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So I have made it to the half-way mark. YEA!!!!!!!!:cursing: I really never thought this would be this easy. But, it is turning out to be very easy. I have never been this confident in myself. I have never tried to put myself together on a regular basis either. Now, I'm in the mirror all of the time, consistently making sure I look OK. But this weight loss has helped me so much. I feel better, I'm not tired all the time, I haven't even gotten as sick as I normally do at this time of year. I am almost 5 months post-op and down 60 lbs (post-op weight lost) and so proud of myself. I went to see my mom the other day, and it had been over a week since I had seen her last, and she lost it. She couldn't believe that I have done so well. She is finally starting to see the changes in me. Even at work, people that I don't even know their names, are stopping me and asking if I have lost weight. It just feels so good to be noticed. My whole life I have felt like I lived in the shadows. No one ever noticed me, that can take a lot out of a person. But, not anymore. Those feelings a starting to dissipate.... YEA to me again!!!!! My husband has always told me I was beautiful, but I have never felt it before. Well, that is all changing. I know now that my outside will reflect my inside.

They should not make you wait 3 weeks. Do what another poster did and call back and say 3 wks is unacceptable and you needed a fill at your July 1st appt and want to be worked in immediately. Be proactive and stop taking it out on yourself because it is NOT your fault!!!! Mimi

I was in the same boat as you for about 14 months. I lost about 65lbs doing it that way. When you PB is it really easy? Like with me I just bent over and it would come out. So there was no risk of hurting my band.. or so I thought. Everyone on this site pretty much talked me into getting an unfill. I did and I now feel great. Its only been a week. I have not lost any weight this week, but I have lots of energy. I have mental clarity as well. I only consume 1400 calories a day and I do exercise. I'm going to see how it goes. What the hell I can always get more put back in. But I can't afford another band if I mess this one up. I'm 10 lbs till goal so I'm going to try eating right and exercise on the last leg of this trip. GOOD LUCK... You do what you think is right for you.

I am at my fourth fill now and I think it's a bit too tight. I PB a lot. And I can't seem to eat anything without it feeling like it's going to come back up. It burns right when I'm eating, and I'm down to 1,100 calories a day. Drinking is no problem. coffee, diet cokes, etc., all fine. I am eating mostly soft stuff now. BUT, I am losing weight, so I'm tempted to leave it as is and hope the band loosens up a bit over the next few weeks. Do you think the band will eventually loosen up? The reason I went in for the fourth fill was because I was starting to be able to eat everything in great quantities and was getting quite hungry. That sure isn't the case now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi all, I am 2 months post op and I have to admit that my excercise plan has been close to non-existant. I have 3 days off a week but on the days I'm at uni, I get home so late after an hour and 20 mins commute that I'm too shattered for anything else. I usually have assignments to do during the evenings too. I know I'm making excuses but up until now, I've been kidding myself that the 10min walk from the train station to uni to in the morning and then 10mins on the way back (20mins in total) is enough. I've been understandably disappointed with my weight loss so far and it's not difficult to pin point the reason. My fitness levels are pretty poor, I don't think I've run for about 7 years and I get out of breath from two flights of stairs or if I'm walking somewhere with even the slightest inclination. I'm hoping to join up to the gym as of tomorrow so I was wondering if anyone could give me a little advice about where to start. I keep reading topics about 5k runs and even the beginning stage where you run for a minute and a half and walk for 2mins I don't think I'd be able to manage that. As I'll only be going to the gym 3 times a week, I want to be doing twice the normal workout (time-wise) to compensate for the days where I can't fit it into my schedule. What's a good excercise workout for someone of my level of fitness (taking into account I'd like to build in some weight training to reduce the loose skin after weight loss)? I carry most of my weight around my hips, bum, thighs and arms (not as much in the upper half). Would be really grateful for anyone who could offer some advice!

I mentioned before that Lexie, my only friend I've told about me getting bariatric surgery, told me that she heard the "sleeve" was better than the "band." My gastroenterologist said the same thing and wanted me to look into it and talk to the surgeon about the sleeve option. I mentioned it to the counselor today and she briefly said that she sees very few Gastric Bypass patients any more as most patients are choosing the band or the sleeve. She said it's been 50/50 on band vs. sleeve patients. She admitted that there's been more WL issues with the band patients (slower loss, not any loss, and band failure) in HER practice but she was quick to state that it doesn't mean that it isn't good and won't work. She simply said that in her practice there that the sleeved patients lose weight faster and have fewer WL issues apparently. She agreed with my gastro's advice in speaking with the surgeon and deciding what would be best for me. She told me to research both, have pros and cons, and analyze the options. Then have a list of questions for the surgeon when meeting with him. I planned to do that any way and I didn't get the feeling she was pushing sleeve. I think she was being very honest with me about her experience with both sets of patients which I appreciate. Here's my initial PRO/CON list for Sleeve and Band... (after I research more, I'll likely update and/or change and fix my list!) SLEEVE Pros: 1. One surgery, no "fills" (so I won't need to tote my toddler with me in for regular fills.) 2. Decrease in "ghrelin" hormone that induces hunger due to stomach portion removal 3. Faster weight loss (more immediate results) 4. No "bandster hell" 5. Much higher success rate associated with this procedure. 6. My friend and one of my dr's recommended this procedure and thought it might be the better option for me. Cons: 1. No way to fix or reverse at all 2. Staples may pop, cause leaking, or fail 3. No long term data including effects on pregnancies 4. There is still a possibility/likelihood that the sleeve will stretch out and may need revision later. 5. Hernias apparently more common with this procedure lately. 6. I haven't researched the dietary guidelines post op so I have no idea what the longterm eating management includes. (Maybe I'll research that next and do a post on the differences of that.) BAND Pros: 1. Reversible/removable 2. No removal of anything 3. Necessary dr appt followup (with fills) will cause constant analyzing of program/plan and communication with surgeon 4. As I need it, I can go in and get it adjusted tighter to meet my needs. 5. Two doctors recommended this procedure over sleeve or GB for me due to my medical history. Cons: 1. Possibility of infection of band OR port 2. Regular followup and fill appointments 3. Bandster Hell and the months it will take to get to Sweet Spot. 4. Possibility of necessary revision to sleeve or whatever..(have read several posts online of 3 and 4 year post banders going in for gastric bypass, sleeve, etc.) 5. May not solve my hunger issue. 6. Have heard from more than one person that as they got closer to goal- their port site or actual port became more visible- yikes! 7. Over fills.. this sort of worries me. I don't want to get overzealous and get over filled and then have to race back in to get unfilled and then wait weeks to get filled again. 8. The waiting between fills. I understand why it is set up that way but it doesn't mean I have to like it. This is just my preliminary thoughts on both. I'm not an expert, I haven't decided yet, and I don't even know if the surgeon will think I'm a candidate for the sleeve. I'm starting to consider it as an option though. I've got some research to do.

Hi - ok first and foremost i really like this site because it does answer alot of questions ... but within reading this i am now getting anxious becaue i am reading so many people get denied initially for the sx. Plus i can not call the surgery scheduler at my surgeons office because she is on vacation this week :thumbup: i have finished my 6 months , had all of my consultations, phsyical , labs ect...here is my concern , my BMI is 38.7 per my surgeons calculaitons.... has any oen else been in my shoes ... for those of you that are going to tell me to be happy that my BMI is only 38.7 - please i am in the same boat as you , plus a very long history of obesity .... and a very long family history of every comorbidity .... I realise this is a tool , and i am ready for this - almost at the point that i wish i could have the surgery tomorrow .... i am jsut very scared that i will get the rejection letter .... and paying for this out of pocket is not an option. i thank you ahead of time for your insite :tt1:

Wow that was a long time but 4ccs is a lot at one time take your time, I would proably experiment with soft foods to see how it goes and then talk to your doctor if you still aren't feeling better about your restriction. My doc had me come back in three weeks for my second fill I couldn't imagine what type of trouble I could get myself into waiting that long between my first and second fill. Good luck

I am one person who never drank my calories! Even when I was chubs, I still preferred to drink iced tea or water. I guess rationed that I could eat more food that way! If I could make it through the 2 weeks, I'm sure you will be just fine! I only had the shakes from the doctor's office and had a couple slimfast low carb drinks too. The whole time I was on the liquid diet, all I kept waiting for was to eat some salmon! Let me tell you, I think I may enjoy the taste of food more now that measure out what I am supposed to eat and stick to just that.

Exactly. We have to get into some kind of regular regiment. Discipline ourselves so it's not such a huge shock. A little commitment maybe each week. Like this week I gave up coffee. Next week no bread or rice. That's a big one! At least for me.

Sometimes given our "double jeopardy" it is hard to come up with meal ideas. Especially quick ones, as cooking sometimes is not possible with time constraints. I would love other diabetics to post their favourite meals and best ideas here, as we can all benefit from refreshing our cupboards now and then. Here's some quickies I enjoy: -banana with almond butter -sugar free, low fat yoghurt with ground flaxseed or Protein mixed in -skinned, sliced apples / cucumbers / baby carrots with humus -thin crust frozen pizza, no more then one a week - I love the McCain "Sicilian" one, and can never eat more then a quarter of it. Seems to be fine with my BG. Other ideas or recipes?

Hi, I started this process at the end of July! I thought I had dotted all my "i's" and crossed all my "t't" BUT I still got denied. I am 48, 5'6", 247 pound, high blood pressure and colestral(400+) on meds for both, and have been recommended for back surgery because I have degenrative whatever! I was turned down in a matter of days by the people in Arizona. I got my paper work back and sent it to Colorado - after they had my package for 2 weeks they finally sent me a letter stating that it was on someones desk. Now that has been over 2 months! So I figure I have 30 more days to wait to get my - third deniel!! C

Hi all. I finally got my first fill today! It was under fluoro and was as easy as can be. My dr. wasn't in the right spot last week. I feel restriction, which is good. I can't get another fill until March 18th, so pray for me that this one holds me for a long time. My band looks good. I was worried about heaving and wretching with the virus I had, but everything is okay. So, all good news. Now, let's get this weightloss going! 26 lbs lost, 74 to go!

I was banded on 12/27.. Since then I have kept off 15 lbs but it is a struggle I am up and down a few pounds weekly , I feel like a roller coaster . I am as hungry as I was before the surgery but used weight watchers to keep on board and use less points as what I would normally do . so I am looking forward to this week . I however have had sticking already which I dont understand , Yes , perhaps I have eaten too fast and swallowed to quick without chewing , then again is that normal ? Rice , Toast , Some chicken .. it varies . vomiting is no fun and I am glad I know what it is like to "stick" I am just hoping that something isnt wrong . So , I am waiting for the "non" hunger and then satisfied on a small amount to find me and reduce me to smaller sizes while learning . Any suggestions ? Ideas ? How long before I see weight loss ? I am scared because I have been up and down for 6 weeks . Thanks and Happy Valentines day to all !!

im 5 years post op.hey dont beat yourself up.when i need that extra boost to get me going i always do the protien drinks for a week or two.optifast or what ever you choose good luck

i know exactly how you feel.. I only had 2 weeks of liquids and just learned to get used to the hunger pains it was a normal feeling for me. I got to start mushies last thurs. and its amazing how much better i feel i have energy now!!

Just because you make the food for your family does not mean you have to eat the same things. I do not eat what my husband eats. Are you keeping up with your fills? If not try to do that. What about Water that is very important. Put kids in a wagon and take them for a walk. Or take a short walk when your husband can keep the kids for 30 minutes. I keep my 2 grandbabies 2 days a week about 9 hours each day. One is 3 ands one is nine months both girls and when they are gone it it hard not to just fall in the bed, but even if I do I still get up and do my exercise for the day. I work at home doing computer work all day and I sit all day. I am at home alone with all my husband's junk food and believe me he is the king of junk food and has never gained a pound in 29½ytear of marriage. Trust me it calls my name from the cabinets, “Come see me old friend I miss you, I can make you feel better". Evil food!! You just have to put yourself first, sounds selfish but you want to be healthy for your kids as they grow. I do not know if you husband is supportive or not but you have to make right choices for yourself. And you need lots of support. When I go through stages of head hunger or I want to emotional eat. I have to go very very low carb for a couple of days to kill the hunger. The less carbs you eat the less hunger you will be if it is true hunger. Head hunger you might need to see a counselor to help with that or read a few books. I have a good one I will try to find the name for you. It is a workbook. Do you go to support meeting? They are very important it is easier when you are around people going though the same thing you are. I go to 4 different ones right now. I know you have small kids and might not be able to go off a lot. But find someone in your area that has the band, invite them over or meet for coffee once a week. it will make all the difference. I have met several people on these boards who are in my area and I meet with them in one of my meetings. Post a thread and look for people in your area. They may have kids too and be looking for someone to talk to on the phone or meet somewhere I will private message you my e-mail adress and phone number if you want to talk. or private messgae me your and I will call you. Hope all this helps Cheri

Well it's back to my GP for me. For almost a week now I have been getting light-headed and dizzy, particularly in the mornings. I think my blood pressure is coming down as a result of losing weight (27kg so far), and it's time to have my BP meds reviewed. Yay!

Do any of you go to support groups? I went to one last week and it was a "newbie" class (2 - 12 weeks post-op only). It was basically just questions and answers. The down side was that out of 24 patients there, only 2 were bandsters - the rest were gastric. I felt a little bad at first because the gastric people had lost such GINORMOUS amounts of weight already. But the leader reminded me that you cannot compare the 2 surgeries, and I knew that - but it was hard. They are supposed to start up a bandster group in the near future. I hope they do because I could definately see a difference in the questions being asked. Just wondering if anyone else goes to support groups and what they think of them.

I was banded on Feb 1st 2013.. Ive lost 38 pounds so far... which i am ecstatic about. About a week ago i went in to see my doctor thinking somehting was wrong, because I was feeling hungry often and eating more (i thought my band had slipped or something). The doctor told me this was normal, because as you lose weight your band gets looser. make sense. so she gave me a fill and sent me on my way. BUT since then its like ive lost my mind. I know i am making bad food choices but its like i convince myself its ok (like eating ice cream bc it eventually turns to liquid and doesnt take up space in my tummy-!!crazy !!), and then feel horrible afterwards. i know what it sounds like. i was doing so well prior to this last week, my willpower was intact i guessbut now--- its an awful feeling because i know im probably doing damage but idk its hard. i want to say on track and 'be strong' and i know everyone has cravings and most of you are able to move past them. im wondering if anyone else is or has felt like me; and how did you overcome it?

I had my 3rd fill a couple of weeks ago, and after that adjustment things have been ideal. I've lost 8lbs in just shy of 2 weeks. I was having very slow weightloss and a lot of problems with food getting stuck. Not anymore, I'm in band heaven right now. This past weekend, I was worthless. By worthless I mean I slept constantly, sort of had the blues, laid around and did nothing. Yesterday I felt full all day, even though I didn't eat anything. I actually felt like one would feel after finishing off Thanksgiving dinner. Just full, and miserable. I had gas, it was obvious, I was burpy. I chewed on a couple of gas x and felt much less full. But I still never got hungry yesterday and eating was unimaginable. Today I woke up and I was actually hungry. I drank some Water, and at lunch I had some chicken. It was very moist and there was no problem with getting stuck or anything, but it hurt like hell when it hit my stomach. I felt like my stomach was cramping up and sore. After just a couple of bites, I started with the burping and hiccuping. Can this be because of gas? Is my tummy full of gas from not moving around this weekend? I feel so full! It's like I'm having something like hunger pangs but if I were to eat, it would make my stomach cramp. No nausea, no vomiting, no sickness, just a general crampy and full feeling. It's irritating me.

Thank you. I changed my PCP and saw my new one today. She said that she doesn't make the decision and she has to have me go to the "weight management overview" class first which I have scheduled for next week. So does that sound right or not? I am also going to have blood tests done tomorrow that she set up. If the class is indeed the first step, then what is next?

2 weeks to banding....I am nervous and excited all in one. I start Adkins monday, hopefully it will be a good 2 weeks with that, heck its been an allfull...43 years being fat wish me luck kim:clap2::faint:

Nervcited...that's what I call it...nervous, yet excited. I spent the whole week prior to surgery being very nervcited! I think you both will do just fine and you are very, very normal for feeling this way. You are about to enter a life-changing event so it's a big deal. GOOD LUCK!!

Khaley - I feel your nerves! I'm being banded this Tuesday. I too am 43 yrs old. Do you have any kids, hubby, or other support? My mom is having the surgery about 1 month after me. I have been having trouble sleeping as the day gets closer. Not really 'scared' but just anxious. My Surgeon & PCP agreed that I could take Ambien for the next few nights to help me sleep. I wish you much luck on the liquid the next two weeks. I guess it's good preparation. My Surgeon didn't require it, but I've been taking it very easy with food. I don't want my stomach to be too bloated when they band me. It's good that both your liver & stomach will be shrunk and in good shape before the surgery. I imagine this will make your recovery smoother!