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I hope this will be the last part...lol Me: Really, u cant know who this is. Him: Yes, I do I dont giving my # 2 all kinds of women Me: Y me? Him: I dont kno, I was just lead 2. Me: um hum, game Him: no, seriously..I was walking by & I saw u, I thought she's beautiful but u looked so sad & I said 2 myself I would really like 2 make her day, so I did. Me: yea ok. So we talked for what seemed like hrs. Time flew by & it was time 2 go get my son, so I packed up my baby, got in the truck, picked up my son all while on the phone with HIM. I couldnt believe that I was talking 2 another man but his accent intrigued me & I just wanted 2 know more & more. Well, once I got home Josh was sitting on the couch in his usual spot, he asked me where I had been all day..I told him at my mom's & he said so u just dont give a damn if I dont have a way 2 get around or nothing 2 eat? I said no its not like that but in my head I was think hell no I dont care, I had reached my boiling point with him. We started a routine, as soon as I got in the house with the kids he would grab the keys from me & be gone until 2-3 in the morning, in my heart I knew we were done. While he was doing his dirt as he had been for 7yrs, I was developing a friendship with the "kroger's dude"...lol It wasnt about anything but convo, we would talk about my marriage, our kids, his baby moma & just life period. He was awesome, he was actually concerned about me & who I was, he would tell me if I ever needed 2 tlk I could call him, he would tell me how unhealthy my situation was..he never judged me for sticking around so long...he was my friend. One night, Josh called me & said that he wasnt coming home until the next day because of whatever reason he was giving, I was like ok um hum thats fine..I didnt put up a fight & ask 1000 ?'s like I normally would. My focus was changing. He said, whats wrong with u & I said nothing just used 2 ur lies & drama. He said, whatever bye. So after we hung up, I called HIM & he asked how I was doing, the usual stuff & this time I told him exactly how I felt, my marriage was over & I deserve better for me & my boys ect. He said, yea u do but u have 2 make sure that this is wht u want & ur not acting off of anger, I said, Im done. Josh came home the next morning, i grabbed the keys & left with the boys, dropped me oldest at school & this time I went 2 visit HIM. When I got there, I sat in the car for what seemed like hrs before I called 2 tell him I was outside, because I went back & forth in my head about, Im doing the same thing Josh done 2 me & so what he gets what he deserves. Finally, I called HIM & told him I was there, he came outside..we tlked for hrs, I had the baby with me & he asked could he hold him, I said yes & my baby was content in his arms. It was weird but he was. On the way 2 my son's school, I felt bad like I was taking it 2 far, Josh is my husband, what about my kids, everything was going thru my head. Once, I got home as usual Josh was out the door but he said, " I know u tlking 2 another man but u not bold enough 2 do nothing else." I looked at him & all that doubt/fear in my head went away & I was sure about my next move. The next morning Josh came home, I left & once again I went 2 see HIM...that also became apart of the routine before I knew it, we had spent a whole 30 days 2gether & it was wonderful. One saturday I came home, I handed the keys 2 Josh & he said, "im not going anywhere 2day, so lets tlk." I said, about wht? He said," the man u tlking 2" I said, I dont know what ur tlking about" He said, I see how rushed u are 2 leave every morning, how u give me the keys at night with no hesitation, how u hide ur phone now, how u smiling when u get a txt message, u in love with him?" I said, I dont know wht ur tlking about", he got up & he punched me in my stomach, he slapped me, he cursed me out, he pushed me on the floor all while the kids were right there watching, he told me 2 call him & tell him it was over or he would kill me & the boys. So because I feared what he might do, I called HIM & told him it was over & I was going 2 work it out with my husband..HE said,"Wow ok if thats what u got 2 do" then he hung up. I was crying but it was because, I felt like I was going 2 loose my best friend forever. Josh took my phone, he deleted HIS #, messages anything that came from HIM. That night I told Josh EVRYTHING, I told him that I didnt need him & he was I was worth more than what he thought, I even said, "u aint the only man that wants me"...I told him how I loved HIM..how he cared about me & didnt judge me, how he made me feel needed & wanted at the same time, how he held my hand for hrs & just listened 2 me...I know yall thinkin that was crazy because Josh was abusive but I didnt care, all those yrs that he made me feel unloved, unworthy, guilty, ugly, fat, like nobody wanted me but him, like I wasnt good enough for real love..I had 2 tell him why & I was ready for the fight that came with it...I didnt care. The rest of that night was queit, after I put the boys 2 bed & got in the bed..he came in the room & sat in a chair by the foot of the bed. I tired 2 stay awake becuase I didnt know what he was going 2 do but I couldnt & I actually slept the best I ever had in yrs...its crazy because he sat there watching me ALL night crying. Can u believe that he was crying, as if he had never done anything 2 push me 2 this, as if I hurt him, as if he was faithful all those yrs while I cheated, as if all those feeliings I felt he now feels...2 be honest with yall I hoped he felt the way I did for the past 7yrs. 3 days later, we had an eviction letter on the door..he left that morning then he called me around 11 saying he got a place...I said,"ok when can we move in"..he said, "I guess u didnt hear me, I got a place". I said, "what about the boys?" he said, "oh yall will find something soon." I know that we having problems but how could he turn his back on his son's & not care if they had a place 2 live? Although, I found out over the yrs who this man was, it still amazed me that he was done with his son's too. I called HIM as soon as Josh hung up & I explained 2 him what happened & y I called him 2 tell him it was over. He said, " u hurt me, I have feelings for u that I never felt for anybody else, I didnt kno if he hurt yall or what, I called ur phone, u didnt answer, I txted & no response, I cant believe that u hurt me"...I started 2 cry & tell him how sorry I was & that I had all of those same feelings for him, he told me 2 come see him but I couldnt go with the bruises on my arms & neck, so I said no..he told me that he needed 2 see me. So all that night I put ice on me, creams anything that would lighten up those marks..I didnt own any make up, so I couldnt use that. The next morning, I got up took my son 2 school & I went 2 see HIM. As soon as he seen me he started 2 cry which was so odd 2 me but he said, "I thought that I would never see u again, & then 2 see u with these bruises from him hurting u, & I was not there 2 protect u" then he grabbed me & hugged me, he wouldnt let go..he went 2 the back seat where the baby was & he got him out & held him so tight. This man must really love us, but I had no idea about what real love was so I didnt say anything, I didnt kno what 2 say. On March 26, 2009 I was moving out of that old apt 2 my sisters house until I could get things in order. While I was in the house, Josh came over...I didnt know he was coming, I didnt even know how he got there. He said he was coming 2 get the rest of his things, so I let him & I didnt say a word 2 him. When I was in the bathroom, getting things from under te cabinet..he came in & locked the door, he started choking me..he punched me & then he rapped me! All I could hear was my kids scratching & crying at the door..the worst part was I was on my cycle. He didnt care, when he was done he told me that I was still his wife & whenever he wanted me he could have me no matter where I'm at, then he left. I was disgusted & I didnt know what 2 do...I was confused & lost, he was crazy but I didnt know how crazy until then. I got 2 my sisters house, I moved all of my stuff in, within a few days I found a job, me & HIM were getting much closer..finally things were starting 2 look up in my life. Me & the boys were happy & safe. Josh called me one day & asked me could I help him get his lights back on because he was in the dark with no food. Keep in mind he didnt want me 2 know where he was staying, that same place he got & wouldnt let my boys come 2, I told him dont ever call me again, I know who u are & it took me a long time 2 get here but I'm here & I aint turning around. Over the next 7 months he called me EVERYDAY, asking can we fix our marriage & saying how he will never hurt me again ect. I told him no & I kept living my life. I am now in my own place, & have been for the last 4yrs...I havent broken NO lease, I am at a full time GOOD job, my lights have never been off, my kids are in a Private Christian Academy,me & HIM are 2gether, Im getting sleeved June 3rd., we are planning 2 buy a house next year...life is GOOD. Josh, has 5 kids with 4 different mothers, has a girlfriend that has miscarried 2 times, 2 babies 5 days apart by the same girl mentioned in part 3 Keisha & Keturah, he is currently cheating on his girlfriend with those same girls. He has had his clothes burned, been put in jail for assault of 1 of them, no car, no job & no contact with his kids, he doesnt call, help out NOTHING. I tlked 2 his girlfriend the other day & she stood out there while he was in jail, tlking 2 me about why he was in there BUT what stood out the most is that she defended him & said how she loved him so much & at that moment I saw what I looked like after all those yrs. & I told her I feel sorry for u...oh yea, I know u didnt read anything about a divorce but thats because for the last 4 yrs he wouldnt sign the papers because he said when he's done doing all this he is coming back 2 his family. Anyway, we will be in court getting divorced June 26th rather he shows up or not! It tookn alot 2 get 2 this point but I lived thru all of that for whatever reason & it was sad, it was hard, it hurt ect but WE MADE IT & thats all that matters. I needed 2 get this out before I started my NEW life, I didnt want 2 take this with me in the O.R. when I started this process I still carried this burden but 2day, I leave it all behind! (HIM :wub: ) (my babies )

So I’m now a little over a year out and wanted to share a few reflections on my journey so far. Please know that this was my journey….yours will be different. But I thought maybe you might find something that will help you along the journey, like I did from all those that shared their stories for me. Warning its very long!!! Sorry about that. I just have so much I want to share with you guys!! A little background. I started this journey March 19,2012 at 236. I was never heavy until after the birth of my 3rd child. I was very sick with that last pregnancy…… contracted a rare and deadly pneumonia that put me in the ICU for weeks. This damaged my lungs and it seemed like it was all downhill from there. I’m just now feeling “normal” again. That was almost 15 years ago. For me this journey was more than a physical makeover. It was a physical. Emotional, spiritual make over. There was not one area of my life I didn’t dig into. I will save that for another post. For now let’s just stick to what worked for me. Pre-op What helped the most was educating myself. I LIVED on this site the last few weeks before my surgery I prepared myself mentally for everything. I created a Stock My Pantry List that I see still gets around on this site. It helped me tremendously and gave me something to do (controll). This part of my journey was very much like I was nesting for a baby. Cleaning, cooking, and organizing everything in preparation of being out of commission for a couple of weeks. If you want a copy of the Stock My Pantry list….fill free to inbox me and I’ll be glad to send it to you. The best advice received during this stage: Follow doctor orders no exceptions! Post-Op No matter how much I prepared for the surgery….I still was unprepared. You see there were so many people that had such a quick recovery; I just knew that would be me! I have a very high tolerance for pain….Well I guess not!!! I did have several other things done at the time, but OH MY!!! Prepare for the worst and hope for the best! I had two hernias and adhesions removed along with the band..so maybe that was the difference…but I didn’t feel good for at least a week. Best Advice: The 4-6 weeks is for healing….so focus on that not weight loss!!!!....And stay off the scale!!! MY Journey I have been asked several times what made the band work for me, while others struggle so much. I’m a rule follower and a little OCD so if I get something in my head I can’t let it go. So I really never doubted I could get the weight off….I knew I could (I had done it several times before), but my problem lied in keeping it off. The band alone will not do this for you!!! The one thing I have learned is that utilizing the band and making it work for me was very much a head game (demanding your body to co-operate!!). I never thought of myself as “Addicted” to food. I could see how that element would make the process even harder. I might even consider a different WLS. It took 8 fills for me to feel anything!! If I hadn't been so determined I could see how it would have become very discouraging. And I still think I need another fill, but I’m waiting till after my abdominalplasty /Breast Lift that is scheduled in less than 4 weeks. This process takes time. You must be vigilant and dedicated to the process. For me, I have a condition called PCOS. I never realized that it was this condition that made it so hard for me to lose weight until my daughter was diagnosised with it at about the same time I had my surgery. I saw her struggling to lose her 50 pounds. Her doctor did well at educating both of us. I knew I had PCOS)( they told me that was the reason for my infertility 20 years earlier)….but I guess back then they didn’t know as much about it as they do now. I just thought it was an infertility issue….I was skinny (120 pounds) and Physically fit back then. After I had my family, I put it out of my head…it never dawn on me it was the source of my weight issues 20 years later. So with that new found info I was able to educate myself on the condition and put in place significant diet changes. Here is where some controversial ideas come in play. REMEEMBER this is MY journey!!! This worked for me. If you have similar issues, it may work for you….that’s why I’m posting it. But it may not work for you. You see there is a large group people that believe we are all basically the same…you know a calorie is a calorie…..and that we all basically need the same amount of them and that our bodies need the type foods. I STRONGLY disagree. I think we are ALL different….none of us are the same. We all have unique set of genes that determine how our bodies will respond to different foods. That’s why two people can follow the exact same plan and have extremely different results. I agree that the majority of people fall right in the middle in calorie needs however there are a large portion of people that fall on the outside of those averages. Some of us could NEVER consume 1200 calories a day and still lose weight!! Most people could…not me. While there are others that could consume their 2500 calories a day and never gain an ounce (I doubt there are many of those on this site-haha). Others could follow the food pyramid and all would be fine…not me. My body hates carbs…(I LOVE them). Others follow a strict High protein/low carb diet and just become sick. It’s no wonder why we give up!! I decided to be successful, I had to figure out what was right for me. So what was right for me? Well, I knew that in general before surgery I doubt I ate 1500 calories day normally. And I knew that I was gaining about a pound a month. So after post op, my nutritionist wanted me to eat 1200 calories a day with at least 70g of Protein no limits on carbs. At first (being the rule follower I am , I went along with the plan)The only exercise during this time was a 30 min walk about 3 days a week. I knew that this wouldn’t produce much loss, but I gave it a try. As I thought…I actually gained a pound by my 8week visit). I then (on my own) reduced my calories to 1000. My nutritionist didn’t agree with this but she told me to give it a try. Next visit I did have some loss but it still wasn’t where I wanted it (about 0.5 pound a week). I told her I was listening to my body and it needed something different. *I changed the calories to 900/protein at 70 gram/ and set a limit of PROSSED carbs to 30 a day (the nutritionist about flipped) *I Changed my 30 minute walk 3 days a week to a 15 min walk every day ( I wanted to establish a exercise routine but didn’t want to spike my appetite and want more calories) BINGO!!! This was the winning combo. The weight fell off at about 2-3 pounds a week. This lasted for about 5 months of steady weight loss. At my 7 month check in I was down about 50 pounds. My nutritionist was convinced!! She now supported my plan. But I also noticed that as I lost I the amount I was losing was going down too.Why? I was doing the same thing. Why would it change? It didn't really matter why...do it did mean I had to switch it up again. On reflection I kind of figured out that it was the same with other methods.Just like weight watchers point program…when you are heavy you get extra points…but as you lose they take away points. They have to take the points away to keep you losing weight.The same is true here. As I lost, my body required fewer and fewer calories just to move…my body was becoming more efficient. At the end of the 5 months (7 months after surgery) I was back to the 1 pound a week. (I was now 180 pounds and 7 months out)At this point, there wasn’t much I could cut out in the diet area…so I knew it was time to get sweaty!!! But I knew that exercise was out of the question on 900 calories a day!! I wanted to lose another pound a week so that was 3500 calories and I could go to the gym 5 days a week (it’s just math….that means I had to burn 700 calories each day at the gym. increased my calories to 1100 and started hitting the gym) ) Yes… I was hitting the gym hard!! About an hour on the Eiptical and 15-20 min on weight machines!!!! Yes I know that is an extremely low net calorie intake….but this is what I needed to do to get the weight off. I wasn't going to die from lack of food! There was still plenty of reserve!!!! No it wasn’t easy!!! Yes I struggled!!! Yes I cried, But I did it!! I ate a huge amount of healthy foods like spinach, celery, cucumbers, cabbage,broccoli, green geens ( I call these "free" foods VOLUME CONTROL things I simply eat because I need to take up space… I also ate tons .chicken, berries, nuts, tuna not to mention the countless low calorie protein shakes….I never went hungry….if I was hungry I ate. I might have been what I wanted to eat, but I gave my body the nourishment it needed. It wasn’t a exciting diet in fact I ate almost the same thing every day. I just kept telling myself “I could do ANYTHING for 20 more pounds…once I get it off I could return to a more enjoyable diet”. And it worked!! Off came the weight again!! At 2 pounds a week!!!BY January 2013 (10 months out) I was at my personal goal of 160 pounds!!!(76 pounds lost!!!!) When I asked my doctor If I needed to lose more he said absolutely not!! That the 15 pounds that I have left was all skin and he put me in the success file! Now he has taken my diet plan and is sharing it with his other PCOS patients. That made me feel good. Now, I’m a little sad. I always thought I would be able to return to that “normal” range for calories…that I would be able to eat at least 1200 calories and maintain…but that’s not the case for me. I maintain now. But my numbers aren’t pretty. I have figured out that my “Base Metabolic Rate” is more like 900 calories (and that is with a pretty good amount of muscle mass) if I don’t exercise and I hate exercise. But I like to eat…so now a days I simply add whatever calories I burn at the gym to my daily calorie intake. I try to go to the gym 2-3 times a week and burn about 500 calories each visit so to keep it simple, If I go to the gym 1 time a week then I can have 1000 calories a day for that week; 2 times a week=1050 calories a day weekly; 3 times a week =1100 calories a day weekly if I don’t hit the gym I get the whooping 900 calories. These are my numbers. Like them or not I had to accept them. And they are pretty accurate. I’m now at month 13. (3months into this final phase) and I’m simply maintaining at 158-160 pounds. Lessons lerned *You are unique!!!You must figure out what your body needs and respond to it . And most likely its not going to be what YOU want it to be. But you need to accept it and deal with it. I wish my body liked carbs…..I miss them a lot!!! It doesn’t mean I NEVER have them. I just need to be mindful there is a price to pay for having them…so I keep them to a minium. Nowadays I allow myself some healthy/nutral carbs but nothing like the average person eats. For me My diet is 900 calories a day (+exercise), 70 grams of Protein/ 60grams of healthy/natural carbs * gave up almost all processed foods * I try to exercise 2-3 times a week * If a plan isn’t working, mix it up until you make it work After re-reading this it may sound like this was just easy for me. I want everyone to know this was the absolute hardest thing I have ever done. I could have not did this without my family willing to give me the support to put myself before all of them for a while. Instead of me coming last in everything….I was first!! They worked around what I needed. That’s what families do for each other. I have always been there for them….this time they were always there for me. To a husband that was firm with me and would accept excuses from me (but yet hugged and encouraged me the whole way)….to a daughter that was my cheerleader….to another daughter that was my inspiration and motivator to a son that simply kept telling me how pretty I was. I will NEVER be that other person again!!! It was I life makeover!! It even made us a stronger family...We as a family lost over 150 pounds!!!! Good luck everyone!! Inbox me if I can help you in anyway.

Hi my name is Austin, I am 21 yrs old and my surgery is set for Jan. 5th. When I entered into the process I clocked in at 428 lbs with a bmi of 58,I really let myself go, which my surgeon won't allow anyone over 60bmi to have the surgery... it wasn't until I hit 400 lbs that I ever really let it sink in that I was to far gone. You see I always convinced myself that oh I'm young I can loose weight if I really tried. But after several,upwards to 12 different diet and exercise programs, slimfast, nutrisystem, Atkins, south beach, etc. I finally broke down, and admitted defeat until my doctor uttered his best advice. Gastric Bypass. I went for my seminar and it opened my eyes to the possibility that I won't die young that I could live a long happy life. I changed the way I looked at food and I got down to the real root of my eating problem and just stopped making excuses and got off my fat buttnd now I'm around 410 and less than 2weeks away from my liquid diet. I would love to find someone who is close to my surgery date to be friends,mentors, a confidant if you will and together we can support each other to conquer and keep each other strong through what will ultimately change out lives for the better

Congrats to everyone keep up the great work I now can wear a size large women's dress from a size 3x I too love the gym and go 5 times per week . I still have about 75 pounds more to loose but I know I will get there I'm swimming in my old clothes and I am only buying clothes second hand because they cost so much doing this transitional period. Tomorrow I will be 7 months post opt my my how times fly when your having fun .

:glare:So heres the deal i have no motivation and really need to get back at it. I lost a bunch of weight but reached a place where I dont have it in me any longer to fight the good fight (my give a crap is in the shop L:tongue2:L!) I just need to get back on the "Band wagon":lol:I crack me up... Im actually not eating enough and not getting the right amount of protien so im not loosing any weight. working third shift is crap. when i was on first shift i had a schedule i could live with and got in the gym when i was supposed to... Blah Blah Blah:angry:. I just need to get off my tush and get at it. I wonder if I am the only one that is discouraged by my own lack of commitment to my self??? HMMMMM???:thumbup: P.S. Tag you are it!

Found this data. Hope it helps. This is for a 1/2 chicken breast, no skin, and boiled. www.nutritiondata.com

I'll be six weeks out next Monday. The first few weeks do suck. I never got even close to my daily protein and fluids for several weeks. I tried so many different things and just felt like nothing tasted good!! One way that I get about half of my daily protein is to make a smoothie for breakfast. I mix 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries, a scoop of unflavored protein powder (I like the genepro), a couple of dollops of strawberry cheesecake greek yogurt, 2/3 cup of the fairlife milk and a little zero calorie sweetener. I have a Ninja blender and that really works great! f you can tolerate a smoothie at this point that might help with the protein and also add to your daily fluids! I also added the unflavored protein powder to things like broth, cream of chicken broth, no sugar added hot chocolate, sugar free chocolate pudding, etc. I know bone broth has a good amount of protein if you like that. Not eating with your family is really hard. I just keep telling myself that this is not forever and things will be better soon!! Loosing my extra weight is motivation for me!! The hives could be from stress to tell you the truth! My daughter gets hives when she is REALLY stressed. The dr told her to take pepcid. Works like a charm! Keep drinking what ever tastes good to u and know that things will turn around soon!!! Oh, sugar free popsicles and no sugar added fudge bars are really good too!!! You can do this!!!!!

You are probably feeling much sexier from having the surgery and you need to hold onto that. This man is interested. Stay focused on the sexy feelings you get when you're with him and try to push the self-consciousness away. Sexy is all in the mind. I've always maintained a sexy attitude even at my heaviest. I'm much more self-conscious at this high weight but when my husband says I'm beautiful- I believe he definitely sees that- even when I don't. So- if he's worth it- your skin won't matter- what's inside it does. You really have to risk it for love. :wub: Good luck! In related and funny matters, read the thread that starts "This may be inappropriate but.." in post op. (warning: it's explicit)

I haven't lost any more hair or thinned hair more than it already was due to thyroid issues. I didn't have dry skin either post -WLS. I've tried everything: biotin pills, Rogaine, Nioxin . . . none if it helped.

Hi thankyou for the response , I hear so much about people reaching their sweet spot / green zone , but for me I have had several fills and unfills but either felt things to loose or like now , I don't now ever really feel truly hungry which is amazing really but that doesn't bother me , what does is the worry I don't manage Proteins easily especially as most say to concerntrate on them first in the diet . I dread eating out amongst others unless having something like Soup anything else generally causes me to bring it up or despite chewing well pain in my chest / port area which makes me feel unwell - when this happens I dare not even drink until the pain feeling goes , have you ever had this ?

Excuse my language but Screw Them. People just want something to be nasty about. People dont' have the right to complain I'm fat and then complain when I loose weight. Choose a side you can't have both.

...thats so right. i told my husband last night that he wasnt to expect more beauty from me as a result of weight loss but that i would better health. im 65, i dont know how weight loss is going to affect my muscles, my face, my neck. reading these posts i can see that protein is an essential part of diet, to the point where it is encouraged to be taken by powder or liquid. im assuming that this is to help with the muscles in the body... not sure about that one. Im certainly going to try and keep a healthy skin, im not going to neglect my appearance. does anyone have any advice here for maintaining a smooth skin after surgery?? weight loss can cause havoc with the face and neck.

So this week I went to my surgeon for my 3 month post op visit. 3 months!!! ALREADY! Wow, I cannot believe how fast the time goes when you are so focused on a goal! So, I went there and first off got weighed by the nurse. She says to me, "Wow, you are down another 26.3 pounds since the last time we saw you just over a month ago!" So I tell her about the hair loss and the little bit of worry that I have about the loose skin, and she gives me some fliers about what other Vitamins I can be taking for the hair loss (BY THE WAY, ANY ADVICE IN THIS AREA WOULD BE GREAT!!!). She then tells me to ask the Dr. about the skin and what he thinks. So the Dr. comes in a few minutes later. Says to me, "Hello, Kim. I'll tell you, you used to look like someone I would perform surgery on, but not anymore!" So I smile and turn beat red (i'm sure) and then he looks at the chart again and says, "Kim! Do you realize you have lost 90 pounds in 4 months!?! NO ONE has ever lost that much that fast in our program!" Thats when it hit me. I have officially "lost" my 12 year old niece. WOW! Now for the bad news... My hair is 1/2 gone. Thank goodness I had a really thick head of hair to start or I would be bald by now. It's horrible! Every time I touch my head I loose a whole hand full of hair. I am really starting to worry about it but don't know what kind of vitamins to invest in so that it at LEAST slows down. HELP!!!! More bad news: I'm on another stall. I wanted to start the new year off in Onederland. I haven't lost in over 2 weeks. I am 10 pounds from Onderland and am stuck. Go figure. I just hope I can be within 5 pounds of Onderland at least by the New Year. Over all, I am happy as a lark and LOVING my new life! Thanks to the surgeon, their wonderful staff, and the sleeve I am happier than I have been in a very very long time. I finally feel good about myself and therefore am able to tackle the everyday things that used to tax me to even think about. I don't have a lot of full body pictures to post but I do have just a few to share. The first two pics is from a wedding I was in this last June (5 months ago). The last three were taken just this week. I will do my best to find some full body pictures this week and get them posted. ONDERLAND HERE I COME!!!!!!

I have always had super dry skin, especially in the winter. I will get dry spots. I always drink plenty of water and use PRESCRIPTION lotions too. But, since surgery I have had a quarter sized dry spot right in the middle of my back that I can't get to go away. I don't know how it would be from surgery but it is weird that it happened all at the same time. I showed my doctor last time I was there, he confirmed it is just dry skin and to keep applying the lotion to it. Usually they go away but this one has been there for 5 months now..🤷‍♀️

Howdy Sleevers!!!! I haven't chimed in for a couple of days due to the fact that I was trying something new. My company provides probably one of the best weight loss surgery benefits I have ever seen. Granted you have to pay a $5000.00 deductible, but you get that money back over the course of 3 or 4 years provided you meet the doctor's weight loss goals. And to top it off, if I hit 40% of my goal, my company will give me a $5000.00 cosmetic surgery benefit to help address any "skin" issues that could potentially arise. They did have a couple of pre-op goals that I had to meet beyond the traditional 6 month diet and weight loss. They required attending a 12 week course on mindful eating (which they paid for), 1 pre-op psych eval, and attendance at a surgical weight loss support group. Post-op they require 5 meetings with a psychologist at certain intervals and that I attend 6 support groups in the first year. Being a student of Psychology myself, I didn't mind the requirement of the psych visits; it was the support groups that I was dreading. Well...I went to my first 2 support groups this week and my opinion of them has completely turned around. The first group I went to was for people who had the sleeve or bypass and it is run by the surgeon himself, with a stand-in when he is unavailable; which is rare. The room was packed!!! I am glad I got there early. There were people in all phases of their recovery and subsequent weight loss. I got to hear them talk about many of the same issues I had been having or could potentially face in the future. They talked about their successes, roadblocks, stalls, changes, etc. Nothing was taboo and I felt reassured that I was not alone. I know that I have my family and friends who support me 100%, but sometimes it is hard for them to understand just what I am going through and being able to talk to a group of people, face to face that have or are going through the same things as me...well it made me feel really good about my decision. In this group we mostly talked about the physical elements of the surgery and even though I found the group engaging, helpful, and motivating, I wanted more. The second group I went to was held the very next day by a psychologist. It was the emotional support group. Now I know what you might be thinking...a bunch of people crying, hugging, etc. Well it was nothing like that. We sat in a circle and talked about the emotional impacts of the surgery and weight loss on our lives. I talked about the fact that I was unprepared for the emotional roller-coaster I experienced (and am still experiencing though it is much better). Others talked about their partner’s reaction to the change and how some of their relationships had become strained, how they were unsure how to address questions from people about the surgery and dispel myths, and several talked about struggling with the decision to tell people at all. When I talked about my issues, I was reassured to hear that I was not alone and that many in the group had experienced the same emotional impact that I have been dealing with. My overall experience with the two supports groups were so positive that I fully intend to attend both on a monthly basis. One other thing I have done differently that I didn't anticipate I'd do is get a Sleeve Buddy. I met a fabulous lady during the 12 week course who ended up having her surgery the day before me and we hit it off right away. We call ourselves Sleeve Buddies, but it is so much more than that. We motivate each other, talk to each other when we hit a rough patch, we work out together, and much more. The best part is that she lives in the same city so we are close enough to get together whenever we want. Aside from the support groups, the relationship I have developed with her has been so helpful. She has become by sleeve confidant. I guess the moral of the story gang is that the more support we have the better chance we have of succeeding. I strongly encourage you to try out a support group and see if it helps you as much as it does me. Ciao 4 Now!

I chose lapband for lots of reasons: 1) not a major overhaul of my insides; 2) recovery time; 3) if a problem can be reversed; 4) it helps me learn how to eat properly with a better chance of keeping the weight off. 5) slower weight loss giving my skin a chance to catch up. All in all, it is a matter of personal preference. I feel for me I have made the best decision...and my PCP agrees, even though I didn't see him until after my decision had been made. Good luck!

If you can keep a protien drink with you. My doc gave a fill at surgery. I have problems swallowing things. I think I am hungry and for god sakes I do not want to loose my hair due to not enough protien. are you eating enough protien? I was banded 9/28 and am down 12lbs also make sure you do not drink up to 90min after you eat your protien. Hope this helps

Has this week started over?? Is it Monday again?? Still?? Ok I now know why I am bitchy and craving. I haven't had "the visitor" for years.... Thank you ablation!!! Today I am sick with bronchitis, feel like I have coughed my band loose, can't poop, get stuck... I mean stuck!! For the first time and start!!! When I am done fishing I am going home to bed!! Lol. Just thought I would share.

What amount of carbs do you loose the most weight on ? I have heard 20 gms is the ideal amount for Ketosis but I have found it nearly impossible to keep my carbs that low. I am at 60 gms daily. I continue to lose weight but I am very worried that it will stall due to that high carb amount. But 20 gms is not only not achievable but not sustainable either. Please share your carb counts & experience. Sent from my SM-G920P using BariatricPal mobile app

If you don't know where your port is, please make sure you find out where it for future reference. Today, I went in for my 3rd fill. (The Nurse Practicioners do them at my office). I laid back on the table, she numbed me up, and we were just talking and it was over. I drank the water to make sure it stayed down, and I went on my merry way. I made a couple of stops along the way home, and I happened to look at my stomach, and I was shocked to see that my band aid was NOT where my port is!! I knew that my port was not in the 'normal' location because my surgeon told me that mine is epigastric because I had a lot of scar tissue. I immediately called the office and they told me to come back. Luckily, I live close to the office! What she thought was my port was actually my incision, and she mistook it as my port because it was hard and got fluid out of it because it had a cyst!!! She drew the fluid out of the cyst and put fluid into the correct location of my port. Now, I'm worried and a little paranoid about future fills...it really makes me wonder if they're getting the right spot! What if they put a hole in my tubing or somehow damage my band? Will I have to get surgery again to correct a mistake that was made? So, know your port!! If I didn't know, I may have been wondering why I didn't loose any weight!!! Next time,I will also check things out before I leave the office!

Wow, you have lost 10 lbs per month! That's great! Here is a little reality check, people are more interested in themselves and seldom pay attention to what others are doing. And if they are paying attention and criticizing you, then kick um to the curb and move on because they are not a loving part of your life. You will lose more weight and have less loose skin to boot! It will happen, just give it time. Now it may be time you start eating adult food though. Like lean meats and lots of other Protein based foods. Try to avoid sugars and carbs for a while. You should be at a stage where you can eat regular food now. I eat a lot of chicken, fish, pork and beef. I will then eat a little bit of veggies if i have room. The baby food you have been eating may have too much sugar and is also processed. I try to stay away from processed foods as much as possible. Hope this helps.

Congratulations on your 50 pound weight lost. I know how it feels to be able to loose that amount in this time frame. I lost 50 pounds in 4 months our of surgery and I have been with the same weight for a month now...I think I need a more agressive fill. Hopefully this thursday. I have 6.5 cc on my 10cm APS Band. Keep up the good work... Are you exercising? I am, and since I started I noticed I stop loosing but I haven't gained either....Could be muscle? Keep me posted, Regards, Vicky

Hello Everyone For years I have been strugling with my weight, I have tried every diet and pillS known to menkind,so when i heard about the lapband i was exited I reseached it and made the desicion to have it done. I had my procedure on january 20th 2009. at first everything was great not too much pain and the weight started to come off, then i just stop loosing weight i called my Dr. and was schedule fo a fill, I had my first fill on april 24,2009 and i was so excited that i was going to start loosing weight but it just not happening I don't know why, I'm watching what I eat and I'm exersing not as much as I should but Im trying. When I read the success stories of some of the member makes me feel like a looser, like im not trying hard enough, I feel like I let my self and my family down :thumbup: Im questioning my decision on having the procedure done. Can it be possible that the Procedure work for some people and not on others?

And I am so hungry... I have completely stopped loosing weight; and have actually gained 1.5 pounds over the last two weeks I feel hungry all the time...and I am craving lots of bread- which I have actually been eating quite a bit of on some days It has been so hard I'm also not feeling any restrictions anymore... I am eating between 1,000-1,200 calories per day; though I feel I can eat more. I am exercising 3-4 times per week. I'm starting to feel really bummed... Help?!

Blah... I feel like I have a whole person to loose.. I am about to step my game to lose atleast 40.-50 lbs ad quickly ad possible so it won't seem like such a far away goal.. any tips on really good.work out programs??