Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I was 258 i started my Journey back in Feb 9,2015, day of surgery May 21,2015. I weighed 223.7 now i am nearly 7 months post op vertical sleeve gasterectomy, i am now 154, i hope to lose to 125or 130, to date i have lost 104 pounds, i am off insulin, blood pressure medicine, cholesterol medicine, i have a happier healthier life, i still for now have a cpap for sleep apnea. But pressure reduced to 8 from 11, i am age 57 5"2 tall. I am hypothyroid. I take 60 mgs of Armour Thyroid, daily, i never regret my surgery, i am also very low carb. I will never ruin my sleeve.

Hi all, my name is Yana! I am 26 years old, 271lbs, 5'3", and I live in Richmond, VA. I am very glad I found this place to connect with other people who are or have been in the same boat as me! I have started the process to get sleeved! per my insurance requirements I have a 6 month waiting period. I have already seen my nutritionist, done psychology evaluation, and will do my first PCP visit in mid January, oh and a sleep apnea as well. I have always been fat! all my life! but right now I feel like I am in my highest and need to do something about it. I was 200lbs when I met my husband, and almost 4 years later and one baby, I am 271lbs! not good at all! I tried weigh…

Hello all. My name is Toi, a native of Chicago IL but currently resides in Houston TX. Like many of you, my weight struggles have been in existence for a vey long time. I've probably done every weight loss diet/fad you can think of (and I know you all have thought of them ALL ????). I visited the idea of bariatric surgery a few years ago and gave up because I felt 'if I can just try one more, I know I can do this on my own!' But alas, I couldn't (not permanently). Then, I developed arthritis in my knees that make me walk like my 75yr old grandmother... I'm only 30 and this freaks me out. So I took action. I prayed (a lot) and asked around and ended up back where I was 4 y…

Hi, I'm Kim I was sleeved Feb 19th 2015 and man has it been a hard journey!!! I've lost a total of 55 pounds and feel amazing...the past few months have been so rough, I'm finding myself slacking on getting to the gym and,going back to old eating habits! Haven't lost a pound in about 3 months and I get discouraged so easly!! My work is doing a biggest loser competition starting monday, I'm hoping this helps me really try as hard has I was and gets my,motivation back!!! If anyone has any ideas on how I can change my,mindset and get things going pleaase let me know!!!

Hello everyone. I had my VSG done on 12/21/15 so I am 11 days post op. For the first week everything was pretty good. Of course Christmas was hard and I wanted to eat like everyone else but was able to refrain. I moved on to thicker liquids this week and I feel like I am hungry all the time! I want to be able to chew something!! All of these liquids are becoming nauseating. When will the cravings stop? I'm afraid I am going to fail at this because my urges will win. I have heard about people who have to set their alarm to remind themselves to eat. Does anyone else do this? Anyone else having and issue with head hunger that can give me pointers?

I struggled with obesity my whole life, I would lose 30 lbs. just to gain 40 back. Quite frankly as a kid/teenager I did not care about my health. I cared about my appearance but it seemed "too hard" to make those changes. It was finally when my doctor told me I was becoming a pre diabetic that it all fell into place. 22 years old, 5'2" and 287 lbs. I went to the first meeting that I could. I remember that the 9 months my insurance required me to wait for the surgery seemed like forever. But I lost 50 pounds pre-op! Immediately after my surgery I out about 30 pounds and then kept hitting stalls. I got so depressed, for a year I lost nothing! I worked 7 days a week, an…

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Just before Christmas, I had the most marvelous experience. For the past 20 years, I have had to buy clothes in the BIG&TALL section, or in the era of on-line shopping, would have to pay up for larger sizes for Lee or Levi jeans. Would cost anywhere from $35-$50. Last week, I actually was able to buy Wrangler Jeans at a Walmart store right from the shelf, for $17. Its a wonderful thing! Happy New Year out there ... -RC-

Hi All - I am 56 yr old male and approx. 9 months post-op VSG. Recently, I have started to have profuse night sweat episodes. Happens for a few nights and then goes away. But will return. Notice some posts on the Internet about this, and specific to WLS patients. Noticed one of two threads here, but very old with no recent posts. Some of the theories were: 1) Body will sweat to release fat and toxins 2) Body is confused by the rapid weight loss 3) Hormonal reaction by body (thinks its going thru menopause, even for men with WLS) 4) May be response to limited food intake, and specifically no Protein close to bedtime So, I wanted to raise the topic again.…

Hello.....my weight loss journey started 5 years ago when I got a lap band. I did really well with the band and lost 90 pounds. I got to within 10 lbs of my goal weight but those ten pounds wouldn't budge. I struggled with vomiting almost 1 meal a day, But I was happy and would do anything to be thin. Then one day I couldn't eat not even half of my small amount of food. I went to the doctors to find out what was wrong with me. I got an X-ray which confirmed that my band had slipped to the middle of my stomach. I had another surgery to try to fix it or remove it. Unfortunately the doctor couldn't fix it so it was removed. I was very worried that my weight would co…

Its true what they say, grazing will undermine everything. This was my first Christmas since VSG this past spring. With so much bad stuff in the house - Christmas Cookies, chocolate, and other holiday goodies ... I found myself snacking throughout the day and night (something I had not done since VSG). After consistently losing 2-3 lbs a week since surgery, I actually gained 1 lb the week before and though Christmas. Went on a trip right after Christmas to FL. While I was eating out all meals, I didn't eat anything in between. Just got home AND ... lost the pound I had gained and 2 more. My body picked right up where it left off. Conclusion: Grazing is the …

I trying to get a better understanding of food proportion

I am 1000% glad that I have had the sleeve a week ago today. I know it is a big change and that it takes time. I was just talking to my husband about a trip we are taking and how the food I get at my favorite restaurant ever, which I used to eat in one sitting, would now easily take me a week to consume. I began sobbing because I didn't realize what a control food has on my life. I feel awful about that and at the same time, don't know how to get it out on my head and break the addiction.

When I started my journey almost two years ago, I remember being told during my psych eval that it is very common for us sleevers to develop other addictions post-opt. Made sense to me, since food was my drug of choice and this "treatment" would severely limit my "habit" (ha ha). However, I never thought I would develop a post-opt addiction because I'm against drinking (alcoholism runs in my family), smoking (my grandma died of lung cancer), gambling (brother is an addict) and excessive shopping (I love clothes, but I'm also very cheap) or a lot of the other common vices I saw around me. I thought I was fine. Then, slowly and without me realizing it, I started becomi…

I have been going to planet fitness for the last four months as my hubbies guest. I joined yesterday as my own member and she gave me a large shirt. I kinda laughed and just took it thinking I will be able to wear it in a month or two. I came home and tried it on. It fit!!! On Thanksgiving I wore a pair of large yoga pants and they fit!!! I am so excited as I have not worn a large size since I was probably about 14(I am 40)!!! I worked out today, I did my first full body workout instead of just working my legs or arms. Then I tanned!!! Yes I have not done that since high school for a dance. But I want to look good as well as feel good and be tan is a goal as I have …

I am new to this app. How do I create my profile?? I'm 4 weeks out and psyched to be on here!! Anyone wanna school me on all the acronyms on here?!!! Thanks!

One year ago today I had gastric sleeve and the removal of my gallbladder surgery. One year later, I have lost a total of 96 pounds. I feel great, look great, and will continue on with my weight lost journey. I can't say that this journey has been easy because it has not. Losing weight and keeping it off is a choice that I make daily. I choose to eat foods that will aid in my weight lost. Now I can't say I don't occasionally have cake, pies, Cookies and ice cream because I do. I don't believe in depriving myself of foods I enjoy eating however I know how to control my portions and not over indulge in it. My diet consist of almost 95% unprocessed food. I love eating fresh …

I had my initial consultation today for the sleeve. Everything went well--at this program they do an initial group consult where we meet with an admin, nurse, and dietician. While the nurse and dietician are speaking, the admin is processing paperwork and scheduling all of the appointments (except the surgery). At the end she handed out all of our appointment times. I can see that everyone else has an entire list of appointments, but my sheet is blank save for a piece of paper stapled to it that says they cannot continue booking until they further screen for my "diagnosis." But they don't say what diagnosis. So, I stay after to find out more. Turns out that my PCP had …

I can't believe it's only been 2 months since I nervously rolled into the OR for my sleeve surgery. I felt pretty certain this would be great for me. I had my doubts and fears but in my heart I knew this would my best chance to end the up and down battle. I've been really lucky not to be dealing with any rotten side effects or post-op medical issues. I've had a couple occasions where I hit my full limit and couldn't wait for things to move around. I've had a stall and slight regain that really stressed me out. But I put my trust in this process and stuck to the plan. I tried not to focus too much on where I want to be vs. where I am. My weight loss picked up again, …

January 20, 2016 is my surgery date! I'm nervous, excited, and relieved all at once. With the holidays approaching and some Last Suppering, I KNOW I'm going to eat more than I should, so I plan to counter the extra calories with more exercise time. The timing feels so good to me. My new beginning will be at the new year. My heaviest weight ever was 256 lbs. In my adult life my lowest was 125, back in my early 20's. I'm 48 now and I just want to be healthier. I quit smoking in October to be able to have this surgery. I take cholesterol and blood pressure meds that I'd like to be able to rid myself of. I no longer drink sodas or use artificial sweeteners. I'm trying very h…

So. You know. Skinny is a relative term in our world. These are probably 14/16 but I haven't been able to get in them for a couple of years. I thought I was at least 15 pounds away from these but here they are on my body and I can even breathe and everything LOL. I'm at 195 but I thought it would take 180 to get in them so it's a small victory. onward and upward.

Hello I'm looking into the sleeve I on the 29th I'm 5"6 and 268

Tomorrow will be 5 weeks since my sleeve surgery and I couldn't be happier with my decision. It wasn't a particular event that pushed me into making the decision - I was just tired of being overweight and I wanted to be more active with my kids. There were other things too that contributed over the years - not getting a promotion, taking forever to get over a back injury, not feeling healthy... so many other things. I knew that my insurance wouldn't cover the surgery and after selling our house and moving, I had the money I needed and there were no more excuses for not just doing it. My husband was super supportive when I told him I wanted to have the surgery. He to…

I had my sleeve done July of 2013 I was 231 when I had my surgery, I got down to 112 pounds, which was way to much weight to lose I think my body couldn't handle me being so skinny, I looked sick, all my friends told me I needed to put a little weight back on, now I weigh 129 and I look and feel so much better, I didn't over eat to gain the weight back I honestly don't know if my body just wasn't made to be that thin, now I'm worried about stretching my pouch out, I don't over eat , no pop, I do drink a lot of coffee with real sugar, I don't like Splenda or sweet n low, its the holidays and have been eating sweets one thing I didn't do even when I was heavy, I'm so scar…

Hello my name is Ebony and I'm a wife and mother of three. I recently had RNY on December 16th. My weight has been up and down for so long, I read about gastric bypass for months until I finally decided to make an appointment to see a doctor. My highest weight was 226 at my first visit which was 11/18/15 with a bmi of 40.23, on the day of surgery 12/16/15 I was 222. Yes you're reading it right lol I had my initial visit, seminar, 2 nutrition appointments, blood testing, sleep study, psychological evaluation, insurance approval, and surgery all within 4 weeks. I was very shocked at how fast the process was for me but I was beyond ready to have this new start. As of today …

Hello fellow sleevers my names Curt I am 33 years old from Southern Oregon. I started my journey in march 2015. I had to participate a 6 month pre-surgery weight loss program. I started off losing weight and about month 4 I started eating unhealthy eating fast food and drinking soda. I gained all the weight I had loss back. on August 31st 2015 I started a pre-surgery liquid diet. my surgery was scheduled for September 9th 2015 at Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. my surgeon was Dr. Mark Eaton from Southern Oregon Barbaric Center in Medford. The day of surgery I weighed 358 pounds. As of December 1st 2015 I weighed 278 pounds. 80 pounds since surgery and 1…

Hi guys, yesterday I had my 5 month mark. I have lost 51 lbs since surgery. I must say last month I have been in a stall. I'm happy with my results I just hope I can lose more. Not sure if I'm doing something really wrong and sabotaging my results. I have not been getting enough water or protein in a day. I need help or tips how I can do that.

Hi everyone! I'm scheduled for sleeve surgery on January 4. So far, the process has been very informative and exciting. I'm nervous, scared, and excited. I had to overcome my ego and pride to schedule my surgery and that in itself was a journey. I felt like I was taking a shortcut to weight loss before I learned and researched how this is a tool. I also took my best friend's advice that the surgery is going to help me sprint into the process but reaching the goal is going to involve my mindful commitment. I'm ready for the sprint and the long haul! My reasons for choosing this path is very similar to others... To feel better and have more energy are top of the list…

Hi everyone. I found this site two days pre-op and I wish I had found it sooner. I was in the throws of anxiety about what life would be life after. Monday, 12/28, was my surgery date. I was released about 2 hours ago. I am 5'4.75." The morning of surgery I weighed 214.8, naked. Today I weigh 212.6, in a sundress with shorts. I've been struggling with gas pain since I woke up from the anesthesia. The one thing I wish I had been prepared for is the pain. I've never hurt so much in my life. In all the videos I watched, blogs I read, all except one woman described their after surgery pain experience as a form of discomfort, not actual pain. Perhaps it is because I h…

So im at a christmas party , at my best friends home. His wife who has supported me and I are talking about clothes shopping. I like talking about thrift shopping and my latest finds ( got a pair of dress pants, gorgeous ones, from goodwill the other day, 4.99, they were from Barney's of New York and had the tags still on them for 250 bucks retail....( yay me!) Anyway, she tells me she has a few pairs of american eagle jeans that her son ( then 16) outgrew last year, and would I like them? SO of course i said sure! I never looked at the size i had already mentioned i was wearing 32 waist 30 inseam jeans that day. SO i assumed they were my size. My friend even laughed …

I finally got my new doctor to send my referral for Bariatric surgery. Insurance denied me, I was going to give up, but decided to appealed and got it approved because of Barretts, which originally they didn't have that information.. But My hospital can't do it, so they sent the referral to another one. When I called to make my appointment, they said 2 year wait list for non members.. UGH! Because of my Barretts and it's urgent for me to get the GERD to stop so I am not at an even higher risk for cancer. My doctor said 2 years is too long. So I called back the program and she said they don't ever get chart notes with referrals so they had no way to know. So I had to …

Had my sleeve done 5/11 and had to keep my drain in until today. Went to the doctor's office and found out I lost 13 lbs in 10 days! After the great news, my doctor laid me down and pulled the drain from my abdomen. I read a few topics on here that said this process doesn't hurt. In my case, it was soooo painful! It hurt so much I thought something went wrong. I will admit the pain goes away fairly quickly and by the time I left the office, I was no longer in pain but wow that hurt a lot!! Just sharing my experience for others that have to keep in a drain for a few days.

hello everyone I am new to all of this...I am scared, nervous and excited all at the same time. I have already chosen a surgeon and I have started the process of getting me surgery approved through my insurance. I am almost on my 2nd month of a 6month supervised diet with my regular doctor. I am scared about the pain I will feel after surgery and I am terrified I will immediately regret it. I have wanted this for a long time but now it all just seams so real and kind of scary . I am wondering if any one who has already had the sleeve has had the same fears and or thoughts I am. I guess I just need people who understands what I'm feeling and may have advice for me. no one…

Went jeans shopping today. Started at 283lbs waist size 44. Today 228lbs waist size 38. Feels great not to have to search for the largest size on the rack. Now just need a date that likes to run.

I have been talking on another weight loss forum since before my surgery but it kind of just up and died and so I thought I would find a new support system in you guys. I use to weigh 368 pounds and I am not shy about it. I had 4 kids then years of unexplained infertility. Since my surgery in June 2012 I have had two beautiful girls. This time I have not bounced back as fast. She is only 11 weeks but I have broken some Cardinal rules and I was thinking about doing a 5 day pouch reset. Well here I am...

Wow the pain was nothing only thing that is uncomfortable is the gas other than that it OKAY. THANKS BRIAN BERTAND and KELLY HAWKINS FOR LETTING ME CRY ON YOUR PHONE

Today is surgery day! Well, in the morning, but I cant sleep because Im so excited/nervous/ready. My highest weight was 281. My preop weight is 252. By the summer I hope that number begins with a 1, not 2. New life, here we go. : )

I have been talking on another weight loss forum since before my surgery but it kind of just up and died and so I thought I would find a new support system in you guys

I am a newbie my make a Shelly from Michigan. I'm 28 5"6 263. I want to get the sleeve I just got approved by insurance today n my psych eval Saturday the 2nd what's next? I'm so nervous n excited all at the same time

In an hour I'll be heading to Houston for my gastric sleeve! If you can spare a prayer it would be greatly appreciated

Hello everyone! My surgery, after five months of Being on the Doctor train is January 14,2016. I am so beyond excited and nervous and excited, and well you get the picture lol. I currently weighing 293 (can't believe I just shared that) and my goal is 155. My height is 5'8 and I am determined to use this opportunity as a fresh start. It's a scary journey, anytime we embark on the unknown it is, but overall when we think positive our lives become positive. I love having this forum to talk with others and find that there is many tips that are going to be useful. So excited.

In a discouraged mood. The thought of more protein shakes nauseates me. Was hoping to be feeling better 5 days post-op. Restless. Normal?

Hello my name is Maria, I'm having RYN gastric bypass on 12/31/15. This is a great website full of great information and encouragement! I'm currently taking protein shakes/protein bars(bariactric choice) and a light progresso soup for dinner. I'm over the missing eating some real food for now and feeling good about how I'm handling it all but I'm just ready to get it over with and begin this new chapter in my life! Thank you all for listening! Happy holidays!!

Top picture is the week before surgery. Bottom two are current photos. Starting weight 277, current weight 182. Total loss of 95 pounds just shy of 6 months. Could not be happier!!

STARTING OUT My surgery date is December 28, 2015. The nearest WLS center is 2 hrs away but my GP is very supportive and has other WLS patients, so I am not worried about the distance. The WLS is a "Center of excellence" which made researching the doctors easy. I've toyed with the idea of WLS for more than 10 years. Each time I started thinking seriously about it, I'd give healthy eating one more try-- usually with minimal results. About 6 years ago, though, I adopted a low-fat, plant-based diet and lost almost 50 lbs -- way more than I'd ever lost on Weight Watchers (9 times), Jenny Craig, OptifSt, Atkins, the Zone,...you know the story! And even though I felt fantas…

Hey everyone! I'm new for the most part. I'm scheduled for surgery on December 10th and I was hoping to find someone to was getting sleeved right around the same time that would want to talk. For motivation, worries, support, someone who is literally in this process at the same point in time as me. :-)

Hi! I was sleeved on 12/17. I've been okay. I struggled a little with Christmas and all the smells of goodies and food. My husband took me to the movies today and for the first time in years I fit comfortably in the theater seat! I'm not gonna lie, I cried a little bit. I know it doesn't sound like much to some but I was reminded of why I did my surgery in the first place! After being off for 11 days I return to reality tomorrow aka work. I'm a little nervous of how my new diet will effect me. I'm on Phase 2 so full liquids. Any advice to carry me through the next few days would be great! ????

I am a work in progress! On New Years Day 2016, I will be sleeved 17 months. I can say that my life has changed in so many ways. This New Year's Eve I don't have to promise to lose weight as that is already happening. I do have to Focus on being happy and living my best sleeved life. There has been nothing easy for me regarding change. I had life, career and major health challenges. However, each day I live is another chance to better than the day before. I have 35 pounds left that I am going to lose my life has always gone better than the projected statistics. Sometimes I make mistakes but this choice was not one of them! I just want to share a sense of hope and …

Hi i was sleeved 12-22-2014 hw313 sw 287 cw 190 or 195 i go up or down 5 pounds ???? im so upset my mom tells me honey ur fat im like mom really thanks i guess she has higher expectations for me to look like a stick

Ninety days ago yesterday was my surgery date and I feel as though I was just released from the hospital due to all the drama I have suffered. Things are somewhat better because I had to remove myself from the main person who continues to disturb my peace, my only daughter. Oh yes it bothers me very much but I can no longer internalize and worry about or address her dysfunctional, emotional rages that she places on me. My main priority is to be healed and move on with my life. No matter who and what has to go my answer is ...bye, bye, bye!!! Can anyone else relate to the need to adjust some people in your life to focus on yourself?