Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I had my surgery at The Cleveland Clinic on October 29, 2008. Awesome experience - great Surgeon - Dr. Matthew Kroh. I received my first fill on Dec 1, 2008 - I think 3cc's. I am wondering at what level of filling the band do you really feel the restriction? So glad to find this web site with the forums!!!! Awesome to have support! Molly:tongue2:

Hi all I am new to the site and I am 2 weeks pre surgery. I am afraid that since I have failed at all weight loss attempts that I will find some way to mess this up, but I am going to try as hard as I can. I have about 110 lbs to lose and like most all overweight folks I want it to happen over night while I am sleeping. I am very interested in what has worked for others. I have already bought some Injury Protein shakes and they taste fine. I haven't tried the chicken Soup yet but will soon. I am planning on going on liquids a little earlier than my doctor said (I will start 10 days in advance of surgery instead of 5 days) in hopes to set up for the 'in hospital' gains I …

Went in at 210 (after required pre-surgery weight loss) and came out at 228. I am now back down to 211. They told me it was gas, but it's ironic to drink only liquids and gain 18 lbs. Not an auspicious start! I'd love to heard if anyone has any savory (not sweet) Protein shake recipes. I don't really like sweet foods, so the 3 days of 1/2 juice/1/2 Water were hard enough -- I don't know how I can stand 11 days of sweet shakes! Everything is fine and I am healing well and not having a single health problem, so I probably shouldn't be complaining...

Hi Community, I am excited about getting the band, lots of participation. If there is one thing that anyone could tell me to make this surgery better, what would it be? Hope everyone is doing fine and accomplishing your goal. Make it a great day!:angry_smile:

Hi there.. found this site by accident... but here goes: I was banded in August 2001, OMG.. has it been over 8 years?? where did the time go? Where did the fat go? It hasn't been easy.. nothing worthwhile ever is. I have had NO complications... knock on wood. I started over 400 pounds... 413 ... the number escapes me now... I don't like to think about it. I lost weight... did I lose all i wanted in 8 years? funny you should ask.. in 2001, my goals were different. I wanted to be thin.. in the 100's... normal! Funny thing happened along the way.. I found out that normal is not a number on a scale. I had a handicap placcard.. I walked with a cane, husband pushe…

Hi I'm Marily, I think I said it all in the title. I have not had any surgery yet, am still thinking about it. I am 66 years old and am not sure if I can have it done at this age. I have to lose at least 100 lbs. Will be looking around all the sites looking for answers to my questions.

Hello all i am getting very interested in lap band surgery, but have a question on insurance. I have Lineco ins. just wondered if anyone else has this and what you had to do to get approved?

I wanted to say how much I like this site about. It's just what I was looking for just lapband info. Reading other LBT's is so encouraging. Just wanted you all to know I read so many, that it keeps me motivated. Looking forward to WLS by end of January.:angry_smile: All the best, CeCe

Hi just got my lapband on 11/21/08 and I feel as if I had nothing. As a matter of fact I am already eating solid foods without any restrictions - more so testing myself. I realize I shouldn't do that but is it just because my band is empty? Has anyone felt like this at the beginning - I feel really good, surgery went great, and I am healing wonderfully but as far as my stomach it's like it was before surgery unrestricted!!

Hi all, I am scheduled to have band surgery on 28th Feb. I have decided to tell noone except my daughter as I am not confident that people will be supportive. I am so pleased that I have found this site. I think I will need the support and it is so great to hear that everyone is happy with their decision to have a band as I am starting to wonder what I have done!!!

My surgery date is 2 days away and I am still smoking - I tried and tried but no success. Everything else is going well, pre-op diet, tests, insurance approval. I tried Chantix and I am currently reading Alen Carr's book... should I postpone my surgery? I guess I have to call my surgeon to discuss. Sorry everyone, I guess I just needed to purge the stress.

And, so, another 'newbie' here. I've been working towards a January surgery date...having to dance the 'two step' for Aetna to meet all of their requirements. Thus, they thought I should diet another six months and see my PCP monthly just to say I've dieted, I guess. Strange, haven't we all spent our lives fighting the battle? Regardless, we'll see what happens in the coming weeks. My great doctor at Baylor Col of Med in Houston was the one who twirled around on his little black stool and said, "I'm recommending you to our bariatric surgery team for Lap Band. If we get the weight off, many of these health issues will go away." I was in shock! But, I've seen the entire tea…

Hello everyone! I'm new here -- I've made up my mind to get the LapBand. I have had my initial visit with my doctor and am looking at a surgery date of approx. Feb/Mar timeframe. I'm really excited. I appreciate any and all advice, tips. thanks.:angry_smile::laugh:

Hello everyone, my name is Mona and had no idea there was this lapband talk.... I wish I could've registered some time ago. I had the lapband done in July 2008 and have lost 42 lbs. I've really slowed down, I've never gotten a fill but have notice I've really slowed down on my weightloss. Am scared to get a fill, what do you all think??:angry_smile:

Hi, my name is Wendy. I live in Montana and was banded on Dec. 2nd by Dr. Elizabeth Martin. I have shoulder pain that is quite bothersome at times. I actually went to the emergency room on Saturday because it was so bad. They did tests and determined the pain is caused from a pocket of gas between my liver and diaphram. I look forward to being part of this lapband community. Have a great evening!!

Hello all! I am brand new to the site and a 3 week bander. I am so excited to find a site that is full of different kinds of people all here to support and help one another!

Hello Everyone, My name is Shannon. Iam 34 and I have been a complete yo-yo dieter for the last 10 years. In Aug of 06 my highest weight ever was 276. And in Sept of 07 I was at the lowest and can remember 201. I did it all myself with alot of walking, b12 shots and pushing away from the table and driving past McDonalds. Well today (Dec 9,2008) believe it or not I am back up to 245. I cant beleive how easy it is to go back and forth. Well I have talked and read about the Lap-Band for about 5 years now. I was going to try and get the gastric bypass but my insurance at the time denied me saying that if I got all the correct paperwork the would approve the lap-band. Well gue…

Greetings. My name is Jon and I am from Merritt Island, Florida. I am 36 years old and am currently 5'8" and 280lbs. When I was younger I had no issues with my weight - then again being in the Marine Corps reserves and full time with the LAPD tends to keep you active enough so that it's hard to put on weight! Since I left California and moved back to Florida I haven't been nearly as active and put on a lot of weight. Being a desk jockey doesn't help that much either, nor does working 16 hour days. Recently my position at work has changed and I am only putting in 8 hours a day, so now is the right time to take it off! Both my wife Sonya and I will be getting banded o…

Hi there! I am so excited my PCP just emailed me that he sent forward a referral to the Kaiser Bariatric group. Now I have to wait to see if they approve me for the program. One hoop down a few more to go unfortunately with Kaiser. Wish me luck!

Hello, I'm RJD and I was just banded 12/2/08.:wink_smile:

Hello, I'm new to this forum I was banded Nov. 14,2008. I get my first fill Dec. 15. Looking forward to getting good information and give any that I have learned so far. Julia of AZ:rolleyes2:

Brent Andrews band date is 12-23-2008 Dr. Ara Keshishian from Central Valley Bariatrics in Delano, CA. Start pre-op diet today. I am 6-5 and weigh 370 I can't wait to drop some pounds!!:wink_smile: I am a type 2 Diabetic and I take mass pills everyday!! I can not wait to stop taking the pills

Hi, Is there anyone out there who is hypothyroid and has had successful weight loss with the band?

I am considering getting banded in Detroit, MI and I live in Oregon. What have others done regarding their post op appointments? I can't afford to go to Detroit again. :thumbup:

Hi, I am Linda Harrington I was banded on 11/6/2008. So far I have lost 20 lbs. I was 185 when I went for my pre-op and I am now 165. I was originally 190 lbs but my insurance made me lose some for a six month period and I was at 185 when I actually had the surgery. I am 5'1", 61 yrs old and "was" diabetic. I have gone from over 60 units of insulin per day and 4 metformin tablets at 500 mg each to 0-4 units of insulin and 1 metformin in the AM.:wink_smile: My surgeon was Dr. Ken Hollis in Houston TX at True Results. The surgery was actually done at Memorial Hermann in Houston. I am really happy with my surgery and I am so glad I had it done especially for the…

I had my lap band done 10-6-08. I just had my first fill on Thursday (12-4) and so far so good. I've lost 12 pounds so far. Glad to have someone to talk to about it!:wink_smile:

:biggrin:Hi, I'm 16 months post-op as of tomorrow. I have lost 107 pounds and have gone from a size 26 to a size 6 pants. My lapband is the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I would love to chat with others who have a band. Gayla

Hi ladies!! How is everything going? While this is a wonderful time of year in some respects it can be a very stressful time of year. How are you all doing? Holiday shopping done? Still need some last minute items? Any upcoming changes?

Hey there how are things going??!!:wink_smile:

:biggrin: Hi, I got my band on Halloween 10/31/08. I have been reading a ton of info and found out about LapBand Talk in one of my books. There certainly isn't many books about banding especially about living with a band, the first several adjustments, lifestyle changes, managing challenges, and most importantly the psychological impact of having a band. The best book to cover this that I found is: "Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band" by Robert Sewell, MD, and Linda Rohrbough (copyright 2008). The 2nd best was written by Khaliah Ali (Muhammad Ali's daughter). Other than those two the rest are dry, boring or really out of date. So I am hopeful to hear…

Hello my name is Brent and I go in for the Band on 12-23-2008 I am starting my pre-op diet tuesday the 9th and was just wondering what to expect my dad thinks I am going to be able to come to his house for Christmas Eve I told him yeah right!! anyway I am 6-5 and 375 pounds my Dr. is Dr.Keshishian at Central Valley Bariatrics info on Dr. follows. Has anyone had this Dr.?? Thanks Brent:smile2: Ara Keshishian, MD, FACS Operations Performed Duodenal Switch open and lap Adjustable Gastric Banding, Lap Band Revision of Weight Loss Surgical Procedures Advance Laproscopic procedures Education Surgical Residency St. Joseph Mercy Hospital-Oakland …

My surgery date is December 16. I am excited and scared and have enjoyed reading all of the insight from this site. thanks Rebecca

Does everyone, or mostly everyone, have to see a dietician for 6 months prior to their surgery? I have seen a lot of posts about this. And if you are required to lose a certain amount of weight before being approved by the insurance co., doesn't that give the insurance co. a good reaon to deny you? Because you lost weight?? :sad_smile: Kim

Just putting in a post. I was banded on November 18th. Made it through Thanksgiving without too much of a problem. I was still a little sore so I wasn't that hungry.

Hi This is my 1st time on web site. My journey started Oct 10. I"m scheduled for Lap band Dec 15 by Dr Thomas Sonnaatine @ Tristate Surgical Wt loss center. I'm looking forward to it!

Hi everybody, My name is Cali and I'm from Kansas. I'm 23/f and am a full time nursing student. I had my consult today and my surgery is set for December 22nd :thumbdown: I am extremely excited but scared about all the changes. Like I am sure some of you, I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. Because I dont have diabetes or hypertension my insurance wont pay for the surgery, BUT I finally have the money to pay for it I love meeting new people and would really like to talk to any of you about life, the procedure and just about anything else so hit me up already! Have a blessed day! Cali :rolleyes2:

I was banded on 12-2 and it has been 5 days since I could have liquids. By day three I was feeling a little better but having some pressure/ pain/ nausea that I wasn't sure about. I found this site and read some threads and I'm pretty sure its a combination of gas and hunger. By today its been better, not as much pain, but I'm sooooooooo sick of liquids. I am supposed to meet with my surgeon on Wed. (8 days after surgery) and can start pureed / mushy foods then, which I'm looking forward to. But to be honest I wouldn't mid having just plain food- in small portions of course. But I'm looking at this as my Christmas present to myself, because I've has thousands of me…

Hello my name is Ashley, im from houston Texas, im 22 years old and a mother of one (daughter 2yrs old) i was banded on june 16, 2008.. My Surgeon was Dr. Robert Marivn. since june i have lost 62 llbs!! .. I have never been this small before as an adult! I feel that i am on my way to a better more confident me! IM LOVING MY BAND!! Plenty of people told me to do gastric bypass... because i wouldn't loose alot of weight on the lap band system, I was very nervous about that.. but it seems to be working out for me! i would love to speak with anyone that was banded in june of 2008 to see how the progress is going. Not to say i don't want to talk to anyone else, because i …

Hello All.....! I am scheduled for lap band surgery next Thursday, Dec 11. I've got to tell you that I'm nervous and confused. Not about the surgery itself but the amount of protein I'm expected to consume. My surgeon's nutritionist tells me 3 days clear liquid after and then day 4-7 are full liquid days. I'm running around trying to purchase products prior to surgery so as to not burden my family. I did not have to go on a pre-op diet. Any suggestions.. I've never used chat rooms or bloggs before either. Thanks!

Hello All---I am Colleen from NY. I was banded on 4/5/2007. I was 239.5 now around 179. I have a question about "sludge" and how it is so freaking annoying. I can take a sip of liquid and feel my "sludge" build up and eventually build up so much that I have to get rid of it. However, I can eat garlic knots or something similar and they go through with no feeling of building up. Any thoughts?

So I went to my first visit on Dec 3rd. It went well untill I got the news that I was put on a trial period for 2 months. I was hoping the process would go a lot faster. I have to lose 10 lbs in two months. I'm good at short term as far as losing weight. But long term is my issure. The reason for me deciding on getting the surgery. Oh well did anyone else get put on a trial preiod in order to approve surgery? Tell me your stories and if you reached the goal of losing weight brfore surgery.

Hi, I'm Carla. I am three days post op. :thumbup: Today is the first day I have really felt like getting online or doing much. I am a 35 year old Transplant Coordinator and very nervous about if this will work for me or if in a year from now I'll just look back and wonder why I mutilated myself. I am a rule follower so I'm sure I sould be successful at first. But I'm also kind of all or nothing which is I think the primary reason sustained weight loss has been so fleeting in the past. I can't stand to watch another minute of TV-IT's ALL About Food!!:girl_hug: Funny I never really noticed that before!

Hello everyone! My name is Jeremy and this is my first post! I am in the process of finding out if I am eligible to get the Lap Band and am very excited. I am full of questions regarding what to do and what to expect, but for now I wanted to introduce myself. I am 24 years old, live in NYC and I am obviously over weight and diabetic! sooo this process is huge for me and well, I'll be back to bother you all later j/k! lol Peace!:thumbup:

I am having lap-band surgery 12/17/08. I am super excited to get a NEW lease on life. I am 33 and have acquired a few health issues. I am ready to finally lose the weight I have fought my whole life. Out with the old and and in with the new life.

Has anyone used Maximum Greens for more nutrients after getting banded? the protein is great but I'm wondering if I shoud be getting better all around nutrition. I just have 4 more days on post surg liquids before I go to mushies next week.

Hey ladies, I have been a fool lately going into various stores and looking at all the cute little outfits that I will be able to wear soon hopefully. I've been haunting Filene's basement, T.J. Maxx, Macy's and NY & Co to name a few. What stores are you looking forward to?

I need to hear positive about my soon to be doctor. I have read all the negative but I need some positive. Can anyone make me feel better about my choice? He is so well qualified I really felt great about him, then I let the negative writing come into my head. Please help!

I just had surgery on Dec 4,2008 and I am not sure if I made the right decision or not. :girl_hug: I am experiencing a lot of nausea and pain I do not know if I can get through all of this. :thumbup:

Hello Everyone I am a new here and feel confident and encouraged because this is a community of people that have and are facing the similar goals, challlenges, lifestyle changes, and accomplishments that I have achieved. Congradulations to all and Blessing to each of you who have had and are having the band.:thumbup:

Hello, I am planning to get the Lap-Band and I would like to hear your expirences and would like to know if anyone out there can help me find a good doctor in the Inland Empire, Ca. Please help!