Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

10,189 topics in this forum

Creating a new thread because the other one has gotten really long. So, here are my before and currents to keep the topic moving. Current as of last week:

Did gastric sleeve my weight before surgery (August 2020) was 330 lbs! my weight today is 165 lbs, it’s important for me to say that 1 year after surgery I was at 170 lbs.. but it took my body a little bit of time to adjust to the new wait, but what’s important is that I actually stayed consistent with the weight loss! Didn’t gain the weight back even tho I was warned before surgery that I might gain the weight back. It’s been 6 years I’m 26 years old now, I look back at 20 year old me with happiness.. I’m sure he knew he’s gonna get there and his life would get much healthier. It’s important to note, I did a 360 liposuction and tummy tuck in September of 2025, and I…

Weight loss surgery success journey stories are important because the written word enables us to connect on an emotional basis with others. Telling our journey stories is a way to build a deeper level of understanding. Thinking about and creating our stories regarding our life history, life experiences, and influences on our lives can be related to family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Everyone has different, exceptional life experiences with unique and special stories to share and teach others. My own story is one of redemption and salvation – but my redemption involved turning away from religion, and my salvation came from science. I was bo…

January 22,2022 To now 283lbs holding steady around 190. Lowest post op 168lbs

I bought them on a whim. I went into the thrift store with the idea of just looking around and decided to take the plunge and get a smaller size of jeans. The ones I had been wearing with a belt I have been in for years - size 20 relaxed fit. I was brave and daring and picked two sizes smaller. I tried them on today, the day after Thanksgiving the biggest food holiday in the US and THEY FIT! I did my little happy dance, shared with my boyfriend and now it is out the door for some Black Friday sales and a few essentials before the winter storm coming this weekend. I just had to share first. This works, stay on top of your calories, sip your water and MOVE. Then celebrate a…

Today, for some reason, I clicked on this link and began reading your many stories. My journey is much like yours today. It began with great excitement, met challenges and overcame obstacles, and yes, was even lost for a few months or maybe even a year (or so)! However, isn't anything you ever wanted to achieve, and did, made richer by the journey? It's also my 28th wedding anniversary weekend. However, as usual, I will ride my E-bike to the nursing home to see my LOVE, whom I call "Sweetie", and whom the Court refers to as my "spouse," who is locked away in Memory Care. Never fail to appreciate your journey; living only for tomorrow often arrives sooner than you think, a…

Goaaaaaal! I set out last July to lose 100 lbs. and I picked a random date at the end of May to get there. Today, May 25th, I'm down 100 lbs. and am lighter than I have been since college (30+ years ago).

The top is around my heaviest, the bottom is my current. HW: 374 SW: 366 CW: 284 GW: 150ish I've lost 31% of my total body weight since surgery and I'm down 90 lbs from my heaviest. Size 30 to 20

I just got this reintroduction email -- totally forgot I was a member since the lapband has really become so much a routine part of my life that I don't think much about it. I had the surgery in mid-2009 when I was 56, and initially lost 75 pounds in 4 months. Since then, I have kept my weight at about 185. I have learned how to eat with it and think it was the best thing I ever did for my health. My only complaint is that I wish I could eat more fruits and veggies. I had one adjustment in 2011 and none since until this month. I see the surgeon every other year for a routine checkup and X-ray, and he considers me a success story. As I am now 72, I wanted a bit more f…

Hi all, my name is Kevin, and I'm new to this board. I just signed up because, for the first time, I think I have a story to share. I've been reading on this board for months as I've been weighing surgical possibilities, and now it's weird being on the other side. I did my gastric sleeve with Renew Bariatics in Tijuana about 4 months back, and I'm at -82 lbs to date. If you're undecided or on the fence—believe me, I'm there. I wasted YEARS jumping around, attempting every diet, every exercise craze, every miracle pill. Nothing held. I'd lose 20 lbs and gain 30. I was at my all-time high last year at 312 lbs, and it started affecting every area of my life—my knees hur…

I am new here, thanks for having me. I am Joyce I've lost 122lbs. Also 1 year post op. April 5th. 2025. I was a size 16-18 pants dresses and shirts I wore 2x 3x now I'm a size 10 pants and dresses also a small in dresses, shirts, panties and bras.. shoe size 10- 11 in women and I wear in men sizes in tennis shoes 8.5 I am in need of clothes and dresses,shoes,socks,bras, panties I can't afford anything as of yet still recovering from almost dying in September 2024 I was hospitalized for four days I almost starved to death my asopagus closed up on me couldn't eat nor drink for two months. Now as of March 20, 2025 thanks to God and my now boyfriend I am here doing better etc…

My journey towards a healthier weight began with a decision to take control of my health and well-being. At 102 kg, I knew I needed professional guidance and support to navigate the complexities of weight loss. Before the surgery, I had extensive consultations with the medical team. They took the time to understand my medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals before recommending the gastric sleeve surgery as the most suitable option for me. The day of the surgery arrived, and although I felt nervous, the surgery went smoothly. After the gastric sleeve surgery, the first days were tough as I adjusted to the changes. Gradually, I felt improvements in my energy …

Hi! my name is Shana! I had the DS Loop on 10/31/23. My HW was 309.4 pounds. My SW was 263.7 pounds. My GW was 150 pounds, achieved 7/21/24. My LW was 117.7 pounds on 2/3/25. As of this morning, I am 121.6 pounds. I am not too upset about gaining weight because I feel that I look too thin. I have lost 104 inches since WLS day. I am having excess skin removal in 3/17/25 (bilateral tummy tuck and breast implants. Glad to be joint these forums.

I started my bariatric journey in October 2023. In the picture I'll post is a recent picture @ 236 lbs. the other is me last July at 363+ lbs. From October to my surgery date Feb 7th 2024 I lost 79 lbs. Around 15 of that was after the two week liquid diet leading up to surgery day. I've lost 48 lbs. since surgery. Which doesn't seem like it, since I have had stalls. Despite having a torn meniscus since last June. I workout nearly everyday. Walking when tolerable, but usually on a stationary bike along with lifting light weights. Nothing crazy. I feel like I lose inches far better than I lose pounds. For the first time since 2003-04 I can wear a large shirt without all the…

Hi All, I am having my surgery in 2 days (10/1/19) and just need to see some motivation to help me stop being so nervous. Can everyone just provide their first 6 month weight loss stats. Lbs down per month - month 1, 2, 3, etc...so I can be reminded of all the good things I have to look forward too! I am so excited but so scared and this simple thing will help me tremendously. Thanks!

My weight is finally under 300 pounds for the first time in months and I've never been happier and more proud of myself! Now to focus on getting into the 100s ?

60lbs down since the start and 52 since the day of my surgery. 13 inches off my waist and 10 off my apron belly. Feeling more confident. Still a way to go

Has anyone had a sleeve who takes Abilify? My metabolism has virtually stopped since taking Abilify. I am going to be sleeved on 10/24 and can't wait. Please write and tell me of your weight loss experience since being sleeved while on Abilify.

Had to share my before and after 3 years later I’m still changing and it makes me happy to see the change I no longer have sleep apnea and I don’t snore at all now.. I’m silent when I sleep lost 90 kgs (198 pounds).. I’m greatful for everything even my hair color changed during these 3 years it feels like I’m a completely new person(note that I had this hair color when I was younger.. then it got darker when I became obese.. and now it’s lighter again)! before and after pics inserted.

Just came back from a short holiday with my kids and woke up to a nice surprise this morning after retuning to my work place. I had to call my wife right away to share the good news. I'm officially below my goal weight of 70 kg with a "NORMAL" BMI. I was worried I was not going to hit the goal before the second surgery-versary in January 24 but I did it. Playing on all the rides in Legoland theme park and chasing my kids on the beach must have helped me lose the last stubborn 1 kg ?. Here is a before and after. Left was a few months before the surgery (pants size 52") and right was two days ago (pants size 29"). Look at those thighs! You never real…

I didn't realize how much the label "obese" bothered me until I stepped on the scale and found myself in the "overweight" category. I became teary eyed. It is sad that labels can mean so much. There is no practical difference between the two pounds more that I weighed last week and then the two pounds less this week. Thirty pounds ago my I lost my sleep apnea diagnosis (and CPAP!), forty pounds ago I went from Type-2 diabetic A1C to pre-diabetic (then to normal!) and fifty pounds ago I dropped my blood pressure meds and maintain a normal BP. Those are the most important "wins." But it sure feels good to be "overweight" (and not obese).

I haven't had my surgery yet but I'm hoping you guys can answer this question. Please please please tell me that you got more energy after you started losing the weight after your procedure. I've noticed more and more that with my weight loss I am sluggish and tired all the time. I've also started getting symptoms of PMDD. I've been reading online that a lot of the things I've been dealing with like OAB and asthma, improve significantly but I really really want to stop being exhausted all the time

60lbs down since the start and 52 since the day of my surgery. 13 inches off my waist and 10 off my apron belly. Feeling more confident. Still a way to go

Who knew 3 years ago that on September 24, 2023, I’d be crossing the finish line after 12 hours, 33 minutes and 38 seconds of hard work in the Chattanooga Ironman! Since February 5, 2021 I have stayed focused, followed the plan, and worked hard to lose a 160lbs. And those decisions are got me here! I share this not to brag or seek attention, but to show others who have questions or doubts of what is possible! If you have or are considering proceeding with bariatric surgery, go into it with the decision and desire to live life differently moving forward! The old way doesn’t work for us wired the way we are! You have to want to do better and be better for this to wo…

WEll, I did it! I reached a goal. my goal was 179 from 229 and i'm now 178.4! Also started on regular diet.

Hi everyone, I was sleeved 9/11/2013 and this ten years has definitely been a journey weight loss rollercoaster for me. I started at 239 and currently weight 152. I lost down to 167 and that was my lowest for years. I slowly gained again after the lost of my parents and last year weighed 212. I refocused and lost 60 pounds down to my lowest at 152. I’ve been focused and watchful of my meals and started intermittent fasting which has been a lifestyle change for me. Still the best decision I ever made

I was sleeved June of 2013….this is me ten years later!

Hello all, new to the forums. I had my surgery may 20,2013. I had the lapband for the year prior but had zero help from that. I've noticed almost after everytime I eat a good sized meal, I don't mean over stuffing to the point of feeling sick, I just mean FULL, that I get these waves/constant hot flashes that last for a little bit of time. Anyone else experiencing this?

Just came back from a short trip to Langkawi Island here in Malaysia with my wife and kids. This is my wife and I second visit after going there in 2013 for our honeymoon (time flies!). We all had a great time there specially my kids. The weather was nice and the island was not very crowded. I got to try a lot of things that I've never dared or was able to do before WLS. The trip was full of NSVs so I wanted to share some of those with you guys. 1. I didn't need a seat belt extension this time and had plenty of room in my seat! I was able to use the food tray without it pushing against my belly. 2. I tried parasailing (parachute on a boat), banana boat and…

I know it’s just a silly BMI number but it’s a small goal I had in my mind. Every doctor visit, going back and reading notes, showed my weight, and then the term “obese” based on my BMI. Today I weighed 239, which puts my BMI at “overweight” instead of obese. I realize that the BMI numbers can be misleading but it will be nice on my next Dr. Visit to point out and make sure “overweight” is logged.

Hello everyone! I thought I should share my story. I am 42 years old. I Was never really overweight when I was younger but in my early 30s weight started to creep on. To the point that I went from 125 lbs at 31 up to my highest of 245 lbs at 39 years old in 2020. When I got to that point I started trying everything to lose weight. But to no avail. Nothing seemed to work. In April 2022 I went to a seminar to learn about different weight loss surgeries. I then decided to do it. My first appointment with my surgeon I decided that the gastric sleeve would be best for me. My surgery date was 11/30/22. I had gotten down to 217 from 245 by then. Now six months later i am officia…

Hello All, I came to this site when I was doing research for my own surgery which was completed in December of 2021. I found it difficult to find numerous relatable stories from men who had weight loss surgery. Hence, I thought I would share my experience. I am a 56 year old male and I would consider myself just another guy. I started my own new business in 2015. If you have ever started a new business from zero, then you know it is a very stressful experience. Consequently, I gained 20 pounds a year for, roughly, six consecutive years. My weight ballooned to an all time high of 353 pounds. If it wasn't nailed to the floor, I ate it. If it was cold, I drank it.…

Hello All, I am so excited today. This is my 2-year anniversary. I met with my surgeon today for my 2 year follow up and I do not have any issues or medical complications. I started the journey at 235 lb. Today I am holding steady in the 140s. Yes, almost 100 lbs. I do not have any complications. I am still adhering to my program. I am not food deprived in any way. I feel really blessed. I came to this site when I was doing research and when I started the journey. I stopped being a regular here maybe about a year post surgery. I just wanted to share to people who are starting the journey or are early on in the process, be careful because sometimes the…

Hi! Next week my lapband from 2017 will be removed and I will be sleeved instead. My band have been empty for three years and have therefore not been helping me. Can somebody share with me how the weight loss is going if you had first lapband and have sleeve now? ???

So, I'm at my 6 mo surgiversary. I have lost 60 pounds (down from 36 to 26 BMI), 72% EWL. I'm proud of my weight loss. I look a million times better, my diabetes and sleep apnea have resolved, I have lots more energy, and I have increased confidence to pursue my goals. My projected 12 mo weight per the online calculators is 173, and I'm currently at 167, so I'm certainly doing well. And... I would like to lose more weight, another 10-20 pounds, which would get me down to "healthy" BMI and closer to my ideal body weight. But... my weight loss has almost completely stalled. In the past month, I lost 2.6 pounds, and I haven't lost anything in the past 3 weeks.…

4.5 months post opp GB . I'm down 52 lbs . Any words of wisdom or encouragement asto how to loose more . I feel I should have lost more by now .

I can't believe it has been a year already since I had my surgery. Time really flies. This past year was filled with lots of major milestones, NSVs and overall positive things. I decided to write this post to hopefully inspire others who are on the fence or those who are already on their weight loss journey. I had my surgery (MGB) in Egypt on 30 January 2022. My sister had hers earlier that month and it didn't take her long to convince me to do it as well. I flew to Egypt on 28th, admitted to hospital on 29th and had the surgery 30th morning. I stayed in the hospital for two days and rested for a week in Cairo before flying back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The whol…

I stepped on the scale this morning and saw 199! I haven’t been one-ANYTHING since I was a teenager! I’ve seen 299, 279, 249, etc… but to see 199 makes me emotional! I had VSG in September and just celebrated four months post op! Just wanted to share my little win!

I had a VSG 12 years ago. I was 54 years old. I can make the math easier. I am 66 - quickly approaching 67, this spring. I was miserable, recently divorced, single parenting a teenager, working.... and my weight had hit 320. I was, at that time 5'3", and morbidly obese. I went on my own diet, and lost just over 20 pounds, went to the Doctor and requested weight loss surgery. I did their 12 week mandatory pre diet and classes. I was approved, and got my surgery. Fast Forward.... I lost weight to about 175 pounds. I went from a women plus 28 to a 14/16 petite.... depending on the clothing. I also Lost my younger brother, mother and then my father dur…

I’m 3.5 months post surgery, can you see a difference?

Been a while since ive been on here, but just wanted post this for anyone it might help. 3.5 years since i got the surgery and its still by far the best thing i ever did. Back in November i completed a 33 mile ultra trail run. Something i never thought i would do. Im extremely proud of it and cant wait to set new goals. Fitness has made this journey that much easier and I love every aspect of it. Hopefully this will encourage someone!!! IF youre thinking about the surgery, do it.

I'm at goal now and reveling in the compliments, the stellar labs, the fashionable clothes, and all the benefits that come with dramatic weight loss. I know, of course, that will all die down as this "new me" becomes the "new normal." People will just expect that I'm no longer fat. I'll get used to being a smaller size. Life will be about maintenance with fewer "victories." Those of you who have been in maintenance for awhile, how did you handle the transition? What keeps you focused and motivated when you no longer have the external validation? Have you found it to be difficult?

Went to buy new clothes yesterday, and I needed a SMALL. My problem now is finding clothes that are small enough!

It took one year and two weeks post surgery (plus 7 months pre-surgery), but today, nekked, on my own scale, I hit ONEderland, 199.6 lbs. Yipee! I know it's transitory and I'll bounce back and forth for a while, but this is the first time my scale has shown under 200 lbs for about 25 years. I've gone from a size 30-32 to an 18-20. My hair is growing back. My brother is moving back home after 30+ years as an expat. I've booked a southern Caribbean cruise for April and he's going with me. All is good! Just when I finally got all skinny leg pants, I discovered that the "in" style is again baggies. Well, there are some things you just can't win.

For those of you who have entered maintenance, what was your final % EWL?

To celebrate reaching my goal weight (95% excess weight loss), I had a DexaScan done to measure my body fat percentage. I'm at 20.6%, which is in the Ideal range for my age. The scan revealed that my weight loss was mostly fat and not muscle.

Hi everyone I had a roux-en-y gastric bypass with fobi pouch 5 years ago (well, 5 years and 11 days to be precise). In the year or two after surgery I was a regular poster here and got immense support from people going through the process at the same time as me, as well as from those who were living with the changes, so I though I’d come back and share for a bit. I have the same story as many of you I am sure - a lifetime of weight loss, weight gain. I had a bit of a distaste for serious exercise but I’d walk happily. I know I ate (well, still do a bit) to deal with feelings - especially loneliness. Stressful jobs over the years, I am 5 foot 7in tall and my weig…

I got on the scale this morning to find I've hit goal (in fact, I'm below goal). I'm floored. There's always that doubt in the back of the mind that says "ahh, you'll never make it", leftover from a lifetime of yo-yo dieting failure and self-sabotage, so to actually get here is surreal. This is the first time in my life I've been a normal BMI. I thought it would take me months to shed the final kilogram, especially since I feel like I'm eating in a maintenance way now and not really watching calories like a hawk, but I feel like it dropped off me super quick in the last month (with an extra kilo as a bonus). For info purposes, it took 14.5 months to go from a 42 BMI …

The Struggle is real but with the proper tools and determination the job can get done! I’ve struggled with being overweight the majority of my life. Growing up the fat kid at school and in the family was not easy. I always had the love and support of my family but sometimes people were really mean and made assumptions about fat people that weren’t necessarily true. I don’t remember a time growing up when I was not on some sort of a diet. 20 years ago I made arguably the best decision I’ve ever made regarding my weight. I underwent Bariatric Surgery! It was the tool I used to maximize weight loss ,change bad eating habits and understand portion…

As the title says!