Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Greetings, salutations and all that fine stuff: I have been doing homework for the last few weeks checking sites like this one. Talking to prior banders and talking to my insurance. I have decide that lap band is the system I will use for my BMI 46.6. and 325#'s and my known eating (bad) habits. I have a doctors appointment on the 6th to get the needed referral to the local bariatric center of excellence in Federal Way, WA. I hope to have this done by the end of October. I currently see very little possibility of dancing with my daughter at her weeding or holding my grandchildren. That is why I consider this surgery.... …

Just curious...is there an average weight loss for the first month after surgery? I know it's supposed to be 1 to 2 pounds a week, but since this is such a change, I was wondering if there is a big difference up front.

Hi Everyone! So I'm a newbie. I've been thinking about getting this procedure done since last year but was never really serious until now. I was diagnosed with Non-alcholic fatty liver disease last year and had a doctor tell me I would die if I didn't lose the weight. Nice, right? So needless to say I have switched doctors, and have tried I think every diet under the sun. I weigh 238 right now, which 38 of that has been gained in the past 3 months. How, who knows. I'm really inspired by all of you out there. I've been reading for a couple weeks now and decided that it was time to join and officially meet you all. I went to the seminar back on the 13th, and went …

Hi all, I am about 2-1/2 weeks pre-op, god willing and insurance is approved! I've been contemplating WLS for a couple of years, but finally got serious about it early this year. I met with my surgeon, Dr. Harry Sax - Providence, RI, on 5/25/08 and finally completed all of my tests in late July. Met with him again on 8/15 and we decided that lap band was the safest option for me. I had a DVT w/PE about 3 yrs ago, and after determining that I do not have a blood clotting disorder he felt that lap band would still be the safest surgery for me. It still doesn't seem "real" while I am waiting for approval. It's been a full week now since the office sent in my pa…

Okay, I was told today that my Cardiologist just faxed my report so that I can be cleared for surgery (finally). However,the wait has given me time to think and get nervous and look around. My question is, if you had to do it all over again, honestly, would you still choose lap banding or would you go for the gastric bypass?? Just wondering from a comment someone made from another post.:confused2:

Hello All! My banding is tomorrow. I noticed a lot of you share the same date. Kudos and best of luck!

I am straddling the BMI of 35 but have heart disease and sleep apnea as well as high cholesterol and blood pressure. My surgery date is Oct 10th and will be nearly ready (Sept 15th) to send to insurance for approval. Now that I have committed to having this surgery, I am afraid my insurance (Medica) will deny it. Has anyone else had experience with low BMI but co-morbidities? :confused2:

Hi everyone, I am so happy for this forum! I have had my band since April and have had four fills. I got my most recent fill a week ago and I feel a good amount of restriction this time. I was in a meeting today and when I drank my coffee, I could hear a gurgling sound. I tried to play it off and everyone was talking so no one heard anything. I took another sip and it happened again. It was like you could hear the liquid going down to the stomach. Has anyone experienced this? I have not told anyone at work that I have the band but if this keeps up, I may have to say something..LOL.

I just had my first appointment(s) yesterday at Beth Israel in Boston. I didn't sleep at all the night before. I'm really worried about my insurance approving the surgery. I have my next set of 5 appointments scheduled all on one day 9/16 and hope to hahe Lap Band surgery before the end of October as long as Cigna approves it!!! :w00t:

I'm at the "considering" stage of lap banding and am a bit anxious. My back is terrible. There have been two spinal surgeries, that have left me still in pain all the time. My hope is that if I can drop 40-50 pounds that will relieve the weight on my back and knees. So now, the next step is to consult my primary care physician for names of surgeons. I came to this site, as the feedback from those who have already gone through it seems really helpful.

ok well i have some questions.i was bannded on 7-21-08 im going for my first fill on sept 2,now can i eat the day be4,can i eat that morning or do i have 2 get the fill on an empty stomach.also with the band can i eat pasta,i had some the other day but im not sure if u are supposed to.does it mess up the band?i ate it with no problom but just not sure if it will mess up the band.:smile:thank u

Hi! everyone. My surgery is in 2 days. I started my process in May and have lost a total of 37lbs so far. My surgery is going to be done on an out patient basis. Is anyone else doing it with same day surgery???

I am going to have the lapband done on the 2nd of September. I am excited and at the same time a bit nervous. I have to lose about 37 kgs to come to my goal weight. I am very happy I have joined the Lapband talk so we can share all our experiences and they are going to be very similar. I am on the VLCD at the moment; feeling a bit tired of it. But the doctor says I have to do it so the organs shrink and get rid of the fat so it will be easier to manouvere.

:girl_handsacrossameWell, I've banded together with all of you who are determined to finally get to a healthy weight and stay there permanently. So far, the journey has been great. My motivation was to resolve my Type 2 diabetes. I was banded by Dr. Joseph Moran on 8/13/08 and Dr. Moran also repaired my hiatial hernia. On 8/22 my internist took me off both prescriptions for diabetes, prescription for hypertension and my prescription for controlling chloresterol. I am amazed at the improvement in my health already! I think we all deserve all the support we can get.

hi everyone!! my name is amy..i'm from nh...i'm 5'3 and very overweight...i talked to my dr on july 22nd and got the approval from the ins co a few days ago..i'm happy nervous, scared...getting lapband is something that i've been thinking about for a long time...and now that i know its a reality, i have a lot if emotions... back in 2004, i lost 120 lbs..it took me a a yr and a half..and i managed to gain it all back...:cursing: its nice to have a place to chat about it..and talk to other ppl who are in the same sitiution.. i go to the seminar on sept 4th..and then i guess everything goes from there...

Hi, there! My name is Stacey and I'm 39 with 17 years experience! I have two daughters, 4 kitties and 4 parrots and yes, I live in Alaska (but no igloo and no dinners of whale blubber!). I also have two grandkids which are my sunshine! To put it bluntly, I look like a fire hydrant. I don't wear red because dogs pee on me! I am 5'2" and weigh 230 pounds. I have Fibromyalgia, back pain, OA in my knees and hips and generally feel like I am carrying a musk ox all the time. Everything hurts and sleep is only when I am totally exhausted. I also have NASH (at least that's what my doctor thinks I have) and my last blood panel showed I have alost no platelets. My doct…

Hi everyone! I'm new here. I just stumbled across this site while Googling to find out if Tricare covers the Lap Band. I am just trying to find information and then maybe see if I will be covered for it. I don't think I will but I am interested in it. My name is Nikki and I'm almost 21 years old. I live in Okinawa, Japan with my husband who is in the Air Force. I've been overweight my entire life and really want to lose weight so I can live a healthier life and so that we can start our family. Have a great day!

Hello all !! Let me just start by saying thank god for this site. I am new to all of this, so please bear with me. I have been reading up on all of this lap band ... (stuff) an am very interested in doing it. I have been thinking about it for about 1 year now. The problem is that I have Kaiser Insurace, and don't really know if it covers it. I am 5'3" and 270lbs, so I think I would be a shoe in for this procedure. I have been over weight most of my life, but never this big. I have tried Phen-Phen (when i was 15 yrs old) and EVERY diet imaginable. I lose weight, but it always comes back double. I have been having lots of aches and pains now, and I am assuming its because o…

I want to thank you all for being so very brave to allow all of us "soon to be's" to use your experiences. I am scheduled for Lap Band on 10/13 and so ready to start this new chapter in my life.

Hey Y'all, I'm gonna whine a lil bit here.:thumbup: I've been banded for over a week now and I pretty much have no incision pains, but I do have a lot of gas pains. At first they were in my back and now they have moved to my left side. The left side gas pains started Monday night and it was soo bad that I almost shedded some tears. I had to leave work early Tuesday because I could barely stand up straight. I've took the gas-x strips and they really didn’t help. I'm now taking Mylanta and its ok but i can still feel the pains trying to start. Are there any other gas meds that you guys have used for relief? What did y'all do to get through the gas pains. I don'…

I've just joined this forum. I'm over 50 (slightly) and got a realize band from Dr. Kirshenbaum (Aurora, Colorado) on July 30th, 2008. I live in a remote rural area and am looking for support and information. I'm doing well and I've lost 15 pounds since the surgery.

Hello everyone! Im new here, and have just gotten insurance autherization, and my surgery date is 9/10. I am having it done by Dr. Arreola, in Erie, PA.:w00t: Im excited, but starting to get really scarred and questioning my decisions. Maybe it has something to do with this 2 weeks of nothing but Carnation Instant Breakfast (sugar free of course). I look forward to meeting you all. Hugs ~Angelynn

Good morning! I wanted to say hello and introduce myself. My name is Amy, I am the mother of 2 beautiful children and have been married for 7 years...I hope to have my surgery in June....I have finished all pre-op testing, I am just waiting for the Therapist to turn in my psych evaluation to the doctor.....after that it will be submitted to insurance and I hope to be approved quickly! I look forward to getting to know you all!! :tongue2:

Hello everybody, Im 21 years old and I was looking for information on the LapBand surgery for my mother. I care alot for my mother and I want her to be happy. Her weight has always been an issue. It has led to heart problems, high blood pressure, joint and back problems and she fears that she might be at risk of a heart attack or stroke. I am from South Texas and I was interested in trying to find a good doctor around our area to do the surgery. If anyone would please point me in the right direction as to where I can post my questions or even sorta be my mentor as I explore this new world for my mother it would be greatly appreciated. Please message me or post bec…

hello I'm in the first step of this adventure . I am going to my first seminar. I'm a little nervous but I keep thinking of the out come. I'm 54 and I have one left in high school. I weigh about 380 and I sure want to be able to by a pair of pants off a normal rack.

Hi all, My name is Kara ad I am trying to find out as much as I can before really considering the procedure. I am 34 and have been obese for 22yrs. I have tried many different diets but I don't know if I am ready for surgery just yet. I have about a year to decide according to the insurance company. I have to jump through there hoops for Pre- Determination before even being considered. I guess that is how most ins companies work. My husband wants the surgery now. I on the other hand am scared. Scared of the procedure, loosing weight too quick, Having to have cosmetic surgery later on, and of possible side effects and pain after surgery. If anyone has any informat…

Hello out there, my name is Karen Leyba and I haven't written in awhile because I forgot my password. I was finally banded March 17, 2008! i felt really bad after the surgery, but it was because I was given Demoral for pain. As soon as I was given Lortab, I was better and ready to go home. It was instantanious. I have lost 40lbs. and I feel great!!! The first 20 lbs. and my joint pain is gone. My back pain will never leave me completely because I have a ruptured disc and a bulging disc. In June my husband and I went to Europe and it was amazing! I did really well with my band. So far I have had 3 fills. And the last one had to be done with the x-ray because although …

hi just got my 1st fill 4-cc's last week but its almost like i have nothing i can eat way more then a cup of food and i dont get sick or pb or anything im beginning to wonder if i have the band at all i dont want to get sick but i would like to feel full after a couple of bites right know i dont and i feel hungry about 2 hours after i eat im really depressed because i have not been losing much weight i do make the right food choices but when will i start feeling full after a few bites i would like to b able to lose more weight then i am any advice?:crying:will this change? __________________

Aloha, My name is Christi. I have been a lurker since earlier in the year. I am a military spouse and in January Tricare started to approve the Lap Band surgery and that is where my journey began. One of the things that is both a pro and a con about having the surgery at a military hospital is that they set up their own education program and requirements that you have to go through and that is where I am at now. I have been approved for the surgery, I have gone through nutrition classes , been followed by my nutritionist for 4 months, gone to the psychiatrist to make sure my head is screwed on correctly, go on the mandatory monthly walks, record my daily excercise logs, …

I am new to this site. Have been banded for over a year (since May 07) and have had nothing but complications. I am worried, and wondering if removing it is the answer for me. It's taken me over a year to get my surgeon to take my complications seriously and I have been hospitalized three times in the past few months for stomach spasms. I wanted to join this site to read about other peoples experiences and share my own. I am very disappointed and tired of being in constant fear and pain. I don't want to give up on this method or technology but I can not physically or mentally afford to keep suffering in this way. I'm waiting on some tests (scope and starting me on steriod…

Hi there! I was just banded by Dr. Karen MacKenzie in Visalia, Ca. She is awesome, and she and her staff worked really hard with me to get my insurance in order. I got a referral no problem, but it seems that the hospital we chose was not on their approved list for this procedure, so they wanted it in writing that Blue Cross would indeed pay the claim. Anyway, my surgery took about 50 minutes, and other than having issues with nausea from the anesthesia for the first week [this happened with another surgery I had several years ago as well], everything's been going very well. I have lost 20 pounds as of yesterday, and 2 sizes! My friends are all fighting over my old clot…

I am new to this so I am really not sure what to say?? I guess I will start with I am 38yrs. old with 3 children and have battled obesity most of my life. I had the Lap-band surgery in June '08 and without much complications. My biggest obstacle is getting enough protein in so that is why I turned to here for some recommendations. Any suggestions are welcomed!!!

Greetings everyone ! are there any fresno, tulare, visaila, handford, portaville, delano,lemoore BAND PEOPLE OUT THERE BESIDES ME ????.:wub::thumbup:

I had the band surgery August 12 and am still on the liquid diet. Will begin thinking about the pureed this next week. I have lost 31 pounds (29 getting ready for the surgery, following the liquid and clear diet pre-op.) I can already wear some clothes I was unable to wear last spring which is really encouraging. Pain.....my shoulders ached. They said it was from the gas they use to inflate your adomen during surgery. The first couple days, I used the nice liquid pain med they gave me. But I haven't needed it much since. I have been using Unjury protein and Atkins shakes...not too bad. So, I hope I have begun a journey to good health.

Hi there, I'm new here as of today. I was had Lap Band surgery on May 1st, 2004. It's been almost 5 years! Time flies. I was at 310 Lbs. when I had the surgery, but I averaged around 290 Lbs. usually. Right now I'm down 110 Lbs. I'm at 200 Lbs. which suits me just fine as I am 6'1" tall. I did manage to get down to 165 Lbs. which was just too skinny for me. I had a few fill adjustments and have been at my current weight for about a year. Anyway, nice to meet you all. I'll be posting here from time to time and I am more than happy to share information and experiences with you. Or my very own fat pictures even *cringe*. Patrick

Hello All: I have started my journey into the insurance "approval". I have been reading about the wonderful Cigna requirements & am currently going through the 1st stages of getting approved past the "pre-existing" stage. Here's where I am at: Seminar - July 8 Consult - July 28 Psychology/Dietician - Aug 5 1st Claim submitted - Aug 8 Claim Pended for "pre-existing" - Aug 18 Submitted Credible coverage from other ins - Aug 22 ok- now that I have all of that out of the way!! LOL Anyways- I have been trying to mentally prepare myself what is to come after the surgery. I have even written down some great suggestions. HOWEVER, in the meantime I have been …

Hello to everyone. I'm new to this site. Was banded on June 13. This site is very helpful to us newbies. I'm soooo ready to start my journey.

Does anyone have trouble with them? I've not yet had a fill (and am doing great without it), but want to start taking prenatal vitamins (for extra nutrients), but am afraid they will get stuck. :wink2:

Hey everyone! My name is Melissa and I'm 20 years old. I'm working towards getting banded with Dr. Ben-David at Shands at the University of Florida. I've already been to my consultation and also to my psychiatry evaluation. I'm really nervous about everything. I am trying to be positive but it's so hard sometimes. I'm not use to not being in control of things like this and it sucks to have to have insurance make the final decision. I will seriously cry my eyes out if I don't get approved. I was told by Dr. Ben-David to try and lose 20 pounds by surgery which is yet to be determined when and I'm having a really difficult time trying to lose weight. I'm so scared …

Hello, I have joined today as I am one week post-surgery and feel I'd like to chime in on some things others are saying! I had my surgery with Dr. Singh in Baltimore, and just had a one-week visit to check on an infected incision site (not too painful after three days on antibiotics). Did the 6-month diet, got approved in two months (too long for me!), had to reschedule a trip to see the parents in California so I could get this surgery on the 18th of August. My mom flew out to help me, which was good, but even better was that I stayed overnight at the hospital. It was a pain getting checked by nurses, but having that movable bed was a life saver the first day! I'm t…

Yea!! Got my surgery date today. I am so excited! My date is Sept 16 and I have my pre-op appoint on Sept 5. I am on the road to a healthier me! :smile2:

I am so excited! I get banded tomorrow!!! :eek::w00t: Does anyone know how long the Dr. made them stay at the hospital after the surgery? I have made up all my food for the week and it is labeled in my frig. I am so excited!!! Am I forgetting anything else?? Pain meds, gas meds, heating pad, pillow, bible, anything???

I had my visit with the nutritionist, the psychiatrist and my primary doctor to get the letters that my insurance required. It took me a few weeks to get the appointments done because in the middle of everything I had to go to Texas to take care of my mom. Now, I just have to wait on insurance to give approval. I hope it doesn't take too long. Anyone know what an estimated time frame is on insurance? It's just that since I've made up my mind to do this...I don't like waiting. :wink2: Plus, my niece just moved her wedding from January to October. I'd love to have it done and be finished with the liquid stage by then.

HEllo, this is my first time here. I am due to have my sirgiry Sept 8th. I am having it done in NYC at Lenox Hill Hospital by Dr. Roslin. Please contact me if anyone has ever used him or his group. I would be interested to hear how your experience was. All the people I speak to have nothing but good to say about him but u know you can never be to safe. I am really excited to get started. I am open to any advise anyone may have.. Thanks Ang:smile:

This is my first time posting in ANY forum. I was banded on 6-2-08, and my only support has been a monthly group meeting in another state. It is really wonderful to hear from others who are having similar experiences, and to get advice and reassurance from those who are "old pros" in dealing with their bands. I have lost 45.5 pounds to date, and am determined to lose another 110! :smile2:

I got my surgery date! I will have having lapband surgery with Dr. Patricia Choban on Sept. 10th!!! :smile2: At Mt. Carmel, West. I was having some trouble with some PVCs and was so worried they would change my date, but after a Holter monitor, found out they were insignificant and probably due to excitement and worry about the surgery! It really is a mixed bag of emotions you go through. I have been trying to have this surgery since March 2007 and I just cannot believe it is actually happening. Any advice for me on what I will need to take to the hopsital... Also, does everyone stay overnight, I am coming from Zanesville and would love to go home the same day or is thi…

Hi Everyone, I am new to all of this. I am thinking about getting the band and was wondering if anyone has gone to Mexico to do this. Melissa

I am soooo excited...i feel like i'm winning the lottery...its just a great feeling to know that my days of being a big girl are soon to be over...its like a new lease on life :smile2:

Hi Everyone! I'm getting banded on August 25 in Houston. My Doc is Dr. Spivak and I'm doing self pay. I'm excited about the prospect of being thin. I say "prospect" because I know that the band isn't a cure all. It's going to be some hard work to get where I want to be. Any advice you could give me would be helpful. Thanks.

Hello I am new and needing information.. On the dos and don'ts Thank you