Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

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Hey Guys...Im 3 weeks out today...when did everyone start exercising?

I started to clean out my closet today. I am now wearing a 12 in pants and an XL top. I felt a bit sad to throw away some of the clothes that I liked... I can't figure out why that is... I can't wear them now nor do I want to be a size that would allow me to wear them. I am very happy with my weight loss so far and looking forward to losing much more. Not much left in my closet. Maybe that is why I feel a little down. I think the clothes topic in general is having its way with me at this point. Belly dance teacher brought in pictures of outfits for our peformance. I asked what size they came in and she said she didn't know. The class picked an outfit anyway. It i…

Put on my calf-high boots today for the first time in FOREVER! I feel like a kid in a candy store - everything fits! On a more health related note, excercising feels a million times easier. I am actually back to enjoying running and sweating again! My attitude towards food has totally changed as well. I still like it, but I am quite indifferent as to my portions and what I can eat, where as before I wouldn't be able to top thinking about putting that last bite into my already full belly! This is how I always wanted to eat, and how was meant to be. I am so excited for everyone scheduled for and considering this surgery! Best thing I have ever done.

Wow! I went swimming at the gym the other day and weighed myself in my swimsuit. The scale said 252 but my swimsuit has a heavy skirt on the bottom that covers everything and I have metal rings on the straps. I think this means I'm 250, 50 lbs lighter than when I started the surgery process. I feel so much better and can fit in size 14 tops and size 18 bottoms. I'm a pear shape so my top and bottom were always different sizes. YAY I feel so happy!

Hello Sleeve Friends, Like everyone else, when I began my WLS journey, I had several goals in mind other than just reaching a certain number on the scale. This week I attained two of them that are very dear to my heart! First of all, as of today I weigh less than my perpetually fit husband. We are nearly the same height (5' 8"/9") and when we first met in the mid 1970['s, he weighed 165 and I weighed 135. Over the years, my weight crept up and up while his remained just the same. By the time I started my pre-op diet, I outweighed him by 65 pounds. Today I am wearing size medium clothes and we look like we "match" again - a real dream come true. Secondly, I am…

Since I have had my surgery I have had so many people volunteer to give me excuses as to why they can't lose weight. I tell them I only have one reason as to why I was so heavy. I ate too much of the wrong foods. That is the only reason I have. It seems like everyone wants to justify to me their situation. I don't ever say anything to them about their weight but they seem to think they need to let me know their situation. I get amused sometimes and a little irritated at other times listening to all those crazy excuses. I could probably write a book. On another note, I went to my dentist the other day and after he had worked on me for two hours he asked if …

I'm at work yesterday. My company unveiled its new Market-based compensation. So, it's me and my boss reviewing where I fall in this new pay structure. After describing all the scales and coding he finally gets to "where I fall". Needless to say, I was SCREWED! My pay-band structure for my job title has dropped significantly and I am 42% higher than the max range. He then tells me it would be like 20-years before I get a raise. I'm sick, mad, and trying to get clarity on this whole thing. So, I begin by saying...wait. I'm not classified correctly. He asks me to provide market research on the job I perform and the pay-scales so that he can take it back to HR. But, it…

I weighed myself today. Five months (exactly) removed from my VSG it made me very happy to see I was 90lb down and 90lb to go. If I keep up my regimine I can be under 300lb before my birthday!!

OM MY GOSH!!!! MY BMI IS NORMAL!!! I JUST REALIZED I AM A NORMAL WEIGHT!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!! :Banane59:

So...I have not had the urge to post any non-scale victories as of yet, and then this morning as I was getting dressed for work it occurred to me! I have not bought any new clothes yet. Rather, I have been revisiting all the old "when I lose X amount of weight I will wear these again" pieces. You all know what I'm talking about. The "wishful thinking" wardrobe. It has been so much fun! Today I have on a skirt that I have not been able to wear in probably about 4-5 years, and a co-worker commented "I remember that skirt!" It felt so good. It feels amazing to be able to go back over to "that side of the closet". It feels even better to fold up jeans and shirts that ar…

I am taking some time to Celebrate a scale victory today. - BMI out of the 40's....buh bye 40's BMI, wont miss you at all!! - Made my weight goal before my vacation in New Orleans, thats 40kgs (about 88pounds), 2 days early. Still a LONG way to go but will enjoy the small victories along the way!! Bring on the next goals.....

Hey guys. I just wanted to fill you guys in on what my surgeon told me during my visit. I have lost 67 pounds so far and he said that was above the curve. yay! He also told me that for me to lose the final 30+ pounds by summer (my goal) I would have to be more aggressive with my exercise. I already started zumba a few times a week and walk about 2 miles or so 5 days a week. He said to by a weight vest for the walks or hand weights. He said I was going to have to really do some serious calorie burn daily to make that goal. He said he would be happy if I reached 135 by Thanksgiving. Whatever. I told him I was tired of people acting like my goals are too aggressive …

Not quite sure what Forum this should go under-so i'll try here. First off, i have never worn shapewear (I have been a 6X for years-so wear loose clothes anyways). So I am looking towards the future. Here's my question/dilema. I have to lose about 250# and will need to wait to have any plastic surgery done. So lets suppose I lose most if not all of my weight. That will mean I will have A LOT of excess skin hanging around. My question is-will shapewear really be able to handle that much excess skin? I mean it hardly seems fair that if I lose all this weight that I have to go around with my stomach hanging to my knees for a year or two until I can get plastic surger…

So today is the last day of 8 weeks out from my gastric sleeve surgery. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in my journey. I’ve been able to eat meat for about 1 ½ weeks. I can only eat 2-3 ounces. I have to really gnash it up with my teeth, but I can get it down, keep it down and enjoy it. I’ve noticed in the last few days that I can eat and actually feel full. I don’t feel like I’m stuffed and choking on my food. My sleeve doesn’t feel uncomfortable or hurt when I eat. In the beginning I was so frustrated that I would never be able to eat somewhat “normally” again. Coordinating my meds, food, Protein, supplements, and liquids is becoming more routine. I …

Yesterday I wore my skinny leg jeans, a ribbed v-neck white sweater, my black leather jacket, and my pointy-toed black boots. Yeah, I looked hot! Smiling still... This was the 1st day in the two-weeks where I could really show off my new body and weight-loss to everyone. First, one of the directors chased me down to say how great I looked. That made me smile. But, the true NSV was from the group of women that I truly cannot stand. These women are a clique and spread hateful gossip like WILDFIRE! These women haven't said a single word to me since my return to work 2-weeks ago. But, they do stare at me. So yesterday I'm in an early morning meeting with one of…

I've been sleeved for 9 months and have lost 75 pounds. I wore a size 24 to start and now 75 lbs later I am size 14! No more plus size clothes for me. I'm giving away each oversized piece of clothes, as there is no going back! This surgery works !

Ok. I am wearing a size 12-14 (mostly 14) pants, and L-XL top with a couple of M's thrown in to confuse things. I went to the Goodwill to try on some pants... and had to try on about 20 other things too of course... it was 40% off day so..... I was flipping through the jackets and saw one that was cute... tried it on and it fit.... SIZE 6. WTH? Then saw another I liked, tried it on SIZE 8. I guess this is what they are talking about (vanity sizing that is). Kind of makes it hard to figure out what is real... I guess trying them on is how to get the job done. I can say I "wore" not "wear" a size 6 now.... perhaps this is how brands get customers addicted to them.....?

My Endocrinologist has officially determined I am no longer diabetic. They still want me to test and come back in for a couple of 3 month follow ups, and to keep a food journal and readings as I enter the solid food phase - but I am cured. I beat the beast!!! I wish I could tell my Mom. I will be able to tell my little sister, and the light in my Hubby's eyes and the bear hug made it that much better. Thank you all too! So very much!

Hey guys, Just thought I'd give an update on the weekend of my one year surgi-versary. I've lost 122lbs since surgery and 188lbs in total. Without a doubt, the best year of my life so far :smile1: Lex x :smile1:

Has anyone out there chose a sleeve with a lower starting BMI (30-35)?

Just a hopeful note for all the would be bandsters out there and the newbys. I never EVER thought I'd be posting something like this - I had read others' successful posts and still thought "that's them but i'll never get there". WELL... HERE I AM!!!!! I cannot believe I'm closing in on 100 pounds but it's happening! I'm so, so grateful to every one of you on this site that encourages and helps and spreads positivity. This site is wonderful and a big part of my success, I am sure of it. For anyone wanting my "tips" to the loss - here they are: It took me 5 fills and 4.5 months to feel ANY restriction. I now have 8.5ccs in 14cc band. I do not know if I'm in the gr…

What kind of jeans are you going to buy to reward yourself when you reach goal?

I never really understood why I was fat. I blamed it on everything an everyone else. It couldn't really be ME!!! Could it??? I am going through some very hard times at work right now and I've been stabbed in the back by who I thought was a good friend. I realized that I turn to food to try and heal those wounds. I realized this mid-bite through a crunchie bar!! I truthfully had no idea!! But when I look back, I can see it!! Instead of indulging on crap, I am going for a run. In fact, I'm going for a LONG run ( to my hubbys work about 16km- or just over 10miles i think) so I can think through this crappy situation I'm in at work. Wish me luck!!!

Hey guys! Well, today marks my 6th month surgiversary and I am down 65 pounds. I am currently in a stall that has lasted about 2 1/2 weeks. I started inching down by tenths since Monday. We will see if its breaking in the next several days. I seem to be in a holding pattern where I lose 8 or 9 pounds one month, then stall and lose 6 the next month, then it catches up and I lose 9, then stall again and lose 6. Overall I am thrilled with the results so far! I feel I am halfway through my journey as I plan to lose all my excess weight by one year post op and I am 65% there so not a bad start! I have struggled like a lot of folks with the fact that others who are the s…

I am beyond excited...and a bit nervous!!! I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am, which I am glad I am the early surgery...I am tired of the 2 day clear liquid only diet. Wish me luck everyone and see you on the loser bench!!! Woo Hoo!!!! :teeth_smile:

Glad to hear you are doing well! I am also 58 and had my sleeve 2 weeks ago. At the beginning I wondered what a woman MY age was doing here. Your post gave me inspiration. I guess it is NOT when you sleeve, but that you DO sleeve!

I feel amazing , here are some updated pics that demonstrates my sleeve at work.

Post Date: 2/6/12 6:19 pm Hi Everyone, I have posted something like this before. I thought it might be a good time to repost this and see if it helps anyone. Things aren't always as they appear. Sometimes what seems to be the end is really just a new beginning. Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. I remember a time when it felt like nothing could go right. The whole world appeared to be teamed up against me. But I kept on moving forward, even when I couldn't tell exactly where I was going. I found in life it's not about attaining a goal. What's most important is who we become during our pursuit. I happen to like who I have become. If every d…

I just had to share this one! So, I was being bratty last night and teasing my hubby, pushing and poking him and daring him to do something about it. The next thing I know I am hanging upside down over his shoulder and he runs in to the front room and I'm laughing and yelling, "you just think your cool cuz you can throw your wife around now"! My 23 y/o son who was visiting said, "that's what you get for being so skinny". Me? Skinny? Really? I am having so much fun with the new me and apparently hubby is enjoying the ride as well! I just had to share with my VST family! Love you all! Shell

Today is one year since being banded. I have to say this has been the most exciting year ever, and I would gladly do this again! I have worked really hard all year long to do my absolute best and I am currently down 160 pounds. I had a major surgery at the end of December so it stalled my weight loss, but I am back to working out again, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next year!

Hello all! I am banded just over 2 years ago and have done well but struggled these last few months. Old habits sneaking in- craving sugars and sweets and carbs!! Was losing motivation and really needed an ass kicking! I go to the gym EVERY day, i do boot camp classes and I love it but my favorite thing is kickboxing. I had started kickboxing when I was 17 and really got into it, even was teaching at a karate school. Sadly I taught my last class when I was 6 months pregnant with my oldest and then I really started having weight issues, 3 kids, no time for exercise, crappy habits, all caught up with me;-( Finally had enough and got my big ass back into Krav Maga and kickb…

I have been a shower taker rather than a bath taker for many years. Don't normally take the time for long, decandent soaks in the tub. Also, when we moved into our current house four years ago, I discovered I really didn't fit in our tub. Even though it was a large whirlpool tub - when I got in it with the correct amount of Water (so the water didn't go into the overflow drain) there were large (pun intended) parts of me that couldn't get under the water level. Not a relaxing expererience. And the bathroom has way to many mirrors that replicated the sight of my too large self not fitting into the tub. I think I took two baths in that tub in four years. Well, I took a l…

*editor’s note: this is a cross-post* When I first started my journey, this was my very first blog post. It will help to reference it if you haven’t read it yet. (Phine = Fine/Fione = hella good-looking/sexy. Incase ya didn't know ) In any event… Two years ago [on my birthday], I looked like… This year [and over 100# later] as I Celebrate my 37th year of life, I look like: Amazing, isn’t it? I always come up with kitchy lil’ names for my yearly b’earthday celebrations…and this year, I jokingly called it my “Thirty-Sexy” birthday. As most of you who follow my posts know – I haven’t felt very sexy about this New Body. And until fairly rece…

10 months out 90 lbs down.

So for the past 2 months.. the scale have been stubborn. my weight was fluctuating between 170 and 173.. It was frustrating but I just deal with it. I was exercising, My clothes were fitting better. So Feb 1, I got on the scale (eventhough i just had breastimplant surgery a week before, which added a couple of pounds and about to start my period).. the scale read 169!!!!! I was so happy eventhough it was just a pound. for 3 days i kept weighing myself, not wanting to believe i no longer in the 170's range and it steadily read 169.. Cant wait to weigh after my cycle is over.

If you have a moment, I invite you to go take a look at my pictures. I cannot believe what I am looking at. I know so many people have lost so much more than I have, but I feel like no one has ever done more, lol. What a rush! This is the smallest I have been since 1999.

70 LBS DOWN TODAY!!!! Boooooooooom! Victory is SWEET! I have some setbacks: -Ate some CRAP sugary food over the last 3 weeks. Stalled my A$$ off! -Stopped killing it at the gym due to a Derby Injury NSV's: I bought several XL things including an adorable dress & they all FIT AWESOMELY! That is regular ladies XL, not 1X.... just to clarify (& gloat) I bought a size 12 REGULAR WIDTH strappy ridiculous heels that SCREAM Vegas (will be there in one month!) I was up to a 13W before surgery. I am currently wearing a tank top from the JUNIORS section. it has a multi-color zebra pattern & I think I'm going to wear it to the gym later! I can sit in the scho…

So, when I first started my journey, I met a gal at the support group wearing a super cute dress. A few days later, I ran into her during my post op at the surgeon's office and she was wearing the same dress, so I told her it was cute. She offered me the dress and I said Thanks, but no thanks. I told her it would never fit me, but she told me to have faith that it would! At last week's support group meeting, she told me she had the dress in her car for me. I tried it on today, with absolutely no hope/thought that it would fit today. Well, it does!! LOL I think it's too young for me, and it's definitely too low cut, but I'm posting the picture here, among friends as p…

I was at an antique auction yesterday. There was a sign that said - "If we are what we eat, then I am fast, easy and cheap". I burst out laughing. Driving home, I was thinking was my sign should say: Pre-surgery: "If we are what we eat, them why am I not sinfully rich?" Post surgery: "If we are what we eat, any day I will be breaking out with gills and feathers!" I thought it would be fun to hear what other people's signs would say. Sharon

SO much has changed in these past few weeks. I have experienced many different emotions. I stopped losing weight for a few weeks and went into that mindset of ill never lose weight no matter what I do, I'm destined to be fat. But things picked but up and this past week I've lost over 10 lbs. I started out in a 24 and 341 lbs. Today I weigh 286 and am wearing a pair of 18s. they are tight but nonetheless, they are 18s! I have been wearing 20s because they are more comfortable. Yesterday I went shopping for some new shirts and bought this really cute button up shirt. I of course got a larger size, because that's what I'm used to doing, ( its a 20/22) Being that I had the ba…

pic on the left was me in july 2010 (weighing 250) and the one on the right was jan 2012 (weighing 170)

So I'm now a little over 4 months out and it took that long to get a NSV I really felt awesome when it happened. I was shopping with my mom and sis, and was frustrated because we were in the misses section and I always think I can't fit anything in there, but then my mom forces me to try on a pair of 16s and I'm like riiiiight, I get into the fitting room pull them up easily and almost freaked! lol I've never worn that size in my life even in high school the smallest I remember is a 20. Since this I've bought some work pants in a 16 also! I'm still astonished :biggrin:

Let's play a game: 1) Let's group ourselves into months and years, like February '12, January '12, December '11 etc. and put down how much you have lost since your sleeve date. If you aren't the first person for your month, THEN note your weight, and the total lost so far by members who have posted for your month. We'll see how we are doing, and the newer months can see how it adds up over time. 2) So for me: Sleeved January '12. Lost 22 lbs. since sleeve date. (if there was a running total ahead of my post I would add my 22 lbs. to it and post it here) Let's see the lbs lost add up!

Hi there. I was on here a whole lot my first year after sleeve. I was so incredibly scared after my surgery. I really felt I had ruined my life or at least I worried I had. I realized I had done something without really understanding how serious of a decision it was to take out such a huge part of my stomach. I was in a total panic. But day by day I made it through. My hair fell out somewhat, and I felt weak for quite a long time. Finally in the second year I got my strength back. And my hair back. It is curlier which is so awesome. I am 5'1" and I weigh 150. That is 70 lbs less than before. I did not exercise at all before surgery or for almost the whole 2 …

Today is my 5 month surgeriversary!!!!! Yay!!!! Ok, so i'm 5 months out and yes i've had some bumps in the road (Thank You to everyone who was there for me during those very tough moments - Diva's Boot Camp Basic really help me get back on track) I'm feeling better than ever now and really looking forward to my 6 months surgeriversary when I'll be updating you again... I've lost 74.4 pounds and here are my pics ... ( in just 5 months still can't believe it) from 247 to 172/ from 3x/2x to L/M from 18 to 9 and LOVING IT!!! LOVE my sleeve 1st pic the day of surgery The rest were taken earlier this week....

This is my 1st week back at work since being sleeved on 12/20. I thought I was going to be the "freak on display". Thankfully it wasn't that way. Although, the ENTIRE building knew about my surgery...can you say GOSSIP CENTRAL? Anyway, I had cleaned out 1/4 of my closet before returning to work. That left me with 22 and 20 sized pants to wear. Well, I wore 22 on the 1st day and my legs were swimming in them. Some of my co-workers were like, you need smaller pants!. So, the next day I wear 20's. I only had 3-pairs of size 20 in my closet. And again I heard, you need smaller pants you are swimming in them. Tuesday night I shopped my mom's closet for the 1st time…

Yesterday 1/11/12 was on my year bandiversary. I can't believe how fast one year went by. I have been so fortunate not to have had any complications and I truly feel like a new person. I'm 100% thrilled with my band and would do it again in a heartbeat. Now, I gotta say, I thought I'd be at my goal weight because I saw so many posts before I had surgery where people lost 70-100 lbs in the first year. However, I was a slow loser prior to having surgery and that seems to still be the case. It does take a while to get to the right amount of restriction, figure out just how much food you need (way less that I had in my mind) and figuring out exercise, etc. According to…

Yay for non scale victories! Today I was left to use the last towel in the closet, the one that no one likes to use. And you know it must be small if no one else wants to use it, considering I "WAS" the biggest one in the house! Well, today that towel wrapped around me and I was able to tuck it under my arm! WOO HOO! I am reaping the benefits of a new, healthy lifestyle. I am so thankful everyday for what the band has helped me achieve!

This post is for all the pre-ops and newbies looking into gastric banding surgery. I lost 111 lbs in 14 months and have been in maintenance for 4 months now. I was a size 22/24...now a size 6 petite. I have lost all of my excess body weight...Wow...a strange concept...I am still trying to wrap my head around that. I hope that I can provide some insight into what life has been like for the past year and a half. Please keep in mind that each bandster's journey is unique. I don't think that there are any words of wisdom below...but rather what I did along my journey to make the band work for me. Keep in mind, everybody's journey is different. Looking back on …

So, I look at the before and after pics all the time and it's just amazing to see the difference in us all. I guess it's time to share mine, even though I'm not really at goal yet. I would do this again a hundred times! I am so greatfull for my sleeve, and for all of you who shared your stories and motivated me to do this for myself. Thank you!