Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone, So I went to a seminar yesterday thinking I wanted the lap band then coming out considering the sleeve instead. I have Kaiser and I know it's hard to get them to approve things. Does anyone else have Kaiser? If so what steps did you have to take to get there? I also have blue shield ppo but there is a lot out of pocket needed.. I'm 23 with bmi of 42 I don't have any other health problems but joint and back pain..

I had surgery May 10th,and this may be too much info,but I had not had a menstrual period for over a year and my Dr thought I was pre menopausel and since I had surgery ,I recently started my menstrual again. Has this happened to anyone?And again sorry for too much info,just curious if anyone has gone thru this.

Hallelujah!!!!! Blue Cross/Blue Shield approved my surgery and my deductible has been met for the year!!!!! What's next?? I assume a date will now be set. liquid diet, I need help from you'll if what does this consist of?? Really 2 weeks???

I am scared to death to loose my hair. I recently had my surgery on May 8th 2013, so I haven't experienced any hair loss yet. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions on how to maintain minimal hair-loss?? I've seen YouTube videos and read posts about loosing hair after the surgery. My hair is thin enough as it is, I would hate to loose more!

I had the band placed in March of 2009. I lost 80 pounds but have gained 60 of it back. I am glad I found this site for support and to get me back on track.

I'm considering the sleeve any feed back would be great

Thought I should introduce myself since I've been lurking around. My name is Cassandra, I'm 29, I've been married for 7.5 years and I have an 18 month old son. I'm from Lubbock, TX. I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teen but my weight gain began in my very early 20's. I put on 70 lb in a matter of 12 months. I was always average sized (size 10 or so) and athletic throughout high school so the sudden weight gain accompanied by major hormonal changes was a shock to my system. Over the years I've become less physically active because I become frustrated with little to no results from so much effort. As a result I've gained an additional 30 lb on top of the 70 I gained at fi…

I started this process over a year ago and have gotten no where. At first I was 100% positive that I was going to do the bypass. I met with the surgeon, did all of the pre op test and visits that were required. Then I found a website that I was really excited to dig in to. however, it seems that 90% of what I read was all negative. Scared the heck out of me and my family. I want to lose weight and I need to, but I can't see through all the negative things. So a couple months ago I looked more into the band. Safer and can be removed if problems arise. Makes more sense to me? Then of course I go and check out the other site and people on there are all negative about the ban…

7 days post op and I'm down 13 pounds!!! I'm so happy.. ) how much have you guys lost in the first weeks and months!?????? Pre-op: 252 DOS: 240 Today: 227

I am doing ok,but confused about what to eat or how much? My chest is sore and I feel like I want to burp,but its sore,and my right side is more sore than my left ,any suggestions ?

Hello everyone, I'm going in for my sleeve tomorrow morning and could not be more excited. I will be having it at Washington Hospital Center in DC. I have been lurking on these forums for the last couple of months reading and taking notes. I just want to say thanks for the tons of information and resources from the members. It has really been a great help.

Well finally its a go got my date im s nervous i go in may 21 the whole process took all of 2 months im excited

Hi, Well Ive been doing alot of research over the passed year about gastric Sleeve. Im so ready but the problem now is finding the right doctor for me. I started off with a consultation at the Nicholson Clinic In dallas texas. But, Im a self pay patient. So now Im considering my Options In Mexico. So far the Lowest price was with Dr. Alvarez In Tijuana Baja California. I could not simply convince my dad for the life of me, he says its dangerous and that he doesnt want to play with my life. However He considered anywhere In guadalajara Mexico. So I did my research and I found a Dr. Named Castaneda. He has alot of great Reviews. has anyone ever used him? whats the pricing …

Can anyone tell me the estimated recovery time is. Do ppl go back to work immediately or couple days? I know everyone is different bit I would just like to hear what ppl have to say. Thanks guys

12 hrs post-op I'm home & starting to feel a little better. Still dealing with gas pains & port site pain, which I expected. My hubby is taking real good care of me. Hope to feel better tmrw.

Hello everyone I'm new here as well as new to the state of Texas and I'm having my gastric sleeve done Monday May 20th. I actually work at the facility where I'm having my procedure. I'm a nurse so I advise patients everyday but here I am on the other side of things and I'm afraid. I've watched several videos posted online by people preop and they have a support system right there I don't so it's getting very real. I'm praying things go well I just need to be a patient and not a nurse for once.

Hi there. I wanted to join this group hoping to find someone else that maybe in the same situation I am. Please do not judge or make judgement as to what I have done. I had gastric bypass in June 2004 and I had this done as an open procedure. Lost about 120-125 pounds. and was really good with that. I then started exercising and doing the "Curves" thing. I then discovered that I had a golf ball size incisional hernia from this surgery. Due to a job layoff and losing insurance I wasn't able to have this fixed. Finally I was able to get this fixed in March of 2011 and at this point it was the size of a grapefruit. Found this great surgeon who also happened to b…

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I'm glad I found this site. It's nice to find support, help, and read everyone's stories. It helps to read other experiences. My surgery is May 24- just got the date last Friday. Tomorrow is my pre-op,and I meet my surgeon next Thursday. It seems like most people here have a liquid diet for at least two weeks, but my doctor's office has me doing it for 7 days before surgery. I'm both excited and nervous. I've overheard people at work talking and saying that I've been on so many diets and always gained it back, and that I'm just too lazy to lose the weight "the right way" (as they put it). I also have a lot of supportive family and friends. I was wondering how many of …

Ok so I am at the point where I feel ok joining a gym. But I am confused which one I should join. My choices are, YMCA, curves, dinardo fitness, or LA fitness. Any thoughts on any of these? Likes? Dislikes? Good or bad experiences?

I had my sleeve on the 7th of May. On Friday I was doing well. Very little gas pain. I was the closest I have gotten yet to 64oz of liquid and 70g of protein. Yesterday however was the start of a set back. I had really bad pains yesterday and it feels like I am stuffing myself to even have a sip of liquid. It takes me all day just to force down 20oz Isopure. I am not feeling any better today. I walk every 2 hours for 15 minutes, I use the little breathing thing every 4 hours, no solids all liquid per my surgeon. I have done everything that has been asked of me. What am I doing wrong? Is this normal? The way I feel I can't get enough liquids in to stay hydrated and not e…

3 days...may 17th....here already.......

I was band Friday so happy but was going crazy in my house. I decided to come to work it's a slow pace job. Just ready for the soreness to leave. I feel a little handicap but Im already seeing a small change in my clothing. Oh and why is it that food commercial has been grossing me at all weekend Biggest ? Is about the soreness help me please!!!

Will have surgery in September.. Dont know what to expect!!' Very scare!!!

I was a little sore the first day I came home from surgery, but if you do a lot of walking, I promise you that will help. I do need to ask someone that has had the surgery if anyone's calve's were hurting? The only soreness on me is my calve's. I stiffen up especially when i get up in the morning!! I am so excited to have had the surgery and can't wait to see the end results!!! Thank You

I'm about to be banded! Excited & a little nervous, see y'all on the other side.............

I'm only one week post-op and am having trouble getting in my Protein, mostly because I don't like the Protein shake I bought from my surgeons office... Wanted to see what you all have found... Are there any DELICIOUS Protein shakes out there???? Help!

Hello everyone, Just stopping by to post some before and after pics. I'm still 7 lbs away from goal but I'm totally happy I'm not where I used to be. I give all Glory to God because without Him none of this would be possible. It's been a long journey. My advice to those who are just starting would be to hang in there, your day will come. God Bless you all!!!

I have my seminar today. I wonder what they will talk about? Any suggestions on what to bring? I have pen paper and copy of my insurance card. I can't wait for the end of today I will have my first bariatric surgeon appt. :-)

I just downloaded this app and thought it was a cool idea to talk to other people that are going through, or have gone through what I was and am going through now. I was sleeved on April 16th and at my two week post op appt I had already lost 48 pounds. 48 freaking pounds!!!! I have a long way to go but it looks like this was the right decision. I'm only four weeks out on Tuesday and I'm still on puréed food. Lots of tuna fish haha. SERIOUSLY craving crunch. Good journey people!

Feeling great so far...pureed food is going well and looking forward to chewing. Down 31 lbs..since start of liquids pre op. Only 120 to go! I like the positivity.Some sites have a lot of people sharing failure stories...not good for morale. I hope to stay motivated to keep it off permanently.

It will give some motivation to know similar stories as there is no one fixed scale of the pounds we might lose. So any one interested to share their experience to mention started weight before sleeve....n the weight lost in 4, 8, 12 weeks after the sleeve.... I was 250 pound n after 2 weeks i was 222pound..n now am 5 weeks n still am 222lb.

I was sleeved on 3/13/2013 today I am exactly 8 weeks 2 days post op and I am down 50lbs ...how about you march sleevers???? Also I work so much I really haven't had time for the gym but since my schedule has changed I'm starting Monday I hope that speeds up the weight loss Starting weight 327lbs Currently 277lbs

+ gastric sleeve .done + tattoo next month + the snip drs appointment next Thursday +new job ??? +5 k end of may + flying lessons What's yours:-)

My surgery was one week ago tomorrow, I want to eat so bad, it all looks so good, my family is sitting here eating in front of me and I want it, this sucks, I almost feel like I wish I didn't do this because it is so good and comforts me. Will I ever not miss food!!!

I've called my insurance regarding having the lap band surgery and what my coverage was and they told me I have no coverage for bariatric surgery unless they got a letter from the dr saying that it was medically necessary. I have yet to see a bariatric dr(I'm going to a seminar on Tuesday) yet and I'm a little scared/nervous that he won't see it medically necessary for me. I've been 100+ over for about 6 years now, my BMI is 45 but I have no diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea or anything like that. (i would like to prevent that). I've tried dieting on my own and have been unsuccessful. Has anyone had any experience with having there Dr write up a letter? And wha…

Hello, Fellow LB's! The day is quickly approaching for me to be banded on 5/24. I'm asking for support and to follow my journey displaying the good, bad and ugly. I'm hoping to be an inspiration to others and I'm hoping to gain inspiration through you. Follow my journey on Instagram at losingdiva.

Hi I am 1month post op & need some new ideas on getting protein in besides shakes I'm getting real tired of them please help

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 can finally say I had the surgery! I had the bypass Wednesday, May 8, and it is now Saturday, May 11. I still have cramps and pain, but considering it was major surgery, I am doing great! I've been up walking around the house occasionally folding laundry, making sure I drink lots of sips of Water. My first night home from the hospital my family made pizza and celebrated my husband's birthday with an ice cream cake. It wasn't really difficult to resist since my stomach is still so sore, but it smelled really good. I am going to need a better defense down the road when my stomach doesn't hurt any more. Kate

So I'm 19 years old, I had my sleeve on 12/10/12 and as of right now I've lost about 55 pounds! This surgery was the best decision I've ever made!

Surgery first thing in the morning I'm now definitely nervous!!! The hardest part is being in the hospital away from my kids especially my 18 month old. I hope it goes by fast.

I'm excited my seminar is tomorrow.. I wonder how it will be

So I had my meeting with the surgeon on Friday. It went great, I was so nervous, but he was great. I have only a few things to do before we can schedule surgery, (2) appointments with a nutrisionist, (1) with a psychologist (which I am nervous about), Some X-Ray, PCP letter, and Blood work, everything wil be done by June 4th... Does anyone know after you complete the steps how long after is surgery schedule? I really hope to get it done during the summer so I don't have to worry about how my son is going to get to school...

hello,everyone! My name is gab, 23 years old and am 69 days away from surgery! I have aetna and am having my surgery in New Jersey. I'm having a difficult time with finding a protein drink for meal replacement now, and am worried I won't have anything I like come after surgery. ( I'm very picky) I wish I weren't! I haven't dropped much weight the last two months, but my bmi and water intake have been improving one or two points and I am proud of that. I am a smoker and have been trying n to cut back now before surgery. I'm down to maybe 5 cigarettes a day. Just would like to meet some people who'd be able to help me through out my journey who would like some support as w…

I had my sleeve surgery May 8, 2013 in New Iberia, LA. I started at 198 pounds. Today is day 4 and I'm done 8 pounds. Surgery went well. I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be. I returned home yesterday and have been starving since. I hope I can figure out what will fill me up. I'm on clear liquids for the first week.

301 before now 153 9 mos out

This may seem small to others, but I went hiking! I am pre-op right now at 359 and I managed to go hiking two days in a row! This is the first time I've ever done this. It's times like these that makes me so hopeful for my new life post op. If I can do this at my current weight, what will I be able to do when I'm on the losers bench. All of you who have shared your amazing success stories have motivated me to push myself to be prepared for surgery. Thanks to you all!

My life will change on May 21, 2013. I am 36 years old. I will be having a sleeve gastrectomy performed in Houston, Texas by Texas Laparoscopic Consultants with Dr. Sherman Yu, MD, FACS. I am 5'8 in height, and weigh 285 lbs. I have medical insurance with United Healthcare but they won't cover the surgery. Therefore, my Medicare will be paying it. I am diabetic, have cholesterol, and unfortunately suffered a stroke back in 2010 which left me partially paralyzed. I have been overweight my whole life and the smallest I can recall was me at 220lbs. I am excited and scared at the same time, but I know that this surgery can and will improve my life. I have been a m…

I had a bit of fried rice and curry from the Chinese on Saturday and oh my gosh I was in pain. Has anyone else had this. Or does anyone know what it was so I can keep away. Thanks x Sent from my iPhone using VST