Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Heyyy!! So like my title says, im new here, and i just have some questions about this whole process, but to clear something up im trying to get approved for bypass surgery, not the band, but i hope im still welcome? Lol. Well i suppose ill let you guys in on my situation. Well my name is Kyra, and im 17 years old, i graduated early, actually just a couple weeks ago, and i have been pondering this surgery since last year, and now i know i want it after a 4 month FAILED Nutrisystem diet attempt. Ive struggled with weight literally my WHOLE life! It's just in my genes! luckily, i have no developed anything life threatening, although recent blood tests indicate high glucose A…

Hi: This is my first post so here goes. I am only 4 days out and just beginning to feel like my old self. I am still on the liquid phase but have been a bit afraid to try anything other than thin liquids or protein drinks already made. I keep looking at the list of things I can have (jello, yogurt, pudding etc.) and just don't feel ready to try them. I am beginning to get hungry but am, for whatever reason, scared it won't go down. Has anybody else had the same issues and does anybody have any ideas for me? Other than that I am really excited that the surgery is over and I am looking forward to my 'banded' life! Thanks, Sue

Hi, I'm Emily, and I had my lapband surgery on Dec. 29. I have had my first week follow up visit, but that's all. I'm anxious for my incisions to completely heal and hoping the scars aren't too bad. I'm also looking forward to being far enough past my surgery date that I can start getting fills. It's been a little over a week since my surgery, and I've lost roughly 11 pounds!! Very happy about that!

Just want to say hi and that I had my first dr visit since surgery today - 14 lbs down! - and everything good so far! Hope to stay this motivated at least until first fill. So far food intake is good - soft, and pureed, I do know that I have to work on the slow eating thing. I tend to want to eat fast (retired Military - everything was done fast) I need to learn to enjoy my food as I enjoy my life!:thumbup:

Hello, My name is Christie. I am new to this blog site. I am post op day 4, and I can tell you the pain is bearable and I feel really good. My face looks like I have lost some weight, but I will have to buy a scale to be sure. This is like having a new bike. So exciting, yet very scary.:tt1:

I just wanted to introduce myself, as I will no doubt be here regularly as I am starting down this path in my life. I met with my program coordinator for the 1st time this morning, and was told that my time to surgery will likely be relatively brief based on my history and my insurance. My name is Kate, I'm 38 and was asked by my doctor what I knew about lap-band 48 hours ago. Its moving so fast, yet there has been so much leading up to this point that its not "spur of the moment." I'm really looking forward to getting to know some of you, and certainly learn from all of you what is just around the bend.

Hi all, I had my band surgery on Sept 23...I think it was a great decision. I look forward to being healthy again. Since my surgery, I have only lost 7lbs. I have not yet experienced any restriction. My surgeon is still trying to find the right band adjustment so that I can start losing. I didn't know that there was a possibility that I would not experience weight loss for a while, until the 'right adjustment was found'...this is the only con on my list of pros & cons to date. Has anyone else experienced this?...not losing much weight until the right amount of cc's was injected? If so, for how long after surgery for you, and, how many adjustments/cc's did i…

Hi all, I was banded in 2007 and have not done well with weight loss. I have found a new physician for my aftercare education and fills and am hoping to still make this work for me. He suggested this forum for support and education. I am sure hoping to find it here.:thumbup:

Hello, 19 days since I have been banded. Doing good. Still a little uncomfortable on my port side, but nothing I can handle. I am eating a lot of soft foods yet, fish, eggs, etc. And am suppose to be on regular foods by next week. First fill is on the 19 jan. 4 weeks. I thought that was a little early, but guess not. Is that the norm for first fills??

Hi! My name is J.C. I'm from NY. I was in a lil' pain after surgery & not very hungry. Now I am mentally hungry 3 days post op. my port is very sore & sewn into my muscle. I have horrible gas in the shoulder/neck area. Can't wear a bra...But hey, I would do it all over again. I know that I've made the most important decision of my life....I choose to live.... please respond with support! i need you! lol.

Hey all. I've been keeping motivated by making youtube blog videos every now and then. I felt like I needed to tell people my story behind the fat. I've had inner demons that caused me to gain weight. Mostly my childhood. April 2009 was the last time I spoke to my my mom. I put a restraining order against her. Since then I've been so much more healthy. The last step I needed was the surgery. So far I've lost 20 pounds! Many more to come! Enjoy this video. It comes from the heart!

Hello, after two and half years of wanting to be banded, one year of active involvement in a program, I was finally banded on Thursday 17 December, in Washington DC. I was home within 24 hours. I'm sore and sorry today, but seem to be improving by the hour. I look forward to lots of tips and ideas from so many others who have gone before, Thanks Celia

Hi all, I have been banded two and a half weeks now and just have a few question. 1. is it normal to still have some mild discomfort after two weeks? 2. Had restriction straight after the operation but am feeling hungry now and not much restriction (still sticking to exactly the amounts to eat as specified by my specialist though) Is this normal (no fill in band yet) The restriction doesn't worry me as much as the discomfort. Did anyone else still have discomfort after the two week mark? Any advice would be great Thanks

Hi all, I am 32 5'11, 279 lbs and trying to get my weight down. I need some information and guidance. 1) how much time do you have to take off of work with this WLS 2) What is the average cost? 3) Does anyone know of any dr. in the Pensacola, Fl area they would recommend? 4) How quickly are you able to return to exercise, bending or lifting after WLS? Thanks for the answers!

3 months ago I tried to get the surgery and the ins would not cover it. My husbands company just switched to a new co called Anthem and YES! they pay for it! I am so excited! This is the first sign of hope.:smile2: I am 5'3" weighing 226lbs.

I scheduled an appointment with the surgeon for Thursday. The woman who works with insurance was very helpful and was very willing to help me. I'm nervous. This is all new to me. This is going to be a HUGE lifestyle change. I kind of started a diet. It's mostly portion control/calorie counting. I've lost 2 pounds, but I cheated yesterday and today. I have a problem with emotional eating. I eat my emotions mostly when I'm bored, sad, stressed or upset. Does anyone here have/had a problem with emotional eating? Has the lap band help with that? I think my problem is that I have this need to feel full. The Breakfast that I eat around 6 am wears off around 9am. At work I…

Hello, I'm new to the forum and have been approved for surgery but do not have a date yet. I'm very interested in learning all I can about banding and experiences and getting to know others here. Right now I'm researching healthy drinks and shakes for after I receive my band. I have found some very good organic items! Smiles :smile2:

I had my surgeon consult today. Now I have to have an EGD in 2 weeks, see the cardiologist, nutrionist, and psychiatrist. My doctor also requires that you go to 3 support meetings before the surgery and I have already been to 1, so I have to go to 2 more. I think I am probably looking at either late Feb or March for my surgery. I am excited that things are moving along now!

can someone explain what eating around the band means and how do i avoid it ?

I'm so excited!! I just got my surgery date today...2/4/10! I'm so looking forward to beginning my new life Stacey

I got a fill yesterday afternoon. I was able to drink a little after it and also lastnight I drank a 1/2 cup of Chick. Broth. Today I have been unable to keep any liquids down. Could this be from swelling in the band or is it to tight.

Well I'm getting closer to a decision - through trolling through the internet I've discovered some interesting statistics. Apparently 90 - 95% of people who lose weight through diet and exercise alone will gain it back within 5 years (def been the way it's worked for me!! - but add a few extra kilo's as well!). But from what I've read (and I understand that you can't take the info on the internet as gospel truth!) approx 30% of those who have had weight loss surgery regain the weight. Sounds like much better odds to me! If I'm going to put the effort into losing weight AGAIN - I want it to be permanent this time! :thumbup:

Hello, everyone! I'm new here. I have my first surgeon consultation on 01.11.2009. I already have psych appointments set, too. I'm SO ready/nervous/anxious to get started. Is there anyone else here from Mississippi? If so, I would love to hear from you. I'm originally from there, and I go home every chance I get. I still have family there. Is there anyone else here from Minnesota? If so, I would love to hear from you, too. I currently live in the Twin Cities area. Does anyone recommend a certain physician in the Fairview - University family? I'm planning to go with Dr. Leslie, but I haven't committed to him, yet. I would LOVE to hear about your hospita…

Hello all! My name is Stephanie and Im 30 and live in Arizona. I have just made the decision to get sleeved. I am looking for a Dr. in Arizona. I am not against Mexico, but my father, who is helping me with the costs, insist I stay in the US. I am willing to go out of state if I cannot find a qualified Dr. here in AZ. Im having the surgery for many reasons. I have a tumor on my pituitary gland that has caused severe hormone problems that have led to weight gain. Some weight due to hormones and some due to eating my problems away. I also have PCOS and at this time an unable to conceive. I am considered pre diabetic. This scares the heck out of me since my dad has type 1 …

Hi I'm Lissa and I was banded just a week ago. I've been obese since puberty. I'm 43, married with a beautiful 5 year old daughter. I have been having complications. Vomitting and problems swallowing but my doctor is working with me towards a resolution. I hope to meet people here and discuss weight loss and the emotional journey that goes along with it. My blog is www.lovinglydia.typepad.com if anyone is interested. Since my official weigh in on Dec. 22 09 (331) I have lost 18 pounds. Looking forward to losing more. Lissa

I just got my approval from Aetna!! :thumbup: My surgery is Jan. 22nd. Anyone else having their surgery on the same day? I am crying tears of joy!! All sorts of emotions going on but very happy!! I guess I better get one of those "ticker" thingamujigees for the bottom of my signature area.

Okay I am new to this board. I have been so nervous about the whole procedure. I have only told one person besides my husband. My sister who had the RNY and had horrible depression following that. Well our father had passed away not to far before it. I have been dealing with very minimal depression till our mother passed about 3 1/2 years ago. I have not needed any medicine just dealing with it a day at a time. My sister still sees her self as "fat". When do you see your self as skinny or sexy again. Hell I have not felt sexy on a long while, but my husband tells me I am all the time :thumbup:. My weight has fluctuated over the years. I am the heaviest I have e…

:confused:banded Oct 12 2007, lost 60 lbs. doing great except I have a bladder infection that just will not go away. Strong odor, cloudy yellow urine, itching. Has any one else had this? Does anyone know what it is?:thumbup:

Hello everyone, I am a 40 mother of 1- 13 year old, wife of a 32 year old and so over weight. I had the lap-band surgery feb. 7th of 07'. with the band, I had lost 120lbs. I got married 5 months ago and over the course of a year, I have put on about 60 lbs. I am so broken-hearted and ashamed also. Please all you Christians and believers out there say a prayer for me. Today I started walking again on the treadmill and I done a DVD work-out of the biggest looser. Just the 10 minute cardio workout but hey, it's a start. Any advise...welcome....PLEASE:thumbup:

Hey everyone! First of all, I am on month 4 of my 6 month diet. I have been seeing my doctor every month, I had my psychology appointment yesterday (which went very well and I was cleared) and I have my first lapband consult appointment on Thursday (YAY). For those of you who have not had your psychology appointment yet, it was very informational. I am even considering seeing her on a regular basis after the surgery. I took a number of tests, and talked about my eating history. My psychiatrist gave me a list of book to read, which I will share with you: *Eating in the light of the moon By Anita Johnston Provides insights into disordered eating, centers on …

When is it safe to have orange juice again?

Hi everyone! Just a newbie here, looking around the forum. Thought I'd take a moment and say hello. This site looks to be pretty informative with many already having the surgery. I myself have gone through the seminar, psych evaluation, sleep study, etc., just waiting on more blood work, chest x-ray, and a surgery date. 'm actually getting excited, and have been for a long time. The lap-band seems to be the tool that I will need. I wish you all much success and hopefully will be looking for more support and advice in my journey! Good luck to all. Tina

yep I say never to late. I will be banded on 1/28/10 in Idaho Falls, ID...It seems that the older I get the wider...I get and all of the problems that come with it. hip, knee replacements. Told I was diabetic two months ago. high blood pressure with high cholesterol..you can say I am falling apart. But, this is my start of all things better....well at least as better as I can get them. Thank you all for such great info. I am a self payer, so I better make this work or my husband will never let me live this down. But he is supporting me to the hilt.... Can anyone tell me what the physic evaluation is all about?:rolleyes2:

Hi there, I have been on the boards for a while but have not formally introduced myself. I am a 45yo wife & mother from Eastern PA. DH & I have finally completed our six month counseling as required by HighMark Blue Shield. We are both going to be banded on 1/27/2010. I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you. Feel free to check out my blog. Dawn

Well my weight problem has been a long and hard journey so it is exciting to think of all the possibilities with this surgery! I am ready to leave all the neagativity that came with obesity and finally make it over to the losers bench! My surgery is tomorrow but I will be leaving today because I have a long way to drive! I am so excited, scared, and nervous...but overall happy to have made it this far!! When I started this journey, I never thought that it would actually happen, knowone believed in me, or supported me (I think they thought that I was bluffing). I did it though...I made it!!! I proved to everyone that I was serious, and I hope to someday soon become a…

Hello, I am Laura from Deland, FL. I am starting my 3 week liquid diet on 1/6/10. I am being banded on 1/27/10. This is so crazy...I still cant believe that I am doing this. I am totally excited about it, but scared...not about the surgery itself, but leaving large uncontrolled portions behind. I love food, but its about time I love myself more!:rolleyes2:

I'm in Mexicali right now, about to be sleeved by Dr. Aceves. The hospital is huge and professional, everything seems great! I am still super nervous but that is much more about the huge changes coming than it is about the surgery. I know I am making the right decision for myself; I am just scared about the coming pain! I can't say enough about the staff or my awesome "surgery buddies" It has been a very loving, supportive environment since Ernesto picked me up in San Diego. The hotel they put us in was very nice, my "last supper" with one of my surgery buddies was delicious and I slept like a baby thanks to the Ativan they gave us. I am sure it will all go well…

Hello everyone! I'm a 29 year old workaholic with an amazing boyfriend and no kids. Life's always been GREAT except for this pesky weight I've been dragging with me for my entire life. I'm on the pre-op diet and stoked to finally have my LapBand put in on Thursday! I've been reading the forums here for days, anxious for my own surgery date, and started blogging at www.singinglapbander.blogspot.com How was post-op for you?

I am excited and nerves:smile2::rolleyes2: at the same time. But ready for a new change........starting weight 250

I was banded Aug 08 for the past few months i have been stuck at the same weight. I went for a fill about 2 months ago and i can still feel the restricton, but still the same weight, not sure whats going on.:rolleyes2:

I don't have a surgery date scheduled yet, but I'm already worried about post-op. I live alone in a townhouse with tons of stairs. Will I be able to manage by myself? I don't have anyone that I can get to come and stay with me. Will I be okay?

hi all, name is erika, from granite falls, wa. going to have band within next 6-8weeks (waiting for date to be scheduled). Dr. Andrew Wright will be doing my band at the UW medical buildings. so my question is what the heck do u eat/drink for your 1000 calorie a day diet??? can anyone out there help????:rolleyes2:

Hi, Excuse me but I am new to online forums. I'm sure over time my tech-savvy will improve. I am 4 weeks post sleeve. My first 2 weeks were awesome I thought "wow" then I've been really going backwards. I have celiac disease which flared a lactose intolerance, which has added to my woes. At about 2 weeks on a minced and mashed diet I started to vomit all solids. It didn't matter if I took nause medication (I take Nexium) up it would come. Landed in hospital for a night just after xmas for fluids and a scope - all was fine. Home sweet home for a few days and the vomiting started all over again. My doc is great but I think he's wondering what to do with me. A…

Hi - starting to go down the lap-band path and I'm wondering if there are any Aussies on this site? Are things done differently over here? Do you know of any Aussie support groups?

Hi, My name is Sherri and I am from Missouri. I was banded on 12-31. I am new to the board. All of your posts are very helpful. I am doing well with the liquid diet, but I am a little concerned with the pureed diet. I just don't know if I can eat pureed chicken and fish. Do you have to puree it or can you just break it up and chew it really well? Any help or recipes would be appreciated. Thanks.

My surgery date is Jan 21st - just around the corner!! I have ALL the various emotions everyone else has had preop. I am a self pay so I have not had to jump thru all the hoops so many do for the insurance approval so my process had been very speedy. My biggest concern is that I will be strong enough to make the right food choices-obviously I have not in the past or I wouldn't be here! There is not a time in my life that I have not been overweight, every picture there is of me from birth to today shows that. I have always been active-grew up on a dairy/grain farm, showed horses and played sports-and now my feet and knees hurt. I have no other health problems (yipee) so my…

Hello to everyone. I was banded on December 14th, 2009. So far I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I have stalled a little with the weight loss. I want to be working out but I have not been given the okay to get back to the gym and with it being the new year it will be impossible to work out at a decent time. So far I am just playing on my Wii fit for 30 min a day to get some kind of a work out without over stressing myself. Here is to a long and happy weight loss. :smile2:

Hi, I'm Kristin. This is the first message board I've ever taken part in. My nutritionist suggested this site, and I love it so far! I'm pre-op. My surgeon is Dr. Kane jr from Arlington Heights, IL. I have 30 days left on a BCBS enforced nutritional plan, then I can schedule the actual surgery. I have tons of questions, so for now I'm going to look around at every thread I can, and would love to hear from peeps near my age (30) and in my area (even same state is fine:) - especially women...love you guys, but need some girl talk...Feeling a bit on my own, you know?!

soooooo - I'm getting very encouraged by everyone's success stories (and the photo's on this site are inspirational!) but I'm wondering - do people fail with lap-bands?

Hi All! I'm new to this site. I am a 40 yr old mom of 2. Getting banded 1/7/10. I am on liquids now. Harder than expected. I am excited about my new journey. Hope it all goes well. My main reasons for getting banded are to decrease the pain I have daily from being overweight (neck, shoulders, back) and so I can play w/ my kids more. I hope to have more energy and not be embarassed to run, play, swim etc. Need to lose at least 71 lbs. I have lost 9.5 on liquids so far. Hope to make it a few more down before surgery. Need all the motivation and encouragement I can get. Thanks!