Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

After about 7 months of jumping through hoops and willing this day to come... It all seems so fast! I (cognitively) feel ready and prepared but my body betrays my nerves. I've got this wierd trembly lip thing, a headache, and a SEVERE case of the grouchies. Ah well, the bag is packed, the house is in order, I'm scrubbed and clean. I've done everything the surgeon asked me to along the way so I know it's all in God's hands now. I have to be at the hospital at 10:30, surgery at 12:30, a 30 hour stay... by this time 2 days from now I'll be home and well on my way to beginning the rest of my life. Wish me luck! Bellah

I was not quite there I had 195 pounds to lose and I am already 1/2 way there at 100 pounds down after only 4 months.

Hi I am newbie here I like this forum very much..... Smith Alan

Hello all! My name is Jenn and I just had my Lap Band placed on March 14, so I'm pretty new to this way of life. I was tired of my lifelong battle with weight and finally decided to take the plunge. Including the preop diet I've lost 20 pounds so far, so that at least is encouraging. It hasn't been all sunshine and butterflies so far (the shoulder pain is NOT a joke), but i think I'm starting to adjust physically. Mentally, not so much. I guess it doesn't help that I was laid off a couple weeks before the surgery and also newly engaged (wedding planning is stressful!). Normally to deal with these stressors I would go right to the fridge. Does anyone have any tips on h…

I'm not the largest person who has been approved for this surgery, but it's necessary for me nonetheless. I've been packing on weight the last 5 or 6 years and my health has deteriorated. I've got some cardiac issues and definite arthritis. My wife had a sleeve done back in December so having a support system won't be an issue. I'm scheduled for April 13th in Atlanta (thanks to changes in insurance) Time to find out what a smaller me looks like. Chris.

Well after a month of back and forth calling the doctor and insurance and wrong things being filed - I had a call last week from drs office saying they expect it to be another 20 days till we hear anything and she was going on vacation for a week or so- SO yesterday I thought I would just call my insurance and see if they all went on vacation too- and they said I was approved last week and don't know why the doctors office didn't let me know that- SO after being upset for a while- I finally got ahold of someone at the doctors office and again was told that yet another person in the office is not going to be back in the office till monday to schedule my surgery or let me k…

Hi, This has been a very long and hard road. It was not an easy desicion to finally go with the lap-band. I have gone through the 6mn waiting period inorder to have the surgery, and am planning on having it done on April 29th. I am nervous, am I doing the right thing. I have tried every diet out there, and this seems to my last hope. My husband is having a hard time with me getting the surgery, he says he supports me, which I know he dose. He just dose not understand why I am doing it, he dose not see me has heavy. In way that is great because he loves me for who I am, but right now I am at my heavest 256, and I need to this for me. to be able to enjoy him and my kids. I …

I am on day 3 of my 14 day pre-op diet. Im doing much better than I thought I would be. I finally got cleared to start after my surgery had to be postponed. My surgery is scheduled for the 6th of April. I am getting both excited and nervous. It is finally going to happen.

I heard aspirin causes erosion. What are some causes? Thanks

Hi all... I'm new I was banded 5 days ago on March 22, 2011. It was also my birthday... I'm hoping its the greatest gift I've ever bought myself I am healing up just fine. I return back to work on Tuesday so I'm trying to relax and listen to my body so I know the signs of hunger and full and just plain annoyed The worst thing I've dealt with so far is a swollen uvula. Coughing, spitting, eating, drinking irritates it. Any tips on how to shrink this sucker would be great

I quit smoking. I stopped drinking caffeine. I am blowing up these silly little balloons every day. I have a passport. I bought a round trip ticket, first class. I checked as reasonably as I could into insurance options when I got home. I am doing the pre-op lowcarb diet. Saturday I'm going to purchase a money order since I couldn't get my credit card limit raised since I just moved. I made a plan to stay with my family for the first ten days after I get home just so somebody would be around. I bought slippers and some slouchy pants to walk around the hospital with, GasX strips, and ordered Protein drinks and a pitcher from Amazon. I still need Jello and broth. I have a r…

Hi I thought I would introduce myself. Im Melinda 41 and live in London uk. I had my Sleeve done on the 8th February 2011 at the Hommerton Hospital In Hackney. I was first referred there by my diabetic doctor 14 momths previous to surgery. Having diabetes that was steadily getting worse, high blood pressure, high cholestrol wls was considered the best option for me. I went to my first appointment thinking of having a gastric band, they soon said no to that, and suggested I have the Gastric Bypass. So my starting weight was 17and a half stone. and at 4ft 11inches my bmi was 44, if i remember rightly. Before surgery I got down to 16 stones. I had complications during my sur…

Hi everybody! Found this web-site and it looks like just what I need! I'm going throught the insurance process and feeling a little frustrated that they lengthened the time. Ohwell, theres a reason for everything right??

Ive been reading post for The last week or so. Just wanted to say hello as I start this journey. I Will touch base after doctor and nutritionist visit on The 30th.

I am so excited- today I went to see the colonoscopy doctor to argue about his requiring a total anesthetic for my colonoscopy. That requirement would put my colonoscopy in June and thus delay my sleeve, which I hope to have in April or May. His requirement was based on my use of the fentanyl patch for chronic pain and his concern that I might not be sedated and pain relieved enough with twilight sleep. (The anesthesiologists for GA are less available, hence the delay) I realize patience is a virtue and the time would pass, but a a wedding photographer I really need to be past the gnarlier days of healing before our season kicks in hard. I prepared for this appointmen…

I am from Cincinnati and am in the finding-out-information stage. Our insurance doesn't cover any weight loss procedure so we are working to save up the money. Here are my questions: How long pre and post op are you on the liquid diet? During that time can you work out? Are you super weak? I ask because I have three small children, one of whom has special needs, and I am a little apprehensive about how doing banding will affect motherhood. I seem to have a lot of hormonal and thyroid issues and my husband is concerned that the surgery may not work and if it doesn't how am I going to be emotionally. Does anyone else suffer from hormonal issues and have insights to this?

Hi there, I'm considering having the Lapband procedure and am in the process of gathering information and will be attending my first event. To summarze, I weigh 225 lbs and have done so for the past 5 years. I've done Weight-Watchers numerous times and even tried the HCG hormone program. I've always been able to lose about 35 pounds but seem to loose motivation. I'm hoping that the band will keep me on track since it isn't a simple slip back into bad habits. I have Tricare Prime insurance and Dr. Muhammad Jawad is the only doctor in Central Florida that my insurance covers. Does anyone have any experience with him? I'm tired of being the largest woman at work, o…

Just before I was banded, I saw a CA post and now I can't find it so I am sorry to make you repeat yourselves! I am 30 yr old from Orange, CA and was banded 3/3/11, anyone local here to share the journey with!?! Heather

I would like to know if anyone else has drank water or tea while eating? Does it stretch your pouch out? I cannot eat without sipping water.

Hi! I have been thinking about getting the lap band for awhile now. I am only 19yrs old. However, I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember. I now weight 295lbs and I know I must do something about it. I am very nervous to start the process and am not even to sure how to start the process. I am a student and I have little to no money so I would hope that my insurance would cover the surgery. Even if my insurance covered the surgery would I have to pay for hospital care (the stay, anesthesia,... things like this) I have hypothyroidism and i am very nervous that either the doctors will not let me have the surgery because of it or that it will rest…

I am a little past 5 months post op and have been extremely hormonal! I am moody, whiny,depressed,anxious and so much more then words can explain! I have been getting hot flashes lately but yet I am always cold! I figure some of it is because I just began my vitamin regiment instead of right after surgery! also I haven't had my monthly friend since the day after surgery the 28th of Oct. and they said that is normal cause I am malnourished ( I am working on that) of course my primary didn't believe I wasn't prego till I did the blood work and my surgeon said it is common for this surgery to throw off your cycle for 6 months to a year. my question is is it normal 2 be extre…

Hi, I'm looking into having Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy VSG. I have decide to have the surgery, but I need some help with picking the right Doctor for the right price. I'm paying Cash. I live in Augusta GA and would love to hear from anyone who is willing to share the VSG pre and post operation experience with me? I would love to hear from you if you've had a great experience and even if you had a bad one ... ALL help needed... Thanks ..

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum glad to be a member. No sure if it's women only, the colors seem to be aimed at women. Anywhoo.. just wanted to share my experience. Using both the surgery and the supplement I lost around 55 lbs and I'm still slowly losing more and more each week. The sleeve went amazingly and I was VERY VERY happy with my results. My doctor is one of the best in Canada so I felt really confortable with the process. Anyways just wanted to share my story.. hopefully I can add something to your great community. Thanks for reading Dean

I was banded on 2/9/11 and had my first fill on 3/9/11. I've lost a total of 20 lbs (this included pre-op diet). I have a question....why does my stomach growl even when I'm not hungry?

Hi there, just to say hello and that im being banded on the 26th April in Belgium by Dr Chris De Buyrne. Anyone else in the uk going the same week, be good to chat. Any pre op advice, what to look out for any tips etc etc BTW Im a man so go easy on me. lol :rolleyes:

I am beyond frustrated right now with my surgeons office. I have met all of my insurance requirements, including the 6 months of dr's visits, psych eval and nutrition counseling. However, the surgeons office keeps finding reasons not to submit the paperwork for approval. First it was 'you need to meet with a therapist' so I did. She recommended that I follow up with her as needed after surgery and that I attend a workshop sponsored by the hospital (read a money maker). Fine, I registered for the workshop. The problem is it doesn't start for a month. So I disputed with the office that it was only a recommendation, not a requirement and that shouldn't preclude me fro…

It's been one week since my surgery. I was discharged Friday afternoon just to return Saturday morning with pneumonia and was discharged yesterday again. My concerns are I'm really afraid to eat cause I'm not to sure of what to eat and I'm having some emotional problems. Does anyone have any advice?

Hi Everyone I was banded last friday 3/18/11 i am really excited and cannot wait to work my butt off literally !!!

So yesterday was my Birthday and my Sister in Law works with me. She called my daughter the day before and asked What kind of Cake does your Mom like. My Daughter told her I can't have any Cake because I can't eat sugar. So they thought maybe an angel food cake would be good. Well my Sister in law brings me a RED VELVET CAKE with ICE CREAM. She said HAPPY BIRTHDAY...and I said well thank you but I can't eat that. She said THAT IS OK WE CAN and it's your Birthday!!!!! She said I brought you this....Chocolate Mousse yogurt! So while they ate RED VELVET CAKE with Ice Cream I SAT and watched and TRIED the yogurt! I know she meant well but it was CRUEL to me! I LOV…

Im excited, nervous and scared I get sleeved tomorrow. Yay go me!!!!

I came home today after having band removed, sleeve and gall bladder removed on Monday 3/21. Feeling pretty good except for soreness. No real pain except immediately post op. Later Monday I was not hurting much. However, I had nausea from Hell. They gave me every drug possible, multiple times and it did nothing for my nausea. Finally about 2pm yesterday, I woke from a nap and felt a little better and it was easy sailing the rest of the time. DIdn't drink much until last night and today but don't seem to have trouble drinking. I have drain in which is draining a lot so I guess its a good thing. I started with sinus problems over the weekend and coughing up crud has been my…

Hello all! I just registered after reading how helpful this forum is. Here's my situation - I've been going through all the "requirements of Kaiser" over the past 5 months (appointments, classes, lab work ect.) and I just got my surgery date of 04-05-11 and now I'm scared to death! I thought I was like fer-sure, ya know - but now I'm like what if this is the worse mistake ever?! The biggest fear I have is losing that "relationship" I have with food and all things food involved. I love to cook and fear I won't really be able to make meals anymore. How do you go out for birthday dinners and such? Can I never ever ever ever have a Italian or Mexican meal again?! Do w…

I am not sure if I have begun this correctly. I just registered on this site. My endocrinologist in Atlanta suggested I look into gastric plication with Dr. Ortiz at Obesity Control Center in Mexico. I have looked at his website. Has anyone had the plication by Dr. Ortiz? I am also interested in hearing from people who have had the procedure by other surgeons. I am 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 312 pounds. I have Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, GERD, Sleep Apnea, elevated liver enzymes and very bad knees. I'm only 50. I am frightened about having the surgery, but I need some type of weight loss surgery. My medical insurance through work does not cover any type …

Hello everyone! I thougt I would introduce myself and tell you a ltiitle about me. My name is Cristen, I am 37 years old and have been overweight for the past 20 years or so. I have finally decided that I no longer want to live this way and therefore was banded on March 4th woohoo!! I started lurking around on this site back in October, after being denied by my insurance. I obviously didnt let that discourage me from going forward with the surgery ( I re-submitted after doing a sleep study and gaining 9 pounds...yes I had to gain to be eligible under my insurance!). I got great tips and encouragement even before my journey started! I'm soooo excited about this n…

I DIDN'T KNOW THEY COULD TAKE YA GALL BLADDER OUT AT THE SAME TIME AS THE SLEEVE ??? I'VE HAD GALL STONES FOR OVER 20 AND WOULD HAVE LVED THEM TO TAKE OUT MY GALL BLADDER AT THE SAME TIME WHY DINT THEY ASK ME ??? ANN :0))) x

I'm Kristi and I'm scheduled for surgery on March 24th with Dr. Grossbard in Zephyrhills, FL. I start my 2 week pre-op diet in 4 days. I found these forums a few days ago and just love how supportive everyone is. Good Luck to all! :welldoneclap:

I was banded in June 2010. Lately however food I eat seems to get stuck in chest. If I wait awhile it goes down and it can be uncomfortable. No problem with yogurt, soft food. Can anyone tell me what is going on. I try to eat slower and take small bits but it all seems to clog in my chest.

So, Today is my 4th day of the "all liquid diet"- It's been pretty bad. Like I've actually dreamed about eating bacon! BACON of all things lol. My boyfriend is being supportive and he is following the diet with me so that I won't feel alone and hungry by myself and it's great to share that with him cause I think I would go insane. Today is going ok, but I just really want a cheeseburger. I saw my dietician yesterday and she thinks I'm going to do great, but it's so hard because my sister leaves hot pockets and Chipotle and Subway everywhere. I even found myself about to take a bite out of her Hot Pocket and she opened her door and I dropped it on the floor- it was a sign…

Hi! I was banded (Sounds like we are birds being tagged and released!) in Nov 2010 by Dr. Phearson at SoCal Bariatrics. I weighed 257 and I'm 5'5". It's now March and I'm down to 187! Platueing seems to be my biggest problem. I will stay at a weight for 3-4 weeks and then slowly start loosing again. Juat found you all so I'm hoping for some questions answered here

Today was the day!!!! When I stepped on the scale this morning, for my "Weekly Wednesday Weigh-in" I had finally reached my first goal!!! I OFFICIALLY WEIGH LESS THAN MY DRIVER’S LICENSE SAYS I DO!!! Can’t really believe that I lied by about 40lbs, but it doesn’t matter anymore because now it is wrong in the other direction. I was pretty confident that I was going to meet my goal of 250, but much to my surprise – I murdered it!!! My official weight this morning was 246.6 that means that I am down 43.4lbs since my surgery on January 12th (just 10 weeks ago). I am elated! On a side note last Friday was the day that I really noticed that my boobs had shr…

Wed., April 6th---finally!

Good evening. I just came cross this website looking for support groups. I signed up today and think I made the best choice. My scheduled sleeved date is on Thursday. I'm very nervous and excited. :embaressed_smile: I wanted to know: Whats the worst and best part of week 1 Post-Op???

Had the lapband on 3/24/10. I had to be on a diet 6 mos before surgery d/t my insurance. I have lost a total of 104lbs. I have not yet reached my bmi goal. I last had my fill a few months ago... I know its too tight b/c i have regurg at night, belching all the time, only able to eat soft foods because all other foods get caught... Which I end up getting sick! I have been eating all the wrong foods b/c it's what I can get down. I have lost motivation since i haven't lost any weight. I am going to the doc tomorrow! I have to get back on track... If anyone wants to talk about their experience or has any questions... Feel free to post! I love hearing others ex…

Hi, I'm new to this site. I have not yet had surgery but I am looking forward to initial surgeon consult on 4/5! YAY!! Is anyone else from NM? I'd like to know where you were banded and how you are coming along!!! thanks!

Excited to be here. I have, off-and-on, read many posts from this site. My only concern is my slow weight loss; I have lost only 26 pounds in 1 month and 3 weeks; which I lost most of it on diet protein drinks. My first fill was last month and the surgeon put in 5cc; never told me if any was in, like some have had during surgery. Basically, I count all my calories and have staye at 900 approximately daily....except for like two days of going off the diet. Because I am self pay....it feels like I could have just gone on protein drinks and more liquids to lose what I have so far. Consequently, I am not convinced that this was the right decision. Any ideas for scar he…

I talked to a rep from a local bariatric clinic, she told me to have my doctor recheck my height. Before i was 5 foot 6 (or so i thought) i actually am 5 foot 4.5! Before i did not qualify for lap band surgery, but now i do!

I hope my attached pictures can be viewed, It's been 5 months since I was sleeved and I've lost 59 lbs feeling great. After looking at my picture it hit me I've lost 59 lbs WOW I can work out for an hour without slowing down or hiding behind someone so I can take a breather....lol I'm so happy that this weight will not comeback as long as I stay on track. I love how I look and feel and I'm so very happy that I had WLS.

How u guys doin my name is Roberto and i underwent gastric sleeve surgery on 3-9-11 my highest weight was 320lbs and the day of surgey i was 310lbs. Today is 6 days post op and i am down to 301lbs. I am currently on the liquid diet and i have to say i am having a tough time eating the same thing every day and theres still another 8 days of the liquid diet left!! My doctor tells me that it will get better as i progress to whole foods but right now im battling my mental state of mind watching my family and friends eat, seeing commercials and just generally thinking about great food and its been pretty difficult for me. I am optimistic that things will get better but right n…

Hi I'm a stay home mother of 2. I've been able to lose weight here and there but in the end gained it all back for the last 2 month I have been watching what I eat and exercising and the scale hasn't moved. I'm at my highest weight ever and really in need of a new approach so I want to have VSG I been following some of the forum and I think I would want to have surgery with dr Kelly in Mexico. My BF thinks I'm crazy but she doesn't know how I feel because she doesn't have a weight problem. She still looks the same as she did 12 years ago when we joined the military together with very little effort on her part. I'm miserable and very unhappy with my weight. My self-este…

Hello, I had my pre-op meeting with surgeon and anesth today. I am doing it on Thursday 3/24. Anyone else have that as your date? I am getting a little anxious, Amylew