Jeniiake

I understand how you feel. I told my immediate family and my closest friends when having the band done in 2009 and the same people (except for my dad, cause he has a big mouth and would have told my business to everyone) this past February when having my revision. You must understand that some of your "friends" will tell others (even if you ask them not to), I was judged by 1 of my friends' "friends" (who's opinion I don't care about), and simply told her she doesn't have to deal with the knee and hip pain that I do, and if the day comes when she does then she can talk to me about MY decision then.
With the band, it was embarrassing to only lose 30 lbs and then gain 20 of it back within a year; not to mention trying to eat out with them or have dinner and everything getting "stuck". Bottom line for me was the band did not work and I had complications from early on. Ask yourself who you are doing this for, I'm pretty sure it's for yourself . As long as you are happy who cares what others think.
Now, as for the inevitable questions: "What's your secret?" or "How are you losing so much weight?" There is no need to lie!! Just simply tell them "Increased Protein, low fat, low carbs and portion control." These are not lies.

I understand how you feel. I told my immediate family and my closest friends when having the band done in 2009 and the same people (except for my dad, cause he has a big mouth and would have told my business to everyone) this past February when having my revision. You must understand that some of your "friends" will tell others (even if you ask them not to), I was judged by 1 of my friends' "friends" (who's opinion I don't care about), and simply told her she doesn't have to deal with the knee and hip pain that I do, and if the day comes when she does then she can talk to me about MY decision then.
With the band, it was embarrassing to only lose 30 lbs and then gain 20 of it back within a year; not to mention trying to eat out with them or have dinner and everything getting "stuck". Bottom line for me was the band did not work and I had complications from early on. Ask yourself who you are doing this for, I'm pretty sure it's for yourself . As long as you are happy who cares what others think.
Now, as for the inevitable questions: "What's your secret?" or "How are you losing so much weight?" There is no need to lie!! Just simply tell them "Increased Protein, low fat, low carbs and portion control." These are not lies.

I understand how you feel. I told my immediate family and my closest friends when having the band done in 2009 and the same people (except for my dad, cause he has a big mouth and would have told my business to everyone) this past February when having my revision. You must understand that some of your "friends" will tell others (even if you ask them not to), I was judged by 1 of my friends' "friends" (who's opinion I don't care about), and simply told her she doesn't have to deal with the knee and hip pain that I do, and if the day comes when she does then she can talk to me about MY decision then.
With the band, it was embarrassing to only lose 30 lbs and then gain 20 of it back within a year; not to mention trying to eat out with them or have dinner and everything getting "stuck". Bottom line for me was the band did not work and I had complications from early on. Ask yourself who you are doing this for, I'm pretty sure it's for yourself . As long as you are happy who cares what others think.
Now, as for the inevitable questions: "What's your secret?" or "How are you losing so much weight?" There is no need to lie!! Just simply tell them "Increased Protein, low fat, low carbs and portion control." These are not lies.

Still have reflux with the sleeve. Mine is worse now, but it wasn't that bad to start with. Controlled with omiprazole.

Sorry had to say it. Been sick with it for a week now ????????????

Not Happening After all …
So I was scheduled to have my Lapband Removal/Gastric Sleeve/ Gallbladder removal surgery on Sept 29th, but yesterday during the pre-op visit, it came to light that my surgeon, Dr. Fox, will be leaving for a month long vacation 2 days after my surgery! Given that he’s doing so much, he thought it unfair to leave and not be here should by chance I have any kind of complication. My logical side concurs, but I was so close to getting this done!!! I guess it was not meant to be….just yet.
So now I’ve been pushed back to November 2nd. I guess I was more prepared for this than I gave myself credit for, because I feel disappointed, empty, and a little purposeless…much like a deflated balloon. Another 6 weeks to wait!!! *Sigh*. It was like hurry up and then brick wall. I’d made all these arrangements and had visions of a much smaller me on Thanksgiving… I'm staying on my pre-op diet...don't know what else to do. Perhaps I'll loose a lot more weight before the date and give myself a head-start
Brooding but trying to stay positive!
Ellie

Well said @Jeniiake. I agree 100%. Don't let the people in your life "RUN" your life. I've been there as well. When I let my family run me I was miserable. I took my life back and I love it! Screw anyone who thinks what I think is BEST FOR ME isn't good for them. It's not about them.

I understand how you feel. I told my immediate family and my closest friends when having the band done in 2009 and the same people (except for my dad, cause he has a big mouth and would have told my business to everyone) this past February when having my revision. You must understand that some of your "friends" will tell others (even if you ask them not to), I was judged by 1 of my friends' "friends" (who's opinion I don't care about), and simply told her she doesn't have to deal with the knee and hip pain that I do, and if the day comes when she does then she can talk to me about MY decision then.
With the band, it was embarrassing to only lose 30 lbs and then gain 20 of it back within a year; not to mention trying to eat out with them or have dinner and everything getting "stuck". Bottom line for me was the band did not work and I had complications from early on. Ask yourself who you are doing this for, I'm pretty sure it's for yourself . As long as you are happy who cares what others think.
Now, as for the inevitable questions: "What's your secret?" or "How are you losing so much weight?" There is no need to lie!! Just simply tell them "Increased Protein, low fat, low carbs and portion control." These are not lies.

Skin elasticity is different for everyone, but staying very hydrated and using moisturizers will help the elasticity of your skin. Honestly, I look in the mirror and prefer the saggy skin over the extra weight, this too can be fixed. I'm 20 lbs from goal and have a scheduled Tummy Tuck in November. Don't worry, after you start losing the weight your skin will tighten up in some places. Concentrate on Dr.'s orders and you will be fine!

Mr McFaster;
November is fast approaching, just wanted to share a few tips for when you go for your sleeve, before and after tips. Before the actual event, follow the directions provided for you in the pre-op diet, your going to be motivated, and find that you are going to lose weight prior to going. Get some exercise in, some walking 20 to 30 minutes each night really helps, as you are conditioning yourself, and you will find that walking is going to be a life saver for you, and you will work yourself into a pretty kicjk pace when the weight starts to come off. Your gonna be nervous the day of the event, but just relax, because before you it, your gonna be in recovery. Post Op - this is where it gets a bit tricky, because everyone is different. First follow the directions of your doctor and the staff, no matter what. they say eat this, you eat it, etc etc, drink when they tell you and walk. Gas pains are the biggest problem, some people use Gas X strips. I was less polite and just belched as often as possible. Do not try to rush the food intake, broths and Soups are a big must, take your time, because your gonna need it. Watch your incisions, I had a little trouble with one, but they are all good now, and healed nicely. Grab some scar fade which takes away the redness. Finally, relax, because when you start losing the weight, and it does come off, you going to be excited, and more confident. Aug 13 was my Operations, so about 6 weeks out, and I am down to 248, from Operation weight of 284. It feels good, and I know you will do great.

I had my band for 11 years. Boy what a mess. I did lose 100 lbs. but there was lots if stuck food and vomiting. My band was removed and converted to a sleeve a week ago today. The Dr did it all in one surgery. No complications with the surgery. He did say there was a lot of scar tissue and he had to chisel the port out. I had an allergic reaction to some medication given in recovery which caused severe nausea until the next day. Once that subsided I was good to go. Went home the next afternoon and never needed pain meds for my abdomen at all. Unfortunately two days later I got a really bad cold and raging sore throat. That has slowed down my liquid intake. I am glad I had this done. I just wish I had not waited so long. I wish you the best of luck.

I'm scheduled to have band removed and revised to sleeve June 12th and I'm going through all these different feelings. Excited. Nervous. Ready. Not ready. Is this normal??? Dr. Clayton Frenzel is my surgeon.

Very normal! And when you wake up on the other side you realize how glad you are that you did it! Hang in there!

I finally received the phone call today. October 12 I will be having my band removed and then the sleeve. My last meal will be tonight. I am so happy I can not wait!!!!

It's nothing like the band. I share your fear though about eating around the sleeve. Constant vigilance is the key. I'm honestly saying that I am loving sleeve eating. I've had no intolerances. I would barely know I had surgery except in satisfied very quickly. I haven't really pushed it to "full" yet.

Weight loss is such a personal journey...a hairball of the bliss of eating favorite foods, complex emotions, compulsions, defeating behaviors, shame, embarrassment, resentment, and the list goes on and on. No one wants to admit that they can't control what goes into their mouth. I'm coming up on my surgery Nov 2nd...and frankly, if I could, I would tell no one at all! Some of it is the former, but also, from having my lapband surgery, it added sooo much pressure, having people watch everything I ate, asking me how much weight I've lost each time I saw them, saying insensitive comments and remarks, etc...and then it was what they did not say, as I put the weight back on slowly but surely...I could almost hear what they were thinking while watching me eat. My mother falls into the category of people I don't want to tell. I love her dearly, but she's a stoic, non understanding person, who, when I had the lapband, called up each and every one of her thousands of friends to "in confidence" express her fears over my decision, and to ask their opinion. I was mortified at how many people knew, way before I was willing to share...
When I loose weight, folks will surely ask how, and I'm not sure how to circumvent lying. I don't want to be dishonest, but then again, I don't feel like I need to share my personal and medical choices with certain folks... I will need all my mental energy to focus on learning to use this tool to loose weight, rather than appease peoples curiosity and deal with their remarks and opinions.
So in short, just wondering, if you decided to tell or not to tell. And if not, how you coup with the inevitable questions that will come.

This is a great topic! I appreciate you for bringing this up @ellie123. I think that you pretty much answered your question for yourself on what would be best to do. But, if I could offer my two cents I'll tell you how I'm going to handle this. At first I was on the fence about telling anyone (other then my wife of course). The big thing with getting this surgery I find is the mental edge you have to keep. It's already so hard having this issue with food, and worrying about the scale and just the overall stress of the surgery in itself. People are going to judge. That's just want people do. So go into this knowing that. With that being said if I were in your shoes I wouldn't tell anyone who DOESN'T need to know. This is your decision and it's your life. People have to realize and understand that it is okay for YOU to make a decision in your life for yourself. One thing that really bugs me is people who don't have a weight problem and other obesity related issues can actually have the NERVE to even suggest that I should try something different. I told my Aunt with my wife that I was getting the surgery and her and my Uncle just jumped down my throat like if you've already lost 25 pounds you can lose 100 pounds, it might two you 3 years to do it but you can do it. The fact that she said that tells me that she just doesn't understand. I had to tell her because we need her to keep our son during the time I'm in the hospital. But, I will NOT be telling any other family members. The reason why I've done so well with my life change so far is because I have no added stress. People don't know I'm on a change (with my eating and working out) I don't broadcast it. I already have sooo much other stuff to worry about. After the surgery once I start losing weight faster I know that people will ask. And a few of my friends who I know won't judge me I'll tell. Other's I'll just say I've changed my life learning about weight and nutrition. It's not lying because that's exactly what he all are doing. We're changing how we look at food and how it pertains to our lives. I hope you decide to not bring more added stress to your life and keep it between yourself until you get to a point where you can handle telling people. Good luck @Ellie123. Also, congrats on your 5 pounds lost. Keep it up!

I just had my conversion surgery last week (3.11.15) and my doctor was able to do the removal and conversion in one shot. I spoke to him prior to my surgery and he said I had the option of having my band removed and then I don't know if that caused me as much pain as I had but either way, I'm happy it was done at the same time. My doctor told my mom right after my surgery that I had a lot of scar tissue which was probably a result of throwing up as often as I was.
Just to back track, my band did not slip or errode; I was simply intolerant of the band. I wasn't able to eat most foods without getting stuck and throwing up. After two years of being filled and unfilled and barely any significant weight losss, my doctor and I agreed it was time to convert.

When I complained about being hungry, my doc told me that hunger is often thirst in disguise. So I increased my Fluid intake and it really helped! Now I drink 120+ ounces of Fluid per day, and it keeps my sleeve pretty satisfied.

Hey Aribay! I was worried of always being hungry after the surgery so I did a ton of recipe hunting to prepare myself. I'm currently still on mushies but I do feel hunger through out the day. Here are some ideas I've found to help and keep me satisfied:
Grilled chicken (or even chicken teriyaki) with raw baby Spinach Chicken Sausage (found @ Sam's club) and Eggplant Italian Bake (use lowfat cheeses and you won't even miss the pasta!) Prepared tuna on Saltines (can only have 5 and I'm stuffed!) Chicken salad with celery onions and a little mayo Tuna Patties pan cooked with a little chipotle mayo Scrambled egg whites with cheese and 2 turkey or chicken sausage links (Applegate makes some really good ones) Roasted cauliflower tossed in hot sauce (kinda like buffalo wings and barely any calories) lettuce wraps (like a sandwich but no bread) In times of weakness....try making a mini pizza with a soft tortilla, higher in carbs but it'll give you your fix Here's a link that will hopefully help some of the carb cravings http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2013/09/25-of-the-best-cauliflower-recipes-on-pinterest.html

The way the sleeve works, you may not "feel" things accurately the first 6-8 weeks. Nerves are cut and take time to heal. I was advised to measure, and eat by the clock those early months. For me, my maximum "appetite control" was in the 2-7 month post op range.
I think it is important to note that the sleeve does not rely as much on "restriction" as the band. It is more like you have a normal stomach that is way smaller and has less hunger. It isn't that "tight/pain" kind of feeling many experience with the band.
I counsel anyone to practice the exercise of not "seeking full" but rather seeking "not hungry" once you are past those initial healing weeks

I celebrated my two month surgerversary this weekend and boy the difference from month one to month two is night and day. For all you newbies out there, hang in there, it gets better and better.
Month one you're still new and not feeling quite yourself. I have to be honest, I didn't feel "normal" until around week 6 or 7. I also had to get used to the new feeling of hunger. It's now like an uncomfortable feeling or sensation in my esophagus! I hate it but I'm getting more used to it every day.
I also had to train myself to stop eating at the first sign of fullness and let my brain catch up. Otherwise, I would become so frustrated because I would still be head hungry after my belly was full because that happens so fast now. Truth be told, I used start enjoying my lunch on the second sandwich so this is new for me! LOL
I'm also making sure to eat my Protein and drink my Water because in month one I had decided that I didn't like food you had to chew because it would make me really full so I decided I could eat a cup of Soup vs 1/2 cup of anything else. Well, that's not a good plan because soup has a lot of sodium in it and I noticed I was only losing one to no pounds a week! I got back to Proteins, found some that I like which took some work, and I began to drop the pounds.
I admit that I am just adjusting to my new life but I'm happy. Newbies, it takes some getting used to. Take it day by day, follow the rules, keep your carbs and processed food out of your diet and you will be where you dreamed you would be. You can add those things back in moderation after goal as treats if you need them. As for me, I am a potato chip and coffee lover. I now don't love coffee anymore but potato chips are still my enemy! I know, I've had them! The great thing is I was able to have a few, felt full and walked away without feeling guilty.
Today, I am 55 pounds down (I know, I need to update my stats) and I've gotten rid of all of my 2x and 3x clothing items. I'm wearing my 16 skirts and xl shirts and boy did I have fun closet shopping. I cried when I filled those two plastic bags with all my pretty plus sized work clothes because I knew I would never go back to that size again. Everyday someone asks me "how much weight have you lost" and I'm just thrilled to tell them. And this is just the beginning!
I'm ten pounds from my half way mark and I can't wait to see what the next two months hold for me.
Thank you to EVERY ONE OF YOU on this board for letting me come here on many occasions and cry, lament, complain. Thank you for always giving me encouragement and "tough love" and sending me back out into the fight. I can't express how important this board has been to me even though most times I "lurk". You're helping a lot more than one person when you post so thank you!

Your husband is a tool who is likely an extremely insecure man who is afraid that when you lose weight you will no longer be attracted to him. His defense mechanism is pushing you away so that when you eventually realize that he is not the catch you once thought he was, it won't be as difficult for him. Any man who can say that to you during this very difficult point in your life is not a man worth keeping around. I would let him know that you absolutely understand his position, and if he doesn't want to be the husband you deserve, then he certainly knows how to use the front door on his way out of your life.

Lose the weight, find a new husband.

Insurance denied me so I am having to do self pay as well. My surgeon thankfully feels confident that he can do it all in 1 surgery. Getting revision completed March 3rd!!