Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone. I want to thank everyone for their posts they have been very inspiring for me and helpful. My surgery date is finally here and after reading many posts I decided to introduce myself. Male Height 5'7" -Weight before starting process= 297, weight today =277 (after 2 week pre-op diet), goal somewhere between 170-180 along with eliminating CPAP, Hypertension, and GERD. The required weight loss and pre-op diet was very difficult, but I stuck to it religiously. Taking vacation from work for two weeks and hoping I am well enough to return 4-15. Wish me luck. Thank You!

Hello, I'm so glad I found this informative and friendly forum!! It helps to hear from you that have had the procedure as well as all the various stages. I'm a country gal from Oklahoma, married for 37 years, 2 kids and 6 grandkiddos. I was recently able to get a small barn-like building for an art studio and I love it! Art is what helps me stay sane. Well, somewhat. So I discussed the lap band with my husband and he's very supportive. He knows how depressed I've been because of my extra weight. And the journey begins.... I'll be going to my first appointment with my surgeon of choice, Dr. Kirk in Owasso, OK on April 1st. That's the date of my first seminar also…

Hospital surgery yesterday went well very painful yesterday and thus morning threw up this morning I'm walking around maybe another day on hospital then I get realeased

Well im 2 days away from my 4 wk post op. And im stuck. I've read a read various post about stalls and how they work but im confused as to why when I reported my lack of weight loss to my surgeon, he seemed like he was surprised and suggested I see the nutritionist again. Im barely eating nothing like what I could pre surgery. And im mainly picking foods from the nutritional packet that the nutritionist gave to me. So if the stall period happens to people, why doesn't my surgeon know about it? Fyi I've only lost 22lbs since surgery haven't lost a thing in 2 wks.

i finally,got a date it's april 25 th.!!!!!i am ready and would like to know if there is any one from around here whow could talk to me and be a friend i live in hanover, indiana very close to madison,in. my doc is j.rodriqeues in louisville,ky. i would like to get a support group goingaround here anybody out there?? yours truely,dovfeather

Starting to freak out a little, any words of advice? Being banded tomorrow morning.

Sip, Sip, sip..... What can I eat? will it hurt my tummy? yes it hurts my tummy? Everything hurts! 9 out of 10 days are bad food days! Invited to eat lunch with a friend... Oh what can I eat.. oh yeah, I can't eat anything in a social setting! Invited to dinner with friends... I'll order food just move it around my plate... get a to go box.... order Water just so I don't look silly! Remember I can't eat in a social setting! Must eat alone so I can concentrate on how big of a bite, how I must chew, chew, chew! Constant bloating and gas! Gas X goes every where with me! Waking up every single night since surgery at 3 am ish so nauseous.... must keep water by my…

Everything I eat or drink tastes very salty. My regular cheese sticks and lunch meat taste so salty I can't eat them. Got a hamburger patty last night and commented to my husband that its so salty how can anyone eat it. Ate yogurt this morning and it was salty. My ice tea is salty. I'm also getting bumps on my tongue. Anyone else have this problem or is it unrelated to my WLS?

another idea on how to get calcium...i don't do cottage cheese...im 2 weeks post op and i don't do protein shakes to well. I try the protein shake but i get nauseous after drinking half of it.

I am a 40 year old former college athlete. Prior to 2010, I was 6ft 3 1/2 inches weighing approximately 315...which was 85lbs heavier than my college playing weigh 20 years ago. Nonetheless I was pretty active and never really had any issues maintaining or losing weight whenever necessary. In 2009, I was starting to experience problems sleeping (night sweats, light sleeping), fatigue, and weight loss. After seeing my primary care doctor, I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease which is basically an overactive thyroid. I was taking medicine for this until July of 2010 when my life would change forever. In July 2010, I had an episode called a "thyroid storm" where my thyroid w…

Hey Y'all! I got approved today and I just wanted to say hello. I have been waiting a long time to have the surgery done. If all goes well I will being having surgery on 5/24/2013.

Hello everyone, I just wanted to take the time to say hi to everyone. I was unsure if I was going to make any posts, but I said what the heck. I have been approved and my surgery date is April 1, 2013. I am looking forward to it!

I'm a 38 yof who was overweight. I weighed in on 3/19 at 248lbs I had my sleeve done 3/19/13 and I'm a a stall. I feel like my weight is going nowhere. I'm eating my protein, keeping track of all my food intake. Anyone have advice??

Hi all! I am a teacher and unfortunately got SUPER sick this year between strep and the flu. I am now out of PTO, vacation, and sick time and I've got my psych eval that I HAVE to do for surgery approval as well as this training seminar the doc requires. Everything else I am pretty sure I can schedule when I am off work (blood tests, other tests, etc.), but I am also in school and have had to take 2 days off as unpaid so I am on THIN ice with my boss... I have a meeting with HR tomorrow and told her I am having surgery and she has reassured me that I do not need to elaborate or explain what the surgery is for because of confidentiality reasons, since I will have to miss…

Well the date is set and pre OP appt is done, bring on April 12.I love the staff at EJC, they have made this process much easier than anticipated.

yes I am serious, surgery went well and when I returned home I got on the scale to track my weight loss, up 11 pounds, is this really happening? Help!!

I've struggled my entire 30 years of life with my weight. Diet after diet. I'd lose a pound here and there,but never permanently... I started this weight loss journey last February. Going to seminars, watching YouTube videos, doing research. I knew the Lapband was for me!!! I had to recently lose 40pounds to qualify within a 6month period, per my insurance request. I lost the weight!!! Today, my dr office called saying I'VE BEEN APPROVED FOR MY SURGERY!!! May 6th 2013 is the day for me!! Im beyond excited. I have to be on a 3week liquid pre op diet.,That im not happy about, lol. But the NEW ME WILL BE! ANewMe428

So I am a new Band member.....yeah bad joke I know. Any who I had surgery Thursday March 28th. I weighed in at 283.0 as of today I weigh 277.0 I came out of surgery and immediately wanted to get up and walk. By the time I got to the floor it took me 2 hours to convince the nurses to let me up and then it was game over from there...they couldn't stop me. I spent one night in the hospital and I walked every 2 hours and did good. Gas pains sucked but heat packs and pain meds plus all the walking helped. I am home now been doing great. Eating is new. I am currently on puréed foods. I go in Wednesday to get my staples removed and I'll clarify how long I have to be on the purée…

I was all ready to have the sleeve in October last year... Insurance was going to pay for it in full, I had two weeks paid leave from work, and lots of support... and I backed out one week before surgery!!! I told myself that I could do it (I've been overweight all 30 years of my life) but if I didnt, that I could have surgery down the road. Almost 6 months later I have put on a few more pounds and continue to hate myself so I have decided to go through with surgery... again! This time my insurance will not pay (I'm at a new job), I have to wait until July to be off during vacation so that I can get paid, and my support group has worn thin. But I'm going to do it! I …

Surgery went well last night and I'm doing great this morning way better than last night I was praying for relief last night and they let me walk a few times. Today is good and they wanna start me on liquids. Thanks guys for all the support

Hi there! It sure has been a while since i have visited! My surgery was almost 4 years ago! and I am still going strong! I am down 132 lbs and running marathons! This surgery was the best decision I have ever made! if you are struggling with the decision to have lap band please just do what is right for you. Everyone is different and can tolerate different foods. Do what works for you. Don’t let your band work you! Work Your band! and you can’t do it without being mobile! You must exercise! I am post some updated pictures! I am so proud for once in my life I am living again! 96% excess weight lost!!! besos!!! G

I am so glad that I found a place like this. My lap band journey started in August. Well, actually it started many years ago when Tricare said they pay for it. I spoke with my husband over and over about it and he was still in the mindset of "you don't need surgery, you need self-control." Little did he know, I knew my body much better than he did. Ten years later and he finally saw what I had been telling him. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol (uncontrolled even on medication), and borderline diabetic. I went to one of Dr Keith's seminars and it was a packed seminar. Two weeks later I get the phone call I've been waiting for. I started making all my ap…

Hi my name is karla and ill be starting the wls process have my first cardiology appt in april 18 and initial with my surgeon i just get scared when theres a a couple of people that i have read about here about the hell they go through all the medical complications how unhappy they are and seriously it gives me second toughts as motivated as i was ahh..! I dont know can a vet tell me how baaaad! This can be and is it worth it cause up until the last horror story hat i read i tought it was sorry! Just i lil bit scared... By the way when i say a vet i mean a veteran in rny somebody with experience not a veterinarian lol! ;0) xoxo!

Hi my name is Cristen and i am 29 years old, i just had the sleeve surgery on Feb 27,2013 so about 3 weeks out. I need some advice I feel that i am at a platou already and i shouldnt be I am have been stuck at 268 for about 5 days now and i do not know what i am doing wrong!!! Its very hard for me to get the Protein down, just the word makes my stomach upset!!! Today I had 1/4 of oatmeal for lunch drank about 42 oz of Water (with sugar free hawain punch) and for dinner I had 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. I am just so frustrated and on top of all that my mother is taking that me not being able to lose anymore weight is that i am doing something wrong...Please help I would…

Is something wrong with my insides? They keep showing up..first it was one...I thought it was the surgery and apart of the healing process but now...I have 3 bruise/ green colored markings. About the size of a quarter each...what can it be?

Hi there! So glad I found this app and this community! I am finishing the pre-qualification process this month and am shooting for RNY at the end of June - around the 20th hopefully. Can't wait to get to know you all and hear your stories. I've attached a link to my weight loss journey to this point and what lead me to this decision. It also links to my blog - I'm writing abut the entire process. I'm lessoflittlebit on myfitnesspal. Always looking for people going through the same thing I am !

I got the much anticipated call today and was given a surgery date of 4/23!! That's only 3 weeks away!! Now I have to wait for my boss to approve the time off! She found out about the surgery when my primary doctor's office sent over my letter of medical necessity to my work office!! I was mortified. She was like, "you don't look like you weigh that much". Thanks, I guess! She asked if she should just pretend that she didn't see it? She was supportive and I hope I can get the time off as I have plenty of hours banked up. still have more hoops to jump through before that day and I wonder how much $$$ I am going to have to come up with? I'm very excited!

Howdy Everyone! Today marks 9 months since I had surgery! I find it symbolic that that is the length of time I was pregnant - creating my daughters.... ANd that is how long it has taken to create the new me. Was a size 24....now a size 10. 292 day od surgery....188 this morning..... I can honestly say I am perfectly happy at where I am now. I would love to MAINTAIN where I am now....so IF I lost anymore, bonus! If not - that is fine! This surgery works! It may be a little slower for some than others....but it WORKS! I am the happiest I have ever been!

I feel so tired and withdrawn. Are you? I had the gastric sleeve on 3-13-13. Since surgery I have lost 30 pounds. Is there anyone else that has had the sleeve?

Ready!!!

Welp, let the journey to a new me begin! I had surgery this morning, and so far so good! Just a little sore, and taking in my liquids as ordered. I am so excited to take this journey, and that this forum is here for the support!

Greetings from the Jersey Shore! I just found this website and I am so thankful that I did. I'm a newbie. I'm scheduled to have my surgery on April 29th. I'm looking forward to a new start on life. I'm 35 years old. And I've been overweight on and off for most of my life. I'm ready for this. I look forward to hearing from everyone on their experiences and I cannot wait to share my own with you once I have the surgery!

I head to the hospital have to be there by 1 pm. Thanks everyone for the love and the information. This site is the best. I am claiming a great no complicated surgery and recovery!!! Ready or not here I come!!!

My last pre-op appointment was today. Pre-op testing completed and all paperwork sent into insurance for reivew for approval. Tentative surgery date scheduled for May 14th. I cant wait! On the other hand, I was rereading the pre and post op diets. It is a little overwhelming. I have to remember that I want to be healthy and a few weeks of liquids will be easy when I think of the long term benefits! 6 weeks...let the count down begin!

I have been reading everyone's posts for several weeks. I finally had my first appointment today. It makes me very nervous that I could spend the next 4 months jumping through hoops and spending money only to be denied by my insurance company! I am right on the border as far as BMI, but I have high BP, diabetes, and heart disease. Surely they will approve me!

It's me again Lisa it took me forever to figure and write this line but I don't know how to post or to how to write to you guys and ask questions because my surgery is on April 4, 2013. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I'm new of course. My surgery date is May 14th. I really am excited and not having second thoughts but I've been a bit on the sad side. I think its because it's 4 days after my birthday and that means no bday dinner or cake. It's the first real big change I'm going to have to make. I keep having the "last meal" thoughts and am highly dreading the 2 weeks of meal replacements before surgery. Is this anything close to normal?

Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

hey guys! i am alive & well after having my plastic surgery done. i am officially 10 days post op plastics. i had a breast lift with breast implants & they look aweesooommmme! i also had a fat transfer to my butt which i think has been the hardest recovery wise. im still taking pain meds because of the severe soreness in my stomach, sides & back. i do plan on getting a tummy tuck once i pay off some of this debt. i had my surgery in mamaroneck, ny with Dr. Richard C Garvey i paid $9000 in total. understand that this was my quote & may not be yours. subscribe to my youtube youtube.com/jasleeve for updates on my plastic surgery & vsg …

Hi everyone, today is my actual 6th year anniversary. I was thinking 6 years ago this minute I was in surgery. And my life is completely different. First I must say getting the band has been the best thing I've ever done.... But it is something I had to work at to get where I'm at. I have to say this website was instrumental for many reasons. 1. Before I got the band, it gave me a clear picture of what to expect... The good and the difficulties. I was able to discern between people that were successful and people that had the band for a few years and didn't get anywhere. The successful people journaled their food, exercised and shared their issues to get solutions. Wh…

im having a really bad time i get too hungry its getting hard going back to basics...uuuggg!!!!so yesterday i have 1/2 cup cereal and milk for breakfast and them 7 hrs later of course i was really hungry so i ate 2 pizza slices at the time with some cucumber and jicama sticks 2 hrs later an other one and other 2 hrs later one more (pizza slice)i feel like im loosing control!! HELP!!!!

Hello everyone, I've been lurking here for months. I am getting sleeved this Tuesday by Dr. David Wernsing at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philly. I made my first appointment in February, and it took me that time to complete all my pre op tasks and pre op diet for insurance. Insurance approved it right away. I have Independence Blue Cross. I also have obstructive sleep apnea. I am 5'7 and almost 300 pounds, my goal is to lose 100 pounds and I hope I can attain this goal.

I had a hernia repair and the sleeve done at the same time. Am I alone in this? At this point, I've tried.everything and everything hurts after I swallow and im beyond frustrated. I had yogurt earlier and the same thing happened. It feels like a stabbing shooting pain in my mid chest area.

Hi everyone. I'm new here and just had surgery on March 27th. In general, I feel great. I can get outside and walk the entire neighborhood, which helped dramatically with reducing the gas pressure and discomfort. I've read a lot about stomach gurgling. Everything I put in my stomach causes gurgling. I'm on a clear liquid diet for the first week and following it to a tee. Swallowing very slowly and small amounts but my stomach begins to gurgle immediately. I'm also experiencing what I think is mild dumping. Within 10-15 minutes I'll have to pass gas and then have a small amount of diarrhea. Should I call the Dr. or does this happen at first due to the swelling? …

I am new to this site, looking for support and friendship while traveling this path and beyond... I had my VSG on Feb 7th, I was feeling great! Down 40+ pounds, hit a plateau and seems like I lost my motivation! I'm not doing my vitamins regularly, I have days I don't get my protein in, I am not eating a lot, but still plateau-ing...REALLY frustrated! I wanted to join this group in hope of some guidance and suggestion!

Hey

These are just a few things that I’ve learned about myself in the 4 weeks since I was sleeved. I never realized how much Water I would drink with meals. It is a lot harder than I thought it would be not to drink water before/during/after meals. I never knew how fast I ate before. Sometimes I still forget and speed eat… after only a few bites, the sleeve lets me know I doing it wrong. I never realized how much food I used to cram onto the fork/spoon. One big swallow, the sleeve lets me know it’s too much. Buying baby utensils has really helped, although I look weird eating with them. If I have to eat in a hurry, it is better to eat something liquid/puree or n…

I had my surgery March fourth and today is the first day is the fifth week I still feel like crap like my stomach hurts twenty four seven. If I try to start new food I just throw it up

I just left my appointment where I expected to get a fill only to be told that my port has flipped! I had my surgery in October and had to have a revision in December after my port flipped. Now I'm told that it flipped again! I was told that I haven't done anything to cause this. Apparently this "rarely happens". I'm so frustrated and upset! Has anyone else experienced this?

Surgery at 0730 in the morning. I'm not sure why I'm having crying episodes. Has anyone else had this problem?