Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey guys, Finally talked into making a profile at the website. I must say, it feels good to finally register and be open about my decision. I must say, it sucks not having the support I need from my friends, but this is something that needed to be done, and I'm ready to get my questions answered again. I'm from South Florida, I've been researching this for years, and now, I have Insurance that covers it 100% minus co-pay. Thanks.

Hi, my name is Bonnie, and I am a Diet Coke addict! Its not a deal breaker, but its gonna be a hard one for me! I have tried a few times over the years to kick the habit, but to no avail. Anyways, I know I need to be done with it, and I will, but doesn't mean I have to like it! HA! I am hoping and praying to have my surgery in Feb '11. I become eligible for Medicare on Feb 1st. Does anyone know if I have to wait until then to start the process? Or can I start getting things lined up ahead of time?

Hi all! I've been a lurker for about a month and had my first visit with the surgeon on Mon. First off I'm a wife and mother to two beautiful girls adopted from China (I like getting my babies from a 5 star hotel and shopping afterward!!!LOL). I've was a chubby kid from 5 years old on so it's hard to imagine a life without the extra weight but I hope to find out what thats like!!! Thankfully my insurance allows me not to have to do any stuff like Dr. supervised diets ect. Basically our policy says if you are over a certain BMI that you don't have to pass go or collect $200...please go directly to the surgeon! For once being extra chubby works in my favor, LOL! I …

So I have my surgury Dec 7 it's winterball that sat 4 days later. Do u think I'll be able to do maybe 3 or 4 hours of standing and doing hair?

Hello, My name is Lisa and I recently had lap band surgery I am a little over a week post op and feel fantastic. Just wanted to introduce myself and be able to chat with people who are going through the same thing that I am.

So I went to a seminar for the Lap band and the doctor confused me. He talked about all the WLS available including the Duodenal Switch. He told me that since my BMI was 40.1 that he would do the lap band if I really want it. But then he told me if I want the best results then the duodenal switch. But I don’t know if I want parts of my body cut up, but then I don’t want to get the lap band and not lose any weight. I see so many success stories on here and I want to be one of them. Can some of you please tell me your stories with the lap band and what you went through???? The good and the bad, or if you know any one that has the DS done.

Hello, I am in Louisville KY and interested in the Lap band surgery. I need help choosing between Dr.V. Lusco and Dr.J. Allen. Any words of wisdom are really appreciated. Thank you

I want to find people who have had this surgery.:thumbup:

Hi. My name is Ashley. I have always been the largest person in my extended family. I was always shy and introverted because of my weight. It took me a long time to get comfortable being out in public. To this day I avoid large groups of people. I began putting on weight when I was 9 years old. My family doctor told my mom it was just "baby fat" and I would be fine, no reason for concern. As the weight continued to gain and I became the largest person in my grade every year at school, I began seeking out answers. Eventually, I diagnosed myself with "Stein-Leventhal Syndrome" and went to see a gynocologist at age 17. He confirmed the diagnosis, saying it was more commonly …

Hi, this is my first time here. I have a question for all of you "banded" people out there.... I had surgery in late October of 2008 (about a year and a half ago). I have lost about 80lbs. Amazing, i wouldn't trade my decision for anything in the world. HOWEVER!! I am told that i look amazing! And i do see it, and i am very happy with my progress so far, but the person i see in the mirror and the person that i see in my head are two VERY different people. In my head i see this heavy self conscious girl. Is anyone else having trouble trying to put mirror over mind?! :thumbup::party::smile2:

I can't believe it's here! I am on liquids only for pre-op (no solids after lunchtime they said). I am so nervous although I know that I will be in good hands and have the most help and monitoring in the hospital. Wishing a speedy recovery to all who are scheduled soon! See you on the other side

Is high cholestrol a co-morbiditie in the insurances eyes? Have you had your surgery approved just off this alone? (my weight is at 220---thanks

I am 66 years old and have been slightly overweight since I was 13 yrs.old. I weighed about 15 lbs over what I should have weighed. I now am 140 lbs overweight after dieting since I was 13 yrs. old. I am going to have lap band Nov. 30, 2010 and am excited, but apprehensive because I have failed so many times, know I am addicted to food. I am getting cold feet as I am afraid it will be anothe failure. I realize emotional addiction to food is a problem for me and I need support and prayers or the lap band will be just another diet that failed. Several family members and friends don't agree with my decision for surgery, but I feel it is my last hope. I was told I should …

Tomorrow will be one week! Still feeling VERY FULL and having trouble getting down all my liquids. Any suggestions from anyone? Anyone else out there recently sleeved?

Anybody know if this headache and sleepy is to blame for not eating food. Im on my 1st week tomorrow and still on liquid diet. Goin to see my nurse on wendsday for the soft food diet. I just cant stand all day at my clinical school being like this all the time. Any of you guys went through this madness? Hollaback!

:thumbup: My daughter signed me up in Oct. So I guess it is time I say hello to any Nov. Bandsters out there.. I first started looking into having surgery done in 1997 and had that appt along with two other appts to get me into see Dr. Baker. Needless to say I kept thinking I could lose the wt on my own. That has landed me with Dibetes and Fibromyalgia. Now I have faced the facts that I have to do this now. Went to Dr. Bakers Seminar the last of Sept. Then went to the Walk from Obesity then went into see my PCP weighed in at 285 LBS ( 5 llbs more than I weighed at the Seminar). I already had ordered the Shakes online and started them on 10/11/10. Do to problems wit…

Hi, My name is Angelica. I am 33 years old. I was just banded with the Realize band on November 10, 2010. Pre-op I weighed 317 lbs. I am 5'10". So Far my weight is 296 lbs. I am so happy. I can't wait to eat normal food again. I a m so sick of this liquid diet!!! LOOOOOOL, So far so GOOD!!!:thumbup:

Tomorrow is the big day! At 7:30am tomorrow morning I should be in surgery. Excited but I little scared. I know there are several others scheduled for tomorrow as well and I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone well. Even though I don't know all of you, God does, and I will be saying a special prayer for all of us tonight and again tomorrow morning. I will pray for Him to guide our surgeons hands and lead our surgeons every step of the way so that we have a safe surgery. Then I will pray for our recovery. I have no doubt that God will watch over each and every one of us. Good luck everyone. Please update when you get home from the hospital so we can share our …

Hi all, yep only 2 days to go!! i am getting really excited now, bags packed, unpacked, repacked, cleaned the house from top to bottom, did my washing, emptied the freezer, lol, yes you guessed it anything to keep busy, and my mind occupied. i have admit that i never thought this would really happen, you know you start the weight loss surgery process, and have all this wonderful thoughts about how great it will be, but , in my case, i had this doubt that anything like this could happen, especially here in the uk. in Wales last year the NHS only performed 4 procedures for the country!! so to finally be at this stage is fantastic, i am so happy right now:rolleyes:

Hello to everyone. As of yet I’m have not had any weight loss surgery. I’m glad to see a forum on the vertical sleeve. I became interested in vsg for an option to my problem because I didn’t like the roux n y for the vitamin absorption issue for me it’s a bit radical. But I like the vsg it’s very simple and practical. And vitamin absorption is not such an issue. I think it would work for me. I’m looking forward to exploring the forum and other benefits to the vsg. I’ve been on the fence about any surgery but it looks like it’s the only way for me to improve the quality of my life. I’m a 400 plus lb. man. And 52 years old I get around all right because a 235 lbs I …

Dear Friends: Good morning! Yesterday was my pre-op appointment and my surgery is scheduled for November 22, 2010. I am nervous and a bit apprehensive...a lot to remember...but everything happens for a reason...and now I have all of you to take with my on my journey. Thanks for having me.:rolleyes2:

I went to get my pre op done today. Tomorrow I am one week from being sleeved and I am excited and scared at all times.

Hello I am new to the forum. My name is Drema and I live in a small town. I had my surgery on 10-29-10. I first wanted to a RNY, but after some reading I decided to change my mind to the sleeve. My BMI was 40 with co-morbidities. I am now 6 days out of surgery and feeling better every day. My surgery was performed at Samaritan Hospital, Corvallis, Or, under the “excellence clinic” of Dr. Yarbrough. The surgery went very well and the hospital stay as good as it gets for being stuck in a hospital for two days. I am glad I made the decision to have the sleeve instead of the RNY. There are many advantages to the sleeve over other surgery it was oblivious to me that it woul…

My name is shall this is my second band, 1st one slipped and i did manage to lose 80lbs only because i threw up all the time.Now my weight loss is very slow since march 2010 only 25lbs down.I went and got a fill last week , in which i cant swallow water, soup or nothing.Im trying desperately to hold on to this fill. I know this one will do the job.within the week i have lost 7lbs already. Cant eat anything right now but the end results will be great.

My story is much the same as many others on this board. I had my surgery on October 19 and it's been a rocky road to recovery since. I spend my days muddling through, trying to follow Dr's guidelines and maintaining a clear perspective on where I've been until now. I still cannot eat any solid food. I keep a food diary, mostly so I can see how my tolerances and habits are changing over time. I try to maintain a healthy vitamin and protein balance, but it is difficult to do this and maintain hydration. Yesterday I tried a few spoonfuls of Black Bean soup and couldn't keep it down. I'm hoping this will change and I will be able to eat more normally as time goes on. …

The day is fast approaching! I am excited! I have never in my life felt so sure about something. I have total peace with the procedure. When I first got my date I had some doubts, then I reminded myself the very reasons I need to do this and the fear of health problems in the future far out weigh any fears I have of the surgery.

Ok, not sure if anyone knows this but I got bit by the sugar demon last weekend. I had some chips over the weekend and it led to some very bad habits and cravings coming back. I'm way too early out to be dealing with this so I had to shut it down quick! This binge did last a few days, but early this week I picked myself back-up and admitted to everyone my shame... It got me no where; I went a whole week without losing any weight. I'm a streaky loser, and I'm at the time of the month where I should be losing the most. So, I knew I'd messed up. The good thing? I didn't gain any! I'm also the type that can gain FAST! So, I guess I didn't hurt myself too much...…

Hi Everyone, I'm a little concerned about my stupid decision. I had Sleeve Plication on 10/22 and was really good about the liquid diets for the first week, but I felt hungry and miserable the entire time. I mean, sleepy, tired, hungry, like mental pain... On week 2, I started the full liquids, but by mid-week, I was already eating the mushy foods. By the end of the week, I was already eating regular foods of all kinds. I haven't felt much restriction of any kind. I just finished week 3 and have only lost 6 pounds. I can't seem to get rid of the hunger pangs (literally feel like I'm starving every 2 1/2 hours.) Did I screw everything up? What can I do to fix it? …

Hi just looking for some fellow 16th (or close) sleevers. Our countdown is on!! I'm nervous, excited and scared of how much pain it's going to be.. I'm going back and forth in my head should I do this? Can I do this? Can i follow my plan and get to my goal? I can't remember what it's like to be thin... it's been since highschool. I know i'm not going to back out since i've already dished out the $4000 max out of pocket that my insurance requires. Anyone else having these feelings? thanks- Kellli :/

Hi all! I have been obese for 16 yrs and morbidly obese for 10 of those. I have like many other tried everything under the sun to lose and always gained it back. So I fianlly decided Lap Band was the way to go for me, met with a surgeon who I like and have started the paperwork for my insurance. So here is my dilema...In the last 3-4 months I have lost 17 pounds. I have done it by cutting out processed flour and sugar, no HFCS especially and working out. I walk...or rather did until a couple of weeks ago when something got in the way of my schedule and I just stopped going to the gym. So for a month I was on a plateau still eating well, and kept bouncing up and dow…

Don't get me wrong, not scared of surgery at all, I've been thru many. I'm scared to death of what happens next. I keep hearing people saying that they know someone that didn't lose any weight. I feel like I'm completely unprepared for this. I don't know what I'm supposed to do what I'm supposed to eat. I've got so many emotions and I've been so depressed the past few days. I don't know anyone who's done this and I haven't told anyone I'm doing it except my husband and parents b/c I didn't want anyone to sabotage me as people have done for years while I've been trying to lose the weight and kept gaining more. I feel so alone and I really have no one to talk to abou…

I got my lap band on 7/7/10. Does anyone get that full feeling in your chest? The protein drinks are getting to be nasty.:grouphug: However, I have been jazzing them up with cinnamon, almond extract, and real blueberries. I also have very watery diarrhea, is this normal? Thanks, Eileen Velez

Hey Everyone! My name is Kendra, I am a 22 year old college student and I am getting ready to have my Lap Band surgery on December 13th, 2010. I am very excited and very nervous at the same time!

this is my first post to the board. i had VSG in June 2009 and lost 60 pounds in 9-10 months but have had a 15 pound regain. I have not followed my post-op diet perfectly and just started to exercise almost 1.5 year out from surgery. I'm currently doing the 5 Day Pouch Test to try and get off the weight I have gained and get back on track with post-op diet requirements. Since I'm no longer in the 1 year marker of my surgery, I wonder if I'm going to be able to lose anymore weight. I feel like my body naturally wants to stay at this weight, since exercising for the last couple months, I have only lost 5 pounds. I also wonder if I have stretched my pouch and ruined the surg…

Hey everyone- My name is Melinda I am 31 years old and going to be having my Sleeve on January 20, 2011. I am so happy to get this news today. I have currently stopped drinking soda's. I have been to see the Surgeon, I have done the Psychological Evaluation, had a sleep study done, been to see the fitness professionals for an evaluation, went to talk to my primary care physician, and later this month I have to see the dietitian for an evaluation as well. I am just working the process and getting excited as I count down the days till my surgery. Glad to be joining this group!

Let me start by saying this surgery works! However, I am defective. I'm very down on myself right now. My highest weight was 365 around 2006. I lost down to 305 and got pregnant in late December 2007. Had my precious baby in Oct 2008. I was around 310 after delivery...didn't gain much weight at all. I felt healthy throughout my pregnancy except for the end...she wouldn't come out! I was 42 weeks when I was induced and then had a c-section. So, the beginning was tough. I was still 300+ pounds with a colicky infant who refused to sleep. I didn't know what to do. I finally decided that enough to was enough. I had my sleeve in May 2009 and lost weight immediately. I had no …

BANDED! Finally I just got home from the hospital. I am sore but its ok. Worst thing is when you wake up after the surgery. My throat is sooo dry and my head hurts like hell. I was hungry and craving for some ribs. But all they gave me is protein shake jello broath and water. I get full fast but i get hungry faster. weird!!!:crying:

Hi all, been looking on the site for awhile so i thought it was time to say hi, i am pre-op sleeve, having the surgery next week on th 18th nov, been through a lot of emotions, but finaly feeling great about the surgery and am really excited, i am having it done on the NHS here in the UK, it has taken me 6 years to get to this point, and i must admit there were times when i nearly gave up, but i am so glad that i stuck it out, i am on the pre-op diet now and its going ok, not as hard as i thought it would be but wishing i could find some variety, i can only have low fat yoghurts, tea, fromage frais, and juice. anyway just wanted to say hi to everyone

WELL PEOPLES FINALLY TOOK THE PLUNGE.... GOT THE SLEEVE ON NOV 4 IN TIJUANA MEXICO BY DR ALMANZA AT THE JERUSALEM CLINIC. EVERYTHING WENT SO SMOOTHLY. THE PEOPLE AT THE CLINIC AND THE RECOVERY HOUSE ARE AMAZING. SO I WAS WEIGHING IN AT 307 WHEN I WENT ON A 5 DAY LIQUID PRE OP DIET, JUST GOT HOME LAST NIGHT AND I WEIGH 288. I FEEL GREAT.. NOT EVEN THAT SORE OR TIRED. NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WEEKS AHEAD OF LIQUIDS AND MUSHIES BUT ITS ALL GOOD. TIJAUNA WASNT SCARY AT ALL....I CANT BELIEVE ALL THE NEGATIVE HYPE. I WALKED AROUND BYMYSELF AT NIGHT WITH NO ISSUES. ANYWAYS IF ANYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ANYTHING GIVE ME A HOLLER

Hello All, My name is Tony and I live in Tampa, FL. I have type I diabetes and renal deficency. I am 5' 3" and weigh 246 lbs. I don't eat alot during the day, sometimes nothing, but then at night I will binge eat. It's a horrible way to function. So, my kidney specialist suggested the Lap Band. I have done the research and it seems quite harmless and relatively effective. So, that's a good introduction for me. Tony

Is there anybody out there had a lapband fitted with a BMI under 35? Mine is just over 30 and I feel a bit of a fraud when everybody out there seems to be struggling with bigger weight loss issues. I DO have health problems exacerbated by weight gain and my mind is made up and surgery booked for next month. Anybody else out there in a similar position?

Just wondering about LEAKS I am having surgery on Monday I heard that it could be life threatning

I am getting closer to chosing lap band surgery to "save my life". I want to be healthy and active again and I want to do it before I become morbidly obese instead of after. My BMI is 33 so my insurance will not cover it. Therefore I am looking into the pay-my-own-way approach. Any advice you can give me on how it was or wasn't "worth it" to you would be wonderful! Thanks!

I just had the gastric sleeve surgery two days ago. The doctor also repaired a hernia. The hernia repair evidently is extremely swollen and it took two days for the contrast to go down. It is just a little trickle and it so painful. I keep spitting up white foamy spit up. Has anyone else heard of this?

My life changed forever on 10/26. My highest weight ever was 565 lbs. When I started the pre-op process, I was 530 lbs. A week after I got sleeved, I weighed 490 lbs. I currently weigh 480 lbs. I'm losing a pound a day since I've started eating more Protein. I know this is just the beginning. Aside from weight loss, so many things are happening in my life...it's really amazing. There's too much to tell here, so if you like, you can log on to www.fight4yourlifeonline.org to learn more about me. I look forward to making a lot of new friends here! Angel

Well I have recently been approved for lap band surgery and I have not set up the surgery date because I am not 100% convienced it is something I want to do and the assistant at the dr.office suggested I join this site so I can talk to others who are "like me" or were like me at some point. I have researched this surgery for about 6 years and thought about it for that long before I decided to talk to a lap band center. This is not a rush decision by any means and I know there is hard work ahead. Finally this year I decided to at least try and get approved and then I could decide if I wanted to go through it. I do have some health issues like diabetis, high bp and hig…

After applying for v.s.g I was denied by Blue Shield,the same with appeal. Then, miracles of miracles, the managed health care board accepted my grievance.Now i'm fast tracking toward surgery(before the 1st of the year) and i'm scared to death. I'm 6'2"-325lbs.and b.m.i. is 41. I truely feel this is my best option,but i'm beset with the "what if's" and surgery fears. I know this is normal,but it doesn't make it any easier. HELP!!!

Hi everyone, I was just banded on October 1, 2010 and so far I'm down 21 lbs. The issue that I am having is that I'm trying to find recipes for the solid foods. If you have any recipes please send them my way.

Good news!!! My surgery has been scheduled for December 16 at Pacific Bariatric with Dr. Taller. All my Kaiser Options classes, labs and doctor visits have finally paid off! Options orientation date - May 28, 2010 Options start date - July 28, 2010 Pacific Bariatric Seminar - August 12, 2010 labs/ultrasound - September 22, 2010 Options graduation date - September 28, 2010 Kaiser referral to Pacific Bariatric - October 2, 2010 Pacific Bariatric consult/evaluation - October 12, 2010 Surgery scheduled - November 2, 2010 VSG surgery date - December 16, 2010

Hi all I am brand new here. I have chosen to go with the sleeve due to malabsorbtion issues, and I just didnt think the band would cut the 130 lbs I want to lose.. Problem is I have had PCOS a long time and I am worried that my crappy metabolism wont do its thing even with the surgery. I have finally wrapped my head around the mental stuff through continued counseling, and I am up to the challenge of the physical aspect of eating right. I would love any advice. I am scared to have it done but at the same time with Diabetes, PCOS, high chloesterol etc... I just wanna be here for my kids!