Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

:thumbup:I went almost 2 weeks ago for my consultation! I am a type one diabetic with high blood pressure, a bmi of 49, depression so on and so forth... I have United healthcare and am truly hoping they will cover me. Rumor around my work is that they do cover it! I can't wait, but am scared and nervous too. Glad to have found this place!

I am almost 45, 230 pounds BMI is 35.5. I have Thyroid, pcod w/ insulin resistance, very high triglicerides and possible sleep apnea. Sleep study is his weekend. My Dr. feels lap band surgery is probably my best option. I am nervous to say the least not onyabout the surery but what it will mean for me. I haven't told many people because I am so embarrassed that even wih al these health risks I still can't manage to control myself enough to loose enough weight to be healthy. I have 4 childen 21 18, 5 & 1,they still need me. My mother died at 61 of a sudden heart attack. So, am willing to do whatever I need to so that I can be healthier. I am in VT and have…

Hello all! I am a 21 year old college student who is embarking on the lap band journey starting soon. I will most likely be getting banded in January and I am excited and nevous at the same time. I am excited to be apart of this site however can someone tell me how to put the trackers and things such as "april avengers" at the bottom of my posts? thank you!!

Had my placement on 10/22, pain has been 2-3, not bad. I have been feeling weak and tired the past couple days. Thinking about food a lot. TV does not help with the food cravings. Over all doing pretty good. Have lost 13 pounds. Drinking 64 oz fluids or more a day. Plan on returning to work next Monday.

I just got my surgery date and would love to keep in touch if anyone has the same date - 11/12/08 (or anyone no matter what the surgery date!) Im very nervous about the pre op diet that I am starting on Wednesday. I am already anxious because I feel like I will miss the food :biggrin: Kristen

Hello my name is crissy and I have a appt nov 18 to get my date for my lap band surgery. I am getting my surgery at Walter Reid Army Medical Center washington dc. I started this journey in march. I can not wait. My husband lost his right leg and shattered his right forearm in Iraq on june 6 07. I have four beautiful children and love life with my family but I am tired of being fat. I have just started in the last month changing my ways to prepare and I have lost 24 pounds in a month and a half. I already feel great. Gym everyday, protein shakes, healthy food, no soda, no coffee. I was consuming 20-23 sodas a day and drinking a pot of coffee. I have come a long w…

hi everyone, My name is Terry and I am 44 years old. I am very over weight and am trying to find a doctor who will take a patient that is over 400lbs :biggrin:. I really need to get this surgery before I become bedridden. If you know of anyone, please let me know.

Just wanted to send a message to introduce myself. I've been studying the site since I decided to join the band - which I did on Monday, October 20th. It's been a great help reading some of the messages, questions, and responses. I thought it would be only right to return the favor! So I'm joining in & looking forward to share, learn, and loooooooooooooooooose with all of you! :thumbup: Remnant98

I am really new and really am interested in how everyone is doing with the lap band. Went to the surgeon today and am waiting for paperwork before scheduling my surgery. I am really excited about it but know that it is going to take work from me for it to be totally successful.:biggrin:

Hi every one. My name is Tina and I live in RI. I am 316 lbs, 28 years old and sick of being the fat girl!!! I am currently in the middle of my three week liquid diet prep and can't wait till nov 7th, the day my life will change. I don't think I have ever been so excited about having surgery before. I am hoping that this web site will help me in my goals. thanks jini.....:biggrin:

Hi everyone im from west aus, new to this site I will be banded on 7th nov. im not doing very well with the optifast shakes and have been eating food at least one a day. My doctor reckons he wants to see at least a 11lb weight loss I hope im able. Im feeling sad glad rad:unsure:already cancelled once.:thumbup: I know Im doing the right thing my current weight 237lbs

Well, I think I finally figured this out!! Hello there, My name is Heather. Im one week away from the big day. I've had nothing but problems with my 2 week liquid diet and just want to sit here and Cry :thumbup:. Ive tried the Slim Fast, Akins, advantage all of them I cannot keep down and Ive had a migrane since the second day I started. It took me long enough to get where Im at now, to just back down and quit but I'm having second thoughts now. Anyone have any advise and/or have had the same problems? Please help

Hi everybody! My name is Maryanne. I am in the upper northwest corner of SC in Clemson. I had my LapBand surgery on 9/23/08. In my pre-op visit, I told my doctor that I consider this my "rebirth". That seems to be a healthy way for me to look at it...it keeps me from feeling deprived. I have lost 24 pounds in the month since my surgery, and I am going for my first fill on 11/3. I am feeling better than I did before, and I can tell that I am less tired. I've started walking, too. I've been heavy for much of my life, so I know that for me, it is important to try not to get so caught up in doing everything "just so". I mean, if I miss a day of my walks, I don't stress about…

Hey there folks... just wanted to introduce myself because I know I'll be using these forums a lot for moral and mental support in the coming months. I just scheduled my pre-op appointment for the 5th, and assuming I'll have the procedure done about 2 weeks later. I'm using Dr. Brown at CBSI (the mom of a friend of mine just had her surgery done today) and have high hopes. Been thinking and researching this for a long time and now it's time. Been overweight most of my life (it hasn't stopped me from accomplishing anything tho), and I was recently laid off, so in the time I decided to take off between the last job and a new one, I figured it was a perfect time to get this …

Hi, Ladies. Just ambled in here and thought I'd introduce myself! :rolleyes2: I was banded on 10/16. I'm on liquids and will be until Halloween. I'm in bandster hell b/c...really....can someone get me sumthin' ta' eat?! :thumbs_up: Oh Man, I'm hungry. :blushing: It is time for a Protein shake and maybe some Jello later, but I'm already starting to salivate over the thought of mushies!:scared2: Just wanted to give everyone a hello and a :sad_smile:!

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I'm going through the process of getting a surgery date. I have had my upper GI, & Nutrition appt. and will be going to see the Psych. in the next few weeks. I'm not use to forums such as this and it feels a little odd, but I hope to learn from all of you. I'm a little scared about the surgery. The "little talking monkey" on my back says I will be the first in lap band history for it not to work for me. (That's on my bad days) I have a few family members who feel it is not a good idea to have LB surgery. That is weighing heavily on my mind. But I feel I must do something different in order to have the quality of life I wa…

Hello, my name is Kate. I am from California. I was banded on Sept 15, 2008. I had my first fill October 20. I am going for a refill tomorrow, as I don't think the first one was enough???? Any one have this trouble? I have lost 18 pounds but seem to be stuck for the last week or so.:thumbup:

Im am scheduled to get banded on jan 15 09....I was scheduled earlier but had to change it due to my work and then I didnt want to have it right before christmas. Anyways, I was real excited until just recently. I have started reading (maybe 2 much) and its just getting to be a little scary. I have read about the nausea feelings, lumps in throats, vomiting, heartburn etc. I know that there has to be some pain with this but I dont want to go through a constant state of sickness. I work hard and have 2 children. I dont have the time to be "sick" all the time.... So, for all the bansters out there...please help me... I need the truth but I also need to hear positive things a…

Hi, I got banded on October 7th at TLC Edge. I've been reading different topics on the site & thought I should go ahead and sign up. It's been two weeks, not having any problems but not losing any weight. What's up with that?

Hello All i'm new to this,had surgury about month an a half ago,Wanting to talk with others to get tips and pointers about all things,Food Ideas,Exercise,protien shakes and drinks. Just a little bit of all suggestions.. Your Friend, Mark:thumbup:

Hello all I new from Kansas City area I'm still waiting for surger was cleared a week ago but no scheduled date so, I wanting to get aquainted.:thumbup:

Hello I have yet to run across anyone from the Pittsburgh PA area and thought I would just throw my name out there. I'm in the middle of my six month pre-surgery "plan" and I am anxiously awaiting for my turn to put up before and after pics!! If anybody is from this area, give me a shout! Lindsay

I have turned in all my paperwork to my insurance and I'm hoping I get the approval for my banding in Idaho. I have an appt. with my bariatric surgeon soon and my insurance covers 90% of the procedure. Does anyone know how much banding is in Idaho? Just wondering what I can expect to pay. Please pray for me that I get approved. I am about 70-80 lbs overweight. :eek:

I am a 35 yr old mother of 3, and very happily married. I haven't been myslef in about 6 yrs.. since the weight has been creepy up.. I had heard of lap-band 2 yrs ago and thought I could lose this on my own. Then we found out I have RA. so certain exercises, almost all, hurt my joints. I have been very concerned about recovery time and how it will affect my household... I know I am always thinking of everyone but me. I stumbled upon this site and am looking for some HONEST INPUT!! These seminars seem to forget to tell you all the "good stuff". one of my bff's had it last year and she said no one told her she would be eating monday, then starve on tuessday!! so I just wa…

Hey, I'm about to get banded on December 5th. I'm going to juarez, Mexico. I am going to be banded by Dr. Rod. I have heard really good things about him. I'm going through Belite weight. I have heard mixed reviews about Belite. So far my experience has been good though. I need any advice I can get though. I want to go in with my eyes wide open. I weigh 210, and I'm 5'6 inches tall. I have tried every thing and I excercise like crazy. I have went up and down for years but only losing at the most 15 pounds. So here I am ready to do this and move forward. about :mellow:to be band

Hello all - I've been a regular lurker for several months, but since I received my band a little over a week ago I thought it was about time I made my introductions! I'm 35, single, have a demanding job...though more importantly have a strong network of supportive friends and family (I am eternally thankful). Hoping to continue to use LBT as a source of information/inspiration and to connect with other "bandsters" as I continue on my personal journey. Lesly

A couple of weeks ago, I started the 6-mo pre-surgery support group reqd by Kaiser for bariatric surgery. I have been leaning toward choosing lapband surgery and have been very grateful for people sharing experiences on LapBandTalk. However, I would also like to read the experiences of those who have had other types of weight loss surgery. Does anyone know of online talk forums for other types? Thanks and God bless your weight loss efforts! Janell

I've been reading up on Lap Band for couple of years and I think I'm ready to use it as a tool to force me to stay on track. I'm only at the stage where I'm going to a local doctor's informational meeting in a couple of weeks. I don't know if I'll necessarily choose him as my surgeon. I'm in Santa Cruz, California. I have dozens of questions! Two acquaintances had the standard gastric bypass and all of that cutting of our normal anatomy just seems wrong to me. Additionally, I have irritable bowel syndrome and I would fear that bypassing part of the intestine would make my problems worse. I'm looking forward to learn from your experiences!

:eek: Hello my name is Miranda, I just found out about this site today and came right home and joined up. I hope to learn as many new things that I possibly can. Any thing that can help me reach my goal weight without having to many problems. So thanks to everyone on here thats here to help other people like us learn to change our lives forever!

I had my lapband procedure on 7/23/08, I have lost 30 lbs. so far, I think the band is great, but you have to work at it too, I eat my 5 healthy meals a day, I walk every week day, I started out at half a mile, now I walk 3 miles, 5 days a week and I feel great. If I can do this anyone can, because I was a couch potato, and loved comfort foods, I ate till I was uncomfortable, now I know when I'm hungry and what to eat, and I am satisfied. When I started the program I was a size 20 jeans, now 14's are loose, what a great feeling putting on jeans that are not tight.:eek:

Hello, I am a lap band recipient since July 7, 08. To date, I have lost about 50 lbs. But, I am stuck!! I need hints about how to stay on track. I work full time, commute 1 1/2 hours each way, so no time for gym, which is what I think I need. I try to walk during lunchtime, but not always successful, and speed and distance cannot be measured, increased, etc. due to time constraints. Can any of the more experienced folks offer any suggestions? I am concerned about the "flabby" parts!! How do I tighten those? Thanks so much.

Hi Ok here goes. I have been overweight all my life. Portion control is the biggy for me. One year ago I had a complete hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries. Since then I have developed a very large inscisional hernia. Went to my surgeon yesterday and he says it will be very difficult to fix at this weight as their is not enough available muscle to close the hernia with. I asked him about weight loss and he said it would help tremendously for closure of the hernia. He 100% agrees with me having LAPBAND and along with my GP will put in a referral to my medical Services Plan (British Columbia). Now I need to know about wait times through BC MSP or if MSP will …

I used to want to lose weight and look the same I did when I was in my 20s and had a hot body. Now I want: To see my clavicle, a rib or even a waistline again. I used to want to lose weight and be able to turn guys' heads again. Now I want: To be able to tie my shoes, walk upstairs, and (blush) have sex without difficulty. I used to want to lose weight and look good in a bikini again. Now I want: To not be staring diabetes in the face, not worry about high blood pressure, not have my knees, hips, and feet ache, and not see this fat person staring back at me from the mirror -- when I catch a fleeting glance, of course. I now simply want my health and qual…

I have not been banded yet. Have to wait several months before my insurance allows me to have the procedure. I am 56 and a lot of the pictures I have seen on this site, everyone looks so young. Are there any folks my age that I could talk to, or a group that might be 50 and above? I admire each and everyone of you who have had the courage to have been banded. I have been overweight all of my life and I have finally figured out it is not going to happen without some outside help. Looking forward to my journey.

Hi Everybody, I was banded on 9/29/08. My first fill is on 11/04/08. I am a little nervous and am always wondering if I am doing the right things. The dietician says I am doing fine but I have not lost any more weight in the last few weeks. I think this site will be of great help with the journey. :eek:

My name is Maisha and I have been procrastinating having the lap band. I have been on almost every diet and I have failed everyone. I know that even if I were to have the lap band I would still have to change my lifestyle. I am now on Jeny Craig and it is so costly and sometimes I can not afford the food. My husband does not agree with me having the surgery,but he is also not fat and don't have to carry excess weight. When I first went to formal seminar I weighed 290 in 2007 now I weigh between 282 and 279. My weight keep fluctuating. I need a lot of support not just from family but from those who have suceeded. My mother and my best cousin will support and my cousin i…

Hi everyone this is my first post. I have been reading and celebrating everyones success stories for some time now. I have finally decided to take the big step and hopefully have a success story of my own soon. I will be banded on Nov. 19. in Columbia, SC. I am scared and excited all at the same time. I know that I have made the right choice! I am sure that I will have lots of questions as my surgery date gets closer. I just wanted to say "hello" and share my good news with everyone.:eek:

I was approved for a consultation with the surgeon, I have attended the informational seminar and I have consultation with the surgeon July 2nd. Can anyone tell me what to expect when dealing with PacifiCare?

Hello I am Tammie and this is my first post, I have been checking out this site for a few days and decided to sign up. I am scheduled for my surgery on 10/29/08 :eek: very excited and anxious.

I'm 20 years old and a student at Univeristy of Florida. I chose to have this surgery to better my life. I am going to school to be a teacher and I want to have that confidence to get a job and be able to keep up with my students. I'm married and my husband has been my biggest supporter through all of this. My best friend has been amazing also even though she lives in Texas and I'm in Florida. She's so happy for me and it means so much considering the one person who I thought would be, my mom, isn't (but that's another rant). I started this whole process in May. I found out on Thursday that I was approved for the surgery.:thumbup: I am so excited. I will be calling thi…

I am new to this process. My first appointment is 10/29/08. I am excited to start my journey. This site is a great support and I hope to utilize it frequently. I am a mother of 3 and a wife. I have been taking care of others for so long; including my terminally ill sister, that I believe taking care of myself is going to be a big challenge. BGirl:wub:

Hello all. I am at the very beginning of this new journey in my life. I have attended a seminar and a support group meeting. I will be turning in my paper work in next week. I know I have to lose about 30 lbs before I can get banded because my BMI is about 58 and my doctor will not do the surgery unless it is 50. I would like to know if there are any banders in Greensboro, NC that would like to buddy up with me.

Hi Everyone, I am really new to this. I just started the Lap Band journey 2 weeks ago. In my state, and for insurane reasons....I have 5 1/2 more months before I can get approved for the produce to be covered by my insurance (they do this to weed out those who won't stick with the diet post-op). I have been reading others post and it really has given me encouragement for my upcoming journey. I am really excited for this new beginning to my life. I appreciate everyone openess and stories. Here's to us!

I have just been approved for Lap band a couple weeks ago and went through all the test and pre-op and am set for my lap band on Tuesday, 10/14/08 and am so excited and a bit nervous too I will admit :thumbup: Any info I can get from others about what to expect with surgery and the first few days would be great. I have a local support group through the doctor I am using Dr. Brad Ray but every bit helps. I live in Indiana and am married (30 years) and have 2 grown kids and lots of health problems I'm hoping to improve on,now is my time!!

Banded 10/20/08. Kane Group IL Any one else? Also, anyone have problems with everything running through you...QUICKLY

Well I got approved about a week ago....its only about a month since my first visit with Dr.Debarros at WLIAZ everything has gone soooo FAST!!! !!!!! ITS AWESOME !!!!!!! :thumbup: I have to say I also made sure I had all my records and even tracked down the Medifast clinic I tried a year ago and got the records from them too before they submitted to Blue Cross/Blue Shield!!! I weigh 240 pounds right now I don't have any medical issues yet.....I can't wait to lose weight!

Hello out there, new to the site. Banded July 14, 2008. Start weight 334, current weight 265. I'm happy with the lose however have had two small fills and NO restriction yet. I am working out 6 days a week and limiting myself on food intake, trying not to get down about the fact that the band has not help much thus far.:smile: I am also very new at this kind of computer use and not sure how to get my profile set up, any suggestions on where to start?

Hello! My name is Jon and I'm here in Philadelphia. I work in the New York area and I'm scheduled for my lap-band surgery on 11/11. I did really well on Phen-fen and was very disappointed when it was withdrawn from the market. I'm hoping that I can get on the road to feeling better, especially the pain in my back and knee! I just got home from my pre-admission testing and was browsing around the Web and landed here. After attending insurance-mandated group sessions at the hospital here in Philly, I get the impression that there are far more women than men getting this procedure...it almost seems as if the only men involved in the bariatric surgery universe are t…

Hello ladies i've beed banded 10/22/08 . I can honestly say that the only discomfort i have is the gas and gas x really do help and moving around i am recovering just fine. I am truely so blessed and happy just to know what i have to look foward to theres no looking back i thank god for the creator of wsl i have the realize band do any of you ladies have realize :wink_smile:

SO I POSTED A THREAD THIS MORNING AROUND 10 SAYING I WAS WAITING FOR MY INSURANCE TO APPROVE MY SURGERY AND AROUND 1:00 PM I CALLED MY INSURANCE TO MAKE SURE MY AUTHORIZATION WAS SUMMITED AND THE LADY AT BLUE CROSS SAID YES WE RECEIVED IT AND IT WAS APPROVED THE PHONE DROPPED FROM MY HANDS I THOUGH FOR A SECOND I WAS REALLY DREAMING BECAUSE I ALWAYS DREAMED ABOUT IT SO MUCH I JUST BURST ED OUT CRYING IT WAS REALLY A SHOCK I GOT MY DATE ON THE 17TH OF NOVEMBER SO HOPEFULLY MY PRE OP GOES GOOD.. IT IS REALLY A UNBELIEVABLE FEELING SO NOW I GOTTA GET READY EMOTIONAL Y AND MENTALLY.... JUST ANYTHING FROM ANYONE WOULD BE GREAT TO READ .. THANK YOU. :thumbup: