Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello I'm new to it all. Looking forward to great advice and making new friends. So I attended an info session. My insurance covers the surgery. And my medical doc sent a referral over to the insurance company. What's the next step? All advice greatly appreciated.

I am just starting my journey so i will be asking a lot of questions. Thank u all ahead of time for answering. Anyone go through insurance approval with CIGNA and can provide some pointers Thanks

Hii!! My name is Pam , 21 y/o. I was sleeved on 8/7/2012 and this week has just been a totally different experience from what i had in mind . Reading about it is one thing but actually experiencing it is a while different story. Thankfully I had no complications and was able to start walking that same night. I started working yesturday and I can't help but feel so tired. I had my one week follow up today and I was told it was because of the weight I've lost. I was so looking forward to getting weighed, and when I did I was in dis belief !! My weight the day of surgery was 230.7 and as of this morning I'm 209.7 !! Around 21 lbs .. It's a lot for such a short period of time…

After 3 weeks of liquid the doctor moved me up to purée foods Yah. That single egg this morning was the best egg I ever ate and it filled me up. I'm going to like this new life style that and I'm down from 284 to 250 it's not much but a damm good start. Thanks to this Fourm and my Bariatric support group for all your help so far. We are not done yet 85 more lbs to go

I guess my surgery will be delayed at least 6 weeks. I found out that I tested positive for H-Pylori which is a bacterial infection in my stomach. Apparent it's most likely been there since I was a child. 3 antibiotics. Frustrating. I hate delays. Uggggg!!!

So, 3 years ago I started the process to get the WLS. It was a 6 month process at Fort Sam- sleep studies, nutrition, psych, drs, etc. I got 5.5 months into the process and found out we were expecting O.o horrible. fast forward to July 19, 2012. I started the process here in El Paso. thought i would have another 6 month process- NOT, they like to get things done around here! I had my initial appt, nutrition appt, lab work and support group in the same day. Psych appt within a week and final preop surgeon appt 2 weeks later! they scheduled my surgery for 5 days and a wake up later. I have been thinking about this for 3 years and it was nice to get through the …

Anyone have or will have their surgery there? That's where I am getting my surgery, was just curious about others experiences.

What an amazing journey this is. It just hit me how absolutely exciting this is. I have waited my whole life to be of a "normal" weight. I will do it and I am sooo excited. I am also grateful to share it with all of you. I was worried that I couldn't fine a support group in my area and now I know I have one, so thank to everyone here!!!!

Did u guys kno that ur weight can go up or drop down 7lb due to access water in ur body..ur wait depends on if ur bowls move regular or not and if ur not urinating enough then the scale will read more..I put it to the test..I took a water pill one day and I was 2lbs liter after my pill was infect.. and wen I'm regular wit the bm I'm about 4to 5lbs liter than I was before I did the two things and don't forget to weigh urself nude.

Are there any Fl sleevers? I still waiting for approval from insurance but they gave me a date for Aug 30, so I'm hoping everything goes through..

My surgery date is August 16. I started my pre-op diet yesterday. it was not bad at all. Protein shake for breakfast and lunch, fruit, chicken, small baked potato, jello. Today is going well so far. Looking forward to being on the losers bench. I have been stalking this forum for months, so decided to chime in. The approval process was a breeze!

I am tired of the liquid no-calorie fast, so I'm almost looking forward to the OR tomorrow. At least then I can have Protein and I probably won't be hungry anyway! Honestly, I am very nervous. I've never had this serious of a surgery before and I'm scared I won't wake up, or that I'll have a leak. Prayers are appreciated (for those who pray) and positive thoughts are always welcome! See you all on the loser's bench!

Hi everyone! I'm new to this but I felt it important to share my story, since we have at least one thing in common, if not more.. I had my sleeve done 5/30/12. Before surgery I weighed 245 and I'm at 205 right now. As we all know and have heard this surgery is a tool not a solution. Well, as a self-proclaimed "food addict" I still struggle with numbing my emotions with food.. Only now, I can't do it. So for that I am greatful! But I am struggling adjusting to my "new life". I'm somewhere in between my overweight life and my new skinny life.... And I struggle with old habits as I am learning to develop new ones! It is definelty a daily process and I hope some of you can re…

Hi, I read a post on here the other day that summed up my life and feelings about doing this. I'm pre-op but would have never considered this just a few years ago. Fear of surgery I guess. I wish I could remember the posters name because it made an impact on me. Being fat has stolen my life. And I mean that literally. EVERY single choice I've made for 30 years has been influenced by fat. High School, college, career, hobbies, sports, dates, clothes, vacations, love/hate food, relationships...EVERYTHING. Every single thought I have is filtered through fat and self loathing. I go to sleep with thoughts of being fat. I worry if I die they will find my fat ass and…

Hi folks.. I need some input from you all.. Today l am officially 4 weeks post-op... I have lost exactly 33 lbs... The problem is that l have lost NOTHING in the past 6 days... Now l lost 20 lbs during the 12 days l spent on the liquid diet.. I am tossing around the idea of returning to the strict liquid diet for a couple weeks in hopes of losing another 20 lbs quick.. Do you think this will work???

I am new to the site. I am ready to get my life started with a healthy me. I have been 6 months waiting and working to get started and now I'm at the moment of ready to go. I started the presurgery diet today and scheduled for surgery next Tues. So many emotions and thoughts running through my head, but I am fully ready for the new stage of my life to begin.

Pls sleevers..no sugar drinks! O cal.diet drinks only.no more than 2grams of sugar shud be allowed! If u desire orange juice..trop 50 is ok sumtimes..save dem calories for food! Even if its cake cookies or ice cream lol. Oh and sugar free pop cycles ok guys..7 11 store has a sugar free slush.

Hi I am 25 and weight about 280 new expecting to get surgery in October I'm really nervous and someone's I think I should and should not do it. I have read that everyone here for the most part is doing well but I'm really scared have weird feelings not sure yet.

Hello "Banders", I truly hope that this introduction finds you all well and fine. I'm not sure if I am the first one to be a spouse on the lap band forum, but....that's what your getting. Never know...may lead into another part of the forum.... Family Support for the Lap Band Patient. Anyhow, I found this forum in search of information regarding my wife's post operative symptoms. Will get into that later, right now I just wanted to give a word of encouragement to those who have had, are about to have the lap band surgery done. You are extremely brave, and I wish you the very best through the surgery and afterwards. "Our" surgeon is great, treated the Mrs with dignity,…

My name is Jody. I have had the Lap Band June 12, 2009 and Feb. 28, 2012. I have lost 200lbs in 2yrs. I did water arobics and ate Fish/Chicken and salads. Now I am doing Zumba. I love it! I have to get back on track with eating. The carb/sweet moster is back. I am not going to beat myself up, but I am going to get back on track. I recently I have found a support buddy. We went to a Bariatric support group yesterday. That was my first time being in one. I loved it, because it was loving and supportive, also the papers they handed out was inspring and up lifting. I am trying to surround me and my kids around positive and supportive people. I am on here to make friends and g…

I have been going back and fourth between the sleeve and gastric bypass and today after reading a ton of info and stories on here I decided to go with the sleeve. Im very happy with my decision...so far...hopefully I feel that way after surgery in september as well lol. From what I've read on here everyone seems to be pretty happy with it. *Jess*

I went to to my surgeon yesterday,had some test did. I have to be on a diet for 6 months and take more test. I'm looking to be band the end of Feb. Or the first of March. My insurance didn't cover everything my co pay will be one thousands dollars it's worth it. HAPPY WEIGHT LOSS!!!! I will post later

Anxiety through the roof, surgery in three hours!!!!! Oh boy, I'm nervous but ready...

Today some relatives from out of town were visiting at my uncle's home with lots of other relatives in attendance. I chose to go (I wouldn't have gone in the past since I was embarrassed about my weight). Instead of feeling ashamed and self conscious, I felt empowered and happy. They were all happy to see me & I rec'd lots of compliments on my weight loss. I love my sleeve!

Does all drs leave tubes after surgery or only some im sooo scared of the tubes

Hello Community! I normally don't post at forums. I either, never find the time or I am always on the run. However, I felt the need to post my experience because comming to this forum and reading all the posts, helped me so much throught the process so I want to share my experiece so far. Everything started six months ago when I learned that I needed the 6-month weight in process for insurance approval. For those of you felling disapointed for the wait, dont worry,it will past fast, so enjoy your six months!. During the process I learned that I suffered form sleep apnea, That, added to my fatty liver and a BMI of 45 (324 Lbs, 5'11''), helped with Insurance approval …

Tommorrow is the big day!!! All the sudden im nervous

I am new here. I have been approved for the sleeve surgery and will be having it done pretty quick. My original surgery date was July 3rd at the hospital. The called last Friday with a cancellation and the surgery date has been moved up to May 22nd !! I am both excited and scared at the same time! My employer is quite okay with the change and my coworkers are quite supportive. Here is brief history about me. I have only been heavy since I was 25/26. I have a history of brittle asthma. I was exposed to field burning smoke after harvest while at school. I was constantly on prednisone and gained a lot of weight. as a result. I came home from school and lost a li…

Hey everyone I guess this is it..! I have 24 hrs till my new life,.kinda happy kinda sad I just hope I recover well and everything goes smoothly! I need ALOT of support right now even if it's via txt. I really hope I'm making the best decision and I honestly believe I am..I deserve to be happy and not be in pain..I deserve to live a happy healthy full life! I deserve to not feel so insecure about my body that I don't even wanna go out during the day..I'm really hoping this first week is okay I know it prolly won't because I'll be in pain and sleep lol but I've got everything at I think I do im gonna need I got my myloplex powder shakes I have special k protein shakes both…

Hi, I am new to this forum and just recently had my surgery, July 26th. My surgeon was a Godsend, in that I had to switch surgeons last minute and thank goodness I found him. His name is Dr. Fakulujo and he has been wonderful. My first week out I lost ten pounds but only lost two the second week. This left me a little discouraged because I was expecting to loose more. However I was told that the more you need to loose the faster one looses. I have battled weight all of my life and have tried so many things. Recently the weight was causing health problems, I feel I am to young to face, that is why I opted to get the surgery. I am young at heart and will start exercis…

Today is my first appt for my 6 month medically supervised diet that is required for my insuarance. I am so excited to start this journey, I have been reading the forums here and everyone here is so inspiring, you have helped me to come to the decision that thw sleeve is best for me. I look forward to sharing my journey with all of you.

I am due to have my Gastric Band surgery mid April 2012. Like most I suppose I am looking forward to it with longing and trepidation. I know that this is my last chance to turn my life around and to this aim I reach out with both hands. I will post my successes and failures over time in the hope that it may help others stepping on this path

Hello I wanted to see what my chances are for qualifying. I am sure that this thread is covered if I search for it. But here goes. Currently I am 35 years old male, 5'7" and weigh between 215 and 220. I yoyo up and down everytime I diet and excercise. I have Hypertension currently being controlled with medication. I have acid reflux, and I am almost positive I have some sort of sleep apnea. Last year my Dr. Prescribed me Phentermine to lose weight and I did drop about 15 pounds, but also raised my BP too high so I stopped. I work for the railroad and I am on call 24/7 365. Never am I able to dedicate a set time to eat and sleep because it changes from day to day. …

3 1/2 weeks post op and now has had red eyes for past 2 days, no pain or itch just red......

Hi everyone, I finally go to my first Dr. visit tomorrow. I loss 19lbs last week because I don't have an appetite and two family members died 6 days apart. I was going to one funeral and get a phone call the other died it's really hard. I will post later Happy Weight Loss!!!!! I was 387lbs. now 368lbs.

so i just took the citrate and im sweating like a pig and my stomach is turning and burning i hope this is normal, and let me tell you that stuff IS GROSS!! it taste like lemon seawater so salty. i dont know when its guna kick it but i hope im ready lol. surgery tomorrow and im so ready!!!

Hi everyone. I am just in the early stages of "thinking about lap band." I mean I've considered surgery for a few years now but just didn't want to go there. I have two friends who have done gastric bypass but for some reason that scares me. But they tell me having a "foreign object" in their body scares them. Can you guys give me your thoughts on this? Looking forward to sharing my journey with those that understand.

Hi! My name is Chandra and am excited, nervous, scared for surgery. Just had my pre-op physical and all looks good with the exception of my EKG. My physician said it looks fine, yet the computer interpretation showed some slight ST wave changes. He said it will depend on the level of tolerance of the anesthesiologist. Yikes! I'm praying I don't get a phone call delaying my surgery date.

I am considering weight loss surgery especially since I recently discovered I have type II diabetes as a result of too much sugary foods. I used to be 9 stone once upon a time and I want to go back to that weight. I am currently 15 stone I am nervous even thinking about going for surgery. I live in Ireland and I have heard a couple of unpleasent stories but I feel like I dont have much choice at this stage.

Im 5 weeks out went to lunch with co workers and had a chicken breast sandwich no chesse no mayo well toasted bread had 4 small bites but atleast i felt normal a regular bussiness day i never thought this day would come finally life is getting back to normal well my new normal.. I love it i feel so great... So for everyone in the early stages be patient its worth it .. I can go up a flight of stairs without losing my breathe... God is good

Hi everyone, My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 17 and I'm so excited. Just want to talk with others about the excitement and the struggles. I have looked at sooooo many videos on youtube but I think a forum would be better fit for me. Everyone in my family is tired of hearing about it and dont really seem excited anymore because I have worn it out LOL. Looking forward to hearing everyones story or and telling mine :-)

sleevers when i push this button , follow this topic- i was expecting to be "alerted" or something when this topic was replied to (meaning that i made a comment to a specific post) am i mistaken? otherwise, what does this "button" mean? thanx kathy

When does the diarrhea stop ????

Have been thinking about WLS for almost 2 years. Attended a meeting in May of this year 2012 about WLS at the local Holiday Inn. The people that gave the meeting was from Frye Regional in Hickory NC. I go for pre-op on Aug. 23. My VS will take place on Sept. 4. After reading on this forum It looks as I am older than most at age 62. If there any older people(more mature) on this site I would love to hear from you. Until then time moves on. Jerry

Hi! I'm Becky. I've been reading the boards here for a couple of months but finally decided to dive in. I am 4 months into the process since I decided to get Lap-Band surgery, and making my way through all the pre-op doctors' clearances - cardiologist, pulmonologist, gallbladder, etc. I am expecting to be banded in the fall - October or November. I'd ultimately like to lose about 150 lbs. If I make it, I won't quite be "thin," but I'll be at a weight I was comfortable at for several years and which seemed natural for me. I've read a lot of discussion here that has gone both ways - people who've had great success and those who have struggled and not met their objective…

Yesterday was my day! I'm in Mexico and was sleeved by Dr. Rodriguez at the Star Medica facility. I booked through belightweight, Ishi and Joanne were my coordinators. The entire experience and staff has been exceptional, better than I could have ever imagined. Think, southwest airlines vs delta in terms of service. all smiles, always have English speakers on staff and my Spanish is even getting better. Almost no gas pain, or any pain for that matter. From what they told me, there Wes no complications and all went as expected. Met with Dr. Rod yesterday, and the other two doctors assisting a few hours before. Perfect English so there was no concern of miscommuni…

After all these months, I can't believe my surgery is in less than two hours. Still so excited and nervousness hasn't set in yet. Guessing that will come as I lay on the table. I have been reading this board for so long, I just have to say thanks to all for your posts. They have educated me, energized me, and prepared me. I just feel calm and at ease with my decision. I am so ready to start this new chapter of my life. I'll let you know how it goes! Lauren

Hi all, Just thought I'd introduce myself. Hubby and I are in South Florida and we are attending an introduction seminar this Wednesday evening and one at a different center next week. Then we'll try to make an educated choice. We are going to have to be "self pay" because my insurance does not cover any bariatric procedures. I'm hoping it will cost around $10,000 but probably won't know till next week. Hubby and I have gained and lost a lot of weight, but the past 2 years have been really tough for us both. Lose 5, gain 8; lose 12, gain 15. Looking forward to participating in this forum. Deb and Greg in South Florida

Omg!!!! I feel GREAT!!!!!!! 16 pounds gone since surgery. Not a SINGLE ounce of pain anymore. 34 pounds total loss since July 12 and I feel like I NEVER had surgery. Lovin this new life!

My journey has been a long one to get where I'm at now. I initially visited a doctor in mid-2010 and went through many months of tests and dietician appointments and specialist appointments; everything I needed to do before I could submit to insurance for approval. All in all it took about 8 months to get through that process. However, my insurance denied me and then denied my appeal. I gave up for a little while and just didn't know where to go from there, but ultimately decided to continue to try to lose weight non-surgically (though unsuccessful). This past May, I found a new doctor that I instantly felt comfortable with and truly felt like he had my best interes…