Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone! I'm finally banded and I couldn't be happier! It felt like forever waiting for insurance approval but after 4 months of nutritional visits I was approved. I was told my surgery took only 20 mins and everything went perfectly. I was incredibly sore after surgery and just wanted to sleep. Today I still feel sore and I'm not sure how to explain it but it feels like I have something (band) wrapped around my stomach. It's not painful just uncomfortable. Sometimes if I move to quickly I feel queezy so I'm taking it slow. My first fill will be 11/07 so that should be interesting. I'm not hungry but mentally I want a cheeseburger! I can barely take a sip of water …

I'am a newbie here in this forum. I did the gastric sleeve this past 10/8/14 by my surgeon Dr. Eid from Advanced Laprascopic Associates at New Jersey. I came a long way because 2 years ago I tried to do the gastric bypass and I was getting a cardiac arrest and the doctor chose to close me up 20 minutes during the surgery. When I opened my eyes he said he pulled me from heaven. I was devastated and was depressed and the doctor or staff couldn't even tell me what happened to me. The only thing they said to me was to lose more weight and come back another time. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! I never went back to them. I statrted over again at another doctors office after two years a…

I'm on the other side woo!! The last two days were pretty hard, I have not had anything to drink besides a few drops of juice which was very painful. This is because there was a minor complication during surgery that left the band site exceptionally swollen, they tell me tomorrow should be a lot better.. We shall see. Watching tv in my hospital room has been a nice little vacation, especially with all these meds I'll post again with an update soon.

Hello my fellow banded beauties! I am struggling with the fact I am simply too sensitive.. sore and uncomfortable at night when I try to sleep!!! I always sleep on my left side, but after the band it's not an option! I just can't do it!!?! Grhh! How long did it take you guys to be able to sleep on your side again? That it even if you had the same issue as me. Luckily my right feels fine but I go to roll over and no... Not gunna happen!

Hello there! I am 4 1/2 months post-op and to date I have lost about 86 pounds! Getting the Gastric Sleeve was the best decision I ever made. I documented this journey from days after I made the decision to get the surgery, until just a couple weeks ago! I would love for you to come on an adventure with me as I make my way to Onederland.... www.journeyofonederland.com

I started this journey when my son (43 years old) called me and said that he was going to get the surgery. and thought i should. My son is a person who researches thoroughly before making a decision. He was particular impressed by the research that showed the significant impact that the gastric bypass had on diabetes. At almost 70, having surgery is no small decision. But after reviewing the research. I agreed and I started the process. Amazingly even though I started the process earlier than my son. I got approval first (could be all those weight related chronic diseases ), Also humana medicare did not require any pre-weight loss. Plus being a smaller town I think it…

Hello, I'm Ldyshecat. I just had my surgery on Oct 10th. Thankfully my body has been with me 100% throughout this journey. In order to have my insurance cover the surgery I needed a pysch eval, 3 mo doctor monitored diet and a cert from my regular physician saying I was OK for surgery. When I started my diet I weighed in at 295lbs...after the three months were up I weighed 254lbs. I still chose to do the surgery though, even though I'd proven to myself that I could lose the weight on my own, because I wanted to make sure it stayed off and I think the surgery will help me take my weight to my goal (125) as well as maintain it. So...for my facility (Rocky Mountain …

So I was Sleeved July 18th and I just found out I am 8.5 weeks pregnant. This is only 1 month post sleeve. I know they say to wait 18months but I'm so nervous. Did anyone go through anything like this? I just want my baby to be healthy. I am still losing weight I can't eat at all now because I start throwing so I just drink fluids.

I've been experiencing a lot of hair loss. Can somebody please tell me what I need to do to stop this madness and how long does this last?

I just started soft foods and everytime I eat I feel sick so I don't want to eat. I eat slow and eat small bites. I am now doing protein shakes for breakfast and then much later eating something. Even waking up my stomach is already not feeling right? I don't throw up but it's bothersome I want to feel normal and I hope this isn't the new because I don't want to work or do anything. Anyone else experiencing this? I also do take my anti acid as prescribed. Thanks!

Hi, I'm Jess and I'm researching the sleeve and am pretty sure I will go ahead, but I just want anyone who has had a negative experience or anyone who fully regrets doing it to tell me why, so I'm fully aware of the negatives as well as the positives. Please be brutally honest. Thank you so much!! X

I'm so excited! I was finally given the green light from my insurance company after several months of frustration. My original surgery date was early August but insurance never gave me an answer until now. SO, my new surgery date is November 12th! I'm nervous but excited. My husband and most family members are against me having this surgery but my husband says he will support my decision. I'm so glad he love me! I feel my biggest hurdle is going to be the pre-op liquid diet for 2 weeks. Any suggestions out there on how to make it through that time in a "graceful" manner??? Anyway, I'm thrilled to finally have approval and a date!

I'm 7 days post op and I'm feeling very discouraged. I'm starving and I still have a lot of stomach pain. Popsicles, Jello and crystal lite all taste disgusting to me including Water. Tomorrow I start my full-liquids. What do I eat?? What was your first "full liquid" Thanks

Hi, I'm jess. Getting sleeved on the 23rd. Super excited! Ready to get it started. Any others share my date?

HI, i am having my surgery next Wednesday (22nd) and i was pretty cool about it all knowing that the long term goal is going to be amazing. But over the weekend a few people have been really negative with horrible stories of hair falling out, not getting enough nutrition and always being sick and wondering - is it really that bad?. Could really do with the support. Cass

Hi my name is Tiffany I am 45yrs old and have 3 beautiful adult children. I have 25yr old twins, Makala came first then 14 mins later her brother Matthew arrived. I had them natural and they were over due and had to be induced. I gained about 35lbs but lost most of it at the hospital. It was all baby weight. She was 6lbs 5oz. And he was 4 lbs and he was only 4lbs 7ozs, but they both were healthy and came eight home. Then 5yrs later I gave birth to my son Jacob and that's when the weight started piling on. The marriage was not the best and finally after 20yrs we divorced.I decided to stop driving after I got my own place. I have bipolar and very high anxiety and have wreck…

just got off the phone with my insurance company to see if i was still pending, and was told that they requested more info from my surgeon on 10/11. called the surgeon and was told they are dealing with it, but now instead of either 10/21 or 10/28, i'm pushed back to 11/4. i'm sad. i'm afraid this may affect my planned trip to AZ for thanksgiving.

Woke up yesterday not feeling so good, it'll pass I say. Well today is the day I've started my 2 week diet. 2 shakes and a Protien and veggie for supper or can do lunch. I'm miserable, can't breathe runny stuffy nose, headache. I see the NUT for my last weigh in tomorrow, then the surgeon on Thursday! Please please please let this get better. Anyone else get sick 2 weeks or sooner to their surgery date?

I have been approved for surgery,but no scheduled date yet. I would like to start sampling some of the protein drinks/shakes, etc to see what I like and get stocked up prior to surgery. Does anyone have favorites that you could share? Thanks.

I saw this thread for people who had surgery the week prior and thought it would be good to start one for everyone who had surgery last week. My surgery was on Wednesday the 24th. Had an unexpected hernia repair during the surgery which my surgeon said would make me more sore. He wasn't lying. I'm still pretty sore. First few days were a blur, I just wanted to sleep. My first three days I was only able to get down a 1/3 of a Protein shake. It was so much work. Today was probably the first day that regular food started looking appealing to me. Not having any issues with the liquid diet though, I generally get filled up pretty fast. My weight on day of surg…

Hi, I had a band put in in 2006 at WLSC in KC. I had great success - 100 lb. loss. The band prolapsed and my original surgeon was not available so another surgeon stated that it had to be removed and could not be replaced. That was in 2009. I then regained all of my weight. I was very upset and was told I couldn't have the band put back in. I then went to another doctor (Dr. Stanley Hoehn) to see about a gastric sleeve. I had the sleeve done in 2011. I had some complications in that I got quite sick after the surgery. I had upper GI done and was told nothing wrong. I originally lost about 20 pounds, but after that nothing. I went back to see Dr. Hoehn on nume…

September 26, 2014 I went to get thru the Lap Band procedure. The first few days were horrible because of the pain plus the band was too tight. Earlier yesterday morning, Saturday October4, 2014 I woke up dry heaving but only spit and saliva came out. At this moment, I am assuming this is the result of 2 laxatives taken from the night before because once the dump came out, I felt much better. Later on in the morning, I called the dr office requesting one of the physicians to call back based off of what happened earlier. Once he called back, the assumption would be everything is ok since nothing came up and everything from that point stays down. Now, I am feeling the po…

I'm so excited. I just got "the" phone call saying I'm approved and have surgery scheduled for 10/6. Yes!

I started my weightloss journey on the 1st July 2014 at 104kg and I am currently 89kg. I must say up until the most recent fill (2 days ago) I was stArting to think the band wasn't going to be very successful as I was still able to eat a lot of food and quite often finding myself hungry and wanting to munch!! Just had my 2nd fill and I have now got 6mls in my band. 2 days of liquids and just starting to eat soft foods today. I can already feel a big difference as I've not felt hungry at all and even such a small amount has kept me feeling really full. I'm hoping that this lasts!! I am finding even before my last fill that I'm bringing a bit back up again. Clearly I'…

My name is Patty. I had the gastric sleeve on October the 7th. I went through beliteweight. I had it in Las Vegas. Everyone was very nice and helpful. I have been over weight all my life. Dr. Umbach was my sergeant. And he was great. I had a revision, they took my lap band out and did the sleeve. I just hope it's better than the band. Well that's me.

Wow.... Nerves setting in now. After a 6 month waiting period, December 9th is my official sleeve date. My surgeon requires a week of liquids prior to surgery so I will start that dec2. One last thanksgiving feast! Lol I can't stop reading the threads under the complications forum though! Why do I torture myself! Getting pretty damn nervous. Prayers!! Any suggestions about what to bring to the hospital? Think I'll be there a couple nights.

I'm having my gastric sleeve surgery tomorrow morning. I have been on 100% liquids since yesterday. Anxious to have the procedure.

Hello I am writing this on behalf of my wife as she doesn't have internet at home and i am at work It has been 12 months.. I am looking to chat with Like minded post op people that have trouble with the following and how they are coping with it. - Experiencing the cold most of the time - Loss of hair - Low blood pressure - finding it near impossible to eat the amount of Protein required - Only passing stools twice a week Would be great to hear of people experiencing the same or simalr issues to these and share how you deal with them. Much appreciated Loving and caring Husband

I was sleeved on May 21, 2014. I have lost 96 lbs since surgery, with a total loss of 132 lbs since January 7, 2014 (when I started my WLS journey). I would like to lose an additional 150lbs. Some days I feel really good about my weight loss. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week, doing an hour or so of cardio and ground strength training. I meet with a trainer 1-2x a week to keep me motivated and focused. I honestly never thought I would be willingly going to the gym. Other days I feel like the end is so far away and I'm starting to get tired of this process. I know it's an entire lifestyle change but it feels exhausting sometimes. My recent struggle has been with food. …

Here is a video chronicling my journey so far. It is a little long, but it tells the story and my feeling heading into surgery well. I urge all of you reading to check it out and provide feedback. I want this to be the best it can be so it can be a help and motivation to others trying to change their lives. (I know there are a few grammatical errors in the video that I am working on correcting) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkW6KmJRgHc To learn more about my journey, find motivation, and experience life together, follow me on Facebook and Twitter below. This is truly and amazing journey and I am always open to help anyone as they work through this life changing expe…

Hi Guys I am looking for some guidance about when I should go back to work . I was sleeved on the 4th October my surgeon said recovery was 4/6 weeks but depends on the person - so far all has been good for me I'm feeling good in myself but I'm not sure if on day 5/6 if it's too soon to know if I'll be ok to go back to work in week or how I'll feel and cope at that point - I have a desk based job so physically it's not demanding but it can be quite full on and stressful at times - I am due to staples removed from wounds 17/10 should I wait till after I see doctor ?? Any help would be appreciated thanks Cathy

Hi everyone! I finally got through it. I am now 4 days post op and moving around. I must say it is quite good to give myself a shower... Well I am to the point where I struggle to finish a Protein shake. I sip on 12 oz shake with 39 grams of Protein in it but it seems like it is to much. So I have purchased "new whey" Liquid Protein which is only 4 oz but contains 42g of protein. It comes in grape and fruit punch. They are sugar free and all that jazz. Aside from getting in my protein for the day I am also struggling with Water . I can get through 32 oz or so but that's it and that's on a real good day. Aside from that things seem to be going ok. I just can't wait un…

Hi I would like to speak with fellow Sleevers who have recently had surgery I had my surgery 4th oct 2014 left hospital yesterday Glasgow United Kingdom - so far between pre op diet to date lost 21 pound but I am really struggling with fluids and been very emotional and moody no hunger or desire for food at present !! How are u all getting on ??

I'll be six months out on Saturday, but I thought I'd post some pictures that my son took of me today. I still have about 35 pounds to go, but I'm pleased with my results so far.

Well it was a very long process for me to get to this point. I had a Lap-Band installed in 2007 I lost nearly 140lbs. but right at 2 years in 2009 it slipped. So I had to have revision surgery, during which the surgeon nicked my hepatic vein. Long story short the band was removed they were able to save me and of course over the next few years the weight all came back. Then in late 2013 I decided to get the gastric sleeve, date was set insurance was approved but as the day approached I chickened out. I just couldn't get past the idea of something happening again. So fast forward to Oct. 7th 2014. With the support of my wife who I could not have done this with out I now hav…

Hello everyone my name is Crystal and I have a surgery date with Dr Kim on Dec 1st! I will be having the sleeve and am so excited to start down a healthy road. I've spent a lifetime obese and at 38 my body feels 58. I tried the insurance approval route a few times in my 20's but it just didn't work out. I had pretty much given up on the thought of surgery, but this year surgery became a necessity. Turns out I have to have a major surgery on my spine. My surgeon said he didn't want to tackle it until I had bariatric surgery. There was to much risks involved with 326 lbs on a 5'2 frame. So we set out to find our options. We approached my insurance carrie…

Hi everyone! I have been toying with the idea of a band for a few years now. I had started the process again in early March of this year then got diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I've gone through surgery, radiation and now I'm on a hormone blocking pill for the next 10 years. My cancer was 100% estrogen positive and we all know that fat stores estrogen. Right now weightloss is my top priority. My MO, PCP and Bariatric Surgeon all agree. I just wondered if anyone else has been in a situation similar to mine? I expect to be banded early October regardless of whether insurance covers it or not. A generous friend has offered to cover the cost for me. Weightlos…

Hi everyone, this is my first post on here. My sleeve is booked for Oct 20th, I live in Perth. I started my Pre-Op diet today :-)

I have been drinking Meal Replacement shakes for almost a month now, and I am getting to the point where the thought of drinking another makes me nauseous. I am only 2 weeks post-op and know I need the Protein.....any suggestions>>

I am 2 days post op and in feeling pretty good. Of course I am having a lot of pain and my pain meds make me itch all over. My biggest problem is that I am soooo thirsty. I cannot just gulp my ice water down line I want to ????. I never feel like I have quenched my thirst. I have actually learned to spice my chicken broth up enough so I look forward to it. Lol. I am so excited about this start to my new life. I am dreading having to drink the protein shakes. I just feel nauseous at the thought of it. I don't like them. I do know my dr told me it will probably take me all day to get the 8oz shake down. I would love to hear from other bypassers and how you are doing.

Hello, I was just sleeved on Monday 9/26 and everything went very well. I was up and walking around within hours post-op. I was discharged on Tuesday 9/27 and ever since I have been having extreme shoulder pain. Of all things!! LOL! I know it is more than likely from the gas that is used during surgery but I wanted to see if anyone else experienced anything similar and if so what is the solution? I've tried walking, been walking ALOT!! I was thinking about trying Gas X strips...anyone know if that might work??? Thanks in advance for your input!!

hey guys and girls just a heads up. I got a gastric bypass recently that i did not need to have. thats right you read that right i did NOT need the surgery. I have an underactive thyroid gland which can cause pcos , irregular menstrual cycles , ALOT OF WEIGHT GAIN ,very bad mood swings , feeling of depression that never goes away and many more other things. My doctors never thought about checking my Thyroid gland with the TSH , free T3 & free T4 test to rule it out before giving me the surgery or even thinking about the surgery. I did ask my doctors every chance i got if there is an alternative treatments and they just said flat out no. and now a few months lat…

I was sleeved Sep 26 and recovery has been well! Have lost about 24 pounds since surgery. And my doc said I could start soft/puréed foods. I had my wife scramble an egg and I was only able to take a couple bites, not because that was all I could take, but more afraid, that I might mess something up down there. Got my appt with my VA doc to start my b12 injections, as recommended by my surgeons office, I also got, from VA doc too, prescriptions for all the daily vitamin supplements, but I'm scared to take them whole and I hate the crushed versions...any suggestions? But all in all recovery has not been bad

Hello everyone it's been awhile. We'll I started at 246 the day of surgery I was 236. Now at 9 weeks out I'm 208 but haven't lost anything for two weeks. Anyone having the same problem. Please help.

Hello all, This is my first post I just found this app. I have been on a program at my local bariatric center since August of 2013. My insurance required I see a therapist, a nutrionalist, 12 months of weigh-ins and to lose 10% of my body weight. I started out at my top weight of 523...started the program at 511. I now weigh 425 at the end of the year program. I got my letter of approval in the mail a few days ago for the gastric sleeve. Im very excited and nervous. I have learned a lot over the last year but still have a lot of questions everyday that pop in my head. Very glad to have found this forum. My surgery date is November 10th , pre-op is on Nov. 6th…

I am scheduled for surgery on the 28th but get a call a few days ago from the surgeons office saying I have to pay $1400 more than what I was told. What do I do? I don't know how i am gonna do this I. Such a short time frame??? Any advice?

I had my sleeve done Tuesday at 7pm, so I'm almost 3 days out. This surgery was a lot more painful than I thought it would be. Today I've been able to move around a lot. I'm home, walking around in the home, how much should I be walking right now? The only place I'm hurting is on an incision to the right of my belly button. None of the others hurt. Whenever I move that side hurts terrible. I'm still taking my liquid pain medicine every 6 hours. When did yall stop taking your pain medicine? I'm able to drink broth and water well, no vomiting

Getting my first fill later today!!! Mixed emotions not sure why.

So I finally got thru to the surgery coordinator at my surgeons office today (only took 3 days of phone tag) but as of right now my authorization is in the "pending phase" and they have a authorization specialist over looking it now!! She states will get back to me today.

So this is a little about me......I am a 50 year old female who is 5'8" and currently weighing in at 296. I have had issues with my weight as long as I can remember. My surgery will be Tuesday October 14th. The call came today that everything has been finalized. When starting this process I wasn't sure that I would go through with it. Meeting with the doctor and educating myself on the procedure has helped me make my decision. Along with reading encouraging and succsess related posts from the weight loss community. In preperation I have been cleaning and organizing. Did a deep dive into the pantry and got rid of everything on the "no" list. Cleaned the fridge and freezer…