Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi there, I am a newbie to all this and have only just made the appointments to meet with the doctor and for the information evening. I am wondering whether there are any other kiwis that have had this operation done in NZ?:thumbup:

I finally got the surgery (lap band) approved through my insurance company. Went to a siminar at Hurley Bariatric Center last November and have been jumping through hoops every since. The insurance company would not approve the procedure, for lack of medical info I think. So I filed an appeal and had my primary doctor submit additional info that was not included the first time. I found out today, IT WORKED!!!!! They reviewed it and approved it today. Now I have an appointment for the physic exam on 2/9/09. I am on my way finally.

Hi all, i hope to be banded in May this year i am looking forward to having it done. it will be like getting reborn, a hole new me.

Hi everyone, Im Elly from Florida, married with four sons. I have struggled with my weight most of my life. I have had some luck with traditional weight loss but, I have a hard time mantaining it. My BMI is 40.4 and I have thyroid issues. I have decided in order to improve my life and health I would like to have the lapband surgery. We have United Healthcare for insurance through my husband but, I just found out today that his company doesn't allow for any bariatric proceedures. I didn't realize that certain corporations can allow what can be covered, I thought that was left to the insurance company. Anyway Does anyone know if there is a way to appeal this or if …

Hey, a scared cannuck here going for the band in Tijuana on the 30th of Jan. Any one "been there done that"?

Just want to say Hello! Just trying to find out more about LapBand Surgery. Seeing if anyone has had luck yet with Tricare Prime approval in my area. I looked into this about 1 year ago and was told I would have to pay out of pocket that Tricare did not support the the LapBand Surgery. So I just got discouraged and threw all the Weight Loss Clinic info in the garbage. I knew I could never afford the money and if they wouldn't approve the surgery what was the use. I surely didn't want to do a FULL GASTRIC BY-PASS. Heard to many horror stories on that subject. Well I am now figuring LapBand surgery has come a long way with great success let me see if there are any dif…

Anyone 65+ that has the banding? Medicare eligible docs in Dallas= Kuhn, Davidson, Kennedy. Experience with these docs? thanks!:sneaky:

Hi, I am new to lapband talk. My name is Brittney. I am an overweight young adult who is in the process of getting approved for lap band surgery. Even if I'm not approved through insurance I will still have the surgery. It is not an option. Both my maternal and paternal family genes are obese and the health problems go on for a mile. For me I am hoping this will be life changing in helping me reach my goal weight and maintain a healthy weight for the rest of my life.

:yikes: THIS IS MY FIRST TIME ON THIS WEBSITE. I AM SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY ON JAN. 27, 2009 IAM SO EXCITED ABOUT IT. I CAN NOT WAIT. THE ONLY THING THAT IS DISCOURAGING IS THE 2 WEEK LIQUID PROTEIN DIET. I TAKE IT DAY BY DAY.

Okay, so I went to another seminar last night held by a different doctor and was really impressed by the presentation and the information given about the program. The good thing is that their fee isn't the outrageously high $3000.00 as the others. This program fee is $750. Which is so much fore doable than the $3000.00 Honestly, I felt more like a Dollar sign than a human being at the previous seminar! Be a good doctor, be a great doctor! But don't charge patients an arm and a leg just to prove it! Anyway, after the presentation, I spoke with the coordinator and scheduled my consult visit. February 12. 2009... this could possibly turn out to be the best Valentine Day …

Hi my name is Marian And I'm writing my first post- I'm cleared and ready to go Jan. 30th-I start my fast tomorrow and am petrified that it will be too difficult to follow thru and in return I'll cheat Any suggestions?

Hey guys, I had my band put on on January 8, 2008. I haven't had any trouble with anything (other than gas) really. I am just a week and one day into this but am already not feeling much restriction when eating. I am worried because i really haven't eaten much but don't seem to be loosing any weight at all. I hope this is normal. I joined the hospitals support site but not a lot of people post on there much. I am hoping this one is better.

:thumbup:so glad to find this group...banded oct.17...progress slow but steady...17 pounds lost so far...had to buy new pants and threw away my first pair of underwear yesterday...it's the little things that can be so encouraging!!!!thanks to all of you who post consistently...there are a lot of people listening in...even though some of us are a little shy for now....paula-marie

I'm Jessica. I'm a 29 year old single mom who has been researching lap band for several months. After being overweight my entire life (except for a period of illness when I was in kindergarten), I finally decided to take the plunge (or ascent?) I'm scheduled to be banded in Juarez, Mex. on March 6. I'm going through BeLite, and my patient facilitator is Ruby. I think she might be new, as I haven't seen much information posted about her. Anyone have any experience with Ruby? I have a bmi of 46+, and I am feeling excitement, fear, and impatience among other things. I hope all goes well for me. I'm doing a video blog on YouTube. I'm not sure how to link to it, but I'l…

Hi...Im patti and I have my first scheduled appt next week with dr Valen in New Haven. MY question is primarily about long term wt loss and keeping it off. I am hoping to find a lot of info from this site. thanks patti

Just wanted to say "hello" to everyone! I started my journey on September 08, and I just completed the 5th month in the 6-month supervised diet...so far, so good. My last weigh-in will be on Feb. 9, and then my doctor will resubmit my paperwork. My doctor feels that my insurance should approve it, but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. If all goes well, I should be banded in late March. Just curious if there is anyone with a late March or early April surgery date--or anyone who is having surgery at UCSD. I would love to have a "support" buddy to help motivate each other during the dreaded pre and post liquid diet--and with weight loss.

I am interested in the band. Has anyone ever had any experience with the weight loss clinic in Harrisburg,pa?

Hello! I'm new to the site and scheduled for lap band on Jan 29th in Guatemala. I live in LA but am visiting Central America for a while and here I disovered Angels Abroad, a Medical Tourism firm and boy were they ever angels. I never thought this type of surgery possible due to the cost, but in Guatemala its 1/2 the cost than it is in the US. My doctor is American board certified and trained in the US for several years. I am anxious for my new life to start and mentally preparing for it now as I just started this process 2 weeks ago and am already going under the knive in 2 weeks. I see for many it has taken months. I feel blessed to have this amazing opportunity…

Hello, This is the first time that I have posted to this site. I have been working on getting my insurance approval for Lap Band for over 6 months now, and I finally have a date of Jan 27th. I have to say that I feel like I have accomplished something. It was a long process for the approval, but i am a differant person than I was 6 months ago when I started. I could have ate McDonald 3 times a day 7 days a week before, now I can not even remember when the last McDonalds meal that I had was. I would love to talk to anyone who is working towards the same goals I am, either pre-op or post-op.

Hi everyone, I would like to introduce myself, HI I'm Ella and I have been banded now for 4.5 months and this is the first time I have been on a forum, soooooo it is very new to me!! Hope to talk to you all soon :-)

Hi everyone...I am new to the site and considering getting the lap band surgery, I have been a diabetic for over 5 years and my bmi is around 32. I was recently turned down for health ins in part due to that. I weigh around 170 and I am only 5' 2" I am looking in the Baltimore area for a good doctor to call about the surgery.....any suggestions?

So, I finally found a place where there are people who know what it is like to take the "Lap Band Leap". I had my band placed on April 18, 08 and have lost 56 pounds. I feel this last month I have finally started seeing results. I have a fill later this morning, and am hoping to get to my sweet spot. I feel I am close, but not quite there yet. The one thing I am really having a hard time with is... somedays I can eat 3 small meals a day, not be hungry in between. Others, I struggle with eating anything. It seems everything gets "stuck", and I am miserable. Anyone have days/times of the day when your band seems tighter? Excited to get to know you all!

Hi, I'm Deborah and new to the forum. I have been reading and learning for about a week now and just joined and wanted to introduce myself. I am early in the process - pre-surgery and in the middle of the education stage. I have my final nutrition class next week as well as my psych eval. After that my doctor will re-submit to the insurance co for approval. (First request was denied) I'm enthusiastic, scared and relieved to be in this position. I've always been big but my world has become so small and limited it is definitely time to make some changes. I look forward to making some friends and sharing my journey!

I am just starting to research Lap Band. It seems there are a lot of you out there with a lot of good things to say about it. :thumbup: I have always been a big guy and probably always will be, BUT it is getting to a point that I can't do much of anything physical anymore and that has to change...:thumbup: I am 6'-1" and have slowly worked up to 300 lbs. - I have a craving for food all the time and work in a job (car sales) that has lots of dead time which leads to snack time. Is this right for me???

Hello, I am scheduled to have the lap-band procedure on Jan. 9, 2009. I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I am ready to make changes in my lifestyle to ensure my sucess. I would like to know if there is anything that I will not be able to do (activities, myths, ect) after I have my lap-band. I have heard from someone that I will not be able to drink carbonated beverages, or drink from a straw is this true? Thank you, Semone:thumbup:

Had surgery on August 19, 2008 I have lost 47 lbs already dropped 3 pant sizes and feel great. Had my 5th fill yesterday :thumbup:

Hi everyone! I was banded last Friday, yay! :sneaky: So far, so good.. aside from the horrible gas pains in my chest and back that started yesterday. Any advice?

I am very anxious about my date getting closer, I am hopeful this will be a good thing for me. I have a BMI of 42, 227 lbs, almost the heaviest I have been....I dont want to get any heavier. I have Blood pressure problems, meds to control it. I have two young children, and I want to enjoy them, play at their level. My husband is so supportive, I am ready.:wink_smile:

Well i finally got my banding date...Feb.5,2009!!!!! Im soo xcited im counting down the days!:sneaky: So i can use ALL the advice u all have to offer.Thanxs,DannysGirl

how do you know the difference between being to tight or having something stuck in the band i feel a little weird these last 2 days im not vomiting but im just not hungry at all im worried cause i know we should get a little hungry i have a 10cc band and just got filed last friday i was at 7.8 they filled me to 8.3 i was feeling fine till 2 days ago i had some peanut butter and now im just not hungry could something b wrong? any advice would b wonderful :scared2::tt2::scared2:

MY NAME IS NANNETTE AND I LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS. I WAS BANDED ON MAY 28, 2008 AND HAVE LOST ABOUT 60LBS TO DATE. MY SURGEONS NAME IS DR. BELLOT AT THE SURGICAL CLINIC OF LOUSIANA. ANYBODY INTERESTED IN GETTING LAPBAND SURGERY THEY NEED TO SEE THIS DOCTOR AND STAFF. THEY ARE EXCELLENT AND VERY INFOMATIVE. KAREN, A NURSE AT THE CLINIC, HAS HAD THE SURGERY AND IS THE MOST INFOMATIVE PERSON I KNOW. IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROCEDURE OR THE THINGS TO EXPECT AFTER I WILL BE GLAD TO ANSWER ANY OF YOUR QUESTIONS.:thumbup:

Hello, My name is Kelton May, I am a 29 year old male with a starting weight of 317lbs. and a goal of 225lbs. I had my surgery performed on Friday Jan. 9th 2009 by Dr. Chang in Victoria Tx. I am a Corpus Christi resident. I work for the Department of Defense, rebuilding crash damaged and battle damaged hellicopters for the Army, Navy, and the Airforce. I am a 8 year veteran of the US Navy and am super excited to have found this board. Looking forward to posting questions and hopfully answering a few as well. Thanks again. Kelly

I am new at this so forgive me if it is posted wrong. I am in the first stages of thinking of getting banded. Any suggestions?

i look for help you allcan tll lap band

Well, I went to my seminar last night and even picked up my information packet. I'm ready to get the ball rolling. The only thing that downs my hope is their program fee. $3,000.00 Yes, allow me to spell that so there is no confusion (three THOUSAND dollars). Is that normal?? And what about the "consult" price. $300 just to see if they will even do the procedure. Is that refundable if they or the insurance says no to my surgery? And while I'm at it, let me just rant about the information packet. It is truly a pack that only college graduates can understand. There are words in there that I have no idea what they are or what they mean or even if they are English!! Do you th…

Well my LAP-BAND® adventure is over. I can't get the hospital to tell me how much it is going to cost. When I try they tell me it could be $20000 to $30000. I can't get any straight answer and it comes down to I can't afford it. I am very depressed about it. Like I said, I seen a light at the end of the tunnel and it was slammed shut. What really makes me mad is if I was a self pay they offer a package deal that is $19000 but since I got a insurance approval they will not give me that. I will stick to dieting and working out. Right I workout 6 days a week for 2 to 4 hours each session. I am bulking up with a lot of muscle but I just can't get the fat off. Even with a…

Hi All, I was banded on 1-5-09 and so far am doing wonderful. The pain the first couple days was pretty intense, but it seems to have subsided, all but a side ache (my Dr. says it's my body trying to get use to the band. I've lost 16 pounds so far and am soo excited for this journey to unfold. I feel like I have a reason to live again. I'm excited to get up each morning, I want to do things and my energy level is absolutely through the roof!

I started the quest for my lapband in August 08. I have Aetna Insurance and went through all the 3 month required visits, etc.... In december I found out I was approved. I have my surgery scheduled for 02/26/09. But, here is my dilemma. During the approval process my husband was laid off from his job. He received a severance package so I am still approved and fully covered until 03/27/09 at which time we will have to switch insurance companies. My concerns are what if I have complications after 03/27/2009? It is likely my new insurance company will consider it pre-existing. So, had anyone ever had this problem or have any of you done the surgery with no coverage? …

Hello everyone, My wife and I are new to the site but we have found all the information very helpful, so thanks to everyones input. We went to the seminar last night and are on our way to becoming a "bandie". My wife is Denise and I am Donnie and we are from Morehead City, NC. Hope to hear from you all.

Hi everyone ! My first time to the site. I just had mu surgery on September 26th with Dr. Bell In Morehead City, NC. So far so good. I have not been back for my first fill yet. Have already lot about 13 pounds.

So, I wanted to first say hello to all. I am a 29 year old male with the need for the lapband or something drastic to help remedy my many medical issues. I have GURD, Gout, Back, Shoulder, Neck pain, Arthritis, sleep Apnea, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, and am HypoGlycemic. I have tried Weight Watchers among many other diets with limited or no success. After attending the seminar, I feel possitive that this is the right direction for me. I have been doing my research on it for several years, and this just feels like the right thing to do. For someone my age, I should not have this many issues, but I do. I am looking forward to starting my journy. I have one question…

Being 13 months post op you would think I would be the one of the last people asking this question, but here goes. I have changed shifts on my job (went from graveyard shift to day shift) and have found it VERY hard to keep from snacking after 3 pm. I do good whild I am at work, eating small meals and low calorie meal but after I hit the clock at 3 pm is when I find that I am having problems. I am SO hungry by the time I arrive home that I find myself snacking on everything. I keep low calorie snacks but this pattern has slowed my weight loss progession down considerably. Any suggestions?

I have been trying to find anyone with stories about being banded in mexico. I am scheduled for August 15th in Monterrey, Mexico Dr. Zapata is doing the surgery. I would like any feed back anyone can give me. Thanks so much!! :cry_smile:

Went to the first meeting tonight and learned about the risks and imponderables! This surgeon really pushed the bypass as opposed to the band! I am only interested in the band! I have to do a six month program before blue cross will pay for it! Ugh! Anybody know a way around that issue?

I had my band installed oct 23 2008 @ st. Lukes hosp. Utica ny. Had two adjustments and lost 20 lbs. Right off the bat. But lately i have been gaining weight and the stomach restricyion is no longer there .do the bands ever leak ??? I am looking for a support group in the cocoa/orlando fl. Area that will accept me as a outsider . Thank you.

Ok here goes. I'm going to the seminar in 2 more days. I'm very excited about it. I have read a couple of books regarding the lap band and done research on the internet I think I'm ready to start this journey. If there is anyone close to me that has had the surgery that I can talk to let me know please. I could learn a lot more by someone who is going through the journey. I'm going to call this a journey because I think this is the journey I need in my life to get me on the right road for me. I'm open to any advise anyone whats to share. Thanks Kimberly

Hi all, Im allie, (new at this sorry) im in my 8th day after surgery, im still in a bit of pain in my lower abdomen. I also have a sharp pain right next to my belly button but i went to visit my doctor today and told him about it and he said i had a belly button hernia that he took out during surgery... anyone else have this? The pain from it hurt soo bad it hurts to walk around sometimes. He said it would go away in time, but ahhh it hurts!! :ohmy: Before surgery I weighed 397 now down to 379!:laugh: woohoo! 18lbs gone. All of my family and friends say they see a difference and it makes all the hurting worth it!! Im off the liquid diet today (thank jeebus). on…

Hello all. My name is Tara, and I have not been banded yet. I am still in the decision phase of things. I really want to get the band, but right now we are trying to work out the logistics. Payment, timing, all that! But, what a big step for me. What a big step for all of us. For years I have tried to say, "I'm not that big". I just need to lose a couple pounds. When did I get so fat? Why didn't I wake up and take action sooner? How did my life get to this point? None of these questions are easy to answer. All I know for certain is that now is the time for change. I will be 30 by the end of the year. It is time to grow up and leave my childhood problems beh…

Hi, I had my band fitted on 10th Jan in the UK. Just wanted to say hi and see how everyone is doing, and see what I can learn from everyone.

Hi there, I'm and Aussie (Queensland). Having my banding done here on 27th of January (Day after Australia day holiday) so hopefully I will be nice an relaxed. From talking with a few people I know that it still won't be easy but worth it. Oh forgot to say that my sister is having it done on the same day so at least we will be able to support each other. Cheers karie