Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Wow what a long journey to get here..Tomorrow is the big day! then the journey continues.... A little nervous.. but excited... wish me luck .. keep me in your prayers... Happy New Year to all

Hi- Saw this article talking about a Swedish study of WLS patients and their decreased risk of heart attacks. It does not include VSG, but there is a good message about WLS being linked to a longer, healthier life. It was also interesting that they said the health affect were not necessarily linked to the amount of weight lost. Good results in health were found even when the weight loss was not as high. Of course, they lump all the procedures into "gastric bypass" in the article title. There is also a dismal weight loss average without saying which procedure yeilded best results, how many were revised, etc. Most of them were banded. Interesting. http://news.y…

So Im 30lbs away from goal and Im very happy that the scale is cooperating. But Im already thinking about setting a new one. I was hoping I would look a lot leaner at 200lb for a guy but I still look like a slimmer version of the old me. I was talking to some hardcore guys at the gym who said I would be able to see recognizable changes at 180-175 so im thinking of setting that as new goal, but I want to celebrate reaching my original goal first so focused on that last 30 for this New Year. I should be one hot cookie by summer

Hello everyone, I am a newly banded patient as of 12/31/2011. Yes, Happy New Year to me!!! I have struggled with my weight since I was a junior in high school. After many years of battling my weight, and dealing with issues such as gallstones, high blood pressure and a hiatal hernia, I finally decided enough was enough. I watched two friends go through banding in the past year, and took note of their experience so that I may have a more educated experience. I felt that this surgery was right for me from the very beginning, but had a hard time rationalizing the enormous cost of the surgery. At first my insurance said they would not cover, but then after extensive research…

Hi all! I had my vertical sleeve gastrectomy on Dec. 5, 2011 by Dr. Mitchell Roslin at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC. I attended all the seminars and appointments required of me before having the surgery. I'm a 5' 4" female weighing 241 pre op. I thought I had asked all questions prior to the surgery but I guess not. I feel like I wasn't fully informed about all the unpleasant things I'd have to endure post op. I was totally reassured that I'd be back to work in a week, two weeks tops, by the surgeon! Needless to say, I am 4 weeks post op and still not back to work. I'm due back at work on Jan. 3 and I don't feel ready to go back. I'm feeling miserable! I've been nauseous…

At times I feel a kind of sick feeling like I NEED to eat which I suppose is hunger but I don't FEEL like eating which I would normally think is my not being hungry. Which is it??

I just found out I was finally approved by Cigna for my lap band. I need to meet with e doctor and then I will get a date for the surgery. I am so excited and can't wait. I am having the surgery at Cedar Sinai with Dr. Samuel Kashani. Has anyone used him before? The doctor was just changed due to insurance coverage so I don't know much about him.

I only weigh in every two weeks and so I was convinced I hadn't lost any weight the past two weeks with the holidays and all. I was super shocked when I weighed in today and found I had lost 12 lbs since my last weigh in. At my weight this loss isn't visible (not even to me)-but I can feel it in being able to move easier. I'm so excited. It hasn't been easy-but not really hard either. In spite of the several small issues I'm really glad I did this. I only wish I had done it years ago!!

how much are you eating at a meal? i sometimes feel like im not eating enough, 2 bites and im done

Hello, Hello! I was banded 12.23.2011. Already down 8 lbs. (178 pre-op, 176 surgery day and 170 yesterday) 11 days post-op with no fill. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in late summer 2011. At the time my neurologist told me that if I wanted to live a long life I needed to get my health in order. I didn't waste any time- this is the first of many steps I will take to watch my children grow older, go to prom, graduate from high school, go away to college, travel the world, get married, and bless me with grandbabies (not necessarily in that order). I am a self-pay, low BMI Bandster- I've noticed there are quite a few of us. Thank you to everyone that post…

How do you get the weight ticker thingy on your posts? I want one and cant figure it out! Help

Hi I am introducing myself I've been banded since Oct. 2011 and I have lost 19.6 pounds not a HUGE loss but I'll take it. Its better than what I was able to do on my own anyhow. I was thin as a child and started picking up weight in highschool. I really got heavy with my two pregnancy's and a few minor surgerys. However I weigh more now (even after losing some) than I did when I was 9 months pregnant with either of my boys. My dh loves me no matter what he's awesome but I need to do this for me. that is why I picked my tag name Tym4me (time for me). I have to do this for me so that I can continue to be their for them. My guys. My father died last Dec. 2010 at over…

Hello all, I am new to the website. I am pre-op and waiting on a surgery date. I look forward to sharing and learning with you all. I am so ready for this journey to a healthier and happier life

I get my sugery Monday the 9th!!! I am SOOO excited, but scared at the same time!! Anyone have any words of wisdom??

I had lap band surgery on October 26, 2011. I lost 20 lbs on my pre op diet. My heaviest weight was 255 lbs. I lost 50lbs about 2 years ago gain back 25. When I started my lap band journey I weight 225. I have high blood pressure and diabetes and arthritis in my knees. Because of these conditions I decided to check into surgery in order to better my quality of life. I am happy I took this step. Today I weight 199 lbs. I have not been under 200lbs in over 30 years. I no longer take a blood pressure medicine. My blood sugar is a work in progress. I have had two doctors visit since my surgery.I had my first fill on Dec. 6. I was a little dissappointed I am still very hungry…

I have been overweight for the majority of my life but I do remember what being thin felt & looked like. I now know that I want health for the second part of my life and to wrap my head around a new & improved person. My insurance company required 8 wks of a dr monitored diet which in the end because of a minimum bmi I didn't lose anything. Have some health issues & if I just "diet and exercise" like everyone states I shouldn't need the surgery. So mentally being approved was a strange thought and really up to the time that I had surgery I wanted out of the hospital. Crazy huh? I knew though that I needed to get off the merri go round of diet/not diet cycle. …

I thought I would introduce myself. My name is Erica and I have gastric banding (lap band) in two days. I have almost 130lbs to lose, man that hurts to say. I can't believe I have let my self get this bad. I live in Louisville, KY and my surgeon is Ben Tanner. I am very excited to start this journey. Good luck to everyone!

Hey everyone! I just had Lap-Band surgery on the 27th. I feel pretty good . . . just a bit sore. I've been keeping lightly active . . . I have 5 kids, so that is inevitable. ; ) I'm doing great so far . . . I'm on a full liquids only diet for 3 weeks. My doctor says it helps with healing . . which is what the first 3 weeks are for. I am excited for 2012! I know it won't always be easy and that I have a bit of a learning curve ahead of me.

I was banded on Dec 19 and have had no problems so far. On purees now. Had to swallow an antibiotic capsule for an unrelated infection tonight and it feels like it is stuck now. Quite uncomfortable! What can I do???

I seriously never thought I would want to post pics. However, I feel pretty darn good and am totally amazed at the changes. Those swim shorts are so loose that they hang. No pulling, stretching or crimping anywhere. Actually hang like a skirt. The best part is if I tried to wear them in a pool I would literally swim out of them. Time to pack them in the Good Will box! I just love that! Now, the swim top fits like it should've from the beginning but I was in so much "size denial" that I bought the size that I believed I should be. Oh well! LOL! Its so cool to see the chub in the area of my armpits skrinking both in the front and back. I'm definately reclaiming my waistlin…

Hi folks: I'm a 58-year-old native Oklahoman and adopted Texan (I married one.) I had my laporascopic gastric sleeve surgery Dec. 27, with Dr. Gregory Walton of WeightWise in Edmond, Okla. So far it's gone great, except for that pesky little problem about no weight loss. I'm 5'6" and my pre-op highest weight was 273 pounds -- the day of surgery I was and am at 256 pounds. I realize there is still some swelling, but I would have thought the losing would have started before now. It makes me a little concerned, because I've been following guidelines to the letter. I made the decision to have WLS because I have REM-related sleep apnea, high blood pressure, rotten old …

I had my sleeve on 12/12/11. I have to tell you other than a couple little things that went wrong, 3 weeks today and I'm doing awesome. Ive lost 30 pounds and eating good. Here's what happened in the hospital the first night after surgery. My IV came undone and thank God I woke, because I was bleeding out. I thought my ice bag was leaking, my bed was soaked and my IV was squirting blood out. All is good. A week later, I'm thinking this pain in my left shoulder is the dreaded trapped gas, but it wont go away.Liquid vicadin is all that's helping. I go in for a cat scan, and it shows that my spleen had some trauma, most likely a knick and one of my lungs was not filling all …

For as long as I can remember, eating late in the day has always been my downfall. IT didn't matter if i ate plenty earlier in the day, typically I could eat another day's worth of food dinner and after. Many years ago, I would wake up in the middle of the night and if I didn't eat a bowl of Cereal or something i couldn't get back to sleep. I broke that habit by toughing it out, and a week of sleepless nights and haven't done that in ages. I figured I could do it again with the after dinner habit. The first few weeks with the sleeve the focus was on getting enough Protein and fluids so I didn't worry too much about the time of day thing, but i am 3 weeks out now, on …

Hello everybody, My name is Mona and i just had my last blood tests done today before my surgery. In two weeks i get the results and my doctor will set an appointment and im finally going to do it! Im so excited. Im now 33 and have been obese for almost the last 20 years and its about time to get my life on the right track! This website has been extremely helpful! Thanks to everyone for sharing!

Hey all - I am new to the forum. I just had my banding on 12/29/11 - 4 days ago. I have lost 13 lbs already but realize it is all water (actually can vouch it is all water). My doctor was great and explained everything to me before my suergery and to my wife right afterwards. I started at 342.5 and my goal is 200. I really will depend on this forum as I have questions and need support. Hope everyone is doing well and has a great new year.

After 6 months of Doctor's appointments, sleep studies and prodding and probbing I got the call from the Doctor's office to schedule the date; decided to opt out of December as I have two wonderful grandchildren who I want to watch throughout the holiday season as they go through their concerts and excitment. So we scheduled the date for January 10, 2012 - three days before my 63rd birthday! It is the very best gift I could give myself and my family. All these years of struggling with weight and now not being able to do the things I always did because fo the extra pounds I am carrying around with me. This is my first post - have been reading daily for weeks; being…

I've searched everywhere on this site including Help- and can't figure out how to add a friend on this site! How do I do it?!

I felt aweful the first two weeks, then the food cravings about drove me to kill for a steak, felt resentment when I came home and my wife and Mother were eating a ribeye with baked patatoe. LOL had to control my feelings on that scene. LOL really I did, felt betrayed. Week 3 felt better and did some icefishing which included lots of walking in snow. Ran out of gas very fast, but much lighter on my feet. then got the flu and spent 2 days in bed and total of 6 days ill. vomiting, fever, chills, yuck! Week 4 Went fishing again, felt better still, flu gone, slight chest cold hanging on. Energy started to come back on Sunday, No nap lol, Woke up at 5am this morning and on …

Hi all, I finally got my sleeve on December 20th. It was not as bad as I though it could be. The pain for me wasn't that bad. Only when I tried to get out of bed with no help. Things seemed to be going along great,,,,, until the vomiting began!! My surgeon came back to the hospital in the middle of the night to try to stop it. They gave me every med known to mad until it finally stopped.. On another note, I could tell right away that I am able to drink way more than they tell you to. Is that a problem?? Do the Doc's know we can drink more at one time but are telling us not to do so our stomach's will heal?? Thanks for any advide : http://www.weight-loss-center.net/…

I was banded Dec 2nd and I know I shouldn't have but I drank vodka on New Year's Eve. My stomach didn't hurt while I was drinking or really the next morning. But I have been getting sharp pains around the lap band and when I eat it burns. It feels like a combination of the inside of my stomach hurting and the stitches internally. Did I mess something up?? Was the alcohol to harsh for my new stomach? Will it go away? Anyone else had this experience?

Hi, My name is Monique. I have had weight problems all my life. In January 2008 I had decided to take the journey of becoming banded. August 28, 2008 I was banded. Right after surgery I did great! I went from 292lbs and reached my lowest of 230lbs. With a new found confidence I met my current boyfriend and became content. I slowly started gaining my weight back, not working my “tool”. I had gained all but 15lbs back. Well, recently (8/18/11) I had my son who is the joy of my. During my pregnancy all of the Fluid was removed. Well, with no fluid in my band my eating got out of control during my 41 week pregnancy. And since I’m currently self-pay I did not have the addit…

Pre. Op Realize Lap band; Health history Apnea-Asthma-Hypertension Gluten Intolerance(s) Positive Celiac Spur (x3 years). Retired Military Nurse;Volunteer. Soda Pop lover-breaking the addiction now! stopping all (diet) type foods;(bad for you processed) etc... and trying to meet insurance requirements; Medicare primary and Tricare; BMI 37. Getting Assistance from: Flowers Hospital Dothan, Alabama choice-of-surgeon (?) unsure but like the facility; Have attended Seminar-Support Group x2 -3 diet appointments (non-required) but did so with my PCP; and twice with the facilities weight loss center;I have been Looking for others-in-the area that have DONE or are DOING…

Hi . My name is Jillian and I've been overweight since about 10 yrs.of age. I am now 48 and have coronary heart disease, sleep apnea, and was just diagnosed with diabetes. On Jan. 5th. I have an appt. to go to the Winchester Va. Medical Center to hear about the lapband surgery. I'm very anxious but also a little apprehensive. I realize I have to do something before these other medical issues do me in. I've been told that with my insurance I have to attempt to lose weight for 6 months before I can have the surgery. It's so frusterating...I mean I've been attempting this for approx. 37 yrs. and I have to try for 6 more months. give me a break!! Just wondering if anyone has…

I am a 30 year old female. I have suffer with been over weight all my life.I have tried all different kinds of diets such as counting calories, Mayo, and weight watcher's. I tend to loose the weight, but always gain what I lost and plus back.I don't have any health problems as of now, but eventually they will come if I don't loose this weight. I have two kids who always asking to go to different amusement parksand do different activities with me, but my weight is keeping me from doing it with them. I really just want some feedback about the sleeve.

I started gaining weight in my late teens and was never able to control it no matter what I did. My PCP had encouraged me to have bariatric surgery for the last five years or so, and I finally decided that I'd done everything else I could possibly do. The sleeve seemed like the best option for me, so I went to Dr. Alexander Abkin in Florham Park, NJ, who's one of the best doctors in the NJ-NY-CT area. After months of classes, tests, etc., I finally had my procedure two weeks ago. It's been a struggle to get down enough Protein, and Clear liquids have to be within a very narrow temperature range not to upset my stomach (the gurgling is loud enough to be heard from across…

Today is your day!! To anyone who needs a little encouragement, know others have been there and we will help where we can. Happy New Year! Sandy

Thinking about getting the sleeve. Wondering is this is a good idea.

I am having my sleeve surgery on weds Jan 4th and I am so excited! I have struggles with my weight my entire adult life and aim tired of the fight. I have been on every diet under the sun as well as every weight loss medication on the market. Besides fen-fen, which is not off the market, nothing has worked. I live in Scottsdale and am having my surgery done at Scottsdale Bariatrics, Dr. Blackstone was supposed to be my surgeon but scheduling was better for me to go with her associate Dr. Reynoso. I have been attending the support groups and have heard great things about him so I'm sure it will be just fine! I think what I'm struggling with most is the thought that I…

Hello Every1 My name is Andrea, but every1 calls me Gia. I am new to this site and I am very happy to become part of it. Well about me... I am a single and independent mom of 3 beautiful kids (2g, 7,11 & 1b, 6). I live near Chicago, IL. I attend college studying a double major in the medical field, but my passion is makeup! I haven't been employed for a yr now, for the past yr, I have become a home aid for a family member who has many health care conditions. I have been blessed with wonderful parents who have helped me and supported me in many ways. I have only 1 older brother. I find it really hard to trust just anyone therefore, I only have a few close friends. I …

Hello Everyone: Slow, slow weight loss over the last year has disenchanted me with the adjustable gastric band. I discusssed this with my surgeon and he jumped right on plans to remove the band and perform the sleeve procedure. When I had my lapband installed a year ago, my insusrance did not cover the sleeve. Now, we are covered by United Health which does cover the sleeve procdure! It's scary, but it has to be the best decision for me. After one year with the band, and only 28 lbs lost, I'm ready for a change. Any thoughts are welcomed! Cheers! Mary

Hello everyone~ I have been going through the rounds of a plethora of doctor's visits and a multitude of tests before my well researched and carefully chosen bariatric surgeon is to meet with me on January 4th to set the date for my gastric sleeve surgery. (Sorry, didn't intend for that sentence to run on forever). I've had 1 support group meeting (another is required, but they are fun)! Four meetings with my dietician/nutritionist; a sleep study; a gastric sonogram; a pre-baritric surgery meeting with a psychiatrist; an angiogram; a gastrectomy with biopsies taken; and a nightmarish amount of paperwork to fill-out. Are all of these things normal? Granted, I have a sl…

Hi all, I am new to this website, and am just looking for others to talk to about having the lapband. i currently have only two friends that also have had the surgery. I had the bad put in on April 26, 2011. I am already down around 82 pounds, but i will know for sure how much tomorrow when i return to the doctors office. I hope to talk to all of you and hear some of your stories.

Hi, i had my sleeve done yesterday and I am not in much pain. A little discomfort. I can't wait for the results

Hi all, I am new to this website, and am just looking for others to talk to about having the lapband. i currently have only two friends that also have had the surgery. I had the bad put in on April 26, 2011. I am already down around 82 pounds, but i will know for sure how much tomorrow when i return to the doctors office. I hope to talk to all of you and hear some of your stories.

Hi, My name is Miranda and I was banded August 29, 2011. I just want to check out the site and see how everyone experiencing things differently. My doctor is not listed on here but his name is Dr. Benjamin Tanner from Louisville, KY. He is great! It's been almost 5 months since I was banded and I kind of got discouraged because it has taken so long to get properly adjusted so I can actually feel full. I just went in 3 weeks ago and now I am at 6.5 cc's in my band. I haven't lost a lot post-op but I lost more pre-op. I am hoping when I go to my next appointment that I have lost more than 1 or 2 and not gained any! I'm still getting used to my band, and I am not sure if I…

When I decided I wanted the vsg my hubby, who I love dearly, said "oh good now I will lose weight too". My jaw dropped. I wasn't even sure I heard what I thought I heard. So tryin not to be offended, I calmly asked him if my over eating is the reason he is overweight. (He's like 60# overweight) he said he eats when I eat so yeah it was the cause. After I had the sleeve he noticed how much more in volume he eats than I do and claimed he was having a food funeral cuz now he will start eating less. Tomorrow I will be 2 months postop, down 37 pounds and he hasn't lost a pound or changed anything about his eating. I brought it up and asked if he still agreed with his earlier…

hello everyone So pleased to find a site just about sleevers. Im 20 days into my sleeve so still early days for me. Ive been in quite a lot of pain around the stomach area for the last week but i think its my own fault, as just before christmas i had a bit of a tidy up at home (felt fine though) and next day i couldnt even lift my left leg to put my trousers on. I can only describe the pain as velcro being opened and closed. Have done bugger all the last 2 days and guess what, tummy pain has eased, thank god. Have any of you done too much and then paid the price, how long before you felt better? Also i have a job which involves lifting and am wondering if 6 weeks wil…

Okay, so those who know me (even a little), you know I'm a softie.. cream puff.... and I LOVE people!! So, I just wanted to share a few of my New Year's wishes that I have for you... my sleeve family... I pray the New Year brings: Strength for you to conquer any challenge set before you, whether a stall, slow insurance approval or friends/family who don't get it! A greater feeling of confidence and love for who you are inside and out, regardless of the acknowledgement from others More opportunities for you to surround yourself with positive people who Celebrate you and not just tolerate you... You are wonderful and you should hear it OFTEN Favor and blessings …

2012 has begun down here. However for what feels like the first time since my surgery I am feeling down and wanting to eat the feelings away. This supposed to be my year to really live my li fe. But I am alone and have been walking around the shopping centre and see all this food I want to eat but know will only make me ill if I do. I have not succumbed. I will go for a run later when it cools down which will hopefully bring the happy endorphins. Just need to express these feelings somewhere safe. My family and friends would only worry more.

Does anyone wish they never had this done, im 3 months out and very depressed!