Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I had my surgery on Monday morning fully expecting it to be similar to previous surgeries if not a bit easier than some of my more intense surgeries. Things started off well until late Monday when I started having severe nausea. Due to a mis-understanding on the nurses part I wasn't getting enough anti-nausea. My doctor wanted them to give me zofan every six hours and alternate with phenergan every six hours so I would get meds every 3 hours to get on top of the nausea. They were just giving them every 6 hours and were not increasing the anti-acid either so I wound up with a large amount of acid which made me sick several times. Vomiting right after surgery is not fu…

I need help please I thought I had everything plan for july 30th when I called Louise with my deposit last week for dr Almanza. I was so happy I was gonna get this done on my summer break. I emailed Louise today with my new CareCredit card number to pay the rest of the money I got an email back that they don't accept carecredit. I only apply for carecredit after I was denied from there financing company now I don't know what to do. Because my BMI is low no doctors in the states will do it. I called Carecredit this morning they do not cover any type of weight loss surgery performed outside of the state. I found surgeryloans.com while I was googling last night has anyone us…

She's a bit kidded. My surgeon said my surgery will most likely be the first or second week of Sept. Hers won't be until November. She told the doctor that I "only care about myself". But "she isn't worried" because "November is fine" with her. I think she was ok when we both had to do the six month program. So why did I get pushed up? Easy. I go to the PCP at least once a month. For the last several years. Since my gallbladder was removed last August I've been going twice a month. We discuss weight management and exercise options. She takes my vitals and orders labs every 6-8 weeks to make sure I'm ok. My wife felt going every month wasn't necessary. Granted, at the time…

So all I have heard since the time I have decided to have this surgery is so mnay comments that are negative. I have heard "You look just fine" or "You don't look that big" Or why can't you try to loose the weight with diet and exercise. or "I knew someone's cousin's friend that died from weight loss surgery." I have even heard why don't you try hypnosis from my own parents! My husband is the only one who supports me on my decision because he lives with me and know what battles I fight everyday. I have gout, I hurt all the time. My back and knees hurt. I can't even find a bra that fits me because the band around my back is so huge. Why wouldn't these people suppo…

So it's finally here...my surgery day is tomorrow!! I've been doing the pre-op diet and really miss chewing food but it's been fun watching the scale drop a little as I do the liquid diet. I can't wait to be on the other side of the surgery and see that scale drop more! My emotions go from excited to scared/nervous throughout the day. I do think I'm doing the right thing for me but surgery is still scary. If any of you would pray or think happy thoughts for me tomorrow I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm so glad I found this forum. I have learned so much from all of your experiences and advice. I hope to someday be able to offer advice to other new sleeve sisters…

Someone please help. I am 6 weeks out from my surgery. I have lst 30 lbs., but have been stuck there since week four. I am doing evrything right. Protiens, water and food...I have recently started to swell in my feet and ankles and lower legs. I take a potassium pill every day. Also vitamin b-1. IThe swelling will not go away. Anyone else having this issue?

Hi sleeve sisters and brothers! I am having a great recovery all glory to God! I have been so great and Im hoping that when i get back i can rock my sleeve like those of you on here that inspire me! I have eliminated most of all the gas and was able to eat my first meal today!!! the tortia broth was excellent and full of flavor. It felt like a reward for all the days of no food lol. I dont know if I was suppose to eat all of it but i did! It took me a few hours of spooning it and going back to my bed to complete it. Trish texted me if i was able to eat and she was surprised I was able to eat it all...i didnt think i over did it seeing that i took a few hours to do it. i…

HEY EVERYONE I WAS SLEEVED JULY 14 AND I SWEAR I DIDN'T FEEL ANY PAIN, I DIDN'T EVEN FEEL THE CHEST PAIN OR ANYTHING I'M SO EXCITED, I'M 19 213LBS AND I'M READY TO GOOOO LOL!

Hello all!!! Just wanted to stop in and introduce myself. I have been struggling with my weight since I began working an office job 23 years ago. I looked into Lap Band a few years back but believed I could "do it on my own". Yeah, right!!!:rolleyes3: I have a few things that motivated me to get this done.... 2 young daughters that I would like to see grow up, health issues ( high blood pressure/cholesterol, aching back) and a recent entry back into the single life. Ummm... not so much fun at the ripe age of 43 and being overweight. So, here I am hoping that these boards will keep me on track. I attended my first consultation last week and if all goes as planned…

Hi There.. Just a quick intro, I am a 35 year old Australian woman who was banded in April. I have a 10 ml band and currently have 3 mls in total, which seems to be my sweet spot, although at times I wonder if I could do with a fill and then on other days I wonder if its running a bit tight. I have lost 11 kg and am keen to speed up the weight loss with some excersize, as I made a promise to myself that when I lost 10 kg I would get moving again. I am currently 93.7 kg and I am 5.5 feet tall!

Hi there. I had my lap-band in may of this year. I went to mexico to have mine done. the facility and ppl there were fantastic, and i paid a fraction of what it would cost here in Manitoba Canada. If there are other ppl from Manitoba here, i'd love to chat, and perhaps we can support one another. I started out weighting 396lbs...and well on my way to being hospitalized and in a wheelchair. Im 38...i still have my whole life ahead of me and i wanted it back. for years i had been looking for something physical to help me. I had lost all control over my binge eating. Food is my enemy. Since i started this journey, i lost 50 lbs...sad to say ive gained 10 back. I…

I keep stuff. You never know when you may need it. But I try to follow the rule "if you haven't used it in 5 years throw it out." So 3 months ago I decided my walk in closet was to crowded. I figured I would never be skinny again & threw out all my clothes under size XXL. You know the "one day clothes". One day I will wear it again. Then I saw the "sleeve" on Dr OZ & now on July 26th I have my surgery. Should of kept the clothes....

Hey Guys! I am a 36 year old teacher and doctoral student from Chicago.. I have been researching WLS for a few years now. Until recently, I never took the next step to meet w/ a WL specialist and surgeon... I'm in my 2nd month of a 6 month pre-approval process.. I was dead set on the band, even w/ the failure percentage and probability of revision and port problems.. Yesterday, I met w/ my surgeon Dr. Gerald Cahill and he gave a thorough explanation of why I am a prime candidate for the sleeve.... I'm still apprehensive, but upon perusing the board, I'm encouraged by the success stories and the support provided here... I am so SCARED to share this news w/ my family... a …

Uh, banded one week ago. Down 18 lbs. Yeesh. Craving a burrito. I did the "hop over the border to git 'er done" method.

Okay Im on the loser's bench finally! I cant believe this finally is done! Surgery went great but recovery isnt a cake walk. I didnt feel any shoulder pains but still having gas pain in my abdomin. I did have some nausea a few times in the evening and threw up once due to the blood and bile not sitting well in my stomach. The nurses were so wonderful and they are taking great care of me. I hope I can pass the rest of the gas asap. I am sipping and walking though lol. Thanks for all the support ladies!

I have been experiencing some pain in my lower left abdomen; finally went to get it checked out and had an x-ray to make sure my band was OK (and my port). From the looks of the x-ray, it seems as though my band has completely moved to my right side, almost as if it wasn't attached at all....very strange. My band is completely deflated, and has been for almost a year now, and I've experienced no symptoms that something has slipped. Can the band actually MOVE or become DETATCHED? I'm waiting for my doctor to call me back, but it sounds like another surgery is my near future. I just can't find anything on this topic and wondered if any one has experienced this. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I am a doctoral student at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and am doing my dissertation on the experience of having had weight loss surgery. If you have had weight loss surgery or are considering it, are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old, and live in the greater New York City area, I would love to interview you about your experiences of and opinions about obesity and weight loss surgery. Whether you had weight loss surgery over a decade ago or have just set your surgery date, I am interested in hearing your story! If you are willing to participate in a 60-minute interview, please contact Zoë Meleo-Erwin at wls.sociology.stu…

Hi everyone, I have been thinking about having this surgery since 2005 when my daughter had gastric bypass. I have decided that it is now or never. However, I'm not too sure that I can trust my referring doctor ( I have HealthNet *** ) to submit my information to my insurance for approval. My BMI is 34 and she told me that I shouldn't get the surgery and that I could lose the weight thru diet and exercise. She didn't ask me any questions about my diet history or anything like that. Should she have asked or will she get it all from my medical file? Does any body have any thoughts, ideas or experiences? Thanks...

I have both my Nut pre op today and my hospital pre op testing today. I'm nervous that they'll find something to postpone my surgery because it has happened to others. I haven't had any bad labs really before...so I'm hoping I won't have any issues now. DAY 4 with NO SODA! This is a HUGE deal for me!!!! I'm proud of me. I do still miss it...but I hope by the time a few months pass I will no longer want it. Wish me luck! I'm thinking of all ya'll having surgery today! ((hugs))

Isn't there someone monitoring this site to keep out spam posters? I seem to see one or two a week that come in my RSS feed...

I have been thinking about getting the surgery for the past year. My dad had the surgery about 2 years ago and loves it. I finally got Cigna PPO insurance through my work and have started the process with Lap Band VIP in Encino. Unfortunately my insurance requires 6 months of nutritional supervision and a co-morbidity since I am at a little over 36 BMI. I am scheduled to do my sleep study this Friday and the endoscopy is scheduled for the next morning. Is this normal to do an endoscopy so far in advance? If i did get approved for the surgery, it wouldn't occur until December 2011 or January 2012. I am so nervous, I think I have sleep apnea, I have frequent headaches, am t…

I am getting very close to scheduling my surgery date and I am very nervous about pain after surgery. I have never had surgery and I am very scared? Can anyone explain the pain. Thanks!

Hello.... I'm new to this forum. I plan on sharing my weight loss surgery journey in the near future but I just have a quick question. When people comment that they are nauseous/vomitting immediately and a couple of days post surgery, is it because of the anesthesia? Or is it an effect directly from the surgery? I guess my question is if I've had surgery before and was not nauseous after (I've had a few surgeries) can I expect the same thing if I were to be sleeved??? Sounds like a silly question I'm sure but for me throwing up is the WORST!! Not that it would deter me from being sleeved, just wondering. Thanks!

I choose to have the sleeve surgery to help me become more healthy and active.Quite frankly, as I worked toward my next career goal, I was tired of seeinglooks of disgust as "the first impression." People accept me and myexpertise once they get to know me and my personality wins most people over -but those looks. And honestly, to achieve my goals I was going to have to bemore active. It wasn't possible at my current weight. I had my initial surgery on April 25, 2011. Vertical sleeve went smoothly thedoctor said. Problems occurred when they tried to take the gallbladder. Itresulted in a tear on my liver which allowed bile to leak freely into theabdominal cavity. A secon…

Hey everyone. Well it finally happened, I woke up today and literally could not deal with all the anxiety of the surgery. It hit me that it was exactly one week away from my surgery. I have been having nightmares and overall general anxiety about the surgery. The last c-section I had I almost died due to blood loss. I guess I have alot of reasons to be scared my previous husband has passed away and If I die two of my children will not have any living parents left. I am thinking to myself that mabye by having the surgery I am being selfish and not thinking about my children. I had to muster up enough energy to go to school tearyed and finally had to leave class beca…

Hi all, You all have been very inspiring....especially the July Firecrackers! My thoughts are all over the place. I'm a believer in God so that part is beilieving for the best, the other part is trying not to go "there"! I have two beautiful daughters that I worked very hard to get from China and want to be here for them as their "first moms" could not. So I'm on day 2 of liquid diet (my surgeon has us do 3 days). I feel full of fluid but hungry at times, my brain keeps tricking me to go to the fridge...oh I can't eat that piece of left over steak! We are such creatures of habit and my brain has not caught up with reality! I wish I could do something else t…

One week ago today I had my surgery. Today, I weighed myself and found that I weighed just 268.2!!!!!!! I have not been under 270 in YEARS! In the one week of post surgery I have lost MORE weight than the previous 8 weeks combined! I have lost just over 11 pounds this week. I have never been able to take off 11 pounds so quickly before. In the past I would struggle and I MAY accomplish it after a couple of months. Now, I did it in ONE WEEK! This makes dealing with the diarrhea and the very tiny portion sizes so worth it!

Hi, my name is Melinda and I live in Eugene, OR. I am currently under the care of Oregon Bariatric Center, a Center of Excellence. I am interested in the lap band primarly unless things should change. I have BCBS standard and medicare as a secondary. Of course, the clinic would prefer to recover their money from BC then bill medicare. They would get 100% reinbursement between now and the first of the year. I am currious about their pre auth process (which I think is fair) and how they handle cases once everything is submitted correctly. I would be interested in hearing if any of you have had this insurance and how long and detailed the approval process is. Thank …

here is the story, I had a Dr in November who recommended me for the surgery at that time i lost my insurance and my PCP is no longer with the practice. I am now 50 pounds heavier and 5 pounds away from not having to do the 6 month requirement. I have a new Dr who is a all natural person who pushes vegetarian on me all the time. I want to cry everyday all i want is this surgery so i can have a life with my 16 month old i cant even get on the floor with him. I need help is anyone in grand rapids who may have priority health *** and a primary care physician that helped them?????

My name is Eddie. I'm 47 years old from Jacksonville, FL. I had unsucessful Lap-Band four years ago. A year ago I had three strokes due to a vertebral artery dissection. Since then, I have gained an additional 50 pounds above what my Band allowed me to regain. I now tip the scales at a whopping 307 pounds, my highest weight ever. My primary care physician, endocrinologist, neurologist and surgeon are all on board with a revision of my band to either RNY or VSG. The reason I joined this forum is because I am strongly leaning toward VSG (at the recommendation of my surgeon) and would like all the input I can get. After one failed surgery, I want to make sure I'm mak…

Yesterday I'm at Dr. Clark's office & I am meeting with a lady about my up coming surgery on July 26th. Towards the end I'm all happy & having a good meeting about what my life will be like after surgery. I tell her I first saw " the Gastric Sleeve operation on TV and I knew then I would never be trapped in this body again." When I said that I just broke down crying. I was fine one second & crying the next. WTF??? I was embarrassed. I did not have any clue this was going to happen. Goes to show you how your feelings can stay hidden. I guess it also shows how much this means to people like us.

Hello Everyone, my name is Scott. I am new to this forum and soon to be new at the Lap Band. Surgery is monday 7-25-11. I am nervous but very excited for the future. I look forward to makeing some new friends here. Also reading and shareing stories.

Hello all, I am fairly new to the site. I've been viewing it for about 6 months and have decided to become a member! I am attending a Lap Band seminar on August 2nd. After much research and consideration, I feel I am ready to move on in this journey. I called my insurance, found out I'm approved at 100% with no waiting periods etc. I am excited but also scared at the same time. I have been heavy my entire life. I was in the military for 7 years and that was the healthiest I've ever been. I gained almost 100 lbs during my pregnancy with my son, and have been unable to lose the weight. I have tried everything. I plan on using the band as a tool along w…

After fighting the battle of the bulge, I'm now on my way to a leaner outlook. The surgeon has been picked. The date aquired. The pass card in hand.I've been like a bull in a china shop charging forward. To my family ( husband and 6 kids ages from 23-3) I am all confidence. In my heart I wonder if I could be one of the 4% who won't be raising their children. Still, with this selfish fear I plow ahead hoping I will be the mom in 2025, at my youngest twins high school graduation, perhaps, in a pretty floral dress.

I had my one week follow-up. The doc and NUT deceided to advance me to pureed foods. I was sooo excited. I came home and had a few bites of plain Greek yogurt. It was heaven. Before surgery, I wouldn't have liked it plain! I am becoming more and more thankful for this tool everyday!!

Good morning, all! I've been lurking for a couple of days, but wanted to introduce myself. My name is Alan Simmons. I'm 44 and about to be banded Wednesday. I've enjoyed reading the success stories on here and I love the way you guys support and encourage each other. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and joining you in this new lifestyle! ~Alan

So i just had my band surgery on Thursday July 14th! I had a follow-up visit with my primary doctor on Monday and had lost 6lbs in 3 days. I will see my surgeon for follow up on the 21st and am excited to see if I have lost more. I am still in a little pain mostly gas pains. I do have lots of questions now that the procedure is done. I notice that I am starting to feel hungry even though I am still on the clear liquid diet. Usually a little Jello or water and that disappears. Anyone have any advice on what you could/could not eat in the first 2-3 weeks? How fast did you continue to lose weight after surgery? How long until you could go back to work? The dr says 2-4 weeks …

I finally have my offical surgery date AND my boss approved my PTO!!! 8/9/11!! Thats 3 weeks from today exactly. Surgery is at 10am. I start my 10 day high protien liquid -only diet on July 31st. I couldn't even sleep last night. I am wondering what to buy in preperation for the Surgery? I am headed to Target tonight. Any tips? I can't wait!

Last Tuesday was Surgery day. I got to the hospital with DH at 8:15am and was checked into the surgical prep area. They let him come sit with me which is good because otherwise he would have fallen asleep, poor thing. After poking around for a while they finally found an IV site in the crook of my right elbow (bad placement but better than nothing I guess.) I sat around and had nerves (they wouldn't give me anything) until it was time to go back at 11:15. They walked me into the operating room and had me lay down on the table, then started positioning me. The anesthesiologist said he was going to give me the 'top shelf starter' which must have been Versed, because I rem…

So I had some stuff to do at work this morning and I passed by Starbucks and every single parking spot was open. Man, what even a sip of a nonfat iced chai latte would have done for my day... Anyway, I can't believe this day is finally here! In January when I started this process I was sure it never would and now it's just all so surreal. Last week I was at the beach and Friday I left Myrtle at 5 a.m., got home by 2 p.m., ran in to the office for 3 hours, unpacked and repacked the car and drove to Pittsburgh (another 5+ hours) and spent my 2 days of Clear liquids at the softball fields. Don't think I didn't contemplate whether watered down nacho cheese or cheeseburge…

My surgery date is August 12th 2011. Has anyone used Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Jaurez? Would like to hear from personal experience.

Hey everyone, My name is Christine, and I am getting banded on 7-25-2011. I have been doing the pre-op liquid diet for a week now, and I've already lost 9.5 lbs. First, I'm wondering if this much loss is normal? And will the insurance take away the approval if my BMI goes too low? I am getting the surgery because I had a co-morbidity (sleep apnea) along with a BMI of 35. But it was right at 35 before the liquid diet and now I'm already down to 33.5 BMI. There are really only a few people who know that I am going through with the surgery, (they won't even know that I'm in the hospital, I'm far away from them, army spouse) I don't know why but I am afraid to tell the…

Hello, I am new here and today is the first day I am starting to research having lap band surgery. I have not made any decisions, but I want to see what the safety and effectiveness statistics are for the procedure. I'm a mom of 3, including a disabled child (autism), married almost 20 years, full-time grad school student, 45 years old and severely overweight/obese. I need to lose around 120 pounds, and like lots of others, I have tried a lot of the diets and other options out there but nothing has worked. Now that I am getting older my health is declining rapidly (high blood pressure, etc.) and frankly I am tired of feeling like crap all the time-sore, exhausted, no e…

I just wanted to say that I love getting the sleeve done! I really feel that getting the sleeve was the best thing that I have ever did. Today I got on the scale and to my surprise I have lost over 100lbs since April! I always feel like a million bucks when i run into people I haven't seen in months and they have to do a double take! So, anyone considering getting the VSG DO IT! Its saved my life!

hmm not getting too many answers so i figured i ask here........do any of u have seizures /epilepsi and still had this surgery done? my surgery got post poned due to a seizure brought on by antibiotics for a stomach virus..........just wondering if i will still be able to get surgery?

Hello Everyone, I was banded Oct 2009 and did well in the beginning losing 38 pounds. However, after the surgery I relocated to Texas and it started going downhill from there. When I moved I was 235 and maintained that for several months, but over time I continued to gain (not to mention not get my fills). I found a doctor and began getting filled, but did not do my part. I ate things I shouldn't have and was not consistent with working out. I eventually had a complete un-fill so that I would not stretch my pouch. With that I also had medical issues (which have been resolved, thank God). Now I am 267 and frustrated at myself and my body. I can't continue …

I was sleeved in London, UK on June 3rd. I was 275lbs and 6 weeks out I am now 242lbs. My BMI is now 38.11 which means I am no longer morbidly obese - just obese. Am looking forward to being classed as 'overweight'. I went back to the gym today and it felt good - just ten minutes on a treadmill and a 5% incline gave me plenty of energy. On average I'm loosing 2-4 pounds a week.

I had my surgery on Monday, July 11th. Today is my 6th day post op. As of this morning I'm down 7.1 lbs from my surgery weight. :cheer2: This morning I feel kinda blah First day I've felt that way. Kinda dizzy at times too. The first thing I did when I got up was start drinking my Protein shake. It was the ones from costco with 30 gms of protein. After over an hour I'm done with it. I've also already had 3 BM's this morning. So that is a good sign I guess. I just took my chewable multi Vitamin (yuck) and had a cup of decaf coffee with FF milk in it. :coffee: About to start my Water for the day now. I just haven't done much. Been catching up on my youtub…

So far my journey has been good. My flight went smoothly and the layover didnt really seem long. I flew from Va to BWI airport...and then switched flights to San Diego. I got in a tad bit earlier than expected. I called my good friend to let her know when I had landed at each destination. I prayed with her before leaving to have a safe journey and uneventful surgery. After landing in Cali I texted Trish and Ricardo the driver. He called me and we were able to set a pick up location. Ricardo was very nice and he placed my bag in the honda for me. I wasnt really worried about what car it was because it was a short drive and as long as we got there safely that is all that ma…

I will be banded this Thursday, July 21st!!! I am so excited, and ready to begin this ne chapter in my life!!!