Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am looking forward to being banded, but am still looking for a low cost package in Southern California. Does anyone have current prices on packages around here? Also, I have a starting BMI of 33 and was wondering if anyone else has been in my situation or know anyone else who has? What is the expected loss and rate of loss? Any other info would be great! Also, if anyone recommends Mexico packages, please site the office/dr. name for referrence. Thanks so much! Sabrina

I am actually not a LAP-BAND® patient, I am a personal trainer who works with a LAP-BAND® patient. I am on here to find out how "bandsters" feel when they are able to start exercising after the procedure. I have been a personal trainer for 10 years and after working with my client, I have found that he and several of the people he knows in the community that are LAP-BAND® patients, are not sure how to start an exercise program and what they should be doing, frequency, intensity, etc. I would like to know if a lot of you feel this way. I do know that several surgeons have staff that help you set up a program but no one to follow you throughout the first year post-op, with …

Tried to get Lap band over a year ago but doctor said i wasn't a good candidate.Now i am thinking about going to another doctor to get another opinion.I just got to lose the weight.Everything gets harder as i get older.Food doesn't mask my problems anymore...Fast food lost its appeal in 1/1/2010...i can eat anything healthy i like it. The fast food makes me feel bad(weird). I guess my body was telling me something...I feel ready to take the plunge.I asked my PC Doc to start the process...JERRY

hi all. i am donna. i want to have the lap band surgery very badly. i am serching through all my friends and family to see if they will co-sign for the loan for me. ihave went through all the loops and hoops but it doesnt look good.my credit hasnt been the best due to me making little cash in the past.(W.Va doesnt pay alot). so now i work alot for the overtime and i have the payments and cant get help. any suggestions?

Just wanted to say that I'm so excited about this surgery! On July 23rd I was approved for the surgery by my insurance. It was a great 40th birthday present! I've done a lot of research and this website helps so much. I've enjoyed reading the posts. Today was my nutrition and exercise meeting. A lot of information to process. I have an appointment with the surgeon on August 23. I can't wait! Any Iowans who have been banded?

I jsut started my journey (again) the end of July! Many comolications the first time, and ended up with back surgery instead of getting banded. Now that that is out of the way, bring on the band! A little anxious, nervous, scared, but I am ready! Hope to get to know all of you better!!

Just stopping in to say HI. I'm new and am in the beginning stages of my LAP-BAND® journey. I've done my research, seen my surgeon twice and am now waiting for insurance approval. Meanwhile, I'll keep doing my research, both about the procedure and my new life style. Looking forward to reading your posts.

I had my first fill in today. My doctor told me that I need to be on clear liquid until Monday. Yuck...I am starving and dread having to drink chicken broth for 3 days...I was just getting used to eating food again. 6 weeks post op and was starting to see a plateau at weight loss. I started at 211 and currently 185. For the last 3 weeks have been fluctuating between 182-185. I was definitely able to eat a little more than 2 teaspoons full for the first few weeks after surgery. I hope I did the right thing having a fill. I wonder what would happen if I have yogurt or something before Monday. Has anyone eaten anything after their first fill.

I was woundering if anyone else has experienced having a port getting infected causing the wound to open up to expose the port...then had to have the port removed. This has had happened to me this past January and had my port removed on Febuary 17:ohmy: I was also 16 months post op from the band. I am so frustrated and the weight is starting to creep up and the surgeon will not replace the port until my wound is completely healed up. The problem is the the surgeon left my wound opened and had me doing wet to dry dressing with very little improvement, I had even asked for another kind of dressing like the aqua cell...the surgeon said NO. I know a little about wound care…

by Dr. Madan in Beverly Hills. I know i will be off work Friday but is it reasonable to expect to be back at work on Monday? I have a desk job with very little physical activity. I would like to hear how soon some of you went back to work. Also, i am a social drinker and enjoy martinis and scotch. I am not a beer drinker so i have no problem with no beer. I was just wondering how soon some of you were able to enjoy a cocktail after being banded. Thanks octroy Yorba Linda, CA

Just wanted to introduce myself -- I'm having my surgery on Sept. 8th and am more than a little anxious . . . . but with all of this good information, I'm feeling a little bit more secure :sad0: Thank you!!!

Hey guys, Globetrotter here, I'm finally back in my living space in Iraq. I've showered, slept, and oh yeah, been rushed to the combat hospital with dehydration after a 72 hour traveling ordeal. I sip sip sipped on Protein Water during the commercial flights, I nibbled on the scrambled egg, soft meat and cheeses offered during the flights. I was still doing good even when I flew military from Kuwait to Iraq. Things didn't go downhill till I got stuck in one spot in Iraq and the ac was out and I started to sweat more than I could hydrate. I faded pretty fast after that, I made it to my destination, barely. I was rushed from the airfield to the hospital where I recei…

Hello everyone. Im Barbie_70. 41 years old next month. September 9 on my bithday Im going to have my vsg in Stockholm. I wonder all you who get surgered, after 6 months or 1 year how many oz are you eating per meal? In US you have very good experience but in Sweden they are not with surgery like this and I am very scared if I really can do with drinking and eating and maybe cant find the stuff you eat and drink. I really need coching, have nobody else can helping me go across this. Today Im 90 kg. I want to be 60 kg again. Have you any advise to me???

I started my liquid diet today, and let me say I kept reading everyone post their struggles with the pre-op diet and while I could totally sympathize with them I really didn't connect the dots of the emotional strain it has on a person. I am not really that hungry, that I can deal with, I am however already an emotional mess about this second time going for surgery and this lack of having my buddy Mr. food to lean on is getting to me. I didnt have to do a pre-op diet before the last trip because I have a lower BMI, this doctor however requires it so I am doing what is asked of me like a good girl. Right now though I am totally screwed in the head, I am really quiet a…

Today, I had my meeting with my surgeon. He was very informative and nice. He answered all the questions and concerns I had. He thought I would be a good candidate for the lapband surgery. I left so excited and hopeful for this surgery. Now the waiting for approval and then we can schdedule a date.

There are 10 clinics with 30 patients each in the US, so that's 300 patients in this study. I can't believe no one besides me is in it on this forum. So, allow me to try my introduction again: Banded 2/12/2008. In Low BMI (below 40) Research Study to get the Lap-band® approved by the FDA for treatment of Obesity, not only Morbid Obesity. I did very well the first year, losing nearly all my weight. I suffered a serious set back when I crashed my motorcycle June 10, 2009 and was injured badly enough to lose my job (broken bones, bruising, etc--full race leathers saved me from the real damage). Then, I went back to work, got back on the bikes. Things were good for awhile. T…

I am so confused as to why my doctor is telling me that I cannot have fruit, pasta, bread, potatoes, rice, or even cereal like oatmeal. I have a different doctor that does my fills than the one that did my surgery, and in a different state, too. Before I had the surgery, I was given a list of tons of healthy stuff I could eat after the surgery that included all that I mentioned above. Since I could not travel 8 hours everytime I needed a fill, I had to get a new doc. The Lap-Band® package my new doc gave me had a web site that I could go to for meal ideas and THEY have recipes with fruits in them. What is going on here? Do I need to find another doc?.... again?:thumbup:

Hi there everyone! My name is Karen, I'm 30 (closer to 31) and I'm just getting started with my lap-band® journey. A little about me, I have 3 children, 2 girls and a boy. Ages 5, 3 1/2 and 7 months. My husband is in the Navy and we are currently stationed in Rhode Island. I am going to a WLS seminar on Wednesday. The doctors require it before even calling for an appointment. I have no idea if I will even be seeing either of the doctors doing the seminar but I figured I'd go to it just in case so I don't have to wait for it to roll around in September as it's only given once a month and my appointment with my PCM is on the 26th of this month. I need a referral from her be…

Finally approved!! My husband and I are both approved!! Now for the wait for a surgery date but we are getting closer. Another hurdle is in my review mirror... Sooo excited. I did not realize until this moment how ready I am to start this journey. Thank you to everyone here for your support and sharing your stories. :crying:

I realize it takes hard work to achieve your goal of weight loss and a healthier life. Here's what I don't understand.:party: If you are banded, how can you gain and or not lose weight when your new sized stomach (I hate the word pouch) can only hold so much? Eating one cup of food 3 X daily is a 1/3 of what I eat now. Thanks much

just an update for those that have been following my story...i went for my assesment this weekend...the doctor checked my hair...skin ...nail...esphogaus (sp)...teeth..and anal for damage...i have not done any internal damage...my hair is weak... i got an iron shot..my toe nails did fall off and my skin is getting better...she was amazed at how many doctors have failed me...i don't place blame on them...i wasn't telling them the truth...i was even prescribed laxatives by my doctor (not the band surgeon) when the over the counter laxatives just weren't strong enuff...i have an idividual counsler and i go to 2 support groups...i go to a support group for over-eaters...they …

Hello, can someone tell me how to get the weight tracker to show up on your posts?

Hi everybody, Thanks so much for sharing. I'm on day 4 of the pre-op diet. Feel much less bloated. Very loopy though. My surgery is on 8/16. I'm anxious. I've been in the process to get to this point for 8 months. Videos, psych evals, seminar, countless doctors appointments, co-pays, "documented monthly weight loss efforts". When the insurance company asked for that one, I was livid. My BMI is 44, I have high cholesterol, sleep apnea, sore knees/joints, borderline diabetic, high blood pressure, struggling with obesity for over 11 years. Sometimes up, sometimes down. Well, now that I'm on the other side of these past 8 months with surgery in 10 days, I kinda understan…

That this forum is AWESOME! I've really enjoyed reading about the experiences and advice other forum members have shared. I've only been on here a week, but I know I will continue to use this site to guide me through my own lapband journey. God bless you all!

HI all, Not sure where this thread belongs, so feel free to move if needed. I am currently under the 6mo. supervised diet and will be doing monthly weigh-in #3 tomorrow (1/2 way there). Once completed in November, I should be able to be approved and hopefully have the band done in late nov, early dec. My dilema is this.. We are planning a big family vacation to Disney for 1 week at the end of March/Beginning of April. My wife wants to get the dining plan option. (1 large meal, 2 quick meals). We will be travelling with 2 picky boys (7/3 .. or 8/4 at trip time) and an infant (1 at travel time) Now, I know I won't be able to eat much on this trip, and have a few qu…

I'm the queen of gas and bloating. I do have IBS with constipation (especially when I'm stressed). Can any of you who were or are cursed with the mentioned symptoms comment on how you are doing after banding? Thanks so much to all of you for your kindness and sensible advice. Katie T

Hello Everyone, I'm Kim, everyone calls me Kimmi so feel free to join that bandwagon. I am on the sleeve bandwagon and I have had multiple tests so far. I've seen the cardiologist, had the Echo Doppler and the Nuclear Stress test - all results given were good. Saw the Pulmonary Dr. - he was awesome, did the APG blood test for him because I have sleep apnea and the chest xray he required. Had my Upper GI and the abdomen ultrasound and met with GI Dr. He is going to do an Endoscopy on me on Aug 31st, I do have GERD and Gallstones so I think they just want to double check a few things out. Did one psych evaul and she denied me because I currently suffer from Panic Attacks a…

How many office visits or test do you have to attend after surgery? My insurance is running out 2 weeks after my scheduled surgery and I'm not sure if I can afford the post op requirements. What do your think?

Hi, I'm Bonnie and I was banded 2/12/2008. I am taking part in a Low BMI Research Study for 3 years. Are there any other of the Low BMI patients on this forum? Like other bandsters, I have had my downs and ups. Mostly down, but I have 2 major set backs. A motorcycle crash last summer that left me unable to exercise or ride for several months and then recently gall bladder surgery, which I have yet to fully recover (that was in April). Both times, since I work part time, I lost my job. Anyway, I'm particularly interested in hearing from other Low BMI study patients, but of course will fully participate in this forum. Bonnie

Hi folks, I'm a new member to VST but have been lurking around for a bit, reading so many stories of your journeys with VSG. After reading so many positive reviews, today I scheduled VSG with Dr. Aceves for 09/20/10. When I first considered the surgery, my first response at having surgery in Mexico was "NO WAY am I having surgery in Mexico!" But in reading reviews of Dr. Aceves and the hospital there in Mexicali, any fears I had have been alleviated. It was good to see the stories of several nurses who have gone there for the procedure, as I'm a nurse myself. And I know that if the facility can pass a "Nurse's Inspection", then they definitely are doin…

Hello, I am going to get the band on august 17 in Tijauna. I am very nervous and have been thinking of it for about 18 months my insurance would have paid for RNY but I just could not do that one. To scary for me. Pray all will go well for me.:party:

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I have very heavy legs and upper arms that are full of cellulite and jiggley. Does the cellulite disappear with weight loss? It's not minor cellulite, it's terrible.

I was just banded on Aug. 5 and am bound to have many questions along the way. I'm thankful for this community!

Tomorrow is my birthday and I am really dreading going to work. Some of my coworkers know about my surgery but not all of them, and food is a HUGE thing where I work. People love to bring all kinds of junk to eat. I know my sleeve will prevent me from eating too much, but I was hoping not to have to take on this kind of situation so early out. Wish me luck!:svengo:

Some of you might remember that I was scheduled for my VSG in late June. I had a pre-op endoscopy that showed a tiny area of erosion in my stomach, so, less than 18hrs before my surgery, they cancelled it. It was an exhausting deflating experience for both me and my huz (did I mention I had been on a modified pre-op liquid diet for 3 WEEKS???).:biggrin0: Well, after 4+ weeks on Prilosec, my endoscopy was perfect, and I'm schedule for August 17th. I'm 2 (cheating!) days into a 2 week liquid pre-op diet. The first time around was such an emotional rollercoaster, that now I'm practically apathetic. I've been working out with a trainer 3 days/week, mostly weight-training,…

I am post-op ending day 12. I have been experiencing a little hunger pain and so I think I am ready for a fill!! My first one is scheduled for August 12th and I am just curious as to what you experienced banders have to say about this new experience! So far, I have lost 15 pounds, so I am excited for this new journey I have chosen. Let me hear from you!:scared2:

Hello ladies and gents.... i'm Zen from Chula Vista CA and want to start a So Cal support group, anyone is welcome not just So Cal'ers.... I am 35 270lbs and will be getting banded on Aug 26th and need emotional support... Good luck to all of us!!

Well i finally got the ok for my gastric sleeve surgery .I started this journey ,January 2010 and approved August, 4 2010 its been a long year or should i say 2yrs i was told i had arthritis in my spine and in my knees and if i lost 100 lbs it would help to ease my pain ha ha not a good joke of course i put more on because of the pain and not being able to exercise or walk so with the support of my husband and daughter i decided to give the lap band a shot. When i finnally got to meet Dr Jaward and his staff he told us about our opitsions i decided to go with the gastric sleeve because of less maitnence and less dr vistes seeing as hes in occala and im like 2 1/2 hours aw…

I'm 23 years old and I have been researching Lap Band Surgery for a few days now. But would like to get some advice from people who have actually had this procedure done. I'm 5'1 and weigh about 196 lbs. I have struggled with being overweight for the last 6 years or so. I have tried diet and exercise many times but have not lost more than 5 lbs. I'm depressed almost all the time because of my weight. I have some lower back pains and knee pains quite often. I have many headaches and migraines but not sure if this could be associated with my weight. I am hoping that I would qualify but I'm not sure. Do you think I could possibly qualify for this? And does Medicaid pay for t…

Hi all! Im new here and was wondering if there is anyone else in my area? (Bronx, NY) I have not been banded yet...I have my first appt on Aug. 11. My start weight was 267 and I have been loosing a lil on my own so I am currently at 255.

So let me tell you a story. The story of me, the story of heavy me. We could use words like obese, morbidly obese or even super morbidly obese if you would to go the medical route. OR we could go the fluffy, thick, or even the visually disgusting plump if you want to revert to your childhood or minimize the impact I?m doing to my body. No matter what words you use I need help. Ten years ago I was sitting in a doctors office going over details of gastric bypass surgery. Talking about the positives and negatives. Talking about the percentages, skin aprons and even the boost in my sex drive. I wasn?t convinced. I was young. I could do this on my own. All it would take is a …

Hello, I've been registered with this website for awhile but haven't had the chance to post anything yet. My name is Gabrielle and I'm a 22 year old woman who is looking for some relief from being overweight!! I've been diagnosed with PCOS, have "pre"-diabetes, and sleep apnea. I've been through numerous diets, exercise plans. The best "diet" I ever did was Atkins-completely cutting out any and all carbs and I lost approximately 40 lbs (this was about five years ago). I am now at my heaviest weight right now (300+ lbs). Daily I think about the LAP-BAND® procedure. I have gone through with seminar, doc visit, etc... I know this will be the best thing for me afte…

When I go for my appointments, everyone's super nice and friendly and helpful and bursting with information. But if I have a question outside of office hours and send a voicemail or an email, I get bupkis. No response. I'm concerned about that. While I can get many of the questions I have answered here, it's still critical that I feel they are invested in my success too. For instance: I need to set up a sleep study (though I don't have apnea), and they gave me the name of the doctor to call. I've been calling for two weeks and nothing. I told my bariatric center about the unresponsive doctor, and the office manager said she'd look into it and get back to me. And----…

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the site and am actually looking for friends in the metro-Atlanta area to work out with and discuss the band. Let me know if you want to know more about me.

hello everyone! I am new to this forum. I just got my approval from my insurance today for surgery. I have been thinking very hard these past few months about the procedure. Deep down I really want to do it but my mom, who is my best friend, is not being supportive. She doesn't want me to do this at all and it's really making my decision on whether or not to have the Lap Band very difficult. I value her opinion alot. That is really the only thing holding me back from moving forward with things. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation? I need some words of encouragement and positive feedback! Thanks!

How do those of you who are emotional eaters manage this post surgery? I eat when I'm tired, happy, sad, stressed,bored and as a reward etc. I am determined to beat this and am looking for help big time. Thanks in advance:unsure:

hi all, Today my denial came for the sleeve. It states: "based on the clinical information provided, our medical director has determined that this request is not medically necessary. According to the BCBS Medical Policy for Bariatric surgery, Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is considered not medically necessary as the literature does not support that this alternative procedure demonstrate both that it improved the net health outcome, and that the overall benefit/risk ratio for the procedure was at least as good as gastric bypass." so while they say not medically necessary it is actually a investigational/experimental denial. Does anyone know of articles that s…

I just found this site tonight, having been banded a week ago today. No regrets, so far, but it's still pretty early. My first post-op visit is coming up on Tuesday. No fills for 8 weeks, at the earliest. My surgeon has some fairly strict post-surgery eating guidelines as follows: Week 1: Clear liquid Week 2: Full Liquid Weeks 3-4: pureed Foods Weeks 5-8: Soft Foods Week 9: Regular Foods I cannot tell you how happy I was to have a 1/2 cup of creamy Soup for dinner tonight! Yummmmm. I'm even more looking forward to scrambled eggs and cottage cheese NEXT week! I've been eating pretty well for the last few months, but the clear liquid diet for the pa…

My name is Karen, I am 40 years old, been overweight for 30 years. I stopped smoking 5 years ago and went on an anti-depressant and gained about 60lbs, on top of already being fat. I am really concerned about people complaining about the pain of eating after being banded. Also, if people who are banded can only eat a little, why do some people only lose 40 lbs. in a year and some can lose that in the first 4 months? I've heard of people wishing they had never had it done, so I just wonder what is so bad about it? I would like anyone to give me straight forward answers and advice. I would love to get banded!