Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

10,189 topics in this forum

Well when I dropped to about 240 and hit the 65% excess weight loss I was in heaven, I really look nice, feel good and consider myself "normal" sized now. While technically still obese I carry my weight well and did not look any where near the weight I am. I breathed a sigh of relief and told myself that I was "there" and anything else I gained by further loss was just a bonus ... till I started down into the 220's, I then realized that my BMI was going to drop below 30 for the first time in decades and I was officially going from "obese" to the "overweight" category - AND I WANT IT - BAD - REAL BAD! Man, my weight loss recently has trickled off compared to what it…

Last Thursday I went to get a sonogram of my gall bladder as required by my surgeon. I was a little grumpy because I was hungry and couldnt eat until after the sono and felt like I was waiting forever to be called. So finally the tech calls me into the room and tells me to lift my shirt and lower my pants so she can get to my gut region. She asked me why I was having the sono and I told her that I was pursuing weight loss surgery. She squirts that warm gel on my tummy and immediately goes into a story about how she used to be overweight and lost 80 pounds in two years by swimming and changing her diet. She went through a bad divorce and decided that since her kids we…

Thanks to some genetics and my weight, I have rather bad knees and back problems. The result was I would get really tired just going up one flight of stairs - and would try to avoid them whenever possible. I couldn't walk more than 5 minutes without getting winded. I couldn't even stand in place for 5 minutes without breaking out in a sweat. Then I had VSG. Today - just 2.5 weeks after surgery, I was moving some stuff into my new apartment. I totally forgot about the stairs. There are 4 steps up to the front entrance, then 8 more down to my floor. I did all 12 steps at least 8 times today (both ways - so 16 times total I suppose)! I also unpacked my trunk twice takin…

This has been such an amazing journey. I have lost 70 pounds during the year since my surgery. I have have had a little trouble finding my perfect restriction, but I am very close now. I will get to a certain weight and seem to stay there a while and then will start to lose again. I have learned not to get discouraged as this seems to be the way by body acts to weight loss. I have found Water arobics to be my favorite form of exercise . I have a bad knee so this is a way I can move without injury! Love it. In the summer I use an outdoor pool and as the weather cools I move to an indoor pool near my home. This has kept me toned and feeling good about myself! I sti…

OK 2 Questions here: 1)How do u know which size u r to get? Is it based on frame size? Amount of weight to lose? Size of ur stomach? 2)What does the size mean then?

Exactly one week post-op and got my drain out and................. -19 pounds for a total of -37 with my pre-op diet!!!!!!!!! And, the drain didn't hurt at all!! I was so worried for nothing! So happy I got my sleeve!

Hi Everyone! I am 4 weeks banded and feeling healed and back to my old self pretty much. I thought I would have lost a ton of weight by now because I am eating waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay less calories but I have not lost any weight since surgery. Is this odd? When will I start the ball rolling? Has this happened to anyone else?

And we all know how I REALLY feel about the BMI charts. Either way it's nice to see me out of the 30's!!! It only took me 3 full days of my 30 day challenge to break the BMI charts. So now, I'm in the high end of the overweight category. Good times. Have a great successful day everyone!

I was 281 Lbs at the onset of my VSG journey. I'm happy. What else need be said? Everyone have a great day!!! I'm off to do my treadmill and continue on until I'm 110% satisfied I'm done.

Received great news today, my six month blood work came back excellent. Diabetes, gout, high cholesterol, blood pressure and prostate problems are gone or within normal limits. All these ailments I was taking meds for on a daily basis, some two and three times a day. 85 lbs. down in six months. It seems the body weight is leveling off at 190. For the last few weeks, I been floating between 190 and 195. I am a approaching 60 years old this fall, and this is the greatest gift I can get. One friend (who had the bypass in 2001) mentioned I added ten to fifteen years to my life. So happy, I am shedding a few tears (in high spirits). Can't wait until the wi…

Ok, I've had 2 big "rolls" of fat - one above my waist (below breasts) and one below my waist. Today I just realized that the roll of fat above my waist is SMALLER! When I look down my front, I used to just see that roll of fat above my waist. Now, I can barely see it (past my breasts that is) and very obviously see the roll of fat below my waist. Strange I know to be excited to see a roll of fat - but I am! I never thought I would see a difference in my body so quickly! Woo Hoo!!!!

Hello All, Just curious has anyone who has lost a great deal of weight and become healthy start to see their spouse or sig other in a different lite? I personally like a woman with some meat on her, but im wondering if anyone lost weight and was no longer attracted to their heavy spouse. I know that a lot of heavy people end up together cause of societys taboos on the overweight and similar lifestyles. I heard Chris Rock say once that people are only as faithful as their options, so when you lost the weight and more options came along did you feel tempted to take them and leave your other.

I still cannot believe I actually went through with this surgery. I look at it now and even with the complications I am glad I went through with it. It's worth it. I am finally getting my body back. The body that for so many years I wanted so desperately but never had the will power to make it happen. Now here I am wearing normal clothes. I've gone from a very tight size 20 pants to a 12-14 and a 1x to a medium- large in shirts. The black dress I wore for Church yesterday was a size large. I don't even remember the last time I could so easily fit into a size large dress. The first picture is the day before I started my 2 week liquid pre-op diet. The picture …

Last weekend i flew to montreal to see U2 in concert, what a great adventure! so this was at the Notre Dame Basillica. there is a before and current pic.

One year ago tonight, I was in the recovery room at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan after having my VSG. Even though I was a little scared that night and concerned about how things were going to play out, I think in my heart I knew I was doing the right thing for myself and my kids. Tonight, one year later, I am filled with gratitude to God for having been given the opportunity to have this surgery. I truly believe that it has been a miracle in my life and now I know with absolute certainty that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. This is how my life has changed in the one year since my surgery: 1. I now weigh 179.4 lbs, down from 300 lbs. 2. My…

Every since my Dog Sampson was 12 weeks old I have taken him to the dog park every day, he is almost three years old now. I do not miss a day at the park, I get a lot of walking miles in every day while Sampson plays. Being a park regular obviously you get to know the other park regulars, we all walk laps together while the wonder mutts wrestle, play chase and swim. There is this one lady that used to be a semi regular, she hasn't been around for months, the last time she saw me was before winter, lets call her missy . Yesterday when I got to the park all the dog walkers were standing under a large tree hiding from the sun, so I walked up and said hello. Before I even got…

I know I have a long way to go but boy does 39 pounds make a difference!

Hello All, Today is my 6 month surgiversary and I am happy to report, I have said goodbye to the 170's forever!!!! I weighed in at 169.2 today and have about 16 pounds to goal. I know 16 pounds doesn't sound like much, but I am loosing so slow at this point, it will probably take me another 3 months to get to goal. But, It is okay I know I can do this and the sleeve is an amazing tool! Happy Losing to All and Thanks for all of the support.

2 days ago was 4 months since my VSG. I have lost 102lbs. I am amazed each and every day. I feel so much different. It is an amazing experience! I wish I had not thought about this surgery for a year and a half. Wish I had done it sooner. I took pictures of myself without clothes on before I started this journey and comparing them now blows my mind. I cant wait to loose the rest of the weight! 87lbs to goal. Fly

I am only 26 years old. I get banded on Aug. 1st and I am so super excited. I was just wondering if ya'll who are close to my age, had any trouble with excess skin. My doctor seems to think that since I am young, along with exercise, I shouldn't have too much of a problem. Just curious.

Wow! 4 years have almost gone since I was lap-banded in July of 2007. Its crazy how time flies when your having so much fun in your new body. Here's a little recap about the situation before I was banded. I was diagnosed with PCOS and could not loose weight due to the amount of medication they put me on to control the symptoms. Frustrated I found my surgeon Dr. Spivak in Houston and scheduled my surgery. July 20, 2007 will be a day that I cherish for the rest of my life. It's a day that I was kind of "born" into the person I have always been and was afraid to show it due to the weight I was under. As I sit here writing my comments about completing 4 years post-surgery …

First and foremost--- MY WEDDING DRESS FITS!!!!!! I'm engaged. The wedding was planned for 2006 in Hawaii. Then my hubby's mom got sick and was in hospital. So we postponed the wedding ( and decided to start trying for a baby- I wanted to have kids earlier in life). Then she passed away while I was pregnant with her first grandchild. Life went on and the wedding has always been on the back burner. We now have 2 little monsters we love to death. Now- keep in mind- the dress never actually fit me before. I was going to " lose a little more" before the wedding. Instead I ballooned out. But it fits now!!! Yay!!! And I still love it!!! I took a couple pics, but I can't find t…

Hi there, my name is Katherine. I did my VSG with Dr Aceves in Mexicali Mexico on May 2. I am thrilled with my results so far. I have lost 36 lbs and drum roll please . . . 45 inches OFF my body . . . 8 inches off my waist!!! My incisions are so small, I can hardly see them...I use wheatgerm oil on them. I feel great, swim 3 times per week and walk twice a day with my dogs. IF anyone is questioning if they should do the VSG, I say go for it. It will change your life. And let me mention, I am 57 years old and for those "stinkin thinkin" people who believe that if you are in your 50s or 60s and wanting this surgery and older women dont lose as fast as the younger…

Im new to the sight, but love reading all of your post. I was banded on 12/17/10 highest weight 288 surgery day 271 wt today 251. I have had 1 fill 3cc in a 9cc band. I am on the treadmill for 3 miles 3 to 4 days a week. and also some wt traing and the bike 6 miles 2 to for days a week. My dr is not generous with fills. I have a follow up appt on March 24, 2011 but I am not guaranteed a fill then. I need some help. I am so frustrated.

I was banded June 8, 2010 and I am here to tell you that my band and I were successful. I have lost 82 lbs - in a year!! I am not malnourished or deprived. I am happy with the foods I can eat and super progress with the new and improved me. I have gone from a pants size 22 into a size 12 (loose). Next month I am going in for my TT to complete the losing part of my journey... I can't say enough about how happy I am (that's with a band slip & 1 overfill in my past). I wish everyone well on their journey, no matter which part of the journey they are on.

I really didn't notice this until I was dressed and getting ready to leave for work. I was standing in front of my mirror. I just happen to look down and realized my thighs no longer touch!!!!! I actually have a space between them!!! So amazing!!! I am getting a lot of compliments at work. I'm now getting called skinny. LOL. That gets me everytime. I always respond, "almost". This is truely the best thing I could have done for my health. (just thought I'd share) Deb

After 7 grueling months of stalling I'm finally moving again! Lost 10lbs in 1 week! Can't believe it! This stall is FINALLY OVER!!!! Maybe now I can head for onederland!!!!

I started this journey weighing 272 pounds at the beginning of the year. When I got sleeved on 3/30/2011 I weighed around 263. This morning I got on the scale and was rewarded with a 199.0 weight. I haven't been under 200 lbs since the 80's! No longer am I afraid of mirrors and the scale no longer laughs at me!

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel!!! I just wanted to post a picture for everyone, I am almost 9 months out on July 1 and I have lost a total of 66lbs and counting... I would like to lose another 23lbs but its coming slower now that I have gotten closer to goal... I am thoroughly enjoying every second of my life and I feel freer than I ever have!! I work out at least 3 times a week mostly running but also doing light weights to tone up arms and legs... Im enjoying this whole process and I know that i have not always been perfect but I do know the proper behaviours to use this tool responsibly!! here I am before... and here I am ... wearing my scars…

I have lost 55 lbs so far and absolutely love my sleeve to death. I wanted to show the difference those 55lbs have made so here goes. After the loss of 55 lbs. 1 month post op 1 month post op 2.5 months post op ] 2,5 months post op ] 4 months post op

In looking at all the before/after pics, everyone looks so much younger in their after pics. This wasn't always my experience in looking at before/after pics on other WLS forums and maybe other WLS procedures. I see very few people looking 'ill' or 'old'. I don't know if we are just all so damn cute or what it is. I think the after clothing styles are also younger as we get more confident in our bodies. Keep posting those pics!! I love seeing the changes!!

I originally posted this under the wrong forum so sorry if you see this posted twice. I went shopping for a new pair of jeans yesterday since mine needed to to washed after every wear to keep it shrinked down. I was still wearing the 22-24s since preop. I went to Lane Bryant and put on a 20 and it was loose! So I freaked out and grabbed an 18 and it went on perfectly! I'm still doing a happy dance. I get that Lane Bryant's 18 is probably way bigger than any other brand's 18, but it still feels really good!

I finally decided to stop lurking and actually register so I could share my story. I have been visiting this forum since last summer when I started my journey. Had my first doctors appointment in August. Did all the tests required. No preop diet. I had decided I wanted the sleeve but my insurance wouldn't cover it. I didn't feel great about the band or bypass, but reluctantly decided on the band. I was approved in November and was scheduled for surgery in January, when fate stepped in. My insurance started covering the sleeve in November. I quickly called my doctors office and was approved for the sleeve within two weeks. My surgery date was January 20. Today i…

Hey y'all: Well, I was out of town last week with no access to a scale. You know how that can be. But I got right on it this morning and was pleased to find that I have dropped 58 pounds in the 3 months since surgery (I didn't have a pre-surgery diet), exactly halfway to my goal! Yay! I've dropped from a pant size of 26/28 to a loose 20 (and some 18's) and a shirt size of 3x-4x to plain old XL. And this is only the beginning. I still have a small, very picky sleeve, but I'm learning to live with it, and it's definitely helping me drop the weight. Hope all other 4/18 sleevers are doing well and have fun success stories to post. Cheers! Meg

This isn't a picture of me. This is a picture from the article. It amazed me! This is a great article/blog entry that a friend linked me to that illustrates a very important lesson that we should all remember. Just because the scale isn't moving, it doesn't mean your body isn't changing! I know this is a message that I need to be reminded of constantly. I'm a definite scale addict. http://primitivestim...addicts-part-2/

This has been amazing short journey, which I'm glad I did. My surgery date was july 15, and folks I have lost 27 lbs. Yesterday, I had my first post op appt, and my dr said I did an amazing job, but I was having problems finding the right Protein drink for me, but I found one at last that I simply love with a little Water to dilute the sweetness, and it has 40 gms of protein and no sugar...cytomax tropical flavor bottled. Officially, I have progressed to soft moist foods, so I can eat fish, watermelon, spinach..things like that...I'mmmmm so excited...nothing new to you all. Oh I'm in onderland!!! I was wondering, now that I am eating will the weight lost slow down, …

So today I stepped on the scale and was greeted with 189.9. It's the first time I've been in the 180s since around 2000, when I used hypnosis to lose about 25 lb.s and made it down to around 185. Thank you VSG!! I am two months and a few days out. 32 lb.s gone since surgery, 32 in my pre-op diet. Only 4.4 lbs. to go till I am merely overweight!! Thanks to all who post their successes and struggles. Reading your stories helps me every day. Lynda

I am happy to say that as of Wednesday the 20th I was one month post op and down 18.4 pounds. My total loss since the start of the diet is 40.4 pounds. I'm feeling very happy and relieved to think that this time it won't be coming back as long as I continue to make the right choices. I'm hoping this next month will show the same results. Just this week I became able to exercise because I was having severe pain on my left side but tonight I felt so energized I just felt like running. (I'm looking forward to the day I can) So for now I'm walking and I'm going to continue to build up my stamina so that I can run until I want to stop.

i am finally able to get the pics up the pics are between 40-50lbs lost

[center] Hi Everyone! Yes, I too hit "onderland"!! I am offically down to 198.6 as of this morning from 325.2 nine months ago! I still have 48 lbs to go!! Suzette [/center]

Finally I seen 159 on my scale! I was starting to think my body had settled on 161 as a weight and despite a broken foot the damn scale moved to a number rI have not seen since Jr. High!

...and I'm down 17 lbs! I just took my first Water aerobics class tonight and wow! What a great workout! I'm so happy I made the decision to get sleeved!!

So I went over a friend's house I haven't seen in many many years and we took a photo before I left. I decided to compare it to the photo I took the day before surgery. I can't see much of a difference yet but I definitely feel a lot different now. My feet don't hurt and I don't get winded easily anymore. I am still wearing the same size clothes although some things are getting a little baggy. Just thought I would share. I also chopped of 8 inches from my hair since then too. Edit: Whoops the photo should say day before surgery 363, sorry typo.....

I have a shelf full of medifast food which consists of all shakes. I was wondering if I could use the medifast diet as post-op diet after vertical sleeve surgery. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated

I wanted to lose 60lbs by June 10th my two month surgiversary on June 10th. Well I was 3 lbs short but today I made it to 60 lbs lost!!!! Couple days past but still made it in just a couple extra days!!! Woot!

I hit the 70 pound mark this morning and am inching closer to my first major milestone of 100 pounds. As each pound drops I feel like I am gaining a mile of self-confidence. I am no longer hiding behind people or furniture when meeting new people or chatting via video messaging and do not run when someone pulls out a camera. I am refusing to purchase a new wardrobe until I am close to reaching my goal. I am trying out my domestic skills and am utilizing my sewing machine to take in certain clothes (work pants, etc.). Despite my middle school home economics sewing skills, I discovered the key to keeping my clothes staying up is a belt. I have never needed a belt before s…

Hi Everyone, My one year anniversary was 2 weeks ago on June 30. My top weight ever was 210 (with clothes and shoes). My weight this morning (in skivvies) was 120.4. My labs look great with the exception of D3 which is a bit low. All my premorbid conditions (hypertension, prediabetes, sleep apnea, psoriasis) have resolved. I feel great. OK, here are the before and after pics.

Awesome News #1: Today, I woke up and stepped on the scale to finally see myself at the halfway point! I have lost 69 pounds and I have 69 to go to reach a normal BMI. This put a pretty big smile on my face since the scale hasn't been that friendly of late. Awesome News #2: I have signed up to run a 1/2 Marathon on January 30th with my husband. This is a pretty big goal for me. One of the reasons I finally decided to have surgery is that I signed up for a training program last year and was too big to keep up with the workouts. It was a wake-up call. Anyway, last Saturday was the official first meeting for the new year with the training program. I was SO nervous. Last ye…

This weekend is full of NSV's for me. Yesterday morning I was rushing around getting ready for my 8 am Zumba class - I totally FORGOT to drink my usual Breakfast Protein Drink before I went! Never in my life have I forgotten to eat. I occasionally chose to skip a meal when I was sick - but never just FORGOT. My body reminded me sharply half-way through Zumba when I got a little dizzy / faint feeling. I realized I must be HUNGRY! I sat down for a couple of songs, drank some Water then fininshed class - went home and ate breakfast. What a wierd thing to happen - FORGOT TO EAT! This morning the scale moved and I finally have a BMI of 29.9. I am NO LONGER OBESE - ju…

If I add the weight I lost over the year before surgery (311 at my heaviest) then I am 2lbs away from having lost 100 lbs!!! 60 since surgery and 38 before.