Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey everybody. Just thought I would share this. I had been rather bummed because I didn't meet my weight goal of 199 for my 40th birthday on August 14. I have been experiencing an extended plateau that is driving me crazy. I cannot get the scale to move lower than 225. I have been losing inches but the scale refuses to move. While I am still grateful for what I have accomplished,l the lack of scale movement downward (been the same not gained) has kept me very stressed out and miserable a great deal. I have tried exercising more/ less, eating more/less, more Protein, less carbs, more fluids. I feel I have evaluated my situation every way possible. So, to make a long story …

Hello everyone, I am new to this site so let me introduce myself. My name is Ashleigh, I got my surgery on 4/2/08. I have neen doing well so far. I am kind of stuck in a rut this past 5 weeks or so going back and forth 7 pounds or so, and lost nothing. My question is what is everyones diet like? Do you truely eat 1/4 cup (2 oz) of food for a meal? I can eat about twice that, two times a day. Is it that I am just not filled enough or have I streched my pouch? or have a slipped band! How do you know, are there any ways to tell other than a x ray? I am always paranoid about the potential problems. I worry if the band is too tight I will get sick and get nothing down. I know …

i was banded in march by dr. stowers i ve lost 40lbs so far glad to find some place to take with other people thats had the samething :biggrin:

Hello everyone I am new to the site, and I am on my journey to a new life. Thats what it is right? It would be so much easier if I would have taken care of myself a long time ago. I haven't always been this heavy, I played sports in high school, love them, still do, just can't do much with all this weight I have gain in the last 17 years! WOW, I have been out of school for a while, it kind of sneaks up on you, kind of like all the weight!!! I am scheduled for my 1st visit and seminar on 9-10-08, and I know that I have to do the 6 month visits. So I will not be getting banded until March or later! I wish it was now!!:biggrin:

I'm new to this whole process of having the lap band and using forums..i decided to have the lap band and the process was going smoothly and i had a sched date. It changed and now changed again. Is that normal?

I am in the very early stages of researching lap band surgery but I think that I will probably do it. I have learned alot from your posts and hope to get to know you all better. I am a 39 year old male from Maryland.

Hi all, Just wanted to say hi. I just joined. I was banded on Aug. 13, and I feel great. I have lost 11 pounds since starting at the Northwest Weightloss Clinic in Everett, WA. That includes my pre-op weightloss. I am awaiting my first fill on Sept 10, which I need to reschedule because of going back to work. I am hoping to get it done earlier. I am hungry, and feel like I'm eating to much right now. But I am maintaining my weight loss, so I guess that's not that bad. At least I haven't gained. But I am feeling hunger alot more than I thought I would. OK-well, hello and I look forward to meeting new people!! Laurie

I finally have my first appointment scheduled for October 14. The doctor in my area is obviously very booked up and it has taken several months for them to schedule me. My primary care physician has been working with me for a year or more to get things done that my insurance requires, so hopefully the process will be smooth. I know I have a lot to learn and absorb. I am currently 320 lbs, 53 years old and I am diabetic, have sleep apnea and take medication for blood pressure and cholesterol. I just want to get my life back and stop being a slave to my weight and medication!:w00t:

Hey Ladies I wanted to share my experience with having surgery this past Tuesday. Monday 5pm drank 1 bottle of magnesium citrate Stomach exploded all night long...:eek: Woke up 5:30 am Made it to the hospital around 7am - checked in. Nurses called me back around 7:30. Stomach still bubbling:unsure: I go to the preop area get an IV and wait. Made 3 trips to the bathroom since the IV. Anastesilogist can to the room asked if I took a pregnancy test.. No.. The nurse forgot to give it to me.. So had to take the test wait another 30 mins for results. Anyway they finally took me back to the O.R. around 11am. The nurse puts on the compression garments on my legs and…

Hi Everyone, I am new to the site and jsut wanted to say Hi. I was banded on 8/20 and am just starting to feel better. I had this terrible burning itching pain where the port was implanted and it stuck out or felt like a golf ball. I guess it was just healing cause the swelling has gone done and the pain is subsiding. I have started he mushies today and put some chicken and green beans in a blender and it was the best meal I ever ate! However, I am having trouble getting enough protein in so if anyone has suggestions I would love to know and also I have some ricotta sheese but I have no clue what to mix it with the make it more interesting. Any ideas?? Well there's m…

Hello Everyone..... I'm all set to have my Lap Band implanted on Sept 15 and surprisingly I'm not nervous or anxious. I've very excited to start losing weight.

This is kind of off topic but I have family that might move to Ohio and I had a couple of questions. I also didn't know where to post this so if I did it in the wrong place I apologize. Thank to everyone who replied to my post about how much liquid they were able to consume after surgery! Agatha

Hello to all, I already introduced myself, but I have some important questions. Has anyone had many health problem prio to getting banded such as blood clots, diabetes, high cholestral, etc. I take up to 20 pills a day and this is my main reason for wanting banded to help get me off of these pills and make me healthier. Anyone else out there had these or some of these problems please respond on your journey. Thanks Karen in Central PA:confused:

Hi, I was banded on 16 Aug. I lost 6 pounds before surgery and haven't had the weight loss that I thought I would have since surgery. Realizing it took awhile to put the weight on, I was still hoping for faster results. Can anyone tell me what the average weight loss per week is after being banded? I had planned on losing about 20 lbs per month; is that unreasonable? thanks for the help...pls

I have had my band since 11/5/07...:thumbup: Doing okay, I was searching the web and came across this site and have been reading it for several hours now and decided I would like to be apart of it. Is anyone else have a lot of problems with food getting stuck and excessive gas/bloating?:tt2:

Hey all, I'm sooooooooooooooooooo thrilled!! Last year 10/07, I started the whole process of getting the approvals from the doctors (cardio, lung, psych)..2/12/07 I was scheduled for surgery...and RIGHT before the day, I cancelled...unbelievable! Recently, I started rethinking everything...and decided to start once again. Luckily, I didn't need to be re-evaluated. Today, I got the call from the cordinator. I go to pre-op class on 9/22 and Surgery is scheduled for 10/07/08!! whooooooo whooooooo!! wish me luck and any positive feedback is morrrrrree than welcome!! Peace out-

Okay Ladies: I'm looking for a new Lap Band surgeon, here in California. My PCP does not have any recommendations for me, because she does not believe in WLS. :thumbup: I also might consider going to Atlanta, because I have lived there and I have a brother I can stay with. That would not be too much out of my comfort zone. I would love to get as much information about other doctors as possible, because I really want to get the Band sooner than later. I want to stay focused.:cool2:

I don't want to waste any more of my life failing at weight loss. After the frustration of dealing with insurance and finally making up my mind to self pay and just go for it, I can hardly wait for my consult appointment with Dr. Kirshenbaum 8/25. (Denver CO)I'd like to get in touch with someone recently banded or getting ready to be banded so we can help each other.

Im just starting out and a little unsure of what I need to do during this six month wait. I'm on my 2nd month of weigh ins with my dietitian due to my insurance coverage with the lap band procedure. Im fine with this but was wondering what should I be doing during this time. I already went to the seminar. should I be doing other things this early on now to get ready for surgery? thanks for all your guidance.

Hi! I had lap band surgery on Monday and am recovering quite well. I feel great physically, however I feel hungry. Is this normal? I am on Clear Liquids until September 2. For some reason, I didn't think I was going to feel hungry. Carrie:unsure:

I am 26 years old, from New Jersey and I just had the lap band done on August 26, 2008. It has only been three days for me but I am getting nervous because I can't drink as much as the doctor told me I should. I am going to call him tomorrow but I'd like to know if anyone could help me out and tell me how much you were able to drink after surgery. Agatha:unsure:

Hi all. I am so glad I found this place. My name is Kelly and I am schedulded to have my band on December 17th. I was terrified for about a week after I found out and in just the past week have really accepted that this is going to happen..... I am extremely anxious, nervous, happy... the whole range of emotions. My biggest anxiety is fear of the unknown.... maybe that is just because I will have had 10 weeks to think about it. I am so glad this is here for support!:clap2:

Have any of you regretted getting banded up to this point with the new eating habits and not being able to eat like you used to? Has the band lived up to your expectations that you had when you first got it? Is it a unbearable struggle to make it work? :smile2:

Hello, I'm new here and was banded on Tuesday morning by Dr. Felts. It was a good experience but I'm a little sore and have headaches due to not being able to eat much. It has been better this morning and I believe I'm on the uphill swing of things now. I'm looking forward to corresponding with everyone on this forum and getting any tips I can. Donna

:tt2: hello everyone...I am new to the site and all new to the lap band. I attended a WLS seminar last week and was blown away by the information presented and some of the Dr's actual patients. I am 5'4 and 220 pounds. However I am solid weight so when people look at me they have no idea I am as heavy as I am. I have tried several diets to no avail and am looking to lose the weight gradually. I am looking to be about 160 pounds, because of my larger frame. I go for my consultaion on Sept. 19. I am a little indecisive because everyone keeps saying ..u dont need a surgery, ur healthy, yada yada yada. But what they dont understand is that my family has a history of high blo…

Hello Everyone! I found this site while searching for info on weight-loss surgery. I have my psychiatrist's appointment and an appointment with a dietician within 2 weeks, and have been referred by my primary care doctor. I'm about 120 lbs overweight, type 2 diabetic and high blood pressure, with a family history of the same (but worse). I've also had some recent heart arrythmia problems, which is what propelled me into looking for a permanent solution to my battle with weight. :thumbup: I'm in my mid-40's and looking to get healthy. That's why I want the surgery - I just became a grandma for the first time and I want to be around to play with my grandson. I have a 17…

Just thought I would say hello,I was banded on May12,2008 and everything is moving along great.:thumbup:

MY NAME IS MICHELLE I AM 36 . I WAS BANDED 8-18-08 HAVE LOST15 POUNDS MOSTLY BECAUSE OF THE DIET. CAN'T WAIT TO BE SKINNY!!!:smile2:

Hi Everyone..... I am Shannon, mommy of 3, wife to my wonderful hubby for almost 12 years. I live in Ca in the High Desert. I am a SAHM/Realtor. I was banded in March o8 at 247lbs. I went through my insurance and was approved right away. I have UHC. I am 5' 4" and my BMI was 41+. I did pretty good for the most part. My surgeon was Dr S. Lyass and he was wonderful and continues to be. So far today I am down to 200lbs. I feel guilty saying that this is with no added exercise to my daily routine. I need to and will start going to the gym very soon. I need the exercise now for sure. I know my weight loss could have been better had I been exercising all along. …

:thumbup:Hi all, I had a new band inserted yesterday! I used to have a Lap Band and the port was defective. I paid over $30,000. dollars for fills and preps etc. I only lost 50 pounds! When the doctor told me the port was defective and I am one-hundred pounds from goal, I knew I had to get another band. The doctor suggested I get a realize band because it is thicker and he stated I would lose weight faster. The first generation Lap Band only lasted me 2 years and 4 months. Has anyone out there experienced this scenario and if so did you get reimbursed from the Lap Band makers? Please share your stories, thank you.

Hi there everyone, My name is Rachael, and I have been researching the Lap Band procedure off and on for the last two years. I've had enough of this roller coaster ride we call obesity! I recently found out that my insurance plan will cover the surgery based on medical necessity; however, I haven't ruled out Mexico. I've been lurking on this site for about a year now reading a lot of posts and also researching on the web. I know someone who had the surgery 2 yrs ago in Mexico and she's doing great! I am looking forward to getting to know the rest of you fellow bandsters. Rachael Seminar 8/13/08 BMI 42

Hello everyone, :smile2: My name is Tina and I live in GA. I have been lurking around this site for several weeks and finally decided to post. I have really enjoyed reading the post and have learned some valuable info from you all. I am in the process of preparing to get banded. I have completed all of my pre procedure stuff and have been submitted to by insurance co. I was sumbitted on July 11,2008. It has been about 6 weeks and I still don't have an answer. I am getting so impatinet and nervous. I actually called today but still no answer. The customer service rep told me that I didn't have to actually get an approval before I have my surgery becuase my plan does not…

Hi.my name is nancie and I had my lapband on June 19. I am so frustrated and wonder if this surgery will ever start working for me. I lost 13 lbs the 2 wks prior to surgery, and another 6 lbs after, but so far that is it. I had my first fill of 2cc with no restriction. My Dr then have me 1 more cc, making the total 3. Still I have no restriction and can eat anything with no adverse reaction. I am trying to lose but my band is not doing its part. Anyone else have this problem? I wish I knew beforehand that this would be a long process. I had hoped to be skinny by now!LOL!! I do excersise and drink lots of water. I admit that eating and drinking has been a struggle. Any…

hi im new to this site. i have been banded on july 3rd i live in keller texas. i am going to start going to 24 hour fitness off western center blvd 3 times a week. im really looking for a gym partner so we can motivate each other and lose weight together. if anyone in this area is interested and need that motivation as i do please reply.

Hi, I am helping my husband prepare for his banding. We are hoping for an October banding. His bmi has been very high for quite awhile. We have been doing research for some time. He is going to a psych this saturday. Hoping that insurance come through quickly. He hurts soooooo much. We as a family are looking forward to this journey that we are enbarking upon. Any help and suggestions are welcomed.

Hi, I'm new to this and realize I can't do it alone. I had lapband on Mar 19 but have reached a plateau. I just can't get past it. I have lost 45 lbs but would like to lose more.

Hey. I'm a 22 year old mommy. I go in for my psych eval on 8/27 and surgeon's consult the next day...I guess I'm going to have to self pay. My hubby's in the army and all of the hospitals here wont take TriCare because they don't payout enough or something...oh well it'll be worth it! I've heard a lot of people talking about how painful it is after the surgery...I'm nervous...excited, but nervous. I just wanted to hear some input from other people in my position....the good and the bad. I can't wait to get this going :smile: I am currently 5'3'', 257 pounds, BMI of 45.5...keeping my chubby fingers crossed :thumbup: lol. Thank you in advance for anything and everything.:bi…

hey everyone, i'm casandra. i'm a 20 year old student from SC, USA. i had my seminar on the 4th of august 2008, my consult on 25 august 2008, and my LAP BAND SX is scheduled already! on OCT 7TH 2008!! i've been researching the band for about a year, and finally decided to get started this summer. can't wait! i'm 5'9, 265lbs, and can't wait to be energized and healthy. i'm on obesityhelp.com, and youtube...but wanted to join here for the huge forum! hay everyone! :thumbup:

Hey everyone! My insurance just approved me for surgery-HOORAY-:thumbup:! I am scheduled for my pre-op on Sept.3rd and my surgery date is Sept 10th! I am SO excited/nervous/scared (as i'm sure everyone is before their surgery!). I'm 21 (will be 22 on Sept . 18th)(surgery is my bday present to myself!). My doctor(s) will be Dr. James Atkinsen/ Dr. Soong. I have heard tons of great things about both of them! Is anyone on here from Vegas and has them as their doctors? Anyways, I will try to write lots about my experience with the surgery and how everything goes! -Chelsea

Today is my first thread on here and it is also my 42nd birthday. I am 5'1" and I weight 217 lbs. My BMI is 40.2. I have gone through 5 of my 6 month medically supervised weight loss program. I have high cholesterol and have developed high blood pressure because of my weight. I have chosen a hospital and surgeon. I have an appointment with the surgeon, nurse, and financial agent on September 9th at the hospital and an appointment with the psychologist on September 12th. I am ready to proceed and get the date for my lap band surgery. I am miserable carrying around all this extra weight and am ready to begin the next step of being a healthier, happier me.

Hello everyone, My name is dawn and I am considering having this procedure done. I went to a info session last wk and will be going to my consultation in two weeks. I am open to all advice and suggestions on how to proceed. My dr. is Dr. Goldstein. Part of Virtue Health system and new beginnings. Anyone who is familiar w/this particular dr. and can offer some incite re; your experience will be appreciated. Dawn

I have just submitted my first paperwork, etc. I have been lurking though, learning what I can. Thanks for sharing your experiences! stacy:thumbup:

Hello Ladies, My name is Sheila, 45yrs old, married and G.R.I.T.S. I will be banded on 9-8-08, praise God. I am so excited that I found, Girlfriends. So before I am banded, some one please pass the neck bones, few of 'em feet, slice of cornbread, greens and that bottle of hot sauce. :smile2: Sheila

Hi-I've been reading the forum off and on but finally decided to join in. I'm almost completely new to the process, having only gone to a Mt. Carmel info sesssion earlier this year. No paperwork, but did inquire about it with my insurance carrier who told me no, no, no in no uncertain terms. I am still moving forward and building "the fund" just in case it's all on me. I just celebrated by 51st birthday and am weary of fighting the weight battle. My hubby had the bypass surgery several years ago in Cleveland and has had good success. Had I not been in denial I would have done something then as well, since our insurance carrier at the time was more agreeable. I want to hav…

:lol:Hi everyone I am Colette and I am from Oregon. I am getting my Band on Thursday morning. I am very nervous not so much about the surgery but making sure I get enough protein. I so dont want my hair to fallout, muscles turn mushie or my heart shrivel and die. :crying: I am very excited for my new journey to start. Any words of wisdom:wink2: I look forward to chatting with you all---

I am officially a bandster! I checked-in at the hospital at 6 a.m. today and had the procedure at 7:30 a.m. I woke up in Recovery around 9 a.m. and felt incredibly good. None of the horrific gas pains that I've heard about and no nausea. I still haven't had either, 7 hours out! The incisions aren't even that sore. I was able to check-out and head home around 9 a.m. PTL! I've been up walking every hour (almost) and just hope that this post will comfort someone who is scheduled for surgery soon. I read a lot of horror regarding post-op pain, but there are MANY of us who have experiences such as mine!!! It is going to be soooo worth it. GOOD LUCK! Carly …

So this is all new to me although I've been doing research and going to doctors visits and having all kinds of tests done and well my doctor finally gave me the referral to a surgeon. Although I confused. I called the doc and I have to do some seminar before they can give me an apt. The girl was really nice and advised me to see if my insurance covers bariatrics and to not ask to many questions, so I did just that. I was advised that it is covered if medically needed once approved they will cover 100%. I also asked where on line I could find the requirements so she told me where and so I went to look but that info is not online. So I came across something else in the bene…

Heyyy All! I'm corey and I am new to the lap-band. I just had the surgery about 3 weeks ago and am feeling great! Even though its only been about three weeks I've already lost about 25 lbs and still going! If anyone has any great tips to share with me, please do tell me. I am up for learning all that I can about how to maximize my weightloss with this tool.:cursing:

Hi everyone, just thought I'd say hello to everyone. I was banded last Friday and am just browsing around the site to see what there is to learn.

Hey guys, my sister is freaking out :cursing: about going with me in November to Tijuana. I am scheduled in Nov with Dr. Ortiz and she having people scaring her about going to Tijuana. Please help me out with your experiences~ Carrie~