Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey, I am having my surgery this week. And I am wondering how long would I need off work????????:girl_hug:

Hello all, Just joined. Was banded on 9/11/2008. Dr Neil Floch in Norwalk CT. Like many of the posts here, I cheated. Ate some talapia and mashed potatoes last night. then had egg beaters and a few bites of turkey sausage for Breakfast today.... chewed for about a minute each bite. it was not much but felt great. dedided to go back to the liquids as not to mess with the healing process. this site looks great. looking forward to learning/sharing a lot of information with you all. I started at 330 lbs and lost over 40 pre op. hope to get down to around 185. Hope you all have a great day.

Hello I have been aproved by my insurance to have the Lapband process! I was looking on the web to get more info on the side affects of the Lapband and to see if i could get more information from people who have had the procedure. Before i got to this site i was reading that 20% of the people that had it done had it reversed. Also the artical said that 60% have experanced naseua, vomiting, and abdominal pain. i am not sure how old this information is but wanted some inpute. I am 6'4inch tall about 330 lbs with Hyertention, Diabetis and Acid Reflux deseas and bad circulation. Do you all think this could help me? Last, i have lost the weight a few times but i put…

Hi All I am to be banned on September 24th. I work at the hospital that I am being banned at and see the results of obesity and diabetes that is out of control. So if it takes me along time or what ever at least I will have a better chance of not ending up a helpless person who is not able to take care of themselves.

I am delighted to have found this site and all of you! I'm not scheduled for surgery until December, so I'll probably mostly be "lurking" until then. I am posting tonight to check to see if my ticker is working...it's a bit complicated to get this all set up! Is there a post that walks us through? Best regards to everyone.

Hi Everyone, I was just wondering if anyone out there could help me. im thinking of getin a band but not sure with whom to go with. does anyone know anything about Cosmetic Bliss. If you do can you let me know what they are like and if they are trust worthy as i dont want to pay them my hard earned money and travel to another country to get it done and i end up in trouble. any advice or comments i would much apperciate. ryan

I've been very sceptical of the whole banding ordeal. I'm currently a mother of one, and wanting more kids in my near future. But at the same time I've notice I'm struggling with my weight durging and after pregancy. so far it's only been nine months since I've had my daughter. I've put on 40 lbs and the weight isn't going anywhere! Putting me at 290lbs. I'm only 21. The culture (asian) I've grown up in is rare to find alot of curvey woman like me. I've grown to expect it, but at the same time I still want to be around to see my kids getting older without me growing as in weight. :thumbup:

wow i am so excited.. I just got back from the seminar... My husband had to work .. so i brought my brother. They went over everything as far as weight loss surgeries... Going in i was all for the band ..and i still am. The others seem to permanent and scary for me. So now i have my first consultation on thursday :eek: I AM ON MY WAY!!!!:thumbup:

Okay I got my 2nd fill last tuesday. Following my first fill I didn't have much restriction. Only difference I had was that the band was extremely tight in the morning. Now since I've had my 2nd fill, I actually feel nothing at all. No restriction, no tightness, no nothing. What is really going on. I contacted my doc on Fri and I was told if I didn't feel any difference by Monday, I should come in to have the band checked to make sure the fluid that he put in is still in there. OMG, please don't let me be one of the few with band problems. Has anyone here ever experience anything like this? Help Help:crying:

Hi, Im Deana. Im new here because I have been looking into the Lapband, but I dont know very much about it. In fact my parents are the people that brought it up, and the more I thought about it the more I liked the idea. I take after my Dad A LOT, and with that comes many health problems. He has always been big, as have I. He weighs in at 350, and was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure 2 years ago, have just went under surgery to have Kidney cancer removed, and also has devoloped type 2 Diabeties. Here are my questions about the Lapband: *I am only 21. Im 5'5 and weigh 220. My BMI is 37. Will I qualify? *Does Insurence cover the lapband? …

Hello friends, I want to introduce myself. I am Patty, 47 years old and a mother of 10. My husband and I had 6 boys and 1 girl, and we also raised 2 sisters and one other boy in foster care. I have been over weight since I was a teenager, after having children, I settled my weight at 225 lbs., and was comfortable with that, but since then have developed diabetes (4 years ago). I was on Actos medication which ballooned me up to 281 lbs.(5'7"), so the last 3 years, I have put on 56 lbs. My decision to have the lap band surgery did not come easy and without many prayers. But I finally had it done on 9/9. My surgeon was Dr. Yood at St. Raphael hospital in New Haven, CT. I …

... I think! If my scale is correct, I have lost 15 pounds this week. I really wasn't expecting that - but I'll take it! I wanted to thank all of you for participating in this forum - I have read alot and learned much that has been really helpful. Like, I was still having pain, but it was intermittent and now I know it was just gas! Now I am walking more and watching the dairy I eat and that has helped alot. I gather there was alot my doctor didn't tell me about the post op symptoms, but I've learned a great deal here. My name is RoseAnne and I live in San Diego. I am, er... was 237 pounds. Now 222. I have 72 more pounds to lose. I had my surgery on Sept 12, 2…

Hi everyone. My name's Robyn and I'm 25 years old. I've been snooping around on this site for a couple weeks and have just joined. The first step I suppose. I have my first appointment Oct. 8 to speak with the surgeon. My doctor recommended me for lap band because i have failed miserably at losing weight my entire life and now have aquired unusally high cholesterol. I'm currently at 268 lbs.,5 foot 7, and am tired of wearing plus size clothing. I lack a support system for this journey, my fiance does not want me to get this procedure so I'm pretty much on my own. Any help anyone has to offer is much needed!

I was banded in 2003 I lost 100 pounds my band has been leaking since March I have gained 50 ounds I need help I have no support I was banded in Mexico and cant find my doctor.I live in Indiana

Hallo. I am new to this site and to the idea of a lap band procedure. I live in the Phoenix area. I went to a lap band seminar just the other day (my first one), but the costs of the procedure in the USA are out of my league. I am not health insured, and if I were, I would not be qualified, as my BMS is about 33, but I have no other health issues but being overweight. I wonder if anybody would recommend a clinic in Mexico or a doctor that is affordable, but still does a great job, also with the after care, within reasonable means... Any suggestions/ Experiences?????

I have used this site and its many forums to help me understand the questions I needed to ask my surgeon and appreciate everyone sharing their experiences. I got the call today... Insurance has approved me for banding!!!! I don't have a date just yet, my Docs office needs the paper in hand to actually calendar a date. I am a little overwhelmed that I will finally have a tool that can help me return to great health and maybe even purchase clothes from a retail store, rather than online or big and tall! Leaning towards the Realize band on my surgeons recommendation and need to get my mind wrapped around the two-week liquid pre-op diet... that is going to be challenge…

Hi All - I'm Donali (pronounced Donnelly), 42yo female. I've been battling my weight all my life, done ever diet imaginable, and some beyond imagination! lol I was banded as a self-pay in TJ by Dr Lopez on 1/23/03. My last pre-band diet was a year on Meridia, which really did help with my appetite - I went from 313 to 228 in a year. But, of course, once the medication was over... appetite kicked in, and I got back up to 303. Geez. My sister had the RNY a few years back - she lost down to a size 18, and is almost back to where she started. She's frantically doing Atkins now. I almost had the RNY because my insurance would pay, but after watching sis regain, …

Cheers, all! Today is my 3-week post-op anniversary, this is my first post on this site and I'm genuinely hopeful and excited to be involved in this online community. :thumbup: After researching what I could and several consults, I chose to have my laparoscopic LapBand surgery at UCI Medical Center in Orange, CA. I was willing to pay cash price for the right surgery, but luckily, the best place for me was covered by my Blue Shield insurance. My surgeon is Dr. Ninh Nguyen and to date, I'm THRILLED with my experience at that facility and am so, so optimistic that the LapBand will be the tool to help me have a healthier life -- not to mention that I'm quite ready to sp…

The place I was referred to through my insurance (tricare prime) was listed as such. I am not sure what it means beyond making me feel more comfortable lol From what I've gathered it means you have to take a few more steps because they adhere to standards that are more strict than some places. I am just curious to hear from anybody else who has dealt with a surgery center like that and how the felt about it. I am going through Froedtert Medical College in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Dr. James Wallace.

I just realized I had never posted here and I've been using the site for months. Some of you know me, but I am getting closer to banding so feel like I 'belong' a little bit more now...My name is Lisa, I live in Denver and I'm a college student with a 40 BMI. I am waiting to hear from my insurance after jumping through all their hoops and finally submitting my paperwork. Everyone on here is awesome, and I read through your posts daily to stay motivated!

Hi All, I'm Stephanie from Ohio. I have no yet had surgery and actually have a two month wait for my first consultation. If all goes well I will be having my surgery with Dr. Vanek in Youngstown, OH. I thought this would be the best place to find answers and even some support from time to time. A little about me: I'm 23 and still in college. Over all I'm quiet but tend to have an offbeat sense of humor. I hope to hear from and get to know you all. Stephanie :rolleyes2:

Hello, my name is Amanda and I'm 30 years old and weighted 225 when I started my journey back in Oct. of 2007. I live in southeastern Ohio and I had my surgery done by Dr. Canaday at Holzer Weight Loss Solutions .I finally got the ok from my insurance after jumping through hopes to have my surgery done. I had my surgery just 4 days ago and doing great. A little sore but it is surgery.:thumbup:

Hello hello! I am new to the site and am very excited to be in touch with others. I just had my consult yesturday and have been put on the pre-op diet. I neeeeed words of wisdom regarding this whole Protein shake thing . What brands have worked for you, what do you mix it with, soy milk vs. skim milk--where do you buy the stuff???? Anything anyone can offer is greatly appreciated. Thanks a million!! :biggrin2:

Good afternoon Sistas, Just came back from my nutritional consult, and everything went very well. :thumbup: Many many thanks to LBT and all of the groups I post to - everyone has taught me so much that I flew through the consult! :thumbup: The nutritionist was impressed with my level of knowledge and told me that I came in so well-prepared that it made her job easier...she also gave me the recommended diet for the post-band patients. Essentials from the plan include: 1st 2 weeks: any amount of "free fluids", small amounts of Fluid with calories (6 oz total per day), chewable vitamins/minerals/calcium. All supplements must be chewable, crushable or liquid for 2 mo…

I have not posted much. It is now time to get in gear. I am getting nervous and excited. Dr. Weiss in Mayfield KY is my surgeon. The longer I wait the more I read, some good and not so good. It can make a body confused. I am ready!!! Kathy

Well after a long haul I just recieved my surgery date. Oct. 17 at 1pm...real excited and real nervous. I was surprised that this was in and out..I thought I would have to spend the night. most support meetings were all bypasses so many questions were not answered. My surgery is being done in syracuse with Dr. simon. anyone here have him? thanks

:omg_smile: I'm not sure I am doing this right but here goes. I started researching the lap band procedure in November 2007 and was ready to go in January 2008. On January 1, 2008 my insurance changed policies and they would not cover the surgery so I gave up. Then in August 2008 the hospital called me and said that they were calling to set up my pre-op tests. I was so excited. I called my doctor and my patient advocate said that she had just received the authorization for the surgery. I am so excited I can't sleep. My exam is Sept. 12, 2008 and hopefully I can have the surgery a couple weeks after that. I have been overweight all my life. I am miserable. I weigh 298 lbs…

Hi again - Did any of you have to do a 2 year diet history for insurance? I would LOVE to see a sample of one. I realize that I have to do my own, but I really don't know what I'm supposed to list. Thanks - CG "*Sirius 60* All day - Every day"

Hi Friends -- I had my first appointment at the surgeon's office on Wednesday. It went really well! I really like the staff and the dr. I was there for 2 and 1/2 hours. So now it's on to step 2. I have already made most of my dr. appointments with the exception of Psych (he hasn't returned my call yet). I meet with the Nutritionist next Thursday and expect that I will have to be on some sort of diet beginning then. I had to sign a paper that said I will not gain any weight from now till surgery. I think my timeline looks something like this: All tests done by early December All papers sent to Atena mid December Surgery in Early January I better…

Hello! I'm a 45 year old successful Lap Bander! I'm new to this site, and new to online chats, so I'm just feeling my way to see how this all works. I attend a support group where i heard about this site to share info. I think they should have taught us how this works!:thumbup:

I have lurked for quite some time. Reading and wondering and wishing that tricare would cover banding...and then. Oh how happy I was when I found out that Tricare did indeed see the light and begin to cover the banding procedures. I am now in the process of being approved for the banding process. Tomorrow will mark one week since I've seen my PCM and gotten the go ahead from him. I have stalked tricare daily since then to track the progress of my referral. I am eager to get the ball rolling. I have been married for 13 years to my very best friend and we have 2 amazing kiddos. Kiddos who I dont want to have this struggle. Kiddos who deserve a Mommy who can play …

Hi! I had my band surgery on 8/13/08 & joined this site yesterday. I haven't had the time to really look around to see everything, but wanted to be sure I posted on the intro board asap. So far I think I'm healing really well. Actually, too well. I can really eat, gang. I mean quantity. I don't feel full until I've eaten much more than 1/2 a cup of food, and I haven't lost more than 12 pounds. I lost 3 more pounds but gained that back when I started on pureed food a couple weeks ago, but thought that was normal. Am I responding normally? Would this be a pretty good indicator that I'll be ready for my first fill when I see the doctor in a few weeks? …

Hi everyone, I am working on getting approved for banding. I am 90% sure I want to do this. I am 6'5 312 lbs but have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, a difibrillator for cardio myopathy, asthma, and no gall bladder. In addition to flat feet, I have bad knees, shoulders, and even three unhealed cracked ribs left over from football days. The docs tell me I should qualify for insurance because of "co-morbidities". I have been on every weight loss program there is and have worked out in the gym at least 200 days a year for the last 20 years. Even at 6'5 312 lbs I was doing 45 min of cardio a day. I was in the gym working out doing 150# seated military presses the d…

Hi ! i'm from Grand Forks ND . Any one out there from my area ? So, i got approved a month ago for LB, and my date is 10/14/08. I was originally on a short list to have the Gastric Sleeve done - it was just approved by BCBSND and my surgeon. Been planning to have Roux N Y for the last 6 years, decided it had too many issues attached with it, fought the system, then finally got approved for the sleeve -Way Exciting !! Then ,What ??? Are they ##@*& kidding me ?? I'm 19 pounds too light to have it ! You need to have a BMI of 50 before they'll do it ! ( and pay for it ) :laugh: My BMI is a 48.7 ! Is it worth gaining 20 pounds to have the surgery , then take a chance …

Hey everyone. I have just been approved for the LB!! :smile: However, I am a little nervous that I don't know all the lingo and nutrition information that comes along with the surgery. It's still all a little fuzzy to me. :thumbup: I know about the post op diet, the 2-3 weeks of post op liquids and then the few weeks of mushies. I guess I'm just really afraid that I am not going to remember everything and not get enough nutrition. I don't want to lose my hair! I have my pre op consultaion the day before surgery. Will they inform me of all of this then? What if I forget something? Well, its a good thing that I have LBT to refer too! :smile2: All the information I can ge…

hey hun i know today is the start of your new life and i just wanted to say good luck with it and i wish you all the best. how did the surgery go? and how are you feeling?

Mixed-race women here? Or any Native Americans in the house?? Osage tribe reprazent Seriously, though... anyone?

Okay i sooo bad want a wii fit. They are about 90 bucks for the game and board thing. Here is my problem... I am military and stationed in Germany, everywhere i look they are sold out online. Soooo i need help. If anyone knows of a store that has them in stock let me know. I will gladly send the money to you, and then you can send me the game. I sooooo sooo want one. If anyone can help me out let me know.. Thanks i really really really appreciate it. -crystal:thumbup:

So saturday is my first step toward this journey. What can i expect???

Hi - I am not to the board but not new to the idea of lapband surgery. I went to the information meeting in July 2007 and still have not had it done. I travel a lot for work which makes all of the required prep for the surgery difficult. I have a goal to have the surgery by Thanksgiving. The trickiest part is understanding my insurance requirements. Originally they said a medically supervised diet, so I have been seeing my doctor almost monthly and participating in on-line weight watchers. The last time I called they said the weight watchers participation has to be in person...uuugh! I am really looking forward to the opportunity to have the surgery. I am at the ag…

Hello from the gulf coast of MS:smile:

Hi everyone, I know I want to get the lapband but afraid. Which is wierd because I have had two lipo surgeries and I never felt afraid. My BMI is not "fat" enough for my insurance to pay for it. I have a local doc who does this and is asking $16,000. for everything. Does that sound about right? I live In orange county, California. Would love to hear the pros and cons. If you would do it all over again would you? (honestly) Thank you Dawn:smile2:

To tell or not to tell? That is the question. Hey girlies how do you tell your family or friends that you are having or had wls? I haven't told many people for cultural and regional reasons. #1 In the south it's ok to trust a big butt and a smile #2 Most of the people I know consider themselves "thick" but are actually medically obese Maybe it has nothing to do with culture or region. Maybe it's just a human thing. I kinda struggle with this. Look at my avatar, it's a cartoon, Will I ever be brave enough to replace it with my own photo or will I Keep it in the closet!? Holla!

Hi all, I am new and I have been reading through some of your posts. I am looking into lapband, I have been approved for the loan and have talked with the people who arrange for the surgery to be set up. All I have to do is give a $500 deposit and set the date.. BUT here are my concerns. I know that losing weight will be good for me, but I am reading all the posts about the post op diet. I have even read that you can't drink while you eat or immediately after you eat. I keep thinking that if I could make myself do these things without the lapband I would already be losing weight. Ok in my mind here is what I am prepared for 1) Get surgery 2) week 1 -4 liqu…

hi, i'm just starting the process of the LapBand surgery. I have attended the seminar, sent in my application, met with the coordinator, have to loose 13 lbs before surgery, and now I have appointments with the phys therapy and the phyc eval next month! I'm really excited, but apprehensive because I have 3 kids, 15 1/2, 11, and 3 and my husband works ALL of the time! So the recovery is a concern for me, but from the research that I have done, I believe that I have made the right decision. please let me know how everyone else has done if they hve had the proceedure done, or if you are waiting like myself and would like to just be supportive of one another:smile::thumbup:

i was banded on aug 19th. first fill is oct 2nd. i'm down just over 20lbs so far but def. slowing down. i hope this first fill will help jump start me again. i'm ready to finally kick my big rear into shape!

Hello, I have been a member for a while but have been guilty of mostly "lurking" with a few posts here and there. I was banded in Charlotte NC on Aug 6th 2007. My band was done at CMC Mercy by Dr kuwada. He was wonderful and the surgery went off with no complications. My BMI was 38 and I had borderline co-morbities. I started out at 219lbs and have been a slow and consistant looser. I am currently at 169 and have about 19lbs left to go to my goal weight of 150. I have 3.5cc in my 10cc band and my last fill was in March 2008. I have good restriction. I have increased my exercise to help with the weight loss. I am fine with the slow weight loss, anything worth having is…

Whoo Hooo! I finally have a date 10/14/2008!!!! I am going to be a smashing pumkin for sure. I am soooo excited....:sad:

My doctor says I am a perfect candidate for lap band. I am to have a sleep study soon. At 44 and already having had 2 heart stents inserted, and 2 parents dying prematurely of heart disease, I feel I need to do something. I need to know.... Is the surgery worth it? I worked in surgery for many years and have assisted Dr. James Kane in the North West suburbs of Chicago during quite a few of the primitive Gastric Bypass surgeries that were quite invasive. His son James Jr. is now on the forefront of this field and the innovative lap band. I have read much and my Primary Care Physician has nothing but praise for father/son partnership. I will make an appointment with …

Hello everyone! I'm very excited 7 days from today I will be banded! Looking forward working on the new me! So I have counted down the 7 months of doctor visit's - I have counted down the attending support group meetings (which I have enjoyed very much!) and counted down the days to wait on approval from my insurance comany - which ended up being one day! Glory!!!!! So now just waiting on my surgery day and getting started. I am using Dr. Bilton (Tuscaloosa AL) - have been working with his nurse Beverly who is just wonderful. Looking forward to meeting others on LapBandTalk.com and seeing others success and issues and how they to have overcome and moved forward. Have a …