Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Although I feel better, fit everywhere better I haven't been able to start going to the gym yet but manage to walk at least a mile a day. Thankfully I have had no problems at all.... I live my sleeve can't wait till I've an hit the gym )) Highest weight 315 Surgery day 298 2 months out 272

I asked after a month after my surgery if I could drink because it was my 30th birthday, I couldn't make it through a milestone like that, that I couldn't drink... I am fine. My surgeon said, "your weight loss will slow down..." I have discovered that vodka and DIET OCEAN SPRAY CRAN-GRAPE OR CRAN-POMEGRANATE juice helps. My weight loss has not slowed, just happened. Y'all need to be informed!! Drink!!! It's awesome!! Just don't substitute your FOOD addiction for alcohol.... Alcohol can still be enjoyed, just don't over do it. Love all my VSG family!

I am still on my liquid diet and not back at work. I have had no complications. My biggest concern is becoming dehydrated. I do not want to go back into the hospital for that. So, I sit here worried day to day that I will drink too much and damage my new sleeve. But at the same time I worry that it takes me forever to get in a protein shake and fluids the rest of the day. I guess some of my frustration comes from not having someone to talk to about how it feels if I am drinking too much because the people I know have a bypass and not a sleeve. Things are easier going down this week than last. I don't know if that means I am healing or if I drank too much and stretch…

I was banded over five years ago. I did well for the first year, lost one lb a week on average. I started at 234 got down to 173 and stayed there untill about 8 months ago. Now I am up to 188 YIKES!! I don't have the healthiest lifestyle, I ride with my husband over the road trucking. We don't have access to healthy food all the time, and excersize is difficult. Can anyone help me out with food choices and things I can do to start loosing again? Also I haven't been back to my doc since 1 year post op, he his very expensive and I haven't had the means to see him. I have pain at the port, so bad at times I can't lye one my side, and gall bladder problems as well. I get sick…

In my amazing gown waiting for surgery... It's cold in here lol nervous nervous nervous

Does anyone have any information on how VSG ca affect your LIFe Span?

So excited I am 1 week post op after having bypass surgery. I will admit I was. Regretting it up untill 2 days ago. I am starting to get my energy back. And feeling great I am not so much noticing the weight lost yet but I am sure it wi come. I do say I can't stand Hess protein shakes . But I am faithfully taking them . I am going to enjoy recovering At home for 6 weeks with my son and hopes with the weight loss it will put my PCOS problems behind me !!!!

Hi people, my friends call me Mal, I seeked out doctors to discuss if I qualified for the surgery. The last 5 years I suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure and Type 2 Diabetes. I was a body builder before being hit with all this and the most I weighed was 220. I got up to 265 pounds which is the heaviest I ever been. I knew how to get the weight off from my experiences of competing as a body builder but I became limited in the gym, not being able to do anything without severe pain in my joints. If it wasn't for the Arthritis I could have shed the extra pounds with no problem. Although most patients get the surgery for being considerably over…

Hey there all....here is my story... I am a 45 year old male NYer. In 2006 I have LapBand surgery, I was 425lbs at the time. The surgery was a success and the LapBand is a great tool, I went down to 300lbs. However, in late 2008 I got very sick and was forced to open the band up. Unfortunately, I can no longer use the band. Through all of my illness and "forced" seclusion I gained a tremendous amount of weight over the past 4 years. As I write this, I am 500 lbs., my BMI is off the charts, so to speak. Today I began my pre-op diet and am scheduled for VSG Surgery & LapBand removal on Feb. 4th. Very nervous and excited. I have been thru this pre-op diet befor…

Has anyone that's had the lapband had a beer or two after your recovery period ?? I know they say that you can't have combination but just wondering if you can stray on this or not ..?? Thanks for your input

I'm 10 months post-op and am struggling. I lost 60 pounds in the first 3-4 months and nothing since. I work out 4 times a week (45 min. each) and I watch what I eat carefully (on occasion i eat the wrong things but for the most part I eat low fat/carb and high protein). I drink only Water and never with my food. I dont know what else to do. Here is my menu for the day, maybe someone can have some suggestions of what i'm missing. breakfast: oatmeal with raisins and granola snack: banana lunch: sliced turkey with swiss cheese; cheddar rice cakes snack: sugar snap peas dinner: turkey sausage, green pepper, onion stif fry snack: rice cakes, popcorn, or nuts thanks, …

It's Not Fair and I Feel as If I am Being Set Up when I see Cheap Food, that Is Bad for Your Health but Healthy Food Expensive!! Who Unless Your Rich Could Afford to Spend Money on The Lap Band Surgery, Maintence, New Clothes, Gym, Health Programs, and Expensive Food!! Wow Does Society Really Want us to Loose Weight or Go to A Fast Food Restaurant, Where a Burger and Fries, and Milk Shakes is 3.00. Cheap Cheap Cheap!! Weight Loss, Expensive, Expensive, Expensive!!! I Feel Like I'm Being Set Up!! Even My weight Loss Snack are Expensive, But a bag of cookies or candy is less then a Dollar!!!!

What is that? Does it hurt? How uncomfortable is it? I've never had surgery and I'm curious because I see everyone not liking "THE DRAIN"! Lol

my rny is scheduled for valentines day! my nutritionist wants me to start my liquid diet this Thursday 3 weeks before my surgery.. I'm so nervous! she wants me to have 6 shakes a day no food at all and she said I can snack with sugar free jello and Popsicles .. how did everyone do it!? I need to get my mind focused on my ultimate goal ! the most challenging thing for me is I'm a stay at home mom to my 2 yr old daughter , who I have to feed breakfast lunch and dinner so avoiding food is almost near impossible ! anybody that has any tips for me I would greatly appreciate it!

I am a week post op. I am losing weight, not hungry and doing pretty much ok. Still on some pain meds for tummy pain. I should be super happy, but I am not, The main issue I am dealing with is my emotions. I just FEEL SAD, Cry at the drop of a hat, and just get an overwhelming feeling of sad. ??? Anyone else had these feelings, I just feel lost.

Okay, surgery date was 10/22. Day of surgery I weighed somewhere around 292. Today, I weigh 262. Doing the math, that is 30 pounds in almost 3 months. I had hoped for a much bigger number to be reflected at this point on the scale. Despite my disappointing loss in pounds, I can claim victory in other aspects of my life. I have dropped from a 24 to a 16 pants size! When I walk by a mirror, I don't wince in pain from the reflection I see staring back at me. Yes, I have a long way to go, but I am getting there, slowly but surely. Not sure why the scale is not reflecting the changes I am seeing. Anyone else experiencing or experienced this? I will say, I am not working out, b…

Well Ive been reading lots of threads here lately. I guess well yes I know I did it to myself but after not eating like I should or drinking fluids after 6 weeks...I was hospitalized!!! Total dehydration...low potassium...no nutrients and hypoglycemic....6 days of hospital. Needless to say today (first day home) I am drinking lots and trying to eat!!! Just take it slow and easy everyone and follow doctors rules.....

I had my operation January 9th. Everything went very well to my greatest relief. I spent two days in the hospital and have been recovering at my parent's house for the past two weeks. The hardest part for me so far with this surgery as been the left side burning pain on my stomach I get sometimes when I sit down, stand up or "try" to lay down. It's slowly getting better. They "the doctors" tells me the pain will go away after 4 weeks...waiting to get there. I have not had any set backs what so ever. No vomiting, no fever, no overwhelming pain, etc. Of course I thank God every day for making this easy as possible.The other hard part for me is the two weeks of shakes every …

I am down 87 pounds in 4 months and for the first time in my life I am starting to feel confident in myself and the way I look. I have a long way to go still but when I compare pictures from day of surgery to this morning I can see how happy I am. So thankful for my sleeve

I'm thinking about getting sleeved soon. My insurance has been approved for baratric surgery. I have an appt for intake on 1/28 and I met with the surgeon on 2/4. Any advice you would give me that wasn't given to you?

Is there anyone out there who has Multiple Sclerosis and a lap band?

I'm nearly four years post-surgery and feel like I've had the oddest of lap-band journeys. I lost about 20 lbs in the first year -- didn't really pursue the whole fill thing as aggresively as I should have. But last year (start of 2012), I hunkered down and got to a fill level where things started to click in. Dropped another 23 lbs. in 2012 and have since gotten another fill -- I kinda started stalling out around Sept. 2012. Now things are working again. I'm down 51 lbs. in all. I guess what confuses me is that I always figured if I got this surgery, I'd really lose the weight (or a good chunk of it) in the first year. I didn't truly realize how much of this depends on…

Hi, My name is Michelle. Im 42, 5'7 and weigh around 420....Wow, that was hard to type. but I am getting my life back. I scheduled my first seminar and will be starting my 6 month diet. I did weight watchers last year, and looking into how long I was on the program, not sure if it was 6 months or not. I have been lurking here for a while, and have toyed with this idea for a couple of years, but it was only recently my husband got on board, so now is my time! Im nervous, but determined. I know our insurance covers this, and I have the BMI, plus I am a type 2, have sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, so I was told, I just have to follow their guidelines. Sorry, this is…

I'm about to start my 4 month weight loss management and I'm having doubts AGAIN which is normal but I'm Having lots of talk with my boyfriend and he doesn't feel this is the way out. He feels I should commit to a diet and exercise and just sees me as being lazy and not wanting to put the extra time for exercise. It's easy for him to say but I have so much going on , work , kids , bills, body aches , PMs, hiatal hernia, reflux , GERD etc! I'm 38 years old 5'3 and 320 pounds.

What a long and disappointing journey!....Traveled to Detroit from Pittsburgh so as to not wait for insurance guidlines and paid myself.....Dr. discovered largest hiatal hernia he had ever seen and HAD TO REPAIR it......While in there he did the band.....Admitted that BOTH should never be done at the same time.....But because of travel he did.....Tons of scar tissue left....Band had me lose 20-30 pounds, put it back on, but I never felt the good restriction.....Went to a local Dr. and he said he'd do it over.....He did.....RESULTS THE SAME......I then had gastric bypass, and it was very difficult because of the previous two surgeries.....I dropped around 35 and ate what …

Does anyone have BCBS of WNY..if so what is the approval process?

I'm 38yrs old, mother of 2. I am single and work a full time job. I have struggled with weight since I was very young, and have had "foodie" issues. I love to cook and eat good foods, healthy and other...My struggle with emotional eating/depression and low self esteem has led me down alot of unhealthy paths. I finally made the choice to do something permanent to help me become a healthier person overall and be a better Mom to my kids. I decided to have VSG. I contacted the office of Dr. Clifton Thomas on a referral from my mother (my lifelong enabler/sabatour). They were immediately helpful and talked me through my wants/needs. I had my VSG surgery Dec. 17, 2012. …

Hello all. I am new here and had my gastric sleeve last Monday along with a hiatal hernia repair. Had a lot of swelling and stayed in the hospital four nights because barium would not go down. Feeling much better since I am out of the hospital but having a hard time getting in enough liquid/protein!

Hi everyone. Im amy. I'm 21 years old and i just recently got my band. I've now been on regular foods for a week. I've lost roughly 6 lbs since my surgery. I know it's going to go slowly, but i feel like i should have lost more than that by now. idk. but anyway. I'm curious about a few things.. What type of diets are you on? i'm on a "no" carb diet and will only go to a balanced diet after i'm at my goal. is that what you all are doing too? Also even though i can tell a difference with my band with no fill, i can still eat quite a bit with out any consequence (pressure, etc) .. is this normal for people to feel this way before you get a fill? Another thing i'm wo…

It's so hard to get out of my picking in food habits they say as the time & days go by u would forget about food but for me it seem like as the time & days pass I get more Hungry ... Do anyone have any tips or good Advice to help me get thur this hard time ... Please anyone ?

Hi! I'm Cyndi and I live in Guatemala. Just emailed my surgeon and scheduled surgery for the 26th of February. I know this is the right choice for me but I am super nervous. Of course hoping everything goes well in the surgery but I'm mainly nervous about afterwards. I've never had any kind of surgery and because of my size (weigh 450) my surgeon is going to open me up instead of doing a laparoscopic procedure. Anyone had it done like that? I'm nervous about being able to do things like get up from bed or a chair afterwards. Also about not being able to satisfy the mental hunger even if I don't feel it physically. I know it's going to be a huge change and a lot to get us…

Im sure some of you saw my freaking out posts a day or so before surgery... But i didnt talk myself out of it. I went in to outpatient at 6:00am on Monday morning... Registered and was promptly taken back. Did all of the normal stuff, IV, etc. Talked myself out of running about five times too lol. Next thing I knew we were rolling back, i batted my eyes, then i was in my room in med surg hurting like hell. Everybody and their mom wanted to come into the room and mess with me all day and night so zero sleep plus the morphine pump had little to no effect. Morning 2 - labs drawn, ultrasound of legs done, then taken to have the swallow study done. When i got back to the …

Went for my 4 week follow - up today down 9 more pounds. Time to start phase 3 foods adding uncooked Veggies to my meals. Looking forward to this new endeavor. Still nervous and wondering will I ever eat the same again. Probably not and that is Great!! I am happy with the loss Just hoping that I do not lose to much does that sound stupid???? I am supposed to lose 1-2 lbs a week I am ahead losing about 4-5 lbs a week. I am healthier than I have ever been and I am full of more energy but I am still a Little on the Nervous side. I love the way I look and feel. I am sure I will probably need some form of PS as from the beginning of my journey starting with the Lap Band I have…

Hello, I have been a member here since 2010 and this is my first post. I am scheduled to be banded January 30th and have been on the pre op diet since Wednesday. I am not on a liquid diet but 1000 calorie low carb diet and other than being tired its going well. I am getting a bit nervous though about the surgery... any words of advice or encouragement?? Thanks!

Hello, all! I'm new to this site and just want to introduce myself. I will be having VSG on February 6th (yay!) with Dr. Houston in Nashville. I've been a regular on another site during my journey to surgery, but this site really appeals to me, and I like that it is specific to our surgery type. Just a little about me. I'm 33, live in West Tennessee, never married, no children, no... life. Like many, I've been overweight since early childhood, about 5 or 6 years old. I have not been a yo-yo dieter, it's just been a steady climb for me, except for one brief interlude about three years ago. I went to a facility that helped treat eating disorders. I was there for a …

Hello everyone, I have been visiting VST for a while, just now introducing myself. I have pretty much the same story as everyone else. Yo-yo dieted most of my life, weight loss expert that can tell you how to loose it, just not keep it off, emotional eater, etc. But in August of 2012, I went to a seminar at New Life Bariatric Center in Knoxville Tn. and met Dr. Boyce. My VSG journey started then. Other than insurance requirement of 10% wt. loss and one denial from insurance it has been a fairly easy process. And finally I have a date Feb. 18, 2013. Yeah!!!I am so excited,.,.,, nervous at the same time. Worried about all the changes for me and my family, how to cook for…

I have struggled for many years with the Gastric Bypass Surgery. Should I get it? Should I not get it? Should I just try another diet and fail? Being over weight has been a constant companion my entire life. As I grew up I would weigh myself thinking ok I weigh 160 lbs., I won't ever reach 165, if I reach 165, then I will work out more and watch what I eat. Next thing I knew I was 170, so I would play the compromise game once again. OK 180, I promise myself I will never reach 180, I just won't allow it... Well after several deals that I could not even keep with myself I am now 260 pounds. I am miserable, my back and knees hurt constantly! My entire family is obes…

My sister and I are both getting the surgery and are scheduled for the 28th of feb. I'm nervous! Now we just have to wait for approval. I am hoping that everything goes well. I spoke to the coordinator and told us that we have to do the 2 weeks of just protein shakes. I keep hearing the one That they want us to take Bariatric advantage taste bad. Ugh!!! I hope its not too bad. Lets see how this goes!

I want chicken and shrimp from the Chinese grilled ..... What ya think about me eating that?

My last nutrition visit is set for two weeks. I have had some issues with kidney stones stuck to my diet but because I couldn't keep food down. I know I have gained weight. I am worried this will be a set back. I am ready to have my surgery soon. I am wondering really if anyone has gained before their last visit. I hope they don't make me wait another month.

Hello all banders I just got banded today I feel great with pain but what is there to expect you have fresh wounds and adjustments to your stomach. I have back pains I've walked alot today I believe its from the gas I can't find a way to burp it out or fart it out I feel grumbling in my stomach but that's it any help? I've tried gas -x and still the same ..

So I don't have any long sleeve shirts that really fit and I went to old navy today on my lunch break and I was able to fit in an xl!! Do you now how long I have been shopping in the plus sizes, I didn't even think anything at old navy would fit, figured if it didn't I could get my boys something. So 3 weeks out and new clothes already! My cousins that have had this surgery both told me the best part would be shopping!!!

Happy New Year everybody as its been a while since I was last on here. I'm quite confuzzled & concerned as I have booked my consultation on 6 March 2013; only to be told that I am meeting a Dietician, then the second consultation included in the price is to meet the surgeon & nobody told me that I have to meet the Dietician first? I'm worried that the Dietician will try to put me off for having / wanting the Gastric Bypass Surgery even though I have to pay £11, 000, 00 for it. I thehen I'll have further regular consultations once I've booked my Gastric Bypass. Can anyone help me & comment about their own experiences starting from their first consu…

I never posted pictures originally so I'm going to post these new ones and then later when I lose more weight I will post these again to compare but these are me after I have lost 47 lbs.

I'm on my 3 day of the 2 week pre-op diet and I'm am so irritable! Straight up mean! I know it will all be worth it on my surgery day JANUARY 28th 2013!!! Yahoooooo! I can't wait!

Good morning, Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kim, I'm 36 years old, married with 2 kids (16month old daughter and 5 year old son). Had my seminar last summer but made my 1,539th attempt to do it on my own, without success. I finally decided enough was enough. I had my consultation last week and now I'm working on what I need to do. Appointments scheduled over the next few weeks. I have Aetna and I'm worried I'm not going to qualify because my BMI is not at 40 but I plan to keep going. It hovers around 36 but I will be having a sleep study done soon that will hopefully officially diagnose sleep apnea so I can qualify. I should have my 3 month multid…

I'm soooo nervous right now. I'm having a revision tomorrow morning. He is taking my crapband out and hopefully doing the sleeve. I have been reading do many posts on this site and they have been very helpful.

My name is Ashley, I am a wife and mother living in Southeast georgia. I just turned 30 years old, a few weeks ago. I have NAFLD, which is a fatty liver. I was suggested to have Bariatric surgery in April of 2012, it was a total shock to me. As a very confident person in my own shoes, I never thought I was a canidate for such surgery. Since that day, I have learned ALOT about myself. I was in denile of needing it at first, eventually, in September, I decided to go to the siminar. Since attending it, I have became very comfortable with the process and am now in my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. I have gastric bypass January 9th, 2013.

Hey everyone. I just need dine encouragement. My friend got the sleeve the same day i got my band she's already down 25lbs I'm down 9lbs. I think i chose the wrong procedure. First fill is January 22

Hi guys, I've found that my pouch doesn't like cold. It's like I can feel everything cold moving through my body, it feels so crazy. Anything hot or warm my pouch enjoys! They gave my hot water in the hospital I brought peppermint tea for the gas and I felt very good with that.