Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am so nervous and excited. I can't wait. I have been prepping for this surgery for almost a year now. I can't believe the final countdown has begun.:eek:

Ok, 42 full, figured metabolically challenged male. Tired of the Medication, fat jokes and all the other BS. I decided that this was right for me, TRICARE (Insurance) will pay all but 116.00. Good to go. Couple of question that I have. I have started the protein powder drinks in the morning and afternoon (Doctor said to about 2+ weeks).:thumbdown: I have been mixing mine with v-fusion, still taste like road kill. What do you mix with it? Tried water, milk but it just is wrong. My wife is supporting me and what needs to be done. Just how long on the water/liquid diet. Cravings? Depressed after? I am a easy going nothing fazes me. Just want to get off on the righ…

Hey everybody! I just finished watching Ruby on Style network. This show is very inspirational to me. I really appreciated this episode because it really touched on food addiction and causes for it. It was emotional for me and kinda therapeutic! I recommend everyone check out tonight's episode, it might make a difference. Strength to all!:thumbup:

Dr. Hollis from True Results located in the Houston,Tx area referred this great site to me and It has truly been a great help. I completed the seminar, meet with nurse practioner, and tomorrow I will start the 2weeks pre-op diet. I'm a bit nervous on how my body will re-act to the 2x a day protein shake, 1cup green veggies and 1cup fruit. I spent alot of money already at the grocery store and Walmart. In the end, I will have true results, a healthier and committed lifestyle change!!!! Pray for my strength and guidance as I take one day at a time.:scared2::smile:

Well I am headed out tonight for one last night of cold beverages and food with friends and I sure needed it! Husband has the kids and I am going to enjoy some adult time! It is about 90 degrees out right now and left the house wearing a black sweater that stretches. My husband asked why I would wear a sweater when it is so hot, made tears come to my eyes, he just doesn't get it. He hugged me by and squeezes my back fat, he really does not get it! Thank you for loving me unconditionally but I don't love myself, don't TELL me it is ok! SO..... I am having a nice tall beer and gonna promise myself that I will have a good time AND I will not tell anyone here what I a…

been doing some research on Medical Tourism Corp going thru Jerusalem hospital. Has anyone gone thru them and can you give me some feed back? on the web site it looks pretty good. Thanks

I'am having alot of what if questions run thru my head.I mean lets be real if I can't loose weight by diet and exercise then what makes me think I can loose with wls.My pcp is a retired gastric bypass surgen so he is behind me 100%.Iam also scared of the pain of surgery and getting fills.Yeasterday my mind was made up today my mind is full of what if questions.Does everyone go thru this?I'am sick of being fat that is one thing that has not changed and I'am willing to do what ever it takes to make the lapband work for me.But what if it don't work?Has anyone else had these doubts?

Hello Everyone, I am hoping to have VSG in the coming months. I am in the process of my pre-op assessments and these all take time! They also follow very strict International Guidelines and are not willing to recommend surgery with a BMI under 40 unless there you have significant co-morbidities. I am just about borderline! I will be self-pay. I am interested in hearing from others who had starting BMI's in or around mine, and to hear how you are doing. In particular, I would like to know what results you are getting and whether or not you have any regrets? Look forward to hearing your stories, Thanks, Bookleen

I have Aetna and got the official letter yesterday that I was approved. I knew I was because the doctor's office called to schedule the pre-op testing, but until I had that letter in my hand I didn't want to say anything. So it looks like my surgery will be sometime in the beginning of June. I have to say I'm excited and nervous about this. Reading all the posts here and the replies I've gotten from my posts helps reassure me that I'm making the right decision. It's gonna be a long month until my surgery. Now I need to think about getting everything ready for after the surgery. I live alone so any suggestions on things to get before/after surgery would be appre…

I am 25 years old and I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. I called and scheduled my consultation for May 10th. The nurse was very helpful, and she took a lot of information on me prior to making an appointment for me. I am 5'6 and 235lbs. I have a hard time losing weight, and I have done several diets that have failed. My BMI is 37 or 38 I can’t remember which she said. However, I suffer from 3 herniated disks in my lower back, shoulder pain, knee pain, and my right ribs are a bit inflamed. My primary doctor tells me all these ailments will ease with weight loss. I am so excited about this surgery... yet so nervous the dr will tell me that I am not "big" …

Greetings! So here's my sleeve story... I was officially sleeved on 4/28. My doctor put me on a 5 day full liquid diet before the surgery. After my sleeve surgery, I spent two days in the hospital. Today is the early morning of my 3rd day since my surgery and I must say I feel pretty good. I never had any gas pains in my chest or anything and was walking within a few hours after the anesthesia wore off. The worse part is the soreness I feel in my stomach. To best describe it I'd say I feel like I did 10,000 crunches on my left-front side non-stop. :scared0: However, that's nothing a little liquid pain killer can't resolve! Yesterday I physically drank about 24…

? When people ask how I?m doing, I have been very honest. This is week 5 without real food for me. I am having a VERY HARD TIME! ? I was so thrilled to get to have some soup in the blender on the first day. Now, I am just plain sick of it! I am really craving real food that I can chew. ? Because I?m not letting myself be around people that are eating real food (like in the teacher?s lounge at work), I think when I hear about food I get completely fixated. (ex. Can?t stop thinking about Wannalise?s post saying her friends ate burgers and nachos! I know this is way more mental to me - but it is really hard!) ? My stomache has started to make some funny noises a…

I live in Las Vegas, NV and am curious if Mexico is the cheapest place to have surgery. I know I need to do my research on the surgeon, but I want to know where to start. My mom had lap band in France about 10 years ago for around $4,000 or $5,000. Are there still offers like that or is there anywhere else you recommend?

for their surgery? I am thinking of it now and I have read some good things but I wanted to know what you guys have to say. Thanks!

Sorry this was not my first post, I was drawn to a post about the bloating. I was banded on the 28th and have gone from Chicken broth to a Beef broth today. I have lost 8 lbs sense my surgery. All in all I would say it has been an experience that so far I have not any regrets.

My name is Richard and I'm an addict, of food that is, lol. I am currently weighing in a at 598 pounds which is 71 pounds less than my highest known weight. I'm 33yo and I'm tired of this life I'm living. I have done all the diets you can think of, had some success, at my lowest I was 538 from diet. I was 2 weeks away from getting a bypass in January of 07, but because I went on disability my insurance changed, and they rushed me through the process. I wasn't very thrilled about them bypassing things that someone else would have to go through, just to get me in for surgery. SO I canceled the surgery.I went to see a surgeon Dr Greg Schroder, on 4/21/10 about getting a lap …

Hi all My name is Cathy, I go for my gastric band Wed the 28th, I'm nervous but looking forward to the weight loss.. I'm doing the pre op diet and lost 11 pound so far.. Cathy x

Testing??????????????

does anybody know if there is a facebook group for bandsters?:thumbup:

If anybody from Alberta has been banded in Mexico could you please tell me if you took the Alberta health Care reimbursement form with you to have the doctor fill out or if you just filled it out yourself when you got back. Thanks

Hey everyone! I am just starting my journey. I had my consult on the 28th of April. I have to see the nutritionist and therapist a few times and waiting on the Dr. to get my records from my doctor and get everything approved by my insurance. I dont have a lot of weight to lose to some people but to me it is a lot. I am barely 5'3 and I am 206. I have lost some weight from being sick. I was 210. I am mostly doing this for health reasons. I have an irregular heart beat and my cardiologist wants me under weight. He said that some people cant handle extra pounds. Just a pound or two will hurt them. I also have been dx with Fibromyalgia and told I have symptoms of Lupus and …

While jumping through all the necesssary hoops for insurance approval, this is what I read in one of my medical records entries, "Normal grooming. Obese." Now offically my "a-ha" moment. Forty-six years of age, thirty of which were spent obsessing about my weight (I dieted myself to 85 pounds of extra weight), my life seemed all boiled down to this note jotted on a doctor's chart.:scared2:. That was the defining moment when I realized LAP-BAND®®® really was for me. Now I sit waiting (not patiently) to hear something back from my insurance company. I am right at 40 BMI and have no co-morbidites (does anyone else hate that term?). If I am denied or they come back with 6 mon…

I survived! Woohooo! Doc said everything went perfectly. I had some pretty uncomfortable pressure in my chest and upper back which I was told was gas pains. When I first started trying to sip I had some pretty bad spasms. They gave me some pain meds and some toradol and I went to sleep. When I woke up a few hours later I felt SO much better. Sipping didn't hurt anymore and the gas pains were all but gone. I was able to get down 4 oz of broth, 4 oz of crystal light, 1/2 cup of Jello, and 2 popsicles. Been walking a good bit also. oh..liquid lortab tastes AWFUL but it sure works well! lol And with that kicking in...think I'm going to get some sleep!:thumbup:

He drinks a Water drink He drinks a lemon drink He drinks a apple drink He drinks a Jello drink He sings the songs that remind him Of the good times He sings the songs that remind him Of the better times: 'Oh Recovery Recovery Re-Co-ver-y...' I get slimmed down I wont go up again You're never going to slow me down Sippin the night away Sippin the night away....

I can't believe that I've only 26 days to wait untill I'm sleeved. Where has April gone? :thumbup1: So nervous now, but determined and resolute. My biggest fear is it not working for me. Nothing has ever worked for me and my weight has grown over years until I'm now over 300 lbs. I hope this is it!!! :thumbup:

We made it to San Diego and did a little shopping today. Actually found some protein bullets and some isopure at a Nutrition store. Old Town is really nice. We ate at the Rockin' Baha. The only place to eat when you are on a protein diet. A bucket of shrimp, lobster, chicken and steak! lol Each day closer I get a little more nervous. I find myself saying "What the heck are you doin' girl?" Then I remind myself it's for my own good and I calm down. Still very nervous about the whole anesthetic recovery room deal. I am more worried about that than complications. Glad to have hubby here with me. More later. Going to get to bed for the big day of tests tomorrow. Wendy

Hello to everyone, Im new here and new to this whole process. I'm currently just starting through the whole process that is required by my insurance. I had my first nutrition class this morning with 5 more to go over 5 months. I am very excited to have the opportunity to do this in order to help me to become more healthy. I look forward to meeting new people here and hearing about thier journey. :redface:

Hello and I am back with a new screen name!! I was ishary. I left as I got angry with what seemed to be a whole heck of a lot of censorship. I asked that my account be deactivated and stormed out. LOL! Anyway..... It clearly looks like that is not the case anymore so..... I am back!!! I like the new screen name better anyway!! :thumbup1:

Hi All...The moment that I qualified for the band I felt sorry for myself and took on healthier eating habits. It was almost as if I went in thinking "there is no way that I will qualify", ...but I knew that I would. From that day I quickly lost 20+ lbs and then like before, the momentum stopped. Meanwhile the clock has been ticking and last week I had my scope. All was well so I am now less than two days before surgery and it's hard for me to get my arms around changing my life. That said, my life as a big guy has been filled with despair on many occasions and I know that this is the right step in being a healthier happy person. It's like I'm ready, but I cant believe th…

One of the things that was mentioned in the seminar that I attended was that you're not supposed to drink any liquid for an hour after you eat so that the liquid doesn't push the food on through and thus defeat the purpose of the slow digestion of the food. I was wondering how people are doing with this? I don't drink a lot when I'm eating, but I do have a few sips with a meal. Its hard for me to imagine not drinking at all for a full hour. My other questions is how long people were out of work afterwards. I'm an RN who works 12 hour shifts. I've heard it takes about a week of recovery but when it comes time for my surgery, I want to make sure that I give myself eno…

i had my VSG surgery on 3-15-10... im doing really good.. havent had to amny problems but feel as though ive hit a small plateau.. i dropped weight fast an now it just stays put.. im nbetween food stages as well and have a problem goin to the bathroom other than that all is good.. i try not to get to discouraged esp when i see some who are in the same spot as me doing better.. but im keepin head up any advice would be good..

I'm just starting to look into bariatric surgery. I'm the mother of 4 and I'm 39. I have gone up and down in my weight my entire life but I have been obese for at least 12 years and BMI <40 for about 2 years. I'm 5'2 and weigh 235 lbs. My goal is 135. I suffer from Sleep Apnea, Depression and Plantar Fascitis which are results of my weight. I'm very scared because I'm a food addict and I'm not sure how I will deal with this process. My primary doctor and surgeon recommend gastric bypass over lap band but I don't think I want to have such an invasive surgery. At the same I want to succeed. I'm reading and talking to as many people as i can to make the best decision …

Like many others i have been looking in to banding for about 3 years i finally decided to do it, i had my consultation and booked in i am self pay and am due to have my surgery in about 8 weeks but for the last few months i seem to be obsessing over every little detail. Reading anything and everything and constantly talking about my surgery this and my surgery that i think my bf is really starting to get sick of me going on about it. I guess for me talking about it makes it real and i feel like its really going to happen when i dont i feel like i loose morale? any one else doing the same thing or have i definitely lost the plot? any thoughts...:thumbup:

So my story started back in December of 08 and was on my way to TJ Mexico to have WLS. Oh my gosh what was I thinking!! I know what I was thinking.... I am 327 lbs I own a restaurant and I can not even help out for 4 hours without coming home and my whole body hurting. I can not walk by the french fries without grabbing some and dipping them in tarter sauce. Then I get home and my wonderful man who happens to be the Executive Chef makes Ribeyes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Bread, and Alfredo....down it goes. Then we decide to watch a movie so out comes the bag of Kettle Corn Popcorn then I add my own butter and salt. So l was thinking this needs to end or my life will …

Hello all. I had surger this morning at 10. Everything went great and I feel fine. I have no pain as of yet. I am walking on the hour and washing my mouth with water as I am very, very thirsty. Water tomorrow. Yay! I haven't had any food since last night and I am not hungry at all. Very tired and groggy. They give me meds when I need them. Met two other Canadian girls who are here. All the doctors are wonderful and have spent lots of time going over things with me. A very positive experiencs so far! Wendy

I have had some complictions and want to share them with everyone, expecialling since it stretches across the Pacific to down under. I promise to write of all my experiences as soon as I am feeling better. I am still in hospital now, but looks like another week or two they will let me out if my tests go well.

Hello everyone! I am new here and I would like to participate this forum. I hope you to share my ideas! I hope I get good response. Thanks

I am new to this site. I have been contemplating having lapband surgery for over a year now. I never thought I would be able to have the surgery because my BMI is 31-32 depending on how hard I have been dieting. It is a constant struggle for me to maintain that BMI. I was 35 pounds heavier at one time so i know unless I am constantly struggling I could gain that plus more. I watched an episode of Big Medicine where the doctor's sister had lap band done by when her BMI was relatively low. They commented that even they were startled at what a small person she was after she lost weight as they had always viewed her as just naturally fluffier. I believe she weighed about…

What is the point of this?just wondering is it to loose weight or not to loose weight?afraid my bmi will go to low and wont be able to have the surgery.so are you supposed to lose weight or not?I allready eat healthy mainly fruits and veggies and i exercise 3xa week.Maybe i eat to many of the healthy foods i guess thats possible.any feedback would be great.thanx

She is all dressed up and only one place to go! TiffanyisMajor is just minutes away from her surgery! She has been calm and cool all day, the nerves are setting in a little now tho : ) We are at the Vida Hospital location. There was some remodeling still going on at the new facility. I had surgery at the "old" clinic in February. This place is large and very modern. Each room has its own bathroom, tv, phone, beds and recliner. The same staff are here and are very nice and supportive. I will post after her surgery is over!

I decided to start my blog today with my story and how I ended up here. rather than repost my story here I wanted to invite you to read my blog if you like. I am looking forward to starting my journey with the sleeve on 4/28 Blog Link: "Confessions of a professional dieter...."

Hi Gang! First, I want to say that this board has been a GODSEND to me. I have learned so much from you guys and received so much support from here - wow - I can't even thank you all enough. But Thank You All!! :sad0: I cannot BELIEVE I'm finally here writing about my journey three months out; time went so fast but at times, it's like, it's about time!! The journey has been nothing short of incredible, mind boggling and, like Tiff said at one time, a mind twist for sure! It's all good and I wouldn't change a thing! I am so happy I did this!! I have posted some pictures in my album, I'm .5 pound short of 60 pounds today - I figure I'll hit 60 later today after …

Hello everyone! I am Coco from New York City!! I have finally admitted to myself that I needed a tool to help me lose weight, and I am scheduled to have LAP-BAND® surgery on June 18th! Please keep me in your prayers and wish me luck!!! Any suggestions out there on great tasting protein shakes???:thumbup:

I had my surgeon visit yesterday and everything went great. I got to pick out my DATE :001_smile: looks like May 20! I am so excited and nervous about the "new" me. I will have to start my pre-op diet the end of next week, that's really the only thing i'm not looking forward to. I have been stuffing all the bad things I will no longer be able to gorge on after surgery, and I think i've done it so much over the past week that i've made myself sick of it...please tell me i'm not the only one. I take that as a good thing seeings how I won't be able to have them any more once pre-op starts. That is the only thing that still has a hold of me, the fact that I know i'm going to …

Hey yal'l!! How many Ms Banders are out there. I'm in McComb. Banded Dec. 29, 2009, and I've only lost 26 lbs, but I will get another fill tomorrow. Yahoo!! I hope this helps. I can still eat too much. I also need to make better choices!!!. Let me hear from yal'l so we can support each other.:scared2: Susan in McComb

I'm so glad I found this forum. I just got my band 4 days ago, and as excited as I was to get it (even paid my own hard earned cash to get it because insurance wouldn't cover it) I am now suddenly feeling very scared! I had to do the clear liquid diet for 3 days before surgery, and have been doing the liquid/pureed diet since surgery, and already I am having so many cravings. I am counting the days until I can eat "real" food. I feel just like I used to feel about a week into another failed diet attempt, except this time, I can't just say "to heck with it" and eat whatever I want. I am so committed to this, but am scared about how I am feeling right now... Someone…

I did a tracker when I first signed up, but haven't found it since. Is there somewhere on the site that you can get info on how to use it?

So my surgery is May 12, and rapidly approaching. I quit smoking a couple of weeks ago and its been a freaking nightmare because my BF is a major trigger for me smoking and he has been a really winner lately. I am feeling super sad and guilty because I have just been eating whatever and not caring until after the meal where i want to cry. I told myself a few weeks ago when my surgery date was set that I was going to try to lose 15lbs by my date and eat smart just to help my body out. Currently I am at the lowest rockbottom part of my life with my weight. Even though years ago when I had the band I weight about 40lbs more I am older now and my fat/body is reacting diffe…

hi my name is sue, i was banded 18 months ago and have had several fills, i would'nt change my decision to have a band for anything but feel a little despondent, the rate i'm losing weight has slowed and i'm slipping back into bad eating habits, is there anybody who has had to kick start themselves back into eating sensibly? i know i am in the best place i have been for years and my band is my "best friend" but feeling a bit sorry for myself, have lost 4.1/2, stone out of 10,and kept it off so why am i reaching for high calorie, rubbish foods,? am considering a fill but deep down know my restriction is adequate, i have a 14ml band with 11.5 fill. any suggestions woul…

Hello all... I am so overwhelmed with emotions! I'm excited, nervous, scared, anxious, relieved... just everything! This process is going pretty quick for me and I'm trying to mentally prepare myself by now getting advice & opinions since I've already read all the statistics & facts now id like to hear from actual people who are about to be banded or have already been banded. I have been researching for over a year and switched from the idea of the realize to the lap band a few months ago. Gastric bypass was totally out of the question for me personally. I literally went to a seminar/consultation weds the 31st, I'm self pay & have a BMI of 51-53 (depending whi…