Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello! So, before I begin all the questions and posting... guess I should briefly introduce myself. I sort of suck at these.. so I will make this quick. My name is Felicia, I live in Arizona. I recently (October 13, 2011) got banded after a year of research, meetings and reading. Surgery went amazing, surgeon was awesome, everything was very convenient for me. I was banded trough True Results in Scottsdale, Az. My starting weight, 371... Pre-op weigh in...356 ( 15 lb loss! YAY ME! lol..) Its been over a week from the surgery. Recovery is going GREAT, sore... really sore. But I am noticing weight loss. ( or inch loss anyways) in my face and tummy. My incisions are…

Hello everyone! I'm a newbie here. My sleeve surgery date is 11-7-11 and I start my 2 weeks of liquids on 10-24-11. I'm excited/anxious to really get started. My husband and I have done a lot of research because we like to be as prepared as possible. I'm so blessed that he is supportive of me in this endeavor. I've been scanning through several posts and this sounds like a really good site. I'm ready to let my journey begin. My best wishes to everyone! ann_franc

Hi Everyone, Well, today is my 3 year anniversary :D . Yes, 3 years ago today I had sleeve surgery with Dr. Aceves. I want to also share why I have been a little quiet on this board and have not been post much this last month. I have been gone for the last month. Bob and I and spent the last month in Europe. I was pretty busy. Bob and I saw 10 different countries while we were gone. I did have a computer with me and tried to stay caught up. We were on a tour to start with for 18 days and we saw 8 different countries. Then we went on a cruise and we saw 2 more countries. This was a test for me too. There were all kinds of food every place we went. So many o…

I was banded 8 weeks ago (in Toronto), and have had 2 adjustments since....yet I have still not experienced the state of satiety the procedure is supposed to be all about... I am getting a little discouraged.... I would love to hear from others about their experience with band adjustments. Thank you...

My surgery date is January 12. Yay! But now it's all real and I'm very nervous (read: petrified) of the surgery itself. I'm seeking counsel with a hypnotherapist who specializes in pre-surgery hypno. I'm an anxiety-ridden person as it is, and I need all the tools I can get to make sure I don't freak out before the surgery. I'll report back on the hypno thing in case anyone's interested in it. I'm so glad to have found this website where we can all talk and work stuff out. This surgery is a big ding-dang deal and scary, but it seems like a lot of people have done so well and that helps allay some of my fears. p.s. if you know of any Bay Area in-person support groups, l…

My BMI is 32.6 and I am looking to have the lap band surgery. I have located a surgeon locally. I am going to a seminar on Oct 27, 2011 & I will start my journey from there. I know I will be self pay. I am a Registered Nurse and have done intensive research and I have decided this is the best option for me.

Hi, I had my surgery on October 17th in Buffalo NY. My surgeon was Dr. Pham from Synergy Bariatrics. I have to say that my hospital stay was different then I nexpected. Private room, bathroom. The staff was exceptional. Right now I am 4 days out and still having bad spasms. The pain is pretty much gone but the spasms are a real trip. The bad news is when I get on the scale I still have the 7 lb weight gain I brought hoe fromthe hospital which seems unreal since all I have been taking in is water and crystal lite. This morning I actually got a 4 oz. liquified protien shake down and so far no nausea. I am taking this as a very good sign that things are getting bette…

Hello everyone, my name is Kristina, and I am new to the idea of being banded. My doctor recommended the surgery to me and I have an Introduction to Gastric Surgery meeting on Monday. The doctor says I'm an excellent candidate, healthy, no medical problems of any kind, just overweight. I'm 26, 5'8" and weigh 270 pounds. I've gained 70 pounds over a time period of less then 5 years. Mostly due to eating out of stress and having 3 babies in that period. I go to Kaiser in Roseville, California, and I'm curious to see if anybody has any recent knowledge about the process of going through Kaiser. I know there's orientations, support meetings, tests, appointments, and a mandato…

I am getting my sleeve on Nov 1. I am so excited. I am 3 days in on my 2 week pre op diet and so far, so good. My problem is that my husband started out being supportive of my choice to have the surgery, but as it gets closer, he is having issues with it. He loves his food and thinks that I am ruining his life by doing this. He also makes little digs about getting my stomach ripped out and that he loves me the way I am and is worried that I will look saggy and droopy after losing weight. I really need to lose 100 lbs, not only to be healthy ( I am diabetic) but to finally after 48 years to like the way I look. Can anyone tell me how their spouses have dealt with this. Ei…

Hi all - i am new to the whole process. I went to my first seminar and have inquired with my insurance provider. I need to have documented 6 month diet - i'm bummed about that but I know it will fly by. I love reading everyones stories -so inspirational - and the pictures - before and after - i love to see!! looking forward to getting to know everyone Diona

I have recently decided to look into the lap band procedure. I am not critically overweight but have been overweight my entire life. I am looking at the lapband as a tool towards my goal. I currently weigh 260 (approx) and am 5'10" and am hoping to lose the "2--" once and for all I have a family history rotten with heart disease, and most of my family on both sides suffers or suffered with serious vascular, cardiac disease etc. Needless to say these outcomes do not interest me. I am interested in this procedure specifically because of it's adaptability and the less invasive surgery.

hi,i dont make alot of money and my ins.covers lb what i wanted to know what other things i might have to pay for with or without ins.help trying to find all cost.i know all ins.and doctors r different just dont want any surprises any help would be great.thanks

I was sleeved in April of this year. I was at 326 when I started my program. I was somewhere around 309 when I started my pre-op liquid fast. As of today I am at 253. I'm happy with my progress and proud of what I've accomplished. Unfortunately, I am a slow loser in terms of those in my program so I get a lot of negative feedback there which is why I've come to this forum. I kept my surgery private. Just my choice. I am a very healthy fat person except that my knees are shot. I will be having 2 knee replacments and I dread it. This surgery was to give those operations and my future mobility a shot. I'm older, at 50, but I have a few good years in front of …

Hello Everyone Can anyone give me any names of primary care physican in Kaiser Fontana that will give you the referral for lap band within Kaiser. I am thinking of switching to Kaiser. Thanks!

Well after 2 years of trying to have my surgery I finally had it, it was uneventful thank God. t took an hour longer than expected cause of some scar tissue had after being stabbed when I was a cop. But other than nausea and a small amount of pain I really feel great. Ive eaten only a small amount of pureed food because It did hurt somewhat but ive been drinking shakes instead. Im home with my family yes im a bit irritable but not to bad, lets just pray I have the same luck as most of you.

I was sleeved on 4/26/2011 by Dr Salimath in Peoria IL I have had an incredible journey. Besides the fact that my soon to be ex boyfriend didn't support me at all, I am doing great. The only real problem I am having is my stall @ 25lbs left to loose till goal. I know I need to get back to basics and jumpstart my weightloss again, I just struggle daily w my addiction to sweets. Believe me, I make wise sweets choices (if there really are any). I buy sugarfree everything and 100 calorie packs. But I do know I need to stop that and get back on track. I am not gaining, but I am not loosing either. I have kids and it is real hard to not have ANY sweets in the house at all. I …

Got the official word today. To be banded on 11/17. Can't wait , best part is the doc does not require a "liver shrinking diet" so no liquid diet before hand whoo hooo

I do not have my surgery date yet but I hope to soon and I was starting to rethink my choice for the band and then I found you guys! I have enjoyed reading each of your success as well as your struggles. I have a long way to go I want to loose a total of 175lbs and I have to loose 30 pounds before my surgery so I have to go pretty much no carb for the next two months. I know I can do it I just would love some pointers for how any of you lost post op weight to "shrink your liver"? I have a nutrition class on Nov 10th but I need to get started asap. HELP I'm so excited and can't wait to get one of those cute little tracker things

I have been considering WLS for a few years now. Obesityruns on both sides of my family. I struggled with my weight has a teenager andnever really felts comfortable in my own skin. Being harassed about my weighton a daily basis from school and family didn’t help my self-esteem either. Ilost enough weight after graduating high school and enlisted in the Navy were Iwas borderline weight standards the whole 6 years. My weight increased after my enlistment, yet I really had no health issues relatedto my weight until the last few years. I thought about options for years, butwas always afraid of going forth with WLS. I have seen people who had great resultsfrom the various t…

I finally joined today after lurking for a while! I just found out this week that I was approved for the lap band It's been a quick journey since I decided to start, 9/27 I got the referral from my PCP to the surgeon 10/13 I went to the "seminar" which was actually a one-on-one because no one else showed and then they submitted my packet for approval Then just two days ago (yes, 5 days after the seminar!) I got word that the surgery had be approved! I have my first actual appointment with the surgeon today and will hopefully get a surgery date! It's happening so fast which really makes me excited! I thought for sure after reading so many stories on here that it…

hello all! my name is shelli and yesterday i had my first of many appointments for this journey..my insurance (anthem bcbs of GA) requires a 6month weightloss requirement so im hoping by april/may i will be having surgery..im excited and nervous..i have been overweight my whole life..right now im 35 322lbs with a bmi of 54 and that scares me. in the beginning of this process i had wanted the band but after going to the seminars i decided that wasnt for me and i didnt like the idea of an RNY ..i am definately ready to reclaim my life

hi everyone! IM SO NERVOUS....im 26 y/o texas girl...364 lbs (weighed by primary care doc at beginning of month) at first i used to be ashamed to admit my weight but hell...im here for a reason and that's to be the biggest loser i can be doc put me on a 1600 calorie diet..and i lost 10 lbs already...um..my bmi is 57 uuuuuugh.. semi short story: which i posted on my profile but ill tell here too, had the nutritionist call me 2 weeks ago to schedule my first appt with her for today 10/20 @ 5pm for my first class..its super hard for me to schedule days off work so i put in the request to get of early and make up my time this Saturday. they (BaylorWorx) called me yest…

So I was banded on the 17th of October and I have lost 9 lbs since then, thi added with my 22 lb loss from the pre diet puts me at 31. I'm excited but know that number probably isn't true since I'm not really eating or drinking and I assume it will go back up when I move from this liquid diet to mushy, but it wa nice to see.

Hello all I am new to this board But not new to weight loss I am 42 years old and live in New York I have 4 beautiful kids and Happly married I had lapband surgery on May 27,2011 and have lost 55lbs to date

Hey Everybody! My name is for this website PrincessMiri. I have told NO ONE, except my husband, my mom and my sister that I even got lap-banded. I started going to my Surgeon in December of 2010 but, I had a health scare that put my lap-band on hold for a few months so, I just got the lap-band on October 17. When I weighed in last year I weighed 287 lbs. When I weighed in before my surgery I weighed 256 which is a weight loss of 31 lbs. Why did I decide to have the lap band surgery? I did it because at this point in my life I am so overweight that I am unable to have children because of the problems that go along with being overweight. I have been overwei…

Hi all I was sleeved Oct 10/2011. I did my due dillegence and found experienced doctor and caring facility (which paid off in the long run). I woke from surgery not being able to keep Water down. At first it was thought to be swelling. So. I had a endoscope to find a narrowing 3/4 of the way down my sleeve. The opening was about 2mms. From there I had about 4 dilations. Each one lasted about a week. Before I would start to foam and produce slime and just become nautious. Than they put a stent in to open the stricture. But, it migrated and I had to be put under once again and it was removed. I believe just the cost of the littlle metal stent was over a couple o…

Hi everyone. I am so glad to have found this group. It appears to be a wonderful support and information system. I am a 34 year old, wife and mother to four boys (ages 4,5,9,10. The oldest two have autism). I have been over weight all my life, but my health has really went down hill since the birth of my last child. I have been interested in weight loss surgery for several years now, but because of a lack of insurance, it was not a possibility for me. In June of this year, my husband joined the Toyota production team here in Mississippi and we got insurance on day one. I began pursuing my options very soon thereafter. I have finished all of my pre-surgery testing: weight …

I can't believe I've made the decision to be banded. I'm scheduled for 12-1-11. I have a few concerns. Sometimes I get a little freaked out thinking about it, then I read all the wonderful comments on here, and it makes me feel so much better. I've had a relationship with food for years, an unhealthy one, but still a relationship that I'm kind of scared of losing. But, I'm also tired of it controlling my life. Fast food and pizza, love it! I'm scared of blood clots after the surgery since I have a family history of them. My doctor told me not to worry about them, that if I walked, clots wouldn't form. I am not telling anyone (other than my husband) that I'm …

I had my psych eval on Friday. I've never seen a therapist (thank the wasp side of my family who preferred "under the rug" rather than admit anyone might have had a problem) so I had no idea what to expect. It took almost 2.5 hours! It started with a three page of "finish the sentence" statement questions. That was sort-of interesting. I felt like I was back in high school taking some sort of guidance counselor test that would tell me what careers I might be inclined to. They gave me almost an hour for that. Then the man came in and we went into his office - he had a couch! That was my big question... would he or would he not have a couch. Then he asked me to tell him…

I can't believe I've made the decision to be banded. I'm scheduled for 12-1-11. I have a few concerns. Sometimes I get a little freaked out thinking about it, then I read all the wonderful comments on here, and it makes me feel so much better. I've had a relationship with food for years, an unhealthy one, but still a relationship that I'm kind of scared of losing. But, I'm also tired of it controlling my life. Fast food and pizza, love it! I'm scared of blood clots after the surgery since I have a family history of them. My doctor told me not to worry about them, that if I walked, clots wouldn't form. I am not telling anyone (other than my husband) that I'm …

Thought I'd stop lurking and sign up. I am getting the lap band surgery in Jan, I have everything approved and am ready to go. Why so far out? Well I have a very conservative family who I think would dissaprove of me telling them about the procedure, and I definately think someone would know something is up over the holidays when I appear to eat very little (or be drinking only protien shakes). I'm over 30 and my wife approves so thats all that matters. I figure if I do tell them I'd like to have atleast lost a good amount of weight first so they can see the benefits. I'm getting the surgery done in jersey by Dr Mehta as he can do the procedure with only one incisi…

I'm about a week away from submitting my paperwork. I am so glad that I found all of you out here!! I look forward to meeting you all and walking this journey together.

Hey, So today i started the begining process of getting a lap band!! YAY ME! lol i'm very excited and nervous at the same time! My Dr. just sent in my information to check with my insurance (they cover it!), and we just set a date to start with my 6 months to go to the dietitian, which is Nov. 8th. So i'm starting the whole process now! And i look forward to talking to everyone!! Katie Oh and i live in Louisiana but, i'm getting my surgery and all my appointments done in Tomball, TX (5 mins. outside of Houston.)

I'm about a week away from submitting my paperwork. I am so glad that I found all of you out here!! I look forward to meeting you all and walking this journey together.

I'm happy and dissapointed at the same time. I have lost a total of 67 pounds (includes pre-surgery weightloss) but I'm wondering if it is not enough considering the time that has passed. I feel great physically but emotionally it has been a rollercoaster. Especially when it pertains to my marriage. People have been supportive and others have just been MEAN. This experience was alot harder than I thought but when I think about the energy I have gotten back, and the activities that I can do with my kids, it is so worth it. Although I never considered myself extremely obese, under medical standards, I guess I was. I am learning everyday about the changes I need to make and …

I have completed all my tests and have met with the surgeon and everything has been signed off, and surgery will be in January. My insurance requires the standard 6 month medically supervised diet before they will approve. I just had my 4 month weigh in this week and I'm down 15 pounds. The surgeon wants me to lose another 20 pounds by Dec 13th. They recommended a partial liquid protein diet which I'm willing to try but what I am not educated in is what and where are the best protein drinks. They are asking for a protein drink for breakfast and lunch and my total protein intake in a day is 110 grams. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hey everyone! I only posted a couple times because I was terrified of jinxing myself before getting approval. WELL, as of this morning I'm approved and have a surgery date! Everything happened so fast! Even though sometimes it didn't feel like it.. I did research and lurked on these forums for a long, long time before I decided to start the journey. Overweight for pretty much ever. My BMI is 38 and I've been told I "hold the weight well" hahaha. In MY mind I am in perfect shape..then I look in the mirror or see a picture and think UGH and get depressed. I told my nutritionist besides the health reasons, I really want to buy awesome clothes. No joke. I wan…

Oh so excited I cant believe it I have hypertension never ever had it and borderline diabetic so I know this is the right decision tomorrow pulmonary.. cardiologist and psych clearance and nutritionist and then I get my date once insurance is done for NOvember Dr said yay nervous excited !

Hi, I was banded on September 7th, 2011 and I've lost 32 lbs so far. It's been a pretty good journey. It was a challenge getting through the liquid stages definitely. But, I'm on full solids now. So, now I'm going through the challenge of introducing regular healhy foods into my diet and being careful of portions. Harder than I thought it would be! But, I'm starting to find my groove and I hope to continue to be successful throughout my weight loss journey.

I am 47 and 3 kids and I cant wait I see primary today to get clearance letter signed and full work up tomorrow psych eval and herat dr just praying insurance covers I was going to have gastric bypass many years ago but decided to wait to have my kids so they have that all documented and here I am 15 years later still fighting this dreadful weight now I am in menopause and its so hard to loose this weight I have done every diet known loose 50 80 pds and came right back awful I am praying I get approved I have spoken with nurses at the insurances discussing through the past year how I desperate I needed this surgery so I pray they approve me.

I had Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) on May 16th of this year. I lost just over 60 lbs within the first four months and my weight has since stabilized,with my BMI now around 25. Overall the weight loss surgery results have beengood with one major complication... I'm having bad Acid Reflux. Just underwentan EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) performed by the same surgeon that did my LSG and was informed that my verticalsleeve stomach has a kink in it, at the point where the stomach bends, creatinga partial blockage and that this is causing my acid reflux. He went on toindicate that this condition can occur because the stomach is now a narrow tubethat does not have its…

I will be getting lapband after 8 long months of waiting (insurance approval required it) I am scheduled for surgery this Friday (10/21/11) and I am excited and worried. I am excited as I know that this is a start of my new life to a better and healther me, but am worried that it is not going to work that I will slip back into my old ways. I try to keep this negative thought out but past experence has taught me that the weight always comes back. I am trying to be pro active, I have joined the YMCA in my area and even cleaned out all the "bad" food from the house but still I am scared. Anyone else have this problem? Also any advice?

Hi everyone, I'm not sure if this is the place for introductions and I'm usually allergic to forums and stuff, but anyway.... I haven't had surgery yet, am still looking for a good surgeon in my city, am researching my options, and saving up. I have got to the stage where I can't bear photos or looking in the mirror and am totally despairing. Someone recently called me the "fat lady in the circus" (on a day when I was feeling quite svelte )and I have got to the end of my tether after years of yo-yo dieting. Anyway, I intend to find out all I can on here, ask lots of questions and I'll be taking the VSG leap when I'm ready.Do bear with me please because I think that som…

hello! Im Nyiema. 27 Black female. VSG'd Sept. 6th 2011, so that makes me 6 weeks into my new life! Started at 236lbs now Im at 200lbs! So proud of myself and In search of making friends, sharing stories, helping out and learning.

Hi Ya'll! I just found this site and the timing couldn't be better! I had my VSG this past Wednesday, Oct. 12th. I go in tomorrow to have my drain removed. I am currently experimenting with diluted juices, Crystal Light, and soups. I weighed about 250# at my heaviest and have tried everything to get that down. I made it to 200# on Atkins, gained back 50 after having my third child, lost #25 on Weight Watchers, and have held steady for the last year. I finally decided I needed to make this drastic change in my life. I am very excited for the journey and look forward to sharing with all of you. Sincerely, Purpletmar

So surgery next week, and I made the mistake of sharing my decision with a few friends. Now I am secong guessing myself.. Any words of encouragement are super welcome right now!!!

About me, I turn 49 in 2 hours. I realize I will hit 50 next year. I am 6'5" pushing 400 lbs (yes I am big) but its hit a point where life is pretty flat line- I keep seeing things I don't do due to my weight. Cleaning (hurts to pick up stuff), trim my toe nails, pick of dog poo (I have a 15 1/2 year old basset mix and a 1 1/2 year old scottie just 'found' me- I want to be around for the new pup. I don't go out, am single and am embarrassed to go out. I have built so many walls. i am a hopeless romantic who is cynical and jaded. I am a gay man. I am loved by my folks but have few 'socializing friends' I don't want folks to get close. I think part of it comes from the p…

I just had my first visit today with Dr David Newman, in Greensboro, NC. I have 2 insurances and really worried that neither one of them will approve me. I am borderline with my BMI for approval. Got all my appointments lined up for this coming week .What is the earliest anyone got approved for insurance and the shorest time you got your surgery? Will spending a lot of time on her reading about everyone.

I am on my first post-op day and bored out of my mind! I typically don't have the time to just lay around. I have been sipping on my Water and had a sugar-free Jello so far and just made my 1st Protein shake for the day. My post-op directions say 2 a day but so far I haven't even been hungry, just can't get enough to drink to keep my mouth wet.

After nearly a year, my surgery date is Monday, 10/10/2011. It's been a long year of insurance battles, tests etc, but it's time. I'm a 330lb, 49 year old male excited for my future.