Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Traci from Cherry Hill, NJ . Today is my 2nd day post op.. Had my surgery done outpatient which wasnt too bad except the pain. Today is alittle better but I can feel the gas moving towards my shoulders. Any suggestions on how to minimize the pains? Best of luck to everyone. Traci

Does anyone have any solid information on post surgery strength training exercise?....What I want to know is how many weeks after surgery can you begin strength training exercise?

Hi my name is Amy. I was banded in sep of 2009 I have lost 73lbs so far 60 to go. I must say this is hard!! I want to have lost all my weight by now.. I really did not understand how slow this was!! But after saying all that I am very proud of myself for losing a small child lol.. I still do about 60 g of protien a day, I workout 3 to 5 times a week so I am doing what My Dr says to:)

Hello to all. I am a newbie to this site. I had my surgery on Dec. 15 and am 3 weeks post-op and I had my surgery done in Memphis by Dr. Woodman. All is good; I had minimal soreness after the surgery and was back to work in a couple of days and on the 7th day was in the gym walking a mile on the treadmill and did some light weights....including some easy crunches. My incisions are looking great but I can feel my port when I bend over or lay on my stomach, which is weird. Yesterday I was back to walking 2 miles at 3.5 mph on the treadmill and it felt great. I am so excited about this new adventure in my life. I have been large my whole life and with grandkids and I'…

Hi all just got a call to say the surgery has been cancelled yet again, 3rd time now, getting really fed up now, i feel as if it is never going to happen, been and bought all the stuff, had to start yoghurt diet yesterday, but now that it is cancelled i'll be eating yoghurt for the next month, so fed up with that, i can tell you, anyway just thought i would give you an up date, new date for surgery is the 31st, but too be honest i'm not getting my hopes up, i shall have to wait and see, i'm not going to give up on myself, but it is getting harder to stay positive, anyway hope you are all well. viv

I can't believe that I am only 7 days out to surgery. The liquid diet is definitely getting easier. Thank goodness since I will be on it a while, right? I noticed though that i gained a few pounds this week. Thats kinda wierd since I'm not eating anything. kinda discouraging but I am pushing on. I keep hearing about this drain they put in. Can someone tell me how long they leave that in? Sounds painful.

So glad I found this site. I was worried I was the only person my age planning to do this. I'll be 60 on Jan 31st and I'll be banded on Jan. 10th. I'm not having too much trouble on the 2 week liquid diet. I am at the point though where I'm getting really nervous about the surgery and my decision etc. I've only had one other surgery under general anesthetic and that was an outpatient fix of my deviated septum. Part of the problem I think is because my surgeon thought I'd be better off with the RNY bypass. He listed my age, weight, BMI, and the amount I need to lose as reasons for his recommendation. I have known several people who have had the bypass. One died from…

I am always not able to stick to my diets bc the lap band constricts what i eat I find it hard to eat more than 1x a ...Its causing me to gain weight,,,also eating less gives me less energy, I thinking of having it drained to see if this will help, but a part of me thinks the foods im eating are what is the problem, Please explain ur diet's and what all has helped aid in your weight loss sucess with the band-Bc I am STRUGLING!! Thank You

I am so excited, my surgery date is February 4th! I even bought Isopure today to try the different flavors. The Fruit Punch and Orange are fine, taste a bit like gatorade. I was really worried about it since I have heard that it was hard to drink. Hopefully I can get it down. Anyone else having surgery around this time, maybe we can help each other through the process. My surgery time is 3:30 pm on a Friday, so thinking I will be home by Monday I hope.

Hello, I am a 33 year old that had gastric lap band surgery in Sept. 2008. Never had any success with it. I couldn't keep my band filled. I would swell every time and be unable to drink water. I had numerous hang ups. Don't know how many times I felt like my chest would cave in! Anyway, I started my weight loss journey at 280 lbs, and weighed 260 lbs. last week when I underwent the conversion from lapband to sleeve. My surgery was Thurs. 12/30/10, and after 4 nights in the hospital, I'm on my 2nd day home. So far, things are definitely better than the recovery from the band. (I spent 10 days NPO after my band, because my stomach had swollen completely shut) I rea…

Hi, I was banded on 12/21 and is there anybody out there from Dallas? I would like to know other Bandsters in my community. Its going well so far and I have lost well. Only complaint is lack of energy. This is a great present to myself and I hope to do it justice. Happy New Year! Vanessa

Hi. I am brand new to this. I have decided over the last few months that I am ready to do the band. I am beyond ready. I am 32. Currently 258 and 5'9. My BMI is not 40, but at my last physical found I have high cholesterol, and a slightly elevated blood sugar level although wasn't diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I do have a family history of diabetes. I have been overweight to some degree for my whole life. The only time I seem to be able to lose weight is while pregnant. I have 3 children 4, 3 and 8 months. Each time I lose weight and when I did gain, it was very minimal. Since I have had all of the children I plan to have, this is the perfect time to do the …

Hello, so last month (Dec 2010) I decided it was time to do something. I am a 33 year old single mom who is 5'9 and weighs 284 lbs. I have always been heavy but I have now realized that it is out of control. I keep thinking about all of the things that I can't do being overweight: skiing (something that I used to love), horseback riding, going to Nordstrom's and shopping NOT in the plus size section and the many activities I can not do with my daughter. My biggest fear is having to ask the airline stewardess for an seatbelt expander on a flight. So I have made an appointment with an insurance approved surgeon in my state...I have United Heath Care and they pay 90% of…

Happy New Year !!!! I was banded on 12/27 and am post op 7 days today . I feel great except for discomfort in the port site. I am adjusting to the diet and would love some advice on how to spice things up until I advance to the 4th stage. I was banded by Nicole Pecquex who is an AMAZING surgeon . And I am here to make. learn and share my journey with others.

Hello. I'm just starting on my journey toward the LapBand. Just had my initial consultation with the doctor, and have started scheduling all the required doctors visits. I am really apprehensive. I'm 58 years old and 250 pounds. My kids are against it, saying I could lose this on my own. Fifty pounds would make such a difference in my arthritis and blood pressure.

Hi. I'm Suzy from Long Island. I've done most of my presurgical testing and only recently was told about this board. I'm hoping to have surgery late Feburary or ealy march. It's a beyotch to navigate these boards, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Hello! This is my first post. I'm 32, married and the mother of 2. I'm having my first surgical consultation on January 5th. I'm both excited and scared. Any advice is appreciated!

I'm new here! My name is Kassie. I'm a 33 year old housewife and mother. I've been overweight most of my life, and have been considering different forms of WLS over the years, but have never had the courage to finally step up and ask a doctor's advice. Yes, I've been labeled morbidly obese. Yes, they've told me to lose weight to improve my overall health and eliminate my high BP and pre-diabetes. Never, however, have they recommended WLS. That's been a bit frustrating... part of me wishes one would just recommend it. I think I could maneuver through the journey easier that way! The fact is, I've known lots of people that have undergone WLS and had great success.…

My name is Evie and I was Banded in August of 2008 by Dr. Scott Pennington in Alabama. I did good at the beginning but old habits kicked in and I was back to square one. The band didn't fail me I failed it. It is time in my life to win my battle with food addiction. Today is my new start and I know I can do this.

I am the mother of two, a boy 5 and girl 3. I was banded on Dec 13, 2010 and am already down 20 lbs. Not sure what else to write. lol Will answer any questions though.

HAD LAP BAND SURGERY 5 YEARS AGO. EVERTHING WENT GREAT UNTILL ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. FOUND THAT I COULD EAT ALL I WANTED AND GAINED ALL MY WEIGHT BACK. THE DOCTOR FELT IT WAS MY PORT AND REPLACED IT IN JUNE OF 2010. STILL HAD WEIGHT GAIN. THE DOCTOR DID A DYE TEST AND FOUND IT WAS MY BAND LEAKING. I'M DUE FOR BAND REPLAACEMENT ON 1/11/2011. HAS ANYONE HAD THERE BAND REPLACED?

Hey Everyone!! Okay, so I just wanted to update everyone since it's been a few days!! Uhm..there's really nothing new in my Lap Band journey as far as getting further into the process. I'm still awaiting my lab results. Since I'm going with the cliche 'No news is good news', I'm thinking that everything is seemingly normal. haha. I started a food diary and I've gotta say...you really put your eating habits in perspective when you have to write down everything you eat. Bahahaha. Well, that's pretty much it!! The next post will probably be what the results were and what the next steps are!! Peace and love!! Peace and love!! Sarah :-)

Hello everyone! I am having my lap band surgery tomorrow afternoon! I am really excited to do this. I have been on a liquid diet through the holidays, so I know now that I can do ANYTHING!

Hey, my name is Auburn, I'm 19, and I'm considering taking on the emotional, physical, and financial investment that is the Lap-Band system. Right now I'm in the flirtation stage in terms of commitment. I'm making an effort to learn as much as I can about the procedure and the risks and benefits of it, and for me, I can't think of a better way than to hear from those who've actually had the procedure themselves. I'll admit, there are many things about the Lap-Band journey that terrify me, but hopefully over time I can grow more comfortable with the logistics of the operation and the lifestyle changes that I would have to make. Who knows? I might become so comfortable t…

Hey Everyone, I've recently decided that I was going to look at lap band and its options for me. I'm excited about the opportunities and the new life the surgery has to offer me, but I am also nervous as I have also read some not so good stories (post op) for some people. I'd like to talk with anyone who's willing to share their stories pre op and post op. I can't wait to hear from you!

Hello and Happy New Year. I was banded on November 18th, 2010 in Michigan. John Webber, MD at the DMC Harper Hospital is my doc. Tomorrow January 4th, 2011 is my first adjustment.

Morning everybody. I'm 45/m and was banded 6/8/10 I started out real well loosing close to 40 pounds between pre and post op....but that stopped 3 months ago. As part of the program I gave up drinking beer which was big deal for good Irishman like myself. Now I seem to have traded the beer vice for sweets. I never ate sweets before. Has anyone experienced such a change? If so, what did you do to correct it besides willpower? I know I've got a couple of other items to deal with but this is number one.

Hi, all! Well, I've been through the approval process and my surgery is January 4, 2011...right around the corner!! I am both excited and terrified. The pre-op diet it kicking my butt in the worst kind of way! I cannot stand any of the Protein shakes, and trust me, I've tried them all!! Every one of them make me sick to my stomach. I am literally living off Carnation Instant Breakfast in the morning and broth/gelatin/sugar free popsicles the rest of the day. I know I am no where near close to the 70g of protein that I was told to consume per day. I am concerned this could cause a problem during, or after surgery. Any suggestions?

Hi! I was banded May 6th, 2008! I lost almost 100lbs. Then I got pregnant and I am now starting over. It was really hard to watch my weight go back back up during my pregnancy. Afterwards I did not want to go back and have my band refilled because of my weight gain! I gained around 70 lbs from my pregnancy. I had planned to loss more weight before I got pregnant but that was not God's plan. I am starting over and a littled discouraged when I add what I have now lost to what was lost and realizing that I would be almost at my ideal weight now!

I discovered Joy Nash's vids a few years ago and a recent post reminded me of them. If you haven't come across them, enjoy! I think a lot of us will be able to relate to what she's talking about.

Hi, I'm new here. I decided to be banded after a life of being heavy. I'm at a BMI of 30 now. Any other Canadians here? I'll be paying about $18K for it and it's not covered by insurance I think. Did anyone have it done elsewhere and are happy with the results. I see ads for bands being installed for $4K... Not sure which country this is done in My DH is freaking out and is scared that there may be really bad complications.

Hi I was banded 11-18-2010 here in Michigan by Dr. Webber at the DMC Harper Hospital.

Hello and Happy New Year! I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Mac and I was banded on 11/17/10. To date I've lost 25 pounds (8 before surgery and 17 after). Now that the swelling has gone down I find myself eating more and was worried. After reading several of the discussions today I am relieved to learn that this is normal. I am scheduled to get my first fill on 1/4/11 and hopefully will feel more sated. I live in Southern California and my surgeon was Dr. Bengt Pehrsson (awesome doc). I truly look forward to establishing friendships on this forum and welcome the support as well as offer it. God Bless and may 2011 be a year of goals fulfilled for all!

Hi all, I'm so excited it is finally 2011! I am getting sleeved on January 7th, only five days from now. For me January 7th will truly by the new year! My story is pretty typical for a sleever. I started having weight problems about the time I hit puberty and was a plump teenager (always size 10 - 14, depending on whether I was dieting or not). After college, I had a series of stressful jobs. I didn't cope well and became a huge emotional eater; my weight really exploded and I gained about 80 lbs. over a couple of years. Dateless and depressed, in my mid 20s I spent a year on a very strict diet and exercised daily, and lost over 80 lbs. I was so proud of mys…

Ok so after months of research and KNOWING this was the best option for me I have done it. No turning back now. I thought I had prepaired myself for this moment when I said to myself "OMG what have I done to myself" but it seems im not. I feel so isolated. My family is great they are really leaving the house to eat so I don't watch or am exposed to it. It feels weird to even try to get down apple juice or broth but I know I need to. I juat have to know it gets better. Im doing all my walking and sipping, sipping, sipping. Maybe tomorrow I can start my protine but for now im feeling very wried. Now I did do somthing I know your not supposed to but I weighted. I have lost 5…

Anyone else on like a Waiting list I have been on it for 17 days now and can't wait for a date (surgery) I have my evaluation Jan.19th so I'm so EXCITED it'll be here soon I got it scooted up by 2 weeks so I wonder what number I am now I started out being #23 and my appt was Feb.2nd...I Hope to get approved without any trouble I HOPE...No I Haven't STARTED THE PRE-OP Diet Yet but I can't wait to see what mine will be about...

HAS ANYONE HAD GENERAL ANESTHESIA WITH THE DIAGNOSIS OF SLEEP APNEA? IS THERE ANY DANGER/CONCERNS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO GET AWAKE IN RECOVERY BECAUSE OF IT? THANK YOU.

Hello all Just found out Paul Wall (rapper) got the vertical sleeve. Nice to have a celebrity shed a lil' bit of light on this surgery because I know my family had never even heard of it. Here's the article. http://www.urblife.com/the-life/paul-wall-dramatic-weight-loss/

My name is Maria, I am 26 years old, 5''7 and 295lbs. I have my surgery scheduled for tomorrow at 8:30AM. Im so excited, I have no idea what to expect, and I confess I am a little afraid of not loosing weight, I dont know why I feel like that !!! since I decided to have surgery which was in November 2010, everything worked perfectly, and my insurance approved me on the same day the office sent my info. If anyone looking forward to have surgery and need to know a good insurance to work with feel free to ask and send me a message. Hope to get to sleep tonite !!!! LOL

Just a quick introduction. My name is Cathy and I've been reading the various forums for about two years now. I was banded on Sept. 2 of 2010 and am doing fairly well. I've lost 40 pounds. Things slowed down for me over the last couple of weeks, but I'm ready to focus and get back on track.

Hello everyone, I usually do not write on here but rather read all the useful posts. I decided I would contribute my experience to the pool of information. To start, I am a 24-year-old doctoral student, so I had to find time over the Holiday break to have my surgery. Starting weight=244lbs. I worked on the preop stuff for 3 months, I was initially denied (with no reason provided) and than my nurse appealed it and I had surgery 12/30/10. The Protein diet was hard for me at first because I am a big caffeine drinker, but the headaches subsided about day 4. My surgery was a sucess. The surgeon said it went extremely well and said that my recovery was the best he'd seen i…

Whats a first fill like?

I am schedule to have my surgery on 12/30/10 I am SO super excited and a little nervous after reading some of the posts on here. Its hard to know what to listen to and what not to since all of our MDs have different before and after plans. I have to be on a liquid diet 2 weeks prior and then 2 weeks after then work my way up to solids. I see some people on here are on a liquid diet for a month afterwards and I see some that eat anything (just in smaller portions) I was told my diet would be meat, cheese, and dark leafy veggies. Has anyone had their surgery done in St Pete, FL?

Hi, are there any Cirangle patients out there? I am 10 days post-op and am so sick of the liquids! Help!!

Hi Everyone! I had LapBand surgery last Monday, December 27th. I was the first patient to have LapBand surgery done at the hospital in Kearney, NE, and I was also the first patient my surgeon, Dr. Merz, had performed. He was wonderful and everything with the surgery went perfectly. I highly recommend Dr. Merz to anyone in central Nebraska that is considering lap band surgery. Does anyone know how to get him added to the 'Nebraska' listing of physicians? One of the great things about having tgeh surgery done close to home (even though it was a little scary being the first all around) is that I know my fill compliance will be much better. Most of the other bandsters I kn…

I am having my banding done tomorrow and to be honest, I am kind of freaking out! I have eaten my Breakfast and thats all I get today unless I need a few Protein shakes. Tomorrow at 830am I will be sliced open!!! OMG! The main part that I am so nervous about it throwing up.... I hate throwing up and i dont want to be in pain all day. The other hard part, is I am only 23 and an accountant so I am worried that sitting 9 hours a day and staring at a computer is going to hurt my sucess.... also that fact that i LOVE to cook is going to suck! some encourangement wouldn't hurt :-(

I have been in denial about my size for quite some time..but after several slap in the face experiences, I have realized that I am indeed "morbidly obese". My BMI is 49.6. So I have been looking into surgery options.. after reading on here for awhile, I am certain the sleeve is the option for me. My problems now are lack of support and money. Not too many ppl are supportive of surgery.. they (and some of my thoughts also) think I can do it the "natural" way. Did any of you have to get over these kinds of thoughts? How do you get over feeling like surgery is cheating? I have started the process toward surgery anyway. I have been to a seminar, spoken to insurance …

Hello All! My name is Allison and I live in N.E. Tennessee. I have been thinking about and considering weight loss surgery for a few years, and finally took the plunge and contacted a surgeon to talk about Lap Band. I sent in my patient info yesterday, and they are verifying my insurance (Empire BCBS) to check for coverage. Fingers Crossed!! I am getting largely positive responses from my friends and family about the decision to explore WLS, and feel greatly encouraged by the things I am reading here. I have PCOS and have all the lovely symptoms that go with it along with being morbidly obese. I am going through some major life changes, new career, entering middle a…

Hi, thought I'd take a few minutes and introduce myself. I was just banded on Monday, 12/27. For the most part I feel pretty good, but am still a little sore. Right now I am on a liquid diet for the first week until I see my surgeon next week. This is how I am starting the new year, looking for a new me. Happy New Year!

Hello, I am 3 days post surgery and I am very excited. I have very little pain with the exception of gas. The gas pain is very irritating. I have been walking and moving but with little relief. It was encouraging to read posts that state the gas doesn't last forever. I lost 13 pounds on the liver shrinking diet I had to do 10 days before surgery and I am very excited about losing more. I am surprised that I haven't lost any more after surgery on the liquid diet, I guess that's because my body is in starvation mode. I've only eaten about 1 1/2 cups of broth and 1/2 cup of sugar free jello each day. It is the very first time I can ever remember NOT feeling hungry…