Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am 8 months post-op and doing FABULOUS! I've lost 70 lbs. and have 70 to go! I found out about Lap-band from my mother who had the surgery two years ago. I was very leery about the procedure at first bc of all of the problems my mom has had (slipped band and chronic pneumonia from the acid reflux) but I found a great surgeon and I have had absolute success. I used to play a variety of sports during high school but ankle injuries side-lined me and I began to live a very sedentary lifestyle while taking in the same amount of calories. I'm actually very tall (6'1) and it took awhile for people to notice my weight gain. I remember going for my pre-op physical and the nu…

I wish he'd make up his mind! He's scared. I get that. He's worried I won't wake up from surgery. He's worried something is going to go wrong. He's worried about a million different things. I get all that..but he's driving me CRAZY! It's like being on a roller coaster! I tried to reassure him that my PCP would not have given me clearance for surgery if she didn't think I was healthy enough to undergo surgery and survive it. *practicing deep breathing techniques*

Hi everyone, I was just banded 2 days ago, Monday, April 19. I'm very excited to finally be banded. I started this process last August and it took FOREVER to get a date. But now, I've finally made it! :smile: I would like to know of any tips, suggestions, or anything anyone would like to share to help me along in my journey. Thanks in advance and Best Wishes everyone!

I'm on my way to Mexico! I don't know why but so far I've really not been too freaked out about going and having the surgery. It may all hit me once I arrive there, I don't know. Really I think the reason I'm okay with it all is because of this forum and the support that I've found in many of you here. I'm so very thankful for Vertical Sleeve Talk. Keep me in your prayers! Once there I'm sure I'll be using my lap top to check in with you all! Beth

Hello everyone!!!!! I have been considering the LAP-BAND® for almost a year now, and I finally attended a seminar last night, and I called today to get a appt. with my doctor for a psychiatric eval. referral. I have never been a thin person even as a child i was chubby, I have struggled with several types of diets and had some success but at soon as I stopped taking the pills or suppliments I would gain it all back and then sum. I have been married for 5 years now, and my weight has gotten worse, I am the heaviest I have ever been. My husband is in the military so, we spend alot of time apart, he is currently gone, but will be back in a few months...this time around has b…

Let me start off by saying I REALLY want this surgery, but I started this journey a few months back. I have been anxiously doing all of the steps to get my surgery approved. I finished finally finished everything and my doctor's office submitted it only to find out my insurance won't approve the hospital my doctor works out of. Found out on Monday I had to switch doctors, and called the only doctor that does bariatric surgery at the only approved hospital within a 2 hour radius. Now, they are making me jump through alot more hoops. I have been looking forward to this surgery for more than a year, and finally got everything lined up to get it done, and now I feel like I am…

Well, I've been reading alot and posting some, but have never told my situation. I've been thinking about WLS for a couple of years but was scared to do anything. My doctor suggested it the first time and I cried for days.....realizing I had a serious problem that was going to eventually effect my health. Now, after really spending time considering all my posssibilities I am ready for the sleeve. I'm really exicted and have my date set for 5/13. I still can't believe I get to do this. Reading everyone's posts has been so helpful and you are a wonderful group! I'm worried about the emotional rollercoaster because I am already being treated for anxiety and depression b…

I have been comtemplating getting lap band. I am attending a seminar on saturday to get further information. I think the best source of information can come from all of you who have been through this already. Everyone keeps telling me I do not need to get it. the exact phrase "you are not that big." I say don't let how I carry my weight fool you. I am 5'3 and 215 lbs. This is the biggest I have ever been but I do not see myself becoming any smaller on my own. I am tired of wasting money on senseless diets that get me no where. There was one time in my life I made it to a size 8. That was due to having surgery on my mouth after an accident which left me on a liqui…

I'm headed to the hospital at 8:30 in the morning. I really did want to eat "real food" this afternoon, but stayed with the surgeon's request - just clear liquids. I thought he really would not want to see steak in my stomach in the morning (yuk!). Whether you all realize or not you have been courage builders and sustainers as I moved through the process. Thanks to all. Take care and I'll try to send an update later in the day tomorrow - my wonderful husband is never without his laptop and the hospital has WiFi. Diane

I just went to a seminar last night. I took my 14 year old son along as my support person. He is indeed very supportive. My husband had gone out of town and he's been against this procedure since I mentioned it to him. I've sent him links to information, studies, statistics. I've had friends who have had the procedure write him to tell them what a difference it has made in their lives. I know this is something I need to do for me, but it sure would be helpful to have his support in this. I'm also nervous about getting all this documentation. I've been at my current PCP for almost 3 years but didn't have a real PCP for many years before then. I did go to one of th…

Is it just me or does anyone else feel unprepared for this life-changing surgery I am about to have? I have all of the paperwork stating what I should eat, when, etc...but I still feel like I am going into it blindfolded. Maybe it is just nerves???? Maybe I will learn as I go??? Maybe my dr. isn't being as informative as he should be??? AHHHHHHHH

Hello I’m new and already have tons of questions J. Quick Bio……I’ve been overweight pretty much most of my life and have struggled with my weight since the age of 10. I’ve tried every diet known to mankind only to loose/gain, loose/gain annnnnnd loose/gain. Well…after many years of struggling….I FINALLY have health insurance that covers WLS (yeah). This is where my question comes in play… One of the pre-certification requirements of my insurance company (Aetna PPO) is a letter from a personal trainer that hired back in 2006, but unfortunately I’ve lost contact with the PT and have no way of finding him. I’ve googled him to death and can’t seem to find anything .…

hey guys my name is bel and im new to lapbandtalk! i hv my first visit with True Results in Ft Worth tomorrow. My insurance does not cover the procedure so this is all out of pocket. :thumbup: What should i expect on my first visit? They told me that they are going to weigh me and all that good stuff. Since this is all out of pocket, i think that my process is going to be alot faster than most i read about here. What should I expect tomorrow? They said something about an EKG. :thumbdown: How long do you think this process will take? Im so anxious to get this done... lol I just want to be healthy and live a long life with my Hubby! Any and all posts ar…

my husband and I got sleeved the same day. He has been a 100% positive right from the beginning. So I have my own built in support system at home. I think for my self there has been more of a range of feelings. But over all it is wonderful to be free from the slavery of food, we are only one month out and are still adjusting to the new life style. I wanted to find out if other woman found them selves having a problem waking up in the middle of the night for no reason, just laying there wanting to sleep Ha Ha!!

I'm so excited! Next Wednesday morning, April 28, at 7:30 am I'll be going into surgery. I explained to them my dilemna and my small window of opportunity and they made it happen! I love my doc! oh and I'm down 23 lbs since the middle of last month when I started changing my diet and then started the pre-op diet at the first of this month.

Hello all, Where do I start...well I started my 6 month weigh in courtesy of GHI almost a year ago, got through it and all the tests and submitted for insurance approval in Nov. DENIED a 24hr hospital stay. Resubmitted and denied again, now it's the holidays and everything comes to a halt. Submitted again in Feb. for a 23hr hospital stay and was denied the first time but thankfully was approved the second time around. Just got my surgery date yesterday...May 6th. Tomorrow is the start of the two week liquid diet due to a fatty liver 5-7 shakes a day depending on if I mix them with skim or water...any tips? Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

Hi everyone, I just had the lap band surgery on 3/24/10. Including the weight I loss during the month of "pre-op" and the weight I've lost in the last two weeks, I'm already down 14 lbs and soooo excited. I haven't had my first "fill" yet and am a bit nervous. I go in on April 22nd to see how that goes. One thing I noticed, I didn't quite make it through the "puree" only stage easily. But, not too bad, I'm doing a Protein shake in the morning, a yogurt or Soup or rice pudding or cottage cheese for lunch and then having a "sensible" dinner. Last night I had 2 oz of curry chicken with coconut and sliced almonds with a tiny side salad. But I am still finding…

Hello to all, I am 9 days away from the biggest thing I've done in years! I will be having surgery next Thursday and have decided that the more support I can have the better it will be. So...I signed up on the site and put alot of my history out when I registered. I have been overweight all my life, and this is a piviotable year for me, I turn 50, I will be married 30 yrs in September, and 6 months ago, my PCP told me that if I didn't do something about my weight, all my problems, high BP, high cholesterol, sleep apena, borderline diabetes, fibromyalgia, etc, would have me dead in 10 yrs. So... that was my wake up call... I am thrilled, scared, worried, excited, an…

Hello! I just wanted to stop in and introduce myself! I had my pre-op appointment yesterday, I start my 10 day liquid diet tomorrow and surgery is scheduled for Friday April 30, 2010 at 9am! I am very excited and truly blessed to start this new journey! It is very nice to be here! Warmly, Leslie

Hey everyone!! I've been cruising these forums for a while and am very impressed with the progress made by many of you on here. I didn't find any answers to one of my burning questions, so I thought I'd register and post a question myself. I am considering getting the weight loss surgery, and have been doing some research for a few months now. A lot of people I talk to talk about how before the surgery, they ate A LOT of food (i.e a full big mac meal with room for desert, or something of the like). I don't THINK I eat a lot...so I am starting to question whether or not this surgery is right for me. I've struggled with my weight for most of my life. I am currently 2…

That is the way I feel right now. I decided to do the Lapband when I friend of mine had it done and she looks great. I also had a friend do the gastric bypass. She has lost a lot of weight but I do not like the results of what she looks like. so I decided on the lapband. I have had three friends have the lapband and all of them lost the weight they wanted and look great. I have been fully gun ho about this procedure until I came on here. I have done the research. I know that the lapband is a tool not a cure all. I understand that. I understand that it is up to me to make the right decisions and eat the right food. I can eat the right food. I have lost weight befo…

Hello! I'm Katie, 28 years old, wife and mom of two. I have never been at an ideal weight, even as a child. My mother and father both had gastric bypasses, and my brother is trying to get approved for a band. At 252lbs, I'm the smallest of all four of us. I was half way managing my weight, hovering between 190 and 220 all the time, until I quit smoking last year. Then I shot up to 250lb and it's taking everything I have to not gain more. I have poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, and crazy joint pain. I spoke with my doctor at my last visit about the lap band procedure; he highly recommended it, but did say that sometimes it was very hard to get insurance to pay…

today was my 100 pound mark and tommorrow is my 5 month aniversary and my birthday best one yet now less then half way to go. thanks for all the support and postings that helped me keep going.:smile:

I'll try to make this brief.... I had Lap band surgery 2.2008...lost about 70 pounds very easily. Had a slip 11.2009....removal 3.2010. My insurance at the time would not pay for a replacement of the band because I was no longer "morbidly obese"....even though I didn't get to goal. My surgeon talked to me about the sleeve and I have been seriously considering it since November. Also, I have gained back nearly 30 pounds since November. I am getting new insurance due to a job change May 1st. I am praying that they will cover WLS for me and specifically the sleeve. My problem is that my surgeon does not operate at a "participating facility", so my options are to p…

My name is Rachael (or Rae, whichever) and I was banded on 2/25/10 in Atlantic City, NJ. Had my first fill 1 week ago (4/14/10) and am still struggling with weight loss. I keep going back and forth between the same 5 lbs. I know I need to exercise more, but am having trouble getting motivated. Any suggestions?

I spoke with a Dr. today (new, I have not seen him before) and #1. He will only give me a referral within the system He/I work for (I work for a hospital), thereby excluding the other hospital which is where the majority of lap band surgeries are done. #2. He was very condescending and discouraging. Told me I would never meet the criteria for a lap band as my BMI is barely over 35 and high cholestrol and breast cancer and back and knee pain and depression and sleep problems and failing over and over again for the past 40+ years to take the weight off and keep it off are not enough for insurance to cover me. He told me "just eat a little less and exercise a little more. Yo…

I wish I had my life back. I wish I had more energy. I wish I had the self control to be a thin version of this stranger in the mirror. I remember when I was younger and told myself that I would never get any bigger (I have always had a weight problem), I wish I had been telling the truth. Here I am .... 46 years old, mother of 7 kids. Full time employee and full time student and more than full time mommy. I am a busy woman. The only thing I don't take such good care of is myself. I want to be me - the one on the other side of the mirror. The one I cannot see, but know she is there. I desire to be comfortable in my skin. I wish me success in this journey to obtain a lap b…

Hello, My name is Bryan Townley and I am morbidly obese! Let me share a little bit about myself; when I got married in 1989 I weighed 140lbs and had a 26" waist and had to wear a belt to keep my pants up! Two years after being married I weighed in at 175lbs, which was ideal for my height. I was not as active as I was in highschool, I was an athlete playing football, basketball and track, and I smoked pretty much since the 7th grade. So in 1992 I quit smoking as my youngest daughter was alergic to it and I was unable to go sledding with them as I had became so out of shape. A little over a year later I was 100lbs heavier and now another 17years later I peeked at 346lbs a…

I live six miles from Oregon border. Blue cross anthem requires surgery to be done in CA in Center of Excellence. All of them are over 180 miles from home. Closest center in Chico want $8500 in out of pocket expenses on top of insurance! Any suggestions? Who to contact that can help me?:thumbup:

Well I'm been lurking and learning for about a month and I've finalized my banding. I'm offically going to be a bandster on April 22nd and I'm very excited about it. I've started my high protein, low carb, low fat diet last Monday and am use to it now. I just wanted to say hi.

Hi!! My name is Monique... I live in Fort Worth and I'm proud to announce that I will be having LapBand surgery on May 11, 2010. I have been waiting for this for a few years now... and I can't believe it's finally going to happen. I begin my liquid diet (2 weeks) on April 27, 2010. I'm scared it will be the toughest part of this whole thing... but I know that I can do it! I'm excited to get to know people on here and hopefully make a few friends along the way! I'm very opinionated but I'm not judgemental... so give me a chance... HUGS:wink:

I am 26 years old, and have always struggled with my weight. Since I knew what the word "fat" meant, I knew that was me. I have wanted this surgery since 2007, but have just gotten to the point of semi-stability in my life (finally settled in a new house, married, working full time, enrolled in grad school, etc) I am now at a place in my life where surgery is feasible. I have completed my 6 months of physician supervised weightloss (lost 17 lbs! Yay!), completed my nutritionist evaluation, psych consult, and exercise consult, and nowI am awaiting my surgery on 4-26-10. I have received my approval letter from my insurance and now I just want to start my two week pre-op die…

Testing 1-2-3. Lookin for the little froggie hopping on lily pads.

Hello all! I am 2yrs post band and have lost 83lbs. I just found this website while searching for protein shake recipes. Does anyone have some tasty ones they could share? I would really appreciate it! Thanks.

I am new to this and have been considering the surgery for the past year and a half.I have 5 kids and have been married for 11 years. Throughout the 5 births I have gone from 164 to 308 and have not ever been able to take of more than 50 lbs and put it right back on. I have many friends and aquaintinces that have done and within 2 mos alread have lost a lot of weight.I cant wait to doit but because of my limited income I am on mediCal but i have heard that they will pay for it, if it will help subside your health problems, I guess you just have to have a good doctor to convince them. I think I have one of those. Any suggestions on how to go about it Let me know. Will visi…

Hi there! My name is Caitlin and I am almost 19. I am hoping to meet some other younger people who are in the process of getting their band or who already have one! I have met so many people with bands, just never anyone around my age group! I am awaiting approval from my insurance company for my band, but basically whether they approve or not I am going forward with this. It's my only option. So... please drop by and share a bit about your story as I would love to hear it! I'd love to make some new fellow bandster friends :thumbup: Thanks! Caitlin

Welcome everyone!! Copy and paste the below and please turn off your siggy! Maybe we can get the host to make us a Stats Sticky so we can get to know one another!! Screenname: Real Name: Age: State/Province: Date Banded: Surgery Date: Possible Surgery Month: Lbs Lost: Anything you want us to know about you:

I haven't been posting here often, but I wanted to share my experience in case it can help someone else. Really long post though. This post is pre-op in the surgery center: April 16: Arrived at the hospital at 6 a.m. to check in. They didn't tell me I'd have to take a pregnancy test before I went to the bathroom (at the surgery center no less). Thankfully 30 min later I could pee enough for them to check, and nope I was not a victim of immaculate conception lol. Had to change into the gown and the first nurse had a bitch of time starting an IV, thankfully she only tried 1 time before getting another nurse, but that one time has my arm bruised pretty bad. She joked…

I'm always curious about how people lose at different rates. Today I'm starting my 7th week post-op (Wednesday 2/17 surgery). I was on a 1200 calorie diet pre-op and had to be at 230 on surgery morning or I'd be sent home. I've been eating low-carb both pre-op and post-op (30 carbs or less a day). Week 1 - 7.4 Week 2 - 5.8 Week 3 - 2.2 Week 4 - 2.8 Week 5 - .6 Week 6 - .4 Week 7 - 3 pounds - so happy to be losing again! So if you think you're the slowest loser, forget it! There's always someone slower or faster than you. Keep a positive attitude and be grateful for having this great tool. I love the way my body is reshaping. Everything looks…

Hello! I am sooooo excited! I am getting banded on May 3rd. I had my upper GI, chest x-ray and one on one with my surgeon yesterday. I am having my pre-op blood work tomorrow. This journey started in Jan and I realized that fighting the whole cardiac clearance thing only caused me unnecessary greif! This next 2 and a half weeks are going to be agony! You wait and wait to make a decision to do this and then once you decide to jump in with both feet you hurry up and wait some more. I am excited. energized and scared all at the same time. What if I fail? I have tried all of the diets before and lost some but ALWAYS gained it back. I realize this surgery is only …

My husband and I got sleeved the same day, March 16 2010. He has been a 100% positive right from the beginning. So I have my own built in support system at home. I think for my self there has been more of a range of feelings. But over all it is wonderful to be free from the slavery of food, we are only one month out and are still adjusting to the new life style. I wanted to find out if other woman found them selves having a problem waking up in the middle of the night for no reason, just laying there wanting to sleep Ha Ha!! Sonia

I had planned to post tomorrow but am catching a very early flight to Chicago in the morning and wanted to make sure I posted. My surgery was a week ago Friday with Dr. Aceves. I went to Mexicali alone and the universe was thoughtful enough to send along my new pal Kathy as a guide and friends. Nothing like a couple of aftershocks to "bond" two people. I'm feeling pretty good and even attended a black time function friday night...I said earlier the only thing that hurt was my feet in those heels... Although physically doing really well...I am feeling "head hunger" and cravings. I'm really craving chinese dumplings...which when I had my band I couldn't really eat...the…

I'm being banded today and feeling kind of strange about it. A bit apprehensive, but anxious and excited at the same time. I wish it were an early appointment, but I'm not even supposed to arrive at the hospital until noon. Wish me luck.

before your surgery. I got out the ole tape measure last week and measured myself all over. I think that's just as interesting to keep track of as the number of the scale. I also agree with lots of people who have said that even during stalls you could still be losing inches so I think I will try the plan of weighing once per week and measuring on that same day. So those of you who did and do track measurements...how many inches have you lost?

Tonight, FINALLY got the hubbie to talk to me seriously about it and he is 100% on board with the surgery. I was teetering between Almanza and Aceves and he liked the idea of Mexicali MUCH better so finally, we've got a PLAN! Now, we wait for the money to arrive....I have a settlement coming and it's earmarked for my health and my future! It will probably be at least a couple of months yet but I am SO relieved to have the decision making process out of the way and have his full approval....it's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Especially because the 7 lbs I lost over the last 3 months piled back on in 2 weeks when I wasn't....uh...paying attention....:b…

For the last 7 years I have been over 200 lbs. Except for the year that I lost 60lbs. Right after the 60 lb. mark, I changed jobs, changed living situation, and with the new stress and changes slowly started to put the weight back on. The past year I was on weight watchers (which is what I used the first time along with 6 days a week 2 hour long gym session). I started to hit the gym again, doing cardio and resistance. The only thing that resisited was my weight. I would lose 2 pounds one week, then gain 4 pounds the following wee. Sometimes these numbers changed but the scale did not and neither did my pant size. 1 year later, I don't know what sparked my interest, but I…

Hi everyone. I have posted once, but been a reader for about a month when I started this journey seriously. My surgery (VSG) is scheduled for Wednesday, the 21st here in Austin, Tx. You all have helped me get to this point, reading of your own personal journeys and reading the support you provide to one another. Such an awesome group! Per my surgeon, I will spend one night in the hospital. My surgery is scheduled for 10:30. I have never had surgery so this is a new experience for me. Surgeon has me on a two week pre-op diet of a minimum of 70 grams of protein and no more than 30 grams of carbs daily. The carbs have been the roughest. I have been close most day…

I am scheduled for surgery May 13, 2010 and am nervous and excited. My insurance approved after Dr. had a peer to peer review. I am approx 5'7 and 235, BMI 37, I am very borderline with health conditions to warrant surgery and wonder if anyone else can relate.

Well my wife and I are one month out today, April16th! I am down 27lbs and the love of my life is down 13lbs. Is this about normal? It seems my weight really stalled the last week and a half with most of the loss coming the first 2 1/2 weeks. Still having problems sleeping long enough. You know waking up at 4 or 5. Can anyone tell me how much longer this will go on for? The last two days combined, 48 kilometers on my bike ( sorry my American friends, I am from Canada, about 30 miles) Any input is appreciated, blessings Russ

Hi everyone I was banded on March 23, 2010. I have been in the WeightWise Program for the past year and have worked very hard to finally be approved for surgery. I lost 50lbs through the program before they would consider performing the LAP-BAND® surgery. After the surgery, (while on the yummy liquid diet for 2 wks), I lost another 10lbs. I am feeling a bit discouraged right now though cause since I was able to go back on solids I've gained back 2lbs. I am not feeling any restrictions with the band now that the surgery swelling etc. has gone down and I realize that my band has still not had a fill yet but this is the first time since I began this journey that the scale h…