Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Just starting this process! Excited .....:cool2:

New to this site. My surgery date is set for November 20. I will start my liquid diet on Wednesday. Would love to get support from those who have been through this.

I have chronic bursitis of the hip and feel certain that losing weight would help my condition. I was wondering if any of you have hip bursitis or have had in the past and if having this condition helped get approved by insurance. I am 5'9" and 260 pounds and unable to exercise due to hip. I feel that banding is my only hope of getting this weight off and regaining my health and mobility again. Any info you can share w/ me would be great. I am new to this whole process....haven't seen a doc yet but am ready to take necessary steps. Just wondered if hip would improve my chances of approval.

:frown:Had my surgery on 9/29/08 after surgery lost 15lbs. Went for my first fill on 10/31/08 and I gained 3 lbs. This is very depressing. Doctor told me I may gain a few more lbs before the next fill. And I have a appetite..Is this normal:confused:

In the beginning process of trying to get the lapband surgery...I'm very new to forums..so much to read... but I'm looking forward to it...and posting as well.

Down 45 lbs from 286. Am beginning to have some issues that I need some advice on. Not sure where to post issues.

I had a gastric bypass on 1995. I lost 100 pounds . I kept the weight loss for 10 years, right know I am 50 pounds over and very scared to gain it all back. I am very interested to do the lap band, I want to ask to the mom in maine who performed her lap band surgery,or anybody who know a doctor in mass who perform lap band a operation after a gastric bypass, Thank you, Sara

Good Morning Everybody, Wanted to check in... I was banded 10/23 @ 7:30 am. My docotor required one night stay in the hospital. I was realeased yesterday ( 10/24) around 1:00 ish. I think I would have preferred being home that first day. You can't sleep in the hospital, they think it okay to keep waking you up asking you if you are okay. LOL I'm doing well not to much gas pain, but I do have gas... my son asked how in the world do I have gas if I don't have any "real food" in my stomach. You know that is a good question. I'm moving around the house like a turtle, but all in all I'm good. I'm so glad this day has come and I'm only looking forward. I'm in my first week of…

Hi! I am approved for banding, but hesitant. I have blood sugar issues (not diabetic) and am afraid if I have the surgery and cannot eat much that I won't be able to get enough Protein to keep my blood sugar balanced. I am lactose intolerant so I can't get my protein through dairy. Right now I rely on chicken, fish, turkey, nuts, and Beans. Did anyone else have blood sugar problems prior to surgery? How did it work out for you after surgery? Thanks :cool2:

Since there are a few newbies (like myself) maybe we can do a roll call of sorts to see who is still around and where you are in your journey! I faxed my information packet Friday Andddd I am going to my first informational tonight :eek: I am about 99% sure this is what I am going to do b/c no matter how focused I try to be I tend to fall off the 'wagon' case in point I made it back to the gym yesterday :thumbup:after a 30 day "break." I packed my lunch, Snacks, etc and I still went for the iced lemon cake and chips :thumbup: I have about 100 calories left for the day and its only 1pm I know I need help & I am tired of fighting the facts; but that's a good thin…

Hi, I met with someone at the True Results clinic in Fort Worth today and learned that while my insurance pays for banding it won't pay for me, my BMI is barely 35 and I weigh 185 with no co-morbid factors. That's stinks but we're going to go through with it because I don't WANT to develop those co-morbid factors! Anyway, I'm looking for someone out there who used either Dr. Adam Smith or Dr. Richard Carter from True Results. I'm looking for information on their bed side manner, the process, your results, etc. Also, is there anyone out there who has used Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas? I know he will do the surgery for $10k and that would be so helpful but my husband …

Hi everyone, I just joined Lap band Talk today as a tool to gain more knowledge about the surgery. I have recently made up mind that this is the only way that I will be able to forever get rid of the extra person I am carrying around. I am considered morbidly obese, which is just a disgusting term if you ask me!!:rolleyes2: I have been referred to Dr. Scott at the weight loss center at Depaul hospital. I have a seminar this week to learn more about the surgery. I hope to meet some new friends on this site to help me through this process. Have a great day!!

Hi All! After a lot of frustration, (3 denial letters), I'm finally approved by my insurance and on my way. I'm now in a 6 month program and must lose 5% of my weight, which is about 14 pounds. If all goes well, I will be scheduled for surgery late spring/early summer 2009. I have a 'coach' through our insurance company that calls every other week or so to see how I'm doing and help me to start making better choices. I'm so excited. One of my brothers was banded a couple years ago and I'm so envious of his success. Anyway...I love this site. It's very helpful and supportive. I come here often for advice so thanks to everyone who posts their experiences. Good Luck to yo…

I am new here I am a female. I am thinking about Lap Band Surgery. Some of my hobbies include letter writeing, makeing new friends and listening to music. My interests include pets, sports, church bells, camping and movies. Channing

Hello all, my name is Rodger I had my surgery on 9/17/08 and my first fill today a couple of hours ago. I have been reading along for some time and just wanted to introduce my self. I have lost 27.5 pre and post op and am very excited about getting my 1st fill. I have great hopes that the fill will move me from feeling all alone on a diet to having the tool needed to get full sooner and the full feeling lasting longer. I wish everyone the best and believe very strongly that each and every one of us can move to a happier healthier life.

Hello Everyone!! Thank you for stopping by. My name is Pam and I am about to embark on an AMAZING JOURNEY...I know the REAL ME is hiding in here somewhere beneath the fluffy folds LOL. I do not have a surgery date yet but hopefully I will soon. I am looking forward to "meeting" everyone.....I have worked VERY hard in the past with hardly any success so I am THRILLED that my TIME TO SHINE is coming near. THANK ALL OF YOU in advance for sharing your stories,wisdom,trial,and triumphs!!!!:cool2:

Hi there. my name is samantha i live in the uk in london and have just received my banding date it will be the 16th January 2009. I have been lurking around this forum for a while now and have found the posts very helpful and you all seem so knowledgeable. I'm hoping to keep a journal on here once i start my pre-op milk diet. Any information would be greatfully received. thank you.

Hello all, I have been reading the threads for a few months now, but have finally decided to introduce myself. I have a surgery date of 11/14 in Chicago w/ Dr. Alexander Nagle. I currently weigh 251 w/ a BMI of 41. I just had my pre-op physical on 10/28 and discovered that my H.Pylori test was reactive, meaning I either have or recently had this bacteria in my stomach. Does anyone know if this will affect the surgery? I have started the antibiotic regimen for this, but honestly it makes my stomach hurt more. Other than that I am very excited, nervous and anxious. I am confident that this tool will help me finally acheive my goal weight of 150, but nervous that…

I thought that I would make my first official post today. First off, my scheduled surgery date is Nov. 21, 2008. I am excited to begin my journey to a new me, but to be honest, I have always been comfortable with the old me, at least I have been comfortable with my weight and how I looked. However, I always knew that being obese just was not healthy for the long haul. So after many years of just being the "Big Guy", I decided to make the serious changes for a heathier me. Now after nearly a year of internet research and talking to people, I feel that I have made a great choice towards the new me. I am so looking forward to having more energy and stamina, and of all t…

have surgury set for 11-5-08 and am a bit nervous- is there much discomfort? Are you able to eat most foods after you heal-like salad or pasta ( in small amounts of course) I am 51 yrs old and feel every year and am looking forward to being able to be more active-have a great support system in place and am glad to be in contact with all you.

Hey all, Recently joined after reading many others postings. I started down this path for a new direction in my life this past August and am hoping have my surgery in December. I want to thank all of you who have shared your experiences and information. I have found this site to be very helpful especially when I am feeling apprehensive about the entire process. Marycrest

I am a 37 years old female that is morbidly obese that is thinking about Lap Band Surgery I have some questions about Lap Band Surgery my Questions are: 1.I am on medicaid and medicare Can Medicaid and medicare Pay if I have the Lap Band surgery? 2. What do I have to expect before Lap Band Surgery? 3. Do you Spend the Night in the Hospital After Lap Band Surgery? 4. What do I have to expect after Lap Band Surgery? 5. Do you get sick a lot from Lap Band Surgery? 6. Can you return to work the Next day after Lap Band Surgery? If you know the answers to these questions please message me.mailto:CHANNING28105@LYCOS.COMmailto:CHANNING28270@GMAIL.COMmailto:CHANCHAN79@KITTY…

Hey everyone, I'm getting the lap band on November 20th with Dr. Huacuz..... Any advice? I'm currently 503' and weigh 234lbs, I've tried diets and exercise but I need some help controlling and limiting my intake.:hungry:

Hello everyone! Well, this is a little scary...I have never posted on an on-line forum before. I am scheduled for my surgery November 7th at the Surgical Weight Loss Centre in Mississauga. Dr. Cobourn will be doing my surgery. I am very nervous/excited--as I am sure many of you can relate. I am really struggling with the Optifast...some days are better than others. I generally do well during the day, while I am at work and distracted. But the evenings...especially if my husband is at work...those times are tough. I feel like I am the only one who has struggled with the Optifast, that everyone else had the willpower enough to not eat food during this time (after all, it'…

Hello everyone, My name is Nancy from Decatur Ga and need help finding a Dr. to do my fills. I had the surgery on July 28th and have 7 3/4 cc in me and haven't lost any weight yet. If anyone has any suggestions on how to loss some weight or has a dr to do my fills PLEASE email me nancybirnbaum@yahoo.com Thanks so much. Nancy:shades_smile:

The last two times I've been to the doctors he's asked me if I've ever thought of bariatric surgery. I said that yes, I had, and that there was no way in H-E-double hockey sticks that I would ever have any of those proceedures done! Yesterday he asked me again if I'd ever thought of it, and he started telling me about the hospital's extensive support program and the surgeons who perform the proceedures. I began to cry. It seems like some kind of insanity to me--a modern day labotomy! And yet I've been dieting since I was 14 (not always healthy diets, but always highly restictive), and after deciding that I've had "enough" I just gave up. I decided that if …

SO MY SURGURY IS 3 WEEKS AWAY AND IM SOOO SCAREDDDDD ITS IN MY HEAD ALL DAYY AND NIGHT NOW IM GONNA FEEL AFTER THIS SURGURY AND I WENNT TO A PRE OP CLASS AND HEARD THING I DIDNT WANNA HEAR.. I NEED SOME HONEST ANSWERS PLEASEE IS DOING THIS SURGURY REALLY WORTH ALL THE PAIN IM GONNA GO THRU?? MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY PLEASE HELPPP

Hi everyone, I have been researching Lap Banding for a long while now and have been in the mind set of "it's okay, I can do this on my own without help" but now realise it has to be just as bad going from diet to diet without any lasting success as it would be to be over weight. I love exercise, but my problem is trying to balance food intake and exercise. When I am not exercising I am fine, I have controlled portions of food and eating well, but when I am exercising my appetite increases dramatically. I try to limit my food intake and stick to regimented plans and I start to loose weight, then I slowly bring in the exercise and I loose control of everything. So, I am r…

Hello everyone...... I am so excited that I finally banded. I was banded on 10/22/08 by Dr. Benevides at the surgery center of Richardson. So far I have feeling good and everything is healing. I have enjoyed the ride so far and have 15 lbs. I am kind of getting a little scared because Sunday I can start eating the "soft mushy diet" and I am hoping that it will stay down. My mom was banded in March of 2003 and she has given me wonderful support, however she and her doctors have discovered that she has a very small esphogus and so she can not swallow everything so she is very limited in her diet. I am just praying that mine is normal. Anyway I look forward to chati…

Hello everyone. I'm feeling a little silly lurking on your forum......... so, i was wondering where do i start in my inquiries about getting banded? how overweight do i need to be to have the surgery done? where should i look for a doctor to do it? thanks, saq :smile2:

Hello from Coral Springs, Florida. I am 6 days pre op and really excited. Mr. Doctor is Dr. Wizman and I feel very satisfied with him and his staff.

Hi! I'm new to the forum and just had my first surgical consult yesterday. My Dr. was very sceptical of me having the surgery with a BMI of 49. She wants me to go the RNY route, but I just don't want to have it done for many reasons. I am kind of down and confused after the consult and was wondering if anyone out there had higher BMI success stories they could share. Thanks!

Hello! I was banded on October 21st at the Obesity Control Center by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I want to utilize this site more but have become frusterated. I love the little weight loss tickers everyone seems to have on their profiles but can't figure out how to get one on mine. I weighed 242 on the day of my surgery and am down to 230 11 days post op. I am struggeling with a few things including not feeling like drinking anything (boy is that a change!).

I am early in the process, haven't even seen the psych or nutritionist yet. So, I have much to learn I guess. Looking forward to hearing other people's experiences. I am going to Mercy Hospital and my doctor is Lufti. I am concerned a little because I already get the feeling they are stingy about fills because of all the lecturing that just because you gain weight doesn't mean you need a fill. They talk like you have to go over exercise, diet, and convince them that you are doing everything you can and THEN need if they think you need a fill they just might think about it. ha ha. I wonder if they get more money for surgeries than fills. I am serious that's the tone I'm ge…

Hi, I have been working on getting my lapband for 3 months and still do not have a surgery date!! I have finished all of my tests now -done as soon as possible. This is the most stressful thing I have ever done!:w00t: How do you keep your patience? I also found out today that I have a hiatial hernia, will insurance throw me out??

Hello Everyone!! :teeth_smile: My name is Riane, and I am 23 years old. I am from southern NJ. I currently weigh 226lbs and am 5'3". Which makes my BMI 40.0 (morbid obesity). I have been battling my weight as long as i can remember. I have done, Atkins, Weight Watchers, Michael Thurman's Extreme Body Makeover, Grapefruit Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet, you name it.. as well as I have been perscribed Phentermine (a diet pill, that made me grind my teeth constantly and have a VERY rapid HR. 116 resting). I lost weight on Phentermine but felt the side effects were too risky. When i went off of the Phentermine I gained the weight back. I was told 2 years ago i was a good canidate f…

Hello my name is Rebecca and I am 28 years old. I have struggled with my weight since 6Th grade. It was so bad that in gym class everyone wanted me to be on there team when it involved the roller chairs, because nobody could lift me off my scooter :tt1: I have been married since 2001 and my husband is wonderful :tt1:. He supports me in whatever I want to do including Lap Band. We have 2 wonderful daughters, a 6 yr old and a 2 yr old. :tt1: I have a free seminar on Nov 19 to see if I qualify. I am 5 ft 5 and 255 lbs :smile2: (I sure hope I do) Is there anyone else out there that is in my situation?

Hello everyone. This is my first time on and I am wondering if any one else beside me have lost lots of hair? I will be 2 yrs out on the 25 of Jan. 2009 and lost 65 lbs. I always had a full head of hair and it was in the middle of my back. Now it is very thin and almost at the top of my shoulders. Any one have any suggestions? I decided, my hair does not like this foreign object in my body. Of course I had two surgery back to back (one on the 25 and the other on the 26) but still it has been almost 2 years.

For those who read my previous post earlier today..I spoke to my friend who had gastric bypass surgery about a year ago. I'm feeling better now about having the surgery...another plus is that I will quit smoking!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! I call the hospital tomorrow for pre-registration. Not sure how long the process will take before my surgery can be scheduled...but it'll be enough time for me to get the right "mindset" :teeth_smile: Thanks for your support...I'm sure I'll need a lot more as this progresses

Hi, my name is Melisa and I'm scheduled for Nov. 20th. I start my pre-op diet on Nov. 10th and it could not come soon enough. I started the process in June of this year, and after 2 denials I finally sent the information in myself and got approved within 2 weeks. Go figure. I'm so beyond ready for this, I pretty much started thinking about it 2 years ago, but never voiced it. Then earlier this year I sent off for info, but didn't open it until May. I'm a weirdo. By the time I made the decision, I was fully good to go. I'm not scared at all, I'm very anxious though, I feel like my life is on hold and I'm through feeling that way. So that's my story and I'm stickin' to i…

Hello to all. My wife and I attended the LB seminar the other night. She decided to have the procedure done also...so, we both are scheduled for our first appointment next week. We are a little apprehensive but will follow through for our own good. Having read some of the posts on pre-op, it looks like the pre-op diet won't be fun, but will prepare us for the surgery. Anyway, we look forward to getting our new "Life Change" underway and reading and posting in this great forum. Thanks in advance for everyone's help and great input. Slim

Well I finally have made my mind up and my surgery date is Oct. 23, 2008. I am looking forward to this day but the two week liquid pre-op diet is a killer. I know this diet is extremely important but what if I slip and eat something that is not allowed.

Hello all. i just found this sight and i love it. i can actually talk to people who might know what i'm going through. i just posted in my blog so stop by and read and comment. Thanks:thumbup:

Hi everybody, So I'm in my 3 month process of trying to get approved for the lap band. I'll tell you, I started getting very nervous yesterday after getting my upper GI tracked. I started to realize that this is real that I really might get to do this. But then I got scared because in a way I feel as though people will know that I had it done and that it would make me different from other people. But then I started reading this website and realizing how normal life would still be (but healthier) after the lap band surgery. Well I look forward to talking with everyone further! Have a great day!:teeth_smile:

I got approved, and I am running to get my lapband. I have had friends get approved then denied before they had surgery and I am not about to go through that. anyway i was geting sick of the clear liquid diet and came across this website, and well, here i am. i am a pretty fun person if a little distracted with school, but feel free to write me and i would love some recipe ideas, any thing. however, i am a person that cannot keep bad stuff in the house, so if i gotta strain it out, dont suggest it. thanks, monika:smile2:

Hello all!!! i was banded on dec 17, 2007, best decision i have ever made im a little over 10 months out and so far i have lost 85lbs. i havent felt this good since i was in my early 20's. to anybody thinking about it or not sure if they should have the surgery, DO IT!!!!!!!! but remember the band isnt the only solution, you MUST change your eating habbits and think NUTRITION!!!! i do know a few people who have had the surgery and have little success, but they have not followed the nutritional guidlines that were set by their doctor and nutritionist. It is not EASY but beleive me, well worth it. I have had no complications, the only issues i have had is eating to fast a…

I'm Pamela and hope this is the choice for me, I'm looking forward to hearing opinions and stories from others

Hi everyone, It's taken me a week to post this, I'm not really sure where to begin. Ok, I'm called Dave and I'm 32 years old. I weigh 16 and a half stone. I've gone from 16 stone to 12 stone and back three times in the past 8 years and I've had enough. I've done a little research and decided that the Lap Band could be the answer to getting my life back on track. I've read loads of stuff on on different sites, but was hoping to speak to some people who had actually had a band fitted. Are there any other blokes on this site who have had a band fitted? I have loads of questions to ask, but will start of with just one. Can someone pleas explain to me how my eati…

Hi my name is James Brown and I was banded on October 24th, 2008. I have had two surgery dates in the past both for Roux n y gastric bypass but last minute changes resulted in cancellations. I decided to go with the band because of lower incidence of serious complications and I think I made a good decision. I chose the Realize band in particular because of lower reported incidents of slippage and erosion, based on the information I read. I was not required to go on a pre-op diet except for the liquids for the 24 hours preceding surgery and I was released from the hospital 1-2 hours after I came out of surgery. I was glad at the time to get out so fast but it made for …

Hi Everyone: I have a Nov 18th surgery date but want to know if anyone has any info on how to see if the doctor has any complaints registered against him and if he is any good. Any idea of where I could get that info? Thanks