Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone! My name is Heather, I just wanted to introduce myself. I am currently working towards getting banded - I have to complete 6 months of weight loss and a slew of other tests before my insurance will pay. This forum community is fantastic, I have learned so much here already! Some of it scary, some it funny, some of it sad. I hope to get to know many of you in the coming months! A little bit about myself...I'm 25 years old, married, and working as an Administrative and Meetings Assistant in Virginia. I have a undergraduate degree, but seem to have stalled out as an admin. Part of it is office politics, but a lot of it I feel has to do with my perception of…

My mom has been suggesting a lap band for several years because I can't keep the weight off. I'm beginning to take her seriously now; three weeks ago I got a stress fracture on my knee from a combination of walking and my weight. I'm just not sure how to start! My dr. has never talked to me about my weight (which actually surprises me) although my BMI is above 40. I also have reflux, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis in my knees and I'm pre diabetic. To tell you the truth, it scares me to think about having it done; I'm afraid of complications. On the other hand, for a 53 year old I'm not doing to well in the health department now!:tt2: Any suggestion…

I recently decided that the Lap Band surgery is what I wanted to do then felt discouraged after the initial consult with the surgeon's assistant who said most likely he will suggest I have gastric bypass instead of the Lap Band because of my BMI which is about 57. I feel very strongly in my heart and mind that the Lap Band procedure is the best option for me and out of desperation I Googled something like High BMI and Lap Band Surgery and here I am! I am so happy to have found this group of like minded individuals and I have already read so many of your stories over the past hour. You have reaffirmed my choice for the Lap Band and I thank you all for sharing . I am …

Hi All, I am scheduled to be banded one week from today. My surgeon is Dr. Vivek N. Prachand. I have been hoop-jumping with my insurance company for almost two years now and finally got approved a few days ago. Although I am very excited about the prospect of getting my body back, I am a little nervous about making such a huge lifestyle change. I'm really glad to have found this forum and will not only be seeking advice when needed, but will also be willing to help others where and when I can. Wish me luck! Vince A.

Hello all my name is christy i am new here i have not yet go the lap band but i am praying i will soon have a day i can get it, I have seen the Dr went to see Dr. Nigro who was great, saw him on friday now i am awating on if insurance will pay for it or not i hope they do as i cant pay for it just wanted to do a short introduction hope to soon be on the lap band jurney with ever one I am only 29 yrs old weight in at 227lbs and i am only 5 ft 1 inch i have 2 kids i am on blood pressure medican, a cholosteral lowering medican i have a server case of sleep apena i want to see my kids grow up any way that a short note about me take care all christy

Hello all it seems like it took forever but finally on March 19, 2009 I got banded! Surgery went great and I feel great yea!:biggrin: My doctor is Stephen Malley and he is the bomb. Finally at 54 I will begin a new journey and I am terribly excited about it.

Hello! I am a fellow lapbander and have lost 50 pounds. My surgery was July 21, 2008 and was done at Creighton University Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Ranjan Sudan did my surgery and has since moved to Duke University Hospital.The first 4o pounds came off very quickly and easily. Since then I struggle with going up and down the same 8 pounds. I can't seem to reach a happy medium on band fills, it is either too much or not enough. I know I am relying too much on the band to control myself and we all know it is a tool and not the magic pill!! I started out this life as a rolly polly baby and at 63 feel I have fought it my entire life. I am a 24 year type 2 diabetic with…

Hello all! My name is Angie and I am 2 weeks away from being in bandland! I am ready to take the next step and am looking forward to making some new friends. I am 33 and live in the Heartland - Omaha, NE. I am married and have a 15 month old at home! My husband and my son are the lights of my life and I love them dearly. Decision weight - 280 Current Weight - 276 My band will be done in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz! My mom and I are flying out on the 23rd of April.

Hello Everyone :smile:, My name is Christina and I am from Dallas, TX. I have been going through the many loops for the lap-band since May 2008. Insurance companies sure do like to put you through a lot! Anyway, I hope to have the surgery this summer (June.) I am excited about the journey and have had the pleasure of reading your posts for the last two days. Thank you for all of you being so open about your experiences and I look forward to being one of you. Good luck to all!

Hi I am wanting to get the VSG surgery. Will have to go to Mexico for self-pay, as my ins covers no WLS. Anyone on here had the VSG with Dr. Guajardos? If so, can you tell me about your experience with him and his clinic? Thanks for your time and honesty. Lavanda

Hello everyone, This is my first post. I have been banded since 2/14/09(Valentines) . Today I got my first fill--I am very excited. Just thought I would introduce myself and see how this all works!!!

I've been a lurker on this forum from time to time, but I thought it was time to actually introduce myself. After a journey of a couple of years with Doctor visits and insurance hoops to jump through, I finally got my approval for Lap-Band surgery yesterday. I'm so excited, but suddenly quite nervous at the same time! Part of that may be because I can't quite bring myself to believe that it's actually going to finally happen! I've been on a doctor-supervised diet for the past 6 months and managed to lose about 16 pounds. That's been at a stall for about 1 1/2 months now. I'm hoping that when I start the 2-week pre-op liquid diet that will jump start my weight loss agai…

I had the band done in July 2008. My weight loss has been very, very slow. But my weight continues to go down. I feel soooooo much better and can do so many things that I couldn't do before due to pain. If I had to do it over I would in a heart beat!!!

In new! I just got my surgery date for april 28th! Any advice!?!? And I can't figure out how to post a pic??

I need answers to questions!!! I really dont like the band and its starting to scare me. I hardly have any fill in and I'm very tight. I have horrible reflux and burping.

I am so happy to have found this site! I am due to be banded the last week of April and I am starting to feel a little nervous about the post-op pain. I know that I will have some pain but was wondering if anyone could share their post-op stories regarding the amount of pain/discomfort. I have had abdominal surgery before and I know that everyone's pain tolerance is different. I guess I am just trying to prepare myself in advance. I would welcome any advice to make things easier during and after my surgery. Thanks!

went to my first seminar with the Dr and am now in the beginning of the ins requirements im not sure on what way to go the Dr recommends the bypass but im leaning towards the band any suggestions are welcome

Hello, I am new to this site, but not new to lapband. I was banded in Aug 2008. I have lost a total of 41 pounds since starting my pre-op diet. This site has a lot of really good information for people, and I am so happy I found out about it.

Hello LBT!!!! I am relatively new to this site- I wanted to wait to do my first post when I got my official date. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I go for Pre-op next week and will be getting my band on May 1st. My story is not unique, I've been morbidly obese for pretty much my whole life. I have never worn a "normal" size and used to struggle with self esteem. I am happy to say that through God's powerful hand, I have been emotionally healed and no longer struggle with how I see myself, but am mature enough to recognize that I am not happy with my weight. I also want to prevent future health problems. I know I still have a way to go with how I view fo…

Hi gang! It's nice to meet you all. I'm new here, giving a shout out from Colorado! I had Lap-Band surgery 2 months ago on February 4. I wanted to do this for so long that every single day I can't believe I've actually already done it and am on a completely different road toward a new and healthy life. I lost 13 lbs before my surgery and as of my last weigh-in at the time of my 2nd fill, I'd only lost 7 more lbs., but since my fill six days ago, I think I've dropped another 6-8 lbs. (hard to say since it depends on what time of day I'm standing on the scale). I was really, REALLY depressed when I didn't lose any weight after my first fill, but this second fill is …

My Primary Care Dr. has been asking me to consider this surgery since 2002 and in 2003 we tried to get the Insurance Co approval but were turned down, and then in the same period I heard about someone who works for my employer dying on the table during his lap-band procedure, so I put it out of my mind... pretty much. This year, instead of the usual staycation, I took a cottage in Cape Cod, it was a tiny cottage, and I could barely fit into the toilet and the shower stall... but the worst part was that I was alone, as far as I could tell, I was the only person on the whole of Cape Cod vacationing alone. You could say I had an epiphany and I decided that the way I was li…

Hi Everyone! My name is Kim and I'm new here. I was looking to talk to people who have had lap band surgery that are in a similar to me in their goal. I am 5'5" tall and weigh 295lbs. I live in Southern California and have a referral for the weight loss surgery process. My medical group requires 6 months of classes (2x per month) prior to the surgery. Did anyone else have to do this? If so, was it beneficial? I have one child (almost 2 yrs old) and was really hoping to have more children. When I was pregnant I ate really well and lost 50 lbs (while pregnant) and since he was born, I have gained all of it back and another 25 lbs. One of my biggest concerns is …

Hello there. I am 30 yrs old, 5'8" 255 pounds and have 3 children. Have done WW, Personal Trainer, WW again, and even tried Symlin shots for weight loss. I am at the point where I only feel my full happiness will come when I can walked proudly into a playdate, birthday party, etc., without feeling like the Heftiest Honey around. I have had gall bladder removed and 2 c-sections where I do not tolerate anesthesia well. I am afraid of...well basically dying on the table, and someone having to tell my children that I was too vain to accept myself the way I was. HELP!!! I need advice and maybe some reality checks.:smile:

I was banded in June of 06 and have lost only about 25 lbs. I am a working mom with two kids and barely have time to cook so I am going back to my old ways and making unhealthy choices. I need suggestions on quick fix meals that everyone will enjoy. I need a lot of encouragement as well as family members don't understand what I'm going through.

I have my first consultation tomorrow. I welcome any input you might have on what to look out for. How to prepare for surgery, etc. :smile:

Today is 2 weeks since I was banded by Dr. Kuri. It is also the first day I've had to go back to using my insulin and diabetic medications. It was a wonderful break to be off of them for a bit...it gave my body a much needed break, however, the sugars started creeping up again even though I am on only liquids still. This week, I'm supposed to be able to start eating mushy foods but due to my diabetes, so many high carb foods just aren't a choice and I don't think I can get by with just one egg at a time...Or can I? I would like to hear from other people that have been there to help me out. I am drinking 3-4 protein drinks a day and they go right through me. I make them pr…

Went to individual assessment today at True Results Atlanta. Received word that since I am 223lbs and 5"5 with a BMI of 37.7 I would qualify, but since I have not visited the doctor in over 7 years and have no history of health related issues I probably would not be approved through my insurance coverage. I do have high blood pressure but I am not taking any meds for it since I dont have a primary care physician. All in all I despise going to the doctor. I guess because I dont want to hear what I already know. This really sucks. I cant afford cash pay, but I am desperate!! Should I just give up and eat my way to a 40+ BMI????:glare:

Hello My name is Brad I had my surgery october 24 2008 in juarez mexico. Is there anyone out there that had it done there?

I was banded in 2006, but wasn't ready for it. I had A LOT more issues with emotional eating than I realized. I could NOT give up food and found myself blending up Ravioli and Hot Dogs the week after surgery. Needless to say, I didn't loose any weight, but didn't gain any either. I found plenty of ways to CHEAT my band and would drink after eating and if food were to get "stuck" (feeling of pain in my chest), would force a PB intentionally to get the food back up. I got pregnant in April 2007 and was so sick, I had all the saliine drained from my band and have been packing on weight ever since. I'm now 30 pound heavier than when I got banded. With that said, I am …

Hi all, I was banded in sept 08. I have only just discovered this site. I so wish I had found it months ago and maybe then would not have felt so alone. Thats the problem with keeping it secret from friends and family. It is just so awesome to find others who are going through the same thing :welldoneclap:

Hi Everyone:smile2:, My name is Rukhshandah and I'm from the UK. I've had the sleeve on the 22/03/09 in Brno, Chez Republic. The 1st. two days of the op where very pain full but I guess as they say no pain, no gain. :thumbup:I'm ok now and also as I see the weight is coming off you forget about the pain that you been through. I'm still on liquids as it has not been 2 weeks yet, I start mushy foods nest week I'll just have to wait and see how I get on with that. If anyone has any questions regarding the sleeve or advice please drop me a line.

Hi everyone, I had my surgery done in Il.. Dr. Horton was his name, i had some complications and to get it done over.. I so desperatly wanted and needed to lose weight.. That was about 4 yrs ago.. I'm having issues with keeping food down, i throw up all the time.. Now i'm having reflux issues.. I wonder if i knew all this in the beginning would i have still gotten this surgery..

Hi I am here in colorado springs my hubby is in the Army here at Fort carson. I am 27 235 pounds and a BMI of 41.5 I went yesterday to my Doc and he put my referral in to Tri Care For the lap band I am so happy. I was on WW for 7 months lost 25 pounds and it all came back in the matter of weeks I have insulin resistance and PCOS.

Hi everyone Just found this site and it looks like it's going to be very useful. I was banded on 4 March 2009 and so far I've lost 13kgs (28lbs). Most of that loss was right after surgery and I haven't lost much in the last 2 weeks (only 1-2kgs). I think that's because I've been on solids for the last 2 weeks (I know I'm bad but I was getting so hungry and my dietitian sort of OKed it). I have almost no restriction and can eat ANYTHING. I've not had any problems with getting anything down or making it stay down (save one time when I think I ate too fast and it hurt when it was going down, but it DID go down and it stayed down). I have my 1st post-op appointment with…

Hi, my name is Janet and I live in Hampsire, England. I'm 43 years old and have been big my whole life. Recently have been referred by my GP to have a Gastric Band. Just waiting now - really want to do this. Am so pleased I've found this site - somewhere to share experiences and to be able to ask questions etc. Look forward to getting to know people. :thumbdown:

Hi all Im toot:redface: and i was banded on 3/25. I have a ?! I have a hard time telling when im full? Am i supposed to feel that blah feeling i did before surgery? I have friends tell me they feel it in their chest? Im confused, i dont drink to much for fear of getting full,i dont want my pouch to stretch, but sometimes im still hungry when i have eaten 3 hrs prior...Is this normal? does anyone else feel like this! Advice is welcome:rolleyes2:!!!

Hello everyone. I was banded Jan.6, this year. I have lost 47lbs since then. I lost 26lbs before surgery for a total of 73lbs gone today! I started with a BMI of 50 and it is now 38. My surgeon is Dr. Voellinger at Southeast Bariatrics in Charlotte, NC. It hasn't been an easy journey. I have had a few bad stuck episodes and my first fill was way too tight :thumbdown:. But it has been worth the pain. I now have good restriction with 5.4 cc's in my 14cc band. Hope this encourages anyone who is worried about their upcoming surgery. It feels good to be a successful bandster! Good luck to you all! :confused:

Hello! I just started my classes toward gastric surgery July 7, 2008. I don't know yet which one I will have, so I'm cruising the support sites and reading everything I can find! I am at 258lbs.; which is where I have been for 11 months now. I need to lose 13 lbs. I am a little concerned because the nutritionist says my target goal is only 200lbs? I kind of feel like, if I'm gonna go through all this shouldn't I expect to lose alittle more than that? Any thoughts on this anyone would like to share would be greatly appreciated.:biggrin:

I am thinking of the lap band surgery. I'm 4"11 and 244 lbs. I'm worried that my BMI which is 50 my be too much for the lap band surgery. Is that true? Will I have to lose weight first?

Hello everyone, I have just begun my journey to a healthier me! I went to a seminar with the surgeon that I am going to have do my surgery and made an appointment with him to have a consult and set my surgery date. I thought that it would be helpful for me to begin my journey here with others that have experienced the same things that I have and am about to experience. I am just looking for some guidance and support from others. I want to learn what to expect and the basics of what I need to know to be successful in this endeavor. Thanks everyone! I am looking forward to conversing with all of you. -Meredith

Hi everyone my name is Carmina, I am 37 years old, I was banded 12/11/08 by Dr Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana Mexico. I have not had great results so far, I have lost 10 lbs since surgery, I have had 3 fills, I am currently @ 3cc in a 4cc band. My restriction is pretty good but still losing. I would love to get some advice.

Hi, i'm new to this site. I have been having severe hearburn for a couple of months. At first I didn't think much of it but lately it is pretty bad. I can also eat a little more than I normal. I went to the doctor yesterday and he wants to do an upper GI. So now I'm freaked out. Could something be wrong with my band? I don't know what I would do. I got the band Nov of 07 and love it. It has truly saved my life but now I am supper worried. Should I be?

Hello - My name is Steve and I am being banded on April 20th at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond, VA. I weigh 356 and am really looking forward to the banding. I think my weight really hit home two summers ago when I could not get on the roller coasters with my 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter! Anyway, I have realized while looking through this (and other) forums that one can really just focus on all the negatives or all the positives you read.... There was some forum "lapbandforum.com" that most everything was negative and "why am I not losing" weight? - Also I noticed that a lot of those folks went to Mexico to have the surgery done...... This one seems m…

Hello -I'm Tiffany, I was banded 2/16/07, in Hurst TX. By Dr. Marsden I am having a lot of difficulty with pains in the middle of my chest. I can only drink about 3 oz. without the pain coming on. I'm in liquid stage having some applesauce and pudding (2oz). I'm only getting about 12 oz of liquids each day. Doesn't seem right. Sometimes, it hurts just to breathe. I've wondered if I made the right decision. I really thought I would feel better by now and back at work. The incisions are not hurting just the middle of chest. I have lost 10 lbs, but just feel like crying today. :think I try to keep telling myself it will pass, this is the worst stage, but jus…

just would love to hear about your pain how you feel after surgery some people are in alot of pain more then others would love to here about this so will know what to expect.

Hello All, I'm new here and feeling over-whelmed by all the information out there on WLS. I am just in the begining stages of my research, but at 440 pounds and almost 38 years old, if I wanna be a momma, I'm gonna have to giddy up. So, how long did it take to make your mind up about having WLS and which one to have? Thanks in advance, Kiki

Hi everyone, I have been reading this site for about 2 weeks and found it really helpful. I am at this point just getting started and trying to decide if I really want to get banded. My Dr. has given me a referal to the bariatric surgeon, I have insurance that will cover the surgery if they approve me. I am still wavering between wanting to do this and thinking I am crazy for considering it. What made some of you finally decide to go through with the surgery? I have sleep apnea, on again off again blood pressure issues, a family history of Diabetes and Heart Disease and a BMI of 46....you'd think that would be enough to convince me. Anyway it' is nice to be in contact wi…

Hey all I am 370lbs, I started at 390lbs in oct 2008 as of today I am 370. I have yet to be banded. I am going through my hmo KAISER they are great. They want me to lose 10 more lbs so it's looking like my date will be around august or September of this year. Its a hard road but I am doing it. I can't wait till it's here. Just a slow road. Can't wait to read what other people went through. Take care.

Hello everyone first off let me introduce myself. My name is Paula I have just recently relocated to New York the Syracuse area. I was banded on Sept 18th 2008. I have lost with the band 57 pds but before that I lost over a 100 on my own. I have 4 beautiful children from ages 19 to 4. I know I know big spread there huh lol. I am married to a wonderful man who has been my biggest fan throughout my journey. So for now I guess that's it. If there is anyone in the Syracuse area who would like to buddy up as a constant support please feel free to contact me, as well as any not in the area. You can never ever have to many friends on this journey!!!!!!

Hello everyone! I am new to this site and currently starting the banding program. So far, I have had a meeting with the nurse and will see the nutritionist this week. Glad to be here and looking forward to meeting new people.