Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

I found some pics from about 6 years ago when I was at my heaviest. I have lost 110lbs all together and am excited to use the tool that is my lapband to get the final 80lbs off!!

Checking in with updated before and after photos. Starting weight 248 day of surgery 235 today 167.

Tomorrow has been one year since my surgery. I have lost 70 pounds. I don't regret a thing.

1. I hope everyone is well! 2. I have been feeling pretty down about my self-image recently. I'm a little over three months post VSG and am down 65lbs (and 6" in pants). I've made progress... But am noticing that I'm feeling worse about my appearance than I think I did pre-op. 3. I feel like I've also hit a stall/wall... Have other folks encountered this? I'm changing/tightening up on Water and food to help jump start. I think this pause in progress has also made my self-image negativity worse. 4. I'm going to be trying to find a therapist that specializes in WLS/eating disorders to help me with this transition... But, I'm looking for personal experiences from all of…

Oddly enough, some people have considered me quite annoying in the past. I have no idea why as I am pretty darn close to perfection. That said, my sleeve has has taught me some really cool tricks that seem to get on the nerves of my family, for reasons I just cannot fathom. First, they seem to barely tolerate my habit of hopping on and off my scale 5-10 times several times a day and shouting out, "Now I've lost 2 ounces, now I've gained 4 ounces, this time I am down 3, ooops, now I am up 4!!!" or whatever my undecisive scale seems to want to weigh me at. Instead of getting a new, more accurate scale, I consider this step exercise and the freedom to choose my weight f…

I know this title may seem silly or unimaginable but I am a newbie and still going back and forth between having the Lapband vs the Sleeve. I see all of everyone's amazing success stories with the sleeve And I'm wondering when you get to your healthy goal weight how do you know you won't keep losing? Or better yet..how do you stop losing?? I have always been curvy and def want to keep my curves (just less of them lol). I would never want to be a stick so Im just wondering how some of you are handling this. Do you just increase calories, etc ? Also would love feed back on recovery and also what made you choose the sleeve vs other wls's.

My Before and After. Surgery date was May 22,2013..Sw:280 Cw:220

Hey everybody! I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to post with being back in school working on my Ph.D and taking care of my mom who was recently diagnosed with cancer. But all in all God is good and she's going to pull through this... I have been steady in the gym even when I don't eat that good, but I stay true and faithful to my Fitness Pal. I have so many successes . Here they are: I have gone from a size 26 to a size 16. I actually bought a 14/16 jacket ! I almost fainted when I looked in the mirror. A pair of size 18 skinny jeans are just falling down now. I bought them just last week. To some it may be small, but I was able to lay on the floor with m…

Hi...new to this site. Been researching about gastric sleeve after gastric banding. Have had my band since Sept 2012 and only lost 14 pounds. I can't stand it anymore. Im not losing weight, I never know if I can eat. Somedays I can, then the next day I can't. throw up ALOT...very embarassing. Get very anxious when I can't eat, which just makes it worse. So then I go for foods I know I can eat...chips, soups, pudding. Not a great diet at all. I go to the doctor tomorrow to see if the sleeve is an option for me. Not sure what the criteria for a band "faliure" entails. Can anyone relate or give me more info on their experience.

Anyone know how long it takes for them to approve the surgery? It's been two weeks already....

9 months ago (Sept 4, 2012) I went in to have my surgery. This was my last attempt to get back the life I loved and missed so much and little did I know at the time that it would be the best decision I'd ever made for myself. I want to share this because I remember looking to these boards trying to find out what to expect and how to know if I was making the right choice. Only you can decide what's right for you, but after everything I'd do it again 100x without hesitation. I had a few small hurdles to overcome after my surgery, but they were small in comparison to the reward I feel now. I will be forever grateful for the decision I made. I couldn't walk without feeling mi…

Hello Everyone. Yesterday I went shopping at JC Penneys and I noticed that by brand new (2 weeks old) size 18 jeans were feeling loose. So, I figured I'd buy a couple pair of size 16's. But to my dismay they didn't have any size 16s on the shelf. But I found a pair of 14's figuring they'd bee too small. OMG> OMG>OMG........They fit with room to spare. I left the dressing room and just had to blab the news to someone, anyone. So, the dressing room attendant and a few other shoppers had to endure my story. Next stop......no longer shopping in the "women's/ Plus Size" dept. I started this journey last Nov. with a visit to my PCP. At my heaviest I work siz…

So yesterday I went for follow up visit with my surgeon and I'm down a total of 99 pounds so far including my pre op loss. Also I have lost 76% of my excess body weight! My doctor was so proud!I was sleeved on May 13th. Only about 25 more pounds left till my goal weight

Been in a stall for the last 2 weeks (seems longer than that!), but I'm losing inches. Fit into a size Medium top today and I think the size 14 bottoms are right around the corner. Started off 8/12/2013 in a size 18/20. XXL. Just thought I would share for those in stall - yes, you are losing inches even if the darn scale won't move

Today I'm just under 2weeks post op. down 17lbs but I feel really light headed and drained today. Any tips on something that will pick me back up??

I suck at dieting...have tried every diet under the sun, including Rx drugs...for 30 years...every diet started out well, then I slowly back-slided, then failed completely, gaining all the weight back, if not more........even my 6 month Dr. supervised pre-op diet, I failed at...started out good, then slowly turned in the other direction, then started to fail and gain weight back...could not help myself, no self control when it came to food and eating......I thought I was going to be denied the surgery because of this but I found out that is EXACTLY what the insurance co. wanted to see....that I could not do it on my own and surgery was the only, and perhaps last, altern…

Hi there..curious how much time everyone took off if work? I work in sales but can be at my desk if needed...was thinking if taking 11 or 12 days. Is that enough time???

No one told me that having this surgery would make me younger! I have regressed to the age of TWO since I cannot control my emotions whatsoever! I am literally a walking snickers commercial today. I am sick of every poind lost opening up another pocket of angry within me that has to come out. I obviously used food to swallow my emotions and my feelings pf being used and abused because I am not taking ANYONE'S BS and I am loudly speaking my mind and voicing my emotions. I am emotional and angry and my relationship and my work are suffering. I am in counseling, but all I learned is I am co-dependent. I am a child of an alcoholic. But truthfully with how I feel I am…

I am 6 mnths out today....lovin my band and new lifestyle. .. down 89.6lbs only 35 more to go.. no longer taking 2 of my RXs... BMI is down to just overweight from obese:-) And on the fitness front I am training for my first half marathon. .who would have thought. ..

It has been a very long time since I've posted mainly because I couldn't log in with my password, but that is definitely not the point here. Just thought I should explain the absence!!! A little history of me! I started preop on Halloween last year and had my surgery on November 12, 2012. To date, I have lost 135 pounds!!!! I went from 327 to 192. I was a size 26 jeans, 4X shirt. I am now in a size 12 jeans and an XL shirt (the "girls" haven't shrunk hardly at all, unfortunately!!!). I've even had to get my wedding ring sized down two sizes and probably needed to go down one more. My feet are smaller too and I now wear my beloved "hooker heels" simply because I…

Exactly 7 months ago today I did one of the scariest things in my life and had a good 80% of my stomach removed because I was tired of being morbidly obese and all the health and social troubles that came with it. Through luck finally going my way, it was actually covered by my insurance thanks to those health troubles. I say luck because without the insurance coverage there would have been absolutely no way for me to ever afford this surgery even if I were to save up and go to Mexico (something I didn't know was a viable option until after I got on these boards). So many, many changes have happened since that very scary morning! I started the whole journey at 223lb…

http://www.buzzfeed.com/kristinchirico/buying-plus-sized-clothes-expectations-vs-reality

Went to the recycling centre today. They have huge metal bins for you to put clothes in for recycling. There's a chute door high up and you reach up and pull down. It's pretty stiff and you need to really pull down on the handle with two hands to get it open and stuff the clothes in. I have done this on many occasions in the past. As a short person, I jump up to catch the handle, then use my weight to bring it down. Not done it for a couple of months though. Today, l jumped, grabbed the handle and pulled, And pulled. But i just ended up hanging there. Eventually, i jumped, grabbed and it came down. Then went straight back up at speed with me hanging on for grim death...…

Surgery June 11. Down 42 lbs. From size 16-18 to 8/10

Show off ur before n after pics

I'm sitting here in my hotel room in Las Vegas waiting for my hubs to get ready and I found these 2 pics. One is from an ugly sweater xmas party I had in 2011. I was probably around my heaviest of 332 give or take. The close ups are a year apart. Last October and today. Currently still 234. My goal is 165. I just can't believe where I am today. This has been a ride. I know it's not all about looks however I have to say I'm Rockin this sleeve. Sitting here crying. Just can't believe it. [ATTACH]19591[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]19592[/ATTACH]

As of this morning, I'm down 20 pounds!! I will be 4 weeks on Thursday!! I'm thrilled!! Anyone almost 4 weeks out?? I would love to chat!!

Summer 2012 approx. 295 lbs & now- 161 lbs Edited to add that I am 10 months out as of tomorrow. I'm not a carb Nazi. I limit carbs (I have not had a sandwich in 10 months or soda pop) but eat pretty much what I want, just making good and healthy choices 90% of the time. I bought a food scale and weigh and measure EVERYTHING. I track every morsel I put in my mouth on MyFitnessPal (HUGE reason for my success). For exercise I do Zumba and Couch to 5K. This can be done and you can be successful eating in moderation. Good luck to everyone!

I had a Board celebration to attend last night (we just completed a $1.2 million fundraiser to renovate the stage in the theater I am Board president of) and was going through my closet in some frustration yesterday morning. They've seen this, they've seen that, they've seen that one a hundred times...Then, at the very back of the closet, was a black sheath with a floral jacket that I hadn't worn in over 10 years! I didn't know I even still had the thing! It was my favorite dress for a long time, and I used to wear it when I was this weight before, so....maybe.... I tried on the jacket, and voila! It fit! I was so excited all day, I could hardly wait to get dressed up f…

It's been a long time since I posted but I wanted to make sure I come back and update you all on my progress. I reached my main goal this morining, I'm finally below 200 pounds!! I'm 199 but I'll take it! I had my surgery on 8/1/12 and have since lost a total of 143 pounds. Feel free to ask me anything... I was so happy I found this site when I considered having my surgery and pictures were a main factor in my decision as words can only mean so much but a picture can show a lot more.

Disclaimer: I am not bragging, I'm celebrating the changes in my life and giving newbies a couple of things to look forward to. I had no idea 50lbs and 3.5 months would make such a difference. I just got the news that I'm being promoted and have a FAT salary increase (after 9 years and very hard work that has gone unnoticed/unappreciated) and I'm trying to decide who to date. I know my promotion has a lot to do with the weightloss. I work in a male-dominated industry (oil and gas) and only attractive women seem to get good breaks in the office environment - just being honest, I am NOT bragging because I think I'm just regular!!! It also seems that I meet a new guy e…

So i get within 2 pounds of a 100 pounds weight loss at three months and the rapid weight loss slows down, no prob. i have been expecting this for some time and felt it would be good to coast to my goal. besides i am at a lower weight than i could have dreamed. My body fat % was determined to be 13% which can't be real but has caused me significant blow back in people telling me to stop losing weight . So i increase my calories from 1400 to 1600 to coast gently to my goal. Then i get on the scale two days later (on my 90th day post op) mostly to keep myself honest and not allow the weight to go up. and voila I lost a little bit, so i feel good, not great, reasured real…

Had VSG surgery in February....down 79.6 lbs. First time EVER watching the Biggest Loser as a thin person. In the past, my hubs and I would get a snack, watch the show and talk about how difficult being away from your family would be. Last night, with no Snacks, I looked at my husband and told him that I WANTED TO GO WORKOUT after watching the show! I felt so motivated seeing the contestants start their change - seeing their determination, effort, and focus. Sat there and wondered, during my weight loss journey, have my friends or family been motivated watching MY changes/determination/focus? So I wanted to tell all of you - my VSG brothers and sisters, I keep …

My husband and I are going to California next weekend for his 50th Birthday. I went shopping yesterday because I have no jeans that fit me as we don't need them here in Texas in the summertime. I actually bought a size 8!!!! I can't believe it!! From a 22 to an 8!!! I'm SO loving my sleeve!

I've made the first cut for a new position and the hiring committee is conducting interviews over the next two days. Because I'm currently overseas, I was offered two choices for the interview: conference call or Skype session. Six months ago I'd have opted for the no-visual conference call, thinking it would up my chances of being selected if they couldn't see how overweight I was and just go by my professional qualifications. But this time? I jumped on the chance to have the on-camera interview. Got my hair done, put on a great suit and jewelry, and feel confident that where I am weightwise will not dissuade the committee from pushing my candidacy forward. NS…

I have yet to get a new belt for work. I just keep adding holes to my old one. Today for fun I buckled it to my pre surgery hole. Loved the results think I'll keep this belt as long as possible just for motivation.

What a great Monday! Made it into my favorite jeans that are a size 14! It is hard to believe that I was into a size 18 just 6 weeks ago. The band is a great tool, it is not mahic and I am working hard. One of the greatest benefits is that I am learning to put myself first. I had such a bad habit of only taking care of myself when everyone and everything else had been handled. Here I am, Monday night, there are reports to do and work to finish but I am headed to the gym. I am pretty sure that work will be there when I am done and I feel great knowing that I am in control! Just 10 pounds to Onederland, haven't seen that number on the scale in years!

I am 5'7 281pounds my goal 159 pounds. What was ur success?

This past week made 4 months since my vertical sleeve gastrectomy.... Sometimes I can't believe it's real. As of 2 days ago, I am 75 lbs down since my surgery weight. And I feel FANTASTIC! This is absolutely the best thing I've ever done for myself. PS: Are y'all still getting the error messages for blogs / gallery??. I'm just dying to update! LOL I have pics of what I've been eating as well as some NSV pics that I can't wait to share.

Almost 50 lbs down and I'm still struggling to Celebrate as I'm still wearing the same clothes and comments about my losses are rare. But I noticed something this morning, something I can do now that I could not before, and now I'm feeling upbeat again. After I started thinking about it, SEVERAL things came to mind. 1. I can trim my toenails easily! 2. I can put my blue jeans on while standing up, and without leaning against anything! 3. I can reach, and dry, EVERY BODY PART after showering! 4. I can lace up my shoes now (as opposed to leaving them loosely laced up and slipping them on and off)! Woo Hoo! Here's hoping you'll share what you can do now as well!

I went out with my gf's a few nights ago and felt so incredibly sexy! I had on new jeans (size 14) and an adorable jacket (size XL) with some new knee-high boots. For the very first time, I felt normal. I wasn't the 'fat girl' of my group and felt ELATED! I loved getting up and walking around, just so people could see me And I loved when my friend said, 'You don't waddle anymore.' And I overheard another telling a friend, 'She really looks good!' It's so great to have the support of my friends and to hear people saying how great I look. I feel absolutely amazing! My 'fat girl mentality' is slowly leaving, never thought I could look & feel so good!

I called Blue Cross this morning to make sure they received my pre cert yesterday...I'M APPROVED!!!!!!!they gave me an approval # n said I should receive a letter by next week...super excited

I'm 3 1/2 weeks out and have had my first date night with my husband! I checked the menus online and chose a local fish place where I could order a shrimp cocktail. It was great! I started on my "appetizer" and by the time he was done with his dinner and coffee, I had managed to eat 2 whole shrimp. Afterwards we went shopping for a new blouse and jeans (2 sizes smaller than pre-op size). Great night out!

Im having this rare pressure on my upper rigth side of the belly.. since i was in the hospital after surgery.. i tougth it was part of the process but its been 3 weeks and when i lay down i feel the pressure and it wont let me breath well.. i have to make more pressure with my hands on the upper rigth side to feel that the air is going down.. have anyone feel that before?? Ill have to go see my doctor.

When I was sleeved 15 months ago the last thing I wanted to do was be in my sons wedding on a beach in Florida, well the wedding was this past Saturday and I am so happy with my pictures, I never thought I could look like this! I have lost 135 lbs (22 lbs till goal) and I will be happy even if I never lose another lb! Sent from Gaye's iPad Mini using VST

Hi everyone, I have done quite well since my surgery on May 15th. I've lost 38 pounds without a fill. It may not seem like much to some but to me....this is awesome. The thing is, I haven't lost anything in the last three weeks. A few things could be the cause. 1. I've started weight training and cardio at the gym (with a trainer) 2. I haven't been overly strict in my eating (eating bad foods) 3. It could be time for my first fill. I have been very good with the amount I eat and how I chew it, therefore haven't had many "stuck" episodes. I am scared that if I get a fill, I may start seeing more "stuck" episodes and I don't look forward to that. Should I just wait…

So just a little social experiment here.... So at my highest I was around 306, I'm now 203. So how much do you think I weigh in each picture. Left to right, top row and then bottom.

7 months 12 days..78 pounds gone...BOOM!

Had my 6 month appointment today...could not have gone any better....asked me one question about my band, if I had any complaints...I said no and that was all there was to it.... Eventually the Dr., the staff and I hung around behind the glass and had a fun time comparing things like our running habits, what playlists we listen to...eating before or after a workout, and what to eat...etc... The PA and NUT, who are relatively new to the staff, maybe a year, were pumping me for information they can share to their patients... and they were telling me some of the questions they get everyday...sounded EXACTLY like this website......(but I didn't say anything) It was good…