Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all, i finally just got approved for lapband surgery after 6 months of a required supervised weight loss program. Excited but also very nervous as this will be my first surgery as well as hospital stay. Looking forward to learning more about your experiences in the coming weeks

Hello all! This is all becoming very real now. I went for my initial consult on August 9th. I asked for the the Sleeve procedure and then I was told my insurance was a case by case bases so they put in a request. I went to the Pschy evaluation and passed the oral and test just fine. I received a letter about a month later that I was approved so I called the insurance woman to ask what is next and she said for Bypass, right? I was like NO, Sleeve. She replied with well your doctor does not usually do that. I was dumbfounded as he went over it in detail with me, showing me a pen and saying that is the size my stomach would be, gerhlin ect, ect. So then they had …

Anyone have medicaid in new york and if so what r there requirements

This hair loss is unreal! I take all my regular vitamins, and on top of that I went out and bought all the extras....biotin, silica, mag, even the shampoo Nioxin at $50 bucks a bottle! ( I was scared because I have super thin hair to begin with!) But nothing slows it or stops it! I mean it is like nothing I have ever seen before! I stopped combing it months ago after I saw what I lost in the comb! I don't do my hair at all anymore till this nightmare is over! When I wash it once a week now......I just "pet" the shampoo on and then gently rinse. I never thought it could be this bad! No joke....it looks like a German Sheppard rubbed against me every time I look down at my s…

Why did you choose the sleeve? I told my doctor that was researching the sleeve and was planning to do this surgery .... But she recommended the gastric bypass for longer results. I'm undecided at this point any words of advice on this would help! Thank you

Hi everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm 44 and am a mom to 3 kids, 3 dogs and 2 cats. I'm getting sleeved on August 22nd by Dr. Weiss in New York. I was origionally planning on getting banded but after talking with my surgeon, gastroenterologist and doing more research feel that I'm better suited to the sleeve. I'm counting down the days till surgery. I want to get healthier, make sure I stay healthy and keep up with my 3 year old. And did I mention I also can't wait to look hot...or at least semi hot.

i don't think ill ever fell thin with my loose skin having down I've had 15 screws put in my lower back do you think blue shield might pay

i don't think ill ever fell thin with my loose skin having down I've had 15 screws put in my lower back do you think blue shield might pay

Does anyone have or plan on getting a post op tattoo? One of the girls in my local support group has one along the lines of "a new life a new beginning" etc on her arm. I have a tattoo planned out that I actually wanted prior to even considering WLS and now it's perfect for a post op tattoo haha. I want to get corset ribbons tattooed on my ribs to remind me not to "have to loosen them" so to say. I've also been waiting years to get tattoos because i didn't want to be fat when I got them, so I'm also thrilled to be able to start getting the other 3 I have planned out

Just wanted to say that finding this forum has been a huge relief. Thank you all for sharing your experiences both pre and post op. being a preop in waiting has been exciting but also very anxiety inducing , especially having zero experince in the way of any prior surgeries or hospital stays. Being able to read everyone's stories usually puts my anxiety to rest when it starts to creep up. So thanks again!

Hello everyone, My name is Vicki. I have not been banded yet but I have my first appt. on July 30. I'm excited and scaried at the same time. But I'm ready to make a change. I've been reading everything I can about the lapband surgery, watching utube videos other bander have posted. Does anyone here have any advise for me.

Hello! I'm Sarah and just got the insurance approval a couple of weeks ago for surgery. I finished up all my apppoinments on June 5 and then waited and waited and waited for insurance approval. After jumping through some hoops and sending in even MORE paperwork, I FINALLY got approved! This past Wednesday (the 11th) I started my liquid diet and surgery is scheduled for July 25. Boy, am I sick of drinking my meals! I'm nervous, excited and scared.. runing the whole gambit of emotions. I started out this journey at my highest weight ever of 383 pounds. I had been thinking of having some sort of weight loss surger for years, but just wasn't ready yet. After an emot…

Today was not a good day! We had a food day at work... Pizza, pasta,mayo filled pastas, cookies, cakes...ect I didn't really feel like I wanted to eat all of that It just sucks that I can't. I wish it didnt take so much work and will power on my part! Wouldn't it be great if I just woke up skinny?

Can hunger do that to u? I need a 3 musketeers bar! Last time I felt like this was when I was giving birth 20 years ago.. But I must say 40 pounds down and looking good!

I just wanted to introduce myself. While I'm excited for the sleeve, I very nervous as well. Any advice or tips are greatly appreciated!

I was walking around my neighborhood getting some exercise today around 11:30am. I like to think that I am alert when it comes to making sure I am safe and not going to get run over walking. I don't listen to music extremely loud or anything and try to be aware of my surroundings. But something crazy happened today! I had been walking for 10min and was needing to cross a street to get to the other side. This truck pulls up next to me while I am at the stop sign. I look over to make sure he isn't going to go first and then I look both ways to cross the street. I jog across the street and the truck pulls up to me on the side of the road and stops to ask me a question. I t…

Hi everyone I have a question before the surgery I had my blood pressure usually 110/90 now after surgery I have it in 97/76 I feel most of the time tired, I don't know its normal. I take all my vitamins,I drink enought water I don't like feel like this I want my energy back.

Anybody from syracuse ny area who've had or gonna have the surgery

Hi, my name is Mandy and I went to my free seminar this morning. While there, I found out my weight (262, ugh) and BMI (42). They told me because I have BCBS of IL that it will pay up to 80%....BUT...because I don't have high bp, diabetes, or sleep ap, they won't pay anything. I was so stunned that I couldn't think of any questions to ask about if there is any other way to go through my insurance. They did tell me that they do financing through care credit, but that is not an option for me. Does anyone have any advice as what I can do next? Any help would be great. Thanks!

Hello Everyone! I am excited to be starting my LapBand Journey and ready to share my story with you all. My journey started two years ago, I was 23 recently divorced from my high school sweetheart and mother to an 18 month old. I had lost our marital home, every "friend" I had and was at wits end at what the next step was in my life. I had trouble sleping, ate everything in sight that I could, sunk into a huge depression and thought that surgery was the light at the end of my tunnel. Flash forward about six weeks after my initial consultation with one surgeon and I decided this wasn't for me. Life got even more hectic for me as I had to swallow my pride and move bac…

I was nervous and contemplated not doing the surgery. I had lost almost 60 lbs before the surgery. Was told only 30 lbs was necessary...I really got into the lifestyle changes. Anyway, I am finding my biggest hurdle is I am Thirsty!!! All I want is my ice water. I would give anything for one big swallow of ice cold water. Seems silly but it's true! Don't want food just my water...I am not a sipper and it hurts! I was never a big sweet eater, but am munching on the sugar free popsicles (barf) to stay hydrated. I am also experiencing burning sensations around the laproscopic sights. I am numb and as the sensors wake up I go through burning to sore to whatever - ir's all goo…

And I haven't gained any weight. I followed the plan and came off it a little bit, but overall did very well since I was around a lot of temptation. I felt great in a bathing suit and in my clothes.

Hello everyone, I'm almost 8 wks post op & eating 2 oz each meal & 2, 1 oz snacks a day. Trying to stick w protein & veggies mostly. Is that about what others are eating or ate at this stage? I'm worried about the ounces, how do you know when to increase or not?

How do I find someone I know on here? I know her name, but I can't figure out how to search..... Thanks!

Hello everyone, It's my first time here at VST. Looks like a great site... Have a tentative surgery date of July 30th and getting all my appointments done... Looking forward to sharing and exchanging with you all.

Hey everyone ! I was banded march 19 2012. Yes just 4 days ago. There was no complications, it went great. Got to go home the next day. This is day 2 at home. So far so good. Gas pain is the worst. I am actualy having trouble tAking deep breaths. Anyone else? It hurts in my stomach and my chest. Also I am having trouble w my vitamins. Any suggestions? I am taking gummy and chewing really good but still feeling pressure.... Any advice would b great!

Oh my god does it feel good to be back in jeans! Haven't worn these in 4 years! I think they're an 18 or a 20- didn't care to look, just found them and remembered them to be comfy! I haven't been able to find jeans that fit - always too big somewhere or too low hanging of a crotch or something - back to men's jeans I guess! Always found them more comfy! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Does everyone have to do the sleep study. Or do you have to be doing things in your sleep and what are the other test that you have. Sent from my iPod touch using RNYTalk

My surgery was at 7:30 am on Wednesday and I got home today around noon. I've had no issues, knock on wood. No vomiting, no extreme pain, just a little soreness in my abdomen.My upper arms are bit stiff from all the shots they give you. Being groggy for the first 24 hours was the most disconcerting. I couldn't text for the life of me! I took two books and two magazines but did not try to read them. I just dozed a lot. All in all, not a bad experience at all.

Hello everyone I met my surgeon last week and am having my band fitted in 13 days time. At the minute I swing between the emotions of fear and terror. This has been a long time coming for me, having tried every diet and weight loss plan ever invented! Also I am self funding the procedure at a private hospital so it's a big financial commitment as well. I am looking forward to the procedure being over and done with ... Surgeon advised a Pre op milk and yogurt diet or if that isn't doable a less than 1000 calories diet for 7 to 14 days before hand. I've been following the less than 1000 calories for six days and lost 5 lbs already... Am hoping to last out on that a whil…

I'm borrowing the title of Jen Lancaster's book for my topic title, it's a great summer read btw. All my life I've heard, "Awww, you've got such a pretty face" at first it feels like a compliment, then, wait, no, not so much. So now that I'm banded as of July 5th, the people who told me, "Oh my God, don't do it, you don't need it, you've got such a pretty face." can stop with the nonsense. I tell them, pretty face, okay, but unhealthy body, heart, mind and this is me finally doing something for myself and getting a tool that is going to help me be... such a pretty woman. Well, shoot, let's blow "pretty" out of the water, I'm going for gorgeous, mmmm-kay??! People sa…

Hi, I'm new to this forum. My name is Kim and have started this new journey May 2012. I've almost completed my requirements. Apr- information session May 3-visit with PCP Dr. to start 6 month weight loss management June 3rd- 2nd visit with PCP for weigh in July 11-consultation with surgeron to discuss lap band July 18- 4th visit with PCP July 26- pshyc eval Insurance approval Pending Surgery shooting for AUG I'm very excited to finally put the battle of the bulge to rest for once and for all. I've struggled with my weight since the age of 10 and have tried every diet known out there. I'm glad i found this support to help me with any questions or concerns i …

I'm wondering if anyone went through or is going through this. My surgery date is July 17th, and so far just about everyone I'm close to is on board with me and being supportive, even the few who wish I'd given diets another attempt seem to be on board. Except for ONE person. This person is always pointing out to me anything that's wrong about weight loss. Always talking about someone they know who is miserable and regrets the surgery. Or mentions how a neighbor of mine died during gastric bypass (it was his own fault, the man ATE and drank ALCOHOL past 12am day of surgery). And today texts me about Steve Carelis who "supposedly" died of gastric bypass complications. …

Hello everyone, I had my IVC filter putting in today through my groining area. I am a little sore but other wise okay. I do have to have an ice pack on for it. I can take the dressing off tomorrow a shower but i will have to cover it back up after the area is cleaned. TUESDAY the 17th of JULY is the big day and I have big nerves too. I had nerves today but I guess they took that away. It is amazing how you wake up and you do not know anything its almost weird. I woke up just fine with no problem and I am just waiting til next week. Is there anything I need to be doing.

so my surgery is in couple weeks...im starting to get cold feet and I'm so not looking forward to the liquid diet before. Any advice? Help

Hey everyone! My name is Alyssa, I'm a college student and I'm seriously considering the lap-band, after some co-workers told me their stories about getting banded. I'm going to a seminar in early August, so right now, all I know is what I've read online. I'm hoping that I can have the surgery when I'm home for winter break (Dec. 14th - Jan. 22nd) but I'm not sure how realistic that would be. I've been overweight my whole life - and it's come with it's fair share of being bullied, having low self-esteem, anxiety, ect. I've been dieting since I was in 5th grade. Nothing has worked, but my weight seemed to plataeu when I turned 17 and it's stayed around 250 lbs for thre…

I was sleeved on july 10th, I spent the first 2 nights in the hosp. I was hooked up to a fabulous pca pump for day 1 and half of day 2 and we were very good buds. Then they started givin me the ukk Lortabs elix. It works, but tastes bad, I got alot of good sleep on my comfy hosp bed. All the staff were great and took good care of me. I was able to get up and walk quite a bit, but Thank God I did not suffer from the notorious gas. I think they took it all out for me. I did and am still having some pain. Feels like someone beat the heck out of my abd. All in all it was not a great experience, but it is going to be better everyday and I am not sorry I did it at all. My surge…

I just want to say Hi. I live in Florida and I am 6 days post op from the vertical sleeve.

So I have decided to become a Beachbody coach. I will be starting my 90 ChaLEAN Extreme on Monday July 16th 2012. If you would like to follow my journey and enroll in Beachbody(which is free) please go to this site www.beachbody.com/furby036 I would love for everyone to follow me on this journey or even better join me! Please if you have any questions please feel free to ask. I'm so excited to start this thank you so much in advance

I was recently banded on June 21st and am now almost three weeks post op. My first post op appt was on Monday the 9th and I have lost 19 pounds since surgery. right now I feel like I am totally doing it on my own, My Dr. will not allow a first fill until 6 weeks after surgery, and I am counting down the days. After surgery I was eating about 3 oz and was satisfied now I feel like I could eat just like I did before surgery, which I do not like. I stay on the diet plan starting with protien shakes in the AM and then chicken, seafood and other high protien items during the day for meals. My weight has not moved much in a week. I discussed this with my doctor and he said this…

Hi everyone! I have been a member for a couple of months and have posted here and there, and then I realized I have never properly introduced myself! I have decided to have VSG. Since I can't afford it here, I have decided to go get sleeved by Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico in December. That's when I'll have some down time in between semesters. Like many of you, I have always had problems with my weight. I have always been called "gordita" which basically means chunky for those who don't speak Spanish. I feel very fortunate to have discovered this procedure now that I'm young ( I'm 20) rather than being older, so I'll have my whole life to live happy, healthy, and h…

Hello I'm Jonna, and I just got approved for the lap band! My surgery is August 6th (so soon!! AHH!), and I've never had any kind of surgery before. So nervous, but SO excited!! Just a little blurb about myself, I'm a psych nurse at a small census crisis stabilization unit, which I love. I also am musician (classical), have a wonderfully supportive fiance, love to spend time watching anime and reading manga, and love playing video games! Anyone live in massachusetts? <3 Jpop

Hello, everyone new to this. Let me introduce myself. I am Cresteds Mom, have 5 Chinese Cresteds. I am 3 months into 6 month waiting period for surgery where I see doctor monthly. Suppose to be exercising and losing weight but no set amount. I gained 2 pounds this month, discouraging. Keep telling myself if I could do it this way wouldn't need surgery. Have others had a problem during waiting period?</p>

Hello everyone I had the surgery and everything went good. Alittle pain but not to bad. I hope everyone is doing good talk to I all later

I am day 10 post op and I am hungry, tummy growling and all! We went on a two mile walk n by the time we got home I was so hungry. I drank a 8 ounce shake before we left. I ate a 4 ounce pudding cup in like 10 mins which is supposed to take me 30 and I drank some water too. I do not want to drink another protein shake- I have to force them because I am so sick of them, Bleh! Thank God on Tuesday I can have purees! Anywho I don't understand why my little pouch isn't filling up n making me feel full? I am still hungry!

I got a call today my insurance fully covers the surgery just have to go do some testing and go through the process with my doctor. Which consists of a supervised diet n exercise....

Hello everybody, I will have surgery on July 27th. I am looking forward and little nervous. Do you know which few best gastric bypass surgery cookbook online? I have hard time to choice. Hope you can help me. Thanks!

I was banded 4 yrs ago and I'm starting to gain the weight back. I know everything that I should be doing, I just don't feel motivated anymore. I need a sponsor to help me.

Hi everyone - I'm new to the forum and am 3mths post op - have lost just under 10kg (22pounds) and had my 2nd fill done last Friday. Ive been struggling all week with both food and drinks but am worried it hurts so much (heartburn) after only drinking Water. Food is extremely challenging and I've only got 2ml in the band!! Any suggestions or advice on what I can eat and how I can drink water (or anything) without the heartburn I would be very grateful. Thanks to everyone who posts here - its been invaluable to me and I wish each and everyone all the very best of success on this life changing journey. Petal =)

Super happy that I could eat ice cream without sugar of course, who say that we are restricted at all? nothing happend everything well