Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

So, I am new to the vertical sleeve community, new to the world of blogging, and new to support groups in general. In my weight loss journey my greatest challenge has been coping with a lack of family support. Not blaming others, just frustrated with the resistance that I receive. I should have sought support from a community such as this a long time ago; perhaps this journey would have been a bit less bumpy, no pun intended . In an effort to make behavior change, here I am. My surgery is scheduled for July 2, 2013 and I am very excited, scared, and hopeful. I am having it done with Dr. Onopochencko and am so far very impressed with his presence, experience, and patient…

Hi all...my name is Sandy and I have a surgery date of 6/25...I can't wait! I am a 46 mom of 2 and grandma of 1. I joked around for years that if my insurance covered weight loss surgery, I would totally do it. Lo and behold, last summer I found out it did. I went through all the preliminary appointments required by my surgeon and insurance...pulmonary, psych, cardiac clearances...education class, etc, etc, etc... I was approved in December only to find out my surgeon couldn't get me scheduled in December and my insurance changed in January. Because of that change I had to change doctors and go through additional insurance hoops. Now it is June and I have once a…

Gastric banding is the easiest bariatric procedure to fit into a patient's schedule -- which may be why it was N.J. governor Chris Christie's stomach-shrinking procedure of choice, experts told MedPage Today. http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Obesity/39046

I have lost 50 pounds, and I had my daughter take a picture of me, I still look heavy. I guess 215 pounds at 5'7 is heavy. My life without at least the reward of a good meal leaves me with a huge hole in my "looking forward to something" list. I have tried to replace the emptiness I feel with diving myself further into a job I am allready an overachiever at. Still I feel nothing. I look in the mirror and I see a thinner body but I dont feel better. I dont feel anything. I had false expectations that being thinner would make me "happier" more fulfilled give me a new lease on life. it really has not. My inteligent self knows that thinner doesent equal happier. Loosing wei…

I havent updated in almost 3 yrs, I was sleeved after a band slippage in nov.2010...i lost 25 lbs during the first month, and have gained 18 of that back...I have suffered from continuous reflux since the sleeve, and asked the doc to scope me and make sure my esophogus is ok...he told my friend while i was in recovery that I have a hiatal hernia and he have to revise my sleeve...he said i was one of the first ones he did and it doesnt look the same...i also have this lump that keeps pushing on the inside of my stomach like it is trying to pop thru my skin...it is about the size of a baseball...he said he thinks my body is rejecting the mesh?? (he left inside where he to…

So I ran into a friend I have not seen in about a year and she told me she didn't recognize me because I was so tiny. I have never been called tiny!!!! I'm only 2 months post op and have lost 40 lbs, so I still have a long way to go, but this just made my day. The scale means nothing. It's about how you look and feel. Here's to many more victories!

OK my name is Liz I am 30yrs old 240 lbs. Started my my protein shakes on Friday of last week.. been OK the Dr. Allowed me to have Salads with no carbs that has made a big difference. I went to the hospital today had my 2 hour class presentation and registered for surgery on Monday at El Camino Hospital in San Jose CA. with Dr Mark Zare...had my X-ray, and ekg... Went to Costco and stocked up on my vitamans and protein drinks..got someconfy loose PJ for the hospital... no I. Nervous as hell I'm so afraid of pain and the whole diet thing after the surgery. My family has been super supportive helping me out with the kids and all.

Okay so I'm having my surgery hopefully june 25 that's my date yay lol and my case is summited I should hear something on Tuesday or Wednesday and start pre op diet on Thursday and just a little sad about what I should eat for my first one year marriage anniversary coming up because I loooooovvvvvveeee to go out to eat and love dessert lol ohhh sad day my anniversary is on jine 23rd 2 days b4 surgery..so my pre op diet consists of 2 shakes and 1 low carb meal any suggestions on what to eat on my special dinner day or a healthy place to go ? Please let me know thanks!!! My top teir wedding cake defrosted from a year ago (still looks Good) lol [ATTACH]14101[/ATTAC…

I'm 6 months post op today and down 67 pounds (which I think is fantastic). I had complications with surgery where I was hospitalized for weeks. Now I have gallstones and they are becoming too painful to not deal with them. So surgery is scheduled for next week. Because of the complications with the sleeve - I'm terrified I'll end up back in the hospital for weeks again. Mentally and physically I can't handle anymore pain. Anyone had the surgery after being sleeved?? How did it go?

Hi my name is Paamie and I live in Nyc. I had my surgery May 20th. I am down 30lbs, but I can not keep the protein shakes down at all. I have bought so many and nothing will stay down the the protein shakes in them. I am nauseated every morning. My biggest fear is when I return to work next week how am I going to handle this?

I was sleeved on march 4th and lost 11 pounds 1 week post surgery. Since then I have only lost 3lbs. I follow my diet and get as much water as I can. The only thing is that I am NOT getting the 70 80 grams of protein that I should be getting a day. The only protein I'm getting is from my food I am NOT taking any protein drinks because they seem to make me very sick and I'm not sure if this is contributing to the lack of weight loss. Has anyone else had any of these types of problems?

Hello my name is Shelly, I have been lurking on these boards for over a week now. I have my surgery date July 2nd. I have struggled since I was 17 with my weight. I have tried every diet known to man kind. with no weight loss and if there was any it was gained back with a more lbs added. I have been trying to get this surgery for years. But B/C B/S of Kansas does not cover any weight loss surgery. I finally got on the insurance at work and they do cover it. I am so happy to have my surgery date but yet very nervous about it as well. These forums have been helping me answer my concerns.

Hi everyone, I was banded in December of 2010. Right away things seemed to go ok, I lost 30 pounds pretty quickly. Then the weight loss, just stopped. I read everyone else's posts and I am so confused as to what I have done wrong, and what everyone is eating compared to what I was told by my doctor. I have never reached a point where I felt as if I had reached "the green zone", yet my band is a little over half full and my doctor is refusing to give me any more fills. I haven't been back there in over 6 months. When I go and I haven't lost any weight, they tell me it's my fault and I'm obviously not following the diet! What diet?! I thought the band was supposed to limit …

Good morning! I was scheduled for my surgery on May17th. The day after my pre-admin, my PCP called to let me know the enzyme levels in my kidneys were way up and my EKG didn't look right. She said she did not want me to go through with the surgery at this time. I was devastated! She set me up with a Nephologist. I met with her the following Monday. She said that since I had been on so much protein, lost 30 lbs quickly, was still on the same meds, and a bit dehydrated, my kidneys just couldn't filter all that out. So PCP dropped all my meds ( diabetic, bp, cholesterol) and put me on one low dose diabetic med. I increased my water intake.They did an ultra sound on my kidne…

I had my sleeve on 2/26 I weighed in at 296 at that point. I'm now down to 218 @ 15 weeks out. Have been very successful and diligent only a few times where I had pain after eating. Haven't thrown up once (knock on wood I HATE throwing up). Anyone who's considering this procedure I definitely recommend it! Just make sure you follow what your drs and dietitians tell you to do. I'm open to answer any questions you guys have who are pre or post op.

Hi! I am so happy to have found this place. I am just getting started. I have a seminar on May 22 and my first surgeon appointment is May 30. I am so terrified and excited at the same time. I have a long way to go but I'm ready. I'm at my highest weight ever right now. Around 390, but I have been here before. I lost almost 100 pounds on Atkins in 2010 and got pregnant and gained it all back. Weight has been a lifelong struggle for me an I'm ready for a permanent solution.

Hi I was sleeved on December 28 2012. And I can't be more happy. My starting weight was 330 and as of today I am 267. My goal is 200. My experience was been absolutely wonderful. I can't say I have had many problems. I do need to workout more and stop eating to many whole grain crackers. I just have a need to crunch. LOL. I really just try my best not to over do it when eating. Let me know your story. And if you have some pointers on how I can more weight I am open. Nice to meet you all smooches. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm 3 days post-op today and feeling ok, gas pains are painful and I'm feeling nauseated but besides that I'm feeling pretty good.. I know in a few more days ill feel even more better.. I have asked myself if this was worth it but I know it will be as soon as I'm feeling like myself again...

Woohoo! I started this journey back in November, when I asked my PCP about weight loss surgery at my yearly physical. She referred me to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Bariatrics team in Manchester, NH At the very beginning I bought the book Weight-loss Surgery for Dummies. My husband caught me reading it and said, "Hell NO!" He has since slowly been coming around after I told him point blank that as his wife, he is supposed to support my decisions and not force me to follow his. He is afraid that the surgery is an unnecessary risk. I of course look at it as a life-saving procedure. Since then I have attended 5 monthly info meetings with the bariatric team, had my psych eval…

I'm new here. My surgery date is June 26th and now it's all starting to hit me that this is real. This is really happening and I'm freaking out! I'm glad I found this forum and look forward to having support from those going through the same thing. I guess I just need assurance that all will be ok

Here is my first video blog on this journey. I will be doing one on my next appointment, which is pre-op, on the 20th of June, then on morning of surgery, after surgery, and once a week for the next year. Thanks for checking it out and liking it.

Boy what a ride this past year has been, gallbladder surgery 6 months into it with complications, whew, glad that's over. Proud to say I'm 68 lbs lighter and never looking back. Only regret, wish I'd done this yrs ago. Wouldn't take a million bucks for how I feel now and only good things to come when I lose that much more in the coming months. Slowly but surely it's coming off.

Been to the hospital for my appointment today. Im eating well and feeling really well. The best is I've now list 38.6% of my excess body weight and my bmi has gone down from 54 to 42 !!!! I'm amazed at this. I'm so happy

I've had no weight loss since my band? Is that normal????

Hello Everyone, I am a fairly new member to this site. Like many others I have been heavy all my life. I have tried many diets such as Atkins, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast and those weight lose pills. On a couple of occasions I have been able to lose as much as 30 pounds. However, over time I have gained all the weight back. Today I had my consultation with Dr. Abkin in Florham Park NJ. I must say that I instantly likes the surgeon, he was very through at explaining the procedure an answered all of my questions. His office is also absolutely beautiful, clean and can accommodate larger people. His staff were also very friendly and professional. Dr. Abkin is also one of the w…

I was ignorant to how the pain would be after . they are keeping me a second night due to nausea and pain . Just started on clear liquids finally. A day and half of ice chips not fun. Any suggestions. I have been trying to walk to help with pain. But at this point I'm like ... WhAT DID I DO !!!!

Hello Everyone, I am a fairly new member to this site. Like many others I have been heavy all my life. I have tried many diets such as Atkins, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast and those weight lose pills. On a couple of occasions I have been able to lose as much as 30 pounds. However, over time I have gained all the weight back. Today I had my consultation with Dr. Abkin in Florham Park NJ. I must say that I instantly likes the surgeon, he was very through at explaining the procedure an answered all of my questions. His office is also absolutely beautiful, clean and can accommodate larger people. His staff were also very friendly and professional. Dr. Abkin is also one of the w…

I am having a hard time trying to eat things I think im losing to much weight to fast I had my surgery may 21 I was 415 I lost weight before surgery on the 21 I was 389 now im 358 is that to fast

Hi all. I go in this morning, and all of a sudden my stomach is a bundle of nerves. Those that pray, please say a little prayer for me today. Thanks!

Hello. :wub: I'm Belle and hopefully, a soon to be candidate for lapband. This is the first time I've used a real picture on the internet since...well, ever. Usually, I use my cat. LOL. I figured, if I can't be real here, I might as well just pack it up and call it a day. What I'm noticing after looking around this site, is I seem to be the largest person around. Which sucks... but nothing new in my life, really. And if all goes according to plan, this won't always be the case. I can handle it if y'all can. I had my first consultation with the surgeon on May 9th. Her name is Dr. Holder-Haynes at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Since then, I've…

Hi there, I had my surgery 3 weeks ago and have still been very hungry since, my surgeon said to me he put a bigger band on as I had a fatty liver and was hard to reach, he said my first fill which will be in a week, he said he is going to add 5 ml, I have been very hungry and have stuck to the diet religiously, just wanting to no if this is normal and any advice that can be given along the way thanks

Going for my consultation today with Dr Abkin in Florham Park, NJ

Surgery date was Dec 10 2012. Highest weight was 379. Current weight 257.

My sleeve story? It hasn't quite been written yet. I started working with staff from UT Southwestern in Dallas back in March of 2013. I am male, 45 years old and weighed in at 455 lbs, which was my all time high. I was starting to get lots of little signals that my physical condition could not continue much longer. Shortness of breaths from walking across the street, stairs were just impossible, high blood pressure. There were more bad health signs, but you all know what they are. My wife had sleeve surgery about 13 months ago and she has lost over 105 lbs since then. She is down to about 170 lbs or so and is within 15 lbs of her ultimate goal weight. Having obs…

Hey guys I'm starting my journey with vsg and I'm having it in two days!!! Here's an update please subcribe and comment like! I'd love to have sleeve buddies and not go through this alone

I just meet with my surgeon this afternoon. I have BCBS of Illinois and I live in Louisiana. My surgeon, Dr. Daryl Marx, and my PCP are getting everything together to submit for pre-authorization. I weighed in at 241 today. Talking with Dr. Marx was very emotional. I felt I had to hold back tears during the entire consult. It is very scary and exciting all at the same time. But I am ready for a better quality of life and committed to make this lifestyle change. Has anyone else had any experience with BCBS of Illinois plan with UPS? They apparently have very different criteria than other corporate plans. I was curious to how long the process took with them.

Hello! I just found out today that I have been approved by my insurance to go ahead with surgery. This came as a relief as I have been working on this since January. I am looking at having surgery about the second week in July. Can any one tell me more about the pre op diet and what to expect?

I've talked to my dr about my options in taking control of my weight and dealing with PCOS! I'm wanting to know and seek answers here, with support as well! How long does it take from first meeting to getting the surgery? What am I in for?!

3lbs away from twonder land I'm so ready 60lbs gone for good!!!

I lost 200lbs 12 years ago and the best decision I ever made. I workout every day and have been a vegetarian for 5 years. Several of my friends have gained most of their weight back... Don't let that happen. This is no "easy way out" because you MUST change your eating habits or you will get sick. Message me if you want to talk....

First time since 8th grade!!!

My doctors office called yesterday to tell me that I now have to go o a heart dr. They sent everything to the hospital and they found a glitch in my EKG. So I have to see a heart dr. Before I can have surgery now. I go tomorrow at 1.00 wish me luck. I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday the 17 th.

Just proudly sporting my sleeve!! On this day May 23, 2012 at approximately 10:00 a.m. I made one of the most biggest decisions in my life. I am now over 91 pounds less!! i went froma size 24 to a size 12-14, from a 3x to a medium-large. What a great feeling!! What a great day!!!

I'm being sleeved today at Tijuana Mexico! I'm getting nervous and excited... I'll have an update in a day or so...

Hello all, my journey started late 2010 when I decided to get a bariatric surgery. I called up my insurance company which I have from my job and asked if they cover for bariatric surgery and they said that they do. I was even more excited when I found out that they do not require a 6month weigh in as other insurance company as long as my BMI is above 40. I got a note from my doctor and started the process and by 2011, I was done with all the test ie upper GI, psychologist ,cardiologist etc. A month after I was done and about to make an appointment to see my surgeon for the last time and schedule my surgery date, I realized that I have missed my period and started to get …

Hey everyone, This is my first post. I am 6 days outta surgery. 23 lbs down. Also just out of a 2 yr relationship the same week as surgery.... but I'm having a great post-op experience. I have cramped once, and just have a little bout of hiccups every so often. Other than that I'm slowly getting back up and at 'em. The past week has been a blur with everything going on but I am totally focusing on myself. I can see results already so that makes me feel good. My surgery center here in Dallas has been amazing with everything, from total quality care to great insurance advocates. I was only out $256, this whole ride. It's been great since I started this back in January. …

I've just recently looked into getting WLS and brought the idea up to my boyfriend and the only thing he said was "why don't you actually try and lose weight instead of taking the easy route". Need less to say that started a very heated argument... Being that he his skinny and has been his whole life, how can I get him to be more supportive and understanding and not so judge mental of the whole situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Had to call 911 to save my own life. Nurses hid the buzzer & the controls on both sides of the bed did not work. I was in a lot of pain & could not call for help. I was bleeding internally. Could not scream. Could not bang on anything. Could not get out of bed. I laid there for only God knows how long before I saw the telephone w/the long cord. I could not reach the phone. Somehow I managed to squeeze thru the bars on the bed and grab the phone cord with my two fingers. (Thank God for Tall Man & Pointer) Then I had to rest. I fished the cord up then could not think of phone numbers because of cells phones. All we do is press Linda, Mom, etc. I did n…

Hi Everyone, My name is Andrew and I've just recently started seriously considering getting a LB. I've thought about it for a few years but am ready to move forward with this (I think). I'm scheduled for the informational session on 6/11/13 and have a Dr consult scheduled for 7/22/13. My wife and daughter are in full support of me doing this. I told a close friend (also overweight) and he's discouraging me, but his weight loss efforts over the last 30 years that I've known him, have all been unsuccessful. I'm a little concerned about all of the complications that many experience. Granted, my health-related issues due to being overweight will only become bigger …

:) Yippee! For the first time in 13 years I am under 200lbs! I did a happy dance after I got off the scale this morning!