Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I was banded on the 7th of this month and so far so good. The only thing that I am struggling with is drinking protein shakes. The taste of it makes me want to hurl . Does anyone have any suggestions on getting adequate amount of protein without drinking the shakes?

I am looking for inexpensive yet safe and effective lap band surgery. I am looking into some of the programs available in Mexico. Does anyone have anything positive (or negative) to report on Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez or Bajanor/Renovate Hospital? Or any others? Thanks.

Hi everyone! I see a lot of questions on this site about pre-op diets. I thought I'd post mine, just as a guide for those who aren't prescribed one, but think they might need or want one. Good luck to everyone. :confused1: Pre-op Liquid Diet It is recommended by your surgeon and dietitian to follow a low calorie, low fat, low sugar and high protein liquid diet for ___ days prior to undergoing bariatric surgery. The purpose of the liquid diet is to reduce the size of the liver, reduce the risk of bleeding during the surgery and to show commitment to the program. Below are the nutritional guidelines for the pre-op liquid diet. You will need to measure your…

I've been lurking on the boards for quite sometime now. Well, I was just banded yesterday, June 14th. While I am a bit whiney about the recovery, I believe I have made the right choice. I have a very bad love hate relationship with food and I hope to find support here on the boards!

One of the reasons I got the sleeve was that I was having a hard time getting on the floor to play with my two beautiful grandgirls (3 and 5 years old). I wanted to be able to go to the beach and make sandcastles with them. Yesterday, we went to the beach and I had SO MUCH ENERGY!!! I played racing games with them, and played in the surf, and got down in the sand and worked on a sandcastle. My body is so much lighter and easier to move! My grandgirls loved it and thought Grandma was a lot of FUN! This was a very meanful goal for me. It also signified joining in the activity and fun instead of watching life go by. I had gotten to the point that I thought I was…

Newbie here....anyone in the Dr Texeira, NYC group??? LadyTaz143

In a few short hours (at noon) I get sleeved! The last couple of days have been rough on the liquid diet but I know it's all worth it. I can't wait to get this done and start on my new life. I can't wait to get to the point where I don't have to plan things out because of my weight, like getting to the airport an extra hour early because of the long walk, or making some lame excuse not to meet friends because the place will be to crowded. I know it's corny, but today is the first day of the rest of my life!:scared0:

I am so happy that even though it was a hassle to have a change of doctor (I feel much better now btw), I do not have to do a pre-op diet because my BMI is lower. That makes my stinkin day.

Hello, My name is Julie. I'm 30 years old and was banded on 6/7/2010. I've been lurking around here and reading all of your posts for a few weeks and decided it was about time I join in. I've got a million questions and am so glad this place exists. My surgeon is Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinnati. He was wonderful and my surgery went well. Had a nasty hiatal hernia fixed at the same time which is giving me a bit more pain post op than I was expecting. Other than that, been doing great and still really happy I did this. Feel like I went to sleep in that operating room one person, and woke up in recovery another. Glad to meet you all!! Julie

Hi, I am considering LapBand, and I would like to hear from anyone that had the surgery in New Brunswick.

I get sleeved tomorrow, June 3. It's just so weird, trying to comprehend what's about to happen. In a flash, I'll think I'm nuts, but a moment later I'll remind myself about why I'm doing this. I'm not having second thoughts. It's just oddly emotional having reality catch up with what has been on my mind for so many weeks. Or maybe it's just the lack of food (Clear liquids today). :wink0: By the way, I told a friend the other day that I would have the stomach of a squirrel... or maybe a groundhog. She said "REALLY???" She thought there was going to be a transplant. Anyway, short-term pain for long-term gain. Here goes.

Here's my story... I was banded Oct 6,2005 in Mexico. Over the next 4 1/2 years I lost about 100 lbs. This was not without its struggles and complications. The last year or so I started to have major complications. I was throwing up all the time and having massive reflux problems. I was finally able to get into the local band doctor for my after care Previous to that I was having to travel 4 hours for my fills and if I happened to need and unfill it was a major pain with all the travel and trying to make the band work for me. After the first few visits with the local band Dr. it ws discovered that my band had slipped into a position at the base of my espogus(sp) We to…

This is Terri's husband, Alan, reporting on her behalf. We arrived at the hospital at 7am this morning. By the time all the prepping, etc., was done, she went into surgery around 9:30am. (The worse part of the pre-op was getting the IV in! First nurse had a little trouble and left a bruise. Second nurse had no problems.) Her surgery went very well. A nurse called me on my cell phone at different times during the surgery to let me know how Terri was doing. Afterwards, the doctor spoke with me and said that everything went fine and that there were no problems. We got settled into a recovery room around 1pm. It's currently 3pm and she's groggy and on pain meds but doing fi…

It's been one month and I feel great! I've already lost 27 pounds, have more energy, seem happier, (even ask my husband...LOL) and am enjoying the thinner me. I have had a few days were my weight will jump up a pound, then go down a pound or even stay the same but my body is still trying to figure out what I did to it! I know I am losing inches because I can get into clothes I couldn't before. I can actually either zip or button things I couldn't a month ago. I also have a thyroid problem that made it hard to lose weight. I lost more in the last month than I did dieting all last year! This was one of the best things we could have decided to do. Best wishes to all…

Wondering if other parents deal with this as well.... There are some very rude children where my kids go to daycare and they have made comments to my kids that my rear end is big. Now, keep in mind the kids making comments have parents who are overweight as well so I am not sure that it isn't just kids being kids however it really bothers my children. I bought a new swimsuit this week because I believe my kids should not suffer this summer by not going swimming because I hate the way I look in a swimsuit. I bought a two piece with a tankini, I am fully covered in the torso area although because of a tummy tuck 3 years ago, it is flat. The bottoms are like boy short…

Am new to this forum and wanted to check to see if anyone used Dr. Hoehn in Kansas City. I am scheduled for my initial consult with him on June 30. Does he require pre-op diet? Anything else you can tell me would be great. I am self-pay and understand surgery may be shortly after initial consult without insurance hoops to jump through.

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself. I am meeting with my surgeon tomorrow. I am pretty sure that I want a VSG and not a Band, even though that means that I will have to pay for the surgery out of pocket. I finally told my husband and my mom yesterday even though I have made up my mind about getting WLS about 2 months ago. I was not completely honest with them about what type of surgery I intend to have. We will see what the surgeon says. I hope he agrees with me about VSG. I am 32 years old, I have two small children (3 and 1 y.o). I have been overweight(obese) most of my life. I think I was on my first diet when I was 13. I have PCOS and severe back/leg …

well....Im 48, 272lbs, 5'10"......probably won't make it to 70 yrs/old at this rate. So....Im sceduled to be banded late August 2010. Just a quick question to those banded....if you could go back, to two months pre-op, anything you would do different, or do to prepare for surgery? Thanks....can wait to be smaller!

Hello everyone. I've been lurking around this forum for awhile now and figured I'd introduce myself! I am scheduled for surgery on 6.10 with Dr. Almanza in Tijuana. I originally requested and paid for a Lap Band, but after learning more about the VSG procedure, I decided this would be a better option for me. I was beginning to feel aprehensive about the band after learning more about the complications and extensive aftercare/maintenance. I honestly didn't know anything about VSG going in; all I knew about was the band and gastric bypass. I'm espcially glad I found this forum; it has been such a wealth of information for me! I am self-pay, obviously. My insurance doe…

Hi All. My name is Tim. I am very excited becasue my LAP-BAND® is going in Monday. Looing forward to talking to you all. Talk to you soon! Tim

Hi,I'am on my 5th day of my pre op liquid diet and doing good. When moments get tough I distract myself from the thought of food... I,d like to chat with some people who have gone through or going to go through the same thing.

Today has been a great day for 2 reasons, I went swimming:-) and actually ate some steak! We went swimming for about an hour and I did about 15 laps it felt so good to do some exercise other than walking. We had dinner at my parents as we do every Sunday, I asked my mom what she was fixing and was told steak, potato and salad. I thought I was going to be stuck just eating baked potato but she said she got filet's and they were really tender so I figured i'd try it. I took small bites and chewed very well and it was great! It went down and settled perfectly, it was so nice to get eat some meat other than chicken and lunch meat:-) Looks like i'm getting back to my normal di…

Hello every one. I just got banded 3 days ago. I did all liquids 3 day prior to getting banded, nothing but ice the first day broth last night & this morning but now I'm hungry. Any suggestions on what I can eat?

Hi Everyone, I am considering going to Mexico for the LAP-BAND® procedure and was would like to know if anyone knows anything, good or bad, about Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey? I stumbled across a sub forum for people banded in Mexico, but I couldn't figure out how to post a new thread there. And there was no mention of this doctor at all there. Anyone here heard of him or have a recommendation for a Dr. in Mexico? Thanks!

Hello everyone! My name is Michelle, I'm 32. I'm new to the message board so bear with me as I figure out how this all works. I'm so excited I finally have my surgery date. I will get my band on the 16th of July. I'm nervous but ready to start my journey.

hi guys,,,i decided to change my user name,,, as i now am the proud owner of a 2 week old sleeve,,, my surgery went great and my recovery so far is fantastic,,, i couldn't be happier,,trying to figure out what to eat,,when to eat,,how much to eat,, how can i tell if i've eaten enough,,,all the fun stuff that goes along with being newly sleeved,, its certainly a learning experience and i am grateful that you guys are out there when it gets a little tough,,, everybody take care thanks jeani:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup1: so far i have lost about 25 lbs 13 since the day of surgery,,,, i am on my way,,,

Hey there everyone! I have been "lurking" (as many of you call it) here for a few weeks now and I can't even begin to express how much all of your posts have helped make this decision so much easier for me. Let me tell you a little about myself: My name is Bonnie, 21 from Orange County, CA and I am planning on having VSG with Dr. Aceves sometime in September or early October. I have already been approved by him to come down for surgery now but I am not going to be able to do it financially until then. I'm so excited and although that seems so far away right now, I know it will be will worth the wait! I recently got engaged and have started planning a weddin…

Heya everyone, my name's Jess and I just got banded June 10th, 2010. Despite the initial expected pain I'm in, I'm definitely excited, and looking forward to talking and making friends through shared experiences. :frown:

Hello my name is Kelsey, I'm 19, I haven't been banded yet, I have to go through a six month supervised diet, b/c of the insurance company. I hate to have to wait for the surgery, but they are paying for 80% of the it, so that's gonna help out a lot. Not sure what else to say, I guess if anyone has questions, I'm up to answering them.

Hello all, My name is Mark and I am new to not only these boards but to the bariatric surgical world. I have not yet had any procedure done yet, nor have I met with the surgeon; however I am convinced this is what I want for myself. My PCP recommended lap-band as she figured my insurance would cover the procedure. I am 36 and was diagnosed as a type-2 diabetic about 10 years ago. I have never really taken my disease seriously, and it is starting to catch up to me. I have 3 small children and can't bear the thought of them growing up without me. I discovered that my insurance requires the 6 months of supervised diet, and I meet with the surgeon's dietician this Mo…

I am on my last day of the Pre-op diet and will have surgery on Monday 6/14. I am a bundle of nerves. I'm excited about the 20 lbs I've lost on the horrible liquid protien diet but just can't get over going under the knife. Well keep me in your prayers PLEASE.

I was banded Monday and I'm already having doubts about this surgery. I weigh 230 and I want to lose exactly 100 pounds. I keep wondering why did I do this to my body. I'm uncomfortable, having gas pains and feel this really big knot in my upper abdomen. I am extremely swollen and my abdomen is bigger after the surgery than it was before. I have been walking with friends in an effort to ease the discomfort. I haven't been able to eat much, but I have been keeping myself hydrated. I went to a social gathering this afternoon and apparently was out much too long because now I am absolutely exhausted. I thought that I was over the worse part of this surgery. I know my boyfrie…

Come join Dr. David Kim's group I just started up! If you are a patient, were a patient or will be come a patient...join us!!! We need to start a support group! LAP-BAND <-- Click here to be redirected to the group! You can also find the group by going to Communities - Social Groups - Search for Dr. David Kim Jenna Group Administrator

Hello! I was banded on Sunday and am going through lots of emotions, mostly 'what have I done', because I am feeling very swollen and sore in my abdomen, have a pain in my shoulder and a' blocked feeling' in my windpipe. I have been reading some of your posts and starting to feel a little better, that those feelings are common.

Hi I had my band done in Belgium at the AZ Jan Portaels Hospital in Belgium by Christian De Bruyne. I can recommend this trip to anyone, puts the english health service to shame. I feel really good today (Friday). I had it done on Tuesday. I would love to talk to other people who have been banded. I am keeping this private from my friends and loved ones which means you feel isolated. Would love to have somebody to compare notes with or diet ideas with. One question I would like answering is what happens if the food gets stuck. Does in automatically cause you to vomit?

Hey I started my liquid diet tuesday June 8th, 2010 I'm starving. The doc wants me to drink 2 carnation instnt breakfast shakes w/skim milk, plus 2 1/2 eight oz. servings of skim milk 3/4 cup of plain frozen vegies steamed, 3 medium pieces of fruit. for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Did anyone else have this strick of a diet??????

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this forum. I was originally suppose to get the Lapband but for awhile my heart wasn't in it.. just due to the fact of having a "port" I didn't want it. Anyways.. my final decision is the VSG!!! my surgery date is Scheduled for June 16th which is in exactly 3 weeks.. i'm excited and nervous!! My highest weight was between 220-235 That was about 2 years ago.. I didn't decide to have the surgery until about a year ago.. of course I had to lose weight to have this surgery(KAISER PERMANENTE RULES) and soo now i'm down to 187 it fluctuates between that and 190.. Well if anyone has any good advice.. please share!!:wink0:

How much protein and stuff should I be consuming in one day? I had my surgery May 21st, and thats one thing I wasnt told.. How many calories, fat, protein and what not... Plus anyone found anything out there other then TUMS that work on heart burn? I CONSTANTLY have it day and night... No matter what I eat or drink.... Starts in the back of my throat and goes all the way down...

Yesterday was my last 6 month mtg and now I am on my way to meet with Doctor next month. I was told that he will give me a surgery date, paperwork will be submitted next month and I could be looking to have the lapband surgery in the middle of August. So from here on out, I need to lose some weight that I gained along with previous weight. I was suppose to maintained my weight but I added some, I am sooo mad with myself,need to refocused and start my journey for a new me and beginning:confused:.

I am new to the message boards. I have my surgery in 18 days. I am really looking forward to it.:frown:

Good morning/afternoon everyone! I have been on the insurance trail for 3 months. I have Cigna so I have 3 more months of supervised weight loss education/attemps. I don't know why, but I am getting nervous about approval . I keep thinking I will get denied for some reason, but the surgeon's office thinks I will be approved. They say my BMI alone will suffice. I just keep thinking everything is going so smoothly so the end won't be as I planned. Has anyone else dealt with Cigna? Do you know if they are prone to deny or approve my first submission of paperwork?

The day is here.....surgery at 10:30, nuf said!

For seven months I have been working doing the supervised diet and exercise for my PCM. She wouldn't refer me to a surgeon until I did this for her. Even though Tricare only wants three months of diet attempts. I finally saw my surgeon this week for my first consult and he says I am a good candidate for LAP-BAND®. Now all I have to do is see his dietitian, get my labs done, and get my psych eval done and wait for Tricare to approve the surgery! I am so happy. I have been thinking about wls for years and talking to different people and considering all the options out there. Diet and exercise alone have failed me. I guess my body uses fuzzy math when dealing with m…

I had this surgery on 5/3/2010 after spending the better part of a year fighting my insurance company to pay for it. I was blessed to have Dr. Kim do my surgery. His staff is very patient when it comes to working with Insurance. On my birthday 4/19 I started with the pre-op diet and during this period I lost 22 lbs. My begining weight was 345 lbs. This morning I weighted in at 280 lbs which is 65 lbs lost in about 6 weeks. I believe that alot of my success is due to the fact that I walk every day rain or shine, hot or cold. I was doing 27 miles a week and have stepped it up today to 5 miles a day. Dr. Kim told me that this surgery is a Tool that would inflict pain on …

Hey all! Wanted to hop on here and give you all an update. Today I am at 282, that's 28 lbs down in 3 weeks whoo hooo! Still not supposed to do any strength training until 6 weeks just stick to my walking, but I can swim before then if my incisions are all healed up. The pain I've been having is cause by scar tissue supposedly... so hopefully that will keep getting better. Also I'm supposed to go see my regular doc and get a script for Celebrex to try for my ongoing back pain. I hope that helps!! Overall I am feeling great about the surgery and where I'm headed. Really looking forward to being fully on solid foods and having my pick of anything I want to eat (I get bore…

Double Post Sorry! First post and Already I messed up! haha Woops! Any one who knows how to fully delete this..Please help!

I just got back from my appointment with my surgeon. He said I look great and I'm doing great. He has no concerns. He said my loss so far is great also. He said my incisions look good but that I should keep them out of the sun (purely for cosmetic reasons). On another note, I had bloodwork done on Monday to bring to him and all came back great and for the first time in over 20 yrs my total cholesterol level is NORMAL. My LDL is still a bit elevated at 128 (high end of normal is 99) but it was 222 back on March 22. My Vitamin levels all look great and he said as long as I don't have any trouble swallowing the pills, that I can go back to taking regular Vitamins and …

As I sit here sipping on my warm chicken broth I am well into my 4th day post-op. I had surgery in Mexcio and was pleased with my experience. I am doing ok but still dealing with major gas pains. I am ready for this phase to end.

Hello everyone. I am a newby and have scheduled myself to have the sleeve surgery on 2-July. I have been reading alot of post on here and I see that some or quite a bit of the people have had problems with heart burn, acid reflux, or indigestion after they have had the sleeve. I can honestly say I don't have these issue now and can eat what ever I want. Could some people be so kind to reply with the size of their sleeve and if they have had this acid reflux problems also. This is a concern for me, because reading the comments on this subject, it seems very unconfortable. What size does everyone here, recommend? By the way, I really think this sleeve talk.com is …

I started out weighing around 308 about a year ago/i started working out with a trainer and lost weight.looking good feeling good.working out everyday weights and cardio.eating what i should be eating,and also treating myself every now and then.as i think u should lol...anyway about 5-6 months ago i lost all motivation due to a life change that was greater than the life change i chose a year before.slowly i started to feel the weight come back.i get in the mood to work out and run all the things i had come acustom to doing.only for a short time.and i watch what i eat.but its like when i eat i eat waaaaayyyyy to much.i just had patatoes,sliced tomatoes.and asparigus,with l…