Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

After 2 decades of weighing in 3 digits (in kilograms), I am finally down to 2 digits. A little over 99 kgs from my start of 123 on Dec 21 when I got sleeved. Despite the stalls and the lows, I think WLS is the best thing that ever happened to me and I urge those in the middle of a stall just take it easy, you WILL win. Thank you all for the support.

I came home from the hospital five pounds heavier than when I went in. I assume that was Water retention from the surgery. I'm now down 17 pounds from that point! I'm feeling pretty good, incisions are healing nicely, and in my daily walks I'm over a mile now. I'm on Clear liquids for five more days and full liquids for four days after that. I'm already looking forward to tasting pureed foods! Unfortunately, I'm going to be traveling for the first two days that I'm on pureed foods, so I would love some advice on how best to handle that. Gourmet cooking and fine dining have been a major part of my life - and, quite frankly, not the reason for my weight. (It was t…

I earlier stated my sleeve date was March 17 but it was really March 16th, oops! So we are in our 10th day out and doing great. On the scales today Russ down 12lbs, Sonia down 8lbs!!! Is this for real? Anyway I will keep bringing our progress...

I am relatively new to this sight. I haven't been Sleeved yet but am very anxious to do so. At present the only way that will happen is if I am suddenly blessed with a rich benefactor or if I can convince Medicare to pay. Now we know the former won't happen so I am counting on my ability to somehow convince Medicare that it's in their best interest, as well as mine. Everyone is telling me that the chances of that are slim to none but it's all I have so I am doing as much research as I can to prepare me for the grievance I intend to visit upon them. Your prayers, best wishes, luck etc. are needed and very much appreciate. Now about my journey. My journey began Feb. 20…

I'm considerig LAP-BAND® (I researched about 4 years ago also) but I have some concerns I want to ask about before I approach my dr's so I know what to ask them about when I make appts. Last year I had to have a pacemaker/icd implanted due to malignant heart arrythmia's (NSVT, Vtach & Vfib episodes), NCS & OI. I have neurocardiogenic syncope problems and my blood pressure & HR drops due to autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Through testing, it showed I didn't have anything wrong with my arteries - no kinks, blocks or clots. I developed obstructive sleep apnea last year also. I don't think its attributed to weight gain, because I've gone up and …

Wow, got all my letters from the hospital today, pre-op and post-op appointments. It seems so real now, can't wait. 55 days to wait and I will be on the road to a new thinner and healthier life. I just hope I can stop eating, because I seem to be on a mission to eat as much as I can these last few days. Michelle x

Hi there everyone. Just wanted to say Hi and let you know my little story. I live in Adelaide, South Australia and have been banded for 9 months to the day. I was banded on 1st July 2009 by Dr Justin Bessell at Wakefield Hospital. My starting weight was 150.2kg and can now confidently say I am 120kg. I did Optifast for 1 month pre surgery and lost 10kg. Surgery went well and I am happy with the journey I am now travelling. I do have a few questions that I would like answered, so I am going to find the right place to post them, but I just wantedt to drop by and say Hi and thanks to one and all for a great website. Thanks H

I had a horrible experience today at the Dr. Office. I was trying to get my first fill and the Physician Assistant could not find my port. I tried doing situps, while she pressed and poked me multiple times with that long a** needle and I was sooo soar afterwards I couldnt even walk! I cried all the way home cause I was in so much pain and I never got my fill. I have to go back to get a flauroscopy done. Im actually traumatizd about this experience today and I honestly do not want to go back. My surgery was on 2/10/2010 and so far a lost 20 pounds and Im always feeling hungery, however after today I think that ima just deal with it.:thumbup:

Hello, Some of you may remember me. I was going to have surgery on April 15th with a surgeon here in Green Bay WI and pay nearly $22,000 total for the surgery. I have since cancelled my surgery and am going to be starting to work with a personal trainer over the next couple of months. My plan is still to have the surgery in the near future. (Hopefully by this summer.) I am now very interested in Dr. Aceves in Mexico. If you used him, could you please tell me how everything went with him from start to finish. I have put a request in for more information with his website. My husband is concerned about Mexico, but I think he is getting more comfortable with the ide…

Hello, My name is Pete. I am pre-op and have finished all the initial stuff prior to surgery except the 2nd psycholigist visit. I am awaiting a surgery date. I will need support in my journey, that is why I am here. I seeking advice at present, but just need to know I am not alone helps. Thanks. PS, I am married to a New Zealander hence the screen name.

Hi all, My name is Jill and I am 24. I am being banded the day after tomorrow and am very excited (albiet hungry from the Optifast diet). I have lost 3kg to date (i think that converts to around 7 pounds), and hoping a little more will come off pre-surgery. I am getting to know Water again....after having a little trip to the emergency room for dehydration after starting the optifast diet....but I think I am getting better now, drinking 4 or 5 bottles a day. Still hungry though....hoping this will get better after the surgery!

Well I was banded 12-18-09 By Dr. Frank Felts here in Dallas, Texas and I have lost a 100 pounds. I feel great, I have more energy and I feel my body changing. The lap band has been the best choice I made in my life. Its not easy but the hard work is worth the results you see. I went from a 57 waist to a 44 waist I know I have a ways to go but this first milestone has given me so much motivation. Good Luck to everyone on there journey to healthy living and happiness. :thumbup:Love Always:thumbup: Jon

Hi I was banded with the 10 cc band 4 years ago at 315lbs. I lost 110 pounds. I got preggo in 2006, all Fluid was let out of band so had 0 restrictions after pregnancy was 267lbs. Got band filled, but got preggo again, no restriction, had baby 6 months ago, now at my highest depressing weight of 345lbs. I am sad, discourgaged, but optimistic. I just had a fill again (and using good birth control) and hoping to get to 225lbs. Thats my goal for now. I am going to try soo hard to do the right thing and since my hubby does not want me to lose weight, need all the support I can get. That is why I joined. I am 345 lb, only 34 and I feel like I am in my early 60's. My …

I am just starting my journey to learn more about banding. It might be my last option since nothing else seems to work for any length of time. Nice to meet y'all! (not from the south, just like to write "y'all") :frown:

Hello, my name is Effie and I am 6 days post-op. I had my original band put on 5/30/2003 and lost 110 pounds. Due to an illness in 2008 I was put on prednesone, which I am still taking. I regained 50 pounds. After developing a hiatal hernia and acid reflux I needed surgery and my doctor had to replace my band, so I am considering myself a NEWBIE! It was so long ago that I had the first band put in, I have forgotten a lot and a lot of stuff has changed, so I will need everyone's help adjusting again. Thanks, Effie

Hey everyone! I mentioned earlier that I was going to start a Vlog channel on youtube, and I have. I have already posted one video, and am in the process of posing another for you guys. I like it because I dont really think people understand how stupid I am so I am sure the videos will give you an idea. I am hoping that people later on can use them as a reference for what happens before during and after the sleeve. Take a look! = D YouTube - MyChunkyChannel's Channel

Does anyone have Orange Coast Memorial Medical in Fountain Valley for their surgery Dr's? I just got my surgery date today and they stated their 1st available surgery date isn't till 9/1/2010. THIS IS CRAZY! Not only will my authorization be expired by then, I have a feeling my insurance is going to be changing in July! Does anyone have any advise that could help me out? PLEASE!!!! :frown:

Hello-- My name is Grace and I'm brand new on this site. I was banded in 2007 by Dr. Rumbaut and intially had good success with the band. I was 350 when I had the band and went to 300 pounds pretty quickly. I subsequently started having issues with severe acid reflux and moved to a city where I could not find a Dr. who would fill my band. I got down to 270 but now have an unfilled band and am back to 300 pounds. I struggled with the idea of yet another WLS, but at 51 feel that the long term health issues with being so overweight are taking thier toll on me. I've done a ton of reading and know there are risks but I feel like I am choosing the best option for me righ…

Hi, I am pretty new here. I am super excited, but a little scared too. My surgery date is 4-15-2010 and I will be traveling to TJ for y surgery. I do not have insurance coverage for the procedure, so I have decided to go to TJ and self pay. I am looking for people in my area for support or people here online to swap stories. I live in Washington state, not too far from Seattle. Wish me luck!

i've poked around here for a while but i'm just now, as i approach my surgery date, getting involved. i've gone through a rollercoaster of emotions in the past few months. i felt like i leveled out for the most part, until this past week. plain and simple - i'm scared. i'm scared of going through surgery, i'm scared of having something foreign in my body, i'm scared of what life will be like after surgery. i want to get to a place where i am excited about losing the weight i know i need to lose. i'm going through this with my husband. he will be banded a week after me, and he is nervous, but so excited about our future. i want that feeling, but all i can feel right now is…

Also new to website and going through stages in prep of surgery.:thumbup:

Hi. My name is Laura. I had my surgery march 25. So far things are going well. I am feeling good with not much pain. So far including insurance mandated dieting I have lost 21 pounds. I have about 98 more to go. The worst thing is that I seem to be a little bit hungery all the time. I'm sure it didn't help that yesterday I was at a conference with lots of food but I was content with my shake for lunch. The waitress even offered to puree something for me. I have 2 small children 4 years and 18 months who I still have to prepare food for. My husband is very proud of my will power. He is a recovering alcoholic so He can relate to how Hard it can be. For me this lifestyle c…

Good Morning All My name is Tammara and I am a mother of 2 here in the ATL (Atlanta, GA for those who don’t know...LOL!). I have been overweight for almost 18 years now. I have gone on diet after diet only to gain the weight back. I will say that over the past few years after I found out that I have PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) I have been confused about how to lose weight. So I really have not tried like I should to. Like everyone else, when I am told that I cant have something it make me want it more and now time is not my friend in the journey for weight loss. So I decided to get WLS. I decided on the Lap Band procedure as I did not want anythin…

Newbie Dee here, hi :-) Just this evening, wending my way around your great website and all it contains i am so glad that i have found lapbandtalk.com! What a great group of people you all seem to be as well. My details are on my profile (or the statistics section?) but i decided on 07/03/10 to have lap-band surgery. Everything has happened rather quickly since then, and given all going well, my surgery date is set to be June 21st 2010. I have about 123 kg (270lbs) to lose, so it's a bit of a long road for me. Decision made though, and reading all your stories, i have a real feeling of hope now. Any information, or advice you have for me is most welcome and muc…

Been thinking about this for a long time and am a self pay. Was really going to do the Lap Band until I read all the stuff about Gastric Sleeve. The only worry I have is, will the sleeve left for your stomach eventually stretch and not be as effective? I weigh 330lbs 6'2" @ age 46 and want to lose 140 lbs and want to keep it off. Thanks for any info you may be able to share with me. I have several medications I'm on and looking forward to getting off of them along with the CPAP machine. I only like the Upper GI test and they will be scheduling my surgery in the month of April. Thanks, David

I have just decided on the vsg. I had originally wanted to do the lap band but after some research I see the sleeve is the way to go. I have been reading a lot on this site and you are all very encouraging and supportive. I'm really gald about that because I have lots of fears. Can anybody out there address any of these. Binge eating: I am a binger. I eat very healthy about 5 days a week and binge eat for 2 days. I feel out of control at these times. I am scared to take away my crutch and obvious self sooth mechanism and coping skill. I am a psychologist plus I have been in therapy for this many times so I get the dynaics behind it, i have just been unable to fix it. An…

I had my surgery almost 3 years ago. I do not feel the restriction that i had during the first couple of years. What is going on? HELP!:thumbup:

I am new to the process. I have 100lbs to loose and very excited about the process. I have only just begun. No date set yet. I am from Oklahoma. I have gained a large amount of wt. in the last few years. I am tired of the ups and downs. am glad to finally have some help.

Hello All I finally joined after reading some of the post here. Before deciding to have WLS, I completed the Optifast class through Kaiser. I lost 30 lbs on program and another 30 on my own. Today I received a packet for the procedure Vertical Sleeve. I am ever so excited. I have orientation on June 14. I like to add, the post I've read are so full of hope and congrats to you all. Don't ever be discouraged.

I havent been in the chat room in awhile.now i cant get in.it wont come up when i click on it.any ideas on what to try. help. thanks everyone:cursing:

Hi, I'm Sheila and I am waiting for a surgery date. After a year and a half of waiting for approval and going through 6 months of diet and excersise with my Doc, I got the approval one month ago. They told me it might take a month for the Surgeon to make the appt. He makes his own appt.'s and then the advocate for the bariatric center will call me........I'm going nuts waiting:( I'm not nervous about the surgery itself, more about the life change that comes with it. But, I AM READY. I have a lot of health problems (at 42yr) and am ready to feel better. Sheila:thumbup:

Hi all. I am being banded this morning . It is now 5am and I have been awake since 2am, nervous I suppose. I am due at the hospital 9am and will be in for an overnight stay. How did I get here? I have been overweight since my early teens-I am 46 now. I have had varying degrees of success with diets always losing well but putting back on (with extra) just as easily. I finally had enough and did some research and banding seemed the way to go. I made the decision about a month ago and have just finished 2 weeks of Optifast. I have lost 4 kg since deciding to have the surgery. As you can probably see I work in kg not lbs (I am in New Zealand), but I will have to convert to…

Hi, it's John again. Well, I finally got to see my GP after having to cancel due to a rotten cold! He was quite happy to give me a referral to a new bariatric surgeon. I sat down this evening and wrote the surgeon a long letter telling him about my journey to date. Here's hoping I hear back next week with an appointment. I have already had all the necessary tests done with the exception of the scope so I hope that might help to put me higher on the ladder to a new me. I continue to read all the postings and want to thank you all for sharing your journey. If it were not for some of the posts and the encouragement I'm seeing here, I may not have made the decision t…

Got the ball rolling. I had my surgical consult. Finished the 6 month diet and have pre-approval. Now just need official approval and to see dietitian, then we will set a date. I am excited and freaked out at the same time. I know the pre-op diet will suck, but wow for the ability to get healthy I says bring it on! Lol I am a little impatient but I figure I have been fat for 36 years I can wait a few more months.

I AM TWO WEEKS AWAY FROM STARTING MY NEW LIFE. I HAVE SUCH HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SURGERY. I AM PRAYING TO GET MY LIFE BACK. I WAS OUT WITH THE KIDS TODAY THINKING THIS IS THE LAST TIME MOMMY WILL HAVE TO STOP PLAYING BECAUSE SHE HURTS OR SHE IS TIRED. NEXT YEAR THIS TIME, I WILL BE ABLE TO "HANG" WITH MY GIRLS. I GOT ON THIS SITE TWO YEARS AGO LOOKING FOR INFORMATION FOR MY MOTHER, WHO KNEW TWO YEARS LATER, I WOULD BE ON HERE FOR MY OWN SURGERY. MY TENTATIVE BANDING DATE IS APRIL 6, BUT I WILL KNOW DEFINITELY ON TUESDAY. I WILL NEED ALL OF YOU ALLS HELP THROUGH THIS PROCESS. I AM NERVOUS ABOUT THE CHANGES BUT EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME. DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE?

Hi guys, waiting on insurance, and have no idea how these blogs work.

Hello everyone. My name is Eric, and I'm a 29 year old Wildland Firefighter from San Bernardino. I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. Despite my physical job, I just haven’t been able to lose weight. I'm 5' 10" 280 Lbs. BMI of 40 with the following lovely conditions: Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, T2 DM, Enlarged Fatty Liver, and kidneys that like to pee protein. I mentioned the Lap Band to my Dr. about 2 months ago. I got a letter saying that my referral to the Center for Health Promotion was approved for pre-bariatric counseling. I met with the dietician yesterday, and asked if I had already been approved for this surgery. She said she beli…

Just starting the process have been researching for over a year and decided with the help of my primary Dr. that this would be the best for me. I have met with the surgeon, been to the seminar. Told that my insurance only requires 3 things, a health screen from my primary Dr, a psych appt and a report from the dietician. I have complete everything so far but the report from the dietician. I have that scheduled in 2 weeks than the waiting begins...approval from my insurance. I talked with my insurance and they said they cover as long as it is medically necessary....so we will see, I have Blue Shield EPO in Central Valley, CA. My surgeon is Dr. Coirian, which I hear i…

I received my band October 2009 and I have lost 38 pounds but I have slowed down to a few pounds per month. But I have come down four clothes sizes and have come off three medications. I want to lose at least 56 more pounds. I do not have my own web site or blog:thumbup:

Anyone banded in Mexacali and drove there? Did you drive into Mexico or park on the CA. side and let someone pick you up? I'm bring hubby along (bless his heart!!!!) - is the couch comfortable at the hospital in the room? THanks.

Hi everyone! I have been trolling around this site for about 6 months and want to thank all of you for the info I have received here while doing my research. I am getting my band on Feb 21st by Scottsdale Bariatric in Scottsdale Az. and am so excitied. I look foward to sharing my experiences! Nora

Hey everyone. I am 33 and have a BMI of 44. I am starting the process of looking into the band and i need some feedback. I have been a yo-yo dieter for about 12 years. Up 20, down 15. Down 80, up 120. I have the ability to loose weight, but cant seem to keep it off. My concern with going forward...if i dont do the surgery, i can loose the weight, but run the usuall risk of regaining. If I do do the surgery, i will surely loose the weight....but what happens when im at my goal. Im ready to make a life change but i just dont know if surgery is a necessary part of that change.... any input would be greatly appreciated. Nurse Michael

hi, ive been reading posts here for the pat month and im glad i joined i dont feel alone anymore. ive made my decision and going to see the doc this week to book my surgery appointment. im anxious nervous but want to change my life for ever. snowy

Hi lapbandtalk community, I was banded yesterday (3-25-2010) in Tijuana, Mexico. I've been looking through these forums for about three months but did not want to start posting until after I got banded. I have been battling obesity since age 5. I lost nearly 80 lbs at around 19-20 years old and gained it all back within two years. I remember slowly watching my weight surge past 200 lbs to 300 lbs and up to 317 as of my liquid pre-op diet. I'm 25 years old, I knew that unless I did something a little more drastic it would not be long before my watched my weight approach 400 lbs or higher. I decided to get banded because I wanted to ta…

Hey everyone, So i just got my lap band on March 23 2010 and i have already lost 9lbs. An that is totally exciting!!! But my name is Ally and I'm 23, i am young and ready to exercise an get this weight off!! My belly is still kinda swollen an sore, an the meds make me really tired which ha i really don't mind hehe. But i am finding it really hard to drink the amount of fluids they want me to in a day. So maybe this chat group will help me understand if that is good and or bad. If anyone has any questions for me you an AIM me im on there most of the time chevygirl8T8 or you can email me on here. Thanks Ally

Hi there everyone! I am so happy to have found this message board. I am hopefully that this board will bring me a great deal of support along with new friends! My name is Faith and I am 27 years old. After considering the lap band surgery for a few years, I am finally ready to commit to a lifestyle change and to go through with the procedure! I currently weigh a whopping 375 pounds which surprises most people, including my surgeon. Thankfully for me, im tall... taking out the ceiling at 6 foot. I am getting the lap band for many different reasons, however top on the list is infertility. My husband and I have been trying to have a second child ever since out son was …

Hello all!!!!!!!! I am a newbit to this forum and it has taking me a very long time to finally be waiting on a date for my surgery. I hope this is a good idea. If i dont lose weight on this i will be big forever. :Banane20: :Banane20:

I'm both excited and nervous at the same time. It took me about 2 years to work up the courage to do this. You really get a lot of different stories reading all the posts, some of them not too encouraging. Previously to reading the posts I think I assumed all the cravings would just go away but I realize now that is not the case and even with the band there is a lot of other work to do on my part. My husband is very supportive so I know that will help me a lot. Is there a good place to get suggestions as what to eat once you are off just the liquids? And just mainly drinking a lot of protein shakes, is that a good option?

Hi everyone? I am scheduled in less that 2 weeks to have surgery in MX with Dr. Verboonen. The last few days I have eaten EVERYTHING not nailed down, and LOTS OF IT! I am going to start my liquid diet the end of the week. I want to stock up on soups, liquid stuff for when I get home, any suggestions? Am I ready for this? I have NEVER EVER ate like this... :001_tongue: And to top it off, I am feeling terrible! :eek: I am going to take my measurements on Saturday, pics, start the journal and JUMP IN! I am very nervous to go it by myself, and to do it without my family's knowledge, but I feel that it's the best. I have NOT been able to find Verboonens' surgical re…

Hello everyone, I am new to this site. I am two years banded now. 40 lbs down, but still 50 more to go!