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I like this guys sense of humor. Scale If I could only see the scale, I'm sure that it would state That I've lost ounces. . . maybe pounds Or even tons of weight. "You'd better eat some pancakes- You're skinny as a rail." I'm sure that's waht the scale would say . . If I could see the scale. by Shel Silverstein the book is Falling Up

I would think it would be hormonal rather than a side effect of WLS. If anything, I think the WLS would make one's sex drive higher, since better self-esteem and confidence comes with losing weight, and that helps bring the sexy back!

Wow! 70lbs! Thats awesome! I definitely have had similar thoughts. My family and friends have noticed my weight loss, but when I look in the mirror I don't notice it as much. Hopefully that will change after surgery. What insurance do you have? Mines bcbs of Ga(live in nv)?

Hi all, I have been really thinking about being heavy and tall most of my life and going to be banded May 21st. I have seen alot of weight loss tickers that show what your main goal weight is, and I have been wondering about how do you know what your real weight should be? I am 6'1, and weigh 367, down from 375 since starting the pre-op diet a couple weeks ago. I am big boned and cannot see myself in any way (Thin). Thin to me sounds anorexic. Now Slim-n-Trim sounds better and healthier. How do you know what you really should weigh? And being realistic about it. Thanks for any replies. Judy

Today was my 2 week check up from my revision. I am so happy that I am down 12 lbs!! I am very excited about this. I also get to start back on my Zumba class and lifting weights to music class next week. It is strange I am feeling the need to do more of that type of exercise than I am of walking.

I went in for a barium swallow today and found that my esophageal pouch is too large - no slippage yet. I had 1/2 of my 7.5 cc (10 cc band) removed and have to stay on liquids for a week and mushies for another week. Anyone had this problem? Did it resolve? I am almost to my goal weight....maybe this liquids/mushies time will jump start me again.

(((Miters))) I'm so sorry for your loss! You have done an amazing job with your weight loss and it shows. For now, just concentrate on your basics and on healing the mental and physical aches. Once those are somewhat better, then you can concentrate on your weight loss. I know you'll never get over it, and I share your pain. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Today was a big step for me in facing my anxieties around people. I haven't enjoyed going to the mall in years. My daughter needed some new jeans and so my mom and I went to JCP because that's where her favorite jeans are sold. I had every intention of only going into JCP and getting a pair of jeans and leaving again. Well, it turned out that they were having a hum dinger of a sale. There was a $72 dress that was marked down to $1.97. No, that isn't a typo. It really was only two dollars! (I ended up getting it for my daughter because it was adorable and happened to be her size. My mom has needed new clothes forever and refuses to buy herself any based on the premise that she doesn't want to buy anything until she loses some weight or has a little bit more money or any other excuse she can come up with. I do not like to go out by myself unless it's to the nature trail over by the lake where I can hike down to the water and hide and write or read by myself without anyone tripping over me or anything like that. Or riding my bike without too many other people around. I just do not like being around people unless they are people I know well. Before I took little girl back to school after her shots, I had to stop by the house to get my oldest some clothes since he really wasn't prepared for the temperature to be half of what it was yesterday. I ran in and told mom to get her arse in gear cause she was coming with me to run errands. She didn't want to be alone any more than I did today. For a totally different reason, but same feeling all the same. So, she got dressed and we got the clothes to the oldest and dropped off middle child. We then proceeded to run errands, eventually running to JCP. Since there were so many really cute tops for between $2 and $5, I had mom pick out a couple and I got those for her for Valentine's Day. She loved them, but said she needed a "nude" bra to wear with them because hers would show through the materials. I did the only thing I could...took her to Victoria Secret to get her a "nude" bra like her favorite. This meant traversing the dreaded mall. I hate the mall. There are way too many people at the mall. Poor mom though. I don't like the mall, so I walk kind of fast to get from one place to the next whenever I have to traverse the mall. Mom doesn't have as long of a stride as I do, so she ends up putting in 1.5-2 steps more than me whenever we're out together. When we got to Victoria's Secret I (as always) fell in love with the majority of the bras and panties they have throughout the store. The problem with oooing and aaahing over those sexy undergarments is that it's embarrassing to get caught by one of their personnel that are the size of toothpicks when I'm the size of two of them put together. But while mom's trying on her bras what am I supposed to do? I wander around doing laps around the store muttering to myself "okay mom...hurry up. I'm ready to get out of here now". I can't wait until I am small enough to actually fit into some of these gorgeous underwear. I don't know when I'd be able to afford it again, but omg, I can't wait. I just wish that in the interim I didn't feel like people were laughing at me for even stepping foot in there. I wish I didn't feel like they were talking about me behind my back to their coworkers. I just wish I didn't feel like they were about to ask me what I was thinking by contaminating their store with my oversized presence. I kind of doubt anyone was actually thinking that, but that was how I was feeling. It's how I always feel when I go into one of those shops. I wonder if I'm going to feel the same once all the weight is gone. If I'll feel like an imposter when I go looking for things to wear from there. Since I start therapy in two days, I really hope not. Time will only tell.

I do ab exercises 1-2 times per week as part of a weight training class and it is somewhat uncomfortable. I was also banded in April 2007. When we are working upper abs (crunches and twists) I do feel it pulling on the band, lower abs exercises are ok (reverse curl/crunch). Try a web search of lower ab exercises and see how it goes. BTW my son will be attending Univ of MN this fall. We live in Maryland.

Since my surgery a year ago I've lost about 60 lbs.- not alot compared to some. I've also noticed that I lost weight differently now than in the past. I used to see a steady weight lose but now it seems as though all of a sudden anywhere from 5-8 lbs. just come off. Is it my body changing with menopause- I'm 48- or perhaps the band creates a different type of weight lose. One thing though that makes a HUGE difference is mixing up exercise. As soon as my body adjusts to a routine I stop and go to something different it's not always easy but it does seem to make a difference. Has anyone else noticed that the weight comes off differently since their surgery?

My doctor discourages snacking. I usually have my 1st meal at 7, 2nd at 12 and 3rd at 5. If I don't have anything else, sometimes I feel nauseous in the morning so I have been having a SF popsicle. But I know snacking got me in the weight problem so I'm really trying hard not to.

It seems to me you have issues going on and you need one doctor address them. Right now you've got your band doctor worrying about your band and your GI doc worrying about the bowel issues, but still no one is giving you solid answers what's wrong. So your band is ok- but then why do you have reflux and heartburn? Was your band too tight? It bothers me greatly your band doc isn't concerned about this because if you have reflux you're at high risk for band erosion. The fact you have esophageal ulcers is a warning you're already heading in that direction. You then go from diarrhea to constipation and a lot of other pain. And your GI doc is writing it off as IBS? Even with a fever? Again, you have some serious warning signs of bigger things going on and IBS definitely isn't the cause. I understand the last thing you want to is gain weight but right now that should be your last concern. You need to get to the bottom of all these troubling symptoms and treat the cause not the random symptoms. Best wishes.

That is not enough calories!!! Your body won't lose consistently regardless but 200 calories will put it in starvation mode and mess up your metabolism. You should try and eat 5-6 small meals with 3 hours in between. Protein first. Supplement with protein shakes if necessary! You have done well with your weight loss but that few calories and I'm sure too few protein is extremely bad for you.

Just over a week ago, I was scared to death that I had too much fill in. I had gotten my third fill a week earlier and I was having a terrible time eating anything. I chose to have some of it removed. Here I am...exactly one week later....eating like I don't have a band at all!! I feel ZERO restriction at night. I have made a truce with myself: I am going to start attending the support group meetings offered by my doctor. I had the attitude that I could go it alone, but I can't. I also scheduled a meeting with a nutritionalist next Tuesday at the hospital where my surgery was preformed. I need guidance!! The "real quick" weight loss feels (and looks) great, but I have come to the realization that if I don't truly change my eating habits I will not win this battle in the long run. GRRR!! Just wanted to share....

Yes my doctor explained to me that it is really hard on our bodies to lose lots of weight (anything more than 2lbs a week) so it will often take a break and then after that break you might pick up right where you left off or you might have a big loss right away. My doc suggested only weighing myself on the 1st and the 15th of every month. That might be easier said than done though! I might have to get my hubby to hid the scale from me!! lol

Hi! I am new to this forum but I'm not new to trying to lose weight. I've finally decided to seriously look into lap-band surgery and joining this forum was my first step. I would be very interested in hearing from all of you, but people who also reside in the NL would be great. I've been here 6 years and also have a Dutch passport and can speak Dutch, although English is much preferred (and I'm sure once you tried to read my Dutch, you'd understand why). I am especially looking for a doctor in the Netherlands (Im in Amsterdam) if you have a recommendation. I look forward to "meeting" you all and getting to know your stories. Sincerely, Hollandy

Welcome! What an adventure to live overseas! I've never been to Holland but I imagine it's just beautiful. What a great place to walk. Are there open air markets full of beautiful fresh fruits and veggies? I've been to Paris and although the foods are amazing I've always lost weight there because of the smaller portion sizes and all the tourist- walking. Good luck on finding a band surgeon. Now that you have decided on the band I hope that everything goes smoothly for you.

It's best to ask your Dr when and how much on exercise, though walking you could start anytime. My Dr released me back to the gym a week after surgery, but I had to avoid ab exercises until 6 weeks post-op. Great job on your weight loss, but remember, this time is for healing....don't let the scale rule you. I got 'stuck' for over a week at the same weight, but my body was changing during this time. Relax, take a deep breath, and follow your Dr's directions :biggrin:.

I am 5 days post operation and I am wondering when and how much or how long I should start exercising - like walking outside or on a treadmill? I am dropping weight (8 pounds so far) but want to keep the momentum going and maybe start toning.:biggrin: Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Good evening all, My local fitness center offers TRX classes. I know the instructor from some kettle bell classes that I took several years ago. I go to the fitness center three to four times a week for spin classes and occasionally use the elliptical. But I need some new routines. My experience with weight lifting was short lived. Is anyone doing this training? Do you feel it's giving you done upper body strength and a stronger core? I have some lower back issues from time to time and a physical therapist said I need a stronger core. I'd appreciate knowing your experiences, both good and bad.

Kese, Most of the docs in Mexico will band you as long as you understand with your BMI being lower, the weight will come off slower. At least that is what my doc says. I went to Dr. Rodriguez in Acuna Mexico. It is a couple of hours west of San Antonio, Texas. The patient coordinator picked me up at the airport and took me across the border to the hospital. It was a great experience and only cost me $7300. I live near Dallas so I flew to San Antonio. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. They treated me very nice there.

The "non-drowsy" pain meds the dr gave me put me to sleep. Man! I wish the back pain would go. It's not as bad today so I'll try to not take anything today but tylenol and see what happens. I'm still losing weight Halleluia!!! :youcandothis:I have a fill in 3 weeks so I'll be glad of that. Love to soak in my new jacuzzi tub. I think these smiley things are cute.

The "non-drowsy" pain meds the dr gave me put me to sleep. Man! I wish the back pain would go. It's not as bad today so I'll try to not take anything today but tylenol and see what happens. I'm still losing weight Halleluia!!! :youcandothis:I have a fill in 3 weeks so I'll be glad of that.:car: Love to soak in my new jacuzzi tub. I think these smiley things are cute.

So the nurse said it is possible my calories are too low and my body is going into starvation mode. I listed off what I have been having and approximate calories in each and she told me to make myself a nice chicken salad tomorrow ith some fresh onion, chicken and mayo. She wants me to try to get better foods in my system with more calories and see how I do. Obviously she doesn't want me to jump in and have a Big Mac or anything. LOL I go in on Thursday of next week for my first post op visit. I am excited and I know this little snafu of gaining is just that a snafu. I am allowed to complain about it though. LOL Today was an okay day. Didn't get out walking like I wanted but will start in on a regular schedule soon. I need to just figure out what works best for me. Well, time to reset all the songs in my IPod and get new ear buds. I try to zone away from the stuff going on around me in the gym and just sweat my hiney off. I also try not to sing at the top of my lungs. Much love to all who read and those who don't!

Well my recovery has been going quite well. I haven't experienced the severe gas pain that some others have talked about, I have had zero shoulder gas pain. I have been walking a lot and taking my Gas-X strips every 4 hours. It seems to help. I also have been swigging a diet ginger ale here and there to help me burp which seems to relieve most of my gas pain. I have been able to climb out of my drug induced coma long enough to update everyone and post some pictures as promised in my last post. The first day home after surgery I woke up in quite a bit of pain. I was concerned that the pain meds prescribed weren't strong enough. My nurse practitioner told me to take Advil in between pain meds. So I began taking them 2 hours after taking pain meds and it made a world of difference. I tried to tell myself it was time to start getting myself off pain meds last night. I slept through when my 4 hours would have been to take it, I woke up 2 hours past med time. And needless to say I was in excruciating pain. So back on the pain meds I went. I don't know why I have to try to be such a toughy. Day 2 of Post-Op, I was exhausted and spent most of the time asleep. I think I walked too much day 1 and didn't sleep enough. So most of Day 2 and Day 3 were spent asleep or sipping on a shake or broth. I will say that I had read that most people didn't even want to eat the first couple of days after surgery. Well that didn't apply to this fat girl, I wasn't ravenous starving, but I wanted to eat. I have discovered though that I can't eat a whole lot before I feel satisfied. Like I am talking 1- cup of soup broth or half of a 12 ounce shake. Its been hard to make sure I get all my water in because I have spent the vast majority of my time asleep. Its funny, because I will be in the middle of typing a text and then the next thing I know I am waking up and the whole thing is gibberish. I feel like I have narcolepsy. I do have to shout out to my family for making some wonderful soup options. They are giving me lots of variety in the food area so I am not getting bored with broth. Anyways, I came home from the hospital on Monday 6 lbs heavier than when I went into surgery. I know that I have a ton of air inside of me, a lot of fluids floating around, and my organs are extremely bloated. But it just messes with your mind. I went to have this surgery to lose weight yet here I gained. I figured that as time progressed and the air and swelling went down I would lose weight. And I have, I am now down 4 lbs since when I got home from the hospital. But as my family has pointed out, I haven't had anything to eat besides protein shakes and soup broth I should be losing weight faster. Anyways, it's starting to get to me. So this is why I will not be getting back on the scale until next Tuesday. At that point I will be weighing only on Tuesdays Chin up! I have finally had the surgery and am on the road to recovery. I know this ramble is more like a rant and I am sure not very well thought out, but these meds kinda inhibit better writing. In fact it is about time to go crawl back into bed for my mid-morning nap. Here are the pics: 1- Me right after surgery, extremely drugged up giving the thumbs up sign 2- My incisions the day of surgery, you can see how bloated my stomach is, I look pregnant 3- My liver picture, my surgeon just thought it was hilarious I kept asking for the picture 4- The flowers my wonderful sister in law, Carrie brought me 5- My incisions as of today, you can see the bruise coming in between them, but that my stomach is a lot less bloated. Anyways, until tomorrow, Amanda