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Steph- Has it been difficult? I am scared I will be banded and still not loose weight?

hello, for my experience the pain of the surgery was none but the gas pain was hoorible worse than i have ever felt, i gave birth to three kids and this pain was not even close to having kids. it lasted for 2 weeks i did all the stuff the doctor said but really nothing helped thill it totally went away well sometimes i still get it after eating and its bad for about 1 hour,other than that pain wize is no bigge, but let me tell you i did not loose any weight the first 4 months because i could'nt eat any healthy food at all, the only stuff that went down was junk food wich freeked me out i was thinking to my self i spent 13,000 for this bad very discourage but arter a while i decided that not becausei could eat it i would. so i went back to basics diet,exercise cuz lapband is not a miracle at all if you dont change the way you eat and exercise you will not loose weight for some people weight just comes off for other like myself its ben very hard sometimes i feel that it was a waist of money becacse what im doing i could of done it will out the band,i wish i had reserched this surgery more and lissent to all the bad lapband stories out there. hope i dont discourage you that is just my personal experience, stay strog and do wats best for you.

My surgery date is Jan 22nd and I've been wondering what will happen to my loose skin as I lose weight. My plan is to get a personal trainer to help me tone up. Will this really work or is it wishful thinking?

I have been reading about all or the pre surgery dieting, but in my case my doctor told me "No eating as of 12 midnight-the day prior to my surgery) I went to Outback that night, 7 pm and had a nice juicy steak with mashed potatoes. :thumbup: This was my last meal and my only ever trip to OUTBACK in Korea. What a fabulous place-very crowded. Now at 4 weeks from my surgery, I am eating solids, chicken, fish, mashed potatoes, pork and beans, pinto beans, 15 beans--anything with beans, tuna salad and crackers for lunch or chilibeans.:tt2: Lots of water in between and of course exercising. Last night I made it to 1 full hour on the stationary bike. This morning I am down one more kilogram-113.6 from 123.1. Next week I may go in for my 2nd FILL.:thumbup: I was expected to go yesterday (Sat) but I felt I was still loosing, so I am my wife decided to wait one more week. I travel 4 hours to the doc's and 4 hours back, to Seoul Korea from Kunsan Korea. :w00t: It's fun and relaxing on the Bus--no stress with driving the long distance and congestive traffic scene in Seoul. I am at the point in my surgery where I expect to be--still loosing. Yeah!!!:thumbup:

I hate to tell you this, but the only way to handle loose arm skin is toning exercising as your losing. Once it's already there nothing is going to take care of it except plastic surgery. Extra skin anywhere on the body is determined by a lot of factors. Genetics, age, whether or not you smoke, how long you've been big, how much weight you lost, and even hydration. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just end up with loose skin. (including me)

I do not know how much sodium is recommended. Though I will say that when I eat salty foods my weight loss slows down. When I stay away from salty foods I loose faster. So you are not alone in this!!

Hi, this is my first post. My mother who is 74 had the lap band done in 2006 and as of July 29th she has lost 136 lbs. I have tried to be very supportive thru this whole ordeal. She went from being very overweight to now she is underweight. I went with her to her appointment with the nutritionist on the 29th and she told her she is underweight and that she is now loosing lean body mass. Her doctor has also told her the same thing. She has lost 23 lbs from her last appointment in May. They say that her Protein count is on the low side of low. On the 29th they did take out 2 cc's of saline out of her lap band. Up until this time she had the maximum in it that it could hold. Up until this appointment she thought she looked wonderful. A number of family members and friends have tried to talk to her but she just thinks that everyone is jealous. I think that she thought when she went to these appointments everyone was going to tell her how wonderful she looks. This did not happen. Now she is being mean and uncooperative. She is very angry. What as a family are do we do. Any suggestions. We are concerned about her health. thanks jswear2g

There are many good doctors in Mexico. Dr. Rod is also well known. The only think I would completely refuse was to go to the strip mall clinic that one the doctors works on. If Dr. Rod is in a hospital than it will be fine. :DHowever, if he is more expensive, maybe it will not be a problems to loose the deposit and just book with another doctor. Dr. kelly was able to accommodate me in the "last minute" as i already had tickets, vacations, etc. Give it a try. If you want call his assistant directly, her name is Thrish and the advantage of her on any facilitator is that she will be there for you when you need it. Her phone is 619 955 6771

Saturday I walked down the aisle at my son's wedding in a dress that made me feel FABULOUS--one I never dreamed I'd be able to wear. I never even made it to the buffet--couldn't tell you what was on it because I was too busy dancing.....for four and a half hours to be exact. Six years ago I would have made a beeline to the food and pretty much camped out near that table. The caterer allowed me to take my meal from the rehearsal dinner home with me in spite of it being a buffet, since I knew the stress of hostessing the party would probably keep me from being able to get much through the band. I assured her that I would fill my plate only once with a reasonable amount of food.....I got THREE meals off of it! Six years ago I would have eaten every bite and gone back for more. I am constantly amazed at how much food I was able to consume in one meal before the band compared to the actually nutritional needs of my body. Yesterday I celebrated my 55th birthday and because of the gift that Dr. Michael King gave to me in the Lap Band, I felt like it could have been my 21rst! I was banded in April of 2007. I remember feeling so fearful that, like so many things I had already tried, it was not going to work, I was simply destined to be obese for the rest of what would be a very shortened life due to the extra weight and the effect it was having on my body. My weight loss has been VERY slow and steady, but because of that, I have not had the issues of sagging skin and sunken eyes and it has truly become a change in my attitude towards food instead of simply a "diet" to lose the weight. I have gone from almost a size 26 to an 18. It is a really awesome problem to have to buy new clothes because you can't find yourself in the old ones anymore! This last shopping trip actually found me in the "regular" sized clothes for the first time in...well, since I can remember. I have exercised since before the lapband and because of the weight loss I am now able to walk 4 miles 2-3 times a week. I do a circuit workout with weights at a local wellness center 1-2 times a week. Before the weight loss, I struggled to walk a mile. Now, I look forward to the walking and the workouts because they make me feel so good. When I began walking 4 miles instead of doing the stairmaster for an hour, the inches began to fall off. Not sure what the difference is, but for me the walking has been much more effective. I had to ask myself....how badly do you REALLY want this? Bad enough to make the exercise a new habit? Bad enough to get off the couch; put down the potato chips and Cookies and get moving, even if it means waking up a bit earlier or getting out and walking after a long day? My answer, a resounding "YES". I have found that keeping my hands busy is one of the ways I have learned to overcome the temptation to graze in the kitchen. Reading a book, which is an activity I enjoy, is not effective since I can still hold the book and manage to hold whatever food is the binge-of-the-day. I do needlework, sew, knit, crochet, work a jigsaw puzzle, do a scrapbook page or a number of other activities when I am tempted to mindlessly eat. Some days I have to just put on my tennis shoes and take a walk to put as much distance between me and the kitchen as possible. I hope this encourages you. The lapband has not been a magic fix, rather a tool that has helped me in re-learning how to nourish my body the way it was meant to be. I still have days when I find myself falling into the behavior that caused me to become obese in the first place. It is very easy to sabotage my own efforts and "outeat" the band, but now that I have come this far and have experienced the "high" of feeling normal again, I am able to use that as my motivation to stop the mindless eating. I pray that you will find that "high" as well.

I noticed that during a pause in wt. loss my clothes still got loose. It's something else to encourage you during a pause in weight loss...

Everyone has different skin, some more elastic than others. I would wait until the weight loss progresses and see. Most people will have some extra skin, but it sure beats too much fat!

Thank you!!! We're both really excited!!! I can't stop smiling!! I know the people in my office think I'm loosing my mind but I don't care! I'm not telling anyone in my office what I'm doing. You know some people can be really cruel when they don't understand what's going on and what you've been going thru. I'm just going to take some vacation days and then return to work! Congrats on your surgery. I can't wait to start counting the days "after" I get Sleevie!!

Medicare B covers 80% surgery, if you have Medicaid that covers the rest. As far as skin afterwards rest easy because if u get rashes, boils, etc. Medicare DOES cover the skin issue with a doctor documenting the sanitation and health problems caused by it. Keep with it and also may want to check other places, I know the place I'm getting mine done doesn't have a waiting list just a set amount of things one needs to do before they schedule. Others have less some have more but first I've heard of 5 years.

You have absolutely nothing to be embarassed about, really. You're 6wks out and that was your healing time and not loosing time. You don't owe anyone an explanation. I hope you are doing this just for you. You are the one you have to answer to and no one else. If you're following your Drs plan, you should be proud of yourself. You've just come through the roughest part, pre & post op. Stand tall, be proud. You are becoming a new and healthier you.

Hi everyone, i am new here and looking for support,friends, and answers . I was just sleeved for the 2nd time on wed. the 14th of Sept. I had my first sleeve done feb.2013. From the beginning I never really felt that much restriction. I went on to loose only about 40 lbs and my previous bulimia eating disorder flare up. When I would make my self throw up I noticed how much it was and thought......wow my stomach should be way smaller then that! So with the eating disorder I shyed away from my surgeon because I didn't want to hear the same old thing about the damage that can be done from an eating disorder and so on. So fast forward to march of this year, I have to little kids and felt that I can't keep up with them at this size. I decided to contact the clinic where I had surgery and they wanted to see me and help. I had a scan done of my stomach which showed there was too much fundus left to my stomach which is why I didn't have good results. So I went through the whole process again and just had surgery. I am excited and scared because I want it to work this time! I can tell a difference when I drink things already so this is a good sign Sent from my SM-N910R4 using the BariatricPal App

Hi Everyone! First some background- I started my journey with my first pre-op appt in sept 2014. I was 221lbs and 5'2". Had to do 6 months with nutrition for my insurance company. I lost 20 lbs in those 6 months and insurance approved my surgery. I was sleeved on 3/16/15 and surgery day weight was 201. On my 3 month surgiversary I weighed in at 156 lbs. I never took my measurements but wish I had. I went from wearing size 18/20 pants to wearing a size 10. Shirts were size 2X now down to a large shirt is wearable and a medium is better but slightly snug. I don't go crazy with exercise. I figured it wasn't sustainable for me. I try to at least workout 3x/week either I walk 2 miles at a quick pace or I do 30-45 min at the gym alternating cardio and strength training. I knew I could keep up a plan of doing that everyday. I'm happy if I get it in 2X/week and if I do 3 that's a plus! It was definitely hard at the beginning no being on liquids and the puréed foods. I started a journal at the beginning and it helped when I was feeling low to go back and read how far I had come. It does get better. Being on unrestrictive food is wonderful. Don't get me wrong there are sometimes especially during dinner I wish I could eat more. Especially if it's a really yummy meal. I pushed my sleeve to the limit twice and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I felt horrible. Felt like I was going to throw up, got feeling I wanted to Pass out and got hot and sweaty. It lasted for about 30 min and rest of night just felt horrible. I ignored my sleeve when it told me enough food. I start to hiccup when my sleeve says no more food and I normally stop when I start hiccuping. But I have to say those 2 times were enough. I stop when my sleeve says stop. I have been eating out at restaurants again but make good choices and always have them bring me a small plate and I put what I can eat on the small plate and have them bring me a box to put my leftovers in so they aren't tempting to me. Then I have them the next day and sometimes the day after that. I still have a protein drink and 1/2 of a protein bar a day to help get in my protein. I have learned that I can have a few carbs and not feel guilty. I have a biscuit sometimes it a whole one sometimes it's a half. But I don't eat all 6 like I used to. I can eat 1/2 of a cupcake if I'm at a birthday celebration and that's enough. I don't need to eat 4 or 5 of them that half is just enough to make me feel normal. I guess what I learned with carbs is don't beat yourself up. Someone told me it's a tool to help you be the best you can be. I am actually loving being able to go out to social situations and to participate in choosing food that makes me feel good. Not food that after I eat I feel guilty like I did before surgery. I don't do it all the time or everyday like I used to but it's great to know I can occasionally if I choose to. I will be fine, my sleeve is fine. I feel better than I ever have. I had been over 200lbs for about 20+ years. I know it's tough at the beginning but it will get better. Keep on focusing on goals that are for your best interest and health. You have to be able to sustain these for the rest of your healthy active lifestyle. I have some more weight to loose as I'm only 3 months out. They tell me 111lbs is my ideal weight. I personally think that's way to low for me. I think 120-125 will be best for me. I know that everyone is different and I'm just saying what I have experienced and what is working for me. Your experience maybe different. No 2 people are the same. Here's wishing you and me a successful And healthy journey!!

I still wanna loose about 15-20 more pounds I can't understand how I wear a size 6 but weigh 155-158? This is so aggravating especially trying to get rid of the belly OMG!!!!

Ok I've lost like 110#'s but so afraid of regaining I only eat protein and very,very little carbs but I feel I can't loose anymore I'm at a stand still it feels like if I defer from protein AT all I gain 2 or 3 pounds and then I feel very bad I'm taking milk of magnesia every day or every other day yes because of constipation but also tying to make sure of not gaining any suggestions? Oh yea I'm post surgery a year and 3 months

I agree with y'all about the sagging skin and just let me tell you from experience there is NO pain worse than a tummy tuck!! And that's coming from having horrible childbirth pain, gallbladder surgery and a complete hysterectomy! They literally filay you! Then when it's over you get to look at a scar running across one side to the other. It's just my opinion, but if it's just a little not drooping down over your drawers sagginess... Think twice! Plus the scar tissue on the inside sometimes feels like it's ripping...that's something surgeons don't warn you about. Trust me there's worse than sagginess.

You look fantastic and I'll bet the skin removal surgery made a huge difference I am so happy your husband and you had it done together! All I keep thinking is WOW!!

your doing good. I hope you continue to loose weight. Good Luck

So I am just over 5 weeks post-op. I am now permitted to eat most foods. I can have moist meats, cooked vegetables (w/o skin) and even Pasta. I have been able to tolerate everything that I have tried. Starting weight 295. Surgery Weight 263. Today's weight 235. I have lost 60 pounds in 7 months and 28 since surgery. I would like to be losing a little faster, but the time will come. This week, I have been asked to go out to lunch twice, dinner once, and to the bar on another night. I will go to all 4 and just have to monitor what I eat/drink. i even went to 2 baseball games this week. Its funny how socializing often takes place around food. I am not finding it difficult at this point to order off a menu, unless I go somewhere that is mostly bread and pizza. Most places have Soup and grilled chicken. I have even gotten used to not drinking with my meals. I feel great. My jeans that were no where close to fitting prior to surgery are now getting to be too big. I need to put a new notch on my belt to keep my pants up. My bra feels so much better. The seat belt fits and I have several inches of space between my stomach and the steering wheel. I even went to my first massage, and didn't feel self conscience at all. I sound better when I sing. Everyone I see tells me how thin I am getting. It definitely does something to my self-esteem. I never had a problem being overweight. I was fine with it and was a pretty happy person. I am happier since surgery. I didn't take my measurements before surgery, but I sure wish that I had. I started taking them last week and will record them weekly from now on. If you are having second thoughts or struggling, I just encourage you to stay positive and look towards all the greatness that will come from this surgery. It is work, but you can do it.

hahaha.. you people are hilarious!!! This is better then watching soaps. I don't have in-law issues..I have CHILDREN issues!! Grown azz people living in my house, cooking fried food every night at 1:00 am ... it smells like Mel's Diner in here!!! I have been the biggest person in my family since ... forever... but now.. I am steadily loosing... and they are all gaining.. I am gonna be smaller then my children!!! And when I finally am able to shove my son and his fiancee' out the door and we finally have an empty nest.. I am turning the extra room we have into a "red ear turtle" sanctuary!!! At least they eat healthy things.. hahha. I already sold all the living room furniture. They came out and were like "hey are we getting a new couch?" NOPE!! I went out and bought a bowflex, treadmill, stationary bike, weight bench, free weights, stepper, two swiss balls and yoga mats. I turning my living room into a LIVE LONGER room!!!

Mine is on the front of my stomach, just above my belly button but off to my left side. One of my incisions is RIGHT next to it. I'm sure you'll be able to find it once you heal a little. Mine is extremely close to the skin though, so I can feel mine almost all of the time!

Hello to All...... I feel bad because I havn't posted here in months but yet I find myself back to ask you all for some help!! I know this is a great place for support and I really need it now! Here is my problem........... I went on a cruise this past weekend with some girlfriends for a little "me time!" I have two beautiful little girls who I absolutly adore and this is the first time I have done anything like this. Well, I endulged a little too much. I came home and hit the scales first thing yesterday morning and I GAINED 5lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIKES!!!!!!!!! This sounds crazy but we all took are scrapbooking stuff and this was an organized scrapbooking cruise. A lot of late nights eating JUNK to keep me awake (scrapping until 3am- 2 nights in a row). I also endulged on a lot of vanilla-mocha and fancy Desserts that I didn't have to pay for. (well, I payed for it but I am sure you know what I mean if you have been on a cruise) OUr group also had a couple of FREE cocktail hours!! So my question is this...........What have some of you done to loose those few lbs that you have put on? I HAD lost 62lbs before the 5lb weight gain. I have been at a slow pace the past month in a half. I had surgery on 4/3/06. I need a PUSH start again and I am up for any advice to get these 5 off along with another 5 before Christmas Festivities begin!! Up until this point I havn't experienced gaining weight, just maintaining for a long time. (since I was banded) The frustrating thing is I don't feel like I ate a whole lot of food, so it must be the coffee drinks and desserts I just had to try. (My girlfriend said to me........"How many of those people on the Titanic wished they would of had desert with there dinner." Gosh, that sounds horrible, and I guess I took it litterly.) ON a positive note: This was the most "comfortable" vacation I have had in a long time. I was able to keep up with everyone and I WASN'T the biggest person in my group!! :cool: I am up for any suggestions!! Thanks for reading!! Jen:help: