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Psychotherapy is best for us emotional eaters ,and just as others have said we didn't get this way over night. Depression and emotional eating have to be treated separate in order to be sucessful. So don't beat your self up just take it one goal at a time. No one said you have to have wls to loose 100 pounds by a certain date. This is not a race it is your life. So make better bad chocies if you can. I'm sure by now you probally feel better knowing that you are not alone. This is life its never going to be easy..... Take care and please keep us updated.

I am not going to lie...drink REAL coffee 1 cup in am. Was coffee junkie before surg. 3-4 cups a day. Now one (and maybe drink only 3/4 of it) in am and take my Vitamins with it so I am not going to fuss at myself too much for drinking it. My hubby thought I was crazy too. His mom is really heavy and has developed diabetes and he is scared of loosing her and I think that was the only thing that kept him from telling me no. Good luck! One of the best decisions I ever made. Sleeved in May down 56 lbs...

Does anyone have any tips on getting rid of excess skin i have loads and its beginning to get to me. I have lost over 300 pounds and i justcan't get rid.

My best friend was not very supportive at the beginning. She thought I should just be able to eat small amounts on my own and loose the weight. She is thin and controls her weight. She is finally coming around, and acutally went with me today to get my 2nd fill. Good luck.

When they was about to start the surgery just inserting the instruments the nicked one of my arteries. Thats y i had to be opened up. I feel good now.im sore of course but i have my color back to my skin.

I am going on 4 weeks post op and have moved up to 4tbsp. of lean protien per meal and protien shakes in between, i am guessing he said that because he does not want you to become discouraged. i weigh one time a week as to not get discouraged and i have been loosing weight. so don't worry, it is a marathon not a sprint right? your doin' good, just stay on your plan. keep us posted!!:smile:

If your body goes into starvation mode, you will not loose weight.

I swear I must be the slowest looser on the planet. I've lost about 25 lbs. in about 4 months, so that averages to about 6 pounds per month. It gets frustrating when I see others drop it more quickly, but I know that any loss is a good loss! Anyway, today I finally have officially less than 100 lbs. to loose! It isn't a huge goal to meet or anything but it makes me feel better. My next big personal goal is to be less than 200. Can't wait for that. I know I could do things to loose faster, but I don't really want to cut any foods completely out (unless the band doesn't tolerate it, that is). I know me and I won't stick to something like that long term. So I've been following the "everything in moderation" approach and making good choices over "bad" where possible. I'm happy with what I'm getting out of it, mainly because I seem to be dropping more inches than pounds. I've already gone down several sizes, so that is nice. I know my weight loss will jump start when I am out of this stinking cast and can exercise again! Only 2 more weeks!

I use ItWorks wraps and defining gel. I haven't lost all the weight to have the already existing saggy skin, but I do feel like it is helping prevent it. It is hard to explain, but I feel like my stomach fat is more "firm" vs. the saggy skin that starts sagging on the sides when you lose weight.

I'm like you-lost weight several times on my own and with md...but generally after about 5-6 months of weight loss I would always manage to gain it back. So- that said I am now almost a yr out and have lost 63lbs--this is the most I have ever lost and the longest I have ever kept it off. Vomitting-will you vomit..its def possible. The lap band is a learning process. You have to learn how to eat slowly and not drink with your meals...can it be done...YES Hanging skin-that depends on how over weight you are..for me I only have a little haning that I have noticed on the backs of my arms..but my arms have always been really big. I think it depends on age, how fast you lose the weight and how your weight is distributed if all your weight is in your belly you can bet on some hanging skin. I would rather have loose skin than be fat any day. But thats me! You have to ask yourself if this is something that you can commit to for the rest of your life, can you give up carbonated drinks including beer, can you commit to going to see the doc frequently esp in the first year.... I suggest that you continue reading about the lap band and attend a seminar. The seminars are very informative and you can listen to what others went through and they can answer your questions on a face to face basis. Good luck. Just remember the lap band is a lifetime committment.

You and I have a lot in common! I spent ALL day looking for a dress for my sister in law's wedding next weekend. It took me six hours trying on about 60+ dresses to finally find the one I liked. Due to the skin on my stomach, dresses just don't fit right. I did find one at JC Penneys. Unfortunately this was the last store out of six I went to! I wish I would have went there first. Sigh... Just keep trying. It might help to go with someone who can get you different sizes when you are trying things on. I hope I at least burned lots of calories trying on all those dresses!

You can't always judge loss by what the scale says. If your clothes continue to fit more loosely and you feel more energetic every day, then you are probably turning some fat in muscle with exercise, even at your slow pace. Adding more intense exercise will increase the amount of calories you are burning, so you will have to start losing again- there is no other way around it. Good luck!

I use the New whey Protein bullets to make Jello for Snacks to help with protein intake. There is a lot of controversy on this site about this so i am not here to stir anything up i just wanted to post a breakdown of the ingredients so that everyone can make the decision for themselves. Please no lectures or arguments this is just informational for everyone. . Ingredients: Pure deionized water: Good. Actinase (patent pending blend of enzymatically hydrolyzed (predigested) collagenic protein isolate):It is all natural, hypoallergenic, both acid and alkaline stable, and complete. Actinase also stimulates the body’s metabolism and caloric burn rate. Whey protein isolate: Highest yield of protein avaialable. Immune boosting properties. Contains less lactose. Casein protein isolate: Certain people should avoid Malic acid:medicine used to clean and get the surface of a tooth ready before it is filled. It can also be used to peel the skin (usually the face) and to treat muscle or bone pain. Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it. Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest Chest pain Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin Myovol™l Complex (proprietary blend of leucine, valine, and isoluceine): Leucine: Essential Amino Acid. Leucine has been found to slow the degradation of muscle tissue by increasing the synthesis of muscle Proteins. Leucine is utilized in the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle tissue. In adipose and muscle tissue, leucine is used in the formation of sterols, and the combined usage of leucine in these two tissues is seven times greater than its use in the liver. Valine: One of the nine essential amino acids that's a major player in the growth and maintenance of body tissues (it's found primarily in fibrous animal proteins). Shortfalls of valine have produced loss of muscular coordination in lab rats as well as hypersensitivity to pain, heat and cold. Valine is an amino acid some infants can't metabolize. This metabolic disorder produces a condition called maple syrup urine disease (see Isoleucine). Isoluceine: One of the nine essential amino acids. It's found in all foods that contain complete protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products). The body's inability to metabolize isoleucine (as well as leucine and valine, two other amino acids) causes maple syrup urine disease, so named because of the sweet smell of the urine. It is a genetic disease showing up in newborns, with symptoms appearing within four or five days. The babies refuse to feed, become lethargic and may vomit. Failure to treat the condition can lead to seizures, coma and death. Although this rare metabolic defect isn't fully understood, doctors are able to treat it. All natural flavors: Always good. Aacesulfame-potassium:also known as Acesulfame K or just Ace-K—is a calorie-free sweetener used in more than 5,000 food, beverage and pharmaceutical products in over 100 countries around the world. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Helps health and weight conscious consumers who are looking to reduce unnecessary calories in foods and beverages. Acesulfame Potassium is frequently found in combination with other non-caloric or caloric sweeteners. Does not promote tooth decay and is also suitable for people with diabetes. In the past 30 to 40 years, almost 100 studies have been conducted on the safety of Acesulfame Potassium. They have consistently shown that this sweetener is safe and suitable for human consumption. Discovered in 1967 by Hoechst scientists in Frankfurt, Germany, it has been used in food and beverages since 1983 and is approved in more than 100 countries around the world. Sucralose: Sucralose is the low-calorie sweetener made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and can be used in place of sugar to eliminate or reduce calories in a wide variety of products, including beverages, baked goods, Desserts, dairy products, canned fruits, syrups and condiments. Sucralose has an excellent safety profile. More than 100 scientific studies conducted over a 20-year period demonstrate that sucralose is safe for use as a sweetening ingredient. The data from the studies were independently evaluated by international experts in a variety of scientific disciplines, including toxicology, oncology, teratology, neurology, hematology, pediatrics and nutrition. Importantly, comprehensive toxicology studies, designed to meet the highest scientific standards, have clearly demonstrated that sucralose is not carcinogenic. Blue 1 and Red 40: Blue 1 = Avoid. Unsafe in amounts consumed or is very poorly tested. Red 40 = Caution. May pose a risk and needs to be better tested. CONTAINS NO PRESERVATIVES: Always best.

I have been using the mederma, vit e oil and my healthfood/vitamin store recomended 100% pure aloe 1 tbsp per day. Its great for the skin healing. even with burns of all sorts. I keep it refrigerated and it tastes gross. I also put it directly on the scars. Im very happy with the progress of my scars

I set my first goal (with the band at 165) Just under the bmi of 25 cause of my frame I hide weight well and would have a lot of weight due to extra skin......however as I approached that number I decided I wanted to go to 150. When all was said in done I hung out most of the time (with the band) at 153 - 160. Which is a little below the BMI of 25 for my 68 1/2 inch frame. I was afraid to get much lower Cause I was a size 8-10 on the bottom and a small on top and my breasts were gone!

Please, no. Nothing else off the rear. I didn't have a butt to begin with. Seriously. Flat. Well, now its even flatter. I can't believe I lost enough back there to have hanging skin under my cheeks. It's so uncomfortable to sit for too long (no padding) and I'm a student which means I spend loads of time on my butt every day. Lol.

I had my lap band surgery in August 2013. I had the normal up and downs. Received 5cc fill for the first year. Lost 50 lbs. Great. I had an incident where chicken got caught and had the cc's removed and endoscopy done. Afterwards, they took 6 months to give me 3cc fill. That's where I am now. I still have moments that I eat too fast or the wrong thing, but I do upchuck but not very often. My problem has been diarrhea and constipation. I would take pepto for the runs and a bowel softener for the other. That has been going on the whole 2 years. My problem now that concerns me is that I haven't lost anymore weight. Also that whenever I eat or drink I get an upset stomach every time I try to eat a little. I can't seem to get down a Protein drink, Water sometimes gags me, other drinks seem a little strong and gives me an upset stomach. I take about 20 pills (mostly RX) a day. I can feel the heaviness in my throat and stomach. I don't seem to be getting enough protein and liquids. I know what and how much I need, it's getting it down with no queasiness. I also am diabetic and at one point my blood sugar got down to 36. I took glucose pills and a glass of milk. Now my lap band dr. says I don't really need anymore fills. And everything I've said above happens most of the time. At other times I feel great. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong or right. Other big problem which may be due to the weight loss is that my husband said he no longer desires me. We barely touch, talk, or whatever. He works still at 66 and I stay at home. I don't drive. I am 65. We're like roommates. I do see a psych dr and I might start going to a therapist to figure out what I can do to help my husband trust me emotionally bc he shut down along time ago. Just recently after a heart op I decided I was no longer going to be depressed and I've done it since March 6 2015. I didn't want to waste the next 20 years like I lost the many years in the beginning of my disease. I have Bipolar Disorder Rapid cycling and most of those pills are psychiatric drugs. I have made his and my girls life a living hell for over 30+ years. In and out of hospitals. My husbands emotions just shut down. I don't know if this is a subject for BariatricPal but I'm throwing it in. I have a lot of drooping skin and a lot of wrinkles. What can I do to be more lovable without first having body lift. That is $$$$ I haven't got. Can anyone help?

By the time I finally made the decision to get the lapband I was so depressed about my weight. It took me a whole year and many more failed attempts at dieting in that year. I desperately needed help. I had no problems loosing, my problem was keeping it off because of the constant hunger I felt and getting discouraged when the scales wouldn't budge and I'd be like to hell wiith it all and put all that weight back on plus some. I was becoming more and more of a recluse, avoiding social situations, making excuses for canceling on people. It took a hell of a lot of courage to get myself to the first appointment with my surgeon, I even was tempted to cancel because I was so ashamed of myself, I even cried at that appointment. My appointment was an hour long and he went through the whole process of the lapband and asked me about my dieting history. When he said to me you're a perfect candidate for lapband I could have flown over the desk and hugged him. I knew the lapband was what I needed to help remove that constant hunger and give me control back. I left his office that afternoon confident that this is what was going to help me gain my life back. From the first day of my prep op diet, a whole month of Optifast, I told myself every day you can do this, you're going to learn to live again and enjoy life. Was I 100% compliant on my optifast stage, no I wasn't. But I did make a healthier choice the few times I ate. Have I been 100% compliant since being banded, no I haven't, but if I have eaten something that wasn't so healthy I didn't beat myself up, I enjoyed the small unhealthy choice and got in with it. Three months ago today I was banded. I can honestly say every day has been a learning curve, I stick to my new diet 95% of the time, I allow myself my chocolate treat when needed but that's fine, it's part of my new healthy lifestyle change. I no longer crave the junk I used to gorge on, I actually crave fresh healthy foods. I've eaten the odd donut or chocolate chip cookie and it didn't taste that great. I am regaining my life again day by day, I'm growing in confidence, my days of full blown depression are in the past, I'm in control of what goes into my mouth. Wanting all these things helps me stay on track every day now. I'm not that 166 kilo heavy weight I was months ago, I'm a 137.5 heavy weight as of this morning. I'm no longer in a cloud of darkness, I no longer always wear black to hide my fat body, not that it hid it that well, I wake up every morning in color now, if that makes sense, and I dress in colors now. food once made me the person I hated so much. Now food is under my control, thanks to this wonderful tool. All the above positives is what helps me stay on track.

Miss Pearlie is a hot mess I tell you. My personal goal was 150, but nooooooo that wasn't HER goal and as we all know, what Miss Pearlie wants, Miss Pearlie gets. So I've quit freaking out about it and I'm just letting her do her. I'm eating just fine, drinking just fine and maintaining my normal activity level and the weight keeps coming off. Fortunately enough, it has slowed to about a pound a week which is allowing my skin to catch up with it a bit more quickly. My mother and some of my friends were freaking out because after a substantial loss, my skin sags, I look tired and aged. That has tapered off and I am now looking younger than I did before the band...which was already really remarkable. There was a time that I wanted to get a slight unfill to bring the loss to a complete stop, but after getting advice from experienced bandsters that I trust I just allowed my body to do what it would, trusting that it would stop losing when it wanted to. I am a lot less stressed out as a result and accepting each day and each new surprise as it comes. It is so weird to look at a pair of pants and say "there is no way I'm getting in those"... hold them up to me and still say "nuh, un...not gonna work", then try them on and they are a perfect fit. I have to just sit back and say "no way, I'm really THAT small?" It is shocking and I thought I was over the body dysmorphia, but I'm not quite there yet. I still see myself as chunky...everyone else sees me as skinny. At 138, I'm still way more solid than my body appears and most people think I'm around 120 / 125 at the most. I love being "little". I don't realize how little I am until someone who I thought was an average weight hugs me and they are wrapped around me. Woooooow! Anyway, I'm thrilled that this first year has been so good for me and Miss Pearlie, I'm glad I chose to get the band rather than the sleeve. It turns out it was the right procedure for me and it hasn't given me any complications, even through a horrible stomach virus which caused me to vomit from below the band several times...she's still sitting pretty and perfect. I thank God for my surgeon, I know a lot of my success can be attributed to his level of skill, expertise and his genuine care for his patients. I wish everyone had him, I honestly don't think you would see any complaints about this surgery if they were all like him.

ok today i am 3 months 12 post op. today i hit 150 lbs. I have lost 82lbs since my surgery of 4/20. I feel great. I havent been the most honest in my program but none the less i have a program. Havent been hitting gym as much as i should but i do jog 3 miles at least 4 days a week. And i actually job about 80% of 3 miles. I really have no abitite i eat about 3-4 bites and thats all im good for. i would like to loose about 80 ponds more. 220 i would be happy with. Good luck everyone, i think i am getting good results because i go jogging, and beleave me i was 458 i started walking and worked my way up to jogging, i think i am going to do a 5k run.

Thanks guys 🙏🏼✨ I'm just worried about being super flabby because I do recall that growing up (i still am haha) I had a alot of stretch marks and I assume thats a sign that my skin lacks elasticity. Did anyone get stretch marks after the surgery?

Yep, I had to wear fake wedding rings for awhile. I just got mine resized from a snug 8 to a loose 6.

My wedding rings are pretty loose! My fingers have definitely shrunk.

Happy Holidays everyone! I was wondering what the veteran bandsters out there (1 year plus) feel about how tight a fill is. I've noticed that there are quite a few folks who find themselves filled too tight- but don't have an unfill because they are loosing weight faster. Why do people do this? I mean, I understand emotionally why but with all the talk about erosion and slippage lately- why compromise your band just to lose faster? I guess to me it doesn't make a lot of sense- if you get the band to get healthy and you leave your band too tight and can't eat normal, healthy foods- aren't you doing something just as unhealthy? I'm not refering to anyone or any particular post here...just my thoughts on this frigid Sunday. What are other people's thoughts and experiences? Megan

Oohh, definitely count me in. My first instrument was the guitar when I was five and I've been picking up instruments ever since. I'm a bit of a one-woman-band as over the course of the last 23 years I've learned so many different instruments. I love, love, love music. Performing, writing, talking about - love it all! I have to admit too, I've been too embarassed at my current size to play for anyone anymore so I'm secretly excited about the prospect of being comfortable enough in my own skin to get infront of a crowd and play in a band again.