Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Everyone, What have I learned in the last three years since I've had weight loss surgery? This is the challenge that you will all figure out for yourself. Each and every one of us will learn what makes weight loss surgery work for us. Looking back the first month after weight loss surgery was the hardest month that I ever did. It was a total relearning process of how to eat the healthy way and to allow my new stomach a chance to heal. The biggest challenge I think was “head hunger.” For me my head was always trying to convince me that I needed eat something more to eat. Intellectually and physically I knew that I was full and didn't need to eat anything else. It w…

Ive never belonged to an online group/blog/forum etc. After receiving my surgery (Dec 19th 2011) I wanted the chance to discuss my progress, problems and goals with others that would understand what I was going through. I am 28 yrs old and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, asthma and high triglycerides. I work 2 jobs and have 5 children under 13 (2 biological 3 step children). I found it extremely hard to loose the excess weight. I finally decided that I needed help beyond what I could do myself. My goal was and is mainly to be healthy. I want to be able to play with my children and not be out of breath within the first few moments. I also want to be around to wa…

So I had my sleeve done Dec 27, 2010. Since then I have lost 116 lbs. I had been stuck at 194- 198 lbs for 3 months no matter what I did until this past 2 weeks when I decided to eat what ever I wanted over the Christmas holiday. I get on the scale and have lost 8 lbs. So my question is what do I do now? Go back to my high protein (70-90 grams a day ) low Carb or eat a more " normal American" diet.

Hello! Im Maggie. After my three month medically managed diet i was ready to submit for insurance (bcbs). They then informed me i had to completevsix months as their requirements had changed. Needless to say ive jumped through all the hoops and will be having Surgery in less than two weeks. Glad to have this forum!

Yep it's true! I finally dropped below 200. I never even saw 200. From one weigh in to the next, a week apart, I dropped below 200! It is so cool. I haven't been down here in about 3 years. Even then I was only under it by 3 pounds and it only lasted a month. I had been on Atkins and very quickly spring-boarded up to 230. I really hope I get to stay in onederland from now. I'm eating what I should and have added swimming laps. Oh yeah and my heart burn/acid thing is getting better. Take care and have a safe New Year's Eve!

Hello, I have been following the site for about a week before I joined. I love it and it has been very helpful to me. A BIG thank you to everyone. I get banded on January 10, 2012. I am very excited because it's long overdue. I started this process in 2010 and should have gotten banded this time last year, however; I had to undergo an emergency hysterectomy. Therefore, the process had to be restarted per my insurance company. I look forward to learning from all and eventually providing insight and help to future newbies.

Hi VST family, It's hard to believe that a year ago I had a revision from the band to the sleeve. I never could have imagined how amazing life would be after the pain I went through with the band. The sleeve has given me restriction, health, and happiness. I finally feel like myself. I have lost a total of 91 pounds in the past year with the sleeve and 133 pounds total with both surgeries. I weigh in at 153. I am four pounds from a normal weight. I was hoping to be at a normal BMI by my surgiversary today, but my body didn't cooperate. LOL I WILL get there though! My ultimate goal is to weigh 143, which is half of where I started on my journey with the lapband over four…

I had my last appt on the 19th for my six month requirement and the gal in the office was notified to submit my file for approval from the insurance company. I called today to find out that she left for vacation on the 19th and her "back up" did not submit my file....so she's now telling me that it will be another 2-3 weeks before we get the approval back and then another 2-3 weeks out to schedule my surgery so we're now looking at February. I am sooooo angry and frustrated that I did what I was supposed to do but they did not and now I have to wait. They don't understand what a roller coaster ride this is emotionally for me. ARGH....calgon, take me away!

Hello everyone My name is Dale, and this is my first posting to sleeve talk. I want to first thank all of you out there for all of the info that was available to me that helped make what I feel is a good decision on going with the VSG. My sleeve date is Jan. 16th 2012 and Dr. Mario Almanza is my doctor. I like most of you am consumed with reading all the comments I can on this site, and now its time for me to jump in and be part of it. I'm 52 years old and weigh in at 300 lbs. Iv'e been a big guy most of my adult life, started back when I was in restaurant management I would say. Although I am very active in sports, it just wasn't enough to burn the calories o…

Found out today that my insurance coverage is only at 50% with no cap off and my $750 deductible. How much did some spend on their surgeries with these kinds of coverage? I have heard some say there is a cheaper route with using a surgical center? I think is what Ive read, but I would love some advice about this. I have hit a few speed bumps in my process and Im kinda bummed out. I know that I'll get there, but dang...what a bummer. Thx for the help yall!

Created a new FB account today just for lap-band friends etc. and to track my weight loss for when I get banded/have some accountability or just support when I need it. The more support the merrier so look for me if you'd like! name: DakotaRae Banded

Good afternoon VST!! This Feel Good Friday is in response to the changing of our Calendar in only a few days. But, we will be looking back not only on the past year but more the past 5, which is probably where most of you started your journey's. Taking a look at where you are today, how have you changed since then? Not only the physical sense, but on the inside as well. Now look in your future. What are your goals, and where do you want to be in 5 years? Past: 5 years ago, I was struggling with my weight. I was just starting to take a hard look at WLS as an option. I had High Blood Pressure, I was over 330 Lbs - up and down 50 Lbs. I was scared for my life, a…

Hi I had my sleeve done July 6th 2011 at dews bury west Yorkshire by surgeon mr jemeel I was in theatre for four hours due to having lots of adhesions due to previous abdominal surgeries I woke up in pain with a drain in but after my pain relief was given I was fine I had a xray swallow test the next day no leaks were found just swelling had to stay in hospital for four days I was allowed liquids only fir one week the. Puree foods for two weeks then mushy foods for two weeks then normal foods told not to drink for thirty min before foods and thirty min after foods my starting heaviest weight on my journey was 18 stone 6 lb I was in a size 26 clothes and had a bmi of 47.4 …

Hey - I am starting my sleeve journey. I am doing my 6 month insurance required waiting period right now. I should have surgery sometime in April or early May. I am so nervous!! I am about 255 right now and cannot wait to start my new life. I started out researching the LapBand, but after about a month of being totally convinced that is what I was going to do, I decided to look into the sleeve. My mind was changed quickly after reading all the stories of people having to switch to the sleeve from the band!! I have 2 kids - 10 & 7 and I NEED to be healthy for them (and me too!). I have been reading this site and just wanted to introduce myself! ~Angie~

Hello! I came across this website and fell in love! I'm set to have my surgery on February 8th I am oh soo nervous about it! I am only 18 which is everyone's biggest concern, but I also think it's better for me to have this done sooner than later.. Anyways, I was just wondering if there was anything I needed to know ahead of time. Post op, or even before. I have tried to prepare as best as I can but I feel like I need to do more. If y'all have anything you think I should know please let me know! I'm excited to start this journey and look forward to seeing everyone's success on here!

Surgery on Dec 12th everything went great. Dr. fixed a few things wrong with me and I feel GREAT!!! It took me four years to come to this decision to lap band. I had to have emergency surgery after my hysterectomy four years ago and it happened to be Dr. Machado doing the surgery. She told me I was a perfect candidate for the surgery. Four years later here I am....HUNGRY!!! I am afraid of stretching out my pouch. How much and how fast should I be drinking protein and water? Can I eat, wait, then eat again? I am hungry and I need to be able to function at work (use my brain) Is it super easy to stretch it out or is it something that happens when you don't follow p…

Turning 30 is gonna be exciting and experimental for me. Lapband sucess is what I'm striving for, and I can't wait to see the new me. ......Working on Grown & Sexy!!! What a combination?! Let's Get It!!! Whose with me?

I was banded 11/11/11 . Dont think i can forget that date that easy. Anyways im 33 years old and decided that i needed to change my life. Everyone has always asked did you try W/W, south beach diet, atkins and yes to all above plus many more. If i could follow a diet id be skinny i said but that is my DEMON. Some demons like booze , drugs mines loves the taste of food. Anyways a came here on a search for some amazing people that i can share and chat with our journeys together. If you would like to do so that would be fanastic. Good luck too all

Hi my name is Simone and ive just had my lapband done in October, and had to have it redone in November 30, as my port was not put in properly, it was upside down. Apparently I had a midband put in and the port is stainless steel. Its now in and Ive had a fill as well. I have found that food gets stuck regularly as I forget to chew alot and lately because of this time of the year, festivities I am talking with people and forget to chew. I know it is working now. I also have emotional issues around eating and found that I was comforting myself with icecream and sweets to not feel deprived. I have lost ten kilos so far, and havent lost anything since. Yes it is christ…

Ok, so I have been on this site since the middle of last year, I think. Anyway, I started researching VSG last year & decided that it is the way to go for me. My former employer's insurance did not cover any bariatric surgery & self pay was out of the question for me. As of right now, I do not have health insurance but I start a new job on 1/2/12 and am hoping that this company's insurance does cover the VSG. It is a large company over many states (Kindred Healthcare) and I believe that my insurance will be through United Healthcare. Anyway, one of my questions is can my referral for surgery come from my OBGYN? I haven't been to a PCP in almost 3 years because I…

What helped you make your decision??? I am torn between both procedures!!

I'm sure the pendulum will swing back to "what the heck am I doing to myself" over the next 11 days but here and now I just wish I could fast forward a week and my pre-op appointment was tomorrow, not a week from tomorrow!! Let's get a move on!!

I have been on liquids a little over 5 weeks now and I am excited to say I am 6 days away from soft foods. While I am still 6 days away from moving up to soft foods I am already planning my first meal. I was wondering if anyone has good ideas for me?

Hello all, My name is Kristine I am 34 years old happly married with four children. I have been looking into Bypass surgrey for a couple years now. Highest weight was 315 lowest 120 current 215 at 5'2. I have been thick all my life and over the past few years I have had some tragic events happen to where i no longer cared. My husband and i have tried to have another baby since 2007 all ending in misscarrage 3 total with a set of twins. In 2009 we had a daughter that was born with severe conginital defects and she passed away at 8 months April 2, 2010 (Good Friday no less). Well this year we were able to have a perfect little boy went into labor on the 1 year anniversary o…

Had my first initial appt today with my surgeon and it went GREAT! I was so nervous about my BMI due to my family doc visit last week, but be careful what you wish for, cause my BMI is 41. lol So the family doc mustve done something wrong during that visit. I will get a call tomorrow from the insurance specialist about submission of the paperwork and then I'll be waiting for approval. I hope they are in the holiday spirit and approve me quickly! (pretty plz) I have to complete some EMMI online education and will start that after I get my surgery date. After approval, the process should go quite quickly. I'll have to complete 2 weeks of a pre-op diet with Nutrimed. Not ch…

I am considering the lap-band after several failed attempts at losing weight on my own. (including a tv show!) My biggest concern with the lap-band is the thing they leave in your stomach to make adjustments. Does it inhibit movement? I play volleyball twice a week. Is it permanent or just in for the first few months? Does it protrude? etc etc. Any insight would be helpful. My job is fairly physical, and I have a healthy sex life with my partner. I'd hate for this port thing to inhibit normal activity. ~PH

Hi my name is Samantha. I am a Police Dispatcher in East Texas. I have always thought about getting the Lap Band but only recently become VERY serious about it. This place seems to be very informative in the field of Lap Band! I am in the beginning stages looking into Surgeons and seeing if my insurance will pay for something like this. Looking forward to chatting with y'all!

I am waiting for the surgeon in the pre-op area of the hospital. I kissed my kids goodbye this morning and had a sudden flashback of doing that and it made me cry. Nothing is going to happen but keep me in your prayers!!

Tiday marks one week since my vsg, my doctor visit went well, I'm done 13 pounds! My recovery has been wonderful, I was prepared for the worst but have had nothing but good things. I'm very excited for the up comings chages, take care all!

Hi everyone, I have been stalking around the forums for some time now and decided I'll reintroduce myself I originally looked into Lapband surgery last year, and after being told by Oregon Weight Loss Center here in Portland, Oregon that my insurance did cover the procedure, I found out they in fact did not I was originally insured under a Regence BCBS employee plan, but out of the three plans Regence offers their employees, only one offers bariatric coverage (and of course I wasn't on that one!). I was a little bummed and decided that it was time to start saving for a trip to Mexico to get the Lapband because I can't afford the 15-20k US prices. A few months ago, …

Tomorrow ia the day and im getting excited, nervous and anxious!!. Im am getting the Iband, Im wanting to here peoples stories who have had this done, Im using Dr. Snow in Hurst Tx. please & Thanks

Hey everyone! I have my first Doctor consult this Wednesday and I am reaaallly excited. I think that if I am this excited about the first office visit, I'll be impossible by the surgery date. lol My main question is just what to expect on this visit. Since Ive never had one, I find that the nervousness is from the not knowing. I'd love to hear how some of y'all's first consult visits went and what all happened. It would help out a ton for me. Also I just had to make a gripe lol. I went to a family doctor appt regarding my joint pain on Friday, the 23rd, and got my BMI according to the nurse. I am 5'5 and 242 pounds, which makes my "BMI" 40. But according to the nurse, …

Hey everyone! My name is Ellie and I've decided to get a lapband. I've been thinking about getting this procedure for over a year now. I don't exactly like the idea of surgery so I tried losing weight through various ways, but I was always left hungry. My mother has the lapband and she has so far had success with it. But here are my questions! I currently live in Ottawa, and I'm not sure where I should look to get my surgery done. My family lives in Toronto, so I have no issues with going to Toronto for fills/defills, but it would be nice to be able to get those done in Ottawa (in case of emergency). Also, Montreal is also a possibility since its much closer to Ottawa t…

I was browsing around the net searching for "one month before sleeve diet" and thankfully this site came up, began reading all the wonderful post op and pre -op stories and quickly signed up to share my journey. I was thinking to myself, well since i have no support at home, minus well find some support online from people who are going through the same thing i have gone.. To start off , my name is Fina i am 21 years old and i am currently 236.2 my highest weight ever was 247.. and my lowest weight EVER was 197, which was around Jan-Feb of 2011.. yes i gained all my weight back... like most i have been over weight all my life, even when i was around 2-5, everyone even do…

I just really wanted to post a couple pics of my year journey. I am a little late with this but better late than never. I hope I have this photo thing figured out. I have been working with this all morning. I will definately have to come back and post some full body shots so you guys can really see the difference. But I will repeat my stats for you here. I started a 298lbs wearing 22's & 24's at 5'7. I now weight 170-171lbs wearing 6's & 8's still 5'7 lol. The first two pics were on vacation to my hubby's home state. And the last is recent, November as a matter of fact. We took some family photos. Lost 128lbs and countless inches. Started my journ…

Hey I am new to this site. My name is shay and I am having the lapband put on Jan 3rd and am excited! I have been reading through alot of the posts and have found it very comforting. I have been so nervous and it makes it easier getting to read other peoples stories and advice. I am wondering however if others did not have to have upper GI test before surgery? My doctor just had me do a blood test and heart test then set me up for surgery. Is this common?

Hi...my name is Kristen, I am 42 years old and super excited to have made my appointment with my surgeon for January 5th. That is kind of "my last step", then we will submit to my insurance company (Blue Care Network) and then schedule my surgery (after two weeks of Protein shakes). I am ready. I first spoke with my family physician in late August and got into the seminar in mid-September. I then got all my stuff (classes, labs, psych eval) together - and completed - and now next is my surgeon visit (with my support person). I haven't read about anyone on here that uses Blue Care Network...but am hoping for a quick approval. I have spoken to my insurance company an…

Ok, so I haven't been to a pcp in years & the one I last went to is very "old school". Someone on this site suggested that I find a pcp that is for weight loss surgery. Now I know I can call around and ask but of there is anyone on here from Memphis that could suggest a good pcp I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!

i was sleeved dec 20th & i now see why we have to sip because those pains are NO JOKE!!!! but my question is... will we have to sip for the rest of our lives or will we eventually be able to guzzle again?

I am trying to get myself prepared for what to expect when I finally get up the nerve to talk to my doctor about getting banded. I am wondering if anyone has used Anthem BCBS insurance? What hoops did u have to jump thru? How long did it take? I have trouble keeping my eye on the prize when it comes to having to go thru so many steps to even getting started. So I hope that knowing what to expect from the beginning will help. I know everyone says it all depends on ur insurance so if anyone has went thru Anthem BCBS, any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

HI! I am new here, but have been lerking for awhile. I'm 5ft and weight 207lbs. My surgery date is March 1. I'm very worried and scared! I know that is normal but I can't help but wonder if I'm doing the right thing. My husband and my friends know about it. I can't bring myself to tell the rest of my family! Especially my parents! They are really negative people and I just don't want any negativity around when I go through surgery. Any way, I am most scared about loosing my hair! I have really thin hair to start with and I'm loosing it now. Has anyone used Ovation Therapy for their hair? I hear from a friend that it worked for her when she went through chemo. I think I wi…

im having a lot of pain today. i threw up after taking an antibiotic prescribed by my surgeon & that pain is nooooo F!%^*KING joke! how long was it before you felt some what recovered? like you could bend over with no pain.

Hello, My surgery date is January 16, 2012. Just like everyone else I am a little nervous. I am 61 (will be 62 in February) and was very thin until around the age of 40. Went from a normal weight of 120 to 198/204. I have dieted using fad diets, diet pills and everything else. Just can't get it off or even keep off the few pounds I lost (very few). I know it is hard for people who have been obese all of their lives but it is also very hard for people who were thin for most of their lives. We are the ones who could always eat anything and everything anytime we wanted. Not so now. I am having the surgery because I have high blood pressure, lots of leg vein pain, …

Hello everyone - My name is Jason and I'm 32 --though soon to be rolling over to the 33 year marker. I've been overweight for 24 years of my life and to this point, it's really all I can remember. My attempts at losing weight have been more than I can count on two hands and two feet and I can always succeed at losing 30-50 pounds. Anything beyond that has been a brick wall and it's been very frustrating. I work as an ICU nurse and I see so many patients that make me think "this really could be me in about 15-20 years" because of diseases that are secondary to chronic morbid obesity. I've looked into the options over the past 10 years. My first wife had a Gastric Bypas…

Hi there, I cannot seem to be able to SAVE my personal data. I have entered much information but when I look it up, it's not there. I've written my story, entered my weight, etc, even my birthday...but when it's time to save, my information does not save. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Merry Christmas to you all! My name is Jana and I am brand new here. I had my lap band done on 12/20/11 by a reputable surgeon, outpatient. I was a bit of a 'lightweight' for banding (starting at 5'2 and 196) but my co-morbidities were significant (high BP, cholesterol). I have had weight issues all my life. My highest weight was 225 and lowest 135 (for like, a day). I have been on as many diets as there are types of food, like all of you, have lost weight then regained plus more. My late Mom had the same issues as I did when she was my age and going thru menopause (high pressure, cholesterol) and couldn't get her weight under control. She subsequently required a …

I had the surgery on the 20th (so 3 days ago), I was told that I am now able to move from a clear liquid to a cream soup, or juices stuff like that. I am finding that I am hungry so I make some soup I get about 5 bites down before I start to feel sort of sick to my belly so I stop eating and put it away then an hr later I am hungry again becuase I didnt really eat anything but once again if I take a few bites I feel sick. Is this normal or should I be concerned? If this is supposed to happen how long does it usually last? Thanks so much for your help....Courtney

Hey everyone! I have been reading about everyone on here for the past few days. I have been considering getting banded for some time but am unsure about how to even get started on the process. I am pretty sure that our insurance will cover it. I am a doctor phobic so it is difficult for me to think of just how many doctors I will have to see to even get started. I guess I am just looking for a quick run down of what to do and what to expect?

Hello Everyone. I was feeling very alone today and luckily found this site! I had my sleeve surgery on Nov 29th by Dr Beth Schrope. The surgery went well and recovery is coming along too. I guess I should back up a little, I'm 59 years old, 5' 3" and was 210 pounds presurgery. This takes some getting used to. I smile every time I look at a "portion" size and shake my head. I find I'm having a hard time getting enough Protein and have still been using the shakes to reach my goal every day. The reason I was feeling down today was I've noticed the last few days the scale was going up! I was down to 196 but today was 198. I noticed on here that it's not so uncommon…

I am new to this website and from what I've been reading, am glad I found it. I am a 33 yr old single female with no children. About a year and a half ago, I decided that I wanted to make some drastic changes to my life because I was tired of being overweight which added to the pain I have with rheumatoid arthritis and the weight also caused sleep apnea as well as other health issues. I had my psych eval, had my first consult with my surgeon and was approved for lapband surgery through my insurance company in 2009. I planned on having the surgery over the summer in 2010, but began having other health issues that became more important than the lapband. In October of l…