Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Confessions from a stressed out mom.... Okay...I'm NOT chewing and spitting. :-) But last week I read countless posts about eating M&Ms, pizza and ice cream while I was sitting in my son's hospital room. (That's the stressed out mom part...my son has been in the hospital for the last 24 days.) I'm nearly 4 months post-op and have followed my diet to the letter...until I started reading about pizza...and M&Ms. All I could think about was..."would it really be so bad if..." And then I did it...a small bag of M&Ms from the hospital gift shop. One quarter of an ice cream sandwich late one night after I got home. And yes, even a sliver of pizza. I k…

I am a nervous wreck waiting for Aetna to approve me they called the surgeons office for more detail on my 2 year weight history. What will I do if I don't get approved . Anyone have insurance stories to share?

Hi! This is my first post, but I've been 'stalking' the page for months, LOL! I was banded on March 29, 2013. My doctor required a 2 week pre-op diet that I started on March 14, 2013. I lost 12 lbs on the pre-op diet and have lost another 16 lbs in the 2 mos after surgery. I was off work 6 weeks and since I've been back, nobody even notices the weight loss! I was expecting to have lost more than 28 lbs by now, but how isn't a 28 lb weight loss noticeable? I feel like such a failure! The dr put a little bit of fluid in my band during surgery, but removed it after 9 days because I dehydrated. I got my first fill on May 7, 2013 and will be getting another fill at my next app…

I'm in the process of trying to get gastric bypass. I have mental health issues, and was hospitalized in December for medication change as I couldn't see my doctor, because she was booked out tell my appointment. Went to a class last week at the end of May, and they told me that it could affect when I could have it. I took my evaluation and the therapist told me I have nothing to worry about. Someone called me from my surgeons office and they told me to call my insurance company to see. So I did, and they said that it wouldn't affect it. Just got a call from my surgeons office saying I shouldn't of called, and it could still affect of me having the surgery, but I'm confus…

I'm in the process of trying to get gastric bypass. I have mental health issues, and was hospitalized in December for medication change as I couldn't see my doctor, because she was booked out tell my appointment. Went to a class last week at the end of May, and they told me that it could affect when I could have it. I took my evaluation and the therapist told me I have nothing to worry about. Someone called me from my surgeons office and they told me to call my insurance company to see. So I did, and they said that it wouldn't affect it. Just got a call from my surgeons office saying I shouldn't of called, and it could still affect of me having the surgery, but I'm confus…

Would like 2 know how is it now & how u feel 5 years or more after weight loss surgery

I can't take this pain I cant even get out the bed my surgery was the 21 and it has gotten nothing but worse since than pain medication is not working dont know what to do

How much time do you have to miss from work?

Hey everyone! I got my sleeve on may 23rd. I was 223 when I went in. One week later I lost 12 lbs, I'm starting to get frustrated because I haven't lost any more for almost a week. Is that normal? I wish I could go to the gym, but all I can do is walk. I feel fine, I have been back to work for a week now and I'm healing great.

Hi all. I joined the site today. I've been lurking for a while during the months up to my surgery. My gastric bypass surgery was two days ago and this is my first day home. I really don't catalogue things online, but I realized that there was such good support out there and I could give as much as I am getting if I chose to do so. This first day home has been interesting. I'm having a hard time dealing with any type of stimulus after the surgery. I was put into recovery for 7 hours after my surgery on Friday without pain meds while they waited for a room to open up. During that time my boyfriend was given no information on what was wrong or what we were waiting for. I …

Well I am new to this forum but thought I'd share a little bit about my weight loss surgery journey. I first considred WLS in 2007 when I had become frustrated with dieting and decided I needed better tools for losing weight. At that time I needed to complete a 6 month medically supervised weight loss program, take a nutrition class and be cleared by a psychiatrist among other things. I had completed all the steps by December 2007, unfortunately the company I worked for changed health insurance coverage beginning December 1st and the new insurance didn't cover the procedure under any circumstances. So I was encouraged to consider self-pay and either dip into my retirement…

I keep saying I want to be a certain weight and then I keep making it lower. I think 8 more and I'm done. Wore a size 4 dress yesterday and it was big on me. I think I'm pretty much done... But so scared to eat more. Now the hard part really starts...maintaining!!!

on the pre-liquid diet any one else hungry and if so how to cope with it

I'm in the same boat. I have tried everything but never committing to anything or giving 100% I want to lose 80lbs so I'm thinking that's why I don't need to have surgery, that should be something I do on my on and with discipline I can. The thing is I've always had a hard time sticking to anything over 2wks. Confused and don't know what to do. Also I was wondering if I did have it after I lost weight could I get rid if it.

Once you get to your desired weight is there a way the bad can be adjusted?

Hi, I had my surgery in early November of 2012. Seven months out and my hair is falling out like crazy...very scary. I consume 63 grams of unjury protein,46 grams of lowfat greek yogurt protein a day plus eat chicken breast or ham and low fat cheese sticks ..every day. I also snack on almonds and that has an additional 5 grams of protein. So I eat about 120 or more grams of protein a day. I also take my vitamins,calcium and biotin every day. It feels like i have lost about half of my hair on the crown of my head. I have tried the hair shampoos for falling hair and nothing works.....According to my bloodwork, I am healthy. I sleep well and have good energy. Everyth…

Today is the start of Vacation Bible School, which I am the director....I am 18 days out and feeling great. I walked 30 minutes about an hour before we went to set up and jumped around singing and dancing for 2 1/2 hrs and feeling great....thank God!!!

I got my sleeve today . Pain is getting better hourly and should go home tomorrow. Boy was I hungry last night,as well as apprehensive. Now i am in my hospital bed at 10 and with mild pain when i try to scoot up the bed. I post this so others who are apprehensive or scared of this might feel more comfortable.

I was sleeved Dec. 4, 2012. In the 8 months prior and 5 months since, I have lost a total of 60 pounds, which is great, but have gotten complacent. I am eating the right foods most of the time, and I am usually eating less than 1000 calories a day, but I am not losing weight. I need to loose 50 more pounds before the back surgeon will see me again. I am down 60 in one year and 50 - 75 to go. I am losing my gusto! I am down from a size 26 to an 18W which is great, but I seem to have stalled out mentally and physically. Eke.

I leave for the hospital in 7 hours so excited not nervous just ready

on the pre-liquid diet any one else hungry and if so how to cope with it

Is that heartburn???

I had surgery may 10th,and was losing a pound a day,the last four days I haven't lost or gained weight,and I'm watching what I'm eating,anyone else go thru the same problem ?

<p> It's really hard coming to terms with my weight loss. I only took this picture for a relative, so I decided to compare an old picture from the summer. In my head, when I look in the mirror, I see the girl in the photo on the left staring back at me. I cant find solace in any of the numbers and statistics, and not even this photo comparison makes me feel better. I am still unhappy with my body. Did anyone else have these feelings? Did they go away as you approached your goal weight?

leaving for the hospital tomorrow. Gotta be there for 2:30pm! Who's with me?

Hi all! I don't post much here but wanted to share my story! I was 250 pounds and miserable when I first met with my surgeon (I'm only 5 feet tall!). Four short months later I'm 181 and yesterday, I ran 5 miles without stopping. I'm one of the lucky ones who has never had any complications - well luck AND following the rules I suppose! I have some tequila every week or 2 and a piece of dark chocolate when I need it. I stick to 700-800 calories a day with 70-90 grams of Protein. I think the thing that has made me the most successful is my exercise. I burn around 500 calories a day doing hot yoga, weight training and running. I work out just about every day - sometime…

I am not digging the broth and jello. The broth is gross and tge jello makes me nauseated and burns when I swallow sometimes. Is it too early for cottage cheese or split pea soup?

I had surgery may 10th,and was losing a pound a day,the last four days I haven't lost or gained weight,and I'm watching what I'm eating,anyone else go thru the same problem ?

I was just banded last Tuesday. The port is easy to feel and you could tell there is a little bit of a bump there. Does this show more an more as you lose weight? I am already down 22 lbs between my pre op diet and first week still on clear liquids. I am wondering what the port will look like as I go on considering it is already noticeable.

Hi everyone. I'm a New York girl, transplanted to Florida's Tampa Bay in 2006. I'm 59 years old, divorced, a disabled RN. I've been obese most of my life, and even had an open "stomach stapling" back in the early 1980's, when it was still a new procedure and a very big deal. My surgery took hours. I was in ICU for almost a week afterwards, then in Progressive Care for a few weeks. Finally to a regular room and then home. I was hospitalized altogether for about a month and a half. I lost 160 lbs in just maybe 6 months, but ended up, through the years, gaining it all back. Either my stomach stretched out or the staples let go. So I found myself mostly at 340 lbs most of …

I have been over weight my whole life and I'm tried,.I'm really to be better ready to not have food take over me ! I'm just very scared my surgery is in Aug and its all i can think about ........what if i fail ?

starting pre op clear liquid diet--can i use protein powder?

I have been over weight my whole life and I'm tried,.I'm really to be better ready to not have food take over me ! I'm just very scared my surgery is in Aug and its all i can think about ........what if i fail ?

My sweet, smart, confident daughter has been big her whole life, and as she has gotten older it has become even more of an issue. We have tried everything and are now seriously considering the sleeve. She needs to lose 50 - 100 lbs. But the problem is, she heads off to college in four months. Do you think post-sleeve life is something someone can handle while a freshman in college? Right now, we are leaning towards waiting a year so she can get her sea legs... Thoughts? Thanks!

I have been suffering from constipation,I've tried Mirelax,I've tried stool softeners an still nothing helps.any other suggestions?

Going for my consultation on 6/14 with Dr Abkin in Florham Park NJ. Nervous about the process.

Hello all!! I am 19 years old and recently underwent the lap band surgery on May 28th. I struggled the first few day staying awake due to the anesthetic during surgery, and of course being in pain like never before. However, the pain has lessened and I walking and doing things for myself more (even though my mom thinks I can't do anything or I'll hurt myself ???’). But, I am still struggling with getting all of my liquids in, I'm supposed to be getting at least 64 oz a day and I'm barley getting in half of that. I also can't burp or fart unless I'm on the toilet and I've had diarrhea for the past 3 days every time I use the bathroom. Has anyone else had any of these pr…

Hi, I am a 27 year old from Salt Lake City, Utah. I am married and have a 2 year old little girl. I have struggled with Obesity most of my life. I yo-yo’d my weight with different diets and “Lifestyle changes” for the past 15 years, and I have now decided to take the surgical path. I have quite the family history of Obesity including my Parents, Grandparents and most of my Aunts and Uncles. To date, I have 7 family members (Father, 3 Uncles, and 2 Aunts) that have had gastric bypass, and I have seen great results in every single one of them. I never really looked at surgery as an option until I was much older. This all changed about 5 months ago, when my mother b…

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I'm going to Tijuana Mexico to get sleeved on the 11th of June.. I'm wondering since I'm going there and will be there for 5 days how will I know there won't be a leak.. They say they will check 3 times before I leave but in weeks or months from now how will I know it's all good and there are no leaks.. Do I go to a doctor here in the states? Does any one knows?

Hi Everyone, I've been obese most of my adult life, I tried all kinds of programs and they work to some degree, but after about 4-5 months I either lose interest or the stresses of life overcome my efforts and I slide back. I have all of the weight related comorbidities, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea. My knees and hips hurt all the time and I have no energy or stamina. A pretty dreary picture. I'm looking into weight loss surgery as a last resort, not what I wanted to do, but after too many years of failing to overcome this condition by traditional diet and exercise, I feel I need to do something different. You could all help me …

Hi my fellow sleevers and future sleevers!! I just found this site and find it to be very informative and I can't wait to learn more about what I am about to do!! By that I mean the in's and out'sand the what and what not to do's. The advice you get here is invaluable and I can't wait to meet you all! My surgery is June 7th and coming up soon!! It took me about 18 months to make this decision but I am so happy and excited to do this. I am on day 9 of my liquid diet and I just want Friday to hurry up! If you have any websites that are helpful I would appreciate it if you would let me know. Thank You!!!! Beach Lover

Wow can't believe it's done just got home and it hurts like hell just hope I can sleep a bit tonight because I couldn't at all last night night.

I got my lapband 12/05/06 in Lincoln Ne with Dr Raymond Taddeucci. I started out with a presurgery weight of 252lbs. After 10 mos i weighed 148lbs. Fast forward until 2009, moved out of Ne to Ky, then to Fl. i guess i dont handle stress well, so i gained back 40lbs. 188lbs is where i am currently at 6-1/2yrs after getting my band. I just found out i have a small slip and now a complete unfill- hoping it fixes itself. I wish everyone luck on their weight loss journey & i'm glad to be a part of this great online support group.

I have been big my whole life but I have always been active. Until my 40's. I always played sports and have a physical job. But then age & injuries ended my sports day and a promotion at work meant sitting on my butt. I slowly started to gain weight. I did the Atkins diet and had great luck. I got down to 280 and I was hiking, kayaking and felt great. Then summer happened. It's a busy time with work and I started putting the weight back on. Then my mother got sick and was in the hospital for 6 months. By the time she went into hospice I was spending 18 hrs a day in the hospital. Vending machine snacks and hospital food. Next thing I knew I weight 370lbs! Last year I…

Okay my surgery is june 4 and I have to go on on thepre op diet.....this is very hard I'm on day 3 and i m losin my mind...help plz

It is impossible for me to get my protien in if I only eat 3 times a day and a shake is considered a meal! Help! 10 days out!

Hi Everyone! I had my surgery for LB on May 6th. I had a serious complication called Ileus, (trapped gas in intentines)which required me to stay in the hospital for three days after surgery with a NG tube down to my stomach! I am three weeks post op and I still have severe bloating in my stomach. For example today I ate Carnation instant Breakfast (SF) for breakfast, 4 oz of tuna fish for lunch and 4 oz of creamed spinach for dinner. Thats All I could get in. My stomach tonight looks like I am 7 months pregnant! I have not lost any more weight since my second week. (total 10lbs) I am barely eating, but definitely getting my Water in. Has anyone else experience this?

Today was a very good day for me minimal if no pain ,my friend came to visit me with a giant cup of my favorite Ice ,yes just ice from Sonic,we sat in the backyard in the gazebo just talking and laughing,she's my walking buddy in the mornings and we both miss those walks and we shall continue after the healing process in finally done. I think I kind of freaked her out by walking ,or shall I say shuffling out the door and slowly cautiously sitting down. She will also have bariatric surgery ,but has elected to have the sleeve.which I support 100% after she's my buddy and I care about her. She wanted to know how the pain was what the scars looked, how the drain was attache…

I got the drain taken out today !! It didn't hurt ,it kind of tickled coming out it was long too, longer than I would have imagine. There's a tiny hole which will close shut in two days on its own, had bloodwork done and my sonogram is on June 7 . I had a better day than yesterday and its only going to get better. Went in the backyard and shots some photos of my neglected flowers,next week will be the big clean up of them gotta deadhead for sure and prune my roses, s such a mess!! Played with my boys and let them sit on my lap, a little nervous about that but they behaved like gentlemen . I'm getting hungry I think well maybe not,maybe it's in my head .i have to get more…