Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello all, I am new to lapbandtalk.com and just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm post-surgery by a little less than two months. I've lost about 25 pounds from my pre-surgery weight. I'm hoping that I can get and give a lot of valuable information about lap-band on this forum. Erica

Hello Everyone! I am new here! I went for my insurance required psych evaluation, and I am pretty sure I passed :wink2:! Anyone have HAP insurance in Michigan, and know what happens next? The psychiatrist mentioned a 6 hour orientation...but not sure when or where they are held! Thank you for any encouragement or advise you may have to share! Adrienne :smile2:

Hey you guys-- This is it. Tomorrow I'm leaving for Richmond. My surgery is tomorrow. Check in time is at 1:pm..So late, but oh well. I started this journey in May and I can NOT believe that tomorrow is the day! I know that there are some others that is having surgery tomorrow as well..GOOD LUCK! Oh and 1 more thing--- HAPPY HALLOWEEN (boo)

I am 2 days pre banding and have a strange mix of sheer fear and excitement in one... Wondering if there is anyone else from Perth, WA that is going through the process at the moment? I know a number of people in my workplace that have been or are about to be banded in the next 6 months but I'd like to have more of a support group around where I can be a bit more open than I can in my workplace! I'm also really concerned about when I can swim again - I have a disc protrusion in my back that prevents almost all exercise (even walking I can't do for more than about 20 minutes without agitating the sciatic nerves)... I swim every day and am really worried about how long…

Hello My name is Dianne and I am 22 years old. I am 5 "5" and I weight 315 pounds. I am in a lot of pain often and I am told it is because of my weight. I also deal with Osgood Schlatters and shin pain. I have asthma and acid reflux. I am very ready and willing to get the lapband surgery. Unfortanetly I am currently trying to get approved for the charity plan they offer and I am having some problems getting started. The doctor I will be seeing is Dr. Balder or Dr. Vollinger in Charlotte. I am a student in college so I don't have the funds for the surgery and I can't afford insurance. So if anyone has had to go through this process please let me know how it went for you. I…

Just wanted to introduce myself. I am 48, weigh 218 and started researching the lapband in 2009, when my son wanted to get banded. He is now 13 months post-op and doing real well. I have struggled with excess weight all my life and have lost the same 20 pounds more times than I can count. At last, I have concluded that I really need this tool in order to finally get to a healthy weight and hopefully, to stay there for good. My knees are already giving me some problems, I am on blood pressure meds, have high cholesterol and a horrible family history of heart disease and diabetes. I am motivated to change my path once and for all. Meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday (Nov 2n…

Hi everyone. This is a story for all of you that are thinking about having the VGS and for those that have already had it, I need help. I started off thinking about the lap band and then decided that was not for me because of so many differnt horror stories. I then choose to take the VSG and left the full by pass an option that I would take if I did not loose the entire 100 pounds that I wanted. Oct 7, 2010 I weighted in at the hospital, surgery morning, at 251.8 pounds with aBMI of 41. The first week I will tell you was crazy. I am burping up slim all the time and when I do it (about five teaspoons) is all that I can eat. I will start sliming (if you want to call it …

I am home and actually not feeling too terrible. My surgery was Wednesday, I had to be at the hospital at 530 am and my surgery began between 8 and 9. I fasted on liquids only, for 10 days prior, so I was terribly shocked to learn that my surgeon nicked my liver and my bowel with the tro-car thingy. So I had both of those repaired, my VSG, and a hiatal hernia,also repaired(I had no idea that it existed.) I was in a bit of pain that night and I agree with mysparky that it feels like I have been beaten in the ribs!!!! I have been very fortunate that there hasn't been any nausea or vomiting. Right now, I am just very happy to be home. I will post a more thorough po…

I am new to the site and I have just had the lap band surgery a few days ago. I am looking for someone to share info with

I have my first consultation today at 3:30. I am so ready for this.

Hello, I am new to forum but not new to lapband. I was originally banded in Feb 2008 and lost 100 pounds. Part of last few plounds was due to slippage, "significant" slippage, that resulted in removal of my band last Tuesday. I am devestated. I am surprised as I was told of possible reposition of band, not removal. My fear is this, I am a self pay. If I were to pay for a second band, would I slip again? What experience have you had with rebanding due to slippage? Is it worth it? I have read several articles stating lapband itself is very risky as the years go by in reference to issues that may cause removal. I also read to new Realize band is significantly a better …

Just heard about this forum on Wed while at my consult. I am in a daze at this time. I have been considering having WLS since 2003. My insurance would not pay back then. That was a good enough reason to say oh well cannot have it. Since then I have "thought" about having this done many,many times but always said that is too drastic so I will do what ever it takes and lose it on my own. Well that hasn't worked out well at all, as in I have lost and gained small amounts repeatedly but haven't really lost any amount worth "bragging" about. I will be 64 in Jan and have 6 grandchildren the youngest is 5. I have said that my goal was to live to see him graduate from hi…

We're moving to Germany in early December and I've recently started to look into the Lap-Band surgery. I'm 5' 7" and about 250 lbs. My whole family struggles with obesity, and I am just so tired of trying everything out there to lose weight. I have two young kids and I'd like to run around with them without feeling winded and like my lungs are going to collapse. I didn't ever really consider LB until late last week when I started looking into it. I would really appreciate any advice that banded people would be willing to give. Also, are there any other military wives over in Germany who are banded? I'd love to get a little insight on the doctors over there who per…

I was sleeved July 16th, and this week had an appt with my primary care physician as well as my OB/GYN for that lovely yearly exam. I had to confess to both what I had done as I hadn't discussed it with either one beforehand. My GYN doc was condescending and judgmental, telling me that I had better use what I had and be sure to be careful what and how much I was eating (like I would go through all of this and not do that!) then when he was examining me he went on to tell me that my tata's would be wasting away now and when he was palpating my abdomen, he was talking about where my liver and gallbladder were, then said "this is where your stomach USED to be." I was prett…

Hello everyone. I am new to this site. I am to be banded on November 11th. YEAH! I'm excited and rather nervous at the same time. I have been on this site now for a week and there is so much info on here I feel overwhelmed at times. Oh, by the way. I'm 35 yo and I have a young son. My surgeon is Dr. Snyder. I have been looking at getting banded for just a little while now but I I need this and I now know I NEED to do this. To make my quality of life better, to be a stronger person (inside and out) and to be the best at what I can be. So I will be asking questions proably to many to count and hope for the answers from my fellow bandsters. Because no one can really share …

Okay, so my original surgery date was next Monday, Nov 1st. But Friday I got a call from my surgeon's office letting me know that someone canceled and could I come in Tuesday Oct 26 (tomorrow!). I said yes! But now I'm like in shock. I only had to do a 2 day liquid diet and thought that would be difficult but I'm not even hungry. My nerves are so on edge . . . food (for the first time in a LONG) time is the least of my concerns. Just wanted to vent a little I guess and ask for any helpful hints and/or things I should bring/take or have at home before besides the usual things I know to have. So SCARED!! Please for those that have had it, the pain on a scale of 1 to 1…

Hi i'm new here. Just had my sleeve on Oct 22nd. Is it normal that i feel a little anger and frustration?

22 days and 15 pounds loss post op, so giddie someone should smack me. :thumbup: Total loss since I started this journey has been 41 pounds. Lots of questions about my first fill, I'm sorta of a chicken about it but I'll survive. :thumbup:

After years of deliberation about having surgery, I am finally on my way! Surgery date is September 30th! I made my decision when a co-worker had the sleeve done and told me about it. I thought it was a better alternative for me than gastric bypass. The whole re-routing of my intestines seemed scary to me. I am still nervous about the post-op and pray there will not be any complications, but the excitement of what my life may be like in a year from keeps me pushing forward. I imagine a life where I can go into any store and find clothes, not just the specialty stores, where I can go to a movie theater and not worry about the size of the seats, and be able to go into t…

All my life, well at least since sixth grade, I've been overweight. I've never been physically active, so as the years go on, so do the pounds. This year, my wife and I made a decision to get sleeved and hope that our four year old son doesn't remember us as fat couch potatoes. My words, not hers. In any event, she was sleeved two and a half weeks before me and I was sleeved on October 8 of this year. Post-op was fine, very little pain and one week after my surgery, we went on a 3.2 mile hike. Yeah, it was killer but it was great to be outside. The first two weeks were great with Clear liquids and now with mushies... this last week has been awful for me because…

Hi guys, I'm new to this site. I am convinced that the LAP-BAND® is the way to go ...but my mom is making me feel afraid of having the surgery done. I'm 24 years old, 5.3" and weigh 225 Pounds. She says it is not necessary and that after 3 C-sections and an appendectomy it might be more harmful than i think. She doesn't want to even hear me talk about it. :mad2:I'm so upset because her opinion is really important to me. HELP!!! What can i do to make her understand that this is a good idea? .Also i would like to know how long would it take from the 1st Appt. to the surgery day... and if any of you had to care for small children after surgery? (I have a 9,3, and 1 year ol…

Thinking of switching to him from Dr.Hamdi, because Dr. Hamdi has canceled my surgery twice now. I should have been banded 2 weeks ago :thumbup:

Hi all, After almost 10 years at my job, in the worst economy of my lifetime, I quit a couple of months ago to stay home and spend more time with my family. That was a big risk for me but it is working out fantastic. One night not long ago I realized that I could actually have WLS without having to worry about taking time off work. Enter risk #2. I went to an introductory seminar yesterday and I am convinced that lap-band is the right solution for me. Now to convince the insurance company. My BMI is around 37 and I don't have any of the big 4 co-morbids. I sure could use a lot of advice, support ... whatever to keep me focused and help me finally succeed! Hugs!!

Hello everyone. I just got a call from the Dr's office yesterday that my insurance has approved the surgery. Of course, I have to jump thru hoops. I have to see a psychologist and I have to go to a dietician and my doctor for 3 months and also have to join a gym for three months and start a diet before the surgery. After three months of supervised weight loss then I can have the surgery. I'm really scared.. I'm really nervous.... But, I know , after reading so much on here, that I will be healthy and that's what I want. To be healthy and be able to play with my grandchildren. That's it. I'm not sure how I will handle this. I know I have to be on a clear liquid diet after…

It seems to have taken me so long to get where I'm at in this process of self-discovery and improvement. From my first date meeting my doctor in May 2010, then on to the nutritionist, exercise physiologist, weigh-ins and my insurance approval in October 2010, this experience has been eye-opening. It took me months to go to my first appointment in May, finally admitting I need help. By posting this, I feel like I've exposed my achilles' heel to the world - my greatest weakness and failure of trying to do something on my own...lose weight, when my siblings don't have this problem. Why me? Perhaps it's a question which will never be answered. All I can say is "it's time for …

I just had my first fill since my surgery on September 8th. I have a total of 5.5cc. First week was horrible! Unable to eat at all. Only liquids. This is the second week and I'm still struggling. I can only eat a bite or two before I get that horrible pain in my upper stomach. I have thrown up three times to the point I can't swallow my own saliva.:sneaky: Is that normal? Or is my band too tight?

WOOHOO!! I have all my appointments done and on the 4th I see the surgeon and she is doing the endoscope and today the nurse said they would like to do the surgery around the 15th of Nov! YAY!!! OMG I can't believe it's really happening so fast! I started this whole process on the 1st of October! YAY!!

Hello everyone! I am another newbie who has been lurking for a few weeks. My surgery is tomorrow and I am a nervous, anxious, and excited, all at the same time. Thank you all for such informative posts. Your posts have definitely helped me make an informed decision. You have no idea how much I appreciate these forums. Wish me luck!

I've been overweight most of my life. I struggled with my weight during my eight years in the Navy. I didn't re-enlist because I was worried about failing another PRT and getting kicked out. I've gained houndred pounds since getting out of the Navy. I've been working swing shift for the last eleven years and the only time I was able to lose weight was using Nutri-System. I was unable to afford long term use of Nutri-System but I did lose 50lbs in five months with it. I've been putting off surgery because I wanted to to re-enlist in the Navy Reserves but I've got two little girls that need a healthy Daddy. So I'm starting the journey. :sneaky:

So I figured I'd post a (hopefully) short note on what my life is like about 5 months after my lap sleeve, for any prospective sleevers. First, the bad news -- this is forever, and it's not a decision to be made lightly. This WILL affect the food choices you make for the rest of your life. It's probably the safest WLS surgery around (when you total up operative and perioperative risks, long-term success rates, M&M stats, and so on), but that doesn't mean it's risk- or hassle-free. Now, let me soften the blow: it's really, really easy. Every day, I take some Multivitamins -- and I was taking Vitamins before the surgery, so this is no biggy. Every day, I drin…

Hello all, It has been 8 1/2 weeks and I'm down 36lbs. That's half way to goal! I'm under 180, I have not been under 180 in 6 years! =) My clothes are falling off, my butt is wide and flat, my boobs look like pan cakes, my hair is not falling out yet =), my hooker heals feel much better, I can wear my cute panties again. I still feel very fatigue everyday. But for most part I feel good. I have a sharp pain near the incision on my left side rib area. It only hurts when I try to do sit up's. I'm going to give it a few more week's and see if it just needed more time to heal. I'm going to try new vits this week. Maybe my Gummie vits are not enough and thats why I have fatig…

I am having my surgery tomorrow and am really starting to get nervous. I am hoping that I am doing the right thing. I would like to know if it is normal to feel this way because I really don't want to regret doing this.

Hi every1, I'm schedule to have the band nov. 10 am excited and scared all at the same time. Working full time and going to school full time and a full time mother my question is how soon will I really be able to return to work my job is sitting. I desire to back to work in a week will this be possible. Way to go to those you have found success with the band.

Hi all-- Well, November 1st is my day---7 more days baby "I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!" I waned to mention that when I did my morning weigh in, guess what, I weighed in at 213 lbs. When I started this program, I weighed in at 240lbs. Even before surgery, I never thought I would be at 213. My surgeon wanted me at 220... Just wanted to share that with you all! Have a GREAT day all!

Hi All, My journey started in May 2010. When I was fighting myself out of a chair, I knew something needed to change. I weighed in at 240 lbs. I went to my doctor and requested WLS. Since I am a Kasier memeber, the process was very easy to get started. Since I live in Sacramento, I had to travel to Richmond for all of the classes. After going to ALL the classes, tests, (blood work, ekg, etc) lost the weight that my doctor wanted (20 lbs), I got my date! This morning I'm at 216. My surgeon wanted me down to 220. So kuddos to me... On November 1st, I will be have my sleeve done. 15 days to go and counting... I want to WISH everyone luck! Pam

Hi there. My name is Read and I was banded in July. I live in MD and am married with 2 kids. I'm just figuring out what's going on here so I thought I'd start with an introduction. I've lost 30 total pounds; 25 since surgery. I don't really have good restriction yet - I'm more in a really good headspace to be successful on a fairly restrictive diet - but I'll take it. My doctor is Dr. von Rudeun and I need more data to recommend him. I think his medical skills are certainly fine, but the jury is still out on the rest. I look forward to getting to know some people.

Hey Y'all, I was banded on Oct 4th and I have been wanting to attend a group support meeting. I am looking for something in the Pasadena/Sylmar areas (or anywhere in between) Does anyone know where there's a good meetin goin on???:thumbup:

I am going to my seminar Wednesday...I was just wondering what 'steps' are needed before you make an appointment with the surgeon for the first consult?? I have Anthem Blue Cross CA. Thanks!

I checked my insurance status on-line this morning and saw that it changed from pending to "APPROVED". Got a call from my surgeon this afternoon to tell me that they have scheduled me for Monday 10/25! I go tomorrow for my pre-op visit. I am so excited, but nervous as well! Many of the posts here have been very encouraging to me and I want to thank you all!

I am scheduled for November 22. I was looking forward to getting my band but my mom mentioned today that a friend of hers was getting her band out. Long story short, I am now worried about it not working. I feel like I have researched the surgery enough to make a good decision. Anyone else been here?:blushing:

Hey all, I'm new here and am going to the info session at the Brigham in Boston, MA tonight. I am pretty excited and nervous all at the same time. I have tried so many things in my life to *get this weight off* to no avail and see this as my miracle. I am so hoping all can go as planned and I will be off and running (literally) by the spring/summer. I'm going to start poking around, but if anyone has done the Brigham/Faulkner Program, please let me know!

I'm going to an informational session tonight. Not sure what to expect, or if this is right for me.

Weighed in this morning at 299lbs! Finally out of the 300's. Yay me

I'm new to this but I've spent alot of time reading the posts on here. I wiegh 225 and my goal is 140. Dr. Korn in boise is during my surgery tomorrow!

I'm scheduled for surgery Nov 24. I'm both scared and excited. The one thing which scares me is drinking water. I don't mean before-during-after meals, but in general. When I am thirsty, a big glass of cold water is such a relief. Will I have to restrict myself to small sips of room-temperature water? :blushing:

Hi I am new to this forum. I had the sleeve procedure in early September. Its been 5 weeks, I've lost 31 lbs. but have not lost any weight in the past two weeks. I've been working out daily, even started jogging recently. Something I havent been able to do for YEARS. Is it possible to plateau this early after the procedure?

So, I'm down to a size 10 in jeans, and my hubby commented last night that I look even better now (at age 35) than I did at 19, when we met. He doesn't give gratuitous compliments, so I can rest assured that he certainly thinks so! But I've been worrying (when do I not?) as I get further post-op, and my weight-loss slows, and my appetite increases. I also have to face the sad reality that I'm not going to be able to get back into running--I've got too much spinal arthritis. What really freaks me out is trying to figure out to maintain a stable weight long-term given the realities of my past physical injuries catching up with me and making it difficult to get regular exe…

Okay, I'm actually a little over three months out now. My surgery was 15 July with Dr. Aceves. I was down 45 pounds at my 3 month mark. My starting weight was 242 pounds and I'm 5'1" and change. I started in an uncomfortably tight 18/20 and I'm now wearing loose 16s. The 14s are still uncomfortably tight, but I'll be in them by next month. My shirts were XXL and XL and are now L. No more Xs on my shirts! I've lost a bra size (both band and cup) and I'm finally able to wear my wedding band again. My shoes went up half a size when I went over 220 pounds, and now all of the shoes I bought are too loose and slip off my feet. I stall every month, twice a month. …

Hi all, I'm new :blushing: I have 2 kids, 8 mos and almost 3 and something in me changed after having the kids. I used to be ok being heavier but with all the aches and pains since having them I fear I won't be around to really enjoy them so, I started researching lap-band. I was pretty athletic years ago but I was still heavy, I've been walking and paying lots of attention to my diet and the weight is still creeping on. We're an army family and I have concerns about tricare since I don't have co-morbidities listed on the tricare website, but I do suffer from depression. I'm 29, 5 ft even and 260lbs, per the MetLife chart I should be 113-126, I honestly don't want to …

Hello Everyone! :w00t: I've been reading the forums over the past week and have gotten some great information here. I have to say the process of getting Lap Band has been super quick. I am out of pocket so I know that makes a difference but I'm still shocked. I went to my 1st seminar on October 10th, 2010. Had already decided the surgeon I wanted to use. First appointment was today October 21st. My final pre-op appointment is scheduled for November 8th and my surgery is scheduled for November 10th!! Has anyone else experienced such a fast process? I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Thinking about the surgery is scary! :thumbup: