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Hi everyone, I am so happy to have found this website. The others seem more dedicated to the RnY WLS and I had the sleeve done exactly 1 week ago. I weighed 256 pounds prior to the surgery, down from about 300 at my highest. I had been hovering around 250 for the past 8 years. Anyway, I had Kaiser Insurance and they have a program that is extremely rigourous. First, you have to prove that you have tried all other weight loss options. You need solid proof, like your Weight Watchers log or documentation that is extensive. Once you pass that hurdle you wait to go into a class that lasts 6 months! You go once a week for 2 hours for 6 months where you learn about the surgery, nutrition, hear success stories. If you miss a class, you MUST make it up. If you miss 3, you are out of the program. After finishing the 6 month class, you are evaluated. If, during the 6 months, you have lost 10% of your weight (in my case, 26 pounds) then you go to the next step. I did not lost the 10 % and, in fact, only lost about 3 pounds in 6 months (so depressing) so I was referred back to the Dr. for another consultation. After being approved by him, it's on to a gall bladder scan and a fitness test. With Kaiser, you have to wait 3 months for a gall bladder scan (very frustrating). The exercise fitness test consisted of walking three times around a rather small building. This was the easy part for me because I go to the gym several times a week, love to exercise but for whatever reason, my exercise did not lead to weight lost, only maintenence of 250 pounds. After the fitness test and gall bladder scan, you are assinged a series of three appointments. One is for the shrink, who spends about 20 minutes making sure you are sane, then the nutritionist who gives you the same information you have gotten in the class and finally, a consult with the surgeon where you decide which of the three surgeries you are going to have. lap band; RnY, or Sleeve. For medical reasons, my surgeion pushed the sleeve. I was happy with that choice because I don't want to be fooling around with lap band adjustments and also, at 55 years old, I feel I needed a permanent fix. Then FINALLY, you get a surgery date. This whole process, including the 6 month class took a year. It was a long long year. Very frustrating because I could not lost that 10% and that slowed me down by a month or two. I had to get through Thanksgiving and Xms without gaining weight because in the pre op appt and in bold black letter in the pre-op instructions, it is stated "If you gain weight prior to the surgery, your surgery will be cancellled." That is a sobering thought after waiting for a year. Needless to say, I pigged out at Thanksgiving and gained about 5 pounds which was hard to get off by Xmas. My surgery was scheduled for Dec 29, so I really watched myself at Xmas and managed to check in on the 28th at the exact weight of 255.1, a whole 9/10ths of a pound lower than the last appointment. Whew! So on the 29th of Dec, I checked into Scripps Mercy Hospital in downtown San Diego (this is who Kaiser is contracted with for bariatric surgery) and waited to go under the knife. My surgery was delayed by about 3 hours but they gave me a bunch of Morphine and Versed so i didn't care. Finally, they wheeled me in and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery, feeling so weird but actually, not in a lot of pain. My biggist problem was the after effects of the anathesia and, of course, the bloating from the CO2 they pump into you to do a laproscopic surgery. I was up walking within about 5 hours. Conditions at this hospital were amazing. The staff was the best I have ever had and all they cared about was my comfort. Their goals were to control nausea and pain. I didn't have nausea and the pain control was a morphine pump which I used liberally. I also got liquid Ativan to help my bad back so all in all I was pretty damn high at the hospital. I got out Sat. morning and things have been pretty smooth sailing since. I'm still obsessed with food and can't wait to get a little something on Monday (12 days after surgery after bargainaing my doctor down from 14 days) I'm so happy to have found this site to help with my recovery and to answer all my questions. My surgeon was Dr. Janos Taller who is with Pacific Bariatric Surgery. I personallly thought he was excellent. Thanks for reading and good luck to all contemplating this surgery. If you have Kaiser in San Diego, now you know the protocol. Smillzee

I was banded on Friday 10-12 and had gas for 4 days--thats it! I was so scared because I read a lot of people on here saying how bad the gas was and how long it might last--I read upto 4 weeks. Clearly this is a support group and the people that have little or no gas don't post messages saying "GUESS WHAT? I HAVE NO GAS!" probably because they would be stoned to death by a mob of bloated banders. So, you might read a lot of problems people are having because they here for help and support. Everyone is different. I walk and took gas x strips and it's gone. Good luck!

My name is Rachael. I am a mother, a nurse, and a very fat person. I was given my first diet pill at age 10 by my mother... I couldn't take pills so I struggled to get the huge pill down. I don't know that I ever did or that it worked or if I even really needed it! I see pictures of my self and I am a bit chubby but not obese at all at that age. I remember being teased about being fat and large at an early age. I remember carving the word fat into my arm at around 12 years old. I remember hating my body and thinking my life would be perfect if I weren't fat. Years flow by I am in high school I am 5 7 my wt a HUGE 155. In retrospect that isn't that tall or fat but at the time I felt unattractive. I had a period at age 16 were I had a lot of dates no sex but boys asked me out and told me I was pretty....... I did have big boobs and a full soft figure. I think I undervalued myself in some respects but was a fun, gregarious person. I met the man I eventually married he seemed to think I was attractive. We moved in together 2 years later. I did my first "successful" diet at age 20 . It was a liquid Protein diet run by a doctor. My dad paid for it and I achieved my ideal weight of 130 lbs. I bought a tiny bikini short skirts and tight jeans. I went to community college for 2 years then nursing school. By the time a graduated in 1983 I had regained the wt I lost plus 30 or 40 lbs. I married at age 22 wt 170 ish ....continued to gain year after year hitting 270 when I got pregnant for the first time. I lost wt during the pregnancy but regained during breast feeding. Rinse and repeat x 2 more kids over 7 years. At age 33 I was 300 plus lbs but active and healthy. Years flow by my life hits a snag or two my husband developed into an alcoholic and we have marriatal problems. We split for the first time when I was 38 wt 345 lbs 3 kids ages 12, 7, and 5. Living as a single mom for a year was hard we got back together kind of to buy a nice house in VA and be a family. The difference was we kept separate rooms. I had become used to sleeping by myself reading if I wanted to and did not want to hear my husband snore or reek of alcohol. Today I am thinking about why I decided to have the surgery. I have become increasingly UNABLE. I can not: walk up stairs, walk any distance comfortably, fly comfortably, ride a bike, get up from a sitting position with anything like ease, and take care of myself alone. I have a laundry list of things I want to be able to do a BUCKET list if you will. Chase my grandson walk up or down stairs without a rail fly to Africa on a mission ride a bike take a hike buy a small car and fit in it ride a motorcycle Meet someone and be attractive enough to attract them I sometimes want to do a skit like Jeff Foxworthy (not that its very funny) YOU MIGHT BE MORBIDLY OBESE IF you can't wipe yourself without hurting your wrist you can't climb a stair without a reinforced rail get up out of a low couch without assistance well you get the idea i have a million and they all make me want to cry life as a fat person in America is not much fun .....the ridicule is one thing ......the discomfort of chairs that bind you is another...... and the comments people feel free to make is yet another. Yes I am responsible for my situation I know that but it does not make me sub human or less valuable as a person. I know I have lost friends, one in particular that I relate to my weight and my inabilities. This makes me sad and mad. I am a disappointment to my children though they love me they worry about me when they should not have to. They miss being able to do things with me or having to do things for me. They want a Mom they can count on and not have to worry about. I want them to have that as well. That's why I am doing this surgery to be ABLE.

I decided to have weight loss surgery in December 2012. It took mow way to long to get through the pre op process. I finally had surgery 2/19/14 it was the best decision I have ever made. I am now down 75lbs today and feel amazing. I am now in regular size clothing and feel more confident every day.

I am so sorry about our son. I can't imagine the heartbreak. I wish you a smooth surgery and speedy recovery! I'm 17 days post op and the pain was mild to moderate. My main incision still is tender, but I went camping over Labor Day (only 10 days post op) and I did fine. Everyone handles pain differently, but I've had 3 c-sections and this surgery was a piece of cake compared to the sections. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats on your journey! I began mine with my first appt August 31 with the surgeon. I also have BCBS but I have the requirement of 6 month supervised health program. It ends Feb 23!! YAY!! I'm so excited to get going. My surgery date is tentatively March 21 pending ins approval. I'm 60 yrs young and have faught my weight most of my life, especially after having kids and having 10 yrs of a 20 yr marriage that wasn't so good. I fed my emotions alot. I never considered surgery until my ins finally decided to cover all but $1500. At first I felt like I was copping out because I know once I set my mind to it I can lose it, my biggest problem is getting that mind set and then keeping it off. The more I talked to friends who've had it done and researched it alot I decided to do this. I'm sick of being overweight and all the things that go with it. I'm excited to get started! We can do this! <3

Hello everyone, my name is Kini and I live in Dallas, Texas. I decided over the holiday that I no longer wanted to continue this cycle of yo yo dieting and disappointment. I had considered the lap band last year, but talked myself out of it. So with the new year I made a consultation appointment on Jan 5, 2009. Two days later they had my insurance approval. This week I had my lab work done and was cleared by the cardiologist. I start my pre op diet Tuesday and see the Dr Felts on Thursday. My surgery day is Jan 26th! Is it just me or is that moving along super fast!!!!! I'm really nervous about this. Is it normal for things to move so quickly or has the good Lord just removed all the obstacles? Has anyone had their surgery by Dr Frank Felts @ the Surgery Center at Craig Ranch? What was your experience? I really haven't had an opportunity to REALLY research this doctor. Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Hi amanda. I am mathmatically challenged, so maybe you can help me. How many pounds is 12 kilos? I got my band on September 19, 2008. I am so sorry that you, and fatmommyslim, are not having the results that you were hoping for. With your 3 fills, do you have any restriction? Many times I don't think real good weight loss begins until you have real good restriction. I hope that things get better for you both - if I can do anything to help, please let me know. I'm certainly no expert, but I am a good listener. Take care!! Becky

Hey Disneyland - Best of luck with your surgery tomorrow! Post again when you can and let us know how you're doing. You will find your weight loss fast in the beginning, then it will slow down, but don't get discouraged. You'll see from reading posts here that it's normal. Some people keep loosing fast, some don't, just remember that we're all different. I had one week of a pre-op diet where I lost 10# and the rest has been seen by banding date, but I've included all in my weight loss ticker. Just follow the eating plan that you're doctor gives you and try not to stray from it too much, and you'll be succesful! Best of luck!

It does depend on the person but since you are so active you should be good! I weighed 308 the day of my surgery and have lost 128 lbs in 10 months. I barely have any flabby skin and I'm confident enough to wear a bikini this summer! Just keep up the working out after your surgery to tone as you are losing!!

I'm pre-op and went tonight. There were about 10 people, I guess. Seems like maybe it's mostly the same group each month...or a lot of the same people anyway. I enjoyed it though.

I was 59 when I had my surgery 10 months ago. I am now at goal and have lost over 100lbs. Yes saggy skin, yes wrinkles but no fibromyalgia, no aching knees and little chance of developing the diabetes that both of my parents had. My husband still loves me, saggy skin and all ! I feel great and have more energy and better health. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Go for it and best of luck!

My name is Jenn and I'm 30 years old. I'm 5'1" and I weigh 226lbs. I'm scheduled for the sleeve on Feb 9th at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ. I wasn't always overweight, but I have been for about the past 10 years. When I started college it was easier to stop at fast food places in between classes than it was to go home and eat. I didn't think it would be a problem as I never really had a problem being overweight. WRONG! I didn't know that I had an underlying thyroid condition until I really started gaining. Once I got my thyroid levels under control I thought that it would be easy to take the weight off...WRONG again! The past few years have been the worst with my weight. I've tried WW, low carb, low fat, counting calories, meds, and I even went to the Center for Medical Weight Loss. I was always able to lose the weight, but I'd be killing myself in the process. I'd wake up really early to exercise and follow the diets and by the time work was over I was ready to crash. I felt like I had to work 10x as ha d to lose half the weight a normal person would lose. I started thinking about WLS and was going to get the band, but then my sister who is a nurse came to a seminar with me. She said that if she was going to do surgery she would do the sleeve. I began doing more research and decided this was best for me. I had my first consult on Dec 11th. I've done all my required things for ins and was approved on Jan 6th. I have to do pre-admission testing within the next week or two. I'm scheduled for Feb 9th and I can't wait to get my life back! I have the best support system. My mom is excited for me, my boyfriend although very nervous couldn't be more supportive, and people who I thought would be negative surprisingly weren't. That definitely made this wait til surgery even easier.

HI! My name is Maureen and I am 19 years old. I am from NY. I was just wondering, what is the process like? I weigh 280 lbs and I am 5'5", and I am starting to develop problems like high blood pressure, and back problems, and I want to get this taken care of when I am young. I have tried many diets, some of which have worked, but not for long. I was wondering, are there any young people who have had the surgery, and what was it like? Thanks for all of your help!

Hi Sherry. My name is Paula. I don't live in Memphis, but am only about 3 hours away in NW Alabama. I was banded on March 4th and am doing well. Went to the doctor yesterday and found out I have lost 10 pounds. Good luck with your pre-diet and getting approved by the insurance company. Paula

wow 18 pounds the first week is wayyy better then me! since i had my band on the 7th i have lost about 10 pounds. Its going a little slow for me but the docter told me a lot of people do not lose a whole lot of weight in the first 4 to 6 weeks. When you get your first fill you should start losing weight a little quicker and you will be more used to having the band and learning how to use it. Im still learning a WHOLE lot my self but im not going to be to worried yet about not losing weight super fast.

My nutritionist never gave me a calorie limit either. She just told me 100 grams of Protein a day and no liquid calories (no shakes or Soups once I was cleared for solid foods). I just tried to push up over 800 calories a day once I was cleared for exercise. Then more like 1100 calories a day once I was running and doing more intense exercise. And I think I was up around 1400-1500 by the end of my weight loss phase. Now that I am in maintenance and training for a half marathon, I need about 2200-2600 a day to not keep losing weight, but I'm 19 months post-op at this point. If you are very early post-op, your chances of getting too many calories are very slim. More likely you will be getting too few calories.

A lot of times they do the supervised diet to make sure that you are willing and ready to make changes in your eating habits. I also have a thyroid condition and have been on meds for it for over 10 years now. A hypothyroid can also cause or at least help along weight gain and inability to lose weight. Good luck and I'm sure everything will go well. :eek: Take care.

Hello everyone!! I am so excited, my surgery was on Friday...already I've lost 10 lbs, and not hungry....it is truly amazing. I wasn't feeling too well last night, I think I took in way too few calories and over exerted my self a little, live and learn..this is going to be a completely new learning experience. I haven't told hardly anyone because my boss was very negative when I told her, so for now I'm keeping it to myself. I'd love to hear about everyone's initial experiences.:regular_smile:

Hi I was also banded 2/11, have not weighed myself yet but i think i have lost a few pounds. I find Fiber supplements added to everything really helps me. and low calorie rice pudding with mushed fruit fills me up for hours. 10 calorie jelly is a great snack to. it takes me 1 hour or more to drink a slim fast shake so i usually have half for Breakfast and half for dinner. and anyone with a upset stomach/indigestion,bloating should try Bio yoghurt it works straight away for me. keep up the good work guys. Jennie

First off, thanks to everyone who shares their experiences on this site. The forums have been so helpful!!! My surgery has been scheduled for July 30th!!!!! YAAAAAAY!!!! Gotta tell you guys, I'm so nervous about this two week diet (which I start tomorrow). 10 lbs in 2 weeks?!?!? Yikes! In fact, I'm about to go out to shop for my shakes & grocery items. I think I can...I think I can...I know I can

I wish I knew. I take Biotin every day, and I've lost at least 2/3 of my hair volume, and I can't leave the house without a wig on now. I have 6 wigs at this point, so I do enjoy changing up my hairstyles and colors all the time. I'm getting new hair growth, and at 10 months the hair loss is slowing down, but it has left not just extremely thin hair, but bald spots and my hair is completely coarse even the new hair growth is. The promising thing is that there is new hair growth, and I know it will take time to completely grow out, but hopefully at some point I have fairly good hair again. To be fair, I already had thin hair, due to poly cystic ovarian disorder. But this is just beyond my comfort zone of being seen in public like that. I wish I had better news to report on this topic, but it is what it is. There are always consequences it seems to everything in life. It's also destroyed my once beautiful nails. They were so long, healthy, and strong, and now, they are so weak and just bend and have all broken off. I was warned about these things though, before surgery. It will be interesting to see what others are doing, and if anyone else has lost enough hair to warrant wearing a wig, now. I still wouldn't change a thing. Wigs and artificial nails are there for a reason.

Good for you :crying: I'm still on my journey I have my sleep Apnea test wed & my 1st Nutrition class the same night also. My Ins gave a green light in the beggining as long as this process takes 6 mos. I'm trying things to adjust my weight ahead of time like reducing carbs, eliminating soda & Not drinking during meals. It was suggested by the Dr. I loose 26 lbs before surgery. :ohmy: :confused:I'm concerned on how I'm going to do it since 10 has always been the max!!!. I'm so excited an ready for this change in my life there are so many things i want to do with my girls!!! please keep me posted and am willing to take tips from someone who has been through this recently. Good luck on the Liquid I heard it can be difficult but there is that liht at the end of the tunnel to keep you on track!! my personal email address is heather.vasquez@yahoo.com

Congrautlations to you for wanting to become informed. I am in the begining stages also. I am anxiously awaiting my seminar on July 19!!!

I second that I'm not ever hungry but I really am tired of cream Soups and Jello and worest of all my sleeve was on 8/27/2013 and I can't get n appointment until 09/19/13