Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey Everyone! Let me start by saying thank you so much for all your support and advise. I don't think I could have fed my OCD demon if it weren't for this site!! Tomorrow morning is my time! I can't wait for it to be here and done and so I can be on the road to recovery and a new, not pill free, but less pill life. This is going to change everything I have been fighting my entire life and I am so excited. So to start my journey out right you need the right tools: Vitamins ... check Pain meds ... check Other meds for those other nasty thing that "might" happen ... check Protein drinks ... check French Manicure ... check Pedicure ... check Support of family …

My name is Tammy and I am 35 yrs old. I am happly married with 3 wonderful kids. I got the lapband surgery on Feb. 7, 2011 and have a hard time feeling full. The dr. tell me that it is normal until the 2 or 3rd fill but I am also not losing any weight now. I have always been overweight since I can remember and when I started the weight loss program I weighed 275 at August 19, 2010. I am now down to 202 and feeling great for the most part. I am looking for recipes to try out that may help me and help the family too. I would like a great support group with people who are trying to lose weight also. I am also located on Facebook too. I work at McDonalds right now but hoping …

So, I just had my surgery on Friday, April 22, and my post op journey has not been all that good. Right when I got out of surgery, I was in SO MUCH PAIN! This was my first major surgery, so I didn't really know what to expect. I woke up with so much pain in my back from gas! This pain was so unbearable, I was wishing I would have never done this. Also, I started waking up earlier than they thought I would during surgery while they were taking the tube out of my throat and began coughing terribly. So for the first couple of days I was coughing up blood. The positive thing at this time is that I have already lost 5 lbs and hope to continue losing. I have really been trying …

the story... i go to see a per diem dr because i'm out sick and need an off work order. i ask about the lap band. she says "oh you don't need to see your dr just email and ask for a referral" i do that and they send me a response that says "a referral for bariatic surgery has been sent" what does that mean? what do i do know? am i supposed to get something in the mail or what? i have no idea what to do because OBVIOUSLY i've never had the this procedure before. can anyone help? how do i get started? tplease! thank you

Hello everyone, I was lap band on March 21, 2011. I've had many ups and downs since then. At my two week check up with my surgeon, I had lost 13 lbs. That, coupled with the fact that I can wear more clothes from my wardrobe makes me happy. But, I am struggling with a few things and hoping someone could help me out. I noticed that I tend to get more upset at people or situations in my life. Normally, I would be annoyed, but I will shrug it off and get over it. Now, I dwell on it and become really upset. I am wondering if the sudden change in mood/ coping is because now I cannot be an emotional eater. Is there anyone out there that experienced something similar af…

Greetings everyone; Im sure you probably have heard this billion times, but I know I am at the right place and I need all the help and advise that I can get. I won't get offended so any and all comments are welcomed. First of, like to say hi to everyone and wanted to thank everyone in advance for all your help/advise. Here it is: I'm turning 26 years old next month. I am now considered obese. I am 5"3 and 248lbs. My depression and not caring for myself has brought me to this point. I am ready for a change. I want to go out and be able to go up to those beautiful ladies and ask them to dance and not be reminded in the back my head "no don't go because I am a …

Hi everyone I'm Heather, a 35 yr old mom of three boy's and wife to a wonderful man. I have a full time job and am definatly overweight. I went to a lap-band seminar on 4-18-11 and go for my 1st appt on wednesday I'm super excited, nervous, every emotion possible right now and just really hoping my insurance will cover the cost, since I am on medicaid they said it could take 3-6 month's to get approved so I have a bit of a wait ahead of me. I am currently weighing 335lbs and stand 5ft 1in (can't believe I just typed that) so I know my BMI is around 60 I would guess. Anyway wish me luck on my new venture and I look forward to meeting and getting to know you all.

Hi: I am wondering if lap band surgery recovery is similar in regards to having a C-Section? I am trying to get a gauge on whay the recovery period is like and what I will need for help afterwards. My husband travels quite extensively for work and is gone quite a bit. I can expect to have him for a weekend if I have my surgery on a Friday or Thursday. Then I am on my own with 3 kids ages: 10, 6, 3. I do have a babysitter and friend that can help a little. I have had c-sections and know what the recovery time is like with that and taking care of 3 kids (except no sleep with a newborn!). Thanks, lizmat

I am a 29 yr old women. i've been over weight now for over 10yrs.I feel i also have a eating disorder " overeating and binging" My surgery date is May 18th!!! Any advice would me great:... Thanks

After reading about lap band for at least 3 years, I finally took the necessary steps to take control of my life. I am so excited about finally being able to get healthy. My surgery is set for May 9th, Yay ! I'm going on Wednesday, April 27th for pre-op testing. Does anyone have any suggestions on things I should do to prepare myself for this next phase of my life? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Everything is in the details! I'm 5'5 and started at 248lbs, I am now 6 weeks out and down 38lbs! I feel wonderful! Just wondering if this trend will last? example of my day: Egg with slice of cheese 2oz of turkey with fat free ranch 3oz of chicken (or other meat) with tbs. of mashed potatos Water, juice, tea I don't weigh my food and I try not to over eat. Does this seam like an "okay" diet? Is the weight loss about average? Thanks for reading and responding!!!

What has changed in my life since I have lost 105 pounds? I was thinking as my husband and I are planning a trip to Europe in September 2011 how much my life has changed in the last 2 ½ years. 5 years ago I would not have considered going on this type of long vacation. If you are thinking about having Weight Loss Surgery, these things don’t even hit your radar screen right now, because I had NO clue that so many things would change in my life after losing weight. 1. I always liked myself; I just hated the body I was stuck in. WOW I had no idea how different I would feel about myself after my weight loss. 2. I know I walked with much more confidence …

So after 4 years oF wanting wls, and 2 yrs of active research. I have a date and I am trying to talk myself out of it. All morning I have been reminding myself of all the other things I "should do with this kinda money" feeding myself the "is this the beat use of it" question. Somewhere in there I know it is, I didn't expect to attack myself on this. Lol. Whew. I just need to hang in there and stay focused. Right? Pasquini.

Hi All, I've been scouring the Forum for the past 3 months...ever since I first stepped into the clinic to get some info. Long story short: I'm through my testing and filling out of countless forms and my surgery date is scheduled for end of June. While I was waiting on the insurance decision, this was a bit surreal: reading other people's stories, learning about the band, nutrition, constraints. Glad to say that nothing I've read so far has scared me enough to not continue Now that the surgery date is approaching, I'm starting to feel a bit antsy. Not about the surgery itself - I can handle scalpels, needles and doctors - but about life after the surgery. Food (or…

Hi everyone I was banded on Thursday!! The pain wasnt as bad as I thought it would be, I returned to work on Monday. The only disconfort that I have is this horriable growling in my stomach, that doesnt seem to go away with anything does anyone have any suggest on how to quite my stomach down?

I've been pondering at length how and when I would tell my story and I've come to the conclusion that now is the perfect time. And this is the how: These are the facts: Name: Heather Age: 24 Weight: 285 Height: 5' 7" Cast of characters: Mike (darling hubby), Hunter (darling 4 year old son), Tessa (darling 2 year old daughter) How the heck did I get here??! I was not a chubby child. I grew up moving from town to town all across Texas with my mother and sometimes my father and we were very active and unbeknown to me, poor. I think that lack of luxuries like TVs in our rooms and cable, fast food and other outside food sources is a good defense against becoming…

2 day post banding, feeling sore. Trying hard to get that 64 oz of liquid a day down. Lots of burping and gas. Started last year at 259.6. Pre banding 242.6 post banding 2 days 240. Very excited.

It's been one amazing roller coaster ride to this point. From the informational seminar to surgery in 7 weeks. Of course it only went this fast because I decided to pay for it myself. Through all of the doctor's visits (and there were plenty), the psych eval and preop preparation it just seemed to be something I was going to make happen "in the future". It reverberated in my mind like every other attempt I've made at "permanent" weight loss -- something that I was going to accomplish in the future. Funny thing though, no matter how hard I tried, how much I dieted, spent, read, exercised, ate (or didn't eat) the goal was never within my grasp. The stick seemed to get…

Hi! My name is Kim. I am a 30 something female with one adopted son and I am now a newlywed as of April 1. I have thought for some time about getting the Lap Band surgery as I have been overweight since I came out of my mothers womb, but wanted to give it one last ditch effort to "do it on my own." I did that and lost 100 pounds from 320 to 220... divorce and 3 years later Ive gained back about 40 of that and as I get older it sure seems more difficult to do this. The last year I have really considered having the surgery but it wasnt until I heard that Tricare Standard covers the cost, did I ever really think it could be a reality. SO as of this week I have decided to go …

I had my surgery done on Friday, April 22nd at Kaiser West Los Angeles by Dr. Benjamin Kim. So far I have had a wonderful exprience. The nurses and the baratric team was awesome. I got to come home on Saturday and I know I shouldn't have but I went to my son's All-Star basketball game. I'm not in too much pain, only when I move, if I'm still I'm okay. Have been able to keep all liquids and Jello down, no nausea or throwing up..TYJ. Trying to relax is really hard for me, but I'm trying. So far I'm glad I had it done. Down 4lbs. <a href="http://lilyslim.com/"><img src="http://swlf.lilyslim.com/TikiPic.php/T9ngZh7.jpg" width="100" height="80" border="0" a…

Hello all, I got through my surgery and 2 weeks of recovery just fine. I thought I would post a detailed description of how it went because I know how apprehensive I was about the whole thing, and I really wanted to know exactly what to expect. February 23 was the date of my surgery. I was having the gastric sleeve procedure, a hernia repair, and my gall bladder removed. I had these procedures done in Downers Grove, IL by Dr. Rosen. I had to arrive at the hospital at 5:00 am. They weighed me and put me in a room where I was asked to put on the hospital gown and get in the hospital bed. They then put an IV in my hand and put the compression stockings on…

My name is Callie and I'm new to LBT but on May 14th, I will be celebrating my 2nd surgerversary. My weight loss has been all over the board and my Doc says I've had more complications then most. My weight before surgery was 230#, my lowest weight was 143# (but I was very, very sick) I am currently at 184#. I have had to have the Fluid taken out of my band 3 times, the last time because I got the flu and threw up so much that I could stop. Even with all the problems I've had, I wouldn't trade my band for anything. I've learned so much about myself in the past two year. My weight isn't where I want it but I am so much healthier then I was two year ago. My cholestero…

Hi all! I am new here. Just found this site, and already it had been helpful. I have a question if anyone out there has an answer please share! I am currently waiting approval from TriCare Prime Remote. Is there anyone one out there with this ins. I would love to hear how your approval process went. I was told I did not need a referral, and so far so good. I have completed all the testing including psych and nutrition evals, and now I am just waiting. I was told it could take 3 months. I am 2 months into it and cannot wait until I hear news. Pretty much any information you have on tricare would be great! Thanks!

hi every one.. this is the second time Ive written this because my stupid internet crashed. If it double posts. im so sorry! ok.. im a 31 year old housewife in the kansas city area (KS side). I had the lap band on 4.20.11 ... lol *snickers at 420* I have TONS of questions that the dr and dietition have been no help with. First.. im lactose AND whey intollerant. The liquid diet the drs had me on has put me in AGONY... ive had UNBELIEVEABLE gas thats beyond painfull. What can I take for the gas? What kind of 'protine shake' works for people like me? im also vegitarian... (much to the snarling of the dietition) so yeah.. veg friendly please. Oh... and has any…

Damn I'm scared , I love to eat But the one thing I keep thinking is by next year when I wear shorts or skirts my thighs wont rub together. and maybe a bikini ? who knows right ? But seriously when I went in for the first meeting we were given a printed copy of what to expect and seems like all were supposed to go on this two week liquid diet with one meal for lunch and no coffee???? I am up at 2 am Im not going without coffee , cut the cream yes cut the caffine no. But seriously a print out for all that doesn't seem correct . I see alot of the low carb people on here I think I will give my nutritionist a call I went for my pre op dr apt and he said I can feel your…

I just went for a consult last week and now I am scheduling a surgery for May sometime. I have been thinking about thue surgery for a year. But now that I have started the process I feel rushed. Time is a little tight since this year my husband and I have a lot going on. Also, I have 2 people close to me that went through it and they have not been that positive about their experiences. I am really worried about the port flipping and the food getting 'hung' up. I go to dinner with one of the people who I know had it done and they throw up a lot. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

Hello everyone, I am so happy to have found this website!!!!! I finally got approval to attend the 12 week Options class for the Lap Band. I will be jumping on here regularly to follow everyone's journey as well as posting my progress. For now I'm just at the beginning.....scared but excited!!!! PK

I plan to schedule for a gastric sleeve procedure with Dr. Almanza in Mexico for July 25. I am very nervous and my husband is upset that I am going out of the U.S. to have the procedure done. The cost for the procedure is much less in Mexico and I will be paying for my daughters procedure also. I have read through some of the comments and have read good and bad about having surgery with Dr. Almanza. I would love to hear more comments concerning their experience with this surgeon and the anesthesiologist Dr. Hugo Lopez.

Hi everyone! I just got back from Tijuana after having surgery on April 17th with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. at INT hospital and I am sooo sore. The morning of surgery, I had a major meltdown leaving my kids (9 months and 7 years) and also changed my mind because of it. My husband talked me down from my insanity moment and let me know that everything was going to be okay with the kids and I would see them in no time. I then blubbered a little more and scrounged around the house for pictures to bring along so that they were always close to me. My mother-in-law took us to the airport and saying goodbye was the hardest thing ever....it just felt so permanent. Our flights were…

Well I did some research on the lap band surgery after accidentally posting on the main boards of www.obesityhelp.com. I was directed to look at the "revisions" boards- and it wasn't pretty. I've decided the RNY is what's best for me as a result. Thanks to everyone who answered my many questions and good luck to everyone. I'll be blogging about my experiences pre-op and post-op and would love to follow bloggers who are starting their wls journey as well! Happy Easter all! My blog http//starlitsummer.org

Well, I guess my story isn't much different than anyone else's. I have lurked here for a bit, everyones story is amazing, and inspiring. I have lost the same 50 or so pounds a dozen times. I considered this years ago but Bypass was not for me. I then considered the band, but insurance would not pay. So the waiting and dieting began. (with no long term success). I started researching again last year about the band when I came across info on the sleeve. I knew right then it was for me. I made the appointment with the surgeon, went, only to be told insurance didn't cover the sleeve, needless to say I left defeated. Our insurance changed in January, I made a phone…

Hello Guys, I had Surgery on April 4, 2011 and so far it's been a pretty good experience. Since I had been doing so well, I was told that I could go ahead and start eating this weekend. So far, so good. I have been terrified though, like I keep thinking maybe my tummy will burst or something. Since I've started eating I've actually lost 2lbs. I've increased my water intake tremendously and I haven't felt the sensation of feeling full (which is scary as well), I think I'm under eating but I'd rather do that than over eat so that's what I'm going to stick with and try to get in as much protein as possible. I never thought that veggies would taste so good, neither did I thi…

Hello fellow forummers!So here is some of my story........ I am one of 4 siblings.......whom are all 1/2 brothers and sisters, I might add. I'm not only the oldest but was forever the "Heavy" one in the family of beanstalks. My sister is 5'6" and has always been a svelte130 lbs. My mom is 5'8" and never saw above 130, even having 4 kids. My Stepdad is 6' and 175 lbs My two brothers are both well over 6' tall and about 180 lbs each. Me? Well, I'm 5'3" and struggled to stay at 130 through high school, with my parents always making nice little comments about anything I put in my mouth. My moms favorite thing to do was pinch my thigh and say, "You're gettin …

Hello, My PCP has strongly recommended that I have the Gastric Band procedure. I haven't made any doctors' appointments, but there are so many things going around in my head. So, I searched for a message board in the hopes that someone who has had the procedure might answer a few of my questions. 1) I've read something on the web about pre-op diet. What is it and how long before the procedure do you have to be on the diet? 2) Is the procedure done as an in-patient or an out-patient? 3) How long do you have to stay home from work? Are you in any pain the first week or so after the procedure? 4) I've read something on the web about the post-op diet (for a few …

I don't know if because it is Easter and there are eggs everywhere, but I am craving eggs!!! Mostly scrambled!! I was just banded on 4/20 so I know it is too early. I feel I am starving!! I wish they made a protein drink that tastes like scrambled eggs!! I am soooooo tired of sweet things. The only time my stomach does not feel like eating is when I am laying down. The minute I sit up I want to eat!! Anyway, just wanted to vent!! Thanks

Hi - My name is Amanda and I had my lap band surgery on 4/11/11. I was looking for a discussion forum where I can find support and answers to questions as I embark on this new lifestyle. I am hoping this is the place. I look forward to getting to know everyone and sharing my experiences as well as learning from everyone else.

My name is Jolaine and I just got banded on the 21st. Dr. Simon from Syracuse, NY is who did my band. I feel great except for being sore of course. Only problem is I found that I have a little bit of bleeding coming from one of my incisions. Itʻs not much so Iʻm not gonna get freaked out about it. Think I did a little too much walking but hey I needed to get my son his Easter things right. Iʻve noticed that a lot of you said that you donʻt start your soft diet for 7 days, on the instructions I got when I left the hospital I can start after 5 days. Having a hard time with the medication they gave me, I donʻt know what to dissolve it in because it taste nasty. Any s…

As you can see by the attached picture - I crossed the border in Onederland! I haven't been below 200 pounds since somewhere around 2004 / 2005. I track my "official" weight based on my doctor's scale, and the one shown is my scale at home - so I will get to Celebrate the my official border crossing in about another 10 pounds. But this one couldn't be sweeter. (pardon my lack of a pedicure - if I had known I would have been taking a picture of my toes this morning - they would have been spiffed up) Happy Easter to all my VSG friends.

Hi--I am brand new here and I apologize for being ignorant about the sleeve. I have been banded since 2008 with not much success. I saw my internist today and he said most people only lose on the average of 50lbs on the lapband, whereas the sleeve the average weight loss is 120lbs. He said it is also done laprscopically, like the lapband. So he highly recommends that I do it, because I am going no where on my band and my dieting is not working, and I need to lose over 100lbs, then I will be at my ideal body weight. He says that all the recent medical journals are now recommending the sleeve. My questions: 1. Is all this true? 2. Are there more than 1 type of sl…

Happy New Year!! Was just wondering if anyone is from NC? I have read several posts and have seen lost of places represented but nothing from NC. I'm just trying to find a doctor in my area that does the lap band procedure. I have an appointment scheduled for the information seminar with one suregery center in Greenville, but am curious if there are others? God bless!

Hi Friends, First of all, thank you all. I have not been a member, but have been reading your contributions for motivation and for relieving my post op anxiety too. You guys are excellent!!! I had my surgery on 16th Apr 2011. This means I'm completing almost a week post op!!! So far, the journey has many ups and downs. Initial 2 days in hospital were horrible. I had severe post op anxiety and was questioning myself constantly if I had done the right thing or not. But as the surgical pain subsided, I have started adjusting to the situation. It would take time, of course!! I have been on liquids and shall continue to be on them for another two weeks. I had severe…

Why is that some people feel so compelled to dish out advice in regards to weight loss- especially those who don't personally struggle with it themselves?? I am not hiding the fact that I intend to have lap-band surgery and overall people have been positive and supportive so I can't complain. But there are those few.... Today a woman next to me at my hairdressers mentioned her mother and sister had gastric bypass and I chirped up and informed them that I'm having lap-band as soon and as fast as these pre-op months will go...(the alternative would be for me to NOT mention this and basically lie to everyone when weight starts coming off and that won't work for me.) Anyw…

As some of you know I have been on my pre-op diet for 3 weeks now and I guess because I am so busy at work all the time I hadn't started thinking about this until this weekend and today. It's a little slow here at work today so while I sit here I just don't know what to do with myself. I used to go grab something to eat....Same thing as with home. I don't know why it didn't hit me before now, I am just sitting and thinking too much I guess. I didn't realize until now how often I would just eat cause I had nothing else better to do at the time. 2 more weeks of this, i just keep telling myself it is all worth it.

Hi! I am considering having the procedure done and wonder about those of you here who have had it done in Arkansas. I am attending a meeting on Tuesday eve and hope that they have all the information and that I can get this started. I have the patient packet and am filling out paperwork prior to going on Tuesday. I really am curious to know how long it took from process beginning to surgery date. So, anyone that knows a little about Little Rock doctors, I would love to hear some feedback. I have tried everything else and just feel like this is the one thing that will work. I have lost the weight before - it took working out 3 hours a day and I just don't have that k…

Hello All My name is Gina and I am from Arkansas. I would like to thank each and everyone of you for posting such good information. I have been reading for about 3 days now and I have found a lot of information. I am considering lap band surgery (heck i'm praying for lap band surgery) and reading all the posts here is a good place to start. I have so many question that have been answered but i still have others that I not sure about the answer. Do you have to see your own doctor first and then be referred or can you go to a a specialist first? or does that depends on insurance coverage? Thanks again for all the good information being offered here. Gina Banded in …

Hello to everyone. Married with a daughter. I'm a full time mother, wife, student, and part-time employment. I love my family and going to church. My journey started in March. I have to do a 6 month weight management with my doctor for insurance purposes. I started out set on the RNY. I have family members and friends who had RNY. I started my research and joined different forums that dealt with RNY. Even had a consultation with a surgeon's office ( would not have met him until right before the surgery :-(..) After a lot of prayer and more and more research, I decided to go with the sleeve. All of the vitamins you have to take with having the RNY and then the possib…

Tuesday i go for my pre op with the surgeon. Cant wait nervous but excited. So much more to learn before surgery.

I was sleeved by Dr. Aceves one week ago (4-14-11) and have had a very smooth post-op course...no pain (except CO2 residual for 3 days), no nausea, no diarrhea. My daughter was basically the same when she was sleeved last summer. I have been out running some errands that last 2 days, and have then rested well. However, this evening I went grocery shopping with her and walking the aisles looking at all the food made me nauseous. Not enough to hurl, but uncomfortable. I will be starting full liquids on Saturday and stocked up on a few things I can add to my intake. I really hope this doesn't continue very long because I love to cook and am looking forward to trying s…

Hi. I am a newly banded individual. My suregery was completed on 4/18/2011. I am a 28 yo married mother of 3. This has been a whirlwind journey for me and I am THRILLED to finally be here. I attended the seminar in December and had stopped the surgery process in feb restarted in March and had my surgery in April. Prior to the liquid diet i weighed 246 ( date of surgeon consult) and date of sugery I weighed 236. I am weighing in now at 224. My goal weight is 120. I hope to succeed. I look forward to getting to know all of you. I live in Louisville KY if anyone is interested in a buddy. And my Name is Johnnelle. That may be helpful

I've been slowly losing this war for a very long time. I would win a battle now and then, but each time, when I started to go "up" again, it would go just a little bit higher than the time before. But I could always count on being able to go back to my comfort zone......until last October! It had been a while since I had tried to put on my skates, but this time it was like squeezing my feet into a pair of skates that were 2 sizes too small! How (and when) did that happen? Of course I knew how and that it was it for me! I had often thought about WLS but never thought I was "that far gone." I had finally crossed the line! I started to research and it took me a fe…