Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

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UPDATE: Please still read the following message, but know that I have created the FB group! It is a SECRET group meaning that nothing will show up in your profile, and your friends will have no idea you're even a member. The group will not even show up in searches!!! Just wanted to add this info in case you were hesitant about getting too public....I haven't told many people yet, and there have been no references to banding or my surgery on FB, so I COMPLETELY understand!!! Soooo, go ahead, friend me and join our group!!! I've been spending a LOT of time on this site since my surgery, but after I go back to work on Monday, I'm afraid I won't be able to devote as mu…

Hi, I am 51 yrs old and live in Bethlehem, PA. I am finally, at the suggestion of my GYN, considering Lap band surgery. I am currently at my top all time weight of 314 and both me and my doctor have said ENOUGH! BMI is 52. My insurance, Highmark BS, covers 80% after 6 mos. of supervised diet. The only health problem I have is sleep apnea. I have slept with a CPAP for the past 15 years. I would love to meet people close to my age going through the same thing as me.... Great to be here and meet all you awesome people! Deb

Hi my name is Sue and I am scheduled for surgery OCtober 22nd and I cannot wait....I just joined a local gym and am trying to build a routine.........I have been battling with a decision on either lap band or GBP and I really think I am going with the lapband.....particularly because I am already anemic and don't want to anticipate any unforseen problems......did anyone here also consider the GBP and got the lapband instead? if so, what made you decide lapband over GBP?? I kinda cant't get past the fast weightloss with the GBP, although I know the lapband is a much "healthier" approach......but sometimes I cannot get past wanting to see quicker results.......did anyone el…

Greetings! I am new here and really appreciate reading through all of the threads. This site has more information than I could have dreamed of! I am trying to get banded in the next few weeks, as I'm between jobs. I want to have the banding complete before I start a new job in early Sept. My insurance won't cover, so I don't need to deal with the approvals. I started going through the Weight Loss Centers, but became disheartened by delays and the fact that the surgery and medical procedures are done in Beverly Hills. I'm now starting with Dr. Quilici in Burbank, which is very convenient for me. I hope I can get through the process soon enough! I already starte…

I had my lap band at the end of March, and it is STILL one of the best decisions I have ever made. I know I am losing weight, and I know i look different, but i didn't realize I was changing so quickly. I have a link to my blog where i posted a couple "cell phone" pictures. obviously they are a little blurry, the first picture i took just to prove to my personal trainier that i was working out at home , a day I couldn't get to the gym.... the second one my daughter took for me, cause she said i needed to see the difference of pictures before and after surgery. it is early in the morning, no hair fixed, no make up, ..... It is a very long journey, but i sure am enjoy…

I pretty much summed up my story on my profile so I will be brief. I just wanted to introduce myself. I am Sarah, I am 32, and am almost 6 months post op. I am 7 lbs away from hitting my 1/2 way mark with weight loss and am just looking for a place to talk with fellow lap-band patients. I look forward to getting to know you.

I am hoping that readers might be able to relate to my post. I have been thinking about pursuing the lap band for some time now. I have recently scheduled my seminar date to find out more about the lap band from the doctor. I am five foot four, 223 pounds, with a bmi of 38. I have sleep apnea and have been seeing a reproductive endocrinologist for several years due to difficulties with getting my period. There has always been suspicion that I have troubles with sugars. I am a pretty good candidate for the lap band and I think my health insurance would most likely approve it. The problem is that I keep getting down on myself for wanting to pursue this. Asking myse…

Hello, everyone. Today I decided that enough was enough....I have decided to get the lap band. Tomorrow I plan on making an appointment with my doctor to discuss my options. I have to admit, though, I'm really scared. First off, I'm only 18. Many of you might think that it's too young of an age, but I have been struggling with my weight all my life. This included yoyo diets, exercising, and even some not-so-proud methods such as starvation and diet pills. I'm scared of what my peers would think, what the risks are with surgery, and what would happen once I make the drastic changes in my diet. I'm worried about not getting enough nutrition and that my body woul…

Hello everyone! I first must say that I've been "lurking" on these boards for months, and the information and support I've found have been the most invaluable tool through this whole process. I was banded this past Friday, August 14th. Since then I've been having the typical soreness from the surgery, however I am experiencing this strange thing that is beginning to concern me. I do have a phone call out to my surgeon, but haven't heard back from him yet. Hopefully some of you can help shed a light! I have a feeling in my chest of intense pressure. I feel like my stomach is coming up into my esophagus. There are times that I need to apply pressure with my two fi…

Dr. Patrick Domkowski is starting a new seminar for bariatric surgery at the Springhill Suites at Marriott in Vero Beach starting 10/13 @ 6:30p. He also holds seminars monthly at Sebastian River Medical Center and Palm Bay Hospital. Call his office for more information (772)581-8003.

Hi! I have Tricare Reserve Select, does any one know how the process is? I was told it's just like Tricare Standard? I have attended a seminar and I was told I should gain an additional 10-15lbs to quailify for 200% or more or the ideal weight. Right now I'm 233.5 and I'm 5' 2.5". I'm so nervous. I hope I get approved. This is my last resort.

For those who would like to see, I posted a couple of two week post-op pics. Starting to notice wonderful changes.

Hey, I got great responses to my question. Thanks, glad to know there is really a great support system here.

Well after years of fighting with my weight and insurance companies....I have decided to self pay for the lapband. It is a big investment of 10,000...and I am very scared I might be spending this money for nothing. I have an appointment for my labwrk monday aug 24. If anyone has any super words of encouragement and a wonderful success story..please msg me...thanks pam:sneaky:

Hi My name is Cindi and I am a new member. I have been visiting since having my surgery in May and figured it was time to become a member. I have learned a lot from these boards and figured I am far enough into my own journey now that maybe I can be of some help to someone just starting out.

I can't believe I'm finally in Mexicali! My pre-op testing is done and I head back to the hospital for surgery in the morning. I'm so excited to finally be getting sleeved, but a little scared too. I know it's the right thing to do for me though. I'm tired of living my life inside this body. I want people (including myself) to see more than just fat when they look at me. I want to eat like a normal person, and have more energy, and for food to no longer be such an important part of my life. I'm so happy to be starting what will hopefully be my final weight loss journey. Thanks to everyone here for sharing all of your support and advice over the past few months. …

Help!!! Just found out that I would have to self pay because I do not have two co-morbidities. LapBand really seems like a great tool. Just looking for info. Fear of something going wrong, however, I want to take the chance. Thanks

Hello. I love this place, lots of info to take in. I'm new to the site, and I don't know where to start!!! HELP!!!

Hi, my name is Teena and I am a newbie to this my weight started at 287 before surgery,then on surgery date was 267 and now at 5 week post-op I am 250. I had my surgery done in Chicago,Il at Mercy

I am 5 Weeks Post Op. and I need a buddy that wants to talk everyday or several times a day. I do not have a support group to go to and need a buddy. I am 48 years old, married, grandmother, work as graphic designer for print shop but work from home. Have clinical depression that I take meds for. But not down all the time it comes and goes. Just want a computer buddy to talk to.

Help! I was just banded Tuesday, August 4th and cannot get rid of the gas in my new little stomach. I am taking mylicon drops and GasX when I sip my protein drinks or yogurt, but the chewable vitamins killed me last night. I'm afraid to sip, sip sip because of the gas. Any suggestions?:wink2:

Hello! I am new to this forum and have no idea how to navigate. I'm not even sure I'll be able to find this thread once I exit. ugh... I had my surgery July 16th and would LOVE to find others who had their surgery around the same date. It would be great to know if what I am experiencing is normal. Does anyone know how I can find this? I'm going in for my first fill in two days. I was really excited at first, but now I'm nervous. Here's why...I was feeling great until I had a little fight with a piece of bread. Learned my lesson, yes, but every since then I've been sore again. Even eating cottage cheese, I can feel it go through the band. My concern is this...isn't…

hello, I am new to the site, and just would like to say hi.. I have started my process 8/7/09 and will be banded on 9/1/09. I am happy but nervous at the same time. I have the support from family and friends, but in the end this is my body. I have posted a reply on the pre- op forum for sept. banders.. But, I can use all the information I can get. hope to hear from you all..

Hey, I'm new to this site and I am to be banded August 28th. I was wondering if there was any advise or recommendations, any of you experienced banders could provide me. Is there anything I should do to better prepare myself for surgery?

Hey all, I've struggled with weight my entire life.....I use food as comfort and I've just made my first appt. for a consultation for banding. I realize that I will need some counseling with the "comfort food" issues I have. I'm really, really scared about the surgery. Can someone give me a realistic idea of what to expect? This picture is my lowest weight of about 145 - now 200+, yikes!

I am excited to get the lap band after trying every diet under the sun. I am happy that there is lots of support out there to help me out.

Hi everyone, my name is Rissa and I am 30 years old. I am in the very beginning stages of researching lapband surgery for myself. I have struggled with my weight for the past 10 years.....I hope I can learn some information from people who have gone through the surgery and see if maybe it's the right thing for me. Thanks!

hey all my name is Julie and i am 11 days post-op. I was just wondering if anyone else has felt this or am i in need of help. I have this nasty breath that no matter how much brushing of my teeth it will not go away. Also every time i eat i get acid reflux. Maybe i am just pushing myself to get better faster then my body is able. I am going to the doctor for my post op meeting on Wednesday of this week. If anyone knows what i am talking about and can fill me in on what to do and not to do i would be very grateful! Thanks Julie:sad:

Hi all, I've had an interesting journey with my lap-band. I had my surgery about 3 and a half years ago (Nov. 2005), and weighed in at 278. I lost about 50 lbs. before getting pregnant with my daughter in July of 2006. I had a perfect pregnancy and only gained 25 lbs. After her birth in March 2007, I quickly lost the baby weight and kept on going. I discovered my love of excercise and became obsessed with Jazzercise. I got down to 170 lbs. last summer and was so happy with my success. Well, to my surprise, as soon as I reached my goal of 170, I found out I was pregnant with my son (who is now 3 months old). This pregnancy was rocky to say the least. From day one, I …

Hello All! My name is Steve, I had surgery on 12/22/08! I lost weight, but really didn't get an accurate start weight:mad: So far I am happy:smile: I also have a blog:biggrin:

Hello everybody Please let me introduce myself. I am Mike and I am very excited about the prospect of being banded in my lifelong Quest to lose weight. I am committed to the effort and I view the band as the missing piece of my personal puzzle. I am enjoying reading all of your posts, and they have provided me with a lot of great information. I will make my goal and I will seek support whenever I feel that I need it. Thands for being here for me. Mike

I'm currently doing my pre op two week diet. Aug 25th is my big day. At this moment I'm scared and excited. Sometimes I think what am I doing, and then I think I want to be healthy. My dr had required a very strict two week pre op diet. So last tuesday is started. Two Protein shakes to replace two meals. One meal can be 4oz of protein and 1/2c of a non starch veggie. Not to eat in between meals. If you happen to be hungry you can have two s/f popsicles, two s/f Jello and broth. I have since lost 7 pounds. I have read many posts and my dr seems to be strict and for so long. He wants me to lose as much liver fat before surgery. My BMI is 41. Hoping to find a few band f…

My name is Jason....and well Im a new cadidate for the lap band.....I have submitted my paperwork to the dr and am waiting on them to contact me back. We still have to go through the whole insurance approval thing but i hope to have the surgery in the near months......I want to go ahead and thank everyone on the site...even though this is my first post i have been reading a lot of the questions and answers and they have helped me out greatly......im still kind of nervous but i think everything will turn out great.

Hello everyone, I am LizzyM and new to this site. I am an old timer on the OH boards, but still pre-op. My surgery of choice,of course is the vsg with Dr. Aceves. I have read so many positive things about him on both boards which helps me in knowing I have chosen a great surgeon. My surgery is Sept. 30, any one else near or on that date? I will be coming from Ohio to Mexicali. I am very excited! Hope to make many new friends here. Liz

Hi! My name is Lisa and I was banded Aug. 10, 2009. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have 3 beautiful children, a dear husband, a dog and cat. I am looking forward to reaching my goals. Am having trouble journaling food right now being only a few days post op. Surgery went well, I was in the center only 3 hours. Dr. put me on pureed foods almost immediately. So far so good. Post-op appointment coming up on the 26th! Can't wait. :biggrin:

Hi, so..... yea im new :] anyway, i havent had my lapband surgery yet, in fact im just now gettin started in making desicions and getting a move on on this. I'm 18 and i decided i really want this so a week from tomorrow i have my first appointment with the surgeon guy and we'll see. im really nervous about it, im not sure what they are gonna do and im sure i should have questions to ask but i dont kow what to ask, im really completely lost. :[

I haven't had the surgery yet. I went to an informational meeting and have my first individual meeting at the end of the month. A friend of mine had the surgery earlier this year and has had ups and downs, but mostly positives. I'm still really nervous and don't know if I'm ready to commit to surgery. To me, personally, I feel like I'd be relying on a crutch if I had it done. But I'm 55 years old and have been going up and down and up and down and up and up and up for years. Nothing else has worked. The informational meeting made me feel a bit better, but for some reason I feel that if I have the surgery, I'm admitting defeat and that I'm a failure. Has anyone else ever…

I was banded 8/12 by Dr. Jeffrey Baker at Unity Hospital (considered a "Center of Excellence" for banding) in Fridley, MN. I was walking the day of surgery. I went home the next day at 3:30. The gas is finally passing and I hope the pain in my abdomen from that subsides. I also had referred pain up in my left shoulder. I am having quite a bit of pain where my port is, so I have stayed on my hydrocodone/acetominphen Rx for now. I tried Tylenol yesterday but it made me semi-nauseous, so I am staying away from it for now since I had terrible nausea in the hospital that resulted in retching before I was given the right cocktail of anti-nausea meds. This was my first surgery…

Hello sleevetalkers, My name is Brad. I had my sleeve surgery on July 29th in Columbus, Ohio. I had my first follow up yesterday and had the staples and tube removed. I am a 37 y/o that just got my one do-over to live long into the future and see my 4, 5, and 9 y/o's grow up. It has been something I been contemplating for several years and finally everything came together this year. I joined the Fresh Start Bariatrics program in Columbus, Ohio in Feb. and have had the most wonderful experience. My insurance was rumored to require at least 6 months of dietary visits and did not approve the sleeve. I was figuring I was having the By-Pass in late September. I had …

Hello all, my name is ashley and I am considering Lap Band. I am 23 years old and just had a baby 9 months ago and am wanting more children. I am not sure if I should get the band now or wait until I am finished having children. I am also considering having the surgery in cancun, Mexico...Has anybody else had it there and if so what was the experience and where did you have it? I would like to hear more about lap band in general so if anybody has any info please share! Thanks...looking forward to getting to know everyone! Ashley

Hi all - I'm a new member posting for the first time! I was banded successfully yesterday at 7:30 AM, spent the night in the hospital, and came home this afternoon. Overall, the pain has been less than expected...phew! I used to think that WLS was the EASY way out...now I realize that I was completely misinformed. This is going to be a long and tough journey, but I know I have my little helper in place. I've affectionately named my band Willa (Derived from "Weight Loss Assistant"), and I know she's there to work with me not for me!!! A little about me: My name's Monica, and I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and currently live just outside of Washingt…

My vsg is on the 25th of August 2009 and I am a bit aprehensive about the whole thing. I just want everything to be okay ya know. I am 5'11" currently 276 on the pre-pre-op diet. My starting weight was 282, not my heaviest but still too heavy with a BMI of 39.3. I won't have as far to go as many people here but I have struggled with my weight since I was 5 so 30 years later it is just as scary to think about. So many of you sound an look great!! I am ready to join the club as well. For myself, my little girl 8mos old, and my loving wife, I cannot fail, so I am looking forward to the end of the endless struggle. Ya'll know what I mean i'm sure. Anyway, some of the…

I am feeling so, so, so much better today!! Day one I was up and walking in the hospital to try to alleviate the gas pain, holy mocha did they hurt?! Day 2 I still had nto passed gas and the pain was even worse. I was still on IV fluids until about 5pm when they gave me crystal light to drink and a pudding cup to eat. It hurt to swallow anything down, I think just becaus eof the breathing tube during surgery and of course obviously the tenderness in my stomach. So yesterday was my first full day home. One of my good friends took my kids to the zoo since my husband had to work, thanks goodness because I pretty much slept all day! I only had 2 of my 3 Protein shakes I…

I am scheduled for what was supposed to be an RNY surgery on 8/18, but after seeing my surgeon for my pre-op appt., he now says I might have to have a VSG. He won't know until he goes in. He needs to see if my surgery for pyloric stenosis at age 6 weeks old, and my C-section, have left any adhesions. Has anyone else had this happen? I thought I'd better read up on VSG, since it might be a possibility. I've heard that you don't lose as much or as fast as the RNY. Does it cure diabetes like the RNY? Looking for any information. Thanks! :clap2:

Hi all, I am new to the forum. I am 9 days out from lap band surgery. I was banded in Tijuana by Dr. Ortiz. I'm still on liquids...start full liquids tomorrow. I have been following my post-op instructions carefully but it's killing me to fix my kids food and not eat, lol. My highest weight was 289 and my surgery weight was 213. I haven't weighed since the surgery but I feel lighter, lol:thumbup: I find so many of the posts here an inspiration to me!! Sylvia

:biggrin: hello to all, I'm new to this site, still learning how to post messages, forgive if I make a mess. I am a 47 year old RN so I know what to expect from the other side. I am 10 days away from surgery, sooooooo excited. I have experienced the need 2 los wt for a long time, unsuccessful I might add. I'am a little apprehensive. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Products that you like would be great to know. Good luck to all of you. ~need a friend~

I just had my 2nd fill (surgery date was April 13th of 2009) and I can't seem to keep anything down. I feel like I'm choking...anyone with advice??

Hello everyone. My name is Kristy, everyone calls me Kris and after being over weight pretty much all my life, and doing every diet known to man, I finally decided that this is the best way for me to go. I've done extensive research and have been snooping thru here to get an idea of what to expect. I talked to my doctor Thursday and she told me that this is a great thing for me to do, I went for blood work yesterday, due a few concerns by my doctor. I have my appointment on Monday with my surgeon, very very excited (and nervous)...BUT I have heard nothing but great things about him, so that makes me feel even better. Hoping that all goes well and my insurance company is q…

Hi all! I am going to go speak to my primary care physician this Tuesday about lap band surgery. My background: 30 year old female low blood pressure low cholesterol 5'9 and 275 lbs depression documented over the years due to weight fluctuations out of breath when going up one flight of stairs (embarrassing!) I was an athletic kid all growing up, then grad school I started packing on the pounds doing stress eating. I'm still in a stressful profession and I haven't lost the weight. I just yo yo diet. I walk in the evenings but when I'm done I just start eating when I get back. I think the Lap Band may force me to take this all seriously. I want to get to 160 even…