Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I'm scheduled for surgery May 28th!!!!! Im too excited to be real

Hello all. I had my gastric sleeve surgery on April 15. My starting weight was 246, and I lost 6 pounds the week prior to surgery on the liquid diet and today I am 14 pounds down and in day 2 of my second week. I have to say that I was in the hospital for 5 days. I was a rock star up and walking, no pain, no nausea. Then day 2 post op I had shortness of breath and severe abdominal pain. I had a major hematoma at one of the surgical sites, but not a leak of the stomach. I had to have 3 units of blood over the course of 2 days. I left the hospital up three pounds due to fluids. I am tired, tearful, and struggling with keeping up with protein and water. I had my surgery in D…

Hi, I am new to the site. My name is Lisa and this is my story. I am about 2 weeks away from my surgery date, currently on the 2 week pre-op diet. My new husband and I are taking this journey down the rabbit hole together. About 2 years ago I had a sub total hysterectomy due to complications and pain I was having. I'm all of 5'1" and I really have no torso. It's all boobs, belly and butt. I don't know where my waist is even when I was a thin girl, my back kind of kablams right into my butt. So needless to say a swollen organ in there had no place to go and pushed on other organs to gain space and caused a whole lot of pain. After this surgery my Dr. asked me what I pl…

16lbs down in just 5 yummy days <3 why did I wait soooo longg ; p )))

Any last minute advise

I am currently talking with a surgeon about having the sleeve done. I have been approved to have surgery as soon as I am ready to schedule it. I am a little concerned about loose skin and losing muscle? I am a pretty muscular guy, with a belly and a "winter coat" that doesn't go away in the summer :-/ What is the reality of loose skin, how long does it last, and what can be done to prevent it/get rid of it. I realize there will be some with weight loss, but am I looking at a year or two before I can take my shirt off at the beach??? Also, how much muscle do you lose? Thanks for your input! -p

Nervous and anxious about surgery. I am worried about after surgery. Will I finally lose weight? Will the pain be bearable? Can anyone comment on some oft questions? Thanks

I was wondering why a lot of people want to keep there surgery a secret? I'm just starting my journey and am still in the testing phase. I thought about telling everyone and their grandmother about my surgery but, I see people wanting to keep it secret. I was hoping some of you could share with me why because I want to make an informed decision and maybe I haven't considered the down side of it.Looking to be enlightened. Thanks

Just got my insurance approval today!! I'm so excited I will be banded in May! Anyone in Arkansas being banded soon?

After my first surgeon appointment (my surgeon recommend me the sleeve and changed my mind about what I want), I remember when I asked him if he do the sleeve surgery and he told me yea, yes I do....well, I did my lab tests, change my insurance, change to a new pcp, send my phsyc papers,...wait, etc, then today I ask him some questions about the surgery, and finally I told him that I want the sleeve based in his recommendation......well, he told me now that he is now beginning in the process to do the sleeve surgery ( he's a lap band surgeon)....and if I want the sleeve with him I need to wait until september!!!!!! What???? I'm very disappointed and mad, and I don't kno…

For the longest time my PCP and I have tried to get my weight down. Finally I began looking seriously into gastric bypass last year around my birthday in July. I had my seminar class set up in August and first surgeon consultation in September. My insurance only required a PCP visit, mental health visit and a dietician visit before surgery could be approved. I already knew I wanted my surgery to be scheduled after the new year because it worked best for my work schedule and requesting the time off. I was able to complete all my required visits and was scheduled for a pre-op visit January 2, 2013 and weighed in at 353 lbs. January 3rd I started the liver cleanse where I wa…

Hello! My name is Carrie Hickman. I am a gastric bypass patient, and now a PhD student studying gastric bypass experiences. I have Alex Brecher's special permission to invite you to be a part of my PhD dissertation study. It's just 15 questions that I email to you and will focus on your experiences since weight loss surgery. The study is completely confidential, secure and your identity will not be published or divulged in any way. Please email me if you are interested in participating, or know anyone who might be. I am looking for people at least 18 years old, who have lost weight as well as those who have not lost weight or may have regained it. Participation is stric…

My story is a little unique in that my impending Roux en Y is not my first go at weight loss surgery. In January 2009, in Georgetown, Ky I had the Lap-Band surgery performed by Dr John Oldham. In about the first 4 months post-op I lost about 35-45 lbs. I never lost anymore than that because they never could get my band to "the sweet spot' where I would maintain restriction. I had several fills between April 2009 and June 2010 with no real consistent restriction maintained. When I say consistent I mean: for about a week after the fill I would have restriction but it would quickly loosen over the following weeks and I would have to go back for another fill. The doctor…

New pics!! happy but 32 more pounds for my goal

My coordinator told me that I'm the only surgery for Dr F. Garcia on 5/4/13!!!! Should I be happy or concern ????

So I have been part of this Lap Band process for about a month and half now and I gotta say, I'm pretty excited to get this new journey started. I just received word this morning that all my paper work is final and that it should be submitted to my insurance as of today or tomorrow. The thought of being more healthy and losing weight is starting to settle in. I hope I don't have any issues getting approved and that I don't have to jump through any hoops to get approval. I have been overweight for most of my young life since I was 17. I'm currently 26 years of age and I have a BMI of 44.5 and I'm a tall gentlemen at 6'2. I have been on numerous diets in the past 5-6 yea…

My surgery is schedule for May 6. Very nervous about the mental aspects after the surgery. Doing this with my wife hope all goes well. I will be starting my protein shakes on April 29 wish me luck.

I had surgery 4 years ago and in 9 months I lost 60 pounds and then it stopped. I haven't gained a pound nor lost a pound. My doctor told me this was normal for a diabetic? Anyone have any advice or similar situation??

Hi my name is Mary I'm 31 and am having the sleeve done on May 13th I'm really nervous and excited at the same time! I am more nervous about the first couple of months trying to learn a whole new life style and hope its not as hard as I think! I know it will be worth it in the end but I guess being scared is normal...

Soo my surgery is Wednesday and I've lost 10lbs...I've been on a liquid diet for 12 days...I think I've done great considering I cheated a little but I'm kind of afraid that I haven't lost enough!!! The doctor didn't give me a specific amount to loose but Im nervous!!! Soo i'm just curious to see if 10lbs is a failure... CrimsonDiva

Before surgery did anyone have a chronic or really bad sweating problem??? I can't seem to no sweat. Hot, cold, moving, not moving. It's horrible. I'm always hot too. Just wondering if this could go away after surgery? Cause I would LOVE to be cold all the time.

I can't wait. I've been overweight for 15 years and tried all sorts. The only thing that worries me is how long I'll be feeling crappy for. I have 5 girls that rely on mummy lots! But so excited to be taking steps to get back to the me I used to be!

Hello my name is Karina from NY I had my surgery done on September 2012 I was 248 I have lost 100 lbs I am down to 148 this has been the best decision I made in my life. I feel so healthy and energetic I just want to let all those people having second thoughts about getting the surgery is not easy at first but is worthy just put your mind to it that is for a better health and to feel good. Good luck to every one

I am almost 4 weeks post op and I am disappointed with my weight loss. I am only losing about 2 pounds per week. I was under the impression from my doctor that it would come off quicker than that. I am only eating very small portions with no snacking and trying to get the water in. How much do you average? Thanks!

So I had my sleeve done on the 18th.. Just now getting out the hospital and getting home to settle in. Been drinking 3-4 liters of water a day plus some little sorbets and yogurts here and there! Is there one who can tell me about the swelling and how long it usually lasts? How soon do you see changes in the tummy?

I had the gastric sleeve 9/25/12 and am down 90 lbs today. Started out at 255.5 size 20/22 pants and 22/24 shirts. I'm now wearing a size 10 in jeans and a large or medium in shirts. I bought my first dress just because... No wedding, funeral etc! I feel great. I'm struggling with food ideas. I'm super picky when it comes to foods so any ideas would be great. Best decision I have ever made for myself tho. Good luck to every one out there!!!

Any RN's that can give a nursing school hopeful a little advice??? :-)

My name is Trina and this is my story. Surgery Date Dec 19 2011. RNY. Surgery was fine. Walked around a bit the first day with no problems. Didn't get much rest due to vistors. Second day Dec 20th was a different story and when all the complications started. Walked the halls but had some bleeding from one of the suture sites. It was packed but it kept bleeding which I was told could happen. Surgeon stitched up the suture and everythign seemsed ok. I later took some of my meds and about an hour later started to feel really bad; sweaty, cold and weak. I was to be discharged but instead laid back down. Called the nurse in and told her how I was feeling. She took my vit…

Hello Everyone! I am very excited to begin this journey with the vertical sleeve. I am new to this site, but since my decision to begin this journey of weight loss—via surgery—I have come to love and appreciate the stories that have been shared on this site. That being said, it was inevitable that I too would become a part of this community. My story begins with my childhood. I grew up in a small south Texas town with little to do and way too much time on my hands. My parents owned a small convenient store/bar-b-que restaurant. I was ALWAYS there and I was ALWAYS eating. I had endless amounts of chips, dips, sodas, juices, candy, ice cream, nachos, tacos, and bbq at my …

I received a letter from BCBC MS denned. What do I do now.

My pre op diet is a week b4 surgery and all it is is high protein low carb... I thought it was 2 weeks only clear liquid? Is mine the bad way of doing the pre op?

I'm Tammy ~ 45 yrs old ~ 5'8" tall ~ 295 lbs ~ size 24 (4X) ~ BMI 44.8 ~ Goal 157 lbs. This is the beginning of my weight loss surgery journey. I have been to my first appointment (4/3/13). I have had my consult with dietitian, financial liaison, doctor and psychologist. I am now waiting to be contacted to schedule the surgery. I'm seeing Dr. Scott Stowers in Ft. Worth, TX This is definitely not the beginning of my battle with my weight and health, of course. I've gone through the courses of action, diets, exercise plans, and every method I could afford or conceive of without medical intervention in the pursuit of fitness and health. Just like so many here, in th…

Hi I'm 5 weeks post op and I've lost 2st now in that time. I'm just so tired and have no energy. Has anyone else had this or now any good remedies ? Apart from that I feel great and so pleased with how things are going. Any ideas welcome. Thanks

Went to see my Surgeon today and had all my final blood work and other tests done for surgery tomorrow. Now it's starting to sink in that tomorrow I begin a new chapter in my life, I am both Ready and Nervous at the same time if that makes sense. Good Luck to all that are going in today and those that follow, we got this!!!

I had my EKG last Thursday and am just waiting for the results and the call to schedule my surgery. So many hoops to jump through. I'm anxious to get on with it. I'll have a two week pre-op diet of just 3-4 Protein shakes a day (to shrink the liver) so looking at mid May for the surgery. Hardest part is figuring how much it'll all cost (after insurance) in the end. So many separate costs...doctor visits, psych evaluation, nutritionist, cardiology, tests, facility charges, surgeon, anesthesia, etc. PIMA. It will be worth it. but really needs to be simplified. Shel - Olathe, KS

I trying to make notes and like it I can ho back and re-read the posts. I'm I Al close to Mobile I'm already approved but waiting on my Daughters approval. They are doing a sleep test on her 8th of May. But if they come up with nothing she wont be approved. They said you have to have pre-existing condions, blood pressure, diabetes, or heart or sleep apnea. She and I are do worried please keep fingers crossed for her? She 38 5ft 2 and 246 She top heavy and miserable. Snores like a lion and can drink water till bedtime even though they say she has no sugar. I'm 5ft 3 and 240 lbs. Have a good evening and thanks for all the great posts.

My VSG Story PRE-OP: Two weeks prior to my surgery date of April 10, 2013, I had a check up with my primary care physician and tipped the scale at 343 pounds, 5-10 in height. I researched the VSG procedure and doctors in Mexico due to my insurance not covering bariatric surgery in the US for several months. All my findings led me to Dr. Fernando Garcia in Tijuana, MX. I went through the coordinating company, Ready 4 a Change. I chose that company because the response was instantaneous and I never waited more than a couple of hours for a response to my questions via email, even on weekends which is unheard of in the States. All in all, I would definitely recommend this…

Im new to all of this. I had my surgery on 04/15/13.

I am new to the site; my paperwork was sent to BCBSAL a week ago. I don't know how it takes to get an answer.

First picture is from Feb 9, second is from April 15. I still can't see changes when I look in the mirror but when I compare these pictures I can see it! Changes are happening, slowly and surely...

I am hopefully being sleeved in July. I know I have to have a BMI of at least 40. My problem is that following my dietitians instructions, I've lost 20 lbs. and my BMI has gone from 46.9 to 42. I only had to lose 6 lbs. to meet ins. requirements. My dilemma is, will I be denied if I lose more in the next month (my final PCP supervised visit) and my BMI drops below 40? Believe me, I've never had the problem of what if I lose too much before in my life. I have Humana ins. Any thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using VST

My surgeon has something else goin on that day and I got the news that my new date now.....April 17th. This kinds sucks considering I only had a week and a half left. So now I have to wait and try to keep all these mixed emotions under control for yet another week.

I was sleeved by Dr. Hector Perez in Cancun on January 25. I admit that I was nervous since there isn't much information about him out there. When we arrived in Cancun, my husband and I were picked up at the airport (outside - don't let the tour people hold you inside too long). Mario was waiting right in front of the door with a sign with my name. He and Lupita (the driver) welcomed us warmly and drove us to the B2B Hotel. For some reason the hotel couldn't find our reservation but I didn't care - I just gave them my credit card and decided to figure it out later (I wasn't able to reach my coordinator on my cell phone). I did email her when we got to the room. Bef…

I had the lap band put in about 7 years ago about 4 years after my gastric bypass..... i was 634 pounds to start and mow im 210..... last 2 months ive dropped close to 60 pounds without any excercise whatsoever because i cant eat ANYTHING ANYMORE and things have really gotten bad lately, I am unable to keep anything down at all, sometimes hours and hours later things come back up..... I have trouble getting liquid to stay down.... I have wanted to get the band removed for years. I finally was offered by my mom to pay for it and have it taken out. I need to find a doctor out near me in Monrovia California that does removal. Does anyone have a recommendation? Also does anyo…

Hello Everyone, My name is Marlena and I can't tell you enough about how glad I am to have finally made this life change by getting banded. I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. Never had a problem losing it, just the keeping off part had me challenged for sure. That being said, I have a bedroom full of various size clothing because I never knew what size I would wake up as. Towards the end of last year, I made one last diet attempt and lost 20+ pounds but that was the tip of the iceburg. The holidays came and I once again blew it which escalated my weight to a very uncomfortable point. It was then that I had just had enough of being obese (…

I'm having my surgery on April 25th. For those of you who already had surgery What did you guys prefer chewable vitamins or liquids? I have this big list of vitamins I need to buy and it's so frustrating because I can't find exactly the dosages I Need.

I am a 24 year old married man and I live in Tennessee. My wife and I are adopting here in the next couple of weeks and I am working towards insurance approval for gastric sleeve surgery. I am 5'10, weigh 260 pounds with a BMI of 37.3. Here is my story to this point: I originally was gung-ho on going to Mexico and having the surgery there as a self-pay patient because I have a relatively low BMI and didn't think that I would qualify through my insurance initially, but I have a family history of an extremely rare condition that causes cardiac arrest when put under anesthesia and I would MUCH rather have US doctors there if something goes wrong than have self-pay opti…

Its the weekend and my surgeons office is closed. I just went to a mediquick clinic to check myself out for breathing issues and i ended up finding out that I have allergies. she told me to take CLARITIN D...CAN I? i know we have certain med restrictions and im not hone to look at the list. Please help if you know the answer. Thanks

I have had my band for 3 yrs now. I was banded may 2010. I have bounced around with my weight a lot. I've been up and down. I have had a hard time following the rules and eating healthy. I find myself tired a lot. I feel as if I am malnourished. I drink a protein shake for breakfast and lunch and then eat a "normal" dinner.... Homemade chili, healthy soups, chicken dishes etc. maybe I need to add some snacks in between? Does anyone have any snack ideas? I don't do well with anything very dry as it doesn't go down well. Sometimes I feel so limited to what I can eat and I get discouraged I am doing a work out routine and half the time in have no energy to even follow throu…

Hello everyone, I don't typically follow or post on forums, but I figured a life-changing event like this warranted some extra support. As you can assume, I am a total noob, so I will be stumbling in several aspects. Looking forward to getting my feet wet. Thanks!