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Thank u everyone I have great friends and an amazing mom to talk too. I called my doc to increase my anti depressants. But I can't get out of this Funk. Pot seems like my only help. I don't know how to stop. I didn't want to go to NA bc I didn't want to get laughed at having a "pot problem" I started off my 30s feeling great and now I feel worse than ever. However, I am going to take into account everything u guys are saying.

no problem! i'm 5'2" and was at 264 before banding. now, i'm still 5'2"...lol..but now down to 235 and banded 09/14/07....about 3.5 months ago. goodluck w/finding yourself an elliptical. they're not the cheapest in the world, but if you aren't sure about it, check out craigslist. the only reason i got a brand new one is bc i came across a deal too good to pass up. mine was just $50 more then a used one and i got it brand new. xoxo, christie

Great thread! For me it was a combo of different things. Firstly, all the health challenges i've got: hypertension, hi cholesterol, PCOS, thyroid, and depression. I could only see my health deteriorating with each passing year. Next, I was fed up of all the limitations around being fat: discrimination, self-isolation, near impossibility meeting men, wanting to have children, and not participating in activities as much as i would like. I turned 30 this past summer and all of these factors just seemed to converge into one big boiling pot of "I need to do something NOW or i'll regret it". I was ready. Ready for a change, ready to commit to overhauling my lifestyle. Ready to be the person I always wanted to be. I am so glad I'm doing this!

HELLO Everyone... I have a little dilema, My BMI is 42 with no co-morbities, i want to know if anyone had a problem being covered bu bc cb on Nj with such "low" BMI. thank you all. im just scared that my surgery wont be approved

I had my first visit with my surgeon's nutritionist last week. I've been to NUTs before, but they've always just given me a bunch of BS that I already know -- like "eat smaller portions" and "try not to eat too much sugar." (DUH) But my surgeon's nutritionist was GREAT! We went through my typical day of eating, and then she gave me a diet plan tailored to help me lose the 36 lbs. I have to lose before I can get a surgery date. Non-judgmental, kind, helpful -- I can't say enough great things about her. I can't guarantee your visit will be as good as mine, but do try to go in with an open mind. I went in with a closed mind and it got changed!

@@teedsg does your surgeon know about the phentermine? I told them I used it in the past. I just started again after my visit bc of my upcoming trip. I was at 270 in July. I am now at 256. I'd like to get down to 215-230 to feel more comfortable, confident and to show as much effort. Definitely trying not to gain weight and really control my appetite with the phentermine. Could you elaborate a bit on the nutritional labels? In other words, does it mean to keep carbs under 10g? Just want to be sure I follow. Very awesome that we are on a similar expected surgery date really hoping these 6 months go by fast. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Re: Calories. It's so hard to figure out what the right calories are! Sometimes I feel like there is an excuse for everything - I'm not losing because I'm eating too much, then it flips and I'm eating too little. But it totally makes sense. I had such a hard time taking off weight before surgery that it would make sense that my body just functions with less naturally. It's such a slippery slope between eating just enough, or too much and too little. Re: Calories as Usual Main Target. This is very true. I noticed that I get awfully liberal when I'm not food journaling. And when I do journal, I notice how a little can go a long way in the "tastes" area. I have 2 kids 5 and under, so I've had to shy away from "tastes" when I'm really trying to control those calories. And who can have one cookie?!? I'd rather not have one at all! lol Re: Weight Limit. My doctor also talked about this weight limit thing, but I can't help but feel that it's a little BS myself. Calories are calories. Input and output are scientific - so it makes sense that if I'm inputing less than I burn on output, that I can still lose weight - even beyond this ceiling. I think the doctors are talking about average loss before the really hard work begins. Honestly, it's the really hard work that scares me - especially since I've been burned so many times before where my efforts reflect so little. But I think (and here is where I probably need to take my own advice) that this tool helps us get past the past challenges where we faced "failure" so many times before. I feel like my negative feelings are coming from the person that I used to be and sometimes I'm not giving my new tool a chance to show me that it's still working. I'm so used to immediate gratification, it troubles me when things take longer and I start to freak out, not because it won't work, but because I am used to expecting the worst from my body. Let's face it - if diet and exercise worked for me before surgery, I probably would not have had the surgery. Re: Support Groups. I agree. I need to find one locally. My hospital provides them, but often no one shows - including the doctor or nurse who is supposed to host it. I find this forum is a great support group, but I do agree that I need to find some human contact to hash things out with. Everyone - once again, fantastic discussions and great things to wrap my head around. Please keep commenting. Very thought provoking!

Clarification - absolutely weight loss can impact your "stats". I was referring to: "As soon as I left the hospital, my diabetes were gone, and my blood pressure was at a normal range". I call a big old BS on that one. :cool:

Ok. let me start with my pre-op diet. 3 weeks of optifast shakes, sugar free drinks, sugar free jello and that is it. I SUCKED on this diet. It was the most horrible thing in the free world. I was starving to death! I felt like total crap. I did my shakes and diet during the day but at night I would have some chicken ( baked ) or a bite of what I cooked for supper. The whole time I would beat my self up b/c I am cheating all the time. How in the hell will I be able to do the post-op diet. And will I even be able to get my band b/c I am cheating. Just a horrible time for me. I had my band June 29th ( yesterday ) got to the hospital at 5am. Signed some paper work. They took me to the back room and I changed my clothes, peeded in a cup and sat in bed. Two nurses came in and started my IV ( wasnt so bad ) and gave me my Heperain ( spelling ) shot in the stomach. This didnt hurt me at all. Some people say this hurt, but I didnt hardley feel it. They we played the waiting game. My doctor, his nurse, surgery nurse and anistisiologish ( spelling ) came in over an hours time to talk to me. Finally the anistisologist came in, gave me some drugs to relax. I guess I relaxed. I remember everything though. I was wheeled into the operating room. Creed was playing kinda loud. but I liked that ( distraction ). I scooted over to the table. They started setting me up and then Kid Rocks' All summer long started to play then they put my mask on and I went to sleep. Woke up with a VERY sore throat. Coughing. I was crying. I wasnt unhappy or sad or mad or hurting. just crying. lol. I told the nurse I had to get up and pee. She told me I needed to stay in bed a little longer. I told her,no. I need to pee now. I guess she didnt belive me and I acctualy started to pee on myself ( i guess with the drugs I had no ability to hold it in, I tried!!) she finally let me up and i Got out of bed just fine and walked to the bath room to finish peeing. lol. I walked just fine and sat down just fine. I was sick to my stomach. but they gave me some meds for that. I got back in a CLEAN bed. lol and rested. She gave me more pain meds and I just chilled waiting around. I was a little sore but nothing like my previous, horrible c-section. about an hour later I was put in a wheel chair and brought to Xray where I did the barium swallow. I was more than happy to do that nasty shot of barium. My mouth was sooooo dry!! and sticky and nasty! So, then I was put back in the wheel chair and they gave me a wet wash cloth to whipe my mouth out and try to get that barium out. But, i loved my wash cloth. it was so nice. they wheeled me back into recovery. I just sat in my wheel chair and sucked on my rag. lol. then about an hour later the doc said I was good and I could have water. The nurse gave me 5 medicine cups ( like the cups that are on nyquil or pepto ) full of ice and water. I had to drink one every 10mins. best thing in the world!!!! I drank them just fine. Then i got some pain meds to go :yikes: and then my IV was taken out and I got dressed and off to home I went. We stopped by walmart on the way home and got some things I needed. I feel the best when I am up moving around. I came home and fed my friends dog and took her for a walk. relaxed for a little bit and then walked the dog some more. I feel great! iam sore the most where my port is, and my back and left shoulder is sore but nothing thats not tollerable. I do take my pain meds every 4-6 hours. ( I am not here to prove anyting. Pain sucks and I dont want any lol ) Last night was a little rough. My back and shoulder hurt. SO I was up walking alot last night. but I am good today. Just got out of the shower and about to feed the dog and take her for a walk again. I just cant express how relived I am. After my HORRIBLE c-section I had my self expecting something like that. But, when its nothing like that recovery. I feel.... great. The best part is.. is im not hungry. for two days I am just not hungry. My band isnt filled at the time but, you know right where you feel hungry??? That is where my incisions are and I cant tell if I am hungry or just sore. But, I rather feel sore for the rest of my life then hungry. lol. I am just relived that it is IN me and I have it. I am writing down everything I drink for my post op apt. the 13th of july. take care everyone.

I am 23 about 250 and I am having lap band june 11.. I am getting married march 6th 2010 and I am just wondering how much extra skin yall think I will have bc I am worried about that in the dress..Also how much weight do yall think I could lose? The dr said half my extra weight in a year but alot of people i have seen have lost more so I was just wondering what yall thought..

I have bc/bs ppo

I like all my food piping hot to the point it almost burns my mouth and fresh. I also don't eat microwaved food. I use my microwave for melting butter fast and that is about it. I feel like leftovers are punishments. I can't understand people who meal prep, they are just eating left overs all week. Why do people torture themselves like that?!?!? I end up getting boxes for my food at restaurants just to make other people comfortable, but I toss it in the dumpster when I get home and don't even bring it in. I'm not eating leftovers I cooked and for sure not eating restaurant leftovers, reheated restaurant food is the biggest fail of fails. I buy meat a pound at a time, rarely get frozen, only with grass fed beef because you just don't have any choice. I cook my steaks/pork chops and immediately eat them, so I cook like 4 times a day. I also work from home so I have that luxury. I had a job for a little while a few months ago, and almost starved because I didn't have a lot of options of places to eat around me and I hate taking a lunch to work. I also hate most carbs so I don't miss the stuff people are crying about all the time. I'm weird and I know it, lol.

I spoke to my Dr's office they said the BC pill will be ok. just not to take it on the day of the surgery. they said because it's so small I should have no problems passing them.. thanks for everyones help...

I was only in hospital for 2 days so nothing really was needed. Biotene for dry mouth was only thing I wished for. Bring sweatpants so your walks are less awkward . You won’t be able to put on a shirt bc of the tubes/ wires. Hair elastic! HW 242 SW 236- December 20, 2017 CW 196 GW#1- 199 GW#2- 175 5’6”

Since I'm BC/BS FEP basic plan, I had to get preauthorization for the Psych Eval. The psychologist they recommended just happens to specialize in sex therapy. I guess if I don't feel frisky after I lose the weight, I can go back and see her again.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I found it interesting bc I've heard ppl say they were treated differently bc of their weight. I have never felt I have, but that may also be bc I've never paid attention to it. I've always been overweight so I assume I wouldn't notice a difference.. I think lowest was 180 a couple years ago, but that felt shortly lived haha.

The fat girl inside me is SCREAMING to be fed junk food. I've all sorts of thoughts running through my head. I've thought that today was going to be a day to indulge in some sweet and chocolaty goodies. I was first going to go to a local bakery and get a couple things. Then I shifted to baking a recipe I found on Pintrest. I even pulled up that recipe and gawked at the pictures. Oh, that website is the devil!!! This mental stuff is the worst. In my 34 years of living, it's the hardest thing I've ever dealt with. And I've dealt with some pretty hard ish. As have we all, right? I'm sure I'll make it through the day w/o caving. I just ate a banana with peanut butter. More than 2 tbsp, but eating it is a 1000% better than what I REALLY wanted to eat, so I'm not going to stress myself. I really do look forward to the day when food doesn't consume most of the space in my mind.

At first there were times I felt like that bc I was so used to using food to deal with my emotions. Once I figured out how to get past that, I was good with eating little amounts of food. There are still times my emotions get the best of me and I eat a lot of popcorn. Usually I can stop myself bf this happens but once in a while it still happens.

I’m kind of in the same boat as you. I’ve tried keto and i do love that you get to eat bacon all day long but it’s not for me. My body doesn’t need all that extra fat and it also loves healthy variety so good carbs like beans and squash and lots of fruits are fine with me. i guess you could say i do the meditternean diet to an extent but i don’t like to view it as a diet. I eat what i want but i cook everything anf watch my portions, carbs and added sugars. I eat plenty of lean protein, fruits, seafood, veggies, almonds, beans, and lower fat dairy like fair life milk and lots of cheeses. I use things like grass fed butter, olive or coconut oil, but in moderation. I even do some meatless days. I love it because it’s not restrictive so i never feel deprived. My body physically feels the best when i do this, i have more energy, no extreme cravings, and it’s something i can stick too. Plus i feel lighter all the way around. I do add supplements like fish oil pills, and mct oil pills but that’s about it other than a multi. Best of luck to you.

So yesterday my g/f's mother is rushed to the ER wtih chest pains. We were told she had just had her 2nd heart attack. When she gets to the ER, they said that was incorrect and her heart was fine. Due to extreme deadlines at work I couldn't rush to the ER to be there. I also figured all her children were there so I would only be in the way. Once I knew I could leave work, I called my g/f and asked her if I could stop by her moms. She said her mom was tired and that she'd be heading home soon. I went home, fed the kids and text her letting her know I feel ridiculous being at home when I should be at her side. She finally gave in and said to come down. Just as I'm about to get on the freeway she sends a text telling me her mom is tired and she's putting her to bed and would be home soon. So I turned around and called it a night. This morning she woke up to take her mom to the doctor. I asked her to let me know when she got there so I could call her mom. I didn't want to call prior to just incase she wasn't awake. I sent 2 text messages asking her if she was there. Finally after an hour she responded that she was. So I called, she answered her mom's phone and I asked her why she didn't let me know. She said her mom was getting ready. I asked if I could briefly speak to her. I needed to send her my love and let her know I'm thinking of her. I know her mom would be SO hurt if I didn't call or go see her. This is why I was adament about wanting to see her. I can't help but feel like I'm being shut out. This is her mom, I'm her partner, she should be leaning on me. instead, she's pretty much ignoring me. I'm trying SO hard to be understanding and give her space... but I would like to feel needed by her. She can't do this journey alone. Her mom is on 10 different meds, has diabetets, high blood pressure and God knows what else. We NEED to change her eating habits and get her on some sort of exercise. Does she think she can spend everyday at her mom's alone and do this by herself? I can't make it more clear I AM HERE FOR YOU!!!! Ugh, I'm just sad..I know she's angry at me from the other night because I "didn't have her back" when she got upset with my son. Is that REALLY a reason to shut me out now? I mean really? She is pissed I asked her to drop it while we were fighting. And of course twice as angry that I didn't bring it up the next day. (she knows I hate arguing). So...here we go again. SSDD.. I know in my heart we're not meant to be, the love is there...but not much else.. IDK.

So we had another admission of a young 30yr old who weighs 350lbs and 5ft 3in, blood pressure was 250/144!!!!!!!! Of course behind close doors the nurses again had to comment rude stuff!! I got fed up and told them off! I said the other Day you were talking bad about the gastric bypass patient and now about this girl!!! You all are saying she needs to loose weight but if she was to get wls you all will still make fun of her! I went on and on about what good nursing is and ethics! I was pissed off! I didn't talk to them the whole rest of the day! The patients room was close to nurses station and the mom heard so she is reporting them!!! I came out looking good .

I have just restarted keto after a 1 month trial before Thanksgiving. My lap band history is that I had the surgery done about 12 years ago (Nov 2005). I lost about 60 lbs and have put about half of that back (keeping in the 200-215 lb range). I felt good at my lowest (~175). My bariatric dr. did an initial fill post surgery (winter) and I had another fill a couple of months later. I had a partial unfill 2-3 years after the 2nd fill from a nurse that was doing them in the Marysville WA area (I was about 190 lb at the time, but had a hard time keeping dense food down especially protein). She has since closed down her fill/unfill business. As I was self pay it has been difficult to find someone to do fills/unfills (I can't afford $300+ each time, probably much more now plus the price of a fluoroscope exam). I would actually like an unfill (partial or total), but am now on medicare so can't afford an unfill unless I can find someone like the nurse. My daughter who also has a band is glad she had it done (she was substantially more overweight and had many more health issues including type 2 diabetes). However, I wish that I had not had it (I only had high cholesterol, slightly high blood pressure and sleep apnea). The band has made it very difficult in social situations (eating food) and I get stressed and then it is harder to keep food down and I usually have to excuse myself and go to the restroom to BP (vomit). As far as keto, it is not really a high fat diet unless you make it one. You should be eating good fats (olive oil, avocado, some nuts, I make keto mayo with olive oil). Since I can't eat a ton of protein, I don't feel I'm getting an overabundance of saturated fat and I try to eat leaner/cleaner cuts of meat and grass fed hamburger. I don't eat much bacon, maybe once a week I'll have a slice or two. The most important parts of keto is keeping your carbs low (20 g or less my preference or typically 20-30 when trying to lose weight) and moderate levels of protein (0.8 gram per kg of ideal body weight or you can scale down as you go if using your current weight; or see https://www.livestrong.com/article/535738-how-to-determine-protein-requirements/ to determine requirements). Too much protein converts into glucose. Look up Jason Fung (one of the "diet doctors" on youtube). Dr. Jason Fung completed medical school at the University of Toronto and a fellowship in nephrology at the University of California. He founded the Intensive Dietary Management Program in Toronto that provides a unique treatment focus for type 2 diabetes and obesity. He has an enlightening book called "The Obesity Code:...". He is an advocate of the keto diet and intermittent fasting. Another good source for inspiration is youtube's "Keto Christina". She has lost over 100 lbs and is very knowledgeable. She eats a lot of Irish bacon (very lean, not much fat compared to US bacon). P.S. I had my gallbladder removed at time of lap band due to stones and my daughter needed her gallbladder removed about 6 months post lap band surgery.

ugh..ive been at such a stand still...and it is totally my fault..its gotten so cold i havent walked and i havent gone to the gym. im stuck at 216 right now. i have a drs appt on monday afternoon..last month i was 220..so my dr will be proud to see ive gone down a lil..but i think i was just bloated and stuff that day i saw her bc within a day or 2 i was back at 216 and have been there ever since. NOT GOOD!! i have to kick myself starting tomorrow..i need to do something..i feel like im getting lazier and lazier..this is wat happens to me in the winter. monday night i think im going to attempt to go swim at the gym..if not then def..no matter what..walk at night. i have to take control right now!! grr..so fustrated!!

Hi, I am currently awaiting insurance approval for the past 3 weeks and I feel like I am on an everlasting "last supper". I usually am on a diet and try to eat kashi Cereal for Breakfast and a lean cuisine for lunch. However, now that I know I am going to have this surgery, I have been eating everything I know I won't be able to post surgery. Like I will stop at mcdonalds for breakfast, have chips with my lunch, and I have been drinking regular soda. Is this normal? I feel like I am out of control, but that I have a right to be bc any day I will have to start my 2 week pre-op diet. Any advice? Thank you! Martie DFW, Dr. Marsden

I had BCBS Fed when I had my surgery. I was required to have 3 months of supervised dieting. I submitted my former PCP's office notes from when I was on phentermine two years before and they accepted them. I also had to have a psych consult. My surgeon submitted my paperwork to BCBS and I was approved three business days later.