Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Like others have indicated, this journey is defintely not easy especially when it comes to this liquid diet. But it's all good, I've already been taken off 4 pills per day that I had been on for years. I did lose some weight leading up to the diet so I'm sure that helped. We just have to keep focusing on the goal and don't give up, because we are all worth it. One more thing, I never would have thought that sugar free jello and chicken broth could taste so darn good. :-)

I'm very excited but very nervous at the same time. I've done a lot of research but I don't think that can completely prepare you. That is why I joined this group to hear from actual people who are also planning the surgery or have had the surgery already. One of my biggest challenges has been quitting smoking. Has anyone gone through the same issue?

I have submitted my paperwork so just waiting for the insurance approval and surgery date. I am hoping to have surgery by Mid August. We are planning on a week long vacation in October so I want to be past the liquid and pureed food stage of the new diet. The vacation is to see the leaves changing in New England...not eating my way through New England! So I am not worried about adjusting to the new diet. I am having my surgery in El Paso with Dr. Jorge Acosta. I have been trying to stay under 1100 calories and eating at least 85 gms Protein. Worried that even with these restrictions I am not losing weight. Everyone assures me that I will lose after the surgery. …

6 month diet check Psyc evaluation check Only need to meet with surgeon and get a date !!!

I have lost 17 pounds in 11 days and now I am on my puree diet I am so scared to eat I think I might cause myself a leakage.

Hi of course it depends on many things but is the sleeve a pretty successful weight loss method? I am just wondering...

I see a lot of people say take gas-x to the hospital with you. My question is why? Don't they want you to get rid of the gas. And that's what the walking helps you do. Beside getting your cirrculation going. Any help would be appreciated.

My husband is 6 days post op and just noticed his togue is white...... Does anybody else have this prob?

Hi everyone. I am wondering if any of you out there in our community had their sleeve done at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility. If so, could you tell us about your experience? Thanks very much!

My 6 months post op pictures. I cant believe it is really me in those pictures. I would like to lose about fifty more pounds. My skin is not shrinking back very well.

I just ordered the Ultra FitBit, does anyone have any advice or tips on it? Thanks!!!

Hiiya everyone. Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I had my surgery the day before my 22nd birthday, on June 28th. So it's been almost 4 weeks now. I'm feeling alright about it. It's hard adjusting to such small portions, and the carb withdrawl almost killed me the first 2 weeks, but I'm happy. I've only lost 20 pounds though. Is that normal? My doctor says "everyone loses at their own pace" which I understand, but I just am so anxious and excited and want to lose it all fast. Is anyone else going through that? Anyway, I'm super glad I found this site. It seems really heplful and supportive. I only wish I knew about this place before my surgery

I need my gallbladder out but im wondering do they take it out before they put the band or after the same time as the band

I am so nervous but excited at the same time. I was a thin teenager and even until I was 30.....but then by my 4th child...the weight kept packing on. I can't even believe what I weigh!!!!!!! I had a lap band....which worked in the beginning - until it didn't work and I would just vomit after every meal. I had the band removed last year...did WW, Nutrisystem...blah blah blah....gained the 50lbs that I lost with the band back and feel more obese than ever. I am such a bad eater! I can go all day without eating (which I know is bad for me) and then I eat at 8 or 9 o'clock......DUMB! So first of all........I KNOW that I need to break this disgusting habit of mine and …

Well on Monday I flew to Michigan from Florida to get my sleeve done by Dr. Pleatman. As soon as I got to the hospital which was around 11:30 I started pre op. About an hour later I went into surgery. I know I was supposed to have pre op one day and the surgery the next but because I was from out of town and had a flight back Wednesday my doctor need enough time to watch after me. I am 17 years old and weight 285 pounds. All I can remember was going into the operation room and my doctor made me laugh then I was out. My parents were in the waiting room and about 45 min late Dr. Pleatman told them I was done! Man my mother was so scared she thought something went wrong beca…

For my RNY family here is my wedding pic

Ok so its two weeks in and I have lost 25 pounds! I dont know if thats good or bad..... I was also wondering when can I go swimming and working out like zumba???

My name is Shannon. My gastric by pass was on December 27,2011. I have lost 95 lbs. I have done great until the past two weeks. I have had some issues come up that has put a lot of stress on me. I haven't lost any weight in two weeks and I'm not eating right. I have noticed I have been grabbing whatever to eat. I also haven't been to the gym. I am starting back on Monday going to the gym and I have started eating right today. I am so glad I found this app.

I have never been a blogger but after reading many of the supportive posts I was moved to join the site! My name is Afreeka I live in NJ and I am the mother of 3. I have been scheduled for my sleeve in September and I have mixed emotions. Excited, scared feeling like I failed has anyone else had those feelings? My family is split in supporting me about the surgery. Often I get the response you do not need it you can do it on your own. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with you all and before and after pics!!! Can someone tell me how I get the tracker that is on everyones post LOL?

Hi There, Just found this forum. Surgery (RNY) 4/30/12 350 lbs. Post - op 7/19/12 289 lbs. Hope to get some great info here.

Hey all. This is my first post after months of stalking you all. My name is Aaron, 36, living in Mississippi, but Iowa is home. I am off to Dallas on July 17th for my sleeve with Dr.Nick. Very excited but starting to freak! Today was a bad pre-op diet day. Still under my calorie goal, just not good choices. My first cave! The thoughts of doubt I swore off have started to race through my mind, none the less I will push forward. Just need to see some reassurance from this great group of folks! I have the overwellming support of co-workers but not the family. In fact flying solo in Dallas because of that. Though it bugs me, I was expecting it. Anyway been a big boy all my li…

My name is Rachael. I am a mother, a nurse, and a very fat person. I was given my first diet pill at age 10 by my mother... I couldn't take pills so I struggled to get the huge pill down. I don't know that I ever did or that it worked or if I even really needed it! I see pictures of my self and I am a bit chubby but not obese at all at that age. I remember being teased about being fat and large at an early age. I remember carving the word fat into my arm at around 12 years old. I remember hating my body and thinking my life would be perfect if I weren't fat. Years flow by I am in high school I am 5 7 my wt a HUGE 155. In retrospect that isn't that tall or fat but at the t…

Hi Everyone! I'm a 24 year old female in Maryland and I'm scheduled to have surgery on August 14th. I have been on course to have the sleeve gastrectomy, however, have recently started considering having the band done instead. I'm very excited, but also super nervous as my surgery date gets closer and closer. I'm joining in hopes of finding a source for real life do's/don'ts/regrets/sucesses (apart from those that the medical community wants you to hear). I'm hoping to make some great friends along the way as it's still a relatively new area for me and journeys are always best when you have experienced people right next to you along the way. -Katy

Tomorrow at 6 am I report to the hospital for surgery. I can't believe this day is finally here. It has been such a long journey but I am so excited to start the next chapter of my life. If anyone has any advice on what I need to bring or do tomorrow please let me know. Thank you everyone for all the support.

Finally my surgeons office sent out my documents for approval and gave me a surgery date! If I get approved for my revision, I will be having it done August 10th! (10 days before i have to bake for my son's birthday...thanks alot doc! lol) Fingers crossed for me???

Im new to this forum and have had a chance to check out quite a bit of the discussion. I find this forum to be very informative. I have not yet been banded but am scheduled for my consultation on 8/1. I am 5'1", 250lbs and frustrated with my weight. I am ready to take charge of my health. I look forward to forging great online relationships in this forum and I welcome any advice that will be given.

Strange feeling today ... Fingers asleep and I'm freezing ... Don't know anyone had this feeling? I'm a month out and not been sick at all ! Now ughh

Im new to the forum and wanted to get accquainted with people who have had same experience.Im 4 months in and am in between sizes.I have lost 60 lbs so far and a lot of inches I regularly exercise but find im getting bored.Does anyone use a trainer or do kickboxing and does it help tone your arms and legs.

Hello all sleevers and pre-sleevers alike. It took me awhile before changing my avatar to a picture of myself but I decided long ago that I would post before and after pictures after one year out. So, here they are. It has been one of the most incredible years of my life without a doubt. So much has changed, besides the weight. I truly hope that everyone finds their way on their own journey and keeps doing the right thing. How did I get to goal? I kept doing the right thing. I don't drink with meals unless I am calorie/carb loading for a race I eat my proteins first, then my veggies I exercise Sure, I cheat occasionally with a cookie or ice cream, but I do …

Just started my six month journey on 5/15 and it is stressing me to the max

This photo was on May 31, two weeks before surgery Transformaion_AmyDownsPagelayout.pdf This picture was made today, July 22, 52 lbs gone forever!!! It has been a rough 5 weeks but when I look at myself now I just want to cry, I'm so proud I did this for myself and my loved ones.

Hey everyone!! This is my first post. I've been reading all the posts/threads on here since I made the decision to have surgery 2 months ago..I am 375 pounds and have a long way to go. I met the bariatric team where I plan on having my surgery 2 weeks ago and had my psych eval last Wednesday and attended my first and only mandatory support group.. ( I plan to continue to go to support group even though I don't have too, found it very informative and helpful) My insurance requires me to go to 3 nutrition classes before we can submit for surgery approval. I had my first class at my first appt with doctor and have 2 more nutrition classes to go. I wish I started this Journe…

I have a question what type of antibiotics can take and what types of drugs can not take?

I know this sounds weird, but as a labor and delivery nurse I was thinking (during a patient's cesarean section) why couldn't they do VSG under spinal anesthesia? I did think about how high the spinal would have to be, but it is below the diaphragm. I think it would be very interesting and educational to be able to view on the monitor as the surgeon performed the surgery and maybe talked through it as he went. Crazy idea? Probably. I've just got too much time on my hands waiting for my day.

I had my sleeve done on July 16th. Went well except I had sever nausea and had to be re-admitted to the hospital for another day to re-hydrate. I am able to drink clear liquids now and I will start my pureed foods tomorrow. I have lost 19 pounds since my two week post op liquid diet and am very happy. I still have a very bloated feeling in my stomach which feels like a lot of gas and popping. Anyone else feel like this the first week out?

just looking to meet some local sleevers..

Was banded on the 19th of this month in may wood ,il by dr sarker and have lots of gas pain anyone ? Help?

hi there everyone finally joined up but have been reading the forums for ages. been banded since sept 2008 and have lost over 100 lbs. three months ago i had a tummy tuck and now I'm getting more and more determined to get to the weight loss end and now moving onto weight maintenance. i like these forums because you american's seem to be more into the details around weight loss eg Protein you eat every day, calculating in and out of food and its awesome! have a great day x

I'm 36 year old male and I've been struggling with my weight all my life. My insurance has been paying 100% for this surgery for a while so I finally decided to do it. I first saw my doctor on May and I have my surgery scheduled on August 1st. I'm currently on the high Protein, low carb pre op diet but it is difficult. I'm a large man - 6'4" and a large frame - so I've always been a big eater. I'm currently at 381 lbs and my doctor tells me my ideal weight is 230lbs. I'm on day 3 of the diet and I'm really having a hard time. Been trying Muscle Milk but I often get light headed and I also have a slight head ache. I'm only on the 3rd day of the pre-op diet and I…

Hi I'm Esteban and I'm 2 nd day post op

First, I'd liked to say I really have enjoyed this app and have found it extremely helpful. I'm 37, 315lbs. Four days out from start of liqud diet. Right now I'm having pain in my fatty inlarged liver. Doc says the diet will shrink it so hopefully it will stop hurting. I'm very excited about having this surgery done.

So l am 4 days post op.. And although l dont get hungry, l love the look and the smell of the food that my fiance cooks for herself.. I know that l cant eat the food, but l like to watch her eat.. I find it very satisfying to watch her take bites, and eat this wonderful food.. She thinks there is something wrong with me, and finds the whole thing creepy.. What do you guys think???

Hi all! I've been a member for about six weeks now but this is my first post. I've been reading alot and feel like I know some of you already! So glad to have found this forum. About me.... I'm almost 49yo, 5'9" and weigh 320lbs. I am scheduled for RNY on 8/8/12.... excited but very nervous.

I'm so excited that my journey has finally begun. I feel like if i won the lottery. I have a new lease on life and I can't wait! Im looking forward to doing all the things I can't do now, like play with my kids on the floor, tie my shoes, go up a flight of stairs without losing my breath, etc... I know this journey will be challenging but its better than not doing anything at all, and allowing my weight to continue controlling me. :wub:

Well, I cannot believe I've lost so much weight in 2 mos. I don't mean that in any way except what it says, total shock at the success of this surgery. Hats off to my surgeon as he did a good job on my surgery. And the weight is definitely coming off faster lately which has been a total rush. I feel like I'm just riding the sleeve train in a sense. I would have never had this much control on my own, sadly. I just sucked at diets, still do. Plus, due to an auto immune disorder my thyroid doesn't produce on its own, so even with supplements I was always at a disadvantage metabolically and probably genetically too. It was a battle I had given up on honestly. I'm suc…

My name is Mike. I live in California and I just scheduled my fist appointment with a surgeon to discuss my needs. I have a bmi at 69+ right now....and need to do something as I fear my life depends on it. I am engaged to be married next june....and hope to feel better about my life with my soon to be wife. I look forward to chatting with you all as we go through this journey together. [ATTACH]24485[/ATTACH]

Hey! I recently had my surgery on May 3rd and have been struggling getting 64oz of fluids daily. I have been drinking lots of fluids but i barely have to urinate....has anyone experienced that? And is it a bad thing?

Hello everyone! I have been browsing this site for a while now. Thanks to all of you have given so much information on the whole process. I have waited almost a year for all of the insurance nonsense to go through. Finally I will be having the lapband with plication on Monday. been on my liquid diet for 12 days now. Lost 19 pounds. Pretty crazy huh. Almost makes me want to just do the liquids for 6 months or so and see how that goes. Right now I am excited and completely freaked out at the same time. From the things I have read here the band plus plication is a little hairy the first 3 to 5 days. I am just hoping everything goes well. If anyone has any words of wisdom on …

this morning was pysch consult. He was a nice man. wasn't expecting the tears that came!! I already know why and how I got here in this shape, but today, reality hit hard! hard one to swallow. realizing that I need alot more counselling in order for me to be successful. today also was first consult with the surgeon. I was already prepared prior to arriving that my decision was to get the mid-band. Dr. was great. I was weighed. we chatted about the band and it's success rate. He asked questions on how I got in the shape i am in..( apparently APPLE, not pear) he gave me info on the procedures. also some books to read, and wants me to join myfitnesspal.com. and to start die…

Banded 6/26... Am on solids and am gaining some of the weight back I lost prior to surgery and immediate losses after surgery. Still trying to understand the meaning of "Full." I know what it meant as a fat person, belly so full I had to loosen my belt... But now? While I dread the first fill, last week of Aug. I have yet to change my eating habits (ie. poor food choices). Wish me luck.. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but damn how I wish it would be.