Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

FINALLY hit the 100+ pounds lost this morning! One month since surgery and a one week stall.......frustrating. I lost 77 pounds before surgery and the last 24 in the last month since surgery. I had a one week stall, but finally realized that 400 cal per day was causing the stall. Got back up to 800 calories/day and started loosing again. Took a couple of trousers in yesterday and the tailor is going to take in 7inches.......the back pockets meet, so I guess the next time I will have to buy new clothes. This is 33% of my goal. Started the "full bariatric diet Thursday and real food tastes so good! Have had nothing but protein shakes and a small salad May 2 thru O…

I am hoping my surgeon will recommend the lap band. My first visit is November 16,2012. Tuesday, November 6 was one of the happiest days of my life. I found out that my insurance will pay 100% of surgery. Within one hour of finding out I called the Dr's office to find out the next seminar. I was starting within an hour. I dropped everything I was doing to make it there. By Thursday I received a call from their office stating that I was approved but had to go through a 3month period where I need to try to lose some weight with by other methods. Can anyone shed any light on this if you have gone through this process.

Hello i got sleeved on oct 8, and my research says 4/6 weeks you may return.to work.my std was approved and closed.11/06 snd return.that day .i think its to early to return to work although im still cramping,and having.naseau out.this world. What.can i.do??

Ok here goes girls this is me from 238. Now 120 as u see skin is loose on tummy an good bra lol it was taken just before I'm fixing to work out hope this helps

I'm booked for surgery on Nov 12th... If you are/were a Fresno patient.... How was the care there??? Were you happy with the service??? Most importantly... Did you have complications??? Just a little nervous :/

Hello to you all. My name is Ren and I am looking for a place to learn as much about the band as possible while I wait to be accepted as a patient at UTMB bariatric center in Galveston. I am excited and nervous about this whole process and can hardly wait until I get a call back from the center. Until then I would love to visit with you all here and absorb advice and tips.

100 pounds gone...... Sorry about the first pic I just woke up

On Saturday, 10/20/12, I participated in my first 5K ever. Less than five months ago I could barely walk from my car to my house - and now I just walked 3.2 miles. I am so humbled, so thankful, so grateful. Why me? Why not me!!!! It's my turn - and I am choosing life! The walk wasn't easy. I don't think I've ever walked that far before. I wanted to stop three times - and thought maybe I'd never get up so I just kept going. I ended up cheering other walkers on (this was the American Diabetes Association Walk for Life in Chicago). Cheering others on helped me forget how tired I was. How much my legs and feet wanted a break. But this wasn't so much about legs and feet - …

72 pounds less..... Priceless

I head out today to go to Tijuana to be sleeved by Dr Garcia tomorrow Nov 5th. So excited, and a little scared.

Hi Everyone ~ I am new to this. Because of my weight my knees & legs no longer want to support me. So after some research and talking to a few people I am going to try to the Gastric Sleeve. As long as it is done through a "Center of Excellence" he work insurance will pay for it in full. I was trying to find information in line (as I have not been home in 2 weeks - between being hospitalized and now In rehabilitation. Monday I will make more calls - though not much I can set uo not knowing when I will sent home. I have been overweight since I was in 3rd or forth grade. The thing I found I think is odd it the period of time they can have. I am eager & te…

Hello, I'm new here and I guess I'm a little nervous. I started my research on the lap band about a year ago and I kept talking myself out of doing it, I guess I wasn't ready to let go of my very comfortable carb loving life... Finally 12 months later I made the right decision and am now scheduled for surgery on May 1st... I'm very nervous, I know this is the right choice for me but it's a HUGE life changer.

Hi ya'll. This is my first post! I just got banded on Wednesday Nov 7,2012! I went to UC outpatient hospital and all the nurses and my surgeon, Brad Watkins were awesome to work with! I had tried every medication out there, weight loss program etc for YEARS and nothing had ever helped me. That's how I got to to this point of getting LapBand! It's been 2 days since the surgery and I am still in pain all over my stomach, chest, and shoulders, and haven't been able to drink much. Is this normal? I had 3 small cups of water yesterday and am TRYING to slowly drink a protein shake this morning but its really hard since I'm not hungry at all!

I am getting my Band on November 13th. Not nervous about the changes but nervous about the surgery itself. Any tips?

I can not belive it will be 7 years since my journey began! My lapband is my best friend ,all my life like a lot of you have struggled with weight issues,my issues stopped the day i was given my lapband,thoughout the 7 years i have had 6 fills,oh i have the old band that holds 4 cc,i have had 3 unfills for a few surgerys. It took about 2 years to go from280,260 @ surgery to 127 ,i have had 1 set back of weight gain of 30 pounds because i was on prednisone for 8 months this last year but i have made it back i am @ 145 today,the band is always there for me. In the beginning i had a few slimes and a few upchucking but i learned,i never deprived my self of my love of cookies …

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Hello Everyone! I had my VSG on November 6th, early in the morning. Technically I am 4 days post-op, but because I had it so early...I'm saying I'm 5. I had my surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It was done by Dr. Todd Kellogg and a wonderful team of residents, CRNAs, anesthesiologists, nurses and pharmacy personnel. I was very well taken care of. Dr. Kellogg was absolutely wonderful! He is new to Mayo Clinic, but has practiced at the UofM for the past 15, or so, years. He has a really good bedside manner, and I really felt like he cared about me and my feelings. He explained the different surgeries in detail, and never pressured me to choose one o…

I had my surgery on 10-22 lost 19 pounds the first two weeks, I am worried about a stall don't know what to do!!!! Any ideas?

Aloha, everyone! I've been contemplating weight loss surgery for a couple of years now. Within the last month, both my niece AND coworker had the RNY surgery (by the SAME surgeon!), and they already look and feel great! I've also met this surgeon once a couple of years ago when he installed a chemotherapy port for my dad. I keep running into him whenever I take my dad for his monthly chemo appointments. Finally, as i was perusing THIS site last week as i was waiting for my dad in the hospital, this surgeon walked by me again! I thought "Someone must be telling me something." I had an appointment with my regular doctor today, and broached the subject of bypass with him. …

Hi my name is Evelyn I was sleeve on Oct 24, 12. I have lost a total of 35 pounds with the pre-op diet I feel great and hope to meet new friends.

So 4 days and counting before my surgery and i am getting a little nervous...I began my journey in Feb of this year and finally was cleared 2 weeks ago... Its been a world wind ever since ...i just flew home from my pre-op appt. yesterday.. its hard when u live on an island... you have to fly to do things like this but i am committed so its all good:) gonna miss my babies though... AMAZING TO HAVE A LARGE SUPPORT GROUP LIKE THIS good luck to all the fellow Novembers and the rest of u as well!!

Can't find anyone on here that has been banded in mn I know ther has to b some out there

I had my surgery on May 7th. I was 205,am now 177. I've lost almost 20 inches. I can honestly say that I am NEVER hungry,but I get my protein in everyday, I take my vitamins religiously. As far as exercise,I'm definitely slacking. I work the overnight shift so sleep is my priority most days..I feel guilty for not doing much as far as exercising,but I do the best I can..I have no regrets,sometimes I miss certain foods, & the whole social aspect of eating,but to me,this whole experience was worth it.

Hi everyone! My name is Robin. I am 44 years old. I have decided to do something for myself for once. I have decided to have gastric sleeve surgery. My first doctor's visit was on Sept. 18th 2012 with Dr. Jay Snow out of St. Louis Missouri. My insurance company just approved my surgery and it is set for the 16th of Nov. I am currently on my pre-op liquid diet, day 2. I am doing ok but would like to eat something with some consistency. I can have nothing but clear liquids. I am trying not to complain too much because this is my choice. I am determined to get this done and start living a new healthy life. Right now, I am excited, scared, and nervous but I think that these …

Hey y'all! I'm 33 yrs old from New Orleans and considering the sleeve surgery. I meet with my surgeon on Wednesday for my initial consultation. My husband is against it but supportive. I'm self pay and coming out of pocket $14,000. I'm just trying to wrap my mind around all the what ifs. Can any of you tell me about how long it was before you were able to lift your babies? My daughter is 20 months and I do not have a lot of help with her because my husband works mostly nights. She loves to climb all over me and worried about that too. Overall I am very nervous but very optimistic. I need a life change!

Had my revision lapband to sleeve 2 days ago, and just been discharged from the hospital. I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone here. I may not have done it otherwise. I feel like I have read about anything that could happen, and even some things I didn't even think about! Your posts have taken away the fear of the unknown and have inspired me more than you will ever know.

Hey from Missouri! I just joined the forum last night and am encouraged by all of the posts I have read so far! I have my surgery date on 12/27/2012 (Merry Christmas to me!!!) and cant wait! I am so thankful to have the opportunity and the means to be able to finally get my life back with the sleeve. I have become a slave to my weight over the past 5 yrs and it stops now. I am tired of being fat and tired of not being able to do the fun activities I used to do. Tired of having to catch my breath after walking a short distance. Tired of not wanting to hang out with friends because of my low self-esteem. Tired of always being tired. I have 46 days to go and am ready to get…

Hi my name is Katie and my surgery is scheduled for 12/12/12. I haven't told anyone about my surgery except my husband andy mom. Looking forward to getting to know y'all and having this site for support and tips:)

Despite losing all this weight, I'm still using my bi-pap machine because my sleep apnea has not resolved. Today I had to make a run to the office of the company that services my bi-pap machine for supplies. While there, I talked to the tech (Mary) who handles my case and she asked me about the pain level and complication rates of the sleeve. Since this gal is tiny, I was curious about why she was asking these questions and she took me deep into the office to meet one of her co-workers, who I'll call Jane. Jane is about 300 pounds, in her mid-30's and has been researching WLS, including both the band and the sleeve. Mary asked me to talk to Jane about my surgery and I w…

Dies anyone know how to get an invite to the social group forums.

i made this post about a week ago.. i weighed myself today & i am now 147lbs! ive lost a total of 126lbs. ---------------------------------------------------------- i made this post yesterday & it was 123lbs gone but i weighed in today and im now 124lbs down!! i am officially 149lbs. no more 50s! 14lbs away from my long term goal. 4lbs away from my short term goal. ----------------------------------------------------------- just an update: i was sleeved dec 20th, 2011. im less than 11 months post op. i started at 273lbs. i am now 150lbs. starting bmi was 51.6 my bmi now is 28.3 i am 15lbs away from my goal.

Hello everybody!! I have a question... Just got my lab results back and my Ac1 is super high (blood sugar levels) do you guys think that will delay my surgery?? I don't have a date yet but based on my opinion I think it should be between the first and second week of December. Please help...

My Husband and I are planning to have surgery in Feb 2013. We wanted to go to Dr. Preze in Cancun but because of our BMI Dr. Lopez is the better surgeon. I have been very impressed so far with the communication with his office, but i was wondering if anyone else had surgery by him?

Hey everyone! My name is Petra and I am considering lap band surgery. Ive been overweight most of my life...I started to gain weight when I was 7 or 8 years old and at age 13 (and around 200 lbs) found out I had hypothyroidism. I was put on medication and lost a lot of weight by 14 years old (and my slimmest at a size 9). I slowly gained weight since then and I am now 232 lbs. Ive struggled with hypothyroidism, and my major weight gains have happened due issues with medication dosages which cause a decrease in thyroid function. I have tried every diet except for pre packaged food and have lost 15-25 lbs but always gained it back. I now have high blood pressure and take …

I found out today that I am a GO for Tuesday November 6th at 7:15am...I am so excited, scared, worried and all at once. Very overwhelming all these feeling and trying to get everything organized for the time away from my 4 children and husband. My youngest child is Autistic not really sure how to explain this all to him..he is 7.

Hello everyone! My name is Christina & i had my sleeve Oct. 5th 2012 ....... This has been a life changing decision & i dont regret it one bit! I have lost a total of 63lbs since the begining of my pre-op liquid diet. I hope to make new friends & gain knowledge from this site!

Apparently I have a pretty large hiatal hernia. the doctor also biopsied my stomach because it was a little inflamed. I'm a little tired and my throat sore but I'm home and relaxing now. 1 more step down in the process!

I am scheduled for November 19th! Every road block getting to this point has been lifted! Excited is an understatement...and of course a little nervous! This sight is great! I've been hesitant to post because I wasn't sure if everything would work out...but it DID! Now I just have to deal with a co-worker who wants to tell every one and organize meals. She likes to be in the know about everything and I'm just a private person! Wish me luck! Right now I'm more worried about her drama than I am the sleeve! Hee hee... I bet that will change on the 19th!

I'm new to this. Learned about it lastnight while talking in the dr's office waiting to see the dr. I had my surgery 10/31/12. Since pre op. I've lost 18 pounds. This is extremely tough. I didn't realize I would be struggling so bad to get in protein and eating. I hope to use you all for help and support. So far, staples and drain is out and I'm on phase 3, but I don't want to eat and I'm definitely not getting my protein. I'm trying to get it all figured out. Wish me luck.

Apparently I have a pretty large hiatal hernia. the doctor also biopsied my stomach because it was a little inflamed. I'm a little tired and my throat sore but I'm home and relaxing now. 1 more step down in the process!

Well I got my date ...Nov 20 and I'm so ready...just scared....but so ready

Well gang here I am...in the waiting room before group session. December 13th I see the surgeon and December 21st is my last class. This time can't come soon enough. I'm so looking forward to joining the POUCH club. Bring on my RNY!!! Down about 35 pounds since the start of my journey. Wish me well. You guys and gals have been an AMAZING extended support system. Not just for me, but also my spouse. We are both very grateful. Peace, Love and Lighter Weights. Jeff

Hello :-) I'm on the pre-op diet and my diet is a Protein drink for bfast & lunch, with a lean meat/veggies for dinner. I can snack on a piece of low fat cheese or light yogurt. I'm on my fourth day and I'm doing ok. Not sure if I'm just second guessing myself, but its not that bad. I've found that my Protein Drink tastes pretty good with mio in it, I tried the chocolate dream powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury in fat free milk this morning (it was yummy) and my snack has been Greek yogurt (which I don't like plain) with fat free sugar free powder pudding added. I guess I thought I'd fee…

Like many, I have been overweight for most of my life. I have tried Weight Watchers, Metabolic Weight Loss, Personal Trainers, Diet pills, and numerous other "fad" diets with little to no results. I made the desicion in 2012 to have Gastric Sleeve Surgery to get myself to a healthy and comfortable weight. I went through the required 6 months of doctor visits and phyciatric evaluation, and I am scheduled for surgery on Monday 11-12-12. I always knew that surgery was a life changing experience, but it wasn't until the Pre Op diet that I realized the changes my life was go through. I have been doing the Pre Op diet for 5 days now. (My doctor's office requires a 10 da…

My surgeon insists that I will need to use a urinary catheter for 24 hours after the surgery. For other men on this forum who had to use a catheter, did you find it painful or uncomfortable? Did you find it helpful? Was its removal painful or merely uncomfortable? My surgeon and my primary care physician insist that the catheter removal is not painful. But I find that difficult to believe.

I'm new to this. Yay me! I just got my letter of medical necessity and I'm scheduled for a psych evaluation. I chose lapband over sleeve. Hope I made the right choice.I'm a fatty Mcbutter pants. As a matter of fact when I first discovered this app I was reading ALL the stories while eating a doughnut lol. Eeek! Help! My weight has been up down up down up down. Now its just usually up. I'm 35 and I need help with this. This is my ONLY chance to permanently keep the weight off and live a healthier lifestyle. I have 3 teenagers and a one year old. (he's a surprise I never knew I wanted). When I take him to the park my daughters have to go down the slide with him because I do…

How many of you out there were told by family and friends, "you don't need that surgery", "why are you having that surgery", "why not lose it the natural way", or "you aren't that big"? I have made the conscious decision not to share my decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery with people for that very reason. I have only shared the news with my sister and brother in law. It's amazing how critical people can be. I am scheduled for surgery Nov. 13th and I start my clear liquid diet tomorrow. I never thought I would be so excited to start a clear liquid diet. Please share how family and friends reacted to learning of your decision to have surgery.

Hi everyone... I have to confess I've been reading the forum for months but haven't joined... I have a surgery date of 12-10-12 and I'm scared very very scared I'm scared I won't lose enough pre op weight (supposed to lose 37 lbs and so far have gained 3)... Will they cancel my surgery? I have a preop class and appt this thurs the 15th and I'm worried they will postpone me has anyone ever had that happen?

Well here it goes my story. I started this process over a year ago. I have almost all of my clearances just a couple more to go. But I haven't done them cuz I'm scared. Scared of the surgery scared of what it's gonna be like after the surgery? Also I have had a really hard time quitting smoking! That's been the hardest part for me in this whole process. I just know this is what I have to do to help get me back to being healthy, but I'm just scared! Anyone else out there share what I'm feeling, or been where I am right now? Ill take any and all advice at this point. I've decided to have the surgery but just have to get up the courage to actually do it.