Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Well, the welcome letter said to introduce myself, so here I am! My story... I could fool myself and say that it's only been in the past few years but really the decline began even before I had my first child. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism as a child and I just could not lose weight once I gained it. Activities were difficult and I eventually got very lazy about doing things I didn't absolutely -have- to do. I managed to maintain a decent figure as a teenager because my activity was as much as the other kids around me but when I got into college, it simply did not matter. When I was 19 I got married and pregnant in the same year, my husband was and is a wonder…

I am 49 years old (until Valentine's Day). I am a mom and a grandma. I have steadily gained weight over the last 20 years and I have mobility issues due to degenerative facet joint disease. I have all of the usual morbidly obese issues such as diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, arthritis, cardiac issues, asthma, etc.All of my doctors and specialists are on board with me seeing a weight loss surgeon tomorrow and they have had a conference call already. I have Medicare and since last summer I have been seeing my doctors regularly and we have tried weight loss meds, physical therapy, counselling, etc. I had a medial branch block performed Oct 31, Nov. 7th and Nov.14th, …

I am set for surgery on the 14th and I am trying to line up everything I will need. I would love to hear what everyone needed or wished they had the first few weeks. I will need to order online so trying to get it here before I leave for the hospital. My list so far: Multi-vit Calcium B-12 Gas-x Prilosec/Pepcid Small pillow Assortment of Protein shakes and Clear liquids Thanks in advance.

Hey Everyone, Just thought I would introduce myself here. I'm Pete and I am 4 years post surgery at this stage. I started off at 18 stone in 2009 and today I am 13 stone. I am within 1 stone of my goal weight but it has been a long hard road even to get this far. Since I lost the weight I got married and I have two beautiful children who are now the reason that I am going to keep the weight down thanks to the help of my band. Anyway I hope to get to know some of you over time on here and hopefully we can share experiences. Pete

Hi! My name is Melissa and I was sleeved on October 23,2012. I am 32 years old, & i felt like I was in a 55 yr olds body...I have a wonderful husband of 10 yrs and 3 beautiful children....But why was I so depressed & unhappy?? I had accepted that I was overweight & thats how it was going to be...i was 150 throughout highschool & at the time I always thought i was fat, and needed to lose weight. Looking back id love to be that weight again! Before surg I remember just fantasizing about what life would be like to look and feel good again.I cannot remember the last time i got a second look in public! I was feeling like an old shoe. Going out was not fun,shopp…

I am in the UK and self-paid for surgery on September 22, 2012. My surgeon was Christopher Sutton in Leicestershire and I had a fantastic experience; having never had any medical or surgical procedures before, it all went very much to plan and I felt well looked after by the team in hospital. I lost about 18lbs pre-op, and have lost another 35 or so since. I'm really pleased with the progress I've made. So pleased to be moving into 2013, knowing that I'm well on my way to good health. Good luck to everyone on the site.

I am having my surgery on January 4, 2013, so I am currently doing my two week pre-surgery diet. I am really getting a lot of great information from this site already. I have lost as much as 100 lbs in the past with diet pills and fad diets, but I always gain it back plus some. I am hoping this will finally lead to a healthier lifestyle for me.

Hi! My name is Kelly - My surgery was performed on December 17, 2012. So far I have lost 15 lbs and am very excited! I've started my soft foods and am finding it very weird to eat so little, but like that I am not hungry all day long. I'm starting to get a little down as my weight loss has slowed dramatically, but I guess that is normal. I meet with my surgeon on Friday for my first check up and hope he will make me feel better.

Hello everyone! I'm so happy to have found a place to learn more about gastric banding from patients who can give me real life experiences. This looks like a wonderful site. I'm a 47 year old mom to 5 children, 4 of whom are adults now with one 15 year old still at home. My husband and I have been married for 27 years and I am fortunate to have such a good man who loves me no matter my size. I've been considering weight loss surgery for a couple of years, but fear has kept me from jumping in. I have some other health problems that interfere with exercise, so no matter what I do, it seems that I just can't lose weight. My doctors have been talking to me about bandi…

I have had my lap band for two years and over that time i have had on and off tenderness at the port site. However over the past week the port site ha become so sore i went to the emergency ward at the hospital and was told i have "spontaneous cellulitis" and have ben put on a iv of cefriaxone 3g for three days untill i can get to see my surgeon. I have not had a fill for a few months so the dr can not find a reason as to why i have gained an infection. I have burning to the site and pain when i move. Has anyone had a similar problem and if so what was the outcome? i am a little concerned that if i need it removed or replaced that i may need to fork out another **** load…

Hey Everyone! My name is Candace and I am so excited to find this forum. I have learned so much in just a few days. now about me. I started this journey in March. I have been doing Weight Watchers for 2 years with little to no success..I lost about 30 lbs and its been up and down since. I also have PCOS which makes my life even more difficult. I had been doing research and thought about having Weight loss Surgery for a while, but my insurance never covered it. The insurance I have now does cover it so I thought this was my chance to finally get healthy. I called my insurance and was told I needed a psych eval, nutritonist eval, and 6 months of documented diet. …

My name is Kristin. I had RNY 10-17-12. I am almost 3 months post op. I was having issues in the beginning with keeping things down and the smell of cooking meat. I have lost 57 pounds since having surgery. I weighed 254 and now weight 197. I have more energy than before. I'm able to play Dance Central on the kinnect w my children. I still have Hashimotos disease....which is a type of hypothyriodism. I'm glad I made this decision with my pcm. My husband is in the Military so I had my RNY done at a military treatment facility. It was the best decision I have ever made. I am now taking care of myself for a change.

I received my insurance approval on the 31st. Talk about ending and beginning my year with a bang! I'm feeling an insane amount of mixed emotions. But I feel ready! Any one else just beginning the process?. I'm going to need all the support I can get.

Trying to stay positive, it would seem my sleeve isn't ready to move past liquids. Still gagging a bit. hopefully i can get some sleep later.

Hi all! I'm getting banded by Dr Iqbal on 1/10/13. I'm on day 3 of 10 of a liquid diet (and having a rough time ). I think I am just way too low on calories but had already lost 12 lbs in the two months prior to liquid. Is anyone doing a vlog if so how do you get started?? MCD

Hi everyone and Happy New Year! I went to see my dietician last weeks for my 6 weeks post-op check-up. She said that I am doing great with my excerise and vit/minerals, but my weight loss could be more. She said it's due to the fact that I'm not eating enough (go figure). She has now increased my calories to 800/day. On a good day, I'm lucky if I can get 600 calories in (that includes drinking 2 Isopure Protein drinks). Some days I have no appetite and it's very difficult for me to eat. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Katie

I had my surgery on Nov. 1 , 2012 . I'm very pleased with my weight lose . When I started this journey I was 283 pounds . I was wearing size 18/20. Now I'm 241 pounds and now I wear a size 16 .

Anyone else with the same profile?

I feel good, I am doing what they told me to do. using those medicine cups to drink my protein drinks and my water. sip sip till all 5 are gone and fill back up and repeat. thought I would be able to have my SF Popsicles and SF jello, but not yet. able to start taking my vitamins, and my normal prescription meds I took before the surgery, everything seems to be ok. haven't taking anymore pain meds. I had to get that anesthesia out of my system. so 2 days post op I am fine

Just joined tonight! So much good information and advice on here! I am thrilled I found this :-) still lots to read. I am just starting my WLS journey! So far I have had first appointment with my surgeon and had my endoscopy procedure this past Friday. Next week I see the dietitian for the first time and the psych doctor. I look forward to posting and sharing information and experiences! Happy New Year 2013!

I had surgery May 15th 2012 and I am 5'1 and weighed 206!!!!!! I am currently 132!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My concern is that I am a size 4 and I don't want to lose anymore weight. I am eating candy to maintain. What can I eat so I don't keep losing but small enough that I don't feel stuffed!

I am a self payer and had my first meeting with the surgeon today! I was so happy to find out I didn't have to do the 2 week pre-op diet! I have to lose 18 pounds but I know I can do that! The doctor said I should have surgery the middle of Feb or first of March. I will go Tuesday to start all my testing. Thank goodness my PCP has agreed to do it, so my insurance will cover most of the testing. I am getting so excited!!!!!!!!!!!

My sleeve was 12/28, I had a surgeon who does a single incision approach and my BMI and body type allowed it. A weird complication I did not expect was migraine triggers . Which for me is lying around too much, post stress headache, low sugar, low fluids. Soooo perfect storm, I got imitrex injection in hospital, but it returned and I suffered through one night until I could get melt in your mouth med called in. Just something I had not planned on. The other thing is severe aversion to sweetness, so here the clear liquid Protein supplement has been impossible. Isopure, and a couple others all resulted in terrible nausea, and after vomiting day 2 I said forget it. My w…

My name is Cheryl and I was sleeved a little over a year ago. At the start of my journey I weighed 542 pounds. Now I'm excited to say that I only tip the scales at 330 lbs. Needless to say, life has been somewhat of an adventure over the last year or so. I have been amazed at the doors opened to me. Everything has changed that's for sure! I no longer have to sit on the side lines of life, for once I actually get to play in the game. Not really sure what else to say. I've never been on one of these before. So...I guess I'm just hoping to make some new friends that can understand what life is like following WLS. Got one question. Just curious, has any of you lost weight …

Hi, have been reading the posts here for about a week. I have my first consultation tomorrow. today, I have been upset, wondering how I let myself gain so much weight. I have gained and lost over the years, but this is the heaviest I have ever been. I was told my insurance approved me tentatively, and will find out everything tomorrow.

One year ago today I got on a plane to San Diego to have my VSG in Tijuana. I can't believe that was a full year ago! All I can say is... SO FLIPPING WORTH IT!!!!! My experience has been nothing but positive. I stuck with the post op diet, but discovered pretty quickly that I can eat and drink what ever I like. So, it still comes down to choices. It is so empowering to no longer be confused or bogged down by diet and weight thoughts. Without trying every new fad under the sun and simplifing my diet with my smaller tummy, I am now completely in tune with what I need and what I want. The last 4 months I have been maintaining and I have let myself 'enjoy' the holi…

Taking it slow, l hope at 60 life will be better.

Hello All, Although I have viewed the forums before, I didn't join until today. I had surgery in September 2012 and feel like this will be a great way to stay motivated and connected going into the new year! I just had my 3rd fill last week taking me to 4.5cc in a 10cc band. I am down 38lbs so far and couldn't be happier with my weight loss progress to this point! I am still feeling pretty tight after my last fill, but it seems to be getting better each day. . .part of it is me learning to eat slower and take smaller bites . This is also the first time that I am really feeling a good amount of restriction, so I guess the adjustment time is the pay off. I have been…

dec 25 was my 6 mo surgery anniversary. ive lost 139lbs. here are some of my confessions: i never weigh myself at home if i want something thats sweet or fried or greasy i eat a small amt without guilt i drink regular coffee on occasion i still see a very fat woman when i look in the mirror i miss shopping at lane bryant because all the salespeople knew me i watch my 600lb life marathons on tv and cry i cry when i see old pictures of myself i miss being able to eat and drink at the same

I need Dec 14 Buddies!

Ok... So!! My GSSurgery was on May2012, I was 240lbs, now 7months later I'm current 175lbs... Yaaayyyy me ::... Well, I should be excited... But!!! I been stuck in the 175lbs, for the past 2 months now... I just don't know what else to do... Any advise Porfavor...!! What are you Doing to loss the weight... My goal was to be in the 160lbs for New Years Day... Looks like that's not happening.... I need help!!! I'm also trying to get prego... Which is not happening either ... But is ok, because I kinda want to be in the 140lbs before I get pregnant... Any way, please Lear your nice advises... Oh btw... This is what I do... M-W (Zumba) T-TH (Body Combat) 30min treadmill …

I had gastric bypass surgery on Dec. 27. I'm on full liquids now, and I'll start puréed meat on Jan. 2 I haven't lost any weight yet, in fact I show a 3 lb gain, but I'm sure that's still IV fluids and bloating from the hospital. My first dr appt is 4 weeks after the surgery, so I should probably wait and see what the scales say at that time. Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

I have researched the Lap Band over the past several months and decided in December to set my consult appt. After lots of prayer & research I decided to have the surgery on Jan. 16th. I begin my 2 week liquid diet tomorrow. I am very excited and ready for the 16th to get here!! I would appreciated any tips for the following: What got you through the liquid diet How do you prepare food for your family after surgery What was your biggest challenge the first 6 months after surgery I am very excited to begin my journey with each of you!!!

I had my surgery two months ago . What fruit and food should I be eating .

Hi was banded 5 days ago right now I'm experiencing a lot of pain in my back n pain on my right side below my rib cage. Is this normal? What side is port usually placed on? Cause I can't seem to lay on my right side for too long and that's where I'm feeling the most pain. Anybody experience this? Also I've already lost 20 lbs since weighing in on week of protein shakes only prior to surgery. I'm keeping down liquids n dr wright of San Antonio says 2nd week begin soft foods. Has anyone done well with soft foods by 2nd week?

Hi! My name is Angela. I am new here. I'm WAY overweight...but am looking forward to lifestyle/life changes! I have thought off and on about weight loss surgery for a few years...but kept thinking I would get it under control. In September I went to my orthopedic surgeon as I need a knee replacement and he handed me a booklet on weightloss surgery. I was so humiliated and embarrassed. I didn't tell anyone. But then I got to thinking about it and doing research and decided that lap band was the way for me. I found out in Novemeber that my insurance BCBS would cover the surgery if I met their qualifications - which I do. One of the requirements is that i do 6 mon…

I've been researching the lapband for almost a year now. My husband and I have discussed it and he's really supportive. I finally made an appointment in October for January 16 to see the surgeon to discuss it. I will most likely be scheduled for surgery soon after. I haven't told anyone at work or in my family. I think I am embarrassed that I need help mostly. Since I decided to do this in October I've gained 15 pounds. It's like I have a fear of never being able to enjoy food again so I'm eating now to make up for it. I know that's silly and putting so much emphasis on food in my life is what got me here. I'm 270 lbs at the moment. Two and a half years ago I was 305 l…

Hi everyone! I'm new! I was banded back in 09 and saw no results more like issues with it as if I was rejecting it! Anyway I noticed that my vomiting had been increasing and finally went to doc and said I want it out! I don't care how we get it approved but I can't live like this anymore. Idk how we did it but it got approved and the conversion to sleeve! I was so happy! Anyway I went in for surgery 12/27 and it turns out I had hernia along with sever scar tissue due to the band! I knew there was a reason for my throwing up (I kept getting told let's fill, let's not fill for a while nothing worked). I think I am healing nicely.. The only issue is I can't even get 12 oz of…

I have been on this site for a while now reading, commenting, and chatting; but I never really told my story. So here goes..... I have ALWAYS been heavy. I can remember going to weight watchers when I was 8 years old. Eating cottage cheese and liver and onions! (what every eight year old wants to eat) I was on and off diets my whole childhood. When I was 13 I went into a Children's Hospital weight study. I lost over 155 lbs! I was down to 135!!! The smallest I have EVER been. It was a Protein diet I ate 17 grams of protein a day and that is IT!! No carbs, no dairy, no fat, only green veggies. After being on that diet for over a year my kidneys started shutting…

Hi, my name is Jennifer I am getting sleeved today actually and very nervous. I have been reading different blogs on this site prior to my decision to have the surgery which helped me make the final decision to go through with it. I started struggling with my weight after having my first child over 22 years ago but really hit my highest in the last four years. I suffered from depression from it and now beginning to have health problems due to the weight gain, so I need to do something that will help me get my health back on track. I think as many others I tried every diet you could think of and I was going to the gym, but nothing was working. I am ready for a fresh start …

(I should note: My highest weight ever, in life, was 293. That number is listed on my profile information. I lost weight when I went Vegan, then had to lose more for surgery. I was 227 when weighed at the hospital the day of surgery. I am 227 this morning.) I had surgery on Tuesday, June 12th of 2012 at Buffalo General Hospital. My surgeon was Dr. Alan Posner. My situation is different for several reasons: First, I'm Vegan. I've been Vegetarian since the age of 4 (going on 32 now), and Vegan since 6.15.2010. Dr. Posner had told me prior to the surgery that he wanted to make my sleeve bigger than usual, because of being vegan. He also stated that he w…

New Year's resolution - please fill out your profile, ticker info people knowing you age, height, starting weight, current weight, goal weight, surgery status and date, VISA # (ooops, optional!! )........... this info can be useful for answering questions, not to mention, "some" of us are "nosey" hoping to see "less and less" of all in this new year

Can't sleep. Only real pain I think is bloating and the port spot. Overall though I feel good. Just tired!!!! Diona

On 12/12/12 I had a RNY surgery to lose 120 lbs. I have a small skin infection on Keflex for otherwise doing as expected. I go back to work on 1/13/13 and I hope I will be able to keep the secret. I went to surgery with only my husband and my nephew knowing,.. my kids and my mother dont even know. I am looking forward to some help and some tips from these forums. Thank you Nancy

I was sleeved a week ago tomorrow. My physician said Clear liquids only for week 1, and then progress to full liquids week 2-3. So Christmas day I had watched as everyone enjoyed whatever goodies they wanted. In a moment of feeling sorry for myself, I ate a sugar cookie. Not that it really matters but I did chew until almost liquified. I knew it was a mistake, but I didn't feel any reprocussions and I said I wouldn't do that again. Today, Im feeling great a decided to take my daughter to Chick-fil-a and a movie. I told myself that I could resist the temptations, but quickly found myself in a familiar situation. I had one chicken nugget and one fry (well chewed). I f…

I'm 29, the mother of 4, the wife of a great man, and ready for a new chapter in my life. Standing at a gracious 5'7" and weighing in at 289 (which has not been my heaviest weight), my weight has been an issue for the past 10 years. As most stories go my weight issues started with pregnancy, I gained a lot and wasn't able to lose much. With each pregnancy came more weight, diabetes, food tracking, and let's not forget the needles.... Giving yourself shots in the stomach multiple times a day gets old but luckily enough after the births of my children I was able to stop with the shots but put back on the pills. I have seen the effects of full blown diabetes from a sister w…

Here's to another year of working hard to achieve my goals. I was banded on July 25, 2011, haven't lost nearly as much as some of you but its my own fault, I want to get back to exercising 5x a week & making better food choices, just wanted to wish all of you a Happy New Year & great success on your journey

Was banded on the 26 th so far so good. I thought the liquids would be tough but it aint been that bad.Looking forward to moving and start my new life as a bandit.

Had my first appointment at true results in Houston...staff was very nice ...my insurance covers 100 with certain requirements. April here I come...