Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all, I was banded in Oct. of 2006. Initially I lost around 70 pds. I started out at 356 and am down to 290. I really need a kick start to get back to weight loss mode. Can anyone help? I have so much trouble with sweets. I also have trouble with getting stuck and throwing up about 3 times a week. Words of wisdom anyone? Patty:unsure:

Hi , I'm new to the forum and looking for help. I had my lap band surgery almost 2 years ago. the first year I lost 65 lbs and was so happy! But now the second year, I have not lost any weight. In fact, I have been yo-yo ing the same 10-15 lbs for months now. I have noticed that I have been able to eat more and I feel like I am going out of control again... Any suggestions out there? Or anyone else been in this situation?? Thanks!

Hello all: I came here for some info. I have gone thru the steps for this lapband and if all goes well I can be banded late Januray 08 - mid feb 09. I have struggled with my weight for all of my 38 yrs. I see this as a way to gain some sort of management. I am exited but also have lots of questions and am very very nervouse to be sedated. Does anyone have any words of encouragement on this whole procedure? My surgeon will be Dr. Benevides with True Results. Does anyone have any comments on this doctor and his bedside manner?

Hi- my name is Leslie and I had my surgery on 12/23/08. My recovery has been going well so far, just feel soreness, but no real pain. I have been drinking water, eating jello and carnation instant breakfast. Today is the first day that the smell of food has made me think about eating. I have stayed out of the kitchen completely and am nervous to go in. My doctor has not called to check in with me since the surgery- is this normal? I have not had any problems, but I do feel like someone should have checked in to see how I was doing.

Hello everyone, Happy New year! Well, 2009 has brought my husband and I that much closer to the decision for WLS and it looks like the Lap Band is in the lead for our decision making. As Canadians, there is of course less of a selection of surgeons and clinics and more resistance from physicians to any surgical procedures. This is separate from the questionable health insurance coverage for such procedures. I hope to go well-armed to my consultation this month with our physician. So I hope that we can get all the unbiased information we can in the next few weeks. A bit about me... I have been struggling with my weight since I was a teenager when my mother complai…

I'm getting ready to have my pre-ops January 2nd, then scheduled for surgery on January 13th. I'm getting very nervous. I worry that I won't be able to stop drinking carbonated drinks, but I am determined that I must. I've been struggling with being overweight since I was about 20 years old, and I'm sick of it. I've tried everything, as I'm sure most people who've gotten to the point of having the lapband have. I am worried because I do love bread and sweets. I am willing to give these up for being much thinner though! I mainly want to lose weight because I'm tired and in pain all the time and have no energy to do the things I really love to do. So I really hope this work…

Hi, I'm Diane, I live in New Hampshire, in the Lakes Region. I actually had my lapband done in February 14, 2006...at first, probably in the first 4 months I lost close to 60 pounds. Then it came the summer and when I went for my monthly check up, I gained 2 pounds and my doctor was really pissed, so I got right back on the bandwagon and lost for a few more months, then before my next appointment, I discovered that junk food went down easier than meat and I gained a few more pounds again and I said to myself no way, i'm not going to get screamed at again so I never went back and after 2 years, I have actually gained back about 25 pounds....I'm very embarresed, when people…

I am curious to know from those of you that have had the lap band long term or someone who knows the answer. After having the band for several years and after the having fills, losing weight cycle does the band ever get to its max fill without your weight being were you want it. If so what next.

I am a new member to this site. I had lap band surgery on 11/21/2008. At my post surgery visit I had lost 18.5 pounds. and since that visit I have lost another 12.5 pounds. I see the surgeon on Wed. for another visit and he said maybe my 1ST fill, if I needed. I am so happy to have found this site for support. Its great to be a part of this community. Have a great New Years.

my name is ashley, and im in the lapband process right now. im in the lose-weight-to-shrink-your-liver stage right now. im still nursing my 15month old, and thats how i found this board, looking for information on getting the surgery done while breastfeeding. i dont have a date set yet, my sister will be coming to help me with the baby, and she needs to confirm her spring break first. i look forward to hanging around and getting to know all of y'all :wink2:

Hi, I am in the process of trying to get approved for surgery. I had the first appointment with my surgeon and now I still need to meet with the nutrionists, and do other lab tests. My first choice is the lap band, but he wants me to think about gastric bypass also. I have been researching both procedures extensively and I hoping some of you may be able to give me some details on your experience with the lap band. How much have you lost, pro's and cons?? I really appreciate any advice you can give me! Thanks!:laugh:

Hi, I am new here - banded on Dec. 26 and enjoying the painful throes of serious gas - which is much less of a concern after reading about the experiences of many others here. What a great site. I have been losing weight before banding for a number of months - pre-op weight was 247 lbs. - down from a pre-LMR (liquid meal replacement) program weight of 317 lbs. I started the LMR in August 2008. This is the second phase of the journey. I appreciate reading your experiences and hope I can help someone also. FloridaJed

hi i just had the lap band surgery on Dec. 19th and i am happy thus far. I have lost 13 pounds.

new member, banded 10-28-08. Have lost 25 pounds, Got my first fill 12 -19-08 4 cc's and I feel it is a little tight. Have gone back to liquids and will try for a few days. Holidays were no problem, have no appetite right now.:thumbup:

Well,here I am. I have struggled with weight all my adult life and I am finally fed up. I need to do something and I need to do it now. I am 43 yrs old and I feel like I am 90. I am in need of any infromation anyone can give me. I have researched the Lap-Band system and I am trying to find a surgeon (probably in Mexico due to cost.) Any help is appreciated!:wink2:

Hey folks I was banded in april this year 2008 and have joined this group in the hope of getting some motivation to help me loose the weight I thought I would have lost by now!!! Had such high hopes after surgery but have only lost 10kgs and most of that was in the 4 weeks post op. On the good side at least I am not gaining. I do however know what I am doing wrong....alcohol is a down fall plus the mindset that ok I have a band but I can still eat what I want...and believe me with 8ml fill I can still eat bread, meat you name it and still eat a fairly decent size portion. So ladies (and gents) my 2009 IS going to be the year I loose this weight and the diabetes. …

I'm new to this site, I heard about it from a co-worker she suggested I stop and register. So far with everything that I have read its very informing. I haven't been banded yet, but I am starting the process. Although it has finally taking me this long to get to where I want a better quality of life. Oh well better late then never as some would say. I look forward to seeing this process through and knowing life has only just begun with me again. :laugh:

Aloha All, I am new to the community and am contemplating getting the Lap Band surgery. My name is Elaina and I am 115 lbs over weight. I am sick of looking this way, feeling this way and failing at losing the weight. My normal weight is 103 and I have a tiny bone structure so you can imagine how off balance I must look. I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and am retaining fluids in my ankles and calves. My blood pressure fluctuates from high to normal. Just hoping to get some support and courage to follow through with the lap band surgery. Thanks for the support! Elaina

Howdy Howdy! I am so excited that I found a suport group website. I just got lap band 1 week and four days ago. I am ready for this postive change in my life! If anybody wants to talk or needs support please feel free to send me a message. I am here to support everybody. It's time to be healthy, not for anybody else but for ourselves. Afterall as my mother says, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!" :frown: --Kareen

hey im new...just wanted to say hi and happy new years!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE :wink2: Hope 2009 brings much happiness & hope to ALL

January 16, 2009 Bandster here. Just wondering about CPAP Machine. I read on a post where here doctor told her NOT to use her machine? I have obstructive sleep apena and can't sleep without my machine. Has anybody else been told not to use their machine? Also did you have to bring it with you to the hospital during recovery? My surgeon would prefer his patients spend the night, me, I am going HOME!:wink2:

Dr. Sina Matin was my surgeon. 14 days out from surgery I weighted 323lb day of surgery I weighted 305lb so I had a bit of a head start. Had surgery Christmas Eve, Christmas day was ok got to be with my 4 grand-kids as they opened gifts. Got home about 8pm, spend day 2 in bed. Feel great today and want to start walking but it is raining outside so I guess I will have to stay inside. Found out yesterday that my son-in-law did not pick up my pain meds and I was only taking the nausea meds. I did fine but wonder how much better I would have felt with a little bit of pain med helps. :laugh: My daughter had the same surgery Dec 26th 2007 and she has lost 132lbs she has on…

:wink2: Hey everyone! My name is Sandy. I'm getting banded on January 2nd and just started my Clear liquids till surgery fast today. I began low carbing (30g total carbs) on Christmas day. Bah Humbug! Hehe. We're an active duty Navy family in Saint Marys, GA. I'm originally from Myrtle Beach, SC. We have 4 kids: one boy, 10 and three girls, 9, 7 and 4. I just went back to work after 10 years of being a SAHM and I work as a Chiropractic Assistant for a great small practice. I was really worried about going back to work but it's only M,W and F and I really love my job. Um...guess that's it. I'll see yall around the forums! Sandy

Hi, I'm new to this... so I hope I'm doing this right. I've never really used a forum so this is a new experience for me. Seems there is so much useful information I've looked around and plan to keep looking. I am scheduled for surgery March 5th, 2009. I started this process back in July. I am so excited that it's finally happening. I had originally planned on bypass, but unfortunately I have Crohn's so my only option is lapband. I have been on every diet there is, I was successful and then failed eventually. I have ballooned up to 500 lbs and I am not well at all. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Crohn's disease, arthritis in both of my knees, I h…

I am here as everyone else to learn as much as I can about the Lapband surgery...before and after. I am not yet scheduled and am attending a seminar Jan. 7. I am so going to do this and am excited about the process. I am a mother of 5, married for over 27 yrs. to a husband that isn't ctitical but sometimes I think that wasn't in my favor cause I have to lose over 100 lbs. I have the same history as everyone I am sure. Dieting every way possible, excerciseing to lose a number of lbs. only to regain it plus more. That leaves me where I am now. Any encouraging words or tips would be gr8. Thanks:smile2:

Hi, everyone. I'm not yet banded, but I'm here to learn as much as I can before I make a final decision on whether I will go through with the surgery or not. I have only discussed it with my doctor today. I have not yet talked to even my husband about it, and if I do it, I'll only be telling him and my doctor. I'm one of those people who hold their weight really well, so I'm 230 lbs, but most people put me at about 175 when guessing my weight. That's why I don't want to tell anyone. They'd just judge/criticize anyway. So, my bmi is 38, and I have asthma, high cholesterol, and depression (medicated and completely under control). So, I've left a message to make an a…

Hello all, my name is Renee'. I am originally from Alabama(Roll Tide!!), but now I live in the Atlanta area. I was banded on October 28, 2008 and as of today, I have lost about 25 lbs. Right now I have been at a stand still since then. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do that much exercising because I have plantar faciitis in my left foot. It is VERY painful and I cant walk or stand on it for a long period of time. I am scheduled to have surgery on it on the 14th of January, and after that I am looking forward to getting out there and getting more weight off in 2009. I'm new to this site and hopefully I will meet a lot of new people who have gone or is going th…

Hi everyone! This is my first post here, so here's a little info about me! My name is Holly. I am 30, married for 5 years and have a wonderful 2 year old daughter. And 2 dogs, can't forget the fur babies! I live in Savannah, GA. I work as a facility manager for a software company and am currently working towards my MBA. I also have a photography business where I specialize in family photos, maternity and weddings. I love it! I have been overweight all my life. Most of my family has a weight problem, but I have always been the heaviest person. I can remember going to Weight Watchers when I was 11. I can remember my grandmother trying to bribe me with money t…

Hello all I am Michelle, I have a appointment next week with the Dr to talk about lap band surgery. I have a couple questions maybe someone can answer for me. How long is the recover time since I am thinking of having surgery why I am of for college in December which is about 4 weeks. And I am worried about having to much hanging skin after the surgery.

hi I have lost 43 pounds since 8 27 08 I'am soooooo happy :wink2:

Hello all, I am new here. I have my consult on Jan. 14, 2009. I am 51 years old, female, 5'3" and weigh in at 270lbs. I had to jump through Medicare hoops for about 4 months, but I am now scheduled to talk to the doctor. I attended a workshop (required by Medicare). Got all my other doctors to send in their part of my medical history. I live in Kansas, USA. And Medicare patients are 6 months to a year on getting a surgery date, after the consult. I will read here a while and then post any questions or comments. Thanks, Eartha

Hi, My name is Shannon, and I am new to this site. I am 32, from WA state, and I was banded Sept 12 2007. I started out at 312, and I am now at 219 a total loss of 93 pounds. I posted some pics. I hope to talk to some of you to see what your experience has been like and to get some good ideas for food for one. Take care everyone!! Have a Happy New Year!! Thanks, Shanny:tongue_smilie:

Hello all. I am just beginning my journey. I have had the idea of Lap Band surgery in my head for a few years now, but my family doctor has now recomended it. I am in the process of getting my money together and stuff. I have had 1 telephone consultation and am waiting to hear from my bank about financing. I live across the country from where I would have surgery and am pretty nervous. I live in Alberta, Canada and will have surgery in Ontario, Canada. Thanks, Rebecca

Hello to all. I was banded on 12/9/08. All incisions are healed and I have no pain. I am REALLY hungry, though. I have a fill scheduled on 1/3/09, and am hopeful that will help. I lost 10 pounds while on liquids and am on a general diet now. Anyone with tips or hints?

Hello my name is Matthew. I am thinking about the lap band but haven't talked to my doctor about it yet.

Well I did it. My insurance didn't cover the lap band, but with the incouragement of and old friend and and internet search, I found a clinic in Dallas Tx that did my band for $9990. I was in and out not a big deal so far. Wish me luck. That price included 1 year of fills, but i have to drive to dallas for the followups. But hey, I got it done for half price and my doctor is a good one. Maybe I can find a local doctor for the fills?

Hi Everyone, very happy to have found this sight - I am in the process of getting the date for my seminar- I have actually already seen a surgeon because I have a hiatal hernia and have been aspirating stomach acid into my lungs - really hurts - got bronchitis almost pneumonia from it - so I was considering the nissen fundoplication proceedure, after talking with the surgeon he suggested I go to the seminar before I make my decision about the nissen or the lap band - i have struggled with my weight for about 15-20 years now, i am 46 - i hope to hear next week about the dat of the seminar - i am in alabama but am going to Vanderbilt - has anyone else been there? Am going t…

I just wanted to say hello from Olympia Washington. I am just starting the process. I was just accepted into my insurances "Bariatric Surgery Case Management Program. I have received a checklist of things to do and get started. I am going to my first support group a week from this Thursday. I am so looking forward to getting the ball rolling so to speak. I know as I get things done and checked off the checklist I will have a ton of questions. How long did it take most people to get it all going and actually get the surgery done? Thanks Cherryl Rochester, Washington

Hi everyone - Just found this site a week or so ago... I don't have a surgery date yet - last appointment (6 mo) with my PCP is next week - yippee! Hoping to get scheduled by the end of January, for maybe late February / March. My doctor is going to be Dr. Carmody at St. Mary's in Richmond, VA. Any one know anything about him? Just wanted to say hello! I'm sure I'll post more as I get closer to the actual date. Happy New Year!

I am new to this site. I wanted to introduce myself and let you all know that I am glad to be here. I hope to gain many friends and valuable information.

this is my first time on and am really looking forward to becoming a regular. I will be banded on Jan. 9 in Detroit. has anyone been banded there? what can i expect?:hurray:

I have been lurking for a little while and I am seriously considering the lap band. I had an appointment with my regular Doctor today and let her know I was thinking about this. She was pretty encouraging, but gave me the advice that I should start exercising now since I am not and that I should probably get to eating better now so that it will be easier later. She told me that the successful patients she has had do this are the ones that made a commitment to exercise too. I think that's pretty good advice. I have read so many great things on this website. I have also tried to see some of the negative too so I can have balanced information. I will be making an appo…

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I just recently got the lab band in November and just wanted to join a forum where otheres may share in my experiences.

i just had my surgery 12-18, still tring to get adjusted

I've recently located this website and enjoy reading the posts. After six months of a medicallly supervised weight management program at UCSD, my insurance just approved me for a lap-band. Surgery is scheduled for February 2009 by Dr. Horgan. Would love to hear from others who had their lap band surgery done by Dr. Horgan. :tongue2:

:tongue2:Has anyone used Dr Jay at Medical City in Dallas? I have had my first consultation with his office and am meeting with him next week. Thanks!

Happy New Year Everyone! This is my first post and just wanted to say that I am extremely happy to find this site.. I was just banded on December 21, 2008. I went to see a great Doctor in Mexico. No problems or complications what so ever! Just wanting to find out how others are doing, what to expect, and have a thousand and one questions!! Looking forward to a wonderful new year and a new me. =)

hi i was wondering if anyone else has suffered from this and found good solution, i was banded in june and over the last 3 weeks have started to lose loads of hair, i keep finding it everywhere! its starting to freak me out, so i'm going to make a concious effort to get the protein in and have started taking omega 3,6,9 (and daily multivitamins i've taken since op) i know up until a week ago my protein levels had dropped, but i can't handle protein shakes and now my stomach turns at the bars, any thoughts or ideas would be gratefully recieved:blush:

I went to a consult on 12/10 and am at 40.5 BMI. I have UHC Choice Ins. I am currently waiting on approval. I feel like the lap band will be a huge blessing that will help me overcome my weight challenges. I am trying not to get too excited in case I don't get approved though. :hurray: I know the lap band will change my life and open new doors for me. I'll post updates as I get them.