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Well, after 10 or so months of thinking about surgery, I have decided that I am going to do it. I have spent many many hrs researching to learn as much as I could before I made a decision. I've spent 20 hrs or so on this site, reading about other peoples journeys and decided it's time that I join them. I am lucky, my family is extremely supportive and so is my man. I have no intentions of telling anyone else for the time being. I don't feel like it's anyone elses business. I have tried everything I know to try on my own: WW, Jenny Craig, Transformations, low carb, low calorie, low fat, no sugar, the cabbage soup diet, the liquid protein diet, the 6 week body makeover, apple cider vinegar diet, you get the idea. Do I lose weight on those diets? Sure I do but I can't keep it off. I excercise 5-6 days a week for an hour to an hour and a half at a time and manage to tone up some but no real weight loss. I don't eat fried food, cheese or many of the other things that I know are so bad for you like bacon. I eat more fruit in a week then most people I know do in a month. Bottom line....I'm tired of being fat. My highest weight ever was about 385 (several yrs ago), I lost down to about 325 (where I am now). I have managed to keep that 60 lbs off but every other pound I've lost since then have always put back on up to that 325 mark. For someone as overweight as I am, I am still a very active person, for example this last year I bought a house that needed some work as the yard was in horrible shape. During the summer of 07 I dug up and hauled off railroad ties that were suck in 4 ft of concrete, tore down a shed piece by piece, but up a new privay fence, crawled up on my roof and patched it, tore off an extension over the back porch, rented a jackhammer to bust up concrete, hauled off said concrete (about 6,000 lbs of it), laid a flat of sod (you get the idea), I'm not a lazy person but as I was doing all of these things I just kept thinking how much easier it would be if I didn't weigh 300+ pounds. So, I began weighing (no pun intended) my options and begin making a list of the pro's and con's as well as a list of goals. The pro's outnumberd the con's by 2 to 1 at least so I begin my research. I have decided I have nothing to lose. I go to my seminar at the surgery place on Feb 2nd and I am excited. Also a little scared but I know that's normal. This is going to be a huge change. I know other people have felt the same way and they have come through it okay but you never really know how they felt until you've been through it yourself. So...hang on, it's going to be a wild ride....:redface:

Well, after 10 or so months of thinking about surgery, I have decided that I am going to do it. I have spent many many hrs researching to learn as much as I could before I made a decision. I've spent 20 hrs or so on this site, reading about other peoples journeys and decided it's time that I join them. I am lucky, my family is extremely supportive and so is my man. I have no intentions of telling anyone else for the time being. I don't feel like it's anyone elses business. I have tried everything I know to try on my own: WW, Jenny Craig, Transformations, low carb, low calorie, low fat, no sugar, the cabbage soup diet, the liquid protein diet, the 6 week body makeover, apple cider vinegar diet, you get the idea. Do I lose weight on those diets? Sure I do but I can't keep it off. I excercise 5-6 days a week for an hour to an hour and a half at a time and manage to tone up some but no real weight loss. I don't eat fried food, cheese or many of the other things that I know are so bad for you like bacon. I eat more fruit in a week then most people I know do in a month. Bottom line....I'm tired of being fat. My highest weight ever was about 385 (several yrs ago), I lost down to about 325 (where I am now). I have managed to keep that 60 lbs off but every other pound I've lost since then have always put back on up to that 325 mark. For someone as overweight as I am, I am still a very active person, for example this last year I bought a house that needed some work as the yard was in horrible shape. During the summer of 07 I dug up and hauled off railroad ties that were suck in 4 ft of concrete, tore down a shed piece by piece, but up a new privay fence, crawled up on my roof and patched it, tore off an extension over the back porch, rented a jackhammer to bust up concrete, hauled off said concrete (about 6,000 lbs of it), laid a flat of sod (you get the idea), I'm not a lazy person but as I was doing all of these things I just kept thinking how much easier it would be if I didn't weigh 300+ pounds. So, I began weighing (no pun intended) my options and begin making a list of the pro's and con's as well as a list of goals. The pro's outnumberd the con's by 2 to 1 at least so I begin my research. I have decided I have nothing to lose. I go to my seminar at the surgery place on Feb 2nd and I am excited. Also a little scared but I know that's normal. This is going to be a huge change. I know other people have felt the same way and they have come through it okay but you never really know how they felt until you've been through it yourself. So...hang on, it's going to be a wild ride....

They said that they weren't finished with the pre-certification yet. I am starting to get really frustrated now. I am on a deadline for this surgery. If I can't get it done in early March, I will have to wait until May. I have already lost weeks because of problems with getting all my info to the surgeon's office and problems getting my info from the surgeon's office to insurance (found out last Wednesday that insurance had never gotten my info - the fax number the surgeon's office used was old - 2 week delay).

I had some time to kill while I was waiting for my prescription to be filled by the pharmacy at the local superstore. I decided to try on jackets in the women's clothing section. They only have clothing that typically goes up to 2X. I tried on the different sizes, 2X, 1X, and XL for each jacket. This was prompted by a discussion earlier this week that all of my 3X coats being too big on me. In general here's what I found: 2X jackets - all fit me well, some were a little big 1X jackets - all fit me and I could close them, but there were a bit snug XL jackets - I could get them all on, which was kind of surprising. My upper arms were a little too big for the jackets made on non-stretchy material to get them on all of the way. I have a good 4-6 inches to lose around the gut before I can close them. As I was trying these different jacket on, I kept thinking, in a few months, I hope be able to do this with the Medium, Large, and X-Large clothing. Back when I weighed 180 lbs, I was wearing X-Large t-shirts only because I wanted it to be baggy and hide my chest. I was huge for a teenage girl, and I didn't want to give the guys in school any more of a reason to feel me up as they passed me in the hallway at school.

I've had that happen before and then two or so weeks later it hit .. then I was overfilled lol. The band is fickle...

I'm not post op yet but have had the post op meeting with the Nut... Along with chewables... B12 sublingual 1000mg once a week, were her recommendation... Don't see much about b12 mention on this forum Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well my OBGYN and bariatric team strongly encouraged RNY because of my PCOS. This surgery is really supposed to help with symptoms and get rid of it all together, part of my symptoms are completely irregular periods and never ending periods like unless i used depoprovera mine would never stop so I'm 2 months post opp RNY and as of yet no changes in my symptoms I've been on my period almost since surgery with only 2 weeks free, but i feel it's almost gonna stop. Now my current issue now is i can no longer use the depoprovera needle cause of osteoporosis so I'm still working with my team as to what birth control/hormone treatment will work for me with Rny. Also i was told by my team that as more weight comes off the symptoms should disappear. So here's hoping they are right.

Hey, I do - it's the reason I had the surgery as I was insulin resistant from it. I had my surgery a week ago. I haven't been able to lose weight with it, but this month I've now lost a total of 24 pounds. RNY is meant to be best as it helps with hormones etc. Keep in touch or message if you need any help. Obviously it's all very new for me though!

The "non-drowsy" pain meds the dr gave me put me to sleep. Man! I wish the back pain would go. It's not as bad today so I'll try to not take anything today but tylenol and see what happens. I'm still losing weight Halleluia!!! :youcandothis:I have a fill in 3 weeks so I'll be glad of that. Love to soak in my new jacuzzi tub. I think these smiley things are cute.

The "non-drowsy" pain meds the dr gave me put me to sleep. Man! I wish the back pain would go. It's not as bad today so I'll try to not take anything today but tylenol and see what happens. I'm still losing weight Halleluia!!! :youcandothis:I have a fill in 3 weeks so I'll be glad of that.:car: Love to soak in my new jacuzzi tub. I think these smiley things are cute.

I am 2 mos out and have been trying to weigh and measure-all the dreaded diet stuff. I went into this so happy and eager to do everything just Right. I am only down 28 pounds but most was first month only 2 in last month. I have 2 fills but still don't feel like I have a band. Yesterday I was able to eat a hotdog w/ mustard with no problems besides guilt afterwards. I can still eat anything. My willpower is fading fast. I am going to see if I can get another fill next week even though my last one was jan 17. I do feel some better reading your posts though. I don't really have anyone to talk to. I know I have to do the work and not rely on the band but I just need a little help from it. I am deciding now to go back to protien drinks for a few days and get back on track. Going to start exercising at least every other day. My weight right now is 267.4. I want to keep posting here so you all can help me. I really needed your posts to help me get going again even though u didn't know it! Thank You!!

Alright, So today i had a pretty depressed day because i miss chewing or eating a bit. Craving a lot of old foods but I'm strong enough too just say no. I'm sure its normal. I'm going to try scrambled eggs tomorrow and see how it goes down my body heals really quick i have no pain what so ever and when i went to the doctor he said everything is defiantly working. I have 2 questions, would it be realistic to want my favorite meal by Christmas day which is Chicken Parm? Obviously it would be in low amounts but even just a little bit of it would help a lot in the whole can't really eat deal. My other question is i seem to really dislike the shakes to the point where for the past week all i have had was water and apple juice and one protein shake. It has nothing to do with being full i just don't have the taste buds for it any suggestions?

My surgeon asks that you try to quit smoking 2 wks prior to surgery and REQUIRES you don't smoke at all 2 days prior to surgery. I smoke, and I'm trying to quit...and it's not easy, but I figure my health is worth it. I know if I can quit for 2wks, I can quit forever. I'm down to almost nothing now, it's putting the last few cigs down that's killing me. I know that I need to start slowing down now, or those two weeks pre-op are going to do me in. Stay strong! We can do this! (can I just say, I WISH I NEVER STARTED SMOKING!!!)

I am going to try this @fluffychix! I've read a few others used this method to break stalls post-op, so maybe it will help me. Thanks!

So today I had my pre op examine and it went well. Now im on my two week high protein diet plan and then comes my surgery. Im excited and scared at the same time. Help!! ????

The worst part for me was the gas pains. I had to sleep sitting up for the first week. I too got tired a little faster, but overall it was not that bad. I took a week off work because I wanted to not because they told me to. When I went back to work I could not lift anything over 30 lbs over my head. Other than that I was good. Looking back.....it was WAY WORTH IT!!!!! good luck with your journey.

If I had a job (I don't), I would've taken off a week for a sitting job, maybe 2 weeks for a more active one. My brother in law stayed with me the first week (comes in handy to have someone else there) and I took my liquid Vicodin as directed. I don't remember the gas pain very much. I think lapband surgery is like having a baby - you don't really remember the pain 3 1/2 yrs later! Some people don't need narcotics at all - Tylenol works fine. I wasn't one of those people, however. I even gota refill on my liquid Vicodin. I had a treadmill and starting maybe day 3, I started walking really slowly several times a day. Believe it or not, I gave away my $1200 treadmill cuz I never used it. Since I pay for the gym, it motivates me more to go! It sure came in handy when I couldn't sleep tho at 2 am! Good luck with your surgery! Marci

Hey all, I am freaked out right now because in the last couple of weeks I have been losing ALOT of hair! I mean handfuls and throughout the day they drop here and there. What could be going on here? I think I am getting enough Protein every day and I drink at least a whole bottle of Vitamin Water every day. I don't get it and it's really freaking me out! More like getting depressing because the balding is showing right about my temples. :eek: Maybe a suggestion of some Vitamins or minerals I am missing and what kind to take if any? I hope someone out there can help me understand what might be going on and how to resolve it. My surgery was way back in MAY and now losing all my hair. :faint: Peace soon, Judy<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--fontc--><!--/fontc--> <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_15617--> -------------------- <!--sizeo:3--><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->Highest Weight Ever! - 396lbs 6'1" <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Before Pre-op Diet<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> - 375lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Banding Date <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 5/21/07 - Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez - 352lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->First Fill - 7/21/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->- 3.2cc<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Post-op weight as of 9/3/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 309bs<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#2F4F4F--><!--/coloro-->Current weight loss - 66lbs gone!<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--><!--/sizec-->

In the last week or so, I've won serveral lotteries:scared: , most in the UK, that I didn't know even existed, and never entered. I've been selected, based on my "Impressive profile" to join in many business partnerships, to process paperwork or help retrieve an inheiritence:clap2: . I've been warned that my Pay-Pal account is at risk and I need to follow their link to fix it:eek: . Boy, what a busy week... :faint:

As an encouragement, most people feel exactly how you feel at about 2 weeks post-op. I'm 5 weeks out now, and I remember feeling such huge regret for the first 2 weeks, and then almost lost it entirely when i saw that I was actually GAINING weight when I was nearly starving myself with less than 600 calories a day! But, be encouraged, after the 3rd week I started dropping weight steadily as I added more calories into my day. I hate to use this phrase, but the band is definitely a tool, not a solution. I've changed my habits so drastically, and most people don't lose a lot of weight until they get their first fill. I remember posting a message similar to yours around 2 weeks post-op, and MANY others do the same. You're going to do awesome! You're coming here for support, and you're not taking your decision lightly, which are GREAT indicators that you're going to be very successful. You are in charge of your future, not those others who haven't had much success! And your doctor is delusional if they thing the band will do it all! The band does a LOT, don't get me wrong, but I encourage you to flow with your band. It's going to help you, but why not compound the good effect by changing your lifestyle, making better food choices, and becoming educated about how to be more healthy. You're doctor should be encouraging lifestyle changes. I've started the process, but it's definitely going to be a work in progress for a long time. I'm learning as I go! Be encouraged, and post again in a couple of weeks to tell us how much different you feel since you've started seeing the scale go down!

Welp I have been banded for almost two weeks, and have been doing well with my food intake. Luckily my MD is "aggressive" [his words] with getting me back to solid food, which has been going well! BUT I am so emotional!!! The last few days I have just been down in the dumps, and emotional about the change. Craving foods that I shouldn't eat, which I haven't gave in to. Is this normal? Food has always been my friend, my confidant, and go to when I am emotional, and now I am trying to break up with it..... at least this is how I feel. Like our relationship is breaking up.... I know kind of sick huh? I want this so bad, and I will succeed! I may fall sometimes, or trip up but I really do want this to work and am willing to give it my all!

Hello Band Buddies At a recent coffee group we were talking about walking. "They" recommend you walk 10,000 steps a day. Now I'm not sure who "They" are but there are many doctors that recommend that 10,000 steps per day is the target number of steps. I came across this GREAT website that has information for beginners that are interested in increasing their daily steps. Now I'm not saying everyone get out and walk 10,000 steps everyday but if you have a "Smartphone" with an App on it that can track your steps get it and try... or if you have an iPod did you know that there is a Pedometer on the iPod... I didn't?!?! You can also buy inexpensive Pedometers from some dollar stores or drug stores or Walmart. If you don't a Smartphone or Pedometer then start by walking for 10 minutes each day... then 15 minutes the next day then try to increase it when your ready. Now that the warmer weather is here I've started walking to Timmy's twice a day. I set my Pedometer and off I go. Now I don't get to 10,000 steps in each day but I do get close to 6,800... depending on the day. I found the Pedometer motivates me. (I walk with a cane most days... I have aches and pains on many days... but when I have a "good" day and don't make excuses for not going for a walk I really enjoy it.) I'm issuing a challenge band buddies... for the Summer... "Step out on the town!" If you keep a food journal or use a food App... keep a daily log of how many steps you take. Try to increase your daily steps by 20... I think you'll be surprised how many steps you take... even if it's just around the house... down the end of the driveway or taking Lassie for a walk. What I did as a bonus to help me tone on my walks (because I'm so muscular LOL)... I bought these great weights from Canadian Tire that are only 1 lbs each and they fasten with velcro. I put one on each wrist and ankle before I head out to Timmy's. This gives me a little bit of resistance but are not too heavy. I also uses the weighs to do leg and arms lifts when I sit in a chair. Check out the website and remember EVERYTHING IN MODERATION and if you have any doubts about starting a walking program check with your family doctor or healthcare provider if your feeling walking may be too much for you. And... if anyone is interested here's the weights I use... this store is located in Canada but I'm sure you can find them in the US. http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/4/FitnessWellness/WeightsAccessories/PRD~0840848P/Tempo+Neoprene+Weights%2C+2x1-lbs.jsp?locale=en Step... 1, 2, 3.... Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs Website: http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html 10,000 STEPS A DAY "10,000 steps a day - pedometer walking program, walking routine, beginning walking, beginner walker" How many steps do you walk each day? Maybe you have heard the recent guidelines about walking 10,000 steps per day. How far is 10,000 steps anyway? The average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles. A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day. For these people adding steps has many health benefits. I have outlined the basic 10,000 steps program, but also added a commentary below. A reasonable goal for most people is to increase average daily steps each week by 500 per day until you can easily average 10,000 per day.Example: If you currently average 3000 steps each day, your goal for week one is 3500 each day. Your week 2 goal is 4000 each day. Continue to increase each week and you should be averaging 10,000 steps by the end of 14 weeks. Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your steps each day. Start by wearing the pedometer every day for one week. Put it on when you get up in the morning and wear it until bed time. Record your daily steps in a log or notebook. By the end of the week you will know your average daily steps. You might be surprised how many (or how few) steps you get in each day. There are many ways to increase your daily steps. Use your imagination and come up with your own list: Take a walk with your spouse, child, or friend Walk the dog Use the stairs instead of the elevator Park farther from the store Better yet, walk to the store Get up to change the channel Window shop Plan a walking meeting Walk over to visit a neighbor Get outside to walk around the garden or do a little weeding Continue to track your daily steps and/or mileage; and keep notes on how you feel, how your body is improving, or other changes you are making to improve your health. If you are in very poor physical condition or at any point you feel that you are progressing too rapidly slow down a bit and try smaller increases. If you have any health concerns seek your physician's advice prior to starting or changing your exercise routine. Notice: We have outlined the standard 10,000 step program because so many people ask about it. This is a good program to help get people motivated, or to get sedentary people moving. It is however our recommendation that most individuals fit 30 to 60 minutes of dedicated walking (or other exercise) into their routine at least 3 to 4 days a week. You can start with as little as ten minutes per day and gradually increase your walking routine.

I'm wondering if your doctors recommended that you take supplements, and if so, what they recommended. The nutritionist at my doctor's office didn't. I was diligent about taking Iron, a B supplement, and a multi-vitamin early on. I've not been as diligent lately. I started bruising really easily. The purple/green kind, where I can't even remember what I hit, then get a bruise. Over the last two weeks, I went back on them, but then today, I noticed another on my wrist. Have any of you experienced that you bruise more easily? Not sure if I should be worried or not.

Fluids are more important than calories right now. All fluids count, not just water. Try some Gator Ade...it has electrolytes and some sugar to help give you a boost. Little meals eaten frequently is the key, but as long as you can get fluids in, don't sweat the nutrients too much right now. Your body has a store of nutrients that would take a few weeks to deteriorate significantly. Sip, sip, sip!

Don't give up! Everybody's weight loss is different, how much food are you able to eat at one time? My start weight 212, day of sleeved 203 (Sept 26, 2016) current weight 174 Nov 22, 2016 I also have been eating certain foods I shouldn't but a bite or two here and there. I get full fast, very fast. I haven't had any sweets. Good luck speak to your doctors about your stalled weight TREAT PPL WITH RESPECT