Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello anybody and everybody I'm scheduled for surgery April 2nd. I'm really excited that this time the process was so much better than when I tried it 2 years ago. I look forward to reading your success stories and good advice. I can't wait for the woman on the inside to be visible on the outside. Yay Me!!:laugh: New to this site so any information will be appreciated. Starbabygirl

I had my first doctor appointment on Dec 4, 2009. Got the psych eval, visited with the dietitian, everything was done by the end of December. Then the waiting game started. Going back in the first part of January 2010, I had lost 3 pounds (this during the holidays, mind you!). Two weeks later, I was down another 5, so a total of 8 pounds before I even had a surgery date. Then the phone started ringing, insurance was settled, and my surgery date was set for March 16, 2010. I had kind of started easing my way into the "liver shrink" a week before I had to, so when I started the two weeks that were required, I was ready. The liver shrink my doctor uses is a Slim Fast for Bre…

I'm so happy. After being overweight my entire life, I've finally taken this big step. I just had my 2 week visit after banding (2 1/2 weeks) and I lost 12 lbs. I've noticed that I can eat more and am trying very hard to stay on task until I get my fist fill at 6 weeks. I'm very excited and pleased so far.

Hi Im Bob. Im 10 days out(March 10th) and already down 32#. I dont know how! I havent done anything out of the ordinary, wait, yes I have. Ive gone from probably 4-5000 cal. a day to around 1000 if Im lucky. I went for my checkup with my surgeon yesterday and before I got on the scale I told her I would be so dissappointed if I didnt lose(I expected around 10#), I couldnt believe it when the scale said 311.1#. My preop weight was 343#. Im so excited, this is enough motivation!!! I havent exercised, at least not anything other than playing with my kids in the yard now that its nice outside. The dr. told me it would slow down, 1-2# per week. Im happy with that and I…

waaaaaaaaaaahoooooooooooooo!!!! Thought I'd give an update since I get lots of mail about it. I did my 3rd ultra sound today and the blood clots are almost totally gone. There are a few left in my hand but for the most part all the ones in my arm are gone. I'm so excited. It's been in the back of my mind constantly worrying about it. Just want to say thanks so everyone who prayed and sent well wishes. *grinning from ear to ear*:smile1:

Hey Gang, Just thought I'd share the latest and greatest development in my sleeve journey. Until the last week or so, I was concerned and a little disappointed (albeit ready to deal with it) that I was experiencing way more hunger than I expected shortly after meals and at most points in between. I was carrying Snacks with me - good snacks - like cheese and slices of lunchmeat, that kinda thing because of my increased fixation with food and hunger. I was finding myself better off snacking throughout the day and having small meals at mealtime. My calories were still right on track, along with carbs and my weight loss has been wonderful. I was concerned about the hab…

My name is Susi, and this is my first time here on this forum. I have not been banded yet, but am starting to take the first baby steps towards getting the surgery!. I am 47n yrs old, and I have 3 grown kids:Jesse,age 24, Jeremy,age 23 and Kaity, age 19. I am a kindergarten teacher by profession, but am not currently working because of health issues. Much of the weight that I have gained has been in the past 3 years that I have not been working. I have struggled with my weight ever since I had my first son. I've not done the diet thing, I always thought I would fail. I did lose a considerable amount of weight caused by the side effects of medications I was taking at th…

Ok, so I started out thinking that lap band was fo me, but with diligent research decided to go with the sleeve. Thanks to everybody who posts on these sites, as it is INVALUABLE to us newbies to devour everything we can find. I am now at a crossroad trying to decide on the doctor. While it seems clear that Dr Aceves is an outstanding "sleever" I am having a bit of dificulty handling the logistics of using him in Mexicali. I know there are other doctors out there, but like anything they all seem to come with a mixed bag of reviews from glowing to frightening. While cost is definitely a factor (let's be honest here) I can honestly say it is not my main concern. …

Hubby went along, and we attended another WLS informational seminar at another location. I really liked the presenting surgeon. He was very knowledgeable and had a sense of humor. The presentation was more relaxed than the first one I attended. He stopped to answer questions throughout his hour-long presentation, and then was available after for private questions. Hubby liked him, too and so that is a big plus! I already saw my regular family doctor and he is all about helpiing me with the 6 month diet, and even gave me food lists and offered to give me adipex. Now I just have to get the head doctor appointment set up. I called today, but had to leave a message. The whe…

Good day everyone, I've been lurking around this site for about 2 years...:crying: I've read many a entry and have been quite inspired by everyone's experiences. I've wanted the lapband for about 2 years now. I started the process 2 years, and the True Results facility I went too, wasn't a covered provider for my insurance, so instead of looking for a covered doctor, I dropped the entire thing..:frown: I did however recommend a fine doctor for my friend, and she was banded last year & I've watched her lose weight over the past year. So I'm a tad jealous watching everyone around me going for there goals and I sit idly by wanting and doing nothing! :thumbup: The tu…

Hey, I need your vote.. Just 1 vote... I am 1 of 5 finalist in a "free lap-band" contest. this is a chance of a lifetime for me. It could mean getting my life back. I have many physical issues that have been complicated by my obesity. Please, Please... This doesn't cost anything...just about 30 seconds of your time. go to www.obesitynomorefl.com and vote for Dawn W if you want to know more about my story go to dawnslimmeddown thanks so much for your time. You will never know how much 1 vote will be appreciated. dawn wenzel

I am relatively new to posting on the forum but have been reading for a while. All my paperwork has been submitted to my insurance and I was told it was in the nurse's inbox to review for approval two days ago. I am 5'6 inches and about 290 lbs and in my early 30's. I have Humana PPO and am seeing Dr. Schuster in Louisville, KY. I had my six month diet and my psych eval but am fairly good health with a huge family history of obesity and related diseases. So now I'm anxious and excited and nervous. I'm dreading the pre-op diet and have heard its a liquid only diet for at least 7 days, but you don't find that out until you see the surgeon for your second appointment a…

Well, I've been gone for a while. Everything was going really well, then I hit a long stall. I stopped having bowel movements but once every couple of weeks, I developed random heartburn and pain in my chest. One night, I woke up with severe nausea, then the pain started. I thought I was having a heart attack. I rushed myself to the ER, and the doctor ignored me. I was in severe pain, and very dehydrated but he discharged me with a stomach virus, even though the pain I was having was not abdominal, but more in my sternum, and was burning not cramping. So, once discharged, and embarrassed, I walked over to the surgery clinic and they, God bless them, saw me right awa…

Hello, My name is Kara. I'm 24 years old from Green Bay Wisconsin. I have been overweight my entire life and have struggled for years. I can typically lose about 15 to 20 pounds on my own, but that's the most I have ever lost. It doesn't stay gone. Here's my story... About as far back as I can remember. I have a huge family. My mother has been married 3 times, and my father 4. I have two biological sisters who seemed to get my fathers genes. My one sister who is 2 years older, is exactly 5 feet tall and weighs about 95 pounds. My one sister who is 4 years younger is a little over 5 feet and weighs around 110. I am 5'7 1/2 and my last weigh in was 299.9. I was so el…

Tomorrow is band day! The pre-op diet went smoothly, not really hungry at all right now. The messages posted here have really helped me feel more secure. Thanks!:wub:

I started the diet yesterday, two protien shakes and a salad with grilled chicken for lunch. I'm a little hungry, but I guess it will be worth it in the long run. I'm a little worried about the surgery because I had a pulmonary embolisim after a colon resection in 2005. I think the reward is greater then the risk, so I'm going for it. I just need to get the Pulmonary Function Test and I'm set.

Hello everybody i a self pay looking for a doctor in mexico to get the vsg can anybody point in the right way

It's hard to believe that a month has gone by since my surgery. Other than being intolerant of the whey Protein shakes from Day 5 to Day 10, the month has flown by with no complications or distress. There were so many days that I wondered if I had a Sleeve, then I looked at my pictures of my little worm and knew that the Doc did the deed. I went back to work (desk job) on day 7. I worked from home the first week, then started back in at my office. The first few days were 1/2 in the office, 1/2 working at home, then back to 8 or 9 hour days. I think that working has impinged on my energy levels for working out. I'm hoping to get in more walking and gym time in mo…

I am one month out and as of Monday 23 lbs down. It is shocking that this time has already passed but as everyone said, it gets easier day by day. I have my good days and I have my bad days, I have only felt "hungry" a handful of times. In the beginning it was very difficult to not be able to "eat" dinner with my family, however we have adjusted to what I can eat. The head hunger is the devil!!! Which to my surprise wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I am starting to feel "normal" again, although not all my energy is back. I will admit that I try to watch my carbs and all that jazz but it just doesn't work for me right now. I eat such a small amount that I get the ma…

hi all...i got banded one year ago now on 17th march.2009..i have lost a total of 33 pounds..im very pleased at this ..i know i could have lost a lot more if id given up the pints of bud..but those 33 pounds are really noticeable and i feel like a new woman..in this next year i will step things up with exercise and no alcohol during the week ..a treat at weekends... the food is manageable as restriction is great with 3 fills... roll on next year . good luck to you all

I have been reading on this site about 'life after the band' regarding complications of persons who have done poorly and have had complications with the banding. My surgery is scheduled in 5 days and after reading their posts am getting very aprehensive about having the surgery done. One person who has been suspended from the site said these complications happen frequently. Most of the persons I have talked to who have it are happy. Thoughts?

Hi! I am waiting on prior approval from my insurance. This is my 2nd attempt I was denied the 1st time which was 6 months ago. I have seen the surgeon and have done everything that I am suppose to so everyone keep your fingers crossed. :cursing:

I had my surgical consult yesterday. I've had my mind set on lap band all along, but the surgeon was suggesting gastric sleeve as a good option. He seemed to feel there are less complications, greater weight loss, less work involved than the lap band...in his words "more bang for your buck"! BUT I can't imagine having a portion of my stomach removed permanently! That's just scary :cursing:. After discussing that my bmi at this point is 32 (I lost 25 pounds to qualify for the surgery), and I am willing to do the work required with lap band, he agreed to do the lapband. I'm scheduled for 3/31/10. It feels like the right decision for me. I'm just wondering how people here …

Hi everyone! My name is Chantal. I have been wanting the lapband for several months now. I have a two year old that I wanna be around for. I have completed all of my insurance requirements, and am now waiting for the word if I'm approved or not. Has anyone else had approval through BCBS of Texas. And if so how long did it take to get approved? I hope to get to know some of yall, it's neat they have forums like this to support people.

Why are some people not required to do a 2 week pre-op liquid diet?

Hello everyone... I came home last night and is 2 days post op... Am still on a clear liquid diet...tomorrow i will be on a full liquid diet...the pain is getting better but is still sore.

OMG! I can't believe I've made the 2nd step in the rather daunting process. I saw my doctor the end of February, Dr. Nazarian. I made my down payment yesterday and I'm on the calendar, April 11th for surgery. I will keep you all abreast of my journey and I move closer to the process and past it. Thanks for the welcome :cursing:

Morbidly Obese from my chart on Friday at my followup visit! How cool is that!!!

I have not been making healthy choices lately. I dont drink enough water and I seriously ate an entire hagendaz sick ice creme today! I felt so sick after eating it. I feel sick with myself for not trying to be healthier,. I went through all this with the intention of losing weight but being healthy too. I feel week in body and spirit.

I am planning on having the sleeve procedure in Mexico the end of April. I have been researching for hours on end. I now have a possible 2 or 3 surgeons and plan to make a decision soon. If you are going the end of April, please contact me, maybe we can share info and support. Thanks, Brenda

Hello all - I am on day 1 - post op and just wanted to intro and thank everyone for their posts, they have helped a lot to read and get info from those who have experienced this procedure. I am excited, in pain...and....curious to see what the next several months hold for me. Be well....Wayne

so i got on th scale this afternoon and i was down another 10 lbs and im not going back to work untill friday. im still a little sore but not too bad. the incisions are begining to itch which means that they are healing. i also had my first bm yesterday and trust me when i said i have never been so happy to have one. i have alot of homeqork to do which is something i cant get focused to do. just wanted to let you know how im doing. i go see my dr on friday for my frist post opt appointment since my surgery

This time next week I will be sleeved. I am so excited that this liquid diet is not phasing me a bit. I am not much of a "sweets eater" so the broth is a nice treat. Honestly there have been a couple of times that I came close to cheating..but haven't done it yet! The daytime is not hard at all, but around 6:00pm I get a little cranky and tired. Then, before you know it I feel like my old self again! I haven't had a diet coke in 5 days, don't miss them either, which is strange since I drank at least 3 Rt.44's from Sonic per day. Now I get water and add crystal light. I feel great and know this is the best thing for me! Can't wait til March 23!

Hi Everyone! I hope someone can help me. I am a newbie here and I am trying to upload a profile picture from my photos - stored in Picasa. Everytime I try it says that it could not upload the photo. It doesn't tell me why and I sure don't know :001_smile: Can anyone help??

Good Morning all and Happy St. Pat's Day!! I was approved for WSL last March, went to the mass indoc session and walked out after the Doc was late arriving for the group discussion. Also was not impressed with the office staff. I am sure they are competent, but somewhat curt. In any case I figured I would come back when I was in a better mood, but never did. I also thought - in the back of my mind, that I could do the weight loss without surgery. Wrong!!! I went for my physical this past 3/1 and had gained more weight. My PA almost cried and said I was killing myself. I told her about leaving the indoc class and asked if WLS was still on the table. She said she wou…

My name is Alycia and I have surgery tomorrow 3/16/10. I can't wait I had to start the clear liquids thursday so this is day 5 and I am SOOOOOO hungry my head is pounding but I keep telling myself it's so worth it. I'm excited and nervous all at once and can't wait for the journey ahead and a new start in my life. I'm currently at 282 minus the 9 pounds I've lost in the last 5 days.:thumbup:

Is there room for me on the losers bench? The Doctors office called today with my approval :thumbup1:. I scheduled surgery for April 19th!!!! I can't wait, I have to go Monday and talk to my surgeon and schedule pre-op testing. I am home sick form work today so this was just the news I needed to feel a little better.

Hi, My name is Daphane. I live in NC. I have my first appointment with the surgeon this Thursday 03/19/10. I have to admit I'm a bit anxious!

I am simply having trouble finding out any history good or bad. I know he is a general surgeon who is starting a weight loss pratice along with general surgery but I would like to know people who have had the surgery or have any History of him as a surgeon. He is from the state of LA for his first surgery work. Thanks Dr. Marin Dan Radulescu is a partner.

Hi, my name is Kim Vance. I was banded on December 1st, 2009. Dr. Holloway did my surgery and I would recomended him to anyone. So far I have lost 30lbs and counting. I see Dr. Holloway or Dot every 2 weeks, just to chart my progress. :thumbup:

Okay here it goes.. i had my surgury in november 08.. and so far lost 50 pounds.. yayay which im very happy about.. i had fills in the past.. and i was doing good after it.. this very last time i went to see my doctor he said i had not lost any weight in the last 6 months and told me i needed a fill so i got it.. and boyy was it helll i could not even drink waterr but the good thing was i had lost about 7 pounds in a week so thats always good.. my question is.. tommorow its exactly gonna be a week i have this fill.. is it gonna get a little loose as time pases or do i need to go for a unfill??.. any ideas pleasee helpp.. thank you . :scared2:

I was banded on 3/11/10 by Dr. William Richardson at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans La. He came highly qualified. So far so good, spend one night in hospital where I did not sleep because they were in every hour on the hour for BP and temp. Came home yesterday and resting well. Tolerate little skim milk in Protein this morning, few ounces of chicken broth, tiny noodles chewed up and proper. So far no need for pain meds, nausea meds, only using Tylenol pain for kids. Works fine. I am 63 years old weighed 246 lbs, lost 21 lbs in past 8 weeks. Looking forward to a long process of losing weight to get to my goal of 160 lbs. This old girl will feel new in a few weeks. …

Hi everyone, My name is Amy, I'm 21 and live in South Australia. I was banded last Tuesday night. The surgery went great. I did not have much pain at all. Before the op I was 116.2kg, I am now 111.1kg and have lost 5.1kg. Good luck to everyone else. Amy :scared2:

I had my 1st consult on 3/3/10 with Dr.Milton Owens.While their I met with the psych and nutritionist.I also had my sleep study done on 3/12 & my results are back and yay I have sleep apnea so my queston now is how long before I hear back from Dr Owens office???? Oh yeah I have Tricare Standard!!!!

My name is Peter, and I'm from NYC, although I've lived in DC, FL, TX, MI, and CA. I consider NoCal to be my home. San Francisco is my favorite city in the world. I'm getting the procedure tomorrow; meeting the surgeon (Christine Ren from NYU MC) at 6am. Procedure starts 7:30am. At that hour, I doubt I'll need any anesthesia. :thumbup: I've been on a liquid only diet for 2 weeks. The first 5 days were one of the hardest things I've ever done, but watching the procedure done "for reals" on youtube gave me the will and resolve to stick it out on 1000 cal/day Protein shake diet. The 2 cups of veggies were the high point of my day. I've been faithful to the …

Hello. My name is Lucy. I've recently made up my mind about getting WLS in order to attain my weight loss goals. However, I have so many questions. I'm thinking perhaps I should list them... -How do you know you're doing this for the right reasons? Other than the health risks, I find that my weight limits other goals I'd like to accomplish. For example, I would like to get a PhD but I can't even fit into school desks. I don't want to have these limits on my life. That is the second reason why I've decided to do this and sometimes I think it's the number one reason. I have a fear that that may not be the right reason to go ahead with WLS. -Is it normal to have doubt…

my insurance is being a total pain in the butt saying I don't fit their criteria because my co morbid condition is hyperlipidemia, which for most insurances is not considered a co morbid condition but cigna lists it as such and is still denying me! how many self payers out there?:wub:

Ok so i went to see the surgeon dr. korman from L.A. Bariatric and he gave me this list. First is im goin to see my primary doctor this thursday. I have a list of things i need for him to get me autorisation for a nutritionist, psyc eval, seminar and ugi or something. My question is how many times do i have to see this 3 specialist? so i can submit my result to my doc? I have blue cross of ca HMO. I called them and they say that they will cover my surgery.

Hello my name is Cathy and I had my surgery on 3/8/2010. It was so successful if it weren't for the photos to show me my band I would not have believed it. I went in at 7:00am and was walking out the door by 10:00am. The folks at Sychrony were awesome! Dr. Brad really knows his craft! My biggest problem is my fear of food. I am doing the liquid phase and am okay with it. I fear eating solid food, I want to lose this weight once and for all but I want to learn how to eat to live and not live to eat. I am really scared about this aspect of the weight loss plan.:wub:

I'm excited, two weeks from now the surgery will be over and my new life will be started - but right now, I'm hungry! My pre-op diet is slim fast type shake for breakfast, same for lunch, and a lean cuisine and salad greens w/spray dressing for dinner. I know I can do this, it's only two weeks, and I'm OK during the day, but the evenings are tough!