Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all, I finally have insurance that will cover me getting the LAP-BAND®. I am excited and nervous too. I am on Facebook-Angela Jones and Twitter- @AngieJonesRN. you can contact me there too.

Well, I am on day 6 of my liquid diet. I have lost 16 lbs. :thumbup: I can't tell but my clothes are fitting differently. I am extremely happy about that. I can honestly say I did not cheat. It was really hard on Monday and Tuesday but now I am used to it. I drink alot of Water and unsweetened tea. Creamed strained Soups, Protein shakes, broth and sugar free popsicles aren't too bad in satisfying hunger and the need to snack. Staying really busy helps too!!! I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am on Monday. Really excited and getting a lil nervous. Hope everyone has a blessed day!!!!! :biggrin0:

Has anyone been very successful with the Lap Band surgery with a BMI over 50. My surgeon suggested the gastric sleeve because of my BMI, and I feel more comfortable getting the Lap-Band. Thanks, Tenesha :confused:

I was banded on March 17th ... and I've been on a roller coaster since then. I've had some amazing success, I'm down 55 pounds, but I feel like I'm at a stale point. The hard part is I cannot tell if this is my emotions that are putting me in this place, or if I am truly at a stale point. I fell like I'm making smart choices but I'm not seeing much difference at the scales lately. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get out of this funk?

Well I am new to forums period, and I still need to learn how to navigate through this. My surgery is Tuesday in Mexico, I've been on a liquid only diet for 5 days, Ive cheated a few times with a high protien snack. That is what worries me, will I cheat after banding, and eat my way, right out of the lapband and the several thousand dollars.

Hello, my name is Janelle. I am 54 and I am 4 days post-op. I got "banded" on August 11th. My pre-op experience was rigorous but smooth. Post-op has been another story, not so smooth for me but I am going to gut this out (no pun intended) and make this work. I am most grateful to find others willing to share their experiences and give advise on what has helped them as so far it looks like I'm gonna need some help and moral support. I had told my Dr. that the last time I had anesthesia I woke up with a migraine. He said that they would make sure that didn't happen this time. He came through. I did not wake up from anesthesia with a headache. The migraine from h…

Hi Everyone, My name is Denise, and I live in Sydney Australia. I have just completed week 1 of 3, on the pre surgery diet. My surgery date is 08/30/2010. I look forward to chatting with you.

Hey guys!! Just wanted you all to know I'm here with hubby and ready to go tomorrow!! The flight was great..the drive LONG but fine...the nurses & Dr....AMAZING!! Sooo ExCiTeD to get sleeved tomorrow!! Hubby and I just got a in room couples massage that felt GREAT!! Now I'm relaxed and ready for tomorrow! Wish me luch & keep me in your prayers PLEASE :biggrin0: xo:biggrin0:

I am a bit nervous and excited for my surgery on Wed. I am a bit worried I am not going to be able to do this liquid diet. Any suggestions on how to get through this for next three days? Tonight I had what felt like a last meal. Any words of advice on anything for my upcoming surgery would be appreciated. I fly out of Calgary Wed morning to Mexico, and Surgery the same afternoon.

I am really at a crossroads in my life. It's quite simple, either I do something extreme and loose a great deal of weight or die. My best friend (who was banded) has convinced me I don't have to die, that this is doable. I have great insurance that I assume will pay for this process. I am brand spanking new to this, I just began research today, and I must admit, that thus far I like what I read. Another of my friends had Gastric Bypass, he started off near 600 Lbs and dropped to the mid 300's and has been there ever since, he has a number of significant and severe health issues now as a result of his weight and complete disregard for proper eating. So.... that…

hey everyone this site is awsome!!! im reading lots of forums and i cant belive that alberta is the only place where this surgury is free that would suck to pay that much. anyway i have 1 month and some till my sleeve surgury im getting nervous i hope im doing the right thing im pretty sure i am but theres still that feeling thats theres saying are you sure bout this is that normal? and is life gonna be different like is it gonna be painful afterwards for the rest of my life? all in all i guess im just scared of dying i dont wanna leave my 4 yr old boy i love him to much, i am a smaller patient im 5"2 and around 205-210, i was suppost to loose the 15-20 lbs prior to surg …

Hello, I haven't posted in a long time, but it's long over-due. First, I just want to give a big shout out to my sleeve sisters and brother, learnedtobeskinny, vegasangel, and beardeditalian! It seems you all are having great success too and I am very happy for you all! My name is Rose and I was sleeved in July 2009 by Dr. Aceves. I started at 271 and today I am 175. I have reached my personal goal in only 9 months! Things have changed so much, so very fast. Sometimes I just can't believe it myself! And my surgery has turned out to be such a success that it has inspired my mom and aunt to pursue getting bariatric surgeries too. Let me just say, that my mom gave me th…

So i am definitely having my surgery next friday... EEEKKK... :I went in today for my meal planning class and found out i gain a pound.. i was so upset i started crying because i believed this last week and half that i was doing pretty good with what i was eating and i even went to the gym 4x in the past 7 days... SOOO even tho i did not have to do a pre-op diet, i opted to my dietician that i wanted to do it to get these 4lbs i need to get off before the surgey... i think it will also get me ready for the two weeks of full liquids after surgery too.. Tho i think i gain 2lbs because my period finally came back, thank God, i was afraid they was gonna say, "Sorry Koren, but…

i am having surgery on the 26th and i would appreciate if anyone can tell me what i am in for. advice. tips. encouragement. even success stories. i am really worried about the pain. i will have 10 days at home before returning to work, will i be mobile enough to change the movie in the dvd player? and what about showering?? for those who respond, thanks so much for taking the time! becky:crying:

Hello everyone. My name is Trent. I was banded on 6/1/2010, by Dr. Rowitz in upstate SC. He and his staff are wonderful. I have had success losing weight and have lost about 45lbs. I have had some problems though. My port incision would not heal and kept draining fluid. i had one fill of 2cc, but he had a hard time getting into the port. My next appt to get a fill my incision still was draining but looked better. We agreed to keep watching it and continued with the fill. He tried to find the port again (5 sticks and 2 needles later) I told him to keep trying) we came to the conclusion that I wasnt healing and he couldnt get in the port because it had come loose and flipp…

Friday I will meet with the nurse clinician, have blood drawn, EKG MMPI etc. I am excited and apprehensive at the same time. Bariatrics at the clinic/hospital I go to have started doing lapband in 1 day surgery (you go home same day). Has anyone out there had this experience and would you recommend it? Also, I am a RN in a very busy unit. Can you give me guidelines on when I could anticipate returning to work. It can be a physically and mentally demanding job. Thanks:unsure:

hey everyone my names melissa i just found this site and i just signed up, anyway im 25 im 5"2 and im 205lbs, today is aug 13/10 and my surgury date for the sleeve is sept 23/10 i havnt lost anything yet!!!! my appoint weigh in is aug 23 coming up im scared hes gonna be mad. but im wondering what kinda stuff do you gotta do before surgury, is it gonna hurt after surg i heard that theres lots of trapped air in the chest thats real painful for some i have no idea, how diff is it? i just have so many questions. am i the only one that had a hard time loosing the pre op weight or is there others? please specific people whatever info you have please let me cuz im very nervous s…

As some of you know, I'll write when I have a good day, or a bad day. Well, the past 3 days have been good,...BUT, my nutritionist is saying I'm not doing good, and it's bumming me out. I am almost 4 weeks post-op. Lost 20 pounds so far. Already plateaued somewhat, but from what I read...this happens to many people at the 3 week mark. Everyone stated to get more Protein in and exercise more (can't do that yet because an internet stitch in this fascia popped....so I'm SORE still). I am eating 3 meals a day (which before surgery I only had 2 - lunch and dinner). I'm drinking more than I did pre-op (about 50 ounces now which is a little hard for me). I focus on protein c…

Getting ready to leave for Beverly Hills to have Dr Madan do the surgery. I have to admit I am a little nervous. I think my nervousness has overshadowed my hunger pains. This pre-op diet has been the hardest thing I have ever done. If all goes well I hope to be home this evening and back to work on Monday. I will try and post after I get home.

Well Im back from my trip to Mexicali to see Dr. Aceves and his wonderful staff. I was told by all of you who had seen him how wondeful he was and YES he was!! What a nice man and such a dedicated surgeon. I asked him if he takes any time off, well Sundays of course. He said he loves his profession so much that he could spend every waking hr in the surgery room, now that says a whole lot about the quality of this man and the love of what he does. I was in such good hands. I was scared to death to have the spinal ( i had a bad bad expeience with my baby) but the anaethesist put my mind at ease and i put my trust in him which he thanked me for.... it was a snap, he also had…

Hi, I am thinking and praying about being banded. I am 40, 6'2" and fluxuate between 435-439. I tried eating right, gave up soda, and got nowhere. I have always been heavy, but since I quit drinking (former alky) 10 years ago, I have really bulged out. I cannot excercise much because of athsma and a messed up foot plus my legs swell terribly so when I get home, I just wanna veg. I sit at a desk all day, therefore causing my legs to swell. I also have sesamoiditis, a bone problem in my foot that aches when I overuse it. My questions are that if I get banded, I will feel like a failure because so many have encouraged me to "just get out & walk". I also am not sure about…

Hi folks! I have been a lurker for some time taking in bits, and pieces of information here and there. In January of 2010 I went to my doctors for another issue besides my weight. I remember that day fondly because I couldn't find any clothes that actually fit without squeezing into them with my rear hanging out. :biggrin: I remember feeling, so uncomfortable, and worst of all guilty that I was going to face the one guy in my life that was not going to be pleased with my weight. When I got on the scale my jaw, and heart both hit the floor equally as hard. 319. hummm 36 years old, and 319 pounds.:thumbup: I remember sitting on the table, and thinking about my four y…

Hi everyone, I had my second fill today and have a total of 3.5 cc's in my band. I'm really nervous about the next fill. I'm afraid it will be really hard to eat anything and I will hurt and get things stuck. I'm so afraid of stucks and throwing up. Just wondering if throwing up is the same as a "normal" throw up...where you wretch from your stomach and can't stop. It's a horrible thought and I'm just petrified. Any one else out there as scared as I am?? Can anyonoe tell me about their experiences with throwing up?:thumbup:

Hello, i am Kirsten. I live in the caribbean and will be banned in December in Floridia. I have my first in office visit November 8th at 1:30! Then hopfully a December surgery date! I am getting soo much information from everyone here! I am using Dr. Joel Sebastian at Halifax Medical Center. I look foward to meeting everyone! Kirsten

there will be a support group in Plano Baylor on Wednesday night

i live in los angeles; ca....san fernando valley...i was listening to the radio...and a 1 800 get-thin advertisement came on...at the end of the commercial...the announcer said "hurry...hurry due to health care reform the lap-band will soon not b covered by insurance"...it sounded funny...hurry hurry...get ur popcorn...get ur p-nuts...get ur lap-band...lol...have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now that I am moving full speed ahead with banding, I am eating constantly. It' not like I didn't, before its just increased. Anyone else do this prior to surgery?:thumbup:

Hi! My name is Tracy, and my choice is to have a surgery that will change my life. About seven years ago I went to a seminar about gastric bypass surgery and then approached my doctor about it. I was pretty much laughed out of the office (or at least that was my perception, being that this is a very sensitive and personal subject!) and went back to trying it on my own. As each year passed more weight was packed on. Fast forward to present time...new doctor, new outlook, and I just about dropped off the table when she gave me a referral for a lap band consultation. I guess there really is a right time for everything, and this is MY time. :thumbup: I went for my…

My final, 7th appointment with the nutritionist and exercise physiologist was this week! I have officially jumped through the last hoop set before me so far in order to get the insurance to pay for the VSG. However... I found out that Aetna is only the administrator of the policy, and that my insurance doesn't cover VSG without special review by a staff of physicians. Because of this, I fully expect to be turned down flat. The only surgeries they cover are the band and RNY. Since I won't have either of those, I'd like to get started on the appeal process now. Any ideas and/or help would be appreciated!

About a month ago a saw my PCM (I'm retired military), was scheduled for a seminar which I went to yesterday. I'm going to be banded on Eglin AFB. I went back to work, and recevied a call from mental health, they scheduled my psych eval for tomorrow 13 Aug 10. Haven't been scheduled for diet consult but I think it's next week. After that I have private appt with dr and then on the schedule. There has been no mention of insurance I guess because I'm doing it on base. I'm excited, but now that it is moving so fast I'm getting nervous. I know it's the right move for me. Did anyone else feel this way?

For everyone considering the sleeve surgery I wanted to post my progress and say go for it!!! I was so worried about it and somedays now I forget I had surgery and just go on with my life. I have lost 71 lbs. and feel great. I am off my cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar medications. I exercise every day and feel great doing it. I have 30 or 40 lbs more to go and feel I can do it. I am so thankful for this website and the people who take time to post and help everyone out. It has been so helpful to me Diane

Hi all my name is Jeannie from IL and this is all new to me. I have just decided to do the lapband. Called to speak to a doctor about where to start. I am scare but ready, is there any suggestions on where to go from here? Any help will be great... J.

A couple of weeks ago I went to my first bariatric seminar , and today, yes today is my beginning. Just a few hours ago I was informed I get to start my journey. My insurance company is going to pay all but $500 bucks, and Im sure that will be the best money I have ever spent. I do have to go through a 6 months pre op diet before hand, but with support from family, I can do this. I have done alot of research on here since the seminar and know this is what is best for me. I have been obese since an infant, and now struggle with my weight. I look foward to reading more stories by you wonderful people! And Hello, from Kentucky!

Hello everyone, My name is Bryce and I am a 23 year-old student in Texas. I applied for Lap-Band surgery about a year and half ago but my insurance policy denied it, so after a recent scare (Near Syncope due to Vagal Response) I decided to just pay for it with CareCredit. I am having surgery in about 12 hours (Thursday, August 12), Dr. Job Buschman will be performing the surgery. I had to do a two week liquid diet but decided to do it for three week instead. I started my liquid diet on July 23 and weighed 474 pounds (BMI=57-58) and as of August 11 I am proud to say that I weigh 440 (BMI=53-54). I hope to lose about another 200 pounds and am pretty excited for …

Hello all! Words cannot express how happy I am to FINALLY :thumbup: get my surgery date. I'm a Kaiser so cal "gal" and those of you who are Kaiser members know how long the process is. Started my classes in Feb. Had my group session with the surgeons last sat (Aug 7) and just got my call yesterday. I'll be having my surgery done on Monday, November 1st! (with Dr. Zane). 11 more weeks to go (and coutning!). I'm excited and nervous and anxious and I feel like a little kid on Christmas eve. I have a million thoughts goign through my mind. I think I'll be on this forum a lot more often to read about the experience in the beginning for those of you who've had the surgery a…

I should have started posting sooner, but I have finished everything my doc has required, and am now just waiting for my pre-op consult and surgery date. I can't wait!!! I have an appt to see him on 8/17, which should be the day I start my pre-op diet meaning surgery somewhere around the 27th. What are everyone's thoughts and feelings about life after surgery? Is it worth it???

Hello everyone --- I have been reading (and researching) this board for the past few weeks and thought I would take the liberty of formally introducing myself. My name is Jennifer and I'm 30 (31 in Nov) and will be sleeved on 10/29. I currently weigh approximately 188lbs and I stand 5'2 or so and looking to lose about 65lbs. This surgery is like a birthday gift to myself. Absolutely needing a real kick in self-esteem in the upwards direction. I am curious if anyone else around this time is headed to Mexico, specifically Juarez during this time. If so, I'd love to hear from you. Thank you, Jennifer

Hello all, Today I am going to my doctors office to enroll in the program. Since its a 500 dollar charge, it means that I'll be going through with this and essentially there isn't any turning back. I am really excited but also really nervous and keep continuing to go through periods of doubt and apprehension. Just wondering if others feel/felt the same? I know I want to go through with it, it just seems scary to actually commit. Also- I'm going in for my endoscopy tomorrow and am rather nervous...any tips? Thanks :thumbup:

Kaiser called today to inform me of my surgery date, Sept. 13. I am so excited and relieved. I felt this call would never come. I will enjoy the last month I have with myself and await my transformation. The journey to right now has not been easy and I am sure the difficult part awaits. I have a great support system but will appreciate any feedback from sopmeone who has made the transformation or will be around my same date. I do not want to change my mind and would like to hear positive reinforsement. Have a great night and amazing journey, Desiree

http://www.sleeveguide.com/uploads/1/7/9/4/1794785/dietguidevged42006feb.pdf Not sure if anyone else has come across this and posted the link. I am adding it to my favorites. It covers the pre-op, post-op diets. Nutritional guidelines. A weight tracking chart to print out. Vitamin and supplement requirements and on and on. Very very helpful.

Okay most you probably are very familiar with my story. I was suppose to have surgery August 24th (I'm going through the VA), and have been working on my surgery since last October. Well when they sent in for my final approval VA denied, it and said I had to go to a VA Hospital to have it done, okay that was like almost a month ago. So here is the update. I called Hunington VA, about three times last week and twice this week left several messages, but no return calls. Then Monday I called my VA Doc, and left a message for her to call me and still no call. Well this morning I called again was leaving another message for my doc, and finally found out I have a consul…

Hi all!! I wish i could of started posting earlier once i started the pre-op process. My surgery is on 8/13/10 and i'm freaking out. I've never had surgery in my life nor was i ever in the hospital. This has been a loooog journey for me and even longer once i have the surgery. I've gotten mixed reviews on LAP-BAND® compared to gastric bypass. A lot of people say it doesn't work as good. I just don't want my stomach sliced in half...ewww!....I have been writing a journal to keep up with my thoughts through this process. Wish me luck! :thumbup:

I am so EXCITED :thumbup: to be going to the first seminar today to get all the questions answered that I have been having for so long. I must say it has taken me some time to make up my mind(and I have been thinking about this for several years ) and now I know that I am ready to make this life change and live for a healthier me... Next step...calling the Dr. office to get the ball rolling....wish me luck in this process......

Hi I had my sleeving done in June 2009 and have lost 60kgs and feel great :001_tongue: I still have a bit more to loose but if I dont loose any more weight I am happy with what I have achieved. What I would like to know is can the stomach pouch stretch ?? Also I have noticed that you guys talk about eating a certain amount by weight at each meal where as I was never told that but I can only eat a small bowl full anyway. Having the sleeving done in Australia is realativly uncommon and so I only know 2 ppl who have had it done and one of them I chat to through the internet so I feel like a lemon on an orange tree and haven't been able to compare notes with anyone so…

Hi, my name is myra and i leave in nwi. My doctor referred me to dr. Stanish at methodist hospital in merrillville, indiana. My bmi is 51 and i dont have no health issues but my obesity and my insurance doesnt cover this so self pay is my only option. They said it will be around $19,000 and almost passed out when they told me. Does anyone know a good medical finance place i can go to? I wanted this surgery in my early twenties and now that i am in my late twenties i feel like it will never happen for me.

Hi everyone my name is nickie 26 and dh Tim is 27 have been banded for 2 1/2 yrs I did great the first year but since then its not been so hot I love the band would not take nothing for it bc it has given life back to me but still not where I want to be I have been struggling with my weight my entire life but my health started to decline in 2003 when my mother who was 50 passed away of colon cancer and I was only 19 since then I have had neumerous health problems and was almost bed ridding for almost 2 years due to my weight and the problems that it has caused me I have a very dear and wonderful husband who has been right beside me all the way and most of all the Lord has…

Hello from Miami....I am a 43 year old woman and was banded in 2002...I have lost 170 pounds.....it's been difficult but worth all the effort.....I'm very happy with the band and the results and so far everything has been great. I haven't had a fill since 2006 so I have low restriction at the moment but feel good. Any other happy veterans out there??? I wish you all the best and every success and happiness in the world!

well hmm where to start? I got the approval for the lap band surgery and my surgery date is 9-13-10! super excited to start a new beginning for myself. I dont have a lot of support through friends and family so i'm here in hopes that i can make some friends and get advice from people going through the same surgery as me! A little about myself...I'm 24 218lbs and 5'1. I have struggled with my weight for as long as i can remember. I have two daughters ages 3 and 4. I'm not too good on the info stuff haha, so if anyone has any questions or wants to know about me its just better to ask. Would be nice to find someone that is having surgery around the same time as me so i have …

I'm so excited my insurance company has approved me, I called them today because I could not wait for them to call me. My excitment was short lived after I called my surgeons coordinator with the news, she sound like she was upset that I called my insurance company (maybe because she said it would take 15 days for an answer) any way I ask she start my pre-op testing I have not received a call back with my appt. dates. I did not know you would be on a emotional roller coaster just trying to have the SURGERY. What will my life be like after my surgery????:confused1::svengo::crying:

Hi guys, Just wondering, how many pounds lost equals a decrease in dress size? For example, if you loose 20lbs how many dress sizes would you change? :rolleyes2: