted a natural ingrediant that helps suppress hunger. Can't remember the name but I'll get the info & post it here later today. We're all on a journey; each one is different; good for us!!!
As to wondering if the docs want more $ by doing 2 surgeries; difficult to say. I do know that I had scar tissue from my band & the doc removed it with the band to prep me for the next surgery. I believe it's better to do 2 steps instead of 1. I think your stomach needs to get back to it's normal shape(?) & heal before doing the sleeve right away. Good luck everyone!!

I was banded in 2010. I ended up hating it! I'm 53, had back surgery in 2008 & now have bad knee problems. When banded, I went off my perscription anti-inflammatory & within about 5 months, I'd lost 30 lbs. However, I began exercising 3-4x a week on a treadmill which sent me back into agony knee wise. It was really frustrating as far as eating goes too because sometimes I could eat say toast, and the next time I ate it, I'd be pukeing it up. Read my story on my site to get a clearer picture. Overall, my opinion of the band is not good. My NUT told me that more & more docs are not doing the band because of it's fail rate. Yes, they take out part of your stomach with the sleeve so it's not reversable, but my opinion is the sleeve is still the way to go. I go in next Wed. to have my band removed & then hopefully will schedule the sleeve surgery very soon. Good luck!

Angelbaby, 40 lbs! Wonderful! So happy for your weight loss but sorry you're getting burnt out! Will pray you get to switch to one of the ICUs. Your comments about your sleeve made me feel better about mine! I was sleeved on Monday; my doc put drains in because I had my lapband out on Sept. 12. Guess he wanted to make sure any extra Fluid gets out of there. It sure has been painful! I had a CAT scan on Thursday & I do have fluid but not a leak. So here I sit, with 2 drains, wishing they were out (have appt tomorrow; I'm doubtful they'll take them out as they are still draining.) & I was feeling better. My sleeve rocking days are beginning slowly but I'm glad I'll be rocking it someday!!! Take care!

WHOOT-WHOOT! AWESOME job, emlefe! I'm so looking forward to the same things!! My husband is small & it bothers me that I'm bigger than him! My surgery is Monday. I'm a little nervous.....
Anyway, just wanted to give you a shout-out for being sucessful on the "loosers bench"!

Ditto! Please post later telling us you went to the ER!

I haven't had the surgery yet, but I expect to in October. I have a very good Christian friend who is supporting me in this. She had to have breast reduction many years ago for her neck, back & shoulder relief. She says having bariatric surgery is no different. It's medically neccessary for your health. I am so glad she shared this with me as I am sure there are other Christian friends who would support me, but others who would take the stance of that "friend". My surgeon is a Christian; he explained to me that being Obese is a disease. He & his staff are the nicest people I've ever met in a medical facility. I know that he would not be a bariatric surgeon if he felt God disapproved. I think it's no different than any other surgery or medicine God has given us to help us be/get healthy. Your co-worker's Christian(?) friend needs to realize they have no right to judge her for the surgery. It has nothing to do with them. I know there are areas in their own life they need to work on...they shouldn't be "casting the first stone"...

LOL that is so awesome to hear because i feel like I'm carrying around a spare tire in my abdomen and i'm so ready to be rid of it : )
I use to be thin many years ago and remember how good it felt to walk around and buy cute clothes.....I hate shopping now.....I cant wait for that to change.

First, only you can allow anyone to make you feel bad about these issues. Second, why the secrecy? Most intelligent people can put two and two together to figure it out. Someone disappears for a couple of weeks and upon return instantly starts losing weight very quickly. These days it's not rocket science, especially to anyone that witnesses us eating a meal. While not screaming it from the rooftops, if anyone asks how the weight loss is happening, I tell them. I am not ashamed of my decision and could care less what anyone thinks about it. To date everyone has been supportive but if even one wasn't - so be it. This is my body and life, no one else had to live it but me.

WOW!! I'm not a "private" person per say but I can relate to this post... There are indeed a lot of folks that think that WLS is the "easy way out".... I would say that 95% of these folks have never battled with their weight.. I have been very successful with my sleeve surgery dropping almost 100 lbs in 6 short months.. I had absolutely no pain, no gas, no nausea and other than walking have done no major exercise.. Has this been easy for me??? YES!! and I thank GOD for that but I am far from the norm. We differ in the fact that I feel that I have been given a platform to some extent and want to shout to the world how this surgery has changed my life!! Those closest to me know my battle and those that don't?? I could care less what they think. I was an athlete in school yet have been overweight my entire life and have tried diet after diet, boot camp at the gym, hiring personal trainers, etc... to lose at the most..... 30lbs???? The easy way out is exactly what you said... Settling for another failed diet or straining my back at the gym... for what??? I just turned 38 and feel that my best years are ahead of me!!! I finally have control over my weight and easy or not... It's the BEST feeling in the world!!!
Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far!! I wish you nothing but continued success!!!

Some people are insensitive to what comes out of their mouth. You cannot control it and all you can really do is state you feel that it is an inappropriate statement. Usually makes them feel awkward and takes the issue off you and focuses back on them.
Surgery is NOT the easy way out. By far, it is very hard and has so many risks attached too it. Your absolutely right the easy way out is to not do anything and continue to gain weight.
Don't let her rude comments bring you down at all...your looking GREAT!!! Keep up the hard work :-)

Magic Words: Bariatric Advantage
Vomit inducing wretchedness. I warn everyone I can about them. They are from the Pit of Hell. Sorry you missed my last warning.

I just finished replying to a post on this subject about 5 minutes ago. Search the words Bariatric Advantage and you'll see that you are not alone. I refused to take them, although my doctor's office wanted me to buy more (already spent about $500 on them for preop)! The night before surgery, I threw up 3 times after taking this product. Since surgery, I switched to Gummy Vitamins and have never been sick. Personally, I hate Bariatric Advantage products! I think my doctor's office forcing their patients to purchase them is not right. It seems like a money making deal for the doctor, but it shouldn't be required when it causes patients to vomit them up!
The best to you as you search for a solution.

Very sorry to hear about your parents. I really hope you are in grief therapy. Start by taking baby steps back. Set small realistic goals for yourslef. Number one could be stopping the soda. We have all heard how the carbination treats your stomach like a balloon that you blow up, let the air out, blow up, let the air out. Eventually the balloon does not go back to its size.
Please remember your parents would not want this state of uncomfotableness for you, why would you want less for yourself?

I haven't had the surgery yet, but I expect to in October. I have a very good Christian friend who is supporting me in this. She had to have breast reduction many years ago for her neck, back & shoulder relief. She says having bariatric surgery is no different. It's medically neccessary for your health. I am so glad she shared this with me as I am sure there are other Christian friends who would support me, but others who would take the stance of that "friend". My surgeon is a Christian; he explained to me that being Obese is a disease. He & his staff are the nicest people I've ever met in a medical facility. I know that he would not be a bariatric surgeon if he felt God disapproved. I think it's no different than any other surgery or medicine God has given us to help us be/get healthy. Your co-worker's Christian(?) friend needs to realize they have no right to judge her for the surgery. It has nothing to do with them. I know there are areas in their own life they need to work on...they shouldn't be "casting the first stone"...

Hope your surgery was a success LadyK!!! Welcome to the losers bench...I don't worry about what people will say, because its not important in the grand scheme of things. We must make the choices that are best for us in spite of what others may think, feel, or say, that to me is wisdom. Being able to do what's best for you! Don't be surprised if many people you see regularly don't even notice or mention to you that you are losing weight, it happens. Good luck to you and I wish you a speedy recovery, welcome to the best time of your life!! It has been for me...

Hello All,
I am Krystle and I was sleeved on 8/25 by Dr. Shrikanth at the evergreen hospital in kirkland. I haven't really talked to anyone else from Washington on here. Everything is going great and I have as of today lost a total of 21 lbs. I am excited to meet new people from the same area.

I plan to forever weigh. measure and portion my food. It's so used to it now and it's kind of fun - like a puzzle. I think the full-fat cheese in moderation is fine. What I will always stay away from is rice, Pasta, white flour, etc. Once in a great while or when I hike for more than 5 miles I will let myself have bread, potato or Pasta, but they have to have a decent Protein level. I will get whole wheat rustic bread, whole wheat or Dreamfield pasta or a potato with a Greek yogurt topping mixed with garlic and herbs.
Most days I have a few crackers, but then again I am picky about which. They have to be relatively low carb and high Protein like Trader Joe's Raisin Rosemary Crisps.
I heard the "everything in moderation" spiel, but it doesn't work for me. There are certain things I just never will go back to. They are usually the things with no nutritional value like white rice, snack chips, cakes, pies and pastries.
I can make lower carb, no sugar added Desserts that are killer. I thought that just once I could have a piece of boysenberry pie. I looked at the calories for one small slice and it was 590!!!! I only eat 750 a DAY. With some things I have to say that I won't go there.
Nuts. Yeah. I can easily eat too many. In fact I almost binged on pistachios last night. They are good for you, but pack in a huge amount of calories. I put them back a made a bit of popcorn. Thank God for popcorn.

This is so scary for me too. I know that I am not always disciplined and sometimes eat things I don't need to eat. I believe that we have to make this our journey to carefully monitor our weight and eat Protein first, and more importantly, now I'm looking at keeping my Proteins low fat and my meats lean cuts, small portion sizes. This is a problem because I love nuts. We can do this!
Get back on track with a fitness app.
exercise
do LilMissDiva's "The Basic Bootcamp" to get over the sweets cravings.

I haven't had the surgery yet, but I expect to in October. I have a very good Christian friend who is supporting me in this. She had to have breast reduction many years ago for her neck, back & shoulder relief. She says having bariatric surgery is no different. It's medically neccessary for your health. I am so glad she shared this with me as I am sure there are other Christian friends who would support me, but others who would take the stance of that "friend". My surgeon is a Christian; he explained to me that being Obese is a disease. He & his staff are the nicest people I've ever met in a medical facility. I know that he would not be a bariatric surgeon if he felt God disapproved. I think it's no different than any other surgery or medicine God has given us to help us be/get healthy. Your co-worker's Christian(?) friend needs to realize they have no right to judge her for the surgery. It has nothing to do with them. I know there are areas in their own life they need to work on...they shouldn't be "casting the first stone"...

I haven't had the surgery yet, but I expect to in October. I have a very good Christian friend who is supporting me in this. She had to have breast reduction many years ago for her neck, back & shoulder relief. She says having bariatric surgery is no different. It's medically neccessary for your health. I am so glad she shared this with me as I am sure there are other Christian friends who would support me, but others who would take the stance of that "friend". My surgeon is a Christian; he explained to me that being Obese is a disease. He & his staff are the nicest people I've ever met in a medical facility. I know that he would not be a bariatric surgeon if he felt God disapproved. I think it's no different than any other surgery or medicine God has given us to help us be/get healthy. Your co-worker's Christian(?) friend needs to realize they have no right to judge her for the surgery. It has nothing to do with them. I know there are areas in their own life they need to work on...they shouldn't be "casting the first stone"...

Hang in there RJ! I'm sorry you had such a rough day! Unfortunatly, there will always be ignorance & rudeness in the world. You are absolutely doing what's best for you. Chin up! I have to say I'm confused by the nurse. Sounds like she needs a "bedside manner check". You can always let your doc know about your experience at with the nurse. Will be praying that things go better for you next time.

Sorry for your loss. Thanks for your reminder. They think I have "Mild sleep apnea" & I have to tell you, I've really been complaining about having to use one! I REALLY hate it (I'm a VERY light sleeper so it's been difficult to adjust to one); however, your post puts it into perspective. I can put aside my hate, for life! Will be praying for you & your friend's family.

When you have nothing left or no more motivation push your self just a little hard and watch the result you get.
When you want to give up on life place your hand over your heart it's the reason you are living
excellence is not a act, but a habit
stay ready so you don't have to get ready
Today will not be the same as yesterday
God Bless

Thanks Diva and everyone else who keep this forum open, honest and supportive!! I'm excited to start this journey towards a healthier life...

I'm open to help, assist, butt kick, pat you on the back... all that.
I absolutely believe in this tool with all my heart! It has done for me what I couldn't do for myself nor even the lap band was able to do for me either. It was the best find and I can't say enough how it's given me my life back!!!
I won't say I know everything, because I DON'T! But in my career I always say, if I don't know the answer - someone else does. I'd like to open the discussion for anyone who needs someone to listen or to answer those millions of questions that come with this life altering surgery.
Blessings to all!!! Your dreams are at your doorstep now with the VSG.