Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello to everyone! I have been on this site for a few weeks now just reading all the threads and finally decided to join you all. It has taken me all these weeks to digest all of this new information but I am more determined now than ever to proceed down this road. I know I will not be alone because now I have all of you! I feel so well informed that I'm not sure I'll have any questions for the surgeon when I meet him later this month!:biggrin: Looking forward to being a part of all the success on here.

Hey Everyone. I am just beginning my journey with the lapband process. I will be attending a seminar on Saturday morning and then have a consultation with the doctor next week. I am excited and nervous! Since I made the decision to have this procedure done I have spent every free moment researching and looking at before and after pictures. It is wonderful to have this site full of information and real talk. I try to stay away from sites that use infomercials because to me those are staged. I need to hear experiences whether good or bad so that I go into this informed and somewhat prepared for what is to come. I truly appreciate everyones willingness to share. Current s…

OK girls. What's up wit this? I have lost quite a bit of inches but the freaking scale ain't moving much, at all! My legs are getting very small but my "dually tires" ain't much smaller, well i guess "they" are(my belly) but not fast enough for me.:w00t: I do crunches and stuff. any suggestions anyone??:w00t:

Hi..i'm new here so here goes... I just turned 39 last week and was overweight pretty much my whole life. Back in 1990 I lost a good amount of weight. 17 days after I got married in Jan 1995, my husband was in the Army and had to go to Korea for a hardship tour. I was down to 124 lbs when he got home in Feb '06. I was wearing a size 3 or 5 in most things. When I was pregnant with my first son, I gained 179 lbs during pregnancy. After I had him in 6/97, I got back to a size 14...then I had my second son..haven't been able to lose the weight. I did recently have half of my thyroid removed and lost about 25 lbs. I'm 5'5" and weigh about 223. I knew that I didn't …

Hello to all. My Name is Audrey,Iam 69 years old, have been married for over 50 yrs. We have 2 children, 7 grand children and 1 great grandchild . I started looking at the Lap Band about 2 yrs ago and was banded on 2/12/08. Dr.Hodge in Johnson City TN was my surgeon. My highest weight was something over 300lbs. Istoped getting on any scale as my weight went up. My weight at time of surgery was 270 and my present weight is 205. I have had 4 fills. I swim 5 days a week, and I use a personal trainer.I am filled with gratitude for my surgeon, my family, and all the people on LBT that have helped my journey. Enough.:biggrin:

HELLO EVERYONE! I AM NEW TO THIS SITE. I AM BEING BANDED NEXT WED. NOV 5, 2008. CURRENTLY I AM 5'3" AND 234. I AM VERY EXCITED YET I STARTED THE LIQUID DIET YESTERDAY AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO STARVE TO DEATH, LOL. I ATE PASTA FOR LUNCH, BAD IDEA I KNOW. I HAVE THREE KIDS AND THIS IS HARD. I AM TRYING TO GET USED TO IT. AM I GOING TO BE SO MISERABLE I AM NOT GOING TO WANT TO GO BACK TO WORK. I ONLY TOOK OFF THREE DAYS! PLEASE HELP!:w00t:

Hello everyone, This is my first post here. I am a 25 year old guy in the Fort Worth, TX area. I had my first consult with my surgeon today. I made sure and had all of my medical records before hand. They said I should know within a couple of weeks whether I am approved or not. My insurance co. requires 5 years of records with a BMI over 40. I only have records for 3 of the past 5 years...So I am kind of nervous about that. We'll see what happens. I appreciate everyone sharing their journeys online and I look forward to telling my story as well...

Hi, I am new here. So much information. I was just wondering if there are any special items you need for when you first have the surgery. (What type of protein shakes, shake cups, containers, etc., ) Any suggestions? Want to be totally prepared.

Hi, Just today I received a letter from the surgeon's office stating that I was a candidate for lap band surgery. I'm not sure about my insurance company -- they will pay under certain circumstances, such as co-existing illness and I think I will qualify... I have hypertension, COPD and had gestational diabetes. I have so many questions - like, on an average, how long does it take between the time you're approved until the actual surgery takes place. What kind of recovery time have others experienced? I'd like to take only a few days off without telling anyone about the surgery. And my main concern is hair loss - I've read that's a possibility, has anyone experienced…

Anyone interested in Lap Band or Gastric Bypass surgery: there is another program in Lansing besides Sparrows Bariatric Program. Dr's. Lane and Richardson (Minimally Invasive Surgical Associates). These two surgeons strive to take care of their patients long term and follow them closely before and after surgery. We are here to help and make the process to surgery and after surgery as stress-free and easy as possible. Please call our office if you are interested in getting started or just want more information on the surgeons and surgeries. 517-913-4010.

I registered a few minutes ago, but have been browsing this site for several months now. I had my lap band surgery in November 2007 and have lost 63 lbs. as of my last weigh-in and fill. I had the procedure performed in Albany, GA and Dr. Bagnato performed the procedure. Suppose that makes me another "Bagnato Bandit" :w00t:. Anyway, I just wanted to say "hey" to my fellow bandsters.

Well, I don't know where to start, but would appreciate a few words of encouragement for where I am not. Three days after surgery, having trouble getting 64oz down a day. No food yet. I don't feel too bad, trying to keep busy. Protein drink is lousy - going to look into another flavor or something. Still feeling positive but would love a positive word. Thanks. shafe001:redface:

Hello, everyone my surgery date is schedule for 10/31/2008, which is also halloween, i am hoping everything goes smoothly. Heading for a big change in my life.:)

Hi, everyone. I am in month two of a six month weight loss program to prepare me for lap-band surgery and the life afterwards. I am currently trying to lose some weight before hand to show the doctors my commitment to life change and was on www.caloriecounter.com when someone mentioned to check out this site for any information on lap band. I have yet to browse and see all the benefits of this site, but my expectations are high. I have heard a lot of good and bad things about lap-band and want to make sure that I know what I am getting myself into. I have come to the site to learn as much as I can and find the good, the bad, and the ugly... So please feel free to educate…

Hi I just came across this website this evening and signed up this site is amazing so much great information and encouragement. I was banded in April 07. I have lost a total of 110 pounds. It is amazing how I have lost so much and still feel like I still have so much more to loose. I am currently struggling with overeating and not eating the right foods or the right amounts. Man is this a process and I am still learning I thought I would be done learning by now but I guess not. Anyway I guess that is enough for now. Good luck to everyone in the process of getting your band it is SO worth all the work to get it and the work after it is definately not a quick fix. …

about a week ago I went to have my upper GI done. The Dr. found a bit of bactria in ny stomach:sad: So she put me on meds.I have to take 4 pills in the morning and 4 pills at nite for 14 days, and it's making me so sick.It's 1 prevacid 1 Biaxin and 2 amoxicillin.I've been on them for 4 days now (10 days to go)After the meds are done, it's back to her office and so I can blow in a tube to see if all the bactria is gone. Has anyone eles have to do the same thing? Is so did it make you ill? Thanks for reading Olga

I'm new here. I just made the decision to go for it with the lap band. I'm a 31 year old mom of 8 month old twin girls. I've always struggled with my weight, but after a 3 year battle with infertility and now finally having my gorgeous little girls, I'm ready to DO something about my weight. I want to be around for a long long time with them, and I have got to get my weight under control. I've dieted for years, and it's never worked, so I'm hoping the lap band is the solution for me! I have my first informational meeting on 11/20, and hope to be able to get insurance to cover the procedure.

I am a 45 yr old female (5'04 200 lbs) who has enjoyed many successes. I had been very happy athlete who has either blended or turned heads in years past. Now, even though I still participate in the challenging Rosarito to Ensenata 50 mile bike ride & many similar rides, I mountain bike, kayak & etc...I don't recognize that REALLY heavy person in all of our photos and certainly don't turn any heads. I have failed at every diet I have attempted. There were short term victories, but in the end here I sit even heavier hoping this will be the perfect fit to my puzzle. I am paying for this out of my own pocket & have nervous fingers crossed. I would really lo…

:w00t: Yes did you hear the news? Another person signed up to these forums! I'm Unbound, because that's my goal in life to be Unbound and do what I want. And the next step is to lose this excess weight. :w00t: woo!

I have been contemplating lap band for sometime. Now a little more seriously. But we are not sure if we want to have another baby and the local Dr. says we would have to wait at least 2 years after surgery. Two years is a long time and I am not getting any younger for baby making. What do you think?

Hello I have lurked over lapband surgery for years !!! Have a million questions but i am sure that i will find all the answers in other posts. But what i would like to know is who can people recommend in Perth? Please feel free to share what every u want to good bad or indifferent !!! Its time for me to come out of the closet an get things going. Nice to meet u all xox :w00t:

Hi my name is Donna and I got my lapband done 11 months ago, by prof O'brien at the Avenue Hospital. I have lose 20kgs, still have along way to go. Just wondering if anyone is having trouble with eating and feeling full after just a couple of mouthfuls??. It started after I had my last full so I not sure if that is why or something else if anyone has some idea please let me known... Am very happy with my weight loss so far it would be great to be able to talk to other people about things you go throught so hope to hear from all.. Donna

Hello, my name is Kristy and I just joined this website yesterday. I also just found out yesterday that my insurance company approved my request for the lap band surgery, I am so excited!!! I found out today that my surgery date is November 18th, only 3 weeks away. I started a high protein liquid diet today and it's going pretty good, but it's only been 12 hours :w00t: Kristy

I was just banded on Monday 10/27/08 and I am suffering. I really didn't think I would feel this bad. The gas pains are probably the worst. Is this normal? I also have awful incision pain - only one of them though - the biggest one. I wasn't expecting this. I'm assuming it's the incision where the band was inserted through. It's probably a good 3" long, w:crying:hich I wasn't expecting either. Now - I can't figure out if I'm hungry, or if it's gas pains, or what?? I am really, really struggling. Any words of advice?

No I haven't done anything yet. The actual surgery itself has been on my mind for at least two months. I have so many questions, concerns but I really feel like from what research that I have done on the lap band that I really will be going through with this. I want a wonderful, caring , experienced doctor that comes with a fair price. I've joined this site hoping to learn more from others and hopefully in time, maybe someone might learn something from me.

I am in the process of deciding where to have my surgery done in Louisville. I have been to both Nortons and Caritas. I don't personally know anyone who has had the surgery so I need all the help and advice :tongue2: I can get. Thanks!

Hello, I am having my Lap Band surgery on November 4th, and I have 116 pounds to loose. It seems like it's taken forever to finally get here, and now I'm nervous. I'm sure everyone feels this way. After all my research and diets I've tried (and failed), I feel that I am making the best decision of my life. I realize it will be hard and inconvienent at first, but I obviously need a life change. I keep thinking of the clothing I'll be able to wear, the things I'll want to do, and the confidence I hope to gain... I can't wait!!! ...Bring it on.

Hello, I was banded on 1010 and so far have lost a total of 20 lbs. I am very excited and cant wait to have my first abjsutment.

Hello! Registered not 5 mins ago. Yay. I would like to hear from Dr Aceves' patients. I am currently emailing back and forth with Nina. (She is so nice!!!!!) Can anyone share experiences? Really excited, anxious and scared, I guess. :boink:

hi, my name is Harli and im looking to get control of my weight. im 27 years old, 280 pounds and a vegetarian. my mum was recently diagnosed with diabetes and a heart problem and she recently lost her father (my grandfather) to heart and lung issues. there is a history of obesity and diabetes in my family and i really dont want to end up going down that road although i know im not far from it. ive tried Alli, Atkins, Weight Watchers, generalized calorie counting and more and i really feel like ive run out of options. i have terrible knee problems. dislocations seem to be a common issue for my poor knees so working out is difficult and painful. ive done some researc…

Just introducing my self to the group. Getting banded on 11/4 and wanted to get some insight from everyone who already has been banded.

:smile:I'm new to this site and wanted to say hello to all. I was banded in Dec 2006 by Dr. Kuri (Tiajuna). I am most interested in what people are eating and in how folks are doing after reaching their goal wt. I feel like I will need a tummy tuck or something. Anyway, hi to everyone!

Hi, Today is my first day on liquids and i am starving:cursing:

Hi...I'm in CT and after three years of thinking about it, I have taken the steps to have a Lap Band. Of course, now I want it done tomorrow! I've chosen Dr. Elmer Valin at St. Rafaels in New Haven. :biggrin: He comes highly recommened - is there anyone out there who has him as their Dr.?

hi everyone , As most of the people here i have been struggling with weight all my life , and it seems the more i try to loose the more i gain and the more desperate i become to loose and do drastic measures to loose weight. So i have decided to do the lap band surgery and hopefully this tool will give me the assistance i need to keep the weight off for good and finally be in control .... I live in Montreal Canada and was wondering if there are any fellow Montrealers here who have done it or are thinking of doing it .... I have decided after much research to try to be banded overseas as the cost of the surgery is much more reasonable , i spoke to a few people on …

This is my first post on this sight but I have visited several times, I recently had my surgery 26/10/2008 in Doha Qatar. I am on assignment for 3-5 years and decided to have the surgery here. The Surgeon was very thorough and has done the lap band procedure many times. I am having some pain issues when I try to take a deep breath but it is getting better. There will be some obstacles to overcome here. Jell-O is not readily available, chewable Vitamins rare and hardly any diet products at all. Any suggestions on way to manage especially during the first six weeks will be appreciated.

I have had my third fill and finally feel restriction. Lately, one month after that fill, I have episodes of feeling extremely ill, with a pain that radiates into my jaw, followed by strong vomiting. Most of the time I eat slowly, chew well, and have no problem. I have lost about 21 pounds in 10 weeks, which seems slow. Is this normal, and is the thick mucus during a blockage normal. I will bring up a lot of that if I get stuck. Also, what does "pb" mean??? Thanks

Will be the beginning of my journey!!!! I am so excited, I am being banded on November 10th at 8am! I live in Corpus Christi, TX, I am 32 years old and I weigh 261.7 pounds, I have been married for 15 years and have 3 lovely girls and hypertension for 12 of those years. I have been overweight now for about 13 years and I have done it all.... Weight watchers, Jenny Craig, slimfast, atkins, pills... you name it. Don't get me wrong, I loose the weight very easily, it's just a matter of keeping it off more than 6 months. I love the taste of food and have a hard time feeling full. So those two traits mixed together are a bad combo. I am hoping the band will help me to…

Hi , Dose anyone know were to get training to do the fill's???? I'm in Oregon and had Surg May of 07 I did really well at first but I have since fallen off the Band wagon so to speak...I need a fill but there is only one person in the areas that dose them...My partner is a nurse and could be trained to do this procedure.

I was just banded on Oct 27th, and am recovering at home. One question - is this forum just for people with Allergan Lap-Band, or is it also for people (like me) with the Realize gastric band? Thanks!

Hello All, I am so excited to have discovered this website. It is an amazing source of information and resources. I first explored the site yesterday, and I stayed on it for a few hours into the middle of the night. Many of my questions have been answered, but most importantly, I have read about things I need to consider in my post-operative phase. I am scheduled to have surgery on November 13. I am still on a high from receiving the news that my insurer would cover my surgery. It is a blessing, and something I have hoped for a while now. I had to undergo 6 months of counseling, and I completed that in September. Now, finally, I only have a couple of weeks to g…

Hi, all. I'm in Northern California and working with Kaiser. My doc was great and gave me a referal to Bariatrics. I was assigned to the Richmond facility and attended the orientation today. At the orientation were also provided with our next appointment date, either Psych or Surgeon. I got the Psych first. So, I have a start weight to work with and know where I need to be. I have perused the forums for about the last 2 months and figured I'd say hello when I actually started the process. I figure there is a lot to learn here and wanted to learn and share my experience. As for my screen name, I'm also a SCUBA Diver. Regards

Hello. I had my surgery done 3months ago and have lost 16 pounds so far. I will be getting my third fill this week. I am also loosing hair. Is this normal? I am taking vitamins but it makes me gag. What would anyone recommend?

Hello everyone, I am a newly banded person and so far so good. I was banded on October 9th by Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico. Just from the liqiud diet alone I have already lost 30 pounds and loving it. I have a long way to go but it sure was a nice start. Getting back to the soft food was nice because that three weeks (1 pre op and two post op) of liquid diet is a killer. Next week I get to go back to all regular foods. I am vry glad for this forum so I can talk to other people who have had the same procedure because I have only told very few people what I have done. It is not that I am ashamed of getting it done but maybe more of a failier of not being able to lose weight…

Hello! I am new to the the lapband world. I will be banded on 11/18 and will start my pre-op diet in one week. If anyone has any suggestions on protein shakes mixtures/ recipes, etc. I would love to get any help. Feeling a little anxious about the protein shakes? Thanks so much!:thumbup:

hello everyone i am new to this community and right now i am afraid that i have had slippage of my band. i had my surgery on may 29,2008 i have lost 24 pounds but i had a fill a week ago and since that fill i just did not feel right. i could not drink any thing or eat anything, everything kept coming up. i kept trying and a little started staying down then i experienced for the second time of not being able to hold it down,everything came out. today i was drinking juice and crackers and it came up with somthing very slimy that looked like fat of the intestine. now i feel like i did before i had the surgery, like the water is going straight to my stomach. i can't even feel…

Hi Everyone. My name is Marcus and after many years of talking about it I am finally scheduled to have my lapband on November 25th by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Aurora!

Hi Everyone, I'm a new member here. Went to a lap band seminar in May '08, and after giving it some thought checked with my insurance company (Aetna), and had my first appointment with the surgeon Dr Tull on 10/10. We set a surgery date 16 weeks out for January 30, 2009 to allow time for the prep phase required by insurance. Keeping my fingers crossed for final insurance approval sometime in January. 10/22 - first visit of 3 visits with the Nutritionist, the Psychological Exam, and Physical Therapy evaluation....what a whirlwind of a day !!! 10/14 - first cardiac monitored exercise session (every Friday for 6 weeks) Everyone at the Dr's office & hospital …

:tongue_smilie:Hi, I am new to this site, just signed up last night. My surgery is going to be 11/7 and I am very excited, yet very nervous. I am finally going to do it!!! I hope to meet some new friends on here so we can give encouragement and ideas etc, to each other. Julie

Hi, Everyone. I got banded on Ictober 16th and its amazing how many different diets we all need to be on before and after surgery. I had to lose 5% of my bod weight before surgery, had to follow low fat, low carb, high protein and vegetable diet at least 2 weeks prior to surgery, had to follow full liquid diet, including dairy liquids for 2 days prior to surgery, and then had to follow clear liquiid diet for 1 day prior. I came home same day, and now for two weeks must follow full liquid diet. I can finally have one meal of soft protein starting Thursday. But, can anyone tell me if once you eat regular food, are you feeling full or just restricted? I want to feel …