Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone! I got my lapband surgery done this Monday. I am super excited and looking forward to the many changes in my life. I am on liquid diet and tomorrow moving foward with the nutrition liquid diet. I have been doing great... healing just fine and thinking of going back to work tomorrow already. I live on my own but a cousin stayed with me as my parents live in another state. I lost 10 lbs *doc said to lose around that much* prior to surgery so I am down to 210. I need to get a weight scale as I already feel that I've lost some since surgery date. I look at the mirror and my face is starting to look thinner. I came in at 220 and my goal is to be at 160.…

I just wanted to introduce myself, My name is kelly and I have been on this journey for about 2 years just trying to decide if i wanted to do it.. I tried every diet just like all of you, but what made me decide 100% was my father had 3 heart attacks in 3months last year then this year he found out that he had throat cancer and after that I found out that my cholestrol & blood pressure was high.. So NO MORE waiting and excuses. NO MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am going to get it off and keep it off no for looks but to prevent that bad road that i would eventually go down...I am a very active person i do aerobics classes and walk 3miles a day and still nothing I want to live …

Day 1 was LONG the flight was an experience! Ernesto picked us up right in time. He is very polite loads your bags for you. The drive to Mexicali was crazy! They drive a lot different here very wild. The were so many mountains and high rocks. The drive was about 1.5hrs. When we got to the hospital they drew blood, collected urine did a EKG and Chest Xray. Met with the anesthesiologist, he is very nice and welcoming. He explained everything very well.Spoke good English he just talked really fast:) Then off to the hotel. It was AMAZING! It was like a little resort.Had 3 nice places to eat, Italian, mexican, coffee shop. The pool was fantastic! Take your suit I didnt kn…

Hi, Im new to the site and Im super excited to find out about the vertical sleeve through a friend. I found out a few months ago I was not qualified for the gastric bypass and it broke my heart. I checked it out with my family doctor even before I went any further and she said she would totally support me, the problem though later I found out was not having a BMI over 40 and then theres a HUGE waiting list IF im approved out of however many other people need it more then me. I was like wow, guess thats out. Then I found out about the lapband and have only heard not good things about it since. So I gave up.... then talking to my gf, we started talking about our next…

Hi, After finally deciding to get it done and scheduling my surgery for Aug 18th, I finally decided to talk to my family Doctor and I even brought paperwork to show her on the VSG and Info on Dr. Pompa. However she was not happy I could tell, she told me that she would rather I meet with a Doctor here in Canada who deals with obesity and he can put me on medications but she also thinks I wont qualify for surgery here because my BMI is not over 40. She says that she would not be able to help me if something goes wrong when I return because she does not know what the Dr's in Mexico are doing and what the procedure entitles etc. I could tell she was not happy at all, b…

:biggrin0:Hi my name is babygirlinokc, I had a lap band done on 04-04-08. Did not work for me at all. So, 05-20-09 I had the lap band removed and the vsg done. Day and night!!! I love my sleeve. It totally ROCKS!!! The surgeon that did my sleeve was an out of network provider for Federal BCBS. Doctor told me that I should do self pay. Then Federal BCBS would reimburse me. They said the reimbursement would not be the full amount that I paid for the surgery (12,500.00) but some of it should come back. Well on the Obesity Help web site there were numerous amount of vsgers claimed Federal BCBS paid for their vsg the full amount. So, that is where I'm at right …

Hi, I am new to this, I was banded in 2007 and have not reached my goal yet. I am at stand still. For some reason I have started snacking on junk food, candy cookies....etc. If anyone can give me some pointers on how to get back on track. I would appreciate it.

Hi, I'm new. I was going to get the surgery last year but I thought I could do it on my own. I did lose 15lbs with the help of a friend but gained it back later. I am getting the psy and consult with a dietician this week. I am attending the seminar Wed. I am excited. I am doing a lot of research.

Finally after a discouraging stall, I am now celebrating " ONEDERLAND". People I don't see very often are amazed at the way I look. Doesn't that feel great?

Hello Friends, I had my surgery on Oct. 1, 09 with Dr Aceves and his team. My hubby and I arrived in San Deigo on the day before surgery. Ernesto (driver) was waiting with a sign with my name on it. We then met some other surgery pts. that had arrived. We started our 2 hour drive to the hospital with Ernesto telling some history of the area and pointing out some interesting sights. The ride didn't seem that long as we all got to know each other. We arrived at the hospital and were greeted by some fellow sleevers that were ready to go home. It was a thrill to get to meet some friends from VST. We were taken into a waiting room and called out to different rooms to have…

anyone had the band and then got pregnant?

I will be banded on July 30th. I feel hesitant, but I'm going for it, remembering my initial reasons for wanting to do this. A little about me...I am a 53 year old school teacher in Texas. I have been overweight/concerned about weight most of my life. I have been semi-successful two times losing weight on my own, but I never reached the goal. I really hope this surgery will help me stay on track to finally reach a healthy goal weight - one in which I feel satisfied and confident about the way I look and feel.

July 20th :biggrin: I consider the band the middle point in my whole trip. Wow, how everything feels so real now after the last 4-5 months of doing what needed to be done.:smile2: I'll keep ya posted!:thumbup:

Yeah! Hurray! Finally after 9 months it is done. First couple days were really ouchy and I couldn't move and felt kinda useless sitting around while everyone else did things for me. So much better now after four days. I can get up and down and take care of my son. Can't pick him up as he is 32 lbs! He is kinda grumpy cause mama is kinda grumpy and he has always been my mirror on emotion. The food {or lack there of} is still murky. I had mashed sweet potato with yogurt and chicken gravy. It was the best thing I have eaten in almost three weeks. Okay...it was the only thing I have eaten in almost three weeks! Today I will try some different veggies and maybe som…

Hey Everyone, I am sure this has been talked about a lot. Hair loss. When I started losing mine, I know I wanted to know anything that would help me STOP losing my hair. I already had fine thin hair. I started to lose it about 2 or 3 months after my surgery--I saw hair in the drain in the shower. Well, as some people told me-don't worry about it--it will come back. Guess what they were right about 5 months after the surgery my hair did start coming back. I did use the Shampoo and Cream rinse made my Nioxin. You can find it in a lot of hair salons or on the Internet. I am not saying that it stopped my hair from coming out, but a week after using it my hair…

I have lost 10 lbs. in five days on my pre-surgery liquid diet. Is that normal?:bored0:

I need to be part of a support group. I live in Fort Worth... anybody have any ideas? Of know of one?

So here I am in the hotel room in San Francisco; all pre-op is done, I'm starving, and I report to the hospital at 6AM. Since I can't eat anything but clear liquids I am of course watching the Food Network! Now I see why we call it food porn!=P I have no fear regarding the surgery however there is still a part of me that is disbelieving, that wonders if this will actually work. It isn't rational or logical - I've read the forum, I know it works! But still ... So, the next time I get on here I will be post-op, gulp!! Ciao for now!!:thumbup1:

Hi everyone! I was banded March 8th: _ 1st fill March 29th as I had no restriction - 2nd fill was April 24th I have had very modest weight loss, about 9lbs 2 lbs of which I regained last week before the 2nd fill. I have had a problem with vomiting often but inconsistently on different foods, ie. some days I am ok to eat salads with chicken and some days I am not. I am a little discouraged as I keep hearing there is a sweet spot but I am not finding it. I find it difficult to eat as I throw up and also don't feel full with little amounts when I can eat. I almost have my regular appetite. I was also told to take an antireflux medicine daily. Has anyone found…

Hello Everyone, I'm new to this site. I have been researching the lap band surgery for quite some time. I made appointment to attend the educational class on August 3rd. However I'm really leaning more towards the gastric sleeve. I have United Healthcare and they approve the surgery with the following things; BMI over 40, doctor in network, surgeon in network, over 18, and 2 comor. All above fit me my BMI is 41 and I suffer with Gerd, Asthma and Hypertension. So I'm just praying when the paperwork is turned in I will have no problems. I'm so looking forward to learning more from all of you as ai embark on this journey to change my life for the better.

Hello. I've been reading the forums here for about a week and today I finally had the nerve to join in the conversation. This seems to be such a warm, suppportive and encouraging group and I am grateful to have found you. If you don't mind, I'd like to share my story and ask some questions. I don't talk about this with my friends, I'm not sure why, but it's probably because I'm embarrassed. I have been overweight (I still have a very hard time using the word obese) my entire life. A few times in my life I have lost major amounts of weight. Right after college I did medifast and lost. I looked and felt good but alas, it was temporary. I did not learn how to eat right, …

Hello! Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm KatjaE and I just got my surgery date of August 27 -- about six weeks away. I'm a complete beginner here, but I think I'm ready. I'm more excited than nervous. I've already made a LOT of behavioral changes over the last year: -- In March 2009, I started exercising 6 days a week (33 minutes on a recumbent stationary bike). This did not lead to weight loss, but it made me feel stronger and healthier. -- In the summer of 2009, I stopped eating ice cream and started eating big salads almost every day. (This was a MAJOR change for me and my family.) This did not lead to weight loss either. -- In January and February of 201…

i am 20 years old. female 5'5 235 pounds i have been heavy my entire life but have gained over 70 pounds in the last year alone. my father passed way and i quit smoking. i am so miserable being overweight. i have tried every thing known to man kind to lose weight and nothing works permanently. i have lost weight several times and have ended up gaining back everything i lost plus so much more. i am really considering getting the LAP-BAND® and have a few questions. would i be a candidate? (my bmi is a 39.1) has any gotten the LAP-BAND® in los Angeles? i live here and have ppo insurance. were you able to get financed? how should i bring this up to my family!? a…

My sleeve is scheduled for July 19th. I am scared. I guess I have spent too much time reading horror stories. I am so upset I have went from being excited to being scared. Please help reassure me.

I am attending a seminar on Saturday. What is the next step in this process? Contacting my insurance, or finding a surgeon and speaking with them first? any help is greatly appreciated :]

My name is Shanecia and I'm 30 years old, I'm 5'6" about 345lbs . I have been overweight as long as I can remember. About 2 1/2 years ago I decided to have WLS, my pcp suggested that I get the lapband so that's what I had my mind set on when I went to my first consultation with the surgeon. After meeting with her and telling her my medical conditions and eating habits she suggested that I get RNY. I was fine with that..........it took me another year and a half to actually do everything that my insurance company required. I was approved in December 2009. Well since it had been over a year since I saw the surgeon I had to make an appointment to come in to see her. After …

I got a call from my surgeons office yesterday with my surgery date...........Sept 2. I don't really know how I feel right now, I'm sure in the days and weeks to come I will feel many different emotions.

I hope this the forum for me. I am scheduled for VSG on the 23rd. I'm on my liquid diet now, and being patient with it. MY goal is to get down to the weight I was when I wore that Number 50 football jersey for my HS football team. That means I need to go down from 309 to 188. I just want to be more comfortable in my body and get rid of the itis's that come from physical exertion when being overweight. I want my feet, legs and hips not to hurt so much and so long when I get off work.

I have just confirmed that my surgery is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 pm here in NY. I can't believe it is finally here. I am a little nervous, but I do feel a sense of peace that I am doing the right thing for myself and my kids. I just can't wait to get through the unpleasant aspects of the surgery and the first few days and to move on with my life. Let the losing begin!! Brian

I'm so irritated! I saw my PCP back in May and she put through a referral for the lap-band®. I got a letter in the mail in early June, instructing me to fill out an online questionnaire for the program, which I did right away. Just now I received a letter from the program saying that my insurance requires me to have a BMI greater than 40 and at least TWO co-morbidities. My BMI is 47 and my PCP documented that I have joint pain and psychological effects from being overweight, but I guess neither of those two issues count, because I was denied. One thing that irritates me about this is that the speaker at the lap-band® seminar said that the social workers in the program wil…

I'm new to the lapband process, don't even have my surgery date, but I want to obtain as much information about the before and after as possible. I'm really anxious about making sure I'm committed to the lifestyle change. I'm more worried about food getting stuck than anything else. A little worried about adjustments making my band too tight. This site has already provided so much information and insight. I look foward to learning more. I'll continue to post and update my journey. Thanks for the support Lapbanders!!!

I had my first consult today. I had contacted www.weightlosscenters.com and found out there is a location in my area. It wasn't bad, except I waited for a LONG time! There was about 20 pages to fill out, then the surgeon came out and discussed the procedure with us in the waiting room. We then did our height and weight and were sent back into our own rooms. From there, I waited about an hour until the surgeon came in and talked to me. The night before I had written out a list of questions, health issues, medications, and previous diets to bring up when speaking to the surgeon. I froze and didn't really ask a whole lot of questions (I do this alot and then think of eve…

Hello! My Name is Patty, and I am a stay at home mom to triplet 3 yr olds, and a 5 yr old. life is a little chaotic as you can imagine, and as most moms, I am the last on the list. I made the decision in April to get banded. My highest weight was 366, and once I made the decision to do this, I went on a low carb eating plan, and was an exercising fool...I lost close to 50 lbs pre op. I was banded on July 1st, and all went well...I had that horrible left shoulder gas pain, but I was walking pretty quickly, and it subsided....really exhausted though....!!! seriously!!!! I never run out of gas like this!! I hope this goes away soon... I havent eaten anything yet…

Hey everyone! My names Cat and I've only just recently started talking to my dr about weight loss surgery... Ok.. so maybe she brought it up to me! I've struggled with weight my entire life, starting at about age 5. I've tried every diet I can think of, and have lost weight with diet and exersize, and always yo-yo'd back. The lowest adult weight I've ever been is 268lbs... and I actually felt really good being that weight, though I know I still needed to lose more. Since then I've had a baby and gained so much, I'm the heaviest I've ever been! My dr has finally asked me to do research as she's never had a patient have weight loss surgery and even she doesn't know t…

So I decided to get the ball rolling and got my family dr to contact a lap band dr to get some more information and possibly get this surgery going at some point in the future... I get a call back with my appointment date and time, and it's not until Oct 25th! Is that normal to have to wait that long just for a consultation? I know there are a few drs who perform this surgery around here... should I try and contact someone else who can get me in sooner, just for the evaluation?! On the other hand.. if this dr is so busy.. maybe she's really good? I dont know! I kind of wanted to talk to someone much sooner than that, to see if this surgery is the right thing for me a…

Well its nearly here. Only 2 weeks to go until my surgery. I have to go on Optifast for the 2 weeks. My Dr wants me to loose 11 pounds before my op or he will not do it. I have used Optifast before and did OK with it. I had to wait 12 months for my hospital cover to kick in so its been a long wait but its nearly over. Getting really excited maybe a little scared. Will keep you up to date.

Hi! I have decided to take this journey to get off 130 some odd pounds. I've tried everything in the last 10 years. List of diets and programs that failed. I'm ready (or I think I am anyway) for the big guns. I have located doctors that I think I want to use and am going to a seminar this Thursday. I'm scared, nervous and excited all at the same time. I have a few questions...What happens at these seminars? Do you make an appointment right there for a consult? Do they tell you about insurance options at that point? I don't know what to expect??? I'm like 98% sure my insurance will cover the procedure because my BMI is over 40...way over 40. I'm 5'2" and around 255 lbs…

Hi everyone, My name is Koren, im 25 from Wilmington De. Just looking for some people to talk to on a regular basis... i feel kinda lonely on here... i go on the chat but it seems like everyone knows everyone else and have their own little conversations.:cursing:.. I am not banded yet... Hoping for it in August...i really don't have many questions since most of them can be answered on here... i just like talking about reasons of getting this done and my excitment or fears about it.. but so does everyone else... but anyway again just looking for some friends... maybe even people close to where i live...:confused: i'm just Bored!!!

Hello! I am new to the site..I have just attended the info session explaining the different types of bariatric surgery. I am torn between the LapBand and the Sleeve. I have friends who have done both. All are very happy with their results. Any guidance for me?? :confused: Thanks!

Had my surgery on july 7, 2010. Everything going well. Trying to make sure I get all liquids and proteins daily. can any one suggest a menu for first phase liquids only.

So, here I am world. I had my surgery on, of all days, my birthday. What a perfect day to start a new life. Right? 3 days out and I have found this great forum. Hopefully you will see me around a lot more. Right now, I am struggling with the rules, no hot, no cold, everything room temp. But I have to say: that slightly warmer than room temp broth sure did hit the spot! I have tons of gurgling if I go too long without something. It is quite strange. I'm not psychologically hungry, I am physically hungry and the broth wasn't cutting it. So off to a creamier Soup, even with a few chunks in it and now I'm not doubled over in pain. That was quite strange. Pushing …

Hey everyone I am new to this site but I am very excited about getting the lap band done...I got banded on June 28,2010 I went to my after surgery appt and had lost 22 pounds already...I won't lie the first week waas hard for me but I know that I am on the road to a new and healtier person....I have struggled with my weight since 1997 and it had only got worse after my mom died in 2008 so that is why I decided to get the band done and so far it has been the best thing I have ever done for myself!!! :confused:

Hello Everyone! I'm new here - but, I've been reading for quite awhile. I am considering Lap-Band Surgery. I've had a few tests done, have talked with my Family MD, and have recently found a Surgeon who may be someone I am interested in. This is the beginning of my journey, and I hope to come back here often for friendship, support and encouragement - to get AND to give!! Thank you!! ~Lisa

Hey guys! Really looking forward to CHANGE...literally, I need financial sponsors for my surgery since Cigna will not cover it under my plan!!! I'm optimistic...message me if you are interested in contributing!

Morning all.... Here it is post op day 10...And I am doing GREAT.... When I first started this journey back in January I was 262 lbs, and my BMI was 44... Today I am 219 lbs and not sure what my BMI is at this point....I had my surgery done at Fairview U of M campus in Minneapolis, MN. I made the decision to make this change when I realized that I was having too many health problems related to weight and just couldnt do it alone... I had to lose 20 lbs prior to surgerry and I was able to manage losing about 30...I have about another 80-90 to lose to be at our goal weight for me, I am 5'4... I was off pain meds by Monday, had a bout out dehydration Sunday - Tuesday th…

HEY BANDSTERS! :wub: I just came back from an appointment with my surgeon and I am now scheduled to be banded on August 9th! I start my liquid diet on July 26th. I'm SO excited and yet scared at the same time. I do have some questions that slipped my mind while I was talking with my doctor, though, that maybe you can help me with (I must have been nervous because my mind went completely blank). 1. My doctor says he's extremely aggressive with therapy and wants to do the first fill two weeks post-op. I've read tons of threads and still haven't seen anyone get a fill that soon. Does that seem too soon?? I'm not saying I don't completely trust my surgeon, because I do. I'm…

Hi everyone, I am six days out from surgery with Dr. Aceves in Mexicalli, and finally have a few free minutes so I thought I would tell about my experience for the people that have surgeries coming up. I arrived on Friday in San Diego and was planning to take the van that Dr. Aceves provides, but my husband wanted to visit his daughter in So Cal while I was recovering, so we decided to rent a car. The car rental place required extra insurance for the days the vehicle was in Mexico ($25.00 for 24 hours), or we could park the car at a lot on the California side of the border and either take a cab, walk, or see if the van was available to pick us up. We decided to driv…

I am hoping to start a support group in my area. I have a place we can use, but so far I am the only member!!! I am also looking for resources in the lower-mainland in BC.

For those of you interested you may read my latest blog entry: http://verticalsleevetalk.com/blogs/lan2k/707-upper-endoscopy-report-relation-lpr-diagnosis-follow-up.html

Hey, I was just banded last Monday, and I have loads of questions for others who have been banded already. I would love to hear your experience right after surgery, as I've been able to find plenty of information about fills and such, but not right after surgery. I'm doing much better than before. I hurt like a B&$#@ right after the surgery, and actually all week long. I wasn't really prepared for the surgery, as I snuck in a month early due to a cancellation. I spent the weekend at a beachhouse for the 4th of July and all that treading through sand and such caused my largest incision (does everyone get 4 small ones and one big one? why is the one so big?) …