Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello All, I'm Tyler. I've been lookin into lapband for a few months now and recently found this website! I love it. I haven't had a consultation yet. I work at a shipyard and get two weeks paid off for christmas and planned on having the procedure during that time if it's possible. Plan on looking for a doctor this week and making an appointment, dont know how fast I can get in! Trying to do it young so I can live a long happy life!

I've been through rounds of antibiotics and still have h-pylori! My vsg surgeon says he will still do the surgery, but this concerns me. Anyone else have experience with this?

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since my surgery. Great surgeon, super supportive family, but I still feel like I want to cry and sleep for days! I have had this discomfort in my chest for over a week now, the only way I can describe it is "chest heaviness" From what I've read it is most likely trapped gas from surgery. I've also read that walking it out is the only cure. But I am so fully exhausted I can barely do 20 let alone 30 minutes of walking. This is just a small pity party, I don't regret my decision to get healthy and live longer for my kids. I just wish I saw light at the end of the tunnel. - Go Broncos

DOS 12/15/11 235 lbs 9 months and 90 lbs down 9/15/12 145 lbs WooHoo i have been so happy these past few months. everyday brings a new excitement/joy to me. went to the movies - when i sat down, i looked at my sister and said "hmmmm, they are making the seats bigger now?" i have no more clothes in the closet that fit so.....to Celebrate my big day-----------DH and i are gonna hit Kohl's big time raising my wine glass of Water - i am saying "here's to me!"

Well I finally made the decision to go forward the WLS, now it just a matter of waiting for the insurance company to give the big OK. I have PPO insurance and my BMI is 37.9, so it should just be a matter of time. Reading the post has calmed many of my fears and raised issues I had not thought of before. Thanks for the support, assurances and lessons learned.

last week was "testing the water" concerning plastic surgery showed plastic surgeon the back of my legs -lllllots of hanging skin - he explained that this particular surgery is the hardest, i'd be on the table for a long time - large scar, and very long recovery showed my tummy - realllly don't have much excess just wanted to discuss surgery next, hanging skin under my arms area, finally, discussed my turkey neck i must sound like i'm such a mess - i'm really not i never thought i would have any of these problems losing 90-100 lbs - oooops wrong!!!! never thought i would do plastics, back of legs i really did want done - it just "feels" awkward back there …

I am looking for suggestions on staying hydrated I am sipping water but it doesn't seem to be enough. Any tips or tricks?

Well, I am relatively new to this site. I got banded last year in Az but moved to Ca in Jan. My insurance covered the cost of my surgery but when I moved here I have to pay out of pocket plus take a drive down to Sacramento for my fills. Ive only recently been able to afford them. I have lost about 15 pounds so far and I think changing my eating habits is the hardest, the mental part of eating. Is anyone else from my area? I need a little support system to help me stay on track! Im glad I found this site. Also any good recipes would be greatly appreciated!

Today is the big day and I'm running late.

16 days out from surgery, and I tryed a chicken nugget, it came back up. I felt better so I ate a baked potato, went down well. but I have cutting pain in my stomach, only when I get up and move around, it's now day 2. what have I done, is it normal?

initially i thought everyone had a NUT - now i'm not sure that is true if you had WLS in Mexico, do you get LOTS of paperwork, information on what to do post-surgery - does a "patient" go to his own PCP to help with directions once you are home? there are many people on the board that had the sleeve in other countries - how are you helped - where do you go post WLS its great for sleevers to give info, help here with stages of food and drink, thats what we do - but a dr./NUT would respond in different ways don't misunderstand - we all have our questions, i know i always will, thats why we come here for help just curious about NUT and surgeon - vs no REAL help …

Ok, so about 6 months ago I went to Dr. David Kim and made the first steps towards my new life with my sister at my side. After our consult we started the insurance requirements to get approval for surgery. After my sister and I completed the required 3 month pre-op program Dr. Kim and his staff suddenly stopped returning our phone calls and e-mails. We arrived unannounced and were directed to a lab to be tested for nicotine. This was the last we hard from Dr. Kims office. We have since found surgeon named Dr. Stowers. Now we are waiting on approval then a scheduled date for surgery. I'm so beyond ready for this. Wish us luck.

Hi my surgery date is for October 25th. He hasn't mentioned a pre op diet. Does EVERYONE usually do a pre op diet or all liquid prior to sx??

Hi All, Just found this site. I'm 2 weeks post surgury, and strugling with the mind game. I'm mourning the loss of food - junk food really. I know I had to have an operation because of self-inflicted obesity, but still, the idea of not being able to eat whatever I like when I like is getting to me. Ilogical, but real. I'm still on the liquid diet. Feel like I haven't eaten (chewed) anything for ages. Its been 5 weeks. Another week to go, then onto puree. Anyway, enough of my whinning. Look forward to getting a heap of information/help out of this site. Greetings from New Zealand. Andrew.

Im down 128lbs since the day of sergery! Im now 178lbs and living it! I want to get down to 160 but I havnt been that in 16 yrs..ii luv my sleeve! No regrets.

I am getting the sleeve done on October 1st, and I have been on my liquid diet for one out of three weeks needed. I tried to stay to myself for the first few days and just kinda hang out where I wasn't going to have the issue of food being *right* there. I worked all week, did my thing, and now I find myself on a day off and I realize that this is one of my problems! I always eat so much more when I am at home with nothing to do. I am happy to report that instead of just sitting around I mowed the lawn, went and got another Protein option, got another of the supplements that my NUT wanted me to get for post-surgery, and I bought a more reliable scale for tracking things. …

Hello all, my name is Gloria and I just had my first consult for Lap Band surgery yesterday! I've been researching (and saving) for this procedure for as long as I could remember. A little bit about me, I'm 28 single with no children. I'm in school full time attempting to obtain a nursing degree. I also work full time as a receptionist. I've been over weight my entire adult life and I only have myself to blame. I tried many fad diets with no success and I tried the "hard way" diet and exercise when I was in my early 20's and did have minor results only to gain it all back (and then some) after going through a job loss and depression. At present day, I'm at the heaviest…

hey.....I am new to the forum...considering sleeving..can anyone tell me: 1. Is balooning better or sleeving since with balooning nothin gets altered permanently? 2. Do we have to eat multi-vitamins for the rest of our lives? 3. Do the staples every interfere in normal course of life or while travelling under scanners? 4. Is it very difficult/ mentally taxing to not be able to eat what you like? 5. Does the surgery create any issues with having sex or getting pregnant or for the baby in future?

has anyone gotten an amonia flavor in their mouth?

I was sleeved August 9th and am not having trouble getting any food down. Sometimes I wonder if my sleeve isn't small enough. I hear all these stories about people getting sick from certain foods. I have also only lost 24 lbs And 5 was post op. I have been at the exact same weight for 2 weeks now! I can tolerate every food. Nothing bothers me. Should I be worried?

Hey!! So I'm new here... I'm a 37 year old single ER nurse in Kenycky. I have started the journey to getting sleeved, and have to do the 6 month mumbo jumbo that my insurance requires. Would love some words of wisdom or advice from you experienced sleevers!!! and also love to hear the other that are just getting started..... i'm excited to get this done, but six months seems like forever right now!!! Then I start thinking about the surgery and i'm terrified of the after math.. lol

I am worrying myself sick about everything. I think I'm not loosing weight. I am eating to much. I am ruining my sleeve. Ugh! I would have been better off with the diabetes it seems. At least I knew what to expect. I seem to be hungry a lot. Why?

I'm looking for a good tasting broth any suggestions the ones I got so far do not taste good and make me nausea.

Close to reaching 299 it's just amazing what I've lost in 3+ months

Hi! I just scheduled my surgery date today for November 16. Wondering if there is anyone else who will be getting the band in November? I'm very excited but super nervous. Really looking forward to all the positive changes and would like to make some new friends to share the journey with.

How long does it take to work? Im on day 5 still smoking but less down to 7 OR 8 a day help this. Is really hard I won't to quit so dame bad! Help!!!

I have been at a stall 4 awhile now...bt this morning stepped on the scale & it just brighten up my day....finally I'm in onderland....the scale said 199...yay me...wen I started this journey I weighed 231...lost 6 lbs in pre-op...after surgery (6-8-12) 17 days post-op I lost 20lbs...then 19 days post-op 22lbs. Down....bt at a stall ever since...& 2day I feel great...

Hi I had my op on the 30/8/2012 and over night I had a 2,5 pound increase and feeling ver dissapointed. I am eat normal food and keeping it to 1000 cal a day. Can anyone give me some support as I am feel down about the gain.

I am very new to this journey. I actually just madder up my mind that I want the lap band procedure. I was hoping someone could tell me what to expect. How long does the process take from the individual consultation? I am very excited, and impatient if you can't tell. I appreciate all and any suggestions.

Hi everyone! I recently had vsg surgery aug 24th, 3 weeks ago today. When I started this process I weighed 240. My surgeon had us do 2weeks on the 800 calorie diet prior to surgery. On my surgery date I weighed in at 217. Now 3 weeks later after my surgery I am only 205 ...just 12 Lbs down... Smh I thought the weightloss wud be more? Has anyone else experienced this? What cud I be doin wrong?

Well tomorrow is the big day, I'm getting all packed and ready to go.

I have seen posts about tests prior to surgery. What tests are they? I have already done all tests besides psych evaluation. Are there other tests like a week or two after you get a surgery date?

I had my surgery August 20 and i stuggled a little with the diet, and ive been exhauststed but ihave to say everything has been going well, i love my Dr. Im with St Jhon weight loss center, and since i started my journey ive loss 45lbs...ive struggled with diets my entire life, and now excerise is my best friend..i have a whole new outlook on life and i love it

I am writing this because I have read and appreciated reading other people’s stories. I have tried numerous diets over the years but can’t seem to keep weight off, and other than the one year when I was 26 I have never been ideal weight. After the third person in a few months asked me if I was pregnant, and failing twice on Medifast in the past 2 years – I decided I had enough. I was on the Medifast forum and someone posted about Plication surgery being featured on one of the morning show (Today or Good Morning America? Can’t remember?). I thought this might be my answer. After contacting the surgery center (Dr Levine) I seriously considered this – easy recovery, no r…

Met with my surgeon on Monday. Also met with the dietician and psychologist. Everything went great and they said there's no reason I shouldn't be able to have surgery (thank God! I drove 400 miles round trip to get these appointments out of the way.) Just waiting for insurance approval.I called them today to find out if i'm required to do a supervised diet before surgery and they no longer require it, which should speed everything up! Super exited for a new me! Looooove reading your stories. They are incredibly inspiring.

Hi all! I'm in DESPERATE need of help! I had surgery on Feb 22,2012. I've lost 96 pounds but have not lost any more weight in 4 weeks!!! I workout everyday 2-4 miles a day. I watch EVERYTHING I eat! Idk what I'm doing wrong! My doctor is upset and saying it cheating and not working out when I really do! I have my next apt with the surgeon on the 27th of this much and he is wanting me to lose 6 pounds BUT, I haven't lost not one single pound!! I've cried because I'm soo frustrated! Can anyone provide me with some help PLEASE?!?! Thanks, Nory!

265 the day of surgery Aug 31st. Today 244, down 21 pounds in 2 weeks! Yay me!

Hi I'm new here and i haven't scheduled my surgery yet....I just found out that my health care coverage will pay for it! My bmi is 40 and i have struggled with my weight since i was 8 years old....recently had half my thyroid removed because of a tumor the size of a tennis ball...now i am gaining weight even faster! So i need the surgery now more than ever!....pray for me!

I just found out that it doesn't look like Aetna is going to approve my surgery. My BMI is 35, but I don't meet the comorbidities. Apparently, my sleep apnea is not severe enough, it's considered mild. I don't have high blood pressure or diabetes....yet. I am beyond disappointed. My three year old is asking why I am crying. I hate insurance!

Has anyone else had an issue with their coordinator taking their time turning in paperwork?I seen my surgeon on Aug 22 and I was given a date(pending approval) of Oct 1st.I have called twice and as of today my paperwork still hadn't been turned in.I called today and told her I knew she was busy but this is very important to me.She told me she is just turning in paperwork for surgeries at the end of September and when she gets to mine they will be turned in.Am I being too pushy?I feel like this should be more important to her, especially since she has had the sleeve as well.When I asked when she thought it would be done, so I could stop freaking out she told me she had no …

Hello everyone, my name is Von and I am JUST beginning my process. I have thought about this on and off for 5 yrs and now I am ready to begin this journey!

Hi everyone my name is Carly I'm 31 I have 4 children all under the age of 7 and I am from the uk. I'm booked to have my surgery on haloween with mr Douglas whitelaw at spire private hospital I would like to lose about 9st very nervous n excited I start my milk diet on the 17th october. Any advice or help would be appreciated look forward to hearing from you all :-)

Hi everyone. So, I'm totally new. I only started hearing about VSG about a year ago and I currently have 3 friends who have had successful surgeries. One was done at Cornell Weill, and two others had theirs done at Overlook Hospital. I have been unbelievable impressed with their individual successes and it has encouraged me to take the same journey. I am a complicated patient, however. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteo Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, only one kidney, and have had one support joint replaced. I am only 45 years old, but I still feel like there's hope if I can lose weight. Granted, it won't reverse my RA, but losing weight can only benefit my health, as I…

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the site and definitely looking to hear about everyones experiences. I am scheduled for my surgery on November 27th and am really nervous. This was my first meeting with my surgeon, and it's what he told me about the lap band that made me nervous. He just seemed like he wasn't really a big fan of it and he felt that the other surgerys were better. The whole thing made me think I was maybe making a huge mistake. I feel better now but it would be great to hear some stories!

the "girls" at the dentist's office went berserk when they saw me today. they all knew that i had the WLS - but they hadn't seen me since about 45 lbs ago. i got so many compliments, i was turning red OMG :wub: i was so excited to hear them the funniest thing happened next, the dentist enterred the room where we were all talking, he saw "my face" as he enterred the room and said hi he literally did a dble take - he said "WOW - look at you." we all laughed - but i was crying/happy so much inside. Not use to this flattery and stuff- i think i could get used to this

hello everybody! I am extremely happy to have found this site. on monday I will probly find out if I get approved by insurance. pray for me. 2 years ago I tried to get the lap band but, doctor said that I couldn't get it done because I had lupus. I had went through all of the 7 month of appointments and at the end doctor said he couldn't do it. I went back to the lupus doctor and he told me that a miracle happen I didn't have lupus anymore!, so now I'm trying again. hope everything goes well. I feel that it's not going to happen for me. but I have faith in god and I put myself in his hands. I wish someone would cheer me up with positive stories of motivations.

Hey, I was sleeved 4 mths ago and have just started having some dizzy spells a good bit. It happens almost everytime I stand up. I havent called the Doc yet but its been happening for about 2 days now. Anyone else experienced this?

Ok so today I updated my profile with some info and a before and after picture. Ex Marine that can lift all the weights in the gym but... I got emotional...

To day I start my diet for 2 weeks i have my surgery on 27 this month i dont know what eat can any body help me please

My surgery was scheduled for 10-9 and now has to be postponed bc I tested positive for the H Pylori test . Very discouraged right now