Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, everyone! I've been lurking on this site for about 3 months now, and have only just decided to join. So, I thought I'd share a quick story about me, my weight, and my sleeve! I'm 27 years old, of Indian ethnicity, and have been overweight since I was maybe 4 years old. I have the usual story of trying this diet, that diet, meeting with loads of doctors, etc. etc. About a year ago, an acquaintance of mine (now a mentor) had a bypass done, and I was inspired to look into weight loss surgery! I was studying medicine in India (I'm born and raised in California), while I researched everything, and decided to get the surgery done as soon as I finished med school. I …

Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I am looking at this as a new beginning. My "new beginning" date is Dec. 7 with Dr. Mario Almanza. I am so excited. I started my pre-diet on Sunday. Many people (family) at first thought I was CRAZY for wanting to have 3/4 of my stomach removed. I don't know where you all started, but as someone in her mid-40's, I have struggled with weight all my life. I realized I would like to be able to run with my kids ( what a novel idea ). Be around for grandkids, and live to a ripe old age. I don't expect this to be an easy journey. But nothing worth while is easy to attain. But I am mentally ready, and I hope this forum will …

consultation was today! Went really well...now just waiting for insurance approval! So excited... I'm going to have the choice between Lap-Band or the Realize band, what are the differences and what did y'all choose? Anyone heard anything negative, one VS. the other?

Finally got insurance approval after what seemed to be forever, in reality it was only 2 weeks. Finalizing the surgery date with the Dr's office today, and then I can officially be on my way to the next chapter of my life. This site has been super helpful in getting answers to those silly questions and keeps me from calling the Dr's office every day when I think of a question, since I know I can find the answer on the talk forum. Thank you to everyone for your sharing... Looking forward to what the future holds!

I had my surgery last Friday, the 4th, in Mexico with Dr. Kelly. I woke up feeling sick to my stomach but never threw up. I was alert and had no pain at all. I was up walking around within a couple of hours and felt great. I've had no problems swallowing or drinking at all. I'm still nervous about taking big sips so I just take it slow. The day I left the hospital and went to the hotel, there were several others who had surgery the day before me and wanted to go shopping. Dr. Kelly's wife took turns giving us rides to the shopping area. I had just left the hospital and walked for blocks and blocks shopping and felt great. If it wasn't for the incisions, I wouldn'…

I go to the airport at 5:15 am to head for Mexico. Surgery will be at 3 pm. I want today to go by fast so I can't get there and get it done! Any prayers would be very welcomed! Thanks, Julie

Hello, I am just getting started with all of my appointments and going through everything to get banded. I am scared to be a 25 year old female weighing in at 312 lbs. I suffer from very high blood pressure, sleep disorder and depression. I know I need to do this to get healthy but I am afraid of getting rejected. I am one of those that is just coming to terms with my weight, I used to be like im not that big, oh I feel like ive lost some, or I can still fit in those clothes so I wont get rid of them yet (when I know they wont even go over my hips). I finally looked at myself in the mirror when I was put on blood pressure meds and thyroid meds and told myself I was way to…

In June of 2010 my husband and I started our weightloss journey together!! Both of us were hoping to get the Sleeve. On Feb. 14th 2011 I had the sleeve, a rough road at first but well worth the struggles. Now 9 months later I am at goal and just trying to maintain. Did I already tell ya "I LOVE MY SLEEVE"!! WHOOT WHOOT!! Just today my hubby got the news that he will be having his RNY surgery on December 2nd 2011. He is excited and had originally wanted the sleeve surgery also, but due to his diabetes the doctor felt the RNY surgery would be the best option for him. If everything goes as planned he should be free of meds in a few short weeks. YAY!! Keep him in …

In June of 2010 my husband and I started our weightloss journey together!! Both of us were hoping to get the Sleeve. On Feb. 14th 2011 I had the sleeve, a rough road at first but well worth the struggles. Now 9 months later I am at goal and just trying to maintain. Did I already tell ya "I LOVE MY SLEEVE"!! WHOOT WHOOT!! Just today my hubby got the news that he will be having his RNY surgery on December 2nd 2011. He is excited and had originally wanted the sleeve surgery also, but due to his diabetes the doctor felt the RNY surgery would be the best option for him. If everything goes as planned he should be free of meds in a few short weeks. YAY!! Keep him in …

Hello! I just want to put my lil story on here. I started with True Results earlier this year. I didn't feel satisfied with everything, especially when the "nutritionist" that I spoke with told me to lie on my food logs for insurance purposes. Since Dr Hollis is one of their docs, I looked into him and I like what I saw. I finally got the call on October 13th that I was approved for surgery thru my insurance!!! I was so excited. They told me to start my pre-op diet. They told me about a week later that my surgery was scheduled for November 14th. I asked them if I could have my surgery sooner as I was out of work right now for back problems, and I was hoping to go …

Hi, my name is Sara and I am currently waiting for approval from my insurance company to have the vsg. I had to do a 24 week weightloss program through the surgeons office which I completed in July and I lost 48 pounds. I have not been doing so well since. I have pretty much maintained until a couple weeks ago when we went on vacation and I gained a good 10 pounds. I have not weighed since so I am hoping I lost some of that but I still am struggling with getting back on track. I am in Michigan and I plan on having my surgery with Dr. Kemmeter of Grand Health Partners in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I would love to hear from anyone who has had Dr. Kemmeter or anyone who…

Hello all! I was banded on Friday, November 4th. I found this site while looking for a few answers and its already proven valuable. Seems this is a great place for knowledge and support.

Hello. I just joined the forum this morning but I wish I had found this site sooner. Looks like lots of valuable information and experiences shared. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, November 9th in Little Rock, AR. My doctor's name is Dr. John W. Baker. I'm on a pre-op diet of shakes and SF/FF clear liquids. I seem to go back and forth between feelings of nervousness and determination. I'm excited for how I will feel a year from now, but kinda dreading the interim. Looking forward to reading lots here, especially since I'm about to have a couple weeks of free time on my hands.

I just have to say.... there are some awsome people here. You know who you are! You are sweet, always helpful and encouraging! I thank you. You post-sleeved have been there and continue to give. You pre-sleeved are right there striving for the same thing. Sometimes days are really exhausting, your feet ache, your tired but you still get on here, intisapating an answer or a suggestion or a "keep motivated". I so appreciate this new little world I stumbled upon in internet land. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!! :biggrin2:

This has been my journey, what has your journey been like? April 2011- Seminar May 6, 2011– Consultation with my surgeon and 1st weight management appt June 6, 2011- 2nd Weight management appt July 11, 2011 – 3rd Weight management appt July 14, 2011 – Psychological Evaluation August 1, 2011 – 4th Weight management appt August 12, 2011- Gallbladder Scan September 12, 2011 – 5th Weight management appt September 12, 2011 – Final lab work October 10, 2011 – 6th and Final weight management appt October 21, 2011 – Packet submitted to insurance company November 4, 2011 – Approval from insurance company December 7, 2011 - Surgery Date

Hey everyone! I've been posting on these forums for a few weeks now, and I just want to thank everyone for being so supportive and for answering so many questions from a sleeve newbie. I had so many reservations about this surgery as a "lower" BMI patient, especially having struggled with diets my whole life, and believing that maybe one more diet would be the magic answer. HOWEVER, I am proud to announce that I have solidified my surgery date today! I will be getting sleeved on December 13th in TJ by Dr. Pompa at the LIMARP surgical centre. I am SO excited, but nervous as well. I am very scared of the actual surgery, as I have never had anything done, ever! I just want i…

My name is Deb, I'm 5'2" and 250 lbs now, was 275, about 5 months ago. I have had a hard time maintaining a 'normal' weight, all my life. Two years ago, I started the process for bariatric surgery. Due to trouble affording co-pays and sleeve gastrectomy not being offered in my area, I did not have surgery. Now, sleeve is being done, insurance may not readily approve, but my surgeon sees that I have researched and am making an informed decision. I feel that a sleeve is the least risky. He is going to push the insurance to cover it, as I do have severe ulcerative colitis, under control with medication. He is going to say that there is a possibility, in the future, of having…

I still hate to get my picture taken. Here I am around Thanksgiving 2010, size 52 pants, XXX shirt - both are tight And here I am today 11 months later ~170 lighter. Size 38 pants and Large shirt - and both are baggy: The sleeve WORKS!

I was sleeved 9/26 and since the surgery have had nothing but issues and I need some insight from someone please. The latest started last week where i would just start gagging for no reason and I gag until I throw up went through this for a week and finally couldnt take it anymore. I was hospitalized sunday and monday and was put on reglan and Im still having the problem can anyone please help me through this Im having a terrible time and dont know what to do

I was supposed to be having my surgery January 2012, but due to money issues I had to postpone. I have to start my 6 month waiting and won't be having the surgery until May 2012. I've tried doing some diets on my own with Herbalife being the main one, but I found I'm spending just as much money if not more! I am anxious to start on this journey, but have a couple of questions for everyone who has had the Lap Band done. 1st, I'm 5'3 about 270lbs and I want to get down to 130lbs...is this realistic? If so, how long would it take to achieve this goal? 2nd, I have been told I will be out of work for about a week. Is it necessary to be out of work so long? I have a 2 year old …

Hello everyone my name is Kimberly i'm from California and I was just banded a few days ago. I have come to this site for so many questions I needed answers for and have appreciated being able to read into other peoples experiences and journey's. So much that I decided I should share mine. I'm looking forward to chatting with you all....

Pre-OP work is being done tommorrow and surgery is set for Nov. 14th! So excited and yet so scrared lol. I can't wait to start my journey. If anyone has any info or tips please feel free to let me know lol.

Hello Everyone, I was banded July 27, 2009. Since then I've lost 135 lbs. It's been one heck of a ride! If you are considering having it done, or maybe you're still a new bandster, I'll be happy to answer questions of what it's been like for me. Maggie

I would love to hear some questions I should ask at my pre-op appt next Wednesday, what I should pack for surgery, all that good stuff :-) I am so excited!

Hi! This is my experience with Dr. Garcia. I decided to share because I couldn't find a lot of information about him on this forum before I had my surgery. I was sleeved on Oct 24, 2011. I had a great experience! I really was impressed with the nurses, Dr. Garcia & the hospital. I have to say that I was a little nervous before because I had so many people telling me that it was a HUGE mistake to go to Mexico. I mean people are pretty opininated about this, which actually surprised me a little. I guess we think America has such higher standards and we don't expect the same from other countries. We (my parents came with me so my hubby could stay with our kid…

Hey guys. Well I had a VG done about 3 years ago. I had always been a chubby guy and always hated my body. I spent 4 years of college avoiding the Water and I hate the beach. It was pretty depressing when spring came around and they opened the campus pool which is beautiful. It quickly got populated with my fellow fraternity friends showing off their awesome bodies and my dear sorority friends doing the same. I couldn't go, I was so ashamed and embarrassed I hated it. Being gay is also a big issue. The gay community is so looks based and there was no way a chub can have a healthy successful dating life without dating another bigger guy. I am an emotional eater, I know t…

HELLOOOOOO Everyone!! I am so sorry that I have once again been MIA for a while. After I made my last update (6 Month Update-Down 115 lbs!!!) I was so busy with the wedding and new job that I didn't log on for close to a month. Then when I finally tried to access my account I was unable to do so. I have been going back and forth with the Admin's for the last 1.5 months trying to gain access to VST. I have TRULY missed all of you guys! (Especially my SO CAL Sleeves Group!!!!) Now that I have access again I will try to be a lot more active on here like I used to be. :-) OK, OK, UPDATE TIME!!! The wedding was absolutely perfect in every way. I will be mak…

My husband and I are both getting "sleeved" soon, his surgery is this Wednesday (the 9th) and mine not until December 21st. I'm hoping we'll see success.

Day 19 post-op and so happy to be here. Until September I'd never heard of a sleeve gastrectomy and was not looking at doing bariatric surgery. Being overweight/obese most of my adult life I assumed I'd carry the burden and the health consequences to my grave. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004 and have done a fair job of losing small amounts of weight, eating clean food and staying active BUT not enough to stop it's progression. At the age of 54 SO much of my mental energy has been spent on what to eat, how to eat it, shame over emotional binges, isolation due to my size and downright self- loathing. Several people I know had the Lap-band and I was curious about …

Here we go again! Hope all my September Spitfires are doing well! Well, November 1st marks my 2 month surgiversary. Things are definitely a lot different now than 1 month out.... Hello, real food! I can't tell you how much I missed real chicken... and I am becoming the biggest fan of the Good Wives hors d'oeuvres since they have like Thai style peanut chicken satay and bacon wrapped scallops. I still do at least 1 Protein shake a day. Normally, the premier Protein Shake to give my protein a high boost for the day. I started my weight loss surgery journey at 271 lbs with a BMI of 48. As of today, I weigh 200.2 lbs, and it is killing me. I haven't lost anything in over …

I had my lapband done 2 years ago September. I originally had 5 fills over the first 18 month period. The last one was too tight and I was throwing up 2-3 times a meal and had developed laryngeal esophageal reflux. I had 1 cc removed and had .25 cc put back in about 1 month ago. I feel like I can eat a horse and have no feeling of fullness or that I have maxed out on what I'm eating. My surgeon just tells me I need to be disciplined but the feeling that I'm full isn't there anymore. I can also eat bread now that originally I couldn't. Is it normal for the longer you have to not have the same feeling of full or stop? Should I just change physicians?

I finally met with the surgeon after getting all of my preop stuff done and got a date for surgery. It's only a little over a week away. I have to go to preop meeting on Wednesday to get all info on what I need to do before and after surgery. But he gave me a packet and I'm only on clear liquid for 24 hours after surgery. Then for 3 weeks it is liquid and mushy foods as tolerated. 3 oz of Protein at each meal 3 times a day and a Protein Shake. He wants 90g of protein a day. I'm going to take a month off of work so that I can get used to everything I need to do. Also looking forward to being home for the birth of my 1st grandchild who is due on 11/21/11. Also, he said I…

Hello Everyone - This is my first time on this web-site, why? I have no idea I was perusing the internet and found it and I'm so very thankful and wish I knew about it months ago!! I'm excited to talk to people that have been down the same road and hear all about your journey too. My surgery date is November 7th and it will take place in St. Louis, MO. I was originally going to have gastric bypass but so many people told me this was a safer procedure and just as effective. Would you all agree? I had my EGD done on Friday and honestly the worst part was the IV in my hand. I have to say I'm a huge baby and have never even had a filling but have had 3 kiddos, how …

Hi all! I have been a lurker here for several weeks, just reading and learning! I am from Bonfield IL, about 65 miles south of Chicago. I started researching Lap Band a couple of years ago, started the process to get insurance approval last year, then found out that my insurance at the time would not cover WLS under any circumstance! This year, my company changed hands and we got new insurance in July, so I started over again, and this time it looks like it will go through! I am really excited, and only slightly apprehensive about becoming a bandster! All of my pre-tests and various visits--nutritionist, psych, PCP, etc. will be done by the end of this week, and …

newbie here.. welcome to me.

I had my surgery on Septemebr 27,2011. Ive oniy been out of the hospital for a week now (way over the 2 expected days I planned for). Unfortunatley the doctor has me on TPN at home for 12 hours a day. This is depressing and I feel like I have no life. I have to stay at my sisters because my house has too many stairs. I miss my kids (they were not allowed in the hospital because they are under 12 yrs), I miss my husband, i miss my job (AMAZING) and I just really miss my life. I dont go outside, ive become a recluse. I am struggling with food and liquids. what can I do to get myself back on the healthy track? Any food suggestions? Anyone out there on TPN also?

I was thinking alot about my upcoming surgery and remembered an incident that happened a few years ago when I had my gallbladder removed. I was fine after surgery until about 8 hours after surgery. I started feeling like I was going crazy and was counting tiles and believed that I had to keep quiet and not let anyone know I was hiding in my room (totally crazy!!!!!). I would even stop breathing when I heard footsteps in the hallway because I didn't want them to find me! My body started tensing up and I was having muscle spasms so much that I was sweating and couldn't talk and would pass out from exhaustion. In the morning when my mom came, she instantly knew that somethin…

Well, as I said before, my surgery is APPROVED! It's official, I even got my approval letter in the mail from my insurance company (Federal Employees BC/BS). Now I'm just waiting on my surgery date. I go to the dr. on 11/14 to do my history and physical and for them to tell me any remaining tests I have to do. That is also the day that they will schedule my surgery! I was hoping for the end of November since my birthday is the 26th (wouldn't that be an awesome b-day present) but I doubt that will happen, so I guess I will just receive an early Christmas present!

Hi its me again, I will be here asking alot of questions,,, I was banded 11/1/11 and I am extrmely tired, is this normal?

I can't believe it is finally here! Tomorrow morning at 6:00am I will getting my relaxing meds and getting my sleeve at 7:30. All the hours of reading everyone's posts and waiting for my turn to come is finally here. So its liquid only day... That's gonna be a tough one. It also stinks that it's Halloween and I have to take my 11 year old trick or treating without raiding the candy bag!!! Gotta get myself to bed early and keep busy during the day to keep my mind off of it. Not bringing an Internet device to the hospital so I can't update from there but as soon as I get home I will tell the story of my success. see y'all in a few days. Say a prayer and wish me luck.

Just had surgery last Monday Halloween day!!! Imagine that had my pumpkin reduced on Halloween, no worries though Great Surgeon and hospital care staff at the OLOL regional in Baton Rouge Louisiana.I had a rough night the first night after surgery mostly due to gas pains, amazingly God blessed me and I was not at all nausiated, gas pains where enough couldn't imagine having to vomit on top of that. I am currently 5 days post op and am up walking aroung the yard and neighborhood the only complaint I have today is that. The incision where the removed my stomach still hurts if I cough or move alot. I have been rally impressed so far with the recovery.

Hi my sleeve family....well my day has come going to Mexico to have my sleeve done Dr. Kelly tomorrow...Any last items I should pack.....should I check my bag in or take it with me on the plane? Also, those who went to Mexico how much cash did you take? Thanks Family

Hello everyone! I'm going to my doctor tomorrow to discuss weight loss, in my experiences with tricare providers they're VERY reluctant to prescribe FDA approved medications. I'm 5'3" 195 lbs 34.5 BMI. I lost about 30 lbs on phentermine and kept it off for along time, I had to FIGHT for that 18.5 mg phentermine. My husband deployed and I moved to a new city so I fell off the weight loss bandwagon. So here I am again,counting calories,going to zumba trying to get back to the healthy lifestyle I had and want. I'm open to lapband or phentermine/adipex again, I'm hoping this PCM will understand and do their job as a doctor. Anyways, I'm 23, I have a 3 yr old son an…

Hello all, I was a member here quite some time ago and I sort of fell off the wagon. I have felt terrible for the better part of a year, just been lay and not eaten right at all. i had gained all but about 30 pounds of the weight I had lost back. About a week ago my stomach started to hurt from overeating and I thought what the hell am i doing? I am now back on liquids. I think it has been 31/2 days on liquids only. I am gassy and feel exactly like I did following surgery. I don't suggest making yourself miserable prior to getting back on the wagon. But I am back on it and down to 203 from 207-217 (kinda up and down as is normal). Anyway I am glad to be back and hoping…

So I have just finished my blood work. I am struggling with wanting to get the surgery done. First off I am not scared of the surgery, I am not scared to die, I am not scared of anything like that. I am scared of getting the surgery than wanting to pig out but cant. I know how crazy does that sound? Has anyone felt this way? I am truely scared that there is no going back and I cant have a huge perogy meal if I wanted to. Please help? i am thinking once its done its done no turning back time....

9 months that I will never get back, great. Now the surgeon's office is pushing the plumbing remodel surgery, damn, give me some time to absorb the blow to my little world people. Yes, UHC blames the surgeon, the surgeon blames UHC and I'm stuck in the middle... I DO NOT WANT the do-whatever switch-XYZ surgery. I really wasn't into getting the band, but oh well, here we go. I'm hoping that in a few(?) years UHC will pull their head out of their a$$ and accept this surgery. I'm a state employee and UHC goes by medicare standards. This bites A$$ to the highest level......

My name is Tim, surgery 6/30/2011, By Dr. Jenson in Yuma AZ. Total Loss is 32 lbs including pre-op diet. Just some minor problems with eating as it seems the restriction is not so bad except for 2 episodes when food would not go down and 5 or 10 mins later it would come back up! I have gained a couple lbs and hope the 1st fill on 8/15 will help!

Hello All, I officially decided today that I am going to switch from the lap band surgery to the sleeve. I have done all the research I am going to do and I think getting the sleeve will be the best choice for me. Sorry lap band I just don't want to be bothered. Good Luck to all

Hi I am 54, married 31 years a mother of 3 and a new grandma to a new beautiful grandson. Actually he's the reason I decided to move forward with this surgery. Like many others I've done everything to lose weight, from medfast liquid diet with Oparh in the 80s, to weight watchers, jenny craig, slim fast, you name it I've done it. When my daughter told me she was pregnant I made a firm decsion I must try one more thing to lose the weight. Being a diabetic with high blood pressure, and watching my mom go through dialysis three times a week, I know I want to be around for my family. So to my family's dismay I took the plunge. Since I began the long quest to get the surgery,…

It's done! Had to stay a day longer than planned in the hospital, but looking forward to feeling better everyday!