Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I have Meritain Insurance and all the paperwork is being submitted. Has anyone in Arizona have the buy up plan. What was your out come ? I'm. Trying for the gastric sleeve.

I am 4 days post op and sweety i am feeling amazing my face is shrinking and I am loving every minute of my new life the burps they hurt but other than that i am thinking thin from now on ????

Overall the clinical staff is fantastic! Dr. Orris has been very good - I believe conservative with my band fills, but I respect his judgment. The nursing staff and dietician have been helpful and are very friendly. Yet, the billing staff when trying to get matters of insurance payments resolved was VERY challenged. I would and have recommended Dr. Orris and his clinical staff, but recognize working with his administrative staff and getting insurance in line will be a lesson in patience.

I was so doubtful I would get an approval and had almost given up. However - my fabulous insurance coordinator was awesome and we received the call in 3 days! Excited.......scared......nervous......happy and so grateful to finally get started!

Had first appointment, saw dieticians, psych evaluation, and insurance talks. Have appointment with surgeon on April 21st. My surgery date will be sometime in August. Had my stress test this week for my cardiac clearance too. Having my blood work days before my appointment with surgeon. Any pointers on things to do or ask at my appointment with surgeon?

I am 2 days post-op and have only had 12 oz of liquid today. It's a real struggle to get them down. My stomach starts to gurgle. Will that ever go away?

1st time post. Question: I would like to hear comments on how you decided that it was time to have the sleeve surgery. I first started looking into surgery in March 2015. I had my first appointment on March 25, it was the introduction and free information seminar. They were able to tell me that my insurance would cover me if we had 3 weight loss evaluations and march 25 was my first one of three. Then we had to provide them with a 3year history of obesity, which my PCP provided. Then I had to jump thru hoops to get all the testing done and pass them. My 2 of 3 ( April 29) appointment will weigh in, psych evaluation, nutritionist and exercise supporter. Along with bl…

I am in Tampa FL and wanted to know if there was any sleevers around my age local or had the sleeve done around my age. I am almost 3 weeks post op Margery was 3/17/15. I was 303 DOS last weigh in Monday 3/30 I was 286.

Hi my name is babyboo I'm preparing for surgery...I am a bit nervous and I am still learning about my new life....I think I would be very happy to get my surgery I have little children and health issues due to being morbid obesity...I am 4"11 199 and I am getting the sleeve...please comment if you like

Here is an image of that 1 pound of fat: (Congratulations on the great work you are doing)

Hi All - Below is an (incomplete) list of several options for Protein. Was making this list for myself, and thought to type it here for others to benefit. Please add to this list and offer any experiences/recipes with these or other key protein sources. Some common items missing, I know. -RC- Swiss cheese - 8g per 1oz Cheddar Cheese - 29g per 3oz eggs - 6g per 1 large egg Skim Milk - 8g per cup Pork Chop - 26g per 3 oz Roast Beef Deli Slices - 18g per 3 oz chicken Breast - 24g per 3 oz Halibut/Salmon - 23g per 3 oz Octopus - 25g per 3oz Tilapia - 21g per 3 oz Light Tuna - 22g per 3oz …

I started my journey yesterday visiting my bariatric program manager and getting all the info for the sleeve. My family and friends won't understand and I don't really want the stress of explaining and rationalizing my decision so I've only told 2 people. One will take me to and from the hospital. For now it looks like June 12th will be the date. I've read nearly all 14k posts on here looking for a reason not to do it. There are such mixed results but the majority seem happy with the decision. Any thoughts on telling family in advance?

I am always hungry n can't seem to get full!!! Have been in size 14 for a year ! What do I do? Please help !

How long till you guys were up feeling normal, taking long walks, getting out shopping etc????

Hello, I have had the Gastric band fitted on the15th April so it's been 5 days now. I have a follow up appointment with my doc in 3 days. Im now on the two week liquid diet, im suffering from reflux everyday its horrible. Is this normal? My doc has prescribed Nexium to take everyday since the operation.. At times i think what have i done to myself, when i get so exhausted from reflux and vomiting the acid in my stomach.. Im terribly tired and just cant see the light at the end of my tunnel.. Has anyone experienced reflux and vomiting right after surgery? Will it ever get better by time? Im only dreading the day i go back to work next week and start getting those reflux…

HW 285 SW 266 CW 221 I'm having a great time with my sleeve! Every time I feel a little less than successful, or start to worry about whether I will really lose all the weight I want to, I look at what I'm eating and how much activity I'm getting. Refocusing on the basics works every time, and each time the tweaking needed to bring me back to full compliance is less and less. I'm really learning new habits and breaking old ones! I still have cravings, but not as often. When I give in to them, I don't enjoy the food as much. I am using less than half the insulin I used to pre-surgery (I'm a Type 1 diabetic). I'm off of 2 of 3 blood pressure medications, and my…

So I got my approval and VSG surgery date (5/15 - yay!). During my pre op visit with the doctor, I asked about recovery time in the hospital and how he tests for leaks. I asked about going back to work. I've got my diet instructions. But after reading through the boards, I never asked about bougie size (how big will my stomach be post op). Is there anything else I missed that should be on my list of questions? I've got 4 weeks to ask until surgery! Thanks for the help!

Hi all, I was sleeved on 4/8. Had a rough time for the first few days post op. The gas is the pits. Back to feeling myself now except for the exhaustion that has taken over my body. I get to eat today. I'm starting with an egg and an ounce of mozzarella cheese. I'm hoping the calories and nourishment help with the fatigue. Does the fatigue last anyway? Despite new foods? I'm so tired I'm in bed by 7:30 every night with a two hour nap during the day. Bonus: down 15 pounds since surgery!

Surger date was June 28th, 12. Starting weight was 230. Current weight is 185ish. For a Month and a half I have been bouncing around the 80s but never out. The lowest weight I have seen is 182, but then in a few days it bounces back up again. I get my protien. I drink 64-84 ounces of water. I have added exercise. I am interval training trying to work up to running a 5K. I am trying to stay optimistic. My husband says I look great. I don't want to stop in the 180s. It feels like failure.

Hey guys, I haven't posted for a while but I read new posts daily. I had my surgery on January 8th 2015 and I am down 40 lbs which I am thrilled with My current dilemma is that the scale haven't moved in 3 weeks. I am happy that I haven't gained and I am feeling better than ever. I am down 3 dress sizes and have so much energy. The thing is that I am fixated on that scale. I know I am going to have plateaus and I know I am not in the green yet but I am having anxiety about the numbers. I guess this is the point in my previous diet experiences where I would throw in the towel and give up. I am trying to stay positive and my family, friends and doctor are great supports…

I filled out that form on the bottom of his post and they quickly responded with all types of other prices non of them being what was offered. Does anybody know anything about this?

I just got approved this past Monday and will be having my surgery on Thursday the 23rd of this month. I'm so excited and so nervous, I have a 3 year old daughter and I'm a single mom 24/7 so she's all I have. Anyways my parents help out when I work, when I got the approval I told them both about my decision. My mom was nervous because of my daughter and my dad was totally fine with it. Today my mom calls me mad saying I should have discussed this with her and that my decisions affect everyone not just me and my daughter...she was making it about her and I'm trying to just brush it off because I really don't need any more stress then my everyday life and the surgery comin…

Weighed myself this morning for the first time in about 3 weeks. My goal was to lose 20 pounds pre-op. I've lost 25!!! I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, going without food or taste for 24 hours will be very hard. But I expect that if I can get through this part of the journey I will most likely come to view any other part of the journey as going downhill. To all of my "April 23rd" siblings out there... God Bless and Good Luck!

Went for my Cardiology appointment my surgeon referred me to. Now I have to have an Echocardiogram with Echocarotid. ISince I started the pre-op appts, it has been one thing after another. I guess next I wont be able to ha e surgery....????????????????

I didn't grow up being overweight - I spend most of my youth to 18 underweight. Now I'm almost 39 mother of 7 weighing in at 255 lbs 5'5'... I started my this process last year and became overwhelmed by the process and backed out. I finally had enough - a few weeks ago I had all my records submitted . My paperwork was submitted on 4/13 and I received my approval call the afternoon of 4/14... I couldn't believe it- I felt like kicking myself for not doing it last year. Now on vacation in Orlando - I received my surgery date for 5/14 and all my pre-surgery appointments. I have to start my liquid diet on 4/30... Not looking forward to! My biggest fears are p…

I had the lapband removed and the gastric Sleeve.... It's been almost a week and I'm still in a lot of Pain.... I still need help getting in and out of Bed... How much longer will I feel this way?

I'm in the pre-op stage of being SLEEVED. I've been BANDED twice. First in 2010 then again in 2014. The first band slipped twice so I replaced it instead of being SLEEVED because #1 I was afraid of being SLEEVED (although it was suggested) #2 I lost 100 lbs with the BAND & thought why would I switch. Now after a year & few months I'm having issues with tightness & gerd. I keep going up & down with the fills which is not good. My BMI is under 30 but my Insurance will pay because I'm having same symptoms as first time plus more & I cannot tolerate fills. So all ins & my Doctor requires is an EGD (my last one was 2010) also Labwork & EKG. …

Hello all.... been lurking for a while, and enjoying all the helpful information. Been on Clear liquids for 2 days so ready to get this done....looking forward to 3 months time. Wish me luck and see you at the other side! Cheers and good luck all to all today's sleevers! G

Isn't the artificial sweeteners in crystal light and sugar free jello etc.... bad for you? Don't they cause more cravings? I know they cause me to have headaches. Is there a way to do the clear liquid phase without artificial sweeteners?

Today is the big day! Surgery is in 2 hours and I cannot wait. Labs check, hot anesthesiologist check. I'm ready to get this party started!

It's been two and a half months post op and I've been feeling a lot hungry now than I have a few weeks ago. Since my surgery, I am down 56 pounds with another 54 to go to my goal. All of a sudden, I'm feeling hungry and thinking of food all the time. I eat no more the 1100-1200 calories a day and walk everyday about a mile and a half. I am due for my 3rd fill later this week I just hope this helps because I'm getting scared and don't want to gain this back.

Dear All, I am a newbie to this website. I have previously had lap band surgery in 2008 which resulted in extreme pain and discomfort from acid reflex. Eventually my band slipped due to the constant vomiting and was removed in March 2011. Since then I have not suffered at all with acid reflux however all my weight and more has returned. I am now considering further bariatric surgery and I went to see a specialist in Dubai on Monday. I was swaying towards Gastric Bypass as I am 33 years old with no medical issues at all and I wanted the 'Gold Service'. I don't take any medication but weigh in at 147.9kgs (very lucky my weight does not affect my health). My doc…

What Size bougie does everyone get? Does it depend on your size now?

I've been reading so many posts on here that I finally got up the courage to post my own story. I'm 5'2" and 39 yr old with 40 ready to break down my door next month. I was not an overweight kid. I was active and ate the very common Hispanic dinner of chicken, rice and Beans every night. My mother did not spend money on chips, soda, or eating a fast food places. I gained about 10 lbs at the end of high school when I dropped the dance team and got a job at mcdonals. Then I gained the "freshmen 15", then I started going out with friends alot, then I started dating my husband and before I knew what happened I had gone from 120 to 200. 15 years and 3 kids later, I ballooned…

7 weeks from today I'll be out of surgery!!! I just can't wait! I'm so excited. I know it'll be rough in the beginning and a lot of hard work I just can't wait to start a new way of eating and living! I can't wait to feel good about myself and get this excess weight off then get a boob job lol!!! Anyone else have a June date that's counting down!??? How are you eating at this point?

Howdy from Texas! I had my sleeve done April 6th and have started exploring new ideas for protein. I purchased the recommended kit from Bariatric Advantage, which included two tubs of the Nectar protein; Crystal Rain (reminds me of circus peanuts) and Caribbean Cooler (does not taste as good as it sounds). I plan on trying the Fuzzy Navel after hearing good reviews about the taste. Here is a list of things that I have tried... Premier Protein in chocolate, strawberries and cream, and vanilla. I typically like chocolate, but in this case the strawberries and cream was my favorite. Adkins in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, strawberry, and caramel latte. I did not particul…

Am I the only struggling to take this iodine off my skin. My surgery was 4/15 and everyday I try to take it off little by little today I couldn't take it and cleaned most of it off with alcohol and cotton balls. Also to make things worse my doctor put gauze and clear film over my dermabond I tried taking one one off to see the smallest incision and of course the gauze is stuck any suggestions guys?

Hello. I started my journey in October, just got my approval, and am scheduled for 5/4! My starting weight was 227, current is 215, and my surgeon wants me to loose another 10 (down to 205) in the next 3wks. I honestly don't know if I can do it. Gonna try, but wow... Besides no carbs and more cardio, anyone have any other suggestions? I'm borderline desperado here ????

I'm 39 about to be 40 years old. I thought I could lose the weight on my own because I lost like 50 lbs like 5 years ago. I was about 300 lbs then. Then I met this guy and he moved into my home and messed up my life. I guess I was depressed or whatever. I gained the weight back and ballooned up to 371( I have never told anyone my weight before). A couple months ago I went to my Dr. And found out that I was diabetic. That was my breaking point. I realized that not only do I not want to be fat but I want to be healthy and alive. I called the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida and made an appointment and went through the pre approval process and got approved. Now her…

Hello All, It's been several years since I've been here. When I last was here I was going to go out of state to have the Lap-band done. Well, I had all the approvals in my hand and my surgeon essentially abandoned me. I have my personal speculations about why this happened as I've encountered several others who had the same thing happen to them. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Any who, at the end of 2013 I decided to give weight loss surgery another go. I redid my research on all the procedures and settled on the Gastric Sleeve, which is the procedure I feel most comfortable with. I watched the videos of the actual surgery, I watched more videos on YT tha…

Has anyone experienced white fingers?

Hi everyone. I started my journey last Nov with researching the Gastric Sleeve option. I am approaching retirement in a few years and felt I needed to get myself to a healthier me before co-mobidities started. I had my surgery on March 6, 2015 and and have only lost 14 lbs. I have other aquaintenances that had their surgery after me and have lost more that 25 lbs. I have been very faithful on plan and recording all foods, water and exercise including Ricola drops. The support group I go to also, those members seemed to have lost more weight than me in the 5-6 weeks. I held at the same weight from Mar27 to Apr 10th. I have a checkin on Apr 22nd and will bring all m…

hello ladies and gents.my name is Kathy from Southern Ca.Antelope Valley area to be exact.my current weight is 223 at only 28 yrs of age.this past year i gained most of the weight.dealing with tons of streas,poor eating habits and no excersize.I am with kaiser and want to know what the process is like?

I am using Tapatalk and couldn't find an intro forum so I thought I would jump in here. I have been reading this forum for a couple of weeks now, trying to get some real life experiences. I Had my initial consult last week and scheduled all of my appts. I have to lose 13 pounds by June 15 when I meet my surgeon. I am pretty nervous ( as I imagine everyone who has gone through this process is) Mostly I am worried that I will regret it. Or that I will be one of those people who lose just 20 pounds and stall. I have about 110 pounds to lose. I am in my early 50s and feel like this is my last chance at not dying a fat person. So, anyways. ..Hi!

I am 3 weeks post-op sleeve surgery and am concerned about stretching my "pouch". I know there may be a bit of stretching down the line, I just am so nervous. I did not have any pain at all after surgery, have had energy (not back to work yet though so that may change), and started walking (slowly) on the treadmill 2 days post-op. I have eaten very finely chopped up chicken already as well as eggs, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. I have not had that "full" feeling I have read about but I do know when I am satisfied and stop eating. I have not felt nauseous at all even the evening after the surgery. Are there others out there that have had it "easy" post - op? I have…

Finally 12 weeks (sleeved 1/20/15) in I have hit 50 lbs lost! Major changes mostly in three areas now. First, Clothes.... If i wear my fat clothes i look like a pile of laundry.....lol I have gone from a snug XXL shirt and a tight 40waist to a large shirt and 36waist jeans!! Secondly is learning how my new stomach actually works and what it is telling me.....actually eating when I am hungry! I have not been counting calories or Protein lately (just once a week ill catalog foods to make sure i'm on track), and just eating the right foods (yes some of the same foods) but not cheating a bite of this and that. This is making the weight-loss much easier. The proc…

Had to sit through a 2.5 hour "Lifestyles and Weight Management" class last Friday as part of my insurance provider's process. I have my first doctor's visit this Thursday at 8:30am. They require a 12-week program and a weight loss of 5-10% before surgery. If you gain weight during that 12 week period, you're kicked out of the program, and have to start all over.

Lost over 100lbs since surgery on 12/3/14. I was 340 in pic on left and 232 yesterday! By the grace of God I keep pressing forward and staying focused!

Tomorrow is my big day, I'm excited, I'm taking 2 weeks off work, I'm a floor nurse. I'm praying for a speedy recovery !

I am so excited and can't wait for tomorrow! I'm only nervous that I will wake up from surgery and they will tell me they couldn't do the surgery because of scar tissue from my previous surgeries. I can't wait to wake up after tomorrow!