Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am a newbie from South Australia. Have just come back from seeing my lap band surgeon, Mr Justin Bessell. Surgery is set for 18th December 2008. Am nervous but know this is the correct decision for me. Have found some good info on this site, and will be looking for more :grouphug: Patsy

Hi - I am from San Diego and had my consultation yesterday (Wed) and rec'd my date today - Oct. 21!!! That is only 3 weeks away! Next week I go to have a few tests. I will be on a two week fast. I am so excited and nervous. I will have my surgery at UCSD w/Dr. Horgan. I met there staff and they seemed very nice and supportive. Has anyone used them? TIA

Had the procedure down at University of Illinois a week ago, and so far, so good. Also had a hiatal hernia done at the same time, so I guess I've got one more little smile line than most of you, but healing is going great. Went to work last Sunday morning two days after surgery, which probably wasn't a genius move, but I had lots of help and so I basically got lots of brownie points and had folks say, "What are you doing here? Go home!" I'm one of those weird people who actually kind of enjoyed the liquid diet, so that got me off to a fast start that I kind of hate to slow down. Big news is, diabetes meds including insulin- DONE. I'm cruising at 11o mg/dl doing not…

Hey all! I am a virgin to this site....I just started my pre-op diet today and will be seeing my surgeon on 12/6 (Eric Smith, D.O.). I think he has been absolutely awesome and would highly recommend him. Just wanted to say "hi" to everybody and please offer me any advice that you think will help. I am just now ordering the Protein stuff and getting used to what I will be eating and finding out what is good now. I am all open for suggestions and anything you guys have offer. I am really excited about bringin' "sexy back!" Talk to you guys soon!!

Hello Everyone, I am new to the site and just wanted to say hi to everyone. I was banded on January 24th. at Kaiser in Harbor City and my doctor is Dr. Zane. Prior to starting the classes with Kaiser I was 316lbs. and currently as of today the 11th of June I am at 251.5lbs. :cool2: I originally was going to get the Gastric Bypass but upon researching online the various options, I found the LapBand was better for me. I hired me a personal trainer at the gym and meet with her twice a week and twice a week I workout by myself. I attend the support group Kaiser offers but almost everyone except for 2 of us had the Gastric Bypass. I would like to see if anyone knows of a su…

First consult: 11/06/08, got surgery date yesterday: 01/14/09... all I've had to do is produce 5 years of records showing my weight problem and that's it... no psych eval, no song and dance with the insurance company, nothing. Why is this going so easy? Is my insurance really good or something (blue cross blue shield federal)? It just seems like everyone else's experiences were made a lot harder. Kinda puzzling.

Just got banded on 11/17:smile:

Hello everyone! I'm a 26 year old female in Huntsville, AL. I had never considered weight loss surgery in the past, but a visit to my OBGYN this week scared me enough that I've decided I need to do something drastic and take control of my life. Here's my story. I was always the "fat girl" growing up. My mother was always on some crazy diet, and she needed "moral support", so I usually got roped into the fray with her. When the diet fad of the month failed, we would end up gaining more weight. What a vicious cycle. When I started college, I weighed 190 pounds (at age 17!!). By the time I graduated, I was at 265. In January 2007, I topped out at 320 pounds. My back hurt, …

Hi, I'm new I have been on this voyage since last November when I attended a seminar, than went home and thought about it till about June and then went through the 6 months insurance deal and now finally the surgery is set for December 11th and now I need to start the 10 to 14 day clear liquid diet- eeks! if I do the 14 day i start it n Thanksgiving. Oh well I guess there is no time like the present to stop associating the holidays with food! Anyway does anyone have any hints on how to survive the Clear liquids? Thanks Jamtte

see what you think i just started so check back for more! thank you! I did this for me! A Story of a Realize Bander...

Hi ya'll. I am 38 years old, and I am 340 pounds, really beginning to freak out. I am having surgery at UT Southwestern in Dallas Texas. Dr. Revis is performing the good deed. I am really beginning to freak out a tad. Did I mention that already? I am a smoker and quiting is the hardest thing I have done. The Dr. is requiring me to quit and be smoke free for a minimum of 4 weeks. It sucks, and I am beginning to wonder if I will fail at the true life change ahead of me. Just looking for some words of encouragement, anyone out there been through something similar. I also have twins... boy & girl who turned 1 on 10/6, and a 3 1/2 year old boy. HELP....looking to …

yes i have had the lap band before but it had to be removed becouse of sliping and i need it done againg . the frist time i did not have a good doctor he made me fil like i was a dispoment:sleep: every time i went to see him . so i just ask him to remove it my starting weight was 210 i went down to 176 :tongue2:now i am biger them i have every been at 230:frown:

Hi All! We are all here for the same reasons therefore we should back each other up right? I am in need of some guidance, advice, anything. I am 23, BMI of 50 and am ready to gain control of my life via the Lap Band. I have done a lot of research and have a lot of support from my medical team and family except my Husband. He was where I am at now but has lost about 80 lbs since our wedding 2 years ago. He believes in me and thinks that since he lost the weight I can too via his methods. As much as I have tried, he does not know the struggles I personally have been through. My Psychologist and other medical professionals in my life all support me and believe this is my l…

I have my first appointment with the surgeon tomorrow after being referred by my primary care physican. I am so scared that he is going to tell me no, that I am not a good candidate. And maybe I'm not...I don't have any serious medical conditions at this point, just a serious family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, & heart disease. I just can't seem stop/control my eating anymore. I was on Weight Watchers a few years ago and lost 120lbs, but have since gained it back. I am turning to the lap band because I cannot forsee struggling like this for the rest of my life. I am mentally exhausted and depressed about getting up every day hungry and trying desperately …

Hello, I was banded on 7/31 and have lost about 30lbs. I am thrilled! I have slowed down in my weight loss but boy is it great to fit into those clothes in my closet that I had grown out of!! I don't even need to go shopping, just unearthing things I had completely forgotten about. This sure is fun heading down the scales instead of going up, up, up.

Hi everyone, I was just cleared yesterday to have my surgery.... haven't decided when I want to have it done. I am hoping either late December or waiting until January. I am really excited, but scared to death about the pain that will come with all this and the possibility of losing people around me. I met with the therapist and she said that it is a very strong possibility that people either don't want to deal with what your going though or the jealousy factor of losing so much weight so fast. Has anyone else lost people due to this?

HEY EVERYONE I WAS BAND 6 DAYS AGO YAY ME!!!!:w00t::w00t: I HAVE BEEN DOING OK BUT THAT FIRST DAY AFTER SURGEY WAS A TOUGH ONE:scared2: I JUST KNEW THIS WAS NOT FOR ME AND I WANTED THEM TO FIXED ME BACK:scared2: THE PAIN WAS UN REAL. NOW I CAN TAKE PAIN IVE HAD 2 C-SECTIONS:sneaky::smile: SO IM GOOD WITH PAIN.. BUT BABY THIS WAS DIFFERENT. BUT THE NEXT DAY I WAS BETTER I WAS ABLE TO WALK AROUND THE HOSPIAL AND WALK TO MY CAR WHEN THEY DISCHARGED ME SO I FELT MUCH BETTER SINCE THEN I WALK EVERYDAY WITH MY MOMS TO THE STORE, UP THE BLOCK SHE JUST GETS ME OUT TO WALK. HERES MY PROBLEM i have a wedding to go to on saturday and that will make 1 week and a day post op:laug…

Happy Thanksgiving!! I just found out that my insurance will cover my surgery, I have had all the test (and passed them all)! Turned in all my paperwork now I am waiting on a surgery date. I know it will be after January 1, 2009, but at least I'm getting closer!!!YEAH:thumbup:

Hello, I'm sem1126, I had my surgery 5-29-2007, my starting weight was 252. my body mass was 63.7 which is a lot for my 5'4 frame. I have gotten down as far as 206. but I had some events in my life that has made me make some bad decision. My husband was mobilized for 2 year and then my child left to attend college out of town. I was alone and i started my bad decisions (as far a eating) now i have picked up 30 pounds. This is not the best introduction, but i seeking help to get back track in getting this weight off. so i will be waying for your encouragement on my journey.:laugh:

On the 5th of December I will be banded and I am looking forward to it. Anyone out there that has had the band recently have any suggestions on what to do the days before the surgery?

Hello Everyone, I have lurking on the site off and on for a while. I am in the presurgey phase of all this and really starting to get frustrated. My insurance requires 6 months dr supervised weight loos. I have completed 5 months - haven't lost a thing. I really think it is kinda crazy they require that. shoot fire, if I could loose weight when ever I decided I wouldn't be in this shape. :laugh: So, what have you all done to keep going at it and not get frustrated with the whole process. I am also trying to take in the whole site and it is almost overwhelming! There is so much there and I am afraid I will miss something! Any suggestions as to how to use the site would …

Hi there, I'm Andrea and I had my lapband removed in September after complications with reflux and inability to keep anything down. I had it for just over 2 years and lost a total of 70 pounds. I'm extremely depressed. I have been gaining weight like crazy. I've gained 20 pounds. For the last 6 weeks Ive been doing weight watchers and still gaining weight. I'm eating healthier than ever. Did anyone else have such a huge weight gain? Any suggestions?

Hello everybody, I am getting my band on 12/9 two weeks from today. I am a little nervous about the band, I have read forums like this one but what can I expect after the band. I just weighed in at 487lbs I am 6'1" tall, and I have been over weight all my life. I understand that the band is just a tool to help me loose and keep the weight off. How long before you start to see the weight come off, and what can I expect each month. My other concerns are the surgery it's self, how long before your back to work or able to move around. I have had my gallbladder removed in 2006, and I was only down two days. Can I expect about the same from the banding. Any inform…

I had my surgery on October 17, 2008. I have lost a total of 20lbs. from the beginning of the pre op to now and I am frustrated. I had my first fill on Nov.17th and I still feel like I am not losing anymore. I have 3cc in my band now. Has anyone experienced anything similar to this and if so what did you do? I would also like to get one of those tickers at the bottom of my entries that keep track of my progress. Can someone tell me how to get one of those?

Hello, I just had surgery almost 2 weeks ago Nov 13th starting weight 198 and now I weight 190 lbs Although I feel great but I just need more items to eat besides cream soups and beans. Can someone please give me more food choices for the next couple of weeks until l am ready to start eating regular food.

Hi! I was just banded 11/20. I know one week before Thanksgiving, what was I thinking! Trust me, it was the best thing for me. My surgery was done in Jacksonville, FL by Dr. Cywes. He is a great surgeon it took less than 30 minutes and I had a hernia he had to replace. My insurance (BCBS) made me do a 6 month weight loss program so I started my weight loss back in May. My original weight was 297 (WOW! looks much worse when typed out!). My weigh- in at my surgery date was 271, and Monday 11/24 I was 264. The weight is coming off, mostly Water weight I hear, but still the pain and nuances of my body are not fun!

Hi, I'm Jim. I got banded on Nov. 21st and am still a bit apprehensive about this whole "journey" thing. Considering what was done to me, I can't believe how good I feel. I've only been nauseous once, and that was in the car on the way home from surgery. My largest incision is pretty tender, especially if I cough, but the other four are really no big deal. I have this odd cramp/air bubble kinda feeling in my left shoulder/chest, but they told me to expect that. I'm hardly taking any pain meds at all, so overall I can't complain. They did tell me, however, and I would not experience the sensation of hunger for about a month after surgery. What a crock! I was hungr…

Hi. My name is Laura. I am 26 years old and had my band placed in October of 2007. I have lost 55-60 lbs within the last year. It took a long time but I'm getting there.

Hi - I have just started my process and am wondering about other North Carolinians. What is your story? I am going to Hickory for my education class on June 10th. Very excited about having help to lose weight and love the success stories. Please share yours....

Hello all. I've been meaning to get on some forums but I've just been so busy with life. I'll start with the basics. I'm Bill (or Billy). I'm 25 years old. I've been overweight all my life (atleast ever since I could talk. . . grandma and mom loved feeding me bisquits and gravy!). Anywho, this year I got married and my wife and I found out we were having a baby early this year. . . she's due NEXT MONTH!!! (SO EXCITED!) So after I found out the good news, I started researching weight loss options. I've never wanted to lose weight more than I do now. I want to be an active and healthy father, and be here as long as I can be for my wife and daughter. With that …

Hello, i am in the process of lap band have been to therapist and doctor now to diet specialist, than insurance company for approval, i amkeeping mu fingers crossed.. Does the optifast diet before surgery taste good.. Sure hope so.. If not any ideas on how to make it taste better..

Hello All! I'm new to this site, im scheduled to have my banding done on december 4th 2008.... My surgeon is dr sarker (loyola) i would love to chat with some people, thats been through this already and/or preparing now for it.....

In May 2008, I had lap band surgery. I have lost 30 lbs. I moved to CA 3 months ago and have lost only 3 lbs. since the move. I know I am eating too much at each meal and have found myself getting into chocolate too many times. I have not had a support group and feel the need to reach out for support. I have developed sever deteriation in my right hip. I will need to have total hip replacement after the first of the year. The constant pain and limited movement have also been a big problem. I hope to share experiences so I can quit feeling sorry for myself.

Hello Everyone!!! My surgery is scheduled for 12.17.08 and I am really excited and so ready to make a change in my life! Any words of advise are greatly appreciated... I am new to all this... so be nice!

Hello I'm new here, started the journey towards LB surgery back in October and finally got my consult scheduled for next Thursday the 20th. If all goes well, I could have my surgery as early as April or as late as May. The sooner the better! I'm a bit nervous and scared while being excited at the same time! I'm a single (widowed) mom to 2 boys, 10 and 8, and the last straw for me was when my 8 year old got into a fight because some kid on the bus said "Hey your mama is really fat." Being the mama's boy he is, he dove right into the kid, who was about twice his size. I decided then and there that I'd never be an embarrassment or cause for them to need to defend me ever a…

Hi, my name is Gayle and I've been thinking about the lap band for some time now. I am 36 and live in Houston, TX. I have always fought with my weight and it is a major issue in my life. I am not sure where to start getting information. I have been to a seminar on the procedure but it was a hard sell type. I want research it from beginning to end. I want to be sure about my commitment to the process and procedure. Where do you start??

Hello- My name is Rhonda and I live in Central Illinois. I've been overweight for quite a few years now. I attribute gaining my weight to- quitting smoking, being on anti depressants for PPD. I've tried everything to loose weight. I have no will power. I always think that if I can quit smoking, I could quit eating. I really need advice. I don't know if the lap band is something for me....if I could even qualify or afford it. Can someone please help me w/ the beginning phase? Thanks so much- Rhonda

Hi, I am Fran from CT, in am scheduled for surgery on Dec 3rd. I was to have surgrey on Nov 10th but it was cancelled due to illness, bad cough and the Doc said it was bad idea to go ahead with surgery because I would hate life for obvious reasons. I had to follow a pre-op diet of liquid protien for 2 weeks. I did ok the first time...lost 19 1/2 lbs in the 2 weeks. Now I am on the second round of the 2 week pre-op and having a hard time with only liquids. To top it off, I have to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my family and cant eat a thing. I am looking forward to not having food control my life. I am still coughing so I pray that in 10 days this cough will be gone.…

Hello .. Doctor will talk to me about surgery on Dec 10 then I guess its just opick the surgen????? Iam in Nova Scotia Canada and dont think there are any here . I will probably have to go to toronto? anyone on this site from down east? would love to talk with you ... good luck to all .I cannot wait to get it and have someone of a life back:rolleyes:

Hello! My name is Melissa and I'm hoping to have Lap Band surgery in January or February 2009. After several information sessions and meetings, I met with Dr. Davis's office at Valley Hospital in NJ. I started the 6 months of weigh-ins in August and will be done January 7, 2009. I'm 24 years old with a BMI of 49 and 115 lbs to lose. I'm scared, excited, nervous, thrilled... etc... I also have PCOS which hopefully will be alleviated through weight loss. I'm submitting to the Horizon BCBC NJ approval process in January, and I pray I get approved! I don't really know what to expect during the insurance approval process. My worst fear is to be denied after all of t…

Hi all I am new to this, I just attended my seminar and have my consultation scheduled for Dec. 3. I have many questions about the whole process, my biggest concern is insurance coverage. My insurance company has a lot of requirements in order to have the surgery. I will let everyone know how things are going after my consultation.:laugh:

Hi my name is Shannon. I was banded 4-8-08 and had a revision for a flipped port in July. I have lost 52 lbs since post op and hope to keep losing! Through all the trials and tribulations this is the best decision I have ever made for myself!! Keep up the good work everyone!:laugh:

Hello everyone! My name is Dianne aka skeeterbait8 and I've made up my mind that it is time for a change in my life that will be here to stay. I atteneded a seminar last week and liked what I heard. Now it is time to really get serious with putting back some extra $$ so that I can take the second step toward getting my band. I know that it will only be a tool to use, but one that will help me more than anything else has ever done. I'm now 54 years YOUNG. Married, 3 grown kids, 2 grandsons, 2 step kids and 2 step grand kids. Other than my husband and family my other great love of my life is riding my ATV. That is the one thing that I refuse to let my "size" put a stop to…

Hello everyone! I am a new member...and a recipient of the gastric lapband on November 20, 2008. It has been a rough four days......but I am feeling better today.......:thumbup:

Hi. I'm new to this site. Found it by accident. It's taken me a year to make this decision, but I finally did it in September. I have had my psych eval., sleep study, several consultations with my surgeon, Dr. Christine Edwards and two meetings with the dietician. I'm hoping to be banded in January sometime. I've been doing a diet for about three weeks and trying to get used to less food. I've lost about 9 lbs. so far. I joined to get some ideas, advice and just hear from people that are in the same situation that I am in. I have support from home, but not a lot. I have two teenage boys that eat well and a husband that has been thin his whole life. I haven't told…

I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be banded in January '09. One of my favorite foods is sushi. I know that everyone is different, but I was interested in finding out how other sushi lovers out there are making out with being banded and swallowing, not only the rice, but the seaweed wraps? Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hello Everyone: On 1 Dec. I have an appointment to finalize the date for my labpand surgery. I am very apprehensive about all of this. There is no doubt that I need to do something. I am 100 lbs over weight. In the last 2 years I lost 60 pounds only to gain most of it back. I think to myself, I can do this on my own, but clearly I can not. I want to be around for my wife, kids, and grandchildren for many years to come. AT 100 pounds overwieght, I know I will not be. I am worried about what will happen after the surgery and when I am back on "real" food. The worry is that I was raised and eat spicy foods. Being of Mexican and East Indian descent, curry and chiles ar…

Tomorrow is my big day. I am not quite nervous , more excited. Pray for me.:laugh:

My name is Matthew LaFountain, it's nice to meet everyone. I am the owner of Mid Michigan Medical Travel Agency LLC and I help coordinate international travel for individuals seeking medical treatments not covered by their health insurance. Many bariatric treatments can be obtained affordably at some of the world's best international hospitals and Mid Michigan Medical Travel Agency LLC is here to help you gain access to the procedures you need. For example, a highly accredited hospital in Brazil offers the LAP-BAND system $6000-7500 (USD). A Mexican hospital which is part of an international chain of hospitals and clinics based in Texas offers gastric bypass surgery f…

I have a surgery date Dec 5. I was surprised to find someone to do the surgery. I am 5ft 2 inches tall and weigh 160 lbs. I am very excited.