Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello, My family is really making me reconsider my choice for surgery. The only person that supports my decision right now is my husband. My surgery is scheduled for April 15th. My surgery is self pay and is going to cost me around $21,000. My mom wants me to instead of going through the drastic surgery, spend the money on a nutritionist and personal trainer. She says if they can do it on like The Biggest Loser, if I higher a personal trainer and do it that way that it would be so much cheaper and safe. She says she knows that I can do it because I spent all last year working out at a gym, but I just need the extra support of a personal trainer. What should I d…

Hello My name is Michelle and I'm new to this forum. I started my WLS journey in Oct 09, when I had my first consultation in Luton, England. I'm due to see my doctor on Friday, 26th March 2010 when he should tell me the date for my surgery. I'm still not sure if the VS is for me or I should have the bypass. I've read so much about the VS and therefore leaning towards it. The bypass scares me, because of the re-arranging of the intestines. I want this to be the answer and yet I know it's a tool and requires me to work with it. However, there is a little voice inside my head that doubts that I can do it, that I can loose all my weight that has destroyed my life so far. …

I'm so excited but at the same time nervous, scared but very ready! Have the following questions: 1. I need to start my pre-op diet and was wondering what you ate during yours? 2. What are you able to take with you on the plane? 3. How long before you were able to drive? 4. What can I do to assure I have a speedy recovery? As the date gets closer...it seems I have all kinds of questions I appreciate your assistance! Liz

If I'm not on the boards reading, I'm thinking about being on the boards reading, or how can I make my work schedule correspond to having surgery sooner, and and and....etc.... I assume because of the vastness of all the decisions, changes etc that the obsession is totally normal, but sheesh I feel like a crazy lady. It's a good thing my friends love me or they might shoot me for my one track mind.

Sooooo everyone has come to the basic conclusion that if you have your receipt of payment for your passport, a government issued photo id, and your birth certificate boarder patrol will let you back in the country. My question is what about a receipt for the payment of the card that they are giving out for ground and sea travel now? On the passport website it explains that the card is ust for land travel to MX and CA, and for sea travel to a few other places. Since I am driving into MX, I think it should count. It is only like 45 buck, and I am needing to be cheap, I am self pay = / U.S. Passport Card Any Ideas???

So two weeks from today I fly to Mexicali and two weeks from tomorrow I will be sleeved. Things that I never thought could happen to me are feeling possible. *I will be healthy enough to have babies *My knees won't hurt *I will not be too tired to carry my laundry up the stairs *I won't be destined to get diabetes *I won't be angry at Halloween when I can't find a costume to fit *I won't be the girl with "the pretty face," I can just be the pretty girl. *I won't need to cringe when its time for takeoff and have to ask for a seatbelt extender. *I will know that if something goes wrong in a relationship, at work, or in play it will be because of something I did not…

Hello All! I have been lurking on this board for the past couple months, and now I am finally ready to "tell my story"! I am so excited for my upcoming sleeve surgery NEXT SATURDAY (OMG!!!!!) This is going to be such an exciting step. I have been overweight since I was about 12 years old and battled with low self-confidence and low self-esteem off and on for the past 25 years or so. My mother was pretty disgusted with my weight- almost to an obsessive degree- and throughout my teen years we fought about my weight all the time. Our relationship is still strained from those years of her dragging me to Weight Watchers, making me stand on the scale so she could see ho…

Just wanted to say hi. I'm new, pre surgurey (Hopefully) Going on over a year, (Well over) and insurance looks iffy.:Banane20: Anyone have any serious touble with Masshealth? :Banane20: Thanks.

I just had an initial visit with my surgeon last week. I need to have a sleep study and a psych evaluation and then I have to wait to see if I get approval from my insurance company. I should know in about 4-6 weeks if I'll be able to have the surgery. Wish me luck. :thumbup:

Hi fellow banders, I'm gaynor, its day 7 after my lab band op. Feeling a little sore, not too bad though. Managing on fluids only. Its a bit had to make meals for the family and see them eating while I have clear Soup. But if that what it takes. Had my sugery because i weigh 107 kilos, am diabetic (on insulin), have high blood pressure etc. Looking foward to hearing from other banders. gaynor

Hello all. I feel great. No more nausea or difficulty swallowing. I have lost 14 lbs since surgery. One week ago to day. I really can't believe how good I feel. I haven't taken any pain meds in 3-4 days. My staples are out. I have had a BM and drinking liquids like a maniac. I know my body is different. I don't have food cravings and hardly ever hungry. Having to keep up with Protein is a chore but drinking the powder whey and getting the clear isupure is a big help. I plan on using the protein shots in with my pink lemonade or peach diet packets sugar free of course. I have to more weeks of liquids. I will start my smoothies next week when I get home. Oh, still in Dal…

And it is freaking me out...Yes this is somewhat weight loss related = D. Ok we all know, no matter what type of anti-virus software you have or what computer of whatever that Google and places like that keep tabs on things that you search so that they can better advertise to you. Well the other day, a friend asked me how much I would like to weigh after this is all said and done, of course i'd "like" to weight 120 with 10 if it in my bra, but how unrealistic is that. I said I guess around 145/140 (although I still think that may be pushing unrealistic). Now of course I think about this all the time because my surgery is coming up. I had decided today that whatever weight…

so i have my first appointment on the 30th and I was just wondering what to expect and what some of the preoperative tests are?:Banane20:

Hi! It's been such a long time since I've posted. I was finally banded on 3.11.2010. Between the liquid diet and nearly a week post-surgery, I'm down 20lbs and I'm feeling pretty good. Now that I have been banded, I'm looking for any and all advice for the upcoming weeks. In particular, I'd love to know how to make one of those niffy tracking bars. Thanks! It's great to meet you all (again). -confusion

just a little update on my journey....Im just past 16 weeks now. Down 80 lbs.......everything is going great.....getting into cloths i havent worn or liked for years cause they didnt fit right. I eat anything I want but of course smaller amounts. The only things i have had trouble with is chicken skin. It just feels gross when its sitting in my stomach. Also spicy food doesnt agree with me. I used to love it but me thinks those days are over but thats ok cause I'd sooner be skinny

I am just barely starting this journey, and would like to meet some local people who have used WLIA.

Hi, I had lap band surgery 3/22/2007 I have lost 28pd. have been sick cant eat most foods and now they r telling me my band might have a leak.I am trying to find out how much it would cost me to have the lap band removed and the sleeve put in. I here THAT TEXAS IS ALOT CHEAPER THEN HERE IN lOUISIANA. IM SELF PAY AND MONEY DOEST COME EASY.PLEASE HELP WITH THE INFORMATION IF U CAN. THANKS, JODA FROM LOUISIANA:

Hi, I'm 37 years old, married, mother of 3 beautiful girls and have been overweight my entire life. I remember being in kindergarten and realizing then, that I was bigger then everyone else. I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting at the age of 10 and have been fighting this battle ever since. I have completed my pre-op requirements and have been scheduled for surgery on May 10th. I'm excited, scared, but most of all ready!!! I guess I'm more afraid that I will fail at this attempt to lose weight as well as every other time I've tried. I have read over many posts and have been both educated and encouraged as well as, a little afraid of what all of you have wri…

I am soooo excited and freaked out all at the same time. I have been looking into lap-band®® for about 5 years and things have finally come together for me to start the process. With all my health issues I hope to not have trouble with insurance. My consult is Friday morning! Thanks to all of you for sharing it has been a great learning tool and comfort for me to know I am not alone in this journey!

Progress!!! I have my psych evaluation scheduled for April 7th. That will be the beginning of that 6 months. So, if all goes well with that, surgery will be sometime after the first week of October. Countdown is underway!:smile:

Hello :frown: I just had my 1st consult yesterday. Im still trying to decide on which OP to get. Im leaning towards the Lap-band since it seems to be a less risky surgery with the same results as the bypass. Im sure I will have lots of questions but just wanted to say hello. :thumbup: Thanks Mark

My name is Christina and I have completed all my test and got approved for the surgery two weeks ago. I have Tricare Prime and they didn't give me any problems. I currently weigh 314 and have no co-morbidities, but I wanted to make a change in my life. I have started the liquid diet stage presurgery and I believe my surgery is on the 1st of April. I'm both excited and scared.Any advice?:thumbup:

Well, I finally have my date for surgery. March 30th is my new birthday... Now the week of liquids begins. Yuck! I am already hungry. I can do this....I am a strong woman and I am very ready to shed some pounds. PS can anyone tell me how to do the ticker countdown at the bottom of listings??

My wife works for UPMC(University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Her field is in research. Theyre starting a study where they are going to cover for people have Lapband, Bypass and study results between these two and regular diet. The study isnt started yet but I figured it might not hurt to contact them to find out about it. They are one of the top medical facilities in the country. My wife will not be affiliated with this study. Its still in the planning stage, she told me about it yesterday. I had my surgery through UPMC and was very impressed by everyone I dealt with. They are doing a study where they put a balloon into the stomach and inflate it to take up space to l…

Heres the story...self payer looking for good doc that will do surgery who is reasonable priced. I am willing to travel perferrable in the US, and also looking for a fill Dr. in WI. that would fill another Dr. patient. I'm not asking for much huh? Any advice would be appreciated:thumbup:

I have been overweight and miserable for years carrying between 360 and 376 lbs. I knew I had to do something or die, I was always out of breath and depressed all the time about the shape I was in. So Nov of 2009 I had had enough and went to a siminar and knew right then what I needed to do. I had surgery on Jan 14, 2010 and as of Mar 20, have lost 53 lbs. I am feeling good, walking better and do not get out of breath, I am starting to exercise for the first time in years. God bless Dr Holsaeter and his staff.

Hi all, I'm Kerry. Had my consultation today and was told that my insurance requires a 6-month period of supervised diet and exercise before approving weight-loss surgery. Plus, it'll be more out-of-pocket than I originally thought. Bummer. But, I'm still overall excited and 6 months to try to lose some weight on my own and practice discipline isn't a bad thing, right?

St. Patties day was the day for both my wife and I to have the sleeve. This is so dramatic! I did a lot of research and came to the conclusion that the sleeve was are only way to go. We are from S.W. Ontario and welcome any feedback!

Well I have very high BMI (around 60) and Congestive heart failure. I will have insurance from my work in another 30 days. I know my insurance will consider my CHF a pre-existing condition, and will not cover expenses related to this; however, is it possible insurance might cover a lap band procedure. Is this the right step for me? I am unsure. My CHF is well controlled with medication, and my Blood pressure is fairly normal (132/76). My cholesterol and triglyscerides are low normal and always have been. It is the weight and the sleep apnea (Apnea led to heart damage) from it that are killing me. I have tried diets and excercise. I actually eat fairly healthy, but jus…

Greetings Everyone, Long time reader, first time poster. I spoke with my nutritionist about coffee and she told me that small amounts were OK, as long as it wasn't black. I saw my surgeon last week and she said, "so how are you doing giving up your morning coffee?" I'd like to get everyone's opinion on coffee or no coffee. It sounds silly, but giving up my morning cup will probably be my biggest challenge. Thx Maggly

Hello Everyone, I hope everyone is doing good. Just wanted to give an eight week update. As of Saturday morning I am no longer in the 300's. As of this morning I weigh 297 which is 65 pounds lighter than when I started this journey in January. I have lost 27.75 inches in eight weeks, WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!:w00t: Thanks to everyone who posts on this site. All the advise, recipes, love and prayers that you all share really help an old Arkansas boy who reads more than he post. Thanks, Gary :crying:

Hey, I am new to this site. I will be sleeved on April 8. I am very nervous and also excited. I have only my husband for support. I have not told my kids but I am going to tell them I am having a hiatal hernia repaired. Which I will get done along with the VSG. My family will give me negative and fearful feedback. So your support would really help. I only have to do a week of liquids and give up caffeine. I didn't think that would be hard but I think it will be the hardest thing to do..

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Okay, if I was on the Biggest Loser show, I am sure everyone would vote my butt right on off. Why, why, why am I eating, eating and eating. I eat until I feel ashamed, disgusted and uncomfortable. I eat "corn" "candy" "chips" "steak" "potato" "extra meals" "extra snacks" and I have N E V E R.... E V E R.... ate like this before. Am I nervous? Yes! A week from Tuesday and it's done, yet I wonder if this is a form of sabotage and if I am going to fail at this like every thing I have tried in the past? What's up with me? I am tired of the "sexually abused as a child" stereotype, but I wear my life on the outside and feel it's time to drop off my "bagga…

Hi to each and everyone! I am new to this forum thing but am excited to meet new people who are in the same boat as I am! I have been heavy since I can remember and am done with dieting! It is time to change my life! I am a 37 years young mommy of 3 little girls and I need to start thinking of myself too!:confused: I am from the Des Moines IA area and am scheduled for surgery this next Monday, March 29th, 2010. I am so excited but there is that hint of nervousness in the pit of my currently large stomach=( I am currently on my pre-op diet which really has not been that bad except today for some reason I have been more hungry! Well, I look forward to chatting it up with…

I have been lurking on the board since last year, and finally decided to join. I went for my first appointment in October of last year, went through all the insurance requirments, and then was approved for surgery the end of January. I was banded on February 4, 2010 by Dr. Joseph Cribbins, Plano, TX. I had my first fill on March 15, 2010, but had to go back to get some fill removed on March 17, 2010. My starting weight was 305, I am now 280. My goal is 170 lbs. I am Michelle, I work full-time and have twin daughters who are almost 5 years old.

Hello all! I am so excited to have found this site. I am scheduled to have the sleeve done on March 29th. I can't wait..I am starving:svengo: My doctor has his patients on liquids for two weeks prior to surgery. I also quit smoking a month ago. Life is really tough right now..just taking it hour by hour... My starting weight is 207, my BMI is 39, my surgeon Dr. Kim

Can anybody tell me what is ugi means again? my surgen told me to get UGI, Psyc Eval, Nutrionist and seminar. I have seen my primary doc last week and he approved everything. Just lost regarding UGI what is it and what do they do to you?

Until my surgery...I apologize ahead of time...My post are about to become annoying the more and more excited I get..lol I payed for my flight a few days ago and I am hopefully paying for my room in a few too... Pissing my pants :smile:

Good afternoon everyone, I received my passport today and finally my family has accepted the idea of my surgery. Now, their concern and my as well, I will admit, is the recent violence in Mexico. For those who've had their surgery recently in Tijuana, can you please give me your opinion or experiences when you went there. I know the clinic is close to the border bridge but just wondering if you experience or observed any kind of violence.

Hi - Does anyone have recommendations for surgeons in Massachusetts, somewhere near Boston? If not, are there any surgeons I should avoid? MANY thanks. SallyTally

hello all Im new to both blogging and banding so bear with me. I recently (after much research) came to the decision that i will get banded. I'd loke to get a feel for everyones experience... especially low bmi in Mexico thanks stacey

Hi Everyone, Just a quick post to say hello, yes I'm new here. I was banded on 3/17 and am recovering pretty well. My highest weight was 374 and I am now 354. Hard to believe 20lbs gone forever :laugh: It doesn't feel like very much, I've dropped from a size 22 to an 18 but I don't actually feel any difference yet :smile: The first few days after surgery were rough but today was really great and I feel almost back to 100% except for pain and ITCHING at my incision sites. I'd love to make friends here and meet other recent and long time banded folks.

Just wanted to introduce myself and tell you how great it is to have found this board! While I had already decided on VSG some time ago, it has been great to read personal stories and experiences here. I'm already in the middle of my process - one appointment away from setting a surgery date which I will probably schedule sometime for May. So you have another newbie on board! Robbie

Just thought I would say hello...I am almost to d-day...3/23/10 is my banding surgery day...I have a long way to go but I am excited about the journey... I am a stay at home dad of one year old triplets...having kids made me realize that much more that I needed to get healthy... Any other Northern IL banders?

Hi, I am just starting my journey, it's really funny in a sad way, I was denied life Insurance so I was mad and nosing around the insurance website.(UHC) Imagine my suprize they cover wls. My dh said go for it. I'm so excited, any uhc choice plus advice for a newbie? You are all so supportive and amazing!! seminar-done consultation-done lab-done psy-scheduled cardio-scheduled

Hello all, I'm in SE Ohio and it seems a whirlwind already. Providence, really as a coworker started telling me about her lap band last week. Because I considered a RNY 3 years ago I didn't need to do all the mental work to return to thinking about a surgical option. I'd left off with the RNY because it felt wrong to scramble my insides quite THAT much. I have an appointment on 2/8, will have a psych eval before then and possibly in hand for my appointment. I've confirmed my insurance will cover this and possibly not require a 6 month diet supervised by physician. (Anthem BCBS) They told me today that if I show up with all paperwork ready to go, they can submit t…

My 27 yr old daughter had a rny in Sept. and has lost 95 lbs, it has made a major difference in her health and I was with behind her 100% since then I was denied life insurance coverage because of my health and weight I'm 52 and have rhuematoid arthritis, high blood pressure and weigh 250 lb, but is 52 too old to have this surgery done? The sleeve is covered by my uhc insurance Thanks,:tongue_smilie:Carla

Hello all, my surgery was done on thursday march 18, 2010. Not to bad. The worse thing is the nausea. Its hard to get the required Fluid down. Ive not vomited. But have been sleeping alot. My mission is not to become dehydrated. I see the md next week in office. Im sipping on isupure zero carb 40 g Protein in 20 oz now. Yuck. My surgeon repaired a hiatal hernia and 32g on my sleeve. Im not hungry just made i cant gulp. The day of surgery i weighted 229. My goal is 150. Im going to change my tracker. Hope all is well with everyone.

Hello, My name is Laurie:smile: I had my surgery on Thursday, today is the first day I feel pretty good, its a bit bumpy (o.k. really bumpy) at first, but I am so happy I did it! I'm pleased to find this forum, my doc has a support group but it is only once a month, and is a bit of a drive for me. I'm glad to be here and looking forward to meeting some of you:smile:

I had my surgery on Wednesday, March 17, and I can't believe how smoothly it's all gone. I've had no nausea at all, and virtually no pain from the incisions. As others have said, it's more of a soreness, like I've done a million situps. I checked into the hospital Wednesday morning, had the surgery around noon (it took just 35 minutes), slept most of the day Wednesday. Was up and walking by 7 p.m. Came home Thursday afternoon. My doctor's post-op diet instructions are to eat whatever I can tolerate, so I've had a little Soup, one ravioli, some Protein shakes, and so on. Yesterday I managed to get in 450 calories and 55 grams of protein, which I thought was pret…