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I hate to ask this question but I am month 4/6 in pre-approval process. My whole life I have tried anything you can think of and I have been so very sure each one was the answer. I usually lose between 8-12 pounds each attempt and then stall. It's been the same thing pre-op. I did intermittent fasting with being gluten free since 7/31/19, no problem fasting 20-22 hours but when I would try to do alternate day fasting or 24 hour fasting I would gain with the lower calories. I have researched starvation mode and most experts agree it does not exist. I ended up averaging 19 hours and plateaued at 12 pounds after 3 months and then started gaining again even with the fasting. When I did my pre-op I was at one of my lower weights (my weight plot looks like shark teeth) and was told I was not allowed to gain at all during the process or my surgery would be denied. As part of my pre-op I have continued intermittent fasting for an average of 16 hours but I also gave up all grains, dairy, sugar, and soy. I have lost another 12 pounds for a total of 24 but cannot get any lower. I've played with calories, food types, anything I can think of. I track all my calories and activities and range 1200-1500 being mostly on the lower end of the range and get at least 30 mins of walking 5 days a week. I have no emotional issues with food and am very disciplined. I do have Hashimoto's thyroiditis but my hormone ranges are good according to my bloodwork. My thyroid is almost not existent except for a large nodule so my endocrinologist wants me to have me thyroid removed in addition to the sleeve. My big fear is that there is something weird with my metabolism and that I'll have the surgery and not be successful. It sounds crazy to even say that but this is a support group and that is my truth.

Hi there, in also a Jan 19 , sleeve God bless! Heyo! You're totally my sleeve sister How are you finding everything so far?

It's been a long time since I have been on this site. I was banded 4/1/09 and from the beginning I had a problem eating the protein I am supposed to without throwing up. It has now been almost 2 1/2 years and I still throw up almost every time I eat. To say I've been frustrated is an understatment. I have only lost about 30 lbs total. Anyway, this week I was given some hope I was told at Mayo Clinic that I had a hiatal hernia and needed to have that repaired and the band removed; I was scheduled for surgery in August and then my employer (from whom I have retired) changed my insurance and Mayo decided they would not accept the new ins. Finally my original surgeon said he would see me even though he does not accept the new ins either. He allowed me to do self-pay for my Monday appt (September 19) and the good news is that I do not have a hernia, I do have Esophageal achalasia which does not allow the esophagus to relax enough to allow my food to pass through into my pouch. As of Monday I am taking a new med which is supposed to fix this problem. So, bottom line is that now I have to start from the beginning using my band. Can anyone suggest an eating plan that works with my band and my diabetic needs?? Of course, the idea is that when I lose weight I can stop taking my insulin and a bunch of other meds. Any help anyone can give me would be much appreciated.

I didn't actually consult with the surgeon until the 6 month diet, 2 face to face support groups, psych consult and dietitian consults were complete. They wanted all the paperwork bits done so they can submit after the first consult. It was about 6 weeks, (could have been 4, but the doc had a trip schedules and didn't want to "cut me and run out of town"). Less than 2 for the approval and about 3 to schedule and complete EGD, pre-anesthesia testing, blood work, and for me, a pulmonologist visit to check up on asthma. I was also required to lose 10+ pounds for liver shrink between consult and surgery.

Hello, I am wonderful! Thank you for asking. I drink water with flavor enhancer or powerade zero. Anything fluid wise has to be 15 calories or less per serving. Some times I have diet ocean spray because it's 15 cals per serving. And I just recently found a minute made orange juice that has 10 calories per serving. Food: I eat a lot of eggs, egg salad on whole wheat crackers, baked or steamed fish, chicken, cheese of all kinds, 0% Fage yogurt, tuna.. My trick to keep calories low and protein high. I do that by adding plain non fat Greek yogurt to anything that makes sense, I replace it for mayo in egg salad and I replace it for sour cream on chilli or in mashed potatoes.. My other trick is to add non fat powdered milk to lots of things, I love oatmeal so I make it with skim milk and then add 1/4 cup powdered milk while cooking to give it even more protein... Portion size I can only eat about 4-6oz. of most things.... chicken I can only eat 3oz of cooked chicken. My intake is 60 grams of protein and 64 fl oz of water/powerade zero.

You seriously look 10+ years younger! Amazing job! So exciting!

Totally agree with this advice. Some more questions you should ask yourself: - How long have you been struggling with the weight? - How many times have you tried to lose it? - Have you previously had success with a diet/exercise/lifestyle change that you think will give you the results you want if you put your mind to it? - What is keeping you from making lifestyle changes to getting healthier (no judgment! this is just a point worth being honest with yourself about) Personally, I never thought I'd have WLS. I don't know anyone who's had it and always thought it was for 'other people'. I spent 10 years going on and off diets and exercise programs while the result was my actually getting heavier every single year. WLS sounded really drastic and at 34 years old and 244lbs, I thought I was just the right diet away from losing the weight and keeping it off. Finally earlier this year, I decided to stop kidding myself and take the step. I'm only 2+ weeks out but truly feel it's the best thing I could have ever done for myself. (Apologies if this sounds like I'm advocating for WLS (well, I am, but only based on my own personal experience). Ultimately it's about you being honest with yourself and exploring other options before you decide to go down this road.

You look AMAZING! Congratulations on your wonderful success! You look 10 years younger!

Nope. Just trusted my surgeon to do an excellent job. And he did. Easy recovery, not a single complication. Even my PCP is impressed. Just had my 2 year surgiversary and am maintaining 10 pounds under goal with no problems whatsoever....other than needing my gallbladder out 2 months ago. But that's a normal side effect of losing so much weight and my regular insurance covered the surgery.

🤣 No wonder mine wasn't that bad.. only one nostril and it seemed to be finished in 10 seconds. 🤣

I located this dr. by doing research. He is from Kings daugthers Hospital and I decided to change my last Dr. for Dr. S and you know what he is very good and very careful. He told me that I had 7 ccs in my band and that my old Dr. said I had 5 ccs in the band, he actually showed me the fill in the syringe while it was still attached to me sort to speak, it blew my mind what I was looking at. In the past my old dr. would put in a 0.25 cc and then I would be over filled and then he would take it out and then re fill me again sounds like a gas can right lol . But there was one time when my old Dr. ordered me a GI for tightness and another Dr. took care of me and he extracted 6 ccs back then and the nurse said no I only had 5 ccs, well how can you argue when the facts are right in front of you. So someone made a big boo boo on me for sure. I now have 7 1/4 ccs in my 10 cc band and you know what so far so good. I am dropping pounds and feeling better for some reason and for the pst 2 years I ahve been hanging at 180 pounds and now the weight is finally moving off (again) I am so thrilled. Dr. S. in now in Killeen, Texas on Clear Creek Rd he has a wonderful staff andhe is very friendly but professional, he is a regular surgeon as well. So there you go, check him out and see what you think.

I altered a comfy tshirt to wear at the hospital (snaps along under the arm and along the side seams). This allowed me to wear my own top and not that hospital gown incase I had to have an IV (didn't have IV fluids, only 'ports' left in to administer meds). Then my own undergarments and comfy sweat pants. Brought my own robe but never needed it. For me, I loved wearing my own clothing. Felt more 'me' and less 'patient' while there, more in control. My hubby was with me, as the room had a couch he could sleep on. But as others said, he didn't need to be there. I was in the room about 430pm and was walking by 530. No one helped me, but hubby was afraid I would fall so walked with me. I was able to change out of the gown and into my own clothes, able to use the restroom myself, etc. Energy level was low. I was mentally ready to go but had no stamina. I wanted to walk a lap around the floor but couldn't. I mentioned this to the nurse and she put out chairs every 5 rooms in the hall. I plopped in one if I wanted to rest, then off to walk again. Was a great idea she had, and several of us used the 'breaks' to keep on walking. I was in a lot of pain the first 24 hours. Maybe 7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. But after that, maybe a 2. More 'uncomfortable' than pain.

Merry Christmas to all who see's this page-!! Today I got a rude awakening of my old life. Me and my kids got invited by a family where we live at. I got to the party and "oh Lord"--not a skiiny or small Woman in sight. The only small people were the girls who were 11 to 15--except one. You would think this young "woman" was all of 25--she was just 14 and maybe somewhere about a size 22. I've seen her before--but never all of her relatives. I am so thankful for the "Lapband" surgery. I am now 50 and no one thought so. I just hit my 54 pounds loss plateau. I am not struggling at all--but I know I will miss a few of my Gym days--due to the kids being home and the Gym not having a full schedule. But I saw so many Women today who was so large. I mean--ladies who was no less than 16 and close to a size 30. Yes--I know ladies sizes from being married quite a few years. I had to just look and say "Wow"--to myself-! People asked me--why was I so quiet. I said--I don't drink or smoke. I don't play dominos with the guys--I find it boring. So I found myself in the living room watching TV with all of the larger ladies. Now I used to have a beer or 2 sometimes--but since the 6th month of my lap band post op--I had to re-think my theory on that "every now and then beer". I have just gotten to a point of true dedication but it still needs lots of work--trust me. I have one area that needs a boost. That area is me giving 5 days for the work out instead of 4 or 3. I have now made my schedule to move into weight lifting--light weights--trust me--but there will be some weights in my gym program as of Jan-3rd-2008.I am hoping to keep it at no more than 160 lbs. I don'twant to bulk up--I want to refine the muscles and keep the weight loss going as much as I can. As I close this little letter here. I was thinking--"Oh My God"--"Was this me back in the day? (10 months ago and before the surgery) I saw people piling the plates up-then asking me--"where is your food? I simply said--"Where can I put my food? I had the weight loss surgery--a few months ago". I heard--"oh--ok... But I saw the plates eaten that were piled up and then saw the same folks--warm up pie and cake. Then second plates and for some--3rd plates with the same consistancy. I almost dropped to my knees and said--"Thank You Lord--! I feel sooo much better now that I am lighter in weight. Now looking at the ladies & men who were 80% much younger than me--I know--my woirk has to get done and my new life will need lots of motivation to keep it going...Lee:scared::notagree

That's over 10 lbs a month! You are doing awesome! Try to stay positive.

I am going to have surgery with Dr. Garcia on 01/30. I am so excited. Sending well wishes to everyone.

Excellent decision, Shar. I'll be 60 in June and was banded April 10. Why the heck didn't we do this years ago?? Oh well, better late than never. We still have many thin years ahead of us! Won't it be wonderful??:biggrin1:

Griffon, I am right there with you. I had my Gastric Sleeve 6/22/18 and I lost 15 lbs on the pre-op diet and then was 300 lbs day of surgery. I came home and I had gained to 309 from fluids because I was so sick from anesthesia and morphine. At my 2 weeks post op I weighed 285 (down 24 lbs.) I have been at 285 for 2 weeks. Yesterday I seen my surgeon for my 1 month appointment and he was very happy. He stated it is very normal for your body to stall like everyone is saying after a large amount of weight is lost right after surgery. Your body will stall and then acclimate and then begin to lose. I have not had any junk food or carbs, I am stickily eating protein or protein shake with my miralax and walking. He said I should start to see about 10-15 lbs a month after the initial weight loss. Believe it or not this morning I was 283. Best of luck and try not to get frustrated.

36 since surgery - the other 10 during 2 week pre op.

I am 18 months and and find myself pregnant and I was NOT trying! (I think we all turn super fertile after major weight loss) I think at 10 months out you are getting to a place where you can start to get pregnant and start nourish a baby. Ideal, probably not... High risk? probably not.. a little extra monitoring? yes, but that's ok! Good luck!

Twas the night before surgery, and all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, or my dog, or my husband.......... Well it's 10:15 p.m. and my husband is watching a dvd, my dog is sleeping in her bed and i just finished taking my shower with my antibacterial soap given to me by the hospital. I'm getting sleepy because I took the sleep aid prescribed by my doctor, just in case I am too excited to close my eyes...........it's working.......... I told my immediate family yesterday about my surgery scheduled for tomorrow........at first I didnt want to because i wasn't sure about the reaction I would get. My two sisters are very supportive and so is my dad.......he said "that's great. You will look like you did in high school." haha. My mom wasn't as supportive but I'm sure it's a normal reaction when you hear your child is about to have surgery. She said she would go to the church in the morning to pray for me but tonight she texted me and said she will be there in the morning as she is driving in with one of my sisters. It's so nice to feel the love and support of my family. Now it makes me think I should have told them sooner........but I cant look back......I can only look forward at the start of my new chapter tomorrow. Good night my lap band family...........I will report again when I get home on Wed (if i am up to it).......until then...........xoxo

Actually 80 since being sleeved +20 = 100 total since I started February 19 all liquids sleeved 3/5 Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I lost almost 40 on my own pre-op diet from April 5 to surgery day, July 17. About 10 of that was on the required 3-day pre-op diet.

I guess I dislike the mindset that this decision is the easy way out. I've lost 80 lb by diet pills, eating 1000 calories, then weight lifting 45 min a day and walking 4 to 8 miles a day in addition to my daily steps. Working out 2 hours a day 5 days a week is not sustainable. Over 10 years it crept up. I've been to many Dr's and am told my Hashimoto's and genetics makes weight stubborn. I don't think this is the easy way out by any means though. Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

Sassygirl, Never too late to respond. Yes I am able to wear the pre op pants and a size under that too. That crazy 6# that I had put on, Well i actually (as crazy as it sounds) lost all 6# in one day. I am not loosing fast but I am still loosing and I feel good! You were a size 10 in 5 months! That is great!

Take advantage of not being hungry. I am 10 weeks post op and still do not get hungry, but my doctor said it will come soon enough. I do not exercise much outside, but while I workout inside, I constantly sip, seriously a sip every couple minutes and that seems to work for me right now. Keep up the good work and exercise!