Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

My surgery is scheduled for the 23rd (only 2 days away!!!!) and I was just curious if there are any other banders out there having surgery that same day? Would love to find friends to talk to and compare notes along this journey we're beginning.

I've just completed my six months of diet & exercise w my pcp & my surgeons office is submitting for insurance approval. Since I first met w his office I was originally planning for lap band & had a run down of my exact out of pocket cost which was around $2500. Since I deceided on vsg I was initially told it would be an additional $7300 out of pocket! I have great west heathcare which is a division of cigna. I'm meeting w my surgeons office Wednesday & was told he may choose to lower my costs. What's reasonable? Ive been planning on the $2500 - don't have that larger amount lying around. Anyone else able to get costs down? Surgery is tentatively scheduled…

Hello. I am wondering if I should bring my list of questions with me to the first seminar I am going to on Tuesday, or if I should save them for the first meeting I have with the surgeon. I have a ton of questions already, but does anyone have any suggestions for what I should definitely ask, in case I forgot some? Thanks!!

Hello everyone ... I'm obviously new here .. my names Kylee.. im 22 years old and am just beginning my Lap-Band journey ! I am 3 months in to my supervised diet with my pcp and am very excited for the next few months to come. I am looking forward to the new life for me, and how much more I will be able to do for my 3 year old daughter. Right now I feel like a terrible mother because I can't run and play with her, and do all the things I should be able to like normal 22 year olds.. I have been around the board here "lurking" and finally decided to post because although I'm getting support from my mom who is 1 year post surgery on her lapband, I just sometimes need other …

Hello everybody, So the message in my inbox advises this is my first stop before participating in the forum so here I am! I'm a 25 year old Stay at Home Mum living in Sydney, Australia. I had lapbanding in September, 2009 and lost 38kgs (around 84lbs) before falling pregnant in April, 2010. My beautiful daughter is 5 weeks old today, and I also have a 2.5 year old son. I am now sitting at 30kgs down (66lbs) from my pre-operative weight. So, my stats. Starting weight - 126.8kgs (280lbs) - wow it sounds so much worse in pounds!! Current weight - 96.8kgs (217lbs). I probably share the same story as many of you. I've been obese for my entire life, even as a chil…

Hi! Yesterday was scheduled for gastric by-pass but on Nov 18th I told my surgeon I would prefer the sleeve. After looking at my medical records, history, etc. she agreed - I am so glad to say. The only problem, the insurance did not, so I am waiting and HOPING some miracle will happen and an appeal that has been sent will be approved so I can have surgery before the end of the year. I have to dream big. LOL! My deductible was met this year in May with surprise emergency back surgery (that has been such a blessing in my life even though the surgery was quite major. I have been married to my very supportive husband for 41 years. We have 2 "kids", 2 grandkids and 3 …

Hello to all the nice people on here, I have enjoyed reading the experiences, both good and bad of the posters on this site. While on a business trip about 12 years ago I met a couple and the wife had the band placed losing 80 pounds. Both of them were elated with the positive changes to her health and their lives as a result. Even back then I considered having it done in Europe but for many reasons talked myself out of it numerous times. Several more opportunities made me seriously consider it again but for all the wrong reasons I did not allow myself to have the procedure. All that's behind me now and all I am waiting on is the final approval from my insurance c…

Hi! I am really new to posting. Just registered (10 minutes ago). I have been overweight since early childhood. Like most everyone, tried diets (some succeeded, some didn't). I am now at a point where the number can not go up anymore. I have had enough but know I need help. I'm married to a wonderfully supportive husband and have had two beautiful children 18 mos apart. The only piece not fitting quite so good is me - into pants, chairs. I've just become uncomfortable in my own skin. I researched (maybe too much) and went to a surgeon a little over a year ago. It was there that I found out my insurance required 1 year of doctor supervised diet. I was angry! …

Hi Everyone, I was banded on 12/17/10 in Cooperstown, NY. Surgery went well....no pain! It's been 8 weeks now and no weight loss. Trying to figure out the eating part. I have been told Im not getting enough Protein so I have to figure all that out. I eat less and healthier and excercise so Im not sure what the problem is. I was also told it takes a while to get to the "sweet spot" and to be patient! I only need to lose 60lbs and was hoping to have started losing some by now! I know I need to be patient! I have had 2 fills and go for another one tomorrow. Hope the Dr. put more in. I haven't had anything get stuck or anything signs of having this thing in!!! Hope to …

Hi All, I'm a newbie to the forum, having just found it today. My surgeon will be Dr. Robert Michaelson with Northwest Weight Loss Surgery... I have my pre-op appointment this week and the surgery is scheduled for 3/1. Anyone else here with Dr. Michaelson? Thanks! Tina :-)

Hi Everyone-this is my very first post on this site. I decided for my 40th birthday I would give myself a new life and have a lap band done-guess who just turned 45? I have been dieting I think since my age was in the single digits. I am scared but finally ready. I received my letter of medical necessity, have my surgery scheduled for March 31 and I am really ready to start my new life. Scared but ready. I have 2 boys that are the love of my life and I want to see them grow up and be able to enjoy things with them. It has really been great to see all the support that everyone gives each other here. So before I start to cry again, I had better end here and keep loo…

Hi, Thinking of doing Nutrisystem instead of going through with LBS. Any thoughts or opinions out there?? Scared about surgery and scared to fail and be fat forever!! -Kim

Hi All, I have read this forum so many times and I have seen so many people get nervous right before surgery. I have a lap-band so I am familiar with the Mexico surgery experience. I talked to the coordinator and they have offered me a date of March 7. Just over 2 weeks away. Dr Aceves - lots of glowing recommendations. Awesome, right? Now is where I laugh at myself because I am suddenly very nervous. My partner is 100% supportive, in fact, he can't wait until I get the band out because he is so nervous about the complications I have already had. We have the money, so that isn't a real problem. I have had other surgeries that were far more invasive. So f…

Hi! Everyone. This is my 6th day Post-Op and I just thought it was time to tell everyone how it has been going. First I wish to thank everyone for the interesting posts that I have read because they helped me Tremendously after surgery. The sip,sip,sip,walk,walk,walk is one of the tips I took to heart and I feel it helped my recovery ALOT! I Had my vsg surgery on Feb. 14th at 8 a.m. had some complications though. When they went in to do the laproscopic surgery they found I had a hole in my diaprahm caused by a hyatil hernia. They were doing the repair when the left lung started to collapse and the anestic (sp?) Dr, was having a hard time getting my stats up. The…

The last couple of weeks are all that have passed from my thinking I would never do lap band surgery to really doing some soul searching on it, going to a seminar, doing tons of research and the most amazing of all.....being able to arrange financing at 3.5% interest thanks to an incredible individual that is helping me more then he will ever know! So....as of today there are no stumbling blocks and I am calling to schedule my consult so I can get this going. I am dazed and confused....WOW!!!! The way this has all come together has me feeling incredibly blessed and I have decided I am glad I am a self pay. With my personality and views on money that is going to help…

1. Shopping in regular department stores in regular departments buying real clothes I like not just because they fit. 2. Not taking a hand full of pills because I'm unhealthy 3. Walking without pain 4. Self-esteem (having it) 5. Playing on the floor with my grandkids

Hello everyone! My name is Connie. I had my vertical sleeve gastrectomy done in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on Jan. 13, 2011. Everything went splendidly! I was discharged from the hospital after 2 days (instead of the normal 3 days) because everything was healing so well, and I had progressed to stage 3 diet. I will be at stage 3 for 4 weeks and then move to stage 4 for 4 weeks and then onto stage 5, which is "normal" food for the rest of my life. I am getting quite sick of only liquids, I can't wait to move to stage 4 so I can have applesauce, yougort, etc.....I am getting quite hungry! I have lost 15 pounds in the last 16 days since my surgery, so everything …

Hello Everyone, I attended my orientation this past weekend (01/22/2011). I went to the Weight Loss Center in San Bernardino Ca. Everyone was very nice there and seemed to know the process of how things work with my insurance. I go for my sleep apnea test on 02/12/2011 and another testing on 02/19/2011. I have one big concern after finding out who my doctor will be. I was told that Dr. Atul Madan will be my surgeon because he is the only one who has the privileges at a Center of Excellence hospital (Marina del Rey) that my insurance requires for the procedure to be performed at. After doing some research I found out that someone has died last month in his care. I know …

I had my VS surgery Jan. 28, 2011 my weight was at 268. Five days later it was at 255. I am now at 245. I must say that my experience in the hospital was like many of you all. Drinking for the first time was a rude awakeining. This is one I realized that something was different. I have exercised and 1hr 3days out of the week and plan on increasing to 5 days. I must say that, being that Im 3 weeks since my surgery, I am a little paranoid about, if Im eating too much or did my staples come apart or if Im stretching my stomach, all the things I hear can happen AFTER I had my surgery. smh This is why I joined this discussion group, to gain insight and share my journey.

My name is Stacy. I have started the process of VS with a doctor in Lafayette, LA. My best friend and I decided to do this together. She is having the lap-band. I'm really excited and nervous at the same time. I have worries just like everyone else. Will I be able to adjust to the new lifestyle? Will losing that much weight cause me to look deformed? I guess when I really think about it, looking deformed is a non issue. I probably looked deformed now! Lol My doctor requires a liquid protein diet for two weeks prior to surgery. I also have to quit smoking. That will be challenge for sure! I'm not sure on how much weight I should expect to lose at first. I'm …

Hello! My doc talked to me last year about the possiblity of "weight loss surgery" (my insurance covers bypass and the lap band) since I have a BMI of 36 and moderate sleep apnea. I was horribly offended, and opted not to pursue it and lose the weight on my own. However, I'm an emotional eater, and even with weight watchers and staying within my points, I don't seem to be losing at all. My biggest issue right now is fatigue - even with 7 to 8 hours of sleep/night, I'm struggling to stay awake at work. SO - I have an appointment with my doc on Friday to discuss why I'm still fatigued despite taking Vitamins and using a cpap, and I'm going to bring up the topic of the lap…

Well, where do I start? I hadn't even heard of VSG before meeting up with an old acquaintance back in June who had lost about 60kgs after the procedure. I'd read a bit about bypass and banding, but didn't much like the sound of either of those so was really interested to find out there was an alternative. The more I read, the more confident I felt that this could be the one for me. I've bitten the bullet and made an appointment to see a surgeon in 6 days' time, and have made tentative enquiries about increasing my mortgage to pay for the operation (I don't have insurance). The op costs about $20,000 here in New Zealand, but I figure that it's my life and health that I'm t…

http://shrinking2011...01_archive.html I hope it's not boring, I'm not a very good writer, but I've begun documenting my process. It's not all flowers and fireworks, but it's honest.

I am new to the forum. I had my intake appointment on Friday and I have already been through the 6 month supervised diet. Does anyone know how long it takes KY State Humana to approve? Any comments are appreciated. I am so excited to hopefully get this journey started soon.

Hello Everyone, I am pretty new to these forums and only posted in a couple threads so far so I thought I would make a formal introduction. My name is Heather and I have been contemplating surgery for over 3 years now. I'm married, mother of 2 teens and work a pretty stressful, busy office job. Back in 2007, before I knew about the sleeve, I went through the process up to the point where I had a surgery date for the band and I chickened out. I vowed to fix it myself and through a variety of diets, a couple of books and free 3 month Y membership I am here today weighing about 50 lbs more than I did back then. I have a significant amount of weight to lose(200+). I h…

Am working with UMass Medical Weight Center and started the surgical program. 1st visit down, plenty more to go. Haven't decided yet which route to take, but am eager to get some feedback from the "Banders". BMI is about 38, and sleep apnea so Insurance (BC/BS) approval should be ok. Also struggling with High Blood Pressure, joint issues, and general fatigue. Have tried the nutrition/diet/exercise route (through local hospital) 2 times with little success. Stressful life. Am taking a mindful eating class locally and it is building my awareness to how/why I eat and making good choices. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I began this journey last summer. Fast forward......January 31st, I began my two weeks of liquids. I thought I was going to die the first 24 hours. After that, it became much easier. I wasn't hungry at all. I know that sounds crazy, but I really wasn't. I drank a low carb protein shake for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also drank crystal light all day. For dinner I would have low sodium veggie broth or low sodium chicken broth. I have jello twice and a sugar free popsicle over the two weeks. The day of surgery I had lost 17.5 lbs! Feb. 14th. I had to be at the hospital at 12:00. Of course when you are not scheduled first thing in the morning, it WILL be delayed. I di…

I was going to put a pic on my profile, but I'm too disgusted by all my pics to even show my face. I can't wait until June when I have insurance to see if they approve me for this surgery!!

I live in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and am looking for a lap band surgeon here that has reasonable prices here or in the area. Since this is a resort town, seems the doctors here to think they can charge US prices!

hello sleeve family HAPPY VALENTINE DAY EVERYONE i really miss you guys i have not been on the site in so longer. wow i have been reading and catching up with everyone's progress and achievements. everyone is doing well i see and i am very proud of everyone. Well my status hasn't changed. i'm still not able to get the surgery but i'm working on my weight it's slow and steady but it's working. i miss you all so much i really felt like part of a family on this site but since i was not able to get the surgury i felt i really didn't belong here. i feel like i'm in on something that i will never be able to experience. any way everyone keep up the good work and take care. …

Hi! I am really new to posting. Just registered (10 minutes ago). I have been overweight since early childhood. Like most everyone, tried diets (some succeeded, some didn't). I am now at a point where the number can not go up anymore. I have had enough but know I need help. I'm married to a wonderfully supportive husband and have had two beautiful children 18 mos apart. The only piece not fitting quite so good is me - into pants, chairs. I've just become uncomfortable in my own skin. I researched (maybe too much) and went to a surgeon a little over a year ago. It was there that I found out my insurance required 1 year of doctor supervised diet. I was angry! …

Hi! I am really new to posting. Just registered (10 minutes ago). I have been overweight since early childhood. Like most everyone, tried diets (some succeeded, some didn't). I am now at a point where the number can not go up anymore. I have had enough but know I need help. I'm married to a wonderfully supportive husband and have had two beautiful children 18 mos apart. The only piece not fitting quite so good is me - into pants, chairs. I've just become uncomfortable in my own skin. I researched (maybe too much) and went to a surgeon a little over a year ago. It was there that I found out my insurance required 1 year of doctor supervised diet. I was angry! …

My surgery has been scheduled for 4/11/11, about 7 weeks from now. I am a bit nervous but very excited. I decided to join lapbandtalk to meet others out there that are on the journey that I am about to start. If anyone has any pointers I'd love to hear them!

Did anyone else see the news about lap-band being approved for lower BMI patients? Here is a link to one of the articles: http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/bf0ef1ec-62b7-5f8e-adec-5151c1de71b5.html I suppose it is good that BMI requirements are coming down for some weight loss surgery, but as a lap-band revision hopeful, I am really concerned about how the news media is covering all this. The article says there are only 2 weight loss surgery options: lap band and gastric bypass. I don't know, with all the lap-band billboards and this news coverage, I am really frustrated that there isn't more real information out there. I am so glad this board is here - it h…

Hi-- My name is Richard and I am a 59 year old psychologist/nurse prac who is scheduled to have the Lap-Band done on 3/2/2011. This is not going to be easy but ironically all the people who I have done the psych clearances done are my inspiration! Did the last of the pre-op stuff today, a chest x-ray. So I'm good to go.

so doin super after surgery until yesterday when they took my jp drain out!! i swear my guts came with it!! bad pain in line of removal..help anyone else had this issue?????

I went to a lap band seminar last summer and since then have wanted to get banded. I just met with a surgeon today who answered a lot of my questions and gave me a TON of paperwork. I will have to get lots of tests done, including a sleep apnea test. I go into my PCP's office tomorrow and will ask for their approval. I hope that they approve me. I'm kind of nervous as to how that will go. Do many PCP's dissaprove of lap band surgery? Does anybody know?

Hello everyone! I am very interested in the "Single Incision Lap Band". I don't know anyone who has had this particular procedure other than the regular lapband surgery. I am looking for a doctor in the Houston area that performs the SILB. Does anyone recommend a doctor in this area? Also, how was your experience with the surgery? Does anyone know if they can do this procedure if I have an outtie bellybutton?

Hello Everyone, I am a bit new to this site and I am glad I found it. It has answered so many questions I have had and also has given me some relief from nervousness for my upcoming surgery. Well to begin, I am a 38 year old female and am scheduled for surgery this coming Tuesday Feb 22, 2011 for the Vertical Sleeve. I have been overweight since the day I came into this world. I have struggled throughout my life of gaining and loosing weight, tried many many medications and programs and in the end it all came back plus some. I was diagnosed in 2004 with Type 2 Diabetes. I had my Pre-op History and Physical yesterday and everything went well other than I am waiting for…

So I promised Dr. Aceves' office I would send pics. Here's what I sent them. Enjoy. For those of you thinking about doing this - you've herard it over and over and over again, DO IT! Run, don't walk - don't waste any more of your life. I wish I could express how much joy and happiness having this done has brought to me AND those around me; I'm no longer the angry, jealous, depressed fat chick anymore but 180 degrees - SO far from that - I just can't even explain... I don't use the word miracle very often but well, this is about as close as it gets in my opinion. Love all of you guys, C

From the time I was 15yrs. old until I was 29yrs. old I weighed 98 lbs. I was always hippie but back then I had an 18in. waist. Then I started having children and all hell broke loose. For the last 30yrs. I have weighed well over 200 lbs. (close to 300) I am only 4'9-3/4" tall (I use to be 5' tall - but have shrunk since high school...lol) :crying: Over the yrs. my knees got really bad and ended up getting a full knee replacement on both. My doctors told me repeatedly that I MUST lose weight, as the knee replacements would not last long plus I have a heart condition and they were concerned about that as well and of course I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and told that I …

I've been lurking LapBadTalk for awhile now and decided to start joining the group. I started the process in December and 1-800-get-thin and it all started out nicely. They were very attentive and put me thru a series of tests... Upper GI endoscope, sleep studies, Ultrasound, etc. Then they start adding different things that really doesn't have anything to do with the procedure at all like Colonoscopy and removing a gall stone I've had for at least 15 years. On top of that I was starting to be asked to repeat doctor visits I've already had on the same issues. The final straw was when I was scheduled for my colonoscopy yet the day before, I still not had the address …

Hi there! Just joined the board looking for support and information. I am scheduled 21 Feb 2011 for my surgery and will have my pre-op appointment Wednesday. On day 8 of the pre-op diet (protein shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese, juices, broth, Jello, and popsicles). I must say I am really surprised how "not hungry" I am ... but thrilled that I have lost 10lbs since starting the diet. I have never been a "big" eater - kind of just the opposite - which I am told is what put me in this situation. When I discussed the options with my Dr I really just wanted the band - I had done a lot of research and feel this is the best option for me. Grace

Hello all, I have my first consultation with Dr. Scott Cunneen at Cedars Sinai on March 10th 2011 and I would really love to hear from anyone who has experience with this Dr or the Weightloss Center at Cedars.

Hi there, I'm introducing myself here at the forums. I have lurked in the past but have never posted. I was banded in Feb, 2010 and I have lost 60 pounds so far. I have another 40 or so pounds to go. I also have Hypothyroidism and Diabetes, Type 2. My A1C went from a 9.7% before surgery and on 5 different meds to a 7.3% now on no meds. I'm still not normal yet but i am headed there. I have finally come out of lurking mode because I have realized lately that I need more support and ideas! I have taken myself this far but have been plateaued for two months. I am hoping to share some ideas and help encourage others as I encourage myself at the same time. …

I pulled out a pair of pants this morning to hang in my vision as Clothing Goal #1 to be able to wear. Previously I could not get in them much less zip the up. Well, not only did I get them on, they feel a little loose. So, I have decided to wear them today and find another article of clothing to strive to wear later.

Well, tomorrow @ 10:15a ET, I have my initial consultation. I will not lie, I am both nervous and excited!! I have 2 friends that have recently had the procedure, September and January, and they both are glad they did it and are having very good results!! I have encountered a little bump in the road though. I was diagnosed with breast cancer after my first mammogram 10/2008 when I was 40 (early detection and awareness truly are key). Knock on wood, so far so good, but I found a small lump on the same side, so far they are telling me it is either scar tissue or an infection, so I am on antibiotics for a week, but I am not letting this get in the way of my consultation…

My name is June, I had my lapband surgery 3 years ago. My surgeon is Brad Pickhardt at St. Patrick's Hosp. in Missoula, Montana. It has been the greatest thing in my dieting history of 34 years. I always lost 20 to 30 lbs. a year - the same 20 to 30 lbs. every year. I lost 50 lbs. in the first 2 years, and have kept it off this last year. I feel like I haven't been dieting in 3 years. It has nothing to do with my weak will power, but all to do with the fact that certain foods or amount of foods just won't go down. I'm never hungary and I do throw up if something gets stuck. I don't eat bread, pasta, or rice anymore. Unfortunately chocolate doesn't get stuck, so…

Hello im Karla from Los Angeles,its my first time on here. i just had a few questions if any one could help im geting my lap band in tijuana with Dr. Almanza in April on the 15th and i done all my research but just wanted to know a few things my first concern is makeing the $500 dollar deposit over the phone to my patient cordinator.second is hows the recovery.third has any one had their surgery thru mt.zion and how was the recovery house???? thanks hope to hear from some one im so excieted i wish these 6 weeks could fly by I CANT WAIT OMG!!!!!!!