Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I'm new to this site, but I have been on the path to getting the lap band for almost a year and a half now! I just went to my Dr. today and they were finally able to submit to insurance for approval! I had to wait to loose 14 pounds of excess weight (insurance requirement) in addition to all the other hoops I had to jump through. I have Anthem Blue Cross HMO (California) and my Dr. told me we should know within 2 weeks. After that, I have to take a 3 hour class provided by my Dr, the nurse practitioner and the dietician! I will keep everyone updated on my progress, hopefully in the next month I will have the surgery :-) Thanks - Jenn

i just turned 30 last July & i swore that after having 4 kids (my 1st at age 18) that I would get my "body back" & be hot in my 30's.. but this July I turn 31 & I'm not really feeling so hot. I had my surgery on Nov 3rd. I have lost 27 lbs so far & I am learning a LOT about the band. Everyday I learn something new it seems... I am so thankful for all the friends that I have who have gone before me & can offer advice, but there are some things you def have to learn & work thru yourself.. I heard on biggest loser tonight that you have to change in this order 1. How you think 2. How you eat 3. How you exercise. That is so true! I've really had to look…

Fair warning – This was a lot longer than I thought it would be. You might want to have your Water bottle with you before starting! Today (plus one day that I've confessed to above) makes one year out for me. WOW! What an incredible year. In some ways it seems like forever and in other ways, just like it was yesterday. As my signature states, I’ve gone from an 18W to size 4/6. My BMI changed from 32.8 to drum roll please .... 20.1. Hard to believe!!! My surgeon was Dr. Thomas Umbach in Las Vegas, NV. I found him through Medical Tourism and am very thankful that together we’ve made sure I have a nice long, healthy life. The typical question – would you do i…

Hi Everyone- I am new here and happy to have found this site. I am getting banded on Feb 7th and I can't wait. I start the pre-op diet on Thursday. I'm a bit nervous but know I can do it. I look forward to getting to know you all. Peace~ Ally

Hello, everyone I'm really glad I found this site I get alot of great information here, I am currently in the research planning stage of my VSG surgery. I am weighing which doctor, and what price & location will work for my budget. I am self pay with fair credit so as you can imagine it may take some time to secure the total amount which I am estimating at $5-6,000 with airfare etc. I really like what Dr Almanza is offering, and will in the next few weeks pay the down payment so that I can get a surgery date, I was hoping for April/May 2011. I'm 38, and I'm sick of being overweight I've tried everything, nothing works. I know the VSG is the answer and being in a …

Lap band since 10/08. Have only lost 63 lbs. Would like to lose another 60 lbs. Weight fluctuates by 10 lbs. Scary-don't want to gain. No support group available unless I travel 240 miles round trip-Ugh!. Need help getting and staying motivated with diet and exercise. My job is literally killing me. 10-12 hours/day; much sitting at the desk or driving. Little time for activity. I need a Buddy in a major way. If you are interested in being that person, please respond.

My name is Johnny, I am scheduled for Gastric Sleeve Plication Feb. 14th with Dr. Corvala in Tijuana . I will be honest, I scared to death. I am 50 years old and weigh 367lbs. So either I do this or I stand a good chance at dieing soon. I have been married 30 years have two sons , 17 and 23. I want to see my grand kids , but most of all I want to wear "normal clothes" sit in a booth and feel good about myself again. I have been overweight for 15 years. I work with the public so this has made a huge impact on my life. I plan to have a whole new life at 51. I will keep you updated as the story goes..Johnny

If anyone has any advise for me please let me know....I have been banded for almost 6 months and I have only lost about 25lb,and that was in the inital 2 months after surgery. My doctor says I must be eating too many carbs and drinking too much fluid during meals. At my last fill which was about a month ago he made me feel so bad that I am not sure I even want to go back. I am so discouraged and dissapointed. Has this happened to anyone else?

Hi! I was just looking online for pages to find info and somehow share my experiences after my lapband surgery, since I don't know anyone who has one. I'm from the dominican Republic and currently living in Santo Domingo, and in my country this is not a very common procedure yet and there are no support groups or anything. Looking forward to share and learn from others.

Where can I find people who have had plication. I think I am leaning towards this procedure.

Today, January 31, 2011, markes the 3rd week since my VSG surgery, and I have been extremely satisfied with my results and Kaiser Permanente. My entire process took a little over 7 months, from my consultation with Dr. Alskaf, the Bariatric head at Kaiser in Panorama City (6/8/10) until my actual sirgery by Dr. Benjamin Kim at the West Los Angeles Kaiser Hospital on 1/10/11. I had several pre-existing medical conditions that could have prolonged the process for me as I had to obtain additional medical clearances from the Cardiology Department and the Nephrology Department. Throughout it all, the staffs at the Kaiser facilities were absolutely magnicificant. I at…

Hey everyone! My Name is Brayleigh and just wanted to say im SO EXCITED TO BE ON THIS JOURNEY WITH ALL OF YOU! I hope to learn a lot and apply it in my daily life. If anyone would like to share there experience with LapBand so far, like how much weight you lost in the first month, what was your pain tolerence after surgery, what workouts are best, the best foods to eat, and over all how your feeling. That would be great!

I was banded in April 2010 and I don't fee the tightness that everyone talks about. I have only lost 20 pounds and I am beginning to gain the weight back. The doctor gave me the realize band and I was wondering if others are feeling having a similar problem. (not enough tighness). I don't fill full, I do eat sweets and I know I shouldn't. I have had 6 fills and I am thinking I made a mistake! Any suggestions?

new to this site would love to hear from anyone banded in december 2010 to see how things are going for them. thanks any info would be helpful

was banded Nov 2007 and my band slipped and had a revision of my band March 2009. My surgeon did not replace the old band he left that one in and just repositioned it back into place. I have the old lap band that is the 4 cc band, and from what I have been told that band is prone to slips and they do not even use that one anymore. Did ok for a while had never been able to get my fills right since that surgery. My doctor is no longer in the area....long story. My new surgeon wanted me to have a Upper GI done recently to just make sure everything was ok. I had been having nighttime reflux , well sure enough my band has prolasped again. My surgeon took all the fill out of my…

Hi everyone! Just want to introduce myself. my name is Sheryl and im having my band fitted next week. Im very excited. I am travelling to Belgium and having my band done by Dr Christiaan De Bruyne at the AZ Jan Portaels in Vilvoorde. If there is any advice or recommendations that you can give me it will be much appreciated.

Hi all! This is my story. On Dec 20, 2006 I had the Lap Band put in by a local doctor. I kept going for fills, which would start hurting late at night and would have to go get unfills. Then I would have no restriction. To make a long story short, I had the band for 3 years and 10 months and only lost 32 lbs. I kept asking my doctor if this was normal and he said yes. Then last June, I received a letter from him stating that he was moving and not doing WLS any longer and to find another Dr. I felt alone and abandoned. I had no clue who to call. So I called a few who wanted way too much money to adopt me as a patient. I am Self pay. Then one day my daughter and…

Hey there folks, I've been a long, long time lurking here and I was just sleeved this past Thursday by Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. I felt I owe it to this community which has given me so much strength already by sharing my story here. To start, here's an article printed in the local Florida Today newspaper on New Years Day about my resolve in getting the gastric sleeve. --------------- For many generations, being large has run in my family. Any thin person at our family reunions will inevitably be asked, “And you are married to whom?”I’ve been large all my life, and like so many, I’ve struggled with my weight. From as far back as elemen…

Hello to all. I am new to this site but not new to the process. I was banded by Dr. Adam Kaplan July 22nd, 2009. I have lost a total of 93lbs according to the weight I was at the day of the surgery. But I did gain 39lbs in the 6-8 month period that elapsed between my initial consultation and the actual surgery date. I admit, I have not been what my doctor would call "compliant" to his rules, but I have lost quite a bit and have not had any set backs or problems. I am now on my last leg of my weight loss journey. I have approximately 40-50 lbs to go before I have my abdominoplasty and I am now recommitted to this process and want to finish what I have started. I have not …

Hey there! I'm 24 at 5'4 245lbs. I am seriously considering the lapband procedure. My mom(age57 5'3 200lbs) and I met up and went together for our consultations in December. We were both given checklists to complete that were a little different from one anothers.. as well as our reasonings for wanting to get this procedure done. Mine were based more upon appearaces lol. My mom was more interested in getting energy and trying to get rid of her diabetes (she was just diagnosed last year). Mom's checklist included a stress test.. where we found out something was wrong with her heart.. that they weren't able to hear on a stethascope. She just underwent QUADRUPLE BYPASS …

Im doing okay, still have a lot a pain, a few of my incisions have opened up, one in recovery they had to stitch up, but other than that, doing okay, sleeping a lot. Scared to go back to work on Monday, but it will be nice to feel normal again...now onto the exciting part, the day of surgery I was 266.4, today, I was 258.6, I think thats pretty darn good if you ask me I just wanted to thank you all for your love and support, it means the world to me so THANK YOU!!

Hi All, I'm new here and in the early stages of researching a procedure. I do have a referral from my primary and have reached out to a local surgeon to look at my options. I am 125lbs overweight with a BMI of 41.2. I am leaning towards the lap band. I'm sure most have already been down this path. I'd appreciate hearing what your experiences were. Thanks, Bob

Hi Everyone~~ I am so thankful for a forum to talk to so many people! I was banded on Jan 27th, my surgeon assured me I would be discharged home within a few hours on liquid tylenol.......no such luck! I had a terrible time in recovery, stayed for six hours while they tried to stabilize my blood pressure...I was in so much pain post op, but they could not give me anything becuase my BP was so low.....I feel like I am a good two days behind on recovery, still having alot of gas pain and burning in the left upper abdomen....I was told I could go back to work within four days....no way that is going to happen! I was just wondering when everyone started to have relie…

So i start my all liquid preop tomorrow and should really be enjoying today- but sadly, the past four days i have had the FLU and been a nasty sick mess. nothing has stayed in me. today is my first day NOT being sick. so, my toast for Breakfast and crackers for lunch- looks like my ''exciting' last meal with my family will not be so exciting afterall. sigh. i wish it didnt go downt this way- but at least i have lost a ton of weight in four days having the flu!! LOL... gotta look on the bright side ...right? I am ready for this. but its scary when its right around the corner. right?

I was banded on 1/25 and I am doing pretty good, I had a set back that put me back in the hospital for another night but my recovery is moving right along now. I do find that my chest feels really tight and I have a hard time breathing (beyond the hurts when I take a deep breath), this is worse when I lay down. Has anyone else had this issue?

Today I was having a conversation with my boyfriend and the topic came up about why I feel the need to where so much make up.. He was kind enough to remind me I am beautiful with out it, but I realized that I do it because when I was at my biggest, no clothes looked good on my and I guess to look polished and pretty I used make up.. Now that clothes are starting to look going but I am still seeing myself as the much heavier person who needed make up to feel pretty.. Even though people tell me all the time I am pretty.. can anyone comment on when the issues about past body image start to fade if ever..

I am looking to hear from folks who have been banded. I hate to bring up anything less than success but, it happens. I really want to learn the pros and cons of it all. My daughter had the surgery almost a year ago, has lost 70 lbs and is doing great. For me, the biggest challenge is I live 10 hours from the hospital and doctor - I am quite nervous about that in the event I need help. If anyone has gone to UCSF and can share experience that would be great to hear. Thank you!

Well folks, I just landed at the airport. Super early. I'm waiting for Ernesto from Dr. Aceves' office to pick me up. I can't wait to meet my sleeve mates. I'm by myself and saying goodbye to my husband and son was super hard this morning. I sat on the plane and almost lost it. I can't believe I'm doing this. I can't eat which is fine with me. Just have butterflies in my tummy instead of a pizza =)

Hello! I just found this forum and I am looking forward to getting to spend some time reading about all you- or rather some, as there is a lot to read! I had the Lap Band on Nov. 19, 2010 and so far have lost 45lbs. I will have to add more later- out of time for right now.

Hello, My name is Jenny 43 years old and have been overweight for 20 years. I've debating having this procedure done for a few years. I plan on meeting with Dr. Krahn in Riverside county. The insurance is fine but my main issue is going under and the post op and what to expect. I'd appreciate some feedback.

Hello fellow losers! I've been waiting to say this for many weeks now... so here goes....I AM HALF WAY TO GOAL! It has taken me 30 weeks to lose 53lb but hey... it has gone forever! Some weeks have been tougher than others but I am soooo happy and proud of myself. I hope the nexy 30 weeks will be as successful and then I can post a goal thread! I have att'd two pics, the first is the day before my new sleeve, and the second is last weekend... I haven't had chance to take any this weekend, but I will try...

Hello, I am new to the forum. I was banded July 2010 and was at 260lb and am now at 218lb. I have been working pretty hard and have had three fills. After each of the fills I am hopeful that I will feel restriction, but to this day I can still eat anything I want without feeling any restriction. Yes, the weight is decreasing, but I don't feel it is because I am restricted by the band. Has anyone else ever had this? Thanks for all the discussions here. It is nice to have such a large community of support. bebe1969

I was banded on Thursday, 1/27/11. So far, so good. Mr doctor included a pain medication pump that I had to remove today. It must have done what it was supposed to do as I have had no real pain.....just a little soreness (except when I cough or sneeze, but I expected that). My husband went and picked up the pain meds that he prescribed for after the pump removal but I have not yet had to take anything. I was on clear liquids for the first 3 days and then allowed to start adding thicker liquids and protein drinks today. Not having any problem swallowing or consuming liquids........just afraid that I might overdo it...............not hungry at all.

Finally figuring out how to use the site a little more so far the only thing that came easy was the chat room so here we gooooo ! good luck to all

I had lap band surgery on Jan 10,2011. I have been sick ever since, I developed pneumonia, how I'm not sure I am an med-surg RN and I know what steps to take for optimal surgical recovery. Well I was on an antibiotic regimen for 10 days and now I'm on another round of antibiotic therapy for a very high fever I just don't get it. I take very good care of myself. I just wondered anybody else having any problems. I was so excited to have this procedure I have lost hundreds of pounds in the past but I also put on just as much if not more over the years. I truly want this to work but I want to be physically well, I haven't felt good any day since my surgery, I have had to leav…

Hi Everyone, I'm not new to this site, but wanted to let you know that I've started a new blog on WLS. I'm an published writer, veteran bandster & blog fanatic. Figured it's about time to share my own WL experience & insights (with a comedic kick). http://thebandit1.blogspot.com/ Cortney P.S. If you have a twitter follow me @ Thebandit12 or your own blog messg me & I will add you to my blogroll P.P.S Commentary & post suggestions are always welcomed

Hello All, Well I am in my 4 month of getting the band. I am from Minnesota. My Doctor is Dr Lee about 25 miles from my home town. If all goes well, I will be able to have my surgery towards the end of April. Last week I had my pysch evalutation. Won't get my results back for a few weeks. I have written my letter to the insurance company and have to wait for eval to see if I qualify and if they will cover it. I did some reading on here and boy I have alot of the same feelings others do. I know I need to lose weight, but I am terrified that I will fail again. I am getting better at my portion control and have been exercising. My family isn't very suppor…

Hello all, My name is Michelle, 44 years old, married, mother of a college sophmore (daughter). I have been on a "diet" since I was 11 years old. My heaviest was 366 lbs, which was as recent as this past September. I am now at 352, we had a Biggest Loser contest at work, I actually came in 2nd place. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy about the loss, but it took me 3 months to do so. I have done everything from Weight Watchers, Quick Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss, liquid diets, the hot dog & banana diet, the cabbage Soup diet, etc. I have always been opposed to surgery for weight loss because I figured it came on the old fashioned way, therefore I should b…

My name is Gayle. I am 20 years old from Idaho. I have been struggling with weight for so long, and found out two years ago that I am severely hypothyroid. Even though I am being medicated for that I am having such a hard time losing weight. For me it takes all or nothing, and unfortunately when I work so hard to lose just a few pounds for some reason my mind gives up and doesn't care, and I can't make it care. I am seriously considering the LapBand, going to a seminar this Wednesday. Any information or stories you guys could tell me about it would be great!

Hi My name is Miranda I am at the begining stages of getting everything ready to get on the military wait list for the surgery so far i have did the support group meeting. I have the psych eval next week and have the seminar on feb 16th. Then i go on the waiting list for the surgery and then it could be a month to 1 yr before they call me with a spot to have the surgery. When i get the call for a surgery date then they will do the blood work and the preop nut.

Hi there. My name is Kris and I live in Glendale, AZ. I am new to this sight. I started going through the process of getting banded back in October 2010. I am 3 months into the insurance mandatory diet with 3 months to go. I am hoping to get banded in May after I take finals for school. I am currently in my 3rd semester of nursing school. I am excited about getting banded.

hi I just found this web site and I am looking for on line support. I had Lap band on December 7, 2010 ans so far I am down 45 pounds!

I don't really know where to begin so I guess i'll just jump right in. My name is colin. Im 23 and im obese. I had my initial consultations on Wednesday and I hope to be banded by spring. I finally got the motivation to do something about my weight after seeing my best friend get banded with astronomical results. He lost 125 lbs in about 10 months and now Im stepping up to the plate. I think I was always chubby, but low self esteem lead me to believe I was a lost cause. In the last few years, my weight has gotten to be a real problem. I had a long term relationship with someone who had very unhealthy eating habbits and i adopted them myself. When I weighed in o…

I recently just had a gastric sleeve done by Dr Rodriguez in Mexico (Facilitator-- BeLite Weight) . Today is my 1 mo. post-op anniversary, I had the surgery on 12/28 with slight complications. My lungs filled with Fluid and had a heart adema condition. Due to these complications, I had to stay at the resort/hospital in Juarez for 4 extra days! And, yes I had to pay for the extra days before I could be discharged. It was rough with no famil or friends there. However, the nursed, staff, and doctors were so kind and responsive to me. I've lost 16 pounds but feel I should be loosing more since I am not eating much at all and throwing up alot. I am doing everything corre…

Last night was a emotional one for me. Not because of fear or sadness ,but the thought of what's to come. For the last seven years my life has been turned up side down and in side out, but God has keep me through it all. I'm a mother of five wonderful children that I would die for without thinking. It has been rough for them also ,but we made it. To make a long story short. For the first time in years I feel a new beginning is starting for my family and I . Thank YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!.. I have fives day to go before my new found journey and I'm ready. Mexico here I come!!!!!!!!...Have my bed ready..... LOL

Hi, I am 31, a married mother of 3. I am seriously considering lap band. I have been fat since I was about 13. I need to lose 120 pounds. I have lost and gained for the past decade. My insurance will not pay (BCBS Arkansas/wal-mart) It will cost me 11,500 to get this done in Utah. I am scared to go into that much debt and then fail again. I know two women who have had it done. One looks great and is happier then ever. The other has only lost about 40 pounds in 9 months. I am just trying to make the right choice for me and my family. Anyone have any advice, regrets?

So, I switched surgeons. Dr. Kevin McGill at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta is wonderful!! Just met him this week. I had done my 6 month physician supervised diet, psyche eval, Pulmonary eval, PCP medical necessity letter and 5 year weight history. They are submitting to insurance this week!! Yippee I know I have to have an upper G.I. but other than that not sure. I began gaining weight after my hysterectomy 10 years ago and never stopped gaining. Stressors in my life didn't help. I am currently babysitting until I can find a sleep Tech job. I finished college last September, drove 1.5 hours one way for 1.5 years. Glad that is over but finding a job is even harder. I l…

Well Hi out there My name is Blair I am turning to all of you for guidance and advise on my new journey I have been on Kaiser's waiting list for 10 months yesterday I was called and they are ready for me!!!!! I have 6 weeks of classes and I hear from here on out its pretty quick!!! Thanks for checking me out i would love to hear from other kaiser members to see how it went for you I am in Denver, Co I am 25 with three beautiful children and a lovely husband that supports me in whatever i do

Hi guys I am new. My name is shari and I am from illinois. I am going to go to the Springfield clinic with Dr. Hammer and get moving on my path toward Lapband. Happy to be here to learn from you all. shari

Hi All! Today I had all my pre op blood work/EKG etc. I can't wait to have the surgery and to drop this weight I have. I was wondering if anyone out there who had the surgery can answer a few questions for me. First, today I was told by someone to make sure I start taking Biotin. She told me that her hair fell off after the surgery. She had the Lap band, but she urged me to take them. Also, she told me that I will be throwing up if I eat too much. All this sounded like the lap band but is the sleeve the same way? How long did you stay in the hospital? How much did you loose the 1st month? I would be greatful for any tips. As we all know we get text book answers…