Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi I am Melissa! I am 33 and live in Missouri. I had my surgery two weeks ago on Aug.25th, I am looking forward to my first fill on Oct. 9th. I am feeling GREAT!! not much weight loss as of yet, but I know it is to come soon I hope!! anyways i hope to get to know everyone, and share my journey with you all as well as lend my support! I hope to get my story wrote out soon!!

Hello, its been 10 days since my band i keep getting hot flashes, feeling clammy and still have shortness of breathe. Is this normal??????

So tomorrow is the BIG DAY... I have mix feelings part of me is excited and then part of me is nervous. I know I'm doing this to be healthy and live a better life. So that gives me some peace of mind. I want to thank all you guys for the support you are all amazing! I will update as soon as I can- I'm the first surgery of the day at 7:30am. Special *hugs* to my sleeve siblings also having surgery tomorrow-Shalon,dallasmomoftwins,summertymer,lovey_vsg_nyc! *MAKE ROOM FOR ME ON THE LOSER BENCH*!!!!!! :-):-):-)<3

So I first started this journey in 2005. I was young and it was expensive, so I thought, "Who needs this? I can do it on my own!" I believe I was around 250 pounds then. Since then, I would gain weight, lose a whole bunch of it, and then gain even more back. (Just like many of us have, I'm sure.) In the years since, I went back to that same doctor, stopped going, went to another doctor in a different city, but it just never felt right. I was always so stubborn and kept telling myself I could do it all on my own. Last year, I had my first child, which added another almost thirty pounds to my overall weight. Months went by with nothing coming off. I watched as my son's fath…

OK yesterday I started to feel fat I know I am (I have lost a lot of weight ) has anyone else felt like this? Let me know please! Thank you ;}

Hello everyone! My name is mike, im 30 years old (31 next month...), living in the Hampton Roads area of Va, and i am less then a week out from getting sleeved! I am married with a wife of 5 years and a 3 year old son. I work as a merchant marine, and am getting sleeved because not only am i overweight ( 6 foot 3, 306 pounds), but i have type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and have a fatty liver/elevated liver enzymes. I have tried for years to loose weight, but just cant seem to keep it off. diets don't seem to keep it off, and soon after loosing weight, i would yo-yo and regain it. my personal take on the situation, and my road up until now has been kinda stran…

Ok so I am set for surgery on Friday of this upcoming week and Im really excited but now that its here I feel like its all going so fast!!! I have been waiting 9 months total for my surgery and was expecting to go through all the steps before surgery only to be called and told that I will be skipping all the steps including 3 weeks of liquid opti-fast pre-op diet. Instead of 3 weeks I am doing 1 and a half weeks is it only me or is this tough or what? im into day 4 and feel like crap...Im nauseous, dizzy and the smell and sight of food is driving me crazy!!! I broke down and cried today because the lady next to me at the store was buying cheese!!! Seriously cheese I feel…

Hi All, I am new to the forum, but FAR into the pre-surg process. I am going under the knife on the 20th of Sept.. I think of it like due date, to a new beginning, a new "birth" for ME. And also because it has taken almost 9 months of pre-surg prep tests, appointments and basic time killers. I am now in the fasting process, which is really hard, but I am getting by. My kids and husband would like to add their two cents about my crabbiness. But we all know it is for the better in the long run. I am doing this drastic approach due to health, not vanity. I need to live long enough to see my son and daughter grow up and live their lives... I have personally heard…

Hi Just wondering if you are ever able to eat bread again??

Hi I'm pre-op and am again looking to be banded after going through all of the testing phases 5 years ago and deciding against it. At the time I decided not to go forward because I love Diet Mountain Dew too much and learned the carbonation would be a no-no after being banded! LOL. I've continued to struggle with my weight and have again decided to have the surgery even if it means giving up my favorite soda. My boyfriend and teenage daughter are fearful that I will no longer be fun after I have the surgery because I won't be able to eat as much as them on holidays and when we go out to eat or at the fair. They're afraid that I won't enjoy cooking as much because I won'…

hello everyone! I'm new here, my name is Kacey, I'm 40 years old and I'm a wife, mom and RN. I've been obese since I was 9 years old. I've lost significant amounts of weight several times, using diet pills, WW, low carb. Unfortunately, I can't ever keep it off. I am down 45 lbs from my highest weight of 314 (I'm 5'3"), and I've kept that off now for almost a year, but it is slowly creeping back up. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes last year and have been working hard since to get it under control. I also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. Soooo, when I found out my husband's insurance does cover WLS, I decided to try for approval. …

Im 9 days postop and trying to be a good patoent. So last night I'm walking my dog, walking, walking and bam! I'm on the sidewalk. I look down And managed to find the booby trap. A hole in the sidewalk perfectly hidden by grass. So I ended up with a twisted ankle, busted knee, and a laughing pizza delivery boy who happened to drive by. Ha! That must of been a sight. Had to limp my a$$ half mile home. Maybe today will be better.

Hi all! I am new to the forum. I hope to have my lap band with plication surgery in early October. I would be interested in any books you have found particularly interesting, as well as what you pre-surgery diet was like. Many thanks. I hope to contribute more in the future.

I haven't been around much lately as I've become rather busy again with work. But, it's now 2 months since my surgery. I totally missed my Labor Day goal - I had hoped to lose 30 pounds post surgery by Labor Day. I lost just 24 pounds post-surgery. A big part of why I did not meet goal was the fact that I hit not 1 but 2 stalls during that time. The first stall I had actually gained 4 pounds and held that for a solid week then it dropped. Then for the last 3.5 weeks I have been in another stall. Being stuck at 255 for so long was getting depressing. Well, last Thursday, I decided to try to "shock" my body back into dropping the weight again and went back to the basics. F…

Hello everyone! My name is Lauren, I have been significantly overweight literally my entire life. I am currently 260lbs and i am looking to lose about 135lbs, I know it wont be easy but its worth the efforts! I am so excited to start this journey. Fortunately my insurance does cover the surgery but unfortunately I have to be on a documented diet for 6 months prior, so right now I am doing everything in my power o stay focus and not lose sight of my goals and ambitions. I am 21, fun, loving, outgoing, smart and I find myself to be extremely funny. I am not cocky, just confident. I work full time and right now I am taking some tome off of school to focus on myself …

Well... Here I am it is finally happening! I have struggled with my weight my entire life so being able to get the lab band is amazing. Believe it or not, I actually won the Lap band surgery.... Yes I said won! There was a walk from obesity in my city and a local surgeon was giving away a free lap band surgery.... And I won!!!! The prize also covers the first year of appointments as well. I cried all day long and I still think it is all a dream! I feel so incredibly blessed because my insurance would not cover the surgery. I know that God opened this door for me and I am so excited for what is to come in my future. I am going for my consultation next week! Excited and ner…

Had banding surgery in April - have lost 35 lbs so far but am now struggling with food choices. Last month when I went to my doctor's office I had GAINED 3 lbs. I am falling back into my old eating habits - which I cannot allow myself to do if this surgery is to be successful for me. Anybody have any suggestions? Does anyone still use protein powder as a supplement to help diminish food cravings? HELP!

Hello everyone! I'm new to this online forum stuff, never done it before so please be nice lol I'm 27 and I live in the SF/Bay area. I just recently decided to take on this journey with the Lap Band, I went to my consultation about 3 weeks ago and I'm just about done with all my testing for insurance approval. I'm having so many mixed feeling about this whole thing and I don't know who to turn too, given my experience has involved everyone I could talk to and so far has not been what I was expecting. Let me explain... My original consultation was very strange and akward, not to mention the huge stack of paper work I had to fill out twice which is totally understand…

I am new here. I had surgery in July 2011. I am struggling right now. I lost weight to rapidly for my liver to handle, so I have had to have all the fluid removed from my band for now. I hope when my liver straightens out I will be able to start having adjustments again. My energy level is low and my emotional state is low. I am trying to keep a positive outlook, but it is hard. Hoping to find support and new information on these forums.

I just wanted to say hi. I am new to this website, but I'm also just starting my lap band journey. I'm very excited to finally start taking control of my life. However, I'm also very nervous of "screwing up". I've failed so many diets and I am determined to get through the approval process and then lose weight on the ban. I'll admit it that I am nervous about everything that this process involves. Hopefully, once I'm into it further I will be more relaxed and able to enjoy the star of my new life.

i am new my bmi is 38 what other co morbitys do i need to have to qualify? i have cronic back problems ,GURD and foot problems and depression . i have healthnet ppo do u think ill get appoved? thank for input

http://www.verticals...ge/4969-thinme/

Came in at 179.8 this morning! Whoo Hoo! It took me 5 months to lose the same amount of weight with Jenny Craig. The sleeve...only 6 WEEKS! I love my sleeve! Plus I know there is no going back this time thanks to my sleeve. What a relief that is!!!! I won't change my ticker till next Saturday but I just had to see this morning if I need it or not!

Hi Everyone I was so happy to find blog for people who had the gastric sleeve surgery. I am 1 week post , and I am wondering if any of you are experiencing Water retention in your feet and ankles. I am drinking as must water as I possibly can, and I've only been on clear liquid diet since 9/4/11. I just wanted to know how you were all dealing with water retention if you happen to have any ideas please let me know. Thank you

Hi, I am interested in having the gastric sleeve surgery. I have Cigna Insurance and have been doing weight watchers for 5 months. My weight goes up and down. I have fibromyalgia, rheumatoid Arthritis, sleep apnea and just found out I have diabetis. I know I have to go through 6 month weight loss program. Has anyone gotten approval from Cigna with any of these problems and going through 6 months with weight watchers. I have also had two lower back surgeries. I need to get this weight off, but with back and joint problems it makes it hard to exercise. Thanks for any input. bmatthews

After months of anticipation, prep work, doctors appointments, and conteplating, I am having my VSG surgery at 10:30am tomorrow. Surprisingly, I am not nervous. I am super excited and can't wait to embark on this new journey on the winners aka losing bench. I am sure I will be a little nervous once I get to the hospital. Either way, there is no turning back and I am ready. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my sleeve siblings having surgery tomorrow, on 9/12. Best of luck to all of you.

where you knew you had to do something. I came to that realization about three years ago, when my family and I went to an indoor waterpark. My daughter begged me to go down this tall waterslide with her, and I told her I would. In order to get on though you had to climb several flights of stairs. On the way up I had to keep stopping to catch my breath, and I could tell the people behind us were getting very aggravated. I had never been so embarrassed in my life! That's when I knew something had to change.

hi guys im 240 lbs at 5'2 have most of the comorbidities of being obese and im 16 days away from surgery and having many doubts i recently went to preop appointment and was told i would not be able to take any pills that contain iburofen or advils or motrin or aspirin for the rest of my life and it was emphasized and that scares me because i have chronic asthma and vertigo and i also get migranes that are really bad and tylenol does not work at all for me so what happens if you need this one pill that s going to save your life? i also have to take steroids and my doctor saids oh dont worry you will have a normal stomach just smaller but im afraid he is only in for the mo…

Hi, I'm new to this site. My name is Marka I'm 39 and about 100 lbs overweight, and I'm considering the sleeve, but I'm scared to death! I have read so many wonderful things about it, but was wondering if anyone would share what the first couple of weeks are like? Is there a lot of nausa, pain?? I'm just not sure what to expect especially long term. When I read things like hair loss, trouble staying hydrated, becoming malnurished..... it's a lot to take in... Thanks for any advice..... Marka

I was sleeved less than a month ago. I am one pound shy of twenty-five pounds gone. I have six days until I move out of "food stages" and into my lifelong eating habits. It hasn't been the easiest ride, but it hasn't been the toughest either. Compared to all the trials and failures of the past 20 years, this is a sugar-free, low-carb cake walk. Things I couldn't eat last week, I can eat this week. I couldn't tolerate scrambled eggs a few days ago and I had them last night for dinner and today for Breakfast. I made a squash casserole for dinner. My food choices are opening up like a whole new world. I am so thankful to have this board to turn to when things get …

Hello My Name is Tammy. I had lapband plication surgery on September 6. I am doing better, just no energy and still have gas pain. I had the surgery in Ft. Worth. My doctor is Dr. Smith with Ft. Worth Lapband. I have been very happy with him and his staff. I started on the six month insurance program in January at 280 pounds. I weighed 248 at the beginning of my pre op diet. Four days after my surgery, I weigh 240. I am happily married . November will be our 24 anniversary. Our insurance did not go through. We ended up self pay. My husband is very supportive.

Hello VST users. I am new to this site. I am scheduled to have my surgery on 9/19/11. I am an appointment to get my pre-testing done tomorrow morning. At this time I will meet the anestilogist, get an EKG, chest x-ray, and bloodwork. I am sure everything will be fine...I hope. Wish me luck! -Lovey Height: 5’3 Highest Weight: 251 lbs Current Weight: 241 lbs

So, as the topic says it's time to go ahead and say hello! I am 29 years old and I am scheduled to have VSG with Dr Thomas Lavin in Metairie LA on Tuesday (9/6). I am starting to freak a little so I've just been doing stuff to get ready but not really thinking about it. I know that its the right choice. I am confident in his ability. Just a little worried about what it will be like after. I know everyone is different and some have swelling and difficulties drinking etc. That and obviously a leak are my main worries. Now a little about myself. I was banded in April 2003 (also with Dr Lavin) and started refluxing about a year out. I was banded at about 235 and l…

Hi all! After only a few weeks I have already been scheduled for surgery on October 7th! Very excited! Anyone else having surgery soon!?

So far, so good! However, I am not really hungry. Things smell good, or look good, but when they hit my mouth, the taste I used to get isn't there. It is great for counting calories and portion control, but disappointing for gratification! That is my sleeve keeping me honest, and I love that! I have lost 14 lbs since surgery on august 16. I have bought a few new clothes, as my fat look wardrobe is no longer acceptable! I only want the best me possible, no more dowdy and frumpy stuff! I have not seen a size 18 in over 10 years! Yahoo! Love my sleeve!

Hi there! I am 49, live in North East Texas and am 2 days post op from my banding. I am so excited, thrilled to have finally taken this step. The program I am in seems very structured, and I LOVE that! I have followed my surgeon's instructions to a T and plan to be very successful with my new tool! I love interacting with people and look forward to learning how to live with my new friend, the band!

Well, I'm at my 2 weeks PO. I've been on regular, mashed up foods (and sometimes not so mashed up) food for a few days now. Today, I feel like all I did was eat! I really didn't think I would be able to hold this much but I was. Somewhat. I did great all day, being at work is easy because you are busy and not focused on eating. However, after 5 was a different story today. I had turkey Jerky, some chex mix (hey, no judging). A few hours later I had some lasagna. While I was eating the lasagna, I felt guilty as I shouldn't be eating it. I didn't need it, I'd already had my "meal" of jerky and chex mix. It went down fine, then all of a sudden it hit me. …

I am almost 3 weeks into post op and I am so sick of shakes and want real food so bad. I am struggling to not cheat anyone have any suggestions on what liquids to have? All I have had is protein shakes, v8 soup, sugar free popsicles, juice and water..I feel like I need more options. This friday I can add mushy food but dont know what to eat, any suggestions on food or advice for staying positive would be great!

Sleeved yesterday- still in the hospital- Will update soon as I'm able.

12 days PO today, and I have my followup with the doctor this afternoon. Boy, am I hungry today. Of course, it doesn't help that I am torturing myself and looking at all the fabulous recipes from The Pioneer Woman! *sigh* Only a couple more days until I can chew.....never thought I would look forward to something so much!

Hi everyone! I am a 43 year old mom who is 1 year and 1 month post op. I weighed 300 lbs. when I began my journey a little over a year ago. I lost 80 lbs. pretty quickly, but have been completely stalled for about 3-4 months. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself, but I feel hungry all the time (even though I am not supposed to!) and am worried that my chance for "real" weight loss is over. I am still 225 lbs and have been for 3-4 months. I was really hoping to be at least under 200 lbs. by now I know I could be doing better, but sometimes I just feel defeated. I'm glad I found this site! My dr. doesn't do many sleeves, he is mostly gastric bypass. I have no one to ta…

I am almost 3 weeks post op and writing from my phone. I have been back in the hospital since tuesday. I have a kidney stone. My surgeon said I got dehydrated and it decided to move out. I am waiting on the urologist to put a stint in and get it out. Its very painful but they are giving me strong meds. I just wanted to update y'all on how I'm doing. Ps. Kidney stones are not caused by the sleeve but by my old diet. Just happened to move when I got a little dry. Drink your fluids!

Hello! I had my surgery in Aug 2005 and these boards where my support group that got me down 100 lbs!! BUT since all that weight loss I've had some complications and had to have the fluid removed and now I'm back up 65 lbs I'm looking for support as I go back to get my band re-filled that I might be able to lose the weight once again...

Hello to All! I'm new to this site and I just saw my primary Doctor today&we are now awaiting approval from my insurance(tricare). According to my insurance I need a BMI of 40(which I don't quite meet) for them to cover procedure. I do have a few other health issues I hope they will consider, and approve me! I'm told I should hopefully have a decision within a week. Fingers Crossed! Congrats to those of you who have started your new journey!

Hi All! I am just soooo excited. I finally got my date and my surgery is scheduled for 10/11. I had actually expected it to be end of October or beginning of November because I was told that my insurance company takes 6 weeks to approve and that they need to submit it to the insurance company with a date in order to get approved. But as it turns out, I have GHI which has become Emblem Health. GHI apparently takes 6 weeks (according to docs office, they take the longest). But Emblem gives approvals much quicker and they were told to submit to Emblem and not GHI. So that worked out very well for me. So it is 4 weeks from Tuesday which means I should be feeling fine by the…

Hey all, 10 days post op and have been having intense muscle cramps. Several times a day. Started yesterday. Back and legs are where they occur. I don't know if I am doing wrong. I am taking my vitamins daily as prescribed, drinking lots of water, my other oral intake is cream soups, jello, diluted sugar free apple juice, yogurt whip, and pudding once a day. Protein shakes times 2 a day. I don't know what I am doing wrong. Any one know? Ideas? Thank you =)

Big day as I was accepted for surgery! My surgery is scheduled for Oct.13th. I have been reading through the forums for several weeks now, but this is my first time participating! I know there will be obstacles ahead, but I am ready to begin my weight loss, or should I say, health gain journey! The forum posts have been very helpful as I have started my journey, so I thank all of you! A little about me. I have been "big/bigger" all of my life. I was a collegiate athlete and maintained very well during these years. Then, WHAMOOO, as I got older, had children my weight soared. I am a great cook and love to eat so I know this will not be easy. I feel this is a nece…

Hi, Wanted to introduce myself. I will be going in for lap band surgery Friday September 16th at NYU with Dr. George Fielding. I have been on liquids for a week and have one more to go, it has not been overly terrible although there have been many moments of weakness. At this point I am glad I haven't given in as I want my surgery to go as smoothly as possible, I think this site is great for finding out information about life with the band and sharing of personal journeys. Anthony

Hi my name is Vee. I had my surgery on Sept 2nd. My surgeon was Dr. John Marsden at the Surgery Center of Richardson. I went thru True Results for all of my pre-op counseling. I went in around 6:30 a.m. and was on my way home before Noon. My first hours were pretty bad because of the gas! I had Gas-X strips, but they did not work well. Gaviscon did give me some relief. I did not have the gas in my arm, just in my stomach. I have been instructed to walk, cough and take deep breaths to help with the gas and post-op. I have used my pain meds everyday until last night. I have NO APPETITE! I have only drank Water, cranberry juice, tea, chicken broth and chocolate f…

<a name="OLE_LINK2">TV fans love to catch their strange yet adorable love story. They enjoy their passion and togetherness as well. Therefore, they are keen to watch The Vampire Diaries Seasons to see more of their love. There is good news for all the fans as the upcoming season of this drama promises to exhibit more love, sex and friendship. In the second season, TV fans get to see many twists and turns in the relationship of Elena and Stefan. Furthermore, there are actually likelihood of which Granddad Jonathan probably will make her yield in the coming season of The Vampire Diaries season 2 However, certainly no the word possesses still because of the …