Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

My surgery is Monday , should I be worried about pneumonia? I am a kidney transplant recipient and I'm getting nervous because I keep hearing that .

I have never joined a forum but think this will be a great support system for me. I was banded this past Friday, March 18 by Dr. Khalil at Gastric Band Medical Group in San Diego. I went back to work yesterday- Monday- and am feeling noticeably better each day. My only complaint right now is the worst heartburn ever! Has anyone else experienced this? For how long? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I'm new to this site and I don't know anyone who has had this surgery, so I expect I'll spend alot of time here getting info from other bloggers. I start my preop diet on Friday and my surgery is on June 1. I'm both nervous and excited.

Hey everyone! I am sick, oh so sick. I have the terrible flu and ended up going to the hospital last night because I was so dehydrated. They hooked me up to an IV and pumped me so full with sodium chloride that I gained weight! Anywho, my doc said the reason I am getting sick is because I am not eating enough calories. He said I need 1200 to 1400 to keep my immune system healthy and I am averaging around 700 to 800 now. Has anyone else heard this? I am taking my Vitamins, supplements, getting in almost all my Protein and Water in (except for this week) and still got super sick. We are talking crazy vomiting every ten minutes sick. So I was wondering if maybe…

Good morning, My name is Tammy and I'm from Georgia. I am a married and a mother of a 11 year old son. I have been praying and researching on what exactly to do about they type of surgery to have. I have decided that the band would be best for me and what I need to accomplish. I'm very excited for my journey with my new tool!! Oh and let me know if there are any other banders out there from Georgia. Have a Bless Day Y'all

It has been 4.5 years since Dr. John Morton of bariatric surgery at Stanford University placed my lap band and I will be forever grateful for the procedure. I had gained and was unable to loose 100 excess pounds. I have lost 75 pounds of the original weight. I have always gone down and never up, but it does require some work. The band does not do it all for you. Since it did take me 30 + years to gain the weight, once I lost the first 50 pounds, I set my goal on loosing 10 lbs a year. I am about 2 years out from my goal, but have managed to take off the requisite 10 this year. My strategy is this...since I have retired, my job now is daily exercise. It has becom…

Should I get a nicotine test done

I'm so happy to find this forum! I had my surgery last Friday! And thus far I'm doing pretty good. I started 48oz Water and 20 oz Protein shake 3 days after. The Protein shakes I had chosen were not good for me at all! Caused unbearable chest pains. I thought something was seriously wrong but i knew i need the protein so i changed to a different brand and that helped the pain tremendously. Did anyone else have this issue? The pain still isn't gone! just not as often and more dull. I've lost 13lbs since surgery! Such a great feeling! I've battled my weight my whole life and knowing I've taken steps toward major change is very exciting!

hi all. i am 3 weeks from my surgery, nervous and excited at the same time. ordered my Vitamins, just need to get my Protein. any suggestions for Protein shakes? how to prepare for surgery? thanks melissa

Trying to stay positive and focused but feeling discouraged I started the living healthy process in October (298 lbs) and had my Sleeve surgery on 3/21/12 (248 lbs). From October to March I lost 50 lbs (pre surgery) on 1300 calories a day – high Protein, low carb eating and enjoying bariaatricchoice.com foods. After my surgery, I lost 13 lbs in the first two weeks. However, I have only lost 12 lbs in the last 6 weeks. (I realize this is a 2 lb a week average, but it feels slow.) I am only eating 700 calories a day and this is primarily from Protein shakes and lean meats (80 grams protein), all my liquids and Vitamins. I walk about 2-3 miles a day and just purchase…

Hi my name is Rose and I was banded in Port Huron, Michigan by Dr. Zubin Bhesania April 24, 2012. It has been a week and I feel fantastic! I have already lost a little and it feels great! I know I have a long journey ahead of me, but I am ready! I was facing several health problems that would not have been reversible if I had not lost weight soon. I am so grateful for this second chance!

Just getting into Mexicali!! Surgery tomorrow!! Nervous as a long tail cat I'n a room full of rocking chairs! Please pray for me? Will let u all k ow how I am doing tomorrow !!

hello all, I had my surgery on May 3rd. I feel wonderful! I have had no nausea or cramping. During the 2 week pre-surgery diet and the one week liquid diet after surgery, I lost 14 pounds. My surgeon is Dr. Sanchez here in New Mexico. I was lucky, the hospital where I had it done was only 6 miles from where I live. And my insurance paid for it! I had a $500 co-pay for the out patient surgery but that was it. The only problem I am having is I burp constantly. I tried drinking through a straw and it doesn't seem to help. Somehow I am swallowing air.

Hi everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself, I am new to this forum. I had Lap Band surgery 1 year ago and found that I need some support from fellow banders. A little about my surgery. I had my surgery with the 1-800-Get-Thin doctors because it was 1. advertised EVERYWHERE and 2. they got me with the fact that they handle all the insurance verification/approval process. Anyways, I had the surgery and everything went successfully but I was disappointed with the lack of follow up and the inability to get the attention I needed from them, I stalled after a couple of months and they weren't helping me loose. A friend recommended Dr. Khan at the Metabolic Clinic & Re…

Well my dad had a few issues with surgery, his blood pressure and heart rate went crazy from the 4 different anesthesias and he ended up being in ICU the first night, but he is on a regular floor now and doing good as far as the surgery is concerned, but they have decided not to release him today as planned because his surgeon ( who was also my surgeon and an amazing surgeon) is concerned with his irregular heart rate, so they are sending in the cardiologist again today, please pray that he gets better real quick!! Thanks!!!

So I was wondering if any of you knew approximately how long it takes to get your first appointment after they get all of your information. They should have finished getting all of mine almost 2 weeks ago. I'm impatiently waiting because I want to be banded already lol

Scheduled for Surgery tomorrow at 8:15 Scared and excited at the same time. Pre op Diet I did for 4 weeks just to prepare myself. Not bad but I did cheat on mothers day. So excited to start this new Journey on life.

I can't stop crying. I just got home from the airport about 30 minutes ago. I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Aceves' team. I weighed myself on my scale before I left and on Dr. Aceves scales the day of surgery and again this morning. I am up 5 lbs. I haven't eaten anything for over four days.!!!! I am up 5 f#cking pounds. I am starting to think that I truly am going to be the one and only person this surgery does not work for. I can't stop crying. I feel ilke I have post-partum depression almost. Did this happen to anyone else? I don't ever remember reading about anyone gaining such a large amount of weight following surgery. So incredibly disheartened ri…

Baskin Robbins has a reduced fat no sugar added ice cream section. They have 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of sugars for the kiddie scoop! It went down without a hitch and hit the spot on a hot day! I had the pineapple coconut =)

Had my surgery April 23. My doctor said first three days clear liquid, then protein shakes day 4 to 6 . Then mushies. Seems like many of you are on liquids longer? It is going down fine and I am just following the no drinking and eating rule and baby portions. Thoughts?

My name is Tina I am 5'4 currently 285 . Recently married (6 months) mom of 2 hopeing for 1 more. My husband loves me for me but I want to wear cute clothes. Not feel gross to myself. Any one that can tell me experiences I am wanting to learn more. Thank u

Does anyone ever post before and after pictures on here?

Can anyone share their VSG experiences with Dr.Duperier?

I'm just getting started. I start my labs & test next week I am insured by Anthem BCBS in Ok I'm hoping I get approved quickly I have a BMI of 39 with Diabetes and sleep apnea I'm excited & nervous I haven't shared with my family. I want to wait till I am locked in I guess I'm afraid my family will think I'm taking the easy way although I know it is really tough and a lot of work I would love any encouragement & experiences using my insurance company also interested in any weight loss support meetings in SW Oklahoma wish me luck....smile

Started out at over 270lbs Now at 196lbs the best shape over ever been in in my life...32 push ups in 45 seconds, 14 min 1.5 mile run and 60 sit ups in 1 min 39 seconds

Today my dad will FINALLY become a SLEEVER!!! Im so proud of him for sticking to it through all the hoops he had to get through to be here today!! Please pray everything goes well with his surgery today!!! Love u daddy and WELCOME TO THE LOSING BENCH!!!!!! Your proud sleeved daughter!!!!

Well I began my journey in January with my first visit with the NUT and at that time my insurance, CIGNA, required a 6 month supervised diet. I found out yesterday that CIGNA has revised their policy effective 5/5/12 to only require a 3 month supervised diet. I called my surgeons office this morning and they have started the ball rolling with my insurance so now I am waiting for my approval from the insurance company then I will get my date. I am so excited. I thought this day would never come!!!!!! Anyone have CIGNA? How long did it take for approval!!!!

Well it is day 28 of my pre op liquid diet.... As of this morning I have officially lost 51 pounds which is 11 more than my doctor was hoping for.. I have arrived today in san antonio texas... Did cheat a little bit... Had tortilla soup for lunch at airport. But so looking forward to surgery Thursday morning with doctor Alvarez..

Hello!! I'm so excited to get the ball rolling on this. I've been looking into getting a lap band for the last 5 years and i'm finally going to do it. We're just working out a few last minute payment questions and then we'll have all the who, when and where's.I'm just so excited. Although i'll have help from my parents, my biggest concern is caring for my son post op. I'm a single mom and he's currently 7 months old. I would like to meet and talk to others in a similar situation as mine. I'm looking forward to starting this journey.

Has anyone had this problem? what did you do?

My surgery is in one week. All appointments are over. I lost weight (15lbs) but put some back on. I know it clears the way for the surgeon but seriously, it's like throwing a deck chair off the Titanic. No special pre-op diet or rules from the hospital. The doctors simply said be careful and don't binge. I read to comments about pain immediately afterwards and head hunger. I expect this. It's probably the head hunger that got me most of the way here to begin with. As with every diet I've been on, changing behaviors and adding exercise is the key to sustained weight loss. Easier said than done and while I'm still a week away from surgery this has got to be the be…

Hello!! I'm so excited to get the ball rolling on this. I've been looking into getting a lap band for the last 5 years and i'm finally going to do it. We're just working out a few last minute payment questions and then we'll have all the who, when and where's.I'm just so excited. Although i'll have help from my parents, my biggest concern is caring for my son post op. I'm a single mom and he's currently 7 months old. I would like to meet and talk to others in a similar situation as mine. I'm looking forward to starting this journey.

Hello!! I'm so excited to get the ball rolling on this. I've been looking into getting a lap band for the last 5 years and i'm finally going to do it. We're just working out a few last minute payment questions and then we'll have all the who, when and where's.I'm just so excited. Although i'll have help from my parents, my biggest concern is caring for my son post op. I'm a single mom and he's currently 7 months old. I would like to meet and talk to others in a similar situation as mine. I'm looking forward to starting this journey.

Hello!! I'm so excited to get the ball rolling on this. I've been looking into getting a lap band for the last 5 years and i'm finally going to do it. We're just working out a few last minute payment questions and then we'll have all the who, when and where's.I'm just so excited. Although i'll have help from my parents, my biggest concern is caring for my son post op. I'm a single mom and he's currently 7 months old. I would like to meet and talk to others in a similar situation as mine. I'm looking forward to starting this journey.

Hello!! I'm so excited to get the ball rolling on this. I've been looking into getting a lap band for the last 5 years and i'm finally going to do it. We're just working out a few last minute payment questions and then we'll have all the who, when and where's.I'm just so excited. Although i'll have help from my parents, my biggest concern is caring for my son post op. I'm a single mom and he's currently 7 months old. I would like to meet and talk to others in a similar situation as mine. I'm looking forward to starting this journey.

I am thinking about going to Brussels to have the surgery. I have been looking at the europesurgery website. The surgeon would be Chris De Brune. Has anyone else that has their surgery with this surgeon??????????????????

Hey! My name is Jessica and I am 22 years old. I have been posting on here for a little while now but have not actually posted my story yet so here it goes! I started to become overweight when I was in 5th grade. Not too much overweight but definitely bigger than my friends and my classmates. I have always been very tall and have a larger body frame and bones. My parents kept telling me that it was "baby fat" and it would come off as I got older so I didn't think anything of it. I got into middle school and grew a little bit more so I slimmed out some because I was taller. That actually kind of made things worse because I was so tall I was called sasquash and giant …

Hi-this is my first blog and am anxious to get my lap band on June 1. I started the process in Oct. 2011 and after 6 weeks of nutrition classes and a psych evaluation, I am approved by my insurance. I am more or less a prisoner in my own home with all this weight, knee replacements needed, lack of energy and motivation, all holding me back. Eating has always been a comfort to me after losing my parents at age 15 and helping to raise my 2 sisters and brother.Walking makes me winded and knee pains make me want to just sit around. If these are the Golden Years,I am not happy to have reached them in this condition of over 300 pounds. Reading your blogs about the weight l…

I'm so happy to find this forum... Already found answers to some of my questions! To start I am 28 years old.. can't tell you how many diets I've tried and either failed or gained all the weight back. I'm looking forward to finding support when needed and also hopefully able to give support.

I haven't really been on here as much as I used to mostly because I get so busy living my life now and being happy. Its the first time in my life I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Its not really about the weight loss that makes me so happy but the not having to worry about it as much anymore. I have 60 more pounds to lose to make it to my goal. My surgeon says I am ahead of schedule with weight loss. Sometimes protein is still a b***h LOL but I refuse to drink a shake (Ugh!) So I eat every bit of it that I can. I have finally just in the last two weeks worked out my fluid schedule to where I am getting 64 oz. Im not gonna lie..I don't always make the best choi…

It is only 3 weeks until surgery. I am excited but also a little nervous. I have been trying to lose a little weight before surgery and it is not going very well. I have my pre-op visit in 1 week. I am hoping they will give me a strict pre-op diet so I can get my body ready and possibly lose a few pounds before I start this journey. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me prepare???

Had the surgery on Tuesday. The dr found as well a massive huge hernia as he described it. It is been fixed as well. The surgery took longer time coz of the hernia, as well as it took me as they said 5 hours to back from the anaesthesia. Other than that everything is going ok. I am on the liquid diet, I am feeling full with the 30 ml per hour. The surgin thinks I am doing great and the diatition said I am doing well. I will start the shake in Friday. The physiotherapist took me for a long walk all going great. I think everything is fine. Please don't stop praying for me

I have contemplated having the surgery for 3.5 years. I kept telling myself that I could lose weight on my own and didn't need to spend a small fortune to have the procedure done. Well, 30 lbs heavier I have decided enough is enough. I go to the seminar on May 31. I will be a self payer, my insurance doesn't cover the surgery. I hope to have surgery the first week of July. I am feeling more confident everyday about it and the fact that I am paying for it bothers me less and less. My quality of life has to get better.

Hi. My name is Carrie. I am a 39 year old female. I've had weight problems all my life. Now, I'm ready to do something about it for good! I tried everything from slim fast and d**k Gregory's Bohemian liquid diet to Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and NutriSystem. I did lose on those, but once I was off, gained it back plus more. My neighbor at work had the bypass. After seeing her success, I thought long and hard and talked to her. I had a consultation with her doctor after doing a lot of research on the sleeve. I'm now doing all my pre-op visits and bloodwork and everything. My last appointment is May 8th, and then I hope to hear from the doc's office to give me…

Hi My name is Marina and i had my sleeve done on May 10th at 9 am and was finally able to come home the following night! I am 5 days post op and really felt alone until i stumbled across this forum!! For the past 3 days i have just been stalking everyone's chats... but now i'm ready to tell my own story. I am 35 years old , married with 2 children. I am 5'81/2" tall and before i started the process in nov '11, i weighed at my heaviest 335 pounds. My decision to make a change? 2 reasons 1. Well,, my best friend had bypass done a few years back and after a year of healing she is now running marathons and is the happiest i've ever seen her!! However, she did have difficultie…

Just banded on May 9th,2012. Everything is good. Nice to meet everyone.

Has anyone else either read the book or attended this class?? Just curious for others reactions and what knowledge they gained.

I have just joined this group but my sleeve journey started back in October. I had my gallbladder removed last August and found out that my insurance might pay 100% of weight loss surgery if I follow a certain program and meet the criteria. In October, my family doctor referred me over to a surgeon and I had my first apoointment with Jim Valentine in November. I think it was one of the best decisions I have made in a while. Today is my 8 year anniversary and tomorrow is the day my life will officially change. I am having the surgery on May 16, 2012. I am very scared and nervous but ready for this change.

Hi! I am new to this forum and would like any advise/encouragement I can get. I have been on my liquid diet since Monday and although the first day or two was good today has been rough and i still have 4 more days. I am SO hungry and craving everything under the sun. What are some things that helped everyone make it through this hard time? I'm super excited about having this done though. Been waiting and researching for almost 2 yrs. Just hope I have more success than my doctor thinks I will. I am 34 yrs old and weigh 302 lbs. My doc was more towards me having gastric than the band due to he said I'd lose more weight that way but I'm not about all the redirecting of my s…

Getting psyched up and ready give away more clothes, and recognize myself in the mirror a little bit less, lol. I crossed the border to Onderland on April 24th, and I have denounced my citizenship in Fattsville. Now what??? If you go from January of 2011 to now, I have lost 83 lbs. I was sleeved 1/4/12 and most of the weight was after the surgery, but I cound January 2011 since it was the highest I had been in awhile, and I started my last "diet" at that time - even if I did not know I had started the big final ball rolling at the time. Soooo now what? I think my next goal will be to see if I can get to the 100 lbs lost mark. That would be 17 lbs from now, but it se…