Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Im countrygirl Ive was sleeved in Australia by Dr harrison on the 9th march this yearIm 8 weeks post op now YYYEEAAHHH!!! Ive lost 14.4kg so far.Im going pretty good,i did have some sugar craings that i gave into last week but im back on track this week. A bit about my stuggle- been overweight since childhood,have tried every diet under the sun and have lost up to 30kg before,then regained it plus more. I felt the sleeve was my last chance in losing weight and regaining my health back. Anyway each week gets easier to adjust with the sleeve and it feels great to eat a small amount and be satisfied. im going to have alook around at the site,bye for now country gi…

Hi I am new to site just wanted to say hi I have a date of 5/26/10 and I am awaiting my approval from tricare. so anyday now I should know the outcome....I am so nervous the wait is killing me I am 100 pounds over w/asthma high cholesterol and reflux...dont know what the outcome will be...

I started a group for those of us getting banded this summer. I know we all need encouragement in one way or another. This way we can share advice a pics!! go here! LAP-BAND :smile2:

I'm taking my first step on my journey today.I have a seminar at 6pm today in ronoake va with dr.long I'am so excited I can't wait to start my journey wish me luck!

:smile2:Hi I am new here, too. I will meet my surgeon the day after tomorrow! Was anyone surprized at the list of tests or the amount of pre-surgery weightloss required ? I have heard different stories of what tests had to be done and how much weight had to be lost. I am aiming for being banded in August and hope I can accomplish everything in time!

Hi All, I've had all my tests done and am booked for July 7th. I just wanted to say Hi and introduce myself. I went to my first support meeting on Mon. at Faulkner in Boston. Carol D'

Hi, I'm new to this site and so far this seems to be one of my best finds for band-related information on my Quest for knowledge. Getting my band in July. Any other fellow July 2010 bandsters around? Best of luck to you all and looking forward to reading you! Cheers!

I am new at this site, and I was wondering if anyone knows of any lap-banding surgeons in the North Bay area?:smile2:

So, I am going into surgery to have my Lap Band on 5/3 or so I thought. When I woke up in recovery I was told I had too much scar tissue to clean up and in order to not cause infection from a "foreign body" I would have another surgery in 2 months to get the band put in. I was just released from the hospital today. This is so discouraging! I was so ready to start my new life. This is just another little bump in the road to my ultimate goal of being healthy. Thanks 4 reading! :bored: Daryl

Hello, I was banded on March 31st 2010. I am new to the board, live near San Antonio TX and had surgery in Austin. Not sure what else to say, just looking forward to losing my weight and being healthy

Hello everyone! I was approved for my lap-band today and I am very excited and nervous of course! I am a 27 year old mother of two boys and married for 6 years to my wonderful husband. I started this jouney in November when I went in to to see my primary doctor and could not hold back tears about my weight. I have tried every diet in the book, even pills that my doctor gave me. Nothing has worked and I was at my highest weight (while not pregnant) ever. My doctor told me about the lap-band and although I had never heard of it, I felt like a new door had opened in my life. Here I am 3 months later approved and my surgery is March 14th at Pennsylvania Hospital. Right now I …

I just wanted to say hello to everyone I have been reading on the forum since my surgery in Dec. 2007 but this is my first time to post.I just wanted to share my story a little so here it goes. I had my surgery at 334lbs and lost 15 the first 2 weeks post op :smile:Then struggled up and down 10lbs here and there then I was laid off from my job and gained all back and more:thumbdown: I was at my highest weight ever @376lbs when I guess I had the aah!haa! moment I should have had a year earlier. Better late than never! Now Im on track and have lost 95lbs since Nov this year:smile::bored: I almost gave up and had my band removed because I was not losing the weight I wanted t…

Hello, My name is Rheda. I had Lap-band surgery on Jan. 25, 2010. I have lost 44 lbs. so far and am happy with my results. I would like to talk to some people who have had their band awhile and learn more about fills and how much to eat at a meal.

Hey there everyone. I decided it was just about time that I quit lurking and spoke up! My name is Lori and I am 24 years old. I live in the north Dallas area (Garland, to those familiar) but I go to school in central TX (San Marcos). I was planning on waiting to post here until after I had my consultation this Thursday, but I just got tired of waiting! I am going to be seeing Dr. Nick Nicholson in Plano this Thursday and I am so very excited. I am a self paying patient and I am basically ready to schedule the surgery ASAP so that I have the whole summer to try and lose and get acclimated before I head back to school in the fall. I can't wait to be a new per…

I have to do a 6 month diet for my insurance,I went to the doc and weighed in for the last three months would that count as part of my 6 month diet or do I have to startover after I go to my seminar tommorrow?

Hi everyone! For those who don't know me, I got sleeved on April 28 at Florida Medical Center @ Ft. Lauderdale. My doctor never made me do a pre-op diet. On the day of surgery, I was on my highest weight which was 253.. My height is 5'7.. 12 days out and I have already lost 24 lb.. My weight this morning was 229! First two days were pretty hardcore, my abdominal area hurt a lot more than I thought it would. I felt very bloated. I started walking about three hours after I got out of surgery. I barely could take deep breathes or cough because my left side hurt too much. Third day, no pain at all.. maybe a little around the incisions. Now I'm feeling great! I have been…

Been watching posts on this site for a month and thought it was time to join in. I was banded April 7. 2010. So far everything has been going ok. I can't wait to start my fills and get out of Bandster hell. I am not complaining but am ready to see the scale move. Looking foward to this adventure with you all.

Hi Everyone I just joined and have my first Apt to see my dr about getting the lap band done, I have been researching this for about 2 years now and have finally taken that step to finding out if I can have the procedure done, , even after all my research I find this is still an unnerving process

Hello everyone. My name is Allie. I have been lurking here for a while, but finally decided to start posting. I'm 22 years old and 264 pounds. Finally ready to make a change that is going to better my life and my future. I have been to my psych evaluation and the nutritionist already, just have to see a sleep doctor and I'm going to be submitted to insurance. I'm really nervous, but excited at the same time. Also I can't help but feel worried about if I fail at this too, I have only failed at weight loss before in my life. I know this is the right decision for me, but I hope I can do it.

Hello, I am new to all this, but I do read a lot about the VSG. My questions have to do with how diabetes (specifically Type II solely on insulin) is handled after surgery? I am scheduled for the 20th of May but I still need more info from diabetics. Can I expect to come off the insulin? Do I still take injections but expect the glucose levels to be a lot less? Will I get low blood glucose symptoms eating so much less? Thanks for any replys. jerryvic

Just wanted to introduce myself. I have been watching and learning from others here for a while. I was banded 5/3. So far so good. I had some aprehension right after surgery but think I am on my way now. Just need to learn how to walk the walk and get it right. Too many failed attempts with diets. Looking for the change in life style that is going to make it work. Thanks for all the support.:scared2:

Hi I'm Sarah. I am just starting the process of getting lap-banded. I am scheduled to attend a seminar put on by the Northwest Weight Loss Center. I know I have some hoops to jump through for my insurance but I am excited. (My husband had gastric bypass done on March 5th, it took a little over a year from when he first started the process to finally get approval and a date. He's already down 80+ lbs since late January.) We have been married 13 years and have four kids ages 12, 9, 3 & 3. Looking forward to getting to know you all and learning from your experiences. :scared2:

So, i've been on here a couple of days now, and after reading stories, looking at pictures, and just looking at forums. I should have joined a long time ago.I've seen the site before, but never really thought that it would inspire me as much as it has these past couple of days. Thanks to everyone who shares on here. You are all inspirations in your own way. I look forward to talking to many and learning lots :scared2:

For those who have been sleeved after your initial recovery from the surgery and subsequent weight loss did you start finding you had more energy for exercise or do you think just the motivation from knowing your going to lose finally give you that desire to start moving more. It's not that I am lazy by any means I go go go constantly. I just left my job of four years to help out my grandma (my grandpa died the day after christmas) and I am helping run her errands, my errands, cleaning her house, cleaning my house, doing her yard and doing my yard plus I have a hubby and two children. I just feel at this point like my efforts are futile I never seem to get lower the…

I was wondering how long from start of your inquiries until you actually were banded did it take? I turned in my paperwork a long time ago and still haven't heard anything. I haven't talked to a doctor or met with anyone yet. Is this the norm?? I already checked with my insurance and they will cover my surgery. Also, if you had to do it all over again, would you pick gastric bypass of he lap band?? Just curious,,,thanks so much for your input.

Hi all. My surgery date is right around the corner (May 17). I am looking for someone having surgery around the same time and who has similar goals to buddy with to share in this journey. I begin my liquid diet on Monday the 10th. I went to the grocery store to stock up on things that I can have on my pre-op diet last night, and I think the reality finally hit me. It was very emotional and overwhelming to me. This is it. Private message me if you are interested!

Hey. I have been reading posts on the board for a while now, but decided to write now and get some advice from people who have had this procedure done. I got the lap band about 3 years ago. At first I had pretty good success with it, but then started to have problems and couldn't keep any food down and was throwing up all the time. I went back to the doctor and got some Fluid taken out and an upper GI. The band was too tight and causing some prolapse. I went back for another upper GI and it had gotten better since the doctor took some out but then I could eat more food so he put a little back in. To make a long story short I cannot seem to find that happy medium with my b…

Hi all, new to the forum. I found this the other day when I was looking for even more info. lol My surgery is scheduled for May 14th, two days from now. I'm excited but nervous. I read somewhere that if your liver hasn't shrunk enough they can't do the surgery. Is that true?? I'm really worried because my approval came through late last week, and they wanted me on the liquid diet for 10 days, but there just weren't enough days for a 10 day diet. Also, I have been reading about others diets, and everyone talks about Jello and broth, but my dr gave me a list of stuff I can have. I've been drinking milk, Water and Atkins shakes. Eating SF Jello, SF Low fat puddi…

I was just banded 2 wks ago. I have lost 13 lbs. I still feel some discomfort at my port site. I am still just drinking protein shakes, sugar free jello, sugar/fat free pudding, sugar free popsicles and chicken soup.

I have been trying to down load some pics to my profile and it just keeps saying failed. Can anyone advise? Russ

Hello all! Well I began this process in March and went to a seminar in Apr. Now I'm just waiting for the Dr. to finish my pysc.eval. It has been 1wk since my appt. and she said it would take about 1-2wks. (The wait is driving me crazy!) After that I will be put on the ready for surgery list and have to wait for my turn. I have tricare and surgery will be done on post, so their procedure is a little different. The head nurse in charge of scheduling said she can't even give me an estimate about the wait time so don't even ask! That's gonna be hard not to do. So that's another wait that's gonna drive me crazy! My husband just came home from Iraq a month ago and we are takin…

Well, tomorrow is a month out for me. I had a really rough start. The first two weeks were just me getting sick, the third week has been a gradual improvement. And now I feel like I am finally on my way. In hindsight there are a few things that were very specific to me that I wish I had known, and I appreciate all of you for educating me: During those first few weeks I felt more like a patient still, not someone who was headed in the direction of life change. I felt almost guilty considering my weight loss as an accomplishment, because I was throwing up all the time, not hydrated, and getting 200 calories a day max. It felt like saying thanks for a compliment after gett…

After a one month whirl wind of tests (things move quickly when your private pay) and a 2 week liquid only diet tomorrow is the day! (May 11). Already down 25 pounds and ready for the next 25!!:biggrin: I hope I can sleep tonight!

Hi! I just started with these forums, and in my own journey. I've been fat for a number of years (about 7), and before that overweight for 2-3 years and chubby since late childhood (about 10 years old). I'm currently 27 - nearly 28 and am beyond ready for the life change. Being fat feels like my life has been on hold, or even rewind at times, and I'm ready to be a healthy adult, where the daily indignities of being fat aren't ruling my life... the little things like being stared at in the grocery store or mall, or having a less than eventful romantic life. I saw my PCP (Family Doc) 3/29 and asked for a referral for WLS (Lap-Band; I'm not comfortable doing something …

Hello my sleeve friends!!! I'm getting so excited and nervous, 48 hours from right now and I will be in recovery with 2/3 less of my tummy!! I can't concentrate on work, can't concentrate at home. Can't sleep, and when I do, I have weird tummy dreams!!! Getting on and reading the posts is the only thing keeeping me grounded at the moment. Wish I had more time to go through and read EVERY SINGLE ONE! I get excited, and scared. Really hope everything goes ok!!! And I still can't figure out how to put that dange ticker on my posts. I think I'm just a ticker idiot!!! Love to all!!

I have researched the LAP-BAND® for years....and I am now finally here. I currently have 2 insurances and I have received approval from both. My one on one consultation with Dr Mirande is on May 19th and I am hoping to be banded on June 4, 2010. I can't wait to begin this journey, it has been a long time coming!!

How Do you guys get that nifty little weight loss banner on your posts?:biggrin:

just found out that my insurance requires a 6 month doctor supervised diet.How do you get thru this?I think 6 months is a little excesive.

Hi everyone! Just back from Belgium where I was sleeved on 5 May by Dr Marc Focquet. Really positive experience couldn't have been looked after any better - would recommend. First couple of days felt a bit groggy mainly from anaesthetic but feeling great now and have lost 7lbs since sleeve date :thumbup: Just been supermarket shopping and didn't crave any carby or chocolatey Snacks. Bought lots of healthy veg and am now going to stock the freezer with yummy homemade Soups. This site is inspirational and really helped me to make my decision and I'm confident I won't look back - must go now need to sip, sip, sip :001_smile: Take care! Lyn

So I've been thinking all week about this LAP-BAND® thing. I've really psyched myself out! I'm going to the initial information session on Wednesday, May 12. I'm required to go to this information session before the surgeon will have a consult with me. Once I have my consult, I can start workng on the stuff I need to do to get my approval. It's a three month multi-disiplinary process I have to go through before the surgery. I'm so READY to get this process started! I'm 115 pounds over weight for a normal BMI. My husband doesn't want me to loose that much. I'm just ready to get started and see this through... I guess the journey starts here. My initial thoughts...I hope th…

Hi everyone. I am so excited now that I have my insurance approval. It has been a long road to get here, that is for sure. I am 41 years old and a single mom of a great 11-year old daughter. I live in southern california, and love to hike, camp, ride bikes, and swim. Some of these have been very hard activities for the past 10 years. I logged in today to get more info from people who have been here.

I am scheduled to have the lap band done on May 18th and am currently on the Optifast plan...starving...sick of shakes already and it has only been three days! Which makes me wonder if I can do this...Any input from those of you who have had this would be appreciated. Thanks.

Well, where to start? I am like everyone else here, overweight and tired of it. I can't remember ever being thin. My highest non pregnant weight has been this past year at 266. I am currently at 258. I am on month 2 of my 6 month diet requirement for insurance. I have Cigna and am hoping they will follow suite with Aetna and start covering the sleeve when their policy comes under review. Which is May 19th of this year. So hopefully by the time I am done with the diet requirement Cigna will cover the sleeve. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I have not been able to lose any weight on Weight watchers after 9 weeks and boy is it frustrating when I go weigh in each week and the…

For a little history, I found a doc that I thought I wanted to do my sleeve. I even have a surgery date set for 5/27. But when I talked to the doc 2 weeks ago, he says he uses a 48fr and sews to the left of that. I tried not to let the HUGE size bother me, but really has been. I am going to start my search for another surgeon on Monday. I dont want to go through all this work have this huge sleeve and then have trouble losing the weight and keeping it off. Just not worth it. Its scary for me a little to give up something sure-thing and go back to the beginning. But, I really feel its best for me... Lisa

I got approved by my insurance today. Started my liquid diet and my surgery will be on May 19th. OMG what a day. I feel like I am dreaming. How hard sill the next two weeks of nothing but liquids be? I am just about to blow up I have so many emotions run inside of me right now. Wow two more weeks and I will be sleeved. My new life will start.

Hello~ I am in the process of getting banded, I still don't have a surgery date set yet. I have already done the blood work, Upper GI scan, abdomen ultrasound & the stress echo test. On the 12 I have my psycologist counsulation & sleep consultation, then on June 8 I have a meeting with the dietitian, hopefully the give me a surgery date after that. As much as I am excited about the process and the new healthy me that will be emerging, I can not help but be very scared. Scared that I will not suceed on this, or that I will be in so much pain, ugh so many emotions!!! Any feedback would be really appreciated! Thank you!

I had my first appointment on 04-06-10 and I'm getting very excited about this journey of a Life Time. :thumbup:

After lurking here for the past 2 months, I am finally posting a message. I just got a date - June 9th - for my sleeve and I am soooo excited. I also have a question. Did anyone else have to have a pre-op CT angiogram of their celiac artery? Not sure why I need it, but I'm trying to schedule it anyway. Also just found out today that I have full blown diabetes. Well, hopefully it's short lived. I hope this adds my signature automatically :thumbup:

Well, I was denied coverage today :thumbup:. I initially thought I would self pay, then was encouraged to submit to insurance, but I told myself I would self-pay if I was denied. Well........now they say a 3 month diet (my surgeon's staff thought that my 5 mos. of ww as well as all my other weight loss attempts might be enough to get it approved. They are not discounting that, but want to see proof of lifestyle change, nutritional counseling, exercise, behavior modification...ummm....how does ww provide proof of those things:confused:? I called my doctor's office and told them what was going one. They, of course, are familiar with this tactic (yes, I said tactic). S…

Hi, I live in Israel and have just started looking into doing this surgery. I am looking for anyone who has had this procedure done in Israel. Kupat Holim Meuhedet is telling me that there is only one doctor from Beer Sheva from Soroka Hospital who does it. Any information you have about procedure here and criteria for qualifying for approval would be helpful. Thanks!:eek: