Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, all~~ This is my first posting~I'm new to the site. I'm having my surgery on March 5th at Unity Hospital in Minneapolis, Mn. with Dr. Baker. Tomorrow I have my pre-surgical visit with my doctor, and then I'm off to buy everything liquid! I've noticed many of us refer to ourselves as "banded"---does that make anybody else feel a little like a pigeon? :smile: I think I'm here because I may be feeling a little chill in my feet, and I'd love to hear some happy success stories. So if you've read this, and care to drop me a line with your story, I'd love to hear it--and thanks!

Hello everyone, I am new to this site and guess just looking for a supporting cast plus people who have been there and done that. This is my first post. My name is Greg, and I am sure that I have a similar story to most people on here. I have always been overweight to a certain extent. I have been on many diets lost some, didn't on others, but always seemed to gain it back. I am scheduled to start liguids on Feb. 12 with surgery on Feb. 26. I am very excited about this. I am really not sure what else to say other than I hope that I can make alot of new friends on this site, because I know the better support staff I have the more it will help. I am glad there is co…

Hi everyone! New here and like some of you I am now waiting on insurance approval. Just found out my paperwork was submitted to insurance last Thursday. Part of me is so afraid to get excited and my stomach is tied up in knots. Good luck to everyone who is playing the waiting game along with me. :smile:

Hello everyone! I'm Jennifer, 31, from oHIo. I was banded on 12/16/2008 from Kettering Bariatrics with the ABSOLUTE best surgeon, Dr. Schumacher. I am 2 months post-op and I've lost 22 pounds. I know what the scale says, but let me tell you from the exercise, I definately notice a difference in my body. I've hit a frustrating point and looking for some motivation and guidance. I look forward to talking and sharing with everyone! Have a wonderful day :thumbup:

Hello all!!! My name is Mia and I'm so thankful for this site. I go in for my procedure on March 17. I look forward to sharing my success and failures on with everyone. :hurray::hurray:

Hey guys, new here, it feels nice to see there are plenty of others out there getting the band, so far all the people I have met have gone the full internal makeover way. If god permits, my surgery date will be March 5 @ NYU in new york. So far I am a few days into my 2 week pre op diet, which I hope does not become too torturous with time. I am hoping to be able to learn from you guys and possibly help anyone else with whatever experience I gain during this time. so.. how does one pass their time in here?

Hi all, I'm a 43 year old NICU nurse from Arkansas. I didn't really have serious weight problems until I was pregnant with my oldest son. I was never able to get the weight off, and over the years have added even more. No diet has worked for me, with the exception of phen-fen. I won't look in mirrors because I hate the way I look. I've wasted too much time being miserable. I've started to seriously look into getting the lap band. I went to a seminar last night in Texarkana and am going to another tomorrow in Little Rock. Hopefully I'll be on my way to a new life soon.

that there is a forum dedicated to lap-band participants. I will be banded this Friday at 10 a.m. I've been reading several post prior to finally deciding to go forth with this surgery. I have learned from alot from those members who have recently been banded and those who have been banded for a while. Much of my decision was based on the members candid discussions of the benefits as well as the difficulties with the band. I look forward to participating in healthy and motivating discussions on how to continue this journey to weight loss.

Hello fellow San Francisco/Bay Area California bandsters! I wanted to let you know that there is a small group of us who meet for lunch each month for support, encouragement, and general lap band discussion. We're also the San Francisco Bay Area online support group for Bandsters:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BayBandsters/ . Online, we're a regional support forum where members can discuss their banding experience and support each other while making new friends, with a special emphasis for Bandsters residing in or near the San Francisco Bay Area. Offline, we're a group of really nice people who like getting together with each other to share our common is…

I have been hiding in the shadows for the past couple of months and i must say, i've learned a lot of things that otherwise would have made me second guess myself:ohmy: first impression... you all are great. it takes a great deal of pride and patients to post your thoughts and concerns in a way for others to understand and relive....alot of times i can pick up what i've read here and related that to most of my questions and concerns. I was banded on December 31, 2008 my beginning weight was 363 and i'm down to 325 now and barely inching down:wink2: PATIENTS...LOL i look forward to interaction with each of you during my journey. Take care!!

I am having my surgery done by Dr. Weiner on 2/17 just wondering if anyone else has been to him???

hi Everyone, I an new here, have not been banded yet, but I am thinking about it. I will be attending a meeting in Hazleton, PA with Dr. Bono on March 9 and then set up my appointment after that. I was very positive and excited about it, however have some concerns. My first worry is my age, I am 53. I worry about recovery due to my age and complications. I really want this surgery, for longevity and to stop my back and hip from aching. I want to play with my grandchildren. My BMI is 45, the highest it has ever been. I have always been overweight, but this is the most. I am attributing this to menapause and I quit smoking this past July after a 30+ year habit. Today,…

Hi all, I'm a long time lurker first time poster I'm getting banded on 4th March in Melbourne, Australia. I'm oscillating between being really excited and wondering what on earth I'm doing which I'm sure you can all identify with. Any other Melbourne March bandsters out there I can chat to? I've also setup a blog where I'm keeping my thoughts about this whole process so far: Potentially Skinny - a diary Look forward to hearing from you.

Hey everyone! I'm so new, I'm still shiny! At least I don't have that 'new car' smell, right? Anyway, I'm qualified through my insurance for the Lapband procedure, but have just begun jumping through the hoops. I'm from Illinois, and am insured by Health Alliance (secondary -BCBS). I have to complete an "I Can Change" program through my insurance prior to surgery which includes a diet/exercise program (I can do Weight Watchers) for 6 months, so my surgery date will be more like September or October. Either way, I want to get integrated into this community so I have a support structure in place. So... about me - I'm 31, married for almost 9 years, and have a 3 year old…

HI, my name is Beth. I am a 25 year old Stay at home mom to 2 ownderful little girls, ages 2 and 4. I have already been through my 6 months of medical weight loss and all testing, I am now just waiting on insurance approval. I am so excited, I cant wait to get it done.

Hello My mane is Valerie, and today is my first day post op. I am feeling ok today. I am excited and can't wait to read all the posts on this website.

Hello! My name is Felice! I have done a lot of research and have decided that Lap band is for me! I have gone to a consultation at Beverly Hills Physicians in Bev Hills and was very happy with the service, Dr and staff.... I will be an out of pocket patient.... Should I meet with more than one facility? Dr? I dont knwo what steps I should take! I also would like a band buddy who is going thru what i am!

Hello, my name is Charlotte McCoy. I have a Home childcare, so I am self employed. I have no major insurance to pay for the surgery, yet I am 5'3 and I weigh 356lbs. I JPS Connection, but they do not have a surgeon to cover the procedure. I have two kids that I can not even take to the movies. I know this because, I took them yesterday to see Madea Goes To Jail, and I cried thru the whole movies, because the arms on the chair were killing me. But how much can you deny your kids, because you are fat. The truth of the matter is, I am not ready to die. I want to live and live happy. I am married and he tries to support me mentally, but I know the truth about myself. What can…

Hi, I'm getting ready to be banded in Mexico on march 6. My doctor is Jose Rodrigez any feed back I'm interested

I am so ready to change my life - even though I think I might just make it based on BMI - I hurt so badly and hope that I will be able to get this done.. I have Crohns disease and am so concerned this could be an issue - Im looking to get as much info and advice as possible ... Oh also I am in NW Florida Panhandle ...so if anyone is near there - we don't have too many choices but I would love to find the one that is right ...

Hey, just found this site and it looks great...have been reading for an hour or so and decieded I needed to join. I start my liquid diet tommorow am and am scheduled for surgery on Monday morning...I am terrified about the change in my life but with my health being what it is I have no choice if I am to see my grandkids grow up. Diabetic problems etc. The hardest part the last week or so was looking at all the foods I am going to miss and I admit I have been cheating this week but my Dr. on thursday said this is normal. I am a meat and potatoes type of person and have decieded to have one last t-bone tonite to kill my last urge....lol any way I am really glad I found…

I just wanted to thank everyone here who takes the time to post, you have helped ease the apprehension I suffered this morning. I went in at 9:45 a.m., 45 minutes earlier than scheduled, but they found a hiated hernia (sp?) and had to repair it. I was leaving to go home by 4:15 p.m. and even refused the pain meds (Loritab) and just took some liquid Tylenol when I got home. I have had bad experiences with the anethesia and the doctor spent a lot of time with me before hand and I came up just fine for the first time ever! I am sore and only a little pain in my shoulder. I had my lip balm (thank you for the recommendation!), but it was rough with no liquids that long. …

hello everyone lapband surgery complete jan. 17th.:w00t:

Hello Fellow Lapbanders! I had my lap band surgery in November 2008, I have lost 48 lbs and was doing fine until recently. I was able to pretty much eat anything in moderation and then at the end of December I began having difficulty- I began p-bing you know that awful slime. I keep telling myself it will pass but after two months it is not passing- no matter what I eat everything seems to irritate me and it ends up coming back up.... I am so frustrated do not understand why this is happening and do not know how to fix it. I went to my doctor today and will have some tests done on Wednesday (a new esphogram). Anyone out there had anything else similar? My doctor ment…

Hello I am 31 years old and from Long Island New York, I have been overweight ever since high school and I am so done with it. Recently I have really been gaining alot of weight and have had some health issues as well. I am over 300 lbs somthing I thought I would never ever let myself get above. I have high blood pressure and am on medication, on medication at the age of 31 that is so sad. I also have sleep apnea and am going this week for a sleep study and am probablly going to have to be on a machine. I am happily married and have two kids one is 3 weeks old (Alexa) and my other is going to be 3 in May (Andrew) I am really scared that I will not be around for them…

hi, there! i live in st louis and i am considering the lap band...i have been to the seminar, met with my doctor, and have my psch eval tomorrow...i am SSOOOOOO nervous and still trying to decide if this is the right thing for me. i am 5'6" and weigh about 290lbs, so i need help!! ahh..i have tried diets, excercise, pills, blah, blah, blah...and yes..i lose some weight but ALWAYS put it all back on and then some...so, i want to know more about this if anyone wants to share their experiences with me..thanks!

Hi everyone. I'm new to the lap band family. I am scheduled for surgery on March 25th... i am so excited i can hardly stand myself! I appreciate any encouragement/advice/suggestions you have for me. Thanks!

Hi I'm Bonnie and I just had my lap band surgery last Tuesday Just getting started

I am new to this forum and wanted to say hello to all. I am think about getting lap band surgery and ust want to get some info on it

Hi, I'm just starting to think about lap-ban surgery. I am 38 & have recently broken the 200lb mark (only 5'3.) That was kinda a bench mark number for me. My weight has not been a life long struggle. I've wrestled with 10-15 pounds since college but after my daughter was born (she's almost five) the weight piled on quickly. I used to be very active & atheletic & would like to get back to that. Plus, I'm just feeling sluggish & not great. I want to be active & healthy for myself & my kids. My son (7y/o) has high functioning autism- I think contributes to some of my weight gain. My focus has been on him for the past several years. I've done…

Hello! I was recently banded on February 16th in Ft. Worth by Dr. Ferrara. I wanted to introduce myself and just say a general hello to all I just had my post-op appointment today and all went well. My incisions are healing well and the scale recorded a 20 pound weight-loss from my first visit prior to starting the preop diet til today. I'm really excited about that. This first week wasn't as bad as I had imagined, but I did deal with alot of hunger pangs and gas pains that are starting to resolve. I was given a new list of allowable foods today and I was a bit surprised with my new liberty. I get my first fill two weeks from today and then I get to return once a month…

Hi there, I'm pretty new to this site. I have not gotten the band but am more in the research stage and even with all the info I have and read on this site, I'm still terrifed, so I guess that means I'm not ready? I've been to a seminar and wanted to know if anyone is or has gotten banded in Boston at Brigham and Womans Hospital? If I do get the lap band that is where I will be going. I'm hoping to connect with some people going through this in my area. Thanks!

Hello, I am new to the board and currently researching the lap band surgery. I have already received a referral from my primary care giver but when they called to schedule my consult I was told my Insurance CIGNA did not cover the hospital the Dr. went to. I called my insurance company to find Drs in network and hospitals in Network and was told that my company opted out of the inclusion of Weight loss surgeries. So I figured that I would not be able to get the surgery and gave up. Until I decided one day to go to my HR department and ask if someone there could help me. At first I was really embarrassed to ask for help feeling like my HR department didnt need to k…

Hello My name is Renee and i am a 35 yr old mum of 5 i live in Bunbury Western Australia. I am wondering if anyone can recomend a dr in the Perth area that i can see. Also the price of the opperation also how long the recovery is from the surgery. I have private Health Insurance with Medibank Private. Looking faward to getting to know you all love Renee.

Hey, I am new to this. I have gone through everything and had called my Dr. last week to see when I wld be schld for surgey. Well guess what, the ltr was in my mailbox and since I do not like to check the mail I didn't know that I hd bn schld for 03-12-09!!! So I am having a mix of emotions today. :redface:I have viewed the Emmi video and I am a lil relieved. I heard about this site trought the pre-op class so I decided to visit. Can anyone give me any inspiration. I need this surgery, I have 2 wonderful daugheters :smile:and I have no energy to keep up w/ them. I am only 35 and I do not want to live like this. I want the lady inside me to come out and be the person in t…

Good morning. My name is Elizabeth and I'm from Naples, FL. I was banded back on December 29th by Dr. Thomas Bass and have lost 26 lbs. to date :hurray:. I'm loving my band, but am moving forward without any real restriction. I know that I can currently eat more than I do, but I don't. I think I have 6 cc's in a 14 cc band and will most likely get another fill at my appointment in March. I'm a little frustrated though because my scale hasn't budged since my Feb 11th appt. and fill :hurray:. I'm thinking that my PCOS may have something to do with that, which really stinks :hurray:. My doctor recommends a good carb diet similar to South Beach in addition to exerc…

Hey everyone! Just wanted to check in and say hi and introduce myself. My name is Serenity and I'm 19 from Sacramento. I am going through Kaiser's bariatrics program and I am scheduled to meet my surgeon, Dr. Im, on Wednesday! I'm just looking around for some further knowledge, so any insight or information is definately apprectiated Ciao!

Hello Everyone, I have to admit that I have been a lurker on this site for almost 2 years. I just recently got my surgery date of 3/12 and thought it was about time that I joined and started posting. I really wanted to thank all the members here for being so open and honest about their lapband journeys. You all gave me the courage to get started and to keep going when my insurance denied me 4 or 5 times. I feel like you have all provided me with so much knowledge about the band and because of that I feel more prepared for my own journey. I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone. Thanks again, Alyson

I guess I can say my new date of birth was Feb 16th. I'm doing well. Still anxious to see myself disappear.

Hello Everyone This is my first time on this site, desperately need to ask advice and info about how others are getting on. I have lost 33lbs so far. My last fill was perfect but after about 3 weeks became really tight and it is really difficult to keep anything down, I also get pain in my left shoulder and top of my back. Does anyone have the same problem or is it just me.:hurray:

Hi All I had my band about 6 days ago (8th Dec) in London and happened to come across this site as I was searching for some answers as to why I'm experiencing terrible pain in my left shoulder 5 days post surgery. :biggrin: Amazing, as I never expected to find out so much (useful) information about the subject(s) - ie. both the banding and the discomfort I'm in. It’s been really helpful to know that I'm not imagining the pain and that I'm not alone with this problem. My surgeon is Professor Hakim of Harley Street and is a real gem – he discovered and repaired a large rolling hiatus hernia during my procedure (bless him). My own GP poo-poo'd the idea of surgery and k…

Good day All! I am new here..I wanted to say hello to all and have a nice day!:hurray:

My name is Maggie and I live in Massachusetts. I am 28 years old and weigh 236 pounds. This past December I completed my six month pre-op seminars required by my insurance and I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Ashley Vernon at Brigham & Women's on the 26th of January. I am very anxious to get approved and begin my journey to a healthier life! I have been getting a little nervous so I thought I'd cruise around on-line and see if I could find any support groups and here I am! Maggie :laugh:

hi i am a 38 year old female from mass. i have finished all my requirements for surgury and am waiting for insurance approval. i was once afraid to go through with this... now i am terrified i will not be allowed. i loved seeing before and after pics and hearing all the positive stories!! hope other folks from mass- western mass especially, will say hi.

Hello, I am from NB Canada, and am still waiting for my first appointment with my surgeon. I have been on the list for six months now. I appreciate how long the wait list is, but it can't come to soon for me. I would love to be in touch with someone how may have gone through this process. I will be seeing Dr. Beausoliel, in Moncton NB. If there are other patients out there that would like to give me information as to what I can expect, I would be gratefull. I am so afraid that there may be a reason that I would be refused surgery. It feels like I am trying to hold onto a handfull of sand. How frustrating is that? Love to hear from you. KDan

Hello, my name is Ethel. I have been reading everyones blogs on this site for a while and have learned a great deal. I have been approved by my insurance company for bariatric surgery. I have attended a six hour class about the surgery. I had made up my mind to do the lap band, but the surgeons I am working with say that because I am diabetic with high blood pressure, I would be much better off to have the gastric bypass. This is something I will have to give some thought to. If any of you have some insight as to why gastric bypass would be better, I would love to hear from you. My surgery is supposed to take place in May 2009. In the meantime I have been instructed to lo…

Hello. I was banded on 2-18-09. To me this was the beginning of a new life. However, confusion over the procedure (even though I've already had it) still hasn't left my mind. Should I have done it? Are the possible side effects worth it? Probably a little too late for that since I am now BANDED. I know that as time passes I will feel stronger, but I am a little weak right now so I guess I'm just unsure at this time. However, HELLO to all and I hope this site will assist me with all my uneasiness and questions. Thank you to all who will read this.

Hello everyone, I just found this site as I was looking for a support group in the Bay City, Saginaw, Midland area. I had my surgery on Dec 31 2008 and doing well. Just thought some support would be helpful.. Thanks! Theresa

My name is Dina and I'm going to be banded soon....(i hope). My surgery is scheduled for March 2 @ 1:00pm. I'm a little worried about my liver not being "shrunk" enough....but i'm gonna go to the pre-op section and post some questions there. Cant wait to start this journey, and hope you guys don't mind if I ask you questions during my "ride."

New to the site. 7 months post.