Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi! I'm Miss Dee. I'm an Aussie who was living in the UK four years ago. I decided to have lap band surgery and headed to Belgium as a private pay patient for the procedure. It hasn't all been smooth sailing for me but it certainly has been worthwhile. I have lost around 30kgs (66lbs) and I still have 10kgs (22lbs) to lose. I'll get there in time. In all honesty, I haven't been very strict with eating since Moses was a boy! I do exercise pretty much everyday (running and weight training). It's funny that it's taken me four years to register with a support group ... maybe I am ready to tackle the last few kilograms! I have kept a blog. If you're interested I'…

Hello all!I am new to this site and journey. I've been reading different post and you all seem very supportive of eachother,I think I made theright choice.

First off, I just want to say how wonderful a forum like this is. Everyone is so supportive. I am Lisa, I am 40 year old who weighs 306 pounds. (That looks awful, over 300+ and I am admitting it, I guess I am in fat denial or something ) I have been married for 11 years and have a 5 year old son. I have been visiting this site for a little while now and finally have decided to get this ball rolling. I go tomorrow to a seminar. I live in a small rural town and they do not offer WLS so I have to travel about 1 1/2 hours away to have the surgery. I have been contemplating WLS for a while and finally came to realization that my weight is not getting any better, in…

i use to b on this support site faithfully...MY way was the rite way...wink...wink...no; my way worked for me...but it may not work 4 u...my way included laxatives and exercising until i would literally pass out...ooo yeah i'm in a size 4-6 now..got abs...nice arms and legs...the whole nine...but i didnt do it the right way....when people ask me 4 advice now...i tell them ur way...will b the right way...u all will figure this out...it may take some longer then others...but there is not a member on here that knows exactly what to eat and how to exercise...i am back on here now 2 offer support...but i will not give advice...i have been a huge successful loser with this band…

do u c a descent body ....do u c a girl that isnt fat anymore...do u c a girl that every guy wants to date now...do u c a girl that can shop at the skinny people stores now...do u c the muscle i've achieved from lifting weights...do u c the abscence of a hanging stomach bcuz i've had a tummy tuck...do u c the loose skin inbetween my thighs that i'm disgusing by the way i'm posed...do u c a girl that almost died for this body...do u c a girl that vomits if she eats too much...do u a girl that took laxatives until should could hardly walk her insides hurt so bad...do u c a girl thats lonely bcuz now most men think she will cheat...do u c a girl that would pass out in front …

Hi, I had my surgery on July 16th. I had the gastric sleeve plication. I'm so glad I found this website. I'm sure it's going to help me through some difficult times. I've been overweight practically my whole life. Starting at about age 14. I am now 46. I have wanted to have a weight loss surgery for many years. I considered having a lap band and actually had an appointment to have it done in Mexico. Our insurance was horrible and with it would have been double or more. I read about the complications and wasn't willing to go that road. My aunt was scheduled to have the gastric sleeve and decided to investigate that route. I called a health travel company in Mexico and was …

Hi All, I am scheduled to have my surgery in September. Has anyone had their "Letter of Necessity" denied. Is the process difficult getting approval. I am learning as I go. I have read a lot and a lot of iformation can sometime discur one from the whole process. I have submitted all required information that was asked of me. Just concern how detail one should be on this letter. Any suggestions??

My name is Aline I'm fr Brazil but have been living in Oregon for 12years...I'm a hapilly married mama of 3. I have always been a little on the heavy side but can hide it well because I'm 6'4"....I made a decision to change my life after my mom died at 60 from diabetes complications and a sudden heart attack. She wasn't obese just overweight and she always worried about me becoming a diabetic and was worried when I accumulated 120lbs over the period of 8 years while I had my kids. I started my lap-band journey in February and am scheduled for surgery on Aug 13th. Which is also the one year anniversary date of my mom's burrial. I think my affair with food and bad habits …

Hello, I am new here and I just want to say... I was banded on July 19th 2010 and days after my procedure I was in so much pain I thought death would be better than this! I had an adverse reaction to the anesthesia and pain meds. The pain meds made me sick to my stomach which caused dry heaves which caused soreness. I swore I could feel my intestines move! I could not take any pain meds so I was suffering with the bloating and the movements and the tenderness. Each day got better... and better... I didn't feel hungry and was afraid of hurting if I ate anything in the wrong manner. I stuck to broth and thin protien shakes. I was at work 5 days later but had …

Hi all I am in the planning phase. My GP sent me to be banded (or making me a bandit?) I have so many Q's, so combing the forum for answers.. looking forward to it and I guess saying goodbey to my old life... bit by bit. Will open a blog and capture the feelings for later on... then we can all have a good chuckle. Is there anyone else on the forum from Canberra Australia? Contact me pleezz. I am going to OClinic in Sydney...:wub:

Anyone using Dr. LePort in Fountain Valley. I am at the beginning stages of the whole process. I just want time to fly. I am still in my 6 mos diet (insurance req) I will be doing my psych exam next week. I have already been to one support group and my Dr. Talk is scheduled for the end of April.

Well the countdown has begun...I'm excited and scared all together and cant wait. I go for my pre-op appt on Aug 17. I'm having my surgery in Green Bay, WI. Dr. Kemmerling is my doctor. :thumbup:

Just wanted to say hello to everyone on the site. I'm set to be banded October 7 from Dr Vohra (Long Island, NY) and looking forward to it. I was going to remain mostly a lurker on the site. But with so many people here giving support, ideas, and advice, Id be rude not to be part of it. Not to mention all the info I found here already. BTW, kudos to everyone who have had the surgery and showed success. It's funny how my past was echoed by many people here. They convinved me that I made the right choice to finally have this done.

Hey everyone. My name is Mike. I am 17 years old and I live in New York. I don't know my exact weight now, to be honest. But from the weight I was at my last doctor visit, my BMI is well over 50. I am not diabetic but it does run in my family and I have no doubt I will be soon if I don't change. I have been researching WLS for over a year now. I never really thought of it as a possibility until just recently. I also found another forum, Thinner Times, and that place is great so I decided to find some other forums and found this place. I am well aware of the risks of Lap Band, or any WLS, and I really do feel that this would be a good thing for me. I feel th…

Good evening everyone - have just found this site and am delighted! Im sure this problem is not new to many of you but its a daily problem to me. I had my VSG 8 weeks ago today.... feeling great, with more energy and already smaller sized clothes. My problem is severe acid attacks and heartburn. I havent been able to establish what - if anything is triggering the discomfort but need help to tackle this ASAP. Any ideas? osk:confused1:

Hi All, Has anyone had the SILB if so please share your experience. I had this type of surgery on 07/16/10 and I had no pain after the surgery.

With the surgeon that is...I don't think my spouse would approve of me having any other kind of date. :w00t: August 20th Dr Aceves. I have the trip mostly all planned and set. Hotel before my flight out, and on my return all booked. Airline tickets purchased. That was a hard one, what is so difficult for the reservationist to understand about "I AM FAT NEED MULTIPLE SEATS" yeesh, still nervous about getting to the airport and being told they never booked my seats for myself (2) and spouse (1) together. Stopping by parents for two days prior to flight, and they have been very supportive, I had expected the words Mexico and surgery to scare them, but my mother wa…

I got sleeved on Tuesday the 27th. All the worrying I did for nothing. It has been very easy so far. Soreness on Tuesday and Wednesday but nothing unbearable, walking around pretty good today. I can't wait for what's to come.

I have finally jumped through all the hoops, insurance approved the sleeve, had my final weigh in this past week (lost 22 lbs) and now my surgery is only 3 days away! I can hardly believe it....it has taken 8 long months....and it is nearly here. I would like to say that I have lurked here for several months and learned so much from all of you. What I have noticed most is that no one seems to have regrets about having surgery. That is such a great comfort for me. All of this is suddenly becoming VERY real!! I am anxious and nervous, but I believe I am making the right decision. My husband and son are very supportive, as are my fellow RNs at work. Even my 84 y…

I just started my pre-op diet this past Monday, and my surgery is scheduled for 8/9. I'm really looking forward to it, let me tell ya! My pre-op diet is still pretty rough. My doc has me on a 1000 calorie per day milkshake diet, with only sugerfree juices and jello outside of that. First 3 days were hell, and now it's merely excruciating =P. Can't complain, I guess -- I've lost 20 pounds already, though it's certainly just water weight. Anyhow, nice to meet you all -- I look forward to sharing this adventure with you.

he he... i am pre-band and have 1 week to go before my pre-op diet and am currently eating what i want when i want cuz i know that come next Monday i will have to stick to my diet and after i'm banded i just wont be able to eat whatever i want. So the question is "What will you miss eating?" for me it will be just about everything, no for real i will miss: Sushi, hamburgers, sweet breads like doughnuts and cakes. but i know that by not eating these things i will lose weight and improve my life! SO CAN'T WAIT FOR MY BAND!!!:scared2:

Hi! I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy on July 12th. I went thru the Assoc. of Southbay Surgeons in Torrance, CA. Dr. Edward Mun performed my surgery. I began my journey with them on November 19th. At the time I weighed 270 pounds with a BMI of 45. As part of my pre-op requirements, I had to loose 10% of my body weight (27 pounds), attend support groups, educational classes, psychological evaluation and other medical workups. After meeting these requirements in March, I was given a surgery date of May 10th. I chickend out, but rescheduled my surgery of July 12th. I was going to try and hold out for as long as I could with the insurance approval. I figured, …

I am an overeater...not sweets or cake and the such, but lots of food! How does your body and brain handle the decrease in calories? This isn't going to deter me from the procedure. I'm just looking for tips from actual Bandsters who have, or are now going through the post-op period.

Hello! I'm soooo bummed out right now! Tricare didn't even take a look at it. It was submitted yesterday and denied today. Anyone have some appeal letters? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks! One sad girl :scared2:

Hi Everyone, New to this site. Just saying hello and looking forward to all this great information Yes, I am booked this coming Monday 2/8.....a tad nervous now, but can't wait. Like many of you, have struggled all of life with weight, a long story, but am determined this to be the last chapter and being able to conquer!!! I have struggled on the opti-slim the past 2 wks, and to be honest ate a handful of hot chips yesterday, and yes ashamed of myself, but it was one of those "mum" moments. LIfe very busy, married with 3 young boys, and yes am determined to be healthy and be around for them for many years to come. I'd appreciate any tips , I will return later. H…

So I had my first appointment with the surgeon today, and he told me that he doesn't recommend the surgery for me because I'm too light (my BMI was 32.8) Well, I just came back from backpacking for 5 weeks in Australia and Japan, walking 6+ hours a day, not eating very much at all because my brother and I didn't have much money, not to mention it was absolutely sweltering in Japan. So I lost about 10lbs, which put me out of the 35.0 BMI range. I don't have any co-morbidity's except for Type 1 Diabetes (my cholesterol is jusssssst slightly high). And the PA told me that Type 1 may not be considered a co-morbidity. Which kind of shocked me, I deal with all the same thin…

Medically Necessary: Gastric bypass and gastric restrictive procedures with a Roux-en-Y procedure up to 150 cm, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (for example, the Lap-Band® System or the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band), vertical banded gastroplasty, or biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch as a single surgery, is considered medically necessary for the treatment of clinically severe obesity for selected adults (18 years and older) who meet ALL the following criteria: BMI of 40 or greater, or BMI of 35 or greater with an obesity-related co-morbid condition including, but not limited to: diabetes mellitus; or cardiovascular disease; or hypertension; or …

:thumbup::thumbup:Hello I am a 34 year old from Mo I have just got approved through insurance to have the vertical sleeve done. I was approved a month ago tho have by pass but I have had so many surgerys and health problems that they could not do the band or by-pass. I am very excited to start my journey not only to loose the weight but to help with the many many other health problems I have. I am ready to be healthy again and get back to the things in life I enjoy like horseback riding swimming amusement parks and life in general any info or do;s and dont's are very much welcomed thasnk you all so much

I am to be banded on Aug 26th at the INT hospital in Tijuana Mexico and was wondering if anyone has gone there and what they felt about the place. I am going through Beliteweight and they have scheduled me with Dr. Jose Rodriguez has anyone had surgery by him? how was he and his staff. I have no fear of Mexico my hubby has had surgeries there as have other members of my family i was just wondering if anyone on these boards have input on the above questions.

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you'd like to win, but think you can't, It's almost certain you won't. If you think you'll lose, you've lost. For out of the world we find Success begins with a fellows will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you're outclassed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster person. But sooner or later the person who wins Is the one who thinks they can. Anon.

I've been considering WLS for years now but lap and bypass didn't seem to be my style. Then I learned about the sleeve and I knew that finally the right tool was finally available for my weightloss toolbox to help give me the most success possible. This past April I started contacting different drs, Medical Tourism companies, etc. to see what my best options are since I have to foot the bill out of pocket (because of blankety blank insurance). Mexico was attractive from a budget point of view, PLUS there seem to be some extremely qualified and competent surgeons there. But my s/o totally freaked out at the thought of me leaving the country for surgery and so I will …

Today I saw my Dr for the first time after surgery. My surgery was on the 19th. As of today, I've lost 12 pounds. I didn't have a pre-op diet plan, so I'm sure most of that is Water. He stated that he'd like to see me lose 30 more pounds at the 6 week mark. He said that I needed to start doing my exercising now. That this week is the foundation of what I'll do the rest of my life. To put up an exercise/food chart on the fridge for accountability. He said to always eat 3 meals a day and ABSOLUTELY NO snacking in between (which I never, ever did to begin with....my vice was the midnight PBJ). I asked about the Esophageal Spasms and he said they would go away in time…

I was banded on Jun 8th and am down 20-25 pounds. However, since my first fill, I haven't lost any weight and fill like I'm constantly hungry. I make myself stop at a certain amount of food but I don't see any loss. Can someone help?

hi everyone!! I'm back after a little hiatus. I started my lap band journey in January of this year. I was referred to Pennsylvania Hospital by my PCP. I started the process with Pennsylvania but dropped out of the program for a few reasons. I am starting the process all over again. I changed my PCP and the new one gave me my referral today!! I am going to see Dr. Soriano at Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia. At the moment, my BMI is about a 38. As far as comorbidities, I do not have any of the major ones most insurances look for. I do have degenerative disk disease (3 herniated disks in the lumbar area with radiculopathy in my left leg), arthritis in knees, an…

Has anyone tried the Isopure protein drinks the pre-made and the powder??? which one was better or better yet what protein drinks or powder do you use???

My name is Jenn and I'm very new to all of this. I am attending a seminar on Tuesday to get the ball rolling. I am really excited to start this journey as it seems life changing but at the same time selfish. As I start this, I'm very worried about other people, my friends, coworkers, and family, judging me. I work at the hospital I will be having the surgery at so it puts my in a tough spot. Just looking for some advice and thoughts as I start my journey. Thanks!

I am new to this. I am wanting weight loss surgery and am starting again to look into everything. I want to be free from all that is killing me. Sleep Apnea, Type II Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure. I know it has to do to my weight. I have fought obesity my entire life. I am looking to find others that are in the Fort Worth area and that have Medicaid for insurance.

Hey guys and gals! My name is Joseph, I live in Texas am 25years old 5'6'' 264lbs. And had my lap band operation yesterday morning, looking forward to getting info and support from all of you! Good luck to everyone! Joseph:thumbup:

Hi Everyone, I am in my testing stage of the process. I just have my psych and blood work left to do before it's submitted to my insurance company. My doctor is positive that it will not be a problem. Does anyone know where I can get more information on the sleeve. I have not gotten a date yet, but my concern was the healing time.

i used to be on this support site faithfully...giving advice...telling people what the "right" way was...truthfully there is no wrong or right way...i've been a big successful loser with this band...haven't alwayz lost weight using my tool...if u read my previous thread...i included laxatives and too much exercise to aid my loss...when people ask me for advice now...i tell them "ur way...will b the rite way"...not my way...not her way...his way..we aren't scientist or doctors...we r people that were once over-weight...and we r either trying not to b or we aren't anymore and itz that simple...i c members on here...saying "don't eat this...don't eat that"...i personally ch…

Hello every1! Guess I'm the new kid around here...Lol. My dietitian recommended this forum to me so I'm hoping to network with those that have already walked in my shoes. I'm scheduled to have my surgery in a couple of weeks. Guess you can say I'm really nervous. Any suggestions? Words of wisdom? Especially concerned with the post op diet. Never been disciplined with my eating habits before. Will it really be as difficult as I'm imagining it to be?? Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated! Tks!

:confused:I am seriously considering this surgery as I am inpatiently waiting for my initial packet to arrive. I would like some suggestions/stories from anyone who can explain the pre-op time from ariving at the hospital, to the OR table... I work in healthcare and should be comfortable...but I am not. I have never had general anesthesia...This is the only part of the whole package that totally freaks me out! Has anyone recieved conscious sedation prior to being wheeled into the OR?

Hello all, I have been banded for almost 4 months now and I am loving the experience. Of course there are some uncomfortable times but for the most part this has been a positive experience for me. I am at a time in my life where I feel I need to take care of myself. So, that is why I decided to have the Lap Band surgery. So far I have lost about 40 pounds.:cursing:

Hi all. I just found this site today. yeah me. I am currently jumping through Cigna's hoops to get my surgery approved. I am following up with PCP this week and that will hopefully give them enough notes to approve. Anyone have any experience with Cigna?

Hi Everyone, I was banded in 11/08. I had lost 70lbs, but over the past few months been starting to have major acid reflux problems. My surgeon over the course of a month or so has removed fluid and last week removed all of the fluid. Problem is the acid reflux is not better and in many ways it is worse. I live on two 24-hour Prevacid daily in addition to Reglan (10mg 4x daily) just added by surgeon yesterday. My weight loss has stopped, and I am gaining weight. My throat is sore all the time, I think from the acid. I have also developed a mucous cough 24/7, and frankly feel like crap most of the time. I also need to sleep sitting up. Surgeon did an upper GI …

Met with the surgeon yesterday. There's quite the long process involved and a lot of appointments to make--psych consult, at least 3 months under a nutritionist for diet and exercise program, cardiologist, upper GI, bloodwork, 2 support group meetings, etc. Have a follow-up appointment on October 2nd, at which they'll go over all of my results. Assuming everything is okay, they'll submit everything to the insurance company and once approved, will set a surgery date. I'm hoping for November, but who knows? Will make the holidays a little rough, but I'm anxious to begin my new life. Stay sane, everyone!:cursing:

I am 5'3" and weight 162, would I qualify for a lap band surgery?

Wow!!! I just booked my plane tickets and am sooooo ExCiTeD for my surgery date (Aug.12th) with Dr Aceves!! My tummy is a ball of NERVES!!! :thumbdown: Anyone else out there understand???

Wow, after two years is this really happening?! I am finally going to have my sleeve done in Mexicali w/ Dr. Aceves on July 28th!!!! It's still unreal because I just finalize my date and paid the deposit today. Getting my flight tonight. I guess as I start buying things and start my liquid diet it will become real to me. Part of me is saying it's not going to happen so don't get too excited. Yet, the other half can't stop dancing. :laugh0: Anyway, I mentioned a liquid diet but wanted to say that my surgeon does not require one. Low carb high Protein for 7-10 days pre-op is required. I just want to do the liquid because...I do! I like knowing that if I just can't tolera…

My date is Wednesday August 18 with Dr. Hart in Georgia. I cant believe it's almost here. It's weird, Now that Im done getting all the insurance stuff over with and finally getting a date I feel weird JUST WAITING. For the past 7 months it seems like my weeks have been filled with appointments, phone calls and emails. This whole wls surgery thing just seems to peaceful right now. Maybe it's the calm before the storm. Anyone else feel this way?