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It boggles my mind that for all the people who go to Mexico, we could PAY for the surgeries at the waste that is in here. Just sickening. I'd go for people paying for the plane fare, but we could pay for the costs of surgeries, including plastic surgeries down there. That would take some punch out of "surgery mills" up here. Bet they would get their act together too, some of these ones are just money hungry here in the states. Jumping into it for the money. Really torks me. We could support good docs across the border, our own American people, and get them healthier. Any one else agree? I feel a better use of our dollars is giving that and say a limit on plastic surgery after bariatric surgery ($40K limit, must be 1 time for loose skin removal). http://www.realitybase.org/journal/2009/10/12/the-dysfunction-and-corruption-of-our-healthcare-system-its.html

I stalled in week 4, 5 and 6 until week 7 and then I lost 10 lbs. I guess everyone is different but it seems normal to stall around weeks 4-6. Just be patient...it will come off.

Hi, thought I would chime in with my story. I too have been overweight most of my life, definitely since high school - LOL 33 years - wow time flies. I have dieted, lost some, gained back more - the usual story. My wakeup call was ending up in the hospital with Atrial Fibrillation. I have had HTN for 10 years, borderline diabetes, not too much joint pain luckily. Since the hospital last October, I really had to look at things for real. My cardiologist basically told me I needed WLS or I would probably die. My heart valve is enlarged due to the weight and if it gets much bigger it will mean uncontrolled A Fib. My PCP suggested a Lap Band, but I am Miss Allergy personified and I felt that having a foreign body left inside was a really bad idea. Besides I did a lot of research, I am a Medical Technologist and I understand all of the medical jargon etc. So, I decided on the VSG. Lo and Behold, my insurance has an exclusion for WLS. I did not even get my sleep study done in a very timely manner as my cardiologist wanted it in Nov, and I had to wait for Feb - it was excluded under last years policy but allowed this year. The sleep study results were if anything scarier than being in the hospital. I have complex sleep apnea - stopped breathing 34 times an hour and oxygen saturation dropped to 66%. My brother went into respiratory arrest with a Sat of 80 - he has very bad asthma. I really did not expect the sleep study results to be that bad, I don't even snore unless I have a cold!! But, got put on a VPAP Adapt, and have actually gotten more than 4 hours of sleep at a time - YAY!!! So, I knew a girl at work who had gone to Mexico for a Lap Band, and I talked to her about her experience. I have lived overseas, so the prospect of going to Mexico was not too daunting. I did some research on doctors on this site and at Obesity Help, and decided on Dr. Kelly. As I am self pay (am going to use my FSA) I knew I needed to go outside the US. So, saved my tax refund money, and with that and my bonus from work I am scheduled for 3/25/11. I am going alone because my options for travel comapnions, brother and father, both hate hsopitals. My mother was not an option - she can darken a room with her negativity. Last thing I need at this point, she knows I am having the surgery - but has so far not commented. My brother and his daughter live with me, and he is very supportive. His girlfriend had RNY maybe 5 years ago. She lost the weight, but also a lot of her hair, and is constantly struggling with the whole vitamin deficiency thing. She has been a really good example of why you do not overeat after WLS - I have seen her in misery after too much consumption. Unfortunately, my atopic dermatitis has been going crazy - and I have been on prednisone since March1st. So, decided to just deal with very little weight loss on the pre-op diet - probably will lose a ton of water weight when I am off the prednisone, but I need my skin - especially the belly to not be rashy and inflamed before the surgery. It is looking good right now - everyone keep their fingers crossed for me - only 5 days to go. You know, the weight kinda creeps on and you think - well I'm doing OK - I will get around to dealing with it - at some point in the future of course. Then you get that wake up call - I was really mad at myself for a while. But I am going to counseling and need to focus on the positives - this is a tool that can help me acheive better health. The pre-op diet (2 weeks) has not been too bad. I rarely get hungry now, so hopefully my liver is nicely shrunken, and the surgery will go well. My PCP, is in favor, but a bit leary about the Mexico aspect. I saw her last week and she was supportive, but concerned that she would get to deal with the complications. I told her I did not plan on having any complications, I know she is watching to see how it goes - maybe they will refer people. I did have to educate her about the VSG, and she understood my reservations about the band. So, my journey has begun. Highest weight 335, current weight 315, pre-op loss so far 9 pounds - with no excercise beyond work at the moment. If I get hot I get itchy and start scratching...bad bad idea. But, the skin really is much better and I will start excercising again post surgery. I am trying very hard not to stress, because that can cause the itchies as well. Got to have a very quiet week - it is spring break ending here and my brother went to his girlfriend's and my neice went down to her Mom - they are back tonight. I should be able to cope, am off tomorrow - work Tues and Wed, then fly on Thursday. Have an appt with Rorry (counselor)on Wed before I go. Sorry I know this is long, but the venting has been good. I have really enjoyed reading about everyone's stories so here is mine. I will keep you posted on progress.

I was banded Feb 16 and didn't even weigh myself unless I had a doctor's appointment. My first follow up was in late March. I had only lost 15 lbs at that point and knew it bc I couldn't eat as much as I did pre-band but could eat whatever I wanted and more than anyone that would/should be dieting. I wanted to let the band do the work. I don't eat much junk food anyway but I really wanted to let the band do it. It wasn't until the first of May that I got an aggressive fill and it started to work where I could feel restriction. I lost another 10 lbs in less than two weeks and since then it's been a battle and struggle but definitley coming off better. I am at about 50 lbs lost now and trust me I wish it was more. I am a slow loser compared to others. My weight also can fluctuate 5 lbs up and down depending upon the time of day that I weigh myself. The morning it's 216 and in the evening with work clothes and shoes it can be 220. Crazy I know but my clothes are finally getting too big. I am so freaking fat and need to lose at least 100 lbs total that people can hardly notice hopefully that means they haven't noticed how much I had gained. NOT! Also getting to this point has not been easy...fills...unfills...even the dreaded ER visit bc I was throwing up hourly but it was all saliva. Awful. It has been a battle and it's a tool. I used to think about doing this as the easy way out. It is so not the easy way out. Try to stick to healthy food choices and relax. It'll kick in and then you will have to work with it. I kept searching this site for clues, answers and support. I am addicted to it and appreciate all I have read about. I don't have a support group - this is it. I hope this helps you too.

Omg im sorry to hear that, were there symptoms or did you just wake up one day in pain? I also had surgery on 10/3..... Im praying for you....

Thanks everyone - I've been thinking hard on this all morning, and I've come to the conclusion of 'what will be, will be'.. Yes I'm still a little hurt, but I will get over it - I think some of you are right and I can see now it may be a trust issue.. The guys he is going with, we haven't heard from in 10 years - and there is a lot of history behind it all - These guys swapping girls, sharing girlsfriends, threesomes, orgies basically... no, neither myself or dh were involved - not my thing! If John really values our marriage, as he says he does, he won't be swayed. And if he does he knows we'll be straight to the divorce courts. A bit of boob doesn't worry me, don't get me wrong, but fruit and veg acts do! And tonight will not be just a bit of boob. So instead of sitting at home thinking about whats going on, I've invited a few friends over for a bbq... I've decided that I can't control everything in this world, but I can control the way I deal with things.

Yes, this Pre-Op diet has NOT been easy. I'm on week 3. I started week 1 with 2 shakes a day and a lean protein, veggies and salad for dinner. And that was during the week of the holidays. I did good! No sweets or anything. Then for the past week and a half I've been doing 3 shakes a day. Yes, I'm hungry. But I made this decision on my own to have this surgery. So I must do what is required of me. It's all for a better me in the end and I believe will be well worth it. 4 days till my banding! I'm anxious and really looking forward to it. I'm down 10 pounds already pre-op so I think I'm doing good.

19 days post procedure and 25.1 pounds lighter! I haven't been hungry hardly at all and my stomach pains from the hernia repairs are much better. I am sooooooo glad I did this. I get my 1st fill in two weeks. I realize that the weight loss will slow down to 2 to 3 pounds a week once I get in my rhythm, but it is sure exciting for now.:wink2::thumbup::wink2:

I didn't ever "stall" by definition until this month. I hit 80# lost and then stopped for 2 weeks and a couple of days. Just this week I threw off another five pounds - yay. I have noticed, also, that at every "decade" - every 10 pounds - I would not lose weight for 4-5 days or so, it was funny, actually, and got to be expected - as frustrating as it is. At least I knew it was coming. I'm guessing the stall this month is simply because I am near bottoming out - reaching goal and my body is trying to find it's happy medium. Yay for all of us!!!! C

People often ask me what's it like post op. I'm almost 4 months out. My explanation. Have you ever been around a baby when it's being fed? Yep that's me. They eat one bite yay, then the second. If my tummy decided it didn't like the first, even if it did 100x before. You guessed it out it comes. So the story of my new life. Finally able to eat eggs and sausage for a few weeks. The inside of a sausage burrito from McD's. This morning "roo" my pouch says nope I no longer like that. After working a 10 hour shift at one client on my way to a 5 hour client now I just want to go home and hug my specially devoted trash can. Ugg. So I regret my decision, not one bit, but some "roo" cooperation would be nice Sent from my 5054N using the BariatricPal App

OMG! there are so many but I can't think of any! Changing ring sizes 2x None of my old clothes fit me new pants that I bought 2 months ago are baggy I wear m shirts size 10 jeans size 8 pants 1 of my favorite M blouses is a little toooo big. More energy loosing in inches more room in seats The person I'm working with is tongue wagging all the time and telling me how good I look. And there's a lot more. I'm truly grateful that I had this procedure, it has changed my whole life.

I got my official surgery date today, and I have to say I am excited and ready to get the show on the road! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hello all, OK so I am so ashamed of myself. I have been on this pre-op diet which is full liquids for 10 days. I am on day seven and I cheated! I was feeling so sick tonight that I ate a sandwich and a piece of chocolate. So far I have lost 12 pds on this diet, which is so hard to do. I have been eating nothing but soups, crytal light, diet shakes, protien shakes. After I ate something, I didn't feel sick to my stomach anymore, but now I feel like what the hell did I just do? I guess this is what I was thinking, I have surgery on Monday the 31st. Which I wont do anymore food I will stick to the liquids until the surgery, then after the surgery my doctor puts me on a clear liquid for 4 days, then this full liquid for 10 more days, then blenderized food for 2 weeks, then soft food for another 2 weeks, then I can start eating small amounts of healthy food. When I thought about it, I was like wow I'm not going to be able to eat REAL food for over 5 weeks. That scared me I guess, so I did it, I ate something other then full liquid and now I am scared its going to screw things up for the surgery!! Has anyone else done this? Please be honest, I am so scared right now!! Please help!:smile:

Hi,i am from Leicester in the uk and had my sleeve on nov 17th. I was absolutely amazed at how well it went and speaking only for myself it was almost pain free and i have had hardly any issuse.I was back at work in only 10 days. I just could not stomach the protein drinks finding them too sweet and gloopy but the dietician said it would be fine to make my own using greek yoghurt milk and blended fruit which suited me just fine.Would love to keep in touch.Pippinleicester.

Brilliant advice, thank you. This may sound crazy but I had a bucket list of 10 food/snack items that I wanted to eat before I couldn't eat them ever again. No 10 is my christmas dinner lol. On Boxing Day I am on a 'cut all crap' out of my diet. We only ever cook from scratch in our house but it was sweet things that are my nemesis. We have done our 'new' food shop and there are no biscuits etc in the house. I should start to lose weight soon, and that should also please the surgery team xx

I have reached my goal .. My surgery date was 10/18/11 im 5'4 and was 268 date of surgery I'm currently 123 .. You all will reach your goal!! I'm healthy witch is what my goal was I am active an feel great!

hey I live in Tyngsboro, MA! 30 minutes north east of boston. I am having the surgery 6/19!

Hi everyone! I was banded on December 3rd and I did a pre op diet for two weeks as well as a three day liquid pre op right before surgery. My doc didn't require the two week, but from what I read it seemed it would make it easier on my body. I lost about 10 lbs doing that and then I have lost another 15 since the day before I was banded. I am pretty stoked. However, I have read A LOT on here about how you shouldn't focus on weight loss in the beginning. I know that now is a time for healing. I have been taking it easy and following the diet regimen I was given. But I guess I am nervous. I have read that I should anticipate a gain when I am given the okay for more solid food. So can you guys give me an idea how much I may gain back? Is it a definite that you gain back some? Because I plan to eat the same type things I have been, just not blended. Anyhow, please share your storeis! Thanks! ~Mya

I started looking into this surgery because I was pre-diabetic and starving all the time. Like I just finished a huge meal, and my stomach hurt, but I still wanted to eat and eat and eat. My hunger has been increasing and getting worse over the past 10 years, along with gradual increases in my fasting blood sugar and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome like skin tags. My dad has diabetes (and got it when he was about 5 years older than I am now), so I knew what was coming. The thing that really excited me about the surgery was that it provides a mechanism to reset your metabolism, to actually CHANGE your hormonal balance and your set point so that you naturally feel satisfied at a lower weight, and eating less food with less hunger. Now I am 2.5 months out, and I really feel it working - with the smaller stomach, it gets full faster, so ghrelin (a hormone that your stomach makes when it is empty that makes you feel hungry) starts to DECREASE quickly after you take your first few bites. Studies show that ghrelin levels are about 50% lower after bariatric surgery than before. And that has an effect - you really, seriously, truly feel much less hungry, even though you are eating way less. In contrast, normally when you go on a diet, your ghrelin levels INCREASE compared to when you started. Studies show that after a 3-6 month diet without surgery, your ghrelin levels will increase by 50%. And that has an effect - you are much more hungry and so you want to eat even more and gain the weight back - it may even make you feel like an addict! Since before my surgery, I would often feel hungry even when my stomach felt full, I can totally see why you'd be scared that you'd still feel really hungry even when your new small stomach is full. And I can tell you from experience - being hungry with a full stomach feels miserable! I can see why you'd be scared of that! But I really want to assure you - the surgery works as advertised. You will feel satisfied, even when you are eating way less food than before. For me, the change in my hunger is like night and day - it's amazing!

I am 10 days away from surgery and I am questioning the decision I am making. I don't know if it is nerves or what is going on. Im 6 days into my PRE op diet. Haven't lost a pound. Feeling discouraged and thinking about changing my mind. How do I know if this is the right choice for me.

I am pretty much where I thought I would be at this time...and hoped. Down 98 lbs ...10 of those were pre op. Weight is coming off slower and I do experience stalls and then go back into a losing trend. I just lost another pound after experiencing a stall for the last 10 days. I am 57 lbs from goal. I am eating about 1000 calories a day. Averaging about 900 to 1100 calories a day. Protein is 60 to 75 g I am avoiding carbs as much as I can comfortably. Not eating posts, rice..crackers but I'd they are naturally occurring in a healthier choice.. if anyone is reading this who is trying to decide on actually having w l s. It took me a long time to go thru with this...I was terrified on so many levels. It has enabled me to get to a place I wouldn't have been able to without it. I still have my issues with food...still think about it easy too much and still need to make the right choice but the restriction the sleeve has given me is amazing. I am still amazed when I cannot finish my meal and I do try to measure so I don't overeat. I track my food so I can keep an eye on my nutrition. Hoping to be at goal by my 1 year anniversary

So I am 10 days post Op. Started this journey at 272. Went I to surgery at 249. Today weighed myself and I am 237. Would love to chat with people who are on my same journey!

Hello I am almost 3 years out....lost most of my 100-115 (depends on the month) pounds in the first year. Have been kind of stagnent in the WL department for about a year and half....first did not have insurance that covered fills and had to pay out of pocket...I have a fickle esophagas(sp) that if my band is the least bit tightened too much at once spasms and I have to have an almost immidiate unfill. Have about 4.1 in my 11 cc band right not...going for a fill tomorrow...found this sight and looks like a place I need to be....need to get my head in the game for several reasons....guess I am sick of beating myself up and ready to do this thing!! Primary reason is to get invitro...Doc says I need to be at 35 bmi to get best results and since I am only 20 pounds from that should be no sweat right???? Well you would think and that was June and here I am October and still gaining and loosing the same freakin :mad:7-10 pounds...So hopefully talking to others that feel my pain will get me to do what I need to do! Thanks for listening to my rant! bandsterintn!

Truly, not very long. But, I have a lap-band that was ruptured during a fill. So after a failed four year stent w the band I seen a new Bariatric doc and discussed removing the band. He suggested rny. That was in December. I drug my feet for a while and did some research and soul searching. Then seen the doc again in Late march. Paperwork was submitted in April and approved a week later. I had to attend a revision class. A week later after that I had my may 10 & 14 appts. If all goes well, ill have a surgery date by the end of may or early June. So I started attending the support groups last night. I'm seeing the dietician next week as well. Moving right along!

San Diego Susan, Oh, Happy Day! It sounds like you are ready to go! I'm waiting on my date (June 19) with Dr. Thoman in Santa Barbara. It will be 6 weeks between the consultation date and surgery date. It is hard to wait!