Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I've just started thinking about the Lap Band in the past couple of days. I may be wasting my time pursuing this, so I thought I'd ask some big questions here. I'm 38 and my BMI is 34.1 (according to online calculators). I don't have a insurance, so I would be self-pay. I don't go to the doctor often, but the last time I had blood work I was told I have "prediabetes". That was like 5 years ago. My cholesterol was too high. And at one point I was put on medication for high blood pressure. I don't get this checked regularly in the office either (because they always say it's fine now) but according to the machines in the drug-store or Walmart, it's usually "borderlin…

Hello all, Glad I stumbled upon this website in my almost obsessive research in deciding which type of WLS is for me. I'm hear to ask a couple of questions. First let me give you the stats: 1. TriCare Standard in sunny San Diego: Almost approved with surgeon at Scripps but want the sleeve and have been told to go to an MTF through web searching and friends. 2. BMI is 35.6 w/ SEVERE sleep apnea (136 episodes per hour) and Type II diabetes 3. Have done all the major hoop jumping on the civilian side and am worried that IF I get in at MTF (Balboa) that they'll make me go through hoops again which will suck since I paid out of pocket for psych eval, diet class…

Hi everyone, I attended the weight loss seminar in December and decided to wait till the first of the year to get the ball rolling. I had my first appointment with the NP and my PSY eval on January 10, 2011. I finally got a call yesterday that they were submitting everything to insurance and I will start my 4 WEEK Nutrition classes March 7, 2011. I am assuming my surgery will be the first or second week of April! I am scared but not about the surgery or the after part. I am afraid to be put under anesthesia. I HATE it. I know it is safe but I am still worried. My husband is Amazing and has stood by me while deciding on moving forward with Lap Band. He just wants me to …

I'm new to this forum. I'm 54 years old, 207 pounds. I'm completing my final requirement for the Lap Band by attending a support group this coming Friday. After that, my package goes to the surgeons and they get in touch with me to schedule a surgery. I've given this a lot of thought and have decided this is the right decision for me. I hope this forum will be helpful in all areas from the pre-banding diet to recipes for later. I have a lot of support from my 23 year old daughter who had this done last August and by husband who is also going through the process. There's nothing like having your family supporting your decisions. Hope to be checking in daily for a w…

In just 9 hours i will be on a plane to Mexico, to have my band to sleeve revision. i am really nervous about doing this alone, but excited for this new chapter in my life. i am an emotionl wreck, but im greatful for all of you and your support. the hardest part about this so far has been the liquid diet! im starving!!!!!!!! ive read that some people go out for a last meal the night before and others have to be on a liquid diet for days or even weeks. why the difference? i will post from mexico as soon as i can, and im taking my video camera.i would like to film the whole experience if they will allow it. i sure would have liked to watch a video like that before my jour…

Let me start off by saying the best decision I ever made was to have a gastric sleeve , however it was not an easy choice and it took about a year to make the decision. It was one frought with diets in between gimmicks that did not work and and a knee injury that helped me make the final decision. I am 44 years old and on Friday the 18th I will be 45. I have 3 beautiful grandchildern and a wonderful daughter and a supportive and caring partner....I have been overweight since I was 29 ....and the peak I was 311 pounds 5foot 3 inches ......I started going to the gym when I turned 39 but I could never loose more than 40 pounds at the most and I would pack it back on.…

hi,i got banded nov 09 an atotal of 69 lost first year,over time i gain an lost 10 lbs since,but for last 6 months i have bad acid reflux an cant sleep throwing up fom a cup a nigh.whats going on.iv been to doc gasto,he say dont eat after 6 ,iv went back watching what in eat an i dont eat after 2-3 pm an still having problem...help!!!

Hi, I'm Shanny, and new to the site. I got sleeved 5 days ago - at GBMC Hospital, Dr. Peter Liao, and I've been home for 2 1/2 days. So far it's strange as all get out. Between my stomach making all of these weird bubbling, gurggling sounds, and not being able to tell hunger from nausea pains, the choronic diarrhea, the indigestion pains if I take too big of a sip - I think I may just might think this procedure was worth it. I'm finally on full liquids. Thank God, if I had to drink broth one more day I think I might have had to take a hostage. This may be TMI, but I noticed as long as I was on Clear Liquids I kept having these watery stools. I couldn't even te…

I'm apprehensive about having the surgery. I know this is the right decision for me . . . but there is that fear factor! Hoping I have all my ducks in a row and that things will go without a hitch. Praying!

Went in Wed morning to GBMC in Towson. Took a nap in the OR and woke up in recovery. Pain like a bad stomach ache. 4 holes and a JP drain. Hospital was great. Cute nurses. Walk and sip, Walk and sip. Had trouble sleeping Went home Fri afternoon. Pretty miserable Fri thru Sat morning. Gas Gas Gas. Walk drink walk. Yea Gas -X strips and Prevacid. Felt good Saturday night, slept well, started full liquids today. So far, OK More later.

Hi my name is Babycakes, sorry i wont give my real name but thats what everyone can call me. I just had my surgery July 2010 i am doing good Ive lost 60lbs. I haven't lost a whole lot but i am still working at. My weight before i had the lap-band was 328lbs now i am down to 268lbs. With God helping me i am doing so good, plus the lap-band helping as well. Faith is what counts though. Well thats all about me. Have any questions i will be glad to answer them.

Just wanted to intro myself - Heather!! Nice to meet you I am new to Kentucky and hoping to get approval for Lap Band through www.lapbandoflouisville.com with Anthem Blue Cross coverage. If you have been through LBoL, please message me so I can ask you some questions. I currently have no comorbidities except borderline Hypertension. I wish Hypothyroidism was considered a comorbidity, but it is not *sigh*. I look forward to reading your post and learning from your experiences. Look my up on OH (HMD77) for my back story. I will get my profile and blog up to date here asap. Thanx

Finally got to go to my seminar last night, had to wait almost a month do go because they only do it once a month now I have to wait another week for my first visit to the surgeon, then who knows how long until they submit everything to tricare, I just want to know if I can get approved already!!!! Not getting my hopes up because I don't exactly meet their requirements but I'm close so I am going to try anyway., I'm just so ready to have the surgery, I've been researching it for months.

I will fly to San Diego tonight then go to Tijuana tomorrow morning and have my surgery with Dr. Corvala . I will fly home Saturday. Please keep me and the wife in your prayers. I am scared to death..Johnny

My surgery is scheduled for this Saturday with Dr. Rod. I was very happy with my decision to use him. I had done a lot of research at OH and other websites and have heard nothing but good. However, since I have been on this website I hear so much more about Dr. Aceves, and Ramos-Kelly. I was still fine with my decision until today. I emailed my facilitor some questions and her response was it was in the first email I sent you. Go back and read it... I understand that emails can come across wrong but that just pissed me off. When I first made this decision my prayer was if this is not meant to be then let me know God. I have not felt that it wasn't meant to be until m…

I think I'll post this in the insurance area Just wanted to see if anyone has found a way around this...I've been referred for a band removal (Big Surprise, NOT!). I was hoping to get referred to the nearest MTF so I could hopefully revise to the VSG because if I have to go civilian I can only get RNY due to the Dr they want to send me to. I will not even consider RNY, severe malabsorption, stricture risks, the five year failure rate, etc. it's just not for me. Help

Today marks the day I have weighed the least in about 11 years. Last week I had the dreaded 3 week stall. Stepped on scale today and was rewarded with 2 lbs down. I am wearing clothes today that were tight a month ago and now they are baggy and I have to keep pulling my pants up. What a happy feeling. Down 27lbs as of today...surgery was 24 days ago. Doing well!! Spring in my step and tears in my eyes b/c this is actually working!! What a Happy Valentine's Day----I do love my NEW self. If you are thinking about this, it DOES work...I was doubtful, too, so glad I did it.

Well, I am just now starting out and all of this is sooooo confusing! I've been researching for about 6 months and I've come to the conclusion that this is is the thing for me. But I'm so overwhelmed. I dont know where to start. Do I get the ball rolling with insurance first? Or would it be better to talk to my doctor and ask him to send in a request? How to get started? Please help!! Thank you all so much!!

I am trying my best to get this protein in, so I tried the New Whey Liquid Protein. It is not good at all.

Hi everyone, I am not real good with talking about myself, that's why I just say add on me on Facebook to keep up with my progress lol. But for my 3 month anniversary since being sleeved I thought I would make a contribution of my journey thus far. My journey started a few years ago when I first started hearing more about weight loss surgery. At that time though, my mind sent about weight loss surgery was that it was for those looking for an easy way out of their responsibilities of taking care of their body. I thought to myself that I was responsible for putting the weight on and I should be responsible for taking it off. As I tried to do that I found it was impossi…

I had to change my user id again today b/c my date changed to be the date I originally had wanted! Yeah 1 week closer for me...new date is 3/15/2011. My husband's birthday and he is totally fine and excited I am doing it that day. It is kind of a gift to him b/c he will have me around longer, I will have more energy, and will look so much better for him! Mainly he knows that I am doing this for myself though b/c I have so many problems with back pain and have been through two back surgeries too many! I will be having pt education this Friday and time will fly from there I am sure. I can't wait for this change! I have already made it through 7 full days of the pre-o…

Hi Everyone My name is Bre and I have just finished my pre-surgery diet and I am scheduled to have my lap band put in tomorrow, 2/15/11, which is also my daughter's 5th birthday. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I have about 100 pounds to lose, I've lost 10 on the pre-surgery diet... I'm so happy that there is this website so that we can all learn and grow together... Lettin our new life begin

My name is Gayle. I was originally going to have the Lap Band, but the surgeon doesn't want me to do it so he is suggesting the sleeve. I have decided on the sleeve and am pretty nervous about it. My surgery is April 6th

Hello everyone! I started my weight loss journey last summer with the Options program and Kaiser. I had wanted to do bypass many years ago but they only took people with major health issues. So I gave up and tried to do it on my own. When I initially got pregnant 4 years ago I weighed 299 and because of constant throwing up I was down to about 275 when I gave birth. Finally at my six week check up I was down to 252. I kept most of that off while I was breastfeeding, but as soon as I stopped 60 pounds came on very fast. One of my co-workers said that they were offering the program again and making it more readily available to people who didn't have major health issues. I s…

Hey - Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Jennifer, and I'm a twenty-year-old college student. I'll be attending the seminar on the 22nd, and I'm pretty excited for this process. I've been fat for most of my life, and I'm so ready for the change. When climbing stairs at my college get me out of breath, I realize how much I need this. And so the journey begins....

I have spent hours reading every post regarding this procedure and want to thank everyone who takes the time to tell their story, the ups and downs, laughter and tears. Monday, I started my internet search, filled out medical questionaire with Beliteweight and today scheduled the operation with Dr. Rodriquez in TJ on April 13th. I am 58 years old and like most of you, have struggled with my weight all my life. Every diet plan, pill (yes Phen/Fen), hospital protein liquid diet, and HCG - tried everything and I can lose weight on all of them, but I cannot seem to keep it off. I have been going to an exercise boot camp 5 days per week for the last 2 months and have not los…

I will be banded in March and am a bit nervous Any words of wisdom would be helpful. My M.D. is Dr. Takata and I've only met him once briefly. If anyone has had him as a surgeon I would love to hear their feedback.:thumbup:

I flew back yesterday from Greece. I finally rested in my bed and had my hubby taking care of me... It felt nice. His sister came with me to Greece, she took a friend with her and they visited the city while not keeping me company, I think it was a good deal (I paid for the tickets and her friend managed to get us the hotel rooms for free...) Anyway,.. Now I feel good and relaxed but I have been through a difficult and painful couple of days. I have to say that the surgeon, the nurses and the hospital were even better than what I expected, I am going to write about them in the right section. Simply amazing. Surgery went well, I remember people talking to me in English…

Hi I will get the lap-band on 4/4/11 so any information I can get that might help make this better will be good

I am in month 3 of my 6-month mandatory "counseling" before surgery. Would love to hear from anyone who lives in Sacramento to maybe start exercising/walking/biking together. Hate doing it alone! And how neat to chit chat with someone who is doing the lap band too, while exercising?

Will Tricare authorize the lap band surgery if I have BMI 40 and no other health problems? Is there a good doctor in the Seattle/Tacoma area that takes TRICARE that's good? Any help would be soooo appreciated. Thanks!

Hello everyone! My name is Tracy. I am 39 years old, married, and have 2 stepsons. I am currently living in Texas but have lived in many places, including Ecuador in South America. Like many of you, I have struggled with my weight since childhood. I can't remember any part of my childhood that I enjoyed because I was constantly teased and ridiculed. As an adult I am still stared at and whispered about on a daily basis. I have tried countless weight loss programs, fad diets, etc..., and while I have lost weight, I have never lost all the weight I needed to and I always ended up gaining back everything plus more. I have suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and de…

Hi everyone. Im totally new here and have not interacted with anyone as yet. A short intro abt myself. Im 32 yrs old female from singapore. Happily married with a lovely supportive hubby n a darling boy of 3.5yrs old. Ive been obese all my life and i am the highest now , since childbirth. Im getting sleeved on the 17.02.11. I love eating and my portions have always been big. I finally decided it was enuf n i had to do something.. so i made an appt for myself with the surgeon. he said he will be taking out 85% of my stomach and will work towards losing 80% of my excess weight. I really hope to see a successful result. I will put in all i can from my end. Im…

I am joining to start getting some ideas and help I have been going thru the process that they make you do to get the insurance company to pay I have my sleep study next Thursday I have one more wellness visit and a visit to the nutritionist then I sit and wait to see if I get approved I am hoping I do and can get my surgery in May :-)

OK, so I am new here. I have been banded for 2 weeks...one month on the liquids and begin eating today. 11.5 pounds gone! Hope to learn from banders with experience on just how it goes. I was a little discouraged that for the last week on shakes I only lost half a pound. But I am hopeful the first fill will help!!!

Hello all out of curiosity how many lapband surgeries has your surgeon done. Mine has done 600 plus. However I don't know if that's a good number or should it be higher. I'm suppose to be banded on Wednesday and of course now three days before I start to freak out and question everything. I do know the hospital is a center of excellence and probably one of the best hospitals in nj. Any info would be so greatfully appreciated.

Hi. My name is Shelly. I was banded on 1/31/11. I'm currently on the "soft foods" stage in the post-op. I live in Johnstown PA with my fiance. We're getting married on 11/11/11. I've lost roughly 23 pounds since I started my pre-op liquid diet on 1/17/11. I like alot of different music, I love video games and quirky things. I don't really know what else to say. Um, hi all!

Just want to say hi to you good people. I've been debating a lap-band for about three years. Since my daughter was born. And recently after having about a year of success with diet and exercise I ballooned up and, well, .. I'm fairly certain I've caused a dimple on the planet. Anyhow, all joking aside, I'm glad to be here and looking forward to learning and living. -SB

Hi My name is Pamela I weigh just under 400 pounds. I am hopeing to find a doctor in my area and in my network of United Healthcare. I thought I had one with UW in MAdison.. But they said we are not in network and they will not pay! I said they will did you call? She said mam Thats what I said! anyways... If anyone knows of any place that takes UNited Healthcare please share. I live in Rockford IL!

I just wonder why it's so much harder to eat in the morning versus the evening. Anybody else experience this. Maybe 4-5 bites at breakfast if dense protein, maybe 1/2 of a sandwich with very little on it or less at lunch and bigger amount ( not too much though) in the evening. Now, of course, it varies widely by the type of food. Chicken is still the hardest thing for me to get down or dense meat at 8 mos out. Any comments? Also, do any of you eat very small amounts several times a day instead of 3 bigger meals. Seems to have evolved into this but don't want to become a grazer either! Worry about regaining ultimately.

HI i am new to the site, i was wondering when u join a forum how u can track it or subscribe to it, so u can keep up to date on the subject. For instance i start a topic or join in how do i find it again. as i cannot see how to do this. thanks shirley

I had to jump through a few hoops because my insurance company did not want to accept my condition of sleep apnea as a comorbitiy. My BMI was only 38. That was in December. First denial came 12/14/2010. The doctor told me I could just add 10 pounds and then I should have no problems. So, I enjoyed my holidays thoroughly and ate whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted. I started eat all the things that I know are not good for me in hopes that I would gain those extra pounds. It sounds silly to gain weight to have weight loss surgery and I have been criticized tremendously by family, friends and strangers! However, they do not have to sleep with a CPAP every nigh…

OK, so I know this is a dumb question, but why is everyone going to Mexico to have their surgery done? Is it for financial reasons? Also, is anyone here from PA - particularly Eastern PA that could recommend a good surgeon? Thanks!! Melissa

Hello, My name is Lisa and I was banded on Feb. 2, 2011. I feel really great and I will be going back to work on Monday. Next week I will also start "mushy" foods, and I am looking for some ideas on what to eat. My doctor gave me a generic list, but any advice from you guys would be wonderful! if you have a favorite recipe, please share that also. Thanks, Lisa Surgery weight: 369 Current weight: 344.5 Goal weight: 190 Height: 6'1

Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself-- I am a 26 y.o. RN and I had the sleeve done on Jan 24th. I have been overweight and/or obese my whole life. Stressful does not begin to describe my childhood and adolescence... that plus genetics and family influences, maintaining a healthy weight was a loosing battle by conventional methods. And I have strangely unstable weight (no set point?). When I hit 300 pounds w/sciatica from hell I'd had enough. I knew what was next: metabolic syndrome diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure. Its all down hill from there. After doing my extensive (obsessive) research in medical journals, I decided that the sleeve was th…

Hi Everyone, I am in the process of getting my band on 2/23/11. Who would think that after 6 months of work-up, I am nervous as can be. The pre-op diet has me a complete mess. I never thought I would be this emotional. What do you do? How do you get through the pre-op phase without feeling like you are dying? I get 60-80 gm Protein a day. Any suggestions?

Hello my name is Angie, My husband and I both started our journeys together. He was banded August 2010 and myself Sept 2010. We both are doing well. He is going in for his 2nd adjustment next week and I will be going in March. We excerise as much as possible atleast 3 times a week with our crazy schedules. My question is - we have not lost anything since our last adjustment we lose a few pounds then gain them back. We follow our diets, drink Protein shake for Breakfast small lunch- grilled chicken, tuna, or baked fish something like that - then the same for dinner. Small portions which we can't each much anyways and seem full. Why the stop in weight loss. Alittl…

Hello all! I got my surgery this past august and have lost 64 pounds so far. I just recently got my first fill and I think I am having trouble adjusting. I probably don't chew my food as well... Anyway I am glad to be here and happy to meet new people! I am in Texas at the moment, but will be moving soon. Hopefully I will have reach my goal by that time so I don't have to worry about it during the move.

Hello all. I am new to this forum, so not sure what to say... here is my intro... I was just banded last Friday 2/4/11. My group of docs were the Center for Obesity in Fountain Valley, CA. I lost 20 lbs total to date. 16 lbs pre-op and 5 lbs post op. I don't really feel hungry yet, but definitely don't feel as if i have any restriction. I am not getting much over 450 calories per day, but am very careful about getting at least 60 grams of protein and 64 oz of fluid. I also am making sure i am getting at least 30 min on the treadmill at 3 mph Does anyone have any opinions on whether this will derail my weight loss (due to lack of calories)?

Im a newbie still feeling around to see just WHAT I want to do... at first I was leaning toward the sleeve but have since decided that the sleeve might be a better option. I have been overweight all my life and am damn tired of it. Im going to blog my way thru... http://onewomansbariatricjourney.blogspot.com/ I'd love to read others blog that are out there... so I may be asking lots of opinions hope yall dont mind