Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I had my gastric sleeve surgery on March 11th. I will admit that the day of my surgery and the following day were tougher than I thought they would be pain wise. I felt nauseous those two days as well, but thankfully I never vomited. My surgeon refers to the day after your surgery as hump day and he was right. By Wednesday evening in the hospital I was feeling much better. I was released on Thursday afternoon. My journey so far has been unremarkable. I am still trying to learn what being "satisfied" is. I don't want to eat to the point of feeling ill so I'm trying to listen to my body. All in all it has been a positive experience. I am resting and taking it slow …

Hi everyone. I am a week and a half post op and I have yet to get the full feeling when I eat. Every now and then, I will feel a slight tightness in my chest area but then it goes away. I still feel like I can eat. Has anyone experienced this? Thanks! Stacie

Just want to put it out there and possibly see if anybody has ever experienced increased intracranial pressure while vomiting. Not just coughing up food but actually vomiting from the flu or other GI upset. I have -- twice. And both times I experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage which put in Intensive Care both times. The second time I had enough brain damage that I was forced to retire as a Registered Nurse. None of the doctors I have encountered -- neither the neurosurgeons nor the bariatric surgeons, believe that my lap band caused the head bleeds. Why would they not? Has anyone ever NOT had either bloodshot eyes or a slightly more significant vessel break in their eyes…

Can anyone recommend a brand of reliable scales? I have a digital set made by Thinner that I got from Avon years ago and even though it's gone through several 9-Volt batteries, it still works but if I step on that scale 10 times in the morning, I swear I'll get 7 different readings. A difference of -/+ 2.0 pounds can mean discouragement or encouragement so it actually matters.

Hello! I am 2 weeks post op as of yesterday and I am not losing any weight! In fact the scale says I have gained a couple pounds. I am trying so hard. I'm worried that the sleeve isn't gonna work for me! I was put on regular Proteins on Friday by my dr. I don't think I'm eating to much as my stomach wouldn't allow it anyhow. I would love to hear from some of you sleevers! How soon after you had the sleeve did you start losing weight? Thanks everyone!!

And I can't sleep. I bought a huge container of whey protein from GNC and the stuff is just nasty. So that's great. I wasted thirty bucks. I'm freaking out, I can't sleep. I don't know how I'm going to live on liquid for a week, it just seems crazy to me.

Hello Everyone! I am due to get the sleeve next Tuesday, March 25th. Up until the pre-op class I was absolutely fine and excited, NOW, I'm having crazy anxiety! I know this is what is best for me and trust that my surgeon knows what he's doing but I constantly have a person or two say "Are you sure? Why take the easy way out? Why not diet and exercise?" I've been thinking about this for over 2 years and finally decided to pull the trigger the day after Christmas 2013. So I really don't think I am jumping the gun on this one. I know I shouldn't let the nay-Sayers get the best of me but it's difficult. I hope to find more positive vibes and posts thru this forum because …

It's finally here today at noon I get sleeved. It's been such a process all these months thinking the day is never gonna come. So much thought went into this and I can't help but still feel so nervous about it. I'm excited for the new me, the healthy me my new life. For whoever reads this please say a little prayer for me if you don't pray please send positive vibes my way.

I have a date March 24th it's been a long journey since sept of 2013 now the nerves really kicking in! Anyone else got a March date.

I Lost almost everything I wanted, but those last 15 pounds are not going anywhere..... Help? Tips? Diet pills anyone????

Am 3 days post op and so far I am doing great. After my surgery I had a massive gas bubble sitting in my chest and it hurt. So I walked and walked and walked some more. Then on day 2 it moved down. I am starting my shakes today. I have not hurt to much since Ive been home I only stayed overnight at the hospital. I have never been one to use pain meds but I had had to use it 2 times since being at home. Start weight was 458 Before surgery was 442 I am gonna weight myself once a month I don't want to be worried about it all the time. My husband and mother and my many many supporters have been so great to me and I can't wait till I can go work out I have 14 days off and …

I'm scheduled for surgery first thing Wednesday morning and ever since last Wednesday I've been getting more and more anxious each day. It has freaked me out that my countdown is in days, not weeks anymore. My stomach is "ugh" feeling all day long. I'm emotional, feel like crying several times a day, not like myself. My head spins and I think of everything that could go wrong. It doesn't help that I'm self-pay, I keep thinking of long term complications that could happen that my insurance won't cover. I have had no doubts and felt complete peace about this procedure until this weekend. I've been very overweight since I was a child and well over 300 lbs for at least the la…

Hi all, For those who have had complications (like myself), I started a blog about questions to ask their surgeons. Mine didn't recognize what others did about complications (polyneuropathies from malnutrition) and I'm wanting to let others know to help themselves, in case their surgeons are the same way. Apparently my PCP and the like were more up to date on the literature. I don't want to have others go through this. Is it possible that people could look at http://bariatrichelp.wordpress.com/ and let me know what you think of the question list? I'll expand it based on that and then maybe see about a website. Again, this is to educate others so that they're not in …

I'm starting this for my records I'm 5'6 A wife. A mother of 4 boys. Highest wt: 285 current wt: 269 Pre Op starts March 5th for Gastric Sleeve, my surgery date is scheduled for March 12th. Lately it's been hard to keep losing at the same time mourning some foods I'll have to say goodbye too for a while....lol And also for some reason I've been noticing how big I really am! I guess I was in denial and now my eyes are becoming clear, the fog is separating, and everyday I want my surgery more and more, and it's actually helping me stay focused.

I have my first consultation with the surgery center tomorrow. I have a feeling that my insurance won't cover the surgery and I know I won't be able to get financing, I want this surgery but if insurance won't pay, what are my options? Save up for Mexico?

Hello, I had my sleeve gastrectomy done on February 26,2014 I had been preparing for surgery since September of last year. I had all the pre op testing done including the echocardiogram and stress tests. I passed all the tests with flying colors and was assured that I was healthy enough for the surgery. I started out at 333 lbs at 5'7. I felt great before surgery. I went into this surgery thinking that I'd do fine as that is what all my tests indicated. I woke up the day right after surgery with extreme pain in my left shoulder and under my left breast. I panicked a little wondering why this was occuring and thought maybe it was my heart. The nurses told me…

Just curious how we are holding up.

I doing good liquids only is a little frustrating but I'm doing it can't wait to go to the doctor Wednesday to change the diet.

Hi, I'm having my gastric bypass April 3rd.... I'm very very excited... This weight problem has been a long battle that I've never given up on... I had the band 13 years ago, which was removed after a couple of years... My weight has gone up and down huge amounts in my adult life, I can't do it anymore!!!! I can't deal with the failure anymore... The embarrassment kills me... This is my last resort, I know it's not the miracle cure, but it's close enough... I'm on the south coast of England, is anyone else???? Lucy

I have fought the battle of the bulge all of my life with fad diets and I have had the yo-yo effects of my weight for as long as I can remember. This year is the year that I'm determined to change my life forever. I consulted with True Results for the first time yesterday and was told that my insurance has an exclusion for bariatric surgery, however, I can still be approved to have my Lap-Band placed because I have a hiatal hernia and this is a pathway for placement. I had an EGD that confirmed diagnosis of my new best friend "hernia" and I am super excited. My surgery date is not yet confirmed but I was told that we are aiming for April. I thought this to be a very speed…

M about 12 days post op and I was doing great... Yesterday I included my protein shakes and vitamins and I had severe diahera, today I woke up nauseous... What could this be?

Hello all. I'm 6 days post op from VSG. I had my gall bladder removed as well and I think that's the pain I'm feeling. Otherwise I'm pretty good. Have decent energy, I'm getting down liquids, I've got a decent variety of full liquid options, and I'm doing my walking. I'm happy to chat with anyone. Looking forward to my revised life, it was already wonderful!

I was sleeved yesterday! I got called in two hours earlier due to a cancellation and went in solo due to my hubby being at work. I have super small veins, so imagine what 12 hrs prior to surgery with no liquids will do. I got poked a total of 6 times in attempts to insert an IV by a team of 5 different people. Surgery was quick, however I woke up whimpering like a dog...lol. The IV they managed to put in was small and limited my pain meds. Luckily for me they managed to give me liquid pain meds too. I slept all night like a baby and didn't have the strength to walk or eat. Today is a new day, with the help of nausea meds I was able to keep food down and walk the ha…

I weighed this morning and I am pleased to say that I am 3 weeks an 2 days and have came from 224lbs to 196lbs as of today. Total loss so far 28 Lbs.. Who hoo .

I've been thinking about WLS secretly for quite a while. Afraid of all the negative and hurtful things people would say. Don't we all want to look and feel better about ourselves? Not to mention getting healthier too!! I finally confided in my fiance yesterday and today he tells me he will pay for it on ONE condition. I have to quit smoking. Well Goodbye Mr Marlboro man cause I'm giving you up and exchanging you for a beautiful wedding dress and a life of healthy living.

Good morning good people. I am here because my sleeve is broken. I just don't want to get into too much detail to protect the innocent or anyone else, but lets just say in a Dr's Appt I had yesterday with my Bariatric Surgeon provided by my insurance and as we were going over slides of an upper GI I had a week prior... it seems my sleeve is way too big still and it is shaped like an hourglass. Also I have extremely bad reflux and it is causing me a whole lot of misery. My surgeon is referring me to have an upper scope done now, which will be photographic images of exactly what my stomach looks like from the inside, as well as to see if I might have a hernia to tend t…

Hi folks! I was out doing a little shopping and started wondering about what I need to pack?? I'm going Mexico to be sleeved in less then two weeks! I got slippers, nightdress and robe for the hospital

Hello all! I've just accepted a job 1500 miles away from where I'm at now! I'm in the process of getting surgery though. I feel like if I don't do the surgery now I won't have the chance later. I was almost through the process in 2010 and lost my health insurance that covered it. Since then I haven't had health insurance that will cover bariatrics....until now! So I plan on getting it done ASAP. It will probably be May or early June. I'm moving mid June. Anyone had a similar situation? Am I crazy for doing all of this at the same time? Yes....I know...I am crazy. I plan to get the surgery done and go to my first follow up appointment then move and find a surgeon …

LOL I "just" realized that the @Mention sign is under all our names!!!! you guys probably already knew that??? guess i'm slow oh well too cool!!! now i can easily talk about all of you!!!! @Alex - did it work???? @gmnbat, lipsticklady - can you see me too its funny the smallest things can make me so happy sooooo what else is new with me???? At 2+ years PO (1 year at GOAL) i continue to be a happy camper enjoying my new healthier, happier life kathy

Four months ago today I had my surgery. I'm down a total of 60 pounds from my high weight - the day I stood on the scale at the doctor's office and cried when I saw the number. This has been an amazing journey. I have met many great people on this forum and have received much support and encouragement. For that I am thankful. Have a great weekend!

I was a strong, happy over weight person. I have someone who loves me big or smaller. I carried my weight as part of my identity. I was big and strong and sometimes intimidating. 5'10 255 is a pretty big woman. But now, almost four months post op and 191 pounds, I am amazed by the transformation. I like seeing my face. I like being in photos. I like not feeling like I take up too much space. I like not imagining that people are seeing me through a fat filter. This is an amazing experience and if you're pre-op and scared I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. I'm a fairly intelligent and self aware person, yet I had no idea of how I'd limited myself bec…

I just wanted to share with you all my story so far I am 1 yr post op now and at 8st 4lb down I have lost 62% of my excess body weight For anyone who is just starting out on this journey please take this as proof that the sleeve works ! I have had no negative side effects and can honestly say it has changed my life. I feel healthy and my kids love their new mum Its been a great 12 months and long may it continue x

I am close to getting a date for surgery. Is it normal to be scared to death and constantly doubting my decision to have surgery?

Hello and welcome to "Operation Operation" for me. I have read quite a few stories over the past 8 months prepping up for the day I would be lucky enough to get a date for surgery. I have found them useful so I decided I will attempt it and try to use it as a sounding board and future reflection for myself. Someone I respect highly said that EVERYONE should write their own autobiography. That has always stuck in my mind and maybe one day I will but until then I will use this blog. My date to change the rest of my life is day after Christmas, 26 Dec 2013. Here are some reasons I am happy: I am happy for monetary reasons because my out of pocket expenses have b…

Hi--my name is Carol. I am retired, married for 49 years, mother of 3, and Grandma of 2 lovely young ladies. All reasons that I am tired of carrying around this extra weight. I have Type 2 Diabetes, HBP, High Cholesterol, and a knee replacement that required 5 surgeries in 7 1/2 months due to infection. I have a great deal of difficulty getting around, and am convinced that even though my knee won't get better, it will be more functional if I lose weight. I have yo-yo dieted off and on for many years. When I first checked into WLS, it wasn't an option due to cost. Now, that is no longer an obstacle. During a routine visit with my PCP just three days ago, I brought…

So I followed up with my doctor yesterday because I have been expeiriencing nausea all the time whenever I smell or even see food. He said that this is common and that it can last from a few weeks to months. Anyone else experience this? if so for how long? Its really hard to Celebrate the weight loss when you feel miserable all the time.

Anyone had the sleeve done this year 2014? Thanks

Hello, I just put my deposit down and bought my plan ticket for surgery in Mexico for gastric sleeve in March 2014!!! I'm really excited! I did a bunch of research and landed on Dr. Lopez in Tijuana. I chose this route as my insurance doesn't cover these types of surgeries at all. $4,700 plus airfare and my passport renewal fee so right around $5,000. I'm a 35 year old recently divorced mom to a beautiful, funny, and smart 3 year old daughter. She is the reason I made it through this hellish year with the divorce. I have a career that keeps me very busy along with being a single mom. I'm getting a little cash settlement from the divorce that is paying for my surg…

An u tell this newly sleeved girl what a typical stage 3 rest of your life day of eating and Vitamins looks like? I was sleeved Monday and have my ideas but I'd like to hear from the pros. Can u include portions? Thanks all

If I ever am tempted to listen to the voice in my head that says "I don't see a difference", I'll take a look at these and thank Miss Pearlie (my band) for all she had done to make this happen. I'm not at my goal and these pics are 15lbs heavier than I am today, but they are my faves because they were the first evidence that I was no longer afraid to take pictures.

Today I had my pre-op appointment. I have been given the green light for surgery on March 26th. Im currently 348 HW 360. Plan to drop another 8 lbs before my date. Fellas any advise for me.

Hi everyone! I'm new here. My husband had a lapband placed in June 2008 and had list almost 100 lbs and then gained it all back. He is set to have said band removed on 3/24 & he is planning on having a gastric sleeve in 2-3 months after the revision. I'm here to learn more, to learn as much as I can so that I may be the best support. I want to learn what the journey will be like for him and how he can avoid having a relapse and gaining weight after a success. I look forward to getting to know all of you and I appreciate your advice and your letting me into your journey

As anyone out there ever experienced itchiness or redness near the incision sites? Mine isn't too bad but I want to know if it's just part of the healing or something more. I'm new to the site for joining in but everyone is so helpful. Thank you!!

I decided that for my own therapy and to hopefully help answer questions for others I would document my Surgery Experience. That being from the night before, all the hospital details and recovery process as it happens. Some background info: I am a 31 year old married mom of 2. I work full time and I am a foster parent. I have been at least 100 pounds overweight for 15 years with a little yo yo in between. My weight tonight on my home scale is 235 lbs. I am 5' 2". I have no co morbidities I finished a 2 week diet of 2 shakes, and a healthy meal at night. I did cheat 2-3 times. Today I am on full clear liquids. Chicken broth, jello, tea, Beef Broth, ext. I was hungry but it…

Haven't gotten the Gastric Sleeve surgery yet, I'm waiting on the approval... If I get denied I don't know what I'll do! Did anyone do a payment plan? How long where you down and how much weight did you loose within the first month? When did you go back to work or school?

Today has been an awesome day. For the first time, in i can't remember how long, I actually enjoyed shopping. I will be 6 months post-op on the 23 rd. I have lost 87 lbs. it was time for new shirts as my old ones were almost to my knees. I was pleasantly surprised when a Large fit. Needless to say I haven't been in this size in almost 19 years. I actually started crying in the dressing room. No longer in the plus size! So to all of just starting this journey DO NOT GIVE UP! It is so worth the work and has changed my life. There will be plateaus, just stick with the program and move. I broke my foot from all the walking I was doing and wasn't able to exercise. I just stuck…

I had my last nutrition class today. I lost 5 more pounds. The surgeon's nurse asked me am I sure I want lap band. I said Yes! She said how the success rate is poor, and how Medicare wont cover for the removal of the lap band and have another surgery. I have all the fills follow up appointments to deal with as well. She said she thought it was in my best interest to have the sleeve. And Medicare does cover the surgery. I plan to do some research about the sleeve. I want to make the right decision for Me! But I would like your feedback.

Tell me your story!

I have my surgery on Tuesday March 4th and I am considering this my new birthdate I started my process on November 13, 2013, the day after my 44th birthday. I met with my Bariatric Surgeon in hopes of a Lap-Band. He immediately told me no. That he no longer did those as he was taking out way too many of them. He suggested the Gastric Sleeve. I was a little afraid as I had never even heard of such an animal and started my research. After several weeks of research I decided I was "in" and my journey began. I met with a psychologist and then 4 months with a nutritionist learning the new ways that I would be eating pre and post-surgery. Your nutritionist can…

We all know what we are allowed to eat & what we should stay away from - this is supposed to be a fun thread! Some of us have to stay away from certain foods because you have visions of it in your sleep & if you start eating it you know you just couldn't stop (lol) - so, is there any food that you miss?