Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I have been on this journey since june. i am 306 and my goal is 150. I have completed all the requirements for insurance and team approval. So now they are just waiting for insurance approval. I am so happy and nervous and impatient!! I know this is the right choice and I have come so far. I just hope it happens SOON!!! I am ready to get healthy!!!

Can someone tell me how to set-up the tracker at the bottom of everyone's message? I know it is a simple process:)

Hello, I had my lap band put on yesterday (12/31/2010) and it feels weird. I am drinking broth, crystal light, Water and eating some Jello. My stomach feels so empty that when I drink I SWEAR I can feel and hear it it going down from the small pouch into my larger stomach. I don't feel nauseous at all, but my stomach sure is painful. My muscles hurt getting out of bed and out of a chair. And lastly I cannot tell from the pain in my stomach if its gas or its just sore from being manipulated. Anyone sharing these issues with me?

My name is Chad and I have been looking for somewhere to discuss whats going on. Look forward to talking to all of you and learning new things,

I was banded on 12/30/10...2 days ago. I am doing pretty well with minimal pain now..mostly when I get up or change positions in the bed. I am not taking the pain meds anymore. The most discomfort I have is in the middle of my upper abdominal area.. I think I can feel the port there. Anwyay, I am taking off this week to recover from work. I have a 4 yr old and a 9 month old, and my parents and my husband will be picking up the baby this week because my dr said not to lift anything heavier than 15 lbs for at least 2 weeks. Well, my husband has to go out of town next week for work, and my baby is 19 lbs. Does anybody have experience with lifting a week post op? I am hoping …

Hi, I am new on this forum so not sure what I'm doing yet. Well... I have been thinking on the lap band. Now that they lowerd the BMI. I am between 33 and 35. Not real sure. I do have high blood pressure, but my concern is I'm 55, but otherwise in good health. I've struggled with weight all my life, but it's worse now that I'm older. I'm just wondering how everyone did with this surgery, lots of questions. I have a consult meeting this month in Erie Pa. Thanks! Happy New Year!

Hello Fellow Band-Members! My name is Rueben from San Antonio TX. I'm a new bander going on 2 Days Strong! My surgery date was 12/30/10, what a Xmas and new years present to myself. I'm still in alot of pain and have hella gasses coming out of both openings, I know TMI but it's the truth. I've been drinking protein shakes, sipping on alot of water, doing my breathing excerises and walking around for atleast five minutes! My pain meds don't seem to work or help bur I know within time I'll be a brandnew Man! I'm looking foward for 2011 and the future! Happy New Year! God Bless & Good Luck! My current weight is 6'6 499, my new years goal is 6'6-375. It's going to be a lo…

Hello Fellow Band-Members! My name is Rueben from San Antonio TX. I'm a new bander going on 2 Days Strong! My surgery date was 12/30/10, what a Xmas and new years present to myself. I'm still in alot of pain and have hella gasses coming out of both openings, I know TMI but it's the truth. I've been drinking protein shakes, sipping on alot of water, doing my breathing excerises and walking around for atleast five minutes! My pain meds don't seem to work or help bur I know within time I'll be a brandnew Man! I'm looking foward for 2011 and the future! Happy New Year! God Bless & Good Luck! My current weight is 6'6 499, my new years goal is 6'6-375. It's going to be a lo…

I can't wait to start the new year. I'm newly banded, I've already lost 12 pounds (in a week!) and I'm feeling pretty confident. This is going to be an incredible journey!!!!! Anyone remember what it was like when they were first banded?? Anyone making resolutions for the new year? Happy New Year everybody! Let's start 2011 with our goals in mind and our will in tact.

hi im new to this so bear with me..but would like to others who have had the lap band...i just wonder if it is normal to still be swollen and have a little left sided pain? and please give me some good ideas on what to eat!!

Hi! My name is Ashley and I just had my sleeve procedure done December 17th, 2010. I researched the sleeve since March, but now I am having a few issues that I do not remember reading about and I want to know if they are normal. First, HEARTBURN! I have never had chronic heartburn, but this almost constant burning in the back of my throat is so annoying! I have been taking Zantac and it relieves it for a couple of hours but it returns. I guess I need to try Prilosec, but I'm just wondering if anyone had this issue and if it gets better. Secondly, I cannot get any meat down. No matter how much I chew it, it will not go all the way down and I end up throwing it righ…

Hello to every one and nice to meet you all. I guess pain wise I am doing good have not needed to take any pain med yet. coughing at the main port sight is a not so fun time and sneezing that takes your breath away for a second but the pain subsides. My main issue and question is everyone tells me the vomiting will go away in a week or so well the problem is I have not even felt like vomiting. I am doing the liquid diet thing but I have not felt full or nauseous. I have been holding back eating large amounts because I do not want the band to slip or anything. i feel like my biggest issue now is being SOOO tired of the liquid diet even a piece of dry toast would be a …

Hello! 35 years old F 280lbs of fat ready to take that step towards Lap Band after years of back and forth! Initial meeting on 1/24/11 and go from there! Any help or advice out there!! Not much support here!! -Kim Boston

Hi all, well my jouney didnt start as a good experience but ended well.. I went from lap band to gastric sleeve.. I had the original surgery on Oct 28, 2 weeks later my Doctor discovered a leak. Had the second surgery on Dec 8, woke up with a feeding tube for a almost 2 months.. DR. Jayasselan did my surgery, and he's a great surgeon. Ive lost 44 lbs so far, and shrinking..My experience was a little rough at the beginning, but the outcome is great..

OMG! I am freaking out ever since I made the decision to have LBS! I can't concentrate or sleep!! I don't go to my info session until 1/24/11. UGH!! Help me calm down and get things in perspective!! -Kim

I've been waiting for 2011 for insurance reasons and it's FINALLY here. I see my surgeon for a follow up Tuesday morning and they are resubmitting everything that day or Wednesday. I've been through the whole process for approval and everything was put on hold back in May 2010 bc the company I work for required 5 years CONSECUTIVE coverage under the health insurance......they didn't care that I've been employed there for 10 years! I changed insurance back in 2005 for like 3 months when I married my husband but went right back to my own coverage as soon as I could...but it wasn't effective until Jan 2006......SO here I am....the 5 year requirement is met, everything else i…

Hi everyone! My name is Jen. I was banded on 12/17 and am new to this site. I am 23 y.o. (Is there anyone else here young out here?) and have been overweight since adolescence but recently gained 60lbs since graduating college! This is when I knew I had to do something. I have tried, successfully and unsuccessfully to lose weight but I knew that I had to have more help than just diet and exercise when I tipped the scale at 225! (I am only 5'0) It was about 5 months ago that I attended an info session and began the pre-op process for surgery. For those of you considering surgery, feel free to ask me any questions. and for those of you that are ahead of me in this p…

Hi, I do not yet know how this website works. I just had my sleeve surgery last Wednesday (Dec 22). I don't know what to expect and I don't think I'm doing very well. I've already cheated! I didn't expect the hunger and I can't seem to stop being hungry even if I increase the protein drinks. I have already had raisin bread, tater tots, cheese, and i hate myself. I hope I'm not doomed. I wish I could just stop, but then I would not even have needed the surgery if I could just "stop"

Omg so I am almost thru day 3 of the liquid diet. And I almost caved. My son was having tacos and I could just look at em and taste em. The 'head hunger' is gettin to me. Tryin to stay busy. Anyone else having this trouble. :-[

I am starting a new Facebook page this weekend called Letitia WatchMeLose Young. I will be documenting my weightloss journey in 2011. You will be able to witness my successes, triumphs, menus, workouts etc... I want to be a help to someone that may be just starting out, and I need all the support and motivation to keep going. I want to extend an invitation to all of my lapband talk buddies. If you would like me to send you a friends request and add you to my page, please send me an inbox message on lapband talk or just reply here. I look forward to going on this journey with you!

I was banded 23DEC10 at Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, Virginia by BluePoint Surgical Group by Denis Halmi. I am 40 years old, 5'10 and started at 305lbs. I am retired from the Army and besides high blood pressure for which I have been taking Mycartis (40mg) and high cholesterol for which I have been taking Vytorin(40mg), I am pretty healthy. Both of my parents are big (obese) and my father had a heart attack two years ago. Since I retired from the Army I have steadily put on weight; about 100 lbs in 5 years. I am currently home in my living room after being in the hospital roughly 24 hours. I am a little sore (feels like I have done 1000 sit-ups). But otherwise th…

Hi. I am Kelly. I am just getting started in this process. I am so excited, but very nervous about getting approved. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but I dont think they could go much higher. I am looking forward to taking the steps I need to take to make this happen. FINALLY, I feel hopeful about losing weight and finding "me" again. I have looked around on here and think this site will be very informative and supportive. I cant wait to make new friends! Thanks in advance for the help and support!

When I go in for my surgery it will require a 1 night stay in the hospital. Will I have to take my own liquid diet food for my stay there for post op? What about vitamins and supplements? Do I take my own? Just wondering? Thanks!

I start my 2 wk. pre op liquid diet in just 3 days! Geez!!! I think I will go with the Protein shakes 3xdaily. What have you all taken on your pre op diet? Any other suggestions to make it easy? Thank you!

I am going to get VSG with Dr. Frank Chae in Lone Tree, CO. I am really confident that I am in good hands. My insurance requires me to do 3 months of visits with psych, nutritionist and exercise coach as well as attend a 5 hour class. Plus I am doing a sleep study on Monday. I will be done with everything on the 17th of December. I realized that, since all of my deductibles are met for this year, if I could sneak in at the end of the year I would save a ton of money. The problem is that I will be gone for Christmas from the 19th to the 30th. That leaves the 31st. All the planets need to align in order for this to happen but I am keeping all of my appendages cross…

I had the surgery this July in Monroe, Louisiana with Dr. Zizi. I really like him and his office staff. I've lost 35 pounds since surgery and received a 2nd fill on December 2. That's where my problems begin ... I've lost 10 pounds since then, but none in the last week. I'm realizing that my fill is too tight because I haven't eaten more than 6-8 bites of anything in an entire day since Dec. 2. I thought "this is such a challenge," but I thought that's just what I'm supposed to feel. Now I'm realizing that my band is too tight because I'm throwing up everything ... including tea/water. Ugghh! My doctor's office was closed today, but hope I can go next week for an "unfill.…

This is my first post. I have been struggling with weight all my life. Finally after 20 years of struggling this could be my year. I have an appointment with my doctor January 5th, 2011. I have mixed emotions. I want to be excited but yet I worry over the insurance. I have been weighing in at my doctors office for two months now so that is 1/3 over with. I so want a new life. I have been working on that one for that last couple years. I went through a nasty divorce and became a single mom of three wonderful children. I have been up, down and all around the last couple of years. I am proud to say I will be graduating in May 2011 with my AS degree and then on to …

I am 36 over 300 lbs with hypertension, hypothyroid, asthma, and PCOS. I have Aetna insurance and when I called to see what they cover they said no to bariatric surgeries. I have been told that you can fight your insurance but I have no idea where to start. I have not attended any seminars yet as I just made the decision to look into lap band surgery. I did however purchase the new book is lap band surgery for me. I have my obgyn suggest this about 2 years ago and at the time the insurance said they don't pay so I did not push the issue. Well now I need to fight for my life. I just can not afford self pay as I was unemplyed for a year and my credit is awful now. A…

Just wanted to introduce myself...My name is Jordyn and I am 20 years old. I was banded on 4/1/10 at 325 lbs. I am now 207 and struggling to get to my goal of 165! My surgeon was Dr. Nicholson at Baylor in Plano, TX. Looking forward to making new friends who understand exactly what I am going through!!!

I am here because i refuse to confide in friends who offer Gloom & doom scenarios to me. My Lap Band has failed. i have lots of GERD to contend with in the aftermath, i've regained all the weight. i had knee surgery in July now i am on High Blood Pressure meds. I have one friend who is overweight, she will never have weight loss surgery because her life is complicated by major back surgery - with complications from arthritis. So she always predicts the most dire results to having "Revision surgery" another friend knows someone who had regular gastric bypass surgery & died later from complications. MY doctor Marnia Kurian at NYU doesn't like Verticle Sleeve G…

Hello, my name is Monica i had the lap band done on dec. 20 2010, in dallas texas, with Doc. John Marsden, M.D. I weighed 239 lbs 2 weeks before surgery, on the day of surgery my weight was 229 so that means i was 10 lbs down, i am now 11 days ppost op and i am still having pain on my left shoulder, is anybody out there who can tell me what to expect. i spoke with the doc. aide and she reasured me that it has to do with the gases. and that it should be gone in a few more days. any suggestions to control the pain

I had the sleeve on Oct.27th & I have lost 70lbs since surgery the first 50lbs came off in 2 weeks! I myself am having a very hard time eating! since surgery I am extreme lactose intolerant and haven't found a protein shake that works for me without causing the dry heaves. also I was unable 2 use the chewable vitamins cause they agitated my sleeve also swallowing the prilosec for heartburn sometimes is challenging. I have several new complications that are associated from all these things, I have a a vitamin & protein deficiency making all my muscles feel like they are having charlie horses all the time, I get dizzy from malnutrition cause I am afraid to…

I have been battling with UNITED HEALTHCARE for about two weeks trying to findout exactly what my benefits will cover. I have been informed by my "bariactic coordinator" that for the VSG is not currently covered. UHC will only cover the lap band or the surgery that rearranges all the plumbing. So my situation is do I get the band until I can afford to pay for the VSG (Dr. Wathkins) out of pocket???? It's pricey but I could have all the money in about a year, ANY OPINIONS, ANYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi my name is Cindy ,I live in ct and I was just sleeved on 12/20/2010.so all of this is very new to me Im not having any problem now that im out of the hosptial,but I did have problems just after sugery I had stop beathing on my own for about 16 hours and put on a vent..luckly I started back up again and everything is fine now..just waiting for the day to have some hot food temp wise not spice. everything they seem that they want me to eat is cold..its cold here in ct I want hot food..I should be starting mussie by mon so if anyone has any good hot food recipe let me know..thanks

I was banded on August 24th 2010 and i have lost about 12 pounds but go up and down 3-4 pounds. I do not think i am doing what i am supposed to be doing as my weight loss has not been steady. I have had 2 fills since surgery. I have some questions, am i still supposed to feel that full feeling when eating? because i remember the feeling when i first had the surgery and i knew that feeling but havent felt that in many months. I cannot eat bread without it being stuck so i don't eat bread anymore. I have started my exercise program (one i actually enjoy) recently and i know that is a huge part of this. I am looking for receipes and have found a few. So those are my i…

Hello, Well i got my lap-band surgery on the 13th of Dec. I did my liquid diet for 2weeks and now I am on soft food. I am 57years old and 5' 8. After being heavy all my life,and my numbers being high in all areas(walking time bomb). My doctor talked to me and advised me about lap-band.I took the information and thought about it for about 2 months. When I finally made the appointment and meet the doctor I knew it was time to do it. I was not ready for all the doctor visits and test I had to take. After doing all that needed to be done I was more then ready for surgery. I had lost almost 30 lbs. before and 12 more since having the lap-band. I worry that I might be doi…

Hi, I was banded in Monterrey Mexico in September 2010. Dr. Zapata was my surgeon. My experience in Monterrey was excellent. My port is situated off to the side and my band holds 4cc. I needed to wait longer than normal for my 1st fill, because of a prior hernia repair. So I just received my 1st fill on Dec 15, 2010. (my band holds 4cc and my 1st fill was 1.5 cc) I have experienced several episodes of "slimeing". After consuming 3-4 bites of a meal, my food feels lodged and I want to throw it up, but this slime comes up when I burp, until I throw up lots of slime, not much of what I just ate. Any suggestions why this is happening? This isnt happening all the time…

Hello! I just joined the group. I am scheduled to be banded mid January. I have much apprehension to say the least. I guess I fear the unknown. I will be on liquid protein shakes 2 wks. pre op and then 1 week post op. I don't know if I can do this? I was also wondering if what the protocol for pre op testing has been for others. I have heard from another Dr. that it is the norm to have upper GI and barium swallow and an EGD done pre op to rule out any ulcer first. My Dr. has not ordered any such test and I am concerned. Any info given will be greatly appreciated.. Thank you kindly.

Hi, I am new to this forum. I had a Lap Band surgery in March 2010. I am in Calif. in North County San Diego. My Dr. was Dr. Oliak in Orange County. He is a great Doctor and has a great Support Group after surgery. While I was working, I went to them weekly. I have lost 30 lbs so far. I have since retired and live 70 miles away from the doctor. It is to hard to drive the 70 miles to go to class weekly in the traffic and then drive home. That is 3 hours or more on the road. I am looking for a support group that is closer to home or would entertain starting up a new support group with anyone that would like to help that also lives in the North County of San Diego. I can not…

Hello, My name is JJ. This week I have taken the first step in getting my health together. My insurance covers weight loss surgery after 6 months of supervised dieting. Today I saw my GP and she is completely supportive of this journey, and was genuinely honest about it being a tool, not a cure all. I appreciate the honesty. I have chosen a Dr. and will attend his seminar in a few days. At that point I will fill out the paperwork and go from there. About a year ago I had a major surgery that improved my health by 75%. Since then I realize how great I can feel, and the immense pleasure of being a part of life without pain. My BMI is 41. I am 5'1" and 219lbs @ 39 …

wow, so here I go! I am scheduled to be sleeved at 7:30am on January 11th! I can't believe its here already! Started my liquid diet yesterday. Made it through day one lol...which I wasn't so sure I could do. I have my pre op clearance with my family doc today, so I am on the fast track to a new me. I am so excited, and majorly scared. I know that sounds kinda silly, but surgery just scares me to begin with. But a lifetime of being over weight scares me more. any helpful hints to surviving the liquid diet?

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and I have so many questions about banding, I don't even know where to begin! First off, I am a 24 year old, 5'8", 250 lb woman who has been overweight her entire life. I have always been self-conscious and have allowed my self-esteem issues to interfere with my life in many ways. I am happily married to a great, supportive man, but I still feel like something is missing: my self-confidence and confidence in my future health! I have gained and lost, gained and lost with many different diets, calorie counting, and exercise programs and after each attempt I usually end up heavier than when I started. This year alone I yo-yoed f…

Hello, I am a newbie, to the fullest. I dont have a date or anything like that. In fact, I am to attend the manditory lap band seminar on 5 Jan and then will be able to schedule the consultation with the surgeon. But, I've been reading a lot of posts and had a few questions.... Do you have to lose weight before you get surgery? I've been seeing people say they've lost like 30lbs and they havent even gotten banded yet. I'm sorry, but if I have to lose weight like that before the lap band, I'm not sure I'll be able to. Do you have to go through all the pre-opt testing, like the psych eval and the nutrictionist appointments? What are the requirements before getting ap…

I am excited for the new journey I about to begin. My family doesn't understand that I am having this surgery for me. I want to be happy again. They don't understand my reasons... But I on top of the moon about my surgery. I am 41 years old and I am excited to just enjoy the ride. I am currently on a ten day pre-op. It has been difficult with the holidays. I have noticed that I get headaches. But I am trying my best to stick to it....I have my Last pre-op appointments on 12-29....Can any one tell me what the best protein supplements are. I have been looking on line and still haven't decided what to try....too many decisions.....Looking forward to a great 2011!!!!!!!…

I just got my band yesterday. i am super sore with 6 incisions. it also took them 4 tries to get the IV in and they had trouble waking me after surgery. So i have had a rocky start. My ex had this done and had great results. im now a single mom and want to ce active for my girls who are 11 and 12. i hope im ready.

Well it is now 0225 and I am up. I guess I am a little anxious but, not in a bad way. I had my pre hospital visit yesterday and my last doctor's appointment with Dr. Jenkins. It was great. I had been nervous that I wouldn't meet my pre-op weight goal of 260, well I weighed in at 255.5. I am proud of myself so far. Dr. Jenkins said I am a good candidate for the surgery. He said they look at if a person loses weigh during pre-op. If you lose weight then you will do fine after you are sleeved. I was give a patch to put behind my ear. It is for nausea. I can only keep in on for three days max. I was also already given my pain medicine for when I get out of the hospital…

Hey everyone!! I just want to thank everyone for the support the past couple of days. I know that I am VERY early in this journey and that I still have MONTHS before my actual procedure but so far, I am very excited!! Uhm...I met with the doctor today, along with a few people that have had this done and I am really encouraged to continue to pursue it. So far, what's happened is that I got bloodwork done. (It's weird how I can sit down and let a guy shove a giant needle through my nose but yet I was shaking and crying when the chick went to draw blood. haha) Until the doctor at the HELP clinic at the hospital I plan on getting the procedure at receives a referral …

Hi everyone, My story in a nutshell is I started my process in October 2009 and everything is complete. I expected to have my surgery in May 2010 however my health insurance put up a road block to make me wait until January 2011. I have a follow up with my surgeon on January 4th and they will submit it back through insurance at that point and I should hear back within that week. I have no other road blocks they can put up so it should be a sure thing! I've been waiting and counting the days down until now and it's FINALLY HERE! I've been mentally prepared and managed to maintain my weight and drop 5 additional lbs since my last appointment in May. I've heard maintai…

Hi everyone, I had my lapband surgery on Nov 8, 2010, Ive lost 30 pounds, I am 47 5'3 and was 269 now I am 238, I am enjoying my journey, Question?? has anyone needed more than one fill I had my first fill 2 weeks ago, 4cc's and nothing.. no restriction at all. Still hungry, eating more than 4-6 ounces as suggested.. Little frustrated I am not feeling anything.. Anyone else out there like me??

So it finally happened! The surgery wasn't quite as bad as I expected. I actually feel pretty good because my broken lap band is finally gone! I will say that I was in MAJOR pain right after surgery. I didn't get a morhpine pump, they put it through my IV. I was in so much pain when I woke up in recovery, so they gave me something that made me sleep. Then when they moved me to my room, I guess the pain meds wore off because I as crying and screaming. After that, my pain meds have been going strong, so I am happy. I have been up walking. The drain hasn't been too bad. I have been fearing the drain! I had my leak test earlier and that was pretty gross. I am wai…