Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Everything is moving so fast. My insurace just took effect 01/01/2011. I have been to my consult just before the end of the year. I have had my pysch evaluation already. I do my nutrition evaluation tomorrow. Then I wait for official approval. maybe a month. then I set the date. I am going to a dr. faces or something at the advanced surgical institute in Huntington Beach, Ca. Has anyone heard anything about this doctor? I hope I am making the right choice. I didn't really shop around and once I started the process I got so excited for myself and the experience that I don't want to change anything about the doctor I'm with. So far, I have gotten good reviews....yay. I am s…

Today is the start of my new journey. I have been overweight most of my life. I yo-yo with my weight. I have lost as much as 75 pounds on my own and gained most of it back. I did this twice ! I have choosen this lifestyle change because obviously, I can't do it without help. I look forward to the journey and insights any of you can provide for me!

This has been a whirlwind start to this journey. I decided on the lap-band and had my inital consult on Dec 31st, and the next week I was doing the physical, psych and nutrition class all on the same day. The following week I had insurance approval! I couldn't believe it all happened so fast! I met with my surgeon and surgery is scheduled for Feb 9th. I am really excited!! I've been yo-yo dieting for so many years, it will be nice to finally have my life back. I've just started the pre-op diet, and I'm a bit lightheaded. I'm doing two protein shakes and one small serving of lean meat with a green vegetable. I have to wonder, after the band, do you feel like thi…

Hello Everyone! I'm new on this site. My surgery is this Friday 1/28/2011, and I'm getting nervous. I've been excited about the weight lose, but the closer I get to the surgery day the more nervous and scared I get. I don't think it is the surgery so much as the fills. I also hear about alot of people who get sick. I'm not looking forward to that either. I started my pre-surgery diet gradually, over the past month. I've been exclusively on the pre-surgery diet since last Friday. I have lost 8 lbs. so far. After I watched one of the Youtube videos of the procedure, I figured the earlier the better. Give the surgeon less fat to work around.

I had the Lap Band on October 26th. So far, I am doing well. I have lost 29 lbs. I ran out of my Gall Bladder medicine and didn't take it for 2 weeks. I am have the medicine now, but my stools are a reddish orange. I also was going through some personal stuff, and I smoked cigarettes for about a month. Could this be the reason my stools are this color? I have stopped smoking, but I am concerned.

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum...I have not had Lap Band surgery done yet, I am going for my initial consultation next week and would like some words of wisdom from those of you who have already started your journey! I am so excited I have decided to do this but I'm finding myself very nervous. I have only had one surgery in my life, (gallbladder removed last year), and I think the actual SURGERY part scares me more than the recovery and new way of life that follows....and I am a nurse! lol. Just wanted to hear from some of you, what was your surgery like? Were there any complications? How was your immediate recovery? Thanks in advance! -- Lacy

I'm scheduled to have my lap-band surgery on Feb 21/11....I'm very excited to have found this site to have others that know what I have gone thru and what I will be going thru. I've been able to overcome so much in my life....but have never been able to overcome my weight problems. I know with this tool I will finally be the person that hides beneath all this fat. So hello to all that have already started their journey and to those like me that are waiting for our journey to start.

Howdy folks - I'm looking for some input. For the past month, I've been having a few very uncomfortable post-op issues. I think I may have developed a hernia. When I sneeze, or cough (or even sometimes just sit), I notice tenderness/pain in my abdominal area behind my navel. I've done some research, and have learned that hernia's are an issue some folks deal w/afterwards. (possibly from the belly-button incision, and that being where part of the stomach was pulled out from - but I'm wondering if it could be from all the vomitting I did the first 2 months). I recently got laid off, I don't have any health insurance at the moment. Pain level fluctuates between 7-10 …

Hi all, I'm Nicky, 34 yrs and a newbie here, Ive been battling with my weight since i was about 15, going on for 20 years now, long enough to say 'enough is enough' and make the decision that something needs to change and the old familiar cyle of dieting then gaining (plus more) has to be broken for once and for all, this time I HAVE TO suceed, i'm running out of options - and time....you see I woud love to be a mum. 'But you're only 34, you have plenty of time!' I am told this all the time, and I do understand that it is possible to have babies later in life now, but I also know that the risks are higher and best avoided if possible. 'So just go for it - get pregnant'…

Hi, I have been debating on having some type of WLS for the past year. I went to a surgeon 3/1/2010, and my BMI barely was 40.0. They told me at the time that my insurance would only cover RNY, and I really wanted sleeve. Well, I have made app'ts and cancelled over the past year and now my insurance has changed. They now require 3 month supervised diet (which my doctor does anyway) and two years previous weight, which I will be close to 40.0 - but maybe around 38 or 39. I am 53 years old. Anyway, I think I am going to call surgeon tomorrow to see if my insurance will cover sleeve. I have read on obesity help that Federal BCBS is starting to cover the sleeve. …

Wish me luck everyone .... Getting sleeved in the morning!!

hi everyone im new here i been thinkin alot about gettin the lap band im super scared on what to expect i go Friday for my consultation i hope it goes well. anyone got any tips for me for the appointment maybe good questions to ask

Hello everyone! I have been watching this forum since before my banding, and finally decided to join in. It looks like a helpful tool, and the people here seem supportive. I was banded in November, and am doing well. I have a lot of questions and a lot to share- so onward and forward! Here we go!

Hi all, I'm new to this whole thing...I found the forum while researching options. I've attempted to lose weight for ...ummm...EVER with varying success. After quitting smoking two years ago I packed on an additional 30 lbs and have developed several medical problems. I mentioned (half jokingly) to my PCP recently that I'd even considered WLS and he immediately did some calculations. His response was "You definitely qualify, check with your insurance and let me know what you want to do, I'll back you up 100% with whatever you need." He's been my doc for 12 years now, so he has tons of my med hx and knows of my fight with weight loss. I checked with my insurance (UH…

Good Evening All! I'm very very excited in started my new weight loss journey. For so long was in denial of having a weight problem, but after hitting the 330lb mark and having my family of 5 to worry about.....I know that lap-band would be best for me. January 24, 2011 was the first meeting with my Doctor( Dr. Strom) and Feb 1, 2011 is my1of3 nutritionist meetings. I will keep you all posted!!

I live in puyallup wa, can anyone tell me a good pm doc to go too to help with geting the lapband thsnks

I am very new to this process. I have been talking to my primary doctor for two years about this surgery. I have been seeing him roughly every month until December. I was not able to get an appt. I am going tomorrow back to him. We have tried Meridia and low calorie diets over the years and my wieght has steadily climbed. I excerise daily for 30 to 45 min. I walk in the neighborhood. I am not sure that I can provide monthly documents. I think I can show alot of supporting documents for the last four years. I know alot of people have gone through CIGNA. Should I bring all of the supporting documents to my first visit with the surgeon? Should I start the 6 month process now…

I'm 18 years old and I'll be having my LapSleeve surgery march 1st! I'm sooo excited but I know I'm going to have such a hard time with giving up food. Ive always grown up with having big family meals and I want to know how everyone who's gotten the Sleeve done dealt with it?

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. I had another post, but no replies so thought I would try again. I am very excited! I found out today that my insurance covers the sleeve. I also am just excited to get going again. I go to my supervised weight loss on Thursday, and my psych app't next week. Surgery could be in May!!! Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi All, If you are being banded in February, please come join us on the Feb 2011 forum. Just scroll down the main forum page and you will see 2011 bandsters, click on it and then you will see a forum for each month of this year. Click on February and you will find us! OR use link below. Hope to see you all there! EVERYONE welcome even if you are not a February Bandster! Thx! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/2478-february-2011-bandsters/

Hello, My name is Linda and I am from Los Angeles, Ca. So... I will be getting banded this thursday! Yikes! Im quite nervous, but I try not to think about it too much! I have started my liquid diet today! Hope everything turns out well. I try not to think about it too much but my whole family and close friends keep on asking me everyday if I am ready for my surgery! I have no idea what to answer cuz im full of mixed emotions at this point. I am nervouse because of the whole surgery thing. but i am excited cuz i cant wait to start loosing weight!!! Did anyone feel the same way I did just before surgery? I hope im not the only crazy one out there!

hi my name is tiffany, today is the first day of the 2 week diet before surgery.. i am 34 years and 233 lbs. i miss the days i loved myself, and i miss the days i felt good! i worked out 50 mins while i watched the tv show "heavy" if they can do it i can! im feeling mostly excited but also scard to fail. i really dont know anyone that has had the band so im excited to chat with someone that is going through this to! hope to hear from you!

I'm getting ready to go to my PCM to ask for a referral to a lapband surgeon, wish me luck I am SOOOOOOOO scared he will say no.

Well here I am approaching 168lbs lost and ready to break into the three hundreds for the first time in at least 15 years and my feelings aren't exactly what I thought they would be! I thought I would be so giddy and excited and don't get me wrong I am very happy but nervous and anxious! It seems just 9 months ago I was given a year to live and weighed 565lbs and now I am off all meds and ready to be below 400lbs it is all happening so fast that I don't think my mind is having enough time to catch up with my body( how weird is that? it use to be the opposite way around)! I guess I am just nervous about being at the starting line again of another 100lbs to lose but I am su…

I am new to this and wanted to see if there are any body here in Phoenix that is starting out or have gotn the Lap Band and can kinda be a buddy.... It would be nice to talk and meet poeple who are going thru this too... I am 32 and live in Phoenix AZ, and will be banded in March I have a 15 year old daughter and a soon to be hubby ifn he doesn't bail outon me.. he is a junk food junky and it scared me that he will not be strong enough to support me on this journy... I told him hey... just look at it this way ( he is a magician just breakn out on his own full time) when I am thinner and I feel great in how I look I can be your assistant and you can be proud to have me by…

Hi I'm new to this site , not sure if I'm doing this right. Anyway I had a lap band inserted 5 years ago, and was not that successful with the weight lost. Lost a total of 40 pounds and gained back 10 of those 40. I'v had a horrible time with the lap band, eatting foods that I don't want to eat only to avoid vomitting, and when I eat what I'm not suppose to eat I have a very hard time waiting for the food to go down or taking a trip to the bathroom. Now i'v deceided to have my lap band removed and go for the sleeve. Im scheduled to have this procedure done on 1/10/11. Has anyone on this site have a familiar experience like me, if so please give me your input on how it wen…

My cousin Nick and I got the sleeve today, and I am feeling pretty good I cant wait to share my success with you. A huge thank you to my best friend kathy for being there with me every step of the way I love you girl!!

Well, I'm getting the band next Tuesday. I haven't been to the fourm before, probably not wisely. I have read several books about it. I started in October and am self pay. I've had a lot of treatment for the emotional side of my eating and have been pretty much past that. I just love food. For 5 years I was in OA and did nothing but the program, diet and exercise for the first one. I lost weight for the first 8 months and maintained for the next 4 years. Gradually, I began eating more. My portions got to be outrageous. I didn't graze or eat all day long. Sometimes I just ate once a day. Conventional diet and exercise and the thought of more yo yoing made me crazy. It see…

Well, I thought I might have finally found an experienced and competent revision surgeon within a 100 mi radius of Kansas City. His staff is so friendly, don't try to chase you off the phone the moment you talk to one of them, but most of all HELPFUL and FORTHCOMING of information unlike another experience I had recently from a well known Dr. in Kansas City. Anyways, I spoke to one of the ladies in his office (not sure if she is a nurse or what), but I talked to her yesterday and explained a little about my history and what I was looking to accomplish. She asked me to fax over my medical records and ins. card and they would review my paperwork. Get this- I only fax…

Hello, I'm not sure what I'm doing so please bare with me...I had my surgery a week ago and I saw somebody post that they had some pain where the port is...thank you for mentioning that because I have had some discomfort and wasn't sure if that was normal. I know the first fill isn't til 6 weeks out but I was wondering how much did you eat once you started the full liq diet...it seems I am hungry not long after I eat is that the norm? I don't know where I'm suppose to fill out the questions asked, so forgive me that you don't see much about me...will someone please walk me through it...thank you.

Hi Everyone, my name is Christine. I have Cigna and am meeting with Dr. Nagel of NWH on the 16th of February. I'm really nervous because I have Cigna, and I'm afraid they may push for the lap-band for me instead... Does anyone have any opinions about writing the insurance directly and making a plea for the sleeve?? I really don't want to waste time and be turned down... (Or should I just wait for the Dr. to do his job and try to fight for it for me?) In light of the other 2 options, I'm really passionately going to try for this one. I've seen my sister be sick and anemic after every meal for the last 10 years with the bypass, and I don't feel the lapband is enough o…

Hi everyone! I'm new to this and have not been approved yet. I have qualified and expect a March/April date. Just wondering if a psych evaluation is required for everyone. I was told the requirements have changed since 2010 and this is new for 2011. Thanks all!

Hi Everyone! Excited to learn that all the hoops have been jumped, all the papers have been stamped and I got my approval letter from my insurance company! My surgery is scheduled for February 10th. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been "chubby", "a larger girl", "slightly overweight" and all the other cute phrases that people come up with to nicely state that I was FAT. I laugh when I read that people look at their younger, thinner selves for motivation...the last time I wore a bikini I was two and even then my mom should have known better. I have no grandiose ideas of being a size 8. I simply want to be a size "healthy". I want to know that when I…

I just wanted to say hello to everybody and say how very excited I am to be here. I have been thinking about weight loss surgery for years, and I have made up my mind to do it. I have researched a lot and attended a seminar for the program in which I am going to participate. No longer nervous or hesitant, just READY! My insurance will not pay for weight loss surgery, so I have been saving up and with my upcoming tax return and a little luck, I will have what I need to move ahead with it. I chose the Sleeve because I want a permanent healthy solution to the weight problem that has followed me my entire life and has affected every aspect of my life. I have never been sedent…

I had my pre-op visit at Dr. Nick's yesterday. All went well and my surgery is scheduled for 2/22. I picked then because it is the most convenient time for me from a work standpoint, and the month will give me time to get everything in order at home before I undergo the surgery. Did anyone else drive themselves crazy doing things before the surgery? I want my house in order, my files strait and logical, taxes filed, bill paid, etc. All this stuff I wanted to get done in 2011, I am going to try to get done this month - in my spare time, off course.

I was very nervous the night before my surgery. I couldn't convince myself to drink the bowel cleanser. It was as if I drank that then I was "sealing the deal". Finally after a little hissy-fit, a lot of gagging, and a good kick in my butt by myself, I drank it. I took it at 10p. My surgery was the next day at 8:45a. Went to bed at about midnight, the bowel cleanser started to work around 2a..not explosive, thank goodness, but continued to work every couple of hours. Checked into the hospital at 5:30a. They called me back around 7a. Was lying in pre-op talking w/ docs and anesthesia and asked to see my husband before surgery. (He also was having the surgery, aft…

Hi, I am new at this? I am having to wait to see if i can get my BMI which is now 34.5 to 35 as I have 3 comorbidities. I have checked with my ins which is TRI Care Standard and should have no problems if my BMI is 35. Has anyone had to wait to increase or how to increase your BMI.

I am new to the site, excited to start my journey. My band date is February 17, 2011. I am excited but scared at the same time. I know this will be a new journey. Everyone on here is an inspiration. I'm excited to share my journey with you all. :-)

Hi Everyone, I am scheduled for the laproscopic lap band on January 31, 2011 @ 8:00 am in Medford, Or. My surgeon is Dr. Mark Eaton, and I am very happy to have him as my surgeon he seems well knowledgeable and makes sure I am well educated about the surgery I have choosen. I am on a full liquid diet and am having a hard time with it right know, I do know it just takes some time to get use to it. Could really us as much feedback and advice as you all can give me. Thank you Dora

Hello LAP-BAND® forum. This is my first post here on this site. I am new to this world and can say after reading so many posts I am excited to be a part of such a supportive community. I am 34yrs old and struggled with my weight all of my life. I have began my pre-op diet yesterday of 5 boost shakes per day and 1 cup of vegatables with plenty of Water. My surgery date Nov 18th is with Dr. Steven Miller in Montreal. I am both nervous and excited. Any tips on how to make it through the pre-op diet without going a little nutty? HW=419lbs CW=402lbs SW=??? GW=225lbs

Hello everyone! I am somewhat new to forums. I joined some time ago but this is my first actual introduction post. I am very excited to start my journey for lapband! I am very certain that this is the type of surgery that I want. I will be attending a seminar by the beginning of next month and can not wait! That will be my first step to getting this party on the roll. My insurance is BCBS of Delaware and I will have a 6 month structured diet program to follow, so while doing that I plan to stay busy and keep researching and browsing blogs that talk about their experience with the band. It will keep me motivated in this wait! I can not wait!!!!!

Hello, I am three months to having the surgery and I was wondering if anyone has had an issue with "feeling" the band? Do you bump your port? I think that is my worst fear! Knowing there is a medical device inside me! I have over 100 pounts to lose, that is the other question....it seemed as if the MD only thought I would lose about 50 pounds....I am 273 pounds and 5 foot tall!

Hi everyone.. My name is Angie. I am very new to the Lap Band. I just went to a seminar and took the first step (filling out the paper work) to seeing if I can really get this done. I have been very heavy for about 12 years now and I am tired of failing every diet I ever try. I'm so worried that my Insurance won't cover the procedure and not sure what I'm going to do if that happens. I feel like I am at the end of my rope and I desperately need some help with this. I will be 33 this year. I am 310 pounds and 5'5". I have a little two year old that depends on his Mama to be there for him and I have a husband who is worried sick about me. So this is the first step…

Let me introduce myself.... My name is Shannon, I am 39 years old, I have 3 children and I am an RN. I am divorced and in a relationship that rocks... (LOL). I was diagnosed with DM type II in Sept/Oct of 2009, and immediately began changing my eating habits, consuming fewer carbs and switching to diet pepsi... I had thought about lap-band for several years but it wasnt until April of 2010 that I actually made the effort to do something about it.... So, I went through 6 months of classes and here I am. Surgery in the morning. I am not nervous at this point, which is weird I think..... I am excited and I hope that I can continue 'behaving' with my eating habits...... r…

Hello, Name is Kim, was banded Dec, 3, 2010. Lost 18 ilbs the first month, but then gained 6 of it back. Am really discouraged and feeling like I was rushed through this precedure without proper counseling or advice about this procedure. When I ask questions I can't seem to get straight answers from anyone. Is there anyone that has had the lapband for a while who could possible answer my questions and give me a bit of support??? Getting regrets that I had this done due to the poor support from the staff and doctors.

Hi, my name is Kim and I was banded on 09/08/2009 by Dr. Sloan in Fort Wayne, IN. I have some frustrations with my band but am not unhappy with it. Most of my weight loss happened before my surgery when I was on the 1200 calorie diet. My weight loss has been very slow every since my surgery. I have struggled to work with my band but that being said consider my band a success because although I am not losing the weight I want, I also have not gained any weight back. I truly feel that without the band I would be well on my way to gaining back the 35 lbs I have lost and then some. I chose the band over bypass because my clinic told us that after 6 months there was no food we…

Tomorrow I go for my preop blood work at the hospital and I guess get checked in for my surgery on Tuesday. I'm really ready for this. I'm so nervous about having given up pretty well all my vices and I've been stripped completely nekkies of my security blankets but I can do this... it's time to poop or get off the pot... there's no option other than TO do it. I've never gone w/o training wheels like this before. I'm SO SO SO freaking ready for this. I can't wait to see my body again... to not sound like a winded rhino when I just go up the stairs to our bedroom (I'm not even gonna begin to get into actual bedroom activity!!!)... This is the first hurdle for all the gr…

September 2009, I had the lapband surgery at a military Air Force Base in Ohio. I did the fluids thing and while I was waiting through the 6 weeks before my first fill, we moved to Florida. I couldn't get in to see a doctor before January 2010. The first doctor I met with tried to give me a fill in his office. He must have stuck that needle in me about 20 times before concluding that I needed a fill under fluoroscopy. I went to the hospital, they gave me about 2ccs. I went back later and they gave me 2 ccs more. I never felt any restriction. For some reason, that doctor suddenly leaves the state of Florida. (!!!) My insurance sends me to another lapband doctor who is 2 1/…

Hi everyone, Just thought I'd make a quick introduction. I'm Danielle, 26 and live about an hour outside of Washington DC. I got my band in March of 2009, so I'm coming up on two years. I started off at 350 pounds, and am now at 200. Unfortunately I still have some weight to shed. I've been on a bit of a plateau for the past 3 months or so. I just joined a gym at the beginning of January for the first time in my life, and that combined with my (much better than they used to be) eating habits, has finally gotten the scale inching down. I just recently found this site. I've been browsing for about a month and decided to go ahead and join. So hello everyone. I'm…

I am new to this site and wanted to get some help. I had my Lap Band procedure done in 2007 and I saw little progress at first. I found that I could not keep hardly anything down and was throwing up all of the time. I never really felt like the Dr. was very engaged with his patients and did not really give a lot of advise post-op. Since then I have done little to improve the situation and I am right at the same weight I was prior to the procedure. While I did not see much of an impact from the procedure I also did not do much to help out my situation. I have decided it is time for me to stop messing around and get control of my situation. I have an appointment with…