Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, my name is Cathy and I am new to this board. I have a preop visit with my Doc tomorrow, and expect to be scheduled around Dec 15th or so. Im a bit scared, but hey, the worst that can happen is that I fail and stay fat. At this point, Im willing to try ANYTHING except an actual gastric bypass:thumbdown: CathyB/Spyderdiva

Hi All, just joined and am going for my first consult appt. w. Dr. Cooper at Community General Hospital in SYR, NY. Has anyone ever been approved by POMCO or had Dr. Cooper or worked w. Dr. DeSimone's office? On an emotional side, I am feeling positive about this entire process. I have been overweight/obese most of my life and am ready to transform. I have tried and tried (as all of us have) to change my life around and do feel this is my last resort. Just looking to connect at this point. I'm kinda nervous and anxious but I know that if it is meant to be it will be. Thanks all :Yawn:

So, I've decided that I need to make a change in my life. I'm going to a free seminar on Wednesday (Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinnati) and truthfully - I've already made up my mind that this is something that I need to have. Pretty much all of my life I've been overweight. I was teased as a child, was a bulemic as a teen (the only time I was ever of normal weight) and as an adult with two children, I've gained a lot of weight since getting married. I truthfully get disgusted just thinking about myself at this point. Being big runs in my family but now I'm the biggest and am not happy with me. The thing is - I'm always hungry. I could eat Breakfast and be hungry afterward…

Hello fellow lap-band recipents. I am just about two weeks post op and having some major anxiety issues. I am having no trouble eating, there is little to no restricton, I am not quite sure what being "full" feels like with the band, have a rotten scale at home and don't know or can't accuratley judge if I am losing any weight...the list goes on and on. I found a lap-band support group, but the next meeting is in two weeks. Additionally, my surgeon prescribed a very conservative, regimented post-op diet, which conflicts with what another surgeon and dietician have discussed with me...help.

Crossed the 100 pound threshold. Got a tat to mark the occasion. Take a look and see! It's in my albums. Now, I am getting to the point of needing new clothes. Poor me. :001_rolleyes:

Hello all, I'm new to this site and glad I found it! I'm pre-op and my anxiety level is out of of sight . . . I'll appreciate your input on your experiences, good or bad, and any support that any can give. To know that I'm not the only one with concerns is comforting. Thanks for reading this!

Hello, I am new to the site and wanted to say hi. I have not been banded, but I am working hard to get it done in the next three months. I enjoy reading comments from others that had the procedure. I look forward to posting good news in the weeks to come.

HI I have a surgery date of 12/22 and my last preop clearance is this Wednesday. I am so scared I am going to be denied my bmi is 40 with no co morbidities. My primary doctor called me this week and said she doesn't know why I would need her clearance since I have already been cleared by cardiologisst and pulminolist. She said she wouldn't even see me unless she gets something in writing from surgeon. Then she says in her experience they don't even meet with you unless you have already been approved. Now I am so confused. I thought approval came after all preop tests. She seems to think otherwise. I had all my tests and sleepstudies paid for by insurance b…

I am 2 weeks post op and this is the first contact with other sleevers. I'm the only one I know who has had the op and I just would like to hear some other voices. I was told 2 weeks clear liquids and I've found it hard but stuck to it. I have been craving normal food even though I know I can't eat it. I tend to suck the juice of steak and other foods and that helps a bit. Do other people also suck on food, it sound so crazy ha-ah:blush:. Today I had some homemade creamy tomato soup that was ok, my first non clear liquid meal. My tummy feels weird when I eat and I find myself wondering if I'll ever be able to eat like a normal person again. It isn't painful or an…

I decided last May to begin steps toward getting LapBand surgery to lose the 100 pounds that I need to lose. I have no interest in the drastic and invasive gastric bypass surgery. However, since I began this program beginning with my Primary and on to the behavioralist, nutritionist, physician and surgeon, every one as encouraged the bypass and strongly discouraged the band. I have no health issues and have remained confident in my decision to stick with getting the band. I am about a month away from surgery. Has anyone else had this type of discouragement? If so, does anyone know why they encourage the bypass so much more? Is it more money for them? I feel that there are…

Hi everyone. My name is Mandy and I had my band fitted on 16th November. I am so pleased to find your forum, there is a huge amount of information here and I am avidly ploughing my way through all the topics and learning a huge amount. :Yawn:

I began my journey on Oct 30, 2009. I have lost 25 lbs since starting the medifast diet 2 weeks before surgery. I am 55 years old and have been over weight since I was 20 years old. I have diabetes. I live in Wa state and I am a Mom and Grandma. Linda

Hi all, I'm getting banded on 11/24, yes, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. It's funny the kinds of reactions I get from people who hear the date. They're like "you're ruining your thanksgiving!" And I say, no I'm not. I'm starting over. I have about 130 pounds to lose to be to my ideal weight. 8 more days :w00t:

Hi, I am new here and new to the idea of the LapBand. I am trying to do as much research as posible and trying to figure out exactly where to start! I know the 2 "biggies" are do I qualifiy for the surgery and will my issurance cover it. Well, I am 35 and 100+ pounds over weight and my BMI is around 41. I have always struggled with my weight, but never had this much trouble until i had my 2 girls. I gained about 80 pounds with each and they are only 21 months apart. Over the summer I gained at least 25 pounds. I blame this on our move from VA to NY and all of the stress! As for Insurrance, i have Tricare Standard. I know that i would qualify as far as being at least…

I am new to this group and was referred by a good friend who's a member and just recently new to the LAP-BAND®®®® journey. I started my journey about 6wks ago which would be late Sept. I am currently down 40lbs on the pre-surgery low carb/high Protein shake diet. I still have a long way to go due to my high BMI but i'm hoping to be successful even at this pre-surgery portion. I'm looking for all of the encouragement I can get and am glad to be part of such a wonderful support system as this one. Love and blessings, Amour Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

I will be banded by Dr. Hall in Lubbock Tx and feel that this surgery will put my life on track...actually it will be the start of a healthier lifestyle. I'm commited to rid myself of all that ills me, starting with my ovarian cyct syndrome & Insulin Resistance. I'm nervious about all the requirements and hope that I can stay focused...it's going to be hard to give up all my favs, not just food but my lazy habits. I want to eat healthier and work out I do...I hope that the weight loss with give me the motivation I need to acheive...I want to be one of the banders on here that posts "GOAL". :Yawn:

I was wondering how full will I feel after the band. I rarely eat when Im very full, will I feel very full?

Hello Everyone, Bandered Friday 20 Nov 09, weighed 100 kgs, preop diet 106.7kgs. Goal 60 kgs Height 5.4 Aged 41 Operation went really well, made sure I walked asap after op, Shoulder Tip pain, still medicating myself every 4 hours. Can't wait until this pain passes, I've been in bed most of the time. Looking forward to making new friends and moving away from this pain.

Hello My name is Linda. I live in Winnipeg, MB. I've struggled with my weight for years. I'm 5'8" tall and weigh 397 pounds, My highest weight was 479. I'm currently onthe waiting list for surgery, or should I say, to be even considerd for WLS. I'm looking forward to meeeting you all. Feel free to drop me a line! Linda

Hi. New here. Just checking this out. I've added the lapbandtalk banner to my website. My book "The Gastric Lap Banding Diet and Recipe Book" has it's promotional website. Check it out! recipes. If you have the time, I definately will! Take care!

Hi, I am not totally new to the site, just decided to finally do my profile. So I will have surgery 12/1/09 and was given a week notice of my date...which I am THANKFUL I get to have it this yr (ins). So I am 21 yrs old and have been overweight since I was 10. I'm really for a new lifestyle, the challenge, and the outcome!!! I am super thrilled to start this journey and the countdown is on!!!!:thumbup:

Hi Everyone, I'm new, sorry if this isn't the right place to be posting this! Considering the band was my "gateway thinking" into WLS and I quickly switched to RNY. After some thinking (and a lot of waiting, thanks Kaiser) I'm thinking VSG. I have been on other boards, but the VSG community is small so I wanted to reach out to all of you to see your stories. I've been working on getting surgery since March 2009 and I've finished my Kaiser classes and find myself wanting to put it off. Not surgery, I think I need it... but my doctor referred me to someone who is offering free personal training starting in January and lasting until mid-Feb. My Kaiser approval will last…

I have read on here that some have had good luck getting bcbs of texas to cover lap band surgery. I however would not be one of those lucky ones. Not sure if they have changed their policy or I just have the wrong policy. It is in no way shape or form covered. :biggrin:

My name is Heather. I am 33 years old and have decided to have the LAP-BAND® procedure after a very frightening diagnosis of an ischemic stroke in the early part of summer. While the only effect of the stroke is a weakened left eye muscle, it scared me straight. I also have a co-morbidity's of high cholesterol (possibly high BP), migraines and some mild depression in the past. I am 5ft 9in. I have been on every diet imaginable and well we all know the outcome... Wonderful losses at first, then big gains! Woohoo!! NOT! Anyway, I am currently 249.6 pounds (10/26/09) and hell bent and determined never to make the 250 mark! (Pipe dream, I know!) I had my first appointment wit…

Hi All. My name is Monica and I was banded on 11/10/09, (finally) at Alaska Regional Hospital. I seem to be doing great so far. I don't have my first fill until 1/6/10. I am a 49 year old happily married mother of five ages 23, 21, 19, 9 and 7. I am 5'9" and my highest weight was 320lbs, (uggg). I weighed 308 just before my surgery and the last time I weighed I was down to 288, so I guess I lost a quick 20! For now things seem to be stalled but I guess that is to be expected as my body adjusts. I HATE to exercise, but since I got home from Anchorage on the 18th I have walked at least 20-30 minutes on the treadmill everyday...except Sunday. I look forward to sharing wei…

Hi everyone - just joined! I'm having my surgery on December 7. I'm both nervous and excited. Looking forward to reading everyone's input. Happy Thanksgiving! :ohmy:

Hi all, I'm Dusty from Mt. Washington, Kentucky - just outside of Louisville. I'm so excited to be getting my band on Dec. 22. :ohmy::thumbup: My Surgeon is Bryce Schuster. I can't wait to get the weight off and begin a healthier lifestyle. I have a goal to learn to play ice hockey in an adult league when the wieght comes off. Just something I've always wanted to do but never was able to. Now I have a chance. I hope to meet a lot of fellow bandsters and get advise and support. Pre-op Pic

Hello! Newbie to the group. I was just banded Nov. 18th. 'Hoping for some encouragement and advice here. When I get a little more settled I will be happy to reciprocate. :ohmy: Still having some pain in my left side, but my diaphragm was clipped on the way in, so I know that is partly to blame. I can't sleep in bed, only sitting up or reclined in a chair because of it. Looking forward to being back in my bed for sure! Otherwise moving right along. Day 1, which I barely remember, was Clear Liquids. Then to fill liquids Days 2-7. I am getting a little tired of chicken broth and cold stuff, but I'm trying to keep my spirits up. I think for my the biggest struggles have…

Hi, my name is Kristen, and I got the surgery on September 28th. SInce then, all I have lost is 10 pounds- and all of that was in the first 2 weeks. I haven't lost anything since then! Before my first fill I had to come in because I was throwing up (I'm pretty sure it was just the stomach flu) and they removed all the liquid from my band- 3.5 cc's. This was the remainder from the surgery. I stopped losing weight after this (of course), and got my first "official" fill 2 weeks ago- I am at a total of 2 cc's. Not very much I know, but they were concerned. I still haven't lost any more weight, and now I have permanent acid reflux! Granted it started about a week after t…

Hello all, I finished my 6 months of doctors visits and just submitted for insurance approval. I have one more test to go, Veinous Duplex and hopefullywill have a surgery date soon. I live in NYC and my doctor is Heather McMullen in Staten Island. Has anyone else used her or her associates? Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Chart

I have been considering LapBand surgery for almost 3 years now. I attended a seminar about 2 years ago and did not proceed b/c I had a BMI of 36 and no comorbidities. At the time I was not willing to pay for the surgery myself and have tried several attempts at loosing weight but always end up back where I started. I have decided it is now something I am willing to pay for myself. I have been overweight my entire life and saw a doctor about it when I was around 8 years old. In January of this year, I was told I have the early signs of arthritis, at age 30! I was wondering if it would even be worth fighting with the insurance. The main reason I am curious is because…

I was shocked when my Dr told me I would have to wait another 6 months on top of the year I've already spent jumping through hoops to get all his requirements done. He said since I gained 30 lbs over the past year, we'll have to wait until my weight is stable. I think since I'm at my all time high, I won't have any trouble staying here, but still. I really wanted January, you know? He never said not to gain weight a year ago! Oh I'm so annoyed. Now it looks like June or July. dammit.:biggrin:

Guys! Love you all but I'm going to take a break from the forum for a while, I will come back when I get a surgery date and we can rejoice then. Til then I want to say your all great and thanks for all the advice, it made making my decisions much easier. . . so happy Thanksgiving to y'all and a very Merry Christmas! Everyone keep up the excellant work! :thumbup:Chat soon again!

Hi everybody, I am new here. I am a woman 38 years of age, 5ft 3 inches and weigh a whopping 288 lbs. After fooling myself and being in denial for the longest time, I have finally decided to get banded (is that a word?) I considered going to India to do it - but after reading numerous threads here about 'fill issues' I think doing it here is the best. I have booked a first free consult with SWLC Mississauga end of the week. Anybody here used them? Happy with service and results? Is there any other place I should try? Please do share experiences and costs. I need to have a comparative to make a decision. Thank you all.

Hey there everyone! I have been reading the boards for a few weeks now and decided that i needed to introduce myself to everyone.My name is Danielle and I'm 28 years old. I have been researching the VSG for awhile now, and I've decided (with the help of reading the wonderul information on this board) that it is the right path for me. For awhile I was leaning towards having the Lap Band done but that is soooo not for me. I have a wonderful support system. My parents are totaly suportive as is my younger brother. I've also gotten alot of good feedback from other members of my family. I think the moment it was real for me was when I decided I needed to talk to my 16 year old…

Hi! So to be perfectly honest, I've lurked on this forum a little when I've been unable to work out what the hell is going on with my band at a couple of stages, but never registered until now. There's loads of useful info on here, it's great! Anyway, come December I'll have been banded 3 years, and despite amazingly supportive family and friends, its a little different talking to people who actually went through it as well, I think, so here I am. Trying to get back to my goal weight for the second time (first time was slightly overfilled, got heartburn and had a deflation, then put on weight again, go figure). :bored:

:blushing:I have been contimplating weight loss surgery for about a year now. I was set on having the gastric bypass until I heard all the horror stories of having the loose skin and having to have another expensive surgery for the removal of that skin. I was told to consider lapband because the weight loss is less dramatic. I do not have any kind of support group besides my own mother but some of you may know that hearing your mother tell you that she doesnt approve only makes matters worse. So here I am reaching out to people I do not know, but I hope to be able to start friendships and start my own support group on here. I have my consultation with the surgeon in Dec…

I've joined the club as of yesterday evening. Stomach is starting to rumble....kinda like Isopure (Alpine Punch). I am posting from the hospital (love it!) Starting weight 362.

So today is the one year anniversary yayaya meee.. It took me 3 years to decide whether or not to do this surgury.. and after lookin at my pics it was like woww i cant look like this i hatedd how i lookedd it made me sad to walk out the house.. and i decided this was the only way .. and lemme tell u it was the besttt thing i ever did in my life.. yess it has been hard but soo worth it.. im not at my goal weight but i have lost 55 pounds another 30 ill be happy im trying to be patient.. when i began commin to this site i saw people who lost 20 30 pounds first month or two.. just to let u all know EVERYONE IS NOT THE SAME DONT EXPECT THAT every body is different.. so anyon…

I am so frustrated with my mother continuing to tell me that I can lose weight without surgery if I just get up and move. My job is physical and I am usually totally exhausted after a long 12 hour shift. I have been overweight for 14 years now. My mother was overweight for most of my childhood, and struggled with one diet or another and then one day it started to change for her. I am not my mother. I get so frustrated with people especially parents telling me I shouldn't have to get surgery to lose weight. What else am I supposed to do?

Hello, I had my lap band inside me for over three years now.. I'm enjoying the new me... And I'm enjoying shopping for the first time in my life! I'm a dentist, a new mother of a 6-month-old boy.. I'm new in this forum thing! I have a problem related to the band and I want to discuss it with you guys first... shall I add a new thread or.......... what?

Hi all! I was so happy to find this site and these forums today!! So many helpful things to read and such kind words from so many to others on the site! I was banded last Tuesday, November 17th. I am so very ready to be done with the clear liquid diet tomorrow and ready to move forward with feeling like a new and better me!! I am a 33-year-old female who has had a lifelong struggle with my weight. I got married just over two years ago to an absolutely wonderful man and we have (I think) the best ever and cutest 19-month-old son! My husband is a career marine and that career recently moved us to the middle of nowhere southern GA. The stress of the move and start…

Hello, my name is Angela and I have decided to go forward with my weight loss surgery and have chosen the Lap band procedure. My doctors office says I should have an answer within 2 weeks. I am soo excited. I am 32 years old and have been overweight 22 of those years so new life....Here I come!

Hi Everyone. I am a new post-op as of Aug 11th. Doing well. Getting staples out tomorrow.Dr Les Miles from St. Vincent's East in Birmingham, Al did my surgery. I live in Ragland, Alabama. How exciting to be on this:blushing: new journey at last.

Made my first mandatory seminar appt. for Jan. 19, 2010 to get the process going! It's a big step, I'm 34 and...wow never admitted "publicly" how much I weigh....but am 282 and only 5'5". I'm so very happy and glad I made the decision. Looking for much needed support, advice, friends etc for my journey!:biggrin:

Don't know why the thread is gone, or where it went, but I have tattoo Ideas in my photo album. Check em out!

Come join us! Its working for me anyway! Woooohoooooooo!:biggrin::thumbup::biggrin:

First 2 weeks almost done. Going for my 1st post-op followup. The first week was fine (besides the pain which the was well managed by percocet); didn't really feel hunger and was able to pass the day without even really thinking aboout food. This past week has been much tougher. I am craving foods, feel hungry, and been really low on energy and feeling cold all the time. Also I get this really dry mouth at night and noticed couple days ago that my tongue is black. I'll have to see what the doc says about it tomorrow, hopefully there is an answer. So far I've been on clear liquids with 2oz slimfast or atkins shake at meals. I expect to have the green light for soft …

After months of "lurking" on this board I decided to go to a consultation for the VSG. Unfortunately I will have to pay out of pocket --my BMI is not high enough for my insurance to pay. I don't really feel like jumping through the hoops to go around that. I am 5'2 and 210 pounds. They won't approve anything below a 40 bmi. So I put some money together and my grad school savings and scheduled an appt for January 18th (MLK Day).

So I am in the process of getting approved for bariatric surgery. The Doctors I use do not expect you to make a decision on which surgery until closer to time. I was looking into the Band, but I have a VP shunt and according to MD it increases my chance of infection to one or both appliances to have both and has reccommended I look into the sleeve gastrectomy. I am doing research and like what I see, but have had a general surgeon tell me not to do it. I would like to hear from people who have had a postive and negative experiences. I am a single mom, ICU RN, and BSN student. My life is very important. I want to be a role model for my childre and patients.