Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I've read several posts on this site recommending we find a Center of Excellence. But no one has said how to know where they are. Fortunately I live near Los Angeles, so I'd like to find the best doctor (since there are a lot of options). I would love advice on how to find the right place to start. Anyone North of LA in San Fernando Valley or Conejo Valley- I would love referrals. Thanks!

im down 55 lbs but want to lose more :/ welll heres the progress so far! lots more to go tho!! well see what happens

Hello, I was banded on April 28th, 2011 in Boise, Idahoby Dr. Anderson. I have had only one fill and haven’t noticed much differenceyet. The biggest changes have been: not drinking when eating, and a half hourbefore and an hour after eating, along with starting with Protein, and moreprotein and then again even more protein. I haven’t lost much left, but I amquite hopeful, especially after reading so many inspirational stories on thisforum.

I just found this site tonight and I am really loving it! I have surgery on the 28th and start my pre-op diet on Wednesday. How do I find other friends on here?

Oh No!! I'm starting to freak out. My hubby came home sick with cold/flu! I tried to keep my distance but I think he got me sick! My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 16th and I don't want to reschedule for the 3rd time! What should I do?! I don't even know if I can drink any cold/flu meds?! HELP?!

hi, im waiting on insurance. my paperwork was sent in nov 8th. i have bcbs. can anyone tell me how long before they got an answer? im on pins and needles, excited and nervous a little. i have been to 3 support meetings so far, and im loving what im hearing from everybody. everyone of the people at the meetings tell me the same thing, they only wish they had done it sooner. good to know!

I was sleeved on Monday, Dec 5 at Hospital Mi Doctor by Dr. Garcia and his fabulous team. Surgery went well and I am feeling great. My only issue was the darn drain, it gave me some pain but once it came out Everything changed. I have so far not had any problems drinking and have been doing that constantly, water, gaterade, broth, juice. Just have to remember to do it slowly. My husband thought our Pekingese dog was a noisy sleeper wait till he hears this little sleeve...lol. I am looking forward to a little shopping tomorrow and then fly home on Friday.

I have finally got approve for my surgery on Dec 21, so yea for that. I weight 260. I have pcos, looking to have a child( keeping my fingers cross). Just afraid of what the ups and downs of the outcome. Wondering how would I look with 20 pound off of me, or just loosing weight period. They say its a life change and I am so down for that, I have already started by letting negitive people alone. So if you feel like me please help

So it been like forever., but just got my date.... January 3rd YEA BABY!

Hi everyone, I am 45yo, a married mom of 2, and I am currently on the preop diet with only 7lbs left to go. I've been what I called "over weight" for most of my life. My highest was 264 and now I'm at 227. I started thinking of WLS several years ago when I had a few friends go through it, but the time just wasn't right and decided to keep dieting and losing weight on my own. I'd had high hopes that each time I tried was going to be the last, but that didn't happen. I've learned a lot about "dieting" in my lifetime, so it was hard for me to admit that I just can't do it on my own. I figured I had all the tools I needed and that should be good enough. A few years ago…

Hello Everyone, I am new to the gastric sleeve surgery and I was wanting to talk to some people that have already had this. I am 1 week post surgery. I am so hungry sometimes but they told me I wouldn't be. I am on the 3-15 day diet so there isn't much I can have.I can't seem to get the 64 oz. of Water that is required daily. I can barely get 20 oz. I think I am staying dehydrated so it makes my heart race which in turn makes me feel lousy. When does this go away or does it go away. I am 57 years old so I am older than the normal age to have this surgery. I had a heart attack in March 2009, pulmonary embolisim in Jan.2010 and had a bad car wreck May 2010. It seems I am…

Well... I got an early birthday present today...my surgery date! Finally, after 9 months of appointments, check-ups, waiting, and anticipating, I'm going to be sleeved Dec. 28th! My birthday is Thursday and I will be 37 (woo.hoo.) Crazy thing is, I don't even want to have a big dinner with drinks, and that is sooo not me. I'm just really ready for this change. What a WONDERFUL b-day, Christmas, and New Year present! Also, I met my deductible for the year, so my surgery is VERY affordable! Smiling, Smiling,Smiling... BeyonSleeve Before 2 week pre-op diet: 204 BMI: 38

So, this evening, after a fun filled karaoke event sponsored by my vocal ensemble at school, I rushed out to my pre-op class (after singing Proud Mary for 8 minutes!!)... Got there and got lots of info.. Including that fact that my surgeon has decided NOT to perform surgeries after Christmas like I was told he would back in October.. UGH!! So, I was preparing like I would be sleeved Dec. 26.. WELL, looks like I've be sleeved a week from Monday, Dec. 19th, if my insurance approval comes through early next week (I'm believing it will) COME ON BCBS-IL!!! This would mean that this weekend marks the last days of a regular diet and decreasing the time I have to prepare final ex…

Hello All, I guess that I've finally decided to tell my story. First: Blue Cross BlueShield of NY rocks!!! I got my approval and I am having my surgery tomorrow. My surgeon is Dr, Roslin. I am at my heaviest which is 340. After thinking and researching and reading and researching on this site, i decided to go ahead and change my life. The turning point was about three months ago when I went to an assument park with my 8 year old and not being able to ride with him killed me, Anyway - Wish me Luck- 7:00AM Suregery tomorrow!!! Thank You All

Hello everyone, I am new to this community. I have an appointment tomorrow with my surgeon and I believe a date will be set for the end of this month. I started the process in August and finished all of the required appointments in November. I got approved on December 1st!!! I am excited but I am also nervous. I am nervous I won't lose enough weight before the surgery. I am nervous about the surgery...never had major surgery of any kind before. I know I should have changed my eating habits back in August but for the past few months I have been trying to decide if I really was going to do this or not and did not expect everything to happen so fast. Well, I am go…

Greetings All, My name is Jeremy. I'm from Long Island, NY. I'm getting banded on December 14th. I've already lost 120 lbs just by being on the 6 month watch leading up to the surgery, but I still have a long road ahead. I'm looking forward to the band to help with my constant insatiable hunger. It's a gnawing whisper which drives me nuts sometimes. I decided after a few weeks of lurking to final introduce myself and looking forward to interacting with different people! Talk to you all soon, Jeremy

Hey everyone, new to this site. Two words to describe me and my life.....Bridget Jones!! If you have ever seen the movie, I promise that is exactly my life to a tee. Always have the best of intentions but something always goes wrong!! Anyways, my name is Kerri, I'm 32, no kids, not married, 2 dogs. I am an RN and spend my days helping families and patients deal with terminal illnesses, go through the grieving process, and learn to not let it rule their lives. I was going to have the sleeve in Mexico, but chickened out on both Mexico and the sleeve and after some careful deliberation decided the lap band is more for me. Just looking for some great friends and lots of …

Hi... I'm Angie. I just started my steps to better health. I went to see my pcp last month and told her that I was thinking about wls. She seemed very pleased with that. She sent me for blood work. And said she would write a referral letter, and to come back in 6 weeks. I have uhc oxford they said it was covered. I know from reading here there will be many steps to get to my goal, but I been big all this time a lil longer won't hurt. I'm 5"2 244. So I'm shot and plump.. lol. I would like to know if anyone was or is on depo shots before or after surgery?

Where Do paste my tracker?

So today I told my dad and sister that I'm in the process to get the sleeve. I wasn't going to tell anyone, but that got hard and I never intended it to be a secret. I need all the support I can get and the stress of keeping it to myself was really getting to me! So I decided to at least tell them, my dad was hesitant but I expected that. I think he'll put his doubts aside and support me as I go through the process. My sister was ok, didn't say too much but asked questions and such. I figured I'd feel better getting it off my chest but for some reason I kind of regret telling them! I don't know why I'm feeling this way because the response wasn't negative. It just feels d…

Hello all!! Well lets just say I'm getting ready to embark on a freakin adventure.. and need all the support and advice I can get!! I am in the 'pre-op' stage - just last Monday I got the word that my insurance company approved me... and my surgery is set for December 27th... EEKS!! Talk about a Christmas gift right? Anywho - the only catch? Yup... gotta lose 25lbs.. the surgeon wants my BMI under 50 before he operates... so I'm trying like a mad woman to get these pounds off... and well this is the first time EVER I have stuck to anything with this much motivation.. I've lost 10 lbs just this past week... just another 15 in the next 20 days right?? Oh lord.. I am keepi…

Hi Everyone . I just got banded Friday . I got home from the hospital today after just a few complications . Now that Im home .. Do I stick to what they were having me do in the hospital ? I bought a bunch of soup , Jello , pudding and broth .. Thats it for the week .. anything that I could add .. Like oatmeal or eggs or anything like that ? What about protein drinks . I have to take that because of dialyis .. Will that help with lapband too ? Any advice welcome Add me also Christina

Hi Everyone, I think so many of us feel that “if we just lose the weight” everything will be perfect and so will we. Today I post this on Facebook. “food and thought to myself “what have I done to myself????” I will NEVER be able to eat like that again. That was my “OLD” brain doing my thinking. About a month later, I was thrilled that I could NEVER consume all the food every again. This is a challenge, and with time it really becomes a way of life. Holidays are probably the hardest to do. We as a society seem to Celebrate every Holiday with a lot of unhealthy food. I keep saying we have to make this a lifestyle change and be comfortable with it, so we can eat …

I started this journey on September 1st, 2011 when I began my pre-op diet. I weighed in at 320 on the dot. It wasn't easy but I worked hard at it and managed to lose twenty pounds in the six weeks prior to my surgery. I was just a shade under 300 when I walked into OCC for surgery on October 17th. Today is the 7th of December and I am at an even 255 pounds. That is 65 pounds down from where I started just over three months ago. Prior to the surgery I was using nearly 400 units of insulin and injecting another medication every day. I was also taking five different pills to deal with my diabetes. I haven't used a drop of insulin or the other injection since the day o…

A friend that is doing Bariatric sleeve and wants to know how smoking ciggerettes prior to surgery would affect?

When we live the way we feel is right and things don't go our way; we get mad and feel sorry for ourselves. Well, I had been planning a really huge secret event ( my sleeve) for Dec. 6, 2011, for six months and at the last minute it fell through. I just couldn't understand why with all the time, effort and money that I had put into this; I just couldn't get it together. I found out today. I got the call this afternoon about an underprivileged family whose house burned in the night and they were in desperate need. The mom was 4x, daughter 18 or XL and dad and son 38x32 XL. We have family members in every size! I went straight to the phone and made some arrangements; then I…

Guess who just bought her first pair of size 6 jeans? THIS GIRL! I'm so excited! I went to Marshalls last night to find some shoes but I had to try on at least 16 outfits first and a few bras (more on that later). I was specifically looking for a pair of skinny jeans so I could wear my boots with them. I grabbed 1 pair of 6s and 4 pairs of 8s. One pair of the 6s from the Limited was so tight but dangit I sucked in and buttoned those suckers. The 8s were all too big except for one pair so I tried them on again. They fit everywhere but had a little stretch to them. I was thinking maybe they were a 9-10 and I was going to see if I could find the same cut in a smaller size b…

I had lap band surgery in July of 2010. It has been pretty uneventful until now. The past few days I have had pressure in my upper chest after only 2-3 bites of food. I cannot be full because this happens EVERY time I eat and I have hardly eaten in the past 3-4 days. When the food or liquid hits the back of my throat I start to feel the pressure or fullness. I am not vomiting, but it seems like it is not worth it to eat because it is very uncomfortable. This is new to me and a little scary. HELP!!

I WAS BANDED ON 7/11/11 ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO I STARTED HAVING SHARP PAINS IN MY SHOULDER,MAYBE ABOUT 3 TIMES A WEEK. WELL, LAST NIGHT THE PAIN WENT FROM MY SHOULDER TO MY ARM ALL THE WAY DOWN TO MY FINGERS...THIS LASTED FOR 2 HOURS. IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM?

at 9:48am today, i found out that my insurance 1199SEIU approved me for my sleeve. i was driving to work & i wanted to CRYYYY so bad! its so surreal and i cant believe it. i started my preop diet yesterday & im drinking already made Isopure Protein drinks. im doing ok with it & im excited about whats ahead! SURGERY IS DEC 20TH AT 8AM!!!! wish me luck.

Well it has officially been one week since my sleve surgery! I have been so lucky with the ease of this whole process. Dr. Aceves and his team were wonderful. I had no gas pain and very little pain at my incisions. The worst part so far was trying to choke down the nasty blue stuff for the leak test! I am still on Clear liquids for a few more days. I am doing my best to get all the liquids and Protein in, it seems to get easier every day. I have been very lucky! The best news is that as of this morning I have lost 21 pounds since surgery! I could not believe my eyes! I am so so so glad to finally be on that damn loser's bench!

Hey Everyone, I'm new to the site.. and im getting my surgery in one week 12-12-11. I am really getting kind of nervous which i shouldn't since ive already had 4 knee surgeries..whats one more surgery right? lol well this is on my stomach now so my jitters went up a good amount. I was just wondering what the process feels like .. how quickly will i recover.. i know its going to be different for everyone, but i guess having the knowledge will settle a few of my fears. The really big on being the saggy skin afterwards.. I AM VERY NERVOUS BOUT THAT PART! So a little about myself.. I have always been an athlete so i wasn't always big. In fact i didn't really start gaini…

Hello everyone, my name is Amy from Florida and was banded 11-08-11. I'm looking for others to be in touch with for support on this new and wonderful life journey. I am very excited and at the same time a little stressed. I think it is because I'm not sure what to expect. I have my first fill on Dec 20th and hope I do well with it. Best of luck to everyone on your new life!

Lets see where to begin. I started my Medical Supervised Nutritional Visits in Jan. 2011. After completing my 3 months we submitted the paperwork to my Ins. I then received a letter of denial because the program was changed from 3 months to 6 months. So back to the doctors I went. Then after completing another 3 months we submitted again. Then I get denial letter #2 stating that I was denied because the months where not consecutive. So I appealed. Many weeks later I get another letter of denial. This time denying my HUSBAND who has NEVER submitted anything for surgery!! So I called my Ins and after many weeks I get a response... APPROVED!!! Yay!! So now I am scheduled for…

Hello Everyone, I am new to the site so please :-) . I am excited and nervous about my upcoming Sleeve Surgey on the 28th. What I am really nervous about is the pre-op diet. Did anyone have trouble with this? I will have to be on this diet during the holidays and I need some encourgement to get through!!!! Any suggestions are welcome!!!

At least for me! It was one year ago today that I got sleeved. I CANNOT figure out where this year has gone too, it is all a blur. It is hard to believe that one whole year and 170 pounds are lost - hopefully forever!

I went to my 2 week apt. post op and loss 18 1/2 pounds, now a week later i have lost like a pound. Is theere anything wrong with that or not normal? Not sure what is wrong I have been going to the gym as much as my schedule lets me and not barely eating anything cause I get so full so easily. If anyone has any advice or something please let me know I am so confused and worried bout losing the weight

Home from the hospital 12-17-11.Thank God~~it feels like a long way's away but it goes fast, I'm dealing with loose stools,pain when coughing but at least it's done!!!

Just wanted to introduce myself. I decided last month that I was ready to change my life. I've tried many diets, some worked, some didn't, but I realize that I may need a little help and i'm hoping to get that from the Lap Band. I have already met with the surgeon, had my pre-op labs, met the dietitian, and this week I will meet with the Psychiatrist. I'm am a cross between really excited and nervous, but I'm believing that this will be the begining of me getting back to myself, a new healthier me .

Hello everyone! I reached my six week post-surgery this past Friday ( Dec. 2). I have been having trouble with my foods/liquids pooling in the upper portion of my stomach and can eat very little or drink very little. I have heartburn and burp constantly. My pre-surgery weight was 350; as of this past Monday I was at 318 for a total of 32 pounds. At first, I could get down the Protein shakes and reach my goal for 50 plus grams of protein but something happened and now I can barely get in 20 grams. Have an appointment this coming Wednesday to get another pic of my tummy after drinking the yuck drink.... I have been trying not to freak out about this but getting really c…

the first 3 days of the surgery i was thrilled that i dont feel hungry any more. Now it has been 5 days after surgery. I am 9 pounds down. I still feel hungry at times. I can drink without any problems. I was hoping the hunger part won't be an issue

Feeling totally frustrated today! I had my first appt. with Dr. Oliak scheduled for today...but when they called to confirm I was slapped with the 3,500 dollar program fee. Needless to say that appt. was canceled. In order for my insurance to pay for the procedure I have to use a Center of Excellence aka COE. I am in the High Desert area of So Cal. But I am willing to travel to get this ball rolling again. Anybody have a COE that they would recommend in my area? Feeling the need to take my frustration out on the kids Halloween candy!

Aaetna called this afternoon with approval news. I will have pre-op visit Wednesday the 7th and surgery on the 12th. I am running the gammit of emotions!!!!!! Apprehensive, excited, etc....

Hello, I am new to this journey. I have made the first step by making the decision to get banded. I have scheduled my next step. (free seminar) I am anxious and excited about the prospect of a healthier me. In January, my insurance changes to UHC. I am hoping that by using one of their Center of Excellence, my out of pocket costs will be minimal. I love reading about all the different triumphs and struggles experienced. It really gives a grounded view of what to expect. Thanks for sharing!!

My name is Dominique. I am female and almost 52 years old. My vertical sleeve gastrectomy is scheduled for 12/19/2011. Tomorrow are my pre-op blood tests. Wednesday is my pre-op appointment with my surgeon and my pre-op class. Currently I weigh 228 pounds. My highest was 236 pounds. My BMI is 38.6. I have diabetes, high-blood pressure, sleep apnea and GERD. My surgeon is Scott Cunneen. My surgery will be at Cedars-Sinai. Now that the date is nearing, I am going through depression, euphoria, excitement and nausea. Sometimes I feel so calm about it, then I have a panic attack. But I am still determined to go through with it!

I had my 12 week follow up with my gastric sleeve surgeon and I have lost 53lbs! She said everything looks great and I am above the norm for weight loss! Feeling amazing!!!!! (null)

So tomorrow is my big day!! I'm so excited but I'm also... HUNGRY!! I only have to do two day of liquids, and my hats off to those of you who have had to do this for weeks! Yesterday wasn't so bad because I could have yogurt and my Protein shakes but today it's only Clear Liquids allowed. I know it will be worth it. I never really thought I would have as hard a time with this liquid part though. Oh well. I'm excited for tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital at 11, and my surgery should be around 1. I can't wait! Please keep me in your prayers and I will be keeping all of you in my prayers!

Hi all, I've been reading posts since my surgery was approved, but haven't posted. I lost 22 lbs pre-op, and had my surgery on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Great recovery and very little pain; I was fortunate enough to have my medical insurance cover my procedure at the Cleveland Clinic Center of Excellence. I'm trying to stay hydrated, and still have at least one shake a day--but the road ahead looks good--I've lost a pound a day since surgery!! Quick questions-- 1. how do I put that cute weight loss chart on my profile? 2. Anyone found the best prices on Vitamins? I love the Oh Yeah! chocolate Milkshake powder and bottles--best flavor! Good Luck to ever…

Hi!! I'm Jessica. I've been lurking for a few days, I just started the process last week, I went to an informational session. I have decided to continue with the process I am at the point where I'm interviewing surgeons. I live in the South Florida area. A little about me. I've always been thin, I was a figure skater growing up, stopped when I turned 18 and went off to college, gained a lot of weight, moved to Israel for 2.5 years and lost 80lbs. I went from 217lbs down about 135ish. Became a personal trainer, was diagnosed with PCOS, got married a little over a year ago and in the past 3 years I put on about 125lbs. But I am ready to change myself for the better and I c…

Hi, I am Cassandra, 31 yrs old and was banded on 11/8/11. I weighed 288 on my surgery date and weigh currently as 274. I had to have the surgery in the hospital setting, my insurance paid for the surgery fully. I went ahead and stayed the night in the hospital since I don't tolerate pain that well. I had my surgery at 8am and didn't wake up fully until 3 pm in the afternoon. All the nursing staff at IU bloomington hospital was wonderful and they helped me with all my questions. I had only discomfort when I was getting up from the bed or couch, and couldn't bend over fully without discomfort for about 1 week. I was on liquids for one week and didn't feel like I was f…