Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Has anyone ever used clarian north? Is so what was your experience like?

:eek:Hello! I am getting started in my LapBand process. Have my consultation on 8/9 and started meeting with my doctor and ob/gyn (i have PCOS) for weight control this month. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO and have found a doctor within network (a requirement) but am wondering how I can find out about the approval process and how many consecutive months I need of doctor monitoring. I have PCOS and HBP and a few other things. I qualify for the surgery but have to have the appointments. Do I call BCBS? The doctors office does not investigate in regards to our insurance-it is our responsibility. Any feedback is appreciated!! I'm a 32 yr old single mom who is ready to tak…

Hi folks, I'm new to this forum, so let me introduce myself. My name is 'Jan'. I had my lapband surgery on April 20th. I've had my 2nd fill, which puts it at 5cc's. I'm hoping that this will be the sweet spot for me. This certainly is a learning curve. Really hard to relearn how to eat and when to eat after 52 yrs of an existing behaviour but I'm going to give it my 'all'. I'm down 48lbs, since I started with the pre-op liquid diet, and I'm happy with my progress so far. Wish it was more, but "I'll take it". I'm hoping that I learn a whole bunch of stuff from these boards and this site - I'm glad I found you all! I'm a 'forum kinda gal'....participate…

I am a 41 year old mum of 2. I weigh about 196lbs and have a bmi of about 32. I am hypothyroid and take thyroxin. My weight has gone up and down by 28lbs regularly over the last few years. I am only 4lbs under my heaviest weight at the moment. I know that the lap band procedure is usually only available for those with a BMI of over 35. With a family history of heart disease and female cancers (my mum is in remission from ovarian cancer) I am anxious that my weight does not get any higher. A gastric balloon is temporary and i know i need the long term option. My mum's diagnosis of ovarian cancer was missed initially cos of her weight. Being hypothyroid and with a h…

I just went on my first vacation post-op and I survived! I even LOST 4 pounds:thumbup: It was so nice to just relax and enjoy my family. We had a great time and I only had one instance where my sleeve gave me a lil trouble (it was getting some lobster to go down) It was so nice to spend a whole day and not worry about food. I wasn't hungry and food was not constantly on my mind. It was FANTASTIC! I can honestly say that this was the best choice for me and I don't regret it one bit. We have 1 more trip coming up before the kids go back to school and i'm looking forward to it now that I know i'll be just fine sleeve and all:cool0:! Yeah for VSG!!!!

I just got approved for my revision -- 1st available surgery date is Aug 31st -- however I am scheduled to go to a conference (in Vegas) the week of 9/13-15 -- is that doable??? (not worried about not being able to eat, as I can back my Protein drinks and instant Soup.) OR should I ask for a date after the conference?

Ok. So I talked to my doctor today and I am pretty sure I am going to have my lap band taken out and the sleeve done on Monday!! I am soo nervous and excited. I have been wanting this for so long and have been working really hard to make this happen but now I am soo scared! Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. This is a little last minute due to insurance problems and such so now that it is really here I am trying to stay calm. Reading everyone's post on here help me out a lot and have given me a lot of insight. So any more insight would be greatly appreciated.

I have finally gotten all of my ducks in a row and jumped thru the hoops. Well I have one more to jump thru.... I just spoke with drs. office and they will be faxing my records out in the morning to the insurance company for approval. Does any one have a idea how long it takes with United Health Care (bottling group)? I know that I can not schedule my surgery until late Sept. early October. I am so EXCITED and can not wait to hear from Dr. Nease office. Please keep your fingers crossed and keep me in your thoughts and prayers

I got a call from UHC today telling me that I am approved for the Lap Band Surgery:biggrin:. I am soooooo happy. July 30th will be here before I know it.

I can't believe my surgery is only one week from today.I will finally be banded!! I am so excited! Anyone else getting banded on 7-27-10?

1 year out from surgery. Had problems from the beginning with protein, After alot of throwing up found out the air was not taKen out of my band day of surgery. I was constricted on day 1 along with swelling and normal pain from actual surgery. Was frustrated that I was in pain for first whole month but got over it as I started to loose weight. Never got fluid in band till 6 months out. Lost 50 lbs in first 8 months. Normal pains and aches and what I thought was normal food sortation with occasional throwing up. Started throwing up more freqently, had fluid taken out of band(was told it was a flu bug) returned to be refilled in 6 weeks( never lost another pound) but felt b…

I can not believe this seems like it must be a dream! I just completed my 3 month requirements paperwork was submitted Friday 7/16/2010 and I was told it could take 10 to 30 days to hear back from insurance company Aetna. I got a call today and the surgery is approved only 2 days if even that and i have a approval Yaay! The only opening they have for a month is July 28th so I said I will take it now I am so nervous it is happening in 8 days WOW!

Hi! I'm Vicky from New Orleans and I am just starting my Lap Band adventure... I had decided several years ago that I wanted to have Lap Band surgery, but at that time my insurance did not cover it. Fast forward 3 years (after DH was laid off, going without insurance because COBRA was too expensive, being laid off myself and then both of us finally finding wonderful jobs)...a couple of weeks ago, we were watching TV and an ad for Lap Band surgery came on where they were talking about a lot of insurance companies covering it. My DH looked at me and said, "Are you sure our insurance doesn't cover it?". My only answer is that I just assumed that it wasn't covered based…

I had lapband on 5/26/10 at Peconic Bay Hosp in Riverhead, NY performed by Dr. P. Mehta. Completely satisfied despite having open procedure secondary to previous surgery. Currently have drainage from operative site which is more of a housekeeping problem than medical. Had first fill yesterday.

Hi! How's everyone?! I'm Jes, I'm 23 and from Baltimore, Maryland!! I've been married for four years this September. My biggest fear in life was that I wouldn't be able to have children. And, a few years ago my fears were confirmed when we learned my husband would never be able to father a child due to his Cancer treatments. He's been Cancer free since October, and is over a year out from his Stem Cell transplant. That being said we decided that when we hit five years of marriage we'd start discussing our options for babies. I know in my heart that being this heavy, and with HBP it would be mean more road blocks for us. My mom had the surgery back in February and…

so here I am, four days post-op. I'm mouthing around a cold sf popsicle, propped up by pillows. I've had 80g of protein thanks to the powders sent home with me by my surgeon. I hope Im done taking the liquid vicoden as it tastes horrible and gives me trippy dreams. Painful hiccups, seriously painful, and more pain with plain water than with anything else. Thank goodness for popsicles. Haven't begun taking my vitamins yet, any thoughts on that? I have a gummy multivit and a B12 complete. I went out to dinner with family tonight and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them eat and smelling the aromas, felt zero emotions of being left out etc. Am now sipping very cold lem…

Hi, I am having my first class of the 6 months starting today. wanted to stop in and say hi and introduce myself... I am sure I will be using this site more and more as time goes on..... I must admit it is pretty scary thinking of all the changed I am about to go through. Any words of encouragement will be greatly listened to!! G

Hi, I'm turning 18 in a week (7/26) and I've been struggling with weight since 1st grade. I wanted to skip right to a tummy tuck and just be done with it but I want to keep the weight off so I'm trying the LAP-BAND® again (started with a LAP-BAND® program for teens but got discouraged). Just hoping to start college life off on the right foot, have fun and feel good about myself for once.

I'm so happy that today my life is going to change for ever. We are driving to the airport right now and I'll have my super sleeve by this after noon!! We are flying to El Paso and then getting picked to been driven to Mexico.. From what I was told I will have wifi so I should be able to post while I'm there. Thank you everyone for all your advice and insight. I will be post-op by the end of the day :thumbup:

Hey there! I'm new to this forum (but have been on such things previously). Awaiting my surgery date on August 27/10 and could not be more excited. Don't have insurance (not sure if it's covered in Ontario anyways?) so I'm paying for it myself, but I think I'm worth it!:thumbup: Hopefully will get to know you over the next while! Thanks!

Hi !! I've been on the site for awhile now just reading and gathering some great information, I must say that everyone here is GREAT !! The support is wonderful and I love how everyone is always willing to help. I've been researching this surgery for about a year and 6 months ago decided to begin my insurance journey, mine required me to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet...and so everything was done and submitted and I was approved and scheduled for surgery next Monday, July 26th !! I am currectly doing my pre-op diet, this is my 2nd week of Protein shakes and Water...which has been really tough :crying: but this week it seems to be a little easier. Now that I am…

Hi all, Home sweet Home Sleeved in Mexico on July 15th. Everything went well. Recovery is not as rosy as some seem to make it out. The gas pains are a bugger. The third day really sucked but the fourth day I felt 110% x better. Now I am on clear fluids but I hate the protien shots. So not sure what to do there a friend said maybe I could add egg whites to my drinks. That might work. Any ideas?

My incisions never did really have much pain, just more a tenderness, like sore muscles after a good workout. But the Gas! That hurt, but not unbearable, and would not scare me off the surgery. Pre-op my Dr. only had me follow a low carb diet, no flour, corn, rice or potatoes, but I was allowed 1 serving of fruit a day, and basically all the meat eggs and veggies I wanted, so that wasn't hard at all and I still lost 5 lbs. On Wed. the day I had my surgery I slept most the day, with ice pack on my stomach, wasn't really hungry but did eat some jello and drank juice and water, took pain med twice I think. Day 2, Thur. I felt pretty good, still not really hungry, but ate…

hi, i am helping with caregiving to globetrotter, 5 days post op now, Each day is an experience with the pain. probably the normal kind of pain, coughing, hiccup and of course the knowing you just dont feel good. Learning to "learn how to swallow the water" . She did notice today though, that her calorie intake was low. Im thinking that as long as the Protien intake is right on target, all is good? What do you think? The calories will be more important when soft foods & solids begin? what do you think? She has been having in the evening approx 6pm, a low grade fever where she gets very flush but says she feels chilled inside, this last approx 2 hours max. …

Trying to find people in Vancouver, B.C. Canada who are getting banded soon or have recently been banded.

Hello to everyone, My name is Laura Phillips, I am from Lafayette, Ga and I was sleeved back in December on the 8 th, 2009. While I didn't plot everyone of my weight losses and I do regret that. If I was to do this over again that would be the only thing that I would do different. I would take a picture and write down how much I weighed and how much I loss in a month. So if you are new and just recently sleeved I would suggest you do this just for your info. Just to see where you progress and where your most losses have been. I am 7 months out and while I didn't loose mine in 4 months, I have officially lost 100# which is just amazing to me. I have gone from a…

I will be having vsg on april 12th, can some please send me a list of vitamins, nicer tasting protien drinks, and tell me if we can drink zero as a form of liguids? Just reading all the success stories makes me more and more excited about my weight loss to come. My many attempts of dieting has failed by keeping the weight off.

I have been looking at WLS for about 2 months now. I am currently 47 years old, 5 ft 7 and 315 pounds, BMI 49. This is the heaviest I've ever been. I was 140 pounds and 31 inch waist 30 years ago. Ive tried countless diets, and am pretty good about losing weight, but eventually gain it all back plus some. I went to an educational seminar about 2 weeks ago. The only 2 options they went over was Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY) and the Band. I was really leaning towards the band, until I started reading a lot about it in the forums. It seems like a great option at first, but with the aftercare, fills, PBing, sliming, getting stuck, bandster hell, and long term compli…

Hi my name is Michelle and im 23 years old. I got my surgery on June 28,2010. Im new at this and had a couple questions. Well first of all does anyone know how long i should wait till i go in a pool? I really want to swim. Also how can i prevent stretch marks? and if anyone has any advise for me... please let me know. Thanks!!! :scared0:

Ok, I have UHC insurance. In February 2010 I was denied by my insurance company for surgery because I only have 3 years of documented bmi over 40. The other 2 years, I was on prescribed diet pills and by bmi was 34-35..... I was sooooo DIASPPOINTED!! I have since gone to an Intertist and I had a sleep study last night and I passed with flying colors. I most defeintly have sleep aptnes. My blood pressure was slightly elevated on my last dr. visit, as well and he is going to monitor it next month. Do you think I will be approved since I have a diagnosis of sleep aptnea and a possibility of high blood pressure. What do you think??

my name is gillian and i live in chicago. i had my surgery nov 23, 2009. My starting weight was 424 pounds as of july 14 when i went to the doctor i now weigh 360. It has it good and bad to it but i think i did the right thing by having the surgery. because if i didn't i would probably be in the grave.:smile::wub::scared2::wub::tt2::wub:

Hi everyone! I have been reading the posts here for a few months while I wait on things to process with the doctor, etc... I have been fighting weight problems since I was 8. I decided to see Dr. Alanis in the Houston area because I had a discouraging experience with Lap Band Solutions. I found out that the sleeve is what I want. I have learned a lot already by reading all the posts here. I am hoping to be sleeved by October. I still have to see the dietitian three more times. I have Aetna insurance so its just part of it. I have questions... just happy to have this here.

Hello! I've been on my pre-op diet for 12 days and although it has been difficult at times, even these last 12 days have been rewarding. I've lost 6 pounds, which I know isn't a whole lot, but I can feel the difference in my clothes, and I have felt less sluggish. My surgery is scheduled on 7/20 with Dr. Javier Herrerra at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. I'm geting a little nervous, but soooo excited to begin this new chapter of my life. I am a 38 year "young" mother of two sons ages 14 and 9 and have been battling with my weight since after the birth of my first son. In the last fifteen years, I have been married, had two wonderful sons, become a n…

I am 41, have three kids, been gaining steadily after getting married and having kids. I was 170 when I met my husband, and a month ago for my well visit I was 263. My doc has me on the two week liquid protein shakes. My husband was banded almost a week ago. He is doing great! I started a somewhat protein shake diet/one sensible meal a day while he was on his two week shake diet, and lost some weight before my 2 week diet started. It's been going good, not bad cooking for my kids. My husband has lost 30 lbs and is looking awesome! I am happy we were able to do this together, it will make it alot easier for us both. I am hoping when we are up to it, we can start t…

Hi everyone! I'm sitting in the Denver airport waiting for my connecting flight to California and then it's over the border I go!! I should arrive in Cali shortly after noon and then am being sleeved later this afternoon. Yesterday I was scared, nervous and excited and today I am just happy. This marks such a HUGE turning point in my life. (stop reading now if you dont want drama lol) I am at a crossroads in my life - My marriage of 23 years just ended, my kids are both off to college, I have a great career and a great job. All the doors are open to me, I can do anything I want and go anywhere I want. This is my first step in putting myself first, and let me tell y…

I have noticed that there are alot of nurses on this site - not a big surprise since we are very good at taking care of other people, just not so good at taking care of ourselves. I thought it would be fun to start at thread for nurses telling where you are from, what kind of nursing you do, how much you have to lose and when you are/were sleeved, how much you have lost, etc. I will go first lol (I'm not pushy or anything :thumbup:) I am from Kansas I am 42 years old I am an ER nurse I weigh 295 and my goal is 150-160ish I will be sleeved July 15th in Mexico - yippeee!!!

Still looking to find anyone in the Vancouver, B.C. Area who is getting the band done or has recently had it done. Wanting to swap stories and info and whatever else. I'm getting banded on July 28th, 2010 with Dr.Woodhead in Ladner. Hope to hear from you!

I am about 10 weeks out of my band to sleeve revision and doing well lost 31 lbs so far (115 lbs total with band). And then yesterday I found out I was pregnant!! This is the reason I wanted to lose the weight and get healthy and yes it is a great blessing I could not be happier. But I am scared to death! I am losing about 2 to 3lbs every week and they want that to slow down a bit. So they want me to eat more......WHAT eat more I cant get down the crap I need to eat NOW. Drs. want me to drink at least 3 Protein shakes and 3 to 4 meals a day.....it is impossible. So if anyone has any ideas or have gone through this please HELP! I am stopping the personel training and …

Well I can't believe it has been 5 weeks already. I went to the doc yesterday for my one month check-up and all is well. He said I was an anomoly. Most people have more problems getting things down. Not me. I can chug (sorta), eat most things (that I am allowed-no raw fruits and veggies, nuts etc), and no episodes of throwing up or sliming (except once, sort of. I ate gelato, and I ate it too fast. More like dumping. Sweaty, nauseous, etc). I can eat more than most people who post on here at my stage and later - entire small Wendy's chili, a little larger than palm sized chicken breast, etc) I had to go a week late because I have been traveling a lot (Since 3…

Hey to everyone! I just started my 2-week pre-op diet on 7/15 and so far not so bad. However, I went to the dentist on Thursday and she extracted 2 teeth so that helps with not being hungry! I certainly didn't expect to have teeth taken out and have stitches in my mouth, but I have decided it is time for me to be healthy all the way around! My surgery is scheduled for 7/29 and I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am so ready to do this and can't wait to have a new me in the coming months and years! Hopefully, I will be able to decrease my diabetic meds and my high blood pressure meds; that would be AWESOME!:cool: I am so glad I found this site; everyone is w…

Hello I am Kaye and this is my first post, I am very interested in the lap band and just wanted to know if I can get some information on where or how to start this process. I have been told to attend support groups to hear the stories of others that have gone through it already.. So if there is anyone that can lead me in the right direction in Kansas City mo that would be great.

Hello, I have completed my six month visit with my PCP and I'm meeting with my nutrionist on July 21st. Would anyone happen to know how long it will take to get an approval from United Health Care? Also, Has anyone with United Health Care followed all the steps and was denied their surgery? The anticipation is killing me, it took me 4 years to decide to have a VSG and now I'm waiting to see if it will happen.

Does anyone know a doctor in Minnesota that will do lapband with BMI at 31

I have been contemplating this for a couple days and decided now that I am less emotional to get this off my chest. I feel very let down by the lack of response I got when I related my near death experience having the sleeve. My post was entitled went for surgery 6/25 I got three whole responses to my thread. Three whole people were empathetic and caring enough to offer kind words and prayers. Yet someone can post they just had surgery and get fifteen well wishes. It is almost like noone wants to hear the bad stuff or complications. I think my account of what happened was very honest and did not place blame on anyone just accounted the facts of me almost dying on the bed …

I am one week post op and I had extreme bloating/gas that I could not get rid of. My doc said it was from them blowing your stomach up with gas during the procedure and to walk..walk...walk! It helps get it out of your system. I also started taking gas-x and it has really helped me out alot! I had my surgery July 8, 2010...stayed overnight in hospital due to insurance requirements...but, had no complications. Day 2 and 3 was the worst for me as far as pain then it has subsided each day. Now, I am mainly just sore at my port site incision and naval incision. I sometimes have a sharp pain near my port site but doc said that was normal because my port is stitched to the musc…

Hi, I'm 38 years old, I live in in South Middle Tennessee. I have been overweight since my daughter was born in 1995. The day I found out I was pregnant I was a size 7, the day I delivered I was a size 22. I have lost some of the weight but just can not seem to keep it off. On top of my weight problems I also have a sleep disorder Narcolepsy, ( I get very sleepy, and with out my meds I would sleep all day). So being a single mother for many years, and always being tired, it was hard for me to excersize. Well I have decided it is time for me. The past 15 years has been all about everyone else now it is my time. I'm tired of being embarassed when I can not fit in a booth…

WELL MY NAME IS CRYTAL I AM 28 YRS OLD, I HAVE TWO CHILDREN 5 & 9 AND A WONDERFUL HUSBAND. ALL MY LIFE I HAVE BEEN OVERWEIGHT STARTING WHEN I WAS IN THE 3RD GRADE I GOT TEASED ALOTE AND I BEGAN TO LOSE IT WHEN I WAS IN THE 7TH GRADE, I STAYED THIN UNTIL I WAS 19 AND GOT PREGNANT WITH MY DAUGHTER AND I GAINED 70 IBS WITH HER AND THEN 1 YR LATER I LOST THAT DIETING AND WORKING OUT, THREE YRS LATER I HAD MY SON AND GAINED 50IBS WITH HIM AND I HAVE NOT LOST THAT. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING IN THE BOOK TO LOSE THE WEIGHT AND FINALLY I DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING DRASTIC TO HELP MYSELF THATS WHEN I WENT TO THE OPTIONS PROGRAM THROUGH KAISER, I GRADUATED FROM THAT AND I MET WITH M…

hi everyone, I am 47 years old and thinking about getting the lap band. I have tried dieting numerous times only to lose the pds. and gain it back plus more...I think the lap band is my only solution! I am looking for any input (good or bad). For anyone that has had it done, does it really help with hunger pangs and cravings?

Hey everyone, I'm a 41 year old man that lives in coastal Georgia. Weight has been a struggle since the ol' college days...and my move back south 6 years ago really kicked it into high gear. Sweet tea, fried shrimp, banana pudding...all the trappings of the south has really done a number on me! I've tried every diet known to man over the last 18 years. None of them took. I'm an active guy... put don't exercise. I have two great kids and a wife of 17 years, and they are all very supportive. I'm getting nervous. But I HAVE to do this..and I have to SUCCEED.

:rolleyes:I have decided to go through with having the sleeve surgery, despite my first attempt. I am going to a different doctor at a different facility. I am having and EKG and stress test here in the states first to clear me. The facility that I am going to is aware that I had complications and are going to come up with a plan that will give both them and myself peace of mind that I will come through successfully. I feel that I need to do this for several reasons, one being that I can't live in fear of surgery, two because I am stubborn and want to kick that crappy memory in the butt, and three because I have been assured by my doctor (whom I have a long history wit…