Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am new to the site and am learning how to do things here. I was banded 11/3/08 by Dr. Timothy Kuwada. So far I have lost 47 lbs. Been at that point for a few weeks and a little frustrated. Guess I am a little anxious.

Hello! I am new to the site and am very excited to meet some new friends. I was banded 11/3/08 by Dr. Timothy Kuwada.

Hi I don't even know if I'm posting like I'm suppose to. Just wanted to jump in and get some info.I'm a nurse from CT been battling losing weight all my life,finally got up enough nerve to look into the lap-band surgery in Nov. I have my surgery date 3/10/09 and yes I'm a bit nervous also.I'm finding all your answers to be very comforting because it looks like alot of you have been through this and can offer support.Thanks for listening

Hey everyone, I am pre-op date is 2/23/09 and was wondering if anyone has any advice about the week b4 liquid diet? My dr. had his own nutritionist that cost a fortune, so I choose to go to someone in my medical plan. Had appt. in office where the nutritionist came for a bit to speak to us, and I heard some things I didn't know. Any help will be great. thanks. Gr8fulMaria

I am in the process of getting banded. I am near the Charlotte, NC area. I have been to three appointments so far. I have had all the tests and am working on the excercise and diet. Just thought I would say hello because information I found on this website helped me with my decision. Thanks to all for posting. I'll be lurking around for a while. God bless, CorporateMike77

Hi, I am a newbie so to speak. New to the lapband - surgery 12-11-08 and also new to this...first time (is what I'm doing called chatting)! A little about me .... 55 years old, married 35 years to a wonderful retired man, 1 son, 1 daughter in law, 1 13 year old grandson, currently kindergarten reading teacher for 3 years, first grade 17 years, and first year was in 6th grade in a rural K-8 district. I've always been overweight, many diet attempts, always active. Never let my weight keep me from doing things and achieving - Child to young adult bowler when I met my husband who worked at the bowling lanes carried a 225 average. Was a chubby Jr. High Cheerleader, Pl…

Hi, I am new to this and I'm looking for feedback. I am on the fence about which surgery I want to have lapband or bypass? help!!

Hi, my name is john, I just loinrd this site to get info on how the lapband works and see if its right for me, i am up and up on the procedure, but i do know i need to lose 100lbs, i am a male, 42 yrs young, 5ft 10 and weight 283lbs, can anyone guide me to weather the lapbad or the gastric bypass is right for me, i am totally lost, thanks

hi everyone, a lot has happened in the last 2 months. First, i was put on a two month trial by my doctor. I had to lose a total of 10 lbs, five the first month and five the second month. So, i get a call from my doctors office which happens to be Dr. Horgan in la jolla, ca. They told me that my insurance denied me. Due to the fact that my doctor not being in the network of my insurance. So, it all came down to this, i believe that my doctor should have known that he was not within my network instead of wasting 2 months of my time and his time, right?!?!? I had to pay over 300 dlls already to him. And they wait for the last minute to ask for an approval and i was turned do…

I just started the process of the Lap Band. I have an appt. with a surgeon in two weeks. Im curious to know what steps Im going to have to take and what to expect out of insurance companies. Or should i say what they expect... I currently have BCBS. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Everyone, I was banded 12/29, by Dr. James Viglianco in Buffalo, New York. I started at 238 (12/18) and was 226 for my 1 week follow up. The Dr said this was good, and the real weight loss starts after the first fill. My goal is 160. I can't remember the last time I was 160. I am both nervous and anxious. I am looking forward to learning more about other peoples experiences.

I was banded Sept 23, 2008 I have lost 53 lbs :smile: and have about 72 to go. I'm on my 4th fill at 6.8 in a 10cc band. Don't go back on solids til tomorrow. So not really sure how much I will be able to eat. Mornings are slow for me, can't have much more than my coffee and vitamins. Lunch and afternoon are pretty okay and dinner is good too, night is usually a no no as I need to have room for my evening vitamins and meds. I work at getting in the right calories and protien in for each day. I do slip sometimes and thats okay cuz now I'm able to get right back up and go again. I usually try to trick my body my eating different amounts different days of the week so…

Hello Everyone My name is Tonya. I am not a bander yet but the way things look, I am seriously considering becoming one. My current weight is 320 lbs. My height is 5'3 and I am 38 years old. I live in Illinois with my son and my fiancee I would like to meet other people who have gone through the LB process. I am on Public Aid so I know my choices are limited. I heard about Mercy Hospital in Chicago and I will be attending their seminar in May. Has anyone else done their LB through Mercy? If you are on public aid, could you please tell me what kind of approval process you have to go through? I really appreciate any comments, thank you

Hey Everyone! Well here i am! Surgery on the 28th of Jan so excited but at the same time having to change my underwear frequently! Currently at 124 wanting to get down to 84. Doable? I'll make sure it is! :tongue2: Very optimistic at the moment, but trying to be realistic as well! If anyone has any handy tips they have learnt and some food ideas for my weeks of liquid and puree that would be great! I'll keep you all posted! Em.

:confused:I had gastric bypass surgery in 2004 and had not lost all the weight that I desired by one of the Physicians in the (New Start Program). I began my weight loss journey at just over 300 pounds and did attain my weight loss goal of 100 lbs. I was later banded by a Physician with (Ready for a Change) in 2007 and have since lost an average of 40 lbs. I usually work out 3 times a week and eat relatively healthy. I think that I may now be pregnant and I am smelling food, feeling moody and I want to know if this is normal. I have cravings for certain foods. I really want to know when I should stop eating because I am a good cook, I enjoy eating food and I don't w…

:confused2:hi,i want very much to have the lapband .but my doctor does not believe in losing weight the easy way(doctor calls it ).she always tell me how to eat and exercise or walk.over the pass 6 mos. i loss 9lbs. but seem to be gaining it back.i,m 45,5'5" and weight 270lbs..with bad knee,have had 2 surgery on my knee.my doc.say if i lose weight that would take some of my knee problem away.but it hard.i really want to find a doctor who can help me with this.my family doctor said no,my knee doc said it would be the best thing to do.my insurance may pay if the doctor say it is med. needed.some advice please....monalis in philly

Hi everyone this is my first time posting in a long while. I am still trying to figure out how to navigate the site. I am getting banded in Pennsylvania on Feb 24th, I am scared and excited!! :thumbup: I just want to make sure I do everything right. Any advice from recent banders?

Hello everyone! My name is Lauren and was just banded on 2/5/09. I'm progressing well and was lucky with getting away with only one incision. Overall, it's been a positive experience so far except I'm getting so sick of Carnation Instant Breakfast! I can't wait for Thursday when I'm on the soft-mushy diet and can have a little more variety. So, any other Richmond area members out there? Does anyone attend the support group meetings at St. Mary's?

Hi my name is Natalie and I am a mother of 2 children and weigh over 300 lbs and am just disgusted with myself. I wish I would have considered this before our recent wedding in August but after seeing our wedding pictures I was just sickened. I also was in a bad accident 2 years ago and shattered my ankle and I need to get the weight off of my leg before I am completely crippled. I have issues trying to excersice because I am in so much pain from the problem with my ankle and I just can not take it any more. I called and made my appt and go for my consultation and group info next friday and I am a little nervous but excited all at the same time. I HAVE TO DO THIS. And loo…

Hi Everyone! I am so excited to be on this forum, chatting with other people who I can relate to in the weight loss battle! I was banded on 1/20/09. In total, I have lost 20 lbs so far. I'm worried that I won't be successful as I find myself returning to my old patterns and that's now what I want! I want a new, healthier me who can shop in regular size stores and not have weight be on the forefront of my mind! I look forward to all of your great advice! All the best, Mary

hi, my name is heidi. i was banded last monday, 2/2/09. i'm trying to learn my way around this site while i learn my way around the band. i've already managed to overdo it once -- even on all liquids! last night i had clam chowder for dinner (blended) and the first mug tasted so good that i had a second even though i was not hungry. i felt stuffed and uncomfortable all evening, hoping i could not have done any damage to my band placement. :thumbdown: my surgeon was dr tersigni in coos bay oregon -- a ten-hour drive from my home in western washington. so far, very happy with dr t and his staff (bay bariatrics.) looking forward to this journey!!!

Hello All! My name is RJ and I'm a MO person in Ridgecrest, CA. I've been on the forums for a couple days (weeks?) researching Lap Band results, and I must say I'm impressed. I went in for my first free seminar on Wednesday, Jan 7 with Dr. Michael Feiz. He did an especially good job to get me hyped up to get a band and lose weight. Who would have thought a surgeon would be such a good sales man? Anyway, I don't have an exact date for my procedure at this point, but the wheels are in motion, and chances are I'll be banded with a Realize Band within the next month. My insurance is covering all but $4000... is that normal? Seems like it's a little over priced wit…

All of your posts are so helpful! I've been seriously overweight my entire adult life, yo-yo dieting for 20+ years, and I feel I'm ready for a drastic change. Gastric bypass is not an option I would choose for myself. Lap Band seems like a much safer option. I like the idea of starting over with a stomach like a new baby's. I know this will not be easy, but my best friend and I are strongly considering taking this journey together, and I have a wonderful husband supporting me. I want to be actively involved with my two young boys throughout their lives. So, I think I'm ready for this.:thumbup: I have a consult on 3/9, and hopefully I'll be scheduling soon after.

I can't wait to get my lap band on February 19th. I have been lurking around this forum for a while and decided to finally jump in and post. Look forward to being a part of the community.

My name is Sara, I was banded 12/9/08 by Dr. Curry in Cincinnati, Oh. I'm 41, been married for 17 yrs, have 3 awesome, hilarious kids and 2 dogs. I'm glad I found you guys! I have so many ?s and welcome any feedback from likeminded people! Anyone here from Cincy? Thanks:smile:

Hi my name is Heather, I am married with 2 wonderful children. I had hodgkins lymphoma when I was 28and every since then I get sick often do to a weakened immune system. I am at my heaviest weight to date at 230 pounds and I am only 5 foot one.I look at pictures from when after my daughter was born of my self and I think I am looking at a different person. I use to be pretty and I don't feel that way any longer. This is a picture of me and my daughter about 4 years ago when I was about 30 pounds thinner then I am now. I have been thinking about getting the Lapband or Bypass surgery and I can not decide which would be right for me. I do not have a lot of excess time for d…

i cant figure out how to post a thread without going to the intoduction forum first.can u explain how to use all this stuff or where to go to get info and training. thx

Hey, This is my first post, i've been lurking around and reading the forums. I just got my 1st fill yesterday. I wasn't feeling any restriction before my fill, and so far, I'm not feeling any of this 4cc fill. Hopefully, its just delayed which i've heard can happen. Well look forward to losing weight with you all. Surgeon: Dr. Francis of Litedimensons 12/09/08

Been hovering in this forum for a couple of months, just felt I should join today. I was banded on Jan 30. Had no complications or pain. I'm already on mush/soft foods because the doc said I was doing so good. Lost 32lbs since the pre op diet until today. Feel really good and already have lots more energy.

I had my surgery three years ago, and exactly two years to getting down to my goal weight I find out I was pregant. I had to have my band emptied and start all over again once I had my son. Good thing I didn't gain all my weight completely back. None the less, I have had my fills and am now experiencing horrible spells of vomiting, so bad that water won't even stay down. I'm not sure what has caused this but I'm wondering if my band has slipped, all I know is that it's a horrible feeling I had to go to a different Doctor to get my fills because my surgeon had left the practice (I really don't care for this new doc at all) I miss doctor Thomas and the old staff. Dr. Thom…

well as long as nothing changes i go on the 23rd for my preop tests and then on the 25th i get my band.i dont know if i need to be scared or excited

Hi Everyone, This is my first post. My name is Kathie and I'm scheduled for surgery on Feb 20th. My surgeons name is Dr. Henderson in Brunswick GA. My problem is the protien shakes are too thick and I have a hard time getting them down. :tongue_smilie:Any suggestions? Thanks, bingo-b

I just wanted to introduce myself. I am an auntie of 5 with no children of my own so they are spoiled. I live far away from them now and miss them all very much. I love Texas very much but being from the BURGH I am still a Steelers fan, as are many here. I enjoyed the Super Bowl very much! I'll be having my Lap-Band surgery sometime in March. I'm having it for 2 reasons. I need to lose this other person I carry around with me, and I have semi-urgent back surgery tht needs to be done this year. Hopefully in 6 to 8 months I'll have enough weight off my abdomen to lay on it and not have any complications being intibated, which is the concern now. I'm glad to be here and…

:rolleyes:Hi, As listed I am over weight and over 60. Right now I have very few helth issues but if I don't control this over eating that is going to become a problem. I can not change my age but I would very much lick to change the over weight part. I have not willingly had my picture taken for years and I don't make contact with old friends and dread seeing anyone I used to know 10 years or more ago. I have tried all kinds of diets and stuff but am not willing or able to stick with anything but I am definatly ready to stop living this way and would like to be more sociable and enjoy a lot that I now miss. I recently had dinner with a friend and she shared with me …

:smile:Hello bandsters, i hope to be where you are soon. i got my third visit with dietitian, 3 more to submit forms for approval, this is a long and tedious process, did anyone else have such a long journey to bandland. I am new to forum please share your thoughts and opinions. Thanks.

Hi Everyone, I had my surgery 3 years ago, I had about 110 pounds that I wanted to lose, I went down 55 pounds in about 6 months and the last time I went to her (my surgeon) I gained a pound and she yelled at me.:thumbdown:...(i'm probably old enough to be her mother!! anyway after that, I didn't go back. so I am really mad at myself, I stalled right there and then slowly started to put weight back on, now with i've gained 20 pounds. So now it's back to the old feelings how stupid i am, I can't believe I'm doing this again (the old I'll start eating right on Monday!!! Remember that one, and the other one is no more sweets after that cake is gone....It is totally my f…

Hi everyone! I am new to this site and would like to introduce myself. My name is Kathy and I live in ND. I was banded 1/20/09 and at my 1 week post-op I had lost 20 lbs:thumbup: I will have my first fill on Feb. 20th and I think I really need it. I feel I am eating more than I should be able to. I really want this to work and deep down I know I can:redface: I just feel frustrated at times....Best of luck to everyone.

Hi eveyone, I was banded in August 2008 and I've been very happy with my results. I've lost 40 pounds and have another 40 to go!!! I had SmartLipo on my abdomen and love handles last week and I'm so HAPPY!!! I thought I had to lose all my weight before I could have cosmetic surgery, but I was wrong. I had the procedure done in the office without having to go to sleep. The best part was the skin will get tighter because they used a laser thingy. Anyway, Let me know if you've had smartlipo so we can compare results! :thumbup:Thanks, KoolKat:thumbup: FYI: Dr. William Neal in Olympia Washington placed my Lapband system and their office did my SmartLipo too!!!

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum, and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Carol, and I am from Sacramento. I am interested in lap band surgery, and have been looking at local doctor info. My insurance has Dr Machado as a referring physician. Has anyone here had Dr Machado? I'd be interested in feedback. Thanks! Carol

hello everyone.i was just approved for lapband surgery.i am anxious to talk to others who have done this.

Hi everone. Been a reader here for a while and finally got my profile going (thought it was only fair). Thanks to all of you who post about your triumphs and struggles. It makes me feel like I know a lot of you personally and this seems like a very good place to interact with even greater people. I started this process last June. Got through all the insurance fuss after 6 months and was banded last week on 2/4. Went to Dr. Schram at Barix in ypsilanti, mi. My wife went to him in 2004 and the facility is less than 5 miles from my home. Procedure went like clockwork. Swelling was minimal, only took the pain med because I thought I might need it. Stopped tha…

Hi...Have been doing my research. Found your site and am tickled to know this place exists. I have an appointment with my internist this Wednesday. I called and my insurance covers the surgery. Trying not to get too excited until after I talk with my Doc. He has always been very supportive and I hope he knows a good Doc to refer me to as we don't have one in our town. I feel like I have been beating my head against a concrete wall for years. I exercise every morning at 5:30 am before I go to work but sabotage myself on weekends. I have friends who don't do half I do to loose weight and it falls off of them. I am just getting tired and need more help than I am abl…

First time to chat and brand new to the Lap Band process. Found this site b/c I'm a "professional student" and like to get all the info I can. Did a lot of that before deciding to do it ( knew the bypass was not for me ) but insurance wouldn't cover it. That was over 2 years ago and now they do so..... I'm READY! :thumbdown:

Hi Everyone, I am glad to be here and am looking forward to my lap-band surgery in the near future, if all goes off without a hitch. I don't know how many of you all can say this but I am one of those people that has been very thin and very fat. I am a once-thin, male at 46 years of age and am now considered "super-obese" at 375 lbs. Here is a short synopsis of what happened: 1) Growing up - average size but overweight occasionally. 2) College and Starting out - Healthiest time in my life. After college I worked in the construction field and got down to 160. For me, this weight was actually very thin as I am just over 5'11". For the first time in my life I could d…

Hi guys, my name's Ruby - I'm 19 years old and am getting banded tomorrow. i would appreciate any advice etc etc as I can't seem to find any other support groups - especially in New Zealand. Cheers

Hello im new to the forum and will be banded on march the 4th. I am here to gain support from others as well as pick up a few tips. I look forward to gaining as much knowledge as possible!

Hi everyone! I've been lurking around for quite a while. I started looking into lapband surgery back in September and after much debate I've decided to go through with it. I'm scheduled to get it done next Thursday and I just wanted to see if anyone else is scheduled around the same time... Chandra

Just a quick note from the UK - a 6'3'', 315 pounder awaiting a date for surgery. I have to say - it feels a bit weird at my height and weight feeling so terrified about what lies ahead - but like a lot of you here, I'm doing this for my kids...so brave face Ben...brave face! Do I tell people? No it's embarrassing! I'm admitting failure! No I'm not, I'm accepting help on teh way to a healthier me. I'm being reborn! Will I wake up from the operation? Oh no - what's this about mortality rates?! All the things that I imagine everyone went through or is going through. Soooo many emotions to be had in such a short time! Nice to see so many inspirational stories happening…

OK, First let me say that it has taken me over 2 years to get to this point. After battling with insurance companies, and other health complications I have all the prerequisites taken care of and I have an appointment to set the date for my surgery on Thursday and I am having second thoughts. I have had such an easy time sticking with the 800 to 1000 cal diet for the last several months and have lost a lot of weight.(but I have lost weight before) Should I just stick with the diet and not have the band. but then i am afraid that I will just end up gaining all the weight back. But there is a chance I will do that even with the band and what am I about to put my family thr…

Hi, everyone I am a 30 yr old RN, currently a SAHM. I am on my 3rd month of the required 6 mo diet, I have BCBS of AL. I go to Dr. Miles on the 20th for my first surgeon visit, :thumbup:and just wanted to check in with everyone. Thanks for any support you can give my mom and husband are not to into me having surgery.