Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Everyone, I've made the decision to become informed about the lapband. I have known two people who have had the procedure in the last few years. They both have been having great success. My mom first told me I should have this surgery last year and I was really offended, however after trying W.W. for the umpteenth time, I have made the decision to look into Lapband. I'm really excited about the seminar tomorrow and so far after reading countless blogs over the last few weeks, I really think this is something I want to do. I'm looking forward to reading more on this forum and becoming even better informed! :-) Cheers

Hi all, I was sleeved on June 24, 2011 & have had no complications as yet. I lost 14 lbs the 1st week, 3 the 2nd and it doesn't look like I'm going to lose very many this week (1-2 if I'm lucky) Have most of you experienced a steady, slow weight loss? I know plateaus are going to happen. It is just amazing to me that on such few calories it's not coming off faster - not that I'm complaining too much because I know slow & steady is better for me.

Hi everyone! I hope to be having the lap band done soon. I am still in the process of seeing the psych. MD. One appointment left then referrals are to be made to the insurance company. The nutritionist, PCP, and the psych. MD. believe I will have no problem getting the referral. I keep on hearing insurance horror stories. and I am getting discouraged. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Hi, my name is CJ and I had my surgery on June 28th. I was so excited on that date. I had a few problems due to the removal of my gallbladder but now I am feeling much better. I am still trying to figure out what to eat which can be difficult and sometimes I just want to drink a protein drink and forget about it. I am two weeks out and if anyone have any suggestions on soft foods I would greatly appreciate it.

My Doc is letting me go home in the next few hours! My painis very much under conttrol with the liquid pain meds that they send me home on. I hope to mend faster in my own home!

I have 1 of my final pre-op apointments coming up...Its with pulmonary... My question is, how do they determine if you need a sleep study, Ive looked online and none of the sleep problems I found pertain to me... Im trying to schdule my surgery asap and if I need a sleep study, its only going to delay it further... any ideas?

I got sleeved this morning and I feel pretty good. I WA pretty fortunate for a couple reasons. 1. So far, I haven't experienced any of the pain in the shoulders from the gas. 2. My doctor went to a seminar to learn single port sleeving and because I'm so short, he did it for me. This means that I only have one incision which is in my belly button. 3. I have yet to feel even the slightest nausea...knock on wood. I'm only allowed ice chips. I can't even drink small sips of Water. I'm actually kind of nervous about restriction because j haven't felt any! Does anyone know at what point I will start feeling it? I am so tired right now so I'm going to push my happy but…

Ok, even though I'm only like 2 lbs under 200, I am finally in the 100's!!! Soooo happy!!! Hope it continues this way I'm so thankful that I've had a great recovery. Still dealing with head hunger, but doing my best to follow the rules! I haven't been able to lose weight like this in forever. Thanks for listening!

Hello everyone ill be getting sleeved tomorrow at 12, I can't lie I'm scared lol. Well my name is Cecilia I'm 19. I have a couple of questions, I'm 215lbs & 5'5, well to start with I'm pretty concerned about the chest pains from the gas, is there anything I can do to prevent the pain ? And also I start school July 26th only 12 days after surgery ill be attending school from 8:30am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, is that too soon after surgery ? And also I'm scares about the loose skin, do teens heal better ? Thank you for the responses and opinions (: Love&Peace Cecilia XoXo

I started my wt loss journey in May of 2010. I have arthritis in my knees so was able to get a lap band precert'd thru Tricare, went to surg 12-30-10, woke up in recovery with the Dr. telling me he couldn't do it due to my liver being HUGE (more than twice the normal size) and finding a hiatal hernia, "big enough to drive a mack truck thru"!! He said the RNY was my only option. Now I have been penciled in for surgery 08-30-11, BUT he now believes the VSG is my only option due to the liver and the hernia!!!!!! The surgeons office strongly believe they can get Tricare-Prime to authorize the VSG due to the other issues. I'm doubting them. It is kinda funny because w…

I am now in my room. Surgery went well. I have pain only in one incision so far. I will get up in a couple of hours to walk when they let me. Still rather tired though.

I got sleeved at 730 this morning. WHile I think I am glad I did it, I do have A LOT of pain. I am sipping and walking at least every few hours. Good luck to those still to go! I will talk more when I feel better

Hi All! I was banded on August 7, 2009. I used to read these boards all the time, and they were immensely helpful. The past year I've been slacking big time. I've been on a bit of a weight-loss rollercoaster, mostly because I wasn't being serious about my weight loss goals and letting stress overtake me by resorting to stress eating. I just got married a month ago, and now that all that hoopla is over I'm fresh out of excuses! I've lost 162 pounds (132 with the band), and gained 13 of it back surrounding the wedding. With all the yo-yo-ing I've only lost 20 pounds in the past year...somewhat successful, but I can do so much better! Started getting back on track this wee…

I've struggled with my weight since puberty. When I was younger, I was always in state of weight change - I was either losing or gaining. I never learned how to maintain my weight. I'm in my early 40's now and I have been losing and gaining the same 25 pounds for over 10 years. Like many of you, I have tried so many diets - Weight Watchers, Atkins, Jenny Craig (on which I gained weight), Slimfast. I've tried walking, Pilates videos, gym memberships. The only physical activity that I enjoy is swimming/water aerobics. I can stick to a diet plan, but not to an exercise plan. I have learned so many ways to talk myself out of exercising. In the recent past, I have ha…

Getting banded July 21 and starting my 10 days of liquids. Have picked up some Atkins choc & strawberry shakes and the choc is tasty. Also have a gallon of water with me today. Any other shake suggestions would be appreciated.

Well last time I was venting about my mom and stress. But as of yesterday I had my surgery. Everything is looking great but I am in a little bit of pain under my ribs. Other that I an so happy I did it. I really am. Thank you for all the Prayers, God has truly heard them.

Researchers from the University of Western Australia are seeking volunteers to participate in a trial investigating the possibility of psychological treatment enhancing weight loss among those who have undergone Lap-Band surgery. We are offering individuals the opportunity to participate in a psychological treatment programme which will be run over 3 months and be provided free of charge. Those agreeing to participate must be willing to either receive psychological treatment or continue standard medical care, as they are unable to choose which treatment they are allocated. If you have undergone Lap-Band surgery, aged between 18 and 65 years old and are able to attend UWA …

Looking for anyone who has or will be banded in the Savannah Ga area!

I have lost quite a bit of weight in the first months after surgery getting to 205 from 287 however i injured my back was put on steroids and cant exercise now im back up to 225 and not happy. I am not able to digest much only seems like unhealthy foods stay down. Anyone else going through this frustration?

Hi all! I'm new to this board and never been on any thing where you get to talk to other people before. I'm a 46 year old woman who has been overweight for quite a long time. I will get my sleeve from Dr. Slikkers in Traverse City Mi on aug 3rd. Very excited about it and can't wait. There are so many questions and it helps so much to read what others have posted with ideas and suggestions. So glad I found this site.

First of all I want to thank everyone for sharing your story. This is a great board which allows all of us to express our most inner feelings. Dealing with overweight, I am determined to go for surgery. My mother had the surgery in March. She was borderline diabetic and is combating chronic back pain. She is more agile and healthier. I am happy for her and encouraged to have my procedure on July 30. She was covered by her insurance with wonderful results, thanks to God. Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover the procedure thus traveling abroad is my only hope. I am reluctant to have any of my family members travel with me. I need to do this by myself. I will have pea…

Hi everyone! My name is Glorianne. I live in Boulder, CO and am scheduled for surgery July 14. I only decided a few weeks ago this was the option for me (after ANOTHER failed diet due to extreme hunger), but since I am financing it instead of going through insurance, I was able to fast-track the process. Unfortunately, I am having family stay with me the week of the surgery, so I'm a little worried that my post-op liquid diet (and pain? fatigue?) may put a damper on things. Still, I decided I could no longer wait so I booked the surgery. I'm excited -- a little nervous too -- and I have been glued to the forums so I can see what to expect. As an information junkie, I a…

August 9th at 8:30am! Wow... what a strange feeling. Setting the date today has made it a bit more real Anyway, I'm a first time poster but I've been stalking these forums for a few weeks now. Thanks to everyone for the great stories and advice. I can't wait to start sharing some success stories with you all.

I've battled since I was a kid with my weight. It seems like my entire life has been a diet roller coaster and I just want to be healthy and live a long life for myself and my family. I have finally decided to move forward with having the gastric sleeve surgery-not a light decision to be made to say the least. I've thought about it for about a 1 and a half now and made myself wait and try to diet and exercise just ONE more time about 5 months ago before reaching the decision to have the surgery. There have been a few times in my life where I was driven or made to be physically fit and those times were successful for me. I look back on them and realize that I did…

Hi Guys! New here though some of you might know me from OH. I'm Paige- 29 and holding (though my bday is next month) Mom to a fabulous little boy, and hoping to have surgery by September. I am still trying to get insurance approval, and have been going through this process since October of last year and I am just ready for the surgery. If insurance does not cover me, I plan on having it in Mexico so I am always researching who is the best doctor. Feel free to pipe in with your opinions on that! Look forward to getting to know yall!

WOW! I have been here reading and supporting others who have gone before me and had the surgery. I can believe its almost my turn! I leave for San Diego on Sunday and should be going into surgery on Monday morning. I emailed Trish so I can find out more details about when I should go NPO for surgery. My plan was to do the liquid Protein diet up until Sunday and then stop everything around 8 or 9 pm for surgery. I hope that is going to work! I also went shopping for some things for post op...I got my post op outfits which consists of loose cotton knee legnth shorts and capris, loose tank shirts and a zip up cotton sweat shirt for the plane ride. I plan on bringing a smal…

Hey everyone...I'm very excited that I'm starting this journey. It's a long time coming for me and it's high time I started making myself my priority! I am however a little anxious about some of the things I'm hearing from others who have decided to go with bypass instead of band. One woman told me she did some research and found that there is a substantial failure rate after 10+ years. Anyone else hearing that? Not sure what the reason for failure would be...possibly non compliance? Not getting fills? Thoughts anyone?

Hello all, Today i got the eagerly awaited call for surgery. Was approved last week and knew this was comming. I have my Date....It's August 1st 2011!!!! So happy and so many of you had no idea I've been lurking in your post, reading and reading!!! Thank you for supporting me even thought we have never spoke but now it's the time to shout it out that my date is comming and i'm going to need lost more support now!! Gayle

Hi all im jon, I am unsure what my weight loss product will be as im overweight and also have gynecomastia... Im wondering if its safe to use gynexin and the lap band at the same time ? here is info on gynexin incase you dont know what it is http://buy-gynexin.com/ the only reason why I ask about this is cuz of my gynecomastia im currently taking gynexin and dont know if its safe Thanks guys Jon

Thank you all for providing so much information over the past few months. I have read the forum almost everyday since I started this process to be sleeved. I now have a date of July 29th and am very excited. I started the process at the end of Feb. 2011 and have only had a few bumps in the road to getting approved. Many of my questions have been answered here. I have learned so much!

Hi I'm Ken I just joined this sight yesterday my wife introduced me to it. I"ve got my lap band scheduled for wednesday the 13th.

Hello all, My surgery is July 19th. I am a school teacher (1st grade) and go back to work August 8th. I really love my job. Am I going to be able to keep up with my class by then?  Thanks

Hello, I live in St. Louis and am planning on getting banded with Dr. Eagon. I've already done the Nutrition, Behaviorist and Physical Therapy visits. My insurance company requires 6 months of medically supervised weight loss priror to surgery. So far, I on on my first month. Waiting seems to be the hardest particularly because I've been on weight watchers for nearly 2 years until deciding to do lap band. So now I have to wait another 6 months. It's frustrating. Any insight to all of this woudl be helpful. What to expect after surgery, how much food can I actually eat and how sick will i be?

Hello all, I am new to the forum. I joined for support and encouragement from people who understand the challenges of being overweight. I have been teeter tottering between highly overweight and obese most of my life. Now, after the birth of my daughter (she is just about 11 months); I have decided to go to Mexico on July 30th and get the VSG with Dr. Mario Almanza. I did lots of research and I feel this is the right decision for me and my family. I am so excited that in a couple of months people will be calling me the thin Italian girl.

I was banded 12-06. I did great with the band. Weight loss was rather slow, but eventually, I got to where I was happy with my weight. Then everything changed. I started throwing up in my sleep. I had another banded person tell me to just keep a bucket next to the bed and sleep sitting up. I thought that was crazy! I asked my dr. for a test and it showed I was too tight, even though I hadn't had a fill for a year. I don't know why the band tightened up when it's supposed to losen after you lose the fat around your stomach. I had half my fill removed and gained 15 lbs rather quickly. I decided to revise to a sleeve so that I never had to worry about fills. I had my…

Hey everyone! I'm getting banded in a week and I was hoping for some advice, I have some nervous jitters in the pit of my stomach!

I have been to my surgeon 2xs I met with her on April 2011 and she went over all the requirements w/me, she gave me a paper that stated all the Drs I had to visit. I went to my nutrionist very important, went to a psychiatrist to get a clearance (Cleared), went to a Sleep study center (detected I had Sleep Apnea ) went to a pulmonologist (Cleared) had Blood work done which my triglycerides were really high, however I also suffer from High Blood Pressure, had my Primary doctor write a letter stating all my issues on why I am not able to loose weight and what not have I done and last thing had to go to a Gastroenterologist for an endoscopy which was done and now waiting o…

My date to get banded is the 25th and I just want to talk to peopl and see if they went to my same doctor and to know their progress in their journey!

I wasn't going to tell my mom about my WLS plans. She is 86 and lives far away from me and my family. I love my mom and she is wonderful but I didn't want to worry her. Then I realized how hurt and angry she would be if I told her after the fact. So last week I told her. She was very easy going and I thought "well, that was easy!" ...nope, not so fast.....she called me back today and wanted to talk to me about my plans. She feels that if I exercise and diet and work hard at it that I will lose the weight. She feels like I haven't tried hard enough. I told her I heard what she was saying and that I appreciated her concern and I know that she was coming from a place …

Hey folks, First time listener, and caller! I have struggled with my weight for a long time now, and as I approach 40, I would really like to live a little better. I have tried all sorts of diets and exercise, and I am pretty athletic, but just cannot seem to leave the bad foods alone. I even submitted to the Biggest Loser season 10, and made it to the final round of picks. I may try that again, but I was bigger then...well by 25 lbs. My doctor had suggested at one time to do this surgery about a year ago, but I am not one to jump into surgery. I will looking for tips, and to read the stories of those who have gone through this process and how they live day to…

I have been just browsing around this site reading people stories for about a week or so, I figured it's about time I introduced myself. Hello all, My name is Lily and I am a 19 almost 20 year old college student. I go to FAU in Boca Raton, Fl, and my surgeon is Dr. Domkowski from Sebastian River Medical Center. I am so happy too hear all of you have had so much success. My surgery date is September 20th and I am so excited to get my new life started. I am young, in college, and ready to get my self-esteem back. As many say, these are supposed to be the best years of my life. I am 5'8, 266lbs. My goal weight is 140ish. If any of you are around my age, hei…

My surgery was originally scheduled for 10:30 tomorrow (with arrival at 9am). I just received a call a few minutes ago saying that my surgery time had been moved up to 9:15 am and I need to be there at 7:45 am! :cheer2: YAY!!!!! Yup, I'm excited. Then the person I spoke with asked if I had my blood work done because she didn't see it there. I told her that most of it was done on May 27 and faxed in in early June and the surgeon told me that I wouldn't need anything else. But I had also went in last Tuesday because they called about it and the only thing they drew was the blood typing. She said that she would check on it, but they may need to draw more blood tomorrow …

I started the journey toward this surgery in many ways about six years ago. My wife had a roux en y bypass, and I just wasn't ready for it. My insurer at the time did not approve lap band, and I could not handle the idea of malabsorption. I knew there would come a time when I would take a step like this. I was also in law school and didn't want to interrupt my studies. Fast forward to January 2010. I'm an assistant public defender, and I got a message from my new insurer that a twelve month life coaching/supervised diet would be required for surgery. I decided at that point it was time do do something about my 479 pound self and signed up to begin orientation at Common…

Hi my name is Connie, I am from Massachussetts and starting the road to lap band. I have a BMI of 42 and I am 35, the worst part is I am very short only 4' 9'' and I have PCOS. I have been dieting and working out for so long, the weight just never comes off , and if it does I plateau and it finds it way back to my body. I am using Wareham Surgical Associates for my procedure. I am going this week for my pre op testing, and I am every bit nervous about the procedure. I know i am making the right choice. I have been reading the posts on here and I finally decided to jump in and introduce myself. Looking forward to communicating and supporting all of our lap band frie…

So my surgery is Tuesday. I am very calm about it. This surorises me sooo much. My preop diet has been fairly easy since the third day and I am sooo ready for this surgery. Tomorrow I am taking my daughter to a children's museum. The just relaxing and doinf full liquids on Monday. I really thought I would be more nervous... maybe that will set in Monday night though. This has been such a journey!

Hi, everyone! My name is Kelly, 22 years old, from Columbia, SC. I've been lurking around this site for a few days now getting as much information about the lapband as I possibly can and I finially decided to join today. My pre-op appointment is on Wednesday (7/13) and my surgery date is on 7/25. I officially start my pre-op diet tomorrow and I think I'm actually excited to get started! Mostly, because it means I'm one step closer to getting the surgery and starting my new life. Just from browsing the site I've been almost reduced to tears because hearing and seeing everyone's amazing transformations is so inspiring and I can't wait to have my very own success stor…

Hello new friends, I am probably on here super early. I don't have a doctor, surgery date, or any of that yet. I can only tell you that about 4 days ago, I got to a point where I was disgusted at the weight I've gotten to. I began crying to my mother (who by the way is 100 pounds and tried to tell me she understood) and I haven't been able to stop crying since. I hate that I can't bend over to tie my shoes, I hate that I can't keep a pair of jeans for longer than 4 months without getting holes in the crotch from the rubbing, I hate that I can't cross my legs, I hate having rashes and the way I smell, and most of all I hate that my poor kids are always bored because I ne…

I want to have a band-to-sleeve revision surgery. I haven't been able to see my band surgeon since late 2008ish, since I moved 2400 miles away from her. I've suffered though acid reflux since early 2008, and the last time I saw my surgeon was to get a partial unfill to try and resolve it. It got rid of the worst of it (I was able to stop relying on PPIs), but I still have to chew Tums every night and sleep on a slight incline. I wouldn't be at all surprised if I've had a slip for a while, but I've just been avoiding finding another surgeon (I know, I know, don't shoot me). I'm just so frustrated right now. I don't have good restriction with the band, yet …

I just got an office Memo today informing me that my surgeon is retiring next week, I work for the same organization he does. Only problem is I haven't had surgery yet!!!!!!!!!!!! I am on my 4th month of 6 mos of insurance required NUT appts so I haven't even been able to submit for approval yet. A couple things are going through my mind. First, no doctor announces their retirement a week before they actually do. Sounds like something else is going on there. Second, I feel really let down. When studying out this procedure he is the one I chose. He has 6000+procedures under his belt, he has been a surgeon for a little over 20yrs and works at a hospital recognized a…

Hello. I am seeing my surgeon on Monday and hope to schedule the banding with in four weeks. I am private pay so not tied to insurance processes. I have very little PTO (paid time off) so I really can't afford to be off from work very long--maybe 10 days. Plus I don't want anyone to know I have done this ( people at work). Is it possible? Any advice? Thank you.