Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everybody - my name is Lisa and I'm from California - my surgery is scheduled for this November 2008. I thought it would probably be a good idea to have some kind of online support and here you all are!!! Pleased to me you!

Hi all, My name is Kim and I am new here. I am looking for a band buddy in the chattanooga area. If you are interested, drop me a line. Thanks, Kim

Hi everyone! Im new to the website but not new to the band... I was banded Dec 19,2007 and I have lost 49 pounds so far ... I am here because I realized that nobody really gets what it feels like to be banded and no matter how much you describe it to them they don't get it! That being said i figured I would talk to you guys!! So please be my friend :eek:

Hi, Everyone: I was banded about 5 years ago. About a year ago, I was having so many problems with my band (related to acid reflux & gerd) that my doctor removed all of my fill and I've been empty since then. The thought was leave it empty for about 6 months and then refill. I never went back. The reflux/gerd left and I didn't want to restart all of the problems so I left it alone. As a result I've regained about 30 lbs in the last year & 1/2. Not good. I've decided that I cannot have gone thru all the trouble of getting the band to let this stop me. So I'll be rescheduling an appointment for a fill. I was interested in the stories of gerd I saw online and wanted …

After months of fullfilling my insurance requirements and being one of the first patients in a new program, my surgery is finally scheduled. I saw my surgeon today. My surgery is scheduled for 10/29. I am so excited and not a bit nervous. I have been waiting for this for a long time. I ready to get a new start on the rest of my life. :biggrin:

Good evening all, This my second post. I am one day post-op and doing remarkably well. I am retired military and had my procedure done @Wilford Hall Medical Center (Largest Air Force Hospital located in San Antonio, TX a.k.a MilitaryCity, USA). I have surfed this website most of the day and everyone is very supportive. I have found a tremendous amount of valuable information so far. The ladies are great but I haven't seen very many male banders yet. Since guy's & gals are designed a little differently, I am wondering if their are any "guy" only threads that address the guy problrms/questions? Thank you.

Why don't we do a formal introduction? Hi all, here is a little info about me: I am 37. I am married with one 13 year old son I live in Brooklyn, NY. I work in the medical field. I am quiet. I am introverted to the umpteenth degree. I value the people in my life very much but tend not to show that as my preference is solitude. Selfish, i know, but i like quiet times. Your turn!:biggrin2:

Hi All, I just wanted to stop and say hi. My name is Maryanne, I am 38 living in Massachusetts, with a wonderful, supportive hubby and 2 awesome kids. I started my journey in April, (dieting) and banded 8 days ago! So far since April I've lost 35 lbs! Good Luck to all of you...I hope we are all a bunch of "losers"!

Please advise if you can direct me to a good physician for lap band surgery on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My husband is now considering lap band and I wanted to pursue some options for him. Thanks!

Hi Everyone, I'm new here and I'm hoping to get answers to questions. I was justed banded on Sept. 29th and I'm doing well so far. Not any pain from the incisions, but gas is another story:redface:. I don't know what "normal" is supposed to feel like at this point. I sometimes get a pain that feels like a gas bubble under my breast. I don't know when I feel full (still on liquids) and/or if I feel full. I've also felt depressed, wanting to cry, mourning eating out, angry and a little embarrassed that I've gotten myself into this place (gaining and not being able to lose the weight). Are so many emotions normal? I'd like to get feedback from those at the same plac…

Hello everyone! I had my band placed on 9/5/08. I've only lost 21 lbs and have not lost any weight in the last week. I'm really feeling discouraged because 1/2 cup is not filling me up at meals and I'm feeling hungry between meals. My surgeon says I need a fill and have one scheduled for 10/24. Anyone else felt this way? I really could use some reassurance here. Pre-op weight 274. current weight 253. thanks Meredith

Hi There, I'm Virginia, although my original lap band surgery was Jan. 17, 2007 and have had incredible success with the band unfortunately I am one of the rarities that suffered a band slip so last week they had to go in and remove the old band and replace it with a new one. I am currently on the mend and hoping to continue on my road to my goal weight with the new band in place. At my highest weight before finding the Newstart program at St. Alexius and meeting Dr. Norbert Richardson I was an astounding 353 lbs and on my way to becoming a diabetic and possibly worse! I was diagnosed with sleep Apnea (which is what killed my mother) and in need of a knee surgery for wh…

My old lady is getting the surgery soon. I am somewhat concerned because she has said she can't have any bread or carbonated anything. We love to eat and I am worried this will ruin eating forever. Also she said that she can only have like two bites of food at a time. If the band is above the stomach and the stomach is the same size then won't she get really hungry because not enough food gets through?

Hi...I'm excited, frightened, nervous & dreaming like crazy! My mind is totally preoccupied with my impending date. I keep dreaming that I awaken from my surgery & my family doesn't recognize me. I know it is just my subconcious & fear of the unknown. I have a great support team in place & I'm ready for my big day. Debbie

Hi everyone! I came across this forum while looking up some other stuff today, glad I found it. I live in Darwin, Australia. I am due to have my band put in on the 31st of this month, Halloween no less. I am really looking forward to having the band put in but am nervous about going into hospital and being away from my son and husband for two nights. Looking forward to meeting others on line and making new friends. Jen

Hello everyone, my name is Nina and I finally after 7 or so months, have insurance approval. I had to find another doctor because the dr I went to the first time did not even help me fight for insurance approval. The insurance company told me the date is Nov 3 but I am waiting on the dr for sure.

Hi I'm Mary E. Banded in June of 2007. Have lost about 70lbs. since banding. Had lost 70 before banding with diet and exercise. I'm glad to have found this Forum. A lot of insight and answers. I am a huge worry wart so will probably think all the complications are/have/or will happen to me. I've come here tonight because I had fallen into drinking soda and have gas and shoulder and left side pain and was wondering if I was having a heart attack... Then I read the soda thread and it seems I'm probably having a reaction to the fact that I drank a whole soda tonight! I hope you will all indulge the many questions I'm sure to have as a new Forum participant. Nice to…

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer and I live in Traverse City, MI. I'm really not sure what to say, but here goes. I had my surgery on Sept 25th, 2008. At the time of this post is not quite 2 weeks ago and have lost 10lbs. I have lost 21 since I started with the pre-surgery diet. Along with my many past efforts to loose weight I have been a member of a weightloss support group. Besides the extra support of those who have the same issues I do with weight, I am to able to keep track of my weight on a weekly basis. I heard about this resource after many, many hours spent online trying to sift through all the info on lapbanding I am hoping that I cannot only find support b…

Well hello to everyone. I guess to begin I should say that i am really thinkg hard about lapband. I am 22years old and I am a heart patient. So to do this for my heart and myself is my push. I have yo-yo dieted for way to many years. I went on my first diet at the age of 12. It really worked that time for a little while btu every time I diet and then backfall i always seem to gain all my weight back plus much more. For once in my life i am ready to get to a goal weight and keep it off. but I really don't know where to start. I don't know if my insurence will cover it and how do i get approval. Also when i talk to my mom about it all i get from her is you can do what every…

Hi everyone, I am new to this. Was looking for a site to get support and talk to others about their experience. I was banded on August 18th. Everything went perfect - not much pain, right back to work, etc. I got my first fill this past Monday. So far I have lost 14 pounds. Now here is what I am worried about. I still feel like I am doing it on my own. Just like I did with any other diet. Which makes me feel like, could I fail at this??? It's scary. I feel like I could still eat as much as I want. Is anyone else feeling this way?? Starting weight was 237. I am now 223.

Hey Everyone, I'm new to all of this. I have had my first visit with the surgeon and a few tests. I have had a required education class. Now I'm waiting on a letter with my next series of test. Any advice from the "experienced" lapbanders on this process? I hope to have my surgery sometime after the first of the year but I know it's a slow process. Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much. :wink2:

i'm new to this forum thing, but hi, my name is leena and i just got my surgery date which is less than a month away and don't know what to expect. How long should i take off of school? walking up steps, will it be difficult the first couple of days? is there a scar after the surgery? How much weight do ppl typically lose th first months? I hope someone could answer my questions for me, thank you.

Hi, First time post..I finally decided to have the lapband. It has taken me 4 years to make this decision. I have tried every diet out there. From injection of pregnant womans urine to fen phen. I always lost but ALWAYS gained back plus more. I will be 60 this month and I don't want to spend the rest of my life morbidly obese and I will not try any more drugs or fad diets. I had mitral valve repair which "could have been " caused by Phen fen. I have had a total knee replaced. I can't walk very far without being out of breath. My decision has been make!! I am almost 60 and I weigh 255 and am 5'5. I am planning on the surgery in December. I will be a self pay. I will hav…

Hi All, Just a quick intro to tell a litlle about myself. My wife and I went to the pre appt seminar 9-23-08 in Syracuse.I found it informative although a lot of answers are online. I am concerned about excess skin other than that I'm ready to move forward with all the necessary pre-op steps.My insurance covers the surgery after 6 months.I'm thankful for that.I'm 43,about 100 lbs overweight, male country boy thats looking forward to the lighter version of me.My mom had the bypass and went from 600 to less than 180lbs in about 3 years.Thanks for having me aboard and I look forward to chatting more real soon.

Hello everyone!!!! Let me first start by saying that I am THRILLED :tt1: to be in your company as a participant in LapBand!!!!!!! I started my pre-op diet today, and I am scheduled for surgery on Friday, October 17. I don't have to tell any of you how excited I am to have the opportunity to get this help!!!! I would LOVE to hear success stories, struggles, or any "heads up" advice you might have!!!!!!!!!! THANKS!!!!

After months of research I've finally decided to go with the lap-band. Now I'm looking for a surgeon in the Lansing, Grand Rapids area. Any suggestions, testimonials, etc.

My husband and I are both having the band surgery in Tiajuana, Mx on Nov 13. I'm excited, but also nervous. Has anyone done it same day as their spouse? I'm a bit concerned that there won't be anyone there with us to help out. I just hope there are no complications for either one of us since we'll be so far from home. :eek: I've been enjoying reading posts on this forum. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions before it's all over.

Well after 6 months of doctors' shrinks, and insurance company hell tomorrow is the big day. I don't know if I am scared, excited or just plain numb. I don't expect a miracle. I am just hoping for a path to better health and less worrying about what I can wear or what I can do.

I am a newby to forums and computers in general so if I make mistakes, please overlook. I am a little older at 52. I have lots of health problems caused by the obesity , diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and others. :eek: I hope to get banded by the end of the yr. I am in process of getting insurance approval ,or not.Great WESTand they require a 6mo medically supv. wt. loss program, psyche eval., nutritional consult. I have done most, but have one more vs. with wt loss MD. then we will see. Plan to private pay if denied. I have already enjoyed and learned alot visiting this site. Thanks in advance. I am using Dr. Stan Hahn in Nederland Texas. Can not wait. I a…

I work at a school. An elementary school where everyone is in your buisiness. I do not want to tell people at work that I am having the lapband. I have to submit a request for sick time for the surgery to my principal. My doctor would give me a generic note. My principal would not let up until she knew what was going on. She can't keep a secret. If I tell her I would have to tell everybody. Anyone have any suggestions about what to tell her and my coworkers?

Hi, This is my first forum about weight loss surgery - the first one I am posting to I mean. I've finally decided to have the surgery, I've put it off for years, my doctor has been trying to get me to do it forever now... I'm in denial I guess. So I think I'm going with the band, I see the surgeon next month so I'm not sure yet. I already have pre-cert from insurance. My physical is this afternoon...... I guess I have two big fears, one some thing going wrong, I have three kids and they need a mother. Two, going through all this and still not losing the weight.... has that ever happened??? Thanks for having this forum, it looks like a really great place! Created by…

:thumbup:Hi, everyone - I am a 53 year old wife, mother, grandmother from Savannah, MO. I had my surgery on October 1st. I have lost 5 pounds in one week - 20 total since my 2 week preop liquid diet started. I am nervous and a little apprehensive - I have lost weight before but have never been able to keep it off so this is my final ditch effort to get healthy and stay that way! Thanks for this site - I can already see that it is going to be a terrific source of support. Granny

Well, I went to the doctor yesterday because I have been having problems with my asthma. So the doctor examines me and asks me some questions. I was there forever! I just switched doctors so this was my first visit. Everyone was so nice and helpful. They all seemed sincerely concerned. Now, I know that this is for my own well-being but they want me to see two more doctors before they will let me have my surgery! What?? I have been cleared on all my pre-op testing and now she says that she won't allow the surgery to continue because of my family history of heart problems and my asthma not being controlled. Ok, the asthma thing I totally understand. I must see a Pulmonolog…

Hi, I was just banded last week in Bangkok. I live in Shanghai and Bangkok is more in the neighborhood than North America. I think the surgery went well. My wounds all look good, I feel better and stonger each day. My surgery was arranged by LBS (Dr. Miller) in Bangkok. My surgeon was Dr. Sutdachit. He is a very kind man and I believe he did a good job on the surgery. As for LBS, I think our pacient/doctor relationship is finished. Dr. Miller gave me a very outdated booklet with a load of incorrect/outdated information related to the surgery, side effects and post surgery diet to follow. As a result I no longer trust Dr. Millers advice. My Husband and I have searche…

My name is Chad I am 36 years old and the father of twin 4 year old girls. I am having my surgery on either Oct 23, 2008 or the 30th. My friends are throwing me a "last supper" at work this week. They are going to bring in all my favorite foods for a big party before my liquid pre-op diet starts. It is great to have such support from friends:thumbup:

My name is Kari, I'm 23 and I live in the Portland, OR area. I'm just about to start my Lap Band process and am not currently banded. I joined to learn more about the band, for support, and insurance processes and how people handled their insurance companies. Other than that I'm currently taking a break from going to beauty school for various health reasons, and am anxiously waiting to go back!

Dear all I’m so glad I’ve found this site! This post may be a bit long, I’m very sorry in advance! My background in brief is this. I am 36 years old and live in the UK. I weigh 17st 12lb, and have a BMI of 39.16. I have had mild chronic fatigue syndrome since I was 15 years old. In the past 6 years I’ve also been diagnosed with an unstable underactive thyroid, and two other autoimmune diseases called ocular myasthenia gravis and premature ovarian failure. My eating history is one of comfort eating when stressed but not complete bingeing. I have had counselling for this and other stuff for a year and have made good progress but no long-term weight loss. I also NEVER …

:sad:I am scheduled for surgery on 11/24, I have pre-op tests on 11/3 and pre-op visit with the surgeon on 11/11. I am getting nervous, but excited! Anyone have any pointers? I am weaning myself off of caffiene and carbonated beverages. I am trying different protein shakes and crystal light to make sure i'm getting enough H20. Does anyone have any other words of wisdom or other things I should be doing?

Hi! My name is Cheryl, I am 51 (soon to be 52), I live in Alabama and will be banded 11/11/2008. I am very excited about having the procedure done, and getting more and more nervous as the time gets closer. I had a consult with a dietitian 9/30 and my psych consult is scheduled for halloween (oops!!!)!! I have to be on liquids for 2 weeks prior to my surgery and that scares me too.... gotta get that fatty liver shrunk as much as possible. I will appreciate any helpful information that anyone has to share.

I am a 37 year old female who is scheduled for lap band a week from today. I am a little scared of the surgery and am starving because I am only taking in liquids per the doctor in order to shrink my liver. Can anyone tell me how the surgery was?

Hi everyone I'm new and just waiting for my date to be set. i just finished all my prereq's -So I'm just waiting. i'm definitly scared, and exited and nervous i'm sure these are all normal reactions to to the life change I'm about to go thru. Well just wanted to say "hi"

Hi, my name is Roxanne and I am from North Dakota. I am one month post op. I had my first fill today. I found out about this site from the nutritional counselor at the clinic. I am looking for other 43 year old females who are also at the same stage as I am. Would like to start a raport with you. So far things have gone well for me. I have managed to achieve one of my goals already. I am no longer taking prescription meds for high bp. I started with a beginning weight of 265lbs. I have lost 22lbs to date. I do have a great support at home since my husband did the surgery 2 years ago. He has lost 143lbs so far!! Good luck to each and every one of you!:wub:

Ya'll knew I just had to say Roll Tide now, don't ya? Ha! I was banded last week on the 23rd. I'm still very nervous and very sore. I had a hernia repair along with the band, so I had a bit more done. The surgery went great!, better then the hernia surgery I had in '06. I'm not sure what to expect with discomfort and as far as feeling the band, I havent yet. I just want to lose this weight and get back to living. I have 3 wonderful kids, 2 in college and 1 in high school, A wonderful husband that I adore and a pasture full of horses that I havent been able to ride and hope by spring, I will be able to hit the trails!! I hope every has a wonderful day and G…

Ok I have something to talk about and please give me some insight... I feel were all kinda like family and friends so here it is… what happened to Carnie Wilson and Al Roker we all know that they had gastric bypass surgery done. But has everyone also noticed that they gained there weight back? Well not all the weight for Al Roker but have you seen Carnie Wilson?? I see all these wonderful looking people on this sight and everyone is so happy they lost there weight 3, 4 and 1 year post op. my question is were are the old timers?? Were are the LBT’s that joined 4 and 5 years ago? How are they doing? Are they still maintaining there weight lost? It just makes my nervous that…

I'm going to have my first visit with the surgeon next Thursday. I was SO HAPPY to find christians who had the surgery. I asked myself and I prayed so many times to see if it was God's will and I finally got at peace with that. Is there any of you who were diabetic before?:tt2:

:thumbup:Hello my nick name is BootyBee giving to me by my loving husband .I have finally been approved from my insurance and will set the date tomorrow 10/2/08 soooo excited.........

Hi everyone! I am new here from Texas. I went for my evaluation at True Results in Dallas on 9/25. I have to do the 6 month supervised diet, so I won't be banded until next year. I am trying to get as much information as possible before then. I am curious about the band at surgery. I have read different posts about the band being empty at the time of surgery and then I have read that some are actually filled at time of surgery. Is this a decision made by the surgeon on a individual basis, or am I just misunderstanding the posts I have read? I know it is something that I will eventually need to discuss with my Dr., but I am just curious as to other's experiences. This has …

Hello Everyone, I have just started the process to get banded. I just met with my Primary Doctor yesturday to get the "yes" from him as my insurance told me that is my first step! I just faxed over his referral to our insurance and hopefully soon will find out if I can get it done. I am really ready to have it done because my husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for 3 years with no luck. I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and do not ovulate. My RE told me once I loose weight I should be able to ovulate and become pregnant! I do want to be healthy and loose weight but right now all I can think of is possibly having a baby soon. Well just wanted to share my i…

Hello, my dr has just did my referral last week, so I am waiting on the phone call...Does anyone know about how long is she take before I recieved a phone call? I am have been researching the lab band for over two years and I finally realized that it is something that I need. any words of encouragement would always be helpful. Thanks, Adore:wink_smile:

Omg, the office was SO GREAT!! The staff already feel like family, they are so warm and friendly and want to be sure I understand everything that's going to happen. The nurse I spent the most time talking to will get right on my insurance, but she says they don't require any strange pre-op hoop jumping. Once she gets the okay, everything will start rolling along. She says the biggest delay will be insurance, but that I could feasibly be looking at getting in within 4-6 weeks! Once I get the okay I will do the sleep test, blood work, etc. But OMG, I was reading all these stories and thought it may not be until after the first of the year! Cross fingers for me that…