Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I want to thank all you for the wonderful support and comments last night while I was anxiously awaiting his arrival. His name is Lucas John and was born at 10:33 this morning and is 8lbs and 21 inches long. I believe he is quite beautiful and perfect in every way! Spoken like a grandma! :) This right here is one of the reasons I wanted to get the sleeve.......To play with my grandchildren!!

So I just found out that my insurance doesn't cover anything for me.. I really want this.. Did anyone self pay in nj? Would you recommend any financing companies? Please advise

I have read and heard so many negtive things about the lap band, All I can say to anyone reading this is that It was the best decision Ive ever made. Yes It took some serious life adjustments and the "getting to know each other" period was rough. I stayed dedicated to making this band work. If you read my old post you will know this hasnt always been an easy road. In the beginning I thought I needed to have this band so tight that i couldnt eat anything, well 3 years later and I'm much happier having it somewhat loose. yes I can eat more than some would like but I am controlling my weight through diet and exercise. Its my comfort knowing that If I fall off the wagon and w…

Jus lookin for some feed back on the sleeve... I'm 35 an very over weight... I Jus got approved for the sleeve an will be goin to my first dietitian visit first of three requirements. I'm scared to death. I have a 13 yr old son who is my world. I often question myself if I'm makin the right decision in gettin this surgery. I wanna be healthy because I have already basically robbed my son of the 13 yrs he's been on earth. With me being so over weight. I'm ready. Tired of feeling that this weight problem has had control of me all my life. Time for a positive change. I want this so bad but like I said I'm so scared.... has any one felt scared, happy, excited all in…

Wish me luck, I am asking for the time off this morning. I think I am more afraid they will say NO than I am of the surgery!

Hello everyone my name is karla and im from connecticut i have been a member of fellow sister forum rny talk looking for experiences and points of view about wls i started preop process in april and still dont have a date but working on it so far i havent made my mind yet as to what procedure is the right one for me i was settled on bypass but when i met with the surgeon talks to me bout the sleeve and now im confused he said he leaves the descion to the patient he can only reccomend and he thinks in my case i can have good results with the sleeve instead if going all the way with bypass im just scared of making the wrong the desicion since im so insecure when it comes t…

I was sleeved on September 10 pre op I was 293 and post op I was 273. Last week I I was 264 and my current weight is 270. Is it normal to gain weight back even when sticking to the diet? I'm feeling really discourage right now and I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong.

Hello everyone I haven't posted in quite awhile. I've achieved my goal and wanted to say a few things to anyone out there who needs a boost. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I paid for my surgery myself and its the best money I have ever spent. I had my surgery on 12/26/2012. A christmas present to myself. I'm 9 months out and have lost 101 pounds. People are now telling me that I am "too thin" and need to stop losing. I've never had that problem before. I personally think I look fine - I'm happy where I'm at and really don't mind the 2 pounds up and down that still happen. Did I have any complications? I developed some seriously painful acid reflu…

So just few days ago I decided I want to have the sleeve.. No changing minds here! My seminar is only 2 days away and I'm ready to go to surgery today, right now as a matter of fact lol... I WISH I'll be set by end of October. I will do everything I can to make my process faster than ever!!!! I convinced my sister in law to do it with me and now I feel better that I will have someone who will be going through the same thing .. My sister did it in February and she lost over 70lbs... I hate the fact that insurances make you wait few weeks or months grrrrrr... I also need an extra step since I had heart surgery, my cardiologist will have to clear me, but I am thinking posit…

3 1/2 months post op and overall pretty happy. Was on a liquid diet for 30 days post-op and it took me another 3-4 weeks after that to tolerate 4oz of solid food. Sounds really strange but plain non-flavored water gives me a stomach ache. But if I add crystal light or Milo flavors or drink Propel water, I'm fine. So strange. Also, still hurts my stomach to digest meat. And I have a history of 7 kidney stones from too much protein in the past. So you be able to see where i'm going with this. A high protein diet makes my kidneys irritated, but too many carbs result in crappy weight loss :-/ I have only lost 34 pounds so far. It makes me sad because I know it should be so m…

Ok, for those of us having trouble getting our Protein in and still crave something yummy and sweet: PROTEIN PACKED PUDDING!!! ...all you need is: 1 box of fat-free/sugar-free jell-o pudding mix Skim or soy milk Your favorite Protein powder ...mix these things together and have a protein packed snack! ************* Don't know what to do with that disgusting (not so) unflavored protein powder??? Well, how about PROTEIN SHOTS?!?! ...all you'll need for this one is: 1 one package of your fav jell-o mix Water And that awful unflavored protein powder....make sure to add A LOT!!!! Pour the mixture into thos…

I'm getting my sleeve done on the 31 of October and I'm really worried that a spirit wandering around the hospital is going to get inside me during surgery while under and take over my body to do evil things! I've watched enough horror movies to know this is a possibility. So I'm wondering if I should ask if I can wear garlic around my neck or something? Please help!

My surgery (sleeve) was in September of 2011, by February of 2012 I had lost 60 pounds. I was elated and thrilled. I was offered a job transfer out of state.My husband was able to find full time employment and things were pretty good. But, Then my hubby's contract job ended and after a year he is still unemployed.My brother and Aunt passed away suddenly and my Mom began to have health issues. I found myself turning to food to deal with my anger, depression, sadness and guilt (over moving away). By September of 2012, my weight was back to 195, a 25 pound gain. I was so disappointed in myself and resolved to do better.Today, I find myself at 200 pounds, somewhere that I vo…

Getting the lap band was the worst decision of my life. You should only do it if you have chronic illnesses that you know will kill you -- not because "every obese person gets...." I have had chronic pain, many many surgeries. Even with lap band removed - likely permanent abdominal wall injury. Couldn't lay down for 4 years. Now I can lay down just on right side. I had one problem after another in that area, even after the lap-band was removed 6 months after it was put it. I was obese, sleep apnea - but had worked out 7-10 hours per week, had hiked, biked, active sex life. ALL OF THAT IS NOW GONE BECAUSE OF CONSEQUENCES OF LAP-BAND. I now am on chronic pain m…

Was sleeved on 9/23. Not in pain just very sore. How long till I feel normal again?

After 34 years of struggling with constant diets, I am over the moon to say I have lost nearly 3 stone in just over 7 weeks! Wow! This sleeve is a gift from heaven!

I want to thank everyone in this site--it's so nice to have people be so open and honest about this journey! I'm on post op day #3....today has been the WORST for has pains! My left clavicle area the most painful of all. A friend told me to try activated charcoal pills....I think they helped! I has tried gasx, baby gas drops and Tums-nothing helped! I've also been walking around the block 1-2 times about 2-3 times per day. Still just eating broth, thinned down cream of chicken soup and jello. Tried thinned cream of wheat this am....2 bites and I was FULL and MORE BLOATED!!! Concentrating on water intake-which is going good! Heading back to work tomorrow--- hoping …

So I have battled my weight since I was a teenager and nothing has lasted. As a young adult I lost 50lb quickly and gained back 75. It has always been an uphill battle and thanks to the support of my family and friends I have decided to get a lap band. I am scheduled for surgery Oct 3. I am beyond excited. My best friend had the procedure done three years ago and has lost a whopping "150" lbs. I hope that I can maintain my weightloss as well as she has. I am so excited to have join this forum so that I can hear about your experiences with lap band.

"Why are u getting sleeved? " was the question that I was asked over and over again. It was followed by the comment "you're not that big". It consumed me a lot. I dwelled on comments like this all the time. I stand 5'3 weighing 248 lbs. I always was overweight even growing up.i tried every diet that I could possibly think of. The result were I dropped a couple pounds and gain more . I realize that I had to stop and face the fact that I had and eating disorder. It didn't matter what I ate I just couldn't seem to get full. I would want more. I knew that I was risking every moment eating my life away. I was even told that I was "cheating" by getting sleeved and that I should…

I've been writing a blog about my journey so far. Love to share it. Http://www.diaryofagastricsleever.blogspot.com

Any other sleevers having surgery on the 23rd? Nervous but excited to start this new chapter!

Is anyone else not allowed to have caffeine post-op??? I think I'm starting to go into withdrawals! I NEED either coffee or pickles!!! Lol

My name is Melinda and I'm currently 282, I'm 37. About 17 years ago, i stopped having periods. I had terrible acne, and facial hair IN MY 20'S! As time went on I gained over 100 pounds and was diagnosed with pcos. I feel sad because I allowed my health to go from bad to worst. I currently take 3 pills for bp, cholesterol medicine, nexium, and anxiety medication. In 2009, I went through the entire gastric bypass workup, then got scared. I adopted a baby a year ago, and I can't even play with him or walk. People always say I don't look 282, BUT I FEEL IT. I CARRY MY WEIGHT IN MY MIDSECTION. 2 WEEKS AGO I DECIDED I WANT TO LIVE! I WANT TO WALK UP STEPS WITHOUT WHEEZING, I …

I'm new to sharing this with a large group of people. I privately made the decision to have the surgery back in April. Only a handful of friends knew and my family. I honestly felt like I don't wanna have to explain my decision to anyone. My younger brother (who is a personal trainer) handled it the worst. He made me feel awful about it and couldn't understand why I just couldn't eat healthy and work out. To give you a better understanding of y situation when I was 17 I was diagnosed with pcos and type 2 diabetes. I was told I'd only ever have a 2% chance of having kids. In a split second I made the decision to give up card and in just 6 months I lost 70lbs. When I was 19…

I would like to share a little bit of my journey with any of those who might be interested in some input other than "smooth sailing" for gastric bypass. I had RouEnY on 7/8/13 and like most of us was full of excitement, anticipation and anxiety. I read up on the surgery as much as possible and couldn't wait to begin my new journey which was to reach a goal of a healthy weight, to get off as many meds as possible and to enjoy what life has to offer. I went through the surgical procedure without any difficulties and was looking forward to reaching all of the goals I had set for myself. Unfortunately, within 2 weeks following the bypass I started to have a feeling of pressur…

I everyone. I am beyond happy that I found this site. Like many of you, I have tried to lose weight for the past 7 years(I'm 25) and I just can't seem to lose it. I lose the weight and gain it right back.. My sister got sleeved on January and OMG she went from a size 18 to a small .. Amazing I know.. So at first, after seeing her have some complications, I said I can't do this, forget it... But just 3 days ago, I was trying to wear something for work and it wouldn't for properly and after trying few other outfits, I said that's it, I will have the surgery regardless what ends up being. Not for nothing, but I have an amazing life, I have a awesome job, I go to school which…

Has anyone done the 5 day pouch thing here and if so did it work for you? I have got very slack in my weight loss journey and need a kick start.

to those who followed my last post you will understand this one......I went in to see if I had a leak in my port well they found out I didn't, they removed all the fluid in the band to see how much fluid was actually in my band, im wondering because they removed all the fluid would they explain why I feel like im starving to death, I had restriction before they removed the fluid, now I feel like I have no restriction, or will I have restriction in a few days? can any one explain

I am so glad I found this site! I love hearing how everyone is doing! I will be sleeved September 30, and I can't wait to begin my journey!

I'm a newbie .My wieight has been a struggle for years.Up and down.Start a diet stop a diet .I had to come to terms with my self about my health and well being.i decided i was ready to take charge and to something about it.I just went to a seminar on 9/21 completed my insurance information and just waiting for the bariatric department to contact me.The ball is rolling I'm excited and a little afraid at the same time . I am open to any and all advice, suggestion, web info etc..

Finally a yr post op I have been able to eat & drink for about a 6 wks now without any problems. Will be a year next month down 200lbs started physical therapy this wk trying to recondition my body. I just pray things keep going well it has been such a difficult & trying road I hope its all behind me now. Don't ever give up. there where two times over the past 11 months I believed I was going to die so did my family & friends but im still here & improving by the grace of God.

Today was the day ..today was my sleeve surgery ..i woke up and my doctor told he wasn't able to do my surgery..he told me my Liver was abnormally big he was concern and did a biopsy..to my surprise I was angry..I'm in pain for nothing!!! Then as I'm in this hospital thinking about it he did it because something worst could of come of this..I guess I have to shrink my liver and reschedule..I knew this seem to good to be true!! I'm just disappointed at my self!!

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track…

I am a post op sleever. I have lost 17lbs and the last few days I have stayed at 17. I have began incorporating different foods. While I started with cottage cheese and other softer foods I have tried many different recipes for shredded chicken. I made homemade guacamole and although I probably shouldnt have ate a couple of tortilla chips w it. I can eat eggs. I can tolerate anything so far but Im getting my premier protein in at least twice a day and idk.....i just need to know im on track. I feel like i eat all the time. My dietitian said 40-60 grams of protein at this stage. My stomach does get full after a few bites and i sorta get this feeling in my stomach that scre…

I just wanted to give a very short report on my surgery experience. I'm in St. Louis and used Dr. Morales at De Paul Hospital. Check-in and pre-op was great, and entertaining as the nurses were really great and fun. The anesthesiologist came in, asked a bunch of questions and went over what he was going to do. Another great guy. Stated I'm going to be out before I leave the little pre-surgery room and I was. Dr. Morales came in and described the surgery again and answered any questions I had. I woke up in recovery in no pain, feeling only bad heart burn. They said that was normal and that it would go away with walking but they were going to give me Pepsid which …

Just wanted to let everyone know that all is well. Had surgery today at Florham Park Surgery Center with Dr Alexander Abkin. Went in at 7 for prep. Was in OR at 9 am and out by 10am. Feeling like normal so far. I opted for the tab block medication. Those darn needles were long LOL. Dr prescribed percocet for pain if needed. I have four incisions and got the realize band. Nurses and doctors were very nice. Finally I am on the other side :-)

Day 1 - Was not nervous at all before surgery. Once they came to wheel me back I don't remember much after that. When they woke me up to remove the breathing tube I felt all clogged and couldn't breathe. Ended up having to have a breathing treatment. The surgical pain wasnt all that bad with all the drugs but the gas pain in the shoulders was pretty bad. Felt like somebody was standing on my shoulders and someone else was standing on my stomach. Once they wheeled me back to my final room for waking up and vitals, it all started to hit me what had happened. My nurse brought me some apple juice and I was apple to sip that down. That seemed like the best tasting thing I've e…

Went to the dr yesterday and saw a different dr who was filling in for my dr and he looked at my chart and said I was loosing between 4-6 pounds each month and didn't feel the need for a fill but I insisted and so he gave me 3cc's.I feel good today and the hunger is less but he felt I would b ok without. I just felt that if I'm loosing weight then I should get aa fill to continue the progress and avoid a slippage.

I was shopping in kohls today and decided to buy 2 shirts for myself. I bought a large from the misses dept thinking it would be small, but fit in a month or two. Well, when i got home, I tried them on and they actually FIT!!! I was soooo excited! I can't remember the last time I bought something from the misses dept and not the plus size dept. anyway, I just felt the need to share my victory!

I am a newbie and I made the decision back in august that I was going to have the surgery done. Well as for me It was really a breeze I schedule the information seminar back on 8/08/13 and the next day the dr appointment my BMI was at 34.6 so I couldn't get it done so the dr didn't submit it in fact he told me to come back once I reach 35 so I went back in at the end of August and I was at 35.7. My Dr scheduled all my appointments, majority in the same day and schedule for my surgery Oct 3... As of Tuesday I was finished with all my dr appointments and it was submitted to my insurance bcbs of ga well yesterday I got the call I was approved and now it just got REAL post op…

I had my surgery on july 16th. I went from 262 to 228 since then. I havent been back to my doc since september 9th. I dont go back till october 21st for my third fill. I am constantly worrying if i am messing up my band by eating too fast or too much, it has taken a little while to make myself slow down but i am getting it, i havent felt anything stuck or had any vomiting. I felt restriction after my second fill but dont feel it so much anymore, is this normal? I need ideas for meals also...help!!!!!

HEy guys good news finally this stall is over I've been loosing a pound a day last 3 days ... I was very scared but yeyyy im back in the game ...so theres hope guys keep doing what your doing don't let the stall bring u down

So, five month anniversary and I sometimes can't quite take in all the changes in life over that time. Short period, monumental change. Am I the same person? Yes, I am. But I feel as if someone has polished me. I feel shiny and full of energy, like I did many years ago. I am calm, confident and happy, emotions that have been buried beneath misery, uncertainty, frustration and anger. Not all weight related but summed up by my failure to deal with my health and weight. Life is now full of endless possibilities. I see no barriers. I am even considering taking up running. Me, the girl who was told from a child that I was built for comfort, not speed. I mentioned this in…

Nervous

I'm new to this site and appreciate reading stories from other banded folks. I have had my band almost 10 1/2 years. I had really great success during the early years. I realized about 3 years in I had a very strong emotional component to my eating patterns so I regained a good bit of the weight I had lost. But no fault of the band. I still feel it is the best tool for weight-loss success. I originally lost 110 pounds after I had my surgery then regained probably 80 pounds. But I am back down 50 pounds and still a work in progress. **I went back and edited this post when I realized I can't add. I had my band placed May, 2003 so that would have been 10 years not 9!

I can't believe it's already a year since my surgery. I love my results thus far, I still want to lose and it has gotten a lot tougher now that I am past the year mark. 144 pounds down so far and don't regret a single moment of this journey First pic day of surgery, 2nd pic was taken Sunday

I am 4 weeks post op and weighed myself, I am 258lbs. Meaning that I've lost a total of 34lbs since I started my pre-op diet, and 20lbs since my surgery date. I feel amazing and am starting to get back to normalcy. People are starting to notice, including my boyfriend who has been with me since I was 292lbs. At first I was skeptical about the surgery, but 4 weeks out, I don't regret a thing! I'm scheduled for my first fill on 10/3. I'm nervous!

Hi everyone I hade my sleeve on the 9/16 I didn't have much pain to speak of but now I notice its like I've been kicked in the stomach , I was wondering if maybe my stomach is starting to " feel" again could it have been In a numb state maybe it's more annoying than anything ????

Hi Everyone, my name is Kenny and I was sleeved on the 12th of this month. So far im doing ok, I just feel extremely weak. The first couple days when I got home I felt good, then slowly I started to get weak. (Not sure if thats normal) im going to the doctor tomorrow to see if everything is ok. Reading all these positive threads makes me feel good about my decision. Im glad I found this app.

So, I have not been on here in awhile. Actually several of us broke off in a group on facebook that had the surgery on the same month. I thought I would come back on here today to share my success story. It's only fitting since my journey really started here. I was in the exact same spot most of you over two years ago. First the lurker, just reading everything I could to figure out if this is what I wanted to do. I admit it, I was scared. I thought if I just keep trying harder, more time..I can lose on my own. This seemed so extreme!! However, the longer I waited, the more weight I gained, the harder it was to move, the more pain I was in. My blood pressure was OUT of con…