Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

10,189 topics in this forum

I had the band a week ago, and so far I've lost 41 pounds in a month including the pre op diet. On this site, I'm seeing all these horror stories of people who need revisions, and that most people don't get the band anymore. My doctors talked me out of the other surgeries, because I'm very young (24) and am realtime lay healthy, which by their admission is extremely rare in someone my size. (praise be to G-d!) I would like to know if anyone here has had the band for a long time and hasn't had a horror story. I'd like to be reassured. Thanks!!

I just posted this on a thread about whether we regret having surgery, and realized that it really belongs more in this forum. Apologies for the double-post. ------------------------------------------- I am less than 5.5 months post-surgery, and have lost over 100 pounds. I crossed that threshold just yesterday, and that means I'm just three pounds from the mythical place I never thought I'd see again: ONEderland. In the 5.5 months since surgery... ... I've discovered running. I completed couch-to-5k (thank you, "C25K Free" app!!) and then two 5k races, and have more scheduled every weekend for the next 6 weeks. Before surgery, I couldn't run h…

I had the sleeve in October at 482. My highest was 557 I was curious if I am keeping up with other October sleevers I am at 308 today. So excited to almost be under 300

Hi everyone! I had my band removed and sleeve surgery last Thursday, July 9th. I would love buddies who had theirs around the same time frame. I gained 7 lbs from surgery and have lost that plus 1 more lb. So sick of the protein shakes now lol. How is everyone else doing? So excited to see everyone's progress!

Does anyone else feel like me? That going through the pain/trouble/hassle of WLS was a necessary right of passage for personal growth and taking charger of your life?

Feeling over the moon excited to step on the scale and for once in 10 years to be below 200!!!! I wanted to do a happy dance by myself in the bathroom!

Hello to everyone, I am a 48 yr old woman who was sleeved on December 12th 2014 and I'm 5'4 started at 293 and now weigh 238 I am struggling as my goal weight is 150 but I've been at this weight for months now. I do Not get my water in but I only eat 1000 cal per day, what is wrong with me! I see people who are down 100 lbs. by now, I'm so frustrated with myself and feel like this is it for me, left with 90 lbs to lose and feel like I'm back to my old self, just stuck with this weight on with no hope. I cannot eat less than 1000 cal per day or I feel very hungry. But I don't think 1000 cal. is very much. I should be losing tons of weight with that cal. intake. Any sugg…

I know I sound like a broken record but friends..here is what success looks like. Just so happens I'm up a few pounds from my lowest weight but so what. Who cares? I was almost wheelchair bound before surgery and now I'm riding a bike. I have my life back and that's what success is all about. So please stop worrying about the number on the scale. It's just one indicator...and not nearly as important as getting back quality of life. Have a great day everyone.

I started my weight loss journey at 267, and I am now 144. I am now at goal, but feel like a melted candle. I hate having my lose skin.

Hello all. I am only one pound away from scheduling my surgery. I keep going back and forth between the bypass and sleeve. I am worried about the malabsorption with the bypass and long term success with the sleeve. What were deciding factors for some of you? This keeps me up at night and I want to make the right decision. I am on the lower end of the bmi scale. I think since I lost 10 lbs on my pre op diet my bmi is now below 40.. I have about 90 pounds left that I I need to lose to be at ideal weight. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Went to my doctor yesterday for my 3 month post op visit. So far all's well. I've been cleared for pretty much all foods except for steak and pork, which come in month 6--i'm not much for either, so I'm not really worried about that. I'm down 77 lbs total, including my preop which started in January. My BMI is down to 30.4 (almost out of the obese ranges!), my body fat % is down over 20% from my first weigh in. I've been slowly gaining muscle (woo hoo!) each month. Having an easier time getting my liquids and Protein down everyday. So far no complications, no complaints, and no regrets!

Hey there everyone!! Tomorrow marks my one year anniversary of having my surgery. It has been a roller coaster ride and still is. I am down 100lbs. I started out before the preop diet at 247lbs wearing a size 24. I am now at 147lbs in a size 9-10(depending on the clothes of course ). I am able to wear some of my 16 year old daughters clothes. I never thought that would happen to me. We look at my pictures from April of last year and my kids tell me they did not think I was that big at that time. BUt now they see it. My confidence level is going high. I still have about 20-25lbs I would like to lose but I feel good. I will be putting pictures up when I get home from work.…

Hi all just checking in I had VSG on May 8 2013 my starting weight was 253 today Im holding around 159—163 Im extremely happy with weight I lost and Im still loosing just super slow now days...but I am in a size 28 almost down to size 27... loving my sleeve...so where are you may 2013 sleevers

Hey all! I haven't posted since the very early days out...I was sleeved on 10/2/13 at 273 pounds. I reached goal in 9.5 months which was 159 pounds which would put me at a normal bmi. At about 8 months post op I started running. That was a game changer! I have since completed a triathlon, a 5k, 2 10ks, 4 half marathons, and on January 25th, 2015 I became a marathoner! I went on to lose and additional 20 pounds and I've been maintaining 20 pounds below goal ever since. From a size 22/24 to a size 2/4. I eat clean and train hard! I am really living my best life now!

I am thrilled beyond measure! As of yesterday's weigh in I am no longer obese! I never thought I would be so happy to be "overweight" in my entire life! But I have been obese for ATLEAST the past 10 years. We get so used to how we look/feel we can almost forget how it was before. Two weeks ago we lost my mil to ovarian cancer (btw KNOW THE SYMPTOMS) at the family gathering after the funeral last week a family member I have never met cornered me and said the nicest thing. She said "I was looking at your wedding pictures downstairs (I was larger when I got married) and you were beautiful." (At this point I'm wondering what is coming) Then she says "I mean you WERE be…

Hello all, So yesterday morning I awoke, got on the scale and hit the 212 pound mark. which puts my weight loss at 150 pounds down. I was stunned to say the least. It really makes for a great day. The weight loss numbers are wonderful, but i also just bought some new shorts and fit into a size 36 , or a mens medium, now instead of the 56 and a 4xl last summer. Now that really makes for a great day. This morning i logged into Facebook and the folks over at Si03.com aka the makers of Syntrax Protein products, sent me a wonderful message. They are starting a new social media campaign, called Transformation Tuesdays. They asked me to be their first subject, and would li…

Surgery date - July 23,2014 Starting weight 276 Surgery date 267 Current weight 169 Happy I finally took the time for me. I have a great support at home and hope I'm not done yet????

I finally got brave enough to take photos after surgery. I had my 9 month appointment yesterday and the surgeon was very happy with my progress. I still have close to 30lbs to lose to hit my goal.

I have to start this out by saying I am absolutely a success. I have lost 100lbs, weight I would have NEVER lost had I not had the VSG surgery. I do not regret for one minute making that decision. What I am regretting is where I have put myself right now. I did not use my tool to the best of it's ability early on. I used the sleeve to lose the weight for the first 10 months. I didn't even try to exercise. I was more active, yes. But I was losing and I was happy so I didn't put much effort in. My eating was under control for the most part during that time too. As time passed and weight loss slowed then stopped I did start to go to the gym. I figured I rode the sleeve as fa…

I'm 4 weeks out. Saw the endocrinologist today. My finger sticks have been good enough that she officially discontinued all my meds (which I had been off since the surgery to see how I was doing). Before I started this program, I had uncontrolled diabetes, and was on 3 meds for that.

I was sleeved last Tuesday 6/16/15 and feel that I have been doing well. Water at 80 oz, two Protein shakes and 3 clear liquid meals. My worry is that is is getting easier too fast! I have been able easily get my required water down in the morning with out gulping or having pains. I've already walked over a .5 miles today Had a BM and feel pretty well- Has anyone had this experience. In all my research it showed folks on YouTube struggling daily for water and shakes and food was a huge issue and I'm not having issues at all. I was on s Clear liquids for 14 days, pre-op. Now full liquids for 14 days, then purée 14 days, soft 14 days, and then reg diet. I worried…

I had two depo shots and I was due for my 3rd July 2nd but it was making me vitamin D deficient so I didn't take it. I'm trying to be birth control free and taking precautions against getting pregnant but has anyone gotten pregnant after they were off depo? If so when?

I am late on my post. I made on year March 26th 2015. I started at 360 lbs and I am currently 250. I have stalled a lil bit but with work and school and family it was expected. I want to drop another 40 lbs to reach my goal of 210 lbs. It's been a long and well needed journey.

What a difference! I am still a long ways from goal, but can now get in 5,000 steps a day, walk a mile without stopping, get through a day without sweating, look at myself in the mirror without flinching, and generally enjoy life, even though I have about 160 left to lose!

Down70 lbs. since surgery. 90 since pre surgery diet. So happy and no regrets!

Hey everyone, ???? my surgery is this Tuesday the 30th & I NEED to know... How bad is the pain on day one after surgery ? Is it a couple hours and then morphine does its job or ? I know I shouldn't focus on the pain but it's the only thing I'm truly worried about. -Christina

S.D Sept 24,2014 -s.w 250 c.w. 165.

I struggled a bit in May. Had a big loss the 1st week then nothing. Actually GAINED 1 week then sat at 95lbs all month. Then finally Friday I did it, 100lbs lost! Whoop!! ☺️ Every time I say it, I'm in awe. Not all is since surgery, I lost 43lbs between Aug and my surgery date (20 of that was my pre-op liquid diet). I was banded 1/27 and have lost 57lbs since surgery. I still want to lose 70 more pounds but if I lost not 1 more pound I would consider my WLS a success! This surgery has changed my life and I can't wait to see what the next 70lbs look like!! I know I'm still a newbie myself but I just wanted to let the people who just had surgery or are struggling, wei…

I know is not my VSG surgery but now is a really tough time, need a heart surgery and insurance don't cover please help me with anything everything count www.gofundme.com/anumbrella4myheart #AnUmbrella4MyHeart thank you

I'm at stage five im at 8 weeks..and I'm going out to play bingo I researched the restaurants at the place or might bring my own stuff just in case..but anyone get anything that's good for us wls patients at panera or subway...I can do salad now but I'm just so nervous esp when I want to have a good night with no issues

Good evening everyone and Happy Mother's Day to all of the fabulous ladies out there ❤️???????????? Question, I'm starting purée stage Tuesday and am trying to prepare a menu for the week. What are some of your favorites that are a must try? I'd love to know!! Thanks in advance. I'm scouring Pinterest as we speak.

has anyone been using the vibration power plates? just wondering how ppl have been getting on

Today was the first day I got back in the gym since having my surgery in November. I got on the dreaded treadmill expecting to be holding on to the side rials for dear life like before and to my astonishment I was able to do 45 mins on incline and NOT one time did I have to hold on to those stinking rails!! It's a modern day miracle! Losing 91 lbs has made a humongous diffence! And Here I thought one of my legs was longer than the other and therfore causing me go sideways all this time! It's amazing how much you begin to not hate the mirrors so much in the gym. Feeling blessed.

This photo was taken of me on my one year anniversary date to surgery. -110 lbs and over 80 inches. Here is the before photo as well

I tried on bathing suits today. I tried on a few bikinis knowing there is no way in heck I would be seen in them in public with the sad state my tummy is in. I snapped the picture on the right to send to my Husband as a desperate plea for a tummy tuck ASAP (he's anti-plastic surgery and loves my body the way it is.) I left the store feeling sad that although most of my body has snapped back after my almost 95 pound weight-loss, my stomach still frowns at me. I feel trapped in a fat suit most days. Something made me search for the pic that led me to get WLS in the first place. A picture of me at my heaviest (245 pounds) in a bathing suit on a zip line on vacation. Im s…

So I'm done with week one of my pre-op Atkins diet & down 6 pounds. I wish I could say I was excited and happy and thrilled, but I'm just not. I'm pissed and I want some cake. LOL!!! (Guess this is how I got here, huh?) I think it's mostly head hunger at this point. I LOVE LOVE LOVE sweets. I'd much rather have a cookie than a steak. My son told me last night "Mom please have a cookie, I think you'd be a lot happier" LOL!!!! Bless his heart. I want something sweet SO BAD. I did a chocolate Protein shake yesterday with ice & added a tbsp of Peanut Butter, that did it for a little bit... I'm a bit surprised at how much sweets I ate! I think I ate more …

I had my 6 month post op visit the other day. I can't believe it has already been that long! It seems like just yesterday I was struggling to eat broth! I have come a long way and learned even more these 6 months. I still struggle with certain foods but I have never been more sure that this was the best decision of my life! I still have a ways to go and still sometimes have to force myself to go to the gym and occasionally force myself to not eat peanuts lol, but I will get there. I am down 91 pounds so far. I really hoped to hit 100 pounds by 6 months but I know that I need to be proud of what I have accomplished. I basically lost the equivalent of my niece and nephew pu…

So, my surgery was September 25, 2014. I have slowed way down on my weight loss, but I am still following the plan and exercising. I have always been the type to run from a camera. This past Sunday I decided to take a picture of my own to see what all the fuss has been about by my appearance. And for the FIRST time in quite a long while I was not embarrassed by what I seen. My starting weight was 222, I am 5'4 1/2. Yep. Throwing in that half. Sunday when I took that picture I weighed in at 157. I still have 17 more to go until goal. But couldn't be happier with my life at the moment.

Hello all! I am wondering about long term, like years postop, the success rate? Is there enough data to say that the sleeve is effective for one or two decades after initial weight loss? I am just wondering if anyone has maintained very long term.

This has been an amazing journey! I'm 11 months into my sleeve and down 90 lbs. I still have 20 lbs before I reach my goal, but it won't be long before I'm there!! This surgery has changed my life!! I'm happier, healthier, more confident, and know I've bought myself many more years with my family and friends!

Today marks my one year anniversary and I had a mini goal of being below 200. What a great day to wake up at 199.6! It has been at least 15 years since I've been below 200. Yesterday, my husband and I got dressed up in our wedding clothes and re enacted some of our wedding pics. As you can see my healthy habits are rubbing off on my husband as well and together we are down 125 lbs! Gotta love a man who marries you at your heaviest!

I had my surgery October 15th 2014 and weighed 280 at surgery day. At six months I made my weight goal of 195. I am currently in maintenance mode and it is so much harder as increasing my caloric intake and addition of some good carbs make me anxious on gaining weight. As of today I am down to 189 but am stabilizing. Dr wanted me to go below 195 so that I have a buffer. I noticed it's the addition of some increased Fiber, I feel bloated. Not sure if some of this is in my head but definitely that that feeling. Has anyone experience this feeling of being bloated?

Just picked up my records as my doc is retiring. Color me surprised.! Not overweight or obese description. Finally! Loved the well nourished part he titled my very last visit. Happy to accept that lovely description of my health. Feels wonderful????

I had a NSV today. Wore a long dress with no pantyhose. No chubrub. Wahoo!! Next NSV...went for a cleaning at the dentist and the hygienist was surprised I had all my teeth considering my size. Not sure what one has to do with the other but she just assumed I was small, and always that way. I like that..but it does make me feel like a fake. Gotta mention that to my therapist.

Hi all! As some of you know, I had a 3 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Corpectomy on Wednesday morning. That is a pretty big surgery and I did extremely well given how nervous I was. Well here is the thing, after you have had RNY things are confusing because as you probably know, most hospitals focus on the one thing you are in there for. My hospital was terrific but we're not set up to ensure a proper bariatric diet for me given They went through my throat. So, as you can imagine my throat has been put through the ringer and I found even sipping Water was excruciating. I was unable to take any of my supplements nor was I able to eat anything for a …

100lbs lost and now finding that I am just irritated with how my body looks. Yes, I know its not just about that. I get it. But right now my self esteem is not all that great. I've lost probably 75% of my once awesome thick wavy hair. My thighs are sagging, I have no boobs, and my arms are flabby. Its summer and I don't feel confident in wearing any of the stuff I can now fit in. I don't typically have body image issues...even when I was heavy but losing all the weight to feel disillusioned with how I look now is frustrating. Apparently my brain had tricked itself into thinking after I dropped all the weight underneath would be waiting a Victoria's Secret model. Silly bra…

Reached a big milestone today According to the BMI tables, I am now officially overweight! Started out as morbidly obese, wearing size 22/24 pants and 3 or 3X tops. Now in size 8 petite pants and medium tops! Went out to dinner with my parents last evening and they are concerned that I still want to loose more. They are having a hard time wrapping their head around the transformation -- a harder time than I am. After being heavy since age 6, I finally feel like my true self. Can't express adequately how happy I am. A little bit sad over the lost time -- wish I had done this sooner -- but trying to stay focused and in the moment because this moment is GREAT!! So grate…

We had our insurance wellness exam today. Gosh what a difference a year makes. Last year I stressed about it. This year I passed all with flying colors! Blood pressure 114/80 Glucose 76 BMI 26 Total Cholesterol 156 LDL 79 HDL 67 Triglycerides 52 Woo hoo!!

I just had my 2 week follow up appointment with the surgeon. I've lost 10 lbs since my surgery. He seemed not quite please with that weight loss. I have been eating more than the 1/4 cup modified liquid per meal that is recommended. I've been eating 1/2 cup or slightly more (5 ozs) per meal. And the occasional snack. The surgeon says that if I am stretching the rules now, I will continue to do so and probably head towards failing overall. He didn't say it so bluntly, but I understood what he meant. I'm shocked and depressed that I am failing so soon after my surgery. Anyone else been in my shoes? How did you turn it around? MsTodd

I am 45 year old male 5'10 /260 pounds with a failed band. Very apprehensive about revision surgery. I have cancelled my date twice and was ready to go June 7 but my doctor has to cancel and reschedule for June 23. Beginning to second guess this decision. I know several people that have had great success. Any advice is welcome!