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I am five weeks out and have never stepped on my scale at home. I weigh when I see my doctor. I made that decision on my own. When I weighed at my two week check up I was thrilled . Now I go again next Wednesday and I am equally excited to step on the scale. The scale is not your predictor of your future... You are . Hang in there. Alyce

Good luck with your conversion. I had my band removed and the gastric bypass surgery on 10/19/15 (32 days ago?) I am down at least 20 pounds I have not weighed myself this week. So far so good ... My surgery was laparoscopic. I had 2 band surgeries prior. So I have 7 sort of stab wounds. I had zero pain except for a little gas in my jaw. I was up and walking immediately after surgery and only needed one night in the hospital. They gave me a scrip for Oxy but I only needed one Tylenol for the 90 minute car ride home. The incisions were a 1 on the pain scale. Lower belly ache about a 2.5. Best of all I can swallow pills with water and have no blockage! No burping or spitting no heartburn or reflux. I am never hungry and prefer svelte chocolate shakes. I am now eating fruits and cooked veggies which the band did not allow. Best wishes, Terry

I hear ya foofy... Just this afternoon, I was working on my privacy fence in the back yard. (not something I would have done 4 months ago!!!) I was carrying a bag of quik-crete to the back yard. I was thinking, "jeez, this is awfully heavy to be carrying all the way to the back yard from the front. Maybe I ought to back the truck further up the driveway so I don't have to go so far." That is when it happened! I put the bag on the ground next to the post hole and out of the corner of my eye I saw 80 lbs.!!! I have lost just under 80 pounds, if I haven't already this week. I used to carry that much excess weight every step I took! I can't believe how much better I feel and how I can do so many more things I would have never dreamed of just 4 months ago! I had not idea the weight would come off this fast. I LOVE/hate this band on my stomach. The only time I have negative feelings on this band is when I get something hung up! I sure do hurt when I get stuck, but... knock on wood... I have not had the PB thing happen yet!

I had the band to bypass revision 5 weeks ago and so far it has been great! My band had slipped and I was having bad reflux and gained back a bunch of weight. The surgeon removed ALOT of scar tissue from the band and had to remove part of my stomach but I healing well and losing weight on track. I was just told at my last appointment that I am loosing faster than most revision patients. I should have done the bypass in the beginning. Good Luck!

Docs are different but mine cleared me for full workouts at 2 weeks.

I'M APPROVED!!! After 2 denials from Aetna, I finally got approved. I guess they had to work out with my surgeon's office which paperwork they were missing or when it was sent or whatever. Who cares?? I'm approved. BUT...unfortunately because of some personal family issues, I can no longer do the 12/20 date I previously hoped for (and the surgeon's office graciously reserved for me). I will have to wait until Feb 2011. BUT...I'm not mad at all. I am still losing on my self imposed pre-op diet and I have started working out 4x a week. So I am going to make sure that this time between now and Feb will be as productive as possible for my weight loss goals. I'm just so happy I got approved I wanted to share it with you all!!!

my surgery is 10/8 and aetna approved me in 1 week. Had carefirst during my 6 month documentation and then my job switched insurance companies but Aetna again in 1 week approved me.

I had an interesting experience last week. I went to my endocrinologist for a follow up on my thyroid. This was my third visit to her, as my doctors keep moving or retiring. We were almost at the end of the appointment and she told me that I need to lose weight. I agreed and told her that the last time I saw her I had mentioned that I was in the waiting period for Lap Band Surgery. Apparently she didn't make note of it and did not seem to understand. She started lecturing me on losing weight the natural way and I just needed to try harder. She told me that all surgery is risky. My insurance requires a year waiting period before surgery and I am doing everything I am suppose to do. My PCP is onboard and even asked me if I'd thought about surgery before I could tell him that I'd gone to an informational meeting. After his positive reaction, I was very surprised at the endocrinologist's very negative reaction. I think in writing this I've decided to see her on my next follow-up and if she is still opposed to the surgery, I will find another doctor. If I had been seeing her for years and trusted her opinion, I'd be more inclined to listen to her. I'm 6 months into my year and I have spoken to the surgeon, the nutritionist and the counselor. I know the risks, and what to expect. I'm not about to turn back now without a really good reason. Has anyone else run into negative reactions like this from your doctors? What did you end up doing?

I was banded 5/6/2010 and had lost only 35 lbs by Febrauray of this year. Well, I got on tract on Feb. 1st eating less than 25 Carbs and at least 60 grams of Protein a day. By February 10th I had lost an additiona 8 lbs. I decided I could cheat on the 10th because it was my 5 yr wedding anniversary. I didn't do too bad - had a little popcorn at the movies and maybe 10 chips and queso - ate 1/3 of my grilled chicken and shrimp and a small portion of dessert. The question I have is if you eat 25 grams or less of carbs a day and then eat a bunch in one day - have you seen your weight increase on the scale a few days later? I was at 237.5 lbs on the 1st and then at 229.5 on the 10th. Since cheating on the 10th, I have gone back to 25 grams of carbs or less a day; but, I weighed this morning (4 days later) and scale showed 231. Anyone had this experience? I thought if I did really well all week I could "cheat" once a week; but, not if the scale is going to do this each time.

Hey girls! My surgery was yesterday and so far so good. I am takingmy pain medicine around the clock. I am sore but have not had the left shoulder pain yet. I am 26, a 2nd grade teacher, and a single mom to my sweet and sassy little girl who will be 4 in September. I am nervous about getting sick so I am taking it VERY slow. I do not ever want to push it and get something stuck. I will be on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks and then a soft diet for 4 weeks. Do you have pills you have to crush? It is so gross.

I was banded March 30, 2011. I lost 10 lbs on the medifast diet two weeks before surgery. Checked out of the hospital the next day up 7 lbs! I have now lost those 7 lbs and another 11. I did have a really bad weekend and ate too many carbs over Easter and went up 3 lbs. Now back on track trying to follow the diet and had my first fill of 1cc yesterday. I was so excited to get my fill!

I use my wii all the time. I love the Dance Dance Revolution game. I waited until about 2 weeks after my surgery before starting and then for the next 2-3 weeks I only did things on beginner mode and I turned off the jump option. That way I was moving but not in a way that would hurt me and I made sure it was no more strenuous than a good walk. I have now put the new Zumba game on my list for Christmas... I can't wait!!!! Good luck! Av

Hey Ellie, 2 weeks... how are you feeling so far? I used my WII for the first couple of months, until I felt strong enough to go out and about...lol I mainly did low impact stuff on there, so the marching and walking ones were good for me... be careful though, not to do anything that will put a strain on the stomach muscles... check with your surgeon about when you can exercise the tummy area... Good Luck!

Hi Andrea, You will need your bullet as you will be staying until the forth of August I believe you said. Dr. Cobourn's patients start having Optifast again. I started having mine on friday after having surgery on wednesday. The day of surgery was Water only then thursday clear, low fat low carb low calorie liquids. Then Friday opti-fast can be added in. One package for me spilt into three servings for the day. That lasts 7-10 days. Yours might be slightly different based on what Dr. C thinks is best. Hope that helps with your question. I also took both gas x strips and chewable tablets. Also found children's liquid tylenol the 2-12 year old one worked well for me for pain. Also they do make a gravol suppository which might be easy to take then the liquid if you are having troubles, but I don't think you will, I sure didn't and that was a fear of mine. Has your package arrived from the clinic yet?

I all I'm finding some comfort reading your stories. I am due for bypass surgery next week and am a little bit afraid. X

I have the same question. I am almost 5 weeks out. Having issues getting all my liquid in.

HI! I'm almost 4 weeks out and starting to feel better.. When did you start working out and what did you do?

I have told everyone what I am doing up front. I am not keeping this decision a secret. Of course everyone is concerned that it is in Mexico. I have purchased everything I need for after teh surgery and started on my pre-op diet today. So things are going well. But I am scared and excited all at once!! Sure hope this turns out like I have it envisioned in my head!!

Sounds like a nightmare!! I'm glad you made it back home and that you have another week. I'm 13 days postop and I've been getting that dizzy feeling and sometimes nausea which just started in the last couple days. I think you should get some extra rest now and push those fluids!! Hang in there.

Hi HSJ, Wow, 4 weeks is that the normal amount of time to wait? I guess i'm starting to feel a little anxious. I had originally scheduled my appt many months ago and i cancelled. I unfortunately let someone discourage me and now i wish i hadn't. I quit my job in December because i was so unhappy and always felt stressed out and now i don't even want to consider a new job until i've lost some weight. I guess that's why i feel a little anxious.

I have not lost anything in the past week since I had my 1st fill. I don't understand, I know I'm not eating nearly has much I use to eat, but not under 1000 cal either. I getting around 1500 a day, that alone should make me lose something. I have started to pedal every time I get a chance. I have been trying to get my water. I have protien shake for breakfast. Guess I have to eat even less. I know it is harder the older we get to lose weight. I lost more when I was on weight watchers, but I alway gave up that diet after 4 to 6 weeks. The longest I was on weight watcher was 4 to 5 months and lost about 30 lbs. I did opifast back in the late 80's and lost lots of wieght, but of course I didn't keep it off. Why can't I get a handle on this. I'M NOT DUMB, I KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO TO LOSE WEIGHT. I just want the weight to come off. Guess I thought with the band it would just happen with out all the work. Maybe I'm just lazy.

Here's wishing you strength and luck! I had some of the same things going on when I originally decided to do this. Mostly family and friends as I don't have a husband. The many diets and programs that were suggested were unreal! I took seven months between the seminar and the actual surgery so that I knew it was my decision and mine alone because it was my body and I would be the person living with the results for good or bad. I have to say six weeks out that it all looks good to me. Whatever your decision I wish you well.

I just had surgery a little over a week ago, and I'm pretty close to your age. For me, telling the people closest to me was a big relief. I initially made my pre-op appointments without telling a soul. I had everything planned out and set in stone. When it came time to telling my parents I was terrified of what they would say, if they would support me or not. But I was really surprised! It took a little bit of convincing for my dad, but in the end he said, "I just want you to be happy, and if this will make you happy, then I'll stand by you." I can't tell you how important it was for me to have my mom and dad with me on the day of my surgery last week. I can't imagine going through it without them. You need all of the support you can get right now! In my opininon, you should definitely tell both of your parents. Yes, you are an adult and you don't HAVE to tell them, but I think you'll feel better if you do. Give them a chance, maybe they WILL support you. Also, is it fair to have one parent know, and not the other? It's a lot to ask for one parent to keep a secret from another. Either way, the other parent is going to find out. Why not tell them now? So you can have complete and total peace on your surgery day. Either way you decide, best wishes to you! :thumbup:

I'm so glad you posted this, as I too, felt like I "fell off the wagon" over the weekend. I'm 3 weeks post op and am transitioning into solids. On Friday I had some lean ground beef with lowfat cheese and salsa...deelish. On Saturday, I found myself "picking" at stuff mainly out of curiosity to see how it would go down. DH had some lasagna and a dinner role. I had a bite of each with no problems. THEN...yesterday we had an Oscar party and I was nibbling at everything!! My neighbor brought over some of my favorite wine and one glass turned into 3!! Granted, my doc said it was ok to have wine in moderation, but 3 glasses (didn't feel to buzzed-just relaxed) along with munching on apps and more ground beef was probably overkill. Yes, it was still significantly less than what I would have indulged in pre-band, but it's more of the principle of the matter. Just because I CAN eat/drink these things doesn't mean I SHOULD!!! I woke up today with a guilt hangover. BUT...I started the day with my Protein Shake and have meal plans for the rest of the week. We shouldn't beat ourselves up, just stay on the "band-wagon"!! There's still room for indulgances, I just think they need to wait until we get proper restriction (which for me isn't until March 13th, my first fill). Glad I'm not alone and thanks for letting me vent my confessions. Amy

I thought after four days I would be at least 75% and slowly crawling back to 100% but that seems to be too far gone from the truth. Yesterday was feeling well, I wasn't sweating a lot, I barely felt any pain besides that damn acid reflux. So I wake up this morning and oh boy the drama begins. First I wake up with acid reflux that won't go away for nothing, then when it finally goes away and I hop into the shower I became very dizzy and discombobulated. Taking a shower actually took me so time because I began to feel Ly incisions stretching with every movement and pain just happened to tag along, no surprise there. I finally get dressed up suit and tie, you know the whole 3 piece. As soon as I put on my tie I start sweating like crazy and became disoriented again, Smh. After sitting down for a while and making some protein shake I bean to sip on it. Everything was getting better, so I thought. I looked up at the time an I'm already an hour late for work, mind you this is a fresh new job that I got before surgery. Now I'm in a rush to ER to the train station because I realize that I am in no condition to drive ANYWHERE with these dizzy spells pop in on me like an unannounced relative. I start walk to the train station and I begin to have stomach pain from the vigorous walking. When I finally get on the train I find a seat and sit down. I reached into my suitcase to grab a bottle of water and it slips out my hand and rolls across the train. I Lear my bag in my seat and make my way towards the elusive water bottle that refuses to roll back. When I finally grab the bottle I returned to my seat only to find my suitcase has been replaced by an elderly woman. So now I'm in pain, pissed, sweating and becoming extremely aggravated because my stop is literally 12 stops away then I have another 9min walk to catch my connecting train to my final destination. The train decides to be an a*****e and goes local which made it a 19 stop train ride. Mind you I'm standing up in this train that practically enjoys rocking from side to side like an isolated baby carriage. This motion starts to stir up this discomforting feeling within my guys that slowly begins to aggravate me with each repeated motion. Now I'm jus mean grilling the elderly lady who took what was rightfully mine. When I finally get to my stop my legs and calves are burning and my stomach is knotted up like Christmas lights. I have no choice but to walk slowly in hopes of unknotting this irritating condition that is desperately trying to fight me at the moment. With all this going on I come to find out that my connecting train has already left and another one would not be appear till 30 mins from now due to a technical difficulty along the tracks going northbound. Now I'm over 2 hrs and 30mins late feeling the, pardon my mouth, weathered down **** in the middle of road. When the train finally decides to come it is PACKED UP, practically overflowing, like shaken soda bottle, with people. I mean getting a foot in a door was like trying to fit a a mans size 14 foot into a woman's 6. I mean it was totally ridiculous. If there was ever a fire hazardous this would be the ultimate definition, period. I decide to wait for the next train, since I'm already late I doubt it could be any worse. So I wait and the next train is jus as bad as the last one who passed. I jumped on it and I couldn't have been more uncomfortable... People were pressed on me like starch. My stomach starts to hurt again... Acid reflux l, so I popped a Tums and drank some water. I finally get off the train at my destination walk into my new work site which I find to be gorgeous only to find out that I will be starting working officially in a week because they are still going through an organizational reconstruction... Just my damn luck