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Hi and thank you you to all. I pretty much feel the same way, I guess I'm in a slump. And hearing positive comments from family would be nice. I do realize that some people are more self absorbed than others, or just don't even notice anything. And as for my friend's breakfast, I will have to continue to be strong. It's hard sometimes. And those are the times I walk into a different room so I don't loose my strength. Thanks again all.

I'm going to have a breast lift but probably not implants unless it is the lift by itself wont be enough to fill out the loose skin. But its only down at a BMI of 22 that I can consider this, my boobs were the last things to shrink. I'm finding that last bit of weight loss, even 4lb made WAY more difference than the first 96lb. Everything is getting a bit saggy now. I really am better off not to lose anymore weight whilst its only my boobs I have to fix! So I'd say yes, you need to wait till you're at your goal weight. It might make all the difference - you'll either be decided that you want implants or it may seem like not such a good idea. I've got that kind of chest now - thin, ribs showing and very defined collarbones, where an implant would likely have that very stark contrast of the melons on the chest look, I dont have enough fat and softness on my chest to blend them in, given that I would need the round implants to fill out the loose skin.

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 had a couple poking out my biggest incision at my month check up. The PA just clipped them off against my skin. I don't think she was going to do anything because she said they were internal stitches that would dissolve, but I told her I so wanted to pull them out. I think that kinda freaked her out and she clipped them off flush with my skin. I'm now at 8 weeks and they have not poked back through.

Hello mom6kids, I as well have 6 kids, 5 at home.:w00t: So my pre-op diet was HARD. I had to drink 5 optifast shakes a day and 1 protein bar. Well I still had to cook for my husband and 5 kids. So I got down 3 shakes a day and my protein bar and I spaced out a slice of cheese here and there and I would have a couple of bites of chicken breast, turkey things like that. I had to loose 15lbs and I lost 22. I did walk a mile every day and do 60 crunches on my balley, but I did it. There were a few other people in my support group that did the same thing. So long story short, you'll be fine. Your'e almost there and it's well worth it. I was banded on the 25th of November and so far so good. :thumbup: Keep us posted.:wub:

Hey do either of you guys no of a shake that can replace optifast. I have to loose a good amount of weight before they will schedule my surgery and I can't afford optifast, which they recommended 2-4weeks of or how ever long it take me to loose this weight. I know I need a VERY LOW CALORIE meal replacement shake. I prefer to buy it at a store and not online but everything I've looked at have higher calories and carbs. I don't know what the right amount of protein I need verses calories and carbs. I start my classes in a week or so but want to get started now to get a jump start.

Well I sadly have not been blessed with BIG feet, but I do have wide feet. If memory serves me right NB shoes come come as a model number and once you did find a pair you liked, it would make it easier to purchase that same model on line (I hate shopping). I use Merrells, because of the arch support. Since my surgery, my feet have changed and now can fit comfortably in regular width shoes, I am currently on my second pair of my new shoes, I still wear an old pair, for out door lawn/garden work (they are very loose). Good luck on your choice... keep moving

To laugh a lot, to let go of the petty, and praise the small victories. With being just two months out from surgery this very day, my goal is to maximize my weight loss by continued focus on increasing exercise and activity. To track and get all the recommended Protein and liquid everyday, and to accept that if I don't there is always tomorrow. Oh and in 2016, I plan to show a little skin. I am the founding member of messy hair don't care and sweat pants club. But I vow to put on a little make up every now and then, get pedicures, and eyebrows threaded, put on a nice outfit that does not cover up my entire body and commence to strut. Hell I may even throw in the heels.

Went on a fun girls trip. I did OK on the eating. Ate chef salad or grilled chicken salad a lot. If we ate at a family Amish type rest. then I had green beans, chicken, stuff like that. However, I had my very first ever throw up! I was eating lunch at the rest. where the flea market is. I had some white meat chicken on the bone and was eating it slowly and chewing it up, At least I thought I was. I also had eaten some green beans. Ate a bite of mashed tatoes then gave rest to my kid. All of a sudden it began to hurt in my chest like REALLY BAD. Like a heart attack! I felt bad. I went to the RR and there was a big line and I was about 6 back from even getting in the door. I almost just yelled for all of them to get out of the way and head for the sink. I was gulping to hold it down. Then I saw a door, I ran out, went behind the bldg. and just puked it up. I felt FINE afterwards and immediately better. wow. My daughter knew what was wrong but the other 7 people had no idea about my band so did not know. The nice Amish lady waiting on us asked if something was wrong with the food! Also because ate very little of it. Man oh man, I do not want that. I guess the chicken got stuck. Yikes. So I stuck with salads the rest of the trip. Seriously. Before that I had some Wendy's grilled chicken and felt a little stuck too. Guess I am not going slow enough or eating with more chewing.....ugh. You ever had any of that? I have read about lots of people who have but that was a first for me! I am proud to have worked out with weights for SEVEN weeks now since school is out! I am so proud! Gotta figure out how to keep that up. Also my cardio is great. We even walked back to the hotel from restaurants twice about a mile! One night after walking all day at flea market! No problem. I have not been on the scale since July 6th. I will try to not get on there til I go back in August. Not sure I can do that! ha. I do not feel a big weight loss but do feel loose in some clothes and others fitting just fine. Probably have lost nothing.... did not track the foods on Fit.com while gone so will get back to that now. Trying to eat 1600 calories is sort of hard--so used to trying to stick to less. Oh well. Water is going well too. Many other things going on. Two more short trips coming up. My daughter is my watchdog though and she keeps me good a lot. More later. :smile2:

Anyone have or had Acanthosis nigricans? That's the technical name for the dark velvety patches/areas of skin you can get when you have insulin problems and/or are overweight. My biggest problem area is in a line on the back of my neck and it looks like my neck is dirty all the time. Unfortunately you can't just wash it away though....I am really hoping this issue is reversible.....anyone know?

I am four weeks out but have noticed that I will gain 2 to 3 pounds. Very discouraged about this. The nurse told me as we loose fat from muscle it is replaced with good muscle tissue when we exercise. I know that sounds correct but I have waited so long for the scale to go.in reverse. I Need not going the other way. I have lost 34 pounds so far

I've managed to have a little salad and I'm six weeks post op. I've found baby spinach ok and cucumber. Tomato ok but not the skins, and I have found I can handle a little avocado. Anything we can't chew into mush not good. Careful of highly fiberous veges. I had cabbage stuck and that hurt like buggery.

For the past week I have been thinking of what to write for my one year update. Firstly,I dont regret having the sleeve as far having lost the weight and the way I am looking.It feels good to be thin even though I have loads of extra hanging skin. But,and I am so sad that there has to be a but here... I went into menopause at the age of 45 3 months after having the surgery.At the time my dr said it might just be because I am losing a lot of stored estrogen and the symptoms might disappear,but it didnt quite go away.I now have a period every 4 mnths or so and hotflashes,as they please.Horrible to be dealing with this now.Anyway,I am dealing with it. I am bruised black and blue the whole time.Bruises that is clearly not casued by bumps as they are in such strange places.My bloods are all out of wack,different ones every time I have it done.The amount of pills I have to take is unreal.This would be fine if it wasnt affecting my stomach the way it does.I now have to add carafate to the PPi I am taking.As for the bruising,no one seems to know why this is happening and I am due for more tests in the next couple of weeks.The one thing that has also changed drastically is my lipid profile.My TC was never high,I had great HDL and LDL was normal.Now my HDL is super low,my LDL is super high and my Tc borders on high.Who knows how the heck that happens while losing 137 pounds? About a month ago I started having symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.I dont want to comment on this too much as I am still inshock dealing with the burning,tingling and pain in my hands and feet.I hope this will go away with the supplements I am taking as I have no idea how one live with this indefintely without going stir crazy. Just to top all this and make it more interesting,my neck,back and tailbone is giving me hell.I seem to be growing a hump om my upperback and the kids tell me I am bent like the moon.I have a lot of upperback and neck pain but the bad thing is I cannot atand for longer than a couple of seconds before my lower back is killing me.I can sit and I can walk,no problem.I just cannot stand. I am extremely sad that things are not as straight forward for me as for others as it would have been nice to enjoy being at goal at this point.To have dealt with my fears about having plastics as I am almoat ready to so it I dislike my arms that much...lol. However I am constantly trying to deal with some health fallouts at the moment.I am so scared that this will be my life now.Hands and feet on fire,a back that cause for me to have to sit down all the time.A neck that keeps me awake all night and to top that I look like I was in a bad accident or fight,all the time. This all sounds so negative.But I might have gotten sick just from being fat if I didnt have this surgery.If only dealing with these issues werent so complex.If only there were some easy answers and fixes.I am a fixer.I am a doer.If something is wrong,fix it and most of my issues I cannot only not fix,I can hardly manage them. Maybe in a couple of months I will find myself healthy.Painfree!Burn free!Free of bruises!Taking less than 15 pills a day.But for now I am a little fearful about my future. And then I want to just delete this post as it isnt what I want things to be like and about. But then I will leave it to read in a little while when things are better and the problems have been resolved. Part 2 will talk about all the nice stuff...like wearing a size 36B bra..hehehe!And having bought a size 10,yes a size 10 broadshort, yesterday!Not all is bad and life does go on!

it will be BETTER!! Im going throught the same. But i have had 4 fills and still feel zero restriction. My scale keeps playing with the same 2 lbs....so what i decided to do is keep working out and stop weighing myself and look at how my clothes fit me. I have one particular problem spot (belly) that doesnt seem to want to go away. I know i am still eating way to much...my next fill is 2 months, my goal is to try to loose 10lbs by then. Keep your head up!! It has take me 10 years to gain 100lbs i should not expect to loose it in less that 1 year...

Steph- Has it been difficult? I am scared I will be banded and still not loose weight?

I'd definitely have to say I look "older" in the face in that at 39 for the first time in my life I can now see some lines - frown lines and one side I have a deepish line in that nasolabial fold from your nose to mouth. I also have a little bit of crepiness under my chin, obviously from losing a chin or two. I've got deep set eyes anyway, I was always going to have a problem with dark circles and shadows as i aged, but its suddenly become much more noticeable. But I look immeasurably healthier too - I've lost the horrid bloated fat look and that more than cancels out the small signs of aging. Looking around me, I'm not bad for 39 so I try not to think about it or worry about it. I am going to have a bit of crepey loose skin on my abdomen too - I never knew whether or not three pregnancies had left their legacy because I was well padded out, but it is there, however I'm lucky never to have carried much on my tummy, so definitely no apron or tummy tucks - but I dont think I'll be wearing a bikini again either. Its just going to be a bit loose, not bulky. My boobs, sigh. I've breastfed three children for six years in total so there's no mystery why they look the way they do. I might fix them up, then again I might not. I dont really care that much, I can dress up and look fine, its not like I walk round naked in public.

Did anyone think alot about how their bodies would look with the weight loss? I keep wondering if I will look a little like I did when I was in my 20's... How will I look in the face; will I lose my double chin, have a more sculpted look, will my cheekbones show again? Will I be able to feel my collar bones again, will I be able to feel my hip bones again? Will I lose it too fast for my skin to "bounce back"? I am 51 and I know that I am not a spring chicken anymore. But I fear looking older and drawn in the face. It really is a trade-off, isn't it? I mean, I may no longer need to use insulin for my diabetes, I won't be too short of breath to go up a flight of stairs without resting. I will be able to bend down and tie my shoes comfortably. I will be able to walk longer on the treadmill, fit in the carnival rides with my 13 year old son, maybe even be able to wear cordouroy pants again... Maybe I am "overthinking" this...obsessing over this. For the last few years as the weight was increasing, I slowly began to withdraw from activities I used to enjoy -- I will be opening up these opportunities, again. Why am I so intimidated by the possibility of being the person I used to be? I should welcome and embrace this. Thanks for letting me vent.... Rachel

I am so frustrated that I seem to have stalled out after a month of solid loss. I am excited to be 20 lbs down, but I really had hoped I would see a continual loss. Today has almost been a week since I have seen the scale go down. I know it is time for my TOM, but it is still bothersome. The great thing is, that years ago I would have said screw this I am going to eat whatever I want, but now I can't. While I could choose what I eat, I can't eat much of it. I know the band is already helping even though I am not at my sweet spot. I am staying on track longer than I ever have. I have managed to do the Total Gym and the Elliptical this week and it does help how I feel, but it's still not easy. So many others on this site have said we didn't get fat over night so we won't loose it over night. Here is to really hoping the scales start droping soon.

What you can do is VERY carefully trim away the part that is curling up (if that's feasible for you) I did that because the parts that were stuck seemed to be necessary and I didn't want one accidentally tugged loose by me catching the end on something while I was dressing etc. SO...I carefully trimmed the loose ends. The strips should stay on at least 10 days to 2 weeks. I itched but it was internal/healing, so lotion wouldn't help. You don't want to put lotion on any surgical sites, of course!

Oh Honey, I understand. But, the pain isn't that bad. Your stomach muscles will be sore when you use them to sit up or move around for a while but basicly that is all. Stick to the liquids after and then creamed liquids and then soft foods and then go from there. You will not loose your identity. You will still be you. And you will be forced to stick with the new way of eating. So don't worry about failing. Really...I think it's pretty hard to fail. Just follow Dr's orders. Once you start loosing you will feel better. I had mine done Dec. 19th, 2007. Almost 1 year ago. I'm down 75 lbs and still loosing. That's the best thing. It is slower but I feel as though it is much saver to loose that way. Slow but sure. And it's adjustable. If you are having a hard time at some point they can unfill it a bit. If you aren't loosing they can fill it a bit. So, very patient friendly. I hope this helps. I understand I cried the whole time to the hospital, the whole time before surgery but then after I was done. No more crying. I'll be thinking of you! Hang in there :rolleyes2:

I'm having mine done Nov 1 and I haven't told but a few people. I don't want everyone at work asking me a bunch of questions, watching how and what I eat, etc. I just took a week vacation off and hope I'm okay enough to go back to work when I said I would. Laura, I have the same fear of my DH and the money thing too. He has been acting weird, not saying much but a couple of times he made little remarks about the money. If it works well for me he will be thrilled but if I have problems or don't loose very much it will come up when he's in one of his moods. I don't really care right now I just need to do this. He'll have to get over it. Good luck and I bet we all will do just fine since we have each other. Bobbi

I had my surgery last week. I took my Kindle (my second husband as my family calls it), Galaxy Tablet, iPhone and all chargers. I used my phone only. I packed chap stick and I did use it. I did take lotion but with the nausea, the smell made me feel yucky so I wished I had brought unscented. The hospital provided slippy socks. I hate hospital gowns so I packed loose comfy jammie pants, oversized cotton panties and cotton tank tops. I worse both sets and used the bariatric gown as a robe. Braless was my friend. SWEAR! With the abdominal distention from the gas and trauma plus the incisions, any bands would have killed. Worked perfect. I was allowed a shower my second day and they asked if I had brought my own supplies, I said no and they provided everything I needed (soap, shampoo and conditioner). I honestly had very little idle time on my hand nor the concentration to read or web surf. I walked, sipped, walked, sipped, rested, napped and time passed quick ..... I did watch a bit of TV but don't remember much of it .....I had the poots but there was no odor to worry about (it was CO2 and I had no solid food in my system to cause it) .... I packed baby wipes however preferred the cool or warm washcloths from the in suite restroom so I did not even open them. Hope this helps!

Just had my first fill. I continue to lose weight (30 lbs- banded 1/13/03)but, I felt I was eating more than I should. The fill was painless, although felt alittle weird, I could feel the fluid going through the tube. It took about 15 minutes and a few pokes to access the port. He numbed me first and put 1.5 cc in. I like this adjustment, it feels good. I also joined Curves, to try to become more active and tone up a bit. I love to swim, but, not comfortable showing my skin yet. I find the band truly amazing and so glad I opted for this instead of the by-pass. I thought I would stick out like a "sore thumb" when I dined out but, that certainly is not the case. My only regret is not finding out about the band sooner.

I am 16 days post-op. I have lost 20 lbs since surgery and I lost 31 pre-op for a total of 51. My family tells me they can tell the difference but no one in the public has made a comment yet. Makes me wonder. I still wear the same size clothes for bottoms (they are loose) and a size smaller for tops. I'm dreading the stall too. When does it usually occur?<br>

Well you could do serious damage to your band and your esophagus. PB'ing is VERY hard on the band and a main cause for slips. Plus, you get to a point where you PB so much that your esophagus is so swollen that you can't eat ANYTHING. Let me reiterate my surgeon's philosophy on fills...given to me JUST this week when I got my unfill..... Paraphrased....being too tight causes bad behavior (like eating mushies to get around the band which aren't the best food choice). He said "I'd rather you be a skosh too loose and able to eat too much of the right foods (like chicken or turkey which I couldn't eat at ALL) than too tight eating the wrong foods." Being too tight is a dangerous place to be. I thought being too tight would almost be good....that I wouldn't eat and it would make me lose faster. Just the opposite happened. I lost LESS because I was eating poorly (Soups and whatnot) to get around the band.