Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I just wanted to itroduce my self I am new My name is Donna and I will be having my consultation with my Surgeon on June 30th. Its great to have a web site like this to get all of my questions answered and to be able to feel like I know what I will be talking about at my appt.

Hey there! Well first of all I want to congratulate everyone on their weight loss! I found this forum looking for answeres on Lapband surgery. I live in south Texas near the Border, and there are really no Drs here that I have found that have performed enough surgeries.....:mad2: Anyone live in south Texas with any suggestions on Drs in the area?????? I have read alot of success stories along with alot of complications. :crying: This is where I stand: I am 27yrs old, 5'8 241 lbs:sad: oh and I have asthma..... I also need to get pregnant in the next 2 yrs. (how fun right???......) I am not the type of person that can just DIET on my own. I really need alo…

Hi, I found this forum from reading Catherine's blog (Chronicles from Band Land). I had my band fitted in Belgium in Dec 07. I was miserable and middle aged and had been fat and or on diet all my life. At 220 pounds I was desperate for help And I got it. My band journey hasn't been easy or simple, but it has really been worth while. I am 128 pounds maintaining my weight now and thinking about maybe getting plastic surgery (first on the list would be a face lift - or maybe a tummy tuck; and a breast uplift. . . if only, I will have to save up!) Looking forward to being part of this forum - I am on another Weight Loss Surgery Forum, but it is not all bands, a lot of b…

Hello everybody I am new to this forum and am patiently trying to find my way round. I live in Durham, UK. I was banded in April 2007 by Chris De Bruyne in Belgium. Had a BMI of approximately 33 at the time (featherweight I know) I was 14 stone 9lbs (5ft 5in) I have lost 5 stone 2 lbs on a good day. I am currently trying to maintain. I am back to Belgium next Sunday for Tummy Tuck surgery on Tuesday. The surgery is not a result of my band weightloss but a result of having children many moons ago. Anyway I hope to be a regular member of this forum so speak to you soon. Heather

I am going in for my psych eval on Wednesday July1st. So, I haven't really done much of anything. I feel like I don't know enough of anything either. I was origionally going to do the bypass, but it scares me to much. I'm going to Dr. Schram in Holland, MI. If this doesn't go through I don't know what I'll do.

Hi all, I was just introduced to this web site yesterday and am thankful you are all here. I had my lap band surgery 9/29/08 My lap band surgeon is Dr. Michael Trehan at Martha Jefferson hospital in Charlottesville, Va. I lost 41 pounds but have regained about 5 falling into old bad habits. I hope to get a fill in the next week or two. Jeane:blush:

Anyone banded with Dr. Jones at BIDMC? I have gone to the informational sessions at BWH and BIMDC for some reason I'm drawn to BIMDC. I'm just starting the process so, would like to anyone if someone can share their experience? I'm also considering having another baby and was wondering if anyone went through this process while banded. Thanks for sharing

I am in the pre-op program in The Weight Loss Surgery Center at Duke University Medical Center. Six monthly appointments with my personal physcian, approval by Medicare, and entry into the program. I have been approved by Psychology and Nutrition and assume I will see the surgeons once I am Medicare approved. I know little about what to expect and am perticularly interested in post-operative course, post-operative hunger and rate of weight loss.

I have stopped past the site a couple of times before but I never chimed in on anything. I was banded January 16, 2009. So far I have lost 43.7 pounds. I had a goal of 50 pounds by June 28. I did not make it but I am proud of what I have accomplished. I have high hopes for my new healthier life and hope that anyone else that chose WLS does too.

Well, it's taken me a long time to get to this point, but I've come to the conclusion that I need help to lose weight. I've tried everything - Weight Watchers, Atkins, counting calories, you name it. And it just doesn't work. I lose some weight, then hit a plateau for months on end (if not a year or more), and then start gaining back the weight plus more. This even happens when I've exercised religiously. The doctor has checked my thyroid numerous times, and nothing is wrong with it, so I guess I'm just one of those unlucky people that need to severely restrict their food intake to lose weight. Only problem is that I am always hungry. My current BMI is about 50, and I kno…

After many years of thinking about it, I finally had it done on 17 April. I've since had two fills, up to 2mms, and apart from a couple of hiccups, am doing really well. Must remember to chew, chew, chew!

4 day post op and feeling great, not hungry. Loving that, looking forward to this whole process. :thumbup:

Hi there, I had surgery June 25 by Dr. Peter O'Brien in Sioux Falls, SD. I started at 370 in January at my first consultation and was at 337 the morning of surgery. I'm hoping to get down to 170 eventually. Mary

Hello everyone! My name is Katherine and I am 17 years old. My band was put on by Dr. Michael Snyder on June 11, 2009. I'm still on the all liquids diet but will be off of it on Wednesday. I'm still in pain but it was all worth it. I will be checking on Wednesday to see how much weight I have lost.

Hi everyone This is such a great forum. It is comforting to know people all around the world are like-minded and have faced (and facing) the same weight battles. I'm 25 and was banded on 10th June by Stephen Watson in Perth Western Australia. I'm coping quite well but would really appreciate some food tips. At the moment I'm having Soup, diet yoghurt, diet jelly, custard & peppermint tea. These options are warying thin though. Can anyone help with healthy food options for this early stage after banding? Also, what symptoms do you get when you have eaten too much? I don't know if this is a dumb question but I don't know what feeling I should have if I have eat…

Hello All !! I'm a newbie here preping for my journey to a new helathier me !:thumbup: I have started a blog to be more accoutable to myself for following through the steps required and would appreciate any tips and comments from those of you that are going through or have gone through the journey Im about to take !! Thanks all for such a wonderful & helpful site !!!

Hi all, Long story short: Banded Feb. 2004. Through bad doctoring (have since changed doctors), difficulty getting frequent fills, and inability to hit the sweet spot, I not only didn't lose weight, I gained 30 more pounds over the next 4 years. Got fed up with trying; had fill completely taken out Jan. 2008. Ironically, weight has stabilized since then. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness in 2007. Stiff and sometimes painful joints; extreme fatigue, depression. One side effect of treatment -- increase in appetite. Fill doctor talked me into trying band fills again 2 months ago. Got first fill (again) then. Did well, not hungry, lost weight for first 3 weeks…

Hi! I've been lurking for many months reading and listening to so many of you. This is my first post. I have set my surgery date with Dr. Aceves July 6th. I decided sooner better than later. No lie I am scared. I have 4 kids. But somehow I feel guilty that I'm not the best I could be. They deserve better. So I'm doing this for me but also for my kids. I've got the time off from work, I've got my parents lined up to keep my kids and my husband is coming with me.....all I keep thinking about is I don't think I'm going to fit in the seat. It's been years since I've flown and I really dont think I wll fit. What will I do??? This is the kind of embarrassment I want to alleviat…

hello I am just starting my journey, i havent been banded yet, i am a massage therapist and 65 yrs old. i am ready to get healthy, My PCP has recommended i get banded and it would help my health issues. i have been searching for Whey Protein with aspertane. If anyone knows of one that has no sugar and no aspertane i would appreciate a shout out. thank you and God Bless:redface:

I am new to this Forum and it has come to me at a very good time. I had my surgery 9/29/09. I had lost 42 pounds but the past few weeks have been in need of a fill and haven't gone to get it. So I am up 5 pounds. Going to contact the Dr. Office on Monday

I am a 61 year old female. I have had one knee replacement and need another knee and a hip replaced. Why I waited this long I don't know, but I want to enjoy 20 more years with my grandkids, so I went for the lapband. I am not having any problems, just feel like someone punched me in the stomach. I am having trouble (I think) knowing if I'm full. I sure don't want any slippage or vomiting.

Hi Everyone, I'm so excited. I got my surgery date today from Dr.Glasgow's office. I am pumped!:thumbup:

Hello - my name is Anne and I got the lapband on my 43 birthday - over 2 years ago. Dr. Chand was my doctor at the Cleveland Clinic - and he did a great job - I haven't had any problems - and have lost about 70lb. I need to lose about 100lb total to be at my goal weight - and I have been at a stall for the past 6 months or so - I have only ever had 2 fills, the last being over a year and a half ago. I still have good restriction - somedays too good - so I don't feel my stall is from lack of restriction - I still can only eat small amounts - but my choices haven't been the best and I have been picking on slider food - crackers and chips are my huge down fall - I am dete…

Hi there! Thanks to VegasAngel for introducing me to this site. We met while we were both being sleeved by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali and found out we actually only live a few miles from each other! I was sleeved 6/13 and have been doing very well. I'm still a little sore and working hard to get all my Protein in, but each day gets a little bit better. Unfortunately, I've had to return to a more hectic schedule than planned, but it's working out ok. So, here is the part where I tell my story. I'm sure it is very similar to most of yours. I am 32 years old. I have been overweight my entire life (age 6 is the first time I remember kids calling me fat) and of course I have…

banded 5 months ago and only lost 35 pounds had 4 fills 8cc's and still no restrictions:unsure:

OK...so I will be traveling soon, with my lap band, should I be concerned with the metal detectors sounding off ? Will I need a Dr.'s note or something?? Anyone out there know the answer?? Thanks!:thumbdown:

Hi everyone I am from Miami, Fl. I am 20 yrs old, I weigh 350 and I am 5"7. I dont know if i weigh to much to get the lapband. Bc I heard if u weigh to much u cannot get it. But I dont want the gastric bypass at all. I am very much interested in lap band. But i am scared of the side effects. I even heard some ppl dont lose weight at all. But the thing I like is that if anything goes wrong u cld simply take the lap band off. Well is there anyone from the miami area know about Dr Jorge L. Sosa. Is he good? And what happends post-op. Thank you so much for reading and I look forward to hear from you all.:thumbdown:

Good Morning, My name is Dottie, I was banded on March 17, 2008. I have had a successful band journey thus far. I am .4 of a pound away from goal and am excited to begin the maintenance part of the band experience. I have lurked here for a time and decided it was time to introduce myself. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone here. I run a support group here in my town for the hospital where I had my surgery. What an incredible life changing experience this has been for me. Dottie R.

Hi, I a 53 yr old woman with type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis in both knees (need both knees replaced). I have an appt. on July 15 for a seminar on Lapband surgery. It is something I have been thinking about doing for a long time, but insurance would never pay for it. Now I have coverage, and really want to go forward with it. I would like to what kind of experiences people who have had the surgery have gone through, good or bad. Thank You.

I have been researching different band topics on this website for about 2 months. I have finally made the decision to take steps toward the surgery and I am in the process of getting my initial surgical consultation. I have struggled with my weight for 20+ years and am tired of the struggle. I know the lapband isn't a magic pill, but I need this additional tool to get my weight off. I look forward to any advice you can give me. I'll keep you posted!!

I am in the early stages of setting up a lap band surgery. I am considering doing it with Weight Loss Surgical Center in Kansas City. I would appreciate any experience anyone has with them. I am from Iowa as I said in the title. I am 34 yrs old and have battled with yo-yoing since 7th grade. I am now at my biggest and am tired of the constant battle with myself. I had lost 56 pounds between last July and Thanksgiving only to put it back on and a little more (just like they say you do). The frustration has to stop. I want to be around for my two boys and husband. I am excited to hear from everyone and hopefully establish some new friendships as well as learn from…

Hello all, I'm Jack and I am considering Lap-Band. I have a wonderful wife of 10 years and a beautiful 9-month old son. I am an IT Manager at a private Catholic high school, though I am not Catholic myself. I'm 32, 5'8" and 288 lbs, down from my max weight of 314. I started gaining weight after high school, and really gained when I quit smoking almost 12 years ago. Like many, I've tried various diets and exercise programs with limited results. I have been lurking here a few days and have really been inspired by what I have seen. I have attended a free seminar and am currently considering if Lap-Band is right for me. I am going ahead with preparation of the…

HEY EVERYONE. I'M MEGAN AND I LIVE IN MIDDLETOWN RHODE ISLAND. MY HUSBAND IS IN THE NAVY. I HAVE TWO BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN AND GOING TO HAVE MY LAP BAND SURGERY ON JULY 24TH. IT TOOK 6 MONTHS FOR MY INSURANCE TO APPROVE IT AND ALSO TO GET THE WORK UPS DONE. I AM SO HAPPY I CAN SAY I'M GETTING MY SURGERY. IT IS GOING TO BE A GREAT TOOL TO LOSE THE WEIGHT. :thumbup:

Hello everyone. We are Richard & Shaunna Deckard from southern Indiana and have had the lap band surgery on June 4th. Doing pretty good. We have one more week of the puree food and then on to solids. We haven't started an exercise program yet but will start hopefully next week. Our life is quite busy with our 16 year old daughter. Our surgery was performed in Bloomington by Dr. Ray and would highly recommend Dr. Ray and his staff.

Hello, I just wanted to introduce myself. I have been researching wls options for a couple of months now; started out wanting the band and switched to the sleeve after reading more about it. Today my surgery date was scheduled for August 4! I have never been very good at communicating online, but I wanted to thank all of you for so openly sharing your journey and experiences. It has truly been appreciated and allowed me to know my options and questions to ask my surgeon. I look forward to learning more from this group. Dee Dee

Hi I am very new to this....I have not told anyone (including husband) that I have been lap banded...told him I was in for hernia. So I have been relying on forums for info and advice. Have never actually posted before but I am having problems which I am not sure are normal. For a start have had over 4 fills and can still eat lots when it comes to things like biscuits, popcorn chips etc. However having real problems with healthy food such as vegetables, fruit and meat even though I chew very throughly. I dont think another fill is the answer as I can even feel water stop as it goes down. Why is it that foods such as biscuits so easily get through and the good healthy stuf…

My name is Toni, Im currently getting all my screenings done for my Band process. I am now in my 5th month of my diet program with my pcm and Im doing great. Im hoping to be banded by August. But our insurance is Tricare and its a little different with them...:bored: they change mind often... Im doing this for myself and my family. Im tired of not being able to do things with them. Please let me know if anyone else is ex navy and so forth. I look forward to hearing and making new friends on here.

Hi Everyone, I am very excited to be part of this forum since the posts on here have helped me a ton so far. I attended my seminar last night and have a sx consult 7/24/09!

I was banded today! I was so worried about possible complications, but it went SO smoothly! I woke up and had no pain, no dizziness, and no nausea. My anesthesiologist (sp?) was just terrific! After I got home, I had a sugar-free Jello and later, a bowl of broth -- no gagging (my fear) or nausea! I couldn't be happier, and I hope that everyone who has an upcoming band "date" has the same positive experience!!! Thanks, Sue

Hello everyone... My name is Christina, and i'm like most of you are or have done.. i'm beginning my lap-band journey. I have Aetna, and I spend my time reading the horror stories.. eck... or success stories.. Here's to hoping I get approved, lol! I have to complete the 6 month diet plan, and I will officially get that started in August. I'm a full-time college student pursing an A.S in Medical Technology with hopes of transfering to a 4 yr University for my bachelors.. I want to do clinical testing. I am considering obtaining phlebotomy certification as well, which is funny because I have a thing with needles, lol! I live with my boyfriend, and we have no children. Just …

Hello! My name is Mojo. This is my first post. I went to an information meeting last week at a clinic, and things are moving really fast. My daughter and son in law had the gastric bypass surgery about five years ago and it took them about a year from initial contact to surgery date. My doctor is saying as short as two months. Wow! Not so fast! I have a psychological evaluation next week, and I see my primary doctor in two weeks for a referral. I'm waiting for a phone call to have my one and only nutritional counseling appt that my insurance requires. Once all that is done, I schedule to see my surgeon, and he submits request for authorization to my insurance. …

hello everyone, I have so many questions and concerns and if anyone would like to help out I would greatly appreciate it as I will do the same throughout my journey as well. So I have chosen my surgeon through Miriam Hospital, Life Span group Dr Vithiananthan. He seems very down to earth, approachable, yet straight forward. Honestly at first I felt a little nervous and I thought he may not take me seriously because of my age etc. However, he listened to me , told me about each procedure and what to be expected. It sort of seemed as if he was wanted me to go with Gastric bypass versus the Lap band but I am really leaning towards the lap band. I am 5'2 and 226lbs, and 26…

So i had my band in novemeber and until now i have lost 35 pounds im very happy aboout that but i feel like i need so much more i think im doing something wrong please i need some ideas or lists oh what people exactly eat everyday and what helps anything at all im really feeling depresssed and like a faliure and i so dont wanna feel like this im blessed to have the band but i really need some help.. thank you :bored:

:smile2:I am proceeding with the process of having surgery and feel fairly confident choosing the lapband procedure, but I am wondering if anyone who has had the surgery regrets having it altogether or wishes they had chosen the bypass procedure? This site is a great resource for those of us who are new to the process. Thanks, in advance, for any responses.

Hi All, I was banded December 2007. I have lost 98 lbs. My surgeon is Dr. Keith Vollstedt-Love Him. I have had many ups and downs, nothing major, just took a long time to lose any weight. I have had alot of success the past 6-7 months. I do not have a web site or a blog. I look forward to this journey with you all. :bored:

Hi Everyone, I was sleeved in Mexicali by Dr. Aceves on 10/21/08. I have lost 78 pounds so far. I just found this site and I am excited to find it. Looks like there is a lot of great information on here. This has been a life changing event for me. My journey has been wonderful. I only wished I would have done it 20 years ago. The probelm is I didn't know about the sleeved until about 18 months ago. It is nice to be part of this group. I look forward to having the opportunity to get to know a lot of you. I live in Oregon and would love to hear from other people who live in Oregon. Suzanne :thumbup:

Hello Everyone, My name is Eran and I was banded in 04/2007 by Dr. Feiz I have lost 115lbs since my surgery and I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is struggling with their weight. Feel free to ask me anything you want. Glad to be here

Hello, anyone in the decatur il area?

hi im angie and i was banded 9 days ago. my only worry is that i feel hungery a lot and i do not feel i have any restriction. does anyone else have this problem?:bored:

Hi....I was banded on 12/05/08 and I've only lost about 20 pounds. I'm very depressed about this I seriously hardly eat anything and I exercise at least 4 days a week (which consists of a 2 mile jog). I'm going to be completely honest I hardly ever eat breakfast and occasionaly have a glass of wine......okay those are my vices. Is that enough to be hindering my weight loss. I will do anything to get it right. So I need advice and some encouragement. Thanks.