Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

The scale read 198.2 this morning ! I am beyond belief that this finally has come to frutition - haven't weighed below 200 for twenty years. Down 64lbs since January. Feeling fantastic If I learned anything from this day it is that it will happen if you stay true to the plan and most of all yourself. To top it all off - it is my daughter's 30th birthday today. Happy Birthday Emily - I have given you back your mother.

I wanted to say I hope everyone has a great surgery and a fast recovery. I know god will be watching down on all of us and protecting us. I hope to see everyone on the losers bench tomorrow!!! I'm excited I hope y'all are too.

Hey guys. I'm 5 days post op, and I am having a lot of pain in my belly and Incision sites, but by far the most painful part is the gas pain in my belly! Is anyone else having these? They make me hiccup and it feels like its ripping my stomach apart! Ugh help!

Well I am a little over a week away until my surgery date. I am 6'4 and weigh 383. My wife had the surgery in December, and is down one hundred pounds. What scares me is the fact that all my 30 years I have been known as big man, big daddy, ect. Now in a week, I'm going to lose the only way of life I've known for ever. Questions like what if I don't like my new self,or can I tolerate the pain afterwards. Reading many of the post on here have calmed some of my concerns. So thank you all in advance for any suggestions or encouraging words.

I was looking at the fitbit wireless and wanted to know if anyone has it? Can you tell me your opinion on it?

Hello everyone, I just had my band done on May 22nd, i stayed in the hospital for two days. My surgery went well, i had a lot of pain in my chest and back (which i found out later was gas). I wern to the doctor on May 28th to get my staples removed and had lost another 5# I am going to get filled on July 8th im kinda of nervous i don't know what to expect so im scared... :-(

I was sleeved on 5/30. I am still at the hospital...surgery was fine until i got in the room...got a x ray and it showed no leaks..i kept vomiting every ten minutes it seemed like. The doctor decided the next day on saturday to see what was causing me to contonie vomoiting...i had chest pains that felt like gas was being stuck inside..when i woke up i had a feeding tube down my throat coming out of my nose...i just startef crying because it was sp uncomfortable. With the help of God i made i thru the night.. I got in the shower and even took morning wall down the hall i sat on my bed and began chocking and gagging on the feeding...it had to be pulled out...im now

Hi guys! I've been lurking around this forum and finally decided I'd join. This forum has been incredibly helpful so far in terms of helping me to reach my decision to pursue VSG surgery. I'd like to introduce myself, and tell a little of my journey. At the end of the post, I'd like to ask a few questions, if that's alright with everyone! You all seem so, so helpful and sweet. Well, I'm Jenn, I'm 27 and from Long Island, NY. I've always been heavy. I've been heavy since 5th grade, pretty much. I can't say that I haven't tried everything, because I've *literally* tried everything. I've always been a yo-yo dieter, constantly trying to find something, anything, that could …

Hello Everyone! I am new to the Site and so glad that I found it. My story is like so many of yours....I have been overweight my whole life and was honestly against Weightloss surgery I thought it was a cop out. But when I hit 350 I knew I couldn't do it on my own and went to a seminar. I quickly realized there is nothing easy about this and it may end up being one of my biggest challenges. I have only told a few close friends and my sister. My family has no idea so the support here will be invaluable. Well I was banded on May 15th and including pre-op I have lost 26lbs. I have not bad a fill yet. It am scheduled for June 20th. I look forward to the journey and tha…

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site, but so happy to have found you all! I had my surgery here in NY on May 22nd. My surgeon had the hands of a saint on me, and the only discomfort I've really experienced is typical of any surgical experience. I started out @ 207.5, and now weigh 189! I am amazed!!!!

I'm ten days out I'm doing great but today the monster in my brain is getting the best of me!! I just found out that I shouldn't smoke because I can get an ulcer. I'm smoking to get some sort of satisfaction and now I stopped . I wanna eat everything I see!!! I started purée today and it's just not filling me up!!!

Welll! I have been working on this whole weight loss thing for a little over a year now with Fresh Start Bariatrics in columbus Ohio, And its so surreal to me that im at this point now! Its three months out and I have lost about....drum roll please..........69 lbs since surgery!!! I cant believe it. That makes about 145ish since April of last year. I feel like I need pinched. I have more energy now that i ever remember having, and i finally weigh less than 300lbs, which i havent since probably freshman year in high school! And i hope to never ever see the three hundreds again!! While everything has gone great during my recoverey, i have had a few dizzy spells. Als…

Hello all. My name is Carla. I've been a lurker here on this forum for several months, soaking up as much information as possible. I figured it's time I joined and shared my journey, which I hope will unfold over the course of the next days, weeks, months and years. I have not yet been sleeved. But I expect to have my surgery sometime in June, 2012. I work as an IT Consultant and just started a new contract. So I am just waiting for my invoices to be paid. Once I get paid, I can book my travel and I'm outta here! As everyone else is/was, I'm excited, nervous, anxious and scared! I am 100% sure of my decision to get the sleeve...in Mexico. And I know that those surgeon…

I was sleeved 5/7. So far everything has been going good. My only concern is that I am still only able to eat 2 ounces of food.... Just wondering if this is normal.

Hi folks Found this site whilst browsing lap band procedures out of desperation. I'm Kim, 46, live in Southampton, and I've never had a weight problem until I had a number of gynae related problems then a partial hysterectomy in 2007 then the rest out in 2011. Been on HRT since then and by weight has balloned. I am only 5 feet 1 so every stone makes me look like a hippo. Seeing photographs of me recently has made be so depressed, no matter how little I eat nothing seems to make a difference. I have been on a low calorie liquid diet for a few weeks now and haven't lost a pound; I feel something is quite wrong with my metabolism but my GP says just eat less and mo…

I found this forum today, hoping to get some encouragement along this journey. My husband and I both had the lap band surgery in January. I have had two fills and I know I am in need of another one, I am scheduled for 6/13/12. Not sure of how much weight I have lost (staying off the scales until I go to the fill appointments), but I have dropped in pant and shirt sizes. To look in the mirror, I cannot see a big difference and that is a little discouraging. I look forward to following the journey of everyone else.

As of Wednesday 5/23 day of surgery to today I'm down 17.4 lbs 32 lbs since April 30th. I decided to weigh myself today. Official weigh in is Tuesday June 5th!!!

Hi everyone!! I'm new here and have my surgery scheduled for next Friday, June 8th. Im 28 and started at about 250 lbs. I am about 5'6 1/2. I started my liquid diet last Saturday and have lost 7lbs. I am doing my surgery at DayOneHealth in Chicago and have Dr. Elli as my surgeron My liquid diet is sugar free Jello, pudding, popsicles, fudgsicles. Also skim milk, Water, 100% juice/sugar free apple juice, diet v8 splash, and low fat low sodium broth. I can do cream Soups if strained. The first few days weren't so bad but I'm getting REALLY hungry lately. I just keep trying to drink my water when I feel that way and it seems to help. Otherwise a sugarfree pudding us…

Hello! Just found this app and I'm so excited. I got "banded" February 11 2011 and am down 118 pounds! By far one of the best decisions I have ever made. I started out size 20/22 and am down to 8/10. Love reading all the success stories and stories of people starting their journey. It's not easy, but don't lose hope!

hi my name is Jeanine and I had the lap band on 5/24 and have been doing pretty well so far. I do have horrible hunger that I am hoping will go away when I start on actual foods and not just the liquids. I am looking to make some friends and be able to experience this whole process with others.

I everyone I new to the lap band thing but I'm trying to get approved Can you tell me - how long it took to get approved - any tips I need to know P.s I did many diets but I also did diet pills the doctors office I got them from is closed now what to do should I exclude it or find another way to get proof thanks so much

I had my sleeve done it will be three years in October. I will just say it was the best thing i could have ever done! I was 216 before i had my surgery, my goal was to get to 145 because after all that's a significant amount of weight to lose. However i now weigh 111! It is life changing. I wouldn't take it or my experience back for anything. If you are thinking about doing it, i say go for it. Yes its a huge decision and it does require you to change your current lifestyle but you won't regret it, if your wanting to make a change. Good luck everyone!

Hey All, Just started researching about a week ago, though I've thought about the LB for a long time... Just wondering what the entire process is? I know it varies depending on one's state/doctor/hospital/insurance/etc. But from start to finish, what am I looking at here? This is what I know so far: 1. Visit a doctor (But who? a general practitioner? Or go to a LB seminar?) 2. Tests 3. More tests... Psych eval. 4. Submit for insurance approval 5. Schedule surgery 6. Pre-Op diet 7. Surgery 8. Post-Op diet 9. Fills, as necessary I'd love to hear the process from others who have been/are going through it! Thanks!

Hi everyone my name is Gregg and I was justed banded on Wednesday 5/30. Everything went well, however I was in a considerable amount of pain until today. Still hurting but not as bad and am not sure if it was linked to the hernia the Dr also corrected. I am curious how sleeping was for everyone, it has not gone well with me and so far the best sleep I have gotten was in my recliner. I really want to get back in my bed and also want to get off this pain medication. Am I getting ahead of myself on this or was this common for some of you. I'm still on all the clear liquids and have had no desire for anything else so far.

Hi! My name is Megan and I will turn 30 on September 3rd. I am looking forward to getting the lap band in the near future. I am just beginning the process. I have spent a good deal of time researching the lap band online, reading a book about the lap band and I will be attending a surgery seminar on Tuesday. On a personal note, I work for a state university and live in Michigan with my furry family (3 greyhounds & a lab mix). Nice to meet all of you!

Mini peach tea considered clear liquid?

I felt there needed to be a topic where people could ask for and give advice to those who are wondering if what they are experiencing is normal or not. I myself had a three day migraine after surgery that nothing helped, strange bowels and constantly have a tickling feeling in the back of my throat that feels like there's a tiny piece of food or something (but liquid diet prevents that from being the case) My husband and I were thinking maybe something scraped and scabbed over in the back of my throat from the camera they put down my throat while I was under...anyone have any thoughts?

I have *yet* to have the surgery and I struggle A LOT with energy and walking. I mean a lot! I have gotten to the point that I can barely do anything anymore without being in pain (lower back, legs, ankles) and out of breath, and feeling as though I've been wiped out! Now I know some lose pretty quickly, so I guess one of my questions is.. how quickly did you notice after the surgery that you was able to do more physically without feeling zapped, or it being hard to walk etc? And when you noticed that you was able to do more, walk further etc. what did that feel like both emotionally and physically? Did it feel like a weight (no pun intended) was lifted from your body, …

Hello all! I had my surgery in 2009, and I have lost 100 lbs. I have been a little stressed lately with just daily thing, so it feels good to read these success stories. I am getting back into the groove again.

I went for a long walk. Walked from my apartment through the complex to leasing office then went on the road and walked back (stopping at deli to get husband breakfast on way back)!!! And the best thing... No back pain! Feel very good about it. And I even did it in the rain!

I am using Dr. Yatco at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Had my consultations on May 17, with the doctor, the nutritionist and the psych eval. Also met the Carla the insurance coordinator. I made my appts with teo of my doctors and got my paperwork done. Carla submitted my paperwork to GHI on Friday and tentatively set a date of August 20. Now all I have to do is wait. 2 - 3 weeks. Now what do I do to past the time. I started the shake and cry when I realized that I have completed my first of many hurtles. Maybe this will be a journey I can finally get to the finish lime. I read the threads and posts to keep me on track and focused. Thank you al!

Hello everyone, Just wanted to give a big hello to everyone on the forum. I am pre-op my date has been scheduled for mid-July 2012 and I will be traveling to India Mumbai for my VSG. Very excited! In the meantime I'm enjoying everyones informative and inspiring shares. Love to all. DesertDove

Well, I started this jounary almost a year ago. Went to a doctor appt for a check up and talked with her about weight loss surgery. She referred me to the local bariatric surgery clinic at the hospital. I went to all my meetings and appointment with them and was approved for the surgery through my insurance. On May 4th of this year at 0745 hours I went to sleep and woke up 4 hours later with my new sleeve. I was up and walking by 7 pm that night in the hospital I had a great nursing staff and docotors. I stayed in the hospital for only two days, I had no pain to speak of besides the drain but it wasn't anything really. When I left the hospital I was 318.6 lbs lost on M…

Hello Everyone, My name is Kathy and i had the Vertical Sleeve Gasrectomy on May 21st, I am wondering what types of protein is best to use because the one i bought doesn't really taste great and I would much rather not have to mix anything...Is there something pre-mixed that any of you can recommend? Other than that i feel pretty good i have been walking around with no problem...I walk up and down my street a few times a day....I look forward to chatting with all of you and good luck on your journey to a healthy life...

Hi all! I finally had my consultation yesterday (after two long months of waiting) and it went GREAT! I met with my suregon, Dr. Poplawski, and he said I made a great choice by choosing the sleeve, and in his opinion, that would replace the lap-band. After going over all the basics, his advice to me was to come into surgery with my weight down, but no specific goal. He said even 10 pounds would be great. He also told me to not rely on luck to not get pregnant during the losing stage...haha! The biggest surprise? The only insurance requirement to get approved is a psych eval. CRAZY. He said that if I get that done ASAP, I can have my surgery within a month. Since t…

Hello Every 1 Dallas tx

Thanks

Im so excite. My orintation is this coming Tuesday, not sure as to what is going to happen, however, I know that I`m on my way... Can any one please tell me what happens within ordination? Also, I`d like to thank EVERYONE for posting comments, I`ve learned so much and I`m prepared for this.... KEEP POSTINGS... MyGalShirll

Well I am a single mom who has 2 girls 17 & 11 and I am starting out on this journey. I am currently taking a class via my insurance and if all goes right I hope to have the operation in October. I am trying to stick to 1200 calories and do a good job on the most part but then there are those days (sometimes many). From what I see exercise is extremely important and that is something I need to start doing ( I hate it) lol. I can see myself after the surgery as thinner and feeling great but then there is that evil person on my shoulder that says I will fail. Do any of you ever feel like that? Well I am here for you all too. Tina

Surgery in the morning for my sister with dr.Alvarez! Wish us luck. Will keep you posted! The hotel is really nice! So far so good...

I am a private duty nurse with a fulltime patient that is counting on my strength but while I am on my liver shrinking diet I am loosing a lot of muscle mass which everyday is making it more difficult to take care of my patient. is there anything you would suggest.

I have lost 45 so far, 25-30 more to go it's been REAL slow but fairly steady. I know I have come so far but I have been here before a few times in the past 17 yrs since I have been fighting my weight. This is the hard and scary part...I might actually get to what I WANT to weigh, what I've wanted to weigh for sooo many years, in the next few months. I just started really exercising this past week and I know it will get here...but right now at THIS moment it seems SOOOOO far away I guess I'm impatient and PMSing LOL

I called my Doctor's office this morning to check the status of my insurance claim only to find out that they had not submitted to the insurance yet after 1.5 weeks of being cleared from the NUT. They did say that they were waiting for the doctor to sign off on all of my notes and that they would give everything to the insurance coordinator after lunch to be submitted to the insurance company. I just feel like it is taking so long. I know it is just pure anxiety and excitement all balled into one but I am ready and have been for a long time now. Praying for a quick response from the insurance company for a June date!!!

I'm on the ice chip diet still. Any advice?!? Thanks, guys!

This is my first post. My name is David and I'm a Correctional Officer from Nashville TN. I'm in the middle of the second week of pre op diet, man this two weeks has been rough. Anyways, just wanted to say hello, kinda nervous never have had surgery before. Have a great day all.

I plan on calling my dr tomorrow, but just curious to know, what are the symptoms of a leak?...help!!!!

Good Afternoon! I am a newbie to banding and this forum! After the better part of a year preparing for surgery, I was finally approved and had my surgery on April 26th of this year! Amazingly enough my blood pressure and heart rate both dropped to healthy levels within the first two weeks! My doctor reduced my blood pressure medication by half and looking to take me off of it completely very soon. YEA!!!! I expected the worst post-op, but the journey has actually been quite easy for me. Approximately two weeks post-op, I began to have issues and had to start taking two to three stool softeners every evening, but I suspected that would happen sooner or later! I made …

Hi, everyone! I posted on here years ago when my PCP first suggested that I get a lap band due to my seeming inability to lose weight despite dieting and exercising. I put it off at first, but when my brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, my PCOS got worse, and I was just gaining more weight and becoming more fatigued, the band seemed like more and more of a viable option for me. I've looked into it, both online and also within the information available to me at work, I attended the informational seminar put on by local surgeons, and spoke with friends and family who have had weight loss surgeries done (though they have had rny and the sleeve done, not the band). …

helllooooo everyone my name is vanessa & im new here im 22 & ready to start a journey into a new life being healthy im waiting on an approval from United healthcare & ready to get this thing going i have attempted this once & im going in for the 2nd with a different out look on life ;its just not about being skinny and wearing nice clothes now that my health is slowly heading downhill i understand the rue reason why gastric sleeve is important im 235lbs & a bmi of 37.9 i pray this works out for me hope to hear from you all & wish everyone the best on there journeys

I am 3 days post op. I feel really bad. I feel to sick to drink the profect Can I just start on regular shakes? Help