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I had not heard about the Six Flags lady. I dont know how large she was or any details. But I do know the last time I went to an amusement park I went on a roller coaster and SQUEEZED into it. Well guess what it popped loose while riding. Luckily there was another safety measure that kept my bar from coming completely loose. It was a terrifying experience.

We ALL felt all those mixed emotions at the start of our journeys,, too. ALL of them! The great thing in all of this is that FIRST STEP. It took me a year to decide to go for it. I took another 2 months to get my insurance company to ADMIT they would cover me (they tried so hard to keep it a secret from the employees where I work)! And, another 6 months (insurance requirements) before it was finally approved. When they wheeled my gurney into the Operating Room with the silly paper hat on my head, I felt ZERO fear, anxiety, trepidation... I made a fist in the air, and yelled out, "YES," as I pulled my fist down to my chest, as a celebratory cheer that broke everyone in the OR out in laughter. I was FINALLY in the room I worked SO HARD to get in! When we make the decision to alter our bodies and our way of nourishing ourselves for the rest of our lives, we usually make peace with it all by the time the Surgery Date arrives. Just make sure you do that. Once you are totally on board, DON'T second-guess yourself and never look back. That is a life in your past. Look forward to your new life! Ever dream about what you would do with all that money if you won the lottery? The sleeve is your health lottery! Start dreaming about what you would do if .... The bikini.... The skin toning.... The ENERGY! The complimentary smiles and comments from strangers. One by one, the medications go away! A new wardrobe... A new hairstyle.... SHOES!!! Being able to sit comfortably in an airline seat. The list goes on and on! Start DREAMING NOW, because everything you really want out of this can and will happen if you strengthen your resolve. You can do this! How do I know that? Look around you here. Everyone is doing it! If they can, WE CAN, TOO!

I was banded in 2008. My weight on the day of surgery was 274.1 lbs. I never thought I would weigh that much! It was a slow start. After a few fills, I finally got the hang of it and started a relationship with my band. I say that because, I new I could not soley depend on the band to do all the work for me. Afterall I was the one responsible for getting myself to the point of needing the band in the first place. I quickly learned the "no-no" foods and stayed away from those. The other hard part was my family. They are (even now) the types that have a get together and the most important part is the food. The first question around any kind of party or event is, what will we eat. I remember my first party after the band and my mom did a huge sandwich tray. I was so upset because I couldn't eat. I literally went in the bathroom and cried. But slowly the weight started coming off and I was getting used to the changes. In the first year I was down about 70lbs. In that year I also had built up some confidence that I had been lacking and even got a new job. The second year - things slowed down considerably. I was down to about 195. I had to have my gall bladder removed and I was struggling. I went for several fills, only to turn around and be unfilled. I was noticing that my PMS was getting worse. I was suffering from an incurable hunger as a result of my PMS. It was terrible. I would say 3 out of 4 weeks a month I was miserable. The only relief I received was the week my cycle began. I discussed this with my band dr. and he just blew me off. ( I work with Dr.'s and I understand that if it is not in their field, they usually don't get it). So I kept suffering and when I say suffering I mean it. It was mentally excrutiating. I decided on my third year with the band, I would focus on getting my excess skin removed (abdominoplasty). I had that in July 2011. It was another boost to my self esteem. I was finally wearing clothes that fit. I felt years younger. BUT I was still suffering from the issues because of my PMS. My internest put me on Zoloft. I took that for over a year with no ease of my symptoms. She sent me to see a psychiatrist (I was feeling really crazy at this point). They diagnosed me with Adult ADD and they helped me get off of the zoloft (which was HELL). In January 2012 I saw a new gyn. I explained that I really felt frustrated because of the problems I was having with the PMS. She said that she understood and placed me on birth control pills explaining that the hormones were probably out of whack and this is usually a last resort treatment because of my age (38 at the time). I took the birth control pills everyday and after about 2 months I noticed that I wasn't digging through the refridgerator at night or eating until I was sick. Then I looked at the scale and the pounds were reflecting this. I lost 40 lbs in a year! Without really trying. I just wanted to shared this because I know that I thought I was crazy! Sometimes our hunger can be a symptom of something bigger (thyroid, hormones, etc). So if you know you are doing everything you can and still not getting the results you need, there might be a problem physically that is prohibiting you from your success. =) Happy Holidays!

its been 3 1/2 months since surgery and i have lost 56lbs and im now 199! finally into the 100s. I hope to never see the 200s again! it feels amazing! with the lapband it took me a year to loose that much. feels so good to reach my first goal in such a short time! this is the best thing i ever did rny 4/6/12 <br />hw 255/cw 201/ gw 137

Ok, 9 months has passed since my 35th birthday, 6 months has passed since my surgery, and I'm keeping a pretty decent pace on losing weight. I really had hoped I could keep myself motivated enough to lose 200 lbs from birthday to birthday, but that required losing 50 lbs every three months. I am averaging 40 lbs every three months... which isn't bad at all. Yes, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that I have lost 120 lbs since May 2014... So, if I continue my average of 40 lbs every three months, I will hit my goal in time for my 1-year anniversary of surgery, which is pretty frickin' cool! Then, I can start talking about getting skin removed... its already really starting to annoy me... I've been trying to build up enough leave time at work that I can have the surgery in time for the winter holidays... then I would need 6 days fewer of leave time. Another goal I will accomplish in the next three months is that I will graduate with my masters degree. I was going to finish my coursework last fall, however, with the surgery right before the beginning of the fall semester, I decided not to push my luck and postponed my course until this semester. Now it is time to set new goals and keep looking into the next few years... where do I want to be with my career? What do I want from the next 3 years? Next 5 years? and so on... what is possible now that I've lost a bunch of weight and have the confidence that I never thought was possible before? Time to take a good look at my current life and see what changes I want to make and get the ball rolling. Especially since the family issues that brought me back to this "safe place" are now resolved and I no longer NEED to stick so closely to my family. I mean, had I not returned home to help my family out 2 years ago, I would not have decided to have surgery or to reapply to grad school to finish the last of my coursework. I have a whole new perspective on my life and the world around me... I want to make the most of this situation.

:crying:HELP!! not loosing weight at all !!am still stuck there!! lost so far 7 lb ONLY!!!! is the band not suitable for me ???

I'm right there with you, I was banded on 4/29 and have lost 8.5lbs since surgery. I went today for my 1st fill and the doc put 4cc in. I asked him while I was there if my weight loss was normal, and he said yes average is 1-2 a week and that's about where I am. He said some people do loose more faster but not everyone and to not be discouraged. He said he is very happy with my progress and my fill should help with curbing my hunger and come back in 2 weeks. I really understand your frustration and concern, but when I get a little upset that I'm not 20lbs lighter already, I just think 1 i'm still 8lbs lighter. 2 I'm loosing not gaining and that is exciting, and 3rd and finally, if I continue with 1.5 lbs a week I'll have lost 78lbs by 1yr and thats incredible. So although it may not be coming off as fast as we want it to, the scale is still going down and that all I wanted. best of luck

Since I was self paying my surgery came up pretty quickly after my initial consultation, about a month later. I admit to pigging out the last week or two before surgery. Last mcdonalds, last mexican et.. However, since you are already in weight loss mode, I would continue on that path. Just think, every pound you loose prior to surgery, is one less pound you need to loose after. You are doing a great job! Keep it up!

Hard to believe it's been three months. Today I hit 70 lbs lost. Starting Weight: 311 Surgery Weight: 292 Weight Today: 240.2 Weight Loss: 70.8 lbs Target Weight: 205 My favorite NSV is buying and wearing normal clothes again. I'm a regular XL now in most shirts, and I have a brand new pair of 38 jeans that are actually loose on me. I'm eating mostly what I want, but what I want seems to be mostly Protein and low carb...with some exceptions lol. Thanks to everyone for all the great posts that have been a huge help. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

As soon as I read your post I had a look at my incision points, all the little ones I can hardly see and the biggest one is a flat fading line. The only thing I've used is moisturiser on my skin as it can get a bit dry, other than that nothing and my scars are not very noticeable seven months out. To be honest not even sure if those creams, and ointments work, I did look into them but found some too expensive. I have heard people swear by Vitamin e.

Hi Michele! My name is Sue and I too was banded in July... July 3rd to be exact! I lost 12 pound pre-op and was 289 the day of surgery. I have not weighed myself since, as I DON'T want to get depressed or sad if I don't see a huge drop in weight, which I know that wont. I to am struggling with will power and now that I'm almost 5 weeks post op I am back on regular food with no restriction, see like you I have yet to have my first fill. I go on 08/14 and CAN'T WAIT!!! I have been extremely depressed the past two weeks and I feel like I'm in bandster hell. Although I have changed my eating habbits, I still don't feel like the band is working at all right now, and after all... isn't that why I did this? My Mother and another girl I work with have both commmented on how they can see that I'm starting to loose but I don't see it and I WILL NOT weigh myself until I go for my first fill on 08/14... I know that if I only lost a pound or two over the past 4 weeks I am going to be upset. My port area is too still a little soar, it's not 100% healed yet and that' is to be expected... My surgeon told me that it takes a full 6 weeks... we'll see! Please know that you're not alone and I feel the same way you do. I feel hungy and can eat what I want with no restriction, and it sucks. Making the right choices are hard and I can't wait for 08/14 to come!!! Hang in there and write me as often as you like... everyone can use a little more support, and lord knows I need it too!!! Best, Chi Town Susie Girl

I had my surgery Tuesday and came home Thursday afternoon.. I've been in pain since I got home. Mainly on my left side. When I pull myself into a sitting position, get up, or sit down. My left side burns and has a stinging pain. Is this normal? I usually have to take the pain medication they gave me every 4-6 hours on the dot because of this pain alone. I get my drain removed Monday and will be asking her about this. I was just wondering if it's normal. Or if anyone else had it. I think the hardest part of things has been the pain. I questioned myself a day after surgery, wondering if this was the smartest decision. I also have tons of gas and grumbling. And really loose stool, diarrhea, and grumbling before I actually let loose. (Sorry if that's TMI.) I hope all these start to go away. So tired of feeling like this already.

My oh my - this is such a wonderful forum and folks are so open - the only advice I can offer which may be helpful - is that of my nutritionest. Consume liquids 45 mins before or after a meal Make the liquids something like crystal lite, or power aid zero (no calories) Eat ONLY 3 oz of lean Protein (actually 7 grams per oz) If your still hungry after eating the protein - eat up to 1.5 cups of cooked veggies per meal Substitute a Protein shake 2-4 times a week Shakes: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=WP-1070 That simple advice took me down 35 lbs - don't eat till your full - eat the perscribed plan. I know its not easy, I am a comfort food eater, a grazer, and eat out of boredom. Fortunatly the surgery made me loose my appetite - I wish you the very best !

It is kind of a long story. Shortened version is I was contemplating having my band removed due to complications. I kind of freaked out at the thought of actually losing my band so I recommitted HARD CORE. I have PCOS, so sugar and carbs are a HUGE no no. So I radicaly changed my diet... and started following the band rules best I could with a wonky band. (I just had surgery last week to repair a hiatal hernia and reposition it). I measure measure measure. I stop when my portion is done. I cut out carbs and sugar as best I could. I eat real food, and stay away from processed as much as possible. I went back to a Protein shakes for Breakfast. I started swimming for exercise since a foot injury restricted my options. Typical day: Breakfast: Either Protein Drink, or Chobani yogurt w/Kashi Go Lean Crunch mixed in. Lunch: Left overs usually from dinner. Taco salad is my favorite lunch. (chopped spinach, seasoned ground turkey, mango salsa, cheese) Dinner: 4 oz of protein (Salmon & scallops are favorites) with 1/2 cup green veggies. Asparagus is my favorite. I try and avoid snacking... but if i do get a little hunger I snack on string cheese, or a skinned apple with Peanut Butter, or a few almonds or pistachios. I have been on liquids for almost 2 weeks since I just had surgery last week... so that has helped too. My best advice is really stick to the rules! It is hard. Head hunger is a nasty nasty b***h. I hate her. I fight head hunger A LOT. I just keep living day by day and hoping that if I can string enough good days together I will get there. My journey has been long with a lot of ups and downs. I am looking forward to getting fills and restriction back. I can get my first fill in 3 more weeks. I hope I can keep losing during this restriction free time.

I usually appologize and say excuse me...lol.. there is really nothing else I can do besides sitting there and explaining my lap band to them..which really wouldnt be professional... I had a really sensitive gag reflex... I really have not tried it out lately so I do not know if it is better or worse. There are days when I have the feeling like I need to burp and nothing comes out. It is more like a painful hiccup. I guess the band stops things from coming back? I think some days my band is not at tight and things so go as they please. Mornings and during stressful situations my band seems to get tight. Any other time during the day its loose.

At week 3 it is probably real hunger. It took me 8-10 weeks before my band started to do what I was expecting it to do. Week 3 I was on mushies. Different Soups, chili. scrambled eggs, quiche, mashed sweet potatoes. and on and on. At this point it is not about loosing weight or controlling hunger. It is all about fully healing before they can get down to real business.

Sounds like u are doing good, i know lipo can cause loose skin or skin with wrinkles i have seen, might be worth see a lipo expert and a plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

My Dr. said early on I should have a BMI of 25 and under. So for me 150-155lbs. I told myself my goal would be 160 first and then go from there. The thing is (and I'm sure you're heard this a million times), everyone's body is so different (body type, size etc). I love that I lost all the weight, plus some, but I am 100% happy at where my weight is now. I'm am currently hoping to tone, and maintain. I'm fine with no more weight loss, and my Dr. said I could stop loosing if I was comfortable with where I was with my weight. I just would look anorexic if I was in a size 5/6 (currently I am a 8/10). That's just me, I just don't have the body type to be super thin. Some people look great, I look like a bobble head.

Hi guys my highest weight was 110.3kg, the doctor said i could loose between 50 and 80% of excess weight, i think around there, anyways, so how many kilos would that be? And how much in % have i lost so far? Awaiting your replies. Highest weight. 110.3kg Current weight. 69.4kg Surgery date. 21.12.12.

I have been a little down because the scale is not moving and has not for a week. I know about stalls I am guess I am in one at only 2 weeks out. However, I just went upstairs to get dressed for an open house I am hosting as a Real Estate agent this afternoon. First I put on my "hold everything in" foundation garments because my incisions hurt a lot and it helps. I noticed sagging skin on my legs I have never seen before. At first I was inclined to freak but then I realized that meant I was still losing somewhere even if the waist tape measure and scale were not budging. Then I started trying on clothes. All my favorites were too lose. Even some that were tight before surgery. I decided on something I used to love to wear that was very tight before surgery but looked so good on me now that I just kept looking at myself in the mirror...in wonder. This is the first time I am saying this: I LOVE MY SLEEVE.!!!

Do the best you can.... I would say for myself that if I could have lost all that pre-op weight, why in the world would I want to go through surgery? So yes, it was very hard to do...but I kept telling myself that this surgery is the most important step I can take and I was not going to do anything to jeopardize it... Now, all Dr.'s are different...My Dr. did not care what I ate or drank, ONLY thing he wanted to see was that I had to loose X # of lbs within 2 weeks of the surgery or he would postpone it...didn't care how I did it, as long as I did....having said that, Protein shakes was the easiest way to do it...but I did cheat, eating regular food, but keeping a close eye on the scale so as not to have my surgery postponed.... But that was Me and my Dr...if you want this surgery you need to do what your Dr. wants you to do...

Over 100 pounds down now and no loose skin for me. I am younger (banded at 29) so maybe that is a factor but I know I am and feel very lucky!

My largest jeans are no longer an option! They are TOO LOOSE and look horrible! Oh darn, I need to go shopping!!! I'm already a huge Goodwill shopper because we have a couple of super stores in our town, so I guess I'll see what I can find this weekend.

Hi Guys , post op 1 week ( 2 weeks from first band which had complications and fixed a week later ) . I seem to be having problems I think with dehydration , skin on face dry , my eyes sore , headaches last couple of days , Ive stuck to my liquid diet to the letter and in my opinion I am constantly drinking plenty Water , I walk around with a bottle of mineral water all day constantly sipping throughout the day. Anyway last couple of days Ive been run down , and all the symptoms of dehydration , yesterday I drank a rehydration drink mix I got from Pharmacy and it helped last night , today though as the day progresses I feel headache and a little nauseau setting in again. Where am I going wrong , any advice ? Should I just get more of these rehydration mix packs and take them daily for now ? Do you think its perhaps lack of food .. I know my Protein levels have been very low since op , but today to try combat that I when to store and purchased a load of Low Carb, High Protein shake Mix .. 96 calories per glass which yields 18g protein . Ive only been averaging 28g protein per day last two weeks, so think 2 Protein shakes a day will supplement this up to about 60 -70g daily , I believe I should be trying to achieve 80 grams , but as Im sure you will be aware , on liquids only , getting protein levels up is very difficult. Some help and advice would be very much appreciated. Regards Nick