Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

It happens every time. During every diet there comes a time when I say "to hell with it, I want this!", and then I eat something I shouldn't. I do feel guilty briefly, but the only punishment is a rise in the number on the scale, which is easily ignored by not even stepping on the scale. Today I slipped into that same bad habit, and overate (waaay overate, so apparently it was a slider food!) something I shouldn't have. But this time, 5 weeks post-sleeve, I paid for it! Luckily no vomiting or sliming, but I spent a lot of time running to the bathroom, and boy were my innards making some noise! Not real comfortable, either. This lasted several hours, including after I ha…

One week to go to surgery :-), first week of liquid diet done! (not easy). Heading to Cleveland Clinic on 5/14 and so ready to begin my new life. Cleveland Clinic has been phenomenal and I feel I am in good hands. I was excited to see this app available for my tablet and find others who are taking this life changing journey. Family has been very supportive and shares in the excitement.

Hello Everyone!! I'm new to the site and I'm not exactly sure how this works but I'm here to introduce myself! My name is Morgan McKenna from Hamilton, New Jersey and I'm 18 years old. I started thinking about Weight-Loss Surgery about 3 years ago but didn't actually do anything about it until about 2 years ago. My mother found a surgeon in Livingston, New Jersey, Dr. Valeriu Andrei, and that's who I have been seeing since. For the past 2 years I've been trying everything I could to try to lose weight without actually getting surgery. I tried different diets, exercising anything I could think of but nothing seemed to work for me. So, I decided that surgery would giv…

After many years of being overweight I finally decided to start taking the necessary steps required by my insurance to pay for it. I found my surgeon because one of the requirements from the insurance was the surgery had to be perfomed at a Bariatric Center of Excellence.. Once I met with him and the staff I knew I made the right decision.. I did my initial visit in February 2013 and now have a scheduled surgery date of May 14, 2013.. I am super excited and ready for my new life..

Hi! I just had my surgery(sleeve)Tuesday. My husband had his done last month. He is already down 40pounds! Im so proud of him, and cant wait to start having some of the same results (although much slower lol) I'm really looking for any tips that I can pass along to him as well as myself. I teach 4th grade and we own a crawfish boil n go that we run together after our day jobs. Today I returned to work (both jobs) and I was moving very slow to say the least. I'm really excited to read and learn about all of your amazing stories and I appreciate any advice you can give me. Oh, I also have 10 &4 year old boys, so if anyone has any advice or warnings.... I pray…

Hi all, I'm celebrating my two year surgiversary today! In honor of that, I've finally finished my profile, adding pictures of me at goal and writing my surgery story, which I've copied below. I'm looking forward to another successful year at goal weight! Lynda My surgery story: I joined VSG in December 2010 after deciding to pursue WLS in November 2010. I'd been lurking for about a month. I originally thought I wanted a lap band, but after learning more on VST and other sites, I decided to become a sleever. For those interested in the Kaiser Fremont process: I met with my primary care Dr. in Nov. and he signed me up for the next Overview meeting in Santa Cla…

I had my sleeve on April 23, 2013. Original weight 274 Height 5' 10". Weigh at surgery 268. Weight now 248. My goal is 200. I am wondering if anyone has meal suggestions for someone 3 1/2 weeks post-op. I tolerate cheese but scared of meat and can only eat non-starchy foods. ANY suggestion are welcomed since I can only eat about 2 to 3 bites.

Does anyone have any info on long term usage if vitamins (iron) after VsG & chances of getting stomach ulcers? Just curious

I will be 3 months post op on May 22nd and just this week I have noticed lots of my hair falling out. During the shower I have to clean the drain 2 times. I have lost 60 lbs and it hasn't even been a full 3 months yet. I make sure I am eating enough protein but obviously it's not enough. Any suggestions?!!

I have been banded for 5 years. Countless numbers of fills and unfills. Most recently (earlier this year) I had to have the fluid removed because my pouch was swollen. After testing and everything was better, the Dr refilled 3cc and I fill like I have no restriction. I have an appt on Tuesday and I'm praying for a refill. I have gained 15 lbs this year alone and I am sad and desperate. I still continued my exercise routine but I'm hungry more often than not. Has anyone else had issues like this? Were you able to get back on track? I feel helpless most of the time but I want my life back!

Hello Everyone, I am three weeks post op, and will hopefully will soon be moving to puree food. I feel like I've been doing really well since the surgery in most aspects. However I am still having trouble making sure I get my 3 shakes in a day and most days not getting as much Water as I would like. It seems to take me like an hour to get a shake down, does this get easier? I am worried puree will take even longer for me to get down and I'll fall behind on Protein and nutrients during the day. Also I have a lot more energy during the day, but when I get home from work I seem to crash really hard. Does this get better when I get on real food again? Thanks for any feedba…

According to my insurance they'll cover my surgery if the doctor sees it medically necessary. So which doctor writes my letter for the Insurance company. My PCP, the surgeon or both?

I had my sleeve done on may the 8th 2013.. woke up in alot of pain, my dr. Dont use the pain pump anyways, walked and have been walking everyday. . Fluids and Protein shakes are going down easy.. I can easily drink 4 oz in 15 minutes.. I have not had that full feeling everyone has talked about, and had what I thought to be hunger pains..but I keep being reassured its prolly just the acids in my stomach..I start my soft pureed foods on the 20th and was told thats when the full part will catch up to you.. my starting weight was 262lbs.. I have my first apt post op the23rd. Will keep you updated! [ATTACH]12882[/ATTACH] Me 8 days post op on the far right

Hello, I find that at the time of a meal I can pretty much eat what I like, just very little amounts and slowly without feeling upset , etc. However, my problem is approx. an hour or hour and a half later my stomach starts getting really upset, queesy and I end up throwing up. And when I do it's a lot of acid etc. I've tried acid reducers etc. but to no aval. Does anyone have any similar situations and/or suggestions?

Hi my name is Sharon. I just made the decision to have the gastric sleeve. I am 57 and have struggled since the age of 10 with my weight. My surgeon will be Trace Curry. I have my first appointment next week. I anticipate the surgery will be in August. Wish it could be tomorrow. I have to admit I have a fear of failing at this too but I am excited.

So I'm single and new in the dating scene. I'm afraid to go on a date to a restaurant and run into an awkward moment when the menu isn't band friendly. Has any one been to any restaurant that have a menu with small portion? Any ideas where I can go where my date would order what she wants and I don't have to worry about them not having a good menu? Thnks - Rick

My weight has not changed since December 2012. I had the sleeve in June 2012. I was 180lbs in December and 170lbs now. I am not at goal and I am 11 months post op. I exercise 5 to 6 times a week. Is it muscle I can wear a size 10-12. Do I need to go back on liquids? Please help.

I guess this Journey has been very tough and these past five months have been very hard to adjust to. On a good note I have lost 65 pounds but I feel like my weight loss has come to a stand still. I wish that i would lose weight a little faster..I know I should be happy of all the weight I have lost it's just that I haven't lost but one pound in one month Feeling sad.... Thanks for listening

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to check back in at 9 months post op to say life is FABULOUS! I had my sleeve in Aug 2012 and had a complication free experience. Aside from occasional nausea, I haven't experienced any real negative side effects. I work out 5 times a week with weights and cardio. I had a breast reduction and lift on Friday and I can't believe how amazing I feel. I started my journey at 5'6" 235 lbs. I'm now 160, with a goal weight of 145. I've attached updated pics, although they are pre breast reduction. So, now I look and feel slimmer. Anyhow, just wanted to share a positive, complication free experience. Dr. Mueller in San Diego is excellent! Good luck everyon…

So we all heard, she removed her boobies (and planning on removing her ovaries) because she's high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. I think it's absolutely brilliant, my grandma and my mom both suffer from breast cancer, my grandma is doing well, my mom on the other hand not so much. The cancer has spread to her bones, she's constantly in pain, her bones always break doing simple things like tying her shoelaces. It's crazy, she's had radiation daily, chemo 2 or 3x per week and all sorts of other doctors appointments. Also she has lost her vision as a side effect of one of her meds. So yes, I applaud Angelina Jolie for avoiding a life like my mom's. Who in the right min…

I don't get to come on to VST very often, but I thought I'd stop by and share my success thus far. My name is Britnee. I'm 23 and have an almost 3 year old daughter. Her and school are my priorities. While making my daughter my main priority, I realized that something had to be done about my weight. I wanted to stick around for her. I've been her only constant since the day she was born, so I want her to have me around for many many years into the future. Anyways, I started the process in Aug '12. I had surgery on Oct. 10th, 2012. I have one of those special insurances that doesn't expect 6 months of weigh-ins. My HW was 316. My GW is 175 (then 130). My CW is 252…

I'm eating well but I still have that damn sweet tooth. Its of course controllable but it's still there and I had one french fry yesterday off of my hubbies plate. Can I just blame it on mother's day and just forget about it and move on? I'm only seven weeks post op and already cheating with a French fry and sweets. I was 246 Dos and 210 as of last thursday.

Tomorrow is my last physican supervised appointment then I will be able to submit to my insurance for approval im so excited and I must say these 3 appointment have gone by rather quickly.... let me know if you guys have any advice for me moving forward!!!

It has been a long journey for me thus far. I was always over weight as a kid, I was never teased though, which is a good thing. I had the LapBand in 2010 and well that didn't work for me. It slipped, I got a hernia, and needed surgery, so I decided to switch to the sleeve. Everyone I work with seems to have had it done and nothing but amazing things to say about it and they look amazing. I wanted that feeling. So I had my sleeve done on April 29, 2013 and I gotta tell you I got the crappy end of the deal. I have had issues ever since i got home. I got a boil on the rear end, had to have that taken care of and tested, then I had severe cramping in my stomach and aroun…

I am getting closer to a surgery date and am very excited, but getting more nervous too. I went to my fist support group meeting this week. I think it increased my anxiety! Tomorrow I have my final appointment with the psychologist. Wednesday I see the nutritionist for the last time. Then all that will stand in my way is insurance, which shouldn't be complicated - but you never know! I have lost 18.8 pounds as of this morning using my fitness pal app. As of this week I am totally off Diet Coke. I am trying to do everything I can on the front end to make this easier on the post op side. A bit about me - I am 48 years old with a BMI of 58. I have fought my weight …

Hi guys, So I spoke to one of my aunts and she is going to accompany me to have my Gastric Sleeve done in Mexico Since she stays out there. Im now looking for any Surgeons recommended In puerta vallarta. I also dont mind a Surgeon In Guadalajara or Monterrey. My father doesnt feel its safe if I get the surgery In Mexicali. Tijuana, Or Piedras Negras. So those are out of the Question. So far I been looking at Dr. alejandro lopez In puerta Vallarta, Anyone else had him? Or any recommendations? Also Id like to stay around the price range of $5,000 to 6,000 Any help would be gladly appreciated. If you have a website for them and numbers also thank you all so much! Im look…

Got all my testing and I cant wait to begin this journey !!I am so glad I found this site the one my doc gave me was all old postings you have all shared so much information I am feeling good about my decision:)

I started my ow blog. Not sure what I'm doing but having fun. Come check me out and share your stories. This is not your typical fat folks site. http://phatdicky.blogspot.com/

Hey everybody! Help!! Im on my testing partt o the journey and my surgeon requires an upper gi im getting it done tomorow but what is that??? Do they sedate you cause im going in my own and im kinda worried anybody had this done pre-op?? I appreciate your advice!! :0)

How much is to much.

So next Wednesday and Thursday all requirements will be met!!! I am so nervous i been ready posts all day.... I hope i get approved quickly before i chicken out!!! Im extremely nervous!

Hi, I'm Heather. I joined this site last year, but didn't go through with everything. I'm a Kaiser patient and I'm starting the Options program on May 30. I'm excited about this journey and plan on having the surgery in mid-December. I'm a teacher, so I'll have a 3-week winter break in which to recover. I guess this is somewhat "off-topic" but I'm so painfully depressed. I've been divorced for over 2 years now, and I feel like it was the worst mistake of my life. I wish it had never happened. I feel like I "thought" I was unhappy with my husband, but being divorced, I'm MORE unhappy than ever. I miss my ex. We are friends and even though he says "we will NEVER get back …

Preop weight 341 (did I just say that). Down 20 lbs so far! Hopefully will find out why legs and now chest hurt.

Well, my Insurance won't cover the sleeve for me. They will only cover gastric bypass, lapband, or stomach stapling. I am so bummed right now. I go to meet with the surgeon on June 12th to see what is best for me but I do NOT want gastric bypass. Looks like I may have to go with the band. The only way they will pay for the sleeve is if I need a revision after the band. Not cool!

Very happy to report that I am due to have the sleeve on June 20th, 2013. I am excited, nervous, hopeful.....I have been on this journey for nearly 2 years. Quit smoking nearly 6 months ago, changed my thinking about food, now I find myself getting all ready, cleaning, buying what I will need, getting all my time off paperwork in order. I have decided to take 4 weeks off, so I can heal physically and emotionally, get used to the new belly. I will keep you al posted!!

Hey everyone, Just started my journey and I'm feeling great. Starting weight 324 lbs and height 6'4" which gave me a BMI of 39. Currently, 297lbs and feeling great. Best of all lost all cravings and feel full all the time lol.

I will be getting my sleeve on the 4th if June. This will be my second weight loss surgery. I had a lapband about 4 years ago and it worked wonderful. I lost 145 lbs. Only 10 lbs. from my goal weight of 240. But the band slipped and during the revision surgery the hepatic vein was nicked causing me to nearly bleed out on the operating table. But due to the skill of the surgeon and his team I survived. It has taken me a long time mentally to do this again but here I am. Hopefully I will again regain my life and be able to live and love to the fullest.

Hi all, I am 63 years old and had my surgery on April 2, 2013 at David Grant Medical Center at Travis AFB by Dr. Phayet Bui. Today is my 2 week check-up. I have had a different experience than most of you have posted. Three weeks before surgery, I had to go on a liquid protein diet. ( it was supposed to make my liver shrink and become pliable). When I started this I weighed 233 pounds. The day of my surgery, I weighed 220. Today, 2 weeks after surgery, I weigh 209, so it seems to be working. I am still on the liquid protein stage 2 diet, so I haven't had any solid food for 5 weeks now, with 2 more weeks to go, then I am supposed to start the stage 3 diet, pureed foo…

Thank u so much for getting back to me xx

Hi all, I'm new to VST. I am finding to to be quite informative and helpful. Thanks to all. I have not yet scheduled my surgery. I am meeting next week with the Surgeon. I am so exited. A little nervous but overall am looking forward to it.

So I went for a follow up a week after the surgery and from my last weigh in to now a total of 3 weeks I've lost 35 pnds so far. I have officially surpassed my all time total weight loss in 3 weeks. Any one loosing or noticed thinning hair? Any solution or remedies to save my "Goldie Locks"? Before and after pics so far lol people say they see the difference but I don't [ATTACH]26773[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]26774[/ATTACH]

I had my surgery yesterday 5/13/13. It was such a process for me because im so anemic that i had to have a blood transfusion before i could have the surgery. The gas is horrible. It hurts more than the surgical wounds. But, i had my first Protein shake today and it helped.

So, 19 months post op, after an 85 lb loss and very successful surgery (I have been at goal weight for 9 months), I decided to have a breast lift in both and reduction in one. That happened a week ago and all is well! I posted my story on my blog, so take a look. Most of you know I did a weekly blog for the first year of life after the sleeve and posted faithfully every Sunday. I stopped after a little over a year, but thought this was worthy to share. I thought I would need implants but after some research, found out that a lift and reduction would be best and I am so happy not to have implants! I am almost 60 but for the first time in my life I now have nice breasts!…

Hello I am 20 years olds and got my surgery yesterday! I made this choice so I would not have to worry about my weight anymore. My normal weight is 110 120, but when I stated college I gained 80 pounds and would lose the weight but gain it right back! I found out about the vertical sleeve just about 2 months ago and had never even thought that having a surgery like this would be for me. My mom had surgery TJ about 2 months ago and after an amazing experience with my mom there was no stopping me! This will change a person life forever. I flew from canada to TJ to have my surgery! I have the greatest doctor that has been there every step of the way! If anyone has any quest…

I'm just here saying hi to everyone because I just had my surgery 5/2/13, and I already feel amazing! Just wondering what everyone's outcome after 6 months has been?

I just had my second fill after being banded 4 years. In the past year I've put back on about 30 pounds. I went and had the same fill amount put in that I did 4 years ago. It worked great the first time around, yet now I'm 5 days out & am struggling to get water down. I've heard you can get tighter after a few days, but this is ridiculous. Should I have some taken out or am I just not used to this 'tight' feeling?

Ok, I'm going to give every bit of my story in detail so grab a glass of Water lol. It all started around the first of March, 2013 when my friend (who just scheduled with Dr Kelly for May 16) mentioned you could get weight loss surgery in Tijuana for about 5k. I laughed so hard I almost spit out my drink and was like YAH RIGHT, I'll get right on that. After I went home I did a ton of research and a few days later I said, ok, if I'm still this heavy next year I will schedule the surgery, possibly in the states. I've been a medical professional for 15 years and had that old Tijuana reputation in my mind. After researching for hours, days on end I found Dr Kelly's prof…

The die is cast. I have a date. I am slated to have surgery in TJ on May 21st, 2013. Looking back over a not so distant span of time I find myself in the midst of a pre-op diet for gastric sleeve surgery. I have purchased tickets to fly to San Diego and told only my wife and two youngest children. I am going alone because I don’t want to worry about her worrying about me. This is all about me. I am doing this for me. Yes I could fall back on the moral high ground that it will help improve my health. Don’t get me wrong I do want to reduce my mortality rate so I can be there for my family. The truth is I want to be there for me too. I just want to feel better physical…

First photo is day before surgery on April 21. Second one is from today. I didn't notice the difference until I put then side by side!

Ello, my name is Julie and I'm 26 years old. I've battled my weight me entire life making myself my worse enemy through most of my life. There were times when the diets and pills worked and I would drop the weight. Around my 21st birthday I had dropped down to around 170 with the help of Phentermine. Within the year it was all back. Then in 2009 I once again got back on the Phentermine, Adderall and joined weight watchers, I went from 209lbs to 155lbs. I was the happiest I had ever been. I was successful at keeping that weight off for about 1.5 years. Then I had a tragic loss, stopped taking the Phentermine and Adderall and shot up to a devastating 260lbs. This is when I …