Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello Everyone, This is the first time I have ever joined a support group online. I hope to have my surgery in 4-5 months. I have a lot of questions and I'm hoping you all can help me. 1. How long were you in the hospital? 2. How long did it take you to get back to work? 3. How long did it take for you to eat bread? 4. Most people talk about getting the rouenY (spelling?) procedure over the sleeve. Are all of you happy with the sleeve surgery? 5. What are the most common side affects or complications? Thanks to you all for your advise and answers to my questions llipps

This is my first post. My surgery is scheduld for December 16th and my pre-op visit at the hospital is December 8th. The closer it gets the more nervous I am. What can I expect at the pre-op appointment? Thanks in advance for your answers!

Hello everyone... I am new to the community and this is the first real forum i decided to join to discuss my weight loss. I am scheduled to get my lap band this Friday around 7am. I am looking forward to the next step in life but at the same time i am completely nervous. I am also currently on my pre op liquid diet which I am totally hating. I can only have 2 Special K shakes and 3 Atkins Shakes. Some chicken broth and sugar free Jello. I wish that I can have so much more than that.. but i cant.. I haven't lost that much on the liquid diet...but hey...i don't see that it working but its what they wanted me to do....

just had surgerylast week. am feeling full at top of stomach without eating or drinking. also gassy, burpey and have strange rippleing feeling in loweer stomach is this normal?

Hi, I am in the very beginning stages of research for lap band surgery. I live in the Naperville, Illinois area and would appreaciate any input on centers and your journery. Wishing you all the best on yoru journey.

http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/dating-blog/overweight-couples-on-television It's actually titled "Should Fatties Get a Room?" (yes, you read that right!) It was linked on a medical obesity blog I follow regularly. The physician referred to it as "the most vile article about the obese I have ever read." Please peruse the comments, too, there's quite a few. I've already sent an e-mail to the editor (JoannaColes at hearst com), so if you are as riled up as I was, do that - and post a comment, as well, as the author's been offering half-assed apologies after the backlash.

Hello Everyone! FIrst I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jennifer but everyone calls me Jen.. and my students call me a Witch but take the "w" out and replace it with a "b". I am a special eduction teacher and I live in the hot state of Florida.. but right now it is coooollllllddddd! bbrrrrrr! I have a son (6). I have been thinking about lap band surgery on and off for several years. I am now in the process of committing to it. I spoke with my insurance company and I know I have to do the 6 month dr. diet and psych test as well as go to one of their suggested drs. BUT I have not spoken to my Significant Other- I spoke to him about it years ago and he was against i…

Hello all, I am a newbie......I just got banded three days ago. I am still having some pain but it's getting better day by day. The hardest part is getting in and out of the bed. Don't really have an appetite for anything so I've been eating ice chips and sipping on water and broth as best I can. Is what I'm experiencing normal?

Hi, I am new here. Just registered, and I am scheduled for my surgery on Dec 14. I have been thinking about WLS for 20 years. I'm 53 and the past 3-4 years have been bad for me in terms of getting around. The deciding factor for me happened this summer when I went to my nephews wedding. I live in Michigan and the wedding was in South Carolina. Although I was there I really felt like I was unable to participate. I didn't go to the beach with the others, didn't go on the tour of the area, didn't go shopping, etc.... Just kinda stayed in the house the whole week while everyone else had fun doing things. When I got home I decided this is it. and started by attending…

hi all, hope everyone is doing ok, i haven't been on for a few days, since my "op" ha ha, i have been feeling pretty sorry for myself, and not feeling like talking much but yesterday i decided enough was enough, anyway i phoned the hospital to find out if i had a new date for the surgery and my notes had just arrived with the secretary, and she said that they still have to check with the surgeon to see "which" op i am having (after i had been told it was the sleeve then booked for the band) well it looks like it will be in january at the earliest or february at the latest, i am not holding my breath though, we shall just have to see what happens i guess, anyway i am going…

Hi I have been banded for about a month now. I have seen some changes not as much as I would like to. Does any one find it harder around the holidays. I am scared to eat because I dont want to eat the wrong thing. And I still crave sweets is that bad. Committed to loosing weight:mellow:

So, hooray! I am having my lap-band in on the 6th. I am pretty darn excited, but am already working myself up over leaving my son overnight. He's 9 months old and a mama's boy! I know this will be better for him in the long run - and for me, too! Anyways, hello! -Chasing

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Let me explain. The doc's office called with my dates. I've finished the pre op testing so I was ready for a Christmas present of a lap band. She proceeded to tell me my endoscopy is Jan 5th, pre surgery appointment Jan 21st, and surgery feb 7th. I know I should be happy that I have a date, but I can't stop feeling upset that it's 2 months away.... Need a little encouragement people!!

Hi, I am very new to this I have only been looking into it for awhile. I need help I am reading so much information on this blog on goods and bad surgeons. I do not what company I should go with? I am looking at slimband as it sounds that they can get me in the quickest ( I hating when I really want something). But I have heard good and bad things I would just like some advice from people who have been banded recently. Also does anybody know if someone does banding in Calgary and how long does it take to get in if they do? Any advice would be very helpful at this point. How do I research the surgeons? Thank you Very confused

Hi Everyone, I am a 44 year old male with Type II Diabetes and a BMI of 37 I weigh about 260. i was originally going for LapBand Surgery on December 20th (18 days away-yippee) and received a call from my doc this morning after he received a pre-op lab. My sugar levels are very high and they are afraid that i might not see the same success in reversing my type II condition as i would in considering a sleeve. Can anyone share any info they have regarding sleeve vs. band and how it has been working for them. i know there are a lot of converts from band to sleeve on this site , so I'm starting to lose a little faith in the band and weather or not that would be a good ch…

First post new to board. Just had surgery on Monday the 29th. I came home Tuesday and plan on going back to teach Monday. I feel great. I have no hunger, I have not thrown up and I am learning how to sip. The loss of hunger has been the greatest thing. I have not bitten into anything since Sunday afternoon. I really can see how this thing could work. The hardest thing was going a day and half without liquids, waiting on my "leak" test.

Hi Everyone, I'm heading to Mexico to get my sleeve done in January. I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life but at the same time I am also very nervous. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated .

I'mso sick of this crap with BlueCross Blue shield. When I first went in to my surgeon the receptionist, and the doctor were both like, "Wow you have great Insurance, approval will be easy, they approve everyone". Three denial letters latter here I sit. BlueCross has these Medical Directors that make all the decisions regarding surgery, but the medical directors will not speak to policy holders. How can a person make life altering decisions on my behalf without even speaking to me??!!! After the second denial I had a sudden loss of vision, my BP went up to 190 over 110, and sugar number were through the roof, and I had four more meds added to my daily pile of pills. I go…

Hi guys....I just completed registration forms for the hospital I will be going to and my seminar is December 14th. I am so excited, as I have been heavy my entire life. My husband at first, when I told him I was going to do this, was okay with it...Now that I have been on the phone with our insurance and the hospital he is starting to get annoyed. He called from work tonight and I told him I was looking at before and after pictures of people that had been banded and he said I was "obsessed" and he was tired of the word lap band already. This wouldnt bother me, but I am so supportive of all of the things that he does. He is an avid hunter and spends most of his time in th…

Aloha All, Hi I'm Kimberly, I live in Volcano, Hawaii. I started my WLS journey in August of 2010. I originally wanted to have the Lap Band, fearing the extremeness(is that a word) of the gastric bypass. Even at my age (36) I asked my mom for her opinion. She said go with the Band. I attended my first informational seminar with Dr Cirangle, and for the first time I heard about the VSG. After my initial consult, I had to go thru the insurance and do the Psych eval, and diet and nutritional eval. Boy was that a chore, I thought i was going insane just trying to get an appointment with a therapist, and then the 4 hour appointment, never wanna do that again. So finall…

Hi, everyone I had the plication done on Oct. 18 and till this date i only lost 15 pounds . Is this ok or should i've lost more? my Doctor said, it's good because i was o lower BMI #33 so the more u have to loose the faster u loose it, I want to loose 50 more pounds.What do u think? About my 15 pounds? Thank u all.Happy Holidays.

Hi there. My name is Dana Lackey, I am the Program Director for a new Weight Loss Program in Dallas. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself ,as well as our new Bariatric Program, to LapBandTalk.com. I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the Lap/Band procedure, pre or post operatively. I have a wealth of information. =) So please feel free to email me anytime. We really want to make the Lap/Band procedure affordable for anyone wanting to have the procedure, so for the months of December and January, we are offering the Lap/Band for $8,900.00. The Lap/Band works and it is an incredible tool to have on your side. I look f…

Surgery Date booked and paid for 10th December - yeah just before Christmas, i'm self destructive. I will be on small portions by then i hope BMI 35 - I strive to be a comfortable size 10-12 Optifast Diet 2 weeks before op - Im struggling! I have lived off this 'eating anything and everything because next week i wont be able to' mentality that now i've hit a wall. Im currently 5 days into Optifast and im doing ok. I have cheated with a tiny chip here or a sneaky lollie there but otherwise i have been dedicated to 3 shakes a day and a salad. Im curious to find out if others have cheated like this and if it effected their outcome! Im starting to get the bad bre…

I had my lap band surgery on Nov. 4th. and I'm not scheduled for my first fill until Dec. 22nd. Like someone else posted here, I'm terrified because with the holidays there is so much food around, and I still want to eat! I'm afraid I started eating solid foods too early ... after the first week and a half, I started eating soft noodles and other soft, mushy foods. By Thanksgiving, I was pretty much eating everything (in small quantities). I experienced a couple of scary incidents in which food didn't want to go down, and I regurgitated after one meal. Since then, however, I have not experienced this, and I'm afraid I may have caused the band to slip or something. A…

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer and I was banded on 6/14/10. I have just had my sixth fill and have not yet found the "sweet spot", but I am just over 40 lbs. down on a 146 lb. journey, so I am happy and will be patient - slow and steady! I have, like many of you, fluctuated up and down for years and most recently lost 92 lbs. on Jenny Craig - it worked! And then I went off the program. Sound familiar? So, I gained back the 92 plus and additional 35... and my physician recommended Lap-Band to me back in February. I started to look into it and found that my company has a gastric exclusion to their insurance policy... but after working with True Results in Dallas I…

One day after surgery, since the beginning of the liver shrinking diet until now have lost 20#, feeling pretty good so far.

Hi , I was banded on October 20, 2010 . From the date of surgery I am down 18 lbs. Just wondering how other bandsters are doing that had surgery same time as I.

Hi Everyone - I'm so excited but also very nervous. I have been going through trying to get the approval process with insurance for about 6 months now. My primary doctor made me go through the dietician meeting, the psychological exam, and attempted weight loss attempts before he would submit the paperwork for just the referral to the lap band doctor. I finally got through all that and then had to start the second step of the process - consultation classes, dietician classes, doctors talks, weigh ins. Did all that and now finally just waiting for the insurance approval for the surgery!!! Couldn't be happier and I'm glad I've had to go through all this because it ga…

Hello Everyone, My 1st post, I'm about to turn 49 and thinking more about my health. I'm 5' 10" 265lbs. (a guess, been awhile since I got on the scale). 42-44" waistline when I bought my last pair of jeans , borderline of going on blood pressure meds... I enjoy hanging out with my 3 sons 10, 12, &14 yrs old, but it seems like I'm tired alot lately, I think it's all this extra weight on me.... Saw the clip on NBC news this week about the Lap Band BMI may get lowered so more qualify for the surgery, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ I'm not at the 40 BMI.....

I just wanted to introduce myself. I had the LB done on August 3rd, 2010. I am a high school teacher, am married, and have two elementary aged children. I look forward to finding support on this board.

Hi Every one I am joining you, it seems to be a nice place for discussion and to find answers to many questions. This is the reason why I'm joining you!!! Excuse my english, I'm french but I think that I'm good enough to talk and write in English, hope you will accept me in your Forum. I'm from the Outaouais and I got my lapband surgery in Montreal on December 4th 2009, a year ago. I lost 45 pounds. I'm presently having problems loosing more weight. My surgeon is in Montreal, and from now on, I can have an appointment in Montreal for an ajustment only at 8:30am in the morning and then in the afternoon the adjustment if required. I do not really like these …

Hello! First of all I am italian so please forgive all my grammatical mistakes! I haven't been sleeved yet, right now I am doing my research... I read all the great comments about the surgeons in Mexico and I have been seriously considering them, I am worred about the jet lag and the long trip on the way back... That's why I have been in contact with both Belgium and dr. Cierny in Czech Republic. My main problem is that my BMI isn't that high (34) but my reason to get sleeved is really the fact that I have type 1 diabetes since I was 10 (I am now 30). I have obesity history in the family as well. My intake of insulin is way too high (due to the food I ingurgitate eve…

Hi all, very new to this site so here it goes....... I'm in the process of getting WLS, I originaly wanted the lapband but my Dr. is REALLY pushing the gastric bypass. I have no interest in that surgery at all but I am considering the VSG instead of the lapband. but I have concerns........ I'm mid 40's with type 2 diabetes, way to high cholesterol, degenerative disk disease, back problems bad knees and SEVERAL other medical issuse. My concerns with VSG is; how do you keep your Protein up after the surgery, is there dehydration concerns with this surgery, how big is the subject eating in general, do you get enough Vitamins from the amount of food you now can ea…

I finally got a call from my Doctors office with all my dates including the surgery date January 31st 2010. I have very mixed emotions, this is something i have dreamed about for many years and now it only a 6weeks away. Is this normal? I feel like if this doesn't work then, i will be over weight the rest of my life.

New Member as of today. Glad I found this site, I have found browsing to be very informational. Tomorrow I am on clear liquids and Tuesday is my surgery, I am excited and nervous... but confident. I have lost about 13 lbs pre-op....60 to go

I had my sleeve done on October 15, 2010. I feel happy because I've lost 50 lbs so far (6 weeks after surgery). But at the same time, I feel frustrated. I cannot eat. I just, more or less, tolerate eggs and fish. My doctor keeps telling me it's normal. I feel weak. I miss eating. Since yesterday, I started feeling depressed and with anxiety. I get desesperate because I just want to be able to eat. I am not talking about big meals or anything like that, just being able to tolerate food. It's really hard. Did anyone went thru all this? Your support is really appreciate it.

Hi, I'm 3 weeks post op. I've no restriction which scares me coz if I'm let loose I cud do damage and put on the weight I've lost so far (around 14lbs). I've been told by my co-ordinator that my first fill won't be till after Xmas. By then I'll be able to chow done oodles of food and that terrifies me. They claim they tend not to fill before Xmas to allow for possible Xmas related indulgences. Is or has anyone else experienced this? I'm considering requesting one seeing as I've paid for fills? Some feedback on this wud be great, thanks

Hey guys! My name is Brittany. I'm 24 and just starting this journey. I have my first appointment scheduled on Monday December 6th, 2010. For years, I have heard the same thing. "You would be so beautiful if you lost weight." It never meant anything to me, because I have always been happy and content with myself. Even now, I'm not ashamed of my weight. Only now, I'm looking down the road. Where I want to be in 10 years. And as much as I feel confidant, happy, and beautiful now. It's time to take care of myself, and my health. I recently started a youtube channel, which is a big deal. I have avoided video cameras and photos for quite some time. Because how I feel, and how …

Hi Everyone, My name is Andrea Amador and I'm an author, professional coach, body image and self esteem expert. I respect your policy on advertising and I want to offer some solutions by sharing my experience. First and foremost I'm a gal who has struggled with a negative body image and hating my thighs for what seems like forever. No matter what size I was, I was never at peace with my body and I swore that as long as I was overweight, I could never be happy. For years I lived much of my life procrastinating, waiting and hoping for that day when I would be thin. Finally in 2001, after nearly 20 years of being an on again/off again member of Weight Watchers, I reache…

THis friday I go for my first meeting / consultation with the surgeon Dr. Bryce E. Schuster in Louisville, KY. Ahhh the first date who can forget the excitement the nervousness the anticipation!! but I am sure it will go awesome even if i dont put out hahahah How did anyof you first meetings go?

HELLO, MY NAME IS TOMMY IM A 42 YR OLD MALE, WT APROX 300LBS...IM DOING THE LAP BAND SURGERY TO CONTROL MY DIABETES, GET HEALTHIER AND TRY TO BE AROUND LONGER SO I CAN SEE ALL MY KIDS GROW UP. iM SET TO HAVE SURGERY DECEMBER 9TH, IM ON THE ALL liquid PART OF THE DIET DAY NUMBER 2...IM WEAK, TIRED AND EXTREMELY ANXIOUS AND AGITATED..ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I CAN DO TO KEEP IT TOGETHER...EVERY PART OF MY SYSTEM WANTS TO SAY THE HELL WITH IT AND RUN TO THE NEAREST MCDONALDS OR pizza PLACE,...IS THIS NOTMAL? WHAT CAN I DO I NEED ADVICE. THANKS...ANYONE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME DIRECTYLY IM MARRIED WITH 3 KIDS AND ONE ON THE WAY, SO IM NOT A BAD GUY TO KNOW..LOL MI EMAIL IS…

today i had my psych visit that went well and i was approved... i dont have my surgery date as of yet but the nurse told me it may be in Feb. i dont know why they make you do 6 months of diet documentation.....i can see at least 3 to 4 but anyway.... i just want to know does everyone have to go on a liquid diet or is it if you weigh a certain amount? i have read so many horror stories of people who have had to do liquid diets and they are freaking out really bad... which is understandable if you are denying your body of food for 2 weeks and you have food right in your kitchen that you can eat... .its not like you are on the reality show survivor or something! lol …

I just attended my first open seminar, but I had already decided this was the option for me. I have been overweight since about age 20 (I am turning 57 this month). I hit 200 lbs the first time when I was pregnant with my 1st child at age 22. Typical story: diet, lose a bit, gain back a lot, over and over. I had finally decided a few years ago that it was probably heathier for me to just stop trying and I have been able to maintain a steady weight (although admittedly, a very high weight) and stopped yo-yoing. I am deathly afraid to diet and fail, because I know I'll end up even bigger. This is why I feel this proceed is right for me. I am in a better place mentall…

Hi, I'm very new to all of this. I have done some research and after struggling with other diets and weight loss programs, I've decided to get the lap band, now I have to get the process started. Any pointers on the process of getting started and what to expect from my insurance? Any good doctor recommendations in the Vegas area. Thanks Kat

Good morning to all Lapband friends, I was banded on 11-18-2010 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa Florida. I feel this is the best thing I could have done for myself. I am still in a little pain. I have been off work for 2 weeks and going back on Monday December 6th.

Hello, Im going to have gastric bypass on DEC13th i am so ready but scared alittle but ready.I am 43 yrs old and i have been using food to hold me or just comfort me when i couldnt talk to anyone but not anymore im done.I have a wonderful husband and family so today it stops for me and the food.

Ok I am completely new to this process, have many questions: I would like to first ask how long did it take between your initial consultation and surgery date so I have some idea when to work it into my work schedule????

Hi all. I am a 33 year old mother of three. I had twin baby girls last Christmas and never lost much of the baby weight. My starting weight was 281. I was banded on Nov. 19th and I am currently eating pureed foods. My decision to get Lap Band was well thought-out and well-researched, but easy. My insurance would not cover it so I paid out-of-pocket. I went to a seminar, 4weeks later I called and said yes I want to do this and then two weeks later I was having surgery!! I did not have to do the 6 month diet and weigh-ins. I did not have to meet with a councilor. I did not meet with a nutritionist. Now I am scared that I may have missed out on some valuable i…

Hi everyone, My name is Stephanie and I live in Mendocino Co in California. I am 40 years old, a mother of 3 and married for 20 years. So my story is like so many others. I can lose the weight but can't keep it off. I have been against most weight loss surgeries for my own personal reasons . My doc has been trying to have me get band for 3 years but my insurance wouldn't approve. Well I have new insurance and they will approve(hopefully) with my knee, foot and hip pain, borderline blood pressure issues and just flat feeling yucky. I have decided to have lapband surgery. I have had all my tests done, got all my medical records and now I am just waiting for my nutrionist a…