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Good going, TravelGirl! :clap2: I have not dared adjust the incline yet! Maybe when it no longer takes me 45 min to do a mile, I'll start raising the platform! BabyGrl, I looked further into that race site. There's an 8K about 1-1/2 hours from here in late September. I can't imagine doing it...I really cannot. But you've got me at least thinking......... A real GOAL with the exercise, an end result which you otherwise don't GET from exercise (especially on a treadmill) might be something. I shudder to at the thought! But maybe...maybe... My clinic offers a monthly Lap-Band support group, as well as a Bypass group. Perhaps I will research the "whats" of the Sept 8K and mention it at the next meeting. (Or the one after that -- not sure how committed I can get myself to be in a week & a half!! :heh:)

VSG surgery has been around for a very long time. It was originally used for patients with stomach cancer and other major stomach issues. It is less invasive/life altering than gastric bypass. I had my surgery in August and have lost 60 of my 100lb goal. I really didn't have any serious obesity related issues before my surgery except difficulty walking. I am so very happy I had the surgery. I don't snore any more and I can walk much better. I would suggest you research how long and for what other reasons people had VSG and then make up your mind.

Seasoned sleevers, what was your weight loss like? I have read several posts where people have talked about slow weight loss after revision. I know our metabolisms are slower already since we had the band, but I haven't really lost any weight in the last week or so, just 3 was post op. Just curious as to others experiences.... Also, I noticed a bump under one portion of my incision where they removed my port. Last week, the entire incision was a little hard, now it is just at one end. Did anyone experience this? How long until it went away?

Good Morning, I had my revision the end of August 2014 started at 227 and I'm now at a stand still at 193! I'm really at a lost I haven't lost anymore weight I have been steady toggling between 189-194 I can't get out of this slump and my surgery anniversary is fast approaching! I'm not sure if this count as slow are just stopped?

I know regular gastric bypass usually cures GERD, but I don't know about mini-bypass. It might (usually, anyway), I just don't know enough about that surgery to know one way or the other. I'd let your clinic know what's going on. Hopefully it's just a flare-up and bumping up for PPI for a while might help - but ask them before doing anything (I'm not a medical person...)

I tried and tried and Everytime I tried the latest diet I lost then regained ...The lapband was a nightmare as well...my friends who had the sleeve or bypass years ago are all doing well.

I agree with what GreenTealael said. For really severe cases that can't be managed otherwise, they'll sometimes suggest a revision to bypass (which often improves - if not outright cures - GERD)

I had gastric bypass 12 years ago , lost 200. But I gain all back. I did the stomach swchering 2 years ago in UCLA and lost 60 lbs , and I am going to do the Distal gastric bypass now. I had the class before the surgery yesterday, and lost 27 lbs with diet. He wants me to lose 35-45 lbs before the surgery. The readjustment to pouch didn't last that long , and it opened up again.

I'm sorry... But as a lap band patient, I keep seeing you post about bypass and sleeves and I tend to disagree with pretty much everything you're saying. In NO world does ANY NUT or Doctor recommend 300-600 calories a day for the first three months. NEVEE EVER EVER. IF you want to pass information along, please say "in my opinion", or "I THINK", or "I may have heard..." But to the pre-op and newly post op sleeves and bypass patients-- This is false information. One protein shake by J Robb is 110 cal mixed with one cup of skim milk is 91 cal for a total of 201 cal. Are you telling me that at 2-3 months all a person is consuming is 1 1/2 to 2 shakes??? Nothing else??? Please please be careful. People will read your posts and get misinformation. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Thank you for your post. I did mention the dietician who leads my support group shared those calorie guidelines. I don't think she was lying nor am I. We all have different experiences and medical professionals guiding us. Best wishes to you in your journey. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16 Then PERHAPS you misheard her... Because there is NO WAY anyone would suggest a 300 calorie a day diet for a bypass or sleeve 3 months out. Fact. And I stand behind what I said--- Pre Ops and newbies alike- This is misinformation. Either from the poster or her team. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My only choice with my insurance company which is Geisinger (an HMO) was the Realize Band, unless of course I self-paid. Had my insurance not approved and I had to self pay, I probably would have done lap-band with my daughter's doctor, Dr. Spivak, in Houston...but in the end, my daughter and i both get stuck on the same things, both PB, both lose weight...and I guess you can have complications with any band if you're in the percentile that's going to have a problem. I'm only 4.5 months out, but so far I'm okay with the Realize. I have a friend that had the Lap-Band with the same insurance company (which I found out later there still some surgeons doing lap-band at another of their hospitals), but she has had more "issues" with hers, but I don't chalk that up to the band but the inexperience of our surgeons at performing any banding procedures. Her port was placed down by her waistline which causes her problems and problems with fills. I would also suggest if you have the confidence in your surgeon, along with your own research, also trusting your surgeons recommendation. My surgeon had only done five procedures period and I think I was his first Realize guinea pig (he's done lots of bypasses) but he's been absolutely wonderful and I think he really is very concerned and very on top of everything just because it is so new for him. But he calls me at home after a fill to see how I'm doing and before a new fill he calls a few days before to check to see if I still feel like I need it. Trisha

Well after almost 3 years of hell of almost constant vomitting, discomfort and pain, my band is coming out on May 23rd and I am having gastric bypass... The new doc that I see here in FL (I was banded in CA) says 60% of his business now is removing bands and revising to either the sleeve or bypass. I wish I would have known this 3 yrs ago and I would have had bypass to begin with. Well you live and learn. So off on a new journey for me. Wish me luck. Leah

You have hit on exactly why I am going to do this, too. I realistically don't think I'll ever be skinny...I'll be happy to get to 200, and I think I'll feel and look great when I get there (I'm 5-9). And I'm not scared of the procedure...I've been through much worse in a trauma situation, so I know I can handle this. What I'm scared of is the total change for the rest of my life. It isn't something we can switch on and off. I have a half-cup measure sitting on my kitchen counter and I look at it and think can I really stick with that? But I would never consider bypass, so this is like my last great hope. And I NEED to make this work. The people here are so encouraging and helpful...I know I am going to be depending on them to keep me going. They definitely understand better than my family. Which makes sense since these people have been through it. I know you can make the changes necessary to be successful with your band. It isn't a day by day decision...sometimes it's a minute by minute decision. We just have to hold on a minute at a time and it will get better. The fact that you've come this far and are ready for surgery shows that you are determined to make your life better. And those simple things you are wanting so much will come as you work with your band. (I'm talking to myself here as well as to you...I'm being banded Jan. 24). Wishing you the best procedure and recovery possible. Keep us posted. Hugs~ Emily

zengirl.....I have a 10cc band and I have 4.6 cc right now. I have had more but it was too much and caused acid reflux. But I've got good restriction for right now. But as you lose more weight, you need to have your band tightened. Everybody is made differently so everybody responds to different levels of restriction. Too bad it's not a perfect science yet. That's why we have to keep experimenting and working at it. Doctors and infomercials who say that with the band you can eat whatever you want, just in smaller amounts are not being realistic. Maybe some people can but I personally cannot and I don't know many people who can. My band has not been the reason I've lost weight.....but the band has made it possible for me to make the lifestyle changes that losing weight requires but not feel deprived of normal food or a normal life. It has been a miracle for me. I use fitday.com to record my intake. If something goes in my mouth it goes on fitday! I get about 80-100 grams of Protein every day (about half of it is from supplements because our little pouches can't hold that much dense protein). I limit my carbs to less than 50 grams/day and those are all good carbs - NO white carbs at all (potatoes, rice, Pasta, flour products, corn) and no sugar. No bread. No carbonated drinks. No drinking with meals or for one hour afterward. Actually, I am eating by the same food plan that people with Gastric Bypass need to use. (The lack of starches helps eliminate cravings.) I walk about a mile a day on a treadmill and I work out at Curves 3X/week. I need to do more but I have arthritis and altho the weight loss has helped it tremendously, I still have to limit myself. I am off all my diabetic and blood pressure meds. My blood work is perfect. I am aware that many people can lose wieght with a much less stringent food plan. But I can't. And I had a lot to lose and needed to lose it as quickly as possibly. It has worked well for me. I also know that the band is not the answer for everyone. Sweet addicts probably benefit more from Gastric Bypass because they cannot tolerate the sugar. Volume eaters do better with the band usually. However, Gastric Bypass is only effective for about 18-24 months (your 'window of opportunity'); after that your intestines begin to adjust and most people are then on their own to keep their weight down - the goal is to have changed your lifestyle and eating habits by that time. That's why so many people begin to gain their weight back after that 'window' is passed. And that's why I chose the band....it's there ready to work for you when you are ready to work with it. But it is a team effort - the band can't work by itself. I hope you find your way to a healthier life, sweetie. Best wishes....

@Maddysgram Do you have something other than LB? My revision is for the LB port. @SolracSpree the death is still under investigation, here is one article if you want to read what happened. http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20130719-texas-giant-to-remain-closed-as-six-flags-investigates-woman-s-fall.ece

So congratulations to the 2 of you with dates! I attended a seminar last Thursday night up in Rockville with Dr. Barry Green. I am left with a lot of questions even asking several myself. I had no idea that forever you will only be able to sip liquid in 1 ounce increments every couple minutes nor that you will have to cut your food up into almost infant like size and take a bite every couple minutes as well. Are these extreme directives or will it vary from person to person? Why do we choose lapband over bypass? As odd as this sounds I think I might be more confused than I was thursday morning. And chimboree, maybe we will meet sometime!

HELLO TO MY FELLOW WALDORFIANS, I AM A HOPEFUL BANDER NEW TO THE SITE. MY NEIGHBOR TOLD ME 2 SUNDAY'S AGO ABOUT HER UPCOMING GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY AT GW. SHE GAVE HER PACKAGE OF INFORMATION. NEEDLESS TO SAY AFTER A LONG WALK I WAS CALLING GW THE VERY NEXT DAY ON 5/7/07. I HAVE MY FIRST CONSULTATION TOMORROW 5/15/07 WITH DR. BRODY. I AM SO EXCITED AND NERVOUS AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE EVEN GONE AHEAD A SCHEDULED MY PHYSICAL AND MY PYCH EXAM AN HAVEN'T EVEN MET THE SURGEON. THIS IS HOW EAGER I AM TO PUT MYSELF UP FOR THE LAPBAND CHALLENGE. I HAVE CAREFIRST BLUECROSS FEDERAL AND I AM PRAYING THAT THEY APPROVE THIS PROCEDURE. I HAVE HAD A FEW SURGERIES IN THE PAST (IE: BREAST REDUCTION, LASIK, AND APPENDECTOMY), SO I AM PREPARED FOR THE PAIN, BUT NOT SO SURE ABOUT THE RECOVERY PERIOD. SO FOR THE LENGHTHY COMMENT, BUT ANY HELP OR ENCOURAGEMENT ANY OF MY FELLOW WALDORFIANS CAN PROVIDE WOULD BE GREAT. THANKS IN ADVANCE, CHANDA :help:

Thanks Froggie!! Ann: The doc said that with my Bmi he would not do the gastric bypass on me. I was definitely not interested in that anyway but as far as the lap band goes he said he is fine to do it. Wait and see I guess. Thanks for all your support.

I was approved for the sleeve last month and my surgery is actually scheduled for Tuesday. However I got a call from Cigna on Friday afternoon at 4:30 (lovely timing) saying that although they approved it, that particular code for the sleeve was excluded per my plan. They are saying it won't be covered now. I'm going to have my docs office call first thing Monday, but I'm thinking if there is no budge on the sleeve coverage, maybe they could switch to bypass and I could have that done Tuesday instead? I believe it's all the same WLS requirements and I know my plan cover bypass for sure. Anyone else go through this and got a switch quickly? I'm freaking out and devastated after all this time and planning it may not happen.

Gastric bypass equals malabsorption of everything including alcohol. I'm having trouble with malabsorbtion of my anti-anxiety meds and it's torture. But, this too shall pass.

Hi everyone! Does anyone else experience a high tolerance for alcohol after gastric bypass? I have a completely difference tolerance now than before surgery. I don't get drunk (not a bad thing). I can feel just a tiny bit tipsy for a very short period of time - maybe 20 minutes and then goes away. I even put it to the test this past week on our annual all-inclusive trip to the Caribbean when rum punch was flowing freely all day. Not that I need to be drinking and wanting to get drunk, but sometimes that relaxing fun feeling would be fine. Even my surgeon was stumped and said this is the first he's heard of a high tolerance as it's usually the opposite. So...just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same?

I feel you what you are saying. I am 14 days post opp and I am only down 9 pounds @ 281. My weigh in day of the surgery was 290. My highest weight before this surgery was 301 so I lost over ten pounds just dieting before surgery. I have not had a lot of energy to walk as much as I would like, and I think my calorie intake was low so I hoped I would loose 2-3 pounds this week. I think I need to walk more and hopefully I'll be at 278 by Friday. I had band over bypass. My doctor suggested my weight loss would be slower this time around. I think the magic will start to happen once I get a fill.

Hi Jonathan, I too am sorry about your situation and certainly don't consider you a failure. If I were in your situation I would be looking at other weight loss options too. As it is I am anxious about my own condition being a Lopez patient and the current stats regarding his erosion rates on LBT. I go in and meet the gastroenterologists in a couple of weeks and hopefully get my endoscopy from there. Either that will relieve my poor mind (considering I feel fine) or it will confirm my dreads. If erosion is my case, I most certainly am going to push for a revision as well. I doubt my insurance would cover the revision but hopefully if it is done at the same time as the removal they would pick up most of the tab. I have no idea. Anyway want to wish you the best and want to hear how it all turns out. Best wishes, Teresa

My plan, subject to last min revision - I can't eat all of it, but I will certainly sample a bit of all except the rolls...I am serving for my mom, sister, dh and dd, and some co-workers... smoked turkey pepper crusted country ham mashed potatoes broiled green Beans with garlic sauteed mushroom with asparagus baked yams (still in their skins, with butter) yeast rolls turkey gravy pumpkin pie cherry pie

I'm with MollyMolly, It's more how long I stay full then how much I can eat. I'm ready for a fill now but I have revision surgery on the 9th (not band) and have to wait.

Ok, here's some thoughts and perhaps some tough love.... Yes. I'm wondering if your doctor didn't tell you this? A lot of posts I read here I'm finding that what doctors do and don't tell their patients varies wildly and I find a lot of folks maybe didn't really understand what they were getting into. I fear this may be the case for you...you had certain expectations that weren't properly set by your surgeon. Here's the take from my doctor. Yes, you can eat around the band. You can eat pretty much all the stuff. That's why the band isn't for everyone. The band takes work. It's about a 50-50 match of you and your band, the weight doesn't just "fall off" while you happily eat whatever you want. It was never designed to do that. I'm pretty sad because I think your surgeon left out some details in the pre-screening. This would be true of any surgery. There is no surgery out there that takes this away. For some of us in this world, sadly, we were given the burden of always obsessing about food and our weights. So is this all bad news? No, because over time with some work, things can improve. I believe if you've "got the demon", you always will. It's basically an addiction.... But there are times the demon can be quieter than others. I know this is a rather unpopular thing to say...but from my own experience, the only way I've ever been able to get that damn demon to hush a bit is through talk therapy with a trained counselor. There is a lot behind food addictions and food issues. A LOT of mental and emotional stuff. And for better or worse, having a bariatric surgery makes you have to take a real good hard look at that.... It's up to each of us to decide how to work with that..... If you are eating chips and crackers and not Proteins and veggies, then no, the band isn't going to work for you. And if, as you mention later, that what you are supposed to be eating hurts too much to eat, then I have news for you..... You Are Too Tight. This falls right into my surgeon's rules regarding fills. If you are overfilled, you will make bad choices and not lose weight. He's seen this time and again. It's counterintuitive, I know...but it's true. I was overfilled and I gained weight. The rule is "I'd rather see you be too loose and eat too much chicken than too tight and eat around the band (ie chips, crackers, ice cream)" (<-- loosely paraphrased) No. I think you should make an appointment with your doctor and talk to him/her about what you've said here. And how frustrated you are, and how you think you might be too tight. And you have to look deep within yourself and remember what your motivation was to be banded in the first place..... See, now I'm beginning to be suspicous about this doctor of yours....is there another dr anywhere nearby that you can go to for fills because that type of attitude is just crap, in my humblest of opinions. Yeah. I really do think you need an unfill. Hate to break it to you....gastric bypass...you would be having the exact same problems you are now. Sure, you would have lost like a banshee for the first year while you "dumped" and freaked out your body's insulin for the first year from all the carbs from chips and crackers..... And then after the first year, all loss would have stopped....and if you kept eating like you are, the weight would start coming right back on. Because there is NO surgery in the world that allows you to eat anything and everything you want and NOT diet or exercise or work through food issues. No, that's exactly right. And it sounds like your doctor never told you that. And THAT is very concerning to me because everyone should get a long detailed and rather stern lecture about this very point. The band is not a magic bullet. Neither is gastric bypass, or "the sleeve" or verticle gastrectomy or duedenal switch or ANY of the bariatric surgeries out there. There is no magic bullet. There, I've said it. I've spent a lifetime looking for it and would sure love to find it....but it just doesn't exist. What exists is a lot of us with a lot of pain and sad thoughts and troubles with food. And everyday we have to fight a little harder. And you, my friend, are one tired soldier today. I get that. I really do. Ok....now...you've had a chance to think about it. I'm holding out my hand...are you ready to stand up and give it another try?