Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

and of course, I'm finding it difficult to sleep. I'm a mix of nervous and excited that I know is totally normal, but yikes! What a bundle of emotions, it's really not conducive to a restful night, ugh. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone on this forum. I've made some really lovely connections with some of you and all of your stories/questions/comments have really inspired and reassured me throughout this whole process. Anyway, I'm a computer geek and will have my laptop with me, so I'll hopefully update soon from the other side! this is worse than christmas eve haha.

So I'm about to leave for the hospital. I check in this AM and do pre-op tests all day and a sleep apnea test tonight then surgery tomorrow afternoon! I wasn't nervous at all really up till last night then it started to slowly creep up on me. Why are they doing a sleep apnea test the night before?! How am I supposed to sleep with these nerves running thru and wires stuck to my head? Haha!:lol0: Well here goes nothing...off I go! See you all on the losers bench real soon!:thumbup1:

I had been to a couple surgeons who only did lap band and this last seminar talked about the gastric sleeve as well. I'm now trying to decide between the two. I know the complications of both....with the sleeve I like that there aren't any adjustments or pb'ing or getting "stuck", but I don't like the idea of how permanent it is. I would love to hear some opinions from others on the topic. Thanks!! Kylie

Hi...I am new to posting on the site...I will be banded Saturday(9/25) in Raleigh, NC...I am excited to begin my new life but feeling nervous, anxious, and to be honest, slightly scared!! I will be staying overnight due to hernia repair! Jan

and Tuesday was the first day of the rest of my life. I'm 50 years old, female. Any other "oldsters" out there? My starting weight was 314, was 289 on surgery day. Everything seems just fine so far.

Hello to all! I am looking for anyone that has been banded, or will be, banded at Emory in Atlanta.:thumbup: I feel the need to talk with someone. I go tomorrow (9/22) to see the surgeon and set up my surgery date. I'm getting nervous. :blink:Help!

Hi, I am having my pre-op testing on tomorrow and my EGD on 10/5/10. I should then get my date if all goes well. I am curious as to what types of liquids, mushies, etc. I will need to get through the first few weeks. I would like to stock up once I get my date so that that part is covered. Any suggestions:drool:

Its been 4 days since my surgery. I did not have surgery through Doctor Aceves. I'm sure he or she is completely competent. I'm here because this is the most comprehensive board I have been able to find and I believe in its information and support. (My little disclaimer) I had my surgery through the Military (I am a military wife). I had the sleeve done through laproscopy and I've only had a little miscomfort with moving too quickly. The first full day after surgery I was just in the bed with a morphine drip. I would hit the button every few hours. The doctors, nurses, and aids, would come in and check on me.. give me anti-clot medicine, and anti-nauseaus med…

any suggestions on how to NOT make the next 2 weeks totally suck?

Hello all! I was banded back on 9/1 after a decent struggle with my insurance. I am now 3 weeks from surgery and am feeling great. I weighed in at 409lbs in early June and I was 388lbs on the day of my surgery. Since surgery, I'm down to 367lbs after having lost 22lbs in the first week (eek!) and 2lbs in the 2nd week. However, after stepping on the scale this morning, I noticed I gained 3lbs. I know that my body is going through some major changes and I also know that I've just begun in week 3 to add some pureed and even some soft-solid foods into my diet. I'm a little discouraged, but again, I know my body is going through some major changes. Having type-2 diabetes…

I got approval from insurance and I'm scheduled for 10/1! Excited and a little nervous. :thumbup:

Hello all...just joined this, and not sure if there are any other UK peoples going through this on NHS? Would love to hear from you if so...we seem to be a rare breed :-) Also, I've just started a blog Love & a lap-band is anyone else also starting blogs, as would love to read of people's experiences and go through this with someone. All for now gem x

This is nuts, some person came to a famous WLS YouTuber's house and went crazy: [nomedia=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHcKd2de-H0]YouTube - Update - Medical Problems - Part 1 of 2[/nomedia]

Today is 1 month since surgery. I have lost 35lbs, with 2 weeks of the past 4 weeks being no scale movement at all, however I have lost inches due to 1-my stomach is no longer pushing against the steering wheel, I can actually see my feet 2-my clothes are looser although the scale says I have not changed much recently. I have also decided that documenting these things is a good idea so I can look back on the stuff I am/will be going through so... I have started a blog. I have never "blogged" before so I am not sure what all will be posted day to day but it will probably consist of non scale victories, misc musings, food, recipes, food, and more food. No I am n…

Hi guys, I have been browsing the forums for a few months, I started my lap band journey in April. I am 36 years old and still have not been able to conceive and want to be able to have a child naturally, and the clock is ticking hard! I have been overweight since I was about 6 years old, I have always been athletic but my body just carries a ton of weight in the middle. I am also very top-heavy even when I was in the best shape of my life I still had to carry around these huge breasts and my back hates me for it! I started my lapband Quest in April, and was shooting for a July band date but I experienced failure delays. For me what took the longest is getting th…

:cursing:So I called and called and called my ins company and they told me everything that I needed to know and what I was going to have to pay for before and after surgery and that if I have the surgery date set before sept 1st (NOT DONE JUST SET)then I wont have to pay a extra $5,000 duc....so....I set a date to have my sleeve done on OCT 12th.....I was so HAPPY:thumbup:to start my new life.......THEN......they dr's office called me and told me that the Ins said that I will have to pay the 5,000 anyway that someone there messed up and told me wrong(and thats my faught....NO!)I have fought till I'm now just so damn pissed(sorry). The Ins rep said that are making it right…

Hello fellow "to be" banded and already banded. I have just started my 2 week pre-op diet and have not fainted yet. My surgery is scheduled for 10/5. Would love to stay accountable with the help of all of you out there. it is always easier when your feet are held to the fire.:thumbup:

Hi my name is Theresa and I finally got a date for my band. I have been through it the last year. I originally started this procedure 13 months ago. I got down to the day before the the surgery(to include the fluid diet for 10 days) only to be told the day before the surgery that it was cancelled due to not having the proper requirements for my insurance, talk about someone who was livid.:thumbup: I took a different look at things from there. I figured it would happen when it happens. Now over a year later, I am excited to have another date and hope it goes through this time. I would love to follow others with thier weight loss as well as have others follow me. Somehow …

Well, I had attend the required seminar in August 2010. I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Mora on October 6, 2010, for my medical consultant. I already have the paperwork which is required to go ahead and speak to the nutritionsit. Thanks to the fact I work for Public Health I can use on of our registered dieticians. I am trying to plan for my preop diet. According to the paperwork I have we should start the preop diet when we see the doctor. Whats the best drinks to get?? slimfast???

Hi Everyone, I am thinking about having Gastric Plication (Supper Sleeve) with Dr.Jose Rodiriguez in Mexico. I am a little scard because I really don't know much about the Dr other then what is on his webpage and about going out of the U.S. Has anyone had this done with Dr Rodiriguez In Mexico?

My names lannah. I'm 18 years old and from Sunshine coast (brisbane) Australia. I am new to these forum sites, because being a typical teenage i'm used to using facebook lol. I got banded 1 week ago, and i have lost about 10 kilos (22lbs) so far. I lost that weight a bit too fast, but i assume it will slow down from here on in. I had keyhole surgery and the only pain i have at the moment is from my "port" which sometimes hurts while laying down and is still currently bruised. But my other "Keyholes" are completely healed and look like little scratches My starting weight was 130kg, and i am currently 117kgs. My goal weight is 80kgs.:thumbup:

hi everyone! my name is Jamie and I am single mom from Illinois! :thumbup: I took my very first step towards a new me! I have am scheduled to see my bariatric surgeon in November. Very nervous! And I read some of the posts before I signed up lol so everyone here seems awesome. I am just looking for a great support group for this very long journey!

Tomorrow is the day. 8 hours from ow, to be exact... *woooooosaaaaaaaaah* I?ve been trying to avoid (delay?) an anxiety attack?so perhaps this quickie post will help alleviate some of my angst. Maybe I?m not starting off properly ? see, I AM, in fact, STOKED about this move tomorrow. There are no words, really. Something that I?ve struggled with for 30+ years?will soon be not as much of a struggle. I won?t/can?t say effortless ? as I know I?m in for a pretty rude awaking in a few hours?BUT, rude is probably what works best in this instance. Today, I just tied up loose ends with GGX, washed clothes, and loved on my mini-G. I?m gonna stay w/my g?ma for a few d…

Hello everyone! I'm Liz. I'm not really sure where to start or what I'm supposed to put here. I am currently in the process of re-enrolling back into the program through Kaiser Richmond. I just had my first weigh-in today to start the process and I'm already down 6 lbs. :thumbup: (In a month and a half all I've done is no fast food, no soda, home/semi-home cooked meals. I only exercised 3 times.) In case you're wondering, my understanding of getting re-enrolled back into the program requires 2 weigh-ins and a couple refresher classes. If I'm wrong, hopefully someone on here can correct me. I can't remember when I first enrolled in the program, it's been a few years. …

Hi Everyone! I am Alisa. I am 23-years-old and I live in Virginia. I have had a bit of a bumpy road since I had my LapBand in 2008 and I decided to join here to share experiences and give as well as receive support from other banders! I know that a lot of the bumps in the road were caused by my own doings, and I am ready to get back on track, so I figured this would be a great place to start! See you around!

Just a big thnk you to all sharing your sleeve success stories. I was apprehnsive yesteday about the surgery, but now that it's over I feel good abouy my choice. I'm doing reaaly well 18 hours out. I've experienced only minor discomfort from gas, which walking helps. Not too much pain either. Tomorow is the leak test, then water-YAY, One dy at a time...Right?? To Our good health, Fit

I'm going for lap band surgery next Monday 9/27. With Dr.Arturo Rodriguez Monterey, Mexico. I found one post where someone ask this question months ago and then they droped off the earth. So I'm a little worried. Did anyone ask their Dr. What kind of band they were going to use? Sorry I'm really new to all of this and need help. I've been reading all your post for several days and really admire all of you for being so helpful! Just trying to learn!

I'm new and looking for as much information as I can find prior to having my surgery. I had my initial appointment on June 21. My insurance only requires a 3 month supervised diet, so I've completed all the necessary steps in the hopes of being banded in October. I've had my nutritional and psychological evaluations done, and I've finished all my pre-op tests. Tomorrow night I'm attending the pre-op class and on Wednesday I'm going to a support group. I'm hoping insurance approves the surgery quickly because I'm a stay-at-home mom until January, when I'll be returning to my job. I'm really excited to start this journey!!

Ok so the office called me today and I decided on the date of Nov 3. I am nervous as all hell and now am thinking maybe I should wait till december. I hate pain and am scared this is gonna knock me off my feet.

Hello all, My name is Bryn, I was previously on lapbandtalk.com; but after my consultation with the doctor today, I am choosing to go along with the vertical sleeve surgery. AI first went with the band, then bypass and now i'm decided on VS What made me choose the sleeve is that i really was not comfortable with my intestines being re-routed. and i didn't want to deal with the hassle of fills/unfills, erosion, etc with the band I see the bariatric surgeon in 2 months. within those two months, i need to complete my psych eval, meet with dietician, attend bariatric exercise classes, meet with my PCP, get a sleep study and any other tests i can squeeze in :thumbup: …

Hello! I am a 40 yr old female from Cape Cod Mass. I have been overweight forever, but in the past few years I reached my highest peak @ 255lbs. In January of this year I looked into bariatric weight loss thru BI in Boston. They have a comprehensive and long program, which I completed in about 3-4 months and was told I would be a good candiate for surgery. I waited a few more months, as I was trying to decide what was best for me. Once I decided to go forward, I had to pick GBP or Lap Band. Since I was not a diebetic and on medications for health problems and the gbp seemed so severe, I opted for Lap Band surgery. My date was set for Monday 8/30/10. The week prior I did …

Hello, my name is Lesli, am 25 years old from Maryland, USA. I've been obese for as long as I remember. Like most, I've tried everything to loose the weight, but it only worked for a few weeks the most. After that I would gain all of it or more back. I've also been the funny one that has tons of guy friends and no boyfriends. But I'm tired of letting obesity rule my life. That's why I've decided to get a Gastric Sleeve. And am having it done in my country. It's going to be expensive, but it doesn't compare to the prices here in the US. I've found the Number one clinic in the country, and the number one surgeon. I don't have a date set. but it will be very soon. I'm soo HA…

I finally got the call today guys!!!:wub: My surgery is scheduled for September 27th!!!! There are so many emotions running through my head right now!!!! I'm excited and scared (but mostly excited). UGH!!! I'm like on a natural high right now :smile: This is amazing... I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!AHHHHH!!!!!:thumbup:

I'm so thrilled to discover this site. Now I don't feel so alone in this. I was banded on 8/23/2010 and just got my first fill today. I was doing a web search for what to expect after a fill, when I found this wonderful forum. I found the information so helpful. Thanks for being here. 8/23 surgery; 9/20 fill 4 cc in 10 cc band 260/236/154

hi banders! My name is Angie and i am looking forward to getting banded soon. I am hoping to have mine done by next month! I hope to be able to get some helpful hints and tips from everyone! I look forward to chatting ! :thumbup:

:thumbup: Hi everyone, I'm new to this site, looking for answers, opinions, anything to do with life after a gastric band....Due to be banded in Belgium by Marc Foquet on 29/09/10, getting really nervous..:thumbup:

My name is Candi Ward and I have so many questions. I dont' know what to expect and I am so anxious. I have a short stature and I often times feel as though I can't breathe. I am feeling hopeless because my health insurance won't cover the procedure. I just want someone to please tell me what's the first step?

Hi Everyone! My name is Melissa and I live in Palm Harbor,FL. Had my consultation with Dr. Jessee on Monday 9/13 and my surgery date has been scheduled for Oct 6th! I'm so excited and just wanted to say how much I have been motivated by everyones posts (I've been reading them for weeks) !:thumbup:

Hi, it's so nice to be here. I had joined another bariatric community but unfortunately it was basically inactive :smile: So I started searching for all you wonderful banders. Yay, I found you! :thumbup:

hey all i was researching for the lap band and found your forums. im going today to talk with the dr. about having this done. any questions i should ask in particular? i will be paying completely out of pocket, but i am tired of not being able to buy clothes at a regular store. sorry that my spelling can be horrendous at times. hopefully all goes well and i can start to get things rolling today.

Hello all!! I had my band on 9/14/10. Was so excited to have it and right after had different issues that had me doubting if I did the right thing, and was getting depressed. Then I found this site and it was so helpfull, answered many of my questions and made me realize there are alot of people feeling like I did. So thank you all. I do have a question I can not find in the thread search engine. For the last 2 nights I wake up with pain in my legs, both legs, worse when laying on my side on that leg. Feels kind of like cramping. Not the calf muscle cramps have had those in the past. Not like RSL don't feel the need to HAVE to move them. Just move them because they ache a…

Hi everyone, My name is Melissa. I am 33 yrs old and I live in Rockledge, FL. This is my first post. I have one more appointment with my doctor for my diet history and then I will be able to submit to insurance for approval. I am scared, excited, nervous, anxious and every other emotion rolled into one. I am hoping that the insurance approval is quick so I can have the surgery as soon as possible. I am tenatively scheduled for surgery on Nov 15th. I am looking forward to meeting others on the same journey or who have been down the road already because I need all the support I can get. I don't have all the support I need over here so it will be nice to make friends. Pl…

:thumbup:Hello, Tomorrow I see my doctor and dietician and will get scheduled for my surgery. (I HOPE) If anyone has any advise i"d love to hear it. PLEASE.:thumbup:

I got a call from my insurance coordinator today and she said the final approval has been confirmed by my insurance. I am BEYOND excited. When I first got the call, I didn't know how to feel! I was so overwhelmed and plus, I was busy working. Now at home, thinking over and looking forward to a new life, I am SO EXCITED. I know how it feels now to wait and wait........and wait, but trust me ..you will find good news soon. Good luck to everyone. Now, I just need to meet with my surgeon and do pre-op testing. :wub:

Hi all, My name is Sara and I live in NC, and work for TJMaxx, I have completed all my requirements for surgery and am waiting on approval. I getting super anxious and really really REALLY want to have it done before Nov, (we go into "blackout" basically no time off approved). How long is the recovery period? Does anyone who has had the LAP-BAND® and works in retail have any advice? Is this something I can do during the holiday season?

Hi, I have 1 week left before surgery. I am a bit nervous, a lot excited, and a bit dissapointed. The dissapointment is because I half way started the preop diet 2 weeks ago before I had approval, then a week ago I started for real. I have only lost 1 lb. I have a week to go, I am getting desperate to see the scale say this is working. I'm averaging 800 calories, 55 g of carbs, and 90g of protein. I got an eliptical and started out 3 weeks ago, I could only last 4 minutes. I'm now up to 8 and I walk at lunch for 20 minutes unless it is pouring rain. But still only 1lb :thumbup:

So I've decided that I definitely want to go ahead with surgery. However, now I have a few decisions facing me and I could use some input. I have Aetna and they will supposedly cover my surgery 100% as long as I meet the criteria. The problem is, I'm worried I'll get denied because I don't have the adequate weight history, which means I would have to put off the surgery until the summer of next year. The problem with that is that I'm a temp and don't know if I'll even have the same insurance by that time. In which case I waited for nothing. :svengo: What I could do instead is apply for financing and get the surgery done in Mexico. In which case I would try to get i…

Hi, I will be 52 in November, married with 3 grown children, and 3 beautiful grandchildren. I have been on this site for a while but I am new to witting on here. I have been band for 4 year come November 28. By Dr. Michael Nausbaum Livingston, NJ. I Started this journey weighting 331 lost 82 lbs:smile:, In the last year I have put 31 lbs :thumbup: back on bring me to 280. I have falling off the wagon a bite, because I snack a little more then I should, I still tried to eat healthy chicken and fish baked, vegetables and lots of salads. I lost my motivation and focus. I was at a gym were it was just equipment and I think I got bored, so I have since rejoine…

Ok so I am a little slow to this computer thing. How do you get that weight tracker on my post.

Hi All, I thought some people might appreciate seeing photos of how you are rigged up once back on the ward. I know that I wondered how many dressings and tubes I would have, so here you go. This is me feeling pretty darned good for the morning after. Pics are: Me and my morphine button! Drips in left arm Tummy dressings Sexy inflatable boots giving me a massage Amount of Water I'm allowed per hour Hope this helps someone! xxxx