Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

10,189 topics in this forum

After surgery, do you feel anything different inside?

Im very interested to hear from you younger Sleevers out there (i'm 27) whether or not you have issues with loose skin, how much weight you've lost, how much u exercised during weight loss and in maintenance and if you've looked into plastics what the general cost estimates you've gotten. Many many people have told me that my age is def on my side but i'm curious for those of you at goal and maintaining as I know your skin continues to respond for a couple years post weight loss. Thank you all in advance for taking the time to reply. This forum has been a constant reinforcement for my new life style and "friend" throughout this whole process. I am 27, 5'7" star…

Anyone had issues with really low potassium? It makes sense as most of the high potassium foods are way down on my list of acceptable foods to eat. I was feeling lathargic and had no energy. Was attributing it all to surgery and a slow recovery. I am thrilled with weight loss progress, but haven't been able to sustain any consistent exercise program. When I went to Dr. for blood test to see where the numbers were, my potassium was on the floor. Dr. has added potassium supplements and two glasses of V8 daily, so hope it gets stabilized. Been a real issue for the past couple of weeks. The real bummer is I stopped losing weight as well. Hoping getting things leveled…

I had my surgery 6 weeks ago. I am following everything the doctor has told me to do and I'm happy with my results. The only thing I don't know how to do is balance my social life after my surgery. I haven't gone out with friends because I don't know what do. They want to go out to eat and drink and I clearly can't do that. Any suggestions?

Has anyone had a Gastric Sleeve in Yuma, AZ with Dr. C. Jensen at Yuma Regional Medical Center?

Many years ago, my mother gave me her mink coat when she moved to Florida. I got too heavy to wear it and gave it to my sister-in-law hoping that someone else could use it. That was more than ten years ago. Turns out she never wore it and I recently reached goal and asked her to give it back. I wasn't sure if it would fit...it's hard for me to really see what everyone else sees and only by trying something on, can I really gauge my size these days. I must tell you....I never thought I'd be able to wear this coat again. I'm overwhelmed....

hi, I read these posts alot and im deciding if the sleeve it right for me still. I see alot of people on here who are super strict with their eating plan and of course they are losing great amounts of weight, but what about those people who arent "perfect"? do they still lose a considerable amount of weight as well? Id love to hear from people who arent hard core strict with their foods and exercise and hear how they have done so far. I know a few people who had the sleeve and they tell me they eat the same as they used to just very small portions. Can that even be true? im sure they arent referring to cakes and chip and tuff, more so that they eat normal type mea…

I'm starting to wonder if I am developing a shopping addiction, I have bought at least one article of clothing for myself about every other day over the last month or so. I believe it's justified since I've lost so much weight and could no longer fit anything I had, but it is starting to concern me. I love clothes now and as long as it's in good condition it can be hand-me-downs, thrift store, clearance center or off-the-rack. I've read that people sometimes replace one addiction with another one. I was addicted to food, I wonder if that hasn't translated into an addiction to shopping. I'll keep an eye on myself and try to scale back to maybe twice a week, then once …

Can anyone help me...I have such a bad cramp. At least I think it's a cramp. It is right under my right breast. It is such a sharp pain and I can't seem to get rid of it. I've had it since lunch time. I currently have a heating pad on my tummy oh and it seems to be radiating to my back. Is this normal? Can anyone help please ?

I started in April at 415lbs. I had mysurgery in June at 372, I am now under 235lbs and that was about 3 weeks ago. I dont like to weigh myself every week anymore and truly at this point its all about doing the right thing for me. Ill probably lose about 20 more but thats it,. I was a 52 inch waist and now a 34.. i was a 4x shirt now a large, Though it cose me a lot in clothes Who cares! Love to shop.. I eat under 1000 calories per day. I work out 6 days per week, Im loving life now. No more medications and no more Apnea! Doctor was amazed at how fast it came off. Everyone is different but i was super motivated and never strayed,, Thank you Dr Jiser at …

What a wonderful experience I have had. I had my sleeve yesterday (2-11-14) and have been pleasantly surprised with the whole surgical process. I used Dr. Broussard in Edmond, OK at Summit Medical Center. I live about 7 hours from there and the whole team has been great working with me on that, doing as much over the phone as possible. I am cash pay as my insurance did not cover, I also purchased the BLIS complication protection for a little peace of mind I am an open book if you have any questions on the cost/financing/etc. Went in for surgery Tues AM, schedule was running behind that day, I got into preop around 10. Started my IV, got my meds going and then the …

Ok. I will be the very first person to admit I have struggled with my weight loss and motivation post op. I have lost weight and I am happy I got the sleeve, no doubt about that. But I have had issues with controlling my head hunger and staying the course, not eating slider foods. ( which I can and have) I do try to stick with plan for the most part, but some days it is simply easier than others. I am trying a new zen approach in my thinking and I hope it works for me. Rather than being down on myself continually I have decided to be happy I am where I am. I could still weigh 316 lbs. I still could be unable to do many things I now can do. I could be in constant pain from…

I hadVSG surgery Oct 16, 2012! SW 288 CW 190 I love my sleeve and my new body I exercise quite a bit for muscle tone. I eat just about anything but still in very little amounts! My skin is not terrible but I would like to have my stomach and Brest done this year! I'm glad I was able to retain my curves my goal now is to tighten and build firmer muscles! Still have occasional reflux, like now!! But I know what triggers it! Today was caffeine in iced tea!! I forgot! Oh I am so excited and glad that I can wear actual designer jeans!! I wear a 31/32 in True Religions!!!! My clothes are mostly medium I wear 12 pants. I really thank God for …

Im extremely excited about my loss. I finally hit wonderland. I wanted to be under 200 when I went for 3mo and I was at 197 . Haven't seen that on the scale in over 13yrs. About 54 more till my goal and then to figure out getting a tummy tuck ugghhh. I need a new pic this one is at 203. [ATTACH]42177[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]42178[/ATTACH]

What a year it has been. I can't truly process all the changes that have happened. This time last year I was resting at home recovering from surgery and now I am officially at goal! I feel so blessed that I was given the opportunity to be sleeved. Definitely the best decision I have ever made. Here's a few photos: This morning Before and 3 months out Today Yeah me!

77 pounds lost so far. 8 months post op.

I found a recipe to make califlower pizza on internet, so I decided to try it today, it came out great and I added all the ingredients to my fitness pal which came out to 280 cal, 18 grams carbs, 23 grams protein for the whole pie, I was only about to eat 1/4 of it. Next time I'm gonna try it with different topping like buffalo chick with low fat blue cheese. Here is the recipe: http://www.fitsugar.com/Low-Carb-Cauliflower-Crust-Pizza-Recipe-30739512.

Does the weightloss surgeon verify your previous weightloss attempts with weight watchers or an other weight loss organizations?

I can't wait for my BMI to be under 30..I am so close. Guess I can be called overweight and not obese at this point :} I am happy with my weight loss and looking forward to losing the extra 32 pounds. It may take more time. But as long as I keep true to myself ..I will get there. Going to St. Lucia for spring break at the Sandals Resort. I plan on exercising by hiking, using their fitness room, and walking on the beach ..I am seeing my pysch and nut this Tuesday so that they can guide me on how to handle the food aspect of staying at an all inclusive resort. Of course, I don't like liquor or wine..so at least that is on my side.

Sometimes the scale doesn't move as quickly as we would like -- important to know that it's all happening, bit by bit. So happy to be losing my Mrs. Winnie-the-Pooh physique: I did some number comparisons this morning at four months out: Waist -- down 5.5 inches (wow! that accounts from going from size 18 to 14 in pants) Bust -- down 4.0 in inches (bra shopping needed; getting desperate) Hips -- down 4.4 inches Thigh -- down 3.5 inches Arm -- down 3 inches (very happy about this one! That's a lot on one arm!) Neck -- down 1 inch

I can't wait for my BMI to be under 30..I am so close. Guess I can be called overweight and not obese at this point :} I am happy with my weight loss and looking forward to losing the extra 32 pounds. It may take more time. But as long as I keep true to myself ..I will get there. Going to St. Lucia for spring break at the Sandals Resort. I plan on exercising by hiking, using their fitness room, and walking on the beach ..I am seeing my pysch and nut this Tuesday so that they can guide me on how to handle the food aspect of staying at an all inclusive resort. Of course, I don't like liquor or wine..so at least that is on my side.

Hi all, I don't post much at all, but I'm here most days finding support, inspiration, and success stories. It was one year ago when I had my first visit with my bariatric surgeon. I weighed about 275 pounds. I struggled with the decision to have WLS up until the moment I was rendered unconscious by the anesthesiologist. My band was placed on August 9, 2013. Today I'm down to 199 pounds. Now the hard work begins. I would like to drop about ten more pounds to reach my goal of being "overweight." I had my sixth fill earlier this week. My weight loss has slowed considerably over the past month or so. I say the hard work begins now because I've lost and gained hundreds of…

I went to see my PCP today. The last time I saw her was in April of last year. I felt that I'm ready to start getting off of some of the meds I'm on. I went a couple of days ago and had labs drawn and then had a full physical today. She was thrilled that I had gotten a lapband and was losing so much weight. My labs were all great except some of my lipids (though they had improved). She wants me to start taking fish oil and asked me to take a specific brand. So, adding a pill to the regimen. BUT....she said I could stop taking Metformin! WooHoo! And to start cutting my blood pressure pill in half. She wants me to take 4 or 5 BP's at work and call her in a month with …

Sw:268 Cw: 210 So happy to finally be seeing results! I'm down from a size 22 jeans to a loose 16. Tops from plus size 2x to a regular xl! I feel so good that it seems unreal most days! The 1st pic is day of surgery, I'm on the right. I did this with my best friend.

Last week my 9 month post op appt with my surgeon went Great! Thirteen pounds away from my goal. He actually says, I've lost more than the norm. However, I do have a new passion since surgery! It's Running! I've gone from a size 22 to a size 6 in pants and 8 jeans and small tops. I'm so happy with my decision to change my life forever. I would do it all over again. He also asked me to speak at his next Pre op conference. I was honored. [ATTACH]42093[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]42094[/ATTACH]

Im trying to stop losing.. I cut cardio to 30 min per day. i lift weights 6 days per week. Im still dropping. Ive added calories to about 1400-1500 per day. I really cant eat anymore. Any suggestions.

Monday was the first time I drove since my surgery on the 4th of February. I was nervous first to drive and second because i was going to the grocery store by myself. Well as I made a right turn I noticed something odd my stomach was no longer touching the steering wheel! I started to cry of joy, I could not believe this new feeling, and then I realized that where my seat belt buckles was not stabbing me on the side of the thigh, more tears came. I was so happy I wanted a reward and my brain thought of food. I still have this addiction to treat my emotions with food. When I got to the grocery store i parked as far as I could to give me time to prepare for my first al…

I had my VSG on January 23, 2013 and at that time I weighed 274 pounds. I am 5 feet tall. This past year has been one hell of a year! I reached my goal of 125 pounds on December 23, 2013. And since then, I've continued to lose. I now weigh 116 pounds. I'm still within the normal weight range for my height, but I'm trying to stop losing weight now. I like having a little bit of a cushion in case I start gaining...but I still have a hard time eating enough to get enough calories to stop losing. I'm working on it though! Here are the pics! My son and I can both fit in that outfit now. Me now, weighing 116 and wearing size small tops and size 4 pants. Befo…

Still losing (more slowly)-- still following the rules-- still LOVING my sleeve.... 105 lbs down! Getting closer to my goal!!!! Here's a couple pics: ( I also added a few photos in my gallery "8 Months PostOp" including pics of food I'm eating)

I hit the 100 pound down mark today! Surgery: 5/31/13 SW: 253 CW: 153 Height: 5' 6" Yay!!!!! (Tutu for my upcoming "Color Run/Walk") :-)

Some days I look at myself in the mirror and say "I look the same as before" and then I see something like this and say "Oh My"!! Down 80 pounds as of today...am eagerly waiting for that 1 more pound to finally say I'm in one-derland. It's been an interesting ride so far...and I have worked hard at it!!!! I am so thankful to so many of you for your support and guidance and new friendships! (you all know who you are!)...and thanks Alex for putting together a unique site where people can come together and truly understand the success and joys as well as the frustrating and tough times! I am feeling very very blessed! Thank you WLS for helping me change my li…

okay, this might seem so stupid but im going to get your opinions on this. I am so ashamed of my weight, its something i NEVER share with anyone. anyway, there are 2 doctors that im considering using. it turns out that my across the street neighbor (who im friendly with) works in the recovery room of the one hospital that the doctor im interested in works with. Then I have a pretty close friend who works in the cardiac section of the other hospital that Im considering with a different doctor and she was telling if IF i have it done to let her know and she can make sure I have a certain things ect etc plus I know she would stop up on my floor to see me afterwards.…

Good morning all my beautiful sleevers! So I had an amazing NSV Saturday I had to share. I was out on the town with friends in a very hip spot of Dallas. I was out with my gorgeous leggy model looking friend who's a showstopper. I felt good and happy I wasn't insecure but by no means thinking anyone would give me a second look. But I love to dance so I went out on the dance floor and was shaking my moneymaker just in my element. I open my eyes and all eyes are on ME. I was so into the music I hadn't noticed sooner. All of a sudden a tall lean young guy comes up and starts dancing with me. He grabs me by my waist and picks me up! (jaw drop....heart racing....no time to p…

Ok we all here have had Weightloss surgery Now where do we go from here? Weightloss surgery is just a tool My question to you is what do you do to help your Weightloss continue ? Eating drinking exercising ??

This weekend we (our family) moved my sister and her husband in with our mom. I was easily able to keep up with everyone and put in 150% effort in help moving heavy furniture, climbing around in the back of a U-haul, etc. My dad kept calling me "skinny", even though I still weigh about 15 pounds more than I did when he first started really backing and pushing (in a good way) me to get WLS years and years ago. haha Of course, I came home sore that night and the next day, but from the sound of things, I fared a whole lot better than everyone else! Lots of complaining about barely being able to move! The ONLY downside, and it can hardly even be called that, is that my bones …

okay so there is a section on this site where you can look up doctors. So I look up the doctor I am interested in using and I see under his name it only says like 39 patients. Now, Im certain he has more than that. can you tell me how accurate this information might be? who is responsible to update it? Im curious?

The below picture is what I looked like at my highest of 418 and where I am as of last night at 219. I showed this picture to my 3 year old daughter last night and asked her who the guy on the left is. Naturally she said "thats daddy". I asked her who is the guy on the right and she said "I dunno who is it?" She genuinely did not recognize that as me. Folks that right there is why I had this surgery. I did not want my daughter to know the fat unhealthy me. And guess what I accomplished it. This was a huge win for me in this journey and it mad me very happy.

Had a follow up with my surgeon yesterday and I am officially down 52 lbs since my Nov 26 surgery. I really happy about that, but I was crazy excited when he told me to stop taking my meds because my BP has been too low. WOW!! I was hoping to be off my meds is 6 months, but 6 weeks!! It is so worth any challenges I may face. Even my primary care doctor is amazed! Half way to my goal!

This is my journey in video. Check it out. http://fgr.am/f/reyoRbcmuE

I was a little skeptical about adding pictures and my story on this forum. Its been 6 months after my surgery and I can't say that I regret ever doing what I did. So here's a before and after picture my heigy pre-op weight being 244 pounds and now I'm currently 174. I haven't been the size since I gave birth to my son almost 15 years ago. I want to thank my my surgeon in his team for all the support they have given me and the constant encouragement. [ATTACH]42090[/ATTACH]

Last night, I received a message asking for Prayers, that a friend had a Heart Attack around 9am, and was presently in ICU fighting for his life... First thing this morning, I found a e-mail waiting for me that he did not make it through the night.... This is becoming all too common....we have a Facebook "Memorial" page devoted to HS Alumni that keeps track of HS Alumni we have lost....the list is way too large.... Ironically, at 9am yesterday morning, I was having my annual stress test, having Cardiac issues of my own.....but in my case..(thanks to the Lap band) the Dr. and staff had me running my butt off trying to get my heart rate up.....they were even joking, re…

hey everyone...I need help understanding the whole protein part of being banded. I was told I needed to have about 70 grams a day and I am no where near that figure. I've looked at protein bars and shakes and they seem to be for body builders, so I really need help with this. Why do we need so many grams? how many grams are you taking in? How are you doing it...are you using shakes/ bars- what brands would you recommend? Any high protein foods you'd recommend? Are we always going to have to consume so much protein??Thanks for any info on this!

K so apparently my husband isn't quite as thrilled about my happy dances and singing of show tunes and whatever else comes to my mind today but I don't care. I have officially reached my surgeons goal weight! I myself wanted to get to 135lb and thought that was so impossible when I started this journey. I have officially reached 130.0! It's arrived and I'm so thrilled and gotta say there were days I didn't know if it would happen. Now the maintenance part begins. I feel so blessed. For any of you struggling out there..it does get better and it can and will happen! We all started this for a reason. Don't lose sight of that. My reason was to get past health issues brought o…

Need help with my "mental hunger" issues..... I just want to eat everything I see. Any suggestions?

Feeling fantastic!!! Just found this pic from last summer when I was 204lbs. This makes me realize how far I have come. My surgery was 10/1/2014. I am so close to goal it's an amazing feeling not to worry about what I am eating or what I am going to wear. I am no longer embarrassed to go out in public. I am enjoying life and feeling good...

Good morning everyone! At least it's morning here in California. I have some exciting news to share. I am a week from being seven months out and this weigh day marked my 100 pound weight loss. I am down to 167 pounds and 33.5 inches all around my body, I have lost 10 pant sizes, I'm starting to get muscle tone now, and what I'm super excited about- I FIT ON ROLLER COASTERS AGAIN! Tell me something you were excited about when you hit One-derland, or what you hope to do once you get there.

What a miracle, still! I'm still surprised when I see myself in the mirror. I dropped from pushing into a size 24 to a 12 or 14. After decades of dieting and yoyoing, it's just wonderful to be the same weight and size month after month. I eat just about anything I want without fear. There are some things I've chosen not to eat, bread and Pasta, unless they're fabulous, famous, or unavoidable. But because they're not forbidden, I don't feel deprived. I do eat chips and Cookies but only buy really good individual cookies or individual sized chip bags. There's no way I'm going to have a supply of either in my house. I'm good but not superwoman! Exercise has become a ne…

So I'm 5'9 female I weight 255, would I be a good candidate for this procedure, how much should u be over your ideal weight to qualify

Hello everyone, I had my surgery in Nov 2012. I was active on the forum until after surgery. 6 months after surgery my husband received orders to a new duty station and I no longer had the support of my surgeon and his staff. I tried to do it alone..... up until now. I am struggling with food choices, exercise and motivation. I can't do this alone and need support from a community that knows what I am going through. I am weighing in at 170 and have been stalled forever. I decided to become active again with the forum. I feel like a failure because I know what I am doing wrong.

Yay me!! 198.8... I just made it by the skin of my teeth but... I'll take it!!! 50.2 lbs GONE