Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

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This is a xpost from the OH VSG Board. HI everyone! I finally hit 100lbs gone. I'm 3 days shy of my 10 months out and happy with my progress. I still have at least another 25ish to go and I've got to get my ass moving to tone up. I forsee plastics in my future the smaller I get. Probably TT and Breast Aug/lift but that will be at least 5 yrs later because of funds. To say that I love my sleeve is an understatement. To say that it's easy is both true and false. Because these posts helped me so much early out and still give me motivation I'll write some of my tips. It's easy and it's not. I thought having the sleeve I could eat whatever I wanted just smaller portions. …

I am still in my pre-op stage of VSG with 1 more supervised PCP visit for my insurance required 6 supervised diet visits. So far I have lost 49 pounds as I have been "practicing" eating as I will after surgery. I went to my PCP Friday and was taken off my high blood pressure medicine. I am so excited!!!!!! I have been on HBP meds for over 20 years so this is BIG for me. I just had to share for those who are Preopers like me, you can do this and it is worth the preparation to get that smaller liver, lose what you can before surgery and change those habits now. Eating slow and sipping are the hardest for me, but I am still working on it. Thanks for all the support eac…

Hi all, My surgery was 3 weeks ago today....I can go up and down stairs with ease.....I have a lap!!!! But the greatest is I can go off one of my high blood pressure meds!!! Yipee! This takes determination and resolve and some short term sacrifice but the rewards are worth it! Thanks for all the support! Tracy W.

I work for a village and that has several departments in different buildings. Last night all the departments came together for National Night out against crime and I got to see some people for the first time since my surgery. One lady who I have know for over 20 years looked at me, her jaw dropped and she said to me Where is the other person you used to tote around,, I laughed and said I lost her somewhere. Then another lady jumps up and said "OMG" you look great! What are you doing. I simply said Protein first, then a veggie less than 40 carbs a day and working out... I wasn't lying, but I was omitting. Obviously the word had not reached public works and I did …

Just a super-quick pictorial update. Still in TOTAL and UTTER disbelief at the progress. A little over 100# in under a year. I don't even recognize myself! I've been so emotional about the transformation lately that I haven't even been able to pull my thoughts together enough to write about all that's going on. I'm putting it on the top of my list tho for the next few days. Also interested in how some of my fellow 2010 September sleevers are doing with about a month to go before our sleeve-i-versary. Highest highs? Lowest lows? Biggest challenges? Dish!! (and incase y'all forgot - this is a before shot *sigh*) Looking forward to hear some great inspi…

Morning everyone, I thought you might like to hear my little NSV from Saturday night My Gran's cousin Dawn was over here to visit (we only see her once every couple of years), and since we've only met briefly a couple of times before she didn't know me or my story. We all went out for a big family dinner to Celebrate her trip, and I was sat next to my Dad and opposite Dawn and my Mum with the rest of the family down the table. I can't remember how we got onto the subject but my Dad was egging me on to tell Dawn about my surgery. So I explained about my op, how much I have lost etc and she seemed very interested. I didn't touch on how I feel about it, or the diff…

I sprained my ankle severely when I was cleaning a closet on Sunday. I was digging out "skinny" clothes and tripped. So I went to see my orthopedic doctor on Monday afternoon, because I thought I had also broken bones in the foot. I wore a brace (laces, straps, etc) in to the doctor - but took with me one of those walking boot casts (metal, straps, etc) I had from a bad sprain a couple of years ago. The doc verified it was a really bad sprain - no broken bones. She told me I would need to wear a boot cast for a month. I pulled the one I had from under the exam table - and she looked at it. She said - that it would work - BUT THAT THEY WOULD TOTALLY HAVE TO REBUILD IT…

My cholesterol used to be off the charts crazy, triglycerides through the roof. Today my doc told me he does not have any other patients with numbers as good as mine! At 4 months post op my Lipid profile was as follows: Triglycerides 101 HdL 52 ldl 113 Total cholesterol 185 Now at 8 months Triglycerides 55 HDL 114 Ldl 66 Total cholesterol 191 So if you are not sure what all that means here is some info: LDL (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol) HDL (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol) Triglycerides (fats carried in the bl…

Hello guys Please do not take this question as me being mean, but I have to ask. When i visit my doctor or go to my support meetings, I see a lot of people who have had the sleeve that are excited about their progress and that is great, but a lot of them are what would still be considered chunky by society. I realize that a lot of these people needed to lose 100 sometimes 200 pounds but are they finished? I know they have improved and don't need meds or bipaps to sleep and that is great. They have extended their lives by a great deal, but strictly aesthically speaking is this as good as some people get? Left with a belly or pounch but healthy? I guess im just wondering w…

I'm only 10 days out but lost some weight before surgery and over 10 lbs since. Clothes have started to hang on me so I thought I would go through my dresser and closet before having to go back to work next week. Result - 4 big garbage bags of clothes that no longer fit and will go to charity; my lose is their gain, lol. Fortunately I saved quite a bit of my "smaller" stuff always hoping I could get back into them someday. Well, some day is here. My only complaint is everything is shrinking at different rates and my upper arms are being the stubbornest! Hopefully I can do this again after another 25 lbs and then I'll actually have to go clothes shopping . . . in th…

I have this killer LBD. I've had it for a while, but I've only worn it out once. It's made of a thick stretchy fabric, and I love the way it hugs my hips and bottom and comes in at the waist. It's the ultimate hourglass shape. The only thing I don't like is the way it clings to my stomach. When I wore it out before, I put something on over the dress to cover my tummy, but that pretty much defeated the purpose of the dress. I decided that I would wear the dress again only after I'd lost a little weight and my stomach wasn't trying so hard to be the star of the show. Fast forward to just a few minutes ago. I went to my closet to try the dress on. I keep it on the hanger n…

A friend passed along a pair of capri's that she never wore. They didn't fit last summer...not only did they not fit but the legs were super tight. I'm wearing them...they are still snug around the waistband and through the hips (Darn belly!) but are loose in the thigh and legs. They look normal.

as i'm sure you all know, as you go UP in weight, periodically you'll clean out your closet in disgust, but there's usually one or two things you hold on to because you just KNOW that someday you'll fit into them again! today i'm wearing my last pair of back-of-the-closet treasures, and they're not even snug. i have reached the end of my tangible weight gain history. the next time i buy a new size of jeans - which i fully expect to be by the end of this month, given the way my 18s are fitting now - i will be buying a size that i wore so long ago that i can't even remember when it was. pretty cheerful about that, as you might imagine!

Thought I'd share my own before and after, 52 lbs down since lap band surgery. I've gone down three sizes, from a 30/32 to a 22/24. The pants I'm wearing in my After shot were given to me by my sister, who has always (I think) consoled herself that at least she wasn't as overweight as I was....well that's no longer the case, since I'm wearing her clothes (muhuahahahah!) The before picture is from the night before I started my 2 week pre-op diet before surgery on April 5, 2011.

So a little over a year ago (1 yr and 12 days to be exact) I had my lap band procedure. Before the surgery I weighed in at 237, lost 20 as suggested by my surgeon and on surgery day weighed in at 217. The first few months were great! I went down to 203 lbs and then I stopped. I stopped getting my fills and eating very unhealthy! I gained it all back and three months ago found myself at 225! I couldn't believe it! So I decided to once again get on the wagon and close to three months now I am down to 191! The trick? I gave up Rice and Pasta, low on the oat grain bread and eating my small doses five times a day! Lots of fruits and veggies to keep me going. I also have learne…

Yesterday I hit 50 pounds lost since the start of the banding process, which was October (I had a 6 month wait period, in which I lost 11 pounds, and I was banded in April). I have been telling my husband that my goal was to not buy any new jeans until the fall, because I was hoping to fit in 18s by then. When I started in October, I was in size 24 jeans from Lane Bryant, and they were the blue/"curvy" style. If you're not familiar with Lane Bryant jeans, they sell them in 3 different fits for each size- curvy, moderately curvy, and straight. OK so now fast forward to today. I decided to hit Lane Bryant tonight for fun to try on jeans. I didn't really expect the 18…

I have been reading a lot of posts on here and started to wonder what the records are for fastest weight loss with the band. Here are some of the quickest losses I've seen, anybody got these beat? 100 lbs.-6 months 161 lbs.-9 months 200 lbs.-25 months At least one biggest loser champion was a guy who started with a BMI of 45 and he lost at a pace equal to 12% of their total weight per month. They do it in weekly increments but over months he was close to this pace: Start 365 at 1 Month-321 at 2 Months-283 at 3 Months-249 at 4Months-219 (he lost 40% of his total body weight in 4 months!) Since they work those Biggest Loser people out like maniacs, I figure a…

I am about 4 1/2 months post op. As I reflect on the time since surgery I know I've had many ups and downs. This past month has been harder for me than the others. It's summertime, I'm reconnecting with my social life, and basically living life again. I went on a mini-vaca with friends. I drank and had fun. While I know this doesn't help with my weight loss (and yes the scale slowed during this time) I had a lot of fun with my friends, which has been a long time since I let that happen due to not wanting to be around many people when my weight was higher. Now that I'm home and back on track the pounds are coming off. I've lost 70 pounds since surgery and 133 pounds s…

How I love my sleeve it has changed my life so Diabetes gone! Five weeks in a stall! scale says I gained four pounds, what? retaining Water I'm down eighty pounds Seventy-five more to go there's hope with this tool! Next?

I can not believe I've lost 93lbs and have reached my goal of 150lbs. Stepped on my Wii Fit and it said "Normal" (pic attached) I love the new me and shopping has become my favorite thing to do and crazy as it seems going to the gym is fun for me now. The sleeve has been the best thing I've ever done, and with my new confidenance I've gone back to college to complete my degree which is why I've not posted anything in so many weeks. Take Care

Question for all the pro-sleevers, is there anyone on here that has lost and maintained the weight loss for 5 yrs or more. I am afraid that the once I have the surgery and loose all my weight that it will creep back on like all my other diets and failed attempts. Are there any studies or testimonials from past sleevers that can say, yes this works and I have kept the weight off.

Um... Size 4's. These were my new goal pants. I think at this point I'm not even going to worry about goals, tbh. I'm just going to keep living healthy and living my life. I'll probably end up a ZERO once I have my total body lift. Wow... anyway, in my signature line, that is a photo of me at my all time hight. That sweater was a 3X... I'll never forget it. I wore it all the time. My pants were 28W.

I can't tell you how many times I have read on the forum not to expect too much if you are over 50!! That is just nutty. My mantra is "Who's Universe is this?" IF I buy into someone else's Belief System [bS], then THAT is what I am stuck with. Hey--I was stuck in a rut before my WLS. Dr. Aceves told me before surgery in a 45 minute consulation about what to expect with the RESULTS from this surgery that HE would deliver 50% to me -- but the other 50% was up to ME. 10 words 20 letters IF IT IS TO BE -- IT IS UP TO ME No one is going to do this for you. NOW is the time to get into relationship with your body in a way that you never have done before. Learn …

So I weigh in this morning thinking I have another pound or so to go to get below the magic BMI level of 30 when the scale surprises me with a weight of 220.8. I plug it into my ticker and the BMI is . . . 29.9! I check 4 times just to be sure and it reads the same each time. WooHoo! I am no longer obese and officially just "over weight". Maybe I ought to Celebrate and go out to diner tonight - DOH! - NO! That's hat got me into this mess in the first place. I think I'll go to the gym instead.

Today was a day to remember!! I got to put a great big check mark on the ol' bucket list!! I survived the Gouse Grind!! ( don't worry- I'll explain) I live in Vancouver Canada ( where the last Olympics were held). Near me is grouse mountain, where alot of the ski events were. There is a "hiking trail" there called the grouse grind. It is literally 2.9km of steep rock and wood stairs up the side of the mountain. And I DID IT!!!! A seasoned hiker can do it in 1.5 hrs average. A recreational hiker is 2+ hours. I finished in 1 hour and 40 min!!!!!! I think I'm going to pay royally tomorow because my legs are STILL Jello about 6 hrs after I finished : )

I had micro braids in my hair most of the summer. I knew they were heavy but didn't realize how heavy until the lady took them down, washed my hair and whatnot. I went to weigh myself to see if the scale would move and it did- 3lbs!!!! I was dumbfounded. 3lbs of hair on my head???? No way lol. I will say my head feels much lighter and the scale actually made me happy lol.

Five months ago, Dr. Nick did my surgery at Forest Park in Dallas. I had no problems after surgery and went home after one night. I have lost 79 pounds so far - dropping from 24W's to "regular" 14's. I've lost 8 1/2 inches from by bust and waist, and 9 1/2 inches from by hips. I can wear my wedding rings again - in fact I am the size I was when I got married. I need to get the wedding dress out of storage and see if it still fits - I have my doubts - the sand in the hourglass may weigh the same - but it isnt' distributed like it used to be. I have had a wonderful time reaquainting myself with clothes I haven't seen in years. The thrift store closest to me (benefit…

Hard to believe what I see in the mirror.

I got my sleeve on july 21. I went to the doc yesterday and I've lost 17 lbs since my last doctor's visit which was a couple weeks before surgery! I'm super excited!

Hi Everyone, I was all dressed up for a night out last night, and felt amazing. I am so close to goal, I can smell it! The sleeve is the best gift I have ever given myself. Life is so different now. Here is my before pic (I know some of you have seen it already), and one from last night. Keep it up everyone!!! This surgery really works, against all odds. I hope you can all share your successes with us very soon too! xxxxxxx Loads of hugs to my sleeve brothers and sisters xxxxxxxx

I am hovering at -75lbs gone and I could not be more happy with my sleeve! I can honestly say I love my sleeve and never had any regret about doing this surgery! I have been frustrated by my "slow" loss but am working on acceptance and trying to embrace it. I did have my 9 month checkup with my surgeon, and when I expressed concern about losing slowly, he laughed and said that I'm doing excellent! He said my weight loss was on target (according to his charts, I'm doing exactly as I should number-wise), my workouts were perfect, and my meals were perfect (I brought in samples of my food logs) so that was wonderful news. He sort of set a target to lose about 15-20lbs in t…

I had to move this weekend and found this. I was weighing once a week to keep up with my progress. My actual surgery was in December so the beginning is a little misleading.

Sleeve4me inspired me to try on my wedding dress too and twenty one years later it fits! The back is suppose to be open its not that I could not close it Oh and ignore the camera's date I took these today....unbelievable.

I've been a little reserved over the whole dreaded "3 week stall" and so I am trying to encourage myself. This is what occurred to me: 1) I haven't weighed in 3 days (YAY for me) Does that count as a NSV or is it an anti-NSV? lol 2) I have successfully gotten ALL my Protein in since the day I started Protein drinks and am now able to do it with only 1 Protein shake per day They aint fancy, but I'll take 'em!

Hi Everyone, I am new to the site and am going to be with Kaiser through CalPers. I was in a year long process to have the Lap-Band procedure but after months of testing, dietary classes, food journals, loosing all the prescribed pre-surgical weight, and having a surgery date, the head of the bariatric unit of UC Davis decided that the Lap-Band was not up to snuff and canceled all Lap-Band procedures. Because I have IBS I am not a candidate for gastric bypass. He told me I am a great candidate for VSG however, my current HMO will not cover the VSG. I was devastated needless to say but I am switching to Kaiser this January. I wanted to know if anyone with Kaiser thr…

NSV #1: Hahaha, Wednesday night I was walking from work to the gym about 3 blocks away and was wearing my leggings and a Tshirt, damned if I didn't get a freaking cat whistle. LOL Lets just say that made the workout just a little bit more easy that night. NSV #2: I was waiting outside the office building last night for my friend to pick me up for dinner and decided to touch up my make up, compact mirrior in hand and appling my lip gloss, I look up and in a passing car a man was looking at me, smiled and gave me a thumbs up. LOL definately made me smile.

The beer and candy are nothing compared to how much better I feel. Looking at these pics gives me a better buzz than beer ever could!

For Christmas, a good friend of mine gave me as a present a pair of pants (which frankly I needed). Unfortunately, while they did fit, they didn't fit right if you get my meaning. Well, today I put them on without really thinking about it, and they fit right! The waist band is a little loose, but the rest fit right and they are comfortable. Yay me!

So tomorrow is my 3 month sleeveversary!! WOO HOO. I wanted to give an update on my progress to everyone and my RED VELVET's!! As of tomorrow, I can officially have a "regular" diet and eat anything I wish. Within reason of course. Just meaning, nothing is off limits like before. I am soooo looking forward to having a salad and have bought all my stuff for it!! YAY! I have done really well. I have not had any nausea or vomiting. Have not overeaten or felt ill from eating and am happy about that. I actually undereat my sleeve for fear of this!! I exercise daily and eat according to my plan. As of today, I have lost 95lbs!! WOOP. 40lbs since surgery 3 months ago and 55l…

My first major NSV - Today I did the grocery shopping. I even pushed the cart. We went to a huge grocery store and did a huge shopping and I walked THE WHOLE WAY and my back didn't hurt AT ALL. Crying with happiness here. The main reason for my having the surgery was because I couldn't stand for more than 5 minutes, much less walk, without being in agony from my back.

I was just wondering if anyone had had success with the sleeve after weighing 400lbs pre-op. I was originally opting for the gastric bypass but my surgeon said my bmi was too high and i am now having the sleeve done. I dont really want to have to have another surgery after the sleeve, so I just want to know if anyone has had success with just the sleeve with a high bmi. thanks

Before and After finally got around to some pics, it only took 8 months:)

Just got back from Dr's office for weigh in &fill. 100lbs lost!

Just wanted to publicly say Happy 3rd Bandiversary to myself! This was by far the best thing I've ever done for myself and I'm so happy I finally did it! Couldn't be happier.

It's Feel Good Friday: Tell me... What is the single more prolific thing in your life that you can now do, that you could not at your heaviest weight? For me it is plain and simply running. I found it even so difficult to trot for more than a few steps and I'd be out of breath and having an asthma attack. Now I can run/jog for an hour straight with no issues.

I was sleeved on March 1st.... as of today I am -54lbs!!! I wore my first dress in over 10yrs this weekend! I wore my 1st swimsuit 2 weekends ago and I looked fantabulous, except the bat wings.. saggy skin, but honestly it isn't bothering me as much as it use to, I wear them proudly now. I just wanted to share my joy with you all!!! I finally fit in junior size large and out of the plus section clothes!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of me, I am so proud of all you I love this community, thanx everyone for all your support

Hello Everyone, I was sleeved on 2/2/11 and I have lost 92 lbs. I feel great and I'm looking forward to loosing the next 60 lbs. I love to exercise now but I'm still picky about the food I eat. Chobani yogurt has been my favorite meal of the day, sometimes twice a day. Here are some before and after pictures. The before pictures were taken the the day of my first appointment with Dr. Goyal in Union, NJ.

Have been working for the same company for close to 6 years and was just asked this morning, by one of our doctors if we have met? LOL Of course I am 68 lbs down and 22 lbs to onerland! Not going to say this made my day, but it made me smile anyway. Too funny! VSG was the best descision for me. I love my sleeve!

I am exactly 2 months postop today from my band to sleeve revision. I am down 42 lbs and am at my lowest weight in years...lower than I ever got w/that band I feel great and can't wait for another 2 months to pass!!! For anyone considering revising from that band, I can't say loud enough.. THE SLEEVE IS SO MUCH BETTER!!! Erika

One of the tools I used for my continued weight lost and eating healthy are the small cooking utensils (see pic). They are used every day when I cook, especially when I eating alone or when I prepared something different from the family. This is a great way to control how much food is prepared and they are very easy to clean. The covered casserole dish is oven and microwave safe. The pans are non-stick which is great for folks on restricted diets. The best part, all four items were about 10 dollars. With proper care, such as hand washing and use of non-metallic tools when cooking they can last a long time. Continued thanks, Lash