Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi my name is Gina and I will be having surgery (hopefully) in 4 to 6 weeks. My paperwork was sumitied for aproval last week. I'm hopful it will not be a long wait! Dr Ray in Bloomington Indiana will be doing the surgery. I just wanted to say hiI have already reaD MANY POST AND HAVE FOUND THE BOARD VERY HELPFUL (sorry I hit the caps button).Thanks everyone for sharing your experence!

Day 0 pre-surgery: What am I getting myself into???? Day 0 post-surgery: The worst decision I've ever made. What have I done to myself and where were all the horror stories? Day 1 post-surgery: I can't believe I'm still alive and if I could go back and un do this, I would. The nurses call me a pain virgin. Never had any babies, tattoos, other surgeries or anything. And narcotics make me sick, so I'm just on Tylenol. Day 2: I can't keep anything down, and they want me up walking a marathon. I keep throwing up. Day 3: If I pretend like I'm able to eat and get my butt up and go walk, they may let my husband take me home. And they let me go home, so I'm wlaking…

Well I went for my 2 weeks post op with the dietician, and she wasnt too happy that im still gurling and taking so long to get it down, so I popped next door to the surgeon and he is 99% sure he needs to do a small dilatation to stretch out a narrowing that may have occurred. it may have been due to the wretching for nearly 72hours or the fact that it's just tight. its done by gastroscopy but I dont really care. I dont want to go back in. sure its hard but I thought I was done with surgeries now!!! Ive moved onto puree food in hopes that will settle it down a bit.! so he is giving me two weeks... and if there is no change then im going back in. Weight loss update sinc…

Hi! My name is Kimberly. I'm new to the boards, and working to get approved for the lapband. Hopefully it won't be too long of a process, I would like to get this done before starting my RN program in May. Does anyone know if they are able to remove a bad gallbladder at the same time they place the band? Looking forward to making new friends!!!

can someone please explain to me how to get one of those weight lose tracker things on my forum reply post??? other then that i am a newbie to lapband and all this and it has been a journey so far i cant wait to see how i do.

Hello everyone! My surgery is coming up on March 7, so i'm reading everything I can get my hands on to try and stave off the nervous feelings. That's how I came across this forum I'm excited, and nervous, and that seems to be the norm around here. I am loving reading everyone's stories. I'm a self-pay, 30 years old, and live in Dallas. I've not had much experience with surgery, i think i've only been put under twice in my life, the last time was when i was 20. I've never been skinny, but my weight started piling on a few years ago when i started a company and working 80 hours a week, sitting at a desk. I'm now up to 240lbs, with a 39 BMI. I have high blood p…

Hello. I've been spending the morning looking around for a good support forum to join, and found you all recommended in some blogs that I've started reading. I had actually found this forum last month when I first began looking but hadn't posted yet.. today seems like a good day to start! I'm an unbanded chick.... who will be getting my surgery date on the 23rd of this month right after my Psychiatric evaluation is done. They promised! lol So, I figured now is as good a time as any to get wrapped up in a forum, and start figuring this new life out! Happy Thursday

I currently have a referral and an appointment coming up for consult. I am 48 soon 49 at 5.2 and 193 pounds. I have had a lifelong struggle with my weight and in my late 40's it is so much harder. I am interested in the surgery for heath reasons. Have been diagnosed with diabetes on and off, and currently have hypertension and under medication. Was wondering what my chances were on being approved? And if there is anyone that has been approved at under the 100pd restriction?

My name is Julie. I received my band 2 days ago. Everything went better than I expected. Today is actually the roughest only water is going down good. Feel like a bubble in my stomach or esophagus. Anyone have this feeling too?

I am scheduled for banding on March 24th. I will start my pre-op diet this Friday. I am a bit nervous. More so for the pre-op diet. I am doing this for my children. I have had high cholesterol since I was 20, I am now 37. I want to be here for my children for many years to come. I never thought I would have a date set. I have been wanting this for two years and finally have everything approved and lined up. Soooooo ready. Just need to make a menu for the next two weeks. I can have a shake for Breakfast and a morning snack. Small light lunch and supper. Adkins diet.

Hi all!! I was just banded last Friday in Cancun. Back home now and today is the best I have felt since the surgery I feel great. I'm trying to find good recipe ideas for this next week and a half that'll I'll be on the full liquids.... any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Trish

Hi everyone! I'm SecretStolen. I had the lap band surgery in 12/07 and I used to participate around here all the time. Over the years, my weight loss plateaued and I've been stagnant since. I'm basically back on board with my Protein shakes, Vitamins, and I'm getting back to measuring out small portions and making healthier choices. Plus, this place is an awesome resource and I missed it. So, just a quick intro to me, and good luck old and new bandsters alike!

Good Evening, I was surfing the net and found this great site. I am not sure how to navigate yet but I'm going to give it my best shot... I got my band 01/03/11 and I just got my first fill. Not sure if It is making a difference yet still learning about my body. I have lost 25 lbs. and can already feel the difference. It is GREAT!!!!!!

Hi all, I found this site a few months ago when I really started taking getting this procedure done seriously. I have been flirting with the idea of it for over a year, but in December I decided that it is time to move forward. I can't do it on my own anymore. the more weight i lose, the more i gain back when i fall off the wagon, so I am hoping this will be a great tool for me to stay the course this time. As far as taking this particular journey, I am both excited and scared to death. I have probably more than 200 pounds to lose and I know it's not going to be easy. I am glad that I have found a place that seems encouraging and is loaded with information and suppo…

I am 8 days post op and feeling great, heck I felt pretty damn good right when I woke up from the surgery, and have improved every day since then. I have no complaints at all, I have lost over 30 lbs since starting the pre op liquid diet, things are going about as perfect as the could be. I am a stickler for following the Doctors rules when it comes to the sleeve, which is odd because in others areas of my life I never listen to anyone, and just do as I see fit. The problem I am having is that post op I knew two days before the clear liquid diet was done that I would be fine for full liquids, I bit my tongue and waited, then progressed to full liquids on schedule. Now I a…

Hi Everyone I am so excited,nervous,anxious,scared and ready to go. i am having my pre-admin on 3/11 then getting banded 3/18. There are so many searches I am looking into now like....weight loss succ't lose thiess stories and pics, menu ideas, making lists as to what i need in my home post-surgery, anxious about "what if i still cant lose weight even though i am doing everything i should be doing.' Also, scared since i am realizing that perhaps all this time, my extra weight has been my secret hiding place that I am going to lose. I am glad to join this group.

To all of you on the verge of having your bands placed soon, I write to you from the hospital I had mine put in earlier this morning. I assure you that my experience thus far has been pleasant. I'm in zero pain. A bit of gas remains from the carbon dioxide that is put in your abdominal cavity, but I'm doing well. Ice chips are my best friend! LOL! Tomorrow, clear broth! Anyhow...have no fear fellow future Bandsters....take it from me, it's a walk in the park!

Hello everyone, it's been awhile. Just wanted to post my latest photo. Things have been going great for me. I am now down 95 pounds since my surgery in May 2010. My life has completely changed. I have so much energy now. I am working out at a gym (no longer ashamed of my body, it might sag, but I am PROUD!). My back pain is almost non-existent and my migraines are now manageable. The best part is my relationship with husband and my daughters. They treat me differently, not because they love me more slimmer, but because I am different. This board has been there to see me through good times and bad times, both when I was "stalking" and posting. Thanks everyone. And …

Had my two week visit with my surgeon's office today. Dr. Nick in Plano TX did my surgery on 2/22. I am now down 24 pounds (including the pre-op diet). I have also lost a total of 18". I spent last weekend organizing my clothes closet and packing boxes of stuff I have shrunk out of. Goodbye size 24W and 3X's. The thrift shop that supports a woman's shelter has gotten those clothes. I think they are going to see a lot of me this year! I feel wonderful. Haven't had to use any pain meds or nausea medicine since I got out of the hospital. I am going back to work half time next week, then back full time the next week. (My day's are 12 hour days, so I'm not quite read…

Hey guys! I'm new to this forum, as a matter of fact I've never joined a forum before! So I am getting banded on 2/18. I was scheduled for 2/15 but I came up with a terrible cold so we had to resch! Hopefully I'll get better on time!! I am 5/4 and weigh 235. I'm on my liquid diet and its killing me, I'm starving!! What did you guys eat (drink) on your one week pre op diet? How was your experience the day of surgery (before, during, after?) I'm scared to death of this operation, I've never had surgery before! Please share with me your experiences and how you would go about the procedure and preperation if you could do it again. Thanks!

i have never had a fill. i was banded in 2008 at 206lbs. my low weight was 185lbs. when i started to gain the doctor keep telling me i was fine that im building muscle. now i dont have insurance and im upto 212lbs; more than the day i was banded. this is depressing. i workout 3-4x a week (cycling, zumba, aqua fitness, etc.), eat a sensible diet and drink plenty of water. not sure what to think or what to do. i dont want to gain anymore!

Hi everyone. I have been looking at this site for well over a month now and finally registered. I was banded on February 23rd by Dr. Sillin at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. I had followed a liquid diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I lost 21 pounds before surgery and since surgery I have lost another 10 pounds. I am still in recovery phase, but I have moved from full liquid diet to starting soft foods - YAY! I truly appreciate the open honesty and advice I have found on this site.

I was banded almost three years ago in March 2008. I initially lost about 80 lbs but have plateaued in the last year. My doctor was very impressed with my weight loss at first as I was a college student. I've recently graduated and I'm having issues with inactivity and poor diet. I really appreciate knowing I'm not alone in this! -Liz

Surgery scheduled for March at IU Health formerly Clarian Bariatrics. Is there anyone that has either gone there for lap band surgery or are planning on going there? I have my date set for March 28, 2011 and go for pre-op testing on Monday March 14, 2011. I hope that everything goes OK with the testing. I have Dr. Ditslear as my surgeon. Any comments about him? I was originally wanted the vertical sleeve but my insurance would not approve it. I thought about the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass but decided that I would try the lap band first. I realize that the weight loss is not as fast but the restrictions on food are less. Anybody have the lap …

I am also waiting for a date when my insurance gives the OK .. i have less than a month before i know, i had the worst experience at True Results and wondered if anyone else did either? Also i know the Lap Band weight loss can be much slower than the GASTIRC Bypass , just wondering if anyone has had a fast loss ? Catlana

Hi There, My name is Angela. I was banded in August 2010. I have not lost any weight. I have been having metabolism problems. My metabolism is very, very slow so it is very difficult for me to lose weight . In fact, I have been put on Primatene to speed up my metabolism and L-Carnatene to help build muscle because my muscle mass is low. But, still no weight loss. I am frustrated beyond anything explainable. The doctor doesn't want me to exercise very hard because my muscle mass is already low to begin with and he doesn't want me to burn any more of it. Does anyone have ideas or thoughts about this issue? Is anyone else going through this too? Angela

I will try to make this brief and to the point. My name is Randy I’m 45 years old. 6’4” and 401lbs. There’s an athlete in here somewhere. Former college football player, backpacker and rock climber. I guess I exchanged exercise for will power. As long as I was running 3 miles a day and working out I could eat anything I wanted. I was always that guy who could hit the buffet line 5 times and not be full. I have always been a big, muscular guy with very broad shoulders. At my peak physical ability, I weighed 275lbs when the “insurance chart” said I should weigh 170. Now….there is no excuse. I’m fat….morbidly obese. Fast-forward 13 years. I’m married with 2 children.…

I had lap band in 2007 and did not following the recommendations or support group after being told that "I am sorry but your metabolism" is so slow it will be difficult to loose weight. I got frustrated and said to myself why try. I weighed 166 and am 4"9" and should weight between 105 to 110 because I am 61 now. I have an appointment today with Dr. Billy's office (he did the surgery and is a very nice person) to give it another chance. I do not know if I need a fill or not but most of all can it work for me after drinking club sodas and many times with the head over the toilet? Are there any success stories that have had similar experiences and can be shared with m…

l am so happy to have stumbled onto this board. l live in South Africa ( Gauteng) and am looking for info on Drs who do the lap bands. l have searched online and have only come across one who does gastric bypass.l ahve a BMI of 39.2 and have tried every diet in the book without success. The weight always comes right back. Anyone in South africa to help? More on me later!!!!!!!

Hi my name is Jennifer I am 31 years old. I have been playing with the idea of getting the band for a little over a year. My insurance covers the procedure "So exciting".So I am in the very beging stages of getting set up with my case manager and my Doctor visits. I had a scheduled appointment with my medical Doctor on Friday to discuss this option and to get her approval. She said she wanted me to have some blood work done and to check if I am insulin resistant. I was a little shock but went along with it. I get a call from the Doctor office and the nurse explains to me that I am insulin resistant and the Doctor wants me to go on medication.The day of the physical the Do…

I just had my first fill about a month ago and my surgeon put 2 cc's into my band. I am not feeling restriction and I requested to go in sooner for my next fill. Has anyone experienced this? How many cc's before you start feeling a difference?

Hi they call me Big Rich im new to all of this blogging stuff so please bare with me. So far I'm on my 2nd day of my 2 week pre-op diet.Two questions,Does the diet get any easer,and to all who have had the band,Is it worth it?? I hope it is I'm due to be banded on 3/21/11..

Hey guys, I have been browsing this site for a while, but didn't really start writing until today. I think I am just still in shock that this is all happening. I just have to say, I love how encouraging everyone is. To be honest, I didn't really know what to write because talking about weight and about this whole part of my life is a very vulnerable place to be in. But, after seeing all of your posts and just how all of us come from such different backgrounds with such different stories but yet all have pretty much the same goal is just so stinkin' cool! So without any hesitation, I want to introduce myself and join this great community! My name is Rachel and I am 21 y…

I am due to be banded on Wed 09 MAR 2011 and return to work on the 12th. I am a flight attendant and my job requires bending, lifting and long periods of standing. Any suggestions on return to work time frame or any ideas to make it more tolerable? Thanks

Incesion staples out today and it didn't hurt even a little bit! If you're having second thoughts, DON'T! Here's how my journey is going so far: February 28th 3:30AM- Arrive at Forrest Park Medical Center 4:30AM- Weigh in, put gown on, give urine sample 5:30AM- Met with Dr. Kim, Anesthesiologists, got hooked up to IV,and put on compression socks 5:45AM- received small shot for blood thinner, and something for nausea went in IV 6:00AM- got wheeled down the hall, then I don't remember anything else after that. 9:00AM(ish)- I remember feeling cold, nurses talking, then hearing "we're taking you upstairs to your room". (Surgery didn't take that long, I was probabl…

Yahooooo!!! I am so excited that I got the call from the Doctors office on Monday. I am approved to get the LAPBAND surgery from now until june 3. Yay. I now have to make an appointment for my results visit so that I can schedule my surgery. I believe thats all I have to do next. I am so thankful that my prayers were answered. I am hopeful that I can get my surgery sometime in April because I just want to get it over with. I am nervous and trembling but I know that this is gonna be a step toward a better me. I have learned so much over the last couple months and I am ready to turn my life around by learning to eat well and exercise. I need to lose a lot of weight and the…

The day is finally here (almost). Being banded tomorrow morning and have struggled with the pre-op diet. I have some anxiety about that, but took a klonopin earlier and am feeling much better. Best wishes to all of you with your upcoming surgical dates. Fast healing and steady journeys for all of you! Steph

I got my MRI results today and the disc is herniated. I have an appointment tomorrow to talk about the options- and will probably have a cortisone shot in the disc on Thursday in the hopes that does the trick. I am so freaked that I will need surgery- I have already had a discectomy in the disc so if I can't get it soothed they will want to do a fusion. Having back surgery before started me on the road to gaining over 110 pounds. I am in such despair at the thought of another surgery.... I am wondering if I can insist on the sleeve first. Then even on that front I have had a delay as there were negative results on my "routine" stress echo and now I have to see the car…

Hi! I'm new at this weight loss surgery and blogging, too, so have patience with me, please. I weighed 292 lbs when I saw my new general practitioner last June 2010. She agreed with me that I desperately needed to lose weight, but I needed to get my body in order first. She did all the usual blood tests, finding I was very close to being diabetic. So, I began taking all the usual medications for one with my health history - you know - cholesterol, blood pressure, depression, anxiety, thyroid, all the minerals and vitamins I was lacking, too. But, hopefully, when I go back to her, I'll be able to let some of them go because I was "sleeved" last Wed, 3/2/11. From what …

hey- revision sleeve yesterday w/ dr aceves. doing great! recovery is better than i thought. the drain causes discomfort, but they give meds when i need it. i have an epidural which is great for pain, but keeps me from walking so i have been choosing lower dose sublingual pills just to take the edge off. very tired, but ECSTATIC that my band is gone forever!!!!!!!!! dr. said i has some scar tissue, but not too much, so everything is good. no nausea, no vomitting, i feel very lucky. i will try to do a better post in a couple of days. happy and sleepy--- lara

I am new to this site and posted yesterday but can't remember which thread I was on (I know I posted on band to sleeve revision) but I can't find my other post. Oh, well. For those who have been in my shoes, maybe you can offer some help. I got the band more than 2 years ago. I got it because it was promoted as causing satiety and keeping hunger at bay. It has never caused me either at any fill level. I am now unfilled due to a severe stuck episode and plan to stay this way. I have followed all the rules and the 75 lbs I have lost was largely due to what I did, not the band. All the pre and post op dieting, especially the 2 week pre and post op liquid only diet…

Hey everyone...I'm sooo excited to find this forum! My name is Kelly - I do not have a surgery date scheduled yet, but I go to my PCP tomorrow for my official clearance and then see the surgeon on April 12 to set the date. At first I wanted to keep this secret from friends and co-workers, but reading some posts and seeing the support here has made me change my mind. I admit to the feeling ashamed feelings and am proud to say that now, since I have told a few, I am loud and proud to support this surgery! Thank you for all of the words I have read and hope to continue to read! I look foward to reading everyone's progress, old and new!

I was so excited to get this surgery and I knew it would be hard but I don't think I can handle this. I LOVE to gulp down a nice cold drink, not this sip sip sip crap. And no matter what I eat or drink and no matter the amount I get sick. I hate this! I'm happy I lost 20 pounds in a week but I can't handle this anymore!

Well today is my day. I am up took a shower and is dressed. Presently waiting for my ride to get here. Schedule to be in the hospital @ 5:30am. I am first on the list for 7:30am. Feeling good not nervous my faith is strong and i have already spoken to my lord. Pause @ any time today and whisper a word for me. I will be posting as soon as i am out. Thanks to all. On my way.

As of today I am one week from surgery. This has been 8 months of soul searching. I started the process in August but wasn't sure if it was for me but after many years of the weight that keeps creeping up, I decided to move forward and started to get seious after New Years. I managed to loose 30 lbs for my pre surgery weight goal. I found this website last week and many of you have answered many questions I have had and also see that my hopes and fears are not unique to this process. Glad I found this site, Thanks.

Hubby comes in from the mailbox yesterday evening and hands me a letter. It's from UHC. I was so nervous and thinking if they sent a letter they must have turned me down, but they APPROVED me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so overwhelmed with emotions. Now all the nerves are setting in for sure. I have to call my coordinator today to schedule my surgery, but I am hoping for the second week in April. I am so ready for this journey, but at the same time all the "what ifs" are driving me crazy. I just want to say thanks to all who post of their experiences on this website. During my 6 month supervised diet time, I have become obsessesed somewhat in reading all that I could about…

Hi Guys, Im from the UK and had my surgery done privately in Leicester. Im 5 days out of surgery and feeling positive. Im adopted and this process started after finding my birth mother this time last year and then finding out my father died aged 32 from a heart attack, which is I suppose is as good a reason as any. (Im 35 years old and BMI 38) I found the pre op hard but lost nearly 2 stone prior to going in hospital on Monday this week. The surgery went well (according to the surgeon). The next few days were pretty sore but now feeling better each day. I will keep everyone posted as things progress. Im desperate to get back in the gym and really get into the "lo…

Howdy Sleevers, I know some of you are have surgery soon and are interested in my day to day so I will keep posted as things change. Yesterday evening My husband was in dire need of "HIM" time. He came home after picking our son up from school and picking up some groceries and said "THIS MOM SHIT SUCKS". A BBQ & BEER intervention was needed so I went with him to our local BBQ joint (sort of our cheers) for about an hour and a half. That was as much as I had the strength for since I was still doing a clear liquid diet. Not much fuel in the tank. This morning I woke up with more stomach pain than I have in the past. More like I'd been a punching bag during the …

Hi, My name is Kimberly and I was banded on 03/02 and am having a very difficult time with keeping clear liquds down. I am post-op day 4 and feel dehydrated, will be notifying the DR in am. I also had a hiatal hernia repaired that I didnt know i had. I weighed 234 lbs when i was banded and dropped to 225 today. I know that rapid of a weight loss is not good. Ant suggestions would be appreciated. God Bless.

Hi, I was banded in October 2006, in Canberra Australia. For the first 12 months things went well. Then I fell ill and had to have the fill removed. Since then things have gone down hill. Twice it has been filled and emptied due to illness. The last time I had fill put in (3mls in a 10ml band) was February 2010. I have gained the initial 20lb I lost. But now I have a bigger problem. For quite some time have had sever shoulder pain , that radiated to my neck, around my ribs , into the middle of my back. Has driven me mad and at times sounded like a hypochondriac, not being able to place the pain in one exact spot. My Bariatric surgeon was no help as he thinks I am…