Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

My consult is scheduled for November 2! Just a week and a half away. Now we've got the ball a rollin'!

:blush:I'm going to my first consutlation/seminar tomorrow Oct. 22nd. I'm ready to get this ball rolling. I guess I'm as anxioius as I've ever been, because I finally see a way out of this fat life. I'm so ready to begin another chapter, a better chapter. I'm ready to have confidence in myself, to have self esteem, to feel like a woman, instead of a slug.....so so so ready.

Ok, sooo.. I was soooo excited about going to the informational seminar on Oct 29th.n Until I received an email stating that it was canceled, and the next available date would not be until Nov 12. Ok, that kinda started the discouragement, just a little.:thumbup: Then, yesterday, just to be curious I called my insurance provider (BCBS of NY), just to ask the basics, and to fill out some inquires I had hanging above my head. The operator said people who've had the surgery on this coverage usually have had to go on a 6 month diet !!!!!!!!! and that put me in full discouragement...... Well, I've registered for the Nov 12th seminar. BUT, I also want to know if anyone else…

Hi all - I finally decided to take the plunge and get sleeved. I've done the research, lost a ton of weight and then promptly gained 2/3's of it back. So I've finally gotten it through my thick head that 1) I can't do it "on my own" and 2) life is too short to keep putting off the one thing that might give me my life back. I have had my first meeting with the surgical center. I go next week for an all day check where I will see several people - doctor, psychologist, diet expert. The idea of surgery scares me. The idea of not having surgery scares me more. Now, here's the biggest surprise so far in my one-on-one with this place. I mentioned in the first meeting…

I am going to a seminar on November 10. I have to before I can make an appointment with the surgeon. My question is I weigh 250, and I'm 5'6. I am pre-diabetic, insulin resistant and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Do you thinkI will qualify?

I have the appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday. (Dr. Elizabeth Salzberg, Norfolk, VA.) Most of the posts here are by people who have 100 pounds or more to lose. I have 60-65 pounds to lose and was wondering if anyone else is in the same boat. When I tell people I am considering the surgery, they say that I don't look like I weigh enough to get it. Is it worth it? Linda

G'day all, l'm from Melbourne, Australia and l have just finshed going through the research stage :eek:of finding out just about everything that l could on the lap band, on the internet & talking to people that have been banded as well as seeing the doctors at the lap band clinic, the positives most definetly out way the negatives. l'm 45 years old. 137 kg/301 lbs & BMI of 42. l do need a Cpac machine for sleeping for at least the next 4 weeks. l start my optislim shakes this friday, so tomorrow night will be the last of the old sizes meals and the old ways forever. One large door closes & the new slimmer door opens. l have only told one person at work so far…

Hi everyone, My name's Dan. I'm 33 years old from NJ. I've always been a bigger guy but was always athletic and in decent shape. After college though, I blew up like someone had a bike pump attached to me. I went from 265 to 390 in about 12 years. As my title states, I was banded on 9/15. My first fill is on Monday Oct. 19th and I can't wait for it! I'm looking forward to fully healing and being able to work out again, with a restricted band and a regular diet. I'm assuming that's when the weight loss will really kick in. I'm also looking forward to taking my shirt off at the beach again without comparing the size of my boobs to all the ladies around me! I was banded …

I am new to this community. I am 26 and live in the Houston area. I just had my first appointment at a lapband facility. If everything goes as planned then I should be looking at getting the band in Jan. I hope to learn a lot from this forum! Thanks!

Hi everyone! I am glad I found this site. I have a date of 10/29 for surgery and I have been doing the lousy liquid diet since 10/15. Not easy is it? I weighed in at a whopping 275 lbs. on Wednesday and am 5'2". I have a long road ahead of me and am glad I found others to talk to. Please tell me this will work for anyone who is post op a few months or more. Are you satisfied when you eat? Have you had good success so far? :tongue_smilie:-Mona

Hello everyone, My name is Mya and I am currently pre op. My surgery is set for December 3rd and I am getting pretty jumpy! I have 5 children and am hoping to get an idea of how this might affect them or how I might feel after surgery (as in, what kind of support system I might need in place). I have approx 150 lbs to lose and am so excited to finally get a handle on my weight issue. I have been overweight since after my first pregnany (approx 14 years ago). I am wondering if there are any others here who have wieght issues who don't necessarily binge. I know this is a heated topic, and I mean to offend no one. I have found that most who decide on bariatric surger…

I am going to do it. I am 58 and have med problems and 100 lbs over weight and I know it can all be much better if I lose the weight. Been trying to do that for many years. Just never get full. I am self pay ...... has anyone had it done in Juarez Mexico?

Well Ladies and Gentlemen My name is Rick I am 25 Years old and I'm so tired of this on going battle with my weight! Like many of you I have lost tons of weight in the past but some how it always comes back pissed off and ready to bring another 20 pounds with it. I think its kinda like a pay back for making it leave in the first place lol.. anyway I finally made a choice to get WLS, and I'm not looking back ever again. hence my screen name BIGRICKNOMORE ! Well I will be having the Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana Mexico. With Dr. Almanza October 19th. I've done plenty of research and I feel very comfortable with my decision. (so please no negative comments) I was very fortuna…

Hi everyone, I am having my sleeve put in in 2 days. I am so nervous about it and cant stop being nervous. I have been on a liquid diet for 8 days now and even though it was hard I toughed it out. I am looking forward to my new life and cant wait to start losing all this extra weight. Thanks to this sight I have an idea of how it will be and I know it will not be easy but I am ready for it. Can anyone give me any ideas on what things to take on my overnight bag? Anything will help and any kind of support will be appreciated. Wish me luck:crying:

Hey Guys! I have finally committed to getting the sleeve this Tuesday. My doctor told me he could do it on that day, but I'm been trying to see if I could make up my mind to do it. But I AM going to do it! Not sure what time. I think in the morning. I'm a little bit nervous because I have not did any kind of pre-op diet. My doctor told me not too worry about it because I'm not extremely overweight... I have over 100 lbs. to lose, to me that's alot... What do you guys think? I wonder what time I will have to stop eating or drinking tomorrow? Maybe some of you that have just had your surgery around the same time we can keep more in touch and see how we are doing? …

Hi new here. I have got the ball rolling just doing the waiting now. DR.Hollis is doing my band as soon as the ins aproves it. Dont know it i have any test yet. Will keep you posted.

I am on my 1st stage of the whole VSG, i just started to do my research and setting up the appointment for the Seminar. I going to the memorial Hermann hospital in Houston TX with Dr. Davis. I a little scared because I pretty sure my insurance wont cover me. I 20 years old and 223 pounds i don't have any real health issues besides the fact that I'm over weight. Both my parents had gastric bypass done last year and look great I also now better understand what kind of diet you have to stick to before and after, that's why i know i can make this life change. I know the bypass is not for me. My two brother are also over weight and i have a family history of "chubby" people in…

Hi I had my surgery 2 weeks ago and the dietitian quit the doctors office. :cursing: I have so many questions and didn't know where to go. I just can't call the doctor for every little thing, although he answers all my questions, it's not the same. I first went to an obesity surgery forum and they seemed to all be bypass surgeries. They don't seem to think too much of the lap-band. I chose the lap-band because it looked like the right way to go for me. I don't regret it. Everyone I know who had the bypass couldn't eat certain foods because of dumping and other problems. They took a month to recover and I was back to work in 3 days. I have lost about 10 pounds s…

I have been banded about a year and a half. My surgery was done by Dr. Ringold, and I am still very happy with him. I have lost 60 pounds give or take. I don't have a web site or blog except on this site. I am happy to be back and I am looking to sharing what I have experienced in the past year and a half.:confused:

Hi Everyone! My name is Ashley and I am 19 years old. I have been thinking about being banded for a while now, and have my first appointment with the Dr in the morning. This is also my first post here, so I am still trying to figure out how things work on this site :thumbup: I was wondering what were some important questions that you asked your Dr on your first visit? I have got a few, but I feel like I am forgetting some! Any questions would be appreciated.

Hey all!!!!!! I know it has been a while since I last posted and a lot of you wanted me to keep you updated. Well to refresh some of your memory. I went to my first lap band seminar in Aug. I also had my first consultation 08-14-09 which went well since then I have had 2 more visits, everything is going well. I have one more vist 11-10-09 with the nutritionist and on 11-13-09 I have my last vist with the lapband center for my 90 day wieght lost program. They say I have been doing great. I got all my medical records for the last 3 years. After that they will be submitting to my insurance. I hope everything goes ok. I will keep you all posted on any other news. Oh I found…

My name is Mariela and I just got banded a week ago (October12th,2009) by Doctor John J. Gonzalez in San Antonio, TX. He is the best doctor ever! :thumbup:And Im just excited to start this new adventure in my life! I know its going to be hard work but with this tool I can already tell the work is cut in half if not more! Im here to share stories and to stay connected to a community that can answer my questions as I progress in this journey. Hope you all are looking fabulous, losing weight and staying positive, its the main thing to any journey in life! So until next... Stay happy:tt2: Stay positive:thumbup: Stay beautiful!:cursing: Mariela:wink2:

Now that you have been banded, what would you have done differently if you were a month away from banding? Are there any tips/regrets or prep you would do to make life a little easier? I've already started cleaning out the pantry....and, I've heard the post op liquid stool softener is brutal---------any alternative suggetions I can bring up to the doctor that are more tolerable? Thank you, all, who have some thoughts:redface: Judy

I was banded in Mexico on 07/31/09 and am looking for a buddy, preferably in north Alabama/Southern Tennessee. Thanks, Cindy B

Hello everyone this is my first time posting to this site. I had my initial evaluation today and I must say I'm not feeling as scared as I was prior to. My schedule surgery date is early Dec pending ins approval at the Perimeter center in Ga with Dr Hart:thumbup:, not really worried about the approval I have BC/BS and my co-worker just got banded about three weeks ago. I just have to go through all of the required tests and things, but I am so excited about getting it done, I have been waffling around with the idea for sometime now and I thought I better go ahead and get it done just in case my employer changes insurances next yr and it wouldn't be covered then I would re…

Hello All, I was banded in Feb 2006 and thought my life would change forever. Boy oh boy did my life change....i had terrible reflux and could not keep anything down, my port was not secure and ended up stuck "jammed into my stomach" as my doc put it, constant sinus infections due to reflux, and so on and so forth. Not to mention, the weight lose (and gain) was not managed by my band, but rather by me and was a struggle. March of this year, I was in an auto accident. This jammed my band out of place and the decision to remove it was made; however, I struggled with the idea of another wls for fear I would be disappointed and have the numerous health issues. On 10/12, …

Hi all - Well, let's start at the beginning. I'm 31 years old and I've been overweight my whole life. Seriously! I remember being on a diet in Kindergarten. What that does to my views on food and dieting, we'll leave to another discussion. Anyway, I've lost and gained over the years. Sometimes I've done really well on my own (40 lbs. once). Then I gain it all back, plus++++!!! So, now, here I am. Ready and Waiting to get Banded. First Appt with Dr: Sept 14, 2009 Went well, I seem to be a good candidate. sleep Study: Sept 30, 2009 :frown:Found out I have Sleep Apnea, now I need a return visit and maybe wear a mask! YIKES.:thumbup: Nutriti…

I'm having my first consult/seminar Oct. 22nd. I'm eating like it's my last horah....because I know after surgery....that will be no more....I love food. I know how hard this will be....so I'm eating while I still can....is this normal? :sad0: I feel like a total PIG.:welcome:

Hi everyone! I am new to this and this is my first post on ANY type of site! I'm excited about joining all of you and hope to be able to get feedback/support from fellow bandsters. As my title indicates, I'm feeling pretty disappointed in my progress thus far. I was banded in November 2008 and to date have only lost 27#. I don't think that we have found my "sweet spot" yet, but then again, my surgeon doesn't spend much time exploring what may be going on with me during all of my post-surg visits. Any ideas about which questions I could pose to him on my next visit 10/28 so I can get this thing going?? I'm so frustrated!

Our new insurance effective Jan 1, will cover weight loss surgery. I want this surgery but I am scared. I have never been under anesthesia and that scares me the most. However, I realize I cannot live like this. I am 30, 100 lbs over weight, high bloodpressure, high cholesterol, borderline diabetic, and overall a non healthy person. I have a wonderful family who will support me if I choose to do this and I hope you dont mind if I ask a few questions. 1)Did you have any complications from anesthesia? 2)How did you feel when you woke up? 3)How long were you in pain from the surgery? 4)Would you do it again? 5)Have you had any complications from the band?

Hi everyone, I've never been a "thin" person, but in the past few years, I've gained 50lbs. My knees are so bad cause of all this weight I carry around, plus I have MS that I'm almost bed bound. Losing weight won't cure everything but will make living a lot easier I think. My prep was almost a year long and I was finally able to have my surgery 10/13. Yeah!!!!! I'm on full liquids and though I feel full for a little while, I do get hungry again fast. I'm restricted on what to eat though cause I'm lactose intolerant and seems all full liquids have milk in them. Was wondering if anyone has some food ideas for me. I look forward to coming to this site often as I'm beginnin…

I love this forum. Everyday I check new postings. I can find the answers to any questions I have on this site. I am having VSG surgery in Victoria by Dr. Amson. The surgery is covered by our BC Medical. Because the surgery is covered it is a long wait list. I am going on my 4 th year in waiting, from my first consult appointment. I innitially was waiting for RNY but switched to VSG last summer. My surgery is Nov. 18th. I can't wait to start my journey.

As you know I am new here and just thought that I would share that I was approved for my surgery on Wed. and my surgery is set for Nov. 5th. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it. I am even excited about the pre-op diet that I will start on Thursday. I am on my way to a brand new me!!!! :thumbdown:

I really need some help guys! I am trying to get my ticker up. . so far I have found the tickerfactory.com place and filled out the information. . . but now how do i get it from there to here????? Ugh this is soooooooooooo frustrating. . . errrrrrr:cursing:

Hi everyone, this is my first time here so this is all new to me but was glad that I had found this forum. I have been banded for about 5 1/2 months now and very happy with my success. My starting weight was at 267 and I am now down to 189. It has been a complete lifestyle change for the better for me. I now am able to enjoy my home and family and know that I will be able to do much more as the days go by. I have had no problems as far as the diet is concerned and to date have not had an adjustment, though I do get impatient and sometimes feel that the weight isn't coming off quite as fast as I would like. I am 59 years old and have several orthopedic problems …

I was banded 10-09-09 and am really nervous about my band. I am supposed to be on liquids and strained soups but I am so hungry. I have cheated a little (ate a piece of string cheese, not straining my soups) but I am afraid I am consuming too much at a time. Dr's office said 4-6 oz 6x daily but I know I am taking in 8-10 oz in my servings. I am scared of causing my pouch to get bigger or dislodging my band. I am so hungry all the time. Any words of advice?

hello it has been a month sence my last fill and i have not losted any weight has this happened to any of you i am so worried about going in to get a fill not knowing what they will say i am worried that my pouch as streched any advice on what to do before i go get a fill i have had three fills is this normal :confused:

yeah finally.... Nov 4th... prior to that I have to.... Oct 21st weigh in again, must lose at least 10lb on pre-op meet with nutritionalist and CNP for review to sure I understand the pre op instructions Oct 23 Anesthesia Eval adn preop history and physical pre op Barium Swallow Oct 26 Manometry study (camera up the nose and down the throat) ugh! Nov 4 Surgery and Post Op Barium Swallow Nov 9 Post Op eval Nov 30 First Fill Feb 1st Post op eval and Psych follow up... every 3 months for the first year. Lots of dates! I have already lost over 20 lb and praying …

Hey, I am currently VERY close to a BMI of over 40, I live in Ohio and my husband has UHC, so I am just wondering what they want for approval, I know every plan is different. Do I have to be over weight for the past 5 years, is that all? Thanks, just curious? update- :ohmy:as far as I know what I have to do is have a BMI over 40 and go on a 6 month diet and I was told that at the end of that diet I must still be over a 40 BMI or surgery won't be covered, so any suggestions on how to keep the surgery being covered? Cause I don't want to loose 10 lbs after going on a diet and then not qualify for the surgery being covered...???:thumbdown:

I'm in the process of filling out my packet for the Surgeon's office and one of the things that it tells me to do is include a letter of medical necessity, it says 'A letter of medical necessity that is typed or neatly written by you explaining why you feel it is medically necessary for you to have surgery.' I know that my surgeon is going to be writing one for the insurance company also but apparently they need me to write one too. Has anyone else had to do this? I've found a couple examples on line but I was hoping to hear from someone with experience. Thanks!

I just found out my surgery date is November 4th. I am very excited, nervous but thrilled. Currently weigh 240 Goal weight 130 anyone, else soon? or just had it what should I expect right away? THANKS, Inhisplan:tongue:

I just watched the whole procedure on You Tube and I can't wait to get started. I know this is going to change my life in nothing but positive ways!!!:thumbdown:

Dearest All Who's Reading, Hi!!! I'm Nicole, I'm 23 years old, and I just got my lapband placed on October 8th, 2009. It's only a week post op and I'm doing pretty good so far. I just got to start on my blended food diet today, and gosh was I dyin! Being on the liver shrinking diet and then liquids still after surgery was rough. I was starvin marvin! lol.... Anyway, I am a single mother of a beautiful 2 year old little boy named Kaiden. Yep, I'm doing it on my own, so I'm excited to be on this site. Maybe I'll make some friends to support and be supported by on here, atleast that is what I am hopeful for. I've lost a total of 9 pounds and counting. God is good and…

I've read a lot about the hurdles and all the steps people have to go through to get approved by their insurance companies? I have an OBGYN who reccomended WLS, gave me a business card to a bariatric surgeon. I called immediately and made an appt, saw the surgeon a week later. Half way through I asked if he thought I'd get approved, he said i already was or I wouldn't be seeing him today. I have to follow the four month weight management plan and then can have the surgery. Am i just lucky or is this not that unusual? :scared2:

Hi, this is my first time here. I am just investigating the LapBand idea. It sounds pretty good and I have already signed up for an introductory seminar which I think is basically an insurance pre-cert deal. The only surgeon I can find who does the procedure in New Mexico is Adam Smith, DO. He currently has a clinic in Ft. Worth, TX. Has anyone heard of him or anything about him? I don't go for the seminar until the 26th and I am having a hard time containing myself. I am really excited:lol::thumbdown::frown: I have found that there are mixed reactions from my friends, though. Oh yeah, I'm a 52 year old nurse in Santa Fe. I've been "heavy" all my life and morbid…

Hi Everyone, I have been lurking for a few months wanted to take the time to tell my story. I have been researching gastric surgeries for about five years. Like most others, I have tried numerous diets (WW, nutrisystem, atkins, etc.) and lost and gained an average of 100 lbs. over the last five years. I have a few medical conditions that is related to my obesity (HTN, pseudo tumor cerebri, DJD). In October of 2008, I went to the bariatric clinic orientation at cleveland clinic with the idea of being banded. Before meeting with the the nutririonist and the surgical team, I never heard of the vertical sleeve. I was recommended to go to obesity help and that's how I …

Hi, my name is Nancy, I am 31 years old and weigh 255 lbs. I have been looking into getting the lapband, I have tried so many diets and they just dont work for me. I end up gaining double my weight back. I have a seminar on Oct 20, 2009 and then I have an eval scheduled with the surgeon on Dec 9th, 2009. I am a little scared about this, I have been reading all your posts, some good, some bad. This seems to be a very helpful website so I do plan on visiting it frequently. :scared2:

I'm going to my first appointment tomorrow. Can anyone provide any questions I should ask? I know the basics that you can find on websites, i'm just wondering if there's anything that the experienced have asked or wished they would have asked. :sneaky: thanks :thumbup:

Went to meet with the Bariatric Coordinator on Wednesday to start the process. She thinks I’m a good candidate and has given me all the first steps I need to do Already have all kinds of appointments set up... psyc consult, nutritionist and physical theory (that one was new to me... apparently its to help people who have not been active get active safely... she admitted it was silly for me but I have to go anyways). Go back in a month to see how I’m doing and how much weight I have lost (Need to lose 11lbs before I can have surgery). I’m very excited, but of course I had a curveball thrown at me today... found out I’m officially 'pre-diabetic' (exactly what I wanted …

I got my approval today wahoo!!! Tricare is seriously the best when it comes to this process. Thank you Arlene at Tricare for making this almost a clean/easy process. They offered the surgery for this Monday! I would totally go for it but I can't because of my job. I still have so much stuff to take care of that I just can't take any chances. So I am going in on Monday, 10/26. Just one day pre-op liquide diet which is totally fine with me. Words can't express how excited I am about my future :scared2: