Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am new to the board but have been reading quite extensively. I saw the Dr. (Dr. Perez, Thibodeaux La.)yesterday for my counciltation visit to get the ball rolling. My paperwork is getting done and I have to give blood tomorrow for testing. I've got my letter from the GP, Cardiologist, and waiting for the Psych letter. He told me the NUT would be calling for those visits to educate me further. A little about myself, I am 44 years old (male) with a wife and 19 yr. old son. When my son was born I was 6'-1" and weighed 185 lbs. Since then I have balloned up to 334 lbs. I was always active when I was younger playing sports and moving around. I ate like a horse and neve…

Hello everyone, I am new to the process of lapband. My first appt. is tomorrow to find out what all I need to do. I know my insurance requires a 6 month diet and evals. However I'm sure they will tell me everything I need to know on what I need to do tomorrow. I would love to hear how things before and after surgery have went with others. I wished I didn't have to wait so long to have it done, it took me 2 years to make this decision.

I had my EGD and gallbladder ultrasound this past Wednesday...My gallbladder is fine and won't need to be removed during surgery, but they found a gastric polyp during the EGD... This kinda worries me! I go in the office this Thursday to talk with the doctor about it...Prayers please!

One week after Sleeve operation and I have lost 30 pounds of weight. I'm actually looking foward to the next week because I'm getting stronger and starting to gain an appitite again. I want to see how my taste buds will react to some of these foods I will be introduced to. Does anyone have any suggestions for a second week menu for me?

Hello. I am being sleeved may 11.I am scared... And I just want to get an idea say a year out what are you daily meals? Ex; half of an omolet ? Half of a chicken cutlet? Half of sandwich. I know all the protein amounts etc.better choices etc I want an honest answer please. What is life like after healing. What is normal life when you eat? Thanks

Hello, Im new to this website. i actually just kinda came across it tryna find some lap band stories and i must say u guys seemed pretty supportive.im scheduled for surgery on May 10th and I started my clear liquid diet today. Ive had a protein shake this morning and water. Im terried that i might get hungry later this is almost the scariest part to me. To go from eating bad to eating nothing...Im goin to get thru it tho with some supporters. I need this surgery bad i have a severe case of sleep apnea which has gotten worse wit the weight increase. I also broke my ankle last year and i gained weight just sitting around wit my leg proped up. The doctors said my leg healed …

So after a disappointing 2 pound week I decided to call my nutritionist yesterday and find out what I can do to ensure a bigger loss this week and she asked me to hold off a day and get back on the scale this morning. I didn't know why but she said to wait until I had a (tmi moment) bowel movement. I only go about 1X a week so I I waited and voila I lost 6 pounds!! I know it wasn't all waste but she was sooooo right and I am so grateful she said get on again. I know te scale shouldn't be everything but this time it really means a lot!

How long is this soreness pain going to last....I got rid of the gas by taking phazime otc ....Its like hell getting in and out of bed....that's the only problems I'm seeming to have....this was the first major surgery I've ever had....

I'm TERRIFIED, but scheduled anyway, for June 21. Unfortunately, that's the earliest I can fit it into my schedule. The thought of having surgery absolutely terrifies me and so does the thought of having a device in my body. However, high blood pressure, diabetes and not seeing my kids and grand kids grow up is even more scary. So, I'll pray, trust and just do it. I'm looking forward to the support I will receive, and hopefully someday give, here on this forum.

OK....I know to never drink any sweet fruit drinks over 5 g of sugar. And I know alot of people have dumped on OJ because its so extremely high in sugar, but can you have a few segments of fresh orange? If that's possible then can't people have a few ounces of fresh juice from the orange? Just wondering because I recently bought some grapefruit without thinking if it was naturally too sugary or if the fruit itself is OK .......just not the processed juice the store sells? Any thoughts?

I actually told the pshychiatrist that I found myself always wondering when does MY life begin? I recently turned 50 and ever since then I have been on a Quest. That magic number stared me in the face and made me take a stand. I have been overweight my entire life. Well, actually there were a couple short periods where I was thin, but they didn't last. I have a regular life...family, grown kids, couple dogs, a 9-5 job. I present as relatively confident, but that is a lie. It's a front I put on for everyone, including myself sometimes. Problem is...I have been doing all the hiding behaviors...no pictures, stay home (although interestingly I am very comfortable in the com…

I had a very thought provoking encounter yesterday. I went to get a new set of custom orthotics made yesterday (I have foot problems that pre-date my sleeve surgery). I mentioned to the tech I wanted to get a new pair, as my old ones were not fitting well because I had recently lost a bunch of weight. We got to talking about weight loss, and come to find out she was also a sleeve patient. Her surgery was around Thanksgiving of 2010. The first question she asked me was "Do you regret having the sleeve?" I said "Absolutely not, it's the best thing I ever did for myself." She got quiet and I asked her whether she regretted surgery. And, to my surprise, she said she did…

Hi all I had a gastric bypass on 28th January 2012 I've lost 65lbs so far but feel totally miserable. Getting fed up of not being able to eat much expect crackerbreads without feeling sick . Feeling very low when I see everyone being able to go out for meals with there partners and enjoying life when I'm stuck in this life now I don't regret the surgery because the weight loss is fantastic, just feels that my life has come to a halt

On March 30th I had surgery. I am 38 lbs lighter and I feel great. I am just trying to get a hold of what I can and cannot eat! I want to be a healthier skinnier me! I also want to maximize my weightloss and not get stagnant. So I am not trying to make any bad decisions.

Just found this site and wanted to check it out. I am a 44 year old firefighter from Maryland who is now 6 days post surgery. I hope to learn some of the do's and don's that they didnt really tell me about and also hear from others who have made this choice.

Rough day yesterday (may 3) some difficulties but today is much better walked around sat up in the chair. No regrets even with all the pain. Going home Saturday yippie

Hi everyone! My name is Tara and I had my REalize Lap Band surgery August 1, 2008 and I've lost 110 pounds I went from a size 20 to a SIX!!!! However, after a divorce and a new relaitonship (I found my forever guy!!! :wub: ) I have gained back about 30 pounds I have been workling with my doctor to keep track of my fills and think we finally found my target. I am hopeful I will drop the weight I've gained and am looking forward to continuing my journy with the lap band community. I wish those of you just beginning your journey the best of luck. It's sooooo worth it, I promise. Those of us "veteran banders" keep up the fight, it's an everyday process and we need to lea…

Did anyone removes their bandages all together OR applied fresh ones? I'm afraid my incisions will get an infection; I want to be safe than sorry.

Today Is my 3 month post op i started at 305 and im 238 now down 67 pounds. The last couple months I couldn't really eat I vomited all the time I went for a endoscopy and they found a bezoar blocking my stomach. Well that was taken out last week and I can eat food now!!!! Yay everything is starting to get better. I'm looking forward to the next 3 months and hoping they go a little easier now that I can eat.

I had my surgery 4/30!!! It was ruff 1st few days due to high blood pressure & nausea. Finally discharged on 5/3.....Sore is all get out but exited about this new journey.

So I having a hard time with loosing weight i have not lost any yet i only lost 23 pounds since feb ugh please any advice...

Hello to all! My name is Paula and I joined the Gastric Band talk a few years ago when that was my choice of action. Since then, and almost since that surgery, I had nothing but frustration with my band. I am not sure it is anyone's fault for not listing this as a possible side effect, but my medications would sit just above my band until they finally disolved, leaving my band area irritated. Now, I do take a lot of medications, and it just happened over and over. I would go have a fill reduced, feel better, get irritated, and then go to get it reduced again. On the last go-round of this, I just had them remove everything from the band and I gave up hope that it was…

Last week i posted a wonderful NSV today after working out like a lunatic all week and keeping my calories to about 600 everyday I get on the scale and only down 2 pounds. I am so upset I really thought I was going to have a big week. I just dont know why I m such a slow loser and I am starting to think I will ever reach onederland let alone my goal of 140. I know a loss s. Loss but I haven't lst more than 3 pounds in a week sice my first week post op. I am almost 8 weeks out and I haven't reached any of my "mini" goals so far.

Hi, I am new here so bare with me. I had lap band surgery on November 13th, 2009. I initially lost 35 pounds right at the beginning. I attribute that to the liquid diet I had to be on for two weeks before the surgery and one week after. I only lost maybe another 15 pounds after that, but I have put some back on. My weight goes up 3 pounds and down 3 pounds. So I have never lost what I set out to lose. I still have another 45 pounds that I need to lose but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. When I had my lap band "installed", the doctor also repaired a hiatal hernia. I have found out that my hernia now needs to be repaired again. I am having trouble ke…

I will be on my way to Juarez Mexico to have VGS with Dr. Rodriguez tomorrow May 6, 2012. I am definitely excited and nervous. I have packed my bags, got my e-ticket, charged my phone and ready to go!!! I hope I got everything.

Talking about neves kicking In. Omg I'm scared to death. Really terrified. I need some incouragement before I talk myself out of this surgery. Please help me.

Walking the March of Dimes today woo hoo. I'm so excited. It's 6.2 miles. The furthest I've walked so far is 4.5 this will be a new challenge and for a good cause. Go team Preemie Babies 2012!!!!!!

How long after paperwork is submitted did you wait to call insurance? My appointment is Monday and they said they will send it in that day. Should I call insurance on Tuesday or Wednesday?

Today is my one week mark since my sleeve with Dr Alvarez. So far its been smooth sailing. I'll be on clear liquids until Sunday then I start full liquids. Don't really have any complaints other than the clear liquids are really getting old but its what I have to do so its really not a problem. Day of surgery I was 249 down from 269. Today I am down to 234!! The road ahead looks good!!!

So I was just wondering if there is a place on here from spouses to go and talk about how they feel and their journey helping their partner through this?

I had my first class for the 6 month weight management program yesterday. Have to get this out the way before surgery. I'm really excited about learning my food triggers and patterns in order to be successful after surgery. I'm still undecided on which procedure I will get. Pray for me.....

I had my gastric sleeve surgery May 1st. I am not in any pain, just this bloated/gas feeling. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I wasn't sure where to post this because I am not banded yet but here it goes... Now that people are finding out that I am going to get the band I am already being treated differently and not in a good way. I have a friend, that is at the weight I would like to be, that complains to me that I will be all skinny and she will feel fat. Seriously? I thought she would be happy for me to start this process but she doesn't even want me to talk about it. Has anyone else experienced this before or even after they got the band? I'm so confused.

Hi my name is Jennifer I was just banded on May 1. I'm stil having this gas pain now it is on the left side anything I can do for that.

Hello Everyone!! My name is Lauren and I am currently a junior in college. My surgery is scheduled for May 17 and I just began my pre-op diet today. I have battled low self esteem and weight issues for as long as I can remember, and I am ready to make a change for the better in my life! I am so glad I found this collection of forums, because I have been having extreme nervousness about the procedure. Words of Motivation and advice are desperately needed! I have attached a picture of myself at my current weight of 240.

Hello, I was banded Aug 2011 and having problems :*( My surgeon is Dr P Domkowski in Sebastian Florida and I LOVE him! I am one of the few people that didn't have success with the band-I knew going in that there was a small percentage of people that were not going to have a positive outcome. I spoke to Dr D and he suggested I try converting to the sleeve this summer and to join this site for answers to some of my questions--- I really don't know where to begin. I've tried traversing the site but being new to this site I'm having some difficulties. Anyone out there that have done this? Any problems? Any advise? Thank you Ada

Came home last night. The only place I am really hurting is my belly button and that's because he fixed my hernia too.. Other than that I guess I am ok.

I am 6. Weeks until surgery and getting very scared I don't wana be sick after any advice?

Hi all!! I was recently banded on April 18, 2012. My band is currently empty. My first follow up appointment with my doctor was on May 1, 2012 and he indicated that I should come back in four weeks and we will discuss then whether I need an adjustment. He indicated that some people don't need any adjustments and that the band itself gives enough restriction. Although, I have lost 10 pounds, my problem is that I feel hungry quite a bit. I am only eating twice a day, but at this point I moved onto solids and I am not having any difficulties at all. Sometimes I am still hungry after and think that my portions are more than they should be (ie 1.5-2 cups). I know that…

I have been following this forum for sometime. I have been thinking about banding for a couple of years. I had my first appointment yesterday and am scheduled for surgery on 6/27/12. I am both excited and alittle uneasy just because I don't know what lies ahead for me. I am not afraid of the surgery. I am sure that this is the best way to a healthier me. The decision to have the surgery was easy, it's really time to love myself more than I do a meal.....

I was just wondering if any of you have experienced this. I've heard of people losing inches but not weight but I think I'm doing the opposite. I was sleeved on March 14 so I'm 7 weeks out. I started at 251 and I'm now at 214. I also has the lapband for 2 months prior to that and started at 271. That is about 50 lbs of weight lost but I'm still wearing the same size pants! How can that be? You would think that I would atleast go down a size right? Nope...still fits

Hi, I'm new to this site and love all of the topics. This month will be 5 years since I had my lap-band done. Well first, I started at 260 and now am at ready.............220 Yup. Had many fills and can only be at .2cc because anything more I'm unable unconfortable. So my Dr. keeps me on this amount. But it's not the band's fault is mine. I need motivation and to start from the beginning with step1. Help

Hello- Just wondering how everyone did with weight loss at 5'7'' around 230lbs? I understand everyone loses weight differently- just wondering a around about and in what time frame?

So yesterday was my 1 year surgiversary!!!! I've lost a total of 102 pounds, went from a size 24 to a size 12!! I still have around 15-20 more pounds to get to goal!! I can't believe how my sleeve has changed my life!!!

Hi! I am new to ALL of this. I had surgery 10 days ago and my sister had it Monday. I did great and she did great the first few days then ended up with a bleed. Wishing I didn't do it now. Any advice to get through the first month??

I picked my Doctor in Mexico, after lots of research I'm going with Dr. GARCIA in Tijuana. My surgery isn't until August but I feel more hopeful about my life and what's yet to come then I have in a very long time. I'm excited to start living. I used to be so active and can't wait to be able to move with ease again. I'm sure I'll get nervous as the day draws nearer. My husband does not agree with my decision to have this surgery which makes it hard because he is not excited at all and it's all I want to talk about. He says it's the easy way out (comming from a skinny man) I love him but he has never had to work a day in his life to be thin so I just chalk it up to ignoran…

I just found your fabulous website, forum and iPhone app today, and I couldn't be more pleased. I've read some of the other member stories and find such courage and conviction in their words. I hope I can be an encouragement for someone as well some day. Here's my story; I've carried too many pounds since I was 14 years old trying to escape a childhood of abuse. Those pounds were the wall I put up to protect myself, but long after the child abuse ended, the wall of fat remained. Over the years I've gone the Weight Watchers route (minimal success because I hated the weigh in), Jenny Craig (moderate success, but I got bored with the meals), Optifast (liquids only? You're …

Just wanted to post something positive. I'm feeling good lost 40 lbs. Started a membership at the gym can't wait to get focused on losing more weight. I've go to focus on my core. As I was shopping last week I found out that I don't have to wear women's sizes any more, no more w's for me. I can't believe it. I can finally see a difference and it feels great. Lots more hard work ahead but it is going to be worth it I'm on my way.

My date and journey begins June 6. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I love reading all the post and seeing everyone's journey thus far. My preop test are next week. I have had 4 nutritionist meetings and been to 2 preop support groups. Love that I can share this with all of you and we can lose together.

Hi everyone, I hope im doing this right. I've decided to join and get some support. I had lapband surgery on 4-18,and I have lost 11 pounds since the surgery. I started with a physician (not the surgeon) weight loss program for three months as directed by my insurance company. I lost about 10 pounds on it. After the three months, I went to see the surgeon, Dr. John Baker, prior to my surgery date. He put me on protein shakes for two weeks prior to the surgery and I lost 15 pounds. The day befor surgery, I did clear liquids and lost a few more pounds, so i'm looking at about a 30 lb loss since February. It was recommended that I have gastric bypass for the amount of weigh…