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3/17/10 had lapband. Never, never, never had a problem with the band that I knew of. The problem I had was my surgeon quit the practice 10 months after I had surgery. Ended up switching to the NP in that WLS clinic. Never once in those three years did they ever fluoroscope that band, only right after surgery. But there again I didn't seem to have any problems, or so I thought. Anyway the nurse was to have called me regarding laps, after waiting six months (I had gotten the laps myself, but she had already po'd me) I switched doctors. He did the fluoroscope and found the band had slipped. I ended up having to have the band out and 10 weeks later had bypass. I did a lot of research during this waiting period, including the complications with the band which is now coming in. The doctor recommended bypass vs sleeve for me because I'm a diabetic and there are better results getting this in remission than with the sleeve. In my research bypass has been so perfected in the past 30 years I had to agree with the doctor. I'm not sorry I had the band as it started my weight loss journey, just wish more research had been done three years ago and I would have eliminated two surgeries. So I would definitely research all the major hospitals, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland, all of them and then determine what would be best for you.

I buy myself a charm/bead for a Pandora bracelet for every 10 pounds I lose. My the time I reach goal, the bracelet will be full. I've also started with massages, manis, etc---but not attached to any particular weight goal. I just realized I deserved the good treatment :thumbup:

I'm trying not to get discouraged but tomorrow will be 2 weeks and I'm only down 10 pounds. I'm getting all my protein and water and have not cheated at all. I walk a mile everyday. Anyone else go through this? Any advice to get the scale moving? Thanks.

Yep. I'm 4 weeks out and have only lost 10 lbs . My first week home I dropped 10 lbs. the scale hasn't moved since.

I'm 4weeks out and have lost 20 lbs. I'm 5'3. Day of surgery weighed 200lbs. Now 180lbs. I've heard that lower BMI lose slower. I will be happy with a 8-10 lb weight loss per month. That should hopefully get me to my goal weight in 5 months.

its now been 4.5 years since I was sleeved. my high weight was 323 lbs. my goal weight was low 180's. I did reach goal weight but over the years I realized that my desired goal weight was too low for me. now for the last 2 years ive steadily maintained a weight in the mid 190's and that appears to be where im supposed to be and im happy with that weight. today 10/1/17 I weight 195 lbs. I exercise 3-4 times a week and my choice of exercise is running. I will also be running the 2018 boston marathon and im so excited about being able to run this historic race! im running it for the jimmy v foundation for cancer research and ive committed to raising $6000 which is no easy task. if any of you have ever been affected by this terrible illness feel free to click the link after this post and make a 100% tax deductible donation to the jimmy v foundation for cancer research. every dollar donated goes to research. you will be supporting my run and a cause that affects everyone as everyone knows someone that has been affected by cancer. as far as my eating, I still have to be very mindful of what I put in my mouth. I can eat much more today than I could 2 years ago but still no where near what I could eat before having the surgery. hope everyone on their journey is doing well and feel free to ask any questions. im also attaching my before pic and a few current pics taken last week. have a great day! heres my donation link for anyone willing to support this wonderful cause: http://jimmyv.convio.net/site/TR/Endurance/General?px=1409952&pg=personal&fr_id=1370

HI THERE.. I GOT BANED ON 01/20/11. EVERYTHING HAS GONE REAL WELL, NO MAJOR SIDE AFFECTS. IVE LOST 38 LBS SO FAR. JUST GOT MY FIRST FILL YESTERDAY...MONTH POST OP. I HAVE BEEN READING SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS AND IM CURIOUS AS TO WHY SO MANY SURGEONS DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AS FAR AS FILLS GO. I READ THAT SOME DRS WONT FILL FOR 3 MONTHS AND SOME FOR 2 MONTHS. JUST CURIOS AS TO WHY THAT IS. IS IT THE SPECIFIC DRS PROCEDURE? IT WOULD SEEM THAT FOR THE SURGERY ALL DRS SHOULD BE ON THE SAME PAGE.

Agencies considering changing policy on payments Friday, November 5, 2004 Posted: 10:59 AM EST (1559 GMT) BALTIMORE, Maryland (Reuters) -- Obesity surgery has helped many patients lose weight and improve their health, a panel of experts told U.S. regulators Thursday, but they added there was not enough data on how well it has worked for elderly patients covered by Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is considering whether the government's health insurance plan for the elderly and disabled should change its payment policy for the surgery, which shrinks the stomach by removing part of it or implanting a removable band. "I didn't see any data whatsoever that these very same results could be applied" to Medicare patients, said Barbara McNeil, panel vice chairwoman and head of health-care policy at Harvard Medical School. Regulations limit CMS coverage to defined diseases, but earlier this year the agency deleted language that said obesity was not a disease. The panelists' advice is not binding but will help CMS officials decide if changes are needed. The agency already covers weight loss surgery to alleviate serious obesity-related conditions like diabetes, but coverage varies among regions. Most Medicare patients who get coverage for the surgery are younger, disabled patients, according to the American Obesity Association. Private health insurers, which often eye Medicare coverage decisions when formulating their own, have been growing more skeptical of such surgeries, some experts have said. The panelists examined data on several types of surgeries, including gastric bypass, which removes part of the stomach and connects the remaining portion to the small intestine to bypass much of the digestive system. Another procedure, called gastric banding, uses a type a adjustable fluid-filled band to squeeze off a part of the stomach. A number of companies make devices or parts used in the surgery, including Inamed Corp., International Ltd. and Synovis Life Technologies Inc.. Johnson & Johnson also makes stomach bands used in Europe. Doctors and advocates called on the panel to recommend that CMS cover all obesity surgeries, including the adjustable band, as well as psychiatric and nutrition counseling. Picking a specific treatment "is a decision best left to the patient and to the surgeon," said Dr. Henry Buchwald, a non-voting panelist and surgery professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Some surgeons complained that Medicare denied coverage for some severe bypass cases and called on officials to establish a clearer policy. Weight problems are a growing health issue in the United States, where nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) - a weight-for-height ratio - of more than 30. For an average woman, that usually means being 30 pounds overweight and, for an average man, 35 to 40 pounds.

I am a Therapeutic Apheresis Nurse and that is one of the more common diseases we treat. I've been doing this job for 15 years and have had WLS only 10 weeks, but I have never heard of GB after WLS. If you don't mind me asking, did they treat with plasma exchanges or IVIG?

I am 2 weeks post op and I am extremely thirsty I drink 1oz every 10 min but I feel like chugging a whole gallon of water I'm not hungry just extremely thirsty. Any suggestions

Hey there Manz, I'm sorry I took so long to get back to u, I had a pretty scary time post op. I started bleeding internally and had to go back to the hospital. Passed out and bp dropped to 40/10! Went to ICU for a night and finally got every thing settled. I got to come home Tuesday and everything has been getting better each day. I'm sorry you were so sick after surgery. I hope all is better now. We r gonna rock this sleeve from now on! I was 239 when I went into icu and this morning I weighted 223!!! I know alot was fluids but I'll still take that.

I have lurked here since my surgery, but I've made very few posts. I'm struggling, and when I read others' posts I feel guilty that I'm struggling. I read all these posts about how happy people are after their surgery and how they are doing so great and love life so much. I'm mostly glad I had the surgery. I've been at a healthier weight for about 2 years now although I've never gotten to my goal weight. When others see me or talk to me, including my surgeon, they tell me how great I look and how good I've done. What the surgery has done for me mentally has been so opposite of what everyone sees on the outside. I realized after surgery that my weight was really a symptom of much deeper problems. I guess I had this idea that if I lost the weight everything else in life would be perfect and fall into place. My experience has been much different than that. I have discovered that I have major depression and serious anxiety. I was able to cover it up for years by eating. If I was depressed, I ate. Then I would be depressed about my failure to lose weight and control my eating, instead of dealing with other issues. If I was anxious, I ate. The more anxious I was, the more I ate. When I had marital problems, I ate. Then I blamed myself for the problems, whether they were truly my fault or not (i.e. infidelity). After surgery, I had no more coping mechanism. The first year after surgery was the hardest. I got to a really great place with myself, and I was losing weight and beating the battle with eating. In the midst of my healing, my relationship with my husband changed. He didn't know where he fit in with my new found confidence and independence. He became increasingly angry and this drove a wedge between us. This summer something happened that rocked our marriage. We have been working on fixing things and healing, but I find myself personally back in the same place I was before surgery. I'm using food to cope, and as a result, I've gained 19 pounds from my lowest weight. I'm still a far cry from where I was before surgery, but I'm terrified of getting back to that place. Since surgery, I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and dependent personality disorder. This gives me knowledge of what I need to work on, but it's still a daily battle. Every day I get up and plan to do better with my eating. I plan to workout at least 3 times a week. I plan to go back to the basics that I used right after surgery. But every day, I end the day disappointed with myself for failing. The battle is mentally, and physically, exhausting. I guess I need to hear that others have had similar problems (not that I want anyone else to suffer), but sometimes I feel like I'm the only one experiencing these feelings. I'm really struggling. It gets a little harder every day to keep fighting the battle, but I'm not going to give up.

Well, I have to say that I was trimming my yard with a light weedeater (less than 7 lbs) and now my rib cage hurts even worse. I didn't even get 5 minutes in. I definitely have to call the surgeon tomorrow because I'm worried. To me, I shouldn't be hurting. I can't even think about exercising because of the pain. I also stopped losing weight. I lost 10 lbs in the first week and have stopped all together. UGH!

I met with the surgeons office 1/18/13, after considering wls for the past 5+ years. The director gave me more hope than any other diet I have ever tried. (And I have been dieting since I was 10!) I am excited about the surgery, but I have a mandatory six month supervised diet requirement. I am a bit disappointed but I've done it this long, six more months won't kill me I have been lurking around this site for 6 months and thought its time to speak out and join the ranks. Everyones story's, good and scary, have helped me make this decision, and I have a feeling I'm gonna need support from you all more than I know at the moment. Thanks for sharing everyone!

First, thank you so much for the support and encouragement! Now here's the details: Surgery scheduled for 1:30 but didn't go in until 2pm. My husband stayed by my side up until the point and gave me a kiss as they wheel me in. There was a small TV screen and lots of nurses. I remember them giving me a shot through my IV and thinking they better get me on the operating table quick because I know this works fast. Sure enough that was the last thing I remember. I woke up in recovery thinking no way is this reversal because I was in a lot of pain and couldn't imagine goingthrough it again, but Part of my problem was an IV that was fully funcioning. They asked how much pain I was in and I said a 7 (1-10), but I would highly advised you to not feel like you're exaggerating and be honest so they give youmeds faster. I was on morphine drip but they gave me a needle of pain kilers with helped a lot. I was in recovery 2 hours until they managed the pain while my husband was in the waiting room. They didn't know he wasinthe waiting room and I think he could have been in recovery with me. So ask when you're in recovery is yr spouce can be with you. They took me to a private room. I was pretty dopey and at one point I just really wanted to sleep so at 7pm I told my Hubby to go home. But I couldn't sleep the entirenight because I had to keep pushing the morphine button every 10 minutes.The best thing I brought to the hospital was my ipod because I could close my eyes and relax. ...

Hi. I'm 19 days and lost only 15 lbs. I think it really depends on your starting weight. I just hope to see more going down in next weeks, months and years. Sent from my SM-N960F using BariatricPal mobile app

I was on Nexium before my surgery 12/19. My reflux gradually has come back. Last week I call my surgeon and his nurse said take Tums. Since then I am eating up to ten a day. I called the on call surgeon today and He says go ahead and start back with my Nexium. Him not being my doc I was just a bit concerned that capsules would be ok as I'm just on full liquids still. I do start purée Wednesday.

Sleeved yesterday (5/27) at 10:30 AM and home today (5/28) at 5:00 - except for some gas pain and mild cramping I am feeling pretty good.

Okay, I have been on here before when I was first "stoned". Got my information, read, read, read some more. I thought I was done after they did lithotripsy and a uteroscopy at the same time. Water Water Water. Had a follow up scan 7 months...guess what they're baa-ack!! Can somebody tell me waht is going on with my body? My stone profile shows no risk of developing stones, yet here they are...not just one but multiple stones on both sides. Is this a result of the band? I have no family history of stones, I have cut 10 grams of protein from my minimum, take no calcium supplements. I want to get to the cause not treat the symptom. My right side continually aches, I feel like crap most of the time. My leg bones(femurs) hurt. I am demoralized, depressed (situational I am sure) over this. BUT I am 63# lighter because of the band. I am at my sweet spot I believe. I feel so lost that something so great has happened to me and something so bad is developing. I drink my water, I know I am getting enough. Has anyone else had this happen to them:scared2:? Any input, info, other stories like mine would be so appreciated. Do I go to my surgeon? My PC physician? My Urologist?Endocrinologist? Nephrologist.:ohmy: Thanks a bunch all for listening to me whine.

I had my surgery 1/18 last Friday. I'm feeling good pain wise. Getting my protein and water in. In fact I really feel like eating something. Tired of drinking. But my biggest complaint is I'm just so tired. I slept 10 hours last night and feel like i could go back to sleep. Some days I do and take a 3 hour nap but then cant get to sleep at a decent hour at night. I just have no energy. Been making myself walk for 20-30 minutes a day though. Anyone else have this problem? Is this normal? Oh also i am taking my vitamins.

Heya one proud papa March sleeved here. I've had plenty of lows but cruising along slowly. No weight loss since discharge from hospital was in 10 days and lost 8 kilos. Gone down 3 dress sizes though. How u doin.

Here is what I eat everyday.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Breakfast:<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape id=_x0000_i1025 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>Slim Fast Low Carb Creamy chocolate, 1 serving190 calories Lunch:<v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>GNC Protein Drink, 1 serving140 calories (I blend it in my Magic Bullet with 4 ice cubes, 1 heaping scoop of Protein powder, 1 tsp instant decaf coffe & 4 oz of Water. It tastes just like a frapucino!!!) Jello - Jolly Rancher sugar free Gel Snacks, 1 serving10 calories Dinner:GNC Protein Drink, 1 serving140 calories (blended same as above) V8, 5.5 oz30 calories<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> 8 glasses of water daily. I have 16 oz glasses, so I do 2 before lunch & 2 after lunch if not more. Some days I have a cup or two of clear Egg Drop Soup or chicken broth or broth strained from Veggie Beef soup. They only add 50 calories max. <v:shape id=_x0000_i1027 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id=_x0000_i1028 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>CALORIE Total: 510<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>

Congrats, another July Bandster. I'm Sherri, I'm getting banded July 10, in Monterrey Mexico. I don't now yet but I would say listen to your doctor. You don't wont to twist real fast and tear a stitch and your port move or something. Just mho though. Good luck and will be thinking of you. Sherri

I am a little more than three months out from surgery and 70lbs down. My surgical team asked me what I am doing to be so "successful" and I thought about it and I decide to post those things here. Let me say this, I know I am new to the game. This post is just to share what I am doing. I am no expect and I am sure there are things I can do better. If you are interested read on. 1. I meal plan. Usually on Sunday I cook for the week. I make my Breakfast dish, lunch, and dinner for the week. I also make Protein Peanut Butter balls on this day as well. It helps me save money and have a better idea of what I am eating. 2. I use children's serveware. This helps me to control my portions and using children's silverware helps me to eat slower and take smaller bites 3. I take my Vitamins daily. 5. When I can I measure my food 6. I try to high protein content foods 7. If I snack I eat a high protein food 8. I add Protein powder when I cook whenever I can 9. I only drink Water 10. When I find a trigger food I leave that bad boy alone! 11. Leading up to surgery I read books and articles about VSG 12. I have a weight loss journal that I write in almost everyday 13. I try to regroup quickly. If I do not well one day I make adjustments to eat better the next day 14. I watch videos and read things on BP that have been helpful 15. When I do not meet a goal I make a new goal 16. I remember when that God has given me a gift and I do not want to waste the gift 17. I take water with me whatever I go 18. I use a high protein cookbook 19. I realize that I have not made it across the finish line and I have to keep going 20. I realize that every month my period vexes my weight loss agenda and then it goes away and I prevail! 21. My prayer partner and I talk about my progress every week and she prays for me 22. I have a surgery buddy I am sure there is more than I could be doing. My goal is to be 100lbs in three months time. If I am not there you know I am going be smaller than I am now.

Hello, all! I haven't posted in a while but I'm back (for now, hahaha). I had RNY in January 2019 and I'm sitting around 274. I've lost about 145 pounds since the surgery but I've been in a weird headspace about it since I'm not yet at goal. I think I put myself in maintenance and have gone back to basics in terms of lowering my caloric intake, watching my macros, and making sure I get at least 64 oz of fluid in. Hopefully I hit goal by the time my 2 year surgiversary rolls around, but until then, I'm celebrating all of the small victories. The best ones to date? I had a doctor's appointment today and the arm cuff fit around my upper arm! And my blood pressure was great, well within normal ranges! I was able to fit in the chair that you sit in to give blood. Being able to let that arm down and have ample space to get situated felt unreal. I told my doctor that I wanted to start TTC next year and he told me that he didn't see any issue with me trying. I could've cried when he told me that. All I've ever wanted was to be a mom and that was my reason for getting surgery; to be healthy enough to become a mother and be able to raise my kids into adulthood. I'm also getting rid of clothes that I'd been saving because I couldn't fit them before surgery and they're now too big. All of that to say, don't let the number on the scale discourage you! It may not be moving the way you want it to, but you are so much more than the number on the scale and the changes you're making will impact your life in ways the scale won't/can't reflect.