Hello Everyone! I am very excited to start this new journey. I live in upstate NY will be 30 in October and have thought about WLS for several years. My father had it done in November of 2003 and has done exceptionally well (lost 300+)! I've watched so many shows about the process and have tried, just like you, every diet program out there. After my separation and divorce in 2004, I needed to start a new life and that is when I really sat down and researched the process. I had NEVER had any type of surgery before so was nervous to start with. I used the same doc that my dad did, wonderful man Dr. Wm Graber, and I was on my way.
My insurance company required I loose 5% of my starting weight, which was about 15 lbs. I started this process in April 2007 and was originally scheduled for July 19, 2007 (four days after my sisters wedding)! July 16, I was 6 lbs away from that goal and had to cancel surgery I was so disappointed. But I pulled up my boot straps and worked hard to loose those 6 lbs.! Lots of chicken, pork and green beans!
My surg was smooth. Took about an hour and 1/2, and I was home two days later. I feel fantastic! I have just started my week two diet and I don't think I have EVER been so excited to eat mashed potatoes and cottage cheese!
I am most surprised that you don't feel hungry and you have to stop and remind yourself to eat, that is just crazy!
To everyone out there thinking about WLS ... talk to your family and friends, get them involved in your plans and doc appointments, as questions and most importantly get a good doc!! I have had NO pain after surgery, I had to take tylenol once for a headache, I was walking around several hours after surg. Its a HUGE change, but a good change that can really add a lot of life to you and your family! The best place to start to get information is find a support group in your area and talk to them!!
To all of you out there who have had this done already, I'm so excited to be in your "club", I am looking forward to a long healthy life and lets not forget the new wardrobe!
Take care out there!!
Amy

wls 82407 starting weight 283

Amy - Thank you for posting your experience. I'm glad your surgery went so smoothly. Good luck.
I'm just beginning the process. I did look into it about 10 years ago, but didn't do it. Then 3 years, I tried, but the insurance denied me and I didn't appeal it. I went to the surgeon August 1 of this year and am waiting to hear what the insurance says. I'm willing to appeal this time. I know I have a lot ahead of me, but I'm ready for it.

Good luck with your process jvonde. I've learned that everything happens for a reason, and I'm sure now is YOUR time for WLS. The hard work ahead of you is so worth it in the end!

Congrats!!! I will start my journey on Sept 12th 2007. This week is getting test and blood work done. I passed my Psychological (worried about that one). I am so excited about my new life. I have struggled for more than 30 years with weight. In 2004 I was bitten by a wolf spider on my lower right leg. It took over 8 months to heal. I had to go to a wound care clinic every week for 6 months, to have the wound arrogated out and wrapped. This started a spiral of weight gain and pain. After the 8 months I gained an additional 60 lbs. I developed by lateral lymphedema in my right leg. This means that the fluid builds in my leg and does not push back up through my lymphatic system. This has been a battle for the past 2 years. I cannot exercise, and they put me on a pump which I use at night. Being approved for this surgery will mean I can get my life back. I am in my early 40s.

Congrats Amy! I just had my surgery on August 22nd - 2 days before you, and you're right - it's easy!

I had a lap-band (I didn't see which procedure you had done), went in Wednesday, surgery was 1 1/2 hoursI woke up pretty early in recovery and they were surprised how alert I was. I also had no nausea or vomiting, and very little pain (just more pressure and gas). Because I was walking the halls all the time, they decided I was ready to go home just after lunch the next day. The following morning, my mom and I walked around the dog park with my pooches (slowly, with lots of breaks)!

The past 3 weeks have been easy too. I haven't had trouble with any of the food, my reflux is completely gone, and I'm back to my old schedule, although I do need to get a little more sleep. Getting to the full liquid stage and then the puree stage have helped immensely in getting my energy back.

So far, since starting my pre-op fast, I've lost almost 25 lbs! It's slowed down a lot since I went to purees, and I'm taking in about 1/2 cup of puree per meal, plus 3 cups of milk a day. My goal as a banster is to lose around 2 lbs a week, and I have a total of around 120 lbs to lose (including what I've lost so far).

I have been grieving food a bit, but my motivation is high, and I've been really surprised how much easier it was than other surgery I've had in the past.

Here's to new beginnings!

I'm scheduled for surgery 10/16--I'm excited but nervous at the same time. I started this journey in Nov 2005--then had to go on a 6 month doctor prescribed diet for insurance..then thought I could do it on my own..well that was 1 year ago..I gained back the weight I lost plus more..so I decided to proceed with surgery. Now that I have a date..I am getting more nervous. I have to go on a 2 week high protein liquid diet before surgery. Any suggestions on ways to get through these 2 weeks would be appreciated.

all, I went through the GB on 4/3/07. You have to keep your mind on the goal and look at this as a new chance at life. I have gained so much back in these past couple of months I didn't realize I was missing!
Amy, remember mashed potatoes are carbs and you need all of the protien you can right now. More protien, more weight loss. Other than that I went in with the same wonderful attitude and I am now doen 66% of my needed weightloss in just over 5 months so keep it up, add the exercise and just keep going!

Hi Amy. I had my WLS (bypass) August 22. I have just started actually Chewing! It has been ok,I have had a couple of "episodes" not quite "clumping" but something I've eaten does not want to go down and will not stay down. It is unpredictable what may cause this reaction. One thing for sure is eating too fast, since I just returned to work that one is the worst for me, I am always in a hurry. I am also kind of jealous my Dr. would not let us have potatoes of any kind (Presurgery I could have lived on Mashed potatoes). During my puree weeks I think I lived on refried beans. My weight loss is slowing now that I am chewing, but I have lost 40 pounds since surgery.I wish I had done this years ago. Good Luck to you!

Hey all im new to the message board and I am glad to be here. I just found out today that my last thing before surgery has been done. I have been waiting since August for my insurance to set up a contract with the hospital, I now can set the appointment with the doctor and set my surgery date. I am just so excited. I am 29 and have 4 kids. I cant wait to be able to play with me kids and not die of short breath. I weigh 340 and I am looking forward to being 200 or smaller again. I havent been 200 since I was 12. Anyway Congrats on everyones surgery I am glad they all went smooth