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Hey brownsugar ~ I have an appointment on the 15th too I had my first fill on 12/01, so this is a follow up appointment. I feel restriction now, but I wish I even felt more, so I may ask them to give me a little more. Good luck with your first fill ~ it was way easier than I thought it would be.

Well hello everyone. Buttercup, I had alot of questions about the surgery too before hand. Since the surgery (which has been 3 weeks now) Yeah!!! I would be lying if I say the first week was rough for me after surgery. If you look at my posts you will see I ended up with extreme pains due to air left in band after surgery. But honestly, The 5th day when i could not take it anymore, I called the office and they fit me right in.! I just want you to know that when dr. snyder and his staff say they are there for you before and after surgery THEY ARE. I have had to call Dr. snyder on the saturday after surgery and he answered and helped me through the nausea with sending a prescription within 10 minutes. I personally think that means alot for your surgeon to take that much time and care for his patients. That was one of the things that attracted me to dr snyder. I was orginally scheduled to have lapband with another doctor and could never get a call back. So that was it for me. If they couldnt get it together before my case then what would happen if something went wrong. So definitely research your surgeon. I have looked on this site and others and that doctor has a bad followup care. After saying all that Dr. snyder was everything that I was looking for and I never went back to the other office. I knew 2 people that had surgery with Dr. Snyder one was a bypass and one lapband. It has been a huge difference in my life. The lapband is wonderful! I have only had it 3 weeks but I love it so far. Surgery was good. I was proably in pain for like a complete week. I still have pains in my shoulder but its bearable. I am back to work. Although I am on a weight restriction as far as work. But you ask would I do this again? As of right now DEFINITELY!!!!! I feel my life coming back 100%. I feel better all the way around. Since sugery I have lost 15 pounds. i know its not tons of weight but its 15pounds less than 3 weeks ago.! If you have any questions or you want to pm me. I'm always here. Good luck to you, you will do great!!!!

Need some help on what to do to insure acceptance, from someone who has already recieved approval from them. I'm scheduled to go to a Free Info night at Lehigh Valley Hospital on July 10 to get started. Any info on what to do would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hey ladies I was sleeved feb18. I am on purée and liquids. I have licked 10 Cheetos. I was like a mad woman...smh

I can totally relate...my consult with the bariatric doctor was on 9/16 and my surgery is already scheduled for this monday, 10/13. My insurance doesn't cover any of the surgery so I think that may have expedited the surgery date. The first thing I did was purchase the pre and post op bariatric advantage lapband protein and vitamin supplements as well as some of the profect protein "shots". They are really weird looking and the fruit punch one I have tried tastes like really bad cough medicine :tt1:. If you feel that it's too rushed, then talk to the surgery team about pushing it back a few weeks if you have to....remember that this is YOUR journey and don't feel forced into a date just because they can schedule you. There's a lot to do before the surgery (getting clearance from your primary care doctor, lots of blood work, your psych clearance, ekg, etc.) and it can be really hard to manage it all if you are working. I don't know about others, but you may want to consider taking a few 1/2 days off of work before the surgery to get it all done. Hang in there and I wish you the best:thumbup:

I'm down over 40 and even though my current clothes are loose, the next size down is still a bit tight. I'm hoping if 5 or 10 more lbs I'll be down a size---finally! Mary

Just a reminder - if you click on any of the numbers in the poll, it brings up the list of who voted in which area . . . kinda fun too! I THINK I get my second fill today . . . wahoo! I'm ready for a little tweek to add to my 1.5 cc in my 10 cc band lol. Have a great day everyone! Chris

I believe it's just like any time anyone loses. The closer are to your perfect weight goal the slower it comes off. We all know how hard it is to lose the last dreaded 10 pounds.. meaning the less weight you have on your body the harder your body tries to hold on to it. Hence low bmi'ers loses slower

Seriously? Wearing a too-tight girdle that makes you throw up is a viable solution for weight maintenance after WLS? Well, if that doesn't wind up working for you, you could wear a chastity belt with an hook that pokes you in the stomach. Or you could wear a full coat of armor that's a size too small. Or you could lock a full-face helmet onto your head without any opening to your mouth. Or you could find an old Iron lung and move into it with only your head sticking out and no way to feed yourself. Seriously ... if you lost 10 pounds in a month because you didn't work out, it's likely that most of that weight loss was muscle mass.

I did a lot of research before surgery on long term side effects of cancer and ulcer gastrectomy patients. The nutritional deficits they were seeing manifested themselves 10, 20, even 30 years out. Iron was the first one to show up, then B12, and vitamin D. Between 10 and 20 years after a partial or total gastrectomy, up to 90% of patients had deficiencies with women being more affected than men. This really raised the red flag for me on just his important it is to continue supplements and get annual bloodwork.

I have always been on a diet. I just knew Jenny Craig ( w.w., atkins, etc) would save me from my chubby hell. I've been doing Jenny for three years...off....and on and off...and so on. I've successfully lost 20 pounds each time...then some vacation or stressful life-moment comes along and I'd be gaining it back...and then falling off the wagon completely and giving my frame more pounds to shed before an eventual "Monday" would find me back at the Jenny Craig center weighing in another "record high!" I had had enough. A friend told me she was banded recently and she told me of her success. I started doing research. I asked my husband to help me research having Insurance pay. We researched for two months and they would not pay. Once we came to the conclusion to self-pay, I made an appointment to get the pre-op appointments over with. Thankfully they were to be done in one day....but that day was two weeks away! For those two months and two weeks, I had many last suppers. My husband and I love to go out to eat so he was sweetly concerned that I wouldn't be able to ever have such'n'such again. I was anxious about my last supper syndrome ( I even posted here wondering if I was 'normal' too!) and that anxiety seemed to exacerbate it. I was so thankful to get on my pre-op diet. It was like a freedom that my doctor gave me to finally pull in the reins. To do it all over again? Hell, I'd love to say I would start my diet sooner, or try to 'watch' it until my banding date...but I bet I wouldn't do it... I'm a pro-dieter after this many years and the rules strictly state that in order to have a "monday" in which to start said diet, then there must be a Sunday night of "preparing" with the ceremonial last supper...If said Sunday preparation lapses past 11:59, it is considered Monday. Therefore, we must take all week and prepare better for next Monday when diet officially starts. hehe Let me tell ya...those two weeks before I started my pre-op diet were a lot of 'lasts.' Beer, Movie popcorn, Beer, soda, Champagne, thai food, Beer, sushi. In those two months and those anxious two weeks, I'm sure I put on 20 pounds. I shed the necessary 10 for the two week pre-op diet ( minimul cheating!) and am coming down now still on the two week post op liquid diet ( btw, not as bad as I thought it would be!). So, the lesson? I wouldn't have those 20 "extra" pounds to shed if I would have pulled the reigns in on myself. Very logical. Did I read this from other banders during my research process? yes. Could I have figured this out on my own? yes. Did it change anything? evidently not silly pants! 2 week pre-op diet, 2 week post op liquid diet, 2 week mushie diet, 2 week trial banded-but unrestricted diet, 1st fill...end of last diet I will ever be on. The rest is regulated portion sizes and I think it's going to work for me. I'm not bitter for those last suppers, I'm more excited about not thinking food is such a big deal anymore. If anything will do that, it's a pre-op diet followed by a couple of weeks of liquids! OK, this post was MUCH bigger than I meant it to be. I musta had last 'comment' syndrome! ha! wow...must be late too...it's all these liquids too...making my mind "mushie" ha ha ha....gawd..I need help!

hey mrs w I gained 45lbs ????...had my daughter on September 27th hate it feeling depressed sometimes but all my children I gain alot of weight but didn't eat much lost 10 but I had to get Water pills cuz I had a lot of Fluid on me Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

=== UPDATE ON DAY 2 === Okay, are you guys ready for my Day 2 update? I wanted to write this based on my experience. I don't want to make people think that it's going to be easy. But I don't want people also to think that it's going to be so hard that you won't be able to do it. Here's a recap of yesterday for me: 7:00 AM, woke up with a bit of stomach pain, took some pain meds. Walked around the house a bit (my house is tiny so it takes about a good 3 mins to walk the entire house!) Did about 5 rounds inside the hosue. I feel okay, not groggy or anything. So I started doing something I don't normally do, I clean the work room! I organized some documents. My husband asked if I would like to go for a walk, I told him we can do it after I'm done cleaning up. 8:00 - started drinking Protein shake. Took me about 45 mins to finish the 11 Oz. ** Straws are your best friends, whatever you drink, use a straw... it will help you control the amount of liquid you will be taking in at one time. Don't use straw for a hot liquid though....** 8:55 - took the doggies out for a walk. Yesterday my hubby actually hold both dogs, today he lets me hold one of them (not the puller ofcourse...). We walked for about 30 mins. **This gonna sound weird but I'll just write it because they mentioned in on the discharge paper, I finally pass some gas.. woo hoo!** Once I got home, I felt a bit funny. Turned out that since I went for a walk without sunscreen/sunglasses/hat, I ended up with a slight sunburn on my face! This sucks! 10:00 - started playing around online. Wrote an E-mail to my little sis and my parents. Letting them know that I'm doing well. No need to worry about me. You know how the internet just totally consume all your time. I looked at the clock, it was already 12:30... yikes! time for my meds again... 12:45 - took the meds. Walk around a bit, did the breathing exercise, feet exercise. Decided to try taking a shower (with my back towards the shower head). Felt a bit better after the shower. Hubby said he will take me to the mall just to walk around. Decided to sip on another Protein Shake. 2:00 - Hubby had to get some work done over the phone. We finally leave the house at 2 PM. The Sunburn is now totally getting to me. We had to stop by at Target to get a thermometer just to make sure that i'm not running a fever or anything like that. My throat is also bugging me, I'm beginning to lose my voice, so we picked up some sugar free chloraseptic lozenges also. Then we stopped at PetCo, got some treats for my doggies (They have been a very good walking buddies..) Then we headed to the mall. * I did have a couple of coughs, trust me, carry a pillow with you, you will need it! Just hug it tight, curl up your legs a bit, then do a control cough...* 2:45 - Hubby needed to eat, so we stopped by at the food court. I was watching him eat with no problem. No hunger, nothing. I did take a bottle of Protein Water (Kellogg Protein powder, 5 G of protein 30 cal) with me to the mall, so I could take a sip once in a while. We stayed at the mall for about 90 mins. Then we decided to head home. out of the 90 mins, I would say I got about 45 mins of the good-pace walk. 4:45 - took another dose of pain meds. Tried to take a nap but my husband snored too loud, I couldn't. So I stayed up, surf the net some more. 6:15 - The whole family (2 humans & 2 doggies) headed over my my in-laws house. My MIL made a really good Soup with vegetable and 98% fat free turkey. She use a fat strainer to strained all the fats out. I had about 10 Tablespoons and just couldn't eat anymore. Walked around the pool for about 10 mins, came back in, sip a bit of the protein water. had about 4 more spoons of soup. Sit and talk. 8:00 - We went out for another walk with my Inlaws and doggies. Since I've been coughing a lot more today, my stomach was hurting a bit. So I put a small towel under my jacket and hold on to it while I was walking. **when you walk, take deep breath, breath in and out slowly. It's now about how fast you walk, you are trying to improve your circulation and also exercising your lungs** 8:30 - Got back to my Inlaws house. Tried to eat another 3-4 spoons on soup. Then just had to stop, feel really stuff. *I've been burping a lot though, i figure that's another way for the gas to come out...* 8:45 - took another dose of pain meds. Then had about 15 mins nap on Inlaw's couch. 9:30 - headed home. Logged on to LBt a bit, then I decided to do a little experiment. Since I'm feeling stuffed and bloated, I decided to take 2 Strips of gas-X. It helped! Well after about 15 mins of taking that, I started passing gas. 12:00 - took another dose of pain meds, went to the restroom, then go to sleep. So i don't know, maybe my symptoms just showing up a bit later than others. I didn't start passing gass until the 2nd days. Out of 5 incisions, the big one (I think it's the band entry) hurts the most, others I can't even feel it. I had a bit of bruising. I had more pain onthe second day than the first day, but I think that could be because I'm worked myself a bit too hard. My throat hurts and I'm losing my voice. Bad sunburn, but that's my fault. I would still say, The recovery for me isn't that bad. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I know my writing might be a bit confusing, so just ask away! Take care everyone! Happy Recovering!

Here’s my plan for getting in all my meds and supplements. I plan to remove several of these down the road, but for now, this is my plan. Input is appreciated. 2-4 AM Levothyroxine (thyroid meds prescription) This works for me because I ALWAYS have to use the restroom after midnight. 6 AM or rising 1 multi 2 calcium Prescription meds for hypertension D with D3 Biotin Zinc D2 – Sunday only prescription 8-9 AM B12 sublingual B complex Folic acid 5-6 PM 1 multi 2 calcium 9-10 PM – Iron - VitronC

Here's my progression on weight so far: Weight 1/5/15: 301 1/14/15: 299 (start pre-op) 1/20/15: 290 1/26/15: 286 (start broth only) 1/27/15: 284 1/29/15: 290 (day after surgery) 2/2/15: 276 (day after getting home) 2/5/15: 273 (one week after surgery) 2/7/15: 270 2/9/15: 268 2/12/15: 265 2/15/15: 265 2/16/15: 262 2/18/15: 261 2/21/15: 259 2/23/15: 256 2/26/15: 255 2/28/15: 254 3/2/15: 253 3/3/15: 252 3/5/15: 251 3/6/15: 250 3/8/15: 249 3/11/15: 248 3/16/15: 248 3/17/15: 247 3/19/15: 245 3/21/15: 243 3/24/15: 242 4/3/15: 237 4/9/15: 235 My goal weight is 200 lbs.

10:30am! Good luck!!!!

While everyone is a different, I would strongly suggest doing a bit more research before making such a drastic change to your body. You will still need to manage your weight and watch what you eat to be successful and healthy. I am also a "lightweight" (BMI was 33) and have fought being overweight my entire life - a lot of it is genetics. My immediate family is all morbidly obese & I could see the future ahead of me with increasing numbers in the "bad" lab categories. My final wake-up call was when my dad passed away from obesity-related complications last year. If you look at the stats and see that VSG is for you, then by all means, have the surgery. We will be here to support you. As far as your questions, I have put my answers below. However, I am only 3 weeks out so hopefully some long-timers can address them as well: Has anyone had a relatively low BMI (30-31) with only 50 lbs to lose and been successful? How fast did you lose the weight? I have lost 18 pounds in 3 weeks. First week was 10 and 8 in the following 2 weeks. Were all of the side effects after the surgery worth it? For me yes - this surgery is keeping me from following my genetic path of any early death or being around to see my kids have grandchildren. Is there anyone who has had it for a while and regrets it? Can't answer that one past the 3 weeks. But for me, no regrets. Is it possible that with a starting low BMI you can not lose enough weight because the VSG causes you to eat too little? I think everyone slows down as they get close to goal. I don't expect to lose 30+ pounds my first month or two. But, time will tell how I really do. I hope this helps. Let us know what you decide to do.

It does! I'm 21 days post op today, stalled for the last 10 days, and lo and behold it broke this morning. Lost two pounds. So hang in there!

@@tomi71, hi there... My name is Stacey and I also suffer from depression.. I think it might be natral for the most of us.. My surgery is not until January 17 I have been a liquid diet for 10 days and with that I've found I'm also a food addict, many emotions have flooded my mind and heart... Just as soon as I think it's to much for me to handle, it's a success! I've overcome another hurdle. I thank HeavenlyFather's grace ❤️ I've been on 40 mg of Celexa for the last six years and the last couple of months I've 1/2'd my dosage in hopes A month or so after surgery I won't need them anymore.. They say to physical exercise is the best anti-depressant ever, I'm going to walk my butt off..! My nephew also has Asperger's and I think that makes u even more special???? I'm here for u! -Stacey

Out of all the classes they have us go through, NONE focus on the pain! I really think there should be a passion management class for us! It does get better. It may still get worse for a little bit! I think the gas pains are brutal! We are all here for you so hang in there! Jess...Surgiversary 9/19/12

I weigh myself most mornings, nekkid, after peeing. Usually first thing after I get up. When I hit a rough stall, I won't do it every single day. I assess whether it is doing more harm than good and decide accordingly. But, I only "count" the weight that is on the anniversary of my surgery. I track all the weights in Baritastic, but the official weight in my weekly spreadsheet is Monday's weight (or Tuesday if I am out of town that weekend). Every day is not for everyone, but I find it helps keep me on target. And, back in the olden days when I didn't weigh daily I would go off the deep end and then gain 10 lbs or whatever it would be. I'm not concerned about doing that now, but I'm trying to prepare myself for the long term and what I know helps keep me honest. It's a very personal decision, since we are all wired differently.

Thanks for starting this thread..I was banded on July 19. I'm doing fine other than the The pain I have been experiencing since day one. My port is on the left side, left of the belly button. I'm sure it is a small port, but it feels like a small saucer. When I bend over of move, it is painful. I have a high pain tolerance, but his is ridiculous . I won't be able to do much exercise in this Kind of discomfort. My last appointment is Wednesday. Then I'm on to regular foods. So if I can't convince him how bad this feels, I don't know what to do... Please , I anyone out here can help me, please tell me what to do.. Thanks so much, Bandit 31

I'm 7.5 years out. I have gained back about 25 pounds and just started the 10 day pouch reset diet. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have my psych evaluation the end of this month, still need clearance from my PCP and an Upper GI, before meeting again with my surgeon on 10/2. Once that's done then we can schedule, which can be as soon as 2 wks after that. Fingers crossed! Oh and my NUT meeting, too!

Georgia, you said it best! Fat brain still reigns over me! I still think I need to shop in the plus section, and find it foreign to shop in Misses...I'm a size 6 M/S. It funny how we get so used to the way things are/have been and how it takes us so long to adapt. Whenever I try clothes on, I always get a 6,8 and 10, because my Fat Brain says 'A 6 is WAY too SMALL!', guess what, it never is! It's the same way when I go grocery shopping, or cook, or go out and order food at a restaurant. My Fat brain says 'you need MORE' 'That portion is WAY too SMALL!', guess what? I usually have TONS of left-over...I'm almost a year and a half out, am still losing, and still have a VERY Fat brain! Just ignore it, it may never go away, but your body knows better! Congrats on your loss so far!