Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello Everyone: My name is Yvette, I'm 29 years old, live in the South Florida area and will soon be having LAP BAND Surgery. My first consultation with the surgeon Dr. Matei will be next week November 19th. I'm ready to change my life for good. I've tried every diet, weight watchers was the most consistent diet and one that I did the most. I actually lost almost 40 pounds with it, but then gained them back. I know that LAP BAND is right for me and although I'm anxious about some of the things I've read about it, I see how successful it has been with others and feel that in the end this is what will help me be who I want to be physically. I want to be healthy and liv…

I HAD MY SURGERY nOV. 21ST AT PALMS OF PASADENA HOSPITAL IN ST PETERSBURG FLORIDA BY DR REHNKE DOING FINE EXCEPT FOR WANTING TO EAT CAN'T GET A FILL FOR THREE WEEKS DON'T WANT TO GAIN BACK WHAT I HAVE LOST ..........:rolleyes2: GETTING WORRIED ANY SUGGESTIONS.

Hello all, Got a Notice saying I haven't posted in 30 days :thumbup: , so here I am still searching the forms getting all the information I can and might I add there is a lot out there . Just wanting everyone to know that I am still here even though I don't have much to say :cool2: I am still with you whole heartly.To everyone thank's for so much information that is given so freely you all just jump in to help out when someone is in need and I really admire that .:w00t: Francine :eek:

Hello all! I've been lurking:peep: here a few months and decided to join. I feel like I have so much in common with many of you already. BTW-I'm married, 49, 3 kids, 1/2 hour North of Pittsburgh. Today, I'm in need of hope/suggestions! I've just started this process so I'm at the :confused:"Head spinning Off-Insurance maze-Where do I begin to scale this wall" :banghead:stage. I want to start out right on this forum, so I'll post my details and more questions under the insurance sect., but let me tell you in a nutshell why I need some encouragement. I've got a low BMI (between 36/37), huge family history of obesity related health issues, but I don't have a diagnosis o…

Is there anyone from the Huntington, WV area?

I am 26 year old female. My journey started back in 2006 when my husband and I were trying to start a family. I was diagnosed with PCOS. Which the diagnosis answered a lot of my questions... Why did I gain all this weight so fast? Why was my blood sugar out of control? Why were my menstrual cycles non-existent, even on birth control? So, I did 6 months of Clomid and didn't get pregnant nor did I ovulate. I went to an endocrinologist and he stated I needed to lose weight before he would help me. My family doctor then recommended the Lap Band procedure since I had done the 1200 calorie diet and many other weight loss options. I was banded December 28, 2007. I star…

Getting ready by trying to drink all this water. I am blessed with a big tummy and a small bladder, but I am trying! Need support and am hoping for everyone's success.:rolleyes2:

I am ofcourse gung-ho for my soon to be band, that will probably be late November or early December. I am anxious, and scared, but also hopeful and excited at the same time. I would appreciate any advice for ANYTHING, pre,during, or post band. My doc offered me the sleeve also, (pretty persistant), but I declined, (sorry sleevesters) I'm a nurse and ofcourse only see the possible complications. I guess I need some encouragement from the veterans who have succeded! I want to loose 100 # and I want to know the tricks of the trade to get there. So come on cheerleaders, help me out! Thanks, Danielle:wink2:

My first post, just started looking into lap band surgery, and already obtained some good answers from the list. The first was about Oxford being a good insurance for coverage, and 2nd if it will interfere with my scuba diving (and it shouldn't). Current 351 at 6'4", BMI 42 and sleep apnea,:rolleyes2: I believe this is the way for me.

Hello everyone my name is Olinka and I will be banded in just 2 days! On Tuesday the 4th. I am very excited and yet terrified. I keep wondering, what if something goes wrong? But NO i am gonna think positive! so any advice before the surgery?:rolleyes2:

Hi everyone! My name is Michelle. I am 32 years old, and I have been overweight since middle school. I am now 5'9" and just over 300 whopping pounds. I have been reading and researching the lapband for some time now. I've always been too scared to take it too far though. My brother was banded on Aug. 27th and is doing fantastically! It's so neat to have someone so close to me who is doing well post-surgery. I am attending a seminar this morning, 11/8, at 8:30 a.m. Very excited! I'm sure I'll be back afterward to post more! Thanks for letting me share. I look forward to talking with y'all.

Hello all, I'm a 49 year old female and this is my first post, although I joined the forum a couple of months ago. So, I've had my band for almost a year now. It will be a year in January. I've lost a little over 60 lbs to which I am more than happy. I decided to join this forum at this time because I've been having a little trouble with food lately - possibly a band that is too tight. I thought that this would be the perfect place to find some expert advice. Good to meet all of you.

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum. I am offically 6 days out, my surgery was on Tues. Nov 4, 2008. These past 6 days have certainly been an adjustment but I know it's only just the begining to a new start. :rolleyes2:

Hello, I'm new to this forum and starting research into it. Can't excercise due to multiple disk bulges in spine, so this could be a huge help! I'm sick of my huge stomach. I also have a child w/ Aspergers so I need to be around for as long as possible. Don't need a lot of risk or down time in recovery. How many of you have had a lot of weight loss w/ this? Glad to find you all. :rolleyes2:

Hey everyone! I'm a 20 year old female from Rhode Island. I have gained about 130 pounds since I graduated from high school 3 years ago. It's really getting out of hand and i need help. I try to diet and exercise, but i have underactive thyroids which makes it hard to lose weight. I was wondering if I would make a good candidate for the lap band surgery. i have a BMI of 48. i wasn't sure if i was to young for it and i was wondering if anyone has any advice. Thanks a ton!:rolleyes2:

Hello everyone! I am a newbie. I haven't been banded yet. I am doing all my preop appointments right now. I hope I can find alot of information on this site.:rolleyes2:

hey everyone...I am in the process of trying to finance my lapband surgery b/c my insurance doesn't cover the surgery even when it is deemed necessary by a doctor...so I haven't got the money yet, but I am trying so pray for me that is happens....

Hi, I;am new to this, already did all the testing and now waiting on the insurance.:rolleyes2:

Hello everyone, Posting to a forum/thread is a new adventure for me. I have completed all my paperwork and testing, and received insurance approval, for lap band surgery. I'm hoping to schedule my surgery in December - a bit of a Christmas present for myself. I look forward to participating in the forums and reviewing the wealth of information available. Colleen

I had my lap band performed as an outpatient at Ballas Outpatient Surgery Center on Halloween. It has only been a week and so far I am healing more each day. I am not able to start my walking right yet because I broke my foot. But I am hoping to start right away.

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to say hello and I was banded Nov. 3rd. Things are going well besides the aches and pains. I am very happy with my decision. *Steph*

Hello, Just 23 days until my surgery. Anyone else going to deal with the lap-band surgery during the holidays?

New to the site, surgergy is on 11-25-2008 and I am excited and nervous.

:confused:I am new to the site and am scheduled for surgery in 1.5 weeks. I did my pre-op and am really second guessing whether or not to do this. I don't know if I am ready to be so worried about ..."did I chew that enough, is this too big of a bite, and is this going to get stuck." And I am really worried about getting in the healthy foods like whole grain food...which many seem to have trouble with and fresh fruits and vegi's, which I have also heard many struggle with. And how much can you actually eat in a sitting....a 1/4 C or 1/2 C or more???? I don't want to end up limited to canned fruits and vegis which have far less nutrients and processed meats instead of heal…

Hi !My name is a Marie am 37 and have been overweight since I am 12.I have a BMI of 40.I will have surgery in a few months by DR Feilding of NYU. I am very excited.However I amalso VERY nervous any encouragement will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi..I am new here. My lap band surgery is scheduled for November 20th. I am very excited! It took me months to fight with my insurance...but I finally won! Yippee!!!! I have never faught so hard for something in my life...but I believe it will be worth it.

I have been looking into WLS for some time. I have been over weight for the past 25 years. I have lost over 50 lbs. a couple of times, but always gained it back and more. I look forward to a new me. I no longer want to get winded after walking up one flight of stairs! My insurance approved me very quickly, however due to starting a new job, I am not able to have my surgery until the 1st of January. I have also decided not to announce this to everyone - only family and a few close friends. My significant other made me feel so good when he stated that he loves me just the way I am, but was also concerned about my weight because he wants to grow old with me. He is ri…

Hey all, I had my surgery 9-29-08, I am doing good with the healing and the only problem I am having is the gas..I am now on mushies, canned items, I am not really cheating. I get my first fill 11-21-08. Now that I am healed I feel no restriction and I can eat more that the cup of food every one is talking about...Has anyone had this problem before. I feel like this was a waste of my time and my insurance. Will this stop once I get a Fill???? Please help... Gigi:blink:

Hi All, I'm another newly banded. Been looking around for information on banding and came across this site. Hopefully I can get some ideas off here and maybe even help some others going through the same thing as me. I was banded about a little over a month ago and am doing well.

Hi all, my name is Tom. By no means am I new to the Lap-Band, having had mine since November 2003, but I am new to this site. I was banded by Dr. Jeff Allen in Louisville, Ky. and have lost 150 lbs. since my surgery. I've put on a bit of weight lately, but I've had my band deflated as I had major surgery. We just started the process of retightening, and the weight gained is coming back off once again. I'm back down 22 lbs. So we'll get that excess weight taken back off in short order! Just wanted to say hi to everyone and compliment you on the site you have here. Keep up the good work!

I am scared and nervous I guess this is normal.. My surgery is SCHEDULED for NOVEMBER 12th and I am starting to get cold feet.... I have started my pre-op diet and it has been hard....I have made it so far, I guess what I am curious about is the diet afterwards...I guess I need to hear some good encouragement.....

Hey everyone i was approved for lapband surgery and have gone for the tests, now i wait on the visit with the surgeon to get my date I am sooo excited. i am ready to get my life back!! Any suggestions? Any advice.... Good or bad, im listening Its great to meet all of you thanks:thumbup:

hello my name is Christina. I am having lap band surgery on Monday 11/10/08. This has been a 7 month journey for me to be approved. I have 3 beautiful children and a wonderful husband.

Wow, only three days left until I go in for my surgery! I had my last test - an upper GI/esophogeal scan - on Thursday, and have been given a final okay from the doctor, so as of Wednesday evening I will be (God willing) banded and safely home. Important Fact: Never go for your blood draw and EKG the day before an important and world-changing election - you'll be too nervous to relax completely! But a good lab tech will get the blood into the tubes painlessly. I've stocked in Soup and Jello for the first few days, but I am worried about getting a no-caffeine headache if I don't have my usual Diet Coke for Breakfast. Maybe if I de-bubble it by opening it up the night…

Hello Everyone! I would like some opinions from "banded" patients who chose the band over bypass. I have a 6 month waiting period per my insurance and so I have some time to decide. But I'm confused and can't seem to make a solid decision. My BMI is 42, I love carbs and sweets. Bypass seems so drastic and I don't think I'd like NEVER being able to eat certain foods again. Plus I can't fathom vomitting all the time just because you ate the tiniest "wrong thing". So right now, I am leaning more towards the band. But how often does the band have to get tightened/restricted? How long does it take to find the right restriction? Why doesn't restriction work sometimes…

Hi everyone! I finally got banded on Nov 3rd by Dr. Benavides. It was a bit more painful that I thought but I'm rapidly getting better. Today the scale says I lost 10 lbs. since Monday but my tummy is still so swollen it's hard to zip my jeans! I'm happy to be on the other side, though! All I can say is thank goodness for tomato soup!

Just like to say I've been reading alot of the vlogs and they are so inspiring to listen to. I just had Lapband Surgery on Monday Nov. 03, 2008. Everything went well. I'm in my first week, so I'm on only liquids, its not so bad, but can't wait to get some food next week. I haven't cheated so I'm proud of myself, because I'm a candy freak, I have a real bad sweet tooth. My starting weight two weeks before surgery was 228. I haven't weighed myself yet, because I need to buy a scale. My first doctors appt. is on Nov 13, 2008, so i will weigh in then. I live in Philadelpha, Pa. Had my surgery at Einstein Hospital in Elkins Park. Surgeon Dr. Alfred Trang. Very Very good. They …

Hello out there. I finally got banded on October 30, 2008. Both my daughter and I went in for the procedure. We both tipped the scales at 299lbs. I am hoping this is life changing for our bad eating habits. So far so good! Anyone from the Chicagoland area???

I'm Jenni, and I'm getting banded on 10/24. I am self pay. :smile2: I am 30 and live in Louisiana. I am a stay at home mom to a 23 month old and a four month old, both girls. I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my life, and hope to learn from you all along the way! ~Jenni

Good morning. My name is Diana, I'm 226#' and 5'1" tall. I live in California, married for 31 years, have 2 great boy's and 2 grandkids. I have been looking into the different surgeries for the past year. I had my first Dr. appt last week and I felt such a relief in doing so. I am now in the process of going through the steps before surgery. It would be great to get feedback on what to expect . . .before, after, insurance, testing needed before surgery. Help!!

Hey there, just got banded on monday was pretty painful and well still got a few pains but i guess that is expected, as they say no pain no gain but well in this instance i want the loss!! the sorest cut is where i think the little filler coin thing is but all good! don't feel at all sick or hungry at all which is awesome!!

First post... I have never posted ona forum but I was reading all of your posts alot before my surgery! I was sooo scared and reading other people fears kind of helped ease mine! LOL Anyway... I got banded on Monday.. so far i guess so good. I thought my stomach was going to explode for the first few days but now i'm feeling much better..trying to drink the Protein every 5 mins and stuff as prescribed! Also trying to walk alot. I am really excited about the surgery and cant wait to share my progress! :thumbs_up:

Hello, I have been overweight since I was child and had tired numerous ways to lose weight. I was introduced to the lap band in May of this year and I was banded on October 17. My lap band doctor was Dr. Christopher Hart out of Atlanta, GA. He is known as one of the best in Atlanta. So far I have lost about 11 pounds. I had been a little frustrated because I thought I should have lost more by now but I spoke with my nurse practitioner and she assured me this was normal. According to her, it is normal to gain a little weight once you start eating soft food again. So I've started back working out this week and have not weighed myself. I'm trying not to become obsess with h…

hey there! Im new here and my parrents are going to get me the lap-band surgery. :thumbup: so if you guys can inform me on anything, feel free to. (trust me i need as much information as i can get) Im scared about this but i believe it will be a great change to have a healthy life style. I hope everything will work out fine, i've been told some risks so yet i am a bit shakey. Nice to meet you all!:smile2:

I had the band installed 4 weeks and 2 days ago. Best decision I have ever made. I started at 280 and I am now an ounce away from 253. Not bad for 4 weeks :eek: I have platau (sp?) but seem to be starting to drop again... andd decidded that I really wanted to join a forum and discuss this new way of life. Eric

My surgery was scheduled for Nov 10th but I just got approved today (!!) so I still need to get a pre-surgery work up done. The funny thing is, I got approved because I have over 35% BMI (it was actually 38%) and high blood pressure. Because I have been doing a liquid diet for 2 weeks, I am now at 36%! I now have 2 more weeks of liquid diet!

Hello I am POPINFRESH:lol::thumbs_up::frown: :cool2: I am 47 years old, I weigh approx. 248 and I am 5" 7. I am insured by Federal BCBS Standard Option I can not believe how much progess I have made since I've decided that I wanted to be banded. I saw my PCP on 10/14/08 and since that time, I have completed consultation with LapBand Surgeon, Cardio-eval-clearance, sleep study and will complete my Nutrional counciling next week. From my estimation, I could possibly be scheduled by the end of the year. Does anyone have an opion about scheduling the surgery between the Thanksgiving and Christamas Holidays? Can anyone share how long I should anticipate my recovery mig…

I go in tomorrow for my consult at Lap Band Solutions of Houston. my stats are... height 5'-8" @ 240 lbs. bmi 36.5 I'm so tired of being heavy. I'm ready for a new thinner life.:tongue:

I am new to the site and excited about getting lapBand. I am waiting on approval from Tricare Prime. Every day seems like an eternity! It is encouraging to read all of the successes on the site. Has anyone had their surgery with Jacksonville Weight loss? I am trying to decide between Dr. Cywes and Dr. Babtista. Any help would be great:)

Hi all. Just to introduce myself. I'm 47, married 27 yrs and have always been overweight. I have lost 70 lbs in the past through LA weightloss. But unfortunately didn't keep it off. :sad_smile:Quit smoking over 1 yr ago and boy did the weight come back, like overnight. I've been here before seeking information in my decision to get the lapband. I've decided this is the way for me to go as bypass is just too drastic for me. Now my problem.. I need to lose 13 lbs before insurance will consider the procedure. I am a nurse working 12 hr shifts, have severe plantar fasciitis & trouble with my knees. This all makes it very difficult to exercise. Not to mention going thru t…