Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi my name is Tina and I just recently had the lap band procedure. In fact I am at my week mark today and couldn't be happier. I go in on Wednesday Feb 4th for my post op appointment. I live in Tucson AZ, and Dr. Jeffery Monash did my surgery. My start weight is 246, and I am looking forward to begining my weight loss:thumbup:. I am a mother of 3 beautiful children and married to my husband of 10 years. We have been stationed at Tucson for almost a year. Cant wait to get to know all of you. Brightest Blessings Tina

Hi Everybody! I am booked for March 4th... Less than a month to go now and I am so so excited! I'm going to be banded by Dr. Cobourn at the Surgical Weight Loss Centre in Mississauga (just outside of Toronto), Canada. I'm 23 years old and have been overweight since I was about 9, and obese since I was around 14. I, with help from my parents am paying for my own surgery, as it is not covered by our Canadian health care and I don't get medical insurance through my crappy job. I am so so excited to get started... I'm even kind of excited to start my 2 week pre-op diet. My clinic has us consume only Medi-Fast for two weeks - it's apparently really hard f…

So Monday is my surgery and I have done everything I possibly can to prepare. I am so excited. I joined this community hoping to find people just like me and answers to questions doctors just can't answer. A lot of people ask me if I'm nervous and I'm not. I'm just really anxious to start losing weight. I've been slowing gaining weight since the birth of my son 4 1/2 years ago. I can't wait to be back to my normal self. I'm 31 year sold and I've got to get this under control before I get too old. The strange thing is I love to be active but since I have over 125 lbs of extra weight on me, nothing is fun to do. My back hurts, my legs fall asleep, I swell, I sweat, I lose m…

Hi, I'm Amber, I've been signed up here for a over a year now, but I'm back...I think. I signed up the end of 07 after going to my first consultation. I went to my consultation, went to all my dietician appointments,went through all of my pre-op testing, I had a date set and I chickened out the night before my surgery. I was scheduled for Jan. 30, 2008. I have struggled the past year (like every other year of my life) with trying to lose weight on my own and I think I'm finally to the point of no return so to speak. I'm still nervous and scared but if I don't do it now I'm not going to do it and I'm going to end up regretting it more. I haven't gotten the nerve t…

I am scheduled for Lap band surgery on March 5. I starts Opti Fast light this week, and plan to do opti fast full for two weeks before the surgery. The only thing that I have left to do is get a CPap for my apnea so I can get clearance from the Pulminologist, but that should happen in the next week or so. I have dieted before. I have eaten very little for short periods of time and lost weight, only to put it back on again. But this time, since I am only really drinking during the day, I am finding it so obvious that I eat for emotional reasons. I didnt know how badly I was doing that, until I couldn't. I havent cried this much since I was going through puberty.:th…

Hi - I'm new to this group. I'm scheduled for Lapband in April and was reading "Weight Loss Surgeries for Dummies." It talks about everything you will never eat again. I'm concerned. Will I ever eat normal things like bread, spaghetti or rice. OR do I just have to know these things will be given up forever. Thanks for your help.:thumbup:

hello i'm brand new to this forum which i found accidentally but looks like a fantastic community. i have been overweight all my life and after much consideration, research and doubt, I finally decided to have the gastric banding. Three years ago I was accepted for the lap band in Belgium - I was delighted because at the time my BMI was only 32 and this was deemed unacceptable for lap band surgery in the UK where I live. However, my then husband did not allow me to go thru with the surgery insisting that I should loose weight the 'natural' way (he sent me to a hypnotherapist); although he had already witnessed several attempts and failures with drastic diets, medica…

Hi everyone I just found this fourm. I am just starting the process for Lap band procedure and any help would be appreciated. I hope to have the surgery this summer since I have to do the 6 month supervized diet.

Okay.....just had surgery 2-4, did fine, feel pretty good, on full liquids, trying to drink water etc.....my question is, when I came home from the hospital I was up 10 pounds! --- as of today 2-7-09 I am still 4 pounds heavier than my weight before the surgery at the hospital...initially I thought it was fluid retention from the operation, but enough is enough, I am eating (or should I say - drinking) very little, today I had water about 20 oz, yogurt, and a little tomato soup...I'm not really hungry, but did anyone else experience weight gain right after surgery?

Hello Everyone, I am in the very early stage on my way to lapband surgery. I had my first consult on 2/6/09 at Cedars-Sinai. I am scheduled for my nutrition & social work consults in a few weeks. I have been browsing through this very informative forum. I am encouraged to see how many people are doing well post lap band. Jazz :thumbup:

hello everyone, my name is maria but i like to be called mer. been having a rough time lately with the weight loss. i had my band surgery on june 18, 2007. the surgery was easy, hardly any pain and i healed fast. i haven't lost that much weight and in fact the past month or two i have been gaining. at first after the surgery i did lose because i was in that zone to lose and with the restrictions from the band helped. exercised alittle too. everytime i noticed i was eating more than ishould i would go in for a fill. after the first couple of months everytime i went in for afill i would make an appt for my next fill. the first 13 months were free fills so why not and if i f…

I am thinking about lapband. I am 50 years old and have been overweight for the last 10 years. I am 5.6 and 192 lbs. I have tried exercise off and on, off more than on lately. My insurance covers it but I'm not sure if I am a candidate, I was told by a friend that you have to be at least 100 lbs overweight to be considered. Is that true?

Hello, my wife and I are wanting to look into the band. I am 41 BMI and have sleep apnea, and borderline Diabetes. My wife has 41 BMI, osteo-arthritis, and thyroid problems. We have tried to lose weight b4 and have, but it is just temporary. We seem to gain it all back. We have Humana insurance in KY and believe they cover it. We plan on lurking this forum for answers to our questions, I want to thank everyone for posting and thank the admin for creating this site. I believe this has helped and will continue to help people interested in this surgery.

Hi I'm Rae from Adelaide in South Australia. I am having my lapband surgery on Feb 19 and am currently doing the optifast 2 week stage and am really confused about what you can eat during this time. I was wondering if there is anyone else on this stage that can give me a clue? I am going by what the doctors have given me re the optifast stage which includes being able to have the shakes with berries or banana, and having either fish or chicken plus salad and vegetables. But how much are you supposed to eat with the shakes? Because while I'm not having any cravings for anything, I am finding that I am starving all the time. And I have medication for diabetes and I am exp…

hey all! I'm new to the site and have my Lap Band surgery scheduled for March 2. I'm starting to get nervous, but I am really excited! I have two little kids, ages 2 and 4 and won't be having any more (by choice). I've been considering the surgery for years but have just started to get more interested in the last few months. Looking forward to reading your stories and hearing about your accomplishments! Ellen

I have been reading and reading and looking thru different topics in a lot of different categories and all I can say is WOW! I'm overwhelmed at concerns that everyone has as people who have been banded, thinking about it, pre band, post band, and just everyone who have to adjust to different lifestyles. I'm hearing different terms that I've never heard before and I really just need to post some questions, hoping that some the answers will come in my directions as opposed to me having to search and search and search! So here it goes: What's a sweet spot? I have an idea, but clarification is needed. How do I know if I need a fill or if I'm too filled? Is it painful if …

Hi All, Lap Band journey details on my blog ......all are invited to join as a follower ! "The Sweet Spot" Karen's Lap Band Journey Wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for all the great information everyone has posted. Helped me understand what to expect before, during and after surgery. Wish everyone the best on their own journey !

Hello everyone, I just found this board today, I have been posting on the OH board. I am to be banded on the 22nd of May. and have finished all my hoop jumping for insurance, I have to finish up my nutrition visits ,once a month in April. Wondered if anyone else was due to be banded around that time. I live on Long Beach Island in New Jersey and am having my surgery at Southern Ocean County Hospital or SOCH, as we call it. I have four grown children and two grandsons and another on the way in May. My husband and a few close friends are the only ones I have told,because I don;t think my children would be supportive. I have lost this weight so many times before but it come…

Hello to everyone! I have been surfing thru this website for several months now. This is my first post. I have had a weight issue, like many of you, most of my life. I've tried just about everything but drugs. I've been successful sometimes, but mostly not. I have been interested in the Lap Band for a couple of years now, but I never thought I would be a candidate because I'm not >40% bmi. I am very short and my heaviest was over 200 lbs. I have put on lots of pounds, especially having had 5 children over the last 10 years. I've managed to hang on to 10-15 after each child. Nearly 3 years after having my last (really the last) child, I am heavier now than I w…

Hi All! I just discovered this board and wanted to say hello. I am scheduled for the procedure in March.:confused:

Hi, I'm new here. I have an appointment to see the doctor about the lapband procedure. I have to get all my paperwork and lab work together but I'm now having second thoughts. I'm really getting scared. I want to loose the weight and be healthy but I'm afraid I won't be able to eat right and PB or get sick. It this just my imagination? Have I been reading too many negative posts? I guess I should just at least talk to the doctor about it. LanierNCats

I'm Shane...I live in Louisburg, NC and work in nearby Raleigh...I'm 39 years old and my wife and I have been married 13 years and have an 8 year old son...I've come to the conclusion that I want to live a long and healthy life so I've decided to get "banded"...my physician is Dr. Moran in Raleigh...I've gone to the initial seminar and my insurance information was approved today...my first appointment is Feb. 24 and I'm very excited/anxious to proceed...currently I am 6'1" and weigh 355 lbs with a BMI of 46.8...not sure if this is all too much info...LOL...but I'll share...I have comorb's Diabetes and Hypertension...I'm so looking forward to what I hope to be a NEW ME...I…

Hi there, I have my first orientation with Fremont Kaiser on Sunday. Up til now I have been researching gastric bypass, but am liking the idea of lap band a lot better since it is less invasive. I am hoping that everything will go through since I am 100lbs overweight but do not have any issues (ie diabetes or high blood pressure). Like most of you my weight has been a lifetime battle, and I am looking forward to finally have something to help me fight that battle. So any advice will be great.

Hi there, I'm Meagan. I had gone to see my PA last week about getting on a weight loss med, and she recommended the band instead due to a few other health issues that I've got. My referral to the GI was just approved yesterday and I'm in process of making an appointment for my initial consult. My gut reaction at first was no way, no more surgeries, but after looking into this and seeing everybody's progress, I'm all for it now. :confused: I've been discussing it with my husband, and he's on board too. Wow. I'm so excited that this is becoming a real possibility, and that I have skinny in sight!

Hello, Well, I have made my decision. Actually, I made my decision last year, my husband finally made his decision to support me in getting the lapband. We went to the orientation several months ago and got all the info - he didn't like the wait time to have a baby, but financially cannot afford a child right now. I have an appointment with the surgeon I selected, Dr. Malcolm Robinson at Brigham and Women's hospital on March 17th. That same day I also meet with the nutritionist. Can someone tell me what to expect from this meeting? My insurance does not require 6 months of dieting. I'm hoping I can get the surgery soon! Love reading these forums!

sorry forgot to tell you im from birmingham in england my surgeon was mr ssurgedson from the hospital group how many band fills do you need to have before you get adequate restriction:closedeyes:

hi to everyone this is the first time ive logged in i had my band fitted in november last year so far ive had 2 band fills done and ive lost 21 lbs :confused:

Hi I'm from NJ had Dr Goldstein came home same day. Feeling great. Drinking liquids and ice pops sugar free jello. As of thursday I started on pureed foods. No problems there. I'm loving the new V8 vegetable pureed soups. I've lost 9 pounds to date. How is everyone else doing? I'm hungry thou any one else?

Does anyone recommend here recommend a certain powdered drink? I just want to get an idea of what it tastes like. Thanks

Hi I am new to the forum. Just taking a look around. There is so much going on. Between the forum and the blogs. Wow, where to start? I just read about this place. Now I know what everyone is raving about. I hope to become a very active member. Thanks again, Eric

Hello everyone. First time poster here. I'm not convinced the band is the right tool for me which is why I am here. I will be doing alot of reading and decision making but I have to do something about my weight. I feel awful and look awful and I know it's killing me. Just not sure if the band is right for me. Just thought I'd say hi instead of lurking and lurking :cursing:

Hi! This is Amit Jogi, 31 m, from India. Had my lapband done on the 9th. Needless to say, it was among the biggest decisions of my life. It's good to be here among fellow-travelers on the journey to SlimLand. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes, AJ

Hello, i'm new here!

Hello everyone! This is my 1st time here and I have been soaking up all the wonderful information on here. I have been combing the internet trying to get as much info and perspective as I possibly can. I am going to a seminar on the 21st, and then go from there. I am hopeful and excited... I've tried and tried to lose weight...and I have lost it...but it always comes back...much quicker than I lost it. I'm scared...for lots of reasons. I'm scared that I won't get approved through insurance or a creditor. I'm scared what losing all this weight will mean for me. I've hidden behind it for so long. I've always been that crazy fat girl. I wanna be the crazy, funny chick …

Hi, My name is Katie and I am considering having the lapband but I have many questions and look forward to poking around the forum.

Was banded on Feb 2 and I feel great. Wanted to say hello to all

I just found this forum. This is my introduction here. I had lap band surgery almost two years ago. I have not really lost any significant weight in the last six or 8 months. I have really only lost about 60 pounds in 22 months. I am just not too sure what I am not or should be doing at this point. I do know that my husband and I travel a lot for work and pleasure. We eat out an awful lot but I try to make smart choices and I do pilates three days a week but I am still not losing.

I just got banded on 1/28/09 and am learning as I go. The forum has helped alot. I see a lot of the same things I am going through. Are the only Protein shakes the ones from the Health food stores? Is there anything else you can use? Thanks in advance for all the help from everyone.:tongue:

Hi There, My name is Tina. I am 20 years old and weighed 273. i was banded on july 24th, 2008 and today i weight 190. i am down 83 pounds and feeling great. if anyone has any question, feel free to ask me. i am an open book to my fellow bandsters!! love, Tina

My name is Jessi. I was banded on 07/08/08 with realize. My surgeon is Dr. Archer from Oregon. I am doing good so far at like 35 pounds lost. Had some issues but nothing crazy. Glad to find this site and hope to learn lots and meet new friends.

After much research and years of trying to get my insurance to cover my surgery, I sucked it up and decided to get a loan to pay for my surgery. I was banded on Sept. 30, 2008 by Dr. Dean McDaniel of Victoria, Texas. He's a cool doctor. I have lost 36 lbs. and need to start exercising to help myself along. I would like to lose a total of 100 lbs. so I have 96 lbs. to go. I enjoy reading everyone's suggestions and tips. Hope to contribute some helpful tips in the future. :biggrin:

Hi everyone!!! I was told by my surgeon that this would be a good thing for me,the finding others who have the same life. I was just discharged yesterday...how did you guys do it the first few days?

I was banded in May of 2007 by Dr. Schmitt in Birmingham, AL. I had a port revision in June 2007. I must admit I was feeling discouraged about what to eat after being banded. Weight loss was great I just felt like I could not eat anything. I thought that I was really informed before surgery but later found out that I was not. I found out that I was having my 1st child in August 2007 so I had band deflated. My son is now 10 months old and I just had my first fill since I found out that I was expecting. I'm excited and nervous and really need some support, guidance, and education.

Hi, I'm in my 3rd month of the 6 month program required by my Dr. & Insurance co. My Dr. also requires I loose 10% prior to surgery. I've been getting very nervous and scared, as I was preparing for RNY gastric bypass. Tonight I've been reading the posts and wow! You folks have motivated me. I've decided I'm going with the band. I know I can go through with the band surgery. I'm scared to death of the other. My biggest problem right now is my emotional relationship with food. I need to loose 25 lbs. in the next 3 months. And I'm eating like I've never eaten before. I think it is like "last supper syndrome". Dr said I may have to start a liquid diet next month if I'm…

Hi Friends! I have been lurking for awhile and decided to come out of the wood work. I am starting my lap band journey. I have seen my DR,from Weston Cleveland Clinic-Dr.Raul Rosenthal. I am beginning the insurance required 3 month nutrition program. In a few weeks I see the pulmonary dr. ,phych and nutritionist again. I am very excited and nervous. When I look at different foods I am sad about missing them. The Cleveland Clinic here in Fl is 2 hours 15 mins from my home. All the centers that my Aetna covers are. I chose this one after research and the fact of Cleveland clinic reputation. Initially my DR wanted to have gastric bypass because of my high BMI-50-but I we…

Hi! My name is Greg and I'm an alco...oops. Wrong forum. Actually today I'm on day four of my 2 week liquid diet. I get the band put in on the 16th of February. I figure I've lost 7-8 lbs already from the liquid diet and I really could use a potato chip right now. But I won't. *sigh* I'll be looking into the nutrition thread to see about Protein powders and what not. Other then that, I'd have to say I'm doing pretty dang good. It will be nice to read through some other stories though. To get an even better feel for what I'm getting into. Thanks all! Hello!

Ok first off let me share that I went to the doctor's yesterday and I am down 13lbs (YEAH ME). Now on to the reason I am posting...I need to VENT!!! So I call my work yesterday and let them know that I can return to work on Monday. My doctor agreed to let me go back as long as I take it easy. So my main boss is like "great cant wait to have you back. By the way come in tomorrow so I can talk with you before you come back on Monday for work", ok no problem there. So I go in this morning to talk with my room lead (I am a pre-school teacher), and my main boss. They are pulling me from my room, now mind you before I left they were all like "we are going to miss you so …

Hey everyone. I am Derek..age 29 and 305 lbs. I am ready to do something permanant about my weight. I have never been a regular weight and yo-yo ing for years. I go to my seminar Wednesday and I can't wait. Hope to hear from you all. Any 20-something guys that have gone through this? Would love to hear about it from a young guys perspective. Derek

Hello everyone. I'm new to this site. I have my assessment appointments next week and surgeon appointment in March. I'm also with Tricare which I hope will not be to complicated on this matter. Hope to be approved soon. This site is so wonderful.

My first post, but I have been in the process for over 10 months. When the nurse called to tell me yesterday, she used those words,"your new birthday is.." I hadn't heard that before and it really got me psyched. Anybody out there in West Mich who has already had lapband or is about to have it like me? I have a lot of questions and have been looking over the forum for a few weeks. Thanks everyone! There is so much info and practical tips available. I'll be having my procedure at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. I know it's usual to get wary just before the surgery, but is there anyone who really REGRETS having had this? If so, why? I hope to hear from you. Laura S…