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Hey, Janell I hope all goes well with your surgery and that your weight loss journey will be a steady one. Yes, I've read and researched the lap band, yes, you will lose at at slower rate, but it's better for you. Alot of people who were banded really like it. Some get inpatient, but they finally realize that although the weight loss is slow, they are still losing. This method really teaches you discipline and to eat the right foods so that your health improves. I personally, think I will do well with the band because of those reasons. Now, with the gastric bypass, I know two co-workers who have had it. They are happy they made the decision to have the surgery and don't regret anything. They've lost alot of weight and right now, their weight has tapered off. If they want to lose anymore, they'd have to exercise regularly and eat healthjier. They even gained 10-15 pounds back. So you see, GB is not a cure-all, just a tool, like the lapband. They won't or shouldn't, of couse, gain all the weight back, but should watch what their eating and exercise. I've read negative and well as positive things about both GB and the lapband, but I do know it's ultimately my decision on which procedure is best for me.

22 December 2006 I'm on Day 10 of the two-week pre-op liquid diet and doing well. The past three weeks have been hectic with concerts and commitments and wrapping up year-end things at the store, plus wild weather. The weight loss through this has been easy, in part because of my grief over the sudden death of my oldest car on Dec. 3. And this past week I have been doctoring cat #3 who has developed liver issues. I was sure I would take her with me back to California, and after three days of vet visits it appears again that I will. She's bouncing back slowly. Looking after her helps to keep my mind off my own stuff. I am looking forward to a productive weekend at home, cleaning up old stuff, packing for the trip to Puerta Vallarta, and looking forward to a new me in the New Year. I have made all my travel arrangements, including giving pre-authorization for the credit card charge for the surgery payment, and lining up my birth certificate and other travel docs. Ginny (who is traveling with me) has been a great cheerleader along the way, and I'm looking forward to a little dedicated girl time with her. We both so need a break from the Theatre! My only anxiety about the trip is leaving Sylvia and Salem with once-a-day cat care for a week. I'm already looking forward to coming home to them again. :youcandothis:

Hi all, I was banded on 9/20 and my doctor wanted me on Clear liquids for 3 weeks (up on 10/11). I went to see her yesterday and the visit took no more than 3 minutes (she diditn even look at my incisions) and gace me the following instructions "after your liquid you can go on to mushies for 4 weeks, then come back on 10/31 and we can discuss food". No talk about fills either. Is this insane????? is anyone else going thru something like this???? Its not like I want to eat a steak but I could barely get thru 2 weeks of liquids much less 4 weeks of mushies. Im down 30 pounds....happy about that!! Thanks.

I guess each Dr. has different instructions based (hopefully) on patients. I was on fluids for 10 days, then mushies for 1 week, then onto food after. I would stick w. what your Dr. is telling you - if you feel that you can't do it - call them up and ask if you can move onto the next stage. Good Luck =)

I had an appointment set up for this morning-it has been set for 2 weeks. I called prior to talk to my nurse-who is never any help on the phone. Anyway, the appt was for 10:15. I get there right on time, they take me back immediately. I had my 1 year old with me. Tick, tick, tick... 11:45 rolls around and no one had even attempted to tell me what was going on-no doctor, no nurse. My daughter had a half day at school so I had to go. I packed up our stuff and went to the lobby (i couldn't find anyone back near the examining rooms). A nurse was standing by the desk and I said "Hey, I am sorry, but I can't wait anymore." She just stared at me. I said "I have to go, but I have been waiting an hour and a half. I have to go get my daughter." The nurse LAUGHED in my face, rolled her eyes, took my file and turned her back on me. No one said "Hey, let's reschedule" or "I'm Sorry!" Nothing. I just turned around and walked out. I had tears in my eyes (I know, I am a baby-but I REALLY wanted to see the doctor today. I have a lot of questions.). I left and I thought "Oh, they will call me. They know my number." Do you think one person has called me today? No. I feel like they don't care at all! This was a huge procedure and I guess I was hoping for a little sympathy and caring. Nope. If you remember, I wasn't too happy with him after the surgery, but he redeemed himself with me. I guess I need to just follow up with my GP because I am so tired of this. :001_smile:

Hi, I agree with the others--dont stay fat, there are so many risk factors involved in that--perhaps not now because youth may be on your side--that will not always be the case and those risk factors will definitely be in your future if you dont do something about it NOW! neither procedure is a magic answer--simply a tool--you MUST change your lifestyle if you want to be successful. start with a 10 minute walk, then do 20 min, then 30 you will be surprised how much better you will feel. dont sell yourself short, you are worth it and your teenager needs you around.....whatever decision you make will be the best one for YOU I am sure. Take care and good luck. I am having lap band in less than 2 weeks, i am currently on the liquid diet, as my hubby is scarfing down freshly steamed tamales......but I know what those taste like and nothing tastes as good as feeling good about me!!!

I was told I can drink until about 10-15 before eating.

Aww thank you so much!! Actually my hair is very thin. I've lost half my volumn. I was blessed to have very thick hair. I do take 10,000 mcg of Biotin everyday and have started taking prenatal vitamins! hahaha.. funny someone my age taking prenatal Vitamins. I have to say that they really help my hair and nails. I'm still struggling to lose weight. I wish it wasn't so hard this far out!! Happy to be in a 10 though! Have a great day and God bless!!

Hi I also have intense burning in small area on upper left. I was sleeved on 1/19. I haven't gone to dr yet , What did dr. they tell you? I did. They said it was acid reflux. Call your doctor.

Hi Jill! I am newly banded on 9/19 too!! Feeling so good it scares me. Typical post op pain at sites but moving and doing well. Peek at my thread under "newbie" i posted more info about me today. I wish us botha speedy and easy recovery. On to thin & healthy!

I'm 22 and my surgery is thursday!!! i'm really excited. Ive told all my close friends except the boy i like because i think he would be worried about me so i'm not. None of my sorority sisters know. Not even my big. I'm really excited that I would potentially be a sized 8/10 for my senior formal next fall wish me luck girls!!!

I made a posting on here a few days ago concerning my right eye and retinaoschisis. I can never spell it right. Went to the eye doctor today and I have a bubble in the central vision between two layers of the retina. I got another shot in the eye which is normal, please don't freak out. It is now noted in my chart that they may now be considering surgery on my right eye. The surgery would require a gas bubble to go where the vitreous gel once was and for me to lay facedown for approximately 10 days. The hope is that the gas bubble would help get rid of the bubble and put the retina layers in place. In June they're going to do a die test on my eyes which I have had before. . The purpose of it is trying to determine where the Fluid is coming from. They are also going to be trying me on another very expensive medication which insurance will cover in my case. It may or may not help. I have about 100% sure that I'm not diabetic or that high cholesterol plays a role in this My eye doctor is aware that I am considering sleeve surgery and she actually told me that I may want to consider putting it on hold and focusing on this eye. It basically boils down to which is more important. We will know more about this I in a few months. I'm still planning on my May 4th consultation. All I know to do right now is pray and continue going forward.

I was in the same predicament, my team let me know it was ok not to lose any weight during that time it's more just for documentation. If you lose below requirement bcbs will not cover you. I actually gained 10 lbs during 6 months and had no problem whatsoever getting approved with bcbs. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Help! Haha I'm leaving for a 10 day vacation and I'm 4 months out from surgery. Down 73ish lbs from preop and feeling great! I'm so worried about how I'm going to stay on track in Europe. I don't know what the food will be like and how I will get in all my protein. Thinking about packing 10 protein drinks but that's silly right? Not sure. Thought about 100 calorie nuts packets and protein bars. Any suggestions for what I can bring with me or any suggestions from anyone that has been to Paris/Loire Valley or Barcelona while on track and seen or know of any good ideas or options so I don't come back 10 lbs heavier. My weight loss journey has been a battle and I fight the demons every day. I haven't had an easy, not hungry time of it and I really don't want to lose now! Thanks in advance for your help! Band to sleeve revision surgery 1/16/17 HW: 283 CW: 210 GW: 160

So this is my first post. I've been researching and contemplating bariatric surgery for a few years now, but it's only recently that I decided to put my foot on the road and start the journey. A little background: I'm a 38 year old woman, 3 kids, and husband, cat mom (hoping to bring in a dog soon too, hehe) I've been overweight all my life. All 3 pregnancies were with gestational diabetes, but I managed without meds, and that has been the only time I've ever lost significant weight. Actually, prior to my first pregnancy, I cut out soda, and stopped relying on hamburger helper/boxed meals for dinner, and went from 255 to about 230. My weight over the years has fluctuated between 200 to 230. My biggest problem now is diabetes. I was diagnosed with type 2 a few years back. I'm on metformin, which my body doesn't handle well. In 2015, I lost my mother, who was over 300lbs and had diabetes to complications from diabetes. It has really scared me, enough that I've had anxiety issues since, and what's really pushing me to find a way to lose weight. After all my research, I'm aiming for the sleeve. I've been to my program's orientation, and met with the Nurse Practitioner. I now have loads of appointments, and a goal of losing 12 lbs by January 24. It feels like a lot, only because my timing is poor and I'm doing all this through the Christmas season. While I'd like surgery in March, I'm actually thinking May would be better since my older kids would still be in school, but my husband would be home (he's a professor) so that he can take care of my 3 year old. I could try to time it right so that it happened over his spring break too, but that's going to take the stars aligning just right, lol. Anyways, I feel like I'm taking on a whole bunch of stuff at once, and I'm not sure how to handle it all. My husband is a good man, who listens, but as he says "I'm not a therapist and other than listening, I'm not sure how to help you." I've got an appointment with a therapist, but not until January, so I'm on my own. So I guess here's my questions...how do you keep focused? I have little direction at this point, and find my confidence wavering. It's always a stressful time of year for me, and while I realize that I have to change how I handle stress, I feel a bit "thrown into the fire" by doing all this now and not say...next month, when I'd have more time to learn more ways to deal with everything. (Another back story, December goes like this: Christmas Eve, Christmas, my oldest' birthday, my youngest birthday, and 10 days later but within the 12 Days of Christmas, my middle child's birthday.) I find the site here too big so I'm not sure where to read in order to get more positive stories and other helpful information. I read a few books, but I guess I'm not ready to invest in any sort of emotional eating books. I'm counting calories and watching what I eat, and trying to exercise more, but really, that's not enough to keep me focused completely. So what other resources do you use? Sites with good articles and information, positive stories of success, etc? And finally, on a grosser note, and a rather...embarrassing question to ask, but how are bowel movements after surgery? I mean mostly on the long term, but I ask because one of the biggest factors to not just simply "losing weight with diet and exercise without the surgery" is I can't handle the thought of being on metformin for the rest of my life. Even at 1000mgs, the loose BM's are horrid and painful and interfering with my every day life (with my current primary care physician pushing for me to move up to 1500mgs despite my protests). I have this worry that I'll still be dealing with intestinal issues after surgery. So if you have had the surgery, and were on metformin, did you get off of it? If you've had intestinal issues in the past, have they continued after surgery? Sorry for the novel!

I have a blog, but am looking for more people going through the same things as me. Www.adorkabletreasure.wordpress.com November 13: The Major Decision Within the last month, I've decided that I needed a change in my life. This change could potentially change my life dramatically-for the better. I am terrified of what will happen, the long term effects and the process in general. However, I need to do this. I need to do this for me. I need to do this for my son. What is this change? What could possibly change my life so much? Weight loss. Yup, this is another one of those blogs. I've always wanted to lose weight. It just never happened. I think I really packed it on when I was about 12 or 13. I remember coming home for Christmas break and my mom calling my school to ask what they were feeding me. I don't remember when I passed 200 pounds. I remember passing 300 at the end of my pregnancy and being so so grossed out. I've lost about 30 pounds post pregnancy.....4 years ago. My insurance covers bariatric surgery 100%. That was a shocker. I've gone back and forth with considering this as an option for some time now, but I haven't made any progress on my own. It's time for some professional help. Hey, after the year I've had (divorced, moved to a new state, multiple family deaths, new job etc) I need to do something positive for me. And I need to do everything I can to make sure I'm around to see my son grow up. The first step that I took was finding someone who took my insurance. It's new in my area, so not many people are contracted with them. Calling my insurance didn't help, they couldn't find anyone within 50 miles of me. I did find one though! I'm set up to do the seminar on the 30th, and the first appointment with the doctor is December 3rd. I am most interested in the sleeve. Here's to a new, terrifying adventure. December 1: Today, I F-d Up. Well, yesterday and today. Yesterday, I was so engrossed in decorating the Christmas tree that I completley forgot about the WLS orientation. 6:30 came around, and so did my memory that I was suppossed to be somewhere. So it's been rescheduled. For the 10th. Maybe I won't fail at life and forget again. Todays screw up: I totally ruined my brothers Christmas. I forgot to take his Christmas present out of the car.....anndddddd he got in the car today. So his wonderful "big" surprise of an Xbox One was completley ruined. I'm thinking about putting a pair of slippers in the box instead..... On another note, my kid is back!!! December 9th: The Insurance Drama Begins.... So - I just moved to Nevada a few months ago. The insurance that I have is through Amerigroup. According to the receptionist, Amerigroup will only approve a surgery if I am on medication for high blood pressure or diabetes - no matter what the BMI is. I am on neither. Although, my doctors appointment on Wednesday, my blood pressure was 143/107. Maybe I should have that checked. My insurance that is offered through my work starts on January 1st. With Cigna. Cigna only covers 1 doctor in Las Vegas, and it's not the one I am scheduled to go to the seminar for tomorrow. So I am in a bind. Do I go to the seminar tomorrow anyway or should I just say screw it and start with the Cigna doctor? (Who has a seminar on the 15th). So many decisions!! December 11: Seminar = Completed I went to the seminar last night. There was a lot.of information given. The surgeon seems very straight forward, no bullshit kind of guy. I kinda want to know if he takes my insurance, you know sometimes the insurance sites don't list all the doctors they actually cover. I have an appointment with him on Tuesday, so hopefully I will hear good news. It did leave me debating between lap band and the sleeve though. His results from people who have had lap band are great, unlike all the horror stories I've read about it. I troed talking to my mom about it, and without a beat she said "its not like you're going to change your eating habits anyway". So I guess I can count her out for support, even though she suggested it in the first place. I'm going to try and go to the other seminar for my new insurance on Wednesday night. December 13: Officially In The Program It's official. I am on my way to VSG. I'm scared, nervous, excited, and overly cautious. I so want this, I've wanted this for years. Walking into the back office, I was shocked that I had gained 25 pounds since moving to Vegas. I had done so well, and worked so hard to lose it, and it's all back. Starting Weight: 295.2 pounds. What. The. Hell. Meeting with Dr. Teng, he told me that I was basically almost three persons. For my height, I should weigh a max of 140. Ummmm, that's only 155 pounds...no big deal... He asked me what my heaviest was - 310 at the end of pregnancy. He asked what my lightest adult weight was, from 21 years and up - lightest was 270 (I had my son when I was 20). He looked a little shocked. Then he asked what my lightest was at 18/19, which was 210. He said some things I already knew. What I am doing at home isn't working. I have to make the commitment to change. I have to work for it. Surgery is not a band aid, it's a tool. Then he told me that lap band will get me down a hundred pounds, but not much more. He is recommending the sleeve. My next appointment I make a final decision. Overall, it was just a short visit. Information gathering I suppose. The lady at the front desk, who happens to also be the dietician, said that she would discuss more about what happens at the next visit (for nutrition). My insurance (Cigna) requires that I lose 10% of my body weight before surgery. That's 30 pounds. The doctor also told ke that Cigna requires 4 months of nutrition counseling. He said that if everything goes well, I should be able to get the sleeve in March. I don't think he accounted for this being mid month, so I am going to guess April is the correct month. I am going to a nutrition appointment on the 28th. I am pretty sure she said that these were 28 days apart, but she also said something about some class being 1 or 2 times a week. I am not entirely sure what that is. Each nutrition class is $40, that my insurance does not cover. I go back to see the Dr. Teng on January 31st. That is 7 weeks into this program. By then, I should have lost at least 17 pounds to be on track for insurance approval. Here's to the most dedicated I've ever been. Last meal: chicken pot pie, ceasar salad, and lemon cream cheese pie at Marie Callendars. It was fantastic. December 21: Weigh In #1 Welp....it's been a week. I have been overly aware of what I have been eating, and how much. I've gone out to eat and ordered a salad when I wanted a burger. I stashed away the chocolate bars that were bought for me while on my period. I even went into a bakery with my mom and didn't have anything. I got on our tiny, old, hard to read scale. Its past 285, but not 290. So I'm just gonna call that a 287. Which is 7-8 pounds. Ish. Not too bad for the first week. When my new insurance kicks in, I will be able to get a wireless scale for free. Hopefully it ships quickly. I'd like to actually be able to tell what my weight is.

Hello. I'm scheduled to have my sleeve surgery on March 14. I am a violinist and have been asked to play at a wedding and reception the Saturday after (March 19). Would I be ready and able to play by then? Thanks for any advice!

My excess skin is an issue for me. More for my psyche than anything else. My husband tells me I look great, but as I look in the mirror and flop around my batwings and pick up my pannus I can't help but feel bad about it. It's gotten a lot worse since I can't workout like I used to. Or rather should I say I stopped working out at all for awhile because I was feeling depressed about the whole thing. I've been doing what I can now for about a month and I've been feeling a lot better. I do a lot of light toning that does not greatly impact my knees. I can see the muscle reformation. I'm so glad muscles have a memory!! Especially since I don't. LOL From surgery until I hit "goal" it was about 10 months iirc. I was already about 50 Lost when I had my sleeve. I kept losing a little bit after and maintained my weight until about a year ago when my knees said no mas!!! I have to battle back, harder and mentally stronger than ever before but I'm definitely up for the challenge. I CAN DO THIS!!

I have lost 10 lbs. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I also was sleeved on the 11th and i can't do the protein shakes they make me sick to my stomach. I did however try the Special K protein drinks and can tolerate them better the down side is they only have 10 grams of protein in them.

It took me a long time to go down a size too. If you are like I was when I started, in the plus sizes, there is a BIG gap between sizes. The difference between a 22 and a 24 is a lot more than the difference between an 8 and a 10. Also, if you are like me, you were probably straining the upper end of that size you were wearing pre-op.

I finally got a surgery date, after extreme stress for the past few years. My mom passed away on Mother's Day and I flew in from out of state just in time to be with her. We had a very rough past few years losing both of my brothers, one to cancer and one quite suddenly. This threw my mom into a deep depression and dementia that got progressively worse. Trying to deal with it from another state was very hard and she didn't want any help. I got through losing my younger brother but my older brother really crushed me. I have no other siblings. Now, my husband has prostate cancer that spread to his pelvic bone. Our lives have changed forever. As long as the meds they put him on work, he can live for another 10 or more years. He has started hormone pills as that is the best treatment to keep the Testosterone down. I pray it works as my entire immediate family is gone and I'm terrified of being alone and living without him. His moods are up and down and everyone tells me I have to be strong for him, but I'm not sure I have much strength left! He wants me to go through with the surgery and of course I am, but I have so many other things on my mind. Sorry for venting so much. I am really lonely and scared, but need to do this for myself. I'm hoping it will turn my life around. My husband is trying to prepare me for a life without him and after 33 years of marriage and working so hard toward our retirement plans, I wonder what our future is. My pre-op is Oct. 10 and my surgery is Oct. 23rd. We should know by then if the hormone pills are helping. I hope all the stress I'm under doesn't effect my recovery.

Totally discouraged at the moment... Received a Realize Band on 2/4/08. Waited 6 weeks for my first fill of 3 cc. After another 3 weeks, I went in for an additional fill because I felt I was eating too much. Received an additional 1.5cc. That worked for about a week until I tried some very well chewed steak. After throwing that up, I haven't been able to get my tummy to settle down. Nothing goes down well. I went 10 days throwing up daily. The dr. removed 1.5cc yesterday in an effort to help me consume liquids, but as of yet, I haven't noticed much of a change. It feels like I swallowed a baseball, yet the lower part of my stomach is VERY hungry. Has anyone else experienced extreme irritation? How long does it take to calm back down? The dr. wants an upper GI in 2 days and the thought of that has me cringing. Need your insight!!

I also had my surgery 2/19. I have been wanting to eat- and now thinking of all the food, I may never have a chance to eat again. I do want to be healthy . wish I could have it both ways

I started in September 2014. I also had to go through psych eval, testing, RN meetings, Surgical consult, a 6 month diet period and see a nutritionist once a month. I had an Endoscopy, and a month long wait for approval from insurance. 9 months or so. plus a 10 day liquid pre-op diet. I finally have surgery on May 20th. I am so excited!