Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

So im 30, Im out of the military now after 11 crazy years, and im finally going back to school. Im going to be a cradiac ultrasound tech. And now i am able to have the lapband surgery , in the military they are not allowed to get banded, so I had to wait till my insurance picked up. Meanwhile I had a horrible experience with prednisone, has any one else?? And packed on some serious poundage!! And then i waited some more.... to make sure it was really what i wanted... about a year.. Now with in a week I've been cleared for surgery from half the people on the list and have a date, DEC 27th!! Im also am a disabled vet, yeah at 30 years old that seems craz…

Hi VerticalSleeveTalk community! My name is Bernie and I am a surgical technology student. I have to write a paper on pre and post operative surgery experiences with information obtained from a blog. Would anyone be willing to help me out by answering a few questions? I would greatly appreciate it!

8/2/2011 I am new to the site. I am here to learn as much as I can about the sleeve. I have not had surgery yet. I am still investigating so to speak. I really want to be sure before I leap. The sleeve interests me more so than the band because the band seems more constricted on what you can eat. I am not concerned with the amount of food because I have been eating way too much and of course that is what contributed to my weight problem in the first place. Several people who I have talked to have wished that they had got the sleeve instead of the lapband. Also, I am considering Mexico for my Surgery but I am apprehensive about it. The reason for Mex…

Hi...My name is Cay and my Dr. scheduled my sleeve gastrectomy today for August 22. I am doing OK, but I am here to gain as much "first hand" knowledge I can about the before, during and after surgery stuff. I live in Morgan City, LA (About an hour outside of New Orleans......yes, Swamp People is taped right in my back yard! LOL!) My insurance will not pay a penny for bariatric surgery, so I must pay $12,000.00 for this procedure and I have decided to forget about the money and concentrate on how much I will be able to enjoy life when I am done. I am a recent breast cancer survivor, being diagnosed in January 2009. I received a lumpectomy, port surgery, chemot…

I started my weight loss journey with bariatric surgery in December 2010. I was put on a mandate insurance diet for 3 months (which actually ends up being 4 months). I also quit smoking December 4th after attending the seminar. I was weighed in at 354 lbs. I had not weighed myself in a very long time prior to them taking my weight so needless to say I was shocked at how high my number was. I knew at that moment the seminar was just a stepping stone on my way to having this surgery done and changing my life. I have been "bigger" than everyone since I was about 3 years old. I have always been taller and it just seemed like as my height increase so did my weight. I f…

I have been not cheating at all and the scale is not moving. I know my diseased mind thought I would wake up skinny from the surgery. I know I have to do the work, to see the results. It just sucks. I have been excersing and following the mushie diet but my brain works better with scale rewards. When I'm losing my brain is all in, when I'm stuck our worse (gaining) it shuts down and wants to sabotage any progress. I must retain my brain, then maybe we all can get along. Me , Myself and that bad ol' scale.

Having surgery tomorrow, have to report to hospital at 5:30 am and it's a 60 mile trip to get there. I'm just finishing up by God awful bowel prep (this is the worst of everything so far). But my NUT and my doc's FNP have got me confused. The book says (and FNP) that after you get on reg food you eat about 1/3 cup per meal until about 6 months out. The papers my NUT gave me shows a sample diet at 6 weeks out and the breakfast has 1/2 cup cottage cheese with berries. So which is it? Maybe it depends on the individual and maybe I am overthinking it trying to calm down for the morning. Any ways, wish me luck. See you all on the other side.........

Hello all. I have had my lap band since summer 2008. I have strange occurrences since the lap band that I apparently haven't articulated well because I still don't have any answers. I will start with my first two: 1. Does anyone have sensations that kinda seem like palpitations or some type of throat spasm? Not painful but some type of butterfly, uncomfortable sensation in chest between breast area. 2. Has anyone been successful with starting over after having their band empty for a long time?

Going tomorrow and start things in motion to get the lap band done, exited and scared at the same time like most, but I feel this is the best thing for me and my health and will make my life more enjoyable. If anyone has any thoughts or ideas to help along the way it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!!!

Hi all, my name is Sylvia. I have been on thus WLS rollercoaster for about 6 mos now. I just got my date today. It is for 8/30/11. I am so happy that I can finally start counting down and I am no longer in limbo land. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I have been considered "obese" since I was about 11. I have vloged my journey on youTube for quite some time now. My YouTube channel is beautyjunkie824 if your interested. I was encouraged my several people to visit this forum. I am excited to be able to have so much info at my fingertips.

Just got the band today a little sore everything went well.

getting sleeved today, reporting in at 6 am.......scared, happy, hungry, excited, cant sleep...lol...cross ur fingers and toes for me.....and im turning 47 today..but no cake for me lol.......well send happy thoughts and prayers my way...see u on the other side........

everything is still going peachy. very little pain due to good control from meds. Still having a bit of trouble with low heartrate and goofy blood pressure but other than that it has been very smooth. Waiting for my turn for the swallow test. They have a few vascular patients that must go first. That's fine...I am enjoying my stay. Nice room..small but efficient. nice furniture and wall colors. Staff is amazing...so is doctor. Gone for several walks. Will have drain removed upon discharge!! All in all it has been a great experience! How is everyone else doing this morning?

My "Patient Education" book from my surgeon states the following once you reach Week 8 after surgery: "You will need about 1200 to 1400 calories daily. Do not fall below 1200 calories a day. Limit intake of breads, grains and cereals to 2 or 3 portions a day." It has the typical guidelines for Protein, Water and exercise, but should I really be eating all these carbs and therefore calories? Do any of you have similar direction from your doctor at 2 months out? I've been getting in close to 1100 calories a day this past week and frankly I feel like I'm eating like a pig. I feel like I'm cheating and wondering if it has contributed to my stall. Or is 1100 calories …

My final Pre-op appointment was today with the surgeon....My time for surgery has been moved up from 11:30 to 9:00 AM on Monday only 6 more days I am excited about that!!! I have lost 14 lbs so far on liquid diet...surgeon said he would like to see me loose 10 more lbs!! I am hoping I can get as close to that as possible =)

Hello Everyone! I am patiently awaiting my surgery date(not really), should be early October. Wish it was this week! I am SO ready! I have been overweight all my life, and now after 2 kids I am heavier than ever before. My g-ma & mom were heavy and I have dieted for as long as I can remember. I am tired, I hurt and I want to get healthy before I really start having serious health problems. I am halfway thru my 6 months pre-op and I go for my EGD on Wednesday (eeeeek) I am nervous about that, but I always get nervous before any procedure. I have had 2 c-sections and I am hoping the VSG will not be any worse. I have been looking around here for a week …

My account wont let me comment on posts or contact someone from the site for help. It says error 20301 my secure key doesent match? Someone please help!!

Hi all I'm a Disabled US Marine never really had a problem with my weight till about 10 years ago when I was having more medical problems. I know this won't be a cake walk by any means sorry about the cake. Plus I'm a single Dad but I was wondering like after surgery do you ever get to sleep on your tummy again? And what's up with all the liquid vitamins don't tell me we can't take regular pills??? As I think at last count I think I take about 27 pills a day. I know I won't be taking them all together anymore but I thought at least one at a time maybe? Thanks in advance for any info. or advice.

Having surgery tomorrow, have to report to hospital at 5:30 am and it's a 60 mile trip to get there. I'm just finishing up by God awful bowel prep (this is the worst of everything so far). But my NUT and my doc's FNP have got me confused. The book says (and FNP) that after you get on reg food you eat about 1/3 cup per meal until about 6 months out. The papers my NUT gave me shows a sample diet at 6 weeks out and the breakfast has 1/2 cup cottage cheese with berries. So which is it? Maybe it depends on the individual and maybe I am overthinking it trying to calm down for the morning. Any ways, wish me luck. See you all on the other side.........

Hi Everybody! I live in the Northern suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I had my surgery on 6-23-11 by Dr. Jeffrey Baker at Unity Hospital. He works out of Baker Bariatrics. He is a very skilled surgeon who has done many procedures and is really nice too! I highly recommend him. Plus my insurance covered him so that was a bonus! I am 6 weeks out and have lost 20 pounds so far (i had lost 20 before the surgery) so am down 40 pounds so far. Started at 243- at 203 this week. I had a 'mini stall' at week 4, but only lasted about 10 days. Now moving down again. Overall, I have had no complications or problems that weren't expected. I have not had any nausea or vomi…

I was banded on July 21, 2011. I just saw the doctor today and am down 19 lbs (not since surgery, since my last doctor's visit). I will be getting my first adjustment in three weeks. I'm a little nervous about food right now because my doctor told me that any type of food will go down because I haven't had my first adjustment yet. I had tried tiny portions of real food (and chewed it until it was gone) so I just don't want to get into the mind set that I can eat anything I want. Other than that, I feel great and am so excited to step on the scale each morning. I'd love to hear from others who have had lap-band. Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated!!!!

This may sound crazy but im 5 weeks post op and when i try to eat something I get really hot. Has anyone else experinced this?

Hello everyone. I have been lucrking around since I found out my band has slipped. I was banded in 2009 and had steady weight loss. About 7 months ago I started having issues. I wont go into them becasue as far as I can tell well over half of you know what I am talking about. So my wonderful PA, Paul Marino, as a last ditch effort took some pictures (we thought it was a long list of other problems and not the band, I didnt have the classic slipped complications) And he almost fell over backwards when he saw the xray image. He was totally surprised. So we briefly discussed my options, remove, replace or revise to another procedure. Well I quickly said no to that! What??? Y…

I am from ontario and I am wondering if any of are from Ontario too and if so can you can tell me how long it took you to have surgery? I went to see my doctor last week and he was going to get me registered but i am dying from the wait. My husband thinks that i am obsessed with this because i have so many questions and i can't stop reasearching things about the surgery.

I LOVE to shop and I love to buy clothes---even with the frustration of being extremely disappointed when trying on clothes and they dont fit or dont flatter me!!! My major dilemmna is that I was out shopping yesterday and wanted to buy something SO bad for myself as a pick me up or feel good...but then I thought. Why would I do that when I am being banded on August 22nd and "hopefully" I will ungrow the clothes within a few weeks...why waste the money! So I bought a pair of shoes...it is always "safe" to buy shoes right? I cannot wait to get back into my storage container of clothes from 50 pounds ago and then my other container of clothes from 70 pounds ago.…

i've just found this forum. I was banded in Dec 2010. I lost weight on the pre and post surgery diet but gained it back once I began eating solid food. struggled with the liquid diet. i've had several fills. I have 5ml in a 10ml band. I haven't lost any weight consistently. I have been yo-yoing between the same 6lbs all ear. I work out 3-5 days a week. usually with the c25k program and dvds. here for support and encouragement. want to read others stories and see what has worked for them.

Hi, I am going for my first seminar 4 days after my 62nd birthday. Can anyone in this age group tell me about your surgery and if age is an issue? I am healthy except for issues caused by my excess weight (knee pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver).

I seriously want to know why skinny people don't get the fact that although yes, I can diet and exercise and lose a little bit of weight, that that same weight will eventually come back home and bring along about 20 more of it's friends? Is it a hormonal imbalance? Chemical imbalance? Is it the fact that they drop 20 pounds without even trying so it should be just that easy? Are they just secure in having the "fat" person in their life to make themselves look better? The Yin to their Yang? The cheese to their macaroni? (on the low-carb part of my pre-op diet, dreaming of pasta!!) I get that they love you and are worried, but shouldn't they be more worried about yo…

Hello everyone! I have been dragging my feet for a while and decided it was time to just in here and introduce myself. I have been so inspired by so many of you ~you guys are amazing. OK, well a little about me. I am 41 years old and have been married to the love of my life for 20 years. I have a 19 year old daughter and 17 year old son. I was diagnosed about 10-12 years ago with lupus and fibromyalgia. My PA at the time tried many different medications to try to relieve some of my pain without much success and I spent a lot of time either in bed or on the couch. I was over weight before this, but a combination of the meds and lack of exercise I gained over 100…

Hi I just joined today! I have been seriously considering surgery for about 3 months now and have my first appointment with my surgeon on Monday. I want to lose about 66 pounds - to be around what I used to be. I put the weight on in 2 years. I'm just really nervous and feeling a bit grossed out after watching a video of the surgery on youtube =( but I I really want this and I have tried everything else. I would just like some words of wisdom and advice, I am gng on my own for this my family are completely un-supportive =( I don't have a massive pain threshold - and I want to know honestly how long it hurts for. I also am a single- parent of twins who a…

Hi, all. I'm Bruce and I live in Virginia. I had my surgery on 6/30. I'm a month out and down about 40 pounds since surgery (80 pounds total since meeting my surgeon for the first time on 4/27). I'm a member at another forum, but I felt like I needed more input from actual sleevers. I appreciate the info I've gotten from bypass patients, but we're just not the same. Things are going exceedingly well for me. I haven't had any major issues, with the exception of pretty consistent light-headedness when I stand up, and two episodes of acid reflux that were brought on by not taking my night time pill regimen early enough. My doctor is currently reducing my blood pres…

Hello Fellow Fearless Sleevers!!! I will be sleeved in September and am really excited/nervous/curious/scared did I say excited!? I've been overweight my entire life and although never had difficulty losing weight I have never been able to keep it off. After years and years and years of yo-yo dieting I decided I needed a tool to help me keep it off for good. My surgery will be with Dr. Mun in Harbor City. I would love to hear feedback about this doctor. My experience so far with Kaiser has been outstanding. I completed my classes in Kaiser Hollywood/ Los Angeles a few months ago. I have had no roadblocks and total cooperation with all who are involved in this proces…

Hi everyone! I am now 5 days post-op from lapband surgery. I am feeling better than yesturday, LOL, but ready to feel good. Heehee. I have four kiddos and a currently deployed husband. I am excited for my new adventure!!

Yikers! I have been so prepared on everything else that this bowel prep thing has hit me kinda hard. It hurts!!!! My poor big bottom is shredded. Sent DH out for Desitin to help out but man oh man this is not fun

I have had the blood work, attended the seminar, attented the support group meeting, attended the doctors meeting group. Did my bloodwork, kind of odd that my blood work came back malnourished, so not sure what will go on from there. I have the psych evaluation this week. Then if that goes okay I call to make a pre-op appointment. I am nervous and excited all at once. My friend back in 2005 had the gastric bypass and died 26 days after surgery, her organs shut down. This is the biggest reason I have been having a hard time. But now I have come to accept it. I need this. I am 5'6 260-265 (fluctuates). BMI 41. I guess this is all for now. Thank you for sharing your in…

So tomorrow is my day, I'm so excited and so very nervous (like we all are i guess). We are spending the night in a motel near the hospital tonight so we dont havet to drive several hours throught rush hour in the am. Thanks to this forum, i have a nice list of things packed ( especially gas ex! ). You ahve all been wonderfula nd so supportative and i can't wait to be ont he other side of this and moving much faster towards my goal! Wish me luck! Gayle

Just had to share my excitment about receiving my insurance approval today! I have been reading everyones posts and can't wait to be on the "loser's bench" with you all. Keep the positive/ encouraging posts coming, it really helps those of us who are still on our journey to becoming new and improved. I still need an upper GI and lab work then on to schedule my surgery date. Bummed that it won't be till October since that is the first open spot, but I know it will be worth the wait!!!

My name is Libby and I was banded just five days ago on July 25th. I am 40 years old with 2 grown children. I have had 3 knee surgeries that resulted in my eventual approval of weight loss surgery. The first week is tough, but each day seems to be a little better. I can't wait to get to my goal weight.

My name is Tammi and I saw my doctor today. I got a surgery date of this Monday the 8th at noon. I am so nervous/excited! I have labs in the morning and I am on my preop diet as of tomorrow morning. Things got a little rushed up because of my work/school schedule and thankfully my dr. is obliging me! Its been a long time of being sick and tired all the time. I look forward to finally being free from this body and able to really live again! I have over a hundred pounds to loose and I cant wait to start! Anyone know of a tasteless protein powder to mix in things. I dont like chocolate and I just want an unflavored one that is not gritty. Thanks!

I am scheduled for 10:30, I have to be at the hospital at 7:30. They pushed it back by a half an hour. I am sure they did that just to make me more crazy! LOL! I just took my milk of magnesia (YUCK!) and all I can do is Clear liquids then nothing at all after midnight. I am packed and ready to go. I think I will go to bed early, it will make the morning come faster! LOL!!!! As I used to say to the boys when they were little.."one more sleep!" Wish me luck!!!!!

I'm 5 days post op and I don't feel well at all. At times I begin to question if I did the right thing. I have almost no energy and just feel sick.

I was diagnosed 9 years ago with Type 1 diabetes. The day I was diagnosed, I was also told I also have Hypothyroidsim (which means my thyroid is underactive). I was placed on Synthroid and to be quite honest, when I would try to lose weight I would be successful. This all stopped about a year ago, it has seemed virtually impossible for me to lose weight. My levels are monitored every three months by my Endocronologyst and I am in control. I am scared to death that I am going to pay all this money to get my band and that I will not lose any weight. I would really appreciate any input from anyone out there with an underactive thyroid and what you've gone through and h…

Hey all...quick intro of myself. Born and raised in Oregon. Love the outdoors. I was banded on 6/6/11. Thanks for looking.

I am super excited to be leaving the house in 15 minutes. Surgery is scheduled for 1 pm and I am praying that it will go smoothly. Also thinking of all my August sleevers as we prepare for the next step in our journey. Pre-op liquid diet was not bad. I bought the unflavored Protein and mixed it with apple juice and my raspberry lemonade crystal light, it was exceptionally refreshing with 16 oz of Water and lots of ice. It was nice to have something other than chocolate or vanilla. I'm off,

Hi Everyone,, I'm new to this, went to my consultation on July 23rd our group was also priveledged to go into the meeting with individuals that had already had the surgery and was able to listen to their journey, which was very inspirational. I chose the verticle sleeve because it just seem right for me. Part of me is very excited to get started, the other part of me is a little nervous about the whole thing, but I have no intentions on backing out, I intend to go all the way. I find this blog to be very helpful and informational, not to forget to mention inspirational. I'm so glad that one of the ladies that went to the consultation with me shared this site with me…

Hi everyone, I had surgery on the 27th and my Dr. has you stay 3 nights, so I came home yesterday. The pain was the worse on day 2 but even that was really tolerable. Getting in my liquids and just have soreness in the belly area. Just so happy that my journey can now truly begin! Thanks for everyones support! Tracy

Surgery at noon ...wish me luck!

I am four days post op and I want real food. What am I going to do? I need help.

I am scheduled for my MD consult and doing as much research as I can beforehand. Can anyone tell me their reasons for choosing a band over bypass? I am reading about a lot of difficulties here with banding. If I have trouble syicking with a conventional diet, is a band the right thing for me? I really appreciate your comments and advice. I am 49, good health, 245 and 5' 5" w BMI of 41. I want to be thin again and loose 100 lbs. Thanks everyone!

Hi there. I've never been great at introductions but wanted to reach out and say hello. I live in the DFW area of Texas and was banded 5 days ago. I look forward to getting to know you, reading your stories and sharing mine with you. PS - Is my ticker showing up?