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I had my surgery in 01-21-09. I have lost 80lbs to date and in the last three weeks continue to eat like a cow but i can never eat what i use to eat. I tried to get a fill in october but my stomach was way to sensitive so they had to take it out. i will go back in Jan10 and see how i do.. they told me to stay with the lowest fill possible. I notice when i over eat my left side hurts under my rib cage so i am trying to be extra carful at this point..listening to others on here made me think my band may be eroding. I PRAY TO GOD ITS NOT....I STILL HAVE 60LS MORE TO LOSE.

Today when I weighted in I had to triple check to make sure I was seeing correctly. I lost 10 lbs this past week which puts me at exactly 100lbs less than I was 15 weeks ago today, my day of surgery. Holy crap was I excited to see that number. I had in the back of my mind been hoping to 100lbs lost post op by 4 months out which would be next Monday. Wow what a great day.! Next mini goal now is only 6lbs away and I'm now only 30lbs heavier than my lightest weight in 10 +/- years. Total lost since initial consultation Nov 23, 2010 is now 136lbs. I praise God for this opportunity.

I had a great experience. Checked in at 7am and was home by 1pm (I live 20 minutes from the hospital). Both the catheter & breathing tube were put in and taken out while I was asleep. I never even knew they were there. 10 minutes after I woke up, I was up & walking to the bathroom. I did not need them to give me additional pain meds. There was anti-nausea drugs in my IV. Painwise, it just really felt as if I did too many sit-ups. About an hour before I left, I had to sip a small amount of Water to see if it stayed down & it did. The hospital staff, my doctor & PA were absolutely wonderful. They gave me a pillow for my stomach & autographed it with quotes of encouragement. I have had a total of 7 surgeries in my life, including one that was 4 weeks prior to my WLS. I would have to say that this was the best experience that I had out of all 7.

I was banded on 1/25 and am down 25 since that day. I seem to lose about 1.2 a week and though I'd love to drop 10 a month, I'm satisfied with 1/week. I admit, I havent' started exercising yet. I was filled to 5cc in a standard band the day of surgery and never felt any restrictions or fullness. I had 1cc put in 2 days ago and though I have no problem with my salad/fish/yogurt/veggies, I do feel some restrictions. I have figured out that water is so key in this battle. I try to remind myself that it took years to put on and so a year to get off the 88 pounds is very reasonable. 1 day at a time, 1 bite at a time, trying to remember..it's only food. I am in control, not it!

Hello everyone...I was banded on January 20, 2010 and I am down 26 lbs. since surgery (46 lbs. since Jan. 6th). I truly feel better than I have in a very long time. I went to see my PCP about 5 weeks ago and he told me that my cholesterol was nearing normal levels and blood sugar was in check...but still had some more work to do and wants to re-check in mid April. I am officially into my old "skinny" close and will need to invest in smaller clothes the smaller I get...Glad to have this problem. I went from a 42 waist to a 36 waist (comfortably...without sucking in the gut to button my pants). I have inspired many people at work and have had many compliments on my commitment and dedication to my goals. I had one of my co-workers ask me to write down what I have been eating on a daily basis because her boyfriend is the size I use to be and is wanting to lose weight too...I gladly wrote it down for her. Of all the things that I have experienced, the only thing that aggrevates me is the fact that I have an enormous amount of energy and seem to be sleeping less. I usually go to sleep around 10:00pm and I wake up around 4 am...wide awake and I don't have to be at work until 7 pm. I guess I am getting better sleep because I might not have the sleep apnea like I use to (can't tell because I am asleep and can't tell if I still snore like I use to). I decided to begin my gym membership again and do morning workouts to try to burn this extra energy that I have been expereincing. I have only had one stuck episode since beginning my journey...and it totally caught me off guard. I was eating some eggs and sausage and I guess I just didn't chew a piece of sausage enough...STUCK!! It came up quick and fast but took about 3 good heaves before it just stopped. For a split second, I just went back to my old ways of chewing and forgot to chew very well...Lesson Learned. I have NOT had any fills and really don't see a need to unless I see myself not losing weight or see myself losing control with my eating habits...but I just don't see that happening but you never know. I hope everyone else is having the success I have been experiencing....good luck to everyone!!

I was banded 1/4/10, and have lost 30 lbs so far (10 weeks out). I was hoping for more by this time, but that's what I've got. I haven't lost a pound in the last two weeks, kind of a bummer. Hoping the scale will drop a few for me soon!!

I feel your pain hon and I am so sorry that your spirit is sore. You have all that any man could and should want, but humans are stupid creatures. Never knowing what they are looking for till it has passed them by. Within you is a light that shines thru the darkest days and somewhere there is a man who will see that light and know he has found something magical! I know that does not erase the pain you now feel, but I also know it is the truth. God made each of us in different strengths... for different reasons, some of us may never know why...but you have so much to offer the world I can not help but believe that your strength is a gift meant for wonderous things. Be strong hon, feel the pain if you must but believe in the light as well! No one as beautiful and caring as you can go un noticed for too long. Be proud of who you are and what you have done! You are gorgeous. We all suffer from insecurity, even those size 4's do. People that talk about you behind your back are not worth a second thought. They are the flawed ones, not you. Have you ever heard the saying "fake it till you make it"? I bet if you acted as though you had confidence and were proud of yourself, you would soon realize that it is you who is seeing you the way that you do and not others. Walk tall girl, you are very special, you just need to believe it and reflect it. and remember that you are never alone, even though you may think it..... you are never alone! I am so sorry to know someone else - esp. someone as beautiful and special as you, NINA- feels this same way. I agree with those who say we need to learn to project confidence (and NOT the f*ck off/not-interested/available vibe) - not saying I know how to do that, just that we need to learn... For you, a truly Phenomenal Woman, I dedicate this poem to inspire (hopefully us both): PHENOMENAL WOMAN by Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size But when I start to tell them They think I'm telling lies. I say It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips The stride of my steps The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please And to a man The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees Then they swarm around me A hive of honey bees. I say It's the fire in my eyes And the flash of my teeth The swing of my waist And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say It's in the arch of my back The sun of my smile The ride of my breasts The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say It's in the click of my heels The bend of my hair The palm of my hand The need for my care. 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me.

So...today was my first day of the liquid diet and the day is almost over, thank goodness! :faint: It was difficult. I am glad that I have been preparing myself b/c it would have been so much more unmanagable if I hadnt. Here is what I had today. Breakfast: 1 Target "slimfast" shake Lunch: 1 Yoplait Yogart Smoothie Dinner: 1 can of cheese soup *I cheated a bit here with the fat content of the soup I also had about 20 oz. of water all together, which I need to hydrate more than this! Today I went to GNC and purchased protein shake powder. GNC was having a special on their brand of products were it was buy one get one 50% off. So I got two very large tubs of protein powder for under $50! I am going to try and make one tonight...we'll see how it goes.

WOW what a year we've all had! Can you believe this is our Bandiversary month already? Remember all the nightmares of insurance approval, and no sleep the night before LB surgery because we were so excited; It was almost heaven taking that first shower after surgery! We had some work to do, learning how not to be a couch potato anymore. Then we had to learn how to eat right. and prepare healthy food; but pretty soon we were losing weight and had to buy new clothes; Sure there were a few unpleasent changes, like bathroom schedules; but also nice ones, like being able to wear a bathing suit again; Happy Bandiversary Bunnies! It's going to be one wild party; and watch out for all the candy at Easter!

I am on day 19 and I went through the light headedness too but it is finally gone. I felt better when I started eating a little bit more than broth and popsicles. Good luck!

Hello Everyone- I just found this site yesterday, and it so fun and informative. Still trying to learn how to navigate it. I went for my follow up Dr. Visit today lost 10-lbs. That was shocking, but I am still on the liquid stage or should I say THE HARDEST PART STAGE (for me). They said I can start having creamier substances (soup) just looking for something different. Any, suggestions?? I am still pretty sore around my port, and still pretty gassy not sure how to relief that besides walking around and Gas-X it can really be painful. Need all the help and suggestions that you can give me. Thanks So Much for your time God Bless You All Teresa

My date is 10/22/13. My pre op appointment is on the 16th. The one thing I loved about him is that he said he was going to clean up the previous scar tissue that I had from previous surgeries and if I had any hernias or anything else, it would be taken care at the same time. The question he asked that no other surgeon asked was about if I had a history of any degenerative diseases. I was shocked that he asked that. I had that as one of my questions to ask him and he answered the question before I asked him. I thought that was awesome. I believe mine took a little longer cause my case manager sent my referral to the wrong department. I decided to follow up and got things moving. Sometimes you have to be your own advocate to make sure everything is moving according to plan. How far are you in your classes?

Yes, I want it now! Its so weird, some days I have good restriction, other days or weeks - I feel like I can eat an entire cow. Friday night we go out to dinner, I did pretty good, I had humus, and steak and a little cabbage. The steak I could only eat about 2 oz , it was really good, but I got full. Saturday - did pretty good - no exercise, but besides that, did okay Sunday - blew it big time - ate and ate and ate, it seemed I couldn't get enougth food. grrrrrr. One week from today is my fill appointment. I'm really tired of fills, this will be my 10TH! I'm sick of them, I'm ready to hit the sweet spot and lose this freaken weight. I'm tired of yo-yoing - I've yo-yod all my life, I'm ready to be at goal! Today my menu: Bfast yogurt, granola, coffee w/cream snack string cheese lunch string cheese, shaved turkey dinner salad chicken with multi-grain wrap Exercise today: 10:00 am - 15 min elliptical 3:00 pm - 15 min elliptical 8:30 - upper body workout after workout - 4 oz protein shake wt - didn't weigh today -

Yes, I want it now! Its so weird, some days I have good restriction, other days or weeks - I feel like I can eat an entire cow. Friday night we go out to dinner, I did pretty good, I had humus, and steak and a little cabbage. The steak I could only eat about 2 oz , it was really good, but I got full. Saturday - did pretty good - no exercise, but besides that, did okay Sunday - blew it big time - ate and ate and ate, it seemed I couldn't get enougth food. grrrrrr. One week from today is my fill appointment. I'm really tired of fills, this will be my 10TH! I'm sick of them, I'm ready to hit the sweet spot and lose this freaken weight. I'm tired of yo-yoing - I've yo-yod all my life, I'm ready to be at goal! Today my menu: Bfast yogurt, granola, coffee w/cream snack string cheese lunch string cheese, shaved turkey dinner salad chicken with multi-grain wrap Exercise today: 10:00 am - 15 min elliptical 3:00 pm - 15 min elliptical 8:30 - upper body workout after workout - 4 oz protein shake wt - didn't weigh today -

July 13th at 10 am! I get to change my life and I have a life to change. I am so excited and can not contain it. The work is coming but so is the adventure. Cheers to all you bandsters!

July 13th at 10 am! :confused: I get to change my life and I have a life to change. I am so excited and can not contain it. :w00t: The work is coming but so is the adventure. Cheers to all you bandsters! :thumbup:

LOL... People are so funny! My friend who is pretty consistent in the size 10-12 range had posted she was selling some of her size nine clothes. When I saw her at church I said "hey, if you end up just giving those clothes away I can take them for after wls." She said to me "You better not get smaller then me! I don't want to be the chubby friend!" I laughed and gave her a hug and said so what size am I allowed to get down to? She said a 10. heheheh I am fine with that lol!!! My surgeon said the ideal weight for 5 ft 1 was 105. I laughed. He continued with saying that most people with the sleeve lose 60 % of their excess weight which puts me at a goal weight of 156. Fine with me. SHould still be able to keep that friend... heheheheh

Todays wrap up: Daily Totals Calories 786 Fat 17.3 g Fiber 6 g Carbs 69.2 g Sodium 992.2 mg Protein 97.8 g Water 97 fl oz Daily Calorie Composition: 34% from carbs, 19% from fat and 47% from protein.

T.I.P.S. - To Insure Proper Service A tip is earned wages, not expected. I worked really hard as a waitress for a long time, and I did rely on my tips to pay my bills. I feel like there are so many places/people that expect them. I try to tip well, but it depends on the service I get. I think that $2.15 an hour for wait staff is rediculous for the amount of work that goes into it. I've never been one to do anything fancy with my hair, just get it cut. I leave between $5 - $10 as a tip - but personality plays a part. If someone just cuts my hair and say have a nice day, I consider that poor service. I could have the best hair cut of my life, but if they don't say a word to me, or smile even, I take that into consideration.

I tip my hairstylist 20%. She is the shop owner but by no means rolling in the money. Overhead is MURDER!! If I don't like service at a restaurant I try to give the waitress benefit of the doubt. Everyone has off days and as long as they are trying thats what matters. If I really was unhappy with the service I will drop the tip to 10-15% if I like it its at least 20%.

Same here submitted on 6/10 approval 6/12 august 14 is my day i CANNOT believe it ....congrats to to you

I am 230lbs. 5'7. I have been struggling with this weight loss battle for 10 long years. I've spent so much money, time and effort to loss 20-30lbs. just to gain all the weight back in 30 days or so. I was recently denied by my insurance carrier at the beginning of Feb. I went into a major depression until I researched surgeries in Mexico. My family and friends think I've lost my mind. I have no support and my husband is totally against my decision. But I know that I have to do this for myself to end this cycle of depression and food addiction. Any encouragement would be great...Thanks:smile: