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Yes I would say I am in the green zone. I also have an appointment with an oncologist tomorrow to see if there's a reason why I'm not losing more weight. I eat less than 1200 calories a day and exercise an hour 7 days a week and I am in a major stall.

How are you feeling what is your progress SW 216 CW 180 Feeling great just started boot camp to see if adding more workout I can get out this two month stall.

I am 7 years out from the Gastric by pass surgery. I have always been fanatical about taking my multivitamin supplements. Originally I didn't it was important to take iron supplements since I was in menopause and felt I was always healthy and never had any iron issues. Well it was approximately 2 years after surgery when I found myself anemic. My doctor did a ferritin (iron) check and found it to be 11 with the low end of normal being 20. Therefore I found myself starting out taking 30mg of iron a day. Three months later they checked the ferritin and it dropped to 9 even though i was taking the supplement . I ended up doubling it to 60, but 3 months later, it was still only 14 slightly higher but not in the range. Fast forward to the present, I now take 120 mg of iron a day and my ferritin level is at approx. remains at approximately 60. It took approximately 1 1/2 years to get my iron in the normal range, but to feel better and lively and not so tired, it is a good ideal to have the iron level at at least 50. My suggestion is to stay on top of it from the beginning.

Went to see surgeon today for 6 week check up. I am on stage 5 foods, sooo happy. Lost 7 pounds in 4 weeks. A little disappointed but she assures me its OK, that the sleeve is a slow steady tool rather than a drop fast tool. Every thing was good and I am cleared for exercise. Even got a script for obese physical therapy. Private trainer. Water exercise training program. Paid for by my insurance.. So it was a good day...

(Note from Pam: I, of course, did NOT write this, seeing as how I live in BRAZORIA county. However, I do intend to follow some of the advice given in the future. I am particularly interested in the swimming pool!!) (P.S. Pray, Saints! Pray!!) Hurricane Season in Galveston County To: ex-Galveston Countians, present Galveston Countians, and future Galveston Countians or those who know a Galveston Countian: We're about to enter the peak of the hurricane season, which starts June 1 and ends November 30. Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed. Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Galveston County. If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.'' Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan: STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled Water to last your family for at least three days. STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car. STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Galveston County. We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items: HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska. Unfortunately, if your home is located in Galveston County, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Alicia, I have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys. SHUTTERS: Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages: Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off. Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December. Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them. 'Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska. 'Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc.; you should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles. EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says you live in anywhere in Galveston County you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely. HURRICANE SUPPLIES: If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Galveston County tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies: 23 flashlights. At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes out, to be the wrong size for the flashlights. Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for. But it's traditional, so GET some!) A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant. A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.) A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Alicia; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.) $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth. Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean. Good luck and remember: It's great living in paradise! Those of you who aren't here yet, you should come. Really!

I am 5 weeks out Monday. Until a few days ago, my stomach was 2.5 inches bigger than it was pre-surgery. The swelling takes a long time to go down. It's still 1 inch bigger, (though the sides of my stomach went down so much. You have a drain. The drain tube is pretty long on the outside and on the inside. That adds weight too. I know you feel disappointed but you still are smaller than if you didn't have surgery. I can visibly see that my stomach is still swollen. They cut your tummy in 1/2 and added titanium staples...the swelling is big inside your tummy and outside your tummy so that is going to take a while to go down. When you start feeling like you aren't progressing, start measuring yourself. It does come down. At 9 days post-op is when the emotional turmoil comes into play. Not sure why it happens, but it seems to happen to everyone. I cried for no real reason, it's part of it. Some people say it's the medication leaving your system, some say that as fat starts burning, it releases stored hormones in your fat cells. Whatever the reason it happens. Cut yourself some slack, as long as you are doing what you are suppose to be doing the weight will come off. Best wishes.

I don't get fills early in day when I am tighter. That does make it very tight in mornings when I first get up. Have to be careful for first meal. I don't eat for three hours before fill.

Sometimes you can have restriction like what you are explaining and other time you don't. In my case I could easily eat a normal portioned meal so I needed a fill. Sounds like you are still early in the healing stage and may have some swelling which feels like restriction. I would be curious if you have the same level of restriction in a few weeks. Glad you are doing well. I love my band.

I had a couple that poked out. However, as a medical professional, I know that the skin has mostly healed 2 weeks post op. So, I gently tugged on the sutures that were poking out and they came away easily. It looks gross, but you don't really feel anything. If you gently tug and they do NOT come away easily, then cover them with a band-aid until you see your doc again and let him take care of them. The only thing covering them with band-aids does is keep them from catching on things and driving you nuts. Also ... change the band-aids daily so that you don't create an issue for yourself with yucky band-aids.

ok, so I have had a crappy few days, maybe even a couple of weeks, so it has been super hard for me to find the positive lately. But, today I was shaving, and this is going to sound so dumb, but I could shave the back of my thighs with ease. It made me smile. :-)

I think I need to stop the once a week weigh in and go to once a month.

I am in the same boat too!! I was sleeved May 9th and have lost 44lbs since surgery, but 99lbs overall. I am very close to my goal and find it very hard to lose now. I have lost 1lb in 3 weeks!!! I use myfitnesspal.com faitfully daily and I exercise!! I am just a little over 3 months out and feel like I will never get there at this rate. I don't know if it is because I have such a small amount to go that it is harder, but I can tell you that is sucks! I don't eat bad carbs at all and the only carbs that I do eat are from fruits and veggies. I have not eaten bread, rice, pasta, etc. since before surgery, so I know it is not that. I also have not had any sweets. They scare me with others saying they get sick!! I follow my rules of protein, protein, protein. I just don't get it! UGHHH!!! Kelly

Well DUH! I just saw the "NAME" of your post...guess if I had a brain I'd realize you'd been banded 3 days! Diarrhea is common post op; partly anesthesia, partly the fact that liquid in/liquid out holds true. If you're worried about it call your doc tomorrow; and honestly a week is a good time to "recover" so if you can put off going back to work for another day or two, then good for you! And Mrs. Mink...you should call your doc. Opiate pain meds can constipate but even on liquids SOMETHING should be moving through. You seriously want to catch it EARLY. Call your doc tomorrow and see if he/she thinks you need a prescription or OTC med to get things moving. Don't wait.

i am british and had my band surgery in belguim and now living in the u.s.a , yes i travel !! my husband is military and i go were he goes.... and the short answer to getting fills is it's been a headache. i had a bioring band put in thats not f.d.a approved and i now have to go to mexico at the end of the week to get a fill, as none of the u.s doctors will touch me. its crazy as i don't think theres any difference on the band except the name, and because of this this i am a self pay and its going to cost me a small fortune just to get a fill but i need one so bad.. i have been a whole year with no weight loss as it was not at the sweet point before i had to leave germany and come to the states, i am really scared to go all that way and get told somethings wrong but i need it looked at and i am looking on the dark side a bit i know but nobody on here has ever gone this long without a fill and a check but it was just the position i was put in . fill 24th feb fingers crossed !!!

I'm so excited and beyond thankful. I'm waiting to receive the "Questionnaire" by mail from the Surgeon I am hopefully going to use (Dr.Woodhead) so that I can set up my consultation. I would love to actually get the surgery done this year but I do not think that will be a possibility for a couple of reasons: 1) I am having my tonsils out next month and I'm sure my body will need to have proper recovery period as I do not want to risk anything. 2) I will have to take the week off work as vacation time and I do not have any until next January that I can take that would be enough to cover it. Now I just have to get my brain on track to stop EATING CRAP food. Seriously, what's my problem I'm like I want to lose weight this sucks, mmmmm Cookies. *slaps self*

How long ago did you have surgery? Wow 25 lbs. already??? What are you eating on a daily basis...love to know. I'm at 2 weeks and only 15!!! wonder why such a difference. Are you counting from the surgery day or from last weighed before surgery? I lost 10 lbs. on the no starch diet the week before the surgery...so my total since then is 26lbs...we e at the same place, love to keep in touch on this journey. Thanks Diva girl!

It’s the weight loss cycle. Lose then stall. Lose then stall. Some people will say to increase your calories or increase your activity to break it. I just stuck to my plan & the stall broke. This won’t be your only stall. Some last a week others may last three weeks. They’re just your body taking a breath to catch up on all the changes. You will start to lose again.

I have had a stall for 6 weeks and it’s depressing me I lost 54 pounds in 5 months is that good?

This is what happens to mostly everyone after surgery. I used to get so aggravated. I would lose, then be in a stall for sometimes 3-4 weeks at a time. If you keep doing what your supposed to, you will see it come off again. Just be patient. I know it sucks. I used to get so upset.

Wow you look great! The slide show was awesome! (I can actually say it brought a tear to my eye!) From the first pictures to the most current ones, you looked sad in the beginning, but went to happy, beautiful and thin! And your family members are beautiful as well! Oh yeah, and you look much younger now too! Keep up the good work. I'm just starting out (banded 6 weeks ago) and you are such an inspiration to me! You are a beautiful woman! I'm glad that you can see that now! I'm sure you were always a beautiful woman, but now the outside matches the inside! Congratulations!

I too had the Mirena and was surprised when I bled for the first few weeks. It was light, but I usually didn't get a period. That being said, this January (1 yr. post-sleeve) I started bleeding again and found out I had a large fibroid that led to a hysterectomy. Most ob/gyn's will tell you if you are bleeding in a way that is abnormal for you, you should get it checked out because it is a sign of uterine or ovarian cancer. Luckily for me it was neither. I know it is very expensive, but peace of mind and assurance that you are healthy is very important!

Not really a question but I did want to share my experience. After surgery I was definitely swollen on the side of my stomach where my port had been from my previous lap band. After about a week or so I started walking outside quite a bit and decided to just get in the pool to cool off. No swimming, just get in, cool off, and get out. When I got out I noticed that I had black stuff oozing from my largest incision site. Over the course of about 5 days I oozed quite a bit of black blood and filled several paper towels and gauze Patches. I talked to my doctor's office and they wanted me to let it ooze as much as it wanted. It was not puss and it didn't smell so they didn't seem overly concerned with it. Now all of my swelling is down and the incision has stopped oozing. It was a little freaky at first to be sitting with a wad of paper towels against your stomach and realize they are filled with black blood. I wanted to share my story in case it happens to anyone else. Everything seems fine now and I feel better.

One month has passed since my last post, and I've calmed down and regrouped, I have my last two appointments this week. Once I get those over with my doctor should be able to submit the paperwork. It seems opposite of what is usually done but maybe it's because there are two insurances to go through. one won't pay for the band but will pay for tests and consults. Whatever, I will go with the flow... can't wait for the week to be over!!

One month has passed since my last post, and I've calmed down and regrouped, I have my last two appointments this week. Once I get those over with my doctor should be able to submit the paperwork. It seems opposite of what is usually done but maybe it's because there are two insurances to go through. one won't pay for the band but will pay for tests and consults. Whatever, I will go with the flow... can't wait for the week to be over!!:confused: