Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

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I can't even tell you how long it's been since I've been under 200 pounds. Years and years and years. I weighed yesterday and was 198. OK, I was excited but I didn't want to post until I knew it wasn't just a blip. 198 again today. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A little over a week ago I saw my primary care physician for a checkup (actually saw the PA but that was fine, it's not like I even know my PCP as I only see her once in a blue moon). Anyhow, I brought along the XRays of my sleeve from Dr. Aceves and told her about the surgery. She didn't even know what VSG was so I had to explain it to her (I never told my PCP I was going to have the procedure before I went to Mexico). She seemed happy with my weight loss and didn't make any negative comments about me going to Mexico (which was good, as that would have really upset me). She ordered a battery of blood tests, which I had done early last week (I hadn't fasted prior to m…

Today was a grand day. I cleaned house ( including furniture moving) all day and didn't even get tired. My kids were playing in the toy room, when my 4 year old daughter hurt her finger. While hugging and kissing her booboo better, she hugged back and practically yelled, " mom!! Look!!! I can touch my hands together when I hug you!!! I haven't seen my best friend since surgery ( about 3 months). She didnot support me in my decision for wls so I didn't want her around until I was fully healed and able to eat well enough in front of her. I finally got the nerve to ask her over for dinner. Her hubby ( also my hubby's best friend) was flabbergasted!! He just kept compl…

Hi Everyone, I wanted to provide an update on my progress. I've been 100% happy with my sleeve. I converted from the band back in October 2010. I was banded in Jan 2010 at 200 lbs and only lost 15 lbs from that time untill October when I revised. I hated the band! Weightloss with the sleeve has been effortless. Yes, I struggled with dumping and other weird side effects. I even had to have my gallbadder removed 6 weeks ago and now have diarhea, but you know what? I'd do it all again in a heart beat. I went to Mexico and saw Dr. Rodriguez through BeLightWeight (or however they spell it). The first few months I really focused on Protein first, etc, etc. but the past…

Woo Hoo got a surgery date!!!!! So very excited!!

Lapband out sleeve in ??

I've been laughing about this all morning and had to share. Although I haven't lost much weight in the last week or two, something must be happening because EVERYONE is suddenly noticing all of this weight I've lost. I work in a large high school with a fabulous custodial staff. Today, I was walking next to one of our custodians who speaks very limited English. When I said, "Hi!" she looked at me and her eyes bugged a bit and she said in very broken English, "You is skinny! Yes? Es good! Es good!" For some reason, I found this hilarious. I thanked her for noticing and giggled to myself as I walked away. By far my favorite compliment thus far. Yes, I is skinny! Es g…

Yesterday( here in Canada) was 1/2 price day on clothing. I was determined to go as I no longer can wear ANY of my old clothing and I don't have much $ to get new clothes. I am a head baker at a bakery and had a bread competition yesterday, so I started work at 1230 in the morning and did a 17 HOUR DAY!!!! Can we say exhausted???? Talk about an NSV too cause I did it without consuming boat loads of sugar (like I used to have to) just to make it thru the day!!! Anyways, as soon as I was done, I went to 2 VV's and got 2 pairs of jeans, 2 casual dress pants, 6 shirts, and a light zip-up hoodie for 45 BUCKS!!! Yahoo!!!! AND I bought a size 14 jeans that I can get on ( bu…

In late January I was 275 lbs. with an inch waist and all the issues with being overweight; items like diabetes, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep disorder, gout, and headaches. I am now 204 lbs, with a 40 inch waste with none of illness I had before. My goal target weight 200 lbs. - which is 71 lost and 4 to go. Some people don't know its me. I feel just great, enjoying shopping for new clothes, dancing, and working out with my 20 year old son. Meeting new people, socializing and I will be starting a new business. To all who are considering sleeve surgery, please go for it. Do your home work, follow the plan. Have faith and it will happen. Lash

I was in the elevator today and two women that work in my office, said "Lorraine, your disapearing before our eyes!!! How much did you lose? What are you doing?" So I told them 29lbs and I am on a high Protein diet. lol I'm not lying, everything I eat is protein lol.

Today the family and I went to the mall to do a little shopping, the Red Cross was there doing a blood drive. I walked passed at first afraid to ask if I would be able to after having surgery. When I walked by again, by this time i have eaten and was feeling brave, so I stopped and asked if I could talk to the doctor to ask her a few questions. I told the doctor i had vsg and ask if i was able to still donate? She asked first if it has been more than 6 months (check) and if i was feeling fine (check)! Five minutes later the doctor nurse pulls me back to check my vitals and to ask 100 questions. First she ask me my name, then the dreaded question, my weight, but this time…

I was washing my hands at work today and, when I got ready to dry them, there were no paper towels. So I started to shake my hands off a little and... My wedding rings flew off!!!! I've lost 33 pounds since starting the pre op diet, but I've lost 63 since I got married in August!! I had to put my rings in my pocket for the rest of the day and I guess I'll be either putting them in the jewelry box tonight!

OMG! It seemed like it would never happen, then bim-bam-boom! The scale moved, and the BMI went below 30. I am now officially OVER WEIGHT. No more Obesity for me. EVER if I have anything to do with it. And the weight keeps coming off. You can see this too if you already haven't. Just follow the rules and enjoy the ride. 29.92 Next stop? Onederland in 3 lbs.

I jumped on the scale this morning because I'm obsessive. I had to re-weigh myself 3 times because I am at the lowest weight I've been in 5yrs. Which is kind of sad considering this morning I weigh 309.4lbs I'm looking forward to being under 300 for the first time in 8yrs soon. Oh and for congratulations sake.... December 2010 I weighed 351lbs SW Aprill 22nd 2011 I weighed 331lbs 1 Month out I weigh 309.4lbs For a Grand total of 41.6lbs lost since I started this journey and 21.6 lbs lost since surgery Maybe I'll make my 30th birthday Goal after all. 49 more pounds for that one!

I was thinking in the car today, and it hit me, that in about 3 more pounds, I will have lost the combined weight of my 2 grown boxer dogs!!! Izzy is around 60 pounds, and Gus is around 68 pounds. See picture below. It really puts it all in perspective how much I have lost! The second picture is a before and now picture! Its hard to see the difference when you see yourself daily, but seeing the pictures helps so much! For all those pre-op'ers, take lots of pictures!!! And for those thinking about this surgery, do it! I am only 7.5 months out and doing awesome! 79ish more pounds till goal! I guess I will have to get another boxer to equal all the weight I have lost once I …

I am two weeks out and have lost a total of 25lbs. This was the best thing I have done. I am so happy. I had some health issues against me so here is to a new healthier life for me

I knew that finally deciding to take action and not be obese anymore was going to change my life. I was prepared for the lifestlye change, the new eating habits, the different wardrobe, and the better health. At 4 months out, I'm down under 200 pounds, somewhere that I haven't been since roughly 9th grade. All of the changes have be fought for,welcome, but expected. What I never expected was that I would start to feel more confident in myself. I didn't realize how little self-confidence I had until after I started to lose weight. For years I've been the stay-at-home-mom shuttling the kids to their various activities, to school, to doctor's appointentments, to frien…

I am totally excited!!! Saw my PCP today and well she agreed to take me off of my last diabetic pill. HOOORAHHHH I guess that means I am not diabetic anymore and it has only been 3 weeks since surgery and 5 weeks on the diet. In addition to that I don't have to take anymore blood pressure medicine....unless my Nephrologist says otherwise this afternoon, which I don't think he will. So the pill update: 20 to 10 to 6 to 2 a day in 3 weeks. I love my sleeve and it is doing exactly what I wanted it to do and more. I cried this morning with a big huge smile on my face. Just couldn't help myself. Raine

I saw that everyone has been posting their pre and post-op pics and I love looking at them so I thought I'd show mine also I've lost a total of 41 lbs since 3/19/2011 and while I'm kinda "stuck" at 222.2 right now, I know I'll be losing way more! The first picture is from January 2011 and I was at my highest weight of 263 and the next couple of pictures are from April 16, 2011 at my college graduation. These pictures are actually only 1 month post-op, I just realized that instead of them being 2 month post-op sorry.

This past week , I have changed things up, and boy has it paid off!!! I lost 6 pounds this week, for a total of........ 125!!! Now, onto my next goal of getting to -150!!!!

I have been on a terrible stall, flirting with onederland for weeks, losing and regaining the same two pounds a number of times. But today, I am 198.5!!!!!! I haven't been under 200 in probably 24 years. Can't wait to keep losing and shopping for normal sized clothes. It's so liberating! My tickers says I've lost 86 pounds, but I have actually been 111 pounds heavier at my highest weight. Or at least the highest that's been recorded. NSVs: Yesterday was my 35th wedding anniversary. We were at a family reunion for my husband's side of the family and there were relatives of his that I hadn't seen in a long time. One of my husband's uncles asked someone if I was Mike's …

I had my surgery on March 8th 2011 and with everything including Pre & Post op i have lost 32 lbs. When in my life have i ever lost that much? I am greatful and i intend to reach my goal of 180lbs doing it a pound at a time. I am happy and feeling good.

I'm feeling really great at 4 months out. I don't have any issues with food, haven't had any major stalls, and only have about 40 more pounds to go. Anyone lurking here, trying to decide if surgery is right, GO FOR IT!!

I just voted for you! Good luck!!!!!

Hey guys!!! Yesterday I went to Lane Bryant with my bestfriend and we decided to go get fitted for bras. I was very scared because the last time I went to Lane Bryant they told me they didn't even have a bra my size which at the time was a 48I- yes an "I". So I go to get measured after my friend and she tells me that I am now a 42DD! OMG, I never thought I'd see the day! I never even wore a DD before! I ultimately would love a big B or a small C but I was so excited about the change that I'm looking forward to the next few months more than anything! I will be 6 weeks post op tomorrow and I have the biggest grin on my face . Take care!!! P.S. I'm still going to hold of…

I am about 7 months, 1 week out from surgery. Wow, time sure does fly! I was in Hawaii during my 7 month post op date, so here is my update. I am going to attach some pics from Hawaii. I did so many things I know I couldn't have done at my higest weight. I fit in a plane seat! And most of the time, had lots of extra seatbelt. I hiked thru a rainforest, swam in the ocean, and walked to stores and on the beach. We were on the 4th floor of a condo complex, and I took the steps most of the time I had a great time! I was so scared I was going to gain, but I actually lost!!!! Before I left, my lowest weight was 250 pounds. Before vacation, I got up to 254!!! UGH!! I thought …

So I have not been real good about my measurements, but I decided I needed to take a look at them today so I thought I would post my progress. On 11-21-10 2 days before surgery waist: 45.5 hips 54 breast 46 thigh 26 calf 16 ankle 10 wrist 63/4 arm 12 on 1-17-11 waist 42 hips 48 breast 39 thigh 23.5 calf 16 ankle 9 wrist 6.5 arm 11 today May-15-11 waist 39 hips 43 breast 39 thigh 21.75 calf 14 ankle 9 wrist 6 1/4 arm 11 my waist by far is my worst trouble area and I really need to hit it hard.

This little girl made my day! I am a manager at a 'tween' girl clothing store. As I was helping this sweet, 11 year-old, she said to me, "I like your shirt! Did you get it here!" I just smiled and said, "No Honey, but you're sweet to think I can wear these sizes!"

I seen 169 on the scale this AM,,, I have been battling through the 170's for 2 months! Is it normal to have to fight so hard once you get down in weight? I am excercising more than ever before in my life and I just don't get this slow weight loss when consuming only 6-800 calories a day. I watch my carbs, I only eat chicken, it is just frustrating!

Ok, so I know I'm here having another yay me moment, and as its the 3rd this week I apologise if its getting boring. I just wondered if anyone else found that you suddenly hit a point where everyone around you suddenly realised your weightloss and starts commenting? I felt better and kind of hoped for the odd complement every pound I lost over the first stone, nothing was said, and I just gave up on the observation skills of others. This week, and 48lb down the penny dropped, and TWELVE of my friends have noticed and commented, including one person telling me not t lose much more (the same person begged me to lose weight when I got married at just 2lb heavier than I…

I went on a cruise this month and with food readily available 24/7, I gained weight. That's okay because I planned for it and mentally prepared myself, mostly. Anyway, on the 22nd of each month, I look at what I have lost for the month, and realized I only lost 1 measly pound this month. So I tell myself that it's still a pound, and with all I ate on vacation it could have been worse, but I was still a bit bummed and disappointed. Then Monday, I was getting dressed for work, and although I can fit an18/20, I was holding onto some 22 pants for work. I put them on and realized they were too baggy to wear. Hurray! So then I stopped by Wally-world and tried on some 16's and t…

My husband always makes jokes about whenever we go anywhere because he would have his wedding ring on and I never wore mine. He would say we weren't really married laughing. For about the last year it has been too tight. Even though I was just sleeved last week I am guessing the weight I have lost so far did enough because I can put my wedding band back on. YAY!!

OK, so I am having a stall again, the scale has not moved since before easter, BUT the last 3 days have been amazing for NSVs, so I'll bask in those a little instead! Monday - (sorry this is reapeated form another thread) - I put on my work trousers only to find they don't touch ANYWHERE, not the waist, not the bum, not the thighs, I let go and they hit the floor, and they are not old trousers. My 7 year old thinks this is hillarious, so much so that she tells everyone who will listen about it (I'm flattered, but gosh i hope she doesn't tell people every time I try something on and its too small!!) Then I go to do the pick up from the childminders, and she gr…

Tried on some jeans today and I'm in a size 12!!!!!! I really can't remember the last time I was a size 12! I know I graduated highschool at a 10 and I was married 4 years later at a 14 so sometime in between there and that was over 11 years ago!! Whats really crazy is I have been this weight within the last 6 years. One time while doing WW I got down to 173 (174 right now) and I was a size 14 then but a 12 now!! WOOHOO!! So I went from my highest size of 24 in Nov. 2010 to a 12 in May 2011

Hi Everyone! I havent been posting much here but I have been lurking almost everyday, On the 23rd I will be 6 months since surgery and I have lost a total of 71 pounds I havent changed my ticker yet. I have to say its been the best thing I have ever done for my self. I feel great and I love losing weight! I always have my Protein drink every morning and I do try and eat mostly protein every day, I also eat other things I shouldnt,lol. But I dont do it on a regular basis. My Dr told me that I can eat what ever I want cause I will only eat very little , its what you drink that is important. I work out about 3 times a week and I walk about 4 times a week, I just started …

This has been the best week EVER!! We put our house on the market Friday and sold it Saturday, but that isn't even my best news! This Monday was my 7 week surgiversary. It was on Monday that I saw the scale hit 199! I couldn't be more happy and excited. Everything with the sleeve is finally starting to fall into place. I have to admit, that I had buyer's remorse for about the first 4 weeks. It wasn't till I hit week 5 that my attitude started changing. I was seeing results, I was able to eat and drink more, I could eat and drink without having those bubbles going up and down my chest and throat. I was starting to feel normal. My doctor took off all food restric…

So I pulled a package of these outta the freezer and fried one up (instead of 4 like before). I took one bite and couldn't believe it! I hated it! It didn't taste like they used to-it was just greasy cardboard. I didn't eat the rest. In other news: I'm working out regularly so my arms are getting firmer as they get thinner. I fit my jeans I wore in high school but they are horribly out of style so I went to the Gap for new jeans-due to new-fangled vanity sizing I'm a size 8! (silly) I have tons of energy-I can't believe how tiring it is to be fat-and then I was so tired that I ate more "for energy." :-) CHECK OUT MY TICKER!! I started with a relatively low BMI so…

WOW!!! I chose these pants as my goal pants. They are still a little tight and probably in about 5 or so Lbs they'll fit ok. But WTH - I can get them on!!! I never dreamed... never. Weigh day is one day and a wake-up. Looking forward to seeing what it says. Whooootttt!!! Consider this my 8th month check in. :-) Blessings y'all!! Befores: Currents (Those are 8's):

I am down 13 lbs and surgery was 4/21. I feel great! Although I am far from my goal, I am loving this. I've had a couple ups and downs, with moods etc, but I'm sure it is normal. I realized that I was retaining some water, and that was messing with my weight. However, I've resolved that issue, and down 13 lbs today. So glad I did this. To those who are expereiening fluctuating moods, its ok. Its normal. Be positive. You did the right thing.

Well, since surgery I have been regularly sorting through, and throwing out my more generous clothes, and am now the owner of very few things to wear. Last time i had a wardrobe purge I ended up with just 3 pairs of trousers suitable for work which is pretty limiting, however I went to put a pair of them on this morning, and they were like clown trousers they were so big!!!! I literally let go and they fell to the floor Don't get me wrong, I LOVED it, and could not be happier, but I'll be leaving the house naked at this rate!

:hurray: Two years ago today I got 85% of my stomach removed and I have never been happier. I love that for the most part I have maintained my weight loss for over a year. I did gain a few lbs over the Christmas holidays and it was not easy taking it off. What a lesson! It showed me that as we get farther out, it's easy to slip up and not so easy to take it back off. My sleeve keeps me from over eating most of the time so if I follow the rules and eat my Protein first, I rarely have room for dessert. I read a study that said that it's common to put on 20 lbs by 5 years post op but I plan on not having any part of that!

I'm sitting here in tears writing this....I just took a shower and was getting dressed when I decided what the hell, why not try on a pair of jeans from freshman year of college. I pulled them up thinking "there's not a snowflakes chance in hell these are going to fit." Yet, they slid up and buttoned EASILY! I'm fitting into a juniors size 13!!!!!! AHHHH!!!! Holy.shit. (can I say that on here? If not I'm sorry mods!) I think I peed myself a little! I'M NOT PLUS SIZED ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!! I may have done a stupid booty dance in front of my full length mirror...but if anybody asks me about it I'll deny deny deny . Can I just say something? I LOVE MY SLEEVE! From si…

HI!!! I Was banded 5-8-08! 3 years ago. I lost 100lbs. I was Banded by Dr. Malley in Overland Park, KS! I am in a contest right now to win an IPAD! Please go to www.facebook.com/malleysurgical 1. LIKE their page 2. Go to the photo album "photo contest" 3. go to MY before and after photos (KATIE-FIRE WYER) 4. LIKE both photos.. that is how you vote! Thank you soooooo Much!!! This is a very close contest! my blog is: www.nursekatieann.blogspot.com

Hi all -- been a while since I've updated -- today was a great day for me -- 8 months post op and I've lost 122 lbs. I seriously cannot believe it. I have not been this thin since I was a teenager. seriously. And I am 47 fricking years old. wow. And the amazing thing, on top of it all, is I ONLY HAVE 17 POUNDS LEFT TO GO! I cannot believe it. It's happened so fast and relatively easily that I just didn't think I would be here now. I updated my youtube vlog, so if you care to take a look: CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? Gosh, I just have to pinch myself!

Hi, I have been waiting for my stomch to catch up with the weight loss I have had. I've posted before about my top being smaller than my bottom, and it's all around the waist. It seems like my skin has finally started to get the message because my jeans just started to hang on me. I went to Kohls and tried some jeans there in a 16 - they did not fit. Way too small. I really need low rise jeans because they are cut more generaously in the waist. So, I went to Torrid ( which I love because of the designers, but they are pricey) and fit easily into all size 16 and even one size 14! Yes, I know this is a "plus size" store, but they carry great low-rise jeans in fan…

Ok, so had a tough day today, have just come home from holiday this afternoon, which always leaves me a little blue, and then weighed in, and have GAINED 2lb (ok, so I wasn't perfect wilst away, but 2lb feels a bit harsh!). So I'm in a bit of a mood, then I start to download my holiday pics, and I come across the only one of me, and I think on reflection that I look fairly average in it, I certainly didn't look at it and think woah I look soo fat (my usual response to any photo of me). So I am claiming this as an NSV (photo attached), please feel free to argue I don't want it sugar coated, I am still only 1/2 way to goal, and know thats still going to take some d…

I just feel like I have to share the events of this week with someone and this seems like a great place to do it. On Wednesday, I had a check-up with my surgeon, Dr. Roslin, and he was really happy with my progress. I am down about 120 lbs since my surgery in July and my blood work looks good except for high triglycerides which I am working on (damn my penchant for cookies!). I am especially thrilled about my blood work because I have struggled with getting my vitamins in and now I feel that I have that situation under control, except for my calcium, but I am working on that too. Dr. Roslin thought I looked "svelte" -- I don't think anyone has every used that word to …

So today I wore a pair of jeans that were a bit loose before surgery, but I could still wear them in public. I figured they would not hurt my incisions. On my upstairs to get ready for bed I made it to the next to the top step when the jeans just slid right down around my ankles. I just stood there laughing for a few minutes and then hitched them up until I could get to my pjs. YAY!!!

Hi Everyone, I thought about how much WLS cost and then I sat down and did a little calculation on what I would save each month. I was amazed when I figured out that is sure didn’t take me long to pay myself back because I wasn’t spending as much for food, medication, doctor’s visits, eating out and less gas for my car because I walked a lot more and did my shopping on my walks. Yes self-pay does cost us more. I gave up waiting for an insurance company to say yes, because I knew that they just weren’t going to do it and I wasn’t willing to give away any more days of my life. I knew Dr. Aceves was the best and that was just where I was going. Check out my numbe…

So the way I am doing the math to get the average of 4.09 includes my 4 week pre-op diet I followed. Therefore, in 11 weeks I have lost 45 lbs, 16 of which was lost in the 4 week pre-op diet. I am feeling fabulous and the compliments are flowing in. I have dropped two sizes in scrubs at work from a xxlg to large now. I do exercise atleast 4 or 5 times a week including cardio and weight lifting. I also eat similar things every day which is protein shake at breakfast with 1 cup milk, 1 scoop protein powder, and 1/4 cup frozen berries. Lunch is 3 oz meat and 2 oz veggie, afternoon plain greek yogurt and 2 oz fruit, dinner 3 oz meat and 2 oz veggie. Hope this post give…