Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey yall, I've been lurking for a while (and even have the iphone app) and finally decided to join up and make myself known. So hi, I'm Lea. My application packet was submitted to UHC about 2 weeks ago and I'm already sensing trouble. I got a call from Optimum Health today, apparently they are contracted by UHC to handle all things bariatric, at least for my plan (choice plus). I returned the call and they didn't seem very organized, they asked if I was calling for benefit information...no, I'm returning your call. They proceeded to ask me all of the questions I had answered and were part of my application packet. We also discussed the requirements, which were COMPLETEL…

Ready for Wednesday. It is a long time coming.

Hello Everyone, I am new to the forum!! I have decided to change my life by starting the lap band journey!!! My idea started when one of my co-workers started losing weight and I asked him what his secret was and he presented me with this procedure. Like all of you, I have struggled for over 10 years to lose this extra weight. I have gone as far as becoming a strict vegetarian and excluding junk food from my diet. I have even acquired my taste to like Tofu! I am currently waiting to attend my first lap band seminar which is Oct. 16th but it seems like eternity. I have become depressed because I have low self-esteem and feel like I will never feel good in my body again. …

Today after 2 hospital trips getting no protein barely any food in everything I ate hit my stomach like a ton of bricks and the pressure felt like it was a baby in. There no matter how pured it was so today I brought me a chicken Pattie from the. Grocery store I put Chicken gravy on it with some cheese Omg it was so good

Hi I start the milk diet Wednesday can not wait to start the journey of a new me! Surgery date is 31st October xx

I just doing so well,i already had earlly this morning 8oz chocolate w/skim milk shake,and just minuts ago 1/4 cup chicken brouth and Water.i dont feel pain ,just disconfort of the gas in my stumach,not feeling bad at all.later i will take a walk surgery 10/09/2012

I mis understood my Protein intake,in my paper say 8oz a day so i have to split those 8oz,but at first i though it was 8oz 3times a day :-( no wonder i feel so dam full and blowded im so madddd,but from tomorrow on ill will do 2 and half oz 3times a day ,sad when sometimes u can't understand some instructions, surgery 10/09/2012

Hi everyone! I started this journey in June 2012 with my informational seminar. Through the next few weeks, got clearances from my cardiologist, a psych evaluation, a pulmonary specialist and my family doctor. My insurance denied the surgery, but a couple of appeals later I got a surgery date of 10/23/12! I was so shocked when I got the call because I had just about given up. I have medication resistant hypertension - am maxed out on meds for my high blood pressure. In June, I joined a gym and got a personal trainer and have been going 4 times a week and have lost 14 pounds! So one lifestyle change has been accomplished! Have to admit I'm getting a little nervous as the …

And I've lost 12lbs...IDK if that's good or bad?!?! surgiversary 10/09/12~235 lbs

Just took before pics sleeve date is this Friday! Those pics made me sick to my stomach! Ill never get like this again.

Hey all .. I am a girl in her early twenties that is just fed up with the constant dieting and the minimal results. I have been fighting with my weight my whole life but the struggle seemed to get worse within the last few years. I have a bad back and knee problems along with a mild case of depression that I only see getting worse in time. I do find myself blaming it on my weight more times than none. I am about 200 pounds and most charts put me (with me height) at around 140. At this point I am not trying to lose weight to be the size some chart tells me to be, I want to do it to be comfortable in my own skin. Not to ramble on about myself but I have recently be…

I just had my surgery las saturdar, i feel a little unconfortable but i hop I'll be better soon, I had my surgery in Mexicali Mexico woth Dr Aceves

Just to introduce myself... My name is Amber. I am pre op at 287lb. I am about to finish up my last pre op tests this week and am trying to get my financing figures out since my insurance won't cover my sleeve. With Gods help I should have a surgery date by next week! I am so excited to have this change in my life! If anyone has any creative ideas on how to get my financing it would be great! My current loan will only cover about 70% of my bill... hope your all having a great Monday!

A week from 2mor I will be doing my pre op and I am freaking out already I don't think I can do this

Hello everyone.. My name is Gordon. I was banded on Wed. 10/10/12. Even though it hasnt even been a week since my banding, I already lost 17lbs. Im thinking this maybe due to the diarrhea that started yesterday afternoon. The diarrhea became much worse today. Im just wondering if anybody else has experienced this and if so, what shld I do? Thanks!!!

A time to change. I guess the beginning of the story comes about three years ago. After a major change in my life, I returned to school and earned two Associates degrees. The first was in medical assisting and the second in a medical office administration. Following a series of jobs to hold while finishing school, employment was found with the sisters of St. Francis out of Michigan city, Indiana. The job was as a medical assistant with a company named Working Well. These clinics specialized in occupational medicine and I was hired as a floating medical assistant to work between the companies five clinics in Northwest Indiana. This was definitely a change of pace compar…

So this morning I get a call from insurance coordinator at surgeons office. I was half a sleep as I was up till 4 am with grandbaby. But she called to let me know everything was sent to insurance for approval. Well a few hours later after I woke up it dawned on me I had questions to ask her!! So I called her and really nothing was answered. So about an hour ago I called my insurance to make sure they received everything and they said they were just waiting for surgeons office to provide a date. So I called coordinator back and told her what they said and she said yes she just got the approval from them and wanted to know which date I wanted the 29th or 31st. THE 29TH O…

I guess I will start here. I am going to my pre-op appointment tomarrow. Start the 10 day pre-op diet sometime after that. Surgery scheduled for 1 Nov 2012. Seems like it has taken forever to get here, but in reality I only started the process in April. Getting nervous as it comes closer, but there is no turning back now. I think I will look through the forums and see if there is any info in there that I can abosorb. Wish I would of found this place months ago. Susan

I was banded on thursday feeling ok but now I have a cough. Feeling full i feel pregnant the shakes make me vomit.just drinking water.

Hi, I'm new on this board. Been reading you for a few days now. I'm on a waiting list to get the Band. Don't know my date yet and still doubting if I'll do it or not. My main concern is my look post-op. I'm single but dating. I don't like my body now but it doesn't repulse me. I'm scared of what I will look like and won't be able to find someone to be with. It's kind of a supercial concern compared to all of what i will have to go through but it's the one that scares me the most. The food, the exercise, I have control over, what I will look like, I can't decide. Do you know any sucess stories about people who didn't need plastic surgery afterwards? Can the skin…

I am so excited, nervous, anxious, emotional and much more! After going back and forth with the surgeon's office and insurance company, I received my call this afternoon. I am set for tomorrow. 5:30 a.m. is my check in time. I will be on my way to a healthy, new me. I can't wait, I just want to scream from the top of a mountain! lol! No mountain where I live in Philly. ha ha ha! Glad I have this place to share my joy. It has been a loooooong journey getting to this point and I will make it worth my while. Nothing about this has been easy but I'm a champ. I can do this!!! God is with me 100%!

Hi my name is Jessica, and I had my consultation a week ago. I have Humana insurance, so it is a 6 month process to get the surgery approved. But my journey has begun. I am nervous and excited about making the decision to move forward with this journey, and am hoping this six months fly by. Any words of advice on how to prepare emotionally or mentally for the surgery as I wait out the six months?

My mom and I went to our final doctors appointment Friday! Now all that's left before my surgery is my EGD this Friday.. I can't believe 6 months has gone by this quick and surgery is right around the corner!

Hi! I just had the lapband with plication (iBand) on October 4th, 2012. Realllllly struggling with the post-op diet. The idea of anymore liquids going in my mouth, makes me want to vomit.

Omg I don't eat much at the moment but I know this crap has to come out is it just sitting there 5 days what do u take

I am 11 days post oP and I've only lost 11 lbs is that normal? I previously had the Lap Band it was not sucessful. Should I have lost more.

My op Friday :/

I am so down today. I don't know what's wrong with me but it seems the longer I am having to wait the more it is getting harder and harder to stay in this diet. My brain tells me one thing and my heart is with my brain but my stomach has a mind and heart of its own right now. I know I have done really well so far but I am feeling guilty over anything I eat now. Its like I have used all my will power on the past 7 months but its getting harder and harder. I am not sure when I will have a surgery date and I know now more then ever I NEED THIS TOOL!! I am not strong enough to do it on my own. If I can't make it through one day then how can I make it when I do get in a pre su…

I'm so very excited!! I can't believe how fast everything happened.. I just got approved thru insurance last week an my surgery date is 10-25-12 =]

Hello all! I am nervously awaiting surgery tomorrow, Oct. 15, 2012. Any helpful advice will be welcomed.

I have not been on Rny in awhile but am finally feeling better. I had my surgery 8-3-12 and was the poster child for complications. Am just getting to the point where i might be glad i had it done. Im still on a feeding tube but feeling pretty good. I was in the hospital for 37 days and still had a drain for an absess and a g-tube in when i was released. I thank god that all seems to be going in the right direction now.

Just want to say hello to everyone.Congrat to those who have had there surgery and good luck to the ones coming up. I am 41yr old I have alway been heavy but I'm tall almost 6ft so I hide it well at least I use too. I hurt my back a work 3yr ago and my health has been down hill since. I am so excited I don't have a date yet. I did the 1st part of my Physic eval today and I go back thurs. Just looking forward to receiving and giving support. Thanks for welcoming me

Hi all Just joined this group and love it. So much good info. I have been trying to join the Oct group and not sure how. I had the Lapland 2 years ago and it slipped and it was awful. So much more excited about the sleeve. How long can I expect to be off work? I went in at 230 pds and have lost 5 so far. How much does the average person lose the first 6 to 8 weeks? Thanks for the info..

Sorry, this is a bit embarrasing, but since ive been home from the hospital my stools are loose. Is this normal? Oh, and a bit dizzy once in awhile. Is all this normal?

Am officially 30 days till surgery...can't wait to be sleeved ready for a new beginning with a smaller and healthier me...

I'm 7 weeks PO, a lot has changed in the last week or so i find myself not feeling as full as i normally would! this has me feeling a little depressed thanking that my stomach might be stretching and I'm able to eat more. I'm also able to take bigger drinks of my water without the pain. i guess what I'm asking is this normal should i be worried? also I'm not able to walk like I use to my legs start hurt alot is this norm? please help!

Hi all! My VSG surgery was on July 19th. I am now 45 pounds down and feeling great about it. I joined the anytime fitness near me, so I can work on getting this excess skin toned up. Here are some before and current photos. I look forward to sharing even more photos later!

Why no Pre Op diet? Anyone the just told me start liquid diet Wednesday, Fast Thursday,Surgery Friday. Is this normal! I read some people liquid 2 weeks.

For those of you who have had your Psychological Evaluations, i would like to know what kind of questions do they ask you??

My surgery was unsucessful...I was admitted at 8:30 am in the morning and ready for 9:30 am. The surgeon made 6 incision outside my stomach area and inserted the larpoc. equipment with air. Then they had to abort the srugery because my heart became weak and my heart rate was so low. My blood pressure went down to 70/40. They pulled the plug and the next thing I knew my surgeon was in the recovery room and told me that he almost lost me because of my heart and pressure. I was devastated and I started to cry. I don't understand why this happened to me? My Cardiologist told me that I was fit to do this surgery and he cleared me. After that they kept me in the hospital for e…

Hello! My name is Ruthie and I am 38 years old. I had Gastric Bypass on October 2! So far I have lost 22 lbs! It has been tough sometimes when I see food that I loves eating before that I can't have right now but I just keep my "eye on the prize"! I am determined to so this for myself!

I've never been under a size 16, I've dealt with my weight basically all my entire life, I've always been the biggest one in my family. I would try all types of diets, including seeing a physician, I would lose 10 to 20 pounds and gain that, that I took off plus 20 more. Lets cut to two years earlier, I was temping at the university of Miami as a medical assistant back in June 2010, then I was contacted by a physician that I knew and respected and trusted, we use to work together. This doctor was getting ready to open her own practice and ask me would I work for her. Cut forward I was going to be her office manager. That did not happen I worked for her for six months a…

Just got my approval phone call..now my journey officially begins!!

My surgery was 9/25/12. I'm new at this posting stuff!

Just had my initial consultation with True Results in Austin, TX. So beings my journey. Want to also thank everyone in advance here since has been my primary source of information with regards to deciding to undergo WLS, and specifically to go with Lap Band. Based on my roadmap my surger date will be in March 2013... seems so far, but I imagine time will go quickly. Anyone else here been to the True Results in North Austin? I have BCBS Fed insurance which will cover based on my BMI, but I am not sure what my total out of pocket will be.

So I was banded in 2008 in Mexico. The first few months were ok I had 2 fills and I went from 260's to the 220's. Than all of the drug wars started and I was to scared to go back to TJ for more fills. I have stayed in the 220s until this May when I had an emergency appendectomy where the surgeon removed all the fluid. I have gained almost 20 lbs. I need some support to get back on track. I think I finally understand the I need to do the work..

Hi ever one I'm new to this I have my sleeve done on 09 27 in if you ask me if im scared yes im I just been thinkin about every thing but I'm 24 in I'm 384 in got people telling me don't do it I don't know what do I been tryin it on my own in everthing in it didn work I just getin big I'm tried I need help.

Ok, so first off I'd like to say Hello! I've been reading a few stories and responses and everyone on here is truly amazing! I'm attending a mandatory info. seminar before I can even have my first visit...has anyone had to start off this way? If so what was your journey up until surgery day? I have Tricare prime remote North Region. I'm so anxious to hit the ground running!

So I had surgery 8/27/12, my last weigh in was 255lbs! Just got home yesterday, so much more comfortable being at home. Not to mention having my mom here to help with my two girls, Leslie 10 and Mikayla 13 months. As of now I still have lots of gas and pressure right under my chest which I assume is from gas also...I've been sipping on water every hour, protein drinks 3x a day and ice pops. Starting tomorrow I'll b able to try mashed potatoes and yogurt. I have 5 incisions, but only one bothers me. I haven't drank enough to know what a full feeling feels like... Pretty curious to know but I don't want to get sick. Deep breaths are still a little difficult. Any one know wh…

Hi Everyone....I did not know where to post this. I am 48 yo and am having trouble making the decision as to what type of WLS I want to have. I have finished all my qualifying tests and have my pre-op appt Tuesday. My doc lets us make the choice to whether we have the Sleeve or Bypass. There are pros and cons to each. I am 5'7" and weigh 282. I need to be about 140 to be in a range that feels good for me. So that means I have to lose about 140 lbs. My head is in the right place to be successful...I just am having problems deciding. What helped you decided? Any help will be very appreciated!!!!