Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, New Here.... Just begining the low carb diet to shrink my liver. My question is about side effects of the diet. I have been on the diet for 6 days, did not really have to start until next wednesday, jan. 28, but wanted to jumpstart. biggest mistake I could have made. I find myself hungry right after eating, headaches, now having muscle cramps in left leg and pain in left side. Im stiff now and ache in my joints all the time. Could any of this come from the diet. I am 57 y.o 5'2" and weigh 254 lbs. I can only have 20 carbs per day. Not sure if I will be able to continue until Feb 11. A friend stated I probably started to early, Im afraid if I stop now, I …

Now that I have a date, I seem to be getting nervous and stressed.I have faith in the surgeon but I'm scared about the anesthesia. and being put to sleep.

I'm 32 female, I had my band put in January '03'. I had it done in Port Huron Michigan. I am currently contemplating having the band removed, that's how I found this site, looking for info. I lost over 200 lbs., but have since gained almost 100 lbs. back. Although I am happy, I am not too happy with my weight these days. :scared2:

been over weight all my life even when i was a baby I lost weight when i was pregunant with my kids but thats the only time. i lost from 221 to 182 two years ago when i had my last child. My odd question is has anyone had ibs before the lap band? i have had a problem of having bm 4 or 5 times a day i only go out of the house 1 time every 3 weeks if i can help it did have to much of a problem when i was down to 182 but once i got up to 200 it came back. finaly 4 months ago decided to go to the dr and they said it was ibs after all the test showed nothing wrong just gerd my dr said the lap band might help with the problem and aslo with the gerd. he said he didn't no much a…

Hi my name is Wanda. I am a Chicago teacher that made the decision to get banded after struggling to control my blood pressure for four years. I was banded Dec 5th by Dr. Ryan Headly at MacNeal Hospital in Illinois. I was told that my surgery was text book. It is one of the best things that I have ever done for myself. My pre-opt weight was 263. I am down to148. I didn't get results like this when I worked out with a personal trainer and danced twice a week. I look forward to brighter days. I am excited about sharing this journey with all of you as I know that there is so much that we can learn from one another. Besides banders need to support one another.

Hello, I just registered and I'm not sure if this is where I should be. Ive been doing all the tests and going to the education sessions trying to build up my courage. I haven't heard anything from the insurance company but it's still early. I'm worried that some physical problem will be an obstacle, I'm 69 and have been steadily gaining weight for the past 40 years. I would like to meet my maker in 20/30 years not fat, maybe they'll think they have the wrong person and send me back to earth. Meanwhile I'm scared yet spend a lot of time fantasing about jazzy new clothes I'll be able to wear. I'm very happy there is a group like this tp read about and talk to. T…

hi everyone this is my very 1st post on this site. i had totally forgotten about it :thumbup: i'm usually on OH but not really happy with the new form. i was banded on 10-20-08 :smile:, LOST 36lbs & have had no problems to speak of. i won't get my 1st fill until 1-28 which i can't wait! i'm needing major motivation to exercise. that is what i've been lacking. i know i can do it but it's just getting started again. i also need to be reminded of the good band foods. i guess i'm asking everyone for a swift kick in the rear:tongue2: today i got great news from my pcp. my aic is 5.8 whewww whooo colesteral 160 lbl 80 so i'm doing great but could be doing soooooooooooo m…

:sneaky::mad2:Hello , I am in my first chapter since surgery. I have lost a total of 15lbs since Nov 19. Is this normal amount, or should i have lost more by now. I have heard all the dos/dont for eating, but the only thing that does not cooperate with me is jello (no big deal), but all other foods i am doing well with. My job description entails alot of walking. I think my portion size is a fair amount not as much as before the band. I am very frustrated today as i think i should have lost more by now. Any advice would be grateful.

I went to my all-day class yesterday and got my ekg, labs, and chest x-ray. I can't wait! I'm getting my surgery with Dr. Scott at DePaul Hostpial in St. Louis.

Hello everyone, So this is my first post here and here is my story… I am 29 years and I will hit the dreaded 30 next month. Not that I think 30 is old, I just can't believe that I am gonna be thirty and after all these years I have not be able to successfully manage my weight. Right now my scale is tipping at about 250. I haven't always been this fat. I would say that back in my high school days I was a little chubby. The last lowest weight I can last remember was 165 lbs in 2001. So I have gained 85 lbs in 8 years…wow. I have been happily married to my high school sweet heart for 6 years now and he is absolutely wonderful to me. He loves me as I am, no matter what. We …

Hi. My Name is Susannah and I am 33 years old. I live in Melbourne Australia. I have Multiple Sclerosis and am overweight. I have to have the lap band surgery due to having MS and my health in general. I feel like crying because I am so scared. Susannah

hi all Just had surgery Jan 12th and journey is beginning. Am finding the whole eating thing a case of hit and miss with regards to how much I can eat. Havent had any fill in band yet...that's scheduled for Feb. Can someone tell me how things will change from this stage to my first 'fill' of lapband. Silvia

i had my surgery jun 6, 2007. I have lost over 110 pounds. I have had issues to say the least. Looking for some answers about some basic issues i have. Not to be gross but curious if others don't have bm's any more than once a week!

:scared2:Hello all I am happy to have found you. I can use all the help I can get these next few weeks. My family is not happy about this so they won't give me much support. which will make it harder for me. Today is my liquid diet day, as hard as it is they leave food around me and eat as they always did. Not being able to eat today is hard and it will be two weeks before I can move to the next level. I am sure it gets harder after being banded. I am glad to be here and hope you will help me through. Thanks

Hi I'm new to this board how are yall doing?? devon

Hello, i was recently banded on Jan 5th, about 13 days ago and i just recently started solid foods but for about 3 or 4 days now something doesnt feel right. Its so hard to explain, but it feels like a gas bubble behind my pouch or like when you swallow something and it hurts going into your stomach, kind of like a hiccup or burp but it stays where my pouch is. like its a weird pressure and i dont know if its normal or if i should call my doc. anyone else have this happen? Ive tried gasx strips, walking, warm tea, heating pad but it doesnt seem to be helping. it sometimes makes me loose my breath. i keep hoping it stops but im worried.. and ive tried just doing liqu…

Hi everyone! I'm getting the band next week and have been trying Protein shakes to get used to them. Has anyone ever been allergic to the powder? I had a funny skin reaction over the weekend and it lasted a few days. I narrowed it down to a few things but one of the things new was the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein Powder. I didn't have one yesterday or today and my skin is getting better but I'm afraid to try it again to see if it was the protein! LOL :biggrin: Any suggestions?

Hi Everyone! I am new to the forum and finding all the information that I have read so far to be very helpful. I am planning to have my surgery done in Las Vegas as soon as all the prep tests, etc. are completed. I would love to hear from some of you to hear what your thoughts are, what stage you are at, etc. Kathy

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site, and would really like some help on setting everything up. First, how do you put the weight tracker on your profile? I'm sure it's easy I just can't figure it out. I had the Realize Band on September 8, 2008 and I've lost 68 lbs. so far (according to the doctor - I lost 25 prior to that so my calculations are 93 lbs). I have had 4 fills so far and am up to 8.5cc and am just now feeling real restriction. I'm lookingforward to being in this forum and hope I can get some real input to help me out. Thanks and have a great day!! :biggrin:

Hi everyone! Im new to this forum and excited to find a social site to learn and meet others who have been through lap banding. I was banded 10-15-08 and to date I have lost 26 pounds and am going for my second fill tomorrow. lets talk, Im excited to learn all that I can :thumbup:

Hello, I was informed about this site on Monday, when I went for a fill.I would like to say hello to everyone...I live in Tulsa, OK

My mom had a book. Every once in awhile I would sit on the carpet in our family room, and when no one was watching, I would pull it out and flip to my favorite page. I don’t remember what verbage my 8 year old mind used, but I remember thinking several things. Wow those people are fat. At least I’m not that fat. I will never be that fat. And *giggle* those people are naked. The book was written by one Richard Simmons, and it was called Never Say Diet. I couldn’t figure out why you weren’t supposed to say diet. I said it all the time. My mom had said it. People on people said it. So I asked my mom one day to explain it to me. And she said that "diet" was…

Hi everyone! Actually I am the Husband of this sweet lady. We are beginning to discuss this Surgery and will need some help and encouragement. I joined because my wife is sooo skeptical of people and their intensions. She has lost her will to socialize completely due to the way people treat her. I was hoping some of you would email her and help her to gain the strengh and courage get this process started for her. Her name is Deborah, she is the sweetest most kind person in the world. I would like to see her attend Church and go shopping and things like that again. Please help if you've a mind to..

I have had good results with my lapband. Post op (03-08). I have lost 115 lbs. I would recommend it to anyone. I was on 13 different types of medicine an was on my 8th surgery in 3 years. Nothing that is worth it is easy. But everything has been worth it all for these results. When you go from a size 30/32 to an 8/10 you have all the incentiive you need.I have never worn these smaller sizes since 2nd grade. I can actually walk in almost all stores an find something that fits me.But the main thing is I am off all medications an I am healthier than I have ever been. I have energy to keep up with my 5 year old son. I feel like I never want to sleep I have so much energy I wa…

Hi, My name is Michelle and I am 33 years old. I am seriously considering having Lap-Band surgery. I have my first appointment on next Tues. Here is my question...I obviously like food, or I would not be in this situation, so for those who have had the surgery, how do you get thru the days that you just want to eat? I really enjoying the tastes of different foods and I am really nervous about not being able to eat foods that I enjoy again. That is my only hang up on having this surgery, so any advice is appreciated. Also, I am a nurse which requires alot of physical work, so how long should I prepare to be out of work for this surgery? Thanks for your help.:th…

Hello all, I am still in the stages of gathering all of the medical records and evaluations. You all are the closest to a support group that I could find, and I am glad that I found you all. I live in Lake City Mi, my surgeon is in Flint, MI. I am very excited about getting the lap band done, to start a new journey in my life. I want to live longer and be more full of life. Lets hold each other up when the down times come, I'll be here for any or all of you. Thank you for letting me share.

Hi my name is cindie,i am 34 years old,mother to 4 sons and currently weigh 110kg.I was 118kg before i started the liquid optifast diet,i want to get to 65kg as soon as possible!! I have had a bit of trouble sticking to the optifast diet as my will power isnt very good but im hoping beyond hope that i can still get banded on wedneday.I have been good overall but have had some slip ups during it. I am really looking forwad to the operation which is getting done at williamstown hospital by mr jason winnett on wed 28/2.09 at 1230pm:thumbup:

HI, First of all, you need to understand that I do not know much about computers. It took me over 1 hour to figure out how to post something. I hope I am in the right area. I am 62 years old and about 12 years ago I had a triple by pass done. They did it with all arteries (no veins) which makes the operation much longer but arteries are bigger and stronger. Of course I see a cardiologist every 6 months and on my last visit he told me something that I did not want to hear. He let me know that my time is up for trying to lose my weight. If I don't lose my weight now, I will end up back on the operating table or worse. I think you know what I mean. My insurance company …

Hi all... I'm Judy... and I plan on having surgery sometime in late February or early March. I have a 6-month waiting period from my insurance, which has been difficult physically. I have very severe arthritis in my knees and I am blessed in that I have been able to continue working, but with a lot of difficulty. I take lots of drugs for pain, and need new knees, but I was told that I'd have to weigh 200-250 in order to have that surgery. I have a substantial amount to lose in order to get there, but I am very determined! I'm here to learn as much as I can in order to make my own transition as successful as possible and I'm grateful that a site like this exists! There …

Hey everyone! Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Holley from Southern California! I'm 23 years old (24 this Sunday!) and am in my LAST year of University education, studying Zoology. I am also a published writer =] I am 110% completely into the rockabilly/greaser scene (anyone else out there into that?). I dream of becoming a cute lil' pin-up gal! I don't have a set surgery date yet, but I am going through the process of all the education, labs, evaluations, etc. I am looking at having my surgery Friday, February 13th (cool, huh?!) LOL... I love reading everyone's success stories - they are really inspiring! Anywho-ha, its great to meet you all! ~Holley

Hi this is my first post on here and I still have not had the band yet but will be in March or April. I have to pay for it out of pocket so Im going to Mexico to have it done. Do any of you have any suggestions for low cost Good care Doctors? My sister used Dr. Kuri and was very satisfied with him. Thanks for any advice.

Hi all I am new to this site. just little worried about this lap band. I am going to mexico to get the surgery done on the 16th of FEB by doctor ortiz. what do u guyz think is it a good decision is it worth it.. what are the side effects pls help me... thanks:confused:

i created a weight loss ticker and want to know how to post it to my profile if that is possible. thanks,

I am new and have not been banded yet. :wink2: I have a goal of 6lbs to loose and than ready to see my surgion. I originally was thinking of having the Gastric Surgury, but now am thinking of having the band now. I have a sister in law that has decided on the band and spoke to me alot about the two. I am now confussed, I desided on the Gastric surgury becuase I am very interested in getting off the many medications I am currently taking and fast, becuase my liver is not doing well at all and I want to wake up one morning and feel good and my energy level move up. You see I had a stroke August 2005 and my health took a turn for the worst. My sister in law explained I…

Just wanted to hello to all. I was banded on 12-19-08 and with the pre-op and the two week post-op so far I have lost 24 pounds thats about a month so far.

Hello everyone. My name is Peter and I am 35 years old living with my wife and son in sunny Jupiter, Florida. I am having my first consult tomorrow with the surgeon and look forward to moving closer to a new life. Like many others I am sure I have been a big guy most of my life but really didn't put the heavy weight on until I started my career behind a desk. Here is to a new life and a new beginning. :thumbup:

Hi, First time to this site. I had my band surgery july 17th of 2008. Started out on my journey to surgery in July of 2007, it took me a year to get insurance approval. Start weight was 316 current weight is 237, goal weight - not sure yet hopefully 180. Had my 3rd fill yesterday and doing great

Hello everyone, I have been reading your posts and you all have been a great help with my weight loss surgery decision. I am just starting my journey to get accepted into and qualify for Lap Band Surgery. Any help, suggestions etc. from everyone who has already gone through the process would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I was banded on August 1/08 by Dr. Patrick Yau, so far I have lost 20lbs, and I am now trying to get this kick started again. Very slow going for me, the way it has always been when I've tried to lose weight Look forward to chatting with others that have been through or are going through the same things as I am :tongue:

:wink2: Hi all, i have read so many good stories here that i almost do not want to post this, but i need to know if anyone else is having endless problems to the point of wishing you had cancelled! i had my banding done on the 5th Dec and have not yet been able to go back to work, my husband has not yet been able to work a full week and my poor kids have had the crappiest school holidays and christmas ever!! My banding was 'a success' with no complications....until a week later i started bleeding from the port site, i rang my surgeon and was refered to my GP who said all was ok, a week later i still had blood coming from the site, another GP, another 'your fine'. By …

I thought I'd go ahead and join the forum, even though I've been very secretive about my surgery. Right now, only my husband knows about it. I will say that I'm very glad I finally committed to the surgery and new life style. I'm still recovering at home, but I really feel pretty good today. I had my surgery in Mexico, by Dr. Aceves. The whole experience was so great that I'm wondering why we don't have a similar system of care in the states. In reading some of the postings, my decision to go to Mexico for the surgery has been reaffirmed tenfold. It's only been 4 days since the surgery. I just weighed myself on my WII Fit system and already lost 6 pounds. I e…

:wink2: I was referred to Dr Kennedy in the Royal Victoria last year for the Gastric Band. To my surprise i was told after 3wks of waiting to hear that the funding was pulled out of Northern Ireland. Of course I was angry but I have heard people have managed to have this operation done through Mr Kennedy to date. How could this be??? I am still being told that funding is not available. Does any1 know how I can get NHS Funding to have this done???? Any advise would be appreciated.

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and I am pleased to see how much support this community provides to those who begin their journey to a healthier life :thumbup:. Here is a little about my problem and what I hope to achieve with your support. I have been a heavy guy since my early teens and I have never felt my best emotionally. I am fortunate to have a partner who loves me for who I am and is very supportive. I want to go through with the surgery because my weight loss struggle has been a persistent one and dieting does not seem to work. I am pre-diabetic by my moms nursing standards and my blood pressure has gone between normal and slightly elevated. I dread…

Hi, I am scheduled for the lap band on January 30, 2009. I've been preparing since November 2008 when I went to a seminar. I feel very ready to do this and am currently on the pre-op diet.

Hi All, I am a newbie, more ways then one. I had my lap band surgery on New years eve, Yes I even did the 2 week prior pre diet which meant No goodies for Christmas, It was hard but I did it. I have not had my first fill yet cause when I went in for my 2 week check the incision area in front of the port has not healed up yet. I was the crankiest person ever for the liquid diet for 2 weeks after. Things so far are going good, I can fianally do soft foods and am feeling more human now. My DR is Mario Longoria at Southwest Bariatric in Austin Texas, he is absolutely awesome and considering all I have been thru he has been the trooper for me! I went back in October for …

Carefirst approved my procedure in three business days! I am so excited. My BMI is 40.1 and no comorbidities. I am so excited!!! Sheila:thumbup:

My wife is scheduled for lap band on 6 Feb. Was wondering about diet menu's and frequency of preparing meals, protein drinks and everything else. I am reading the Dr's directions and took time off work for two weeks following her surgery to help out with everything.

New to site! From Massachusetts, I was banded on 3/14/07. Very successful no issues, recovered quickly back to work in less than a week. Starting weight 259 todays weight 167...I am at 2 cc's I believe and have been for almost a year and my vomitting seems to be getting worse every day. I do have good days and bad days but lately it all seems bad! I had an upper GI a few months back to see for band slippage but it came back fine. I've tried drinking hot tea before eating etc... nothing seems to help? Any suggestions should i take some fluid out of the band?

i i m pa 34 marry i have 1 kids i need to talk :frown:if you are a good friend i a good guy who have the lap band

I am new to the site and wanted to say Hi to everyone. My lap band surgery is next week, jan 28th 2009, I am so nervous and excited.