Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey everyone! I'm a 21 year old recent college grad who has been struggling with my weight since I was 5, and have opted to get the lap-band surgery. I get banded on May 27, 2009 in just 12 days and I'm excited and nervous about how my life will change. At my highest, I weighed 231 lbs. I'm 5'4" and am at a size 16/18 womens. My goal is 145 lbs. which will hopefully aid in getting rid of all my weight related health problems. I'll let you know how it goes

Good evening, everyone! My name is J and I'm new to LBT. I am new on this journey. I am praying that my ins (BCBS--NC) will grant me approval and hoping that Dr. Paul Enochs can do my surgery. I am really tired of being overweight and I need an effective tool to help me. Already, I have learned A LOT from people in this online community. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I start this process.

I HAD MY LAB BAND DONE IN 06, LOST ABOUT 65 POUNDS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS, EVENTUALLY LOST ABOUT ANOTHER TEN BEFORE I STARTED GAINING THE WEIGHT BACK. HAS ANYONE ELSE REGAINED THEIR WEIGHT WITH THE LAP BAND IN TACT?:purplebananna:

Today I completed my psych and NUT eval. I'm not quite sure of the next step so I will call the surgeon's office tomorrow. I have Carefirst BC/BS and hopefully they will be submitting my information for approval. :purplebananna: Any information from you experience will be so appreciated!

I am really considering this as I am miserable. My husband just thinks it's a will power issue and if I only eat good veggies/ fruit ect and walk more that I can just lose the weight on my own. Well the last 4 diets have proved that I haven't been able too..... Has anyone else encountered this with their spouse and how did you get past it. I know I can't do this without him on board. I really want and need his support. Thanks! Misty

I'm a nubie to forums and blogging so please be patient with me. I live on Oahu and I'm trying to decide between banding and Bypass. The doctors that I'm seeing seem to want to push Bypass over the Band and I'm trying to understand their reasoning. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who lives in Hawaii who has been banded, how long, how much weight have you lost, who did your surgery, etc. Thanks! Helilover

Hi all I am new here and have been thinking of gastric, but too scared for that one and will never do it. So I saw my cousin yesterday and she looks great. She has the band, but doesn't want anyone to know so she doesn't know I know about it. I want to talk to her, but I can't so I am here. I have never had any surgery before and am scared to death, but I have tried so many diets they just don't work. I refuse to spend another dime on dieting. I just need help with loosing this weight. I think I am going to call my dr tomorrow to make an appointment to see a surgeon and go to a siminar and hear more about it. My mother is all for it, but my husband is scared and don't eve…

Hi, I'm from Reno, NV and I'm just going through the preliminaries, since my insurance requires 6 mo. of physician-supervised weight loss. I won't be banded until after the first of 2010. My weight now is 292. My Dr. is Dr. Sasse at Western Bariatric Institute here in Reno. I have read here and there on the forum, and now I'm not sure I want to go through this. So many people have such awful problems. I'm going to be 60 yrs. old by the time I have it done, and I have tried everything there is out there. I don't want to spend my last years FAT and unhealthy, but there seem to be lots of struggling "bandeds" out there. Is this really a good idea?

I'm new here. I am 42, Pretty much half way through a year long period of adjusting habits prior to banding. Prior to banding, what did you fellows do to prepare for the changing relationship with food? Thanks, Paulo

Hi all, I am scheduled to get my band Monday the 18th and there are a rainbow of emotions going on in my head. I am excited and nervous and everything in between. I am at 322lbs and 6'1" 52 year old male. I have been thinking about the band for a couple of years and the info on this website was very helpful and encouraging . :thumbup: . I will share info and seek advice too , I am sure :rolleyes2: Mike

I had surgery on Jan 19 of this year. I've only lost 22 lbs. I now hate this thing inside of me. It has only prove that I am a failure at weight loss. I've had one lap band refill since surgery and it was like nothing happened. What is wrong with me???? I have actually again 2 lbs!! I'm a sick person if they had to go in, implant a devise to keep me from eating and that didn't help! I'm so frustrated and angry at myself. I'm embarrassed at my failing at this.. I hate facing people. I dont' want to go back and face the nutritionist at my Surgeons.. I have to go back June 10 and I dread it so much. I am also suppose to have a fill on June 10 but I don't they will do it.. si…

Hi everyone, Thanks for the previous advice on talking with spouse, it was helpful! I am wondering what is the rate of speed (ball park as I know everyone is different) that you start losing once you are banded. I want to make sure my expectations are in-line. I have read tons of posts but now, I have almost confused myself. Do you lose starting from Surgery to the first fill? Or does the weight loss not really start until the 3rd or 4th fill and are the fills done monthly or every 6 wks or does that depend on the doctor? Again trying to nail down what to expect. Thanks in advance you guys are great!!! Misty

Can you all tell me what made you decide on the band instead of gastric? I mean I know gastric is more invasive and all, but how did you decide? Also I go to my first meeting on the 28th and I can't wait to hear all the info. I am so scared, but tired of trying over and over again to loose this weight.

Hi, I, like probably everyone here has fought weight issues all my life. If I added up all the money I have spent on weight loss (Nutrisystem, Diet center, WW, books, videos equipment) I could pay for the surgery without insurance! I'm 59 and am at my wits end. I have been seeing a therapist since Nov and she feels I have a chemical imbalance. Next week we will be doing blood work to see just what my issues might be. I have very high cholestral, high blood pressure, back issues, including one surgery and depression. I am so sick of feeling useless and hating myself because I can't lose weight on my own. I have tried pills inthe past, lost but regained all plus. When I men…

Hello...I am new to this site and am extremely interested in making a change in my life regarding my weight. I know that I need to make changes and have tried diets, weight loss plans, excercise, etc and have not seen a permanent reduction in weight. I have high blood pressure and am sure that I'm pre-diabetic. I keep up with my physicials and have been advised I am overweight. I had a baby one year ago and this is the largest I have ever been weighing 255 lbs. Any suggestions or insprirations you can share will be apprecitated as I am at my wits end and want to do something about this. Shunny1

Hi, My name is Candy and I'm a 32 year old mother of 2 from Jackson, TN. I am looking for a good doctor in Memphis to do my lap-band surgery. I have been working with my cardiologist and general physician for the past year to make sure I met all the criteria to get my insurance to pay for the lap-band. The only doctors that my cardiologist was familiar with are in Nashville and not covered by my insurance. I am getting very anxious and want a good surgeon that can do the surgery quickly. I am ready to start losing weight and feeling better. :eek:

:laugh: hello had lapband surgery on 02/26/09 and 1st 2 weeks lost 10 lbs next 3 weeks lost 0 lbs the next seven weeks 9 lbs 6 weeks ago had 1 tighting of band i think i am doing something wrong not quite sure what i should and shouldnt be eating i feel so disappointed if anyone has advice thank you

Hi everyone, I just recently got approved and have started telling friends and family what I'm doing. Unfortunately, my family members have only given me negative stories of banding problems they've heard of. I know they are just concerned, but I also wonder if there are more complications that I'm not aware of. I thought the percentage of complications were pretty minimal. On another thought, I have 3 young children ages 7 and 5...how much should I tell them?

Hi, I was banded on Friday, 15th May 2009. I was experiencing some reflux pain and came across this forum via google. It has been very helpful to know that other people experience similar things with the banding and their suggestions on alleviating it. I'm still only 3 days out from surgery and am struggling a bit but from reading some of the threads i feel very optimistic. Angela :laugh:

I'm brand new here tonight and interested in hearing from other people who are beginning the process of the lap band surgery. I go for my seminar July 30th. I am on a cancellation list and I am hoping to get in sooner. I am most interested in hearing other people's thoughts and/or fears. I'm excited and scared at the same time. Any way, hello all!

Hello, I am new tonight. I was banded on March 16, 2009 by Dr Voung; I am sure you have seen his threads. I am 8 weeks out tomorrow and have lost 40 pounds. I just had my first fill last Tuesday.:laugh:

i have a surgery date of may 27th at mather hospital in port jefferson. started my pre-surgical (3 Protein drinks, 2 Snacks, 1 high protein meal) today. i've struggled with weight all my life, and while i'm a little apprehensive, i'm excited i've made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. i'm so happy i found this forum! suse

I have my surgery on tuesday, anyone else that day? I am nervous but excited. I can't wait til this pre-op prep is over! Its driving me crazy.

Hi everyone, I scheduled to be banded on the 26th. Any suggestion?:scared2:

I got the call on Fri. I did the 6 mo diet and only lost 1 lb but my insurance approved me. I am so excited, am looking at maybe in july.:laugh::smile:

hello everyone, im really excited about getting the lapband. Im just not sure where to start. I went to my doctor and asked him for him, he stated he thought WLS was "stupid" he let me know, he lost his weight on the southbeach diet, i was po'd! Ive tried the southbeach diet that doesnt work for me,, ive tried so many times, so many different diets ive tried. Anyways i changed doctors just because of that comment. I found a doctor i asked him for help he said he'd help me!!! im so excited. He said bring me the information and ill help you with your 6months diet term.. Im just not sure what i need. What do i need to do when getting started? I went to the seminar in Na…

hey there i'm new to all this...was to see my family dr...and she is referring me to a dr. in bathurst new brunswick...i've struggled with my weight now for 9 years...i'm a 30yr old wife and mom of an 9 year old...i've lost 45lbs on my own with the help of the WW progam..but i'm really struggling to loose the remaining 70lbs...i've opted for the lap band surgery...seems to be the best option for me..any advice on what i should expect...i'm really excited about meeting with the surgeon...:rolleyes2:

Hi everyone - I am new to Lap Band Talk... I have my surgery date, it is this Thursday, May 21st. I am very excited, nervous, excited and I just can't wait and nervous...! All that said this is how I really feel!!! :rolleyes2: I am going through True Results and my surgeon is Dr. Nirmul They have been wonderful and so have my insurance! Any lists... info I need, besides what they have given me?... I would love to know! Enjoy, Tammy

I looking for affordable Lap Band surgery. Not sure yet if my insurance will approve. If I have to self pay I would like to know what to expect for cost?

Hi All: I'm Danielle, I've been reading the board for about a month now and have learned so so so much from everyone's posts. I just got my surgery date of June 19th and I'm super excited but also pretty nervous! I've never had any kind of surgery and although I've done all the research and feel well educated on the ins and outs of everything I'm also scared about how life will be after surgery. My parents although being supportive of my decision are not happy about this at all. My mom keeps tearing up every time we talk about it and she is making me doubt myself just a little bit. I'd love to hear if anyone has had a similar situation and how I can make her feel comfor…

I'm 38 years old. My BMI is 35.8. 2 years ago I got a tummy tuck and lipo suction and looked great. The weight went down from 201 lbs to 175 in a year. On the second year after surgery, I gained the weight back. I ate everytime I was stressed. Chocolate calmed down my anxiety, but I also tried medication and the medication caused even more weight gain. I've tried Jenny Craig and spent hundreds in 1 hour-weekly sessions with couselors. I'm miserable and considering lap band. I wonder, is anyone out there dealing with anxiety? are you able to lose the weight despite the psych issues?:scared2:

Hello I am 22mths out and have lost 60lbs but after 12months after I began to feel different no restriction, had two x-rays first on showed nothing, and second one showed my band has slipped and they drained me twice and now drained. I was told I might have to go back into surgery to have it replaced with a newer band should I worrie because I don't want gain my weight back after working so hard to lose it. And will insurance pay for this procedure just a little concerned?:scared2:

23yrs old, currently weigh 140kg & I am 1.77m tall. Insulin resistant with a family history of diabetes. :-) Got banded yesterday at Bedford Gardens with Dr Sofianos, 15 May 2009 @ 14:30 it took 66mins & I was out. Went for the x-ray to see if everything was cool immediately after surgery & then went to the ward to rest. They put me on a drip because I was not allowed to eat anything. I was given two injections; a pain-killer for the discomfort & one to prevent nausea. Nurses were extremely helpful as I struggled to move & get up to go to the loo. The discomfort was bearable. Feet got cold @ one stage but they had a contraption (sort of like a boot)…

Hi All Had my surgery last week at Winthrop Hospital and used Dr. Brathwaite. What a terrific surgeon and staff! Honestly a few hours before surgery and right up to them wheeling me in, I was having panic attacks out of no where. I was ready to walk out of the hospital but am soooo glad I didn't. Everyone reassured me that I was making the right decision and I know I did. In the first week I lost 11 pounds. My only concern is that I am 12 days out from surgery and no weight loss since the first week. Anyone know why? I am barely eating 600 calories and am moving & drinking. I am on soft liquids for a few more days. Any suggestions or explanations would be…

My name is Amanda, and I am considering getting lap-band surgery. I have been overweight literally my whole life (except for maybe when I was born!). My whole family is also overweight. When I got my gallbladder removed, my surgeon also mentioned to me that he does lap-band surgery and thinks that it is something I should consider and would be beneficial for me. I am just not too sure about getting it because I am only 20 years old. I would love to hear from anyone else who got it, especially if you are young or know someone who's gotten it around my age. (: Is this surgery safe for someone as young as 20?

Hi, I'm a newbie who is scheduled for surgery in Mexico July 8th with my local doctor's OK. I've been reading up on pre-surgery diet but would love to here any tips and tricks from those who've been there!

Hi I am new to this and seriously considering it... does anyone know of a surgeon in the Greenville, sC area?? Thanks!!

This is starting a new beginning for me , and I'm happy about my decison.:smile2:

I was banded on News Years Eve 2008! So far the journey has been great. i have lost 23 pounds and it is exciting to see the weight come off. I have also taken the brave step to document myself on Yout tube. Please stop by and tell me your thoughts. It is wonderful to have the support. My channel is 2livesmart. Be Blessed.

Hi there! Im from Croatia, Europe and ive had op 2 y ago, i lost 50 kg and Im so happy and satisfied. This op literally saved my life. My band is full now (8 ml), and I cant eat almost nothing. My weight is steady now, I didnt lose or gain any. Im different person now.

Hi my name is Kris. I was banded on April 27th. And on the first day, I felt a bit of cramping.. I drank broth at night, as I was told by night it would be ok. But by 3 or so days, I went and did have some mash tato's, and apple sauce. OK soo, I haven't had ANY pain, and NO feeling of restriction. OK sooo.. that was last week. THIS week, say 5 days ago, I did have some toast, a bite of a blueberry muffin- and still no feeling of restriction. And so, testing myself, I had a plate of mash tatos, coleslaw, and a bit of chicken..(cut into squares). STILL no restriction.. NOW- today I went to the doctors, and was honest, and was TOLD OFF for pushing my food pa…

Hi everyone....kindred spirits! I have a BMI of 38.6 I have struggled with weight my whole life. I have asthma and I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I knew the apnea was sometimes a deciding factor for the insurance companies when deciding whether or not weight loss surgery will be approved. Sice I have the apnea diagnosis, I decided to start looking into the lap band. I have an appointment May 30th to discuss options and insurance. I am on the bottom rung of the ladder....still in the first step phase. My insurance carrier is BCBSIL. I welcome all advice. Thank you

Hi Everyone, I've been reading threads for the last month not really believing my insurance would approve me for surgery. I just snuck by with a bmi of 35. Anyway, I am so excited to be approved and get started on my weight loss journey. For those of you out there that think there's no way your insurance will approve you, you may be wrong. It doesn't hurt to try. I also think it helps to have a surgery staff pulling for you which I think Dr. R. Pinnars office did.

Hey everyone! I will admit while this is my first post, I have been a "lurker" for months since beginning my research stage of this life changing decision. I went to my first seminar back in Aug 2008 and am THRILLED to report that I found out yesterday that I have been approved by insurance! Reading everyone's stories (good and bad) and seeing all the love and support offered up here definitely helped me make some choices and gave me comfort that I will have a "family" who completely understands my experience! I grew up in Florida but have been in Charlotte, NC for 10 years now. HUGE NASCAR fan, love being with and making new friends, enjoy all types of music, traveli…

Hello, My name is Lori, I am 45 years old and I am not certain I can live in this body much longer. I have been overweight since high school, doing every diet under the sun. I have had great success and great failure. Right now I am 250 lbs. and 5'3. I went to a seminar on WLS back in November but I got really scared and what I heard and I chickened out and tried to motivate myself once again. To no avail of course. I have been thinking seriously about it again and decided to go and talk with them about it. I have an appointment on Friday, May 22nd. I am not really sure what is going on at the app. other than they are going to take my picture:eek: and talk …

Hey guys!! I joined sometime last year with thoughts of getting the lap band surgery then. I was in the process of getting a new job. Well it's been several months since I've posted on here. I have since lost that job but working back at the one before that job. I found out while at my old job that my insurance was not very good. Recently I got on my husbands insurance. He works for a hospital, so I found out that if I get the surgery at the hospital he works at I would only have to pay $50 copay. No deductible. I know I'll probably have to pay other fees like other copays,etc. But this is for sure motivating. I'm calling Dr. Paul Enochs's office tomorrow morning an…

Hello Everyone~ I am new to this site and am reading up on everything that I can. Let me say that I am learning ALOT and am soooo thankful this site is here and thankful for everyone sharing their journey! My Dr. is recommending that I get this lap band procedure done. She recommended it to me 1yr and 1/2 ago but was scared to death to go thru with it and give a 100%. Why??? I really don't know other than my weight has been my comfort zone. I have been a type 2 diabetic for 18yrs now and things have been spiraling out of control these last 5 yrs. I am 5'4 and weigh 231lbs. I am 38yrs old. I take 12 pills a day. The diabetes is killing me.... I am so sick of taking my…

Hi All, Hubby & I went to a WLS seminar at the Reading Hospital. We are both planning on getting banded. His BMI is 40 & mine is 35. I have high blood pressure & high cholesterol. Hubby has those plus sleep apnea & pre-diabetes. We must wait to start the process until July 1st when we can switch our health insurance over to BCBS PPO. We currently have Keystone HMO Central & we were told they do not pay for any bariatric surgery. We both hope to be banded by January. It seems like there is a great group of people here on the boards. TIA for your support & answering any questions I have in the coming months. Dawn

Hi all, I am new to this site and lost. i post threads and i dont see them next time i log in ..... i goined june bandsters and i dont know where is it now..... i am lost any direction plzzzzzzz...

Hello everyone, I am brand new to this site and this procedure. I went to my first orientation meeting 3 weeks ago and I am waiting on Tufts to do the I Can Change program and set up my initial appointments. I'm not really sure what to think yet. Has anyone ever felt like they're cheating by having weight loss surgery? Like your not strong-willed enough to do it the correct way? I'm a former college basketball player and I used to exercise and weight lift constantly. Now, no matter how much exercise I do, I just gain or maintain, never lose. Also, my boyfriend isn't thrilled with the idea of me having surgery. He's not against it, he would never make that decision …