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In three months you could be a size 8 or 10. Wait until 2 weeks before the wedding and have it altered by a professional. Most of the bridal stores will insist you do it sooner. But find a privately owned business and make the appointment way ahead of time and explain that you are losing weight and want to wait to have it altered till just before you need to wear it.

@@The Candidate wait, wait, wait for me i wanted to hold your hand for support sorry i missed ya you have been such a wonderful pre-op "candidate" this past year on to bigger and better things you'll be getting smarter and cuter as every successful day passes look at me as of 12:01 you will have officially arrived to sleeveland we might be neighbors - that would be wonderful ahhhh, i can dream anxious to hear how you are feeling remember you still owe me that 20 bucks you "might" hurt a bit immediately after surgery but remember, in a few weeks there will be "less" and "less" of you that can hurt holding my Water glass up high wishing you the best towards a healthier, happier, longer life who deserves it more speedy, uneventful recovery fingers and toes crossed good luck my friend kathy

I'm also getting sleeved on 11/10! I have a two week "liquid" diet prior to surgery. I'm supposed to replace all meals with a Protein shake, but I can also have really thinned out oatmeal and cream of wheat, strained 98% fat free cream based Soups, sugar free applesauce, sugar free pudding and sugar free popsicles. Bad thing is I have to start the last day of a trip I'm going on in a week and a half! That should be fun!!

Me too! My date is 10/11/12 - next week, already! The way I'm trying to "unscare" myself is this rationalization- the odds of the same horror story happening again (sorry for the people who do have complications, of course!) are slim. So....why keep "going there". In reality, as far as obesity related deaths, etc. I just found out I have severe sleep apnea (I thought it was harmones-menopause, etc. And asthma/allergies) I could die or have a stroke anygiven night! So..... I need to try to be excited not terrified (a fine line separates)! Good luck, everyone!

I have Anthem BC CA had surgery recently luckily my out of pocket is only $1000, + $250 deductable AND 10% CO PAY I owe the hosp $600, put had to pay 10% before admission which was about $300 so should only owe about $300. My group ha a program fee for after surgery which was $3500 and had to pay that up front not covered by BC so toatl cost of lapband to me about $4800

I am in Melbourne Australia. I had my surgery last Monday 12th November (afternoon surgery) in recovery by 4.45pm, back to my room by around 8.15 ( purely because of busy staff and time) I was attached to my "best friend" morphine button, relief on demand... Oh wow, what a wonderful thing. Every time I could feel the deferred shoulder pain start to emerge, I push the button - almost instant relief! Day 2 (Tuesday) still on saline drip for fluids, having trouble taking anything, even water, so ice cubes were it. I was up and walking first thing, feeling not to badly, Until my breaky tray appeared. This was not good, this was a set back as it made me feel quite nauseous. Anti nausea Medication for this seemed to work a little. Nothing to "eat or drink" for Tuesday. Day 3 (Wednesday) up and about again, still definitely not fussed with the meal trays, but trying harder to get the fluids in via ice blocks and water and flat lemonade, going along ok. The morph button (IV) was removed today, a sad parting, but probably for the best. The shoulder pain was controlled by some IV panadole, not quite as good, but hey, it worked eventually. The IV needle in my wrist area, was quite sore, so it was removed as I still had another IV in further up my arm, that wasn't being used. This one would not flush clear, so it was also removed. HOORAY, I was free!!!! Wednesday night was a "nightmare" in my room, so much noise from the staff and incoming new patients (at 11-35PM!!) the rest of the night, I was in a very disturbed sleep. Day 4 ( Thursday) My doctor was in quite early on this day, suggesting I could go home! THIS WAS MUSIC TO MY EARS!! I was originally told it would prob be Friday! I was out of there by 9.45am , on my way home! Trying to keep up my fluids, resting ( in a quiet environment) was going well. I tried the solvable panadole, but just couldn't get it down. So I used a heat pack to relieve the shoulder pain when it happened. No more pain relief. Getting in more fluids each day. Sleeping better. I was on the road to recovery. Day 5 (Friday) Today, I had some very watery soup, - a full cup, sipped from a teaspoon over the course of the whole day. I never felt hungry at any time. Fluids going in much better today. Shoulder pain subsiding. Headaches disappearing, as I was more hydrated. Day 6 (Saturday) much the same as Friday, only, I able to get more fluids in. Flat lemonade, cup of tea and today I vitamised a can if chicken and veg soup, which I watered down with boiling water. This went down well. Any soups or heavier fluids I am taking, do take me forever to get down, but that doesn't bother me. I'm just happy to be able to do this without any bad affects. Oh and I also started to have frosty fruit icy poles today too, these are good! Day 7 (Sunday) one week down and 3kgs (approx 6.6lbs) down, since my surgery. Total lost since I saw my doctor to book this date (9th oct 2012) - 10 kgs (22lbs) ... No need for painkillers ! I AM VERY HAPPY with how this is going! LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE, TO HAVE A LONG AND HEALTHY ONE, to enjoy my beautiful granddaughter and family. This was a very good decision to make.

Sounds like you are right on track to me... You can still have ad Jello, pudding, or Popsicles if you want. I wouldn't say I had pain 19 days out but def uncomfortableness.... At about 4 wls out I started to feel half normal and at about 6 wks out I started to get more energy back and the depression began to go away when I had more energy. Rest as much as you can! It will help!

I was banded on 10/9 and am still on full liquids but I just discovered Progresso chicken cheese Enchilada soup....OMG I love it. It is easy to digest for the full liquid stage but I can imagine it becoming a side for the mushy stage with refried Beans and cheese - or adding it to mashed potatoes would be yummy too - how about using it as a base for building a thicker stew. I love it - it is low carb and high protein!!

Hi Rob I am also from Harford and having surgery 1/19 at GBMC. Have you attended any support group sessions since your surgery?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am going to GBMC now. I just had my second visit earlier this month. I also have my psych exam scheduled for May 10. I'm extremely excited Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm nearly 4 months out, so still a newb, but I had the same concerns you did, so I thought I'd chime in on my experience thus far. I started back running at 6 weeks post-op. Around 2-2/12 months I was back to my pre-surgery lifting weight. At first I felt off...little dizzy, weak, just not 100%, or even 75%. However, with each week it got better and I listened to my body vs. pushing through. Around 10 weeks post-op I started to feel much better. I'm running farther and faster than I have in over a decade. I am trying to figure when/what to eat before an intense workout because I now get nauseated and heart burn easier.

I was given heparin injections before surgery and while in the hospital, but did not get the Lovenox injections for two weeks after, like some of you have related. For any future major operations (and I hope there are not!) it will be something to definitely bring up! I wonder if the fact that I have varicose veins increased by risk. And maybe that I am older - 63? Who knows. Just glad it is resolving. Just got 11,000 steps and 10 flights of stairs in!

http://www.rundisney.com/disneyland-half-marathon/registration/ Runners Race Registration Registration will open for the Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 . Click here to receive a reminder email when registration opens. Disneyland® Half Marathon Disneyland® 10K Dumbo Double Dare Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K runDisney Kids Races Pasta in the Park Party ChEAR Squad Entry Fees and Deadlines Disneyland® Half Marathon $175 by February 19, 2013 $190 between February 20 and April 16, 2013 $205 on or after April 17, 2013 Disneyland® 10K $95 by February 19, 2013 $110 between February 20 and April 16, 2013 $125 on or after April 17, 2013 Dumbo Double Dare $280 by February 19, 2013 $300 between February 20 and April 16, 2013 $320 on or after April 17, 2013 Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K $65 per participant runDisney Kids Races $20 per child Cancellation & Transfer Policy Entry fees for the 2013 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend events are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are unable to attend the Half Marathon or 10K, you may defer your race registration up to one year from the date of the race. Deferral is not available for the 5K or Kids Races. Fees apply. Please email runDisney@disneysports.com for more information. All requests must be received by August 1, 2013. Eligibility Participants for the Disneyland® Half Marathon and Dumbo Double Dare must be 14 years of age or older. Participants for the Disneyland® 10K must be 10 years of age or older. All ages are welcome to compete in the Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K. Each participant must be able to complete the 5K on their own. runDisney Kids Race distances are determined by age group for kids 8 and under. Pacing Requirements 16 minute per mile pace for all athletes in the Half Marathon, 10K and the 5K. The Half Marathon and 10K are timed, while the 5K is not, but all participants must keep to a 16 minute per mile pace to receive a finisher medal. Runners unable to maintain the pace may be picked up at any point along the course and transported to the finish. A training pace of 15-minute per mile pace is recommended

good luck your doing great and each day will be better. Soon you will be able to eat purred food and everything tastes great. I had my surgery may 1st and down 21 pound since pre-op april 19 so very happy with that.

Hi everyone, I am coming to ask all who has been sleeved if my fears are irrational or not normal. did you have these same fears? I am so scared of not waking up after surgery I am scared the surgery wont work. I am scared I will wake up and for whatever reason, come to find out the docs had to stop surgery and I am not sleeved. I am scared that after going thru surgery, my body will just have a major freak out and I will have a heart attack and die or that my body wont like the changed and just give out. I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (heart arrhythmia that causes the heart to quiver instead of beat. It can cause blood to pool in the atria of the heart which rises my chance of stroke by 5 fold. I have an "attack" about once a year. otherwise im fine). my cardiologist has cleared me for surgery. I have zero other health issues. I am 28, and very healthy. im just obese with my a-fib. I have never smoked and my last alcoholic drink I had was when I was 19. (not one word of a lie). for a big person I have oretty good stamina when it comes to exercise also. my cardiologist wrote a clearance letter for my surgeons and anesthesiologists. in the letter is says : "Aliesha's chances for serious perioperative cardiac complication is 1% and her Lee Index for a serious post operative cardiac complication is 0.4% equivalent to low" I know that pretty much sums up that I should be ok for surgery, but I cant help now that surgery is 2 weeks away, be absolutely terrified. TERRIFIED. I just want to live a life where I am healthy, lighter, and free from this prison. But I have to ask..........what is the risk? is it worth it?? Any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you.

I had lost 35 lbs previously on phentermine while doing the lap band process via my surgeon, and I can tell I have probably put 10 of those pounds back on. I did buy new running shoes today (not that they will see the pavement going that fast!) more like walking. I had a talk with them and told them to make sure I am consistent with the walking exercise! My sister called today and is giving me her old treadmill!!! I am just going to have to buckle down and quit thinking about what I won't be able to have once I am banded but what new things I will be able to do once the surgery is over! I have to talk to my self once in a while! LOL:rolleyes:

hI EVERYONE I AM 10 DAYS POST OP AND FOR 2 DAYS NOW I HAVE BEEN EXSPERIENCING THIS TEARING OR RIPPING FEELING NEAR MY PORT AREA. iT WILL OCCURE WHEN I TWIST OR BEND AND FEELS LIKE I HAVE RIPPED SOMETHING INSIDE. i THINK I NOTICED IT WHEN I ALSO NOTICED THE SWELLING GONE DOWN IN MY PORT AREA CUZ MY INSIDES FELT LIKE THEY WERE UNPROTECTED AND BOUNCING AROUND MORE THAN BEFORE, WITHOUT THE SWELLING TO CUSHION THEM. ANYONE KNOW WHAT THIS MIGHT BE? tHANK YOU <><

On the scale of 1 - 10 (1 being nothing and 10 being terrible) I would probably rate it a 7-8 in the hospital. I have low pain tolerance and didn't want the pain meds because it made me sick. However, once the found the right pain med to give me I was in heaven. I was able to walk around and was great. After day 2 I was more of a (5) until about the 5th day. Then I had to go back to school - I'm in Cosmetology school where I work on my feet 8 hours a day and was completely fine. I was probably a (2) but hardly felt it at all. Definitely the pain is temporary. We've all been there for sure. It gets better...even if it doesn't feel like it will. I remember asking, "Is this going to be forever?" but before I knew it, I woke up and was itching to get to the gym! You can do it!! There's no doubt that you can it! Do attend the support meetings, and even watching shows on TV like Extreme Makeover - Weight Loss Edition help. Find as much support you can, and don't forget that you're your own biggest fan. It didn't take a few weeks to put the weight on, so don't forget that it will take more than a few weeks to get the weight off. But I can promise you that the day you buy a smaller pair of jeans, you will never want to give up! Definitely hit me up if you ever feel nervous. That goes for anyone. I can be a great listener. I will listen to your complaints, and your excitements! Good luck to you! You'll all do great!

If you have serious concerns about whether you can get pregnant or not (regardless of what you weigh), you should consult with a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). He can do a series of tests to determine if you and/or your DH have any issues that would cause you problems in becoming and staying pregnant. Yes, ideally, losing 10 pounds would be nice, but I don't think it is absolutely necessary in order to become pregnant. Some OBs are clueless when it comes to fertility issues. They just really know how to treat you once you are pregnant, but don't know how to help you get pregnant. That's what a RE is for. Good luck!

My surgery is on the 10 th too! How are you doing on the diet?

Agreed with Cazzy- do what your doctor says. Just for comparison though ...mine did the first fill 5 weeks after surgery then had me come in every 10 days to 2 weeks, though I think if I wanted one sooner he would.

So I guess this post is really just so I can get some fustration out. Maybe to just get it off my mind for the time being. Let me first start off by saying 44 pounds in 4 months and 19 days I was pretty happy with that up until a few weeks ago.. My daughters great aunt came down from Maryland for a family outing a few week ago, The last time I saw this women I weighed at least 290-300 pounds that was a year ago right I had my sugery at 284. So 44 pounds Ive worked my ass off to lose and she says to me " Well You dont look like youve lost any weight at all".At That Moment My whole world came crashing down around me like some crazy horror movie, and it took everything I had not to burst into a frantic hysterical outburst of tears and pity.( okay well I sorta did when I got home, But i didnt infront of her). Now Im not new to the whole its a slow weight loss, it doesnt happen over night talks. I know this, The reason I opted for lapband was because Im still young and Im hoping when I finally get to where I want to be I might not need drastic amounts of cosmetic surgery, I wanted it to be slow and steady I dont want tons of nasty hanging skin everywhere( I know it will happen anyways, but I have my fingers crossed) I know Im not alone, I know there are a lot of people going through this right now and maybe Im crazy or F'd Up? But the past few weeks my self esteem has bottomed out, for a while I wasnt weighing myself because when the scale didnt move I would get upset so i stopped but lately its become some crazy obsession everytime I see a scale I have to get on it. I stand in front of the mirror and just stare at myself thinking " gross" I look at my arms and stomach and almost cry. I had a fill almost a month ago and ive dropped those last 12 pound and part of me was like " hell yeah amazing job" and the other part of me just thought " oh wow is that all, not good enough" It just seems like Im picking myself apart and because I cant see a change I just get even more depressed. ( I take pictures so I mean I see the change, I just have this image burned in my brain of myself) I see the pictures I see the change but its just not registering? Its hard to find people to talk to about this because all of my friends and family, they dont know the first thing when it comes to something like WLS, I try to explain that its just not registering with me yet, and I get the " You're so crazy, you look amazing and you're doing so great just shut up" Its nice to hear those things, dont get me wrong but its not really what I want to hear if that makes any sense at all. Maybe Im just Broken this week. I attached 2 pictures one is from 4 weeks out and the other is 20 weeks out.. * really loud scream on the inside* So anyone been through this, going through this, any uplifting advice? Sincerly, Bonkers!

10 days of Clear liquids 10 days of full liquids 10-14 days of soft/blended/puréed food Ease back into solids. Backtrack into previous stage for a week if there's an issue with solids.

2 other things that really helped... GAS X. toned down all the gas which causes so much pain when trying to eat, drink, move, blink. COLACE... day 3 once i pooped and tooted d horn life was so much better. Day1-3 were hell, 4 was so-so, today 5- i went for a walk, total 10 blocks, no pain, mild soreness. Good luck, It gets better, hang in there. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

I also lost about 1/3 of my hair, with 3 distinct bald patches. It was quite troubling, but a nearly 100# weight loss (so far) is definitely worth it. I don't think I was getting enough protein for awhile so I increased it plus using special shampoo and biotin supplements. It fell out from about 4-7 months postop...started growing back at about 10-11 months. I'm at 14 months postop now and alot of new hair is coming in. But the strangest thing...I've always had straight hair but it's grown in curly!!! Not kinky or frizzy, but beautiful curls! And I can pull it out straight too. My hairdresser cut a beautiful style and the curls help cover the small bald patches left. Anyone else have their hair grow in different? I've heard of cancer patient's hair growing in differently, but they usually lose it all.