Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all, I just joined this group last week. My plan is to get the band in the next 3-6 months. My goal is to lose 200 lbs. I am 65, weight 403 and co-morbidities include diabetes currently, heart attack 12 years ago and coronary artery disease -- well controlled with no problems since. On my own self-imposed diet I've lost 12 lbs. in the past 30 days (nothing drastic, just more vigilant about what and how much I eat). I chose my doctor because he has the best credentials, experience and success rate vs. others in the area, even though none of his office staff seems supportive or very caring. How do I get started with the weight loss tracker?

I have my surgery scheduled for Oct. 20th. I'm getting nervous about doing this. Everybody says, if you can do all the liquid diet for pre & post op, why can't you just stay on that and not have the surgery? If it was that simple, then I would have done it a long time ago. I tell them that I would gain the weight again. I feel likeI need this tool to help me from gaining the weight back. Now I need to find out what brand of meal replacements are the best. Wish me luck everyone.

So, I finally decided on the LapBand. Started this 4 months ago, and have been taking my time. Even had a month there where I convinced myself not to have any surgery. Long story. Finally had my counsult at the surgeon's office last week. At that time I was still going back and forth between LB,and RNY. I think I was leaning toward the RNY for all the wrong reasons such as less maintenance, faster weighloss. I figured that I needed something that would make me change my habits from the beginning in order to be successful. Not saying that a RNY is easy, but from what I've heard from folks, and read, you have to follow the rules with a LapBand, or it won't work. Th…

ok i made it and I feel kida sick but its cool. Im still on my clear diet. No lie i was i could have a cheese burger. Lol .. but any ways people who r just starting out feel free to add me as a friend because we all each other have and besides i need some new friends.

Hello all, My name is Mook and I reside in Philly. I had lapband surgery 2/22/10 and I was down 55lbs but I seem to be gaining most of it back. I have done some research online about revisions and I am thinking of having the sleeve or sleeve plication done. Any helpful tips, ideas or suggestions would be helpful. I plan on looking at as much information on this site as I can. I also have been looking at a lot of people on youtube and their journeys, very helpful. Hope to speak with you all soon. Mook

Wow, time flies when you are having fun...not so much when you are in the hospital LOL. Surgery Tuesday morning went great, Dr. Ali was really pleased. It took most of the afternoon to get into a room, but I was settled in by 2:30 or 3:00. Moving about was difficult, so hard just to push yourself up in bed. My doctor told me that the way that they push air into the abdominal cavity to do the surgery actually stretches all the muscles and makes you feel like you have been doing sit ups for three days straight; so true! Gas pains were horrible, but not unexpected. I was able to get up and walk a bit the first night and was doing laps yesterday morning after they took th…

I picked up an issue of Oprah’s magazine in my doctor’s office, and saw the article on the inside back page, titled “This I know for Sure”. The title captured my attention more than the content – because it rang true for me. In life there are things we know and believe to our very core – items which we are sure of in every Fiber of our being. Here are some of my items that I know for sure . . . VSG was the right decision for me to make positive change in my life I will never go back to the way I was pre-VSG. This is a forever commitment I have made. I will not hold perfection up as a goal for myself – I will strive for making sane, healthy choices. Nothing that I…

Well, day one of preop diet and almost over. Sometimes I want to run! This is the third time I've attempted lap band surgery. 1st time, the dietician was so rude that I would rather do it on my own. I did. I lost 60 lbs on WW, but then my life got really busy due to a promotion at work and I went back to all my old habits. Then, I was scheduled on 1/21/11 for surgery. My father passed on 1/13/11. So, here I am again. 3rd times a charm. I'm going to do this this time. I'm going to do it for me, my kids, my husband, my family, and for my #1 hero, my Dad. He's with me going through this too. We're going to do it together just like we planned to do. Only he's in…

So I just got word that my surgeon to be will be closing his practice in mid Oct. I've been seeing him since day one and never had to have a PCP referral. Friday will be my 3rd appointment with only 3 months of medical supervised diet. Wasn't going to be until Nov 1st I believe until my info was submitted to insurance because I had to have insurance for 1 year before they will cover the vsg. So now I feel like throwing my hands up and giving up... but I wont. I feel so let down. I have gotten my hopes up high that I was going to be having surgery in December. There are currently two surgeons in the one office so all of my surgeons patients are going to be transfe…

My surgery is tomorrow and I just read about all the lap band deaths in California (not a good thing to read), Can anyone tell me what to expect the next few days ( I am sooo antsy)

Does anyone have a template I could use regarding a letter of medical necessity that my doctor has to send to my insurance? What has everyone's experiences been in dealing with your insurance and these types of letters? Thanks for all the help!! Dan

Hello. After much deliberation I have decided to go with the sleeve for my weight loss procedure. At my 37 years, as far as I can remember all my life I have been slightly overweight. After 4 children and various life changing experiences, somewhere along the way, slightly overweight became extremely overweight. Two years ago I lost my mother due to various complications of her also being overweight. She would always tell me to do something, even if it meant surgery. She did not want me to got through everything she went through. Two months after her passing I was put in the hospital for a week. I walked out of there with 6 different prescribtions and have added a…

Hi Everyone, I am Kelli and I just had Lap Band on Monday. I am not feeling great today and came online to see if I can find some reassurance that what I feel is normal. I am feeling bloated with heartburn and uncomfortable. I had some cottage cheese for Breakfast and felt fine after that. Then I had some mashed potatoes with my Protein powder for lunch and was fine. At 3 I had my Protein shake and my calcium chews and felt too full. I thought it would go away. They told me a couple of hours. It has been over 4 hrs and I still feel uncomfortable. My incision where the port is nearby is uncomfortable too. I was told by my doc that I would be fine in few days aft…

I'm finally getting sleeved tomorrow at 10:00, which means I have to be at the hospital at 9:15. Since I live in a neighboring state, we will leave at 3 am to drive there. So, driving 250 miles with nothing to drink since it's after midnight. Yikes! My main concern right now is trying to drink this Magnesium Citrate. It took almost an hour to drink the first bottle- thankfully, I did not vomit. But I have one more bottle to drink in another hour. Anyway, I'm babbling right now because I'm nervous, hehe. Just wanted to say thanks for everyone's advice and support and see you guys on the other side of the loser's bench!

Well today is the 3rd day after surgery and I am feeling better than the 1st two days but defenitly far from 100%. The pain from gas has been pretty bad...even with walking and gas drops. I have also had pain in my one larger incision. Otherwise Im pretty good, just tired which is to be expected. Can't eat the broth because it makes me gag just thinking about it. so Ive basically been drinking juice and gatorade cut by half, and eatign jello. I am super hungry probably because Im not getting enough because Im scared to over do it. I dont know what full feels liek now because I'm to scared to get there. I go for a follow-up on tuesday so we'll take it from there. …

Hi, my name is Isabelle and l am also new here :0). Since I had my gall bladder taken out, quit smoking and had a baby at the age of 35 I am not Isabelle anymore. My weight is 233 (!!!) pounds and I have never felt so bad, mad and helpless in my entire life! I spoke with my bank teller 2 weeks ago and she told me about her story and the lap band. She was a 220 pound girl 1 year ago and now she is a size 0. She looks amazing and this is my goal! I need to loose this weight and I am very freaked out, that a lap band would not work for me. Since I am not eating all day, can it be that in my situation it is a hormonal thing? Does anyone know? I am very excited to b…

Well, I made the step and on 9/7/2011, I had my sleeve done. It was done by the VA in Palo Alto, CA. I entered surgery at 284 lbs, and on high blood pressure meds, diabetic meds, insullin dependent. At my 2 wk follow-up I weighed 269 and am no longer on any medication (except multi vititamens). I don't have a problem getting in my protein or water in, but do have issue with my carbs- which comes from the greek yogurt I have for breakfast. I am taking in roughly 600 cal per day, 70g protien, 15g fat, and 40-50g of carbs.

11 days until the rest of my life begins and I am overcome with excitement and fear at the same time...so I'm like a scary/excited looney person. Hehe. I have been through this once before (with my botched lapband surgery) but this is FOR-EV-ERRR (and yes, I do say that like Squints from the Sandlot). I have faith and have 100% confidence in my Dr. He is absolutely great. He has taken such good care of me through the removal of my eroded band and has continued through the process of getting sleeved. I am hoping to be another success story for this procedure. Although I am uber excited, I still have a looming sense of fear in the back of my mind because I r…

First of all this is an amazing forum with so much information to read. I've just joined this and this is my question/dilemma and I hope someone can help me understand. I have a BMI of 36 and I have sleep apnea. I'm in the bay area and have already attended a seminar and met with a surgeon at Palo Alto Medical Foundation. I'm getting married in February and I wanted to get banded asap so I can lose some weight and also heal in time. However the earliest PAMF will operate on me is 3-4 months - and that's because of the mandatory 3-4 dietician sessions which are spread a month apart. Is the requirement of a dietician driven by insurance? I have Cigna PPO and I am tryin…

Hello. My name is Joe. I am 23 years old and I am getting banded tomorrow (9-28-11). I would like to document my journey to a healthier life. My starting weight is 330 and as of now I weight 324. I have tried many different methods to lose weight but to no avail, I relapse and for the worse. I was at the gym 4-5 days a week, dieting, and staying active for almost 2 and a half years strait. It WORKED. I lost almost 60 pounds constantly working out. I then landed my dream job which now makes it tough to get to the gym like I used to. I then relapsed and within one year, I had gained all the weight back plus 20 pounds. I never took much consideration to the band until a fami…

I'm getting banded on October 3rd and am really nervous. I went to meet the anesthesiologist yesterday and he mentioned that I might get chipped teeth from them putting down the breathing tube. He also said he had to mention that sometimes people are semi contious still during surgery. Hearing this makes me all that more nervous. My doctor never put me on a pre op diet, I just started drinking the protein drinks every morning for the past week by myself. My kids are asking me if I'm going to die. Holy crap! How do I reply to that?

Hello, I have posted only once on here and it was to see if anyone knew anything about Cigna Insurance. I have started the journey, I have finished my six month weight lose program with weight watchers and my Doctor. Only concern I have is my BMI was 34 when I started, but I was honestly trying to lose weight. It did not go down it when up even higher. Now I have type 2 diabetes along with RA, Fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, had two lower back surgeries and a big family history of heart problems. I had my consult with my surgeon yesterday, he thinks I should be able to get insurance to approve the surgery.(fingers crossed). I have my appt with the Therapist on Friday and …

Hello, I had to travel by car for two days to get my surgery done. We live in a remote, northern location and don't have services locally. What a drive back! A lot of the drive, I was looking at different sites. I felt a little lost, not knowing what to eat, not knowing what hthe different pains I was feeling were, I think I need to keep connected with a site like this to get ongoing support. I am 35 years old, a working professional with two young daughters at home. My husband and I have a farm and I have a huge garden. My oldest daughter has started school this year. The best way to describe me since I've had kids is a zombie. I've been on auto pilot for at le…

I have been looking at this site for several weeks (my husband says I am kinda obsesed...lol), as well as other sites trying to find one where I can feel comfortable posting as well as getting positive feedback and answers to my questions. I have to say, everyone here is so positive and uplifting and I have learned so much already just looking around. I cannot wait to continue to learn more as I get deeper into the discussions and find support as my surgery date gets closer. I have never thought about having weight loss surgery till my husband and I went to see a fertility specialist and were told that my weight (along with having PCOS) is the main factor preventing u…

Hello all! I'm new to the site and had a question. I am approved pre-op, still have to have the esophageal scope my doc requires, then I can shedule the surgery. I'm hopeful the band will help me on my way to weight loss, but nervous at the same time. My concern stems from this: Im not much of an over-eater now (ie a protien bar for Breakfast, a healthy choice steamer meal and greek yogurt for lunch, and then a normal dinner)... I've got to lose 15 lbs before my surgery and I'm struggling with it. I just wanted to see if anyone out there had similar eating habits pre-op and had success with weight loss after the band. I just dont want to fail at this too... Any …

Hi all! I was banded in Dec 2005. Lost about 60lbs of the 150lb goal I'd set. After some personal struggles and now having a toddler, I have gained back all I lost and then some. Today, I had my band re-adjusted to the point I was at pre-pregnancy. I've been given a new food log and a set of instructions to start following again. I have a brand new jogging stroller with a kiddo who is excited to start going for rides. Yet, I still have a huge sense of apprehension. Will I be able to get the weight off, and keep it off, this time? Can I keep myself from eating the junky foods I've stuffed myself with over the past few years? Will I get the support I need from …

So, I have decided to take this lap band journey. I've pretty much been overweight all of my life and at 22 I am starting to take it serious. I've had many reservations about the surgery but I can't stand to be in this body anymore. I had weighed the pros and cons, saw the success and horror stories and I have to say the pros outweigh the cons. So, I am currently 267, 5'6. I hope to lose 127lbs or fit a size 6, which ever comes first. I should be having my surgery the second or third week of November. I am so excited!!!!

Looking for support...read my story on profile it explains it all. I gained all my weight back and heavier then the initial pre-op weight now miserable and feel like there is no way out of being this heavy. I have lost all will power and energy and hope to somehow get it back. Any support is appreciated, a buddy or someone that can help motivate me to do this again. If there are other websites that offer support or a buddy system please let me know. Thank you and God Bless.

I was sleeved on September 27th. Dr. Harrison was my surgeon. He was kind, listened to my concerns and is tracking my post op issues. I'm about 25lbs down. I have about 120lbs to loose total. I'm anemic, so I'm struggling with the affects surgery had on that. I was able to start taking my iron pills last week though I'm still waiting to feel better. I'm also having acid reflux issues, which I've never had before. I've had several people tell me different things about both issues. The advise that's helped the most has been, "give it time cause in a few months things start to feel normal and the excitement of the weight loss kicks in." My doc said he makes the sle…

Hi everyone, I am new to the group. I had my gastric sleeve done in July of 10'. I was 220 with a BMI of 38 at the time when the surgery was done. My surgery went well and so did the weight loss...it has actually gone too well. I am now 109lbs and 5'4. My BMI is 18 now. My problem is that I have developed an awful case of anorexia and bullemia. I restrict calories to only 200-300 a day and throw up what ever I eat. My doctors are really concerned. I just don't want to gain weight again and I am so scared that if I start eating again that I will. My husband is a medical student and totally panicked over this whole situation. I dont think it is a big deal. I can not make …

So I took a leap a faith a few weeks ago and went ahead with sleep study and all the other requirements just hoping insurance would not come back and say I had to have a 6 month diet or not cover me altogether. Seems things like this never go my way but I was excited to get the news that not only are there no other hoops to jump through but they have already approved and the approval letter is in the mail. I don't have a date yet but I can't wait, the sooner the better!

so I told friends and family (except my husband) I got my gallbladder removed.Ive been banded since January 21, 2011, and i am struggling with my weightloss. It may be due to the fact that I am covering up. If there is anyone in the chicagoland area that wouldnt mind being a big sister or big brother to me that will be much appreciated. we Can workout, plan meals, grocery shop... whatever. Or even if your not in reaching distance even be a pen pal..or email friends (or is that the same thing 0_o) I know motivation starts with me. But i would hate to think I went thru all this, not to reach its full potiental!

I have my surgery tomorrow at 8AM. I am excited!!! I am ready for the changes, but nervous because it is the unknown.

Just thought I would leave a small post with a quick hello! I am new here. I had my surgery in May. Doing well I suppose. I would love to hear from other people who had surgery in May. I have since lost 49lbs. I just had my 4th fill. I am hoping this is my last fill since I am having a hard time eating alot of things I would love some band friendly receipes..easy ones cause I am far from Paula Dean Not to much else I guess...

So here I am, today makes 3 months exactly post op and I am down 42 lbs. I am finally in Onederland. I am so amazed at how easy this journey has been in comparison to the Lap Band that I had placed in 2006. I am so happy that I went through the revision surgery 3 months ago. The sleeve is everything that the band was promised to be and more. Thank God I have not had one complication and I feel fantastic. As of now I have no regrets and I feel healthier than I have felt in years. I want to send out a special thanks to my surgeon Dr. Aceves for changing my life.

Drink Water, often! I was admitted initially for dehydration. I was drinking enough, even though I knew I was getting what I was supposed to. Then we figured out it was my blood pressure medication Lisinipril. The water was absorbed differently. It doesn't happen to every one. Anyhow it turns out my kidneys were affected and there was no blood flow getting to my kidneys, my kidneys became to get really sluggish. They Bolis (two IV bags) me twice in a half an hour. After the first my output was only 30cc, and the second 17cc. They then put an emergency consult in for a nephrologist, and were considering putting me on an emergency dialysis. Thank the high heavens, after beg…

I know i still have a long way to go...but here is where i am so far...down about 48 lbs. the first pick is at my son's birthday...im thinking maybe 230lbs??? And no, i wasn't preggo in this pic LOL. SUre looked like it though.... The second pic if from this month 9/2011. Hope to get better pictures, but this is a start...I can't believe im posting up this picture!!! Take care everyone!

My dad is going to Mexico with me because he's really worried about the surgery. He is overweight also and recently talked to his doctor about maybe having the sleeve done next year after he sees how mine goes. His doctor said the ones who have success with any weight loss surgery are the ones who eat right and join a gym and really get an exercise routine going. I would add to that that being involved in a forum like this is the key to staying on track. Just reading everyone elses success stories and getting all the great advise and encouragement is priceless. You feel like you have support and accountability and you're not on your own, especially those of us going…

Hi Everyone, just joined - I have been lurking as you call it for the last couple of days. I have found your site very informative and wanted to say keep all the advice coming guys. Next month I have a busy schedule with Medical Clearance, Pulmonary and the upper GI tests scheduled - shooting for surgery end of October first of November - also doing some of the waiting game with insurance for the acceptance of 3 months of my weightloss classes (had to have 6 - Insurance is BCBS - Delaware). Glad to be here hope to chat with some of you later on. Thanks for being here!!!!

I am new and am early in the process of getting banded. Your input on any part of the process would be greatly appreciated.Please share What would you do differently?'

I am a wife of 10 years and a mother of 3 young kiddos. I've been overweight my entire life. I've been approved for surgery and am scheduled October 10th. I started the Pre-op full liquid diet as of this morning. Being 1/2 day into it, I'm having fun looking for Soup recipes and busy planning my meals for the next 2 weeks. I'm sure the feeling will pass. I'm hopeful for the first time in many, many years. I'm not in this to be drop-dead gorgeous. I'm in this to not drop dead. I would love to WANT to ride bike with the kids, or WANT to run a 5k with my friends. I'm very lucky to have a husband that says there is nothing wrong with me and doesn't understand …

Hey guys! I'm ariel (: I'm 20years old. I work and go to school at Fullerton JC I'm a new banded babe! I just got banded a month ago from yesterday! My surgery was at West Hills! With Dr. T! I started 340 and now I am at 316 So I have lost 24 pounds so far! Yesterday I got my first tightening! And he gave me the green light to workout now at the gym! and I'm so excited! I can't wait. Today I'm going to the gym and just going to get my workout on! And finally shed off all this weight!

Hi my name is Brandi---my surgery date is Aug 9! I'm excited...scared...looking forward to a new me! I'm ready to be the mom my kids need. Looking forward to my adventure with all you banders! Brandi

Hi, For about 3 months I have been working through the process of getting bariatric surgurey. I have struggled with my weight my whole life. I have never been thin...well maybe when I was 5 yo. I am at an age where it will start to matter. I am not diabetic, thank God, but have high blood pressure and cholesterol etc. I want to stick around and have many more care shows to go to. I am going in on Thursday at 6:00am. My starting stats 6' 1" tall and 377 lbs. I have been on a liquid diet for a week now. This really sucks....only Protein shakes, crystal light and sugar free popsicles.....its hard. My energy has come back though and I am feeling better. Wed…

Hello everyone! I have had my consult appointment and I have scheduled my Lap Band for November 3, 2011. I am torn between being thrilled, scared and nervous. My husband and I had been talking this over for a while and he wasn't so sure. After watching all of the videos on youtube.com about all of the things that can go wrong.......Well, he was a little concerned. We prayed about it. For my birthday, my husband gave me a card with a "coupon" for 1 free Lap Band. I about cried. Now, I am looking at getting through the 2 week diet pre-op and figuring out how the first few months after the operation will be. This forum has been very helpful and I thank everyone for…

I really hope these days fly by. Today is my last full day of work and tomorrow is a 1/2 day then I am taking my middle son to the Air Force and Army recruiter to enlist so that should help. My mom gets into town today to help me out next week since my husband has a week long sales meeting. I am just ready to get this done

I was sleeved. Friday morning. I've been nauseous and vomiting. Perhaps due to the anesthesia. All I been wanting to do is rest. I'll chat more later.

100 lbs are GONE!, in just 4 months. 1 month pre-op dieting and 3 months post-op. This includes a 23 day stall where I only lost 2lbs. I feel Grrreat!! I currently own only 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants. no sense stocking up as I intend to keep on doing my incredible shrinking man impersonation. One concern is that the loss by month is slowing down. 31 - 30 - 22 - 17 However that 23 day stall straddeled months 3 and 4. I have lost an additional 7 lbs in the last 8 days, so I am hopeful that this month I can beat the 17 lbs I lost last month. FM

HELLO MY NAME IS LADY LOVELY AND I HAVE SURGERY IN TWO DAYS. OMG I AM SO NERVOUS. I AM A NEWBIE ANYBODY HAVE ANY STORYS THE MIGHT WANNA SHARE OR ADVICE IM ALL DOWN FOR IT.

So after this 2 month process of seeing over a dozen Drs, I am booked for surgery for Tuesday 9/27. Im so wired I cant sleep! Tomorrow I have to go on a clear diet, then no food after midnight. So tonight my hubby and I went out for my "goodbye dinner", thinking I would completely endulge, and I ended up eating half of my dinner and took two bites of dessert. So much for that! Looking at other posts, I cant help but wonder why some people were put on 2 week pre-op diets and mine was only 24 hrs; not that Im complaining . So my biggest fear is not being able to eat the foods that give me so much pleasure. Im am a social / emotional eater and Im nervous about how I …