Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I had surgery July 18. Lost 5 pounds pre and through today -27 pounds. No problems at all. However, since 2nd week eating just about everything in the correct amounts including salad and other veg, growing beef, chicken, lobster etc. Kind of weird given I read so many people have such problems eating. Started at 305 now 278. Slower rate of loss. Swimming 1/2 mile and walking 1 mile every day. Increasing exercise. I am concerned because eating doesn't bother me. I do get full quickly but can eat everything. Are there others who have had the same experience?

Hi, all. I just got insurance approval & a surgery date! August 22nd! The day my new life begins. Now off to pick up Protein powder. Thank you for the support on this site. I'll update often. Excited & a little bit scared. Missy

So, I decided to go to the "Wellness Expo" that Jungle Jim's had today. It wasn't too bad - the focus was really on gluten free foods, with a smattering of other "health" related items. Many of the booths had samples to try of course - and I did try just about everything. Although, I would take just a small sip if it was a drinkable item, or about a half a baby-spoon full (occasionally a full baby-spoon full) of solid food and toss the rest of my sample in the trash. I think I did well by doing that. I never would have in the past that is for sure. There were 2 exceptions though. 1 was for some greek yogurt that had fruit in it - a bit high in sugar, but otherwise, I stil…

It's Feel Good Friday oh Sleeve Talk world... so... tell us, when your surgery date is and how much you've lost to date! You are not allowed to say "ONLY" in pretext to your statement. Sorry, this is MY thread and I'm callin the shots here. BWAHAHAAA!!! Me: 9/15/10 so I'm just shy of 11 months and I've lost 90 Lbs!!!! :bananalama:

Man oh man that feels good to have those puppies taken out! Steri-strips in place and all is looking good. Be glad when the bruising goes away too.

I'm new to the forum (I've been a lurker though). I had my surgery three days ago and am pleasantly surprised at how good I feel just three days out. I haven't had nausea or vomitting. My abdomen doesn't really hurt - it just feels a little tight and sore when I use my stomach muscles. I am following all of my doctor's recommendations regarding eating slowly, taking small sips of Water, taking Vitamins, eating Protein, walking, etc. In the three days post-op I've lost about 9 pounds. I don't expect to lose this much normally though. I didn't eat any solid food on the day of surgery or the two days after surgery.

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site, I found it by surfing the internet on "food feeling stuck in lapband". I was banded in April of 2010. I'm 5'6 and weighed 286 lbs. I've lost around 50 lbs. and so far I'm glad I did it although I do get frustrated because I feel like I should have lost more by now. I joined a gym 2 weeks ago because I wasn't losing any weight but wasn't gaining either. My last fill was in April 2011. The problem I am having this week is it feels like food is just sitting in my chest and even when I drink liquids I feel like it takes time to go down. I'm also burping ALL the time which I know annoys my family. LOL. I really think it's the weather here…

Hello everyone! Im 23. Single mom to a 2.5 year old son. I weighed 260 and am 5'8. I only had a BMI of 36 but discovered I had sleep apnea and my insurance approved me and paid 100%. The pain of surgery was sooooo minimal. I actually cleaned and vacuumed yesterday. I have lost 15 lbs in 3 days. Currently weighing 245. My goal is 170.

Hi everyone! ive been reading other posts and im getting more and more excited to get banded and have as much success as you guys! Only thing driving me CRAZY is this damn 6month "i can change program"" for my insurance. i wish i looked into this before i decided surgery because i would have been banded by now! its just very frustrating. but on the up side im learning how to eat slower and smaller portions AND eating breakfast wich i never did before.. has anyone heard or gone through this program before? its only been about 2 months and its draaaaaaaaging

I am only 3 days from surgery I am scheduled to be at the hospital on Monday @ 7 AM!!! And I am freaking out....lol I am thinking about all of the negative, when I went to my final pre-op with the Doctor on monday I had lost 14 lbs since starting my pre-op diet. Well instead of saying wow great job which I thought I had done a FANTASTIC job he looks at me and says we need to get a lot more weight off because your liver is very large.....and then goes on he never says how much more he feels my abdomen and said everything felt good IDK can he tell how large my liver is approximately by feeling my abdomen???? Then I asked him how much more do you want me to get off and he sa…

Hi All! Got my approval and date today! It is going to be August 16th! I start my liquid diet on next Tuesday! I am ready! Bring it on! Any other August 16th or therabouts future sleevers? I would love to hear from you!

Ok, so...I have a surgery date of Aug 24th. My surgeon has not required me to lose any weight or to go on any kind of pre-op diet. So, therefor in my mind I am eating everything I want......feeling kinda like its the last time I will be able to eat like a normal person! Am I the only one that had been experiencing this??? I mean in my mind, I know I need to be focusing on cutting carbs, eating my protein first, not drinking while eating,chewing my food 20 times, eating SLOW and so on and so fourth. Am I alone in doing this?? I hear of most people being on pre op liquid diets, but since I didnt have to, I just wanted to enjoy my food for the last couple of weeks! Do I need…

I am new here also, and am scheduled for LBS on August 10 th. I am into my 3 rd day of liquids and I am doing fine with it so far. I am looking forward to my surgery,but I am concerned about those who have posted about being several months post surgery and only loosing 5 lbs or even 40 lbs. I weigh 233 and want to loose all my weight . what determines how you loose ? Is it just a gamble?

I had my surgery 4 days ago (Monday Morning) outpatient and am attempting to get the nutrients I need and required liquid. I am walking but not cause it feels good! I am wondering if they went into my belly button cause its glued shut :/ This is all so surreal. I am mostly here for support...the medical center I went to is good...but their support groups are far for me and I don't have any friends who can identify. So hi...anyone wanna be friends? Haha

Hi everyone.. I'm Kelly, I was banded on June 3rd and so far I have lost 20 pounds. I am at the point now where my willpower has to be in full gear and I need as much support as possible. I think like most of us that are on here, we aren't so good that the willpower and exercise gig. I know that I need to do this to make this band work for me. Any support would be welcomed. I am from the hampton roads area... Thanks for listening!

Hello all... I am a new comer. I will be attending a seminar with Dr. Shayani in Bolingbrook on Aug 18, 2011. I was just wondering if there are any lap-banders that already used Dr. Shayani? What was your experience? How are the nurses, hospital, and the location? How long was the process from day 1 up until the actual surgery day? What are Dr. Shayani's requirements? Do you need a referral? Does he require a 6month pre-diet? Any advice and positive feedback or just general info on the doctor's character and personality will be greatly appreciated. By the way, I'm 33yrs old, my BMI is 51, and my insurance covers most of the surgery... Yay!!! Thanks in advance for any and …

Hi guys! My name is Rachel. I am a happily married mother of 4 and impatiently waiting to have my surgery. I had my psych eval last week and go in on Thursday for the report, this psychiatrist likes to give the patient the report first before faxing it to the doctor. After this is turned in to the surgeon it should only take about 2 days in order to get it approved my insurance, Tricare, and I am so nervous. Then I can schedule my date....so I am hoping to get this done by the first week in August. Reading everyone's post give me hope, 1 i will get it approved and 2 it will be beneficial to me. I am so ready to win this battle against my weight.

Try this its amazing!!! 20 grams of protein!!!

Hello! I am new here. I'm 24 and recently decided to get banded. I go August 17 for my consultation with my surgeon. I was wanting as much advice as anyone could offer about LapBand, tip and tricks of the trade so to speak. And also, just wanted to hear some of your stories. I have struggled with my weight since Jr High. I was diagnosed with PCOS after my second pregnancy, and Infertility. I know going through 2 pregnancies (1st stillborn at 33 weeks, 2nd my beautiful daughter) hasnt helped. I have tried every diet thinkable and can manage to lose 10lbs or so only to gain it back. I am looking forward to this journey. And I know by using Lapband, I can acheive my go…

Hello...I'm new here and new to this lap band world! I was banded just a few days ago- 7-19-11 so I'm still recovering and still on liquids. I'm getting pretty bored already with the liquid diet BUT I"m looking forward to a new life!!! I am a very very proud army wife and my husband is currently on his 4th deployment away from us!! He is going to be very shocked when he gets home 10 months from now and sees my progress!!! He does know that I got the surgery done but I don't plan on sending him any pictures of my progress just so I can surprise him!! Well off to walk some of this bloated feeling off! Still in pain when I get up and down and i"m sure hoping that subs…

pics taken 2 days after surgery, drain will come out on aug 10th.....feeling great......

I had my surgery 12/1/10 - Dr. Kowalski. He is absolutely the best! I had no pain. I actually made them show me the x-rays of my stomach the next day because I didn't believe they had done anything. I went along great for the first 6 months. Then life kicked in and has sucked me down. I've lost a total of 120 lbs - 42 before the surgery. Before the surgery I was taking 6 insulin shots a day and numerous other medications. Now, I still take a small dose of my cholesterol medicine but 1/4 what I was taking and 1/2 dose of blood pressure medicine. I'm back on 2 oral medications for the diabetes but I'm down to 1 shot and tapering it off. My highest weight was 442 l…

Hi Guys, I'm fairly new to this site but I really find it to be a Godsend!! My surgery is SUPPOSED to take place this Wed. August 10th. I'm on my liquid diet and I have to say it's so much harder then I thought. Anyway, when I was having my PAT done a week and a half ago at the very end of my visit the Dr. said..."Oh btw your hemoglobin/iron levels are very low. Sorry, but we will have to post-pone surgery" Just like that!!! Like he was saying ..."Oh, nice weather were having" I was in complete shock bc everything else was great! I asked him what I should do and he just said your primary will need to figure it out. WTH!!!! (He is just the PAT Dr not my surgeon) I kn…

SO I'm officially banded!! Not feeling to hott at all I feel so full from even the slightest amount of Water... Which I've only been allowed 30ml (medicine cup) of water one time per hour. I did just go for the Xray and the barium swallow and had to drink the contrast an I'm feelig like I have to throw up. I'm getting zofran and not vicodin instead of iv morphine. I'm more sore than in actual pain. My surgeon said that everything went well and it was a 2 hour procedure with a hiatal hernia repair. I think maybe day 4 an I'll feel a bunch better and getting home in my own environment will be great! If anyone had questions or thinks they know apmthog that will help with t…

Soooo, I got denied for my insurance because basically, Im fat, but not fat enough and Im "too" healthy. I have a BMI of 38 and at the time of my weigh in weighed 248lbs and my height was at 5'7 1/2 (i slouched a little lol) and I am NOW (about a month later) weighing in at 253lbs but it hasnt been documented. My insurance is (empire BCBS) telling me that I either need to have a BMI of 41 or higher or I need to have a co-morbidity with my current BMI and I dont. Im very healthy, Im just fat. But apparently not fat enough. So i guess my question is, would it be ethical to gain 12-15 more pounds just to get this insurance approval? Because when push comes to shove, with…

I have been "lurking" for several months now and decided that it was time to finally introduce myself. Hi, my name is Catherine and I am a fat person . I have been "big boned" (as my mother says) since I can remember. I have never really had a problem with being large until hitting the big 4-0. I appears that once you hit that wonderful level of maturity, you body begins to revolt and mine was no exception. I never had any problems with blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, or achy joints (until now) and loved telling everyone that too!!! Karma is a nasty b***h and I hate her!!! So, now I have arrived at this crossroad in my life and I have jumped on the lap band wago…

Hi everyone! Just stopping by to introduce myself. I'm a 36 year old female living in the desert, LOL...Arizona. I've been on the fast track with starting the process the middle of July, and a surgery date of August 19th. Can't believe how quickly this time has come. I've experienced all types of emotions at this point, anxiety, nervousness, excitement. You name it, I've gone through it. Will just be glad when I get to the other side and this part is behind me. I look forward to getting to know others on here. I believe a good support system is what helps people be successful. Let's do this and win!

Hi All, I'm just beginning to start the process towards getting banded. Sounds like they will be putting a wildlife tracking tag on. I've been trying to read up on banding and have been talking to a co-worker who went through it in December 2008. She has done so great and looks wonderful -- down 150 pounds! The post-op diets that I'm reading scare me more than a little. One of the reasons my diets have failed in the past is because I always felt hungry, even when on a high Protein, low carb diet. I could have gnawed my arm off. I just can't do it on my own and at 46 year of age, I'm not getting any younger. However, I am getting bigger especially after I sta…

Since July 14, 2011 it has been 2 years since i had lap band surgery... everything started off well and i lost 50 lbs fast.. then i fell off and i gained back 30lbs.. can anyone give me and tips/motivation?? i definately need a fill because i can eat too much.. Please tell me what works for you.. i would appreciate it!! thank you!!

Hey all, I had surgery July 28th and seem to be doing pretty well. Over the last three days I have been getting sharp, painful "stabs" in the area of my band. It's in my lower chest and goes to the bottom of my diaphragm. I am find for a couple hours or so then it'll be so strong it takes my breath away. It usually lessens if I stretch or walk around, but sitting down is not an option. I feel like I have to burp and it comes up as so, then goes right back down. I have been told this could be from band slippage or an air pocket that is stuck. What can I do to get this to go away??!?!?!?!

Hi everyone, I am new to this website, I just joined today. I had my surgery July 11th and so far I've lost 16 lbs. My doctor had me to loose 12 lbs before my surgery but I lost 15 so in total I've lost 31 lbs. So, I am very pleased with things so far except for this portein! I am having a hard time finding a Protein shake that I like so I'm not getting as much protein as I should. This is driving me crazy! I gag thinking about those thick shakes. I've tried muscle milk and the protein powders and I hate them both! Also, I am starting to feel hungry, is that normal? I can only take 1 or 2 bites but I am hungry like an hour later after. I have not had any complicat…

Well , today is finally here. I did the 2 days of clear liquids. That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My family and I went to Holiday World Wednesday. A little sunburned, but it made the day go fast. I have to be at the hospital at 9:30, surgery is at 11:30. I keep having second thought, but I know this is what I want to do. I just don't want any complications. I'm fairly healthy, but obese. I don't want anything bad to happen. I know everyone feels that way and it is encouraging to read your stories. Say a prayer that the doctor performs great and I recover well.

Hi. My name is Jamie. I am being banded next week. I'm pretty scared.

Here's a Article why Diets do not work for us.... http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/exercise-and-diet-no-use-for-obese-claim-researchers/story-e6frg8y6-1226105580445

I am struggling on my 2 week fast. I cannot have anything but , 5 Medifast drinks, jello, popsicles, and water. I feel tired, grouchy, with a full fledged headache. What can I do? I want to stick to this but I dont feel my system is cooperating. Any tips?

After trying years of diets and yo-yoing up 5-10 pounds each time, I decided to go with the Lap Band device. I went through the pre-surgical testing and got my insurance company to approve it upon my first appeal and an additional six-month waiting period. In that time I dropped from 380 pounds down to 360 (which was my pre-surgery goal) and on Valentine's Day in 2008 I got the surgery. I was in at 7 am, and home in my recliner by 5 pm. The abdominal pain was absolutely minimal. I was able to get out of bed and walk within the first hour, and was voiding my bladder and cruising the hallways soon thereafter. I refused the morphine they were offering as I wanted to…

I see online all the pre-op diets, some have 2 weeks, some have 3 days, some have none at all..... So i was thinking, is it really that big of a deal?? Until I met a friend for coffee yesterday. She had a gastric bypass March 3 2011. She has my same surgeon. She said she followed our required 10 day liquid protien diet about 75% of the time. She woke up and the surgeon said that many other surgeons would have closed her back up cause her liver was still huge and fatty. He said she was lucky he was so seasoned, and they may have had to close her back up and wait until she shrank her liver. This is motivating me to keep on track with the pre-op diet! I have 5 mo…

Hello all, my name is Jason Beim and I am a newbie here. I am two days removed from surgery and feel great. A little bit about myself: I was always big even when I was younger and athletic. Ballooned to my maximum weight of 297 and realized it was time for a change. Go approved with insurance, picked a surgeon and in four months had surgery. My grandfather has had the Lap-Band surgery and lost 70 pounds and kept it off for three years so I have a great support system. I had some time before my surgery date so I decided to get in the gym with a personal trainer and I lost 20 pounds before surgery. Looking forward to this new journey to get down to my goal weight. Any sugge…

I am in day 2 of my Opti-fast liquid diet. I have 5 more days of this. By dinner time, I am really hungry and have been adding some frozen veggies into the Soup. Is there any danger in doing it? I thought they wanted us to los weight...and it seems that the veggies won't hurt. I will make sure to be totally liquids 2 days prior to my Aug. 9th surgery. Anyone else have any "safe" cheating tips?

So tomorrow at 9:15 is the start to the new rest of my life. After years of being over weight and goig threw 3 surgeries and complications over the past 5 months, the day is finally here. I'm super excited but so nervous about what's goig to happen and how this change is going to affect my life!! Is there anything that you needed after the surgery that no one told you?!? I think I have everything I may need but I'm not 100% sure.

Hi there. I am now 7 months post surgery and have lost 35 lbs. However, I have been at the same weight for the last month or 2 even though I am following all instructions. I have had all of my fills, and even had to get my last one let out a little as I was getting sick often. I exercise regular and have been eating what was suggested by my doctor. Has anyone else experienced this or does anyone have any suggestions on how to get past this plateau?

I went to a support group last night at Orlando Regional Medical Center....it was so informative I kept dragging my feet not wanting to go and I am glad now that I went I can't believe that my surgery is in 4 days!! I have lost 17 lbs now pre-op liquids...trying to get to 25 before Monday.

Hello everyone, been a while since I checked in. I haven't been doing so great and really need motivation/advice. I have failed my band. Not the other way around. I was doing great and up to a 80 pound loss well then dh and I received custody of my niece and nephew. Well after 10 months of court and junk the kids are now in custody of their Grandmother. Well about a month before all of this ended in court I found myself putting on a lil weight here and there. I had to go a few weeks ago and have some fill removed due to severe reflux(brought on by this stress). As of today I have officially gained back 29 of the pounds I had lost. I am so discouraged and disgusted. I am a…

Ups and Downs Family Don't want me to do it, should i do it, what if ?

Hello everyone I was banded in Nov 2008 and have had a very successful journey for the most part with very few setbacks. Most recently though I have gained 3-4 pounds which I do not want to do. It seems that I have a problem with regurgitation and then I find Ice Cream to be soothing to my stomach. Any suggestions? I started out with over 100 lbs to lose and have done very well til recently. I have noticed how easily it would be to slide backwards and have a horrific fear of doing this. I am at 7.5 cc in my band and really dont think I need a fill at this time.

Im ready my journey starts tomorrow I can't believe it's already here I will keep everyone posted and good luck to all the others for the same day or for this up coming week. God bless....

Every good story starts like this "Well, you see, what had happened was... If only weight loss and gain,and loss and gain, and ..well you get it, was such an easy story to tell! So for me what happened was life. You see, I'm a southern girl. To say that food is a big part of my life is an understatement. I consider myself an eastern North Carolina BBQ expert! I have driven across the state of North Carolina charting my course around the best BBQ restaurants in the state more than once! My mother could out-cook Paula Deen any day (now that's the truth!) My grandmothers probably created every recipe in the Southern Living cookbook collection! Genetically, I am pre-programed…

i havent been on here in a very long time becuase i just graduated high school and about to start college so i've been busy. since the beginning of my journey to a new life i weighed 267. today i weigh 194! i can fit into a size 16 pants instead of a 22! i can fit into a XL instaed of a 3X! ive never felt better about myself! i havent really been working out all that much because of work and getting ready for college but i plan on either signing up for a gym or start doing the P90X. i know thatll be hard but if the tv ad is true then ill have a 6-pack in no time! i love getting compliments from my friends and family about how good i look. its a real confidence booster. th…

I registered for the first class. I already checked with my insurance company to see if they would cover the surgeries. Since I work for Montgomery County Gov, we have a really great comprehensive plan out of BC/BS, and I purchased the "high option" one..of course.. so.. they said 35 BMI with one of the co-morbid conditions.. and I seem to be riddled with all of them, unfortunately.. and I'm on my way to my exercise class, right now, at cardiac rehab, phase III, at Montgomery General Hospital, to keep up the good work I've been doing to impress my cardiologist!LOL! I'm 57, 200 lbs, at the moment, although I have NOT been overweight ALL of my life..(long story)..but over t…

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