Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi there! I am considering getting either the lap band or Gastric bypass surgery. My doctor just sent the referal yesterday. I am 37 years old and have a load of health problems due to my weight. This is my deal; I have Diabetes, Cholestorol, knee and ankle problems and I have polycstic ovaries which prevent me from ovulating monthly thus having only one child (very thankful for him) I am mostly doing this for my health and energy level basically my quality of life. I dont expect to jump into a swimsuit anytime soon as I know I will have lots of extra sagging (not looking forward to that) Based on what I have been reading I may just opt for the lap band it doesnt s…

I just got my surgery date, June 16th. I also have my other pre-op tests scheduled, I am so excited. I do have a question though. I don't see my doctor for my pre-op until 6 days before my surgery, I though I had to be on a liquid diet for two weeks, any thoughts?:mad2:

Hello everyone.. I am new to this site.I had my lap-band surgery on April 21st i am 7 days out and i have lost 36 pounds counting the weight i had lost before my surgery not a bad start.. Nice to meet you guys!! Arliene

I am almost one month post banding and this week I am PMS and I am constantly hungry. I am starting to revert to my old sweet tooth ways and I am terrified that I will gain weight. I have zero restriction and I am frustrated because I actually did much better in weight loss with the presurgery diet then I have after the band. Anyone else feeling this way?

Hi My name is Tiffany and im 29yoa and ive been reading several people blogs and viewing pictures ...to be honest this website has been more insightful than any other website out there...I have finally gotten my surgery date which is 6/4/09 im scared not of the surgey but of failure... im pretty sure there are several out there that can understand me...will this be another jenny craig,weight watchers,medifast,and/or cabbage soup diet... Will I fail? Will i pretend to be full and satisfied around others like i was with other diets but when ever one leaves eat til im full or will it do what they claim it will do help with appetite suppression ...also i was wondering about e…

Hi all I'm so glad I found this site it looks so informative and best all sharing experiances with real people! I have been researching weight loss surgery for almost a year but more seriously now I have made my decision. However, going on the internet is provig somewhat of a minefield lol I am considering having the easyband but there dosn't seem to be much research has anyone had one fitted that can provide some experiance? I would be grateful for any info anyone is willing to share as I'm sure you will agree this is a very daunting time in life. Michelle

I am 6 days post-op surgery and doing great. Very happy so far with decision to take this step at success. I live in California and my surgery was done by Dr. Daniel Swartz in Fresno. I am very pleased with his expertise and office staff. I have already lost 8 pounds and starting on my mush diet. I feel great...not hungry much yet. I am scheduled for my first fill in 5 weeks. My biggest concern is getting creative on my meals....I don't want to get bored!

Hey all, Like the great Terrell Owens once said "I love me some me." That pretty much sums me up, so writing this intro will be fun. In 29 years I've managed to see and do many things. I've lived in the projects, and in a couple of trailer parks... I've started and grown my own business (Ice cream trucks--probably responsible for at least 20 lbs of me)-- Have driven across the USA twice. 2nd in my extended family to graduate college. 1st with a graduate/professional degree (Pitt Law '07). I've been everything from a garbage man to a "rave" promoter. (ravers hate the word rave, we just say "party"). I've been married for going on 7 years to the best girl in the wor…

Howdy, Im new to this but im sure ill have questions along the way. I got my surgery done on friday 10/24 and finally up and moving around with just a little pain. My doctor put me on liquids for 2 weeks after the surgery and im about tired of chicken broth and hate beef broth. but since i started the 2 week pre-opt diet i have lost 13 pounds. Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself, now i have to go update my profile and read all these threads on here to help me. Sherry

Hey all. I'm getting banded this Monday and I was wondering if anyone had it done at St. Catherine's of Siena on Long Island. Just wondering how the process went; like after the surgery. I was told I have to stay overnight. Im really excited but of course a little nervous.

Hello everyone, I've been lurking around here for months. I started on my lap band journey in November, which is my birthday month. I had to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet and of course I had to see a ton of doctors. My paperwork was finally submitted 2 weeks ago and I found out I was approved the same week. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. You guys have been such an inspiration. I hope that I lose a good amount of weight before my 30th bithday this year. That would be a fabulous way to kick off my thirties.

:thumbup: Want to have the band done, but need names of doctors in Indiana. So if you can help Thank you.

Hi everyone i am new to this, and i have just come out of hospital, I had a Gastric sleeve, on the 22/10/08 :tongue: , I was 159K the day of operation, So now it all starts, any tips ???

Hello all, I found this great site via google. I have a BMI of 36.6, I am 5'10" and 255 lbs. I am very depressed and think about my weight all the time. I really want to lose 70 - 90 lbs. Is Lap Band right for me?

:thumbup:... My first day with the clear liquid diet... I made it through but was really rough toward the end of the day. I am not looking forward to the next week! Talk about panic attack.

Just wanted to say Hi im in Socal and I'm starting the approval process again did it 2 years ago and chickend out:frown: looking to go through all the way this time. I'm going to Dr. Khalilis seminar this monday to get the ball rolling again.

Hello, Im new and just wanted to introduce myself. Im Amy, Im 29 and I live in Oklahoma and Im to be banded on May 26th. I have a online support group that I go to normally but I was interested if there are ladies around the oklahoma area, because there are not in my other support group. Anyhow Im very excited to be joining the new band life style and looking for new friends. :thumbup:

I live in the Dallas area and wondering if anyone knows of Dr. D. Kim in Colleyville? If so what was your experience with the doctor and are you satisfied with the procedure? Perhaps you can suggest a Dr.

I just got my surgery date set and its in 3 weeks! I am so excited to get started. I didnt have to do a pre-op diet but I did decide to really focus on chewing everything really well and taking small bites. I am trying not to drink liquid with meals but that is really tough for me. I want to be successful at this which is why I started with concentrating on chewing more. Does that sound crazy?

Hello Everyone, This is my first post, My name is Melissa and I just got my date yesterday June 2nd is my BIG day!! I start my liquid diet on the 19th of May. I am excited:thumbup: but could also use some words of encouragment from all the veterans out there. I have a very supportive husband and family so I am lucky to have the extra support but they also don't know what it is like to live your whole live being heavy and not being able to do the everyday normal things that they may take for granted. Anyway, Just wanted to say Hello and I can not wait to being my new life journey to let the person I am on the inside OUT! LOL. PS. Does anyone know how long it is afte…

Hi all! I just wanted to introduce myself. I was banded on May 4th and have been doing great since. I struggle a little with the liquid but my surgical follow up visit is this coming Thursday and I'm hoping to be stepped up a notch to creamer Soups. It's really not so bad with the clear, just wanting a little variety. This looks like a great forum, very active, etc!! I've been around to others and a part of other groups but the information here seems more tailored to the band and more organized too! I'm not sure what else to say but thanks for listening. See you around!

Scheduled for lap band by Dr. Oliak in Orange County CA on June 15. Any suggestions on getting over the nerves. I am 60 and worried I may be too old for this to do any good. Any oldies out there let me know your thoughts.:thumbup:

I just joined this site. I am 50 lbs overweight and am considering the lapband. I have a consultation appointment on Thursday with Dr. Simpson in Phoenix, AZ. I'm nervous but desperate. I am in a senior management role with a Fortune 100 company where I am required to travel alot. The job is also stressful, hence why I'm so overweight. If anyone used Dr. Simpson I'd like to hear about your experience. Thank you.:thumbup:

Hello all! I don't know where to start:eek:, but here I go. I am a working Mother of 3, I am Happily Married:tongue:. I am having Lapband Surgery on May 21, 2009:w00t:. I am starting to get very nervous! I was on another board and seen a lady's story that is very similiar to mine and she suggested this board/forum. I don't know her but would really like to start to get to know her so heather006 or something like that I came here from the other board in search of more info cause you suggested this as being more for Lapband patients! :glare: Thanks! Dayna

I am thinking of having this done due to having severe back problems and being about 85lbs over weight. My surgeon said that if I didn't want the surgery it would help to lose this weight and it could prolong surgery. So I am looking into this surgery instead of the back surgery. Has anyone had this done and actually had improvements on back pain???

My weight loss has stopped.ive been around 260 to 265 for a month or so and i cant seem to lose anything.its getting real discouraging.im still able to eat more than i think i should be able to.i hope my third fill at the end of the month helps.any ideas on what i need to do.

hello has anybody been banded in Mexico, I have kaiser insurance, my doctor told me that I need to change my eating habits and do exercise. I do, but it doesn't help. Due to my financial situation I did research and Mexico offers the best deal. help:confused::frown::confused:

I am so happy and I feel really good. I survived my first week. pain is way at a minimum, i am back to walking my 30 minutes a day,(a little slower though:unsure:) and have got this liquidy diet down pat. switching to pureed on sunday, yea my daughter is making a roast in the crockpot she is gonna puree me a small piece i cannot wait. anything beats carnation instant breakfast, strainded cream soup and yogurt smoothies:tongue_smilie:ugh!. I do have a question I know in my intro i asked about regular food, i am NOT a fast food eater never was but my one down fall and treat was a Mickey D's cheeseburger (no fries yeech). will I ever be able to have a small amount of one o…

I am waiting for my insurance company to OK my surgery, so I do not yet have a lap-band date. Right now I am attending support group at my surgeons office, and taste-testing protein powders to get ready. What I would like to know from you more experienced banders is "What item were you so glad to have during your recovery?" AND "What was your favorite liquid or soft food item?" ALSO: Any advice for me on what to acquire before the surgery, to do before surgery, or anything else? Looking forward to hearing from you all!!!

I'm new here. I'm being banded May 26th (day after Memorial day). I start my liquid diet tomorrow for the 2 weeks pre-surgery. My doc hasn't done a lot of bands but has done 200 or so bypasses. Dr. Kasemsap in Melbourne, FL. I really like him though and feel very comfortable with him. I'm somewhere near 290 now. I can't believe I even wrote that number. It just doesn't seem I could have gotten to 290. I've always been heavy, but 290 is scary heavy to me. I'm 43. I've always been able to change my weight 5+ pounds in the space of a couple/three days. Weigh me on Monday and I could be 280. Weigh me on Wednesday and I could be 286. I'm scared and ex…

I am new to this sight and doing as much research as possible I have seen and read some on this sight about DePaul Hospital and Dr. Scott. I am attending a seminar on June 10th at DePaul with Dr. DelaTorre. I have United Healthcare Ins. and was wandering how Dr. Scott performs his fills.(office or radiology, does he use an anesthetic or nothing, does a nurse perform the fill or does he do it himself?) I would like to know any info good or bad. Thanks Lisa 73:lol:

Hello and lots of hugs, I am new to this forum. I need to lose at least 30 kilos before my surgeon is willing to risk operating on a bad spinal condition I have. He says at my weight it is too delicate an operation to do at my weight. At present I am on 'Oxycontin' {Morphine Meds} twice daily for severe pain and also Panadeine Forte. I am borderline diabetic, and am carrying a lot of fluid in my ankles and legs and have high blood pressure. I have about 14 tablets to take some of which are quite large. I have been reading a lot about Lapbanding and would like to find out all I can about it. I am worried that my med's will get stuck and not go down, I also wonder if I had…

Hi, I am new to the idea of lap banding. I am 5'4 and weigh 270 or 80, i stopped counting. However what i have not done is stopped feeling how my body is talking to me about how i have spent a life time of miss treatment. I would like to know if there are people in the Melbourne Florida area who are thinking of getting the lap band done and people in the area who have had it done already. I work with two people who have had it done and both have had great success. Never the less i still have to talk to more people and ask lots of question. This is very serious stuff and i am scared to death to move one way or another. All i do know is i'm ready to make a change in my …

hello everyone! My surgery was on April 15th 2009. I've already lost 19 lbs.:tt2:

My surgery date is June 10th. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Does any one have good ideas for what to drink during the 2 week pre-op liquid diet? Any words of encouragement or advice to keep me excited rather than nervous (or have second thoughts) would be greatly appreciated.

My lap band surgery was on May 4 2009.

Hi there, I was sitting here on my first day of the pre-op diet and found this forum. I'm so glad to see that people are actively talking and sharing their experiences! I'm a pretty picky eater, so preparing for the pre-op has been hard. Basically, I don't like milk or the consistency of milk, so it was hard to choke down that first shake. I had a white wine and herb-flavored chicken broth for lunch and it was not good. I had 1/2 a cup. Who would have thought I'd stop after a 2.5 calorie lunch? :tt2: Anyway, I just ordered some unjury and hope to have a better experience with plain chicken broth tonight. Any tips or suggestions from those with similar food tas…

Hey everyone!!! I just found this website and just recently heard about the Lap Band. I really want help with losing weight, my BMI is 41 I live in Georgia, does anyone know of a great surgeon somewhere in my area or possibly in TN, AL, FL or SC? Someone who is not crazy expensive? I was considering Mexico but i'm nervous about leaving the country and I have heard horrible stories about Mexico. If you know a great surgeon thats no where near GA and is excellent, i'd love to hear about them, just to have more options. I hope to get this started pretty soon!! I'm anxious and nervous all at the same time!

Hello Iam just starting my research on which surgeon I want to use Iam considering Dr Wagner I have read other entries and seen Dr Wagners name, but not Dr. N. Richardson or Dr R. Follwell. I want someone who is experienced and has a great reputation. I would also love any feed back on how you feel about the staff's experience when you go get a fill done. Thanks for any information. Lisa

My name is Maren and I live in Alabama. I'm 34, with a high weight of 293 and a BMI of 47 (starting). I have BCBS and am in my third month of the 6 month supervised weight loss. My doc has me doing a controlled carb diet, mostly to get me in the mindset of putting protein first and carbs last for my post-surgery lifestyle and I'm down to 278 after only a few weeks of *really* trying. Believe me, I've done the calculations and know that to be safe in terms of insurance coverage, I shouldn't get below 260. I think I'll have to add back in a few carbs over the next few months and then once I'm approved, get back on track. That's sad, considering I've been morbidly obes…

After much networking about VSG I have a date of June 17th with Dr Aceves in Mexicali and look forward taking the path on my new journey and life as I am nervous yet excited...sound familiar? I'm looking forward to making new friends as a support system and to lean on and exchange news..protein supplement preferences, recipes, anything to help each other.. etc.. My real concern is the amount of Protein intake and hair loss. Can anyone share info about any protein pills or amino acid pills with protein? Please let me hear from you...:glare:

Hey, everyone. I'm Caroline, 35. I have my consultation with the surgeon in three days. I expect to self-pay if I move forward with the surgery. (I had high blood pressure last year, but it's controlled without medications now, so I don't technically have any co-morbidities.) I don't want to wait until I do have a lot of health problems. I look at the lap band like a leash; a dog on a leash might still try to chase squirrels, but he's not going to catch them. I need the lap band to be my leash, to pull me back when I want to chase down an entire buffet table! Caroline

to all that have been banded, Is it easier to change your eating habits after the band is placed? Here I am 2 weeks out trying to eat only 3 meals a day and its a killer. Will this surgery be helping me with my desire to always want to eat? I know we need to start watching what we eat B-4 the surgery but I finding it almost impossible which is why Im choosing to have the surgery. any and all imput will be loved...thanks , Wendy:confused:

I am scheduled for my consultation next Friday and I'm need some suggestions of what questions I should ask. I really don't know what to expect and would love some suggestions on things I need to cover with him.

I was banded in Nov. 2006 by Dr. Richard Wilkfield in Conroe,Tx I have lost about 81 pounds.

Whats up everyone my name is Chris. I've been on "the lap band journey" for about 9 months now. During the summer of last year I went to my doctor for a checkup and he asked if I ever thought about weight loss surgery. I told him I thought about it and have done a little research but haven't pursued anything yet. He recommended me to an associate of his who does WLS so after a couple of weeks of thinking about it I gave him a call. I spoke to his secretary and got an appointment for January since he wasn't accepting any new patients until after the New Year. The day of my consultation finally came around after a long holiday season. I did the basic physical(weight/heig…

Last year (2008) in january I tried getting the lap band. And the medical office that was going to perform the surgery was not very helpful at all. So I kinda gave up. I was watchin tv and saw that 1800-get-slim commercial for the lap band and I called. Well today I went for a siminar & they where so nice. I found out my bmi was 59!!! :-( but the doctor made me feel better when he told me my stomach wasn't super big I jus have a lot of arm fat, leg fat, and a huge amount of breast weight. So he wants me to get a breast reduction BEF0RE the lap band. (im a 54ddd) And guess what? My insurance company gave them approval for my lap band, tummy tuck, and breast reduction. …

Banded on 21st in PhoenixAZ, lost 7.5 pounds. If anyone needs a fantastic Doctor Dr. Simpson is the best also just for anyone check out his website it has a wealth of information for everyone even if your using a different Dr. I download his podcasts to my ipod its awsome.He is one of Phoenix Top Doctors 2009. He is co-owner of the privtae hospital next to his office where I stayed it was great everything and the whole staff were the best. The only Dr. that teaches in the State and he has taught in many states. website is Dr. Simpson.net

I was curious to see examples of peoples diets and exercise programs that have had fast weight loss on lapband(70 or more pounds in the first year).

Found this site a few days ago and have been looking around, finding it to be a wealth of information, support and inspiration. I had tried many diet plans, my most successful was Weight Watchers, where I lost about 60 pounds-then gained it back plus more. I started thinking about the lap-band about a year and a half ago. I visited a surgeon in March of 2008. Because of my insurance, I had to be under doctor's care for 6 months before I could get the surgery for the lap band. So I went on the lowfat, high Protein diet that is prescribed with the band and time came down to getting the surgery. During the last month or so of my waiting period, I started gaining weight…