Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all, I am new to this forum but am excited to be here!! I am booked for my lap band surgery on 17th November 2010. I am 18 years old and live in New Zealand. I am currently finishing my first year at university before I go back to Auckland to have my surgery. I am nervous yet excited about this journey, I wish it could begin sooner. I am a bit apprehensive about how it will be due to my age and whether it will cause frustrating restrictions for the rest of my life. But I am positive that this is the best option for me. I enjoy reading everyones stories on this forum, you have all inspired me. It would be great to talk to some people who have been through th…

Hi my name is Rich im 31 years old and i have very bad artheritas in both hips so im on disibilaty i have medicaid and medicare do these types of insurance pay for the surgery but if not i have my own money to pay for this the reason i think i need this is because ofmy artheritas i have sleep apnea and i think being this big is affecting my love life if anyone has any advice please tell me.

:drool:Well, yesterday I was wondering what in the heck I did...but today I feel much better. I had my surgery Sept. 14 so its only been 4 days. I guess I really didn't think the surgery would be so intrusive being just a lap band but it is a surgery! I think alot of it is that I am taking in only about 20-30 gm protein and I am tired. But sleeping most of the last couple days has helped alot and today I even got outside for awhile. I,m looking forward to only feeling better now.

I am official. Dr Aceves on Sep 24...plane tickets in hand, and cashiers check ready to roll! I have been waiting for this moment for 11 years! It is finally here and I am totally ready to rumble!

I am so excited!!!! I called Friday to check on the status of my predetermination letter that was sent to the insurance, and the girl that handled my call told me that she didn't see where one had been received. That really got me down because the doctor's office said that it would take about two weeks to get all the letters out and not to call until after that. Friday was the two week mark, so I decided that if nothing had happened by Wednesday that I would call the doctor's office. Evidently, the girl at my insurance didn't know what she was talking about because they have already approved my surgery. The letter was in my mailbox today! I am so excited!!! Oh, and did …

I am having my surgery 10/18/10 with EGD on 10/5, preop testing on 10/6 and I start my preop diet on 10/4. I have to take their preop diet drinks. Heard they were not good, but I will give it a try. Well, I am officially getting a little nervous, but I am truely excited and ready to make this change not just for me, but my 5 year old son and my husband.

Hi there, I am new to the forum and thought I would tell my story. I have had nothing but problems from my lapband. Cracked tubing and now a slip. I am now seeing a new doctor due to a change in my insurance. The doc said I need to have my band removed and he wants me to have the Sleeve. At first I was shocked because I was planning on having my band fixed. After listening to my doctor's reasoning, plus looking on the forum, I am thinking the sleeve will work for me. I only lost 40 pounds with my band and I still have 100 more to go. So glad to have the support of this forum! :001_unsure:

Hi you guys! I am new here and this is one of my first couple posts (first time posting in this section). I currently weigh 270lbs and I am 5'5. I am 20 years old. I have been overweight my ENTIRE life. I was an active kid, I played many different sports and was always on the go, yet I was always overweight and I ate healthy also. Obesity runs in my family so I am not sure if that is a contributing factor or not. My grandmother got her stomach stapled in the 80's and my mother had gastric bypass about 6 years ago. So now, I feel like it's my turn to start living a happy healthy lifestyle and I am so very excited to get started. About a month ago I attented a weight lo…

Hey everybody! I got my insurance approval about two weeks ago and now I'm doing all of my pretests. I wasn't sure I'd be covered because I fall in the 36 BMI group. Since I have some medical issues related to being overweight, my doctor was able to get me approved and I am just so excited! So far, I've been to the seminar, had a mammogram, and done one sleep study. I have to go to another sleep study next week and try it with the cpap. I have my psychiatric evaluation and meeting with the dietitian both scheduled. I guess I still need to go to some support meeting too. Anyway, I'm Paigey and I just wanted to introduce myself. I welcome any and all advice!

Hi everyone, Today I told the first step in the LapBand process. I have my next meeting in October. This is a lot of information to take in I have so many emotions right now. I hope to find some friends and much encouragement on this forum. Getitgirl

So I am still at the approval stage of VSG. I am 33 yr old mother of 2 beautiful girls and married to the love of my life. I have been overweight since I was a teenager and have been up and down since then. I had originally gone to the seminar planning on doing lap band surgery. I had not really heard about VSG until that day. I left the seminar knowing that the sleeve was what I wanted and the lap band was definitely not right for me. I met with my surgeon and he thinks I am a great canidate for the sleeve. I have done a ton of research since then and I am positive this is what I want. That being said I still have fears. I am scared that I will not get approved. I am…

Finished 3 out of 4 consultations yesterday, start protein shakes in a little over 2 weeks! getting super excited and nervous! and making alot of healthy changes...pretty hard but I will prevail this time!:thumbup:

My name is Desiree and I set my surgery date for October 4th yesterday. I've been on a journey of working to lose weight for a couple of years now. It all began a few years ago when I destroyed the cartridge in my knee and had to have surgery that put me on crutches for 6 weeks and I couldn't put any kind of weight on my leg. I decided to seriously work to lose weight then and was at my heaviest which was 342. I recovered from surgery and starting working with a personal trainer and following a strict diet. I lost several inches in 3 months, but only about 20 lbs. While working with my trainer I once again tore up the same knee, only a different injury. This time it the …

Okay, my insurance gave me my an approval August 4th. My surgeon's nurse called me yesterday with a pre-op test date of August 27th and a appt with the surgeon on September 21st. I told the nurse how happy I was because my insurance told me my date will be September 30th. She laughed and explained to me that was a dummy date that placed on everyones UHC paperwork and that I would be lucky to have my WLS at the end of October. I started to cry (yes I'm little emotional) I told her that this was crazy my last PCP appt was July 13th and I gave them all my paperwork for my insurance company on July 16th what happened. Her only explaination was that I should not have followe…

Newbie here--I'm waiting for insurance approval. Atena has had my paper work for one week today and they just keep telling me it's pending. I want a suregery date before Thanksgiving if I can. I have been reading all the post here for months now and wanna be able to say I'm now banded!

Hello everyone, I found this wonderful forum during my research on WLS. A bit about me, my name is Tracy and I'm a stay at home mom to 3 kidlets, a 20 y.o boy, a 4 y.o. boy and a 3 y.o girl. I'm also in school at night taking prerequisites for nursing. I've been overweight all my life, except for five minutes after my first semester of college where I lose about 20 pounds. I hit my all time high of 339 while pregnant with my 4 year old. Like most of you I've been on every diet under the sun twice.finally I got up the nerve to pursue surgery after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and battling up and down blood pressure and highish cholesterol. I got my husband on …

Now.... whadda I need to take with me to the hospital??? I'm a bundle of nerves and excited. Totally stoked after my final meeting with the surgeon & nutritionist yesterday. *giggety, giggety, giggety - doing the Quagmire dance*

Hi I am new here I just wanted to know if anyone has left thier fluid in while they were pregnant and if so , how much weight was put on

Still can't believe it's real, but I've got a couple of months yet to get my head around it. December 27th is New Me Day. It's my choice to wait that long due to work obligations. I wanted to do it this year since it would go toward this year's deductible, and I wanted it to be after the holidays so I didn't have to worry about shopping, family dinners, etc. I can just take 2 weeks and recouperate. I did tell my boss, and he's fully supportive. I'm hoping it will stay that way. I also asked him not to tell anyone else. He's the only one at work that knows. He did mention that once all the weight comes off people will ask, but I'll deal with that as it comes.…

I have so many questions that I don't even know where to start. I've been curious about the surgery, and want to know all about it. I just learned about the pre-diet, and have read some about qualifying for it. Thanks for all your great information. I'm sure I'll have specific questions later.

Hi Everyone who has already been sleeved or being sleeved in September 2010! Ok - I was actually sleeved last Tuesday, August 31st, 2010, but was pretty much in a pain med induced coma for a couple days and am now starting to feel well enough (today is Sunday - so 5 days post surgery). I'm highly sensitive to the nausia associated with the pain meds - but they are very helpful those first few days. Worst part after coming home was all the gas / bloat pain in my upper gut. More even than the incisions. It just has to "run it's course" and now it's going down (or out! :thumbup:. I have been taking it very easy - but walking around the house and will walk to the end o…

Just heard this lovely statistic, if ever having a day where you feel unmotivated: "400,000 people die every year from what they eat." -Robert Vogel, Cardologist, Univ of Maryland. So.....go us! We don't have to be a part of that statistic anymore.

Hi, I am seriously looking into the lap band surgery. I have Kaiser insurance. Does anybody know about the procedures to get approved?:thumbup:

how long after you sent in your packet did you get called for a conciltation apt? thats where im at.

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/blogs/lan2k/881-one-year-vsg-anniversary.html :crying:

Hi, I am new here. I have decided this would be the best choice for me and I am here to learn as much as I can. My husband is trying to have the same surgery. We are in just the beginning stages. We feel our insurance will cover this for us and we attended a seminar with the surgical team that we feel we will go with. I have read through so many posts in the forum and I have learned so much already. Robin

I'm exited!! September 20th isgoing to be the big day for me! I?m soooo excited, scarry and happy with my decision. I'm so glad I decided to start sooner rather than later. I was reading so many stories and log lately, and it help me to make a decision. Thank you very much to this website and thir members for all your support!! I'll try to keep posting all my changes, maybe I can help somebody else with my own experience All the very best to anyone being sleeved around this time too! Remember.. Make your dreams come true!!! :thumbup:

had my surgery 7/16/2010 and am losing weight. Have had one tightening 2 weeks ago. Started a new workout program 3 days ago. Hate gym and started Prevention "Walk Off Weight" program. Just want someone to talk with (email or on here) I am a 66 year old female. Just found this website today:smile2:

Hello all. I've been a member on here for a few months, mostly reading others posts and gathering more information about the sleeve. I'm finally scheduled with Dr Jaime Ponce de Leon in early September. Has anyone on here ever used him or maybe know of someone who has? I found some info on lapband talk. His patient Coordinator is very friendly and has assured me that he's done over 3000 successful bariatric procedures. Anyway, many of your stories have been very inspirational to me and have help me make te decision to go through with this procedure. I can honestly say this will be the most extreme thing I've ever done. I'm a bit nervous :biggrin0:, yet quite excited:thum…

Hi All, I just got my date today and its in 2 weeks time. I have to start the Optifast this Thursday which will be ok I as its the begining of my journey. I wanted to as, did any of you have uneasy thoughts about having the port under your skin? I know thousands of people have had this done and I would like to know if any of you also felt uneasy about the port. Thanks Gerry:ohmy:

Still have to jump through a few more hoops. I have to see a Cardiologist and get clearance I have to get an EGD Preop appointment Surgery Date (YEH) 5 Protein skakes/day and any clear low calorie clear fluids.

After about 5 months of going around in circles my surgery date is coming up quick. I was 440 at my highest weight. Since I am self pay the Surgeon wanted me to lose weight before my surgery. The cost of doing it in the out patient facility was almost half of what it would have cost in the hospital. I have been on a strict high protein, low Carb no sugar diet since July 27th. I have lost a total of 35lbs and need to lose a few more before Monday. I am getting a little nervous about the surgery, and the weeks/years following. I just wonder am i going to miss not being able to eat. I guess time will tell and maybe by then I won't need the food like I feel like I n…

I've been gone for quite a long time. I was well on the road to having my surgery and BLAM we lose our insurance. Well, its coming up on almost a year later and I'm about to have insurance again. I'm getting this done as quickly as possible. Having the surgery done locally will take forever, so it looks like I'm heading a few hours away, which is fine by me!. I really would rather have the surgery done there anyway. The difference in the procedures makes me feel more comfortable. So. I'm just so ready to get this done and over with and get on with my life. I know I have to go through their whole program again. Hopefully it won't be *too* long of a process.

So I wrote this for myself but I wanted to share with people who understand. I'm being banded on Friday this week! Dear Self, Why am I doing this? Why am I subjecting myself to this? Well mainly it’s for my kids. I’d like to be healthy and be a good role model for my children. I want to be with them for as long as possible. There are other more selfish reasons of course. I’m so freakin sick of having the sore back all the freakin time! I know it’s because of my belly and I’m hoping and praying that if I’m able to get rid of that my back won’t hurt anymore. Every time I go to pick up Little Stink or when we are in the rocking chair nursing and I go to put him i…

Banded on the 1st of September I was a little sore the first couple of days and swollen in the tummy, but all I have to report is that I’m feeling fine, eating whatever I want and drinking my Diet Cokes and having NO consequences. I know it sounds silly, but I feel like a walking defect. I’m blessed and thankful to not be sick, but I’m nervous that I’m drinking and eating so freely.

Hello all I am so glad I found this site it has really helped me deal with the worry and many questions I have. I started my fast on Monday this is the end of day 2 and I am doing well. I have been thinking about this for quite some time and decided to go for it! I am taking a loan to pay for my surgery my husbands insurance does not cover the procedure ....well I should say his place of work has a clause with states they do not cover this procedure. OH well I am way to over weight to pass this opportunity up...So this is the start of my journal to a happier/ healthier perso...Thanks for listening Jackie:thumbup:

7# down and ret-ta-go!! I guess there is something to this pre-op liquid diet after all. Granted, I sorta kinda cheated, but not really cheated. I replaced 2 lean Proteins (egg beaters in the am, a skinless boneless chix breast in the pm)?which helped me stay better on target during the rest of the day. After doing my research on the liver shrinking diets (the entire point of the pre-op diet, so the liver is more out of the way ? ie: less FATTY), I decided that I could do that without detriment to the process. Must be working! I was told today ?well, at least you were smart about it?. Funny thing? I think I?m gonna forgo the substitutions from here on out. I was so exc…

Hi! Nora here from Illinois. I am a 25 year old wife and college student. I was banded in Oak Brook, IL by Dr. Brad Watkins on 9-13-10. My procedure went perfectly as did my 1 week pre-op liquid diet (though if I never see a Protein shake again, I won't be too disappointed:biggrin:) I lost about 10lbs in that week, but it was difficult-especially in the beginning. I also started walking again and walked about 5 days that week (30mins-1 hr each day). I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, but I'm trying to move around as much as possible. I am not able to find a comfortable position when laying down as of this point. Pain is bearable-I'm taking my liquid Vicodin, and …

I can't remember my PIN and need to update my tracker. How do you get the current tracker off and start over?:crying:

I was banded on 9/10/2010. I've been working out and drinking water and my protein. My question is it seems like I feel the band all the time. Will that go away?

i have got a band date on the 28/9/10 as my op on the 17/5/10 was abandoned as i was too heavy for the op. needed to lose 31lb , so far ive lost 50lb 1 week left till liquid only diet to shrink the liver that caused all the trouble last time . this time that band is mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at least the surgeon will know where to cut as he can use the previous scars!!!!!!!!!!!!! the holidays are coming........

Hello all, new to the site, have been reading/lurking for about a month. I've been considering lap-band for ~5 years. I'm in my mid 30's, have always been a big guy. I was overweight in high school, obese in college and have gained 4-5 lbs a year for the last 12 years. My max size has been 315, which is about 7 lbs more than I am now. Never really been OK with my weight, kinda always felt it was beyond my control, sure I've done lots of diets, but I wanted to enjoy the same things as everyone else. Now I've come to the conclusion that the LapBand will be that final tool that helps me break through and get to a healthy weight. I know its a ton of work, I have my gy…

I posted this in another forum and got no feedback, so I'm going to post here as well. Hopefully I'll have more luck! I am considering gastic bypass/Lap-Band® surgery and I'm just starting to explore my options. I have BCBS of IL PPO insurance, and I'm looking for insurance to cover the surgery. I'm a 5'8" female, and I current weigh about 235. Over the past 5 years I've weighed between 252 and as low as 203. I did a low calorie, doctor supervised weight loss diet for 6 months to lose the 50 pounds (to get down to 203), but I gained most of it back within a year or so. Because of the calorie restircted diet, I had to have my gallbladder removed about 6 months ago. I …

Hi, everyone: This is my first post. I was just banded yesterday, 09/13/10! I felt lousy when I came home from the surgery center (four hour stay included recovery room). Today I'm feeling pretty good, except for a slightly swollen jaw area along with a little pain at the incision/puncture sites. I have to put my hand on top of the area if I feel a anything sudden coming my way -- like a sneeze, etc. I do have some pain in my mid-chest area if I'm taking a deep breath. Feels something like having a bruised rib and you took a deep breath; sligtly painful. Also, I just started my Protein drinks using Clear liquids. No problem with Breakfast which was 8 oz of low fat chick…

I had my band removed yeserday -- doc gave me 30% chance he could do the sleeve. He said if their were an adhesions, etc he would not do it -- to risky given the top staple line is right where the band is removed. Well I woke up with no sleeve ---- I am so sad.......:thumbup1: I will call his office this week and book the sleeve for 9-12 weeks out......

Hi, I'm new to this all and was just wanting to search it out before I took a "surgical" plunge. We have little money for me to be able to do this, so I would have to need insurance assistance. Any pointers?:thumbup:

I want to introduce myself to all. Well im not a great writer but have been intrigued by this site and wish I found it sooner. I am getting the sleeve on Sept 23 I really am looking forward to it. However the doctor had me start my liquid diet on Monday 6th which I have been perfect about, not as hard as I thought. They actually have me drinking Slim fast optima cans instead of protein shakes ( I wont be able to do them after the surgery). I am currently 410 lbs, I lost 10 lbs since Monday. I cant wait to say goodbye to the weight. I am doing this for myself and my 4 year old daughter.

Hello all! I am asking for good advice about how to jump start weight loss. I have currently lost 75 pounds and thats great, im not complaining about that. I have however been around the same weight for about 6 months. I am so sad. I have started exercising more but that hasn't helped. I also recently became vegetarian to see if that would jump start it, but i've seen little results. What should i do? I want to continue to lose weight. My goal is/was 145lbs. Should i resign to the fact that maybe i won't get there? Please help, any advice is appreciated. Ainsley:crying:

I am ONE step closer to finally having a surgery date like everyone else. The insurance coordinator called me this afternoon and told me that she had spoken to the director of my insurance (Cal Optima) and he told her to follow up with him by the end of this week to see if I will be approved or not. She just told me to hang in there and hopefully she will be calling me next week. Initially, she said at the latest of two weeks and 1/2 that I will be hearing from her. But I guess it's another week or so of waiting for me. I suppose it's not as bad as I'm making it out to be. I've waited 21 years to make this decision, so another week wouldn't hurt! I just needed to …

I just wanted to let everyone that I am up and kicking. I had my surgery last Thursday. I was just released from the hospital yesterday. They kept me longer then normal because I lived so far away, but I am finally home. I'm happy to say I have my Sleeve after working on it for almost a year. The first night in ICU, I thought I was going to die and was crying " what did I do, I really thought I made the wrong decision" , but then the next morning everything seem to get better except I had upset stomach, and when I had to drink that stuff for the leak test, well lets just say radiology did not like me when I left there. lol Now the only problem I'm having is coughing…