Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Background: I'm in my 50's, sleeved tail end of April 2011. I love this way of life. I read threads about "what did you name your sleeve" and I think "stomach". Because (and I'm not knocking those kinds of thread, just explaining) to me this is how I should have been all along. All this surgery did was give me the small stomach I should have been born with. I can eat almost anything I want. This surgery gave ME control. Now, on to the subject of this post... About 4 months ago the menopause misery sent me to the world of hormone replacement therapy. I'd tried everything holistic and OTC I could find with no relief. Within days on prim-pro I had relief from waki…

I am thinking about getting the lap band, but the doctor that I went to go see discourages me from getting it and wants me to get the Vertical sleeve. Says the lap band is not good for people to get. I want to know has any of the doctors that you are seeing tell you or have told you the same thing? And, if anyone knows how long does the lap band have to stay in? If you lose all your weight in a 1 1/2 years can if be removed? I would really appreciate if anyone can let me know. Beth

Since I can remember, I have always been heavier than most kids. I was not yet the fattest kid, but was sure quiet when they made fun of fat kids so I guess no one would include me in the teasing. I have two siblings and growing up we ate the same food, but I gained the weight and they never struggled with it. As an adult, I lost weight a few times, but it was extreme diet and exercise that made any of my fat budge. We are talking following the "Diet Center" weight loss program along with running everyday with plastic wrap around my body to loose weight faster. Crazy. I did hit my goal, but once I was injured from all that running, and could not run anymore like a m…

I am So Happy!!!!! I just received a call from my Nurse Case Manager with my approval!!!! Somebody Pinch me!

I am disapointed in myself, I was banded in Dec 2010 and have lost 12kgs in the first 3months and no more since as I havnt been using this wonderful tool to its full affect. I struggle with not eating 'sugar' & crap foods- And when I dont I get Migranes. I still eat too much naughty foods. Also, Every night once gone to bed I wke up early hours of the morning non stop coughing, which ends in vomiting and usually still more coughing afterwards. I havnt put on any weight- but I havnt lost any more either. Can anyone tell me how they overcame thier bad eating 'sugar' habits. I feel like I have no willpower.

I have just recently decided to finally talk with my doctor and get on with the process of seeing if my last option is in fact an option for me. After trying so many different ways to lose weight and failing every time. I'm a newly wed and even tho he makes me the happiest woman alive i still find one subject impossinle to talk about..my weight!! Does anyone have any advise on how to talk to him about this comfortably and without feeling weird!? I know I need to talk to him about it before making my final decision.

My surgery is Jan 20th... I haven't seen anybody I will be sharing that surgery date with. Anyway, I am freakin out... Can everyone state their positive experiences. I see negative comments (maybe I am just focusing on them) and I am kinda scared with my surgery fast approaching. Thank you

Last Thursday, I had my last appt for my medically supervised Weight loss requirement. 6 months worth. I lost a total of 27 lbs. The Insurance Coordinator sent it all into BCBS Texas. Now, I'm waiting. Logically I can't see how they would deny me, except for the fact that for 2 of 5 years of weight history I didn't have a weight recorded. One of the years I was pregnant and they won't use that year. Then in 2010, I didn't go to the Doctor. I was embarrassed that I weighed over 300 lbs and didn't want to get a lecture and I wasn't sick. They can plainly see what my weight was in 2009 and what it was in 2011. It's not like I lost and gained all of it in that y…

I am in Canada and have gone thru this process twice because I was not ready the first time. I was on the waiting list to see the doctor and started seeing dr.gregg in jan 2011 but then for some reason I got an overwhelming feeling that I was going to die. I just knew if I went thru with it that would be the end for me. Sooooo I hired a personal trainer, worked with a nutritionist, worked my butt off for months, started running, tried body by vi and here I am a year later back on the waiting list. I would have my sleeve by now if I stuck to it. But I'm glad I gave it my alll one more time so that I could really say I tried! I have learned valuable information over the …

After many years of failed dieting and dashed hopes I put my tummy in the hands of Dr. Kelly in Tijuana, Mexico on January 3, 2012. Everything was as described by my coordinator. I was picked up at the airport by Hector (who was kind enought to wait over 2 hours since my plane was diverted to L.A. due to fog). He and his son were so courteous and made me feel at ease. We crossed the border and I arrived at my hotel at 130am that morning. I was picked up at 7am and taken to the hospital. What a CLEAN facility. That was huge to me. X-rays were done, blood tests, an EKG, blood pressure, temperature taken, and I met with a cardiologist. Soon after I met Dr Kelly and after a w…

Hi Everyone, I went in for my annual physical on Jan 4ht- my blood work was excellent. She asked me if I had any problems. I said only one. When I take my medication at night before I go to bed, sometimes it feels like it is stuck. I never have this issues in the morning. It may have something to do with laying down right after I take the meds too. So she refereed me to another specialist. I saw them today and tomorrow I am going to have a Endoscopy (EGD). They do not think it is anything serious, but just want to make sure everything is just fine. So off I go tomorrow to have this done. They said they will put a small camera down my throat and check everythi…

I AM GOING TO MEXICO BABY!!! My date is set FEB. 4th Whooooohooooo :Banane57: :Banane55: :Banane55: :Banane55: :wub: :Banane55: :Banane55: :Banane55: :Banane55: :Banane57:

Well I guess there will be no chocolate for me this Valentine's Day and I am completely fine with that. :smile1: I will be going in for my VSG that day. My fiance just had his done on January 3rd and he is doing very well with his adjustments. I will admit I am a little afraid with some of the recovery issues I see with him but I think overall this is the best decision for me. I have been on a roller coaster ride with my weight-- gaining and losing 100, 50, 80, 35 pounds back and forth. This definitely cannot be good for my body, not to mention the heredity of heart disease, hbp, diabetes etc. etc. I guess I just have to keep convincing myself that I am doing the right …

Hello all!! I am new here! I have recently set my LapBand surgery date. The date is 2/24/12 and I'm super excited and nervous!! I look forward to chatting with you all. I have a lot of questions and concerns to get informed about!!!

Hi there, I just talked to my doctors office and my date has been set -- jan 25th! O I'm terrified!!! I could barely breathe or slow my heart at my physical last week...i hadnt had one in 12 years and doctors offices make me panic....how am I going to get through this?? Im a single mom of a 2 year old with no support through this journey. My son will be staying with his dad for 2 days post op and Ill only be taking 4 days off from work, where im on probation and cant be late or leave early in the weeks following surgery or ill be terminated. Im feeling overwhelmed. I hope im making the right choice. Ive read through all the surgery day stories but would love to hea…

Hey everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions. I'm 36 years old and a lifelong dieter - I've tried everything atkins, weight watchers (6x +), nutrisystem, etc....have always lost but also have always regained my weight back. About 5 years ago I considered WLS and then chickened out and vouched to do it myself and I did lose 50 lbs only to regain it again. I KNOW for certain I need this tool to finally get down to a "normal" weight. I have a lower back injury and severe sciatica that is only aggravated with my excess weight and most recently I have some nasty acid reflux when I lay down at night. I've been reading stories on this site for so…

I have started the process and am excited to start this journey and get my life back. I am done with the dietician, psyc evaluation, met with the doctor and am waiting for the 6 months of doc supervised visits to pass and hopefully insurance will approve and I can be on my way. So glad I found the site...so much information from others in the same situation and hoping I can learn much more before I am banded. I am ready for this and am hoping I dont let myself down when the time comes. Cant wait to get to know some of you and looking forward to listening and finding out all the great advice anyone has to offer

Hey everyone! My name is Andrea, I live in Connecticut and had the lap-band in January 2007. I was doing great up until 6 months after surgery (I know, I'm an idiot) and everything went downhill. I know I have a ton of excuses but that's what they are-excuses. Anyway, after a gall bladder removal in September of 2011 my surgeon (who is in the same group that did my lap-band surgery) wanted me back in her office January of this year to start up on fills again and wants me there every month (thank god for good health insurance $30 a visit is nothing to complain about!) Anyway I went in on Monday for the fill and when she pulled out what was in the band already was a …

I just met the surgeon yesterday and I am scheduled to have my lap band surgery on January 26th!!! I am so excited, I cant wait. I keep thinking of all the things I need to do to prepare for after the surgery. I am happy that I dont have to do a liquid diet prior to surgery. Right now I am making a list of things I want to eat before I cant anymore, sushi and steak & lobster are on the top of the list. Can anyone recommend a good pre-mixed canned Protein shake?

yesterday i was so ill from the morphine but also it felt like someone just reached into my chest and was squeezing my stomach with all their might. still having trouble breathing this morning and i am just worried cuz i found a lot of newly banded patients saying is been a cake walk, no pain or what have you. also the pain meds just make me sleepy, the pain is still waking me up constantly. i think i have a high tolerance for pain, i usually fall asleep for tattoos and piercing dn't really bother me and i have a lot of both. this is almost as painful as labor helpppp!!!!!!!!!

I had surgery in August 2011 and have lost over 60 pounds to date and have never had a fill. I know this is really weird. I had a hiatal hernia repaired which I heard was very bad I was even shown a photo but it just looked like some kind of egg bash in a skillet - whatever. So, I live with what feels like a too tight lapband. This is horrible at times when I try and eat foods too dense/solid to go down no matter the chewing, and I have to run into a bathroom and purge quickly. I try to keep these episodes down to a minimum and stay in my safe little world of oatmeal, yogurt, more yogurt (did I mention greek, frozen, any kind of yogurt?) my favorite grilled eggplant a…

*I'm posting here for most visibility. I really would like some feedback on this topic* “Mirror, Mirror on the wall who is the skin-ti-est of them all…? *tongue-in-cheek* First, I want to say Thank You for the overwhelming response to the Transformation slide show. That, in part, is what prompted this blog today. I’m really trying to reconcile in my mind what is see in the MIRROR versus what I see in PICTURES. Like, seriously. These shots that are peppering this post? The ones of my taking a picture of myself IN the mirror? Yeah – it’s like, when I’m looking IN the mirror, I’m not viewing/processing it as I do when I look at the picture. I wouldn’t go as fa…

My name is Pattie, I was banded Jan 19, 2011 I'm coming up on my first year baniversary, Dr. Valentine was my surgeon. I started out @ 278 and as of today I am @ 240...I don't feel like I'm losing all that much or that fast...I got sick two mos ago from the band being too tight, so Annie, Dr. Valentines assistant took 1 cc out and I felt instant relief...then in Dec, I went back in and she gave me a half cc and so far I seem to be doing ok, There have been a couple of times tho after drinking water it came back up...so now I don't take big gulps. I still get hungry especially at night a couple of hours after I have eaten dinner...I don't eat big portions any more beca…

Hello! My name is Gerry Juarez. I am 30 years old and just got approved for Lap Band Surgery at the end of this month. My wife and I started this journey about six months ago through True Results here in Austin. She just got her band about 10 days ago and is doing well getting adjusted to life with the band. I am very excited to have this procedure, I feel like I can get a life back that I lost several years ago. I wasn't always obese, I served for four years in the Marine Corps from 2001-2005. Then I came home and took a desk job, and it seems every year since then I've just grown more and more sedentary. Now that I'm 30, with an amazing wife and two great sons, I f…

I am still in the waiting process for my insurance and hope to have the surgery late April 2012. I wanted to ask what your typical diet is after surgery. I know we have to go through the liquid diet but I meant after that... do they give you suggested meal plans or tell you what to avoid? I know everyone reacts differently but are there things that you know you will never be able to eat again? I am fully aware I will be giving up a lot of foods not just because I can't eat them but rather because I shouldn't eat them... I shouldn't have eaten them to begin with or I wouldn't be in this situation. Do you eat often but just tiny portions? I've read that some people…

Hi, I haven't posted in a while. Back when I did post I was planning to have the surgery soon after but then I just postponed it for the Spring being that I thought we'd have a harsh winter and I didn't feel like schleping to NYU Hospital from Queens for all the Dr.'s appointments. Plus with the holidays approaching I figured it would be too difficult to start the process during that time. I turned 38 last month, and I am about 5'1 and over 215 pounds. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I am taking meds for my pressure and my doctor also recommended a baby aspirin a day. I was given the sleep apnea machine but stopped using it because I feel l…

I must confess that I decided to go off the map from here for a couple of reasons, and didn't give any notice. Mainly, I was getting burned out. Plus, with Tatum's arrival, life has been hectic, and I haven't been up to my normal self. I definitely didn't feel like giving back much to anyone, and admittedly, I was just tired. I felt it better for me to leave & take a break than bring negativity to the forum. All is well, and I promise I will reply to all the messages and comments that have been in my inbox. Tatum is growing and thriving. She's 7 weeks old, I'm doing great and enjoying her completely. I'll share more on the pregnancy after VSG forum later. W…

I'm sleeved! my surgery was around 10:30am PST. I'm slow out of anesthesia and waking up is never fun. It wan't painful, I just felt uncomfortable with the oxygen mask. I arrived in my room a little before 2pm and my friend came to the room then. My first nurse was sleeved 8 months ago so we chatted some but I was very tired and starting to fall asleep on them so they let me sleep. I felt really good when I woke up and they tried to get me up. Nausea hit me really hard so I didn't walk then but I did jet up later and walked down the hall. Dinner was chicken broth, watered down apple juice, jello and a Popsicle. Broth worked, apple juice was ok not great and jello &…

Hello everyone! I’m a 38 year old single mother of one who lives about 45 minutes northwest of Chicago, IL. I joined this site in hopes of educating myself more about the sleeve surgery before, during, and after as well as having a place to go for support. I have spent several weeks reading through all of the postings and I am happy that I found this site since I feel more educated about the process than before. A decade ago I went to a seminar on weight loss surgery but decided not to go through with it for many reasons. I ended up losing a bunch of weight on my own, but like everyone else here, I gained it back of course. I started to research WLS again almost two yea…

I haven't posted in a while but thought I would since I'm getting my first fill tomorrow. I'm so glad too because I can't stop eating! I was banded on 12/12/11 and I did really well until it came time to eat soft foods. Of course that came right after Christmas and everyone was bringing all their left over goodies. I told myself along with the evil goodie doo-ers that I didnt care and that I didnt want them. Well that was a lie! Whenever someone would walk away, I would go over and grab something. What the heck? I felt like a drug addict! I was hiding the fact that I was eating this stuff! Wow, I tried to blame it on my "time of the month" Then the guilt would come…

Hi my name is Victoria and I just recieved my lapband on the 5th. I am very excited. I am down 6-8 pounds already. I haven't been the best at following the all liquid diet, but I am extremely careful when I do eat something not yet approved. My only problem is the severe pain in my left shoulder. It feels like a pinched nerve which I do have in that shoulder. Hopefully it will get better soon. The Tylenol with codiene I was prescribed doesn't touch the pain but its all worth it. I cab't wait for when I am below 200 lbs.

Hey everyone! My name's Alison, I'm 21 and I was banded on December 29th, 2011! I started the whole process by going to the info session at the end of august, got my paperwork turned in end of September, had my first round of appts middle of Oct, second round two weeks later, finished my 5 phone calls with HP December 5th, consult with the surgeon on Dec. 14 and the rest is history! (Sorry for the run on sentence, I'm typing this on my phone) I'm 11days past surgery and have lost 21lbs so far! I'm so ready for the rest of this adventure I've started and am looking forward to sharing in it with all of you!

I started my journey in mid June, got approved & surgery on September 8th. Feeling fantastic! I'm now down 76.5 lbs:) wishing everyone who decides to go on this journey the very best!

When will i start to feel myself again. I still dont feel like the person i was before the surgery

So my surgery will be tomorrow early in the morning and I am just so nervous and excited! I am very sedentary, but today I can't seem to sit still for more than a few minutes, my dad told me I was making him dizzy. I have packed and repacked my bag half a dozen times, I have changed my purse a few times, I don't know what else to do. Maybe I should go to sleep, but I don't know if I will be able to sleep, I have to wake up at 3am to get ready. This surgery is so close I can smell it! Thank you Jesus for making this possible =)

Well I've been banded for almost 2 years now. Sounds really weird and sad to say that. I'd lost almost 90lbs by the end of my first year and i've gained 40 of it back. My mother passed away at the begining of last year, and not to lay blame or make excuses but I wasn't really paying attention to my self as much because of that. After she passed there was a lot going on, moving, planning the services, I only have one brother here in Mn (Whom I moved in with after this happened). So a lot of all the after fell on me, then I lost my job midway through the year and finishing school (Graduated in December 2011) I just didn't have the needed focus. I was clogging a lot and ha…

Hello everyone! So I've been away awhile as I was on vacation in the Dominican Republic...woo hoo! But I'm back and starting my two week liquid diet. I'm drinking the Met-Rx in Original vanilla. And to be honest, I'm having a little trouble getting it down. It's just very thick and I'm trying not to psych myself out. I mixed it with Water and used my Blender Bottle. The upside is that I'm not the least bit hungry. And I feel really good. I'm starting to write everything down because I want to get in the habit of keeping track of things. I'm going to do 20 minutes on the elliptical. I heard that exercising beforehand helps with the healing process. Tomorrow, I have an …

I am so excited, I was scheduled for 1/17 but my surgeon had to change the date and he moved it up to 1/10/12. Wow it is time now. I am doing and feeling great so I am ready ( I think) I am so happy it is almost here. I have one question. My sister is taking me for my surgery. Can someone tell me how long the surgery takes? It is something I forgot to ask my surgeon. Patti

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself, and also tell everyone that Im getting banded tomorrow morning. I have struggled with my weight all my life, and Im very excited about the band. Even tho Im slightly nervous about the surgery, I know its going to be a good thing for me. I look forward to reading all your posts, and your inspirations. Thanks for reading! Perthbandit :-)

Hi, I'm Tiana I aaam 18 years old, and I'm about 3 weeks away from my lap band surgery date. I am 325, my BMI is 52 ( shocking I know!). My overall goal weight is 150. And I think it's very doable for me. I decided to have the lap band on my 18th birthday. When I decided I needed to do something about my weight was when I was unable to fit on a ride at Hersey Park, then found myself google fat friendly amusement parks. I then realized it wasn't the parks that needed to change, it was myself. I love amusement parks. I start my two week diet on Friday, yippy, I think that's all. K, bai!

Hi, my name is Debbie, I live in Sask, Canada. Had my surgery Oct 27/11 in Tijuana , Mexico. So far I'm down 41 lbs and no complications. Reach your weight loss goal fast at the Weight Loss Center

I am nervous and hope that when I wake up from the deep sleep I am not in panic wondering what I have done to myself. I have read that it can happen and I hope by knowing this I am somewhat prepared. One thing that makes me nervous is the anathetic and knowing that I may not be able to be fit with a eng tub due to my TMJ and and a small mouth. I am sure I am not the first person to have this. Wish me luck and I will see you all on the other side.

soon, veges - umm umm - haven't talked to NUT yet for info how do veges work - how many or how much do you get? ex. in soups, is it the 4 oz per meal only? in a stew? or anything? thanx kathy

Hey everyone, I just joined this site, though I've been lurking for awhile. I am 28yo, and I have been struggling with my weight since I was seven. I wasn't actually overweight, though, until I was nine, but I don't remember a time when it wasn't a concern. I don't have a surgery date yet, but I am going to have the sleeve surgery with Dr. Jayaseelan in Dallas, TX. All I am waiting for is my insurance to approve the surgery, and to figure out what to do about my sleep apnea. It has been a really rough week- I didn't even know that I had apnea until Monday! My first test was last Saturday, and the sleep center called Monday and said that I had stopped breathing 79 times, …

Challenge Info: Start Date: January 8th, 2012 End Date: February 14th, 2012 Open to? Anyone who wants to join Is there a signup cut off date? nope How does it work: Each person sets their own goal for wtloss during the challenge. Where's the tracking sheet? https://docs.google....UFRfNVpnV1pyWFE

I was banded October 5, 2010 have lost 72 lbs and gained 6 lbs over the holidays. I have not had any problems since my surgery other then gaining 6 lbs which is not good. I have not had any fluids put in since my surgery so now I think it is time. I will be seeing my surgeon at the end of January 2012 for a fill before everything get out of control.

My name is Erin, I'm 44 yrs old and I've been over weight since after I gave birth to my daughter 23 yrs ago. Has the years went on I got heavier and heavier. I've tried Weight Watchers, Atkins and many other diets and all failed. food is my drug. When I'm sad I eat, depressed I eat, stressed I eat and eat when I'm bored. I went a couple of years ago to Dr. Brathwaite to discus lap band surgery. When he told me I needed to be six weeks nicotine free and would have to be on a liquid diet two weeks before surgery I was like "oh hell no" Well, I quit smoking three months ago at the same time I lost my job. I went back and forth debating if I should get the surgery while I …

I had my surgery on the 22nd of December. I have been really sore on my right side and was able to feel my port for the first time last night. My other incisions seem to be getting much better and aren't nearly as sore. How long should the area where my port is be sore? Thanks for your input

I have to say I am surprised by my reaction to getting the call today with my approval and surgery date. The tears just started flowing after getting off the phone. I didn't realize I was so on edge about it. I am so happy and can hardly wait, would have liked an earlier date but my surgeon is going to be gone for the last two weeks of the month. So Feb 13th is my day! I hope the next five weeks just whiz by! Anybody else out there with Feb dates? Time to look into starting a new group...Fab Febs?

Has anyone been approved by their insurance even if they were not at the 35 BMI the insurance requires if their Primary Doc goes to bat for you??? I know many people out there think that being a BMI of 32 I should just lose the weight myself. I have many times and it always comes back. I can lose 30 lbs in three months on my own, I have done it befores however it is so difficult to keep it off.