Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I could hardly sleep last night, dozed off on the couch, went to bed for a couple hours, came back out to the couch, dozed off for a couple more hours. I finally gave up on sleeping and started doing more chores around the house to keep busy. The lack of sleep is not due to being nervous, but rather because I am so damn excited about finally getting to this point. I took me a lot of denials, appeals, arguing with my insurance to get to this point, gave up smoking, and have spent the last 4 days on nothing but liquids, Jello, and broth. As I sit here writing this I have less than 24 hours b4 I need to be at the hospital at 6am tomorrow for a 7am surgery. I am down from 30…

Hi, New to this site. I am in the process of getting banded. My first visit is next week. Hoping that I can get banded by the end of April. My insurance covers the procedure, since my BMI is over 40. Anything I should be aware of? How soon after surgery can I get back to working out? I work out 5-6 times a week, a mix of cardio and circuit training. I want this bloody gut off me. I am sick and tired of it. Also, do you have to restrict abdominal workouts? I may never get six pack abs, but I want the CASE off the front, and be able to do alot of the physical stuff I used to do.

do we ave 2 ave the sustagen or can we jus ave wat else there is on da list

Hello, I am Daina S. from port orchard, wa, usa, new to this forum. Wish future co-operation from you all. Thanks.

I was banded just over 2 years ago and at first all went well. The thing I failed to do while going through the process was to take food addiction seriously. I always considered myself a healthy fat guy as all my normal physical test results would come back good every time, what I did not take in to account was my love of food. At first after having the band I thought man I can eat whatever I want and not gain weight and actually lose it....well this worked for some time because my portions were so small. Well then I began to miss the high that goes along with over eating and figured out if I could drink Water while eating I could push more and more down to where I…

I have been struggling with my weight for about 10 years now. My heaviest was 303lb and I have been up and down for many years. I already have a surgery date scheduled but have not decided 100% on what surgery I should do. I have been torn between having the sleeve or the lap band. My surgeons are afraid that I won't lose what I want to if I have the band. When I found out that my doctor offered the sleeve that was the surgery that I was initially drawn to. I'm very nervous about doing surgery at all! Surgery is scheduled for march 30th and my preop is on March 17, the doc said I had to have my mind made up on the 17th. Advice would be much appreciated!

So, here's my story... I was banded 3 years ago and feel like I've just wasted the past 2 years battling my food addiction. I am looking for help on how to start again... When I was first banded, all was wonderful. The weight was melting off, I was working out, I felt amazing. The one thing that didn't happen for me was self-confidence. I woke up every day thinking, "Is today the day I'm going to mess this all up" or if I didn't show a loss on the scale, I would instantly feel like giving up! I took a trip to visit my family in NY and go to my 20 yr high school reunion. I had a great time- but guess what? 2 weeks in NY made me gain 6lbs b/c I fell right …

Finished all pre-op and blood work. Have met with Dr Hollis and his staff and feel quite confident about their qualifications and success. I am starting off at a low BMI and am a little nervous about the slow progression this process might take. I am 39 years old and 5'7" and a starting weight of 192. Started the pre op diet early and am down to 186 lbs. Goal weight of 135 lbs. I was so pleased that Dr Hollis' office has their self pay special, but was shocked at their financing options. I feel very lucky that my husband has offered to pay for the procedure. I am the usual mix of emotions: scared, excited, but sure of my choice. I have been in a downward spiral…

I was 14 years old when I realized I was fat. A boy said he would date me if I had liposuction like twice. I remember the hot tears that burned my cheeks that night was I cried myself to sleep. Weighing in on my grandmother's scale and having it tell me that I was over 200 lbs in 8th grade. I have been since then. In all honesty until the day I met my husband I only went out on dates if I asked. Growing up in a faith that encourages marriage, and in late teens or early twenties at that, I thought that I would spend my entire life alone. All the hurt and pain and stories, I have them, but to make it short and sweet. I was blessed enough to meet a wonderful man, my…

Hello I am new to the forum and glad to have people to talk with who are going through this life altering process. I have been approved for the surgery but currently I am overseas and will not be back to the states until May or June. I need to get BCBS to extend my authorization. Does anyone have any advice on getting that done?

Just HAD to share! I work as a paramedic, and just tried on a pair of my old uniform pants (size 58) I wore before my surgery (which were very tight at that time).....guess what? They fell down around my ankles!!!! I cried tears of joy! Then I tried on a pair size 54 and they fit comfortably! I am sooooo happy!

Hi my name is Courtney, I'm new to the site and still in the process of getting all my paperwork in order for the lap band. Fingers crossed I will be able to get my surgery in April. My question for those out there is what do you say to people who don't support your decision and think you should just diet and exercise? I mean I know duh....if I could have lost the weight that way I would have but here I am thinking of getting the lap band in order to lose all this weight. My husband defintely doesn't support my decision, he thinks if I just diet and exercise the weight will come off. I am scared how the non-support will affect me after the surgery. I have told some of m…

I am planning to have my surgery and fills through the canadian company Slimband. I have joined their forum, but for some reason cannot post or communicate with anyone, My consultant is looking into that for me. But I really want to connect with people who have used them and how it has worked out. I am from Alberta. If anyone is a slimband patient please respond. I would love to be in touch with you!!

Hello Everyone! First off let me say that I have been lurking here for awhile and I can not thank you enough for all the posts. They are really helping me with this decision. I am considering the Slimband (Canada) and I am just trying to make sure I have done my research. I consider myself a professional dieter. I have been on them ALL. And when I say all I mean ALL. I do not think there is one left that I have not tried. I can lose the weight on pretty much any program, but it never stays off. Am I scared of surgery?? Of Course, but I am also scared of going through a great loss and another failure, it is having a devasting effect on my moral and self esteem. I told myse…

Hi, I too am new here. After many years of yo-yo dieting and dieting up to my current weight of 250 lbs. I have decided to go with the lapband. I see the surgeon in April. I was wondering if anyone has had surgery in Montreal? Did you go with the public system or private? Sue

Hello, I was looking for anyone getting banded on 03/07/11. One week away and boy is it nerve racking. Also anyone getting or have been banded at Ellis hospital, share your experience.

Okay I had to run to the store and pick up some splenda and cheese. (what a combination right) Anyway I found myself walking isle to isle looking at all of things (food) that I have left behind. The pre op diet has made a crazy woman out of me. LOL. I know that I have abandoned them for a GOOD reason. But I do have a passion for chocolate. A BIG passion. But on the other hand I do enjoy tuna, cottage cheese and all that is healthy. But the chocolate covered peanuts (Brachs) was my BFF (LOL) I know this will pass. As I thought that I would go crazy when I gave up all of my favorite soda's. That was over seven months ago. I don't want one and I also think of how much more w…

I'm emailing all the way from New Zealand. My lap band surgery is set for 9 March 2011. I'm currently on Day 5 of the pre-op Optifast diet. Looking forward to chatting

I had my lapband done on 1/14/11, and since than have lost 32pounds. Great right??? Well small issue everything I eat I throw up or I go to the bathroom and get sick, nothing is staying down, i called my doctor who told me, "it's normal to go through this".... I dont think he is getting it, I had a appt this friday and he moved it back to 3/4/11. At this point I am fed up and wanting this thing out, eating is a joke, I don't, I hope someone else out there has some advice, at this point I want it out and I want it out now.

Hi everyone, I was banded yesterday, and it all went smoothly. The only thing is the gas pain from surgery is really painful. I have been walking today (around the house, and twice down the street to the mailbox) and it still hurts. I thought it would be gone by now! The pain from the incisions sights seem to be just a little uncomfortable. Also, in my pre-op meeting with the doc, he said I could take my butalbital prescription for migraines if necessary. Just cut open the caplets because they are too big to swallow. Of course I had a migraine today, took it, and then realized they have caffeine in them. Think I should worry? I have a call into the doctor's office an…

Oh woe is me. I had my surgery on December 14th and quickly lost 46 pounds. Since the end of January I have only lost 2 pounds. What the heck is going on. I feel so bad because I read all the posts how everyone is losing and losing and I fear this is the end for me. I have never been a good loser when it comes to dieting, but I thought this was going to be different? I know that the VGS is not a cure but a tool. I am getting my protien in and my water and excersize. Is this the end for me? I am so discouraged and don't even want to keep doing my walking and keeping my food journal, but I know I have to. I keep thinking this bubble is going to burst and I will st…

Hi everyone, So I have been researching weight loss surgery for a while and have settle on the sleeve. I have a "low" BMI, only 32, but I want to prevent it from ever getting any higher. I am 27 and have been overweight my entire life. Familiar story I am sure, I have vacillated from 170 to 230 lbs, depending on how active I am and how strict about dieting. I have tried so many other options, prescription diet pills, Atkins, Weight Watchers, I have a personal trainer I see once a week, I eat mostly vegetarian, I have a dog I walk everyday, but nothing ever lasts. I overeat and whether the food is healthy or junk, too much is still too much. My body wants to be a s…

Hello everyone I have to admit I have been veiwing this website for some time now. Reading everyone's stories is awesome! I was goning to have the gastric bypass surgery about 5years ago but was on the operating table and a little voice inside mt head said dont do it cause you have 2 small children and its not your time to do this. It was the day before thanksgiving and on the operating room table I backed out. Four months later the doctor was fired because 5 of his patients had died. So I felt like a failure for not having it done but the little voice was telling me something! I was married for 16 years and found out my husband had cheated on me! Its been a roller coaste…

I am going through the processes of starting the lap band process. I need to find a good surgeon. Help Please!!!!

Greetings! I was just banded on Feb 17th! I have poked around this site for the last 3 months and now decided to join and not only share my story but also hopefully get some good ideas for the next steps to come! I started this process 6 months ago and completed it all within 6 months; Althought i hear i am not the norm considering i have an HMO (BSHMO), i feel everything was meant to be and the path was layed out for me. So now next steps..... I have read that some have been having bad gas or nausea and I can say i have not had any! I started the 2nd full liquid food phase on Saturday and it's been great. i'm not hungry at all. I over all feel well although …

I feel like I have made so much progress working towards that golden moment of getting a surgery date- I have been to the nutritionist and she is seeing me in two weeks instead of a month in order to help me try to get the surgery in April- I have so many different appointments I have put them on my phone to keep them straight- a sleep study Monday night from which I head to an Upper GI the next morning, , followed by a treadmill test the next day.... and the psych eval the following week. Even a colonoscopy as I am due for that and my dr. wants me to have it done before the surgery. None of it phases me with my wonderful goal of getting my sleeve. Then- kaboom- my low…

Ever since I have gotten my band I have experienced pain where the band is placed. Is that normal or not? It hurts quite a bit. I was banded back in December 2009 and lost around 50 pounds in 7 months. I had my band drained in August 2010 and just got my band tightened back on Wednesday. My stomach is hurting just like the previous time..I have been able to eat and drink without throwing up. I am just tired of hurting. Any suggestions as to what to do? I would appreciate some support from fellow bandsters.

My journey began in August 2009 when I had the lap band surgery only to have it removed 3 days later. It had slipped and I was terrified of having it fixed for fear it would slip again and I couldn't take the pain. After that I thought, "Well I lost 20 lbs pre surgery I can do it on my own". Well it didn't quite happen as I had hoped. I started out at 256#'s and got down to 225#'s and every so slowly the weight crept back on. I even go to the gym 3-4 times a week FAITHFULLY!! So after many months of deep regret that my first surgery was a failure I decided to forge on and try it again. Low and behold my physician offered the sleeve which had only recently been a…

Looking for anyone who is getting banded the same day as me. There's something oddly comforting knowing that others will be having the procedure on the same day.

I started out actually over 16 years ago on my journey to having weight loss surgery. It has been an uphill battle all the way. I had to hire the obesity lawyers from Cali. at one point to try to help me. That's the long story made very, very short lol. So I had to go through all the rigmarole involved in all of this, and finally got approved for the surgery on Feb. 17th, 2011. The kicker of all of it was, I had had a hernia repaired with mesh about 5 years ago and my surgeon didn't know if he would actually be able to do the gastric bypass on me or not. That was the surgery I had wanted. He said he would try to do the bypass, but if the mesh had caused a muck u…

I've spent most of my life heavy at 13 I was over 300 lbs, the lightest I've been was 245 lbs at the age of 16 years old... at my heaviest I was around 575 lbs... I tried to have a gastric bypass in 2003 but the company I worked for got bought out, my insurance changed and the new insurance wouldn't approve the surgery after going through all the pre surgery tests. I have lost and gained over and over again including 115 lbs in 2007 only to gain it back plus some. I moved back to my childhood home in 2009 and had one mission, get healthy, I also started my mission to get sleeved or bypassed. I was all set up to get a bypass in October 2009 but then was told I couldn'…

I just started my pre opt liquid diet. I am very excited about the future for the first time in a long time. I weigh about 480 pounds and I cant believe that I got myself in this situation. I get my sleeve on March 9 in Carrollton T.X. I have a 7 month old boy and want to make sure that I am around to see him become a man. The hardest thing is not knowing what ti exspect, but I am up for whatever.

Hello to all I was sleeved on the 31st of January at Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg. At the beginning of my journey I was 5'2 and 215. I lost some weight on my own andgot down to 207 the day before my surgery. Ten days after surgery I lost 13 pounds. As of now I dont know how much more weight I have lost because I dont like to get on he scale everyday. Im looking forward to losing weght and being comfortable with myself. The doctor says that in six months I should be at my goal weight...which is 130 or 140. Last time I checked my weight was 194. I know that I dont have a lot to lose, but everyones journey is different...so dont judge.

Okay Here we go! I am having my surgery on Tuesday the 22 here in Knoxville, TN. So the nerves have started. I feel very well informed, thanks to the people at my Dr.'s office and to the people on this forum. Still a little nervous. I have only lost 8lbs on the pre-op diet and I am hoping for 10 by Tuesday. I blew it today though I think partly nerves and the other is just that my will-power stinks! I have been exercising every other day and doing my deep breathing exercises too. Really I am excited too, Tuesday can't get here fast enough the waiting is is taking it's toll. LOL Dr. Stephen Boyce, Parkwest Hospital Pre-op 2/7/11 - 254 Surgery 2/22/11 - (hope) 2…

As some of you know my sleeve date is the 23rd of Feb, this coming Wednesday. My in laws decided to come down for one of their impromtu visits (argh!) and I kindly reminded my husband not to say anything about the surgery, I have only told a select few of my friends (nurses) and my parents.none of my other family know.. turns out my husband has told every person he has had a conversation with in the past 2 weeks.... he told them i was having some band put around my stomache and ill be in hospital for a while..... so turns out my husband doesnt understand how private and important this was to me and he has no clue about what surgery I am actually having which means he hasn…

Hi, all! My name's Bob and I just had my sleeve surgery on 2/2, about 3 weeks ago. I've been real obese for over a decade, as high as 475-500lbs at one time and drawing down to about 370ish before I started planning my surgery. With diabetes type 2, blood pressure, you name it, I had to do something. I want to raise a family with a my wife and be around, healthy and active, for her and my kids. I had my surgery here in Columbia, SC at Lexington Medical Center, with Dr Antonetti of the Riverside Surgical Group. It went great, no problems, laproscopic, shrunk my liver enough thank goodness. The first week or Clear liquids was rough to get used to, especially watching…

I just recieved my surgery and I wanted to know how to loss my stomach while lossing the weight i seem to always have a problem lossing my stomach through lossing weight. So I se myself lossing lbs now but im not so sure about my stomach.

Hi, all! My name's Bob and I just had my sleeve surgery on 2/2, about 3 weeks ago. I've been real obese for over a decade, as high as 475-500lbs at one time and drawing down to about 370ish before I started planning my surgery. With diabetes type 2, blood pressure, you name it, I had to do something. I want to raise a family with a my wife and be around, healthy and active, for her and my kids. I had my surgery here in Columbia, SC at Lexington Medical Center, with Dr Antonetti of the Riverside Surgical Group. It went great, no problems, laproscopic, shrunk my liver enough thank goodness. The first week or clear liquids was rough to get used to, especially watching …

I wish this waiting period was over....I know that I didn't become obese over night and I am not going to lose the weight over night but I just want to know if Aetna approved the VSG surgery. They just got the faxes but even a week seems like forever.....

Hi, all! My name's Bob and I just had my sleeve surgery on 2/2, about 3 weeks ago. I've been real obese for over a decade, as high as 475-500lbs at one time and drawing down to about 370ish before I started planning my surgery. With diabetes type 2, blood pressure, you name it, I had to do something. I want to raise a family with a my wife and be around, healthy and active, for her and my kids. I had my surgery here in Columbia, SC at Lexington Medical Center, with Dr Antonetti of the Riverside Surgical Group. It went great, no problems, laproscopic, shrunk my liver enough thank goodness. The first week or clear liquids was rough to get used to, especially watching …

Hi everyone, I am involved in the group under pre-op discussions of March 2011 Bandsters but is anyone else out there scheduled for the 31st?? I am a firm believer in having a good support group-so lets get on the MARCHing BAND together.

Hello everyone I have been lurking on here for years but this is my first post Well finally decieded to have lapband surgery! after researching it for three years, I had it done Dec 28 of last year my weight was 230 and I am 5'3. It was a outpatient surgery I went into surgery at 5pm at left the hostipal at 2pm the next day when I say that this is the best thing I have ever ever done! I had hardly any pain alittle gas but other than that it was great.... I am 198pds as of today and dropsing .. I had my first fill on feb 11 they told at surgery that they put in 2cc so they had it 2cc more so now I am at 4cc. and it does help with your portion control something that I wa…

Well it's now Friday was sleeved on Wednesday had a bad reaction to the anesthetic and was wrenching for 24 hours so just on a drip. My surgeon swapped my meds and so I had a my fluids yesterday . It's a but like a funnel gurgling down into ur stomach!! I'm trying to drink really slowly but still getting a few bubbles the nurse said to sip and then walk ??anyways worst is over and thankyou for the mantra. I went under the anesthetic repeating I will do this I will wake up I will lose weight I will be healthy I will love myself more I do love my family. I will love me. So thankyou for all ur support any tips about the bubbles would be great!

I am really starting to get nervous! My surgery is on Monday, Feb 28. I have been on a liquid diet for a week and have already lost 20 pounds. I am so excited and know that this weekend will be very long!!!

Hello everyone, I was banded at Eglin AFB in FL by Dr. Michel on 2/22/2011. My insurance, TriCare covered the entire procedure. My surgical experience was great, no problems. My starting weight is 245 lbs and I'm hoping to loose 100 lbs. I'm so thankful to have this procedure after years of yo-yo dieting. I have sleep apnea and headed towards diabeties. Right now, I feel like crap...bloating and nausea....glad to have read this is short term. This web site has been very helpful. I've also joined a local support group which meets once a month. Looking forward to blogging with you all.

I've been on my liquid pre-op diet since Monday and I seriously just asked my husband if maybe "wine" could be considered one of my liquids. It's our 15 yr anniversary Monday (yes my surgery date) and I just feel like we should at least have a glass (or two) of wine together. I have to give my hubby a shout-out... 15 yrs ago I weighed 119 lbs (i'm 5'5") and over the years and 2 kids later I've ballooned up to 215 (age 47) and I truly feel he loves me every bit as much (if not more) than he did the day we said "I Do".

Hi Everybody, just been looking over this site, and was quite impressed. I am a little curious about this surgery, as I was banded in the past. I had the lap-band put in, and had it for almost 2 years with no weight loss (except 20 lbs from the beginning-with liquids) No matter how much or little saline was in my band, it was either too much or too little. It was a very frustrating time for me. I threw up just about every meal, and could only eat soft foods. meat or pototo would come back up, as soon as I ate them. Its been almost two years since I had it removed, and never regretted it. But I'm also looking for help again. I am living in Alberta, and I'm also taking par…

I went for my followup today and was told I can move onto the next stage. I am so happy I can have food now even if its just mushy. I could only have a few spoon fulls but it was great. I was full and satisfied after the few spoon fulls and it felt great. Now, I suppose after reading the different post the stall will begin.

I've been lurking for a while now. In fact, I was on here in 2008 as well. At the time I checking into getting banded by December of 2008, but my parents insurance ran out 1 month too early and my new insurance didn't cover lap band procedures. So, I am now at a full-time job that I love and just found out (don't know why I waited this long) that we cover it with strict criteria to meet over a 6 month period: BMI over 40 (mine is like 47), 6 months of documented nutrtional counseling, ect ect. I am going for my 2nd consult (had one back in 2008) this coming Thursday, Feb. 24th at 3pm. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I have done my patient info page, 4 day fo…

Hi, I had my VSG on Friday 18th Feb in Telford, and all is well. I am very stiff and sore whenever I move from sitting to standing, but it is only four days post op! I think I was a little over optimistic about how 'pain free' this would all be. I also feel there is little printed info for English patients, and I would love to hear from anyone who has had the sleeve op in the South West of the UK. Are there any support groups I can visit? Cheers, HelenJD