Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

I am about 6 1/2 months out and down 64 pounds. A couple of pics here and I just posted LOTS in my gallery. I am 5'3" and have 18 pounds left to my goal. :-)

On Thursday of this week I celebrated my one year of having my sleeve. It's been an interesting journey, both easier and harder than I thought it would be. I have been at goal for a month now. I seem to be going up and down by 2 lbs or so every other day. I really didn't have any problems in the beginning months. I have always followed the rules, Protein first, vegs, seldom fruit or carbs. I ate 600 calories -50 carbs for months then moved up to 800 calories to 1000 calories. I am now eating about 1100-1200 calories day and about 90-120 carbs. I worked my way from 60 protein grams to 80-100 a day. I have had a few minor health problems along the way two of which are rel…

I truly love reading everyone's stories and experiences..... So unique, yet so many common threads. For the first time in my adult life, I am a liberated woman. I freed myself from my love/hate relationship with my SCALE. For decades, I have allowed that scale to determine my self worth and set my mood on a daily basis. When I began this life changing transformation of having WLS, I made a decision to not weigh myself daily or even weekly ...... Very hard to do for this certified SCALE JUNKIE! (Believe me, I'm not even suggesting this for anyone.... Just sharing my personal experience). I only weigh at my doctor's visits, about every four to six weeks. No longer do I g…

Had my surgery 8/14/13 and was 248. I weighed yesterday and I was 197.2! I was stuck at 206 through the holidays (didn't eat as well as I should have). As soon as I got back on plan the weight started falling off again. I'm down from a tight size 18 to a loose 14 in pants and from a 2x to an xl top (I'm a little busty). I'm so happy, feel great physically, and feel sexy again. You can do it people!

I am creating this thread sort of as a diary of my weight loss adventure. A place to write down my thoughts, concerns, plans and the outcomes from those plans. A log so I can remember and follow along with where I've come from and where I have yet to go. I am a man from Boston Ma. who currently resides in Southwestern Oklahoma. I am not politically correct and make little effort to be so. I am 46 years old and have served in the Military for most of my adult life. First the Navy in the 80’s, then the Marines in the 90’s, then the Army in the 2000’s. Now the Army Reserves. I have been here, there and practically everywhere from the bottom of the ocean to the deserts o…

Had my sleeve done on March 18th 2013. It was the best decision I have made in a long time. I have primarily followed all of the direction given me by the institute where I was a self pay client here in Newport Beach Ca. I exercise with a trainer 3 days a week and on my own two days a week. My starting weight was 398 pounds and today i weighed in at 250 lbs. 148 pounds total loss so far. I am 6'2" and am a former football player. I have now revised my goal and am shooting for 230 pounds, but it will take a while. The last scan I had showed that my lean muscle mass was 198 pounds, so I feel that 230 will be a reasonable number. I feel a lot better than I did at my highest …

I'm scheduled to be sleeved on Jan 14 and I'm having second thoughts. Has anyone else gone through this, and what did you do? Thanks

I am definitely a "slow" loser, but I am VERY HAPPY with my weight loss! 33 pounds down since June 18th, and about 52 pounds from highest weight. I eat clean, healthy food 95% of the time (cheat day is on Sunday); one hour of cardio 5-6 days a week; weight lift 2 days a week (I want to do more, but difficult with schedule), divided by upper body and lower body, heavy weight/low reps, both isolation and compound lifts. I LOVE my sleeve, LOVE the restrictions, and I especially LOVE that when I do occasionally slip the bad stuff, I'm full after 3-4 bites! (Picture is of my highest weight and of me today, 8 weeks 5 days post-op)

I'm 3 weeks out yesterday. Didn't weigh in decided to wait until my one month mark. But here is a pictorial of my achievement so far.

Well, one year ago today I was introduced to Mistress Band, 60 pounds lighter, down from a 46" waist to a 36". Shopping in the "normal" section and having to buy slim cuts shirts. Not getting winded when I walk a couple of miles, riding farther, faster and longer are just a few of the changes. First time I have made it through the holiday season without a substantial gain, let alone a loss. Funny thing is, I just feel like I am starting to understand my band after a year, I have another 40 pounds to loose, but I'm in no hurry. I am enjoying my life, and while WLS has not solved all my problems, it has made a substantial difference in the quality of my life.

It passed goal today! Started out at 260, goal wait was 160. Last week I was 163, today … drum roll please … 159.6!!!! Holy smokies!!! I can't believe it. This is my lowest weight since middle school, I've got kids in middle school now. I never dreamed I would weigh this ever. I am so thankful for my sleeve. Definitely not an easy journey but worth the effort.

Yesterday over lunch, I hit the ice and played hockey! It was a little akward at first, and I have some great blisters on my ankles, but these are the payment the hockey gods require. I skated ok, and had decent stamina. Being pickup we didnt have a lot of subs on either side. But I defended well against a bunch of college kids home on break. I didn't have much burst, as I feel overall weak. But my balance was great, especially skating backwards. It was such a great feeling afterwards. I forgot the rush of adrenaline-fueled brain chemicals you get after good competition. It was like I was high, or having an out of body experience lol. When I got back to work,…

Hoping a vet or two is lurking here, since I can't post on their page ... I'm a year out, and have been in maintenance for about 3 months ... I'm still cold. All. The. Time. I have the heat set in 73 and everybody else is walking around nearly naked while I'm in sweats and under blankets. STILL. When does this regulate? Get better? Stop?? (Lol, please tell me it does).

Restested today.. After 4 years of OFF The Chart APNEA> I can toss my machine or hit it with a sledge hammer. At least it saved my life but after 180+ pound weight loss It is all over!!! YEY Excited Christian

I wonder if I'm the only one who is freezing to death and butt absolutely kills them sitting now? Good problems to have I suppose. I'm pretty much thinking about just staying in my car and keeping the seat heater on from now on! J/k but seriously ...I'm so happy for this new lease on life...just wish sitting down didn't hurt!

Just a quick pic of me so far. Please ignore horrible lighting and junk in background, I had to take in ladies room at work as I don't have a full length mirror at home. While I can't wait to lose more, I am pretty happy with the so far. I truly wish I had take measurements prior to everything to see how far I have come. ( I KNOW the inches have changed a lot!) I am not a huge "selfie" fan, but will try to get more to document my journey. BTW- I am meeting a new guy tonight for the first time.. think the zebra print is too much? LOL

Had my surgery in August of 2012, start weight was 387. Now I weight 230-235 and couldn't be happier. It was easy and suggest to anyone concerned about side effects to ask others who have had the surgery because all have different stories. I had the gastric sleeve by Dr. Lavin at Surgical Specialist and the pre-surgery procedures to get done for mainly insurance purposes were drawn out. Once the sleep apnea, nutritionist, psychiatrist, doctor visits, blood work, etc., was done and surgery completed it was a matter of time and all weight just comes off. I do not feel I was a normal person with the procedure from talking to others, I do not get hungry! The doctor told…

I was sleeved 10/2/13, today I completed the first day of couch to 5k. This is a big accomplishment for me as to say I was out if shape is a big understatement. I kept pushing myself and I did it. So excited!

So I've been getting a few requests to post some updated pics. I had surgery on 9/10/13 and I took this pic tonight. Best decision of my life. I'd probably still be that guy on the left, in total denial about how obese I really was.

I will start by saying I yoga and pilates. I have done them off and on now for years. I've always the same problem. Too much bulk. There would be to much of me to do some of the poses or positions. I went back to a pilates class today. And boy what a difference. I was able to stay in the different crunch positions without too much trouble. Loving how easy life is getting.

I am down a total of 57lbs, I love my sleeve. I still get to enjoy all my favorite foods just in moderation, and the sleeve helps me to make better food choices.

Yesterday I was out with my wife and she drew my my attention to a man with a large belly. She said, "That is just what you used to look like." "Yes, and you used to constantly tell me to pull my jacked-up shirt back over my belly!" I said. "You haven't bugged me about that in a long time!" "Yes, I know!" she said with a big smile. She didn't want me walking around with half a hairy belly sticking out, I didn't think I could help it. The shirts I bought fit fine when I bought them, washed once they became belly shirts. I literally walked around with both hands stretching the shirt down over the beach ball so I wouldn't get the needle from her. Of course, she didn…

For the first time in our 12 year relationship (10 years of marriage), I weigh less than my husband! I still have a lot to lose and he could stand to lose a few, too, but I have always been at least 20 pounds heavier. He actually seemed genuinely excited for me, too. I think he's looking forward to being able to pick me up and carry me around. Still got a long way to go before I get there, but a girl can dream. I told him to start hitting the weights now, though.

What a difference a year can make - here I am at Christmas 2012 and after Christmas 2013! Thank you all for the support and for the ones who doubted when I said "I eat everything in moderation" - well - judge for yourself whether or not that taco bell taco hurt me at all LOL! I've been doing wonderful post surgery and consider my surgery a real success - ready to ring in the new year and loving my new life! 1/29 will be my official one year - Merry Christmas everyone and I encourage you all to take the journey - you won't regret it. Love to all-

Hi I am almost 6 months out. Jan 8th will be 6 months.my start weight was 338, and today I am 195. So I'm down 143 pounds. I feel great. A whole lot better than before.

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Cw: 223 sw:267 ive lost 44 lbs in 12 weeks...feel like it could be better. Im 5'3 and have a petite build. What are some people who are 12 weeks out stats looking like?

On December 11, 2012 I had my first appointment with the bariatric surgeon who would, four months later on March 20, 2013, install a lapband around my stomach. This decision and surgical action was major and dramatic, but I was sad and desperate as well as exhausted, defeated and no longer willing to buy into the fallacy that I could do this without surgical intervention. So I lay down my previous weapon: the cycle of "traditional" dieting which I had been believing in and paying into since I was 14 years old. Traditional dieting was so clearly not working for me; I had lost and regained weight my entire life and I no longer had the energy to do one more round at Weig…

I finally feel like I can do a before and "after"!! I am 9 months post op and love my sleeve!! I finally love my life! No more staying in for me! No more putting off laundry because it's "all the way downstairs". I'm living life, smiling all the time, enjoying the heck out of it all!!! Side by side- the best I could do for now. ****** try to avoid my horrible "bra is 4 sizes too big" deal I have going on. It's gonna be remedied soon. Hehe When I was a newbie (feels like yesterday) I adored before and afters. I want I be an inspiration. If anyone has questions don't hesitate to ask bid love to help! 240/127 size 22/6 Before= miserable Before face And here's me…

I have too much acid today and cramps didn't change anything in my routine from past days am I doing something wrong ?

I have lost 93 lbs in the past 13 months sice the sleeve. Want to loose 15-20 more. It is very slow like 2 lbs a month but I will take it. I had to tell all my friends here about my 1 lb loss during the holidays. I am 67 yrs old and can not exercise. Just putting that in for any seniors on the fence about this surgery. It is one of the best things I have done for myself in my life. My health is better. I can do so many more things. I can eat anything I want just not a lot at a time. I do get hungry but it is satisfied with a few bites. Thank you all for rejoicing in my success.

so I finally have a date for my sleeve 1/27/14 and I'm getting nervous. My surgeon isn't having me do any pre op dieting, has anyone heard of this?

I thought I'd post here since y'all are the ones who will understand my excitement. I broke through, I'm under 200 pounds. Hello 100's boy have I missed you.

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

So I am nearing 100 lb loss. I am about a sz 9-10, 145 lbs. I was like this when I first met my husband and then again at about year 4 of our 8 yr relationship. We have been staying at our guest house for the past 7 months due to my husband's job. It is in the town where I basically grew up. I feel amazing; unstoppable; energetic; not fat; my clothes fit; I can dress up; I do my makeup, my hair, everything. And most of all, I can MOVE - I feel like a big ball of energy. It has restored my emotional state, my confidence, my self esteem. I deserved this and am worthy of feeling like this - NO ONE will tell me different. OK, so the issue is; I worry my husband thinks our r…

So...I went from a comfy size 10 (12 for small cuts) to a size 6 in days. What's my secret? Ask Miss Pearlie, she's calling all the shots and I have no idea what she has up her sleeve (ha, ha...a band with a sleeve) these days! Not complaining...I'm overjoyed!!!

5am...off to gym as usual..run 5 miles, sauna..shower.... Get home to find today's clinics are canceled due to the inclement weather...so, time to catch up on my reports from last weeks evals... 3pm..all finished, climbing the walls with all this energy...so, BACK TO THE GYM....another 5 miles, just me, the treadmill and U2 LIVE FROM MILAN... Feel like a Million Bucks!! Stop at Boston Market to bring home some chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and beans.... IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!! All because of this WLS - band!! Three years ago it would have been a very different story indeed, and I would not be around today to tell this one... Not only did…

I need exercises for specific problem areas. 1. My bat wings (upper arms) 2. My inner thighs and 3. A fat roll under my butt! I do some cardio but mostly walking. I've tried to target these areas but to no avail. I've looked up so many online…What exercises do you guys do to help with these areas? Of course I really didn't have these flabby problems until I lost 120 pounds. The extra skin under my butt chafes sometimes and it's a pain. (Tmi I know). I don't think insurance will cover for these areas. I do know that my insurance will take care of my extra skin on my belly. Any exercise suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

Well I just got back from the gym. I caught a cold before Christmas, so I'm just getting my "wind" back and feeling like I can breathe again. Let me tell you - missing a couple of weeks can REALLY make it hard to get back on track. Unfortunately I don't have a very good support group in my corner, so its all on me. I don't own a scale at home, so I have to rely on weighing in at the doctor's office or at the gym. Anyway - I've made it a habit to weigh in after my work out before I leave the gym. I'm soooooo excited to say that as of today (1/4/14) I am officially under the 200lb mark weighing in at 197lbs! Can I say that again - 197 pounds! I've been able to see t…

So exciting! The 6 month honeymoon is definitely over and weight loss is slowing down, but still losing. It's been an incredible journey so far.

I am a patient of Dr. Aceves. I had gastric bypass in March 2013, I am down 112 lbs and couldn't be happier. I am local so I have been blessed with having all my follow up appointments with him and Dr. Campos, they are simply the best. Care in the hospital is beyond excellent, had I not been plugged to an iv, I would've just felt like I was on vacation in a nice hotel. They both check on you 2-3 times a day, nurses are in there within seconds after calling them. All has been like a dream to me. I had minimum pain, I was actually off pain meds by the time I got home and did not need them, no nausea, no vomiting, no headaches, really, just like a dream. One thing I love ab…

5 weeks post op I've lost 14 kilos or 30 pounds, and my BMI has gone from 34.5 to 29.9. So excited to be just overweight!

For the past couple of years as weight has piled on I have not been able to wear most shoes. Most shoes cut into my foot and cause me much pain. I have resulted to wearing soft leather loafers. In fact, I finally found a pair of Michael Kors loafers that I could wear comfortable and bought every color. So, they have been my shoe collection this fall and winter. Christmas of 2011, my mother bought me a beautiful pair of black leather ankle boots. I could never fit them. They just sat in my closet on the shelf. I threw away most of my other shoes thinking I would never wear "regular" shoes again. Anyway, I tried on the ankle boots this morning and WHAM they fit! My foot f…

Surgery was March 13, 2013 and I was 278 pounds now below the twos 198 pounds hurray!

I'm so excited...I woke up this morning and after a couple of weeks of plateuing and teetering with weight gain I'm losing again, pretty big time too. I am now the weight I was during my sophomore/junior high school years. Yay me!

Got on the scales today and I was so happy to see that I had lost about 10 pounds during the holidays. 242 was the number. That puts me at 99 pounds lost since I was sleeved on July 24th of 2013. I can't wait to bust 100 pounds. Considering my highest weight was 387 pounds this means that in 2013 and early 2014 I have lost a total of 145 pounds. I am so happy and so glad that I was able to get my sleeve. What a difference my life is now.

So this is my first time actually looking at "before" pics an comparing them to now. I've been banded 15 months and have lost 70lbs. Only 50 more to go When I look in the mirror I see no big difference, but the pictures really help put things into perspective. I've been at a plateau on the scale lately but have been seeing big changes in my body!! I have never had one regret!

For the first time in my adult life I won't be making my typical "I'm going on a diet," "I'm going to lose weight," "I'm going to join a gym and exercise everyday" resolutions....... WHY???? I have the band.... I don't DIET anymore. I am losing weight. I've been going to the gym 5-6 times a week for the past seven months. It's now a regular part of my day that I must do..... I crave the endorphins!!!!

Ok I didn't realize my progress as much as people were raving about till I did this picture and made me smile. I will be 6 weeks out Tue. [ATTACH]38953[/ATTACH]

Just fat ! instead of obese ! hit my 60 lb loss and feel amazing my BMI is 29.9 instead of 40.2 best thing I have ever done for myself