Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I notice a lot of neighbors to the south in the forums. Is there anyone out there scheduled for surgery in the near future from Canada? I am scheduled for slimband surgery on Dec1st.

Hi my name is letty I am waiting for this day november 16 for a new door to a new me!;0) I'm still scared but it will pass I am looking foward to new life ahead of me. I put myself into Dr. Casillas hands on that day! Let's keep all strong and thank God for this new way for help in losing are weight! Keep on and thank God!;0)

Hi - just found this forum and look forward to hearing/reading about your journeys and sharing mine! Surgery scheduled for Dec. 5. All pre-op tests completed and now it's a mental preparation time... How did you prepare yourself for this journey?

i went to a weight loss clinic for a yr. lost weight but gained it back when i stopped pills they had me on.they stopped working so here i am if i dont get this surgery not sure what to do seems i tried everything

Hello everyone! I am interested in getting to know some new friends who are just starting out on this journey of being banded. Who else out there needs some support of someone else going through the same thing that they are? Let's do this together!

could anyone tell me what all do i need for my app.(info) i havent been to no seminar yet and do i have too i dont want to go in blind to my app.they didnt tell me to bring anything.i havent filled out any paper work yet so whats some of the info the want?

This is going to be random. Consider yourselves warned. 1. My scale is the most capricious creature in my household, and that includes my cat. I only weigh in once a week and I have to weigh twice or three times and take the median measurement. (My bathroom floor is made up of 1" tiles and if the feet of the scale are in a grout-groove I can kiss a decent weight measurement goodbye.) Tooooooooootal pain in the patootie! 2. hair loss sucks, even when you have hair as thick as mine. I don't have bald spots, but my hair is now frizzy instead of curly and running my fingers through it yields a small fistful every. single. time. And let's not even talk about how much come…

Thanks girls for all the well wishes. Well, my story is; I am 48 years old, married and mom to 2 beautiful girls age 11 & 14. I have been dieting since I was 6 years old. My mom was heavier and obsessed with weight, so she always had a new fad diet to try. I have gained and lost probably 3 people in my lifetime. Last big weightloss was when I got married 15 years ago. I lost 80 lbs dieting and exercising but gained it all back and some when I got pregnant. Back in 2006 my intestine ruptured and I needed to have an emergency colostomy. Luckily I only had to have the "bag" for 9 months. Then I got pulmonary embolisms, and 2 hernias (both surgically fixed). So since then…

I am Brette, from Detroit. I have struggled with my weight most of my life, but I began to lose the war about two years ago. At that time I finally found a doctor who understood the trials of PCOS and started on an androgen blocker. It helped with acne, and mood swings and some Water weight, but the bulk of my weight did not budge. So I walked, and low-carbed, and fasted, tried every new and improved weight loss fix that came along. I tried to explain to family and friends why my weight was not coming off. Some thought me lazy, some crazy. In January of this year my health plan required me to have a health assessment and to pursue an exercise program or they woul…

Hello everyone!!! My name is Brandy Gilbert. I am a 26 year old mother of a 20 month old little boy named Kaden. I am scheduled to have my sleeve done November 8th and I am so excited!! My husband, Steve, recently had his sleeve done October 20th. He's doing great. We both made the decision to have the sleeve done so we could make sure that we taught our kids a healthier way of life. I also had problems with my pregnancy so I'm trying to avoid that happening again. Well, anyway, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself :-)

I'm in the beginning stages of trying to have lap band surgery. I was so excited when I found this forum. BUT now I'm a little worried I can't find any recent information from someone who has had the surgery in Memphis with Virginia Weaver which who I'm considering using. If any of you hve used her I would love to hear from you good or bad.

I am 32 years old and have decided to have the sleeve surgery. After, having my sister begging me to have a weight loss surgery.I would always start the process and then i would quit. I have been overweight for about 10 yrs now...In August my husband cousin thought about having surgery and when she went they denied her due to she didnt have any health issues and wasnt overweight...anyways so she thought about me and brought the information to me. Well after reveiwing the information i decided to make a appointment. I saw the video and had been to seminars before. So my first appt was September 21, 2011. I thought this is a new journey for me. I was very nervous took my si…

Hi everyone! My name is Liz and I am new to this site hoping to have the sleeve done. I have started the process beginning with a visit to my doctor and starting yet ANOTHER diet and exercise plan with her while getting the ball rolling(for documentation). I have an appt for a sleep study the week after next. I am currently 5'3" and weigh 265,my bmi is 46!! I have high cholesterol,very high triglycerides,and the early on set on diabetes and I am pretty sure I have sleep apnea...I am only 25 yrs old,I have tried dieting unsuccesfully and end up yo yo-ing since about age 13. Been overweight since I was 10..it is serioulsy taking a toll on my body and my life in general. Th…

Hi All, I am Tammy! I was sleeved on 9/27 at the University of Minnesota with Dr. Ikramuddin! For 3 days I thought I made the biggest mistake ever. I had so much pain etc... I didn't notice a big difference until about 7 days out. It didn't help that I had a cough, that may have made things worse. OUCH! Today I am so thrilled so far with my sleeve. I have lost 31 pounds today, 9 pre op. I couldn't be happier and already feel so much better and have more energy. The weight is starting to slow down which is depressing, I want it to all fall off today... I am just so excited for the future and for every morning to feel a little lighter. So anyone out the…

Hello All, Just curious if anyone else is being Sleeved on November 30? My surgeon is Dr. Marshall out of the Peoria Surgical Group. In Peoria, IL. I have the medical card and it took approximately 5 months from Orientation to actual Surgury date to get approved for anyone wondering. I'm really excited at this stage and can't wait to begin my journey

Hey I am new to this site and figured I would give it a try. I am 24 years old and from New York. In March of 2011 I had decided I wanted to get the gastric sleeve done after trying to lose weight and struggling I had thought this was something I had to do with being only 23 years old and 285 pounds. At this time my mother had also chosen to have the sleeve done and we were going to do this together we had picked the same surgeon. I was going to have my surgery about a month before my mother so I would have time to recover to help her as she was going to help me. My surgery day was April 5th 2011 which was my mothers birthday and I picked it because my mother had told me …

Hi, my name is Lizzee Leslie and I am 21 year old who had to make the difficult decision to undergo the Gastric Sleeve procedure. My journey begins and the tender age of eleven when I started to uncontrollably gain an enormous amount of weight. It was a shock considering I was a swimmer with the youthful dream of one day joining the US Olympics Swimmer Team, I was healthy and then all the sudden it changed. No one could figure out what was wrong with me. It took two years and over 120 pounds later when I was diagnosed with PCOS. For those of you who are not familiar with that is is when there are hundred of cysts on the ovaries and the symptoms are uncontrollable weight g…

Hi everyone! Thank you for having such a great and informative site. I started my journey to get sleeved by attending an info seminar on Sept. 25. I was able to schedule all of my required appts. quickly by taking cancelations. I feel like I've been to the doctor a zillion times lately! I went for 1 appt. on Sept. 29, 3 on Oct. 10 , 1 on Oct. 17, 1 on Oct. 19, submitted paperwork in between and had a whole bunch of records sent. I still have some more appts. to go but I found out on Wednesday, Oct. 19 that my sleeve surgery had been approved on Monday, Oct. 10! Woo! I am scheduled for Dec. 5. I'm scared and excited. I have 2 beautiful kids, 6 and 2, and a husband. I'm 5…

So, my journey has been a quick one so far--- attended WLS mtg on Sept 27, that next week oct 5&6 did nutritionalist and psychologist appts, met with my surgeon the week after (14th I think) started preop diet on the 17, got my ins approval last Thursday ( the 20th )and my surgery is now 7 days away--- on HALLOWEEN!!!! Needing some advice and tips you have found helpful in the hospital and days after--- I've read the post on here with the list, just wondering if there was anything else I should know?

I had my surgery Monday morning, columbus day. Its late sat night. I was told not to go to full liquids until I see my doc for my follow up tues morn. That's 8 full days of broth and jello. Im starving and very weak and shaky. Its been 6 full fays now and I see others on here are on full liquids and even some puree after 4 days! Iv lost 16 pounds but I don't know if I can do this 2 more days.

i was wondering should i try to get my proof before my first dr.app. or wait?

I found this website by accident looking for blog's on patients that either have had VSG or planning to. I have been in the process of making the decision to have the surgery. This website has helped helped alot in moving me closer to that decision. I have until Feb. to decide since I have to be with my insurance plan a year before they will pay for the surgery.

Hey there! My name is Heather and i just had the lap band on 10/17. I decided to do it because i am young and i want to prevent the ton of health problems that go along with being overweight. I looked into it for a long time and decided that it would be the least invasive way versus the bypass or sleeve. I have been reading a lot of information on here so far and it has been very helpful. It is nice to know that you are not alone through this process because it certainly is not easy .

Hello Everyone, I've been reading the forums for the last few days as I am considering LBS. I am attending an informational seminar in two weeks. A little bit about me: I am a 44-year old librarian and wife to my husband John. We are childless by choice and have a dog. We both work at the local community college. Hubby is a bean pole and I need to lose about 85 pounds. I have struggled with my weight since late high school and am at the point where I no longer believe that this is something I can do on my own. I have complicating factors, including high blood pressure and arthritis. My knees have gotten increasingly painful and impact my daily activities. I just do…

Hello, my name is BJ and I have just completed my Dr. evaluations and have 2 more monthly visits with my surgeon. My insurance company requires a 90 waiting period====so my Dr. believes that I will be having my surgery in October. He has requested that I "get rid of" 20-30 pounds before surgery. I have purchased protein shakes, cut out raw sugar and am now using splenda. I am doing all that I can to help myself be successful once I have had my surgery. It's nice to be a part of this VSG community. I have also begun uploading videos on youtube so that I can document my journey to being sleeved. The videos I watched prior to posting were so beneficial so my prayer is that I…

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Hi, I'm new to the forum and have enjoyed reading a lot of your posts. I am 3 weeks sleeved today, had surgery on 10-3-11, and the dietitian has now moved me to pureed foods. Does anyone have any good tasting ideas for pureed food? Any help would be much appreciated. Also, does everyone have to do the pureed foods? Thanks

Hello All, My name is Ian and I'm new to the forum. I like so many on here have battled my weight problem since childhood. I am 29 years old and currently 5'10" and 344lbs. I recently started the sleeve process, and have a meeting with a local surgeon in the beginning of May. I am very excited to begin this life long change to be healthy and happy. I have never attempted a liquid only diet, and so far, that seems like my biggest point of concern at the moment. While my insurance company requires a 6 month lead up to surgery approval, the surgeon I'm going to see seems pretty lax, and others whom have used him seem to be about 2 months from initial appointment to s…

I need some encouragement from people who are further out than I am. I saw my surgeon Friday for my 10 week follow up. He told me I was a little behind the curve because I had a kidney stone early on and also a bout with plantar fasciitis that is still going on. I am on week two of prednisone steroid therapy. He said that I was nearing the end of my honeymoon phase as I am almost three months out from surgery. I asked him my chances of reaching my goal of loosing 100 pounds. He told me that I could do it but it would be difficult because I was behind a little bit and the steroids will be working against me. I focused on the negative and have been depressed about it…

I have been sleeved for about 8 months now. I just had two new firsts since I've had my sleeve: VACATION- A few weeks ago, I went on a 10 day trip to Ireland with a girlfriend. I was worried about how I would do with having the sleeve & needing to eat so often. It really wasn't a problem & I was able to enjoy the vacation. I did pack 1 protein bar to eat each day of the trip. I also bought some nuts & peanut butter & fruit to have as snacks. For the meals, I mostly followed my usual eating routine... I focused on the protein first. However, I did indulge & overindulge several times. There were quite a few times when I ordered a desert inst…

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this forum and just wanted to introduce myself. I'm 29 years old, single, and having Lap-Band surgery Wednesday October 26th. I'm very excited about the surgery but also a little nervous at the same time. I've struggled with my weight for the majority of my life and have also had a Binge Eating Disorder. I hoping the LapBand is the tool that will help me get down to a healthy weight. My highest weight ever was 294 lbs. I started my liquid diet at 241 and I'm now down to 231. I hoping to lose a couple more pounds before Wednesday.

My surgery is in 9 days. I've been preparing for this for over six months, longer if you count the years that I've been debating having the surgery. I'm looking forward to having the surgery but dreading the experience of learning how to use my "new tool" after surgery. I've never been a big meat eater and I'm not sure about how I'm going to adjust to that. I am thankful that is a process of steps.

So I finally made the first step to start the weight loss surgery adventure. I am a member of Kaiser NorCal. I went to my adult medicine Dr and My BMI was 36. I have had severe joint pain for a couple of years and serious back issues confirmed by a MRI back in 2009. And since high school, I am shrunk 2 inches. I am also a very healthy person when looking at all my blood work. I have no life threatening problems. My Dr. told me to take the overview class offered by Kaiser. I did and then asked for the Dr. for a referral to Richmond. He said he wouldn't refer me and gave me Phentermine for weight loss and Vicodin for the joint pain. Any suggestions you can give me…

Hello I'm in the process getting the lapband and I was wondering if u can still eat spicy food post-op ? Im Hispanic and I need to have my spicy food

I want to start by saying I’m writing this just one day short of 2 weeks post op (and this is how I’m feeling right now). In the past, I would consider myself an overachiever when it comes to losing weight. I’m an expert. Give me a plan and I will follow it and lose weight. My down fall has always been KEEPING it off. I lose and then I gain it all back and then some. The point between losing and gaining has usually been triggered by frustration. I’m tired of counting points or tracking calories or carbs or meals or shakes or pills or whatever the diet of the minute is. When I get frustrated my thought process was, “oh the heck with it” and I’d go eat whatever …

I'm down a little over 15 pounds - amazing!

Hi everyone!!! My name is Shalene, im 37 and from NJ. I have been gaining weight at such a fast rate I didnt even realize I was packing it on the way I was. After changing my diet and working out it seems like I wasnt getting anywhere. So finally last month I gave some serious thought to WLS. I hit the internet and I found a surgeon and set up an appt. I met with my surgeon last month and walked away with mixed feelings about him. But i am forging ahead, i figured i can stop and start over with a new surgeon if i felt the same way after out second meeting. My surgeons website recommended a group and I checked them out and wasnt too impressed. I found this site and you g…

Hello from Middlesex, NJ where I have lived for about a year, and 5 in the New Jersey area. For all of that time I have been a large guy but I finally went ahead and started reading in on lap band technology. I have a few friends that have had Gastric bypass, two good and one not so good from that. I am 6'2" football/wrestling build and topping the scale at 330. Diets, gyms, fads have not seemed to work for me due to knee surgery x 2 and not being able to really push myself. The main culprit was working the overnight 12 hour shift 7 days a week. I was almost putting on 1 pound a week, but that is over now. I am a Paralegal and it keeps me very busy, and on top of …

Hi! I wanted to put up a post today because I just celebrated my third anniversary of my band surgery yesterday! I just wanted to encourage everyone who is starting out in this process and everyone who is considering going down this road. I've been below my goal for more than a year now, and life is good! Had I known how much better I would feel, I would have done the surgery sooner. Also, to all newbies -- take your measurements and write them down ASAP! Also, take a bunch of "before" photos. You will definitely want them later. I wish I'd known to do this three years ago! And, finally, I want to thank everyone on this site -- this was a major source of info…

Ok so I am scared to death..I have 13 days and have only lost 1 pound (my surgeon only requires 5-10 lb weight loss before surgery). People in my life think I can do this on my own..I am 254 lbs. and 5"7. I have only been overweight the past 12 years but have been on an up and down cycle the whole time. I WANT TO FIX this for life and get off the rollercoaster. Advice?

HI THERE, I'M A NEWBIE ALSO. MY 1st APPT W/MY DR WAS 10-10-11. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO GET MY LAB WORK & KAISER'S WT MNGMNT CLASS. THEN MEET BACK WITH MY DR. I WAS HOPING TO HAVE THE SURGERY NEXT MONTH, BUT TO MY SURPRISE, WITH KAISER SO CAL, YOU HAVE TO TAKE A 12WK CLASS. THEN ONCE COMPLETED, I WILL BE REFERRED TO AN OUTSIDE FACILITY FOR SURGERY. SO, MY DR emailed ME TODAY TO GIVE ME A LIL INFO.....HE LET ME KNOW THAT MY SURGERY WOULDN'T BE FOR ABOUT TO 4-5 MONTHS OUT. AND THAT I'D BE IN THE HOSPITAL, TYPICALLY, 3-4 DAYS AND OFF WORK FOR 2-4 WEEKS. ALL THAT BEING SAID....I GUESS I HAVE TO LEARN TO "COOL MY JETS" A LITTLE AND BE PATIENT. I'M JUST SO EXCITED TO START MY …

Hello.. I had sleeve surgery on Tuesday the 18th. The surgery went fine, textbook. What SOME people dont tell is the real truth. It's not for someone looking for a quick fix. I see on here where people are shoving burgers in their mouths, eating whatever days and weeks after surgery. Why go through all this to fail This is the hardest thing I've ever done. I had my gallbladder removed 8 years ago and it was a breeze. The hysterectomy was quite difficult. Due to my past weight it took 12 weeks to heal. The pain was horrible. I have a very low pain threshold anyway and it bothered me the entire 12 weeks. Now on to the sleeve. My left side is somewhat sore. I'm l…

Just started pre-surgery diet and scheduled for banding on October 17. Hungry and tired and still have to cook, but not eat, Thanksgiving dinner (I will enjoy the veggies and protein shake!). Wish me luck (Thanksgiving and surgery).

Hi well had primary approved clear me and 10-18-2011 and now yesterday completed pulmonary and cardiac nutritionist so excited got cleared from them now just waiting for insurance I was just dx with hypertension borderline diabetic and cholesteral I am praying this will improve my chances for approval I have empire bc bs...........ny

hey there, I'm post surgery, 3 months later and 20 kgs lighter, feeling great. Just wanted to talk to some people going through the same things and perhaps provide the support I needed pre-surgery. Ariel.

I just had surgery this past Monday. It all started about a year and 1/2 ago. I was looking to get the band, but after talking with my GI doc, I decided that I would do the sleeve. Sounds easy doesn't it? Well, I must be the biggest sissy in the entire world because I hate the spasms and the staples pulling. My doctor is in St. Louis @ Des Peres Hospital. I started at 230, lost 13 lbs. before surgery. Had to do clear liquids + protein drinks. I am really miserable right now. Seems every time I drink 100% apple juice cut in half with water and do protein drink, I get the SPASMS!!!!! So, drink, then dp in the bathroom waiting for them to subside. Associated with …

I love my dear old conservative thinking parents dearly, however since revealing that I am having the VSG, I have pretty much been receiving ZERO support from them. In fact it has been more of a backlash and it has reached the point where I don't even want to call them or pick up the phone when they give me a jingle. My dad tries and research all of the negative things about the surgery. "It is not reversible!", "You are losing 85% of your stomach so now it looks like a banana!", "You won't be able to eat like a normal person again!", "Why can't you diet and exercise like you did before?" My answers: 1. I know that. 2. And bananas are your favorite food so I don'…

I will be banded on Nov. 3rd, this is one of the biggest things I will embark on in my life. I have taken the big step and signed the papers... now all I have to do is wait for the big day! Any words of advice?

Hello all, I am new here. My banding is 8 days away! I am super excited and extremely nervous too. I have been on the liquid diet since Wendsday I have a good amount of support from my family! Please wish me luck everyone!!. Have a great day

Hello, my name is Elizabeth, freshly 24years old from Miami Florida!! The sunshine state. I am glad to be a new member to LBT. I have worked on my credit for many years to get this surgery... and here I am... to be banded November 15th,2011! Super excited, nervous and anxious. Crazy how the closer you get, you become filled with mixed emotions. I am ready. Current weight: 325 Height: 5'5 Size: 22/24 Add me, I would love experienced, new, or to be bandsters to offer support during my new journey.