Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I spoke to my doctors nurse on Friday asking for a date for my Sleeve and i was figuring it would be late november or after Christmas, She looked at my chart and said we can do it Nov 2nd, i was kinda freaked out inside of such a close date and said i would talk to my wife and call back a little later. My wife would be home in a few hours and im not a emotional eater i either dont eat enough and have one big meal at the end of the day and im not goo with portion size (half a chicken isnt a normal acceptable size) i relieze now..lol getting back to my story i hang up the phone and go to the deli and buy lunchmeat and my favorite italian rolls fresh off the belt, i get …

I can't believe this day is around the corner already. I am super anxious and excited at the same time. I have to admit I have cheated my pre-op diet a couple of times but I have lost five pounds so far. Started my diet Last week Monday. Too bad I won't be able to have a nice dinner for my birthday on Thursday! But I guess that is part of the sacrifices we have to make to change the body we don't want to have. I don't know how much pain I will be in after the surgery and I am nervous about that. Did anyone struggle a lot with the pain?

Hello all I'm sure this has been covered but any thing anyone can mentioned that helped them is appreciated?

I am so conflicted and disappointed right now. I went to see my primary care doc today to discuss lap band. Things were going to great until he wanted to refer me to a surgeon. I had already picked out a surgeon based on 2 friends that have already been banded by this surgeon. They absolutely love him. So I tell my do who it is that I am planning to see. The conversation went completely down hill from there. He does not recommend my surgeon at all, he was very adamant about it, he said that he would feel very uncomfortable with me seeing this surgeon, he said he could not go into details but he has heard many horror stories about this surgeon. WTF? This surgeon is well…

Well, first off I am getting more and more comfortable with the reality of this. I still haven't brought myself to tell my mom. She has been on my case for 10 years to lose weight. I don't know how she will take it. I have a feeling she will be upset and then tell me to grow up, buck up, and do it myself. Blah, blah, blah. It is just who she is. Anywho-things I am scared of: 1. Dying from WLS 2. Being put under, deathly afraid of that. 3. Becoming an alcoholic afterwards or some other addict. 4. Telling people that I am doing this. 5. Acquiring a shopping addiction after I lose weight. 6. Excess skin, my mom had a tummy tuck and I don' want to go through…

Is there a registry of support groups somewhere? I would have to go to Phoenix of El Paso for my surgery and want to see if there are any in person support groups anywhere near me. Thank you for your help.

Good morning all ! Started my liquids this morning 4 am first protien shake mmmm hahaha find myself humming "let your new life begin" constantly sure by 12 pm I'll be hungry hahaha brought cucumber and bell pepper for snacking on just in case stocked up on Water yesterday seems crazy its 14 days from today , closer it gets the better i'm feeling . Hoping to loose even 10 lbs on this pre diet . Wish me luck Soon to be banded Georgia

I know this will have a large range, but I'm trying to get an idea of how much weight people lost about 7 weeks post op. I just completed my first week and I'm down about 9 pounds (yay!) I am a bridesmaid in a wedding on June 4th and I need to buy my dress... and I don't know what size I'll be!! On average, what was your weight loss? Did your feet change at all as you lost fluids and bloat? Below are my specs just in case anyone is similar in body to me: Start Weight: 222 PreOp Weigh: 213 Height: 5'4" Thanks for all your advice in advance!

I heard great thinks about Dr Madan and the Lapband procedure. I get the lapband on August 2010 and Dr Madan have been a excellence profecional in his field. I loss 80 pound already and I continue seeing Dr Madan every other month. The lapband is the greater think in my life. Thanks Dr Madan

Monday I called my doctor's office because instead of having constipation or something like that, I am having problems doing #1. I hydrate all day long with water may I add, and the response I got from my surgeon's office was to call my primary physician... No offense, but are you f****** kidding me??? Really? I was completely brushed off. SO, I do just that- I go to my primary physician, they run a urinary analysis and there's no urinary tract infection, nothing unusual except the fact that my urine is so concentrated with bilirubin and keytones (sorry if spelled wrong). I was then informed by my PP to call my surgeon's office and fax them the results. I don't even know …

So I made the decison last year, then changed jobs and insurance plans, same company, Aetna, then hated the new job worse than anything I have ever hated in my life! Then went back to my old company 5 months later and switched back to the old insurance in January which didnt take effect until March 1st. Ok, so at this point I thought I was going to have to jump through all the hoops and climb over all the walls all over again, then at the beginning of April my Dr.'s office called and said I was approved, that same day I got the letter from my insurance company and was floored. No, I mean litterally, if the bench wasn't right next to me outside I would have hit the floor. …

I'm done being the "extra fluffy, slightly big boned, extra thick, juicy gal I've been. Here is to the thin me who has always lived inside and who is getting rid of the fat girl suit once and for all. Long gone will be the days of someone asking me when my due date is and me smiling and saying "I'm not pregnant just fat. Then helping them through that awkward moment afterward.....I'm looking forward to using ALL of my walk in closet and not just the tiny section that holds the clothes that does fit! Looking forward to being in front of the camera and not behind it all the time or shielding behind my children to hide myself on the rare occasion there is a snap shot of me. …

Greetings Everyone, Im at my wits end!!!! I feel horrible my nose keeps running and my head feels like it's about to explode. Im scared to take anything and my doctor's office is closed, any suggestions on what I can take that won't hurt me, Im 3 weeks post op?????please help

Hello, my name is Holly and today I got clearance from a psychologist for surgery! I spent almost 2 hours with the woman and she asked me all sorts of questions about the psychiatric issues I have and medications I take. At the end of the appointment she told me she had 2 recommendations for me. 1) see a therapist that works with women with eating disorders because I have one (OUCH!) and practice sipping my Water instead of gulping. The eating disorder kind of shook me up a bit. Nobody has ever told me that before. I tend to eat carbs to soothe myself when anxious or when I want to go to sleep. Apparently that's a disorder. She did clear me for surgery though. …

Hi everyone. I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Robin. I am from Wisconsin. I just got the lap band five days ago! My journey began about a year and a half ago- when I started the approval process. My surgery went well. I am tired and in pain, but not hungry! Anyway, feel free to ask me anything. I know I'll be asking a ton of questions too.

Hello everyone! I have been reading the VST boards for awhile now and decided to sign up and join the fun. My name is Leah and I live in the area of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am 21 years old and have been overweight/obese it seems like my whole life! My weight started going up probably when puberty around 11 years old. Throughout the years, I have tried many, many different things in an attempt to lose weight. I've tried Weight Watchers twice, a program for teens called M Power through the University of Michigan, Orlistat (yuck!), Phentermine twice, Adkins, and keeping a personal eating diary on my own. Although I have lost the same 30-60 pounds over and over again, I am…

I am going here to have my lap band done and was referred (sp) by 1-800-get-thin of course its my insurance that is making me go there to have this done its ridiculous to me but I just read some terrible thing online that 2 people have died after having their bands from there . I am really troubled I've been through all the stuff to get this done and its my where my insurance will pay to have it done . do I refuse and not go through it or cross my fingers and hope for the best? I cannot wait another year my kids are waiting for me to play and jump and run and I am too. But secretly and now to you who have all been here or are here or going to be here I am frightned and ex…

Hi everyone. I am so excited to find this site. I have decided to have the lap band surgery and am doing lots of research to make sure it is the best option for me. My 21 birthday is fast approaching and I want to be able to become healthier! I have always been over weight. I was diagnosed with insulin resistance when I was in the 6th grade. I was told that I inherited it from my family. When I was younger I tried numerous diets, but I never lost more than maybe 10-20 pounds. I was always discouraged by this and my self-esteem was always low. There isn't a time in my life that I don't remember being on some sort of diet or having doctors tell me I was too fat. Literall…

Hello Everyone! I have been lurking around here for a couple of weeks now and am now ready to join the ranks here I am in the beginning stages of this journey, currently in the 6 month dietary program required by insurance. One month down almost. Tomorrow I have my first consult with whom I hope will be my surgeon. I am feeling excited/nervous about it. Its' almost like being excited for the first day of school as a kid. I haven't felt like that in a loooong time. Two years ago I started researching the lapband. My weight at that time was 272 which is my current weight. I didn't have any co morbidities but did have a qualifying BMI. I went to a seminar …

Hi, my name is Susan. I am so glad to have found this website. I had already decided on the sleeve but was having second (third, fourth, etc) thoughts well into the insurance approval process. The support you provide is awesome. I know I have my the right decision now. My doctor's office and support group is a good hour away so I will definitely be looking to you all for support. My journey so far....I attended my first seminar on 01/19/2011. I had pulled an 18 hour day at work the day before and almost didn't go, but so glad I did. I was committed and decided to start "dieting and working out" as well. I had my first appointment with the dr. on 02/09 and the nu…

finally done all my insurance requirements as of yesterday..saw my nasty old primary doctor, and he gave me crap still, but i just kept telling myself this would be the last time i saw his rude self. so i brought that paper over to my surgeons office, and the patient coordinator said she was going to start working on the packet to send over to horizon. yayyyy i hope my insurance doesnt give me any problems. :-D

Hi all, I've been lurking for about a month. Thanks for all the great information. I originally thought I wanted a lap band, but after learning more here and other sites, I've got my eyes set on being a sleever. I'm a Kaiser patient and will be going through Kaiser Fremont. I met with my doctor last month to discuss getting the surgery. At that time, my BMI was 38. I have an appt. for the Kaiser Weight Overview Class on January 11 at Kaiser Santa Clara. This is not the orientation. My Dr. said everyone has to take the overview class first. My doctor scheduled a sleep apena testing for me, which I will do on Monday, Dec. 6. I am quite close to a 40 BMI now (5.5…

Hi all. I am 37, was banded by Mathew St. Laurent in Houston TX and am being followed by a wonderful Dr in College Station, Gerald Garwood. I couldn't ask for better. :scared2:

Hi everyone! My name is Tammy and I`m well on my way to the surgery, but I find myself second guessing my decision, afraid of what is to come, just wondering if this is normal for most or am i just being a chicken? I have anxiety issues already and this seems to be really trying for me........

So I go for my final weight in before surgery tomorrow and the past three days I have lost nothing on the liquid diet. I'm beyond frustrated. I lost 8 pounds in the first 7 days and have completley plateaued the past three days, I thought it may be because its that time of the month, but really?? I haven't cheated once!! Just hoping I can lose the extra few pounds I needed before my surgery on Tuesday May 3! Sorry I just needed to vent!!!

so as of yesterday i have gotten my plane tickets and all other arrangement..which means there is no turning back!!! not that i want to..lol

Tomorrow is the big day! The first day of the rest of my new life and I cannot wait. I lost 15 pounds during the pre op liquid diet and look forward to losing much much more. I am over being nervous and am excited to get this done already. In total, it was a 3 month process for me (quick!). Skinny jeans, here I come! Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers. I will keep the newbies updated on my progress!

I got a call this morning and learned my insurance was approved. WOOT! And they can schedule me for May 9 surgery. That's less than 2 WEEKS AWAY! OMG! And to top it off I don't have to do a yucky liquid pre-op diet (I get more specifics of what I do need to do next week). I just need to get my Iron supplements and I'll be good for Vitamins. I have to clean house (My mother is coming down for a few days to help). I have to stock up on supplies. Oh My Goodness! So much to do! Thanks to everyone who's been so supportive on this forum. I'm so excited! I can do this!

Hellooo Allllllll After thanking God for giving me the apportunity to get this surgery done... and also thank God for his mercy on me while i was getting sleeved and after =) i would like to tell you all my sleeve story or t least part of it... and please excuse my english.. ! i know no mater what i say would be an understatment to how great and awsome Dr. Kelly and Trish the angel are... i really cant say enough of how much care they took care of me and the two girls that were with me.. but i havent had the chnce to talk to them much so ill just talk about mysef and my experience...... my dad came with me and am trying to post something real fast cuz i have …

Woke up this morning at 5:20 am to tornado sirens. Lost power just before 6 am. The bad news this was just a first line, they expected the worst to hit later this afternoon. And sure enough, it got much worse. I live in Birmingham. Luckily for me I was 7 miles south of the Tornado that hit our city. The tornado started in Mississippi and had been on the ground for at least 2 hours, hitting Tuscaloosa then continuing to Birmingham Metro area. Many times they were tracking 7 to 8 tornados at the same time on the radar in our viewing area from late afternoon and on. So far the death toll is already at 50 for the state and expected to climb much higher. We had power restored …

Good Evening All, Well it is 7 days to I get sleeved. I had my Pre-Op class yesterday. I have some concerns but I am not overly worried about. Here are some key points I am not actually sure about. The first is the catheter, I hate hate and hate them. I understand why I need it but how do you get up and walk with them never done that before. The next thing is the nasograstric tube I have never had one before and I am totally worried about it. Here is the last thing the x-ray the next morning they give this barium and you have to drink 2 cups, how in the world do you do that when your stomach can only hold so much. So there you have my concerns; but other than…

Hi, I was banded on April 15th. I go to the dr. tomorrow for my 2 week post op apt. I am very anxious to see what all he has to say to help ease my mind on a few things. 1 is that I can not stand the Protein shakes at ALL!!! They make me so sick.. blah!! Is it ok to NOT drink these?? I have such a weak stomach to them! Also, my starting weight was 296 before my PRE-op diet,... lost 12lbs was down to 284 day of surgery. I am now at 274... but havent lost anything in the past couple of days! Its like I am at a hault!!! uhggg..! I am now on my mushie stage!! (Thank GOD) now I dont feel like I am starving myself.... I have sense of smells that I never thought I had.. hahaa.…

I was banded on 4/21/11 by Dr. Cribbins in Dallas, Tx. Arrived at 5:30 a.m. Went in for surgery at 7:00 a.m. and left for home at 10:45. Slept most of the day. The next day most of my pain was in my shoulder blades. I took the pain medication twice. The following day I was up with just some soreness. Went back to work on Monday. I did Clear liquids for three days and now I'm on Soups and yogurt. I"m concerned because I just don't feel anything. I expected to feel full or bloated if I ate more than 1/4th a cup, but I don't. I was wondering on liquids how fast does your pouch empty? Also, I'm only hungry in the evenings. Oh, I've tried 10 different …

I am new on here and so far I love it! Dr. Craig Chang performed my surgery in Victoria, Tx on 4/18/11. I am 9 days in and have lost almost 22 lbs.

Well just got approval from my Insurance and get banded on the 6th by Dr. Storey. This fluids thing aint all that great but hey what is 10 days of my life. Any suggestions? My BMI is in the 30's somewhere... Just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Hey just a lilttle about myself. I am a younger lap band patient i am 21 years old and just had lap band 2 days ago. I weighed 250 pounds going into surgery and my goal weight is 170. I joined to learn more about other people and their procedures.

Hello Everyone!! I was banded on 1-21-11 by Dr. Johnathan Reich, Southern Ocean County Hospital, Manahawkin, New Jersey. I have lost 42lbs and have had 2 fills (one being last week). So far I am very happy with my band. It is still trial and error but I am very pleased. The one thing I haven't started is exercising. I obviously need to but just don't know how to get there. I have had a very difficult month this month becasue my dad had passed away unexpectedly and the following week my dog needed some major surgery. I am on track with my eating and drinking now I need to exercise. Well I look forward to talking with all my fellow "Bandsters".

Well here I am. I have been over weight all my life. I am ready to be done with it. I have tried diets and other things only to fail a week later. I am terrified that I will not have the drive to do everything that is needed for this because I have failed before. What made everyone here decide to do it? Any advice?

Well, I told my mom I am meeting with a surgeon in May about WLS. She was pissed needless to say. She told me I am just lazy and taking the easy way out and that if I didn't have the financial ability to pay for it myself then I would have to do it the old fashioned way and diet and exercise. I told her that from what I have learned this is more difficult because you don't have a choice but to diet and exercise. My mother has been very negative toward me the last 10 years that I have been overweight. She constantly makes comments, calls me names, and embarasses me in front of others. The thing is if I get banded then she is going to make fun of me and embar…

I was wondering what the goal of the 6 month dr assisted diet is? If you lose weight are you no longer elegible for the band?

Can someone tell me how you get the tape measure thing on your profile. I wanted to start one seeing my surgery is so close. Can someone help me? Thanks!

Hi Everyone, I had a very important question to ask all of you out there. Since you have had the band, if you ever had to get it removed due to an issue, would you get the band again? Have you had enough success to get it a second time around? I ask this question because I had the band and it slipped and I had to have it removed in 2007. I have gained a lot of weight since then and I am now considering doing the sleeve gastrectomy surgery. I am a little nervous about removing 85% of my stomach. So, I was thinking of getting the band a second time around..but maybe the realize band this time. I know the band does work but you have to "work" it and I am prepared to…

Hi Everyone! My Name is Kristy and my surgery is scheduled for May 3, 2011. I'm very excited but also very nervous. I've been on the pre-op diet now for 8 days and I did really well my first 6 days, (losing 8 pounds) but the past two days I have stayed the same..so I'm getting alittle nervous that I won't hit the 15 pounds my surgeon requested that I lose. I have not cheated, but it is also almost that time of the month, so I'm hoping thats whats going on, but its just alittle frustrating. I'm am very excited about this new journey!! Thanks for reading!

I had sleve surgery last Thursday - it's has not been a bad experiece. However the proten shakes have been very diffcult to get "down". Does anybody have any suggestions or tip for me.

Hey! I'm danielle and I'm new to this site...I love seeing all the support so I joined! I am hoping to get my surgery early june. I am super excited, and kinda nervous! If any one has any advice please please feel free to share I am very interested to hear! Thanks!

My internist is strongly pushing the sleeve and I presently have a lapband in since 2008. But I am going no where, weightwise. I need to lose 100lbs still. My surgeon is concerned about putting in the sleeve for me because I have had a history of reflux with my band, and he says it would be worse with the sleeve. My family does not want me to have the surgery because I am over 60 years old. What should I do? Thanks! --Jim K

:blushing:Well first off, my name is Lynda. I'm just beginning my journey. I was banded on March 29th by Dr. L Tanaka in San Diegos Scirpps Mercy Hospital. I am coming up on my 1 mth but still not feeling too much restriction which I've read is pretty normal. I was feeling somewhat discouraged until I happen to come upon this site. I'm hoping to make some life changing choices and hoping for the support here.

Hello, I am a 38 year old, mother of two, married and overweight for the majority of my adult life. I have been struggling with diabetes due to my weight. I was diagnosed with diabetes by age 27 . My diabetes wasn't so bad in the beginning, but as each child was born I ended up taking more oral meds. to control it. I have been reading this forum for two years now. The first year just reading and learning about the process, this year learning about your experiences. Today, I just scheduled my surgery for May 27th. I plan on sitting by the pool all summer, sipping my Protein shakes and ice Water. I am so excited, and a bit nervous about the changes. But, I do feel …

My fiance and sister are the only ones who know that I am starting the process to get sleeved. I won't feel comfortable telling anyone else until I get insurance approval. I am actually a pretty private person and have been debating whether or not to tell co-workers and extended family members should I get a green light. At some point it becomes obvious that someone has had WLS. What do you guys think? How did you go about telling friends, family and co-workers? What part of the process did you do it? Did any of you choose not to tell those around you?

Anyone have any idea how long it take for Cigna to approve surgery? I have been thru the 6 month nutrution classes (last one next week), the cardiologist has cleared me, and the pysch consult. Only thing now is to wait for ok from insurance and then I can get a date. I'm very anxious!! I also need to give some notice at work for my time off.