Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Surgery 6/06, Dr. Spiegel in Houston. Very satisfied with results with minimal complications. I have had 2 fills and 1 unfill with the 9.75 band. Currently seems to be a little too lose but it allows me to eat more nutritionally and therefore is easier to maintain/build muscle while staying hydrated. It does require some will power but I always have the option of getting it tightened if I run into problems. This is a dream come true!

Hi all, I just got a referral from my doctor at Kaiser to get signed up for the classes and meet with a specialist. I told her that in addition to my weight (267 lbs, 47 BMI) I have chronic foot and back pain and am borderline diabetic. I asked how many people get rejected for the surgery, she said she really didn't have any idea, but the fact that I am so young (24) might not help. I just want to know if anyone has gone through the lap band process at Kaiser, your specific circumstances and what got you qualified, as well as any info that you learned along the way. I am pretty nervous that I won't be accepted, even though I'm gonna keep trying. Also, I am not 100% sure…

hey everyone my name is erin i am currently 210 lbs at 5'6 - i have been over the 30 bmi since i was 6 . I am currently a 34 bmi but am recomended for the lap as a precaution do to my body showing sings of being on the cusp of going type 2 diabetic . I am looking for a surgeon as we speak and figuring out the pros and cons of international vs local etc etc . Feel free to msg me with which doctor you used , the cost , and itemized pros and cons of your doctor ! thanks!

this site has been so helpful, my name is Tina I live in Corbin KY and I was banded in Lexington Ky by Dr. Oldham, I chose the realize band. I am a little sore, but so far so good.

Hi Everyone. I'm in So Cal and just starting my journey. Went to see my PCP about med problems, (weight, arthritis in the knees, swelling in my feet) and I asked her about lapband surgery, which she said was a good option. I had gone to an informational seminar a few weeks prior. Anyways, I've got Aetna HMO which doesn't cover lap band, but my doctor said that she could write a letter to the insurance company for me. About a week later, I got a referral to go see Dr. Quilici in Burbank. My consult is on Monday, January 19. I really really want this to happen. I'm just in limbo right now because I'm not sure if my insurance will cover it (but I'm hoping they will becaus…

hi im rita and i was banded last september 2008 in prague .. i had my first fill of 2mls in december( its an expensive game having 2 travel 2 and fro to prague for refills, i was quoted a price and three refills with in 2 yrs asuming it would be done in uk any how noticing no difference i had a secondrefill under xray in uk .. the doctor at the clinic said my band was empty so he topped me up with 5 mls after a week of mushy meals i can still eat same amount , i was expecting a few mouth fulls of food and i would be full so i am now wondering wether i have a leak.. but surely the doctor would of noticed this under xray.. i am losing hope now and becoming pa…

I am taking the first step for the rest of my life. I want Lap Band Surgery so bad. I have tired everything and nothing works. I have a wonderful husband and 3 lively childred (7,4,2) and want to live a long life with them. I am just starting the whole research process (what I have to do to get surgery). I asked my doctor if he would sign off for me if insurance required it and he said yes, but did not let me know of a good hospital or doctors in Maryland (Baltimore Area) that perform the lap band surgery. If anyone would like to contact me please do. Have a great day and thanks for reading!!

Hello, My name is Sherry and was browsing when I came across this site. i am looking forward to hearing and sharing banding news and experiences. I was banded on Dec.18,2008 in Dallas by Dr. Jay (prestonwood center). As of today I have lost 20.5 pounds. I feel better and have been walking 2-3 miles 6 days a week. I recieved my first fill on Wednesday 01-21-09 5cc and am a full liquid diet until Wednesday. I do not know anyone personally that has been banded and am looking forward to all that this site has to offer. Would appreciate some support from any and all. Thanks!!!!!!!:thumbdown:

new to this and would like to hear how others are getting along, starting weight 252 post surgery 248 and today at 218. sometimes I get a little impatient with the speed of the loss but at least I do see it going down and my goal is 160.

Hi everyone: I have had the lapband over 3 years, I have lost about 130 pounds. I had the small band but it slipped and my md had to put in a new larger one, which I was doing well with, now I am having some issues, he took out all my Fluid because my band was too tight, now I am back at 2 ccs, and starting over again, I have few issues that is why I thought it would be good to join my fellow lapband people, who may be able to help me, or maybe I can help someone out there.. Look forward to chatting with you:smile:

Hi, I'm Lori & just got banded on 1/21/09. I'm so happy I finally did this, I have been wanting it for so long! All is going good, except for these killer gas bubbles, lol. My doctoir is Dr. Ahmad, on Long Island, NY. I'm def feeling better than I thought i would be a couple days after the surgery:biggrin:

Greetings from Knoxville, TN!! I'm never really sure what to put about me in the sections of forums that ask "about me". Let's start from the beginning. I'm 30 yrs old, I will turn 31 on February 1. I have been married to my high school sweet heart for 10 yrs this past June. We live in Knoxville and have 0 children. In 1997 I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I should have seen it coming considering my mom had it and now my dad has since been diagnosed with it. Luckily, they are able to control theirs. All of my life I was (and still am) the "pretty, lil' chubby girl". That was okay until I learned it wasn't that great of a compliment. I have been looking …

I am just starting the process, first day into the diet. Any suggestions to make it work A good protien drink.

Hi All, I'm getting my band on Wednesday! So excited (a bit nervous too). Am doing my liquid diet and so far so good (I can do anything for 3 days ) I look forward to talking with all of you I enter the next phase of this awesome journey!

Well, I am new to this support group. I have jumped through all the hoops, and am awaiting my surgeons (Dr. Hoehn - Kansas City) appointment on February 9. I am hoping for a late February or early March surgery date. My wife (thin2bme) had lap band surgery last March, and has lost 95lbs. We are looking forward to supporting each other in this life altering change for the better. :w00t:

Hey, I was banded only 48 hrs ago by Dr. Mora in Montgomery, Alabama.:thumbdown: The procedure went fine with the exception of a discovered hiated hernia that had to be repaired. The only complications so far is GAS ! Dr. Mora has recommended that I walk at least an hour a day. It has been raining most of the day, so I'm keeping it moving inside the house. I haven't been consuming much liquids because I feel so bloated, but Dr. Mora stressed the importance of 60-64 oz. daily. Because of the hernia, last night was horrible for me, today is better, and I'm optimistic about the days ahead. I've taken TUMS for the GAS:eek: but not much help. Anyone has better suggestions th…

I am having my surgery on 2/5 and was wondering if anyone had there’s done by Dr Patel? I have started my liquid diet yesterday so far it has not been that bad. But I keep telling myself it will be all worth it. I would like to have some advise on staying on the liquids fro the next 10 days

My incisions itch like crazy. Has anyone had this problem?If so what do you do or use to stop it?

..... so I've really given this a lot of thought. Greetings! Will be getting banded sometime in March; have had consultation with the surgeons (it will be a "tag team") so I'm figuring with four eyes and four hands it should go pretty well.:w00t: Have had weight issues since a hysterectomy in my early 30's. Been packing the pounds on, lose some, gain some more, the vicious cycle. Have some co-issues such as diabetes, HBP so do feel that I've made the right decision. Doc's require that I see a psychologist and have a cardiac evaluation prior to the surgery so both these are coming up. Have been reading the forum for about a month now and looking forward to …

Hi, Been thinking about the lapband for awhile now and I'm finally doing it.. Right now I'm at the beginning stages. My first appt. happened yesterday. I'm at least 200 pounds overweight and tried every diet you can imagine. I'm pretty sure I'm going through with it...however maybe some of you can give me heads up on what to expect. I'm not scared just a little nervous to the unknown. I do have questions and I really hope i can get the answers here in additional to the outside support. :w00t:

Anyone from Northwest Indiana?

Hello I'm new here. I was banded on Jan.19th 2009. I'm still having some pain by the port area.Also I'm still hungry all the time.I'm following the liquid diet.I can't wait for a fill so I'm not so hungry.Well I can't wait to get to know everyone and hear your success stories.

Hi to everyone out there in lap band world. This is my first ever forum discussion so be nice to me. I had my surgery in April of 2008. My doctor is Dr. Krause out of Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. Did a great job, nice guy. Ive had wonderful support throughout my pre-surgery and post surgical periods and feel very lucky to have been able to finally do this for myself. Weight pre surgery 261lbs. Weight now 207lbs. Still feeling hungry sometimes.

I had my lapband done in the end of Jan 2008. My lapband surgeon was Dr. Mehta. I have lost about 70+ pounds . I need to loose alot more finding it a bit hard so thought I could meet other people to chat with who also had it done.

Hello - Just banded yesterday. Still sore and drinking clear liquids. I can tell this will be some experience and I look forward to meeting many of you and sharing experiences and drawing from your knowledge.

after over a year of reading and researching ad talking to people who have had the surgery, i decided that lap band is the right thing for me. the problem is i havent been to see a doc for a while and am a little embarrassed to talk to my reg physician about this because of how ive been treated by them in the past. so what do i do now? do i have to have a refferal frm my reg doc ...im just nt sure what the first step in this process is..can anyone help? i would like to pursue this through insurance first but its more likely that i will have to find a way to pay cash. I live near ft.collins and denver sort of in between..does anyone have any reccomendations on which doc i …

Howdy folks, happy to be a member. I'm male, 53 and live in southern NH. Was banded in Manchester and to date have shed 17 lbs. Plenty more to go and looking forward to advice, information, and discussion. Dale

Hi everyone, I'm introducing myself to forum. I'm looking for some ideas on obtaining high protein products ( prefer drinks ) on the market that are tasty and affordable and certified safe . I need a change from using HMR powder and whey ,combined. also looking for basic info regarding others experiences . I have been banded since early October and have lost 33 pounds , I have another 35 to go. I'm sort of stuck . I have had 2 fills the last one had to be removed as the Dr. put in 2.5 CC and it was too much . It was removed on xmas eve in the ER (by my surgeon ) ; just loads of fun the night before, as I could not hold down anything but some sips of water. I'm going …

Hi - Monica here. I haven't scheduled my initial visit yet (chicken). Since my insurance isn't paying, I am contemplating having the surgery done by a Dr. who also does it in Mexico (I'm in L.A.) for almost half the price. I would like to talk to others that went this route. I would also like to talk to people like me - I'm 39, 215 lbs, 5'6" regarding what to expect. I'm nervous about making this life change and feel that I should be able to lose the weight without resorting to surgery. Words of encouragement and reality would be great.:laugh:

long story short, my weight has fluxuated most of my life but I was never more than 20-30 pounds overweight at any time and always carried it well. well I gained a lot when pregnant with my son because of a fear complication. Pregnancy went well but after my son was born (almost 7 years ago now) I was taking the weight off and then we were in a bad car accident. my spine was damaged so severely that Ive been unable to return to work or even do light exercize other than a little walking but it wasnt enough and I gained even more. so now Im about 160 pounds overweight and was just told by my neurologist that they cannot fix my spine unless I lose the weight. Tired of livin…

i had gastric bypass a little over 10 years ago and the weight is back and then some. i'm looking for other options, as it's unlikely that my bypass would be revised (it's not broken, just stretched). i've seen lap band commercials, and since i believe everything i see on tv, i figured it must be worth a look :thumbdown: has anybody around here had lap band as a second weight loss surgery? to which section of the forum should i venture for this info? thanks! ffff

Hello! I am newly banded (one week out) and just joining. Going well so far, but I sure am tired of liquids!!!:thumbdown: Tell me it gets better?!?

I am in the waiting for insurance approval stage and have had my consult with Dr. Luttrell. I will go on a two week pre-op diet once a date is set. But for now I am on a pre-pre-op diet, thought I had better get started. The last thing I want is a delay because of a fatty liver. I read the post almost every day. So for those who think their post mean nothing, you are wrong. I have learned so much from this site, the good the bad and the slimy. I will need support, so please help me be the "BRAND NEW ME".

I'm @ 8.25cc, finally restricted. Hard time telling difference of full and slightly stuck. I eat small amounts and have a new feeling like it's not going thru. Is this what it feels like to have your new stomach up higher in your lower chest ? If so? Great, because I eat very little at a time now. Before I could eat slowly and alot, now I can't, is this the sweet spot?

hi all im being banded by mr. horner at ashford hospital on the 10th feb 2009 i just thought it would be great to hear from anybody else who has been banded from him, or is going to be banded by him cheers Tammy.:scared2:

Can someone tell me how to set up a personal looking blog, like with the ticker at the bottom? I am electronically challenged and hope I can put my own little progress ticker under my name! Surgery Feb 3rd, now on the preop diet. Yum....not. :thumbdown:

My husband and I both are beginning our journey to wl surgery. We met with the surgeon last week and really are pumped. Spoke with insurance and the paper work has begun. I have been overweight my entire life and once I have had kids, the weight has packed on. I am diabetic, high trigylerides, high blood pressure. My hope is to get off of all medicines and enjoy extra years with our kids. My husband has not always been overweight, while in college, he started eating to get over broken relationship and has packed on over 100 pounds oer the last 10 years. He on the other hand does not have diabetes, high blood pressure and his cholesterol is great as is his triglycerides…

Hi There, I am Cheryl. Well, I have had my first visit with the Surgeon and I have been "Deemed Psychologically Boring" by the Psychologist, which I find totally funny:laugh: I will have my first talk with the nutritionist on Monday then wait for my insurance to okay the procedure. Should be getting my surgery date within the next few weeks. I have chosen the lap band due to the fact that it is less invasive and nothing gets cut off or re plumbed inside of me. I have enjoyed reading all of the threads and blogs. Good luck to every one!

Hello all, I am new to this, and I have a pacemaker. I just wanted to find out if anyone else does as well? Also does this count as heart disease in the eyes of the insurance? I have Aetnea EPO. I hope I am approved!!

Hello Everyone! I've recently received my surgery date of 3/25/09, so now I'm in the process of test, test, test, and getting ready for my one-on-one doctor visit. This is a great website with so much usefull information that it is a bit overwhelming at times. Thanks for the support!

This is my first post. I don't have my surgery date yet, but I am getting a little nervous. I have been reading alot about how tough the first few weeks will be. Is it really as bad as some of the posts say? I keep seeing the word STARVING! I know I can do this, just want some encourgement. I'm lucky because my wife is also approved for the Lapband and will have her surgery at about the same time as me.

Hello again everyone! I made a very long post the other day giving me official "about me" info...but I left some basic things out. I am being banded by Dr. Friedman at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL. I work for the hospital so everything is covered. Most people here get Gastric Bypass...but that wasnt for me. I used to think this was the "easy" way out...and I would never need surgery. Um...needless to say I dont think that anymore. I am 29. Weigh 327. Am 5'4'' Never married. No kids. A native of Kansas. (no, I've never met dorothy) I am a former sunkist addict (hence the name of my blog). I enjoy swimming, dancing, laughing, and Antartica Ice Studies…

HI all, I'm new here. I am awaiting insurance approval for the lap band and pray that it goes through. I look forward to meeting you all. I'm a soon to be 40 year old mom to one 5 yr old boy and a 3 yr. old girl and wife to chris. I also teach 5th grade and have 3 more weeks of vacation!

Hello, all...I am seeking support and guidance. I have decided to have the surgery, have had my initial consultation and my family doctor has written a letter on my behalf. I still have all the pre-surgery stuff to do...seeing a psychologist and nutritionist, getting insurance approval, etc. I decided to do this over a year ago and talked to my family and friends about it then. Didn't get much support. So I gave it another year, tried to lose weight on my own but of course gained instead. I think my husband is behind me...he's never been a very supportive type of person. But he's not telling me NOT to do it, so I guess that counts as supporting me. But I'm no…

I am new to this board and want to introduce myself. This week I made the decision to follow up with my choice for a lap band. I am so excited!

Hello fellow Bandsters! So glad to have finally found a group. I was banded on December 11. I didn't have much trouble with the actual surgery, but got the flu immediately upon going home. Bummer! Missed all of Christmas in bed. Plus my blood sugar went way wacky on me. I have lost 25 lbs. so far, but look forward to the day when I can finally beat this diabetes thing. A couple of odd things about post-op. Anyone lose some of their sense of taste? Nothing tastes the same to me any more. A lot of my food cravings are gone too.

I had the lap band surgery on September 4 2007 and this is the first I have heard of this site. Wish I had known about it earlier. Started at 315 lbs now at 175. Best decision I ever made. Went from having joint and back pain to running 5k's. was told about this site by a friend having the band put in on January 31. I am curious to know if any one out there had a problem that I had. After my 3rd adjustment, the Doc. discovered he could not extract any fluid from my band. Sent me for x-ray and discovered that the line from the port to the band had a kink in it. Had to have a second surgery to correct as my 3rd adjustment put me over where I needed to be and I could not eat…

Hi everybody, I had my band in November of 2007 and have already riched my goal waight. I'm 135 LB and I chose to stop here. I wish you all the best

I had my band done over a year ago, lost all the weight I needed, but lately I’m experiencing pain in my abdominal aria. And like that is not enough I have a lot of discomfort during the intercourse. I lost my desire as well and since I got married only few months ago this is becoming an issue between me and my husband. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms and is it related to the abdominal pain. Please help….

:scared2: Hi Guys! I am Day 12 post banding and feeling great and are 17.7lbs down already. I only needed pain relief for two days after the surgery and have been feeling great, apart from from tiredness which is to be expected. When we have banding here in Oz, we are on fluids only for two weeks, then two weeks of a soft diet of things like 1/2-1 weetbix, or 1 soft boiled egg, fish in white sauce, chicken for one of the three meals for the day. No soda's or sugars. After that we can slowly introduce normal foods but breads will no longer be an option or soda's. What I would give my right arm for right now is some red meat! I love red meat and it has been hard…