Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Four days post op and I'm getting stronger every day. I haven't felt hungry at all. A little strange for sure. I thought that would fade in time. Think I'm already 5 to 6 pounds down so hey I can't complain! I hope everybody is doing great! Kevin

Hi everyone! I am fairly new to the lapband community. I've been interested in it because over the years, my weight has fluctuated and slowly increased to where it is now. I'm 5'4" and about 210lbs. That makes my BMI about 36. I know the lapband procedure is recommended for people with a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with other health issues. I'm not sure if I qualify because of this. I have yet to speak with my doctor about the possibility of WLS. Over the last few years, I have struggled with depression but lately I have felt much better about that issue. But the depression and body-image issues are still major factors within my life. I have insurance: PPO from Anth…

Im a 35 year old stay home mum of three, living in sydney. I have PCOS and a few other health issues... After years of battling with my weight I am now researching getting a lapband. I was trying to find out what is covered by the medicare safety net... and how much I can expect to pay for the hospital stay (I dont have private cover) Hope to get to know you all! Faith

Hi all. I'm Katherine from Chicago (a nurse), I've been overweight most of my life and I want to be healthier for myself, my children, and my patients. I went to the lab band seminar June 8th, was approved by my insurance company June 15 and I have my first consultation with the surgeon and nutritionist tomorrow (June 23). I think this hospital is different from most stories Ive been reading about here, because they check your insurance for approval and criteria before they even schedule an appointment with the surgeon. I'm so excited and eager to get banded and start this new journey.:smile2: I hope to inspire my husband whose also overweight at 350 lbs (I'm 274lbs curre…

How /where do you get the tracking device at the bottom of the replys. Don't want sound stupid but don't know new to the site

hi everyone. well, i got my band in 2004, lost 100 lbs and kept if off for years. due to a lot of circumstances (excuses) i gained it almost all back:scared2:. at least i caught it before i went over my original weight. anyway, had a fill 3 days ago, and down 3.5 lbs:thumbup:...okay i know its water weight but it feels great to be on track again...97lbs more to go.

Hi Everyone! Well, I've been lurking quite awhile but I thought I'd finally step up and stay hello. I was banded on June 8, 2010 - just 3 weeks out! I've lost 29.9 lbs so far and I'm very motivated and excited. Anyway, thanks for reading! :thumbup:

Howdy! I am new here and I am getting the lap band tomorrow morning - sooooo nervous!! My doctor is Dr. Spivak in Houston.

I've had my psych consult, had the bloodwork, EKG and met with the dietician. My insurance company makes me complete 6 BLAST (Bariatric Life After Surgery). I've been reading other people's posts about having their upper GI. What is that?

I leave for Mexico in 2 days to have sleeve surgery with Dr. Aceves. I can't lie....I am very scared. I keep looking at my youngest daughter and think, "am I going to leave her without a mother?" I know that is so morbid. I just can't seem to help it. I am leading such a bad example right now for my 3 girls being overweight, that I am truly confident that this is the right decision, but I feel like my mind is playing tricks on me. My husband is extremely supportive and knows where I am going and what I am doing. I have told my mother that I am having sleeve surgery but lied and said I was having it in San Diego instead of Mexico. She would not approve of me leavin…

I am new, just joined today, although I pop on and read some of your posts now and then. I have a great doctor who just moved from the east coast and he is waiting for his privileges to practice. Hence, my surgery is about 2 weeks out. I will find out the date this week. And Monday I am planning to start the two week preop diet. Originally wanted the lap band, found out I wasn't a good candidate then decided on the sleeve until I changed my mind and wanted the Duodenal Switch. Chickened out of that one, and feel like a flake now. Back to the Sleeve now, and I think I am settled on it for sure. My story is probably the same as hundreds of you all's...Was thin my ent…

When I was sleeved , a culture was done on the removed stomach. I was informed that I had Helicobacter Pylori bacteria in my stomach. This is the bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. I was given a Rx for a Prev Pak which I am presently taking. My problem is that it changes the taste of everything I eat, it gives me a vile taste in my mouth that lingers, and I get sick when I eat. Sometimes I throw up whatever I have eaten.:001_tongue: I would like to know if anyone else has had these problems taking a Prev Pak?

Hello my name is Catherine. I am wife to Sri and mom to Vee {Super Ny-ick}. We all live in Charlotte NC in a quiet neighborhood in a comfy cozy house on a small plot of once green land {all brown now!}. I decided after miniaml to no success at weightloss for about 10 years that I needed a little medical intervention before I crossed over into the 300s. I was real close too. We went in October 2009 and saw a doctor and did all that was required and it took 9 months but we are almost to the OR. My surgery is set for 8:30 am on July 8th. I have had loads pf pressure from everyone to get the bypass but the thought of going in and REALLY changing how my body works sort …

Hi, My name is Jen, I am a single parent and I am new to this sight I live in Calgary, AB. I just discovered the VSG Sleeve and so far finding it to be an awesome thing that I think I am considering having done. I have tried so many different diets, wasted so much money on all of them and to loose a few pounds and gain them back. I am right now waiting to see if I qualify for funding to have this surgery done, once I do I am quite nervous as I dont really want to tell any friends or family as I tried to tell one friend and they just say I need to excercise and get out more, which I have tried also. I dont think my family or friends would understand. Does anyone have…

Yayyy! I'll be sleeved on 20 Sept! I'm so excited! lol This isn't much of a post, but I just wanted to share it with someone.:thumbup:

Hello, I have been a 'lurker' for awhile, just reading what everyone had to say about this. I was approved for the surgery on June 14th, but I had to have my gallbladder out on June 8th. They did it by laparoscopy so my surgeon said I can have the lap-band within 3 weeks. They just scheduled me for July 13th!! I am so excited. Thanks to everyone who posts, it really helps those of us who want to hear the bad stuff as well as the good.:thumbup:

My name is Danika. I am starting the process of getting lap band surgery. I have been overweight for over 6 years and am excited to be finally having something done about it! The time it's taking to get this done is so discouraging. I came to this forum hoping to find friends that have gone through the same loops that I have gone through so that I can have some guidance and encouragement.:tt1:

Hello Everyone, I've been lurking for a few months and want to thank you all for the inspiration. I have been coming to this site often to read your stories and to re-convince myself anytime I start to talk myself out of it. Everything is coming together and just want Aug. 2nd to come! I'm in Ohio, and some miracle happened and my insurance is covering it. I do have a few questions though, if anyone has any information I'd really appreciate it. First- I've had a weight issue my entire life. In 2001 I lost 75 pounds was down to goal weight and was told I have a thyroid problem. They put me on synthroid and since, I gained back the weight, and MORE. Way More. I kep…

My banding is this coming Tuesday. A wee bit anxious about it all. Have had surgeries before, but none as life-changing as what I'm about to do. After 2 wks on Opti-fast, I guess I can adjust to just about anything!

I was banded in Nov 2009 and was really excited and interested in the whole process. I started at 205 lbs and am hoping to get to 122 lbs. Well, I am 8 months post op and I have ONLY lost 18 lbs!!!! I believe that my problem is that my surgeon doesn't seem to like to give me fills. I have had about 4 fills and am at 6cc in a 10cc band. I just don't think that he hears me when I am talking about how I don't feel "restriction" like everyone else. I definately have NOT found my "sweet spot" and so desperately want to. Also, my husband and I are ready to get pregnant but I was hoping to loose a good amount of weight first....I am so frusterated...any advice? Please?

Hello, my name is Tony. I come from a family of thin, active people and only my oldest sister and I are heavy. I have been heavy nearly all my life. The only time I wasn’t heavy was for my first few years of the Navy. My recruiter put me on a one can of soup per day diet. I literally only ate one whole can of soup a day for months because I wanted to join the military so bad, I didn’t really see how awful this method is, and all he cared about was making his quota. At my boot camp graduation I weighed 199lbs and I looked and felt great. Eight years later, I have gained back all of my weight and more. I have been losing weight extremely slow but I have managed to get back …

Hi! I'm Renae and I just got approval for my band. I am scheduled for surgery August 2th and I am really excited! I am glad I found this site because I think it will give me support and answers I will need along the way. I am a little nervous about eating the right things after the surgery and whether or not I will feel deprived. Hopefully I will be able to keep myself busy with other things to replace the eating.

I don't see any postings with the doctor I will be seeing on July,15. It will be my first visit since the seminar. He seemed all for the sleeve and rouen-y but for the lapbabd(realize) he said if that's what you really want then I will talk to you about it. Seemed to try to discourage people from that procedure. That's how I took it, anyway. I don't want those other major surgeries, I haven't even seen the doctor yet and i'm nervous enough for LAP-BAND®. oh what to do! thanx for your input seymour,indiana p.s. IDK this for a fact, it's just how I preceived the seminar. It just may be my nerves.

Well, I thought I could do it and I did for a number of weeks; over a month, anyway. I kicked my PPI after several pretty rough moments and with the help of Zantac. I went along ok for most of the time but lately... good grief, I was sure getting absolutely SICK of being "hungry" and uncomfortable so I officially gave up the battle at least for the time being. The Zantac wasn't doing much good. I think being on a PPI for a year might be a more reasonable time frame for us sleevers. I'm just over 5 months out, btw. So, I've been back on for almost a week now and all the symptoms are going away - yay! I know that it takes several days for the levels to be fully max…

Hello. My name is Maria & I'm from Chicago. I've been struggling with my weight loss since I can remember. I've tried everything from Herbal Life, Alli, Xenadrine, Zantrex to Weight Watchers.... and NOTHING! It's been a heck of a journey! I would have never considered the LAP-BAND®®® until my best friend brought it to my attention (she's also overweight). So we went to the info session but it didn't convince me. So I started researching and came across this site. I've learned so much from so many different posts & discovered many good & bad things about the surgery. But I must say, the good definitely outweighs the bad! I especially love looking at everyon…

I am new at this and excited to learn from all those that have already been on their journey! Scared and nervous, but excited!

I was banded Monday, June 28th. For some reason I thought it would be a lot worse than what it was. Piece of cake! Going back to work tomorrow, Friday, July 2nd. Feeling a little sore and bloated, but everything else is fine! So glad I decided to do this! This is the beginning of the rest of my life! Barbie:tt1:

I just decided today to see a doctor about being banned because I am much too young to be this big. I am 25 years of age and I have no energy to do anything. Is there any advice I should take into consideration before I see a surgeon?

Hello, I was wondering how people paid for surgery if insurance wont cover? Does anyone have any ideas? I want this surgery so bad!!!!

This is how I got here: I have struggled with my weight for many years. I am not considered morbidly obese; I am obese. However, I have many conditions that make me a candidate for lapband: Heart bypass at 51, Clotting disorder, BAD Genes! Last year, my daughter, who has always struggled with her weight had lapband. She is my hero-she has lost 70 pounds and has more confidence in herself, both professionally and personally. My insurance is TRICARE (military) I do not meet the guidelines for lapband. However, my cardiologist thinks I should get it due to my medical history and my Bad Genes. I pray Tricare will waive the requirements and allow me to get the surgery. My m…

I have been looking into WLS for years now and was under the impression that the lapband would be right for me. However, after further research I have really come to like the VSG. So now it's a matter of gathering more info (can you ever have enough? lol). I plan to be a self-pay patient because our wonderful insurance companies would rather treat all the comorbidities that come with obesity rather than to treat the actual problem . So my questions are: 1) Has anyone used Global Surgery Center? 2) Has anyone had VSG surgery with Dr. Edgar Leino in the Dominican Republic? 3) What was the cost? Look forward to any and all replys! Thanks, Rose LapBandTalk Click…

Well I had the sleeve done - This is the story. Left for Vegas on Tuesday got off the plane and headed for my appointment for Pre-surgery - everything was a go. So my wife and I hit the strip and I played black jack and won.... not much but still won. We ate normal and I did not drink alcohol. Went to bed on time for a 7:00am surgery at a surgery center. We had signed up on one of those package deals where the hotel is included. So we were up and headed to the center (by the way rent a car it is better to have the freedom to go) I went in and filled out some more forms and headed to the prep room. Met the anesthesiologist he went through a few items and the nurses were wo…

Hi everyone, I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement -- I have an appt with my surgeon on Thurs. and I have to make up my mind once and for all that having the surgery is the right choice for me. I have struggled with my weight my whole life but have been obese for the last 20 years. I have been successful a few times with losing a large amount of weight but I have never been able to keep it off longterm. Then of course when I gained it back I always gained a few extra pounds to go with the ones I had lost! I have recently reached my highest weight again and have to do something to get going in the right direction again. I have been having a hard time getting star…

Hi everyone! I have been lurking on this board for many months, well since Jan when I first deiced I would start the LAP-BAND® process. I started at around 260 (wow I never tell anyone this) And have lost 15 pounds for my pre operation goal. My name is Makala and I'm 20 years old from Mass. I have been doing this process and FINALLY 5 months later I have a surgery date of July 26th =) I must say if it wasn't for this board I would be nowhere as ready for this surgery as I am. I look forward to talking to all of you, and good luck to everyone!

Hi all.....Looking for advice regarding the lap band surgery....A friend of mine has had it done with very minimal complications. I know that isnt always the case with others though....I am 36, with a BMI of 36.6...I have always been very athletic, I have been playing sports since I was 4 yrs old, even pregnant I played sports! Ever since my hysterectomy in 2004, my weight has flucuated up and down. I lost about 60 pounds in 2006, but I have gained it all back and then some since. At the time of my weight loss, I had a job where I was on my feet and up and about for 11 hour shift...I have since gone back to a sit down job and I of course have gone back to bad eating habit…

Hello everyone! I am finally getting the ball rolling so I can get banded. I have been going through the motions since January and I guess I was having some doubts so I kind of let things go for a little while. Anyway, I have an appointment with the surgeon July 19th. I am so excited! I hope to be banded in August. I have started a blog to get some things off of my chest and chronicle my journey. Serenity Now

I'm new here and I'm just starting the process of LAP-BAND® surgery. I have anthem BCBS insurance. Is there anyone here who has the same insurance? Maybe someone to tell me what to expect from them. In 2005 they told me they didn't cover any weight loss surgery at all. Now as of a few weeks ago they said they'll cover it if there are predetermined conditions approved. Thanks to anyone who can help!:ohmy:

I had my surgery on 28th Feb 2010, I have lost 2 1/2 stone so far. I have had three fills and currently have 9ml but the restriction only seems to only last for max 7 days. I have gone a whole month and put on 1 lb working on 1000 calories per day. (I have started aerobics and swimming three times a week) The big question I am asking myself is does the band really work and was it all really worth it??:thumbup: I would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions should I get a further fill. Katie

Whoo Hoo!! Just got a call from the doctor's office. The lab results are in......I DON"T have to take my thyroid medicine anymore and I DON"T have to take my cholestrol medicine anymore!!!!!! They compared the numbers to my last test and couldn't believe the difference! My thyroid is acting normal again! I haven't taken the medicine since surgery (May 14th) My thyroid is in the normal range again. Hadn't been for 2 years! Same with the cholestrol. Numbers look good. All in the normal range. They were amazed at the results from the surgery! I feel better than I have in such a long time. Currently I am 34 pounds lighter since May 14! This one one of the best things t…

This will probably be a multiple-post thread from me, I don't even think I'll do it in one night. Read it and feel free to comment if you identify with any of this. I just need to vent. I'm currently at 195 and a BMI of 33. I've struggled with weight since I was 6 - I spent summer at grandma's that fateful year and she overfed me so much that my father claimed he didn't recognize me when he picked me up at the train station after. I lost MOST of that extra weight after going back to my parents', but I was never skinny again. So my mother started me on starvation diets (who puts a 7-yo who's overweight by 3 pounds on the cabbage Soup diet?) which would always end up in …

Ok, so during the week I am like a machine, I follow my food plan to a T. I am not tempted at all. On the weekends though, I allow myself to have a few small bite tortilla chips (a few is all I can do), or a few m&ms, or a few bites of the kid's ice cream, by NO MEANS do I pig out! Of course, these are all Carbs and as I have said before Carbs are what make me fat. During the week I follow 30g or less of carbs and fat and 60+ of Protein. I go on vacation July 11th and I am petrified that I will not be able to stick to my plan. I do not WANT to go off my plan, I have no desire to have a vacation from my eating plan. I will be staying at a vacation home and my M…

I'm nervous, scared, excited....any tips on keeping it positive and succesful would be appreciated. xxxxxxxx

Its weird how when you lose weight you evoke such emotions in people.. most are delighted for you especially if you haven't seen them for a while. I've been 'dieting' for over 20 yrs, never reached my goal (not yet anyway!!) I lost 56lbs 3 yrs ago for our wedding and regained at least 28lbs.... Anyway.... we were out socialising with a neighbour last week who commented on my weightloss and said how great i looked, don't lose too much etc..... We also saw her last night, and boy did I suffer at her tongue. We've been invited as part of a party for a paella.... I accepted the invitation from the host saying we'd love to come but at the moment I am on a liquid diet to k…

Well I've done it, got banded that is on the 22nd May 2010. Have recovered from surgery and endured the post operative diet. I feel that the hard bit has started now though, as I had my 1st band fill yesterday. Having been told the 1st fill would be through an x-ray, it ended up being done blind and took 6 goes for him to find the port. This obvioulsy made me sore, but also worried me a bit in case something has gone wrong with his continual stabbing a needle into my port area. Has anyone else experienced the same? I've felt ok today but really hungary. Please reassure me the hunger wears off!! Looking forward to being slim and healthy - have lost 19lbs already. YEY ME…

I can't believe it. After all the trials, tribulations, indecision and uncertainty, I'm actually going through with my VSG tomorrow at 2pm PST. It was a rollercoaster of a 3-week pre-op diet, having extra tests like an EGD, not knowing if my surgery was rescheduled (even up until today!), having no energy, being moody and short-fused (my huz is an earth-bound ANGEL). I was both reassured and scared to death by the various threads posted on this site! It took speaking to the nurse practitioner of another successful bariatric practice (a collegue of an aquaintance), who backed up everything my doc had told me and more, to get me off the fence. She talked to me about obesi…

I just weighed myself today. I am in ONEderland! 199 to be exact! Never would I have imagined being under 200 again. Without this surgery I would not be! My husband even says that since the surgery I have been a happier person, have more confidence and even laugh more than I did before. It is getting easier to play tennis, bending down and picking things up, more or less all the little things that seemed a chore. Who would have thought that I would be down 32 pounds since May 14th! What were the odds that we would have met Jean and Robert while on vacation in Jamaica (on our last night there no less) and learn about VSG. If it wasn't for Jean, I'd still be gaining w…

Hard to believe that in 48 hours I'll be in Mexico just a few hours away from my surgery. I'm still not scared or nervous, but I just feel somehow underprepared or something. I can't wait for this, I know it's the right thing for me to do, I just wish it were over and I was back home with my babies. Hm...kinda melancholy at the moment...

im get closer and closer to my day .....and wow is it coming fast i dont know if i should be happy are scared..lol... but i cant wait to start losing... is there anything or does anyone have any tips before are after the surgery... i would love to hear them ...

I weigh 340lbs. I have weighed over 300 for 20 years. I have tried diets and exercise, but have never lost more than 40lbs. The fact is (deep breath) I drink WAY TOO MUCH. I have been able to cut back to a bottle of wine 3 days/week, but I know this is still too much. I used to drink 12 beers/night for many years. I am fearful that my doctor will tell me I odnt qualify for the surger, and perhaps he is right. I can understand why. I also think the alcohol has messed up my metabolism and even as much as I have cut back it's reminance has kept me from losing weight. I am not looking for a "join AA discussion" but am trying to see if my own thoughts run the same as ot…

Hi Everyone, My name is Bonnie and I'm getting banded at The Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. I've been approved for the surgery and now I need to lose between 12-15lbs before they'll schedule me. The problem is, I can't lose even 1lb, never mind 12lbs! I simply don't have the willpower to stop eating. I can do it for a day, but I feel SO deprived and then I eat the next day like there's no tomorrow. I'm desperate! How did you guys lose your pre-surgery weight? I want to be banded so badly and yet, I can't seem to stick to an eating plan. HELP!