Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello all. I had my surgery April 27, 2009. All was going well and I lost 60lbs until exactly one year ago. In August 2009 I received a fill and within a couple of days I was closed up and had to have some removed. This continued until March of this year when I had to have my gallbladder removed. Had a couple of fills all was well until last month when I closed up again. Too much was in my fill. My doctor removed it all and now I have gained 25lbs. I am so bummed out! I still have high hopes that my doctor will pay closer attention and listen to me when I tell him I think there's too much.:biggrin: Has anyone out there experienced this or am I truely special????

Hello, I'm having my band replaced in a few weeks, I originally had the band done 10/2006 now it's not holding any saline. Has anyone had this problem before? I've been trying to keep a handle on my weight I went from 280 now I'm holding at 198:mad: I've been eating almost the same foods I've been going to the gym I'm crazed!!!!:biggrin: HELP!!

HI, I am 28 and weight 225 right now...I am all done with testing and appointments...all i have to do now is meet with my dr on the 14th to schedule surgery and submit it to insurance. I am so nervous that they will deny it for some reason. I have done so much work to get here and now I am at the end of my first journey ready to start the next and all I can think is what if the insurance denies it??? I know that I can appeal, but that would suck....anyone else going through this?

Hey all! I am getting my band on 09/10/10. I am so very nervous about the liquid diet. Does anyone have any tips (I am sure you do!) for how to survive? I am a lover of food...and I am very afraid for the period right after surgery. My doctor is not having me start the liquid or pre op diet...what do you all suggest? Much love

Hey Everyone! I was banded on August 9th and I've lost 19 pounds so far. I have been doing "by the books" these last three weeks. I recently started solids and I am SOOOOOO hungry lately. My first fill is in 2 weeks. Any suggestions for the mean time???!!

I'm 6'4", 340lb, and denied by insurance because of the 1 year doctor-supervised exercise and diet plan. I have HBP, but other than that things are pretty good. I had originally intended to do the band. In talking with a few people, I found that a neighbor had a VSG and has done great since then. I also know someone else who had a band around the same time and they're not doing so well. When I told my Dr. self-pay, they steered me towards VSG instead of the band for all the regular reasons (nothing left behind, no fills, etc. etc.). I was originally scheduled for mid-Sept 2010, but a work conflict came up and I had to reschedule. While at the Drs office resch…

So, I just started the journey. I went to a LAP-BAND® seminar 8/9/10. I had my initial consult 8/27. I meet the basic requirements as I have a BMI of 44. I now have to start getting all the tests that go before the surgery-cardiology, pulmonary, Nut, psych eval. I don't think any of this should be a problem I lucked out with my insurance as they cover all pre and post-op and I do not need a 6 month diet. I work for the State and have GREAT insurance! I am live on Long Island and am going through Dr. Geiss in Syosset LIJ. He has a good system for pre and post op as well as group meetings, exercise, meditation group. I will start making appointments for the te…

Hello I had my lap band op o the 24th August and get the staples removed tomorrow. All going ok down by 12lbs already so starting to feel better already. Is there anyone out there who would like to chat am at home with little ones still on school holidays . Does it get easier !!!!!!!!

Wow! Been a long time since I have been on here. Just been so busy! But happy to report-no DELIROUSLY HAPPY to report that I am down 89 pounds in less than 4 months!!!!! I can't even describe the way that I feel! I have gone from a tight 28, to a tight 22. (Just feels good to squeeze into that smaller size ) I still have some hormonal issues, but they are getting better. My OB says I'm like a pubescent boy and have "erotic thoughts" every 12 seconds. I wonder if anyone else went through this? He said that my testosterone level is still producing at my original weight, hence the increase in libido. Not that I'm minding....but the hormones do cause me to change focus ALO…

Hi, My name is Gigi. I am considering WLS and have been doing research on the lap band and VSG. I went to a seminar on 8/19 thinking I wanted a lap band and realized it was not really a good option for me. I have a lot of allergies and do not think the idea of putting a foreign object in my body a good one. As a result, I have been thinking about the VSG. I am 5?7?, around 282 lbs with a BMI around 45; I also have asthma, high-blood pressure and moderate to sever sleep apnea? so I am a good candidate. I still have some concerns especially as I have never had to have an operation. I?m scared! My insurance covers the procedure but I have to do a 6 month doc…

Hey all! My name is Sarah and I am schedule for VSG surgery in Vegas in a little more than a week. I am so excited. I am currenly 250 lbs and have a goal of 140 lbs. If anyone has any do's and don'ts or ANY advice please feel free to share. I am looking for all the knowledge and advice I can get. :lol0: Thanks! Sarah

Well I have great news. I was sitting at work and the head surgeon on Hunington VA called me. My first thought was now what, I really thought he was going to tell me I could not have my surgery for some reason. Then he says to me can you be here tomorrow afternoon, I was like excuse me, and he said we have an opening for Thursday can you be here tomorrow afternoon. Well called mom and she was like lets go. So I am now running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I don't even now what I need to bring with me to the hospital, and tomorrow is all clear liquids. I had to go to my daughter's school and tell her. I don't even have time to be nervous I have to much to do.…

Hello, I am looking for anyone from Eastern Iowa, Western IL. that had their procedure done at Genesis in Quad Cities? Look for some of your personal experiences. I am so contemplating this but when mention to my husband I get the "let's check it out" and then the attitude of "here we go again, another attempt, more money and no success". It doesn't help that we know people that have done gastric bypass and have gained everything back! So sick of being like this and having to struggle to get any ounces off! Please message or email me with your experiences. Thanks, Angie paankadu@msn.com

OMG! OMG! OMG! I just found out that insurance (Aetna) has approved my surgery! YEEEAAAAA!!! My VSG surgery is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13th! I'm so excited! I start my 2 WEEK LIQUID DIET TODAY. That part I'm not so excited about. But that's okay. I know it's a minor price to pay for the great things to come. I've been researching and wanting to get WLS for 2 years! I originally was going to get the Lapband but had to put it off because I needed 2 yrs documented weight history. During that time I found out about the sleeve instead and Aetna's decision to cover it a few months back. I guess everything does happen for a reason. :001_cool: Okay, I'm off to pick up …

So, it's been a long time coming. My surgery date is finally only days away. I start my 3 day liquid diet tomorrow morning. I fly out to San Diego on Thursday for surgery on Friday in Tiajuana, MX with Dr Almanza!! I'm soooo excited, but also very nervous :scared0:. My mom is coming along as my support person so that puts me at some ease . Everyone keep me in your thoughts and prayers please.

Well, I?ve been ?lurking? on this site for a while now so I guess it?s time I actually post something. :biggrin0: I was notified by my surgeon?s office that they submitted my paperwork to my insurance company (Aetna) on Tuesday. :001_smile: Has anyone found it helpful to call their insurance company to check on things? I don?t want to pester them fearing they will put me on the back burner out of spite but I don?t want my paperwork to be ignored either. They said it takes around 2 weeks so I?m hoping to get sleeved in mid to late September. :thumbup: I am trying to do what I can in advance to prepare. I?ve bought my little plates and utensils. I?ve decid…

Hello! My name is Tanya. I was banded on August 12th, 2010. My pre-surgery weight was 240 pounds. I am currently at 221. I am looking forward to making some new friends!:cursing:

Hi everyone! I'm registered to attend a lapband seminar this Thursday and I'm really nervous. I'm going by myself since my family isn't very supportive of this. I'm wondering what to expect in the seminar. Is it just general information about the surgery? I've done a lot of research over the past few weeks and feel pretty informed on how it all works. At this point I don't have insurance so I know I will be paying for this out of pocket. Also, I haven't had a primary care physician for about a year and a half since I moved to the midwest. Do you think I should see a doctor before I even go to the seminar? When I write this out they seem like silly questions,…

I heard this morning that ll of my paperwork is in to my surgeon...now the dreaded wait to see if I am approved by my insurance company..(BC/BS MI)...prayers and words of wisdom accepted...lol:smile: Jill

I am getting anxious and hope someone can help. I have Cigna Open Access Plus for my insurance. My paperwork was faxed to Cigna 08/17. I called today and it's still in "pending" status (whatever that means). I've seen others, on this forum, who have been approved quickly by Cigna. Do you have any tips to speed up the process? Should I call every day? (I've only called twice so far) I've already jumped through all of the hoops and now I'm really trying to get this approved ASAP. I have a high BMI so the surgeons office doesn't see why I would be denied, but I'm getting nervous because my paperwork seems to be at a standstill. I know Cigna has thousands of submissions a…

Hello everyone, Just getting started looking into WLS. From everything that I have looked at I have come to the conclusion of either the Lapband or Vertical Sleeve would be the best for me. I do have a thyrod condition and take medicine for it on a daily basis. I have tried other programs with some success. I do have BCBSIL-HMO, so I have to wait on the doctor and the referal process. Does anyone else have a thyroid condition and what type of success are you having????

Hi my name is Kristy and i am from Perth. I have just finished going through all my appiontments and have booked my surgery for 28th Sept with Dr Ahmad at Waikiki Hospital. I am 30 years old and currently weigh 140kgs and am really excited about starting my new life although not the preop diet. I have 2 beautiful children Leah is 4 and Ben is nearly 2 and really want to be able to keep up with them. Any advice or info would be more than welcome. Hopefully talk soon, Kristy

Hi everyone! I just found out today that my insurance does not cover the band. How depressing! :cursing: I'm a teacher and you would think the district would want their staff fit/healthy so that they could pass that on the students! Oh, well....so now I begin the process of coming up with the money. I REALLY want this surgery. From all of the posts I've been reading, it seems like it would be worth it. Oh why, oh why, can't money grow on trees....it did when we were kids!! Hahahaha!! :thumbup:

Well.....I told the family yesterday!!!! Like most of you said, it went better than I thought. The initial reaction I got from them was exactly what I thought it would be , but then they listened and for the most part are on board. We had some tears, and there is a lot of concern, but they are supportive. I feel like a 1,000 pounds have been lifted off of me!!! Thank you all for the encouraging words!!! :tongue_smilie:

I have the option to stay the night post-op or go home. Any advice?:thumbup:

hi, I am new here. Just recently been banded. 8-24-2010. Lost 27 lbs so far. Was looking for others in the Kansas City North area that have been banded also. But would love to talk to anyone.:thumbup:

I'm 11 days post-op. Yesterday, I was able to slip my engagement ring back on my finger! I haven't been able to wear it for a year. Another one of my short term goals was to weigh what I weighed went I got pregnant with my first child, 216. This morning I weighed in at 215! Hot diggity dog! AniO

Hey All! I have been reading this blog for several weeks...since I decided not to do the band. I have been so encouraged and have really found myself being excited to have the surgery. I feel like I'm mourning the loss of the big portions of dessert I like to eat but I know it's for the best. I'll keep you updated along my journey!! Thanks for listening!!

Hi I'm JoJo and I am seriously considering getting banded. I am 35 with a 4 year old son. I don't want my son to grow up with a Fat Mom. I want to be able to do lots of fun, exciting thing with him as he grows up and not have my weight limit me. I am 5' 11" and 330. I am ready for change. -JoJo

After researching and deciding to face a Dr. to see if was a candidate for Lap Band I have visited withthe Dr. had the required Dietition and Phycologist meeting and after spending money and being told that I was covered 8020 by BCBS insirence the Dr office informed me today that I needed to have 2 other conditions since my BMI was under 40. I has asked about this previous and was told the only requirement I had was the 2 Dr. appointments I metntioned above, required by insurence but not covered financially. I was totally bummed out when todayafter talking with the surgen and getting excited about moving forward, this was the first day I let myself get excited - to be de…

Hi All, Has anyone every considered gastric bypass over the sleeve, but ended up getting the sleeve? Can anyone who has done this give any suggestions why you chose the procedure you did? I am asking this question because at my original appointment I was told that the sleeve was covered under my insurance and was assured tha all will go well. Well what do you know, time for approval stage and insurance company does not cover the Sleeve. But they will cover bypass and band. Any suggestions? I am so confuse now because I spent so much time researching the sleeve and was mentally prepared for it. Now I'm being pressured to make a desicion that I am not sure about.

My Surgery is in about 12 hours im so nervous.. All i keep telling myself is It will all be worth it in the end

Surgery THIS Thursday, 9/2 .......... finally just told my Mom and my best friend this morning .... I've been keeping this MY secret, MY journey, My For ME experience.. but I was afraid that their feelings would be hurt if I didn't AT LEAST fill them in ...... not to mention I probably NEVER would have gotten away with it! Sooo - here I am 41, 5'5", 272 lbs and I'm DOING it!! I'm excited now! I'm taking a positive step, I'm going to be a much healthier me ;o) During our morning walk this I broke the news to my friend and she was so positive about! Her words "I love you just the way you are but I'm glad you're doing what you need to, to be more healthy......" Gotta love th…

Hi all, I got banded Thursday, this is Sunday and I am still in pain but sort of on the mend. Talked to the doc Friday p.m. and switched off the codeine/tylenol liquid that seemed to rip my stomach up, to 400 mg ibuprofen every 4 hours - really helped. Only did 3 shakes yesterday. It took me 1+ hours to get an 8-oz shake down so I basically ran out of time. But I am able to sleep lying down in my own bed and am catching up on my rest. Yeah!!! I'm down around 14 lbs since I started the 2-week presurgery liquids. Wonder why. I got my first shake down this a.m. in 30 minutes, but it seems to get worse as the day goes on. I don't know what size the band is or if it's…

Hello, I just wanted to say hi. I am pre-op. All my testing is done and I'm just waiting for a date. I wanted to hear from those post-op and hear everyone's experiences....good or bad. Thank you! ~Jocelyn

I have been lurking here on the boards for the past few months, but I actually registered yesterday. At last, my VSG surgery date has been set for October 7, 2010! Last December, a coworker referred me to her doctor who had approved her for lapband surgery. After six months of weightloss tracking and regular visits, my primary care physician approved a referral for lap band, but after my initial consultation with the surgeon and researching the sleeve on this site and others, I decided that the sleeve was a better option for me. Well, after jumping through a few more hoops, the medical group ended up still denying to pay for the sleeve, and since I have an HMO, I …

Hello everyone. My name is Angela and a year ago today I changed my life. I had the sleeve. As of today I have lost a total 74 pounds. I reached my initial goal of 150 about a month ago and now I am 146. My 2nd goal is 140 and I am only 6 pounds away! I am not sure how low I want to get but as of now it's still not a problem to lose. I have not started any exercise regimen this whole time I just eat well when I can and get out more. This surgery has been a complete success for me and I have had no complications. I do not post on here very much but I do linger from time to time for those with questions. Now for some picture whoring! I've used this one before I don't hav…

I was banded on August 23rd by Dr.Bilton in Tuscaloosa, AL. I have my post op appointment on tommorow. I'm doing ok just tired of drinking liquids. Ive battled with my weight for years and i am ready to begin this weight loss journey. I need all the advice i can get. So if you have any helpful advice please dont hesitate to tell me.

hi :thumbup: i was banded on the 23rd of august, and i'm still in the beginning stages of my journey.. im excited, nervous, and to be completely honest a little scared of the change. i'm really excited to get to know people here who have gone through/are going through what i am!

I was sleeved last Wed in Tijuanna Mexico, and the day after surgery, I was having so much pain they were not sure what was going on so they decided to take me under again for another surgery to see what was going on, turns out I had a leak and low hemoglobin so I had a blood transfusion. Well leak was fixed and then I ended up getting liquid in my lungs, which there is not much to do for that, I am finding it so tough to sit, lye down, just bending over to pick up something takes alot of effort out of me. I am wondering if anyone else felt this way at all after even if they did not have complications. I have not even noticed any weight loss either which scares me quite…

Banded July 07, lost 156 lbs. Dr Lord, Pensacola, FL. It's been a 3 year ride, that will continue the rest of my life.:thumbup:

So far everything is going quite well. I am experiencing discomfort but no real pain. The continuous pressure under my sternum, shoulders, and shoulder blades is the worst and make it difficult to eat. I am concerned about getting enough Protein since I eat so little. But I'll figure it out. Good luck!

I went to my seminar on the 25th. I have not gone over websites researching this but I have heard about it and knew what it was before my seminar. I am in the process of getting the tests scheduled and have gone thru the psych eval and the nutrionist is tomorrow. I am ready to get rid of this extra person that I have been lugging around for 15 years. I don't want to develop the diabetes and other problems that come with weight. My knees are already protesting as I climb the stairs and do other things. I have never stayed in a hospital for longer than it takes to have a baby and I hate needles and pain but I am commited to doing this so that later I won't have to deal with…

Hi everyone. I'm Elizabeth, and I'm a band failure. I was banded in 2002 at 212 pounds. I lost all the way down to 120, but the weight crept back on. I'm obsessed with ice cream. Anyway, I got my last fill 4 months ago at 200 pounds. It was too tight, so I was completely unfilled. Since then I've gained 25 pounds. I'm going in tomorrow to get refilled. I really am sad about basically starting this journey over heavier than I was. I would love to get some support from other banded people. This time I am determined to get over ice cream and get back down to the size 4 that I was! Elizabeth

I work on a very busy unit/12 hour shifts. Shift starts at 7:45 and ends around 2100. Breaks do not exist, however we do get 30-45 minutes for lunch (sometimes not until 2pm) and 30 minutes for dinner (as late as 7pm). I am on my feet, walking fast, standing, pushing wheelchairs, boosting patients, crouching, bending and twisting for a great deal of my day. Cutting to the chase, how much time should I take off post surgery? We are cut little to no slack and will be called in if unable to keep up. By the way I am not telling anyone except for 2 close work friends. I'm really afraid to go back to early, particularly since my job is physically demanding and my diet will b…

Today I am 50 pounds lighter than I was before surgery! Had a physical a few days ago and my doctor couldn't believe the difference since the last time she saw me. She was very impressed. Since surgery I have been taken off my thyroid my cholesterol medicines. I can't believe how much better I feel. I have so much more energy and can do so much more! One of the best decisions my husband and I ever made! Thanks again to Jean (my angel) who we met on vacation and told us about VSG. :tongue_smilie:

Wow, where do I begin.. About a year ago I began a journey to get a revision from a "supposed" RNY. It was really a mini gastric loop. I did TONS of research and decided that the DS was the best thing for me. Jan 26, 009 I went in for the procedure-that's when the problems began. I had so many adhesions that I ended up losing my spleen, and part of my pancreas. I ended up with a VSG instead.I was in ICU for 2 weeks. During that time they found after a swallow test that I had a stricture and they had to go back in and fix that. 4 days later they took the NG tube back out again and found I had a leak. So nothing by mouth continued from then for weeks to follow. I was sent …

Sorta getting scared now. :thumbup: Leave for Mexicali tomorrow. For surgery Monday. :eek: No longer can say it is "out there in the future". I'm worried about everything. I'll wake up sick. I won't get there on time. They'll do the pre-op testing and I'll find out something is wrong and I can't have surgery. I'll have a bad reaction to meds or anesthesia. I'll be Aceves' very first leak ever. I'll make it home ok only to experience complications later. I can't shut my mind off!

I got there on time, but some guy before me had ordered some equipment and was standing at the counter arguing with the lady for over an hour. He insisted that she shred his credit card information and form that he filled out, then hand him the shreddings. :confused1: After another 30 minutes of her calling the boss to cover her ass, I finally got into my "room" and hooked up. When they say "like a hotel room", it's just a bed, TV and fan. Their satellite didn't work, so when I tried changing the channel it said "updating from satellite" forever. So no TV for me. There was a shower down the hall, but it was really gross so I didn't bother. The hookup process too…

Hi my name is Jessica. My process for getting my surgery was very fast. I had already done lots of research. My partner had a gastric bypass in 8/2009. She has lost 150 pounds in 1 year. I did not have near as much to loose and I thought the band was more suitable for me. I am so thankful I have her here to support me. Most people I have mentioned my surgery to have said I am not big enough. I realize I am not as big as others but I have been overweight for 10 years and I have not been able to loose it in the past. I saw the difference the weight loss made for my partner and decided that I wanted the same. So here I am! I started the process only about 45 da…