Hi everyone....I am about almost 3 week post-op...and Ihave been so far from 282 to 268. I feel like I am not really moving. Is this slow pace of weight loss normal?? or am I making too much of this??? when will I start losing aloy? what can I do to speed up the process? what kinds of foods and exercises do you suggest??? I had the VBG is it possible for these surgeries to fail???

Hi Mary, I too can relate to being able to eat a bunch of junk and have it go down with no problem. It is very important to keep the junk food out of your house. My friends and family already know if they're hungry or thirsty not to stop by my apartment because there's nothing here, hahahaha. All the drinks are "light" or "sugar free" or "unsweetened". I don't know about your living situation, but I'm 25, single, and I live alone so I don't do too much cooking anyway. I eat a lot of Weigh****chers and Lean Cuisine meals. When you're hungry, although you want to reach for the bad stuff you HAVE to choose something that's higher in protein because it's going to fill you up. I was 475 before surgery and everyday it's a struggle for me. Me against the food and my old habits. Personally, I feel it's important not to deprive yourself and live like your on a diet. You need to know when you're vunerable to eating the junk and plan for it. I sit at a desk all day, I bring string cheese (for the morning) and crackers (in case of emergency) and pudding (afternoon) to work with me in addition to my Weigh****chers for lunch. So when I feel the urge to snack I have something with me so I don't run to the vending machine. Also, my friends and family think I'm perpetually broke because I never carry money with me anymore, because it's easier for me not to give in to buying junk when I'm out if I don't have any money. And I'm too embarrased to hand over the debit card at Wendy's for a 99 cent frosty, hahahahah. It makes me think more and be more aware of what I'm doing. You'll be alright if you just keep your eye on the prize and rember why you made the decision to have surgery in the first place. I recently put some old pictures of myself up on the refridgerator as motivation and as a reminder of what I've gone through in the past year. It's also important to surround yourself with supportive people. My co-workers and family are so encouraging and supportive that it keeps me going. I wish you all the luck in the world, and I hope you're comforted in knowing that you are not alone in this battle, and anything worth having is worth fighting for. Take Care, Alysia 475/347/?

Hello everyone....I hope everyone is doing alright because I unfortunatly am not. I had my surgery on October 19, 2004. I weighed in at 418 and now I am down to about 372. My problem is that I eat all the wrong things. I feel that I can eat alot at one sitting especially if it is junk food. I hate that I am doing this to myself and I want and need to stop!! I didn't go through all of this to go back to my old eating habits that is for sure. Does anyone have any advice that they would want to share with me. I am getting so depressed about this! I was down to 365 and then gained weight. I need help. I would appriciate any advice anyone can give me. Thanks for you help Mary

Hi Robin...it's me Lakeea I will be calling you soon!!! do me a favor!! email me your phone number again...I think I misplaced it!!! I am coming along it has been two weeks. My scale keeps jumping from 271to 267 starting at 282. I am strating to feel that the surgery failed because I have been able to eat anything within reason!! without any nausea...and that scares me!! like cheesecake!!! because it is so soft!!! call ya soon!!!!

To be honest I never looked into the VBG. When I first started looking into WLS I looked at the lapband because I was afraid of the invasiveness of the RNY and the DS. Three years later I chose the DS as my best alternative to finally get rid of this weight. I mainly chose it because I love the fact that I still keep a normally functioning stomach. Meaning I still have my pyloric valve in tact. I chose it because I do not have to chew chew chew in order to make sure I can swallow my food. If there is one pain is that I have to take 12 pills a day. Not all DS patients have to but that is what my surgeon recommends. There is a misconception about all DS patients having runny stool and gas and chronic diahhrea. With me that is not the case. It all depends on my diet. If I eat something too high in greasy fat then yes it is likely I will get diahhrea if I eat too much white bread or pasta then yes I will get gas. But it is a small price to pay for losing 60lbs already. I can still eat these foods just in the comfort of my home. I still have to watch my sugar and carb intake but Protein and Fat are my friends which is good because I still enjoy a juicy bacon cheeseburger sans the bread of course. The DS gives ya a little more space after so you can have normal portions without absorbing all the calories and fat but the malabsorption is also why I have to take so many pills a day. So if your not a good pill taker then the DS may not be good for you. Every surgery has pros and cons so make sure you chose the procedure you can live with for the rest of your life.