Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi my name is Ann, I weigh 270 lbs and my Lap Band Surgery date is March 20th. I am trying to prepare myself mentally for the changes I expect in my life style. I am having my surgery at Stamford Hospital by Dr. Davis. I would love to loss 100 lbs but just being under 200 lbs would make me so happy. I am a little nearvous about the liquid diet prior to surgery, but I am going into this with a positive mind. Anyone else planning on being banded in March. It would be nice to have a little group of people going through all the same stages at the same time for support

Hello everyone, my name is Jody and I am new to the room. My surgery is 4/2/2012 in Tyler, TX. I Live in Benton AR with my beautiful wife Amber, my 6 year old Truitt, and My 17 month old twin boys Liam and Levi. My current Weight is 420 lbs, but not for long. I am super excited to be healthy and enjoy my life. I am here for all the advice and support I can get. Well thats a little about me, just wanted to introduce my self. Look foward to getting to know you all-jody

Can someone tell me how to unsubscribe from this forum??

Just joined and want to say " hi" to all you wonderful people and wish you all good luck in your lap band endeavors. . I also would like to know more of what people go through, and how personal issues, and life problems affect what you have had done.

Here is my update to this point my my process. We left the hotel with Dr a' driver at7:20 and came across the border without any problems. As we driving aroun I have to honest I was allittle worried based on the surrounding area but once we got here it wasn't so bad. We had visit with Dr A where he reviews your history then as they say "they" scoot you away. Now when I say scot I mean they move fast. We left the Docs area @8 and by 8:30 I'd already had my blood work X-ray photo taken and into the hospital gown. The hospital is old and it shows but it's not bad at all. Just be prepared for a flashback in time so to speak. I was second on the schedule so I laid in b…

Hi everyone! I am a newbie here! Waiting for my surgery. Should be sometime in Aug or Sept, I hope! I have read so many of your great, supportive threads! What a great bunch of people. We will talk soon, wink, wink!

Hello fellow bloggers! I just joined this site and am glad to be here. I started out at 318lbs and had my surgery March 27th, 2012... I actually lost 14lbs in the three days pre surgery on the clear sugar free liquid diet if you can believe it! It has been about 4 and a half weeks and I am now weighing in at 287lbs. I was supposed to get my first fill this week, but my port incision became very infected and opened so I have to wait another week until I am off the the antibiotics The first 3 weeks were a breeze and I was barely hungry at all, feeling satisfied with only about 800-1000 calories a day. However, now I am RAVENOUS and could raid a bakery or two I have been …

Hi I'm elyse I'm 21 and I've had my lap band since I was 14 and lost 45 kg just felt like talking to some people who have been through the same sort of stuff Thanks!

Today I ate the most yummy mini omelet! I wanted something rich, creamy, and sugar free and low fat that would go down without a hitch....lol. just wanted to share it in case anyone was getting bored with the same old stuff. I took two eggs beat them and placed in a fry pan with a tab of butter placed the lid on with medium heat. In about a minute I added a tablespoon of shredded fresh parmesan cheese and spread on a thin layer of a tablespoon of trader Joe's sour cream spinach dip. Flipped it like a little omelet and done! It was amazing. I think tomorrow Ill just use one egg....as I'm full after a half of it. I just made sure the eggs were still soft, and chewed well. R…

I got the lap band in 2006. I had a hematoma develop over the port site soon after surgery. Once that resolved, I got another hematoma over the port site. My doctor said my port was infected. I had a surgery to remove it, and later, a surgery to replace it. That's three lap band surgeries. At the same time, I had just started my first real job. I had a lot of responsibility and had to work with some VERY difficult personalities. I had to take Zyprexa to handle my growing anxiety about being at work. Zyprexa causes weight gain and increases risk of early onset of Type 2 Diabetes. I was very discouraged at this point and lost all confidence in the band. I had it complete…

I am wondering if there is anyone who has the same body type (weight/height). Who has already had surgery who can tell me their story. I am going out of the country three months post surgery. Want to know how much weight loss/ how I will feel???

Ta been almost 24 hrs since my sleeve. Here's a quick update. Last night was pretty rough with nausia most of the night and into this morning. Turns out it was "motion" nausia and once they treated that it swim s to be subsisting. I'm now walking 3 laps every 30 mins. Things seem to be progressing well.

Hello everyone I am new here. Was looking for anyone who has been home a few days and has a low grade fever. Last night it was 100.7 and went to bed early. It broke and I am down to 98.9. I am exhausted today and my mom has been forcing me to eat( well slurp)! I HATED being in the hospital! I felt like I was bothering them to go to the bathroom. They also took 3 hours to print my paperwork after my doctor released me! I think fear of going back didn't help me last night, I started to sob, ugh! I just want to know I am not alone! So silly but my emotions have doubled since the surgery. I know it was the right thing to do. I was overweight and un healthy, but I dou…

I am struggling with staying on shakes for whole month. Need something spicy and warm. I am 12 days out from surgery, no nausea, no fever, walking good... just really not liking the chalky shakes (I have added fruit and whatever). I really haven't had any issues 3-4 oz down at a time, although it does feel like it gets stuck just under my bra line...like I really have to burp.

Hello everyone my name is Robert just joined this site today i am 5 days post op still feeling alittle sore but getting better day by day it is amazing how much of a emotional journey this is even after surgery but hoping finding people to talk with and get support will help out thanks Robert

Well I finally worked up the guts to make and post my first youtube video journaling my journey to a healthy weight. I must apologize in advance since I was super nervous and it was my first time recording myself (not to mention how much I hate to look at myself right now.) Any comments are appreciated!

Im scheduled for gastric bypass surgery on May 7th. I've been seeing a counselor for 2 years about my eating disorders, and I finally graduated all 10 steps towards a new outlook. My surgeon needed full documentation of information on me and my progress from my therapist, before setting an exact day and time. But, my nurse put me down in the books for May 7th. ??? Im looking forward to getting it done!! I have prepared my house and my food pantry for the days, weeks, and months ahead. I don't have children, but I have a husband and an american Bulldog to take care of. Lol. I bought me a Ninja Blender/chopper combination to help me with puree my food when I graduat…

Well, It's been over 10 days that I've been tracking my calories on myfitnesspal.com I have done good so far. I need to increase the water but I have been doing so very slowly. I am kind of upset because I went over my calorie goal today...with a soft serve chocolate ice cream with sprinkles. It was the smallest size but still made me go over. But I am trying to forgive myself for it. Yesterday, I had Taco Bell for dinner and I was SOO surprised that by having 2 tacos a soda I didn't pass my calorie mark and I still had leftover uneaten calories. That made my day. But today was tough, my daughter had a problem at school...so I just had the ice cream.

I joined the forum back in August of 2010 I think and when I joined I was very impressed with the wealth of information I got here. I became addicted to this forum. My initial plan was to have surgery by Dr. Almanza in Mexico, my surgery date was in October. Well, I did have surgery in October, but not VSG. In September I became very sick with diverticulitis to the point I could not work. I have not worked since September of 2010. I was hospitalized for a week in September and I underwent a colon resection surgery in October of 2010, had 20 inches of my large intestine removed. So obvs....my VSG with Almanza was cancelled. Per my surgeon, who did the colon resection in Fl…

I have been considering SOME procedure for a few years...have determined banding is right for me. Meet the psych on Tues to have my head examined, as well as the exercise cheerleader to set me on the path of motion. I will be 50 in June and am ready to shake 80+ lbs and live the next 1/4+ of my life healthier and happier than the recent 1/4. Did anyone have a "grieving" period about the foods you had to let go? How impt have support groups been for you? What are some of the biggest "head" issues you have had? If some of these questions have been addressed, please point me toward those boards...I will happily seek them out!

I am a single mom of 3 and know i want surgery but i am freaking out about how i am going to take care of my kids and house after sergery. I just need a friend to go through it with me.

Hi my name is Sandy, and I am a single mother of a 10 year old boy. I am currently at 249, have been through my 3 month program and have been approves by my insurance. My surgery is scheduled for June 4. I am not nervous or scared. I attempted to have gastric bypass 12 years ago but was denied by insurance because my bmi was too low with no co morbids. I ended up exercising and eating right and lost 60 lbs to get me down to 205 (my highest was 272). Over the past 12 years i have been a yo yo with the weight, and diets. I feel like i have been waiting 12 years (as I sat by and watched my sister and mother have surgery and be 100% successful ), and I am fully committed to w…

I am new to this forum and so happy to have found it! My surgery is on Monday so anxiety is settling in. This is my first day on liquid diet and I have been trying to set a schedule for myself in order to get the nutritional needs in. I have gotten to the place I am today because I tend to skip meals all the time and eat one meal a day. I would be so hungry that I did not make the best food choices. This is all about to change and it starts today! I know me and how I am easily absorbed into the daily tasks that I do not make the time to treat my body right. I'm thinking the easiest way for me to be successful in this is to set a schedule. (Please don't think I'm …

I was banded Dec 14, 2011... I have been very successful. Thus far lost 47 lbs. I'm concerned about my hair loss. Can't seem to get a straight answer.

After years of being unhappy about my weight and multiple attempts to diet I have finally made the decision to get WLS... and hopefully change my life forever. I am a self pay patient and am having my surgery in Kansas City but live in St. Louis. The price difference was too great not to make the trip for the surgery (even though it's a small trip). The down side is that I will not have a local support group, and so here I am... Looking for support. I have read through several of the posts on this site over the last few weeks and have been encouraged by what I have read. I finally made the decision last night to sign up so that I will have some people to talk to abou…

Hi all! I'm fairly new here. I'll be an official Sleever on May 1 (less than a week away...whoa, it just kinda hits you in the face sometimes haha). I'm from Charleston, SC and have a passion for life. I can't wait to be able to do things I've never done before. I've been addicted to all things food since high school/college. Freshman 15 became freshman 30 and so on. UGH All of that to say, I feel like I've been an active person stuck in an obese persons' body. Does that sound weird? Throughout the process, my nutritionist and MD has weaned me into a pre-op diet so it's not a huge slap in the face once surgery hits. I've been following a low carb plan for about 2 m…

Plateauing to soon? 1st week I lost 15 lbs. I have not lost anymore and am a little concerned. I'll be 3 weeks out on Monday.

We made it to Eagle Pass this afternoon from San Antonio. The drive is LONG but it's mostly uneventful. Checked into the Holiday Inn and have been chilling all day. For all of you who will be on a liquid diet, I highly recommend heading to the Asian restaurant called Chop Chop. They have about three or four soups on the menu and the Hot and Sour is outstanding!!! I ordered a to go quart and had it for dinner in the room tonight Also there is a casino about 5 minutes away. They will come and pick you up if you call them. We went for about an hour or so and walked out $500 up. I'll update tomorrow after I'm up and about after surgery.

Hit a wall with my progress last year. My Endo changed my thyroid Meds and it screeched my weight loss to a stop. That sent me into a spiral and as the weight went up, I stressed. When I stressed I get too tight and can't eat properly. To add insult to injury I got braces and can't properly chew meats. So I am starting again. I am still down 48 pounds, I consider that a win. I just wish I could get out of my rut and find my sweet spot again. Just needed to vent.

Hey all, I'm 23 years old with a 53% BMI. i'm ready to change my life. i just have a lot of questions and no support. i'll be doing the process through kaiser. how does the process work and how long will it be? I'm ready now!!! lol

I read a lot on here that when people go back to work about 2-4 weeks after surgery they suffer from being tired. Is it a foggy can't concentrate tired? Physically tired? That 2:00 in the afternoon feeling tired? Or fighting to keep my eyes open tired?

Hello all. Brand new to the site and I'm 2 weeks Pre-op. My brain seems to be trying to sabotage me into not getting the surgery but I know it's something I definitely need and will benefit greatly from. I'm seeming to be grieving the loss of my ability to eat what I want, when I want. I've lived a very hedonistic lifestyle and have always catered to myself. Not to mention giving up the drink... Feels like I'm losing my entire social life. Will it ever return? I've lost a great deal of weight in the past using a pill called phentermine, but I gained anxiety attacks and other issues, and eventually the weight returned. It was amazing how differently I was treated …

Hi all, I am new to this site but not new to this process. I first started researching weight loss surgery a couple of years ago and then found myself pregnant with my third child. I put the idea out of my head completely. While breastfeeding that child I gave my all to weight watchers and had the first somewhat significant weight-loss of my life. I went from 355 at the end of my pregnancy to 279. It felt great to have people finally tell me I looked good. I couldn't wait to go places and have people react. Then the holidays hit and I slowly gave up and wound up back to a non-pregnant high of 341. So in the fall after seeing yet another coworker go through surgery and st…

I am going for my pre-op today at the hospital. my surgery is for May 1st....

Hello I had my surgery on March 26 so far I lost 23 lbs but I have not lost anything since week 3. I am eating stage 3 diet and filling up fast eating mostly protein and staying hydrated but getting discouraged at not losing more.

Hi my name is Tiffanie. I have been banded since February 9, 2012. I have been pretty much trying to figure out all the steps needed to be successful on my own. My Lapband center only has a once a month support group and it's over by the time I get off work. So excited to find this group and look forward to chatting with you all.

About 3 or 4 hours after I had lunch today I was laying down and all of a sudden I have this tightness in my throat like a pill was stuck. I can't figure out what it could be. I ate dinner and intentionally dank some liquid to see if I could get whatever it was up,( I cannot drink anything while I eat cause with the lapband I will throw it up) anyway, could this be from the lapband or something else?

I got the call this morning that my insurance has been approved and she has let the dr.'s office know!!! I'm just waiting on them to call me back to officially set my date. I'm hoping for May 16. This is so exciting and scary all at the same time. As soon as I seen her number come up on my phone my heart dropped! New me here I come!

would like to share with soomeone whos been banded for over 4 years

I am a 34 year old wife and mother of two amazing little boys. I'm also a full time student. I've been battling my weight for the majority of my adult life and about seven years ago I attempted to have surgery approved through my insurance company however they repeatedly asked for another 6 months of physician supervised diet/exercise program completion and by the time I had completed it yet again, my family moved. Well, fast forward a few moves and the birth of another child and a handful more programs and I decided last year to attempt preauthorization yet again... Well, after a 90 day multidisciplinary program and a lot of waiting, last Friday I was approved! Now I…

I am on the puree stage 3 weeks post-op and just wanted to share some little things that have makes this stage a little easier so far. Of course I've been eating pureed tuna for the protein Benifits lately ......but found the best low fat mayo to spice it up called Kraft cracked pepper mayo with olive oil! It amazing with tuna and some minced onion and sugar free sweet relish and I found in the baby food section the Gerber graduates "lil crunchies " in garden flavor.....they are for babies who can't chew and the little puffs just melt in your mouth. There is nothing to swallow just a great little dipper chip that instantly disintegrates on your tongue after you crunch it …

10 days after surgery and feeling great. The one issue I have is people telling me "why surgery you aren't that fat". What does one say to that??? Thank you?? 251 start 238 now

I am booked for vsg May 21 in Mexico. I am paying for this myself. Over the past 6 months I have researched all the good and bad with a sleeve. I realize the bad is very minimal but I can't seem to stop focusing on it. I keep thinking "Knowing my luck I will suffer all the problems anyone has ever mentioned." Some questions I have 1. How long is the risk of a leak possisble? When are we fully healed? 2. How long off of work? I am a dental hygienist and plan on being back to work 1 week post-op. I have more questions but cant remember them right now so as they come to me I will post more.

Do you have any suggestion on what you would of done differently if you would of known then what you do now. Any suggestions on anything to do with the surgery, weight loss, diet, loose skin...????

I went to my first appointment today. Everything went great. The dr said I was healthy for my size even though I am 303lbs. I have been overweight all my life so I am ready to head in the right direction. If everything goes as planned I will do my psych eval and nutrition appointment on may 8th, an education seminar on the 14th, see the dr again on the 23rd and surgery on the 29th. Everything is going to happen really fast and I am do excited to join the family of sleevers.

Today I had my body composition test done and met with a doctor and went over a ton of information and what not. I found out that 53% of my body is fat. That was shocking and very depressing. The worst thing of all today was that I did admit to the doctor that I had a couple puffs off a ciggerette on saint pattys day and just from doing that it set me back 2 months in the process. My surgery could have been around august and now its october to november time. Im really bummed out because I have been quit smoking now since feb. Of this year...idk why I took the hit but if I would have known it would cause this many problems I never would have done it. Im super discouraged b…

Hi I'm new to this site. I was sleeved in Dec of 2011. So far I have lost 65lbs.Still have 25 to lose to get to my goal weight, although I wouldn't mind doing more once I hit my goal. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much food that you are consuming at this stage? I can eat about 4-8oz of food---depends on the food. I am so scared to gain weight back...I know its all up to me, but that fear is still there. Thnks for the comments!!

It's April 26, 2012. In 18 days, my life will change forever, and I can't wait! Let me start by telling you about myself. (Apologies if this is long-winded, but I think it will give a more rounded picture of how I ended up here!) I am 42 years old. I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with my husband (my soulmate...I waited until 40 to marry, and he's my forever love!), and our 2 cats, Rosie and Maize. I was born October 20, 1969, a very very small (1.9 lbs!) and 8 weeks premature. My mother has smoked during her pregnancy and I think it impacted my growth. Back in those days, they didn't have neonatal intensive care units and ventilators etc. for preemies. I …

Hey everyone I was just curious as to what vitamins everyone is taking? I have Fusion chewables and I can't stand the taste of these chewable things! Any other suggestions? I had my surgery April 3. I just want to swallow a pill and be done with it not chew one of these huge pills 3 times a day they make my stomach turn! Helppppp!!!

Hello everyone. I am glad to have come across this board. I have been trying to have surgery since 2005, maybe this time it will happen.. I went for my psychiatric evaluation on the 18th..my first appointment with bariatric doctor is May 2..i am so excited to finally get to meet with the surgeon.I miss being healthy and feeling good. Fingers are crossed and hands folded. Let's do this already!