Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

After browsing around in here a bit, I've noticed how ppl hv shared their very private stories, emotional struggles,fear of upcoming surgeries,slow progress with weight loss,ect & reaching out for advice or help in one way or another & 'no comments'. Plenty of ppl "stopping by" but none taking time to say anything. What's up with that? If I want to share my story why bother when I can sit & talk to my walls here @ home. Alex,the founder of this place is the only one to has made an effort to communicate in a generic sort of way.He has a site to maintain & hopefully see grow in leaps & bounds so of course one would expect that from him. Are there cliques…

Why do my photos keep disappearing?

Just joined Bariatric Pal today! I went through the whole process a year ago to get the Gastric Sleeve done and got declined because my insurance didn't cover the surgery. I got new insurance and decided to try again a year later since it was covered. I've done the classes, psych, nutritional appointment and all my other doc appointments. Everything you need to send your packet to insurance, I've done. I am supposed to here from insurance This week about approval for surgery, I'm very excited and anxious at the same time. I'm still exploring how this Bariatric pal works but I've been really enjoying reading everyone's point of views with the gastric surgeries. I know I'…

5k finished in exactly 35 minutes! Ran with my amazing support group of friends, coworkers and my youngest daughter. They made us awesome shirts that said , "Are those New Glasses?" I told them when I had the surgery that comments about my weight would make me uncomfortable. They were only allowed to ask me if I got new glasses or a new haircut. I love these guys.

As I think about it, my real journey started in late November of 2013. That's when I made the decision to attend one of the seminars put on by one of our local hospitals. Because I am older 67 at present, I had many concerns if this was the right way for me to go. I had only remarried 2 years ago to my high school sweetheart and she was content with the way I am. I have always had a weight issue and have lost hundreds of pounds over the years. Like everyone else I loose easily, but gain it all back to easily also. So I saw my surgeon in December and made the decision t go thru the process to see if I qualify and if I can make the changes necessary to be successful. I …

I just read about the meaning of Onederland and I have been in this place for a while, so HAPPY. I'm,186 this morning so I have lost 29 pounds since surgery December 17. I think that is slow compared to some of the post I've read on here but I'm happy to be losing. I didn't measure myself before this journey started but I know I have last tons of inches because none of my clothes fit...YAY!!! Thank God for this surgery.

I had my gastric bypass a month ago. When I was in the hospital I was in horrible pain (because all I can take is Tylenol) and wondered if I had made the right decision. Now one month out I am feeling much better and am down 50lbs! I can not wait to continue this journey and be healthy for my family.

Okay I need some clarification so when I weigh my meat and veggies then I take the food off the scale then I add some fat free gravy and some shredded mozzarella. So does my adding gravy and like 2 pinches of shredded cheese. Do I have to include those in my weight. I think its more a volume thing. The gravy and the cheese really don't expand in the stomach. Can I get some feedback on this.

Just opened my mail and their was a letter and a script for iron from my surgeon. Just like they stated they would contact me if their was a problem with the blood work they did like 2 weeks ago.

I just had my surgery Monday so I'm not on this stage yet, but as far as vitamins are they hard to get down? And do they taste bad

Hi everyone! Well the day is almost here! I have my surgery at 7:30 am on Monday morning. I am excited but also getting really nervous. I know it'll be ok though! I can't wait till I start losing weight!

What is the common length of stay in the hospital after VSG ?

Day 1 surgery was at 9am and home by 3pm the same day WOW... Day 2 was the hardest with the nausea and pain but by day 3 the gas pain and getting down enough protein and water down daily, Day 4 the intestinal tract WORKS yes!!!! day 5 still have gas pains in left shoulder and neck, but it's all worth it..

How does one know if the sleeve stretched. I mean lets say your supposed to have only 5 ounces total meal weight. But the meal turns out to weigh 7.5 ounces. And this is done over a couple of months. Would those couple of ounces really make a difference?

It's my third day from getting the lap band. I lost a total of 16 pounds on the liquid diet and I obviously have a lot more to go. But i am proud of myself so far. The pain is starting to be manageable I have to schedule my two week appt. I have a huge bulge where I imagine the lap band is. Hopefully it goes down. Is this normal? Also can I sleep on my side now? I feel like when I lay on my back to sleep I wake up with my lungs in pain. Thanks for the help.

I was suppost to graduate to some yogurt am grits today but as soon as I swallowed it an it digested it hurt an was painful now I am back on liquids another few days . I seen nut an my surgeon march 5th I will be glad to get on their scale an see how much I weigh I know I have lost some after all these protein drinks an water lol

From 226. . To 131.. [ATTACH]41586[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]41586[/ATTACH]

It's been long journey so far and I realize the battle will never be over. I have an addictive personality and so many times I've said it's time to get serious only to fall back into old habits. I've lost 106 pounds and haven't lost an ounce in about 6 months. I'm happy with my weight now but according to "the norms" I should be at least 25 pounds lighter. I'm 5`8 and 190 pounds, wearing a size 12. The problem is, I've started nursing school which is far more stressful than I could have ever imagined. I stress eat. Literally all day. I haven't gained any weight but we all know that won't last long. I'm probably losing muscle and from the lack of sleep and exercise, I'…

My surgery is scheduled for March 3rd and one of my biggest stressors is telling people about the surgery. The only people who currently know are my husband and his parents. I have a strained relationship with my family, so I've already decided to not tell them (they all live across the country so this won't be hard). My issue is that I am a nurse and will be out of work for a month, so I know there will be questions about where I am. I don't want a lot of attention drawn to me and I definitely don't want people talking about me behind my back (working with mostly women!), so I'm not sure what to say. I also am not sure if I will tell my closest friends. I feel they …

Had my surgery 2-24-14 and I keep getting cramping on my left side as if I ran a mile... Anyone else experiencing this? And if so why?

Surgery was Thursday Morning. Feeling better day by day. Not very hungry but glad the hard part in over.

I was wondering if anyone out there has paid out of pocket for a fill and how much you had to pay for it. I realize the price would be different for each doctor probably but I'm thinking it would be somewhere in the same ball park no matter what. I'm living in Oklahoma and my insurance has run out. I still need another fill and I'm not sure I'm going to get more authorizations from my insurance carrier prior to my next scheduled appointment in early April.

Hi I'm Yvette from Chicago I'm a single mom of a 9yr old and a 2 yr old. I had the Lapband in 2007 and had nothing but problems with it finally got it removed in 2013. My surgeon suggested I get gastric bypass, I couldn't agree more. I started the 6 month weight management program that I need to complete for insurance purposes Nov. 2013. I see my surgeon Feb. 25, 2014. So many emotions, thoughts and even things to do before the surgery!

I'm 5 days post op and experiencing chest pains? What could this be?

I'll just have to see now that I stopped the prilosec for 2 days so far. The surgeon recommended that I stop taking them. I guess if my heartburn returns I'll have to continue taking them. what I'm also concerned about is that i've heard more than once that acid production can cause hunger. Does anybody experience increased appetite because of acid production?

I had my surgery in August and have now lost close to 70 lbs. Lately, because of my depression I've been eating mostly Snacks in little portions but almost all day long. A couple of days ago I woke up to the feeling of my throat and esophagus swelled up and it felt like it did the first time time I had my surgery, burping hurt and hiccups caused me a lot of pain plus swallowing was very uncomfortable almost painful as well. The swelling has gone now but I'm really concerned and scared that I may have stretched my stomach I can't see my doctor either because I now have no insurance. Please help me out. -Perseverance

Just got the lap band this morning and my left shoulder is killiing me is this normal? I haven't ate anything yet.

My first cardio session since surgery and omg that was hard!! Feeling good and motivated!!! Hope everyone is getting there blood going!!!! How many times a week do you exercise.

I had my surgery 18 days ago, and the last I checked on the 24th I was down 33 pounds. I started out at 383, I am now 350 (as of the 24th). But I am beginning to go back to bad habits. My indulgence has always been sweets. Today I had 3 Cookies, 1 first, and 2 more 20 minutes later. I then had 4 mini candies. I know to you it may sound like that's not bad, but I feel addicted. I was doing so good, but its as if my motivation only lasts for so long. Lately, I have been feeling depressed and unmotivated. I have already set up a follow up appointment with a psychologist, but I really need some support, and encouragement. Why do I feel this way? I also have to add I have bee…

I'm just over three weeks out from surgery and I haven't lost a pound in more than a week. I'm following my liquid diet, still, and I'm working out twenty minutes a day on the treadmill. My calorie intake averages around 600/day. What am I doing wrong? I'm so frustrated...

I was wondering if anyone else out there that's married and only one of you have been sleeved if you have had relationship issues ?

Last 70lbs 37lbs to my goal????

I'm thinking of having a gastric bypass and need some help deciding. I have a lap and currently and it's not helped me at all. And there's been complications as well. Can somebody tell me their experience with the bypass? Good and/or bad?

My name is Jennifer, and I am new to this. I have struggled with weight issues my whole life. Upon hearing about Lapband, I decided to go online and see how it was working for others. Although I was very hesitate about having any type of surgery, yall's heartfelt success stories encouraged me to take the next step. My surgery is next week! I'm overwhelmed with nervousness, but mostly excitement! Just wanted to say thank you ladies and gentleman for sharing your stories, Each and every one of you are my role models

I went up 3 lbs yesterday ugh.... BUT I have increased my water today and stayed only on my protein drinks and i managed to drink a liter of water an now starting on a second one I have read on other peoples post that if u go up on the scale the best thing to do is increase your water and increase the protein so that is what I am gonna do all weekend and weigh Monday to see where I am at . I am 1 week and 1 day post op. SW-224 CW-209 I was 206... Hope this works .

I can finally say I weigh less than my husband. And I could fit in his pajama pants what a great feeling that is. BTW o weigh 185

My friend from work had her surgery last Friday. She has lost 13lbs. She and her hubby both had surgery. He's down 22lbs!

My friend from work had her surgery last Friday. She had lost 13lbs. She and her hubby both had surgery. He's down 22lbs!

Hi I had my lap band surgery on 1/16/2014 and am now 6 weeks out and getting my first fill tomorrow. Have had a couple incidents, but the most part am doing really well. I am thankful to all of you that have posted many topics that concerned me or that I am about to face, they have been great. I am alittle concerned about my first fill...have read a few messages on here about your experiences. I have my port in my chest area...so haven't been able to find anyone that has their's there...so will post how that goes tomorrow. Thanks again for all your input its been really helpful.

[ATTACH]41971[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]41972[/ATTACH] Struggling with my weight. Up and down. I am 1 month into the 6 month wait for my sleeve. I cannot wait to post a happier healthier and thinner me once again and once and for all. Currently at 207 lbs at 5ft4 . The thinner photos are of me after my last attempt at weight loss. It was a contest through work and I got 3rd place company wide. Now I am so ashamed I have gained nearly all of the weight back. Co workers and friends have taken their journey with the sleeve surgery and over the last 2 years I have researched and thought about it. During this time I have completed jillian Michaels 90 day with some…

Ok, 4 days post op here and I am still on liquids only. I am looking for some recipes to make my protein shakes a little different, besides just vanilla and chocolate all the time. I tried adding a little peanut butter to a chocolate one which made it taste really good, but it was a little to heavy for my fresh little sleeve. I will file that away for possible later use. Any other suggestions...? Thanks in advance!

So today was my final appointment with the surgeon to schedule my surgery! I am SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!! However, my mother just informed me that she thinks I need to recuperate at my sister's house because she doesn't have stairs, and my excitement just turned to dread!!! My sister has this ANNOYING SPOILED OBNOXIOUS granddaughter. Now I loooooove kids, but me and this kid are like oil and Water because I can't stand a DISRESPECTFUL KID! I say this to say, what do you guys think about going up and down the stairs the first week after surgery? I know we are suppose to move anyway but I don't want to over do it. However, I do want to be comfy and in mown bed at my own …

I stepped on the scale this morning and saw that magical number that I set for myself in the beginning of this journey. My goal was to get to 230 and that is what popped up this morning. My surgery was on April 3rd of this year. At pre-op I weighed in at 362. So that is 132 pounds gone. And those pounds are gone forever! At the moment I am still contemplating what to do from here. Part of me a very small part off me wants to say ehh I am good. A larger part of me wants to now change the goal. You see years ago I was at the highest weight I ever saw on the scale which was 418, so my full weight loss total to date is 188. That being said I kinda want to see my total loss …

I am very excited about getting my lap band surgery tomorrow, any suggestions for getting through the post op liquid phase?

I'm new to all of this, just downloaded this app, I'm scheduled for my surgery this coming Monday!

I was sleeved aug 20th 2013 I'm down 104 lbs.

My SD is 3/10/201... Im just starting my pre op diet. any advice on how to get past cravings?

Had my surgery January 17th. I've had a hard time adjusting emotionally, second guessing my decision and realizing it's over and done. No going back, time to move on. So, I've cleared a path to a more healthy and hopefully more fulfilling life.

My Husband and I go to the Seminar on Dec 17th 2013. I already knew before going that I wanted the gastric bypass. At that time I never even heard of the sleeve I did learn of the sleeve at the Seminar but still leaning toward the bypass. The Seminar lasted a few hours they go over a lot. I know several people that have had gastric bypass and one person who has had the lap band. So I know a lot already. ... anyhow. At the end of the seminar they give you a pamphlet and tell you to contact your insurance company since everyone is different. I needed to find out what exactly my requirements are from my insurance co. 1st was a 3 month medically supervised diet. 2nd w…

Well I a, waiting for my surgery date they are saying around the 2nd week in march and I am super excited I go for my EGD on the 18th then one more follow up and that will be when I get a date. Was wanting to connect with people for advice and support. Thanks for advice and tips. Starting weight-290.