Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I was driving around today in the car and looked down. I suddenly realized my stomach no longer touches the steering wheel. It was far, far, far away and I mean far away. I couldn't believe. Losing 53 lbs really is something. Surgery was December 7th 2011 and I feel so awesome. WhooHoo. Keep rocking your sleeves everyone.

I realised today that I have no concept of what size I am. I have had a few examples in the last few days: - I bought cloths while shopping, which I thought would be too small for me based on their size, tried them on when I got home and they are almost too big. (Guess it is time to start trying cloths on again) - I saw a picture my mum took on the weekend, and was surprised at how "small" my body was, almost not like mine, not what I see in the mirror. How do others deal with this?

I am suppose to have surgery on Wednesday and my DH tells me tonight he really doesn't want me to have surgery but will support my decision 100%, my MIL thinks I am going to die (and she's a nurse) and my mother is worried about anesthesia complications (which I have never had) for an 'unnecesary' procedure. Ugh. I really didn't need this so close to my surgery day! With so many so close to me being downers is making me second guess my decision. :-(

Ok so surgery was on 3/13/12. Surgery went ok allot more painful than I was expecting, but I have recovered fine. Today I have lost little over 30lbs and hopefully will lose ALOT more lol I start soft foods today and am so ready for something that is not pureed. I have my 6 week follow up appointment in a couple of weeks and am curious to see how that goes. I cannot eat much because it makes me feel allot of pressure just below my chest which I guess is normal. I need some support on my journey and thought this blog might help me relate to some people that have had the surgery. My husband tries to be supportive but don't succeed most of the time lol

Hey all! My name is Kim and I'm in the initial stages of this crazy banding journey. I am 34, wife and mother of two young boys. I work full-time as a nurse. Obesity has been a life-long struggle. Like most here, I've dieted and gained it all back plus more. I contemplated gastric banding around 2003, but it was difficult to get insurance approval and I was scared and confident I could do it on my own. So here we are 8 years later and I'm going through with the band. I attended a seminar on September 10th and had my initial consultation October 12th. I am required to complete a six month medically supervised weight loss prior to approval. My physician set weight loss…

How long did it take your insurance respond to the request for approval once submitted?

Well here I am 6 days ot and feeling good. I had my op in Czech Rep (I live in UK) on 3rd April, I should have come home on 6th but I was feeling sick on day of travel so surgeon said No. He was so good though he ordered immediate xrays and bloods to make sure that there was no sleeve problem and everything came back OK. I felt much better on 7th and travelled home then. Since arriving home I have been feeling tired but OK. I am getting in my liquids (Phew) and getting my Protein by putting the Protein powder in greek yoghurt. One thing that is not brilliant is sleeping -I am not sleeping through and am waking 2 or 3 times per night which is adding to my feeling tired. An…

ok so i reallllly need to vent and im so lost and confused. so i have insurance through my mom. My surgery is scheduled for May 10th. She just text me letting me know her company had a meeting today and they will be letting 24 people go and they will receive their notice of who it is on April 26th. april 26!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why?! i dont know how all this works. will her company give her a "grace period" of coverage and if so how long? im so frustrated. i called the surgeons office and explained to them whats going on they said if i need to schedule it sooner they can move up and just to let them know asap. bc if i get it done on the 26th id have to start my liqui…

Hello, I am new to the community and just wanted to say Hi! I am really looking forward to getting to know people and getting to share my journy as I make the steps toward my own surgery!! so a little about me: I have three amazing kids, 7, 2, and 8 months. My husband and I just moved from CT to DE (I am from the area) and I am so happy we did!! I am employed full time and I go to school part time, I am working on my MBA and hope to be done sometime in 2014. *fingers crossed* I have always been a pretty active person, played soccer and swam during high school and I played rugby for my university in college, but even still I was considered overweight. with having…

I'm Lisa I'm 24 from UK. I'm just starting my journey, awaiting my first appointment with the shaw somers team at st richards in chichester. Been researching loads....getting fed up waiting lol anyone chatting?

This may seem like a stupid question, but I can't seem to figure out how to join a group! I would like to join the February bandsters (I had surgery Feb 23) and even found the link somewhere, but I can't seem to find the "join button." When I go to add groups, it is for adding a brand new group, which I don't want to do. Any help would be appreciated!

Today I have enough energy to hang out with family and friends outside all day long. I am now able to eat a little bit of cottage cheese, a little bit of yogurt, plenty of Water and even a small sliver of cheeseburger patty. I'm down a total of 25 lbs today (including that which i lost during the pre op diet). I can actually say that I feel pretty good about my decision to get surgery. Cynthia

Hi, my name is Nancy and I think my journey started about 20 years ago. My childhood and teen years were filled with a very appropriately-sized young lady that thought she could eat anything and not gain weight. Well I was wrong! And so wrong because when I did start gaining weight I tried every possible, unhealthy option I could to lose weight. The older I got the wiser my weight loss choices, but by then my body had found a rhythm of dropping 25 and gaining 35. Ugh! A few years ago I started going to my doctor regularly. I had prescription appetite suppressants and I tried hard to get the workouts in, but by this time I had done enough damage to my body and had b…

I haven't been banded yet but am starting the process. I attended the seminar on March 8th and sent in all my paperwork, but on March 19th I received a call from the admin stating that my insurance company (BCBS of Arkansas- with my husband's work) would only cover $4,000 and the total amount they submit to insurance is about $35,000!!! I'm not sure why the cost is so high! I've heard several people mention prices around $10,000 - $18,000. So now I'm battling with the insurance company, trying to get dropped from that plan so I can enroll in Aetna through my work. All of this information came to light right after the close of benefits enrollment for both of us, so it…

Hello everyone, My name is Mark and I was banded on 4/5/2012. My starting weight was 300 lbs and I'm 5'11". I know that isn't a ton of weight and if you saw me you'd probably think I weigh 250 lbs or less but that is where the secret is. I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure. My cardiologist and my primary care physician wanted me to loose weight and I tried for a year and lost a total of 15 lbs and gained it all back. The problem with me is that because of my HCM I am exercise restricted and can't work out very much. I "carry" my weight well. That is what people always tell me. The reason is that I have a barrel ches…

Please send me your VSG YouTube video links or any favorites that you have found. I need more inspiration. I've searched and found some, but would love to follow people on this actual forum. Thanks and Happy Easter!!!

Hello, I had a lap band after gastric bypass. Gastric bypass was 12 years ago. Any advice would be great. Thank you

I know everyones journey is different, but I'm just curious. How are the mid 20 sleevers progressing? I hear you loose quicker when your younger... I'm 25 and currently at 307lbs (after diet for insurance and before liquid diet). Do the masses have loose skin? how quickly are you coming down?

So there for awhile I was training with the c25k. I would do it every other day. Then on the opposite days of not training I would do lifting 2lbs weights because that is what I was told to use. So I decided to just walk at a brisk pace with 1lbs wrist weights. I have been averaging 2 miles a day. Is this good? Is using wrists weights good? Should I continue my workout with 2 lbs weights too? I'm 5'1" 218 and I am 28 yrs old. Any advice would be great!

My dr says it will be horrible nausea for 2 weeks. He is giving me the patch to put behind my ear. Surgery is Tuesday. What can I expect, nausea-wise?

Hey everybody my name is Jazz im from the Dallas area I'm kinda new to this blogging stuff so please bare with me! I was very skeptical about getting on here talking about my experience so far, but from reading most of you'll post and looking @ YouTube at so many stories It gives me some kind of hope and makes me want to share this lifelong journey that I have chosen to take on, ok so let's see where to start... As of Jan 24 2012 when I first started contacted different surgeons in my area My stats were Age: 27. Weight: 344 Height5"6 Started my Pre Op Diet on March 25 ( which my Dr. Only advised a one week clear liquid diet so on Wednesday the actual da…

I Get banded tomorrow 4/6/2012 I thought it will be all excitement (I am excited) but I am also really scared ! Not about the surgery itself but life afterwards. I'm 39 and have been overweight since age 12.I keep thinking that it wont work.or WORSE what if it DOES work.not sure how exactly to describe what I'm feeling just CONFUSED !!

Hello All. My name is Mark and I'm new to this like many of you all were at one time. I have a question and I'm wondering if anybody ever heard of an insurance company denying somebody because they lost too much weight before surgery? My highest weight was 490lbs in november '11. I decided then for sure I had to do something! I cut my portion sizes drastic and I mean drastic and counted and watched everything I ate and drank!!! By the time I met with my family doctor and got everything set up my with my surgeon and everything I dropped 30lbs. My first intial weigh in was on March 22 and I weighed in at 460 with a BMI of 61. Here it is only 16 days later and my weight…

Hello All! I am having my sleeve done TOMORROW!!! I have to be at the hospital at 7:30am. I am excited - but oh so very nervous!! Please send prayers and happy thoughts my way! I hope to update when I'm feeling better!! WooHoo!! -TrumpetTinklers

Hello my name is Katie I had the RNY 3 years ago February 21st starting weight was 277 I am now down to 196 still not where I want or need to be! I have lost all motivation I was last summer down to 186 but cause of my lack of following the rules my weight has started to creep back up! Someone please be my buddy and help motivate me. Also my husband and I have been trying for 1.5years to have baby #2 with no luck so I have been taking fertility drugs to help and believe that is why I may be also gaining my weight back! Someone please help me!

Welp. I was banded 10/07 my started weight was at 350 I lost 82 pounds in about 8 months I felt amazing. I started feeling less restriction in my band so I went in for a fill. It was to much I was to restricted nothing would go down it was constant throwing up. So I started eating past the band. Eating stuff that was so unhealthy drinking sodas just pure junk. I lost my insurance and decided to go get my band fluid removed that was march 2011. For some reason I thought I had changed my eating habits and could do it on my own. I just wanted to eat normal food again. Fast foward a year I'm back to 315 and feeling just as crappy. Sooo I went back to the doctor on tuesday a…

I start my pre op tomorrow and im kinda nervous to cheat. Any segestions? Sent from my iPhone using VST

i had the op in april last year... i lost 20 kilos..... but drinking colas my stomach has expanded to half normal size.....i also have fabricated ghrelin glands , so i feel cravings all the time. in the last 4 months i won 10 kilos, just because my stomach expanded, i now can drink half a litre of diet pepsi or more........ worried i am i thought the operation would be it....... but i dont understand... i get a lot of cravings now..... nearly as much as before the operation.........only the size of the stomach (half) is stopping it...... i thought the operation would be the end of my overeating and cravings ..... it is not

I'm so ready for my Sleeve. I have watched and waited, now it's finally my turn, yeah!! Any one else out there on April 24th? Sent from my iPhone using VST

Am going for self pay I. Am worried about if I have complications who will pay. I know that things will be ok but afraid of a huge bill. My dr office tells me to call ins myself. No help. I am being sleeved 5/8/12. But may hold off to get more info or wait 6 months for ins. But I am 42 bmi and on a diet. I know I will be under that so ins may not cover anyway. I need to do this to move on in life I am 54 5.8. 280 lbs

I purchased this products at GNC. Im hoping some of these will help you as they are going to help me :0) Photos are below and as well are in my gallery! Vitamin for healthy hair, nails, and skin" /> Calcium with Vitamin D-3" /> Isopure Perfect Low Carb Protein" /> Protein Jellos 23 grams of protein in each serving" />

Hello everyone! I'm in the process of starting my weight loss surgery. I have got insurance qualifications met, attending my eating healthy for life class, and have my psychology approval. I haven't met the doctor yet as this is a scheduled program through one of our local hospitals. Im getting really nervous as it comes closer and closer to the time of getting to the point of meeting the doctor and scheduling my surgery. I have heard both good and bad things about banding surgery and just don't want to be one of those horror stories and wished I went a different route. Maybe some of you guys can help me relax more and get your feedback on the surgery.

How long after surgery before you have a drink?

I received the Lap Band in Oct. 2011. I have lost 50 lbs. to date..I am very excited to end this lifelong struggle with my wieght..can't wait to get to goal!!!

HELLO, I HAD THE BAND DONE ON JULY 2009 AND STILL HAVE NOT LOST ANY WEIGHT, I HAVE HAD THE BAND TIGHTENED BUT IT MADE ME THROW UP FOR MONTHS SO I FINALLY HAD THE FLUID REMOVED. I NEVER RELALY FOUND THE SWEET SPOT. THE DR NEVER GAVE ME A DIET TO FOLLOW WITHER. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO LOOSE WEIGHT WITH THE BAND? THANKS NANCY

Today is 1 year since I had my surgery. I have lost 102.5 lbs. This is the best thing that I could have done for myself! Woohoo!

Recently I have found some joy in drinking tea. I have read lots of healthy info on black/green/ and white teas. I went to a store about a hour from where I live that sells lots of spices and teas. I was so excited I bought a tea pot and strainer spoon and several flavors of tea. I was in my little tea heaven. I drank about 16 oz in about a hour period and started to not feel well. I was a little scared because I have never felt like this before. I thought I was going to throw up. I ran to the bathroom and put a cold wash cloth on my head and started to feel a little better so I went to sit down and think about what was making me feel so horrible. Then I noticed my finger…

Hi! I just found this site and I am learning so much just reading what other's experiences have been. I was banded on 3/20/12. Pre-liquid diet I was at 260. I had lost 28 lbs, but have gained 3 pounds in the last weeek- my puree week. I don't know why because I am walking 2-3 miles a day and only eating 800 calories or less. I am a little frustrated, but am hopeful that once I get my fill on 4/16 that things will change. My great news is that my blood pressure medicine that I have been taking pre-op is too strong now and I am going down to a next-to-nothing dosage already! Dr. is super pleased and guesses that I will be off BP meds after a little more weight loss!…

Hi everyone...I'm wondering what happens on the first appoinment, are you required to bring any paper work? I've been reading many topics and a lot of people had to the six month waiting period or three months, is this required? I'm planning to have my surgery at tulane medical center by charles bellows and they do take Medicaid but I'm unsure about the six/three month diet-nut. Please help me with this one, I would love to hear about your experience.

It has been 8 months now since I had my surgery, I have a 10/12 band and I'm at 6 cc's full. I feel after my last small fill I take just 1-2 bites of something and that's it I'm full. My problem is I'm wasting so much food and need to figure out how much of something I should be able to eat. I work in an office so packing lunch is hard, I bring a Lean Cuisine frozen meal and can only eat two bites, then I throw it away. Any suggestions on what to eat that I can portion out better, and how much is normal to eat at the stage I'm at?

Hello Everyone!!! I finally received my approval letter for the VSG and my tentative surgery date is MAY 1, 2012!! I've gone through just about all the emotions thus far. I'm supposed to start my pre-op liquid diet next week after I see my NUT on the 13th and I'm terrified!! I've read a lot of blogs about what others are doing to get through. Does Bougie size really matter??? Just asking that everyone keep me lifted in prayers! Best wishes to those who are about to have the surgery as well as those recovering!! A SPEEDY RECOVERY to you all. I am open to ANY SUGGESTIONS. I'm also vlogging my journey on Youtube: I'm jmcbribe - feel free to follow my process!! Thanks for t…

I made it through and I am grateful! This morning i ate about 3/4 of a popsicle and am full full full! No nausea or vomitting. Pain is starting to subside....i think i may be discharged this evening. I only have 6 small holes on my stomach. Most definitely easier than a c-section

hello fellow sleevers, Everybody please open your windows wide screaming out - kathy lost 50 lbs kathy

So, those who follow my posts, know that I am OBSESSIVE about weighing myself daily.. well, I'm at my sister's house in Mississippi and wouldn't you know it.. she doesn't have a scale.. I asked her if she wanted me to buy her one (I just wanted to use it...), but she rolled her eyes and didn't answer!!! LOL... I've been eating okay.. I had a kid's soft serve cone from my childhood ice cream joint.... I promised my accountability partner that I wouldn't count, track or weigh will vacaying.. .l'm still counting in my head.... OH my goodness.. it's SOOOOO hard not to get on a scale...!!! I have one more day before I can get home and see what the damage is!! LOL..... When…

So this may sound weird but after my surgery I can't get enough of it. I usually limit myself to a glass or two a day. I never used to drink milk at all unless I had it with cereal. I have noticed though that skim milk is the one thing I can drink at a (what I consider) normal pace. Anyone else enjoy milk now?

Hi everyone just joined today. My name is candy after month of psyph evaluations and nutrition class got phone call today humana gold just approved me yesterday!! So now tommrow i go to pcp to get medical clearence . After i see my dr. For consent appt. Then hope we schedule surgery it took about2 weeks for insurance so im hoping for end of april. But ofcource i have sinus infection im hoping she stills gives me the ok.. wish me luck

I am so excited! Had my nutritionist meeting, psyche this week, four hour seminar and then can schedule. I am self-pay so don't have to hassle with insurance company - thank goodness. I have a large appetite and so hope the surgery will help. Sort of worried about the pre-op diet, but if others can do it, I feel I can. I am a little competitive so that may help. LOL. I should be able to schedule for May. I am a little confused after reading some posts, when you first get the band does it not have any liquid in it??? Do you lose weight when you first get it or does it have to have a fill? Thanks so much.

I began my Journey on February 6, 2012. I have lost 47 pounds to date. I was not on any pre surgery diet that is the total amount since surgery. I lost 32 the first month 15 the second month. I have been working out about 5 times a week. I am trying to prepare for a marathon. Its only 2 miles but I have been trying to walk 2 miles at least 2 times a week. I have been doing zumba also. Losing the weight has allowed me to exercise without the joint pain! In the beginning I tried to do no carbs, I notice my weight loss was slower during that time. I add carbs back and the weight started to fall back off. I know everyone’s body is different but adding the carbs back worked be…

I justed to share with everyone that I am back on track and said farewell again to the devil in disguise, Diet Coke. I just woke up and drank a GNC 25gram protein shake. I'm not going to blame myself anymore for my 2 week relapse. It was a waste of time. Now all my energy is geared to being back on track! Yay me! Two and a half months out, I never want to return to the pre-surgery girl!

So i was denied 2 weeks ago because they put down inpatient instead of outpatient. That was the only reason why.so ins coordinator resubmitted for out patient. When I called for status the operator said I have a surgery date for April 30 set up but it is still pending cause nurse hasn't reviewed yet. So what does that mean? Y is there a date if not approved yet? I have bcbs anthem of Cali ppo