Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey ya'll! I'm really new...I've never joined ANY discussion group, but after reading what you guys have shared, I knew I wanted to be part of THIS group. I see my surgeon, Dr Michael King tomorrow. I also get the psyche exam, labs, EKG and chest xrays...then I get my surgery date! I hope since I am self-pay that it will be within the next couple of weeks. I started clear liquids on Friday and my surgeon requires the full two weeks before surgery, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can get the band on Oct 10. Oh...nice to meet ya!

I have a surgery date!!! October 9, 2009:smile: I am so excited and a little nervous but so ready to begin this new journey.... So after my primary insurance company approved the surgery, I thought that was pretty amazing...then I got a phone call from my secondary insurance company today saying they were happy to tell me that they are going to approve my surgery. AND they plan to call me after the surgery to check on me to see how I am feeling....isn't that amazing..... I really am feeling blessed!!!!:thumbup:

:laugh:Hi there!!! I was banded roughly 2 months ago and have lost 22 lbs. I am stuck now. havent lost anything in 3 weeks. I havent round a work out regiment either. I have a treadmill ane excercise bike... don't use either. GRR. Anyhow I want to find a fill doc in Austin or the surrounding area. Even San Antonio would be fine. I wouldnt mind finding someone in my area to go excercise with. I am 28 yr old mother. At this time I was laid off 7 days after returning from Surgery! So I am unemployed... but very hopeful job opportunity I am waiting on background check for. So thats me! Misty

hi...im carlene and im new here. i want to get a band put down in me. ive seen the advertmests on the bus benches near my place and its supposed to be easy to loose weight with it but i dont know. im fat but i dont want to really excercise. do i have to if i get a lap?? does it do the weight losing...how does it do it? the bus benches dont say very much. can anyone tell me were too start. do i call the numbers on the bus benches? are they good places? its nice to be here-ive been watchinh this place a while. carlene

Hi, I'm new here. I am going to a Lap Band seminar in my area on July 14th. I've thought about Lap Band and Gastric Bypass for a couple of years and after talking to people who have had these surgeries and weighing the pros and cons, I've decided the Lap Band is the better choice for me. With the exception of my husband who wants to come with me to the seminar and be educated on how he can support me (he's never had a weight issue), I find I am surrounded by people who do not believe the Lap Band will work. I haven't told anyone yet that I am thinking of having it done myself. I have been feeling out friends and family to see how supportive they will be and if I can coun…

Well it is finally time for me! I am so busy taking care of everyone else - I won't be around to do it unless I take care of me. I am just starting on this journey. I will hopefully schedule my band surgery for the end of May or sooner. Insurance excludes it no matter what so I am resigned to self pay if necessary although I will try for the insurance, will get denied and will appeal. I am 4'10" and with a BMI of 38 but I have 4 co-morbidity factors to contend with. I am sick and tired of taking so many meds and still being at risk for who knows what. Reading your posts for the past two weeks has been inspiring. I know it will be a tough road but it all seems so wo…

I am 17 das post-op. My surgeon was Keith Wright in San Anotnio. Everything went well. I saw the dietician asnd was cleared to add most foods to my diet slowly & one at a time. I am wondering about which foods stay in the pouch the longest. I here meat mentioned but also wonder about things such as salads and veggies. Thanks.

I did it, I made my consultation appt. 9/10/09. I am nervous but looking forward to it. I know it onlly the consult but it is a small step to a big movement. I am just wondering how other peoples consults went?

HI All I'm new to this forum but I'm hoping to get back on the band wagon. I've been off and on for 4 years. I've gone up and down and up and down... depending on situations in my life. I'm on the down side but now I'm pregnant. I'm concerned that with my band it may cause problems with straining and delivering I dont wanna pop anything lose. I'm due in december and I had a very traumatic birth experience with my daughter who is 5 1/2 preband. And I'm praying that this isn't another horrible experience. Any advice or experience any one could share would be appreciated.

I was discharged from the hostipal Friday afternoon. I sure am sore. Particularly the incision to the right of my waist. It hurts to move or walk. I have been taking the liquid vicodin I was given. I guess it isn't as strong as the stuff I had in the hospital. In the hospital I was able to get up and walk up and down the halls. Now walking hurts because of the incisions. How long does this take to settle down? I know walking is important so I don;t get blood clots.:cursing:

Hello all! I am someone is considering having the LapBand. I am scared about only one thing. I never have eaten veggies. Is it a crucial part of this or will supplements help me with this aspect? I have tried to force myself eat salads and other veggies with no sucess..... I just don't want this to be the reason why I don't do this procedure.... Thanks for any responses in advance.... Matt

Hi, all, I'm new here and looking for advice. Although I've been considering it for years, I've only just decided to move forward with the lap band process. I'm only at the very beginning stage - just found a surgeon and planning to attend his seminar. I have a few questions about the effects of surgery. I see a lot of people on tv having post-bypass skin removed. Is this as common with the lap band? What about the dumping? I know someone who had bypass surgery and now they have chronic diarrhea. Is this a problem for anyone with the lap band? Have you reached your goal weight? What is the post-banding diet really like? Not just the diet, but the day-to-day life? I really…

Has anyone been very successful with one fill. I am debating on getting a second fill as the weight loss has slowed down. But I feel comfortable right now and nervous that if I get another fill it might cause problems or be harder for me to adjust to eating even less (in front of other people). I have noticed some people on here who have lost a good amount of weight, I did as well but not as much as them in the same amount of time. Does that mean I should get another fill?

Hello Everyone! I am new to the Lapband world. I had my surgery August 26. These past four days have been the most difficult for me. I am having a hard time adjusting from eating whatever I want to being on a full liquid diet. My doctor is Dr.Simpson of Phoenix Arizona.

Hello I am starting my pre op diet in the morning...surgery is Sept. 14th...I am nervous and excited...looking for some support on here!

I am Samantha and my surgery date is Sept. 24th and I have mixed feelings. I am very excited to start my new life on one hand and on the other hand I am scared out of my mind!!! I hope I am doing the right thing. I am 212 lbs and I can't seem to break 200 lbs. I hate the way society treats overweight people and I know I will never be happy at this weight. I am worried that I might regret doing the surgery. I need to talk to others who feel the same way....HELP!!!!!

Hi I had myself banded 2 years ago, It was great lost 50 lbs never had a fill but had a mamo... and they thought i had cancer which i did not... well the testing took close to 6 months... the anxiety gave me somehitng that i do not want to post...bloody problem...finally they said i was ok... but had to take care of the problem... then had other family issues. Well, would have gone back to doctor and told him but I was so ashamed and one family member told me I was fatter than before,,,b&tch but should have listened to my heart, MY DH who says he is happy that I am banded just said you gained...was not thrilled when i went back.. So, went back last w…

Hi all. I am new here and getting my lap band surgery on September 9th. Guess I am just getting nervous. I have been in the progeam for almost 2 years. Delays happened because I changed jobs and insurance right near the end of the 6 month program.Then had to wait for insurance to cover it. Its all a go now. Dont know what I am looking for guess I am just a little worried.Never had surgery before. Am glad this board is here!!! Garrett

I have been lurking around the website every couple of days, seeing all of the great info and support offered. I started thinking about banding a couple of years ago. I did alot of research coming to the decision. I actually started my process in April 09, and have a date of Sept. 14th. I'm really excited. My only apprehensions are that my husband will not be here for the SX and the pureed foods part of the after diet. I gag at mooshy food, so that will be a tough 10 days for me. But I'll make it through!! Can't wait to hear more stories from people!! :w00t::frown:

Hello Everyone, I just received a call from my insurance company approving me for surgery, I was so happy when I received the call. Would anyone be able to tell me what the next step is going to be what should I expect and what should I do to prepair? My doctor did not put me on the liquid diet. I do however need to start taking a ton of Vitamins before surgery. All comments and advise are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Hi, I am just starting out, and I already know my ins. doesn't cover the Lap Band surgery. I have looked into a few doctors and am considering Dr. Weiner, out of Harper hospital. Has anybody gone with this doctor? Any information would be very helpful. Also, I am wondering how many people that have gone with the Lap Bnd have had complications and wouldn't do it again. I am nervous that, because I am self pay, if there are any complications, my cost will go up much higher, trying to fix the problems. Thanks

I have joined this group hoping to get banded soon. I am going to be using Dr. John Lambert and I am wanting to meet some banders that have used him.:w00t:

Does anyone know the difference???? Which one is better???:thumbup:

Hello I am a new member.... I had a band done about 5 yrs ago and just had to have it removed this past March :ohmy: My Doc wanted to do the sleeve BUT of course the Ins co I have now did not cover it so here I am thinking about doing the weight gain and not feeling good about myself once again. I did lose about 160 lbs with the band over the 1st 3 yrs and maintained with very little Fluid. The problem I had was severe acid reflux and coughing all night as soon as I laid down. I would start getting sick and throw up the bile in my stomach.... so he said enough is enough. I was on a pill that helped with it all but just not a good thing to be on long term I guess. …

My name is Megan. I am 28 years young and am looking in to being banded ASAP. I suffer from PCOS and have been heavy all my life. I look foward to sharing my journry with all of you.:w00t:

Hi All I am new to this and actually a bit nervous writing on this forum as I have never done it before. I was hoping to hear from others that have had the lapband in the past and now have done the sleeve. I am getting my band removed in couple of weeks and getting the sleeve done. When I went to the dr I was really nervous that he would tell me that I no longer qualify for any surgery anymore because my BMI is too low. Lucky for me (I guess) my BMI is 32- still can't shop in regular clothes stores where I live. :wink0: To cut a long story short, I have other medical problems and with out hesitating he said that there is no way that he will let me go with out any…

I am new to Lap Band Talk. I was banded Aug 2006. I lost 80 and have gained back 20 and have stalled there. But would do it all over again. It is a great tool but you have to be ready to use it as a tool. The band will not work on it's own REMEMBER it is a tool. I was banded by Dr. David Strand in Sioux Falls, SD. :cool2:

So I am new here, hello! I am 23 years old. 343 pounds, 5'10" and a size 22. After months of research and a very tough decision making process I have today took the first step in making a big change in my life. On Thursday, I go in to have a consultation with a surgeon to discuss the lapband and talk about the process. Frankly I am scared and excited at the same time. I am excited because FINALLY I will be able to lose weight. After years of diets and such, and being unhappy with the diets, I have accepted myself as always being the big girl. But in accepting and loving myself, I realize that losing weight is crucial to my health (I have diabetes, pcos, fibromyalgi…

Hey everyone my name is Loubet and I've been banded this past Monday (August 24). I'm still in pain and I'm not yet able to return to school or my normal activities. I've been able to lose 50lbs on my own with just dieting and exercising but I need the lap-band to help me lose all the weight and reach my goal of 120. I'm currently 227 and my highest weight was 277. I still have 107 more pounds to go. :] I just started posting videos on youtube and plan to post them weekly as I lose weight. You can contact me here or there and I'm happy to answer any and all of your questions. http://www.youtube.com/user/LBEM1115 :w00t:

Reviews on this shake or other suggestions for shakes for liquid diet????

Hello, I am almost 2 months out of surgery and have lost 13lbs. I have had several suggestions and opinions as to why I may be at a plateau already and they all make sense, possibly eating too many carbs, not getting enough veggies in etc. I am going in for my first fill on September 3rd and I definitely need it. I am just asking for a second opinion, has anyone hit a plateau this early on in their journey, and if so did the weight loss start up again once they got their first fill? What types of meals did you guys eat almost 2 months out of surgery..i am not the greatest cook so ideas would be great...thanks =/

I’m full from DRINKING! I wasn't hungry for lunch when lunchtime arrived so I took a walk, saw and smelled truffle fries people were eating at a nearby cafe, got hungry, bought a lemonade at the market, drank some and now feel completely stuffed. It was only LEMONADE (sweetened w/agave nectar). I was banded on 7/20 (10 cc's) and had my first fill on 8/25 (5 cc's). I was able to eat normaly on 8/25 AND yesterday. But today....no way. Can anyone tell me what is going on?

Okay I'm wandering if anyone has went through the trouble I have in trying to get my insurance company to approve for me to see a lap band surgeon. I have been trying to get this done since Oct. 08. Went to a weight management program for 8 months per their request. Finished that now they denied me. I appealed it. They sent back saying that I needed to go see a Phych. did that I went on my own to do a sleep amnea test..I have sleep apnea. I did a medical clearance from my primary doctor. Now I have to send that in again to the insurance to see if they approve me to go see the surgeon. I took it upon myself to make me an appointment for the seminar which is schedu…

I am having surgery with Dr. Larson in West Palm on September 23rd!! Yay! Anyone else have this date or close?

Hi Everyone, I am new and just so so happy to finally have my lap-band surgery scheduled for 26th of Sept. I'm nervous too, but have been waiting years to make this happen and am finally able to do it! I live abroad and there are no support groups I can join in person to help me keep positive and focused. Well, there may be but I don't speak the language so I wouldn't be able to participate anyway! Anyway, I'll be browsing around and reading up on different people's experiences. Just wanted to say hello! KT

I am one month out and had my first fill yesterday. I figured I would begin to have questions at this point (like WHY can I still EAT????) But seriously, I would like to connect with others who have had this procedure to get tips/tricks and keep myself in check. Anyway, they suggested I go here and introduce myself, so.......Hi! :thumbdown:

It was a weird visit. He suggested that I do need a procedure but he thinks it should be the bypass. Which I disagreed with b/c of the pros of getting the lap band. I just feel that the bypass is such a high risk procedure just to achieve the same results as a lap band procedure in 5 years time.

Hi. I am new to this site. I was banded 10-3-08, had 1 fill on Nov. 17. Not much wt loss yet but still hopeful. I know I need another fill, but not scheduled until Feb. 4. I live in Liberty, MO ( just north of Kansas City, MO). I was banded in Juarez, MX by Dr. Rodriguez. It was a beautiful facility and very attentive and nice staff. Anyone else banded there??

Hey all, I'm new here and just had my band surgery one week ago on 8/19/09. I feel like I am doing alright although it seems that I can eat quite a bit. I don't feel like at this time there would be any issue eating many things, but I have stuck to soup, jello, mashed potatoes and poached eggs. I also have had some fruit. I have lost 11 pounds in this first week, loosing about 2lbs a day for the last 3 days. I have already experienced eating too much or too fast, having to burb stuff up until I was comfortable. Not that I wanted to do that but your mind doesn't know the new stomachs' limits and it's hard to recognize when to stop at first. My question is when do you get…

hello to all, I have an interesting story, I hope I will not bore you. I went to the lapband seminar in early July. I was told at that time there were 3 types of surgeries offered by the practice. The lapband, sleeve and bypass, also that only very few insurances covered the sleeve, but mine was one of them. So, with saying that, I knew I did not want the bypass, but was interested in the band and the sleeve. So, when I had my phsych eval 7/22 , I asked about more info one the sleeve, and one of the office workers informed me that the physicians perform the surgery but the hospital has not okayed the sleeve as of yet. They are in negoitiations, and would take a few month…

My name is Abigail I live in WV just getting started on my road to a better me! I'm making my first appt. today. My husband and I both have talked about having lap band, I have decided to start the process.:thumbup:wish me luck!

Ive been lurking around this forum since the end of July and this is my first post to say Hi. I have gained a lot of info from its users. Thank you all

i am excited and kind of scaredish type thingy a bit. my mind is going 80 miles an hour checking and re checking to make sure i am doing everything i need to do, should do, could do, might be good if, and just in case. lol i cannot wait until they give me something to relax. i would take a xanax now but i am hoping because i am not taking any it will hit me stronger when i really need it. lol i am doing everything i can possibly do now i just need to leave it in the lords hands. wow i cannot believe it is finally happening, i am having surgery to change my life forever. any last minute advise? please pray for me i need all the help i can get.

I've been looking at these boards for over a year now and I figured this would be a great time for my first post. I was banded yesterday 8-24-09 by Dr. Nirmul. I had to stay in the hospital overnight (insurance required) but I could have easily gon home the same day. I've had very little pain through everything so far. I didn't even take any pain killers at the hospital thats how good I felt afterwards. I have a little gas pain in my chest today but nothing bad at all. A littler background on me: I am a 27 year old male been overweight my entire life. I'm looking forward to this marathon of weight loss!

Hello everyone. My surgery is scheduled for Spetember 23, 2009 in Belgium with Dr. Chris. As imagined, I am very excited and somewhat nervous. I have read the wonderful information so many of you have provided on the thread about your experience with Dr. Chris and I thank you for sharing so others can benefit from it. I look forward to becoming a part of this community. And any tips would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Hey everyone! I am anxiously awaiting to hear back from my insurance on if they will cover my surgery. I have UHC Choice and the surgical center doing my surgery has sent them my 5 year history. I have been overweight ALL of my life and am looking for a fresh start. I have back aches all the time, reflux, always tired and a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure. I don't have diabetes or suffer with high blood pressure, but I feel it's in my future if things don't change. I have been married for 10 years and we want to have kids. I have had female problems for a long time actually all my life (few or non exisistent periods). I have been off the pill for 4 year…

Hi there. I'm a newbie. My banding date is 9/1/09. On the pre-op 'New directions' shakes right now. Spent the last 6 months getting ready. Had my last meal last night. Started at 204 (april 09), and now I am at 189. Hoping to eventually get down to 120 or so post surgery. I am short and small, but realllly widee ... Looking forward to a thinner me, and hoping to learn from some of you. Lansing, MI

Hey everyone! Just wanted to Introduce myself and talk on the site more now that I am getting closer to the surgery time. I have been reading the site for months but hardly responded to threads. I am 28 years old with a BMI of 40. I am about half way through all my stuff and will be completed Sept 5. So then my Dr. can scheldue my surgery. I have done the Support Group (it was a little boring). Not that I didnt like the people it was just everyone seemed to be a lot older then me. And they were complaining alot about the food restrictions and talking about how to cheat. The first hour was spent talking about how to organize your home. I wanted to talk about the LapBan…

Hi.. i'm new here.. i am now expecting, i'm almost 11 weeks, but i am planning to have lapband after i give birth, how soon after giving birth can i do it? can i have it while still breastfeeding? i have read so many inspiring stories here and i think you are all superheroes:thumbup: i hope i will be like you one day:cool2:

need info on a Dr around West Tn area, any help would be Great!