Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi I am 5'5" 230lbs I started my weightloss journey with a lap band in 2008 successfully losing 50 lbs the first year. Not all without bumps in the road. 2009 I had a new band put in due to a leak. Appearently this developed scar tissue from both surgeries. This happens to some not all lap banders. Call me challenged. I met with my wonderful surgeon this afternoon and he answered all of my concerns and questions regarding removal and conversions. My biggest fear vitamin and iron deficiencies which he explained how and why people have these issues. Sooooo I will be scheduled for a removal of band wait and see or removal of band and bypass all in one conversion. …

Can't wait until I see my nutritionist and exit for the approval of my health insurance fidelis. Tips are needed feel free to talk to me thank you and good luck to everyone with their procedures.

Well I'm finally sleeved haven't been 24 hrs yet but doing ok very sore, sipping on water and eating popsicles. They already moved the pain pump. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery.

Went in today for my first post OP appointment and was blown away when she said i had lost 8 pounds! I honestly didn't think i had lost that much

I've been gone a while. I have been discouraged because I wasn't losing and apparently my doc gave me a 10cc band but told me that I had a 4 cc band. I was filled under floroscopy a couple of years ago and haven't needed a fill since. I actually though that I would need a slight unfill cuz I was having such issues with everything I ate. I got through it and I am doing ok now. I also went through a spell where I wasn't eating too well, but I am on the right track and hopefully going in the right direction. They actually brought me in to make sure that my band didn't slip, it didn't and away I went. I am eating better and hoping for more loss soon. 8 days post op This…

Hi, I'm seriously contemplating the sleeve. Not much support by family though...they're like just quit eating so much and go walk and you'll lose it.....right! like i haven't tried my whole life. My big question is does anyone regret having their sleeve done? If so, why....thanks for the info. I go for my seminar in 1 1/2 weeks.

I went from 393 lbs to 301 in 3 mos. I just can't believe it. It's awesome

I've been a lurker on this site since I started thinking about WLS. I am now 90% sure I will be going through with surgery, and 100% sure if I do it will be the sleeve. I am a military dependant and already approved through our MTF. So far I have attended the group meeting and the one on one appointment with the surgeon. Tomorrow I will meet with the Nut, from there I have an mental heath apt and then I can book the date. The nurse is thinking end of Oct to Early Novemeber (sooner depending on mental health) , I feel a little overwhelmed but excited. A little about me, I am 28, almost 29. 5'6ish and 309ish. I have two little boys, aged 3 and 1.

I made weight they say they will submit my things to the insurance company But reading people topics I was over weight the last 7 years but just made 40 BMI . I was always 38 BMI Do you think they will approve me.

Hello everyone ! I'm finally scheduled for my surgery . I am both excited and scared as I'm sure everyone else was. I just barely fit into the requirements and so many people are giving me a hard time about the surgery. Most say I don't need it that I'm not fat enough. I'm very thankful for this place where I can voice my fears,excitement or whatever comes my way. I will have 17 days off of work . One of my biggest worries is that it won't be enough ! Ok, I have to go get myself a ticker .....exciting !!!!

Ok. So I had the sleeve done just about five months ago. I have been pretty successful thus far.. Losing 117 pounds. So now my friends mother and our other friend are trying to use me an my success to talk my friend into gettig the surgery too I really don't like this... I mean I like that they see me as successful but I have had to overcome a lot... I've missed a lot of work for doctors appointments and recovery time, paid a lot in co pays, had to learn a new way of life, been in the ER three times for pain, either always have diahhrhea or constipation, and most recently I had to have my gallbladder out... Which I'm still recovering from. ... Painful doesn't desc…

It's there anyone from Montana? I live 2 hours away from support groups and wondering if there is anyone on here from northwest Montana.

I have my pre-op consultation with Dr. Weiss on Oct 9th. I cant wait to find out when my surgery date is.

I need some help. I will be off my liquids only this week & would love some ideas of items that are "must haves"! I know eggs, cottage chz, string chz, ... but what else. I will be on "soft foods" for the next 3 months, so I def need some guidance!! Thanks to everyone...

I am post op almost 7 months and have followed the rules to a "T". Tonight I would really like to have a cocktail with the girls I could really use help choosing what to have and what has worked for others? I was thinking an ounce of vodka mixed with some crystal light? Any tips would be helpful....thanks

Happy Sunday Everyone! I live in the Tampa, FL area and have been told by my weightloss Dr. that the bariatric surgeon at USF is Dr. Murr. Does any have any feed back on this surgeon; or can recommend any in this area?

Hey everybody it's been awhile since I been on here I just wanted to talk about my progress I had my surgery May 21,2012 I was 271 it's now 4 months later I am 192.6 and still losing I can remember the day I reached onederland I was so happy I took a picture of the scale lol...I am 37 pounds away from goal and I am getting there slowly but surely I work out 4-5 times a week for at least a hour in the gym and sometimes it gets rough but I am determined here are some before and after pictures

HI All, I just want to start by thanking everybody for all of the knowledge that I have been able to gain through this site. I was recently banded, 9/19, and have had many questions and felt annoying to have to bother by doctors office consistently to get answers. It has been amazing that I have been able to find answers to all of the questions that I have had, and answers to questions that I did not even know I had. So for starters, thank you to everybody for the knowledge. I feel very lucky that I am involved with a surgeon/group that is very well known and has a lot of experience in helping people with weight loss, specifically with bariatric surgery. I live in NYC…

I'm new 2 the lap band journey n 2 the message board...my 1st step (group seminar) is this coming Wed n Philadelphia...Does anyone have a hospital or program they would recommend in the Philadelphia area? Thank u

Hello everyone, Just have a question..... I have been reading a lot about band slippage, re-banding multiple times..... I am wondering, the individuals who are experiencing the slippage, were your band plicated? From my understanding, the plication is done to prevent slippage. Any of you out there who were plicated and still experienced slippage? I will be banded in less a week or so, and my Dr. says I will be plicated....but my mind was at ease knowing it will help with not having a slipped band....just worrying a bit lol.....

Hello all! I have been lurking on this site for months now learning a lot of great information and trying to figure out where the right place would be to introduce myself. I have decided that I will put my first post here, as my story is just beginning. I am finishing up my 7th month of doctor monitored weight loss plan and will be submitting to insurance the first week in October. I have spent years yo-yoing and am very confident that the sleeve will be a great tool to help me with permanent weight loss. I want to say thank you so much to each member who has shared their experiences. It has helped me learn so much about this process!

My BMI is 39.3 and I am hoping to make an appointment with a doctor tomorrow morning. My insurance will not cover it so I am going to be self-pay. What is a realistic time frame for surgery? I would LOVE to have it done by October 5th. (Today is September 18th) I am also looking for a doctor in the Houston area, so far I have turned up Dr. Spiegel & Dr. Spivak. I am miserable. I have tried everything, every diet, every drug, I exercise, I did Insanity....I miss feeling good about myself.

I had my gastric sleeve surgery 8/31/12 by Dr Frenzel. His doctors office went out of their way to help accommodate me and my insurance, which I know was very time consuming and exhausting. They are trully a Wonderful group of people that tells ya straight, no sugar coating things. The nurses and the staff at Forest Park Medical Center went above and beyond to make sure I was very comfortable, and believe me, I was a huge brat! I give them hands down 5 stars!! Thank you Dr.Frenzel!!!! Angie

Totally Unrelated to Surgery, but I need to vent. My entire family has lost their minds, a once unseparable family has totally disassembled. Not my immediate family my whole family is separated and not talking to one another, and for some one like me who has nothing to do with any of it, im being put in middle of it all jus cuz I talk to some that others dont talk to. I DONT HAVE TIME OR THE ENERGY FOR THIS STRESS. My surgery day is Oct 8th and I do not want to go into my surgery with this stress on me. I cut my association with people including family minimum to nothing cuz I have enough stress being a single mother of two ADHD kids and all of my own health problems. I…

I'm new to this app and I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kai and I had bypass at the end of July. I've lost 40 pounds so far... I don't really know if that's normal or not. I look forward to talking with you all... Support is an awesome thing to have.

My mom is paying out of pocket for me to Have this surgery ... I feel like she is giving me life twice in one life time . I am forever indebted ... She is so amazing and we are best friends . I just wanted to share how amazing my mother is

I had my last appointement before approval this past week. My surgery date is December 18. I have my EGD on December 4. I am getting psyched! I am having a total thyroidectomy on Oct. 4. I feel like my life this past month was spent in doctors offices and hospitals. I have not been doing well with my diet and am feeling discouraged about that but I think it is stress. I am doing my pep talks to myself and am trying to get back on track!

I had my gastric sleeve surgery on September 5th, 2012 by Dr Jason Balette in The Woodlands, Texas. My weight on my surgery day was 250 and today I am 235.2. However, I am concerned because I have not lost any weight for the past six days. Am I doing something wrong. I am on my 18th day post op, I am on a full liquid diet and am walking or riding my stationary bike about 45 minutes a day in 15 minute increments. Should I be concerned?

In July my weight was 300.0 ... Im 5'9". August 30 started my pre-op diet at 294. My surgery was Friday September 14 at 08:00 and this morning, Tuesday Sept 18 i weigh 274.8! Trying to get in the clear liquids 30cc at a time and doing well. I can only get up to walk; no reaching or bending/squatting or i get terribly dizzy and nauseated. Diet consists of room temp crystal light, room temp water, and warm chicken broth. I think i am doing really well considering i only need my pain medicine about every 8 hours. Yesterday, i went with my mom to walmart. I rode the handicap cart and kept a nausea pill in my pocket just in case... But i didnt need it. I was glad to get out …

I had surgery on Sept 10th. Now I can't keep even water down.

Scheduled sometime in December any tips for a cigarette and ****** smoker? I don't do this frequently probably smoke 2 -4 cigarettes but I've been doing this for a while like 4 years. Sometimes I stop. I haven't seen my nutritionist yet.

Hi all, am new here. I am going for my sleeve in a few weeks. Am slightly frightened but excited. Have the dietition calling me tomorrow, so I know what to expect through this transition. 1 thing I am afraid of is the hair loss. I am taking vitamins for nails hair and skin, hoping that might work in my favour too. Anyone have hair loss, and if so how much?

Hi there!! Im new to this site and it seems like there are a lot of helpful hints out there. I was just banded Monday 9/17/12 and am feeling pretty good. Still taking liquid diet but dont feel hungry. I will be happy to have soft food tomorrow though. Just wanted to see if there was anyone else out there in the same stages. Im excited about this journey but glad there are others who have travelled before me for wonderful advice. Thanks everyone. Carrie

I'm scheduled for the sleeve on 9/27. I'm 266 & 42.5 BMI. My surgeon is Dr. Castro and my surgery will be done at Forest Park Medical Center. Like many I have lost and then gained it all back plus some. I'm excited about using the surgery as a tool to get my life back!!

With the Gas, Gas, Gas! found Yakult helps

I had surgery on Sept 10th. Now I can't keep even water down.

I am so happy!!! I did it!!!! I have lost the weight I gained from quitting smoking and the amount of. 5 pounds NP wanted me to lose prior to weigh in on Monday. I have lost total almost 8 pounds!!

I was given reglan for reflux after my surgery, i am 1 month post op and have taken an estimated 70 or so pills.... In the mean time i started dealing with extreme depression and i would also become hungry only a few minutes after eatig. Well just found out reglan can cause severe depression and it empties the stomah into the intestine faster... Beware of the drug it has caused me HELL

Still in hospital, no pain just discomfort from the drain and drip but other than that all good. Hope to go home tomorrow, drinking well. Very dry mouth though. Good luck to all those waiting.

I've been stalking the site for a couple of weeks and I've learned a lot. I have decided I definitely want to get banded and have begun my physician research. I was surprised to learn from my first physician contact that I am not required to attend a seminar, there is no overnight hospital stay, and he said I can go home the same day as surgery even though I live two hours away. I'm self-pay. Thoughts, anyone?

Hello my name is Dee, I have been considering the band for almost two years and have finally decided I am ready. I have tried everything from ZXT Bee Pollen diet pills to Weight Watchers. I always loose about 20 to 25 pounds then I gain it all back plus some. I'm 5'2'' 232lbs my highest weight was 250lbs. I have lost 18lbs since July 9th with Weight Watchers. I have been trying to have a baby for the last almost 7 years even going through fertility treatments. To make a long story short I've been told the reason I don't ovulate is because I am over weight. I'm 36 yes old so my biological click is ticking and now I have been diagnosed with type two diabetes. My BMI i…

First of all, I would like to thank all of those who post regularly. I have been lurking and reading for support and encouragement. I started this journey seven years ago when my doctor suggested I sit in a seminar for weight loss surgery. My Insurance at that time would not cover weight loss surgery. I started to write letters trying to change their mind. I then changed jobs and shortly after I started the new insurance company chose to cover the procedure if you have been employed for two years or more. March this year was the mark that I started my six month diet. I was approved for surgery late July and my date is 8/16/2012 10:50 AM, Dr. Korn and his staff have been …

So I've struggled with my weight all my life as most of the people on here probably have. I have tried every diet plan and fad diet out there. U weight loss, LA Weightloss, Weight Watchers about 20 times where at one point I did have some success about 10 years ago and lost 70 pounds which I kept off for 2 years or so then the weight crept back plus some over the last 7 or so years!! I'm at my highest weight I have ever been, well I was until I started the Very Low Calories diet about 9 days ago in preparation for my surgery next week and I am now down 7 pounds but I tell ya I have never done anything harder then this diet!! I have been an emotional wreck for the first …

Just got my laparoscopic gastric bypass Monday. I am still laying here in hospital recovering. Having some pain but thank goodness for pain meds! Excited about my new tool and looking forward to my journey. I am 5"1" tall. Heaviest weight was 232 lbs. Goal weight is 130-135 lbs.

Yay just got the call... Scheduled for Monday the 24th Sarted my preop lowcarb diet this past Monday and it's going well... So excited to be a bandster!!

My husband and I both had bypass surgery in July. Right up to the week before I was nervous that I wasn't doing the right thing but I would do it all over again. We are both on a stall right now but I hear that happens. We just joined the "Y" so hoping that will help push things along. My biggest problem is trying to figure meals that we can eat as well as our 10 year old daughter. Any ides or recipes for a busy working mom would be appreciated.

Can anyone tell me how well they did after replacement of lap band with RNY. I have had my band for 8 years. Lost about 60 lbs but need to lose about 60 more. . It has slipped and needs to be removed. I am having an RNY at that time it is removed. How was it different than the band. Thanks for your help. This is my first time posting.

Hi, I'm new here and posted this on another thread, but it didn't get a response so I thought I'd post it as a new thread. Just started the process, but have a big worry. It seems like I have a hard time waking up from anesthesia (I was once the first patient in and last one out of recovery and the doc asked my husband if this was normal for me). Does this happen to anyone else, and is this something to worry about? Thanks!

not long got back from the hospital from having the barium swallow x-rays done. its the most vial stuff ive ever had to drink it was like thick chalky glue ewwww yucky crap... anyway my RNY was in november of 2004 and ive been putting on a bit of weight over the last two years and im still not eating very much at all. the x-ray showed no problems with my pouch it hasnt stretched or grow any since my RNY was done back in 2004 . ive been approved to have RNY re-de surgery in the next few months . but i dont know how they can do a re-do surgery if my first surgery is still looking good...hmmmm..im going to see an excersize physiologist on monday and am seeing a nutritionist…

I am awaiting approval and can hardly stand the wait. I am so ready for my new way of life! I am 37 and I have a 35 bmi w comord's. I am wondering if there is anything I should be doing in the meantime before I have the procedure?