Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi there. I've just started this journey so maybe my presence is a little premature. I'm in the Kingsport, TN area and will attend my first seminar in a couple weeks. Still have almost 6 months of nutrition plan before insurance will approve procedure. I'd appreciate any and all advice anyone has for someone in the early beginning stages. The good, the bad, and the ugly!! Thanks!!

That is where I am right now 1.5 years out from surgery, down 90 pounds - well sometimes 90 sometimes 85. The miracle of the sleeve has done what it was supposed to do - it helped me to cut down on food intake, I choose food differently and never looked back. Well now the newness has worn off - I eat a little of this and a little of that - test the waters on what I can and can't stand. For the most part I can eat everything I want; except for meat, salad and sausage. Do not eat anywhere near the amount of food I did two years ago, nor do I eat the amount I ate a year ago - which was very little. I cheat - I don't want to but I have become bored with food again, my lif…

After looking at so much info and many talk with my husband, I have decided that I want to get the Lap Band surgery. Now I am stuck, I dont even know where to start. Who do I go see first? I know that my insurance will cover all but $2000 and I dont need a referral. I just dont know how to get this rolling. Any help would be so great!!!!!! Heres to starting what will be a great journey <3

On May 31, 2012 my father passed away from complications due to weight. He was prisoner in his body. He told me the last time I saw him to lose the weight while I was young. Come September I get started on the insurance stuff. I get the 3 months in and all that and in December I had my surgery done. Now? I'm 310 pounds down from the 444. I am struggling a bit.. I am losing my hair. But I am trying hard to keep on track! My momma nominated me for a contest for being "brave" and doing this. If you want to vote daily until June 5th (then there's another round after the top 10 is picked) http://tinyurl.com/q2omlq7 I would be forever thankful. I want to inspire young people…

So the BRS program that I hadn't enrolled in was something from the insurance company and the first 5 people I talked to did not know about it! Now I find out the new surgeon taking my assigned surgeon's place (he did not renew his contract) is not going to be covered! UGH! And patient advocate is not getting back to me. I keep running into obstacles that I shouldn't be.

I am new here but wanted to share my story. I'm a single mom of 2 ready to make a change. I started getting my approval last year for lap band wls, but lost my insurance right after I got approved. I was so down I gave up. Then this year I decided to start over. February I saw my surgeon and had to do my dietician visits. My last visit was in April. I was given my surgery date of May 30, 2013. I was so excited and scared at the same time. I had some drawbacks getting my records transferred from the old surgeon to the new one and my blood pressure was too high. My Dr finally approved my surgery yesterday. I have been on a 5 day liquid diet since Saturday. This was so chall…

I am in the very beginning of approvals etc. I am looking for comments good, bad, or ugly from people who are 2 or more years post op. This is my first posting so i hope i am doing it correctly. Thanks all!

OMG! I am so excited. I just got my surgery date. JULY 5. Hello Independence. Excited, Scared, Nervous. Ready for my new life.

Hi, having surgery Monday. Already burnt out on shakes,trying to find a good quality unflavored protein I can add to warm liquids (soup, etc). Help please!!!

Hello I had my surgery 2 days ago and I'm having roughly 2 cups of tea a day, plenty of squash, and milk.. But I'm only having like 1 small yogurt and a small portion of soup?? Is that enough?? I'm hating this gas pain it's really getting me down!! Any tips on how to get rid? Also can I eat soup and drink straight away cuz it's fluids or do I have to count soup as food and wait 45 mins?? Thanks xxxx

GOOD MORNING I AM NEW TO THIS FORUM AND AWAITING MY DATE TO BE SLEEVED. I AM 31 YO AT 316 LBS. IM NERVOUS. HOPE THIS FORUM CAN GIVE ME A HELPING HAND AND TOOL TO GET THROUGH THIS PROCESS PRE-OP DIET STARTS WED.. ANYONE NOW OF ANY GOOD PROTEIN SHAKE

My mothers sleeve day is today, she should be coming out soon... Next friday is mine im super excired I cant sit down anywhere lol...

I'm 14 days post surgery and have lost 22 lbs since I started the whole process, (2 week liquid diet before surgery) Is this normal? Only 22lbs? so discouraged!! Sent from my MB886 using VST

Was just wondering how long people had to wait to hear back from their insurance?? I'm not in too much of a hurry to get approval since I was planning on taking time off of work for my surgery (in August. Didn't know it would be this fast).

Until today, 1 person (my girlfriend) knew about me having surgery...today I had my final "weigh-in" and I completed all the other requirements so my time is nearing. I broke the news to my mom, well she kinda pulled it out of me but....she said she was worried about me because I've been going to a lot of medical appointments lately and the fact that I'm not saying anything to her that I'm sick or whatever is making her worry. I felt horrible that someone with stage 4 bone cancer and a weird crazy funky eye problem that's causing blindness is worried about me so I told her. Me: "aw mommy I'm not sick, Umm i, well uhh. Ok! You can't tell anyone ok? Mommy: um ok Me:…

Why is it not happen 6mo out and no loss for at least a mo.

So how is it even fricking POSSIBLE that the hospital who I am going theough for the surgery forgot to send the proof that I am in their program??? UHC got everything BUT the proof that I am officially enrolled in a weight loss surgery program. I said the hospital that submitted it THAT is the program I am in. They said they need proof. WHAT? My hospital does 5-7 surgeries a day and work with UHC all the time. They have GOT to be kidding. Rant off.

I just wanted to share my story this far so no one makes the mistakes I did after surgery. Listen to your surgeon!!! I had RNY 4/15/13. Surgery went well with the exception of post op bleeding through one of my incisions. I had to have two blood transfusions and I finally healed two weeks post op. I was given instructions to take Vitamins and potassium. Being 23, I thought I was indestructible. Wrong! I stopped both. I quickly lost 50 pounds in less than a month and couldn't stomach foods. For two weeks I suffered from nausea and vomiting. I finally went to the er and had blood work done. My potassium levels were dangerously low. I had a scope done as well. I also had a…

I spent mine going from room to room looking out the windows from my second story home ,thinking its such a cool nice day for a group of friend having fun......, then reality hits me quarter in the face!!!! Lets get real here ,same people ,same music ,same food ,same drunks, over eating, over drinking ,pretending to enjoy myself when I just want to have a Normal day without the chaos and mayhem,so I decide ( I ain't got time for that) lol called and graciously cancel saying I have a new least on life and it does contain drama and the things that go along with it ! I stayed upstairs. ,cause my lovely husband forgot to wake me up so we could tackle those stairs together, i…

I'm so happy. I have not only lost loads of weight but I've lost 6 inches from my hips and 6 inches from my waist. I love going walking now and taking my young kids to the park. Life is fantastic !

I am almost 4 weeks post op, and I had a big BBQ at my house tonight which I do regularly during the summer. I thought I might be miserable, cooking all this food and not being able to eat it. I actually had a great time. I was able to take a few bites of some things I enjoy, but I didn't miss the rest as much as I thought I would. I had about 40 people over, and it was nice to be able socialize without constantly sneaking in trips to the buffet to shove my face full. It gave me a lot of confidence that I can do this!

Hello just looking to see how much everybody else has lost.. I started my pre op diet on 18th of may, and I've currently lost 19 pounds, is this enough? Or not enough? Please comment what you've lost as I'm interested thanks xxx

This journey has been such a god send but a struggle at the same time!! I was banded 10/11/12 and have lost 85 lbs to date!! I am Hoping to hit the 100 mark by my birthday 06/23, but won't get discouraged if I don't!! My struggle Is I know I look and feel better but when I look at my self in the mirror or go out I still see my big fat self!! I have recently started a new relationship and all I can think about is does he look at all my fat? How can I get past this?? Does it ever go away! Just needed to vent... Thanks!!

Hi everyone, I'm new on here and just wanted to introduce myself. My surgery date is June 20th. I will have my lapband converted to a gastric bypass. I was banded in 2009 and only had minimal weight loss (30 lbs). In April my new surgeon diagnosed me with a slipped band, hiatal hernia and severe GERD so my insurance is going to cover the revision under medical necessity. I was very fortunate that the insurance approved the medical necessity in 3 days! I'm looking forward to al the support I see this group gives.

Hi all. I've just been sleeved on 5/20; that's the new part. The old part is the lapband I also had removed on 5/20. I haven't participated on either of the forums in quite a while, but I look forward to enjoying the journey with many of you. So far things are different, but not so different that I am nervous about being sleeved. I figure that taking it a day at a time is all I can do. So I make sure tomorrow is better than yesterday. Best of luck to us all. :-)

I'm about to start my 2 week liquid diet. My surgery date is 17 June. So I have a little over a week before I start. Any tips?

Good morning all my sleevers, So I was do to start my pre-op diet tomorrow, but I have actually started it today. I started it off with an AWESOME prayer and so far so good. I'm really excited and I know this 2 weeks is going to be a real challange but I'm ready for it.

I meant "Am I there yet" lol Hello, I'm new to this however, I have a few comments and questions. First let me tell you I really like this site, other than me YouTubing, researching, reading...I lm ready mentally. I just decided to have weight lost surgery as of April, my coordinator has submitted my paper work to the insurance company already and said I will be ready for surgery one day in June 2013, that's quick, after reading that it took most people a little over a year. My coordinator seem so confident that I will receive a yes, my insurance also covers 100%, that's a Blessing. So, I've gotten clearance from the psychologist, Pulmonologist, Cardiologist, my PCP.…

Hey sleevers I have a situation with a co worker who started the process of getting sleeved the same time I did. We said we wouldn't tell anyone we were having it done. I got approved right away and Friday she tells me she was denied I said I was sorry to hear that and maybe she could appeal. She said its not fair I got approved and she didnt. I tried to understand her hurt and anger but told her well I have a bmi of 40 and a co morbidity and she has a bmi of 35 and no co morbidity. Well a little while ago someone just told me she is telling everyone I'm having the surgery. My instincts are telling me to ****** this b**** bald and rip her face off! Before I do that I w…

Was sleeved on may 13 but started soft puree foods tried tuna and mash but feel like its stuck to my throat .

I'm getting sleeved on June 18th so I'm trying to experiment with different flavors of protein drinks. I think I'll do best with a strawberry one. Can anyone help me find a GOOD tasting one I don't have to gag down?

June 11th is my surgery day, I can't wait!! It's in Tijuana Mexico though, anyone had the sleeve surgery there? I've read all good reviews and Dr. Almanza got his degrees from the states, that makes me feel better..

Hi all - My name is Shelly and in a few weeks, I will reach the 7 year mark since getting my lapband. My pre-op weight was 306 and my lowest weight was 165, which I reached about 5 years ago. About that time, I moved to another state and stopped having regular check-ins with my lapband doc. Naturally, I lost restriction and got lazy, which earned me about a 50 pound weight gain over the past 4-5 years. I recently re-connected by finding a new bariatric doc here and had a recent fill. I'm working on getting back to where I want to be and returning to following the rules and using my band as the tool it should be. In the 2 weeks since the fill, I've lost 5 pounds, …

HI. I started my process on October 30, 2012. I was initially preparing for Lap Band. But after a LOT of research I chose to have the VSG done. I did my prep for the insurance company and lost almost 20 pounds by watching food intake, and logging EVERYTHING I ate. The NUT was so excited by my little notes and comments, LOL. Anyway I put the procedure off til March because my hubby and I were booked on a cruise for our anniversary in February. My surgery date was March 14, 2013. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I don't remember ever not being overweight. My goal was to get back down to a size 18....lol. But the doctor says my goal is 158. I wi…

I am soooooooooooo nervous! Don't know what to expect. So excited but scared at the same. I will be at Kaiser in 3hrs, still not sure what I should take with me. Yes I know, I'm a huge mess and hungrrrrrry from this 2 day liquid diet. Wish me luck!

Greetings! I've been "lurking" on the forums for a couple weeks, and since I've opted not to share my surgery decision with anyone but a couple very close friends, I thought it would be healthy to plug into this great resource. Quick rundown on me: After a few years of being curious about WLS (and watching my weight yo-yo), I decided four weeks ago to have the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Since my insurance doesn't cover the procedure, I'm financing it myself and was able to speed up the process. My surgery is May 22, and although I am 100% certain this is the right choice for me, now that surgery is only two days away, I'm dealing with some anxiety. I'm glad to hav…

I was recently sleeved on 5/16/13 and today when I went for my week post op check and JP drain removal, I only lost 1 pound. My doctor said thats typical, but I was thinking I should have lost more than one pound seeing as I havent really been able to consume that many calories. Anyone have similar issues?

I was originally going to post this under the "Special Interest Lap Band Support Groups" but it seems to be pretty desolate over there. Anyway, I'd love to start a monthly support group for fellow NYC bandsters. I've always found it inspiring to meet people who share similar problems and experiences with me, but since my doctor offers in-person support groups out on Long Island (a bit of a trek for me since I live in Brooklyn), I figured I'd see if I can form one in the city instead. I thought meeting in Central Park would be a perfect location (if weather permitted)... We can have a healthy picnic, share our stories, and then, go on a scenic walk around the park. …

I have booked my flight and I am strating to get nervous about going alone. Any words of wisdom? What would you bring with you for surgery abroad?

Ive been really thirty,had surgery on May 10th,n I've been craving lots of crushed ice anyone else go thru this.

Hello I was banded 24th may and I'm just wondering what everybody eats day to day?? Can you eat a proper meal?? Anything that doesn't agree with your band?? Can I still go out for meals and social events lol??? Thanks in advance xxx

Sorry it's me again!! But I've got a rash all over my face and neck?? Bit worried it might be something to do with the band somehow??? Let me know what u think people's? I do plan to go doctors tomoro.. Xxxx

I'm having sleeve surgery on July 16th and I'm really excited. I been overweight all my life and I can't wait to look in the mirror to see the new me. I'm 36 and I need to lose about 100 lbs. I've done lots of research on WLS, but there's so many things that still aren't clear to me. How do u keep the weight off? ( I've always been able to lose weight, but then slowing regaining) How will my body look? ( the extra weight in my body is well distributed) Will my cellulite get worse or better? I've never really exercised will I be more motivated to do it? Is there anything I can do before surgery? Will I have lots of loose skin? Based on some of your exper…

Hi everyone. My name is steph and I live in MN. I am new to this site and it has been so informational and insperational. I wish I knew about this site sooner. I am close to hopefully scheduling my surgury. I have my last clinical nurse appointment and dietition appointment next week. How long is it until surgury schedule then? Also I have about two more lbs to hit my pre surgery weight goal. Any suggestions on to get those last peak pounds off?? Thanks Steph

I had surgery may 10th,n just recently started solid foods,and am watching what I eat,but has anyone had problems with constipation? I was going regularly when on liquid diet,but since I started solids,I noticed a difference

Hi! I'm Jess. 45 yo Mom of a 15 yo boy & 13 yo girl. I have been married for 21 years. 15 of them I have struggled with my weight. I have 3 more appointments before I can get my surgery date. I am hoping for a surgery date at the end of June / beginning of July. Nice to be here!

Hi everyone, The first time I ever heard of vsg was approximately one month ago. First by my cousin who I had not seen in two years, then by a co-worker who I just happen to work with on a special project. Each lady just described their wls as the "sleeve". I had no idea what that was but I was very determined to see if the "sleeve" could help me out on my journey. This site has been such a blessing for me. You all have given me so much information. To start just learning about the procedure, then the process regarding specific insurance issues, then a timeline.... I can go on and on. I have to say from learning about this wls procedure one month ago I have a consult…

Good morning, I just joined yesterday because I was looking for people at least 7 months post op. I had my surgery back in August and things have been going great up until February. My weight loss was steady and I was motivated to stay the course. In February my husband and I went on a cruise... Food, food, food!!!! I was strong and did good, but since then the pounds are not coming off. I have been fighting plateaus for 3 months. I joined a gym and try to go at least 3 times a week but still the weight is holding on. I am down 93 lbs. from my surgery but I need to keep moving. Any suggestions!

I've experienced chest pains fever and kidney infection... [ATTACH]13319[/ATTACH]

Hello, I am new here to Vertical Sleeve Talk. I will finally be Sleeved on June 5, 2013 and I can hardly wait. I am Excited, Terrified, Happy all at the same time. I hope to meet others here that I can share my journey with. Lunaya