Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I decided in May to look into the LapBand proceedure after years of unhappy and unsuccessful efforts to lose weight. Right away I found out that my insurance covered the proceedure and that there was a Dr. not too far from where I live with an excellent reputation and a great program. After attending the required seminar, I had made my mind up that I wanted to go ahead and have the surgery. I have been so excited since the process started, I can hardly sleep at night! I found out last week that I will be having my surgery on June 17th ...and I have been full steam ahead since! I have been creeping around here for a while now and decided that it is time to introduce myself…

Hello! I've been sitting on the paperwork to get this process going since about October 2008. I have spent the weekend reading and reading and more reading here in the forums. I've made up my mind, I am filling the paper work out, I have appointment with my PCP next week and I'm going to get this ball rolling!!!! I'm tired of being fat, I'm tired of the physical pain, I'm tired of not being able to enjoy life, I'm tired of not being able to move, I'm tired of not being able to do things I enjoy AND I'm just tried of being tired! End of story! Are there any bandsters or soon to be bandsters that are in the Buffalo/Niagara area that have preferably used Synergy Bari…

Hello :tt2: I found this forum as I was researching Lap Band surgery. Thus far, I haven't done much. I was going to go to a seminar for Dr. Fusco (in Florida) this past Thursday, but canceled. After reading posts on this forum about the $3,700 program fee, I had hesitations about him being the surgeon I wanted. When I talked to a friend, who is a ICU nurse, she told me that she doesn't recommend him. She said he's an great surgeon "until something goes wrong". Supposedly if he gets called in the middle of the night about a patient of his, his response is "What do you want me to do about it?" I don't want that kind of attitude from a doctor who is to perform surge…

I've just begun my quest into banding. They say the break-off age point is 65. I'm almost 63 and need to move fast. Us 'oldies' want to live and know that the excess fat will shorten our lives. I've been checking all the treads and everyone is below 50. But us 'grannies' have our own unique problems. And we face the potential of death from fat. 63 may sound old, but I want to live as much as I did in my 30's. I want to think of death as something that hits during the 90's.

Is anyone getting banded the week of 5/25/09? I am getting my band on 5/28/09. Would like to have a partner or two to help me get through the first phases of banding.

Hi, The names William, was banded on 16th May in the UK with the TAGB easyband. Just hope its ok to say hi here, was not sure if UK people came on here but thought its a good place to get information on long term weight loss etc. Had the LAGB band fitted and its great. I felt normal after day 5 and am now back to work and infact flown in 7 days twice without issue, (flight times 45mins and 2hrs30mins). Anyways just wanted to say hi and that i will be around for the coming happy months which have already started.

Hi. I'm Heather from NC. I will be banded on May 28. Does anyone have any advice for me?

Hello, My name is Angela and I'm having the lap band placed in 4 days in. I'm so blessed because I'm one of the fortunate one's that insurance is covering it for medical neccessity. Only 2 weeks after surgery my husband is coming home from Iraq. This is going to be a great month!

Hello, My surgery is on 5/28/09. I have been reading through my booklets and preparing for the weeks after surgery. I am confused about how much to drink in the first few weeks after. I do not want to throw up because I am having too much broth or Water. I am 5'4" 201 pounds. Can someone give me any advice?:thumbup:

Hello to everyone!! I am new here and I just wanted to introduce myself. I am scheduled for banding on June 25th with Dr. Charles Morton. I found him when I read an article about Lulu Roman in the local paper. She was the big girl on Hee Haw (for any of you over 40). She was always heavy with that pretty face, and now she is so thin!!! She is beautiful. Anyway, I am very nervous and hope I am doing the right thing.

:wink2:In 2007 my daughter and I both started the process for WLS. She had Blue Cross/Shield and I had Kaiser. She had her surgery three months after starting the process and one month later I was at my first orientation meeting with kaiser. They do move a lot slower, and I suppose they have thier reasons why, but my daughter has done beautifully with a loss of more then 130 pounds. Meanwhile, I dropped out of the program when I developed chronic kidney stones and was told that stones can be a side affect of WLS. Two years later, many stones have passed and I am still morbidily obese and need help. It occurs to me that I can have the kidney stones and still have the …

Hi. I am new to this, will be having the surgery in about 6 weeks. I am a little nervous, but very excited. I have 115 pounds to lose.:wink2:

Hello everyone, I am from MD. closer to DC. I just found out yesterday that I was approved by BC/BS fed. and my band date will be June 12th. I am so happy:biggrin:. it seems like it took forever but, it really did not. I met with Dr. Rickford April 15th. I had my cardiologist and physch. done within two weeks. Those were the only things I had to do. Prior to getting my date I was put on the Protein diet because she said they should be hearing back from BC/BS soon, and he wanted me to lose 15 pounds prior to the surgery. I started on the 19th the first day was fine the next three was hell but I stuck with it and today I am doing great. I have not cheated and don't pl…

Hi everyone! I am new here. After considering WLS for a few years now, I finally decided I wanted to do this. Something 'clicked' in my head and I just knew this was the right choice. I always held out thinking, 'if only I worked just a little bit harder on my diet'. But, after we being morbidly obese for the vast majority of 15 years, I decided I need some help! I am 36 years old, I have 8 year old twin boys. I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 20. I have about 110 lbs to lose. I can lose weight on my own, just can't keep it off for more than a few months at a time. I need help. I need to get off this roller coaster and be healthy. I saw my family doctor May 5th…

Just received my approval letter 2 weeks after appealing being denied last summer. Scared, excited, nervous, hopeful, etc. Really don't know how to feel. Now that it is a reality, do I really want this life altering surgery? HELP!!!!:wink2:

Hey everybody, just thought I'd go ahead and introduce myself since I stumbled on this snazzy intro section. My name is Angelo, I'm 26 years old and live in Atlanta, Georgia. I went in for my consultation today and had a few tests done and I think I'm going to move forward with the surgery at the beginning of June. I don't have insurance so I'll be paying for it straight up which I'm not thrilled about but if this works for me it will be more than worth it. I'm 5'9" and 280lbs, since high school I have always hovered around 200-220lbs but recently I've just lost control of my weight and decided it was time for me to do something more than pop a diet pill and skip a meal. …

Hi everyone!!! I started my journey last year and Im back waiting for insurance approval now that the doc is part of our network. Im excited and nervous. I think of how I could already be skinny if things went well last year but then again our triplets are older and life will be easier I hope after. I am waiting for insurance approval. They are submitting Tuesday.

I had my surgery on March 6th, 2009. Dr Dewitt in Birmingham, Alabama did my surgery. I have had 2 fills so far total of 5cc. I am scheduled to return next week for another. I have been very pleased. I have lost 40 pounds so far. I feel great. I am type 2 diabetic and am off ALL medications. That is the best part.

I am a 38 year old woman who had the lap band surgery on January 5th this year. So far, I've lost 29 lbs! That is great, but I'm getting nervous. I lost the vast majority of that weight on the liquid and soft food diet immediately following the procedure. I've had my 10cc band filled to 3.5ccs, but I still find that I am not satisfied w/ small meals. If I chew thoroughly, things go down fine. But if I don't chew thoroughly, things get stuck so my surgeon says the band is as tight as it should be. My problem is that I find I am not satisfied by (or limited to) small meals. I've been walking 30-60 minutes 4-5 times a week, but my weight loss is averaging 1 pound a month, …

I am finally having surgery on Wednesday. I had so many problems getting here that I won't go into, but i had my preop registration today so i guess its finally here. i've started a blog to talk about the process, really about my struggles with food my entire life. if anyone wants to check it out, here it is.:thumbup: Here Comes the Band! My Lapband Journey

Hi my name is Lisa. I tried to have the Lap Band Surgery done 3 years ago. I went to all the doctor's appointments, dropped the pounds need to prevent slippage, had a surgery date scheduled, and I waited for authorization form my insurance up to the day before the surgery was scheduled and never got it. I was so diappointed. I'm trying it again. I have my first doctor's visit today at 12:30PM, and can't wait. I will be going to Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. I have 7 children...5 biological and 2 by marriange. I've only been married to my husband for a year and a half. I look forward to being able to run and play with my children. The youngest is 5, and I w…

Hi all, Like most of you, I'm a veteran of the weight loss wars! I joined Weight Watchers for the first time when I was 13. I've got the books (Covert Bailey, Jean Nidetch, Susan Powter, Dr. Phil), I've got the exercise tapes and DVDs (Gilad, Tae-Bo, The Core), I've got the pants in six different sizes. And all because I haven't been able to get the upper hand in my relationship with food. Fortunately, I think I'm now on the right track. I started attending a hospital-based clinical weight loss education program in September 2008. I met with my surgeon for the first time that November. I did my consults in December and January, submitted to insurance in February…

I've been researching for a couple weeks now - and really think I'd like to take the first steps to seeing if the band is something that'd work for me! I'm 24, 5'4 and 293 lbs. I've never really had any tests done - and haven't been to the doctors in a years (I'm surprisingly a really healthy person!) I was wondering if anyone has any advice on the first steps towards starting the whole process. Do you suggest going to a PCP first? or perhaps finding a surgeon in my area (any suggestions for NorthEast PA?) to consult with? Should I contact my insurance company to see if they cover the surgery or is that something the surgeon would do? I noticed all of the pre-op test…

I am have the sleeve on July 1, 2009 and I was wondering if anyone has had it done by Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez MX. Everything I have been able to find shows he checks out okay. Would like to hear from anyone who used him. I am excited about the surgery, even though I went back and forth a little. I am cash payer.

Hi, my first time on I don,t know if I doing it all right but I,m sure you guys will help me if I,m making mistakes.My band will be done on 4/24/09 just now getting a little nervous.Enjoying the shakes I,m using Jay Robb they come in great flavors just getting too full can,t get in as many as they say we need a day.:rolleyes2:

I'm new here. I'm in Columbus, OH.:scared2:

I just wanted to say hi! I have scheduled my surgery for June 4th - I am so excited - this is a long time coming. I am both nervous and excited! I love this site - it gives everyone that is thinking about surgery or has had it great advice and also loads of great knowledge.

hello everyone my name is Jackeline im 16 turning 17 and i weight 214 pounds :tt2: i totally hate mi weight and ive tried so many diets to loose weight but i dont see results. This friday I have an appointment to get my lap-band surgery appointment :smile: im so excited but i have some few fears, i dont know how my skin would look like after loosing weight ? how long am i supposed to rest? and im here to find support from all of you :mad2:.

i havent yet decided whether or not i want to have the lap band surgery done. i've talked with someone close to me who has had the surgery and she doesnt reccomend me getting it.so im unsure. she said she works with 10 people who have had the surgery done and they all havent had good luck with it. i dont know if its the hospital they went to to have it done or what. so i guess im lookin for opinions on what everyone thinks about their own surgery. successes and complications. :cursing:

Hi there! My name is Carrie and I am a 31yr old mother of 2 boys, Liam age 5 & Cole age 2. I am married to a marvelous, supportive fella, Curtis and we have our own renovation company. I have just completed the preliminary tests required to have a consultation apt. with the lap band surgeon, Dr. Wai Leung. I am happy at the prospect of having the surgery in my own community and not having to travel somewhere else.

I am new to this site and I am trying to set myself up I had my Lap Band surgery 4/16 and I have lost 32 pounds to date I am very excited and feeling great. Next week I go for my first adjustment so we shall see this is the best move I have ever made

Help Had abnd fill on Friday and was able to eat and drink great, sateday night went out and had a small piece of pitta bread and was sick all night. I have now found unable to eat at all and can only sip water as coughing up coffee granules. Any ideas.... Have lost nearly 6 stone and bad was fitted in April 08 first fill in July 08. :redface:

I've been keeping track of the many threads over the past several months and I've decided to pull the trigger. I go in Monday morning for an outpatient procedure. I'm well into the liquid diet preop and just finished yet another delicious protein shake...good lord. Just counting down the days.

I just wanted to know how is everyone doing?

My surgery is next Friday and I am nervous and excited all at the same time. My dr. does not prescribe the pre-op diet so I am eating everything in sight which scares me. My surgery will be in Glendale with Dr. Keshishian, but I live in Palm Desert and would love to meet any other desert banders! I am looking forward to giving and getting support from everyone here.:purplebananna:

Hello! I have just started in this process and there is alot of good information on this site! I am hoping to have all my pre-op stuffs (sleep clinic, upper GI, psych consult, etc...) completed sometime in January and (hopefully!) getting the show on the road and scheduling the surgery for Feb or Mar! I am excited! For once I will be able to lose and manage my weight for the rest of my life!:thumbup: I live in SC and am having the surgery in GA at the hospital where I work. Any others in the Augusta/CSRA area please feel free with the advice! Good luck to all others on your adventure! :thumbup: Kathleen

Hi All I am just starting on my journey, I had my 1st consultation with Dr Ashton at the healthier weight centre on Sunday. My partner was very hesitant about me having surgery he thought it was mind over matter and that I should just go back on a diet take regular exercise and start taking Reductil again, all that changed after talking to Dr Ashton & has agreed to support me in my decision (yey)! I am definately ready but I am also feeling really nervous not sure how i will cope without food lol.

Hi everyone! I'm Zoie. I'm 19 years old, and I just finished my first year of college at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. When I started college I was 255lbs, but I lost thirty pounds over the school year. I'm rather proud of myself for that. (: Anyway, I was banded on Monday the 18th by Dr. Charles Morton at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. I've already gotten down to 217 and hope to keep losing the weight! Sometimes I have a hard time being active on forums, but this seems like a great place and I'm excited to meet people. Also, if you live in Nashville or any of the surrounding areas, feel free to contact me! I'd love to meet some local friends.

Hi everyone, my name is Tina I'm 46 years old and from the Mississippi Gulf coast. I found this site while researching the Lap Band. I've had the first visit with my regular doctor who put in a referral for me. Waiting for Tricare to complete the referral and give me a surgeon's name. Praying everything goes well and quick. I'm 5'3" and 272 lbs. with a BMI of 48, high blood pressure, obstructed sleep apnea, and arthritis so I don't think there will be a problem. Would love to hear from some branders with stats close to mine and hear how your doing or how you did it. I'm very excited to have found you all and looking forward to be able to hang with so many courageou…

Yesterday I finally got my surgery date - June 22nd. Five weeks from yesterday in fact. I'm so ready. I'm glad that I found this site because it has been so helpful to read so many stories, advice, opinions etc. The surgeon told me that the band will help you lose 40% of the weight you need to lose. So in my case I need to lose 100lbs, so I should expect to lose 40lbs. No offense, but I'm not going through all of this to *just* (and I say that kiddingly) lose 40lbs. Was anyone else told this, and then blew past their 40%?? If anyone else is from Boston, please say hello!! :redface:

Hey there....... I am on my way on my journey.Well, I should say it's just the beginning,but all goes well so far. I am looking for anyone living in DE MD area so we could chat and or meet. Maybe we go to the same Bariatric office. There is two locations one in Salisbury MD and the other is in Rehoboth Beach DE. I am having my surgery in MD due to ins. I see the Dr in Rehoboth Beach which is closer for me and wow I am close to the beach......WooooHooooo Maybe this time next year I will be able to set foot onto the beach. :redface:

Can anyone tell me how long are you on this diet before surgery. I swear I thought I read someone was in there 3rd month of this diet before surgery. I thought this was after surgery Please explain the dieting before and after surgery. I hope I don't have to go on a diet for 3-6 months before surgery. I mean if I can do that then I wouldn't need the band :purplebananna:

Hi Everyone, My name is Emma and I live in Auckland, New Zealand. Banded in September 2005 and have currently lost 48 kilos or 105 pounds and would like to lose a further 20 kg. Start weight 152 kg 335 pounds. I had a baby in April 2007 which would not have happened if had not had this surgery. Gained 20 kilos during pregnancy and lost soon after. I have had no issues with this operation and it is still the best thing I could have done. Hope to talk to many of you. Emma

:grouphug:I have had my initial consultation as well as a few other appointments. I have read so much of the information available, but I think I really need to hear from everday people who have had the procedure done. I would like someone other than a "promoter" of the surgery to answer my questions before I leap! Would any of you mind sharing your experiences (good and bad) with me? Much appreciated! Thanks, Laurie

I am post op week # 2. My band was inserted May 11 th. I just started getting on and off left sided pain. Worse when I stand up. It seems worse by the end of the day. No pain in the am. any suggestions ???

Hi! I am Cajun Girl. This is my first post. My surgery date is 6-2-09. Just 2 weeks! Just started pre-op diet. No Carbs! Getting somewhat nervous as time gets closer. I don't want to fail again.

Hi fellow banders! I was banded on 03/13/09-- i've lost 17 lbs so far. Dr Swartz in Fresno is my surgeon.. I had a great surgical experience.:purplebananna:

Aloha, this is my first time on this forum. Have never done this before so not sure how this works. I was banded in Aug 2008 in Honolulu.:Banane01::purplebananna:

Anyone else with a surgery date in July? I'll be banded on July 1st with Dr Scott Currie in Maryland.

Ok so I just started my liquid diet today and I really didn't think it would be this hard. I didn't think I would feel as hungry as I am. I don't know why since I have gone from eating begals and breakfast sandwhichs to liquids. LOL. But I know I can do it, I have support and I am not doing anything to mess this up I have waited to long to mess it up now. I will try some soup for lunch maybe that will help. :purplebananna: Here is wishing me luck!