Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone. I've been thinking about the lap band for several years now. I've finally decided I've got to do something before it's to late. I have an apt with my family doctor to discuss the lap band tomorrow. I'm not sure how she feels about it or if she will support me in the process, but I thought that she would be the first place to start. How do you decide which doctor to use? We have several bariatric facilities here, but I don't have a clue which doctor or facility to use. Any suggestions on finding a doctor in my area? As it stands right now, my insurance does not cover it but we are working on that. Either way I will have the lap band done if everythin…

I had to switch to a different doctor at the last minute and went with a doctor who charged me $3,500 for a "program fee". It is a total rip off, offers nothing, and has not been a good doctor or office. Beware of "program fees". Most of the people on lapbandtalk.com don't have this fee. I was banded 1 1/2 weeks ago. I'm in OC california

So... I've been lurking on this website for atleast an hour a day for the past three weeks. Now that things are getting rough and my life is changing I think it's finally time to come out of the dark and introduce myself so I can get the support and encouragment that made me fall in love with this site. I'm 19 and a sophmore at The University of Maryland, College Park. I'm 5'6" and 303 lbs. yuck. I've struggled with my weight ever since I can remember and have always been the biggest out of all of my friends. I've excused it for the past 5 years because I've been an athlete (Soccer, track, and rugby, and weight lifting) however, In february I broke my lovely athletic fo…

It's been 6 years since my gastric by-pass. I've gained weight since being pregnant 4 years ago. I'm still down 45 lbs from before gastric by-pass. I can eat almost anything. It is like my stomach is huge. Would a Lap-Band help me????:juggle:

Hi I am wanting to get the lapband done. I am 32 with a BMI of 40. I live in Millville, MA have BC/BS of Ma and trying to find a good dr. I would prefer one to do it as a out paient procedure. I really like being home and not in a Hospital. Any one have any good Drs that they can reccomend?:biggrin:

Hi. I'm Heather and I am new here. I just met with my PCP today and she has agreed that its time for me to take the steps to get some help with my weight loss, and gave me the name and number of Giselle Hammad. I am attending her seminar on August 7th at Magee, and I was wondering if any of you out there has gone through her. I've heard from my doc's office that she is great. Also, after I get my approval from my insurance, what should I anticipate next? What is the time frame I am looking for from testing to surgery day? I am a stay a home mom so I can get a lot of my testing done as quickly as they can schedule it. Thanks! Heather

Hello All, My name is Angie and I'm 30 yrs old. I have decided to have the VSG suregery after thinking about it for about 2 yrs. I have a family to think of and have now decided that this is best for all of our futures. I've been married for 8yrs and we have a beautiful 3 yr old angel named Gracie. The last 3 yrs have been the best and worst time of my life. After having Gracie via ER C-section I was like any other normal 1st time mom...just enjoying every moment of my precious gift. The healing of my C-section was a diiferent story. At 13 weeks post delivery my insuscion reopened and I got an effection. My husband had to clean it and medicate it every night. …

:smile2: HELLO I'M NEW AT ALL THIS AND I NEED ALOT OF HELP. I HAVE BLUE CROSS ANTHEM THREW MY WORK AND I WOULD LIKE TO GO THREW DR.FELIX BUT I NEED A PRIMARY DOCTOR MY OLD ONE NO LONGER ACCEPTS ARE INSURANCE HE SWITCH TO PRIVATE PAY OR SOME THING LIKE THAT. SO IF ANYONE KNOWS A GOOD PRIMARY DOCTOR CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME.

I have had my lap band for 4 years. I have had some issues with acid at night in the past but prilosec and tums usually help. But recently, I have been having a chronic, wet cough when I relax into a sleep that lasts for hours. It is wet and feels like it is in my chest or lungs. If I get any fluid to come to my mouth, it is either clear or yellow but not brown. When I wake up in the morning my chest is tight and it takes a couple of hours before I feel normal again. I do not have huge restriction with my band right now, very average eating ability (plenty of food but not unlimited) I have not been losing weight lately and I would like to lose 20 more pounds. Has …

Hi, took me a year and bad knees to finally make up my mind. I also have a very energetic toddler that I need to keep up with. Yes, i'm nervous but very excited. I have my first appointment 8/3/09. Wish me luck!! Thanks

Last week I was at my gyn for my one-year, post-cancer checkup. My doctor told me I would not die from my cancer, but from my weight (currently 299 lbs. @ 5'9", 34 years old). He wanted me to look into LapBand. I trust this guy. He found my uterine cancer and performed my surgery. Will be cancer free for a year on 9/3/09. I'm ready to live better now and live longer. SO tonight I'm attending the informational seminar. Guess the journey starts today . . .

Hi everyone, my name is Beth and I'm 44 years old, married for 26 years and we have two children, a boy 15 and a girl 12. We live in a small town in S.E. Missouri. Most of my obese history is the same as many others here I'm sure. I really wasn't over weight until about puberty and as I started to become "chubby" there were many in my family to remind me of it, mostly my two step brothers who were older and verbally abusive to me and my younger biological brother. The more I was teased about it the more I ate and I'm sure others may find that what I'm saying isn't an excuse for being over weight and I'm not saying it is, but it was a contributing factor in the beginnin…

First I would like to commend everyone who is a part of this site from the individual considering banding to pre-op to post-op all the way to the experienced. Thank you all for coming together and sharing you concerns, fears, triumphs, setbacks, and stumbles along the way. I will try to be brief however, I will like to share my story. I am 43 years old and I have always had a problem trying to keep my weight down to a recommended level. Over the last few years I have tried a number of diets but I have always gained the weight back. I would usually lose between 20 -40lbs and then I would just stop. As most of you probably already know, this can be very disheartening. I…

Hi everyone, I joined a couple months ago, but havn't said anything. I have my psych done and passed. Now I'm waiting on a surgery date and everything that leads yo to it.

Hello, I'm 27 yrs old and i gained so much weight over the last 6yrs. In two weeks I am going to meet with the doctor to discuss the lapband. I have a coworker who did in May and she already lost 30 pounds I cant wait. I think this will be the decison I made in years. Wish me on 8/10/09:smile2:

I start my pre-op diet tomorrow, with surgery on 8/6. 90% of the time I know this is the absolute right decision for me, the other 10%, I am scared to death. Sometimes I look forward to having the tool... other times I beat myself up for being "weak" and not being able to do it without... Has anyone else had these somewhat schizophrenic thoughts?

I've been lurking around here for a few weeks now. Finally decided to join. I'm 28, married for 3 years with no kids. We've been trying for 2 years with nothing to show for it yet. I've been slowly gaining since high school. My first seminar is on Monday and I'm completely nervous and excited about starting this process.

I weigh 280lbs am 5' 6", and just 33. I hate what I look at, I dont own a mirror, I despise them..well whats looking back anyway and while I know that this band isnt a miracle cure, I also know its the beginning of a new life. One full of self esteem, energy and a full and long life. So, why when I am just 2 days away from my pre op assessment (not even a date yet?) am I so nervous. So many questions? Can anyone give me some advice I have the list of the usual but am sure there some out of there that I havent thought of!! How much weight can I expect to lose in the first few months following surgery, I have nightmares that I lose it too quickly and have acres (yes acres!!…

Hi all: My name is Sumom(alias). I am 39 years old and am having my surgery done at Rush in Illinois next Friday. I'm a bit nervous. Is this really going to work? I weigh over 325 and and have been on the liquid diet for 8 days now. I'm ok now. My sister had it done, she's doing ok and she works alot. I'm wondering how long with diet and excerise how long will it take to see a huge difference? Dr Jonathan Meyers is my Surgeon. He is awesome. Got me approved in just 6 monthsincluding the 3 mos of nutrition classes.As soon as I learn how, I will down load some pics. Any advice?:biggrin::tongue2:

If anyone is doing the 6 month supervised diet, you may want to check with your provider. I got a call today from my provider saying that BCBS IL changed to only 4 months. They also do not need the 5 year history anymore. I was originally going to have to wait until December to have surgery, and now, I will be able to get it done in September. I am so excited.

wow lets see if i make it this time i keep chickening out this is my third attempt to get lap band. i feel like i'm gonna die if i don't do this. i am a recovering drung addict and since i've been sober i've gained 140 pounds in 5 years my feet and lungs cannot handle the massive weight gain i cant breath and walking through the mall kills me i think i'm gonna over dose in food and die if i don't do this but dam it i'm scared as heck

Hello to all, Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am a social psychologist and a nurse, and am faculty at a university in the Western United States. I am recruiting participants for my research study examining heterosexual couple relationships following the female partner's weight loss surgery. The study includes a survey and an interview with each couple partner. All expenses (such as mailings, travel) are incurred by me. It has been my observation that although the number of weight loss surgeries performed is increasing, there is little attention to the impact and adjustment that couples go through following surgery. Social support -- inc…

I know, I'm going to hear that we shouldn't be eating pasta for many reasons: carbs, getting stuck, etc. I've been banded for 10 months now without any pasta and I would have to say it's the one thing I really miss. I tried some right after I was allowed real food again and got stuck so tight I haven't wanted to try it again. Well, the other day I found "low carb" pasta in the store and just had to try it. I boiled it up al dente and ate a small (1/4 cup) portion with lots of spaghetti sauce and extra veg's and was able to eat it with out getting stuck. HURRAY!!!!!!! :smile2: It's called Dreamfields and is lower carb and higher fiber and so YUMMY!!! I don't plan on…

Hey there My name is Marie and I am just now really starting my journey to see if this is for me. I got the referral from TriCare to go see Carteret Surgical Associates, and was wondering if anyone has used them and wondered what your thoughts are. My story--blah blah...lol...chunky most of my life but healthy and in shape, until the last 7 or so years, now just out of shape and listless...you know the feeling. So at 41, though my mind still says 25, I don't want to be this me anymore. I want to be the better me. The one who can do all the things my mind tells me I can. I am more than my weight and I am ready to move on. I have two gorgeous kids, one really sup…

Hi am a 32 year old female who is 5'3 and weighs 230#'s with a BMI of 41. My husband is a 28 year old who is 6'1 1/2 who weighs 340 #'s with a BMI of 43. We have just recently went to the doctor to try Phentramine when we were informed we are "morbidly obese" and we should look into lap band surgery. My husband had WPW (wolf parkinsons white syndrome) and has not been able to loose weight since. I had thyroid cancer and have only 1/2 a thyroid left. It still funtions on my blood test in the normal range however since that surgery it has been difficult to loose weight... (at that time I weighed 160) (YIKES!) We are too young to be THIS over weight. We have four children be…

I have finally made the decision to have the lap band surgery (at least I think I have, it's a tough decision for me). I'm about 200 lbs over weight and 26 years old. I've been over weight since I was a little girl and put on the majority of it after I had back surgery for curvature of the spine at age 14. I don't consider myself to be an emotional eater, but I do love food and I think I just let myself enjoy it too much. I rarely snack between meals, skip Breakfast, eat late, drink too much sugary drinks, and do all the things they tell you not to do and I am pretty much completely sedentary. After I get off work from a day of sitting in front of a computer, I get in …

Hey everyone. I'm not really sure what to post, just wanted to make an intro. I'm a 21 year old guy, considering getting the lap band. I've been really overweight ever since I was very young. I've tried losing weight so many times but just can't do it. The lap band sounds like exactly what I need. I'm just to a point where I don't feel like I can keep going on like this anymore. I feel like I've missed out on so much of my life and I don't want to miss out on any more of it. Of course I'm a little scared of the lap band, but it's something I know I need to do. I'm ready. Did anyone here have theirs done at Harper University Hospital in Detroit? This seems to be the …

I have done most of my preops that are necessary, but my surgery was pushed back because my insurance requires a 6 month supervised diet. My plan is to be banded in November, but I'm wondering if I should find a new Dr. The reason I'm considering this is I remember signing a paper that said I would pay a huge sum of money prior to surgery (I think around $2,500) not covered by insurance- for program fees or after surgery care. Will I end up paying that even if I found someone else? My Dr. now is Dr. R. Pinnar in VA. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I'm new here and excited about my banding procedure which is in just eight days. I've done all the diets and exercise plans over the years and lost/regained the weight. Diets work but I have never been able to keep my weight off. I'm hoping this will be the discipline I need to stay within my limits to maintain a healthy weight. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas, TrueBlue Plus PPO plan, and it will pay for my procedure because my BMI is over 40 and my doctor recommended as medically necessary. Dr. John Baker is my surgeon (a strict one he is) and I feel good about my experience with him so far. Dr. Baker requires two weeks of Meal Replacement therapy (Pro…

Hi my name is Kim and I was banded on 7/14/09. Still trying to get over the tenderness of the incisions, but other wise doing really well. I have moved from the Clear liquids to the cream style Soup hoping that would make me feel fuller, not really working. My stomach is growling at me all the time. Also I hiccup alot more, not sure what that means but it is a pain in more ways than one. No matter what I am so ready to begin my new healthy life! Take care:biggrin:

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting. I'm just now starting the approval process. I wanted to see if anyone had any information on the stress test? Last week I went in to take mine and after being hooked up to the EKG machine I was advised that I had a left bundled branch block and would have to go to a different place to do my stress test. Has anyone heard of this? Also does anyone have any recent information on Dr. Richard Carter in Arlington Texas? Thanks

Hi all, I've been a short time lurker and today I had my consult with the NP at my surgeons office and the meeting with the insurance coordinator. I'm a little disappointed that I have to have 6 months of supervised dieting prior to seeking approval from the insurance. However, I am determined to do whatever is necessary because I am determined to be banded. I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remeber and have never been successful in keeping weight off. I want the band to use as a tool in helping me be successful. I would love to hear from others in my situation, let's get together and support each other. I live in California's central valley. Tha…

Hi all, I am joining this wonderful group after stumbling upon it tonight. I have learned so much already! I am joining (hope this is okay) even though I am not the one having the surgery...it is my husband. He is scheduled for August 17, but he is not the type to spend much time on the internet unless it is work related, so I thought I would join for him and learn, learn, learn everything I can here. Thanks for letting me join:biggrin:

I had my lap-band done in June ,2006,by Dr Richard Carter in Arlington,Tx. Like him as a surgeon. He also gets you in on time and gets your fill done quickly. I lost very slowly at first them really lost 100 lbs. Then I either stretched my pouch out or my band slipped (or both). Had a redo two weeks ago July 14,2009. I gained 20 lbs so quickly,got panicky . He saw me in April and said wait until June. That's when Dr. Carter decided to do a revise(do over)..It was totally day surgery and I feel great. He won't do a fill on me for 60 days so I am anxiously awaiting that. It will be when I come back from a cruise so i will have to be very careful with my eating. Do…

Hi All, Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Shannon. I'm looking into getting the lap band done. I just went for my consultation and I'm waiting for my insurance to deny me. I haven't decided how hard I want to fight them, or to just finance it. I would love to hear from anyone who's got any good suggestions. I'm also looking for someone to tell me the pros and cons about the whole experience. I want to have this surgery done regardless. I have a two year old whom I really want to experience life with. Any info is GREAT appreciated. Thanks, Shannon:smile:

Hello Everyone. I am so excited! My surgery is tomorrow! I am a bit nervous about the "liver" thing. I have really did good sticking to the all liquid diet. I have had absolutley no carbs and only a nibble of meat twice:frown:. I am so looking forward to starting my life over. Good luck to all. You are in my prayers, and I ask that I am in yours.

Hi everyone! I was banded on July 2 and had lost 12 lbs but sadly I have gained half of it back. My biggest problem is I have terrible gas caught in my upper stomach under my rib cage. It hurts even more when i eat or drink. Any suggestions? I take antcaids and gasx but not must relief. I will get my first fill on August 4.:tongue2:

Hey there, My name is Angela, and I am almost 10 months post op, but just joining the website. I got married in May, and have met a lot of my personal goals. I have been on a plateau for about 3 months though. I have not shared the journey with many people in my life. In fact, most of my family, friends and co-workers don't even know that I had WLS. At first I didn't tell anyone because I was embarrassed at the fact that I couldn't lose the weight on my own. Then, I didn't share because I didn't want to be in the spotlight (in case I failed). I come from a really small town where everyone knows your business, and I certainly didn't want my weight to be the talk o…

I am new to Lap Band, infact I just made a doctor's appt. to learn more about it, as well as I am attending an information night at the obesity center where I live. My question is how hard is it to get approved? I am 20, 5''6, and am about 240 lbs. I figure my BMI is 38.5, but then again I do not know if I have any other issues until I speak with the doctor. I am just wondering how the process of getting approved is. I'm scared I wont be approved and I have tried just about every diet in the world and nothing works. My mom had this surgery done a month ago and has already lost 14 lbs, and is doing well. Anyone who can help me out, I'd be so thankful. I'm very new to all t…

Banded 2 weeks ago. 3cc's removed at 1 week post op Tues 7/21/09 because I could not drink. Then I swelled and on Friday 7/24/09 IV fluids with decadron(steroid to help) and another 1cc removed. Now again on Sunday back pain, golf ball in stomach feels lower than on Friday but lots of belching and spitting. I do get hungry but can not hold more than a few sips. Then it sits there uncomfortable, cannot drink protein shakes or water. I have tried cold drinks,warm drinks. I feel like I could eat but afraid to try. Could I be blocked again? or is this bandster hell?:thumbup: ha

Hello! I just came across this site today and decided to sign up. This looks like a great way to meet folks in the same situation and find out more information. I'm in the Jacksonville, Florida area and wondered if anyone else is close by. I'm looking into having the lap band procedure and wanted to hear from someone and their experience. I appreciate your advise and comments.

I am currently undergoing all of the preliminary appts. with the hope of being banded in July. Are there any other Massachusetts bandsters out there who have had or will have their surgery at Tobey Hospital in Wareham? The only folks I know who have used this surgery team have had full gastric bypass. Please send me a note if you are a patient of Dr. Kruger or Dr. Streeter. I'd love to hear about your journey and share mine with you as well. Thanks.

Hey folks! I just wanted to re-introduce myself to the boards. I introduced myself back in August of last year stating that I was interested in the band, and was going to start a new job and then look into a seminar. Things have changed since! I was discouraged from getting the band when I started the job back then cause my insurance was not as good as it once was. Well I went back to my old job, because of personal reasons and I got my good insurance back. Now not only do I have my new insurance, but I'm also under my husbands insurance policy. So I should be covered pretty well. :skep: Recently, (2 weeks ago) I had to have surgery to get my gallbladde…

Every time I overeat or eat something I'm not supposed to I start sneezing until I thow up. It's something weird and I would like to know if someone has experienced it before?

...I have my orientation and begin my Optifast diet this Tuesday. I went throught the "Approval Olympics" to get to this point, and am ready to light this candle.

I just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone....I just joined ! A little about me... I've always had a weight problem, but not as bad as the past 10-15 years. i had to always "watch" what I ate, or I would pack on the weight. I did have a "thin" period... Not a very long one.. but I was thin for a while... Then came a divorce and I had to care for my mother the past 15 years... I started really putting on the weight.. and then it felt so futile to even TRY to diet... Excercise?? What was that?? I felt work was all the excercise I needed.... I became so stationary... come home, get on the couch and that was it. I had been looking into weight loss the past 3 years, an…

hi guys anyone have amerihealth administrators I did a three month dr thing which wasn't required by insurance however my surgeon named dr harrison required it, anywho the papers were submitted and insurance requested I go for a thyroid and igg test ( maybe igg is wrong) and everything came out okay so now waiting for approval again has this happened to anyone else I know people in my 3month class already had dates for surgery:confused:

Meeting with Dr, George Fie;lding on July 8th, and will be sceduling surgery from there. Everything is done except for my psych appointment, which I am just waiting for Dr. Huberman to call me back to schedule it. Cannot wait...I have been as high as 376 and as low as 276 in the last 12 years, been overweight my entire life...this is a blessing and I intend to stick with it the rest of my life. Look forward to talking on here and hearing success stories along with sharing my own. I look forward to Dr. Fielding doing my surgery as I know at least 5 people that have had it done through him.

Hi I am linda, due to see my Dr for the first time in Sept, I have watched the surgery performed on you tube, they made reference to Hiatus hernia..does anyone know what happens if you have a hernia and does it interfere with you having the lapband op. I was told 20 yrs ago that I had a hernia but I dont ever remember having any problems with it. I hope someone can answer this for me cheers Linda

Hello! I was looking for a place to get some advice and share experiences. My one year anniversary is coming up soon. It has been an interesting year. I had my surgery in Little Rock Arkansas and a few months later my family and I moved to Germany. I was on filled to 4.5 ccs when I left the States and did not feel much restriction. I had lost 40lbs though. I got a referal to a German doctor a couple of months after I got here. The fill experience was very different as the put me in front of a Xray and doubled the amount! Talk about a huge difference! I look forward to getting to know you all!