Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I've just had my surgery on March 21 my pre-surgery weight was 217 I'm only 5 feet, my weight today is 196. my concern is that I was aware of some hair loss after 2 to 3 months but my hair is already started to thin at a fast rate. can anyone help?

Omg I'm few hours away to have my surgery 04/02/2012 @ 11am. I'm finishing my MoviPrep and boy I been stuck in the bathroom lol...at least I know my bowels will be ready to go... Also I'm having fun packing my little case for tomorrow. Have a headache I think is b/c of the stress of knowing that the time is coming soon...I'll keep updating y'all as I can...ttyl

Hi everyone, this is my first time actually posting on this site. I'm so nervous and worried about me not loosing enough weight. firs there was a mix up. My primary dr. told me i weighed 359 before surgery. then my NUT told me i was only 342. but i'm sure i had gained weight since i had last seen her. but when i went for my check up. she told me i had only lost 19 pounds at a month and half. and she said i've should've lost about 31 pounds by now. Now i'm two months and i'm scared to weigh myself because i don't want to be disappointed. I see other people losing 70, 80, 90 pounds by their second month and i dont know whats going on. I was in tears yesterday watching a you…

I am planning on having the gastric bypass. Going for my upper gi next Friday and I will schedule for surgery!!!!

Four years ago I decided to look into "lap-banding" for weight loss after MANY attempts to lose weight. I had lost thousands of pounds and gained back even more. A good frend said he would attend with me so we went to a "demonstration" a few miles out of the Washington, DC area. We were both impressed so I read over all the material I was given. Several months later I decided I wanted to go ahead with it, looked up a bariatric surgeon closer to home, Dr. J.R. Salameh in Arlington, VA where I live. Encouraged, I began the process after being told my insurance would cover it. I took almost all the tests and, several months later met with the diatition. She told me what I wo…

Hi, everyone! I'm getting banded on April 10. I'm super excited, but I'm also seriously nervous about the anesthesia. I've only been put under once before and it's giving me anxiety. I just started the pre-op liquid diet. My doc gave me Optifast and said I'm allowed to have Clear liquids along with it. Did this mess anyone else's stomach up? I've been having stomach cramps and problems going to the bathroom all day. I'm not lactose intolerant, which is one of the reasons my doctor told me I might have trouble with the Optifast. I can tell you what, though, I'm starving! My doc said I'd be miserable the first few days of the Optifast and boy he wasn't kidding. I just t…

I had my surgery on March 29th at Texas Reginal Hospital in Sunnyvale Tx. Dr. Zakhour was my surgeon. I was so nervous going into surgery and had such a huge fear that something would go wrong and I would not wake up. ( I tend to worry alot) But everything went great. I was discharged from the hospital the next evening. I was in a bit of pain the first 2-3 days and had lots of gas. My doctor has me on a dissolvalbe privacid that seems to help. I have also noticed that the very best thing for gas is WALKING! I can not stress this enough people. WALK WALK WALK! I try to walk for about 5-10 minutes every hour. Nothing major, just a slow, peaceful walk. It sure h…

Had surgery with Dr Kuhn at Medical City in Dallas. I won't go into it here, but I have a very complicated medical history & could get no one to agree to try to do my sleeve laparoscopicly. Praise God, Dr Kuhn not only tried, but succeeded! Granted, I had a bigger incision & a drain, but only two days in the hospital & I'm doing great! Down from 234 to 219!!

I've just had my surgery on March 21 my pre-surgery weight was 217 I'm only 5 feet, my weight today is 196. my concern is that I was aware of some hair loss after 2 to 3 months but my hair is already started to thin at a fast rate. can anyone help?

Just had my surgery, March 19, 2012. I had to stay over night in the hospital because of some complications. When I took my Upper GI the liquid wasn't going past my plication so I had to stay over night to see if it was the swelling or if my doc did the plication too tight. He put 0cc into my lap band. I am having some weird nausea moments. I wont throw up but I will salivate like crazy and I feel like something is going to come. I need some support. I cant tell if I am hungry or full or in pain and because of the band and plication I can't tell which is hurting me more. It's all very confusing. Anyways thanks for listening! It's my first day and I can not w…

Just not sure if I should be proud of myself for losing so much, or horrified that I had gained so much.....my brain doesn't know which way to go......I posted my before and after stats (weight, body fat and inches lost) on my weekly blog and it is interesting to figure out how to feel......interested in knowing how others feel. I also have some nice photos of Kapoho on the Big Island; a snorkelers paradise....

I started my journey in February! I've been through tests (chest xray, bloodwork, nucelar stress test, EDG (hiatal hernia). My next steps will be 2nd support group attendance, meet goal weight (weigh in on Monday and I am going to meet weight!), 2nd meeting with Nurtritionist to be certain I understand what I need to eat and when (homework from first meeting).... After this a team of doctors decide whether or not I'm approved. If approved they schedule the surgery date. Once the surgery is scheduled. I figure I'm about 1 month away from knowing. Fingers crossed, anticipation in place.... Any advice, suggestions, recommendations?????? T

Hey all! Guess I should introduce myself as I am beginning this journey. I had my first consult today with the surgeon. He said if everything goes as planned I should be able to have the surgery within two months, which I am very excited about! I have all of my prereq. appointments scheduled and will be completed by April 24th. I am using the Bluepoint Group in Virginia. I have been very encouraged by the boards here and they have been so helpful already. It's nice to be able to go on here with a question and get an answer immediately.

Just curious why you all chose the band? I did for the price and I did not want to die in surgery. My date is April 11.

...my surgery date is 4/11/12 in Edmonds, WA. I'm excited but a little scared too. Hope that's normal. I decided to do this because my health is important to me. I want to improve the quality of my life. I hope there are others on this board who are nearby...I live in Renton and I go up to Edmonds often. New friends would be appreciated. Anyone out there? I'd love to give/recieve support.

I just found this site and think it is absolutely wonderful. I am not completely unfamilar with the Band. My husband was banded 3 years ago on the 14th. I have seen him drop over 100 pounds and have done things like the liquid diet, etc. to be supportive of him. The only problem was, once we weren't doing liquids, I would gain all of my weight back and then some. I went to my first appointment on January 2nd. I have Aetna, so we have 3 more visits left before we can get approval and set a surgery date. This has actually been a blessing, because I needed to have a sleep study done, and found out that I do have mild sleep apnea. That explains some of the fatigue I h…

Hey y'all, I am out of surgery. Some sharp gas pains, but I haven't taken any pain meds so far. Will keep u posted.

Hi guys I'm getting my sleeve on Monday April 9th in New Brunswick NJ is anyone else doing it that day?

I had a lapband placed on Oct. 10, 2005. I lost 80 pounds but found there were always foods I could not tolerate. Foods were always getting stuck, despite following all the rules. I had my surgery in Reno and moved to Los Angeles. I work in the health care field, and we have a bariatric program. I notified our bariatric supervisor that I was vomiting all the time. She sent me to my PCP. She sent me to a surgeon who was intimidated by the UM department. They did an endoscopy and the GI specialist said it slipped. Then, I had an UGI. They said it was just high. I continued to vomit all the time and the surgeon was afraid to challenge the MD in charge of UM. I ch…

Ok, I am soooo nervous. Saying goodbye to my children is very emotional. I'm afraid I am going to get to the hospital and be crying the whole time! Anyway, I am off to the hospital. I will write when able. Prayers and good energy are appreciated.

Travling today, surgery tommorow..so excited.

Hi everyone! Let's talk about the procedure itself. So for those who already had the RNY, could you guys tell me from star to finish how the surgery team prepares the pt. Meaning; you go to the hospital, the open the IV, star hydrating you, then the catheter and etc...I'm mostly scare about the foley catheter b/c I had a bad experience during my C-Sec that part wasn't easy lol....the more info the better. I'm sched for 04/02/2012 a week away so you all can tell that I'm anxious, nervous, excited and had questions like crazy lol. Thanks!

i post, listed a bunch of people saying like "heres my name on MFP" i actually inadvertinllly deleted from posts, trash, and then deleted trash. i know, how could i do that? if anyone knows what i'm talking about please "post that post" thanx kathy - would have probably been dated today 3/31/11 - or 3/30/11 thanx again it must have been 3/31/11

Today I will see my surgeon and nutritionist for the first time. I am very excited. Hope all goes well!!!!!

Hi I am new to forum. I am now nearly 3 weeks out from surgery. Had surgery 12th march. I live in the uk. I have been big all my life and suffered with depression I think the final straw was when I got gall stones just before Xmas at the age of 26 and was told that I would need an operation to remove them but at over 27stone I was to high a risk to have surgery. I had been thinking of getting a gastric band but when I meet with my surgeon he suggested a bypass would be a better option for me and I have never looked back. I am grateful to have an extremely supportive family and works. Everyone is excited for me. I have never been a normal size that I can remember so th…

So maybe this is the clinical therapist in me but I have to wonder what I am going to do with time that I would normally be using to think about food. I'm not having surgery until May but love to plan ahead. I've started a new hobby and hope to add one or two more. I just know this surgery is going to give me the energy and drive that I have been struggling to maintain for the last few years. I also really want to run. Jog. Maybe enter a marathon! I live downtown Chicago on Michigan avenue and there are so many marathons that run right past my building and I would love to be running/walking with them rather than just cheering them on! I've tried to attach some pictures …

hello everyone! i will be getting banded on 2-15-12...i'm on day 6 of my pre-op diet:)

had m 1st appointment saw loads of people was hoping for band but was told the sleeve is better for me due to previous surgery but worried about the odds 1-300 can anyone help

Tonight I ate sushi and it was not good for me. I did have something that I never ate before but wow I didn't expect this reaction from my bell. I threw up and not can't stop burping and pardon the tmi but I really just wish I could poop. I am going to take a step back tomorrow and do clear liquid all day to maybe flush out my belly. If anyone has suggestion for my " # 2 " problem I would appreciate it. It's been 6 days HELP.

I had my surgery but I wanted to know how often to do guys weight yourself. I think I will be discourage myself if I weight myself weekly I was thinking more like monthly. Let me know what you think weekly or monthly and why

Two more appointments can't wait to start my new journey

It is 10.55pm in the UK, I'm just going to pack my bag and try to sleep as I'm being picked up at 4.30am to go to the airport. There I will meet 2 fellow patients and we will fly off for our surgery (czech rep). Hospital admission on Monday and surgery Tuesday, prayers appreciated. Thanks. Cathy

My surgery was 5 days out and the only thing I can eat is 2 crackers with a real tiny tiny bit of peanut butter is that bad for me? I can drink but not able to get any protein

My name is Debbie and I was banded on 9/20/2011. To date, I 've lost 51 pounds. I've found this site very helpful and full of great information. I have encountered some issues on this journey, but I can always find suggestions or answers here. Thanks for a great site!

Hi. I am 40 years old. I had lap band surgery 15 days ago, on March 15, 2012. I was told that I should be able to return to work the following Monday (March 19). I've tried to have a positive attitude, but so far things aren't going so great. I was told that the surgery was "perfect!" I was sick and hurting all weekend following the surgery. On Monday, I went to a local emergency room and was given a one liter of iv fluids then was told to go back to my surgeon. My doctor removed the initial fill, approximately 1cc. I was still having problems with burping, so the doctor suggested having an upper GI exam. After drinking the OptiRay solution, the radiologist stopped the ex…

My surgery is in 2 weeks. I am overweight but do not have any health issues. I have been reading some of the posts from post surgery. I am getting scared. Anyone else feel this way?

I'm 25 years old and obese. I've struggled with my weight ever since my first year of elementary school. I decided to do the RNY operation in August 2011 and started the process of a 6 month insurance required pre op plan. Due to life events prior to the decision, I have anxiety plus depression issues and was put on a psychiatric evaluation for an additional amount of time. I've cleared the evaluation and the pre op insurance plan, it's finally time to get the ball rolling with the weight loss center. I'm a little nervous about the operation being so permanent but I know that the end result will be better than living life plus sized and sick.

Hello everyone.. I have been struggling with my weight all of my adult life.. I am 34yrs old and currently 315lbs and 6ft 1inch.. Im ready to start my journey!! I have attended two WLS seminars and have visited several doctors at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital here in NYC ,,. I was contemplating the V. Sleeve or the lapband but after careful research I have my heart., mind and soul on getting the sleeve.. I just started the process and for the insurance (Aetna) 3months of regular doctor / psyh/ and dietician appointments.. Any comments .., suggestions are greatly appreciated.... BTW Im attending weight loss treatment at NEW York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Univ…

Eddie here Seen surgeon before Xmas. Filling out the forms to get on the program for a rny bypass. No date set yet but hoping it will be in May or June. Keep asking myself if I need it, but every time I struggle to do things, get short of breath, struggle with socks, tire easily, then I realise I do. Just waiting for th date now. Eddie

I am so happy, I lost 21 pound in three weeks I couldn't believe it .. just wanted to share the news.. I haven't weighed myself this week and I'm a month out.. its so amazing how 21 lbs makes a huge differences on ur clothes )

Hi not sure if I should get a ivc filter? Has anyone got one?

My story is like many others here –I am older (63) and after all these years of fighting the fight I made the decision to have the sleeve surgery. The only goal I have is to be healthy –get off the six meds I was taking. I am only taking two meds now and hope to be off of one more in May. I know this was the right way to go; I did not want to stop eating the foods that I like, just wanted to eat less of them. I do not count my proteins, carbos, calories at this time – I have changed my eating habits because the “junk food” which once took over my life has no appeal to me; I crave healthy foods – low fat frozen yogurt, not ice cream – have no desire for chocolate or …

I was at the surgeons office for an entire day to prep for my surgery on april 10th. I was the only guy in the classes all day. All the followup people were women as well. Not saying it was a bad thing being the only guy , but not what I expected. It was a fun day with a couple of nurses, accountants, and a couple of teachers prepping for surgery. I would defend men in general when the male bashing started but overall it was an interesting experience. I look forward to the post op support meetings .

Had my sleeve yesterday everything went very well just so tired I had a roommate and she cried all night she was in so much pain. I on the other hand didn't have any hey Pain I just feel very very nausea and tire. Dr Almanza was great you have a great team have no regrets. just got my first ice down wasn't bad at all

I have spoken to my insurance (Anthem Blue Cross) and was told that I meet the criteria for approval for lap band and it should be no problem once my PCP starts the referral process. I've already looked into surgeons in my area and chose Dr. Coirin (Modesto, CA) and have even signed up for his seminar next week. Seminar is mandatory for a consultation to even be scheduled. Everything seems great except for the staff at my doctors office. They told me they would start to do the referral process the day after my appt. It has been over a week and as of today they have still not started. I spoke with her today and she said she was really backed up and will try to get to it so…

Hi everyone my name is Jen and I just recently started my new journey towards a new life. I met with my surgeon the end of February, so far I have already met with the nutritionist and had my psych evaluation done!!! I am extremely excited and can't wait to have the surgery!!! I am currently 27, 5'2" and weighing 255. I haven't seen onederland in over 10 years. I can't wait!!!!

Got great news ALL my ducks are now in a row and my original Band Surgery date was changed from June 6th to May 16th!!!!Excited but less time to prepare "Mentally".My husband and I are driving from Arkansas to Las Vegas Nevada for the surgery.Any suggestions on driving the 21 hrs back after being banded???All the suggestions will help since I really dont know what to expect!!

I researched the sleeve extensively before I had my surgery and also followed many of the experiences on the boards/YouTube. I was interested in how quickly the weight actually comes off and how soon changes in measurements happen after surgery. Well I now have my firsthand answer to those questions - at least for the beginning of the journey I am 5'10". My highest weight was 287 - I lost a few pounds before my preop liquid diet and then lost 11 lbs. on my one-week liquid diet. I lost 14 lbs. the first week after surgery. My total loss from my highest weight is now 32 lbs. I got curious about my measurements this morning and decided to just see how much they ha…

Have 70 long days to wait for my surgery with Dr. G. Alvarez in Mexico. I feel just like I did when I was 8 years old, and the JC Penneys Christmas catalog would come out in print. For me, that was the official launch date for the countdown to Christmas every year. (My mother's genius idea was for us to circle the toys we wanted for christmas in that catalog, and she would then tell Santa what we wanted...then she just ordered it by phone! I think she was sooo ahead of her time!). I would scour that catalog, reading every entry on every toy. Weighing the pros and cons of each toy gun, erector set, slot car set, etc. Dreaming of the fun I would have once Santa came to de…

Sooooo....I have been craving soda like you wouldn't believe. I have even been dreaming about drinking it. My surgeon had even told me not to have it. I finally caved in today and had a few sips. Well, it didn't kill me, but I am probably not going to have anymore for a very long, long while. The fizziness made air get stuck in my chest and was very uncomfortable. At least I am not craving anymore. I am 3 1/2 months post op, so it was probably too early anyway.