Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone. I'm new to this website, but not to the idea of WLS. I have seen the same surgeon twice before and both times was timid to have surgery. This time is different as is my outlook on my life. I want to have children and can't do that unless I lose the weight. I have tried diets with not much success. I'm looking forward to taking my journey to weight loss for the ultimate goal of being healthy enough to have children. I have a blog that I'm going to use to record my progress. I will post it at another time. I look forward to reading the threads and learning about everyone's stories. Spaz

I had my surgery on the 18th and I've only lost 4 pounds. Most, if not all of the people I know that have had this done lost at least 14 pounds their first week. What am I doing wrong?

Ok... this is it. Monday.. my Holiday gatherings are officially over and my goal is to get back on program today. I have a feeling I will go through a sugar withdrawl and that won't be fun... I noticed even after a little nibbling the first day, Christmas, by the next day I was craving sweets. Amazing how that type of carb for me goes in SO easy still and calls my name.... I can't say I wasn't dissapointed to find out that I can still EAT them... I have read that so many people can't.... or can only get in a few bites. I have had no problem with the things I tried and need to remind myself that I have a very long way to go and a lifetime of staying clear from that o…

Hello everyone.. My name is Jennifer and I actually have been watching this forum for a while and am ready to be writing in it now... I am getting my lapband on Jan 26, 2010 and am really excited and really focused on a lifelong change:thumbup: I see lots of good folks in these threads and look forward to using the site for a long, long time. I am 39 and although I am active, I am overweight and need some help to help myself... I really think this is a good tool for me and I wish I could get it right now....:biggrin: I am a single mom of three kids and I just imagine how different our summer is going to be because mom is a bit more mobile.... I look forward t…

So I have made the descision to get a lapband. I have to take the steps and ask my current insurace if they cover it and what the requirements are. I see there are a ton of people on here that have insurance, what is yours? was there any set backs? would you, advise or think about, getting a second insurance to help cover the cost? I have insurence, healthsmart, through my work, but have also considered getting a second plan, indipendant, to help cover the cost incase my plan doesnt cover it. If they dont cover it I am going to need to get one that does. Okay that sounds bad but...OOP is too much to consider. I still hjave student loans and really dont want to take out a …

Hi Everyone, I had surgery on Dec. 18th. I had surgery in Houston, TX. I have been doing pretty well, I did how gas pains through the entire left side of my body for about 5 days. It has gotten better with time. I was getting hungry by day 4, but once I entered into the thick liquids and pureed foods I have been doing well and not feeling hungry at all. My biggest challenge has been trying to down the Protein shakes to get all the protein I need. I have not felt nausea at all, but trying to down the Protein Shakes makes a bit nausea. Does anyone have any advice? I have lost since my pre-op to now a total of 12lbs. I'm not sure if this is going slow, but I am glad …

I tried posting earlier, but not sure if it worked. If not, here goes again. I was banded 12/11/09. So far, no issues and feeling fantastic. My blood sugar numbers are lower than they were a month ago. Very happy I made this decision. My physician is, Dr. Neal, in Olympia, Wa. Very kind man, experienced and very informed. The folks at Capitol Medical Center were so wonderful. Will try and post from time to time. I checked this site out prior to surgery and much of the advice has been, VERY helpful. Happy New year! :biggrin:

I have been reading this forum for quite awhile. I used it as a resource to gain information about lapband prior to surgery, and it was immensely helpful. I decided to join since somedays I do need to vent or I do have questions.....Just wanted to say hey:tt2:

I was banded on Nov.16th and have done well recovering. Pain at the incision area the first week on meds but pretty clear sailing from there on. Have lost about 15 -18lbs depending on scale!! I am in a panic about my first fill/needle and potential issues with restriction.:thumbup: Any advice from banders as to what I can expect and how best to handle things? Your help is most appreciated.

I joined this forum back in August but I'm just now getting around to introducing myself. After what felt like forever, I was finally approved by my insurance company to have weight loss surgery. I am scheduled for 23 Feb 10. I am very nervous but excited as well.

HELLO I'M NEW JUST WANTED TO SAY HI AND SAY I'VE ENJOYED WHAT I READ SO FAR. I HAD LAP-BAND® SURGERY ON OCT 28 2009 I WEIGHED 228 AND AT 185 RIGHT NOW GOAL WEIGHT 135.:biggrin:

Hey all. I am in the process of getting the lap band surgery. I starting everything on 12/10/09 with the seminar, saw the surgeon 12/17/09. I have to do an upper GI scan and an x-ray on 1/4. I do the psych eval and the nutrition counseling on 1/6. Aetna won't cover it unless I do a 3 month program, so I am hoping it will be approved in March to do the surgery in April. I am 28 years old and have been obese/overweight my whole life. Thank you genes. lol. I have teetered back and forth about doing the surgery and am finally doing it. I have gained a significant amount of weight in the last 2 years, now being 255. I am definitely not happy with myself about that. It's time…

I am a little apprehensive "is this the right thing to do?"... I am a little scared "will I wake up?.. and will everything be okay?" "Will I be able to handle what it is like post-op?" I guess this is where faith comes into play - at least for me. So those of you that pray - would you please say a special little prayer for me? Thank you and God bless you!

Hello, I was banded on 12/16/09 and have been doing great. Still a little tender around the port, but as I have transitioned out of the liquid diet and have started into blended foods, I am feeling great. I am down 14 pounds since the surgery and 49 pounds since I started the process in July. Here is my question for anyone who would wish to weigh in... what has been the loss experience for those that have started to eat "regular food" again. I know I can't expect to continue losing more than a pound a day (like I have since the surgery), but I'm wondering what a typical pace is. If there is such a thing.

Hey everyone, My name is Cheyenne and I am having the lap band surgery on Dec. 30th. It's actually the Realize band if that makes any difference. I am 25 and have PCOS. I have had 3 miscarriages in the past year and a half, and am ready for a new start. I know that losing weight will help me become healthier for myself, and my future babies. I am looking forward to a new start at life, and looking forward to just feeling good again! I am married and my husband is in the National Guard, currently on his second deployment. We have a dog and two cats and they are the lights of my life. I am starting grad school in the Spring for counseling. 2010 is going to be a new beginn…

Hi. My name is Leigh, I live in the Dallas, TX area with my husbans, 20 month old and 3 furbabies. I'm not banded yet but have decided I want to be in the near future. At this point, I'm still just finding out everything I can about insurance, cost, pros and cons, pretty much everything. I have a SIL who already had the procedure and is doing really great.

Hi everyone.. just wondering how everyone did for the Holiday with their eating. I found myself nibbling on sweets for the first time on Christmas day and I didn't eat much but am now feeling worried that I may have messed up my whole system and will crave sugar again. I had a handful of pecans that were glazed and one cinn. roll (mini about one inch wide).. and felt like I ate a ton of cheese and it all went in easy and well. Is it normal to feel on occasion that your tummy isn't tiny anymore?? Did anyone experience a bad day this early on.. 5 week post op.. of eating off the healthy wagon and if so were you able to get back in control fast? :thumbup:

Ok I guess last week, week 2 being a period week and only losing 2lbs was Water weight or something because this week I lost 7.5 lbs!!! SERIOUSLY... WOW WOW WOW... I had to check the scale 3x. That puts me at down 27 lbs in 3 weeks (no pre-surgical diet) I have been eating this week as well and was worried that I would gain for some reason.. this is AMAZING.. I'm starting to really notice a difference and am so excited! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE for all your support and encouragement so far!! ~Chandra/shutterbug

Hi my name is Tammy, Iam hoping to get the lapband SOON!! My surgeon is Dr. O. (aka..Onopchenko) at Atlanticare In Egg Harbor NJ Today I had my Psych eval and met the dietitian, but I still have a couple more things to do before I know for sure the insurance will pay. I guess everyone has to do everything then wait for the ANSWER from the ins. I cant wait.!!!!

Got banded 7 years ago. So many stories, so much to tell. I lost 120 pounds slowly and without thinking. In fact, got a little underweight! I am a success story, no doubt. Went for a check up and found slight slippage. The doc offered to reband with the new version, which I did. I'm 10 days post op now. He repaired a hiatal hernia, for which I had no idea - and am glad. Came to the site to check on others with the same issues, and found great comfort. I've gained some post op weight, which I am assuming is Water retention from the sodium overdose and swelling. Of course, I spazzed... want to get back down again, and I feel like I'm overweight all of a sudden. Thanks f…

Hey everybody! I'm having some concerns about my lap band. I was banded dec 18th and a few days after the surgery I had to force myself to eat, only because I was in so much pain that I didn't have an apetite. It's my 5th day today, and since yesterday I have been starving. I don't know what is going on. I drink my liquids, and it's like they aren't going anywhere because I stay hungry. It couldn't be head hunger because it's physical growling. Even while I'm eating and drinking my stomach growls. Actually, that's when it does it the most. What is going on?? Also, if I eat something. I pass mass amounts of gas. If I drink Water, I pass mass amounts of gas and …

Hi all-- I just got my surgery yesterday! I am so excited! I had the band once before, but had some complications and had it removed. Now after 2 years, I have gotten banded again! Yipee!

Hello to all, Was sleeved here in the UK 2 weeks ago. Used this forum as a great source of information before my op and have finally go around to joining and posting..... Thanks Craig

Hi There! I'm Olivia and I'm getting sleeved on Monday. I started looking into the lap band about a month ago and got turned onto the sleeve at the seminar. Because there was an exclusion on my insurance policy, I was able to get this ball rolling quickly, and, geez, Monday is right around the corner! I'm in my early 30's, single, and would like to lose around 130-140 pounds. I'm not that nervous yet, but I'm sure it will hit me Sunday night. My surgeon is Dr. Dirk Rodriguez in Dallas, TX and I just finished my last pre-op appt and nutrition class today. I've been lurking for awhile, so already took advice of Tiffany and ordered the multi-pack of Protein powder…

So glad to have this resource of knowledge from all of you! I have been lurking on this site up until now. I had surgery surgery 12-22 and for the first 48 hours really was questioning my decision, They had some trouble waking me up and getting me out of the recovery room and once in th hospital room I had horrible nasuea and dry heavs for the next 18 hours, so painfull. That has all subsided and now I am just dealing pain in my back on the left but right sided pain where my biggest scar will be. More than happy to be on this side of surgery and closer to recovery!

UGH...I have to do a 6 month WL program for my insurance to cover my surgery. I went to my PCP on 11/23 and was all gung ho about trying to stick to the recommendations he gave me- no sugar, no white products, limit portion size, and walk 10 mins 3 x day. Did ok the first few days then Thanksgiving came and Ive been horrible since then. How in the world am I going to do this? Diets havent worked for me before...why in the world would they make you do 6 month diet before surgery?

After a 7 month long journey I am finally having my surgery on Tuesday @ St. Josephs in Burbank, CA and I am SO excited. Any advice that any has to offer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you <3 Angelina

Hello, my name is Kathy and I'm new to this website, I'm very glad to have found it, as there seems to be not much info out there on the gastric sleeve procedure. Here's my story: I have been struggling with my weight for 20 years, ever since I had my first child. I was a normal weight child and teen (in fact I was underweight as a child and heavily encouraged to eat, eat, eat). I was an active teen, ran on cross country until I injured my knee- that knee still bugs me to this day. I became pregnant at 19, as well as homeless-my parents kicked me out. I lived in a shelter until I gave birth, then was allowed to move back home for 5 months. I then lived in government hous…

Hi, my name is Gwyn, I'm 35, married with two kids. I'm new here. My surgery is scheduled for the 21st of Jan with Dr. Zapata in MTY, MX. I am so looking foward to it. Like it's a new beginning. I just had my second baby in late October. Back in 2000 I had Galbladder surgery and weighed 290lbs. After my surgery I decided to get healthy. Through diet and exercise I got down to 220. Never could get lower. After meeting my husband and two kids later I gained it all back and then some. I'm now 335. It has gotten so much harder to loose the weight. Last year after my first baby I was exercising like crazy and starving with WW. The pounds were not coming off. I j…

Hi guys, Im actually new to this forum, so hello to you all:smile: I wanted to have the lap band procedure done next year, & I was just a little curious about the time frame up to the point of actually getting the procedure done. How much time in between consultations & insurance company approval was there before you could actually get the procedure done? Thankyou for your responses in Advance!

Hi! I'm so excited! I just got my approval today!! On the road to the new me! I'm going to get my date next week I cant wait. Stacey

Hey everybody! My name is Amber and Im a 34 year old (soon to be 35 in December) and this is my first time posting here. I've been reading alot of information on lap-band and just recently found out that the insurance that we will be switching to in January will cover the surgery. I have an appt with my primary care doctor on Monday to get started on the 6 month physician led diet. Im bummed that I will have to wait 6 months- im ready to do this NOW! I used to be very, very active until my junior year in HS when I hurt my knee. I kept eating the way I used to but being inactive really made the weight packing on. When I got married 7 years ago, I was 225- then I got pg w…

Merry Christmas to all. I hope your day is filled with joy.

Hi all, My mother is going to have her surgery on Monday the 28th - I am planning to give her something nice since it is shortly after Christmas, and because I know this can be hard to go through. My idea was to gather some quotes/stories/ideas/inspiration/encouragement and write them in little envelopes - one to open each day of the month after her surgery. I was hoping some people might want to share their story in short form that I could quote on these envelopes. Or if you have any quotes, encouragement, or funny uplifting stories related to getting the surgery I would love to hear them! I hope this will also help other people who are thinking about the surgery…

Hi everyone. I was banded in 1/06 and have been reading this wonderful message board for quite some time. I just wanted to come out of hiding and say "hi" and I hope to become more active in this forum. Thanks to everyone who contributes... you are really helping people by sharing your stories.

Hey everyone! I am sooo excited. I start my preop liquid diet in two days. I have a surgery date set for December 30th with Dr. Alvarez in Mexico! I have struggled with my weight for the past 14 years. I am only 33 years old and I know if I want to live a long healthy life this is the best decision I could have ever made for myself and my family. Wish me luck!! I am not nervous at all--- I can hardly wait!:blushing:

Im a newbie, I decided I would join for support. I came to my decision to be banded after suffering over a year of consistent hypertension and a new discovery of sleep apnea! I am tired all the time and lack the energy to do the things I want. In any case I am scheduled to be banded December 21st :thumbup:(Merry Christmas to me) and the pre-op diet sucks! smoothies, broth, supplement Water and juice!! If anyone has a yummy filling suggestion I would greatly appreciate it! Best wishes to you all out there and Happy Holidays!

Hey there! I just wanted to stop in here and introduce myself. I just got the band put in Dec 21st and I am feeling pretty good... minus the gas pains! I am excited to be on here and I look forward to hearing from you. Happy Holidays! :)

I had the band over 3 yrs ago and I've gotten off track and gained 15 lbs. I need to get back on track but I don't want to get a fill right now due to money issues. How can I jump start the weight loss train again?

Okay, I've never had insurance and now I have some starting in January. I'm not too certain how I start this process. Do I first get in contact with my insurance to make sure they even cover it, contact the bariatric center or a clinic first? I'm not sure what step to even take first.

Hello everyone! This is my first time on here. I read a lot of posts while deciding if the band was for me. I decided I think I would do good because I have good self control (to a point) and just needed the extra boost the band would provide. I am 29 years old, live in Western CO, and work as a teacher. Despite having insurance, my great pay allowed me to go self-pay for the surgery (after taking out loans!). I have been overweight all my life, all my family is overweight, and nothing I have done has helped me succeed in losing more than 20 lbs. I am 5'4" and at my most, weighed 292. On the start day of my pre-op diet, I was 279. Today I weighed for the first …

Some of y'all know me from elsewhere. Seems I have three choices in front of me now: a third revision on the band, take it all the way out, or change to something else. The sleeve sounds good in theory -- but so did the band. Any long-term folks here, or is everyone still in the OMG this is so KEWL stages? Thanks

Hey everyone!! I was banded after a lengthy battle with my insurance company, who tried REALLY hard to drag it out as long as possible. Finally, I was approved.... about 3 weeks before I turned 23 and lost my coverage through my parents! My surgery center was AMAZING and squeezed me in right before the deadline... and I had the band "installed" on June 8th of this year. I'm a WLS "Lightweight," my highest weight was 243... and I am just barely 5'1. In the past 6 months, I have managed to lose approximately 45% of my extra weight (approx. 45lbs). It has gotten much easier now that my hormones are under control.... stupid PCOS!!! :tongue: Anyway, I look forward to get…

So I had my third appointment for my insurance required supervised diet with my PCP and... I gained three pounds! Now, here is how it's gone overall: 1st appt: up 3lbs (started diet that day) 2nd appt: down 6lbs 3rd appt: up 3lbs Overall I'm exactly the same weight as I was when I started the process. I was so upset Saturday when I was weighed in because, not to make excuses, but it's 'that time of the month' and I always, always, always pack on Water weight so I KNOW that's what it is- but BCBSIL doesn't know that! Has anyone ever NOT been approved because they didn't lose, or gained, weight on their insurance required pre-op diet? Since that was my last a…

Hi, all. My lapband surgery is set for this coming Thursday. I'm on day six of my pre-op liquid diet, which consists of 5-6 skim milk with carnation Breakfast drink daily, along with Propel, Crystal Light and other no-calorie drinks. I'm struggling with this diet. I made it without a single bite through day 5, but caved this morning. I had one slice of deli turkey, 1/2 banana, and 1/2 no crust Peanut Butter on wheat bread. Not sure how that's going to screw things up, but hopefully not too bad. I hope I can make it the rest of the way without solids. :thumbup: It's certainly a MIND game, isn't it! Looking forward to connecting with the forum community. Me…

Hi all, I am Kim and I had my band placed on 7/6/09 and I have only lost 21 pounds. I really think I should be down about 40 or so by now. Sometimes I can eat and sometimes I can't. Any pointers on how much you have lost and how I can get my weight to fall off. I am 45 and I think my metabolism is dead! :smile2:

Hi, i just called my insurance and they said im cover if i want to get a lap band. He said talk to my primary doctor and go on from there. My question is to u guys is how long of a process and doctor visit and which doctors i need to see before getting approved? Do u need to wait 5-6months to prepare or can u just go on and get the surgery. How long did it take for some of u for operation and did it really hurt that much? From the scale of 1-5 pain meter. How long is the healing process? Im male 32 yrs old 345lbs and i just found out i have diabites. i did try to hit the gym for the last 2 years but only lost 10lbs the most. I've been big for 22 years and its time.

I am being banded tomorrow. Well, I have made it this far; the 10-day pre-op liquid diet and the process before surgery has taught me several things: 1) What real hunger feels like, 2) that I am an emotional eater, and 3) food should not be used for emotional support. Emotional issues are not hunger issues. I will not die from feeling hunger. I guess I am a little nervous about what it will be like when I am banded. I wonder how my life will change as a result of the weight loss. This is a major change and I do feel the seriousness of my decision. I have never known what it's like to be of a normal weight. I will have fun rediscovering myself and it all begins …

I did a lot of research and I finally decided to go to syria to have the surgery there. I took that decision because of many reasons: 1 : a friend of mine had been sleeved there and she recommended the dr. 2: I am originally from Lebanon so a family member can accompany me as lebanon is few hours drive away. 3: I speak the language "arabic" 4: 4000$ is the price, including a private room with two beds ,tv fridge......excluding ticket which costed me 1200 $ cad from vancouver canada. anyway , I was sleeved on Dec 5th,2009 ,I weighed then 355lbs today is Dec 22nd,2009 and I was 223lbs which means 32 lbs lost in approx 2 weeks and few days. not bad eh. I threw up o…

Hey there...well the scale has finally started moving. I couldn't seem to get passed 221. I was back and fourth between 221 and 225 for nearly two weeks. I've finally gotten below that, at 220...thank GOD ! My eating habits have gotten much better. In fact lately I'm not eating enough. I've finally adjusted to small amounts and not experimenting so much. I struggle to get enough protein in because I'm watching carbs, and calories. However I've found some things that have a good bit of protein. Hormel turkey chili w/beans is 210 calories and 16 protein. I eat a can about every other day. I eating baby food meat sticks too. They are only 110 calories and 10 grams pr…