Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello, My name is Marilyn & I am just beginning my lap band journey. I don't know how long it will take, but I am determined to get to my goal & I think this is the only way I will get there. I am 57 years old & wish I had done this a long time ago, but better late than never. I have an appointment with my doctor in Savannah, GA on August 11th. They have already checked out my insurance & it will pay, so maybe everything's a go! I am a little scared & excited all at the same time! Any advice will be appreciated.

I was banded on June 6, 2008. Frankly, the whole story about how I got the band is pretty interesting. I was working for a man who, for 48 years of his practice, never had a 'big girl' that worked for him. I was good at what I did, came highly recommended and so he hired a fat girl. Over four years I heard comments about my weight. He would give me cards to surgeons (I was a single mom, there was no way I could afford the surgery), he would have his friends - who were doctors - come and talk to me about my weight 'issue' and tell me that often fat people are fat because of some type of sexual disfunction. He would hang photos of skinny women in almost nothing bathi…

Hello everyone. I have just registered on VerticalSleeveTalk.com and wanted to share my experience with you. I had my sleeve surgery on the 1st of July in a hospital in Greece. I remember the pain right after the surgery, being the pain of the gas trying to come out of my body. Otherwise I don't remember having any other pain on the first day. From the second day onwards the pain mainly focuses on the stomach, which feels a bit stiff (like a sore muscle) and the pain of the hole over the stomach where they have attached a bag that collects blood. This pulled me a bit and had some difficulty walking and getting out of bed. I started to drink Water on the 4th of Jul…

Hello! I have been bound and determined to be sleeved in Mexico now for over a year. Like many of you, I've tried every diet known to man and will always sadly be prone to gaining weight. I am dipping into some savings bonds to do this. I have a 2 year old son and am a single mother. I am 33. I feel like such a loser. I am college educated (USC) and NEVER thought I'd be a single mother. I just wasn't at all happy with my spouse. I want a new life, an opportunity to be someone who is cute and fun loving. Maybe even meet someone. I want to be able to run around with my son instead of sitting on the sidelines and feeling blah all the time. Am I crazy? Maybe I am…

Hi all, My surgery is July 21st and I went to my nutritional class this am....well, I was pleseantly surprised that the dietician "knew" so much...since I have been on here the last 6 months I wondered how educated these folks are...also I was shocked that 90 percent of the ladies in there were getting the lapband....I wanted to stand up and scream.....NO..don't do it! Research first! The good news is that I did meet one lady who is getting sleeved one week before me and we can support each other...yea....onward and upward...two more weeks! Tracy W.

Hi everyone, I am new here. I've already read through several posts and have found out that from the beginning of this process to the end of the process is....welll......a LONG process. Can you tell me from the 1st consult to surgery about how long are we looking at? I have my 1st consult on Thursday, but I already have all of the paper work needed for insurance. I have my 3 month diet plan, psych eval., PCP eval., so I'm hoping that I can get things underway very soon. Does anyone have a quick time-lime of the span of time from A-Z?

Hello all, I recently moved in with my on-again-off-again-but-now-on-again boyfriend. I've known him all my life, but we recently got close about three years ago. When he first mentioned the surgery I was supremely hesitant, only because I was worried about the surgery as well as the possible change to himself as a person. He had made his final decision about it, without really telling me, and while I agree it is his decision, I felt very left out. His surgery was June 17, and since he's been back I've been doing my best to help him as much as I can, but unfortunately it's not enough. He's said that me just supporting him isn't enough, that I have to actually be o…

My name is Jen and I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday the 11th of July. I've been on the liquid diet now for 10 days now. I've stuck to it 100% percent but It's been a challenge at times. I've had a cough that I'm trying to get rid of. I know I can't get this done if I'm sick. I'm praying that this clears up over the next couple of days. It was not an easy decision and the road has been long, so I'm just hoping that I can get rid it.

Okay so I am a month away from surgery and I am never ever sick but I have had this horrible cold that has finally went away but the cough is lingering. Does anybody have any home remedies that would help get rid of this cough I have my pulmonary appt next Tuesday and I don't want anything to mess this up!!! As you all know this process is so long and hard I would be so upset if this delayed my surgery!!

Hello everyone, I just joined lapbandtalk again after getting off the wagon. I am glad to be back. I lost about 35 lbs after banding in 2008 but have gained back about 20 lbs since then. "Life happens!" Also as I reflect back to my first experience with the lapband, I did not do all the things that I should have done to be successful and to make lifelong changes. About 4 days ago I had a small fill from my surgeon. I just finished a two day liquid diet and I am starting soft Proteins for two days. I also went back to my nutritionist and she is helping me tremendously. So I got my supports in place and I am more focus and plan to be very successful this time. I am…

I am stressing a little because I went on vacation for a week and ate everything that I used to eat prior to being sleeved in 1/11 and the bad part was I didn't get sick, it was good and now I have to truly start all over! These are the habits that kept me fat all my life! I didn't stuff myself but I did eat more than three times a day and I gained 2 lbs. Anybody been there and how hard was it to get refocused?

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Went to cardiologist appt for clearance, and could not believe how she was. Asking me how much the surgery is? Asking me do I know anyone that had it done, cause you have trouble swallowing & regurgitating. I don't know if she was just curios or just don't like the idea. But all I know is that she made me uncomfortable. The worst part is that I have to go back to see her again:(

where to began....???? ok so i was visiting my best friend ( who is very opinionated)... so she has had a hard time accepting that i'm getting vsg. we have struggled with our weight together up and down together i have always been the heaviest one as i'm several inches shorter than her... i wrote a very long email telling her of my decision to move forward with the surgery... well this weekend ... while at her house she said that the sleeve was an ABOMINATION ... my jaw hit the floor and my husband looked at her and said an abomination ... she always come out her mouth all crazy ...but deep deep deep down she is very loving and caring she always there for me and supports …

Well I believe I found another reason that I should have this surgery. I'm busting out of my pants. I just bought these pants from Lane Bryant and they are my size and I wore them two times before today. Well today I happened to reach to pull my shirt down and I brushed across an opening that should not be, LOL! So the seam has come apart on the left side. I pray about everything and the first thing that popped in my head was "Lord, is that another sign I should have this surgery?" 5th visit is on the 11th. Then I'll be like this :blink:probably. LOL! Anyway I hope everyone had a good day.

I was at a seminar awhile ago and there was a speaker who was talking about how to figure how many actual carbs are in a food Item. Lets say the calorie count was 160 calories, and 10 grams of Fiber, and 10 grams of sugar alcohols , and had 24 carbs. Does that mean you can subtract the 10 grams fiber and 10 grams of sugar alcohols = 4 grams of actual carbs for that item?? Cuz she gave me the impression you could subtract fiber grams and sugar alcohols and whats left was the actual carbs that the item contains. Does anyone know the formula for figuring the actual carb count of food items. If so I would appreciate a reply. I would like to have a snack inbet…

The first part of this post is copied from the About Me part in my profile. I decided to use it here because I would like some feedback please. I was banded in March 2009. I came home, somewhat in discomfort and over the following days I progressed into agony. I ended up back in hospital having emergency surgery at 2am five days after the placement. I had been nicked in the first surgery and had an infection. The band was removed and I spent four days in ICU and then another four or five in the ward. It was the most PAINFUL experience in my life and it wasn't too good emotionally either. After I returned home there was a long recovery period and I initially thought…

This site is starting to feel like family to me, so I guess it’s time to formally introduce myself. My name is Ellen. I am 61 years old and three months into the process. I still have another three months to go before all the paper work can be submitted and hopefully approved. I had my Psych session today, which went well. I already had the stress, echo, and endoscopy. Still have a few more tests to do before I’m finished. I truly find this site to be both insightful as well as comforting. It’s great to know there’s a place to go where you can be encouraged and have your questions answered by those who are going through or have gone through the process already. I …

I have read so much on the site and a lot of it is really helpful, but I really get scared when I hear about most everyone having so many problems. I know it isn't a bed of roses and I know we have to really work hard, but all of the negatives scare me. I look to have my surgery around mid- august , but I keep doubting my decision. If you have the band and things have went well, please let me know, I need to read about the good and the bad. Thank you and good luck to all.

Hi everyone! I have been overweight my entire life and have thought about having weight loss surgery many times throughout the years but my insurance didn't cover it. I then found out that United Healthcare started covering WLS again and I decided that it was time to make a major change in my life. Years of weight loss and gain can finally come to an end. I became sleeved on June 22, 2011 in Baton Rouge. I wasn't a good candidate for the Band because of GERD and I felt the bypass was just too much of a risk for me. So I decided on the Sleeve. A lot of research went in to my final decision and I feel I have made the right choice. I began the process back in March o…

Hey everyone, My name is Dan, and I am new to this forum. I am 37 years old and have struggled with my weight for many years like many of you. I have already gone through the 6 mandatory months, of therapy and submitted my request to the insurance company "Auxiant" and was approved immediately to my surprise. I meet with my surgeon on the 11th of July and my surgery date is July 26th 2011.

I'm in my early 40s, married with three little ones. I live in southern CA and work as a freelance writer. I've been overweight my entire adult life. From decision to have WLS to actually getting a sleeve took 19 months due to insurance issues. I was sleeved on June 30th, so I am newly post-op. I did a 7-day liquid diet per my doctor. It was tough the first couple of days, especially because I couldn't find a protein drink that did not make me gag. I finally found a couple of Isopure pre-mixed that I can tolerate. Lost 13 lbs pre-op, so thought I was on my way... My surgery had an unexpected surprise; apparently my liver is not in good shape. My surgeon was thrown by …

I feel like I have waited a lifetime. I was given a surgery date of Monday August 1st. I think my mom is more excited about it than I am. I was stressed out and wanting a surgery date so bad I couldn't see straight. Now I am just bouncing back and forth with my emotions. I am discourgaed that the best date they could give me is 28 whole days away. (though in my heart I know time will fly by). I am nervous because as prepared as I thought I was, now that the date is real, I feel like I have failed to do something or research something or buy something in advance. I feel dread at the thought of having to have the talk with my boss. She is 5'1" and all of 98 poun…

Hello all! My surgery is today!!! July 5 at 9!! I am wide awake. Can not sleep and normally I would be up snacking!!! So here goes my new life! Now I am here reading all of these fabulous blog posts and getting super excited!!!! However I have two small children and am worried about complications!!!! I know I will be fine but it's just that small doubting voice!!! Would love to read some helpful hints, advice or just some good ole encouragement!!!! Thanks!!

Hello everyone! My name is Manda. New to the site. I just wanted to say hi and hoping to make some new friends. My husband is in the military and going through surgery with hardly any support but with motivation. I am 24 and have had no such luck at support groups. But I would love to talk to people who are in all walks of like. My surgery date is July 11th!!!!!

Gm, I am new to the forum and I am looking for some people who have been banded in Jacksonville, Fl and how that experience was for them... Just trying to get more feedback so that I can have another outlet besides friends and family....

Hi, I am new here. My name is Amber but you can call me Ber if you'd like, most people do. I am not very good at these Forum things but I feel I should make an attempt at introducing myself and explain why I'm here. I hope this won't get too long. I have been overweight my entire life minus the one year I met my husband, at 16, and that year I was blessed to weigh only 125lb. It didn't last long, maybe 8 or 9 months, and I quickly gained the weight back and then some. I got comfortable as time went on and went back into my old eating habits. Fast forward to now. I am 30 years old and married, for 12 years, to a wonderful man. We don't have any children but we do h…

Hello. I am new to the boards. My name is Tabby and I am just beginning my journey with the lapband. My weightloss journey began around the age of 12. Sadly I would lose weight and gain it back plus more. At 500 lbs I had my "aha" moment and started getting serious... I started usin protein shakes (herbalife) and with that and the support of family and friends I lost 150 lbs. Now I see myself slowly starting to gain weight back. I decided to have the lapband as an extra tool I know I can do this and get where I want to be. While I have a wonderful support group I think it will be helpful to meet other ppl that is going through the same things I am going through …

hello everyone im am a newbie ....this is my story and im alittle embarrased!!!! i have always been a strong person and never thought i would be broken or defeated!!!i had my surgery june 28.2011. I was alittlr bummed because my doctor never told me it would be this bad. i had to stay in the hospital for 5 days because of constantly vomitting!!!!!!i couldnt even keep water down!!!!!im home now and im stilll vomitting and i have a sparatic pain in my chest!im afraid of breaking the staples can that happen. i also cheated and had macarroni shells and tuna mashed ,maybe 2 bites and everthing came out.. this is horrible iits so hard, im frustrated water wont even stay down i …

Hi.. this is my first post although I have been lurking here since May 2011. I have been trying to get as much information as I can. I started this journey in April when I found out I had a moderate sized ventral hernia as well as a smaller one that they don't seem to be too concerned about. I had a hysterectomy a year ago when they found endometrial cancer. Luckily, it was contained and I did not need to have any further treatment. However, I noticed within a year that my stomach was getting bigger and a CT scan was done. I was referred to a surgeon and he said that I had to lose weight....at least 75 lbs. before he would do surgery as this type of hernia will grow…

So, it's been many months... even years since I've seen some of my family members. Their eyes bugged straight out of their heads and was even unrecognizable to some of them. It was a lot of fun. My brother said I better stop losing weight now or else I'm going to start looking like this guy: I know... not very nice but if you knew our relationship you would think it was pretty funny... I did!! I also have a very thin cousin who's always had the perfect body IMO. She just about died when she saw my arms. She shouted at the top of her lungs "OMG YOUR ARMS ARE SO DAM* SKINNY!!!!" LMAO!! That was pretty funny too. You know what's weird though is that I re…

I am having the Vertical Sleeve surgery done on July 11. Am I scared? Yes definately ... but the final results are worth it. I have fought this 2 week liquid diet for only one week now and there are days i think I'm going to go nuts, is it really the food or the fact that I can't have it? Actually, sacrificies will have to become a main part of My "new Skinny life". I too have young children and I fear the typical questions of a general antisetic. But everything will be worth it in the end. I have struggled with weight, now diabetes, for far too long. I am ready to make change and will keep all you others in my prayers as well. I am seeing Dr. Fearing with Malley Weight…

Hey Everyone- Happy 4th. My name is Anassa and I am from NY. I am thinking about getting the lapband. RIght now I am 70% Pro. I am interested in meeting like minded individuals who have already had surgery and are thinking about it like me. I look forward to meeting you all and hopefully finally closing this chapter of my life (being overweight and unhealthy) Anassa

Hello everyone. I have been trolling these boards for a few months. I'm in the process of my insurance-required 6mo. diet (about halfway). I'm very excited to start this journey. My weight has been a constant battle for most of my life. I'm looking forward to getting healthy and feeling better about myself! There is so much to love about me, I just need to convince myself! I love reading all the posts on this site...it's been very informative and helpful. I look forward to sharing this journey with you all.. Krisha

Hey everyone! It's Mimi the 20 year old Jersey girl. Last time I was on here I was browsing and talking about getting approved. Now I'm 2 weeks and 6 days banded, time flies! I just wanted to share my story to anyone who is interested. I have a loonnnggg way to go so I am documenting my journey on youtube. Subscribe to Bandarina's YouTube I update every Tuesday. I hope to follow your journey as well

4 July, 2011 I was never slim but was never so huge, I have reached 229 pounds with 5 feet and 5 inches height at 33 years of my life. Many things which I faced in past 4 - 5 years: 1. Almost stopped attending social gatherings/functions. 2. Did not go out with my family. 3. No photographs, if very essential will always try to catch hold of some scarf, long hanging cloth to hide my bulges. 4. Avoided getting on to fun rides with my children. 5. Stopped talking to my husband for long as I felt guilty sometime for spoiling his life. 6. Did not invite anyone home, because everyone will observe the weight I gained and ofcourse, same discussion and lectures on…

Really looking forward to be able to go thru this with all of you. Teamwork,when I can help I'm just a message away and I hope I can get help and advise from you guys as well so we can do this right

What a day to start the begining of this journey this new life for me. The birthday of this great nation. I hope that it is a sign of good things to come. I know that this is going to be probably one of the hardest things that I will do, but I know that I have to do this. Today I start my liquid diet for 2 weeks. I have read so many of the posts, and you all are very encouraging. I wish each and every one of you a great 4th of July!!!

Don't forget to check into the July sleevers forum. We have a master list going. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/105-july-2011-sleevers/

Hi everyone! I'm from Mobile, AL and I'm considering the Lap Band surgery. I'm 25 years old and have been overweight all of my life. What lead me to the idea of Lap Band is the fact that I have tried diet and exercise and nothing seems to work. Being young of course I've tried the crash diets and the diet pills but where my heartbreak has come in is two separate times in my life when I worked my hardest with hard exercise and saw no results. I am currently divorced but before I got married I spend 3 straight months on a watchful diet but worked out in the gym about 4 days a week, over an hour each time. This included aerobics class, weights, treadmill and cycle. …

I had surgery 5 days ago and hadnt eaten 2 weeks prior besides for the liquid diet and I am just feeling sooo hungry . The broth and jello are just not cutting it lol and this is miserable. How is everyone else doing with this?????

HEY ALL! My name is Sarah and I am just starting my Lap Band process...they said it might be nice to make some friends who know what I am about to go through or starting just like me. I hope to talk to a few new freinds as I am scared and nervous all at the same time. Love. S.

Hi, I'm Delphine, 41 years old, living in Paris, France. My surgery was last Tuesday and I'm back home I wanted to thank the forum for helping me when I questionned myself, doubted... You're so helpful ! I had a lapband for 8 years,beginning at BMI 43. I'm today a 34.4 BMI. Elle

I posted this on OH as well but looking for comments/answers: I know I am obsessive about reading posts and "getting prepared" and now that I have a surgery date - I am actually getting a bit freaked out. I did NOT think this would happen. I am ready for the major changes, the adjustments to my life and all of that but just now at this moment (as I am drinking my third glass of sauvignon blanc) I am getting just the teensy-est bit WIGGED OUT. I have a six year old (I am 46) and I am curious if any of you wrote letters to your kids or loved ones before surgery? I honestly do not think anything is going to go wrong and have given it up to my "higher power" that I…

So, I thought I would have to wait until next week sometime to find out, but had a letter in the mail today from UHC saying that I am covered. I'm very excited. I should still be able to schedule my July 22nd surgery and still keep everything on track now. Very very excited....so planning to start my pre-op diet on July 8th....with my diet consultation on the following Monday the 11th. So very happy! The only thing I am worried about is I also start a summer class and will have a Tuesday and Thursday Class after the surgery. :/ Worried about pushing it....and hoping I can be there mentally. Will have 4.5 days to heal before the Tuesday Class. So Excited though!!…

Hi New Friends, I’m 5 days post-op and here’s my story… At my heaviest I weighed 265 and I’m 5’2. I’ve dieted my whole life and only twice Iwas successful enough to lose 50 lbs. The last time was in 2005, on Weight Watchers. I was down 50 and feeling great then in 2006 mysister, who was my best friend, died suddenly, our house sold, I got a new job,and bam it came back really fast. I wasso disgusted with myself and majorly depressed. One night I got on the computer and read about Lap-band surgery. Icontacted a surgeon and had the procedure in 2008. I lost 50 lbs. but hated itthe whole way. Lots of pain while eating and at the location of the port. It was never adju…

Hi everyone my name is Christine and I live in Illinois. I have 2 wonderful boys and A fantastic husband. I had my lapband on the 28th so today is day 3. I feel pretty good today so far but yesterday I was hungry all day. I know its just my body adjusting to the band so I am not too upset. Plus I was unable to get my protein in yesterday... So I am working hard on that this morning. Anyway I can use all the ideas you all have to helpp beat this hunger... I will be on here alot so thank you for your help...

I am looking forward to embarking on this new adventure, but it's a NERVOUS excitement. Of course, even though I've gone through alot to get to this point, there's always that little voice that says " Can't you do this on your own. Without THIS tool?" I know it is not uncommon to have these fears, but despite my awareness, the doubt still comes. I have been overweight ALL of my adult life. My kids, one of my biggest motivators, have only known me to be overweight. Right now, I can't even imagine myself skinny. I want it desperately, but I have always fallen short of reaching my ULTIMATE goal with my previous efforts. So the prospect of actually being able to achieve it…

Oh my....I'm 6 days post op, everything went amazing. But, the gas pains are so horrible! LOL when do they end?

I'm new to this site my name is Rebekah I'm here to chat and get to know people who are going thru the same thing I'am the extra support and understanding will be much appriciated. Its hard to talk with my family and freinds about what I'm going thru beacuse thay just don't understand so here I'am ready to meet new peolpe and hopefully make new friends along the way. I had the lap band surgery done in April 2010 and have lost 82 lbs I go to the gym 4-5 times a week and recently started running (something I never could do before). I have had some difficulties along the way but all brought on by my own studiity.