Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi! I just wanted to introduce myself. I just had my consultation today. Met with the surgeon and nutritionist. I'm self pay because my insurance (CIGNA) does not cover it on the plan I have. Big bummer! It's a lot of money, but I was already psyched to get it, so I am going for it! Never invested this much on myself in my life. That's what I said to the surgeon and he shot back, "So how much was your car?". Ok fine. Point taken. It just seems strange to pay this much just for something that is 100% only for myself. The best thing about self-pay is pretty much picking your own date. Mine is March 3. It's becoming a reality. I'm super nervous for everything to go right…

I just got banded February 7th, and I'm so excited to start this journey! I have been kind of gassy, so it's making me miserable, but I'm sure after a week I'll be good as new! Can't wait for that!

When your hair started to thin out, did your eyebrows thin out, too? I haven't started to thin out yet, but am curious. Was the hair thinning bad enough for a turban or wig?

Hello all. This is my first post. I just wanted to say HI. Just a few basics about me. Starting weight 475 plus???? Two week prep starting weight 475. Surgery weight 450. Surgery date 1/29/2014. Two week post op appointment weight 420. I have been reading lots of good information here. Glad this site exists. Have a good day all. Joe.

Headed to the hospital. Anxious and excited all at once. Just ready to be on the other side. Here we go!

I had gastric bypass may 10, 2010 and lost 154 lbs-best decision I ever made for myself...but I've gained 30 of it back. I know a little weight gain is normal, but I've gone back to old bad habits!! Any post ops go through this?? And if so, HELP!

Yep, I'm in a stall. It sucks. It's lasted 12 days so far. I just got back from a week's vacation in San Francisco where I walked, walked and walked some more. Up and down those steep hills. I logged over 37 miles up and down those fu&^%ing hills. I was confident I would come home and be in Onderland, but it was not to be...202 the scale read again this morning, the same as it did on February 1st. I shall carry on, though. This is just another bump in the road. Today I will focus on my Water and Protein and will go to the gym. I will also say a prayer to the Scale Gods and ask for a nicer reading in the near future. Have a great day, guys!

Sleeving was like burning a bridge behind me. On the other side was endless failed dieting and certain premature death. The decision was drastic and not without risks but staying there presented greater risks in my mind. I am glad I burned the bridge. The land I live in now is my new adopted country. The rules are real here, the sleeve is a constant reminder of the laws of the land. On the other side, however, were tyrannical dictators... compulsive hunger and a stretched out stomach... that kept me in chains. The bridge is burned, but can I ever go back? Yes. If I rebel here I can swim back over the river and end up in the same prison as before even though I have a s…

Woke up with a cold this morning. Just a week away from surgery. Pray I'm all better by next week.

Holy Crappers!!!!!! I haven't even finished my requirements for my surgeon and I received my insurance approval letter in the mail today. I don't know how that happened, I was told they wouldn't submit for approval until I completed everything. Not that I'm going to complain. At least I know I'm not doing all this for nothing. I've read it over and over and it says "Approved procedure - Gastric Bypass", it has my hospitals name, my surgeons name, everything. Has this happened to anyone else before?

I'm exactly two weeks post-op. When I hit the treadmill, I can only take about 15 minutes at 2.5mph. I exit the treadmill feeling very "light headed." My calorie intake is averaging 500-600/day. My surgeon said I'm losing above average based on my starting weight (28lbs in a month). But I'm concerned about exercise... How much were you / are you able to exercise per day?

It's been 1 1/2 years since my sleeve. I started as a 246 lb woman who wore size 28w. Now I am 118 lbs wearing a 0 sometimes size 2. I am thankful for the opportunity to have had the sleeve. Especially since I had a heart attack 2 years ago. [ATTACH]41349[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]41354[/ATTACH]

I put on and zipped up a pair of jeans size 14 today. Surgery was 11/12/13 and I wore a size 20...I'm so freaking excited I could scream

Which comes 1st ? I hear people saying that they hope they get approved Do you have all the required test etc.......before approval or afterwards? If not who covers the bill if you are denied I would think that the 1st choice is for the doctors to see if you are coverd by insurance before putting you thru all the hassle & appoints Any one has the answers Future sleever: I called my insurance company before hand to see if I was approved : my next step is a seminar I would simple be upset to go thru all the hassle to find out at the end of the day I been denied

Hello every one. My name is Rosemary Edwards.I was looking for a forum so I could start to meet people that are going through the same things I'm going through.I had my surgery in 2008.i was 48 years old and weighed 260 pounds.I went to the necessary appointments with the dietitian,psychologist nutritionist and the surgeon.I had the surgery but had difficulties I found out afterwards that threatened my life.I only lost 60 pounds because of under lying conditons I had such as thyroid ,sleep apnea anemic and acidity or inflamation in my blood and tissues that bothers me till this day.I continue to experiment with my health and weight issues by researching the latest breakt…

Hi everyone, I was wondering if you can relate to my constant struggle with will power & how you find will power & stick to it when you have never known it your whole life!? I have trouble daily with Food choices! I have lost approx 27pounds in 9months!!! Help.....suggestions please, I weak!

So i went to my new pcm (last one was VERY anti- wls) and she was very supportive of me seeing the weight loss specailist. So she requested that i have blood drawn, just to make sure im healthy enough for the surgery. Ive tried so many different things, supervised diets, weight watchers, alli pills....ect and nothing. I go back to my doctor on the first of feb to get my referral, and i know tricare has to aprrove it, but what happens after that? If youve used tricare to cover your surgery, what was your experience? thanks in advance

Hello all I am new and just reaching out to say hello. I was sleeved 6 days ago. So far I am doing fairly well. Weakness is my only issue right now. Maybe I hit the ground running a little too hard (walked 2 miles yesterday and 1.7 the day before). After the walk yesterday I slept for 12 hours and woke up still feeling weak. No problem getting minimum fuilds in (still on clear liquids). Weight loss so far 21lbs (Start 354, current 333).

Just saw the surgeon and got my sleeve date for april 2nd. So excited and nervous at the same time

Yesterday was my first day back at work and everyone was like "OMG LOOK HOW MUCH YOU'VE LOST ALREADY!" It helps, I guess that I cut my hair short while I was out. I had a luscious mane of hair that was impossible to wash right after surgery when I couldn't really lift my arms without pain, so I cut it all off and donated it to Locks of Love. It's kind of nice because I haven't really seen any MAJOR changes in my body, but everyone else does. Oh, and did anyone else's skin get super clear and super nice after surgery? Maybe it's because I actually got adequate rest and a full load of Vitamins, but my Irish red cheeks are virtually gone and my face has a great tone an…

A breeze. Lol

Hi everyone, Im 26 and I have been overweight for most of my life. My current weight is 98kg so I am on the lower end of the BMI scale. My surgery date has been book for the 17th of October but now I'm starting to have second thoughts because this is such a massive life changing decision. Is this right for me? Did I try hard enough? Everything else failed, will this work? Is this normal, I would like to hear from some recent sleevers please thanks Leah

Never thought I would see the day I felt comfortable enough to get in a kayak, but I did! It was exhilerating, to say the least! My daughter is my heart, and she bought the kayaks and pushed me into it, while my husband watched and laughed. He says a few more lbs. and he will buy us a kayak. What exquisite fun! 50 lbs down and I have sat in my easy chair the entire year of 2013, my year of retirement, and watched the year go by, with much sadness. The last couple we knew who got more and more overweight sitting in front of the TV and eating ended up unable to walk, went in a nursing home, and died young. Thanks to the sleeve for both of us, I hope we will be in a kayak wh…

My first post here, been reading for months. Seems a lot of people posting are in the medical field. I thought it would be cool to hear what fellow sleevers do for a living. The wife and I are both Respiratory Therapists here in Michigan. I am just starting this journey with my 8 hour information seminar ( pre-op ) scheduled for later this month. My better half was sleeved the end of April. She is doing awesome. Down 84 lbs total including the pre-op weight loss. Im so excited to get my life back after getting this incredible weight loss tool. Hope to hear from you guys.

Hello everyone, My nickname is Izzy and I am happy to have found support as my WLS journey begins. I am 36 years old and have dealt with weight gain since i reached puberty. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism, metabolic syndrome, asthma and pre-diabetis. And with all these disorders I never thought I would have WLS. I was naive and thought it was an easy way out. Boy was I wrong! this takes a lot of courage, letting go, allowing support from others and I am sure I will find out what else it requires. Well after battle-ling with severe lower back pain,for 1 1/2 years, that made it hard to enjoy my life as before and gaining 30lbs that took me 4 years to loose, i finally list…

For those of you who live more on the west side of the US where Safeway stores are or if your local stores in your area carry Lucerne brands, Lucerne low fat frozen yogurt is absolutely excellent!! I am not kidding. They only make a hand full of flavors but they are fabulous. And the price is so very affordable. I got some today on sale 2/$5.00 and the regular price is $2.99 for the large size which is 1.5 quart. It contains 0.5 grams of fat, 14 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of Protein per 1/2 cup...............WOW!! I couldn't wait to share this info I am currently enjoying the Black Cherry chocolate Chip and it is heavenly. I am 4 weeks post op as of today and so…

So I got the call on Friday I was approved for RNY surgery. I feel like I have come a long way in the past few years. I originally had lapband surgery in 2011. My highest weight was 360lbs ( I think?) and around 336lb surgery day. I went as low as 259lbs in 6 months and that was it. My band was never adjusted in a way where I felt restriction. Then due to insurance and financial issues I left the first Dr I had. I had continous pain at port site and in my stomach. The weight slowly started to creep back on then more quickly. I gained almost every pound back. I felt like a failier and that I had wasted my chance. All the food that were healthy were the hardest to eat and…

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this site and pre-op. My insurance requires a 6 month medically supervised diet. I'm at month 6. I meet the surgeon on March 3rd. Between months 4 and 5, I stopped drinking Diet Coke and lost 21 lbs. Now, I'm having issues. I'm eating Chobani yogurt, celery, turkey sandwiches on light bread (no mayo), fruit, drinking 72 oz of Water a day...and then I freak out a few times a week. Once, I ate a whole large pizza. I hate binging. I feel gross and ashamed. I haven't gained any of the 21 lbs back. However, is any of this normal? Does it get better after surgery? I'm seeing a therapist about the binging. Help, any advice will be great…

Made it threw the first 24 of my liquid diet. Bad headache and little weak but way better than yesterday.

When you guys have a urge for candy do you eat sugar free candy? What do you do? I know hot chocolate but not feeling my craving!!! My hormones are all jacked up!! How do you survive the times when in your head all u want to do is eat what do you do?

My mornings are the worst. Each morning I wake up feeling sick to my stomach. Is this normal? Did anyone else feel this? I had my surgery Feb. 4, 2014 to remove my slipped lapband and had a revision to a sleeve. Thanks!

Hello all! I'm a newbie. Just wondering do any of you have a YouTube channel, blog, or photos that documented your journey? Or do you follow someone via social network? Any info is helpful =)

My name is Kathy and I live in Louisiana . I am 61 years old I will be 62 in April. I have been battling eating problem since I got married at age 19. My main problem is that I over eat when I am sad or something bad happens that is difficult to handle and people call that emotional eating but I Call it bingeing. I have two sisters one has passed away but all of us were overweight in our adult years. my father was probably in the 300 lb range. I have chosen not to go to Mexico because I'm not comfortable with going there but that being said I know many people who have gone there have been successful with no problems or regrets. it is just my personal decision that I…

I have my 3 week followup with my surgeon tomorrow but i believe i have a hernia. What were your signs and symptoms? Thanks

Hello everyone, my gastric surgery was Sept. 30, 2013 wt. start was 286lbs. I had the band done in may 2010 and it was a bad experience for me. I had the band removed in may 2013 and everything is going well with the gastric and my wt. loss is steady. my goal wt. is 170lbs I don't want to loss to fast and have hanging skin and I workout at the gym I have back and hip problems, but I am determined to reach my goal. My wt. now is 232lbs will put up a pic soon.

Hi everyone! I'm Pamela getting sleeved 2/11 ???? super excited can't wait to meet the new me

I had my surgery on January 29th. Since the preOp diet I'm down 37 lbs. I'm happy with the results but I have to say I miss food. I think it's because I'm not allowed to eat right now. Is anyone dealing with this right now? The shakes are making me gag lately because it's so repetitive. Other than that I'm so happy about the results. I can feel it. I notice the difference. I just really miss the "chew" maybe. HELP!!! Tell me I'm not alone Matt http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=42.737901,-83.295968&zoom=14&markers=42.737901,-83.295968&size=400x300&sensor=true

I am seeing Dr. Lopez at Mi hospital on Feb.17th and was hoping to connect with others going around that time. Heading down Solo as hubby can not get away that long. SoontobeStacy

Why do people think that fat (obese, corpulent, BBW, etc.) people are fair game for jokes, ridicule, and embarrassment? I personally don't understand why anyone think that picking at/on another human being simply because they are different is funny but there are all types of ignorant, self-centered, mean spirited and plain stupid people in this world. I work for the government but on a small college campus and one day last spring ('13) I was walking on campus right before school started and these guys riding by took it upon themselves to holler out their window and comment on my weight. "D#@! you fat". I assume they figured I didn't hear them so they so helpfully rep…

Hello everyone, I hope this is the right place to introduce myself. I had surgery on the 8th of January and am doing quite well actually. I've been battling my weight for just about all my life. A chubby baby and chunky adolescents. My first diet was at the age of 14 with Weight Watchers. My last successful diet was Low Carb. Which i would suppose wasn't all to successful since i opted for surgery. I chose the Sleeve procedure because of the lifestyle i was already use to. Low fat and low carb. The tools i learned with that went well with this tool "The Sleeve". I am almost 5 weeks out and 26 pounds down since surgery. My daily intake is protein first of course and c…

I'm a bit nervous. Since I've already had the Band, I'm hoping this surgery will work better. Another concern is that I might have to get a second surgery . Doctor says that if there is too much scar tissue, then might have to remove the band and leave the sleeve for another time. :-( Good Grief!

Dec 1, 2013. 225# Size 18w Jan. 1, 2014. 220# Sleeved. 1/4/14 My goal is to get rid of 80# i figure if i can "average" a -4# weekly loss i can reach my goal in 20 weeks. ( That's -16# Per month) I know it will drop fast at first...then slow. . Even stall but if i can focus on the averages maybe i won't panic. Does this sound unreasonable ? I have other goals... to walk a flight of steps and still breathe at the top. To tie my shoes and not have to hold my breath. To be able to get down on the floor to play games with my grandchildren. ..and to get back up unassisted. To fit into my size 8/10 wardrobe i have held on to for too long. To walk/run a 5K with m…

Well, I had my sleep study last night. It was by far the most sleepless night I've had in ages. Besides having wires stuck all over my body I was in a room that was surrounded by LOUDLY snoring people. Don't get me wrong, I do snore but according to my hubby it's not earth shattering or anything that comes close to waking him up or keeping him from falling to sleep. Knowing someone is listening to and watching me is way out of my comfort zone, I was very creeped out. Add to that the opening and closing doors, the employees heating their meals in a microwave at 3am - not a good experience. Then there was the re-calibrating of someones monitors after they went to the b…

As long as ins approves, I will have surgery on march 28. Excited and nervous all at the same time. I work in health care and have personally seen what happens when things go wrong. Trying to put that out of mind and focus on the benefits. More to come.....

It's been an interesting 10 months. I've had some ups and downs along the way. But im happy to say that things are finally coming together. Im getting healthier and Im definitely happier. Im currently down 90 pounds. Trying to it my 100 pound mark by my 1 year surgiversary (April 1St). I am extremely happy I had this surgery. I needed it. My knees and my feet couldn't take my weight anymore. I was having constant pain in my back, I had trouble sleeping. Dieting just hadn't worked for me in the past and my exercising was limited. I was in fear of getting diabetes and most of all dying young. I was tired of being depressed and unhappy. I had my surgery April 1St, 2014. …

Hi everyone! So I am scheduled for my sleeve two weeks from tomorrow, 2/24. For the last approx 24 hours I have had a scratchy throat and pain when I swallow. It feels kind of like the beginning of strep throat. I am going to the clinic as soon as they open this morning to hopefully start treatment ASAP. If it is strep, my antibiotics should be done before surgery. They wouldn't postpone me for that, would they?? Since the treatment would be done?? I have everything in place for this to happen 2/24, I really can't get postponed, I am so worried! Anyone in a similar situation pre-op?? Please God!!

I could use a little help.......on 2-5-14 I got a band to sleeve conversion, but sometimes it feels like things haven't settled back in like my organs are moving around when I lay on a certain side then try and get back up. And I am getting hunger pains. And when I drink anything cold it literally hurts when it gets to the bottom. Can anyone relate to what I'm going through? I also can drink a lot..... almost done with 64 oz of water. I'm starting to feel like it's not going to work that good me.

Ok girls an guys I am 3 days into my high protein pre-op diet an doing great ,my surgery is scheduled for feb 20th.I have lost 2lbs . I have a friend that is a RN an she is worried there was a woman that was admitted to the hospital that she works at that had VSG surgery an has lost 80lbs and is not doing good she has been there about a month an she said that she is about to die due to complications . Apparently she is not getting enough food . What do y'all think , ? What do I need to think about this ? I am kinda scared.

I started my journey to get approved for roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery through Oklahoma Soonercare (Medicaid) insurance two years ago. It has been a lot of paperwork, a lot of doctor visits, nutritionist visits and dieting to get that final approval! I received that phone call I had been waiting for last week! I now have a preop visit with the actual surgeon in March 2014. I am happy to share how I got approval thru Soonercare to anyone interested! It's not easy but can be done!

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