Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi! I am new to this website and I guess I am not forsure what exactly to write. I had the lap band surgery on June 9, 2008 and have had great success. I have currently lost 77 lbs as of December 30th. I am joining this website to beable to connect with other people that have had this procedure done and beable to conversate with others that are going through the same changes as I am.

I just wanted to say hi. I am 3 months into my 6 month requirements for banding. I have had all my tests done with my doctor. Just putting my time in now. I have been doing a lot of reading on this site. I am impressed with all the help and support that goes on here. I don't know anyone with the band. I have family and friends who have had the RNY though. I am looking forward to meeting new people and hopefully making some new friends. Michele current wt. 286

Hi all , my name is Sabrina from Long Island and i am really nervous to start this process i found a doctor and booked an appt at north shore for the jan 12th - i really would like help in any way possible - 1. how long does it take typically to get a surgery date - 2. i currently weigh 270 lbs and 5'4 and 24 yrs old - do you think i could be a canidate for lap band surgery i am willing to take any input possible .. and if any one is in the LI area i would really love to hear from you - i feel very nervous and alone !

Hi all! I'm Cori from Michigan. I'm getting the Lap Band surgery on January 12th. This has been a LONG time coming. Years ago, I was in the process of trying to get it through my insurance company while I was working. I ended up losing my job before I could get final approval, but that's all I was waiting on. This past summer, the opportunity came up for me to get it again. This time it's Self-Pay. So I don't have to go through all the red tape that I had to before. I'm very excited and anxious at the same time. I have a very close friend who had it done, so I'll have some support from him also. I also have my family backing me all the way. They all want me healthy and…

I was banded on 11-17-2008 My first month went great I lost 9 lbs the first 2 weeks. I go for my 6 week check up on 1-6-2009. I think I have lost another 5 lbs. I have had a bad few days around Christmas. Some one sent my some candy and I had some and then felt very guilty. I am trying to get back on track. It did not take long after surgery for me to find out I still have head hunger. Thats why I am here today. Any encouragement out there. The support group I go to has very few lap ban people and I find that gastric by pass people do not have the same problems that I will be having.

Hi all! My name is Tracey and I am new here. I have a surgery date of 1/2/09 in Tijuanna with the OCC (Dr. Martinez) I *just* decided to have the surgery a week ago....but I have been researching and considering for a year. My birthday is January 5th and I thought that this would be an amazing gift to myself, and a wonderful way to start a new year. I live in the East Bay Area in California. Anyone from around here? Does anyone have any advice fo me? Wisdom? Encouragement? I'll take it all :> Thanks in advance!

Hi all, I've been reading on this site for awhile, so I finally decided to post. I have my Drs appt on Sept 26, and have decided with my husband that this is for me. At 52 and BMI of 45, and many comorbidities, I am ready for, qualify, and my insurance will pay. My problem is, my 33 yr old daughter is agaist it, and has made a date to discuss this with me and my husband on Friday. She thinks I can do it on my own. Of course she is a size 3. I have lost over 100 lb several times in the past, but have always gained it back, plus some, so at this age I just can't do that again. Any suggestions on a good approach to make her understand it's more dangerous to stay in th…

I am really its the day is getting closer and closer. I am 270 and ready for this change or should I say newlife. Do anyone have any comments or suggestions for me?

This is my first posting of any kind. I live in Las Vegas and Dr. Francis Teng is going to perform a lap-band surgery on me in two days. I know he is a great surgeon. My insurance will not cover bariatric surgery and I am paying for it myself. This is alot of money for me and I am scared that I won't be able to make all of the changes neccessary in my life for a successful outcome. I'm sure almost everyone feels this way at this stage and I'm telling myself that I will do it because I have to. Feedback please:confused:

Hi everyone. I truly believe that I have waited long enough to lose weight. My husband is unsure about the procedure and quite frankly, so am I. Any surgery is a bit unsettling. But, I know that I'm ready to do this. I have not made the call yet to a doc. Anyone specific that is recommended would be appreciated. I am in Covington, LA. Also, does anyone know if Blue Cross LA HMO pays for the surgery? That's the only thing that really concerns me. If insurance does not cover the cost, what is the out of pocket? Also, is the port noticable under your skin? :frown:

I'm new to the site and I need help, help, help! I go to my first seminar at Mercy Hospital in Chicago in a week and I am not sure what's going to happen. My BMI is low (about 37.5) and I am afraid I wont qualify for insurance approval (medicaid). I wont bore you all with my struggles with weight loss, but I will say, this is insane to me to not be fat enough. I know HOW to lose the weight. Ive done it a million times before. What I need the WLS for is help keeping it off once Ive lost it. Please, please help me with the quailifying process over at Mercy. Is the seminar weigh in, the number they use for approval? Will the nurse put my weight up a bit since I'm cl…

Greetings everyone. I was banded on April 28th ( I laugh when I read that as I though only wild birds got banded) and have lost a considerable amount of weight. No I have remained steady for a while but I am going in for another adjustment on Jan 6th Hopefully we will be back on track. Best of luck to you all.... Kevin:thumbup:

Hi. I'm new to this so any help it greatly appreciated! I just got banded on Dec. 16th and go for my post-op appt. tomorrow. I feel weird inside.... I feel real tight... kinda like having indigestion?? I know weird. Can anyone explain how they feeled after having surgery??? Thanks.

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site. I just found out a few days ago that insurance will cover the surgery. I'm not quite sure when I'm getting it done but I've been reading through posts and I am so scared for the first couple days out of surgery. I do not handle pain very well and know it is going to hurt so bad! I need to get over that. Any suggestions or helpful comments? Do they give you pain meds? I know you cant swallow big pills so im guessing things like vicodin are out! I'm going to be living with my mom for a month after the surgery so i will have someone to look after me but AHHHH :tongue2: im scared...and nervous. Hopefully posting and reading responses will mak…

Hello all I am going through the motions to be banded....I didn't think that the process was so overwhelming... the waiting....appointments..if nothing else I've grown new grey hairs. Like they say good things come to those who wait... I almost talked myself out of the procedure...but one night i looked at my advantages vs. the disadvantage..and changed my mind ASAP... In need of support.....:tongue2:

I have been on the fence between lap-band and gastric for a while now....after praying for signs the first one came in the form of my daughter saying she dreamed I died while having gastric..she didn't even know that I was looking for signs..and several others followed...my problem was that I know I really could use the big tool gastric....but I am afraid of the surgery....I have heard so many failure stories on the lap band and I actully had a nurse tell me "if I had weight loss surgery and didn't do well I would feel like such a failure" I secretly wanted to punch her in the eye.....I didn't decide which surgery until I actually talked to the doc.. Yes I finally saw the…

Hi all! I have been a yo-yo dieter all my life and got banded the day after my 38th birthday! Happy Birthday to me! (literally) My surgery was "textbook" according to my doctor and I suffered with severe port area pain for about 2-3 days post-op. I did well on my 7 day liquid diet with no hunger and then day 8 post-op the hunger set in again. (Christmas Day-of course) Had to puree a small soft piece of ham to make myself feel better and had no problem with it. Hope I did not mess anything up. The biggest problem I had post-op (besides pain) was very loose stools starting 3 days after surgery and then contracting a bladder infection, which made me feel ucky again. :Banane…

Hi All, I had my banding last month. I am based in Nottingham England and have lost 19 pounds (13 pounds on the pre op diet and 6 pounds in the first three weeks post op). With xmas I have been a bit naughty but am feeling really guilty now - I did not realise that in the UK the band is not filled properly until 10 weeks post op - thats mid February and I am getting dispondent that I am not going to lose any more till the band fill. My appitite has increased since the band and I cannot feel that the band is there now its healed! Does anyone have any advice or sugestions what I can do to keep myself losing weight till February - I dont want to fail! :tongue2:

Hey Everyone! Thanks For taking a second to read my intro! I just found this site today, and I'm so thankful because I had some serious questions today that needed to be answered!! And they were! I started this whole process in April of this year, and it was frustrating at times, but I really wanted this so I stuck it out and completed everything that needed to be done. I was approved immediately and had no issues with insurance at all, thank God. I had my pre-op on my birthday, 12/15, fun! It was a long day but it was nice to finally see that everything was going to happen for real! lol. I had my surgery on 12/22 with Dr. Titus Duncan, at Peachtree Bariat…

Hey everyone I've been banded since 8/25/2008. I've lost maybe 30lbs or less. My Surgeon Dr. David Kim in North Richland Hills Texas. I was really motivated before I got the surgery and seemingly lost the motivation there after:crying:. I joined this site with hopes of getting ideas to help increase my weight-loss and meet new people. Well, i don't have much to say...but if anyone has any ideas, websites...gyms recipes...activities..ANYTHING that helped with their weightloss journey....Please feel free to send me a message.. *:thumbup:Best of wishes to ALL who will be banded or thinking about the surgery...* Thanks!

Hi all - I am 34yrs old, I live just outside London and I am due to be banded on 21st January - scary :huh2:. I start my pre-op diet on Thursday, so I would be grateful for any suggestions of what to eat - is it totally fat-free, or are we allowed a trace of fat? I am really excited, but I am also very nervous. I have told very few people, but the ones I have told have been very supportive. I am looking forward to 'speaking' to you all and taking this journey with you. :tongue2:

Hello, I have an appointment with a local physician regarding the lap band. I am very nervous and skeptical about the whole thing. I just turned 40 and due to a medical condition I am a stay at home mom. Well.... I have gained alot of weight I weigh 214 lbs. I know I have to lose this weight for medical reasons. I need to get to atleast a healthy weight of 145. I had a friend who has had the lapband done about 8 months ago...she is not having any luck...and very very disappointed. She told me that she regrets it and has suffered from burning in her throat and constantly throwing up her food....this has really scared and discouraged me. I just want to k…

Hello everyone!! Happy Holidays to all. I am six months away from my surgery. The final straw that may me decide to get the surgery was my 2 airline trips(2008) this year. It was the most uncomfortable and embarrising for me (5'11'' at 370lbs) The seats are for 175lbs and I was not cutting it. "Enough is Enough... no more excuses or extra airline extension belts":wink_smile:

Hi I´m looking to get banded in January and I was so happy to find thid forum. I hope I can get some advise and tips from all of you who have done the band or are getting it. I have been thinking should I get banded or should I go for gastric bypass. But now I think I´ll go with the band. I would love imput on prices and If you have been to Belgium then I would love to hear of your experience there. hope to be getting slimmer with you all soon .... Thorunn

I'm having my Lap Band surgery on January 19th at St. Joseph's in Orange, California. I'm trying to lose 10% of my body weight before the surgery and I'm scared I won't be able to come close enough (I haven't cheated yet, though and it's been two weeks!). I think there are four or so thers on the schedule for that day..it would be cool to meet those people or anyone involved in the same Bariatric Program. Happy New Year to all of us taking part in this forum and much success in '09!:tongue2:

Hi all I missed the start of the 30 day challenge but I did launch my couch to 5k program this week. If you are not familiar, it is an interval training program that will have you running a 5k in 9 weeks! I completed week 1 and loved it! The workout is basically 30 minutes and you alternate between walking and running. Each week you decrease your walking and increase your running. I found a hip hop podcast that has great music and verbal prompt to start running or walking. I use the treadmill but the beauty is you really don't need equipment. Just go outside. Here is the link to the podcast: Suz's Couch to 5k Running Podcasts | Inside the Mind of Suz Here i…

Hi everyone.I just had my band put in on mon.12/21/08:thumbup:

Hi I am in Paris IL and trying to find a support group Like in Mattoon. They have one that is 1 1/2 hours away but I have no trasport to get there. Does anyone know one one close ? I have to got to 3 meeting before my surgery and I want to go soon lol Donna:smile:

Hi there everyone i am new to this web site and i just wanted to introduce myself. I am 26 I have had the band since i think it was may. I topped off @ 304 and i just went to the doctor and i was down to 234. I am soooooo excited but beleive me i want to lose more and more lol lol. well i look foward to meeting yall. :Banane20:

Hello All, I'm new here! I will be banded in March of 2009. I'm a little nervous, scared and excited all rolled into one. I've never had ANY kind of surgery so I don't know really what to expect. I've been reading the pro's and con's and I've also watched the surgery on YouTube. Any advice? My sister was banded 2 weeks ago. Thanks!

Hi! I'm getting super nervous. My surgery is coming up and of course I'm a little nervous about the Mexico thing. Also I don't have all of my financing yet and kind of a low credit score. Any ideas? Anyone been to Juarez? Thanks so much, Katie:redface:

My name is Brenda and I live in Arkansas. I have been to this site and have posted some pix but never formally introduced myself. I had my surgery a year ago today and have been ever so thankful ever since. My surgeons name is Dr Rachael Keilin (the best in the business). She is so kind and concerned. I have lost almost 70 lbs since my surgery with only 8 more lbs to go to reach my own personal goal. I am here to help anyone that I can because I know that this journey is not easy. I thought it would be much easier than it actually is but anything worth having is worth working for.

Hey banders! I just happened on this site by chance and I am so happy that I did! What a great support group you have here! I am getting my band on January 19 ( a very popular day! ) seems like it has been a very long road already! Seeing all the docs, nutritionist ( like I don't know what I SHOULD be eating! ), crazy doc (if you are overweight you must be crazy! ), the cardio doc ( now this one I was happy to see ). Finally I am here! yeah! I would like some ideas on shakes if anyone has any. I am happy to be here with all of you! Cara in KC:lol:

Over the last couple of years I've given thought to bariatric surgery, but thought it was too invasive. Now, after a lot of research, I've decided I want the Lap-Band. I contacted my insurance company, Care First, BCBS and they told me over the phone that they cover Lap Band, but I want to talk to someone else there. I live in DC and plan to go to George Washington Medical Center and work with Dr. Brody. I hear his bedside manner is rough, but he's a good surgeon and I want a successful surgery, not a friend. I have been in all kinds of programs, lost about 50-60 pounds, hit plateaus or just wasn't ready for success, and eventually gained it back. I'm 57 but every…

Hi guys! I was banded November 19,2008 by Dr John Baker in Little Rock,AR. I had my first fill yesterday(2cc) and am back on liquids(per dr's orders) today. I've lost 31 lbs so far. 15 while getting ready to have my surgery. I am so, so glad that I had this done, my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! I don't really have a weight goal, I've been overweight all my life so I don't really know what a healthy, happy weight will be for me. My main motivation is to be strong & healthy. Anything else will be icing on the cake!(Excuse my poor choice of words!:hurray:

I haven't talked to my physician yet and am wondering about lap band surgery. I have 100 pounds to lose and didn/t know if there was a certain amount of weight you need to lose in order to do the lap band. Is this procedure covered by ohip? any other info would be helpful. thanks

Hi everyone, I am relatively new here. I signed on a few times but haven't really gotten involved. I wanted to wait until my date was closer. Soooo....Insurance has authorized, I have pretesting on 12/30, start stage 2 diet on 1/5/09 and am having surgery on 1/19/09. I am so excited!! I would love to hear from anyone in pre or post stages. Happy New Year To all!!!!:tongue_smilie:

:redface:Hey, my name is Di and I have been banded 6 days now. So far so good and I know I have a long way to go. That's why I'm here. To find out from all the "experienced" banders out there all the in's and outs. I look forward to getting to chat with all of you. Di

hi everyone!!! my name is alison...i am 28 years old...i was banded on 12/2 by dr. hanna here in las vegas, nv. i dont feel i have been very successful thus far and am definitely down in the dumps about it...i am looking for some sort of support...preferably here locally, however via email or phone would be nice too...most of my family friends are skinny so although they are supportive, i just dont feel they can completely relate to what i am going through...i hope to hear from some of you soon!!! take care and good luck to everyone on their band journey!!! alison

i m having a hard time with smoking. can someone please help me? ive tried the patch twice, two different pills and gum,even cold turkey. i have been trying to quit for two years now. I have to quit now. Help.

Hello everyone. I have a question. I have been doing this for 3 months now. I'm done with my weigh in's with my Doctor and I saw a Psychologist and Jan 6 I go to see the Dietitian. My question is, is all the other lab and testing done before or after your insurance company approve you for surgery.

Hello everybody! I have luckily stumbled across this forum and I'm so glad I did. It seems nearly impossible to find decent, organized information about Lap Band on the internet. I have yet to start the whole process of actually discussing the procedure with a doctor, but I did ask my insurance (Kaiser) if it is covered. I've browsed the forums a bit and it seems that it is covered through KP. So now I am wondering what my first steps should be in the Lap Band process. What doctor should I talk to about this procedure? After that initial discussion I'm guessing I'd be referred somewhere. I'm just trying to get the gist of the beginning of the (what seems like a long) …

I am a 27 year old female who will get banded January 28th...right now I am feeling a little scared and excited! I have been big forever and I am ready to live happily in my new skin...I worried about the six week liquid diet, are you still hungry and will you be sore...how much weight will you really lose? I am 5'6 1/2 and weigh 260...Help friends!:hurray:

Hi, I'm Judy. :hurray: My banding experience begins January 14th. I'm stocking up on soup, clear juices, protein powder and yogurt (for later). I've been reading the forum with great interest and have learned a lot. There is one thing I haven't found yet and that is any discussion or recommendations for vitamins. I have always taken a lot of supplements and it seems now, more than ever, I should continue. Does anyone have advice as to products and their experience with vitamins? Thanks. :laugh:

Hello everyone, my name is Debbie and have been thinking about getting banded for about a year now. I am ready to really start finding out what this entails. I have been on weight watchers numerous times but always gained it back. Please let me know all you can about this procedure. Where should I go to look for a doctor in Monmouth County. All I have found so far are up north and from what I read I have to see this surgeon alot and I dont want to drive too far from my house. I will search this forum to find out what I can but would love to hear from expierience people out there especially in Monmouth County NJ. Thanks!:hurray:

Hello everyone: Banded Dec 22, 2008, . Dr. Scarborough I have lost about 6lbs. Was informed not to put fruits in protein shakes and I would see a big difference.......... :thumbup:

Hey All! My name is Mimi and I'm 19 years old. I will be 20 On Feb. 12th. After almost 20 years of obesity and failed diets, I have decided to make a BIG change in my life and change it for the better. I am getting banded on Jan 12 of 2009 and I am very very nervous, but sooo excited! I think is the best thing for me because i am young and I wont have to worry about being self-conscious for the rst of my llife. =) Those of you who have been banded, what should I expect. I'm so nervous!:thumbup:

Hello, I am looking for someone in Louisiana who has had the lapband and could tell me about their experience.

looking for answers from people who have had lap band surgery, and how it is going for them.:thumbup: