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Hw- 229 Surgery- 220 Current weight 148 Clothes have gone from a uk 20 to a uk 10/12 And the hard work? That's the stuff I've done in therapy. Food was a self destruct button: the work is in fixing what made me push it and of course, in not seeking other even more dangerous buttons. I love new me and I've forgiven and love old me - but she ain't coming back!

Wow where to being... I would say that to truly dig back into myself my slide to my current weight (375 at the time of this writing) would stem from my college days. Although I was always the bigger kid in high school, I always hovered around the 220's. My first 2 years in college I completely destroyed my eating habits, late nights studying or just going out, crazy hours, long commutes, etc. I went from 220 to about 280 in what felt like overnight. As I bought new outfit after new outfit, I finally said "enough!" I hopped on weight watchers (which I had used in the past to some success). I enjoyed the freedom of the points program and how I could bank points for a cheat day and work out to bank some points or just use it as some extra weight taken off that week. I managed to lose 70 pounds and get back to 230 over the course of a year. Then my last year of college hit me like a ton of bricks. The class intensity was upped and I took on extra courses because I wanted to add minors into my program. I also met my lovely, darling, beautiful future wife at this point. Although some of the best times of my life happened over the next 2 years (I took an extra year to finish college with all the additional courses) I ended up dropping out of weight watchers and watched my weight skyrocket. After getting my Bachelor's, starting my Master's, getting a full time job, getting married, losing a close loved one, buying a house, having a child, my life became about everything else and all the focus I once placed on myself and my health faded to nothing. Over those 9 years, I would put on over 145 lbs. My shame knows no limits. I tried all the usual tricks: back on Weight Watchers, switched to Jenny Craig, tried Nutrisystem, back to Weight Watchers (which is where I am still at) and nothing worked, mostly because I lost the will to care about myself. It is not really in a negative way that I lost this will. I am not depressed. I don't emotional eat, in fact tough days I tend to eat little to nothing now, and crying just makes me sick to my stomach. Basically, I have dragged any sort of focus I once had for myself onto everything and everyone around me. I now know that I need balance in my life. I also need a kick in pants to get me started. So, September 9th, 2013, I am off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of weight loss surgeries. We discuss the choices that I want to get more information about, the Lap Band surgery and the Gastric Sleeve surgery. Both he says are good options. Due to my age (under 30), and the fact that I don't have any debilitating weight related health issues yet, like diabetes, damaged knee caps, painful lower back (though it's getting there), etc., he says that Lap Band can be a good option as it is reversible once I lose the weight. I like the sound of that, but in the back of my mind, I am thinking of my college days were I did great to lose 70 pounds, only to put back on double that weight. So we discuss option 2, the Gastric Sleeve. Although scary to think about at first, it does seem like the better option. After discussing things with my family and friends, I decided on the Gastric Sleeve. Now the fun begins. Tests, endoscopy, paperwork upon paperwork, letters, issues with insurance, disability forms (just in case) and finally! Sweet, sweet approval! I went to see the nutritionist and behavioral psychologist, learned a lot about myself and the process. I do regret not preparing as well as I should have for the surgery. I have been trying to slow down eating my meals but haven't gotten into a good rhythm. I am still struggling with not drinking with meals and my soda craving has been hard to curb. But I finally feel I am nearly ready. I have made plenty of puree Soups for post-surgery, my favorite of which is the butternut squash Soup, a great meal during the 2 week liquid diet portion post-surgery. I have devised a plan to make sure I am getting all my Protein in during the first two weeks until better sources can be added after the liquid diet phase. I ordered a Nurtibullet in the hopes that I will completely be over soda by being able to grind up fresh fruit / vegetables for delicious smoothies. For now, everything is coming together, but there is still a lot to do as well. I was told to watch my weight gain pre surgery and even to try and lose some before going in (though my insurance doesn't require it). I was able to knock off 10 pounds, but put it back on, and again managed it off, so I might be near 365 pre surgery, but I know that final result on Sunday night. I was also told not to blow it by going all out as a "last hooray". Though I must say I have been somewhat holding to that, I am making a trip this weekend to my favorite buffet in Atlantic City. But I have been good leading up to it know that I am going there, so hopefully I don't ruin my work over the last couple weeks! But I don't think of the surgery as a end to my eating out, and you really can't otherwise none of us would do it. In this case, I just want a weekend getaway pre surgery, and if there happens to be my favorite buffet there I might as well partake. So this is it, surgery is scheduled for March 3rd, 2014. I am ready as I'll ever be. I have told most of my family and most of my friends. That is a completely personal issue that I feel each individual must decide who to tell and when to tell them on their own. I made the mistake of telling my boss, which at first was all fine and dandy, but now as the surgery approaches I keep getting questions like, "when will you be 100%" and "will you ever be able to do X, Y or Z again at work" and "will you be calling out often due to issues with it?" and so on. My suggestion for work is to not tell them. At first I didn't think much of it, but now it is coming back to haunt me a bit. You don't have to lie as the law protects anyone having surgery to not have to tell their employer why they are doing it, but I would definitely not tell them why if you can help it. As for the family/friends, some I just didn't tell pre surgery because I didn't want them to worry about the surgery itself. Unfortunately, my parents had to know since they are going to help watch my son that day and take me to the hospital and all that. They are scared about the surgery going wrong, even though I assured them of the routineness of it nowadays. Heck, it is same day surgery! But of course I understand why they are scared, since it is still surgery. All my affairs are in order though, and I am ready for anything should it come my way. I am so excited for the surgery and I can't wait to be able to finally shed some real pounds. Everything that I am doing can also help my wife and son as all of us will be eating better at home. No more late night fast food runs, no more high calorie / sugar soda in the house, the ability to actually cook meals (i never cooked a day in my life until last month and now I can make some basic, healthy meals!), being able to do more outdoor / physical activities as a family. I am also so excited to finally wear things that have been sitting in my closet for years. Clothes that have never even had the chance to see the light of day. I am also excited to not have the seat of my pants rip out of pants while I am wearing them (3 times it happened, I must say stay away from St. John's Bay clothes). And the Pièce de résistance, I can finally wear shoes that aren't loafers! I wish all of those on this wonderful journey with me the best of luck and I look forward to making new friends in this process too. I am excited for the advice that I can give one day to newcomers and the advice I can receive from the veterans. Good luck to all!

I had the same thing and when I mentioned it to my doctor he said it was because of the hernia repair and will subside in a few days. Well, it took closer to the 10 days - but it did eventually go away. At times that pain was worse than the surgery pain! I used a heating pad and also heard from others that laying as flat as you can will cause the excess gas to disburse throughout your body helping to relieve the pain in your shoulder. Hope this helps! :wink2:

I am a band over bypass patient. Had surgery 2/15/10. Yesterday 3/18/10 I went to get my first fill. Stood in front of the fluorscopy machine, drank some barium (nasty stuff) watched it run down to my stomach. She sprayed my stomach with freezing spray. stuck that gigantic needle in which thankfully I did not feel a thing. She filled up my band. Then released it all back out. Then she said why isn't it going down any faster than that. I was like huh? LOL She told me to take a deep breathe that did not help. I could see the barium drink in my esophugus and it was releasing into my pouch but very very slowly. So she was saying I had some good restriction and decided not to give me a fill. She said since I am a band over bypass patient there may still be some swelling in there which is casuing the restriction still. Now I have to go back in 2 weeks to try again. I sure the heck hope that nothing is wrong. The Dr. was quite surprised while she had me standing in there going thru this, so when they are surprised that makes me worried..anyone else go thru this type of ordeal ? Robin in Cincinnati, OH banded 2/15/10

Hi folks I was banded on 11/18. My progress has been steady (slow, but steady) and my goal is 1-2 pounds a week. At that rate I can reach my goal by the end of 2011. I've only had 1 fill and don't anticipate getting another until the first week of Feb. I have found that a large part of feeling "full" is truly eyeing your portions and knowing when to stop eating, even if you don't feel full. Then, I wait for about 5-7 minutes and I begin to feel full, even though I don't "think" I will be full based on what I ate. After 10-15 minutes, I'm definitely full. That's all a part of learning to eat slowly, which I am still working on. I rarely feel "restriction" and I've never had to throw up. Mostly because I am so afraid of that happening that I stop eating before I reach the point of being stuffed. The only times I've felt weird and uncomfortable was when I ate too much raw broccoli too fast. That hurt like hades. Folks - we all know this is hard work. It was hard work to walk in the door and say that we were ready for the surgery. It was hard work to have the surgery and survive the recovery. And the hard work will not end there. It continues, and is especially hard in the first several months after surgery - thats when we are "learning" to live with the band. We have to STOP eating the way we did before. We have to eat differently, otherwise the band will not work. We have to exercise! Exercise is not an option when you're trying to lose weight and be healthy. It is a requirement. I do not like it, I never have. But 3x a week I get up at 6 in the morning and I just do it. Because I don't want all the hard work I've put in so far to go to waste. I can't afford it, mentally, emotionally or financially (I don't know about you, but this band has cost me a little change and I had insurance!). YOU CAN DO IT!! Focus on yourself! Imagine all the great clothes you will wear when you get the weight off!

sexxy219 awwwwww.......... chin up hun you are doing fine congrats on your 3 month weight loss!!!! 71 lbs down so far is great' date=' really!!!!! loosing 10 lbs in a month??? no prob here wish you had a ticker and a profile (hint, hint )so i could see how much more weight you need to lose if you don't have much more to lose you might slow down a bit with your loss - but thats ok kicking up the energy a bit, exercising more is always good - but i wouldn't kick up the lbs some people do that if they have been in a long stall - to "wake" up their system but your system might be "resting" a bit - don't startle it now!!! you'll reach your destination - promise!!! GOD grant me patience, just hurry up about it [/quote'] Yea I just pray I do not have a long stall!!! I'm not gonna claim it!!! I think my body is just adjusting.

Today is my 1week on the pre-op diet!! I'm down 10 lbs already!!! Can't wait for next Friday!!!!

I have surgery on 7/10 and went back to work the following Monday (7/15). My surgeon was a little surprised I went back so soon. I think it's completely up to the individual. If you're tolerating the pain and your job is super physical, try half days or partial shifts to build up your confidences.

Hi there, That is pretty quick to go back to work already. I had mine on 6/10/13 and went back to work after 5 weeks. If you don't feel up to it I would check with your HR dept and find out how much time you are allotted? Good luck

Highest weight 344 (05/01) Day of sugery 311 (08/22) Two week post op 288 (09/06)

I was cleared at 10 weeks to swim and lift weights.

So I got on my scale this morning and it said 396.8..I was a little confused because that would mean 10 pounds in a week...hard to believe..so I got off, let it reset and the got back on...then it said 398.0..still not trusting it I repeated the get off, reset, get back on...4 more times...never getting the same number twice. So I settled for the highest number that appeared of 400.8...but secretly I am hoping that the 396.8 is right! I so want to be below 400! I am scheduled for my 6 week followup tomorrow and his 6 week goal for me was 408 which I passed last week! My personal 6 week goal was 40-50 lbs lost which if my scale was right this morning means I met my goal! Any advice??

I had the same thing happen recently. I weighed myself and thought I had lost 10 pounds in a week but I kept getting different numbers. I ended up replacing the batteries and had my bubble busted when I realized I had only lost 5 and the numbers were consistent.

I have the same insurance, Choice II Open Access. From my first consult to surgery it took about two months. Had some scheduling hiccups so it could have potentially been sooner. It took 10 days to get the approval at the end of it all but only because the caseworker went on vacation. Overall, I was pretty impressed with the process. The doctors and insurance coordinators know how to get you approved so that helps. No PCP. In fact, I didn't even bother to get my dr involved. The surgery center handled everything. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

I would pick your favorites and reach out to a local seamstress and see if they might make you a package deal. When we got married last Halloween my mom my sister and I had to have our costumes slash wedding dress altered kind of last minute. I went to a local seamstress and she gave us really good deal for all three pieces. Only cost me $30 to take in like five inches of my wedding dress, which was a custom-made 1940's pattern dress. It might cost you a hundred bucks or so for 5-10 items but it likely cost you a lot more than that if its torrid and other similar brands. You could also try selling on your local Facebook pages. I see a lot of women selling clothes like that in my area. The online resale stores don't give you a whole lot of money and where I am the consignment stores don't either. HW 385 SW 359 CW 338 Sleeved 10/5/16

You're killin' it!! Great job - VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 259 GW = 220 (6'5")

Mine was triggered by fat and sugar. Follow your diet religiously. I thought hummus was ok I was 10 days out. Hubby went to an Arabic restaurant and got hummus and falafel. I had a bit if falafel (deep fried) and two tablespoons of hummus. It had oil all over top. Didn't make it more than 15 minutes and it was all out of me. The second time I went for frozen yogurt that it was assured was fat free sugar free. Took 3 bites and it was nasty and about an hour later. Repeat of the dumping.

Good Morning Everyone, I am new here to this site. I just started my journey on 03/19 with my first appointment with the surgeon. Put me on the pre op diet right away and said that I needed to lose at least 10 to 15 pounds before surgery. Let me tell you... this diet has been tough. I have often wondered if I am doing the right thing by having surgery. But then I remind myself of the end result...no more meds and a slimmer, healthier me! The diet does work tho because I have already lost 13 pounds. YAY! I have already had my Psych evaluation and preo op tests. Just need a release from the Cardiologist, Nutritionist, and have my Scope. Hopefully they submitt to my insurance for approval soon. I am so ready for the new me and take my spot on the losers bench!! Thanks for listening Danielle

Hi! I had my surgery on June 4th, 2008. My weight loss has been extremely slow. After my first fill, I could still eat practically anything, just not quite as much as I used to. I just had my second fill. There is a major difference! I had only lost 10 lbs before this fill. Now I have lost 20! I eat tuna salad, soft scrambled eggs w/ one piece of bacon, a lot of tuna salad!!!!! If my stomach is upset, I will eat something more soft, like a potato or Beans. Talk to your surgeon about your concern, and he/she will take care of you! :thumbdown: Kristi

I was the same. I went to my first counsultation on 9/18 and was financed on the spot (care credit I think) and had the surgery on 10/08. Best $$ I ever spent ( or financed to be more accurate!)

OMG. The waiting is soooooo hard. My surgeons office submitted all the paperwork to the Insurance Company on March 5, 2013. Exactly one week ago and its killing me!! Still pending authorization. Any idea how long United Health Care takes in reality? They say 7-10 days. But I'm so impatient! Ughh

I'm 10 days out a d it's been running for a few days now, I hope it goes away soon!

I am also 10 days post op and my nose is drippy!

Helena.. more then HAPPY to reference posts as well as provide VERIFIED patients (with photos taking with Alvarez) along with their horror stories, paperwork from their home doctors and anything else you want. I don't promote ANY doctor as I don't care who someone does their surgery with. It would be BEST if you do it in your home town with a doctor you trust but if you post on here promoting a surgeon then you have to let them see both the good and the bad. If they want to be a great doctor then they have to be ethical and don't want horror stories out there about patients then they need to contact those upset patients and make it right or fix their surgery or something. I would never go with someone doing 10-15 surgeries a day and as far as 'checking facts' I am more then willing to invite over some members from the other forum and have them link to their posts. Bashing is when you don't like someone while I just want both sides of the story heard and maybe that guy will be more accountable to the people he hurts.

I'm the weeks out and in only getting between 300-400 calories a day also. Getting all my protein and liquid in. I lost 10 lbs the first week and unfortunately nothing since. Hopefully things well pick up again soon. Getting a little frustrated seeing people dropping weight like crazy and I'm stuck already. Sent from my SM-S903VL using the BariatricPal App I'm the weeks out and in only getting between 300-400 calories a day also. Getting all my protein and liquid in. I lost 10 lbs the first week and unfortunately nothing since. Hopefully things well pick up again soon. Getting a little frustrated seeing people dropping weight like crazy and I'm stuck already. Sent from my SM-S903VL using the BariatricPal App I am the same way I was losing weight everyday now I been stuck at 208 for 3 days. I am 11 days post op. Very frustrating I get worried and start thinking what if I don't lose the weight is this surgery really going to work ?!?!? Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App