Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone... I'm Cathy. Just found this website while searching for information on WLS. I'm on the Kaiser/Denver wait list and the last time I touched base with them, they thought I'd be getting a letter in the mail in January with information on when I'd be starting the 8-week pre-surgery classes. Today's the 28th and I still haven't seen the letter but I have faith that it's just around the corner. I still have lots to learn so look forward to reading all your posts. I wish everyone success! Cathy

How bad is dealing with the excess skin after weight loss? I'm afraid I will be hating the way I look in shorts, swimsuit, with my hubby. Is it a turn off or is it not that bad? I weigh 250 lbs and 5'4" now and 9 days away from being sleeved. I know I won't be able to afford body contouring surgery. Any suggestions on how to minimize the skin?

So scared of changes (ever if there good ones) . Scared of changing who I am. Am I the only one that thinks like this? I'm so used to being big that I'm scared of finally getting to meet the REAL me!

Well 1st day of pre-surgery diet. I am so hungry but believe I will make it. I am hoping that it will get easier as I get closer ti my surgery date. Surgery is on Feb 12th and I am really looking forward to it. I still continue to work out and that may be a mistake but going to keep going to the gym. Never done anything like this before but I figured I could use some support.

Good morniing, I am new to my band (Dec 11th) and to using a site like this...yes, tech is not my strength. I have been obese since childhood although I was a 2 pound preemie. Have tried all the diets as many of us have. I have lost 14 lbs since my surgery and had my first fill Friday. I am a little freaked out because the last two nites I have been "grazing"...not hungy, just looking to eat. I don't want to slip into this downward spiral. Help with this an dusing the site!

Anybody from the Houston area here??

Well 1st day of pre-surgery diet. I am so hungry but believe I will make it. I am hoping that it will get easier as I get closer ti my surgery date. Surgery is on Feb 12th and I am really looking forward to it. I still continue to work out and that may be a mistake but going to keep going to the gym. Never done anything like this before but I figured I could use some support.

I am just over one month out from VSG surgery and I really couldn't be happier! Jelly (my sleeve) and I get along famously. I treat her well and she helps me out. I have no issues with any foods at all so far. Everything goes down and stays down and I don't get sick from anything. I only had one incident of vomiting because I was mindlessly eating. Jelly let me know she didn't appreciate that and I've had to concentrate on measuring my portions and recognizing when I am DONE, not when I am FULL. I never want to leave the decision up to my sleeve as to when I am done eating. When I am done, I am DONE and I push the plate away. Like most people here I have struggled wit…

Jesus Wednesday is my first weight management appointment and I'm feeling so confused. Scared as well. This is such a big decision and I can't help being scared and at the same time worried on the outcome but a part of me pictures myself looking slim and being able to enjoy life more after 21 years. I'm 38 a part of me wants this surgery so bad or maybe I just want to lose all this weight once and for all and I'm looking at the surgery as a miracle pill or something. I just know for a fact that with the surgery ill be who I've wanted to be physically for so long... Why can't I just do it! Ugh!!!! ????

I recently had gvs on november 28 12 I'm down 32 lbs so far but I feel like it can be more. I started at 268 lbs is there something else I can do beside eating right and exercise

I need some got ideas on purée food beside chill

I just seen my doc I lost 15pound since surgery on the21of jan and they said I can move to purée food I'm so happy

Today was my first day on the pureed diet. I was so excited to get something close to real food. I had babyfood 2.5 oz (chicken and gravy) and a pureed turkey burger (2.5 oz). It was HEAVEN! I dont know how I am going to go back to protein shakes to get all my extra protein in. I tried mixing some unflavored Unjury to my Crystal Lite and it was just not happening. I don't look forward to adding it to my yogurt or pudding either. Does anyone have any good ideas on getting in your protein on your pureed diet? I would be grateful for whatever info I can get.

I was sleeved on Saturday 01/19/13 in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia. I was very impressed with the care I recieved and the cleanliness of the facility! Everyone was so nice and kind! The surgery went well, very uneventful. I did have some of the side effects. Vomiting, severe nausea and horrible gas pains in my left shoulder. I will be honest and say they are fairly selfish with the pain meds. I had to walk off my pain. Which I do understand. But I have had surgeries here and they are all about masking the pain. This is the first surgery I have had that I had to deal with it myself. By Monday once the drain was taken out I felt SO much better. The gas pains stopped the momen…

I need advice! I just turned 21 and I have always been a Big Girl. But its getting bout of hand. I have tried just about everything with no improvement. I was talking to my aunt who has had the lap band surgery and it has really changed her life. So my question is am I Too Young for this surgery to help me lose this weight? And how do I go about starting the process?

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself here as I start my journey. I was just banded last tuesday and except for the first 36 hours after my surgery, things have been going pretty well. I have to admit though, I was really second-guessing this whole thing at first. I was convinced that I had made a horrible mistake and just was devastated! However, my surgeon was awesome, assured me that everything was normal, and that I just had to be strong for a little while longer before I would feel better. He was right, and I've been doing very well since. I've lost 15 pounds so far, and while I figure that it is mostly Water weight and not anything to expect to …

I recently had gvs on november 28 12 I'm down 32 lbs so far but I feel like it can be more. I started at 268 lbs is there something else I can do beside eating right and exercise 5 days a week. I need help to make this start to a better me work.

I'm 18 yrs old and I'm going to be having the vgs! I'm so excited for a new and healthier life style. I'm in college now so I know how hard it will be to maintain healthy habits here. But I have recently been telling myself nothing taste as good as being skinny feels. I have lost 8 lbs so far but it's only the beginning. My first consultation is February 13th!

I had my surgery 12/19/2012 on the day of my surgery I was 235.4 and today I'm 211.3 ... I don't understand why I'm not loosing more.. I eat right and walk every night

I'm 39 years old, just about to turn 40 in a few weeks. I've struggled with weight all of my life. My weight caused me to be shy, lack self confidence, and miss out on a lot of enjoyment in life - avoiding restaurants, parties, clubs, social gatherings... you name it. My weight has also caused multiple medical problems - hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea. The "fat triad" if you will. I'm sure high cholesterol is just around the corner. It's also contributed to years of depression and anxiety. My life is half over, and being fat has just made it that much worse. So... I decided to make a change. I had checked into lapband surgery about 10 years ago, but didn…

Hello everyone I'm new to this site. I have decided to have the VSG because I have not succeeded in dieting or with diet drugs. I have battled with my weight most of my adult life. After having my first child 28 years ago, I kept my pregnancy weight on and only lost 20lbs. I went from 145lbs to 190lbs then down to 170lbs after I delivered. Two kids and a hysterectomy later, I currently weigh 276lbs. My highest was 283lbs. I am limited when it comes to excersise because I had a fall back in 2001 where I fractured my tail bone and injured my lumbar spine. Having the VSG will be the greatest thing to ever happen to me other than my children and my three beautiful grandchil…

Just had surgery on the 23rd! Found this app and hoping to get info and hear other stories like mine! Good luck everyone!

So I have been eating regular food just Small portion Am I going down the wrong path...

Hi all!! I am Samantha and will be going to Juarez, Mexico for my sleeve - Feb 16th is my surgery day!! I'm terrified and excited all at the same time - it's driving me nuts!!! LOL!!! I will be starting a Pre-Op diet on Feb 2nd and from there it should be down hill for me!!! Thanks for taking the time to read!!

Can I eat fat free sugar free icecream

Anyone out there ever get a cold that they can't beat. I cough so hard I vomit up foam. Tried a variety of meds but nothing seems to be helping and getting fluids in is crazy but I am working on it. I am 4 months post surgery. I am going to my doctor on Tuesday but I get nervous they don't know enough about the surgical sleeve to get what I explain.... Long story for being nervous and sick of being sick!!! Staci

My surgery date is set for 2/13/13. I start my protein drinkis 1/30/13. My current weight is 370. I can't wait to begin my new life.

Hi , I'm new to this first I will introduce myself . I'm from Louisiana ,will be having my surgery in Louisiana . I went for my first visit yesterday . I have insurance but will be paying cash for it . Only because if I would claim it on my insurance I would have to wait 6 months to do it . I live overseas ( Africa) now but decided to come home and do my surgery . I need to lose 70 pounds . It's so hard to try to lose weight overseas because you have a maid and cook . I'm schedule for surgery Jan 29 . Tomorrow I go do all the lab work . I was wondering if anyone had this surgery and didnt have to do the diet before . My Dr doesn't do the pre diet . Plus its an in and out…

So it has been a long journey in the last 6 months! I'm down 85 pounds and stuck! It has been about a month and I haven't lost, But i havent gained! The holidays were though. Going for my check up tomorrow and meet with the nutritionist.

Hi all , I am day 1 post banding and so far so good. A little pain a lot of gas but nothing too horrific. What are you guys eating during the clear stages. I've done Lipton onion soup broth and jello but what else is there?

I'm in the beginning of WLS and my first weight management appointment is this Wednesday coming up at montifiore and I'm having second thoughts AgAIN!! I wanted to know which was better . I've never gone through a supervised diet with anyone and have been overweight and at around the same weight for the last 10 years. So I wanted to know if I should give myself a chance on losing weight on my own under a supervised diet and see if I lose 100 pounds but what should I do about my weight management at montifiore? Should I drop out and call them back for an appointment if my diet doesn't work out or should I do both?

Thank you God for giving me the strength to head in this direction! Surgery is scheduled for 2/21 and liquids start this Friday. My husband is a huge support system and will not let me stray. (not that I plan to )☺ I am so excited and so nervous to start this new adventure, and meet my new friend "the lap band" !! My tool, not my quick fix!! All your stories have been so inspiring to me, thank you all and I wish you/me all the success!! Happier Days are coming!!!! ttfn

Thank you God for giving me the strength to head in this direction! Surgery is scheduled for 2/21 and liquids start this Friday. My husband is a huge support system and will not let me stray. (not that I plan to )☺ I am so excited and so nervous to start this new adventure, and meet my new friend "the lap band" !! My tool, not my quick fix!! All your stories have been so inspiring to me, thank you all and I wish you/me all the success!! Happier Days are coming!!!! ttfn

I win.....with lots of prayer! Went to Magic Mountain today to celebrate my daughter's 11th birthday which is on Feb 11th lol.....but since my surgery is on the 6th....I didn't want o ruin it for her.....anyhow, it was so hard to be there and be on my shakes....I had to get premixed ones to take with me (disgusting) but with God's help I was even able to walk most of the day. We can do this you guys.....it feels good to say..." I am choosing not to eat that because my surgery is important to me, my health is important to me, I have started a new life and it is my choice to not overeat.". I am paying for all the walking now.....but I am so thankful God gave me the strength…

Hi my name is alexis from nj had my sleeve done on jan 2 still in pain from the incision where they took part of my stomach out im 26 yrs old worj at a hospital sw 236 cw215 about three weeks out and started soft and baby food which im getting tired of and a shake a day with tons of vitamins anyone from jersey

I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet, I'm scheduled for surgery next Thursday(31st). It's taking a bit too get used to, since the Protein shakes don't keep me full very long. I'm 33 and weigh 216 lbs. My Ins is covering this procedure because I have sleep apnea, but first I had to go through 6 mos of classes with a nutritionist, and have a psychological evaluation. I'm so happy to be so close, and I'm looking forward to feeling better about myself. My goal weight is 130-140 lbs, I'm 5'6. Super excited and can't wait . [ATTACH]25823[/ATTACH] Sent from my Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

Hey, everyone! My name is April, I'm a 30-year-old wife of almost 10 years and a mommy to a very handsome (if I do say so myself) little man named Logan who just turned 3. I have lost 30 lbs since my surgery and have dropped from a size 18 to a 12!! Our 10-year anniversary is coming up in March and we are heading to the Caribbean on a Carnival cruise so I'm trying very hard to get as much of this excess gone before then. I have recently discovered a love for Yoga, thanks to a very encouraging and supportive sister-in-law who is an instructor. I do have one question for fellow banders, though. Do you have days where your band feels tighter than usual? Yesterday at l…

I had surgery on jan 22 weight was 230.I'm at 220 I feel no pain today I can only be up for ten min.

RNY 11/13/2012 Hey guys, so here's the thing, I want to continue to encourage all of you to share your stories but not just on here but in your every day lives. When i was going through the process i didn't know anyone who had done the procedure and it was kind of lonely... i didnt know about this forum and i was just doing it by myself or so it felt... Since having my surgery i have been very open with people about it... what i have found is a lot of people who are interested but scared and unsure about where to go what to do, etc... so it got me thinking of if we could be a support for someone in our everyday lives then we should.... Just a thought

I am soo happy with the results my only regret is that I should have done it earlier i was approved last year in sept 2012 but I chickened out finally got it done 2 weeks ago .I don't feel hungry all the time I think about other things now instead of food. Feel much better much more confident much more active ... Thanks for listening I am grateful for all the info and support here.. Sent from my iPhone 5 using VST

Hey everyone I have been having strong in my tummy. I had open surgery so to explain we're it is about 4 inches above my belly button and 2 inch to the left of my incision line … what could it be? Been there overnight about 6 hrs

Hello ...very excited to start this journey.. ok here's the basics. Starting weight 228 and 5'2". I need knee replacement at age 50...trying to get some years out of my knee before I have to get a replacement and in the last couple years been diagnosed with hbp asthma thyroid disease sleep apnea....sound familiar? I had to cut back at work to three days a week...my knees just couldn't do it. I have only told immediate family about my procedure....I just don't want everyone to be "weighing me". So had my surgery on the 16th stayed out of work with a "stomach thing" and returned to work a week later. I have a semi desk job...was just extremely tired and tummy sore but I…

I'm a man age 38. I weigh 328 pounds, and am 6 feet tall. My BMI is 43.9. The weight tables say my normal weight is 146-185. (I'm very big-boned, so that seems low). I am very active. In fact, I ran 6 marathons in the past five years (during one of my weight loss periods). My question is for those sleevers that have been through this… How long will it take me to lose 50 pounds? 75 pounds? 100 pounds? What is an ultimate realistic weight for me? Thanks for the help. This site is awesome, and has helped me with a lot of my fears

Its been a long process to finally get to this point...but its finally here. Im on my 5th day of my 10 day liquid diet..and its been really hard..but just try to stay focus ed on the sweet rewards this journey will bring. [ATTACH]25821[/ATTACH]

Hi there I'm 5 days post op all is going well down 10lbs so far. Still have gas pains but they seem to be getting better. I drink warm mint decaf tea before I go to sleep seems to help. Yesterday I started having diarrhea like bowl movements they haven't stopped. I'm going to call my dr. Tomorrow just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?

I was whated to know about how long is it before you are able to do things after the bypass. I am tring to see when would be the best time to have my bypass. Because I am in school and my class do not end until may. So how long before you are able to do normal things?

Hi my name is Ashley and I'm soon to be banded in bout a month from now and cant wait.

Am I the only one that is scared they will be the one person the sleeve doesnt work on? I have failed so many diets that Im scared of failing this too. It seems that noone in my life can understand that. They are like here try this or you can have a taste! Im not sure what I can do to make them inderstand that it is different now. If we live in the same house and have seen this transition there is no excuse in not understanding. Sorry for venting. Im just scared of failure. Now my significant other thinks im taking it too far when I dont want to get over 20 carbs a day.

Hi all. I had my surgery on Jan 16 and am currently one week post op. So far so good! The only issue I've noticed is I can consume anything cold. But down 10 lbs :-) A little back story. I'm 25 and was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder when I was 14. It's caused a lot if weight gain, blood sugar problems, and infertility. I've always been athletic, played volleyball and was a runner most of my school years, but I was always the chunky one. After high school I got married and have been a nanny/homemaker. To no avail, my husband and I have not been able to conceive. So 120 lbs later and countless failed diets, except use routines, and fertility treatments, I am here. …

I win.....with lots of prayer! Went to Magic Mountain today to celebrate my daughter's 11th birthday which is on Feb 11th lol.....but since my surgery is on the 6th....I didn't want o ruin it for her.....anyhow, it was so hard to be there and be on my shakes....I had to get premixed ones to take with me (disgusting) but with God's help I was even able to walk most of the day. We can do this you guys.....it feels good to say..." I am choosing not to eat that because my surgery is important to me, my health is important to me, I have started a new life and it is my choice to not overeat.". I am paying for all the walking now.....but I am so thankful God gave me the strength…