Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I just wanted to drop in and introduce myself. My name is Stephenie and I am 32, married, and have 3 kids who are 11, 13, and 15. Let me just say that teenagers suck! Anyway, I am 5'4" and started out at 236 pounds with a BMI of 40. I had my lap band surgery a week ago today and my current weight is 219. Let me just tell you I am ecstatic. I actually started looking into lap band about 2 years ago but my insurance at the time wanted to make me jump through hoops to qualify. I am quite sure once I jumped through those hoops they would have still tried to deny me because they were that kind of insurance company. In February my husband's company switched to BCBS of New Jerse…

I am scheduled for surgery this coming Monday. I, unfortunately, have been having a few problems with my insurance company, but hopefully everything falls into place... I am beyond excited and somewhat nervous. I am ready to be slim again. I am not sure, however, if my fiance fully understands how our lives will change after surgery. He is very supportive of me, but does not always make healthy food choices. I wish that he would consider weight loss surgery, or at least make some positive changes himself... I have been struggling with weight loss for about 6 years. I have gone up, down, back up, and back down... After I had my first child in July 2010, I knew I n…

Hi everyone, I am relativley new here. I just had surgery on monday 8/15/11 for lap band with plication at Duke Raleigh Hospital with Dr Jin Yoo. The surgeon also had to repair a large Hiatal hernia that was larger then they thought. I am doing good now but the second day was a bit rough in the morning when I let my pain meds run out too long. Still taking pain meds today but only once today and feeling really good actually. Day 3 was also very good and I held down 80 grams of Protein and Im up to about 40gs today so far. The liquid diet has been easy for me so far(have to do a full 21 days). I almost feel like its hard to fit all I need to fit every hour since the pl…

Hi all, I had my op on July 25th of this year. I have always been one of those people that would grab a quick cheap snack for lunch when at work and nothing for lunch if I was at home. After getting the band I somehow have learned to pick food better. When I was on my brake at work I walked down the snack food part of the store. Before the band I would have just got a bottle of Water and chip's. Well not anymore I walked past the chip's and got a Soup with 3 grams of Protein. Yes boy's and girl's I have started to learn to eat right and with the lap band I am going to win. So proud of me...lol Stay well all. Mary

first iwould like to thank all of you for being a inspiration to me. Ok so my whole lapband process started in may 2009 iweighed 296.50 49.03 only 20 years old idecided I no longer wanted to be obese well morbid obese its weird iknew iwas big but almost 300 pds was a deal breaker for me ineeded a change. So iwent to my dr she's the type to not want young patients to have surgery if they're not up in age so she said how about you come back in a month do some blood work if you lose weight on your own then I'll put you on Phentermine so isaid ok well a month later I only lost a pound but she was happy so from june 2009 till april 2011 iwas taking diet pills which to be comp…

Just to update you all, on Tuesday I saw the Bariatric Nurse, the dietician and the Clinical Psychologist. The nurse was a little concerned about my potassium levels, (I have a lot of Water retention and am on diuretics) but other than that was fine. The dietician wants me to lose 5% of my weight over the next four weeks, ouch! So am back on liquids only. The Psychologist (the one I was most concerned about) was an absolute sweetheart, very encouraging and although thinks I may find some counselling useful, due to 'some childhood difficulties' has backed my surgery 100%. Yeah. I have a follow up appointment in four weeks time and hopefully if I have managed to g…

Hi, My name is Michelle. I am set to have the lap band procedure on 8-30-11. im 4 days into my pre op diet. Im a single mom of a seven year old boy. Im very excited about my new journey. Looking forward to learning and sharing with you all.

Hi everyone! I am 42 years old and I weigh 258, down from 262 as of 7/19/11.I have a tentative surgery date of August 31st.I have already been through my initial consultation, and figured out my financing with Care Credit. I have also found out in my Quest for this surgery that you can take the surgery off on your taxes if the cost exceeds 7.5% of your total income. I encourage that anyone interested in this do their own research on the internet like I did. As a self pay patient I am going to utilize this tax savings. I am getting a Lap Band with plication/ imbrication. I have already been through an Ultra Sound with gallbladder imaging, 2 Chest X Rays, Upper GI, bloodwor…

y name is Helen and I have been heavy all my life A hit puberty (36C over night) at 12 hard stopped breathing (asthma till today hospitalizations, meds, steroids ect for years if not decades now ) lost the weight a few times with pills and will power I was large but happy…well in 2006 I was diagnosed with state 3 colon cancer after resection, 6 months chemo (had to fight myself to eat) was down to 152 I thought the battle was over I changed my diet, exercised three times a week at the gym (strength and cardio) only eat healthy whole grains but the weight just keep going up And one pound a month no matter what I do I can’t lose the weight this time it's botheri…

Hi there, I am about to get the sleeve soon. I have a thyroid problem and take levothyroxine daily to control my thyroid. I'm just wondering if anyone else was in my situation and how it may have affected them. I was told by my doctor as I start losing weight, I will have to adjust my mediction. I'm just nervous about it all.

Hi My name is Toni and I was banded on 8/12/2011. 5 days post-op - still a lil sore and pain but ok... I have lost a total of 10lbs with 7 being lost during pre-op diet. my goal is to lose 80 lbs. 70 lbs to go.

Today is my 6 month surgiversary it was easy to lose at first because I had no other choice. Couldn't eat and nothing tasted good at all. No hunger for about 3 months but now i get it a little (nothing like before)My taste buds are back and I can hold about a cup before I have to stop. I've been stalled for month as far as the # on the scale goes but I'm still losing inches. 6/21 I started a couch to 5k program and have stuck to it. The race is in 2 weeks and I'm really excited.I'm not fast but just finishing is going to feel so good. I've lost 70lbs and have about 30 to go.The real work is starting now. I've been hitting the carbs hard lately so I've gotta get back on tr…

I am just 13 months out from having my VSG. I love my sleeve first off. I have lost to day 125 lbs and feeling great. problems along the way were all my fault. I had knee surgery because I hurt my knee 10 years ago and let it go and the weight started to come off and it was time for knee surgery. Than I had my gallbladder out which should have come out 23 year ago. Than I had elbow surgery, Mouth surgery, my last surgery I just had 7 days ago was a hysterectomy all my surgery went great. I was once a size 32 now I am size 10 to 12 depends on the jeans. I can wear Large or medium tops now I was in a 4X. I exercise 7 days a week twice a day in the am I go to the gym and…

Hellllooooooo Everyone! I know I have been MIA for a while but I have been extremely busy with all of the new things going on in my life. (New House, New Puppy, Wedding that is now in 7 days, New job) I hope you understand. Yesterday (May 27th) was my 6 month surgiversary but I decided to stick to my routine and not weight in until this morning. Before I got on the scale I though to myself (Like I have MANY times over the last 6 months) "I did everything right this week but I know the weight loss has to slow down at some point, so its OK if I don't pull a big number." I got on the scale and I was down another 4 pounds from last week!!! Bringing my total in 6…

Hi everyone! Okay...I've been lurking for months! The day I decided to have the surgery I found this site and I hate to admit it but I just might be OBSESSED with it. I am constantly checking it....I read everything. I wont be telling the psych that!! I am sooooo ready to do this! I am a bit concerned though...I just completed my 6 months with my PCP. He was going to fax my info to the surgeon. I have my nut and psych scheduled for next week. So...did I do it all? Did I do it correctly? Does this mean that once I have that appointment with the nut and psych I can submit to the Insurance company? I sure hope so!! I'm kinda excited if that the real answer. T…

Hi all, I've been combing the forum for the past few days as I do my research on WLS. I really like the idea of a gastric band vs something more physically altering and dramatic like bypass or sleeve surgery. I was recently diagnosed with subclinical hyperthyroidism (possibly postpartum thyroiditis), and despite an overactive thyroid, I've gained a ton of weight since giving birth. I've read this can happen because of the hormones increasing your appetite. That said, I've been overweight my entire life, this is just the heaviest I've ever been non-pregnant, with a BMI of 38. I had gestational diabetes and now have very mild insulin resistance and it's scared the crap…

Some People are NUTS.... http://www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org/news/article-info/2617/scots-researchers-suggest-link-between-obesity-and-global-warming.aspx

I am back at work ( Sleeved July 26th) & people are asking me about WLS for themself or the wives. I talked to a wife last night & her BMI is 46. She like everyone here feels trapped in her body. It has affected her life, etc. She like myself had gone to doctors & only told to diet or "just eat right". NO one every said Weight Lose Surgery! Why is this? I am angry now because we need help & there are a lot of people that are not getting the help they need. I told her think of WLS as fixing your body. It's no different than fixing a broken bone. But it's not being discussed most of the time. When I got off the phone there were tears of hope. …

My sleeve surgery was on July 18th. I initially lost 19 pounds in 17 days. I am eating small amounts but have jumped ahead of what they say I should be eating. I have had no intolerance to any food. I am not eating desserts but I do have a piece or two of sugarless candy. I have also had some homemade peach sorbet. I can tolerate any meat in small quantities. I am stuck. I will lose 2 lbs one day and gain another the next day. I haven't walked much. I have been stuck at the same weight for about 2/3 weeks. It is so discouraging. Anyone else had this happen to them. I did start walking today.

Hi! Surgery is tomorrow, quite excited I must say with a little nervousness! Does anyone have any suggestions to protein shakes? I have tried just about all of them and can not drink them. Suggestions?

I have been researching weight loss surgery for years and have decided on the sleeve with Dr. Kelly in Mexico. It looks like the middle of November is when I will be going. My boyfriend, of 3 1/2 years, is totally against it. He doesn't think I need surgery and thinks I look fine as I am. I'm 5'7" 250 lbs. He is also very concerned about it being done in Mexico. He refuses to go with me to have it done, stating his reason is, he just can't support it when he is so against it. My daugher has lost 30 pounds on weight watchers and is now becoming a personal trainer so she doesn't understand why I need surgery either. She thinks I can just do it the old fashion way wi…

well folks, i'm finally getten my sleeve! will keep you posted on the result, and tty on the other side! i should be home from the hospital on thursday, but i will take my laptop just in case the hospital has wifi....send me some prayers!

Howdy, all. I'm Lissa from Florida. I'm 44 and I've been heavy since I was 23. I did a major injury to my leg at 9 months pregnant and, since I was having a c-section, the injury went untreated. It's difficult to walk on crutches when you've been cut from hip to hip. So, I spent two years barely walking and gained a TON of weight. I've never been able to get it off and, instead, I've added a bunch more so that I'm now over 330 pounts. I've been exploring Lap Band Surgery for about six months, including going to a seminar and talking to a surgeon. I lost 50 lbs on Atkins and then quit smoking. A week after I quit smoking, I ended up in the hospital with drug-resistant pn…

I had the sleeve two weeks ago. I have come to the conclusion the sleeve is a "Gift". Most call it a "tool" When something gives you back your life that is a "Gift". I have never lost weight so easy & fast before. I am not hungry & my cravings are gone. So the sleeve is nothing to be afraid of. Go get your life back.

Well, I should be getting a call from the surgeons office this week. Honestly- some days I feel like I will believe it when I see it. It seems like it's been one issue after another every step of the way. Tho, I'm not prone to pessimism- I'd like to get this show on the road because I'm getting tired- It looks like when it's all said and done that it will have taken me a whole year to get to surgery- but I believe it will be worth it. Last October I made the decision to have the sleeve and went to a seminar. In January I had issues with my insurance company which was new to our company as of that January- They kept telling me some nonsense that they covered obesit…

I was told that with the removal of the lower potion of the stomach that the feeling of hunger should decrease since that was the portion that produces the hormones for hunger. My appetite is solid two weeks post op and makes me want to crave snacks all day. What is experience and how do you cope with it.

Hi everyone. Im new and considering the Lap Band. My mother had it done about a year ago and has been extremely happy besides the occasional "food stuck" situation. I want to make sure this is the right decision. Im nervous especially never have been put to sleep ( which is my biggest fear ) or go under the knife. I know my bmi is kinda low, i think, being 34 but ive never been happy with my weight and it has cause major depression. Im trying to find a doctor in Chicago, iL. But im having trouble finding one. How did you guys find your match??

Hi Everyone. So I am scheduled for surgery on September 29th and as the date gets closer, boy has the anxiety increased. Today I had my second appointment with a nutritionist and after leaving that I know am on the path of getting my supplements and finding Protein shakes that I like. I am a little overwhelmed since there are so many different types and they are kind of costly. I know they say you have to just try them out, but I don't want to spend a fortune just trying all of the different products. Any suggestions on which products taste the best? I am a teacher and am have a Thursday and Friday off from school, so am having the surgery early that Thursday. D…

I see my LB Doc for the first time on 8/26/11 so I am not sure whether I will be a candidate for this surgery or not, I am certainly hoping so. I am excited about the prospect but am worried that I won't qualify or that insurance will deny the procedure if I do qualify. Is this a common thought process with those who have had this done? I am not scared of having the procedure... I am more scared that I won't be able to get the procedure. I am 40 and have so many things I'd like yet to do, but this body is restrictive and depressing.... Thoughts?

Has anyone ever experienced any pain and burning type sensation about 3 inches below the large incision. I don't know if this is where the pouch is located. Feels a little swollen. I am two weeks post of.

Hi everyone. My name is Rebecca and I had my sleeve surgery on 08/09/11. I really had a meltdown today because the gas pain is killing me! I've tried Protein shakes but it increases my gas pain terribly so I went back to Isopure protein Water and plain water. I don't mind not having food but I'm so sick of not being able to sleep for a full 8 hours and having to sip every two seconds and then having gas pain on top of that! I had a pretty bad hernia that the doctor had to repair too and so I'm sure I'm pretty swollen, but, what I'm doing now doesn't feel like living much either. I'm so frustrated! I'm not in a great place right now. I know everyone heals different…

Hello Everyone. I appreciate any tips on my Realize Journey. My 1st appointment to see if I qualify is the 22nd of August. I am very excited about this. Wish me luck!!

Well, I am in the final stages of getting everything ready for my VSG. I had submitted everything and found out I have a hiatal hernia and a Schatzki ring (which is a birth defect that is a tight band of muscle around the esophagus making it narrowed; which can cause difficulty and painful swallowing- which I have). I am curious if anyone else had similar results and what effect it had on your surgery and the time process. My friend had it done and had a hernia that the surgeon fixed at the same time. I am just waiting now......

I have my appt with Dr. Friedman the first week of Sept. I attended the informational seminar. The physicians office verified my insurance United Health Care covers the procedure. I have to do a six month weight loss monitored by a physician. Luckly I have already been seeing my physician for weight loss the last three months. I have to have a BMI of 40 or over and mine is 41 and I have to show five years of being overweight of at least a 35 BMI. All of these I already qualify for. I also have recently within the last month been diagnosed with high colesterol, high blood pressure and swelling/water retention. I am only thirty and am falling apart. So here is the begining …

My pre-op RN/seminar speaker said EVERYONE that has the VSG loses their hair at 3 to 6 months post-op. Is this true? What did you do to prevent it besides taking vitamins if you did not lose any hair? Please HELP! I JUST started getting my hair in and back to normal from my chemotherapy for breast cancer two years ago. I really don't want to have to wear the WIG again!

I have been researching online to see if Lap Band is the right answer for me. I'm 5foot 6 and an everincreasing 197 lbs. I consider myself a binge eater. I eat even after I am full, when I'm stressed out , and when i am bored. Will LapBand help me? I desperately need help as the pills I have taken so far are merely producing new symptoms. Cynthia

Day four I'm not feelin the best!!! Im thinking "god what have I done!!" will it really get easier??? I'm scared!!!

Hello Everyone!!! I'm from Maryland, I don't mind meeting people from this forum for support. I am new to the whole Lap Band surgery idea. I read so many experiences of what others wrote, thank you in advance for the inspiration. Good luck to all. Hopefully I'll be next for my surgery.

Hi, I have aetna health manitence organization and a representative states that lap band is covered if its medically necessary. Im 5"8 270lbs with a bmi of 41..My ? is will Aetna still make me go thru hoops to get approved? and whats the quickest approval time from Aetna???

I am curious what did you tell your employer when you asked for the time off? How did you handle nosey questions before you left for surgery and after you returned?

Hello All, In case you couldn't tell from my username my name is Jim. I have been lurking about off and on for the past few weeks. I am set to attend a seminar on the lap band on Sept 6. Unfortunately I missed the one for August. So I am really at the very beginning of all this. I have read a lot of information and I believe this is what I want to do. I know the lap band is not the answer to it all but I believe if you choose a good surgeon with a good supporting practice behind him and get involved in the support groups this can be successful. Like most people my biggest fear is my insurance will not cover it. I have Cigna and from what I understand they'r…

[link=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wdAIc2M/] [image noborder]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wdAIc2M/weight.png[/image] [/link] Hi my name is Kelly and I was sleeved on July 20th, just about 2 and half weeks ago...WOOHOO!! I've lost 19 pounds since the actual surgery date. I had lost 15 before that during six months of dietary. This was a feat in itself as it's very difficult for me to lose weight. I ate about 1100 calories and day and exercised frequently. I began with a BMI of 40 (242 lbs.)...haven't measured it again since. Current weight is 214 I have to say, through all the blogs I've read and research I had done before th…

Hi guys! Brand new newbie here! I will be banded on 9/6! How exciting is that! Hoping to make some friends on this journey! Hope you are all having a Happy Monday!

I had my lap band surgery 3 months ago. I've had 2 fills since surgery. I still feel like I can eat almost anything. I've only lost 10 lbs (I know that's better than nothing), but I was hoping by now I could have lost 20 lbs. I have no energy & no ambition to do anything. Also how do you eat healthy on a very limited income?? As bad as I want to be thin why is it so hard to get motivated to do that?? Any suggestions please send them my way

Hi, my name is Shannon and I'm 27, married, and have two wonderful kids! I haven't had surgery yet but have done a lot of research on this surgery and feel like it is right for me. Monday I am making the call for my first consultation to see if I can get approved. I understand it's somewhat a long process so I'm not expecting to actually get the surgery immediately but I hope to get approved because it's something I have thought about a very long time. I have tried several diets myself with little to no weight loss and it's getting to the point to where its painful for me to just get around. I have been overweight since I was a kid but I am at my highest weight now and ha…

so here I am stuck between a rock and a very difficult place? I haven't been taking any vitamins since surgery not because I am being unruly but because when I try I get very ill and am sick for 2-3 days! but now my body is feeling like it is shutting down! I am in a ton of pain from the waist down my muscles , joints and bones hurt and I have NO energy! In the beginning I had no energy cause I was not eating enough but now I eat 900 calories a day and at first I had a lot more energy but now I feel drained and have to take mid day naps to get through the day! I have emailed my doctor and he says it sounds like vitamin deficiency and malnutrition! which I don't understand…

Hi, I didnt even know that you all were here. When I had the surgery I thought (stupidly) that this was only happening to me and the pain and the restrictions were just a punishment for me. I was so happy to see so many others speaking about their experiences and the success they are having. I have lost 106 pounds since december 16th last year and it has been a huge struggle physically as well as mentally and I am glad to see I am not the only one who felt this. I have a question..... When do I see myself as the new me. When I look in the mirror I still see the bigger me. The doctors look at me like I am nuts ( maybe I am hahahah) I still go straight to the big c…

Hi everyone! Im new here and started my journey yesterday by going to my PCP. I did my blood tests and now i have to wait until all the way in October to see the nutritionist , to take a class i assume. I have Kaiser Permanebte and i live in Maryland.I dont know all the tips and tricks but im hoping this doesnt take forever. All suggestions are welcome

Hi everyone! My name is Kristen and I am from Arizona. I am really nervous (and excited) because my surgery is this coming Tuesday. I have a lot to lose (currently at 295!) I never thought I would let myself go and get to this point. I have a lot of bad habits to break and I hope that the band will help me take control and make big changes for my health. I am looking forward to looking through the posts and hearing your stories. How long can I expect to be off work? I am a kindergarten teacher and not sure if I will feel good enough after a week to be on my feet and run around like crazy with all the kiddos. Any pre-surgery advice would be greatly apprieciated.

Hi everyone! I am getting really nervous! I am scared that I am gonna regret it! I am scared that I am gonna have complications! I am scared I am gonna miss food! I am scared because my surgeon only did like 4 sleeves! I had to get this off my chest! I have come so far in this proccess! I am proud of myself so far and I am excited about the surgery! I just pray everything goes smooth. I have a 20 month old little girl at home and I want to be a healthy mom, but, i am scared about the surgery! Does anyone else have/had these fears and anxiety! My family wanted me to get the band, but, that wasnt for me! I know I want the sleeve and after my anxiety, I know …