yaya1397

On the day of my surgery, January 14th, 2013, I was morbidly obese with a BMI over 50. I was suffering from horrific knee pain and was seriously looking at spending my life in a wheelchair. I couldn’t walk more than a block without having to sit and rest. I couldn’t do the simplest of things like put on socks, or pick up my legs to shave them in the shower. I knew I was probably done traveling. I had just been on a cruise where I couldn’t get off the ship because of the pain I was in. I was wearing 4X tops and 26/28 slacks. I knew I was going to have to buy clothes online soon because I was growing out of these sizes and even places like Avenue didn’t carry sizes much bigger. The larger I got, the more invisible I felt. I worried about being able to move in spaces that were no longer big enough for me. I made sure to get to the conference room at work before anyone else so I didn’t have to bring unwarranted attention to myself by forcing my colleagues to squeeze in just so I could pass them if I couldn’t get a seat near the door. I worried about restaurants with tight seating…airplanes with narrow seats and the looks from whoever was stuck sitting next to me. Oh God…just thinking about this even now makes me so very sad and hurt because the list of painful and embarrasing situations is a long one.

That, however, was before my surgery. Today is my two year bandiversary and during those two years, I have lost around 150 lbs. That’s an amazing amount of excess weight to carry around on a very small frame. No wonder I was so uncomfortable. Today, I feel light as a feather. I can move normally again. As many of you know, I needed my hips replaced even before dealing with my knees. Turns out that my knees are fairly stable now as there is no excess weight to put unnecessary pressure on the joints. I can do all those things healthy people take for granted. I can walk anywhere and everywhere, I can cross my legs like a woman should be able to do, I can go up and down stairs…..hell, I can open my legs again and feel that marvelous weight of a man on top of me (sorry if that’s TMI but we're all adults here and sex is an important part of life that I thought was also in my past) Most of all…I fit in the world again and because I fit, the world has opened back up to me.

After 20+ years, I'm wearing petites again. I'm in small sized tops and size 6 slacks. My legs aren't tree trunks anymore and I'm wearing dresses. And just an FYI for you ladies…If you want to attract a man, wear a dress. Works like a charm.. I love to clothes shop again. In these small sizes, the clothes are cute and pretty and I don't buy anything anymore just because it fits.

I wear makeup again. My hair is styled attractively. I match the jewelry/bag/shoes to the outfits. Like I said above, I am very much aware now that people notice me. What an amazing transformation that is. To know that people see you again is such a powerful feeling….especially when you've felt invisible for so long.

I’m traveling again. In fact, I’m planning a trip to China or now possibly a Nordic cruise to Finland and Norway sometime later this year. I hope to go on one big trip every year. There are so many places I didn't think I'd ever get to and now I need to make up for lost time and go wherever my heart desires.

My grandson is due in April. I’ll be able to play with this one. My granddaughter missed out on a lot because I couldn’t keep up with her. She and I did a lot of arts and crafts, and reading books together or watching TV. I’m sure she didn’t feel like she missed anything but I know she did and this time around, Grandma is planning on climbing the monkey bars with this little guy when he gets old enough.

One last thing I wanted to put out there. I must thank Alex for creating this site. It has been my salvation. The people here were and are, instrumental in my success. I have said things in my posts that no one outside of this place can truly understand and for that I am so very grateful. I am also blessed to call many of the folks on this site good friends of mine and I can’t wait to meet some of you face to face so I can give you a big hug.

Here’s how I feel today..and most days in fact….I’m a person with two birthdays now. One in August of 1958 when I was born, and one in January of 2013 when I was re-born.

For anyone reading this post, congrats if you have also found success in your weight loss journey and to those struggling, or who are pre-op and full of doubts and worries, know that a new life is possible for each and every one of you. I'm not special so if I could do this, so can you...no matter what your co-morbidities, starting BMI, or any other challenges you are facing.

Here's a couple of before/after pics so you can see what 150 lbs. gone looks like. The ticker is just data but a picture is worth a thousand words as they say.

Quite a while back I lost an inch somewhere -- I went from 5'7" down to 5'6". At my last check-up I had gained back half an inch and recently I just got my other half back. Because of my shape, I just wasn't standing as tall as I once did. Now I can throw my shoulders back and stand against the wall with my full height, all 5'7" of me. There's so much less in the way not only for standing up straight but for bending and folding, curling up, etc.
Meanwhile I have lost nine inches off of my waist alone. No more Mrs. Winnie-the-Pooh. These non-scale victories -- NSVs -- make me so happy!

I hit 180 this morning and am pretty over the moon about that. Perspective is such an interesting thing, because even though it's a long time ago I clearly recall the horror of that number on the scale when I was first putting on serious weight. As I tried to get those pounds off I went over time from 180 into the nineties and then over the two hundred mark. I remember the shame of that 203 weigh-in and all the feelings it brought up for me. I coiled myself tighter inside then, shrunk my "self" while my physical body was expanding. I went all the way up to 252 feeling like such a failure all the while. Now I feel at peace with my body and 180 feels fabulous.
Fourteen months ago I was very excited and hopeful as I embarked on this project. Project Me. I was determined to be a success but I don't think I could really fathom what a joy this return to self would feel like. For those of you starting out, know that it takes time. I am not setting any weight loss records but I am healthy and happy and now on my way into the seventies. Then my goal will be to put the seventies behind me. I know that will take a little while, but in the grand scheme of things 70+ pounds down in fourteen months is, for me, a miracle. Especially since I know I would have just gained another five or ten in that time, as that had been my pattern for quite some time.
Here's to new patterns and all of our successes. And to smaller jean sizes along the way......

I was such a restrictive dieter for so many years that now I find the best thing for me is not to be on any kind of regiment but rather to just listen to my body's true signals and respond appropriately. That said I have always been a healthy eater; I just ate way too much. The band allows me to enjoy small portions and to experience the wonder of a dimmed appetite. If I disallow foods it sets me up for the old on or off behaviors.

Hi to all
It has been a while since I post here , I was depress with a knee problem since last february I never recover from my surgery now I will have to have a knee replacement this year at my 50 years old , that was the reason I was so depress and not following my band instruccions , I gained 10 pounds during the holidays but thanks God I decided to change that and went last friday for a fill and now I reallu feel in green zone not been hungry at all and just eating a shake and my healthy dinner so far I lost 6 pounds how easy is to loose with our tool we just have to follow the rules, I am happy to be back on track and to read again all the posts that help all of us to continue our journey )

Today I had my routine visit with my PCP.....
After the usual Q&A, he said I looked good, I'm going in the opposite direction of most people my age.
He then started to reminisce about our visits before I had WLS...(He referred me)
He asked me what was my highest weight...I told him I didn't have a clue, it got to the point where I was too embarrassed to step on the scale, didn't want to face the music.
He then went way back in my very thick chart and said "I have it right here, want to know?....would you believe you where in the 80's? As in 280?" (I'm only 5'8")
WOW! I really didn't know! Right now it is blowing my mind just thinking about it....
Second thing that happened, during our conversation I said something to the effect that my Cardiologist does this or that way with me "because I'm a Diabetic"
He stopped me right there and said "You mean you USED to be a Diabetic"
Those two simple things are having a profound impact on me right now....I can't believe I was actually that heavy, and I USED to be a Diabetic....
His words, not mine.

Today I went to my LB doc and he wanted to take out the 2ccs that were there. But it was awful to take out!! He couldn't get a good shot to my port, so he had me move in a sorts of positions and it was like when they try to do a blood draw and can't find the vein!! YOUCH!! but he took it out, so I'm all unfilled. I hope he didn't hurt the baby. It really did hurt. Then I met with Nutrition who basically said don't change a thing, just eat an extra yogurt or so per day. I can handle that.

My somewhat normalized period (only in the last 6 months) was a little late, so I took a HPT, and holy crap, it was blaringly positive!!!!!!!!!! I've suffered from secondary infertility (13 medically assisted procedures-IUI and IVF, none successful) for the last 8 years and so I never thought this would happen. I've got a lot against me: I'm 40 and I've had six previous losses, so I'm keeping my head on straight and my heart guarded. I am not certain about how far along we are, maybe 6+ weeks? Went to the RE and they did a scan. Shows a baby and a yolk sac. Next week I go back to look for heartbeat and dating.
Wish us luck. I'm terrified. I'm not going to change anything in my diet except adding one more Protein Shake a day until I see my lap band doc in late December, provided the baby is still viable at that time.
Who else is PG with a band right now?

5 months and 50lbs later!

I've got a regular followup with my bariatric surgeon tomorrow. The last time I was there was about six or seven months ago. I'm going to be one of those people in the waiting room who I used to look at and think, 'why the heck is that skinny thing sitting here? Obviously he/she doesn't need WLS'.
Now I know why there are thin people waiting to see the doctor(s).

Hi Everyone,
I was banded in 2008 and immediately thought it was a mistake, by the time I was able to start solid foods I was vomiting. A few days later I was hospitalized for vomiting blood. In all the consultations and prepping for surgery nobody had really addressed the issues with my head. I started on the day of surgery at 229, within 3 weeks I was down to 179 severely dehydrated and has bleeding ulcers. Of course as soon as I got some fluids, the weight cam back. I thought there was no way to get over the emotional toll of those 3 weeks. I was depressed, sick, and had a world of regret. This decision was about to be the end of me.
Over the next year I tried desperately to get my fills and make them work but I was never able to get beyond 2cc's, and then, after the fiasco of the first year, I was so terrified of food getting stuck that I chose to eat with drinking just to be safe and prevent mishaps. Of course by trying to be safe about it I only reinforced my horrible way of sabotaging myself. I quickly gained my weight back and then some reaching 242 lbs.
In January of 2011 I met and began dating my husband, a 6'2" gym rat who new everything about nutrition and working out. How would he want to be with me if I'm such a fat blob? I was immediately in love with him and swore I would be skinny soon. He never cared about me saying that. But soon after I began going to the gym with him and eating like he did, meal prepping, eating 6x a day, washing it all down with fluids and never realizing the scale wouldn't budge. I increased my cardio to 2 hours a day and started lifting weights for an hour. Slowly the weight started coming off and I hit 230. Throughout 2012 I was under so much stress that I was only able to lose another 6 lbs. That is where I have been ever since. 224 lbs. Sure I would lose 5 then gain them back, but I couldn't get below it for too long.
I would still drink fluids with meals out of fear or just because I wanted the great tasting steak, knowing of course I would throw it up soon. The life I was creating, or had created, was becoming more depressing than when I was at my highest. Then something clicked, I made an appointment with my doctor and went to talk to him about starting over. he advised me that Kaiser doesn't even perform lap-Bands anymore and if I wanted it removed and get the sleeve that was an option. That appointment was this past Tuesday, December 16. My weight 220.5
I could tell that he has no faith that I can do this, he even stated "if it hasn't worked in 4 years why would it work now?" While he made a very valid point, it hasn't worked, but I GET IT now. I told him I wanted to add Fluid, see a dietitian, and see him every month. luckily the RD had an appointment 2 hours later and I was talking to her about portion size, proper food guidelines, how I meal prep, eat 6 times a day, workout for hours at a time, but still don't lose weight, and then she said the one thing I NEEDED to hear..she said "How can you expect to lose the weight like a bariatric patient when you don't act like a bariatric patient?"
Suddenly it was clear, I never ate 1/4 cup of food at a time, I never sipped on fluids, I chugged them, HOW could I NOT have problems with my band when I was acting like it didn't exist? So, here I am, two days in, 4 lbs. down, and more determined than ever to weight, measure, and time every bite that enters my body. I am committed and with your help, I will succeed.
It's great to meet you all, and 'm looking forward to getting advice and support from you.

I finally hit the 170s. Haven't seen this weight on a scale since high school. Found my high school skirt in a bag in the closet (went to an all girl's Catholic high school) and we wore plaid uniform skirts. This skirt was from freshmen year (1974).
OMG............ it fit and it fit loosely!!!!!!!!!!!

Did they take some x-ray's? There could be so many things going on in there besides poking the band...not sure how that is even possible!
I could understand maybe poking a hole in the port tubing or the port becoming disconnected from the tubing but I can't really understand why they can put Fluid in and not get Fluid out unless it's disappearing somehow and the system has an opening that it should not have.
I would request to see the surgeon, and if they still don't find an answer for you seek an opinion from another surgeon.
I had fill about 3 months ago, where the Dr. told me she was putting in 1.5 cc, and I had the feeling that she totally missed my port. She was a new Dr. and I have since changed practices. At the new Dr. they removed all the fluid to measure and sure enough...I was right and she had missed the port. So the fluid she injected went into the muscle tissue and not into the band.
I'm not saying this is what's happening with you, but I would seek out another Dr. if you don't get a resolution.
Let us know what happens!!

I had my lap band surgery August 15th 2014. So far I have lost 33lbs and feeling much better about myself. I started my journey at 257lbs I am currently 224lbs. I made my decision for health reasons, myself esteem and I needed to get back into my uniform (lol). Fortunately my health has improved, I am feeling much better about myself and I didn't have to get bigger uniforms. I did gain about 2lbs over the Thanksgiving holiday, but I have picked myself up and have moved on. I know having lap band surgery has been one if the best decisions I have made.

Happy Bandiversary to all that was banned with me on November 18th 2013.

Today, a year ago I made the decision to get my life back. 365 days ago, I had the Lap Band Surgery.
Looking back to November 18, 2013. I was anxious, excited and at the same time scared. Not knowing what to expect. But I came to realize, that you have to take it day by day, it's not an overnight fix, it requires a lot of work of my part to make this tool work, just because I had a WLS doesn't mean that my weigh will come off that easy.
I had my ups and downs, but I don't regret at all having this surgery. I still have a way to go, but the good thing is that I'm not near my starting point, I'm moving forward towards my goal. Even though I don't know when I will get there, I know that it will take place if I continue to work hard at it. I CAN'T & I WON'T STOP!!!!
Can't wait to see what's in store for me in the next 365 days!!!
Let the journey continue...

Today, a year ago I made the decision to get my life back. 365 days ago, I had the Lap Band Surgery.
Looking back to November 18, 2013. I was anxious, excited and at the same time scared. Not knowing what to expect. But I came to realize, that you have to take it day by day, it's not an overnight fix, it requires a lot of work of my part to make this tool work, just because I had a WLS doesn't mean that my weigh will come off that easy.
I had my ups and downs, but I don't regret at all having this surgery. I still have a way to go, but the good thing is that I'm not near my starting point, I'm moving forward towards my goal. Even though I don't know when I will get there, I know that it will take place if I continue to work hard at it. I CAN'T & I WON'T STOP!!!!
Can't wait to see what's in store for me in the next 365 days!!!
Let the journey continue...

Happy Bandiversary..... Great progress toward your "goal."

Today, a year ago I made the decision to get my life back. 365 days ago, I had the Lap Band Surgery.
Looking back to November 18, 2013. I was anxious, excited and at the same time scared. Not knowing what to expect. But I came to realize, that you have to take it day by day, it's not an overnight fix, it requires a lot of work of my part to make this tool work, just because I had a WLS doesn't mean that my weigh will come off that easy.
I had my ups and downs, but I don't regret at all having this surgery. I still have a way to go, but the good thing is that I'm not near my starting point, I'm moving forward towards my goal. Even though I don't know when I will get there, I know that it will take place if I continue to work hard at it. I CAN'T & I WON'T STOP!!!!
Can't wait to see what's in store for me in the next 365 days!!!
Let the journey continue...

I weigh myself everyday, but I only count it as an "official" weigh-in once a month.

(cheating) on diets is what most of the world does



we are ONLY cheating ourselves however and we know what we are doing when we do it so its not cheating..its a decision we make and choose to do...its a decision you made to do

we know its wrong or we would not ask did i do bad, did i mess up etc..we already know that answer



if you call and tell your doctor, what would they say to you?

most people would NOT call their doctor and so call (confess)



we are normal...however if we continue to think like a dieter, we will get no where...dieting doesnt work...we need to retire that dieting person if we are to be successful in getting healthy and losing weight..all of us on this forum or others failed at dieting so we sought out surgery to help us..WLS will help us lose weight...but WE need to help it.



the reality is this:



3500 calories is a pound (ate or drank) whether its lettuce or doritos or cubed cheese..

it is your decision to use your WLS aid of choice as your doctor advised for best results..



that is our job.. we just need to do it..

Mornings are always hectic, finding clothes for the kids and myself and getting everyone out the door, well I'm sure you know how it goes.
So this morning I'm getting ready and I hear my son say Mom I found my clothes and I'm all ready to go BUT, these jeans......where did you get them, they fit but they're way too long. So I come out to see what he was talking about and immediately start laughing, he grabbed my skinny jeans thinking they were his:-) He was right they fit around his stomach but were about 12" too long. When I told him they were mine he just started laughing and said wow mom, you can wear my jeans now as capris:-)
Have a great day everyone!

Caffeine is a part of daily life for millions of Americans. Some people limit themselves to a single mug of half-calf to help them wake up in the morning, while others depend on the drug at all times of the day. There’s the morning cup of coffee to wake you up, the travel mug on your morning commute as you fight traffic, the morning coffee break to help you focus, and the afternoon pick-me-up soda.


For most people, this drug is about as harmless as a drug can be. It wakes you up, keeps you mentally sharp, and even helps you burn a little extra fat. There aren’t many serious health risks, as long as you don’t have too much.
For weight loss surgery patients, though, caffeine is a bit of a bigger deal. Find out what it can do to your body, how much is safe to have after surgery, and where to find it.
Caffeine and Your Digestive Tract
Caffeine is an acid, and it can irritate the lining of your stomach pouch or sleeve. This is true whether you have the lap-band, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric bypass. One way to prevent symptoms is to make sure you don’t have your caffeine on an empty stomach. However, that’s not really possible when your weight loss surgery diet doesn’t allow you to have beverages at the same time as solid food! Limiting your consumption is the best way to avoid trouble.
Caffeine and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach comes up into your esophagus or throat, causing symptoms like heartburn or an acid taste in your mouth. Acid reflux is considered gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) if it persists. Weight loss surgery often helps with GERD, since obesity is one of the main factors. However, you can still get GERD after weight loss surgery, especially if you have the lap-band.
What does all this have to do with caffeine? Coffee and other source of caffeine are among the foods beverages that make acid reflux worse. There are plenty of other risky foods, such as citrus fruits, spicy foods, fried foods, and garlic. If you do choose to have caffeine, just be watchful for signs of acid reflux and ask your doctor if you think there may be a connection between caffeine and your symptoms.
Does Caffeine Dehydrate You?
Staying hydrated is a big deal after weight loss surgery because it’s so important and so tough. It helps keep you full and healthy, and you can only do it if you plan carefully and pay attention to your Fluid intake.
Coffee and caffeinated diet iced teas and other drinks may seem like a great alternative to Water, which can get pretty boring. Unfortunately, caffeine is a diuretic. That means it increases the amount of water your body loses. That means it helps dehydrate you.
It’s not a serious problem if you don’t have too much caffeine and if you’re drinking plenty of other liquids, especially water. If you’re already struggling to hit your 8 to 10 cups of water a day, though, you might want to think seriously about skipping the caffeine so you don’t get dehydrated.
Caffeine and Your Nutrient Status
One of the most serious problems with too much caffeine for bariatric surgery patients is that it interferes with nutrient consumption. This comes at a time when you’re fighting hard to give your body the nutrients it needs through healthy eating and supplements.< /p>
Caffeine reduces your body’s absorption of two key nutrients: Calcium and Iron. Miss out on your calcium, and you’re at risk for developing osteoporosis and a high risk for bone fractures later on. Skip the iron, and you could get anemia, making yourself tired and weak. If you do choose to have caffeine, make sure it’s not at the same time you’re taking your nutritional supplements.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe?
There’s no single recommended amount of caffeine that’s best for everyone. The right amount for you depends on a variety of factors.
How it affects you.
The type of surgery you have.
Your surgeon’s recommendations.

A good amount for many bariatric surgery patients who can’t face the thought of quitting might be a cup in the morning to get you awake.
Cutting Back on Caffeine
If you’re addicted, cutting back on caffeine can be challenging. You can get some headaches, feel groggy and cranky, and get constipated. These symptoms only last a few days, though, and you can use them as motivation to take good care of yourself. That’s because healthy behaviors like getting enough sleep, exercising, and drinking enough water can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
If you’re trying to have less caffeine, it’s helpful to know the sources. Everyone knows about coffee, but there are plenty of other places where you might find caffeine.
Hot and iced coffee and coffee drinks.
Hot and iced tea.
Diet and non-diet energy drinks, including 5-Hour Energy.
Some over-the-counter Migraine, pain, and cold and flu medications.

Caffeine has a lot of uses in everyday life, and it’s not necessarily a bad drug. But, after weight loss surgery, it can be a problem if you have too much. If you love your coffee, ask your surgeon how much you can have to make sure you don’t harm yourself while you’re working so hard to get healthy and fit.

Just found out today I'm five lbs under my first goal weight! Thirty five away from my second goal weight! On my way!!!