Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Had given up on trying to lose after gastric bypass in 1994. Only lost about 20 lbs, but stayed relatively the same for 10 years (this was a first for me), but weight started creeping up again - about 10 lbs a year up to 290 on my first consultation in March with Dr Bagnato. After reviewing records and doing an EGD, Dr B. put a band in on May 6. With the pre-band diet, my bmi has gone down 2 points already. My first goal is to get the BMI down under the morbidly obese category.

I have been lurking here for a little while and over at the OH sleeve forum for almost a year. I wanted to have the surgery last fall, but my DH was dead set against me going to Mexico, and I did not like any of the surgeons (or their offices) where I had been to seminars. Well I finally found a doc and office that I like and I am shooting for early-mid June! This doc was very supportive of my choice (in fact, he was thrilled), unlike one of the other doc's office that kept pushing the lap band because my insurance will cover it. It ain't cheap, but not as bad as I thought (14.5K). I am soon to be 50 :scared0:, I have been transplanted to San Antonio Texas, I have…

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. I have just started the paperwork for the lap band procedure. How long does this whole process take from initial paperwork til surgery. I am very limited as to when I can take my vacation. Also, does anyone have any input into surgery at the Cleveland Clinic?? It seems like such a longgggggggggg process. Thank you a head of time for your feed back. :confused:

Hi everybody. I am 35 and overweight (obviously). I am super excited about the new chapter I am about to begin. I am scheduled with Dr. ALmanza. I would love to hear from anyone who has went recently. I know he has been on vacation but any recent stories would be great!! I am planning on doing Atkins for 2 weeks prior to surgery to make sure my liver is out of the way:001_tongue: I have done it b4 very successfully but not long term so I feel good about that. I cant wait to move my ticker down! I have struggled with it for years! I am an RN in local ER, mother and wife. I love college football and cruises! Now I feel like im on a singles site:) Anyway thanks for r…

hi everybody, iam starting my pre op diet mon 10th may .1 week before op. so iam saying goodbye to all the foods that made me fat!! the diet is 2 pints of semi skim milk and two 100g yogurts a day . this is from the hospital band nurse . i can use the milk for slimfast shakes ,the chocolate one is not too bad!! was your diet similar to mine ? ive also been told of the wind pain after the op which iam not looking forward to. iam looking forward to losing weight though!!!!!!

Hello, I am new to this forum and just had my lapband surgery May 4th. my husband found this site for me and thought it would be helpful. Itll be great to see how others are progressing!!

I have been reading the threads for a while. Every time I wanted to reply to a thread I'd forget my password. I'm sure memory loss is not due to my sleeve! I was sleeved by Dr. Joya in Mexico 7 weeks tomorrow. I had a really rapid recovery and despite not being able to eat much at any one time, I don't feel like I even had surgery. I have not had any problems with infections, heart burn, etc. I feel very fortunate. My weight loss has not been rapid...it could be due to my age and slow metabolism, but as long as I lose I'm good with it. I weigh in on Thurdsays....call it naked Thursdays. I live with my 5th grade daughter and try to teach her that you need to monit…

<p>Hi from Israel, everyone - well, I am truly one of you now, having just returned from being banded up in Tel Aviv yesterday. Wow, am I sore (coughing and sneezing are especially not fun) - and my kids are going to be very impressed with my scars; hopefully they'll remember that the days of jumping on Daddy's belly are over. Wait untill Daddy doesn't have a belly to jump on anymore! Then we'll all go out on the lawn and jump around together. I'm subsisting on water, herbal tea and chicken broth as per Doctor's instructions, and am not experiencing significant hunger. I'm exhausted and am going to sleep, but no doubt about it - something new has begun.</p>

Well, three days ago right around this time of the morning I had my surgery. I want to thank all of you who sent me well wishes on my first post the night before. I know many of you who are going to have the surgery soon want an update so here goes. Generally, I think it went extremely well. My surgeon said the procedure was "text book" and I had no complications. I don't remember anything at all between saying goodbye to my boyfriend in the pre-op area until I saw him again in my hospital room. The pain initially was a bit intense and I felt nauseous most of the first night, but by second day the pain subsided (although the incision sites are still pretty sore) and…

You guys are WONDERFUL!!! I mean, really. I have been lurking and posting for about a week now and just feel so supported here. I think one of my favorite things is to see photos and hear stories of the weight loss that the post-opers have. It gets me excited for my future. It keeps me focused on the prize at the end, and it makes me want this surgery all the more. I made a list of a few little things that I am looking forward to doing/wearing when I reach goal weight. I would love to see what you would add to your list. white pants. I would never do this as a fat chick. I always felt bigger. regular width shoes. Oh to walk into a shoe store and be able to wear al…

This is my first week on the supplements. Going better than what I thought. My surgery is scheduled for May 24th. I'm so excited. Taking one day at a time. Thankful for my wonderful supportive family and friends. Looking forward to the support on here and hoping that I will be able to offer someone else support as well.

I have an appointment on May 17th with Dr. Borland in New Iberia, La. Now, I am working on getting the money together that I need for the surgery. I dont have a co-signer (other than my husband, and the one place I have gone thru wont let me use him) so I am going a couple of different routes.... I am not letting that slow me down though! I am excited about my consult with the doc....

They called just a few moments and moved up my check in time. I am hoping to get a little sleep tonight. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I will check in Thursday. THanks

Hi from Omaha Ne, Counting the days till 06/02:smile2:

Hello my name is Wanda. I actually started this journey 4 years ago. Became serious about surgery 6 months ago. Scheduled to be banded on 12/16/09. A little scared but I am ready.

Hi, I live just north of Houston and gave myself an April's Fool present of a lapband. It was supposed to be a birthday present but didn't quite make it. I heard about banding over 10 years ago, finally went to a seminar two years ago and had to think long and hard about whether to go through with the procedure. It wasn't until I met several women who were proud of their weight loss with the band and were eager to share their experiences that I went ahead. I don't mind giving up sodas and even good beer, but bread? Pizza? These women assured me this wasn't necessarily true. Sooo...just had over a month out, had a first fill, eating normally, and happy with 15 lbs lost.

I had the first consult with my surgeon 2 weeks ago and came home full of emotion. The weird thing is that, happiness wasn't one of the emotions i felt. I felt so anxious, scared, etc. Late that night after tossing and turning for hours, I got up and started searching for some answers. That's when I found this forum. WHEW!!! Let me tell you, I thought I was losing my mind. But when I read how so many others had been on the same roller coaster of emotions, I finally relaxed and saw it was normal to feel this way. I'm scared about having such major surgery for something "self-inflicted". That whole feeling like a failure thing hit me all of a sudden. I know I need to l…

Hi all. I usually lurk and read a lot of the posts, but today I'm ready to start putting in comments. I got banded on 03/30/2010. I lost 10 lbs in the first 2 weeks (344lbs-334lbs) after being banded then after that my appetite shot up and that lovely feeling of being full and satisfied went down. I maintened my weight loss surprisingly cause I thought for sure I would gain. I know for sure I would have if I did not have the band since I ate a lot. I also walked 1 mile a day too. So I read in the forum this happens to everyone and I felt better, plus my doctor assured me that my stomach went down from the surgery swelling and that soon as I was adjusted I would see a majo…

Hi! I was banded on 4/15/10, Dr Fegelman did the 'deed', and have had a learning bell-curve experience! First of all, I work on my butt all day, so I just took 1 week off. Returning to work was a tad painful, but thanks to the liquid Roxicet, i didn't care! LOL My first true lesson learned was rather scary. On week 2, I thought I'd try some Greek Yogurt. Things went ok, until I started having gut pains, that radiated through my chest, and up/out my left shoulder. My BP was good, and I was able to breathe just fine, so I layed down. Next day, the Dr said to go to ER...JUST in case. On top of that, I hadn't gone to the bathroom (#2) in a week and was miserable! …

I'm very nervous! Today I go for my surgery. Today is the first day of the rest of my life!!!

Hello everyone! I just thought I'd share an update since I had my 9-month follow up appointment last week. My surgeon is very pleased with my progress so far. I've lost 109 pounds in 9 months, and he said that's awesome for a sleever to do in even 12 months! All my labs checked out great and I had a discussion with him about becoming pregnant after I reach goal. He's all for it. :confused1: I'm kind of in a stall right now, but mostly because I haven't been exercising. I'm determined to lose as much as I can this summer while out of school, so I joined a gym this week and am excited about going to classes with friends. The Dr said I would just have to concen…

Hello everyone! I was banded on 4/28/10 by Dr. Kelly of St. Paul Surgeons in St. Paul, MN. I'm here to receive support, advice and to share my weight loss experience.

I will be having lapband sx May 17, 2010. Dr. Price at Mt. Carmel West will be doing the sx. I see him on the 14th and then go the following Monday. I am very nervous/excited all at the same time. Just wanted to say hello and welcome any comments or advice. Sheila

Im going to have lap band. My problem is where. I only have $10,000 available and no insurance. I would love to stay close to home in East Texas. I could drive to Juarez Mexico or fly to Tijuana. Im scared of flying and scared of Juarez....lol Im just not sure what to do. Im not far from Dallas but I dont think anyone in Texas will do it for $10,000. Please help!

Just introducing myself...my name is Michael and I have been pursuing getting the lap band done. I have already completed the 6 month doctor supervised diet and am waiting for them to submit it to insurance. Hopefully I will get approved and maybe even a June band date??? I have always been overweight. Very excited at the prospect of being much thinner. I also set a goal that when they give me my surgery date....I will quit smoking also. Anyway, just wanted to say howdy!

Hi, I'm new to this site and would like to introduce myself. I'm a 53 year old elementary teacher, banded on Feb. 2, 2010 and have lost 39# so far. I'm very happy with my journey thus far! I'm looking forward to spending some time at this site reading and gathering info! Thanks! Brenda

I am really excited but scared too. I met with Dr. Davidson in Dallas yesterday and went to his seminar too. When I went in, I was set on Lab Band but after hearing all the pros and cons of that and sleeve, I decided sleeve was the better choice for me. I am 35 and have been married for 17 years with 4 kids. When answering the questionnaire for the appointment, I realized that I have been overweight for the last 17 years and had been morbidly obese (Man I hate that phrase) for 10. I spent all these years trying to avoid that label. I think that appointment really made me face it. They tortured my by taking my picture (something I never allow) and making me weigh and m…

Hi there. My name is Marie. Tommorrow I am meeting with my surgeon for my consultation and expect surgery sometime in August or September. This is a long awaited prayer. I look forward to getting to know you folks and look forward to information and encouragement throughout this process.:bored:

Hey all I am just starting my journey. So far I had my initial appointment for lap band. I am going with Dr. Brad Watkins in Oak Brook, IL. Tomorrow I have my first dietitian appointment and also the psychiatric evaluation. I have to do 3 month with dietitian for insurance. I have BCBSL ppo. I’m super excited….been shadowing the forums for some months now. Love this site and the people on it. So much great information. Any one else looking at a surgery date in late August or early September?

Hi all, I'm new to all of this - just started thinking about getting the lap band a few weeks ago when the scale tipped way past the number that I swore I'd never see again. I've been a yo-yo dieter for years - I've been every size from a 24 to a 10. Right now - my bmi is RIGHT AROUND 35 but I have mild diabetes and a very extremely UNDER ACTIVE thyroid i'm scared to death of this surgery because of the POST OP way of life but i'm even more scared to gain any more weight - i have tried EVERYTHING - i just don't know what else to do....:thumbup: So any help or words of advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!:thumbup:

Hey everyone, I was banded on 4/29/2010 and I am having a wonderful experience so far. I have lost a total of 14 lbs. since last Monday, the 26th of April. I contribute most of the weight loss to the liquid diet (pre-op and post-op) but I'll take it for now. I'm looking forward to the trials, challenges, and rewards that will come with having my LAP-BAND®®®®® procedure. I started back working today, as I have a sedentary job. Besides having a few gas pains today, I am completely and totally comfortable. I have had friends to ask me if I knew before what I know at this moment about the procedure, would I make the same decision about getting the LAP-BAND®®®®®? I can ho…

an anyone tell me what to expect at my first nutritionist appointment? Long story short the receptionist at surgeons office made me nervous. I went for my first appt a couple weeks ago, within 8 days I finished everything on the check list, lost 16lbs, saw the bariatric shrink, letter from my primary doc, sleep study, and so on. The only thing I was unable to to complete was the nutritionist visit because she was booked out till June. I was able to find a different nutritionist in another town that my surgeon said was ok, and she has a opening on may 6th. With my nutritionist app only a couple days away I called the surgeons office to say I had completed everything and wa…

I just got word that my insurance approved my surgery!!! This has been such a long road beginning 6 years ago when I initially wanted gastric bypass. My insurance through my job won't cover WLS, so I finally got creative and added my hubby's insurance as secondary insurance effective 1/1/10. After completing my 6 month supervised diet last week, I am scheduled for my surgery on Monday, May 17. I am so excited, scared, shocked, and giddy all at the same time. I am so ready for this next stage of my life. This board has been an inspiration to me over the past few months. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to post, respond, and encourage others.

Hi guys, Im new to this site so just thought I would introduce myself. My name is Marissa and I am from Newcastle, NSW Australia. I got banded on the 30th Sept 09 and so far so good! Im loving the weight loss so far and cant wait till I reach my goal weight. Im getting married on the 4th December 2010 and hoping to start a family shortly after. My mother was my inspiration for getting banded, she has had one for approx 5 years and has never looked or felt better! After seeing what a success she has had with her band and watching the numbers on the scales creep up and up I decided it was time for me to make a drastic change to my lifestyle while I was still young and …

One week from tomorrow I will be going under, and coming out a different person! I admit, these last two weeks of liquid diet, and sabatoging friends has been a struggle. But I keep coming on here, and reading the wonderful posts and stories, and it keeps me going!! Plus I have the greatest boyfriend who is quitting smoking because I did. He also won't eat at the house so as not to tempt me with the chewy goodness of bad food!! My sabatoging friends are coming around. I think they realize that I won't "die on the table". They are all just super jealous, and now they are going to have to be the ones to keep up with me!!! It's amazing, the giving up smoking, diet pop, …

I finally got my surgery date. It only took 3 days for my insurance to approve. It is 5 weeks away but it will be here before I know it. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I have been planning this for several years and finally decided to go through with it and now I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My chat window is not working, anyone else having issues? I need my Chat!!!

Hi everyone! I just decided as of last night to have the vertical sleeve surgery. I have yo-yo'd all my life through dieting and am sick of the skinny years and the fat years, the times when i do go out and look great, and the times when i stay at home and hide. I have become a compulsive overeater and have stretched my stomach out to no end. I am able to eat nearly 7 lbs of food without getting sick, more than probably anyone i or you will ever encounter could eat. I am not obese, but do have some weight to lose, and if i didn't eat 6 pounds of broccoli each night in order to feel satisfied, i would be significantly obese (granted i substituted with regular foods). My …

So I went last night to a seminar with the only Dr. here in Phoenix, Arizona for the sleeve. (that I can find anyway) Turns out he has only done 6 of these surgeries and charges $21,000! So after seeing all you ladies on here who went to Dr. Nick Nicholson in TX, I called his office today. They are more than willing to work with me as an out of stater self payer! I have filled out my packet and sent it over to Lisa! Even after hotel, rental car and airfare it will be cheaper than staying in AZ! Im very excited!:001_tt1:

I finally got my apporval. YEAH!!! I had to change Dr's at the very end. He has been fantastic though. I have worked so hard to get this approval. It has been a 5 month process and along the way, I have lost 20lbs. My Surgery date is this Friday 5/7. I am so excited, but nervous too. I am on the 8th day of my 10 day diet, and on all liquids now. I haven't been too hungry, but I want to chew something so bad. LOL! Anything I should really know to be ready for??:thumbup:

I was wondering if anyone has made an appointment with a DR in Mexica from one of the sites on the computer. If so, can someone give me advice on how I will know it's a real company. I wanted to go with either DR Almana, DR Carvala or DR. Huacuz. Any suggestions on which website will direct me to really getting a surgery done. Or can you guys tell me how you found a DR in mexico. thanks.... Tiffany

Hi everyone, I have been reading many posts. Some good, some bad. In less than 2 weeks I will have VSG in Mexico. I am tired of not being able to do the things I use to. A few years ago I was informed I was hypothyroid. Couldn't figure out why I felt sluggish and couldn't keep up bike riding, playing tennis, and so on. Thanks to the meds I have gained weight and no matter how healthy I eat, or how much I exercise, the weight does not come off that easy. My knee is such a problem at times. I get up and feel like it just wants to pop. I spoke with my doctor and I asked her what she thought about this surgery. Since she said it was not her field, she gave me info that…

Hey Everyone, Wow can't believe surgery is one week from tomorrow. This is going to be one VERY long week!!!! I am so ready to get this done. I had so many doubts at first and now thanks to many of the posts I have read I feel more and more ready each day. I am so thankful for all of you being willing to answer all of our questions and sharing your experiences. It really helps a lot. What would you all say was the hardest part for you right after surgery and do you have any suggestions of how to deal with now that you have been through it? Thanks, Lisa

Good Morning All, I have to decided that I want to have the lapbad done. I have an appointment scheduled with my PCP for tomorrow. I'm just wondering is there anything I should ask or say to her. I am trying to have my insurance pay for it. Thanks

I've been reading these boards for awhile now and decided that it is time to introduce myself. I am a 43 year old male and a single dad to my three children. The last five years or so have been really difficult. My beautiful wife was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive abdominal cancer in November 2004. After two years of intense treatments (including two stem cell transplants), she lost her battle to the disease and died in February 2007 at the age of 41. My kids were 12, 7 and 6 at the time. I've spent the last three years helping the kids cope with the loss and making sure they have what they need. They are doing pretty well, I think, but I feel like I've just…

I am scheduled for my sleeve surgery tomorrow a.m at 7:30. Although I started pursuing this back in January, it is almost surreal that it is about to happen! I am not really scared; just anxious to get through it and move onto the next part of the journey. I can be a pretty tough chick when I need to be and am hoping I don't have too much pain, as I'm scheduled to go back to work the following Monday. My job doesn't really allow for me to take alot of time off. I know everyone's body is unique in terms of the recuperation process, but I'm hoping to hear from some of you that I am not out of my mind thinking I'll be able to get back into my normal routine by next week.…

:thumbdown: Hello, My name is Linda, I am from Fl. Dr. Dicicco is my surgeon, I will have my first appt with him May 19th, has anyone else gone to him? Is there any questions I needto ask. I am so excited I am on Medicare and BCBS of Mi. Thank you, linda

I have been using this site along with lapbandtalk.com to help me research and try to decide who to go to in Mexico along with trying to decide...band or sleeve. I thought i should stop just reading all the posts and at least introduce myself so I can report my journey as objectively as possible when the time comes. I have about 7k to devote to surgery but would love to stay around 6-6.5k if possible. I just want as safe of a procedure as possible. I do not need bells and whistles or a staff of people at my beck-and-call. I just want a clean surgical environment and a surgeon who isn't going for the gold by packing in 10-20 surgeries a day. I have been under for surger…

Hi, I found this site pre-op and came here to build excitement, but am just now joining. I was banded Thursday the 29th (on my birthday!). I'm a overwhelmed by all that is involved, especially concerning eating. Any hints, tips, ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. Also, I'm super bloated and having tons of shoulder pain (I guess from gas). I'm hopeful this works for me. Anyways, Hello to everyone. So glad to be here! Samantha

im 20 yrs old 208 lbs and i just had my first doctors visit for the band. im also looking into other alternatives. im afraid i wont be able to stick to the post op diet to perfection and i dont know what will happen. the doctor told me the percussions but i want to know what will happen from a band user. how severe will me life change and how difficult will the change be. im extremlty scared and stressed hopefully some one can help me decide or at least give me first hand information. thanks britt