Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

This is my first time posting. I have read many posts before my surgery and have to say I was so nervous to go to Mexico and after reading some posts I was even more nervous. I want to say my experience with Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez Mexico was outstanding. I went through Belite and worked with a facilitator named Jessica. (Again, nervous about that because of all the negative posts about patient facilitators and belite) All I can say is that she was very professional and I can honestly say it was only because of her and her information that I went through with my surgery. Jessica answered all of my questions, got me in touch with other people in my state whom sh…

I have been reading posts here for a couple of months, and now I would like to be part of "the family":blush: I just started my pre-op diet, my surgery will be done on September 8th!!! It's funny I just realized that is less than 2 weeks OMG!! I can't wait, but now have the jitters when I really think about it. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and concerns for everyone, but for now just wanted to say "Hi" and thanks for being here.:thumbup:

I Got my Lapband August 17th and am happy to say I am doing great I am so happy!!! I started my preop diet the week before my surgery. So far in 3 weeks I have lost 26 pounds and since the surgery itself I have lost 8 pounds!!! I was 299 and am now 273. My goal is 165!! My only problem is trying to get this glue off lol My doctor advised me that after 10 days if the strips were not off I could remove them so I did last night but that glue is some strong stuff I hope it comes off soon! Good luck to everyone with their journeys!

Hi all, had my surgery yesterday a.m. and get really sharp pains when I drink my shakes altho they go down ok. Can't sleep, is this common and will it get better,does anyone know? Thanks to all who've replied to my prior posts. I am a new poster and don't really know how these things work but your messages have been great, thanx so much, especially since I'm such an oldster (64).:biggrin:

Hello everyone i'm 27 years old and i had my VSG on the 19th of July and as of tomorrow it will be 3 weeks post op for me. I have lost a total of 18.5 pounds up to now but there's a wild twist to my story that might shock some of you. I found out around a week or so after my VSG since my period was late and i read about many of the girls here have had problems with your periods post op, i decided to go ahead and have one of them home pregnancy tests and oddly enough it came out positive!!!I've been married for about 18 months now and to tell you all the truth we didn't really plan on concieving until at least a year post op. This is my first pregnancy and I have no compla…

Got banded yesterday, looking forward to this wonderful journey of losing 100 lbs. Nice to be here with a great support group.

:thumbup:Hello all I am a newcomer as well. I will have the lapband. I see the surgeon sept 8TH.

I am a registered nurse who will be banded sometime in October. I'm being selective on who I am telling, only close friends, my sister, niece and sister-in-law. Not mother or mother-in-law (they would drive me crazy with questions and concern. I couldn't take it!):confused: My dilemma is my co-workers. A couple of nurse colleagues have had bariatirc and were very open. I on the other hand am more private. Co-workers are going to know without a doubt due to my pre and post diets along with absence from work and weight loss. Should I just get it over with and send an email the day before or endure answering questions later? For the most part we are a supportive sta…

I went to my doctor today and weighed in! I have lost 15 pounds since surgery. I was seen the week before surgery at same doctors office and weighed in on same scale, so I am totally jazzed at my initial weight loss. 14 days and 15 pounds wooot woot. Not too bad for a low BMI'er :confused1:

Hi I'm Clif, 38 years old and getting banded in a few days. Took a year for the insurance approval, and now that it's nearly B-day nerves are on edge. I look forward to talking to all of you.

Hey guys and gals on the forums! I'm over a year into my LAP-BAND® process and it's almost to an end, thank goodness! My surgeon is thinking my date will be around October 11th of this year due to my traveling plans at the end of this month. I'm so excited it's almost here! I'm getting slightly impatient the closer and closer it gets but I'm also a little scared about the surgery itself. But who isn't, right? I hope to see more of you all down the road! I'm off to read some more of the addicting blogs I've found. :thumbup: :biggrin:

I have visited with a Dr. Also visited with the dietition, and Phycologist. Having a physical on Friday this week and then waiting to see where to go from there. I am currently 5'5. 215lb, 28 years old, BMI of 36. Deeply depressed about my weight, hopeful to see what the Dr and Ins say about having this done. Any advice would be helpful....

So last week I went to the informational session with my surgeon - I actually went up to her after the session and asked about VSG and if she had the specific surgical code for it so I could give it to my insurance. She was very nice and said she could not remember off hand, but to call her office and they could give it to me. I called - they gave it to me - I talked with my insurance and was good to go. Today the surgeons officed called and said that I was in fact a bariatric candidate (duh!!), however, they do not perform the sleeve!!!!! She said that if I wanted RNY we could proceed. Uggghhhhhhhh!!! Sooooooooo I hung up picked the phone back up and found another s…

Hello Folks, Im new to this forum, My surgery is scheduled for sept 29th with Dr Chris Cobourne. :biggrin:

My mom was talking about burgers the other day. We told her about Red Robin's burgers. She's never been there. She and my dad just moved to Puerto Rico, and I don't think they have Red Robin over there. She's going back to PR next Thursday, so my hubby decided to take her and the kids to eat there tonight. I am 9 days post op. I know I can get their French Onion Soup broth base without the cheese or bread. But I'm not sure if being there will make me sad. It's either go with them or stay home by myself.

Has anyone ever lost confidence in their medical team and switched doctors post surgery?

when i see my before pictures...i cringe...when i see "her" and "her" side by side...its almost unbelieveable to me...who are these people?????? ooooo....yeah...its me...its you carolann...i look at the pain in the over-weight girlz eyez...and tell "her" (me) your okay...its all right...we (i) made it through the storm; when i see the thin-girl...i tell her (i)...relax...calm down...your a girl that lost a lot of weight and you put ur pants on 1 leg at a time...i tell me...these girls have been through a lot...the over-weight girl and the thin girl...they were both hurt at some point....the over-weight girl had her reasons for becoming over-weight...the thin girl had her …

Hello Everyone, I am Brian from Los Angeles, CA. I just turned 41 yesterday - yikes ! and I am currently in the process of getting the LAP-BAND® hopefully. I have had a general physical from my primary care doctor and had a lot of the necessary blood work done, I had the psych eval - passed ( it was pretty super easy - I seriously wonder who can fail - Jeffrey Dahlmer ??? ), have the chest X-rays 2 days ago, go to my GI Doctor today to hopefully be scoped next week and HOPEFULLY be banded on Sept. 8. I only started this process about 2 weeks ago. UNFORTUNATELY although I have extremely great medical insurance they don't cover Bariatric surgery yet. So I will be self -…

Something I just found out...there is a company that offers a new insurance product strictly for private pays. It does cover complications for 30 days after your surgery and includes bariatrics. Surgical Risk Solutions, LLC 9310 Old Kings Rd S, Suite 702 Jacksonville, FL 32257 904.493.7965, X205 (Office) 904.517.5805 (Direct) 904.493.7969 (Fax) 850.556.3388 (Cell) jhaynie@complicationinsurance.com Contact this guy for information. I bought a policy and peace of mind because that was my biggest worry about paying out of pocket, was running out of money if something went wrong. My doctor doesn't carry BLIS yet, which is the best, but…

I sit here 3 days post op in Monterrey after visiting Dr. Zapata with Ready4Achange group. From the first time I contacted them Judy, my US coordinator was wonderful. She answered all my questions and created the necessary forms for my hardship withdrawal. I arrived in MX on Monday the 23rd alone since I told nobody about my decision. I was met by a driver who was fully briefed and handed me an information packet. He took me to the hospital at 1:30 pm and by 6 I was sleeved. It was my choice to do it the same day I arrived that way I had an extra day at the CIMA hospital. The hospital and the staff are world class. They are very attentive and aimed to please and…

Today, I went and got my medical clearance from my PCP. We had some time to discuss this journey, my feelings, and and concerns I had. I must say, between the last post & this one, there has been some peace made with all that lays ahead of me. Although I still don?t really know what my comfort zone is in terms of what weight I?d like to be?I do know that I have an awesome support system that will keep me going the distance. I?m working thru my ?issues? rather quickly ? though I?m sure at some point I?ll relapse *lol* I just have to keep asking myself ?what are you scared of??. My doc said he?s happy for me and excited about this transition. I *boldly* as…

I am 27 days post op and will receive my first fill on the 31st of August. I started this journey 7 Months ago. My surgery was on July 30th 2010 and haven't had any problems to speak of so far. I hope to learn from those who have more knowledge and experience being a bandster.

I am a 50 yo female. I was banded June 30th. Weighed 280, and lost to 262 before surgery, with Optifast, then gained up to 268 and now back to 263. My goal is 170. I am not worried about size 4 or 6, I just want to be able to fly on a plane without extensions, fit into a regular chair, and retire with my health intact. I am looking for an online site where I can get and give support to others like me. I live in a rural area for a support group is not available. I have had 2 fills and this is the first time I have actually felt any restriction. Other than the day following surgery I have been able to eat as I please as long as I chewed everything well. The first 8 w…

I currently have a lap band, have had it for 6 years! I have only lost 60 pounds and am tired of the fills and then unfills. My pouch is stretched out for the 4th time and am considering the sleeve, but the new procedure that is called sleeve plication. It seems less invasive than the removal of the stomach and was wondering if anyone can give me any of their experience with this? I think the sleeve also looks like my cup of tea, god knows I am tired of paying for fills that dont work.:thumbup:

So I've taken my first step here in MA by attending an information seminar on weight loss surgery. Next I will start six months of Doctor supervised weight loss before my insurance can approve a date. When I start to feel discouraged by the long road ahead I remind myself of that thousand miles saying and I feel a little better. At least I've begun the journey, right?

Hello, My name is Tammy Bomar. I am 37 years old and have been diagnoised with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. I am curious about the Lap Band because I am currently 222 lbs and 5'6, We have tricare insurance and just curious if some one can kinda guide me on getting approved....Please help!!!

I'm so excited! I got (what I hope is my last) surgery date yesterday! Sept 13, the day before my birthday! I hope this one goes off without a hitch!

Hi, I'm Spaz. I'm a 30 year old woman living in Los Angeles, CA. My weight loss story is similar to most. I've been obese most of my life including my childhood. food was always a comfort to me in the worst times of my life. I have also been at the other end when I starved myself in high school and actually fit into a size 2, which didn't last for long. I met my surgeon for the first time about six years ago. That's when gastric bypass was still the only surgery out there. I got frightened, felt I was giving up, and told myself I can do this on my own. Two years later I was back at his office hearing about bypass and the lap band and again got those same fee…

Hi everyone, I've been on this sight "visiting" trying to get all the imformation before surgery as far as what to expect. Was scared and just wanted to be sure I was doing the right thing (by having the surgery) My husband had a sleeve back in Jan. 2010 and had problems. He spent 5 1/2 weeks icu and two weeks on the regular floor(7 1/2 weeks total) He was the 1% who had everything go wrong. We almost lost him twice. So you see why I was scared to go through with it. But now he's doing great, down 87 lbs. and has so much energy that I'm jealous! so I set my date for august 16th and didn't look back. (same doctor). All went well, one of the nurses from the office sat wit…

Just wanted to introduce myself, new to this whole experience and just starting the process. Have my finances worked out insurance will not pay, it is an exclusion in our policy. :sad: Have my seminar scheduled for Sept 16. And looking for general advise and experiences from anyone that wants to share. I weigh an embarrasing 270 lbs, which is huge for my 5"2' frame. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to get around and enjoy the precious time I have with my family. Anything will help and I am looking forward to becoming part of the LBT Family. Thanks for everything.....

Hi! Ive come to this site for encouragement during low moments and I want to join in. I'm Gail, 44, in California and had lap band surgery mid-June of this year. My first fill was last week. I started the process last November and had the surgery June 14. According to the home scale, (which is painfully close to the doctor's scale) I've dropped from 243 in May to 209.5 this morning. I'm 5'4" and my goal is to drop back down into the 130s, where I was for most of my 20s. I've been seriously battling my weight for 14 years and am eager for these pounds and bulges and bags to let loose! Right now, what I'm struggling with most, is battling old habits. I'm a spec.…

Hello! My Name is Kelly I am 27 y/o and live in Weymouth Ma with my Husband and beautiful 3 y/o daughter. I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember. Now at my all time high of 266 I am need some help. I am very Lucky that my husband is very supportive. He always say he loves my curves but will support me in whatever I do. Also my mom who about 8 years ago had the gastric bypass. She is such a wealth of knowledge and support. She is the one that suggested that I try the LAP-BAND®® after all the triumphs and failures she has seen me go through. But I have a couple quick questions I am having my seminar at Brigham and Women's Hospital and was wo…

I just had to tell all of you that i have a date.... for Oct1!!!!!! im so excited that the financing went through and that all of these dreams for a better life are coming into a reality!!!!! i love this community and thanks for the great info that is here!!!!! preop diet starting soon.... :biggrin0:

Hey i am a 31 year old mother of 4 children. 5'7 280lbs and am very depressed. I was doing my 6 months with 3 months done last year when i found out i was pregnant (oops) don't get me wrong i love her to death and wouldn't change getting pregnant with her at all. I just fill aweful i weighed 268 when i got pregnant with her and just this little 12 lbs more feels like alot more on my body. She is 5 months old i am breastfeeding her and am wanting to start the process again sometime in the next month so when i wean her in 6 months or so i will be fully ready to get the lapband. i feel very sad when i think about having to wait that long because i am so ready to get it, i j…

My sister is the one who got me interested in the Lap Band. She is looking into it for herself. My story is this....like many of you, I've always dealt with weight issues. When I thought I was heavy, it gave me horrible anxiety to deal with myself. Now, I look back at myself and old pictures and can't believe I thought I was even heavy back then, what I wouldn't give to be in that shape now. About a year ago I had my spine fused at the L5-S1. It was from an injury that dated back about 12 years before. From the time I graduated from high school I've gone up and down in weight. Sometimes from 260 down to 185. This has happened 4-5 times. Every time I obviously gain it al…

I am waiting for the records to be reviewed by my Insurance company, issue approval, and then schedule surgery. I am anxious to begin the process.

Hi everyone. My name is Lisa in April 2005 I self paid to have the lap band inplanted - It's amazing how quickly they can schedule a surgery if Insurance doesn't have a part in it. I decided on the Lap Band when the company I worked for SOLD the Lapband for Inamed- Actually we were a Telemarketing company answering their 800# calls. I was quite educated on the band and decided that it would be my surgery of choice. $14,500.00 later I had the band. I was so ELATED :thumbup: to have such a great and wonderful tool to help me with my weight loss!!! After my first fill I was choking and my saliva glands were producing so much saliva it was like a Water fountain going off on t…

Seems I'm reading posts that state some banders have lost minimal weight prior to their fills. I don't understand how you can be hungry with a small pouch. Does the food just go through and you can keep eating including the kinds of food that are high in fat, sugar, carbs etc? I think it would be really discouraging post op. Can you share your experience? Thanks K

A pre requisite to surgery is to lose 10% of your body weight. I understand this is good for a successful surgery and to show a commitment to your weightloss. The second reason may make sense but what can not be measures is the mental preparedness. I went to see my nutritionist today and i did not lose any wait form my first visit. It has been a stressful two weeks, i have lost my job and well life was a little draining. This will happen after surgery also .... I am aware of this. It sounds very pepeevish, but the Nutritionsit kind of aggravated me. maybe she just struck a chord idk but when she had said "We want our patients to wait 6months so we can track their co…

hi all, i have my very first appointment in a week, and ill be 21 4 days after. I currently weigh about 270. I dont want this surgery for vanity reasons, i want it for my health. My back, hips and legs are always in pain, i cant lay down flat with out the feeling of my spine ripping out of my back :confused: i have also been hospitalized for numerous breathing issues. i just want all this to end. Im going to school to get licensed in a profession that i need to be active and its difficult for someone my size (as most of you may know lol) im not nervous about the surgery, im nervous for recovery... my school is intense and i can not miss many days or i will never get ba…

i haven't alwayz lost weight the healthy way...but i can say this from the day i had my surgery....2 almost 2 years post-op i immediately changed my lifestyle...its not what i ate and how i exercised...it was a whole change of lifestyle i made...i made the choice to eat heathly and exercise...which i continue to do ...to this day...i see a lot of people using the word "diet" on here..."dietz" failed all of us...thats y we r here...i see a lot of people asking "what they should eat"...i won't give u a list of foods...i will suggest u eat healthy though...and i strongly suggest u get use to an exercise routine...that u can stick with for a lifetime...i would personally stop…

I am still just so confused and uncertain about this whole thing!! I was banded on 12/11. At four weeks I was allowed to go on full regular diet because I had no problems whatsoever tolerating food. I had my first fill of 1cc into my 10 cc band (it already had 4.5 cc in it from surgery) two weeks ago so I'm at 5.5 cc in a 10 cc band - I still don't feel restriction. I try and portion out my meals to what I think I should have and stop eating at that amount. I don't feel hungry after stopping eating but don't feel full or restriction, I just stop because the food is gone. The problem is when someone else serves me (like at a relatives or when going out to eat.) I ha…

Hi. I just joined I am in Maryland. I will be going to a seminar by Dr. Cynthia Long from Silver Spring tomorrow night at Shady Grove Hospital. Is there any patients of Dr. Long here? I would like to here from you.

:smile2: I have gone to all my appointments and everything was submitted to my insurance company. As soon as I hear back, I can schedule the surgery and start my liquid diet. This is my first time posting anything. I am very excited to start a new life after the band.

I'm not the most excited soul here about it but I'm having surgery tomorrow. I noticed a couple others as well, perhaps we can have a triplet or quadruple Sleeve Sistas relationship thing going?

Hi all ! I'm from Brazil. Can I join you? Sorry about my English since it's not my first language. I have just been sleeved on friday (20 aug 2010). So I'm 2 days out. I had the VSG via laparospic video + unbilical hernia fixed. Here some differences I notice from what they are doing here: -No pre op liquid diet, only one day before surgery; -I was sent home in the next day; -Clear foods will go for only one week; -Costed me 10k usd all included, health isurance down here only cover open surgery. For now some pain, mostly because hernia fixed and gas. I have some nausea in the first day because the morfine they gave for pain. No more nause than. liquids are g…

OMG!!!! I was just on here yesterday saying how happy I was to be here and that I was waiting for my second consult, WEEELLLL....yesterday afternoon I got as call to schedule the consult. WELLL.... they got me in TODAY!!! I now have a surgery date of September 10th!!!!!!! That is 2 1/2 weeks away!!!!! I CAN NOT believe it!!!! I'm soooo excited!!!!:thumbup: Now is the really hard part, I have to tell my parents!!!! LOl!!! You would think being 42 years old it would not be such a big deal, but it is!!! I feel like I'm 16 again going to ask them to do something I know they will not like!!!! I really value their opinion and I want them to be happy, not freaked out!!! I ke…

Hello, My name is Cat. I am 23 years old and I had the lap-band surgery in July of 2007. So I am 3 years out from my surgery. I started out at a weight of 332 (which was my highest) and now I am down to 230 today. I just wanted to say that this is a great idea and I wish i knew about it when I first had the surgery because I probably could have used some help. Well I have been through so many ups and downs throughout this surgery and post surgery. So if anyone is in need of advice or even just someone to talk to I am here 100%. **Cat**

Hello All! I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon this forum and I'm hoping to educate myself further on the lap-band surgery, and also get some of your opinions on my situation. My name is Krista and I'm 35 years old. I've struggled with my weight for the last 17 years and have lost the same 50+ pounds around 3-4 times. I'm 5' 3" and currently weigh around 218. I've noticed in the past year that my body/health has been changing in that I have so many more aches and pains; I'm also dealing with reflux at night where I wake up choking (taking meds for). The last time I visited my Primary Care doc, he mentioned in passing that perhaps the band might me something to…

Getting sleeved in the morning...I sure would appreciate any prayers! Thanks