Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

My story. Skip down to ‘my journey’ if you just want the trip stuff. I was under the misapprehension that I have been overweight my entire life. My women in my family were all thin and petite (size 7 shoes, had to have all watches made smaller, etc.) I started wearing a size 9 shoe when I was about 10 and to top it off I have a ‘fat face’. In my mind (and apparently theirs) I was fat. I look back at photos of myself back then now and realize that I was not fat, not fat at all. I was actually a great size, not skinny, just right. I remember weighing 60 pounds when I was 10 and my cousins all weighed about 45, so that was just a fact, I was obviously fat. I…

I have been contemplating the lap band for four years - went to multiple information meetings and then thought I should be more disciplined and lose the weight myself. Way easier said than done. The older I get - the harder it is! I finally contacted a weight loss surgeon's office and gave them my insurance information. I do have coverage but there is a $10,000 cap, so I need to find information on how much out-of-pocket I am going to have to pay if I get approved for the surgery. I do have to do a 6-month supervised diet and psych eval. Basically I stumbled upon this discussion forum and after reading a few posts and was very impressed with how polite and helpful …

I have been stalling since week 4. It's now been 9 weeks and I have only lost 4 lbs for the entire month this is so depressing. I thought for sure I would be at goal in four months at this rate I doubt that will happen.

is there anyone else that has had the surgery with a starting weight of 200lbs. Thinking about going to the seminar, i am tired of up and down weight loss. thanks for any answers.

My name is Sara and I am 24 years old and I have been looking into Lap Band for a two years now and I am really thinking about getting, however, I have medical inc. it is medicaid I dont know if they will pay for the Lap Band and I might have to do financing. I am not a very big girl my wieght is between 225-230 and my BMI is 38-39 and I really dont know if I can get the Lap Band but I am so tired of being over wieght and I have always been a chucky girl while growing up but when I got pregnant with my first child in high school in 2004 some of the wieght that I gained came off but by the time I got pregnant with my son in 2006 I gain a lot of wieght. After my son was bo…

Im scheduled to be sleeved in June, yet I feel I am the only one who eats the way I do. Im really in no position to say I wont have this surgery. The surgeons told me I was going to die. Im in a very dangerous situation right now cause my intestines r out of line (hanging way below my pelvis) and they r afraid of strangulation. At the same time, I need 3 other hernias and a hiatal to be repaired! I have every other co-mobility on the list, no joke. The problem is...I know we all have our stories, and we've all been through hell one way or the other, but...I feel like Im the only one who eats the way I do. I mean, I cant even stick to the pr-op diet, but thats not only it…

One month ago today, at about 8.30 am, I had the majority of my stomach cut out. For the first three days post-op, it was an absolute nightmare. I didn't have any gas pain, but my little stomach HURT. And was violently nauseated. And dry heaved and vomited off and on for three days. And the anti-nausea drugs just made it worse (all of them). But then, like a switch getting flipped, I felt better. And just continued to feel better for the next few days in hospital. They fed me Clear liquids on the second day, after I passed the leak test. And also on the following day, because I was so sick. But then they added in little Protein shakes (in like 200 ml cu…

Hello. I've been researching wls for about 5 yrs. This year I have insurance to pay for it. I wanted the vsg but was denied 3 times by insurance. I was approved for bypass in 1 day and after considering it for a long time I switched to the band. I've done all my pre-op testing had my nutrition class last night and am less than 2 weeks away. Just looking for support and friends to chat with. I've been on obesityhelp for 5 years but they don't have a mobile site or an app. So its hard to use from my phone. This mobile site seems nice so far

Hi, I was banded at Dolan Park on Tuesday 3rd May 2011, and am on my 2nd day post op! Finding it hard to recognise the feelings I have in my stomach, im honestly feeling hungry I think? Also felt lethargic and a bit weak from just Soup and yog. Anyone else feeling rough after surgery or hungry? Greatful for any replies to help me feel that this is normal? xx

Hi all, It's Day Six of me and the sleeve. Things are still "loose" even though I am drinking only Water and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Protein. The amazing thing is I feel pretty good except for the gas and diarrhea. Instead of liquid pain med, I took two tylenol today at 9 and I'm comfortable. A little tightness on my right side, but nothing I can't live with. Keep in mind though that it's just me and my husband, so I don't have to do a thing if I don't want to and I'm still wearing a gown because it's more comfy to not have even soft elastic around my middle. Lynda

i just signed up..tomorrow is the big day ! Im nervous!!!

I was sleeved on Monday and omg!!! I hurt so bad and now the gas pains hurt really bad. I don't feel like myself, i am dizzy and i feel like i can't care for myself. I guess i thought that this surgery would not be as bad as having a gall bladder removed or something, but i was wrong. I can't hardly sleep and my stomach keeps turning into knots. Im not trying to be negative, i just want ppl to know that this surgery is serious and is not an easy answer. The gas pain hurts alot and i also had severe diarrhea. The diarrhea has calm down some but the gas hurts. I too am worried about getting in all these Vitamins and Proteins. I felt as if i wasn't getting nutrients whi…

Hi everyone I'm Sarah and I just joined today. I had my lap-band surgery Monday, May 16th. I'm so excited about this journey and I hope I can learn a lot from everyone here!

Hi everyone I'm 49 and I weigh 96. I'll have surgery in 40 days.Idon't yet know how much I shuld lose and what to do to be perfectly prepered for surgery. I'll appriciate any advice.

Hi Everyone My name is Salease, I'm a 30+ year old married mother of 3. I haven't always been overweight or as the BMI calculator indicates morbidly obese(NICE!). I weighed about 145-150 in high school , which we called "Thick" back then lol. After the birth of each of my children I gained a little more, and a little more. Even at my heaviest almost 260 pounds (I'm 5'2) I still felt cute in my clothes and still was active. Recently though after the birth of my son (he's 6 months old) I've been in and out of the hospital with high blood pressure issues, prediabetes, gall stones, chest pains (asthma had flarred up), and swollen sore ankles every night. I feel like I…

I am a 52 yr old woman with insurance but am seriously considering Lap Band. I have previously been to see Dr. Murphy who years ago did a tummy tuck. There are sooooo many advertisements for Lap Band, here and overseas. How do I get started? Who in Denver does this and has a good reputation? Are overseas or Mexico really a choice at all? How long can the effects really last. I am actually relatively in shape but obesity runs in my family and I am probably 220 lbs and have been for over 7 years. I have knee problems (arthritis) that is painful when I exercise but I still snowboard, cycle etc although it causes me pain but I figure once I stop, I might as well give…

Hello Everyone, My name is Santizzie and my husband and I have 4 children and live in Jax, Fl. We are both getting lap-band surgery. We were told today that our paperwork has been submitted to our insurance company for approval. So we have our hands crossed and are praying for a quick turn around with our approval. We have Tricare and they are normally pretty fast with the paper work. I'm very excited about our future and can't wait to get started on this journey. Good Luck to everyone and God Bless you all.

Hello I was just banded on Wednesday, got really sick from the anathesthia (sp?) spent the night. I am not liking the protein shake. Need to find a new one. Am excited to make this work. When can should you start exercising?

Hi all. so I am new here, I come from South Africa I am having my sleeve done on the 30th of may 2011. it has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride as I was called on friday and they basically told me they have moved me up my op is now in exactly 16 days!!! I couldnt belive it. emotionally I am a bit scared, dont really know what to expect but I am also extremely excited. I hope all goes well. I cant believe I am actually on my way to loosing weight something I have battled with my entire life. will let you know how it all goes. big kisses to everyone!!!

So hello....The long and short of my arrival...I am getting banded for the second time this coming Wed. I first got banded in 2004 but it eroded and came out only 5 months later. I swore I'd never haver surgery again (like any kind of surgery, like never walk into a hospital again) let alone get banded again but the truth of the matter is, I have hit the bottom. Or rather, I feel the botom skimming against my toes and I don't like the way the goo and guck of the bottom feels--I am terrified of what hitting it will feel like if I hate the way my toes feel touching it. Anywho, my surgery is this coming Wednesday. I'm really nervous...to get surgery again, to not know whethe…

I have a bunch of questions. I just called the surgical center 2 days ago and am waiting for a call back. I know I will have to get approval and go thru a lot of pre op stuff. What all do I go thru? How long will it be before I will have the surgury? I see folks talk about a 6 month pre-op diet, what is that about? My BMI is 45. I am sure it hasn't fallen below 40 over the past 5 years. What if, during the pre op diet it gets to 39? Will I still be approved? I have BCBS insurance. I am so anxious now and I want to know everything.

Hi Everyone, My name is Bekki and I was just banded this Wednesday, making today my second full day out of the hospital and in recovery. I am looking for as many support groups as possible and this website was recommended to me by the nurse in my hospital, who also had the Lap Band surgery. I do have a couple of questions that maybe people can help answer for me... What type of Vitamins have you started to take once you have had the surgery, and also, what types of Protein do you all reccomend? I am obviously still on the clear liquid portion of recovery, and I need to stick to liquid supplements - any suggestons for now, or later on in recovery when I can start using …

Hi All: I am Marie from Michigan. I was sleeved in Grand Rapids, Mi on April 12. I just found this forum for the first time last week upon advice from a friend. I have been doing a lot of lurking and find it comforting and motivating to hear so many stories like mine. My surgery was "text book" according to my Doctor and I have had relatively few complications. Like most of you, the first two weeks after surgery were really rough, but now at 5 weeks out I am feeling pretty good. I am still on "mushies" until week six. After reading here, I think my Doctor is pretty conservative when it comes to introducing new foods. But I haven't had any problems so all is g…

Hi- I'm a chef- and I get to work at a place that is all about health food! Nearly three years ago- I volunteered for a program at work- I spent 1 week in immersion, learning about health and nutrition- something that should have been taught or beat into us- from early on, and things with me, and for many- wouldn't be so bad. I pretty much didn't think about health too much until I hit age 45, then I was sick and tired of being sick and tired-. nearly 300# since adulthood- Dr.'s wouldn't give me bad news- they tell me to take this pill or that... I listened... Well after going through the immersion program with Dr. Fuhrman (Eat to live) I decided to follow his recomm…

Hello Girls, Haven't heard from u guys. I am patiently waiting for the updates....good, bad, and ugly. Hope yall are recovering well. Melissa

Well my per op diet starts in 7 days I went to get tons of stuff and now my bf is kinda pissy at me for spending so much did anyone else have that

Hi. I was banded on 17 May 11. Prior to starting the preop diet 5 May 11, my weight was 340 pounds. Today 20 May 11 my weight is 312 pounds. I have had very little physical pain from the procedure. It is only painful when I change positions from sitting to standing to laying down. I had no gas pains post op. The only time it was painful was when my darling bride hit me in the stomach without thinking. That was tough but I managed to survive. I am having no problems with the post op diet. No hunger pains, headaches or the like. We shall see what develops.

Hi all, It's day 4 of me and the sleeve. Overall I feel pretty good. I'm getting my liquids in ( I keep a log on my kitchen counter to track them) Te pain medication is working well and I have brief periods of energy where I feel pretty darn perky. I'm walking around slowly but well and I can even pick stuff up off the floor. I have a set back with loose stools and gas though. It started yesterday afternoon, about 3 hours after my first Protein drink, which I mixed with 4 oz. of fat free milk. It was my first "movement' since surgery, so I wasn't surprised it was runny. However, I went a couple more times last night. So this morning, I tried 1/4 c. fat-free greek y…

Hello Everyone, I had my sleeve surgery 4 weeks ago and now with summer approaching, I am craving all the fresh fruits. How long did you wait to eat fresh fruit? I know we have to watch eating things with seeds. Happy Friday Eve.

Just thought I would post a quick update that all is good and am so glad to be home. I didn't get much rest at the hospital and am hoping to sleep (and walk and sip!) lots today and this weekend. I am having trouble, though, just getting the one ounce of liquid in at all. There sure doesn't feel like there is any room for this stuff to go. It feels very tight and restrictive. I guess that is a good thing, but it is hard getting the required liquids so I don't get dehydrated. Anyways...so glad to be on the loser's bench!! Looking forward to this journey and keeping my eye on the prize and to be a better steward of the body God has blessed me with. It is all going…

Hi all, I started Full liquids today. I was cleared for them yesterday evening, but I didn't feel like having them. Today I had 1/2 cup fat free milk with 1/2 scoop French vanilla Gold Standard whey Protein. About 3 hours later, I got really crampy then had a really runny pooh. I'm not sure if it was the milk, all the liquids with no solids, or just my bowels waking up post-surgery. I am going to try milk again tomorrow and see how I do. I have some Lactaid milk already purchased, but I hope that's not the issue because the Lactaid milk tastes too sweet to me. I also plan to try some thinned greek yogurt tomorrow. I've set the timer and watched the clock all day and …

I was banded on May 13th and am doing great. I almost feel like I didn't have surgery. My only issue is that I am 4 days into my full liquid diet and I am starving. I am having 4 protein drinks a day, yogurt, jello, and cream soup. I don't know if I can make the full 10 days. Any suggestions?

Hi, I hope I am doing this correctly!! I am in the process of going to all the appointments leading up to surgery. I have already been to the seminar, visited the "history taker", seen the nutritionist once, had an esophageal flouroscope test, lined up a sleep study and a psychologist visit and started jumping through the cardiology hoops, which include a nuclear stress test and several more appointments. Does this seem typical to you? I have also lost 9 pounds and all of this in the past month. I am surprised by how many visits and requirements there are. These are not necessarily mandated by my insurance, but seem to be part of the program at Oregon Health Science…

I have been tossing this idea around for 6 months or so. I had checked with my insurance and they did cover bariatric surgery so I went to a seminar tonight. I found out that with my insurance that they require you to have a BMI of at least 35(mine is 37) for the past 5 years. I have not checked with my previous dr. yet but I have been playing with numbers on a BMI calculator and I am doubting I have had a BMI of 35 for 5 years. I have been excited that I might have finally found the one thing that would actually work for me and now I think I may not get approved. Anyone ever had this experience and got approved? I go to my primary doctor tomorrow to get results on blood …

I had my lap band placed March 21st, 2011 in Tiauana, Mexico. I have had a good bit of nausea in the past couple of months so I don't eat very much. On one hand that is a good thing as I have lost 35 pounds in less than two months, but on the other hand it may be too fast since I don't feel good most of the time. I have been to my regular doctor and found out that I had a UTI (probably from not drinking enough water) but took anti biotics and resolved that issue and am trying to drink plenty of fluid but it is hard to fit it in between eating. This has been one of the hardest adjustments for me, that I can not drink water while I am eating. I eat small portions, small…

I'm just curious if there is anyone out there that received approval from your insurance (specifically Cigna) with a BMI under 40? I have a BMI of 36 and I'm nervous that I won't be approved even though Cigna states in my policy that is is possible to be approved if you are between 35-40 if you have at least one clinically significant comorbidity, which I only suffer from high cholesterol. I have been the same weight for almost 12 years now, exercise regularly and have been medically supervised for the past 2 years with no success! I'm super frustrated with my results and have found this to be my last resort and I'm super nervous that this will end with negative result…

My name is Laurie. My husband and I just had my appointment/information session on 9/9/08 with Dr. Quaid in Fort Collins. He and his staff were wonderful and informative. He actually set a date of Oct. 29 for the surgery, although I think I'm going to try to push it to the next week, purely for childcare reasons. My family is happy I'm going to do this. I've been thinking of it for several years but a death in the family + hypertension helped me finalize my decision. I can't say that I'm "excited" right now. I'm trying to get my mind around all the things I need to learn before the surgery so I can be successful. I think overwhelmed and apprehensive are better desc…

I'm very curious whether I'm the oldest bander out there !!! I hope to be banded in early August and I will be 67 Sept 1st. I kind of figure that this is my "last hurrah". If I don't do it now, it'll be too late. Is it too late already?? My BMI is 38, but I have diabetes (insulin), apnea, hi BP, cholesteral, etc, etc. I desperately want to be healthy, thin and off all of my meds. What do you think? Is anybody out there who banded close to my age?

I made the phone call yesterday. May not seem like a big deal, but it is. Several years ago, my doctor informed me that I was a prime candidate for the Lap Band. I still remember looking at him and saying, "Even with that, I have to change my eating and lifestyle, correct?" He said yes and I said, "Then why don't I just change my eating and lifestyle?!" He didn't mention it again. Oh how naïve I was! I had this chip and said I can do it when I am ready. Well, I have been ready, countless times.....and failed each time. My initial experience with anyone with Lap Band was not good. I knew of a few people that had it done and were having a difficult time. Tha…

Is it necessary to lose weight befor surgary? My doctor didn't tell me anything about that. I'm 95kg and 163 cm. I prefer to lose some weight befor surgery. I have decided to lose some but I can't control emotional eating. How and how much should I lose? Any advise?

I'm sitting here waiting to board my plane to SD. Excited and nervous. I am so ready to have the surgery begin me and begin the healing an new life.

EDIT: meant to say May 3rd not the 2nd lol I arrived at the hospital at 7:30 am and was promptly dressed in a gown. I was placed in a holding area where I was weighed (lost 5 more lbs) and received two shots of heparin in my belly. My surgery was scheduled for 9:45. A nurse came in to start my IV and since I haven't had any liquids to drink my normally absent veins were even more so. It took a local anesthetic, 2 nurses and 2 anesthesiologists to stick me 7 times to get a vein. by the time that was finished it was 9:30. My husband kissed me and went to the waiting room and an OR nurse came in. I actually went to high school with her so she offered to take herself …

My name is Carla and I was banded 7/3/10. I have lost 127lbs. I am now in the 150's and it seems to be a struggle everyday. I know where my comfort is and I now know how to play the "food game". I am sooooo glad the the carbs get stuck or I may actually gain back every ounce that I have lost. I tried to sneak a doughnut hole tonight and I have paid for it in the bathroom for the last 2 hours. The thing about Lap Band is that no 2 people are alike. Some may not have a problem eating potatoes while with me.... They get stuck everytime. This is honestly the best decision that I have ever made but it will always be a struggle. Food has controlled my life for so long…

Hi all me again, Did anyone else have back pains after surgery ? I find if I stay on my feet for awhile like 20 min. my back starts throbbing terribly . I know that being a big girl can cause it but dang I didn't have this before.

Hi All, I will be having surgery May 25th. My approval went by easily and quickly. The clinic didn't expect it to be so easy and they have drug their feet waiting for approval. I had faith that my ins would follow their policies and it would be quick. So here I am and don't know what time of day my surgery will be and feeling somewhat unprepared. I see the doctor for the pre op tomorrow and hope that will help. My husband has to work while I am in surgery. A friend will pick me up. What do you all think about that? I've never had surgery pretty much alone, but I don't have other options. Looking forward to getting this over with and moving on to the next chapter.

Hi everyone my name is Christine Black and I live in Illinois. I am a little farther then some of you are. I am finishing up my 3 month diet exercise program with my Dr. Tommorrow I have my second and hopefully last appointment with the phycologist. I also have my last appt pre-surgery with my nutritionist on Tues. So hopefully my file will be submitted to my insurance the first week in June... Anyway I am so ready for this journey. My husband and I have been talking about this for about a year. I have a wonderful family and my husband loves me just the way I am. The problem is I don't like me so much and I have 2 boys to take care of.. My oldest son is severely …

So after researching sleeve surgery and just assuming that I didn't qualify through Kaiser because I'm a 36 BMI, I had planned on self paying and being poor. I went to my doctor today, and the bad news is I actually have high blood pressure, so she (doc) prescribed a Water pill for me. I asked her about weight loss surgery and she was all for it! She began telling me about some of her other patients who have had it with much success and no complications. She signed me up for the orientation class on May 24th and then will refer me to the surgeon. Wow, and all I had to do is ask! Woo hoo! I'm really happy!

I was sleeved on 2/8/11. I went through the clear/liquid/mushies/soft food faster than recommended, but my body seemed OK with it. At 3 and 1/2 months I now eat anything I want and feel great. I have lost over 60 lbs and am losing about 2 lbs a week. I am off bariatric Vitamins, my doctor said see you in 4 months, and told me to keep exercising. I eat anything and everything, but not very much of it. It took me a while to learn when I had enough. The trick is to stop one bite sooner than you think you should. I feel great, my knees and feet don't hurt, my BP is down, I haven't had a gout attack in 3 months, and I sleep great. Yesterday I had Muscle Milk Lite and a…

Hi all! I'm Maddy Osborne, and today is the first day of a new me. I've made an appointment to start my 6 month mandatory diet and exercise program before I can have a Lap Band, and am starting all the reading and research that I will need to do before I have the surgery. I am SO hopeful about this. I've been in denial for too many years, yo-yo dieting, and have now reached the age and stage where I have to admit my weight is totally out of control, and is starting to affect my way of Life. It's a bit scary and overwhelming, but these forums are very encouraging and supportive, so I've joined to help shore up my resolve. I weigh 265 pounds today, and hope to eventually…

Hi all, I started Clear liquids at 11 today. 1 oz every 15 minutes. I have bit felt sick and I have enjoyed most "sips". I'm on my way home from the hospital now. Looking forward to my bed, TV, and a Popsicle!!