Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I'm new here too. I started about a year and a half ago with medicare to get to my surgery in April. I just found this site thereby making me a newbie! Hi everybody and thank you so much for being here. It has been really exciting getting here and I have so many questions like how do you figure out what you can eat that isn't uncomfortable?:biggrin:

Hey! I am new to this forum and have been just cruising around and reading. I am about to begin the journey towards LAP-BAND...I am going to the education seminar for Dr. Steinberg next week. I am very excited as I have prayed about this for a couple of years, but our previous insurance would not cover it. Our new insurance pays for it, so I am going for it. :biggrin: Looking forward to "meeting" new people on here and reading more success stories - and one day, adding my own success story!!

Hey everyone! i just wanted to take the time to say hello and see what this whole site is about, makes me feel like I am not alone on this. I am going through so many emotions and feelings I cannot even begin to explain. My surgery date is August 25th, ONE WEEK! And I cannot believe it is actually this close! Any suggestions/tips/etc. on what to expect or how I can calm my nerves?!? feeling so anxious! Like the night before the first day of school!! haha. Would love ANY feedback...leaning more towards REALIZE but would love to hear opinions and feedback on both. Thank you to all and love for everyone! :smile2:

Hello, I am here to tell my story. I decided to have surgery almost a year ago. I went to one of Dr. Husted's seminars and began the process of my weigh-ins, tests, and learning about the surgery procedure. I have completed all my tests. If the last test results come back "ok" Thursday, then I will be ready to turn them in to the surgeon. I am also waiting for my phyciatric evaluation to be turned in this week or next. Right after they receive this information, they will submit it to my insurance to see if I am approved for the VSG surgery and if I am, I will receive my pre-op packet with my surgery date. I will begin my pre-op diet of milk shakes. Dr. Husted told me that…

Howdy! Well, it's been a long journey. I don't have many threads out there because it's been a bit of a roller coaster ride. But the wait is over. I have my sleeve done 3 days ago with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I was planning on going to Dr. Husted, but as I mentioned it took him a long time to get privileges and I was working with a short window of opportunity. By the time he got his priviliges, I had toured Mexicali, met Dr. Aceves and came home to make a decision. It took me two days to decide, and a week later, here I am in Mexicali. The doctors are awesome, the nurses are caring and attentive. The hospital is clean and beautiful. I am perhaps a little sorer than most …

I am just a few days short of one month post op and I thank God every day that I finally made up my mind. I felt like that only way to lose the weight was to be up happy and diet every day of the rest of my life. Well I was half right. I do have to diet for the rest of my life but being unhappy while doing it is no longer a part of that deal! I have made the choice to no longer eat bread and a guess what I?m STILL HAPPY!! I am starting to get so much more energy and smiling more. When people I don?t want to know how the WLS ask about my weight loss I just say I?m not eating bread anymore. I?m sure it is helping take the weight off but being full from 3 oz of Soup doesn?t …

I'm so happy to find this place! My name is Anne and I am 35. I am just getting started on my journey. I have been researching LapBand for years but was under the impression that my insurance wouldn't cover it. Today I was told that they would, so I'm pretty excited. I was wondering if anyone else here is from MA and if so, do you have BCBS? I'm wondering what the requirements will be. I have a slightly different type of insurance, it's union insurance backed up by BCBS. I was initially under the impression that my 38BMI and super high cholesterol would make me a candidate, but it appears that cholesterol is not part of that so I'm a bit concerned. Anyway, hi a…

Hi everyone, I wanted to take a moment and thank you, each of you. Many times I sit back and am a silent observer. I read your stories and comments and your words, thoughts, and experiences have helped me before, and during this process. The comments I have on my photo album give me strength and keep me going. I only hope that I can offer new and current sleevers that same support. Im six months out today and am down just about 82 lbs. You have all been a part of my journey in one way or another. Good luck everyone, Im here for you all and Im glad were in this together.

I had my surgery last friday the 13th (yup) with Dr. Liza Maria Pompa. I was picked up from the border parking lot as I live in California and drove down to border. My mother went with me I love the hubby but my mom is a nurse and she is a great care taker. Plus she is momma duh! We made it swiftly across border and around Tijuana the driving there always cracks me up a lot of cutting people off and honking horns but noone really seems upset about it...it is odd...anywho, we made it to the Twin Towers and were greeted by one of the Dr's and a concierge from the hotel who loaded our bags on a cart and followed us up into the tower that has all of the different business and…

Well, I didn't have Lapband surgery, I had the Bypass surgery.... I noticed that there are patients on here from my doctors office, so I just wanted to kinda get to know some of you... To me when you have any type of weight lose surgery, it's good to talk to others and get their feed back from all area's... I had Gastric Bypass on April 5, 2010.... So far I have lost about 90lbs and have not had any complications at all... Thank God!!! I look forward to knowing all of you and hearing all of your success stories... Best of luck to each and every one of you.... :thumbup:

Hi All. Had my procedure done on Aug. 3rd at Park Nicollet. Great people there. Feeling good. Looking forward to my first adjustment on the 1st. I like to tell people I had a choke collar put on so now I don't eat as much and I don't bark at strange dogs!:thumbup:

Hi Lapbanders, I just had my surgery Aug 6 and have lost a total of 16 lbs. I am confused on alot of things about lapband, but I wanna know how to put my stats on this thing. Help.

I just wanted to share my results with fellow bandsters. I have lost 37 lbs and am feeling great. for those of you who are stuck and the scale is not moving, I have had weeks like that too. The key is not to give up hope, I excersize for 30 mins a day 3 or 4 times a week and it seems to help. Hang in there!

Has anyone gone home the same day as surgery? If yes, how did you do?

Hi everyone, new to the process. Once I get my insurance card and info, I will be able to make my first appt with a PCP. Anyone have any suggestions for a good PCP in the 5 boroughs of NYC? I also have my parents' health insurance United Healthcare, but their particular plan doesn't provide Lapband coverage. So I will be using medicaid/Health Plus for my insurance. Any one know about Health Plus or how the process works here in NYC? Thanks Cicely

I am going for my esophagram and financial clearance. I am trembling in my boots b/c I read here that way to often, people get declined. I hope this will not be case for me. I really need this surgery to make me fell important again. I always put myself last. Well, I will keep you all posted on what the decision is. Thanks for listening!

Hi everyone, My name is Amy, I'm 26 years old. I am married, no kids. I was banded on August 13th. I'm officially 5 days post-op! I'm feeling pretty good- a little sore, but heading back to work. I have my first post-op recheck next week, so I'm nervous to find out how much weight I've lost with my 2 week optifast diet plus surgery. I'm having difficulty getting the nutrition I need because I don't feel hungry at all... It's like I need to set an alarm to remind myself to eat something. It's bizarre but I'm making the adjustment. I don't know anyone personally who has gone through this process, so I will probably be using this website a lot for guidance. My mot…

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I just recently finished all of the pre-op requirements and everything was turned into my insurance company on 8/13 for authorization. It can't happen soon enough for me.

Hey Lap band friends, I had my first consultation on the 17th of Aug. which went well and as I was finishing with my visit with the doc...the nurse came in and asked me if I had the time to take my phys. eval. :smile2: (which it takes about 3-4 months just to get the appointment set). Talk about pumped :thumbup:one more step closer. I also have appointments set for my sleep study, dietician, and exercise coach.

Greetingsssss!! I'm a newbie here - a transplant from the LapBand talk forum. Somewhere along the approval process, I decided to go with the VSG - and couldn't be more excited. My surgery date is 9/21 (Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA. Dr. Denis Halmi). I'm required to do a 2 wk pre-op liquid fast (Opti Fast) that really has me nervous - wondering if I can cope (the 2wks post op should be a cake walk, all things considered) I'm really curious to hear other's stories who have had the surgery...and those on the path. My main blog is: The Vanishing Vixen - but I already know I'll be fairly active here. Looking forward to great things & new friends!

Hello there!! It's been a while since I've been on the boards. I was banded over 3 years ago and lost over 70 lbs. After my divorce I decided what the heck......lets take 1 cc out and eat!! Well, helllooo, I ate and gained 50 lbs back in 10 months. I'm proud to say that I have lost that since last November. So I'm on the big push now to lose about 40-45 more lbs for the final push. Life is good and I am super happy. I LOVE MY BAND! IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR ME THROUGH THICK AND THIN...NO PUN INTENDED! I've learned how to eat small meals throughout the day to stay full and not hungry. Yes, I still know how to eat around the poor thing...but I am all the wiser having…

Hi, my name is Sandy and I'm from Southern California. I'm tired of programs, pills, low carb, low fat, weight loss then weight regain dieting rollercoaster that I have been on for the last 20 years. I want to lose weight once and for all. I'm considering getting a lap-band, so I've started researching the subject and think that this site will be very helpful. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you.

I had my surgery in San Diego in May. I just moved to the Akron area and wanted to know if there are any sleeve support groups nearby? I only got to attend one in San Diego before I moved and found it to be very helpful.

WOW, am I nuts? or what? Well, I like to eat nuts and they say you are what you eat, uh? :lol0: I just completed 8 months of preparing for the gastric bypass surgery - went thru all the hoops - was approved and waiting for a surgery date - I was not 100% sure that gastric bypass was the way for me to go - at first, I thought I wanted to go with the lap band but being a military wife and moving every 2-3 yrs. would've been difficult to continue changing doctors, etc. for the fill's and checkups - I believed the sleeve was the way to go but my insurance didn't pay for the sleeve :frown1: - I woke up one morning a little over a week ago and just knew that I knew that I knew…

Hello All. I just have a question. Any of you diabetic and had a hard time doin the pre-op liquid diet for week? I was just thinking of getting hypogylcimia or high sugar. Any suggestion?

Hi, My name is Christine and I just joined. I have my surgeon appt. tomorrow. I am so nervous. It seems like such a huge step. I hope all goes well and I can start soon.

Looking for others in BC, Canada who have recently had the surgery. I live in Delta B.C. Interested in swaping stories and support, chit chat, etc.

Yay! I am just over 2 months post-op and this morning I gingerly stepped on the scale. It read 199!!!! Man it felt good to see a 1** something; I haven't seen that in several years! Whoo hoo!:wink0:

I know I don't post much in here. I'm more of a lurker/reader than I am a posting participant. However, today I feel the need to share my progress. Sorry if this is kinda long. Today I am 50 days post-op. I went in to a weigh-in clinic this morning. I've lost another 13 pounds in 2 weeks. :svengo: Needless to say, I was floored when I got the news. I do not own a scale at home and the only scale I use is at my doctor's office. This keeps me from obsessing over the daily fluctuations of weight. This year to date, I've lost 55 pounds. :wink0: Since surgery day, I've lost 40 pounds. :thumbup: I've been working out 3-5 days a week for 20-30 minutes a day. This has bee…

Well, Cyber-friends, I can't believe it. After having the surgery cancelled, 2 endoscopies, 2 liquid diets, and a huge extended emotional rollercoaster, tomorrow is the big day. I am down about 4 inches and 12lbs since the journey officially began. People ask if I'm excited or nervous. I'm mostly numb and tell them that I'll believe it when they wheel me into the OR. I've been working out with a trainer about 3-4 days a week and have built up some amazing core strengh in preparation for this. I did have a moment where I wondered to myself, "hey, can't I do this without surgery? I've done it before!" That moment lasted about 30 seconds before I realized that I've tried u…

:crying:Hi, Awesome site. So here is my story. I was banded 12/3/07 and had nothing but problems. I lost the wt alright, and really fast, but then had a dilitation and had to be unfilled for 3 months. And its been that way on and off ever since. Any fill was too much, caused sliming, vomiting and general misery. Finally I had enough and asked for revision to the sleeve. It was approved right away ( and I am scheduled for 9/14). I was a "lite weight" with a bmi of 35 at the get go. Lost about 70 pounds, but with no fill most of the time since, about 25-30 lbs has creeped back up. I won't lie, I have been out of control for a while despite saying to myself that I would neve…

So, I'm introducing myself. My name is Edward. I'm 61 years old and pretty healthy other then the extra weight. I weigh 280lbs at 5'10". I'm in the beginning phase. Blood work very good - my cholestoral's a little high. My blood pressure is xlnt 107/64. My colon is in great shape and the rest of my complete physical shows I'm doing fine. I still look great, but want to look better. I can't wait for the surgery to take place. I have been assigned to Dr. LaPorte in Fountain Valley, Ca. I have Anthem Blue Cross insurance. I imagine there's a few more steps my Dr. wants me to take before surgery. Maybe see a counselor or attend a group session. I hope these other 'hoops' …

Hello everyone, My name is Billie. I'm 29 years old. I have been overweight my whole life. After pregnancy two years ago, I've had HBP & Adema ever since. Hoping to be able to chase my little man around the yard & not have to take a break, because Mommy's out of shape!! Recently I went to Dr. Speigals office for a consult. My surgery is scheduled for September 17, 2010. My insurance will NOT cover my surgery so I am financing a personal loan through my bank. Can't wait to be a thinner me!!

I have been through all the clearance's and have pre admit testing and diet class on 8/19/10. Meet with Dr. on 8/27/10 and surgery on 9/2/10. I am both excited and nerveous. I have been reading about everyone's experience and hope mine goes as well as some of yours. I'm not sure about the diet before and after surgery but sure I will learn about it Thursday. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Okay so its official... I have been denied by my insurance company due to the fact that I have not had a BMI of 40 or more for at least 2 years and have no co-morbidities. Uhhhhh.. Grrrrrrrrr I've been fat all my life except for a few months here and there. Ive only been at BMI of 40 (or more) for about 9 months but soo what.. Ive been over BMI of 35 for like 3 years and BMI of at least 30 for like 10 years, doesn't that count for anything. I have been from 200 to 180 to 225 to 195 to 210 to 230 to 220 to 230 to 245 to 230 to 250 within 4 years, doesn't that count for anything? Okay so what that I don't have a current co-morbidity... itsn't what Im doing PREVENTION... d…

Hello Everyone! I'm Michelle but many of my friends call me Angel... Don't let the Dark Angel part scare you, I'm not satanic or anything like that, it's actually a nick name my father gave me when I was little and it just stuck... I'm 39, widowed almost 3 years now and the mother of 2 wonderful young men, 15 and 8 My husband passed away from an accident while trying to learn how to skateboard to spend more time with our boys back in March 2008 and since then, the reality of me being all they have left really hit me hard when my youngest said, "Mommy, we don't want you to die too, please" and it was cause of my weight. I've spent my whole life battling my w…

for those that don't know me...i had my surgery on 10/06/2008...i started at 296...i'm down to 165...have gotten my weight down to 152 in a very un-healthy way..165 is my bodies happy weight...around that time of the month i may go to 168..some weeks i'm in the low 160's...i lost 136 pounds in 11 months...and have had a mini tummy tuck...the muscles that are shown in my pics are not from plastic surgery...a tummy tuck does not shape ur abs...an arm tuck...does not give u muscle...any type of leg tuck...doesnt build muscle as well...for those that do know me...where have i been???????...here is a letter i wrote my dad this morning: i'm going to call u soon...i just wanted…

Hey All, I'm new here. I've been reading for a few days but haven't posted anything yet. It's been so encouraging and to be honest...also discouraging. It's amazing how impatient I am. I've been looking into this surgery for almost 4 years now. I finally took all the steps, did all the research and was banded 7/9/2010. I've lost 30 pounds so far. 16 before surgery in the pre-op diet. I stopped losing for about 3 weeks - got my first fill, and lost another 5. It's going well! According to everything I've been reading, I'm on track and losing at a healthy rate. ...BUT. There's always a but. Here comes the complaining. My least favorite thing about myself - my lack of…

Hi! My name is Erin! I'm a 32 year old woman who has the pleasure of living in sunny Florida. I am lucky enough to live a busy life with great friends, a wonderful family and a job I absolutely love!! Unfortunately, I hate my weight. I'm embarrassed about my body image and even though I've tried for what feels like MILLIONS of times to lose weight - I always end up gaining more. I never really thought I'd be one to consider surgery but at this point, I feel like it's the only option that will actually work. I'm ready for my body to be able to keep up with the rest of me! I look forward to getting to know the people of this forum. I'm so nervous right now bec…

Hi everyone!! My name is Tracy. I am a 33 year old mom of three. 6 yr old twins and a 14 month old. I have struggled with my weight since I was 12 years old. I have had some short term success with diets and exercise but nothing that ever lasted. Right before I found out I was pregnant with the last baby I had lost 90 lbs (280 highest weight ever to 190). I felt great, was healthy and happy. But of course being pregnant I put the weight back on. Not quite as much as I had lost (thank goodness). Now it seems that I just cant get it off. I have struggled to lose the same 20 pounds over the last year. Take it off and then it just comes right back. I started rese…

Hi everyone I am on my way to border! Freaked out beyond belief . If your a praying person please send a quick one up for me. For where two or more are gathered there he shall also be, correct!? Hugs

Hi, My name is Andrea. I'm 27 years old, and very, very squishy. I have a 3 1/2 year old son. I used to be very athletic, and still attempt to play soccer every weekend. I've struggled with my weight since 2003. I am at my heaviest weight, 215 pounds. I've worked out religiously for the past year, and yet have not been able to shed a single pound. One would think that playing soccer, and going to the gym, combined with a decent diet would be means of loosing; but not for me. Recently, my son made a comment to me stating that I was fat. I was hurt, but of course, not angry. It was just a simple observation of a 3 year old; but wow... I've visited with my doctor…

Hi there I have my surgery booked for the 24 th August and i am on the pre op diet at the mo. I have tried for a lifetime to loose weight and i am so ready to get on this road. I would love to chat to anyone who can offer support and help to me. thanks Sarah

I'm looking for help and support. I'm considering a lapband due to health issues and because I want a better quality of life with my family. I'm worried about the risks of the procedure, how long is recovery, if anyone has experienced anything negative, etc. Anyone advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. p

This is my first post, and wanted to introduce myself. I had the Lap band surgery on February 20th. It was performed by Dr Lopez-Corvala in Tijuana Mexico. The procedure went great and I have lost 8 pounds (all water) in a week. I was very please with Dr. Corvala and his staff. The only problem I encountered was that none of the nurses spoke english and I did not speak a word of spanish. I really should not call it a problem just an inconvenience. I spent two nights in the hospital and one in a hotel before flying home. I have had no problems and am really excited about where my life is headed. My weigh at the time of surgery was 243 and my goal is 130 - 140. If…

My name is Tracie and i am 35 years old. I was banded July 19th. I have lost 20 lbs in the last 2 weeks and although the loss is slowing now i still think its the best thing i ever did for myself. I just have to say, anyone who says getting surgery is the easy way out, is full of S**T!! The best thing i ever did for myself is also the hardest thing i have ever done Looking forward to meeting you all :tongue2:

Hello everyone! I'm just four days away from my surgery and extremely excited! I struggled with my weight for over 20 years and have gone through all the diets, systems, exercise programs, pills, vdeos, books, etc. and the weight kept coming back...so a good friend of mine encouraged me to do this (she gone through VSG and lost more than 80 lbs in the past year) and with the help and financial support of my wonderful parents, I will be able to experience my dream: be healthy and look great. After all these years, I am so looking forward to finally being slim and fit in nice clothes... My biggest question is how much will I be losing and at what pace. My BMI is 30, …

Hey new guy checking in ...................got banded aug 6th twenty pounds down so far.............good luck to everyone!

Hey! I joined this site almost a month ago and have been sorta OCDish about reading as much as I can. I spoke to my family doctor three days ago about the surgery. He sent me for some labs and told me that he would get the referral for me. He was really impressed that I knew so much about the surgery and what to expect Today I got a call from the surgeon's office and they told me that the first step I need to take with them is to attend an informational seminar. I am going September 8th at 11:30am to a seminar in Cedar Falls, IA. (Anybody else by chance going to this seminar?!) I'm nervous about it so my mom is going with me. Hopefully I can get this surgery done ASAP…

Knocked 3 appts off today, 5 more to go. Not a slam dunk process that's for sure. My BMI came in @ 40.7 today which is on the line for lapband according to this facility. I was encouraged to start an exercise program now, vitamins, increase h20 intake etc. I'm wondering if my BMI creeps down, could I disqualiy myself. Surgery will take place sometime early October. I would just cry if I came up a 38 or 39 and was told no:scared2: