Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey, I just had surgery on monday (June 14) and I'm really struggling with this all. I live in Southern CA. I'm looking for a buddy who can help me get through this online or someone who can recommend a support group for me in person. I'm in Ventura County. My surgeon has a support group but he's an hour and a half away and I just missed their monthly meeting.

so im 4 days post-opp and having a hard time eating anything as I am in pain and bloated. At times, it feels like i have to burp, fart, go #2, and throw up, all at the same time. my stomach hurts and it just comes and goes all day and gets to the point where i just want to scream. plz.. any advice? did you go through this? when does it END>:sigh:

Ok, so I am 5 weeks out and for the last two weeks I havent exercised that much. I am eating very little calories and am baffled why I am not losing weight. So, I am eating about 600-900 calories a day, protien (lean), vegetables (grilled, lightly sauted), and fruit (every other day when i am craving sweets). So I found that when I exercised on machines I was hungry all day. That is one of the reasons that I did this surgery because with my band at the end I was hungry allllll the time. I have lost 27lbs and my doctor said that I should expect 20lbs a month for the first three months. So I just wonder if I am normal or doing something wrong. I know everything is not ex…

Hi gang :thumbup: I guess introductions are in order; I'm Fred, 36, from Staten Island and I'm 5'8 and 338 (BMI of about 50 or so). I've been considering the surgery (actually going back and forth between LAP-BAND® and by-pass) for a while now and finally decided to start moving in the right direction. I've tried Weight Watchers (still going, as a matter of fact) and after losing 30 lbs, I've been stuck, gainig and losing the same few pounds, week after week. Nothing seems to affect it, so I've decided to take a more aggressive approach - which has led me here. My insurance, at work, is about to change from Oxford to Empire BC/BS on July 1st. HR suggested I wait unt…

I have had an incredibly busy day! I'm getting sleeved on July 14 at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, with Dr. Myur Srikanth. It's official--I'm getting it done!!! Now I'm going to crawl under my bed, suck my thumb, and curl up with my blankie, because I'm freaked out. :001_rolleyes: Heheh. Seriously though, and all jokes in poor taste aside, I'm feeling really psyched right now. Nervous, yeah, but by tomorrow it'll have sunk in that it's really going to happen, and I can actually start making concrete plans. I handle stress a lot better when I can actually channel it into doing something constructive...like making hotel arrangements and scheduling the final pre-o…

G'day everyone, My name is Jason and I was banded on the 8th June,2010. I live down here in Australia, I'm single and 40 y/o. I only endured 3 days of minor pain/discomfort after the surgery and I'm now into the "mushy" food stage of the process. Looking forward to reading about everyone's weight losses and asking/answering any questions that may come up.:devil_smile: Jase

Hi Everyone I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I am due to get my band on Monday and I'm torn between really looking forward to it and excited, to being very nervous and scared! I have been following a 1000 cal diet for the last week and have lost 8lbs so far, so I am feeling quite positive. My life is about to become very hectic over the next few weeks as in just over 4 weeks I am emigrating from the UK to Maine USA. I realised that if I didnt get this op now I never would. I have psos and have fibromyalgia so after the last few years of being unable to be active the weight has just crept up and up. I am really glad I have found this website, its suc…

The ones that let you list the doctor, your highest weight, your lowest weight, how much you've lost, and so on. I can't figure out how to do one of my own. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, WildIris

Hello, is there anybody out there that is having LAP-BAND® surgery at the end of July or around then? I would love to find someone that's has the same surgery on the same day. I don't actually have a certain date yet because my last weigh in is July 6th then my insurance has 72 hrs to approve or not approve it. Then I will have a date!! I am really excited and want to really get into this and do things right. It would be so much fun to have someone to talk to that's going thru the same thing at the same time. So, if your interested let me know.

So after my last banding fiasaco 2 weeks ago I got my new surgery date. 8/2/2010. I hope that there are no problems this time and everything goes off without a hitch! I guess now I am a August Bandster! Anyone else out there?? :smile2:

Hi. I've got most of my pre-op appts taken care of, and hope to meet with the surgeon in a few weeks to schedule surgery. I'm having difficulty deciding between lap band and gastric bypass. I'm 45, 5' 5", and weigh 262. If anyone can tell me the reason they chose lap band over any other surgery, I would appreciate any and all input. Thanks! -Rhonda

Hello! Here we go again! Looks like I'd have to gain 22 lbs in order for insurance to pay for surgery. Spoke with the doc and he doesn't think it's a good idea to gain the weight. My other option is to self-pay and it's about $12K. Not sure on what I can do?? Not even sure Tricare would cover the fills and office visits. I'm so frustrated and angry! Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!!! BB

How do I find a Dr that takes Medicare and doesn't charge thousands for aftercare? I asked Medicare today and she was not helpful at all.

I have a low BMI, but several medical conditions. I am barely 25 with a 34 bmi, but have horribly GERD (which has already caused damage to the esophagus), sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, supra-ventricular tachycardia, and I had a mild heart attack. I've had trouble with my weight for a while, but in October of last year I began to gain it quickly. Once that happened my period stopped. Hasn't come back. I'm a short person (5 ft even) and it pretty much all focuses on my stomach. My cardiologist recommended me for weight loss surgery saying I needed to lose weight since I have to much stress on my heart. I'm being referred to Dr. Kenneth Warnock in Wichita Falls, Texas. …

Hi everyone. I am new to this site. I was banded on May 4th and so far have lost 29 pounds. Sometimes I feel real hungry and I am afraid to eat too much and throw up. Is this normal? How do you know when you have eaten enough? I drink my shake in the morning and eat yogurt or string cheese for protein boosts. I found that weight watchers yogurt has 6gm of protein and 3 gms of fiber. Helps in the constipation area.

I was banded on 4-21-10 since then I've lost sum weight 20 lbs or so. But omg I've had such gas! Please help am I eating the wrong foods

Hello all! My name is Kevin. I'm due to be sleeved on the 29th of June in Troy Michigan at Beaumont Hospital. I'm anxious but due to my wife going through it in febuary I know what to expect mostly from a recovery angle. I guess my real fear is because of the added muscle ontop my stomach that the punctures will take longer to heal or will hurt more than my wife's appeared too. Does anyone have any idea if that is true? Thanks in advance for any advice! Kev

Hi im Becca, Ive been just loving these forums. They are so informative, i just read and read and read and read...lol. I am having my surgery next month. I have about 80 pounds to lost to be at my goal. I am super excited and feel i have done so much research i am as prepared as i can be i guess. Is there anyone out there that has reached goal with a bmi smiliar to mine and how long has it taken you? Is it true that low bmi'rs have a much harder time losing. I would love to see some before and after pics...they are soooo exciting and motivating for me! Thanks everybody:biggrin:

I'm also a new dad to a 7 month old baby boy that needs me to stick around. Nervous but ready for the life change. My wife had bypass surgery about six years ago, so I have an idea of what I am getting into but I still found that I gained a lot of knowlege by reading the posts on this forum.

I got the results of my lab tests and it seems that i am very deficient in vitamin D. My result was 12. i was wondering if anyone else had this issue and what was done about it.:thumbup:

I finally got the money together for this whole thing (or at least got the house refinance paperwork signed off and I'm expecting the check on Tuesday). I'll be sending off the fees for the surgery and all later this week. And now I'm antsy. It's suddenly hit me that I'm actually going to get surgery, and on the one hand, I can't wait to start losing weight, and on the other hand, I'm in this place where I think, "It's nonsense, I'm going to not lose a pound," or I'll gain it all back in a month anyhow." Not terribly rational, I suppose, but when I can't actually be doing something, I get stir-crazy. And right now, I just have to sit on my keister until I get the cashie…

Hey everyone, I am new to posting. I have been reading for a while, but a little shy to comment so far. I am super excited right now, I got the call from my doctor's office and my insurance is approving my surgery. Not only that it's 3 weeks from now!! I can't believe what an easy process they have made it for me. I am so happy that finally I will be able to get this weight off of me!!

Hello all, I'm a happily married new 34 yr old daddy of a precious baby girl. My weight has been issue for close to ten years now. Luckily my wife has stuck with me through this whole time but it's time to make things right. During my teen years and into my early twenties I exercised vigorously and dieted in order to get in shape. Unfortunately, I could only sustain that for about a year at a time. Afterwards I would gain tons of weight and then some. Hopefully this Lap Band will provide me the tool to help out in the food department. I pray I get my Lap Band this summer. I'm going to my 4th appointment tomorrow. :thumbup:

Well, Hi again! After almost 2 years of debating on lap-bands and trying new diets. I've finally taken the plunge! I go in for my psych evaluation, Physical therapy meeting in 2 weeks and my first group meeting. I've gotten everything out of the way that the insurance has asked for so now to do those and see the nutritionist before i can schedule my surgery. I've come back to this site to look up information again and set myself at ease about the whole procedure. I look forward to speaking with those who have had the surgery and look forward to being new banster!

Ok so the date is set and I am getting anxious..(Fri the 18th)I am binge eating and lol the whole time, knowing in my mind I am not doing myself any good. But can't seem to resist.I have heard from so many that they are on liquids before surgery and I have not been given any instructions to do so. Preop is Wed. I am worried about this though. Please give me thoughts and suggestions to get through the week. Although I am excited I can definately say the nerves are setting in...

Hey Everyone, I have felt like such a voyeur; I have reading the posts on this site for months and now that I am taking the plunge to have surgery, I might as well put myself out there. Hi! I have not been a big girl all my life. I come from a very fit family and am eager to get back to an active life I once had. The death of my husband six years ago, the pursuit of a PhD, and the hardships of single parenting have contributed to the state I am in. But I am pulling myself out, and I am beginning with this surgery. I am from Raleigh, and my insurance denied my request to have weight loss surgery because I was .5 below the BMI requirement in the year 2008. I'd have to…

Hi - I got my band on May 14th and so far so good. I'm down 18 lbs and am pleased - gone down 2 sizes so far. I am waiting to hear from the fill doctor here in Sudbury to get my first fill. I'm just wondering if there are any banders out there from the Sudbury area who get fills in Sudbury, North Bay or similar distance cities to Sudbury. I'm just looking to see which doctors will do fills. I asked my family doctor but he was not interested. Thanks Sharon:smile:

Hello everyone, my name is Emily and I am from Cincinnati Ohio and I am getting the lap band on june 8th 2010. Right now I am on my pre-op phase and that consumes of the liquid diet. I am having some trouble here and there and I thought that it would help me out if I had a buddy to talk to. Someone who is going through or has gone through the process and I could become friends with. I am very excited and determined to make this whole journey successfull. I know that I will have to put in alot of hard work and dedication and I am ready for it. So please reply and let me know if anyone would like to make a buddy as well. Thanks to all!! Emily:thumbup:

Hi All, So excited to have found this site! I am 4 days PO and am begining to feel better, was sleeved at Madigan Army Medical Center, Ft Lewis, WA. I was having a weird sensation evertime I drank, kind of like bubbles coming back up but that sensation has passed and now when I drink about 2-3 mins later I get a pain mid-low center chest?? I am taking very small sips. According to my Dr I am able to start full liquids today so I had a few bites of vanilla pudding with some protien powder mixed in, also had about 3 ozs of chocolate slimfast. I am not physically feeling hunger but the smell of food makes me miss it terribly. Anyone have this pain I am talking about?? It pas…

Its a quite interesting forum. I will go for my LAP-BAND®® yet withing a months . I am really excited and some worry about the heath. Look forward to here from you soon.

Hi I had surgery June 1st 2010 and I was really scared at first NOT KNOWNING is the scary part but so far I have losted 30 pounds which I am shocked...Having the surgery was hard its the after surgery making sure you do the right things and drinking all your water everyday.It been a alittle hard for me because I have 2 ruptured disc in my lower back which I had my own cleaning business for 12 years and it was just got to me by doing so many house per day...I gain the weight within 2 years due to having to give up my business not working out and epuridual shots in my back.I would truly recommend this surgery to someone who has tried anything and everything. Good Luck to a…

Hello! I'm 38 years old, married, with a 4 year old daughter. I live in southeastern Ohio, and I began my Lap Band journey in September of 2009. I am currently finishing up my requirements for insurance approval and hope to have a date set for surgery sometime in August. :devil_smile: I'd love to hear from other Buckeyes or anyone with anticipated surgeries in August.

I am new to the forum. I am beginning the process June 30th with my first visit. I am praying for insurance approval. Glad to hear the sucess stories and good luck to all beginning the process.

Hello all, My name is Jane and I'm hoping to be banded by Christmas. I'm currently waiting on a new insurance plan to come in but I attended my first seminar and have scheduled an appointment with the Doctor. I already have had a psych evaluation but will get another one as the time draws closer. I'm excited to get this process done and I know I've made a good choice in going lapband vs traditional Gastric Bypass!!!

I am quite computer savvy and can usually navigate my way around just about anything online but I can not for the life of me figure out how to "Register" to get in to the chat room! Please help! Ive tried just about everything.. What am I missing?!

Just got a call from my doctor telling me that my upper GI barium swallow yesterday, revealed a duodenal polyp. I have to get an endoscopy to evaluate it before they will go through with my VSG. I'm not particularly worried about it (although I'll feel better when they TELL me that it's ok), but I am concerned that I'll have to have my VSG date pushed back. I've been on this frigging liquid diet for 6 frigging days and I have 2 more weeks to go and don't want to start all over again. I just want to get it over with. I'm conflicted enough about getting this surgery (still feel like I ought to be able to do it on my own- yeah, I know). It's just discouraging. Thanks for lis…

I know allot of you may be sick of this question but I am new to this sitr and wanting to put a ticker on my profile. I have made it but do not know where on my profile to paste it. Can anyone tell me? Thanks!

Hi my name is Sue I was banded at the University of Pennsylvania on June 10; one week tommrow that went fast. I got sick in the hospital and had to stay and extra day but once home I felt better. I must be drinking too fast still because at times I get pains in my stomach that kind of feelslikegas but I can' burp. I kinda of feel down today because I am sick of liquids and I am afraid I will get the same pains. Anyway new to this so hope to get some information from the "pros" at this Sazappy:frown:

I do not know where to start...50, FAT, and need help getting started...I have to do it this time. I have been on EVERY diet and I lose some and then stop???WHY I don't know. So where to go? How do I get this started...I live in a small town in VA. Thanks for y'alls help...

my name is angie and I have not been banded yet, I am still in the pre stages of my journey. I am a single mom of an autistic son who is going through PUBERTY! I am managing. I started my journey in Nov. '08, after I started I had a family emergency (my mom was put in a nursing home) What a test!!! I did my pre - test while taking care of my mom but then I was stressing and became overwhelmed with anxiety attacks and I was about to give up. My son has been my inspiration as well as good health on my behalf. I am scared but I know it has to be done for my health and my LIFE. Bye for now, china:scared2:

Hey everyone, my name is Alex and I'm 20 years old. At age 19 and weighing 295lbs, I had my lap band surgery in December of 08. Unfortunately after months of no progress I finally managed to convince my Dr. that something was wrong, and I had my port replaced in August of 09. Since then I've lost over 80 lbs, and it has been a struggle, but my weight is steadily dropping and I'm on my way to being happy and healthy. I hope this forum can provide information and support during my journey, and maybe I can help a little too. Best of luck to everyone.

I got on the scale today after 6 days post op. Haven't lost or gained any weight. Is this normal not to lose. I am only on liquids. Had lost 14 lbs prior to my surgery. Not too concerned, just curious if this is normal. Thanks

Hello everyone I was banded on Monday June 7th and although I thought by day 3 this was a bad mistake on yesterday day 5 I felt much better. The surgery was easy, some pain at the incision sites but this shoulder pain is kicking my butt:thumbdown:. Day 1..... I vomitted 2x and was barely able to keep anything down. Day 2.....My shoulder wouldn't stop hurting, then came the gas and I threw up a bunch of mucus everytime I tried to take the lorab elixir. Day 3...... starting to regret the surgery but then I got on my blackberry while laying down and came across this site and I am so HAPPY!!! After 30 mins. browsing this site I was able to understand everything that was going…

Well tommorrow morning I will have my surgery, I can't say, I am excited about the surgery, but knowing that I have made a big step towards accomplishing a healthier lifestyle and will be receiving the tool that will really help me, that makes me excited. I have been on a liquid diet and for the last two days Clear liquids. I have already learned that the more Water I drink the better I feel, the better my body is functioning (no constipation) Have you heard of a fat person being dehydarated? I guess that was me. I feel that I am beginning a journey towards beating my bad food habits. I am determined to follow the doctor's. nutritionistist, and physical education instr…

Hello Everyone! my name is Lileee... i am looking into getting Banded... does anyone here have Healthnet as their Insurance Carrier...? i have a PPO/POS and im hoping that MAYBE that will cover it... i dont know if a HMO would be better, but if ANYONE has any advice for Me? i would Truly Appreciate ANY Advice... im a 50yr old Female - 5'7" - and starting off at 275lbs... i received a flyer in the mailbox yesterday about LAP-BAND®... i had been looking into Gastric Bypass BUT i see that THIS could be a much better way to go for ME so Hopefully i can get alot of info here to get me on my way...!

My name is Llyra and I had lap band surgery March 3. After a slow start my weight loss picked up and I am now 26 pounds lighter than I started out. I love the suggested question in the guide to introductions: "Have you been banded?" It makes me feel like a rare bird or endangered wild cat. I look forward to connecting with others who are on the road to recovery from life within a wall of flesh.

First time here. I was banded on 3/24/10 and have lost 25lbs. After my 4th adjustment I am feeling a good restriction. My plan was to go to the gym that is downstairs in my building and went to the vending machine instead and ate some M&M's. I felt like I needed them. This is killing me. How do I stop this cycle?

Hi, I'm Juliana. I live on Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington. I talked to my PCM today about the lap band. He is doing several blood tests on me in the morning. From there, he will write me a referral and then I can go see the surgeon. I am somewhat nervous and hope that I am able to go through with this. I weigh 220 pounds and am 5'6" leaving me with a BMI of 36. I got pregnant at 16 and gained 60 pounds. After I had my son, I was never able to lose the weight and then packed on more. I have a major thyroid problem and it is very hard to lose weight once it's been gained. Glad I found this website.

Hello to everyone! I just wanted to give a little update. I started pre-op liquids on jan 26th and sleeved on feb 9th. Been doing good, no roadblocks with food nothing has really given me a issue. Just taking it day by day, but I felt like posting because today was 100 pounds lost! and I hope everyone is doing well on their journey! and wanted to thank those who helped me along the way, specially tiffikins, that women is a angel with a keyboard. hope everyone is great

Hello, My name is Nadine. I am here because I had the lap-band surgery in January if this year and then a second surgery on April 14 that was needed to make repairs to the direction that the port was facing. I have struggled with my weight my entire life but after many years of caring for others before myself; I decided that it was time for me to take care of myself. I tried to lose the weight by dieting, changing my diet, excersice, even tried the liquid diet and lost some weight but after the program was over, I gained it all back. Then I learned about the lapband and researched the pros and cons and made a decision that I thought was going to save my life and got th…