Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Just got my date... September 18... I am SO excited!! Any other September 18 people out there?? Also, anyone currently on the liquid diet that has any advice for someone about to begin?? Has anyone read any good lap-band books they recommend to others about to be banded??

I am interested in hearing anything known about going to Dr. Kuri who is in Tijuana Mexico to get the lap band done. :sneaky:

Well today was supposed to be my date to get banded, but it didnt happen. Something came up with the pre admission testing, so am going to cardiologist again today. What really sucked is that surgeon called last night and told me they would have still done the surgery today if I wasnt on blood thinners. So its off to get test results today nad hopefully talk to the surgeons office about a new surgery date thats not to far off.

Hello everyone!!! I have been looking around this website for close to a month now, but wasn't planning on posting for a while because I was doing a 6 month supervised diet for my insurance and figured I had PLENTY of time to post. (lol) After talking to my insurance twice (BCBS of MI) and double-checking with them what the requirements were for lap-band surgery, (because I read on one of the posts here about BC of MI changing their requirements for BMI's over 40 and mine is 40.1), I went to my PCP and got put on a 6-month diet, which began last month. Tonight I went to a seminar put on by my potential surgeon and in his presentation he informed us that as of April 1, 200…

My name is Christy, I'm 37 yrs old and have decided to take the Lap Band journey. My insurance requires a 6 month wait....which, during that time I need to meet with my PCP once a month (for a total of 7 visits), I need to meet with a physical therapist 2 times, a nutritionist 2 times, a psychologist 1 time as well as go to group meetings. I've met with my PCP 3 times now, I've met the nutritionist, physical therapist. I need to meet my psychiatrist....been putting that off as my ins wont cover that, which means I have to come up with $450. I've been overweight my entire life, I'm sick of being fat and want to start "LIVING LIFE" and not watching from the sidelin…

Well....after a year of consideration, months of determination, the time is near! Pre-op and pay my part tomorrow, Insurance will cover the bulk, I have been "practicing" with the diet now for 2-3 weeks but must get 100% starting tomorrow. I am currently 320ish and my goals are as follows: 290 by New Years day 2010, 215 by 10-2010!

I got the phone call today that my surgery is 9/21/2009. I'm excited because I officially start my preop diet and begin my future, but I'm I honestly wasn't expecting it to be so soon......EXCITED!!!!!! :mad:

Hi! I'm getting banded tomorrow, Sept 8. Like others I'm scared and second-guessing this decision, but I know it's the right choice. I'm type II diabetic and even with the pre-op diet my levels are now where they should be. I'm hoping with the surgery I will be off all the meds!! Anyway, I just wanted to say hi!!

My story is similar to many out here. I?m 53 and have fought weight issues my entire life. Childhood through high school was hell. The summer before college, I lost a lot of weight and started my freshmen year looking ?normal?. I was able to maintain the ?normal? range for several years, then began the yo-yoing after marriage. Had 2 children, and then this wonder drug called Fen Phen became a hot item. Again, I became semi-normal, until the risks outweighed the benefits. Since that time, I have gained over 85 lbs and just can?t seem to loose it. Several years ago, I started looking into WLS, specifically the band. After doing the research on the band, and following seve…

Hello everyone. I am from western NY and about to start my journey. I go for a seminar on the 17th, did my psych profile and hoping to have lap band surgery by the end of the year. I am a mother of three and am very scared, excited....so many emotions. Looking forward to sharing this journey with you and reading your stories.

I just can't seem to get over my fears. I feel like I'm the prisoner walking down death row heading towards the chair. Does anybody have advice for me? I need the help. Gary:scared2:

:mad: I had my consultation visit today. My insurance company is requiring me to "jump" thru a few hoops. I have to have a sleep study, psych evaluation, nutrition consult, and 6 months of weighing in once every 31 to 35 days. My last weigh in date is March 31, 2010. So my tenative surgery date is May 12, 2010.

Had my surgery 2.5 weeks ago, and am in the mushy stage. I've been avoiding getting together with my friends when I know food, especially dining out, would be involved for obvious reasons. Yesterday one of my friends called and asked if I wanted to come over and hang out. When everyong showed up, the discussion immediately turned into where should we all go out to eat. I was kind of annoyed, but tried not to show it. On one hand they know I'm on a highly restricted diet, and I would have hoped they'd have enough sense not to invite me if the plan was to immeidately go out to eat. But on the other hand, I had the surgery, they didn't, so I don't think it's fair to …

Does anybody get the hiccups frequently after they eat?

I INHALE my food. I disgust myself. It's such a bad, rotten habit that has gotten worse over time. I am quite sure that would make for a very unpleasant experience with the band. Today I am making a very concentrated effort to chew and count my chews! It's amazing how much better things taste with proper chewing.

I went to a Lap Band surgeon for my first visit. I knew that it would be borderline if insurance would approve me. The surgeon said that I would not qualify for my insurance to pay. My BMI is 38 but I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes, nor do I have sleep apnea. I have degenerate disks in my back but he said this would not get it approved. Although I have battled my weight my whole life, my 5 year weight history doesn't help me because some of my weights were lower at the time of my doctors visits a few years ago. Although they were obese weights they were not severe enough. **I need some advise. I have BCBS. My concern is if I pay for the surgery, what i…

I had my band put in on July 10 this year. It has almost been two months and one fill later, and I've actually GAINED weight! I have no restriction whatsoever. I know that it's supposed to be 3-4 fills before hitting the "green zone," but I have absolutely no restriction at all. I am so discouraged. I have been eating horribly...calories, carbs, pop, and more. I'm too scared to weigh myself because I know I will have gained some back from the 13 pounds I lost during the pre-op diet. HOW CAN I RESTORE MY MORALE WHEN I FEEL NOTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE GETTING MY BAND?

I have a 9 month old son and am scheduled to have surgery on Oct. 1. He does not walk yet so I am wondering how long it will be until I can pick him up??? I know that i will not be able to lift him in the car seat...i can hardly do that now...but what about just him? Does anyone else have this problem?? Ashley

I am getting banded on sept. 24th and I have some questions that are nagging at me. Once you have the band in place, are you able to feel it at all? And how often do you feel nausea??? or vomit??? Do you still feel normal?

A couple of years back I felt very strongly about having gastric bypass surgery and having a surgeon for a husband was very much an obstacle. He is totally against it. He says there are so many things that can go wrong and it isn't reversable...things just can't go back the way they were. It got pretty bad as I felt my life wasn't my own. I saw the wisdom in what he was saying but resented not being able to decide for myself. I said ok...how about lapband? He finally caved and agreed. That day I called my surgeon's office and found out that lapband wasn't covered on our insurance. I was so upset. We just don't have the thousands it takes to dedicate to my "elect…

Hi! I suppose this is where you’re suppose to introduce yourself. My Name is Ana I am from Pueblo Colorado. I haven’t gone through the surgery yet and tomorrow is my consultation. I attended the free seminar hosted by Dr. James Smith (who thankfully lives in my town) who has done over 500 lap-band surgeries and still does at least one, once a week. Though I haven’t fully gotten started yet (yay tomorrow!) he says I am a good candidate for the surgery and has told me my surgery would probably be mid to late October. I am 20 years old, my height is 5’5” and I weigh 267 pounds. Now I have done everything to lose weight, including diet, exercise, magic pills, and even star…

Another newbie here. I am having my lap-band surgery on October 7th. I'm very excited and am enjoying reading through this forum. Dr. Hitchcock at Malley Surgical Weight Loss Center in Kansas is my doctor. I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning from your experience and success!

Hi there, I am new and on the fast track here...just decided this week to go ahead with surgery, and already have first appt. next week and tentative surgery date for next month. I will have MANY questions, but in the meantime I thought I would introduce myself by repeating the "story" I wrote for my profile, below...... I am have read enough of others' stories to see that mine falls right in line....I always struggled with my weight but was able to maintain a reasonable size (from 140-160 lbs) with diet and excercise until I had my first child at age 29. I gained 60 lbs with that pregnancy and was never able to lose most of it no matter what I did. Three more pregna…

Hi. I've never been in a forum before but wanted to share and read other's experiences. I started my process in March. My top weight was 216. I went into surgery at 197. Dr. Judith Park was my surgeon. Surgery day was kindof a mess due to a couple of issues, radiologist went to lunch and refused to do my xray and an emergency came in but otherwise, everything went great. I had to drive back to Sacramento (normally 2 hours, took 4). My weight yesterday was 189, haven't weighed in yet today. I'm doing pretty good, still some definite pain on the incision site where the port is. I can't find chewable or liquid sugar free Tylenol (anyone know where to find it?) so …

I am scheduled to have the lap band on September 29 and am scared to death. I am afraid of going under,complications but most of all if I can ever really eat again. I was reading all the doom and gloom stories which have not helped me. Is life normal after lap band? I have thought about backing out and have visions of jumping off the surgery table but I know if I do not do this I am going to die. Can anyone give me some reassurance and give me answers to my questions. I would greatly appreciate any feedback Thank you so much

Hi! I have my first scheduled appt a week from today, but it is 2 hours from where I live. I have done alot of research on the doctor and I feel like I would really like him and there office, they have been very helpful over the phone so far. But it is a 2 hour drive one way... which is normally not a big deal but I have a lot going on right now... like 15 hours of school a week and i also work full time. I talked to my neighbor yesterday and he said his wife had the lap band down about 10 months ago here in our home town... I didnt know our town offered it... I couldnt find any doctors when I was researching it. But I thought about going to my family doctor and having …

Will you be able to see your port or is it hidden under the skin? And if its hidden how do you get fills? :thumbup: Thanks!

I have had a band for 6 years (Dr. Rumbaut) I have lost steadily and slowly. A recent obstruction and 'vacation' from the band followed by a re-tightening has resulted in weight loss as if I were just out of surgery....new motiviation and incentive to clean up my lifestyle and continue towards goal.

Hello Everyone. I am a newbie from Virginia. So far I have attended the seminar, had my first consult, psych and nutrition visit. On Friday September 4, 2009 received a congratulations call from my case manager at United Health care saying that I’ve met all the requirements by my insurance company:thumbup: to proceed with surgery and now I just need to set a surgery date. I’m so excited and a little nervous at the same time. :blush: I will be reading all your posts for support and answers.

Kinda strange when I saw these.......... mixed emotions.... how did I get like that in the first place? I don't want to go back there either.... That was the same outfit I wore here..... This is what I wear to work now.... I hadn't seen my youngest son in 6 months.... he knew about my weight loss surgery, but when he seen me.... he cried... he actually cried. I got worried at first and asked him whats wrong? Do I look sick or something? and he just replyed how good I looked, and didn't dream it would be this drastic, but he was happy for me....I guess it was a shock, but he's really happy I am getting healthy, and making the lifestyle changes t…

I am seriously considering lap band. :biggrin: I have been reading and gathering alot of information on this site. I appreciate all the information available here. I noticed a huges percentage of "banders" who are happy with their decision of lap band. Is there anyone here or knows of anyone who Regrets getting the lap band? I have submitted my paperwork to the surgeon and I am awaiting an initial consultation appointment. Thanx much!

I have seen tv commercials for lap-Band in my area. I so want to be thin again. I am now nearly 64. One yr left til 65 and medicare. I know what it is like to be slender and pretty. I mourn those old 70s pictures of myself. Ok, I know I can't be 30 again but I want to be healthy and normal size. I have no Insurance and can't get any due to Breat Cancer 8yrs ago. Insurance either rejects me or is outrageously high. I have no idea how I can pay for this. I do have excellent credit and practically o balances on all credit cards. But to suddenly go from o balances to $17-$20,000 scares me more than the surgery. My sister is 6yrs older and a total vegan.( Didn't have any surge…

Hi I am 4 weeks post op and am able to eat as much as I want although I am trying to be careful. My first fill is in 3 weeks, and I am wondering what I will be feeling like after the fill. I know some experience restriction after first fill, but some dont. Was wondering what different peoples experiences were with their first fill.

Hi- I am sorry I haven't been on the message board to answer questions several people asked me. I have been busy traveling home and sleeping. A few days ago I mentioned I had pain at my lowest incision. Dr. Jossart said this is very common to have pain at this incision site. He said the incision was not straight back, but somewhat sideways. This incision is at the bottom of the stomach. He said there were reinforcing stitches there and a lot of the work is done from this incision. This is also the incision from which he pulled the excess stomach. Anyway, it is gradually feeling better little by little. Someone asked me what medication I was on and if Lortab is …

Hi, I kind of stumbled onto this site. I was looking for an answer to the question what should I be doing to shrink my liver before my surgery in 10 days? My surgery is on the 17th. I am 280 pounds, nervous, yet excited. These sites are offering me encouragement so that I can fight back the nervousness. So its a pleasure to meet you all.:thumbup:

Hi ALL! I am so excited to be on here and see all these incredible stories of weight loss! In July I had my 1st appointment, my insurance only requires 3 visits. Since I was just on the border of being eligible due to my height of 5'7" the dr was on a mission to find 2 co-morbites. So he concluded that I have high cholesterol and I just found out yesterday, after taking the sleep apnea test on friday that I do in fact have a mild case of sleep apnea! Which in a way is great news, because now I have my 2 co-morbites! I am soooo excited about this. I have one more Dr's visit left, a physical therapy visit, a psychologist visit, and a visit with the surgeon. They …

Hi! I am actually posting on behalf of my wonderful mother. She has decided that she wants lap-banding done, but because she doesn't know anything about computers, I am doing the research and asking the questions for her, lol! Anyway, this site looks great and I am just so thrilled that my mom has decided to have this procedure done. She is 5-3 and 260 pounds. She also has heatlh problems r/t her obesity. (..........Thanks ahead for all of the info and advice!! )

:thumbup: I have just started looking into the lap band, and have my first appointment on Tuesday to get things started. I am 5'3 and weigh 248lbs my BMI is 44. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low potassium, and a family history of heart disease. I have lost weight many times only to gain it all back plus some. I hope my insurance (BCBS PPO) approves my surgery. Any advice on what to expect in the next few weeks or months will be most appreciated.

Hi. Just got back from vacation and it was the oddest thing. To remind you all...I joined this site a few weeks ago and I am scheduled for my first doctor's consultation for the lap band on 9/14 and I can't wait. I want this done a.s.a.p. But the strange thing that happened when I was away, I know had to do with my decision to go for this. I have always been too self-conscience to wear a bathing suit and actually go swimming. This whole vacation I didn't care. I wore my bathing suit. I went swimming. And it felt soooooo good. It was so fantastic to feel so free. I think I just had it in my mind that I knew I was not going to be like this my whole life so I didn't care who…

I am new to this website and new to Lap-Band. I am here because I am the heaviest I have ever been and this has caused me much unhappiness. The quality of my life has been so diminished. I am 50 years old and I feel 80. I want a change. I do not want to live like this. I am sick of being so heavy. I need help to make this change and I just feel it in my bones that LAP-BAND is the tool I need. I am married with two daughters ages 17 (UGH!) and 9. I love my husband and my girls with all my heart. My husband is very much against this. He just doesn't get it. He has never had a weight problem and is naturally very fit. His comment to me is, "Just eat less and exercise!" A…

I JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO:sad: I HAVE LOST 5OLBS IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS, AND I AM HAPPY, BUT THE LOOSE SKIN ON THE FACE AND NECK..OMG..WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS..MY FACE HAS LINES DOWN IT TO WHERE I LOOK LOOK LIKE A BULLDOGS:confused: AND UNDER MY CHIN AND NECK IT IS PRETTY LOOSE..SOMEONE TOLD ME ULTA 3 HAS A CREAM TO PUT ON THERE, CALLED,,GIZZARD CREAM AND IT IS 99.00 A JAR. HAS ANYONE EVER USED IT? OR DO YOU KNOW OF ANYTHING .. I AM DESPERATE..IT IS STARTING TO REALLY DEPRESS ME AND IT LOOKS SO BAD. SO ANY HELP WOULD BE SOOO APPRESHEATED :thumbup: THANKS, TEXAS ROSE

:thumbup: Well hi everyone. I am a newbie from Memphis. So far I have attended the seminar, had my first consult visit, scheduled the psych and nutrition visits and the 6 month diet is started. I will be reading all your posts for support and answers. I am very enthused and also a little nervous

Just curious if anyone has BlueCrossBlueSheild-Lumenos Insurance? If so, did you have any problems getting approved for the procedure? Did you have to do anything special? Pre-diets, programs, meet a certain criteria? Any inof would be super! I have my first appt next monday and I am very anxious! I just dont want to be let down when i get there to find out that i have to has certain things done or do certain things before they will approve. Thanks!

I had my lap band almost 2 1/2 years ago. I lost 60 lbs in the first year and have maintained that weight ever since. I would still like to lose another 50 lbs. I've returned to my doctor and am logging my food, working out on a regular basis. I joined this discussion board for motivation.

I am currently waiting for my first appointment... but i am wondering if the lap band helps IBS symptoms? Since i have gained so much weight in the last 2 years i have developed IBS and I am really hoping if this can help with the problem. Just curious if anyone has experienced this problem? Thanks! Amy

Hi, my name is Chad I am from San Angelo Tx. I am on the pre op diet but will not know the exact date of lap band surgery until Tuesday after labor day. The Doc says that it will be toward the end of Sept. I had my pre op visit 2 days ago all is good and insurance will pay. The doc really wanted me to get the gastric bypass. I am 5'10 and weigh 308. In 2003 I weighed 190 pounds. I did not start gaining all this weight until middle of 2004 after a heart problem and the doc put me on coreg. I am off that coreg stuff now and fat. Anyway I told the Doc that " I did not want to rewire the plumbing that god made, I just want to squeeze it a little bit. He did not think it was f…

Ok so I was watching a Slim in 6 informercial and was thinking of getting it. Views? Opions? Thoughts? Anyone!

1 day before I start my PreOp liquid Diet 7 days Until my Trip 10 days Until my Surgery 9-5-09 Life has a funny way of working?. People unexpectedly pop into your life that you never thought you would see again? I feel happier these days, even more confident then I have in years? Not afraid to be who I am? excited to think of who I will become? food Funeral For as long as I can remember you were there. You comforted me when I was sad, lonely, bored, depressed. You held my hand when I was happy; …

has anyone had this problem. i am 2 years out and have a little dilitation on one side. the other side is fine. now i am at goal weight. my doc took out 1ml from my band. (which is freaking me out:scared2:). any info would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I'm still trying to decide which way to go with my surgery. Lap band or Bypass. I'm very impatience and want to lose my weight fairly fast. I know thats not a good thing. If anyone who is banded can tell me how much weight they lost in the first month I would appreciated it