I am starting this so all of us who are beginning 2013 in a big way can share stories, advice and experiences.

My surgery date is 1/21/13 and this has been a year long journey for me. I began last December with a physical and my Dr. and I decided it was time. I had to go through 6 months of weigh-ins and visits with the nutritionist before I was even allowed to see the surgeon. I finally met him in July and then was given a whole new list of tests and appointments that needed to be done. My insurance finally approved me earlier this month, but only for surgery after January 1, so January 21st it is.

I am so excited to start this journey and thank you all in advance for sharing your experiences here!

Good luck everyone! The loser's bench will feel GREAT!

Good luck everyone! The loser's bench will feel GREAT!

Thanks! Can't wait to join you on the losers bench. How are you feeling today?

I'm 5 days out from revision band to bypass surgery. My back and shoulders are still in way more pain than my stomach. I wasn't hungry till I got home' date=' and now everything I see I want to eat. Still in clear liquid hell for one more week. please tell me the hunger and back pain will get better! [/quote']

It will I promise! I'm 11 days out and almost completely free of pain. A little soreness and swelling on my belly but totally manageable without meds. The liquids suck but remind yourself there's a new stage of foods coming soon and perhaps buy an item or two from the things you'll get to eat in the next stage so you have it to look forward to. If you have to, retreat from the bad foods and take a nap-works for me.

Congrats to all the new Surgical dates this week & best of luck to you all : ) I'm only 6 days out & I woke up feeling like a different person!!! This losers bench rocks!!! Can't wait to hear about ur experiences!! See ya on the flip side : )

The January losers bench is really getting long!! I love it and don't mind scooching over to make room for you all.

You'll all be so happy when you start to see the changes. I came home weighing 6lbs more than when I went in (fluid and gas) but 8 days out I had lost that and 5 additional lbs.

I'm a week 1/2 out and feel great. Still challenged physically and mentally at times, but doing much better each day.

Thanks ready 2 smile and feeling lika cow! Youhave no idea how much that just helped me. I've been so nervous and reading everyone's complications I forgot there are people who do just wonderful as well. That really calmed me down. Thanks a million

I'm 5 days out from revision band to bypass surgery. My back and shoulders are still in way more pain than my stomach. I wasn't hungry till I got home' date=' and now everything I see I want to eat. Still in clear liquid hell for one more week. please tell me the hunger and back pain will get better! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

You feel hungry? Man i thought hunger subsided with this surgery?

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Thanks! Can't wait to join you on the losers bench. How are you feeling today?

Alright today! Been walking a lot, but still lots of back pain. Each day gets better and better though

You feel hungry? Man i thought hunger subsided with this surgery?

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Nope, hunger's there. VSG eliminates the hormone producing hunger apparently (for some) but RNY doesn't!

Did anyone pig out before starting pre-op diet?

I did one last pig out two days before starting my preop diet. I am glad that I did because I am missing food like crazy now. LOL

Good luck everyone having surgery this week. I wish you all the best, hopefully no complications and can't wait to see you on the losers bench :-)

Gen :-) 12/15/12

Thanks ready 2 smile and feeling lika cow! Youhave no idea how much that just helped me. I've been so nervous and reading everyone's complications I forgot there are people who do just wonderful as well. That really calmed me down. Thanks a million

You're welcome. I do have to admit it hasn't been easy and there have been a few little bumps. But for the most part I have been blessed. You will do great!

Did anyone pig out before starting pre-op diet?

My last pig out was today! Starting my 3 week pre-op diet tomorrow

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Wow theres so many 22nds thats awesome. I hope everyone a speedy recovery. Im so excited its finally here 2 more days