Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

So... I have been on this journey to get approved for Lap-Band Surgery since June of this year. I was scheduled for my OFFICIAL surgery date in MAY of 2011. I know it's quite a ways from now, but hey, at least it's all done! I guess the insurance I have (Cal-Optima) has a wait list because they have covered so many people already. But it's okay. At first I was disappointed that I wasn't going to be able to get it this year, but when I think about it.... I made it. The journey of my new life will begin in MAY and I have no complaints. I'm really looking forward to it and I wish everyone a smooth journey on getting your dates set too. :frown: Happy Holidays! It is poss…

Hi everyone....I am 4 weeks post op, had my surgery on Sept. 29, 2010. I am down 15lbs. YAY and I am here for help, support. And to hopefully make new friends threw this life change. My name is Theresa I am 29 yrs old. Recently married on Sept 1, 2010. I also have a wondeful 10 yr old son. Life is great, no complaints. Its just time to get this weight off and leave it in the past :thumbup:

Hello, I was banded one week ago today. It has been a difficult recovery. Major discomfort, nausea and many tears...but I am looking forward to brighter days. 6 lbs lost...that is something to smile about...a lb a day so far. Can someone help me with the emotional stuff? I did not think I would be so emotional after surgery.

Hello everyone, I found this site while trying to look for info one the 3 surgeries my ins. covers..... bypass lap-band vertical sleeve gastrectomy I haven’t found anything that I don’t know or to helpful!! so I was just wondering what type of searches did everyone else use?? :frown:

I am about to schedule my consult with Dr. Webber at Great Lakes Weight Loss in Detroit for lap band surgery. I would like to get some info from other people about their experience. Especially if they had any complications after surgery. This is a very big concern for me as I am a self pay. I do have health insurance but it does not cover any type of weightloss surgery.

Hi I'm Cay and I got my band on Oct. 26. I'm happy and nervous, still not quite back to my old self but hoping it won't take to long.

Hello. I am scheduled to get banded Monday 11/8/10. very excited:thumbup:

:scared2:The charity care I was going to get just told me they didn't cover the lap-band® surgery. That was my last hope.What do I do now?

Hello, I've been lurking around the boards for a little while and now that I've got my surgery scheduled I thought I would finally make a post. My husband and I are Americans living in Daegu, South Korea (about 4 hours south of Seoul). I decided to have lap-band® surgery here because it's only about $6000 to get it here, and you don't have to jump through nearly as many hoops to get it. I had my first consultation on October 23rd, and my surgery is scheduled for October 30th! My doctor only requires full liquids for 2 days post-op, then mushies for 5 days, and my first fill can be a week after surgery. He also does unlimited band adjustments free for the first 3 m…

I am getting banded soon in Rapid City and am just curious if there are many on here from the area also.

Hello everyone I just joined this forum so alittle about me I am Filica I am 24 years old and two weeks post op! I have lost 34 bls so far!

Where do I start? I am 31 years old, married and have a 7 year old son. Well, all my life I have struggled with my weight. I always stayed about 30 to 40 lbs over my ideal weight. I started diet programs when I was 17. In 2006 I was diagnosed with Mulitple Sclerosis. Everything seemed fine until 2008. I was taken to the ER with pain in my upper left abdomen and stomach severely swollen. After numerous doctor appointments and tests the only thing they could determine was that I have an allergy to something I eat which causes my intestines to swell and my stomach to distend. I had an allergy test ruling out over 200 items but preservatives couldn't be t…

Hi all, I hade my surgery at 10 am on Monday and I just got back home from the clinic. Monday is a daze, pain and sickness which was both quickly medicated against. Had trouble finding a comfortable position in the bed, but dozed off everynow and then anyway. Tuesday morning we where moved into our private rooms with extremely comfortable massage-beds and tv - felt like heaven. Tuesday was also a day focused on sipping; Water, juice and drink yoghurts, sip, sip, sip...I had a lot of heartburn and acid reflux, but got both tablets and fluids for that. Had a good nights sleep last night and after a shower this morning, I felt like a whole new person! Apart from acic reflux…

So excited, I have figured out what to do and if everything goes well I will be able to get the surgery. My birthday is nov. 25. The best thing I could get is to be told that I was approved.:hi:

Well I did it....after over 3 years of considering, researching, and debating whether or not to have WLS, I finally decided to have VSG and my surgery was on Tuesday, October 26th! I walked into the hospital Tuesday morning hopeful and a little anxious, but I was ready. Was wheeled into the OR at 11:50 and next thing I knew, it was around 4pm. I was in a good deal of pain after the surgery and when my surgeon came in to visit me post surgery, I told him that I thought he was just going to remove a part of my stomach, not break all of my ribs along with it! Of course it was a joke, but man, that's exactly what it felt like! They originally started w/ Dilaudid in my …

Hi guys. Nov. 4th is not far away. Been on my liquid diet for three days now, one more to go. I have been on this quest now for close to 8 months. And now it is here. Soooooo glad I found this VSG site. You all have been VERY helpful! Thank you! I love my Doctor and I am sure he is gona do a great job with my VSG. Sooooooo keep me in your prayers. I will see you on the other side! Vicki

A couple of days ago I posted how scared I was/am to have this surgery. I had a couple of replies that I should do this for myself. I really wasn't clear on my fear and yes I am doing this for myself as I want to be healthy for the remainder of my life. Hasn't anyone else had a fear this was the right thing to do. In addition, I have had 6 major surgeries so that alone has given me some fear. My fear is due to previous hiatal hernia surgery (30+ yearas ago) which increases my risks for leakage and a prior blood clot in my leg which also places me at a higher risk for another one. I saw the vascular surgeon today and was cleared by him for the surgery. Now tomo…

Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Tami, I am a mother to 2 beautiful boys & married to my hubby for 20 years next April! My first journey was being a Gestational Surrogate for friends. I gained most of my weight over the last 6 years after my 3rd pregnancy and with every new IFV attempt for a sibling was 15 more pounds with hormones. Now my new journey....I was banded on 10/25/10. My starting weight was 260lbs at my pre-admission testing. I had a 4 day liquid diet prior to surgery & i am down almost 20lbs since last Monday! :wub: Things seem to be progressing as expected. I was pretty uncomfortable the first couple days from the gas & …

anyone from rutherford or cleveland county, nc had or went through the lap band experience? I'd like to talk w/ you one on one if possible. Thanks

My surgery is 11-08-10. surgen told me to get 30 syringe lovenox - i paid $150 and this 1 tablet that cost - $68 dollars. does any one else have the same meds?

I was banded on 11/1/10 and before that I followed all the posts about how frustrated many people get at having to wait until they get enough fills so that the band can really start to do its work. Well, here I am one day out and I can barely swallow my own spit. Every tiny sip, even of just water, really hurts. My doctor said anatomically I have a large stomach and this makes the band tighter than usual. Hey, maybe I wasn't fat after all--I just had a big stomach. I'm told I have to be patient and that it would gradually loosen after the surgical swelling decreases. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and hopefully after I can keep some food down and the pain goes away I won't…

I am a newbie and have been very inspired and informed from this website. I too am getting ready to take on the journey with the Lap-Band. I have done all my intitial testing and meetings. I go next week to meet with the bariatric Dr to discuss pre-op information. All my information is being turned over to the insurance and i hope it will be a quick process. I just wanted to say thanks for all that post because it really prepares you for you post op days. I do know from what i read is to make sure you have liquid gas drops and walk as much as possible. I am really excited about this adventure into becoming a new me. Thanks again for all the great information.:w00t…

I am scheduled for next week. 11/11 with Dr. Bovard in Raleigh, NC got my approval from BCBS so that was great news. I have been working on this for 44 days thus far but have been considering it for over a year and now it is acutally happening I just hope all goes well, any helpful hints from anyone who has been through this. So glad I found this web site.. awesome!

Hello Everyone! In 1983 I weighed 310lbs a the age of 18. I had a gastric segmetation (kind of like the lap band) and lost down to 157 lbs. Ten years later I started having complications and the band had to be removed. Within 2 yrs, I gained all the weight back plus. I am now 46 yrs old and weigh 347.5 lbs. Not only do I look awful but I feel awful. I am scheduled to have a VSG on 11/15/10 at Christus St. Elizabeth Bariatric Center in Beaumont, TX. For the last 2 weeks I have been on a 1,400 calorie diet and have managed to lose about 4 lbs. Tomorrow I start a 2 week liquid diet. Tomorrow is also my psych eval and appointment with surgeon. The anticipation for…

Ok...so I'm very nervous about my blood results. I had tons of blood work and a 5 hr glucose test on Friday to "find" any riders I may have to get my insurance to pay. No news from Dr's office yet left 2 msgs. I want everything to be good, but if they can't find something my insurance won't cover me. Really looking forward to having surgery and want control over my weight for once in my life. Hope results are in soon!

I am new to this site and need help finding a dr in turkey. I will be moving there soon and need help finding a doctor.

Hi all My name is Nicole and I live in Milwaukee. I just finished my 6th required insurance visit and have surgery scheduled for Dec 2nd. It's weird...I've been very gung ho about this and getting through the 6 doctors visits, telling everyone around me who is doubting that this is what I want to do. And now that I have a surgery date, I feel like vomitting all the time because I'm so nervous. I think the thing that I'm so nervous about is losing weight and then being stuck with excess skin...the thought of that might be worse than being so overweight. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on that...I'm 30, 5ft5 and 280 lbs. I know a woman who had gastic bypass who di…

Hello again!!all I just went to my first doctors visit! I was able to complete all 5 other doctor visits that i needed for clearance too! I live(for now) out of the country. I chose a doctor in Florida .where my in-laws live. I have been talking to the doctors office for months. I had attended an on line seminar. They set it up so that when i went to Florida i could get most of my appointments done. And I did! And then something wonderful happened,,, I got my surgery date!! December 8th!! :w00t: I am soooo excited to start my journey!! I am 257 lbs, 5'5 my BMI is 41.

:thumbup: Hiya I was banded on the 27th of Oct, and am looking to speak to people in a similar position. I am feeling fine - not too many problems with pain or wind, and was back to work after 2 days off work. I am struggling with the diet as i just dont really want to eat at all - i just dont feel huungry. I have been taking my drinks, but its a bit of a struggle. Anyone want to share some chat with a lonely wee soul??

Hi everyone. As the subject says, I was banded at the end of September and just had my first adjustment this past Friday. So far, everything seems to be working as advertised, although I'm thinking I'll have to be tightened at my next adjustment as the full feeling doesn't last as long as I'd like. I WILL be a success story!

Hi , Im Rachel , Im 31 and 2 days , I was banded last Monday and I 'm feeling hopeful. I have lost 7kgs or 11lbs since Monday woo hoo :hi: But I have a weird pain in my lower back , its in the small of my back on the left hand side . Its in the place where a pregnant woman places her hand when her back is sore (only way i can describe it) It feels like there is a fist clenched inside me gripping my insides , if anyone has had someone similar ???? please let me know ?

Hello everyone! I just wanted to say thank you for all the words of kindness and great advice you've given me and my wife. I leave for the hospital in about 15 minutes. My surgery is on Thursday morning, and I'll be in the hospital for 5 days post-op. I will write about my experience as soon as I come back home! I must admit, I'm very excited and scared at the same time. I've never been under anesthesia before - a "big & strong" man like myself shudders at the thought. Still, The doctor has been very reassuring to me and my wife. You are ALL amazing people to share your stories and experiences, both the ups and the downs. They have all helped me understand that …

I joined last year when I first started thinking about this but it kind of went to the way side. I'm back, I'm ready and I'm going to my seminar next week. I am so excited to get this started. I am hoping to shed 115lbs with this process. Little about me, I am a wife and a mother of 2 young kids. I work full time out of the home and play part time chauffeur to the kids. I'm hoping to get to know you all and get information and support during this process.

I am 31 years old and fixin' to get the lapband on November 17th. I go in about an hour to get my labs done. I'm getting nervous and excited...wonder how these next 16 days are going to go.

Hello Everyone, After fighting for 2 years to get sleeved I'm 6 days away from my surgery date and now I'm nervous. I watched nightline Monday, Oct. 25th which did not calm me down at all, first they made me angry with the statement "no diet or excercise, they've turned to surgery" I've not worked this hard in my life training my mind about portions, going to the gym three times a week and after surgery your "diet" changes even more leading to your weight loss. I hate news reports that make it seem that obese people are so lazy they had to create a RADICAL procedure in order for us to loss weight. Anyway after yelling at the television, I watched the actual…

Hi, my name is Season and i'm a fat girl. And I hate my band. Or maybe hated? In May 2006 I was banded with a small fill. At the time there were no instructions, what to expect, etc. I tried to eat beef, broccoli and my favorite veggie Brussel Sprouts. I didn't know they were off limits and neither did my Dr. I was filled and unfilled so many times I can't count. I would vomit in my sleep and the heartburn was unbearable. Finally when I couldn't take it any more I had them remove all but less than 1cc. I had very little restriction. Lost 60lbs during the ups/downs when I couldn't even swallow. During the three years I never went back to my Dr and yo yo'd but ended up…

ok you guys, It's 3:30 am and I'm ready to get in the shower. In 3 hours, I will be catching the train to Richmond, CA and at 3pm I will be sleeved today! YES...finally the day is here... I know a few of you are having surgery today as well...Maybe I will be your rommie Good luck to all-- For November 1st will be a start of a new life.. Bye for now Pam

Hello! My surgery is scheduled for December 13th and I have chosen the Sleeve. I was wondering how others chose VS over Bypass.

Hello There I've been lurking for the past few days.... posting little things here and there. So today I thought it was time to introduce myself! I'm Jes. I'm twenty three. I've been married to my love for four years now. We live in Baltimore, Maryland. I'm a teachers assistant. I am hoping to have my surgery in December! Thank you everyone who posts. Originally, I was leaning heavily towards the band. Then, my nutritionist made a comment, and made me start looking into the sleeve. Through reading this forum, I have decided the sleeve is the way to go I look forward to getting to know you guys!

Hi I'm Nina..... 5 days out from VSG. still in a little pain I have a JP drain will have this taken out on Wed 11/03. I am having a problem getting all my fluids in, plus protein drinks it is very tough....Because I can tell when I am full. So therefore you stop drinking. Down 12lbs since 10/27. Feeling pretty good today, just get tired later in the afternoon. Is anyone having slight back pain?right side midway?

Hi I just have recently decided to follow the surgery path. I have battled weight since I was around 5! I had my first child and topped out at 301 got down to 228 with diet and exercise and broke a streak of working out like a mad woman for family and life and it came back on so fast it was like my head was spinning I am now currently at 250 lbs and I am sick of thinking I can do it all on my own b/c I can't I take on too much and now I have a 2 year old to think of. I just need some help and a step in the right direction with the Lap Band I'm thinking and I have a supportive husband waiting in the wings. I need advice galore info on what Molina Medicaid of FL may require…

Hey everybody, I'm new to this site although I have been posting a little for the past week or so! I am getting so close to my surgery date...8 days away!!! I don't know what to expect the day of the surgery and i want to walk out alive. I've never had any surgery and I'm about to freak out!!!:thumbup: I'm excited about this journey and I'm sure that I am going to do well with the LapBand. Please share you surgery day experiences with me!!! Thanks in advance!!!

I have gone to other weight loss boards and get the worst feed back for the lap band. I am so annoyed by this as I know many people who are super successful with the lap band. I am going in for surgery tomorrow. They are only making one inciscion in my belly button. I am more nervous about the excess skin then the surgery. Though I hate the idea of going under anesthesia. If there was a way they could do the surgery awake, I might have considered it. LOL Look forward to making new friends.

Hello to all!! I came across this site while doing research on the lap band and realized that the lap band was not for me!! I am going the route of the sleeve and will actually be scheduling my surgery today. Let me introcduce myself. My name is Kristy and I am 33 years old and live in Louisiana. I am a wife and a mother. I have a wonderful husband who paying for me to have this proceedure done, as our insurance will not cover it. I have three wonderful children ages 5,4 and 3 months. I am over weight; have been all my life. The first time that I was called obese I cried. Like many of you, I have tried the sakes, the programs, the pill and pretty much anything els…

Hello all, I have always been heavy all my life. So I decided to answer one of those 1-800-getthin ads. Has anyone ever been banded by them? If so how did it go? I went for a office visit and everything went so fast. They want to schedule everything so fast. Did anyone else go through this? Also I am so scared to go through with it, but I know I need to? Any advice?

I'm scheduled for my surgery in five days. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm looking forward to connecting with others who can help me through the adjustment period, and I'll be happy to pay it forward.

I am so excited. I am three weeks out, but have lost 55 lbs since I started the process back in Feb. The other day I went to the school where I used to teach and a group of kids (high school!!) walked up and said "Mrs. B. is that really you..you look so awesome" One of the girls said, "you look 10 years younger!" Needless to say, I floated down the hall to the teacher's lunchroom where I was meeting with friends. I got such positive reinforcement and I really needed it. I am sooooo tired of liquids, but am afraid of mushies. I have had absolutely no problems so far and despise throwing up, so I am extremely cautious. I think, with the encouragement I received, th…

Hello, I am very happy that I found this site. It has made my decision to get LAP-BAND® much easier. I am still in the pre-op process. I went for my psych eval last week. I am waiting for insurance approval. I hope it doesn't take long. I go back to the Dr. on Nov. 17th. My Dr. requires a 3 mo. weight loss attempt before surgery. My journey started Sept. 5 so it will be a little while before my surgery but I am very excited and a little nervous.

I just got my lap band on Tuesday 10/19/10. My area where my port is hurts so bad and I feel every little movement hurts it even more. They found a hernia while putting in the lap band that they corrected. I was really sore the 1st few days but I did what the doctor wanted me to do. When I went home I was more sore then when I was in the hospital. The pain is still there but it is easing up. Can anyone give me some advice. :blushing:

Hi, all, New here. I'm doing well, healing well, and ready for my fill in two weeks. What do I expect at a fill? Painful?