Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey everybody!! My name is Deana, and I am so excited to have found this forum!! I was banded on July 19th..and lovin every minute of it!! I look forward to chattin and sharing stories with all of you!!:biggrin:

Im just starting this process of getting a approved kind of scared dont know what to expect just looking for any suggestions on how to deal with this.:biggrin:

Getting ready for the all liquids (two weeks before surgery). I start on Wednesday. Just made a double batch of Jello and stocked up on the ready made Protein shakes. Anything else I can make or get to help me through until the big day? I've been reading a lot of the post surgery success stories here and they are all so very encouraging but I need inspiration now to get me through the all liquid part of the pre surgery part of this journey. I've already been doing two Protein Shakes in place of Breakfast and lunch for the last two weeks (per doctors orders) so at least I had dinner to look forward to. Now the only food I've been having for the last two week…

Tomorrow I leave for Dr. Aceves. Saturday is my sleeve day and I want to thank everyone for all the support on this forum. I will post as much as I can and keep updates coming. As for the title of this thread... Suffice to say I'll give my story a little later but believe me it fits!! Toodles & Thanks!

My VSG surgery is in 17 days. I'll start the liquid diet in just three days for the two weeks prior to surgery... any suggestions or words of advice? I know these next two weeks are going to be hard so any advice or words of how you powered through will be so helpful.

In less than 24 hours, I will finally be banded! I'm really excited but nervous too. I think my biggest fear is that the band will slip or the port will flip. Good luck to all who will be banded this week~

I started researching lapband 4 yrs ago.2 yhears ago I decided to go for it but chickened out after reading some disappointing posts here.After much research I am concerned about LONG TERM failure rates. I am considering lapband again, after many natural failure attempts....I need words of encouragement from long term bandsters.......LAPBAND failures please dont give ur comments as I dont want to get discouraged again.(i know its not the smartest choice for me but it is a DESPERATE decision for me.

:smile2:Hi, my name is Rachel and I am 32years old. I have really struggled with my weight since I had my second child 10 years ago. I have done the usual weight watchers, shakes, joined contours gym etc and was fed up with the constant losing 10kgs and then putting 15kgs back on. I am a single mum to 3 kids and really want to be able to run around and play with them without being puffed out and sweaty and to be a good role model to them. I have thought about lap banding for the last 2 years and have been researching for the last 6months. I have an appointment with a surgeon on Nov 9th and I cant wait. I know the band is not the easy answer and I will have to change …

My name is Khristina, and I am 39 years old. I have struggled with obesity all of my life. My weight is out of control and I am going to die if I don't stop this insanity. My food is out of control and I can't stop stuffing my fat face. I have battled and won other addictions, but I can't stop myself or push myself away from the table. I obsess about food all day every day and I need help. I have save up around 4000 dollars and my currrent insurance does not cover weight loss surgery. I am willing to go to Mexico. I only live about 6 hours from San Diego so I believe that is where I will go for my surgery. I am glad that thereis a forum for wich I can ask questions and ta…

Having a hard time chewing slow, sipping and not drinking from a straw prior to surgery. Anyone have advise?:biggrin:

is anyone from ashland ky:smile2:

Hi all, I am a 63 yr old Grandma who is happy to be a part of your group. I am on day 3 of my 3 week pre-op diet and will be banded on Oct 12 at the Maples Clinic in Wpg. Man. My personal goals are to lose 75 lbs and become physically fit. Putting on socks without huffing and puffing will be a sure sign of success for me. Do I wish I had done this sooner, you bet, is it too late for me, no way! Have been reading the posts while i made my decision, and now hope to help inspire others to take control of their weight. Grams I am fairly certain that given a cape and a really nice tiara I can change the world!

I am so ready to begin my new journey. I am just waiting for insurance approval for a date.

So I got banded on May 17Th. I am down about 70 lbs and feeling great. I had the surgery just North of Boston at Lahey Clinic and they were awesome. Best hospital experience ever. At first I had my doubts because they were not a huge Boston Hospital but I quickly learned that they are just as good if not better. Anyways. For the past 4 months I have been really working with my band and trying to figure out what I can and cannot do. I have noticed that I am having a hard time staying consistent with my eating habits. I haven't really been weighing my food and I am wondering if i am heading down the wrong path. I am still eating so much less than I was. Basically a chicke…

I had my surgery yesterday morning and everything went fine. I am nervous at every twinge of discomfort that I feel because I am worried about the whole "slipping" that I have read about. Pain med is just tylenol extra stength in a liquid form. I did not sleep well at all last night due to the discomfort. I have five "holes" where they went in for surgery I was surprised I figured three..I am going back to work on Monday so I have the weekend to finish recuperating. I am excited to start this journey..I did well with the pre op diet and took off 13 pounds in 10 days while on that. Thanks to all of those who take their time to post, I have read many many posts over the pas…

i am 3 weeks post op (sleeve) and have lost 23 lbs so far. i stopped losing weight when i started eating solid foods again. worried that i went through all of this for 23 lbs !!! anyone experienced this?? help !!!:biggrin0:

I have not gotten my date yet, but it will probably be in December. I am nervous. I worry that I will still crave food the same way before the surgery. I hate the way I feel and look now. My cardiologist is very happy that I want to do this. I do want to live longer and be healthy, but I know this is permanent. I can't get the band due to a blood disorder, but after reading this forum, I don't think I would want to. My daughter has the band and she lost 80 pounds, but eating is hard for her. I am hoping that won't be the case for me. I am happy I can come here and read everyone's stories. I just want to know if anyone had regrets. Thanks. :thumbup1:

Hello Everyone I am having surgery one week from tomorrow!!!! I am trying to find vitamins and I would like to know which brand you recommend - also do you prefer liquid or chewables? One more ? - will I never be able to swallow a pill again? Thanks

:thumbup: Hi! I am jew from AL. I had my lap band done in July/10. I am doing great. I have lost 22 lbs. and feel good about it. I have had one fill. Still learning about all of the feelings. I have depression more since surgery, but nothing that I feel will not go away. I am glad I found this web. Thanks, jew

Hello everyone. I finally decided to join the LapBandTalk community after "lurking" for several weeks, and I'm glad I did. I'm looking forward to hearing your stories and am very excited to learn more so I feel more comfortable taking the next step in my weight loss journey. Sheri

Well, I'm new to the site and wish I would of found this a long time ago. I was first banded on Feb. 5, 2009...and with alot of hard work I've succeeded in losing 124lbs. Then the bomb was dropped 2 weeks ago when I had the Flu and landed in the ER with a Slipped Band. I just had surgery on Sept. 21, 2010 to re-do the band. I can't help but wonder and worry if this is gonna happen again. I can't guarantee myself that I'll never get sick again. So here I go again...liquids for 5 more weeks, and introduce food to my stomach all over again. I'm really frustrated and wonder "what am I suppose to do" if I get sick again?? Anyone have the same problem?? HELP

Hi everyone. My name is Tiffany and I am from Phoenix, AZ. I have just submitted paperwork to my insurance this week and hope to be banded in November. I am very excited about this new adventure in my life and can't wait to get started. I am at my heaviest weight ever and am so miserable. Is there anyone else here from Arizona???

I'm new here so, HELLO!! I'm going to my seminar on the 6th of October and hopefully be having surgery shortly there after. I have been researching this surgery for approximately 2 1/2 years but I have a question. Does anyone eat all natural foods like from their local health food store? I'm looking for menu plans and some suggestions from this group. I would put more about me but I'm getting ready to drive to Athens, Georgia. Thanks ya'll.

OMG! I am so excited! I finally was banded on 9/13 (the day before I turned 39) and I am in awe of this whole experience. For a minute I thought that they might cancel my surgery again due to my raised blood sugar levels but I was able to get them under control and my reading was 124 the morning of my surgery. Since then, I have been eating the VERY small amounts allowed and really do feel feel full. I totally feel the restriction. Although I cheated a bit and tried to eat something that I should not be trying till the 2nd week post-op but quickly realized that it was not worth it cause I came up immediatly. I feel great right now. In May I weighed 234 and right now I am…

I am scheduled for surgery on October 29th. I am worried that I will not be able to do the 10 days of liquids before. Any suggestions?

Hi everyone! I am new to the site and am at the very beginning of my journey. I attended a seminar this past weekend and am hoping the ball will get rolling quickly-thanks to a nurse friend of mine who pointed me in the right direction! I've decided to go with Dr. Titus Duncan. He comes highly recommended and everything I read about his group seems excellent. I'm expecting there to be hurdles along the way, but I'm praying for the best! I'm ready to get back to the old ME!!! Good luck to everyone on here!! I look forward to all the support this site has to offer!!

Hi everyone. I am new here. I have finished my 3 months of weigh-ins and attended the seminar. I meet my surgeon on October 7th. Ready to get this show on the road :smile2: I am still new at this, so any advice is welcome.

I just wanted to start particpating in this forum, as I have been lurking since early August. I'm a happily married mom of two wonderful daughters (ages 8 & 9). I have been jumping through the insurance hoops to get WLS, and was originally focused on getting the band. I needed 6 months of monitored "diet" (in quotes yes, because I can hardly call what I've been doing a diet) basically meeting with a nutritionist to mentally and physically prepare for WLS. My wonderful husband is looking to lose about 80lbs and after a few months of indecision, decided to do this with me (yay!). He is, however, about 2 months behind me in the "hoop jumping". As we continued to resea…

Hi! I'm new to this support group. I am scheduled for surgery 10-5-10. I'm currently on 4 shakes a day with 1 meal at supper that's meat & vegetables. Good luck to everyone at what ever part of the program they're at!

I have finished all my test and submitted all my paperwork as of Sept 10, and found out that my doctor's office has not submitted my paperwork to the insurance company yet. UGH...REALLY? MY insurance company did not even require half the tests that the surgeon did. Not feeling the love.:biggrin: I have been told that it can take up to 4 weeks to get approved and that my surgeon is booked out 4-6 weeks. That puts the big day in December....I work retail so December is out of the question. Any suggestions on how to light a fire under the doctors office? Now that I have done everything required, why shouldn't they be obligated to get my paperwork in a timely manner? Ju…

im 20 years old, weigh 400 pound have tried every thing since I was 11 but have been strugling whith my weight my whole life my family are all obesed as well but I have medicaid and am glad to hear Florida aproved medicaid to cover Lap Band surgery can any one direct me to were can I do this procedure in miami florida please:crying:.

Hi There Folks-- I'm one week away from my surgery. Can't wait for this to just finally happen. I started a low carb diet on Wednesday, 10 days before surgery. I meet with my surgeon today for a pre-op appointment. So far the low carb diet has been doable, i'm a bit worried about the post-op but know that I will take it one day at a time and not stress or worry about what is in my future. I have been lurking this board for a long time, just getting up to speed on the process and am thanful you all are here, this is a great resource. Best of luck to all of you! RSL:smile:

Hi all, I just got banded last Tuesday! Dr David Kim in Colleyville, Texas did it, and yes, I'd recommend him! I had to be on a 3 week liquid diet beforehand on Bariatric Advantage (chocolate then vanilla-liked vanilla better) since I'm lactose intolerant couldn't use the Optifast brand. Yes, it was torture sometimes, especially at night when I just wanted to eat a normal supper and not...slop. But now I have about one more week of liquid diet to go and thankfully it's normal food! I had a fruit smoothie this morning and while it wasn't chocolate Cheerios :bolt: , it tasted pretty good! I'm starving for just a slice of pizza, but that'll come eventually. I started at …

I was all set with a surgery date of Oct 1st...started my pre op diet this past Friday. Today I get a call and they tell me I need a sleep study before the surgery!!!!! I already know I have sleep apnea, ive been using my machine for years. I don't know why they waited until now to tell me this and now my surgery will most probably be postponed. I'm so aggravated, I had to vent. When I saw the pulmonologist I had to do a full breathing test which was fine, he never mentioned I would need this sleep test prior to my procedure, but he's insisting that he did tell me...Man, I am pissed!!!:smile2:

Hey Guys, I'm looking for people who ant to work out together. I'm currently in the torrance area.If your interested let me know.

is anyone here from ashland ky

I am new here.I had my lapband surgery on July 19,2010.I have lost 32 lbs and has had 2 fillings.I still fill like I have no restriction.Is that normal.I am really getting discouraged.:biggrin:

Good Evening All, I am new to this forum but find it very interesting and encouraging to read everyone's story. I have completed my classes at Kaiser the first of August and already went down and did my clearance with Pacific Bariatric and met my surgeon Dr. Zorn. They sent me home with a letter stating don't contact them until after 21 days what?? Im ready to call them everyday until they give me a date. Im ready now. I don't want to gain any weight waiting. I've lost almost 35lbs,I'm trying to lose more and maintain all at the same time. I'm going stir crazy. I haven't really told anyone at work and I finally convinced my family to support me in my choice of the sleeve…

I am so excited!! I just set my surgery date with Dr. Alvarez!! With months of research and reading forums I have made my choice and I am very happy with that decision. There will always be some hesitation I am sure, but I am looking forward to being on this forum with other people that are taking or have taken this road. I can't wait to talk to everyone and share experiences! :confused1:

:thumbup: After 2 years of waiting I'm finally have a date set for surgery... Oct. 4, 2010 I have started today my pre-opt diet. I am so excited and also nervious. But I know this is what I should be doing.

Just wanted to say 'hi'. I've been browsing this site for months now I want to make it more personal. Thanks to all the seasoned banders for their insight!:biggrin:

Hi, I'm Vickie. My journey to a new and healthy me is just starting. I hope to have the vertical sleeve done in October. About five years ago, when I first heard about the lap band, I was excited. After months of jumping through insurance hoops, I was told "we won't pay". Then this year my daughter had the gastric bypass and has done very well. I decided to try again, but at her doctor's office I heard about the vertical sleeve. Through a series of miracles and I mean "miracles", I have the funds needed. I started the liquid diet today and need help with ideas to make the "shake" drinkable. Thanks!

Hi all, I am new here. I have just started to consider the lap band. Truth be told I have thought about it many times but fear and lack of information held me back from even looking into it...meanwhile I gained 50 more pounds in the last 12 years despite my extreme efforts to lose weight. Three years ago I was diagnosed and finally started to be treated for hypothyroidism and ever since then it seems even harder than ever to lose weight. I followed my doctors "weightloss advice" and recommended diets and exercise and nothing worked...until I decided to start restricting my calories down to 900 to 1200 a day and that along with exercise is finally helping me lose. The pro…

OK my surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday the 27th to have my band taken out and to go to the sleeve. I am sooo scared. Today I'm really considering canceling my surgery. My fear is the unknown. I'm very excited about the outcome of after the surgery but with my band there were times I was miserable. At times I had reflux so bad when I layed down at night that I could not sleep unless I was sitting up in a chair. During these times I was miserable. I actually had my band fluid removed because of it and am almost back to pre band weight. I had lost 87 lbs and now am 10 lbs from my pre band weight. My fear is that when if I get the sleeve and this happens or I fee…

I am elated! Just been to see my surgeon.I have lost 28 pounds in 7 weeks and 37 pounds since my preop so that makes a total of 37 pounds in 3 months!!! I couldn't be happier! He said he was very happy with my weight loss, which compared to many is a bit slow, but I'm nearly halfway to goal in a bit more than 2 months! He also said I had the most beautiful lives he's ever seen, which was quite a compliment coming from a surgeon! Anyway i have another 40 pounds to lose so I better get working this sleeve to the max!! Thanks to all you guys for your support and posts, it's what keeps me going:001_wub: Good luck to you all, and honestly, if I can do it so can you!!

Hi everyone! Found this site from the Dr's site that I am attending the seminar from this Oct. Would love to get approved to have the lap band.....reading all the posts about the 6 month hustle an bustle to get an approval to submit your paperwork to your insurance company...boo that sucks...we will see what the dr im seeing says....excited to be a size 8-10 next year maybe.......woot woot

I am getting my sleeve done this week. Incredibly nervous!! I have tried everything under the sun to lose weight. My last try was HCG shots. I lost fifty pounds in two months but gained back 60 over 6 months. My husband and I are both doing this. His surgery is 2.5 weeks after mine. I pray this works well for both of us.

Hey everyone! I just got a phone call from my surgeons office and I was approved!!!!!My surgeon is VERY picky about candidates for weight loss surgery so I was a little nervous! I am so ready to finally get this ball rolling. I will probably be able to make my first appointment next week. So excited!:thumbup:

Hi, everybody. I'm Laura and I was banded on Aug. 24, 2010. I had my first fill today (Sept.22) and am looking forward to getting support from others who are ahead of me in this journey. My surgeon offers a support group, but it's over an hour away, not counting rush hour traffic!!

...and, I am very, very nervous