Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site and just wanted to say hi and I'm hoping I'll be able to get some help. I had my lapband put on on 10/30/08. So far I have lost 23lbs which is so awesome! Lately though I've really been struggling with not being able to eat like I used to. My Dr told me that all I can have right now is protein. That's not to hard to deal with it's watching everyone else eat whatever they want when they want. It's hard to cook dinner for my husband and my 2yr old without wanting to take bites and tastes of it. If any of you out there have any advice for me please help. I have no one else to talk to about it.

I have been diagnoised with Bi Polar and depression, anixety for 13 years now. I take my meds and I'm overweight. I also have diabetes, high cholestrol and asthma and reflux. I want to loose weight and I've tried regular diets but it never works. I have started the procedure. I just did my X-ray, Psh evaluation and deitician on Thursday. I'm just waiting to hear back from my insurance. I will be having the surgery in December 2008. I'm excited and nervous too. I have a lot of people supporting me and I'm ready to loose my weight. I'm depressed alot because of my weight. I love horses, me and my 10 year old daughter raise and train colts. We halter break them and get th…

Hello all. My name is Jessica.I just learned today that i qualify for the lap band and my refferal has been sent. I have been overweight ALL of my life (i broke a few strollers when i was a baby, and that was just the beginning). My current weight is 230 pounds and i'm 5'3 with a BMI of 41. So anyhow, i joined the site to get advice, and do my homework on what lies ahead for me. Any advice, or info is greatly appreciated!

Hello, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Cat, 28, single, a teacher. I'm being banded on Jan 6th, 2009. That's when our 6 week school holidays are. I work in the South Australian outback in a large rural town. I've been on a restrictive low carb diet and lost 20lbs so far. I'm on day 2 of Optifast. I have a goal of being around 225lbs/ 100kgs when the surgery is performed. I am very dedicated to the gym, also. I have been doing 3-4 classes per week for 12 months now. I lived in Nashville for 5 years, so I'd love to hear from any TN banders. Cat :Dancing_sorry:

Hello all, I'm very happy to have found this great site and to have joined. I am a 44 yr old female from New England and my BMI is 42. I have gone through the entire Bariatric program, locally. I am now scheduled to meet with the surgeon next week and will be about 6 weeks scheduled out at that point. My problem is that I have not yet made a decision about which procedure I want to have done. Lap Band vs. Gastric bypass. I do not really want the GB b/c of all the potential complications that can arrise and the nutritional issues as well. And so for a long time I had chosen LB. Then I came across some YouTube "failed lap band" videos and started getting nervou…

Hello everyone im 27, and i plan on having lap band surgery in january in mexico with dr. Ortiz, does anybody have any suggestions, on what i should do??

Hi there! Got my date Dec. 2! Anyone use Dr. Valin? and, how do I use tickerfactory? Thanks

Hi everyone, I am doing this rather backwards as I have already posted questions not realizing there is actually a way of properly doing this - oops! I am going to be booking my band procedure with Dr. Ortiz (my gal pal is also getting it done with me - I am trying to get her on here!) for early September. I wish I didn't have to wait so long but a new position at work means I have to delay it a bit. I am psyched and ready to go now but...I am sure September will be here before I know it. In the meantime I will try to continue to educate myself and prepare myself. I am really concerned about getting through the endless pre-op diet...I am a real emtional eater so th…

Hey all, this is the introductions page, so here I am. Delurking... I am 18 years old, 5' 5.5", 250lb, and I live in NE Florida. I have finished all of my consultation appt's, and my insurance packet was just sent out a few days ago (I think). My surgery date isn't set yet... I'm nervous, but I'm excited! I've done a lot of research. I will either be using Dr. Cywes or Dr. Baptista for my surgery, and I've been going to Jacksonville Weight Loss Center. Anybody recommend one over the other, as far as surgical skill & convenience of fills? I was a skinny kid, but from when I was 12 years old, my weight just keeps eeking and eeking up; at my heaviest I was 265lb. …

Hey Ladies! :tongue2: My eating has been way out of control lately! My first appointment is Tuesday the 19th I met with the Dr. and the nutritionist. I haven’t really thought much about it I am just going through the motions so to speak. Did anyone else experience this kind of ravenous like eating before surgery or before their first appointment? I am thinking maybe its nerves and some anxiety about really getting closer to making up my mind about surgery. I know I am not the best when it comes to expressing my feelings so I think I am eating as a way to deal… What about you? Any changes in eating patterns as you got closer to surgery:unsure:?

I am a 34 year old married mother of two awesome boys. I got my surgery date yesterday for December 23rd. I think it is an early Christmas gift. I have about 120 pounds to loose. I can't wait for my new life to begin.:tongue2:

Hi, Just found your site. I am waiting for surgery, Mon. Oct. 30th. Dr. Morton,Baptist Hosp. Don't have alot of info, trying to learn all I can. Looking forward to reading your stories and hearing how you all are doing! Thanks, Kim

I'm not new to this site I've been here for a few weeks now. Everyone seems pretty nice on here and I'm thankful for that. There's just one problem here, I have seen people from everywhere here except, TENNESSEE. Am I the only one on here from TN or what?:tt2:

I just booked my surgery for December 12th. I have been reading and reading. This is my first post. I am so excited yet scared at the same time. I know I am making the right decision.

Hello to all I'm a 56 years old, 400lbs guy who is currently jumping through the hoops in order to have the surgery. I'm scheduled for 1/26/09 if all the testing is completed by them. I don't mind saying that I'm scared to death about the operation and some of the tests performed. I keep going because I know that it will add years to my life . At least the quality of life will improve. I* will return. John

Hi Ladies, I know it has been a while between work and home taking care of my growing boys I haven't had much time to get on the computer. I just wanted to let every body know I got my date and I am sooo excited I will be going in on 12/17/2008. I almost went in to tears when she told I must say I was really hoping to bring in the New Year with my band and I am... So now I have to get my self prepared I have to loose 5-10lbs before 12/1 and then after that i will have to go on my all liquid diet. I would to get some advice on how to loose the weight and how to stay focused with the all liquid diet. Thanks Ladies:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

:blink:I don't know what to do. Just a little background I am 27, 6' tall male that weights 300 lbs. I run 3 to 5 days a week and lift weights 6 days a week. My lean weight is 230 lbs (body fat test). I am in law enforcement and the way things are going right now I have been chasing people and jumping fences about every night now. I have no problem catching people or getting over stuff. I am tired of being fat and went to my doctor to talk to him about Adipex and weight loss. The first thing he suggested was the lap bad. The reason I am having so much trouble is with my extremely heck tick life style I am lucky if I get a dinner break and I eat what ever I can g…

So are there any ladies out there who love the Maxiglide as much as I do? It takes 1/2 to 1/4 of the time it used to to straighten my hair. And the best part is that I dont need to religiously keep up with relaxing my hair because it comes out so straight and lasts for so long. I love love love this product and it has saved me so much money. The only downside is that with 3 women with shoulder-length hair or longer using it on a weekly-biweekly basis we burn one out every 9 months or so. But I will continue buying it because after a month the Maxiglide has paid itself off with the money (and TIME!!!) I'm saving from having to go to the Salon. So does anyone else us…

Hi everyone...I just got the Lap band yesterday and it went great. I feel minor pain and able to drink a little bit more. Yesterday I felt a bit tired and pain but now it is okay...I Pray the lord to keep guiding me in this journey of weight loss to meet my goal!!! Does anyone have any advice on what to expect while on this journey let me know..:thumbup:

Hello i was banded on 10/22/08 i have the realize band and i would like to know the difference between the two and how has weight loss been between the two thanks for any replies.

Hi there! I'm writing from Northern Virginia and was banded by Dr. Salameh yesterday. I am very excited about what I can accomplish with the band. My doctor is a dream. I am very dehydrated from the hospital stay and just doing my little sips of water and broth. My port site hurts and my tummy is a little distended, but I think I will feel much better tomorrow. I tried for more than a year to get coverage for the surgery, finally switched insurance companies and it happened within a month. I'm a happy woman. Bests to all, Carly

I'm 2 days post surgical. I feel pretty good, other than the pain in my shoulder from the gas. But, I am worried that I made a bad choice. I read horror stories on this website. Not losing weight, band removed, I can't help but think this was a silly choice of weight loss help. Anyone with positive results let me know.:eek:I am worried.

I've just been approved today by Healthlink after a 6 month physician supervised weight loss program. (You all know how THAT went, if I could do it THAT way I would have) and now I have to go on the liver shrinking diet. I"m seeing lots of different diets. All liquid, South Beach, or none at all? My BMI is 42, and Dr. said I wouldn't have to be on it a LONG time, but still. I have to meet the dietician on the 19th of Feb. Any suggestions how to get thru this part?:biggrin2:

Hi my name is Michele and I had the lap band three weeks ago and I have lost 21 pounds since then..Dr. Strom did my surgery and i could not be happier :thumbup:

I had the Lap Band surgery on October 16th at Hurley in Flint. My doctor was Dr. Farhan and he is a very good Dr. I recommend him to everyone!! I have lost a total of 26lbs so far and I walk 35minutes a day. I am excited for my first fill because I am starting to feel hungry and can eat more so I am nervous and of course I want this to succeed which it will but I also have my fears. My access port incision is hurting a bit right now but the nurses say that is normal and that is just settling in. I hope they are right!! I want to say hello to you all and good luck:thumbup: Kelly

I am new here I am having Lapband on Mon Nov 17th 2008 I am on full liquid and feeling blah need some support ....also I have a Quest "is tomato Soup ok"?? any help would be appreciated,..thanks! Bobbi Lapand 11/17/2008

HI, I HAD MY GASTRIC BAND FITTED IN EARLY JULY 2008, I HAVE SO FAR LOST APPROX 2 1/2 STONES BUT I HAVENT HAD AN INFILL YET, HAVING JUST BEEN GIVEN A DATE OF 26TH NOVEMBER TO BE " FILLED IN " THE APPOINTMENT LETTER SAYS THIS MUST BE DONE WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE START OF MY PERIOD, WHY IS THIS ? I CANT SEEM TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ONLINE, THANKS WENDY X X :thumbup:

I am early in the process of getting banded. I have had my required nutritionist appointment and psych appointment. Now waiting for insurance approval and hoping to have surgery scheduled on December 19th. I am going through True Results Weight loss in Houston, wondering if anyone else has used them. What can I expect (besides pre-op diet) between now and my surgury date?

Hi everyone, I am new to this site and joined because I am being banded in December. I would very much appreciate any information that will help me get over the initial nerves and also tips and advice for when I do get banded. I am 14.5 stone in weight and 5ft 3in in height. What can I expect to lose in the first year, realistically?

Hello! Cammafacation here but you can call me Cammy. I haven't had lap band surgery, but I am truely interested in it. :thumbup: I don't know anyone who has had this surgery, and I want to know what your challeges were? What was the worst part? Do you find that it works? Do you have more confidence? How much weight have you lost? And how long did it take? Just so you know me, I'm 26 and I'm about 150 pounds over weight. I'm 235 and I should be around 110 (well that's what doctors and stuff tell me.) However I would happy with 150 pounds. I've done so many diets you wouldn't believe. I've exercised and lost a few here and there but nothing real…

so... Im getting ready for my surgery (Dec. 18th) and Im on here just to connect and get some tips. Not good at boards so... HI EVERYBODY!!!

I am just getting started on my journey. I go to my seminar on Nov 20th. I am going to have my surgery with the Emory Bariatric Center. I currently have medicaid (peachstate) coverage and I really hope they cover my surgery! I am very encouraged after coming to this site and I am really glad I did!

My name is Michelle and I am just starting my process to get the band. The insurance through my husbands company is a bit crazy. They put you through about 3 times as much stuff as the clinic does to get the band. I have like 15 appointments with various people every month and I must go the gym 4 days a week no matter what. Even with insurace I will still have to pay like 9,000 :scared2:dollars so it seems unfair to be put through all this but, I figure they want to be sure we are strong enough to do this and want it bad enough to do this. Hey does anyone know if we can still get a medical loan to help with deductible? Just curious. I am doing this because I am diabeti…

Hi this is my first post I am in mo. 5 of my required 6 mo. supervised dieting I am down 30 plbs. and am very proud of myself but still am very determined to have this surgery as i was tipping the scale at 303 at 5'9 when i started this but hide it well I am however starting to get nervous about the denial thing i have done every test except my ekg which is next week. I am a planner so i would like to be prepared with an appeal for my ins. co should I be denied has anyone been denied by ghi hmo FHP in NY ?

I've been approved by insurance on 11/4/2008 and received my letter confirming it a few days later. I've yet to receive a call from the doctor's office confirming what I need to do next. I left a couple of messages but I've received no response back. What happened after any of you got approved by insurance? Did it take awhile for the doctor's office to get back to you?

Indeed, typically you do not lose as much weight with banding as with gastric by-pass, but I'm hoping you will help me figure out how to lose it all. Suggestions? Advice?

Hi all, I was banded 10/24/08. I lost 16lbs the first week and a half and now i am at a stand still. I wonder if anyone has experienced a slow weight loss because of the birth control pills. I will not have my first fill til Dec 4. But i am eating 3 4oz meals, sometimes a snack lots of water and lots of protein????? Any ideas:tounge_smile:

Hi, I'm new at this, have read many posts over the months, but this is my first post, so please be patient with me if I don't get it right. Since I was banded back in May 08, I had been in such a good head space. As as result, my weight loss has been fantastic, but I seem to be "loosing it". I had abstained from my trigger foods: takeaways, alcohol, potato chips etc. but they've since started creeping back, and my weight loss has slowed, though I'm still exercising. It's like they open up this insatiable abyss. The other thing is, my band is quite wide open for a bandit, but any more fill makes me so tight. My Doctor took out .02ml to loosen me up from being to…

I am considering Lap Band Surgery I have about 80-85lbs to lose and diets and excersise are not helping me as much as I would like to see. I have always had a weight problem and now I am getting to the point that I would like to consider doing this procedure and I was wondering if anyone could post what they feel about the procedure as a whole so I understand fully before making the choice to do this or not. Would you reccommend doing this would you not? Would you say you are reaching your weight loss goals. Is this painful does it prevent you from living your normal life for an extended period of time? If anyone can answer some of those questions for me I would love to…

Hi, I am still waiting to get banded. My insurance takes forever to get approval. I started the whole process in the Spring of 2008. Looks like approval will be in January 2009. Does anyone know if your hormones effect the success or failure with thye band? My hormone levels are out of wack. Also my thyroid is borderline. No meds, but I have Hashimotos, a thyroid condition.

I just had my lap band surgery on 10-30-08, and today was my 2 week post op check. I have lost 23 lbs!!! So I am off to a good start, but I have not had any "real" food yet. My Dr has said I can start eating some deli meats, cheese, tuna, eggs - It is slow going but so far so good. I basically wanted to go ahead and sign up and say hello - I am open to any helpful hints or words of advice

Hey everyone i am going to get banded this year, im self pay and live in chicago so if you know where to go for a good deal let me in on that ,im looking at 14,500 now. also Im 330lbs and concerned about my skin snapping back in my tummy ,my goal is 200lbs so hope i wont need a lift. im so happy i found this site to see all of your success and have support through mine. thanks... Julie

Hi: I've been banded for 15 months and have lost a total of 96 pounds. My last fill was in September and I thought I had reached my "sweet spot;" but lately I've been wanting to eat junk food. I haven't been on a scale because I'm afraid I've gained a couple of pounds. I'm scheduled to get a fill on the 20th, so I'll be okay through the holidays. My biggest fear now is keeping the weight off. My goal was to be down anywhere in the 190's. The last time I weighed, I was 199. I think I want to go down to 190 to be on the safe side. Wedell

Hi everyone this is my first time on the site a friend of mine from work suggested that I try it. Well.... I met with the Doctor and Nurse yesterday to start the liquid diet for 2 weeks before I have LAP-BAND surgery and today is the first day! I brung to work with me a huge jar of unjury (chocolate) .... That's it. Talk about nieve I am starving... I will have to do something and quick if I am to last 2 weeks.... Let me fess up to what I did eat I ordered Soup... brocoli/cheddar and a smoothie. when I get off today I will have to go shopping for broth... I need some help and experience what do I do!!!! and eat ....!!! to not be hungry. Thanks

Hi Friends! My name is dave, I was banded last Saturday, 11/8, in Mexicali by Dr. Aceves. Everything went fine I guess. I'm still on liquids and have lost 10 lbs. I'm very excited about this opportunity to change my life. I'm 41 years old with 3 kids and a wonderful wife. I've been a chef for 25 years so I think the hardest part of this will be staying away from bad (GOOD!) food. I think this is a wonderful forum and I'm very greatful to have found it and all the support and encouagement that is found within it's pages.

Hello, My name is Jennifer 27. Married to Brad 28. Have three kids. Alex 9, Nikolas 20 Months, and Aralyn 5 months. I have my consult with the surgeon in Jan. I was waiting for my insurance through my employer to kick in Jan 1 but I just found out that Medicaid will cover the surgery, so I might move up the date. Any help with how I would go about getting Medicaid to approve the surgery would be great! Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Hello I am new to this forum and have been reading alot of your post...I am from Louisiana and am considering weight-loss surgery I wanted lap-band because I am afraid of Gastric and my sister had it 3 years ago and lost and put back 80 lbs. The seminar has really discouraged me on the lap-band its like they kept on pushing the gastric..They basically tell you that if you don't have the will power now ,you won't have it then and how they have more complications with the lap band..I have struggled with my weight since my teens.....I need to lose weight but I don't want to risk my life to do it,if anyone has any info. please share it with me.... :thumbup:

Hello Everyone!!! I'm Jenifer and I was banded last Tuesday on 11/04/2008 in Mexico. So far I have gone from 305 to 277. I feel really good except for some nagging left shoulder pain. I am not really hungry except for priodically in the evening time. I start soft foods in another week and can't wait to eat a scrambled egg!!!!

I am considering the lapband with Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas. If anyone has used him or if you know anyone that used him for their lapband, please give me some feedback. I have about 70 pounds to lose.

so I am going to have surgery the second week in january and I am scared to death. What if this doesnt work either? I know that its not a cure tht its just a tool that is supposed to help me but if its up to me to make the right choices that is what I am scare about. The choces that I make have gotten me where I am now. I am scared that my relationship with food is too strong, I am scared of being thin, I keep telling myself that having the surgery is weak and I should be able to do it on my own. Only time and time again I have tried and failed. Please tell me that someone else out there has felt this way.:thumbup: