Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Newbie here from Philadelphia, Pa. Had my surgery on April 11th and couldn't be happier.

Hi all. I'm new here and am so excited about starting this journey. I am 2 days into the pre-op diet and have my surgery next Thursday (26th July). It's currently all I can think about (in between running around looking after my 2 young girls, the dog and cats etc) and I am just wondering - feeling like I am obsessed with food right now-what ican eat and what I can't- and I ind that really exhausting! Can anyone tell me-does this obsession stop and does life become easier at all after the gastric sleeve?? Really hoping so!! Nicky Xx

Waiting on doctor approval. I am a teacher and have a date of July 30 tentatively scheduled to have the sleeve surgery. My question is, will I be ready to go back to work by August 7th? Or will I require more time off?? I really need to be back to work by the 7th of August...what do you think??

i got the band on july 6 2012 and now im six weeks post up, but im so hungry i feel i could eat an entire cow os i wanted too lol.

Hi. My name is Pat and I will be attending my first information meeting Thursday. I have been researching the lap band proceedure for the last year and am very interested in learning everything I can about it. So far, I think this is the one for me. I have a friend who is very pro gastric bypass and not really a proponent of lap band indicating the statistics prove lap band to be unsuccessful. My research does not confirm that at all and so I am still going forward with the lap band. I have had a weight problem all my life, have lost and gained back way too many pounds to count. I will be 65 in November and am looking forward to a better quality of life with this tool. I …

Hello all, I am an American living in Kuwait and am anticipating getting sleeved in April. The main thing I am worried about is I only have one week off. Do y'all think that is ok? I am a teacher, so I can't miss more. Iam so nervous it won't be enough time to recoup. Help. Thanks in advance.

Just wondering if anyone is keeping their sleeve a secret and how it worked out for them? I know you need a support system but I am only telling literally 2 people, besides my hubbs of course! We live far away from family and only see them a few times a year so they will not be able to really support me in any way and i only have a few friends who see me on a regular basis. I just don't want to tell people i had to get surgery to lose weight and have to validate my reasons to them. Do you think its wrong?

My surgery is 6-27. I see the surgeon, Dr Mun in South Bay 6-14. Are there any KP VSG patients that know what Kaiser demands for the 2 week pre surgery diet? Thank you. I use Worldwide Pure Protein and Unjury broth. Do they allow SF Popsicles, jello, veggies, etc?

Hi i'm new to the website, I had my surgery 05/03/2012 and lost 20 lbs pre surgery and 33 since. my story started in january and it was all pretty good from there, i had a three month wait with the insurance for dietician visit, did all that and was approved in a week, i was so happy, had to wait another month due to scheduling conflicts. recovery was good other than the constant fatigue. i still struggle to get enough protein/calories in especially on the days i exercise. i'm recently also noticing sagging skin which i don't really like but i guess it's better than the alternative. i really think exercise has replaced my food. i'm trying to find ways to hide the ex…

I sleeved on 15th of may. Lost 5 kg per op and 13 post op total 18 kg. half the way of my gall. Couldn't eat much still mainly on shakes and purée food. But my overall health is well. Just like to share with everyone my trip. I am so proud of myself. Yay

Hello, I have finally decided to take a big leap and get the band. Unfortunatly my insurance will not cover it. There are so many doctors around that I want to make sure I find a damn good doctor. Does anyone recommend a doctor? I am willing to drive to Oklahoma city, Tulsa, Joplin, Springfield or any other city close by! Also, if you don't mind me asking, how much is that doctor? I have found a handful of doctors and all of them have different prices. They range from 12k all the way up to 20k.

Hello my name is valerie i should get band in october im scared and excited it seem like a long time

I am 2 months post vsg . Down 85 pounds so far . I went to Dr. Mario Almanza in Tijuana Mexico . No problems, great experience . I'm having problems with vomiting again. It went away for a while and back again, also Idk if tmi but I don't void as much as I did before ... My weight loss kinda plateaued. Any diet or exercise tips y' all ? Yea I'm in Arlington, Texas .

August 16, 2012 7am! The date I wanted!! From the seminar to surgery less than 8 weeks! Yay!

Yes or no

I been so tired since had surgery been 3 months...and don't know why???

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha. I've been creeping on the forum for a month or so and figured it's probably time for me to sign up! I'm currently enrolled in the "Can Change" program with Tufts and have had 2 phone calls with me rep so far. As of now I should be graduating the program January 5th and hopefully having the surgery soon after. I haven't decided on a surgeron yet, I'm going to another information session at Brigham & Womens Hospital on August 1st, and hopefully will have my surgeron picked out after. My father is also enrolled in the program with me, we're planning on having our surgeries close together to help support eachother. I'm so excited I could …

I had the sleeve done on July 9, 2012. It was difficult the first few days but is getting easier day-by-day. Still on full liquid diet and longing for something with a crunch! I previously had a lap-band for almost 3 years and had it removed in September due to slippage. Gained 40+ lbs back with some previous health problems returning also...total lost with band was 74 lbs. My ultimate goal now is to lose 50-60 lbs

I'm a month out today - anyone started doing crunches at this time? Exercise !

Just had my surgery today... July 17th.. Its now 2am on wednesday.. Im in my hospital bed, l cant sleep, it hurts to move... I sure hope its going to be worth it!!!

Today makes it one week since my post op I feel great so far I have lost 27 pounds feeling great , the first few days were the worst pain but I walked n I walked and the pain went away , I haven't had a poop in one week the day before surgery is when i pooped but I feel no pain in my stomach ,

I have my first consulate with the Colombian surgeon today. I am excited. I am writing my list of questions. I spoke to BCBS and since we are stationed abroad my approval process will be much easier. All I need to do is meet their requirements. Since I am abroad he is automatically considered a preferred provider. Listening to everyone's stories about the insurance process, I feel lucky that I can opt to have the surgery here.

went to my nutrition class and to my pre op surgeon visit today. at first the nurse said that my eeg had some irregular t waves or something and it might delay my surgery. but when i mentioned it to the surgeon he said all was fine and that it was fine there was probably just one of the little sticky things not attached right... so everything is a go for Aug 3 can't wait.

Just a quick hello to introduce myself! My name is Rachel and I am a 52 year old mother of 1 teenage daughter. Decided in January 2012 that I needed to take drastic action to prevent further health issues and suddenly, here we are... 1 day before lap band surgery. Insurance approval and all the visits seemed to take forever, but now it's here and I am totally ready! Have been following the 1 week liquid only diet since last Monday (glad that's almost over... although I lost a hefty 8lbs this week). My liver should be the size of a walnut, jeesh... Hope to make everyone's acquaintance in due course. For now, off to browse the forums, but wish me luck tomorrow and w…

Hi, Sue Anne here. I am considering the band surgery. My only question - does it stop your hunger? I can cut back and change my foods but I'm always hungry. If this stops the hunger - or I get filled up and feel full quicker - than I'll do it. I lucked out and found out my insurance pays 100% today. I watched a seminar online several days ago. So this has gone by quickly! Can you help me out with the hunger question? Than I can make an informed decision. Thanks!! Sue Anne

My name is Christina and I'll be having my surgery next Weds, July 25th. I found this site by accident and I'm blessed that I did! It makes the journey a little easier having someone to talk to that has gone or is going through the same thing!

Hello everyone I am new to the site. My surgery date is July 31 and I have 200+ to lose.

Ok, so last week I was not happy, my pre-op ultrasound showed a shadow area on my kidney. Dr. ordered a CT to see if it was benign, I am so thankful to God....it's not the C word. Now I can proceed to my Sleeve process, meeting with Dr. on Friday with hopes of getting approved. Thanks everyone who gave me kind words and prayers, :) :rolleyes: I am praising God!

today I'm tired. have no appetite at all i did drink all protein drinks but not much water. be glad when this is over. it seems to be all i think about all i dream about . well taking two days off to not worry or talk about sleeve. diet, nor Dr.s just need to rest n pray and laugh. ttyl.

ok, I am hungry!!!... i know i feel like i am nagging. I just had stuff that i was not supposed to have , at all!!!. so guess what i felt like my chest was about to explode... so what is next ? I threw up !!! i am getting frustrated. My husband is not supportive at all and not helpful, he had the lapband about 3 years ago and was not sucessfull i feel as if he is wating for me to fail too. i do not regret doing the surgery but i wish i had more support. i hope i can make it thru this

Im just at the beginning stages and my husband says he doesnt care what i do as long as it doesnt affext me. I told him what sipport meant and he said hes not babinf me and go to mental healgh for supporr emotionally any suggestions

So I have been lurking for awhile but I finally got the guts to post! So I just got approved for Gastric Bypass surgery! I'm having my 2nd consult next week! Ok I am getting a little cold feet! I'm scared to death that I am not doing the right thing by getting the surgery! Ok so everyone out there that has had the surgery, was it worth it???? I have 4 kids at home so how long is the recovery process? Any stay at home moms out there? I need encouragement! Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

Hi everyone, I'm Paul (Paulie), and I just joined up. I had surgery in Tijuana on June 14th after flying into San Diego that very afternoon. I just wanted to share a little about my journey and experience, figuring it may help others (especially guys) who are thinking about taking the plunge. This'll be long, as I want to share. TL;DR: - Best. Medical. Experience. EVER. I've been fat my whole post-pubescent life. I started getting chubby at 13, and through ups and downs have battled weight my entire life. I've tried NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, Atkins, just working out, and everything else I can think of. My best experience was moving to Japan with no money - …

Hi there, I am Jennifer or Jenn. 35 year-old female, single and working as a computer technician. I've been overweight my entire life and made a couple of attempts to get healthy with varying success. For a long time I steered well clear of WLS, but sometime last year as I heard more about the lap-band, my attitude changed. I think part of it is my perception that there is less re-plumbing going on, that there is more flexibility with the band (i.e. that it can be tightened or loosened as needed) and that the procedure is laparoscopic. My goals are not attached to numbers-- I don't have a perfect weight in mind. I want to be able to go shopping with my friends and not …

Hello everyone! I just joined this forum after doing an internet search...and it looks like everyone here has some great stories and advice! I have surgery tomorrow...and I'm nervous as heck!! I'm 29 years old, live in California, married and have a 7 year old daughter. My highest weight was 293, staring weight before liquid diet was 292 and I weighed in yesterday to get my "final" pre surgery weight at 277...boy did I struggle with that. The liquid diet was so hard, but it got easier. Finally registered at the hospital as well, they didn't say I couldn't eat...just not past midnight..wondering if I should have a "last meal"....haha. Well, that's pretty much i…

Hi, my name is Katherine McMahon and I just had a gastric sleeve done on June 25th. Still on liquids because I have not tolerated anything else very well. My world kinda got turned upside down as I had surgery one week, my mother-in-law that I loved dearly and cared for these last three years died the next week and now I find myself with lots of extra time on my hands. Looking to connect with others who are waling the same road I am. Anyone out there from central Arkansas???

Hi! I have not done an online introduction, but a fair amount of posting. I have been using an app on my iphone and I am currently sitting at my laptop. The actual site is considerably different than the very simple app. Since I actually have a key board I can type out an introduction. I am a wife and a mother. I am currently 3 months into the insurance required 6 month medically supervised weight loss. I live in Portland, Oregon and I think I will be going to Legacy Weight Management Institution. I originally started this process at OHSU, but I have not been pleased with the customer service. My insurance covers WLS and I have Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield. …

Carnations instant breakfast, no sugar added, 1 scoop of whey chocolate protein, 1/2 instant coffee, 3/4 skim milk, ice and blend! Yummy!!!

Today is the day I get to go home. Yah, I'm just worried about getting dehydration... Has ne one had this problem after going home??

I got my surgery date. My date is Aug 13, 2012!!!! So excited!!!!!! I'm nervous about my protein intake tho....I was hit wit alot of info about diff't protein shakes and vitamin supplements.

Hi everyone! I Had my surgery one week ago today! so far weight loss has been slow for me which is really irritating me as is, but now I am constantly feeling hungry! I know I'm not getting the amount of protien I should be getting in....so maybe that's why? All i know is it is more then head hunger because this that wakes you up in the middle of the night in pain, kind of hunger. Anyone else with either issues? slow weightloss the first week or feeling hungry already? I feel like I get plenty of liquids in, but nothings filling me. almost wondering if they even took my stomach out! ha-ha.

Ladies and gentlemen it is nice to met y'all. I had my surgery on the 15th of June, I lost 10 lbs in the pre-op diet, I have lost an additional 8 pounds since having had the surgery, which honestly I lost within the first two weeks after surgery. I had my first fill last week and received 3cc into my 9cc band. I am more than a little frustrated that I haven't lost anything in weeks. Not that I expect the weight to melt off, but something would be really nice at this point is all I'm saying. If those of y'all who have been through this for longer than I have would provide me with some encouragement I would really appreciate it greatly because I feel as though I am flo…

Aside from the many benefits of getting banded. I'm doing so for my horses sake Wondering how soon you were back up on the horse after surgery.

Hi all - it's crazy that I never joined this site in the beginning. Or maybe I did, but just forgot my log-in name. Who knows. Anyways, I am 4 years post LapBand. Doing pretty good with it. Up and down, but that's my fault, not the bands. It is just a tool and there are times where it's a user malfunction! Getting back into eating more healthy again and exercising again, so I figured I'd jump on here for that big HOORAY, and GOOD LUCK that you usually get from these sites! I broke my ankle in April and had to have surgery which kept me out of commision for almost 3 months (no walking at all) and of course, when you lay around bored because you can't do anything, you eat…

Talked to the wonderful Cris (Dr. Erbella's nurse) and mentioned the changes in my insurance (thank you so much Jim1967 for the info) at first she told me the same information as before... 6 month wait, psych eval, dietician, and letter of recommendation from my primary care doctor. My heart fell. Then I remembered I had called my insurance company the day before and had them send me the new policy on bariatric surgery. Oh man was i excited again! She called Cigna and Jim and I were correct. I only have to wait 3 months now. Insert massive smiley face here! I am currently on my 4th month so that means as long as i get my other stuff done before August I'll most likely be …

I just found this website today and can't wait to read more, learn more and get to know people! I had my first doctor appointment on March 1, 2012 and have lost about 20 lbs. since then. I am still going through the process and am hopeful to have the surgery this winter! I am 37, mom of two awesome kids, live in Wisconsin. Happy to be here and learn from you all!

Hello everyone, i'm new to this forum and so excited to chat with outhers whom had the same surgery. My surgery went very well and I am very please with the results. i'm coming up on a year and getting a little worried, because i find myself eating a little more than ususal. I workout at least 3 times a week, but i hat the fact that I still have a serious craving for sweet. I am for sure a snaker. Please help and give me a little advice. I'm trying and loving my results and dont want to gain a pound back!!!

Hi All, I am 18 weeks post op from GB. I have lost 57 lbs and am at 197, my goal weight is 150, so 47 more lbs to go. I struggle with LOTS of things. I wanted to join this forum bc I am not in a support group as of yet and need to know if some of my issues are normal or just me ?!? 1. Protein drinks - I can not drink any of them ... They make me sick to my stomach or gag. 2. Exhaustion and major hair loss - I'm sure related to not enough protein, but need new ideas. 3. NO dumping - so I can still have sweet and junk food ... I am a comfort/bored eater ... I seem to be grazing !!! Very Upsetting. 4. Not getting exercise - I work 12 hours a day from home with toddl…

Anyone know a Dr that will perform a sleeve on a 70 yr old? Oklahoma or texas. Thanks

Greetings All! I'm Bibi and I am getting banded on the 20th (this Friday!)! I am very excited and a bit nervous too. I am 43yrs old and I live in Largo, FL. I am on day 9 of my pre-op liquid diet and I have lost 15lbs. I lost the 15lbs in the first 4 days and now I think my body freaked out and is holding on to all fat stores . I am happy about the 15lbs loss, but wondering if it should be more. I have been reading a lot of blogs and lurking on the boards learning from everyone's experiences. I am grateful that there are so many people who are willing to share their successes and failures. I am really anxious about moving forward, but I know that I have to let thin…