Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Well, it is finally my turn! I have been watching all you father's go before me, so ecxitingly, and now I am finally up to bat! I had been doing a ton of research, since February, when I learned my insurance wouldn't pay for the sleeve. So, here I am in Mexicali, Mexico getting ready to head to the hospital in about 6 hours. Everything has gone exactly as I was told so far. Ernesto pickup me (& my mom) up in San Diego and brought us straight to the hospital. Once wewalked in things started moving fast. I'm from Tennessee, we don't tend to realty move that fast, we're a little laid back. I had blood drawn, peed in a cup, EKG, and chest xrays before I could sit dow…

I thought I would post an update on my surgery. I'll be one week post-op tomorrow. Everything went fantastically well. I had the procedure on Monday and was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. I have had very little pain, even in the hospital, and didn't ask for pain meds after they removed my morphine pump on Tuesday morning. I was up and walking on Monday afternoon, and did my best to walk a few laps around the hallway every 2-3 hours as proscribed by my doctor. I swear, that makes all the difference in the world! I'm convinced that my surgeon, Dr. Wier, is the most compassionate, caring surgeon around. I would highly recommend him! We had a great, fu…

I just had my sleeve surgery 12 days ago. I had the procedure done in Atlanta at Emory Midtown. Dr. Lin was my surgeon. I do have to say that the staff was GREAT! It was a rough couple of days but they took excellent care of me. since surgery, I have had good days and bad. But overall, it is the beginning of a whole new life for me. YEAH!

Hi everyone! I'm 35 years old (a male) and I'm at the very very beginning stages of getting banded. I've gone to one of 6 doctor visits and I'm planning on going to a seminar this month. My BMI is 40 and I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. My wife was banded a couple months ago, and she really likes her surgeon, so I'll probably use him as well. I look forward to many future discussions with everyone1

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha and I am new to this community. I am 31 and live on Long Island with my husband and two cats. I am a Special Education Teacher and work with young children (ages 0-5) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have been diagnosed with PCOS and am currently preparing to have Lap Band surgery. I had my consultation with Dr. Geiss through Syosset Hospital on Tuesday. I look forward to being a part of this community and learning from everyone while sharing my journey!

Hi, I'm Julie, 28. I got banded almost 4 weeks ago, and I am going to have my first fill as soon as I get the courage! I've always been chubby, but when I started work 6 years ago things got out of hand and I tipped the scales at 208 pounds. After losing and gaining the same 15 pounds 3 times over 4 years I decided to get the lap band. My first milestone is 187 pounds, when I will fit into all my clothes. I am really close! 6 pounds to go! My next big milestone is 154 pounds, which is what I think is my sexy weight! I have pics of me my senior year in college and at 154 I looked good! After I reach that, I will see - ideally i'd like to be between 140 and 120 pou…

I live in Texas and my surgery was done on 11/11/11 (easy day to remember, huh). That was 3 weeks ago today. I have lost only 7 pounds in those 3 weeks. This was disappointing to me but after reading everyone else's experience I guess that is normal. My first fill is scheduled for next Thursday, 12/9. I cant wait! I loved the way I was not hungry and did not even think about food right after the surgery. I want that feeling to come back. My surgeon was Dr John Marsden and I was so pleased. He is not only caring and concerned about my journey, he has a great sense of humor and you are instantly comfortable with him. I am a little different than a lot of his patie…

So I just joined up on verticalsleevetalk.com yesterday and already im a fan . Lots of information on here and supportive people. So my journey begins, and from what I can tell, its going to be one heck of a journey. Im excited to feel NORMAL about myself in the near future. Theres so much I want to do that I mentally think I "cant" do now because of my weight. I hope so many doors will be opened because of this. I wont lie- I am nervous, but excited all the same.

Hi Everyone, I had lap band surgery on 11/30/11 and am really excited about the changes and challenges that lie ahead. At this point, I has been 3 days since my surgery and I was able to get out and walk for about 35 minutes (which felt great). How soon before I can hit gym classes such as Zumba, step aerobics, weight training? Any tips for success would be greatly appreciated.

Getting sick everytime I eat no matter wat it is. Please tell me how to fix this.

Hi, My name is veronica, my surgery was in March 21st. in my experience I really thought it was going to be painful, but I just had a few days of great time at home with my kids. I'm up to 10cc and I just started to feel the band in my body. My start weight was 218. I'm 185 now. although I have lost very little I have went from size 16 to 12 and so far I feel great. I met this lady tha lost about 50 pounds in 3 months but she is now feeling very weak and she has been admitted to the hospital once because she is not eating well. I rather loose little by little but I hope to do better with this last adjustment. Veronica

I am almost 2 months post op and its been awful I've been hospilized 4 times for dehydration. I am always nauseas and vommiting can't ever hold anything down its making life hard! Anyone else have problems

I set my surgery for 1/04/2012 on 11/22/2011 and for the last several days have been caught up with work and school and the Holidays, not to mention the end-of-month at work. So I am setting here at 3:45 AM and I have soooo many thoughts going through my head. I am much more nervous than I suspected. The posts about pain scare me. I really dont want to just hurt for days on end. However, that could be the end result for many co-morbid conditions associated with obesity and diabetes (not to mention asthma and a bad knee). My Husband is scared, and I think that for me is the hardest thing right now. He is holding onto me, literally, almost every second he can. I looked …

I am scheduled to have a VSG on december 20. On december 1, i had to get an emergency left ovary remova surgery because of ovary cyst twisted (ovary torsion) and severe lower left abdominal pain. My vsg surgeon says it is still ok to do my vsg on dec 20. Did any one had two abdominal surgeries within three weeks like this? Any thoughts or suggestions. I am little worried now for vsg.

One thing that I wonder is if people who are younger -- 20's and 30's -- lose more weight and lose it faster. After reading boards for weeks -- months -- I've noticed that many of the people with the most drastic weight success stories are younger. I know that when I hit 45, my weight redistributed. I had about a 12 pound weight gainover the period of about a year without any change in my diet or exercise (which was highly frustrating); in fact I actually started eating less. But then the gaining stablized and my weight has been very constant for the last several years. But where the weight is has changed. There was a subtle but definite thickening of my mid-secti…

Hi i posted earlier, but i think i went to the wrong area, so here goes again. I am crying through my tears. I thought i would write my other "family" you guys My WLS was scheduled for tuesday 12/6/11 - I have been all set, ready to go. My dr.s office just called to say they had to postpone. Dr. was concerned all of a sudden about my preop testing, it showed some heart problems, and he wanted to operate at a different hospital, thats better equipped in case of............... he assured me i would be fine. But he wanted to cover all basis. i'm so sad, and i had a good long cry. they said they would re-schedule asap. Son of a gun, they called me back in 1/2 hr.…

Hi there, I'm Corrie and I was banded over 7 years ago by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey, Mexico. I live in the Seattle area with my family. I lost 70lbs in the first 7 months post op, but then got pregnant and stopped losing weight because I stopped making good food choices. I then had another child and continued to maintain some of my weight loss. I am at the point now that I realize further weight loss is very unlikely and I'm considering having a revision and then a RNY or VS. I'm weighing my options at this point, but I do believe that only a surgical option will help me with successful weightloss. My revision will be done at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle wi…

Just got the call for my sleeve surgery. It will be on December 21st. Pre-op appointment on December 14th!! So excited!! Merry Christmas to me!! So nervous and excited at the same time.

Hi I am super excited to start my diet tomorrow. Surgery is on the 16th. I KNOW its going to be hard but my plan is to try my best and keep in mind that the end result will be worth it! I have two kids , a hubby and a full time job. I am 75 lbs overweight and feel tired and sluggish all the time. My fmaily has a VERY strong history of diabetes and heart disease. I am so mkotivated to avoid these medical problems and become healthy and energetic. Gald I found this forum b/c I just rea a few blogs and already feel support and good vibes! Tomorrow day one liquid diet! Please share your liquid diet journey with me if yuo can. Thanks, G

:cornut: I finally have a date 1-16-12 (Dr. Nick Nicholsoin), feeling super awesone over here (the wine helps). I am blessed that from my initial decision to have surgery 7-12-11 to being approved on 11- 14-11 was a fairly easy process (I had already done tons of research). I could have had my surgery as early as 12-19-11 but my birthday is on 12-30 and I didn't want to be on a pre-op diet or recovering near my birthday. I will finally hopefully (crosses fingers) fulfill my New Year's resoulution to lose weight this year (with a lil help :wink1: ).

Hello, my name is Tina. I was banded on December 9, 2010. I am having trouble eating solid protein such as chicken and pork. I do, however have no trouble at all eating junk food. I have lost 32lbs and am very discouraged. I was just filled two weeks ago. Any advice?

I started my first weight management class in june and had my last class on nov. 17th. I called the doctors office on the 29th and asked if they'd heard from my insurance (bcbs of texas). She said she would give them a call. She called back and said i was approved! She said i should've received my letter.( i haven't received it yet), but i start my pre op diet and docs visit on the 6th. My surgery is scheduled for dec. 20th. I'm really nervous about the pre op diet. I pray i won't cheat, or feel weak or sick. My surgeon is dr. Scarborough at tlc surgery in houston,tx. I'm sooo ready!!!

Hi everyone! Im Maddie, and i got my lap band September 24, 2011. My starting weight was 273 and Im down to 236, I feel awesome about my progress. 2 months in, Im starting to worry about stretching my new stomach. Ive been eating an equal amount of good and bad foods. Does anyone know how to tell if they stretched their band? Or does it take more than a couple of months? Support and help feel like its out of reach sometimes! I appreciate any comments or advice!

So, last night I had my last required appointment for my medically supervised weight loss program. Leading up to that appointment, I had an emotional tsunami!!! I have been sooooo overwhelmed with different crazy scenarios about why this surgery will not happen... I'm a very positive person, so I was shocked and kind of paralyzed when all this negativity bombarded me!! I've been on the verge of tears since Thanksgiving.. it's like this foreboding sadness and apprehension about completing this process... It's been crazy.. Okay back to last night.. well, I was on my way to the office and I was just dreading it... I even drove the speed limit.. And I DON'T ever do that!!…

Ok so surgery finally here, 10:15 tomorrow morning. I am excited but nervous at the same time . Praying that everything goes smoothly. All prayers would be greatly appreciated. :angelsad2:

Hey everybody!!! I'm scheduled to be sleeved on December 8 and I'm starting to get nervous. I have researched having WLS for 10 years and finally my insurance pays for my choice. I'm diabetic( 11years), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, PCOS and all that good stuff that comes along with "the sugar". I'm finally getting the tool that is going to help me to achieve better health. I have been married for almost 12 years and I would love to have kids before I turn 35....so I have at least 2 more years to get myself together and hit my goal weight.

Hello everyone I'm a new Member, I live in nashville. had my surgery 3 years ago, and have lost 103 pds. Went from a 20-22 jeans to a size 6. Wish I have had the surgery years ago. Being the largest kid in grade school was so bad. Had so many friends ,but nobody wants a heavy girl friend. So I was the one that made jokes and everyone thought I was funny. My surgery was with Dr. Morton at Baptist Hospital. I've only had to have one ajustment, lost so much weight in 2 months they had to take out some from my pouch. I have kept my weight off for 2 years now.I need to post a before and after picture. The hanging skin doesn't look good ,but clothes will cover that up.. The on…

I can't believe this I am approaching the 5th appt of my 6 month medically supervised diet. It seems like I've had a never ending calendar of appts to get this far. I am nervous and excited all rolled up in one. I'm not even that nervous for the surgery. I'm more nervous that my insurance company is going to deny me. I honestly don't see how but you never know. I am so tired of being fat. I mean REALLY tired. I have a 5 year old son that took me 10 years to conceive and I can barely keep up with him. My family history is rife with diabetes and I don't want it. My grandma passed away at 52 and my mom is dying a slow and wasting death from diabetes. So…

Hello everyone, its been 10 days since my VSG and im feeling great. I lost 8 kilograms (approx 20 pounds) in the first week but then my weight loss stopped for four days which is absolutley normal so dont panic! The numbers on your scale might have stopped, temporarily of course, but your inches wont they will drop and fast. I try on my old clothes to make sure! In regards to pain, I had the worst gas pain in the first couple of days and only found relief when i walked so for you new sleevers WALK WALK WALK thats the only way you'll feel better and will get some much needed excercise out of it too. liquid dieting is tough i know but you just need to be strong and outl…

Today is day 5 after my surgery. I am feeling overwhelmingly depressed. It is so difficult to get all the liquids and proteins in. I have so many meds I have to crush and they just taste nasty as do the protein shakes that I have used so far. Thankfully I am not craving foods as I thought I would, just feeling regret because I have seen absolutely no physical changes as of yet. My fibromyalgia has flared up so I am in aching pain in legs and arms, along with surgical pain. I feel as thought the doctor did not inform me of how much pain I would be in and how difficult a change this would be. I do not do well with change. I suppose I am just not seeing the light at the en…

Hello everyone, Little about me, my name is Stephanie and I've been in the process of having the lap band for over a year now. I have state insurance/medicaid and live in Connecticut. I'm having the surgery at Backus Hospital in Norwich with Dr. Tousignant, who I really love, he's super nice and so is all of the staff. I have done everything for the insurance, 6 months+ worth of doctors visits monthly, which was covered through my medicaid but the Dietitian was not, and my surgeon said it was mandatory that I see her so I had to pay out of pocket for those visits, which was really hard but I got it done. Tomorrow is the last time I see her pre op, which will be …

So... I'm not sure where to start. . . I'm 30, mother of two, married, and have had a life long battle with the chub. I have been at my biggest for the past 6 months. I was at 220, now at 206. I'm 5'3 and have not even talked to my doc about lap band yet. I will tho. I have an appointment in a week. Currently, he has me on Phenterimine and see's me every two weeks. But I've played this game too many times. Diet pills, lose weight, no diet pills, gain weight back + tons more, etc. Its a vicious cycle. I'm at a loss. I feel discouraged. I'm embarrassed & ashamed of myself. I hate my body. I hate having body image issues.. Its a mess. I can't take it anymore. Something…

I am hoping to find others who are heading down to Tijuana for their WLS. Since making my decision it seems its all I can think about. I have even been having "skinny" dreams. I am excited. Nervous. Obsessed. Anyone else headed south of the border? My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 17th with Dr. Jose Rodriguez through BeLiteWeight. I would LOVE to hear any feed back on any and every part of the experience I am getting ready to venture into. Love all the posts here.... I wish each & everyone of you success.

I am 4 wks postop today. I'm down 28 pounds and very happy about it. It was hard at first with pain, thirst, intense restriction and fatigue. The 3rd wk was the turning point. I could eat more comfortably, the fatigue started to lessen and I felt the weight loss in my clothes. Others said they noticed the weight loss but for some reason I don't believe them. Maybe i'm weird. I'm about one third the way to my goal which is to lose 90 pounds. so anyone who is struggling, hang in there it DOES get better like they say. Big hugs.

Hi everyone! I was banded on November 9th. I went back for my 1st post-op and had lost 10 pounds and was put on pureed food but I seem to be eating more than before ( was really burnt out on the liquids-- 4 weeks was enough). I don't feel I have gained any weight back but I have read about band slippage and I pray that is not what has happened. I get to the point of where I feel full and my meal size is much much less than wha tI was eating before. Is it normal that I am able to at more now. I go back to my doctor on the 8th or should I try to see him before then. PLEASE HELP I AM REALLY WORRIED.

Hi everyone! Im new to this forum and just wanted to introduce myself and say how great it is to read everyones success stories. I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago and since then I have gained an unbelieveable amount of weight! I decided on the gastric sleeve to help control the pcos and to help me get to a healthy point in my life. I have found a few posts on this site talking about surgery + pcos but not many. Is there somewhere else I should be looking? I'd just like to hear the good, bad and the ugly of coping with pcos after surgery....because I've failed at all other attempts to lose weight and keep it off..I guess Im just mainly hoping this will be the tool …

I found out I have to do another test before my surgeon will schedule surgery. I'm going to see if I can talk to one of the Nurses or support Drs. to find out why this additional test as it's my surgeon's requirement, not an insurance requirement. Here is my dilemma: if I have to have this test its financially prudent for me to have the test first thing in 2012 and let the surgery push a little later into 2012, maybe as late as early February. I've so had my heart on doing this first thing in 2012 but if push comes to shove it's much better for me to accrue the expense for the new test in 2012. I've contacted my ins to see if they can give me a more accurate cost esti…

i met my surgeon today and he gave me a tentative date! DECEMBER 20th. its PERFECT and the day i have been hoping and praying for. thursday is my 6th & final appt with my nutritionist and then we send everything in and wait. it turns out that my BMI is 49.9! YIKESSSS! its crazy because i hide it so well and people wouldnt guess that as my weight but i haaaate it. i cant wait to get surgery! PRAY FOR ME PLEASE!!! view my vlog at www.youtube.com/jasleeve

50 ex college football player. 5'11" and 260. Two kids 5 &13. High blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and diabetic on meds Sleeve scheduled with dr Kim on 7/21. I am scared to death.

Hey can someone tell me how to even get started ? where do i go what do i do ? I have made up my mind that this is what i want and need to do just need to get the ball rolling! i have two very small beautiful babies to live for & im ready to get my life back. i have never in my life been thin i have dieted and tried not eating at all the most i could ever loose was 23 pounds that i gained right back i have never felt like my body matched my personality but im ready for it to ! thanks in advance =)

Hello! I’m new to the site, my username’s LunarScorpio, but most people short that to “Luna” and my actual name is Felicia. I’ve been lurking around this site for the past few months and have always found it helpful. With my surgery date quickly approaching, I figured that it was time to join up! My surgery date is tentatively scheduled for December 20th and I’m a mixture of excitement and nervous, but I know that this is not only want I need to do, it’s what I want to do. I, like many of you, have tried diet after diet after diet to find that it doesn’t work and that I generally gain it all back and then some after the diet has failed. I decided to go with the ba…

I am planning on having the sleeve done in mid January. I am hoping around Jan 18 which is my 30th birthday. I have been morbidly obese most of my life and overweight since 2nd grade. I have no idea what life is going to be like but I am excited to live it. I am looking forward to being in a relationship and not question how/why he is attracted to me. To having children and being able to play with them like my parents couldn't play with me. I want to hike, swim, dance and move through life without being self conscious. I am so glad I found these forums and I can't wait to make my 30's rule!

Hello Everyone, I am new to this site and I am thinking about having the lap band procedure done. Right now my BMI is 42.3 and I have trouble breathing when I walk short distances. I have a full time job with most of my time spent is behind a desk. I am also a full time student working towards my BA Degree. I am married and have 5 children at home. I feel that if I don’t take care of myself, how am I able to take care of my family. I would like to know the pro and cons about the procedure, because it is better to know all the information before getting the procedure than finding out after it is done. I do have my first Doctors appointment on Dec. 19. I do know that m…

My insurance company stated that VSG is not covered .. even out of medical necessity.. so I said Screw'em.. I will pay for it myself. I have been in need of a major change for more than 20 years.. and I am just going to go fo it. My surgery date is December 16th. I have done a lot of research.. and studied the subject quite a lot. My only apprehension is the liquid diet prior to surgery.. i have always had a weakness for eating.. i eat all the time.. since I have quit all manner of recreational drug.. drinking and smoking cigarettes.. my 'grazing' has gotten completely out of hand. so I am really looking forward to making this big change. But I am very apprehensive about…

I finally have an appointment for a surgery evaluation January 10th.....this is a huge step since I have been at this since eptember. I am excited. I feel like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. Any advice as to anything I should call and ask or have done that would make this go faster would be awesome and thanks in advance. I am so thankful for this site it has given me so much encouragement and information. Thank you to those who have shared their journey it really is a blessing.

I just got a call from my doctor and scheduled my surgery for 12/9! I'm so exicted!!! I wanted to let everyone know how helpful everyone's stories have been in helping me decide to do this for myself and knowing what to expect. I'm so excited to start this journey and would really appreciate everyone's support. Thanks!

Well went yesterday for my 2 week apt with the nutrionist and got on her magic scales lol I have lost 18 1/2 pounds and 12lbs of fat mass. I was so excited. Still wish it would have been more but time will bring me more pounds gone lol. Just had to share. Fastest I have ever lost weight in any of my years of different dieting.

Its funny how one little word can change so much, so quickly. I went from being a crazy anxious grumpy b***h waiting to hear from my insurance, to screaming and dancing for joy in a parking lot when I read my one word email from my surgeon's administrative assistant, to trying to not to cry like a baby. I just wanted to take the time to say the following... ~ I'm grateful and thankful for being given a tool that will not only change my life but quite possibly save it ~ I'm grateful that I'll be reaching several goals that I've always had but didn't have the courage to share with people.. (i.e. riding rollar coasters again, going kayaking with my frieinds, SHOPPING…

Hello, Everyone. I've been reading this board for over a month now, and I really appreciate all the helpful information. My surgery date is Dec 14th. I started my pre-op diet today, and so far so good. I had been considering surgery for a while and finally got the courage to make an initial consultation in Oct. Because I am self pay, I could pretty much pick my surgery date. I go for pre-op testing on Dec 7th. I look forward to your support!!!

I am overweight, and as long as I remember I have always been overweight. I remember that during all my summer vacations my dad would put me on a new diet, but they wouldn't work, I would sabotage myself. Last Christmas I went to my native country, Dominican Republic, to spend the holidays with my family there. When my dad saw me at the airport the first words out of his mouth were "nothing but surgery is going to help you lose weight", and he spent all the time I was there trying to convince me to have WLS, he said he would pay for it. I refused his offer, I was convinced I could lose all the weight on my own. On June I finally decided to get on with the diet I was suppo…