Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, I am still waiting from the final word and authorization number from United Health Care. I have long since finished all my testing. The wait is killing me! Instead of preparing to my new diet I am eating every thing in sight thinking this is the last time I will ever eat this, do this, drink that, etc. Today I had a stack of blueberry pancakes, then we went to a hockey game and I had a hot dog, nachos, two beers, and then afterwards we went to a burger joint and I shared a cheeseburger and fries with my husband and had a root beer float. What am I thinking? I never ever ate like this even though I am obese. I felt sick to my stomach but I keep justifying "thi…

Hi all, just beginning my journey. Waiting for ins to hopefully approve the surgery. Fingers r crossed!

I went today to the pre-opp class and they moved my surgery to feb 6th. i am so happy! my pre-opp visit with doc is the end of jan, so i have untill then to lose the rest of my weight. i have 8 lbs or so and i know that is doable, so i am way less stressed...Thank you all for the encouragement...you have been great. there are a bunch of rules now...iam on the shake thing till surgery. also lots to do before i go under...find liquid or chewable vitamins, and there is a big list of those. I also have to shower 2x a day with antibacterial soap 10 days before surgery, geez there was so much to take in, i am glad they gave me a handbook of their guidelines.

Before and after pics for encouragement

to my first stall I know , I know , not the happy post you were looking for!! But I am trying to make sure I am getting in my protein and drinking all my water!!!!! I am feeling the frustration and even had a dream about throwinf the scale across the room last night! lol! I will get through it , but it does make make me want to yell when I weigh myself ! How are you stallers getting through it?

Greetings everyone! Hope all are well! I am new to this and don't quite know where to begin, but here goes. I haven't had my surgery yet. I've been on my gastric sleeve journey since around Sept 2012. My first appointment with Dr. Turton was on Oct.11,2012. I didn't have the 6/7 month waiting period for the medically supervised weight-loss that i've heard so much about from some other patients. All of my requirements thus far, have been met and documentations were just submitted to my insurance on Jan 08,2013, so I am anxiously waiting for my approval. For as long as I can remember, I have always struggled with my weight. I was a widow at the age of 25 and I have 4 bea…

How can I post a profile pic of myself?

Hello! I am now 9 weeks until surgery and I'm getting a little nervous. I am 170 lbs over weight. I have been starting to go off of soda and caffeine. I am eating on smaller plates, and not using stars. I have been doing everything I am suppose to do. My Dr. Has a whole program we follow, that includes monthly visits to a nutritionist, weekly PT before and after, plus all the normal hoops. Our area also has monthly support group to attend. I enjoying reading everyone's stories and I'm real happy that I feel I am not alone on this journey.

chilling ode happy :-) ... I'm feeling great yay ... How are y guys doing?

Hello Everyone! My name is Brooke and I am 21 years old and am currently attending nursing school! I have just recently (within the past 48 hours) decided on the Vertical Sleeve! I originally chose Gastric Bypass but after going to my info session this past Thursday, I believe the Sleeve is the better choice for me! I am currently 260-265 lbs. (fluctuates) and 5'6". No diabetes, HBP, etc. Although I may have slight apnea, haven't been tested yet! My goal is 130-140 lbs., which is lower then what I was my freshman year of high school! (2006) I have my first evaluation appointment scheduled for this Friday, January 18th. I just recently found out my insurance, Blue …

I get my sleeve done on January 7, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta,Ga and would love a few buddies.

Hi first time on a forum, but I've been reading so much, thought I should join and say hi. I live in PA, and am looking to have gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico on March 20. Not sure who I am getting it with yet, but I'm ready to take the plunge! Thinking Dr. Kelly or Dr. Garcia I hear great things from everyone on here. I am 5'2" and weight 182, even my husband doesn't know that! He's not really that supportive, but is ok with it. I am married with two kids aged 3 and 4. I lose any weight and it comes back double. And I don't want to go up anymore, and I want good habits and to do fun activities with my kids, thanks for getting to know me.

So after a six month period of dietary counseling, research, and preop testing, my husband and I both got sleeved on 12/19. Like most people, we had second thoughts right before and right after the surgery, but we both are now delighted by our results. We are working the program and he has lost 45 and I am at 38 lbs since our first visit in May 2012. There is still work to be done but I feel like a new person. I wish to extend my thanks to all on the forum. Many of my questions were answered and there are so many stories of successes that have lent encouragement. Happy and healthy 2013 to all my fellow sleevers!

Still no able to go back to work. Still on clear liquids , and hungry . Sometimes I feel like eating something. But then , when I see all the weight that I lost , I said no. I really can't wait for the next step . But I have to wait another week . ?

Hi everyone:) I just came across this form yesterday and am excited to know there is one! I am scheduled for my sleeve 1/23/13 so it is coming up soon and I know I need support other than the once a month meeting at my surgeons office. I am doing my doctor required pre op diet now which is 4 protein shakes per day plus 64oz of fluids. It is has been a struggle to not eat when everyone around you is living normal.

I had my sleeve done on 12/27/2012 and had a hiatel hernia repair to add to the difficulty in eating, so getting anything down is a chore. Not to mention things do not taste the same and I am not tolerating the protein shakes well at all. I tried Isopure and it was horrible, the only protein shakes that are not so bad are the atkins or pure protein but currently and pardon the TMI, they give me the runs. So I am at a loss at what to do, especially since even when I do drink the shakes I can never get it all down. Are there other VSGers that have struggled with this as well as having difficult even getting enough calories in?

So I am 5 1/2 weeks post yay 52lb down . I felt like creating this thread to get ideas from you guys on what to eat. So many times I find myself stuck and I have so many questions so for all yall in the same spot as me feel free to find out . Today im gonna ask what about rice cakes are those ok?

I had my sleeve a year and a half ago and was wondering about approximate weight gain 2 or more years after surgery when the stomach has had time to stretch a little? Just looking for several years post surgery experiences. It seems like most people are pre surgery or only a few months post surgery on here. I weighed 231 and at goal weight of 135 but was wondering how hard it is to maintain as time goes by.

Hi are there any 1/10/13 sleevers out there???? Just wanted to compare notes it's getting close for me, a little nervous and excited.

Hello, I'm new to this board trying to figure out how it all works. Had surgery June 1, 2010. I've lost 80 pounds as of January 2011. Felt great still do, but not satisfied. At the same time I lost the weight,my knee started bothering me. When I needed to start working out, I couldn't. Went to orthopedists April 2011. Says I need a partial knee replacement. Lovely time for arthritis to show up. I have energy motivation, but too much pain. I'm hoping if I just cut back again losing more weight will ease the pain in my knee. I'm not ready for knee surgery. Just looking for suggestions and ideas of things I could try. I wouldn't trade having my band, just wish m…

Has anyone asked their doc if ulcers can be developed where they cut the stomach ? I'm assuming that tissue is very fragile and I'm worried about getting new ulcers & developing stomach cancer after. Just a thought. Trying to get all my doubts out in the light before I completely go for this surgery. Thanks

Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem ? Not to be harsh but was trying to go for about an hour !!!! I am taking down 3 protein shakes , about 3 bottles of water and 2 jellos a day ! But scared as hell to go to the bathroom again !!!!! I was wondering if it is the protein that is backing me up ????HELP :/

Hi everybody I have got sleeve in sept 27 2012 in now 72 pounds down IM so happy of that but now this thing just star like this week I think or last week I been want eat all time it's like I stay want eat all time I hope it stop soon cuz I don't want go back in my old ways I really dont at all I don't need that at all I want know do anybody else feel like I do in what can I do to stop this .

I posted a couple of weeks back. I haven't had surgery yet but my surgery is approved and I'm a self pay patient. I get really scared when I think about having this surgery. So I decided to try it on my own. I woke up this morning two pounds heavier and I've been crying ever since. Why does this have to be so hard! I read this forum everyday, I see both the struggles and successes that everyone has. I'm not new to this. I've been looking at wls for several years now. I lost around 80lbs over a year ago and have gained all but 15lbs back since the death of my sister. Is this normal? Did any of you get scared and try it on your own one more time before you had yo…

Today was my 3rd Month of my 6 Month Diet and Exercise Requirement. I was down 3 pounds, not much but better then gaining. I can't wait until I'm done and can finally have the Surgery. I hope your all doing well. My Thoughts and Prayers Continue for you all.

What a long, strange 6 weeks this has been. It seems such a long time ago that I was laying in the recovery room in horrible pain. This process has not gone at all how I have expected. My first 2 weeks I dropped 37 pounds. Then the scale didn't move AT ALL for 3 weeks. 3 weeks in a row I got on the scale to just get the exact same number. It was so discouraging. Today I got on the scale & I was down 5 lbs. Finally I am moving in the right direction again. I thought that I would have lost more by now. I do recognize (even with a 3 week stall) that my weight loss average is a pound per day over the past 42 days. That is a lot of weight. I also have finally broken throug…

So, on Valentine's Day I will have my psychological evaluation. Let me start by saying I am very sane and I am getting this surgery for all the right reasons. My questions for those of you who have had your psychological evaluations are, what kind of questions do they ask? Is there something's I should or shouldn't say? Do I have to lay on a couch?(Lol) What's the deal? Never needed to have this type of evaluation so I'm really curious to find out what I will be facing.......(-; HELP

I had surgery two years ago with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. I wrote down everything that went in my mouth for a year. I kept my calories between 600-800, usually toward the lower end, until I reached goal. I also kept my carbs under 50 gms/daily. I reached my goal of 150 lbs on Nov. 18, 2011, ten months after surgery. I had thought that because I was 56, with hypothyroidism and MS, that I might lose more slowly but I was happy at the rate it came off. I swam a couple of times a week and ran a little bit but I was by no means a fitness fanatic--I wanted to be strong and healthy rather than ripped. I lost lots of hair from months 3-9 but it has all grown back now. I…

Hello, my name is laura I just now downloaded this app and I am very excited I finished my 6mo of diet and nutrition, and currently have my sleep apnea review to see if i need a new one.I have to meet the surgeon, and the phyc evaluation that is the one im worried about. Then they said they would go request to my insurance which is health plan select. I wanted to know if anyone else was as worried as i am I am preatty sure that mentally i am ready for this I spent a year reading and studying this surgery and I work in the medical field with the instruments of this surgery so I know what is going to happen in the o.r but I am terrified of the actual evaluation can anyone…

Hello everyone! My name is Aisha and I have submitted all of my documents to be sleeved. Surgeon is just waiting for my insurance company to say yay or nay. I am 30 yrs of age and I've been overweight my entire life!! I was born chunky:). My highest weight 352 and currently I am 310. I have many reasons as to why I wanna be sleeved but one that sticks out to people when I tell them is that I can't wait to ride all the rides I want. I've already started booking my trips to Disney World and other parks. As a child, teenager, and adult I never enjoyed these places because all I did was walk around and watched others ride because I knew if I got in line I would be embarrass…

I haven't eaten meat (other than seafood) in 4 years. I was sleeved on January 7th. I'm on whole liquids now. I'm concerned that I will need to start eating meat again to get enough protein, but I think the taste and texture will gross me out. Anyone else have to convert back to omnivore after VSG? Or is anyone successfully getting enough protein without meat?

What happens if you swallow gum?!?

If u could go back in time would u have your surgery????? What are the hardest things you went though ????

Hey Everyone! I'm so excited I found this website. I'd really love to find a great support system in this journey. 3 months ago I attended the bariatric surgery information session at Salem Hospital. I decided immediately that this was the right choice for me. I've been struggling with my previous insurance company, but was able to have a qualifying event and apply for the insurance at work. I work at the hospital, and found out that my new insurance covers the program 100%. So amazing! So today I am waiting for a call back from the program, and I'm guessing that my surgery date will be about 3-4 months from now. A little about me. I'm 21 years old. I'm a newlywe…

She called this afternoon and gave me a date. February 18th. I failed the first 4 ekg's they gave me today. my heart rate was 97 we got it down to 94 and doc signed it so i am all set for my pre-opp class friday, just need to lose the rest of the weight and pull together the funds for the silastic ring by friday. I am thankful for the date. I am thankful for how fast this has all gone. I can't wait to have it done, iwant to start losing faster so i can reduce this pain....february 18 seems so far away...but i know i was very blessed to get a date so soon....i guess i can join the february surgery thread now...has one been started yet? i am also very thankful to all…

I am new to this was banded on December 07, 2012. I am now ready for real food and need ideas for meals morning, noon and evening. Thanks for the help.

I have not had surgery yet...but i am a picky eater, i am worried because I don't like boiled eggs, cottage cheese or sea food etc (everything i will need to eat after surgery) anyone else like this? I'm hoping my taste buds will change after surgery or hoping I will mentally get over it?

I just was sleeved on Jan 8th, came home on Jan 10th, and started my full liquids today. I just wanted those that are new to this sight to understand that it is not as bad as what you may read on here..... I was reading reading reading on this site before my surgery, and I actually started to get very "worked up" and had to walk away the night before, as I was getting very nervous! I got to my room after surgery around 11am, and by 1:00, I was up and walking - yes, I was groggy, but because I still had the morphine, I wasn't in pain... BUT.. I quickly figured out that the morphine was making me nauseated, so I switched to hydrocodone ... tasted bad, but much better on …

I had my sleeve on the 7th of January. I have honestly not had any big issues other than probably not getting enough liquids. I am so excited for my post op next week in hopes I can start the protein full liquid diet then!! If you are in Yeh Twin Cities or suburbs in MN, I would love to chat with you!!

Hi everyone! I just decided with the help of my drs that I need to consider weight loss surgery so I chose the lap band. I need to loose 125lbs if not a little more. Diets never work I did weight watchers a bunch of times it's getting old and depressing! What is the process after you go to your seminar? I go next thursday! How many months till actual surgery? I'm nervous but ready to loose this weight for good! Make lifestyles changes and keep it off! Ashley

Hi I'm Kim. Had a lap band back in 05 without much success. Had a revision to a gastric bypass this past Tuesday and right now I'm experiencing some pain and discomfort. Kinda in a what in the heck did I do to myself place right now. Any suggestions, tips, words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to meeting new people who are in the same boat.

Hi All, Well, I'm on the 4 week countdown til my Surgery, it is on Feb 4th. Typing this, my belly just did a somersault; I'm nervous, scared, excited. I have about 85 pounds to lose. I have lost weight and gained weight etc, the roller coaster. Any one else getting banded on the 4th???

I am 7 months out and starting yesterday my back has been killing me. It's right under my rib cage on the left side. Should I call the doctor or am I being paranoid by thinking every ache and pain is related to my surgery!????

I just had my surgery on Tuesday, 2nd day Pre Op. 1st day of surgery was pretty rough for me. As I got off the pain meds I started to feel better. Just hope I dont I ver do it. Does anyone still have the desire/urge to eat regular food?

Wish me luck and prayers! I am nervous!

I got a call from the doctors office today...I go for my intake appointment on Tuesday. I have to be there at 7 am and I can't eat or drink after midnight. The appointment takes hours - bloodwork, EKG, etc. fingers are crossed I move through this process quickly! Silly question - what is a NUT?

On you tube. I grew a pair and decided to blog it. I have never did anything like this. Its way out of my comfort zone. I'm doing it so I can look back on it, and I found lost of inspiration watching others videos. Thanks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvbNwk14sYU&feature=youtube_gdata_player Jessica. can't wait to start this journey.

Today is my first full day at home since my surgery the 7th. I've been following the full liquid diet plan and I'm trying to stay as hydrated as possible. I walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes 2x today and I'm hoping to be able to do it again but it's difficult to get out of bed right now, my stomach is uneasy after dinner, I had cream of celery soup strained and sugar free chocolate pudding. Just wanted to share.

I am still very sore but can walk around and do things, I gained 11 pounds during hospital stay from saline Iv. I've lost 5 of them, does anyone know how soon I will lose all the bloated feelings and water weight gain? And when the soreness will go away?? I also walk every hour or two for 15-25 min. Thanks!!

Hey everyone, I feel so uncomfortable . I have lost 42 pounds since my sleeve 11/27/12 . But I'm so weak and I take the multivitamin plus the b12. Everything I try to eat makes me extremely nauseous . Does it get easier ? I need a light at the end of this tunnel honestly . When will I feel like myself again ?