Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I have been reading a lot of posts but this is my first time posting. I am having the VSG on August 11. I am so very excited! :drool5: I am hoping that in a few months I can get rid of this fat woman that swallowed :scared0: me and I will once again recognize the person in the mirror. I have not been a "normal" weight since childhood but since menopause, diabetes II and a few medications that helped it along, I have quite literally ballooned. I am looking forward to getting to know you all and becoming a part of the support network here. Barb

:cool2: I picked up the phone, how could I know? The surgery clinic called me and said if it could be arranged, they would lilke to move my surgery to wednesday, July 29/09. UP from July 31/09. On the calendar, that is only two days, no biggie right? However, in my mind I don't think I was thinking about that. I hung up the phone smiling. Now I'm breathing really hard and trying to remember when I was cleared to make decisions for myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thoughts? Words of wisdom? Anything? :thumbup:I want this so bad, but the scared out of my shorts part just kicked in big. Thanx for letting me vent.

Greetings everyone! This is my first post here, and I am so excited to have found this resource:) My name is Melissa, I am 31 years old and have been overweight all my life. I am quite tall (5'11) and my starting weight was 315. I am post op day 2 right now, doing well overall. My pain isn't too bad, and had a relativly smooth ride thus far. I just wanted to say hello!

After 6 months of monitored weight loss..losing 30+ lbs.and getting 4 days before surgery.. and getting a kick in the face.. I decided to call my Dr. office to make sure all the I's were dotted and T's were crossed.. they hadn't gotten insurance approval and my cardiologists didn't give the right paperwork!! My cardiologist is on vacation until 8/3..so I can't get "clearance" from him until he gets back! and I can't have my surgery until 8/12 or 8/19 because they are booked!!! I am so frustrated with this process.. I feel like I was doing this for nothing... Then I took a deep breath, wiped the tears away and thought.. I was not supposed to have this surgery on tha…

Just had my surgery on Tuesday. Things could be better, but I am getting along. Vomited a few times, had to have all Fluid removed from band already cause it hurt to swallow. I am constantly hungry. Can't wait for the initial 4 weeks to be up. Derek

Hello All I have recently come to the conclusion that I need to do something drastic to loose the wieght I have been loosing and regaining (more) all my life. I have done calorie counting, portion control, nutrasystem, metabolic research, jillian michaels biggest looser etc. Some work and I am able to loose some wieght but it always comes back with more. Right now I am at my heaviest 335lbs. I have been researching bariatric surgery and have decided the sleeve is right for me. I do not like the idea of re-routing my guts with the long term implications that brings. I also don't like the idea of having a appliance in my body that can cause problems in the future. …

I am going to have the surgery in November. I am struggling whether to have Lap Band or gastro bypass. I would love to here about some results for others on here about their lap band:smile:

Hi Everyone, Very new at this computer thing....so please be patient...It is SO hard to find any info about the sleeve, no one I talk to has ever heard of it, so it's frustrating. I researched everything I could get...I was all set to get the gastric bypass but never felt 100% good about it, I was so stressed out about the malabsorption thing. When I started hearing more about the Sleeve I knew this was the surgery for me and luckily my doctor does the procedure so I just switched my procedure from the bypass to the sleeve. NOW I feel 100% sure and my mind is at ease. I have been going thru trying to get bariatric surgery for nearly 3 years now. Problems with my medical …

Hi everybody! I'm new (both to this website, and banding, I've had my band for 26 hours). I'm very excited for this new chapter in my life, and the lap-band is going to be the perfect tool help me get to my goal weight. I know I'm still going to have to work my butt off (pun intended), but I'm stoked. Also, I'm at home on the clear fluids diet, and am DYING for a protien shake (I'm hungry, the juce/crystal lite and popsicles aren't cutting it). Anyone know if its ok for me to have a pure protien shake yet? I'm tolerating liquids very well, no nausea or anything.

After considering this surgery for a year... starting the insurance process last year...getting pregnant...having a baby...starting the process ALL over again... I finally have my surgery date! My surgery date is 8/3/09 so...why the heck am I getting nervous now? Haven't I had almost 2 years to thinkand pray about this? I know the surgery can't be any worse than a C-section can it? Just need a little encouragement! :smile::cool2:

Hello! I have never written a blog before but am anxious to get started. I have made the decision to have lapband surgery...maybe in September. My insurance requires a three month supervised diet before approval. I am in my last month and have lost 32 pounds. I am struggling right now...right on target with my past history! I saw a different doctor than the one who recommended this, in the practice, and he tried to talk me out of the surgery since I was doing so well! This really messed me up. I tried to explain to him that I have lost 20-40 lbs MANY times and then gain it back, plus 20! He actually said, "IF YOU WERE MY MOTHER, I'D TELL YOU NOT TO DO AND JUST KEEP DOING …

Hello everyone...well I'm going to do it!! After battling my weight all my life I am getting banded. No more yo yo dieting, time to take care of myself. I'm a little nervous, but excited too. Only a few weeks to go, I hope all goes well. I was thrilled to find this site, very informative. Looking for support wherever I can find it. Bye for now.

Hello y'all! I'm Susan, and I'm having lap band surgery on Friday!! I am excited and nervous! LOL I have been a size 30/32 way too long, and I am definitely ready!! :smile:

I have my first meeting on August 6 @ 7pm. I am not sure what to bring or what questions to ask. My doctor said that i need to have this surgery or I will end up with major complications. Can anyone give me some ideas as to what I should do.

Hi everyone, my name is Steve. I am 32 years old and live in Michigan. I am having VSG surgery on July 27th, 2009. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the forums and thank everyone for posting here. I have been overweight all of my adult life. Finally this year I had a talk with my primary doctor and told him I wanted WLS surgery. At that time I talked about the RNY with him because I had no idea about the sleeve surgery until my Education Day with the surgeon and his staff. Once I learned about the sleeve I knew it was the right surgery for me. At least I hope. I am fortunate that I have no health problems with the exception of sleep apnea. …

I just got my surgery date today and it's in 9 days! I'm a little nervous but very excited too! I wish I'd found this place earlier. So much good information :smile:

Hi everyone! Just found out yesterday that I am approved! I have my surgical consent signing on next Wednesday! I am so excited!!! Leah

Hi everyone! I've posted a few times asking questions to help me in my decision making process... Well, I have decided that if my insurance approves it, I am going to get banded! I cannot wait. I have to wait about 2 weeks until my insurance will give my doc an answer. It's going to be hard to wait that long, but I know it will be worth it in the end. I am anxious to get all the other doc appointments scheduled and get my surgery date. I am hoping for the beginning of September. It will be my birthday present to myself. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for everyone that responded to my posts and to everyone that has shared their stories on these boards. Y…

I'm not banded yet, that is next friday. Scared/can't wait// really scared/, nervous/ can't wait!!! Well you get what I'm going through. I'm currently on the Meditrim shakes. Not bad. I know this is the right thing for me I just hate being put to sleep. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but ... Thanx for letting me talk.

Just starting the journey:lol:...My story is I have been over weight most of my life...I was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure when I was 26 years old...I started taking one pill which was a fluid pill...So, in 2000 I decided to change the way I was eating...I did not follow a "diet" plan...I just stopped eating a lot of bad food...I started eating fresh fruit and vegetables and more fish and less red meat...I started drinking water and walking...I lost 55lbs the first year...Since I was diagnosed with having HBP when I'm stressed or extremely upset my blood pressure spikes out of control and I have to be hospitalized and treated...Even with changing my diet and taking m…

So glad to have found a site that is dedicated to those who have chosen the Lapband for weight loss, for one reason or another. I am pre-op right now, surgery is scheduled for August 24th and I cannot wait. After a lifetime of gaining and losing, tears and frustration and continued travail, I have finally found a tool that I know will help me gain control. Reading your posts is most supportive and I look forward to participating on a regular basis. Katie2

Well Hello!:yo: I am a TEXAS GAL, and I am here to get all the info you guys are willing to share. I want the Good, The bad, And the UGLY! (please) After doing LOTS, and LOTS of research, I have decided to get the sleeve instead of the Band.:001_smile: I recently found out that My insurance will cover the sleeve (BCBS FEP) needless to say that was a plus. I am curently in the process of meeting with my Dietician, and getting a Psyc evaluation. I have a long way to go before surgery but I gave my first step in getting healthy! I wish everyone the best, and thank you for having a place like this!:thumbup:

Hello, I am new. I am just trying to do research on LapBand. I am hoping to have the surgery done, upon insurance approval. Any info would be appreciated. How much do people lose with this? My goal is 150 lbs.:thumbup:

Hello! I was banded in August 08. My highest weight was 278 and today I weigh 213. I have a 9 cc Realize band and I currently have 7.5 cc in the band. My next fill appointment is scheduled for May 6th. My surgeon was Dr. Keith Gersin at Carolinas Weight Management and Wellness Center in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping this website will give me the support I am so desepartely needing. I am getting a little fustrated because the weight is not coming off like it has and I exercise on a dialy basis and watch every morsel that goes into my mouth and the scales are not moving. I find myself resorting back to OLD habits and I think this is due to my fustration. Thanks, …

Hi all, just introducing myself. My names Anne I'm 41 and live in the Netherlands I'm originally from Australia, I was searching for support groups on the net when I came across this one, I had my banding operation back in February 2006. The only support I have here is my husband. He comes with me to every appointment as I don't speak Dutch .Any way moving on to my banding I haven't done very well when I had surgery My weight was at the highest Id ever been at 313lbs and a BMI of 49, since my banding I've only lost 44lbs and MT BMI is now 42.1 not much at all considering my surgery was 2 1/2 years ago. I read so many success stories here and get very depressed …

I just went to my seminar and the surgeon said that you don't feel real "satiety" until nutrients get into your intestines. He also said that the food you eat sits in your pouch for a few hours getting soft enough to go down. What I concluded was that you eat, but are still not satisfied - just like going on a diet now does! Only you can't cheat. Is that true? Another question: does overeating cause the lap band to "slip?" Do you know when you have eaten all you are supposed to eat?

Hi everyone, i am a 50 year old grandma of 4 and one on the way and am tired of not being able to have my babies sit on my lap. I would love to see them grow. !!!! I am in the process of getting the things in place to have the surgery done. Yeah i am nervous, but i hope to have moral support from my family and friends. Its so hard, as i dont have access to excercize equipment. I have tried to lose weight by myself and havent had much success. I guess you could call me heartbroken because i went to the drs yesterday and they told me i had gained another 4 lbs, i feel like a failure. One of the nurse practioners said this was a good place to start. So here i am.:thumbup:…

Hello everyone, My name is Phoebe and I was banded on 7/14/09. My initial weight was 226lbs. On my surgery date, after the liquid diet, I was 218. Now I am 215. My surgeon is Dr. Oliver Whipple in Savannah GA. He has been great so far. THere were no complications during surgery. I am 26 years old, an army wife, a mother of a seven year old, and a student nurse.

I am new to the site I really like it. I have a question for anyone who has diabetes and has the lap band. Did it help you diabetes? How well did it help your diabetes? How fast did it help your diabetes?

Hi: July 15, was my first surgiversary of my VSG!. I have lost 102 lbs and feel great even though I have arrythmia before surgery and still bothers me!. Anyway, my life quality has improved 100% and to loose weight is a matter of one day at a time!, and I do encouraged other to go into surgery!. Regards PedroF

Hi Everyone! This is my very first post, what a great site! I now know that I'm not alone. Right down to waiting on insurance approval. I am absolutely determined to do what it takes to get this done!! ALOT of fantastic ppl on here, makes me very hopeful. (and excited) Just as soon as I get a surgery date I will be back with pics & no doubt balling my eyes out from happiness about my approval. Talk to you all soon! Good luck!!!!!

Hello, I'm new to message boards, so if i've not done something right please let me know. I'm happy that i found this fourm with so many people. I will be banded on Aug. 12, 09. I"m looking for a great support group. I have a feeling that I have just found it. m

Although i've been browsing a few boards over the past few weeks, this is my first time posting. I'm a 27 year old wife and mother of 3. I first thought about wls last year, but then became pregnant with my 3rd daughter. She is now 3 months old and I have lost 42lbs so now I am now back to my my pre-pregnancy weight (actually a few pound less) so I want to begin the process of getting approved by my insurance company. I have to do a 6 month diet program and my insurance accepts weight watchers so I begin that next month. I am also scheduled for a WLS seminar at the hospital and an appointment with my PCP next month. So my plan is to do my diet and not lose too much ( it a…

Help, I am 5ft 9 1/2 inches in height. I weigh 230lbs. I was told that I needed to weigh at least 240lbs in order to have the surgery done. Do any of you know of any doctor that will give me the surgery at my current weight. I want to be at 170 lbs. I am 60 lbs from my ideal weight but 10 lbs from the lapband. Please help!

So HI! My name is Emily . Im 23. I was just banded on july 16th.No problems during surgery. My stay was excellent. I didnt get up and walk much the night at the hospital. I didnt sleep the night before surgery( nerves) so when i had to be tehre at 530am i was exhausted and after the recovery room and being placed in my room i slept a lot! Prolly every 20 minutes hahah on and off. I had some slight gas pain in my tummy. Other than that i was peachy. So far (and its only been 7 days) nothing to complain about except i wanna CHEW something haha. Im not hungry I just want to have some kind of consistancy in my mouth. Im still on Clear Liquids. I am on that until I go for …

I just joined this sight and I am looking for advise, just general advise on what I should do pre-surgery for the best outcome. I have lost 20 pounds, am exercising daily and eating plenty of protein. Also, anyone in Elk Grove, Ca?

Hi everyone! I was banded on 7/7/09 and I'm already eating and tolerating solids. Is that normal? I have a fill coming up in 2 1/2 weeks and I know things will change then, but still...Just wondering if anyone else had same experience? Thanks, Melissa:confused:

Hi, I just recently found out about the lap band. I am 27 yrs. old, 250lbs. and I also have Hypothyroidism. I have been overweight all my life and it is really difficult for me to lose weight. I am currently living in Nicaragua as a missionary and I was thinking about getting banded in Costa Rica. It's not that far from me and I know it is a lot cheaper there. The only thing is that before I do it I would like to talk to someone that has had it done there and their experience. Thanks, Charity Marroquin

Hi Everyone, My name is Christie and I am hoping to have surgery in Roanoke VA in the near future. I called today for information and I will be attending the next class for Dr Long. I started this process once before, but ended up getting pregnant with my second son so I had to put things on hold. Anyway, I hope to get to know everyone and have some support through this process. Christie

Hi, I am in the pre-op stage of getting my lap-band, I must admit it was not my first choice as I wanted to have the RNY, however my insurance will only cover the band, so right now I feel like I am forced to choose a method I don't totally agree with. My husband had the RNY, and so have my sister and cousin all with great sucess, however, my view is that I am settling for next best. I have been researching the band and how people have done with it over the past week, since the insurance company informed me of the change. I know I will be okay but I am concerned about the possibility of having the band replaced in five years, or any other surgeries as a result of this dec…

I am just getting started. I have my appointments for EKG, blood work, stress test, etc. day after tomorrow - Wed. 9/22. My surgury is scheduled for Sept. 8. My friend and I are doing this together - hoping that will make it easier for each of us!

Just switched to UHC in early July. The insurance folks at Barix in Groveport submitted my information to UHC for approval. She said it usually takes 1-2 weeks before I hear something. I am keeping my fingers crossed!!! They didn't really tell her what the requirements were, which is kind of the way they were with me on the phone. They just said medically necessary..which I think is BMI > 35. Praying it all comes back for approval with no strings!!!!

Sooo i got my appt today with Dr. Monte Schwartz! now i just have to wait to see him and see if he'll let me have the surgery!!! cant wait karen:thumbup:

Does anyone have VAPremier as ther HMO and is getting the lap band surgery I wanted to know how long does it take. Cause I was told that I have to do a six month diet plan with my primary doctor and I wanted to know will i be looking at next year for the surgery cause that is to long. Any advice anyone and im in the richmond va area.

Hi everyone! I'm going to be banded by Dr. Hart at True Results in Atlanta. I will be self pay (part financed / part cash) so I have less hoops to jump through. Last week I did my blood work, ekg, and chest x-ray / upper gi. Next week I will be meeting with the nutritionist and I will be ready to go! However, I do not intend to have the surgery until late October / early November. I'm trying to save up cash right until the last minute and I also have a packed schedule where I can't take any time off from work just yet. I look forward to reading everyone's posts!

Hello all I haven't been on here in a while, but just to let u all know. I am in the process of having all these test done and everything. I have had my first 3 hr appointment I saw the nurse, Dr then had a EKG and had lab work done. I was there for like 3 hrs. My next appointment is thurs I see Dietician, therapist, then surgeon after that I take a stress test. The dr wants me to have a stress test because I had abnormalities in my EKG which she said was nothing serious and want me to have stress test becuase I told her that I have chest pains sometimes. My friend said they never booked all of her medical appointments together like there doing mine. I told her maybe it's…

Hi everyone...I am new to posting but having been actively reading everyone's advice and couldn't be happier to be going in and getting this part of the journey over with. I am soooo tired of being heavy and hearing people saying "your not that heavy" or "your not heavy enough for surgery".....Well yes I am that heavy and I am heavy enough for surgery!!! The dr's assistant tried talking me into switching to the gastric bypass surgery today saying that the band was going to take more of a commitment on my part than bypass would be and he wanted to know if I was really committed...HELLO I am here and having surgery tomorrow how much more committed can I be. I thought the…

I dont want to say anything bad about the lapband, my only intention is to talk to anyone who did have the lapband and had to take it out. my lapband comes out 7-13-09, after a pretty miserable 5 years. I believe the lapband is a good choice, it just didnt work out for me. I'm looking to know what to expect once it comes out, recovery and etc...

I just want to introduce myself. I have been reading these boards for a couple of weeks but this is my first post. I am having surgery on July 28th finally. I started this process on april 1st and I thought it wouldn't take long for surgery since my insurance didn't require a diet history. All they required was a letter from pcp stating I need the surgery. In the process of getting all the pre op testing I discovered that I have sleep apnea. I ended up having to go for 3 sleep studies. The first time I never went to sleep. The 2nd time they discovered the apnea and had to go back again for titration. That took a while. Then I was told I have a fatty liver and they d…

Hi all. I am just starting to read and decide about getting banded. I started this a year ago, but am really serious now. I just don't know.I have talked to my family doctor and she has told me about the group here that does the surgey and that I should go to the talk they give at the hospital. So that is in my future. I'm 59, 80 lbs overweight and I have Fibromyalgia, arthritis and asthma, degenerative discs in my back and I need knee replacements. Wow...that sounds like a lot when I actually see it in print! I know it all would be better with weight loss. I'll enjoy reading through the posts and gaining info from you all.