Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

I was sleeved on 4/11 so I am 2 weeks post op today! I had a very easy recovery almost no pain. I didn't even take any pain meds in hospital or when I came home. I do have a very high pain tolerance though. I did get nauseated and I vomited twice the night of my surgery. The first time I vomited it was a dark brown /green liquid ( I'm sure it was residual blood and Fluid from surgery) and the 2nd time it was Water that I had started sipping. The nurses were super in giving me nausea meds to stay on top of it. I was discharged with a prescription of nausea medication and only had to take 1 after I got home. I was on a 3 week clear liquid diet and had to stay on clears for…

Greetings fellow Bandsters, I got a six year congratulations notice from the organizers of this site. It reminded me that I wanted to check back in with the community and talk about how wonderful this journey has been for me. I was banded in November of 2005. It took me two years to shed the 100 lbs (seemed like forever), with all of the ups and downs. I seemed like it took forever to hit the sweet spot with fills. I made a deal with myself that I didn't need to be a "perfect" bandster, just a very good one. If this is you--hang in there. This thing does work. I ate all of my food, never touched any "beaker food" or scientifically engineered food. I decided n…

Hi everyone, after a stall I finally reached wonderland and I'm loving it!! For those who are struggling, Keep up the good work. Your day will come.

Please give me advice on going there. I have to pay outta pocket so Mexico sounds better but i am really scared about it... Any advice please.

OMG! I can't believe I'm actually down 70lbs and it will be six months on 5/2/12. This is so awesome! I love that I can cross my legs without having my lower legs go numb. LOL! My thighs don't touch when I walk and I had to buy all new clothes. I feel like a million dollars. To wake up every morning without back pain is the absolute best thing I have gotten from this surgery. No more pain pills, no more bulging discs and no heel pain at the end of the work day! I will post pics when I find the time. Thank you all for posting. Your words have helped through the weird times, the frustrating times and the happiest times. Stay cool!

I had my sleeve on 03/01 in Tijuana MX. For the most part my sleeve tolerates everything except sweets and high fat content food (Perfect!). My pre-op start weight was 228, My surgery weight was 209, and my current weight is 181. I am starting Zumba this weekend and I am so happy that I got my sleeve. My first NSV is that I am now wearing all my fat but not as fat girl clothes that I haven't been able to wear in 3 years. The second (and most awesome) NSV is that my husband and I can both fit in our shower... together... at the same time.... you know.... to scrub each others backs and stuff...lol

I just want to say to all who have replied to my posts, that I am so greatful. I have written sometimes when I need perhaps a kick in the pants for not remaining optimistic. The words of encouragement I receive have made me stop and re=evaluate my progress and often just in writing, I end up giving myself the answers I need. It is so good to have this place where we can share and not be judged and receive such great support. Thank you to everyone.

I'm finally on Onederland! wohoo! i wanted to be there on my 2 months surgiversary but i'm happy i got there today!

When everything in your closet fits and is comfortable or too big! All those too tight things that were shoved in the back are finally seeing the light of day!

I'll never forget the day I learned about VSG and came on this forum to research it. Now, nearly 8 months to the day from my surgery - I hit my final goal!!! 140 pounds!!! That's nearly 100 lbs. down from my highest weight of 238. It feels great to see that number on the scale, but even better to know that I will never, ever, be fat again! The first thing I wanted to do when I saw that I hit goal was to get on here and tell all of you. Thank you, everyone, for giving me a place to share in my joy (and for being there when I wasn't as joyous).

Hey guys! I am 24 years old 5'10 the day of my surgery i was weighted at 311 i had my doctors appointment yesterday and i know weight 287!!! Amazing in a matter of days i have lost 24 lbs. the surgery was fantastic i had no pain just a little discomfort incourage everyone to get it done! any questions ask away! Xoxo

I went to a company site today which I had not been to in about two years. I worked here in Baltimore for about four years from 2000 - 2004. I was showered with OMG's and awesome compliments all day. I even got a "damn, you got hot.". I walked out of there today with a beaming smile and a new cofidence. It was awesome to see these women completely change the way they interacted with me....it was awesome. I even got a "you look 5 years younger"....so I I'd the math and if I left in 2004 and I'm 41 now...I'm claiming 28...yeah that's it.

I was going to order but I was unsure the sight was secure! Anyone order this book?

Thin!!!!!!!!! I was in a size 14 at the age 12 & only kept going. I have never been thin or felt beautiful or happy with the way I looked. I am so excited & ready but I just can't see myself other than a plus size. I long to go in a regular store & be able to wear most of the stuff in there but I can't picture myself that way. I think about it often but part of me keeps saying you'll never get there you are always going to be FAT! On a plus side I'm down 24lbs at my 4 week appointment.

I am 80 pounds down from surgery on 8-8-2011. My hubby took a pic of me this morning on my way to lecture at a local college. I dont usually dress fancy for work because of what I do, but since I was dressed up, I let him take my photo. I will include a before pic so you can appreciate the difference! The first two pics are from my trip to Brazil with my family in March of 2011. I was about 235 pounds then. I am 154 today, the last picture. I am so excited to have made it this far. I am 9 pounds from having a normal BMI. I am still working my sleeve and trying. I am in a bit of a plateau right now and they seem to be coming closer and closer together, just like …

I have banded since November and have only lost abt 5 lbs. I'm totally disgusted! I have a realize band and have had 3 fills with 2cc's at each fill. Will be getting another fill next month. I am now having sme restrictions. Can't tolerate bread and chicken and um vomiting and sliming a lot almost every meal. Seem to be consuming a lot of fruit juice n tea. Any advice?

fraternity. Instead of Greek letters, our shirts will have the letters VSG. LoL...could add my new fraternity letters to my old fraternity letters! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Is anyone banded and have IBD? Just wondering. I've always had problems with colitis but I was just recently diagnosed. Would love to know if the band has helped or hindered? Experiences and advice much appreciated! Thanks!!!

This has been a looong time in coming...but I did it!!!! I am at 196 LBS. Hubby is not home tonight but that is OK we will Celebrate tomorrow! A month exactly from my 10th wedding anniversary, and I am in Onderland.. Thank you to everyone! All the support and encouragement. Thank you very, very much! I did it, Mom! <3

Hey it has been 2 weeks post op! And i weighted in yesterday afternoon and i am down 33lbs!!!! I was never really excited until now! 33lbs in 2 weeks is amazing! This is the best desicion i made in my life. I am 24 yrs old female 5'10i was 311 day of the surgery now i am 278!!!

My mind is playing tricks on me!!! I am having my surgery on may 15th. My mind is wanting to eat everything I see in fear of never being able to eat it again! I keep thinking that if I try to diet one more time that I won't have to cut my stomach out. I know it is just my addiction trying to sabotage me. Has anyone else dealt with this?

Hi VST friends! I haven't been on here in a month so just letting you all know what's going on. I started exercising 30+ minutes every single day (walking, playing Zumbaa on kinect, swimming, and weight lifting) and have noticed I'm melting off the pounds faster. Before I was losing 1-2 pounds a week but now it jumped up to 5 since last week!!!!! I can now fit into REGULAR WOMEN SIZE 12 TOPS and 16 BOTTOMS!! I've always been bottom heavy like a pear but am now a smaller one. (: I could fit into a size 12 dress that had a pleated skirt too. I used to have to wear plus size 26 at 300 lbs before my weight loss and my largest size was 32 at 400 lbs. When I try on my size …

It's hard to believe that I had major surgery just a little over a week ago. My incisions are completley healed and I have no more pain or discomfort of any kind. I am getting in my water and protein and I am almost never really hungry. I have had a couple of bouts of head hunger but nothing I couldn't get through by simply changing my thoughts to something else. The only real difficulty has been getting through the phases of diet progression. I really want something solid to eat like crackers or cheese in my belly...lol The other thing I've noticed is that the thought of sweets turns my stomach! I want savory things instead. I think it has to do with the fact that everyt…

Hey everyone...I weighed in today and for the first time my lovely Wii told me I am overweight! hehe. When I started this journey I was morbidly obese....and felt like death was chasing me. Now I am just overweight and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...and it isnt death...lol So happy to just be overweight now! cant wait till I am normal weight!

6 weeks out and I am in onederland! I had hoped to be here by the 2 month mark, so I couldn't be happier!!

I'm going to get my VSG soon...I'd love to get some "Top 3" lists from all you success stories here on most critical secrets to success. Perhaps they could be something beyond eat less and exercise more! hehe Of course if you have more than 3, go for it!

It will piss you off first!!!! Boy was she right.....I was pissed, in denial and very defensive...... Now, after 7 months post-op, I now realize how much in denial I was.....and it feels great to admit that. Easier now than then....I wrote a piece about this in my weekly blog today (click on link below). I think it's something we all need to realize.....that it's hard to admit we have problems when we can't see a way out.....but once we've achieved success.....it all seems so clear.....if you know someone who is struggling with denial, or is coming up with every reason not to do this, please have them read this week's post. Thanks for all the support.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOPS! Today is a day to Celebrate your successes! Yep. I am so lucky to have your caring and support in my journey. Keep it up and have a wonderful day! I thought you might enjoy this!

Dec. 2009 Apr. 21, 2012 In 2009 I weighed 300 pounds and had just gone through radiation treatment, chemo, Lupron,(hormone therapy), and steroids for prostate cancer. I went up to 330 before I started my bariatric program. Today I weigh 254 and feel entirely different. I got tired of explaining the difference to folks I showed my drivers license to, so wife and I had new pics made today.

I meant to post this on the 15th but I had trouble logging into the site that day (and several days after that) and I didn't think about it again until today. I blame my Kyrgyz dial up internet! In any case, I was one year on 15 July. In that year I've lost 92 pounds. I've gone from a very snug 18 or 20 pant into a very comfortable size 8 or M. Women's sizing is insane, so sometimes I'm a 6 and sometimes I'm a 10, but regardless of the number on my pants I'm very happy with the way I look in my clothes now, and I have a large wardrobe of things I love to wear. Almost as exciting as losing the pounds is losing the diabetes. I had only been diagnosed 2 years before …

what does nsv mean Sent from my SPH-D700 using VST

Not to goal yet but still going in the right direction!

Yesterday hit my 4-month mark since my sleeve surgery. And, I hit the 199 mark after 2-weeks of holding at 201. YAY! I've been waiting on this day for a long time. It's funny when you finally see the scale say 199. I just kept saying....really, am I really there? The last time I remember being under 200 I was in 10th grade or I was about 16 which means for 32-years I have been over 200 lbs and at times WAY over 200 lbs. Yes, this feels good. As for my diet, I track everything. I do enjoy a treat of a piece of candy or some ice cream once in a while. But I generally stay within my targets of protien, carbs, fat, and fluids. As for my NSV...Well, I'm in the pro…

I am so incredibly pleased with my progress. I feel so much better losing 75 pounds - even this has changed my life for the better. I know that the second half of the journey is likely to go much slower, but I feel so wonderful that doesn't bother me at all!

Tonight I went to the movies with my parents to see Think Like A Man(good movie by the way). Usually I fit uncomfortably in the seats with both armrests down, the showing was sold out so I had to have the armrests down. I still spill out of the armrest BUT it wasn't painfully uncomfortable. My mom even noticed how I sit comfortably now, I was able to seat peacefully and enjoy the movie .PLUS another NSV I fit comfortably in my dad's tiny Hyundai Accent now, no hunching, looking uncomfortable or praying for a short car ride. Sat comfortably and ran errands for two hours. So excited with these results, can't wait to see what's next! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hello my fellow sleevers, I had my surgery on Mach 29th. I'm still getting used to all the changes but so far im very happy with my decision! This last week I had went to my nieces school concert and I was able to fit in the seat without getting stuck, it was a wonderful feeling. But what was even a greater accomplishment for me was when I put on my "only" pair of jeans that fit before my surgery (and even then they were so tight they looked like skinny jeans), are loose and keep falling off. I also fit into 7 more pair of jeans that I had hiding away! I just love clothes so I'm so excited to be able to fit into ones I've only been able to wear once and go shopping for …

Met my first mini-goal today. 30 lbs down. It's been tough because I'm a slow loser so it's a big deal to me. 3 more lbs and I'll be halfway to my goal weight. WooHoo!

What a difference just ten months has made in my life. The pictures below says it all. The first picture was taken just before my surgery. I had already lost 41 lbs before my surgery on June 1, 2011. The second picture was taken April 1, 2012 - just ten months later. I have lost 148 lb in all now and have just 46 more to go. This journey has been totally amazing. I could not be any happier.

Gettn Sleeved on Monday 4-23-12!! How many of you are on OH WEBSITE??

Hi! June 29th it'll be a year since I had the sleeve...Well for the past few days I've been having really bad stomach pains..it feels like a hard knot in the top of my stomach and I'm really nauseated...Any ideas on what this may be..

Hello everyone, I have done all the prerequisites and am just currently waiting on insurance approval. I have been thinking through all the rules that I will have when I get this lap band, such as no bread, no sodas, eat mostly protein and vegetables. I am not great at following diets for a long time hince the reason I am overweight. This seems a lot like a diet with rules that you have to follow. Why can't I just follow these rules, what help does the lap band give? I know a lot of you have been successful with the lapband and I just would like to know how the lapband makes it easier to follow these rules and what difference it has made for you vs just doing it …

And I'm not complaining. I had at one point a goal weight of around 220lb and now.... Well my first "real" goal is to get under 300lb and go from there. Coming from 440lb I think hitting that would be incredible. As of today I am but 28lb away from 299. If I play it right I could be there by the end of next month. Six weeks to drop 28lb shouldn't be too hard (I hope). One thing's for sure, I am getting tired of buying new work clothes (ok not really). It amazes me that at the times where I feel I eat too much I actually lose the most. And will someone explain to me why/how it's easier to eat carbs as opposed to Proteins? At this point I am 29 weeks removed from surgery…

I was just wondering what made everyone choose the sleeve instead of conventional gastric bypass? I have decided to do the sleeve, too, but when I mentioned it to my gynocologist he suggested I consider conventional bypass. He said the weight loss was quicker and that u lose more. Anyone wish they had gone the other way? And how is the weight coming off? I need to lose about 110 lbs. and would be happy to do it in a year. I have my first physical in a week so I still have time to decide on which surgery to use. I would love to hear your views and experienced. Tina

Im 148 Pounds :wub:

8 months ago on August 1st I had VSG. I weighed 199lbs with a bmi of 31. My doctor and I thought 140lbs would be about the best I could get to since I am 50 years young. I secretly hoped I would at least hit 135 for one day at least just so I could be at my lowest adult weight. This morning I came in at 133.2lbs and I was just stunned! I found an old before pic and I will have my daughter take a new pic this weekend and post. So anyone who has having doubts about this surgery DON'T. It Works!

Today marks 3 months since my surgery. Including the 13 pounds I lost during the 2-week pre-op liquid diet I have lost a grand total of 78.5 pounds! It is absolutely incredible! I still have a ways to go but losing almost 80 pounds in 3 months is so reassuring and SUCH a motivator to keep going. It hasn't been easy, I'm sure you all know that, but seeing the changes and realizing that I CAN do this is worth all the difficulties. I love my sleeve! Before (December 2011): After 3 Months (Taken in the last 2 weeks):

If you want to see what I am talking about you can check it out at dagorhir.com ... ...okay, so a MUCH younger me was always doing some sort of martial art - and at about 18 fell in LOVE with armed european swordplay - european martial arts, that sort of thing...so I fought in the SCA and other groups...I loved it and I was really good at it. And then I packed on the weight and I just could not keep up. I lacked the arm reach and I was always injuring myself... Sunday I participated in an event again for the first time, and I KICKED ASS, lol. I was mediocre, actually...but it was the first time in fifteen years, and I won sparring events and survived the meley. …

So I have leaned that I need to start listening to my husband he seems to know my body better than I do! I went shopping for new clothes since summer is approaching and all my summer clothes from last year are way too big and as I am looking for stuff he brings me up 2 pairs of capris and said try these on, I look at them and they say size 12 and I tell him there is no way they are going to fit I am not that small yet, but to make him happy I go and try them on. As I am standing there loking at myself in the mirror in amazment they FIT!!!! The same thing happened at another store with a pair of shorts I swear they wont fit, but he insists they will and they do!! I sti…

I'm in a size 8 Levi jeans for the first time in I can't remember when!!! I think I was around 23 or 24 years old. I'm so happy I'm bouncing up and down!!!

Today is my 3 month surgiversary and I now weigh 99 kgs (217.8lbs). This is a huge scale victory for me, because I have not been in the two-digits for more than 4 yrs. Just wanted to share my happiness with you. I wouldnt have had the will power to push through this journey without the support from this community. I LOVE you all and my sincere thanks for your advice and encouragement!!!!