Cindy C

I have the same issues therefore I never eat in the morning. I drink coffee to loosen my band. On the rare occasion that I feel hungry I have a Protein Shake or a yogurt.

THANK YOU, ALEX!!

My out of pocket cost for my surgery was $2000. I saved that much at the grocery store the first year. While I spend a lot on clothes, I always have so that hasn't changed. The change is that I don't have to go to expensive "fat lady" stores ti buy size 10's. I can get them anywhere! Another financial change is my earning potential has gone up. Right or wrong, the fact is that HR directors are more willing to hire someone thin and fit than someone morbidly obese. Even if I hadn't had insurance and had to pay the $20,000+ it would have been a bargain. The benefits far outweigh the expenses. In the long run you'll come out money ahead.

My out of pocket cost for my surgery was $2000. I saved that much at the grocery store the first year. While I spend a lot on clothes, I always have so that hasn't changed. The change is that I don't have to go to expensive "fat lady" stores ti buy size 10's. I can get them anywhere! Another financial change is my earning potential has gone up. Right or wrong, the fact is that HR directors are more willing to hire someone thin and fit than someone morbidly obese. Even if I hadn't had insurance and had to pay the $20,000+ it would have been a bargain. The benefits far outweigh the expenses. In the long run you'll come out money ahead.

My out of pocket cost for my surgery was $2000. I saved that much at the grocery store the first year. While I spend a lot on clothes, I always have so that hasn't changed. The change is that I don't have to go to expensive "fat lady" stores ti buy size 10's. I can get them anywhere! Another financial change is my earning potential has gone up. Right or wrong, the fact is that HR directors are more willing to hire someone thin and fit than someone morbidly obese. Even if I hadn't had insurance and had to pay the $20,000+ it would have been a bargain. The benefits far outweigh the expenses. In the long run you'll come out money ahead.

It'll be fine. I didn't quit before or after.

My out of pocket cost for my surgery was $2000. I saved that much at the grocery store the first year. While I spend a lot on clothes, I always have so that hasn't changed. The change is that I don't have to go to expensive "fat lady" stores ti buy size 10's. I can get them anywhere! Another financial change is my earning potential has gone up. Right or wrong, the fact is that HR directors are more willing to hire someone thin and fit than someone morbidly obese. Even if I hadn't had insurance and had to pay the $20,000+ it would have been a bargain. The benefits far outweigh the expenses. In the long run you'll come out money ahead.

June 2008 - June 2011

For starters I'm a yr and 5 months divorced from being married to my high school sweetheart for 25 yrs. He totally broke my heart in '09 when he left me for another woman, yes she was skinny! And no I didn't have the surgery for that reason before you judge me. It's been a long hard 3 yrs of separation and divorce and being single at 46 is no fun. So I turned to food immediately. Instead of dropping weight I gained it. I ate my emotions away. How in the world did I let it get this far and bad and why is all I keep asking myself. I have never weighed as much in my life as much as I weighed on the day of my surgery. Every joint in my body hurt, it hurt to walk, bend, breathe, walk up stairs winded me, heck I couldn't do anything. I was eating and eating and eating like there was no tomorrow. I was huge! I bet he got the last laugh when he would see me out and about in our town and see how huge I was and still am. On a positive note, I made a decision to take back my life and have the surgery to save my life and get healthy. I've lost over 40 lbs since June 13th. It's been hard work and a battle of stuck episodes, boy let me tell ya, whew! Still learning to eat and chew. I hope to become a better me with a positive attitude, eat healthy, be active and do things in my life that are on my bucket list. Here's to a better me!

I'm just over 4 years. I started at 324 and have been hovering around 180 for about 2 years. I can eat just about anything I want just not a whole lot of it!

The general rule with pill is if they are scored the can be broken or crushed.

You get to claim them forever, you earned it
Congratulations!

Only 11 months for me- but -120 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Woooohooooo

My stock answer to that question: "I regained control of my life!"

Ok, who am i kidding, if the brownie was there... I'd eat it!

My stock answer to that question: "I regained control of my life!"

My stock answer to that question: "I regained control of my life!"

Dumping syndrome happens when the undigested contents of the stomach enter the small intestine too quickly. It can happen anywhere from immediately after a meal to up to 3 hours later. It's a side effect of Gastric Bypass, not LapBand. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sweats and weakness. It can be managed by diet. Fats and Carbs are usually the cause.

Dumping syndrome happens when the undigested contents of the stomach enter the small intestine too quickly. It can happen anywhere from immediately after a meal to up to 3 hours later. It's a side effect of Gastric Bypass, not LapBand. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sweats and weakness. It can be managed by diet. Fats and Carbs are usually the cause.

Both are laproscopic. One puts a band around the stomach, the other removes an organ. I would say the risks are higher with the gallbladder. I had both about 4 years apart. For me, the recovery was harder with the gallbladder.

It doesn't matter which one you use, they all smell horrid. If you can't past the smell try Carnation Instant Breakfast. If you use 8 oz of skim milk and the s/f variety the calories are minimal and you get 13 grams of Protein (as well as a ton of vitamins). I usually add a half scoop of Protein Powder which brings it up to about 25 grams but the smell doesn't bother me as much as it used to.

You've lost 10 pounds already. The liver is the first place it goes so you should be fine. Your doctor isn't going to close you back up. Relax and keep following instructions. You'll be fine. Good luck with your surgery and enjoy the journey. It's awesome!

You've lost 10 pounds already. The liver is the first place it goes so you should be fine. Your doctor isn't going to close you back up. Relax and keep following instructions. You'll be fine. Good luck with your surgery and enjoy the journey. It's awesome!

Don't beat yourself up over it. You didn't "cheat" because this isn't a diet. It's a lifestyle change and life happens. Sometimes you need a little indulgence. It isn't realistic to think that your going to go through the rest of your life without an occasional treat. I just ate an oatmeal cookie. Am I mad at myself? Heck no! Am I going to eat another one? No! Am I going to eat one tomorrow? Probably not. Everything is OK in moderation. You just need to know when to stop and you new BFF will help you with that!

Yesterday it was in high 80's and now today it's dropped down to the high 60's. I was actually cold so I went into my closet to pull out my once favorite black cardigan.
The cardigan I wore the day I had surgery and I haven't worn in many months.
Holy cow, I couldn't believe how huge it was on me! I mean, I guess I should've known because I've dropped 5-6 sizes since then, but putting that sweater on was a "wow" moment. It really put into perspective how far I've come. Especially considering the day of surgery, I couldn't button it because it was too tight across the tummy if I did.
So, I thought I'd share the difference. Here is me in the now massive sweater