Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey guys! Im Paige, 29 year old Mom of a three year old little boy! He is my life..and I love every second with him. Lately, its getting harder and harder to be active with him though. My knees hurt...my hips hurt.... So, I am really struggling here. My BMI is currently just over a 39 (only about 4lbs from a 40). Insurance will not yet cover me....because my comorbidies are not life threatening. I recently went to the doctor today...and started my "doctors supervised weight loss" Insurance requires me to do this for 6 months prior to getting the surgery..and ONLY if I am a 40 BMI. I know I need this surgery....I HURT ALL THE TIME. I have acid reflux and my hubby and I …

names and phone numbers and city and state and if you know what they charge that would be welcomed too I have called all surrounding cities from where i live, which is Henderson, Tennessee, 30 min from jackson, Tennessee, 30 min from Corinth, MS, hour and half from Memphis, Tenneessee and 2 hours from Nashville....I am trying to find a fill provider number 1. that will accept patient that had lap band in Mexico, number 2. that does not charge an arm and a leg for first time, number 3. that does flouro, and number 4. would like not to hve to travel no more than 2 to 2 1/2 hours. I have found someone for 100.00 in Mississippi but does not do flouro............. please…

Good Morning everyone I am new to this sight I had surgery on Oct 25 at UCLA wit Dr. Dutson. I have to admit I feel preatty normal havent had any problem knock on wood..... I guess I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel I'm on my 3rd week and on mushie food stage mt dr says you can have chcken salad did other people do that?.. i have lost 18 pounds and im not sure should I have lost more is that normal? Iguess im just feeling confussed on what to eat and i feel like i am struggling with what to eat....hope someone can give me some insite.. Hope everyone has a great day...

Just had my first post-op visit and I’m down 10 lbs since surgery, 26 lbs overall. I’m so happy with the way I feel and although this hasn’t been a cake-walk, these 26 lbs have come off easier than the hundreds of other times that I’ve lost weight. My recovery is coming along very well. It's amazing how each day is better than the previous. I can’t get over the fact that at this time last week, I took my dog on a walk and I had to make it a short one. It was a little rough and I was beat after my 15 min walk with her. Last night, I went on a 45 min walk and felt terrific. I don’t really have any “pain” just an awareness of my left side/staple area that really onl…

Ok guys, surgery day weight was 215 and now a week later i have lost 12 pounds. Today's weight is 203. I am REALLY tired but I did go for a 30 min walk today. Can anybody tell me how long this whole gas pain last. I can only do little burps and they give me no relief. My stomach is always making noise loud. How long does last?

Hi there, looking for seasoned bandsters (especially in the Seattle area) who have been through the ups and downs and have been successful, then the air sorta came out of their sails and things slowed down. Looking for support in keeping the momentum going and keeping myself ever-aware, ever-mindful, and ever-alive to this incredible tool I have. My goal is approximately 40 lbs away....yes and I have been doing this 3 years. Any sage advice from others out there? Many Thanks! Jenepher:confused:

Hello Everyone! I'm new to this board, but I've been active on OH for a while. I am very excited to be less than 2 weeks away from my surgery! It's scheduled for Nov 15th (my Mom's bday). I'm looking forward to learning and sharing with everyone as I learn along the way. Thanks for your support and encouragement in advance! Lovely:tongue2:

Trying to upload pictures but i can't, I'll see if this works

Hi, first I am computer illiterate so I hope I made it to the correct spot....lol...I am 3 weeks out from Gastric Sleeve Surgery and had Dr. Duperier take care of my surgery and the after surgery stuff. Every thing has been going great other than having abdominal spams which I hope stop very soon...they really stink....I have lost 30 lbs. so far and can't wait to get past where I am at now.

Hello, I have been lurking here for a few months now and decided to post something. Something about me....I have been overweight all my life and have decided to have the lapband surgery. I have completed all my pre op testing and my paper work is being submitted to the ins company as we speak. I have BCBS PPO State Employees, my dr office assures me that this process wont take too long....I hope now! Wish me luck!!

Hi I am getting Lap Band surgery on Thursday Nov 11th! I'm really nervous and excited for my new life. I am concerned though about pregnancy and the Lap Band. I am 27 with two children and I want to have more in the future and wanted to hear if anyone had any problems or a hard time with getting rid of pregnancy weight. Thanks so much.

Hello Everyone! I finally finished writing down my experience with going to Mexico for my WLS. I'm keeping my updates on my blog so come check it out if you're interested. Suddenly Tammy

I have been reading so many forums and discussions on this board that I thought I had everything firgured out....somewhat. But nothing could've prepared me for all this pain. I am 2 days post-op and what to greet all my attending nurses with tears of pain. I would say on a scale of 1-10 I'm @ about a 8. I had a hiatal hernia fixed as well, so this may be contributing to the pain. I can't really drink much....I'm pushing about 16 oz's a day. I am excited about all that is left to come and plan on leaning on my sleeve family for advice, encouragement and support. Thanks for listening and its good to know I'm not the only one.

BMI of 29 yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not obese anymore, just overweight!

Hi everyone, My consultation is next week and I thought I would ask those who have been through the surgery what questions should I be asking. It seems like there is different kinds of bands, should I be asking what type he will be using? If you had to do it over again, which questions would you have asked?

I really want to get lapband done. I have already attended a seminar and I am going to proceed with trying to get lapband surgery performed. I have a half sister that I thought I was close with until I told her that I was thinking about getting lapband. She was very rude and nasty to me, she started saying that I am getting it because I am lazy, which is definitely not the case. She said that I would put ALL my weight back on if I were to get pregnant. She was saying how she did this and that to lose weight and I did nothing. Not true I went to the gym four times a week for an hour and still had no luck. Has anyone else encountered negativity such as this when it came to …

Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well... 1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God! 2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I…

My husband and I both have medical benefits through our jobs. Are there any other Canadians who have had their surgery covered fully or partially through their medical plans? I haven't had surgery yet (Dec 16!!!) and if I can get some of the costs covered that would be an extra bonus!

Is anyone out there an employee or spouse of someone that is employeed by GEICO and has the Anthem BCBS PPO of VA insurance plan? My husband works there and we have this plan and I know what it takes to get qualified etc...however I was wondering if you could tell me if you normally get approved the first time for preapproval or are they tough and you had to appeal? Just trying to see what the average process is with them. Thanks

I typed up a whole blog introducing myself and such, but I will give a much shorter version here! :smile2: I'm Ryan, I'm a 27 yo single mother, current (and heaviest weight) is 267, and in the process of getting banded (hopefully, if God allows!!) I am from Savannah, GA and will hopefully be banded in January. I have quit smoking in order to get banded, and have mulled over this decision for quite some time... luckily I work in a hospital (don't let that fool you, it's not like i get any special privilages or anything with the surgeons!) and have found a testimonial which finally gave me the last "umph" to believe in myself and know that I CAN and WILL be successful if/…

Hey yall, My name is Tori. I am a wife and a mother of 3 wonderful and very active kids. I now weigh more than I ever have in my entire life, and nothing has worked to lose the weight. So, I said a prayer, and made an appointment with a doctor in Houston, to discuss having the lap band surgery done. I like everything I have read about it so far, and they said that my insurance does have the benifit for the surgery ( not 100% sure exactly what that means, but the lady on the phone said it was a good thing). I am just gonna take this thing one step at a time and hopefully God will lead me where he wants me to be. I have a wonderful family, and I wanna be around for …

The time is here and ive never been more certain or clear about anything in my life. I have managed to top a weight of 101.4kgs and my goal weight is 60 kgs. Im so excited to have this tool to help me. will keep you all posted on how i go!

First let me introduce my self my name is Robert I'm 32 years old and I have decided to take the plunge and have the surgery done by doctor Kirshenbaum in Denver Colorado. I hope that I am posting this in the right forum. I am scared :scared2:for the fact that I don't know what to expect after the surgery. I have tried many diets :thumbs_down:but always seem to end up going back to my original ways of eating. I had the best success with weight watchers but then like I said I went back to my old habits and gained my weight back. Is there any advice that you all would be able to give me? Also if any of you have had the experience with Dr. Kirshenbaum please let me know what…

As of 2:30pm yesterday, I am on the road to a healthier me! Dr. Salimath said that the sleeve would work good for me (yippee) and that with a BMI of 42...and a small handful (haha) of co morbidities...i shouldnt have a problem with my insurance being on board! woohoo...i know i have a long road ahead of me, but it is one that I have waited a long time for, and i am ready. i started my new 'no soda, sweets, and all water' lifestyle today. lol oh boy! so...now i am just waiting for my appt with the nutritionist, psychologist, and behavioral therapist. Gonna get my labs done this weekend, and knock out as much as i can as soon as i can. any suggestions on the long prep …

Just banded on Oct 26th-feeling good other than an annoying pain in my back after eating sometimes-is this a sign I've eaten too much? I have to learn how to read my body with these changes:rolleyes:

I'm exicted about my surgery and ready to being this journey. I'm just wondering if there is any advice out there for what to expect when I get home. :smile2:

I have just required what my insurance company requires from me to have vertical sleeve surgery. I have studied all the procedures in length..I have decided for my self that I am chosing vertical sleeve as my choice.. I am excited inside but a little nervous. My Bmi is 51-52. How sucessful is this surgery on high bmi patients that use it as a stand alone surgery? sorry for the misprint..

Hello everyone! I just had to share the great news that I am getting sleeved on December 20. I am VERY happy! I am just so thankful to have a second chance after dealing with my disfunctional lapband for over three years. Yeay!

Hi All, I am new to site today. had my op 5 weeks back.So far I am down 16 kilos 35 pounds in the old speak. Its all good and now my port has finaly healed I am getting into some exercise on the bike. I want to get down to 87 kilos in the next 3 months.:smile2: Mike

Had my pre op testing done today. Was cleared by the radiologist after the upper GI today. Had surgery on my ankle several years ago and had a blood clot in my leg so I am at a higher risk for another clot so had to see a vascular doctor and was cleared by him yesterday. Now just waiting for the 15th for the surgery.

I am getting banded in 2 weeks. I am in a wedding in May. Just trying to figure out what the average is people lose per month. I know it will vary, just like an idea. Thanks

I have seen some old posts from other military wives who had the procedure done in Germany, but nothing remotely recent. I would love to talk to someone who went through the process over there. I'll be going in this time next month to talk to a doctor about getting the ball rolling. I am SOOOO excited! I've been reading tons on this forum and I definitely feel like I'm ready!

Hi, everyone! Had my surgery on Oct. 22. The surgery went fine and I wasn't too sore afterwards. The trapped CO2 gas is a dealbreaker! OMG! The gas pain was worse than the surgery itself . Two weeks out, no more gas pain, surgery on Friday and was back to work by Tuesday, walking about a mile a day (slow pace for now), can't wait to begin pureed food next week :wub:. So far so good. Looking forward to taking this journey with you all!

Hiya!I am new to all of this! Basically this is my story - I am 21 years old and have always had a problem with my weight I am a binge eater and a total comfort eater - i go over the top and then try to lose weight and go really strict and controlling on my food and so I am always yo yoing. I have spoken to the doctor and I have such a negative mindset (which I hate) I stress over the way I look and how other people view me. I am anti depressants and my weight completely controls my life and I have got to the point that I am fed up of trying and putting it back on again and that the only way I can get my life back is with the band! However I am sooooo nervous!! I have alw…

A Little Bit About Me: Hi,I'm 24 years old,5'2" and 245 lbs. My BMI is 45. I'm a student and I work 2 days a week in an E.R. as a tech with great ambitions to become a physician. However, if my weight continues to increase I don't see much of a future for myseld. I have been overweight my ENTIRE life,but I seem to "carry it well" as everyone says. I have dieted and exercised off and on to no avail. Lose ten,gain twenty. It's an ongoing cycle. I have hypoglycemia because of my weight and lower back pain constantly. Also, I'm just not comfortable,period. I have been contemplating the Lap-Band surgery for approximately six months now. My concern is I have no insurance. Wi…

Hello all, I am Wayne, I am newly banded on 11/4/10, By Dr. Stephen Malley in Kansas Ciity, MO. My journey began back in January by attending a seminar, I had to do 6 months diet and exercise monitered by a doctor, visit a nutritionist and visit a psychologist all to be approved for the surgery. When I started back in January I was 591 pounds, the day off my surgery I was 520, my goal is somewhere around 250-275. I would appreciate any help anyone can offer.:smile2:

Hello everyone. I am 24. My current weight is 201 and not loving it. My BMI is 40. I am a student and looking forward to my new life. I want this life to begin with a new number on the scale as well. I have been doing the research and watching videos on youtube about this...please..I need to know more and how it works. I do not know where to start or what to do... Any info will be taken seriously... Ali:wub:

Hi everyone I had my surgery 1yr and 3mths ago. I am wanting to talk with other post surgery people to get some help and guildance. I have had trouble losing weight and have had major swelling issues leading to having most of my fluid taken out. This has led to weight gain. I have lost and gained. Very depressed.

I'm getting ready to move to Turkey and need advice to see if I should do it overseas or fly back to U.S.....HELP!!!

I am soo excited. I am now 48 hours away from seeing my bypass doctor for the first time. Dr. Salimath in Peoria, IL. Curious to find out what he says and recommends for me. I have my fingers crossed...I have done my research and really like the vertical sleeve as my option, when you weigh in the pros and cons. So I guess I will just have to wait and see. Wish me luck all!!! woohooo!

Hi Everyone, Today has been a banner day because this morning I saw my Primary care doctor for the final time required by my insurance . Let me step back in time 6 months . Like so many others on this board I have a lifetime of being plus sized. I have many reasons over the years not the least of the is that I have a congenital disorder that requires me to live on steroids. This has always made weight loss difficult but not impossible. So over the last 2 decades i would go up and down more up then down. Then this strange thing happened called menopause and the ups kept happening and the downs got harder and harder . Hours in the gym would result in weight gains. I…

Hello everyone, I would like to introduce myself - I found this place googling for vertical sleeve post op meal plans (yes, that specific ) because I finally made the decision that WLS is what I have to do. Here is a little bit about me. I was born and raised in Germany. I was a normal weight child, and started to gain weight when I hit puberty, maybe with 13, 14 - basically when the natural activity (as in "running around" and tree climbing) of childhood stopped. I stopped riding my bike and traded it for a moped when I was 16, the hormonal changes during puberty probably didn't help so I started to gain weight. My parents are both normal weight, my…

Hi - I am currently in the process of a revision from band to sleeve. The revision is due to my band either slipping or my body "rejecting" it. A debate between my bariatric surgeon and a couple of my other physicians is in progress - to slip or not to slip. At this juncture, I don't care about cause, I want the daily vomiting to stop and I want to begin losing weight in an appropriate way. I am excited about the revision, but I am running into a bureaucratic nightmare. I cannot seem to get an answer about what tests are required prior to surgery. I had tests performed at the end of September and some in October. I have a date with the the bariatric center on 11.…

I just wanted to say Hello!! I am a military wife and the mother of a beautiful, almost 2 year old daughter. My surgery is scheduled for Nov. 13th. I am scared, but ready. I want to be a good example for my daughter, and I want to be the best me I can be. Diets and exercise just haven't done it for me, but I look forward to a new start as soon as I get my band!

Hi all, I'm new to this forum but have found a wealth of info so thank you. Here's my story/question: I've been overweight almost all my life. I managed to lose 30 lbs in high school from a horrible low/no fat diet regimine my mom put me on after seeing a nutritionist; gained a lot of it back. Got to college; was a poor student so lost a LOT of weight and actually got down to about 165; family thought I had an eating disorder or something. Fast forward about 8 years and now I hit 278 at my highest (I'm only 5'5, mind you). Was sent to a diabetic dr (not diabetic) who stuck me on 2 BP meds due to my family history, have developed sleep apnea, suffered with depression…

Hey all! My name is Mary and i was just banded a couple days ago on june 1st. I live in Michigan and my surgeon was Dr. Satgunam. A wonderful doctor and i had no complications with my surgery. I am 21 years old and my weight going into surgery was 292.9 My weight loss goal is 180. Its a lot to lose i know but one day i will be there!!! My journey has just begun!!! :Dancing_biggrin:

Hey Ya'll! I'm brand new here and looking for answers before I dive in too deep, only to not really be a 'match' for lap band. My main two concerns are A) if my weight issues can be helped by lap band and :thumbup: If my insurance will cover the procedure. A little bit about me: I'm 28 and I've been over weight my entire life. I currently weigh 240 lbs, even though when I look in the mirror I don't see that much weight packed on my body! I *know* how to eat healthy and that I should exercise, but somehow whenever I go to sit down I can't STOP myself from gorging. I always tell myself: Next meal I won't eat as much. Tomorrow I will exercise. problem is, the 'next m…

So, I'm curious to know from the initial seminar to the surgery date how long did it take everyone to get a date? I've been putting off going but my PCP has been telling me that I need to go. So, I have my seminar visit on the 13th. I'd like to get the surgery done before the end of the year so I don't have to start another deductible...

hello all and thank you for this great site, I have done alot of research on the gastric sleeve and have decided it is the best option for me. I have been overweight since the 3rd grade and am now 31 yrs old and 373 lbs. I have three wonderfull girls that are the light of my life and would do anything I could for them, so not only is this decision for me its also for them. I need all the support I can get though because my other family doesnt believe in me that I will do this or follow through with it as of now my surgery is set for 01/15/10 please keep me in your thoughts and any comments will be greatly appreciated

Hi everyone, i was wondering if anyone on here lives in Reno Nv? my sister is thinking of getting getting the lap band soon, and she is in need to some support, so i was hoping someone on here lives near her.. Thank you...