Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi! I'm Becky. I'm from Idaho. I'm cash pay because surprisingly my blue cross blue shield has a policy specifically against bariatric procedures. Go figure. I am set to be banded Nov 5, and I'm on my preop diet of 700 cals a day which is a but brutal, but really NOT as bad as I thought it would be. I've only been overweight/obese for about four years now. I started having seizures four years ago... Up to 5 or more a day. I lived in a third story apartment and I seized on the stairs a couple of times and crashed on the cement... I just quit going out. The meds they put me on, I was warned they would ruin my metabolism... I can't lose weight unless …

had a great experience in Cancun having vsg surgery with Dr. Hector Perez and felt I should relay my experience to those considering going to cancun for surgery. I went alone and was a little nervous at first. The hotel was beautiful and very relaxing, right on the ocean! I was still somewhat apprehensive until meeting Dr. Perez the next day, surgery day, and also meeting the owners of Clinica Victoria. Dr. Perez put me at ease immediately due to his confidence and assurance. He was very friendly and I felt very comfortable with his capability in performing my surgery. After surgery, I had a little discomfort from the incisions and swelling but no real pain the ent…

Hey everyone! I started my pro op diet today. My doc has me eating low carb, but it sounds like I'm lucky cause I still get to eat unlike most others on here. My surgery date is Nov 8th. Are there any other Nov. 8's out there. Would love to hear from you.

Has anyone used BCN MI? What was your approval process like? How long did it take?

After surgery I realized my body temp stays in the mid 96 degree mark. I feel colder but when the doc takes my blood work. It all comes back normal does this happen to other people here

I am new to the forum. I was sleeved on Oct 23rd and as of today 10/26) feel much better. I had to stay in the hospital for two days because I coudn't get my fluids down. I had such bad nausea most of the time in the hopital. By the 3rd day felt better. I didn't have a cathitor or tube but did have the blood thinning shots. My body tried to throw up several times while there but never actually did. That was pretty painful on a newly constructed stomach. My focus has been trying to get 3 protein shakes in a day and the fluid. It's pretty hard work to get everything in on a daily basis but I am doing my best. I am not sure that I quite understand what I am feelin…

Well today I got my package in the mail to start my journey on gastric bypass and not sure what happens if I don't remember when I did things or how much I weighed when I did that do you guys think it will hurt my chances

The count down begins! Excited and scared but I know the result at the end will be worth it!!!

My surgery is scheduled for Nov 7 and I'm on day three of my diet to shrink my liver. I can have one protein shake a day, as many Sugar free Popsicles, sugar free jello, and broth that I want. I can also have two cups of fruit and one 8 oz skim milk or fat free yogurt. They also gave me a chocolate shake that I can have once daily and I'm starving to death. But my doctor would not tell me how much weight I should loose. They told me that they couldn't tell me because it was different for everyone. So I weigh 355 pounds. Does anyone know how much weight I should lose?

Well, i have lurked here off and on and it's time to tell my bit. I get so much help from just reading posts, i feel it's time to give back. I'll try to be concise, but that's not exactly my nature! Bear with me please LOL. Many moons ago, in August of 2001 to be exact, i got all excited about the upcoming FDA approval of the lapband in the US (where i live - California). I had never, ever considered a surgical weight loss option, even though i was over 300 lbs for much of my post baby life. I was one of those "healthy fat" people...i walked a lot, hiked some, got around pretty easy and my body was preportionate. I had a zest for life and enjoyed it. No high bp, no issu…

Hi, I'm Amy & I'm in the Houston area. I'm just starting the process. I went for a consultation and they said they could consider that my first weight loss appointment (Aetna requires 4 prior to surgery). I didn't really think to ask because everything moved so quickly at that point, but how much weight do they expect you to lose? They didn't give me a diet to follow or anything. I'm a little confused. I'm already watching what I eat & exercising, I guess I'll find out more at my 2nd appt in November. Anyway, I'm happy to find a place where I can get more information & hear success stories.

Hi everyone I register on this site in 2007 and is 2012 and I still haven't gotten band.. No one to blame but me I keeped telling myself I can do it without surgery... well guess what I can't I have try every thing, diets, gym and this pass 2 months have been the worst for me none of my winter clothes fit.. I think this is the biggest I have been I feel like I can loss the weight. So I have been preparing myself for what kind of weight loss surgery I want and I have decided to get band.. I will be talking to my doctor soon about this (he has refer me twice now and I always say no I can do it on my own) I have finally hit rock bottom and I need help.. I have question…

Had surgery on 10/09 and am feeling good so far! I have been walking about 30 min a day trying to make my way up to an hour per day.

Hi everyone, first off...thanks for your time, thoughts, and input in advance. I really appreciate it. I am seriously thinking about the VGS. My PCP and Weigth Doctor both think I should get it. I am the biggest I've ever been my entire life. I currently weigh 370lbs. As stated up above, my wife and I just had a baby and she will be 8 months on the 16th. She is my pride and joy. I love her so much. she is my heart. I want to do this for her. My wife, family, and myself included. However my baby will be my motivation. Which brings me to my next concern. I am so scared and afraid that I will have a serious complication during surgery. I am afraid that something really ba…

Hi I'm Julie. Surgery April 20th 2012 and 90 lbs gone!

how many folks have surgery next week?

I was sleeved Monday and today is Friday morning. I'm down 10 lbs from surgery and 50 since the 4th of July! Also, when I went to slowly roll out of bed just now the sharp pain never came! Its only a bit tender. Today's gonna be a good day! Now I just need to work on this dehydrated/malnourished feeling. Yesterday I got 55oz of liquid and 30g of protein but I still feel slightly dehydrated.

Hi everyone, My name is Maria I'm 39 yrs old... I have always struggled with my weight in the 5 years I've been watching what I eat exercising dieting doing everything I can do to bring down my weight... My current weight is 230 and I am 5'5 I suffer from high blood pressure and recently was diagnosed with diabetes.. On Monday I will attend my 1st orientation for WLS... recently I've been feeling tired and nauseous and very ill my pcp did some blood work in which she found my cortisol levels to be low...Question is will this affect me being approved for WLS? Plz help

Hello all, I've been MIA for a while. I'm 18 months post op and I'm pretty freaking happy lol. I now have a new career which takes up most of my days but I enjoy it very much. I have 2 gym memberships now and I'm really working on toning my body. I'm still not under 200 just yet, but I am extremely close. I'm 6lbs away and it's taking forever! I hope you all are well Take care

I am 6 days post op and I feel awful and lots of regret. I felt awesome when I left the hospital and after taking pain meds felt horrible. I've been to er twice for iv to rehydrate and today I'm trying to stay on top of my fluids. I have a gnawing feeling in my stomach which I assume is hunger. almost thinking this was not worth it at all. somebody tell me this all goes away and. I will have my life back.

Hello my name is Esmeralda I had rny 12-8-11 and have lost 89 pounds I started at 223lbs [ATTACH]1542[/ATTACH]

hello my name is kathy im 32 my current weight is 279.2 i was 300 lbs im going to be getting eather the gastric bypass or the sleeve i just got done my info session and im going for the surgacal cosltation sorry for my bad spelling :wub:

I just completed my last class today. Now it's just a matter of waiting on approval. I'm terrified but I've never wanted anything more.

I am offended by the logo! I feel it generalizes us big people who like to dance! And I'm also offended by being told to clean windows. . .

I am 4 weeks post op today an returned back to work. I am a teller manager and I do a lot of walking, so I did not sit down today at all bedsides my 30 min break. So on my right abdomen I started having pain mid morning that last all day, it's not excruciating it feels like a tugging or pulled muscle. Tonight I was checking the area out and turns out there is a lump where the pain is. It is about the size of a quarter. It is not near an incision site and when laying down it is more painful so much so I can't sleep on my right side. Anyone have something like this? I hate to call my doc and it be something stupid.....

I just left a buffet because I had to take my daughter..I'm on preop diet and allowed lean meat and veggie..I had Turkey..like. 4 peices but I had a peice of trial tip and auger free pudding!..I went in with good intentions..I had a three week pre open diet and my surgery is two weeks from today..maybe I'm five?..I feel like I blew it..but I have already lost 12 in a week..I feel bad..I just wanna go run around the block..uugh!..don't cheat cause it makes you feel baaaaad!!!

I'm so tired of the paparazzi taking pictures of me! I mean aren't all of you? It's like I go out and bam paparazzi. Why can't us rich famous...... Wait..... What? Wrong forum? Oh sorry.....

Hello everyone, This journey began 7 years ago for me. I've struggled with my weight all my life and I finally decided to make an appointment with the surgeon. He is wonderful and one of the absolute best in Michigan. For one reason or another the timing was never right until this year. So, with the help of my doctors and family things moved along quickly and I had a VSG last Monday. Everything has gone smoothly so far. I had two nights in the hospital and have been home 5 nights now. I've been on the liquid only protein diet and need some help. They are just tasting terrible these days. Do any of you have any helpful tips? Also, when did start eating small bit…

Hi there, I've been lurking on this site for a while and found all your posts invaluable while making my decision to take the plunge. I just scheduled my surgery for Jan 18th, with Dr Ortiz in Tijuana because I'm a self-pay. I'm super excited, but already having trouble with the pre-op diet. Also, I'm a nurse and a mother to a super active 4 year old and I'm so ready to get healthy and be a better role model. Also, would love to not restrict all my social activities wondering if I'm going to "fit" - literally and figuratively. Most of all, I don't want to die. So, here I am! I would love to make some connections here.

Do you lose weight after surgery? And what to expect in the first month, I'm nervous. I don't know when I'm getting it done yet. [ATTACH]24938[/ATTACH]

Hi my name is jennifer I was suggest to do gastric bypass by my doctor because my blood sugars are running high and I have high bp and also asthma. I am 33 years old I used to weigh 230 but now I am 213 been watching what I eat but start my blood sugars are still way too high

I went to see my WL Dr. on the 16th of this month. My insurance will pay for it since I have a 45 bmi. I'm not sure the reasoning of why I have to wait 6 months, I was just told this is what my insurance requires. I have to see a nutrionalist or my regular dr. (I chose to see my regular dr since the nutritionalist is not on my ins and is out of pocket) My Dr. put me on a strange diet, I dont quite understand it.. I know its probably simple but the wording of it keeps throwing me. Exchanges..??? It's a diabetic diet too, I am not diabetic at all... but I am digressing. She wants me to lose 5 lbs by my next visit - which is doable. But to be honest I have not even started…

Hello all. I'm so glad I found this app. I started the process in late August. I've just completed my last test (the endoscopy) and I'm so ready to go. Year-end is critical at my job so waiting for a surgery date has me in knots. Looking fwd to all the mutual support! My stats: 5'5", 234lbs, 34 yrs old My s

Im new to this sight. I live in Alberta and am part of a amazing program called Weight Wise. I was just approved for the Sleeve last week however I have decided to wait until next spring/ summer for surgery (its better for my job). In our program we have 10 classes to complete about various topics (ie health, healthy food choices, and stress managment) . Each of us have a team that consist of a Dr, nurse, physcologist, and diatitian who we see aproximately once a month. When they feel you are ready and have made appropriate life style changes you are then sent to the surgeon and approved for surgery. The entire process is about 8 months to a year. It seems like a …

I had surgery 10/22 (Monday). I slept most of the morning then focused on walking about 20 min. By the end of my laps I was ready to sleep again. I was discharged Tuesday at noon and have been focusing on sleep/sip/walk. I have not taken any of the heavy pain meds and even the gas isn't bad

I called my group and my psych eval is supposed to be coming in today. So it will be sent to bcbs va today or tomorrow. I have heard that bcbs is fast at getting back to you so when I hear back I will start my testing and schedule my surgery date!!! I am so excited! I am no where near nervous, just ready for it

My insurance won't cover the Lap Band. Right now in my life I just don't have the money to pay out of pocket. I was hoping that with this being a medical need they would cover it. I don't know what I'm going to do now.

I'm one week out today down ten lbs. 33 lbs overall And most notable for me today I finally weigh less than my husband! This week has been pretty smooth incisions healing nicely, they are itchy but I'm just an itchy kind of girl. No problem getting in my fluids and protein now, I started out sipping from shot glasses but graduated quickly to a big girl glass . I still am a bit short on energy but that probably due to the lack of carbs and calories. Which leads me to my one question, should I be concerned over # of cals? I'm using body fortress shakes that get me almost 80 grams protein throughout the day but only equal out to 360 cals, how long can the body run on that f…

HELP! I was sleeved on June 23 and my weight loss has virtually stopped! I haven't lost but a couple pounds in 5 Weeks. I am taking my vitamins, working out, getting 60+ protein, and trying to keep low carbs. I am exhausted from trying to figure it out! I am staying at around 700 calories per day and I can't figure it out! I also feel hungry. I can eat about a cup of food 3 times a day plus a couple snacks. Any help would really be appreciated.

Hi am almost 3 months post op. I would like 2 know wat is one food or recipe the has helped u or u think is good at this stage the u really recommend ?

Hello I am from Central Illinois and I am waiting on approval from my insurance. My last appointment with the surgeon was May 29. So I am just looking for someone close who I can talk to. I would like someone who has been through the surgery or is where I am.

Hi All, I have been reading the site for awhile and have decided to join. I started my process in Sept. 2011 and my surgery is scheduled for July 3rd. My insurance required that I do a 6 month diet which at first I didn't want to do this but now I am thankful for doing it. I am currently on a 15 day pre-op diet of protein shakes. I am excited to have my surgery. I enjoy reading all the comments and suggestions. Is there anyone else that is having surgery in July?

Just a quick hello to everyone out there. I 38 living in Las Vegas and I am getting closer to setting up my surgery date, just waiting on the letter from my primary doctor clearing me - I am so excited to start this new journey. Dee

So I know we have to lose weight before the surgery but if you don't can the doctor say he/she can't do the surgery.

Hi everyone! My name is Mari and I'm getting my surgery done on Nov. 5th by Dr. Basseri from the Khalili Center in Beverly Hills. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. I've read a lot of posts and stories on here over the last couple of months. I'm happy to be here and share my journey with you all. -Mari G.

I have to say that it was so hard at the beginning it's only been 4 months an I'm down 66 pounds. Starting weight was 254 now I'm down to 188. I can say its been along time since I saw the scale under 200 pounds. My biggest problem is exercise. I'm so lazy but I know I have to get up an tone my body . I guess I'm just happy to finally be under 200 pounds.

I have so many questions.... I have my seminar on Nov 2, 2012. And I'm really really nervous! I'm deeply excited to see where this takes me but still nervous. I have questions I really want answered before I go... Like how long after the seminar can you have the surgery? Is the painbad? How long does it take to heal? How long before you are back to yourself again? What do I eat? What CAN I eat???? Someone help

I started my journey to surgery on June 1, 2012. My insurance started covering the surgery in May and I was told I had to have 6 medically supervised visits. I started the process with my PCP and then switched to the surgeon who would do my surgery. I've known him for 6 years since I work in a hospital. I was very disappointed in the customer service at his office and decided to switch at month 5. Good thing I did! I found out that my policy changed and I only had to have 3 visits, found a new surgeon with excellent customer service and who does the sleeve (first surgeon only does band) and now the ball is really rolling. I will also be able to have the surgery at …

My surgery was on May 14th and I've lost 35 pounds since the day of surgery. How about everyone else?