Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello my.new existing family, i have been overweight for years as a child into the young lady I am now,up until the life changing event that has taken on oct.8 2012 and i am 2weeks post-op. I am,new to this forum,25 yrs old and i have one daughter any one with a similar story let.me know...congrats to you all.

Well I have been sick since Thursday. Woke up Friday could barely talk sore throat cough. Had a terrible pre op today couldn't hear my ears were totally clogged up. All the perfume in the small room from all the other women didn't help so was torture trying not to cough but got through that part. Then went to hospital for pre admission testing got all the way through the ekg blood work speaking with nurse and had to see Physician assistant and wouldn't you know I couldn't hear a thing I couldn't quit coughing. She looked in both ears saw they were red but not infected saw the post nasal drip that was causing the throat soreness and irritation. So she said to start takin…

I was banded in 2009. I didn't lose much weight and i got depress. In 2010 a neurologist thought i was having seizures because my speech was slurred and i wrote like a 2yr old. In July of 2011. I thought i had a stroke, but after all the test, including a spinal tap. I found out i had MS, this explained a lot of things, like why i could no longer take zumba and why i was so depressed and fatigue. Seizures(ok) a misdiagnosis is what it was. Anyway Im BACK and ready to defeat this weight and the MS issues. Had a MRI today and i got my go ahead to get back on track. Im BACK to walking and have a fill scheduled for 11/14. Im restarting my protein shakes and zumba soon. My s…

Hi all, I'm 30 in a few days and have finally Made the decision to get banded! Nothing is gonna change that. I'm 6'3" and 160kgs(353lbs) living in South Africa I cannot wait to be banded! My wife has made an appointment for me for next week with my GP! I love her!! Going to go discuss my options an plan it's such a relief to make this decision. . I have a strong need for this. I have been at 40+ BMI since I was 14 and although it hasn't got super out of control I have tried everything under the sun! Now is my time to shine! Bring on the Band I say!!

I started my journey in June of 2012. I had just gotten back from Spain with 11 high school kids for 10 days. The trip was the the last deciding factor for my vertical sleeve surgery. I coudn't walk or breathe. My feet were so swollen. I was scad and very disappointed in myself. I am never going to stop taking kids to Spain but I am never going to go in that horrible condition again. I meet with my surgeon tomorrow. I am ready for surgery. My question is I was 10 pounds down in June after all the walking in Spain. I have gained 12 pounds since my first initial weigh in. I have also stopped smoking after 25 years.I believe after I start my 2 week pre-op diet that I will be…

I will be getting my Greenfield filter Friday and my sleeve on Tuesday, October 30th!! I am so excited but also scared! Not scared of the surgery but of this life change!! I have to find a new way to fill my time, the bindging that I used when bored in the evening or any time is going to be gone forever!! Last week I felt ready, this week I feel scared!! I love food! Me being able to admit this, I hope is the beginning of the end for that! It is my drug! Saddens me that this has been my way of covering my feelings! Even as I type this, I want nothing more than to grab some BBQ meat skins! It is an illness!! I will be a recovering addict!

Ok, i am only 2.5 weeks out and i rarely feel full! This is scary to me! What the heck? I ate 2 oz of chicken and 2 oz of cheese for lunch today and maybe, kind of sorta felt full. Has anyone else experienced this? Does this mean im going to be eating too much in the very near future and not loose the weight after all this?

I've posted on here before regarding insurance struggles. Finally, I'm approved! Lapband is scheduled for November 5th. Tomorrow is diet class, dr visit, PFT and blood tests. I've been working for almost a year. I am so ready!

Hey I'm Anna and want to get lap band. I have an appointment tomorrow at Fort Worth Lap-Band here in Texas. My insurance will not cover it, so I will have to finance it my self. I'm 31 and have Rheumatoid and over weight by about 80lbs. I was wondering if anyone here has had RA and had got lap-band?

Hi am at 293 lbs

Hey everyone my name is Louisa but people call me weeze. Just wanted to introduce myself since I know I will be on here posting a lot of questions lol. I just got approved by my insurance last week and my surgery is November 2nd. I'm so excited for my surgery but not to happy for my pre diet sigh lol.

Hi Everyone,I am new to this so please forgive me if I am long winded ,lol.. My name is Daniella and I am over weight by ALOT,its been very hard to loose it and keep it off,I just lost 48 pounds over the winter and I put it all back on ,plus some. I have decide to get help,I can see that I just cant do it myself,I am a binge eater, I have always kept it to myself,I get up after hubby goes to bed and eat,I and eat. I have depression,I am also Bi-Polar 2,I cant fix my mental state but being over weight, tired ,you can fix that..I dont sleep,I am up 2 to 3 days at a time,being over wight has cause my health to go down h…

I've researched the sleeve over 2 years and finally decided to go for it. I've got total support from friends at work but my 17 year old daughter is totally against it. Any advice from anyone with a similar situation?

It's been 5days ago that I started my shakes diet and I it's really hard for me think its hard cuz I'm cooking for my kids how do I deal with this please help me

I'm in the never ending stall. Or... I'm done losing?!?! Surgery was 7/31 and I was 288 morning of. First month after surgery, the weight poured off. Now as of today I am 246 and the scale won't move! I eat less than 800 calories per day. I will admit, I don't get all the protein in I am supposed to but damn close. I have been at this weight for almost a month now and I am so frustrated. I don't eat much which I am ok with but paying 14k CASH I feel stupid!!! Tell me one day it gets better. I exercise. Eat healthy. Don't snack. Ugggghhhhh!

Do you have to use a certain protein shake or does your doctor pick that for you? I have a meeting with my surgeion on 11/19/2012 but trying to go ahead and change my diet to make this process a little easier. What are some good liquids that everyone really likes?

Hello. While this is the first time I've been on this web forum and starting the process to weight loss surgery I am not new to the process. About 10 years ago I went through the process of getting surgery but after a few months I believed that I could do it all by myself. There were times that I was able to but then I would put the weight back on plus much more! Then I would have family members pushing for me to have surgery and I felt like a five year old. It's like when you tell your children not to go into a certain room and instead of walking away they want to see what's behind the door. I just didn't want any one telling me what to do and even though it took a…

Hello, I am brand new here, and was directed here by a cyber friend who will be having her Sleeve done in March/2013. I just gained 30 pounds back that I lost since December, and i gained them back in like a month. UGH!!! I am 51 years old, and weigh about 245. I have hypertension, and am teeter tottering with blood sugar issues. I sometimes get very dizzy for days when I eat too many sweets, but, every time they test me I am not diabetic. My stomach has gotten to the point that it is embarrassing and a chore to carry around. I WISH so badly that I could just lose this weight and keep it off, Lord knows I have lost it many times, but, i always gain it back. I am consid…

I got lap band on July of 2011 and it works amazing.. I lost 60 pounds wothin 3 months, and was so happy. Then got pregnant, and ended up gaining the weight back. I have started the process of losing weight again, and down 24 pounds. Its taking longer then the first time,but it still the best decision I have made to help me lose weight. :-)

So I am 3 days from getting sleeved and I still get nervous. Will I ever be able to eat a "normal meal" again? I am not looking to eat like I always have- but want to have a fairly normal life once I am at goal weight. What do you guys that have reached goal eat in a given day? Can you eat 1/2 a restaurant entree? Do you ever drink through straws? Now that you are at goal are you religious about no drinking 30 min b4 or after meal?

I haven't had my initial consult and I am tremendously nervous. Can anyone tell me what the whole process for a VSG is like?

I started the process for VSG surgery in August of 2010. I was able to lose 28lbs pre-surgery but I've only lost 45lbs after surgery (3/17/11). Total weight loss 73lbs. I'm stuck. I feel like a failure. So much has changed in my life and it wasnt in a good way. I really need some support from people who understand. The pre-surgery cheerleaders arent there anymore or are a bit hurtful with their tactics (almost a sense of jealousy). My marriage has become a rollercoaster since. And for those who assume it's because I got some super ego or major confidence boost, no that's not it. Quite the contrary, I feel like my husband became less attractive to me. I need to work on me …

Hi. I have just decided to have the sleeve done and have my first appointment this week. I'm compiling a list of questions for my surgeon. Any questions you asked/ didn't ask you would recommend?

I got my approve on Monday so it took about a week and I started my shakes on Friday my surgery is on 11/2/12 and I have to stay overnight So what should I expect when I get to the hospital and wat will I need before I get surgery please help

Since they put the oxigen tube on my mouth all the way my throat ,since then i cant hardly swallo right my food,nor my meds.any advise or any1 experience sintoms like thay

I feel like I have jumped through all sorts of hoops to get the surgery, but I finally finished all my pre-op appointments. It has taken me 4 months to get through everything, but I know it will be worth the wait. I'm waiting for my decision visit appointment. The appointment desk is supposed to call once they have the pre-lims completed. Hate to bug the surgeons office, but I'm calling tomorrow. I want my decision visit so I can have a date set for surgery. I'm nervous and excited!

Hi Guys, Anyone getting banded in November? I am going in on the 7 November, and starting to get everything together for my big day - anyone going in there, to share the journey with? Any advice, or ideas on how to make the first two weeks bearable would be great and welcomed! Wish me luck!

This is my first post to this forum although I have been lurking here for about nine months. I decided to join this group today and tell you my story. I started my "sleeve" journey in April, 2012. My insurance company requires six months of a supervised weight loss program with my PCP and a psych evaluation. I attended a bariatric surgery information seminar in May, 2012. I met with the surgeon three times and had two appointments with the dietician at the hospital. I also had a scope of my stomach and esophagus, blood tests, EKG, and a sleep study. My PCP submitted all the paper work to the hospital where I am having surgery. It has been one week since every…

First time using a forum. Don't know anyone personally that has the band of gold. Should be banded by December, postponed from 10/30 due to insurance and hospital certification. Just want to learn the ropes from your wisdom. Thanks from New England.

I had no issues since surgery in June. Until the last two weeks. I did over eat once while visiting family, I really should've but since then sometimes not all the time I have pain after meals. Also since I started doing my abs when I work out I've had pain where my left side drainage port was. Could they have left something in there? Anyone have similar issues? Does anyone know if a leak can happen this far post op?

Sometimes I forget that this is real..and I'm really going to he that person I always wanted to be. Sad part is I can't even imagine being thin. I can only imagine being thinner..I have no idea what this will be like. I have been over weight my whole life..always bigger than my freinds..and I never let it bother me. I made it a point to always be confident with me. I'm an awesome person and I would say I have never felt judged by anyone. I don't know if that is just my defenses. But I always thought of myself as pretty authentic person. Geez..its just so crazy to think..that I don't have to be over weight. I always settled and still even today 17 days away from surgery ca…

Hi guys I'm Kat, and I was banded on 10/17 in Houston. I've been a member of this forum for about 6months, but only started posting recently. I love all the inspiration and help I get here! These are my stats so far: I'm 27yrs old, 5ft 6 with a pre surgery weight of 229. I lost 11lbs during my pre-op diet, and as of today am at 201.4! So excited to share my journey with everyone

Hi everyone, I just had my lapband on 8/28/12... And everything seems so far ok... I haven't vomited or anything.. but I've been told that I must follow the diet to avoid band slipping... How does a person know if their band slipped? Is there certain side effects? Just wondering what to look out for...

Hi guys! I'm new here and looking to make some friends! I start my Pre Op diet tomorrow, another appointment on Monday to finish lab work and we're scheduling my surgery date then as well! I'm getting banded by Dr. Reilly in Houston, Texas from True Results! I'm extremely excited to say the least! I can't wait to be a big fat loser! =P I can't stop thinking about what I want to wear when I hit my goal! I miss shorts and tank tops REALLY BAD! Lol! I'd love to be back in sports and to be able to keep up with my daughter! Man! Makes me happy just thinking about it! A local buddy would definitely be twice as awesome! I'm 23 and currently a stay at home mommy of an awesome 2 y…

Hello all! I'm Emily & I am considering having lapband done. SO glad I found this site to help me! Right now I am currently 5'7 with a weight of 236, so I'm around 85 pounds over-weight. I went to one doctor to find out about weight loss surgery & I was set on having lapband done. After meeting my (EXTREMELY pushy) doctor, he INSISTED lapband would not work as effectively as a gastric sleeve. (Well duh, I'd be losing 80%-85% of my stomach then.) I was told the MOST I would lose with the band is 20-30 pounds at most. Can anyone PLEASE tell me more information about this? I'm going to meet with another doctor (soon hopefully) to get a professional opinion, bu…

Hi there! I am Amy, 43 and very happily married with no kids (3 furry ones at least!) My husband thinks I am perfect the way I am, however for me (and this is FOR ME) my body was becoming a stranger to me, and I look into the mirror and see how I have neglected it. So After a year of research and serious contemplation, I decided to "Go For It!" So I had my surgery done on 10/18/12 at Palms of Pasadena. My surgeon is John P. Gonzalvo, MD. The first 48hours were probably the most painful as the gas they inflated me with was excessive, like tie a string on me and fly me! My husband told me that my band is actually lower than where the surgeon wanted to place it, because a…

Hi, I'm new to the band community. This is my second time being approved for the surgery. The first time was in the middle of my divorce and my insurance was up right before surgery and I couldn't afford it on my own. My weight wasn't an issue before, but after five failed pregnancies and a divorce I've gained to the point its causing medical issues. I'm extremely nervous, at 24 I still have a hard time grasping that I'd need this surgery. Any tips on how to prep mentally and physically before surgery?

Hey there! I'm Rebecca and I am currently post op from gastric bypass. My starting weight was 235 and currently weighing in at 228.5 woohoo. I'm a mom to a beautiful 2.5 y/o little girl named caileigh married to a great guy and work full time as a paramedic Super excited about what my future holds and where this journey will take me. I welcome all and any advice as like I said I'm a newbie! Look forward to making some friends! Take care, Rebecca

I have a 14cc band and I just had my 4th fill about 3 weeks ago. I am now at 7cc's. Is it possible that I can after two weeks really feel the resticrition. I did not feel it right away. I use to be able to have half of a whole wheat muffin and now I can not even eat any kinds of bread, pasta or rice. I can feel it get stuck. I also have not been feeling so well. I am really tired and drained, I exercise every day but I don't feel like I am getting enough nutrition as I am only eating twice a day and very small portions. Which I like that is the point right?? However I need some tips on how to get all the nutrition your suppose to get. I can only eat soft foods which is fi…

I finished my 12 weeks of classes, I have approval from doctor and am meeting with my surgeon on Tuesday...so excited..! Excited to start this new chapter of my life.

Hi. This is my first post. I have been considering WLS surgery for about 5 years now. I looked into the lapband first and lurked a ton on lapbandtalk.com. I was concerned at the long term results, the fills, the pb'ing, food getting stuck, and all other complications. After eliminating the LB, I continued dieting and exercising on my own. I was able to lose 25-30 pounds, but regained 30-35 several times just in the past 5 years. I am 5'2" and my highest weight was 206 (4 weeks ago). I am currently at 194. Weight loss and especially maintaining is extremely difficult for me. Once about 8 years ago I got down to 142. I was running 5 miles a day and eating maybe 12…

Hello All, With my surgery date rapidly approaching, I was in search of a support group that did not require an hour drive. Alas! Here I am! I will share with you all my journey and look forward to sharing yours with you. Obesity, I shared my whole life with it. Not by choice. I have been overweight from as early as I can remember. Pictures to prove it :/ However, I did not let my overweight issue affect me until I was in the 5th grade. Of course when the bullies took turns with the insults and degrading remarks. Which all began the onset of depression. It continued to become an everyday issue. The hatred of school itself was born, (even though I liked the subjects).…

Not sure if I'm in the right area or not so sorry if I should be posting this somewhere else! I am a 26 year old mother of 3 and married. I've been thinking about lap band for over a year now. I went through the insurance process last year with my old insurance company, but ended up moving and life got ahead of me and I didn't go through with it. Now that I'm married and settled, I want to do it more the. Ever. I have tricare prime north region. If anyone has any info on their process it's appreciated!!!thanks!!

Surgery was 9/20 and have been feeling well. We decided that since DH was leaving for Africa on Sunday we would spend the day together as a family at the fair in Waco TX. Our two grandsons (10 and 8) each invited a friend to join them. I wanted to be sure that my clothes would be comfortable for the day and chose a blouse tha5 I have not been able to wear in several years. I just realized that I really skipped this size as there is more cleavage showing than I have ever had. Means that I will be adjusting my blouse all day. Not a bad problem to have!

Hi all, I have one month to go till my surgery and my doctor told me about this site so I thought I would give it a try. My journey started in August with my first appointment. I researched the procedure before I went to my appointment. I have been battling my weight since I was a teenager and decided to get surgery because diabetes and high blood pressure runs in my family. So after all of my clearances I am one month away from my surgery. I am excited and a little nervous.

So this is me. My name is Kathi, 28 years old, 165cm tall and 143kgs. I've been tooing and froing about getting bariatric suregery for 2 years now. I have been big most of my life. Teased by kids as I'm sure many of you can relate to, and even worse have been discriminated against in all areas of life due to my size, including being passed over for promotions and postings to foreign climes. So not fair! So 2 years ago I got on track to get a lapband... I was scared and had a lot going on in my life at the time: Broken up relationship, job going weird, and many other things, so I chickened out after seeing the surgeon. Now, I have matured and come to know myself m…

Ok I'm new just signed up for the seminar I'm 27 weight 264 and am 5'6'' I've been gain 10+ lbs a year for 8 years I've dieted over and over but I don't have the emotional support for my husband it doesn't concern him until he call me a fatass. That being said I want to do this for myself and my kids. What are the best and worsts about it and how much is it without insurance

Hi I'm new to this site and I am just really starting my journey to my lapband. On October 22,2012 This will be my second nutrition visit,I was sentence to 6 months worth. Lord Bless and say the same I will have my surgery in April 2013.I wanted to hear other peoples experiences through their journey.

Hey Everyone, So I was sleeved on June 27th. I've been having an extremely easy time with my sleeve. I guess I'm just lucky, especially when I read about some of the problems others had. The worst part for me was just being on full liquids for 3 weeks. Those darn Protein shakes get old after a while. (Although, after I found the Mint Cookie Protein... thanks to this message board, it wasn't nearly as bad. I still have a mint cookie Protein shake for Breakfast everyday!) After I started on real food it was a real breeze for me. I think the other reason I'm having an easy time is because I always have not liked carbs. I hate Pasta, not a huge bread fan, so I'm luc…

I am still adjusting to the Band, but I am really seeing a lost in inches as welcome as pounds [ATTACH]24908[/ATTACH]