Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I had my lap band surgery November 1, 2010 and things went great for a while. I bounced back from surgery quickly and had very few issues adjusting to banded life. From November until the following March/April, I dropped about 65 pounds...then I hit a wall. It was like a light switched and I stopped losing weight. To date, I have never had any issues throwing up. If something does get very uncomfortable, I can drink a little Water and it goes right through. There were two surgeons in the office I went to, but the one who performed my surgery moved to another state to start a new practice. Unfortunately, the other surgeon doesn't like the band because he's a big …

Im finally here at the hospital just waiting for everything to begin.

I'm not sure where to post this, but I am hoping I chose the right forum!! I have been heavy all my life. I remember I was the bigger 'kid' in all of my elementary classes and I just wanted to be 'skinny' like the other girls. At one point in time I remember one summer my mom had me try Slim Fast. Back in the day it was NASTY!!!! That didn't last long with me. But, then again I grew up on a farm where it was meat, potato, veggie, bread and dessert every night. When I graduated high school I believe I was around 230 lbs then. It sucked, I tried everything I could, but I just started to gain weight. So fast forward a few years. I met my ex husband late 2002. I w…

Sleeved 12/31/2012 High weight: 303 Surgery weight: 297 First month: - 31lbs Second month: - 11 lbs Third month: - 13 lbs Fourth month: - 10 lbs Current weight: 237.8 Total lost: - 65.2 lbs

Today I was so hungry after work (I work midnights)I stopped and got a egg white mcmuffin from McDonald's and ate the whole thing, I had my surgery April 3rd, did I just totally mess my surgery up and why was I able to eat all that, I am practically in tears right now.

Down 35lbs since my surgery April 2nd I love the changes I see! [ATTACH]12129[/ATTACH]

I just joined today and am introducing myself like the welcome email suggested. I am 8 days post-op and feeling pretty good. Starting to get bored with the full liquids but I am looking forward to adding more variety next week with the pureed foods. I have only had 2 problems so far: protein shakes and a horrible allergic reaction to the surgical tape. The protein is probably my toughest challenge right now. I can't seem to find one that I can tolerate enough to allow me to get in my required amounts. I am averaging about half of what is recommended. I'm just going to keep working at it though. As for the allergic reaction, my abdomen is healing nicely from the incisions,…

Just set up my first and second appt for nut class one is may 7th and the second is June 6th my third one will be right before surgery whenever they find out my date....what to expect!?? These class are not required by my insurance but i took them anyway just to know the things i should be putting into my body and the things i shouldn't

My highest weight was 287. I felt lost at that weight. I have two healthy weight children & husband & I felt like an embarrassment (not that they ever did anything to make me feel this way it was just something inside of me). I made my personal decision to have this surgery & my family were all very supportive. My surgery was January 23, 2013. My weight at that time was 266. I am 3 months post op and I'm 222.5 lbs. I'm down a total of 64.5 lbs. I'm very happy with my choice & my progress. The only problem I have had so far has been occasional constipation. I'm working on resolving that with more water, exercise & stool softeners according to my doctor…

Does anyone know if the total lean shakes from GNC are safe to drink?

Anybody know why I am feeling saddened and crying? Very weird and never had this before. Was feeling it yesterday but today I just broke down in tears and I don't know why..

So, I was banded 6 days ago. I have lost 10lbs up until yesterday, but thanks to my monthly visitor, I now have gained a pound...a pound. All this work, and I gain a pound. Jeez. There goes the next few days. Anyways, I thought I would share some of my tips. They may not work for you, but they did for me. And if you have some, please do share. I am always lookinf for info. So let me start with medicines. I was told to take a multi Vitamin, acid reducer, and Calcium. Went to Walmart, got store brand Equate Acid Reducer ($5 cheaper than Pepcid, $10 for large bottle - may change to ); Viactiv calcium chews with vitamind D ($10); Active Kids Complete with Iron multi Vitami…

My story begins in 2009. I received the lap band b\c my doctor told me that I was too big for the hysterectomy surgery that I needed or my cysts could, and probably would become cancerous. Believe it or not, I received the my lap band w\in 4months. I did lose just enough weight to have the surgery, but complications came about, and the doctors could not finish removing my cervix. After the surgery depression hit HARD, and now I am heavier then when I first started. My surgeon did not have support groups, nor did I adventure out to find one. I thought I was strong, and did not need one. Boy was I WRONG! I now have a second chance. Yesterday, April 27, 2013, I made a HUG…

Yesterday morning I had my EGD test. I really didn't expect this to be as hard as it was. Just an overall bad morning, first they call and say my surgeon who I've been seeing and comfortable with was busy and they've found a replacement if I can come RIGHT NOW. Who rushes a patient to a surgery or procedure, I mean I was still processing the fact that I was going through this procedure. I get there and by the time I sit down in the lobby there saying come on back. They did the prep work in what had to be record time and the next thing I know the Dr. asked if I had any question and before I could even anwser I was out. Next thing I remember is sitting at home and my new pu…

Although new to this forum, my weight loss story is as old as sin. I am actually a veteran of the gastric band which was very effective for weight-loss, but a disaster in every other way. After the birth of my twins and the unexpected death of my brother a month later, I became a compulsive eater. I went on anti depressants which made me feel suicidal and my appetite increased to such an extent, I no longer knew who I was. I felt constant embarrassment at this new body and knew it represented just how out of control my life felt. The sleeve obviously didn't exist at that point, so I got the band and lost the extra weight and then some. The effect of the band wa…

So, I was banded 6 days ago. I have lost 10lbs up until yesterday, but thanks to my monthly visitor, I now have gained a pound...a pound. All this work, and I gain a pound. Jeez. There goes the next few days. Anyways, I thought I would share some of my tips. They may not work for you, but they did for me. And if you have some, please do share. I am always lookinf for info. So let me start with medicines. I was told to take a multi Vitamin, acid reducer, and Calcium. Went to Walmart, got store brand Equate Acid Reducer ($5 cheaper than Pepcid, $10 for large bottle - may change to ); Viactiv calcium chews with vitamind D ($10); Active Kids Complete with Iron multi Vitami…

Hi everyone My name is Katiana and I'm a band to sleever (SD 278 CW 238) and Im so concerned for myself. I have ZERO appetite so there I don't eat and barely drink. For example today I had one of the squeeze kids yogurts and a few pieces of watermelon and pineapple and that's all I had all day with about 16oz of water...and that's how my diets be on the regular...as anyone else out there like this???? I feel so bad when I read all the different things ppl are eating and the shakes they are getting in and Im not doing any of that and I know my health is going to decline if I keep at this rate...so please of anyone gone thru this let me know...

Okay I thought I was safe, I'm almost 4 months, dueing great, can eat pretty much anything with no problems. Then two weeks ago it happened! My hair started coming out. My question is how long does it keep falling out? And how much do you actually lose? Seems like so much is coming out. And just when I am starting to look and feel really good. If this keeps up all my drains will be completely clogged. Please give me answers... I will end up pretty depressed if this continues. How will I go out in public:(

So excited!! All the paper work was sent in Friday to the insurance they all ready called back saying APPROVED!!!!!

Knowing there is a forum to share with those who have the same experience is awesome. Thank you.

wish I had an approval already. I have a bmi of 41 , mild sleep apnea, joint pain n back pain but I'm worried I will get a denial letter

Greetings:All VSG on May 14th. Ate my last meal yesterday evening. Starting pre op diet this morning. Looking forward to surgery but depressed and hungry now. It's gonna be a long 2 weeks:(

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Hello friends! I am 1 week out and Down 27 lbs from start of pre op 3 weeks ago! Any good full liquid ideas! I'm not starving but I am getting really bored with soup and cream of wheat!!! Can we do applesauce or puréed foods?

I had my surgery on April 3, 2013. The first week I liost 20 lbs, the second week 5 lbs. I have not lost any more weight since week 2. Im stalled at 25lbs and this week makes week 4. Where do I go from here because Im getting fustrated!

It has been almost 4 years since i had gastric bypass surgery. I feel so frustrated because i had no support team after my surgery. The day of surgery i was 345 and today i am 250. I have a 17 month old who was born with some nutritional issues due to my gastric bypass. I feel out of control with my eating...it seams like after that first year i was able to eat whatever i wanted and thats what i have been doing. I need to get back on track but i dont know how or where to start. I have tried the protein shakes and hate them...i have busy lifestyle so i need quick meals....i just really feel defeated. I will be 30 in September and my goal is a size 14, i am now a 22. Any t…

Although i do have a concern..i can begin to eat real food according to my Dr. but i have and i feel like a sinking sensation after a couple of bites. Then i get like gas inside my stomach ...is that something unusual?

I just been sitting were for last hour reading posts all over the forum...and came to realize im not as confident as i thought i was..... For years I've struggled n relationships and going out finding the right outfit....but i always said if a man could except me for me then to heck with him and i just don't go out unless im forced....but i just think its crazy that weight plans such a big factor and it took til now for me to realize that im realize not as confident as i thought i was...i look at some of my pictures and say "goodness im huge" some pics look nice but some look horrid....just blowing steam and sucking it up i know thing will get better but sheesh it sucks..…

Like many overweight folks, I've had plenty of ailments that have kept me down. Besides my weight, I had no issues until I turned 30 (6 years ago)! Then, I went downhill from there: acid reflux, asthma, bad gallbladder, pleurisy, chronic migraines, herniated disk with sciatic pinch that resulted in permanent loss of feeling in my right foot, s-l-o-w healing after WLS, a stroke last month, then most recently unexplained vision loss. But, you know what I say to all those ailments now?? "F you! You hit like a girl. You will NOT keep me down because I am determined to live a happy, healthy life in SPITE of all those things trying to stop me." I know I'm very blessed …

I just had a band placed over my failed bypass and am wondering if any of you had that done?

Pain is finally subsiding some. Went back to work this morning, but not that comfortable sitting for long periods of time. On the plus side, had my coffee with creamer, and was able to do a small amount of protein shake yesterday. Not really feeling hungry but still have some discomfort from gas. Not planning on weighing myself until Friday. That will be one week from the day of surgery. I did lose 15 lbs preop, and hoping I see great results with this. I dont want to be discouraged by weighing daily, so I have decided not to even look at a scale except once a week. I can already tell some of my clothes are fitting better. I am very determined to lose this weight and ge…

Just wondering if there's anyone else in my area that has had this done recently, and how they're doing with it. I thought maybe they'd be some kind of support group, and if not maybe we can get one started. So, if you are in the Mesa area contact me via this site and we'll see if we can get something set up with regard to a support group. I would love to have a local support group where we can get together and discuss are successes, slip ups, or anything else.

Novemember 2012 is the first time I decided to make a change in my life. I am tired of walking around with large breast and SOB, insomnia, back ache and pain. I wanted to make a change so I decided to join the WL program and learn what my option would be to lose weight and be more happier in life. I do love myself and I love food as well but I am ready for a journey that I can image will open doors and opportunities. So as of now I have been cleared by my doctor (November) excepted into the program (Dec 2012) Visit with Pysch Dec 2012. I had my first Lifestyle healthy eating session Dec 2012, 2nd and 3rd session in Feb 2013. Missed my March appt because I got sick so …

Looking for someone to give me guidance, exchange cell numbers to text and be able to have quick access when needed. My surgery is schedule for the 23 and it all seems so unreal... begin this journey February 5 and everything happens so fast. I had an out of pocket expense of almost 1800 that I managed to pay. Now I need a grocery list to go and get so that even I come home I'm prepared. Somebody please help. I refuse to fail

I am finally banded. I have been working on this for about two years now, but last year, right before surgery date I became pregnant, something we both had wanted. I just had the baby in February, and scheduled my band as soon as OB and surgery doctor said it was ok. Hoping that it will work for me as good as it has for so many others. I did freak out when in the room, and wanted to leave, but I just prayed for a while and then everything was easier for me. Wow, this is a little harder than expected. The pain is there, specially when I move, but my biggest problem is the pressure in the chest. That is hard. Hopefully it will go soon. So, I am a female, 5.7 1/2 (accor…

Very nervous and excited. Have been on liquid diet last 2 weeks. Have to say I did not cheat and I quit smoking on the 10 th! Wish me luck for tomorrow and say a prayer pleae

I am sure it is from the IV fluids in the hospital and the gas, as I am bloated. I am still getting in my fluids and walking, still really sore belly, otherwise no issues, no nausea or other issues. Is this pretty common with others who had RNY? I also had a hernia they had to surgically repair and a lot of scar tissue. How long before the gas subsided and you were able to have a BM movement?

My NUT said 2 email her if I had any questions now she want 2 make me come in the office 4 everything & charge me $45 a visit I'm starting to feel some kind of way & this is really making me feel like I made a big mistake with my decision

Just a disclaimer that this is how I feel this morning, and I am in no way saying anyone else should feel this way: I am 9 days post op. I am doing amazing! I think I am a rare RARE case and perhaps should share my recovery: I have had NO pain (a tiny tiny bit at 2 incisions sites), NO complications, NO delays in anything, NO hair loss, and NO problems getting my liquid and protien in. I also did all of this on my own with NO help. I had a friend drive me to and pick me up from the hospital - that has been my only aid. So far, I would consider me the fairytale surgery to the point that in my follow up today, I am going to jokingly accuse my surgeon of not even doing the…

From the posts I have read, I found this site very early in my lap band journey. I have just begun my pre-op testing and diet. I have no surgery date yet, but I am aiming for August 2013. I was referred to this site by the nurse who prepped me for my EGD procedure at Baptist Health Corbin, KY. She was in her final 2 weeks pre-surgery, and she said the site was helping her tremendously. I was mainly looking for recipes, but I found so much more. This is a terrific place! I have been heavy since I was a teen. I was in marching band, but not very active otherwise. I was, and still am, a bookworm. My other hobbies, scrapbooking and genealogy, are also sedentary activies. A…

I got my lapband 3/27/13. I have lost 20 lbs all together counting my liquid diet. I am reading a lot of people who is losing more pounds than that I recived my first fill about a week ago and I don't feel no restrictions. What do I do am exercising and eating right someone help me please! Am feeling bad! I know that everyone is different.

New to this! Getting my sleeve by Dr Alejandro Lopez Ortega and his wife on June 14 2012 and getting nervous. Don't see many other sleevers with this Doctor, though alighterme is reputable and the other doc Garcia gets raves. Had read good stuff about him on the web, but didn't find this forum until after I scheduled. About to go into clear liquid diiet and wonder if I'll have the energy to make it to Tijuana from Florida by day 3, LOL! Any advice?

Well, I've been coming here for months pre-op to find answers and inspiration and as of 4/24/13 I got my band placed and today decided I needed to stop lurking and get more involved to help insure success! 5days post-op and the terrible stomach gas pains are finally mostly gone. I'm still getting used to the weird chest constriction feeling that happens randomly and every time I eat. I'm still on a full liquid diet until May 16th...that feels like forever, but I know it's a drop in the bucket of healthy years I'll have in my life if I can do this. I actually heated up a piece of homemade pizza today thinking if I took small bites... Then I jumped on here and kicke…

Well I have made the choice to have the surgery . I am new to the forum. And want to introduce myself. I am 33 yro. 5'6 and 297 pounds . My first doctor appt is monday the 29th to get my check off list to prepare for surgery . Was referred by my primary care doctor. Im very excited about my decision I have made. I have tons of health problems that's helped with my decision. And hope the go away ode just not be as harsh on me . Two years ago one morning I went to get out of bed and my whole body was sore to the point of touch. It was unlike anything I experienced in my 33 years. We to my pc and he ran a blood panel and my rhumitoid factor was threw the roof. So since then…

Hi, my name is Julia, I am 30 years old and from the Buffalo, NY area. I have been contemplating WLS for a year or more but finally took the first steps a few months ago. I, at first, had settled on the lapband, but after going to my seminar and hearing about the gastric sleeve, my husband and I decided together that that was the better choice for me. I have been struggling with my weight for over 10 years, dieting on and off for most of that time, losing the weight and gaining it back, but my weight gain escalated when I got pregnant with my daughter. I was already overweight, but then added an additional 40 lbs on top of my 175. I had complications with gestational di…

I am really nervous and excited about this all at the same time. Lucky for me though, I have two close friends who were banded 2 yrs ago and have given me some great tips. Love to hear more from all of you, too. April 30th can not get here quick enough!!

This is my second day after having surgery definitely more painful my stomach today then it was yesterday. I think the pain is mostly around where the port is, but I'm not quite sure. I've been taking the liquid vicodin but it doesn't seem to be helping too much. Can I put ice packs on my stomach where the pain is? I know they told me not to drink cold liquids so I didn't know if I could use ice on my stomach. I'm hoping the pain goes away by Monday cause thats when I go back to work. At least I work from home and I'm only on the phone with doctors all day so I'm not expecting it to be too bad. Figuring if anything I'll just be tired. I do feel a bit hungry, but the soup…

My one year surgiversery was on 4-24. I have been at goal for about a week or two. I have lost over #130! I started at 297 and am now 165. At 5'7" I am right at a bmi of 25. I am normal weight!!!! I have not been this small since 18 and I am now 37. I am so happy and plan to have a tummy tuck with a breast lift and augmentation in September. Attached are my official before and after pics. The first pics are day of surgery and the last are today Sent from my iPhone using VST

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Hi! I'm Wendy. First time on here. Completed my weigh ins and saw my doc, Dr. John Groves in Boaz, AL on Thursday. I am scheduled for band placement on May 7th. That's soon!! The prediet I am to follow is for 7-10 days prior to surgery. I am supposed to drink 4-5 protein shakes a day and have one small high protein meal a day. Going today to buy the protein powder. I'm scared but excited; nervous but hopeful. I didn't realize I was so emotional about the surgery until I was having presurgery teaching and the nurse gave me some examples of how much weight I could lose by next year. I actually teared up! I'm a nurse myself and have learned to control my emotions, but it jus…