Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all - just wanted to say hello. Just made my first appointment for Lap Band. So many questions. So many fears but so excited. Happy I found your site.

Hello everyone!! I was recently banded almost 3 weeks ago and I lost 23 pounds. I'm not sure of a date for my first fill, I will find out at next doctors app. My weight loss is at a stand still and I cann't wait to get first fill. I can really notice that I am getting very hungry soon after meals. I am walking 3/4 of a mile in the morning amd the same in the evening. I am very excited about this fill so I can get this journey started.

Hey everyone! I was banded on October 1, 2008. I am 14 days post surgery. I've already lost 28 pounds since I started my liquid diet pre surgery! Excited to start living life again!:laugh:

Hey everyone...Well as of today I'm one month in, and from what I can tell from everyone elses post I'm experiencing the same feelings. I was banded on 9/15/08...Lost a quick 20lbs the first week and have put about 6 back on...My first fill is in a little over 2 weeks, and I'm excited to get this adventure started! See ya'll on the boards!

Ok, help me out here. I am 5'8' and weigh 247 according to the scale at my WW meeting. That gives me a BMI of 37, which is down from a BMI of 40 that I WAS 18 months ago. I have been so frustrated watching my wt go up and down. The stern looks from the WW people when I gain wt again or just lose/gain the same .2 lbs for the 8th week in a row is driving me crazy. So I decided to pursue the Lap-Band. After attending an info mtg, getting stoked from reading this board etc, I talked to my insurance co., got their info (sorta-whole 'nother thread there) but was basically hinted if my BMI wasn't 40 or higher I 'could always gain 20 lbs'..ha ha.... I was appalled. I worke…

Hi, This is my first post ever on any forum! I have my surgery in December, but have been planning it for about six months. I really like this site. I have been reading some of the posts and learned a lot. Dr. Moran in Raleigh,NC is doing my procedure. I like him. Well, I can't wait to read all the posts!

I am new to this forum and I'm seeking information to help me make a decision on rather I want to have this procedure done. Right know i a little scared:embaressed_smile:.

Hello All: My name is Valerie. I have finally made the decision to get banded. I have begun the processof attending the seminar, group meetings, and have had all of my pre-surgical requirements completed. I see the doctor this Friday (10/17) to set my surgery date. Hoping to have in November. I am really looking forward to it and meeting others who are going through this process with me.

Hello all I am Keri, I am 31, and was recently approved for Lapband surgery last wednesday. I have struggled with my weight loss since puberty. I have been talking about WLS since 2005, and have decided that it is time. I am meeting with my Doctor on friday to sign consent papers, and hopefully making a date for the surgery. I am married to the best soldier in the world, and have 2 sets of Natural twins. I want to be the best wife and mommy ever, and if know that my weight had held me back. I hope to make some great friends here. Feel free to share your experiences with me, and if you have any tips, I am open to learning them. Thank you! Keri :thumbup:

Hello everyone! i have already gone through some of the pre-op stuff, i have a psych. eval coming up soon, but i suspect that will be fine. My main question is; is your quality of life that much better after surgery? i guess i wonder about 'addiction transfer'....i'm afraid of turning to alcohol or something because of not getting that satisfaction from food....anyone experience this? what are the hardest things you've had to deal with?...and how did you deal with it? thanks so much and good luck to everyone!:smile2:

:sad:Hello Everyone, I have Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon and they do not pay for this procedure, should I change insurances, and if so, any suggestions?? Is is a complicated long process for insurance to pay?? Any info is much appreciated!! THanks!!

Well I just got a surgery date for Nov 17TH!!!! I am so excited, but a little apprehensicve about my insurance approval. Cigna is horrible for everything, I just hope I get an approval with no trouble. I'm not sure if I should call them or if that would make it worse. Anyone else have experience with them?

Hi, I finallly decided to stop blaming everyone else for my weight problem, stop comforting myself with food when things were stressful, and stop waiting for someone else to go exercising with me. I gave up on trying to change other people and decided to accept things as they really are (instead of how I'd like them to be). I got banded Sept 3, 2008 by Dr Michaelson at the NW Weight Loss Surgery center in Everett. The first 2 days after banding I was really sorry I had it done, because I hurt. But that passed fairly quickly. Now I am really glad I had it done. The band is an excellent tool to keep me from having that piece of cake or chocolate bar "just this once". …

Hello everyone- Thi si smy first post. I have been reading alot of threads and this forum is so informative. I have my surgery date (Nov 14th, 2008) and I have pretty much done everythign i need to do except my pre op appointment. Oh and lose the rest of the 10lbs prior to surgery. I am excited, nervous, but know in the end my health will be so much better.

Hi! I am Jeremy. I have arrived at the point where I do not think I will ever be able to control my weight through will power and exercise alone. I am seriously considering getting banded. I have a plethora of questions, but I'll try to limit them to a few: Do you feel the band/port inside you? When you eat while banded, does the "full" feeling you get feel the same as the full feeling you got when you ate a large amount of food before you were banded? If you are on pill medication, can you still take it during the liquid diet post-surgery phase? Are there any long-term or permanent restrictions on vigorous physical activity? Seriously, how bad is the post-opera…

Hello, my name is Jenn and I am 26 years old from TN. I am just starting this process and doing a lot of research. I have an appointment with my PCP next week to get a referral to a surgeon. I have struggled with my weight for years, currently I am at my highest, 334 lbs. I have PCOS, insulin resistance, and sleep apnea. I am absolutely terrified, but I know I have to do this. I have a beautiful 3 year old boy that I want to be around to see grow up! I am looking forward to spending time here and learning more!

Hi: I had my surgery June 5. Was doing pretty good, motivated and losing. Then June 23 I had a blood clot in my leg. Even though I was on the bariatric diet in the hospital, I weighed as much as I did when I came out as I did at surgery. And I was told not to exercise. I had 1 fill on July 30 and I felt no different, I have a hard spot where he did the fill, so I wonder if it even went in my band. I have been really depressed, just can't seem to get started again, my hair is falling out. If anyone had this happen or if you have suggestions for me, please write back. Thanks, Wanda

Wow! This is such an amazing site. There is such a treasure trove of valuable information put forth by the members. I look forward to losing (weight) and learning with my online support team. I weighed 397 lbs (6ft. tall) pre-surgery. I have yet to weigh, although I get my staples removed today and will likely have to step on the scale. Not sure of total loss but I feel great and my surgeon (Dr. Lee Schmitt) and his team at St. Vincent's were phenomenal. Thank you Veronica Patterson for inspiring me to adopt this healthy lifestyle alternative. If any newbies have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line. I am sure that I will be soliciting you lap band vets…

Hi! I'm new here, and have been considering Lapbanding for a long time. However, I figured it wasn't covered by my insurance, as BCBS of Florida (BlueChoice PPO) has a specific WL exclusion. However, I heard one of my co-workers say her friend, with the same insurance, was 100% covered, so I'm starting the ball rolling. Both my husband and I have BMIs over 40. I'm 5'8" at 300 lbs, he's 6'4" at 480 lbs. We both have some co-morbidities (sleep apnea, joint pain, etc.) I've just made a consultation appointment with Dr. Jawal in Ocala, FL, for Sept 5, and hoping for the best. I know I will probably have a fight with the insurance on this. Any advice?

:confused:Hello! I'm new from WI. I was banded Sep 19 of this year. All was going well but after only 3 weeks I've already found myself going back to my old habits. I have not had a fill and am still suppose to be on the slush and mush diet till Friday but I feel like I missed out and am making up for the few weeks I went without "real" food. I started to exercise and then lost the ambition as usual. I have lost 8lbs since surgery but feel that isn't enough. I also fear that I may have damaged my band or something. Anyone else worried if their "binge" eating has compromised their banding? I tried to make sure I chewed slowly and drank water with the food but now I’m a lit…

Hello - i just found this website and have been reading the forums - thank you - it is really helpful. This is my first post. :smile:I live in Paris France and will have the band on Nov 17. I am getting very nervous because they do things very differently here! no pre-op exam other than chest xray so far, (i still have to meet with the anesthesiologist) and the surgeon (who is a known and recommended reputable surgeon) says after surgery you just eat normally - just chew your food alot! Quite different from all of the research I've done on-line about liquid, pureed diets, etc. I do have a therapist/psychiatrist i am working with, so that is good. I was wondering …

Greetings, I need some help. I have finally been approved by the insurance company. It looks like my surgery date will be Nov. 4. Can someone give me some advice about how much time I need to take off work. I have an office job. I have one week of vacation so I will be taking only a week to recover. I will not be taking any sick leave because I am not telling anyone except my immediate family. Will one week be enough?

This forum has already helped me so much. I've had many surgeries including losing a kidney, but I'm very nervous about this one because it's elective. Having been overweight all of my adult life (30+ years), I feel it's time to do something so that I won't have to be morbidly obese the rest of life! I'm also hoping to ditch a few medicine bottles along the way, too. I'm praying for guidance as I prepare to do this thing.

Hi, my name is Cedar. I live in the UK. I'm 56 and I had a gastric band applied two years ago now. My weight has fallen in that time from 20 stone to 10 and a half stone (I think that's from 127 kilos to 66 kilos). There have been a lot of problems along the way and there are still health and nutrition things I'm really worried about and that's why I've joined this forum, in the hope that I might learn from other peoples' experience. I have to say straight away that I am very very happy with this weight loss, it has been worth everything. It is wonderful to be able to feel 'normal', to get into normal clothes, size 12, even if it's just a shirt and trousers, it's great. A…

:laugh:Hey everyone hope is well.... Ok let me start by sayin has anyone saw the new Essence Cover?? Mo'Nique is on it an she looks great :thumbup: as i was reading her story on the bottom it started to talk about her fitness makeover:wink2: now i have read things on the internet that says she went under the knife lapband or gastric. NO NO NO she lost all her weight naturally and dont get me wrong i"m not hatin(well just a little:tt2:) but i really wish i could do it like her because she looks GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!!!! in the story she says she was 257 then and now she is 232 but when i saw her in concert she looked much bigger and when you see her on tv she also looks …

I'm three days post-op and the pain from the surgery gas is starting to wane somewhat. I have a wife and a son who have been more than supportive and who'd like to see me hang around a few more years. My family health history and my many past failures from one diet to the next led me where I am today. I felt the right decision was made and I've lost about half of what I needed to lose to get to where I looked and felt my healthiest. I hope everyone reaches that point in their personal lives. Pray for me and I'll do the same for you. John

Tomorrow is the big day for me. I am a little scared and more than just a little nervous. I am letting all of my past failures cloud my mind. While I was on cruise in the Bahamas this weekend, all I could think about was one day soon I am going to be able to wear a swim suit without that stupid little skirt on it. However, now that the surgery is tomorrow, I am thinking about the time spent on Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, Physicians Weight Loss, Dick Gregory's Bohemian Diet (my first diet), and the many, many times I have been on diet pills. I am thinking about my friend that had the surgery 3 years ago and has not lost a pound. I am thinking what makes m…

Hello, all, I have bookmarked this site to peruse soon when I get more time. I have finally given up with dieting and wishing. Maybe it is time for me to consider help. I never wanted surgery before because all I really knew about was stomach stapling, and that was just too permanent and excessive for me to think about. I have been reading about the lap band surgery instead -- less invasive, reversible (if necessary), and slower, which I personally think is better than the drastic measure that stapling is about. I noticed that a doctor who caught my eye is doing a free information seminar on Wednesday, and I want to go hear more. He is actually a doctor who teaches …

Hey Ladies, what is the average time needed off work.????? I heard 2 weeks...I have the boss from Hell so, Iwas just wondering. Gigi.:girl_hug:

I just submitted all my paperwork to the physician. I have cigna insurance, my BMI is 37 with 2 comorbities, I'm wondering how long it takes for insurance to approve surgery, and are fill ins covered.

Hello everyone! I just found your site and cannot be more thrilled! I was banded on 10/01/08. Post-op, the day I started my liquid diet, I weighed 223 pounds. I must admit I am scared, though. I haven't found anyone I can really communicate with around here and feel alone. I feel like I have a million questions but don't know who to trust and talk with. My husband is totally supportive but he's not been through the banding process. He's been following the diet along with me (pre and post surgery), but I need to talk with people who've been through this. I'll tell you why I'm afraid...I hate the Protein stuff we're supposed to drink and so I admit to not drin…

I have been home 3 days and I am still having terrible pains in my left shoulder. It comes and goes, but when it hits it is excruciating. I know it is the gas they put in, so I was looking for something to help it go away. I read all the suggestions and it helped to know it was NORMAL, but a bit discouraging to know it may last for weeks. Is it normal to have sudden diarrhea? I hope that will not be permanent. I have lost 40 and have 60 more to go.

Hello all, well not sure how all this works, today is my first day on the site... pretty cool stuff! i am 35 yr old female, live in missouri. I have been going thru the steps for insurance qualifications for about 4 months now, getting closer, yeahhh...will possibly be banded end of november.:thumbup:

I think it is great that you all have been able to have this done. I surely wish I would be able, but my insurance will not cover this procedsure even though my dr. wants me to have this done. I weight almost 400 lbs, 5'3, breathing difficulties, on oxygen, high B/P, diabetic. I asked my insurance company about it and they said no I asked even if this is for health reasons and they still say no . So now we hope every week we could win something on the lottery so I could have this done ha ha ha cause we sure can't afford to pay for this but hopefully someday I will be able so goodluck to all of you. Oh yes I have tried other ways of weight lose in case you were wondering…

Hi everyone, My name is Leah. I was banded on Thursday, Oct.9, 2008. I had the realize band placed. So far, I have not had any major issues, except for the gas pain. I am on a pureed diet and have taken a Protein bullet of 42 grams and my Protein shake and the rest food to get my 50+ grams of protein. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life and become a healthier person. My pre-band weight was 236.5. I have many questions, but am just happy to be here and share my experience as I go along. Leah :thumbup::thumbup:

Hi Everyone, I was banded on Sept. 30th and i have never before been depressed i just keep telling myself....This is what you wanted.....RIGHT??? I feel like im going crazy i cry for reasons im not even sure of and i never thought i would need a support group but my Husband just doesnt understand but then Mr. Soccer player of the year has never had an issue with his weight im mad at him and i dont even know why.....maybe i was that Big Mac he ate the other day or maybe i really am going crazy??? I need help!!!!

I have my surgery on Monday and am scared, and excited, both at same time. Looking forward to meeting all of you. :thumbup:

Hi All, I am 2 months out of surgery....I am not sure about any of this, my weight loss or if symptons are normal. I have only lost 23 lbs in 2 months is that normal? Good? Bad? I have not had a fill yet, I get my first one Monday not really sure what to expect. Right now I dont feel any restriction it has been a struggle not to overeat. Any suggestions or help?

Hi, I just got banded yesterday and pretty uncomfortable today but very excited as you all know how the months before we are so anxiously waiting for the day. One thing I've realized is that different doctors have different types of pre op and post op diet plans. I have gone to a Rhode Island doctor and was on a liquid pre op diet for 2 wks prior to the surgery, while my friend has gone to another RI doctor with no pre op diet requirement. I'm a little unsure of the post op diet other than the first week so I'm hoping get some feedback here. veejee:wink:

hi first time on here i live in tasmania australia haa my banding done 3 years ago the best thing i have done in my life so life changing i was 150k inow weigh 80k its amazing my surgeon is tony patianotis in hobart, the worst thing for me is the fluid i bring up into my throat every morning not good other than that all good would tell anyone thinking about it have it done amazing, im 50 years old married 32 years have 3 grown children i am a director o childcare centre . regards jd:smile:

I just wanted everyone here to know that this site is truly inspiring. I was banded Oct. 10th by Dr. Felix Spiegel. Fortunately, I had reviewed this site for about a month before my surgery to get a feel for what others had already been through. So far, I have not had any bad experience(except for the gas build-up). I have been walking, sipping liquids and feel like I am aware of what could happen adversely to me because of this site. Keep up the good work, there are others like me, who need to know what they are about to go through.:thumbup:

I am so happy that I found this forum! My doctor just proposed the idea of lap band surgery yesterday. I am adjusting to the idea and will be looking into it. Thank you all for being here--I look forward to reading your posts. More later, just call me yourmajesty :thumbup:

Hello, I guess this is the first step that makes it a realization that I am ready for a significant change. I have been fighting my weight for about 10 years now. It was found that I had hypothyroidism about 4 years ago. (5 years after gaining all the weight.) I have been on meds. and my THS is controlled. Well, the weight still is out of control. I am right at 40 BMI and am afraid that it will not be dramatic enough for imy insurance company to cover the lap band. I have a significant family history of diabetes and cancer, and am nervous that these things might await me if my weight continues to be a factor. A year ago I was 30 pounds lighter due to excessive dieting…

Hi Everyone... Im new here I just found this awsome thread today. I havent yet gotten my band but I am searching for my doctor. I have seen a few & I have a few others to meet. But I am very excited to change my life. I have been struggling with loosing & gaining weight all of my life. Its really nice to see so many sucess stories here it gets me motivated to go get mine. Congrats to all of you that have been doing so well & to those just startin hey next year around this time were both going to showing our success pictures. :thumbup:God bless you all...

I'm new here and am very excited to have found this group! I was banded on 10/2/08. Things went along pretty quickly for me. I started the process last year before my insurance covered lapbading. I attended the seminar and got my referal for pulmonology for sleep apenea. Yep. No dought there. Have severe sleep apnea. So in late june of this year I found out my ins. was covering lapband now. Got my referals for the surgeon and my clearance from my pulmonary doc. Needed to see a cardiologist, they ordered my stress test and echo. Did those and also did a mobility study on the esophagus. Finally seen my sureon on 8/15/08. (oh, the surgeon ordered/needed all the clearance stu…

New to posting but been reading and researching the forums for quite some time. I began my journey with the supervised weight loss program in January and had went to a seminar in June. My first appointment with the surgeon was in August. I had my sleep study, psych eval and nutritional consult in September. My insurance was approved on Oct 6th, only 3 days after the request was submitted(Highmark BCBS). I have a surgery date scheduled for November 17th with Dr. Miles at St. Vincent's East in Birmingham, AL.

Hello everyone, I was banded this past Monday and I am feeling much better today physically but emotionally have gone downhill. I got a text message from by boyfriend this morning telling me he wants to break up and that he has meet someone new. This came as a total shock due to he has been calling me every day since surgery and sent me the most wonderful flowers on Monday when I was in the hospital. He has been telling me how much he loves me. I tried to call him but he won’t take my calls I am so shocked and don't know what to think I thought he was on board with me through the surgery and weight loss process. I need to share my story because I don’t know who e…

Hi there, I went to a seminar back in June in Orange, Ca. That was the hardest part, but once I left I felt better. I took the next few months to do some of my own research and soul searching. Went to my PCP on Thursday and after spending an hour with my new doctor he said it could be as early as a month or not more than 3 months to have surgery. They switched my medical group to one that will give a quicker approval process, they gave me all kinds of information to read and they were just wonderful. It was a nice experience.......how wonderful is that?? My authorization for the nutritional and psych eval will come next week and I will be off and running. Anyway…

Hi everyone i had my first meeting today with lap band coordinator she was really nice and very informative, joined this forum to get as much info as possible is there anyone out there the same starting weight as me 80kl if so how did you get on and how fast did the weight come off?

I was banded on Wednesday Oct. 8 by Dr. O'Malley at the Highland Hospital in Rochester. The first day was rough, but I was released yesterday and felt pretty good last night and this morning. I'm getting ready to go for a walk on this beautiful sunny morning (how many of those are left?). I'm looking for a support group that meets in Syracuse, or I'm interested in starting one. Is there one out there already?