Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I had my surgery last Wednesday at 7:30 AM. Pre op was nice, and relaxing. But unfortunately I woke up sooner than they wanted me to. Normally people wake up in recovery after they had a pain shot, but I woke up as soon as they took the anesthesia off me and before they could give me a pain shot. I remember hearing "uh, she's awake" I got pain shots every 5 minutes in recovery. I had a catheter in and oxygen on because I had really shallow breathing and fast heart rate due to the pain. I was only able to stand up for about a couple minutes that day, and I slept a lot. Pain wasn't so bad when I was sitting still. The next day I had the barium swallow, which tastes real…

Hi there everyone! My name is Billie Jo and I just registered to the site yesterday. I have to say that I have found many inspiring stories here and I joined because I believe this could truly be the only place I can go where everyone will understand just how incredible this journey really will be. Yes I will get thinner, healthier, but its about a lifestyle that will change everything about me. Mind, Body, and Soul. Nobody understands like those going through the same thing right? I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to say here so I guess I will just share my story... and my fears. I am 35 years old, 5'6" and 333lbs, the heaviest I have ever been. I have PCOS, and …

May 14th! I have gone from not know if I would ever be able to afford this, to a date in less that a month. I am going to Jerusalem clinica in TJ. I plan to begin a video blog this coming week. Pasquini

Well Im just starting the research for the 125th time. This time its all engines go. I'm looking for any and all recommendations ie Doctors, Facilities, Procedures,Insurance tips. I live in Boca and work In Hollywood. So I will be asking a million and one questions. Thank You In Advance.

So, Today is my first day back at work... alot of people are looking at me like hey I thought you had weightloss surgery??? It's very comical. I personally am enjoying the looks. I think it's funny that they thought I would loose like a billion pounds in a week and 4 days. I can't wait to go home either because the pain that I had avoided all this week has returned! Like sitting here at this desk is so painful, I can't wait to take my meds and sleep. Noon can't get here fast enough!!! How are you guys doing today? Feeling good? Candace P.S. I wanna go shopping....

Hi, Im Roberta and i'm new to this site! I was banded April 2009. My doctors name is Dr. Rosette at Mercy Hospital in chicago. I've lost a total of 52lbs. since I started my journey. Even though I'm not where I would like to be with my weight loss im happy with the results so far. So any special tips?

Hi I am scheduled to have my surgery in 2 weeks. I started a blog about my journey about a month ago. It still a work in progress, need to upload my before pic and measurements yet. If you want to follow or just look at it, here it is http://sdteagirl.webs.com Thanks for everyone's support!

Hello everyone, I am on day 3 of my preop diet which consists of 2 protein shakes, and 6 oz of meat with veggies, but man! This diet is hard!!! I keep finding myself leaning towards the "Atkins" diet since I have lost 50 lbs in the past, but of course gained it all back and then some after my daughter. Im wondering if it matters on that bcuz i'm not eating carbs that much except whats in the shakes, but i did add a hard boiled egg, string cheese, which my surgeon says it was ok, but Im eating more than 6 oz of meat...because if I don't, i'm starving in a couple of hours!! Does anyone have any advice? Not sure if it really matters if i'm loosing the weight anyways right? O…

I have been reading this website for a few days and there is great information. I am 42 years old and I weigh 354 pounds. I have never been this heavy. I have been heavy all my life but never this big. I getting the sleeve done on 5/4 with Dr. Whitwell in Miami. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. One moment I am crying and the next the nerves set in. This has been emotion roller coaster the last fews months. I am not a patience person, but finally I am doing something for myself instead of trying to please anyone. This the year of me...I want to get heathly and start a new phrase of my life. My husband is getting the sleeve in July, so this journe…

Woohoo! Got sleeved on Monday, feeling pretty good today. Monday I was pretty much out of it the rest of the day. Every day since has gotten better. I came home yesterday (with a stupid JP drain - I hate it). I am on full liquids now. So far, everything is great. I am expecting some not so great days, but right now, I havent had any yet. YAY!!!!!

Hey Ya'll! I'm glad I've found this site. I have been thinking on and off about proceeding with lap band surgery for over 2 years now. I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I joined the military in 1999 and was at a very healthy weight. I stayed at a good weight and was in excellent shape. Well, I met my hubby and got pregnant and gained over 100lbs with my son. No diabetes, just large babies run in the family. My son weighed 11 lbs at birth. Now, 5 years later, and I'm still about 130 lbs over weight. I'm attending a seminar on lab band on May 3rd. I just wanted to introduce myself and meet some of ya'll that can share your experiences with me! Thanks…

Surgery this afternoon. Nausea subsiding. No drain! Pain is manageable. Mouth is really, really dry. No sips of water or ice chips until tomorrow . Hope I can sleep the night away until my husband comes back in the morning but I doubt it. Glad I have my phone for entertainment.

Greetings my Good People! I know it’s been a hella long minute since I’ve updated. My life has been nothin short of chaos for the past 3 months. That being said – I haven’t lost my focus – even though I lost my day job.I will say though – that this time has helped me really prioritize my life and what’s important…and my health (physical, mental, AND spiritual) is at the top of the heap. Feeling Accomplished after ZUMBA The time I spent in NYC motivated me to get out & move more, and that’s something I brought home with me. When I was there – some days Id walk 3 or 4 miles a day. I’d run & play in the park w/my daughter…I’d just get up and move …

Just wanted to share the amazing news. 50 pounds lost forever! Whoo hoo! It would have happened a few days sooner but TOM came by and delayed the celebration. I love my sleeve.

Hi I am a Newbie too and I have already had my Lapband and really had no problemes as far as vomiting goes my problem is the fillings . I had my Surgery on Dec. 20th 2010 with a starting weight of 252 on the day of Surgery . I lost 19 lbs. on the diet they put me on 2 weeks prior. I had my 1st filling 4 weeks later on Jan. 17th 2011 and the 2nd fill on Feb. 21st. I am sceduled for a 3rd filling next week. I have only lost 7lbs since the surgery. The Doctor said everyone is different and it could take as many as 6 adjustments or fillings before we find the one that workes for me . My question is this......How many adjustments is the norm and is there anyone else out there …

Surgery tomorrow morning 4/14. Anyone else going in? I had a five day liquid preop diet and have lost 10 pounds during that time. Looking forward to a lot more!

Feeling weird even threw up lots of back pain just got release today. The more I nap the better I feel mentaly..but the stiffer I feel physicaly. My incesions hurt..please Please Pray for me.

Hi all, My name is Kim and I am basically just beginning this journey. I have been overweight my entire life with a number of losses and regains. After two years of simply losing and gaining the same twenty pounds, I finally decided to give the lap band a serious look. After lurking here and researching I decided this would be a great way to help me improve my life. Then tonight I went to my information session and now I have more questions than I did before. The statistics presented showed that there is a significantly greater loss with bypass as well as a decreased occurence of co morbidities and weight regain. The doctors also discussed that if you like swee…

I am extremely excited about the band! I recently learned about it by a friends success. She has lost 80+ lbs and glows from happiness. I had a million questions for her and found out that several of our coworkers were also banded and are being very successful. I have my Seminar with Dr. Tiffany Jessee of Tampa/Clearwater, Florida. She is the Doctor I want to have my band done with. (ALL of the people I personally know either went to her, or left their other doctor to go to her.. so I feel really good about it. My Seminar is on Monday April 11th and I am going to be Pushing paperwork like a mad woman to get underway asap. I want my new life to begin yesterday! Reading a…

Hi Everyone. Im new to this site...I was on another forum but its gotten so hard to really navigate through it since they changed the format and I stumbled across this forum. I started my journey gung ho on getting RNY but after really thinking about the ebst options for me, I decided to go with the Band. My op is May 2nd and I start the pre-op diet next week. So happy to see so many people going through the same thing and coming out to help support each other. Im always open to advice and tips for this ongoing change. Hope to hear from you soon. Picture to come soon....

Hello!! I am a 41yr old female...i have struggles with my weight my whole life. Weight watchers works for me for a while, and then I end up giving up...I usually lose about 40 lbs tops, which is great, but I need more help. I was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. i am a short woman...5' 11/2 and weighing about 242. my BMI is about 44. Considering I have the diabetes now, I am eligible for the surgery at a BMI of 35...but my insurance is BCBS of MA and it looks at the sleeve as investigational. This is the surgery i am most interested in. My doctor suggested we explore weight loss surgery if I was interested. I am!! I feel this will be a great tool to help me on my jour…

So here I am almost 6 months post op and the last month has been good I haven't been sick once and I have been eating good but now I am sick of all food again and I don't care 2 eat! I am sick of chicken,pork,shrimp,eggs and cheese. I can not eat 2 much dairy because I am lactose intolerant and the lactaid can only help so much. I enjoy fruit and a few veggies that my stomach will tolerate but I know I need protein but my protein intake is becoming less again because I am sooooo tired of eating the same old same every day!! any advice or recipes would be very much appreciated! I am also learning 2 tolerate some more seasonings besides salt,garlic powder and onion powder,…

Hello, I was just recently banded and I have no idea what I am doing wrong but I lost weight and now I am no longer losing but gaining. The post op diet my doc had me on was super strick 7 days clear liquid which included crystal light, diet snapple, ice pops and water - thats it - no broth or jello....on the 8th day I was able to introduce protein shakes - 1 for each meal along with 64 oz of water - for 2 weeks ...then was able to have mushy foods. I lost 12lbs during my liquid diet and as soon as I started on mushy foods which was 1 shake for breakfast 110 cal, 1 shake for lunch 110 cal and then 3oz of protein and 3 oz of vegggies for dinner.... I have not diverted f…

Hello All, Well I am new to this post and wanted to introduce myself and tell you a bit about my experience with VSG now that I am almost 6 months out. I am 27 years old, started this journey at 196 lbs @5 feet tall. My surgery was on November 2, 2010 in Colombia with Dr. Carlos Sales Pucinni. The first 3 days were difficult but by day 4 I was fine and went back to work by day 7. I feel great, I have not been sick at all (except one time I tried having a shot at a party and it came right back up...... I now know small sips at a time only ) I have lost 66 lbs so far. This was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I am now a size 6 and it fits loose!!…

Hey all. I had my VSG yesterday and I still can't believe I did it. I was supposed to have it done March 22 but Dr. cancelled due to a small weight gain. I was so paranoid about having that happen again that I was uber-rigid with my presurgery diet. I was supposed to stay overnight 2 nights until tomorrow, but I was doing well enough that he sent me home today. Glad for it since I could hardly sleep at the hospital. I have 5 abdominal stab wounds from the laparoscope and a JP drain. He didn't say anything about not returning to work (I'm a nurse in the same recovery room I was just in), he only said not to drive while taking the lortab elixir. I want to go back to…

I am down 18.5 pounds and sooooo very ecstatic with my progress. Not as fast as others, but I am me. Yesterday I went to meet with Ana at Kaiser Bellflowers' satellite office and when I got on the scale and it read 293.5, it took so much out of me not to run down the hall screaming of joy. To see 293 to me is I will never see 300's again. I don't have a scale at home, which is wonderful for me. My next weigh-in will be May 18. Can't wait.

This is my second day of the liquid diet, my surgery is Monday the 18th of April. I really enjoy this site and hope to make some friends. I am 53 years old, I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I'm getting nervous about this whole life style change but I know I have to do something different then what I've been doing all my life. I have lost weight with diet pills and crazy diets but always gained it back, I am looking forward to losing it forever.

Alas.... I had the VBG almost exactly 13 years ago. I was 305# at the start before that surgery and got down to 167. I didn't reach my goal weight, but I was feeling so much better about myself, was wearing size 9 jeans, receiving lots of compliments from friends, getting attention from men (something I was not used to), was able to enjoy all the outdoor activities I so love to do. I would have even been happy if I hadn't lost anymore but the problem was it didn't stay off. In the early years, I did pretty well sticking to low fat, low sugar for the most part. Then, I had some low points personally and I got off track- but while I gained some, I would bounce up and …

Ok I have a question and need some advice. I went to my surgeon's office today for a follow up. The scales at the hospital I work out when I weigh myself say I am 2 pounds less than wheat the surgeons office says, so which one should I go by to know how much I really weigh? Does anyone else have this problem that their scale at home says something different?

Hello everyone, I finally decided to post. I have recently decided that maybe the sleeve is better for me than of the lap band. Whenever I am sure that I have made the right decision, I read a post thst causes me to doubt my decision. I need to lose 70lbs. I am very afraid of having most of my stomache removed and also of having staples. I remember when I was young hearing horror stories of people who had their stomaches "stapled"! I am self pay and heaven forbid I have a leak!!!. Anyway I have 3 children, the youngest is 3y/o, and I'm 40 so I must make the right decision, bcause I need to be here at least 25 more yrs Its been wonderful reading everyones stories…

I got the call this morning! I have been approved by Aetna. They could have done the surgery as early as April 25, but I really wanted to wait until my daughter is done with her exams and home from school. So we've set the date for May 2. I am his first case of the morning, so hopefully no long wait in holding. I'm doing my Upper GI, pre-op class, and hospital pre-op testing on April 18. That's also the date I start my two-week pre-op diet. Wow, I can't believe that's NEXT MONDAY! These three months have just flown by and now here I am. Anybody else May 2 or close?

Hello everybody, my name is Jason and I was banded in Fort Worth, Tx on April 4th. So far my journey has been great! Other than the still lingering soreness and pain around the bigger incision, things are progressing smoothly. Glad to meet everyone!!

Hello everyone. My name is Doreen, I will be having my Lap Band Surgery on May 4, 2011. I have a Great support system but I'm sure I will need to talk to others who have gone through or are going through what I'm going through. I have a wonderful cousin that has had the LB for 2 years now and it's nice to talk to her but she lives 2 hers away. She has worked very hard and went from 360 lbs to 147 lbs and this is what hard work does, I know that you have to be committed to this and I'm so ready to do my part. I'm 54 and weigh 229 and am considered morbidly obese. I look forward to making friends here and wish EVERYONE much success! …

Hi everyone! Today is my first day on this site and I hope it will help me through this journey. My surgery is scheduled two weeks from today 4-25-11. Today was the first day on my pre-op diet and it started good but by late afternoon I broke down. But tomorrow is a new day and I will be okay. I'm 29 and currently weigh 332 pounds, I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I feel like I know what to expect just from reading blogs and books but at the same time I think maybe I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm open to any advice...

Hey peeps!! Okay so I know that it's been a minute since I've posted anything and in fact...as lame as this sounds..I don't even remember what my last post was about. haha..enough rambling.. Uhm..so I had my first appt about a month ago which was more or less the kick-off on this party, where I was told that I've got to lose around 80ish pounds before I'm considered for Lap Band to prove that I'm totally committed to this... Bring. It. On. I had my 2nd appt. today.... anddd...I'm down 1 inch all around and I lost half a pound....Well, you gotta start somewhere. hahaha Kind of a let down but I'm grateful...I was misreading food labels and over-indulging waay more th…

Hi! I hope this site helps me with questions that might com up along my way. I was banded Feb 23rd of 2011 by Dr. Geiss on Long Island. So far so good!!

I am new to this site and started the process today for my Lap Band Surgery, I attended the required information session along with a visit to my primary doc. He was very supportive and gave me the green light and referals I needed to have my consultation with Dr. Wernsing. I chose to have the surgery at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, they seem to have what I need to be succesful. I am feeling really anxious and a bit over whelmed with all of the information necessary to complete the Lap Band Surgery. . I am hoping for a great outcome, my goal is to lose 100 lbs.

Welcome! This is the first stop you should make while visiting the Lap Band Talk forum. Please let us know more about yourself. Have you been banded ? Yes Who was/is your Lap-band surgeon ? Doctor Anthony Pucci How much did you lose after getting the LapBand etc. I lost about 50 pounds Do you have your own Lap-Band web site or Lap Band blog ? no Hi my name is lorie. I am 48. and I have had the lap band since March 9th 2009. I am so happy I found this site. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

hi everyone!! just found this site and have abandoned my homework to read sleeve stories i'm having the sleeve surgery in 5 days and i could not be happier! can anyone tell me what to expect the first week after surgery? how long did it take everyone to be up and about?? surgery will be done by Mark Fontana in Norfolk, VA. hoping to lose 101 pounds!

Hello! My name is Heather and I am in the process of getting lapband. The weightloss place called me today and I have to go for my eval's on Wed the 18th. Exactly what goes on @ these evals?

Hey everybody! I am so excited to be going to the seminars next week (@ 2 different hospitals so I can compare.) I have been considering WLS for a few years now, but the insurance policy we had didn't cover it and w/ three kids and a one income family... just wasn't going to happen. Last month my hubby got a new job and now the surgery will be covered, it's just a matter of being approved. I don't have any doubts that it will be approved... I'm 36 years old, 5"5 and weigh about 267 pounds. Have been over weight for years. I am a type 1 diabetic (28 yrs) and am becoming really, really insulin resistant (using an insulin pump & still using at LEAST 100 units a d…

My name is Courtney and I am 33 years old. I had the vertical Sleeve done on March 16, 2011 and I am down around 30 pounds and my BMI dropped 4 points in two weeks! I didn't tell a lot of people about my surgery before I had it because so many people around me have such negative attitudes towards things, but I have sung the praises of this surgery since then! I was very lucky that I didn't have to go through all sorts of pre op testing or insurance bull and I wish that all people who needed this surgery didn't have to go through all that stuff. I feel so much better, I can walk without having trouble breathing and my hips don't hurt anymore I can actually play with m…

My time is finally here! I am heading off to the hospital in just 1 hour for my surgery! My name is Gayle and I am 21 year old female that is hypothyroid and weighs 400 lbs. I am still surprised with myself that I have made the decision to have this surgery, and it still doesn't feel real yet. I guess I am still afraid something will happen to make the surgery get canceled! I made it all the way through the liquid pre op diet, and that wasn't even that hard! My mouth right now is kind of dry, but I am not supposed to have anything to eat or drink after midnight so I guess I will just have to put up with that. I didn't sleep much, too much excitement. Actually have…

Hey everyone. I'm currently in the process of beind banded...I almost hate to say that I'm going to have the surgery, just in case some fluke happens!!! It seems like I keep falling 1 step behind once I've gotten ahead.... In early March I went for an individual consultation with True Results in Houston, Texas. I am self-pay, since my insurance specifically excludes weight loss surgery for any reason. Ugh. At first I was worried that I didn't weigh enough or wasn't considered obese enough...well, that one shattered!!! Then to have psych eval....really????? Waited FOREVER for the stupid sleep study and now find I have to go back for a second round....really not lik…

Hi, Well, I will be sleeved next Tuesday, the 19th. I will be getting the band removed and the sleeve done at the same time. I had the band put in about 6 years ago. It never really worked for me. I was adjusted at least 6 or 7 times, and I finally gave up. Either it was so tight that I vomited at every meal, or so loose it did nothing. What I found, is that the band stopped the good food from going down, but allowed all the junk food in without a problem. I have actually gained 40lbs. since having the band put in. Obviously, it was not for me. I feel like I have a second chance now. I will be having the sleeve done by Dr. Domkowski, in Sebastian, Florida. I have heard…

I am so stinkin' excited I can hardly contain it!!! I made my pre-admit appointment today. I have purchased my lovely cases of Slim-Fast, memorized my pre-op diet choices and started my to-do list for the hubby. Its really gonna happen and I couldn't be happier. This is a total fluff topic, but I am the last one up in my house at the moment and I really wanna scream and jump around for joy! Yeahhhhh for me... Now I have only 28 more sleeps to get through! G'night! Karen

Whoot! Whoot! 2 months Post-Op Drs. appointment today and I am down 34 LBS. since my surgery on Feb. 14th, 2011. Asked my Dr. how he felt I was doing as far as losing weight goes. He said well let me put it this way, if you were a RNY patient I would have expected you to lose 33 LBS. in 3 months and you have lost surpassed that in only 2 months and you are a sleeve patient. I could've (hugged) my Dr. he made my week. Have to see him in a month so hopefully I will have some more off by then, cuz theres no stopping me now! LOLS! "I LOVE MY SLEEVE"! Hope everyone else has a GREAT WEEK also!!

Hi, I am new to this as of this month. Because of my insurance I have to go for 6 months to supervised weight loss and nutrition meetings. Which means if everything goes well I can have surgery in Oct. I have a BMI of 38 but have sleep apnea and high cholesterol. I am 55 years old and live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Anyone else on here from around here? Will be checking all the information on here so I know what I am getting into. Randi

First of all I am 41 yr old male in Middle TN. I have struggled with weight my whole life. I decided to get the surgery when I tipped 300 pds. Today (Day 1) after surgery I feel like I am dying. They repaired a hernia and sent me home on my way. First, I had a real hard time pee'ing that has gotten a bit better. Then I sipped some water and it went down fine. Next, I drank a chocolate Adkins shake. Ever since, I have been in pain. I had the typical Left Shoulder pain that is associated with "Gas/Air" in the cavity of the body from surgery. Now I am having a stuck/plugged feeling. I mean it doesn't matter if I drink a sip of broth or lick the spoon. I have shar…

Hi all, I started this journey at 252 lbs. Today I am at 197. That is 55lbs. lost in 3.5 months. I am loving that! The main reasons for me getting VSG were: - of course, inability to lose weight on my own -severe joint pain -muscle weakness/fatigue -depression -zero energy I went into this extremely excited that once the lbs started to come off, I would start to feel human again and enjoy life. And for the most part, this is true. However... The above mentioned symptoms were always dismissed by my MD as "just a side effect of your weight". No investigative tests were done to rule out other underlying issues.Now that I have lost a significant amount of weight, …