Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi my name is Jennifer and I am new here. I was banded on April 7, 2009...my new Bday. So far since the process I have lost a total of 52 lbs and 32 since surgery. I love my band, so much. I have had two fills and seem to have found almost a just right spot. I may need a little more maybe 1/2 cc. I have a 8cc band and have a total of 5cc in it. I am looking forward to meeting new bandsters!! Jen

Hey! I'm new. I get banded next Thursday by Dr. Hollis here in Houston. I'm kinda excited and kinda nervous. My dad has been banded, too, so I've seen what he's been through. I'm looking forward to life on the other side. :redface:

Hello fellow realizers! This the real deal!! I have posted a few times but never really did give you any information about myself so wanted to send out an introduction Here are my stats: 35 5' 206 highest weight ever 01/08 Went to more than one surgeon before choosing the one that did my procedure 39 BMI 199 06/12/09 188 07/01/09 I was banded 6/25/2009 - the day Michael Jackson died 5 incisions Hiatel Hernia Repair I did not do a pre op diet Insurance paid after 6 mo supervised diet (i was already doing this at the Joslin Diabetes Center prior to even thinking of the lap band and was also going to weight watchers - so it was easier to provide the docume…

My name is Sallie and I'm in LA. I finally did my last test (cardiac clearance). They are supposed to schedule my surgery now. I can't wait to begin the rest of my life. I have Protein powder. I need some recipes for shakes. I have Gas-X strips. I have a friend who will come help me once my surgery date is set. I need to lose 105 more pounds. I've lost 22 over the last couple of months. I'm really trying not to gain weight while waiting. Thanks for being here. Sallie

Hi, I am new to all of this. I was banded on the 25th of June 09 and am having a difficult evening tonight, so I thought I would join this to give me inspiration.. and it really has, you people are amazing and I know that this is very hard work. Being on this liquid diet is crap and I am over it... I absolutely hate soup and I can't have anymore because I am over it. In three weeks I have lost 8 kilos, my D.R wants me to loose around 30 kilos but I would be much happier with at least 40 kilos. I know this journey is going to be hard but I also know that it will be sooooo worth it. I just can't wait until I am at the end of the journey and liking myself again. How ha…

Hi. I was just banded this past Monday (6/29/09). Doc gave me the ok to start on pureed food. Any good suggestions? I'm trying to figure out how to get my protein each day.

Hi, I want learn about real life results on dieting the healthy way and keeping it off. I have personally lowered my cholesterol from 238 to 174 and lost 24 pounds in 3 months. Thanks for having me here.

That is my dr. Was curious on your thoughts about him

Hello All, I am having trouble logging onto chat today, and I just had my lapband put on a few hours ago....Ever since I woke up from my surgery I have been experiencing extreme gas pain behind my left breast, and underneath left breast and left side of back....My incisions don't even hurt it is this horrible pain in my chest and and like I said left side of back that is killing me...Even with the strongest drugs I am still feeling it....Has anyone else out there experienced this pain after surgery? Please let me know how you handled it. Thanks:crying:

Wow, what a ride it's been! After 1 year I am very happy to say I've lost 82.5 pounds! I don't believe I could have done it without the help of the Band. Anyone who is wondering if you should do this, ABSOLUTELY YES! It hasn't been smooth sailing all the way. You are still able to eat "fattening" foods if you choose and you have to make the right food decisions. On the occasion when food gets "stuck", it's very uncomfortable and hurts. That reminds you that you should eat slower and take smaller bites. I'm lucky that I can eat any food that I used to eat, I just have a much smaller portion and if it's not protein, it will be a really small portion. I alway have protein on…

Hi everyone! I am so glad to have found this site. I am 35 years old and I weight 247 and I am 5'8 which puts me at a BMI of 37. So that means I need co-morbidities to get approved. It has been a long wait. I started the process in March with the LB workshop. I got word that my insurance (which is Aetna PPO) requires you to do a 3 month weight managemet with your surgeon, 1 physic consult, and 3 nutrition consults and a letter from my PCP. We have everything submitted and it has been 2 weeks today since I had my last appointment with the surgeon. I am to the point I am ready, but scared. I have never been this size, but started to gain weight after my hysterectom…

I was banded on November 08 in Belguim by Dr Chris de Bruyne.I lost 2 stone at the start because of swelling after the opperation and could'nt eat very much then put it all back on again.I could'nt get to grips with the head hungers.I'm still not at my sweet spot but have started to loss a bit. it's hard trying to change all my bad habbits.anyone had the same problems please get in touch.

Hi, I am a new bandster. My surgery was 6/19/09 and I am feeling pretty good. I am glad all the insurance nonsense, tests, and surgery are behind me now.

As of today I am approved for lap band surgery!! It has been a long wait, but very necessary, as I was not ready to do this till now. I actually started the process last fall. In January I went through the initial consults, etc and in February received my denial letter from my insurance. I was relieved! I was not ready. I put it on the back burner until about a month ago when I decided I was ready. I wrote the ins. co a 2 page letter about why I needed WLS and sent it off on Monday. Today I hesitantly called thinking it was too soon to find out anything and they said I am APPROVED!! I am so beyond thrilled and READY and at peace about my choice of lap band. I…

Hey there my name is Kristy im 26 and have BMI of 40.5%. i've always been over weight. My concern is that it won't work for me Even though the success to fail ratio is gnarly. I have a few questions like...... how bad does it suck not eating food for 2 weeks? and how often do bands slip??? most of my questions can be answered by my dr. im sure. I guess im just scared :redface: im having to finance 19,000 and am woried it won't work. Side note is there anyway to change my username? lol

Hello, I am new to the site and have just got approved. My surgery date is scheduled for 7/31/09. I am a little scared, not of the surgery, but that it will be too hard for me to maintain the requirements. My goal is to lose about 145 lbs. If anyone have any suggestion about post op diet or anything else, please feel free to share them with me.

Hi my name is Karen. I have been wanting lap band surgery for a very long long time. My insurance will not cover it, so finally my mother said she would help me if she really felt the surgery made me happy. Well ofcourse I said do this thing. Now everything is coming into play so quickly I am starting to get 2nd thoughts. Do i really want this, how painful is it, how long am I going to be out of work, etc. Also quitting smoking a month before surgery. I go for my 1st visit w/ the doctor on July 29th and after that as long as things go right I can have surgery as quick as Aug 14th. Does anyone have any advise or thoughts for me? I could really use it!!

Hey everyone.. ive been around this website for a few months now and have learnt so so much thanks to everyone.. Lately ive had a few people confronting me about my decision to get lapband vs gastric sleeve. I don't really know alot about the sleeve, but i knew lapband was reversible and when i saw my surgeon re: lapband he was very happy with doing it based on my weight (275pounds or 125kgs), height (5'8) and bmi (42) etc, nothing more was mentioned about any other form of surgery.. So i just went along with what he thought and what id only ever presumed i thought i would get done.. i was just second guessing my opinion and probably shouldnt. Lapband is not without i…

Hi, My name is Cassie and I am in the early phase of still learning about weight loss surgery. I need to lose 170 lbs + to be at my ideal weight. I am young ( 20) with two kids. I am hoping this forum can help me.

I had my surgery on June 12th which will be 3 weeks tomorrow. Everything has been rolling really smoothly and no troubles at all. Then today hit! I have been bloated and feel so full that I can't eat anything. I can barely drink water without having to burb like a man afterwards to get the air out. All I have had today was some yogurt this morning and about 1/2 cup of water. Is this normal? Did I do something wrong, everything feels so tight and pushed up into my chest. If you are lactose intolerant wouldn't it have happened before today? Oh and I am severly constipated. Does anyone have any suggestons?

Hi, I'm Cheri. I'm interested in what people are doing to deal with the food addiction now that they've gotten a jump start through the band. I'm working very hard not to stretch this new tiny tummy and I'm amazed at the temptation to add liquid during my eating time so I can eat more or to just keep right on eating tiny bits, however slowly, beyond the prescribed half an hour. IF YOUR STOMACH OFFENDS YOU, TIE IT OFF I've started a blog to help me deal with it. Maybe it'll help you, too. IF YOUR STOMACH OFFENDS YOU, TIE IT OFF Band Date: 6/18/2009. :tongue2:

Hi everyone! I have been looking at getting banded and have made an appointment for the free informational seminar. I did find out my insurance does cover the services 100%, so I am hoping to be a good candidate and that the requirements are something I can handle. I live in Phoenix and have actually just gained weight my whole life. In high school, I was a normal, healthy size and quite beautiful actually. Now I am the pretty fat girl and I have absolutely no energy to participate with my three kids. I am really hoping that this surgery could give me my life back and allow me to "participate" in life instead of watching from the sidelines! Thank you to all who post th…

Hi Guys, new to the forum idea but banded in Nov 06 ( I think)... Went to an information session, joined a private medical fund waited my 12 months, and then started the process. Had the op did really well on my liquid and mush diet for the 6 weeks following, including Christmas. During this time I lost approx 15kg then when normal eating time resumed I began to struggle... Never felt the effect of the band, it does not limit my portion size, sometimes makes it difficult to eat drier food and unable to vomit. these are my only affects. I have had several band fills... they could never find the port so had it done under ultrasound, fluroscope etc etc at incredible expens…

Hi, my name is Shay and my husband and I were both banded on May 28, 2009 in Mexicalli, Mexico. First of all I want to say that the trip and experience in Mexico exceeded our expectations and all the fear that was put into me by my family was totally unneccessary. I know it sounds scary, but it was the best hospital experience I have ever had and I have had 4 c-sections and two other surgeries myself and a lot of hospital experiences with my 15 year old daughter who has renal/kidney disease. I lost 23 lbs and my husband 18 lbs in the first 2-3 weeks, BUT now have not lost anymore in the last 2 weeks. It seems a little soon to feel like I need a fill/adjustment alrea…

I had my surgery on Nov. 25, 2008 and have lost 30 pounds. The weight loss has been very slow but I'm trying to stay optimistic. Thought it would be nice to have someone to chat with who actually understands all the ups and downs of living with a band. I'm a teacher and out for summer right now. I'm one of those "eat when you get bored" kind of people. I've had 8 adjustments so far. I've had an annoying pain in my right side every since the surgery. It comes and goes. My doctor says that it couldn't be related in anyway to my band. It's not "female" related because I've already had all of that checked out. TMI! (too much information) Anyway, just wondering if a…

I just wanted to say hello. My nutritionist recomended this site for support. My trouble spots are sweets and getting enough water in my day. Any suggestions for these issues? FYI, I work in a lab setting where food and drink is prohibited. Thanks,:redface:

Hey guys! I have been using this website for quite sometime now getting answers to all my question when I was considering surgery and support since I have had it. Well I was finally banded on June 16th, 2009. I am currently 16 days out. I just moved onto my "soft food" stage 2 days ago and am DOING SO MUCH BETTER now that I can have stuff that sticks. My first fill is in about 4 weeks (beginning of Aug). I am from Bakersfield, CA and Dr. Irani did my surgery! Surgery was very smooth. No complications at all. I am healing well. It only took a good week before I was really back to normal. Now at 2 weeks I feel like I never went under the knife. I started at 253 lbs.…

I'm new to the site and just wanted to say hello to everyone. I'm having my lap band surgery tomorrow - pretty nervous. :thumbup: Anyway, I'm glad I found this site - it will be nice to have people to talk to who are going through the same experience as me. :smile2:

I had my realize band put in last August. I weighed 226 the day of surgery. over the next 4 1/2 months, i lost down to 195. january i maintained, then i started gaining and am back up to 220 and very discouraged. also during this spring,i had trouble with kidney stones and my gallbladder had to come out. I don't feel any restricions. I think I have 3.5cc.I have no restricion and am no losing weight. any feedback/advise would be great. Dr. prickett in Columbia did my surgery but i onl saw him for the first fill. someone else in his office did the other two. I am becoming discouraged. Any suggestions??

Just recently got approved, it took me a few days to get things set up but It's all set and I have my surgery date set for August 12, 2009....I'm very excited! I have been doing JC and I still am, I wanted to see how much I could lose on my own since this was the last diet strategy that I needed to try. I tried the rest this was the last one and I might add its very costly, I've been doing it for 2 weeks and I've lost 7lbs, I think I wanted to see how much I could lose before my 40th birthday on July 19th....still going through with the band just wanted to get things jump started...can't wait!!!

YEAH - I have my first appointment with the surgeon on July 28 -- I am so ready to be a part of the banded club! I have talked with my insurance and they said it is a covered procedure (awesome)! I have had my psych eval and eventually I am not completely crazy - she approved me for the surgery:) What happens at the first appointment? What's the average time frame for a surgery date after that first appointment?

Hello, I am new to this website, I was banded April 07. I have been fine up until 2 months ago when I began throwing up, I have gone to the doctor and my band has no sign of slippage but I am worried that if I continue like this band slippage will happen my doctor gave me prilosec and that has not helped I have also had alot of saliva build up when I do throw up this is what comes out first has anyone had this happen to them I really could use some help here. Thanks, Mel

I am so excited! I got my approval today, I never thought it would happen. Of course I was so negative and thought I would be denied. Oh my gosh I can't believe I am almost at the final step! Within the next 4-6 weeks I will be banded! It was so worth going through everything to get to this point!! Ahhh I am anxious!!!!

Questions for everyone out there! I have a million and appreciate all the information you have. Well first off I am wondering if everyones doctor gave them an option of lap band versus the gastric bypass? My doctor told me that I am a canidate for either one. I am 5'1 and weight 225lbs. Honestly, I never really considedered gastic bypass, but when he mentioned it as an option it made me rethink things a little bit. I think the lap band may be a better choice for me because I do want more children; I have one daughter and I am 26. I feel as if the lap band is less intrusive and obviousy less dangerous, faster recovery etc. I am also curious at how long the process w…

Hello all, Today I went to my doctor to talk about getting the lap band and she advised against it. She says that the patients she has that did the lap band haven't lost more than 40 lbs over two years on average, and the patients that did gastric bypass have lost over 100 lbs easily. She said it's my choice but she suggests I get the bypass. I've done my research on the lap band, I've been reading this site for a few weeks and I've seen your before and after pics after I registered. You guys are amazing! I know it won't be a walk in the park, I know I'll have to diet and exercise. I also know that the bypass is a lot more dangerous and not reversible. I'd rather stay…

Hello everyone, I'm in the preop stage awaiting my 1st consult w/ the surgeon. I'm excited about getting lapband and am seeking any guidance and support out there. I am 5' 5.5" and weigh 244 BMI=40. I'm most nervous about the insurance approval process but will wait to see what the dr. says. On a personal notes, I am 31 years old, married, mom of 2 (age 6 and 2), a NICU nurse and a grad student. I reside in Virginia and enjoy travel/outdoors. Hope to hear from all of you and would love a few buddies for some extra very needed support.

Greetings All! I am new here and I've been lurking for a few days reading all of your wonderfully informative posts. I am seriously considering lap band surgery after finding out that I am diabetic...also, I'm morbidly obese (much hated term) at 5'10 and 340lbs and 40 yrs old. I am VERY NERVOUS about the procedure so I've just been trying to learn everything I can and get as many experiences as possible before I make my final decision. What scares me MOST, believe it or not, is all the stories about people vomiting!!! I have SERIOUS issues with vomiting--can't stand to see, hear or smell anything having to do with it, and I myself have not thrown up since I was 9 …

Hey everyone My name is Danielle.I am 21 years old I was banded on November 8,2007 I have lost a total of 100lbs I have been looking for a sight where i could share my journey with others!! Cant wait to hear from yall!!

I am newly banded 6/12/09 I am also computer STUPID, soooo please bear with me as I try to navigate this site so that I can talk to all of you & bombard you all with 100's of questions.

Dano here i am in mexicali right now .i have had sleeve put in by Alberto Aceves 12/4/08 i have lost over 100 lbs and now i am recovering from a tummy tuck,muscle repair,lipo, that i had done 14 days ago by dr Manual Bello and all is going great..I have been on a rapid ride. i weighed in at 195 when i got here my heaveyest was 308 i have a muscler build and i went from a size 44 to 32 and when my swelling goes down i may be a 30..i was buying medium shirts in the mall yesterday, that was pretty cool. in 7 monthes i will have lost more than my goal weight and had my excess skin removed after 20 years of being obese/overweight feeling like all things / program…

I was looking into lapband in Mexico by Dr Rodriquez when Renee from Dr Aceves called me to talk about the sleeve. After researching it and reading this forum, I am now convinced that this is the surgery for me. I refused the gastric bypass twice with United Healthcare and Cigna over the last 10 yrs. Glad I did, but now am with BCBS and they don't cover any WLS. So am selfpay and will have to find fianancing-have already been turned down by one company. I have cut expenses by moving in with friends and taking a second job. Am almost 50 now and BMI of 54 with diabetes, asthma, hypertension and sleep apnea. My ?s are: After finding financing, how long will it take to get on…

Now that I've chosen the RNY as my revision surgery it was reccommended by ladiesassie to ask about Protein shakes.... A person at work told me I should drink the already made Low Carb Slim Fast shakes- 20 grams of Protein and -0- sugar..... Is this something I can drink right out of the gate? would it be too sweet for me? Also what other types of drinks in powder form are GREAT tasting? I don't mind blending them up as long as they taste good. I really don't want to lose my hair ( My hair has already thinned out from the lap band) So it's important that I get in enough protein to keep what I have left :tongue_smilie: Any in sight would be very helpful to me. So …

Hi All, I had my Surgery on the 9th June 09, and feel good, I have lost 1 stone 6 pound due to get weighed again on Wed so hopefully a few more pounds to add to that. Still got a long way to go, I am due for my first fill on the 15th July, I was worried today as i felt i was eating a little to much, also on most of the other websites i had been on people were vomiting and not being able to keep food down. I am Not having a problems so i though i was doing something wrong. But after being on this site and talking to people i have found out that loads of people are not having a problem eating so hopefully everything will be okay. Looking forward to talking to you all. …

PSYCH EVALUATION??? I booked it today and it is 3 hours...are you serious...then you have to go back the same day for a follow up...What are we possibly going to do in that amount of time??? And what if I fail??? I thought that I saw some people have the psych evaluation and they said it was no big deal they just prepare you emotionally for the surgery. I am also nervous because I am on anti anxiety medication , I was put on it after I had my daughter ..so what if they think I am crazy !!!! Can anyone make me feel better??? Thanks,

Hi Everyone, I'm a new member in Belton, MO. So excited - just found out today that UHC approved my surgery! :rolleyes2: I have an appt. set up with Dr. Stanley Hoehn with Kansas City Bariatrics on 7/13. They told me that my surgery would be scheduled for sometime at the end of August - or first part of September. I'm very excited. Went to my seminar on 1/27/09. Got all the preapproval testing done in April and have been waiting since then for the surgeons office to submit the paperwork and United Health Care to approve it. Found this time to be very frustrating. About threw in the towel a couple of weeks ago because nothing was moving towards getting this done. Guess …

Hi my name is Maria and I’m waiting for insurance approval. I’m 5’2 and 250 pounds my BMI is 45.7 My tentative date is Aug 5Th, 2009. My DR is Boorse and I’m from Pennsylvania. I did a 3 month program and should (God willing all goes well) start my pre-op diet in late July. At my heaviest I weighed 315 and I’ve gotten as low as 200 just to put a lot of it back on. I went up to 280 back down to 240 back up to 280 back down to 250 sound familiar? Someone stop this ride I’m ready to get off! I am more than a little nervous about the whole thing and honestly right now it all seems a bit surreal. I really detest waiting and wondering. I am glad to be a part of this support gro…

Hi, Im a new member.I was banded on June 17,09. I have lost 15 pounds in my first week. Today is the 28th and I regained 5 pounds because I did not stick to my diet. I was wondering if any one could let me know what are some medical complications that could occur , so I can become more faithful to my diet.:thumbup:

Hi everyone! I'm new here! I'm a 33 year old woman (wife and mother of three) currently living in Tijuana, Mexico (although I am an American and my husband works in the US). I've tossed around the idea of WLS for awhile now, but have started to consider it more seriously after dislocating my knee while walking in my driveway earlier this week. That's right, I was just walking and down I went. Thankfully (?), the knee hitting the concrete popped it back into place and I didn't end up in an emergency room somewhere here in Mexico! My joints have always been bad, but this is ridiculous! Anyhow, I know I have a lot to do if I'm going to do this. I signed up for a…

Hello, I was sleeved with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez over Labor Day Weekend, everything went well. I have lost 121 lbs. My weight loss is slowing down, I am trying to up my protein, and w:thumbup:, I am still losing inches. I have gone from wearing a 4X 26/28 to 14/16 size clothes. I love my sleeve. It is restrictive, and I am so glad it is, it works for me. I am 52 years old, and have Insulin Resistance. So my loss is slowing down. I am going for the goal. I have carried extra weight, for almost 30 years. I plan on reaching my goal by the end of this year. And Everyday I thank Dr. Alvarez for giving me my life back. Best thing I have done for myself in many, m…

Hello, Sharon here, living in France. Was 'banded' Friday by Dr Chris De Bruyne in Belgium; seems ok so far. Met some great people, in it together, Anne and Eddie in particular. Just want to wish them both 'good luck'. Was wondering if anyone knows of top up services in Brittany.