Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi All! I am brand new here and just wanted to say hello, I'm looking forward to getting to know you good people! It's hard to find people who can easily relate to experiences such as ours so I am glad I found this forum! I was banded just 4 days ago and in a few short hours I am celebrating my 27th birthday! This is the first birthday I've had in years where I am eager and excited to see what this next year will have in store for me and I am so happy to be able to share that sentiment with you all!

Hi all, my name is scott, and I am looking to get banded soon. I have 1 more appointment with the head shrinker before I can get a surgery date. I am very excited to get this weight off and keep it off. one rumor I have heard is that I can no longer drink beer after surgery, it is really not a road block for me, but what are the consequences if I was to partake in the frosty-cold delicious adult beverage, I used to drink it a lot several years ago but have slowed way down to a trickle, maybe a couple on the weeked doing yard work,but I don't want to lose that couple:thumbdown:, any thoughts, is it a lost thing of the past? Please send me some good news! soda is not an iss…

hey guys... it felt so good to sleep in my own house last night. it is not easy to rest in a hospital . i am doing well i am in some pain but it gets better everyday. i do get hungry mentally hungry but i think it is from boredom really and my family eating around me plus talking about food every second. i never noticed how much people talk about food until. even people who dont have weight issues, what i am going to eat, what did you eat, are you going to eat, do you want to go get something to eat , foof food and more food.oh well just a week or how ever long and i can have full liquidstat wont be so bad

Hi all! My name is Ruby and I'm pretty new to this joint. I have just begun from Lap-band journey, and am way beyond excited about the prospect about being healthy again! I have a few questions for you experienced individuals, and especially those with Tricare/Tricare Prime. Currently, my weight is fluctuating around 245, I am 5'6" and have high cholesterol, blood pressure between 137/89 (lowest) and 154/99 (highest), joint pain preventing me from exercising rigorously, and had my gallbladder removed do to cholecystitis (does that count after it's been removed??) brought on by obesity. Do these sound like co-morbids that'll qualify? Do my stats sound like a good chance…

I'm 50. Weigh 248 with a BMI of 37. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and feel like I'm a heart attack waiting to happen. I can always lose my weight but it always comes back. I love to eat and I'm a volume eater. My diet is horrible. What I am hoping the lapband does for me is force me to get serious about getting healthy. I'm hoping it will be the tool that helps me stay on track with eating less, learning about heathy eating and making exercise easier. I know that if I don't change, my life will be shorter, marked by obesity related illness and just plain lethargic. I want to get active again. Right now the highlite of my weekend is a …

Hello all, My journey began January of 08 when I began researching LapBand surgery. I was ready to go forward when I was blessed with an unexpected pregnancy. She is now 7+ months and I am completing my 6 months of nutritional counseling. I had some problems with billing (docs office was not billing as nutritional counseling but physical exam) and hope that that will all be resolved quickly. My weight prior to counseling 306, 4 + months later 286. I am 5'5, 32 yrs old and have battled weight my entire life. After the birth of my first child I did not loose the 50 lbs I gained, after the 2nd child I did not loose the 40 lbs, and after the 3rd... I have finally tak…

Hi, just joined the website! I just started the lapband process. I had my surgical consult last week and I have my psych appointment on Tuesday. My surgeon is Dr. Judith Park at Kaiser Richmond in Ca. Has anyone out there had Dr. Park or had surgery at Richmond? If so, how did it go?

Hi all my surgery is 8/20 and my Dr says I will need 2-3 weeks to recover and return to work. I was wondering if some of you can share your recovery time and how long were you out of work?

My surgery date is October 6, 2009 and while I feel as prepared as I can, I am looking for additional support and answers to a few questions. Nice to meet everyone

Hi All. Wow... I can't believe how fast everything is happening. I'm new to this site. I've just finished the symposium with Dr. Lamar. He sounds great however, I still have questions. I'd really love to know if anyone on here has gone through Dr. Lamar. I want to know how your experience was. For those that have had the LapBand surgery, what should I expect before the surgery? How's the liquid diet before the surgery? Take care all. Michelle (California):biggrin:

Hi all, Today is my first visit to the forum. Glad to be here and will visit often...ok I lurked months ago to get some feedback about life after surgery. Excited that I'm getting my band in 1 week...August 26. yippeee :biggrin:

I have a few questions; As we are currently stationed in Hawaii, and I have Tri Care Prime insurrance, I was wondering if anyone has had surgery in Hawaii using Tri Care or in any other state using Tri Care? (at this point I just want some feedback!) How long does it take to get a surgery date using Tri Care insurrance? I was told I would have to have the surgery done at TAMC. Has anyone had theirs done at an ARMY hospital? :wink2: If so how was it? And in general, how is the surgery? Whats it like post op? Will I be able to take care of my lil' girl afterwards or is there a certain amount of recovery time? Would it be a good idea for my husband to ask for so…

Hello everyone! I'm due to be banded on August 25th. I am so scared but excited. As I start (or continue...it's been a 3 year process) down this journey I am reaching out for some support. I have only told one person and that is my mom. For some reason I don't feel the people in my life would be supportive and I guess I'm scared if they knew and I backed out...what would they think. Anyways...this is the right way for me. I'm hoping there are words of wisdom or someone who would be willing to be a "support person" out there through this site.

Hi everyone. I'm very new to this process and am scheduled to attend a seminar at TLC Edge in Grapevine, Texas on Thursday night. I've enjoyed browsing the site so far and look forward to learning more about this process. Kelli

Doctor told me I was supposed to be able to only eat a half a cup but I can eat more then that . I have had 2 fills he said i have 4 cc.'s he said he sometimes stops at 6cc's im worried

Hello everyone, name is Steve and my surgery date is fast approaching. I'm learning things by the seat of my pants after having switched gears from a U.S. surgery to a Mexico based surgery. Pre Op diets all seem to be different. Advice seems to all be different. I am anxious, and a tad bit nervous.... I'm a 34 year old who is recently divorced from my wife (and daughter). Yah, the daughter was the big loss. Since my separation and subsequent divorce I've gain.. you ready..... 245 lbs! Yah, I basically doubled in size battling depression and separation anxiety disorder while I adjust to life without my daughter in my life everyday. In the past I managed to …

Hello everyone! I am new to your site. I'm hoping to get the lap band done. Insurance is not my issue. I had a stomach stapling in the early 80's, but they came out and I put 100lbs back on. I'm trying to find a doctor who will do the lap band surgery. I was turned down without being seen because the center believes there might be a scar issue problem. Will try to be seen to be eval. for possible band.

Was banded Tuesday. Would love to chat with fellow DFW Banders. I had my first visit with Dr. Kim on 7/6 weighed in at 255, On surgery day I was 242. I am now 229.5. I am super excited for the weight to melt off. I have yahoo and would love to converse. My ID is jdelizzio. Just put Lapband in the note when you add me.

Hello to all, I am a 57yr. old Mom of 5 children and live in Upstate NY. I am in the very beginning stages of my lap band journey. I have been to the info. seminare and nutrition consult. My PCP has recommended the band to me, as I have been struggling for quite some time with weight gain problems. I weigh 227 and am 5'3. I found this site and am hoping to get some input from others who may be about my age and how the band has worked for them. Needless to say, I am scared! BUT, I still have 3 children at home and my youngest is 12yr's old. Many of my family members are not supportive of the band and my husband is "on the fence" but supportive about what ever will help …

Reading stories on here helped me soooo much I thought I would do so on return. Had surgery THurs., Aug. 13th. My doctor required a 10-14 day liquied diet, if you have the option go for 10, why torture yourself an extra 4 days if you don't have to. I did great with the pre-op until about the 11th or 12th day then I was afraid to cheat because it might mess up the surgery. It was horrible! The night before surgery I was told to drink a bottle of mag citrate to "clean everything out". Nothing really happened that night which I didn't think much about because after all, I'd been on all liquids for 2 weeks. The next morning on the way to the hospital though, it decided to…

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you all know that my surgery was on Monday August 3rd. I'm 6 days post op and I'm really doing well. There were no complications and I'm drinking my Water like a Pro! I also get mushies but very very tiny amounts. I asked the doctor if I could have my Lap Band once he removed it since I had bought and paid for it, but due to Govt. Regulations he had to destroy the band. Hope your all doing well. Lisa B

Hi all. This is the day after I met with my surgeon. My surgery is set for 9/15 and thanks to reading the many posts here, although anxious, :scared0: I went in equipped with a and a list of questions. I feel he answered all of them honestly. He gave me 2 options for diet starting today. 1. 4 protein shakes per day, (no solid food) plenty of water. 2. 2 protein shakes-1 light meal. I went to a local big box vitamin store and found Jay Robb Whey with Stevia and no artificial sweeteners, no artificial anything actually and since I don't use artificial sweeteners and prefer organic food I was happy. Since I have learned so much from so many of you I discussed many as…

Hi Everybody! For a long time I was not sure which way to go RNY or the band. After a lot of research I have finally made my decision to go with the band. I know that I have a sweet tooth so RNY might be better in that sence but I also know that regardless of which way I go...its is ME who is goign to be responsible on how successful i will be. Will instant gratification of eating M&M that takes 2 minutes to eat more important than being healthy and the right weight? No, its not. I believe with the band, I will learn how to eat healhy and take responsibility for my own actions. I also like that fact that the band can be adjusted year after year that will be a great…

I am doing my six month supervised visit and I am just wondering is that six appointments or six full months from the first appointment and seven appointments? I have tried to call my insurance company and ask them and they are not very forthcoming with info. Thanks!

I am trying to post a signature and a photo but it doesn't come up on my posts. I have gone to the signature area last nightand again today. What I want posted is showing up but it doesn't show on my posts. Is there a moderator that approves the photos for content or am I doing something wrong? I have my name, and a little sentence and a photo of my grandson. How do I get it to show up, I did get my Avatar to work? Ok, now the blurb is showing up but not my photo???

I just joined the forum. I had my lapband Feb 2, 2009. My highest pre surgery weight was 294, My surgery weight was 269. I just had my six month checkup and I'm at 210. 50lb to go!! I had my Surgery in Winchester, VA, Dr Wiedower. Several co workers who had the gastric bypass tried to talk me into changing my mind and not have the band, but to get a bypass instead. I'm glad that I stuck to my guns and went through with the band. I'm losing about 10 lbs a month and I'm happy with that rate. I've had 2 fills, April and June. The April fill didn't help very much, but the June fill really worked and is still working for me. I eat about 4 ounces food at a time, 3 mea…

Hi, I am a newbie and just joined today. I am looking for more information to make up my mind on things. I think I have pretty much decided I will get the lapband. Now I have to decide if I should bite the very expensive bullet and do it here (Insurance won't cover it at all) or if I should go to Mexico and do it there. I have been reading a lot about Dr. Ortiz and am considering him. I would love to hear from some of you that used him and your experiences. My concern is the after care here and what happens if something goes wrong. I know about Fill Centers USA. Has anybody used them? Any advice, comments?

:frown:I DID IT:Dancing_biggrin: I MADE IT :thumbup: FIRST TIME IN MY WHOLE FRICKIN LIFE !!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL (LIKE THEY SAY IN SOCCER) IN FACT I AM 2 LBS UNDER GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :Banane44::hurray::thumbup: 92 LBS GONE IN 9 MONTHS 3 WEEKS :tt2::Dancing_wub::Banane44: Just wanted you newbies to know as long as you do the work that's required your band will work Eat healhty and exercise you will succeed :thumbup: I made it:lol:

I am new to this forum. I have recently decided and been scheduled for LapBand surgery for October 26th by Dr. David Kim out of Colleyville, TX. I'm anxious & scared..and have not known or seen where someone in their 20's (especially right at the age of 20!) was going through this process. I feel like this will be the final & right tool for me to change my habits - but it would be nice to know people going through the same thing! :biggrin: xo, Jamie

Hi everybody, I have yet to be banded, 4 more dietician meetings left to go though! Planning on having the surgery sometime in December of this year. I'm 20 years old, been overweight my whole life and I'm ready for a change. I came here to get "educated" as my doctor recommended I check out places online. I'm also hoping to get some support seeing as I probably won't be sharing my experience with EVERYBODY in my life, just a select few :confused:

Hi all: I am new to this site but have been banded for 5 years and have lost 250 lbs- I would still like to take 25 more off, but not sure if it will ever happen. Still not used to my new body- afraid it will just blow back up one day. I work out regularly, watch what I eat and am starting to have some issues with snacking so I force myself to go back to basics and start journaling. I'd b happy and available to mentor anyone who is just strating out or who is having problems..just let meknow...:tongue2:

Hi PA Banders I'm from McAdoo. Getting my band on Wednesday, August 26 and very excited. So tell me where your from?

I am scheduled for mg VSG on 090909 with Dr. Cirangle in San Francisco. While I am excited, I also feel like I have really let myself down - you know - getting to this point. I feel like I have given up on losing weight 'on my own' and now I am having most of my stomach CUT OUT of me. How did I get here? Did anyone else have these feelings before surgery? I am not getting cold feet - I definitely am doing this, I am just feeling disappointed in myself. Anyone?:confused1:

Searched out this forum to hear if my situation is "normal". Banded a year ago, had my last fill in February and now all of the sudden I am having serious acid reflux issues with chest and back pain and unable to eat and drink without vomiting. Last night I couldn't eat at all and still had trouble in the night. Meds aren't providing relief either. What is going on? BTW - Tomorrow I may be fine - that's the odd part - and there doesn't seem to be something in common triggering it. Have others experienced this?

My name is Darlene, which someone is already using, but please call me D'. I am being referred out for the lapband surgery. I have researched gastric bypass, seen the good, the bad and the ugly of that surgery and have decided against it. Several cousins have had the lapband surgery and are doing great. I'm anxious yet ready. I have been heavy since 7th grade. And am just tired of carrying this weight around. I have tried Weight Watchers for 2 years, lost 25 lbs and put 15 back on. I have tried over the counter meds, but each time my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my body, so I quit taking them. I have alot of questions. So get ready.

Hello all, I've been lurking this board for a few weeks, now. My best friend and I have decided to take the lap band journey together. We have our first seminar tomorrow. I am very anxious and excited. Just wanted to officially say, hi!

Hello all, I joined LBT last Dec. 08 and due to the insurance hoops I had to go through, and waiting for my surgion to get cetified for my Insurance to pay for it, I'm looking at a date of Dec. or Jan. I can't wait to get it done. I'm looking for a mentor to guide me through from the beginning to the end and there after. Karen:smile:

I am a new member. I am currently thinking about lap band surgery. I have been on line reading all of the pro and cons of the surgery. While I know I have to lose weight, I have not been successful. I lose a few pounds and then gain the weight right back. My current insurance is Kaiser and I would like to know if anybody has been approve through them. I will admit, that I am scared and would like to hear how others felt, and dealt with their emotions.

So I just had an appointment with my doctor to get a referral for the lap band process and surgery. I got approved and she signed me up for the class scheduled for 9/14 that talks about what goes on in the surgery and once that's done, I give my doctor a call and she will refer me...this is very exciting for me. There's no turning back now. :confused:

Hi I am new here just found this site and am very exceited to be here. I just had the lap band on Aug 12 like three days ago and and found this place by looking for a place to answer a question on when can i shower.:biggrin:

Hi everyone! My name is Brittany. I'm 22 and happily married to my soldier. I have a beautiful daughter, Ava, who just turned one. We live on Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. For the most part I have a very happy life, I deal with the normal trials of being an Army wife. Long deployments, ect. Everything is pretty good with my life, except I'm huge!!! I'm 5'4 and weigh 286. I weighed 230 when I got pregnant with Ava and I just haven't been able to lose this "baby weight'. But I've always been a big girl, I've never really been ashamed or embarrassed of it either, but now my weight is starting to effect my health. I have really bad back pain, my knees hurt all the time, ect. …

Hello Everyone, I had my sleeve done on August 5th and now I'm starting over...I'm glad to have a place to come and chat/blog with folks having similar experiences. My story is short...family hx of obesity. Father had gastric bypass 5 years ago, mom had lap band 3 months ago, cousins have had WLS...my parents said they would pay for me because they didn't want me to have to wait as long as they did (retired with major health issues. I'm blessed for sure.:biggrin0: It's weird, I physically am going through what most are; however, does anyone have the feeling of a burden being lifted? I know I have a long journey ahead; however, this is the first time in a LONG TI…

Hello everyone! I was banded this past Monday (August 17th)...I'm excited about this new journey I am on and I hope to be more actively involved with this forum! Hope everyone is having a great day!

HI! My name is Maureen and I am 19 years old. I am from NY. I was just wondering, what is the process like? I weigh 280 lbs and I am 5'5", and I am starting to develop problems like high blood pressure, and back problems, and I want to get this taken care of when I am young. I have tried many diets, some of which have worked, but not for long. I was wondering, are there any young people who have had the surgery, and what was it like? Thanks for all of your help!

Hi! I am having lap band on May 9th. Has anyone had surgery in a clinic called Limarp with a Dr. Liza Pompa Gonzales? The clinic is in Tijuana, Mexico. I am nervous! Anyone been to the clinic or used the doctor?

My band was put in april 07 i weighed 240. I lost 40 lbs in about 3 months. next two 10 more only 50 total. Since then i've been filled and unfilled because it's always to tight. I got tired of going in so i left if open now i just maintain my weight at 190. but recently i couldn't keep anything down and they told me it closed up. I've never seen anything written about a closed band. Has anyone ever had this? They did a egd and reopened it but they said it might not stay open. which i know it's not cause i'm still having problems holding liquids down. They say i might have to have it replaced. It just hasn't worked for me like it has others. I'm afraid to go th…

Hi all! My name is Jen and I am in the process of getting the lapband surgery. I am just starting this journey and would love any advice that you have for me! I just decided to go this route rather than the gastric bypass surgery and am really looking for lots of info on how life after surgery is, ya know just the day to day kind of stuff. Thanks!!! your new friend! :tongue:Jen:tongue:

Hi Everyone, This is my first time in a forum, I have had my lapband in for 11 months and have lost 6 stone, my reason for getting the band was because I needed to loose weight for a hip replacement which I got 12 weeks ago and now waiting for the other hip to be done within the next 6 weeks. I had a fill of 1.5 yesterday and my fill before that was January 2009 in total now I have had 4 fills = 4.5. I have never spoke to anyone who has had a band fitted therefore I am not sure what it should feel like when eating:confused: So far I think my achievement has been down to me cutting down my food intake as I am sure I could still eat a large portion. I would love to hear …

Hello my name is De Anna... this is my first post... my surgery date was 01-06-09 I have lost roughly 42lbs... I haven't seen my srugeon since April... Last time I saw him he just seemed so disappointed I wasn't loosing more. I've been scared 2 go back, but I'm not loosing anymore... I'm stuck I'm going up and down between 7lbs. I go to school 5 days a week as well as work, I just feel like I dont have it in me 2 exercise. As fasr as eatting... being a college student, I dont have the finacial means 2 eat healthy all the time.. I try my best when I can but it isn't always easy. Point is, does anyone have any advice how 2 get back on track and stay on it??? I'd like 2 see …

Hey everyone! First time posting but have been browsing for a few days now. My surgery date is Sept 8th and I'm starting to get nervous and freak! I'm all "what if it doesn't work for me and I don't lose much weight or lose really slowly or gain everything back or have complications." Ahhhhhh! Plus the fact that I'm self-pay so paying thousands of dollars for something that may not work is SCARY. Not to mention the fact that I made the mistake of going to the "complications" forum and the "struggling with the band" forum. Great idea. Just great. I already need a xanax just thinking about it all! Anyone else freaking out like myself? I've also noticed while browsing the la…