Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Everyone, I am so excited that I am finally getting closer to being banded. The doctors reports should all be collected and sent to the insurance company for approvals next week and I am hoping to get banded by the end of Sept. I am a little nervous about the indigestion part of the process. I have it now. I love chocolate, but then who doesn't. :biggrin: Even though you are not hungry after banding, how did you all stay away from the bad stuff. Do you lose enough weight to keep energized to continue the plan. I'm so scared that I will sneak chocolate like I do now. How do you be "good". I would appreciate anyones advise. Thanks, FourPaws

Hello, I am new to this forum, having signed up months ago and only now getting back! I was recently at a wedding...I felt beautiful, loved m dress and hair...AND THEN I SAW THE PICTURES! What a slap in the FACE! I felt like a masive Operha (?) singer! I could've cried.....I'm planning on seeking surgery options in Mexico, as Canadian prices seem steep! I look forward to getting to know some of you and reading you stories!

hello everyone this is my first time doing this.

Hey everyone, I have an important question regarding recuperation time. My surgery has been scheduled for the first week of September. I am planning on taking vacation the first week of October. Is a month's time sufficient for recuperation? I will be going to a health spa so food/cheating/strenuous activities will not be an issue. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi everyone, I was banded on 08-05 after a one year wait and colon surgery after diverticulitis ruptured this year and a colostomy was placed then 3 mths later reversed. So I am learning to live my life now with a new digestive system from Top to Bottom HAHA. My Dr. was Dr. Smith in Fort Worth Texas, he also did my hubby in Oct and I can't say enough about how wonderful he is. I'm doing fine, having more problems with the last colon surgery in June than the band. But am getting bored with my mushies. I will be getting a fill in 2 weeks and have lost 18 lbs. KJ:rolleyes2:

I am so excited, it's official, I have a date.....September 29th. I'm excited, anxious, & scared all at the same time. All in all, I am one step closer!

I have signed up for the third time to go to the seminar and something has happened twice. I am hiding out until Aug 18th where I can make it. My BMI is 35.7 and climbing. I can't wait to get started!!

I've been thinking about being banded for several years now. 3 years ago I went on the Optifast program and lost 50 lbs but I have gained half of that back after having my son :crying: My BMI is just a hair under 40 and my insurance requires either a BMI of 40 or over 35 with two co-morbidities. I don't have any clear-cut co-morbidities and my PCP isn't too thrilled with me wanting to be banded so she's not really working with me to plead my case to the insurance company. I'm going to the seminar next Friday and it is with the same weightloss center where I did the Optifast program. With that program, I didn't attend the maintenance meetings so I hope they don't look…

Hi: I am 6 days out and waiting for my first post op appointment which is tomorrow. I have not had pain since 3 days out, but boy am I uncomfortable. I think the best way to handle the lap band is to stop eating. I am currently on Clear liquids until my appointment. But most of the liquids on the approved list are so sweet. Decaf iced tea is my standby. I am trying to get down the protien shakes because I know they are important I also am eating tons of ice chips. My biggest problem is at night when I lay down I feel very constricted in the chest area. I hope my Dr. will let me eat more variety after tomorrow. slo

Hi Bandsters! I just joinned today! I've been doing alot of research on the procedure and after struggling with it I decided last month to get the band :Banane37:. This is against the wishes of my mom, best friend and rest of my family. But I know whats best for me. Soooo...I've completed all my tests and evals and am now waiting for insurance approval. Anyone have any exerperience with getting approval from United Healthcare? I didn't go through a six month WL program but had alot of Dr's recommendations and paperwork so I'm hoping for the best since I have a WHOLE lot of weight to loose! P.S. I'm exited to be here!

Hello all, My name is Lisa and I live in Brooklyn, NY. I am considering lap band surgery and I wanted to hear about other's experiences on the process. I lost 100 pounds on my own 2002-2003 and have unfortunately gained ALL of it back in the past two years. :Banane37: This new weight gain is causing many health problems and my doctor has only one answer - lose weight. Which is annoying in itself (I'm sure you all can relate). One of my initial concerns is that I live alone and I am wondering about the recovery time and how others did it if they were alone. I also wanted to just commiserate and maybe get local referrals. I have been VERY hesitant to do thi…

:rofl::w00t:I am new to posting threads on lapbandtalk.com but I have been reading the many stories and experiences that each person has to offer. I received the best news that I could hear yesterday 8/12/08. I was approved for surgery!!! My ride has not been that difficult with the insurance (Horizon BCBS NJ) but it was very nerve wrecking to say the least. I was doing the diet program on my own when I had my first seminar. So I completed 6 months in February 2008. June 28 - Seminar done July 25 - Consult with Dr. Paul Guske @ The Kane Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois :rofl: July 19 - Sleep Study completed :rofl: July 29 - Psych Evaluation completed :rofl: …

Hello, I am a 34 year old male, 6'04" 350lbs, I dont consider myself morbidly obease but according to the charts I am with a BMI of 42:thumbdown: I am starting my journey and have a initial consultation set with Dr. Mark Shina in Luoisville on 8-21-2008:thumbup: I am unfortunately a "self pay" patient because my insurance carrier "BC/BS has a exact exclusion for weight loss surgery with no possiblity of any help :thumbup: I would like some input from any of you that have had this surgery done, I am juggling between the lap-band and GBP. I chose the lap-band initially because of my insurance situation and the possibility of complications that they wont pay any part of, a…

Hello everyone! I am sorta new here at the site, I joined about a month ago and I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I will be starting the required 6 months classes on the 25th and I am so excited.

I've just reached my 1 week mark. Got banded on Tues. of last week, by Fri. I was hungry. My dr. wanted only liquids and yogurt, no more protein/high cal. drinks. I don't eat dairy so I've been doing foods that are the consistancy of yogurt, i.e. mashed potatoes, refried beans, guacamole. I was still feeling really hungry and decided to look on this site to see what's up and found that I really needed more protein. So I bought some protein water, Special K and some stuff @ GNC. That's helped I think. I really don't want to mess up. :biggrin:

I am in the pre-op stage

Hello, I have been banded since 2005. I have lost 30 lbs and am looking for some answers to questions....Foods, etc. My last fill was March of 2007...My surgery was done in Mexido. I live in Alaska and want to know some contacts up here...

Hello All, Question...I recently got approved by BCBS IL and I'm super excited!! But, now I've learned from co-worker that had her surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet which is the same place where I'm having mine done. They told her to bring her 300.00 on the day of the pre op visit to pay for some "package" that includes a "free" year membership to their gym and vitamins. Oh yeah they said it was to cover costs from submitting paperwork. Now, my thing is did anyone else go through that? Is it really mandatory. I've known several other people that had the procedure at other locations and they didn't have to pay for any "package". Thanks.:whatchutalkingabout

Hello, I have been a member since I was banded in September 2006, but I changed my name becuase my doctor's office sees everything I write... I need some support to help me get back on the wagon. I am heavier now than b4 being banded...I don't know what to do??? Anyone been in my place b4? :smile:

Okay I've realized a long time ago that I prefer utilizing exercise videos as opposed to walking on a walking track. So with that being said does anyone have any suggestions on a good exercise video.:confused2: Maybe one that is short and sweet and to the point. Not all long and drawn out like some of them can be.

Hello everyone, I'm completely new and feeling slightly nervy. I am flying out to Brussels on Thursday night to be banded on friday, my partner can't come as he is looking after the children, so going it alone. Don't really feel prepared as I havn't been on any pre-op diet. My surgeon is Chris de Bruyne, has any else had ops with him? Also i have to be back at work on Monday (i'm interviewing 7 people) thinking this wasn't the brightest idea now! Any advice help supoprt would be greatly received as i'm feeling very strange, scared and excited. annika:mellow:

Hi everyone! Ive been done with all my appointment for about 1 month or so Im currently waiting for an answer from the insurance company. Im afaid to start getting excited yet, because you never know. While waiting I lost about 25 lbs then gained about 10 of it back while quitting smoking. Im nervous but still hopeful

This is Lisa I had my surgery three days ago on Aug 5th. Weighed in at 215 lbs, with health issues. Go back to surgeon in one week. I have to say this is so painful the first few days.....my stomach is just killing me. 5 cuts.....looks like stab wounds. They are swollen and sore. Stayed over night in the hospital, which I think you should stay at least two nights, not one and never out the same day. Yesterday I ate some jello, broth and crystal lite, everything in a shot glass. Today the samething. I am not not starving but I feel I am suppose to eat. You don't even realize how much you have eaten before when all you can eat now is liquids. My family is maki…

Hello as you see my name is Angela Howell. I'm from Norwich, CT. I've been on my own for 3 years now. NO DOCTOR, NO DIET no nothing. I've been doing so bad and put on about 30 of the 70 lbs I lost when I had the band put on. I need support and I need a support group. I can't find anything close to me at all. I really need a new doctor closer then NY City. It takes me 3 hours to get to him to do adjustments if anyone knows of anyone closer then that please let me know. ~Angela~:crying:

Hi all! I am so excited (and nervous) about my upcoming lap-band procedure. I am new to the forum and I can't wait to discuss my progress & emotions thru the journey. After seeing 3 different surgeons, I have decided to go with Dr.Matthew J. St. Laurent of NW Endo-Surgical. I have been researching this procedure for MONTHS and taken my time about choosing a physician. They all seemed well qualified but he seemed the best for me and my needs (you just can't beat lifetime adjustments & his bedside manner...he rocks) Just wanted to say 'Hello' and hope to hear from anyone that has had their procedure with Dr.Laurent! Can't wait!

Hi Everyone I am at the very beginning, haven't even had the initial meeting, but I'm determined to have the lap-band surgery done ! My meeting is coming up in August. I've been reading up on the procedure online and was very excited when I found this website ! I think the more information I have before the procedure the better and if I am prepared before the initial meeting that will be awesome too :biggrin2: !

I'm starting pre-op diet tomorrow Wed. 8/13/08. Bit nervous but eager to get going. Surgery scheduled for Friday 8/22/08. Any insight on prediet would be helpful. My understanding of pre-diet is protein shakes breakfast and lunch then salad for dinner. No soda and weaning off caffeine.

Hi Ladies, Well tomorrow is the big day. I'm scheduled to be at the hospital at 9:30a and my surgery will start at 11:30a. I'm actually not as nervous as I was before; I’m just anxious and excited to get the procedure done. I went to my pre-op appointment Friday and there are six other people that are having surgery the same day with Dr. Benavides, I guess we are all back to back from each other. Well wish me luck and thanks for the support ya'll have gave me so far, I'll follow up with you guys afterward.

Hi, I'm new here. Here's some information about myself. I had the lapband procedure in November 2005. I weighed 226 on the day of the procedure and lost 55 pounds before I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October, 2006. Everything was going fine, had to have my fill taken out due to chemo and radiation nausea, but still gained 5 - 7 lbs due to radiation. To make a long story short, I have been cancer free for 1 year this past May. I started feeling very little restriction about 6 weeks ago and went to have a fill a couple of weeks ago. Still felt no restriction, went in today to check for a leak at port site and was told by my surgeon that had aneurisymal dilation of t…

1 week post op things are going pretty well. Shoulder pain is the worst in the late afternoon. Liquids are all going down ok. Glad you are here. I dont feel alone anymore!:whatchutalkingabout

Hi All!!! I have been away from the board for a while. Just a busy summer. Weight loss is slow but steady. 63 lbs since Oct. 29 2007. I had hit a plateu for about 4 weeks, then this past week 4 lbs down. Over all I am pleased with the weight loss, could be a little faster if I could rev up my exercise program, but due to a heart problem I am limited to what and how much I can do. See you guys later.....GOOD LUCK to all!! Connie:thumbup:

Hi Everyone! I my name is Gina and I am new on this forum. I wanted to introduce myself, ask some questions, and meet some new friends who can relate to what I am about to go through. I am a 37 y/o female 5' 8" tall who wt. 248 lb at the beginning of my WLS journey over a year ago. I originally was turned down for surgery by my insurance due to BMI if 38-39 (I can't remember) with no comorbities they considered to be comorbitities. I have had back surgery and chronic pain for 14 years (did not count to them) and take anti-depressants for depression (did not count either). But, the long story short is that I ended up getting approved based on having PCOS which then …

Hey guys. I'm Cass and I am a 20 yr old Aussie! I got banded on the 8th of July (my 20th was the 9th! haha.) and I just had my first fill this morning. I'm very excited, but also really nervous about what's to come. See you around the place I guess!

i recieved my lb surgery 7/22/08 and di relativly well until the third week in i am being awakened at night with a terrible knawing pain in my right side would anyone know what could be causing this ? I have tried acid reducers, gas meds etc. and still wake up at night. It almost feels like hunger pangs. I have not had my first fill yet and will not have it for about 3 weeks.Please advise me if anyone else is having this problem:confused:

Hello from Jacksonville, FL! The last few months I have been going through the process for lap-band surgery. Yesterday, I received a "denial of coverage" letter from Aetna. I called my doctor's office here in Jacksonville, FL and was told my doctor would do a "peer to peer review." Does anyone know what this means? I am new to this whole process. Has anyone gone through this? Thanks for your response.:cool2:

Hey guys, Found this forum a short while ago and finally decided to register. As I'm sure many of you have, I've tried just about everything--diet pills (Phentermine), pre-portioned meals (Nutrisystem), low carb, carefully ratioed diets, et cetera... the last eight years of my life looks like the self help section at Barnes and Noble... always with some success, but nothing to write home about. Basically, I went from a chubby but healthy 230lbs (6'3" and wide like a door frame) to in the 370s at my highest. I eat less, eat healthier, and drink less every year, all while trying to make my daily life more active, but I just can't seem to overcome years of stagnation, …

I was banded on May 17, 2007 by Dr. Connie Campbell at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH. Because I was not quite up to 40 for a BMI, I did not have to lose any weight before being banded. I was 253 when banded and am now 243. I look forward to lurking around this site to learn the many things I will need to know.

Hi, I'm recently found this forum last week. My wife and I both decided to get banded and just finished all of our pre-surgery testing for the lap-band. Hopefully our insurance will approve us quickly so we can still get this done before the end of summer. Does anyone know if it matters if your BMI drops below the required number during the pre-op diet? My BMI was 35.6 on the day I met with the doctor. Since I have hypertension my BMI meets the requirement for my insurance, but what happens if or when I loose weight during the pre-op diet? Should I be concerned? Was anyone else in the same situation?

Hi everyone, I am new to this board. It looks like there is some really good information. I am still in the process of making a decision to do the band or not. I am really afraid of the surgery and of failing. I went to the Doc and saw the band and did all the initial paperwork but cancelled the 1st appt to start the ball rolling. I am not one of those people who just "do" things. I have to know all the pros and cons and figure out a way to work thru them. Someone very close to me had the Band done in July and she is doing great. She is a very upbeat positive person and I tend to be the oposite. Any advice or information anyone has is greatly appreciated. It looks like…

Hi, I've just joined the forum. I was banded on July 15, 2008. So far I've lost 26lbs. I was hoping it would come off a little faster. I won't have my first fill on August 25th. I hope the fill helps! The weight really came off when I was on liquid only but I know I can't continue to do just liquids.

I am new to the site. I had to find some new friends that can help me with this new journey. I am very excited. I had to pay cash. My insurance had a clause stating by no means it would pay for the surgery so I opted for the LapBand. I am doing the OptiFast Diet two weeks prior to surgery. The no Diet Coke is what is killing me. My main concern is all the extra skin when the weight does start coming off that I will need another surgery that I will probably have to pay for and I don't see that happening. Any suggestions? The nurse told me it is basically your genes will decide and the elasticity of the skin. I pray it will go back. It is great to be here. Bye.

Hello, I am Amanda in NC, and I'm still very early in this process; won't be attending my seminar for about ten days. I haven't made up my mind about whether to do this or not, but I did want to introduce myself and send out a thanks to the creators and members on this site - you all have been so incredibly helpful in helping me understand what it's like to actually live with a band! I have been about a size 22 for 15 years, since college, and while I've married a wonderful man and had two amazing kids at that size - well, I'm kind of done with it. It aggravates the arthritis I have due to an old ankle injury, and I suspect it's holding me back professionally as well. (No…

Hi, My name is Sabrina and I am very new to all of this. I am just in the beginning stages of my banding, in fact don't even have a surgery date yet. I have had my initial appointment, and have appointments for the necessary things, but am still waiting for the actual surgery date. I'm VERY excited!! I am 26 years old, and weigh 250 pounds. I have a BMI of just over 40, 40.9 I believe. I have good insurance and as far as I know I am only having to pay part of this surgery. I'm just wanting to talk to someone about my age who has had this done, to ask some questions and talk out some anxieties that I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

Hi all Im new to this site. got my band on 27th of june 2008. Got my first fill last week. Dont feel any restriction so far. He put in 1.5mls. Is this normal? Getting another fill in 3 weeks :confused2:

After many administrative hassles, I'm finally approved by my Insurance company and have scheduled my procedure for Tuesday August 26. I haven't received any preop diet instructions, but I can see that personal experiences on this topic cover the whole spectrum.

Holy cow, I just got my surgery date, September 9. And that is only 10 days after I come home from seeing dh for his 4 day pass before flying to Iraq. I don't know how I am doing this without him. He will be in Kuwait the day I am getting the surgery. I am so scared. I am not good with trauma and stuff, I am so scared. Oh did I say that already? Sorry, just freaking a little. With my emotions of him leaving for 10 more months, knowing he is not in safe Fort Bliss TX is killing me. Oh well, talk to you ladies soon! Michaele

I am a lap band hopeful. I just set my first appointment with Dr. Bridget Brady with Southwest Bariatric in Austin, Texas for August 21st. Any advice on what to expect in this first appointment?

Hi I'm Jackie and I'm from New Jersey. I researched both gastric bypass and the lap band surgery about five years ago but it just wasn't the right time for me. I never stopped looking into it and tried to get as much info as I possibly could over the years. Well I've decided now is the time. I had my surgical consult and I have a scheduled surgery date of November 24th. I have to wait until then because my insurance requires 6 months monitored "diet" by my regular doc, November is month 6. I'm both excited and nervous. This site has been very helpful, I love hearing from others who have had it done and suggestions they give to people like me who are on our way. Go…

Ok..I have been overweight for a long time but never gave it any thought untill yesterday when I became out of breath rom jusr shaving my legs. That kind of scared me. I know have my 1st appointment with my faimly doctor to talk about it and to try to get a reffural and letter of Med Ness. so my insurance will pay for it. My BMI is over 45% and I am about 150 lbs overweight... I have back and knee problems, asthma, sleep issues, migraines, high colestrol and I can't lay on my back at night for over 10 min. I have Tri Care withch is a Militray insurance.. Anyone ever try to get the sugery done with thid kind of insurance.... Thanks From Ashevile NC:mellow:

Hi, I was banned July 5, 2007 and has lost about 40 lbs. I know I need a fill but has been layoff from my job and lost my insurance. Does anyone know where can I go for a fill take like payment plans. I know that sound silly, but I need help. I have not lost or gain in 6 months.:wink2: