Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I'm new to the site and will be getting my Lapband on Friday August 14. I am 17 years old and live in Rochester, MN. I am 275 lbs and 5'9''. I have arthritis and sleep apnea. I am extremely excited to start this journey but a little nervous at the same time.

Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a few weeks now. I've been thinking about getting a Lapband for about 2 or 3 years now and I finally got tired of the ups and downs of dieting and started the process. Last week I went to my Primary Care Physician and he refered me to Lap Band surgeon. My BMI is 41. Had high blood pressure until I lost 50 Lbs and exercise daily. I have high Cholesterol and a family history of heart attacks at a young age. After seeing my PCP I went to a seminar that the surgeon was putting on. The seminar was very interesting, met a few nice people there and got a lot of info from the Doc and Staff. I was told that my insurance was one of the "easier"…

I'm new to the forum and thought I'd say hello to anyone reading. After two years and 3 attempts I was finally banded last Friday by Dr.Tashjian in Beverly Hills. I'm struggling on the liquid diet but making it through.

To get BANDED!!!!! I know I'm jumping the gun here because they have just submitted me to insurance for approval, but I have a date set for September 16th. I'm thinking positive and trying to not worry about the approval, I will save that for the end of next week I've posted a little on here and read all your posts and words of wisdom daily. You guys really are an inspiration to those still sitting and wondering what's gonna happen and what direction thier lives will take. I have post its all over with snips of advice I've been jotting down. LOL I look forward to learning more about all of you and officially starting this new life. Boo

I was banded on 8/6/09 at San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield California. The surgery was performed by Dr. Hormuz Irani. I know already that it was the best decision I have ever made for myself! Aside from being bored with the whole liquid and mushy stages I am doing great! I started feeling great and becoming more active on the 3rd day after my surgery. I am a teacher and was desperate to get the surgery done over the summer so that I did not miss work and everyone involved did everything they could to move things as quick as possible. I got my Psych eval 7/02, Nutrition eval 7/14, had my consult 7/17, nutrition and pre-op class 7/28 and surgery 8/6. Just over…

Just looking for people that having surgery on the same day so maybe we can support each other through the process afterwards.

:wink0:So hello to all I am a newbie here, this is my first post. I have decided to be sleeved and have started my journey. I today decided on Dr. Aceves. I just wanted to say hello and to start my documentation from day one. I sent the doumentation for review for a new patient to Dr A it will take up ti 48 hours they say to get my yes or no back. If I am ok to have surgeory I am looking at September or October. Luv

Hello, all, I am new here. I had my band placed on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. I am three days out. I am having a really good recovery; minimal pain but lots of discomfort from gas. Walking does help relieve it, though. I had my surgery in St. Louis w/ Dr. Scott. I am glad to find this place!

Hi I am new to this website. My name is Shelby and I have had lap band already done. I am a 16 year old girl and have lost 21 pounds since this whole pre and after stuff started. I thought it would be cool to come on here and talk to other people that have had it done. I am hoping to meet others of my age group as well that has had this done, but I am not sure how lucky I will be, because insurance companys wont pay for people under the age of 18. Also some doctors dont even do people under the age either:wink2:

Hello. Well, here I am. What to say? I started this process with what I think I will call my new year's revolution. Started the 6 month diet req. by insurance in Jan. Went to the surgeon's intro seminar, etc... My surgery date is September 14. ("Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.") I am scared stiff. I hate, hate, hate hospitals. I can't stand pain. But I'm 5'3" and weigh 286. I can't tie my shoes unless I'm sitting on the bed and pull my leg up on to the bed so I can reach my foot. I've been reading posts on this site for two days now, trying to glean info and thoughts. I read all about the cosmetic surgery people have or wish they could go through. I don…

I went to the info session last night with my husband who came with me for support. I have some questions. Could you help me? I am 5’2 256 (I can’t believe I got so big that number is huge to me). I rejoined WW to help get the process started; I had success with it a couple times before but inevitably the weight crept back on. I am committed to a life style change and think the band will be a great tool to keep me on track, and help me attain my healthy goals. I have high blood pressure & high cholesterol that are not medicated now. I am worried about changing my eating habits, like the no drinking while eating. We go out to eat with friends once a month and we …

Hi. I've posted a few times. I have Type II diabetes.:confused: I'm looking to have the band done and was wondering if anybody out there also has Type II diabetes and had the band done and what their results were. I really would like to get off most if not all my meds which is probably the main reason for the band would be to improve my health. At this time I'm taking Metformin 1000mg morning and night, Actos 45mg in the morning and then at night I take Januvia 100mg and also Prandin 10mg. As you can see I take quite a bit of meds for my diabetes. Thanks.

hello buddy how are you dear i read your comment it's great i like it dear i learn alot of things from your comment i hope everyone likes your post dear thanx for this information. ========================= sandy ========================= Weight Loss Program

Excuse me while I vent. I got my surgery date, after fighting with BCBS to get approved, a week or so ago. I'm scheduled for the 31st. Now that I'm only 2-3 weeks away from the surgery, time seems to be moving EXTRA slow. I began this process in January when I first made the appointment for the mandatory information seminar. It's been a long, long, LONG road, and I'm ready to FINALLY start my new life. The 31st can't come soon enough. I'm not a patient person by nature, so I suspect these last 2 weeks are going to be absolutely unbearable.

Were any of you set on getting banded only to be manunivered toward the Gastric Bypass by your surgeon? I have Barrett's esophagus and years ago was told I had a hernia. I have not had symptoms of either since taking Prilosec for over 10 years. My surgeon whom I liked very much, told me 30% of banded patients have reflux and the bypass is the only real way to keep gastric acid out of the esophasus. This is not what my GI specialist told me. He said the LB is a "cure for Barrett's". I'm not sure who to believe. I have known the GI for over 18 years. Any info you can send my way? :drool:

Hello, I'm from TJ Mexico. I've never posted before but I've been a regular visitor.I was banded over a year ago and I haven't had any success so far. I lost around 15 kilos (33lbs) in the first eight months. Suddenly I had no restriction at all and I was told I probably had a big leak and the band was not working anymore, I even had my tubbing checked and still the saline would disappear. I was so depressed i started gaining all the weight back. After 5 months I went to another doctor and he did my first fill under flouro, and surprise, there's apparently nothing wrong with my band, so finally I got the perfect fill, but I'm struggling to get back on track, I have lost a…

That is the question that has been going thru my mind for the last 2 years. I cancelled surgery last summer and I found a different Dr. this year and am slated for surgery on Sept. 4th.... talk about unsure! I am 48, weigh 230 right now, and stand 5'3". I am type II diabetic on insulin for the last 5 years due to problems with other meds. I know this weight is rapidly killing me, but if I have to eat right and exercise daily anyway, why do I need the lapband? Surgery does not scare me, I had 5 major surgeries between Dec. '06 and Aug '07! BUT again, those were surgeries I HAD to have, the lapband is something you choose to do. If I do not have time for the gym now, h…

Hello everybody, I'll be getting my VSG in exactly three weeks on Aug. 31 in Houston, although I live in Atlanta. I'm very optimistic that this procedure will be longer lasting and easier to manage than my Lap-Band, which had to be removed three months ago. I lost about 50 lbs in 15 months with the band, but something went very wrong in those last couple of months. I could hardly keep any food down, occasionally even vomiting into a napkin at the table. Nothing is more embarrassing and disgusting! I thought I just had horrible acid reflux, but meds never seemed to help. It got worse when I couldn't even keep liquids down and was notieably dehydrated. Losing 8 lbs. in …

Hi! I have posted a few times but for the most part I have been lurking. I am 51yrs old and presently weigh 335. At one point I weighed 369. I joined a personal training gym which also daily monitored what you ate. I got down to 318 but stayed the same for 5 MONTHS. I was so depressed and finally gave up. I have just complted 5 months towards my 6 month preop diet which my insurance (Cigna) requireds. I am actuallly UP 10lbs since I started the diet, probably because I have been afraid Iwouldnt be able to eat the things I do now. Today I asked about my 2 week Preop diet and was told it would only be no carbs and no sugars. I was pleasantly surprised!!!! I wont belie…

My date is 09/08/09! That is if insurance approves me! I am both excited and nervous at the same time. I am excited for not only the outcome but also the journey. I am nervous because it is surgery. I have not told everyone in my life because I know how some people look down on such procedures and because I am just at the beginning and the less negative influences in my life the better. My husband, kids, mother and sister know and they are the only ones who need to. I have to start stocking up on Protein shakes that are not that cheap. I figure I need to pick up a 4 pack everyother day to make sure I have them not only for the 2 week pre-op diet but also the 2 wee…

Hi - I'm new here and really glad to have found all of you. Have been peeking around, and thought I should introduce myself. I was banded in January, and have lost 41 lbs, but have not really gotten where I think the band should be. Perhaps my idea of the "sweet spot" is wrong. Anyone have that many fills and still feel hungry and find themselves eating too much? Glad to meet you! Sherry

Hi friends, my name is Jerald. I live in the Atlanta, GA area and was banded 2/07. After losing 40 lbs or so, working out 5 days a week and following the "rules" of my new life at the feeding trough, I hit a plateau that last 5 months. I followed several different suggestions as to how to "kickstart" my metabolism which is as slow as email replies from my ex. Anyway.... since Dec, I have slowly added the pounds back that I previously slaved off. All the while, still following the eating rules fairly well such as no wheat products, no dairy, no red meat, no heavy starches, protein shakes, vitamins, more water everyday,etc.. I eat mostly chicken, fish and turkey. I n…

I was wondering can someone tell me, how do you know when you have reached that sweet spot? I have 7cc fill and can still eat almost anything. In the mornings its a little difficult but then gets better. :drool:

Hello all I have been reading alot around here and just decided to join I just have been reading to get informed. I am going to a seminar on the 24th and am ready to get the process started. I want to get my weight under control and nothing else has worked (for any length of time) I want to be able to do more and be around longer for my daughter. Sorry for the rambling.

Hi Just joined the forum as I am 10 days post op, and have no firends that have a clue what it is I am going through! I feel like I'm whining all the time if I say i'm uncomfortable and sore. My Hubby is a gem, as are my kids and my parents, but whats missing in my life is girl friends! I am starting this journey over in the United Kingdom, and am hoping to make some lifelong friends on here. So far, the journey has been a sore one, but definately worth it! No complications, very smooth op and home in 3 days. Starting to pick up on the eating and drinking day by day and am amazed that I have lost 18lbs already. I have a total of 140lbs to lose for my self set goal…

Hiya all... I went to my consult yesterday in Denver. I was there 3 1/2 hours and was overloaded by the time I left. I have a surgery date of September 24th. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I worry who will take care of my kids after hubby has to go back to work! I have plenty of friends. As some of you know, we have a special needs child that weighs 75 pounds. I lift her day in and day out. I am praying someone that helps will be able to lift her too. I know it is a lot to ask but I won't be able to do it for a while. I need to get it this done as I am just beginning to be a worthless, miserable person. Well, enough of that. I have to pray that my insura…

Hello all, My name is Claudia and I have been recently banded! ^^ After 2 rejections from my insurance I finally got my approval for surgery and had my Realize band implanted on 8/3 at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills by Dr. Kai Gregg Nishi. I am currently on week 2 of a 3 week liquid diet. Week 4 will be mashed/pureed foods and after that will be solids. So far I am down 11.5 pounds which I am sure is Water weight. I have a few questions that I will post to the appropriate forum ^^ I do have a blog/vlog that is separate from the blogs here at LBT, however I will see about doing some cross posting if possible. You can visit me at Soul Ea…

Hi my name is beatriz and I have talked to my doctor about the lapband and she says that I am a candidate. my BMI is 35 and I have a family history of diabetes. I really want to go through the procedure but wondering if the insurance will give me a difficult time. I have BCBS of IL HMO. I called them and they said it was covered with the referal of my doctor. I sont even know where to start. Anyone have some advise. I am 5'2 and weigh 195. I have been strugeling with my weight since 2003. I have tried Weight watchers and even diet pills under the supervision of my doctor(miridia) at first I drop a few pounds maybe about 5 but cant go below that. I would trully value any a…

i am starting the process of everything i know glhp covers the surgery but i wnated to know has anyone else went through them and how was is? easy authorization? no authorization? how was ur whole process? thank u

I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been thinking about lapband for quite a while and finally went to my consult on Monday. After convincing my husband to let me have the surgery I have my pre-op scheduled for tomorrow! We're paying ourselves (16,900...ouch) so I'm a little nervous about that. I was wondering how long other self pays took to go through the whole process? I also have a 5 month old, will I be able to lift him soon after surgery? (I ask because my sister had bypass surgery and couldn't for two weeks, I realize this is isn't as extreme but was curious) For all of you, what did you find the hardess part of the entire process? pain? not eating? etc.…

Hello Everyone! I was just banded on Friday, August 7th. I am feeling a lot of hunger. I am drinking four oz. of liquid every hour. I am hoping this hunger subsides. Did this happen to anyone?

After thinking about this for 3 years I did it!!! Started the process in May, insurance submitted July 30 & insurance approved Aug 4th. It's the 14-day countdown to surgery and I am ready!!! Has anyone else used Dr. David Provost in Denton, Texas? Yippeeeeee:thumbup: I'm sure my yippee will turn to growling about 4 days into my 14-day pre-op diet.

I was banded on 8-8-05. I lost all my weight by 5-06. But guess what its all back. I have gained every pound back. I go next saturday to have a fill. I can't believe i did this to my self. all that work just went up into smoke. what do i do now.

Hello everyone my name is Kat, I am 38 days pre-op. I will be having my Surgery in Colombia (South American) with Dr. Jorge Dias on Sept 16th. Frankly I am terrified. Ive read that I should be speaking to psychologists, and nutritionists, and doing all these things to prepare for the mental aspect of this lifestyle change Im about to have. Truth is... I dont have the money to really seek out all this professional help. My mother has basically scraped up every ounce of savings she had to give me this opportunity to have this surgery because Ive been so myserable with my weight for so long. Ive curved my habits in preparation for the surgery somewhat. In all honesty I was a…

Hi, I'm newly banded as of July 29th! My surgeon was Dr Billy and he and everyone in his practice is excellent. So far I've lost 21 lbs and I'm a little nervous. I'm currently on the liquid diet; however I'm scared that once I start eating "real" food again that my weight loss will stop. I know this sounds crazy, right?

How many incisions do they do with the lap-band and where exactly? Will you always be able to see the scars?:cool:

I have my 1st appt tomorrow with the surgeon in my area to start the process to get the lapband. I am 34 and been heavy all of my life and food has always been my best friend or enemy. I am trying to deal with the feeling of losing the food...did anyone go through these feelings?

Hi! I'm scheduled to be banded 9/30 by Dr. Corvala at Hospital Angeles in Tijuana. I'm reading up about the procedure and pre- and post-op diets, as well as living with the band long term. As my surgery date gets closer I find I'm getting more nervous as I'll be traveling alone. For those of you who were banded in Mexico, I would appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thanks!

Gidday everyone. I'm new to the site but had my lapband 7 yrs ago. I wasn't really cyber savvy during those yrs of change & had a young baby and 5yr old, so was always busy. I've started a blog to talk/share/help/support others out there about my experiences with other surgeries after the weight was gone. Most of you probably don't want to cloud your head with those thoughts just yet, but some of you might. My aim is to encourage & support anyone out there with their weight struggles & just 'spread the love'. If I make 1 person smile or feel comforted, then I'll feel good about that. Everyone is beautiful & I still think I'm a big girl trapped in a thin b…

After waiting on pins and needles since May, I am approved for surgery. The call for approval was far less dramatic than I thought it would be, but I was happy for the good news. It's kind of weird, because the first reaction I had was "Whoah...what did I do???". I think that's a natural reaction, at least I hope it is!! Now I have a bunch of things on my "to do" list. Can I find a shake that I won't gag drinking? Can I get the strength to follow through will all that is needed? Is my life going to be so different that I won't be happy? Will my loving hubby be annoyed that we'll never again eat the same meal? How am I going to get through work lunches and dinners? When …

Hi there.... I am having my surgery on August 31st, and I am in the process of readying my kitchen and pantry for the upcoming changes in my life. Any ideas?

I have completed everything except the Upper GI, that is Scheduled for tomorrow. than everything goes to the insurance company... all they require is a determination letter.....Does anyone know anything about this??? I am so excited to change my life and so happy that i found this website:):thumbup:

I have a question, I was wondering if anyone has went through the trouble I have in trying to get the lap band paid for by there insurance. I have been trying almost a year and the insurance company says that I have no medical need. Well for one I have battled being over weight all my life. I have tried everything under the sun. I even went to a weight management class for 6 months the insurance company had me do. I completed that now there saying that I stil dont meet the requirments. Now they are saying I have to go see a psychiatrist. I dont know exactly what that means, please has anyone had the same trouble as me. Is that a good thing or moving in the right di…

Hi, my name is Joy. I am the 1% with major complications. I was found to have a leak 2 weeks out. I will be 6 months out on June 16th and have now lost 52 lbs. Beginning weight 190 now 139. Here is my story... I began having back pain and trouble breathing just before my 2 week check-up. I came in and saw the nurse and she said if I was not feeling better the next day to come back in and I would speak with the surgeon. Sure enough...my 1st real meal (a 2 oz. omlette w/cheese). I felt horrible. I headed in to see the surgeon at 9 am. I had an Upper GI, CAT Scan, and another Upper GI to verify the leak. I was rushed into surgery and then spent 10 days in the ICU. Many co…

i got the sleeve done on july 20th... i just feel alone. my whole family is obese so i got this done to help me too lose the weight before something goes wrong. im now on soft foods and i havent really lost weight. did i do something wrong?? i mean i never feel hungery and i tend to forget that i should eat but i do eat at least a meal a day. my parents are freaking out cause they dont think im putting all my effort in to loosing. and it hurts to hear them say that. thats why i feel alone. i cant play volleyball anymore or at least this year and that kills me cause i love playing. but the advice i really need is should i keep going? i try to walk three miles a day. is tha…

I found this site last week, but just decided to sign up last night. I went for my initial consultation with the surgeon this past Monday. I have my appointment with the psychologist next Monday. After that, they told me that I should have all of the paperwork needed to file with my insurance. I have BCBS Federal. They are pretty slow with their processing, but I am hoping to find something out in early July. It has been very helpful to see all of the positive comments on this site. I got a little scared because of some of the problems that I saw posted, but I know that everyone is different and it seems for every problem there are 10 others who have had good ex…

Hello my name is Kerry and i live in Florida. I am trying my hardest to find a way to get this procedure done. I was going through a 12 month program that my insurance required then the sent me a letter telling me that they switched things up..well that switch totally affected my surgery..they are no longer covering any sort of bariatric procedure. Of course i am dissapointed but still looking for another avenue. Hopefully something will happen soon.:sneaky:

I had my surgery on July 29 and am still having trouble even getting water down. I get full very quickly after a few sips and get a feeling that something is in my throat. It really makes me sick. Then it takes an hour or so to feel ok again. anybody else experience anything like this post surgery? Any suggestions?

Hi everyone!!! I am new to this forum and sooo jazzed to have found one specifically for the LAPBAND!! YAY! I am also a member of Thinnertimes.com and have been ridiculed for having chosen the LAPBAND over GASTRIC BYPASS. It is really an annoyance to be told that I am wrong on my own personal decision......but anyway. HAha! I am currently waiting for the Psychiatrist that did my Psych eval to respond to my phone calls about my evaluation. She didnt bother to "clear" me or not clear me for the surgery. The whole purpose of my $250 eval. DUH! Aside from that, all other requirements have been covered. That is the hold up. I cant wait to be able to post that I …

Hi all, I am new to this site. Glad I found it, I am learning alot more than I could from the Dr's brochures. Anyway, about me. I am scheduled for my LB on Sept. 22. I held off for that date because my grandson's birthday party is Sept 5th and I don't want to be on the pre-op diet and have to explain myself to anyone anymore. I am really lucky in that I didn't have to fight my insurance at all. I saw my Dr for the first time in July and within 2 weeks I had the ok for surgery. Now about me. I hear it from anyone I mention the surgery to, "why are you doing that, you are not overweight" Well I am for me. I am 5'4" and weighed 205 when I saw the Dr. but…