Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

As I was preparing for my surgery, I combed these forums night and day trying to imagine what the experience would be like. While I realize the real journey is still ahead of me, I thought I would share my experience for those seeking answers. Please keep in mind that everyone's surgeon, requirements, and experience is different. Here is mine: Pre-surgery I had my first consult with my surgeon in April of 2014. I weighed in at 242. Since I was self-pay, I was not required to spend months on a supervised diet. A round of blood work, a medical clearance from my general practitioner, and a week long pre-op diet of full liquids w/ the day before surgery being Clear L…

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'm out of the 270s and I just wanted to pat myself on the back out loud. I've been really struggling with this 3 month pre-op weight loss. Every day I fight the demons that tell me it's ok to eat more, I deserve it/I need it. Every day I battle with hunger, something I've never let myself feel for very long in the past. It has never been so very hard for me to lose weight before, because I always did WW, and if I was hungry I ate something, even if it was veggies or a fruit. Now I'm working so hard on getting the habits my nutritionist told me I need for post-op, like not eating between meals, and limiting the volume of the food I eat instead of stuffing myself wi…

I just got approved today for the sleeve and I'm scheduled to have it done in 2 weeks. Do you any suggestions for me as I get ready to start my Journey?

I am still at 154.5 so for the last two weeks I have been at a stall on my weight loss. I was banded May 15, so I am almost 3 months out from my lap band surgery. I have been very discouraged lately because the weight loss has stalled but I am confident I will get the weight loss going again real soon. I have not been exercising but plan to change that immediately. Going walking tomorrow morning. I have been eating really well. I have not cheated with carbs, sliders, sweets, candy or fast food. But I have noticed I am getting a little lazy. I am not getting in enough protein. I am not eating enough vegetables. I am doing well not eating late at night and I drink non-calor…

For a long time, setting a date for my surgery seemed like it was just never going to happen. But here I am! Scheduled to get sleeved on 9/8/14!! I'm more excited than I am nervous. Only thing I am really nervous about is knowing that I will wake up in the PACU with a tube down my throat and a drain in my side... Something about that just freaks me out a little. I've had a couple (minor) surgeries before so I'm comfortable with the process otherwise. I met a girl today, Lauren, who is scheduled to be sleeved on the same day! It's so wonderful to have all this support. You guys make me feel sane and like everything will be okay. I can't wait to kick start my new and improv…

I am still at 154.5 so for the last two weeks I have been at a stall on my weight loss. I was banded May 15, so I am almost 3 months out from my lap band surgery. I have been very discouraged lately because the weight loss has stalled but I am confident I will get the weight loss going again real soon. I have not been exercising but plan to change that immediately. Going walking tomorrow morning. I have been eating really well. I have not cheated with carbs, sliders, sweets, candy or fast food. But I have noticed I am getting a little lazy. I am not getting in enough protein. I am not eating enough vegetables. I am doing well not eating late at night and I drink non-calor…

its early but by no means easy cant eat chicken at all. I hate whey Protein taste and Water doesnt sit good. tired not being able to eat normal but I guess its part of the new change wish everyone the best on the new journey hang in there. [ATTACH]47303[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]47304[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]47305[/ATTACH]

last Friday I received a letter approving my hospital admission and surgery. I called my surgeons office today because I wanted to make sure they had gotten it too. they said no, I told them I received one and she said that wasn't the approval letter even though it says approval on it. so I called my insurance company and they said that they have approved it. they are pre authorization to do the surgery and hospital stay and the only other step is to have the surgery so they can bill it. I asked insurance to re send it to the doctor. it even has an admission date on it which is only two weeks away. if I'm having surgery that soon I kinda need to know! I don't want to ke…

Got my band in 2009. It never really worked kept getting unfilled because of issues finally it was discovered the band had dilated my esophagus so I was revised to the sleeve. The sleeve was great in the beginning then in month 3 bad reflux throwing up at night on three different meds for it. Got dilated four times had the bravo test and other so now I have to do bypass. I didn't choose bypass in the beginning because of the rearranging I am nervous and scared but I can't live like this with the reflux I also don't want to lose too much more weight. I went from a size 18 to a 10. I lost nearly 60 pounds and I work out so I've lost more inches. Anyone else in my boat a…

It's been a long road, but I finally finished all of my consultations, now waiting for everything to go to insurance! Fingers crossed!!

I'm like spazIng out over here wondering what I should expect at my psych eval to get this surgery approved. Does anyone have any information they could share on what happens during this particular part of the process? I was watching a show lastnight called "My Weight is Killing Me" and one of the females got denied because the psychiatrist said she "presented with depression" and "wasn't ready for surgery" ALL BECAUSE she cried a little during the interview... Is this true that we can't have any emotion during these interviews or we get denied???

So I had a gastric band in 2004 and lost 11 stone then in 2010 I lost it and regained half the weight so I had a gastric wrap and it was biggest waste of money I didn't loose a lb. the dr was a butcher. ( that's another story) anyway in 2011/12 I got another band in and the dr said it was difficult to get in. I got ill in 2013 and that band was also removed. I went last week to try get any other surgery as all diet and exercise had failed and bypass seamed my only option. Now there saying I might not be able to have it. I have to have a barium meal Please god let this go ahead as I'm very depressed about my weight and I have fully regained every last lb and more. …

Everyone's journey is different.. My obesity related diseases include: diabetes. headaches, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, back pain, leg pain, nerve pain in hip, numbness in left thigh, etc etc.. My Journey to date.. as you can see.. I've been jumping through hoops! Start Date: April 14, 2014 April 14, 2014 - Dr. Johnson Seminar - Highland May 5, 2014 - Psyche Evaluation - Dr. Becky O'Neill May 8, 2014 - Nutrition Seminar Class - Piera (261 lbs) May 29, 2014 - Intake Medical with PA Julie Anne Leo June 5, 2014 - Cardio Intake Dr. Jason Pacos June 9, 2014 - Nutrition with Kathleen Dibella ( 240 lbs - 21 lb loss) Jun…

The "big day" is closing in rapidly!! I will be getting my sleeve done on August 19th. It has been years in the making and am looking forward to a healthier me!!! But as it's getting closer and closer I'm getting nervous, excited, anxious, scared, all at once!!!

I've been thinking a lot about my journey and my decision for this surgery, I know everyone's journey is different but we all have a few things in common.. we all want to change our lifesyles.. we all love and respect ourselves enough to do it.. here is my journey so far.. (dates, tests, and jumping through hoops) My Journey to date.. April 14, 2014 - Dr. Jonson Seminar - Highland Hospital - Rochester, NY May 5, 2014 - Psyche Evaluation May 8, 2014 - Nutrition Seminar Class May 29, 2014 - Intake Medical with PA Julie Anne Leo June 5, 2014 - Cardio Intake Dr. Jason Pacos June 9, 2014 - Nutrition with Kathleen Dibella June 10, 2014 - Gal Bladder Ultrasound June 12…

i wasn't sure i was going to go to any, because i feel so very well supported here in the forum. my group requires you to attend one, and i had done that the same evening i went to the info session (the support group follows the info session every month). there were only four people there who had had their surgery already, myself and one other woman who were in the pipeline, and about 20 people who stayed after the info session who weren't committed yet. i am glad i went. it was very reassuring to meet people who had surgery from my chosen surgeon and were doing well. they were between 6 months and 3 years post op. three had lost way over 100 lbs and maintained it…

New to this page I am currently awaiting gastric sleeve surgery on 9/17/14!! I am so excited to get to "living" life. I have three children. A six year old that will be 7 this week!! I had a son in 2011 that was born at 24 weeks and did during delivery and he is my angel baby! And I have a 6 month old miracle baby!! I have been over weight most all my adult life. I am tried of being tired....I even had my 6 year old convinced when he was little that I would melt if I went outside so that I did not have to go out and play with him becuase I knew I could not run and play with him. I am so anxious and excited to get this done!!

Hi! Please share what vitamins are you taking post-op. Thanks.

I have lost a total of 15 lbs including pre surgery diet but only 2 lbs post surgery. Had surgery on July 15. It's frustrating to be eating so little and not losing.

I've finally made it to onederland! Current weight is 199 pounds I'll take it! Go me, go me

Hey guys!!! My name is Suzy. I'm 23 years old and live in Arlington Heights, Illinois. I had gastric bypass surgery on July 22nd 2014. I have a blog if any of you want to read it! It's pretty new, and it's all about my life (especially focusing on this surgery and my experience with it this far). I am a social work major and I just want to help people. I made the blog so I could give an insight into this experience. So many peoples blogs helped me, so all I want to do is pay it forward. Feel free to ask any questions, I am an open book. Love to all! http://dimandgirl.wordpress.com --> blog Suzy Zuffante (Dimand) --> facebook sdimand@gmail.com --> email

I'm Getting Sleeved Today And I Can't Even Sleep Because I'm So Excited But Yes In The Next 15 Hours I Will Be Sleeved . I Have To Be At The Hospital (New York Presbyterian hospital) At 10:45 For Check In So Yeah Its Really Happening . Any Advice On What To Do After I Wake . ?

A Little About Me.. I'm a vivacious, super-bubbly comedian at heart! I love making people laugh and I try to see the glass half full rather than half empty! I'm a recent law school graduate (May 2013) and I just took the NY/NJ bar exams in July and now I'm getting ready for the BIGGEST change of my life! I'm having Gastric Sleeve surgery on 9/2/2014 and I'm super EXCITED and Anxious at the same time! But, I've put my faith in God because he always Delivers! What Else.. I was hit head-on by a drunk driver two months before I graduated law school and as a result I sustained some pretty serious injuries to my knees (both were cut completely open) but by the Grace of God I…

Have my IV in. Just waiting to be rolled into the operating room.

Has anyone felt like this from not taking their Vitamins? My god mother died and I have been so busy and emotional that I forgot to take them Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I feel like I can barely sit up! waiting on the nurse to call me back, I think its the absence of the Vitamins

Hi. My sleeve was on July 31. My husband has been helping me since. On monday he has to go back to work and I need to take my daughter to pre-school. I'm feeling pretty good, a lil discomfort sometimes and still a lil swollen. When did you started driving? Thanks.

Had my gastric sleeve surgery on July 30th early in the am. Through my preop classes and all for six months I have been told this stupid JP Drain would be removed seven days from my surgery date in the docs office if all looked good. I have had no complications with anything do far and the drain has not drained in 2 days. What I am angry about is that my doc office will not allow me to come in for an apptm until Friday which will have made 9 freaking days that iv'e had this thing in. Im ready to pull it out myself and not go back! I feel perfectly fine other than this drain hanging off me and it is now getting really sore around the stitches and it hurts to bend forward. …

I have started this awesome journey that I know will change my life forever. On June 16, 2014, I finally started this journey with my husband by my side. I am kind of nervous but I know it's the best decision I can make for me. June 16, 2014 - First visit to Peachtree Surgical and Bariatrics in Atlanta, GA. June 28, 2014 - Started the required 6 months weight loss program July 31, 2014 - I met with the nutritional eval, had EKG and PFT. August 28, 2014 - Stress Test Scheduled Everything is moving right along; I know December will be here before I know it. I am just taking it one day at a time and looking forward to that day. Blessed and Highly Favored

My surgery is Tommorrow morning at 9am. I'm so scared but so happy all at the same time. Thank you all for posting your journeys on here, and for your support to each other.

Heading to the hospital!!! Have to be there by 10 and surgery at 11:30!! I'm so excited!!!!

Hi everyone! So yeah, I am freaking out a bit about having surgery next Monday but trying to keep busy at work for the time being. I go in for my pre-op tomorrow so i can ask more detailed questions of my doctor (will I have a drain? uggg!) I've decided that after surgery I will not weigh myself - lol, well, at least that's the plan. I am going to take measurements ONLY. As soon as I am given clearance, I am going to go to the gym and start weight training. I plan to do little to no cardio (Boooooring! I HATE cardio in the gym - riding a bike outside, playing sports and walking - LOVE those things). I will be doing supersets so I will get a cardio benefit from t…

I've completed everything required. I wanted to be sleeved before the year was over but hoping it will be done in January. Hopefully, I will be approved and receive a date before the year ends.

A anyone had WLS at William Beaumont Army Medical Center or knew of anyone who has?

Popcorn was one of my many sliders as a lapbander.....so I am curious who can tolerate it as a sleever? I am a little more than a month out and a handful would taste amazing. I am not one to push limits or break the rules....but I am also very scared to try popcorn ever again, given the consistency. Just curious what other sleevers have done.

Hi all...I am new to this site.....looks like a good one!....I started my required 6 month insurance process on May 13. Looking forward to surgery in mid to late October. Has any one used Dr. Krause at Beaumont Mich. So far so good...it is an interesting process...

Is there anything I should be prepping for . ? I'm having Surgery On Wednesday And I feel Like There Is Something I Should Be Doing But Maybe I'm Just Anxious .

I was sleeved one week ago today. I'm still on liquids, protein drinks, broth, water, etc. I've been reading posts and sample menus and it seems most people are referring to meat when they reference "protein". I don't eat any red meat, chicken, or pork. I do occasionally eat fish and can eat much more if needed. My question is whether there are vegetarians with high-protein , low-carb staple food items that they swear by (besides Greek yogurt). Tofu? Beans and lentils? Etc?

I've been on here since February but have never posted. I was sleeved March 10 2014. The 2 week Optifast diet was not bad at all. I stuck to it except that sometimes at night I just needed something with some flavor. So I ended up eating a table spoon of mustard ( I know its weird, but it tasted wonderful). I started at 317 lbs. and lost 20 lbs. during the 2 week Optifast diet. As of now I'm 198 lbs. ( Down about 120 Lbs. in 5 1/2 months)!!! I was on Insulin and Byetta injections and MANY oils for diabetes but now I'm off all medication!! My diet is very strict. I eat Protein and more protein (chicken and fish daily). I haven't had a slice of bread , potatoes, or …

My gastric bypass was done over a year ago on June 5th of 2013. I have lost 100 lbs. Yes, I'm happy about that, I couldn't have done it without the gastric bypass. What I had not planned on was the excess skin hanging on my body...everywhere. It is under my arms, on the sides of my breast, my breast, my stomach, my neck and the inner parts on my thighs. My insurance won't cover it unless my doctor puts in a notice that it is "medically necessary". I refuse to lose anymore weight until I get this skin taken off. I am fine the way I am, and would consider that a lot of weight would come off if they take this excess skin off my body. I feel like my body is gross looking, …

Im 4 months post op sleeve and started having a dull pain about a week ago on my left side, it feels like i can feel my stomach cramping, has anyone experienced this?

Im 4 months post op sleeve and started having a dull pain about a week ago on my left side, it feels like i can feel my stomach cramping, has anyone experienced this?

Well well well I realized I was manipulating my portion sizes. I was eating more than 4oz of meat and 3oz of veggies per meal. I stopped weighing my food. I would eye the portion size and eat till I felt full. Needless to say I have started weighing my food again. I had to go back to basics again. I now weigh 4oz of meat and 3oz of veggies for lunch and dinner. I measure 2 cups of dry cereal now for breakfast. Only 2 eggs and 2 strips of bacon with 1 slice of whole wheat bread with PB2 powdered peanut butter on it instead of butter. I also have to watch how much fruit I eat at each sitting. I will have like 1 banana and 1/2 of an apple for example per snack twice a day wi…

Got my sample of syntax nectar and I can handle them but the smell yuk must plug nose first:) so far haven't made it a full day of liquid only. I get all the way to dinner then I had a sand which and and a Popsicle I'm supposed to be able to do a full day.... My surgery date comes this week... I'm praying that post op I'm able to sleep and rest post op and forget I can't eat. Post op can I rest and sleep as long as you get ip and walk during the day?

I was sleeved July 21 and am having a really hard time the last few days. I have been an emotional wreck. Having a hard time with everything. I have no appetite and could care less if I eat or not and everything I put in my mouth makes me want to gag and vomit. Protein has been impossible for me to handle because the smell of it makes me want to hurl my toe nails up. The only thing that I have been able to tolerate is soft serve frozen yogurt and cottage cheese and sonic ice chips with lime. After I eat anything I feel as if I am having a major anxiety attack. I get all sweaty with a heavy feeling in my chest and stomach and feel like I can't breath. Is this normal or am …

Hi. I had my sleeve on July 31. Started the post-op liquid diet on August 2. I'm on my first week liquid diet and already sick of it. I had a 2 weeks liquid diet pre-op, and I'm so tired of it already. I want to cry everytime I have to drink the same thing. I'm supposed to drink 2onz of liquid every half hour. Including 4onz of protein which I hate and make my stomach feel weird. I which I could drink something else than broth, juice or water. Please share what you had on your first week! Thanks.

I been craving for pickle juice since yesterday I'm 6 day post op by the way I had the rny gastric bypass, I lost 10 pounds already

Hello everyone, I am just starting the process of trying to get the Gastric Bypass. I am wanting and needing to do this for my health. I am 62 and very happily married and I want to enjoy my life. I have so much trouble getting around because of my weight. I have spinal stenosis, osteo-arthritis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, so I hope I can get through all the insurance hoops quickly. I see the Doctor on Sept 15, 2014 and seems like that date is so far away. Thanks for listening or reading I mean.

Hey all! I had my surgery done in April by Dr. Jason Balette, just a few days after my 18th birthday, and I'm loving the results. It's gotten to the point where I'm fitting into clothes that have been untouched since early school days (middle school!) and even past that. My feet have shrunk as well, which is kind of sad because I did have some nice shoes, but oh well. Overall, I feel so energized ever since getting my surgery. I find myself wanting to exercise, which is incredible for me considering before I never wanted to get out of bed. I've been using cocoa butter for the stretch marks (I have a lot, and the cocoa butter definitely helps them fade) and I've compl…

Is there anything I should be prepping for . ? I'm having Surgery On Wednesday And I feel Like There Is Something I Should Be Doing But Maybe I'm Just Anxious .