Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am so excited! I just found out my surgery is September 23rd!:thumbup:

I am waiting to be banded and I am having a hard time fulfilling their requirements of losing 10% of my weight. It has become just as discouraging as being fat is. They have given me two different diets and have only lost 5 pounds in three months. One good thing is I found out that I have sleep apnea and am waiting for my machine. Hopefully, proper sleep will aid in my weight loss. Any tips on what else I can do?

Hello Everyone! I was banded on 6/30/2008. I really need some support or some help or maybe just some words of wisdom! First I was having some serious second thoughts right after I had my surgery, I was in a lot of pain and discomfort, even just a few sips of water would have me feeling so full that I thought I was going to explode. I was taking in about 200-300 calories per day and I lost 14 lbs. within the first 7 days after my surgery. I went to my post op appointment and they really only told me to keep up the good work, try to take in more protein and see you in about 5 weeks. Fast forward to the last 2-3 weeks. I feel like I dont even have the band in. When I get h…

Hello all. I am from Alabama. Beginning my journey with Lap Band. My surgery will be in March. I am very excited. I have to do a 6 month program for my insurance. My BMI is 43.5 and I have some comorbidities. Am very excited to hear your success stories!:thumbup:

Hi Everyone! I'm 38 years old, just starting my journey, and don't really know what to expect. :thumbup: I'm excited, anxious, scared and curious all together! lol I have BCBS of IL, and am hoping that all will go well so I can get approved later. Any advice that anyone has for me, would be greatly appreciated. I wish you all the best of luck! :thumbup:

Hello all. My name is Layne. I recentlly had my lap band surgery in surburban Philadelphia. I posted on this site several months ago but I have been sidetracked. I had my surgery 3-months ago and just recieved my second fill. I have lost > 30 lbs. over 3-months, going from 331 to 297 with an increase in activity and stamina. I am doing well adjusting to my new life but I have not been active in finding support groups even though my local center ( great center / Barix ) offers them due to work schedules. I am gratefull for my surgery and re-birth and gratefull to the members of this site for future conversations. With regards: Layne. P.S.: My girlfriend al…

hello, I was banded on May 27,2007 and have lost a total of 50 lbs. It was a little tough in the begining but got easier with time. Now one year later I was hoping to have lost more weight. I have recenlty put on 7lbs. I went to the doctor and asked for a scan to make sure my band was still in place because I was vomiting almost daily. Well, my band is still there and prior to my test the doctor removed some of my fill because they said it was dangerous to vomit that often. It's been a couple of months since my test and now I can eat everthing! I feel I am back to my old habits. My next appointment is Sept. 10th and I feel like a failure because I gained more weight. I ca…

Hello, Just registered for the lapbandtalk today. I have already had my surgery in March of 2007. I went to Mexico because I could not afford self-pay in U.S.. I live in Pittsburgh and am going to Erie for only my 2nd fill since surgery. Previously I lived in Nashville TN where a fill cost me $500.00 so I could not afford it as often as I needed it, however I have still managed to lose 65lbs in that time. I still want to lose about 100 more lbs and am hopeful now that I know Dr. Ali is reasonable with the price of his fills. I hope to make some friends here and if you live in the Pittsburgh area I would love to make friends in the city also. So email if you like …

Hi my name is Chris from sunny phoenix Arizona.6 years ago I was banded and at 500 was able to loose 250lbs and began to manipulate the band and cross addicted .As Alcholism reared its ugly head and my band became less effective .In Gugust of 2004 I became sober with the concept of 12 step and in regaining my health gained back 100lbs . In July of this year a freak accident left me damaged,the port was torn away and the tube snaped and had emergency surgery by my surgon to repair it only to find that it was salavagable and intact. I opted to start over and apply the same steps and principals as i do in managing my drinking to this process and have lost 40lbs and …

Hi, I live in WNY and have been putting off banding for too long. Told my wife if I didn't drop weight by the next Dr. visit I would get the band. My next visit is coming up in a couple of weeks and I actually put on 6 more pounds. I talked with my Doc about lap banding on my last visit with him and he thinks it's a good way for me to go and will send me to someone he knows. I'm 6ft and 440#. It's time for a banding. ss

Howdy- I am new to this site and am looking forward to learning a lot from all of you. I am currently in the process of getting approval from my insurance company, gathering all the data that tells them..hello, she needs the surgery! LOL I look forward to getting to know all of you!:shades_smile:

:thumbup:I'm excited about having the band. The only big problem was my port turned out patient surgery took care of that. I had surgery on 04/27/08 and have lost 40 lbs. I've had to watch what I eat and exercise ,there is no getting around that. I just had another fill 09/05/08. I'm on liquids for 5 days then soft and mushy foods for 5 days these days are the hardest for me. God made a way for me to have the surgery and I'm grateful. I have 60 more lbs. to go and I'm excited!!!!!

:scared2:I am a little scared but am excited. Is it worth it? Does it really work?

Hi everyone, I'm 34 years old,i'm married and I have 3 kids :shades_smile: . I'm also on the way to having the lap-band surgery. I've been in the program since March of 2008. I've completed all my appts but one. I FINALLY have the appt with the surgeon. Once that is complete,they will submit the information to the insurance company for approval. Ok,i'm really nervous about the insurance part. I'm so afraid that something will go wrong. Any ideas about how to stay calm during this process lol ? Thank you !! Mdwstgrl

Well....this is a huge decision. But I have a surgery date....Monday the 15th of September. I hope I am doing the right thing. I have spent hours on here looking at everyones stories, both good and bad. I am really nervous but my doctor has done lots and several of his nurses have had it done. Just wanted to begin to post and find some supports here on this site.

This is my first post. I am 37 w/female. Lap band june 2007. Total loss since banding 105 pounds.

Hi my name is Quan and I'm in the process of getting all my testing done so I can get the lapband. I just joined this sight and it is very helpful.I have to go to my second sleep study on 9/7 I hope everything is well after that so I can get my date soon.

Hi Everyone, This is my first post so hopefully I'm doing this correctly. I just started my pre-op testing phase and my only concern right now is the psych eval. I'm not sure what to expect and what kind of questions they will ask. Can someone share their experience or provide some insight so I can walk in prepared for the appointment? Thanks! This site rocks!!!:shades_smile:

just wanted to say hello, I will be going to a seminar tomorrow to get some more info before I decided to do this

I have an evaluation appt. on the 11th. Exactly what do they do at those? Do they take measurements? All i can say is if i'm a good candidate i will be extremely scared, i mean i'm scared to die when i get it or afterwards. thats all im scared about. how do i get rid of that feeling? but im really happy, i will be devistated if i cant get the surgery, my mom thinks i will be a good candidate for this surgery. yeah im 17 yet they have done 17 year olds. 18 in dec btw. so hey thanks (::thumbup:

I've bee lurking for about a week....thanks for the info I got during this time and I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier. I had a visit with my PCP and he suggested seeing a surgeon and is working on getting me a consultation. Glad to mee you all and thanks again for the info....jt

I was banded by Dr. Benjamin Schneider at BIDMC in Boston, MA on 8/6/2007. So far, I have lost 60+ lbs of a total 125+ lbs that I want to lose.:shades_smile: I am finding it hard to find interesting foods that I enjoy and are easy to prepare. I hope to get more info here.

ok I have been researching and getting a headache can someone tell me in simple terms what the difference of lap and realize bands are? thnx

Hi, My name is Leona, and I live in Clearlake, CA. I have been studying the band for several weeks, and am currently filling out the initial paperwork. I have to go to SF for the surgery, but fortunately I can do all the prep work with my personal GP. Once medicare approves the surgery, I will have to wait 6-8 months. I have chronic fatigue, fibro, advanced COPD and a hiatal hernia. I have already lost 28 pounds since January, and now weigh 404 lbs. I cannot walk, but I do weight bearing exercise three days a week. I plan on buying Protein Drinks and going on a diet similar to the band diet now. I hope to lose 40 lbs or more before surgery, and really build my muscles…

Hi everyone, Unfortunately I don't have a success story. I wish I had never been banded. I was banded 2/08. I lost 35lbs before the surgery but have since gained almost all back. They told me it was not a "magic bullet" but only a tool. I get that. But for me it proved to be a poor tool. Let me explain. I don't eat just in response to hunger, obviously. If I did, I would not have become 150lbs overweight. So it didn't bother me too much when the band didn't change my hunger signals at all. But that was supposedly the big draw of the band- "it tames the hunger". The main problem I am having is that it changed what type of food I can tolerate- and not for th…

Hi everyone, I have been reading posts for a while, and decided since my pre-op day is scheduled and I'm nervous...that I needed to interact for support. Has anyone else had a full day of pre-op preparation? I know there will be lab work, xrays, EKG, consult w/ the surgeon....but what else? Also...anyone else out there a self pay?

Hi.. Most people call me Coco, so here I am. Almost 32, and at a weight that I am frightened and disgusted by. I really want to do this. I was recommended by zeama. I've seen some of her pics and she is looking great. I hope to get that feeling soon too. I'm at a point where if I didn't ahve to work outside the home, I don't think I'd leave my house, that's how ashamed I am. :tt2: But this will be my move to change those feelings.

Hi all! I've been reading a lot of your posts. You are all very informative! I'm seriously considering the band. I went to a seminar in July and I have an appointment to talk to a surgeon on the 12th. My concern and the reason I'm on the fence, is because I'm a single mom and My daughter is 17 months old. I know that I won't be able to lift her for about 6 weeks after surgery, so I'm not sure how I'm going to manage. On top of that, I can stay with my mom, but I really don't want to stay there for 6 weeks, but I'll deal with that when the time comes. My other concern is what happens with all of the skin! I don't have the money to have a tummy tuck once I loose the weig…

PLEASE banded 13/07/08 had 3cc fill 20/08/08 only a few pounds loss, what should I do? do I need to be filled more, I can feel some restriction. But get hungry alot too! I have no point of satisfaction .....please calm my nerves down

Well over two weeks (04/2/08) ago I went to my PCP and got the referrel to the Dr. Givens. I went to the Seminar on Monday (05/05/08) and also got lucky and had my first consult with them also that afternoon. While I was sitting in the office I got the bad new, my insurance wont cover anything dealing with weight loss surgery and I don't have $14,000.00 to pay for this surgery. So now I have to appeal to the insurance to prove this is a medical need and not to just look good but for my health. I'm also needing to send a letter to our senator of SC and to the governor of SC. The state of SC has it where the insurance wont pay for this wonderful surgery. I have BlueChoice…

HI! My name is Candace and I was just banded yesterday!! I live in Montgomery Texas and my Dr is Dr. Wilkenfeld. Hope to make some 'band buddies' here :lovechoc: Candace 313/?/160

when i post something i get a messaage i havent updated in 80 days. What do I need to do, How do i an what am I suppose to update, Thanks Renea

I just recently moved to the UK and am in need of a fill doctor in the Manchester or Bolton area. Can anyone help?

Hi, My name is Autumn. I am 28 years old and sick of being obese. I have a 10 month old little boy. I decided today with the help of my DH and my mom that I should pursue the lap band. My insurance does not pay for it. I have already looked into a loan which I have secured. It is there for the next 6mo. So now what? I know I need to contact the dr and get things started. But after consulting the dr what happens. Is there a lot of test, other specialist to see. About how long does it take to get a surgery date? Think I will have one within the 6mo before the loan is gone? Thanks for any help. I hope to get to know everyone.

My name is Valerie. I have talked to my doctor about having the Lap Band surgery. I meet with my doctor on Tuesday to do all the blood work before he refers me to a clinic. I have some hoops to jump through for my insurance to cover but I think it will happen. I feel a bit nervous and scared about going through it. I do feel, however, that this is a good choice for me. :lovechoc:

hello all, After thinking and thinking, this is something I want to do for myself. I have been reading and researching and to tell you the truth my head is spinning. I have type 2 diabtic is it true that it could go away . karen

Hello everyone! My First Fill tomorrow!!! I am so pleased...with my band... so far I have lost 43 pounds, this includes my two weeks prior to my surgery...my goal weight is another 65. My first fill is tomorrow, what should I expect and what should I watch for? What was it like for you with your first fill? I am a bit nervious about the experiance to come? Thank you for sharing and good luck to all. "Be true to YOU!!!:thumbup:

This is such a big dection to make, it is so hard. I keep telling myself I can do it on my own after doing every diet for the last 15 years and Im at my heaviest right now. I need to admit it to myself that I just can't do it!! I always wished they would come out with something like this and now that it is right here for me I don't know why I have to think twice about it. I tell myself I want to be proud to say I lost my weight on my own, I see that works well for me, NOT!! Did you have these feelings? How do you over come friends telling you not to do it? I need to just go and do this for me, I know this but keep making excuses. Thanks for the sup…

Hey Everyone, I was recently banded on 8/22/08 and have 1 zillion and 1 questions! I would love to know how much restriction you should feel being 10 days post-op? In the hospital after the surgery I was completely closed and did not pass the barium swallow test, the feeling of the fluid in my chest really had me freaking out, and the surgeon had to rush to the hosp to take out the 1cc of fluid he put in it already. I am on the stage 2- cream soups, puddings, yogurt, & protein shakes but if I try to sneak the littlest bit of anything solid - even applesauce - I get that awful feeling and sometimes start PBing. It is really scary and at this rate I think I'll be o…

Hey ladiess I am on my way to have my surery. I will keep you updated on my progress. Hugs and kisses to aprilapple too, I think we are bandsisters. Keep us in your prayers. Curvesincali

Hey ladiess I am on my way to have my surery. I will keep you updated on my progress. Hugs and kisses to aprilapple too, I think we are bandsisters. Keep us in your prayers. Curvesincali

Hi My Name is Anita I Was banded on July 23rd And have lost 25 Lbs since my Surgery. I am Scheduled for my first fill on September 18th.

I want to receive notification when someone posts to a thread I have posted to. I want the notification to come to my email box. How do I do this? Thanks a lot, Marylyn

hi i got my 1st fill about 2 wks ago i havnt felt any restriction until about 4 days ago and im not sure what it is i have some pain in my stomach not when i eat i dont get sick when i eat or feel nauseous but i have this pain thats like a soreness i have been exercising more on the threadmill some small spurts of running could that be it? could i have hurt my band? in not really sore anywhere else i also seem to b less hungry i get fuller quicker im nervous that i did something from b4 cause i felt no restriction so i could eat more then a cup of food i did make the right choices and i have lost some weight but this pain is bothering me please has anyone gone through thi…

Hello! My name is Mona and I am 28 years old. I found this Lap band Support website while browsing for info regrading lap band surgery. I hope to find support and lots of useful info here. Thank you!

Hi everyone, I am so excited to be joining this group. I had my surgery on 28 Aug at 8am in the morning and have already dropped 15lbs. The surgery went very well and the only complaint I had was a soreness to my shoulders and neck (nurse said it was due to the anethesia). After a couple of days it went away. I am still on the liquid diet and so far it has been good. I'm not sure how any one else has done during this phase getting enough Protein, but if you like Ensure Plus or Boost with protein, I found that by adding 1 packages of Beneprotein with the Ensure or Boost, you can more than make the daily requirement of 50-60 grams of protein. It doesn't mix real wel…

Hello, My name is Sarah and I had the rRealize band put in on 8/08/08. Since then I have lost 21 pounds. I don't have my first fill scheduled until 9/22 and for the last week or so I have had trouble staying full eating my regular meals. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate any help! I hope to get to know people soon. - Sarah

Hi Everyone, I have been lurking for a few weeks and I finally found you. It's hard to keep us in the shadows.:redface: Well here is who I am. Turning 42 in Sept. Married: 9. 5 years: No kids (DINK; Double income No kids) I am Finance Analyst at major So Cal University and my husband is Police Officer . ( I have not mentioned the thought of surg yet... I guess I will tell him on the way to the hospital . Ya know the type... " I love just like you are... I love the curves... Has he seen my ankles lately??? Felt the pain in my back??? or felt my underwear roll under my tummy when I sit down or stand up????:thumbup: 2 Labs ( Black girl: CLEO Yellow boy:…

Hi all I'm new here!:tt2: My surgery day is september 30th. three weeks away. I'm so nervous. Any advice? Also...fatty liver, can they do the surgery if you have it? thanks!!! Britt:smile2:

Hi, Am new to all this. :confused:Feel excited, nervous, and scared. Not about the surgery, but the permanent life changes. Have Questions about eating, post band and after recovery.Think I understand the issues during recovery and post fills - or am I being naive? Have to lose as my health is deteriorating . Have failed too many times to count and gained all back and more. Now need to lose 150 +#, or else. Have the OK from the family doctor, surgeon, the psychologist, waiting to hear from the Pulmonologist before submitting to the Ins Co.- Looks like I'll be Dealing with respiratory problems and drug interactions, until mid Oct. Just want the surgery to start!…