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Hi Cass, I was banded Feb 28,2011 and to date lost 115lbs. I recently had a small band slip and got a complete unfil. I go back next week to the doc and see if it corrected itself and start the fill process again. It was a hard blow to take cause you do get attached to the band once you've had my success and feel naked when it's not filled to help you. Anyway, I'm happy to help you in anyway.... Shoot me an email if you'd like to talk more. Ecarlson30@gmail.com Erin

Has this happen to anyone

I finally finished all my doctor appointments. I am waiting for surgery date now. I hope to have the date within the next few days. I will be getting lap band with plication with Dr. Geiss in Syosset, NY. Weighing in at 322 now.

I had no problems after surgery I felt great by Tuesday with surgery on Friday. I had so much energy the first week. I saw a lot of other people posting about pain, nausea and having difficult to swallow and almost felt guilty talking about how great I felt.

I love to dine out with friends and enjoy a drink when out to dinner. What should I learn to do if I would like to enjoy myself with a drink? I know you should not eat and drink at the same time so what should I do when drinking alcohol not to feel the full effects so soon? Post surgery 6 weeks.

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

Don't worry it'll come....I was also sleeved the 21st. I'm down 26 so far but I didn't weigh in pre surgery. That's my pre op diet starting weight. I find the better I get in my liquids and protein....(spread out the protein so you get it across the day) The more loss I have. I did stall earlier this week but I adjusted my intake to more protein and more water...voila! Losing again.... you're sleeve wont fail you... it just takes time and learning.

Hello all!! It's terribly strange for me to say that in just a few weeks I'll be celebrating my 2 year sleeve-aversery! In some ways it feels like I had my sleeve done years and years ago, and other ways it feels like just yesterday. I thought I'd pop back on because I remember reading these posts before my sleeve and wondering what I was in for. I also remember wondering why there didn't seem to be many veterans on here. If I may, let me give you a little insight on what it's like 2 years later. My highest weight was 342.2 (every oz counts right?) and now I stay between 168 and 171....if you're doing the math...171.1 is exactly half my weight. Odd isn't it? I was never one to really work out. I would walk in the neighborhood, maybe. But working out? No way. I can remember reading posts about people finding the fun in working out and I thought they must be nuts. Funny that I have now become one of those folks. I am at the Y every Mon/Wed/Fri and alternate between Zumba and a strength class. Depending on the week I'll add yoga in on Tues/ Thurs but I'm not always able to fit that in. I've competed in several 5k's and will be doing a mud run this Saturday. The most exciting thing for me is that in August I got my Zumba certification and hope to begin teaching that soon. Two years ago, had you told me that fitness would become this important to me, I would have laughed at you. As for food, I feel as though I eat fairly normal. I do stay away from breads because I don't like the way they feel in my stomach, and for me, one bite could easily lead to 7. Sugars? I do allow myself a very small dessert on Sundays only...my mom cooks a big Sunday dinner for the family and I do allow a taste. My portions are different from where they were in the first few months, but still no where near what I used to eat, or what everyone else is eating for that matter. I still measure deli meat and proteins just to make sure my portions stay in check. I can tell you that I have zero regrets, aside from the old cliché regret that I wish I had done it sooner. I'm enjoying shopping and feel pretty again...which ladies, let's be honest. Cute clothes do not come with x's or w's attached to the size. I have gone from a 26 and 28 to a 6. It's unreal! Recently I was asked by my doctor to film a web spot for him which later turned into a commercial and 3 billboards (which still blows my mind). I'm posting the link just so that, if you're interested, you can hear a little bit about my story. I'm hoping that any of you who might be on the fence, hear this or read this and trust that it's truly a life saving procedure! Little things like walking up the stairs without getting winded, fitting into a booth, tossing your meds...crossing your legs....all of this is possible! And let me also say this, I swore that even after my surgery I would stick around this board. To help and encourage others, to stay in touch...but let me tell you. I am no longer a sit in the chair and surf the web kind of girl. Our tv is rarely on. I think, the reason why you don't see many old timers on here is because they've found their energy...they're out and about. We haven't left you and we certainly haven't forgotten where we started from....but life is now night and day better. I wish all of you luck in your journey and pray that you have successes beyond your wildest dreams!! The link to my story is : http://www.srmconline.com/weightloss/Pages/My%20Journey.aspx Click on hear my story, I'm Kristin Wishing you all the best!!

Since my surgery, well I should say since I have started eatin, I have to immediately go to the bathroom within 10-20 minutes after i eat???? All I had was 1 strip of fajita chicken meat and 1 strip of fajita beef meat and serving spoon of mashed potatoes and I am full! I have not had a fill yet I am almost weeks post op. I can definately stop eating and say im done! I love my band ..I wonder how it will be when I get my first fill?? And I feel like I have to go to bathroom....this morning I hap my protein shake for breakfast with a little dry lemon pepper tuna (not blended together)...just trying to get extra protein in.. oh and big cups of cystal light water through the day Is this happening to all you bandsters too?

Hey, i live in Orlando, so i don't know wassup in Detroit & i'm not familiar with HAP insurance. I'll tell u what i do know- i had to see a Nutritionist twice, a Psychiatrist twice, a sleep study, and my lap band doctor every month to see where i stood. i first started off by attending a lap band seminar... which started my whole journey. i only had to lose like 8 pounds if that to get approved; along with the approval of the nutritionist, the psyc & sleep study; which i all passed. it's sorta almost like waiting a year just because of appointments alone really- i got approved once i finished these things... i've mentioned in my own topic about mystery left shoulder pain, turns out a lot of ppl get it after the surgery. it's weird but i've had no complications other than this (knock on wood). i had my surgery March 29th 2013. i healed up after surgery in less than a week. the gas pain was probably the worst of it honestly. after u heal, u r able 2 eat normal again, or howeva u ate before-... usually. I was able to eat normal again after a week. i got my 1st fill and felt nothing, got my 2nd fill and i feel something but just a little. I get my 3rd fill in two weeks and i have a feeling that will be the "one" for me. i'm already eating less. that was the hardest part for me. i use to eat once a day, a big meal and that would be it. NOW, i follow "the program" but i'm telling ya, without this band, i probably would not have the discipline to do so. SOooo, i eat a small meal like 3 times a day. i drink a lot of Water but NOT with my food....... don't do that ever. You'll be sick as a dog. Your new smaller pouch can only handle "small amounts" unless ure chugging down smoothies or icecream, if your gunna do that, forget it, you'll keep the weight. and clearly u have to consider everything. it's not easy but as they say; the lap band really IS a tool and i'm just now honestly getting a handle on it and it's pretty cool. i know when i weigh in, in 2 weeks that i'll have lost some more weight WITH THE HELP OF THE BAND... 4real. if u can lose weight on ure own; go 4 it. I used to be really fit until i was in an auto accident which hurt my lower back and i gained a lot of weight over a 3 year time period because i was unable to be active; this in turn made my lower back worse, etc etc- Now, i'm feeling better, my back is better (thank gawd) and i have this "tool" 2 help me shed the pounds i've basically lost control of. I feel more in control now and relieved to top it off. i don't know ure story but best wishes.

Im using TrueResults in Hurst, TX and I will have to say... they have been pretty amazing! TrueResults is great in general but like mentioned, because you're self pay, it may be easier to stay with the surgeon you have now, as long as you are confident and comfortable with them! TrueResults is really a great tool and advocate to use if you have to go through Insurance, as they help you with making it a much easier task then doing it on your own. Also my surgery is JULY 22nd... just a week after yours! woo hoo! Exciting. Keep us updated on everything!

Hello all! I have been a member for a couple of months but have been a little shy about posting. I was sleeved April 19, 2012. I went to a free seminar that the surgeon had back in July of 2011. After much prayer and thought I decided to go through with the surgery. I had to do a 6 month supervised diet and at the time I was annoyed at the fact that I had to wait. Now that I am post op I am so glad that I had the 6 months to prepare. I think that if I hadn't had the 6 months I would be completely lost now. The day finally came for surgery. I wasn't nervous at all. My post op course has been uneventful. I have been truly blessed. The worst part for me was the first week and the 2 day stay in the hospital. The only thing that bothered me about the hospital is the On-Q pump was in the way and I did not like the effects of the anesthesia. The first week I was home was a little trying because I had a lot of head hunger and couldn't sleep. Now at 10 weeks out I feel back to normal (with the exception of not eating a ton and people bugging me about how much weight I have lost). I seriously feel like that I have not had anything done. I am not the faster loser and I have been fighting within not to compare myself to others. I understand that everyone is different. For all the pre-op people I pray that you have an amazing journey and are complication free. For all of the post-op people I pray that this journey will be the biggest gift you could have done for yourself and for strength to keep up with this lifestyle change.

Sorry you are feeling so crummy. I think the first week is the worst. It gets better from there! I luckily didn't have any problems with nausea once I got home. But I can tell you I did indeed have the "what in the world have I done" thoughts. That is perfectly normal and will get better too. Now that all my clothes are getting baggy and the scale is starting to move, I am totally happy with my decision! I would never have made it to where I am without my band. Hang in there!

This is what I am terrified of! I have to go back to work two weeks after surgery. I hope I don't fall asleep at my desk!

just had surgery on the 14 the doctor found out I had a hiatal and umbilical hernia. I am in pain. The plan was to be ready to go back to work on restrictions. Well all I do is take pain meds and sleep. The hiatal was so bad I now have four screws and mesh material holding my abdominal muscles together. This feel crazy. I sneezed today and almost died from the pain. I'm glad they repaired them. Just wish I would've known so o could be prepared for such pain and this much time off

When I get hungry feeling I start sipping my protien shakes...curbs the head hunger and gets my liquids in. I do notice I like my sugar free popsicles and tomato soup from the box. I still struggle with foods that have texture. I am at 4 weeks and have been realeased to a regular diet. Although I am still eating soft foods. I get head hungry when I smell food.

Hi Tami, I am 7 weeks post op and there's not a day where I don't give thanks for having made the decision to have the bypass surgery. I can identify with all you have written and can tell you that life is about to turn around for you. Be happy, be positive and be prepared for life as you always hoped it would be. A useful book is Life After Gastric Bypass. Buy it, read it and keep it at hand as it will help so much. I look forward to reading of your journey and new life.

Hello Everybody, I am just starting my journey to getting my lapband surgery. I am 5'2, 222 lbs with a 40 BMI. I am going on my 2nd month of getting setup for this procedure. I have TriCare Prime insurance. My PC doctor sent in my referral and I have been referred to Dr. Lavin at Surgical Specalist of Louisiana. I have completed my inital visit and I have completed all of my "Homework" as they call it. I have one snag that is holding up my paperwork from being sent over to Tricare for final approval.. My Thirod levels are out of whack. I was diagnoised with Hypothyroidism about 3 months ago and I was prescribed a 25 mg dose of Levothyroiod and I took it for a few days and stopped. I felt no difference and figured, "What's the big deal!". Well I'm here to tell you it is a big deal. The surgical office is holding off sending in my paperwork until my levels are ok. That makes me crazy. I have restarted the medications, again still no diference in how I feel. I have went back to have my blood drawn again after two weeks of taking the medications and my doctors office will not give me the results over the phone. It's been about 4 days since they had the labs and I was told a letter was mailed with the results. Guess what, I checked the mail today.. Still not letter. I am feeling so discouraged right now. The surgical office said their hands are tied and it's up to me and my PC doctor to get my levels stable. I am so close to having my packet sent to the insurance, but yet so far. If anyone can offer and words of encouragement. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Beautiful-B

Everyone is different, but in January I was on 7 insulin shots every day. I started my pre-op diet in February and had my lap band surgery on March 1, 2012. I put myself on the pre-op diet for the entire month instead of the 2 weeks my doctor recommended. I am happy to say that I have not had an insulin shot since mid February. I was told by my surgeon they would give me a precautionary dose of insulin the morning of my surgery, but when they checked my meter for the previous 2 weeks they said I didn't need it. I've been banded for 6 months and have still not taken any shots or pills for diabetes. When i had blood work a couple of months ago my doctor told me i am borderline of not being considered diabetic anymore. This journey save my life. I wish you luck and look forward to your progress updates.

Hi, I havent had any experience with anxiety so I can t comment there, but I have had 2 kids whilst being extremely overweight and it was tough. What state are you in? I think the best thing you could do to help you and your husband understand about the lapband and all that is involved is to go to an information night. I know they have them regularly in Melb. One of the important things to realise is that people with as much weight to lose as most of us in this forum do, cant do it on there own. Without the band, we would never succeed at losing ALL our weight and keeping it off. This is a health issue, not a cosmetic issue. When I was deliberating about whether to be banded or not, my GP told me that if it was some other kind of surgery that i needed (knee, kidney, whatever) that I wouldnt think twice about having the surgery, so why hold back from getting this done. She was so right! I first started researching the band after the birth of my first child (2003 @ 110kg) and it took me 6 years and an extra 25kg to decide to do it. My only regret is that I didnt have it done sooner. This is the single best thing that I have ever done for myself. Everyone else benefits from me losing weight but I am the winner here. At the end of the day, you do need your husbands support in this, but this is something that you have to decide for you. Nobody can make you do it and they are not the ones that have to have fluids for weeks on end. If you truly feel that lapband is the way for you, then do it. I'm sure your hubby will back you up when you yourself have made the decision. hope this helps. Megs

Wow you are still sore? I am having these craving for real food soft but food.. How much weight have you lost so far? So many questions, I can't wait for my appointment, i have been getting on tread mill every other day. I too am still sore but i thought in a couple of weeks it would stop so now i know it will be sore for awhile. thanks...

you know everyone is so different, how did it go with your banding. I an still sore and it has been one week for me. I think three weeks is fine. I am returning to work on the 29th just a little sore, not as sore. let me know how you feel in a couple of days. I feel great....:sneaky:

I just got banded yesterday 10/25. I am trying to stay up and moving around but I am still very groggy from the anesthesia. I still have over half of my protein drink to get down today, but I have had not problem sipping water all day. I feel like I just finished 500 sit-ups. I get a little down when I think about the next full week of just clear liquids but my husband keeps reminding me that this part is only temporary. I am hoping to return to work 11/08 but today I am torn between staying up and pushing myself or just lay around and rest for the next couple days.:thumbup:

I have told my supervisor I will probably be off for 7 work days but don't know if that is true or not. I see my surgeon on Monday Nov 1st and hoping I can get a better date from him. I am already scheduled to be off the week of Thanksgiving for vacation. I will be off a week right after surgery, return for a week, and be off another week. I sure am going to hate smelling that Thanksgiving dinner and be on a liquid diet ... haha. I guess I have to sacrifice something ...

I couldnt believe the scale yesterday.. 199.5. WOOHOO! I feel fantaztic.. I have lost 23 pounds my first montb, and 29 inches. I font regret my sleeve one bit! I cant wait to see what the next four Weeks will bring.