Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Now this is some bullish. Today I went to JCPenny, because they supposedly had 3 of the size 20 suit jackets that I was looking for available. Of course when I look in the plus section I can’t find anything but a 16 and 14. :tongue2: I ask one of the sales associates for help, show her what I’m looking for and tell her what size. After she thoroughly explains that the plus section is not her area of expertise she proceeds to help a sister out. She searches the computer inventory and sees that there are indeed 3 “what size did you say you needed again a 20?” in stock, but she can’t find them. She then ask 3-4 of her co-workers on separate occasions (at the top of her lungs…

I got a date. I will be banded on Nov. 10, 2008:thumbup:

Hello everyone! I just received my insurances' ok and am getting ready to meet with the doc to get a band date. I have so many things I want to know about everyone's experiences. I've been an up and down dieter all my life - like many people. I've looked at the Sleeve and the Band and just felt like the band would be best for me. 1st question...Did anyone smoke before and after their surgery? I know it is strongly recommended to stop but am not sure I can. It looks like fills are done about monthly..Is that about normal? What happens when you are on vacation out of the US and are due for a fill? I'm hoping to be banded late December - early January. Am kin…

Hi my name is Sunshine 926. I was banded on 10/2/08. I have lost 20 lbs. I have a lot of questions and it is nice to have a site where other people have questions too. Look forward to to chating with others.:eek:

Hi Everyone, I'm 38 y/o kinda newly married (2 1/2 years) no children yet but hopefully that will happen. Also I have diabetes type 2, coronary artery disease, and sleep apnea. My surgery is pending I have my 1:1 with my surgeon Dr. Daniel Jones @ the Beth Isreal next month, then all I'll need is insurance approval. I know 4 people who have had the Lap Band unfortunately only 1 of them has bothered to follow the program, but she's expecting now so her band has been loosened. Three of them have basically perfected finding ways to eat around the band, in a manner of speaking. Most of my trouble is while grocery shopping, I don't over by but I always look at the t…

I just visited my insurance companies website to check on whether or not they had paid any claims from my surgery. Holy cow batman! The charges from the dr's and hospital are outrageous! There is $9,100 from my surgeon, $2,100 from the anesthesiologist (sp?), and then here is the kicker, $21,077 for the hospital! I am grateful that all of the claims show as paid. Out of all of it, they show me owing a little over $300 total. I have already paid my surgeon (they owe me money back). The total price just really blew me away. My surgeon charges $14,000 (including the surgery center) for self pay, so why the drastic prices?:smile:

Hello to everyone. I saw the surgeon today for the first time. I got a referral for a psych and nutritional consult before we can set the date for surgery. I also have to lose some weight to decrease the size of my liver. Does all that sound right to those of you who have been banded. The other thing that bothers me is my husband told me he didn't want me to tell people that I am planning this procedure?! I don't get it. It doesn't matter at all to me if someone knows about it. Thanks for listening and I imagine I am going to need some support through this preop diet! Polly

I was denied from my insurance the letter I got said that The medical necessity was not established and that there was no Documentation of failure of weight loss with medical supervision within the 2 years preceding the surgery. So now I guess I have to go on a 6 mo dr supervised diet. Has anyone else had to do this? And what kind of Diet were you on?

Hello, hello,hello.. I found this board after searching for an easy forum with lots of members who are going through or have gone through what I plan to go through. I just want to say :sad_smile: to everyone as I begin what I hope to be a positive journey in the world of the Banded:biggrin: I haven't even spoke to my pcp (new term I learned here) about what it is I want to do, but I did schedule an appointment at Johns Hopkins Bayview for an information center next week. So wish me luck & I'll be around.

Hello all. Just got some exciting news! After three months of going through the motions, having psych. evaluations, various testing and bloodwork done, my file is FINALLY beind submitted to insurance! Hoping that the approval doesn't take too long, but am 99% certain that they will approve, as my insurance covers this procedure and I qualify on every prerequisite! I'm just so excited, I had to share! This might actually happen before the year is up!

Hey, I am new to the forum and would like to introduce myself; I use the name "thelasttime" because 2005-2006 I lost 90 lbs on my own - in 2008 I've gained 67 lbs. back. I was thinking about being banded back then but thought - I can do this on my own. What a let down to be almost back where I started. Mentally, I can not do it on my own again. So this is "the last time" I will lose the same pounds ever again! I am doing the post stuff; well more like got it all done just waiting for my insurance to approve. I hope to be banded by the middle of November. Thinking about option b - just in case I don't get the approval. Are there many self payees out there?

Ladies what helped you to make up your mind to go with the lapband procedures vs. gastric bypass or the gastric sleeve? I will be honest, at the seminar I went to they seem to be in favor of the sleeve and they didn’t do a good job of “selling” the lapband procedure. I am really drawn to the lapband b/c of the long term accountability. I have known a few people who got gastric and slowly gained back a lot of weight. The Dr. made the point that the idea is to pick the best one that works for you and your lifestyle and not say let me try the lap band and if that doesn’t work I can do another (because there can be significant scar tissue in any procedure which would make …

Hi , my name is Eydie and I live in Okotoks , Alberta. I had been scheduled to have gastric bypass surgery in Arizona on Oct. but have since changed my mind and am scheduoled to be banded on Dec. 3 in Edmonton , Alberta. I have fought the weight battle all my life and am really looking forward to having this new tool to help me succeed.:tongue2:

Hi all! I'm excited to be apart of this forum. I am scheduled for surgery for next week and I am soooo extremely nervous, hence the name scardycat. One of my good friends just had her band put in a week and a half ago and she had a not so motivating experience. She told me that she was in pain and discomfort for a good week. She claims her heartburn and gas pressure were unbearable at times. I am hoping that my experience isn't as terrible. I know everyone said that "everyone is different" but my mind fills with doubt and I contemplate that what if my experience is worse than hers. I don't want to not do it and live the rest of my life wondering what would happen if I d…

I am looking to connect with people like me or pretty close to it. I am female, 26 years old, starting weight around 250, surgery date was 7/30/08. I want to hear your stories and how you're coming along.

:biggrin: Good Day All, I had my band put in on Friday other then the horrible back pain I experienced I think I'm ok. BUT I still want to eat clear liquids for the first two days the adding other liquids soups etc. BUT I'm hungry I feel like I could eat a tuna sandwich or some chicken salad? very excited for all of who are going through with this. It was a difficult choice for me to make. I have a very supportive husband. I'm about 70lbs overweight but my high blood pressure has been an ongoing problem for about 4 years now. So the choice was made on medical reasons as well as weight loss.My concern now is when and how fills work as well as food I'm a foody love to eat …

:rolleyes2:I'm new to this site and am in the process of awaiting approval. I have insurance with Highmark BCBS. If approved for the surgery, I will be having it in Texarkana, Tx. I've been to ww for 7 months, 5 yrs of doctors records, 2 sleep test and waiting to be fitted for a cpap. I have also had 1 visit for a mental evaluation and 1 with a nutritionist. I'm a teacher so I'm hoping to be able to have the surgery before school starts. Does anyone have this particular type of BCBS?

:thumbup:Just received the call that I'm approved and my date has been confirmed as two weeks from today (11/5)!! I'm so excited to finally see this happening. I started with my first seminar in 2/08, followed by a 6-month program, and now will have surgery in 2 weeks. Today I have started the South Beach Diet - which I'm to stay on till the day before surgery. I'm already feeling scared that I will have a hard time on this diet - even though I know it's just setting me up for good habits after surgery. I've tried a number of protein drinks - I would love to hear from other bandsters as to which drinks they like - there are so many out there and they do not all tas…

Hello everyone. I was banded 10-15-08. All seems to be going well. Today at work we are celebrating belated Boss's Day and we all brought goodies. Our office is small only 5 people. I have not told anyone at work about by lapband so my excuse is that I just don't feel well today. This is killing me because you should see the spread of food that is here today. Needless to say I am still and the semi-liquid diet. Ugh!!!. Still having some shoulder pain but Gas-X is helping. I have lost a total of 15 pounds including pre-op diet. I am so excited to be joining this journey with everyone. Later from a very rainy Nebraska.:biggrin:

Yes, I was a very faithful LBT person. On here everyday of my life 10 times a day. I was trying to help newbies and now I think I need their help. I lost the first 80 pounds in 6months no problems. Then I started messing with my fills wanting to loose faster, then too tight, not tight enough and I'm a cash patient and 13 round trip to Dr. C's for fills and unfills so not too cheap. Well, my husband of 26 years made the remark that I ought to just have this taken out as it doesn't work no more than anything else and I had just wasted 20,000 cash. Really hurt my feelings so I've decided to just try to jump back on one more time, go back to the basics and when I get th…

I have been researching and looking into having this procedure done. I am 59 years old and looking for input from others in my age bracket. One of the gals I work with just recently had this procedure. Also if there is anyone in the South Florida area that could let me know where they have had this procedure done (my co-worker lives in another county than I do so I would prefer a doctor in my area). Thanks.

Hi everyone, Just found this great site as I'm starting to look into the lap band process. I live in central Massachusetts and will be going to a surgical information meeting at the Weight Center of the Univ of MA Medical Center later this week. I was just wondering if anyone out there had their banding done at UMass and what their experience has been. Any information (good or bad) is welcome as I begin this journey. Thanks!

I was banded on 8/29/06 and have lost 72 lbs so far....but that was lost in less than a year. I have not lost any weight in the last year due to many circumstances. I do not eat bread but I do eat sugar, due to stress. I know if I am to be successful, I need to stay away from the sugar. Dr. Fox did my surgery in Dallas. I am ready to get back on track and start losing again, I would like to reach my target weight by August of 2009.

Hello I am almost 3 years out....lost most of my 100-115 (depends on the month) pounds in the first year. Have been kind of stagnent in the WL department for about a year and half....first did not have insurance that covered fills and had to pay out of pocket...I have a fickle esophagas(sp) that if my band is the least bit tightened too much at once spasms and I have to have an almost immidiate unfill. Have about 4.1 in my 11 cc band right not...going for a fill tomorrow...found this sight and looks like a place I need to be....need to get my head in the game for several reasons....guess I am sick of beating myself up and ready to do this thing!! Primary reason is to g…

I am Alice from San Jose California. I am 48 years old. I was a teacher at Abraham Lincoln High School. Now I am suffering from obesity. I would like to know how to lose our weight without any pills.

Hi all, I've been posting on other threads since I joined this site, about how my insurance company's been uncooperative, to say the least. When my doctor first submitted the request for a surgeon, the medical group said I would have to travel at least an hour's distance to their surgeon. I am blind, and, apart from movies, I don't know of any blind folk who drive on a regular basis. (Well, I drove a friend's car when I was in college, and I'm still here!) :-) Anyway, I wrote back and explained that I wasn't willing to have my friends drive that far, and I didn't think it would be a good thing for a post operative patient to risk public transportation. Then they s…

Hi, My name is Jan and I am from NH - I have been fighting my weight for years- at 280 I have had it - but...I'm 65 years old, basically in good health except for all the weight related problems - does anyone else around my age have any thoughts on the procedure? I am in a relationship with a wonderful skinny gentleman and we are considering moving to North Carolina to escape our winters when I retire in October 2009. I would like to move with my weight under control. I want to be able to enjoy retirement and my man - Thanks for any input you may have.

I have a band date! :Dancing_biggrin::w00t::party::w00t::crying: My final consult with the surgeon is scheduled for November 11th, and my surgery date is November 17th! :wub::w00t::wub::w00t::wub: I'm so excited I can't stand it! It feels like it's been a long time coming, but now it's real! I'm going to do my pre-surgery shopping for stuff I'll need when I get home, and I've already arranged for Thanksgiving week off (we were supposed to travel out of town) and my surgery is the week before that, so I'll have effectively two weeks off from work to recover. I can't wait! I'm so excited to REALLY begin my banded life!:wub:

Hi Everyone, Wanted to say hello! I found the forums about a month ago and have found them a great source of inspiration, support and information. I live in Massachusetts and I'm 41 years old. My doctor is Dr Adam Glasgow in Norwood MA and I really like him alot. I have had just one on one with him and he has a very down to earth, likeable aura about him. I've gone through all my tests except a 2nd sleep study test to be fitted for a mask (I am so nervous about this.) My surgery is scheduled for December 11th. I am SO excited and committed to use the lapbad to the utmost advantage and get myself healthy, happy and looking good. Nice to meet you all :biggrin…

I had lap-band in January of 2008. I immediately lost 40 pounds but have not lost any more weight since March. I have been adjusted several times and have reduced my caloric intake dramatically. I am not exercising. I start each morning with a protein shake. I don't eat anything all day. Then I eat a small dinner. I know I need to exercise but does anyone have any other advice for me. I am frustrated and I feel like I am failing again. Please help.

Hi everyone! Im Brittney. I have been thinking about having the Lap Band surgery for a year or so now. I went to go see a surgeon about a year ago and he gave me all of the information I needed. I wanted to try and do everything I could before I went to the drastic measures of surgery. I was on diet pills and they worked for a little while. I lost 30lbs since January which is NOTHING! I have finally decided that I am sick and tired of being overweight, and I have decided to go through with the surgery.... Am I making the right decision? Please give me your thoughts! :pray2: Thanks all!:grouphug:

Hello All, Tomorrow, it will be official. I will be part of the world of Lap Banders. This has been a year long journey, mostly on my part. I got my approval in May, but I kept delaying my pre op visit. So, now I'm finally doing it..WOW! If someone would have told me, some years back, that I would be having an elective surgery. I would have told them..LIES! I don't do doctors like that. Where I would volunteer to go to one. NOT! I've always been good at dieting and losing weight. But, I was much better at gaining most of it back...lol.. Guess, you can say I'm tired of the yo yo dieting. So, here I am. I think I'm past that stage of being terrified, my fears have now tur…

Hello all, New to this site. I was banded March 12,2008 and it was quite easy and no complications. Had my first fill in May 2008 with no problems. Went back for my second fill in August and port could not be found to fill....needless to say it moved and turned sideways. At this time I had lost about 35lbs and was well on my way. I had my port repositioned September 12th and am now back on track. So I want to let everyone know that difficulties can arise but you have to keep going. I am glad to be here. The only thing I cannot figure out is how you all put those cute little time lines for weight loss (progess) on your screens???? Can anyone help a very computer shy lad…

I'm frustrated. I can't seem to get this right. I have to try just as hard as I did before I had the surgery to lose weight. I know this is a tool to help me and not the quick cure. I guess despite all my efforts to remind myself of this I thought I'd be thinner by now. Yes I got the surgery for my health and that has improved but I still weigh 300 lbs. 76 pnds lighter than when I started this journey but no where near where I need want to be. I feel this awkward pressure from my family and friends that I should be losing weight faster. Like I'm some failed --before and after-- commercial. Does any of this make sense. Please let me know I'm not alone!!:biggrin:

Hi Y'all! I have never been part of a chat, forum, blog or the like before, so assuming this message doesn't end up in Oz I want to say hello and join in the fun (?) I am 5'11 and weigh a svelte 300. I live in California with my husband of nearly 30 years, a black lab and a pit bull mix. I am a very successful dieter having lost hundreds of pounds and a dismal failure at maintaining weight loss. I came close to having the band earlier this year but decided to try a few more fad diets first just in case. Currently I own and operate two arthritic hips, arthritic knees and low back trouble, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety...but other than that I am just fine. My par…

Hi There, I'm new to the site. I've been really thinking about having the LB surgery. It is quite costly, here in T.O. and because of this, my spouse is very unsupportive. I've got about 120 to 140 to lose and I just seem to keep gaining more and more. It's getting to the point where I am quickly becoming a gorophobic (did i spell that right). i hate leaving the house! How do I get him on board? Also, any advice would be great as I prepare for this journey. I met with a centre in April and I am going to reschedule another consultation. What specific questions should I ask? Many thanks everyone. I appreciate the support.

:rolleyes2:Hi...I am from Boone NC and do not have a surgery date. I have attended the educational classes and have finished all the medical requirements. I will meet with the nutr/exer/psych on 11/3 and will have jumped through all the hoops. I am now practicing the after surgery eating and having trouble eating enough protein. I also am practicing the 30 minute rule which is no liquid 30 minutes before and after your meal and not during the meal. This is really tough. Any suggestions for these obstacles???

I was banded last April, and I'm very happy with my results so far, having lost over 40 pounds. I was a self-pay patient. I've had no problems whatsoever, but lately I've found myself surprised at the amount of food I can eat at one time. I think I may have to have the band tightened. I've also found that I can eat small amounts all day long and if I don't watch it, I will gain weight. I've been at a plateau for almost two months, and need some support. I'm hoping I can find some in this forum. Hi from sunny Arizona! :Dancing_biggrin:

Hi Just joining site. I am attending an informational meeting on LapBand on Friday. I am 38 year old, 5 ft 1 in. 215 pounds. I have tried Diet Workshop, Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. I had a hysterectomy five years ago and it has been a struggle to lose weight. I gained 50 pounds just since surgery. I have struggled with my weight which seems like forever. I have always had a bad body image even when I was in my teens without a weight problem. Since having children (5) I have struggled with my weight. Two of my children were born stillborn so pregnancy was not a good time in my life. All of my weight settles into my stomach area and I must get asked a few times…

I have arranged to have a band fitted by Dr.Chris on the 9th of January.. Its what Ive wanted for a long time and saved up for for years...but now I have a date, it all seems real, not a dream anymore!! Im nervous and wondering if Im doing the right thing?! Did others feel like this? Ive not told many people but those I have are trying to talk me out of it and saying Im stupid for going to another country, and making out its dangerous..They have not researched it like I have though (and they are all thin!) I have just read 28 pages of this brilliant forum and..it has really put my mind at ease.you all sound great. A friend has just had it done over here (sheffield) and i…

Hi, I'm new here!. I'm really considering having the procedure done, and was talking to my friends about it and I was really surprised by their reactions. Most, but not all, told me that I was crazy and ALL i needed to do was eat less and exercise more... have willpower. They told me that I was cheating and taking the easy way out. I was really hurt by these comments, because obviously if it were that easy for me I would have done it already. Did anyone else experience reaction like this from people? How did you handle it? Meghan

Because of Insurance my lap band surgery is not scheduled till February 2009. I tried cutting down on my eating prior to the surgery since my dietician recommended it. It hasn't worked and I put more weight on. My husband is upset with me saying if I can't cut down now the lap band is not going to work. I am worried and wish I could have the procedure done sooner. What are your thoughts ?

Hello everyone, Well I have been lurking around reading lots of interesting, and insightful posts. But, I have finally decided to go ahead and join the group. I am just north of Dallas, and am considering LapBand. I will be self pay, and am nearly finished saving up. I do have some questions though. :wink2: Does anyone know of a place to get fills near Dallas if I get the surgery done in Mexico? Thank you everyone for your help. I am so excited, and yet nervous at the same time!! :wub::tongue2:

I just wanted to intruduce myself and say hello to my new friends. My surgery is Nov 3 and I'm so exited:biggrin:, anxious :unsure:and scared :confused_smile:all at the same time. My surgeon is Dr. Patters and we are both from Delaware. I'm 29 years old and I been overweight for the last 10 years and I'm ready for a change and I'm also ready to work hard and see the pounds drop off. I'm so happy that I found this web site and I hope we can all help each other. Thanks!!!!:Dancing_biggrin:

:Dancing_biggrin: Hi my name is Cate and I am a new lap band patient. I had my surgery on 10-14-08. The surgeon was "Fuss" Ferndez and it went great. I have currently lost a total of 18 lbs. since the pre diet and afterwards. :blushing:I am currently either having a yeast infection or bladder infection and wonder is this common after this surgery?

I am just starting the journey! I have been approved by my insurance Company for the "I can change Program" which requires that I have to lose 10% of my weight (45 lbs) before Ican have the surgery. The program is 6-12 months and the earliest you can have the surgery is 6 months during which time you receive monthly call from a counselor. I weigh 345 lbs. and I am 5'5" tall. I can use any information, support, etc. flowerlover

Hello all, I am 4 days post op and about 1 hour ago I could actually say I felt good. I have a few questions that I hope I can get some feedback on. 1. I woke up from surgery with pain in my left shoulder. Nurses stated it was gas, the morphine in the hospital didn't kill the pain, today I got a little relief but not that much...I am going to call my surg in the morning for his opinion about it because if is wasn't for this one problem I would feel really good. Any body else with this 2. Not loving the liquid diet but I am doing it. No nausua, no vomiting, but no appetite either. Is the no appetite normal. 3. My energy level and enthusiam is low how long did it…

Hello All, I am so glad I found this forum, I have done my research and I've decided to get the Realize Band, I would like to have my surgery in the Summer of 09 if possible. However, I have already reached an roadblock on my journey to losing weight. I called my insurance company which is also my EMPLOYER and I was told that under our plan we don't have an Obesity Rider, which means I would have to pay for the surgery out of pocket at 100%. I was thinking of trying another insurance plan with an another carrier, what do you all think?? If you don't think that would be an good idea, do you all have any other suggestions? tryin2lose

Hi! Just introducing myself:) I'm very interested in getting the lap-band here in san diego at the UCSD clinic. I go for my initial consultation in 1 1/2 weeks where i do the psych eval/nutrition..My insurance will cover my procedure 100% but needs documentation of 6 mos. exercise and nutrition program. I am wondering if being seen by an endocrinologist about my weight and having been consistently working out with a trainer for 8 months now will help me qualify for the insurance. But anyway, its still not set in stone when I will be having this done, but I wanted to say hi:)

I have started my Journey. Due to lack of insurance (self employed):biggrin:, I will be going to Mexico for my LapBand surgery. I am scared. But I have no other choice( I feel ). AND it looks like I will be going on my own, NO LESS. But this is so worth it. I have tentatively scheduled my surgery for the week of Thanksgiving. I am using Dr Mario Alberto Almanza Reyes, Mexicoweightlosssurgery.com or alighterme.com. Does anyone have any reviews or comments about this company before I put in my deposit? I am to fly into San Diego, Ca and they will take me across the border to Tijuana. Anyone?