Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello fellow sleeve family. My name is Erin and I am new to this page. I have had my initial consultation with Dr. Wade Barker and am now waiting on my final insurance approval. I am excited not to feel so tired anymore..and so excited to start this journey!! Glad I found this group!

Today I took 10 skirts and 45 tops, jackets and sweaters, all size 26/28, out of my closet. I had to make room for all the new size 18/20s I got yesterday. Oh yeah, that's right baby! I'm down 5 dress sizes and just less than 70#. Woo-hoo! *happy dance* Sent from my iPhone using VST

Am new don't have a surgery date yet but have to attend the seminar on the 15th:)) I'm super excited but scared at the same time! I'm 5'2" tall and weigh 201 my bmi is 38.5 and I have high blood pressure:( I have struggled since the birth of my first child 11 yrs ago and it's getting worse!! I'm afraid they are going to tell me the lap band isn't for me but I have been thru soooo many diets and haven't lost a pound! Please tell me I have a chance:(

My name is Nancy aka: nancylovescats, I have three and would love more but I think hubby would move out. I am 58, mom to one daughter, two granddaughters ages 7 and 8 1/2 going on 18. I work full time and love my job, I have not told anyone about the surgery except my boss and not sure if I will share with everyone or not. I've been through all the pre-op stuff as far as dieting for six months, letter from primary care doctor, shrink visits, social worker visit and the funding. I am just waiting for that funding letter to make it to the hospital so I can meet the dietician and support group then to set the date. I am hoping to have it done sometime in May. I have …

Hey everyone!! I had the surgery almost 3 weeks ago, and I have only lost 10 pounds. I can't hardly eat anything, I am drinking my Water, and I am also taking my Protein and my Vitamins. I also walk for 40 minutes EVERY day, but I still don't see results. Am I doing something wrong? Other than that I fell great, I have lots of energy and I can pretty much do any activity I want. However I am scared that I will not loose the weight. Is this common?

I'm just joining and making my introduction as it seems that's the best place to start. I tend to jump in and not look around first, but I think I saw that this is the first thing I should do here. I have been eager to talk with others about their lap band experiences and this may be exactly what I need to do to be able to do so. I've been awaiting a phone call from 2 local people that I was told would get in contact with me as I wanted to talk with them before my surgery. To date, neither of the 2 called. I've not yet had the surgery, but I am scheduled for next month and I probably have many of the same concerns that most people have had. The Dr has done his best to…

Hey all, I was wondering how you all coped with pre surgery anxiety? The crazy thing for me is I have been though all this before, so I know what to expect, however I am more anxious now than I was when I got my Lapband which was my first ever surgery. I am still 25 days out from surgery and 11 days until I have to start Optifast, but I cannot sleep at night... It's 5am here in Brisbane Australia and I haven't slept. I think that my anxiety is more a failure based fear. I mean, I had the Lapband and got to my goal weight, 285lb - 150lb (127-70kgs), however as soon as it slipped and I got a pouch I gained it all back - plus some. I'm now over 300lbs (137kgs) and I'm…

I have fibromyalgia so I deal with pain every day of my life, some days worse than others. Has any other fibro people had the sleeve done and if so, was your pain threshhold magnifyed or increased? I'm not worried about the pain, can handle it no matter what. But I am curious to find out if others have had any increase in symptoms, flare ups, mood swings, etc. that is associated with fibro after your surgery.

Well gang I'm up and waiting on Dr A to come and discharge me. So far so good. A little gas pain in the midsection but nothing too bad. Two and Hal hour drive to San Antonio and we'll get to hotel and try to rest then tomoorw fly back Denver. Yesterday was a little rough but nothing anyone couldn't handle. I'll post more when I get back home in Denver. Thanks to everyone who follows and whished me well. It meant more than you can fathome!!

Elmo my name is Jessica I had my RNY surgery 1-10-11 with a start weight of 456 to date I've lost 136 lbs and struggling to keep the weightless going. I'm getting married 7-13-13 so I plan to lose at least 100lbs more I needs some friends to help push and encourage me. Congrats and good luck on everyone's journey

Today marks 11 weeks. My loss is slower than a turtle and yet is going up and down too.???? My major issue is the acid reflux and heartburn. I'd hoped it would be gone by now. The dr says just keep trying new RX and OTC meds until one works. Ughhhhhh ???? I weigh on Monday's and today I'm up two pounds. I'm following diet and exercise and calorie suggestions but obviously need to do better. I've gained on other weeks too and then lost the same week. It's All an emotional roller coaster. Even tho as of date im only -21lbs, I'm just trying to stay positive in looking towards a year from now and hope I'll meet my goal of -90lbs. (I know i know I'm in lala land-lol, bu…

My diet journey began when I was in 6th grade, when I felt I had some weight to lose. Weight Watchers has made a fortune from me over my life time. My weight was a constant issue in my life and I always was looking for the one answer. I had many sucesses along the way but my inability to keep he weight off made me feel like I was unable to change my situation. At 53 and my health beginning to deteriorate with 100 extra pounds to carry around along with the effect on my mental well being and my difficulty in doing my job well as a teacher.As a Canadian , gastric surgery is only available in my province to people with lots more weight to lose and more severe health problem…

Hi, my name is Michelle. I've been researching sites trying to determine which weight loss surgery would be right for me. I've decided to have the sleeve and have been reading the forum for awhile. What a supportive group! I have a three month track for insurance purposes and finally have a tentative date of May 30. Just waiting for approval. Quick stats: I am 46, and my highest weight was 316. I'm currently at 299 and I begin my 2 week per-op diet on 5/16. I'm excited and nervous and ready already!

my name is Breeanne and i am 27 years old. im a stay at home mommy of a 5 year old and 9 month old little boys. i have been over weight my entire life and im on the road ti changing that for good. i started my journey on march 16th and my insurance requires the 6 month visits, psych eval, and meeting with nutrition person. i am looking at either August or September hopefully. i have a wonderful support system with all of my famiky and especially my husband. i am looking to lose 100 to 115 pounds. i will be having surgery in charleston wv. i would love to find some buddies to keep myself in check.

Hello, I would love some input on pre-op diets. Did you guys have a 2 week liquid/shake diet? Or was is just 1 week or 2-3 days? Can u give me some feedback? Thanks. I start my two week one tomorrow? What did u guys eat?

From the start of this journey , when I started my weight loss on my prediet... today I am 50lbs down. I am 12 weeks out and have lost over half the weight that I have wanted to lose. I have about 45 to go and then I will rethink and see how I feel. I could not be happier. I love my sleeve.

Just found out all my doctor's cleared me but one Nerosurgion because I have a VP shunt in place. I no there is not a lot of people with this but is there anyone that has a shunt in place. I even have the ins. Clearance!!!! Both doctors is are going to talk tomorrow so pray for me!! Wow

...there was a young woman plagued by her obesity. It encased her physically and emotionally. She was a walking sarcophogas and hated every minute of her awake time. She had always had a love/hate relationship with her weight, though. She hated the judgement, the inability to move, the unhealthy habits she was passing on to her son, the depressions, anxieites, but at the same time, her weight protected her. She had been wounded and found that her weight gave her an excuse to avoid those who had hurt her. BUT, one day she knew she needed to change. She went and saw Dr. James Foote at Grand Health Partners in Grand Rapids, MI and he gave some options. She prayed and…

Hello All, Im Trueme I will be having my Vertical Gastric Sleeve On May 22nd!!! So many things are going through my mind..( Im not sure if anyone has had the same..Im sure they have) I am a mother and a wife. I love and adore my family!! They mean the world to me!! I decided to have this surgery because as a 30 year old person. My health has been decreasing due to my diabetes and of course because of my life time weight issue. Im excited, SCARED, excited, overjoy, and did I mention EXCITED!! I know this will change my life...But Im scared that it will...I mean I know that sounds weird..Ive been a "big girl" my whole life and am "use to it". How will folks treat me...will…

I am in the dreaded 3 week stall. Don't get me wrong - I am happy with my loss so far - have lost 25 lbs in the 3 weeks, but for the past few days I have been the same. Anyone have any tips to overcome the stall??

My surgeon ordered I have an endoscopy done and it's today! I am happy to be in the process of getting all these tests done to get it out of the way so I can finally have the surgery. I see my nutritionist for the first time on Wednesday and pssible my surgeon. I'm focused, so ready to do this. I am feeling good today. I hope everyone here is feeling good too Have a great day everyone!

Woohoo as of this morning im now 199lbs that's 62lbs lost since jan 31, 2012

I had an amazing NSV this weekend! I ran my first 5k since my surgery 11/14/11 and shaved 4 minutes and 52 seconds off my last 5k time (before surgery)! And...my race T-shirt was a medium instead of a (very tight) Extra large! I even ran it in barefoot shoes! I love feeling so strong and healthy! I've already signed up for four more! If you've never done a 5k...I highly recommend it...most of them have a walkers division, and, like me, I had to walk every so often to catch my breath. But, its a great way to commit yourself to training....like holding your own feet to the fire!

Can anyone tell me how to get the tracker that shows your weight loss? I believe it has something to do with the tickler thing. I would like to put this on my profile. Thanks for the help!!

Hi, I am Toune, a 39 age old mother of 2 years old twins just got my Lap Band a month ago and esxpecting my first adjustment October 4th. I have already lost 25lbs and expect losing another 125lbs. What can I add... I always been fat since I had 13 years old and now is the time for me to get slim. By the way if you are asking why my english is bad it's because my first language is French. Wish to talk soon Toune

I, my name is Victoria, and I have 24 more hrs till my NEW birthday !!! May 1 1pm ill become the biggest loser I know!!! And I can't wait. My husband and children have been so supportive and are just as excited . I am very blessed. I've ready many post of people wondering if it's wrong. NOt to tell everyone about the Wls, I too have chosen not to tell coworkers and most of my family. Eventually, if someone is to ask why I am so radiantly happy and healthy looking, I'll b glad to tell about my whole journey, but for now this is just another step I have to take to take my life back. Just as I don't notify everyone that I stopped eating carbs, or that I starting takin…

So I was sleeved in July of 2011 at 220 lbs. it is now April 30. I weigh 167 and although I could never have achieved this without the surgery, I have not lost what I had hoped for at this point. I want to lose at least another 20 lbs but the scale has not budged in months. I'm wondering if this is it? I feel like I've failed, like I ruined my sleeve. Any advice out there would be appreciated. Ps. My daughter wants the surgery so we are heading to Mexico in early June. I'm nervous for her. I have no regrets but it is a hard journey and I pray she is prepared for this drastic change.

I had my band placed in 2007. I was doing great until I quit smoking in 2009. I gained almost all my weight back and wasn't following my diet. Just as I was ready to get going again, I found out I was pregnant and had a baby in October 2011. Since then I recently was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. I will go 2-3 days where I can't eat anything or it gets stuck and I throw up, but sometimes I throw up and an hour later can eat just fine. My band is completely open, because I wanted to get my health problems diagnosed before I started working on weight loss again. We thought that some of my swollen lymphnodes was causing constriction on my esophagus. I had an upper GI and it s…

Any place I can go to learn how to use this website? Sent from my iPad using RNYTalk

Starting my 2 day liquid diet tomorrow. Surgery is Tuesday morning.

I was sleeved 2/21/12. Pre-op I was 234. 1 day post op I was 241.8 and today I am 206. I feel disappointed that I am not where other Feb sleevers are. I was on OH and I did not find support there. Nor have I found support with my surgeon or the dietician there. Both have told me to be honest. How much more honest can I be (and if anyone here tells me that I will scream - so please reserve that condescension for other WLS patients)? I eat Protein, I drink Water, I write everything down. I do Bikram yoga once a week and Power Vinyasa Flow twice a week. I walk a 5K three times a week at 13 minute mile... What am I doing wrong? What more can I do. I'm getting so frustrat…

Hi I'm 7 months post op I've lost 73 pounds . I been in a stall for about 4 months . I been at 215 since the end of dec . I tried the 5 day pouch test didn't work for me I increase my work out but only gain . I'm starting to think this is all I'm going to lose has this happen to anyone ? If so what did u do to break it ????

I just wanted to take a quick moment to introduce myself and tell my story. I am located just North of Toronto, Canada. I do not currently have a surgery date. I've been researching 'Slimband' for approximatly a year and have debated it the entire time. If it wasn't for the cost, I would have done it already. My best friend is scheduled for her surgery May 11th and I'm very excited to see how she does. I'm also the one accompaning her to the procedure so they are going to give me a tour and an opportunity to ask the surgeon questions. I have been overweight since I was a child. At 12 years old my doctor had my Mom take me to Weight Watchers. I lost 80lbs and then gai…

Had my sleeve done on friday 4/27!! When people said they had gas pains i really thought i knew what that was but now i have a whole new meaning! It feels like a horse is sitting on ur chest! I am totally in the regret stage and know it will pass but this isnt as much as a breeze as i thought it was!!! Cant wait to get to a normal state again!!!!

Hello, I've been cleared and just had my pre-op appointment! I'm getting banded on May 10th and cannot wait! I've been heavy my whole life and have tried everything under the sun to lose weight and am ready to get started on this journey. Being 23 the few people i have told about the surgery are nervous I won't be happy with the restrictions and I know it won't be easy but I am just sooooo done being stuck in an unhealthy body that holds me back. Good luck everyone! One day at a time!

I'm on the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and it has not been as bad as I thought it would!! I'm just nervous about after the surgery

Hi ya'll. I had my lap band about 3 years ago. I lost 80 pounds and was doing great. Then I had severe pain and had to have my gall bladder removed (and 3 stones that were stuck in my liver removed). After that I have had steady weight GAIN. I am so frustrated! I started at 320lbs, got down to 240 and now am at 300 again. Anyone know what I can do to reverse this??? I also moved to West TN and had to see a new surgeon. There are no support groups, only 1 doctor an hour away. I really feel lost here.

Hey All... I'm Jacee and this is my story. I am 23, female and living in Australia. In 2008 I underwent Lapband surgery and went from (127kgs) 275lbs to (70kgs) 150lbs. I was initially very successful and I loved my band. In early 2010 I started suffering for undiagnosed gallstones, which meant that in turn my Lapband had to be loosened from unrelentless vomiting. My gallbladder was removed in December 2010 and by then I'd gained back (20kgs) 45lbs. In early 2011 I suffered from a Lapband slip and my surgeon recommended I undergo RNY Bypass. At first it was a very daunting decision that I wasn't ready to make, but within a month I changed my mind. My codependency to…

My hubby is having his surgery tomorrow morning. I'm so happy and am excited that we are doing this together. I was sleeved on April 9 and I feel amazing. I pray that he has the same recovery as me! I love you babe and can't wait to get skinny with you!! Xoxoxo

I feel like I have been holding my breath for the last month. I consulted my surgeon in March and had my first nutrition and psych visit a week later. This week was my second visit with this dynamic duo and I suddenly realized I had been holding my breath for the last month. The counselor gave me a seemingly insurmountable amount of papers to complete. It kind of reminded me of my first house purchase. As I began to delve into it, I was little by little feeling like someone was peeling away the layers of my sacred onion. We all have one you know. The layers that we hold so dear that if someone were to peel them away we would suddenly feel exposed and naked, and trust …

Does anyone use the unflavored Protein powder? What is the best brand? Where can I buy it? And how much $$$ for "X" amount? My nurse has told me I could make some instant potatoes and add unflavored Protein Powder to the mix. I would like to find a protein powder that isn't gritty. Sent from my ANDROID using RNYTalk

Hello Everyone,my name is Brenda .I am pre op,with one more nutrition appt on may 10th. I am glad i found this site.I will be talking to everyone soon.

My name is Michelle and in 5 days I will be 21 months post op and still think it was the best decision of my life. I had the vertical sleeve and I have not had any complications. At the time of surgery I weighed 215. I now weigh 130 and have held this weight for over a year. I still stay away from the following: Drinking with a straw, sugar, carbonation, rice, and pasta. I still eat protein first, then veggies then carbs. I try to eat 65-70 grams of protein daily. I am now ttc our first child. As for exercise, I run/walk 3 days a week and thats it.

Just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this? Also wondering if I'm not eating enough calories... hmmm.. whichever it is, I'm only down 10 pounds since surgery. I started out @ 339 pounds and eat mostly protein throughout the day, not many carbs. And calories are usually less than 800, but I'm usually not hungry between meals. Any suggestions?! I'm really starting to question getting the band in the first place...

I would like to hear from those of you who have already had the surgery. I am suppose to have it in Aug/Sept. My biggest fear is the gas. They ~the nurses~said that a shot is administered that puts you to sleep and then they give you the gas. I have had traumatic episodes with gas. Although a long time ago. 30 -40 years ago. Hallucinations, couldn't go under, etc. Can any of you give me some insight into this? This really is petrifying me! Thanks, Kathie

Lets see I had my surgery March 12, 2012. As of today I have lost 16 pounds. I have been walking daily and feel great, but I lost more before surgery. I know it is going to take awhile for the weight to come off. Cannot wait to see it in the scale, my clothes feel lose. I read more pages and by now peop le seem to be losing more. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT ELSE I CAN DO! I know I cannot snack. My doctor stated that by now I can eat anything and he wants me to stay away from sweets, carbs. Protein Protein Protein. I am so constipated at times.

Hello, I am new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. I was banded in Aug 2008 with a starting weight of 265 got down to 214 by Dec 2008 and found out I was pregnant. I had most of my band unfilled and gained all my weight back during pregnancy and now almost a year and a half later am stuck at 245. I lost my insurance so couldn't really afford my fills. i had one shortly after my son was born and then had another one 4 months later. I was not in it mentally so nothing really helped. Now it is over a year later and I will be getting my first fill in over a year on Wednesday. I am kind of excited to start again but also very nervous because I have fallen off the …

Hi My name is Janine and I had Gastric Bypass surgery late last year, in Oct. I have struggled with it in that I can eat a small meal after my surgery and I am not sure that it is all working properly. I don't understand how I can eat far more than I expected. I am sitting on a stalemate at the moment. I haven't lost any significant weight and feeling disillusioned at the moment. I would like to know what I am doing wrong if anything and if not, then how do I navigate these issues to place myself in the position that I can lose weight again. thank you for reading, Janine

Just curious if there are any other banded folks near by...

Well I was hoping to have my sleeve in 6 wks, BUT I found out from my GYN I gotta have a procedure done BEFORE my sleeve. Since my visits with nutritionist and surgeon will be over in next two weeks to three weeks (hopefully), and I have four weeks of liquid diet prior to being sleeved, I was hoping this would happen in the next 6-8 wks. I wish they could get this GYN crap out of the way (like tommorrow) so I can get my sleeve ASAP.