Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am 50 years old. I am so tired of being over-weight! Not only does it affect my ability to chase my grandson but I personally don't feel good about myself. It has been years of up and downs. I have cut myself off from friends and no dating. I want to feel better about myself. Now I am on my way! I started out at 238 lbs. I was told by the doctor I needed to get to 220 before he would schedule the surgery. I am now at 222. Although they made me weigh with my shoes on! I feel as if this surgery will help me not be so self-contentious. Maybe I will try doing things with friends or even go on a dates! The doctor tried to talk me out of it but then told me I would get d…

I have been thinking about Lap Band for some time but have decided to get serious about it. I am in Canada and I know there are differant criteria up here. So, I am 57 years old and have struggled with weight most of my life. I had a hysterectomy,quit smoking and am up to 238 pounds now. Looking forward to learning all I can

So I am at around 4003's ( and i can't believe I am broadcasting this ). I looked in the mirror last night after showering and I thought "OMG ! what have I done to myself" I cant believe I let myself go this far. I know there are a lot of ladies but are there any men that have had this much weight to loose ? I would love to hear your stories / advice. I have been approved by the insurance company and am just waiting to get a surgery date. Good luck to everyone, we can do this you guys ! Chuck

I should have posted this in the general discussions....I'm moving it there. Thanks.

I was curious to know how long it took for many of you from the day you went to your doctor and told him/her that you wanted to get the lap band to the day of your surgery??? i have seen a lot of people talking about a month and a half anywhere to 6 months?! i know that every one is different and their circumstances are different but i just need an idea. i told the doctor all about me trying to loose weight since i was 16(now 24 and being over weight my whole life) in the mean time having a baby gaining 100lbs! diet, exercise, pills, nutritionist(gained weight with them!), starvation, carbs ect. and how all i lost was that 3lbs of water weight no matter how hard i tried.…

Hi, I have noticed a couple of changes since I was sleeved 4 weeks ago. First, my body odor seems to have disappeared. I know this because my memory has also left me and I keep forgetting to put my deodorant on in the morning. So I go all day and I don't stink. The next major change is that I don't get hot flashes anymore. I am only 37, but I have been getting hot flashes in the middle of the night and when I wake up for a couple of years now. Suddenly, no more heat! Very interesting... Lara

Hi: I am having my preop tests next week for gastric banding. They will not do surgery on me unless I stop smoking. I quit last week (its been rough but I'm doing it). Does anyone know how low you have to stop smoking before it doesn't show in your blood work?? Has anyone had to quit smoking and how have they handled it?? Thanks

I had the lapband surgery about 2 years ago. I started off losing weight pretty well, but then I got seriously burned and was put into the hospital for almost a month. While I was in there, the doctors had to take the fluid out of the band in order for me to be able to consume more food and nourish myself back to health. I have been back to my bariactrics doctor a few times and they have replaced some of the fluid. I don't know what it is, but I am still able to consume about the amount of food I was able to before the surgery. My weight loss has leveled off, and I haven't been losing any weight for a good while now. I haven't gained any, which is kind of good, but …

Hello everybody, I'm Marta, and I've been reading all the entries for about a week and they have been very helpful. So I decided to write and join in the fun. I am waiting for my surgery date and Im anxious to get this over. The 6 month process of doctor visits, nutritional counseling and psyche evaluation seems like it took forever. Although I have to admit I did enjoy the nutritional counseling; it was very insightful and helpful. I've learned quite a bit regarding my eating habits. I have TERRIBLE (no surprise) eating habits + a terrible working and school schedule = my 230lb body. This is the largest I've ever been so it's taken me a long time to get my mind…

Hi all! I'm a "newbie" to this. My name is Renee and I'm a 35 year old stay at home mama, student, and wife. My children are six and a half ( I HAVE to say the "half" or she gets upset! :-) ) and five. My husband is a federal employee and also serves in the USAF. He is gone a LOT, so many times I feel like a single mom. I'm also slowly working on getting my teaching credential.... SLOWLY. I was scheduled to student teach in the fall, but now I may not be able to as my husband received orders to go to Afghanistan *sniff.* Long story short.... I lost track of "me" over the years of being married, enduring many, MANY moves, 2 babies, a broken ankle w/ 2 babies, and…

Hi everyone. My name is Jae and I'm awaiting answers from my insurance company (Group Health). So far so good, but we'll see how it goes once I meet with my doctor in a couple of weeks. I like many of you, can take the weight off, but pile it on again and then some. I'm tired of the yo-yos. My health is turning for the worse due to my weight and I want to enjoy life with my husband and our daughter. I need to lose 50% of my weight to finally have a "healthy" BMI. It's going to be a long road ahead, but I'm certain I can do it this time. I have the drive and support I need. Now just to work on the "tools" to reach my goal! Not sure what else to say for now....but I'…

I just joined this forum. I am being banded on 4/15. I am very nervous. I have 100 pounds to lose. I am on day 4 of my liquid diet. I hope I can make it another 10 days

My name is Lymarie I am 26 years old, hispanic, wife, mother and pharmacy technician living in Orlando. I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember. I found out I had PCOS when I was 17 days after a 91 day menstrual cycle. I had been considering the lap band ever since I found out my insurance would cover it.... Then I was able to lose about 65 lbs on my own, so I stopped my considerations of the lap band... But, that quickly changed once about 37 lbs of the 65 lbs I lost came back...I lost them again, I gained them again and so forth... My highest weight ever, was 321 lbs... I never saw myself that heavy, even though the scale doesn't lie... I …

Hello~My name is Tammy. I am a newbie here. I have read sooooooo many posts from this site. Post-op and Pre-op! I have found so much wonderful advice. My lap band is going pretty good. I have a lot of gas, especially at night, but it's not too bad. My biggest worry is that my incision is oozing this bloody liquid and the skin around it is very red and warm. The Doc says this is common but I don't feel too good about it. Anyone else had this problem?

Hey everyone! I'm waiting to hear back from the surgeon's office on whether or not my insurance decides to cover my surgery or not. Ahhh it's driving me crazy!! Lol. Hopefully it all works out and I get banded ASAP. Can't wait to be able to share my experiences with all of you!

I had my gastric lapband done in 2004 and now it has eroded and eaten it's way through my stomach and needs to be removed. I'm 60 years old and Medicare is my only insurance and I cannot find doctors who will take my Medicare to do this surgery. Anybody else have this issue? Margo

I have been following various threads by search engines and have found the site useful, so I thought I would sign up. I received a 14cc band in Nov 2010 by Dr. Strand in Sioux Falls. I have been happy with him so far. I don't know the cc's I have in now, something I'll have to check on next time I go in. I have had no real problems but am not where I would like to be yet. I have had 3 fills but still feel very little restriction and have not trouble eating anything or larger amounts. I've lost 30 lbs so far, but nothing within the last 6 weeks. I followed the restricted diet faithfully for the first few months but became ravenous to the point where my stomach growli…

What am I not doing right? Start weight 247/now 201./Goal 145. NOT THERE YET! FRUSTRATED. Fills...unfills... exercise.... yep... done triathlons 4x, ran a half marathon... trainers galore.... Too tight... too loose... Any ideas out there? Cause I am sick of this and thinking of moving on to another weight loss surgery. Thanks for any help! Angie

Hi, My name is Jennifer. I have actually been researching the band for about 4 years. I went toa seminar and everything. My insurance has opted out of covering any WLS. I have my consultation on April 7th. I was wondering if anyone has had a doctor say they dont recommend the surgery? I only have hypothyroidism, no high blood pressure, diabeties or any of the "usual" co-morbitities associated with being over weight. I am 5'2" and currenlty weigh 237lbs. My highest weight was 258lbs? Looking for some support as well as my family is TOTALY against me doing this! Ok let me stop rambling! LOL!

Hi Everyone, Just registered here today and have been trying to poke around to see if anyone has had LapBand in the Wtby or Bristol, CT area and if they had any good or bad advice. I am just starting to investigate this procedure and am a little nervous and have tons of questions. Where do I begin????

Today, is day 9 for me. I have always fought with my weight and lost all of my life. Then I found out about VSG! I started on a journey over September 2010 and had my surgery on March 24,2011 In September I weighted 276 pounds and day of surgery weighted 252. as of today I weight 241. I has been a little rough, but I am making it Everyday is a little better. Thanks to the support of my Family and Friends and a website like this!!! Sue

Hi, Let me start by saying I rarely ate fast food before my sleeve - my band made most food diffcult to eat, so I usually ate at home. Anyway... We were on our way home from an evening walk at the bay. It was late and everyone is hungry. I recommended Taco Bell because I thought that was the only place that doesn't base their entire menu on bread. I got a crunchy taco - just one. I took it home, scooped out the insides onto a plate, mixed in a little sour cream and ate about half of it. meat, cheese, a little shredded lettuce and the sour cream probably a total of 2 tablespoons all together. It went down well, I was full / satisfied. I am still shocked at ho…

Hi I am having my surgery on the 18th April and feeling pretty nervous - I have had several Lapyroscopies before so know what to expect there. I started the Optifast today and i must admit I am starving, but determined to get through it

I had vsg surgery February 2008. I had lost about 40lbs. I got pregnant 9 months after surgery, and then again when my son was 5 months old. I know have a 19 month old son, and a 5 month old daughter. They are wonderful and I love being a mom, but I have about 30 -40 lbs to go, and I can't seem to lose anymore. My ability to eat has increased tremendously, not quite to pre-op.! Anyone have any similar outcomes, several years later after having babies? Any solutions?

HI there! Glad to have found this forum for support and information. It's been a week since my banding, but it started off on a bad note. I noticed upon my release from the hospital, that a rather large mass had formed on my left side under the row of staples. The doctor said it was just blood that had accumulated and the body would absorb it. That evening as I was getting up from having gone to the restroom, and a huge stream of blood squirted from the incision to across the wall. Then I had to vomit which caused more bleeding. Needless to say, I was in the ER the next morning. The mass had become even larger. I was running a fever and in quite a bit of pain.…

My name is Karen. I live in Cedar Park outside of Austin Texas. I am 38 almost 39. I have been married almost 11 years. My husband's name is Michael. We have two kids. Joseph is almost 8 and Abigail is 3 1/2. I just got my lap band on Friday so I am 3 days post op. I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Good morning. I have been lurking for a few weeks, but had my consultation with my surgeon Friday and decided to join and post! Not only do I qualify (5'7", 256...40 BMI), but my insurance will cover my procedure. I have struggled since childhood, and need to be healthy and ALIVE to help my autistic son for as long as possible. I am excited at the prospect of having some control. I have not felt hopeful for a really long time! Of course, I am nervous, too. I've never had any surgery and am not sure how I will fare on the pre & post op diets. It frightens me to have my "drug" taken away, and yet....it is the very thing I need to do. Thank you for this site an…

Hello, I am 32 years old 5'8 and 235 pounds. At my heaviest I weight 270 pounds. I have yo-yo dieted it seems like my whole life. At one point I lost almost a 100 pounds and went from a size 20 to a size 10 in less than a year. I was unable to maintain the weight past a 2 year period. I just watched the Dr. Oz show about the new FDA regulations for people who are not considered morbidly obese and I am seriously considering the surgery. I don't really have any medical problems, but I feel that depression is becoming a real problem for me. I worry about dating, about starting a family- I just don't feel confident enough with myself and the depression is impacting my life …

Hello! My name is Heather and I am 25 years old. I have been battling with being obese since the age of 13. When I was 13 I gained 73 lbs. in 1 yr and no clue why. When I was 15 I was told that I have hypothyrodism and that was the reason for my weight gain. I have had a stable TSH level for over 1 yr now. I was just put on medication for having hypertension and also acid reflux. I seen my bariatric coordinator today and I have decided that the sleeve is the way to go. I am 5'4", 224 lbs and I have a BMI of 38.6. I am waiting for the call from my surgeon after they recieve the papers from my family doctor. I am hoping to have surgery the middle or end of July. I am ready …

Reading the other forums I see that quite a few people report being VERY hungry during the post-op liquid and soft food periods. Is this a common issue? Is it real "body" hunger or is it "brain" hunger (as in "I know I have had enough to ? I am also interested in hearing if the problem with gas pain post-surgery is wide spread, how severe it is, and how long it lasts. I've not been banded yet and these issues will not scare me off. I just want to be sure I have all the infirmation and facts. Thanks for your input, Ellen

Reading the other forums I see that quite a few people report being VERY hungry during the post-op liquid and soft food periods. Is this a common issue? Is it real "body" hunger or is it "brain" hunger (as in "I know I have had enough to eat, but my mouth wants ? I am also interested in hearing if the problem with gas pain post-surgery is wide spread, how severe it is, and how long it lasts. I've not been banded yet and these issues will not scare me off. I just want to be sure I have all the infirmation and facts. Thanks for your input, Ellen

Tomorrow is my BIG day. My surgery is at 7am but I have to be to the hospital at 5:30am oh man that's early for me....I really don't know how I'm feeling right now a little bit of every emotion possible really but ready to get it over with. My life is about to change for the better forever. I'll be back in a few days... Wish me luck!

Hi My name is Stacy I am 47 and the mom of a angel 31/2 yo Riley....She is my inspiration and the major catalyst for me undergoing surgery. I have asked my suregeon Dr Dibenedetto at Rochester General if he fills immediately after surgery (as I have read many of you are getting) but he does not....I am exceedingly anxious about feeling starved after surgery...not to worries about pain etc...just not being able to eat and the hunger issue..I will take any advice you have...did anyone get advanced faster than 3 weeks to smushie food?

HELLO ALL IM SOOOO HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THIS SITE, IT LOOKS GREAT! I GUESS I DIDN'T CHOOSE A GOOD TOPIC DESCRIPTION, BUT IT WAS THE BEST I CAN THINK OF. OK, HERE IS MY STORY...I AM A 46 YR OLD FEMALE. I HAVE BEEN MORBIDY OBESE ALL MY LIFE. I WAS ALREADY WEIGHING 300 LBS IN THE 3RD GRADE!!!, AND GAVE BIRTH TO MY SON WEIGHING ALMOST 12 LBS, AT 475 POUNDS!!! I HAVE BEEN THROUGH BOUTS OF ANOREXIA, AND IN PARTICULAR...BULEMIA. I COME FROM AN ITALIAN FAMILY THAT KNEW NOTHING ABOUT NUTRITION, AND A TYPICAL MEAL WAS 5 DIFFERENT CARBS, 5 DIFFERENT MEATS, AND THENSOME. OVER THE YRS, I HAVE DEVELOPED DIABETES TYPE 2, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, ASTHMA, ARTHRITIS, AN ERROSIVE ESOPHAGUS, GA…

Hey Everyone! I'm new to this community and also to being a bandster. I was banded on 3/23/11 by Dr. Mark Tousignant in Norwich, CT. at Backus Hospital. I have noticed that my doctor is not listed on the physican page so maybe I need to post something? Today is 11 days post band and I'm doing really well; my incisions are itching like CRAZY! I have my first follow-up appointment already and I was down 12 pounds (which I guess is really good). I'm working really hard on not weighing myself everyday--I just want to see progress already but I'm already noticing my clothing are fitting a little less snug which is fantastic! I'm looking forward to getting and giving …

Hello all. I am a 10 month (June 9, 2010) post-op sleever living in Southern California. My start weight was 299.7, currently I am 4 lbs below my Dr's goal of 200 at 196. Feeling great and can't imagine living the old life complete with diabetes and high blood pressure. I stumbled on this site researching medic alert bracelets for VSG patients.

I finally got all my stuff done and have been approved by my insurance. I start my liquid diet on Monday and get banded on April 11th. Luke

Hi guys my name is Tammie, here in the Ga. Area. I had the GS done January 28th... 9weeks ago and 40 pounds down. I joined this forum a while back under the name: Totally Free but when trying to log back on, it didn't allow it. So here I am (so if you see that name, it was me). I excited about the possibilities of seeing the 100's again. I started at 268 and that will be a major blessing to break from 200! Im looking for mentors, and email pals. Hit me up if interested.

Hi everyone i am from dubai. I am 152cm and 90kg im doing my surgery on april 27 i feel so nervous but after reading some of the topics here im a bit calm. Im just wondering how long to i have to take off work to rest? how long till everything heals? thanx mawi

I know I should really get on here more to help with the new sleevers but my free time is slim. I was sleeved in May of 2007 and am still doing well. Yes, I can eat much more than before and have figured out how to "cheat" the system with crackers, cookies, etc. but I pretty much eat what I want. I have put on about 5 pounds over the last 8-10 months but am working on getting it off. I know how it starts, creeping up slowly, and I don't want to have to lose this 70+ pounds again. I changed to a more sedentary job and that may be the cause. I have never exercised and am planning on starting soon, I swear. Maybe this ridiculously hot weather isn't helping matters eith…

Reading the other forums I see that quite a few people report being VERY hungry during the post-op liquid and soft food periods. Is this a common issue? Is it real "body" hunger or is it "brain" hunger (as in "I know I have had enough ? I am also interested in hearing if the problem with gas pain post-surgery is wide spread, how severe it is, and how long it lasts. I've not been banded yet and these issues will not scare me off. I just want to be sure I have all the infirmation and facts. Thanks for your input, Ellen

Reading the other forums I see that quite a few people report being VERY hungry during the post-op liquid and soft food periods. Is this a common issue? Is it real "body" hunger or is it "brain" hunger (as in "I know ? I am also interested in hearing if the problem with gas pain post-surgery is wide spread, how severe it is, and how long it lasts. I've not been banded yet and these issues will not scare me off. I just want to be sure I have all the infirmation and facts. Thanks for your input, Ellen

Reading the other forums I see that quite a few people report being VERY hungry during the post-op liquid and soft food periods. Is this a common issue? Is it real "body" hunger or is it "brain" hunger (as ? I am also interested in hearing if the problem with gas pain post-surgery is wide spread, how severe it is, and how long it lasts. I've not been banded yet and these issues will not scare me off. I just want to be sure I have all the infirmation and facts. Thanks for your input, Ellen

My name is Rachael, and I was banded on 3/25/11. The program I'm working with suggested that I join a support group, but I really don't have the time or want to drive in to the city all of the time, so I'm glad to find an online forum that I can join in to. So far, I haven't had any problems. I'm just starting the "puree" stage of my healing process, and am really looking forward to mushies, but honestly - just being allowed to have more than clear liquid after two weeks (one week pre-op and one week post) has been heaven. After looking at so many successful gallery posts I'm really looking forward to my own journey ahead, and I look forward to sharing it with you and…

Hello everyone, I'm new here and I was just wondering if anyone could help me on the whole process with Tricare Reserve Select. I'm not to sure how it work with out of pocket cost, how much will I have to pay if my catastrophic cap is already met. I just kinda want to know what to expect. Thanks everyone..

Hi, I was banded in 2005 in Belgium (I don't remember the doctor's name). I started out at 284 lbs. (5'10") Within 1 year, I had lost 100 lbs! I continued to lose another 20 within the next couple years. I was a really good size for my body. I was teaching step aerobics and working out for another hour after that in a Water aerobics class. I was really careful about what I ate-- lots of protein! Then I got a new boyfriend, started eating out all the time, etc. and gained a few pounds. So, I went in for a fill. The fill was too tight and I knew it but I was losing weight so fast that I couldn't give it up. I could throw up almost everything I ate (and therefor…

I am feeling wonderful today. I walked my dog to the park yesterday and we are going again today!! I have been having problems with TV commercials getting to me, but then I think to myself...that kind of food is what got me this way, why would i want to go back!! So i am determined to live my new life with a new way of thinking about food!!

Hello Alll ! My name is Melissa , I ive on Orange County NY,i just had my band put in on 3-23-2011 ! I am on day 11 of my journey !! So far so good !! I am on Just 3 protien shakes untill 4/15 . I cant wait for the "mushies" to start. I look forward to tips and advice when i get there. My surgeon has very strict rules so im a little jealous of the posts i see of others thatare where i am and get to eat broth, but i will stick to my rules ! I am back to work and feel pretty good. The first days i had a little pain getting up and down, but now i dont really feel to much pulling. sleeping is ok too, I am now sleeping on my side. I was filled with 6cc when I wa…

After researching Lap-Band for over a year and attending a couple of semimnars, I have made the decision to get it done! I will be getting banded at the U of WA Medical Center. My first appointment with the surgeon is scheduled for 4/11/11. I would love to hear from other women in their 60's who have recently been banded. What has your experience been? Any helpful hints or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!!!

I actually joined LapBandTalk last summer, when I was in serious contemplation mode. Since then I've been to an information session (at the False Creek clinic in Vancouver, BC), and got my application in. Unfortunately, there are limits on who private clinics can perform surgery (BMI limits) so instead of having surgery here, I'm going to have it in Winnipeg, at their sister facility. After sending my application, getting a physical, blood tests and ECG, I flew to Winnipeg on Monday of this week to meet the psychologist, dietitician and surgeon. All have approved me for surgery. The therapist said it was a close thing, because she's concerned about my success, probably …