Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi. I'm Heather. I got banded on March 26, 2008 I was over at ThinnerTimes.com and there was a bunch of nice people there all very supportive and helpful but most of them had the GBP I however had the lap-band an needed to talk to people who have had the same thing son one day while surfing around I found you guys. I just had my first fill on Wednesday 05/06/09. It was the most bizzarr thing I have ever experienced. I tend to write more in blog form than anything else. I like reading what everyone has already put and 95% of the time all of my questions are answered several times over. So here I am ready for your knowledge.

I will having my surgery on May 27 in Phoenix. Dr. Hilario Juarez is my surgeon on this. Fortunately, I will have family around for the first few days after surgery before I return home to Santa Fe. I feel I have good support from friends which will be important. I am supposed to go in for pre-op testing on May 19. I am not sure what is involved with this. I have had the cardio stress test and echo cardiogram. I suppose this may involve some x-rays, just not sure what else is involved. The postings here in the introductions reflect some of my concerns going into this. I have had weight problems most of my life. Even at my best weight (I was 15 lbs over the "ideal" wei…

Well I thought this day would never arrive. I finally have a surgery date June 4th. My pre-op is June 2nd. I cannot wait to start my journey and new lifestyle. Where can I find what all I need to pack for the hospital? I had seen a thread and now cannot find it. How do we get tickers? I'm so new to all of this on this website. Any and all advice is needed and wanted. I know everyone's experience is different. I'm hoping to make new friends. Hope to hear from you. Hugs! Teresa

I am so scared/excited all at the same time!!!! I worry about the complications and the problems. I am a mother of three with my youngest at 2 1/2 I don't have time to be out of it for too long. How long do I need help with the kids for? The shorter the better, my mom's not that friendly...........I am very healthy (high blood pressure) and exercise already, I'm just about 75 lbs. overweight and my BMI is 37. What do you think? Should I go through with it?

Hi, I had lapband surgery on January 22, 2009. I am losing more inches than pounds any suggestions?:thumbup: My doctors office gave me a small list of foods to eat. I need to know more about what foods I can eat, I know what I can not eat. Thanks Ladythin

I Have a BMI of 45. I cant believe this has happened again ( the weight gain). Behavioral & spiritual methods have worked, for a while. I'm on the presurgical diet from north Fl surgeons. Surgery is scheduled for 2weeks. I'm hopeful & nervous. I'm on the liquid protein drink/bar 4 a day plus a broiled chicken breast, or tuna without mayo. My first day today. I'm doing this for 2 weeks for the sake of a safe surgery. Thats what they tell me. Im trying to think positive, but I find myself crying a little bit. Positive Positive. I'll make it through. Can someone respond w/ inspiring words, or not. A response would be helpful to me. Thanks. :crying:

Hi all I am new here and new to my surgery tommorow May 6th will be one week. so far I am doing well pain is at a minimum and my strengh is coming back. My surgeon was Dr. Philip shaur from the Cleveland Clinic. he was wonderful .. his entire team was great. I have some questions that I hope someone can help me with. First question is..can I ever wear my jeans again:blush: seriously been wearing yoga pants and pj bottoms, also I know that my intake will be restricted but will I ever get to eat a normal food again and i dont mean candy cakes ect...i mean like a salad with chicken or a wrap of some kind...stuff i loved before. any advise would be great thanks.....:thumbup:

Hello, I am New here. I was Banded April 24, 2009. I started out at 296lbs 5'6", 48 BMI. I am now down to 272lbs. I am doing the diet , starting the purred foods and soft foods. I have started to not lose as much now but am staying the same. I know I am in the adjusting phase now and am supposed to get my first fill on the 1st week of June. So hopefully all stays well.I don't have a strong support field around here as I received the surgery in a different Location. Thanks Guys, Dennis

Hello I am Robert Benz of houston Tx I had lap band surgery 4/21/09 and I going through h--- I have bloating stomach,real bad I mean real bad acid pain and gas, diarrhea all the time. I just feel real sick to my stomach. I called USA Fills they said may still be gas. Also I think I can feel my band next to the incision I don't know if you can feel it or not, Dr Zapata said it was normal swelling. Did any one have these problems and I or reacting? rbenz@labordeproducts.com pleas if you know anything plas send me info. Thanks Robert

am trying to qualify for LB. prior rejection led to 30 lb gain, now at 200 lbs, 5"1 (female) BMI close to 36. co-morbidities are on the mild side, including acid reflux, shortness of breath on exertion (but no cardio disease yet), foot, knee and leg pain, lower and upper back chronic pain, depression, family history of insulin dependent diabetes and heart attack (but I dont have metabolic syndrome or pre-diabetes yet). can any of you in this community guide me on what I could do to optimize my chance of approval? I have excellent insurance which seems to cover most things (IVF, some cosmetic), but this one is uncertain. am going for second consult with new doc on Monday…

Hello everyone, I am a 44 yr old guy, T2 diabetic, with sleep apnea. I am 6'4" now 300lbs, my highest weight ever. I blame my most recent increase, (it's never my fault) on two shoulder surgeries, and a knee surgery, and a recent severe accident in which I was involved, but not at fault. I recently attended a seminar, and have an appointment with the doc this month. Anyway, I have been battling weight my entire life. Some good results, but usually gain it back. I know of two women who have had Lapband, one with fantastic success, the other with good success. I have a few concerns, one of my crutches in life is caffeine, I can't drink coffee, so I get mine through Di…

I can't decide when / if to tell others about my surgery. I have told most of my family but have told none of my co-workers. The atmosphere here is full of gossipy people and I prefer to keep my business to myself. Do I need to tell my co-workers why I'm out for a week or why I'm losing weight? I just can't decide if it is best to be open about the procedure or keep my personal life out of the office. Any suggestions?

My weight is ruining my life! I'm not happy. I'm not doing what I want to be doing. I'm not having the fun I want to be having! I have various health issues: my knees , my feet, my back, my blood pressure, my blood sugar. I am 125+ lbs. overweight. I have been for atleast 15 years. I have tremendous motivation ... but, it gets deflated if I don't see results (which is always the case lately). Through the years ... I have gained & lost many, many lbs. Beyond working out at home, I have tried/joined many outside sources: Bally's Fitness, NutriSystem, Jazzercize, Curves ... I even tried a Hypnotist. I had temporary success with all. I have also purchased: a Treadmill, a …

Hi, there! My name is Ashley and I was recently banded on April 23, 2009! *Jumps up and down for joy.. Well, in my mind.. Still a little sore (heehee)* I was banded by Dr. David Le and his wonderful Bariatric Team at the South San Francisco Kaiser. I've been reading this forum for quite some time now, as my journey started in October 2008 with my Orientation Class. The information I've found here has been absolutely wonderful for both me and my husband. I've found that ever since the surgery, I have a whole new outlook on life! Certain foods that used to tempt me before, don't look all that appealing anymore. Which is wonderful! Anyway, just wanted to share a b…

:thumbdown: Is it possible to feel scared and excited at the same time? I'm in England, UK and feel so pleased that I came across this site! I've was referred from my GP in August 2008 to have bariatric surgery and am going to my appointment in 2 weeks. I feel so lucky to have been given this chance as I could never have afforded to pay for this myself. I'm absolutely thrilled to be finally able to be on control, am scared about the needles (have a phobia), but think I need to look at the long term benefits too. I'm looking forward to being able to be confident about myself, but at the same time am doubting that I can get a genuine love of exercise:bored:. Hope to…

Hi I am considering lap band surgery but I have a few questions. My problem is I am always starving so I am wondering does it stop the hunger? If you have to change you're eating habits why not just do that without paying $$$$ for the surgery? What if I cannot change my eating habits which so far I have not been able to do? What do I do with all my loose flab I am 59 yrs old is that too old for the surgery? In British Columbia how do you get medical to cover the cost of the sugery? I mean 35 days of liquids now thats harsh and impossible for me do you really have to do that and why? Help I am tired of being hungary its expensive!

:thumbup: My name is Julie, I'm 37. I got my lap band 2-5-08. My starting weight was 258. Now I weigh 205.My surgeon is Dr Michael Lara at Del Sol Bariatric Center in El Paso Texas. I am thrilled I did it. I have to admit the results aren't as dramatic as I had hoped, but it has helped me quit a bit. I guess I was thinking in the back of my mind when they were lecturing about the diet and exercise I thought to myself " I won't need to try that hard !" And even though I'm not really deprived, I do have to work harder than I expected. But as I said I am happy I had the surgery and would absolutly recomend it to anyone struggling with a weight problem.

Hi, I have seen a lot of people from other areas but i wanted to see if there were Michigan people on this site. :smile: Thanks,

Hello Everyone, I went in yesterday for my pre-op appt. They took blood and I met with Dr. and Nurse Prac. also had X-ray done and met with anesthesiologist. I was so nervous I prayed the whole time asked family to pray with me. In the end it went ok. I am still a bit nervous but I think it will be ok. I was not told I had to start pre-op diet but I have started eating less. I was simply told not to go out and do what some banders do; which is to try and eat everything right before surgery sort of a last super mentality. I have lost about 13 lbs.-15lbs on my own no pre-op diet but I intend to follow a pre-op diet any suggestions? When I first started this journey I w…

Hi, I am an intern Psychologist currently studying the long term effects of Lap Banding surgery. The purpose of the study is to assist individuals emotionally, physically and socially - after their surgery. If you have the time, I would really appreciate you partaking in the survey which takes about 30 minutes. All you need to do is click on the attached link and the survey should open up automatically. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=8V2cU9TcyFKkWaIOcBFyrg_3d_3d If you have any issues or suggestions, please feel free to email me (kerrie_woods@hotmail.com). Cheers, Kerrie.:cool2:

Has anyone used Dr. Kenneth Hollis in Houston, Tx? His name on my insurance and wanted to know your experience with him and if you recommend him.:thumbup:

SO EXCITED, I can't hardly see straight. I have new insurnace that started on May 1, it is with UHC. WELL... i called yesterday and today and was advised both times that doc needs to write a predetermination letter stating why the procedure is necessary, send that with my records from his office which he has from 2005 and now, and I will know within 30 days. I am told by the insurance lady in the office that we normally hear within the week. I could be banded by the beginning of June if all goes well. I have the psych appt on friday and the Nut and Cardiologist on Monday. I am also having the esophogeal thing done as soon as it is scheduled. I am so excited right n…

Hello everyone, My name is Doug and I will be having my lap band surgery on May 1st. I have been lurking and reading postings and thought it was time to introduce myself. This forum has been a life line. Everytime I had doubts about my decision to get banded, I would just come here and read your storys to reafirm that what I'm about to do is the correct thing for me.:thumbup:

Consultation Thur 5/7/09 permalink I have been lurking forever perhaps years.... Wanting to have the surgery but chicken.... Now.... I am 41 with 2 kids 8 and 11... I am just over 40 BMI Hypo Thyroid Meds... High Cholesterol but the good is high too. I have been seriously battling my weight for about 16 yrs and I am currently heavier than I was 9 months pregnant with my oldest. It has really taken its toll on my health , joints, and mental state. I have Aetna , Managed Choice, I have heard that my coverage is really good. Hoping and praying this will go off without a hitch. I don't want to jump through hoops, but i will if I have too. I have some dege…

Hi all! I'm so glad to have found this place! It was a great source of information before I had my surgery. I'm a 26yr old female from the Cincinnati area, and I was recently banded, on 4/21. So far, so good. It's still a little weird to feel the port and band underneath my skin, and it's taking a little bit to get used to it. Still a little sore, but mostly just when I'm getting up, or sitting down, or rolling over in bed. I'm feeling good! I've down 20+ pounds, but that includes the weight loss from the pre-surgery diet. Anyway, I'm excited to have found a group of people who have been through this before, I know a couple people in my area, but no one close to me has ev…

Hello, In April I began the process of getting the lap band. I was informed that my insurance requires proof of 6 month weight loss attempts; Dr visits or memberships. For the past 3 years I have discussed my weight issues with my Dr and she would weigh me at each visit. She even prescribed phentermine for me but do to elevated BP she took me off. I meet with her every and/or every other month for at least a year. My concern is that it may not be enough for insurance approval. My Dr. believes it will be. What has been you experience? This newbie is a little nervous...:smile:

Hi all, my name is Lindsey and I'm 31 years old...I currently have a 2year old at home and am actually 35 weeks pregnant with #2, due in a few weeks. Probably an odd time to start investigating lap band, but I've wanted to do it for a while and figured I would start with getting some information on it first. I live in the Tacoma/Seattle area of Washington State. My husband is Air Force, which means we have Tricare for insurance. I know of one other AF wife that had this procedure and insurance paid it all for her. I was wondering if anyone had this procedure done by any docs in this area? I am currently 304lbs...however pre pregnancy was anywhere from 250-270. …

I was banded on April 27th

Hi everyone! I am from Northeastern PA. I am going on my 4th month of the required 6 month program before the actual surgery. So far I have lost only 5 pounds, which is very frustrating. How is everyone else doing?

anybody else get banded in Mexico so far so good, Need good support at home as well. Doctors are so greedy in Canada they want 5000 for after care.:thumbup:

Hello to all, I am a 33 year old married man with 4 kido's who has struggled with my weight for my entire life. I once lost a lot of weight, but had to do it with weight loss pills, over the counter fat burners and such... all the bad stuff you read about now. I went through a seminar with DR. Spiegel when i had insurance that would cover the cost, but since then i have changed jobs and will now be a self pay. I live in the Houston area and want to do this ASAP. I am 33, weigh in at 300lbs, 5'9" with a BMI of 43... yeah I know, wow! I have 12k in cash right now to spend as a self pay. Can anyone in the Houston, Tx area reccomend someone to me. When I di…

Hey everyone. I've been lurking a month or so, reading lots and learning even more. This is a wonderful resource, and my heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you for sharing your journeys! I'm scheduled for surgery this Friday with Dr. Johnson of Carteret Surgical Center. I'm excited, and a tad nervous at the same time. It's all happened so fast, less than a month. From the time my doc said okay, to insurance approval was 4 days. Then surgery could have been 4 days after that, but I opted to move it to this week instead. I had my gallbladder out in Feb, and I'm having the hardest time with this no carb/high Protein pre-op diet. The lack of gallbladder is makin…

Hello! I am new here. I have had my consult and just waiting on my insurance to give the green light, but we are looking at early to mid June! I am excited, nervous, SCARED, and all of the above! I need support from those not around me all the time. I need assurance it will be ok. Love to know if there are others in my area!

Anyone been frustrated with their Dr.'s office staff? I have been telling the person that schedules all of the appointments that I need to be done with everything (even surgery) before June 1st due to insurance change that is coming up. My last required class in next week. I have done everything they have made me do and now they are telling me that it will be a few weeks to see the Dr. and then another few weeks for the surgery. Why do they do that when they know that my insurance coverage will be changing soon???!!!!:thumbup: Now they are telling me that I am taking up too much of their time by following up. This is so frustrating!!! Anyone have any ideas on what…

I am having pain in rib area when i bend, stretch, or lean. It didn't star until i started mushies. Im scared there is something wrong with the port. Can someone please tell me is something wrong?

I am so embarrassed because my surgery for sciatica & compressed discs in my back was rejected early this week by my surgeon because of my weight. He told me I need to lose at least 30 kilos before he would attempt my surgery as it is too dangerous to operate on me. I started Optifast this morning...2 shakes daily & a small normal meal tonight. I am on quite a large amount of medications for pain etc. so wonder if I have lapband surgery whether it will still be possible to get my med's down. I would like to learn as much as I can about Lapbanding because I doubt I can lose 30 kilos on my own. Please help...hugs xx

Hi All: This is my first post and I am really glad to be here. I went to my first info session in March and already have my surgery date. I am so happy that I have Oxford insurance since it does not require the 6 month waiting period. I could have had my surgery this month but I will have it at the end of June as I am taking a birthday trip to Italy. I just want to have fun on that trip. I am working with Dr Kurian at NYU medical and she seems to be really great. Everything has gone smoothly so far with all of my pre-op visits (although the waiting room is way to crowded). I have decided not to tell almost anyone that I am having the surgery because I don't know…

:sad:I am 54 years old, 5'2", weigh 235++ lbs. and have a BMI of 42. I have been overweight for the past 21 years, trying to do it on my own but with no sucess. My husband and I moved to our current address fall of 2007 and I began seeing my current doctor for help with weight loss Spring of 2008. I mentioned to him I was interested in trying the LapBand. He wanted to try other methods before resorting to it. It's been a year. I've taken it upon myself to attend the seminar and get the details but the cost is too much for me ($18,000++) and my insurance UNITED HEALTHCARE EPO does not cover the procedure. I've seen other posts stating that others with UHC eventually…

Welcome May 2009 Bandsters Well, I am new to the site and will be banded on May 6th. I also noticed that there are several that will be getting banded in the month of May to.. So, I thought it would be fun to have a thread for us May Bansters. I think it would be fun to see how we all progress as we each reach our surgery date and our experiances after. So I will start first.. I am counting down to my days, I have 4 days left. I am on the pre-diet and have lost 12 pounds. I am looking forward to having my band. So when is your date? tell us all. *Please post even if you are not a may 2009 bandster we would still love to hear from you and we post our expe…

Hi my name is friery. I've been banded since April 28th. My goal is to lose 70lbs. Dr Ward in nj was my surgeon. I have many ????. The most important one is when does the diarriha go away?:thumbdown: Is ok on day 4 to eat 1oz of mashed banana thinned with lactofree milk?

Hi there, My name is Nicole and I am in Plumas Lake, California. (about 30 minutes from Sacramento). I am just starting my journey. I have a seminar/counceling appt next tuesday. I have Kaiser insurance and not sure how difficult this process will be for me. I hear that the surgery and appointments are handled out of the Richmond hospital about 2 hours away from me, so that doesnt make me too happy. I am at 39.9 BMI and I hear 40 is the minimum. BUT I have health issues so hope I dont have to fight too hard to get approval. I am looking forward to making friends on the site and gain so much information from those that have gone before me (so to speak). I am a little scar…

FOR FILIPINOS Hey Everyone! I'm Oscar Lopez, and I'm new to this website! I looked for a Local Support Group for Filipinos (locals of the Philippines) but I didn't find any so I created one. For all Filipinos or (Filipinos at heart) out there who want to discuss about lap band in a local context, visit OUR forum: Medical Tourism packages for reasonable prices. Shameless plugging aside, I am thankful for those who created this website! Because of this website, we now have a forum for our lap band concerns! I look forward to meeting friends here! See you around! :wink:

Hi! I'm (obviously) new here. Anyhow, I'm from the Philippines and I'm going to be banded on May 11, 2009. My surgeon is Dr. Rey Santos and I think he's going to perform the surgery with 4 other surgeons. I've actually had a chat with my surgeon already and have already raised my questions and concerns (mostly drawn from reading the posts here. Hehe). Admittedly, after reading the Complications section, I'm still a bit afraid of what can happen post-op. But, I'm really trying my best to stay positive. I really want to become healthy. So, just a little background info. I'm 22 years old and my BMI is currently at 41. Since I'm Asian, I am most definitely morbidly obe…

Hey guys! I chanced upon this website in my desperate attempt to look for a solution to my long standing problem of obesity. I am 22 years old, standing 5'4", and my weight is 265 lbs. BMI, 45.5. I have tried a lot of medications and diets suggested to me by different dieticians, and I have also been enrolled to numerous fitness gyms since my high school years but these failed to help me in my battle against the bulge. I also got into a weight management program in a premier hospital in the country wherein I was monitored by a group of health professionals. While I lost more than 80 lbs with their help, I wasn't able to keep the weight off for a long time. A few y…

hello everyone. im so glad to find this website. lapband surgery is a relatively new procedure here in my country and i am probably just the second person to be having in done in my city. i feel kinda lost and apprehensive about having the surgery since i really have no one to ask how to prepare, what to expect and i am almost done with my preop clearances..so i can really use all your inputs..i need to know how i can best prepare myself for my new lease on life!!! thanks!:help:

I am considering lapband surgery and am worried it will be another failed attempt at gaining control of my weight. I am afraid that I won't be able to take another failure. With my need to lose 45 pounds I am also worried that the local lapband clinic wont help me and that will be more devastating that actually trying to do it. Is there anyone else out there that is in my situation? Will I be able to get the proceedure when I'm not considered obese? Should I even try? Help!!!:help:

Hi I was referred to this site by a teacher who had her surgery a year ago. I am scheduled for my consult on May 6th, but reading all the posting on this site am confused if this is worth it! Seems like there is a lot of problems with having this procedure of not being able to go out and eat and drinking any kind of liquids without coming back up. I'm really thinking about cancelling my appointment, please give me some feedback

I have been banded for almost two years. Have gotten to a point where I haven't lost much but also haven't gained. More inches than pounds. Went from a tight 22W to a regular 14. I am to the point where I look at my clothes and not my weight. Get discouraged otherwise. Look forward to talking to everyone.:thumbup:

Hello all - I am planning on my surgery in May. I am getting a little nervous . Having it done in Plano, Texas at the Prestonwood Surgery Center. This website is helping me tremendously....Good luck to all!

Hello everyone, I've been reading posts on the message board for a few weeks, but decided to finally join and post. I am a tall woman (6'2) who weighs 344lbs and as I am getting closer to 30, I realize that I would like to have children. I didnt know it was an issue until I asked my doctor and he responded- - lose weight. Everyone told me I wasnt "fat" and I shouldnt do it... why not? I look forward to not having to big bigger shirts that dont show my "rolls" or feeling bad when I attempt to put on a tube top and and instead it looks like a corset. I cant wait until I meet the new me... starting May 22nd.