Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi! I had surgery in march of 2006 and again in June 2008. Since surgery I get pains in my neck that only start at night. I know crazy. Recently, the last 2 months or so, i have been having pain in my left side around where the band is around the stomach. This pain usually starts after dinner and at times it hurts to breath. Does anyone experience the same thing or know if this is related to the band?? I am seeing my surgeon on Tuesday so hopefully I will know more then. Until then, if anyone can help that would be great. Thank you Danielle

Well, if you had told me 6 months ago I would be talking about this and down 90lbs I would not have believed it! My mind still tells me that I need That larger size and wind up taking things back. Have already taken many loads to the resale shop and have more to go. At this point, I am about 7 lbs from original goal but think I will be losing a little more. So thankful, grateful and feel so blessed to have been able to have this surgery. Also, while on the subject has fed bc bs stopped covering vsf? Had a friend just told that. Sent from my iPad

So I was sleeved this past Wednesday. I am so blessed. I had undergone an emergency coronary double bypass 4 years ago and after failing every attempt to lose weight decided on the sleeve. I saw all of the resrtictions and complications with the Gastric Bypass and decided that it was not for me. Surgery was right on time, I was tired of explaining to everyone what all the extra scars on my body were from (Open heart surgery) and having to hear over again how young I was, but I made it! The hospital staff was great, but many assumed I had just undergone the GBP. I would mention sleeve and they assumed I meant lap band, (Very strange) I have not been in to much pain. Much …

Hello. I'm not really sure of where to begin with this post, but I guess that I'll start by saying that I am dangerously... well, obese, I won't lie to myself any longer about it. I am 5'4" and as of yesterday evening, 302 pounds. I have a BMI of almost 53, which has scared the living daylights out of me, especially since I'm still able to not only walk, but run, stand on my feet for long periods of time, fit into "standard" sized seats, etc. I simply didn't think that I was "that bad". But the inevitable health problems have begun to crop up, and I'm frightened that if I don't do something now about the weight (I'm 38 years old), it'll simply get worse over time. …

Good morning everyone, My Dr. just put in a referal to Medicare to see if they will cover LBS for me. I am 5'3" and have a BMI of 35. Not hugely obese, but with my health issues (Rheumatoid arth., Fibro, and osteo arth,) I have a very hard time with getting around with out pain. I have been reading on this forum for a few days now, and everyone seems so supportive. That's great! Just not sure what to expect. I would love to hear if there is anyone here in Washington state that has been accepted through Medicare for the surgery, and if so, what hoops did you have to deal with?

Hi everyone! My name is Pamela and I am 27 years old. Oddly enough, I was very thin through most of my teenage years, and very athletic. I played a lot of sports in high school. As I got closer to my senior year, I noticed that I was putting on a little weight. I didn't think much about it at the time. About a year after I graduated, I got married to my high school sweetheart. By that time I had gained over 50 lbs and was at about 200 lbs. I was very concerned about how fast the weight came on. I was also having some female problems too. I went to my doctor and he did several test on me to find out if anything was wrong and the results shocked me! He diagnosed me with …

My name is Chris, i am getting banded on December 29. i have been overweight most of my adult life and i decided several months ago to change my life. i am 5ft 5 inches tall and started out at 327 lbs. i am currently at 302 lbs, with a goal of around 165. i know it will take some time, but my only regret is waiting so late in life to do this. my doctor has me on a strict liquid diet before the surgery, protein shake for breakfast, apple or banana for mid morning break, shake for lunch, shake mid afternoon, and a salad for supper, no meat or cheese. also a multivitamin as well.i know with all of the support from the people on this board that everything will be OK. thank…

Hi All - This is my first official post to ALL. I have been doing all of the pre op things that you have to do and now my journey will begin tomorrow. Tomorrow I will begin a 2 week Pre-op liquid diet. I have been reading everyone's posts and trying to prepare myself for this. I have been having the same feelings as some of you - Will I ever be able to eat bread again? Today I want to eat the items I will not be able to eat again for a while. I really think I will struggle with the mental hunger and have been trying to identify triggers - so I can avoid them. I am hoping to keep myself busy the next couple of weeks so I don't make everyone around me crazy. I …

My surgery is almost 48 hours away....feeling a bit of anxiety...what is the #1 thing you could tell me about your hospital stay to help me be prepared for what to expect the first 2 days after surgery? No need to sugar coat anything...I want/need to hear the truth Weight Loss Center is your best free resource for <a href="http://www.weight-loss-center.net/">weight loss</a> <br /><a href="http://www.weight-loss-center.net/weight-loss-tickers.html"><img border="0" src="http://www.weight-loss-center.net/weight-loss-tickers/uploads/tickers/ba4844f1de3d7c1.png"></a>

I had been hoping for Christmas that Santa would bring me to "Onederland" and I got it. After hovering at 200 for the week, this morning I was 199.4. My husband took a picture for proof.....look at the skinny toes!

Hi guys, my name's Vishal and I live in the UK and I guess I should start with why I am here. Basically I lost around 9 stones between 2007 and 2008 and had 2 cosmetic procedures carried out on me this year. First, in June I had a Fleur De Lys Abdomnoplasty procedure and then 3 weeks ago I had Bilateral Gynaecomastia to sort out my chest area. It has been a long journey for me and I feel that now is the time to help other people and give people advice with what is involved in both procedures. I recently created a blog, which I will be updating throughout the course of the next few weeks and months to give as much advice as I can about weight loss, dieting and ofcourse pos…

I am set up for a conceltation with the Doctor on Jan. 3rd. I am a little worried since I have lost one friend after lap band but she also had had her stomack stapled and undone before lap band, about 5 years between surgerys. I was wondering how the condition is for those that have been lap Band for more than 5 years.? Thank you.

Howdy Folks, I've mostly lurked here for quite some time. I figure since I'm banded now I might as well go ahead and introduce myself. I was banded December 16, and doing great. I had no preop diet required, and since I'm a self-pay, I had no insurance hoops to jump through, only the clearances required by my surgeon. Throughout the process I was often reminded how "healthy" I am. That is, my blood sugars were fine, my blood pressure was fine, resting heart rate was great, EKG was great. I had to keep explaining that I'm doing this BEFORE I develop any issues. I've been researching this for about two years now and can't believe it's finally here. I'm so thrill…

Hi, everyone. I haven't been around lately. I have been busy helping two of my friends try to get the sleeve. Sadly one was denied and the other is cash paying . I'm more nervous for her and I was for myself.lol I have had zero issues with the sleeve and would do it again in a heartbeat. My weight loss leveled off at 69 lbs, so accoring to my surgeon I need to lose 10 more lbs but I am in a size 10 and my 5'8 frame is healthy looking so I'm not going to stress over the last few lbs. I worked hard for the first 6 months taking advantage of the "honeymoon" phase and will get back on the exercise train after Christmas. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

Hello everyone, This is my first post and so I say hello to all of you! Even though lap band surgery has been a wish of mine for some time I could not pursue it for insurance reasons until recently. I went through orientation in July and was notified in late November that I was cleared for surgery. My surgery is scheduled for January 3, 2011. This is truly a journey down a road to a healthier life for me and I am so much looking forward to feeling and looking healthier. Tomorrow I begin my Optifast supplements for a little over a week before surgery. My surgeon is Dr. Sloan in Ft. Wayne, IN. I have read some of the comments on this forum and look forward to learn…

Happy Holidays to all... prebanders, postbanders, forum readers and bandconsiderers!

HI everyone- I am your latest newbie. My name is Tricia. I am in the process of learning more about the Lap Band procedure. I am 31 yrs old. 5'7 and 240lbs. I am a wife and mother of 2 (2 &12). I work full time, sitting at a desk all day long. My ideal weight is 150-155lbs. My health problems currently consist of astma, high cholesteral, anxiety, slight depression and my back is starting to kill me. I have tried every diet out there. The only one that worked for me was the Atkins Diet, however that made me really sick. I have been researching the Lap Band for a few weeks now. I still am trying to find out if I am a good candidate for this procedure. I am 100lbs ove…

Hey everyone! I DID IT! I was recently banded. This is my story I had my lap band procedure on Dec. 16, 2010. I am one week out and feel good. I have lost 12 lbs and had my first check up and all looks good. I have been given the red light to eat whatever I want and it doesn't seem like I am restricted that much. Is this normal? It seems like I am eating more than I thought I would be able to after having the band. I know I have not had a fill yet and once that happens my restriction will be more, I guess I am just amazed at how much I feel like I am eating. Now, I say this, but I am definetly not eating as much as I was before I had my surgery but I guess I just though…

hello everyone. My name is Morgan, I'm 22. I've had 3 different doctors hand me a brochure for the Lap-Band, and i always roll my eyes. I always think, "surgery is the easy way out, i can do this on my own." that was 3 years ago, and i've since gained 60 MORE lbs. I'm now 5'4, weighing in at a whopping 295. I was always the girl "who has a stunning face, if only i could lose the weight" and its become the biggest issue in my life, and anything bad that has happened in my life can somehow go back to my weight. I've signed up for the seminar in my city for the LapBand and i'm anxious to get this going. And quickly. I day dream about it! haha Just wanted to say i love read…

I am 10 days Post Op. I have lost 18 pounds. I was told to continue on thickened liquids and Protein drinks. I cannot drink the Protein Drinks and dont like any of the thickened liquids...Can anyone give me some advice. Thanks Monica

How long should I expect to be in the hospital? I am scheduled for Dec 22 and was hoping to be home by Dec 24. Definately before Christmas anyway. What are the chances I will be home before then?

Merry Christmas to all you newbies and old bandsters alike! Aren't we lucky that we can get through the holidays without fear of gaining a ton of weight? Now with the bands help, we can enjoy a bit of food but enjoy our holiday experience more since we won't be engrossed in pigging out. I wish you all the best. Peace,

I've been thinking awfully hard about what I want to say when people start asking how I lost my weight. Really, it's none of their business, but I just want to be dismissive and end the conversation as soon as it starts. I think I'm going to say "I have a metabolic disorder and it's been corrected along with a low calorie diet." I'm hoping that'll be enough. I really don't want to share what I've done. Must be a fat person thing, always on the defensive.....lol. Now, the only thing that will compound that is, my husband is also having the surgery on the same day....HAHA! My excuse may not work.

Am considering lapband or gastric bypass, hopefully with a surgery date of 12/17. Am almost into senior status. Have some serious health issues including diabetes, hoping to avoid others, and have an acceptable quality of life as I move into retirement. While I accept that there will be some pretty drastic changes once the surgery is done, and am doing my best to prepare, am still very curious about post op diet etc., and how to deal with everyday things, such as preparing meals for family, dealing with social gatherings, etc., in the post op phase.

I have tried to get in the chat room but it says to login first you cant login on the little bar because there is a advertisement box blocking it... I am not good with computers but you cant move the box not down or over... any help would be great !!! Amy

Ehrm… I am definitely not one of those guys who is fond of sharing intimate details on the Internet, especially when its fundamental goal is a lack of privacy. But I am here, because I am so scared of this surgery and have a pretty limited support structure. Hopefully opening up here will let everyone know who I am and where I’m coming from in terms of this surgery. Basically my story is … I am a fat guy. Of course all of my friends and family like to use terms like big-boned,fluffy, squishy, stout, and my personal favorite full-bodied (makes me soundlike a wine). My fiancé likes to say there is “more of me to love” and I am her “big teddy bear”. I tell everyone tha…

Hello everyone ~ I am new to the board as well. I am a few months into the journey and making the decision on lap band vs. sleeve. RNY is not an option in my book...the whole re-routing and malabsorption freaks me out. I started the process with Kaiser Mid-Atlantic in July and attended my first WLS class in August and first WLS seminar in September and a second one last week. Under Kaiser Mid-Atlantic and my plan, I have to go through 6 months of NUT appointments that includes 2 gastric bypass surgery classes, attend 2 WLS seminars and a host of test, plus losing 3% of current body weight. I have actually completed all of the tests and the mandatory 2 seminars. I have one…

Hello guys and gals, Well after months of dieting, tests, and other insurance requirements ...im getting banded tomorrow... Im kinda scared but excited. Im 5 11 and im at 300 pounds...have some health issues(border diabetic, cholesterol, etc) I hope everything goes good for me...as i get really scared whe i go under the knife.... God bless Raul

I just wanted to update everyone and to see if anyone has had these complications... I was sleeved Nov 16, 2010. Everything had been going great. I felt my recovery was taking slightly longer than other peoples just because I was still feeling enough pain to be taking pain meds until day 12ish. Other than that everything was normal. Until Sat 12/4 I was feeling extreme nausea and couldn't keep even a sip down, I'd throw it back up then start dry heaving. So the next day I started having horrible pain from under my rib cage down to my hips, my whole abdominal area. I was able to drink about 5oz of an EAS Protein shake, which I sipped throughout the day. I was feelin…

I was sleeved on Dec. 6th. I have lost 14 pounds!! Today I will be starting my "blended, pureed" phase of eating!!

Hi there Fellow Sleevers!!! I have just started this journey on 11.22.10 which was a WL Seminar that I attended. I was first interested in the Lap Band but after doing extensive research I decided against it and I'm gonig with the Sleeve. Yesterday 12.07.10 was my first consult with my surgeon and I am on my way to start my prescribed tests. Anyone out there that is just now starting this journey? Keshia

Hello, I had the lap band procedure December 3rd, 2010 and I do not feel like I am getting better. It is still tender where I think the port is. It sticks out and I am not sure if it is swollen or there is fluid. I have a really hard time tolerating any food with out burping or feeling like I can not swollow. I just want to feel like I am on the road to recovery. Has any one had these problems? Or do I need to take a chill pill? Does it take longer to heal for some people or is something wrong with my band? Please help someone? Thanks, Tricia

Hi, I'm 3 months out had surgery on Sept 21 and have lost 59lbs. I started out 262 and now I'm at 203. I stopped doing cardio because of weight loss, but continue to do light weights. My blood pressure before surgery was low now it is too low 86/48. I'm not dehydrated, by surgeon said it's just my body trying to adjust to the rapid weight loss. She wants me to go on meds to raise my blood pressure but I'm resistant....worried if it goes up it may never come back down. I have added salt to my diet and that has helped considerably. I eat 4-5 meals a day all Protein, eggs, cottage cheese, tuna, chicken, nuts, greek yougart. I just tried mac and cheese with tuna …

So I am 1 week out and I am thinking.......Can it really be this easy? I was so scared to have my surgery. The procedure, Mexico, dying.......ok I am a bit dramatic but hey I thought it. I had my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Ramos Kelly and he was amazing. Everything I wanted and more. My recovery has been unbelieveable. I feel so good I can't believe I just had surgery. I have to admit I am not looking forward to tomorrow. My mother in law is an amazing cook and my family will be at her house the entire day surrounded by amazing food. But I just read something that Tiffkins posted and I really liked it. She said NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS! So when I …

Hello, all. I was "sleeved" on Nov 18. I lost a lot of weight preceding the surgery (40 lbs) thanks to Phentermine. Then I lost another 15 pounds in the week around the surgery because those Protein drinks (isopure) are only 160 calories each. But once I started in on Soups in phase 2, I just stopped losing and haven't lost a pound in the last two weeks. In fact, I gained 3 pounds. I feel hungry a lot and can eat nearly 2 cups before my body says "stop" (hiccups are the warning). Is that normal? I don't want to overstress my stomach but also expect the surgery to help out in the portion control. Since I lost so much before, I'm not too worried, but I'll be conce…

I made it... At 7:30 AM this morning I was sleeves and had mt gall bladder removed to boot. I can't believe I finally got here, i feel pretty good all things considered, I have walked around a couple of times already, went to the bathroom and the pain is definitely manageable-not that bad at all. I am so grateful to have this community, I need it to remain accountable. Thank you all RFID all the positive feedback and warm wishes, I couldn't have gotten here without you guys. I'm excited to let the post-op journey begin. Best of all I haven't been hungry at all.

Hello to everyone. I was sleeved on 11/29/10 and so far I'm loving it. I think that it has been the best decision I've ever made for myself. I wanted to find some type of support via the web to be able to ask other sleever's questions and maybe be an inspiration to others.

Hi Everybody, Just a quick check in. I was sleeved last Monday morning, Dec. 20th by Dr. Michael Schwartz-here in Saint Paul Minnesota. Everything went great, only problem I had was I couldn't void my bladder because the Anesthesia over relaxed everything. Ironically the catheter was the most painful thing I experienced throughout this whole journey. I've been up walking around no problem, The best part-I don't feel hunger at all right now. Thanlks for all the support-just waiting to get discharged and go home.

Hello, I was banded on Dec 17th and went home that same day. However the next day I returned to the ER due to horrible pain. After an overnight stay in the hospital, I am back home and still feeling very uncomfortable. I am only able to sip 2 to 4 oz of broth or other liquidy substance within a 2 hour period. In addition, I am experiencing soreness of the incision areas, painfully bloated stomach, severe back pain, gas pains, overly full feeling and feeling of hunger. I am totally confused since I am always uncomfortable and walking only relieves the pain for a short period. If there are any recent lapband patients that have advice or tools to control such issues ple…

Hello, my name is Annie, but I love the Beatles so I named myself Abbey I am 25 years old and I had weight loss surgery on 8/23/2010. My highest weight was 330 lbs and by that point I became really scared of reaching the 400lbs. I have always been overweight but I usually remained just 50lbs above my ideal weight (which for my hight it should range from 140 to 150). I began dieting one year before my surgery in hopes that I could lose the weight on my own, and I did lose about 20lbs. After a year of not being able to lose more I decided to have the vsg. My starting weight was 311lbs, on the day of my surgery I was 295 and currently I am 224. I used to be a size 28 and …

I am scheduled for banding tomoro at 0730, yes I am nervous and I hope that I do well. Starting weight after medifast is 269lbs. I am 5'8 and 48 with five grown children. Here we go........

Is Lap Band Surgery for Me? This is a question that I struggled back in 2006. I found the process of researching lap band surgery so confusing. Throughout my journey I've learned that it is so important to understand how this tool works and what you will need to do to achieve your goals. My lap band mentor and I wrote a book that will take you through a step by step process to help you answer this question for yourself . It''s filled with information and real life experience from people during all different stages of their lap band journies. We're getting great feedback and helping lots of people. You can find our book on amazon at Is Lap Band Surgery for Me? W…

Hi . First off a little background info, my name is Lillian I am 30 yrs old, mom to five children ages 12(g) 8( 5( 3(g) and 2(. I am married to the love of my life Charles. We have been married since Aug of 2007. We currently reside in Southern California,transplants from the east coast.. I for years have had problems with painful legs, and headaches, I recently found out it stems from my weight. I am 5'8 3/4" tall, and weigh in at 355lbs. I wear a size 24 to 26 pants(depending on how clothes are made) and 3 or 4x shirt... My doctor wants me to have lap band done, I want to be healthier and happier, I know this is a tool in weightloss and not a miracle surgery.I am look…

heeey lap band fam im new to all this so ill make it short and sweet like my self lol. im not banded yet but my date in set for jan 19th 2011 im having it done in TJ by dr. Rodriguez. Im so nervous about the whole thing iv talked to a ref list from beliteweight of people who have been banded and some of them told me they lost very little weight. To be honest thats a huge worry for me seeing as though im a broke college kid who scrimpt and saved for this sugery. Another concern is the fact they they are going to use some type of surgical glue to close the incetions, but the main thing i really need your guys help with is the pre and post op diet.

Hi everyone, It seems such a long journey from the start of the prelimary class for bariatric surgery to now. For me, I started getting serious about weightloss in March 2010 and that is when I started my first prelimary class. I started walking and can now walk 2-3 miles a day. I enjoyed all the classes we had to endure. I had surgery in San Diego and it was such a nice experience. Drinking in the hospital was good, and I was not hungry. When I got home, that is when the battle started. My family is making cookies, making dinner, and eating like crazy. That is the hard part. But so is drinking every 15 minutes. Sometimes you just have to get up and leave the situation. W…

I'm 1 week post op tomorrow! Yay! But the main question is, is anyone else having this issue? It feels like its going to be a burp, but comes out as a silent painful hiccup? My stomach does this rattling around and its pretty uncomfortable!!

This is day 5 after my surgery, doing good, learning what my body needs. Walking the gas off! Very excited.

I had my surgrey last year and it seams like it is taken forever to loose weight, i have lost 63lbs so far but thats not much for having this band on for a year. I average out only 5 to 7 pounds a month. I see pictures of people that got this lapband and they are loosing around 10lbs a month. Am i doing something wrong? Does anyone have some good advise for me, because where i live theres noone to talk to, and i don't know what to expect.....need advise please...thanks

I am so happy!!! Thank you Dr. Kelly. 3 weeks and half way to goal!!!

Hello I'm Stephanie I'm 44 years old and hail from Mid-Michigan. I just found out a few hours ago that my insurance approved me for surgery, and now scheduled for lapband surgery on January 20, 2011. I'm extremely excited, at the same time extremely scared.