Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

New to this type of online stuff and don't usually join in, but I feel like I have hit a wall and might help so I don't want to give up. I was doing so well until 2 1/2 weeks ago. Down 42 pounds since January, 28 pounds since surgery on 3/20/15. Now, nothing in over 2 weeks! I am taking it very hard and feel like I should give in and get a Big Mac with extra sauce (just a thought... I have not caved, I try to exercise instead). I expected to lose tons of pounds at first like the people on TV. Has this happened to others or am I broken?

I was sleeved on 5/26 and since then have had almost a constant headache, chills- no fever apparently, and feel horrible. Has anyone experienced this??

Hello, I'm Kate from south of England and I am due to have a gastric sleeve on the 23 July 2015. I am on holiday right now, so thought this would be a good time to read, read and read some more. I researched a few places which did sleeves and decided to go with the Bariatric Group and will be having my procedure in Poole, Dorset. I am married with 4 boys, aged 53 and have been overweight since I was 32 and my thyroid not only stopped working but my body ate it, thinking it was a foreign object. For the past 3+ years I have had a fight with the NHS for private prescriptions for Natural thyroid rather then synthetic stuff. My GP (ex I might add) was very annoyed I knew mor…

21 years old and I got a new chance at a new life I'm so happy. Sw:344 Cw:174 Goal:160 Sleeved 02/06/2014

Hi there, I'm 7 days post-op RNY. So my nut book and dr orders say at least a total of 64 ounces fluid daily and of that I need at least 80-100 grams of protein. Ok I have gotten the nectar fruit protein powder and the wonderful premier protein shakes from SAMs, I've divided my portions into 4 oz into baby cups so that I have a day's worth made up in the fridge but geezzzz.....even with the highest protein count, that still comes up to like 4-5 liquid protein meals. I can't seem to get it all in and I feel sloshy! I tried 4 different laxatives approved by my dr before turning to an enema to get relief for a bm on day 4. Up until that point, the pain from gas was extreme a…

After 7 months of medical testing my surgery is finally tomorrow (May 4th, 2015). I've yoyo dieted for many years. I think I've done everything there is out there from Vegan to Atkins. After an injury, last year, prevented me from exercising I decided to go to another seminar on bariatric surgery. I'd gone to one many years ago and thought I could handle things on my own. Losing 20lbs gaining 30 over and over again. Since I've been unsuccessful on my own, and now limited to swimming only, I decided to pursue surgery. I'm happy, excited and very ready to move forward.

Through my adult life, I've gone from pudgy to overweight to obese to morbidly obese, all the while trying to beat the battle of the bulge. I started investigating bariatric surgery back in the '70s, but decided against it when I was told that I didn't meet the criteria and needed to gain an additional 10 pounds. Of course, I'm glad that I didn't have the surgery back then, given all the negative consequences of those early procedures. By the time I reached weights in excess of 200 lbs in the '80s, I started to investigate bariatric surgery again after having failed numerous times at Weight Watchers, attempting an early version of Nutrisystem, and, of course, manifo…

band to gastric/ 4 weeks out .. Don't feel full/ never had dumping / vomiting... I almost feel like I'm on my own with This sleeve... At least I had the band to stop -well some foods although it wasn't working anymore after 9 yrs.... You say the stomach nerves are not healed but the only nerves I'm aware of in the stomach are the Constrict/ reconstrict muscles to pass the food thru!!! Not to mention when I post I can never find my post or any replies!!! Don't understand this site.. Just really bummed today!!!

Hello everyone, my name is Jaterika I just had surgery Friday and I'm feeling way better today then Friday. My weight before it all was 298 the day of surgery after a week of liquid diet was 288 and Sunday I was 284. I have not weighed myself since Sunday so I won't be disappointed or anything but my follow up appt is Wednesday. I'm excited about my journey so far even though I miss food like no other.

My story begins at age 12, my parents divorced (a very bad divorce). My mother who was the proverbial women scorned, trash talked my dad every chance she got. She would tell my brother, sister & I that our dad didn't want anything to do with us, and of course my dad being active duty got orders to Puerto Rico, and left shortly after they separated. Being the age we were we believed what she said after all he didn't call or write us all the while my mom was sending letter and gifts back and changed our phone number so he couldn't call. Feeling unwanted I turned to food for comfort. Fast forward to high school after graduating I weighed over 200 pounds. A year to the d…

Hi everyone. I am Brigitte from the United Kingdom. 55 years old and waiting to have gastric bypass surgery in 10 days. Now struggling with pre op diet and some nerves but remain clear that I am doing the right thing. That's me. ???? The forum looks very helpful and supportive!

I am just wondering how long everyone took off from work. I am an RN and so I am on my feet the entire time basically. Heavy lifting. I work 12 hour shifts. So I'm trying to gage how long to expect to need off. Thank you!

I've been on the liquid diet now for 5 days and having a really hard time with going to the restroom, constipation is not fun at all!! Do any of you guys have tips on how to deal with it? Because I sure would love to know!!????????

Does any know if it's ok to take a fat burner for energy during workouts? Some people do better during their workout with the extra push a fat burner provides in energy and stamina.

After months of consideration and finally coming to the conclusion that I can't do this "dieting" on my own any longer; I made the decision to take the next step and voice my desire for WSL with my family. To my surprise my husband was very supportive. I called my insurance only to find out that they don't cover it. I was stunned that my husband said I shouldn't let that deter me from this if it would make my life better. So, I have spent so much time reading and asking questions on forums and I found this place today. I'm anxious to get to the seminar and see what that is all about. Thank you all for sharing your stories, trials and tribulations! I appreciate your …

Hi There, I had my ruan y in aug 2004. My weight came down from 297 to 120 today. My goal weight is 115, but I've been here for two years now and I'm happy with that outcome, very happy. The surgery brought me down to about 165 which I maintained for quite a few years. After surgery I came to realize that it was no silver bullet, that I had to change eating habits of a lifetime. I cut fat way down and counted calories pretty much and found a way to maintain. I could have gained the weight back. The main part of the surgery that saved me is if I overdid I got sick, nauseated. But I endured the nausea and eventually a couple of years ago I got pancreatitis which …

Please! I am scheduled to be sleeved September 17, 2014. I am a worrier even though I am excited. The main thing that keeps me going and puts a lot of negative thoughts out of my head is reading everyone's stories especially their post surgery stats...... Please...I know it helps others reading this too. I would like to know your height. ....age (optional), presurgery weight, day of surgery weight, 1st month weight loss, 2nd month weight loss, etc. and then total weight loss and total number of months it took to reach the total loss. Before and after pics would be nice if you'd be willing to share. I know a lot of pre-sleevers like me would really appreciate thi…

After seeing my consultant this morning I have a provisional date of the 6th June. I am so excited. This has been a long battle to get this far! I know this is really gonna be the beginning but it's a journey I can't wait too start!!

Today is my 9 months surgeversary. I am thrilled to report that I am down 60 pounds from my surgery weight and 84 pounds from the 260 I weighed when I started working on losing weight pre-op. 60 pounds might not seem like a lot to some folks. I know there are people out there who lose that much in just a couple of months. But, for me, I am very very pleased. In the beginning, once it became clear I would be a "slow" loser, I was very frustrated. I had all the same thoughts and reactions that I see other slow losers having on these forums. Why did I have 80% of my stomach removed and undergo an expensive and potentially risky surgery to lose weight more slowly than I c…

After 32 days in the hospital, in and out of the ICU, 2 surgeries, a major stomach leak, left plural effusion, left lung collapsed, pelvic fluid build up, major GI bleed, and lastly an abscess on my spleen...I'M GETTING DISCHARGED!!!

Are any of you still on insulin? Months after surgery even years? ... I am type 2 have been for 12 years and on insulin for 8 years I take 2000 mg of metformin 5 mg of farxiga 90 units of levimir and 30- 60 units of humalog daily along with other meds. I'm hoping that I can drop all but the levemir and reduce it by the time I am done .... My getting surgery is a two edged sword, while it is the correct choice I may loose my retirement income if I completely go off all insulin.

Yikes, Two bites of a Frosty, and it hit! Learned a lesson there! All in all..my story.. Low BMI (30) Mexico self pay Feb 14, 2015 (Valentines Day) It's been 3 1/2 months, and a learning curve. Acid Reflux, a couple of bouts with foamies, constipation, gurgling stomach, puking air... 45 pounds down and a size 6. Worth it!

Got 15 more pounds to go.

I'm a month a 5 days post op and my cycle did not come. I'm not pregnant either. Has this happened to any one? What does this mean?

I was sleeved 08/01/2014. This was a great step at improving my over all health. Due to other health conditions I'm just getting into the gym. It feels great to be able to move! This is a my year of transformation. Life isn't perfect but the healthier I get the better chance I have to live happily! By December 2015 I will be the healthiest I've been in years. I have lost weight and know the importance of healthy eating. I am working at a heathy me!

Hello! I'm Amy. I live in Mound, MN - a western suburb of Minneapolis. I'm married and have three sons, ages 10, almost 4 and almost 2. I work full-time as a Buyer. I'm 38 years old. I'm scheduled for a Roux-En-Y on June 22 after 6 months of Nutritionist Appointments, Exercise Physiologists, Psychiatrists, and Surgeon appointments. I'm 'the ideal candidate'. I'm pretty sure my story isn't much different than anyone else on this forum...I've struggled with being overweight since I was 8. I don't know what it's like to feel comfortable in my own skin. I have always been seeking out the magical diet or super-pill that would make me a slim and fit super-woman.…

Hello everyone. I have my first appt with the nurse practitioner on Wednesday to see if I qualify. With my insurance I need to have a BMI of 40 or above or a BMI with a co morbidity (diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, sleep apnea). I have no co morbidity but this is my dilemma. My current weight is 264. I am not quite 5' 8.5". If the nurse goes with the lower number I will be at 40 but if she bumps me up to 5'9 I am not quite at 40. I will be so disappointed if I am not approved for the gastric sleeve. I have my heart set on this tool to help me get healthier. Any thoughts on this or has anyone been this close with their BMI?

I go in tomorrow for my sleeve and I assume that tomorrow evening, I'll be up and sitting and everything so my wife and I decided that we'd play it by ear but we're assuming it will be ok for my 3 year old daughter to come visit me since I'll be gone for a night. We've already told her that daddy is going to the doctor to get healthy and I'd be gone for a night. I'd definitely like to see her but I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with an actual hospital visit.

It's been 6 months since my original gastric bypass, which I then had reversed to a sleeve about three months ago. I still cannot eat without vomiting and pain. Sometimes, some days, I can do yogurt or a pretzel. I sometimes can handle cheese and Soups. But there are many days I can't. I haven't had more than 300 calories a day in six months. With the sleeve everything hurts and feels like it gets stuck and I have to make myself throw up to feel better. Anyone else experiencing an inability to advance their diet at three months?

Hi, I’m brand new to this site and I wanted to say thanks to all for the info and helpful advice within. It feels like a great support. I am at the start of this journey –made the decision to have bariatric surgery about a month ago and since then have been speaking to the a UK Centre – they have been very helpful and I had more-or-less settled on a gastric band. I’m fit and healthy – just very over weight – about 20stone and BMI of 41. Yesterday I have my first consultation with a surgeon and sadly it was very disappointing. His first question was ‘why a band and not a sleeve’. Then followed a power point presentation about why obesity is a worldwide problem (errr – …

Hi everybody My name is Liz Cantlon and I had my surgery 26/5, just six days ago. So far so good. I am a New Zealander living in Australia and am 51. My BMI was 36 pre surgery. I am so excited about the new life I have ahead. I have enjoyed reading all the information available here.

Hello, I am new to the site & new to the VGS world. Surgery was on 5/14 weighing in at 226. 2 weeks out I am down 22 lbs. I am looking for meal ideas. Currently on phase 3 plan cottage cheese, peaches & peas for dinner. Looking forward to making new friends during this exciting journey.

Hello everyone, so my surgery is tomorrow. They said I need to be in the hospital around 11 and my surgery should take place around 12:45. I am going to be so thirsty! No food or water allowed after midnight tonight. Anyway, I am super excited and nervous all rolled into one feeling. If anyone has any pointers or suggestions for the day of surgery please let me know. Thank you!!????❗️????

Hello everyone I had my sleeve gastrectomy on January 26. The first picture is of me before the surgery and the rest is me after the surgery. I still have a long way to go but I'm getting there. If anyone has any questions. Please feel free to ask.

After my pre-Opel of shrimp al diablo and fresh cut green beans/ garlic, I felt really hungry, I haven't cheated and didn't wanna start so I had a great idea, we purchased a Hawaiian shaved ice machine last summer because of our family size, so I got it out and shaved some ice, then mixed in some Walmart brand type of "Mio" which was Pineapple Coconut Lime( kinda Piña colada ish) and its doing the trick, no calories 1 gram carb, love this kinda cheating!

The nausea is horrible and the zofran is not doing it for me. The pain is more like cramping and spasm. I hope everyone else that had surgery today is doing well.

My back aches. Did anyone else have back pain through the weight loss stage? I've been a slacker, I've worked hard before, and it doesn't feel surgical.

Initially when I took this on I was very well informed since it took me two years to come to the decision, but a few months ago I asked myself a question and it is coming back to haunt me : how would I treat people who meet me and like me, will I be standoffish or rude? Whenever I met someone I always judged them by their words, demeanor, and actions, never by their looks because I knew what that felt like, but how will il know that the people I meet afterward are genuine, they won't know my past, the way I looked, or who I really am, ironically I work in psych and when my Dr. Signed off on me we never bothered to cover this, one of my therapist friends said whenever I ne…

Hello everyone, I'm new to this site, and new to sharing openly on social media period, but making the decision to get sleeved is a major one and hope to find support and others on the same journey. Well I'm just starting out I have a seminar on June 5th about the sleeve and the center I'm going to have it done at, then meet back with my primary June 8th. Anyone have NY state medicare fidelis program? I'd love to know more about the insurance process time.

I had my roux en y bypass on October 31, 2014. There are many things I'd like to touch on, but I'd thought I'd start with the one thing I've been curious about most - alcohol. I am not a stranger to drinking, My 20's were a whirlwind but I've become much more of a sporadic, social drinker in my 30's and I haven't a drop since August 2014. My mom had the same surgery 5 years ago and her experience with alcohol was overwhelming. She says she had a sip of wine and immediately held onto the table because she felt out-of-control drunk, however my mom has never been much of drinker. I'm wondering if drinking any amount of alcohol does any damage to my pouch. I have a feeling …

I always thought that I could do this on my own and I did - several times. But I put off surgery for many years. But then everything kind of imploded, diabetes meds went crazy. Sugar levels, Menopause, headaches, narcolepsy, falling down, the shakes, and all these things led me to surgery. If it hadn't been for all this crap I would probably have gone the rest of my life "dieting" - I am glad that there is help for me to live a healthier life. Waiting for surgery in July or August.

Any suggestions on post sleeve constipation???? By the way I usually try for a natural way like prune or apple juice, neither work post surgery for me. Stool 100mg of colace twice daily doesn't do much either. My only help is exlax which I'm not too thrilled with using, I don't want my body to rely on such a heavy med.

I had the sleeve 6 months ago I have lost 106. No clue how to upload photos.

Today I weighed myself and for the first time since surgery, my breath was taken away from what I saw on that scale. Less than 2 months ago (March 3rd) I weighed 270 pounds. Today, I weighed 220 pounds. Im almost to the weight that I weighed the day I married my husband. That's 50 pounds gone forever! I am so grateful for this journey no matter what I had to go through! I don't do pics...but here is my before and after face shots.

Where are all the people getting their Sleeve done in may?? I will be getting mine on May the 28. I'm so excited for the new life style change

Hello all, I have a few weeks before my final NUT appointment. My boys, ages 7 and 14 have no idea that I plan to do this surgery. My oldest son has watched me struggle for years with my weight, exercising, eating healthy, but I have never made a point to say that I am struggling, or make negative comments about my weight. I want their self images to be positive, and not focus only on a scale. How did you all decide to tell your kids? Your thoughts/experiences are welcomed! Heather

Im using the restroom all the the time. And going number 1 and 2 everytime. But no diarrhea. I was told by alot of people i would be on the toilet all day . Definitely not the case. Anyone else same thing.

Hi all, I just joined today, My surgery date is 7-2-15. I start the liquid diet on 6-18. I am having the band but I am also having the plication with it. hope it is ok to post in this forum. I posted on the plication forum also. I will take all the support I can get. Thanks for having me

Hello! My name is Kourtney. I am 23 and a born & raised Texas gal. My mother and I are both getting sleeved on June 12th... I am so excited to begin this exciting journey with my partner in crime LOL. Anyone getting sleeved on or around my date? I made an Instagram just for my WLS journey.. Feel free to follow me @half_a_kourt Hope to hear from you soon!

My name is Robin and I recently underwent Lap-Band surgery. I am like 10 days post-op and have been adjusting to reintroducing foods. I decided to do the Lap-Band because I feel it is less invasive and also it is something that you can have removed later, if you choose. I have over the years made several attempts to lose weight and would have temporary success and would soon hit a plateau after losing like 10 lbs., that has been very frustrating, to feel like you are doing all you can to no avail. I needed something that would help control my appetite and I feel that this is a great tool. I have had a very good outlook and felt completely comfortable with this procedure…