Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

new to this site, i came on last night and loved the chat room so i guess ill be blogging here well this is it. tomorrow morning 6:30am central, im gettin the sleeve. im very scared but cant wait at the same time. i have an an amazing medical staff and cant be happier with how kind and incredibly reassuring they all are. the surgery will be performed by Dr. Jenkins of Ocean Springs, MS. http://www.smsurgicalweightloss.com/ im also impressed with the taste of this magnesium citrate it tastes like sour candy this stuff is awesome lol <3

I am 20 years old, 240 lbs, not sure of my exact BMI but I know it's around 38. I have UPMC insurance and it would be great if anyone knew if that covered it as well. I am in college and I have gained 60 pounds in the last 2 and a half years. I just started my junior year of college and I'm afraid im goung to gain another 60 pounds in the next two years. Some advice please! My cousin recently had this surgury and she's 70lbs down in 3 months and I'd kill for that! I wouldn't want to lose more than 100l lbs and stay around 140. Also, Im from Pittsburgh area so if anyone is familiar please let me know. Thanks!

I've been sleeved one month now and I can eat pretty well. I'm getting 800-1100 calories per day. Sometimes I feel this is a lot! Please tell me how many calories you eat per day and how long you've been sleeved. Thanks everyone!

Had my surgery Thursday, doing pretty well but having a hard time getting enough fluids and protein. Has to be clear liquids for 3-4 more days. The Isopure is killing me.

Ok so I am now 6 days post op and feeling pretty good most of the time. Am I the only one who has more difficulty with breakfast then the other meals...I have now moved on to cream soups rather then broths and they go down fine however i tried really runny porridge as the book the surgeon gave me suggests and it did not go well, I had an incredible pain in my chest with pressure and tightening only to be followed up by me vomiting the porridge today I tried extra soggy rice krispies again as suggested by the post-op diet book and it was difficult to eat I only got down about a quarter of it and that with difficulty, again with pain and tightening although not as bad as w…

Hey everyone! This is my first day on the website. I am having the procedure the beginning of October and I am so nervous. I have began the liquid diet and I'm craving all the foods I shouldnt have. I'm not an emotion eater but when I cant have something it makes the craving unbearable. Please keep me in your prayers

Hey guys and gals I am pretty new to this forum thiugh I've had a membership probably for many years i havent been around. A little about me I am 30 years old and have been trying to have the lapband for about the past 10 years but for many different reasons things didnt work out till now. My highest weight was 385 on April 15th 2011 im currently sitting at 366 I just finished my 6 month supervised diet and nutrition and psyche eval and we have submitted to insurance. I am super excited that it seems to be my time to finally get this done. I have a lot of support from my family and actually my twin sister has already gotten her approval to have the band done as well so…

He says that statistics show I will only lose 50% of my weight with Sleeve. I don't think he has as much faith in it. I mean I appreciate the honesty. He says that if I am average, I will fall in at the top of the bell curve or near that. I come on this page and see people making their goal weight or well on their way. I am a little confused and certainly do not want bypass. Opinions?

Hello my name is Deb and I am very new. I joined the group but I am still moving my way through it, I wish I could add a ticker deal. I am 11 days post op, and still feel pretty weak. I wanted to introduce my self so that I can connect with some folks. Hope this works...

Hi all! My name is Angie and I'm from Wataga, IL. I have my surgery scheduled for Oct 6 two days after my 39 birthday! Best birthday present ever! I started this journey several years ago and got scared off then after seeing my friend go thru it and have such a success I decided it was time! I called the same day as the inital information seminar, got approval within a week and have attended my support group meetings, done my psych eval (dh was surprised I passed ). Now I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet. It's not as bad as I thought it would be...I guess cause I know the payoff is so well worth it! I have told my son who will be 13 in January, friends and famil…

I went to a support group today and sat next to someone who was a previous lap bander. It was removed due to some problems she was having. She is now considering the sleeve. She said she was hungry all the time with the band. Has anyone else had this problem. I am suppose to have band surgery in December and now I am worried about being hungry all the time.

I finally decided to sign up. I was banded August 19th and my first fill on 9-29 excited . I have loss 29 pounds so far.

hey everyone it's been a minute since i've posted, i've been here reading and seeing the progress of everyone and you all are doing great. just wanted to drop a line and let you know my sister Nickij is doing well. she had her surgery yesterday and she's been up walking around and doing just fine they are even talking about releasing her today. i just wanted everyone to know she made it through and on her way to the loser bench. everyone keep up the great work, continue losing, and work your sleeve. oh in case you are wondering i'm still no closer to my sleeve but i stay hopefull i love my sleeve family thickinphilly

I have so many questions as my date is approaching, I have a major vice, I love Beer. i feel it is a deal breaker issue. has anyone tried to have beer?

Time to step from the lurker shadows and introduce myself. I joined a few weeks back and have enjoyed reading pretty much every post here since then. I'm in the Jacksonville, FL area, getting sleeved by Dr. Steven Webb. I am self pay, and have gone through every step except having sign off from my primary care doc, which I anticipate early next week. Supposedly, the surgery will be scheduled 2 weeks after that sign off, so I'm most likely looking end of July/Early August. I'm happy/excited/nervous/terrified about reaching this point. But man, I sure have some doubts and issues about the whole thing. On the one hand, I've done a ridiculous amount of research and kn…

I was sleeved on wen, at 10:30am . Im still drugged but hopfully i will go home tomorrw.

I had waited so long for this day and now that it happened I notice asking myself could I had done it myself? I lose 20 lbs pre surgery and was doing great. Now I'm thinking could I have done it on my own? I think as well if I could have I would have done it by now right? Hopefully this is just a small confused phase I'm going through :/. Wish me luck

Hello Everyone! I am a married 39 year old female and mother of one daughter, she is 10. I am having my surgery by Dr. John D. Scott with the University Medical Group here in Greenville SC. I need to lose about 90-100 pounds... It is going to be sometime early December. I was really nervous until I discovered this site and have talked to so many wonderful people about what they have gone through. Although there have been bumps in the road for some of you most everyone is extremely happy with their sleeve and said they would do it again in a second! I have started my journey to get sleeved!! I have met with the NUT and have attended three support groups. Only nine mo…

I'm feeling good still drugged and tried, blood suger is great. still no hunger have to make myself drink.. Can anyone tell me, if slimfast is ok to have? Worried about the milk part.

This is my first post (I have been a lurker for a while!) and I just want to say my official hello & thanks to everyone for posting your experiences, it has really helped me to make this decision. I am 30 years old and I got the band in September 2006. It was ok to start with and I went from 106kg to 85kg fairly quickly, but I then began to have real problems with it, constant vomiting etc. The fill was taken out and put back in countless times until I finally had it taken out about a year ago weighing 123kg. My surgeon tried to talk me into the sleeve then but by that stage I was totally against the idea of having anymore surgery. I have since ballooned to over 135kg…

I am sorry everyone but I am so new to this. First of all, my name is Bill and I am 56 years old. Like everyone on here I am 237 lbs. I know its not a lot but it is in my way. My legs and hip always hurt. I have been a big man for a long time and it is time to do something. I have tried evrything out there and nothing helps. I have no support. from my family. Maybe that is why I eat tomuch. Now for what I would like to find out. What do you mean by getting a FILL. If someone out there could please let me know. Thanks. How do I find a Doc. that will do the Lap Band for me. Thanks

Hi folks! I'm Krista. I'm 37 years old and teach 6th grade English Language Arts. I am 5 days out from gastric sleeve surgery; I can't wait to feel "normal" again, but, other than that I'm excited for my new life to begin. I can't wait to use this site to trace my journey and find some kindred spirits!

Hi! My name is Jenn. I've been lurking for a little while. I just got my surgery date today which was a total surprise because my insurance company originally said I would have to do a six month diet but then changed their minds. So I will get banded on Oct 27th. I have to do a two week liquid diet which I am not looking forward to but I'm wrapping my mind around it. I'm just so ready to get started. The first time I heard obese from a doctor I was 10. I hope to get lots of good tips and buddies from here.

No problems at all. Haven't taken any pain medication or anti-nausea. Actually went back to work today. No problems with my liquids coming up either. Somehow, I feel like somthing must get hard in the near future. Down 8 pounds since surgery.

Just finished talking to my surgeon's patient consultant.. He told me that they will be working through the holidays.. and that I will be slotted for Dec 22 or 26... depending on how quickly they get the insurance approval!!! I'm all smiles today!!! I'm about to teach a PD course!!! My day just got better!!!

Hi my name is Sabrina and I am 5 days post surgery. When i went into surgery last Wednesday I was hungry of course cause I hadn't eaten the entire day previous. Well once I came out of the antestisia and was able to "feel" I had extreme pressure from what I beleived to be air, as the air decreased the pain remained and is what I now realize- Hunger pang ! It is terrible. If it wasn't for these pangs I would pretty much be great. Can anyone help me to understand what this is and/or when it will stop? Thank you!

Hi, Everyone just joined to day! Had my Lap Band done in May 2011. I hope to learn some things on here and read success stories!! I have lost 35 pounds so far!! Yay!!

In 3.5 hours the surgery begins. At 7:30 PST I undergo Laparascopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy to enhance, prolong, amplify and SAVE my life. Is there any wonder I have the song "Edge of Glory" by Lady GaGa in my head this morning? I have my phone, so as soon as I can I'll let y'all know how I am. Wish me luck. See ya on the "Loser's Bench"....

Hello everyone! So, I went for my consultation with my surgeon today...and got the approval from him. I start seeing the dietician on 8/19 but due to my insurance I have to wait 6 months until I can have surgery. I have to lose 20lbs before then or they deny. Any advice for me? It seems like 6 months is so far away, but I guess if you think about I've been overweight for so long what's 6 more months!! Looking forward to this journey and starting a new life...a healthy life!

I'm new to the site just enjoyed reading all the different posts. My banding is next month. I'm very excited and nervous at the same time.I m glad to find a tool like this I can go to.

Hello: My name is Traci. I have made the decision to have the Lab Band surgery, after months of research and speaking to my neighbor (she was banded in 2007) I have been losing and gaining weight for the last 9 years. For the last 2 years, I cannot seem to lose, only gain. After researching the Bariatric providers in my local area (I live in Killeen, TX - Ft. Hood), I decided to go with Scott & White in Temple, TX. I think I made a good choice from the reviews that I have read. I saw my PCM on 9 September and after a few issues, my referral to Scott & White was approved on September 19th. I will go to the Seminar on Thursday, September 22nd, which is…

I just had my meeting to discuss the pre-op diet, what the surgery will prevent me from having forever, B12 shots for the rest of my life. protein shakes for the rest of my life. I am feeling extremely discouraged. I am not sure i want to go through with this

I finally received the sleep apnea diagnosis I needed for the bariatric center to move me forward in the process. Next week I have to meet with the psychologist and the nutrionist! I finally told my mom about the surgery and she was supportive (this time) I told her I needed her to be there and that I didn't want the negative comments from her or my sister. She finally realized that I have made up my mind and that I need to be healthy for my kids. I am so excited I can't wait to start my life! I hope my insurance will approve me right away and I can get a surgery date by next month!!

I was sleeved on 9/12 and am on a modified liquid diet for another 2 weeks or so..it is getting me down because i am so damn tired off protein shakes and pureed soup. I feel ready to move to soft foods but will not do anythng to jeopardize my recovery so i will not go against drs orders...i feel like i cannot make it ...any coping tips are appreciated..,

I am getting prepared to do the Gastric sleeve and of course I am very nervous about it. I have a few questions any answers will be appreciated. Was anyone in a lot of pain following the procedure? I hear stories that you lose everything like your figure. Lastly do you have a lot of excess skin after the weight starts to come off? I am still going through the final process and then my date will be given to me. I am excited but nervous at the same time.

So needless to say I am quite scared of the entire surgery process... I was banded in 2005 and after 3.5 years of constant regurgitation and extreme weight loss/hair loss/ thrush/ sever malnurisment (151lbs to be exact) and a constant battle with my physican over something being horribly wrong with my band, which I felt the entire time. I later found out it had eroded. I had has the lapband in my stomach wall for 2 years and within those two years I have gained every pound back with some bonus pounds. Since then I've gotten my band removed (by a different doctor which I love!!!) and submitted my paper work for gastic sleeve. I am scared beyond belief that s…

hey everyone! if u dont t know ima tteen. and i say that cause well..... the surgeon called today and said that tricare denied my surgery? i dont understand everything when it comes to insurance and stufff but to hear that makes me feel sad. so i cant have surgery at childrens hospital anymore. the surgeon said he will not do gastric bypass on teens, casue tricare would pass that, but they dnt know about the sleeve. they dont have enough info on that. so the surgeonn told me not to give up.., he is gunna try to get me that surgery, i mite have to have it at methesda hospital. theres more stuff to it but i cnt remember all that stuff. i will find out next tuesday about it…

Hi Everyone, I just got banded last week on Sept 13th. Had two surgeries in one - repair of a hernia. Had a tough time last week. First got approved 4 years ago, lost weight, yo-yo'd up and down. On the day of surgery I weighed 49 lbs lighter than 4 years ago but sill have a lot to lose. I just trying to figure out the navigation of LapBandTalk.com. I'm strongly committed to the plan and not cheating....I know that is where the successful weight loss will be. I live in the Sacramento, CA area and am a photographer and do web design. Love my husband and family - proud grandma of a beautiful 3 yr old girl. Broke my back 3 yrs ago and hope losing the weight will help…

I'm not scared (as I mentioned before) but I can't sleep. Anxious like a kid on Christmas Eve. Today I'm on full Clear liquids. I am imposing NPO orders on myself after 6pm today and not midnight. I'm mentally getting ready for L.A.S. = Life After Sleeve. This has been a loooooong journey. Three or six months is nothing compared to being overweight for 25 years. I'm finally ready. At 36 I am ready to break up with fat and find another body to get involved with. I've been up a while listening to Killswitch Engage to calm down. People say often that they can't wait. I could but why the HE** should I, LOL? Friday is near. I feel like the person who's next in line at the ba…

I am new to this site I officially decided to get the surgery done in august I had my first appointment on september 8 and I had to begin my 3 month diet before the surgery I am having a hard time finding a support group in my area. I have a very supportive family they all think this is a great thing for me to do. Except my fiance is completely against it, he thinks it is to risky and that I should just do it the old fashion way. He built and has been skinny his whole life so he doesnt understand what it is like to be heavy and not be succesful and diet and exercising. I just hope once I go through with the surgery he will be happy with the reslults and he will get past t…

Before/After One Year. One. HUNDRED. #. Wow… Size 24 I thought I’d have alot to say. Waxing poetic about the journey. But really? I’m just happy. Healthier than I was a year ago. More conscious of what I put into my body. Better at maximizing whatever physical activities I can…There is alot to be said for that. Size 14 Though I’ve plateaued for the moment – I know it will come off…eventually. I’m only a few # away from “Onederland” which was a MAJOR anniversary goal that I’m kinda disappointed that I didn’t make, but… OH WELL. My doc is happy, and said I’m right on track. 4-6 more months will be my 16-18 month range for t…

My husband does most of the grocery shopping. He is self employed where I am on the clock 45-50 work weeks. Anyway he went shopping today I had a small list started. Well, my cabinets are packed full, canned soups, vegetables, fruits, cans of beans, and more. TONS of stuff for the full liquid and mushy stage. Not everything he bought is "correct" but I will never tell him that.( I will tell my son to eat those things up).Because of his work my husband has not gone to any of the meetings with my daughter and myself, I do not know if he has done any on line research. But he is very supportive. I am speechless on the time, energy and thought he had to put into toda…

Hello everyone! This is such a great place to come and feel at home, if you will. Today though, I am down and out. Here's my story and maybe you guys have some opinions that will help? I'm 26 years old (female) and live in Anchorage. I've been wanting the band for quite awhile now, so I started the 6 month supervised diet plan with a family clinic I go to. I am just past month 3 now and today I had my first visit with the surgeon at his office. Here's the breakdown of weight from the beginning, first day of 6 month diet- 236 one month in- 233 two months in- 230 three months in- 233 which brings me to today where I weighed 239 at the surgeons office. He meets me an…

I was sleeved on August 17, 2011 (at New York Presbyterian by Dr. Gregory Dakin). In the first 2-1/2 weeks I lost 34 pounds. I started at 407 and lost 20 before surgery, so 54 lbs down from my max. The surgery went well and there were no complications (so far and I hope it stays that way). A few days ago the weight loss stalled and I have lost nothing. I read that this is normal, so I find that encouraging. I started back to work a couple of days ago and I am finding it hard to drink enough Water since I get distracted by work. I know that it is unlikely I will lose at the rate I did right after the surgery, but I am impatient for the pounds to start dropping again. Ho…

I had my surgery Aug 29th and I am down 20 lbs so far and already down a pant size! For the first week after surgery I was miserable! I was so mad at myself and wondering how I could do this to myself. I never realized how much I loved food until I couldn't have it anymore. I know it sounds silly but I mourned the loss of food, no wonder I was so over weight!?! Parties, family functions or holidays weren't as much about being around great people but about all the yummy food that was going to be there. I am now ashamed of the old me and like I said, I was totally blinded to it! I am sooooo over it now! Cant wait for the next get together just to be around people I love …

Hello. I am new. Not new to lapband...but new to the site. My name is Nikki. I am a military wife currently stationed in Montana with my Husband of 8 years. We have 3 children Ages 7, 4 and 19 months. I got my lapband on March 21,2011. I have had no problems with it. I have currently lost 59 pounds. I have 46 to meet my final goal. I am thrilled with my changes thus far and am excited for the ones to come. I am a new woman I am also excited that I found this sight so I can talk to and interact with people that have been through what I have and to also maybe talk to and help people that are just starting their journey. Look forward to meeting new people. Feel free to add…

I am having lap band in 8 days! I am so exicted. I have read and read and read all the things to do and don't do. I have practiced chewing and taking small bites and even have pretty much stoped drinking at meal time. I know I can do this but today I woke up and have pretty much been in panic mode. I have cried twice and I am not a cry baby. What is wrong with me? I think I am scared that all the money (all out of pocket) will be wasted because I will fail this as I have every other time I have tried to loose weight. I need to pull it together! Also not a big fan of the liver reduction diet.

Hello everyone, I have been hanging around the forum for some time and thought it was about time I told my story. My name is Paola and I am from Dominican Republic, about 8 years ago I moved to Florida with my mom and sisters. For as long as I can remember I have been overweight, I remember that every summer vacation my parents would put me on a new diet and force me to walk. I love my parents for the effort they put forth, and I know that my obesity only increased during the years because it was me who wasn't trying, the people that love us can only do so much. I hate when people look at me and make comments about how negligent my parents must have been. Last Christma…

Well this is my first time on this site,but has been reading it for about 2 months. I am scheduled to be banded on the 29th and will be starting my pre-op diet on the 15th, I am not sure how to start the diet ,I have never ,ever made a smoothie or any type of protein drink, I do not want to tastes to discourage me. Anyone have any good ideas?

Hi... I would love some input. I have been researching this surgery on and off for a few years and getting ready to go through all the steps. I have a friend whose daughter had the lap-band surgery a few years ago. She recently told me that she throws up every morning and she doesn't eat much at all. Is this normal or is she doing something wrong? I also just heard that she is having kidney problems and I have no idea as to the cause. I would hope that you would be accustomed to what you can and can't eat and how much, and wouldn't be throwing up after a few years! I would appreciate any input...