Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Went for my 6 week post op yesterday. Down 16lbs from my 2 week post op check up and down 36lbs in the 6 weeks since surgery. My Dr said I'm losing at a bypass level and he is pleasantly surprised at my progress so far. Wasn't sure if I should of been offended by that so I asked. He said no offense but in his experience people that started out at my size usually don't take to the new program and diet as well and as quick as I have. Feeling great. I did have a question that I had to ask because I find myself able to eat more than I thought I would be able to. Not like a lot but I can consistently eat about a cup of food at a time mind you it's still the soft mushy food bu…

So I'm at work and this girl that weighs 90 pounds with wet clothes on says in a fatigued tone, "omg I was dancing all day at a concert in the park yesterday and I must have lost 10 pounds"....OH SHUT THE _____ UP. I gained 4 pounds since the end of may on a low calorie low carb diet! In addition to aerobics and strength training 3x/ week. UGH, granted I lost 31 pounds on my supervised diet but I can't stand gaining gaining gaining. I cannot wait to get sleeved. Everything in and waiting on approval from HIP. Just need to vent :-/

The instructions given to me say: REMOVE ALL BODY JEWELRY. Gggggrrrrrrr!!! I have had quite a few surgeries before and no doctor has ever requested me to take mine off. I have a nose ring (that will probably be closed by the end of the surgery) and two other piercings.... Removing those is out of the question!!! Anyone else experience this or something TOTALLY different??

I have been banded for 6 years and so disappointed. I've had numerous fills and thought I had reached a "sweet spot"...My doctor doesn't really care here in Ventura, they have even somehow lost all my records (so upsetting)..but they've moved to a big, fancy office so obviously the money talks but caring for patients as individuals is not there. My lapband at one point was so restricted, kept having reflux and being stuck all the time, no matter how slowly I chewed...did all the things I was suppose to do. I am so tired of my lap band. In the beginning I was so excited but it is a huge disappointment. Going out with friends and family was always so embarrassing, due to f…

Hi everyone! I am so grateful to have found this website. I am two days post-op and have been experiencing a lot of side effects. I guess my main frustration was lack of communication between myself and the surgeon. After leaving several messages he finally got back to me and explained everything I was experiencing was normal. But surprise, neglected to tell me he removed a hernia and I have stitches in my breathing canal (lack of better word) which explains why I cannot take deep breaths or lay flat to sleep. Everything else - nausea, dry heaves, bruises, shoulder and neck pain are all normal. Still doesn't make it better though. I moved off of Clear liquids to…

Any recommendations for hospital stay, first night at home, first 2 weeks, etc appreciated. Basically what is something you wish others told you before your surgery? Thanks in Advance!!

I'm scheduled for my sleeve on 8/5 and just went to my pre-op class this morning. I've been waking up every day feeling nausious because of the upcoming event. I'm relieved to have found out that I will not have a catheter or drain so 2 less worries lol. But I'm also worried about recovery because I have 2 small kids one being ADHD and my husband finds it hard to handle him...I hope it works out....

I did it! Just got back from my one year post op appointment! Here are the facts: Day of surgery 299 pounds and a 44 BMI Today 172 pounds and a 28 BMI. Was a tight size 24, now I wear a comfortable size 10! I am 5'9'' Best thing I have ever done for myself. I do watch what I eat, but I have no regimented exercise. I have bad knees, but stay busy with my 3 daughters...getting ready to go horseback riding in a few hours - If you are unsure, I am telling you - it is fantastic! I LOVE to go shopping now. I have never been sick - not once. No puking for me...but I am a wussy and never "pushed" it,....when I am full, I stop eating. I do have some loose sk…

Hello everyone! I got my surgery date last week... AUGUST 1st!! I begin my liquid diet on the 25th. I went through hell trying to get approved. I had all of the required documents and tests completed and I was still getting denied. I keep submitting it, and FINALLY I was approved! I can't wait to start this new journey.

Hello! I'm new to the board. Just got the news that my tentative Lap Band surgery date is August 13th. I am super excited and a little bit nervous. I am doing my Lap Band through True Results in Houston. Does anyone have experience with them? Anyone else getting banded in August?

I am five week out from surgery and I am hurting in my stomach I am not able to eat when I eat it hurts as anyone had this !!

I'm starting to get cold feet !! Part of me is super excited the other part is nervous about post op recovery ..Im going thru Kaiser South Bay. I'm hoping to get a lot of info from people who've had the sleeve ,the pros and cons !!

Today is the Day. The weird thing is that I'm not nervous. But I guess that will come later when I get to the hospital. Surgery time is 945 but have to be at the hospital two hours early. To all my fellow July 19th sleevers Good luck!

So glad I found you all to share this journey with. I am now in mushy foods and doing really well. My starting weight was 209 and am currently 192. My goal weight is 135. I started some exercise this week. Just low impact . So far so good.

Hello, I'm new here. 3 weeks Gastric Bypass!

So after 4 years, I still cannot not eat Breakfast when I get up. I usually have to wait a couple of hours and have coffee hours before. For some reason, drinking something warm in the morning sets my stomach to be able to eat a couple hours later. I have never (since 2009) been able to wake up and meet friends for breakfast and enjoy my food. So its annoying to just order coffee. I try to trick my stomach by drinking coffee or tea as I get ready to meet up for breakfast, or wake up hours earlier but its now to the point where I just rather meet up for lunch. After a couple of hours in the morning, I can eat whatever. I get to work at 6:30am but dont eat until 9am. Fo…

I got a call from the bariatric office I am wanting to go to and I was told that the surgeon will be taking me on as a patient. So excited. Now I only have to get thru 6 months of bariatric classes. Oh it seems so far away. But if this is the only way insurance will pay I haven't got a choice.

Feel like I could eat like I never had surgery. Got my first fill a week ago. It's done nothing and I Am dieting and exercising as well. Very discouraged. By the way I had 2 band surgeries within 72 hours.

Well today is the big day for me. I have been waiting 8 months for this day to come. I'm a bit nervous but I'm sure that's all normal. I'm so ready for a new journey in life.

I am about 10 days postop and am having increased pancreas enzyme levels. I am very worried about these levels. My Dr. is very reassuring and says I have nothing to worry about. My levels are around 750 which isn't horrible, but still I am so concerned. I am doing very well with recovery and post op healing other than this problem. Haven't been taking pain meds. I have done very well. Has anyone else ever had this problem?

Tomorrow I have my seminar and first meeting with the surgeon. I was told I would be setting a date for surgery at that time. Kinda baffled at that one as I have had no preop testing nor been approved by insurance. My insurance *** Colorado Access which is a Anthem company, has basic requirements.. be obese, understand the risks, be of sound mind, good surgical risk so maybe that is why the cooridinator says I can get a date so early in the process. I have a feeling sleep will be hard to get tonight. Suzy

I'm new to this forum.... hello !!!! My surgery is scheduled tomorrow (Tuesday July 16th) and I am getting excited! I have read so many posts and learned so much that my stress level is actually very low. I just found out I'm scheduled at 9 am and we are driving to Houston tonight. ---please keep me in your prayers

Did anyone mess up during their pre op liquid diet?

Hi, Im new here and I hate to type so I will make this as short as possible...I was banded in 2008, prolapsed in march of 2010 and sleeved on nov 1 of 2010...well not sleeved, I had so much scar tissue they couldnt complete it...sooo now I am going into the OR again on aug 1st to be sleeved since the doc thinks he can get around the scar tissue....except, now im thinking about doing bypass..i have terrible reflux and honestly, I dont want to do this anymore...I just want this 5yr nightmare to be over...I have an appt with the doc on tues and I think I will tell him my feelings and see what he says...I am afraid of the surgery itself, and I am afraid of the unknown.."dump…

It has been a long journey so far. My obesity started in the 6th grade. I was 5'8" tall and weighed nearly 200lbs. Through most of my teens I was highly active so I was able to control my weight through exercise. Soon after graduating High School, I got married and had my son. By the time I was 23 I was 225lbs and heading for divorce court. Although my divorce was a great weight loss tool. I lost 70lbs plus the additional 160lbs of dead beat husband. My weight fluctuated greatly in my 20's. In any given year I could be 135lbs (too thin) all the way up to 235lbs (obese). I was with a really great man for 7 years. We were going through a rough patch in our re…

Im currently waiting for approval. My Dr said to bring my sleep apnea machine to the hospital because my pulmonologist wrote it down when he cleared me. Anyone else do this? I havent used the machine in years..

Any other slimbanders out there from the Oshawa area?

Hi Everyone, I thought I would join this website for support because I need virtual support due to my busy travel schedule for work. I was banded 14 months ago and my surgery went very well. I had surgery on a Monday and was back to work on Wednesday. Not sure I would recommend that to everyone but I did not want anyone to know I had a lapband at work so I minimized my time away. Thankfully, I sit at a desk and it was easy on the body to return to work. The only issue I had after surgery was my band was actually too tight. I did not know this until I went in for my post op checkup. I had mentioned it was taking at least an hour to drink a Protein drink and I was stil…

Hi all I'm Doug and I have been on this here since Jan. I have jumped through all hoops and now waiting on insurance approval. Now I have decided to wait till September 9th just because it is summer and I love it. I've droped a little better then 20 lb. I have joined in a little but watched an read about every day. Just wanted to say hi and thanks.

Hello, my name is Audree. I was banded in January of 2007, so over 6 years ago. My surgery was done in Mexico by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I am a self pay lower bmi bandster. I also have the Inamed 4cc band, low profile port. My highest weight before surgery was about 195. My lowest was about 160 and I am now a little up in weight at 175 or so. Its been a few years since I was able to go back to see him for a check up or fill, so I can eat with almost no restriction. The only exception to this is right before my cycle, if I am stressed or eat to fast. I had originally been on this board even before I got banded in 2007 under the screen name Babygotback. I tried to reactiv…

Excited about getting the band soon in less than 2 weeks. Liquid diet isn't that bad, this egg drop soup recipe is getting me through it.

If the pouch stretches does it push the port again the stomach lining?

This was supposed to be my dream. Im from Australia, weighed 125lbs when I met my Texan love who was passing through Sydney during the 2000 Olympics. Fell in love and moved to Texas the following year. Long story short (ish) In 2008 I had an extent spine surgery, 2 rods from neck to tailbone, 37 screws, almost my entire spine is fused. Well fast forward to Jun 20 2013, I was 78 lbs heavier, mostly from 8 months of post spine op inability to move, and eating for comfort, boredom and to get through the debilitating pain. I live in the country so no pool here or gym, I used to walk a little but now my knees and ankles are on fire. So I got the sleeve 6/20/13 SW 203 (prior …

Hi All! New to the site and somewhat newly interested in Lapband…. This became a serious option about 2 months ago.. I've tried it all… medi-weight loss, dr. weight loss, phentermine, some other appetite supressants… nothing worked… I'm young- 23, and cant live with a bmi of 40 for ever… So… after getting my parents support (my husband has been my #1 support since day 1) I sought out some places… I decided upon Hollywood Bariatrics in hollywood Fl. Dr. Brett Cohen is doing my surgery (have any of you gone to him? please let me know if you have). So here's my story. Whether or not insurance accepts my claim- i'm getting my surgery done. I Scheduled surgery for AUGUST 13!…

Hi... I am getting banded on 8/30 and I can't wait. More nervouse over the stress test than I am for the surgery. Anyone else.getting done in August?

I've struggled with weight my whole life. I recently have been thinking about gastric banding. I've tried everything from alli to atkins and nothing has been permanent. I gave birth to my daughter about a year and a half ago and ballooned up to 287. I never went past 235 and it was a real point in my life where I realized I need a little "tool" to help me along. It's a genetic predisposition for me. I am waiting for insurance to be approved so I have medical insurance. Than I will go to the dr to get my blood drawn etc. I passed my diabetic screening while pregnant so I am not diabetic but I did have preeclampsia. I am unsure of my other statistics so that will be determi…

I just got banded on the 9th July! Am so very excited as I know this will change my whole life. 9 days in and just started the mushy stuff. Had a great start to weight loss already, lost 4kg on pre-op diet and 3 more this week. Still waiting for the swelling to go down. Start weight was 92kgs (before pre-op diet). People are asking me what my goal weight is already and to be honest I don't know. I'm 5ft1, so BMI chart says 45-52kgs.... Seems unrealistic to me. Any suggestions?? Anyone else had to modify their goal weight? Also can't believe how full I am feeling already. Is this common? And does it wear off??? Cheers all deb74

MY NEW SURGEON JUST CALLED THEY RECIEVED MY RECORDS AND WANT TO SEE ME NEXT WEEK 6/20/13 FOR NO REQUIREMENT NEXT AVAIL SUEGERY DATE 2ND WEEK IN JULY IM SO EXCITED

Seven days ago, I was sleeved. I am feeling much better than I was five days ago. Every day gets better. I finally lost the 6lbs I gained during surgery from the IV and the gas. I am down 13.5 lbs. I wrote a blog post to explain to my friends and followers why I chose this route. http://ourchangingne...astrectomy.html

Already posted this in the pre op category, but I think it belongs here more! I'm Nicole, I'm 19, and I'm waiting on approval for my RNY! You are probably thinking, “Wow, she’s only 19, why they heck is she getting a Gastric Bypass surgery so young?" so I just wanted to make this post to kind of give you guys an idea of why I am getting the surgery, why I think it’s the best choice for me, and what has been happening lately! So, originally I opted for the Sleeve Gastrectomy, because I liked the fact that they didn’t mess around with your intestines and all that jazz like they do with the bypass, so I went to my surgeon, and I did all of my pre-op stuff, like my nutritioni…

Hi my little buddies, I wanted to update my progress. I am actually doing very well. I crossed my legs for the first time last night since 2004, NSV. I was so proud. Everyone has given many compliments. My kids look at me funny because I don't really look like their mom. I've been exercising since pre-op but at the moment I'm doing Elliptical 40 minutes in the morning and walking 30 during lunch. I was walking 3-4 miles a day and had to slow down due to Achilles tendonitis. Feeling much better with that. I'm eating 3 meals a day with 2 Snacks a day. I try to eat 200 @ meal and 100 @ snack time. I'm eating 20-30 carbs a day and average 800 calories a day. Things …

Is there anyone from Indiana out there?

Hi, Im new here and need to know how others have dealt with this issue. My boyfriend is unsure of the surgery. I have shown him everything from the doctor, and nothing has helped. My best friends are ok with me doing it. One is even wanting to take from his job in India to come back to the states for my first month. I have some great support but from the one that I need it the most from. Help?

Found this shot from my highest last may 5'8" 253lbs ( at least!) And this is from this weekend 197lbs

My surgery date is August 6th.. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. I feel like I have so much to remember and to do before and after surgery. Hope I remember to do it.. getting nervous about my life changing decision. Any suggestions on calming my nerves.

Today I am going to see a hypnotherapist. As I wait for a surgery date I am working to get all my ducks in a row. I decided to do some therapy to help me sort out the different kinds of hunger as well as self-image issues, privacy about who I am telling, etc. I went through a long list of providers covered by our insurance and was surprised to see a hypnotherapist listed. I have had hypnotherapy before and love the feeling of bypassing my chattering mind to fully relax. That kind of mindfulness is what I need to bring to my banded life as I will be working hard to make excellent choices and avoid stress eating. Just wondered if any one else has used hypnosis or medi…

Hello! My name is Amy and I gave FINALLY made the decision to have the gastric sleeve. I have already attended a seminar with Dr. Krahn of Western Bariatrics and my classes start Aug 7th. I am so excited and am looking forward to meeting the healthier me I thank you all for your amazing insight and support.

Hi everyone, nice to meet you all. I am five years post op and now struggling to lose the last 15 pounds of baby weight. Just called my surgeon's office to get back on track. I'm also training to do a 10 mile run in October. I'm trying different things to see if I can restart my weight loss. Anyone else going through the same struggles?

Hello All, Just checking in! So, today I am 5 weeks post-op and for the most part I am doing really well. I'm now getting in all of my Protein and some. Yay me!!! As to in the beginning I wasn't getting any. Still not doing to hot with the Vitamins though. I have noticed lately I have this pain in mt left side just above and under my scare whenever I bend over, lay, or turn the wrong way. When I rub it I can feel a knot in there, something I will have to talk to my surgeon about when I go back. I kicked in a little more time with my work out this week and I think I need to go back to the 30 min day due to the pain right now. I was at a stall for 2 weeks (that was…