Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Got the Lap Band in 2002. I lost 30lbs but in 2005, the port became separated from the tube. Not one doctor would help me get it fixed. I finally found a doctor that was willing to repair it. He decided to convert me to a VSG. I had surgery this morning. During surgery, the doctor decided there was way too much scar tissue to convert today. While operating, my stomach tore! Fortunately, it was the section of the stomach that is to be removed for VSG. The doctor decided to proceed with the conversion and I am recovering now. I feel very lucky and relieved that it turned out the way it did. I could have not been so lucky and want to thank everyone involved for the…

So, for the past few months I have been reading the posts of many sleevers here. Tonight I have decided to start tracking and reporting the changes in my life. I really have a pet peeve about calling this "my weight loss journey" because I fell like a journey is something you do without a goal in mind...I have a goal in mind and I am on more of a mission!! A mission to become active, happy and most of all healthy. Hoping I can meet some folks here that will help keep me on target to complete my mission.

Two years ago I went to Sturgis Bike Week in South Dakota. I weighed about 250-257. We are going again this year and I currently weigh 176. I was looking at the pictures from last time and I couldn't believe them. The pictures this year will be so much more fun to take. I can't wait to post them here. I was buying XL or 2XL t-shirts last time and now I will be buying large. Even though the weight loss has really slowed down, it's still exciting to see the changes. Here's a picture from 2 years ago and one taken just a few weeks ago. I will post more after vacation.

Feeling lots better just did swallow test everything is good get ice chip yaaahhh walking help a hole lot having the time of my life. did I say ice chip taste great

Surgery done 7:30 this morning feel like crap but getting better walking helps Pain MED'S GOOD

So after almost two months, my pcp forwards my records to my surgeon who submitted them for vsg approval. Denied. Why? Because my pcp failed to note anything about my weight loss efforts between 1/27/12 to 6/04/12! Not a word! And we all know that six CONSECUTIVE months of pcp documentation is required. Arrrrgghhh! So I made an appointment for tomarrow to see if he will amend my file. And although I want to go in and give them a piece of my mind, I feel that's gonna work against me at this point. Worst case, my six months begin on 6/04/12. Did I mention that today was my tentative surgery date? Lovely.

Well this is my second time around, Back on May 25th I was scheduled even made it to the operating room. When I woke up I was so excited and thanking the Lord for bringing me through surgery successfully. Only to be told that I had a hiatal herneia that was so large my stomach was 1/2 way through it and in my chest cavitiy. It was detected during my pre op but we did not imagine it to be so large. So today, Im going for pre op testing again today, I have a new date for Aug 10th praying all goes well today!!!

What exactly is the leak test? What do you have to do, and what does it taste like? My surgery is Thursday and I'm trying to be prepaired.

I originally posted this in another thread but I thought I would post here as well!!! Im 23 and 5'3"....So I recently went shopping and found that I am finally in regular size clothes!!! WoooHooo!!! My sleeve date was May 1st. Starting weight 257-18w & 2x tops---today 199- ..........14 & 16 REGULAR JEANS & L tops!!!! Notice I also hit Onderland!!!!! I am currently in a stall and have been for at least a week or so! I try not to weigh my self everyday... for the last 2 days I've worn dresses! I never thought I would but they look amazing! As you can tell I'm very proud of my self. It wasn't but maybe 6 weeks ago I was on here crying thinking I wasn't going to …

HI all. I just had my sleeve done at Brigham & Women's in Boston on Friday. I came home yesterday. I have had very, very little discomfort. I actually had a blast at the hospital...a lovely roommate, funny & supportive staff, smiles and encouragement all the way through. I am constantly sipping either G2 or Protein Shakes and it seems like I will be able to get in all my fluid/protein requirements today. I have a couple of bits of advice for folks out there. Before surgery, I was trying to mentally prepare for everything. Then I started realizing I was borrowing trouble. Why obsess about what could go wrong, instead of what could go right? I finally rea…

Hi everyone I finally had the nerve and time to post a little bit about my story and how to I got to where I am today. Currently I am 6 weeks away from my Sleeve. My name is Carlos im 32 years old and married with a 7 month old baby boy. I am a stay at home Dad and a full time student. So I have always been a heavy guy as a teen and adult, I always weighed around 350. I was a big boy but very active, I worked out and was on my feet all day at work. I was an audio video installer and had been in the field for some years before I was injured. In October of 2008 I had a spnal injury on the job and have been off ever since. During that time I put on 200 more lbs. yup... I ma…

I'm looking for support and advice. I am a revision. 98 I had VBG at 550. I got to 293 and as of '11 was 350. I managed to stay at 300 for ...11 years. I was happy, untill I started to put it on rather fast. I had complications (band grown in, ulcers and a rip, not to mention vomiting for 11 years) I was told in 98 I would one day need a bypass but preferably, after children. So here I am I had my RNY on July 19 th. As a revision, I feel FABULOUS! like a thorn was removed, no more like a small log! I was so used to discomfort, I had no idea how miserably I felt every day. It's surgery...and its sore but I am drinking better, food (liquid food) feels better going down the…

My surgery is August 23rd I'm getting more and more nervous everyday. I've been looking at videos online and reading up on everything I can..I think about the excess skin and can't stand that thought ...but ..at the same time I'm making a life changing decision to better my health and so that I can have children... I'm 36 years old ...just hoping everything goes well and I bounce back OK ...here is a pre-op pick [ATTACH]4096[/ATTACH]

The countdown begins. Have to be at the hospital at 6:30. Procedure is scheduled for 8:30. So excited!!!! Any last minute words of advice?!! Wish me luck!!!!!!!

I love this site but one thing it doesnt have is a great chat area.

Is anyone using transformations

Don't get on here much anymore but I wanted to share my success with a before and now bathing suit shot. My friends don't even get to see this but y'all can cause I don't know any of you!! I still have about 45 more to go but I'm happy with my success so far. Good luck to all of you in your journey!! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hello Everyone, My name is CamyMarie and I am 22 years old. I have just begun the journey to get approval for weight loss surgery. So far I have only completed the Introductory Seminar and all the paperwork. The particular program that my pcp sent me to is very busy this time of year so they told me it would be a 4-6 week wait until I can see the surgeon. And I have no idea who my surgeon will be. So in that time I have become so anxious and nervous as I have soooooo many questions in my head about RNY. By the way I have UHC insurance. I am joining this forum because I see just how supportive everyone is of one another and I would love to be apart of that. I have strugg…

Before I was sleeved I gained about 30 pounds from January until surgery on the 13th of March. When I saw the dr first I weighed about 8 pounds less than surgery day and when I came home after surgery I was up 10 pounds more. At the time when I did my ticker I thought the 18 pounds gained cannot count...I had to start where I first saw the dr. Recently I realized I was being stupid to say the least.Every pound I had lost post-op,counts.It changed my perspective from being a low loser to being an average to speedy (older,yoyo dieter) loser. Now for the kicker...lol EXERCISE PEOPLE,EXERCISE! My size is bigger than ever before at this weight and I look like a shar…

My surgery is Tuesday!!! I've waited the 6 months, I'm down 30# already. I'm worried about the bowel prep tomorrow. How bad is it?

I had gastric sleeve surgery and so far I've lost 100 pounds, I love it!!! = D. I had my surgery with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez in Tijuana Mexico. He was great since the start when I first called him and he took the time to explain different surgery options and answer all my questions. He told me to call Mario at MexMedTours.com to help me out with my travel, transportation and accommodation needs and he also gave me a great service. I could not have done it without them. Plus they have been kept in touch after the procedure to check on my progress and answer questions that I have, which is great. When I started looking at my options I was totally lost. After speaking…

Hey Everyone, I was hoping to find some good answers I am about to get surgery in hopefully Sept. I have birth control in my arm (implanon) but i hered after surgery it dont work due to not absorbing or something to that affect, does anyone know if this is true? and how likely is it to get pregnant after surgery I hered that rises too? Can anyone Help? Thanks For You Help

my name is linda. i've had the introductory class, and 2 appointments, i've registered for the 6 nutritional classes ($160), have 3 appointments set for next month, have to have a sleep study done, waiting for approval from my pcp for that.i have to lose 23lbs. my surgeon is dr. goldenburg from cmc hospital in manchester. i have medicare (primary ins.) and anthem (2nd). i have so many questions, but i've been reading the posts and have had some questions answered. do i need pre-approval from medicare? what is the recovery time for the surgery? thank you

Hi! I am Angela and I live in North Carolina. I had RNY on July 2 this year. I have had a couple complications, but wouldn't change anything! I am getting my life back.

I'm a month out and I am having trouble with low sugar levels . Is that part of the process? I never had diabetes so I wonder if this is a permanent thing?

Thought this day would never get here. It's 3:40am and we are off to the hospital will post when I can .

Dear all life seeker finally had my sleeve done on 26-7-2012 in kuwait i hope i would be welcomed to this nice forum in order to steal back our health that was stolen by the mighty faat Btw am plastic surgeon and am from kuwait

I started my 2 week preop liquids today! I had about 2 weeks from my last weigh in until today so I've eaten all my favorites "for the last time".... as a matter of fact I am so ready for my liquid diet and to get my surgery I cant even think of eating anything else! I can honestly say I am sick of eating! I have been an emotional eater since...well, forever. I have been working on getting things in place to do instead of eat... like walk or exercise. It's working so far. I have slowly put everything in order in my head and house so I am, for the first time in my dieting life, setting myself up for success instead of failure. I am well on my way with this journey, …

Getting sleeved Monday July 30th in Chico CA...can hardly wait! Have a huge support group with family and friends who are cheering me on. Bestie from TX is flying in to help out. She and my brother both had RNY and will be at hospital and home. My workout buddy of 2years treated me to a lovely pedicure....feel so blessed. Great mojo as I get ready for my new chapter! Good luck to all other July 30th pals.....

Hi iam not band yet til october but do they remove ur gallbladder and repair hirna the same day as ur band and is is it a longer recovery

SO excited to step on the scale today and was 197!! I am officially out of the 200s and I hope to never see them again. This sleeve is the best decision I have ever made for myself. I haven't lost a ton yet, it's still early but I'm already confident in myself and learning to love myself again with every pound that comes off. Thought I'd share since this is a huge milestone for me

I am 8 days post-op, and I am thrilled to find this forum!!! I had my surgery in Louisiana and so far, I have lost 16 pounds! It has been very hard at times. I had so many people tell me it wasn't difficult at all, but I did find myself struggling at times. I realized my severe addiction to carbs!!! With that being said, I can honestly say it has been worth it. I am in my thirties and was on blood pressure medicine and facing diabetes. The only pain I'm having now is mild little "pulling" pains from my incision sights, but it's not bad at all. I would tell anyone thinking about this surgery to do it. A little bit of pain in the beginning for a new outlook on life is s…

Hello everyone I just been redomended to see a local specialist to begin the band process I and in upstate ny I am wondering for all what is the wait time after getting in touch with them till actual sugery?? I was also wondering what is a fill? Do you actually have a opening or do they go in each time to fill and unfill?? Also does it effect getting pregnant afterwards? Sorry for all the ? Just want to be well informed!

So I found out Thursday my lap band has slipped and found out Friday I was having it removed this coming Wednesday with (hopefully) a conversion to RNY. Five days to do the diet, figure out the post op stuff, prep my home and kitchen, get time off work, find help with my son..... It's been a crazy 48 hours with only 72 more to go!!! Any post op pointers would be greatly appreciated!!!!! As well as crosse fingers and prayers they can do the RNY!

Not goin to lie scared out of my mind I'm a 30 male weigh bout 350 5"9 in height and a smoker trying to quit

Pre op physical tomorrow morning. Then dietician immediately after to discuss pre op diet which begins august 6. And then surgery August 16 at 7am and a 5 am check in time. Holla!! Oh and I bought isopire rtd alpine punch drinks. I cut it with a little Water and 40 grams of Protien and no carbs! 160 calories in the entire glass bottle I think it's 20 ounces. No surgar either! No aspartame either.

Anyone having surgery in the morning? I'm so ready to start this journey of happiness. I will be having surgery at the hospital where I work , SUPER EXCITED!!!!!

Just had my surgery 07/26 feeling a little bit better than yesterday. Don't know how I'm going get through this clear liquid diet. But anyone who just had their surgery any words of encouragement will help:)

My surgery date is almost here can't wait this liquid diet part sucks. Ever notice that when on liquid diet every where you turn there is a ad on Tv or billboards any where you go for food they are not helping!!!!

So excited surgery is Monday @7:30 am

Hi I'm new here and I'm very excited! My names Raquel but some call me roxy and I'm 21 years old.I'M married to a handsome Marine and I just had my appointment with my doc yesterday. He gave me my qualifcations I needed in order to get the surgery done. I have tri care prime and I got most of the list done today :-) such as 2 things of blood work a ekg which I got this morning and a history of trying to loss the weight (medical chart and diets also gym member ships) all that I'm waiting for now is for my refferal to go through to see a physcologist and waiting for a phone call to see the nutritionist. Ahhhh I'm just so excited and I can't wait to get this done.

Well long 2 years waiting finally my surgery is funded I had to pay 50 percent. But I am worth it .. Surgery scheduled with dr. Smith at rocky mountain physicians I can't wait I am so nervous

I've heard people mention they can't eat bread after banding. Is this all breads or can you have like leftsa, flat bread, tortillas etc. Just kind of curious.

hey everyone im new on here surgery date...june 19

Hi I'm new on here and I want to know if anyone had any problems with the anesthesia.. also would like to know if anyone went to Beverly hills physicians

I everyone. This is an update for my progress. I just had my banding yesterday and I'm really sore. The Dr. Told me I had a hernia. He fixed it for me while he was in there. I am so glad I did this, now I just gotta get used to this new diet. I'm on a clear liquid diet for a few days. I'm in Jacksonville so if anyone is close by don't hesitate to hit me up. Thank you in advance for any advice any of the people reading this want to offer.

hello my name is lisa and i just got my call today that i am apporved for the surgery... just waiting for them to set the date and i have to set up a appointment with my dr , can not wait to start my new life.Hope i can get in soon!!

Hello everyone. I'm just getting started with my lap band journey. My surgeon requires a 2 week liquid diet before surgery. I can't stand most protein drinks. Anyone have any suggestions on which ones taste the best.

This whole thing started when I went to see my doctor hoping that he would prescribe me weight loss pills. I had been trying to lose weight hard core for almost a year and little to nothing happened. I gave up wheat, was eating 1400 calories or less, was lifting and running...and getting now where. He shocked me when my doctor suggested WLS, but I jumped on it. At first I was all about the band, my husband thought it was the best fit for me; Less invasive, faster recover,y not permanent,...ect...but then I did more research and the idea of having going through ANOTHER procedure, like so many banders, down the road was a deal breaker for me. If I'm gonna do this then I mig…

I'm 3weeks out and on purée . It seems when I swallow it feels like its stuck and my stomach starts hurting and I get nauseous . I'm hoping it goes away help