Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, So I am at the tail end or the very beginning ( depending on how you look at it:) I am getting banded on Aug. 6th . I got my authorization and I am meeting today with the dietitian to discuss my pre-op diet. I am getting soo scared and soo excited. I can't imagine how life will feel after ( holidays, day to day, ) and I am VERY nervous about taking care of my 2 year old twins and 4 year old daughter post op. Any suggestions??? I would love some encouragement :bored:

Hello to everyone im new here and I go to my first appointment ever on August 20th 2009 to talk to my surgeon about the lapband. Its just that I have an HMO and I want to see if they would cover the cost of surgery and consultation. the only catch is I have to see my primary care physician and she has to evaluate me for six months and I have to get all of these tests done on me. Im in the Richmond, VA area and I wanted to know does anyone know how long it will take me to get scheduled for the surgery if I want my HMO to cover all charges. Please dont tell me I probably wont get the surgery until next year. Pleas help

I am 6'0 and 360. 29 year old male. I have lost weight plenty of times in the past including with a personal trainer only to gain it back. Nothing new right? Well I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. I called Dr David Geller's office in Louisville as a friend of mine recommended his office. They told me to get all these facts and questions answered before I could even get into a seminar. So ok, I call my insurance and they tell me flat out they don't do lap band surgeries. I'm thinking..."OK?" And I hang up. I call back later and get a different person and they say the same thing. After I question them why, he relents that they don't do it for p…

If so i have a wonderful reccommendation for you. let me know. -kat

hi. Well I am home recouping. This is my last day before I go back to work. I am so ready to get back to work! For some basics on me. I am a 30 year old female. I live with 3 of my best friends. My friends are my rocks! They are amazingly supportive! My family lives about 1 hour away and have been awsome. My mom had been suggesting the lap band for several years and I finally just reach the point that I was over living the way I was living. I went to a seminar. That night I typed up a to do list of all the diffent steps I had to do to get to today and started to check them off as I went. I posted the list in in my bedroom and it really motivated me! I want to move …

I am in the banding process. Still have some things left to do. I am hopeful to get the band in Sept. Crossed fingers!

Hi everyone. I'm so glad I found this board. I'll tell you my story and try to keep it short. :Dancing_wub: Been heavy since I was 10 and I have tried everything. Weight Watchers, Optifast, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig... etc....etc... Well I'm still heavy and I'm at about 40 BMI, I don't necesarrily have health issues that I know of. EX: diabetes, sleep apnea etc. But I'm going tomorrow to meet with a surgeon for the Realize band. I'm just so sick of being fat and unhealthy. I called my insurance company and checked with them to make sure I will be covered and they did say yes as long as it's medically necessary and done as an out patient. Cross your fingers …

So after fighting with diets I have talked to my doctor about lap band. He is very supportive of the idea. Just to give you a run down: age 29 6'5" 380lbs 45 BMI Obstructive sleep Apnea Highly sedentary job with little energy for exercise by the time I get home. I'm beginning a 6 month physician supervised diet as per my insurance requirements. I am a little nervous about this as it will be my first surgery ever. I have never been opened up before. My goal is to lose 160. I also found out that my insurance is going to cover 100% so thats a relief.

I'm joining a little late, I guess.......I am all set to be banded on July 27, 2009 ........ one week from today. And I am sooooo ready! I'm not sure what all to write here...um I have Empire BcBs, and they are paying, would have been at 90% but I've met the max out of pocket for this year already. My surgeon is Craig Morgenthal, and I'm having my surgery at Baptist Medical Center. :smile:

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing well in their journey. We are all in this together. I was banded on 7/7/09 and i'm doing well 12 days post op. I couldn't say that about a week ago as i thought to myself what the heck did i do. I want to lose about 80-88lbs. I have lost 15lbs since i started this journey on 7/1/09, i am thankful for that although my clothes still fit the same. I am married with four daughters triplets and a toddler. My family is very supportive through this journey. I pray that i get through this without any complications, setbacks or distractions. Wishing everyone the best...:smile:

:thumbup:Hello fellow lapbanders! I am new to the forum...I am at the beginning of my lapband journey and as you know have many questions. My first question and least important is, after surgery when the weight begins to shed is there alot of excess skin with the lapband compared to gastric bypass?

Hi! My name is Missy and I'm from Eastern Kentucky. I was banded on July 10th. It took me over a year to get this surgery approved with my insurance so I was so excited that my time had finally came. It wasn't as bad as my hysterectomy but it wasn't "nothing" as I've read about either. This is a major change and one that is ongoing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sorry at all that I had this surgery, I just wasn't prepared for how long I'd feel bad. It's finally starting to feel better so I'm in a better mood! The only problem I really had was the gas pains! OMG! That was bad! Thank god that is better for the most part now. Is anyone else having problems getti…

I'm very glad to find this site! My name is Cathy, I was banded on May 18th, 2009. So far I just had my first fill on July 15th. I think Im in my green zone, but barely. I kind of think I might have another fill, but Im not too sure yet with this being new. I've lost 24 lbs so far & feeling good. Found out I have a lactose intolerance that I never used to have. I live in Pasadena, MD, and my Dr is Peter Liao. I think he is just wonderful. He is out of GBMC in Baltimore.

Hi Everyone, I am scheduled for lapband surgery this upcoming Thursday, July 23rd. I am nervous, excited, worried, and all that comes with it. I have a lot of prep to do-and I am self pay. Have any of you wanted to keep the band surgery a secret from people in your life? I am feeling like I don't want everyone to know my business nor do I want to feel judgment. Thanks!:wink2:

I am so thrilled to find this forum. I had my surgery on June 18th and have checked posts on this forum several times to help answer questions and ease concerns. You guys are such a supportive and helpful bunch of people!! I go in for my first fill on July 16th. My doctor does not put anything in the band when he does surgery so this is truly my first fill. I am excited to experience the difference. I thought something was wrong with me cause I was not filling satisfied with a half cup of food. After reading the posts on fills I now understand. Again, I am really pleased to have found this forum and thank you all for your informative posts.

THE CALLED and the approval came in .. exactly seven days.... I will be banded AUGUST 10Th!!!:smile::thumbup:

Hello :wink2:

Good morning! This is my first post. Although, I have just joined, I have been quite the voyer for the past year All of your stories and advice has been a big help to me during this year of preparation for my surgery. I am not one for sharing but am making a big step to try and change that because I see how supportive you all are for each other. Being that my surgery is scheduled this Tuesday, I am very anxious and cant wait to see the progress that I have seen for so many of you on here. Look forward to chatting with you all and making a new lap band family :smile:

hey everyone I'm new here! i just wanted to know if anyone is on tricare prime.( i have triwest) i went into see my PCM today and he said that i would be a good candidate to have the lap band done. so he put the referral in right there and then. the Q that i have is how long does it take for tricare to approve you to see the surgeon and then from there how long does it take to have the surgery? thanks so much for all your help:confused:

Hi, I had a Gastic By pass, RNY about 6 years ago, was fine for 4-5 yrs. now have gained all weight back. Would a band/sleeve be possable? what is the differnece between the 2. any links to info on sleeve what ever banding types of options would be great, thank you! Mare

I met with my surgeon yesterday, as well as my insurance coordinator, nutritionist, and nurse. I am so exicted, as I found out my insurance has very minimal requirements (psych eval, bloodwork, and letter from family practice doctor). They just dropped their diet requirements last January. I don't even have to wait for an approval. I just need to get all the required documents to the coordinator and they will schedule me for surgery. Depending on how quickly my psych eval doctor and family doctor send in their parts, I am looking at August or early September. I am so pumped. Thank god for my BC/BS PPO!!! Also, let me tell you all... I have been lurking here for t…

help!!!! I had my band on 4/9/2009 and as of todays date I have only lost a total of 26 pounds. I go for my 3rd fill next week and I am starting to get depresses because I thought I would have lost more weight by now. I walk and I use my Gazelle for exercise but the weight isnt going anywhere can someone suggest something I can try different or is this the norm for weight loss?

I am new to all of this...I have my pre-op appointments this week. Hope to have a surgery date in a few weeks. I am excited to get my life back.

For those of you that have already had the surgery.... any regrets?

I am curious how long you got off from work after the lap band? I have very good disability through work and want it to last as long as it can, but I am also curious how long it took to feel good enough to go back to work.

I got banded 4/07. Lost 144lbs. Diagnosed with colon cancer on9/08..Needed to open band for tumor surgery and chemo...Completed all of that. Refilled band then started having gallbladder issues. Needed to empty band to put a shunt in..Refilled band and now I am having a terrible time trying to get off the 60 lbs I gained when the band was open..I am filled back up to where I was when I lost all the weight but its terribly hard to get the weight off this time...I know what I have to do just can't stay on track and get it done....Anybody have any advice for me????:frown:JULIE

Hi, all. My name is Cyndi and I am new to this whole thing. I actually joined this board quite a while back, in order to learn about the procedure -- then I became inactive and haven't been back. I was considering whether or not I wanted the band or bypass surgery, but I made my decision and I am SO happy with my choice. I still have three appointments in various clinics before I can schedule the appointment where they will set my surgical date. I am just waiting for the appointments to come. I still have a psych eval, an appointment with the pulmonary clinc (I have a lung disease) and I have to attend a class.. then I am on my way! Yay! I am nervous, nervous, nervous t…

Hey my name is Tinalyn, I'm an overweight female from Canada. Currently looking into the option of having Lap-band surgery done, but unable to afford it. Just thought I could gather some information and meet new people on this scary journey I wanna take.

Can I do this? This is question that I have been asking myself over and over. All my life since I was a little girl I have been FAT. I have used food to comfort me when I was upset, as a social activity with friends, and as a form of celebration. I have tried and failed at so many other diet plans that is is not even funny. Sure each time I would make my mind up that this time was going to be different. I'd start out doing great sticking to the food plan and exercising daily and then it would happen! I'd think to myself I sure would like a blizzard or some other food that I knew was forbidden. Eventually, I would break down and go get whatever it was that I desired and af…

Hello-I had the Lapband done two years ago and I am one of the few that has had complications with the band. I am wondering if having the bastric surgery is even a opition for me?? I have a different insurance company now. Does anyone now anything about this???:cursing:

I'm new to this thread, this is my first time here. I'm 38, a mother of four, 17,12,11,9. I have been approved for the lap-band by blue cross and blue shield. I was approved for a Janurary, 09 surgery, but didn't quite have the $1,100 for the payment. Now I have rescheduled for November 10th, so hopefully I will be on my way to a healthier and happier life.:scared2:

Hello everybody. I'm very happy to have found this forum. I'm in the initial stages of the process. My consultation is scheduled for Aug. 13. I'm very excited and ready to get things underway. I'm also very nervous about dealing with the insurance company, etc. I've read some of your stories! Anyway, I'm looking forward to it and I'm really happy to have found this forum.

Hi - I am having my surgery at 7:30 am - sitting at my desk at work hungry - drinking my clear liquids.... I am nervous and excited and optimistic and afraid and happy all at the same time! Ironically this past week I thought I would lose my mind eating all the forbidden foods, but the desire just wasn't there - ate lasagna at Olive Garden and felt horrible (do you know that has 850 calories per serving? YIKES!!!) - My family is very supportive - work is driving me nuts - I put my foot down and I am taking the time I need. I think they can sense my agitation...I have not taken vacation in over a year anticpating my surgery. It's time I take care of me! Any advice o…

Hi all! I am a patient with healthnet in San Diego and I have scripps as my primary care group. I am getting a referral to Dr. Horgan (UCSD) for lap band consult, and hopefully banding. Has anyone had Health net and been approved for surgery through uCSD eventhough they were not your primary group? Also, does anyone have any tips or pointers for dealing with the insurance company, the doctors, or even success stories?? I am really interested in this surgery, I tried getting it many years ago, and dr's Calorie and Potts turned me down because I was not heavy enough at 240... They were pushing more for the RNY bypass, which I do not consider myself a candidate for either.…

i live in the uk and asked my gp if banding was available on the nhs he said he didnt know and a diet is better anyway? has anyone in scotland or england had it on the nhs and how did you go about it, all help greatly appreciated as had enough of being fat,and endless dieting:blink::confused_smile::thumbs_up: tracey.x

Hi- I am Mark from Southborough, MA and I am scheduled for Lap Band on Monday morning. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I don't know if I am nervous about the surgery or worse, going through all this and not taking off a good amount of weight. So far, the pre surgery diet has been easy and I've lost 11 pounds since first going to the doctor. Looking froward to making some positive changes in my life for my wife and kids.

Okay all - there is a patient in the hospital who is a revision - she had her band replaced once and still had issues so had a revision. She had it on 7/11. She is having some issues and needs all of our prayers. Her BP is low and she has not been able to walk. She has an excessive amount of drainage and Dr. A is going to go back in and check things out to be sure she has no leaks. She is very scared, as you can imagine; and everyone who has been here with left today, will be leaving today, or will be leaving in the morning. I will not give her name, just call her "N". Please everyone, say your prayers for her and that she has a speedy recovery. She is here by her…

I was just checking to see if I had posted anything, and back in February was my first post just talking about going to a seminar for the lap band surgery. So much has happened since then. On June 15, 2009 I was banded. I have already lost 20% of my excess body weight, my BMI has gone from 45 down to 40. I'm just so amazed at the energy level I have now. Yesterday I went for my first fill. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. All my doctors and caregivers revolving around this surgery have been wonderful! My friends and family have been more than supportive I really couldn't ask for more. I am so glad I made this decision to change my life. All I w…

Hello, My name is Amy, I am 38 and live in the DFW area Texas. I just had surgery on July 6th. My Surgeon was Dr. Sina Matin and I had my surgery at Baylor Medical Center Grapevine and I had a wonderful experience with a very friendly and professional doctor and wonderful nurses at Baylor Grapevine. My recovery is going well and I probably could have gone back to work after taking five days off but I took off eleven days just in case. I felt hungry the very next day after surgery which surprised me because I thought that the swelling would prevent that from happening so early but it hasn't been too bad. My hunger is still very much decreased compared to what it use…

Has anyone else just started their journey with Dr Meyer at Riverside hospital?

Hi everyone. My name is Sue and I had lapband surgery April 17th, 2009. I had my surgery in Dallas, Tx at the Plano Surgical Center and Dr. Cribbins was my surgeon. Surgery went very good and the whole process from initial assessment to surgery was a very smooth process. The staff at the Surgical Center were very kind, attentive and professional. I had my 2nd fill today and what a difference I'm feeling. I feel I'm finally on the road to weight loss. I didn't lose much after my first fill. I have a 10cc band and only 2cc was put in the first time. I had 2 cc put in today. I can sure tell a difference now with 4cc in my band.

Hi, my name is Vicki, I am currently waiting for insurance approval. I have Anthem of Indiana and hope there won't be any hold ups. My insurance advocate at the Center has helped me get all my information the Insurance company requires and should be submitting it yet this week!! I have been working on this process since Nov. 2008. Wish me luck!!

Hey there everyone. Just thought I would take the time to mention that i too am in the line up for the sleeve...finally got my date. After dieting and excercising for years..... *keep falling of the wagon after 2 years of faithful slimming* playing with the yo yo in extremes with big loses and even bigger gains its now time to get it right once and for all! the 3rd of Aug means the begining of my new life. All my life i have been overweight never knowing the secrets of a smaller person. how they shop, how they *enjoy* clothes shopping (always a headache for me) being spontanious, not ever haveing to worry about seat size and is there going to be anyone sitting…

Im back after two years. Two years ago I backed out of lap band surgery the night before my operation. I decided I would do it on my own. Well needless to say it didn't happen. I have just went through the entire process again and Im just waiting on my insurance approval. I am very excited but scared too. My biggest thing, same as before, am I making the right decision? Everytime I know without a doubt that the lap band is for me, someone comes along and tells me why the bypass is so much better and tells me horror stories of band problems that WILL happen because they ALWAYS do. Help!!

Hi all! I just joined and here is my story - I am one of thoses "2 year out banded people" Never had the first complication with the band till Jan 09 - jumped off 3 ft ledge and hit the floor went to my knees in pain at band area. Wen to doc he said it was find perfect in fact under flouroscope - pain subsided after a week so went on with life then in 4/09 I suddenly had no restriction so I went in for a fill - told him something still felt differnt - he looked again - again said perfect gave me a fill - I called back that day and told them something was wrong no restriction - they said wait a week for it to kick in - I said not something that has happened to me but I kno…

Hello all This is my first time posting.I've decided to have the band procedure. I'm just looking into information about my insurance and around my area. So I'd appreciate if people with experience could give me some input on a few questions I may have. I'm glad to have found a site like this.

Hello :wub: I am about to become banded....T-26 days to be exact. My husband and I are excited to start our life anew. There are so many simple, day-to-day things I miss being able to do! I look forward to sharing my story and learning the ropes from all of you experienced folks. I am curious about how to get a ticker for my profile??? Any advice on what to expect is appreciated. Cheers!

Hello all. I'm new to the lap band land. My doctor just recommend it yesterday. Both my husband and I are attending a seminar 8-13-09 and I must say that I'm exicted. My main concern is the cost but I've been told that by my insurance that all i should have to pay is a $250.00 copay. I have United Healthcare. If anybody has dealt with them please let me know or if anyone has had lap band at Clark Memorial in Indiana. Thanks and happy losing.:thumbup:

Hi everyone, I was wondering if you need your lapband unfilled before surgery? I asked at my last fill and they said absolutely yes because when you;re recovering they want you to get all the nutrients to make you heal better. I asked them if this was the rule at their hospital or a general rule and they brushed off my question. I was hoping to stay filled because i want a tummy tuck and my fill nurse said it needs to stay empty for 8 weeks!! I can't imagine what a horrendous time I'll have trying to keep the weight off especially as I will have a brand new tummy!! Can anyone give any advice? thanks

Hello, I am a huge lurker in forums reading and reading a lot. Thanks to all who post and all that answer. I have been attending Mecry Hospital Groups and Just got my date of July 31st... Nervous and excited.