Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi All. I had my seminar with the Doc and his nutritionist. I was dead set on getting the band, but after the seminar, and going through the pros and cons, I don't know. He didn't try to influence us in any way. He just went over the pros and cons. He said with the band you can only expect to lose 45-55% of your excess weight, whereas 65-75% with gastric bypass. He said it takes sometimes 2-3 years to lose it with the band, and 1 year with gastric bypass. I also have GERD, which he said could be a contraindication to the band. With the gastric bypass it is totally eliminated. He also does not do a fill at all until approximately 6-8 weeks after surgery…

Hi there gang! I am a recent patient of Dr. Karen MacKenzie. Just wanted everyone to know that I am working on starting a support group for bandsters in the Tulare County region of California. So, anyone in Visalia, Tulare, Lindsay, Porterville, Exeter, Three Rivers, Fresno, Clovis, Bakersfield, or anywhere close, you are all welcome. If you are interested in joining the group, please email me at Support@VisaliaLapBand.info, and as soon as we set up the first meeting, I will notify you. This group is open to anyone who needs peer support, pre-op, post-op, lap band, other bariatric surgery, working on the 6-month diet, or just have questions/considering surgery. We wi…

Hello, i was searching for information regarding the lap band procedure and came upon this forum. I wanted to read what others were saying about it. My first appt will be this Saturday for consultation. I'm not exactly sure what to expect yet. I guess my main concern for now is if my insurance will cover this procedure. I have United Healthcare. Well., i will come back after my first appointement.

My name is Holly. I'm 21. I have been overweight my entire life. I'm not afraid or ashamed of who I am. I love each and every curve of my body. I am afraid of what I will become. This lifestyle is all I have ever known. I don't know what its like to be different. If this is going to be done for any reason it will be for my health. My feet already bother me, my ankles every now and then. My knees will be next. I don't want to develop arthritis. I came here to not only research but to get support and find inspiration. I don't believe it will be that hard with all of these wonderful people here.

Hi, I'm Randy, new to this forum. I will be having my band put in this Thursday, Feb. 12. I'm looking forward to it, but also I'm a little scared. I'm sure all will go well, just wanting to get it in and start getting healthier. Hope to chat with some of you soon. Take care Randy

I wanted to introduce myself to the forum. My name is Dee and I am 27, I weigh 255, I've been told since I was 15 that I'm 5'9" however my new doctor has pointed out to me that that is a sham as I am only 5'7". (I still tell most people that I'm 5'9"). I have PCOS and honestly speaking I am sick and tired of the person I see in the mirror. The woman looking back at me is not the person I see in my head. I was always what people would refer to as thick, I was nickname thunder thighs, but being younger and have a tiny waist and being a size five that worked. Now I float somewhere between sizes 20-16, depending on the day and the designer I guess. My mom have been pushing a…

Hello all, I had my surgery on Monday. I live in Gainesville FL. My Dr is Ben-David. Ben is not his 1st name and I can't remember now what it is. Very nice man. I started the process in Nov. I had to have a sleep study done which I knew I would fail. I refused to go on CPAP. I had to stay overnight in the hospital, which was fine except that I had this elderly woman who became confused and combative. Finally at 3 AM I told the charge nurse I couldn't take it anymore and if she could please move me. MY roommate was moved....:thumbup: My biggest complaint since I remember being concious is this pain in my upper back. I was told it was referred pain. I have read several po…

Hello everyone, My name is Amber and I was banded on 2/26/09. First and second day post-op I was really "regretting" having the surgery! LOL - I'm over that now after I did about 3 hours of walking yesterday, and the gas was releasing...the only challenge so far is definitely burping. This forum and chat has been such a blessing for me tonight, as I've had a lot of questions answered and heard a lot of really great and amazing stories. I'm excited to come back frequently - and make some new friends with similar..interests :wink: I weighed 252 the morning I went in for surgery. My goal for August 30th is to weigh 200... To some it may sound unrealistic, but this is …

Hi all. I am scheduled to be banded on Tuesday, March 3rd. I am excited to begin a new chapter in my life. I am just having an issue with anxiety. I am not sure if it is because of the liquid diet (not having solid food) or if it is something else. I quit smoking 4 years ago and you can say that I transferred my addiction to food. Now that I have changed the way that I eat, I am scared to see if there is something else that I transfer an addiction to. Has anyone dealt with such a thing? Thank you.

is the military lap-band section gone? ive been away for a while but now im back and that forum section seems to be missing. :wink:

Hello all! I'm Kelly, 32, mother of 7 year old boy/girl twins. Been thinking about Lap-Band for years now and finally think I'm in the spot to get it done. At least I hope so. Checking with insurance now and all that. Anyway, nice to meet you all!

Greetings, all. I just joined this site a few minutes ago. After researching the procedure for a while and thinking about it for a few years, I finally made an appointment for consultation with a doctor. My appointment is this Wednesday. I doubt my insurance will cover any part of it, but the doctors and I are going to try to convince them that the procedure is medically necessary. I've struggled with my weight my entire life, as have most people who undergo the lap band. When I was 14 I was diagnosed with PCOS and a few years later another doctor confirmed that I also have insulin resistance. The doctors I have been in contact with (through a third party thu…

I am 4 weeks post op and I am looking for all the help and advise I can get.I have found that most of the food I eat has to be at room temp or it hurts some.Is this normal or am I just strange?

I really feel so computer stupid but here goes.........Banded last Monday in Mexico. I had a esophagus bleed that complicated everything but today (Sunday) I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am still pretty sore on the incision sites but concerned about the uncomfortable feeling when I drink. I take very small drinks. I have to be on liguids for 4 more days and can't seem to get enough drank for the day. Is it normal to have that (I refer to it as a ice cube stuck) pain in or around breast bone area this long? I'm just like alot of other bandsters...I was wondering why I did this to myself. I also want to thank everyone for posting your feelings and helpful s…

Hi everyone! So nice to find a site where I can chat with others who have or will be getting lap band surgery. I only know one other personal friend whose has had Gastric Bypass so it would be nice to make some lap band friends in here. Well don't be shy, I would love for you to say hello. I am from La Mirada, Ca and will be having my surgery at Orange Coast Memorial in Fountain Valley. My doctor will be Dr. Francis. I am so excited and a little worried but mostly thrilled to finally do something that will be good for me and to hopefully change my life for the better.

My name is Heather, I am a mother of 4 from MN. Just have my first Surgical Consult yesterday for the Adjustable LapBand. I have struggled with my weight all my teen and adult life. My husband introduced me to the idea of a Forum, I have never done this. I am also a nurse, working in Long term care and with Hospice patients. Sure seems like a lot of doctoring for the approval of the procedure. I am both nervous and excited about this whole idea of surgery.

I was filled for the first time s5 days ago. I have been fine but now feel a feeling of constant gas and some light discomfort. Like a lump in my throat. is this normal?

Hi, today is my first post, but I've been reading these forums for weeks now. I think I have finally worked up enough courage to ask my doctor for his blessing and begin the process of being approved. I'm nearly 54 and I've been heavy all of my life. I have super high blood pressure and problems with my legs and both limit the amount of activity I can sustain for more than a few minutes at a time. I've been on every diet known to man and can't seem to stick it out. I know that if I can't get some help I'll die before I see my grown grandchildren have families, and I can't bear that thought. Please wish me luck as I start through this approval process. Thank you all.

Hi from New York. I just received my letter stating that I am a candidate for the lap band surgery in Buffalo NY. My appt to go to the introduction seminar is March 26th. I am very excited to say the least to start my journey.

I am new to the site and am interested in getting banded. I have just began the process, and I have my first appointment with my surgeon on Thursday, March 5, 2009. I am nervous, excited, scared, and curious all at the same time. I know that I am going to have the surgery, its just thet I must jump through all of the insurance hoops first. My surgeon is Dr. Dexter Turnquest.

Hello all, my name is Amanda and I was recently banded on 2-25-09. I have had a lot of pain, but it seems to get better everyday. I had doubts about why I did this to myself directly after surgery, but now I am looking foward to each new day and getting this weight off once and for all. I started my journey at 330 pounds. On the pre op diet I lost 12 pounds, and since being banded on wednesday, I have lost 4 more. I am having pain in my chest near the bottom of my sternum, and I am wondering if that is normal. I am struggling to get all the liquid in too. I feel very weak and tired all of the time. Can anyone help me?:wink:

So I'm finally doing this...I have my date set for March 17 with Dr.Ortiz and I'm a little worried that I won't be able to make the changes needed to have a good outcome with the band. I am such an emotional eater...I eat when full all the time. The pre op diet is going to be a really rude awakening!

Hello everyone. I am a fairly recent lurker here and love reading the threads. My name is Craig. I just recieved my date for my lapband. April 13th. I still have other appts that I need to go to but as of right now the 13th is when I go in. I'm starting out on the heavier end of the spectrum but I am hoping to lose 200lbs. Everyone here is so supportive of each other and that really is a great thing. When we go through something like this we need all the suport that we can get. anyway like I said, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello

Hi and welcome to Lapbandtalk or LBT! I know when first go started on here, I was having trouble getting my profile set up and the especially the tickers gave me trouble. Here is a link to a tutorial on figuring out those tricky tickers! Good luck to you all!!!:wink: Everyone has trouble with the tickers! Here's a tutorial: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker...ictures-41782

Hi All, I am scheduled to get banded 3/24 and I am scared to death. I think I can handle it all but the choking. Years ago I quit smoking and while my lungs were healing I woke up choking and gasping for air. I remember how scared I was and now this fear has turned into a problem for me. Can anyone help me with this choking and not breathing thing that happens? Thank You

Hello All, this is my first time posting on a blog and I feel a little challenged! :wink: I just turned 42 and came to the realization that if I didn't do something to change my life now, I would be living with the negative consequences for the rest of my life. I've been doing weight loss programs for years with no permanent success. This year I decided I needed some help and have been researching the lapband procedure. I set up my first consultation for March 4th and I'm both excited and apprehensive. I look forward to reading about everyone's journeys as they lose weight and learning what works and what doesn't.

I have decided to start the process of getting the band. I have met with Dr. Ponce at the Gastric Band Institute in the past in preperation for the surgery, but ended up backing off when I considered the cost of self pay. Two years later and I am still struggling to get the weight off and I have decided the time is now. I am on bp medicine and on the verge of getting cholesterol medicine and I am quite frankly tired of that. I have always been an active person, I would even say athletic, but perhaps that is my downfall. I have always eaten big and for the last 10 years that has seriously caught up with me. I feel pretty confident I will be successful with a little help fr…

Hi everyone. I am new to this site and am really looking forward to having people to talk to about my upcoming banding. I am scheduled for March 9th. A bit nervous, yet really excited. I don't know anyone who has done this, so I really don't know what to expect. I would really love to hear how your journey's have gone and get some feed back and tips. I would love to find someone in my area that would like to buddy up and help each other. I am married, 13 years, and my husband is being very supportive. He is a thin man and just can't really understand what this means to me. Well looking forward to hearing from you soon. Wendy

I had my consult with Dr Yau and his staff today and now I am just waiting for the funding to get approved and I get my surgery!!! I am so excited!!! I cannot wait to continue my journey.

Hey everyone, Today is my first post however I've been lurking for quite some time. I have been approved but I probably want have surgery until May (my choice). I have mixed emotions about this but I think that is the norm. Just want to say hello and wish me well on my decision.

I was banded on Tuesday 2-26.

I just wanted to say hey, this is my very first post! I was banded over 2 years ago and am still very much on my weight loss journey to get to my goal! I am hoping to find some support and make some fellow band friends! xoxo

Ok, well im Mike, live north of Houston Texas and will be getting the bad on this Friday the 13th, I'm pretty excited and looking forward to getting in better shape and a smaller weight. I'm currently 5'11 and weight 379, BMI is over 50, looking to be around 225 or so and looking hot again. I'm sure im going to have alot of questions, and needing some advice after Friday, so i plan to spend alot of time here in the future.

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Hollie, I'm a 24 yr old stay at home wife and mother to a 10 month old. I was banded on Feb. 20, 2009 by Dr. Manuel Castro from Dallas Texas. I am in Eustace, TX... east of Dallas. So far so good, I'm still sore at my big incision, and completely hungry from all liquids... but it's all WORTH IT!!

Hello, Thought id pop on here first to say hello!! Im from Scotland, UK and had my lapband fitted 4 days ago. Im glad ive found this sight as i dont know anyone who has one, and was feeling a bit alone.

:angry_smile: Can't wait for my op in feb 2009

Hi i'm new to the forum today, I guess i came looking on line because i am just a little nervous. I get my band on March 11th 2009. I have started my 2 week diet yesterday. (craving carbs already) Do most of u actually loose all the weight you were hoping too? I just can't imagine it for myself yet.

Hello folks, My Name is Neil and I am a Scotsman living in Houston Texas. I am about to have Lapband Surgery and have my Nutrition evaluation tommorow. My surgean is Dr Robert Davis and I am having the surgery done in Methodist In Houson.I would love to hear from you guys about your experiences, and what I should look forward to!! Again hello to all.

Just thought I`d drop in to say hello, I live in Scotland and have a pre-op appt this week and I`m terrified. I`m looking forward to sharing information and making friends and giving and getting support.

Hi my name is Jessica I am scheduled to have surgery March 2nd, Dr. Les Miles is my surgeon(Birmingham) I have been at this for a year now from the first seminar in Feb. 2008, it took me that long to get everything my ins. required including the 6 month supervised diet, but thanks to the dedicationof the office staff I was approved on the first try just 2 weeks after it was submitted. I would love some advise on anything you think I need to know, and I would love to meet others who have had there surgery with Dr. Miles, but please I like chatting with anybodey no matter where you are from. God Bless...Jess

I was just banded yesterday (2/25/09). this formum looks like it will really help with my journey ahead. pre surgery weight was 286 and hope to reach 160 some day.

Hi I am new to this I am from upstate NY and I had my lapband surgery on Feb9,2009 and lost over 12 lbs already.Kinda sore still.I had a Great Surgeon Dr Gary Neale from Utica NY area.The Slocum Dickson group are kind and wonderful people.:hurray:

My name is Sean, I live in Placerville, CA and I am currently in the approval/orientation process to get lapband surgery. I'm 6ft 390lbs and looking for a way to get healthy again after years and years of failure. I am mostly posting to say thank you for this forum and the incredible amount of information and inspiration you've all given me. I'm scared to death of surgery but seeing what its done for you all has finally pushed me to get the ball rolling toward a procedure that could give me back my life. So thank you, all of you, for what you are doing here, and please keep up the great work.

Hi everyone, I am new to the site and I am feeling I need to talk to other bander's who can possibly relate. I am going to my first appt. tomorrow in over 3 yrs to the clinic were I had my band done here in Sydney NSW. I feel a total failure as I only lost about 11kg in the first 6 months and have since put it all back on. I should have gone back long ago but failure kept me away.:thumbup: I don't know if was all me, or if the band has slipped or what and I won't be able to find this out until I go back and see the doctor. I have even had thoughts since it hasn't worked for me I would have the band removed. I have now decided to take the bull by the horns and do this th…

:thumbup:I have been checking into lapband surg I need to lose 130 pounds and am so ashamed that I have lost weight over the last 20 years only to gain it back each and everytime. I have gotten my referal letter from my Dr and went to and information meeting and am going to a class March 3rd and 16th. I already have the appt with the psycologist and diatition but I really need to get advice from some people who have already had this done. Is it worth it does it really help that much. Wont I be hungry all the time eating a 1/4 cup of food only. How do you deal when your bored I have usually eaten when bored. I hear about stuff getting stuck in bands, bands slipping a…

Howdy all.. I am another newbie here. Just started my first supervise weight loss diet on Feb 5th. I am already frustrated with this process. :thumbup: I sure hope you all will have compassion on me and give me some heartfelt advice as needed! Will see you in the forums! Arp

Hi All - I am new to this site and wanted to say hi. I just had my insurance approved for surgery and now I am really scared. I have read some posts about the pain after surgery and the acid reflex. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice anyone may have. Thank you! :thumbup:

Hi I was Banded on Feb 17:thumbup: and am very excited to see where this journey takes me. Thank to all of you who have been posting about your story. This is my first post but I have been a member and have read about your joys and struggles for a year. So I am ready. 3 days until post-op visit then I move on to mooshie foods until 1 month post-op. I actually-despite pain in my upper abdomin feel better about myself already!!!

Hi all, I'm Janna from the Kansas City area. I'm hoping to get the lap band around June/July of this year. I have done the seminar and I have my first consult with Dr. Hitchcock on 03/17. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I was wavering and on the fence about it and if I want to do this, but now I am absouletely 100% sure. Being thin and healthy is way more important than being able to eat as much as I want of my favorite foods for the rest of my life! I'm ready to start a new life and enjoy a hobbie other than food!

I have not been banded yet.......I heard about this video from a person in my pre-surgical weight loss classes. I definetly reccommend you watch it, very informational!!!! Part 1 of 5 [ame= ] [/ame] Part 2 of 5 [ame= ] [/ame] Part 3 of 5 [ame= ] [/ame] Part 4 of 5 [ame= ] [/ame] Part 5 of 5 [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VRrtsUJLyU]YouTube - Live Lap-Band® Surgery Part 5 of 5 - Kansas City[/ame]