Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am 1 week post op and gained almost 9lbs in surgery that is finally off as of this morning. Does anyone have any advice for the mental hunger? Its not that Im hungry at all but living in a house with people eating all day long makes me feel like Im missing out on something. I even thought today I should of waited to have the surgery after my 2 kids go off to college in Aug. At least that way I would see everyone eating all day long. Im feeling frustrated with my thoughts and want them to go away. Maybe when I actually see some weight loss I will be feeling better about doing this. That 9lbs added was really bad for my mind. Anyone that thinks this is easy is …

Hello my name is tegan I'm 29 had lap band march 1st in yuma az with Dr candice jenson I loved the way she ttook time to explain everything I have lost 20 pounds since I started my liqid diet two weeks before my surgery up till now haven't had a fill yet but weight was 252 when I started and now 232. I can't seem to drop any more but I get first fill april 11

Hi All.. I thought I would pop in and say hi. I am 5 months post op, banded Dec 28th, 2010, my new years resolution. I have tried everything in the past to lose weight and it has never lasted more than a couple of months. I have been overweight since middle school, so my battles started at a young age. I am turning 40 this December, and I want to be close to my goal by then. Looking forward to meeting some new people here going through the same things!

now parents don't know i'm having bariatric surgery they just wouldn't understand. my sisters know i want to have it done but they think i've put the whole process on hold since i got denied by the insurance company (one of them hope it never happens, she don't want me having surgery). i visited my family at the end of april and by that time i had lost over 20 pounds (for preop purposes) and my mom was so happy for me. i was talking to her recently and she's asking how the dieting and weight loss going and i said to her by the time she sees me next (which will be november or december and i'm having the surgery in june) i'm going to be "skinny". i don't think i will ever t…

Hi, I'm from Ontario, my surgery is scheduled for June 28/11 and I am so very excited to start this amazing journey. Would like to connect with others that are going to be banded or have already been banded.

I'm very excited about doing my sleeve. I will be officially sleeved by mid-day, June 1st. It's been a long time coming. I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my life and being around for my wife and kids. Woot ! Woot ! Check out this video on YouTube:

Hi, I am getting ready to have my lapband surgery this Thursday (June 2, 2011). I am excited and nervous at the same time. I want to be a success at this. Dr. Ponce at the Gastric Band Institute in Chattanooga. Have any of you used him? I have always struggled with my weight but after having children and entering menapose I just kept getting bigger and have been hungry all the time. I have been on this journey for over a year now to get to this point. I still can't put my mind around being full on such a small amount. I know it is a tool and I have to use it correctly but I am putting a lot of faith in this to help me. I'll let you know how things are going as I …

I have a bmi of 86. I am a 45 year old female with diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure. My insurance policy has an exclusion for weight loss surgery but have informed me that my doctors and I have the right to appeal for medical necessity. Of course my reg. doc and surgeon are on board. Has anyone else ever had to appeal and then won?

WOW! NEVER-MIND Just yesterday I was almost in tears thinking that I'm a failure. I was almost thinking about missing another doctors appointment because I didn't want to hear him say "your not on track" Today is my two month surger-versary. I Jumped on the scale this am, and WOW, down 50lb. !!! (since preop diet) That means SOMEHOW I've lost 3lbs in 3 days (?) , the only thing different I've done is added 15 almonds ( no salt) in my diet daily for the past 3 days, upped my Water and had a slim fast for the past 3 days. Never-mind, I'm not a failure and I'm not letting that scale get me down again. It plays tricks on you mind. CrAzY TrIcKs!

Hi Well I'm nearly two years banded and it has been hard, I have lost almost 4stone but have had little weight loss in the last 8 months or so. Went for a 1ml fill in January but was too tight and had .5 ml removed two days later. Have been off work with stress for the last 4 weeks and seriously cannot stop eating, trying to exercise alot to compensate for this but I have put on 4lbs in the last two weeks, I'm feeling such a faliure. Still need to loose about 20lbs to get to goal but at the moment I can't see that happening. I would be grateful for any advice. Suzy

A lot of my friends have asked what my surgery entailed. I actually posted this as a facebook note... cuz I am not ashamed of what I've done and I am proud of each choice I've made. FIRST ---- WHY I DID IT: I have been "big" since second grade. Every time I've had "successful" weight loss, they were not diets that I would be able to LIVE on for the rest of my life. I'd peak at about 30lbs, and then stall. This surgery wasn't done because I was too lazy to work at it. It wasn't done for cosmetic, shallow reasons. It was done with a great amount of research, thought, and consultation. I saw how my brother's early death hurt my family - he was far too young to go. …

Hi Everyone...I'm here to get and give encouragement to get back on track! After nearly 6 years and great progress I've slipped up in the past year or so and slowly started regaining some of my weight. I don't want that to be the end of my story, so I'm trying to get back on the right track.

Good Morning, I woke up this morning and found I am 50 lbs down from my highest weight ever (23lbs since surgery) and I am at my 4th of July goal already, guess I should have been more ambitious with it. 50 lbs never to be seen again, I lost the equivalent of one of my dogs basically. I still have a long way to go. This small amount from the total I need to lose has made such a big difference in my life already. My feet don't hurt as much, my clothes are fitting better(can't quite go down in sizes yet) just an overall better feeling. And, my treadmill should arrive in 2 weeks. Despite some frustrations with the pace and portions I am now eating, it's a big adjust…

Hey... my name is Bob but some call me the "Goose". I have been waiting for 2 years for my surgery day to arrive, and this Tuesday 5-31-11 at 11:30 am.... my journey officially begins. I am more excited than nervous... but by Tuesday I will be nervous. I will post more as the days progress... just wanted to make a quick opening entry. The hydrogen steam is seen seeping out of the booster tanks at the liftoff tower... and the countdown has begun. Hold on to your seat Goose.. I'm in for the ride of my adult life !!!

So, I will be traveling out of state for surgery and will be bringing my laptop- nothing else really of "value"- maybe my purse I guess. I do not know anyone where I will be having surgery and so my options would be to leave my laptop in the trunk of my car or bring it to the hospital with me. Personally, I would rather not leave it in my car for several days. Plus, if it gets hot in there, that would also not be good. I will have to stay in town for a few days before I go home to get re-checked and so the idea of not bringing my laptop I don't think I could handle. I guess my question is, has anyone ever had a way to lock up something while at the hospital? I w…

I'm having surgery next week (June 1st) and my husband is going to get the (4) kids out in the morning and then come to the hospital. Is there any reason why I can't drive myself to the hospital and get started on my own? My hospital (NYU) didn't say otherwise but on the lap band site it says someone needs to come with you . Are they not going to let me do the surgery without a person there? I realllllly can't have anyone come (until later). Also, this is probably unrealistic, but is there any way I can go to my 7 year old son's school play the day after my surgery? I had my appendix and gall bladder out (separately) and did pretty well after those surgeries. Am …

just got banded friday afternoon,still a little sore.When can i start sipping on protein shakes?

Hey everyone. Im going to my pre-op appointment tomorrow and will be banded on Wednesday, June 1. I am so nervous. I have never had a surgery, but thats the least of my fear, Im scared that the lap band wont work, i just dont want to fail. Im 22 and ready to live my life the healthy way. I love my life and there is just one thing missing, the real me on the outside. I love to dress up in my wonderful assortment of plus size clothes but deep down im not happy with whats staring back at me in the mirror because its not healthy. Im scared, nervous, excited, and anxious, but I dont know what to expect!!!! Can anyone give advice on handling this or even on how to get through …

hello everyone ! i found this site very useful was looking 4 answers , and hopefully i found some ! i had my surgery apr 28 ,11 ! i am so far happy with my results !

Hello everyone!! So I'm a 28yr ok'd female, living in sunny (haha) Seattle and I'm 3 days post-op. I'm so excited that I've been able to get the surgery done and can't wait to be able to workout and use my new "tool". I'm still a little gasy (lol) and got some pressure, but for the most part, I'm walking around and taking fluids with no issues. So hello everyone and I look forward to taking this journey with you all!!

Hello Sleevers! So, last night, I was finally not too sore to try to sleep in my bed (instead of the recliner). I got all comfy cozy on my left side, had a pillow propped under my belly and thought all was well...until...the broth that I'd sipped on about 45 minutes before going to bed decided to make an appearance. No, no vomiting, just a serious case of burps/reflux. I turned over to the other side and VOILA - no more burpies!!! Note to self: do not sip anything other than Water an hour before bed unless you want it to revisit you. Also, try to fall asleep on the right side. Otherwise, I am feeling better every day. For some reason, taking a shower is still a …

Hey y'all!!! My name is Samantha and I am 34 yrs old. I've been between overweight and obese for about 8 years now. I recently had my referral approved through Tricare to see Dr. Searles here in Anchorage Alaska. I've done every diet known to man and even some crazy ones seen in magazines. Nothing seems to be helping and have been researching and talking with people who have had the surgery. So I hoping with the help of Lap Band, exercise and nutrition I will be headed in the right direction of a healthier beautiful me. So that my insides reflect on the outside now.

i haven't had surgery yet but i had lost 20 from the preop period. i went from a 20 to 16W/18. Since i'm having my surgery in less than 3 weeks there is nowhere my size will go but down!! it felt sooo good cleaning out my closet.. good bye to the 20's then the 18 then the 16, etc.. gotta make room for my new skinny clothes i'm going to buy can't wait!!

Hi friends, I'm having my sleeve done on June 1, and I'm going on my third day of the pre-op diet. I'm just curious if a doctor is asking me to go on a low carb pre-op diet, how come I can't have a piece of chicken or steak (low carb too). Why only liquids? I'm starving. Does this get any better? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you

GM Lap Banders... I was just banded on 5/18/11 and everything went wonderful... But since around the 3rd day being home I felt back to normal and since have been experiencing REAL HUNGER PAINS!! Also I have been feeling on my stomach and can not seem to feel the port.. If it had not been for the incisions I would not even have thought I had this surgery.... Is this NORMAL????

I am scheduled for surgery on May 9th with Dr. Ren. I am scared and wondering what this will be like. I need to lose weight, and this is my only option now. I have high blood pressure, pre diabetic, and back problems so I can't exercise. Any body else like me ?? Let me know what your experience was like, I am so curious. TIA

Hello everyone! My name is Heather. im 32 years old and have struggled with my weight my entire life. I can lose weight but never seem to keep it off. After much thought and years wasted ive decicded to get Lapband. Currently waiting to see if my insurance even covers it or not. Iam so excited to get the ball rolling!!! I have however totally ADDICTED to researching the Lapband!! I wanna know everything twice ! ahah So ill most likely start a blog and keep up with my weight loss progress there. Its so cool to meet other people just like me ... Skinny inside ! i know im thinking way far ahead but does most insurance companies cover the tummy tuck afterwards ? Im lookin…

Can anyone out there tell me how long these severe gas pains are going to continue?

After going through extensive testing for the last 5 months they discovered a "possible" problem when I took the Upper GI. I had to go to a Specialist for another test and discovered that I have all the symptoms of acid reflux even though I never have had acid reflux. They called it "silent" acid reflux. Evidently, if you have the symptons of acid reflux you can not have the sleeve but you must have the gastric bypass. This all happened last Friday and I was to have the surgery today (Monday). I am disappointed but I am so glad they found out now instead of finding out after I had the sleeve surgery and had complications with the sleeve. Has anyone else had t…

Hello everyone! I am so amazed at what a wonderful forum this is - I feel so blessed to have found it! It's nice to see how supportive and informative everyone is, and I look forward to getting to know all of you. I may not be knowledgable about the during-op and post-op, but once I am, I'll definitely pay it forward. Anyway, my name is Lisa. I am 30 years old with PCOS and Hypothyroidism. I've been overweight since I turned 20, and obese since I was 21-22. As with most Bandsters, I have tried just about all of the diets you can think of: Weight Watchers (a billion times), NutriSystem (twice), Curves, Atkins (4 or 5 times), Slim Fast, SparkPeople (several times), fr…

Surgery was on thursday morning and i was dismissed from the hospital friday pm. The hardest part so far has been the gas pains. I've been taking the Meds they gave me, but haven't had much relief. I'm still taking some pain meds and will have to be on clear liquids until Thursday when I can change to full liquids. I feel like ive had more than my share of chicken broth so far. I'm trying to get all of my fluids in, but that too is hard. Ugh! I sure hope this gets easier as I advance to more solid foods. Clear liquids are rough!!!

Hi there, I just got banded on Tuesday May 24th, 2011. My weight is something I have struggled with since 3rd grade.. up down, up down, and up, up , up.. I was physically and mental ready for the band... I have had some soreness, but have wondered if it is even in there.. I have no problems drinking and sipping and swallowing. I have read horror stories, but feel blessed that everything is perfect so far. Also another question - do you put your starting weight at what it was before your 2 week pre op diet or what it was the day you were banded? Also day 3 after surgery my scars are so itchy.. is that normal? Thanks an I look forward to a new life of health…

So my nurse case manager from United Health Care just now called me - I'm approved! The doctor just sent the packet to the insurer Friday and already approved by Monday morning - very fast! Just waiting on my surgery date now - hoping for end of June. I'm so excited!!! I weigh 273 - looking to lose 120. This board has been a God send! To be banded - Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton - soon! My insurance did not require a supervised diet and I only needed a proven BMI higher than 40 for last five consecutive years - but understand it only took me less than 2 months from the seminar to insurance approval - and I'll be having my surgery within a month of that I believ…

I've learned here that many of sleevers have experienced sort of hair lose. How can I avoid it. I'll appreciate your advise.

Hello guys! My name is Naema, I'm 25 years old, female. I've been obese almost all my life. I've had many problems, and still having problems with acne, hair loss, back pain, irregular menstrual cycle, and all the other problems obese people go through. I've gone to many doctors for my problems and all have told me the only way to cure myself from all my problems is to lose weight. I've tired numerous diets, medications, etc. Nothing seems to work for me. I did follow a diet plan once and lost over 25KG, but had a terrible year that made me gain all the weight Ive lost. I never can stick to one diet plan, and always end up failing. I've done tons of research on Lapban…

I am 10 weeks out since surgery. I am 34 yrs old and of course child bearing age. Although, I would love to have more children, right now is not the time. It's kind of ironic because prior to surgery (last 10 years) I've dealt with infertility issues and other medical issues. I used to be on birth control for hormones but now I am being advised that it wont be effective for preventing pregnancy. Sex is very important in my marriage :wub: but I'm very paranoid even with a condom. Can any of you tell me what you are using?

Hi Everyone, I am new to this and wanted some of your answers. I have had my surgery since Oct.2010 and finally got to the point that it is working however this last fill was good up till a few weeks ago. Now I can't eat or Drink anything as it all comes back up. Even when I am sleeping the liquid comes up and i get strangled and start coughing and so it continues. Is there food stuck? I don't know. I can make myself burp but when I do that I get slimmy junk that comes up with it. Any takers on this one? Thanks.........misspamela

I really like my PCP - he's always been so good with my care. However, lately, I'm getting more and more frustrated with him. A week ago, I faxed him the orders from my surgeon for some pre-surgery testing as well as the request that the surgeon had for a letter of medical necessity from him. Most of it was for various blood tests - which he could have drawn in the office. There was also an order for the gallbladder ultrasound, which he does not do in the office. Since my PCP is in Michigan, and I'm working (and will have surgery in Ohio), I had faxed the paperwork to him along with my written request explaining my reasons for requesting that he order the gallbladder ultr…

My name is Kayla I am 22 and live in Central Florida! I have struggled with my weight since I was in Middle School....Most recently getting to the largest I have ever been! I have been going through the process of getting my surgery approved by my insurance since December of last year. In 2 1/2 weeks I will have my month 6 appointment with my Primary Care Physician. I remember when I had my first appointment with him in January I was thinking WOW this is going to take FOREVER and now that I am only weeks away from that last appointment I am incredibly surprised by how fast time went by. I have already met with the Nutritionist and Psychologist and had 2 appointments with …

Hey there my name is italian Lady. I'm getting sleeved as soon as possible! I had a consultation with a sugeon last week and went in thinking that I was going to get the lap band and scared to DEATH of spending the rest of my life vomiting! UNTIL he informed me of a new and improved operation called the sleeve. So now i'm hunting around for a surgeon (I live in the UAE) who can give me the appropriate surgery. So is it Gastric Sleeve Plication or just a vertical sleeve. If anyone has any tips or advice for me I would greatly appreciate it!!! Thanks!

HEY there Sleevers! I am four days post op and feeling better. The soreness is improving, which is a good thing. I am still on my 3 sips and stop rule...tried to simply 'sip' some Water and ended up in a bit of pain. It's best to stick to my trusty teaspoon for now I think. I have not vomited yet, but have had a couple bouts of nausea. I was trying to figure out what brought them on and lo and behold - it happens when I take my medication. It used to be so easy to take the entire pill, chug some water and keep it moving. Apparently, my sleeve doesn't like the whole pill at once. So, I am taking half at a time while I sip my Protein. It helps a LOT and last night - n…

To the tune of - "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" Come and listen to a story about a man named Ted A poor dieter, really kept himself fed, Then one day he was scarfin’ down some food, And around came a gal sayin’ something rude. Fat he is, big-ol’, chubby. Well next thing ya know Ted’s in smaller underwear, Kinfolk said "Ted there is less of you there" Said "How did you do it, can you tell me?" So he smiled real wide and said VSG surgery. Thin, he is. Lookin’ cool, tiny scars. Hello all. I have already taken much support and encouragement from reading this forum (thank you). I am 43yrs 6'0" 448lbs. Currently day 8 of 29 day pre-op diet. (…

H all, I just got sleeved on the 23rd! I was released from the hospital on Tuesday about 5 p.m. It was rough going at first but I think now it was due to the morphine. I was so groggy and slept all of the time. Started taking Tylenol this morning and have moved around a lot today. Much better. I would stop taking your big boy pain medication as soon as you can because you will feel more like yourself. I am not going to weigh myself for two weeks because I know the surgery makes you gain weight. I do not seem to have the no hunger thing that people talk about. I am kinda disappointed about that because I feel like I could eat a horse right now. I am sure I can…

Hi my name is Linda and I am soooo excited to finally be here. I am 50 and live in northern Louisiana. My weight has fluctuated for about the last 25 years. I am at my highest weight ever now and I am sick of that roller coaster ride. I have been wanting to have the sleeve for a couple of years and since my insurance doesn't pay for it I have put it off. I don't have a surgery date yet but will be meeting with my surgeon on 6/2/11.

My name is Kayla I am 22 and live in Central Florida! I have struggled with my weight since I was in Middle School....Most recently getting to the largest I have ever been! I have been going through the process of getting my surgery approved by my insurance since December of last year. In 2 1/2 weeks I will have my month 6 appointment with my Primary Care Physician. I remember when I had my first appointment with him in January I was thinking WOW this is going to take FOREVER and now that I am only weeks away from that last appointment I am incredibly surprised by how fast time went by. I have already met with the Nutritionist and Psychologist and had 2 appointments with …

HELLO MY NAME IS CARLOS AND I GOT BANDED ON JANUARY 4TH 2011.I THOUGHT THE LAP BAND WOULD WORK INSTANTLY AND REMOVE THE POUNDS IMMEDIATELY BOY WAS I WRONG. I STARTED OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT TO BEGIN WITH. I NEVER FOLLOWED THROUGH WITH THE PRE-OP DIET INSTEAD I ATE UNTILL THE LAST DAY AS MUCH AS I COULD CAUSE I KNEW I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO EAT FOR A WHILE THAT WAS STRIKE ON. THEN AFTER GETTING THE BAND I ATE SOUP 3DAYS AFTER THE PROCEDURE I COULDNT TAKE THE HUNGER PAINS THAT WAS STRIKE TWO. THEN I WENT FOR MY FIRST FILL AND GOT 2CC'S INTO THE BAND AND FELT MINOR RESTRICTION BUT CONTINUED TO EAT AND EXPECTED TO LOSE WEIGHT.I LOST WEIGHT BUT NOT LIKE I THOUGHT I WOULD.I THOUGHT I…

I am week and half away from first fill, the first few weeks post op were good now i really am hungry at night?? is this normal, i am afraid i am not losing enough!! thanks!

Hey everyone! My name is Cathy and I am 27 years old. I'll first start off by telling you a little about me and then I'll let you know about my journey with my PCOS. I am married to a wonderful man who supports me in everything I do and loves me for who I am and not what I look like. His name is Andy and he is also a wonderful father to our baby girl Jacquelyn who will be two in September. I work in a doctors office as a Lab Assistant. Our journey to get Jacquelyn was a long and hard one, full of stress and disappointment for years. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was a teen. Having irregular periods from the day I first started having them. So much pain along with …

On May 14th, i decided to have lap band (after 18 months of researching and thinking about it). Yesterday, I met with Dr. George Merriman in Shreveport Louisiana . He is fabulous , and i feel at peace with him and know that he is the doctor for me. I also found out that i will be having my surgery at the end of JUNE !!!! WOW ....that was fast. Now, starting to get a little nervous but also excited. Now starts my work on getting off coffee, diet cokes, and carbs.

Hello everyone. I am in the process of getting my bariatric appointments done at the moment. I only have a couple more appointments til I get my surgery date, but first I have to choose what WLS I would like to have done. The lapband is completely out for me because I dont want anything foreign in my body for the rest of my life. So my choices are left between the sleeve and the gastric bypass. I am more leaning towards the sleeve but my doctors are saying that the gastric bypass is much more popular and told me to think through it again. Why did you choose to get the sleeve over the bypass? Or vice versus?