Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone! I'm so glad I found this website and became part of it. I'm 48 years old and have struggled with my weight my entire life. I've been on so many diets in the past 30 years, always losing and ALWAYS gaining it back and with a few extra pounds. Being only 5' tall is even harder because when I put on 5 pounds it's kind of noticeable. In April of 2011 I was at my all time high of 223 lbs. NEVER have I weighed that much in all my life. I was so depressed and disgusted with myself! So I decided to do Slimfast (once again) and practically starve myself and exercise my butt off (never quite did that...lol) and the weight came off...temporaily. I lost 30 lbs an…

I am unable to access the Magazine articles. What am I doing wrong??

Hello everyone....I am preparing for a wonderful 4th of July, and have a July 6th surgery with Dr. Paul Cirangle scheduled and anixiously I am awaiting MY DAY!!! Last year I met with Dr. Cirangle to discuss my options...gastric bypass scared me due to the re routing and the lack of Vitamins with mal absorbtion...after a challenging year I went in 3 weeks ago we chatted about new options...and after a 4 day pre approval with Anthem Blue Cross we are scheduled and going forward!! I am 43 years old 5'7" and currently at my heaviest at 268....we shall see where this journey takes me:~) I am a little freaked out about liquids only for 2 weeks, than soft foods for the next.…

Sleeve on Wed 5/16/12. Trying to figure out if I am eating too much. My Protein shakes are about 4 oz. is that too much? I've felt okay, but today, Sun, feels a little full and out of sorts. Any advise?

When does your energy come back???

Feeling a bit low on energy today. But my spirit is high. Down 15lbs and trying my best to meet all of my nutritional requirements. So thankful for this opportunity to change my life...AND LIVE! Despite the low energy, i am going to try to get in my workout today. We can do this...stay encouraged everyone.

I am investigating LBS. I am really feeling awful and very discouraged about my looks. I feel my husband is embarrassed by me even though he says he isn't. I am embarrassed for him and myself. My Mom is also pushing the natural way but I've tried and had no success in that method lately. I am tired of being fat and feeling like crap all the time. I am 43 years old and have no energy. I have been on a medication for heart palpitations and gained about 50 lbs in just a few months, plus my eating habits are awful. I have gotten very frustrated with dieting and losing a pound in two weeks is just depressing. I was wondering about the port, where it is located on the b…

I am new here and love comng here to read the post. I am getting ready to have surgery and I have already had my ini tital appt with surgeon and 2 out of 6 required appts. I read the forum everyday and have a notebook full of suggestions and helpful hints from all of you! I had my appt with nutrionist last week. She says I am not eating enough now but am a prime candidate for surgery. I have to increase my Protein and caloric intake for now. lol...never thought I would hear that. I had to go to my regular doctor a month ago because I was just feeling lousy. Well, tons of bloodwork and scans and ultrasounds later, I have Graves Disease. Of course, I do. Why c…

I start my two week all liquid pre-op diet tomorrow. I'm a bit nervous but excited because it means my VSG is right around the corner. I have decided to be as strict as possible, and cleaned out my pantry, fridge and freezer (there was a well timed food drive in my area). I have only kept a few frozen fish fillets and eggs just in case I get homocidal around day 3! It's a matter of public safety..Wish me luck...

So got an email today from my Dr. Office, I'm approved BUT insurance requires I have a 6month supervised diet!! Are you kidding me??? I'm soooo HAPPY & Frustated at the same time!! ..... I just wanted to share! I'm going to see my PCP since I've been going once a month to see what he says! Pray for me:)

I just had to share - I'm down 6.4 lbs! I weigh daily, but do my "official" weight each Sunday. I weighed last Sunday & was 267.0. That was the day before my surgery. Today I am 260.6!!!! I'm down 6.4 lbs in 7 days! This also brings me down 19 lbs in 3 weeks because I lost 12.6 lbs during my 2-week pre-op diet! My husband just asked me "So, do you feel almost 20 lbs lighter?" All I can say is that I am SO happy with my decision to have this surgery done!!! I will post new pictures & measurements later this morning on my blog!

I received my band on May 3,2012 and I'm having issues with tightness in the private area.Seems like my husband and I are back on our honeymoon .This is a problem!Can anyone help?

Hello, does anyone else have the problem of inability to distinguish being hungry from full, I feel the same way and have discovered I have to measure my food in order to know if i have had enough or need more. How do you take care of this?

Hello everyone, I am new to this site. I just started my journey 4/2 and I will be having my surgery 6/4. I am so excited, scared, and optimistic all at the same time. I'm working and going to school online right now and can hardly focus on my studies. I am looking forward to this new journey and hope to get some support from here. Talk to you again soon! Be Blessed Everyone

I work in retail mgt and just got approved for surgery I was wondering if 10 days off would be enough as long as I didn't have to lift and tug when I got back to work and could take it easy for the first couple of weeks back.

Ahhhhhhh Im so excited!! Ive meet wonderful folks here on this Forum/website...Thank you all for being my family... 12 DAYS TO GO!!!!! Love you all!! :wub:

I work in retail mgt and just got approved for surgery I was wondering if 10 days off would be enough as long as I didn't have to lift and tug when I got back to work and could take it easy for the first couple of weeks back.

Been doing this process for a year now! Out of Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) Weight Center. Was considering the band,bypass now this. My BMI is only 44.. Im nervous. I have a consultation with a surgeon in July. Any advice been battling weight my whole. I. 26.

Hi all I'm Jo and I received my lapband on Monday 14th May - 5 days ago. I was operated on in Christchurch New Zealand where I live. As a Type II diabetic for the past 5 years, the opportunity to have the surgery funded by our Public Health System was too good an opportunity to turn down. I started the Optifast Protein Meal Replacement diet back in October replacing 1-2 meals a day and lost about 12 kilos (26 pounds) over the course of 3 months but it plateaued and I got bored and it was still easy to cheat and eat whatever I liked. So in March I got the letter confirming my surgery would go ahead in May. The 2 weeks on Optifast and vegetables only before surgery wa…

hello everyone ive recently decided to go ahead with the sleeve.ive already done everything i have to just waiting on insurance approval from boon chapman.anticipated date june 4..im very excited but im scared i wont wake up from surgery.ive had several surgeries done but for some reason,this one gives me cold feet .maybe its cause i watch too much greys anatomy lol.jk.but does anyone else have this same feeling.and is it a sign to cancel?feeling mixed emotions cause i have two kids and i am a single parent.my kids need me!then i think of the weight i will lose and feel good about that :-) hope i can find some pals on herw.good luck everyone

I'm looking to connect with some locals and maybe start a get together type thing once a month

Surgery moved from Monday 5/21 to Wednesday 5/33 because they forgot to tell me to get an endoscopy.

Great experience! Very professional clean respectful & i looked for any bad dont believe the BS im an icu rn

Hi there, I am 13 days postop and so glad that I found this app. I was wondering if someone could give me an example of how much I should b eating at a time and how often at day 13. Just don't wanna mess up. Thanks.

Up until I got pregnant and was placed on bed rest with pre-eclampsia I was a fit 130lb. Then came the pregnancy induced hypertension and bedrest for 4 months and on came the pounds. After delivery, I continued to eat for two and therefore did not lose the weight accordingly. So for the next 18 yrs, I yo-yo dieted and what-not. Then at 35, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and any dieting attempts failed to lose pounds and instead they were creeping up as was my A1C levels. Last thing I wanted was Diabetes. I have been an OR nurse for several years now and have done many bariatric surgeries. The surgeon I work with is great and I would ask numerous questions durin…

I had my surgery on April 5th. I have lost 32 lbs so far. Yeah. I have had a few issues . My biggest problem now is I feel nausea when I take the acid reducer but not as sick when I don't take it. And somebody please tell me when I can eat raw veggies I love them. But for now I need help with nausea. DESPERATE .

Hi all - I am 1 day post op. Surgery went well, but I have had chronic pain in the middle of my back between my shoulder blades since the op. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions for relief?

Initial WT 265lbs Today 05/18/2012 - 218lbs Sx 04/02/2012 Congrats to the losers and the gainers, stay FOCUS on the goal ????

I have a couple questions. First is I'm a big tea drinker. Hot tea in the am is the best. I have a whole bunch of regular lipton tea bags, my question is should I get rid of them? They are not the decaf one and I'm not sure if I will ever be able to drink regular tea again. What would you do? I'm cleaning out my cupboards trying to get rid of the "bad food." I have done wheat pasta in the cupboard, would you get rid of that too? I'm giving what I can't eat or drink anymore to my mom so it doesn't go to waste. Thank y'all so much for helping me through my journey.

I am so proud of myself for making the decision to better my life. I am trying not to let myself get too nervous because I have been waiting for this day for so long now. I have to be at the hospital for 11am and my surgery will be around 2pm. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers today! I will update you as soon as I can : )

I WAS BANDED ABOUT 2 YRS AGO ON MAY 21 2010. THIS HAS BEEN A JOURNEY I TELL YOU. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OVER WEIGHT SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL. AT MY HEAVIEST I WAS 307, I TRIED ALL KINDS OF DIETS AND FAILED AT MOST. THE ONLY DIET I CAN SAY THAT ACTUALLY GAVE SOME SUCCESS WAS WEIGHT WATCHERS, WITH THEM I LOST 15 LBS. AFTER MY SURGERY THE WEIGHT LOSS WAS SLOW IF ANY AND I STARTED TO GET DISCOURAGED, IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE I STOPPED GOING FOR MY CHECK UPS. I THOUGHT TO MYSELF GREAT ANOTHER THING THAT DIDN'T HELP. I ENDED UP LOSING MY JOB AND INSURANCE AND DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR FILLS OR VISITS. SO I WENT A YEAR AND A HALF WITH OUT SEEING MY DOCTOR, AND ONE DAY I JUS…

I really thought I had prepared myself for all possible outcomes. I'm only 6 weeks post op and starting to feel a little depressed. I guess I'm just seeing some changes and gravity shifting in the mirror with the weight loss so far . I know I should be happy but I'm not. Maybe this is a phase....I hope.

So I've tried nectar protein and premier chocolate. The nectar was yuko and the premier chocolate was ok. Anyone have any suggestions on a good tasting protein drink. It's getting frustrating for me.

I started the post-op protien shake part of my regime as doctor stated. I had 3 oz of muscle milk and have a lump in my throat. Am I taking in to much? It's my first day. It's a miserable feeling. Any advice welcome!!!

This time next week I will be a changed woman! My surgery is scheduled for 12:25 next Friday. I am excited and scared but ready to get started on the new me. I have struggled with my weight my whole life. There were a couple of periods in my life that my weight was normal but they were few and far between. I could always lose weight but could never keep it off for long. I lost about 30 lbs after my first child was born but even though I looked better, I was still overweight. Then I got pregnant with my second child and after I had her, I never could lose the weight. I have slowly gained even more weight to top out at my highest weight ever at 225. I am only 5'3 bu…

Am trying to start eating food but nothing taste good to me.

I had my first consult today ! I am so excited! I absolutely love my surgeon Dr. Katz he is awesome and one of the very best ! his team is very through and make you feel welcome and at ease. I was given all my work up things I need to do I will be making these appointments ASAP !

I had my bypass on April 24th of this year. I lost 15 lbs with the pre op diet and now three weeks out I have lost another 30 lbs! I can't believe it! 30 freakin lbs in three weeks bringing me to a total of 45!!!! And my high blood pressure is gone! My primary doctor took me off my meds I've been on for over 8 years!!! My surgeon is so happy for me and feels because I'm young and of the male sex that I will be at my goal weight by the next few months as long as I stick to the plan. I am still in awe of how everything has gone so well. I am one happy camper.

OMG - OMG After my shower this morning, I looked in front of the full lenghth mirror in the bathroom. Turned every which way. Where was it, its gone, i knew this would happen eventually, after 5 months and 65 lbs its official. My stomach is no where to be seen. I have a little pouch of tummy flab, but not too bad. This happens to the best of us., losing our stomach - BTW - i don't ever want it back. Yayyyyy, it finally happened to me - no more stomach, so to speak of. woohoo, woohoo doing the happy dance kathy

I everyone!! My name is Catherine and I am in Australia, I was banded on the 15th may and I have not had shoulder tip pain but bad bad gas pain and I feel like I want to explode. Very excited for my new journey and after a rough 2 years I am looking forward to a new me. Not feeling hungry just very sore. My surgeon said I was easiest surgery he had done in a while. Nice to meet u all and at moment your stories and updates are inspiring and helpful. Xx

It's been 2.5 weeks since submission for approval and I've heard nothing I'm really worried its going to be denied. I understand it sometimes takes longer than this but I have anthem bc and usually they are very prompt about replying. I'm probably just stressing because I want it so bad and actually depending on it.

I am knew and had the sleeve on may 9th. My worst fear is that it won't work. I don't know why I feel that way but its reality. My first week I was down 2 lbs but was dealing with some retention issues. I dont kn ow what to expect the first few week with weight loss. I found this forum and hope it helps me accomplish my goal of becoming healthy. I seem to be able to eat more than I thought I would which concerned me.

20 pounds from goal, and I: 1. Have a hard time sitting for long periods of time, since my butt is bonier. 2. Can't sleep on my side easily, since my knee-bones rub together. 3. Years ago, I broke a collar bone, and never noticed that it's more recessed than the other one. Never used to show.

Hi all. Just to update my progress, I spent the better part of 5-hours at Swedish Hospital yesterday (Seattle, WA) going through various introductions to team member, procedures, an EKG, psychiatric evaluation, photos & body measurements, nutritionists & meeting with the doctor (Dr. McMahon). I was impressed with the level of sincerity & knowledge of everyone present. My first question to the doctor was about Medicare supporting/paying for vertical sleeve surgery and he told me that Medicare does not support it. I even asked if I could participate in a study group (if one was available) and again he said the hospital had no such group & Medicare would no…

How long were u out of work?I am cashier ar Walmart n my surgery date is looking like late Aug ,so I wanna when or how soon will I be able to go back to work?

I was able to find two studies on combining a lap band with gastric plication. You can see them in full below but to summarize, people who had both procedure lost more, saw fewer complications and underwent adjustments both later and less often. Something like this isn't a snap decision for me and I was dissappointed with how much information was available. It took a long, long time but after finally finding medical studies on this option, I feel a lot better. Hope they help you, too. With 143 studies in all, the link is an information goldmine with something for everyone. I'm too tired to post this in other places and fear wearing out my welcome to boot, so feel…

Hi Everybody! I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jodi and I was sleeved on 5/14/12 (in Houston). I'm feeling pretty good. I found this forum at 3am this morning, as I was hunting a way to ease my (what felt like) indigestion. I'm sure I have to work some small kinks out, but I'm actually feeling really great!! I made the mistake of getting on the scale when I got home yesterday. I was 10 lbs heavier, but I knew instantly not to worry, that it was just bloating from surgery and fluids. I'm so excited about becoming a whole new person. I have SO much support from my husband and kids. I'm a lucky lady to have this opportunity! Anyway, I hope to get…

Hi! I just found out this week that my lap band surgery was approved by my insurance company on a "fast track" program and I wouldnt have to wait the regular 6 months! I had an idea from the dr's office it might be so they had scheduled my surgery for June 5! I'm excited, scared and ready for it to be June 4! Biggest worries are learning to eat slower and not being able to have occasional drink but I will power through it. My goal is to be running a 5k by next spring!

Have my mental health evaluation this afternoon...inching my way to surgey. Wish it would hurry up already. Anyone know what I need to expect out of this appointment?

Just signed up tonight. I am having my band removed and then revising to the sleeve. All my surgeon's idea. I was shocked that he even suggested it. No scheduling of things as of yet. Looking at removal in June? with revision in August. Now I need to research and wrap my brain around what is happening. So. Here I am.