Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

It is late, but I wanted to just post once! Today I had my nuclear cardio stress test, so I think I'm almost there. Tomorrow I will come back and see if I can find patients from beliteweight in Detroit. I went through rny with my daughter, and I know the difference..... More later Carol731:confused:

Hi, I am so glad to have found this site. This has been a God-send. Reading all of your comments has helped me tremendously - Thanks. I am only 4 days post-op, but still feeling so tight in my chest. I burp all the time and occasionaly have shoulder pain. Is this all normal? I can barley drink liquid without feeling miserable. I think I'm drinking approx 2-3cups of Water a day, About 1/2 C sf Jello a day and am getting about 4-6 g protein(shake) a day. This is much tougher than I ever anticipated. I'm a mom of 3 kids, so I have to keep my energy levels up somehow to still be mommy. So far I've lost 13 lbs, but I'm sure it's all water weight. Please Help! …

I'm brand new to all of this. I finally decided for myself that I need to lose this weight. Not for the doctor, not for my family, not for my friends, but simply for me. I scheduled to go to the information session on October 21st. I'm nervous about all of this. Do I have the conviction to do all that will become necessary. Do I weigh too much for the lap band 291 at 5'7". What if, what if, what if. Lot's of questions.

Hi, I'm Ron, No Decision, no Doctor, no direction. 308 lbs, need to be 200. Looking at options, as I have absolutely no success with managing my own weight. There WILL be an event in my life that will change the way I live, I want to choose it. This has been the recommended avenue. Other than that, I'm just checking things out here to get as much help as I can. Thanks to anyone that chooses to give advice.

Hello, I'm way at the beginning of the process. I just got my first consult date for Oct 23. So, maybe I joined here too soon, but I'm excited...and nervous....and scared...and excited. Good luck to everyone. Karen

Hi everyone. I've been on here reading posts for a couple of weeks and I'm so glad I found this site. But I really need some info/opinions. I had my initial consult with my surgeon yesterday. Walked in there positive I was getting the band & not the bypass. He said they're not sure how long a band will last in patients, statistics on it causing erosion or ulcers in the stomach etc. He has done 250 bands & 800 bypasses. I also was worried about my "willpower" because I've read so many posts that show people having alot of frustration with getting their amount of fill right and being able to eat too much. I really need this to be a tool that limits my hung…

I have been working on getting the lap band since last December. To qualify for the insurance I had to do a six month study and lots of tests. FINALLY got approval to proceed so now I meet with my Dr. and his gang to set up my pre-op diet and surgery time. It has been a long process and I've almost changed my mind many times. My husband is not for it, so that makes it doubly hard. Can I ask...is it worth it?:thumbup:

I was banded on Sept. 30 and all has not gone well. I must tell you that I had some unususal complications. The doctor told me he was going to repair a hernia in my navel. During surgery he found that mesh that had been put in my abdoninal area to repair hernias from previous surgery had worked lose and had migrated to the wall of my stomach. Needless to say, it involved quite a procedure to remove this. I was sent home the next day and have been understandably uncomfortable. I am doing my best to follow all his instructions but starting yesterday morning, anytime I eat anything I break into a cold sweat that absolutely will NOT stop. I prespire so badly from my…

I had my meeting with the surgeon. I am on his waiting list. He said within a couple of months. I am kinda hoping for the middle to end of December so my kids will be home for winter break. It kinda sucks to have to be "fit in". He isn't only a bariatric surgeon, he is the cheif of laproscopic surgery as well. So he is a very busy man. I am alright witht he waiting if I am getting the best. He also gave me a run down of the diffrence in how they do it here and in most places in Europe compared to the States. I was a little surprised. He actually goes there to train other drs. It's all good. He also said that my pre-opp diet is 10 days long.....is that normal? …

Hi everyone been a while. Earlier this tear i was aiming for the Lap Band .I had everything they asked me.So there i was in the Doctors office and they said we don't deal with your insurance anymore??? I said screw it and left.A little depression and new insurance later and here i am.Going to my doctors 10/27.08 And will tell him to start the paper work to getting the lap band,again.I am not complaining but that was messed up! My insurance said ,they would cover it if the doctor ,deems it necessary and he does,yeah.So hello once again,to everyone.Part 2 of this journey.Hey i got Tylenol.

I was feeling so down yesterday, but today I feel like 200% better. I was banded on 7/26/04, and was wondering how often I should be eating or drinking. Any advise from those of you who have been there-done that. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. I know what and how much, I just need some guidelines on how often.

I'm new to this forum. I was banded on August 27, 2008 and had my first fill on Oct. 1, 2008.:redface: So far everything is going really well.

Hello, I'm brand new and just got insurance approval. Apparently it takes longer for the letter to get to my doctors office. I have no idea what to expect now. I would appreciate any info on what test are generally done preop and how long it takes to actually have the surgery once you get approved. Thanks to all in advance

Hi All I thought it about time I registered. I was banded 5 years ago at the same time as my eldest daughter, and a year after one of my closest friends. I am particularly intersted to hear from people who have also had a band for that amount of time and how they are getting on now. I am also happy to share information of my experience with 'would be' and or newly banded folk.:-)

Hi, im being banded next thursday. worried, excited, nervous etc. Also looking foward to a healthier happier life!:redface:

My name is Angela and Im being banded on the 20th of October. It seems to be coming around very quick and Im very nervous!! Not so much about the operation itself as i've spent quite a bit of time on operating tables/hospitals! More the recovery at home with 2 year old twins. My best friend will be helping but she has 8 weeks of a pregnancy to go and she is struggling with the heat and its only going to get hotter! How long before other mums were able to do "normal" mum things like cleaning, changing nappies, bathing etc? I suppose I should also ask for any feedback on Royal North Shore Private in Sydney from anyone who has had their band done with Dr. Garrett Smi…

I am stay-at-home mom from Washington state. I was banded on July 5, 2008 in Mexicali, Mexico. I have lost about 32 pounds so far, but the journey has been difficult. I had my first fill in mid July and had started to get used to it. Mornings are difficult, even drinking liquids. Feel the need to burp a lot and can't swallow much. These past week has been extremely difficult, as I can't swallow much and feel low sugar blood levels. What do you guys recomend? Thanks.

Hi, I'm looking for patients who have had the Lap Band surgery done in North Bend Oregon Bay Bariatric by Dr. Steven A Tersigni. I go to see him October 10th 2008. I wanted to here from post surgery patients on how they are doing and what they think of Dr Tersigni and staff.

I'm new here and just posted my first blog...I'm excited to be here and to meet everyone. I have a great group of women that just finished a 14 week Healthy Lifestyles class at Kaiser (something I highly recommend...non members can join the class as well...great class and you make a great network of friends in the same "boat") and am looking forward to making new friends here as well. Daren

My name is Danielle and I am almost through the pre-surgery process. I am hoping to get banded sometime in the next two months. I have been battling obesity since I was a little girl and am hoping that this will be a permanent solution for me. I have 5 young children and I need more energy! I look forward to getting to know everyone. Danielle

I am very new to this whole process, but have been gobbling up all of the info that I can over the past couple of days here and online...I am 32 years old, with three children (aged 3, 2, and 1) Unfortunately, since they are all adopted, I cannot blame the weight on three back-to-back pregnancies!! :crying: I lost my father earlier this year and I am scared to death to ever have my children feel the same sadness/anger because I didn't do everything that I could to be happy and healthy...anyway, I am dying to get more info (especially from those in the Richmond VA area or other stay at home moms) My biggest concern is if I will be able to care for my children adequately in…

I stumbled upon this website while googling for more Lapband info. I went to my 1st seminar Sept.29th and since then have been busy trying to get all the info I can. I really became interested earlier this year after hearing of a coworker who had the procedure. I could stay up all night reading ,but I need to get to bed. I just wanted to say "HELLO".:crying:

Just a quick HELLO from Tucson AZ, I am new to forums and to the LapBand having had the surgery on 09/16/08. I started at 351 lbs, and, between teh pre-surgery diet, and the post surgery lack of eating, I have lost 22.6 lbs (aren't digital scales fun?) I look forward to being MUCH skinnier than I am now!

Just wanted to drop in and say hello to everyone. My name is Jenilee and I'm 35 years old. I had lap-band surgery in Great Falls, MT on May 12th of 2008. I'm at almost 5 months and have lost 58 lbs. so far. It's been going great!! This forum is wonderful and has a lot of great information .. I'm so glad to be directed this way ... :crying: xoxo - Jenilee

Hi my name is Desi, and I finall had the surgery, 2 weeks ago. Yipee! Well I thought. I started off good. Lost some weight and it shocked me. Then after a while the protein shakes weren't filling me up and I was constantly hungry. I tried ignoring it, but the growling wouldn't let me. I ate a sandwich. I was just gonna bite it but once I did, I counldn't stop. Now I feel terrible. I'm hoping I didn't mess up anything and have to go back to hospital for more surgery. Can you please help with some advice?

Just thought I'd post and say hi. Husband and I are both doing this (well, pending insurance approval). My primary insurance doesnt do Lap Band, but WV Medicaid *just* started to, and we have medical cards until the end of July. We're going to be our doctor's first Medicaid bands, actually. We've done all the testing. All we're waiting on now is the psych report, then they will get on the phone with Medicaid and get it approved. From what the doc's office has told me, the approval will be the easiest part. Then I have to get my gall bladder out about a week before the big surgery. Husband has about 150 to lose (he can probably get away with less because he i…

OK I HAVE A BIG, BIG PROBLEM...:thumbup: I DONT EAT YOGURT:tongue_smilie: AND I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING ON THE MARKET:angry: FOR SOME STRANG REASON I CANT SWOLLOW IT:drool: AND EVRYONE HAS GREAT IDEAS ON HERE SO IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT I CAN EAT????? NOW ABOUT THE cheese AS A KID I ATE SO MUCH CHEESE THAT I CANT EAT IT ANY MORE :eek: MAYBE ONE OR TWO SLICES BUT THATS ALL YOUR GOING TO GET OUT OF ME:scared2: SO WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE PLEASE HELP A SISTER OUT BECAUSE I NEED SOME IDEAS......

Hi, I just received approval for my loan today!! I am excited and scared all at the same time. I don't even have my surgery date yet, but hope to have it soon.

Heyy. I am from sunny Phoenix, AZ and today I just had my first consultation at Scottsdale Bariatric. I am soo excited I am one step closer to getting banded, now I am just waiting for approval which should be within 2 weeks!! I cannot wait, this is everything I wanted and more!! -DeAndra :crying:

I was banded on Oct 1st and wondering when I will feel better? I'm still bloated and have gas bad is this normal and should you weigh daily? Still new at this so I need all the answers!:tt2:

Hi y'all, I just learned about your community at the Nat'l Lap Band Conference in Dallas, TX where I was a vendor. Heard some awesome speakers. If you didn't go to the conference this year, don't miss it next year. I'll share my philosophy that might be helpful - "Life is subject to change without notice, be ready." And - "It's none of my business what others think of me." Both of these have made life easier for me. Take and love life.

My surgery date is oct 14 i'm so excited this will be my journey to a new and healthier life.

Hi everyone. Must admit to being a bit nervous about this as i have never posted on a forum before about anything, far less something as serious as this! I am waiting to have my surgery carried out on the NHS (have been waiting forever and a day!) and wonder if anyone can tell me how to make contact with Dr Chris de Bruyne from Brussels? I have heard great things about this doctor and apparently the procedure is so much cheaper in Brussels than in the uk. Can anybody help? Many thanks in anticipation:thumbup:

Hello bandsters, when were you cleared to excercise (other than walking which I know is right away)? I think mine is 6 weeks but I've seen people on the board who have been excercising as early as 4 weeks post op. I am going to do what my Doc says but the one thing that I like about these boards is that you can see how every doc does the same thing differently. I just think if doc says wait 6 wks that there must be a reason like your body is still healing. Please share with me what you know and think.

Just came from my 2nd month weigh in and have 4 weigh in months to go. As I go through the process questions arise, am I going to succeed. I have never been skinny. I want to know what it will be like to be healthty and not tired all the time. This month I actually gained 1.5 pounds from my original weigh-in. I was told to try and maintain my weight otherwise my insurance wont pay. Dont people know that is the problem? Weight loss. Weight stability. My lowest weight in the past 12 years was 238lbs. I was actually that same weight in 7th grade, so sad. My current weight is 264.5 with my highest weight in the past 15 years being 281. The past month I was enjoying the …

Hello everyone, I am new here and have been considering the lapband for a while now. I am from Houston Texas and really am wanting to find out WHO IS THE BEST DOCTOR???? I have read so many post mostly good than bad and just want to know who can give me the best advice, but all are welcome. I have a upcoming Seminar and Evaluation scheduled with Dr Speigal and want to get more opition before deciding to choose him. If anyone in the HOUSTON TX area know of a good doctor please let me know. Also to all the people that have been banded please share with me your good and bad experiences I do want to KNOW THE BAD I have read alot about the pain after surgery (I HAVE HAD …

I am thinking about having it. I will have my consultation next week. My insurance through my job pays ALL of it which is a plus. I am 224 pounds and 5'2. I really want to lose weight for myself and to get preggo . I would just love to hear some of your pros and cons about the surgery. Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Please help me in my descision. hannah:confused_smile:

At first it seemed like my surgery date would never get here! Now I am almost there and I am getting a bit nervous! Starting my pre-op diet tomorrow. It doesn't seem too bad. I hope I will still be this positive about it in a few days! LOL

Hi there I am a 'fresh' bandit - Another success story of Dr S Watson in Perth WA. I was banded on the 11 August, have had a 2ml fill since the surgery and am set to see my Dr tomorrow to discuss another fill tomorrow. I have lost approx 8.5 kgs thus far (it would be nice to stop wanting to get on the scales everyday!) Everything is going very well so far...seem to be settling into this new lifestyle ok. Only negative for me is the 2 lots of gastro I have had, which is horrid at the best of times but any lap-bander will agree that the symptoms are so much worse! Hope to chat to you all more - share in your success, and gain/give support when needed... Keep Smi…

Hi, I'm new here, too! I was banded 6 days ago and am still recovering, but doing well. I'm so glad I found this forum and am looking forward to being on more often!

Hi All, this is my first ever post on this website or any website actually.... I am 140kgs and 6'3", apparently i need to lose 60kgs, but i think i'll look ridiculous that thin. 45-50kgs will be just fine! :thumbup: I am having my OP on the 14th of this month, so 8 days to go, feeling pretty nervous now. i have been on the Optifast for 6 days and lost 5 kgs so far. not so bad, but i'd kill for a slice of Pizza.:tt2:

Hello. I went in to my yearly visit to my PCM and she gave me a ref. to Dr. Santiago Horgan at UCSD Center for Obesity. She was happy to hear I have been thinking about Lap band. We discussed Gastric Bypass in the past but she was not into the idea since I have minor hypertension and no other issues. I am 5'5 1/2 and 303 lbs. and have been 275+ for over ten years (overweight my whole life). I was wondering if anyone could give me the process after this point. The ref. says to call his office next week to make an appt. What happens now and later. I have been reading a lot on this site- but it all gets so confusing. I know I have a BMI of 49 and I am almost 200% over so I…

Hey everyone this site is VERY! Helpful! I hope I am not "rejected" I am not a bandster but My Boyfriend is... I went with him for his 3rd fill/adjustment on Friday and I had so much fun talking to all the ladies in the office and hearing about the things that they all have in common. Which was a huge help because there are alot of different things that I find weird or even scary that he does that they all said were perfectly normal! Like when he eats he will sometimes jump up out of his seat and stretch or take a deep breathe... it would scare me at first and they all laughed and were like ohh yea that happens one lady said she would hold a chair and lean to the side.…

Hello, I am in Richmond Va. and just went to the group seminar Thursday and am going to call to schedule my consult tomorrow...I am very excited yet nervous about this...I have a severe amount to loose - I weigh somewhere over 500 lbs - so I have very long journey ahead of me... I have been reading a lot of the posts on here...I find it interesting that people try to keep it a secret from family and friends... I guess I am lucky...my mom encouraged me to attend the seminar and even went with me...as I get closer to having the surgery I will probably tell my close friends about it...I know they want to see me loose the weight and if they know my situation they can he…

No, I'm not drunk. This is my first post. I just finished a "Doctor monitored 6 month diet and exercise program" that my insurance required for the lap band procedure. The documents are now with the surgeon's office and they are sending in to my insurance this week. I am scared that insurance won't cover me. I have been working at this for so long, I tried once before when I was with Kaiser (don't get me started there) and they turned me down. Since then I have gained 30 pounds (BMI 46 now) , been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (Don't you just love CPAP machines), asthma, hypertension, and back and knee problems. Ok, AM I SICK ENOUGH NOW?!!!! T…

My Dr make you loss 10% of weight prior to surgery. I have almost 30 lbs to lose, I have lost 16lb so far and it has been hard. I have had to have the surgery post poned once all ready because I didn't make it, i have been trying and the Dr. now sees if I lose another 8lbs I can have it done. But I'm having problems with that as I can't take the medifast as I have a very senstive stomach and it has only been coming of at about 1lb a week. i have explain this to the Dr and she says you need to lose it or postpone and they are no help on how to lose. Any suggestions on how I can bost my weight loss quickly??? I have been on a lean and green diet for 8 weeks and it is …

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to the community. I am scheduled for the lapband on 10/13/2008. I'd love to find someone else to chat with who may be in a similar situation. My BMI is around 36 and my weight is around 207. Up until I was 25 (I'm 37 now) my weight was around 125 and I'm 5'4. I'm not looking for sympathy here, I'm just trying to find someone else who might have lived at a normal weight then found themselves unable to loose after weight gain. I wish I could say my weight was due to childbirth, but my hubby and I are non-breeders :tongue: Please say hello and thank you for welcoming me to the community! Cat

Hello! Hi I'm Jen! Had Lap Band back in May of 08, doing great .. glad to be here ! Hope I can hang with the best of ya!!... Take care be blessed!!

Hello all, This is my first time here. I am 45 y/o and retired military. My lap band is scheduled for 10/9. I am excited to get this jumpstart to better health. Looking forward to learning from everyone. - Steve -

Well, it's almost here. I have a mixed bag of feelings. First and foremost I'm totally excited. I can't wait to start a new life. But, I'm also nervous. I've never been put to sleep. But, my biggest fear is failure. I have only told my closest family members and a couple of my closest friends because I am so afraid that this to will fail. I have tried every weight loss method out there and I will lose about 30 pounds and then I can't go any further. I get frustated, give up, and then gain it all back. I am so afraid of failure yet again. I worry that I will be one of those that are not successful. I feel like this is the final option for me. I know that this …