Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am meeting with my surgeon on Tuesday! I am so excited! What should I expect? Tests? Meeting with a nutritionist? What do you think!?

hello everyone, i'm new to this forum. right now i'm going thru all my appts that are required by true results and my insurance (bcbs). i'm very excited! hopefully it won't be too long and i will be able to have surgery...:thumbdown: any advice or tips or anything you can think of, i would love to hear from you. thanks, freeville

I am thinking about having a Lap Band and found this to talk with others about it. I am 100 lbs overweight and have tried unsuccessfully to loose the weight. HELP!

Hi all. I am new at posting here but have lurked a long while! I finally got a date for my surgery! The Drs office called and I am set for September 18th. How fast that is! I went from not being sure my insurance would even approve it (Aetna) to having a date in 3 weeks. I have the mandetory nutrition class next week. How exciting. I have to give kudos to my family doctor, he called the insurance and fought for me. I am in Colorado, my surgeon is Dr. Synder. I really like him. Anyone else have experience with Dr. Synder? Kathy:tt2:

Hello! I am awaiting my surgery on 9/12/08! I am so excited, I can hardly stand it! I am looking forward to this new journey in my life, and am looking forward to much success! So wish me luck!:party:

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; I had the realize band surgery on July 2, 2008. So far I've lost 32 pounds and would like to lose another 40 pounds. I have not had any fills yet. My doctor feels that I don't need one right now since I've done well so far without one. I'm beginning to feel a little hungrier between meals and would like to call my doctor and ask for a fill. However, I'm afraid since it seems that almost everyone has vomiting and sliming issues after a fill. Has anyone had a fill and not have problems?

Hi everyone. I have read and learned so much from these postings. I think it is wonderful that people care enough to share their experiences to strangers to help them. I have considered banding for several years, but to be honest was scared. Earlier this year I had a spinal fusion to my lower back and have decided if I could go through that, I can do the banding. Afterall the banding may save my life. My BMI is 37.5 and I am not sure what associated risks would be to make me a candidate for the surgery. My parents are both obese, heart disease and diabetes run in my family. But, my main concern and reason for this is my back. Even with the fusion, which was a horrible…

This is my first post but I've been a member for a while. I found out today that my insurance will pay for the surgery and have my psych eval scheduled for Sept 30. After he clears me (hope I'm not crazy!) it should be a matter of weeks for the surgery. Probably mid to late October if not earlier. I've been researching lap band for over a year and had made up my mind and was really looking forward to it. Now I'm kind of scared and wondering if I can really go through with it. Nothing like a reality check. I will go through with it, of course. I decided a while back that I will not go into my 40's like this. Not just for weight or looks but I know I've been lucky so far ca…

Hello everyone... This is my first time on here.. Just wanted to talk to people who have had lap band and the pros and cons... I am thinking of having it done. But i am extremely scared... Thank you all for you help....

I was banded on June 19 and have just found out about this website. There are so many interesting comments and information on here. It is nice to get opinions from other people who have experienced the same thing. I don't want to be one of those "problem patients" who call their doctor about every little thing! Also, I'm new to this whole "blog page" thing. Can anyone tell me how to personalize my page with a weight ticker and all the fun pictures? Thanks for your help and happy banding to all!!!:tt2:

I am finding out that certain people have to take the sleep apnea test. I was wondering what its purpose is with the banding. I have sleeping issue's and have my entire life. Will this effect me being able to get banded. :crying:

Hello everyone. My journey started over a year ago when I decided to take control of my health. Last year, I began researching different bariatric weight loss surgery procedures, and determined that the lap-band procedure would suite me best. I am 44 years of age, 249 pounds, BMI is 41, and I am 5’5” tall. I have asthma and chronic back pain and fatigue because of thee extra weight. I am 125 pounds over weight, which hurts physically and emotionally. I have BCBS insurance, which requires that I take 6-months of nutrition classes with weigh ins, plus a psyche evaluation. I completed and passed the psyche evaluation. I completed and continue to go to the nutriti…

hello everyone, I am brand new to the lap band world.........due to my insurance I have to see a nutritionist for 6 months prior to my insurance approving the surgery...........today I completed my 3rd visit half way there..........my last visit with the nutritionist is scheduled for 12/1/08...........this is very frustrating counting down the months...........anyone else out there going through this.................:closedeyes:jodi

I have been prequalified for the lap band surgery and was originally set for 6/12/08 but I cancelled because I felt I was not informed enough. I even considered going to another surgeon, who has told me that he will not do the band on anyone with a BMI over 45. This rejection led me to LBT and I have so happy with the information that I have gotten from all the various post and forums. I am very anxious and want to schedule the surgery asap. I was never put on a pre-op diet and that has been my basic concern. Wish me luck. :Angel_anim:

I am 8 days post banding and a bit at a loss of what to do. I start blended food diet today. Any suggestions for basic, simple things to start with? I had my surgery with Kane Surgical Center in Illinois-Dr. Jonathan Wallace. It went well with some gas but no too bad. Right now I am trying to figure out how to live life from this point on. Any one have some encouragement for a newbie? Where to start, what to read, what to expect? This is the first time I've ever been on a forum or in a chat room. Can you help?

hi all i was banded on Aug 29th. All is well so far. Some pain but once you realize what needs to be done and do it, it gets easier. I just found this site this morning and it is great very informative. It is easier to have somewhere to find answers to some the questions you have than getting in contact with doctor. Since I am a newbie to all of this when you feel something out of the ordinary you can look here and see if anyone else has experenced the samething or not. :thumbup:

Hi everyone, my name is Monica. I just joined today even though I have been on this website several times. I wanted to introduce myself and I guess tell you a little bit about me. I am so excited...I am scheduled to have Band surgery next Thursday! It has been such a long process (10 months since my initial decision to have band surgery) but I have made it, well almost, one week to go. I am going for my pre op on Friday and hopefully get some advice from my surgeon about which band to get. I have read a thread on here about Lap Band vs Realize Band and I felt pretty discouraged about my initial choice of the Realize Band. My surgeon uses both so I am going to discuss it w…

Hello Ladies I am 8 days into my pre-op diet liquids only:rolleyes2:...I am loving the weightloss of 12 pounds but I am now ready for some creamy Soup... I am getting a little tired of being creative until my surgery in 4 days. I have had every no fat, sugar free popsicle on the market, no sugar no fat fudgesicle, sugarfree Jello, and homemade chicken stock too.:thumbup: Thanks for listening to me moan and groan. CurvesinCali

Hi All! So, I am here because I need the lap band. Wow! Funny, how I landed out here. Anyway, I'll be going to a seminar on Saturday, to see if I can get the lap band. My current weight is 230 lbs and I am 5 feel 1 inch tall! (Yeah, I know I'm short). How I got to be this big is a huge tale (pun intended), but I'll shorten it and post it on "Why are YOU fat?" thread. Overweight my whole life, got worse when I was picked on severely in high school. I've been diginosed with severe depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). I just had a panic attack yesterday and I'm still recovering from it. *SIGH* Most of my depression comes…

Hi everyone...newbie here! Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Cari, live in NJ, and just began the process to getting Lap Band surgery. I've got 5 months to go before it can happen and I am thrilled and nervous about this whole thing. I'm wishing everyone out there great success on their journeys!!

Good evening everyone, I am new to the website and from what I read so far I love it, the support and information on here. I am hoping by the end of the year I will be getting my lapband surgery done. I have already gone for my consult with the surgeon and I have my nutrition class tomorrow, my bloodwork/uppergi/ultrasound on 9/15 and my psychiatrist appt on 10/13. The only thing I have left to do is go to a support group meeting and then hopefully soon I will have my surgery date. Thanks for all the helpful information I have read on here and I hope to continue my journey with you.

Hey everybody! My name is Jess aka - jessiebear. I haven't been here in a while. I'm in need of support again. It is really hard to live with the band & not have anyone to support you that knows first hand what you are going through. I tried. It hasn't worked. I missed ya'll!!! I was banded 1-26-2005. I had lost 90lbs before I had a problem with my band (1-2008) & had to have all of my fill taken out. I have had one fill since then (2-2008) & I am currently up to 2.0cc in a 4cc band. I still do not have restriction & I am eating everything that I can get my hands on!! I have gained 39lbs since January. EEEEEK!! I am going to schedule another fill just as…

Hi, I am scheduled for banding in Nov. and I can't wait. I take several prescription medications and was wondering how hard it is to swallow pills and use very little water. Guess I'll have to give up swallowing all 7 at a time. I am 61 yrs old and don't want to spend the rest of my life fighting the weight...any regrets out there?:thumbup:

Hi Everyone!! I am so glad to be here and start this process. This site is so informative and has been so helpful already. I just recently made the decision to have the lap band procedure after debating for the last two years. I am so happy that I have made the decision. I feel like there is light at the end of this tunnell for me.I just started the process, I got the referral from my family dr to go see the bariatric dr - that came highly recommended so I think I made a good choice and he is in my insurance plan. I had to fill out a complete questionair from the bariatric dr and it took a while and and it really confirmed for me that I am making the right choice fo…

Hi everyone, I live in Gainesville, Florida. I will be a new lapbander. My surgery date is September 29, 2008. I so look forward to getting past the surgery and on my journey to weighing less. A little on my weight history. Highest adult weight = 498 lbs (1991) Current weight = 435 lbs Height = 6" 3" Current BMI = 54.4 Age 49

Hello. I have a question for everyone who has made it past the two week liquid diet. How did you concentrate? This is my first day on the diet, I get banded on 08-18-08, and I felt so left out today. I cooked a wonderful breakfast and a pot roast dinner and watched as my family enjoyed it. I never thought I was obsessed with food, but I can not stop thinking about it! Please someone tell this is normal and goes away with time. Thanks!

:thumbup: has anyone had this problem, i am a reg nurse and i work 3 12 hour night shifts per week, my surgeon told me on our first consultation i would need to change to days, stating working nights and weight loss does not go together and to make the most of the band i would need to change to days, i didn't really take much notice thought that i would give it a shot and if i wasn't losing any weight i would try and change then, but now my surgery has been delayed due to this i was hoping for surgery mid september now looks like i'll have to wait till mid october (the waiting is killing me) i have to go and see him again to discuss the shifts, and don't even know if i c…

Hello Everyone, I have made an appointment with a specialist to discuss having lap-band surgery. Before I am approved for the surgery, I have to have a psychiatric exam, various x-rays and an endochronolgy exam. I am 43-years-old and have high blood pressure. Blood sugar and cholesterol are normal, but I have a family history of both. I have been overweight all of my life and have tried every diet known to man. I am sick of looking this way and feel like it is my last chance before I risk becoming a diabetic, which I definitley do not want to become. I weigh more now that I have ever had and I need to do something about it. Thanks, Michelle

Hi All, I'm seriously considering the LapBand surgery. I called one place so far and they have a Medicare waiting list (about 1 yr). I am 47 yrs old with diabetes, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease, GERD, etc. At 5'7" and 260#, I am in almost constant pain. I've been on several courses of steroids over the years for my back/spinal fusion. All they seemed to do was to add a lot of weight. I guess since Medicare's reimbursement is very low, the docs only do a certain # each month. I'm going to try the hospital route. What are some things I need to consider when making my decision to have this surgery? Thanks & God Bless! ~~~Kat

Hello all. I'm a 31 y/o, 242 lb stay at home mom of two. Because I'm a SAHM, I never leave my house other than to go to church. And even on Sundays I look for reasons to stay home. Because of my weight I have pretty much become a hermit, looking for any excuse not to go out and have people look at me. So, over the past year I have researched and made the decision to move forward with a lapband. I am now currently going through the 6 months of supervised diet needed by my insurance company in order to have my lapband covered. So far, in the past two weeks, I've lost 5 pounds which is huge. I haven't lost any weight in years. So here I am, hoping to meet friends and…

Hello Everyone...I'm a married mother of one (daughter-5yrs old). I reside in the Temple Hill are of Maryland. I'm a Legal Examiner for the Fed. Govt. I was banded on Aug. 12th. by Dr. Eric Pinnar in Reston VA. My weight at the time of surgery was 243. I have my post-op appt. tomorrow so I will know then how much weight I have lost. Although I'm fairly new, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

The info packet I got from the surgery center in Detroit says...2 weeks before surgery, replace two meals a day with a protein drink? Anybody know why? I'm willing to do it (I'm willing to do ANYTHING to get my weight down!) but just want to know why. Also, most of the posts have a cute little....ruler?...with the weight and loss and BMI etc at the bottom of the post. How can I get one too?

Hi Everybody, I'm new to this site and I'm so glad to have found it. I just went to my first information seminar and is presently waiting to for my first appointment at Beth Israel Deconess Medical Ctr in Boston. I'm so ready for this. I've been reading alot of comments on this site and from what I gather, it won't be easy but in time well worth it. :thumbup:

Is anyone from Western Mass? I am going to the seminar in Pittsfield Mass tomorrow with Lederman and Fanelli. The surgery would be at Berkshire Medical Center!

Hello everyone, first post here. I am scheduled to have surgery on Sept. 10, 2008. I am a little nervous but am very excited about starting a new life. A life that will allow me to be a healthier, happier person.:party:

I had my surgery in March this year.:blushing::biggrin: Really excited, have lost 43lbs ... 3in off my waist ... 1in off upperthighs . 1in off knees. Wow it feels great to actually see the change. The lifestyle is still in the process mode. Learning more about me everyday!!!

Hello to everyone. I'm newly registered here (although I've been lurking for a month or so) and wanted to say hello. I've made the decision to go with the lap band and am submitting all the required forms to my doctor tomorrow. There's lots of inspirational info and a great deal of support here. I look forward to getting to know everyone as I start what I hope will be a life-changing process.

I just got my lapband a little over a week ago and thought that it would be nice to find a support group so here I am. I am so excited about the journey that I am taking and I thank everyone in advance for all your help to this newbie.

I have begun my insurance journey on 3/10/07. I have to go on a 3 month supervised diet and am looking forward to getting this weight off. I am 5'3" and 256 pounds. I have tried alot of diets and can never keep the weight off. I have been up to 282 and refuse to ever go there again. I am currenty back into a 24W pant and refuse to go buy any new ones. I have 2 pairs of jeans that fit, because I recently just graduated back up from a 22W. Tried doing the weight watcher thing again and that was my last straw. I watch myself put alot of stuff in my body that if I had some sort of restriction would not even be an option. I am doing this for the help to lose the weight to feel…

Hi. My name is Jeremy. I'm a 31 year old, happily married (sorry ladies, lol), father of 2 beautiful children; a 7 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. I just had my lap-band put in on 8/25 and have already lost enought weight to put on a pair of my favorite shorts that just 2 weeks ago were way to small to even think about wearing! I love comedy, music, camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and anything to do with law enforcement and fire fighting

Hi everyone, I found this board and have been reading, reading, reading, but there is just so much info, it's overwhelming!! But it's a great place! Here's my story...I'm 31 yrs old, was very slim (125-135 pds) until I had my first child at 20. I slowly started gaining weight that I could not lose no matter what I tried, finally found out I have thyroid issues. My 2nd child was born in 2002 and my 6 week check up after her birth was my last DR. visit (by this time I was around 240 pds). I have been without insur. since then and have not been able to see any Dr.'s. My current weight is around 333 pds with a BMI of approx 55. I'm very interested in Lap Band. I will be g…

Hi there all. My name is Cheryl and I was banded on 8/18/08 in Gainseville, Florida. I am 5'7" and weighed 275 before starting my pre-op diet and 262 day of my surgery. Surgery went very well and I was down to 255 at my first week follow-up. I am to have my first fill on 9/16/08. My doctors post-op diet is nill. I am able to eat whatever I can tolerate. I am trying to be good because I want this to be a new way of life for me. I can not tolerate bread, which I see as a blessing. I am still very hungry and am anxious for my first fill. Thanks for listening and I hope to talk to you soon.

I was banded on Aug 27th...My stomach is so loud, the constant girggling and bubbling keeps me up at night. Is this normal, if so does anyone have any ideas of ways to ease it? Thank you

HI MY NAME IS CHRISTINA BARNES, AND I AM NEW TO THE SITE. MY SURGERY DATE IS SEPT. 29. I AM GOING WITH THE LAP BAND. ANY ADVISE ANYONE CAN GIVE ME WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.:tt2:

:biggrin2: Hello my name is Suzanne and i have been lurking in the site for a while now. I have been reading and reading and getting excited and scared at at the same time. I have had all the medical appointments that i need to go to. The only think left are the 6 months supervised by my doctor weight loose. This is my first month and i hope and pray i can do it. Exercises is hard when your knee's hurt and your feet hurt even more. I do walk when i can, i also watch and try to go along with the exercise shows on TV. there is no jumping or bouncing just yet. The pictures on my walls rattle too much.:biggrin:. the exciting thing is that my hubby has been told by his doctor …

I was banded Aug 5, 2008 by Dr. Adam Smith. I have done very well with the procedure post op and also with my first fill. I have to admit, being the coward that I am, I was a little worried about the fill. It took about 30 seconds and I was done. The only thing that concerns me is getting enough protein and liking it. I have a powdered protein supplement that has 42 gms. of protein and I can get it down with ff milk, ice, and tang but I would welcome any ideas of what to mix to make it more tasty. I know I will get tired of drinking it on a daily basis.

Hello everyone! I have just been banded July 29th, 2008 and have lost 42 pounds to date. I guess, like everyone else, I have some questions and thought this might be the place to get some answers. Look forward to chatting with you all. Sandra

Greetings from Missouri! I am a new bandster! I have gained a wealth of knowledge by lurking on this forum and decided that if we all lurked like I have been that none of this fun stuff would be out here! So here I go, likely starting my new hobbie! I am the happily married mother of 3 teens & preteens. I have only 1/2 thyroid and take no medications. I lost down to 199 over 5 yrs ago while I was the leader of a TOPS group (I say there is no motivator like public humiliation)! LOL I gained more weight than ever after that time, getting up to 333 lbs! ACK! I was down to 322 on surgery day after my pre op diet which was preceeded by my "goodbye to food tour". I just…

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Caren and am from Texas. I have been trying to get approval from my insurance for 1 year now, and decided to be a self pay. Sept. 5 is my big day. I can't wait for this needed life change.:tt2: