kjharris0775

I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost my son at age 19. It is five years later, I am still in therapy on meds and. Trying to find myself. However, I gained 170 pounds since Zac's passing and knew I had to do something or I would die too and leave my 16 year old daughter alone. So on September 2nd I got the gastric sleeve. PRe surgery I was 370, day of surgery I was 351' now 4 weeks later am 316. Thus I have lost 54 pounds and much more to go. I am learning that if we are to go on we first need to learn who we are and congratulations to you for doing this and loosing. Sending prayers and hugs!

@zanes mom - I applaud your commitment to yourself and your family. I lost my husband 2 1/2 years ago to cancer, and I can commiserate with the eating and mental stability issues. Not withstanding the health issues that run in my family, I simply feel that the last several years I have existed to support my family, so the next several are to take care of me and this surgery is the first step in that. God Bless you and enjoy every minute of your victories!! ????????

It's such a fine line for some of us! The elusive green zone. I suspect there are a few who have walked in your shoes. Don't give up! If there's one thing I have found out with the band, it's unpredictable, just like life when you think about it. Here's hoping you find your shade of green!

before wls if I had gotten to 220 lbs I would have been very happy. now being so overwhelmed by wt. loss I don't think my goal will be enough. I am down to 214 as we speak and I should be happy. I know somewhere I will be comfortable with myself hope it comes soon.

Don't ever apologize for rambling! I love reading the everyday awarenesses and discoveries of your newly thin life. I keep doing double takes in the closet mirror doors each morning because the way the doors join and fold, sometimes I get a funhouse type image. Too skinny. Lol. Well I thought that was happening again this week but then I looked again, and I wasn't looking at the joined door but at a solid mirror. My body really was as narrow as it looked at first glance. I'm in shock. I also look down at my thighs when I am sitting and can't believe they are as narrow as they are. It's like an out of body experience. I know I'm close to Onederland, so that's an objective measuring point for me. It helps to reset my brain. I objectively know that 200 pounds has a certain look to it and therefore I must look close to that mental image. But it's so hard to internalize !
Like you, I am working on issues underneath my eating addiction. I'm dealing with emotional issues now but I truly see the benefit of working with a therapist on body image issues in my future. Keep posting and giving words to what we are going through!

Rosie has a long history of being an imbecile. Her a$$holiness never ceases to amaze me. Sorry to resort to name-calling, but she brings out the worst in me ...
Like many in Hollywood, she's confusing her fame with being a subject matter expert.

WHAT AN IDIOT!!! I can't stand her anyway and won't be watching her anytime soon. DUMBASS

I do not watch the view at all. They are all crazy and too liberal in my opinions everything is either their way or no way.

On Wednesday, ABC’s “The View” included a tactless segment for weight loss surgery patients. In it, Rosie O’Donnell said that she disagreed with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s choice to get the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap-band), calling it an “inefficient” way to lose weight.


Ms. O’Donnell herself is a gastric sleeve patient who had struggled with her weight throughout her professional life. She got the procedure done in July of 2013, and has since lost about 50 pounds.
Upsetting Effects of Ms. O’Donnell’s Words
Ms. O’Donnell not only insulted Governor Christie, but also every lap-band patient. She stated outright that the lap-band has a 50 percent rate of removal, and is an inefficient way to lose weight. She strongly implied that anyone who gets the lap-band chooses to do so because they haven’t done enough research.
This kind of divisiveness between weight loss surgery patients is harmful to everyone who is affected by obesity. Weight loss surgery can literally save lives and give people back their quality of life. It can be the only way to lose weight for many people. The only way to improve weight loss surgery outcomes and acceptance is to provide a unified front. When someone like Ms. O’Donnell bashes lap-band surgery, it only adds to the public’s general misconception of weight loss surgery as a foolish choice.
The Lap-Band Is a Good Choice for Many
The gastric sleeve is the right choice for some weight loss surgery patients, and it may have been the right choice for Ms. O’Donnell. For other patients, the lap-band is the right choice – and, in contrast to Ms. O’Donnell’s accusations, they can arrive at that decision after careful research. They may be hesitant to permanently remove most of the stomach, as in the gastric sleeve, and may value the ability to adjust their bands.
There’s no shortage of evidence that the lap-band can work. In fact, it may even be working for Governor Christie! He will not publicly discuss specific numbers, but he’s clearly lost weight since getting the lap-band in February of 2013. Rumor has it he’s down 85 pounds, but he hasn’t confirmed this amount.
A Better Choice of Words
Ms. O’Donnell is certainly entitled to her opinion, but it doesn’t seem necessary for an influential celebrity to insult all lap-band patients in front of millions of viewers on national television.
She could easily have praised the gastric sleeve and all that it has done for her without bashing the lap-band.
She could have discussed why she chose the sleeve over the lap-band and gastric bypass.
She could have praised Governor Christie for his weight loss without insulting his choice of weight loss surgery.

How Can “The View” Make Amends?
“The View” could have handled the situation a little differently. The show could have done something as simple as asking Ms. O’Donnell for evidence for her claims. For example, where did she learn that half of all lap-bands are removed? That flies in the face of what patients learn from their surgeons, who spend years studying the lap-band and other types of weight loss surgery.
There’s still time to make amends and show weight loss surgery patients some respect. “The View” could dedicate a segment of a future show to discussing weight loss surgery more accurately. Any number of bariatric surgeons and allied health professionals could serve as credible guests in an informative interview.
Make Your Voice Heard!
What you think matters to Hollywood celebrities and TV shows. Their success depends on your approval and continued support. If you want to weigh in on how you feel about Ms. O’Donnell’s insensitive comment about the lap-band, why not tell her and “The View” what you’re thinking? You can tweet them at @Rosie and @theviewTV to explain how hurtful her words were. They’re on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RosieODonnellOfficial and https://www.facebook.com/TheView.
Ms. O’Donnell may benefit from learning that the lap-band is a good choice for some weight loss surgery patients, and “The View” may learn that the show needs to take responsibility for presenting a more accurate picture of this – and any other – sensitive topic.

Eating small, chewing to applesauce consistency is vital if you're banded. Not following these rules can cause major complications. We see many failures and band slips from forum members who can't cope with this rule.

It's next week October 7!! I am so nervous, excited, but mostly ready to start this new healthier chapter in my life.
liquid pre-op diet starts tomorrow. Yippee!

I wish you all the best. I still struggle with the fear of weight gain and find that there are days (like today) where I cannot stop eating. Even though I am choosing Protein first and trying to keep track of what I eat, I get over whelmed with depression and then "the moose is loose" in the kitchen. The food I have in the house is "safe" but when I go to my parents home I have even a bigger challenge. Tonight I was offered a mini bag of popcorn only to realize it was kettle corn. Like an idiot, I ate the bag (didn't want to offend dad) and then I was nauseated.
I am still on the weight loss diet and loose about 1/2 lb a week. Though I am getting closer to my goal, I fear the day when I start gaining. I know this is a life long struggle and the surgery is a tool to help meet my goal. Fighting the head/mind games will be an ongoing battle for the rest of my life.
It helps to read that others have the same struggles.

Hey all- Dooter here. I haven't been on here in a while, but this thought has been plaguing me, and I need to get it out. -Let me preface this discussion by saying I am GLAD I had the sleeve surgery, and I would not change it for the world. I had NO complications and I lost 102 pounds in eight months, and for that I am grateful. I needed to do that quickly for my own sanity and health. HOWEVER- that said-
DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT think for one teeny tiny minute that having surgery and dumping a bunch of weight is going to fix your head and the behavior that got you here. Not gonna happen. During the "honeymoon" period where you can sneeze off five pounds at a time and you're never hungry after your teaspoon of food, you can't imagine EVER returning to old feelings and desires. I am here to tell you that it sneaks back in a little at a time. A taste here, a taste there... "oh look. I've gained a pound. well, that was salty food, I'll just drink more Water tomorrow." HORSE HOCKEY!!!! That's where it starts. Your old head trips creep in. Hiding food. Eating junk now, figuring you'll just shape up "next week" or "tomorrow." Tomorrow never happens and you've gained 30 pounds back. Yes. With your itty bitty stomach, you have gained 30 pounds back. It can happen. Or worse, you gain it all back. That can happen too.
The reason I am writing this and being to harsh about it is that you are a person who is considering, or who has gone through a MAJOR life changing surgery. SO CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!! Be vigilant. come out of that honeymoon with your armor on! You WILL stop losing at one point and your body will begin to fight you as mine has. The diet my surgeon gave me no longer works at this point in the game, as my metabolism is stuck in cold molasses and it has taken a personal trainer/dietitian to get it moving again, and it is majorly hard work and painful and distasteful at times, but I have another 100 lbs to lose AFTER the 30 lb regain is gone.
​Have somebody close to you hold you accountable for exercising and eating right. Splatter it all over Facebook if you have to (I did) so you'll have MANY people holding you accountable! Do what you have to do to reach your goal. Don't settle for less and don't eat crap. And don't think that surgery is the final solution. It's a tool that will get you halfway there. The rest is up to YOU and no one else. Thank you. That is all.

Thank you for all the words of encouragement! I'm taking it one day & one pound at a time, but it's not easy. I know this is a mental, physical & emotional journey so I'm doing my part to stay healthy in all areas.
I'm so encouraged (and motivated) by your weight loss successes! I'm terrified of getting on that scale & not seeing it move down. So glad I found this forum -- there's really good advise & support on here!!

It's demoralizing to hear such stories about the lap band. I have high hopes and am now feeling discouraged.
However, I wonder how many who aren't making progress NOT following the plan? I mean... eating two steaks (even if small) isn't supposed to happen unless it is one half cup's worth. Plus we are supposed to be doing a lot of exercise.
I can't imagine if we follow the plan and increase our activity levels we won't lose. It can't be all about the band. It also has to be about US, too. Our willingness to follow directions and cut back and start getting active, right?
I don't know... maybe in a few months I'll be groaning and moaning, too, even after following the plan! LOL
Just my two cents worth.

Geoff,
Had to do a double take on your surgery date. It looks like 10/2013. I assume you mean 10/13/2014.
As the others have said. First off, follow your surgeons guidelines. That being said, I have been going to the gym and doing cardio and complete weight regimens since 6 weeks PO. And I'm sure that without the workouts, this whole sleeve thing would not be working for me.
Some cautions. - I had a unbilical hernia repair during my sleeve and subsequently avoided any strenuous stomach type exercises for a few months. And when doing workouts, keep the hydration up.
Another point to keep in mind is to be able to build any muscle during the process and certainly avoid losing any while losing fat weight, you must get in your Protein. I do whatever is necessary to get in at least 100 grams of Protein a day.
At six months my weight loss has slowed alot, but my workouts have not. As I get stronger, I am able to do more and even with the low calorie diet, I need to maintain the workouts in order to keep losing weight to reach my goal. The process has convinced me that even when I reach my goal, exercise will be the only way of maintaining my weight and avoiding any weight gain. Good luck with your surgery. Keep us posted with your progress.
FYI - Check into "My Fitness Pal". Makes it easy to keep track of your diet, your workouts and your weight goals.

So today I was asked about excess skin. So I wanted to share my skin. Warning there are photos of me in my bra.
So a little about me.
I had gastric bypass on Halloween 2013.
Hw: 333 pounds
Surgery weight: 283 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Estimated excess skin weight from doctor: 20 pounds
Height 5 foot 6 inches
Size 10 stretchy, size 12 regular fit, size 14 tight fit.
Size M shirts
Size WHEN I started 4xl
I will try to attach some before, after and skin photos.
Goal weight 140-150 pounds.
Goal life: healthy, and live life to the fullest
I wanted to share these because I look not so bad with clothing. I don't like having the excess skin, but it doesn't define me.
Remember it can take up to two years for skin to shrink.
I am not ashamed of my excess skin. Do I wish it was gone, yes I do, but life unhealthy was much worse
I hope this does not deter you to lose weight and have this surgery, because this life is so much better and it is worth it!
Let me know if you have any questions
I will likely do this again when I hit goal weight. As you can see in the below pictures, I still have a lot of adipose tissue in the skin, so I am sure it will get better
Cheers!

Hi there, I know my band is adjusted properly when I have no problem with well-chewed Protein but people vary as to what works really well for them. I love salmon and soft fish, or stews where the meat is falling apart. chicken thighs work better for me than breasts. I stay away from potatoes, bread and Pasta as those are empty calories. Because my portions are so small I splurge on expensive cuts of meat. Banders love chili -- and there are so many kinds to make. I find with burger if I cook it with some stock it is softer and falls apart better -- and is delicious, more flavorful. The burger can then be dolled up to go Mexican (garlic, black Beans, cumin, etc.) or Italian (I just add a few jars of red sauce) or chili (onions, garlic, kidney beans, etc.). When I make red sauce the family has it on pasta but I just eat the meaty red sauce and some veggies. Curries are yummy. Again I just eat the good stuff and skip the rice. Look out for slider foods -- those will just go right down. chips, Cookies, ice cream -- even shakes are sliders. It's the chewing of the food that gives the esophagus squeezes signaling the brain for satiety. That is the goal. Have him check out the Eight Golden Rules for Lapband on-line for a better understanding of how it works. And with all the money you will save on food bills, restaurants, etc., get yourself a facial, a massage, new shoes -- because you deserve all of that for helping him get on his feet health-wise. Oh, that's the other thing, exercise! Even if it's just a little to begin, get walking a little further, a little further. That's the magic ingredient. Good luck! Can't do it for him but if he's on board fully it's going to be amazing!

Today marks my one-year bandiversary! I am constantly amazed at the differences in my life that have happened over the past year. It's been a ride full of excitement, anxiety, self-discovery, and improved health.
When I weighed in for my surgery, I was 354lbs. I was scared to death. I asked my sister-friend to take me home more than once. I questioned what I was doing right up until I fell asleep in the OR. I woke up totally satisfied with my choice. I haven't looked back with regret a single time (Yes, I questioned my sanity a few times in those early days, but no regrets.)
One year ago, I was on blood pressure meds, high doses of arthritis meds for my feet and knees, I struggled with chronic pain, and I was generally unhappy. I knew I needed to change, but I couldn't do it on my own. I was trapped in the hell that was my body.
Today, I take NO blood pressure meds and my arthritis is under control without even tylenol. My chronic pain is no longer chronic nor constant. I am active and social and happy. My body is no longer my prison.
I have always struggled with anxiety. I still do. This year has forced me to face certain demons and admit my fears. I love my therapist. She is the most supportive, non-judgemental person. I don't know if I would be as successful as I am if she wasn't a part of my support system.
One year ago, I wouldn't dream of getting on a roller coaster. I've done this and so much more!!! One year ago, I would shut down at the thought of group exercise classes. Today I take boxing classes full of people...and my before and after pictures are displayed behind the check-in desk. One year ago, I was looking for inspiration. Yesterday I met a lady at the boxing gym that said my pictures and my story were her inspiration...talk about coming full circle.
One year ago, I didn't want to talk about me. I didn't want to talk about anything personal. This year, I have been the featured speaker at my weightloss support group. I was told afterwards that I moved many people in attendance. Me...the one that was scared to death to make the change that I needed so badly.
In one year I have dropped 165lbs. I have gone from a 5X shirt to a Large or Medium. I was a size 30 in jeans...today I am between a 12 and 14. I wear skirts again. I NEVER did that one year ago. I wasn't able to wear boots because my legs were too thick. I bought three pair last week because they zipped. One year ago, I was faced with living my life as a very solitary, hermit-like person. Today I am dating, meeting new people, doing new things, and living the life I have deserved for a very long time.
Thank you to all of you on this forum. I love coming here. On my bad days, I find inspiration. On my good days, I try to give it.
So, I'm attaching a few pictures for you
My before picture (May 2013)
My picture today (September 11, 2014)
The jeans I was wearing one-year ago...I fit in ONE LEG now!
Here's to the next year...and the one after that, and the one after that....

Just a recommendation? Consume more natural Protein like ham, seafood, hamburger, turkey sausage, omelets, steak(tenderloin goes down easiest). shakes are a slider food and give very little in the way of satiety. Likewise with salads, tuna salads and even egg salad.
It's the solid foods that seem to trigger the valgus nerve giving you that early and sustained sense of satiety. Don't treat this like it's a diet. Eat normal foods.
I still eat a couple slices of bacon each week. I enjoy turkey sausage crumbles on my egg omelets. I have regular egg omelets and egg beater omelets when I want to get serious. For lunch I'll have oroweat flatbread with a couple slices of mesquite smoked turkey and/or ham with a slice of cheese. It's still only 300 cals.
If you treat this like it's a diet, you're going to feel deprived just like we did on all other diets we tried over the years. Yes, you may lose an extra lb or two each month if you diet, but you're going to feel deprived and unsatisfied which can lead to giving up or bingeing?
Let the band work for you. It's a tool, not a nanny. Of course this is just my opinion and I'm still about 23 lbs from goal but I'm enjoying the trip so far.
tmf

Thank you :-) my ultimate goal for everything is for my daughter's well-being. I want her to learn mommy's strength :-)

Ultimately you can't control what others think....keep your eye on the prize and remember WHY you made your choice. For me it is so I can play with my grandkids and do the things I want to do in retirement.

This is a wonderful post -- so happy for you! Doesn't it feel great to be exercising more and to be out and about, increased confidence and just generally more happy and healthy? I am loving this banded life!

Hello fellow banders. As most of you know I reached my goal in July 2013 and surpassed it by December. I actually went down to 140 lbs in the spring and then have been fluctuating between 142-146 ever since. Finally last month I don't know maybe this new job I've started, I noticed my eating habits have changed. I'm not very hungry at all which is a good thing. I have a Protein Shake and coffee for Breakfast, and then I don't eat any food until between 12:30 and 2 pm. Yeah, all day no food just about. When I do eat, it's just a little as we are supposed to eat and that's it. I may snack on something in the evening around 6:30 or 7 but I can't eat later than that. My body has changed to if I do, I start coughing in the middle of the night and will cough up Water that sometimes come out of my nose. Not sure why that is. Anyway, my weight went back down to 141 last month and then last week I lost another pound and hit 140 again. Couldn't believe it. Didn't think I would see that again. Well yesterday I got on the scale and it was 139.2. OMG!!!! Me 139 pounds!!!!! Are you kidding??? This scale can't be right. So I go to work. Weighed myself before bed and yes it said 139.2. I don't even recall when or if I ever weighed 139 pounds but today when I weighed, it's at 138.8. Yep, that's right. I'm officially 138 pounds. I can't believe it. I'm literally in shock guys. I even said in another post a while back that my doctor's goal for me was to be 134 pounds and I thought he was crazy. Well I don't think he is crazy anymore because I'm almost there. Again, I'M IN SHOCK!!!!! So what's the point. NEWBIES AND OTHERS, THE BAND WORKS IF YOU WORK WITH IT, PERIOD!!!!!!!! And that's by following the rules. You may venture off a little but you can ALWAYS get back on track. I LOVE MY BAND. I'm so excited yet I'm feeling a little numb because I'm not doing anything in particular to lose weight and all of a sudden my body is losing again which is good. I guess I need to lose some more and didn't realize it and I'm okay with that. I just had to share guys. Continued success to each of you.

Congratulations on your success! I was wondering if you had an idea how many calories you're eating a day, approximately of course. Just wondering how it all shakes out down the road. I'm halfway to my goal.