Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello! I was banded on April 15th in Tijuana....so tomorrow will be 1 week after surgery! I had a hernia repair and some other revisons done when they placed the band...so I feel like I am more pain then normal. The area around my incisions is still pretty sore, especially the incision where my port is. I am SO sick of liquids. yesterday I decided to try egg salad, I ate about 6 spoon fulls and was stuffed. I didn't have any problems with it going down. Is this normal? I still feel like I am SO full of gas, like my stomach is SO bloated...is this normal too? I have SO many questions! I am feeling pretty good....but still not as much energy as I had before. I am tired and …

Well I am here to introduce myself, I am scheduled for my band on May 12th 2011 I am so excited, that is 3 weeks. Also I have to be on a liquid diet for those 3 weeks. That is the hardest part. I wish he would be ok with 4 shakes a day and 1 lean meal. He is the doctor after all right so 5 shakes a day for the next 3 weeks. Currently I am on day 4, Wish me luck!

I am getting super excited for my band date! Struggling a little with the clear liquid diet, but I know many other people have made it through! Does anyone have tips on dealing with the days before surgery???

Hi all, Just got my date of 4/9. I've been going through the process for quite a while and it feels good to have everything taken care of. My doc wants me to go on 2 weeks of liquid before the surgery, so I'm trying not to get carried away with eating these next few weeks. I've been reading this forum for 4 or 5 months now and it has been very reassuring to hear from people who have gone through the same process. I'm sure as I get closer I'll be bombarding the boards with questions!

I was banded 4/20/11. I have been feeling soooo hungry or maybe it is just gas!! I am not quite sure. That is getting better but today I feel a little nauseus and the thought of having one more Chrystal Lite or protein shake really makes me feel sick!! I have been having chicken broth but that is also getting old. Does anyone have any suggestions about something else I can drink that is NOT sweet.

Hello, My name is Rosemarie. You may call me Rose if you like. I am just about to go for my pre op visit and get a date for my Realize Lap Band. I live in PA., and will have my surgery will be done by Dr. James Ku at Reading Hospital. I am getting a little scared which I am sure is normal. Not so much for the surgery as I have had surgeries before but for the life change that this will be. I thought it would be great to have people who have had it done and/or who are pre op so we can go through this together. This is why I am here. I just turned 52 years old and weigh about 321 lbs with enough chronic illnesses and food addiction that I just had to do this after many time…

iam 55and 5"2 and 242 start weight have lost 10lb on liquid diet surgery set for 4/25/11 at forest park medical center in dallas tx any addvise well help please and thank you

Its been almost 5 weeks and I've already lost over 30 Ibs. It doesn't seem like much but the pictures certainly make a difference. Enjoy!

I am a 65 year old grandma who has taught cake decorating for 28 years! After getting 2 new knees and trying unsuccessfully to lose on my own for many years, My friend got me interested in having the vertical sleeve surgery and I can hardly wait. I want to be healthy, keep these knees and not have them redone, and get healthy so I can enjoy traveling with my husband of 40 years. The is probably the easiest surgery I have ever undergone but there isn't a support system in my town and everyone needs that, I understand. I can use all the tips I can get!!! My doctor is a fellowship trained Dr. so I trust I will do well. I've been through every test imaginable in the pa…

Well, I turned in my paperwork to the surgeon's office yesterday, which is a tiny babystep on my WLS journey. Then, last night over dinner, i brought up the topic again to my always skeptical husband, and again got the "why can't you just save us $12,000 and do this on your own? $12,000 is such a lot of money, thats like what a car is worth" wow, anybody want to guess that he doesn't have a weight problem? Of course he doesn't. This is so frusterating. Roadblocks: 1) skeptical husband 2) big ole $12,000 bill. Yes, I can get financing, already qualified in fact, however we'll get to tack on a $350 a month bill to our already stretched finances.3)don't really want to tell m…

I want to be able to shoot hoops with my 8yr old son. I just started my 6 month med supervised plan and plan on having lapband surgery october if this year. I've been thinking about it for several years and have finally made out to a consultation. I don't know why I didn't make it to all the others. I guess I was scared. Now I know 100% that this is something I want to do. I just told my mom and she asked me why I want to do this. I just tried to shoot hoops with my son and I lasted about 5 minutes. Im no basketball player, but still. And he's my step son so I haven't even raised a baby yet. But I want to be able to play basketball with my 8 yr old son; I wan…

Is been 5 days since my sleeve surgery and I am having problem with the broth. Some taste really bad and some have too much salt. I try a sip of a protein shake and it taste really bad I could not go thru with it. I need some suggestions as I am getting depress. any help i will be very thankfull, I am starting to second quess myself about the surgery.

I was sleeved on Dec 14th 2011 which makes me 4 months post VSG. I have lost 65 pounds! I eat basically anything I want, but only a very small amount. I don't eat fried foods. The reason is because the grease will make me vomit. I had 2 fried shrimp and they came up. I loved fried foods before surgery, but I don't miss them anymore. My Aunt is over a year & 1/2 out of VSG & enjoys her 4 fried shrimp on occasion. My tipical day is as follows: Breakfast- protein shake EAS from Walmart pre made boxes are the best! Snack- almonds (about 5-6). lunch- chicken salad scoop. snack- yogurt or cheese. dinner- small amount of what I cooked for my family. sweet …

Hello my name is Mitika and I'm schedulede for lapband surgery on Tuesday the 26th of April..... IM SOOOO NERVOUS, mainly of the thought of being put to sleep.....

So, I've been playing phone tag with the Bariatric office AND my primary doc's office, trying to get the right info faxed to where it needed to be..... I finally got my medical records to the right place and I got my appointment to meet my surgeon on May 9th! Hubby's taking the day off and going with me. I'll get all the info I'll need and I'll get my surgery date! I'm so excited!!! (did I say that already?) OMG... let the countdown begin! LOL 18 days and counting!!! That's all for now! Not a major milestone or anything, but it's a first step!! Wendy

I have to be on a 10 day diet before surgery. I am drinking two Pure Protein Powder Vanilla Shakes a day. I mix it with 12 oz of 1% milk. (Breakfast and Dinner) I then drink 4 oz of 100% Apple Juice. Mid-morning I drink 20 oz of water. At lunch, I have 1/2 cup of broth and 16oz of water. Midafternoon I have a special K protein water with Fiber, I mix the packet with 20 oz of water. For dinner a protein shake and a popsicle. I tried to eat the yogurt and cottage cheese but it does not seem to satisfy me as much as the drinking. I taking two Flintstones vitamins in the morning. I feel great and have energy! Now to my downfall, Easter dinner. I think that …

Hello I was sleeved on 4-18-11 and already getting shakey sometimes i wonder why i did this i want to be able to eat like everyone else......I did this for myself and kids and wife, but man i feel impatient i want to go get a burger,...I get hunger pains, and can't find anything fullfilling, dietician said to start shakes, but nothing is helping me can anyone give me ideas as to what i can try? or do? I get angry at my situation and find myself taking it out on my family. I have to be on a clear diet and already tired of broth........dietician said to try creamy soup any ideas?

Hi Everyone, It''s takin alittle over a year.....but today was my last 3 appointmtents and my Lapband surgery is scheduled for May 11th! I start my Pre-Op diet on April 28. Excited, nervious, anxious and all the other emotions are hitting me now. I'm looking forward to a new journey, new friends, new lifestyle! Thanks Evan

Sorry! I put my topic on the wrong thread!! I moved it to Post-Op, where I intended it to be. I did not know how to delete it from here!

Hi Everyone! I am new here and very inspired by all your posts! However, I am very scared as I am sure most of you were. I am especially afraid I am going to be able to feel the band at any given time after surgery. I understand I will feel it when food goes down but if I am just sitting and watching tv, working or driving, I don't want to be aware of it. Can any post op patients fill me in about this? I asked during my pre op session at the surgeon and the nurse and doctor differed in what they said. Thanks so much!

So Here I am 6months post op and I go for my monthly refill of prilosec and the pharmacey says it is 2 early 2 fill my perscription again, which puts me in a panic cause no prilosec I dont get 2 eat, and the other is I have 2 deal with my surgeon. he has my perscription saying only need the prilosec 2 times a day at breakfast and before bed which isnt true, have told hime several times take it 3-5 times a day depending on the severity of the heartburn and still he fails to switch it! well 2day he calls me and says I shouldnt be taking more than 2 capsules a day and if I have heartburn in between 2 take tums or malox which neither will work for me for 2 reasons 1, bei…

its been a hard ordeal im on the carb diet and omg it is hard but i feel i i can stick to this ill be ok after surgry so that makes me feel so great. i have 4 more to go and im so anxious to call them when im done. i was scared for awhile but i do feel its time to do it now im ready even if my brain isnt. i thnk i have more issues on losing and havin guys attracted to me cuz its been so long. and i was in a bad relasionship 10 yrs ago and just coulnt move on so thats what i think really scares me ima have guys lined up. i m just tried of beenig so over weight i dnt even understand how i let it get so out of control. i just needed too express that and what im felling. so i…

I'm so excited I looked down and noticed my legs were crossed without discomfort. It has been a long time since I have been able to do this. I'm so excited to what's to come. Almost in wonderland....

I had the VGS procedure on 3-16-11. I still have the JP drain that is VERY annoying and some left sided shoulder pain that comes & goes. I'm still trying to decide if I like what I've done to myself, speaking only of the short term discomfort not what I expect long term. I've lost roughly 10 pounds and am satisified with the liquid protein things I am able to 'eat', only today have I felt hungry and that was quickly calmed with a 4oz protein drink. I think I am starting to mourn food or at least being able to have it. I cook for my family in the evenings and even though I don't desire to take a bite, I miss being able to do so. I was prepared for changes going i…

Hello All. Just wanted to say a quick introduction. My name is Holly, I'm from WNY. I'm strongly considering LapBand. I have about 150 lbs to lose. Im very early in the process, but hope to get to know a lot of you! Best Wishes.

sleeve-not what I expected. Maybe I should have had the DS or the RNY-I'm really disappointed.. Surgery date 2-15-11, I lost 25 lbs. and then nothing for 2 weeks. Restriction feeling varies-it works better in day time- very little restriction at end of the day---is this strange? Any comments?

Just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone, I'm a newbie, and not really good at the small talk. So the intro said I should tell you more about myself. I am 35 yrs old, 5"2 and 251lbs, the heaviest I have ever been. I have been battling my weight since I was 13, when I really "blossomed". I have 5 children, and progressively gained with each baby, and never lost the weight, and put more on after. But now I have high blood pressure for the last 8 yrs, and high cholesterol, diabetes, joint issues, etc., and I feel bad about not being able to be the mother I want to be with my kids. I can't play with them at the park, or go on bike rides with them, stuff like that. Due to my blood…

So, I went for my check up with my surgeon... nervous as hell and dreading a 'telling off' due to the lack of movement on the scales. I was pleasantly surprised that when he weight be I was less there than at home... I am talking 6.30pm and fully dressed - with shoes...lol - compared to early morning in just undies!! By his reckoning I have lost 61lb (4 stone 5lb or 26kg)! He said that I had lost over 50% of my excess and that he was really pleased with me, he even commented that I looked good but my trousers were too baggy!!!! PHEW!! To say that I was relieved is an understatement! He wants me to lose 6stone in total which is about 84lb. That is lower than my ow…

I had my Lap-Band surgery March 26, 2010. I didnt have any problems and everytime I went for a fill I was glad to get it I actually wanted it tighter because I felt like I could still eat alot. well, well, well, a year later I cant keep ANYTHING DOWN!!! Everything I eat and drink (including water) I throw back up!! I havent told my doctor..... why??? because Im finally losing the weight. I cant eat late at night because when I lay down it feels like I need to burp or spit-up. I havent lost very much within the year Im just now showing progress. HAve anybody else have or had these problems??

this is my first time having the gastric banding im having the procedure done this summer and was wondering is there anyone from omaha nebraska or surrounding city who can be my support/buddy on this journey im 28 and been overweight all my life. jus need more encouraging people around me so i wont fail thanks.

This is my first post here but I've been 'lurking' in the the shadows reading posts like mad. I've been considering various surgeries for weightloss for a number of months and finally decided to go with the lap band. I was fortunate enough that my husband's insurance would cover the surgery if I went through a series of Nutritional consultations etc. I was lucky that my Doctor's office was very familiar with my insurance (Aetna) and I got my approval code a couple of days ago (WOOT!!). My surgery is scheduled for May 24th.......so get ready for the bazillion questions! Carol

Hi everyone! I have my surgery scheduled for 5/17. I am so excited, but a little nervous. Thank you to everyone who has posted stories about their gastric banding journey.

Hello All! My name is Ivy. I'm a 35 year old Brooklynite and I have recently decided to finally take the plunge and get the Lap-Band. I have, as I'm sure many others have, struggled with my weight for the better part of my life. I have yo-yo'd up and down and progressively up since the 6th grade and now is the time to finally get this under control. I am just plain tired of it all and ready to move to a new place in my life. This is about me taking care of me and nothing else. I want to be happier, healthier, and friggin smaller already! I have failed at weight watchers (I like to call it falling off the WeWa Wagon), I have unsuccessfully taken dietary suppleme…

So tomorrow is my surgery date and I'm more excited than nervous. I've been on a liquid diet for a week now and that was tough but I'm so ready to turn my life around especially before going off the college. I'm so thankful to have my family's support. I'm mostly nervous about the surgery because I've never been in this situation before. The hardest thing for me however has been having no one to really talk to except my family. Considering I'm still in high school a lot of kids aren't aware of surgery at this age and my closest friends have never had an issue with weight and the effects it has on health neither but they're all supportive and I hope I can really change my …

Starting to get a little nervous. People have been trying to talk me out of doing it for the last week, including wife. One question I have is in regard to the "pre-op diet" people are talking about. I was not given one. You guys know pros and cons?

Hi there. I am new and reporting for duty ........ not banded yet. Thinking about using Dr. King from Oxford, Mississippi. Anyone use him?

Hey everyone! My name is Ashleigh and I am due to be banded on May 12th! I am excited, nervous, scared, and ready; ready to change my life. I have been checking out some of the posts which eventually led me to the decision to even get the LapBand. I am looking forward to getting all kinds of advice while offering my own whenever I can. I can't think of a better support system. My family is very supportive, but lets face it, no one will know what we are truly going through. I will be sure to post in the future and respond to as many people as I can once I myself am banded and actually have some experience. Please let me know if any of you have a blog. I would love to follo…

Hello: My name is Elizabeth (Liz) and I have been researching Lap-Band for about a year now. I have been overweight since 2001, roughly. My height is 5'4" and weight is 227-232. BMI of 39. I was up to 240 this winter and lost 12 lbs! I have high cholesterol and had gestational diabetes. I am scheduled for a seminar on May 19th. I will be self-pay as I am sure insurance won't pay. Question: How long after the seminar does it take to get surgery scheduled? Did anyone else feel like a failure because they had reached this point in their life? Thank you, Liz

Just got my surgery date last week for 5/2/11. They short-scheduled it for me because I have a week then with no work obligations. The surgeon's office just submitted the paperwork to my insurance company last Friday, but I got the call today (4/20) that I have been approved. It seems very much more real now, as there are no obstacles left. I have been in the program since last September, and it seemed to take forever, but now it is full speed ahead. Woo hoo!

I HAVE HAD PLENTY OF FILLS BUT THIS LAST FILL HURTED SOOOO BAD. NOW IM AFRAID TO GET ANY OTHER FILLS IF NEEDED. MY DOCTOR SAID AS I LOSE WEIGHT THE PORT MAY MOVE AROUND, BUT HE HAD TO KEEP POKING ME AND POKING ME I HATED IT!

Hi all, I'm new here, but have found all of your experiences and information on this discussion board very helpful as I consider this procedure. I am 29 years old and 5'2" with a BMI of 42 right now. In all honesty, I think I suffer from a delusion that I am a thin, active person, when I am actually the complete opposite. I love to cook and eat healthy and I really enjoy being active. I've run several 5ks in the past and love walking, yoga, playing softball and other team sports. But yet, here I am, still at almost 230 pounds. It's not until I see myself in photos or my clothes don't fit right that I realize how big I've become. I've struggled with my weight all my l…

This is my third week post-op and i felt better last week than this week. Feeling discouraged and blue. Is this normal?

I am happy to say that I'm finely sleeved!!!! I feel a lot better then I thought I would. In fact the only real complaint I have is being tired and still a little sore but that's not bad considering I'm only 10 days post-surgery. I was Sleeved Dr. Alvarez on 4/9/11 and I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with my choice of surgeons. He was better then everyone described. His bedside manner is unbelievable. He is so kind and caring..... and ladies I have to say it, he is smokin HOT! After surgery I woke up in my room (in NO pain), with him there holding my hand and telling me how well my surgery went. Then IT happened..... that filter between my head and mouth stop…

Well Hello, I am losin and lovin and that is what I am doing. I ma going to be 52 next month. So far I have gone from a size 28 to a 16/18. I recently had a set back because of stress from a divorce. I am back on track and ready to move forward. I would like to be further along my but surgeon says life happens and when it does it takes a toll on every part of your bodies including our band. IT DID!!! I have been banded for coming up to 2 years. My wonderful surgeon was (and is) Richard Collier in Conroe Texas. I would highly recommend him. If you are not in that area and are looking for a surgeon I can recommend going to local hospitals and ask around to see who has t…

My name is Elandis and I am a 31 yr old single mom of a 3 year old and 19 month old. I was banded 3/29 at a weight of 334 and when i went for my 1 week visit i was at 319. I am currently on the soft stage but Ive gained 3 pounds back. I really dont know why. Im wondering is it because my primary took me off of the HCTZ or what? I go to the gym every single day and work out 30-45 minutes. I eat yougurt for breakfast, v8 about 9, then for lunch i eat mash potatoes or a soup, then drink a crystal lite about 1:30. Then once I get home I will eat a small bowl of chicken salad and maybe 2 or 3 crackers OR a small salad a pice of lean ham or chicken. Then my snack is a sugar fre…

I just joined today. i was actually surfing to see if there was a dating site for lap banders lol. April 27th will be my one year anniversary. Had a fill last night. 149 pounds already!

Hello everyone: I'm excited about this website and my decision to have lapband surgery. I am scheduled for surgery on 04 MAY. I started the pre-op diet last week - 1 Protein Shake + 2 meals and 1 snack. This week I'm doing 2 Protein Shakes + 1 meal and 1 snack. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions along the way. Btw,Thanks for sharing your journey....many of the posts here have helped me to arrive at my decision. I really hope and pray that I lose at least 20 pounds pre-op so I'm adding exercise to the mix (trying to get my head in the right place. Best wishes for all of you on a successful journey.

After a year long discussion with myself, I decided to go ahead and have Lap-band surgery. My doctor was Dr Hamdi in Middletown, NY; everything that he and his people did was to support my decision and to help solidify what I had to do once that decision was made. I couldn't have asked for a better support team. I had my surgery in November of 2010, just before Thanksgiving. That was a tough one to sweat out, I couldn't enjoy any of the Thanksgiving Day meal because I had my surgery and was on the liquid only diet. Needless to say, I made it through and have lost 33 lbs so far.

Hi! Im hoping to be banded this summer, Im very excited hope my insurance will cover it im at the very beginning of the process.

Hello, all! I had surgery almost two weeks ago, and wanted to take a minute to post. I was frightened, but everything went SO well. My surgeon (Ramsey Dalall in Philadelphia, PA) was amazing, and the entire process was streamlined and professional, without being impersonal. I hope you have all had this success with your own surgeries! So... I have lost 29 pounds to date. I know that's a great weight loss but I am SO eager to lose more. My main problem is drinking the Protein shakes - they absolutely make me gag. Does anyone have suggestions for the best tasting shakes? I have tried the MyoLite and the Atkins RTD shakes. Neither was palatable... Thanks, and…