Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi!! My name is Melissa. I am 32 and have been overweight my whole life. I am having gastric banding done on May 11 @ 7am!! I am so excited! I am currently on a liquid diet and I have lost 6 pounds in 2 days LOL!! My starting weight as of Tuesday was 237. I am so ready to get this done and be healthy and skinny!! I have started a blog about my journey but I am also looking for others who have had or are going to have the surgery done. Please feel free to email or message me at anytime. Thanks and I look forward to meeting all of you!!

Hey everybody from Raleigh, NC! Well, so far I have just attended an information session with a sergeon here in Raleigh, Dr. Moran. Most of the information they went over I had already learned online but it was great to be in a room with other overweight people. I have been overweight all of my life and never been successful losing weight. After a lot of research, talking to people who have gone through the procedure, and some soul searching I decided to start the process. Right now I'm just waiting to hear back from the doctors office about insurance coverage and where to go from here. Good luck to everyone here. I look forward to reading your posts and learn…

I was banded on Easter Friday!!! It was not a good weekend for me because they found a Hiatel Hernia and repaired it. I was sore from chest and port area. Although, I was so hungry but I followed all instructions. Over the weekend it was rough with me being on broth and everyone else eating BBQ on Easter. I toughed it out and made it to Monday. I was still hungry but also getting alot of heartburn and cough attacks. I saw DR. on Tuesday and said it was fine and that I can start slowly go into the 2nd week because I was hungry. I have lost 7.8 lbs so far in a 10 day period. I am so happy that I have done the surgery. I am eating healthier and wiser. Now, my husband is even…

Hi, I am Debbie and I have my surgery scheduled for June 3. I just finished 6 months of classes. I am real excited. I have been trying out different protein drinks. What are some of the favorites that people have? I have bought a few different varieties from GMC that are not bad. Any advise is welcomed.

Hello, I was banded on April 6. Developed a third degree burn as a result of the dermabond that was used. Has anyone out there had this same thing to happen to them? Happy Healing to all:thumbup:

I am scheduled for surgery May 12. Very excited and glad to meet everyone here.

I cannot believe it but I am on for tomorrow!! I got the approval from the cardiologist and my heart is good. It is such a good thing that I am getting this done because while I got a good report on my heart I was also told that I am now offically a diabetic. I said well as long as that part is good I can concentrate on getting the rest of me in good health. Yahoo I'm on my way:laugh:

I wanted to introduce myself and see if there are any other individuals in the Minneapolis area that are just beginning their new lifestyle. I had my surgery on April 6th and have lost 22 lbs. so far. I will be going in for my first adjustment a week from today and I am now back to eating again, the liquid diet was difficult for me but I made it through!!! I'd love to hear from anyone who is just getting started to keep in contact with. Thanks, Deb

Hi All. First off as you can tell by the title, Im new here and just a bit on the green side. Excuse me as I learn the terms and struggle through this site....lol I am just starting on this journey and am both excited and nervous.I have done a bit of my homework but am still learning what all is entailed in this journey. Today I go to see my elected surgeon. After I get some information there and what find out what hoops I have to jump through for the insurance Companies...I hope to start on the road to my actual surgery. I have called both Mine and DH's insurance as we both elected to have coverage due to my weight. Mine covers the surgery with no exclusions on my co…

I am not banded yet but I was looking for anyone who was in the Gainesville, fl. area or surrounding area. hoping to find a good surgeon close to home.

Hello! This is my first post here. I'm fresh into the process. I'm 29. Have 145 lbs to lose. Set a goal for myself when I was 25, gave myself 5 years to get the weight off myself, or I would have some sort of surgery. I've done the research, compared, asked around. LapBand is the way I want to go. I've keep my doctors apprised, and I'm well documented. I've got an appointment set with my primary doctor to get the insurance process started, and I'm signed up for a seminar the following week from that. I am hoping that I have a date scheduled before the end of the year. I am not scared about the actual surgery, but scared to death about how my body will or won't respo…

Hi Yall! I am Jo, and I am in south Alabama. My surgeon will be Dr. John Bagnato in Albany Ga. My Insurance is BlueCross/BlueShield/Anthem. I already know they cover surgery, I just don't know how many hoops they will make me jump before approval. I am 5 foot 5. BMI=36 225 lbs. Been overweight most my life. I have co-morbid- back surgery (spinal stenosis), hypertension, sleep apnea, gerd,arthritious (sp). Hopefully this will go fast and smooth. Anyone else with my insurance?

Hey guys, just wanted to say hi--being banded on 4/27...very nervous and not enjoying the week of protein shakes, making me nauseous...almost there, though!

:biggrin: I am approved for my lapband. I am so excited. I have been waiting for so long. I am going in June for my surgery. I wish I could give a date but I still am not sure. I have done everthing my doctor requested. My name is Kimberly and I am from Nebraska, I stopped drinking pop almost a month ago. I have also changed my eatting habits. Extra gum is my new bestfriend..lol. Cant wait to get to know more people here.

Hi There, Allow me to introduce myself, I am LEKEKARI. I have been banded for 5 days now. I am completely new at using this site and chat places. I have millions of questions to ask and am looking forward to sharing this journey with others.

Hello All, Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christie and I am currently a nursing student. I will shortly turn 26 years old and have struggled with my weight for the past 6 years. All of the different diets that are currently on the market, I have had some type of experience with. At this time I am paying for insurance that is minimal coverage required for me to attend school. I am not married, so I have no spouse that has coverage. I am interested in learning of an insurance that I could purchase on a yearly/6 month/monthly basis that would cover the cost of the lap-band. Does an insurance exist like this? I have searched different websites but…

I'm new at this site and trying to navigate. I guess this thread will be read. I'm having surgery monday 5/4. My best friend, momnlaw, daughternlaw will be with me...because I'm so chicken of the procedure. I'll get over it, after I go throw up. I guess It's just I'm not used to dealing with my feelings without food, and having been on this preop diet for a week and a half, I just get mad alot, cry sometimes, and am impatient with others. I Know? I'll get thru this. I.... Wow look how many times I've used "I". Better get myself out of me, and do something else. Thanks for listening.

Hello, I'm Teri from New Hope, AL. I had my surgery in late August of 08. I have lost about 26-28 pounds. Yes, I should have lost more. However, it's taken me a little while to get "in tune" with my body. I've had about 4 adjustments. The last adjustment was the only one that I could really tell a difference. Just wanted to say Hi! I love reading your posts; it really helps!!! Good luck to us all!!!

My name is Amy and I am going to be 23 in June. I am just now starting this whole process. I went with my neighbor to a seminar to support her. I was also thinking if the lap band would be for me and it turns out I was worse off then I expected. lol I have a cousin who got the bypass a while back and my family has a history of high cholesterol, high bp, you know the usual. :/ I have always been big and very upset about my wieght. I have struggled with every diet and I wanna fix things now before I do get sick. I want to better my future. Well, I have been having high bp for a while now and been blaming it on nerves at the Dr. Now I really think I could just be unhealthy…

hi all-- I have been lurking around the internet, but this is my first foray into the boards. I was just approved for surgery last week and have my first consult with dr. quilici in Burbank, CA on February 27th. I am hoping to have the lapband. My emotions have run the gamut--I really want to have the surgery, but the process is scary and overwhelming. Thanks for reading.

I was just banded last week and am looking forward to the journey! I'm still a little sore and found that walking helps a lot. I am progressing nicely on the liquids and I am looking forward to being successful with the weight loss. Cheers, Ellie

Hi, I live in Northern Arizona. I have made it to a seminar, and have decided on getting surgery, just not sure which one or where yet. I am leaning more towards Lap Band, but have been considering the Sleeve also. I have been hearing horror stories about Lap Band, but also have heard some really good things. With the Sleeve it seems that after surgery there is less restriction, less hunger, and fewer complications, but I guess it depends on who you talk to. which is why I am glad I found this site, it will be nice to get to talk to some people who have had this done. The other decision I am torn on is where to get it done. In Mexico it is so much cheaper, but my husb…

Hi, I was banded in July of last year. For the past four months, I have been going back and forth to try to get my fill at the right level. Either it is too loose and I can eat anything I want, or, it is too tight, and I can't keep anything down. I got really mad because my surgeon took a total of 4 cc's out of my band. I could eat anything I wanted,and had no restriction at all. He told me to restrain myself. Ha! If I could of restrained myself, I would of never paid $14,000.00 to have the surgery in the first place, duh!!! I ended up gaining back about 15 pounds of what I had lost. I recently went back and got another fill, and now, for the first time in four mon…

Hi - I don't have a date scheduled. I am still in the very begining stages of this journey, I only decided about 2 weeks ago to talk to my doctor about this procedure.She thinks it's the right thing for me to do, since I have been struggling with my weight for many,many years.. Anyway I have been reading a little on this site and am happy to see all the success people have had with this surgery.. I am scheduled to go for a seminar on this surgery on 5/12.. I really hope I am doing the right thing- :biggrin:

Last week I had consultation with Dr. Salamatari. He seems to be a very down to earth person. I just wanted to know if anyone had a bad experience with him. My endoscoptomy is scheduled for Friday and my Pre Op will be scheduled right after but i have not been approved for the surgery yet. Is that the normal process? Please help!!! :biggrin:

Hi All, I have lurked for a month and asked one question a little while ago. I changed my name because it was way too long. My consultation is tomorrow morning. It was supposed to be last week but was moved. My Dr. called me yesterday and seems very nice and asked many questions. I meet the NIH guidelines for surgery which was my biggest worry. My BMI is 37.5 with hypertension. I have been big most of my life. I would like to be healthy and shop in the normal section of the store. There is so much cute stuff and I get stuck with moo-moo shirts. I am lucky and don't think I have to worry about insurance. I am under Navy care with secondary coverage also. After reading …

Hello I'm new to the site and I have really enjoyed reading all of the good post.I got my surgery date today for June 17:) I am a little nervous though I must admit.I look forward to the new journey.

Hello Everyone! I've been on the sidelines reading this forum for a few weeks now but didn't want to participate until I had my insurance approval. I got the good news yesterday and it's finally begining to set in. I'm so nervous and excited. I have battled with my weight for most of my life and I am finally in a position to win this battle. Thank you to all who have posted your stories and inspired and motivated me to get this done. I hope one day my story will be able to inspire someone to take the steps to winning the fight of their life!!!

Hi! I just went to my information seminar last week, and am starting my 6 month medically supervised weight loss program BEFORE surgery, which is required by my insurance. I hadn't realized that was required, and wish I'd started long ago- I had thought and thought about this so by the time I went to the seminar I was ready to do it NOW!!! But I know that a structured process is best. Just wondering, so I might know whether to anticipate any difficulties with insurance, anyone have experience with BC/BS? I know the procedure is covered, but am just wondering if they are easy to deal with. Nice to be here!!!:laugh:

I am a journalist writing an number of articles on how to best prepare yourself, mentally and emotionally, for LAP-BAND surgery. I'd love to speak with people who want to share their experiences with: -- how to ask your family/friends for the support you need -- how to manage your last-minute emotions/jitters before the surgery -- how you've responded when people don't understand your decision and have told you you don't "need" the surgery -- how to use a food journal to help insure your success -- how to manage the holidays and take emphasis off of food I'd also love to hear any stories about how life has changed for you since the surgery. What are some of the …

Hi, my name is Christy and I live in North Alabama. I found your site by surfing the net for more information on the lap band surgery. I'm still in the very beginning stages of my considering weight loss surgery. Scared to death to do it, scared to death if I don't. So, I suppose you could say I'm on the fence and trying to get the courage to jump off on yall's side. Would love to hear from other folks in my area and am looking forward to reading all the information on here. Looks like a great group of folks here.:wink2: Christy

Hello everyone. My name is Eric. I live in NW Ohio. I'm in the early stages of my banding journey. My story is like so many others that I have read on this site. This forum is such a great way to learn about what to expect (or not to expect) about living with the band. I'm so ready to do this! My biggest fear is living with this band inside of me for the rest of my life. I'm only 33 years old and wonder what it will be like when I'm 60? Do you know what I mean? My insurance does not cover the procedure either so I will have to pay for it myself which sucks but I look at it as an investment in myself for the next 7 years or so. :laugh: That's really the least…

Greetings to all of the people who call this forum home: My nickname is Quiche and here is some of my history: About 3 months, I saw my doctor at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. She told me that I had lost 10% of my body weight. When I started the medically supervised wt loss program, I was around 275 lbs. Now, I am about 233 lbs. I went to see the Registered Dietitian to get on my modified diet (that means that I am eating conventional food for at least one meal). I have been doing that with some degree of success. On February 6th, my mother and I met with Dr Nishi at Cedar Sinai Medical Center. Dr Nishi is my surgeon who will be doing the Lap Band surgery on me. I…

Well I made it! I am now banded:thumbup: I had my surgery yesterday, April 26th and am feeling GREAT. I was scared to death because I've never had surgery before. Let me tell you it was a breeze compared to what I had worked myself into believing it would be like! I did ,later, have to go to the ER because I was having trouble urinating and got a catheter, but they said this was a normal reaction that some people experience after general anesthesia. Other than that I feel like a million dollars. I am so excited to start my new life. I am having very little pain.My wife :tt1:was banded exactly one week ago and is also doing great. So if any of you are out there worried a…

hi im wini -- not much to say -i m banded since june 25 2008 iam an american living in berlin germany 23 years my surgeon dr. martin susewind mic clinic -berlin --since june i have lost 30 kilograms, appox 65lbs. ive just started to use this forum because i feel left alone and need allaround support, even though i have lost quite a bit of weight the eating problems are still there in my head, and i hope being here will help --i still have another 40 lbs to go, and i hope someone out there will accompany me and my friend(my band) on the rest of my journey:rolleyes:

Hello All! I just wanted to see how you are doing with the pre-op diet (if that's a requirment for you)? I started mine on Friday and that day went well. I woke up with an excruciating headache on Saturday and was unable to eat or drink anything most of the day. Then when I finally felt better I decided to take a shower and wash my hair. Well I nearly PASSED OUT in the shower. I could feel myself losing strength and got out before things got ugly. It took me a while to get myself together. I plan to call my doctor about this tomorrow. I think I may have had a low blood sugar reaction. :laugh: After I drank some juice, I felt much better. My concern is, how the h…

Hello my name is Sandy.:rolleyes2: I am very excited. I just had lap band surgery April 18th. I had my surgery done in Mexico and paid for it out of pocket. The surgeon was Dr. Haucuz. He could not of been more wonderful. It was nothing but GREAT! I am so looking forward to becoming thin again. I have lost 15 lbs thus far. I feel good... a little sore in the tummy area but that is expected. Good Luck to all who is having lap band surgery.

Hiya, My name is Michelle and I"m just begining the process of getting banded. I am 310 lbs, 5'3.5" (no I'm not sensitive about my height, it's just that I was FINALLY measured and know for sure my height now... I used to tell people 5'3" or 5'4" i dont really know my height. But now i know so i will be sharing it! lol) My BMI is 55. I went to my primary dr's this past thursday 4-23-09. I'm considering that my first day to the rest of my life. I asked my doctor about getting GB, but she suggested LB seeing how I'm active and I have very little health problems. I have elevated blood pressure (143/89) and i suffer from mental illness. I do not have any other comorbidit…

Hello everybody, I've just joined and so pleased to find a forum devoted to lap banding. My op is in 3 days, 29th April in Zottegem, I'm so excited and nervous, I can't wait for my new life to begin. I'm looking forward to posting about my op and post-op progress. I have a lot of information on here to read through but would welcome any advice, many thanks. Julia

I am very excited. I will be getting banded on 4/2/09. I am ready for a new life. I am curious about the recouperation period. I am a teacher of fourth grade students. I am engaged to be married and set the date for 10/10. I can't wait to wear a new small dress!!!!

Greetings! My name is Sheila and I was Banded on 4/13. At my followup(10 days) I had lost 12.5lbs. Been married almost 25 yrs to a wonderful man. We have the pleasure of having our daughter and her 7yr old twin sons live with us. At this point I so very much miss eating.

Hello everyone, My name is Brittney and I am due to be banded 4/30. I am very nervous, not because of the life altering change or surgery in general, I am nervous because of the crappy and extremely low rated hospital I will have my procedure at.:rolleyes2: I have started my pre op better Md. diet and whoever conjured up that minestrone Soup needs a new job. The food is the pits. Anyhow I am continuing to move forward. If anyone has tips for nervousness I would love to hear... Brittney

Is anyone out there from DFW area? I am working on my Lowfat diet 2weeks pre-op. I still have not decided between the Lap Band or the Realize band. The Realize port seems better but the design of the Lap Band seems sturdier. Any thoughts or comments?:thumbup::tongue_smilie::smile:

Ciao Tuti, today Im going to the hospital for my banding.Should be home Tuesday wish me well. Here in Italy things are quite different thanks to fellow member I have company

Hello everyone! I was banded last Tuesday, the 16th of April. I had only minor complications, which I was very thankful for. :thumbup: So far I have lost a whopping 20 lbs!!! I know this will slow down once the purees and mush start next week. Does anyone have any advice on how to make it through this next week with just liquids? I get major stomach growling and feel pretty weak. Thanks, Lara

Good Morning all, Just wanted to say I joined the site today. I was banded on 04/21/2009 and I feel I am doing ok. Had my gall bladder removed in same surgery. I have taken no pain meds since evening of 04/22/2009. I will spend a little time learning to navigate the site and setting up my page. Looking to meet new friends to share the journey with.

We just recently went on spring break. I met up with a couple of friends that I hadn't seen in a while. I was so amazed at how good they looked. Both friends had lost about 70 pounds. Naturally I asked them what they were doing to lose the weight. Both friends had the lap band procedure. I had inquired about the surgery about 2 years ago, but didn't pursue it because my insurance wouldn't cover it. My friends and I had several discussions about the procedure, their new lifestyles, and insurance. I have found out that my husband's insurance now covers the surgery. Woohoo!!!!! Guess what. I am going for my initial visit on the 5th of May. I am hoping things move…

Hi Everybody, I'm new to the site. I'm just getting started gathering information about the lap band procedure. I have my first seminar Tues, Mar 24th. I'm reading all the posts to learn as much as I can from those of you who are farther along in the process. Thanks for sharing your information-it sure helps. I'm really nervous about it all, but feel I'm at the place where I need to take this step. I'm retirement age, and am about 150 pounds overweight. I just can't get the weight off by myself. :tt2:

I have BCBS of Wyoming and I'm desparately hoping that I get approved. I have sleep apnea, my feet are always killing me and heart disease runs in my family and with sleep apnea that alone puts me at a 40% higher risk of getting heart disease. I'm really hoping and praying that I get approved. I've filled out all my paperwork. For those that have had the Lap Band and lost a good portion of weight. Is the excess skin just as much an issue for banders as opposed to gastric bypass patients? I'm nervous and excited and I just want to be healthier and lose the sleep apnea.Any info I can receive would be so appreciated.Renee

Well it's been a little more than two weeks since I had the seed of Lap-Band planted in my head. I have an appointment with my doctor this Thursday to discuss my options, and I am optimistic! I've talked with my friends and family and they all support me. I want to go to a seminar somewhere but I haven't found one that is actually still going so I thought I'd hop online and see what I can find (this site is amazing!). I'm 5'10'', a week away from 28, around 340 lbs (haven't checked in awhile but I've been maintaining), BMI of 48, and ready to make a change. I'm nervous about the procedure to get insurance coverage, and I hope my doctor goes along with my idea. I'…