Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello fellow banders! This will be my first airplane flight since getting the lapband March 26, 2007. I heard that you need to be deflatted before you fly, I asked a friend whom is also banded and she said no, so which is it?? I have only had 2 fills. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Also, has anyone had any problems getting thru security??Thanks a bunch!!

I have been dealing with my weight problem pretty much my entire life. I am a 30 year old man. I have been on this diet and that diet. Some with success and some not. I am currently at 476lbs and am starting to get physical problems. I want to beat this before it beats me. So I have taken the first step and told my physician I am considering the lapband. I have not had my appointment yet with the Bariatric office. I recently found this site and have been reading. I am already feeling scared and apprehensive. Lots of negative reading and horror stuff. Q1- Can anyone that has had the ideal surgery and success give me an overview of what to expect? Q2- What a…

:crying: Okay so I came here to vent since most of you know where I'm coming from. I had surgery May 21st and went in weighing 257. I came home weighing 244 and then when I started on the mushy stage and the eating what other eat just in smaller portions stage I have gained back weight and back up to 250! Leaving me with 7 lb weigh loss. I've been gettin my protein and calories in and still no results. I'm walking and working out with my wii and about to start my zumba work out soon as it comes in Friday. My parents are telling me they hope it wasnt a waste of money since I had already had lapband and it was a waste. Trouble at home with my husband and just staying depres…

Just got banded 5/25! Anyone else on or close to this date so we can be buddies? My band so SOOOO TIGHT and I had SOOO Much swelling I stayed in the hospital an extra day because I was throwing up my own saliva. A week later today, I am good, but just starting my journey. Looking for another bandster that got started on or around the same time as I did. Lil

I am new to the forum. I'm considering lap-band and gathering information. I would want to use a surgeon in St.Louis, MO. Does anyone have positive/negative feedback on surgeons from that area? Thanks for your time :thumbup:

Hello! My efforts in getting banded in 2008 failed. I was denied by Tricare because I wasn't 100lbs over and had no co-morbidities. I know have high blood pressure and hopefully my insurance will approve. I'm waiting for referral and will see doc soon. Wish me luck! Good luck to all! BB

I was just approved by my insurance today. I meet with the doc on Tuesday. I am excited but I am also scared. I have been reading all the brochures they have given me and I am very overwhelmed. I am so scared. The liquid diet scares me too! I hope I can find the support I need here. :tongue2:

Hi everyone! My name is Felisha and I am 20 years old. My husband is Michael and he is 23 currently in the US Army deployed to Iraq. We have a son and he is 9mo old. I have been thinking about getting lapband surgery and after several long talks with my husband I think it is the right choice for me. I went to talk to my PCD today and she pointed me in the right direction. I found a lapband facility that will help me with my journey. My insurance will only approve me if I have any other health issues besides being 100lbs over weight. So I have a full physical scheduled for Friday. I got in a car accident 3 years ago and my back/left hip is in CONSTANT pain. 10/10 e…

I don't know how to find my posts from a few months ago when I was very discouraged and leery of this surgery. If I could find the fellow who encouraged me, I'd like to thank him. I was prepared to leave the program and his words kept me in and now I have a surgery date of June 28. Am I nervous... sure. I am also searching for more info on post lap band so I can be absolutely sure I want this surgery. I still have a few lingering doubts. I've come so far... but a few things bother me... like can I possible go weeks with nothing but liquids? I've always been a fast eater, can l learn to slow down? Can I really eat without drinking? Does it hurt? Does it hurt to…

Hi Im Jill... banded originally in April 2008.... after 1 year, frustration high, had all salene removed. I never felt like it worked correctly, but it may have been 50/50 I must admit. I am scheduled for a fill under fluroscopy on 6/9 and am trying to have a new and better attitude. Anyone else out there starting over?

I am new to this site. I had a tummy tuck last february, 2009, and asked to have a consult with Dr Beausoleil in Moncton, I live near Fredericton. I was told it would take about five years to get in for the consult. I have a bmi of about 42. The tt was just to remove a large pannus that was causing me lots of problems. But I am still large, so am wondering if the lap band would be a good choice for me. I don't want to have the full gastric bypass, as I don't want something that changes my whole life forever, needing special vitamins, certain food choices, etc. I think with the lap band, once you are at your ideal weight, you can have it removed? Correct me if I am…

I had my consult today with Dr Kim in Dallas. Excited! I forgot to ask a few things I was hoping you could answer. How long was it before you could carry weight? My son is about 20 lbs and isn't walking yet...so I'll need to plan accordingly for help with him. I'll be on a liquid diet for 2 wks before surgery, Optifast, I think it's called. How does this get made? Is it mixed with Water or milk? Do you have to use a blender? (We may go out of town during the time I would need to be on the pre-op diet, so want to know what I would need to take with me.) I can schedule as soon as 6/29, but I may be leaning towards mid-July since we do have that trip planned.…

Today is 5 months and 12 days post-op. Highlights - BMI down from 42.6 to 31.7 Weight loss - 31.4 kgs (69.22 pounds) Waist - was 50 - now 38 Shirt size - was 46 now 41 (Polo size XXXL to XL) No more a diabetic, no more medication. Hit a stall even a month ago but thanks to this forum did not give up.

Hi all For those of you who havent read my posts, I had the lap-band in '05, had it removed April of this year and with my doc's help, decided on the sleeve. When I talked to him he said he used a 48fr size. After some talking around I decided that was larger than I wanted, so I started checking into other surgeons and called my docs office to cancel. They called back the next day and said I could come talk to the doc about my sleeve size and when I went we agreed on a 34fr. When I originally called and talked to my insurance, they said that the sleeve would be covered. However when the Doc's nurse called to talk to them about insurance coverage..oops!..no, t…

Well I had my lap band removed and my sleeve surgery May 21st and since the surgery I lost 12 pounds. Now that I have started introducing more foods into me I have already GAINED 4 pounds back. I am constantly tired "work 8 hours a day and have a two year old" I walk every evening and I watch my fat and sugar intake like my Dr told me to do. I haven't gotten my vitamins started yet hopefully today I can go pick them up. Any suggestions on what to take? Any advice on the gaining? HELP!! Very discouraged after all I've been though with the band not working and now I'm discouraged with this :thumbup1:

Finally after 1 and a half years of requirements, pre-reqs, switching insurance, etc, etc, I finally got my date June 29th. Start my liquid protein diet Tues. It's been a long road to here but it will be worth it a year from now!

My surgeon says my sleeve size will hold 80cc's of liquid. He said that's about 1/4 of a can of Coke. Is that the normal size? All of his patients are off work for 2 wks. He will keep you off 4 wks if you ask. Sleeve patients stay in the hospital at least 2 nights. He said he has done 80 sleeves and had only one leak. The sleeve has become his "choice" of surgeries. :thumbup: He does them all. I really like this guy! He requires a 3 month diet where you must lose 5% of your body weight. If you don't, the dietition said she will not recomend you for surgery. She, the surgeon and the psych. must all agree you are a good candidate, or you won't get approved for surge…

So I decided to surprise my bf with a san francisco trip this weekend. So the drive was uncomfortable for me and there was nothing good on the road to eat that didnt make me feel like I was having a dumping moment. We get here and normally we would order room service and then go out and explore etc. So we get here he orders with out telling me, and i get out of the shower to chocolate Cookies and sweet potato fries. This starts a huge arguement, so i have a few fries and feel ok and he is like why arent you eating more.... at which point i freaking lose it, screaming in this suite that is bigger then our apt. So i have a few more and then start to feel ill, mainly i kn…

HI every one my name is jack from BOSTON It is my pleasure to be here and meet new friends:smile2:

I have been approved by my ins. co and am meeting with the DR. this Wednesday. I have not done well on my pre-op diet. I've only lost 3 lbs. in 2 weeks. I don't want to be turned down due to the condition of my liver. I'm excited to have the surgery, but afraid that I've not dieted well enough to proceed with the surgery. Any thoughts on this?

Tentative date set for June 28th. If my passport comes timely then it will be a go. Ready set go for the pre surgery emotional roller coaster!

I began back in Jan of this year and had planned to do the LAP-BAND® since I had seen my daughter lose over 100 pounds in the last year. I was rolling along with the requirements just fine then I was stopped! I had a bad EKG reading and that caused me to be sent to a Cardiologists where I was given a Chemical Nuclear Stress test which I passed but the Doc saw what he felt was a blockage in the heart. I was then, a few weeks later sent in for a Cardio Cath where I was finally discovered to be clear, clean, and Green (ready to have the LAP-BAND® scheduled). When I called my LAP-BAND® Doc's office I was put back again another 30 days cuz of scheduling availability. Well, on …

Hi, my name is Stacey and I am just starting the process for the lap-band and am really excited about learning what I can.

Hi, new to lab-band forum, I am scheduled for 7-7-10 looking forward to getting my life back. I have enjoyed reading some of yall's comments and sure l will have questions for everyone as I move forward. Anyone out there for TX Im from Corpus Christi. Thanks for being here, Karla:smile2:

:svengo:Well after the weekend I spent in San Diego I am even more determined to have the surgery and lose weight. First off I went because my mother who is 54 and my cousin who is two years younger then myself, were running the Rock and Roll Marathon with 25,000 other people. YES 25k people running in this race! I was surrounded by a ton of tough fit people and felt like a big giant porker and the thing is I know it is my own fault and that is what sucks. The girls did great by the way, so proud of them both. We stayed at the Marriott Resort and Marina which was gorgeous and had a ton of business people and they hosted a charity benefit where the men were in suits an…

... hi evryone.. im new here as u all must know.. .. i just got my band on May 26 (wednesday) i live in FT. Hood.. and my husband is away.. gladly my aunt is here to help me with my 6 month baby boy.. just wanted to say hi..and hope evryone is doing great.. .. hope to talk w all of u.. My weight b4: 236 pre-op weight (diet for 7 days): 227 May 31 2010: 220 very excited.. but also nervous.. GOD BLESS........

As you can probably tell from my user name I don't want to give out too much information about myself. I plan to tell only my husband about the road I'm on (at least for now) but I need some support from people who understand. Briefly. January '08 looked into lap-band and decided to give myself a year too loose weight on my own. Bought treadmill and walked faithfully everyday for six months. No weight loss. January '09 hit my highest weight ever at 250. I'm 5'4". I was 175 pounds after my first child was born and would be very very happy to be and maintain that weight again. February '09 moved to Korea to be with my husband who is in the US Army. April 10 …

After having a Health scare, and also seeing how Lap-Banding has help friends of mine ~I am seriously considering doing this. I have have talk with the SlimBand people in Toronto, and I will an interview tommorrow with CIBO also located in Toronto. I am from Northern Ontario and I am wondering about being able to have the fills done in Sudbury. I am nervous about the fact that this will be a total life syle change forever~ I have the support of my Husband of 35 years, When thinking about this I guess "Food will be to survive NOT socialize!". I am 54 and I want to be a regular size again which I haven't been for 20 years!! Should I or Shouldn't I? What to DO!!!:thumbu…

Hello everyone! It has been a journey for me. Thank GOD for this forum. I've been doing research for sometime and this forum helped me make a VERY wise decision. I started out wanting to be banded, but after reading the forum and seeing others who tried the band not having a high rate of success I began looking for the next best thing (Sleeve). I must admit my doctor pushed gastric bypass as the best solution for my weight problem, but my family and I felt that way to go was a little toooo extreme. Let's be honest, I have a 17yr old and two year old twins (boy and girl), so I need all the nutrients and energy possible to keep up with my crew. :wink1: And the gastric …

I am going to Tijuana, Mexico on June 8th for lapband surgery with Dr. Mario Almanza. Has anyone from the states had lapband and what kind of results have you had? Was it as scary as people make it out to be having it done there? Thanks for any info....

I am pre-lapband surgery. Going to do blood work, EKG, etc in a few days. None of that really bothers me, except for my mental evaluation. I am not sure why I have to have a psych evaluation. What does the psych doctor ask?

Hey everyone! New here, and new to this whole "process". I'm 22 and I've been over weight since I was like 10 [or earlier who knows]. I've never had trouble losing weight, I've had trouble keeping it off, and because I'm such a lucky lucky girl...when I gained it back...I was blessed with just a few more lbs each time. I know its so cool right? NOT! So here I sit at 320lbs [last time I checked] down to my very last option. About a year ago I started looking into different WLS options and decided that I felt the most comfortable with the LAP-BAND®. So about 8 months ago I started working on getting myself healthier and just preparing myself mentally for taking the actual…

Hi guys, I've reached the stage where having the operation is the last option. I've got a few consultations booked. But its so scary! Who do you believe as at the end of the day - its a business to these ppl, so do they really have your best interest at heart? I've been reading up on different private clinics and there are some real horror stories. But I'm really hoping that it will work, so I can start living my life!! x

Hi I have 5 yrs experience with this lap band. I have good info and bad info. I am also open for help through anyone that can advise. I look forward to having lots of interaction with you bold ones with the band. Mamalove

So, my surgery is tomorrow....and I am super excited about it. I can't wait to see the new me later on down the road. But, I am also super nervous. I hope things go well and that I can handle it all emotionally. I am starving after being on shakes for two weeks. They make me want to vomit now.

Hi folks... I'm a newbie to the forum but I'll be going in on July 2nd with Dr Alverez. My wife is coming but since she doesn't have a passport she'll have to stay in San Antonio until I get back from Mexico. She'll be on vacation and I'll be...well you know. I just turned 59, retired at 56 and have been able to do almost nothing like I use to. I'm 6' and had a high of 332. I started my liquid diet on 5/30 about a week early at 320 pounds and have dropped 15 pounds already to 305. Maybe by the time I get there the doctor will look and ask what I'm there for..Ha! I sometimes wonder if it's the right thing to do, but with type II and heart issues I kinda figure it's now…

Hello everyone! My name is Anne. I'm 39 and was banded in Nov 2008. I was 255 before and now, I'm at my goal weight of 130. I've been at my goal for some time but still watch what I put into my mouth, like a hawk.:thumbup: My sister was also banded this past January. She also loves her band. I wish all of you here the best of sucess in your journey to loose weight. It's so worth it in the end, to be healthy and happy once again.

It's july 12th. i started this process almost a year ago and am soooooooooo glad it's almost here. i first went to Dr. Cywes in jacksonville last june. my husband had to have open heart surgery in july so i had my next appoint ment in august. i ate my way through his surgery (stress eater) and gained ten pounds by the time i went back. my insurance requires a six month program so i started that. i was denied the first time and then asked for reconsideration. i finally had to have a peer review before they said ok. my bmi was over 50 and i have a few comorbidities. i've lost a littel over 30 lbs since last august. i can't wait. i'm taking two weeks off from work. i haven'…

My name is Amber and I am 32 years old. I have a son that is two and my partner and I have been together for 13 years. I have just started the LapBand process and am awaiting approval. I was approved a year and a half ago, but decided to give it one last try on my own and was unsuccessful. So I turned in all my paperwork and am starting the process again. I am anxious and excited and nervous all rolled into one. I look forward to this journey and look forward to making new LapBand buddies:) :Dancing_biggrin: Amber

Hi my name is Melissa and i'm 28 years old and I live in Murfreesboro, TN! I'm just starting the weight loss journey and meeting with my surgeon on July 1st. I'm looking for locals in the Middle Tennessee / Nashville area for support! i've also started a blog about my journey Pass Go and Be Below 200

Howdy! I just started my band journey. I'm lucky to have the support of my husband and my mom. I'm telling my dad today. Read my profile if you'd like to know more about me... and I love to talk about me! LOL!!! I could use some friends to help support and guide me along. I won't be having surgery till Sept. at the earliest. I'm on a pre-op diet. I've read so many books, but I need information and support from HUMANS. So, will you be my band-buddy?

Hello. I am brand new to this website. I was banded yesterday down in West Hills ,CA. I was considering lapband for a little over a year, and once I heard that my insurance would cover it 100% how could I not do it. It was a nice and quick process for me. I have already lost 20lbs in 2 weeks just from eating what they tell you to in the pre-op diet. I am looking forward to see how much more I can lose. Looking forward to getting to know some people on this page.

Hello all, I just joined this site and I love reading about everyone's experiences. You all have answered all the questions I can think of! :-) I am just starting the LAP-BAND® process. I am attending the seminar tomorrow night. After that I can make my physical and psych evaluation appts. After I complete those steps I then can talk with the surgeon. I'm really hoping I get accepted. I meet all the requirements that my insurance listed for this surgery, and after seeing all of your successes, I can't be more excited! Wish me luck! <3 Mary

Hi There everyone :thumbup: I am just getting started on my journey. I have an appt with my doctor on 5/20/10 to talk to her about the lap band. I have been reading all about it. I am very excited about getting it done. I have been over 200 pounds for about 20 years now & heavier than I should be for about 30 years. I am so ready for this.

Hello! My name is Jamie, and I am an army wife, whos husband is in Iraq. I have decided to take control of my life and health once and for all. I live in Killeen Texas, and will be using Scott and White. Waiting for all the tricare paperwork to start! I just attended the seminar and learned something interesting concerning tricare. The dr. said that tricare is easing the 100# standard, if you have at least one co-morbitity. he said they are now approving BMI of 35 with the co-morbitity. For me I am between 38-39 BMI with very high hypertension and diabetes. Anyways i wish you all the best! look forward to getting to know you!!

My appt is scheduled for next week for my first consult with my doct. Im at the end of the road and sick and tired of being sick n tired of being FAT!!!! At least Im doing somthing about it finally and i pray to God this works!!!! Any heads up on what to expect or not to expect. I got lots of information about the lap band but would like to hear from real people who has had real experience, good and bad. What kind of excericise should not be done and what is good excercise for lap band peeps.

I am just getting started on the lap band journey, in fact I haven't even made an appt with the surgeon yet. My dad had lap band surgery 2 years ago and has had great success. Since his surgery I have been considering having surgery myself. Unfortunately my insurance did not cover any kind of weight loss surgery. This March our insurance changed to AETNA who does cover Lap Bands!!! I am hoping some of you that have already gone through the approval process can give me tips on how to get approved without complications. This site is awesome btw!! what a great resource.

I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow and have a rotten cold. I am sneezing, coughing. If I don't miraculously lose it by tomorrow, I doubt seriously they will operate. I have been on liquids for a week and can't imagine getting my date pushed back to who know when. :thumbdown:

Hi everyone, Just a note to let you know what is going on with me. I have been waiting since July 09 for an invitation to an information meeting with Dr. Ellesmere in Nova Scotia (next Prov. only). In the meantime, our family decided to move to Ottawa, ON. The Ontario health system will pay for RNY, however I would only have coverage in Oct, and then I have to go through the whole process and they have a lot of people at various stages, plus they don't do the VSG. So....I was seriously looking at Mexico, but my family have asked me not to do that, and my Mom is going to loan me some money. In Ottawa alot of people had been referred out of country (U.S.) as they d…

:blush:Hello, I am from Canada and just starting out on my LAP-BAND® journey. I am looking for someone to give me advise, provide me with support and be my buddy. I am 35 years old and have a BMI of 48. I hope to hear from someone soon. Oh yes, and I am getting my surgery done in Mexico. Sincerely, Canadian Girl.