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What's your email and I'll send u photos! One pair are the blinged out and the others are a high end pair! Banded August 28 2012<br />Starting weight 293<br />Day of surgery weight 273<br />Current weight 258<br />Goal weight 160 5ft 10

I am Susana from Dallas. Surgery 02-01. No kids. Married 12 years. Was 360 and hope to get to 160. Long journey but taking baby steps and baby bites!

Howdy. I am Staci from Montana. I am 246 down from 260 about 9 months ago and it wasn't from delivering a child, but sometimes I think I look pregnant. This is where I got the idea for the band. My husband and I had been unable to conceive for a year and instinctivly I knew it was my weight that was making me not ovulate. Sooooo, here I am. My band date is Feb. 12. My insurance is 10% with a max $600 out of pocket and the $300 program fee for the bariatric clinic (total $900). I am 26. I have been married for 2.5 years. My husband and I have guardianship/are raising my 16-year-old brother. I work as a legal secretary for the best insurance company in the whole world in their corporate legal department. I have an associates degree and paralegal certificate. I am in school part time. My major is Business Administration-Information Systems. I AM NUTSO for doing so much at once, but oh well. Nice to meet you all!

Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm 35. I live in rural Kansas, came here from St. Louis (Hi St. Louisans!:rolleyes2:) but I'm originally from northern Utah. My husband's job will have us transferring a couple more times, so who knows where we'll end up. I run a day care from my home and have three kids of my own. My youngest, a boy, is 11 months old and then we have two older girls, ages 7 and 9. I'm having surgery in Denver, CO and I'm really stressed right now because I haven't been officially scheduled. It's supposed to be on February 8th, but the pre-service review approval letter hasn't arrived at the Surgeon's office yet and they can't schedule me until they have it in hand. We did already arrange for my dh to have work off, so if the date has to change it will really be a problem. He's planning on being there for the surgery (not literally) and then being off work for an additional 6 days off. He'll be able to help with our baby and even with the daycare kids if I decide to have them back that soon. I'm blessed to have good insurance that will cover 90% of the surgery. I'm also blessed to have a surgeon who only charges 10K. That helps make my 10% not be so much. I have a BMI of 41, I think, and I weigh about 300 or 302. At 5 ft. 8, I think my goal is 160 lbs, though like many of you have said, I'll be glad with anything significantly less than I am now. I can't wait to see Onederland again. I have a wonderfully supportive husband as well as family and friends. I know this journey won't be easy, but neither is being fat.

I am so glad that you asked this question. I am 10 days post-op and i am soooo thirsty. I have just been sipping, but I feel like I could down a bottle of water without taking a breath.

cons of not having WLS........get bigger to where they would cut me out my housei was well on my way......and dying earlier then i needed too pros of having WLS......better health, mobility, wearing size 14 jeans today (19 months ago they were stretch size 30).......and LIVING.... up to the person who has any WLS to use it as the dr advises for best results....no one WLS is better than the other no matter what anyone says......you will hear this is better or this is that the majority of the rumors on the band is BS (people can write anything and people believe it).......and on any surgery, not just WLS....complications can happen and it is told to the patients so its not a surprise....but why spend the rest of my life going what if that because if i did that, i would be where i was before surgery......super morbid obese.. instead i took that chance, found my want power, woman'd up as my ole man and did what i HAD to do to make myself well with help of the lap band and plication.... whatever you get........WLS, do the best you can with it....... and see what happens.......

Interested to find out how everyone’s diabetes and blood sugar levels have been since they’ve had surgery. I’m still early in the process and hoping to have VSG in May or June of 2019. Improvement in my overall health, especially with my diabetes is my main reason for pursuing surgery. Thank you!!

I used to get to the 6 week mark too and then fail, in fact then I'd gain back what I'd lost THEN some. Like every other single diet I've ever been on my motivation started high on this and waned over time. I lost enormous amounts of weight early on. Know what? Doesnt matter! The thing I've learned is that the major benefit of the lap band is that it gets you through that period. I've far from perfect restriction, and far from perfect eating habits. I got through liquids/mushies and early solids without faltering and then some of my less than perfect habits crept back. But I simply cannot eat enough to stop my weight loss completely or to cause a weight gain. It continues to come off at a slow rate and I cannot even contemplate my worst habits - like a Quarter Pounder, Large fries, large coffee and caramel sundae. I'll never ever be able to eat all that again. The lap band is so great becuase you dont have to be perfect, you just have to improve. That's all it takes. Some people are more determined, have more self control than others, and some have absolutely none at all for a variety of reasons. But most of us fall in the middle somewhere and will have varying degrees of success with the lap band. I find now as I get to weights I havent seen in 10 years, my motivation and enthusiasm are gearing up again and I'm starting to lose more quickly again.

This week, the police in my home town, have been stopping women on the street to warn them about three big mistakes that the women are making, which are leaving them open to criminal activity. #1. When purchasing gas at self-service gas stations, many women leave their pocketbooks on the seat of their cars, leave their car doors unlocked and take the $20 or $30 into the convenience store section to pay. When they come back to their car, their purse or its contents are missing. Because the thieves take the contents, but leave the pocketbook, many women do not know their credit cards and driver's license are missing for hours or days. #2. Many women walk between their cars and the stores in the mall (or strip mall) holding the pocketbook by the long strap. A purse-snatcher can easily grab the pocketbook and the strap will break right off. #3. (And this is the worst) Many women, put their pocketbook into the top section of their shopping cart (and leave it open quite often) and then turn their back on their shopping cart while reaching for products on the shelves. Some women comparison shop with their back turned from their cart and wide open pocketbook. Some walk 5 or 10 feet away from their carts. Thieves will very seldom take the pocketbook, but will reach in and take the purse or wallet with the money, credit cards, driver's license and other personal data. It is not until checkout time, which in a Super-Wal-Mart could be an hour or more later, that the unsuspecting women finds out the awful truth; “I've been robbed”.

I was sleeved July 10 my highest weight 264 day of surgery 258 and now I'm juggling between 225-229 I'm super depressed that I'm not losing. I'm at a 3 week stall. I don't know what to do

I've wondered about caffeine if it really needs to be forbidden forever. I was hospitalized for depression once about 10 years ago and they wouldn't allow any caffeine at all in the unit. Everything decaf. Because it's a stimulant I guess but since then, I've wondered how it would fit into a healthy life. I was a diet coke addict until June 9th (surgery date lol) so I'm sure it will be a huge change for me not to have them anymore.

Hi I'm new to the group, I'm not sure how this works, I have community health group insurance basically Medical and I went to my first seminar about 2 weeks ago and then the week after I had my first consult, I only met the nurse and that's the only person I talked too, I was told I had to lose 10% of my weight, and I need labs and to see the phsyc, I want to know if anyone had to do that too? And how was the process with Medical insurance, I guess I just want to know if this is actually happening. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone, I was cleared by the nutritionist last week and waiting for a date. I am getting really worried and confused right now - we have 5 children ages 10-19. Two of them have a mood disorder and are troubled. My husband and I both work full time stressful jobs. I know HOW I got to be obese - I am worried that even after surgery- with all the drama that I cant handle that will still be in my life, am I going to be able to focus on ME, planning meals etc.. thoughts? Just extra overwhelmed these last few weeks.

Just 2 more steps..next appointment is 04/01/09 a visit with the Doctor at Cleveland Clinic to go over my test results.. :cursing:

Hi I am 35 yrs old with a bmi of 35.1.. I am 5'3" and I weigh 205lbs..I would like to get banded as quickly as possible.. I can feel my body and health deteriorating.. I currently take high blood pressure medicine, I take prevacid, and I tested positive in Nov 2007 for sleep apnea... My mother is obese.. My grandparents are deceased but both were overwight, had diabetes, high blood pressure and died from stroke.. I have tried to maintain for years.. I've tried every diet available from phen phen to south beach.. I submitted my application to Cleveland Clinic on December 10, 2008.. I received a call on December 17, 2008 stating that I have been accepted as a potential candidate for the lap band surgery:thumbup:.. and that to begin the process there is a 12 step program.. I needed to attend an informational workshop which had been scheduled for Jan 13, 2009.. I went to the workshop and learned that my insurance Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield doesn't require a pre diet program.. so I was very happy:thumbup: because I've heard that some insurances require from 3 months - 2 yrs.. About 2 days after the workshop I received a call to get my testing done.. I go for testing on Feb 25, 2009.. 7 Steps down.. 3 more to go... after testing I meet with the Doctor who will determine if he will write the letter to my insurance company, next my insurance company will decide if they will approve for me to get the lap band, then i make the appointment.. If anyone has had this similar situation can you let me know your outcome and what you think my chances are of getting approved and about how long b4 i actually schedule the appointment..everything is spaced so far apart it seems it may not be until May if I even get approved.. I'm just so nervous I've gone this far and don't want to hear No!! any information will be appreciated

Ok..02/25/09 I've completed all my testing..Current weight 215 bmi 37.. I've also met with the Psych and Nutri... The Nutri asked me to lose a few pounds and see her again when I meet with the Doctor and go over the test results on 04/01/09.. Hopefully all is good and he will submit the paperwork to my insurance company.. and then I can schedule my surgery date.. If all goes well I am to be at a weight of 205 bmi 35 the date of surgery.. Check back for more information

It's hard for me to say since I've had three kids since I was last this weight...oh, and I'm at least 10 years older...but yes...my clothing fits differently now. But...I think that is pretty normal...because i fyou were to gain 50lbs back, you would probably gain it differently than it sat on you this time... Perhaps it is a conspiracy from the retailers to make us purchase all new clothing!!!! :rolleyes2: Rainer

I was banded 8/6/12, and it is a month now. I struggled at first with snacking, but healthy snacks, no carbs just greek yogurt, or cottage cheese, etc only protein. I got the carbs from the yogurt and cottage cheese. I was not losing weight for about 10 day, and when I did a follow up with my doctor i realize they meant no snacking between meal but I was so busy trying to get in carbs and protein, that i was eating too many calories. I have nothing in my band until hopefully the 19th of September. I am now eating 1 cup of food each meal, and i am losing weight. I am not eating between meals which allows me to get in my 64oz of fluid, ex: water, tea, etc and i am not hungry. My dr. said to only focus on the protein and fiber, not the carbs and fat but be mindful to make low calories, low fat choices, not pizza or canned processed foods. She explained to me that i will not feel full after my 6-8 ounces of food, but wait the 20 minutes and let your brain process the food and i should not be hungry for at least 4 hours. I could eat more, but i don't, i wait and i find that i am not hungry. I would not beleive if it didn't happen to me. She explained that it is very important to have the 4 hours window of not eating, because what i don't take in with carbs and fat by not eating between meals your body will use your body fat to get the carbs, fat etc and burn the fat and you lose weight. If you do eat between meals, your body does not need to burn the fat because you are feeding it more food between meals. It was so profound when she said that, it all clicked and i tried it and it worked. Remember I have nothing in my band yet, and i can eat more, but i stop at 1 cup and wait the 20 mins. I was talking on the phone today and went 6 hours and still did not feel hungry, and all i had this morning for breakfast was a 6oz greek yogurt with fruit, a cup of coffee before breakfast. Unbelievable. I may not get a fill if I keep up this way. I do want a fill, because my doctor said once i get a fill, it will be hard to eat more than 1/2 cup of food and then i really need to focus on protein and fiber. Try not eating between meals and if that does not work, don't eat the white carbs because it is not a healthy choice, and i may be filling you up but not keeping you full (carbs make you hungry and that may be what is happening to you) and you need to have high protein with each meal. I have been on a ground turkey homemade chili for 1 week and loss 4 pounds. I have only followed this meal plan for 1 week and it works, where I did not lose any weight for 10 days before my dr. set me straight. Hope this helps.

Thanks! I just got back from my first support group meeting. AWESOME! There were two sleeve folks there, and both said they could have went as well. One was three weeks out and the other 10. I suppose it just depends on the individual. I've already sampled several Protein drinks and found that the Jay Robb is one I really like. I'm gonna try to keep with that one after surgery. I'm ready for my journey!

That broth is extremely high in sodium. I had done the same thing and bought Ramen noodles and drank the broth, but so high in sodium. I had also bought these little packs called Swanson's Flavor Boost - they are individual packs of a concentrated chicken broth that I could add to a mug of hot Water. Slightly less in sodium. If you can get in Isopure, that's great because you get some Protein, but don't buy a lot, I can't even look at it now and I have a lot left. Dr. Kelly will have you on clear liquids until day 10. I did have some broths, but what I really drank was Gatorade. It is still the only liquid I really like. Although I did make myself transfer to the G2 now that it is not my entire diet. Water, clear broths, caffeine-free coffees and teas, apple juice, cranberry juice, grape juice, orange juice (no pulp), crystal light, sugar free Gelatin, sugar free popsicles From day 10 until 3 weeks out, you will be on "full liquids". This is Protein shakes, milk products, cream type Soups. Jello, pudding, hot cereals made thin and soupy, vegetable juice (like V8), Carnation Instant Breakfast Good luck!

I am 10 days out and I got on the scale this morning to a 2 lb gain from Monday. I am also in the week leading up to my time of the month, so it is probably related. Who knows what or why our bodies do what they do! All I know is I am eating exactly what I am supposed to, getting in my fluids, and walking almost every day. There is no way I am gaining weight and I am sure you are not either.

I'm on my 10 day pre op diet and I'm suppose to have protein shakes twice a day in addition to other liquids. But.. my problem is... I don't care for the powder whey protein. I found a liquid protein its the new whey protein and I can mix it w water and add a little crystal light to it and its great.. so I was wondering if I could do that or if I needed the powder as well?? It has 42g of protein in it. I can't ask my dietician until tomorrow. Any advice is helpful..

I am 10 months post op and I still have emotional times. Not so much mood swings but I cry for no apparent reason.

As for me, I feel most of my hunger is in my head.....if I am bored, or everyone else is eating, for some reason I feel like I should be too....weird right? Everyone is different.. I just had a fill to 4cc on Monday and it doesn't feel any different. But I will give it a few weeks before I decide if I need something else...my doc did say where I have had 3 fills some people with the band the same length as me have had up to 10. So I think there is a lot of fine tuning involved. I would definitely get in with your doc and let them know how hungry you are, how much you can eat, and how long you can go in between meals. Keep us posted!