Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Howdy all, Just wanted to take a moment to say hello and introduce myself :biggrin: I've been overweight most of my life and after going through all the hoops with the insurance I was approved and had the surgery on 12/12 So far things seem good, the pains in the chest and shoulders are not as bad as i expected, but the contant presence of the band in my tummy is not painful but weird. :thumbup:

Hello to everyone on this site. I was banded on 11/3/2008 and have lost 38 lbs since surgery, 58 lbs from first weigh-in pre-op. I have my first fill scheduled for this Tuesday and am hoping (probably false hope) that my first fill will give some actual restriction similar to the first couple of weeks post-op. Looking forward to getting this weight off for good. I have had several bad things going on due to weight and some of these are already showing improvement, especially blood sugar control. I also see my cardiologist Monday afternoon and would not be surprised to see him doing cartwheels about me finally getting this approved and started.

Howdy all!! My name is Shelly. I just found out that not only has my insurance approved my LapBand surgery, but that I have my pre-op appointment January 8th! I couldn't be more excited!!!:biggrin: I am 41, married, with 2 children. I have been overweight since I had my first child, and after the birth of my second little one, the weight just piled on. I have tried every diet out there, even the really crazy ones, and haven't had much success. I am really hoping that by having this surgery, I will finally have the tools I need to become the person I want to be! Must admit, I am a little nervous however! :thumbup: Anyway, glad to be here! Happy Holidays! Shelly

Hello MY name is Darla I am new here on this site. I was just referred for lap band surgery by my doctor at Kaiser in so Calif. The same day that I was referred I got a phone call from a nurse educator to get some blood work done. I didnt get to speak to her unfortunatly because I wasnt home so she left the messege for me . I have no idea what comes next, it was suprising to me that they were already ordering blood work for the referral. I am currently 290 pounds with type 2 diabetes insulin dependent also on glipizide. I also have hypothyroidism and pocos and lymphodemia in my left leg. My blood pressure is not too high but not normal either. My cholestroal is high so …

Hello! I am Nicole and I was banded Aug 12 by Dr Joya in Puerto Vallart, Mexico. I live in Wa state. I have lost about 47lbs so far and have been at a plateau for about 1 month. Not sure what is going on....watching what I eat, working out definitly getting my H2O. Oh well, we all hit it at one point or another. It'll move again:) In the right direction.

I'm new here and looking for some lap band buddies... My surgery is set for February 10th, 2009 with Dr. Ikramuddin at the University of Minnesota-Fairview Medical Center. If you'd like to chat, check out my profile and drop me a line.:thumbup:

Hello all: (this may be a long one!!) =) My name is Jenn & I haven't been banded yet. I have been reading posts for a while, replied to a couple, but that's about it. These past 6 months have been weighing on my mind. Not to mention, going through hoops for the ins. (Cigna) LOL Also, should I tell my friends/family or not, etc. At this time, I have been approved & now waiting on the Dr to call back for the date!! I am 34 yrs old with one son (12 yrs old now). Married to a wonderful man of 15 yrs. After I had my son, I gained lots of weight - now up to 275!! Hello PCOS!! What I can't believe is that I was 175 at 9 months pregnant!! Now, thinking b…

Hello. This is my first experience with this website. I had my surgery three weeks ago in Fresno, CA and am looking forward to sharing information and learning from others. I have had no saline injected yet so am still feeling as hungry as I did before the surgery. Is this normal?

Hi everybody, I was recently banded on November 26 and have lost 18 pounds since pre-op diet. I am feeling great, except for a pain in my left side. It is almost like the cramps you get when you exercise, but just a little different. Has anybody had anything similar to this?

I an brand new, contacted NCSA and got paperwork, and now am waiting 6 months seeing PCP. Can some one tell me what happens next and what I am supposed to be doing while I wait the 6 months. I am Medicare and Tricare for insurance, 66 years of age, female and about 45 BMI. :blushing:

Hi, my name is Linda. I am just finishing a year long program to prep for LapBand surgery. During the summer I lost my husband of 38 years to a heart attack. I thought at first that I would just discontinue my program, I didn't feel I could go on; but I returned to my program after 2 months. I knew that my husband would want me to be healthy and not lost in grief to my detriment. I had gained 12 - 15 pounds very quickly after his passing. It was a real struggle to take it back off so I would qualify to be presented. At first I was very resistant to having to go through the nutritionist, physical therapist, psychologist, and support groups; now I am so thankful that …

Hi, I just had my lap band surgery on December 3, 2008. I'm feeling pretty good. I'm heading into the pureed stage of everything on Wednesday. I've lost 15 lbs already, so I'm pretty happy about that. Any suggestions of some good pureed food? I only have about 2 or 3 things that sound good. Thank you.

This is my first post. My surgery date is scheduled in a few days. I can't wait. I've been sticking to my pre-op diet and hating every minute of those chalky protein shakes, but loving the weight loss. My only concern is I've caught I mild cold a few days ago and don't know if that could affect my surgery. I don't meet with my doctor again until the actual date of sugery. I don't have a fever or anything, just some mild conjestion and coughing. I don't know what I'd do if it had to be postponed. I'm a teacher and I completely planned this around Christmas break. Do they typically go ahead with surgery if you have a mild cold?

Hi everyone! My name is P.J.. I live in yakima, wa and I was banded 5 yrs ago by Dr. Sanchez in MX. I was almost to goal and re gained my weight. Now to this day I am 10 pounds over what I was going in for my banding. I didnt know that over time I would need a fill. I thought once you get filled you'r good to go. I guess nothing is that easy. I was not given much info on bands ether. So instead of sitting on the couch and not caring about myself I have desided to do something to is good for me. That would be to get a fill. I am sooooo freaked out about needles but I am gonna put on my big girl pants and deal with it! :frown: I am a mom of 5 kids. 3 or my bio kids and 2 …

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum, but I love all the support it has to offer, I was up all nite reading all the posts, trying to help get my mind right for the surgery. I went to a seminar, in fact I went to 2 one in North Carolina where I now live and one in Virginia where I moved from. I have to 6 month supervised diet so in my mind I got time b4 the surgery, but the dr already has me set for psych eval on Dec 30, and a consult with him on Jan 6(whats the rush) . I am a diabetic type 2, and have struggled for years with my weight, I take insulin twice a day, and I want to stop. My pcp agrees that the lap band surgery may be a good choice. I think about the surgery…

Hi all, I will be getting banded by Dr. John Daly in Atlanta in February. I am so excited but also nervous the way everybody else says -- that I'll fail, regret it, etc. etc. I haven't heard a single person say that they regretted having the surgery, they always say they regret not having it done sooner. I am constantly motivated by seeing the success stories on www.obesityhelp.com and the Bandsters Yahoo Group. I'm hoping for more support and information here! -- Lex

Hello all I'm fairly new to this site but am so excited I had to tell about it, and hope it helps those who have not yet had their surgery and need encouragement. I just ended my 1 week post op visit. Since starting my pre-op diet on thanksgiving day. I have lost 24lbs!!! thats equal to most 2yr olds. I lost 11 pre-op and 13 since 12-09-08 when I was banded. I had second thoughts prior to this and difficult times this first week on my Clear Liquids, But this pay off makes me so happy that I have done this and am exited for what my new Banded future holds... Alei Starting 363/surg. day 352/ today 339.

I am scheduled to meet with my PCP on the 15th to discuss getting banded. I am hoping that it goes smoothly, my BMI is 43 & I have severe sleep apnea. My HMO is Kaiser in Portland and I haven't really been able to find out a lot about the process at the Portland Kaiser but I am praying for no hiccups. I am a former college football player that has packed on over 108 pounds over the last 10 years, which places me at 338. This is due to being unable to workout or be active due to injuries I sustained while playing. I am hoping that the weight loss will allow me to get active again, erase my apnea, and ease the pain I experience when my activity increases. Wish…

Hello All, I am 23yr old male from California who was recently banded on December 10, 2008. Only my bestfriend knows about my Lap-Band surgery, so I dont really have anyone to talk to or anyone that could actually relate to my situation, so I searched the net for a good place I could communicate with others who are in my same situation. I have struggled with my weight for about 10 years , ever since my grandmother passed. I have gone up and down in my wieght. At one point I lost 109 lbs in my junior year, only to gain them all back by my college graduation. After seeing my graduation pictures, and comparing them to my high school graduation pictures. I realized I cou…

Hi :wink2: My name is Alisa. I am 32 years old with 3 little ones at home. I am in the process of getting the band approved by my insurance (Cigna). Dec 19th will be my last visit with my doctor since he is a nutritionist too, I don’t need to join the weight watcher. I am also having my psychiatric evaluation on Dec 17th which they said it would take 3-4 hours. What do they ask you anyway? Why does it take so long? My questions for you guys that have been through this (getting insurance to approve). Do you think the insurance will approve me? My BMI is right at 40.5. I did not lose any weight with the nutritionist, instead I have gained almost 10 lbs due …

Hi All. I am super new. Haven't been banded but I have my 1st appt with the clinic Dec 16th. Looking to talk to people in the same boat or in Vt who have been to the one here in Burlington. Or just chat with anyone I am very friendly. LYNN

Hello! This is my first time posting, although I have enjoyed reading what everyone has written. I had lapband surgery on September 4th 2007. Dr Siddiqui at GoodSam Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. I've lost 74#. I had all flluid taken out of my band in November because I couldn't eat without throwing up and I had trouble drinking fluids. I had one cc put in a week ago.(Dec) I am having trouble with my will power and eating right.I really think it's emotional stuffing. :sad_smile:Still need to lose 45-50 pounds. HELP!

Hello All.. I'm new to this so be patient please.. I'm in the process of looking for a good Surgeon in Mexico. I have to spoken to one office I think in Monterrey Mexico, Has anyone been banded by dr. Arturo Rodriguez?

Any information anyone can provide on a speedy recovery would be very welcome! I am struggling with the liquid diet my doc. has every patient go on.. Slim Fast. But it will be worth it in the long run! Thanks! ~Steph:thumbup:

Has anyone been banded that has type 2 diabetes. curious know how its going. I'm type 2 and was told that with lap band surgery it will help and that I may be able to come off insulin, and also lower my blood pressure. I have no date yet, going thru 6mo supv diet

Hello everyone!! I am a 28 y/o married mother of 2 and have recently been approved for my surgery and have a date of January 6th. I have been reading this forum since I started my journey in October and felt that if I am truly to succeed with my weight loss I am going to need as much support as I can get so here I am :frown:. I look forward to being able to share my story with others and learning from anyone I can. I should prolly start with figuring out how to make a profile on this thing Thanks for reading!! Chrissy

hello all, although I am not new to this site I am new to this group. I am 26 year old nursing student who will be banded on jan 9th 2009. I am excited and nervous and am making improvements on my diet already. Would love some support. thanks all :confused_smile:

ok...i need some advice my husband is very scared for me to have this surgery. are any of you dealing with a very nervous family member that does not want you to do it. he is very supportive of my decision but i know he doesnt want me to do it. he is thin so i told him a thin person will not understand fully what an OW person is going through. i think he understands that i really want this, he probably just thinks it could have been done w/o surgery. i dont know how to make him feel better and i dont want his feelings to cloud my decision. my bmi is 55 o i know i need this. im nervous about the surgery too but im a high risk everyday. plz help

As my title shows I have 6 days before my surgery. Some people think that the holidays are not the best time but since I have 2 weeks off to recover it is best for me and to keep my secret from others at work. I don't think I was this nervous when I was married!! Will I succeed? Will I regret doing this? How much will I be able to lose? Will I be happy with my decission? QUESTIONS>>>>> I know I will be successful-But I do have to be honest. I hear stories and wonder. I look forward to reading possitive and helpful responses.

Hello, Everyone! I am brand new to Lap-Band Talk and am so glad that I stumbled upon this support group! I just received approval this past week and have been scheduled for surgery Tuesday, January 6th. I'm so excited and very anxious, too. I've been reading everything I can about WLS and along with the consultation I've had with my surgeon, Dr. Britt in Guntersville, Alabama, I believe Lap-Band is the best solution for me. I've been struggling with the guilt and emotions that by submitting to WLS, I've basically admitted defeat - that I am a failure at being able to control my eating. I have a successful career as an engineer, have a wonderful husband and basically …

:confused:I am scheduled for my surgery on December 23rd. Second week of Pre-Op diet (not going very well). First day was great, but every day since then I have cheated. I started the Pre-op diet on Tuesday, December 9th. I have committed to not cheating on the Pre-op diet starting TODAY!!!! After reading some of the postings here, I am now EXTREMELY worried about my doctor not banding me! I had an ultrasound of my liver a few months ago due to some blood work results. At that time they said my liver was "normal size". Do I need to worry?????

Hi all - I am considering lap band surgery, but at this point I know absolutely NOTHING about it. Hoping to use this site to do some research, chat with folks who have done it, find out the pros/cons, etc., before deciding what to do. Thanks in advance for any help or information! otterwench aka Sandi

Hello, I don't have a surgery date yet. My file went to them a couple of weeks ago. I have been torn about whether to have the lap band or RNY. What do you have to say? Of course each of us is our own different self, but in general why did you choose the method you used? I have been excercising, walking, regularly 2 to 3 times per week and increasing the time daily. I have a pedometer that records steps and miles but also time and steps spent steadily walking. Cool tool. I seem to be more inclined to excercise when I am challenging myself. I find that I enjoy the walks and am not inclined to talk myself out of them. Today I baked and found myself without even thinki…

Hi everyone. This is my 1st time posting. I was banded on 8-8-08 in Hackensack Hospital. Dr. Trivedi. So far I've lost 53 pounds. I'm very happy with my decision and I look forward to talking to all of you. I've been reading the post since 4-08, after my seminar.

Hi - my name is Becky. I was banded on May 26, 2008, by Dr. Bagnato in Albany Ga. Awesome man! My highest weight was 350 and right now I am at 255. Wish I had done this sooner. Good luck to all of you!

Hi my name is Jane, This is my first time on this site. I had my surgery 2 years ago. I lost 50lbs. and I have not been able to lose the rest of my weight. In fact I have gained about 8 lbs. I also do a lot of vomiting. Please help. I think it would help to have suggestions of what people eat at meals. Thanks for any help you guys can give me.

I've lost 16 pounds the first 9 days after surgery. I'm feel great!!!! I have more and more energy everyday and the satisfaction thing is great. I know once the swelling goes down I'll be more hungry and will have to withstand the pressures of eating but right now I'm in love with my realize band and my doctor is wonderful. I go back on Wednesday for my two week follow up.:tongue2:

Hello, I've been away from lap band forum for sometime now. I have been banded since 2006. I've had some ups and downs with the band, but I also have other isssues going on. I'm on medication for my anxiety and have put back on about 15 pounds since starting the meds a year ago. I just had a fill this past Monday, and now I'm back on track.... I hope I can make some new friends and I wish you all a very merry christmas. All the best for 2009!! Doriana (Toronto):tongue2:

Hello everyone, I'm new to this site, I just got banded on tuesday the 9th. I feel great in the abdominal area even being on clear liquids still isn't bothering me! but I have a terrible pain in my left shoulder even though I have been passing gas like mad. does any one know any thing I can do to help alleviate this? your comments and suggestions would be very welcome.:tongue2:

I am new to lap band talk. I have had my band for 13 months and have lost 75 pounds. I am interested to talk with others who have had this procedure done.

Hi everyone I just joined this forum, have browsed the threads and it looks great. I am from London, England and was banded on 6 November and had my first fill 2 days ago. I have lost 30 pounds since my consultation with my surgeon in August and am loving my band so far. I look forward to sharing experiences with you all. Sue

Had surgery 15 months ago at NYU medical center in NYC with Dr. Kurian. Lost 50lbs without much life style change however starting to exercise and make other changes to lose the next 50.

hi I'm new here my name is Liz and I'm 21 i just got my surgery date for Jan 9th i cant wait!!! my biggest goal is to be able to fly in 1 seat i have no clue what weight that would be i have been overweight since pre-school i also have asperger's syndrome a form of high functioning autism wich has hindered my ability to relate to people(ans feel the related social pressure) as you can see i am an open book sorry if tmi

Hi every one............ My name is Lori. I have been investigating the lap band surgery for a while now. I know all the authorizations that are needed to before I actual made an appointment with a surgeon I talked to my primary doc, my Psych doc, my therapist and then I went to a seminar on the subject. I was 100% sure that I wanted the lap band sugery before the seminar, But when they showed a graph on the differences between the lap band or the by pass I almost changed my mind and was willing to go with the bypass. So on my regualr monthly weight check-in with my regular doc we talked about it more in dept. During the seminar they gave statistics on the health beni…

Hi, my name is Amanda and I live in Brisbane – Australia. I have just found this website and I must say how nice it is to see so many happy and friendly people. I am 41, a mum of 2 (toddler & baby). I am going to get the best Christmas present ever. I even decided to have the op done before Christmas so that I was well on my way. I have always been big, but of late it has really bothered me. I have missed out on so much and do not want the next twenty years to be the same. I look at my children and know how much they need a healthy parent. So not only am I going to benefit they will too. We all will as a family – how cool is that. I am looking to being part of thei…

Hello everyone, I just discovered the site today. It's so good to find such a supportive group. Cheers, Aussie

I have been considering and researching the gastric band for just over a year. I kicked the idea around a little before then but thought it was cheating. I read a lot of personal stories about people claiming to have tried everything before concluding that surgery was their last best hope but I couldn't really relate. I have never tried diet pills or amphetamines, fad diets, or weight watchers. I mainly have just struggled with balancing eating with exercise and so far have failed repeatedly. I was one confirmation phone call away from starting down the lap band path, but at the last minute I had some doubts. 1) If I can't manage eating and exercising now, what w…

Hi People, Just a quick intro about myself, I live in Australia and I was banded over 6 years ago, am on my 3rd port, had a few ups and downs on the journey but have never ever regretted taking the plunge. I started off at 104kg and am now at 68kg, never felt better or dare I say sexier. My self esteem has risen and with it my interest in how I look, clothes no longer have to be the "hide within variety", close fitting and a little daring are the go now, those baggy T's make wonderful dusters. For all of you who are starting out, just take one day at a time and enjoy the kgs disappearing, hurdles do come but we have to remember our goals and that they are obtainable. …

I am new here just wanted to say hi. I was banded on 11/06/08 by Dr. Schwartz in Tucson and have really had no problems. I have lost 18 lbs which feels great! I am still having trouble figuring out my meals ( what I can and can't eat versus getting all my nutrients ). I am working out 4 to 5 times a week and it's working great. So far I feel I made the best decision of my life!!! :wink:

Good Evening Everyone: I've begun my journey into this world of lap banding by attending the required seminar, filling out the vast amount of paper work, PT visit, Psych eval, and my dietician and blood work are scheduled soon. I want to learn all I can about the procedure, what are the pros and cons and what I can do to have the best outcome possible. I realize this is not a diet, it's a tool and there will be a lot of work on my end but, it appears, with the right attitude, it can be very rewarding. I'd love to hear your experiences. What advice would you give a new person? :rolleyes2: