Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello, My name is Tera and I am currently living in Richmond, CA and have an appointment with my Kaiser Surgeon next week on the 14th. I have struggled with weight all of my life. I am a diabetic and I am really hoping to help both of these issues with this new tool Lap band. I have heard good things and I think it would help me a lot. Has anyone have information on how it has effected their diabetes? I am type 2. My current treatment includes a few oral medications and a few injectables insulin. I am very excited to find this site. I am new to Cali and have not a lot of family or friends here. I am looking for new friends especially those who want to try being …

Hi all, I am nearly ready to start my journey (if all goes according to plan!). I will be making my first appointment this week, (their first appoinment isn't until end of Feb though). What a mind twister it's been so far! I'll tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Sarah, I'm 20 years old, and something I'm not proud about is my weight, 145kgs (319 pounds). I'm hoping the Lap Band will improve my quality of life, and hopefully make some e-friends along the way.

Hi there! My name is Julie, I am 33 years old and I weigh 241 pounds. After what seems like a life-long battle with food, and the mental and physical abuse I've waged on myself, I'm done talkin' and ready to start doin'! I am married, have a 3 year old daughter, work full time in a job I love and go to school as well. I love shopping for new shoes, enjoy playing with my olde english bulldogge pup, am shamefully addicted to Hollywood gossip and crime drama shows, and can't get enough of my friends & family (yes, all of them:tongue2: ). I have people in my life who have experience with gastric bypass surgery, but after looking into all of the weigh-loss surgery op…

HI I am from south of buffalo and i am new to this site as well as I am just strating my journey by continuing my research on what is best for me- and finding a good doctor- if anyone is from the area and can give me some suggestions that would be great- thanks and nice to meet you all

Hi, My name is Stephanie. I got the Lap Band surgery Sept. 2nd, and to date I have lost 47 pounds. I'm very happy about my decision to get it done, and look forward to chattin' with others that have had it done, and hear your success (and soon to be success) stories

Hi everyone...I have not been banned but I am very interested in doing so. I know my insurance will pay for it..I just don't know where to start. any suggestions would be great

Hi, I'm new, I've been lurking for a little while. I live in Milwaukee with my Husband and 7mo old son, been trying to loose weight for some time with no success (obviously, that's why I'm here!) I go to the consultation meeting 1/21 and then meet with my surgeon 2/1. What else can I expect and has anyone had any doubts about their bands?? Oh, and how much do you usually loose the first month NOT including what you had to loose for the surgery?? Thanks (:

I was banded on 12-10 in Austin, TX and live 2 hours away so I wondered if anyone was here in Waco that has been banded? I need to relocate to a Waco doctor but the 1 inquired with said I had to be self pay when I have insurance, what?? :laugh: Good luck to all on your loss. I have lost 18 pounds since my pre-op.

Hello all, I'm new to this site. Just wanted to make myself known. Im a 25year old female from nc who has been overweight all my life. I'm a also a RN on a bariatric surgery unit. So i work with patients that have had this type of surgery everyday. So, now I have started this journey. I have my first consultation with my surgeon on Jan. 21, 1983. So wish me good luck!!!!!!!

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. :wub: I was banded on 09/30/2008 and have lost 25 lbs so far. I lost most of it within the first 8 weeks post banding. I had another fill yesterday so hopefully the weight loss will start to kick in again. As you might have noticed by "skinnyby40" that was my goal. Unfortunately, I might have to extend that to 40 and a half or 41 since I turn forty the 27th of this month! I wish everyone the best of luck on your weightloss journey!!!

Hello: I am going through the process of all my tests/appointments. I am on a 3 month diet for insurance purposes. I was hoping for Bypass surgery, though, The Doctor and I thought a Lap-band be the safer route. The reason is that I had a colon resection of the large intestine in my 20's. I have been overweight all my life. About every couple years,I end up on Weight Watchers 6 months then gain it all back. Though, I become obese and morbidly obese in the last 10 years. I got involved in a bad relationship which ended in a nasty divorce. With going through all the evaluations and Doc appointments, I was able to identify key events in my childhood when I started …

Hello, I have just begun the process of getting the lap band procedure done in Columbus, Ohio. I have read about the procedure, but would like to meet others and learn about their journeys.

Hello! I have been lurking on this site for weeks now and figured it was time to post. I am 30 years old and my BMI is 47. I have always been on the heavy side, although I've lost a substantial amount of weight twice in my life. The first time was in college, I lost about 50 lbs and was down to just being a little overweight. I kept that off for less than a year and ended up gaining it all back plus a lot more. Then about 3 years ago I lost about 140 lbs which brought me down to a healthy weight of about 145 lbs. I felt great. I was HEALTHY. I was eating right and exercising. I started running, even ran a half marathon. Don't ask me what happened, but I GAINED it all back…

Well, I'm starting up again. Last year I was pre-approved by my insurance all I lacked was the psych eval and then we found out I was preggers.... So 7 Months after having the baby I'm starting the whole process again. I have to go to the seminar and turn in my paperwork again and try to get approved again with the insurance company. I'm hoping that it will go faster this time since I was approved last year. I am so ready to get the weight of having 3 kids off me ( plus those cheeseburgers I 've eaten over the past 20 years) I have my first Seminar on the 15th of Jan. I'm really hoping to be banded by this time next year if not sooner...

I am a newby too. It will take me some time to get used to being part of this forum since I haven't ever experienced it before. So, please be patient. Just by listening here and there I feel like there is so much good information at this site and it will help me in the coming days/weeks/months...

so I started my pre-op diet last week Wed. and so far im doing pretty good....The first few days were hell but now...im all good...on my 1000 cal a day diet ....yeah I know thats nothing ......when not banded.....but they said this will get me used to small meals and drinking liquid....so i guess its good for me.....well when i wen in they told me that i had lost 5pounds...(prob water weight) but i'll take what i can get lol:biggrin: but anyway....that what up....just checking in to let you guys no If i can do it we all can and everyone hang in there no matter what stage your in in your journey in crazy lap-band world.....you can make it through... love ya'll

Hi everyone! I am new to the group, just had surgery on the 31st and am doing great. I have looked at some of the photos posted and have to admit that I'm extremely excited about this journey. Looking at how wonderful some of the after photos are is so encouraging to us newbies. :cursing:

I am 9 days from my surgery and nervous about the things I may not know. I feel like I have done enough research and feel like I know everything I should know, but I also feel like I do not know anything. I am a self pay so the process has been pretty quick from the time I decided to skip the insurance and the scheduling of the surgery. Because I am self pay I have not met with a nutrionalist and am just going off the info from the surgeons office so I think that is why I feel a little in the dark. I am positive this will work and really enjoy ready all the posts on this site and will be here many times in the near future. Well I just wanted to introduce myself and…

Anyone in the Philadelphia area?

hello all...my daughter and I are getting banded on 1/16/09 my anniversary LOL i am ready just wondering what to expect my doctor is Dr. Babineau in Tyler Texas I am currently at 320 pounds ready to get this over tired of being overweight and miserable all the time...anyone have any pointers :tt2:

Hi, Need help finding a Lapband surgeon near chicago il or Indiana or Wisconsin for a reasonable price as i will be self paying under $11000.00 Is Mexico safe ??? Please help, i really need it

Hello to all the present and future lap-banders, This is my first post though I have been reading others for about 2 months now while I went through the decision and learning process about lap band surgery. I got my medical clearance today along with my first nutrition visit. Now I feel like this is really going to happen. I have to wait 5 weeks to see the surgeon with the psych vist in between so it looks like surgery will be in about 2 months. Any suggestions on how to make this time go smoother would be appreciated. My emotions vary between mild anxiety to sweet anticipation and I do feel as if I am on a bit of a roller coaster. Thanks, Beza

Hello Everyone Im new to this site.. Im 30yrs old, I live in NY I have been thinking of getting band.. I was considering the gastic but I hear is to dangerous. So I took that idea out of my head and decided on the band I have try a lot of diets and pills to loss weight but nothing has really help.. I even try the Alli they are good but you have to be in the bathroom all the time is hard when u work with children.. Specially in the train going home is not a good thing :thumbup:.. So Im on this site to read your stories and see if this would be the best thing for me I have read a lot of forum in this site and I have to say Congratulations to all of you guys that have come…

Im new to this site im considering getting the band.. How many Appointments do u have to go to before ur isurance approve or denies you?? Do u have to go on a diet before u get the surgery done before the two weeks of liquid before the operation?? How soon can u go back to work??

Hi all! I'm so excited! This morning the doctor's office called to inform me that I've been approved for surgery!! I joined this site a couple of months ago but never posted anything. I usually just read different posts and take in all the great info (and have some good laughs). Today I decided I would finally post a comment. I can hardly wait until my surgery date which is scheduled for Jan. 27th. Of course, like everyone else on this site, I have tried many "diets" and been unsuccessful. This surgery represents a brand new life for me. This is an opportunity to turn things around for the better. I look forward to chatting with many of you and good luck to everyone going…

I just found out my insurance is making me do a six month diet thing what is this? I am thinking Is it worth it?

I'm scheduled for January 23rd and so excited! I started my pre-op diet last Wednesday, which consists of 2 protien shakes and 1 meal. I find if I have my 8 glasses of water, I'm usually good and not hungry. The operation has got me so psyched that I want to loose wieght on the pre-op diet, which helps with having shakes for 2 meals. I also got a dog and have been walking him for 1 to 2 hours daily. It's paid off and I've already lost 7 pounds!! I have been stuck in the 240's forever and when I saw 237 pop up on the scale, I had a smile on my face. Even though I'm excited and starting off on the right footing, I am nervous about post op diets and actually moving to…

Hello my name is Maggie and I am addicted to food....:thumbdown: I am new on this site and have not yet made the "appointment" to see my physician. I am 5'7" and weigh 224#, my BMI is over 35 and I have PCOD which makes me a high risk for diabetes (which also runs in my family) I guess I am just afraid that my Dr. or insurance company will deny me so I'm fearfull of going. (Stupid right?) I should just woman up and go.

Hello ... I think I am just looking for some encouragement as I have just begun the process of deciding on Lap-Band. I have my innitial all day appointment with a nutritionist and psychologist next Thursday. I was wondering at what point they decide if you are a candidate for the proceedure. I am having it done @ Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA. Has anyone out there had experience with them? I am just on the cusp on qualifying ... I am hoping that they do not turn me down. I an 58 years old and am so ready to do this and watch me be able to enjoy so many things I have been passing by because of my embarassing weight. Any words of wisdom out there ???

Just want to introduce myself and also say how much I have enjoyed this forum. I was banded 12/22/08 and am soooooo glad I did. I am 53 and wish I had done this after my second son was born 15 years ago. Haven't lost weight since then and kept it off but am looking forward to finally being able to keep it off. My weight prior to preop diet was 265 (December 8) and I weighed in at 242 this morning. I am 53 and my interim goal is 200 by my birthday May 30th and long term goal of 150. I have had absolutely no problems so far and know the challenges will come (maybe) after my first or subsequent fill. I do get a little hungry but follow the advise of the group and my d…

Hi there Everyone! I have just decided to get the band after thinking about it for years. I just can't go on another diet where I will gain all of the weight back. I am 38 years old and have a life to live that hopefully will include doing sports with my family, (outside of my house!), swimming in front of others without shame and playing with my kids. I just had my sleep study last night, so am groggy and relatively unpleasant right now, but that will pass eventually! I have my psyche eval on Weds and then my nutrition and initial consult on Jan 15th. I am moving to Puerto Rico, so I wanted to get the surgery done before I leave for there. Thank you all for contin…

Hi all I have an appt with a surgeon in the beacon hospital at the end of this month for a lap band? Would love to talk to anyone whos had one so that I go prepared to meet the doctor... I'm married with 4 kids and have gained 7 stone since my last child...I just cant shift it and I have tried everything! I had lost 7 stone with WW but just can't get it together this time to do it.... So hoping this will sort me for life!!!! Any advice would be hugely appreciated! Thanks Em X

So I am 19 almost 20 I have a 5 month old son and a wonderful boyfriend.. I want the lap band SO BAD! I have always been a chubby girl but after I went to college I ballooned to 240 and now after giving birth and gaining 60 lbs while prego I now weigh 256 lbs its a terrible feeling like I said I have always been chubby but now I can feel it starting to affect my health.. I cant get around as easy I'm so much more lazy I have a hard time breathing and I just feel completely uncomfortable in my OWN skin.. I attend the first step at my hospital which is the seminar on Thursday and I have my appt on Feb 9th for consultation! I'm so excited and PRAY I get approved.. I just ha…

Hi everyone...I'm new to this so bear with me. I am in the paperwork process of getting the lap band procedure. I hope to get it done soon. I'm really excited about it. I'm anxious to hear from everyone as to how they are doing with the lap band and also about any complications.

I have been reading alot in this site about slippage, band erosion, and stitches popping and to be honest, I am scared out of my mind right now. How do I know if my stitches have popped or is I have a slip. I have not been sick or vomitting like I have read other LB patients have had but I am still concerned. How do I know? Please help!

Hello, I am seriously considering having the Lap Band Surgery. I go to a seminar on January 20th to get more info. I stumbled across this site and I LOVE it. There is so much great info here. I have an office job and I was wondering how long it would take to get back to work. I have heard that it is about 1-2 weeks. Also, how long is the hospital stay? I'm sure I will learn all this info at the seminar, but I can't wait that long. :tongue2: Thanks, tbryant1216

hi, I'm new to the forum, but I've been spying on all the conversations for weeks. My pre-op visit is tomorrow, hope to find out surgery date then. I started looking into lapband 1 yr ago, decided to wait and try to diet again first (plus, found out my ins did not cover). Obviously the diet went as normal, now I'm looking forward to a band. The year gave me time to make sure it was right for me and investigate all aspects. I changed ins this Jan 1st to a plan that covers it and it looks like all is set. I've completed all prelim visits, just waiting for a date. Will have to figure out how to make a ticker for weights etc....

Well, I'm gonna do it! I scheduled the date for December 28th to get the lapband! Now I'm so excited--and a nervous wreck!! All words of wisdon are welcome!! Mary 12/28

:tongue2: i have been thinking and saving to get this done for awhile. i have two thoughts that bug me. if anyone would be so kind as to set my mind at ease or fill me in ...i would be grateful. first, what if u accidently get hit in the stomach? does that dislodge this and more surgery is required? thx and what is the diet after? i hate diets, i thought choosing this and eating less would be all i'd need. why do i have to follow a diet? the gastric ballooning looks nice, but i want permanant. i am so darn tired of being this way. i want out of it. i don't recall the name of the surgery where they take out part of ur stomach, but i am thinking that maybe more for me. …

Hello I am Scotty D and a New banded man as of Dec 31st 2008. I am on a whole new road and in the need of some help and guidence. I am not good at asking for direction and I would imagine that is how I found myself in the situation I was in in the first place. Anyway here we go and I am full steam ahead.

I just had my 6 mo. appt./weigh in yesterday. Yipee I am done! However, on my last denial letter they stated the reason why I was denied was that my 6 month was not completed. I am going to fax my completed 6 month evaluation Monday. If it was stated the only reason why I was not approved, shouldn't I be approved when everything is resubmitted. I have met all of the other requirements. I have bcbs of IL. :cool:

Hello, I am scheduled to be banded on Tues. Jan13th at the surgery center with Dr. Greene. I was just wondering if anyone else has used him and what there experience was? I was reading that some people stay for hours a the hospital after surgery and I was told at pre-op that I am the first apt. at 6:30 a.m and would be walking out the door by 10a.m..... getting nervous that maybe we wont be home in time to get the kids ANY comments are greatly appreciated.

Hello everyone, I have been reading this site for months and finally decided to join and finally start posting. I wasn't sure I was going to go for the lapband but now I"m positive this is what I want. I can't wait to get my band and start the life changing journey I have read so about so much. Lucy

Hello to all, Today is day 7 on liquid diet and day 5 post op. I was put on a seven day post op clear liquid diet which consist of broth, Jello, popsicle, etc. I find myself going through an emotional rollercoster. I am a wife and a mother of 3 boys ages 13, 10 and 1. I feel bad to say this but I really wish I could go away far from my family until this liquid diet is over. It's hard to smell the food cooking and continue feeding the kids when I'm just dying for some. I'm not physically hungry, I'm just so sick of the liquids. Please send some inspiration my way. Thanks

How soon can someone expect to see some weight changes? I am now 2 days post-op and actually weigh more today then I did the day of my surgery. Can it be the gas and swelling? Also... how long did it take until you went number 2.... I took ducolax today in the morning and still nothing........

Hello everyone, I am new to this site. I am a WLIAZ client and had my surgery 06/23/08. I have been pretty successful going 6 months with no fills loosing 60lbs.:thumbup: I had my first fill 12/27/08. I am doing pretty good but would like to feel less hunger like in the begining, but most of all I would like to find time for exercise! Any advise:unsure:

Hey all, I found this site right before my surgery. I was banded wed. I am so tired. It seems like between trying to get all my fluids/proteins in(which I am not) I'm getting almost 1/2. I'm just tired,no energy. Very sore,I feel like I just had a baby. Has anyone felt like this. I've had alot of gas in my chest and shoulders. But I just can't believe how tired I am. My husband ask me this morning if I had any regrets. My reply was this will pass. I'm walking to try to get the gas to pass everytime I get up. I'm taking all my vitamins. Can I do anything else to try not to be so tired. Thanks,M

Hi! My name is Irene and I am 25 years old. I was banded yesterday, January 9th by Dr. Bessler of NY Columbia/Presbyterian. The surgery went fine, or so I am told. My starting weight yesterday was 200.7, and my ultimate goal is to get down to 124. My doctors goals are a little higher, at 145 lbs. Well, we shall see. So far I have not experienced too much pain, but I am hungry! Is this normal? Right after surgery?

Hello everybody, I'm Brett. I'm 28, 5'10 and my weight when I decided to get banded was 385 lbs. which was 10/14/08. I was banded on 12/9/08. My surgery weight was 367 lbs. I got my first fill this morning, 3cc's and weighted in at 352 lbs. I'm really excited about how well things seem to be going for me so far. I'm able to get in and out of my wife's Prism without struggling or anything, seat belts have started to fit me again, I'm not winded walking up and down stairs and my pants are already getting too small for me and I've only just begun. I thought that 3cc's seemed pretty aggressive and I've felt a bit off since the fill, so I was searching Google and t…

I am Ruth from the Washington Coast and I am seriously thinking of having this surgery.