Search the Community

Welcome. I totally agree with everyone, even though I haven't gotten the "easy way out" mantra thrown at me. However I sometimes criticize myself for not being able to loose weight the ""normal" way. Giving my son a life with a healthy mother is what I've decided to choose and I think my turning point was when my weight continued to tip the scale and several health issues began to stack against me. Two years ago when I found out I had hypertension should have been the wake up call, but with sleep apnea and diabetes side by side, the wake up call became a bullhorn tearing out my eardrums. So here I am, proud and ready that I've made the decision to become healthy for me and no one else...so I guess that is the easy way out for me, and the hard part will follow !

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.

Ok, im 8 day's post op EVERYWHERE i turn somebody’s eating in my face. It seems like my parent only cooked once a week now it's like EVERYDAY. So Im trying not to visit as much, then i get the “ O since you lost 21 pounds you think you to good to visit” ( It’s only been 8 day’s) I jus do not understand !!! I no i really want to get the weight off an Im trying to be dedicated but the temptation are killing me, it's only been 8 day's if Im going through it now what’s gone happen in a week or two? :help: Also why do everyone think when you loose a couple of pound that you think your “All that” or “ Better then them” IM STILL ME!! I haven’t even reached my goal yet why is people changing already?? :think HELP ME !!!

10/2009 Take a good look. This is what Morbid Obesity looks like. Let me preface this by saying that at first I was going to keep it all a hush-hush big super secret squirrel secret. But I figured blogging would not only help me chronicle my journey, but serve as a sounding board. Of course I run the risk of opening myself up to criticism and negativity. But I figured…they talked about Jesus they’ll talk about me too. And what’s more is – I really don’t give a rat’s sweaty nads. *shrug* With that said… I’ve never had a problem with being full-figured. In fact, I’ve embraced it. It’s a part of the me that I’ve been proud to be. Even flaunted my curves. And its not like I’ve been starved for attention. Most…well, a lot (only basing on what I’ve been told) of men (women too) think that I’m (are you ready for this?) SEXY. I’m not bragging at all…but can you imagine? Me, at 298lbs…on a 5′3″ frame. What doctors frown at in disapproval. What some people in public look at in disgust…but yet others…desire. To this day. As recently as an hour ago. 8/2008 *smh kinda confused* Admittedly, I’ve thought the same thing for a long time. My self esteem has remained in its proper sometimes over-elevated place. The men folk (husband included) never seemed to have had a problem with it, so I never had a problem with it… Until now. I’m at my biggest ever. Almost 30lbs more than I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant (2 years ago). I’m uncomfortable. I don’t like what I see in the mirror any more. My feet hurt. My knees ache. (ironically enough, the VERY reason why working out has been such a chore – that aside from time: 9-5 job, jewelry biz, almost 2 year old daughter, and a hubby that works nights/weekends). And now, my once high (sometimes too high) self esteem has taken a nosedive. So what to do?? 9/2002 I’ve done the diets, the shakes, the cleanses, the “lifestyle change”, the pills, the work-out regimen, etc… Something has to be done. NOW. So after about 6 months of mulling it over, I’ve opted to have the LAP-BAND®®® surgery. In fact, that’s the entire reason for this blog. My goal is 75-100lbs. Realistically, at 200lbs, I’ll still be +size…but ALOT better off than I am now. I’m making a decision to better my life, and thereby, my family’s life. I will learn healthier habits to pass on to my daughter and share with my husband, as well as actually be around a lot longer to see her grow up, and grow into the olden golden years with her daddy. This vixen, is about to change her game up, for good. I have my physical exam and initial info session at the Bariatric Surgeon’s office on Monday. Then comes the consult to chart the path forward, counseling, etc. I will join the Million Pound Challlenge to help get me started on the right track. But that’s Monday – and it’s going to be a life-changing day. So this weekend, I’m gettin it in. *lol* I’m gonna eat what I want…probably for the last time (at least for a long time); Celebrate my 35th bday (late, bc of all the snow) and celebrate in anticipation of a new life and a new, even sexier, healthier me… I’m excited. I can only pray that by sharing this journey, it will garner some support & encouragement from friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike. But even if it doesn’t, it’s no skin off my teeth. I’m CERTAIN that my words will touch or encourage SOMEONE out there. 1/2010 Beauty can be found at ANY size. From a size 6 to 26. However, HEALTH cannot. And that’s all its about for me. Taking off some pounds to add some years to my life. Phine, re-defined… *sexy grin*

I have referred several friends who have weighed less than 100 lbs to have lap band surgery. One only needed to loose 40 lbs., but it had been the same 40 lbs. she had been carrying around for 15 years. One friend needed to loose 60 lbs. and one needed to loose 55 lbs. I needed to loose 98 lbs. which is what I have lost since my lap band surgery. My insurance would not pay either. It was $15,000 where I live so I went Tijuana and had mine done. I love my band and it has been an awesome experience.

Wow! I can't have raw veggies until 4 months. I would peel the skin at first if I were you. Enjoy!!

I hear ya girl. I have an ultra conservative Dr. and in a 10cc band I have only 2.5 cc's right now. Have not lost jack! I have had two fills and am in tears all the time because everyone is asking me if I have lost weight and I have to keep telling them no! I am trying a new doc next month. It's so hard to see the numbers of those loosing over a hundred pounds on here. Believe me, I have such regrets about this surgery but a slight hope this will all work out for me.....

Good Luck Stormy! But yes, I will be patient and do what I am told! Has anyone who has lost weight not needed plastic surgery? I do not want to have to go there... I keep hearing everyone say that they have too much lose skin. Can that be avoided? Im 25, will my skin have elasticity?

@@Industrious Bee So how are you doing? I'm going to give you some tough love here my friend!!!! Are you ready for it?? I suggest a pair of warm and cozy socks for your feet! If you are going to read into everything you read on these boards you are going to need a very thick skin sweetie. There are all kinds of opinions and comments that you are going to read and the VERY best thing you can do is have confidence in your doctors and believe that above all else they have your very best interest and health at the forefront. This is not something to do on a whim you have to be ready you have to be committed, you have to be ready to jump in and with both feet there is no turning back. This is a new life and a new life style that you will be embracing and the benefits are worth it all. Is there pain, well I won't lie to you there is pain, there is discomfort but no more pain or discomfort then I have had from being obese and that pain was a daily pain that never left me. The pain of surgery faded as my surgical wounds healed. The discomfort of learning a new way of eating faded as I embraced the changes that I needed to make in my life and my body adapted to those changes. I have never felt better in my life Bee an I would not lie to you about that. It is not an easy choice and it is not as many say the "easy way out" it is anything but that. Is it worth it? Would I do it again given the choice? 100% I know my husband feels exactly the same way he was scared when I went in for my surgery and he was scared when he went in for his, and he was not sure he would be able to live with it, and now he says it all the time he wishes he did it years ago and I can tell you there are several people I know who feel the same. You are in a good place here if you want to share your concerns you will get some very good feedback and support. Don't just scroll through and pick out bits of threads, speak to your concerns and see what feedback you get and most importantly touch base with your doctors and speak to them about your concerns and the advice you read and see what falls in line and what falls to the wayside.

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!

My first mini goal is loose another 20 pounds by month 2 post op.

Hi Nurse Katie: First off congratulations on your new life!:laugh: Second: Please concentrate on healing and do not worry about what your eating because right now it has no bearing on your healing. You will loose and gain :smile2: during that time but don't worry! My doctors told me I could gain 2 to 5 lbs during this time, no matter what you will be making healthy choices so you should be fine. I did not gain but I did not loose and all I did was choosing healthy. Once 6 weeks have passed and you have had your first fill, then concentrate on calories and plateaus. Third: Once you do hit a plateau it can be one of two things, a) you are doing the same exercise and your body knows it, so change up exercise routine weekly or :wink5: you have too little calories, if that is the case increase your calories by 100 and give it two days the scale will tell you! Take care and good luck!

Well, I think it depends on what you're exactly looking for...Personally, I'm leaning towards the band (ins pays for both, but I'm praying for band approval). I'm 35 years old (bmi 45.5) and looking to POSSIBLY have one more child. The research I've seen on line stated that there's LESS likelyhood of a problem pregnancy w/the band since it can be adjusted for the nutritional needs of the mom and fetus. Also, since the weight loss isn't as fast as w/the bypass, I'm hoping less chance of loose skin too. I also know it's less envasive and less time I have to recover. I have 3 year old that I can't keep up with now, plus being out of commission for a 4-6 weeks +, I can't really have that. :preggers:

I am just DONE. Not only is my BMI too "low" (34.4) to qualify in the US, but my insurance wouldn't cover it anyway (Tricare). I have lots of questions... What was your process like? Where did you go? Private pay or insurance? Worth it? Do you feel like the lap-band was a last-ditch effort to be a normal weight? Did you approach your family practitioner about the lap-band and what was their response? I'm scared to even approach the subject with a family doc. The last time I went to be seen for my weight the doc told me to go on a diet. Well DUH!!! As if I had never thought of it or done it before. I'm afraid a doc will laugh in my face if I ask about the lap-band because I only have 85lbs to lose. Okay, I had 120 to loose so more than you but my bmi was 39.9 and my insurance wouldn't pay a dime. I went to the man who's done more than anyone in the world, Dr. Zapata, Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey, Mexico. It was the best decision of my life. I lost 80 pounds the first 12 months and am still losing. I've been banded 13 months. I love my band. I could never have lost it without the band. I had tried everything. I ask my PCP first and he was all for it. Then I started researching who had done the most and who had done them in major trauma hospitals and not clinics and that's how I made my decision. I paid cash and it was 8000.00 and that including everything. PM me if you have any questions. This is the best place in the world for info and support. Welcome, Hugs, Sherri Jo

Thanks! Cost for both was $11,660. I totally need my arms and inner thighs done, but I'm holding off on that for a year or two, my body needs a surgery rest, lol. No implants and I'm about a C cup. Apparently I had good mass, just stretched out "packaging", lol. I do have before and after pics of my breasts that I'd be willing to show you, send me a PM. Thank you. Yes, I still have my band and port didn't move. It is right to the left of my belly button. I'm surprised as well, that it is not noticeable. I can feel it a lot more, but I thought it would stick out a lot. LOL - thanks! I think my lapband Dr used a low profile to begin with, but I'm not positive. Thanks to everyone else. I cannot even begin to say how much better I feel about myself after having lapband surgery. Getting all the skin removed was another huge step. I was definitely nervous for the tummy tuck, but it is so incredibly worth it!

I have read and read but I cant find anything on where the port site is. I am a physical therapist (HOW IRONIC IS THAT?! :embaressed_smile:) and I often work with patients on transfers. This sometimes requires my arms to be in close to my body when lifting, and am wondering about the sensation of feeling the port under my skin. Thanks for any info!!

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!

Ok, I have been dealing with my weight for the last past eight years. 2 years and 28lbs ago I attended the seminar for gastric bypass. At the time I felt that the procedure was a little to drastic for me and never pursued it any further. I am starting to have soooo many issues surrounding my weight like sleep apnea, acid reflux, and recent knee issues. The acknowledgement of being tired and short breath all the time has encouraged me get back to trying to loose the weight on my own. I am now looking for alternatives so this disease doesn’t get the best of me. I am currently 5'0 and 228lbs. After reading information on the lap band, I am thinking this is the route for me. I welcome any advice from anyone who is willing to share. I will keep you guys updated in my progress.:thumbup:

I started feb2013 and I will be getting sleeved July 11 & it took about a week from when they submitted my paper work to get approved then they gave me a date but like u said every doctor , every insurance , every Nutrionist is so different ... I have to loose weight & be on a six month diet !! Good luck in your process

I am a low BMI'er. My recovery was easy...no complications. My weight loss was fairly quick and steady. I hit goal in 6 months and am now 20lbs below that. Today is my one year sureversary. Some people here say that low bmi'ers loose weight more slowly...and that is somewhat true. You will not loose 20 lbs in one month, but you will reach goal sooner. In the first few months I was loosing apx. 10 lbs per month. Then it slowed to 8 for the majority of the middle months until I hit goal, then 2-4lbs lost per month since then. I am now 20lbs BELOW goal. Started at a size 16ish. Am now in 0's. It's been a pretty amazing transformation.

Butterflyhigh thank you for your response to my post! I figured it would be harder to loose weight because of the lower BMI, I'm not that far away from u in my BMI ???? I just haven't found anyone who is close to my BMI. I'd love to talk to u in more detail about your journey. As I think it will be close to the one I am facing. If u want to u can email me at tiarowley@me.com. I would like to here from u! Thx so much! ????

Not that this will help much but I use Body Media Link, I love it. It is the only one that measures calories burned thru your skin temp along with steps so it counts all your activity your doing whether its doing dishes or riding a bike...I say it wont help you because it does not have a HM yet they are coming out with a new improved smaller one called Core2 but still waiting on that. Also there is one called Basic I think that is the only one you dont have to wear a strap to monitor your heart rate but last I read people said that did not do so well ....good luck

I am/was a pretty text book case of PCOS and had a hysterectomy and one ovary removed at 34. I also had severe endometriosis, an extreme case of adenomyosis, and a good amount of fibroids. I'm 42 now. I am now almost 8 months post op vsg and have had the following PCOS related issues clear up: Blood sugar is no longer abnormal, so no more insulin resistence Cholesterol is now normal Blood pressure is now normal I don't have near the dark hair/facial hair problem like I did before I no longer have the dark skin patches common to PCOS on my neck, armpits, or groin My remaining ovary has not been troublesome Hormones much more stable, even with the crazy hormone stuff that comes with VSG weight loss in the first few months If there's something specific you'd like to know what I didn't answer, please ask. I know my case is a little different since I had a hysterectomy and don't have periods but I still have PCOS.

Yeah weight loss will help PCOS but not cure it, but the differences are like night and day. My only problem with pcos is the 5o'clock shadow and dark spots on skin on armpits, I'm lucky enough to not have anything else and I'm not diabetic nor do I take metaformin anymore. I have successfully had a baby without help tho and that's after being told pcos would make me infertile - guess what doc - got that wrong lol. Surgery in 20 days so looking forward to never having to wax my chin again!