Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Y'all, I was sleeved on 12/17 literally 3days before my husband was deployed. We have three children and I have been left to fend for myself. Everyone tells me I am loosing weight, but to be honest with y'all I am deadly mortified that I don't. You see my weight issues have been there my entires life. My grandmother put me on a diet when I was 4 yrs old and since then it's been a downward spiral. My husband has been very supportive (as much as he can). Everyday I wake up stressing that I am not loosing weight. I find myself staring at myself in the mirror looking at my body trying to see one bit of change. I finally saw that many of you share openly …

Hi everybody, i was sleeved on the 14th of Jan in Mexicali by Dr. Aceves, he is a very good doctor and recognised nationally as well as internationally. The procedure went well, had some pain but everything was normal. On this wednesday i've got dehydrated and ended up at the hospital in Mexico city wich is a great hospital top of the line. The made me a scan to see if i had leeks and thank God i didn't , but they fand out i've got beginnings of pneumonia, on friday i left the hospital to go home, felt good on friday and saturday and today until 4pm when i puked since the i haven't ben able to drink anything, every time i drink makes me nauseas, because of that i'm afra…

Wow! The left pic was taken last Sunday and the right pic was taken mid November. Sleeved 12/3/12 and down 37lbs. Best decision ever!

I have been thinking about WLS for years. Reading, researching, educating myself. I am ready for insurance approval. Some days I feel ready "lets do this now!" And other days I feel "WTH am I doing?!?!" I was the fat kid who became the fat teenager who became the fat teacher and fat mom. I've lost (and gained) a thousand pounds throughout the years. I am ready to get rid of the "fat" adjective forever. I will be the healthy teacher, healthy mom, healthy wife, healthy grandma (someday) and live long enough to be the healthy great-grandma! I will shop in "normal" size stores for clothes and bras. I will be able to walk and breathe at the same time. I will be able to ride …

Hi, I'm new here but I'm 2 weeks post op and just started eating mushy food as I call it. I've lost 21lb so far and I'm loving it.

I had surgery 16 days ago. Doing well on full liquids but can't wait until I can try some soft food. Why is there such conflict between doctors as to what you can eat? some say bread, rice and pasta is off limits and others say they can if its whole wheat and brown rice. Any body tried any of these things? Im glad I stumbled on this site.

That's right, my first milestone!. My journey started 50lbs ago and I'm finally seeing my progress. my current weight: 298.4. I'm so excited I'm euphoric. I just had to let everyone know!

Hello everyone, I am new to the site. I just had my first appt and was told it will be about 7 months before they schedule a date. How long did some you have to wait?

I am a 5 week post op sleever that converted from a 6 year old band. My surgeon was Dr. Scott Cunneen at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. I lost 65 lbs with the band and then gained it all back after it slipped and had to be replaced. My sleeve recovery has been hard in my opinion as compared to the recovery from the band. I have had a hard time with gastric reflux. Initially reflux would happen after every morsel of food, and even when I didn't eat. It is worse at night when it comes up and chokes me and sometimes even gets in my sinuses. I am on anti-reflux meds twice a day and have been put back on liquids for 2 more weeks. I need to know if anyone else h…

Hi all! I'm a newbie to this forum and have just started my road to surgery. Right now I'm on my pre-op diet and need to lose 15-25 lbs. I've been trying different protein shakes, but haven't found one I like quite yet. I've tried pure protein in the chocolate flavor (I've liked this the best so far), muscle milk light in the chocolate flavor (didn't like it at all!), and Atkins Advantage in the dark chocolate flavor (this one was alright). Any other suggestions for filling/good tasting shakes? Are they all pretty "blah" over all? Thanks in advance for the help!

I know it's been a while since I had my surgery, but it's always nice to talk / meet people that had it done. I went from a size 24 to a size 9 in 8 months.

First night home after surgery. Gas pain sucks and can't get comfortable. No pain no gain or should I say no pain no loss. Lol. Have a great weekend everyone.

I had my Surgery on 12-10-12 anytime I eat anything it seen like it get Stuck in my Throat and that is with little bits and I get a really bad Headache and it makes me sick has this happen to anyone. I know you not Supposed throw up with the sleeve.

hi every one!!! well this is me.... im start at 255 pounds h-5 ft im pretty short vsg was on july 10-2012 and now im 172 pounds im happy but im still feeling like before so afraid to go to regular sizes clothes stores and really really worry about getting all the pounds back!!! it is frustrating on my bad days,hard time getting my water but i think im trying really hard its not easy every day its a new start

Definitely not able eat enough to get protein in....started mushy food 2 days ago...how many calories do most people average in this phase?

I am a 44 Mom with the seven-year-old daughter and a wonderful husband. I have been overweight since my early 20s and I was able to maintain my weight at about 225 pounds at 5 ft 1 inch tall, I was still unhappy with this weight but I was still able to do things. I've done lots of research on the lap band, gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve but never went forward with it and now I have to have the surgery. I lost my father four years ago and in that time I have gained over 80 pounds, I am now over 300 and I'm ashamed and embarrassed with my weight and I want my life back. I haven't been able to do very much with my husband and daughter due to my lack of mobility and my…

OK I am going to the information meeting for the DR I will most likely choose. This is an advanced specialty care center and I am anxious to attend as I am 95% sure at this point that I want the band. Insurance will cover approx 80% and I will need to do the 6 month monitered diet. Oh well that time will pass even if I do nothing about my weight and I will be closer to my new healthy life style. I will try to get as much info as I can and talk with post banders there as maybe it will help to calm my nerves.

Hi everyone - I had my consultation January 25th and just didn't feel comfortable with the surgeon. I had posted before that I believed he was an excellent surgeon, but didn't really seem to address my concerns and I thought aftercare might be lacking. I have done a lot of research since then, and I just scheduled an appointment with a second surgeon. She is with a large medical group that has a full weight loss program with psychologists, nutritionists and support groups. I think this may be exactly what I am looking for. I hope things go well and I will you keep you all posted.

Im having a hard time trying to get my protein every day,i have been trying lots of whey protein shakes but cant get the good one (talking about flavor) most of them are nasty.Do you have a favorite brand and flavor?

I am from Ontario and I am just wondering if there is anyone here that has had their surgery in Ontario? My questions are... how long did it take from the time you got the referal from your doctor to actually start the process? did OHIP cover the full cost of your surgery? were you required to take classes before you were considered? what hospital did you have surgery in? who was your surgeon and hopw was he/she? did you have a drain tube put in? how long did you have to stay in the hospital? I am sorry to direct some of these questions to people from ontario but I have been reading on this site forever and it is very helpful but I need to know how people in m…

I am almost 6 weeks out from gastric bypass and things have been great. But lately every time I eat, I get naushiated. (Sp) so I am barely eating. Has anyone else had this problem?

I thought I had the sipping part down until I had my surgery on Wednesday Jan 30th 2013. If you haven't mastered it before your surgery do it now. Every couple of hours I am spending 90 minutes to sip down 1 ounce of protein, my pain meds and water and believe me if I try to do it any faster it hurts. I stayed 1 night in the hospital and they wanted me to stay an extra cause I wasn't getting enough oxygen but I opted to get the tank set up at home instead, was much cheaper then paying for another night in the hospital. I have pain where the main incision is, but more when I try to drink to fast. I much preferred the pain meds they were feeding me in the IV in the hospi…

Well, I go to my pre-op surgery appt. tomorrow at one pm. I hope everything goes well. Then Friday is my preregistration for the hospital. My parents will be coming down on Tuesday so they can get my kids to school the morning of my surgery then they will drive down the pass and be there for the surgery. so on Wednesday the sixth hubby will drive me too the hospital, about 45 min away. My parents are going to stay at my house while i am in the hospital, and hubby will stay with me and sleep at his moms down in San Bernardino. I wish it was tomorrow. I am scared and want to be on the other side. I just want to wake up and after that, I will not be scared.....it is t…

Im having a hard time witb myiquids. Ive just been so sleepy i sleep all day. Last nite i tried more water and it wouldnt stay down. I just wish o felt better. I have pain around my diaphram. I just do.t wanna get dehydraed.

Hey everyone. I'm very excited to be getting ready to have gastric bypass surgery though I'm nervous at the same time cause everyone that knows I'm having it keep saying the bad in everything not the good. But I need to be healthier for my son. Do anyone have any advice leading up to surgery or after surgery?

My surgeon is using a 32 bougie. I think that is "average"? What size did your surgeon use?

Hi All, have been reading all your inspirational stories on here and decided to contribute myself! Even my husband doesn't have a clue what I weigh,I have to say I really admire someone who can openly say what they weigh and share their problems,faults and hopes for the future. MY WEIGHT TODAY IS 98 KILOS (216 LBS). WOW WHO SAID THAT!Only my close family know I'm actually having this surgery and a few can't understand my motive in having major surgery rather than go on another diet. I've had various health issues over the past ten years,with blood pressure,migraines, depression, diverticulitis and irregular insulin levels,which means that diabetes is around the corner. I…

Ok, so I haven't seen my fiancee in 11 months... Yes it's been that long (NEVER AGAIN!!!), and O haven't really sent him any of my update pictures... I'm picking him up from the airport this morning and can't wait to surprise him with my now 66lb weight loss!!! Boy am I exited!!!

Will hubby came home for lunch with wings I ate to small wings no skin with alittle blue cheese dressing "The Devil made me do it" Only one week postoperative but it got the best Of me What's your opinion?? Thanks

Guys I am 2 weeks out and I have started purée diet . First time I had some weirded feeling and stomach was making s kind of weird noises but now everything is going in fine. It's kind of scary that everything is going in smoothly.. I have lost total of 26 lbs 2 weeks Post Op I am loving my new self feel so much more energy Starting weight Day of Surgery : 285 Today weight : 257 Best thing I did for myself is this surgery Sent from my iPhone 5 using VST

I am just starting my journey. I am ahead of the game they tell me since I have all my requirements met for the diet and exercise plan. I go on Tuesday for all my measurements. I hope at that appointment I find out more information of what I need to do now. I have struggled with weightloss for my whole life and hope this is what will finally help me loose the weight and keep it off.

WOW!! Can't believe its done. Feeling sore, but overall pretty good. Will be home tomorrow.

I am 35 and have been struggling with my weight for over 10 years now. I was scheduled for sleeve today actually. My father was against the surgery in general, but accepted my decision and has been trying to be supportive. He wanted to meet the surgeon and have a lot of questions answered. We went in to see surgeon on Thursday and I came out more confused than ever. They basically all (mom, dad, and dr.) ganged up and made me feel that band is soooo much safer and a much better option. Truthfully, I never even read up on the band because I didn't like the idea of having something inside me forever and was not comfortable with the idea of it slipping and having to…

Hey there! I am 17 days post op. Recuperation is a bit slower than I anticipated. Maybe it's my age, or because I felt pretty un-well going in. I'm pushing myself to be more active everyday, because I have to return to work next Monday. I am excited to become a part of VST, and look forward to learning from each of you.

Sleeved on Jan 9th, and Gall Bladder will be removed on Feb 1st. Been having major pain in front of chest and back shoulder blades, found out today it is MY Gall Bladder, Has anyone else had this issue????

Hey guys just wanna know who life in my Borough?

Hi everyone, as I am goirng through my 2nd week of post op, I cannot help but feel the post-op diet is different for everyone. I have heard one nutritionist will not allow their patients to progress at all, where others will determine how you are tolerating food. What I want to know is what was your post-op diet, were there anythings you were told to avoid any given week, and if your nutritionist would progress you if you were doing well. Here is my post op diet: day 1-3 clear liquids (self explanatory) day 4 to 13 Full liquids Water; Protein Supplement; Carnation Sugar free instant breakfast; Skim or 1% milk, gatorade, crystal light, sugar free cocoa, non-fat gr…

Hello everybody, I'm pre-OP and have been reading some post on this Forum.. I have a question, a lot of people talk about having problem getting all their liquids in, I'm wondering why? Is it because it's painful? It comes back up? Or because there's only so little you can take before you feel full? Thanks..

Anyone no what I can eat since I'm traveling

Hello fellow bandsters! I am new here but not a new bandster. I was banded a little over two years ago and I have lost almost 50 pounds (48). I lost all of my weight in the first 8-12 months. Unfortunately, I was overfilled and couldn't get any real food down so I compensated with the easy slider foods and weight loss stopped. A few days ago I found a new doc who is finally listening to me, removed the fluid from my band, and is treating the resulting complications. I feel awesome and can finally eat healthy food again. I'm relieved too because I really thought I was going to have to lose my band. I really want to do it right this time and joining this group is a …

What is everyone's POST-OP diet? I am freakin starving and have 4 more days left on full liquids. How long was everyone else on full liquids and when were you able to move on to soft foods? Thanks Heather

So today I broke down and bought the Costco premiere brand drink. It's ready made vanilla flavor. I put it in the freezer till it gets just icy, and yum yum! I have never been a vanilla person but this one is pretty darn good. Just saying:)

Surgery day. Waiting to go back.

I am going through the process towards having the gastric sleeve surgery and I have some questions and concerns. I understand that this process is supposed to be a life change and that's exactly what I want it to be, but I want to know how much life will change. I've read some things that tell me that I likely won't ever be able to have ice cream, which I love in moderation. I also enjoy drinking beer and wine and I wonder if I would be able to enjoy either of those anymore since the beer is full of carbs and the sugar in the wine....I know it's stupid to have hesitation about my surgery due to these things, but I'd really like to know why my future holds in the "do's and…

I'm 7days out and i have to fly out to Ohio because my mom have to have emergency surgery to remove her brain tumor I'm feeling but my dr said he recommended that I don't fly but my plane leave in three hours and I will be on it if Gods will its my mom

Hey guys, Just wanted to share some pics, cuz we all love it when others share pics! . This is my first time sharing photos, aside from my avatar. I'm 9 months out of surgery as of yesterday, and initially, I was having my hubby take pictures every month. I kinda fell off over the summer, but finally remembered to have him snap a few this morning. I cried a little when I put the 'before' and 'after' side by side. I was self pay, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Rejoicing over here!! Woot! p.s. not sure if I'm doing this right, so hopefully there are pictures here!

http://m.startribune.com/?id=189094351

Well, one year ago I was really looking forward to this day because with only(?) 72 pounds to lose I thought I'd be at goal by now. Instead today is the one year bandiversary of my FIRST band surgery. I am down 46 pounds. I weigh exactly what I weighed on the date of my SECOND band surgery with plication in November. I only have 4 cc's in my band right now and don't feel any restriction at all whatsoever, and I get hungry often because I can't eat very much at one time, so I'm just glad that I'm not gaining. To be perfectly honest, if it wasn't for being able to feel my port, I'd feel like I hadn't ever had any surgery! I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever see the…

I am in the hospital , day after surgery. This had been the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. A million times west than child birth. Please be seater that recovery is painful. Dr said mine went perfect. It only took an hour an 15. Since I got out of the operation I have thought u did I do this to myself when will this pain end. When will I be able to take a few sops without dry heaving so intense that it feels like my inside a are being ripped out. I'm hoping a well will pad and I'll start too feel better. I am not trying to talk anyone out of this I just want people top be prepared.

UP...NERVOUS TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE :/ Haven't heard anything about my clearance paper work being ready to be submitted to my insurance.