Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I start my preop diet today. Clear liquids if I get hungry I can have up to 2 protein drinks. I am on this for ten day. Wish me luck. I have never been this long without food.

Hi Everyone, i was hoping i would find an active forum to read others experiences. i am currently on the pre op diet and HUNGRY! my Dr is Dr. Hekier in Texarkana. i live a good ways from there. getting kind of nervous but anxious. anyways looking forward to meeting you all bye for now

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum and looking to network with people going through my same problems. I was banded 2 years ago in September and have lost a total of 40 pounds (sometimes it is 45, sometimes it is 55). I feel I should have at least lost over 60 pounds in 2 years! Does anyone else have this same problem and how did you work through it? Looking for any help I can get. There are alot of other things that I will ask as I log on. thank you and good luck to all of you:thumbup:

Hi, I thought I was going to get a lapband on June 26 but the surgeon I chose (he takes my insurance-tricare prime). So to make a long story short, Dr Villares can not perform surgery at the hospital that takes my insurance. I am so upset! I need to find another doc to take my insurance but I can't seem to find one. Any body else with Tricare that can help me?? Thanks

Hi everyone.. My name is Melissa.. I hope to be banded in October.. I have already begun my pre surgery test.. I have my 3rd appointment on Aug 26th and then we will schedule my pre op appointment for the middle of september and hopefully surgery in the first week of OCT. I am super excited and look forward this is very challenging and rewarding chapter of my life..I am blessed to be starting this journey with my husband who will have his surgery about two weeks before me and My sister who had hers back in May.. I will post some before pictures shortly. I can't wait to be able to post my one year post ops like I have been looking at on here.. It is going to be an am…

Hi all, I was banded on 7/28 and for the first week I wasn't really interested in looking at food because I was in such pain from gas. I stuck with clear liquids and my dr moved me on to mushies last Thursday. My question is this: Is scrambled eggs a mushie? What about tuna fish? I am still consuming about 500 calories a day in protien drinks and added a yogurt a day. The first week I lost 12 pounds, but haven't lost anything since then.:wink2: I think my body may think it is starving and its holding back. Is that possibe?:cool2: Thanks!

Hello fellow lapbanders. I had my surgery on June 30 of this year. I have lost 23 pounds, maybe more -but I decided not to weigh again until I go for my next doctor appt. at the end of this month. I had two ccs of saline added when I went for my one month post-op visit. I haven't had any vomiting, or esogial (sp?) discomfort. Now I am wondering if my band needs more saline because I can eat a 'soup bowl" size salad, and not be really full. Am I stretching my new little stomach. I'm going to call the doctor's office tomorrow and ask his assistant if I need to come in for more saline. Anyone else have more room in their new small stomach than they expected? How many ccs of …

Yesterday I went to pre surgery consult. He spoke of his last patient wanting the band removed due to nausea. I can take some but will it let up? I'm getting banded on 12-17-07 and starting to go through a fret and worry stage.

Hi all. I am Melissa from Virgie, KY. I received the lap band in September of 2003. In time, I lost over 150 pounds. However, the doctor who performed the surgery became very busy and I could not longer receive the personal attention from that doctor that I wanted. The office had hired others to complete the fills, and about a two years ago, I got to where I could not eat hardly anything. Even liquids were giving me a problem, so I decided about a year ago that I would find another doctor. I even thought my band might have slipped. After tests were done, the doctor removed all the fill in my band, and it was found at that time that I had twice as much in my band a…

Hi, I'm LaShun I'm 36 years old and was banded on 03/10/08. I've currently lost a total of 32lbs. My surgeon's name is Dr Chua - milwaukee, wi.

Hi from WA State! I'm pre-op - my insurance company won't approve me until I've done 3 months of physician supervised diet and exercise. So I'm filling out daily food and exercise logs for my Dr. My surgery will be at Valley Medical Center in Renton, WA with Dr. Alperovich. I can't wait! Just found this website today, so I'm excited to find one that is just for "Bandits"! :thumbup: Paula

hi. i am considering the lap band for myself but leery of making a bad choice. i am currently 210 pounds, 5 ft 1 and have been struggling for years with getting my weight down. obviously with no success. i want to be healthier and i want to feel good about myself.At the moment i dont.i need to lose at least 85 pounds but not sure if making such a drastic choice is me finally taking charge or me being lazy. im also afraid my insurance will turn me down. i guess i just need someone to tell me that the lap band is a safe successful idea. im so sick of looking in the mirror and seeing flab and flab and more flab.i never thought i would have my weight be such an obstacl…

Hi all! I'm Lisa. I live near Seattle and I was banded in early January of this year. I've lost 42 pounds so far and am happy with that. I spent a couple of months not getting a fill (when I needed it) because I love to eat.... go figure. I feel the pendulum swinging in the exercise direction for me. I went from being a marathon runner in 2003/2004 to no exercise at all since then so this getting back into exercise and learning to be consistent with it again is my next challenge. I'm looking forward to all of the support and inspiration that I know I will find here! Lisa

Hi, I'm Honey from from Texas. I got banded in Monterrey on 6-17-08. I'm excited to begin my journey and hope to make some great friends along the way. Feel free to drop by and say hello. Honey

Hello everyone, My name is Martie and today for the first time I have really thought about lap band surgery. I always said I would not do it. And I haven't. I have so many questions about this surgery. One of the more pressing things I want to know is, is there anyone who has had this surgery and has lost a significant amount of weight resulting in sagging skin? Are you 50 and over and if your skin sagged what have you done besides surgery to rectify this problem? Is there anything one can do to "rectify" this problem (besides surgery.) I am almost ashamed to say I'd rather be a big girl with skin sticking to my fat than thin and sagging skin. Somebody give me a dif…

Our Social/Support group is the most popular on LBT with 45 members and growing! Good job ladies. P.S. We have only been established for about one month!

Hello - I'm getting banded on August 5th in Jeffersonville, Indiana. My surgeon is Dr. Daniel MacMillan. I'm really nervous about this - I have been thinking about weight loss surgery for the last couple of years - I'm a real procrastinator. I am super obese at 430 lbs., and 5'8" tall. I have been second guessing my decision to get lap-band and wondering if GB would be better for me since I am so big and have so much to lose. I asked my surgeon which surgery he thought would be better, and he said lap-band (of course, he strictly does lap-band procedures). I am 45 (46 on August 1st), female, and my knees are just shot. I literally cannot stand for more than 10 minutes wit…

Hello - Just wanted to throw out an introduction. I had Lap surgery this past Wednesday, 8/6, at B&W Hospital in Boston. So far including the pre-op diet I am down 35 pounds and counting. I still have a long way to go but my journey has only just begun. Are there any support groups or meetings on the South Shore?

Hello All, I had my 1st consult last week and was impressed with dr V. He seems commited to getting good results. Has anyone had him proform the procedure on them? Also any info on what kind of weight can be expected 6mos post-op? Thanks

Hello, I am just beginning my research into lap banding. I have a consult with one Dr on Wed and have signed up for another seminar the following week with a different doctor. I want to make sure I choose a doctor that I feel comfortable with. I am married with 3 children. I have tried for many years and too many diets to count to get to a healthy weight and I can't seem to do it on my own. I need help and am hopeful that this is the answer for me.

Hello everyone! I was just banded Friday and was wondering if anyone else has experienced a sore neck/back (in addition to general belly pain). I got my period the day before banding, so I know that doesn't help with the mix. Oh well. I also have some pain when I take really big breaths. After reading a lot of other posts, I assume most of this will go away soon. Any tips would be appreciated!

i had my surgery june 24th and i started out at 266lbs:thumbdown:. as of today i am 215lbs:thumbup:. better but still a long ways to go!!! i would like to get down to 150lbs. that seems so far away!!! i have been exercising 4-5 days a week (sometimes more!!!) i am so excited cuz i can finally run on the treadmill. i was never able to do that before:thumbup:. i am jiggling but i don't care i am just glad i can finally run!!! i am also glad because my husband has gotten into eating healthier and exercising!!! if anyone has some good ideas on foods and exercises that would be great i would like to change things up a notch so i do not get bored and stop going to the…

Hey all. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jessica Kolman. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina and I'm 24 years old. I'm 5'3'' and 235lbs. I've struggled with weight loss for a short time, but I feel like I can't do anything. I've done gym memberships and went to the gym at least 6 days a week. I didn't lose much weight at all. I lost maybe 10 pounds and never went below that. I'm a vegetarian and so my eating habbits are very selective but I tried to make them healthy. I even tried the Alli pill but that didn't do much even when I stuck to the plan. I feel helpless and I don't know what else to do. I honestly think that this may be the key. …

I'm a month away from being eligble for my surgery. (This has been the longest six months in my entire life) and I want to make sure that the insurance company receives everything they need for a quick approval. Here lies my question/problem/concern. I've been going to my PCP for only about a year and of course the Nutrionist for six months. I received letters from both of them, but I realized that I've been seeing the same OB/GYN since 99. So I called to request a letter which outlines my weight since 1999 to 2008. I figures this will show the insurance company that my BMI has been above 40 for almost 10 years. Good idea right? Well my OB/GYN office is crazy . I've call…

DANG I CANT BELEIVE IT I FINALLY AM COMING DOWN TO MY LAST FEW WEEKS BE4 I GET BANDED (AUG15) I STARTED MY LIQUIAD DIET TODAY (SUNDAY) JUST SO I COULD HAVE THE 1ST DAY OUT THE WAY AND SINCE I GO TO WORK ON MONDAY I WANTED TO HAVE MY 1ST DAY OUT THE WAY PLUS IM JUST SO EXCITED ABOUT MY BIG DAY I ACTUALLY COULDENT WAIT TO START IT LOL (I KNW THAT SOUNDS CRAZY ) I DID VERY WELL TODAY AND IM DETERMINED NOT TO CHEAT OR ANYTHING BECAUSE I WANT EVERYTHING TO GO AOK. ANY OTHER AUG BANDISTERS STARTING THERE DIET TODAY OR WILL START 2MMARROW? I JUST CANT WAIT TO START MY NEW LIFE!!!!!:thumbup:

Hi I just found this site and joined last night. This is a great site, I am already learning so much. I do a lot of "lerking" and taking notes, that seems to be the best way for me to absorb this. I started at 266 and am -10 as of Friday. Banding date is Thursday Aug 21st with Jeff Baker at Unity Hospital. My pic is of my only grandchild, of course he is perfect...:crying: I look forward to my time with you all!!

Hello everyone, I have been visiting this site for several months now, and must thank EACH and everyone for the posts, that gave me the courage to do it. After the 3 months supervised diet, (Aetna's requirement) I got final approval and surgery is scheduled for the 17th of September-- YAHOO!!! Do any of you have suggestions for Protein Drinks-- since they need to become a part of my NEW life, was hoping for some ideas and/or suggestions for decent tasting ones. thanks!!!

Hello out there.. This is my first post as I am now waiting for my LapBand which is sked for the 13th of October. I am a disabled vet after having lost a battle with gravity in my helicopter and compressing 7 vertebrae in my lower back. My orthopedist kept telling me to get this surgery and I finally came to grips with the thought that I won't ever be able to break the holy trinity of Pain, Excercise and Weight Loss. If it weren't for one thing, another may rear its head, or another or...I am sure many of you are in the same sitch. My wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Oct 04 and had a pretty rough go post operative with the initial removal and Tram Flap repair don…

Greeting All, I've been on this site for the several months learning as much as I can. After 6 months and 2 appeals, I was finally approved by my insurance provider. My pre-op visit is in a week and half, hopfully surgery 1-3 weeks later.

Hello All, I was banded on 2-14-08 and have only lost 15 lbs. Since the surgery, I let me NP know I felt no restriction and he just keep bringing up exercise and recently, a food diary. I tried to tell him I was eating "good, approved" food but I was not feeling satisfied. As we talked, I happened to of mentioned after his last fill of 8cc I felt like I had been kicked by a horse in my chest afterward. He became concerned, checked my port fill, and explained my pain was due to the saline leaking in my body. He explained some of the ports have leaked but if the leak is in the line I would be responsible for the cost. If the port is leaking (which I hope to gosh it is) the…

I am supposed to have surgery on 9/26/08 and am starting to have second thoughts. If anyone out there has been where I am now please answer so I can try to work thru it. I've been reading about pre-surgery diet. My surgeons ofc hasen't said a word about it. I've ordered UNJURY in the packets to give them a try. I am going to use the pre gastric bypass diet that I found online when the protein powder comes in.

I went to my consultation today and was scheduled to have LB surgery on September 2, 2008!!! I can't wait. Pray for a safe surgery, quick recovery and successful weight loss. Thanks.

Hello, my name is lauren cannon. I am having the lap band surgury (very excited, plus i just got my date) on October 17th. I am joining this group because i feel i need some support and knowing what others experiences are. I can't wait to get to know everyone! lauren

Hello everyone...I'm new to the forum and I am FINALLY able to continue my Lap Band journey. I am 26, married, and the mommy to the most awesome 18-month old ever, Dean. I am also a Houston native, but I have family in NC and Louisiana. I have been on my Quest for the past three years, and I have dealt with numerous insurance denials, doctor changes...you name it, I've dealt with it. My new job as a teacher has finally afforded me benefits that will cover the surgery, and after completing my 6 month diet requirement, I will have my surgery performed my Dr. Garth Davis (of Big Medicine fame). I am excited, scared, and nervous, but I can't wait to begin my journey to …

I had the lap band surgery on 4/29/08. I did fine except I'm having a hard time getting to the right amount of fill. I have been able to eat just about anything, as long as I chew. When I go to the doctor, I always see a PA. I had two different ones. One told me because my BMI was low, I might need more fill. When I went this week, the other PA was concerned - thought I was at 6, and needed to get a scope. She told me I might have an ulcer and have to have the band removed. Then when she measured I only had 4.5. Now I go next week and she will measure and see if I have a leak or if the other girl measured me wrong. I am in a panic. I want this to work for me. Ha…

Hello, My name is Lisa and I am having my procedure on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. I signed up to meet new friends and people going to get it done and had it done.

My surgeons office called and I got approved from the insurance (it only took 1 week). I have just got to get them a letter from my cardiologist to say I am clear and I can schedule my surgery. I went to the cardiologist because I was having irregular heartbeats during pregnancy. They said it was dehydration so there should not be a problem. YIPEEEEEE!!! I am on my way:thumbup:

Okay ladies, I have my surgery today and it went well. I was scared over nothing. Not too much pain or gas..............I have been walking and walking and I slept twice today but for the most part...........I had a great experience and I am so happy to have my new best friend!! I have the Realize band not sure of the size yet but I think 9 or 10 cc but I am told I was suppose to get a serial number for it, so should I ask?? :confused2: We arrived at the hospital at 8am and the Doctor was doing a revision and it made him run behind schedule so 9:30 am changed to 11:45 am but the doc came in talked to me, then the nurse came in with another doctor and while she was talking…

Well it's almost hear and I don't know what to expect. I want to go out tonight and have a last meal,but no luck just liquid. August 11th at 7:30 am is the surgery, then what? Can anyone tell me what to expect after that? How will I feel? Can you feel the band or the port? Any advice on food? Sorry for the rambling. :confused2:

I am trying to figure out the best way to deal with this after I have had my procedue. I am an true to the definition of emotional eater. Right now I am having a bit of anxiety about letting my 5 year son go for a week with my in-laws out of state. He has never been away from me for that long.:thumbup::crying: So I was just going to make me a snack when I realized I am not even hungry, just a bit nerved up. How do you guys deal with issues like this and what it the best way to tackle it? BTW I did not eat the snack, no need to since I was not hungry.:teeth_smile:

Hello all! I am looking forward to chatting with folks that are on the same journey! I am a married 43yr old woman in Indiana and just made my appt for a consultation in Michigan the end of this month! At this stage I have a lot of questions!

Hi everyone, I had the band put in on July 24 at TLBC in Toronto, so I'm a few weeks into recovery. I'm in the pureed stage, so lots of cottage cheese and non-strained Soups for me. I'm 6'1 and started at about 347 lbs. I've lost about 25 lbs so far (thanks to the pre-op and post-op diet), and I've probably got about another 100 to go before I'm at goal. I'm happy I've done it (even though I'm getting hungrier as the swelling goes down each day!), and I'm looking forward to getting my first fill on September 3.

OK, I'm looking for the word that describes being excited and nervous all at the same time. I know what the word is but cant get if from my brain to connect to the tounge. Anyone wanna help me out here?

Hello to everyone. I have a surgery date in two weeks and I am on the pre-op eating plan. I am also nervous but so anxious to begin my own journey. I had alot of my questions answered but was wondering....what all did you take to the hospital? The nurse mentioned wearing "loose" clothes. Does she know how long its been since I had LOOSE clothes !! lol Thanks for the help.

Hi my name is Diane and I am 4 days post op. I thought I would feel better than this but oh well. Any suggestions on a good tasting Protein? That seems to be the hardest thing for me. I am just looking for someone to talk to that has been through this. Thanks

Hi everyone! I have been working on getting all of the Dr. appointments, tests, paperwork and aproval done for 7 months now for the surgery. As of yesterday I completed everything and I am now waiting on them to call me to set the date. As so many say, I am excited but I am sooo scared! I will have to go on the liquid diet 2 weeks before the surgery, and that seems like it will be hard. But I am so thankful to have a very wonderful and supporting husband and family. My husband and 5 others of my family have volunteered to go on the 2 week diet with me to support me. Between the Lord and them I am very blessed! :w00t:

Hello! I'm 32 and scheduled for band surgery on Aug. 26 with Dr. Trace Curry. I have my nutrition thingy and pre-op workup on Aug. 12, so it is coming up fast. I am currently 250 lbs and 5'8", so I'd like to drop around 100lbs total. Even in high school when I was more active, I never weighed less than 165, so I'm not sure if that goal is achievable or not, but I figured why not go for it? I've been steadily putting on the weight for the past ten years, so I'm going to nip this in the bud before I end up on a TLC special...LOL. I like to exercise, but I have gotten lazy, so I look forward to getting back on track in that department. More than anything, I am excited about …

Hello, My name is Donna I am new here and figuring out how to post on this website is awful confusing, so I hope this comes through. I was banded on 3-10-08 by Dr. Cook in Hickory, NC. I just had my 5th fill on 08-08-08 I am down 48 lbs.:thumbup:

Hi there...I am new to this world. I never wanted the gastric bypass, but upon research I have landed here in Lap-Band World. And from what everyone says...it seems like a good place to be!! I have been overweight since grade 4 and would like to lose this weight once and for all. I had my doctor say to me when I questioned her if I should go thru with this surgery..."If you knew how to lose the weight probably the first time...you wouldn't be here" And that makes sense to me. I am in Alberta and tried to get into the Calgary clinic, but I was told today, that the clinic is only for paitents in the Calgary Health region (bummer!!). So my doctor phoned around and found a…

Hey there! I figured i better make an introduction before i start in with the questions because a lot of the stuff people talk about here seems to be of a personal nature. My name is Brendan, I live in L.A. I was banded at cedars hospital on feb. 28th. I have a thyroid condition, but i have been overweight my whole life. It had gotten to its worst point recently where I was about 280lbs. I'm about 5'11" so this made me pretty uncomfortably fat. I was a chain smoker and a non-exerciser as well. Since the banding ive dropped about 80 pounds. I feel so much better! I credit the band for some of that, but Ive also made major lifestyle changes. I work out daily now, an…