Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

So, just because, I decided to call my insurance company to check status on pre-cert. I was expecting them to say we just got it, it should take 5-10 days or something like that. Instead the person on the other line said " it's been approved" and she even read what I was approved for and gave me authorization number! It was that simple...and I was so worried of not getting approved! New me here I come!

so im just trying to get some insight my relationship is struggling pretty bad i am 4 months post op im down alot of weight and so much with myself has changed and continues to change and now we are fighting alot more over nothing and it just gets worse and worse. I dont need his help as much as before and i know that bothers him but how has others relationship changed since this surgery? good or bad just need some insight please...

Hi everyone, Been trolling this site for about a month, but was a little shy about posting. I began the process July 21st at Kaiser South San Francisco. Was just assigned my surgery date of 9/4/14. I've lost about 30 pounds on my own and am looking forward to using the sleeve as a tool to help me keep weight off for the first time in my life. Never had surgery before and pretty nervous about it. I would greatly appreciate anyone's experience with my below concerns. 1. Protein Drinks- I am picky with nutritional shakes. I finally got used to Body By Vi, but that won't' work for the surgery requirements. 2. Avoiding really saggy/flappy skin- I know there will be s…

Hi, This is my first post. I wanted to post sooner but have had a lot of problems post surgery. I am worried what others will think of me. I decided to have the sleeve surgery after my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I knew I had to get healthy to help with his care. I had recently been told I was diabetic. The first couple of months were good until I started the mashed and solid foods. I began throwing up, and was nauseated all the time. My Dr. ran tests and all was fine, but couldn't keep food down and was always hungry. I did lose thirty one pounds the first few months but after I began throwing up I stopped losing. One BIG problem is not knowing when I …

So I'm scheduled for surgery on Thursday. My doctor wanted me to lose 10 pounds on the liquid diet. I've only lost 6. The problem is before I went on the liquid diet I went on a food funeral binge so I gained weight, which means it doesn't even look like I lost the 6 pounds. I'm so scared she will say she won't do the surgery.

I am currently in the hospital waiting to be sleeved! Nervous and excited. Wish me luck!!!

Hi! I'm just 4 days post surgery, but I'm feeling great! I've struggled with my weight for many years. After I quit smoking 10 yrs ago I gained roughly 50lbs over the next 5 years. I also had major stressors going on in my life. I bought my first home and within days my daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Being an emotional eater did not help! I started debating about weight loss surgery roughly 4years ago. I attended the seminar and then "chickened out". I wonder if my life would be different had I stayed strong and had the surgery. Two years ago, at the age of 39, I had a heart attack. Genetics played a part, but the biggest factor was my weight. …

I ladies, I am actually more nervous about giving myself this injection.. Are there any tips or tricks to giving this? I know it's a stupid question but the whole jabbing myself just freaks me.. I watched a video where the person grabs a piece of fat on their stomach and then inject it into themselves. I worry that I will do it wrong, not put the Clexane incorrectly etc. Thanks in advance

I Had Surgery On Wednesday And I Can Walk With No Problem Get Up And All But I Have A Couple Problems 1 . I Can Not Walk Straight Up Like I Walk Like Someone With A Spine Problem . idk If Its Normal This Early 2 . The Stickers On One Of My Incisions Came Off So I Out A Band Aid On It Because it Was Like Opening I Guess I'm Stretching It Getting in And Out of bed

I was considering the lap band and after talking to my doctor he basically talked me into the sleeve. I'm terrified of the long term affect and focusing way too much on me breaking up with food rather then being excited for a healthier future. Words of encouragement would be great! Ps I'm calling all my doctors for the clearance before surgery 2 down 2 more to go.

I have my 3rd visit tomorrow and I don't know what to expect. I contacted my insurance company today and they said that I should be approved as soon as my dr. submits paperwork. I'm curious as to what now? Does anyone know?

Hi all, so today is my six months anniversary and I'm down 67 lbs. My starting weight was 235 lbs and today i weigh 168. I have 3.5 cc in my band and my doctor thinks that i don't need any fill because I'm losing weight and I had some problems when I had 4 cc in my band. I'm very happy with my results and truly recommend this surgery to people who are willing to commit to the rules that come with it. It is not easy but easier than dieting, gaining, living overweight, and not being happy with yourself. I still would like to lose another 30 lbs to reach my goal. Good luck to everyone.

Trying to decide now between lapband or lapband with plication. I'm 210, 5", 42 BMI, will be happy to be 145 and still able to eat kind of normal...Not excited about having to get fills, but also don't want extremely invasive surgery. Basically, I want my cake and eat it, too. That's why we're all here, right? Haha I would appreciate any feedback on your opinions of lapband vs. lapband with plication... And aetna approval process, time frame before surgery, or any other tips!

is my sugery date!! I am so happy to finally get this date! Can I get a high-five?! Carol

Ad my op at 10 am this morning feeling great, only needed pain meds once so far, keeping up with small sips of fluids , walking round well but very drowsy most of today. Pic of war wounds here too, was so scared pre op, thank you to all who posted to help with that x

Ever since I found out my surgery date (9-30-14) I have been very concerned about the hair loss side effect. My hair is already very thin and I'm afraid after my surgery that I'm going to lose too much hair and that I'm going to have bald spots on my head. Has anyone else felt this way?? I'm even considering about buying the product Keranique. Anyone's input is appreciated, Thanks.

Bypass will be Monday the 11th. Thanks to all the experienced people here for all your advice. Please pray for me and my surgeon. Thanks!

I had my RNY on Wednesday 8-13-2014 and was released yesterday only with the promise of walking and sipping constantly. I had a rough few days while inpatient because I never weaned myself off of caffeine prior to my surgery. I had WICKED headaches and dizziness the whole stay. I also had more pain then anticipated but I was assured that was from my gallbladder removal that they did during my surgery. I was on oxygen and breathing treatments the whole time as well because my o2 stats were consistently low ... in the low 80's. However by day 3, I knew I recoup better at home so I begged and my surgeon reluctantly agreed to release me as long as I was good lol. Since I have…

So I have decided that I want to get sleeved! My insurance requires a 6 month medically supervised diet...wth does that exactly mean?! I went to a info orientation sat at the university of Chicago..so I will be making some calls tomorrow. I have been seeing my doc and a counselor (for depression/eating disorder) at the recommendation of my doc since jan. I met with my counselor every two weeks and saw my doc every 3 months. We worked on mindful eating and in these past 8 months I have been able to control my binge eating. Would showing my insurance documentation of my last 8 months pass as a "medically supervised diet?"

My doctor is Dr Fedorak. I have not met him yet. I am in Colorado Springs. Dies anyone know him or ever had him as your doctor?

Hey guys, I'm new to the site! My name is Adam, I'm 21 years old and getting surgery tomorrow. I started all my appointments are prep for the surgery in June at 319 pounds, and as of now I'm 295. I am second guessing my decision. I know it's last minute nerves, but after seeing how I lost weight by just exercising more and cutting all junk food and quantity of meals, I was wondering if I can do this on my own. However, I know that in 4 months I might crack and not be able to... the sleeve is the tool I need. I am not really nervous about giving up the relationship with food, because after losing weight and being more healthy and confident i can have the will power to star…

Hi, I'm Jessica. If all goes as planned I will get sleeved in November. I'm so excited that I found this forum and I have learned soooo much already just by reading through the threads.

Hi all I'm new to posting I have gained so much knowledge and reassurance from your posts but I have a question: Did anyone NOT have success with the pre op diet and not shrink their liver. If so what was the outcome on day of surgery? I'm struggling with the pre op diet. Thanks

Just have to share especially for you newbies or those thinking about having the gastric sleeve procedure. I had my six month check up, was sleeved Feb. 3, and the news was awesome!!: Lost 85lbs,,55inches gone and best news my BMI is now below 30 I am no longer considered OBESE!! I am at 173lbs and doctor said 10 lbs more and then I should be at my ideal weight! I teach and the staff was shocked at weight loss, I lost an additional. 15 lbs over the summer. lots of compliments!! So hang in there if you are starting this process and most important DONT deviate from the diet! Learn your new eating habits! I stayed with it and didn't cheat,,,,all protein and veggies...no st…

So Thursday the 21 I am supposed to start my diet not to sure what Shakes I should get. So I am going today to see which one is they best. When I met with the nutritionist she said that unjury was one of the better brands too use. So now the journey has really turned real, starting to feel very uneasy because I don't know what to expect or how this is going to turn out. Can someone please share what there first meal or way they started the pre-op diet so I can know which direction too go

I have been over weight since I was 6 years old. As a child my mother said I had unusual eating habits. I remember always feeling hungry. My mother tried to limit my food intake, and mostly provided healthy choices for our family to eat (she did not starve us we still had treats). I do not remember but I was told I would sneak food and hide it. I was mildly over weight up until I moved out of my parents house. At that point my weight sky rocketed to 289 lbs because of poor meal choices, and stayed that way for a few years. I decided to try to loose weight and did loose 55 lbs on my own, but then I became pregnant with my first child. I had a stressful pregnancy and did no…

Hi everyone just wondering if anyone has gone from the lapband to sleeve surgery, and if they had better results. I currently have the lapband lost 22kg in 18 months ( I need to lose at least another 40 kg). About 8 months ago I was getting terrible reflux and regurgitation at night, my surgeon took some fluid out and said I was probably to tight and have ended up with gastritis. After taking 1 ml out, I felt better but this only lasted 2 weeks and all symptoms of reflux returned. I went back to my dr, he removed another 1 ml and sent me off for a barium. Here I was thinking I had symptoms of a slippage, but the barium showed nothing the band was fine and I had no othe…

I was banded one month ago, and saw my PA today. I'm doing great! All the little pinches and aches are normal, and I can start swimming and tai chi again! Incisions are fine (only got 2), and the port is flat. Since I can only eat about a cup of food, and I was losing weight, we didn't even do a fill! Seems like I don't need it now, and I didn't want to start barfing. Next check in is in 3 weeks to see if I need an adjustment. Hooray!

Had my surgery on July 8 2013. My HW was 255. I was 35 and 5'2. I wasn't always over weight but something changed my freshman year of college and I went from 128 to 150. I figured that's normal. I moved from FL to NY and before I knew it I was 255. I had PCOS and was insulin resistant. But mostly, I hated myself. I felt like I had accomplished so much in my 13 years of living in NYC and the one thing that was completely on me...I couldn't do for myself. I work in fashion so I never really felt "part" of things because I couldn't wear anything that everyone else wore and I felt like I just didn't fit in. I felt like I was watching life. I was suffering from…

I started writing up a list of things that were worrying me about getting surgery and this came out. My wife was impressed enough she suggested I share it and it's probably what I'll put up on Facebook as a way of letting people know what I'm doing. I'm scared I'll fail. I'm scared I'll go back to my old eating habits. I'm scared that my last chance won't work I'm scared because I don't know what being a normal weight is like. I'm scared I'll be judged for getting surgery I'm scared I'll miss food so much I'll get obese again I'm scared that I won't be able to keep up the changes I need to make over the long term. I'm sure if I don't do this I'll be dead by …

I had the best thing happen to me this morning! When I got out of the shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and it closed all the way around, even my hips!!!! I cannot even remember the last time that happened. I usually look like a leaky burrito when I get out out the shower. I was so excited that I ran in to show my husband, and he was all "That's... great! What?" He had no idea why I was so excited about it, but he did helpfully point out that I was dripping on the floor.

After surgery did or didn't you have a drain?

Hello, I had my gastric bypass on 8/14, im still in the hospital. Feeling alot of pain when I get up. Has anyone else already had their bypass done? How long before the pain goes away?

My research began back when a Co worker/ good friend had his surgery. I watched as he lost 157lbs in one year. I began reading and viewing youtube videos and asking questions. I have gone from a size 10 to 12 to 14 then 16 then back down to a 6 and all the way back up to 16. That seems to be my stopping point. I left onederland once again and hate my photos once again. I knew what I was doing to myself but it's so hard to not eat the things I know I shouldn't be eating. It's hard to cook for my husband and my son when all they want is fried chicken and cheeseburgers tacos and pizza. I fell back into eating bad again. I'm not blaming them at all it's just a fact that they …

A friend of mine said before her surgery her dr asked her to remove her nail polish. I was planning on a pedicure before my surgery and I wear acrylics. Has anyone ever been told this?

I need to buy my multi vitamins to bring with me to the hospital as my NuT said I will be taking one right after surgery! I would prefer a chewable to be on the safe side, but also need all the important things that must be in it!

I began this journey in April and now 5 months later, I get to have my surgery. I am so ready! I am both excited and nervous. I can't wait until I am able to walk without becoming out of breath and not have my back and knees kill me. I have been so encouraged reading all of the post. I have all of my clear liquids ready to go in a few days!!!

I went to the siminair to learn about getting the sleeve i am ready for a new life style change of not being miserable anymore. I am ready to give it my all. They called me yesterday and said they would contact me in about 10 days after the advocate talks to my insurance company to see if they will pay but I already know they don't I have checked every avenue to get help and did not succeed but that is ok my health and well being are worth it right. I will keep y'all posted. Carla

Just got my surgery date!! 9-10-2014 I will be sleeved and let me tell you, it can NOT come soon enough.. I am tired of ALWAYS being the BIGGEST one in the room!! I am tired of being on 9 different pills twice a day and being so sick from the meds last year I was diagnosed with diabetes and depression set in big time. I was so angry at myself and so angry at the world.. I only exist in life I am not living.. Smaller, thinner family and friends with no health issues don't understand.. They don't get blown off by society or have a hard time finding clothes that fit. I don't go anywhere with friends nor do I attend family functions.. I know I shouldn't care what people thin…

The last 3 weeks and 8lbs have been the hardest. I never thought I'd see this magical place called onederland again. Prior to my surgery, I gave myself a goal to be in onederland by 6 months post-op but I'm ECSTATIC to say just 10 days short of my 5mth post op and just in time for my bday, I have arrived! Sorry if I sound too crazy or overly excited but it's been a tough journey of 15+ years. In addition, I feel as though you all are the only ones that can understand the struggle & excitement that even a 2lb weight loss is for me. Especially after just 3 days ago a friend of mine who I thought was supportive of this process said this surgery was "the easy way ou…

I'm feeling sad today. I'm losing my hair. Just about a week ago it started falling out.. It just comes out in clumps consistently. Does anyone have any advise? Or when it stops/comes back?

So I'm on my second week of my preopp diet. I've been on vacation so it hasn't been easy. I know I'm eating more meat then i should but i haven't had any carbs but my sugar free Creamer for my decaf coffee. I am praying i have at least lost 8 lbs or so by next Wednesday. No scale here. Cutting way back tomorrow and i plan to put myself on pure liquids Monday and Tuesday.

start at 415. holding steady at 193-198. No issues. Restriction is still around but can eat almost anything I want. Thank you for new lease on life. Christian

Does anyone have stomach cramping from drinking water. I had an RNY on July 30th & I drank water & other liquids just fine during my hospital stay now whenever I take a sip of almost anything I get awful stomach cramping for just a couple of seconds

Surgery was on the 5th and all has been going well pain was only for 2 days and that was gone, I'm now on my 3 week 3 day full liquid which allows cottage cheese, cream Soup, yogurt, applesauce. My journey began with a slipped lap band and that needed to be removed due to overfill and deflate did not correct the pouches the slip created. My surgery wait time was only 2 months and my insurance approved the revision in about 3 days. So now my new journey has begun no weight loss yet, doctor said this is normal and about 2 weeks out I will begin to lose or notice the loss of weight. Strange thing for me and unexpected is I am not hungry I haven't felt full or empty and…

I got sleeved on 11/5/2013 my starting weight was 298 lbs now I am 180lbs. I can do so many things I couldn't do before. I lost my friends but I gained confidence. I am visually impaired so u can't see myself in a mirror. I feel out of place because I don't see the new and smaller me. I just see the old me.

I'm about 3 months out have lost about 52 pounds but I'm VERY constipated and have to take milk of magnesia just about every day!! I'm drinking a lot of water but still constipated any suggestions??

I ask myself this over and over again. I don't know who knows about my very long and extensive background with complications after complications beginning in February of 2008 with my first WLS the Lap Band and then I had a revision to Sleeve in Sept. of 2010. I'm not here to knock any surgery. Some surgeries work well with some people, and sometimes it doesn't. I'm one of those it didn't. I was told by my first bariatric surgeon that I was a good candidate for the Bypass, but I still went with the Lap Band. It seemed less invasive, and it seems like it would be my best choice. Turned out for me it wasn't. So here I am 6 years later laying up recovering from my Rny Gast…

Well, here I go! At 43, I've wasted my thirties being fat. This decision was easy. I was such a fit person in my twenties, even competing in amateur aerobics comps! Then I met my first husband who was a chef...the rest is a season on horrible histories! So, here I am. My surgery is on Tuesday, school holidays have begun and I've just lost another kg on the scales thanks to the pre-op diet. Thought I'd start a little diary of my journey. I began this last Sunday at 245 pounds, my heaviest ever (111). I kind of went crazy eating all the things I knew I wouldn't get again! I met Ben and Jerry and they showed me all around their yummy house lol. Funny, I was not a big ice cr…

I am not scared. I am not excited. I am ready. It's been such a roller coaster to get insurance to cover it, get everything in order, do all the medical tests, deal with multiple medical offices and the hospital, and deal with everyone either telling me it's stupid or that they were jealous. I want to have it done. I want to slowly see that this will pay off. Also, now that I know that I have a hiatal hernia, I want that done too.