Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Im trying to get feedback and suggestions on the 12 step group Over-eaters Anonymous. I'm thinking about attending OA for long term therapeutic help with food management. Thanks.

5 days post -op here! Thought i would share my story as all of you have been sooo amazingly wonderful! Prior to surgery had to undergo lots of med tests, classes and lose 8% weight. My center was very strict but i was happy because in the long run it was only for the betterment of you! Morning of surgery, i had lost 44.5 pounds (16 lbs over required), i was pretty happy w/ that! Surgery took awhile longer as Dr had to remove quite a bit of scar tissue from an open gall bladder surgery 27 years ago. She also had to repair a hiatal hernia. After surgery i was actually surprised at how "out of it" I was. I do remember walking a few times and vividly remember this..." Ch…

My Healrhy New Me Journey began in January of 2012. I received in the mail a letter stating that all state employees could enter their name into a study that would compare long term weight loss resulting from bariatric surgery vs liquid protein diet coupled with counseling. Over 20,000 people registered for the study, and only 300 people would randomly be chosen (computer generated lottery) for each study. I figured that the odds were NOT in my favor. But having hit an all time rock bottom, I decided to give DIETING one more chance. Weighing now at 327 pounds, I figured I had nothing else to lose (pun intended). My name was NOT randomly selected, but I persevered and l…

Well, it's been a while since I've been to the forums. Life happens! Just a little background. I have been a member for 6 years. I did my research on what I wanted for WLS and I chose LapBand. December 30,2011 I had a hectic start to my surgery with my doctor giving me morphine ( which I'm allergic to). Which landed me in the hospital for 2 days, when it was supposed to be an outpatient procedure. I was on 100% oxygen and they had issues getting my heartrate above 40. Fast forward a few months. I had quite a few fills and unfills, never finding that "sweet spot". I kept having issues with food staying stuck in my chest, even puree foods. I felt like a momma bird. There w…

I had a lap band 5 yrs ago I weighed 235 pounds I went down to 150-155 my goal is to stay at 155 I lost the weight in less than a year which was great I have gained 20 pounds which is a lot to me having a hard time staying on tract I went back for a fill 6 weeks ago I am going back thurs for another fill I do not feel the restriction I feel I need

So I did not ask my surgeon prior to surgery which boughie size he used. In my research people said he used a 40 fr which I thought was a reasonable size. On the day of surgery I spoke with the other surgeon on his team and asked her. She said that he typically used a 60fr which freaked me out. I told her I was really concerned about it being too big etc. she said she would talk with my surgeon and use the size that he thinks is best for my body. When I spoke with my surgeon before the surgery I reiterated my concern that it would be too big. Then I had surgery and completely forgot about it. The next day there was some concerns over my leak test. His assistan…

I am feeling great. Had a rough start with dehydration bout but thank God that's water under the bridge. I'm now on soft food phase. Enjoying trying few new foods but can't eat much which is ok I'm just glad to be feeling human again lol. Still having trouble getting my water in everyday but its getting better. On a positive note I got on scale in for 1st time in 15yrs it read under 250 ...started my journey 6mo before surgery date weighing 275 surgery was 11/12/13 I weighed 260 and now 12/15/13 I'm 230...I'm so happy.

just curious will I be able to eat more than 4 ounces per meal. being that I eat 3 ounces of meat which is roughly 21 grams of Protein than I have 1 ounce of low carb veggies. So how am i supposed to get above 63 grams of protein unless I eat more eventually. currently I am getting my additional protein through my Protein drinks. I am supposed to eliminate 1 scoop every 2 weeks now. so in roughly 2 months I will not be using Protein shakes anymore. So my question is does anybody eat more than 4 ounces per meal per their nutritionist? If so can you please let me know what your basic meals are. thank you.

I'm feeling so much better now and I've finally got some of my energy back; although its not back one hundred percent yet & I'll find out in February whether I have an under active thyroid, which makes you tired very quickly if you do too much or over doing things ad I have a tendency to do. My diets particularly the amount of food I'm consuming is still very much up & down & that in itself I'm trying my hardest to fight with as I need to eat lil & often rather than skipping meals completely ad its not good. My enjoyment for my love of cooking has returned providing I'm not feeling knackered lol. My dietician cracked me up & quoted what I've de…

Hello everyone, Just before I was scheduled for my surgery (early August) I had a diverticulitis attack that postponed my surgery a couple of weeks. I recovered and I got my lapband August 26, 2013. I was told it might not happen due to previous hiatal hernia surgeries and how they were done so I wasn't sure when I woke up if I would even have a band. I was very excited when Dr. Fusco told me he was able to repair the hernia AND give me the lapband. Luckily I have not had many episodes of trouble swallowing or throwing up. I can even swallow regular pills. I am blessed. Five weeks into the learning process I again had a bad diverticulitis attack that put me in the hosp…

So the great news is that after starting this process in August I just got approval for VSG and have set the date fir 12/27. I am a mother of 3 and busy executive with a major radio station..time is never something I have enough of..however in the last few weeks my moms health has taken a turn for the worst (she has Alztheimers). I moved her in with us a few weeks back and although she seems to be getting better since we've adjusted her meds I still help her with showering, dressing bathroom etc. I am at a loss as to whether I would be totally pushing the envelope to far by having surgery at this exact moment. I considered pushing it to end of January. My husband is …

Well I am so disappointed with myself. I let life screw with my possibilities . I have not been exercising had my sleeve on the 2/28 2013. I am only down 42 pounds due to self sabotage, this damn s leave will let me eat en entire bagel. Bread is my weakness, I just don't no what to do, I eat almost what I want, I've forgot what I know how to do, I am better then the sabotage I have caused. I am a manager mom and full time student but I have never allowed my self to make excuses. I'm considering phentermine to get back on track, thoughts?

I doing great all my incision look good except the big one on left fills like a knot on top n its a lil warm is this norm an today I see its starting to bruise under it

It's been almost six years now . Was important decision I made back then and I am so happy I did. I was rough in the beginning getting sick allot adjusting to a new way of eating . Which I did and I didn't . I am Still the same person . I still like my sweets and eat a piece if hoagie / sandwich etc! Growing up I was a very thin person and could eat anything but as I got older things changed Kids hormones women issues etc I ended up putting on 86 lbs. Did the whole thing weight watchers diet pills, diets etc for years Then I was introduced to the Lapband. And now I'm back to myself again I went through allot with getting sick and adjusting. I did gain bac…

Hi just wondering does everyone have to loose 10-20 pounds before surgery? My doctor hasn't told me anything yet, and at my second diatician meeting today I went from 295 to 289! 6 pounds! Now since I'm 289 will I still need to loose more?? How much are/were you and how much did you have to loose??

I am a year out from gastric. I was 279 I am now 129. Dec 3rd of last year was my surgery. It has been the hardest year of my life! I have 3 kids so dont have time to write out my entire story so heres the jist......surgery, baby twins, a 2yr old, husband leaving for korea for 16months 1 month after surgery, move to south dakota 2weeks before recommended by surgeon (had no choice) became insanely ill from surgery but they still dont know what exactly. 8 endoscopys, 6 2 week hospital stays, every other night in the er for 6hrs each time, gallbladder surgery at the hopes thats why I was sick. .didnt work, died in ambulance on the way to the hospital my last hospital stay (t…

One week ago I had Gastric Sleeve surgery. Last week was rough. Lots of nausea and reflux. This week I am feeling much better and I am trying to resume normal activity but paying special attention to not lifting anything and not overdoing it. The hardest part so far is training my brain. My brain is thinking of pizza, sushi, popcorn, cake, pretty much everything that I know I cannot have. I am looking forward to getting to day 15 when I can start to incorporate some food in my diet. The whole soup/protein drink thing is not great.

I am new to this forum and I am so glad that I found this place! Anywho, I have a very physical job at a shipping company and I am a voice major. For work, I must be able to lift and carry 75lbs, bend down, and stand for long periods of time. Is 3 or 4 weeks off work really long enough to recover? Then there is the singing which requires using abdominal muscles to push air out. This isn't a procedure I should have during the school year, right? I take about five voice classes per semester. Also, I am going to a seminar tomorrow, are there any questions (besides maybe the ones I just asked) that I might not think to ask?

I guys I'm new to this 8months down and have lost 6.5 stone, and am delighted better than I ever cod if imagined. I knew I would lies but not this quickly, it has been really easy as well. Have had 2 band fills and the last one has lasted since October. This band fill has left me needing to consume very little which at first I thought was good But my question is Is it ? Is it really healthy to live on so little? Feeling confused Julie

Y friend got the gastric bipass surgery and she just told me that the drs tried to steer her away from the sleeve. She also said you don't lose as much weight with the sleeve, and you don't lose it as fast. Is this true? Thanks in advance!

Hello fellow bandster !! Whoop whoop I'm 5 days post op. It's been a journey just taking it one day at a time. I haven't been able to go back to work yet and I do miss it . Have been following the liquid diet still. I'm still feeling tired so I do a lot of sleeping, but. I walk I walk between and also catching up on house work. Starting to wonder if I'm behind compared to everyone else who's been banded about the same time? My nurse says I can eat reg food now protein then vegs so... I'll try for dinner so we will see how it goes !

Today is day 6 and I set my first meal!!!! Puréed boiled chicken with cottage cheese:) it was good I was able to eat 1.5 ounce

I’m in the dreaded three-week stall and it sucks. I knew this was coming. I knew it was going to happen. I thought I even prepared myself for it. I have preached to others that it’s not big deal. That it’s your body saying, “Whoa, what the hell did you do to me?” and, “Your body needs to figure it out before it loses more weight.” I know all that, but it doesn’t make it suck any less and it doesn’t make me any less pissed off. There, I said it. I’m pissed off. I said it again. Rationally, it makes sense. My body is wondering if it’s a time of famine, so it’s not going to allow it’s self to lose any more weight until figures out that this is the new normal. Th…

I have seen the surgeon, attended his required wt loss seminar, checked him out for malpractice issues and his reviews, had my psychological, my nutritional, my blood work, seeing cardiology next week, I have my EGD scheduled for Jan. 9, 2014.....after that, we wait for insurance approval. Tricare does pay 100%. I have BMI of 49%, new diabetic, sleep apnea, high BP and cholesterol, asthma, knees have tears, back issues.....I think I will pass.....excited to get my life back

4 weeks post op yesterday. Im down 21 pounds. the last two weeks the weightloss has slowed down but I have accomplished my goal that I set for myself to hit before xmas to be under 200 pounds. Weigh in yesterday 199.6 pounds! I will never see that 200 number EVER again!!! Now to set my new goal, 175 by the end of March.

I have just gotten approval for ma surgery pending fulfilling requirements for Aetna. Anyone out there from north Dallas area having or had the sleeve? Would like to hear from some local patients. I will have surgery March or April with Dr Nick.

I'm just here to share my story in hopes of encouraging others, because this has not been easy! I was 327 about this time last year. I had my surgery on Janaury 9, 2013. Went fine, super easy. I was not successful on the pre-surgery diet and entered the process feeling like I was already a failure. I also had no restriction after the surgery. I could go to Wendy's and have a burger and fries. Again, I had no confidence that I could/would do this. When the Dr asked me my goals, I was so unsure I said lose maybe 30-40 pounds if that's possible. I had never successfully lost weight in my life. For me personally, it wasn't until I had about 5 cc's in my band that I s…

Everyone. I had surgery on. 12/12. Last night was my first night at home. I had really bad nausea and threw up 3 times. It was mostly all stomach bile. Has anyone else had this?

Hi everyone! I am new here and really could use some support! I am calling my dr tomorrow about getting the gastric sleeve. I have been going back and forth for a few years now, but I think it's time. Can you please tell me why you picked this over lap band or bypass? What is it that made you decide on the sleeve? Thanks so much!

I had my gastric sleeve op on the 27th of Nov 2013. I'm just about 3 weeks out and I've already reached a bit of a plateau. I was wondering if this could be expected so early after the opp, I've lost 6 KG (13 pounds) in the first week and a half and then just kind of chilled at that weight now for the following week and a bit. Also, I have been feeling really hungry, something everyone says they don't feel after a sleeve. Maybe it's head hunger, but my stomach growls and I get weak and want food....so that pretty much seems like hunger to me. I have been very active walking 4-5 km several days a week. I'm on soft food, so been eating like scrambled eggs and soft fish.…

Anyone have any ideas of the foods I can't eat? My doc said to do puréed goods but I have tried anything please give me any ideas as I am a but hungry

Today is Day 5!!! Feeling good this morning!!! Made my first Protein shake!!! 4 oz Water 4 oz silk vanilla milk 1/4 cup frozen sugar free mango Half banana 2 tea spoons of fat free sugar free Peanut Butter ( used for more protein) 2 scoops of GNC Protein shake ( French vanilla) Total protein 45 grams in one drink!!! ( I will be drinking this all day) So good my stomach is handling it well!!!! Full after 3 sips will be sipping throughout the day!!

It's been almost three years .i no were near my gold

Hi my name is dream to be slim , After years of struggling with my weight I decided to have a gastric band , something I never thought I would do , but in desperation decided to do . My surgery was done after much research at Nuffield hospital brentwood , Essex, uk on 23/11/2012 . I had a 10cc band fitted , not sure quite what my current fill level is as their is some uncertainty , but believe it is approx. 5.5 / 6 ? I have had various fills and unfills , the times I have had some taken out is due to pain I have had at the sight of my port , [ where bra fits ] sometimes really bad causing me to be sick / feel sick . I have lost 3 stone since my surgery but feel it has …

I was sleeved on November 13. The first few days were rough, very... Who am I kidding. The first week was prob the most difficult challenge. I am still surrounded daily by food. I am a mother and a wife full time so I have to continue to cook daily for my family. I always knew I could do it. I'm not at all bothered being around food. My eye is on the prize and he prize is much bigger than a plate of food that would probably only satisfy me for a short while. Anywho I don't want to ramble on I just want to say that some days are better than others, but most days I feel fantastic. So well in fact I forget I even had a major surgery. My surgeon instructed no serious workouts…

Well today marks 4 months since I had my sleeve done.I have lost 96 lbs total preop. 76 of that since surgery. I feel that is a lot yes I stoll have a lot to go. I startrd at 365. However my concern is I feel I can eat almost nething.I can eat 4-6oz depending on density of food. I have done salads.meats.no beef unless its real soft.some pastas like a bit or 2.no sodas.a bite of something seeet here and there.anyone else here 4months or more feel that can eat quite a bit and a lot more options.it scarese to know I hav more options now.

Hello everyone, I received my band 12/4 and into my thick fluid phase. My pain has diminished and am looking fwd to pureed foods! My only concern is that I am not consuming as much water as needed. I wanted to join a blog where I can meet folks going through the same thing.

Ok. So where to start. I have been reading this forum for a year or so but have never posted. Weird how I can be so computer shy, but not so much in real life! Everyone who contributes is stellar in my book and I have appreciated all of your stories and experiences from afar, so thanks. I had lap band surgery in May of 2008 and it was a nightmare from the beginning. We've all read the terrible stories, mine not really any different. Couldn't keep Water down sometimes, stuck all the time, etc. Where my story does seem to differ is where my surgeon is concerned. My surgeon, John Dietrick in Tampa has terrible bedside manner, I knew this going into it, but was confiden…

Hi can anyone I do mean anyone help me I'm hungry hungry and then when I eat I can only have a tiny tiny bite. Im only on stage 2 full liquids I can't stomach much of anything. So my question is how do you stay hydrated and get the nutrients you need?

I had a vertical banded gastroplasty in 2004, with a scar from my breastbone to my navel. I was left high and dry after the first 3 months or so post op, as my surgeon left medicine. It took me almost 2 years to get on to proper solid food not mush or liquids. I experimented and found that fibres of meat irritated, so I went veggie. I went from 25 stone to 17 stone in about 2 years. Remained stable for a couple of years, then put weight on without changing anything....until now; and I weigh 26 stone. I am in preparation for a second op, but am struggling to lose weight. The diet given me by my new surgeon added 1 stone and I still have libt to lose a year later.

I was just wondering if anyone knew when I should be able to sleep on my side. I was able to come home yesterday. I'm still struggling holding my liquids down and with pain of course. I'm assuming this will be my norm. Just trying to make myself be able to sleep better as I'm waking up with a still neck .

It's been 1 year and 3 months since I had my lapband... In this duration I have lost a total of 29 kilos!!! Exciting but I needed to see more results for a duration like this! I stopped being motivated to continue but I know I have a will inside that will push me back on track! To all those who just started their lapband journey, good luck and my advice is take good care of ur selves and eat very small portions of food and chew very very well to avoid our ugly enemy: PUKING!!! Lol! That's it for now folks!! Regards. Mai.

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum and I haven't really had a chance to look around on here, but thankfully my fellow bariatric roommate told me about the great support she's gotten on here. I started out this whole journey in January, that's when I went to my first meeting and decided that this was the right choice for me. I weighed around 315 and I was miserable. I was borderline diabetic, had chronic back pain, and was just uncomfortable in my own skin. I went through everything I needed to and was all set to schedule my surgery in July, but unfortunately I had some insurance issues (my insurance ends June 30 and begins again in October 1) so I had to start up ag…

Well this is my first real big surgery I'm nervous and excited all in one... the date that is gonna change my life forever is December 23rd 2013 and I'm so ready for this change it makes me feel so good that I'm gonna be well enough to do things I want to do.. right now they have me on a protein shake diet .. protein shake, water , jello, broth big change but I can do it ♥♥♥

Hello Everyone, In a few days I will be celebrating my one year anniversary of having the band. I've lost around 60lbs. I have about another 20 or so pounds to go to reach my goal. Its been an experience and at times not an easy one. Has anyone else experience a long stagger in weight loss? These last 20 pounds are not coming off for me.

Hello, I am three weeks out and I have lost 24 pounds. Am I on par with everyone else? It seemed like I was loosing 2 lbs a day but now I am down to two every other day. I've also been able to eat a little more than I could up until now. I'm afraid I am pushing my stomach to the limits trying to get get Protein and fluids and I'm afraid I'm stretching my stomach back out. Am I just paranoid?

Very excited, lil nervous too! Well I'm being banded in the morning 5am.today been kinda weak very irritable this morning everything got on my last nerves lol sorry for that my poor husband. Also very hungry 9 days of liquid and anything other than broth sounds great, so tempted to just order some cream soup, lol but I haven't. Well guess that's it for now thanks for the support!!

5 weeks and forty pounds down

[ATTACH]38571[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]38571[/ATTACH] My husband before & after surgery he had his 3 yrs ago started @ 810 now he is 387