Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

Tonight me and hubby had date night and I took some pics lol!

Finally made it to 25 lbs to goal. Seems so close yet so far.

One of my dreams as a kid (and continuing into adulthood) from watching all these action movies is to some day have a washboard stomach. Obviously, in my pre-sleeve life, this was next to impossible as you need good genetics and a body fat composition of only 8-15%. I'm six weeks out post surgery and on my journey to a healthier life. I was wondering if any of you of long termers have actually managed to get a six pack abs. It would be a great inspiration for all of us.

Tomorrow is my 3 year bandiversary and I choose "success stories" to post about it! It sure doesn't feel like 3 years. A little history of my journey: I started out with a BMI over 43. and was wearing size 22-24. I wore size 2X scrubs at work and they were too tight. I now wear size 10-12 and size med-small scrubs! (I'm 5'7") Walmart size small scrub pants fit loose! I dropped the first 100 pounds in 1 year and have maintained my weight for 18 months now. I have not counted calories or tracked anything. I give the band 80-90% of the credit. I have not put in much "work" or effort. I believe the key to my success has been finding the green zone early and …

Hey guys. I'm sure this has come up but was wondering about people's experience with loose skin and the stretch marks (mine are faded not red). I'm sure the stretch marks won't go away but any suggestion on how to tighten up this skin??? I'm 24% body fat now and I'm sure I still got a lot of fat to lose but still it's bugging the heck outta me Thanks everyone

Ok ladies I'm starting this thread cuz I recently got a new cute dress....my little black dress....I can't post the pic until after the weekend as it's a surprise for Kevin for this coming date night! But I thought I'd start incase you girls wanted to post pics of yours 1st! And I promise I will post a pic of mine as soon as I can!

I was banded sept 2011 starting at 295 my current weight today is 174!

And I'm feeling great! I had to get my mental attitude straight before I had the surgery and I'm so glad I did. Now I teach my 30 plus nieces and nephews how to eat and exercise because diabetes is prominent in our family. I love my new life. It has been a journey... And I've only had 7 cc filled in a 10 cc band. No side effects and no fills for 3 years! Liz

Yesterday I went shopping for a dress for my rehearsal dinner. I saw a cute one but they only had it in a size 8...I figured "What the heck, it can't hurt to try it". It fit! I don't think I've been a size 8 for my entire adult life. I assumed that when I fit into an 8, I would cry or something, but I'm just happy and glad I made the decision to have the lap band. It has really changed my life, and I wouldn't be where I am now without it!

I had my surgery on July 13, 2010 and it truly was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was not an easy one for me to make. I was a widowed dad of three young kids - ages 15, 10 and 9 at the time - and I was really worried about the risks of having the surgery. Ultimately, I came to realize that the staying fat was a far greater risk to my health and put my kids at a much greater risk of being orphaned. IN the end, I did it for them as much as I did it for myself. Today, two years later, I have lost 120 pounds and have maintained that weight loss pretty consistently (I fluctuate within a 2-3 pound range). In the past two years, I have gone from: a siz…

And 26 lbs lighter. Nsv's 1. Bought a shirt seven months ago didn't end up fitting tried it on today FITS!!! 2. Took my jeans straight out of the dryer and didn't have to stretch them out to button them. I actually have to pull them up every once and a while 3. Getting told almost everyday "looking good Jen" 4. My parents are proud of me for taking action and was told today! 5. My boobs are a lot more noticeable. I knew I had them just were hiding!!! And this is just one month out!! I'm bringing sexy back!!!!

I'm feeling good. Other than my hair is falling out quite a bit the past month and I was stalled for about 6 weeks. Finally down about 1.5 this week. I started exercising 5-29 and basically stopped losing til now. I do feel stronger and look firmer already so that's a plus even though I'd like to be down about 10 more pounds this far out. I want to get to 130-135 and I will be happy with that anything less is a bonus. For my height 5'0" I really dont want to go below 125 bc i dont want to be super small I'm at 158 right now. My joints and back and legs feel alot better too Sometimes goal seems soooo far away but I think it will happen even if it's slower than I'd like. …

Still like the big oversized handicap bathrooms. I only ever notice big people going into them, but even though I can fit in a small stall - why!

Wow over $100, formy meds pre and post op. Did not expect that. Lol, dropping 16 daily pills, and replacing with vitamins, and supplements. Hmmm. Not sure of trade out is equal. Im sure it will, pay off in the end.

I weigh 430 pounds & the more research I do keeps me leaning towards bypass but I want the sleeve more, any advice?

Watch my new vlog about my weight loss success with VSG on Youtube. Thanks, Norm

Well, yesterday marked the 3 month anniversary of this journey for me, and I am THRILLED to be down 48 pounds! I have dreamed of the day I could write something on the success stories thread because I spent a whole lot of time reading here during the dreaded pre-op diet, the post-op gas pains, and the bandster hell period to help remind me that this will be worth it in the end. I can say so far that I absolutely do not regret this decision. On Thursday, March 15th, I went to the plus size clothing store on my lunch break to find something to wear for a college preview day my daughter I would be attending that weekend. I left the store nearly in tears. Even a 26 was tigh…

I didn't know that diet and exercise didn't work for everyone but I feel so much better now that I've found this site. I am still pre-surgery but am so excited to change my life for the better. A little background for those interested: 17 years old and have been overweight my entire life. The most I've weighed is 320 lbs but currently weigh 282 lbs. I am a highschool senior on the varsity waterpolo team. I've played polo for 5+ years and it's my life. In spite of playing one of the world most vigerous sports and eating healthy, weight loss has ALWAYS proved difficult. Name a diet fad & I can bet that I've done it. Surgery is a last resort for me and I've never bee…

I have heard ppl mention crystal lite with protien can you tell me which one it is. Thanks

I'm 5 days out of surgery with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali at Almater hospital, I had a great experience I would do it again in a heart beat and for those worried about having surgery in MEXICO I was so excited to find out Almater is on blue shields preferred provider list. As well as Zurich and MetLife and Allianz. I thought I would share this info. Any dr you choose is personal preference and I know many in Tijuana have great success also.

I am still early in this VSG road and still have a lot of weight to lose; however, I think that I need to tell everyone here who is looking for pro's and con's to surgery about my story. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2007 - I went through years of not taking care of myself which resulted in me becoming insulin dependent a year ago. I began a treatment regimen of 30 units of Humalog before every meal and 80 units of Lantus before bed. I was also taking Byetta 10 mcg 2 x day and Glyburide and Metformin. After meeting with a nutritionist and finally understanding how to eat, my blood sugars were under control with all of the above meds. It was an exhausting daily ro…

Well here is a first EVER for me. I am one month post-op. I have always had a closet full of clothes that do not fit, because they have become too tight on me. I keep them anyway, for the day that I finally lost weight. Of course prior to surgery, I never saw that day. I was down to just a few outfits that fit comfortably. A couple weeks post surgery, I had to put those original clothes that fit into the give away pile and my wardrobe was starting to open up to me again. While on a two week trip, I noticed that the clothes I had brought were getting progressively looser to the point of falling off. Some of those shorts and pants have been added to the give away pi…

This is my first post ever. I'm scheduled for my sleeve on July 13. I'm terrified. I keep thinking of chickening out. I had a band, that had to be removed when I was pregnant! After that nightmare, I'm so gun shy. This is permanent! I don't want to vomit and have food stuck everytime I eat. I don't want to wake up with puke coming out my nose and choking. I don't want the poor results I had with the band. Help me do this anyway you can! Thanks!

I am so proud of myself. As you all know who have been sleeved it can at times be a battle. But as I have seen today one definitely worth it. I weighed 234.5 on June 11. Surgery date was 229.5 after surgery I was 233. At my 1 week post op today I am 222.5. I was so happy. I am also happy that I am starting on full liquids. Ready for a change of food. But I would not hesitate to do it again. (-:

I am 2 month out and i feel amazing Day off : 329 Today : 271

Today is Independence Day and it will forever have a second meaning for me. Today I weighed in at 199.8!! It's been 8 years since I have been below 200lbs! I am finally feeling my freedom from the obesity hell I have been living in. I feel strong and proud. Happy Independence Day everyone!!!

Well - today is it. My first bandiversary! In so many ways seems much longer than a year ago - but then again the year flew by - hard to explain! 130+ pounds down in one year. Hard to believe. I am so excited. I did not quite hit my goal yet (to be 135 pounds) but I am darn near it and i know i'll make it soon. Thank you all - you have no idea what this site and your support has done for me since even before surgery. BEST OF LUCK TO US ALL ON OUR JOURNEYS!!!!

Good morning everyone. I'm only 6 weeks out and have strep throat. I had a shot yesterday, my concern is dehydration. I usually get strep once a year and I'm out of commission for two weeks. It hurts so BAD to swollow. the only thing I've had is sugar free Popsicles this is messing me all up with my protein and fluids!!!!

I was just sleeved a little over a week ago. I'm doing great with getting my liquids in. A straw is my lifesaver for me. I'm already down 23lbs including 7 lost one week pre op. WHOOP! Not bad for a so called light weight. Now here is the problem I have to burp after every sip. I know there will be gas but my god in between every sip????Please tell me I'm not alone. How long does this last. I'm on 40 mg acid reducer.

Today i was thrift shopping with my mom and i was like i need new jeans asap, the ones i was wearing were hanging in my butt and legs really big and ugly, so i saw some really cute skinny jeans in size 9 and i was like aww :/ they are 9, i don't wear that size, then i said ok lets see if maybe they will fit some day, so i just grab them and meassure them against me and they look like they will fit, so i said i'll just take them and they will fit me eventually and when i got home i tried them and omg they fit and they look good really thight and i love them, it feels so good to not be pulling my pants up every second. I was a size 16 the day of my surgery and i'm a size …

Just a note to say that this morning I hit 145.0 pounds - which means I've lost 131 pounds in just over 11 months from surgery - And I finally hit a normal BMI!!!! (i'm on the high end of normal - but normal nonetheless!!!!). I'm so excited. From tight size 22/24 to loose size 8 and size 6 - with medium and small shirts!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! BEST OF LUCK TO US ALL ON OUR JOURNEYS!!!!!!

Hi losers! I took some during pics this morning. The before pics are 2 weeks before my surgery, right before I started the pre-op diet. The current pics are 13 weeks out (as of last Wednesday). Before I was 288.0 lbs and now 241.0 lbs (47 lost). I was in a size 20W (very fitted) and now I can wear a 18 Regular. I just want to be a size 14, I don't ever remember being a 14 in my life. I'm a tall amazon queen, so I will see how 200 lbs looks on me first and then assess from there. Happy losing!

But oh so funny. I was walking down the main street of town yesterday lunchtime on my way back to the office and suddenly started to feel awkward. I thought my skirt had twisted but as I reached down I grabbed it just before it fell past my knees. One second more it would have been around my ankles! A ducked into a shop where the salesperson helped me out with a safety pin and a lot of laughter! Sent from my iPad using VST

I was 6 months on 6/14 but my appt.was today. Got my bloodwork done last week. My clhoesterol and trigycerites are wayyy down, Everything else is great. My BMI down from 32 to 21. My body fat % down from 52% to 35%. I only had 55 lbs. to lose but it was all in my abdomen in a dangeroius place. i am only 5 lbs. from my doctor's goal for me. He said it is very hard to maintain a steady weight loss when you are this close to goal. He said if I can eat more, I will reach my goal faster. He also said to increase my treadmill interval training he gave me to at least 5 days a week. I made an appt. with the NUT for the 24th to go over my maintenance guidleines! I f…

Last Saturday I attended a family funeral and saw my Aunt Cookie, whom I had not seen in a few years. We look very much alike, very similar faces, same height, similar builds when young. I actually look more like her than I do my mother (they are sisters). She is only about eight years older than I am. I am on this forum so of course have gained a lot of weight, but am now losing it thanks to the sleeve. Aunt Cookie appeared to weigh about 300 to 325, a good 50 - 75 pounds heavier than I was when I had wls. The image of her at that weight was so shocking! And even more shocking, I got a glimpse of where I was headed had I not intervened with the sleeve! Every d…

I'll start with the details. I'm 39 years old, 5'10" and weighed 211 pounds in March of this year. I know that many of you out there are struggling with BMI's much higher than mine, and I feel for you. But I had this surgery for another reason: I was diagnosed 3 years ago as Type 2 Diabetic, and within those 3 years, had already progressed to 100 units of insulin per day (2 injections). I was on the express lanes to an early death, and even my endocrinologist was shocked at how quickly I was progressing. I saw information about the surgery on TV, read about in the newspaper, and was told about it all within 2 weeks in early January of this year. I decided to do some rese…

How many got it repaired? I didn't even know I had it.

I'd be a blatant liar to say having the band done wasn't the most frustrating adjustment to make in my life, but I can honestly say food No longer consumes my life. I often think of the days when I lived to eat. And obviously Not healthy! Pizza,pffft I could put away a small pie by myself! McDonald's cheeseburgers, 10 on a Friday after drinking! Now, if I think of McDonald's, my stomach gets qwezy! Funny how things that were staples of my diet have all but vanished, bread as you all know or will soon learn is now my arch Nemesis.. greens like string beans & lettuce clog me like a hairball in fluffy. I'll also admit I never delt with a nutritionist, I have i…

Ok! So I have been struggling for about a month with my weight, steady at 202/200. Well, I stayed off the scale for about 2 weeks, did my routine, and had great support from family, friends and this site. Is the suspense killing you? I dropped to 194. I AM IN THE ONES NOW!!!! Thank you everyone! I appreciate you all.

Well, I had an interesting experience at work tonight. I work in a movie theatre and tonight I was in concessions. I've recently reached onederland, and have been told by multiple people that I don't look like I weigh that much (I think it's because my top half is so much smaller than my thunder thighs). This is a male customer, I'd say mid-20s. Anyways, here's the conversation... I'll warn ya, it's a long one lol. Me: Hello, how can I help you today? Customer: Yes, what does your medium drink look like? Me: *I show him the medium* Customer: Sheesh, that's massive. Okay, how about the small? Me: *I show him the small* Customer: Yeah, that'll do. Though that small…

Folks I was Almost 400 lbs at my heaviest weight! I would eat like I was going to the chair, then diabetes reared it's ugly face. My general physician 1st recommended I try to eliminate bread, pasta,etc... now I am a Italian guy, try telling that to a ginny!!! Obviously that never happened.. he suggested I look into bypass surgery.. that was 2003, I will Not lie, it was a extremely difficult to adapt to but it's mind over matter and you need to stick to it don't give up!! If anyone needs more mentoring hit me up

First time here, but loving the suggestions and support! I'm 7 months in and lost quickly the first 6 months, but this last month have gone up and down one freakin' pound and am STUCK! Has this happened to anyone else? I am trying to shock my body with a new workout routine, as I'm at the gym 6/7 days, and am going to try the calorie cycling. I am sooooo frustrated, but refuse to give up! Suggestions?

I have a Surgery Date of July 17th!!!! No pre-op diet, which is awesome, sooo excited and nervous at the same time!

In 3 months have gone from 230 to 188. I'm so happy to be in the 180's!!!!!

Hi guys..i don't get in here as often as i used to.. so busy in my life right now.. I am doing so great it's been 8 weeks and it seems like it's flown by so fast!!! I've only had one stall for two weeks and now every week the weight is falling off and i couldn't be more happier it's so exciting to see what the next week will bring.. I'm about to break into the 220's and that is so exciting!! I haven't exercised up until this point other than walking.. but i tried out a new excercise program to see if i wanted to buy it.. and i just did.. it's called kettleworkx a hair client of mine told me about it.. and i needed something fun easy and fast to do since i work two jobs…

I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - Laparoscopic in August 2011, performed by Dr. George Merriman in Shreveport, LA. Prior to the surgery I was clinically labled morbidly obese, weighed 248lbs (at 5' 2"), wore sizes 24, and took over 8 different medications for high blood pressure, cholestrol, acid reflux, constant headaches plus medicine in connection to my Multiple Sclerosis. Now 11 months later the only mediciation I take is the one for my Multiple Sclerosis. I am only clinically labled overweight, weight 160lbs, & wear size 12. I feel better than I have in over 30 years. I find I smile more and am more comfortable in public situations. The surgery was non-eve…

It has been 90 days and I have lost 42 pounds since surgery and 65 pounds overall. It's not as fast as I had expected but I have decided that for me, slow and steady will win the race! I am so glad that I took this step in making myself a healthier me!

Hi all, Last week was a GREAT week for me! I had a huge list of NSVs that I wanted to share with you all.... 1. My office has a gym/recreation center. But the space is a bit cramped. They have many indoor games - the most popular ones are carroms and chess, and I'm pretty good at carroms. I always only play carroms and have never tried any other 'physical' games. But last week, a friend offered to teach me table tennis. I never thought that the game was so physically demanding! BUT I was able to play for 45 mins straight!!!!!! I was soooo happy and was beaming (and sweating) the whole time! Now I'm addicted to the game. I'm not very good at it - my hand-eye coordinati…

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You had gotten a different type of surgery? I'm trying to decide. Honestly, the thought of dumping if I eat sugar sounds awesome. Because I'm a big sweet eater. Its like a spanken, lol.