Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Well it has been 6 long months and I am almost through the insurance approval process. Can't wait. I am really feeling like a slug and I want to get the surgery over with. Hope this works like I hope it will.

Hi All, My name is Lisa and I've got a date set with Dr.Corvala at the Hospital Angeles in Tijuana, Mexico, for a band! FEB 23 2010! I'm travelling there from Alberta, CANADA with my hubby and I'm very excited! I have actually chosen the new Realize C-band, for myself. Getting nervous but can't wait!

My name is Whitney and I have a lot of life experience with the lap band. for the past 7 years I have watched my father succeed with the surgery and for the last 5 I have witnessed my step-mother do the same. I knew that with my family history the lapband would be a fantastic tool to help me become the person outside that I have always felt like inside. So, after about 5 years of considering the surgery and an acutal 11.5 months of preparing with doctors visits etc. I have finally gotten my insurance approval and surgery date! Thanks to all of you out there in lapbandtalk-land who have continued to offer advice and encouragement. Very excited to begin my lapband …

Hello, I'm new to this website. I had lapband surgery on January 23, 2009. I have lost 50 pounds since my surgery. I have also gained back some weight too. I dont know what else to say but I need help.

i met with the surgeon today and i was ready with all the reasons i wanted the lap band and not gastric bypass. i had a list ready because i was under the impression that must dr's push gastric. my primary doc does. but to my shock and amazement the surgeon said i was a perfect candidate because of my eating habit and was told to start thinking of a surgery date. imagine my amazement walking out no fight no argument just ok set up an appt truly everyone's journey is different.

Hello all, I have been posting but thought I never introduced myself. I have been overweight most of my adult life. I had lap band done while staying in Memphis,TN in 2007. I got divorced within months and relocated to my home in Greenville that is 3 hours from Memphis. Adjustments were a killer. I am a nurse practitioner and this role was new for me. In other words my 2 years with the band was torture. I was stuck alot and loose some. But lost about 80 - 90 lbs over a year. In September my band slipped and was removed. I have been researching what next. Then decided on the VSG. I am so glad I found this site. Everyone is so helpful. I am scheduled for Dr Wade Baker, …

Hey, I have been looking into the lapband surgery for a long time, and I believe that I am the perfect candidate for the procedure from all that I have read. The problem is that I am still in school (only 20) and my insurance has an exclusion of any weight loss procedures no matter what! I have been overweight all of my life, and I know that this is something I will struggle with till the day I die. I know that I can loose weight as I have naturally lost about 50 pounds, but I can't seem to loose anymore and I seem to yo-yo a lot. I want the procedure done because I want to enjoy my life and experience the things I should at my age but my weight (226) keeps me fro…

Hello everyone, I am nervous,excited,scared, optimistic,hopeful and everything in between.Two Georgia natives whom i communicate with were sleeved on the Feb.12th and i missed that boat.They had a good experience and said i'll be in good hands.I so badly want to be slimmer.i've been reading all the sucesss stories and i want to be successful.One of my biggest fears is ongoing nausea and vomitting that some sleevers experience.I have been praying and asking God to give me a sign if i shouldnt proceed, and everything has been smooth sailing.I'm so looking forward to being able to have a steady weight at some point, and not gaining weight weekly with every bite of food.Tha…

Had about 6oz of cream Soup yesterday for lunch,, felt full and bloated the rest of the day.. Did drink some Water. I thought I would really be hungry this morning, but when I got up instead of thinking about food it never entered my mind until I noticed nothing sounded good. I want nothing to eat!! OMG,, please tell me I will always feel like this.. It is a wonderful feeling. I have been craving food so much. The thought of food does not sicken me, I just don't care for any thank you. I noticed when the food commercials came on tv last night they were not having the same affect, but thought I was just feeling stuffed. This morning I don't feel full or stuffed, stomach …

Hello, I'm really trying to keep up beat about it. The first 10 pounds I lost the first week and then just one pound. I had surgery on January 19th and was 220. Wk1: 210 wk2: 210.9 Wk3: 211.2 (TOM) Wk4: 209 What I'm Doing Right: - Planning, tracking, weighing and measuring my food; 1/2 c to 2 oounces at a time - Keeping weekly Protein average at about 70g - Keeping carbs under 40 - Keeping calories 600- 800 - Good with Vitamins Being honest with myself, what I need to do better: - Drink more water; yesterday was the first day I got in the full 64 ounces - Exercise - haven;t started yet; walked my dog yesterday for 20 minutes - Less Fat! My surgeon recom…

Hi all, What a great site, I'm so glad to have stumbled on you. I am awaiting VSG surgery. I am in the Options Program at Kaiser Panorama City, CA. I need to lose 25 lbs. and complete the 20 classes which end on 04/02/2010, then I will meet my surgeon. I can't wait. If there is anyone out there who has had surgery with Kaiser I would love to hear from you.

Happy Mardi Gras ! We have a beautiful,cool,sunny day in New Orleans for parades. Any suggestions for handling "party food" ?

Hi lap band friends! I had my surgery December 23, 2009, and have lost 25 pounds, and had 1 adjustment so far. My weight loss has pretty much stopped the last week or so, and I feel like I am able to eat too much still. I don't have another adjustment scheduled until April, should I call and ask for an adjustment sooner? Does anyone have advice on feeling fuller for longer? I really want to kick start my weight loss, but have been feeling so unmotivated! HELP!!

Ok Girls....now that I've lost a little bit of weight, I'm starting to get the saggies ( sagging belly and bat wings). Does this ever go away? I work out 4 times a week. I do all kinds of cruches, pool exercises, swinning, weight lifting, ab machines, and dance classes. Will this help that saggies? I'm 48 years old, do I have any hope of this skin shrinking much? Although I'm very happy with my weight loss, and feeling better, and getting in smaller clothes, the skin thing is a bit of a let down (no pun intended) HA!!! Any solutions, other than surgery? a-waiting enncourageing hope......:001_tongue: Judy

Hey all my name is Elizabeth I was banded on 2-3-10 and this is so new to me lol. Doing well I guess on the three different things I'm eating just a bit confused but I'm sure everyone is at the onset. If my scale is right as of today I have lost 9 of the 70 lbs I would like to lose! I'm excited and scared at the same time. I look forward to posting with you all! ty

Hi. I'm Jennifer. I am new to this forum and am excited to get started on my journey as well. I am in my second month of my six month supervised diet. I hope to have my surgery in the later part of July or early August in Charleston, WV. It seems so far away, but I suppose like anything else, It'll be here before you know it. I wish you all the best of luck, it is so comforting to know that there are folks in the same boat as me.

I have just attended my first of three required meetings for Dr. Gould's program. is there anyone else out there who is in the beginning stages or have been through the lapband with Dr. gould and his team? I would love to hear from you! where are you in the process? thanks Tracey:rolleyes2:

Hi, I am Alice from WV. I had my LapBand done Feb 4th. Since surgery I have lost 7 lbs, and my pre-Op weight loss is 18 lbs, for a grand total of 25 lbs. I feel good about my self. I am taking mostly liquids, and bit of soft foods. Had 2 times, where I must have ate too ,much too fast. That was not pleasant. Becoming more aware of how I chew my food, and relearning to feel when I have had enough.

I entered into the VSG world on Friday. :biggrin2: All went well. I was released yesterday morning. There was only one glitch. The chamomile tea gave me an asthma attack which required a couple of breathing treatments to get under control. I had awful dreams last night so did not get much rest. Hopefully tonight is better. I have almost no pain. Really just stiff and a tiny bit sore. The second day was awful but I expected that.

My insurance has declined my sleeve, so now I have given the choice of either a band or the RNY. I'm just really not sure of either one. I've heard all the horror stories of the band slipping and erroding (sp) and one of my friends had the RNY several years ago and had major complications and ended up having her's reversed. I just really wanted the sleeve; it seemed to me like the safest and most logical choice, but now what? I'm just asking for eveyones experiences (if any) with the band/RNY. I can't seem to find on the internet a non-biased opinion of the complications of either. Of course on the RNY forums they bash bands and the band forums bash the RNY. I…

:thumbup:Almost 2 years post op still 100 pounds off 5 to go for vanity's sake - I want to be under 200. Still have problems for a few weeks after fill but am used to it and just expect it,

Hi. I am debating wether to have the lapband surgery. Can anyone help me? Like how does it work? and what happens to the extra skin when you loose weight?

Hello! I am scheduled with Dr. Almanza in TJ for the sleeve, I am taking my bestie with me, but wanted to know if anyone else is scheduled that we could make friends with???? Thanks, Sarah :biggrin0:

Hello all, First off, let me say that I've been sneaking around this board for a few weeks now, and I can tell it's a great resource for sleeve support and information! I'm Andrea, 29 years old, and hoping to have the sleeve procedure in the next few weeks. My weight is at an all time high right now of about 280. I went to the hospital seminar on January 13th and had my first appointment with the surgeon on January 20th. I have already done the psychological evaluation (and passed it), and the nutritionist appointment that explained the pre and post op diets. I thought I would have a surgery date by now. I called the surgeons office yesterday to see when I could sc…

Hi All, I am still in the process of deciding if the lap-band is right for me. I have received mixed views from friends and family. Right now I am waiting to get approval from my insurance and a procedure date from my surgeon. I don't know that I can live with the restrictions that come with the lap-band. Any advise?

I have been banded for about 2 months and I have had 1 adjustment. Everything seems to be fine until last night when I started to feel very bloated and pain on my left side in the middle of my hips and ribs. Not near port at all. Seemed tender to the touch. This morning still bloated feeling and both left and right side seem to be a little tender, but not as bad as last night, probably because I stopped touching the area to try and see if I felt anything. I did not over eat or eat anything I should not have. Any thoughts on what could be goind on?:rolleyes2:

Hello, I gave birth to twins on October 2nd and had gained almost 90 lbs during my pregnancy. While I have lost almost 40 lbs I still have 50 to go and am getting very anxious to get to a decent weight. I'm working with a trainer for exercise who is very much against getting the lapband because essentially she believes my problem with my weight stalling is not eating enough rather than not eating alot. My question are these: How successful have people been with the lapband and losing about 50 lbs? Has anyone had their weight loss stalled because of not eating enough? How fast can someone expect to lose 50lbs? Any insight into this would be greatly apprecia…

Hello all - Just started my journey towards insurance approval. I know my United Health Care policy has ANY form of weight loss help (surgery, medication, diets, even counseling) excluded. So my doctor's office is going to take it through the process and see what will happens. Wish me well. I've gotten a lot of information and inspiration from this site. Looking forward to being able to say " I've been approved!"

So I have been researching and thinking about getting the lapband for a few years now. But I wanted to wait until I was sure we were done having kids and I wanted to do more research. Now that our youngest (and last!!!)is 10 months old, and I have researched the procedure and the differences and pros/cons compared to GB....I have decided to proceed with the LB procedure. I am 30 years old and am at the heaviest I have been at 240. I have always battled with my weight since I had my first child but I was very skinny (Size 4) before I had her 10 years ago. I have been able to maintain and deal with my weight over the years even though I was not happy aout it and no matter h…

Hi my name is Fiona. I am waiting for my first appointment after being referred by my GP for LapBanding. I have been told it is a long drawn out process to get banded on the NHS but I do not have the funds to have it done privately. I would have it done tomorrow if I could. Anyway I have joined this site to see the ups and downs of banding. Hopefully to get inspired and to decide if banding is right for me.:nervous

Hi, I am anticipating lapband surgery in a few weeks. I have had the appt. with the surgeon and the required meeting with a psychologist. I'm just waiting for the PCP to get me in earlier to see her so she can sign off for me to have the surgery. I'm very excited, and look forward to being so much healthier! :thumbup: I appreciate all support and help and suggestions. THANKS! :thumbdown:

I am new to posting so please bear with me. I got my Realize Band in June 2009. I do not regret it at all and have lost almost 70 lbs. I have 8 more lbs before I see the number 1 again. Being able to read posts on sites like this one has been very helpful with a lot of my first experiences. I am very thankful to everyone who has shared the good and the bad. :thumbup:

I'm "sort of" a newbie...I've been a long time reader and signed up a few months ago...but I've been afraid to post! I live in Austin, Texas and will be having my surgery with Dr. Ramiro (Sonny) Cavazos in San Antonio. I looked at a few physicians here in Austin, however, his place was listed as a center of excellence for my insurance and I used to process physician suspensions at the hospital where he practices and I can truly say that he NEVER had any issues and is a great surgeon as well as person. :cursing: I found out yesterday that I was approved for surgery...I have yet to schedule the date, but I was told I should be receiving a call from the scheduler today…

I found this interesting ... Just an FYI in case you were wondering... :-) Medical ID | FeedAgg.com Feed: Medical ID - AggScore: 67.1 Medical Alert Bracelets - and Bariatric Surgery Patients/RNY Patients ----------- There are lots of strange stories surrounding whether or not you need to get a Medical alert Bracelet after you have had Bariatric Surgery or are an RNY patient. To be perfectly frank with you after all the trouble you have been through to get to where you are today I would suggest that you do. Click Here for Free Custom Engraving on Medical Bracelets/Necklaces It is unlikely that you would get your pouch popped by the medical professionals but t…

Hello friends I am new in this forum.

Hello! I am new to all of this. I am schuduled for surgery on 2-9-10. I am so excited!!!!! I am also nervous of the outcome. Prior to this I had to totally change my eating habits. I now understand what it means to eat the right foods and make better choices. I am human and may have snack every once in a while. I know to stay on task.. I must remember to my plan meals all the time. I am wondering with the band how does it feel after surgery? Also with being on a liquid diet in the begining will you loose wait as well? I hope someone can answer these questions...... Wish me luck! This is a new me I say... I will post pics tonight... Thanks Toiya

Hi Everyone, I was sleeved on Feb 8th. I came home on the 10th and I guess everything is going as expected. I am sore but it is getting better. I will be very happy when this drain is gone but I sure see the need for it, I have to empty 2-3 times a day. Here is my question. I am on liquids, and protein drinks. No matter what I put in it comes right out. I know I have heard "liquid in liquid out" but it is still worrying me. My stomach seems to be non stop gurgling and making all kinds of noises and then I have to go to the bathroom. Is this normal? how long does it last? I was wondering if it is from all the air blown inside my stomach? Also, my dr. did not p…

Well lets see.... I think I have it working now

I am one week post surgery and I swear I can FEEL that band around my stomach. It is not so much painful as it is uncomfortable. Is this normal?

Hi all. I'm self pay and want a good surgeon for a reasonable price near the L.A. Area. Mexico sounds great but want to try to stay close to home. Any suggestions??

:scared2: Hi everyone! I am new here, I am having LAP-BAND® surgery on March 9/2010!!!!!! I am so excited. I went to the seminar end of January, took about 6 days to get approved. My mom is waiting for her approval to have surgery, also!!! I am 5ft 1in current weight is 220 :crying::thumbup::eek::thumbup::tt1::thumbup::tt1::thumbup::tt1::thumbup:

Hi, everyone-- I'm Jen. I'm currently scheduled for lap-band surgery on 2/26. I can't wait!! I was thrilled to discover this forum, and have been reading for a few days. I've been struggling with weight since I was 6-years-old, and have lost a LOT of weight in the past. Most recently, a more than 100 pound loss (nearly down to a "normal" weight) through diet and exercise. In fact, I was so successful that I decided to go back to school and get a degree in exercise science so I could help others do what I thought I had successfully done. I even participated in marathons and triathlons. I became a group exercise and pilates instructor at my local gym. Imagine…

Im just wondering now that my surgery date(March 3rd) is coming so fast. When they say cut food into small bites, what does small mean? Steak for instance, 1/4" squares? Im so used to being very hungry by the time i eat(most times i don eat until 1-2:00 pm) but i eat alot of food, pretty fast. The other day i was eating pizza, i think i only chewed a mouthful 3 times at one point! Can you drink big gulps of water(after a period of time)or do you have to just sip forever? If you chew your food to a (basically puree), why do you have to puree it during that stage of post op? Im not being funny, i intend to follow all guidelines, i was just wondering?

Hello my fellow bandsters!! I tell you God is amazing!! i just received a call from my doctor's office and I have been approved!!!!!! OMG!!! It's only been 2 week waiting period!!! I'm so excited! I want to scream but can't becuz folks at work will think I'm crazy!! lmaooooooooooo!!! :thumbup: Now all that I have to do is get all my paper work for pre-op testing and pick a date!!! Yeahhhhhhhh!!!! I am going for the first appointment they have!!! Hot damn!!! :biggrin:

Hi there, I'm new here. Tricare just recently denied my appeal saying I didn't weigh enough. I am going to appeal, any suggestions? I'm 5 lbs below the 200% mark with no cormorbidities. I'm also using the OBand center in Tustin, CA so if anyone has experince there, please share. Thanks!!!

Hello Everyone!! I had my surgery in TJ by Dr. Almanza Jan 28th. It will be two weeks tomorrow. Looking forward to sharing the journey with you all!!:001_unsure:

In my fouth year, and maintaining a normal weight, I recently did an interview "The 7 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Lap-Band Surgery." This comes from the persective of looking back, 4 years after the fact. I've posted about it before but wanted to share the list. Here goes: 1. With a band, everything we have always known about how to lose weight finally works. 2. Finding the right surgeon is even more important than I realized. 3. Don’t underestimate the adjustable nature of the band. 4. You can eat a wide variety of the foods you love with a band. 5. This life-changing decision really impacts spouses, partners, and those close to you. 6. Learn from ot…

I have a surgery date on March 22, 2010 to be banded. I am starting to become very nervous, although I was not nervous when I started this process. Is this normal? Does anyone have any tips to get me through the days until surgery? I start my liquid diet march 8, not looking forward to it either. Thanks for any advice, it will be appreciated!

How do you add a friend? Oh and how do you personalize your page? New to all this and would appreciate any help? I was sleeved on 1-28-10 and I find this site most WONDERFUL!!! I would like to start adding friends!!! :lol0:

How many times have I pondered this question? Well after a long time reviewing it watching the actual surgeries on line talking to others on this site. The Sleeve is the way to go for the long haul!!!! I am scheduled for sugery on 2/24/10 and I have started the pre-Op diet and so far doing well. I have been to the gym 6 days in a row and feel better than ever. My wife and I are getting up at 4:00 am having Decalf (Yuk) read our bibles for about a half hour or so and then head to the gym. Spend about 40-45 minutes doing cardio Tread mill or Eliptical, and some weights. Head home shower and I have to fix a shake for breakfast while my wife who is fit, 5 miles a day type of …