Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello All! My is DeMarcos and I'm 23 yes old. I'm about a month away from my scheduled surgery date. I stubbled across this forum and was blown away by the amount of info and feed back I read from the members, so I decided I wanted to part of this!! I'm starting my pre-surgery diet tomorrow, I'm quiet nervous about it, mainly because I'm not sure at what to eat. I'm so lost right now. Keeping carbs at only 2 a day is what's posing the most trouble for me. I'm trying to come up with a set menu for myself so I can hit up the grocery store all at once and be ready!! Im looking for breakfast ideas and lunch/dinner. I thought a breakfast protien smoothies would work best for …

I was supposed to begin a 2 week pre-op diet 4 days ago. Since then I have been drinking most of my requirements but I've also been sneaking very small solids (thin slice turkey breast, 1 pc baked fish, 3 bites sauted chicken). But I have lost 6 lbs since beginning the diet. I feel such guilt when I eat solids but I feel so desperate without them. It's not just a hunger, its completey unsatisfaction. The diet is making me very touchy and even weepy. I have a house full of regular eaters and smelling their catfish and shrimp frying makes my head spin. I am crying right now as I eat my little pc of fish. The unsatisfaction is driving me nuts. But the guilt is eve…

I called today and scheduled my initial visit with the surgeon. I actually work for Blue Cross Blue Shield, so I am very familiar with what needs to be done for it to be approved by insurance. I am confident in having my procedure approved, so now I am focusing on getting everything lined up! I see the doctor on April 17th. From there we will set up the psychological/diet/nutrition appointment, get the preauthorization started with insurance, then start looking for a date to schedule. I am beyond happy. A bit about me. I am 36 years old. I am 5'7" and about 300 lbs. I have battled my weight all of my life. I did low carb about 12 years ago and lost 91 lbs in 10 months. …

I'm new to this group. Like most of you I'm scared, scared of failing. But that is another issue. I have my cardio and psych visits scheduled and I'm self pay so I'm hoping to have the surgery in April or May depending on my work schedule. I have a lot of questions but my first is has anybody gone into this already a Vegan? I told my suregeon up front that I will not eat any animal based foods. Just want some thoughts and personal stories. Thanks for sharing. Buffalo Gyrl

Finding myself becoming more and more depressed I haven't lost any weight since my doctors appointment on the 14th. I am trying to do my best with the diet. I know I'm nt taking in the proper water but I'm getting better. So far the only thing that makes me sick is whey protien shakes. Go figure the one thing I need my pouch don't like, and. I broke down and ate a oatmeal raisin cookie and nothing happen. I don't know I just feel like I'm not going to succeed with anything. In guess I just need a pick me up or something to keep me on track. I live in the middle of no where and have really nothing to do woe is me:(

9days!!!!

Thanks for letting me join your group. I live in Kissimmee Florida I had my lap band surgery Nov. 13 2009. I have lost 99 pounds. I am real happy with my results. I can do things I did not think would be possible again. I am 66 years old but feel much younger now. My doctor is Dr. Ernest Rehnke in St. Petersbug Fla. I think the world of him Great doctor.

I am going on vacation to my island on sunday and my question is how can i tell my family and friends that if its ok if i serve myself with out being rude.. Because not many people know about my banding.. any advice

Hello everyone, I finally started my pre-op liquid diet today 03/18/2012, using Bariatric Advantage (strawberry & chocolate flavor) and it's not bad as I thought I mean I know is to early to say so but today has been a great day. I'm watching my family members cooking and eating yummy foods in my face but I keep saying to myself "It's all mental, it's mental" lol...I let myself be around them while they eat and cook b/c (it might sound stupid) but I want to also prepare my brain that enough is enough and that I'm ready to commit to live a healthy life. Anyways! Started the pre-op liquid diet at 260lbs hopefully I'll lose 20-30 doing this pre-op, if not then I'll…

Hello I'm new here. I'm on my 6 month of the diet supervision and I go talk to the nutriticuist today at 3:30 and then to the psychological service on the 26th. Can anyone give me some helpful news about bcbs of al. I have high blood pressure and a mid sleep- disorder

Hi, my name is Danielle and I'm a newbie! As of right now it looks like i'll be having my sleeve procedure early to mid July ... if they can get me in mid-May i'm all for it but am content with waiting until July, just happy for the opportunity to take this journey! I've been working with the Bariatric Center since November and feel like i'm definitely on the right track and that this is the right path for me! I've already lost 24lbs and am excited to keep going til i get to the healthy new me. I've been pretty motivated from the beginning but now that i'm seeing the physical results it makes me want to work even harder to reach my goal!

I have made up my mind and am ready to ge the lap band done! I am only 29 and I feel like I have no energy to do a damn thing! I have 5 kids and really excited to get some of this weight off me to be able to run around with them outside! I was wondering if someone can tell me what to expect at the seminar?

Back in 2009 my medical Dr, told me while i weighed 350lbs. that i need to do something about my weight before i hit 50 yrs old, which at the time i was 46 yrs old and on BP Meds. So i was like yeah,yeah ,yeah. On July 3, 2010 i participated in a health research and was weighing 395lbs. Then moving forward to the early 2011 weighing 410lbs. and now had a new female Dr. for a while now. She had me do blood work-up which showed elevated cholesterol and sugar level rising. So my Dr. starts to mention about bariatric surgery to lose weight. So now I'm looking at my Dr. who looked like she weighed 350lbs herself(keep reading it get interesting). So I'm not convinced by what sh…

Hi! I am from Southeast Missouri and I am looking to get my lap band placement either last week of April or first week of May. Trying to find a support group or a lap band "buddy" in my area.

Last month I was diagnosed with PCOS at 32 years old, which I had already known but the doctors would not listen to me. I have been overweight since I hit puberty. I played sports all year along and have always been very active. But have been over 200 lbs since I was about 13. I even played soccer and tennis in college. The last couple of years my weight has gone up and down but never below 200. My highest was 246. Last year while living in Thailand I left my husband and changed my life around. I started working out and running in races. Even with all that I was doing I could only lose about 15 pounds. Very frustrating when your are doing do much. So this school year I …

Went for my consult and to confirm April 1st as my date. Getting really nervous. I am a bit worried because everyone I have read about says they had a leak test, and when I asked about it, she told me they don't do one. She said if there were to be a leak, the first two days would be too early for it. She said it was important to monitor for symptoms and follow up immediately if there are any. Has anyone ever hear of not having a leak test?

I get my sleevie tomorrow morning!!! I have to arrive at 5:30 am tomorrow. First one out of the shoot. Thank you all for the knowledge and friendship I have gained in the past few months. I look forward to starting my new chapter tomorrow. I started pursuing the sleeve back in August 2011. Can't believe my sleeve day is also here!!!!

Hello everyone my name is Dina. I am a newbie. I have been reading all of your post for about a month now, trying to get an idea of what I am about to go through. My journey began March 6th. I went to an info session. I gave them my insurance information and the next day they called me to tell me that I an covered for the surgery. I have my first appointment with my surgeon and the nutritionist on the 30th. I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I'm not sure if I will have to go through the 6 months of supervised diet. She didn't say anything about it and I was so excited I forgot to ask. So can anyone tell me what the process is and how long it takes? …

Hi All, No, I'm not dead. Yes, my ticker is accurate. Here's the skinny: 1) I am a slow loser at approximately 1-2 pounds a week, stalling every 3rd or 4th week for 1-2 weeks per stall. But that's okay, because 2) The scale and the inches are still going down! I started in a size 32 and am now in an 18/20. I started in a 50G bra size and am now a 42F (the girls will always be big, no matter how saggy they get, lol.) 3) I am 5 pounds over my halfway-point in my weight loss! I am eating well, living well, being healthy and happy and knowing that life will continue that way for the forseeable future. I am pain free in the lower-back, knees and ankles for the first ti…

Had my VGS done 3/14/2012 been on the liquid diet ever since hoping by Friday on my follow up I am able to go to puree but, sticking to the diet has became easier with each day I feel stronger. Hoping to be released back to work next week. Fifteen pounds down after 6days!!! 209 to 195!

Well got my scope done today everything is a go for tomm 3/21/12 lost 10 pounds pre op and am the first surgery in the morning at 9 est so wish me luck everyone.

I actually began the process for lapband surgery in January of 2011. After attending the seminar, my husband and myself both decided that this was the best choice for both of us. My insurance pays 100% if all of the requirements are met. So the 6 month physician monitored diet began along with all of the usual items such as 3 years of documented weight loss, a physical therapy appointment, and a nutritionist appointment. In July, my insurance denied my surgery due to in 2009, my BMI was at 39 rather than 40. ( I have no comorbidities that my insurance will accept). So I began my appeal process. In the meantime, I started again with a 6 month diet again. During this time m…

I will begin my journey tomorrow. Am excited, nervous and hopeful. My doctor didn't put me on a pre-surgery diet so I've had the "last supper" thing going for a month. I'm nervous about being able to stop. I will keep you all updated and look forward to getting to know you! Pre-surgery weight=250 pounds.

Was banded at 1200 central time today in austin Texas. Anyone from the area? I have to say that tue staff at SAH rocked, the experience was great considering. Starting wt 297 down 11 just from the pre diet.

I've been lurking on this very motivational and informational forum since I've started this process in September. Tomorrow is my final pre-op appointment before my surgery on March 26th. I'll get the final paperwork started, 3D white light scanning and getting started on my pre-surgery liquid diet. I'm 6' 2". My heaviest ever was 388. I started weight management at 374. After months of diet-slipping, I've still lost twelve pounds (362). So, I assume my surgery weight will be around 357. I don't really have a number goal, but I eventually want to fit comfortably into a Medium tee and wear a 34 or 36 jeans. I'm pretty nervous about the procedure. I've never done anythi…

Hello everyone I am 4 weeks post op and today i noticed that the scab on my port incision fell of but it was bleeding a little bit and inside is red i have put some saline water on the incision to clean it but i am just worried any advice

Hi all, did anyone have serious nerves berfore the surgery?

Hey everyone. First time on a forum like this. I think it is obvious why I am here. I have wanted to lose weight for such a long long time and never was able to reach my goal. I am thinking about lap band but i am always affraid of surgery and i have that type of personality where i am just get scared of big things like these. But I want to get the best feedback from those of you who have done the surgery. I will look at all the other posts too. Any information is helpful. Thanks.

Hello everyone yesterday I went for my EGD and the doctor said I have a Hiatal Hernia and he will fix it durning my sleeve surgery on 3/27/12! Has anyone else had this problem does it make the recovery time worst?

Been pursuing the idea for quite some time. Originally discussed the band, but my surgeon persuaded me to go with the sleeve. I'm certain it's a better choice, especially after reading the statistics and failure rates of the band. I'm not really telling people about the surgery (those that I had to tell *something* to get the hernia repair line). I made this decision to keep it quiet for many reasons; I really don't want to have to hear about everybody's third cousin's neighbor who gained it all back/went insane/died from weight loss surgery. I don't want the people around me to feel like they have to modify their behavior in my presence... I don't want anyone feeling g…

Just something I want to share! I was explaining gastric bypass to my neighbour, I told her I would start off with a pouch the size of an egg but it would enlagre after a year to "about a cup" size. My friend standing nearby asked me why I said my tummy would become a "buttercup" "about a cup" = "buttercup" I had a really good laugh - on the day of my surgery I will be getting a little BUTTERCUP!!!!!!!!!

Hello everyone. I just came across this site and it is so informative. Thank you all for the info. I'm scheduled to have my bypass surgery on April 23, 2012. I'm excited and scared at the same time. My surgeon and therapist says that's normal. I have thought about this for 2 years. I finally decided it was time. My health issues really persuaded me to go through with it. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and asthma. My current weight is 297 pounds. Thanks again and I will keep updating.

I'm so excited/nervous/scared!! I'm headed out Thursday morning to fly to San Diego. From there, I go straight to INT Hospital for surgery later that same day. I'm seeing Dr. Rodriguez through Belite. I am 33, starting weight 267, though down to 258 on pre op diet..... Goal is 150. I'll update when I have more to tell! I'm hoping my experience in Tjuanna is as good as the many I have read. I'm traveling alone, so the most disturbing thing about all of this is dealing with the airport. I hate crowds and flying...

So I had posted at 5 days out an 11 Pound loss well I am now days out and I just felt lighter this morning and low and behold I get on the scale and I am down 15.3 pounds!! I have never felt more motivated to do anything in my life. The journey will be tough but well worth the effort! Happy Tuesday loves!!

Hi all, I am new to the world of lap band and am looking for some support. I've been lurking here for about a year and have learned so much about the band from reading your experiences. I am 22, from MN. I started this process 6 months ago... My insurance required a 6 month medically supervised diet. Ive lost 30 lbs since then and I have my final nutritionist appointment on the 27th. I am so ready to submit, meet with my surgeon and get my surgery date. It's been a long road but now that it's becoming *real* I am a complete nervous wreck (excited too).

To anyone out there who reads this. I just had sleeve surgery on friday so i believe today is my 4th day post op. I'm on a clear liquid diet so far which i'm doing well with so far but everytime i swallow i feel a weird sensation in my chest. Has anyone else experienced this? And also theres one stitch thats sore so i can only sleep on my back. It would be great if someone could send me some positive notes on how they felt after surgery and how long recovery took.

I schedule my surg tomorrow, but I wanted to know if anyone has experience "hair Loss"? I have short hair and not much to spare.

So it was last Monday I was sleeved and I get to start my protien shakes today. I have lost 14 lbs as of this morning woohoo.I am so excited to be starting my full liquids as I have been so hungry since Sunday and got tired really easy. So it will be nice to feel satisfied for a little while. Things are going very well, I am healing nicely. I havent had any pain. My worst pain was the day after surgery, the gas in my shoulder was like someone wacking me with a bat but I walked lots at the hospital and that went away fast. I so enjoy reading everyones posts aand just wanted to say thanks you all are an inspiration and have helped in more ways that you could imagine.…

Hello I'm so excited' I just had my Lap Band surgery March 5, so it's been a lil.over a week. I had my First post op. Appointment tuesday the doctor said I lost 14lb Being on a clear liquid diet I have a question. I know I can't eat and drink but my question is....is this for ever?? Or inly during healing after surgery?

Hi, I got banded last week Wednesday and am currently on liquids. I will see my surgeon, Dr, Ramiro Cavazos from San Antonio on Thursday. Has anyone replaced two meals with protein shakes and is that even a good idea? Please help.

Has anyone had this procedure? I'm looking into this and was hoping to get some advice. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I'm Sarah, and I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! I set my tentative surgery date in a couple days, and I'm starting to feel really nervous. I've been on the road to this surgery, doing all the appointments and such, for 6 months. I can't believe it's finally almost here. I've lost about 25 lbs on my own over the last few months, and I'm anxious to have help from the band. I'm a professional at losing weight, it's the keeping it off that I struggle with. I went through a serious period of clinical depression over the last two years, but I'm feeling much better now after making some big life changes. I'm still really mad about gaining weight back dur…

Just wanted to say hello to all. I am new to this. I just had my verticle sleeve surgery on Friday, March 16, 2012 performed by Dr. Strom at Bayshore Hospital in NJ. I am 3 day out and still very sore. I think I made the right choice in getting this surgery. I have struggled with my weight for all my life and decided it was time to take charge of it. Not everyone agreed with my decision, but I told them all, that it's easy for them to say things and pass judgement, when you haven't been where I am, and that it's my life, and I have to live it by what's best for me. So I just wanted to say hello to everyone, and thank everyone for sharing their stories. It really does help…

Hello everyone my name is Dina. I am a newbie. I have been reading all of your post for about a month now, trying to get an idea of what I am about to go through. My journey began March 6th. I went to an info session. I have them my insurance information and the next day they called me to tell me that I an covered for the surgery. I have my first appointment with my surgeon and the nutritionist on the 30th. I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I'm not sure if I will have to go through the 6 months of supervised diet. She didn't say anything about it and I was so excited I forgot to ask. So can anyone tell me what the process is and how long it takes…

About how long does it take the insurance company to approve the lapband surgery? I live in Illinois & have Health Alliance. Its been 3 weeks of waiting already. Once I get the approval I'll be on my way on my new lifestyle journey. Sent from my SCH-I400 using LapBandTalk

Tunnel Vision. Defined as: “the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view”. A lot of people view tunnel vision as a bad thing. And in some instances, it can be. But in the instance of my health and physical fitness? It’s an amazinggggg thing! I sorta-kinda had counted myself out of the 5k I had planned to do next month due to some health set-backs and overall apathy while dealing with some of life’s other BS. But I’m glad to say my "tunnel vision" goggles have returned (as it pertains to getting in better shape) See this pic? That's me. RUNNING (jog/trot is more accurate) across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (MD to VA). The …

Hello all- So glad I found this website--it's always less daunting to know you're 'not the only one' out there and can discuss what's going through your mind (which works overtime with big decisions like this) I meet my surgeon tomorrow morning with hubby and my sister to set a date. April 3 is being strongly considered, at my request and the surgeon's office OK, as my Easter week off will minimize the need for lots of sick time. My background is that I've always been the 'big one'. The youngest, yet largest sibling. The big, funny friend. The mom who can't jump into the mix for anything too physically demanding. The overweight bride. The airplane passenger th…

Hey Guys! I'm from Brooklyn & Long Island and I'm looking for a band buddy close to me. To workout & just be my confidant throughout our journey... Im 22 and i am DYING to find someone else as young as me ... I was recently banded on 12/22. I had my first appointment today and I lost 6 lbs already (woot woot!)... Anyways just hit me up and lemme kno!!!! Hopefully someone replies lol

Hello, I have been reaserching and yo-yo dieting for about two years now; and I have finally decided to get the surgery. My date is set for April 10, 2012 but I am so nervous about the sugery part, besides being obese I have no other medical problems. I have never had surgery ever, never even been hospitalized. I was just wondering if there was any advice of what to expect as far as the healing and pain. My doc said he wants me to stay overnight just because I am an out of town patient. Please tell me how your hospital visit was and the pain after.

First and foremost, I would like to apologize to the everyone who was worried about me and thought something bad happened to me around my previous surgery date. I was going through a whole lot of chaos mentally, emotionally and physically with very little support, so i felt it would be best for me to postpone my surgery for a later date or until everything got better. I know I haven't posted on here since October, maybe September, I don't recall but I'm here to let you know that I'm officially back on the bandwagon. This time im eady to lay all my cards on the table and finish what I previous started last year. I recently received a new surgery date, April 26th, and …