Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Good Morning Everyone: I was wondering if anyone is from St. Louis, MO and if anyone has had surgery with Washington University Physicians, specifically Dr. Chris Eagon or Valerie Halpin? Dr. Eagon will be my surgeon and I'd like to hear what the experiences have been. Thanks Cheryl Elizabeth

Hi...This is my first post. I have my first appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mn in February. Has anyone else gone to Mayo? I turn 50 in March of 2009 and have been 100 lbs overweight for so long. I have decided it is time to take hold of my life and start feeling better...any advise?

I was banded 5 days ago in SC. Been a little sore around the port area, but it seems to get better each day. Lost 8 lbs. so far. I found this site before surgery and it was very helpful with my worries about the surgery. So much useful information. Hope to make some friends here:smile2:

hello all, I am glad to have found this resource because I haven't told anyone but my husband about this surgery. For whatever reason, I've chosen to keep this private. Maybe because I work with all women. Anyway, I had my first "solid" food today which was an egg. I have had nothing but slim fast since Nov. 21. Thanksgiving was awful, but that's in the past now. Thanks for being supportive! a new me

Hi all I am new here and newly banded. I am from kentucky and would like to say hi and hopefully learn how to make the most of my band from these forums.

hii myy lovelyy peoplee so i have a question i had my band on novemeber 24 and after a week i went to my dr and he said i lost 10 pounds yayyayayay butt my scalee at home saiid 15 so i was kindaa bummmedd does anyone know from experience what scales are actually accuratee and plzz lemme know cuz its a whole 2 3 or 4 pouundss differencee thankss a lott :rolleyes2:

Hi All, Im a newbie to the forum although ive been reading the posts has a guest for almost a year now, Ive decided finally to sign up lol too this great forum. A little about me, Im a man in my early 30's been over weight most my life weighing in at around 297lb/22stone? Ive tried so many diets in the past that have never bought me lasting results, so I have been interested in getting a lap band done after reading an article about it in the papers... which lead me to do some research on the topic which in turn lead me here to this forum:cool2:. At the moment im trying to save really hard for the Op has I will be self funding The doctors Just brushed the idea aside …

Hi everyone- I have recently started researching the lap band, and I feel this is the right choice for me. I am 27 yrs old, and pretty much have been obese my whole life. Like most of you, when I say I have done everything I have. I have gained and lost 80lbs a few times, took the pills, joined the groups and such. I remember being 7 yrs old and going to kiddie weight watchers. I am a nurse by trade and have done my research,and even spoke with collegues of mine. I am going to a orientation next month at Umass weight center and also have a appt with another surgeon that seems highly recommended. I have seen my pcp, and I have my referral in place. Spoke with my insurance…

Hello everyone, My name is Jody and I live in Burns, OR. After reading all of your wonderful posts, I decided it was time for me to say hi. I've just finished all my pre-surgery stuff and finally have a date...it's Feb 11th. I am so excited. My husband and I are having the lap-band done together. That way we can be on the same level of eating after the surgery and support each other too. I look forward to any tips you can give me, especially after the surgery. The meal plan afterwards looks like is going to be rough. But we are ready to make a change and do the work. talk to you soon, Jody

I have been reading all of the support on this site, and it is great!!! I am going for my first visit with Doctors that are going to do my Lap Band in the second week of Jan. I am excited and scared. I am very worried that I will fail like I have so many times before. But I am ready to try with everything that is in me to make this work!!!:cursing: I am glad that I have found this site and I feel Like it will help me with the support that I need. I have never used the net for stuff like this before so I am not sure all the ins and outs, but I will learn....:rolleyes2:

Hello to everyone. I am 29 years old and I have an awesome supportive husband and 3 beautiful children, two boys and 1 girl. They keep me pretty busy. I currently (about a week and a half ago) went to the doctor to inquire about the lap band. At first I was skeptical and basically kind of scared, but I have been overweight all my life, I have high cholesterol and very high triglycerides and I realize I need to do something, for me and my family. I want to live to see them grow and get married. I have Kaiser Insurance, and I have been approved for an orientation next week, and from there they will let me know if I am a good candidate. I am praying I get approved. My B…

Hello All!!! Greetings from beautiful, cold Ohio! I will have my surgery on December 27th, and I can't wait!!!! Just like many others.. I've been on diets all my life. I loose weight, then I start to feel hungry, and just want to feel full...and one thing leads to another.. then I figure that it's just not worth a diet. I'm an elementary school teacher, and will be banded over Christmas break... and haven't told anyone about the surgery. I can't wait for my Gift of a new start... Health!!! I need to loose 80 pounds to reach my goal. I'm rather big boned.. *yeah.. I know what you are thinking... but I am .. really** Anyway.. I've been reading many posts, and sooo…

Banded 11/13/08 Dr. Victor Gonzales Well, I just wanted to say that after getting banded 4 weeks ago I'm 15lbs down and 53 lbs to go. I just can not believe it! I have gone on so many diets of course and have never had this kind of success. My co-workers have notice my weightloss so I'm very excited that I had this procedure done. I would encourage anyone that is thinking about having this surgery will be very pleased with the results. Just Do it!

Hello, my name is Laura and I am having my surgery on Dec. 22nd. I know, right before Christmas...but this is my Christmas present to myself and my family. My insurance did not cover the surgery. Which is interesting since I am a nurse and you would think that medical employees insurance would realize how much money they would save by covering this surgery. I look forward to learning so much from everyone.

Hello all. I attended my first step today which was the informational at st. lukes hopsital in NYC. After hearing the pros and cons of WLS I think the lapband is the safest. I am concerned that I wont be able to loose 100 pounds w/ lapband. They said about 50% of the desired weight loss. Any thoughts? success stories?

:wink_smile:Hi All, I am in the process of applying for the band via Tricare. I had my PCM put in my referral yesterday. She said I was an "ideal" candidate. Call me crazy, but that made me smile. First time being heavy made me ideal for anything! I was so glad that she feels as though I can do this and Tricare will approve me. She said it she has 4 woman who have done it and they are doing wonderfully. No problems and swear it is saving there lives. I am so looking forward to the change. I am 225 pounds and only 5'1. I am a size 22-24 and I am only 33 yrs. old. I want a different life. My husband alternates between wanting me to lose and saying I am fine. Now I am do…

Hello everyone! My name is Andrea and I'm a newbie here. I'm actually meeting with my surgeon today to discuss my weight loss surgery options. I'm very nervous/excited to hear what he has to say. I'm currently 24 years old, 5'5" and 264lbs. From what I've read and heard I should make a good candidate for this surgery and I'm hoping that my surgeon feels the same way as I've tired WW and Curves programs with no success. I'm really hoping he'll have good news for me...think of me today :tt1:

Need support had surgery on December 2 and cheating already. Start soft foods three days ago and ate a kit kat today. Read a msg from one of the members on this site and know how serious it could be for not following doctors instructions. So I am on it I called office and they told me not to worry and keep going back on my liquids. I went to Dr. Rodriguez BeLite Weight at Hospital Angeles.:wink: Excellent care and beautiful facility.

:wink: Hi I 'm Jenny and I live in Queensland Australia I had my lap band done in May this year everything went fine with op and post op. The only thing is I am not loosing my weight as easy as I thought I eat small ammount as told. I am working long hours and do not get a lot of time to exercise can anyone give me tips on in house exercise I must admit I am loosing hope as to reaching my goal.

Hi my name is Geri I live in AZ. I'm single and 43 and I was banded on Dec. 2ed and things are going well, except having a hard time drinking and eating enough for a change...lol Just had my follow-up appointment today and lost 10 lbs since surgery thank goodness:-). I have been reading some of the posts and apprechate this site and everyone who encourages and informs the group, it makes this decision not seem so unusual, that the skinny population who really don't understand. Anyway getting ready for christmas and enjoying my daughter and grandson:-) Thanks:biggrin: Geri

Hi everyone. I'm new here and am planning on going to the Bajanor Center in Tijuana. Can anybody give me their input on any exprience they have had with this place and also if they have lost weight? Even though I just joined I have been reading many posts for a while now and it is very encouraging to me. It's nice to know it works and that there is a chance for me to lose weight. Hope to hear back about this. Thanks, DJ

My surgery is scheduled for 12/29, I am having it done by Dr. Martinez (co-surgeon of Dr. Ortiz) at the Obesity Control Center in Mexico. I am a little nervous about having it done out of country but so far every review I have found this clinic has been very positive. I have been on a liquid diet for 4 days now and am starving but have already lost 4 lbs. My twin sister is also getting banded with me so I at least have some company... :wink:

Hi, I am newly banded (8/27) and decided I needed to meet some new folks and get some support instead of watching "I love Lucy" reruns. I am struggling a bit emotionally after my surgery. I ready Kahliah Ali's book "Fighting Weight" and thought it was fantastic. I passed it on to my brother and hope that he will consider the surgery in the future. I am an avid scrapbooker and have been photographing the entire process, including everywhere but the operating room. I had a vena Cava filter inserted before my surgery due to a history of blood clots and the radiology team gave me a photo of the inside of my vena cava. It was really crazy! Anyway, just thought I wou…

Hi, my name is Valerie and I had my surgery on December 1. I am feeling sore still in one of my incisions, but I think I'm mostly on the mend. My worry is that I don't seem to feel any restriction when I eat. I was on liquids for a week and now I can have mushier foods. I try to limit what I eat, but I don't have any real guidelines from my doctor--like how much I should eat etc. I see him on Tuesday, the 16th, maybe I will learn more then. I went to several seminars before my surgery, but not with this particular doctor. I finally chose this doctor because he was closer, but maybe I should have gone with ones farther away. They seemed to offer so much in the way …

Hi everyone I am new here. I was banded on october 22. To date I have lost 25lbs. I wanted to know if this was an average weight loss ? I did not have to start a liquid diet until the day before. I am very happy with it so far just thought I should be losing more ? Would appreciate anyones feedback , thanks .

:embaressed_smile:Hi just signed in today and I am having surgery tomorrow with Dr. Atkinson here in Las Vegas, NV and am super nervous. Looking forward to meeting and talking with you guys good luck to you all and Happy Holidays! Deniece

I am new and I wanted to share a little about my story I have been overweight most of my life I have a BMI of 35.6. I went through all the pre-op testing and my doctor submitted everything to my insurance. Well today I found out they denied me "not medically necessary". I guess I am not sick enough or heavy enough for them. Well they have no idea about the pain I have in my feet and ankles. I also have high cholesterol and arthritis. Well I cried most of the day today because my isurance denied me. Thank god I am married to a man that adores me and he hates to see me in pain everyday and he especially hates to see me cry. We called my doctors office and we worked …

Hi All, Wanted to introduce myself to the group! I'm starting my liquid diet tomorrow which will last about 2 months with my surgery some time in February - date to be set in January. I have to confess I'm terrified of failing -- so many diets, so many pounds lost AND GAINED over the years. I figure this is my last shot & need to give it my full focus. Wish me luck...

:tt1: Hi, I am new to the site and want to get the lap band done, however a little concerned as to how effective is it.

Hi everyone! I am a 30 year old female living in Seattle, looking to get banded closer to summertime 2009. I've been thinking about weight loss surgery for probably 5+ years, and now that I finally have health insurance that covers it I'm actively WORKING towards the lap-band procedure. A year ago I went to a seminar and learned quite a bit, enough to realize that I'm more of a lapband candidate than a gastric bypass candidate. That seminar was a year ago and I've had a last good "go-round" with food, topping the scales at 323 last month! I have had the discussion with my primary case physician and she is absolutely wonderful about this idea. She is happy with m…

Hi Everyone! I'm new to the site and looking forward to getting the lap band around Feb/ Mar 2009. I want to start preping my liver, and wanted to know if anyone can recommend a good product to help clean the liver and get it ready for the operation. Any suggestions on protein shakes and where to buy them would also be appreciated... Thanks, Mich-

I had banding surgery six weeks ago. I lost approximately 15 pounds. I just had my first fill. I look forward to getting this weight off. I felt nauseous and sore for two days afterwards. Guess that may be normal.

Hey My name is Jenna and I live in Connecticut. I am thinking of getting banded but I havent spoken to my Doctor yet. I made an appointment with her for next week but I am so curious about the band and the results of people who have gotten it done already. I am very overweight and I have been my whole life. I just want to be healthy and comfortable with myslef. Two people I know had it done and have had great results. Can anyone tell me more or give me some advice... Hope to meet everyone! Jenna ~

Hello, I'm annieo, I am just getting to go for the lapband surgery. but i'm looking forward to the results. I had my first meeting this week and I felt like this might work for me. Is there any advice for someone who is where I am at just getting started? One other question is there really a difference in the 2 types of bands. What is the popular vote?

Hi Everyone! My surgery is scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning. I have been reading this site for a couple of weeks now and I am very impressed with the sharing of knowledge and experience. I will be looking for recipes to get through the liquid stage. I am excited and feel that everything will go well. Over the past 2 weeks I have lost 18 pounds and I have quite a ways to go. Wish me luck tomorrow.

My name is Stephanie but most people call me Steph or Steffie as you can see from my user name. Tomorrow will be one week since my sugery. I am hoping to lose about 50-100 pounds to get back to my high school weight. I work as an emergency dispatcher for my local sheriff's office and hope to complete a degree in Criminal Justice so that I can work for Child Protective Services as a case worker. I also collect several toys from the 80's most notably My Little Pony, Care Bears and Cabbage Patch Kids. Anyway Nice to meet all of You!!!!

im tommy from nj im new my surgery is 1-07-09 i cant wait

Hello. I am new here and am just trying to decide whether to do this surgery or not.

Hi...I just began the process this week. I've attended a 2 hour informational seminar, met with the exercise consultant, nutrition consultant, had my psych. eval and met with the surgeon. Lots of information to take in all at once. So my question for all of you new-B's...have you read all the stuff online and then met with the people involved and found out that the diets and what you can and can't eat don't match up to what you have read? Love to hear some feedback! Janiebean:thumbup:

Hey Everyone, Im a 23 yr old female, im 5'7 and around 290lbs, I have decided that I not only want but need weight loss surgery. I meet with my surgeon tomorrow, and i am both nervous and excited. Im hoping to hear good news bcuz I have completed all requirements that my insurance company has but I know this can be a difficult process. Wish me luck!!!! Smooches, Deirdra Simone'

I am new to this forum. Just looking for information on how LapBand has worked for others. I think this is the option for me and am looking for a doctor in Maryland. If anyone has a recomendation, please respond.

I was wondering, as I hope to soon be on a liquid diet, while you are consuming only clear or thin liquids, are your bowel movements pretty liquidy also? I can only assume they would be but would not look forward to that. :tt1: Is that how it is?? Inquiring minds want to know :tt1: Kim

Hello all, I'm having my surgery today, and it's 4:45am and I am quite nervous and can't sleep. I'm very glad that I joined this website because in reading so far, it has decreased my anxiety. :tt1:

Hi, I just learned about this site from a friend at work. I am planning on having lapband surgery in the beginning of February. I am very excited. I just started my 5th month of preband dietitian appointments and will meet with my surgeon on Jan 5. I hope to meet many new people with similar interests on this site. Kathi :tt1:

Where do I start. I guess to just jump in with a robust HELLO! I'm 57, weigh 341# and have been gaining weight steadily for the last 2 years. Lots of factors: closed business of 30 years, moved for first time in 30 years, a series of 2 HORRIBLE, stressful jobs (have a great one now) and finally a fall in April of 2008 (I actually tripped over a speed bump in the parking lot of costco while trying to walk and get my membership card out at the same time). I landed almost entirely on my right knee cap. Didn't break it, but might as well have for all the pain and damage it caused. Flash forward to November 2008. We've farted around with PT etc. and nothing is helping. I …

Hi, I was banded on Dec. 5th. I still can't believe I did it. I weighed 205 and am 5 feet tall. I had my surgery at Shelby Medical Center in Alabaster, Alabama.

My surgery is scheduled for 12/19/08 and I am getting nervous as well as excited. I have been working toward this for 18 months due to my employer changing insurance co's in the middle of my efforts. But I am finally here!! Hope to learn a lot from you guys!

I had my lap band put on 3 weeks ago yesterday. I am down 40lbs since I started actively sticking to a food plan and increasing my excersize, (July 2008). I am just hoping to connect with other lap banded folks in Seattle in order to gain support around my future plans. Specifically I want to see if people are into work out partnering, lap band folks who are also in recovery or for Jewish lap banded people who want to do Shabbat meals. Looking forward to hearing from people. Thanks in advance.

Hi All, My name is Jess (my online alias is Sylina) and I finally got my banding date today. The 15th of January. I'm honestly a little bit scared, but mostly really excited, can't wait to be on the way to the healthier me. Anyway I would love to here more from other banders out there as I don't really know anyone who has this done. Syl!

Hello all! I'm new to this site and am seriously considering lap band surgery. According to the charts I'm about 100 lbs. overweight. Ive had an initial consult with insurance administrator and attended a support group meeting last night that was suggested. One of the folks there mentioned this website as being helpful! The potential surgeons are with The Weight Loss Clinic in Harrisburg, PA (Dr. DiMarco & Associates). Appreciate any information anyone is willing to share! By the way - I've had my large intestine (colon) removed due to ulcerative colitis but am told I would still be a candidate. I believe they are suggesting lap band versus bypass surgery. So…