Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm 28 years old and was just banded on September 2nd! I am the happiest I have been in a long time. I am finally seeing results (yes, already!!!!) and am limited on the amount of food that I am able to eat. Sometimes I really have to force myself to eat. It's hard. But I am still on the puree restrictions and will soon move to the mechanical soft part of the diet. I love to hear stories of success and what has worked for people and what has not. I am 507, and my starting weight was 290 lbs and at my 1 week check up I was down to 277. Not bad for the first week!!! I don't think. I look forward to hearing from …

Hello every body,I'm new here and thought I would drop in and introduce myself. I am Minime and I am in New Zealand. I am a 54 year old mother and grand mother trying to improve my health. I had a phone call from surgeons office yesterday with appointment dates to see, obesity consultant,consulting therapist,clinical psychologist,nutritionst and of course the surgeon.This all takes place over two days. I'm excited, I'm nervous. I'm looking forward to chatting and getting to know people on these boards.

My name's Jessica. I was banded in 10/06 by the fabulous Dr Aviv Ben-Meir at St Vincent Charity Hospital Center for Bariatric Surgery in Cleveland, Ohio. I'm here for support...which I should've been looking for um, around the time i had surgery? But nobody ever said I did things in the right order, lol. I still have about 80 pounds to go, and i'm having problems staying motivated...

Hi there, i am new to this forum. I did everything required by the insurance (Aetna) - it took some time as my first visit to the info session was in May and then I had to collect a small pile of papers. But it is all done, Aetna approved, and it is scheduled... Recently I started to read forums here and at OCC, and... oh well... I started to feel nervous and getting cold feet about this whole thing. A sizable minority complained it did not help them. Many said plug was sore for a long time. Any words of wizdom from the forum?

Well I just started my journey to a better and healthier life. The doctor's office called me yesterday to set up and appt for my consultation. YAY! Hopefully things will work out and I'll be joining the list of bandsters..lol:smile:

I feel really discouraged and hungry. I had my surgery on sept. 5th 2008. i feel like i have no energy. I don't want to get out of bed. I don't want to go anywhere. I don't feel normal! I've been exercising. I can't can only make one or two laps around the park then i'm tired. I don't get it. I've lost 17lbs between pre-surgery and post-surgery. but it's like. i want to know how long I will be feeling like this!! oh btw! Liquid diets suck! and I don't think starving myself is going to help me lose weight!!:sad:

Hello all: I am in the process of trying to have surgery. I just started my journey so I have a ways 2 go. I am hoping my insurance(United Healt Care) will cover.

I was banded on Sept. 9 and now it's Sept. 12 and I'm planning on being out of work only 3 days and a weekend. I am sore, but moving makes it better. I noticed yesterday that I was just sitting and staring and feeling depressed. The dr. said for me to spread out my normal medications instead of taking them all at once, so the first one I took was my anti-depressant and I'm feeling some better. I got dressed and went outside to get some fresh air and sunshine and that helped too. I know that food plays a huge role in MY life-obviously; I think part of it has to do with that. I'm still on the all liquid, which is depressing in itself, and the thought of a cream soup makes m…

Even though I was banded in February of this year, I just found out about this site and wanted to express my dismay that no one in Dr. Spiegel's office shared such a great tool with me. While I am curious about how others found the newsgroup, I am more anxious to see if there is another person out there who is dealing with the added restriction of Celiac Disease (Sprue).

Hi, I had my Lap Band on Aug.20th 2008. Im just a few weeks out. Not had much problems except from what Im understanding to be pretty normal for post op is the port site and the one next to it in the waistline. From the explenation I got its because they were very deep and stitched very deep. I was 240 when I started my journey was 220 when I finally got banded. I am at 205 now. I have not had my first fill.One thing I have noticed tho is Im starting to feel very hungry.Im guessing that its because the swelling is going down and things are starting to get back to normal, so Im glad the fill will be soon.Im trying to get the walking in and doing a few excersizes but still …

I'm so excited! I was really worried. I just turned 40. eek, but what a great gift. Ok, in reality, I didn't think they would, but I've been reading everything I can find. I think I'm a quantity eater, I just don't stop when I need to and I don't feel full. I'm worried about this. Plus I'm rather picky and that puts a fear in me. I want to succeed, and I know it takes work. My biggest fear is that I will fail like I usually do. I've been gung ho obviously in the past and then bam. I wish I could figure it out totally. I know this is a tool. Is it an AWESOME tool and will it really help me? I just want HELP, I know it doesn't do it for you. I guess I want a guara…

Hello...from the UK. Not had a gastric band but am considering it and am looking up information. I have been BIG all my life and enough is enough, something has to be done, well at least I hope so. LOL.

Hi everyone! My name is Julie, I am 24 years old and have been discussing some sort of weight-loss surgery with my family for the past six years. My parents were very discouraging when I was younger but when I brought it up almost a year ago, they were behind me 150%...now if only I didn't have to go through insurance...ugh. Anyway, I am a senior in college and am transferring over to my schools insurance program. Aetna Student Health is what it is called. I have tried getting ahold of them to find out the criteria for the surgery but the girl I talked to seemed misinformed and did not know how to help me. I have done a lot of research but am still without the in…

I've done my homework and I've decided to look into getting the band. I've struggled up and down with my weight my whole life and I've made a decision that I need to do something to gain control for my health. I'm in the Pittsburgh area and would love to hear about experiences with local drs in the area if anyone would like to share them. In the meantime what an inspiring and insightful group! I look forward to getting to know and learn from all of you :sad:

hi everyone i have been trying to get on this site for months,home p c wont allow me to-so i tried lap top and hey presto! I am being banded on the 7.10 in belgium so many ?,s about pre op diet etc. dr c.de bruyne is doing the band im not scared about op but im worried about how i will feel after i have lost the weight.If anyone out their wants to be my buddy i would welcome it.I am 45 and live in blackpool lancs:omg_smile:

My claim continues to be denied. First they needed the notes from my 6 mo med super diet. I had to send that twice, because they were playing games. Then they claimed they didn't have a psych eval. More games. Now they're claim the dr didn't put enough deatailed notes. I mean what else could he put in there beside my diet, exercise routine, I was even Rx'd weight loss medication. I contacted www.obesitylaw.com and I spoke to an attorney there who informed me that Allergan (the makers of the Lap Band) has an appeals program. The dr's office has to call and request the appeal form fill it out with my info, they then send it off to obesitylaw, to appeal to the insurance comp…

It seems like it has been along time getting here. But after reading some of the other threads, mine was not near as long of a wait. I started my walk the first of May, and everything just started falling into place. Then I had to wait for the Insurance to answer. That was the longest wait. I recieved the answer that they would pay on Tuesday, and the Dr. scheduled the surgery for the next Wed. Which will be the 12 of Sept.:whoo: I am still having some second thoughts and the voices in the back of my mind. "If you want to loose weight you can do it without this." But I know that if I could have I would have. I am so glad that I found this site. It has been and I am sure…

I made the decision to get the Lapband a couple of months ago. I see the dietitian on Monday and the psychologist on Tuesday. A NEW JOURNEY !!!

Good morning all. My first post. I have been reading and browsing for a few weeks. Some interesting takes on the Gastric lap-band. I was banded on Jan 18,08, Also a Friday, I really enjoy those Fridays these days. A new anniversary every week. Including pre-op diet and surgery I have lost 61 lbs. I just has my 4th fill I now have a total of 6cc in a 10 cc band. Feeling good, excersize about 5 days most weeks. Scale wont move unless there is body movement to go along with the tool I am using. For the most part of my journey has been good. Ther have been a few upchucks along the way, but we learn pretty fast from those incidents. So I have had no soda, no pizza slices, no w…

Hello: Does anyone have knowledge of the Great Lakes Weight Loss Center? I've found their website and contacted them - since it's closer and we have a bunch of relatives over there. It's located in Harper Professional Bldg. in Detroit & Rochester Hills Bldg in Rochester Hills, MI The price is $10700. I've scheduled for Dr. K in October... this place says I could be scheduled within 2-3 wks from now. Please let me know if you are able to provide any feedback. I'll keep checking to see if I can find it here. Thanks in advance, will post this in another forum as well.

:sad: Hello, my name is Anjie. I am soon to be 36 in three days. I live in California. I am scheduled to have surgery on Sept. 23rd. I am super excited but very nervous also! So I have joined the group to learn from others and hear about your great success and things to look forward to! Everyone seems so welcoming and I am happy I have found this group. I am married and have two teenagers! Yikes...they keep me busy!! I look forward to speaking with you! I will let you know how my surgery goes!

Hello fellow banders. My name is David and I just had my surgery on Monday 8 Sep 08. I have been really sore but still excited about my new life journey. I have already lost 15lbs this week. I am very strict on following the diet as well as the water intake and vitamins. A little about me. Iam a retired Marine and Army Soldier. I spent 25 years in the military. I fought weight with bulemia, phen-fen, ephedra, many miles of running, and every diet ever available. I decided on lap band after I gained up to 357lbs only two years after retiring from the military. I am now down to 320lbs with the pre-op and post-op eating plan. I will need support as there are times I struggle…

Insurance approved me yesterday. I'm so excited. The doctor's office called and I now have my surgery date... OCTOBER 16th!

I'm James, and I'm from Dallas. I've been overweight/obese my entire life and I've finally decided to do something about it. Both my wife and I went in for our first consults this morning, and I gotta say things went much better than I thought. I was initially worried that a lack of several different types of dieting attempts would automatically disqualify me, but so far so good. I've only attempted losing weight through diet and exercise on my own, usually only losing a few pounds here and there before gaining it back. I've never trusted diets like Atkins or Weight Watchers because I've worked with so many people that just seemed to be constantly on them without losing…

Hello to everyone out there! My name is Tina and I just got home from surgery. My doctor was Dr. Jawad out of Ocala, Florida. Not sure what to post about me, but here goes. I have been trying to loose weight forever. Diets didn't cut it. I had spinal fusion last year, which was a long recovery which meant little to no exercise which meant more weight gain. My husband is active duty Air Force, and I bill insurance for our local hospital here in Valdosta, Georgia. I didn't think Tricare would pay for the Lap-band, just the bypass. My family doctor had said she would have no problem getting me approved for the bypass, but for me, there were just too many things …

Hello- I am very interested in getting the lap band done and have already spoken with my PCM about it.. I am getting excited but dont want to get my hopes up in case i dont get approved.. I have Tricare Prime West.. if you know anything extra I can do to get the edge up any and all advice is more than welcome. Thanks in advance for the guidence and support!

My cousin would like the lap band but has recently moved to LA (3 weeks ago) and would love love a referral for one. She's a grad student at USC so someone near there. LA is huge and she doesn't know her way around yet. Thanks!

My doctors office has been working very hard with me to try and do my surgery before October 1 since I have already met my insurance catatrophic cap for the year and the new year begins October 1. If I get my surgery before then, I will not have to pay anything and since my husband was laid off, that would help alot. They told me that they saved a date out for me but would not tell me when until the approval. Well, I was approved late today and the person at the Dr. office I need to talk to was already gone, but the insurance company called to tell me I was approved for 9/25 at St. Mary's Hospital. So I guess my surgery is 2 weeks from today. My Dr. office is calling…

can someone please shed some light and tell me who some good dr's are in the dallas area that perform the lapband procedure? if you know the cost too, that would be great because i am thinking that i am going to be self pay...:party:

Hi all! I just wanted to tell you how excited I am! I paid my program fee, got my program book and got my endoscopy, psych and nutrition scheduled! I thinking an early November surgery!! I am so so very excited!

I am interested in getting the Lap Band done and have not even approached my doctor yet. I do have an appointment next week. I am 26 years old, 5'8'' and 245lbs. I have had issues with acid refulx, high blood pressure and borderline diabetes. My BMI currently is about 38. My biggest fear is to get excited about this tool that will be so beneficial to me then come to find out that I don't even qualify for it. What is the first step when considering this type of surgery? Does anyone have any tips on insurance coverage (I currently have kaiser so.cal and am thinking about switching to Aetna)? Has anyone had this surgery with Aetna insurance? I am also wondering about ho…

Hi... never posted one of these before... but hello to you all... I was banded on 19th August 08, and lost 11 Kgs prior to banding.. I am now down another 3.5 Kgs since... My first fill appointment is not until mid October so it will be interesting if this 'satiety' lasts till then. Funny feeling.. your brain says you are full.. your tummy does not believe it and seems to be grumbling because it can't find anything. Had the seemingly usual wind/gastic pains but in general not too bad.... cannot sleep on my tummy though... and when I tried it last night the pain in my chest was quite vicious.. and has ached a lot since... but that too is improving... I have lost …

I am currently seeking information regarding the Lap band procedure. I am curious about how people decided to to do the Lap ban versus the gastric sleeve. I have read some of the information offered on the web but most of it is sponsored by the surgeon. I am 57, male 5'9", 260 Lbs. with a BMI of 38. Over the years I have developed High BP, sleep apnea, shortness of breath and increasing pain in my feet and knees. I do not have diabetes but that may be looming in my future. I have tried all of the major diets including Atkins, Weight watchers, Nutrisystems and they all worked but after loosing about 20 - 25 pounds I would level off and within a short amount of time …

:wub:HI EVERYONE I DID IT I AM AT MONTH 6:lol:..I GO FOR MY LAST SUPERVISIVED VISIT ON SEPTEMBER 17TH :eek: AND ON THAT SAME DAY I HAVE MY NUTRITION EVALUTAION. I REALLY CANT WAIT TO POST TO TELL EVERYONE THAT I HAVE A DATE. MAYBE ILL GET A DATE IN OCTOBER PRAYIN MY INSURANCE DOESNT JERK ME AROUND:cursing::cursing::thumbdown::crying: HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL WITH THERE JOURNEY:thumbup::wub: TTYL:wub:

Ya'll please keep my city, New Orleans, in your prayers. I am not sure if we can handle another blow. This is ridiculous, seriously. I was watching the news last night and it showed a lady who had just moved back into her home since Hurricane Katrina, and now she is preparing to evacuate due to that F:cursing: Gustav. Well I will be evacuating with my job, The American Red Cross. Please pray for us that this blows over and misses us. Thanks ya'll!!!!!

Hi everyone, I am new to this and would like to chat with anyone who just was banded. :rolleyes2:

Anyone have any good suggestions of foods to buy at the Commissary that are very band safe and friendly? I am still on liquids for the next 3 weeks. chicken noodle broth and apple sauce is getting reeaally boring. Any suggestions? What are you guys doing for clothes as you slim down? I am in Germany and our PX is not the best in the world. We do have a $1.97 rack bi-weekly that I will be raiding every other week as it comes out. :party: I'm down 23 pounds already and down one size. I work in a professional office and need to look professional everyday. What are the rest of you doing? I don't want to put in a lot of money and won't stay at that size for too long.

:thumbs_up:Hi everyone I'm new to the site have been reading blogs for a couple of weeks. I haven't been banded yet waiting for insurance approval and a date. I just want to get started on my success story like so many of the ones I've read.

Hi - I'm going in for my Psych Eval. soon. I'm a little/a lot nervous :tt2: Can you share your Evaluation stories with me. Thanks for all your help everybody!

I have been pondering for a couple weeks now whether or not to post a thread like this but I really need to vent to someone and to get some advice. I'm not exactly sure how to write this post so if it sounds stupid, I truely am sorry. My husband and I have been married for 6 months and 5 days now but been together for 2 years and 5 days. When we met, I was 32 pounds lighter than I am right now. I guess after we moved in together I quit trying to lose rest of my weight and didn't care. We have 4 children together. 2 from my previous marriage and 2 from his previous marriage. After alot of talking about it I decided to have the lapband done and was banded on Au…

hello everyone my name is ReBecca i am 28 and about to have surgery on the 26th of this month:sneaky:

:rolleyes:Hello everyone. I am new to this site. I do not yet have my surgery date but I am in the second month of my three month prep. I am looking forward to learning from and leaning on each of you.

Hello everyone, I'm a newbie to the forum. :sad: I found this forum on another forum and wanted to check it out. I am scheduled for lap band Monday, 9/15. Am really excited about my journey to a new life. Would love to make some new friends.

I have been approved for my lap band surgery!!! :eek::huh2::thumbup:This is the first time I post something, I have been reading soooo many different things here which make me feel excited...nervous and scared! My road here has not been difficult at all, I have BCBS and I just completed the requirements needed. I have not been stressing over it either maybe that's why I wasn't expecting the call I received from the doctor informing me that I was approved :ohmy: ! I have been overweight since my teens, I've though about gastric bypass, even visited a doctor, but was too scared to do it, the surgery just seem to drastic for me! I finally got information about the lap band a…

Hi guys! I am a recent bandster and a Navy wife of 12 years. I actually have felt so great lately that I just went back to college!! Yeah! Anyway, I used to be Army myself so I have GI Bill benefits and even with them AND the financial aid, they still don't pay for all the school bills. SO, I have applied for an unusual scholarship. I had to send in a short, funny video telling why I deserve a $2500 scholarship. Then the video with the most votes wins. That's it - so it is pretty much a popularity contest. I am trying to get people to vote for me - so PLEASE take a few minutes and visit the link below and vote for me. And if you could find it in your heart to vote …

Hello all: I am a newbie from TX. My surgery is scheduled for 8/27 and I am so ready! I am glad to have found this site with so much real life information.

I will not be back....please delete me. This place is full of negativity!!!!!!!!!! What a lesson learned in a few hours. I'm new to the bandwagon world. I'm still in the pre-op stages and get meet my entire team on 09/24 in Denver. I'm super duper excited to get started and take back my life. I've been doing tons of research and reading forums from Obesity Help, Lap Band Talk and Bariatric Eating's Before and After. Just for your eyes only. I'm going through Dr. Thomas R Brown in Denver. I'm a cash pay patient and am almost done raising the funds. That's been a chore but I've got awesome friends, family and co-workers. I think that I'll have about #125 lbs to los…

Hello all, I was just banded on August 28th and found this forum while looking for some answers to questions I had. I'm hopeful and at the same time scared this won't work, since nothing else really has, so it's comforting to know others have some of the same questions and struggles.

I had the lap band surgery May 20th /08 I find I am still struggling with some old issues I am still hungry I have lost about 40 pounds since the surgery. I am hopping to find someone in my area to team up with who had the surgery.I live in kingston NY. My surgeon is Dr Anthony Pucci in Goshen NY. I am very happy with having Dr Pucci as my Dr.

Hi everyone. I had the Lap Band surgery done on July 16th. I lost 11lbs before the surgery and I 6lbs the first time I went for my appt. I lost 8lbs the next visit. So as of 3wks ago I lost 25lbs. I had to stop into the Dr.'s office to take care of some business and I weighed myself. I gained 2lbs. It was the end of the day. I am having alot of anxiety after I eat. I notice that I can eat more now. I can eat normal portions of food (ex: a whole sandwich). I am going for my first fill tommorrow and I am told that the amount of food I will be able to eat will be less. I see how addictive I am with food. That feeling I had in the beginning is gone. Has anyo…