Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am a 37 year old male in Charlotte, NC, and I am 48 hours away from having RNY surgery. I am a type 2 with moderately high blood pressure. After 25 years of yo-yo dieting and being obese/morbidly obese my whole life, I am about to embark on the journey to good health. I have done a mountain of research and I am at peace with my decision, no matter the results. I have no shame in admitting that I need help in this one area of life. Being that me health hinges on the results of my choices, I can no longer allow myself to risk doing it on my own. One of my best friends lost 140 lbs on this same procedure 3 years ago and it entirely changed his life for the better. I am e…

I am feeling good. Went back to work on day 14 and am eating mushy foods as instructed. I have not had a fill yet. I believe (but am unsure) that my next fill will be in two weeks. Last night I had flakey fish (about 2.5 oz) and mashed potatoes (4 tablespoons) for dinner. I was in a rush and ate much too quickly. I felt full but I still binged on watermelon later in the evening. I wasn't hungry. I just had to have the watermelon. I made sure to chew it to almost nothing before swallowing but still. I ate the watermelon. I am worried that getting "filled" will still not stop me from eating! Please give me some words of encouragement.

Hello everyone! I'm post op 3 days and I have to say this is the hardest thing I have ever done. Every time I drink anything, I feel like it's stuck in my chest. I'm on full liquids and only drink about one ounce every 15 mins. I've been walking and passing gas, but it's a bit of a struggle trying to get all my protein in and I can't. Also having the worst back pain and due to having weak stomach muscles, my surgeon stitched them up to tighten them and that has not been comfortable either. I want to be successful at my weight loss, but I am feeling a bit defeated at the moment. Any suggestions? ????

Well today I had my first dr appt. got lots of homework to do over the next 3 months. I was a little nervous at first and now I'm getting excited. I really can't wait. My wife had the surgery earlier this year and she looks fantastic now it's my turn!

I reached my highest weight of 293lbs on January of this year. I was devastated and could no longer identify myself. I was obese, unhappy and pretty much depressed. After college I found myself so heavy and gain a over 100lbs since high school. I never would have thought it would have been me. I knew this surgery was my only way out. Understanding that it is just a "tool" I began working out, eating right and completely staying consistent with my plan. I have had some slip ups and the road was not easy, but to be down 100lbs and it has not even been a whole year is insane. I workout just about every day, the thought of not being able to work out makes me upset. So many p…

Was feeling kind of down because I had a week where I didn't lose any weight. A very wise bander suggested enjoying a Non-Scale Victory -- I thought, nothing feels as good as seeing the numbers go down on the scale. Omg was I ever wrong!! Just for the heck of it, I tried on a pair of jeans that I could not even wiggle past my hips prior to my surgery on September 5. Lo & behold... they slid on easily!! I immediately dissolved into tears because it was a precious moment for me. And, then, I got it -- I had a NSV!! I won't call it my first because, quite frankly, I've had many that I've failed to acknowledge - all equally important to my journey but overshadowed by my o…

Am starting the journey to have gastric bypass surgery and am scared to death! I have heard some horror stories! I have type one diabetes and celiac disease and really want to do this! I need input and want to make sure I'm doing the right thing please help

Experience

Hi everyone. Well I am 10 days post op and I have struggled a little with the pain and the trauma this operation had on my body. I took a week off annual leave and ended up taking a few extra days off (sick leave ) as I really did underestimate the recovery time and trauma this op has had on my body. I'm 29 year old female and I have had 2 kids naturally with no pain relief so I guess you can say i have a high pain threshold and I'm not just being a sooky la la.. Lol I was feeling ok I guess you could say today and I went for a short walk at the plaza. After returning home, out of nowhere this pain hit me on the left side like nothing else! This is on the left scar (the …

I had my sleeve done on 9/26 making it two weeks tomorrow, it's gone by fast. I just wanted to post my experience thus far in case it may help anyone else getting ready to start this journey. My surgery itself was done within an hour and no problems. I was in recovery for several hours because there wasn't a room ready for me yet. I had the most wonderful nurse in recovery and she stayed past her shift to make sure I stayed comfortable and was moved to my room. I slept most of the time but when I was awake I had that horrible gas pain in my chest, thankfully I was able to start burping and relieved some of the pressure. Once I was up in my room, I was more alert and was a…

So I'm having some issues using the bathroom I've only been out 1 week as of today if I'm only drinking water and protein will I still need to poop ? Sound funny but b4 I had surgery I pooped everyday now I feel backed up but I'm only on liquids ?

I decided to have gastric bypass after dieting and exercise failed. I had thyroid problems, PCOS, diabetes, and high cholesterol and had reached 217 lbs. I was around 110 lbs. when I graduated high school and slowly put on a few lbs. a year until I had my first baby and then the weight just kept piling on, I had gestational diabetes with both of my babies and had to take insulin with the second pregnancy and then I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008. I had gastric bypass May 27, 2014 and was doing great until 3 weeks out. I developed severe pain in my abdomen and was in the ER for 11 hrs. and then sent home with elevated white blood cell count. I was back the next…

After just 9 days, I feel great. Oh I am ready to move off of the pureed diet and onto my regular diet but I know it takes time. On the 3rd day after surgery I walked 1 mile and every day since. I have had no complications thus far. It took me about 3 years to come to terms with the fact that I couldnt do this alone and needed help. I was one of the ones who thought Lap Band? You are just weak! Now I know better! This is nothing more than a tool for me to use to get my life back. I still have to do the work! My wife and children are my biggest fans and are constantly telling me how proud they are that I have done this. Not even on regular diet yet and the weight is alrea…

I haven't seen this article on here for a while, so I thought it was time to post it for newer people. It is from Nichole Nicholes who is a Sparkpeople blogger. We all have those days that we don't want to work out even though we know weshould. When you need a little motivation, look no further. Here are 100 reasons you shouldn't skip your workout today. Print, save, pin or "like" this post so you'll have easy access to it on the days you need it most. 100 Reasons to Exercise Now Because it makes you feel confident Because it helps you get stronger Because exercise helps combat depression Because you'll feel proud of yourself Because you have goals you want to…

Hey! Anyone else sleeving on 10/2? Starting my two week liquid diet on 9/18. Hope I make it through!

I report to the hospital this Friday at 6:30 and am scheduled for VSG at 7:30am! I've been on a clear liquid diet since pre-op last Friday. I'm so weak, shaky and light-headed from the clear liquids! I was told emphatically that I have to get 60 grams of protein per day but there's no way on a clear liquid diet! I've been drinking Ensure Clear Protein drinks and drinking various kinds of broth, but there's no way I'm getting 60 grams, maybe 30. And, all this, pre-op is without intake amount restriction. Next week, post-op, it's still clear liquid AND I'll be limited to what my new tummy can hold. Other than that, I'm nervous and excited! Between the surgeon, the n…

Hey everyone. I have enjoyed reading everyone's questions, answers and thoughts. I had my sleeve on 9/29/14, and I'm very excited to start the best part of this transformation. Good Luck to everyone that had made the decision to have surgery and to those who already have their dates set.

Hello My fellow Sleever's My name is Natasha and I am scheduled for November 26 all of my Pre-op testing is done and now it's just a waiting game. I just hope that everything goes well and is approved soon. I am 33 years old 5"2 261lbs I am married with six children in my care. My main focus for having this procedure done is because I lost my parents at a young age because of poor health habits and I am not willing to subject my children to the same pain and suffering I went through as a child. I feel confident about my choice and I am comfortable in making this life style change...

I had my sleeve about 5 weeks ago and weighed today - scale says I gained three pounds?!? But I haven't eaten anything I'm not supposed to eat! I started exercising 3 days ago, could that show up as weight gain?

I had a bit of a chicken strip last night for dinner following mashed potatoes. I felt so sick afterwards. I wasn't throwing up food but bile was definitely coming up. I tried to make myself throw up but no luck! So u stayed gassy and nauseous the rest of the night. Feeling I might have made a mistake doing this! ????

Hello! I was banded in 2007. I am afraid it was never put in right or slipped right away. I had fills for about 4 months then just had them take the liquid out because of the pain. The Dr. told me it is a tool and when I am ready to use it as a tool I will come back and have it filled. I have never gone back. I throw up about once a day and when I eat it feels like rocks in my throat, I start producing copious amounts of mucus then run to the bathroom. It is painful and I am sick of it. Has anyone else ever had this experience? The last 6 weeks I have been coughing due to a lung irritation and I think my band has slipped even further. I found a Doctor with a go…

Hi! I was sleeved 8/21. Down 22 lbs and have so many roller coaster type emotions. I'm in the Indy area and would love to chat and get some things off my chest!

Come on 10/28 I'm excited!!!

Just wondering if those who have already had the surgery and lost some weight notice any difference in flashes or general aches and pains? I have hot flashes that feel like a volcano is living inside of me. Sweat beads up at my hairline and face - even under my eyes! Horrible visual, I know...sorry. I am hoping the weight loss will alleviate some of the back, hip and shoulder pain I have and maybe even some of the heat I generate in this big 'ol body of mine.

Anyone have any advice/tips/supplements in 1. Keeping my hair and 2. Keeping it healthy during weight loss after sleeved?

I'm so happy! I've seen 200 pounds for the last time! Yay!!

Hi everyone I am new to the forum and I just had the sleeve done on the 23rd of September. I have already lost 30pds. The surgeon said it was a little fast to lose so much in just a few weeks but im not one to lay around after surgery. The body is meant to move. One thing I have learned and hopefully this will help some of you look at food differently to avoid trying to eat what your not supposed to. Think of how much we took advantage of food when we where able to eat whatever we wanted which made us obese to begin with. Now that we cant have everything we would like to have it makes you appreciate what you can eat alot more. Those foods we used to eat where our fun days…

I'm on my pre op protein diet and I am limited to 1000 cal. I had 450 Val's for the whole day but I did eat three cups of microwave popcorn. Will this enlarge my liver? It's crazy counting calories. Help!!!

So today I went for my new psych evaluation(my old one had expired) I went in feeling excited and happy and I left feeling kinda sad and upset. I explained to her why I needed a new evaluation and that I have changed my mind from the lap band to the sleeve within the last few months. She asked me my understanding of the sleeve and the pros and cons and why I wanted it. I explained that I always struggled with my weight and Im a high risk for diabetes and high pressure bc it runs in my family etc etc. I don't always see myself as being beautiful, then she was like so you are going to have the surgery and be a new you and be pretty and and have all the guys chasing you how …

Before surgery, I had this thing that when I looked at the mirror I didn't recognized myself. I don't know how to describe it but It was like I thought that I looked one way and I looked different at the mirror. Now that I have lost weight, I look at the mirror and I feel weird, it's a strange feeling. How do you feel?

Hello everyone! I just joined this site. I think it is wonderful to have a place we can all come and have out questions answered and get support!! After going through the process a few years ago and having my employer change our insurance to one that didn't cover surgery I was discouraged. The past few years I have gone back and forth a million times about whether or not to have surgery. I'm not exactly sure what the final straw was but in march I made my first appointment. Now 7 months later I have been submitted to insurance and I am a nervous wreck. I'm not as much nervous about the surgery as I am the insurance approval. It's hard knowing that people who don't know yo…

Howdy! My name is Beth and I live in Newburgh, NY, which is about 80 miles north of the Big Apple. I'm 45, married, mother to 1 beautiful 25 year old daughter, and my nearly 18 year old canine. I recently read a post about having an identity outside of your weight struggles and surgery decisions. While I thoroughly agree with this ideal, I find that lately my entire existence has truly become about my upcoming surgery. The last few months have been filled with various appointments and tests to determine my eligibility for the surgery, and now that my surgery has finally been scheduled I find life is revolving about getting ready to have it, and preparing for life after. I…

I had my Sleeve done on Oct 1, 2014 and I have been trying to drink my liquids but it hurts. I am not sure if it is spasms or what. I am trying to get liquids in but I am struggling. I am a bit shaky as well because I feel my body is in starvation mode or something. I have 3 different Gas X products and none of them are working. I am walking and still little relief. Can I get any advice?

Zipping was one of my "goal weight" list items and I made it happen over the weekend! Too much FUN! And they included me in the "small people" group for instruction how to "ball up" so you can get the speed you need to get to the other side. Will I ever get used to that?

Hi all,, I did my sleeve on the 16th of this month (september) I lost a few pounds on my first week,, and now I'm almost finishing me second week and didn't loose anything, although I'm on the liquid diet still and I walk everyday,, is this normal? When do I expect to start loosing?

Sort of an introduction, and sort of a "what the @#! am I getting into" type of post. So hi, I'm Frankie, or FG if you'd prefer. I've been fat for almost 20 years at this point, but it's just the last 10 or so where I'm really starting to notice it affecting my life. Last two years, I've been experiencing more health issues (aches and pains, stiffness, swollen feet and limited stamina) along with crushing fatigue. I had thought "maybe one of these days" about having some form of bariatric surgery, but in the last month, I decided that it was time, made the consult appointment and scheduled the sleeve surgery for Oct. 30th December 18 (had a scheduling conflict). But…

I'm 7 weeks out and eating LESS than 600 cal a day (not always on purpose: I have 4 jobs which are night AND day jobs so my sleep sched is always messy so I sometimes forget to eat after coffee) and I'm stuck on 30 lbs. not complaining. I'm trusting the process...it's just that I can barely get the 600 cal in as is and I'm working out at least 3-6 days a week. Am I crazy? Isn't it supposed to be coming off faster? Total time with pre op shake diet is almost 9 weeks. Anyone else experience a slow weight loss (in "sleeve weight loss time")?

I work from home as a cust service rep and now I must find a way to get away from snacking from being bored I ate a few peanuts and now I'm mad with myself I wish I wouldn't have ate them does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

Hello my name is Emily. I started my journey on April 1st, 2014. My starting weight was 360 pounds. My surgery was on September 15th, 2014. The week before surgery I weighed in at 314 pounds. Yesterday I went for my 2 week followup with my surgeon and I weighed in at 298 pounds. So as of today I have lossed 62 pounds. I am actually so excited to be on this journey. I know it's going to be hard at times but I love a good challenge.

I'm 4 days post op and I have yet to have a bowel movement. I'm having a considerable amount of pain in my stomach and I think it's gas but maybe it's because I haven't gone to the bathroom. What do you suggest to help with the pain and get it fixed?

Hi guys!! My name is Alana. I am going to be sleeved on October 10th. I'm so excited to start this journey, but I'm also a little scared. This will be my first time being put to sleep. Any words of support would be awesome!!

So today I am heading over to the hospital for my ultra sound and the UGI series test. I've always had a weak stomach, so I'm really hoping to be able to keep the barium mixture down. And then Monday is the gastric emptying test.... radioactive eggs! Trying to keep the positive, calm vibes - or there will be hospital staff wearing the barium and the eggs lol.... wish me luck!

LOL so I've been working on everything since late June. Finished all the NUT classes, cardiology...yadda yadda yadda. I have a tentative date of 03 December pending insurance approval. Once the date was set, I had to go online to take a course on the surgery and one line stuck out at me..."Remember, once a portion of the stomach is removed it can't be put back." YIKES Of course I always knew that...but I guess having a date makes it more real? Anyway, I think I've calmed back down, I have a 2 week vacation to go on here in Oct then work through November and then surgery Thanks to everyone on here that has shared...you have all helped me learn, understand and ap…

Hiya! I'm new to the forums, newly sleeved, and taking in a lot of new information. I had the VSG with Dr. Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center on 9/24/14. I did a lot of research before choosing this surgeon/facility, and I was very happy with my choice. The procedure went well, and I'm recovering nicely with no difficulties. I chose the OCC because of its International Center of Excellence designation, and its price point, and what was covered in the package cost, and the great things that previous patients had to say about them. I chose Mexico because I had to go self-pay and it was the only affordable option. I'm currently on full liquids for another 7 days, the…

I had my six month appointment at my surgeon's today. All my numbers were good, but the nurse practitioner asked me how much Protein I was getting. I told her that in the last month I've been getting between 80-90 most days, and she told me to back it down to around 60 because I wouldn't lose weight with that much protein. Except that I have been losing weight. What are your thoughts on this ?

So I am currently 5-1/2 months post op and I am down 85 lbs. I am super excited about my weight loss, however, I am having a really hard time with dressing myself. Not really dressing myself, but realizing what I can wear now, I still look at cloths that don't show off what I have lost, I am still trying to dress like I used to dress? I started my journey off wearing a size 24 bottoms, and a 2 - 3XL tops and I am currently down to a size 14 bottoms and an XL top. I know my sizes but I am confused and I look at the sizes and I'm like no way that's not going to fit and I try it on, and it does and I am in shock, but I can remember when I was bigger looking at cloths tha…

Surgery March 2014, weight 232 Today 182. 30 lbs to go.

I decided to highlight my RNY NSV's on my blog. Hope you enjoy this timeline: http://proteinartist.com/2014/10/post-op-weight-loss-surgery-success-timeline/

Hey guys... Surgery is monday and im scared to death. I origionally wanted the sleeve but got denied, as i had too bad of acid reflux, so i took time to think about it and decided i would go with the RNY. I have been reading tons of stories and seem like more people then not have had complications after, or a hard time recovering or keeping anything down under 2 months post op. Its only scaring me more. Is it really that bad? Or am i needing to see more of the 2 week post op feeling great stories? I need to know this is the right thing to do?