Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

So I met with my hematologist today and he was like what's it doing? What's going on with the surgery? I was like I just need clearance from you and I can get a date. He was like I sent your doctor a letter a few weeks ago clearing you. (I last saw him 10/13/14 and did blood work and CT scan) Also I called the last week in Oct to remind him like he told me to and the lady (she can be so rude and mean at times) was like Ohhhh no Dr. Rosen doesn't clear anyone without them coming in again and going over the results, I tried to tell her no he told me to call. Then she was like Oh no in all the 30 yrs I been working here this is how he does it. And she was WRONG!! He already …

Hi! Am joining to share with others like me. Had lap band dec 2011- had oesophageal dilatation band was opened from oct 2013 till my new surgery on July 31 2014; roux en y bypass . Am learning to live with new surgery. Found to be loosing hair now a little worried and still learning how to eat. Tonight had pistachios and had bad cramps and bloating . Not sure if blockage am waiting to see how it goes, am having hot water to help things go down... A little worried and new at this... Anyone with suggestions or just comforting words?

My BMI was 38 when I was approved for the surgery. As little as six months ago it was 33. I, like many of you was tired of the continual weight yo-yo over the course of 30 years. I want to be healthy and not be ruled by my food. My decision to have the sleeve was me wanting to "eat to live", rather than "live to eat". I was frustrated after dieting and exercising and losing weight and gaining it all back plus more my entire adult life. I recently developed some comorbidities, blood pressure medication this year, severe sleep apnea, and my blood sugar was slowly creeping through the pre-diabetic stages. The heavier I got, the less I wanted to exercise, and the heavier I go…

So I just had surgery yesterday and am doing the liquid diet...what are your favorite protien shakes n things to eat that go down smooth for the next 2 weeks of this??

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery. Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it. I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I am 3 weeks pre-op. I was told a minimum of 2 weeks but understand it's different for everyone. I'm just curious about others? What is your job and how long were you out before being released back to work? ????

I am a newbie. Been lurking for a while. I am having Bypass on December 15th. Insurance approved on the first go. I am a little scared about the liquid part before the surgery. I have given up all carbonated beverages 6 weeks ago, caffeine and sugar in my coffee. I am trying to make as many changes as possible before my surgery. I am blessed to have a very supportive husband through all of this.

Tomorrow marks my 1 week since having the surgery and things have been going really well! Although I had to stay in the hospital an extra day, my time home has been a breeze. I don't have to sip on liquids, I can drink them regularly. I'm not hungry at all during the day, I just experience a really really dry mouth and my cravings start kicking in. For example: OMG a #7 from chick Fil a would be sooo good right now. Or an m&m cookie would just be aahhh. When this happens, I just suck on a sugar free spearmint peppermint and go about my day. I must say that by day 5 post op, I was so tired of chicken broth and crystal light. Last night I drained some vegetable juic…

Hi guys, Anyone know about this? Preferably anyone in Australia that could help me? Thanks

My surgery is booked for August 4 and here are some things that I can't wait for or even imagine doing! 1. Crossing my legs 2. Putting on shoes/ runners without discomfort 3. Wrapping a normal towel around me and it fitting 4. Not wearing a seat belt extender on the plane 5. Not worrying about sitting on camping chairs 6. Not worrying about bumping into people 7. My knees not hurting when I walk 8. Loving walking my dogs it's dreadful now 9. Not being ashamed and wondering if people are talking about me 10. To love my body instead of hate it 11. A better relationship with food I currently hate food and what it does to me

Hello Everyone, I have been contemplating having the vsg done for some time now, but my insurance doesn't cover the procedure. Can anyone suggest an insurance carrier that does cover the procedure that does not have a long preparation period?

I recently noticed that my workouts have been getting just a bit easier. So, I downloaded the c25k app to use on the treadmill. I tried it for the first time today. I made it halfway through the first workout, so a minute of jogging, followed by 90 seconds of brisk walking, repeated 5 times. Sure, I was "supposed" to do it 10 times, but for someone who couldn't jog all 6 weeks ago, I'll take it!

I would really like to find some people that are in the Kaiser program. I'm in the south Sacramento program. The support groups have not and what I had hoped for I love to find the support here. After my psych evaluation today I've met all the requirements... Interested to hear what all have to do next.

Hi, everybody. I was sleeved on 11/18. I've been on my tablet since then and I'm not comfy with the application, but I've been updating on FB in a Sleevers Group, so I thought I would copy my posts from there to share with you all. 11/17 - T minus 1 I had a stressful day before surgery which had blame shared equally between myself, my surgeon's team and the hospital. Sharing so maybe someone else won't have the same issues. For preop, i needed to have a CBC, CMP, type/screen, PT/INR, chest xray and ekg. My insurance (Aetna Open Access) will only pay for blood work done by Quest. The director/nurse at my bariatric center told me that the type/screen and PT/INR bo…

How long do this k you will need before you go back to work or school because I am a full time college student and I go back to school today or I'm gone get dropped but truth is I'm not ready to go back. My body still sore and I don't have no energy and top of that it's that time of the month.

I've been doing very well with my sleeve. It’s said on this site all the time but I'm say it as well...Getting the sleeve was the best decision I've made and I wouldn't change anything. I had a positive outlook on the entire situation from the beginning and I truly believe that helped. I started out at 262lbs, I lost 15lbs from doing the pre op diet, and today I weight 156lbs so total I’ve lost 106lbs. I started in a size 22 now I’m in a size 8. No, I did not work out, however I did change my eating habits, I completely gave up sugar and only do sugar substitute or sugar free. I do Protein first and I eat a lot of Protein Bars, I can’t stand the shakes they ma…

I was sleeved in 8/12/14. On 6/25 I was 395 and as of today, I am 306! I still have a long ways to go, but I'm getting there!

The hoilday is gone be hard for me cause I just had my surgery 5 days tomorrow and I want some dressing and mashed potatoes and some sweet potatoe pie idk what to do. How is everyone holding up now.

Ok I'm 6 months out of surgery down 84 pounds haven't ate any sweets,bread,rice nothing but wanting a piece of coconut pie and dressing for thanksgiving any opinions

Hi everyone my name is sache I am 24 from Rochester NY I had my surgery five days ago and I been on nothing but fluids and my body just been tired. I have been spotting to is it normal for that to happen.

Has anybody else had a dramatic change in their taste buds? Before the sleeve I loved pizza and mozzarella sticks and lots of other foods. Now 3 weeks after surgery I can't stand the smell of deep fried food. Cooking beef made me sick. And my son walked by with pizza and it turned my stomach. Does this ever calm down or is it going to be like this forever? Not that I am complaining because it helps me stay away from all the foods that helped get me to 279 pounds.

I got my sleeve Nov4. Post op I continued on clear liquid for an additional week after my hospital discharge Nov 6 which a as considered week 1. Week 2 I started full liquid. Cream Soups with any bits strained out. Week 3-4 started Nov 20 and now I seem to be having my problems. I'm getting sick. I've had nausea issues from day one of surgery. But they seem worse now. When I eat my baby food I am only doing 2-3oz and I'm eating super slow even using a baby spoon to insure the bites aren't too big. But I've got sick 3 times and It scares me. I have these nightmares of damaging my new tummy by getting sick. If anyone has been through this and has any bits of advise please s…

I am 4 weeks post op. I renewed my gym pass. Before surgery I was taking phentermine 37.5 (appetite suppressant, energy booster) so I'd be able to work out for hours. On phentermine I would push hard and burn lots of calories. I loved what the pill did for me. But my doctor no longer wants me on it because of the long term risk. Going to the gym without my energy booster is awful. I can barely do 10-15 min on the elliptical at a low resistants. And the treadmill is just a joke. I can barely get to 5 min. Can someone please help me... Is there something out there that will help me in the gym? Get me going.

I just got the call from Humana that I was approved for RNY. I cried and called my surgeon's office. My surgery date is September 30th! I'm on top of the world !!!

I went to my doc yesterday for my 2 month post op. I had the usual blood work done a week before the appointment. I lost 24 pounds since my 2 week post op appointment. The total weight lost is now at 54 pounds. According to my blood work, the only thing that I need to do is start taking vitamin D; everything else was good. Also my BP was in a more normal range. At my 2 week post op appointment my BP was 164/108 and yesterday it was 124/86. That is the lowest it has ever been for me. I got a lot of attaboys for everything I've been doing. It made me feel good about myself and my decision to get the surgery!

I have lost 110lbs... I am 50 lbs from my goal so I am not ready for a tummy tuck...yet. But my issue has been... nothing I do has reduced the density of my belly fat. I would be happy to see loose skin at this point. To fit a pair of pants properly, I have to buy a size bigger than what works for my legs =(. In itself not a problem, beside looking like a diaper. Lol. So dresses are best right now. Does anyone have suggestions for how to reduce the dreaded belly flap?

My surgery was on July 30,2014 I weighted 247 I lost 70lbs I'm 5' I went down 5 sizes.

So today my new tummy officially made 1 week old! ???????????? In celebration, my boyfriend and I both got a gym membership. I just went to the gym by myself and did the bicycle for 7 minutes and burned 30 calories. I also did the treadmill for almost 7 minutes and burned another 30 calories. I did the elliptical but I was passing gas so much I stopped (embarrassing)!!! I was afraid to do any strenuous workouts because I am still recovering and haven't been cleared to lift any weights so I just kept it at a minimum. I was a hard on myself that I didn't burn more calories or even do the treadmill and elliptical longer but I have to get used to exercising again. I hav…

Well today is a GREAT day. I am 4 weeks post op. My 3 week stall has seemed to pass!!! My diet is now my life time diet. I haven't had any issues with tolerating any foods. I feel full at my meals. Eating about 1/2 cup at a time. Maybe a little more if it is soupy. I am going today to start my gym membership and I couldn't be more excited! I can't wait to see what the next 1 month anniversary holds! Down 30 pounds and counting!

Well 1 week ago I had my sleeve with a Sips connection on Friday afternoon. Did the swallow test and everything looked good. Belly was a little distended but they sent me home Sunday nite. Monday am after a terrible night in pain I was back at the docs office having X-rays . Found a leak in ann odd place and went back into surgery on Monday night. Kept me in this time till bowels were moving, got home last night, I'm sore as he'll and beat up from two surgeries in one week but I wouldn't go back for anything different. Things happen, my surgeon fixed it, gave great explanation and made sure I am on the road to recovery and feeling better.....

For the past week and a half, everything I out in my mouth comes back up. I went to see my Doctor Wednesday and he admitted me into the hospital for severe dehydration and to see if there was an obstruction keeping food from going down. There was a small curve at the top of my stomach that was keeping food from staying down. He did an endoscopy with a balloon to stretch out the curve and into the next day everything appeared to be better. I was able to keep some Jello down as well as some chicken broth. I came home Friday but Saturday morning I woke up and threw up again and have been ever since. I'm so frustrated and family keeps pushing for me to eat something...'someth…

I'm so excited for this new journey in my life!!!

I do not know if my story is very different than others but for me it has been a 5 year struggle to finally have my sleeve done. I live very close to Mexicali and had gone to several consultations with Dr Aceves and had the pleasure of calling him my friend. I had close friends that had surgery with him and I could see how their lives had changed. He gave me all the help he could with payment plans , counseling, etc but in the end I still had to come up with the hospital costs. it was just taking me so long to get the money together. Unexpected expenses, traveling to see my family out of town, etc At one point a group of my close friends and family got togeth…

I'm so excited about my surgery it can't get here soon enough even though it is on my husbands birthday but that's ok he's fine with it and tells me he's so proud of me for taking that step to better my life even though I've ran into a road block, i had my mammogram last Monday and got called back in for retesting and a ultrasound, so now I'm having to have a biopsy on my right Brest Oct. 16th but the Doctor told me not to get to stressed over it that hopefully it's just a cyst, I have to think positive and pray that it's nothing, I'm new to the site so any more Sleevers input would be greatly appreciated!

I would like to take a moment and share with you from a parent's perspective my experience as related to Dr. Wilhelmy, his staff and the hospital environment supporting gastric bypass. When my daughter of 30 years approached me about her interest in this surgery, I was quite hesitant, not because her condition warranted some real action, but because of the location of the surgery, and the price which to me was too good to be true. In the states this surgery requires quite a bit of money and is equivalent to a medical maze. After researching the hospital and making the commitment to support my daughter with this necessary cause, I went with her to see it through. I have go…

In the Springof the year I was given a life saving option of weight loss surgery. As the weeks turned into months I anxiously but execitedly await my surgery date. I had to check off many things on a list to get the surgery done. Everything up to the surgery was first class. As I sit here writting this I dont know just how much to divulge as I dont want to talk anyone out of this surgery, but will tell you I think the docotors motives behind the surgery has nothing to do with you. Rouhly 9 days before surgery I was notified of a opening and I was ready. After over a week of a pre opt diet I thought I was ready. I waited in the pre op a few hours after my schedualed time…

OMG, two weeks from today I will be sitting in a hospital room with a brand new sleeve. Am I nervous? Are you kidding?!?!? I have so many emotions running through my head right now, I don't know how I am going to get through the next two weeks. Man, I feel like a crazy lady! I want this more than anything, I know it is the right thing for me. I am scared. What if I am the only person in the world who does not lose weight with the sleeve? God, I am going to look stupid! I am nervous. What if, after the sole reason to having this surgery is to get healthy, what if I croak on the operating table. Boy, that would really tick me off. I am anxious. I am more than r…

So I had surgery on Tuesday, and got released to come home today. Feeling a little sore, but mainly around the drainage tube. So right now, I'm trying to remember to walk every four hours and trying to get my fluids in. I'm excited, but still so nervous, lol.

HI there. I was sleeved Nov. 10 and for the first week was happily not hungry but today I am noticing definite hunger pains. I am still on full liquids but have already consumed 90 g of protein, 48 oz of water and more than 700 calories. I'm afraid that the great results won't last if I'm going to feel like this all the time. Has anyone else experienced it? Any advice on how to fight them off? Sipping water like crazy! Thanks!

I had intended on getting the sleeve but after my scope we decided on full bypass. I am still very excited and nervous but can't wait till the day i can buy normal size clothes and have more energy.

Hi Everyone! I'm Michaela, and I was sleeved on June 5th 2014. I documented my entire VSG experience through a blog that I kept secret up until recently. I would love for you to check it out and provide feedback! Writing has been a huge motivator through this whole journey. www.journeyofonederland.com Thanks!

Hi Everyone, I started this journey along with my son, I'm a single parent and I always prided myself as leading by example. My son came to in late May and said he wanted to have wls and I gave him my blessing, In June we went to Rex Bariatrics information session and I gathered all the information and I was convinced that this is a journey I should do this with him. I've checked all the requirements off my list and now have a surgery of Dec 31st where my son will have surgery early 2015 because of different insurance requirements.

I just had surgery 10/21/14. Ive been thru the ups and downs and while I cannot wait for a new ME I am struggling to stay at the guidelines, this is in no way easy. I've lost about 25 pounds and ppl and my support system can tell... I am just happy to be on the road, I do crave the attention of looking good, being able to work out and not get tired. Now that im here it's the time to make it count...

I'm so nervous!! I have always had a problem with my weight I have never been a "small" person. So this is a scary thing! it sounds so crazy that I'm scared to be a smaller person.I have gotten so use to being this way...all I have know. But i'm excited!! the only problem that i see is that I will think about the food that I can't eat for the next 2 weeks too much.How did you all do it?

Hi everyone, I'm just starting my journey towards a vertical gastric sleeve. I'm so excited, and looking for support before and after the surgery! I'm only 18, and I've struggled with obesity my entire life and inevitably will without this surgery. With the approval of my insurance company, I can be booked for surgery as soon as February! I'm looking for any other teens, or anyone in general, for support.

I decided to write this timeline because I feel that it is important for other people to understand this process and what to expect. In May, 2014, after careful research, I decided that I wanted to have gastric sleeve surgery. I have struggled with weight my entire life. Although I have never had any major health issues or what most insurance companies consider co-morbidities, at the age of 40, my weight was starting to affect me. I began my research with Anthem Blue Cross, making sure the procedure was covered and to understand their specific criteria. I knew ahead of time what labs and x-rays I needed. My first trip to my PCP was early June. I knew that at a weight o…

Hi everyone! My name is Kandie, I am 43 and have right around 100 lbs to lose. I am still pre op but did my last pre op test today. Meeting with surgeon again next week to determine exactly which surgery to have. (I am 99% positive we are going with RNY) and submit to insurance for approval. I have a tentative surgery date of the second week in December and am praying that the insurance approves me. I would really like to get to know everyone here and share in some mutual support. I'm so ready to take back control of my life! I'll be browsing the boards and saying hello. Please do the same!

And the scale says 295. Get outta town. 17lbs from 11-4 to today. I am also off my Blood pressure meds as long as I keep it in check. It could have been more it could have been less. I am simply Greatful this surgery seems to be a total success! happy dancing Whoot whoot

I've been seeing a lot of post about people struggling. There are post about bad hospital experiences, people dealing with crazy pain, gas, constipation, nausea and the like. I think if I was a pre-op newbie I would be scared silly. So how about a thread with some positive tales? Lets let people know it's possible? I know they happened, I've seen a few random post here and there. I'll start: I had my surgery on 9/18/14. Other than not being able to locate a vein for my IV in my arms everything went smoothly. I was up and walking in recovery. I had no pain and required no pain medication while in the hospital. I told them to take away the morphine pump after the first…