meggs353

Hi there, I listen to a podcast called Half Size Me, which has changed the way I think about weight loss. One of the things I’d recommend is using the free Happy Scale app, which gives you an average weight, so you can track even small decreases over time. Then focus on losing a pound a month - it will take you 2 years, but 2 years will pass and you’ll either be where you are now cycling the same 5 lbs, or 22 lbs less. It’s just about small, but consistent changes - so not giving up when it seems like the scale isn’t budging, since it might just be inching down. Good luck!

Thanks all for the feedback, very helpful!

Hello, I have a lap band and am seriously considering revision to gastric bypass. With the lap band, I have by far the most restriction with my first meal of the day. If I’m going to get stuck, overly full, or throw up, it’s almost always with breakfast which can set off a chain reaction throughout the day. I know the surgeries are very different, so I’m curious if people with bypass notice differences in their ability to tolerate food throughout the day. Thanks!

The pre-op diet’s purpose is to quickly reduce fat around the liver to make surgery safer. So 5 chips won’t sabotage that. But, get right back on track and definitely follow the guidelines for 24-hrs pre-surgery as those requirements will make sure your digestive system is ready for surgery. Good luck!

Thank you so much for the thoughtful replies. Helps give me some context and some new things to think about.

I’ve read over and over again that WLS is not a magic bullet. It takes dedicated, sustained lifestyle changes. But, if we can’t maintain those changes (eliminate carbs, low calorie diet, avoid trigger foods) before surgery, how can we expect to maintain them after surgery? I’m thinking long term here: 5, 10, 15 years after surgery when the magic of weight loss is gone and it’s just daily life. If I can’t stop eating now, how could I expect that to change in 10 years? Really looking for help here. I had lap band surgery in 2014 and I weigh 15lbs more than my highest pre-surgery weight. I gained back all weight I lost and more, and have the same bad habits. I’m thinking of revising to gastric bypass, but I’m wondering if I’ll just fail again. BUT, if I can theoretically make a sustained life-style change post-surgery, why can’t I actually just do that now? (I try, every single day, and I fail week after week). I feel like it’s possible or impossible. If surgery doesn’t make it easy, what benefit does it have beyond short term (1-3 year) weight loss?

Yes, I still get pain from time to time especially when I’ve eaten too much. (Banded almost 4 years ago).

Good luck ang! Go slow to avoid getting stuck and to make sure your brain gets the full signal

Thanks for sharing your story! People should not stop looking for dr's until they find one like Dr Mihil. They are not disappointed, they don't blame, they just do their best to help. Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks for sharing! Good luck getting fills and getting back to losing again! And enjoy mommyhood!

Sorry you feel that way! I hope you follow-up with your dr for help! Acid reflux everyday can lead to major complications. You and your dr can work on strategies to get back on track!

Great work getting back on the "band" wagon! I'm in a similar place but had a set-back much earlier in my losing process. But it's not a race and I know I'll get there eventually. If I do something drastic I won't be able to keep it up so I just need regular sustainable habits

Sorry to hear about your struggles! It's not easy. But the more I'm on these boards the more I realize that almost EVERYONE struggles by gaining weight at one time or another (sometimes a little, sometimes a LOT). It doesn't mean you're a failure or you've done anything wrong, it just means you're human. The good news though is I've also read lots of stories of people who have come back from weight gain and lost all or most of it again! So it's okay if you slipped now, you can still get back to where you were! I would recommend going back to your dr (or a new one if your surgeon retired). They are so used to seeing this that they won't be surprised or disappointed - it's just part of the journey. And the surgeons want to help you be successful, so they can help you get back on track. (If you don't have that experience, get a new dr, please don't let anyone make you feel bad about it). The other thing is getting back to basics. Go back to all the band 101 rules. The band is a great but imperfect tool. Good luck, I believe you can both succeed!

I didn't lose any weight for the first few months after surgery (actually I gained some). But that's normal! The band on its own doesn't do anything for most people, you need to start getting fills over the next few months to experience appetite suppression. Good luck and do your best not to get discouraged- it's a journey!

Oh man, that sounds frustrating. It's so easy to beat ourselves up about weight gains. Yes, parts of it are within our control but so much of weight loss is a biological and psychological mind field. In other words - it's tough. Kudos to you for staring over and not giving up. Break your goals down into small chunks to help them become more attainable. Be kind to yourself and take your time losing weight the right way. The band should help you feel full with less food, rather than physically restrict you from eating. Good luck as you continue your journey!