Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

My story is probably very similar to many people on this site; fat guy can't lose weight, tries new diet, loses some, gains more back, rinse and repeat. Several people in my life have had bariatric surgery, to include my wife and daughter. After yet one more failed attempt to lose weight, I finally decided to go for it. My weight was averaging around 248 before going through the process; on surgery day I was 236. My BMI was under the recommended 40, but nature felt the need to bestow me with the quartet of comorbidities; high bp, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and diabetes (didn’t know I had this until they did the blood work for my surgery). I had surgery on 29 Jan…

I had my lap band surgery nearly 19 months ago. I have lost 23 pounds to date. My band is at 50%. Loosing weight is difficult enough. But when your surgeon refuses to believe in the loyal effort I have put into this Quest, it is nothing short of a monumental discouragement. I am a 'younger' senior, who uses a treadmill for walking. Not walking as in Olympic training, but walking as 'young senior' would walk. I average 2-3 miles of brisk walking 3x per week. The surgeon's attitude/view is to 'step it up some more'. I am at the point where the disappointment is turning into self-lothing. Loosing your medical teams support is a big deal. I no long wish to attend appointment…

One year ago today I had my vertical gastric sleeve. I was 59, diabetic, sleep apnea, asthma, etc and etc. I am 5'3" tall, pre-op weight 205" (this was not my highest, I had lost 21 pounds in 3 years). I now weigh 123 pounds and wear size 4/6 clothes. I wish I could say my diabetes is gone but I knew going in that I would still have diabetes after my weight loss. My diabetes is much better controlled and I still check my glucose levels 3 - 4 times daily. I had knee surgery two years ago and was told I needed total knee replacement. I may at some point in time due to damage to my knee but I know I have a reprieve, even if temporary. I had a sleep study completed in Decem…

My operation was Monday February 17, 5pm. There were moments of fear, "get me outta here, what am I doing?" But I held those thoughts at bay. I walked into the theatre, and laid in the operating table... made a joke about being crucified...they do like the jokers. I remember nothing until I was arriving at my room. The first night was scary, and painful. I was able to administer my meds through the pca. The nurses were in my room disturbing me every hour though it felt like 5mins. The discomfort was extraordinary, but survivable. I just wanted to sleep the pain away. I was nauseous but with sitting up and breathing, I contained it. Getting up to pee was awkward but doa…

Hi all, I had my surgery on Dec 30, 2013. I am in my 7th week this past Monday, and I've lost 37 lbs. I feel that I'm behind. I feel great though! I used to experience pains throughout my entire body, and now, not so much! It's a miracle. It's amazing what a difference that dropping a few pounds can make. I thank God for the opportunity to have this procedure done because my insurance didn't cover this procedure for a long time. Then, I kept praying and my husband's company was purchased by another company that provided insurance that covered bariatrics. Ohh, the power of prayer! I have a very supportive husband and family. In fact, my hubby has dropped 30 lbs himself b…

I was sleeved yesterday and doing fine other than gas. Lol

I was lucky enough to have two doctor's appointments this week - my three month follow up with my local bariatric doctor and my PCP. I lamented to my bariatric doctor about my stall. How I haven't lost anything in the past 18 days. I was kind of whiney about it. She just looked at me like I grew a 2nd head. She said, "You're going great. You've lost a total of 50 pounds. What was your expectation?" I got to thinking about that - really, what number was going to make me happy? If it was 53 pounds would I automatically to over the happy side? What about 63 pounds, is that the magic number? She pointed out all the good things going on - lower blood pressure, …

Hello! I had the band surgery on Jan 28, 2011. A year ago September my band slipped (Just my luck) in 3 months I gained almost 30 lbs. It has taken my some time to loose the weight but I look much healthier than I did. I was 230lbs at 5'2. I dropped to 140 lbs at an 85 lb loss. I looked very sick because I lost too much weight. Now I am 25 years old and weight about 165-170 and basically need to just tone. My question is, what did you have to do to revise the surgery from the band to the sleeve. I am very nervous that the band can slip again and when I turn 26 I am off my parents health insurance. I graduate in May so hopefully I will have a good job with benefits. If I d…

I am a very lucky girl, who has been blessed with a husband who loves me for who I am no matter what, so with his support and God's guidance, I decided to fix my life from the inside out. I had never thought this would be an option, but after seeing 3 people get the operation and have great results, then see even more people at work get the same operation and results, I committed to have the Gastric Bypass. Things happened pretty quickly after seeing the surgeon, I then went to the primary care doctor, psychologist and dietitian. The hardest part was just then being diagnosed with Diabetes, which was one of the hardest things to accept. Especially due to it being one of t…

I have been hesitant to post this as I know there are several folks who do not want you to post anything that is considered negative about the lap band. I'm just posting my truth, because I feel like there are people who come here to try to make a decision as to whether or not the lap band is the right decision for them and I think that it's fair for them to have all of the facts. I was banded on 12/5. I didn't really lose any weight on the pre op diet or after. It was frustrating. I had restriction, was eating healthy, it didn't make any sense. I posted my frustration and I was accused of "bitching and moaning". I wasn't, I thought a support group should al…

I had my gastric sleeve surgery 6 days ago, I was naughty and didnt follow the pre op diet as I should have but I have lost 6.1 kg since the pico prep clean out the day before my surgery date, Im pretty chuffed about that I must say. I was pretty scared about doing this, in fact I was very scared, I took bikini pics front on, side on,( which no other eyes are ever gonna gaze upon) and whenever I had my doubts, I would look at them and think, hmmmm"nah Im good get me in there". The surgery itself was pretty gruelling for me, I suffered nausea so bad the nurses were running out of things to help me get through it and the waves of I believe "gas pain" that came over my uppe…

Well my journey began June 2012 and since then I haven't felt good the entire time, knew something was wrong but just couldn't pinpoint it. First 6 months was nauseated and vomiting then Dec '12 had my gallbladder removed, kept losing toenails and getting infections at toenails along with other health issues. Dr's did blood work and finally came back positive for autoimmune disease. I am currently being treated for undetermined lupus right now. With all this said, I am taking narcotics around the clock for constant pain in joints and muscles and I may say getting addicted. It has come to me that my health is more important to me than the band and for me to be able to…

I can't believe it's finally here, I'm a bit nervous, didn't think I would get nervous. The nurses are so nice, that make me feel a little better. I'm all hooked up to my IV and waiting to go to the back.

Hi Everyone, I've been reading posts here for a little while but haven't said anything yet. I guess as I've gone through this journey it almost didn't feel real and I was afraid to jinx it. I'm scheduled for my bypass tomorrow morning. I have to be at the hospital at 6:15am. I'm nervous and excited to have it. I'm 29 years old. I'm married and have 4 kids. I was never super skinny but looking back, realized I was not really heavy either like I thought I was. I spent 3 years in the Army. I was in good shape then.... I'm 5'4" and weighed around 130-135. After getting out and having my son 2 years later the weight slowly crept on. At first it wasn't bad.... 1…

I have been on my pre-op diet for 13 days and have lost 9lbs Whoo hoo I have my VSG tommorow morning at 8:15 I am nervous and excited . My stats--- 5'3 SW -224 CW-215 surgery tommaro) GW-150...mabey I can do it . Y'all have been such a good support group. I am so blessed to have this app.

Hi everyone. My name is kathy and I am two weeks and two days post op. I was sleeved on 02/03/2014. I am 56 yrs old and my beginning stats were 242 lbs on October 1,2013 with a BMI of 47.3, I am only 5 feet tall. I have diabetes, osteoarthritis and COPD. I quit smoking 14 months ago and the next step was the WLS. My goal is to get back to a healthy place so I can finish raising my grandchild.. I was not given a preop diet to follow. I live in Lancaster Ohio and my surgeon is Dr Thomas Sonnanstein at Riverside Methodist Hospital/ Fresh Start Bariatrics. I was completely elated with my weight loss for two weeks which was a bit over 18 bls. I am now in the blended diet and s…

So nervous I did lapband few years ago and lost about 50 kgs but it made me stomach sour problem so I removed out and gain 45 kgs again. I decided have bypass and waiting in hospital now. Please wish me evrything gonna be ok.

On my way to the hospital...........

Is anyone else having their surgery on this day? I go to my class tomorrow and also start the pre op diet tomorrow! I am so not looking forward to this part of it! I'm gonna be so hungry! Ugh!

Hi! I have my gastric sleeve surgery scheduled for March 11 with Dr. Almanza. I am always nervouse when it comes to any kind of hospital stay, but that aside, I am so excited! I can't wait to get off high blood pressure meds and go clothes shopping with my daughters without being discouraged and/or embarrassed. Ready to look good in photos again too. My husband is going with me and he is a wonderful advocate for me, so that makes me feel reassured. Edited for spelling.

Tossing and turning. Driving my husband crazy. Surgery in less than 12 hours. Trying not to be nervous but I just can't help it.

I am getting my sleeve done in two weeks, and I was wondering if anyone can tell me if they put a urinary catheter in you for the surgery and for some time post op?

Hi I'm Rickie I'm 36 years old, single, and with no children. I had my Gastric Bypass on Feburary 7th of 2014. I call it my rebirth day. I have had issues with weight almost my entire life. I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, and while I can't blame everything on that; I believe it is a big contributor to the weight. I also have diabetes,sleep apnea, and thyrhoid issues. Not exactly conducive to weight loss.. In May of 2013 I started working with a company whose insurance covered wls. I started my journey on September 4 of 2013 weighing 354. Now that I have had the bypass, I am not looking back.

Good day!!!!! On my journey to weight loss. I hit some road blocks, and I'm having a hard time getting back on track.. After the loss of my grandmother I haven't been able to get myself together. Any suggestions as to how I can get my diet back in order?? I'm two years out. I have picked up 10 pounds..... Help me please????????

Hi, my name is Beth and I am 30years old, married to an amazing man and have 2 beautiful little girls. I have always been overweight and have tried every diet out there. In 2011 I lost 110lbs but have gained about 75lbs back since the birth of my second daughter in February 2013. I made the decision to have the bypass in September 2013 and between being diagnosed with hypothyroidism, pcos and trying to get all the medications regulated it has been more than difficult to lose the pre-surgery weight. I've finally got be my thyroid leveled and the pcos under control and have managed to lose 10 of the 16lbs I need to lose in order to be scheduled for my surgery. I am nervous …

Finally the wait is over and I'm hours away from my lifestyle change. My surgery is at 10:00 a.m. And I thought I would be scared or nervous but I'm more ready than anything.

what ive noticed is even with a slower weight loss my waist is losing inches. Ive learned as my bmi gets lower the rate of weight loss decreases. I should be fitting into a 36 waist pants comfortably in one more week, they are just a little too snug yet. Im hoping I can get down to 165lbs my current weight is 198lbs. But I do remind myself that in the process of the wls and reduction of weight my blood pressure returned to normal, I dont take meds for diabetes anymore, Im hoping that I will not have sleep apnea soon. I know i still have it because i recorded myself at night sleeping to hear how i breathe and snore. the good news is that even with the recorder on voice act…

Hi everyone My date is set and I'm looking forward to the day. There's lots of issues I'm unsure about. I've tried liquid Meal Replacement before but found day 3 I was feeling extremely stressed. The mental thing. But I know after the op that's all I can have for a while so that scares me. While food seems to rule my life at the moment I'm wondering if post op it will rule my life more? I'll be fixated on what I can't have all the time. Learning curve here I come.

I had my last appointment with my awesome surgeon. He was pleased with my progress. Life is awesome!!!!

Im 5'9 Hw294 Preop 277 Sw265 Cw192 Gw170 [ATTACH]41606[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]41607[/ATTACH]

I had my 3 month follow up with my doc this afternoon. I was kind of dreading the appointment - I'm in a stall and I'm feeling a bit down. I haven't lost weight in 18 days...well, I've been playing with the same pound for the past week or so. So, here's what we discussed: 1. My weight loss is 49 pounds down since I first went to her (she is my local doc - I traveled out of the area for surgery, so her numbers are a bit different than mine). She is really happy with rate at which I'm losing; I said I wish I could feel really good about the rate. I want to lose it faster. She said the if you were to graph your loss, it wouldn't be linear, to expect more of a stair…

I had my sleeve on January 22, 2014. It went incredibly smooth. After surgery I was up walking within hours. The first few days I found it most difficult to drink warm liquid instead of cool or even room temp. Chicken broth was my friend! I never did have, and still haven't really had any pain associated with my incisions. I had pain in the middle of my spine and my shoulder pretty bad the first few days. The surgeon stated that was referred pain from my diaphram being irritated. I did not experience any nausia. Within a couple days of surgery I was out shopping at the mall and out to a movie! I returned to work within a week right after my post op. The day of surgery I …

Just sitting at the hospital waiting for blood draw and X-ray. Surgery is one week from tomorrow!! I am getting excited and nervous! I hope everyone else getting done this week and next GOOD LUCK MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU!!! Teri

When I weigh myself in the morning no clothes no fluids it differs by almost 3 lbs mid day because of fluids and food. So which weight do I go by. Morning or during the day?

It's wondering does anyone know if there is a Dr in Canada that does sleeves?? Thanks Ashley

Hello All! I was just wondering if anyone else has had this same issue... When I was pre-op, i could not handle Splenda...always gave me the 'runs'!! For both pre-op and post-op, I've been enjoying the Isopure Protein liquids from GNC, but noticed especially post-op that I had terrible diarrhea. I checked the label, and found that they are made with Sucralose, which is indeed Splenda! Now I'm noticing that almost all Protein shakes, Protein Bars, and liquid and chewable Vitamins contain Sucralose...having a hard time finding non-Sucralose products...anyone else having this issue?? I'd certainly appreciate your input!!

Im going for my pre op medical tomorrow then my op is on friday. Ive been getting pretty nervous, this forum has really helped me. I keep reading other peoples nerves and the great responses from people. I know I'm making the right choice but all the what if's and maybe's are creeping in. Does anyone have any tips? Any pointers of what you did post op that was helpful? I have no idea what to expect after my op. Im nervous that its going to be very painful. I am really looking forward to getting past that part and getting into my new life. I am a little worried about not exercising for six weeks after, im worried I start to develp saggy parts in just that short time. All h…

Any advice or suggestions??

All kinds of mixed emotions now that it's approaching in 30 days. I refused to be like many patients who eat whatever they want all the way up until liquid diet time. I've been eating healthy and smaller portions since December. I've managed to lose some pre op weight so that's good. liquid diet starts in 20 days. Good thing I love my shakes! Any suggestions, advice, feedback?

Anyone out there who has had the sleeve done in January? I had mine 1/29/14 and am down 29 pounds. I feel great but cannot seem to keep up with the Water and fluids of 64 oz a day. No matter what I do. Anyone have this happen?

How much weight does the average person lose during the liver reduction diet?

Hey everyone!! So I'm meeting my surgeon on March 7th, I am so nervous! What is it going to be like? What was it like when you guys met yours??

I guys I'm paul I'm having a gastric band on the 24th feb 2014 if anybody has and advice please post, thanks in advance! I'm in the uk

Well I am having like 4 mugs of coffee a day. I drink a lot of water to stop the dehydration. I mean like other than fluid intake what's the big deal.

I'm over a month post-sleeve, and I get a distinct pain when I take a deep breath after I've eaten to the point of feeling full. I'm trying to learn not to push it to that point....but having just started eating some normal foods again, I am learning all over again how to read my own fullness signs. Frustrating. I think it's gas....because after a few burps (they are hard to get out!), I'm feeling MUCH better. An hour later, a million bucks. Two hours later, could eat all over again. Test driving this new tiny tummy....loving it; just confused about the pain when I breathe after a full (little) belly. Fills up so dang fast!!! I just get started eating and I'm alrea…

Starting to feel much better then I did the first day. I have had some hot and sour Soup which was much tastier then anything else I was having the first few days. Mostly Protein shakes and trying to drink lots of Water. Anyone have any other suggestions for this stage? Anyone else have hot and sour soup during the pre-op portion. Thanks everyone for reading and answering my questions. This is going to be a hell of journey but I am ready.

Hello all! I've been reading up on here and decided to join in! I started journey back in July 2013, after numerous failed attempts on my own. I was initially discouraged because my BMI was under 40. Luckily, or rather unlucky I also have hbp. I continued with my 6months required insurance visits with my M.D., psych evaluations, met with the nutritionists, surgeon fast forward to now. I have a surgery date, (March 3) and I am just awaiting insurance approval. My BMI did balloon up to 40. (The holidays tasted so delish my insurance is known for being difficult, as much as I love their benefits. I'm a bit nervous, anxious and growing impatient, lol! How did you all…

Any Wednesday surgeries mines is good luck and many blessings

My sleeve surgery is scheduled for March 13. I'm excited, scared, excited!! I'm starting a three day cleanse today. Then cutting way back on serving size and making healthier choices and two weeks out starting the liquid diet. I want to be well on my way to this new life change prior to surgery. Any recommendations on eating prior to surgery? My friend and I are going down this journey together. Her son and my dauber are married and we share grandchildren. I am so glad Debbie is with me on this journey!!! Here we go Debbie!!!

So I thought I'd share my thoughts now that I'm 7 months out. Firstly 7 months goes fast! Like too fast! I'm fine no complications to share, though my mum who had surgery 3 weeks after me. She ended up getting clots and is now on warfarin. But I believe that's more to do with surgery in general not specifically wls. I think I've been bad, I don't think I've ever got in the recommended amount of Protein or liquids. But I try. I know I'm almost always dehydrated which doesn't feel too great. I don't have any restrictions on anything I can't eat but of course 5 bites and I'm full. I haven't been that active on here but if any one has any questions, I'm always happy t…