Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone, well, today is Friday and I am getting sleeved, here in the UK next Tuesday. I am so excited, just a little bit scared, but mostly just cant wait! I absolutely love reading the stories on this site, so felt it only right to start my own . I am 43, really happily married to a lovely man, and we have a gorgeous son, so I am so so lucky in my life, but have been overweight since my early twenties when I started earting naughty food, drinking and smoking too - all of which I enjoyed but they have taken their toll. I was diagnosed with heart failure two years ago and in that time I have given up smoking, drinking and lost two stone (28lbs), but I nee…

I have been overweight the majority of my life (38 years). I grew up as the fat kit that no one wanted on their team or was picked last. I outgrew my weight issues during high school and joined the Army. After getting out it was difficult to maintain the level of discipline to maintain my weight. As life goes on I sprung up in weight and have been battling my weight since then. After seeing the amazing transformation my mother has had from gastric bypass (6+ years ago) I have always wanted to get surgery. My surgery journey started last May when I was living in Boston and was referred to a bariatric surgeon. This was a dream that was going to happen, finally. Af…

So I've started my journey... I've met with my surgeon and I'm going through all the appointments next week for the psychological evaluation and nutrition classes and stuff like that. They told me that we can schedule my surgery after I've completed my appointments. I admit that I am a little bit nervous, but excited too. If you have any helpful tips or advice for me I'd love to hear it. I'll keep you posted on my progress once I get my surgery scheduled.

I did not really know what to expect after the surgery until I started to read some of the postings here. Now, I'm thinking I might have rather stayed in the dark. Reading some of the posts from others that are only a few days out of surgery sounds scary. However, I just keep telling myself how much I dislike this huge gut and the unhealthy life I live. I want to have a can-do attitude after the surgery and make myself push through so that I will have a quick recovery. This is my 1st goal for my new life.

Hello, Like a lot of people (I imagine) I am spending these last days saying goodbye to some of my friends - my favorite foods. Luckily, I don't eat much in the way of bread or pasta since I already have a lap band and they are hard to eat. However, my lap band did bring the sugar cravings, which is weird because I never liked sweet stuff before. Anyway, I digress... I am finding that none of these foods taste as great as I think they will - it's the mental attachment and craving that is the strongest. I know that will be my battle after the surgery. I think I am about 200% more prepared for this surgery than I was when I got my band. I also have a million times…

The first week has not been easy. I was told my band has a small amount of fill. Water going down slowly but OK. smoothies (protein) go down very slow . . . almost need to work at it. On a follow-up call from my clinic I explained slight nausea, very light headed mostly from having difficulty taking in food. No appetite and really . . . nothing taste good. They said come in . . . but mentioned much of this was from swelling and will get better. It has gotten a little better each day . . . not much. Have digested very little in the last week . . . maybe two nutrituional drinks a day and that takes work. Is this normal. I'm sure I've lost weight . . . but feel very ex…

Hi Everyone - I have been lurking around this board for quite sometime - my name is Angela and I started my process (seminar) in May of 2010 and was banded on 1/5/2011. So far I am down about 26 lbs, and feeling great. I am so glad that this board is here - I have been reading on a few different ones, but they are either boards that are for all WLS types where RNY seems to rule to board, or other boards that have so many negative posts from "outsiders" that is it is depressing. It's good to have a place where I can be a part of a community of people just like me I look forward to getting to know you all better - and hopefully providing support & encouragemen…

My first post! I had my first pre-op yesterday with surgeon and have scheduled pre-op testing, counseling, nutrition appointment. I am hoping for a March surgical date. I am thankful to have found this forum as the amount of support and information is truly overwhelming. I am looking forward to charting my progress here!

Hi there. I'm Tina. I was Banded last Thursday. I've been wanting this done for years and was going to have it done almost 6 years ago, but then there were family issues to take care of, then with a change in jobs came a change in insurance, etc. Regardless, it's done now! I had it done at UPMC Magee in Pittsburgh by Dr. Courcoulas. She's amazing. Thank you for having this group. I'm very happy to have found it. I do have some questions, mostly about pain and pain medicine that I'm hoping someone can help me with.

I had my sugery on Feb 10, 2011 and I was 191 lbs and as of today I am 177 lbs. Im not sure if I should be less or more but I feel great and hopefully this keeps going good for me. Dr. Noel Williams performed my surgery at the universty of penn and philadelphia pa and i would tell the world about him if they were to think about getting a lap band

Hello Everyone, I'm finally finished with everything that was asked of me. I'm just waiting patiently for approval. Does anyone know how long it will be for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield's approval? Congratulations to all for your success with the lap band.

Hello! My name is Dottie and this is my first visit to this site. I was referred by a friend and I'm hoping to find a good source of information here. I had my VSG surgery on December 15, 2009. On surgery day I weighed 376. Today, I weight 255. So that's 121 lbs gone! I'm thrilled with that truly I am. I have however, been experiencing a stall lately. I've been tossing around a couple pounds since November. I try not to let it bother me, but some days that's easier said than done. My highest recorded weight that I remember was 403 and I think that was back in 2007/8 thereabouts. I exercise 6 out of 7 days with 4 of those days spent on cardio and 3 spent on wei…

Hi all, i just got banded 2/17/11 by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver (Parker), CO. Dr. K was wonderful--very personable and very skilled. My insurance did not cover the surgery, but my husband and I decided it was wirth going into a little bit of debt. We have one child who will be three in May, and have experienced infertilty, which is likely related to my obesity. Our hope to conceive again is one of the reasons I decided to get banded. I lost 14 lbs on the preop diet, and have lost 2 lbs since surgery. I'm on soft solids now and still pretty uncomfortable around my incisions and deep inside my gut, but I'm tolerating food well. I'm hoping to lose a total of 201 lbs.

I just had the Gastric Lap Band procedure done last week at Emory/Johns Creek Hospital in Johns Creek, GA. My doctor is Dr. Johnson with Atlanta Bariatrics, also in Johns Creek, Ga. So far the experience hasn't been too bad. I came back to work today, but will only do 1/2 days the rest of the week. I'm still sore. For some reason I have been running a fever of 100.5, mainly at night, but tylenol takes care of that. I have checked for infection around my incision and there does not seem to be one so I'm not exactly sure why I'm running fever. I do have to day though, I'm ready to start eating soft,moist meats and soft vegetables starting tomorrow. I purchased the B…

Hello to Everyone My surgery was Feb. 18th and discharged the 21st. Home at 1230pm. Today I am truly happy with the decision I've made to be a more healthier woman. I have taken control of my life. The surgery was a success. I hardly had any pain; a lil discomfort, yes, but no pain. I begin a new journey for the rest of my life and give thanks to God and to Dr. Taller at Pacific Bariatric, San Diego and the pre-op team, pre-surgical & surgical team and nurses on the 7th floor at Scripps Mercy Hospital. You all ROCK.

Any one geting their lap band 4/14/11. if their is lets keep in touch and be bandster friends through out our whole jurney. Im so excieted i cant wait!!!!

Hi! I'm new to both banding and blogging so I guess a B&B virgin. I am a self-pay from Cincinnati with Dr. Curry, scheduled for band on 3-14. I have to do 1 week of pre-op diet. Right now my issues are getting my head around all the upcoming changes. Does anyone else remember or have those fluctuations between, I am so excited for food to be a non focus in my life and what the heck?!! Are you crazy girl? You just gotta eat less and exercise more. Like that has been working so well for the last 20 years! I have really enjoyed and been inspired by searching this website, my new nighttime addiction.

Hello, I have been on this journey since October of 2010 and on Friday 2/25/2011 will finally have my VSG ! That is, if I don't starve to death on this liquid diet first ! LOL Let me go back to the begining: In October I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease and told I had to loose weight. I knew I was a little heavy but gosh, didn't think I was that fat.... So I watched what I ate and cut down on fat but was too sick to work. My labs kept getting worse plus all my other symptoms and the fatty liver turned to NASH. I was then told it was becoming a life threatening situation and must get some type of gastric surgery. I had toyed with the idea for years…

Hi Everyone I'm Christine.... Just joined to help with more info. I have met with my Surgeon, and in the process of everything else. Still trying to decide if this is right for me. I have about 80 pounds to lose. Any suggestions? Thanks for helping.

Hi my name is Jeni and i live in Australia, Melbourne. I started my lap journey in 2009. My surgery was performed on 10th Sept 2010 and I'm happy to say that it went wonderfully. Dr Ahmad Aly was my surgeon and he was wonderful. He was very matter of fact, answered all my questions and made sure I were always comfortable. Not to forget Shelley & Tracey, Surgery went well and i went home that next day. I was on liquid diet for 6 weeks and that i must say was tough, moved onto pureed foods then slowly went on to normal foods. I was weighed the day of surgery at 101 kilo's and i am now 89 kilo's and doing well. I have had many experiences that may differ to oth…

I am so nervous about my upcoming surgery!! I am having a really hard time with the Meditrim shakes. They make me really, really nautious!!! I am doing my best to stick to the pre op diet but I'm having a really hard time. Tell me it gets better!!

Surgery deposit was sent today - no looking back! But, honestly, I am feeling great about everything now. I was terribly nervous at first, but I have gotten so much support from my family and from this board - it has really helped. Looking forward to meeting my fellow Dr Aceves sleevers in a couple of weeks!

I have my first consultation with the surgeon in the morning, I am scared and excited at the same time, I am hoping he will tell me something positive, like yeah I think there is a chance tricare will approve you, haha what are the chances of that happening. What should I expect tomorrow? At the seminar I don't remember them saying anything about what they do at the appointment. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TRICARE BE NICE AND APPROVE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I have some tight stockings on my bloods been taken and I'm wearing paper underpants!!!! I'm just waiting now for my time!

Im in Memphis, Tenn. I want to get the lap band ( Im self pay ) I don't have a clue which way to go. I see prices from 5000 all the way to 18000. I don't want to get caught up in a scam cause that would bring out a VERY BAD PERSON in me. Can anyone offer any help/ advise.

Hi, My screen name is chaseyro. I've been Here about two weeks now. Found out friday that they have an opening in march 10 for the sleeve. I'm so excited to start my new life. I'm currently 251 lbs. 4"9'. For my size i'm considered morbid obese. My goal is to loose 150 lbs. But i planed to set many mini goals. My first is to loose the first 50 and so on.

I am wondering what laxative is safe and effective at 2 weeks post op. Do they pose any danger to the sleeve/stomach?

Hey everyone I was banded June 16th 2009 and am looking for some other bandsters from Maine for support. I come on this website alot to get support but its not the same as in person. I am just over an hour away from the bariatric center in South Portland so looking to start a group in Auburn area. Please send me your contact information if you are interested.

My husband and I have made the decision to be sleeved at the same time. We will be leaving our Arkansas home on Friday, April 8th, 2011 and driving to San Diego where we will be sleeved by Dr. Almanza at the Jerusalem Hospital. We are supposed to go to the Recovery House on Sunday (10th). Since my husband's BMI is so high, he has to be "observed" for three days prior to his surgery. They will also do extra tests on him. So his surgery is scheduled for April 13th. I haven't decided if I want to do my surgery on Monday (11th) or wait and do mine the same day as his. Someone has to be well enough to drive home, right? Lol. Mine will be a band to sleeve revision. I was band…

Hi everyone, just wondering, I am going for my surgery on Tuesday, hooray!, but as of yet, only my husband and best friend know about it, I have not even told my closest family, as they live a little way away, I have been able to get away with it, but just wondering what any of you guys have done, have you told? And if you kept it quiet, were you able to keep it quiet as you were magically losing weight??? I woul love to know, thank you all for reading xxxxx Imogen xxxx

I do have a question about carb intake. The last visit I had I was told my carb intake needse to come down. I am trying to figure out exactly how many carbs I should have in a day. II exercise 5 days a week and not sure about this. Thanks

So if I don't have sleep Apnea I will not get to move further with the process, so they are setting up a sleep study for me. I know nothing about sleep Apnea except I have read that most people that have it snore. I do not think that I do snore, I did when I was pregnant and knew I did because it woke me up, so I think I probably don't. My question is has anyone been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea when they weren't expecting it all???? I am trying not lose all hope that this surgery will happen!

Had my lap band procedeure last Thurs ( 2-17-2011). I am having a real problem getting anything down. Very weak and dizzy. No hunger whatsoever but even sipping liquids is difficult. Have probably absorbed a total of 120 calories in the last 4 days. Tonight I finally got down about 6oz of a blended Protein smoothie . . . took about 45 minutes and really worked at it. Feeling a little stronger after the smoothie. I find I digest slightly easier standing up . . . but some nausea is present . . . nothing in me to aspirate. Water doesn't even go down easy . . .I am soooo thirsty! I know I need to train myself to be more patient and sip . . . . which I'm trying to do. I calle…

Well, I said goodbye to all my favorite food friends this past week and i'm now mentally ready for the challanges ahead. I started my liquid diet today (so far so good). I'm sure I will be so tired of protien drinks by the end of the week. Does wine count as part of my liquid diet (JUST KIDDING ) I do know better than that. My starting weight today was 215, i'm 5'5" tall and my age is 48 (in a month). My goal will be to get back to 125 (where I was till I had my 2nd child at age 35). I know it will be a challange. I know I will have to use willpower I have never tapped into before. I know I will need to embrace exercise. I'm ready, set, go! Thank you to all who p…

I went to my pcp today (who I haven't seen in 2 years) for a checkup and she immediately was concerned about my blood pressure and pulse rate. She ordered an EKG *which came out fine, and I discussed having the lap band surgery with her. She wasn't too gung ho about it, wants me to go to a nutritionist for three months and see what happens. This is so frustrating to me because I've done all my research, I've tried lots of diets and still no success, and I want to have the lap band procedure ASAP. Please somebody give some advice.

Hi! I am Jes... I was sleeved on December 20th 2010! I am so thrilled with my progress so far I just had to share! I started my journey at 317 pounds and 5'5 tall. I'm only 23.... and classified as morbidly obese. SCARY! To date I've lost 65 pounds =) I haven't taken any recent body shots lately. I normally do them in 25 increments... However here is some pictures from when I lost 50 pounds! Amazing difference! I have a blog... I update a lot! www.mamamonner.blogspot.com if anyone wants to check it out. pretty soon I'll be venturing out to a VLOG!<3 Good luck on your journey

Hi! I am scheduled for surgery on Friday the 25th @ 8am. I am now reading how after 2 1/2 - 3 years the band leaks and needs replacing but nothing on who pays for that or if its replaced by the company, etc,etc. Can or does anyone have any info on this?

So here I am, 30 years old, single mom, grad student, full time employee, new home owner, and morbidly obese. I have been overweight since first grade. I was picked on, teased, ridiculed and made to feel uncomfortable in my own skin since I was 6. When I graduated high school I was around 180-190. Somehow I managed to gain almost 80 pounds in 2 years while dating my ex. The phrase “blinded by love” comes to mind because neither one of us realized what was happening to my body while he was romancing me with dinners out, chocolates, Breakfast in bed and other delicious treats. I would also like to mention that he only gained 6 pounds, and soaking wet never crossed the…

Everytime I think about it I totally start to hyperventilate a bit!! I ring up this afternoon to find out what time I have to arrive at the Hospital tommorrow. I questioned my Surgeon down to what his routine was in the morning and what he was going to eat for Breakfast so Im not worried about that (A surf and run on the beach in the morning and his weetbix), I think im all nerves!! I have Giant mutated butteflies in my stomache!!! Ive been trying to read up on peoples posts, so little sips and walking straight up???? I was feeling much better when I counted that I had 8 sleeps to go.... now I have one sleep, probably a very broken and restless sleep... !!! See yo…

My name is Racquel im 21 years old. I have been overwieght basically my whole life. I have tried diets and working out with no results. My mom was the one who recommended the Lapband Surgery to me and after looking into i realized this would be the best option for me. I am just beginning my Lap Band Process. I have my initial consultation on March 18,2011. I came to the site seeking support for others who have already been through the process . So Questions ask away??? I have questions of my own Is there anything I should make sure to ask my doctor in my consultation? How long after the consultation will the surgery occur? Did you guys share with your close friends a…

Hello! I am J and I am a 27 year old woman from Philadelphia, PA. I just got banded on Feb 17th, and am still adjusting to the fact that it has happened and this is real (For example, last night I had a nightmare that I missed my operation because I had to pee..I just can't grasp that it is done!) By day, I am a history teacher to amazing young high school students in North Philadelphia. My passion is urban education and using knowledge as a tool for social justice and empowerment. I am a far leaning leftie, and while I hope my students grow up to be critical thinking radicals, I do try to offer them many perspectives to everything we learn about. By night I am in a …

I had my surgery 1/27 and had pain but I think I worked myself up in my mind thinking it was ging to be the worse pain ever. Due to the gas there was minor pain/discomfort but when I realized that walking made it feel better I was ok. The surgery was on Thursday and I went back to work on Monday. I have seen so many questions and answers on this site for banders and I have to tell you that all that information came in handy when I needed it... I have had some discouragement as well. I lost a good amount of weight on pre-op of course that was due to all the liquids. Than my doctor slowly started moving me to soft foods - I stepped on my scale to find that I had ga…

Hello, I was just sent to this website by my doctor. Support is great and I will take it from anywhere I can get it. I was Banded on 1/27/2011 and my husband got his surgery date today - 3/24/2011. It took insurance 18 days to approve my surgery and only 4 days to approve my husband's. I have been doing great so far, didn't have a lot of pain at all, there hasn't been any major issues with the surgery. While in surgery my doctor noticed that my liver and spleen are enlarged so I have been getting tests to see what that is all about, but overall I have been doing great. I go for my first fill on 3/7/2011, I am looking forward to that, because right now I am pretty much st…

This is long over due, but I think it's about time. I'm now almost 5 months post op and I've lost 62 lbs. I think I've hit my first plateau but I think that's because of the working out. I've been doing great and still amazing myself with foods I now like. I'm down 5 sizes which is such a great feeling, I can wear my prom dresses from high school again. I am struggling with hair loss, and I always get in my Protein and take my Vitamins, but I was told it's expected. My husband and I are planning our first vacation ever and after 6 years I think it's time. Little nervous about wearing a swim suit on the beach and flying on a plane, I've avoided that from fear of not…

im going to dr kimm in dallas for march 7th started optifast today for 2 weeks, was wondering what others are doing for an pre op diet im not to eat any thing but sugar free. i guess the lier needs to shrink some , how have others made out i here this is important to stick to the diet. looking for some info of what to expect .

I finally got my surgery date!!! I met with the surgeon today and we set the date for March 16th!!! I've researched the sleeve for months and not nervous at all- knowing it was what was best for me. Now however, after setting the date and listening to all the possible complications (all of which I already knew but now it is real) I'm nervous and excited at the same time!!

Helle everyone. I have been on here several times but only as a guest. Today I decided to join. I am one year and one month post op. Dr. David Voellinger at Southeast Bariatrics in Charlotte, North Carolina performed my surgery. I weighed 277 and lost 30 pounds before beginning my weight loss journey with Dr. Voellinger. I weighed 247 pounds in January 2010 when I had my surgery and in January 2011 I weighed 185 pounds. My goal is 160 and am hoping to get there this year. I feel the best I have felt since High School. I have been up and down with my weight since High School. I have had several questions since my surgery and have found the answers on this website…

My surgeon's office called me earlier today and said that I was approved. Yeah!!! I have my egd on March 4th. My paperwork was submitted this morning. Any suggestions, comments, or words of wisdom are appreciated.

So I have looked at other forums and feel this is probably the best place for me to tell my story. I have told some of my friends but haven't really gone public per se. So here is my story and my journey. I hope you girls and guys can respect my journey. I have always been the overweight kid that was buying husky pants in the 5th grade. I played all sports and was even an allstar football player in high school. I was always able to carry my weight well but still never felt 100% comfortable without a shirt on. I work in corrections and thats where I have packed on the weight. I went from weighing around 235 in the academy to 290 most recently. In 2009, I got on t…

Hello, My name is Stephanie and I am a 19 year old female that is trying to decide if this is the step I should take to change my life. I recently graduated college with a diploma in Culinary Skills. I know I have a full life ahead of me. I have been overweight since I was 13 and it has been very challenging for me through out my years as growing up overweight in today's youth. I recently discovered that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and I have had a very recent spell with my high blood pressure. I know I need to lose the weight for myself but with my family constantly telling me to keep doing what I am trying is discouraging me. I have been trying to lose we…