Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone, I'm new to this website and have just started doing my research into lapband surgery. I'm tired of doing the yo-yo dieting thing and looking for an alternative. I know the lapband is merely a tool but I'm hoping it might be one that works well? :blushing: I've seen a lot of success stories on here and a lot of work in progress and everyone is an inspiration. Including those that are having the trials, I want to learn the good...the bad...and sometimes the ugly before doing this as it is a lot of money. Any advice is much appreciated. My one big question to people out there is would they do it again? Thanks and I look forward to chatting with some of …

Hello everyone... This is my first night home since I had the lap band surgery. The surgery went fine - no complications, but my blood sugars spiked high and I had a lot of swelling so they kept me in the hospital for two nights. I am the first patient to not go home on the day of surgery from my Dr.s office and he has been doing this for years. I did this surgery for my family: 17 yo daughter starting college in Aug.; 15 1/2 yo daughter starting to learn how to drive; 11 yo son - I missed his birthday for the surgery; 4 yo son who is very concerned about the owies on daddy's tummy; a 4 yo daughter who is still in China waiting for my wife and I to come adopt her th…

Have most of you had to have pre-op tests such as blood and EKGs etc? My doctor stated I didn't have to have those tests which concerned me. Thanks

well i am new here, and just wanted to find a place to talk about the banding, I had my surgery on april 9th, so i am still healing form it. i am sore and i didn't expect that. I hope to visit often and get know people that are going through the same experience as i am.

Hey everybody, I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I had the Lap Band procedure done on April 6, 2009. It's hard to believe how much I associated food with everything I do. I'm still feeling the pressure from all the gas. I look forward to future postings and a healthy future. 300/283/200 Pre/current/goal

I am definately new to all of this so I hopefully will figure out how to enter all this. I was banded April 6, 2009, so basically am just starting out on this adventure. Not sure what anyone would want to know but am hoping to find out all sorts of information from others who are going through this or have gone through being banded. Well hope everyone is having a great week and will look forward to hearing from others.

hi everyone: my name is robbie and i am considering lap band surgery i have an appointment for the seminar in may. but my sis just had gastric bypass and she recommends that.. i just feel safer with the lap band because its not as invasive.

Did anyone else get a date and then have second thoughts? My wife and I are scheduled for the lapband on April 26th. I think that i'm just scared because I have never had any surgery before. My wife has no doubts. I need to lose the weight, no doubt about it. I know that I will be healthier and happier. I don't need any more health problems and I want a better quallity of life. I guess that i'm looking for support. Thanks!:cool2:

Hey everyone! I am a new bandster... literally. I was banded on 1/23/2007. I have already lost close to 30lbs and still dropping. I am currently living in Oklahoma City but will be moving to Austin, Tx at the end of next month. If anyone can recommend a surgeon to continue my follow-ups with, I would be more than appreciative. Also, is anyone in the Austin area or know of any support groups there? Thanks! Brittany

Greetings to all, I have finally had my lap band and so far, it had been a bittersweet experience. I am still on the liquid diet phase and feel as tho i am starving to death!! I want a pizza! and chicken wings! and all that stuff. I feel as tho I am going thru food withdrawal. It's horrible!! I have lost about 20 pounds or so since the week before the surgery. That's the sweet part. I am down to 276 from 296 or 298 I cannot recall. Any suggestions for getting thru the first two weeks? Thanks Lobo

:confused: On my own with Portion Control & exercise had successfully lost from 406 in January 2007 to 346 in August 2008. I was continuing to lose weight but HUNGRY all the time. I had investigated gastric bypass in 1999 & again in 2002 but it wasn't a risk I was willing to take at that time. The complications for someone with Lupus were astoundingly bad.:thumbdown: I had a friend go to a lap band seminar in June of 2007 & told me all the WONDERFUL things they learned.:biggrin: I went to a seminar in July 2007. I scheduled my appointment the night of the seminar but with insurance approval I couldn't have the surgery until August. My rheumatologist warned…

Hi! I am Mary. I am awaiting my surgery date. Judging from many of the posts, we run a little slower here in Greensboro NC. It appears that most people go from seminar to surgery in about 2-3 months, mostly less than 4, but I have been in process for 5 already and they tell me surgery is running 2 months out. A little anxious, since I am an action person, not a "let's talk about it" person.:drool:. But that's ok, I know there is a reason...it's a good thing to make sure I am REALLY ready.

Today I got my endoscopy .Everything went well. This may sound stupid, but can anyone out there tell me what happens next? :cool2: Am I even close to getting a surgery date? If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated...

I've looked around a few forums for weight loss surgery and found this one to be the most informative and to have the nicest people!! My husband just joined the NUPOC program in the navy and it seems as if the insurance Tricare will pay for the procedure for me. It's something I've been wanting to do for a few years now and it looks like I'm going to get my wish! I'm looking foward to 'meeting' everyone here! I've uploaded a photo album and info, so feel free to stop by and say hi!

I have been thinking about Lap Band for several years, but can't seem to convince my husband that it is safe. He freaks out each time I mention it. I have an aunt that had the gastric bypass and has done very well. And he has seen this, but is still very closed minded to the surgery. I have signed up for an seminar and am hopin he will attend with me. Any suggestions? Also, I have BC/BS of Texas. I have inquired in the past about coverage. They told me if it was medically needed, it would be covered. I have checked and a local doctor with high recommendations is a provider. Is there anything that I need to do with my primary doc to start documentation. Any ad…

Hi my name is Stephanie and I am from Gainesville,Florida. I was banded on 2-3-09 at the University of Florida by Dr. Juan Cendan. I have researched a great deal about this lifestyle change but hope this website will provide some insight into the real world of being banded. Also I would like to have an outlet to discuss my journey with people who are going through this also.

I was banded on the week of 3/24 and I feel great. I've lost 16 pounds and while I did hit some rough spots there in the middle of the second week I feel great. I do have to say that the diet my nutritionist gave me is very strict so I've been going outside of the list and included Tofu on this third week and have to say that the increase in Protein has really made me feel better. I'd like to hear from anyone who was banded that week and is about to start on their 4th week of the post op diet.

Hi All! Just a brief update. I have meet with 2 surgeons so far and leaning toward one. I have been to 2 seminars and am still moving forward. For a time I was "thinking" about vertical banding, but have went back to my original decision of the lap band. I am in the process of booking the psych and nutritionist. Once that is done, hopfully we can continue to moved forward. Hope everyone is doing well and I will be back in touch. Oddly, I am finding myself wanting to get moving quicker. I think I am ok with the insurance, but the surgeon told me that my plan called for a 6 month diet with my doctor. I showed them my policy that I down loaded off the internet and …

:Banane35:Hi everyone, or anyone who reads this, I am 34 female from Australia and started my pre-surgery program 2 weeks ago today (shakes) and I am waiting to hear if I have the money approved for my banding operation. I probably have another 4 to 6 weeks until I know for sure, so I am starting early to make sure I qualify for the operation. I see the Dietition and Psycologist in a few weeks to step up the program. This has been a long time waiting and on my way to a new life. Oh yea, I started at 164kg, so fingers cross, hopefully it wont be too long until I am a TOTAL BABE! :cool2:

Hey everyone, been a long time since I have been on here, reading or posting, but have ran into a wall, it has 4 months since surgery (Nov 19th) I have lost 51 lbs, my big problem is that I went on vacation, ate things I shouldn't have, didn't exercise for 2 weeks and not I am in trouble and dont' know how to get back on track, went to local support group and found out it was more of presentation type of meetings, gee the night I went it was about plastic surgery to make us look better and the next one is on cooking classes, no one to talk to or give advise....I am not sure on how to get back on track, got in real trouble with Dr because I gained 4 lbs and he wouldn't giv…

Hi Everyone! I am Kate and I was banded on 3/27. I have been lurking here for a few weeks and decided to join this active and supportive community. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Hi Everyone, This is THE BIGGEST LOSER427, and I gave myself that username because I intend on losing big should I embark upon the lapband surgery journey.:tt2: I am very close to 47 years old, I am five feet tall and weigh 260 lbs. (Very bottom heavy) My BMI is 53.:thumbup:. I have severe sleep apnea, chronic back pain, difficulty walking up more than one flight of steps at a time, and not to mention walking up a hill... It feels like cement is on my chest. I also have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)which is a syndrome of symptoms that causes infertility or difficulty conceiving, hairiness (facial and body), and more importantly, difficulty losing weight. I am s…

Hello all: I logged in here months ago, but haven't taken the time to figure out the navigation panels. I just found out today that my insurance is going to cover lapband at 100%, no deductable, but I have to complete a 6 month doctor monitor nutrition course. I'm disappointed as to the delay to get started on this, but at least I have insurance coverage for it. I'm sure I will learn a lot from the program, but please.... all of us at this point have learned a lot of this stuff and when I asked what the insurance company was hoping for with that requirement and was told that it's that they are hoping that a patient won't complete the 6 months and they won't have to …

:thumbup: I'm new and need hlep. I had my lap band surgery in Richardson TX, on July 7, 2007. My dr, is Frank Felts and was/is wonderful. He has just moved and opened new office in McKinney TX. My problem is I have moved also. Going to see a new doc next week. Would like to know if any one out there has used, seen or knows of this new doc, Kim Marley? He is in Windber, PA. Would love to get some info on him b4 i see him. I have tried looking on web, but found posting from early 2000, would love someone with newer info to help me. Thanks all, have a great day! I am a very very very happy Lap Bander...I have lost 100 lbs, and have had NO problems with mine.

i have had my lapband for two years, and have lost 80 pounds. one may ask...why only 80 pounds? well, i admit my major fault of not exercising and will be changing that. i am here for some support (to give or take), and to improve myself.

Hello, I'm from Fort Worth, and beginning the process of trying to get my insurance to approve my lap band surgery. Where we are now, is that my BMI is high enough, but I must have another condition such as sleep apnea for them to cover. I'm going to schedule a sleep study soon. Has anyone done one of these before? Not sure what to expect. Actually crossing fingers that I do have sleep apnea, because I don't have the money to pay for surgery myself. I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. My only hope is in this sleep test. Hoping to soon be posting about upcoming surgery date! :drool: Background Info: I've been trying to find a way to this surgery for over 2 y…

Hello Everyone, If anyone out there had the lap band procedure done in LA and highly recommends their Dr. please reply and tell me about your experience.

Hey y'all! I got the Realize band on 3/23/09, and so far I've lost 11 lbs. My dr advises 2 weeks on full liquids, but he allowed me to go to liquid/soft a few days early because of awful diarrhea. Anyone else experiencing this awful side effect? Liquids in = liquids out, but this is getting old! Why do some people have constipation with all the liquid? I never thought I'd say this, but at this point I'm ready for constipation! :scared2:

Hi this my first time here. I was banded in March 27 2009. So far everythings is going well.

hi everyone im just starting the process and getting infor

My name is Susanne, I'm 38 years old and recently moved from Washington,DC to Ramstein Germany, which is my husbands new and last Duty station and my hometown!lol. So .. I've found this site doing a little research on WLS. If someone had told me 20 years ago, that one day I'd be desperate enough to consider WLS I would have laughed but hey here I am. I'm curious about the Band because it seems to be the least invasive form of WLS. I've tried most diets with the usual yo-yo effects, in 2005 I managed to lose 65 lbs and since then gained it all back and then some, so currently i weigh 229lbs at 5'5. I have most symptoms of PCOS, minus the diabetes, and in order to control …

Good Morning! I am looking forward to getting banded sometime this year and was wondering if anyone out there was a member of the SCA and had been banded. If so, how does this affect your experiences in the SCA? Do you have a hard time dealing with the restrictions and going to events? Just curious. Elgrad

My name is Lisa and I am 26 years old. I have been happily married for 6 years and have a 3 year old daughter. I have battled my weight all my life and was banded on December 3, 2002. I had absolutely no complications and was back to work 3 days later. I started at 256 and to date have lost exactly 50 lbs. I could have lost more I'm sure, but I don't like to feel deprived, so I pretty much let myself have whatever I crave, only in moderation(Thanks to the band). I would love to hear from any of you guys and I think a new support forum is really great. Good luck to you all and I look forward to hearing from you all:cool: Hugs, Lisa

I am discouraged. I was banded the Tuesday before Thanksgiving 2008 and I had my first fill in February. However, to date, I haven't lost a pound. I feel like I am eating less than I used to, and I haven't been able to drink carbonated soft drinks since my surgery. I wanted this surgery for so long, and I am disappointed that I haven't had better results.

I'm new to the forum and would like to say hello. I am 5 days post-op, and so far so good. I had a few complications during surgery because of scar tissue (adhesions) from previous gall bladder surgery, but it hasn't hindered my recovery at all. My surgeon only had me on liquids 2-3 days post-op and now pureed food for 2-3 weeks. I haven't been sick at all, and am now only mildly sore at my incision sites. I feel a slight "pressure" sensation in my upper abdomen, and I have had some gas, but thankfully no pain from it. I am amazed by my lack of constant hunger and how quickly I get full. I've lost 8 lbs. since my surgery. This is going to be great!

Hi there! My name is Erin and I am from Virginia. I am having the banding procedure done, tomorrow actually so I am hoping to start reading here today to help stay motivated and read about other people's experiences. Im glad to be on the site and hopefully I will be documenting my own weight loss journey soon!

I am 69yrs old and have enough insurance now to cover lapband surgery.I have a surgeon who seems good and there is a support clinic.My BMI is 40 I think.( I can't remember numbers!!) My biggest problem in dealing with this is not so much my age as I have no other health problems (except arthritis) but because I don't believe I will be able to make it work for me. I know the forums everywhere are full of chat but the failures don't log in ( or do they ? ) I am yet to see someone who says I went through all that and it cost thousands of dollars and I have barely lost a pound. Anyway that's my worry!!!

Well, I have my big day on Wednesday! At this point I don't really know what to expect. I've never had surgery before, never been in the hospital and I'm a big baby. I'm trying to stay positive bcause I really am excited to start a new journey in my life. I'm getting banded at GBMC in Baltimore, MD. Any advice? Thanks Fellow Bandsters!

HELLO MY NAME IS LINDA PIERRE I AM 29 YEARS OLD. I HAVE TWO BEAUTIFUL KIDS KAYCE 10 AND GRANT 7. I AM MARRIED TO MY TRUE LOVE GERALD. I AM GETTING MY LAP BAND IN TWO DAYS. I AM SOOO TERRIBLY NERVOUS !!!!!! I AM SURE EVERYONE HAS THOSE PRE NERVE JITTERS!!!DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY GOOD ADVICE ??? I HAVE BEEN ON MY LIGUID DIET SINCE MARCH 31. I AM SO SICK OF CHICKEN BROTH LOL. WELL EVERYONE PLEASE WISH ME LUCK !! I WILL MESSAGE BACK WHEN I GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ON FRIDAY APRIL 10.:thumbdown:

Hello All, I just came from the Dr.'s office and I have my date. I'm getting my Lap Band on April 28. I'm feeling just about every emotion, right now. About me: I'm 47 and have been overweight all my life. Up until I was about age 40 I could keep up with my thinner friends. In the last few years it's gotten tougher and I knew it was time for action. Like most of you, I've lost hundreds of pounds in my life...Only to gain it back, plus some. My PCP, who is also a lifelong friend, brought up WLS over 2 years ago. I wasn't ready then. But, I'm now on a handful of pills and I'm tired of feeling lousy! So...I'm ready to start this new and exciting chapter in my life.…

my name is kerrie I am 38, I decided to get a lap band due to my life long struggle with weight. I am 5-1 and weighed 172lbs on April 1, the day of my surgery. I have questions about recovery, how everyone felt, how active they were and diet. I feel pretty good now on April 7, but I am still sore, slow and steady, eventhough I am a nurse I am not sure how long I should feel sore? Also, suggestions for meal ideas and such would be great. thank you:tongue:

I was banded 4-1-09. I have been starving ever since. Liquids are meant to flush the body, but that's all I've been able to have. Also you can only eat so much jello and pudding. I don't think I've had 900 calories per day since the surgery. I honestly feel hunger pains. Supposedly I am not able to eat "mushy" food for another 2 weeks. I don't think I am going to make it.

Hello I'm a newbie banded 4/4/09. Any idea when I should start excercising? I do a little walking here and there, but not sure when to really start excercising.:sad:

Hello all, I just registered to Lapbandtalk today. I am in the middle of my pre-op diet and have my banding schedule for April 23, 2009. I think I have jumped through all the hoops for a self-pay patient. My last hoop being that I need to pick up my CPAP machine today and be using it for the next two weeks. I have started a blog when I was going through a lot of the process. My blog it at: My journey to a new me! I have a BMI of 43% and am looking forward to being a-newme. This is exciting to me and I am looking forward to chatting with other people that have gone or is also starting this process. Any advice that you can give me would be greatly appreci…

Hello all! I am a newbie! I am getting banded on 4/30. I am nervous, anxious, excited...so many things. I have been prepping for 6 months and learning all I can about the process. I have logged on here before and read tons of posts and it has been very helpful. I am probably doing something many of you have.... I am not telling many people. Right now the only people that know are my Mom and 3 friends. I am just keeping it really close to the chest if you know what I mean. I will tell others when I think the time is right. Everyone just has their own preconceived notions on weight loss surgery. The bottom line is... I am doing this for me. For my health. For my longev…

Hi Everybody: I'm both excited and reluctant. I'm just moving from full liquids to pureed food today, and THANK GOD!! I forgot what it was like to have energy. So, I went for a good walk today. I'm going to look for help on how to puree cold cuts like turkey and low fat swiss. I got a blender with food processing attacement, but it really doesn't work. Any ideas for these types of foods is welcome!

Hello All!!! I am so excited about the LBT site...:thumbup:, I have found a wealth of information and it makes my wait process easier to deal with...Im still in the testing phase and have not yet received a surgery date. I love reading about the different experiences and wish everyone continued success and happiness.....:sad:

Hello all, I am a future lap bander. I'm scheduled to undergo surgery in Mid May, and found this site when looking for ideas for a post op diet. I am 5'5 and currently weigh 230 pounds, having managed to lose 14 kilos (30 pounds) on my own through pre-op diet and exercise. I am feeling a little nervous at the thought of undergoing surgery, but I am and always have been a 'fat person', and I honestly don't want to go through life that way any more. I'm going to enjoy digging through the past stories on this site, and am looking forward to sharing my own journey with you all!

i'm new and trying to get familiar with the site. :smile: i just want to say that this is the best site!!!!!! love the info!!! SURGERY DATE 2/12/09 THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!

I have yet to be banded but I am sick to death of every one telling me how they know this person or that person or there selves that had it done and something terrible happen or or it did not work. I told my husband to not tell me anything else negitive about the lap band that he was told. I am sick of it. I know all the good and bad of this I have studies and read it all. I wish people could just understand that is a tool and if it is not used right and follow what they tell you yes it will not work and something could happen. I can not help that all these other people did not do what they were taught about the lap band. this is not a mircle you still have to do you part…