Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

If someone can get the lap band with a 40 or higher bmi or 35 bmi with comorbidities,eventually they are going to lose the weight and be under the 35 bmi scale, so my question is if they will eventually be under the normal scale to determine whether someone gets the band or not , then why can someone who is under the 35 bmi but has the health problems not get it unless they pay out of pocket? Doesn't make sense to me and seems a little bias. Just because you aren't 35 bmi doesn't mean you haven't tried to move heaven and earth to lose the weight. And reading some of the post where people are telling others to gain weight to get the band is crazy. Why not try to do everyt…

I've seen a doctor about lap band surgery and he said the Gastric Sleeve would be better for me. I've had Kidney Stones since the age of 15 and I've had 8 surgeries and now I'm 46. I really want the surgery because I can't do it on my own...I've tried EVERYTHING! I'm looking for someone with Kidney Stones that has had this Gastric Sleeve to see how they are doing with it. My doctor said there will be no problems but I'm just scared.

Hey guys! I'm so glad to have found this forum, it's great to have this as a support group! Yesterday I met with my surgeon Dr Bovard in Raleigh NC.. I left with my surgery date scheduled, 2 bags full of Optifast diet stuff that they are requiring me to start on Wednesday and a bunch of nervousness! But I guess that goes along with any surgery! I am also doing this as cash pay as well. I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and input on this forum and good luck to all that have a surgery date coming up!:biggrin: Has anyone tried the optifast shakes and Soups? What did you think?

I am currently waiting for an upper GI scope on 6/22. This will determine if I have ulcers. If I do have ulcers, I will not be able to have the procedure. If I don't then I will hopefully move on the fast track to getting everything done. I would really like to have the procedure before school starts in the fall because I don't want to miss any work. My husband goes in for his first meeting with the weight loss center in a couple weeks. We are really hoping to have the surgeries done at the same time. :thumbup:

I had my surgery Sept. 17 and I lost only 11 pounds till now. Is that normal?? Also one of my stitches came open and it is not healing. My Doctor say's give it time but Lord I'm really worried at this point

Hello everyone! I am new to blogging per say, but wanted to give it a try since I will be beginning a completely new journey to discover what I have never seen before. I am scheduled to be banded on Tuesday 10/12/10 and never have been more ready in my life after 3 years of prep. Let's say I haven't seen 185 lb since the 5th grade! To make a long story short, I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease after 31 years of my whole life explaining my difficulties with weight loss, hormones and high blood pressure. Of course I have been plagued with every other obese anomaly such as PCOS, Gestational Diabetes, herniated discs, ankle and foot problems, etc. I actually t…

Hello Everyone, My name is Anna Marie, I am 46 years old, and have been battling my weight for over 20 years already. I wasn't always an overweight person, but began to gain the majority of my weight in my 20's. There was a time in my life that I could go on a very strict diet and exercise program, lose 70 maybe 80 pounds at a time, but I would inevitably gain it all back...and then some. Right...same old story...LOL...Recently I had my annual physical and it was strongly suggested by my physician that I consider the LAP-BAND® Surgery. First of all, I am not sure if anyone out there can relate to what I am about to say/ask, but I am an emotional eater and I wonder if …

Im Kimmie Im new to this site and im looking foward to reaching my goals and making new friends while im on this journey. A little about me... im 30, gemini, mother,wife, loves movies,art, music,games, and knitting occasionally.I work as a RNA for special needs adults and i love it. i also plan to go back to school to be a phlebotomist/lab assistant. I do exersise as much as possible. I tend to get tired easily so my motivation is just not there. its funny because im married to a man who does strongman, you would think i would have PLENTY of motivation! lol, hes very supportive and loving and doesnt expect me to look any certain way. just wants me to be healthy. L…

Hi everyone! My banding surgery is a mere 24 days away and I am getting so excited! I live in MN with my husband and 2 cats, and 24 and 4'11" and 225 pounds. I have been working toward getting the surgery since this last January, and am so excited that it is finally getting close! I am really glad that I found a place to meet others like me and am looking forward to the support through this journey.

Hi everyone and just a note to say this is a great forum and I am STOKED to be finally scheduled for LAP-BAND® on Novermber 10th! I am a 38 male, 338lbs. Medical history: Severe sleep apnea Hypertension High blood pressure Fatty liver Vitamin D deficiency Morbid obesity BMI = 46 Looking forward to this journey!! Seeya.

waiting for tuesday! 10/5... suffering through the pre-op liquid diet though :thumbup: scared to go under the knife... anyone around my age?:smile2:

Hi everyone! I've been browsing this site and reading post for several days now and have finally decided to join. I am attending a LAP-BAND® seminar next week and I'm so excited. I have considered LAP-BAND® for a few years now, but I have reach a point (weight) of desperation. I am 26 and I weigh 199 at 5'2. My highest weight was 212, but have recently lost a few pounds over the a 3 month period. This is typical for me, I often fluctuate 20-30 lbs and I'm tired of it. This is a journey that I'm excited and anxious about! It's great to have this site to read other peoples stories....

:smile:Hi my name is Cristy I just had lapband done on Monday 10/4. I am so happy i finally got it done. I am having problem with the gas. It is stuck in my chest and feels like really bad heartburn, It makes me want to cry. I have been getting up and walking, drinking warm fluids, and doing my incentive spirometer, and it is still there. It is frustrating cuz it hurts so bad. I havent tried the gas x yet but I am going to get some today. I still have no regrets about the surgery and I am very excited to get better and start seeing and feeling results!!!

Hello everyone, I'm new to this. This is my first time doing this. I had my surgery 5 months ago, I've lost 35lbs. It has been a stand still for the last 2 months. I'm trying so hard to keep up with this lapband. I make so many poor choices in the foods I eat, even though I can eat that much. I've had 5 fills in the last 5 months, and I'm now at 7cc's. I work 12 hour night shifts, and just don't have the energy to get up and exercise. I have to find something that works for me, and I also have a big sweet tooth problem. Can someone please give me some advise on what I need to do. And some words of encouragment. Thanks:unsure:

Hi there, I would just like to introduce myself and share my story. I have suffered with my weight all my life and have been a success with the lap band. I believe anyone can be if they believe in themselves. Hope you like my story as much as I do and I would love to help anyone out if I can. Alexandra.xxx:smile2:

I am scheduled to be banded on Oct. 5 by Dr. Kelly Francis in Fountain Valley, CA. I am pretty freaked out even though I've had several months to prepare for this. I have a tendency to "overthink" things so I am probably my own worst enemy. So I hope I will be able to learn a lot from you all and maybe someday I will be able to help others too. Thanks for being here- Rose

Hey everyone.... since i can not figure out how to change my signature effectively on this new system... i figured id make a forum about the fact that i just weighed myself and I am already down 12lbs!!!!!! I had surgery last friday (oct 1) and now i checked to see where i was standing with the weight.. and my eyes were the size of my old appetite when i saw how much i was ... CELEBRATING 202lbs!!!!!!! only 3 more til Im back in ONEDERLAND!!!!!!

Hi, everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been lurking on the forums for awhile, and finally decided to register! My name is Molly, I'm 28 (29 in less than a week), from northeast Iowa. I'm hoping to have a VSG at Gundersen Lutheran in LaCrosse, WI sometime in spring of 2011. I'm still in the pre-approval process, but am hoping I'll be able to submit in mid-October. I'm a registered nurse and mom of two boys (13 months and 2 years), and (hopefully) headed back to school next summer for my DNP. I like to read, sing and play several instruments, and do freelance webdesign in my spare time (like I have any, with munchkins). I'm 5'5" and usually hover around the…

Hi everyone! I've posted before but wanted to start a new thread, telling my story. I've been through the mill so far. finally chose a surgeon about a few weeks ago and went in for my consults last week. had the usual worries: my bmi has to be over 50 for my ins to cover vsg and i was worried it would be 50 or less. i wasn't worried about the other consults, but maybe i should have been. went thru them all, nutritionist, trainer, psych. i've got a kind of funky psych history, though i've been great the last two years. well, that blew up in my face, so i spent the last two days in a total adrenaline fueled state of high anxiety. really bad. psych had to talk to…

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Let me preface this post by saying that I KNOW what I signed up for. I know that this is going to be a journey of good days & not so good days. That being said...Im not sure waht is going on with my body. Saturday, i went to a wedding (would have been 10 days post)...and by the time the reception started, I was STARVING. I was feeling sick before heading to the wedding, so I didn't eat my Soup as planned. I actually knoshed on 2 super soft cheeze cubes and one small piece of seedless watermelon - and a small bit of chicken breast with no problem at all. I washed it down with a bottle of apple juice - to my surprise & delight. NO adverse affects. Yesterday, I …

Hi everyone! My name is Beth and I had lap band surgery done this past Friday, October 1, 2010. I was supposed to have gastric bypass in order to get the maximum benefit for my diabetes but I guess this fat girl was too fat to do gastric bypass :thumbup: so now I'm the proud ? owner of a lapband. I think what I'm looking for right now is an it's going to be okay because so far it's been nothing I hoped for. I left Arnott Ogden on Monday on oxygen. I kept desaturating so it was determined I need oxygen all the time. I know that's not the fault of the lapband but I did this to get healthy not go backwards. I got home Monday afternoon and put in a horrible night. Fir…

Hi Everybody. I visited this site for a couple of weeks before officially joining on Oct. 1. This iste is has proven to be a tremendous blessing to me. So many of my unspoken questions have already been answered just by reading your testimonies and experiences. I do still have a few questions like how long after all of the testing does it take to get a surgery date and how long should I take off from work after the surgery. I know these are questions for my doctor but I am just so nervous, anxious and excited!!! I am only in the infancy stage of this process. So far I have attended a seminar, had blood drawn and on Oct. 11 I am scheduled to have an Upper GI and an …

Hi my name is Kim and I am 44 years young. I was sleeved on September 24, 2010 by Dr. Morales in St. Louis, MO. Before surgery my highest weight was 312 lbs, whenever I started my pre-liquid diet of 2 weeks my weight was 304. Went back to doctor on Thursday 9/30/10 and I am down 20 lbs to 384. I also was put on my phase 2 diet of semi-soft foods.:thumbup:

I am 3 days post-op and am doing quite well except for diarrhea this afternoon. I am keeping fluids down and am drinking constantly. Anyone else expereince this? Anything to worry about? I am really hungry and am on clear liquids for another 4 days. Malt-O-Meal is calling me!!! I'm fully aware my eating habits will change dramatically. What I'm wondering is I ever be able to eat a piece of pizza, a salad, a burger or anything yummy like this in the future?

My Dr's nurse called yesterday working on getting me a date... but she said the Dr was prepareing for RNY, not sleeve! YIKES! She sounded kind of put out when I said that his assistant Dr had recomended me for the sleeve OR RNY I and chose the sleeve. She will be talking to the main surgeon and will get back to me in 2 days. NERVOUS. She did say my insurance does cover the sleeve...so keep your fingers crossed for me will you all? Thanks.

Hi! I am 8 days post op and feel really good!! I went alone to Juarez to get my sleeve, and did not take any pictures... so if anyone has any and doesn't mind sharing, I would love to have them! My email is lisasynchro@hotmail.com THANKS!!!

I'm new to the site and would love any advice seeing how my surgery is oct 11th:)

Just an introduction, my name is Karen and I am working mom of 3, a 10 year old, 5 year old, and a 2 year old. After struggling with my weight since 2000 and trying every diet under the sun, and taking the hard core diet prescriptions pills I decided that LapBand would be the right choice for me. I am going to my 1st Dr. appointment next week in Springfield MO, I am very excited and very hopeful, now just to kick this starbucks addiction !

I live in Aliso Viejo (South OC) and was wondering if there are any other newly banded, or soon to be banded (I'm 10-8-10) in the area... Would be nice to talk to other locals.

I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. I can't help but be scared though. WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG AND I WAKE UP DEAD?? Ok, I know I can't wake up dead. But, I kind of feel guilty all of the sudden for having this surgery, like, if something goes wrong and I "leave" my children and husband. But, if I don't have this surgery, I'll be dead soon anyway probably. Did anyone else feel like this? My surgery is November 10th and my surgeon will be Dr. Daryl Stewart in Denton Texas, (I live in Iowa). Thanks, Danielle

Hello, My name is Robyn I live in East Texas ( Cedar Creek Lake) I got my lap band surgery last Tuesday Aug. 5th, I felt like I had been run over by a Mac Truck for the first 2 days then I got better, The Third day I woke up to my bed being Totaly soaked in blood from my stomach you talk about freaking out! We had to go to the ER, they said it was just a pocket that had formed inside and it had to find a way out and my incustion was the closest spot, so I guess I paniced for nothing, it is still leaking though. How soon did you all start drinking your protien shake? I have not had any problems swallowing anything but my band is wide open still, will that change? So far I …

So I am new to the site and just started lookin ino lap-band. I've only done a few medically supervised things with weight, most have been on my own. And I've had sev diff insurances/jobs/docs over the last 5 years so it will be near impossible to get what little medical records I have (not many health problems other than weight that relate to weight, and none that will really help me get covered for banding anyway). I have no problem with the 6 mos supervised, I can live with that. But I have to decide if I want to pick up Humana PPO thru my work during open enrollment, or stick with my husbands BCBS alabama....Open enrollment goes thru Nov. 19 so I have till then to de…

Hi, I am new to this forum. I have been planning this for several months. Saw the doctor in June of this year. Had to drop 20 pounds for insurance. I have lost 25. The date is set for Oct. 12th, and I am looking forward to it. My doctor is Scott Stowers in Decatur Tx. The surgery will be done in the hospital and I will stay one night. The progran is wonderful and the staff is very helpful. Just want to say good luck to everyone.

Hi everyone! I just had all my paperwork submitted by Carewise to BCBSIL. They've told me to expect my approval letter in a week or two. I'm very excited because as soon as I have the letter, I can schedule my surgery. I'm so excited! I'm glad there are people here who know what I'm going through... Thanks! Kathy

Well I am 26 and have been big almost my entire life. I am starting this long and scary journey. I have a great support system at work and home but they really don't understand exactly what I am feeling or going through. I have been really lucky that I don't have any health problems that are too bad. Luckily the only thing I have to face is asthma along with the weight. It is a little scary for me starting this journey but I am really excited to start it. I want to live life and not sit by and watch as it passes by. Anyone have any advice for someone starting out? :thumbdown:

Not feeling great, feel sick and have diaherea, when does this all pass!:thumbup:

When I showed my mother the video of the procedure yesterday and some of the before and after photo's of some of the people on this site she brought up a good point. She basically is concerned that I would have the surgery lose the weight only to end up working my way back up to overeating etc and stretching my stomach out and then gain back the weigh. She has a few friends that had stomach stapling of the 80's done and they regained to end up having gastric bypass, another friend has bypass about 6 years ago and has gained all the weight again. Now both of those people I mentioned were women that were extremely overweight to start with and had weight issues pretty much s…

A married DR. Has an affair with a co worker in his office and has no worries about her family or kids. Stays married and with a new baby and keeps her on the side. Wow that is a DR. With no morals.

Ok so I have been heavy my entire life. I am so sick of it. This country is based on everything skinny. One example is, how many times have you walked into a department store to get an outfit and discover that the clothes in the plus size department looks like table cloth patterns and looks so dull that not even an elderly person would wear it?(Not trying to be smart) I just hate it! That is one of the reasons I am just going to lose this weight with LapBand and start my life over again. I want to be able to look nice as well and feel confident. I have discovered that the same people who flaunt their figure in my face are the same ones who hate the thought of me wanting t…

Hello all-my first time visiting lapbandtalk.com. Very excited about re-connecting with fellow banders. My surgery was 6 years ago in August. Went to a support group meeting last night for the first time in a VERY long time. It felt good.

:frown:can anyone help me in finding out if my insurence will cover the band please?. i have a lot of health issues an i am taking lots of meds an eating right but i have hypothyroidism high cholesteral,arthritis in my back cant get up without help and can not stand or walk for long periods of time.myb dr gave me a referral for a dr but i cant get an appt.yet until i find out if my insurence will cover me.i jus want to live a healthy life an be abe to take care of my son not my son take care of me.

Here I go... My first post! I have been lurking for a month or so. Just attended an informational seminar at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. I am hoping to get banded in the new year, I would be delighted if it could happen before, but I think I have a few challenges ahead of me. Tomorrow I meet with my Primary Care Physician - I am going to ask for a letter of recommendation. My BMI is currently 40.3. Anything below 40 and my insurance UHC/Medica makes it more difficult. My consultation with the surgeon is November 2nd, then on the 6 I meet with the dietitian. I will continue to review these boards, I have learned SO much from everyone! Thank…

Hi all, I was recently banded on 7/7/10 and have lost 45 pounds total. Now I am having issues with anxiety. I sometimes get really scared that I have stretched my pouch or the band has slipped. I had my first fill 6 weeks ago and at first I was only able to eat about 1/4 cup of food. Now, I can eat 2 cups of food with no problems. This has caused some massive worry and anxiety. Also, I have been emotionally eating again, but even with having no restriction, I am not able to eat as much as I needed to before to fill the emotional need. I am feeling very frustrated and hopeless!! I just want to feel happy and like myself again!!! Has anyone out there experienced problems l…

Hi, I have been thinking about getting banded for about 3 years now. I dont really look it, but I'm 271lbs 5'7. I'm 28 years old and I have some questions for people who have already gotten banded. 1. Is loose skin unaviodable. If so is it different for everybody? 2. I have united Health Care they will pay 80%. Is there an estimate of out-of-pocket expenses I can gt from anyone? I'm using my flex spending account to pay for it so I need to know how much to put in it. 3. As you loose weight can you see your access port? 4. How long did it take you to reach your goal weight? 5. Does anyone regret it and why? Thanks for all you help.

Hello everyone, I have a surgery date for Oct.18 with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana,I'm scared and nervous about all of it ,my husband thinks i'm crazy but no doctor here in the US will do it, My BMI is 33 and no health issues.why am i scare ?you may ask, I'm scared of the unknow,I'm getting the gastric sleeve.My question is, has anyone had Dr Ortiz for the sleeve? I've research him for weeks,I read a lot of possitive blogs but some really bad ones too.What is your opinion about him? please be honest.Thank you all.<BR style="CLEAR: both">

Hi I am 18 years old 341 pounds bmi = 48. I am so sick of being made fun of being in pain and being unhappy! I start my 6 month supurzied diet the 21st for the lap band I am wondering what's the sucess rate for lap band or what people think I can lose with the diet I'm doing. I swim 2 hours a day eat 3 small meals and walk 2 miles a day along with swimming on Tuesday and Thursday I do aqua therapy along with the swimming and walking for 1 hour I need to lose 165 pounds what do you think when do you think I could be down the 165pds I am having plastic surgery after I lose it and a boob job :thumbdown: please info me of anything helpful!!!! or your sucess and how long I lov…

Hello all. I decided to make a change in my life and get the surgery after years of failed attempts at weight loss. I am not scheduled until January 10th, 2011. No way my work would give me a week off during the Holidays. But I am readying myself for this journey. I'm scared, I don't want to fail. Looking forward to following all your journeys and getting tips and encouragement along the way.:smile:

:crying:i am 34yrs old, 6ft tall and weigh 285 i'm done with this weight problem and i am trying to do something about it, instead of just complaining.

I met with the psychiatrist last week and I meet with the surgeon tomorrow. The psychiatrist spent a lot of time explaining that the lap band is all hype and advertising and to get results you need to to the bypass. I want the band for obvious reasons including less invasive, slower weight loss (I see this as a good thing), can remove if there is a problem, etc. She kept telling me that the band is almost always revised with bypass and the patients in general are so unhappy. I have been stewing on this for the past week. Everything I've read tells me to do the band, everything. Yes, I know that the results take more effort, which is a good thing I believe. We're ch…