Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello all! I was directed to this site by my surgeon. She is part of a very comprehensive bariatric program based out of Shady Grove Hospital in Maryland. I had my first pre-op consultation last week, and am in the beginning stages of getting all my testing done. I have Federal Blue Cross insurance, and am told it is a piece of cake to get this procedure approved through them, with no "red tape" so to speak. Im very excited to finally have this surgery done (have been looking into WLS for over 15 years). Im still on the fence about whether to do RNY or LapBand though- and could sure use any personal stories, research links, ect to help me decide. Im worried the …

Greetings Everyone! I am a newbie! I am a 34-year-old woman who is 100 lbs over weight and simply tired of feeling like crud all of the time! I am tired of being heavy, feeling sleepy, having a hard time breathing, having my feet and ankles swell, and not wanting my picture taken. With a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and suffering from high BP and sleep apnea as well, I am ready to turn my life around. I have tried many weight loss programs to no avail. The thought of dying like this scares the heck out of me. It's time for me to get serious and lose this weight once and for all! I have not decided whether I will undergo the L…

Hi my name is Stacy and I was banded 1 year ago by Dr Ortiz.. The banding experience was wonderful they were all excellent the only problem I guess has been once you get banded you are on your own no support so that is where I am frustrated now.I have a 10 CC band and am 6 CC filled and i can still eat almost like before I dont eat bread or drink soda.And i know I am really naughty for drinking with a meal so because of that I am sure I have not had the weight loss one would hope to have at this point.Its a hard habit to break.I have only lost 30 lbs in a years time.In that time we have moved across country,new jobs, getting kids settled ,remodeling our house ect I put my…

So instead of lurking around the forum, I thought I should introduce myself and get to know all of you better. My name is Marci and I'm 29. I have a 2-year-old very handsome baby boy. I am married to the most supportive, caring and sweetest husband ever. (Maybe a little over exaggeration but you get the point ) I have been overweight my WHOLE life. I remember going to the doctor when I was in middle school to get a physical for sports and they told me I weighed 200lbs. I thought, "Oh wow! The scale cannot be right." I remember that day my mom talking to the doctor about my weight and him telling my mom that it runs in my genes. I also remember when I was 16 my un…

Hello, I am a newbie to Lap Band Talk! I had my surgery last night and I am doing great! I am still a little sore near my incisions, but other than that, all is good. Luckily, I have had no gas pains; I guess it helps that I am walking around a lot. Any other December 23rd bandsters?

Hi I'm 28 and my new life started Sept 15. I live in Texas and I can't wait to meet new people just like me!!!!:wub: Felicia

After doing many classes with my Kaiser Options program, graduation and lossing 48.2 pounds. I get to go to my consultation on Thursday January 7th. Seeing how its not my surgery date the hubby is not going to take any time off. I will be off on my own which is no big. I did the consulations for my last two surgeries on my own. I have all of the questions I feel I need an answer to ready to throw at him, or well at least ask him either way. :biggrin0::thumbup:

Hello, three months ago I started on my journey toward the lapband surgery. I am having difficult losing weight. My weight loss total has been six pounds. I am required to complete another three months of weight loss. It is hard not having the support of family and friends. I need some words of encouragement and hopefully make some friends during my journey that will be supportive.

i had surgery 12/28/09 and i am having low blood sugar even through the night. im up every two hours drinking protein shakes or other liquids. anyone have this problem. i feel drained through the day and foggy headed

Hi, My name is Lisa and I am starting my LAP-BAND®® journey. I am pre-surgery...one month into my 6mo approval period for insurance. I am still undecided if this is really for me but I am going thru all the steps - hoping the decision becomes clearer. I cannot lose weight on my own. I am hoping having a physical limitation will help me change my life. My first month of "on my own" I have lost seven (7) lbs. I have attended one support group meeting and met with the surgeon for the first time yesterday. I am excited to find this forum because the support groups offered in my area aren't traditional / sharing groups - they are more like informative seminars. There wer…

Hi Everyone, My name is Monique. I hail from Texas. I was banded 2 yrs ago on 12/2007. Went from a 26 to a 14/12. Depends on the clothes are tailored. I have a remaining 30 lbs approximately to lose and I am working on that goal. I hope to make new friends and lend support where needed. Have a great day! Mo

I can hardly wait until my date. I started this process back in april. But my time is coming. Anyone else getting banded around this date? Good luck to all. Jen

Hello all. I am getting excited and nervous. My Dr. has you go through 3 months of appointments with a Dietician and Exercise Physiologist. I have my last appointment on Jan. 19, 2010. Once these are finished they will submit all info to insurance for approval. I am excited. i am hoping surgery will be in February sometime. My family is supportive but scared. It is not a cheap procedure and I need and want to make this work.

I just received my Lap band on Dec 30th by David Elliott, MD in Richmond, VA. He also performed gastric bypass on my DH on Dec 9th. Both of us went to Henrico Doctor's Hospital in Richmond. They have a very personal, very good bariatric program headed by Ronnie Jowers. We are both doing well. I am still having some gas pains in my shoulders and chest, but no nausea. :smile2: I'm on full liquids until week 2 (Wed). So far, what little hunger I've had was resolved with my protein shake. DH and I are looking forward to a happy and healthy 2010. Happy New Years to all.

Hi I was banded Dec 28, 2009. I am still recovering from surgery today is a good day I am feeling much better.:smile2: But I am getting sick of the liquid diet already!!! Can't wait to get to the other stage but for me it won't be for a while. How is everyone else doing with the liquid diet?

Hello!!! I have been reading a lot of posts on this website. They're very helpful!!! I have an appointment with a surgeon on January 13th and am looking forward to it. I am hoping you all can answer a few questions I have: Everything I read about "regular" dieting suggests eating 5-6 mini meals per day, however, the Lap Band info says to eat 3 meals at the most. The meals are like 1/4 cup... how many calories a day can that be? It just seems to me if that (from everything I've read about reg dieting) if I drastically cut my calories my metabolism will slow down. Have you found that to be true? I intend on exercising 30 mins/day to try to increase my met…

Hi I am 30 years old and 350 lbs, I am hoping to qualify for lap band surergy. If qualified as medically neccessary I will be banded at the University of Iowa Hospital. If anyone one has gone through the process here I would appreciate any feed back. I have filled out my application and they have called my insurance (BCBS of IL), they will be calling me in a couple of days for an evaluation. Some questions: What does the evaluation consist of? How long typically before surgery? After surgery, how long is recovery? I understand that getting filled is inserting saline to the band to tighten it but, where is the port and how do they repeatidly get to it? I a…

Hello! I'm really looking forward to my "re-birth" on 9 January 2010 when I get banded! I'm very excited, and wish I could tell more people but have experienced some pretty mixed reactions when discussing this with others. I've prepared to the point of being a tad bit ridiculous and I think I've bought way too much Protein powder, pureed vegetables, and soy milk, but better safe than sorry! Anyone else having surgery on the 9th or 10th?

My name is Keisha I just want to take the time to say hello to everyone. I havent been banded yet I'm in the pre op stage, I have two more things left to do and then I can schedule my procedure. I just want to say that I think its very cool how everyone is so supportive of each other and the weight loss process. Its hard to really find that these days, I thank God for my husband though, and my new found friends here with LBT.. I look forward to our new lifestyle... ~~~~ A NEW ME 2010~~~~

Hi, I am just writing to introduce myself. I am from Australia and I was banded on the 12th Nov 2009. This has been a whole learning curve for me. Getting used to the new feelings and sensations. I look forward to reading everyone's experiences as everyone is different. Kity1_cat

Hi everyone. I have been lurking on the boards for a couple weeks now. After watching my roomate go through lap band surgery, I decided that I wanted to have wls also. it was a big deal to me. almost as if i had admitted defeat. I always felt that wls were for those who were superly morbdily obese like my friend. I always told myself that i didnt need wls. that i can and have done it on my own. Well after almost 5 years of doing it on my own, I am up almost 100lbs, on BP medication (3 to be exact) and colesterol meds. I am a ticking time bomb! I have a 4 year old daughter who needs me. she needs me to be a better mother to her than I have been. I have let…

This is my first post, so I just wanted to say hi. I look forward to getting to know you.

Hi. My name is Darren and I was banded on Dec. 30th 2009. Thus far, very few problems...soreness at incisions, but no nausea. I cannot wait to reclaim my life with the help of my lap band!

Hey guys, I just went back for my first post op visit to my Dr. and to my suprize I'd lost 19 lbs, and now that number is 23 lbs. I'm finally moving along and doing well. I'm back at work, things are good there, although I do have a cold. I feel good, and I'm getting plenty of protein and liquids. Exercise have been difficult because of the cold rainy weather. But I'll soon be back on the walking path. I'm having protein bars, and found some orgainic yogurt with 15 gms of portein also. I've not bought any clothes yet. I"m waiting for more weight to come off before I do. Only 12 more lbs and I'll be in WONDERLAND.....OMG...that's unbelievable to me... I've not been under…

I kind of feel like I'm kicking a dead horse here- like I've been posting a little excessively so please forgive me BUT... My surgeon's office faxed over all my pre-authorization info last week so I called BCBSIL today just to make sure that they have everything they need and the Rep, who was very nice by the way, said that she actually just sent it over for review today. I told her I know that she must get asked this about a hundred times a day, but roughly how long does it usually take for a decision and she said it shouldn't take more than a day or so. WOW! I'm really excited now that I know it could be so soon- now I can't stop thinking about it! I'm trying to t…

So I'm trying to make a decision regarding lap banding. I have previously lost significant weight on other diets. However - I have never kept it off. In fact I gain it back and then some. I now have a skin condition that makes exercise very difficult and I am a coeliac (wheat, gluten intolerant) which makes some diets difficult. I have basically ignored my weight for the last several years and I am now tipping the scales at around 108 kg which is too high for my 170 cm frame. My motivation this time is that I have two small sons and I not only want to be around for them - I also want to be an active part of their lives. Previously my weight has always been a c…

Hi I am not a new member. I have been on lapband talk for over a year or so now, and well I lost my sign in information so I had to register all over again for some odd eason. I used my yahoo address in place of my AOL address just to enroll. Wow what a real trip just to sign in and post but well worth the time in my book. I used to be sharon2u and my e-mail address at the time was sharrroc@aol.com

i have just made an appointment with a surgeon for Feb 3rd. I have been trying to do as much research as possible online and gettin some stuff mailed to me but i seem to get many different answers and opinions based on different peoples stories and expieriences. i have lots of questions and juts need a litttle help thanks

Well, I've been overweight since I was 11. Then obese since 28... Now I'm 37 and the highest weight I've ever been. Did WW and lost 13 pounds..which came back because I have no willpower, self-control, etc. I'm sorry..but I think vanity is a GOOD thing. If I'd had enough of it, I probably would have more self-control. VSG is my last resort. Dr. tried to put me on diabetes meds (metformin), but I would rather just get FORCED to be healthy by removing the room that my tummy has. This pre-op diet has been hellacious....but I know it will be worth it in the end... I'm SO excited to find this forum! I needed a place like this :wink0:

I have a date for my sleeve. I'm scheduled January 21st for my surgery & cannot wait for this day. I will be counting the days down. :biggrin0:

Hi everyone we have made through another year I ended the year with a gain of 1.5 lbs that put me at 208 lbs. Now that the holidays are over I have to work on one that. Congrats to those of you who reached their goals, mini goals and the big ONEDERLAND. Happy New Years to you all. I have a lot to be thankful for. I am living and breathing, I can get up and exercise, I CAN LOSE THE WEIGHT I always wanted to lose; Thanks to my assistant THE BAND. I feel good, my health have improved. I don't have high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol. I can walk up the stairs without getting tired. I can ride in the car without my back being in extreme pain. This year I…

SURGERY DATE 3/5/09 I HAVE LOST 60 POUNDS!!!:biggrin:

Hi! My name is Lisa. I am having my surgery on Monday! I am very nervous and excited. I am sitting here drinking my last carbonated drink for a long time! Good Bye Caffeine, How I will miss you! I was told that tomorrow I am to only drink Clear Liquids the day before surgery. Does anyone know if you can drink the clear Protein Drinks that day too? I am glad this site it here. I will be reading a lot of information and experiences on here tonight. I wish everyone success!:smile:

My name is Kristal im 28 yrs old. I live in Jacksonville,FL. I am in the beginning process of getting the lapband. They should be sending all the paperwork off to Aetna pretty soon I have finished all the requirements they asked for. I am kinda worried because Feb 08 - Aug 08 I did a 6 month monitored weight program through my primary care doctor required by Aetna. I went every month except July I was told I didn't need to come I didn't know how the process went. Dr. Cywes office says that I could get denied for not going six months consecutively I hope that is not the case. Hopefully everything will workout and I will be approved for the surgery. I am 5'7 and curre…

I am struggling with whether or not to have surgery. I keep telling myself that I can do it on my own, only to gain more weight. I have been reading post on this forum for almost a year and am scared by the complications and problems I read. So I am miserable with all of the problems I have due to weight, high cholesterol, high BP, sleep Apnea, back pain, and the list goes on. I just do not know why I can not do what I need to do on my own. I am so sick of being miserable but afraid that this wont work for me. I would be self pay and financially I want to make sure that I can continue to pay for what ever comes with this technique. I have considered going to Mexic…

I am on day three! Day one I thought 'peice of cake' - day two I thought 'I am a tough cookie' (excuse my food references!)- today I am saying hellllllp! I am very uncomfortable. I have not been passing very much gas......how long till I get rid of the bloating?? My shoulder does not hurt at all, but diaphram is really hurting and I am not breathing deeply unless I realize and make myself. I walked several times yesterday for a long time.

Hi Everyone! My name is Amber, I'm 27 years old, and I've had the lap band for 6 and 1/2 years. I am 5 feet 7 inches and I currently weigh 168 (not my ideal weight). My highest weight ever was 250, and my lowest after surgery was 148-150. I maintained my weight at 150 for 4 years, then gained 20 pounds in the past year and 1/2 and have been too lazy to do anything about it. I just joined this website because after 6 years of going it alone, I kinda feel like reaching out and talking to other people who have had this done. I'm getting married in 7 months (on July 31, 2010) and my goal is to lose 30 more pounds. I really need to get motivated and start using my band as a we…

I am so excited! I made my appointment for my initial consult with the doc, psych, nutritionist, etc. Of course, they are completely booked, so I have to wait until January 20th. I'm sure it will get here sooner than expected but still... (sigh) I've been getting my ducks in a row, so to speak. I switched insurance carriers during our open enrollment because my company covers WLS. My boss is supportive of my surgery decision and told me that he'll work with me for the time off. Now - it's getting in there, getting approved, etc. They told me that there is a 376 question psyche eval. What is that about? Anyone know? Oh - and I'm going with Dr. Trace Curry in Cincin…

Hello, I was banded 3/18/09 but have just joined the website. I have been to the website numerous times looking for answers to my questions and it has been very helpful. I finally decided to join so I could ask questions and chat with fellow labbandsters. I look forward to meeting and chating with everyone.

Hi. I'm new here. Just registered a few minutes ago. I'm 5 foot 3 and weigh about 230 pounds which is said to be extremely obese or morbidly obese or whatever. i'm 28. i have two kids. i've tried losing weight on my own over the years but it's always a slow process and i usually gain most of it back. i'm bigger than i've ever been. even heavier than i was when i was 9 months pregnant. i've noticed over the past few years that i've developed some activity induced asthma which i think has a lot to do with being overweight. i've also noticed that it's getting harder and harder for me to do simple things without difficulty.... things like tying my shoes, bending over, etc. i …

5.8 earthquake 20 miles from Mexicali this morning. Read more: 5.8-Magnitude Quake Rocks Mexico's Border With U.S. - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

I will be banded on March 12, 2010 during Spring Break, as I am currently in school for my RN. I have been an LPN since 2005 and decided to take the plunge and finish up my education and in the process suffered a herniated L4 disk on November 6, 2009. My doc told me that I had some major life style changes to make if I was going to be able to practice as an RN and #1 I need to drop 100 pounds. I was not in shock, I knew what he was going to say before he ever opened his mouth and I immediately began talking to people about other options besides another fad diet. That is where my journey actually began, finally coming to grips with the idea that I was powerless over …

I started the 2 week pre-surgery diet on Monday & am having trouble with the liquid Protein drinks. I have IBS & the shakes are not agreeing with my stomach. I have only had between 400-600 cal. each day of mostly protein. My nutritionist told me 2 8oz. shakes per day & a 4 oz. protein & 1 cup of vegetables for dinner. I am not starving but am hungry. I am very nervous about the surgery. I have 2 boys ages 13 & 11 and am worried about the coverage needed for them & their practices. How soon after the surgery can I drive? I am doing this for me & no one else. I am over 100 lbs. over weight & need to get this off of me.

I am about to be banded Jan 6th and I am so nervous!!!!!For starters this 2 wk liquid diet is sooo hard.Ive been irritable,tired and just not my normal social self. Can someone tell me a little about how eating it after the band and is it very restricted as far as what you eat,not necessarily how much. I struggling ,but determined to go through with this....

Hello everyone, I am excited to be having my lapband procedure on Januay 8th!!! Postive suggestions are welcome!!!

Hi! I am beyond excited. I met my surgeon on Dec 7th, I start my 2 week pre-op diet on Dec 29th, and get my band on Jan 12th.

Hiiii. My name is Amanda, and I'm 22 years old. I am in the process of thinking, lol. I think it just "came" to me that I need to lose weight badly. I've been told by my doctors that I need to lose weight, but it really didn't sink in until about now. lol I made an appointment with my GP for Wednesday. That's reallly all I know to do. I guess I'll talk to her about it. I really have no idea what to do, but I am slowly researching and I figure the GP is the first place I should go first. The insurance process makes me nervous. I have my parents insurance and all my father told me was that the insurance will cover 90% of it after $250. "Of it" is a little confusing sinc…

Hello to all! Newby here - waiting on insurance approval from Tricare. Very happy to have found this site. I live VERY rurally in PA so I do not have the luxury of a local support group and this is the next best thing! I am looking for pre-surgery advice.:thumbup:

Hi there, I'm really needing some encouragement - hit a road block today. I found out from my bariatric coordinator that my weight is not high enough to be covered through insurance for surgery. BMI must be 43 and I have to have 2 other health conditions. Problem is, I am actually perfectly healthy other than my weight. My BMI is 41. Would you recommend I gain the extra 11-12 pounds to qualify? I really want the LAP-BAND® because I feel it would be a great tool for me to lose and maintain weight loss. I've been heavy all my life and I am SICK OF IT! Please give me some advice?

Banded on July 7, 2009. Lost 52 pounds but holidays hit and I've gained back 7 and am scared to death. I've had one tiny fill and I have to keep reminding myself that there is a reason I had the surgery. If I could have done it myself...am too embarrassed to call surgeon but I don't want to slip slide back into old habits either. Some uplifting words would totally rock right now!