Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

What kind of diet did you do if you were required to do a doctor led pre-op diet before getting surgery approved? I have my initial consult with my surgeon today and will ask her but Ive been seeing my PCP since the end of November to do the 6 month pre-op diet and its not going well. I start off so well doing a WW type diet but then after a few days just fall off the wagon. Im so frustrated with myself and it makes me wonder if Im going to be able to stick to a diet once Ive been banded. Thanks for any advice!

I almost had lapband in June 2009. I started the pre-op diet and scheduled my surgery, but then I chickened out. Mostly because I'm afraid of having gas and vomiting for the rest of my life. Here are my questions: 1. How often does gas and vomiting occur? 2. Also, can you see the port below your skin; is it obvious? 3. How long were you out of work? Thanks in advance for your help.

Hello, I am so excited to meet you as I prepare for my journey...I live in Troy Missouri (about and hour north of st louis). I just got approval from the insurance company to get banded. I have my pre-op class on Feb 3rd and then they will schedule my surgery within 30 days of that class. I am excited to get healthy. I know that it's not going to be easy, but at this point, I don't know a whole lot about the process. One thing I wonder is..can you feel the band in your stomach when you lay on your stomach? I guess I just wonder if there is a feeling that something "foreign" is in your body? Secondly, do you eat 2 oz of food per meal for the rest of your life? …

Hi I am in Middle Georgia. I was banded on Nov 13, 09 and am just now feeling my way around online for a support group. I have lost 30 pounds since pre-op to now. The past week I have been weak in controlling my eating habits. I missed the 1st fill appt on Jan 19, so I am rescheduled for Feb 2nd. Reding the threads and all the posts I can find about "fills" has eased my mind. It truly is a mental battle all the way or like I prefer to say "I need a set mind". Easier said than done since I am 58 yrs old and set in my ways. I appreciate this online support tool and want to explore more to find the right fit for me. I do not anticipate that to be very difficult. …

Hi Y'all, Just popping in to say hello! Im in Toronto for the moment however, Vancouver is home! I would love to meet or talk to anyone from either spot! And all feedback re: this op is greatly appreciated! Looking forward to hearing from yall! NT :wink:

Hi I will be banded on 2/1/10 and I need options HELP Ericka

I have been on what I like to call the journey to the "old me" for a few months now. I'm going through the step in prepeation for the surgery, but I'm still on the fence about it. I have a good bit of weight to lose (about 150 lbs) and know that this will help me achieve my goal. My hesitation comes from what life will be like after the surgery. I've heard stories of not being able to eat certain things and not sure if I want that. Will I be able to eat a steak again? Or shrimp? Or BBQ? I know this is a life changing decision and I just want to make sure I make the right one. Thanks for listening.

I LIVE IN FT.MYERS,FLORIDA.I'M CONSIDERING THE LAPBAND SUGERY.DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD DOCTOR IN THIS AREA.:wink:

My employer abruptly switched fromBlue Cross to a small "benefits administrator" in late July. I was just beginning the process for VSG at that time and I had questions regarding the bariatric surgery benefit for both HR and the new insurance so they were aware of my decision and of my appts testing ect. On Dec 18 I finished the last of my testing (EGD) and my surgeon was compiling all info for the insurance company. On Jan 11th position was "eliminated" along with my health insurance. I'm thinking it is not a coincidence. There is really nothing I can do. I am not sure if the 2 are related and if they are there is no way to prove it. So my question for all of y…

Any fellow Banders have surgery set up for February 9th??? I'm really excited but scared!! I hear the pre-op diet is torture! :thumbup:

Hi- I'm scheduled for banding on February 04, 2010 in the Chicago Suburbs. I've struggled with obesity since 4th grade. With turning 30 this year I decided to take control. I'm excited about the surgery and life after. Just wanted to introduce myself. Take care, Logan The Logan Cummins Blog

My name is Jenn and I will be Banded on March 31, 2010. I just found out this week that my insurance approved the surgery when the surgeon's office called to set the date. I'm going through a whole range of emotions, but I am certain this is the right thing for me. I'm a 34 year old, high school journalism teacher. I'm four classes away from having my master's degree in guidance counseling, and will be pursuing a job as a counselor next year. I'm single and no children, but I am the proud mama to a 3 year old Bassador (Basset Hound/Lab mix) named Earnee.

Ok girls...TUESDAY I'm going under the knife. If you have any last minute instructions...please let me know. I know I'll need a pillow, loose fitting closes, a robe & slippers. I'll have to sip sip sip, rest, and walk walk walk. Sleep in my recliner for a week or so, to keep the gas at bay. I have all the right foods in the house ( I think). SF pudding and jello, protein powder, string cheese, refried beans, deviled ham and chicken spread. Tuna. Baby food fruits, veggies, and meat, pureed soups, crystal light, sugar free popcycles, naked fruit juices, & avocados. I have Centrum Chewables, Calcium Citrate Chewables & B 12 sub. Is there anything I"m leav…

So the AWESOME non sleeve related news is that I got tickets to the Oprah show with three of my other girlfriends. I AM BEYOND EXCITED! So what is the problem huh....? I have not 'outed' myself as a WLS patient to anyone except three people (who are not part of the trip). We are likely going to go to Chicago for two nights, and make it a total girl trip. My 'typical' girl trip involves hitting up a RIDIC awesome restaurant and having some INSANELY DELICIOUS food. And since I am such a foodie- the expectations would be there. Also, it will be week five for me after the op. My doctor has instructed me to have clears until todays, full liquids next two weeks and purees …

I have been over weight all my life. I was 16 when i was in a abusive mental and psychically also emotionally relationship so when we broke up i went in a deep depression in gained about100 lbs then i had a 10 lb baby girl and gained a bout 80 now she is 4 and i probably have gained 50 more. i wanted to get it after i had my daughter because i hit 300 i couldn't belive that was my highest weight the doctor wouldn't do the referral cause she thought i could lose weight on my own since i was weighing in every week and kept loosing weight i guess back then u had to be able to prove you couldn't lose weight. so it's been 3 years and im not losing weigh just gaining i feel i …

Hi all im from KS had just gotten my heart set on the lap band surgery and found out my insurance would not cover. They are talkin like 16000, i do not want a second morg on house. I have looked at care credit are there any other similar options?? Any advice would be great, im even considering mexico but dont know how to start that process. would love to hear from someone! thanks for your time Misty

I think the WLS angels were on my side. It started with an unexpected upgrade to first class on my flight to San Antonio. Had my yummy last dinner of fajitas and then went back to the hotel for a sleepless night! The nerves did hit me at the last minute but dissipated after meeting my surgeon and his staff. (oh..... i did cry right before the anaesthesiogist because I was afraid I might not wake up) My surgery was fairly trouble free and I was up several hours later. Was certainly noy doing cart wheels in the hallway but good enough to go to the bathroom by myself. Day two and three of recovery have been comfortable. Whoever invented pain, anti-nausea and anti-acid me…

Hi everyone!! Well I thought I should sit down and spend some time writing about all of my experiences!! Most of you already know me, as I do post a lot! Well I started this weight loss journey about a year ago, did a lot of research but found out not nearly enough!! I have 3 other family members who have had the band not long before me so I thought this would work for me too! WRONG!! I followed all of the rules for the band, ate right did my exercise almost every day and still lost my band! I did very well for about 6 months, I had quit losing at this point tho. I starting having trouble keeping anything down, including water! I sometimes could eat, others co…

Hi, my name is Beatriz and I live in the Greater Chicago Area. Thinking about bariatric surgery and looking for info and support. I thought my latest blog post would be a good introduction: Moving to a new city meant I had to get a whole new set of doctors. I’ve been lucky enough to find good ones that (seem to) know what they are doing and with very short drives from home. My first visit with the endocrinologist was great and I’ve been taking care of myself, following (almost) all his recommendations. Next appointment was with the OB-GYN to discuss my rather frustrating femaleness and the whole trying to conceive thing; not an easy task for a person like me. I am…

Hi everybody, I'm still new I went through my initial consult appointments last week. Psychologist, PA and dietician. Everything looks good from all fronts except I do have to go for an ED (eating disorder) consult since I had one when I was younger, pre-obesity and pre-kids. I don't think it will be much of a problem since it's been a decade and a half since those days, but nevertheless, another hoop to jump through. I was kind of surprised, but no matter ... having thought about it, I do understand they need to make sure those of us with weird potentially latent triggers benefit from further attention before such a major lifestyle change involving relationships …

Hi....I am in the process of looking for the right place to have my sleeve surgery in Mexico. I have been accepted by Dr. Alvarez but I have also been reading alot of great threads on Dr. Aceves. I was wondering if anyone has used Dr. Alvarez and can provide me with any information? Thanks!

Well here we go, I'm waiting at the Dallas Airport for my flight to San Diego and then the ride to Mexicali. Surgery is tomorrow morning with Dr. Aceves. I would like to thank everyone on this forum for your stories. They have helped me get to this point and I know they will help me in the weeks and months to come. Please say a prayer for me, surgery is surgery. Thanks,

I am just a beginner. All advice will be greatly appreciated. Have done most of the preliminary work. Am doing a 6 month supervised nutrition program for insurance. Hope to get banded in June or July 2010.

I just wanted to let my VST family know that I was sleeved yesterday. I am still in the hospital and should be going home tomorrow. I have learned so much from all if you! You all have helped so much. I will keep u posted.

Hi my name is Mike and my sleeve is on Feb 9th.... I start my pre-op liquid diet on the 26th... I googled my procedure looking for a place like this ... Imma go start reading posts now.... One question for any of you smokers out there... My surgeon hasn't told me when I should quit smoking pre-op ... Anyone know the time line on that? and im glad i found a site like this

hi there I would ask about leaking after sleeve surgery. Is there a possibility of leakage in the long term? (1 year or 2 year) or the stomach will be stable within 2 or 3 months? thanks,

Hi there everyone, I have been reading all your posts over the last few months and have finally decided to have the sleeve. My date is 23rd February in Sydney. I am excited but also scared like everyone else. One thing though< I am looking forward to being normal size as I am determined to follow my diet. I have a wardrobe full on clothes size 12 - 14 and am determined to get back into them. I will be starting a pre-op diet for 2 weeks starting 7th Feb. :001_smile: Cheers Michelle

Hello, everyone! Just wanted to post my first thread on here and introduce myself. I finally got a surgery date of 2/9/10 after 18 months of pre-op requirements and 2 appeals to the insurance. Grrrr! I am so excited and can't wait to utilize this site for the much needed support that I am going to need. Wish me luck! Thanks, Lynn P.S. I created a weight loss ticker, but how do you put it on your thread? Help, please.

Hello, My Name is Sharon and I was banded on 01/14/2010. I have a question about the Protein shakes. How far you supposed space them out. Because every time I have a shake I get gas really bad. Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

I had my surgery last Tuesday, Jan. 12. everything is doing good so for. I lost 4. 8 lb. in 3 days. I'm still a little sore but manageable. I had my banding done at Port Huron by Dr.Bhesania.

I have just been approved for sugery (Feb 3rd) and the reality has set in. I am a little scared to say the least. Does anyone have any suggestions for preparing for surgery?

Just a quick hello to introduce myself. I have my surgery scheduled for Feb 12th!! I live in the Memphis, Tn area. I have a total of 125 pounds to loose and would love to hear from any of you that have been successful with the band and loosing this amount of weight. Thanks for all of your future support and advise---I know I will need it! Lauryn

Hello everyone, New here and just wanted to introduce myself.My name is Holly Radley and I am an Army Wife stationed here at Ft. Hood, Texas. I just had my Lap Band surgery on the 20th. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life.:cursing: Feeling pretty good so Far, but I am still having some Gas pain from the surgery.Left shoulder is giving me some pain here and there also! Im very nervous , I want to do everything right. Reading other peoples problems with the band makes me a bit antsy. I have had a great recovery so far..really no problems with hunger.I have been taking my Vitamins like ordered and drinking my Isopure clear Protein drink. I find that the …

:thumbup:Can not wait....Second week of preop diet...Loc cal...Loc Carb....NO Protein drinks...... I think I would rather have been on the Drinks..... But I have lost 7 obs and only 5 more days to go. Anyone else be banded or has been handed in Idaho Falls, ID?

I've been living in GA for about 3 months now i love it! But don't know many ppl. I'm in the process of getting banded,i'm so new to all of this. I have no clue how to post the weight ticker thing on my profile,an i'd like to learn. I'm 30 with 4 yrs experience i love to hang out w/my kidos an hubby. We are close to ft stewart in a little town called Ludowici i'd love to met some new ppl plus i'd love to hear of other ppl journeys after the band?!:cursing:

Hi Everyone: I'm new here and 20 days away from my VSG surgery. Not alot of sleevers where I come from, so I'm so glad I found this site. I've been waiting for this surgery for 3 years. It is finally happening, and I have a date.

Hi, I am new to LapBandtalk and honestly, I am new to the whole "dicussion Forum" world, too. I, like many of you I'm sure, have been overweight all of my life. I have tried multiple weight loss modalities over the years and not one has been sustainable. So, I'm strongly considering the WLS route, specifically the Lap-band®. I have my initial consultation with my surgeon next week. I have mixed emotions about the LAP-BAND® and I'm not sure what to expect. I don't want my expections to be too high and I set myself up for failure or dissappointment. On the other hand, I feel I have to be optimistic because I feel this is my last hope for successful and sustainable w…

I'm going on my second day post op, I would love some feedback from those that have been here and done that:smile:

I know that allot of doctors have a special diet for post op Patients but I may have either been asleep or something but I do not remember what can I eat and what can I not eat I am tired of mashed potatoes and Jell-O. I am worried because I do not want to mess this up after all I have been through to get here could I get some info from all you out there.:biggrin:

I am fixing to be getting my first fill and I need a cheap fill doctor. I live in Shawnee, Oklahoma about 40 east of OKC. Please help me. The cheaper the better. Also if anyone has had an indian clinic do it, please let me know. Thank you so much.

Hi, my name is Laura. I am a newbie to the site. I have decided, after failing with all of the "fad diets", to have the gastric sleeve procedure done. I am 5'2" and starting at 238. I am somewhat nervous and anxious all at the same time. My pre-op visit is tomorrow and surgery is scheduled for Jan 27th.

I had surgery on Dec 22, 2009 and this site has helped so much! This is my first posting. Lets see......4 weeks out and I am doing well.....am really trying to work through the mental part of all of this....don't get me wrong....I have tried for years! I do have a great support team, friends, a dietician and most importantly, my husband.....I work out 5 days a week (I have since 8 months before surgery) and I follow the rules to the 't'. My biggest fear is loosing my hair.... since it is so thin naturally. I look forward to learning from you guys and to having you with me on my journey. :mad:

I was wondering if any one went to Tijuanan, Mexico for there surgery and if they doctor and nurses and facility were nice and up to standards? Do you need a passport and how long does it take to get one and how much does it cost to buy one? Is it safe to go to Tijuana and get back safely. I hear all these stories about not being able to come back and getting taken and stuff(they might send me back!lol)? Any insight on these problems?:thumbup:

I've just joined. Had band 2 wks ago, couldn't do 2 wks fluid so started soft diet early. Lost some weight but can 't keep it off, even had some chocolate the other day - please tell me it's easier after the fill ?

Hi Everyone, I am new here. I am seriously considering lapband surgery and have contacted a local hospital in regards to this. I am so depressed because of my weight. I have lost 67 pounds in the past then menopause hit, gaining back all that weight plus some more. It would be easier to accept this if I were a "couch potato" but I exercise all the time and watch what I eat and the scale isnt moving. My clothes have become tight and I am just so disgusted with myself. I look for support and I hope that I have found the right place:smile: Lisa

Hi everyone im new to the site,my name is Daniella and im hoping to get my band in march,I live in ny state and there is a very long waiting list..so im going to troy,MI to have it done no waiting there..I get my medicare on march 1st so im hoping the dr will ok me..im excited and scared at the same time,lol..I have done alot of research on this and years of reading and I know this is what I want .. good luck to everyone!!

What a day I had yesterday... I did my pre-op stuff on Monday and got the "all clear". Got myself all psyched up for my banding which was going to be on Friday, Jan. 22nd, then I get a call yesterday from the surgeons office saying the doctor cannot do it on Friday and is moving it to Thursday, the day before. Well, the problem is that my hubby took Friday off of work, not Thursday. I have all of my arrangements made for my children too. If I don't do it on Thursday, then I have to wait two weeks for the next available date. I am so sad!!! My hubby tells me just to wait for the next available date because he is pretty sure he can't get the day off with that short of…

Hi! I'm going to a seminar on Thursday, seems to be a Q&A session. What I'm really wondering is what to expect when I schedule my surgical consult. What really happens at this appointment?

is there anybody out there that has been banded in cooperstown ny cant seem to find anybody!!!!!

I've now completed all the steps that were necessary pre-operatively, as my surg month creeps closer, i'm more and more nervous. I have only told 2 people what I have chosen to do and so this is my first publication of my procedure. I'm very scared of the potential cons I may run in to post op but am here looking for encouragement. Any positive words are appreciated =):mad: