Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Happy New Year. I began my pre-surgery liquid diet this morning... great way to start the year! My surgery is January 8. Any other January 8ers?

I was banded on 12/15/08 at weight 271. Weight this morning is 252. Lost most the first week or so. Am not particularly hungry ever but find myself eating and grazing when I'm not at work on weekends. Have the occasional feeling that something won't go down, but I've been pretty good about portions, with the problem that I don't weigh food at all and lean toward higher calorie items (lobster bisque is my latest weakness). Have not had a fill yet, and I'm trying to decide if I need one as my weight has stabilized for the past week or so. Nice to be aboard.

Hi everyone, I am Emma and I had my gastric band fitted 7 weeks ago. I had my first fill today. So far I have lost 2 stone. I am looking forward to meeting you all and sharing experiences xxx :wink2:

Hello, I am new to this forum (and blogging in general). I was banded on 9/29/08 by Dr. Krahn in Riverside, CA. I have had two fills and am down about 60 pounds so far. Still a little frustrated though, because I'm not sure if my fills are correct, etc. Sometimes I am full right away, sometimes if I don't measure my food I can eat and eat and I have gotten "stuck" a few times now. The worst part is I feel like I am always hungry. It's very frustrating. My work schedule has made is very hard to get to the support groups through my doctor's office so I am hoping chatting with you all will help me get through the learning process and beyond. Any advice is welcome.

Hello Everyone; Just wanted to say Hi! I'm a 45 yr old father of 2 who will be getting banded on February 3rd. I've been on the Optifast diet for one week now. Thought I would join this site because it looks like a good place to get help and advice. Hope this finds everyone doing fine. Take Care Zipper

Hi. I just got my lap band on Jan. 15 and am feeling pretty good now. Days 3 and 4 were hard and I was sick a little yesterday. Did not know it was going to be so rough, but I think I can stick it out. I've lost 17 pounds since December 20 when I started on liquids. I was originally scheduled for surgery on December 30, but was sent home because of an infection. So, I had to do the liquid diet preparation twice! I was banded in Dallas by Dr. Jayaseelan and he has been great! I'm lucky to have such a supportive family and tons of supportive friends. I'm looking forward to my weight loss journey.

:unsure:Hi i had my surgery on fri 16th Jan. Not too good to begin with the first two nights lay awake in pain all night....But feeling slightly better today if not still knackered and very sore..Hope this is going to be worth it because i cant find a comfortable position to sit at the moment.

I was banded by Dr. Kurt Roberts with Yale Bariatric group in New Haven, CT. Was banded on December 18th, 2008. Have had one fill of 1 1/2 cc's. I really don't have any restriction. I eat about a cup to a cup and a half of food and would love to eat less. I have lost 18lbs, but that was in the first two weeks. NOTHING since. Can anyone tell me what the 'norm' is? I feel like such a loser that I can't even lose a single pound!! I'm beginning to regret this surgery and thinking of gastric bypass. Please help! I will take any type of feedback you are willing to give. Thanks bunches! Brandy

I just joined this sit in hopes to find others out there looking for support, I am 27yrs old and was banded on August 7th 2008, it's been just over 5 months and i am down 33.5lbs It's been very slow for me, I chose the LB because of the risks of the Gastric Bypass, My family felt this was the safer way. I am starting to get down on myself because I can't see a difference, others can see one in me but I can not. It's hard because I just want to be healthy. It there anyone out there struggling ? Any advice is more than welcome. I am here for friends, don't be shy, I won't bite. I am a very lovin and caring woman and just want to know I am not the only…

Hi, I just joined the site. I haven't been banded yet, I still have a few steps left before it is submitted to the insurance. Hopefully I will find something out the beginning of Feb. Is there anyone who could tell me what to expect once I am approved? About how long the process is before surgery? Thanks, Jen

:frown:Hi, I was banded in 5/08 in Juarez, Mexico. I lost 35 pounds initially, but have been struggling since November and recently gained 5 pounds back. I really want to get back on track, but I am afraid that my pouch is stretched or dilated. I need help and I am hoping by joining this talk forum and staying in touch with others will help.

Hello All, I've just moved to Austin, Texas. Went to Scott & White and was told because I had my band done in Mexico, they will not fill. Have called several people. Does anyone know anyone from Houstin to Amarillo that will do a fill. I would have thought that Texas was big enough to have several fill doctors that are open to being helpful. I am desperate and starting to gain because I am so open. My band is either open or closed - I don't have much flexibility and need to be near the fill doctor the day after the fill. I'm willing to travel. Any help? Thank you. I was doing so well and lost 96 pounds. Its amazing how quickly it can come back. I thank yo…

I am on a 2 year work contract in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I have been living here since August 2008. Before I moved, I started the initial inquiry with Global Surgery Center in June 2008. It took 6 months of phone calls, emails, and research before I made the decision to move forward with the surgery. So glad I did. I was banded on 12-12 by Dr. Leino at the Centro de Cirugia Plastica y Especializada. I have not had any problems since the surgery. I received the best care possible! They almost didn't perform the surgery because I had a cold. I received breathing treatments all night long before the surgery and for 24 hours after the surgery. During …

I jumped over here from OH at the recommendation of someone who posts on both. I had lapband surgery in May, have lost 45 pounds with 30 to go. In December, my band slipped and I am currently unfilled and hopefully healing the band! I go back to the doctor on January 28th and will find out if the band has healed and can be refilled. If you have experienced a slipped band, I am anxious to hear your experiences. My doctor has not discussed repair. I didn't realize this was an option until I read other posts here. Any feedback you can give would be greatly appreciated!! Cindy

I just joined and in the process of trying to quality for lapband surgery.:scared2:

Hi, I'm Traci and was re-banded on Friday, Jan 16, 2009. I was originally banded in 2003 and lost about 80lbs...I had band slippage in 2006 and gained all my weight back...so I decided to have the band hooked back up! I am in alot of pain, but it's getting better every day!! I just wanted to say hello!

Hello all, I live in New Orleans, LA. I will be banded on January 26th, 2009. Looking forward to talking to some of you guys. Much success to all of us!!!

I had my surgery back in august 2008, doing great until 3wks ago when I started vomiting all my solids... had a test done and lapband moved all the way up... Having a second surgery done next wk... anyone having issues too? Im nervous how about if it happens again... any suggestions?:tongue2:selene

Hi there. I'm so excited by this site. I've been searching for real stories from real people to help me make up my mind about getting the band. I've read people's victories and their struggles and am leaning toward getting it done. The financial cost is high, but I'm starting to see that it works, and my health and happiness are worth it!! Please keep up the sharing. :eek:

My surgery was 4 days ago. The surgery itself went great. Was sent home later that day. Now I am having pain in the middle of my chest. Its like indigestion but very bad. The only pain I have from my incision's is the one where the port is and it is still swollen and tender. I can handle that but the indigestion or what ever it is, is so painful at times I want to cry. Does anyone else have this kinda pain? When will it go away? When will I get back to my life? Any info would be great.:huh2:

hi my name is stacey, i have been stuggling with my weight for over 10yrs now with no luck. I have done everything i can to lose it but i guess it just likes me. Ive done alot of research and am ready to go to my dr and find out what the next step is to get the lapband surgury. Alittle about me back in 2005 i was diagnoised with cancer and went throught alot to get cured. I have been cancer free now for 3yrs. I was told i would never have kids cause of the chemo and now i have a 20month old daughter who i love so much. After those to life changing events i realized that im tired of feeling horrible about myself and my obesity is only getting worst making me more phy…

Hello Everyone, My name is Elyssia and I was just banded on Tuesday, so it hasnt even been a week yet! Its been a little bit rough so far and today is by far my Best Day:thumbup: I'd love to get lots of useful info on living with a band from everyone, so feel free to stop by and say hello:smile: TTUL!

Hello all ~ I am a brand new member here. I am having my lap band surgery on January 27, 2009. There was a delay from my insurance denying it due to my lower than protocol BMI. However, once we sent in the appeal outlining how severe my sleep apnea is and how high my blood pressure is without medications, they came back with an approval. My doc also went into detail about how many other avenues I have tried but due to the hormone changes that have wrecked havoc with my metabolism thanks to the apnea, I have been unable to lose weight, even with medications. When I developed sleep apnea about three years ago, I was 150 pounds. For some unknown reason, I developed a…

O.k. so I really hate introductions. My name is Deanna. I am 30 yrs old and I was band 12-21-07. To date I have lost 110lbs and I have 20 more to reach my personal goal. It has been hard but I would do it all again in a minute.

anyonw know a doctor that doesnt require a sleep apnea test.i live in columbus georgia so i need a doctor in atlanta or somewhere close

Hi! I was banded on 12/3/08. My surgeon was Dr. Norbert Richardson with the New Start program. I've lost 19.6 pounds, and received my 1st fill today.

Hello everyone, I am attending a seminar about the lapband surgery next week at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Does anyone have any info to share about their program. Thanks:smile:

Hey, I am new to this forum. My name is Cathryn, from New York. I tend to be a lurker on most other forums. But maybe I will come out of my shell over here. I've had my lapband for 3 days now! So I apologize for my paranoid questions. I was finally allowed to take the dressings off the inscisons today and shower. The cuts were stapled closed, and now I am noticing some blood on my shirt. Is that normal? It's not hot to the touch, or inflamed. I think I have a good judgment of whether it was infected or not. I see my surgeon on Monday to have them removed. So, I hope nothing to serious is wrong. Also, I had the gas pains in my shoulder for 2 days, and now I feel…

i just found out about the band in nov odd thing is i had two dr's in 2 weeks say it might be something to check into. so i got appointment went to see if its right for me but the lady at the front desk wouldn't even let me see the dr said my insurainse want cover it so she wouldn't see me i just wanted to know if its right for me. i been online for 2 months and found a place that cost 12500 and i want to go but some people have good thing to say and bad. its big when you have to decide to take everything out of 401 and saving and leave only 50 dollar then things go wrong then what? I just want to take my 2 year old out to play and not get my aunt to do it. thanks for an…

Ok I am a 55 year old male. I have type II diabetes, High blood pressure a bad back and have had two knee surgeries. I also take cholesterol medication. It seems I take a ton of prscriptions, seven pills a day just for the diabetes alone, but no insulin yet. They tell me it's just a matter of time. Currently all the meds keep most of my medical issues under control. Cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar are all where they pretty much should be. Well the sugar could be a little lower. But it's not bad. The doctors tell me that that won't last and the meds will only control it so long. They think the band is a great idea. I go under the knife tuesday. I have lo…

Hi everyone I had my lap band surgery 12/12/2008. I have lost 46 pounds in one month and I have started to live life.

Hi everyone, Just thought I'd introduce myself. I live in Dubai, UAE and I'm being banded on 25th January at Emirates Hospital with Dr Roger Batrouni. Would love to hear from any bandsters in the UAE or anyone who has been banded by Dr Batrouni.

Hi, I was banded in Brooklyn, NY by Dr. Sherwinter and I'm thrilled to have a place to come for all those questions that pop up at odd times. Such as how will my skin react to weight loss--will I be left with lots of flab? Or how long will post-op swelling last? Its good to have others who have gone thru the same procedure to talk to.

Im a newbie to this board :-) I was banded 12/30/08. and doing okay so far. Im on the pureed diet phase right now and learning to work with the band. It seems even the 2 oz at a time is too much. Im getting my Protein in and my calories are low. so my nut says that is okay. But this journey has begun. so far not so bad. I have survived the pre op diet and the full liq diet. we can do this Im glad to be here, don't be a stranger, introduce yourself, I promise I don't bite, now hubby is a different story LOL:tt2: Have a blessed day everyone!

Hello, I just had my band put on Friday, when I came home last night I accidently swallowed the piece of gum I was chewing. This is Sunday I think it is struck but I'm not sure. I think I feel somethiing, however I can still drink fine. I am so nervous. What does anyone recommend? Thanks

I have not had the lap band surgery yet. I am on a 6 months weight reduction and will be scheduled for Feb 2009. I have read a lot of positive and negative things about the surgery on several posts and I am so scared that I may not be successful at this. Another failure in my weight loss attempts. I am a diabetic and on insulin and I have a very big appetite. I am afraid I will stay hunger all the time, like I am now. Any advice or similar situations out there?

Hi! I have my initial consultation scheduled on 1/29/09 with Dr. Veninga in Carrollton, Texas. I have been jumping through hoops to get all this done! I have my nutritionist appt scheduled for Monday and my psychologist appt scheduled for Thursday of this week! So, I am finally getting the ball rolling. My primary care doctor has been dragging his feet getting my records to the Dr. Veninga. It's frustrating, I had no idea how much would be involved. But one thing is sure, it gives you time to make sure that this is what you want to do. And I am sure that is why they do that! I am really excited about the prospects of this lap-band. The biggest question I have is…

hi. i am getting lap band surgery on 2/26/09. i just wanted to browse some foroms to get more information and tips. thanks anna

Hi everyone, i'm scheduled to get my band on Jan22...I've reading alot on these boards...very informative ...can some one tell me what "sliming" means...supposed this can happen post op...any info would be great

Had surgery 1/15/09. Stayed overnight in hospital. stomach is burning at incision sights. hurts more than I thought.

Hi Everyone, I have been lurking around your forum for a while and love it. I like so many of you have lost the same 50 lbs for 27 years now, spent soooo much money just to see it wasn't working for me. So I have decided that I would like to get lapband. I am a self pay so it is going to be awhile but my question, to all is ..... Do you really not feel hungry? I know what I should and shouldn't do on a diet but I am always HUNGRY. Please let me know. I am very curious. Thank you for your time

Hello, I'm from Jacksonville, Florida and am just starting my LapBand journey, I will be using Tricare South as my insurance carrier. I have already obtained my referrel from my PCM, she even wrote me a letter of medical necessity! I know this really doesn't mean anything, but every little bit counts right?? I will be attending the free seminar on this Thursday, so that I can already have it out of the way. I really want this process to go as quickly and as smoothly as possible, I hope to be banded by March 2009. My prayers are with you all. I wish everyone much happiness and success!

I am so glad to find a place to have all my questions answered. My journey has been disappointing but your stories have uplifted me and I realize I am not alone and my story is not so unusual.. I was banded on 12-11-08 by Dr. Nicholson from Baylor Plano. Looking to talk to any of his patients since I haven't had a support group meeting yet. I have been so hungry...I have only lost 12 pounds. I didn't realize that Dr. Nick doesn't put any fill into the band until 6 weeks post op. Something he forgot to mention. Is this common? Oh well, my fill appt is next week, maybe it will help. Would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences.

Hello:tongue: I'm a 49 years old lady I had my lap band 2 weeks ago ..I feel great :yikes:.. I lost 5 kilos ..but I'm confused:confused: about my diet and exercising:unsure:.. any help ?

I am new to this site, investigating if the Lap Band procedure is really for me. My sister is going to have the procedure done in March '09 and she advised me to check out this forum for information and support. I visited my doctor only yesterday, where he mentioned bariatric surgery - I told him I was leaning toward the lap band, but was not firm on it. I have alot of things on my mind I need to sort through before beginning this process. Anxiety anyone?

Hi everyone, I'm fairly new here. I've been lurking for awhile, but only posted an introduction about a week ago. I met with the surgeon today for my final appointment, before submitting the information to the insurance company. I am soooo nervous. I have Carefirst MD Bluechoice and they are usually pretty good, but I am so afraid they will deny my request. My BMI is 40.1 which meets the minimum requirement with out comorbidities. Well I was hoping for some company during my wait. I am crossing my fingers for a February date! Sheila

Hello everyone. I was banded on August 11 2008 by Dr. Juarez in Fresno, CA. I started out at 293. After 5 months I am down to 228.5. Some weeks are better than others.

i have a siminar with dr shina on Jan 22. I haven't done much study on lapband i thought it would be better to see what someone who has started the prosess or had it done has to say. One min. i can't wait to get started and then the next i get realy scared.

:rose:Hello Everyone, I am new here and look forward to chatting with you. I do not have my band yet. I have a couple more items to complete and then hopefully by beginning of March will be scheduled for surgery. I wish you all well on this journey to better health.

HI everyone. This is my first post. I have been thinking about this banding for a long time. I am going to be 55 next month so its time for a change. both of my sisters havwe had the lap band done. I was going to have my surgery in Orange County and I have even had my psych and medical consult but I figured I better do this close to home so I can keep up with the support groups, which my one sister swears by. So if anyone out there knows of a practice in the area I would appreciate it. This is going to be journey. I have been struggling with my weight all my life and kept it under control until my first child was born. She's 23 now so I figure if I could have…