Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, I am pretty new to this site and I have been just reading everyone else's comments while I wanted for my date. Well, it's February 24th and I am very happy! I have been waiting since June of last year to get this done, but I had insurance that did not cover the procedure. I switched to my husband's insurance beginning January 1st, and I am already approved! The difference was I had only in-network benefits with United Healthcare before January 1st, and now my out-of-network benefits, which kicked in January 1st will covered almost all of the procedure! Good luck to everyone else going through the procedure of insurance approval, and let em hear from anyo…

Hello out there! I am expecting to get banded this summer. Has anyone gone through Dr. Dent in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) for the recomendation to Dr. Graber in Utica (New York, USA)? Also, Dr. Dent is recommending the RNY bypass, but I would really prefer the Lap Band from all I've read. It seems a little less invasive and leaves you with a slightly more normal lifestyle. (From what I understand bypass, never any caffiene or alcohol, but with lap band 1 or 2 glasses of wine occasionally is ok and coffee is tolerable for many). Any comments would be appreciated!

Hi, my name is Ray and I am in the process of getting banded. I have had my first meeting with my Surgeon (Machado), did the blood work, xrays, and met with a nutritionist today. I have to get an evaluation and have no idea where to find one, they provide one at the Machado's office but doesnt go through insurance. If anyone knows where I can go in Sacramento, please let me know. I have BC/BS. Thank you, RG

Hi all, I was banded in April 2007. Weighed 312, currently about 218. 54 waist to 41 waist. From being a Diabetic (meds and all) to an A1C of under 7, and loving it. My Doctor was Dr. Christine Ren in NYU and the experience was awesome. I have some dietery issues but I'm trying to work them out. I just discovered this site by accident so I will be trolling aroung to see if anyone has experienced similar issues. Either way, I'll be posting and participating. Congratulations to all of you on this marvelous step and lots of (healthy) luck.

Hello, I was banded on Jan. 17, lost 13 lbs, but have gained 3 to 4 lbs. Is this normal after eating regular food? I'm also looking for a laband support group in the Sacramento area. My doctor was Dr. Waldrep in Roseville. Thanks

Hello everyone well today I had an Upper GI done (nasty) I only have two more test to do. Today I am also going to the Dr to see if she can give me help with quitting smoking before my surgery which is May 19. I'm hoping I can do it in 3 month. I know it is going to be hard because I am 48 and I have been smoking since I was 16. But I know I can do it. :w00t: My surgeon wants me to do it before my surgery. She tells everyone she will not do the surgery until you have quit smoking for acouple of months. Does anyone have and ideas on how to do this? Please don't be ulgy about it. (lol)

Hi thinking about getting Lap-band surgery, but my insurance does not cover any type weight loss surgery. So thinking about going to Mexico. I would like to hear from people who have been there and how it went for them. Thinking of using Dr. Ortiz. Also any suggestions for getting financial help? Thanks for your time and help.

it's has been 6 days since my surgery. i have been off from work for about a week and now that im back to work i have found myself with the same habits that i have been use to here at work. One of them is smoking. I smoke at work and now that im here i have the urge to smoke a cigarette. But im scared and I'm wondering something. I already know that smoking is bad for you but a smoker doesn't care about that. So, bypassing the main reason why smoking is bad, I wonder how it can affect my surgery? If any one has a good explanation please send it over so i can ready it. Or if is not that bad send it over too. Although I will let you know that by the time i get a re…

Well, Feb 16th is the date for me. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow. I don't have a liquid diet. Mine is low carb. and high protien. I guess I am looking at a lot of chicken :tongue2: Is there any others out there who have the 16th for their date?

Hi. This is my first post. I was banded Friday 01-30-2009. I would apperciate any advice that can be given. I got thru the hard part. I was scared to death of the surgery and that only took about 27 minutes. I checked into my hospital at 7:20am and I was home by 2pm that very same day. I am sore but thinking thats mostly from the gas. I lost 8 pounds on my pre-op diet. So my starting weight was 251.6 and when I weighed in on friday it was 243. I am looking for any help or any advice that anyone can give. this is my first post and I am still learing the sight. I wish everyone luck. I am in Jacksonville FL.:tongue2:

Hello everyone, I am from NC and I am thoroughly considering the lap band. I have been overweight all of my life, ever since I was born. In high school I really lost control of my weigt and reached 214 lbs. After I graduated I started dieting and exercising and lost around 50 lbs. I stayed around 170 lbs for a couple years(which was my lowest weight since I can remember), then due to several circumstances started to put the weight back on. At the end of 2006 I weighed my heaviest at 250 lbs. Keep in mind I am 23 and 5'6 in height. I started dieting and exercising again and got down to around 220 lbs. Since then I have stayed at that weight and can't seem to budge anymore.…

Hi everyone! I've been registered on here since December, but this is my first post. Everything has really just been a whirlwind from the beginning. I've actually looked into weight loss surgery for about 15 years so the whirlwind is good. So here is how it all went about. I got my referral from the doc here on base on the 9th of Jan, I called Tricare to get my referral number on the 12th. I then called the surgeon that same day. They gave me an appointment the morning of Friday the 16th. My surgeon said Tricare required a referral letter written from my doctor, so I went to the base, to get that to my doc. He told me to write a letter and he would sign it. I did that…

Hi everyone. Just wanted to say hi and that I am wishing for the success many of you have had on your lap-band journey :thumbup: I will soon be getting banded and look forward to a healthier and thinner me!!!

Hi, I recently found out that my insurance was going to cover the lap band surgery with me paying a deductible of 250 and am very excited!!! :tongue2: I have an appointment on the 11th of February for blood work and meeting all of the other doctors and stuff! I have been doing research about lap band for about 5 years now, and I can't believe that it's actually happening! I haven't been given my surgery date yet, but I'm sure it won't be until next month :cheated: But a life changing surgery will be worth the wait!!!

Hi! I am all new to this! But I am looking for support of others as I make this journey myself! I am the proud mom of three children, Isaiah, Caiden and Laila. I received my lap band on Wed. I am still leary of this whole situation as I have tried everything to loose weight. Dr. Verstege is my doctor and he is great! If I need anything he is there! I am hoping to loose 100 lbs. I know it is going to be a long journey, but I am more than dedicated. I am full of questions, in fact I jumped on yesterday to ask questions and everyone was quite helpful! Besides being a full time mom, I am a teacher at an all girls school and I love it! I have been married to my bes…

So far, so good. Very little pain, unless I overdo. Don't seem to be having any trouble with liquids except the protien shakes...YUCK!!! My only complaint is a constant gassy feeling like I need to burp but can't. At first I thought it was from the surgery but that seems to have disappeared. I'm eating very slowly and stopping before a "full" feeling. I have been walking after eating as well. I've tried the Gas-X strips without success. Any suggestions would be so appreciated! :tongue2:

Hello and congratulations to all of the bandsters. :tongue2: I am SO excited and anxious about getting banded. I have read a lot on this surgery and it seems to be the safest alternative. I do have some questions and would appreciate any answers. 1) I am about to attend the Seminar (my first step in the journey) and I'm curious about what comes next, after the Seminar? 2) How long does it usually take from the time you attend the Seminar till you are in the Operating Room? 3) What are the Pre-Op requirements? Thank you in advance for your replies. :cheated:

hi my name is lisa i just got banded 0n january 22,2009.i just had a visit with my doctor and his name is attia and i lost 20 pounds so now im on my second stageand i dont think im doing good all i eat is grits,sugar free puddings ,and water

I can't wait for the new me to get here... I have not had surgery yet. I am being banded on Feb 19th in Gainesville, FL at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Dr Hipp is going to do the surgery... I am so excited and nervous at the same time. One of my worries is loose skin... I'm 5'2 and weigh 245... Anyone with any tips or advise, please throw it my way...

Hi! My name is Nichole, I'm 21. I'm from the northwest Indiana area, I'm seeing surgeon Dr. Stanich from Methodist Hospital (anyone seeing him?) I don't have a date to do my surgery yet, I'm so excited to get mine though! He is currently making me due a diet of high Protein and low carbs. It's only been 3 days, but so far I think I've lost a few pounds. I know he has me on his diet due to my poor eating habits and bingeing. I see him in a month. They said I have to go through a psychological exam and some other tests. I see a pyschiatrist every month (I am bipolar and have anxiety issues) do you think I can get a letter from my pyschiatrist, approving my surgery, than …

I have just made up my mind that I want this surgery, now I need to know how to get started. I have been on a couple of weight loss regimens on my own and lost weight. In 2007 after being diagnosed with Thyroid disorder and also I have PCOS I was at my all time heaviest of 273lbs, so I went on Synthroid and birth control and glucophage for the PCOS not diabetes. I joined a gym worked out ALOT even with a trainer sometimes and existed off a lot of protein shakes and protein bars, I lost 50 lbs, but started working alot of 12 hour shifts at my job as a nurse, stopped going to the gym as there was just no time, and am now back up to 265. I was working out like a mad woman an…

Hi all I have been approved for the lap band surgery. Just waiting for the date. I am wondering how you to get 60 grams of Protein a day after surgery. It seems it will be hard.

I was banded on the 30th of December and since the surgery I have lost 9 pounds. I have no restriction yet and will have my first fill on the 9th. I am feeling frustrated. I have been doing everything by the book, and my weight loss is very slow. I have been eating very small portions and don’t feel hungry but do have a lot of stomach growling. I have been on the treadmill for at least a half hour a day, sometime longer. I know this is a slow process, but I am really feeling very discouraged. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi guys I was banded on 1/21/09 by dr. peter kwon of middletown ny i just wanted to see if there was any1 out there that has been banded by him, i would like to see how your doing and maybe support one another Im only in phase one of his program exactly one week out from surgery and just wanted to compare notes. Thanks Tiffany!!!:cursing:

Quick intro: Tiffany 32 years old, married, Air Force wife, insurance agent, mommy to a 10 year son, we live in NW Florida (might as well be Alabama), and I was banded on October 1, 2008. To date, I've lost right at 31 pounds. I'm in what is apparently called "bandster hell", it's miserable, I'm frustrated, but haven't given up. . . It's been an amazing journey thus far. That's me in a nutshell. Thanks for having me, and hope I can get to know others for some much needed support.

Do you still have to do the 6 month diet? I'm really confused about this. I will be paying cash for the surgery and wondered if anyone knew what all I would need to do on my end before the surgery. :thumbup:

I was banded 12/22/08! Best gift I ever gave myself! I live in Allentown, PA and my surgeon is Dr. Guillermo Garcia. He's awesome. I have lost 27 pounds already and will have my first fill on 2/18/09! I also would like to say that this site has helped me with numerous questions along the way but today is my first post. I've been a little nervous about putting myself out there but today I figured, if I can help others the way people on the site have helped me, then I just better face my fears and say HI!!! :thumbup:

Hey everyone...so, I'm thinking about this whole lap band thing. My situation is this: I work a ton, I usually have 4 days off a month...been working on paying down the debt (Dave Ramsey!) and dealing with my constant up and down weight loss battles. I do really good for 5-6 months, lose around 50-60 pounds and then something changes in my life and my routine fails and BAMM!.........the weight is back on. It's not like I live on pizza and beer. I actually care what I eat, I like working out, swimming, running, doing aerobic classes. I really think my body is just screwed up when it comes to maintaining or losing weight. Obviously, it's not like I don't eat bad so…

:thumbup:Hi there. I'm just geting started at this. My next appoinment is with the surgeon at Good Sam in Portland Oregon. For you right coasters that's really "Ory-gun". The early pioneers didn't know how to spell it correctly and it has continued to confuse ever since. I am a 65 y/o dentist who has been heavy all my life. I hope to loose 75-100 pounds. I anticipate surgery around the middle of April. Best of success to all of you.

Hi Everyone! I'm 47, happily married to a wonderful man, have two grown daughters and one grand-daughter on the way. Same ol' story....weight up and down all my life, seems mostly up for the last 15 years. Am beginning the process of getting the lap band and am very excited to find this site for support and information share. No surgery date yet, will let you know. Good luck and happy Monday to all.

Hi Everyone, This is my first post and I'm so excited and scared at the same time. I'd like to know how many days did it take for you to feel OK after the band is inserted. I don't feel that I have enough information to start this journey...that's the scary part. I started my pre-op doctor visits in July '08 and finally finished up last week and got my surgery date...Feb 18. Dr. Raul Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL is going to do my Lap Band. I live alone right now so I emptied my house and refrigerator of just about all food in preparation for the 2 weeks of liquids. I'm ready for this challenge and pray that all will go smoothly with the beginning of…

Hi everyone! I am new to the lap band world. I am in the sunshine state and scheduled to have my surgery Feb. 6. Would love any advise, pointers, recipes etc. Thanks!

I am having my surgery 11th Feb and am on my pre op now. I am a little excited and a liitle nervous. Some of the things posted on here are not things I have discussed with the surgeon such as the pain afterwards!! Fingers crossed and positive thoughts!

hi everyone. So far i'm not having the surgery but i want it really bad. I've tried for like 5 years and each time I have been turned down by my insurance company. and get this... I weigh a whopping 283 and i'm only 5 foot 5 inches. I now have medicad and not sure how to get started. I live in the mendota area and i know theres no doctors here to do the surgery. I know my regular doc has to refer me to another doc to do the surgery, i need to know how to get that started. how long does it take from day one to get okayed for this? help!!! anyone that can help.... my email address is spoorq@hotmail.com and if you email me.. please put in the message line... lapband.. that w…

Hi - I'm Amy and I'm new here. I'm just starting the process towards the lapband surgery road. I haven't even contacted my insurance provider yet - but I found that they do cover it. I'm with Anthem BCBS . Anyone have any advice on what to do next? I've contacted my family MD and he hasn't had anyone go thru this procedure. But, He seems to think that it would be a good thing for me to do. He says that I'm young (35) and that I'm on the road to many health problems. I'm pre-diabetic, I already have high blood pressure, losing weight would be the best thing for me right now. I've tried and tried though. Right now I'm right at the border line as far as my BMI tho…

Hello All.. I had my visit today and my band date is 3/10/09 looking forward to joining the ranks of all of you that are now smaller than you were before..

Can't believe the big day is almost here....finally !!! The 2 week liquid Protein diet seemed like an ETERNITY, but I actually have gotten kind of use to it. Treating myself to a pedicure this afternoon, and am all set to do all the other necessary "girly" things tonight Packing a bag just in case....but generally are discharged home the same day. Will update my blog along the way, so stop by for a visit. Feel free to contact me. Good luck everyone, write and let me know how you are doing!

I was wondering how many is getting banded in January? I am on January 8th.

I've got a lot of health problems that my doctor thinks most will go away if the weight does. So now I'm considering & this is my first stop. I have Pulmonary Hypertension, high LUNG pressure, along with other stuff but all are under control with medication. Prior to being correctly diagnosed with PH, I was bedridden for almost 2 years so yes, I gained weight - a lot. Now that everything is controlled, he's talked to me for the second time about LapBand or diet/exercise. Along with the PH, I have Ulcerative Colitus (in remission), osteoporosis, asthma & COPD as well as Lupus Anticoagulant. I've not done any research yet so an honest-to-goodness newbie to this.…

:yikes: Howdy! I'm a Southern Ohio girl who was lap banded 7-3-07 by Dr. Curry in Cincy. I am very thankful for this operation, his skills, and the success I have achieved up to this point. I would be interested in joining any group who thinks I fit their criteria. I am 56 years young LOL, somedays feeling like 66. I haven't had a fill since January 07. Am going to the new office in Columbus, OH in Feb. looking to get a fill then. Love this Dr. and his staff. I am having trouble losing the same 3/4 pounds and putting it back on again. I just take it in stride. If I keep my carbs low (20-40) I lose better. I read the tip about more protein, so I am trying …

I know each doctor is different, but just courious: How long was the time frame from seminar to doctor appointment to actual surgery? I'm hoping to have this done ASAP, but from what I am reading, it's month(s) before actual surgery. Am I hoping too much? D'

Hello I,m new to the site but have been working on getting banded for a year now but I finally have a date Feb 25:thumbup:Now that its real I have lots of questions How will i feel? what to eat frist few days?how long before a beer?can I do beer?:thumbup: Has anyone out there been banded at Kaiser Fremont by Dr Hahn? Lets talk

Hi I'm Sue from Pa. Just started the Lap Band journey at an informational class. I know my Medical insurance approves WLS so I'm excited about starting the process....

:cool:Hello all and thank you to those of you who responded to my initial introduction... your info and encouragment has been very much appreciated. I guess now Im just trying to get my mind set for doing this. I mean I know I need to. I cant live like this anymore and everything I've tried hasnt worked. which brings me to my apprehension, what if this doesnt work too. I know you see the statistics but thats not real faces to me you know. I was wondering if some of you could share with me your successes. How long ago were you banded, how much you lost and how well its working for you. the earliest consult appointment I could get isnt til Feb 23rd and I guess I just wa…

Hello, My name is Gretchen I am from Houston and I was banded on May 16, 2008. I have lost 60 lbs. My surgeon was Dr. Frank Felts. Awsome Doctor:thumbup:

Am I glad I stumbled upon this forum. It seems very imformative and seems to have a lot of people that have had the procedure. I am gathering information about the procedure and have visited a doctors office in Atlanta about the surgery. I am looking forward to having the surgery but have not made a committment to any doctor yet. The office I visited seemed kind of pushy, wanting me to have the surgery right away. It could have just been me but that was the vibe I was getting fromt he staff. Has anyone had the surgery in Atlanta? Does anyone have recommendation of doctors or offices to stay away from?

:redface:Hello everyone and thank goodness for this site. I have been just recently seriously considering lap band surgery. I never ever in the all my years of being over weight would have considered anything like this but my doctor mentioned in the last two visits, once on his own and the second time because I questioned him about it. I always thought it was very dangerous and people died from it and my husband said no, no, no. I really didn't know much about lap band and thought it probably wasn't very good. After starting to think about it (with both my adult sons pushing me to do this) and my doctor I started checking the internet. My doctor said these surgeries…

Hi, I was lap banded in Belgium and so far so good even managed to go to work on Monday although I am a little sore. I am interested in speaking to anyone who booked their procedure through Tulia at French Cosmentic Surgery Ltd as the people who had the surgery in my group, where not happy with the treatment they received with regards to the extra money she charged us, after guaranteeing the surgery at a pre-fixed price. I have sent a complaint as requested by the doctor to his ligistics manager.

Hi All! I live in the Harrisburg Pennsylvania area and am considering Lapband through The Weight Loss Clinic in Hbg, Pa. Is anyone here familiar with this practice? I have my first appointment with them tomorrow and am looking for anyone who may be familiar with their work and/or reputation. I have soooo many questions and would feel better about asking them from people who have had the experience first hand. Is anyone here from my area? I live in Duncannon and would really like to find a friend/mentor/tutor.:thumbup:

I have my surgery date set for 3/3/09 at Oraqnge Coast in F.V. I have been looking at this site for questions that I have. I guess that I'm still in a shock mode that I'm doing this so I have not started to prepare. What protien driks should I begin to try and what is the best place to buy them. Only my wife knows about this and plan to keep it that way.:thumbup: Does anybody have a preferance between the two bands. Realize band vs. Lap Band Any help will be great.