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hey all i have has my band for 9 months now and so far so good , i have lost 3 stone 10 lb , im so pleased ! i know i could have probaly lost more in this amount of time . but im not in a hurry . i struggled at christmas with my portion size cos i havent told any family about my band , so was slightly akward with 14 of them around the table lol , but i made the usual excuses . im excited about the year ahead and getting into some nice summery clothes( smaller sizes thank god ) i have just had a fill on the 19 th jan 15 so have a 10 ml band and am up to 7 and a half ml , i really feeling it now , the resriction is much more and this is probably the first time i am actually eating the portion sizes that are recommended , hard work but thats what its all about ! hope every one out there is happy and healthy xx

Today, Oct 20th, marks my second anniversary of this surgery we call RnY. In a very real sense it feels like the second birthday of the new and improved me. I can't help but reflect back on all of the changes that the last two years have seen. And at the same time, thinking in terms of new goals and challenges for the coming year. The first year following my surgery was an exciting time indeed. I was laser focused on one thing - achieving my optimum weight. I decided even before my surgery that rather than set a specific goal weight, I would allow my body to tell me when it was where it wanted to be. Just over a year later, that message came at 155 lbs. My weight stabilized. I felt great. And in my one year follow-up visit with my surgeon, she recommended that I not lose any more. It was time to shift my thinking, and my actions, away from losing and toward maintaining the new, 130 lb lighter, me. I had reached my destination. When I looked back at that first year, it occurred to me that is was much like what walking a tightrope would be. Maintaining an average calorie intake of just under 1300 calories a day was something of a delicate balancing act. There were days when I was over my goal. And those days had to be followed by "corrections" - days when I was under my goal. It was all about balance. And in the back of my mind the nagging, and always present fear that one misstep could result in all being lost. The more rational, confident part of me did not think that would happen. Still, I knew the surgery could be defeated. What if... So in that same follow-up appointment, my surgeon recommended that I increase my calories to approximately 1800 a day. To be sure, the number had some appeal. But I was concerned that it might be too high. What if? So I opted for a gradual increase to a more conservative 1600 calorie goal. My decision was undoubtedly due in part to a concern that kept going through my mind. It seemed that everywhere I looked, I read that many (if not most) bariatric surgery patients gain 10-20 lbs somewhere between 12 to 18 months post-op. A weight gain that is often described as "bounce back". That was out of the question. I was determined to not let that happen. So my goal for this past year became ensuring that I held my weight at, or very close to, the 155 lb mark. As the days and weeks went by my confidence grew. I decided it was time to really get to know my new body. I was tired of the balancing act. I wanted to enjoy a nice dinner at a nice restaurant with my wife, our family or friends. Or Celebrate a holiday or birthday enjoying the food that is inevitably part of festivities. I needed to test my limits. And I needed to know whether or not I had what it takes to do those things and still control my weight. Thanks to the amazing power of my food log, I got my answer. And it was in pursuit of that Quest that I discovered something quite remarkable. First there was the occasional 1800 calorie day. Not surprisingly, the following morning weigh-in usually reflected a gain of a pound or so. So my calorie goal became 1400-1500 for the next day or two. And sure enough, my weight would drop back down. Not just once or twice, but a number of times over the weeks and months that followed. Then came the occasional 2000 calorie day. Not often, but every now and then. Weight went up. Calories were reduced for a day or two. Weight came back down. At some point along the way I had a revelation. Controlling your weight is not about walking a tightrope - it's about riding a teeter totter. Up...and down. Up...and down. Gently. Relaxed. No fear. One misstep is not catastrophic. Wow. Since hitting the 155 lb mark almost a year ago, my weight has never been more than 156, or less than 151. This morning, this second anniversary of the new me, 152.2. No bounce back. Wow. So my goal for the coming year? More of the same. I have read in many places, including this forum, that maintaining your weight becomes more difficult after the two year mark. But I will be facing that new challenge coming not from a place of fear, but of vigilance. My food log will guide me. And it will tell the story. So next year, same time, same place - the next chapter in this amazing, life-changing journey.

Congratulations, Do not forget that you need to be up and walking every hour for 10 minutes. Do not be lazy about this. It doesn't hurt. The only thing that "hurts" is the gas pressure and some people don't even have that. The more you walk the less gas pain you will have. The first 48 hours are the toughest and each hour after you are in recovery it gets better and better. Do not set yourself up for disappointment or failure. Your body will do what it needs to do on its own, Don't force anything. Measure yourself and take photos weekly, When you come back and complain you are in a "stall" your actually not in a stall. You are probably losing inches or your body is shifting. A stall is nothing lost at all weight or inches in over 30 days. You are going to do amazing. I can't wait to see your journey. Sarah

I kind of had a similar situation with my husband. He isn't obese but his BMI is in the high 20s so he could loose a few pounds. About a week after my surgery he even said "I just wish we could eat dinner together." I'm almost 3 weeks out and it's getting better. We can eat more of our meals together, even if he wants to go out, we just have to plan carefully and split something. Last night we went out with family and I just took a few bits of his chicken. If he is really supportive he will make the changes he needs to make to help you through this. This biggest change you'll have to make is finding something else to do together. My husband and I have been going to the park together a few days a week, a few years ago we took up biking which has been wonderful. We have a bunch of TV shows we watch together and we love going to the movies, concerts, and day trips to near by cities. You're going to have a hard adjustment ahead of you, so it's probably important you both get the support and counseling you need. The way I looked at it, I could either do the surgery now and my husband and I could work through it together aor I could wait another 10 or 20 years for serious health issues to catch up to me and then we'd be faces with even more serious issues.

Well - in on Tuesday and sleeved at 10:30 AM - Home on Wed at 5:00 Feeling pretty good except for the gas pains. Thanks

I have read oodles of post here searching for the information that will set my mind at ease. I've been looking for the answer that "everything will be alright". That the my decision in going to Mexico to get a Surgery that will make my 19 years of obesity a thing of the past. My biggest dwelling point is whether am I picking the right Surgical team. I have looked up all the information I can find -which is not a great deal- about Dr. Osuna at Specialized Beriatrics. Does anyone have any experience with Dr Osuna? I will be sure to post a long and detailed account of my experience with her, because I want to be around for a long, Long time. Also because I want you to know that I made it ( : Please if you have any advice about her, her team, and any suggestions on how to settle down and let go of all the anxiety let me know. Thanks Surgery date: May 28, 2014 Specialized Beriatrics, Dr. Osuna Mi hospital Tijuana MX 43y/o 306lb s/w 298lb 1-1/2 weeks pre/op

Good luck to you all. I was banded on 09/08/10. When I did my protein diet, I took a protein supplement that had 42 grams of protein. The first day was worst, because I didn't have the supplement, but when I used the supplement, I didn't have any problems with being hungry.

I have started the process of getting a sleeve. I have 6 months of physician monitored weight loss, and since I'm a teacher, I'll probably wait until Christmas break to get this done- so I have a bit of time to go. I have a lot of questions, but they are questions my doctor at least treated quite superficially. (I'm going to meet other surgeons because of what seemed to be a very short-term mindset). Here are my big important questions. I'd love to hear what others who are further along in their journey and hopefully some people who are 2 or more years out from surgery. Big Important Question 1: I feel like surgery is the most extreme and kind of like a last chance at taking care of my weight problem. There really isn't anything else to try if I can't make a weight loss stick with surgery. I've lost weight before (sometimes a lot of weight) but it ALWAYS comes back with extra. I'm 28 and maintaining for life is a serious commitment- I've been lucky in the past if I can maintain a weight loss for more than 6 months. Can the sleeve help me when it comes to maintenance? For those of you who have had long-term success with any weight loss surgery, what was it that worked to help you stay healthy long-term? Big Important Question 2: I don't only eat when I'm hungry. I eat sometimes out of habit (when watching tv or because its 'dinner time'). I also eat when I get stressed out or emotional (especially when I'm disappointed or frustrated). With those kinds of triggers for eating, will having surgery still be able to help me? Is that something that I have to stop completely before I would be likely to have a good long-term outcome? Does the process leading up to surgery or the surgery itself help you to really change so that you will still have the weight off 2 or 5 or 10 years down the road? Please share what you felt like going into surgery and what you've learned along the way. Thank you!

Hi All! I am a newbie here, I have stalked a lot of threads but never posted. I am on day 7 of my 10 day liquid diet and I have lost 14lbs so far, but I did cheat a little last night and I have been beating myself up over it all day long. I even had a dream that I was told no for my surgery Wednesday because I didn't loose enough weight. I am terrified and as soon as my daughter wakes up from her nap I am going to bit the gym at full force with what energy I can gather from the sole liquid diet:/ I don't want to sound pathetic, but I have been seriously obsessing over what the scale says every day and I don't want to get to the date that I waited so long for and my surgeon tell me he can't do it:/ anyone else feel this way?

My doc gave me 2 weeks of zofran shots for nausea and I think that really helps . I also get tired very quickly and I was in pretty good shape prior, doing 5-6 days of spin and yoga before surgery . My 82 yo mother had more energy than me on a 10 minute walk 4 days after surgery ! I found that I get super tired when not enough liquids and. Frankly I have been maybe on 200 calories a day for a few days so hopefully today I can get in some protein and get more energy .

Sleeved August 10. Tips for 1st 2 days in hospital. Take chap stick my lips were so dry. Remember toothpaste and brush i must have used it every four hours while awake. I slept most of the time. Try to get nurse to start IV on non dominant hand because you really need your dominant hand for lifting, drinking fluids and especially when going to bathroom. I found it was easier to stay out of the bed and in a recliner. Lifting forward using the arms of recliner to push me up was so less painful. I took a sweater I seemed to be colder than usual. My lips got swollen and my cheeks were red. This has gone away. The IV fluids kept me going to bathroom every 2 hours. I took my pillow to place over my abdomen during the car ride home. The staff wakes you up every so often to check vital signs. It was tiring but I walked down the hall several times. Also remember to do the incentive spirometer to help with lung expansion. Just remember the first week is only 7 days long and each day there is something that feels better.

Okay.... 10 days to go and I feel the pit coming back. I think I will begin my journal today and start writing. Hopefully I will look back and have a good laugh at myself.

My insurance says 6 consecutive months. Which means if you have an appointment 6/19 then you need another appointment on or before the 30th day after your 6/19 appointment.

Hi everyone lets get together and send up prayers for all the March 19 sleeves. Please post to let everyone know that your surgery went fine and anything else you like to add. Set weight loss goals for six months after surgery. I will be first my six month goal is 60 pounds gone by by.

After my initial meeting with my surgeon, he set a weight loss goal for me of 10 pounds, I think because they want to see that I am trying to change my habits before surgery. I went to the NUT at my surgeon's office and she has been amazing. We are slowly removing sugar and Diet Coke from my diet and adding Protein and Water. This is to get me ready for the surgery. Ask the surgeon for a NUT recommendation, it is likely they work closely with one or two. I would follow either the surgeon or the NUT that is recommended diet as they will be the experts when it comes to bariatric surgery. Also, it sucks that your PCP isn't on board. Mine is very supportive, which I think will ultimately help with long-term success. I hope everything works out for you!

I have 10 days til my surgery. I too am a teacher. I went over to set up the furniture in my classroom yesterday. Got an early start due to the lifting restrictions after surgery. Keeping busy helps take my mind off food. I am fortunate that my preop diet is very low carb, not strictly liquids. Next week, I will probably try to do more shakes though because the protein sources I am eating are high in fat . Next week I am booked with preop appointments and workshops. Worried about the desire to snack during the workshops.

My sleeve is scheduled for 8/19/15 my nerves are really kicking in. I found this and I'm excited there's more people out there going thru what I'm going thru. I start my liquids for preop on 8/4 any recommendations on decent tasting proteins?

Go for it I am less than 10 days to be sleeved!!!

Thanks guys I'm trying my best to do it, maybe I should get my jaws wired for the next 10 days lol

I am a 20 year old female (going to be 21 soon) and am weighing the options of doing surgery while I'm under my parent's insurance. I'm 5'4, 310 pounds (BMI of like 54) I am still in college and would plan on doing the surgery either this winter or next summer. I graduate next spring so I would have the summer to repair from the surgery until the fall when I'd start a potential job. If i didn't get the surgery within the next two years, I might have to wait like 10 or more to build up my insurance at my new job. I am working on my degree in Elementary Education. As of now, I work at a daycare and in direct care, both physically tolling jobs for an obese person. I am asked constantly from both jobs why I'm so big and if I'm pregnant. Parents sometimes look down on me as not physically capable or not being a role model for their children, which of course I want to be. I want to be able to sit in a chair and not worry about it breaking. I want to be able to lay down and not have my neck fat squished up against my chin. I want to be able to be comfortable with myself emotionally and physically. I want to buy clothes at Target and other cheaper stores that carry cute clothes without having to hide out in the plus size section. I want to be healthy and not worry about the possibility of diabetes, heart attacks, or aches/hurts in my joints. Something, though, scares me about the surgery. I'm not sure if it's the surgery itself or the thought of not eating my favorite foods after. I know it's worth it and everything and that complications are a minimal risk but what if my sutures leak? Or the biggest fear, I end up stretching my stomach out??? Someone please help me out! Should I wait and figure myself out mentally or should I do the surgery and be healthier for my future career??

I'm finding myself doing something similar... keep thinking eat it now because soon you will not be eating this... I've just finished all of the insurance requirements, and they have up to 30 days to approve... then I meet with the surgeon and have my 10 day pre-op diet handed to me... I hope the insurance company doesn't take the whole 30 days because I don't need to keep this mindset where it is! Ugh. I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one Thanks for posting this!

Another thing to keep in mind - you may not be losing weight but you may still be losing inches. Measure the following locations and measure them once a week to see the changes (it only takes about 4 minutes to measure all of these spots): Neck Around the chest (widest part) Around the chest (under breast for women) Upper arm (always the same distance from the elbow crease) Forearm (same distance from elbow crease) Wrist Waist (narrowest area) Waist (at belly button) Hips (widest) Hips (at the dip, if you have one) Thigh (same distance from the crotch or back of knee) Calf (same distance from the back of the knee) Ankle You may not notice changes in all areas, but on those weeks where you have no weight loss you will very likely lose a half inch, an inch, or more. One final note - women gain between 5-10 lbs every month due to our cycles, so if you don't lose this week, you may lose a lot next week. If you're tracking you'll see these fluctuations. And even women who are going through menopause or who have gone through menopause will have fluctuations though they'll be a little smaller in the 2-4 lbs range.

I have my first appointment on March 1st and I also have United Healthcare. My nurse is super nice and gave me a lit of things I have to do. Also I ready scheduled my psychological evaluation, support group attendance, and my nutrition visit will be scheduled for after I see the doctor on my first visit. Like you I have been over weight my whole life and I am ready for a change. I have had my kids and married my love and want to be proud of my life instead of hiding behind everything because of my weight. My current weight is 230 lbs but my highest was after I gave birth to my daughter and that was 260. I lost 30 lbs by essentially starving myself for months and now can only eat very little without gaining 5-10 lbs. I also have high cholesterol and horrible sciatica, trouble sleeping, plus hypothyroidism. I feel like I am a walking time bomb!!!! Please keep us posted Bridget Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

My first meeting with my surgeon was 10/2 ; my surgery date is 12/2. I had about a month between my seminar and the meeting with my surgeon, so I got as many appointments out of the way during that time as I could.

its day 2 for me on the 10 day liquid diet and I am full of energy. But the bad news is I want to eat just to have something to do. I'm realizing how much I use food to ease my anxiety. AnybodY else experience this? What did you do? Would love to here from anyone who has an opinion:)