Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi I am in Wisconsin where most of us are grieving the loss of Brett Farve. :thumbup: Moving beyond that grief, I am finally moving to the phase where my doctor is submitting my "packet" for insurance approval. I have been trying not to be afraid of rejection and keep trying to think positively. I have been considering this surgery for years and now that I finally made the decision to move forward, I want to get the approval and not have to fight with an insurance company over my decision and my body and my health. Wish me luck.

:confused2:Hello ALL, This is my first posting and i do look forward to reading what has to be said and get tips, ideas and suggestions. I was leaving an appt a few days ago and was having conversation with a young lady who directed me to this site. I had lots of questions and got answers to all but still need to read more about this procedure from others and how you all are handling it before and after.:thumbup:

I'm new here as of today. I am getting the Lap-Band on August 14th. I'm on day 3 of the liquid diet. I really excited about having the band! I would love to hear any advice. Paula

Ok the whole story. Been heavy nearly my whole life. Decided it was finally time to change the whole dieting bouncing back thing. Researched banding a year ago but couldn't bring myself to really get into the process for financial reasons. Started searching again a couple months ago and found out that medicare pays for it if you go to a center of excellence. I am in the process of getting the things done that medicare requires. I am halfway through my psych eval and I go for my stress echo on the 5th of August. I am so excited with the whole process. My current weight is 430 with a BMI of 78.2. I am so excited to finally being able to do something more permanent …

Hi My Drs. name is Christopher Edwards I am in the process of getting ready to do the Nutritionist and the physical therapist. Obviously I have not neen banded yet and looking forward to this very much. 1. 407 lbs 2. Ideal weight or my goal is 200. 3. I live in St Robert,Mo 4. hoodri54@embarqmail.com Thanks to all who respond. I am 57 yrs young and living alone. :tt2:

I have been reading for a couple months on this site and find it so helpful. I gave myself the past 12 months to make this life changing decision, and I am ready! I have started the paperwork/insurance process (wow! what a process!!....the stress eating from that alone probably added another 10 lbs!!). Just wanted to see if any of you are in the area....so we can do this together!

Hello I am going to start my liquid diet on the 21st of August, and surgery is September 4, so far, everything is just sinking in. I was approved after 1 and a half years of weekly one on one and group therapy because the pyschiartist told me I had to complete this before consideration. Has anyone else had to have therapy? And, I have to continue it at least six months after surgery, which, I love and trust my therapist, so this is the easy part. I am worried about 1). Excess skin hanging and if insurance will cover a tuck? 2). Seems like my boyfriend is not happy because he is saying I will find another man if I get skinny,:tt2: which, I wonder if anyone has had …

Hi! I posted before, but I'm still a newbie, and I've got lots of questions. First of all, where should I post problems if I want advice from somebody who has solved them? I notice a lot of "strugglers" have the same problems I'm having, but there are no solutions posted. Also, I don't knkow the terminology: What is "slimed"? What is pb? They sound awful, and as my first band was trouble-free, all this struggling is new to me. Thanks!

Hi, My name is Judie. I was banded about 6 years ago and successfully lost 85 pounds. I still need to lose some weight but the older I get the harder it is. My question now is does anyone know what over the counter or prescription drugs for pain should not be taken after surgery? I now have a hip problem and have been taking tylenol but I do have motrin also. I just don't remember what the rule is on these kinds of meds. Help if you know.:tt2:

Hi ya'll! I heard you have a new VSG board so I decided to check you out. I had VSG last year and I'm loving it. I'm always up for meeting new fellow wls people. Nice to meet you!

Hello. I'm from Delaware and really thinking about lap band surgery. I have begun the 6month pre decision that my Doctor requires and now I am really wondering all about it. I have read a lot and know that I have finally reached a point where I HATE my weight. WEndy

I so should have come here BEFORE my surgery, but oh well here i am. Im 45 years old, married to a great man for 23 years. Im a home school mom of five great kids. have gone back to work in the past year to put my son through college. i work in a hospital ER with awsome people, some who have had lap band surgery. They have been a huge encouragement to me. I have been so encouraged already through a rough day today (day four post op). I do a ton for everyone else, I given body and soul and now its my turn to take care of me. Cheers to my new, healthy body...........in progress

I went to meet with Dr. Quilici yesterday. I have appointments for nutritionist and the social worker. I'm in LA. I have heard many stories of success with the Band and I really want to take off my weight. I look forward to getting to know you and taking this awesome journey together. Sallie

Can you guys tell me the names and phone # from your doctors from NJ, I just found out that the doctor that I was going to does not take my insurance no longer. Thank you all and good luck.

Wow I cant believe that i got it done, noone has told me any rules yet, was only told to drink optifast for the next 2 weeks, but i see on here people only drink clear liquids im abit confused, i need some energy drink that will keep me going, can anyone help me Thanks

just dropng in to say hi

My hubby and I are gettting banded next month. We are both teachers. I am concerned about the school year because schedules (especially lunch) are so rushed and hectic. Eating slowly is not easy during the day and I forsee myself eating shakes for Breakfast and lunch just so I won't throw up!! I'd love to connect with other teachers out there--maybe start a group. Mig

ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS CIGNA HMO??? THEY COVER THE PROCEDURE, BUT THE REQUIREMENT ARE TERRIBLY STRICT. I'M 5'5 250 POUNDS AND MORE THAN READY TO BEGIN A HEALTHY LIFESYTLE. THIS 6 MTH DIET PROGRAM IS WHAT HAS ME MOST CONCERNED !!!! GEEZ---I'VE BEEN DIETING ALL MY LIFE- WHY DO I HAVE TO DO THIS? IS THE 6MTH THING REALLY THAT IMPORTANT WITH CIGNA HMO..OR ARE THEY JUST TRYING TO DETOUR ME FROM CONSIDERING THE PROCEDURE THAT MY PRIMARY DOCTOR SAYS IS NECESSARY?????

Hey girlies heres a main thread where we can chit chat and talk about whatever!

I would love feed back good or bad on Dr. Joya. I am wanting to get banded but want to research first. Any information from previous Banders that have used him would be GREAT ~ Thanks! Carrie

Hi there everyone ... New to LBT , although been a member of another WLS forum for some time , But its more for gastric bypass patients .(RNY) Decided to Join this and give it a whirl . Im still pre op , 7 weeks to go and on a healthy eating plan need to loose between 1 - stones before surgery . I just carnt wait for my NEW life now !:thumbup: Hoping your all well tc Sas x

Hi~ This is my first post and I have not been banded YET. I am thinking very hard and would love everyones input. I am 31 and have been a YO YO dieter since Junior High. I want the weight gone. I have a friend that had her surgery performed in Mexico by Dr. Joya, would LOVE to hear feed from banders who have used him. Please help me with my struggle, to be banded? Thanks ~ Carrie

This is my first time posting but I have been reading post on LBT for about a month now. I finally got tired of fighting this never ending battle. I've been on every diet you can name, I paid expensive personal trainers, I've taken appetite suppressants and none of these things have helped me sustain weight loss. I've always been over weight, but now I am at my highest weight ever (257). I am 5'4 tall, my BMI is 43.8. I was very apprehensive about having to get approval from my insurance company but they approved me in less than 24 hours of receiving the paperwork from my doctor. Based on what I've been reading on LBT, that is record time. I enjoy reading your …

Just an introduction. My surgery date is August 14th B'ham. I made the lapband decision almost 1 year ago; employer added procedure to their insurance coverage Jan 2008 (a sign from God I'm convinced) & I started my 6 month pre-lims on Jan 6th. I am finishing my 3rd day of liquid pre-op...I haven't gone 3 days without solid food ever in my life! I don't talk much...just prefer to listen...one of my best skills! I am married to a life of the party guy...19 years now. We have 2 boys 13 & 15 yrs old. I love LSU football & baseball. Probably won't post much, but wanted you all to know how much each of you inspire me! Keep posting...I'll be reading.…

Hi, My name is Donna I live in Winooski, Vt. and my husband and I are making this journey together. We thought if we both had the surgery than we could help keep each other on task. My husband lost his father to Obestity 10yrs ago, :sad:and together we want to insure this never happens to us. We have three wonderful children who need us, and we want to be active with them in all they do. We want to help them from a young age eat healthier and make better food choices. My father had the gastric by pass about 8 yrs ago and is doing very well, despite the getting sick after he eats from time to time. He has lost 150pds and has kept it all off. He said he would do i…

Hi, I was banded on July 3, 2008, and had my first fill yesterday (8/5/08). My surgeon is Dr. Kirshenbaum in Aurora, Colorado. Surgery went well, my stomach was a little touchy for a few days, but all is back to normal now. I can't wait to see what's in store for the future.

Howdy Y'all I was told I need to join a support group for lap banding and I decided that I would try this one. I guess I need to tell everyone a little bit about myself. I've had weight problems all my life. I was one of the youngest people ever to join weight watches at age 7!!! Since then its been a constant cycle of Fat...Thin...Fat...Thin. I've done it all in regards to diets. I finally decided I wanted to do the lap band. So in Oct. 07 I started my journey of going to see a doctor who then referred me to surgeon. I had no idea how long it would take to get to the point where I would even be allowed to have surgery. So I finished up my 6 month diet (requi…

Good moring all! I am a new poster (although I have been lurking here for awhile). After much thought and investigation, I had my band put on Monday, August 4th! It hurts but is getting much better daily (even by the hour). I did not stay in hospital, and was able to sleep in my own bed that first night. I have been trying to stick to the liquid diet (mostly Isopure), but sometimes it is difficult. Getting hungry (I think) As someone else stated here.....hungry and full at the same time....I know what that is! Can't wait to progress to the next stage. I also feel SO tired! I hope that changes as I was planning on going in to work tomorrow for a few hours. I als…

This is the first week of my new banded lifestyle. All liquids, it was tough getting 40 grams of protiens and a total of 64 oz of liquids but I did it! I am determined to get this weight off my body. I have a family history of diabetes and strokes. I had 2 cousins die of stroke related complications one just 3 week younger than me. With 2 fused discs and 2 rods and screws in my back losing weight is even more of a necessity. My weight toped out an 294lbs prior to my pre surgery diet and after one week of being banded I now weight 269lbs (170lbs is my goal). I have a long way to go but I am encouraged with my own progress and from the threads I read on this site, you all…

Hi: This is my first post in LapBandtalk. I'm glad to have a support group online to keep in touch with. I just had my lapband surgery on July 31! Not too long ago. Still recovering. The first couple of days were pretty touch on my stomach muscles, but feeling much better now. I'm excited to have a lifetime to get healthy. I look forward to the challenges ahead. Schuney

:w00t: Hi everyone Just want to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Dominique and I am a31 year old married mother. I live in Detroit , Mi. I have had a weight problem since I can remember. I have lost and gained the same 30 pounds so many time. In March 2008 I decided to have the ap band surgery . I think I was under the impression that it was going to be a walk in the park but to my surprise its not. i think I still have the mind set of just wanting to wake up and be a size 7 lol... I know that not going to happen. I started out at 237 and as of today I am 209. I have a 14cc band and have had 3 fills so far that totals 6 cc. I have no restriction and can…

Hello Everyone, I am here for the first time today:rolleyes2:. I saw a link from OH over here and wanted to come and look around. I am scheduled for LapBand on August 12, 2008 and am very excited. I am from NC and having surgery in Wilmington, NC. Married to high school sweetheart and have 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren. DH was active duty Navy for 24 years. I followed him around from port to port and now it is my turn!! LOL I have been overweight since the birth of my first child 37 years ago and it is past time I took control. I hope to see you all around the boards. Vera

My surgery is tomorrow 8/8/08 im really nervous but know this is the best thing for me at this time..Im having surgery at Ellis Hosp in Schenectady NY. Im 48 years old and Have been over weight most of my life.. alot of people ask why im doing this.. they dont understand how many diets ive been on and they dont work.. they dont know my medical conditions.. they dont know how sad i am when i see my grandchildren out playing and all i can do is sit and watch them.. SO i guess im here to find people who will understand me.. and share my experience with them as I go through this procedure.

hello...i was banded on july 22.. all my glue came off all cuts and now im having pain on my left side....my doctor is out of town til next week and i dont want go to another doctor but i am wondering if this is normal....I do keep my wounds bandaged but 2 of the 5 are not healing well .... can this wait til next week or should I make a call to another doctor? I'm just looking for advice and any would be great ...thanx so much vicki

I really just thought I would do a quick introduction. I have been reading posts for a couple of days and have found answers to many of my questions. I have my consulation appointment with Dr. Rex Sherer in Shelby County, Alabama on 7/29/08. :biggrin2: I have been planning since the spring to be banded while school was out this summer but insurance (Tricare) issues have held things up.:thumbup: I have been over weight my whole life but not like this until the past 10-12 years. I am beyond excited about this new and permanent change in my eating habits. :thumbup:I like to eat healthy foods, more so than most, I just don't know when to stop. I am very active and love "p…

Hi, I am really new to all of this, I had lap band on May 9, 2008 and I am having trouble with my appetite. I think it is hard to get all the protein in the they say you should have on a daily basis. I can not eat any beef because the thought of it just makes me sick. I eat fish about all the time and sometimes I get chicken in my diet, but I seem to choke on chicken.:w00t: Is this common to lose your appetite for the things that were once a part of your diet?

Hi Everyone ~ This is my first time here and very new to the Lap Band. I have been researching for a few months. I am awaiting my visit to the weight loss clinic and then my first visit with the surgeon. Any advice on how to speed things along, or anything that you wish you would have know ahead of time? What is the average time frame from the begining till you get a surgery date? Thanks for your time.:w00t:

I've been working on this since February, have had every test known to man (it feels like, anyway). I have a "low" bmi of 35, have sleep apnea, arthritis, gerd, insulin resistance, etc, but was denied because I'm not 100lbs overweight, even though my insurance reads that your bmi can be as low as 35 w/ co-morbities. Even my denial letter admits I meet the bmi w/ co-morbidities requirement. The insurance uses double-talk so they have a way out of paying. My Dr (Dr Moenolmolki) said, in so many words, don't bother to send an empathetic appeal letter to insurance---they could care less. He suggested hiring a lawyer to write a letter. I don't know if it's worth spending the $…

Hi All this is my first post, I am in the UK and being banded on August 18th. I've being reading with interest all the posts to try to prepare myself and am anxious but excited at the same time. I don't have a very high BMI but have been overweight all my life, numerous risk factors in the family and my inability to maintain any weight loss prompted my decision to be banded. I'm going for my pre-op assessment tomorrow but my main worry is how to deal with emotional eating after being banded. If anyone has had experience or has nay words of advice about this I would love to hear from you.

I got the band on 8/1 and wow I did not think it would be this painful!!! OMG, it hurts so bad to sit up when laying down!! It is getting better though. I also did not realize I would have 5 scars from this, but I guess it will be well worth it. I went back to work Monday, so only had Sat and Sun to recoop!! So far I have triend to eat gritts and sugar free jello!! Can anyone give me some advice about what else to try??? I go back to the doctor tomorrow... Anyways, I am so excited to join with all of you, I have been reading for a while... One more thing, how long did it take everyone to really start loosing?

My names Melissa, 25, Army wife here at Fort Hood, Texas. I just got the final OK from TriCare and the surgery date is August 27th with Richard Symmonds - I know, send a fat kid to a guy named that... the irony is just too much. I've now started to get beyond nervous about the surgery (this being my first one that I can remember, I had my tonsils done when I was a lil'tike). My husband loves me being a fat girl, and pieces of me do as well, so it's a toss up emotionally on that part for hte surgery. Anyone else have this problem? Melissa

I have read and read and read so much of the stuff in the chat room and most seem to be sorry that they chose the band. I am jusy 11 days post op and am already rethinking my own decision cause I had to self pay and there are so many out there that regret the lapband.

Just got banded on Friday, Aug 1st. I am still quite sore and the soreness has left me wondering what any of the assorted aches and pains actually are! I can't really tell if I am full or too full....it seems like one big pain! Anyway, I have some dull aches in the upper part of my back and am wondering if that is just part of the deal????? redhead972

I recently found out that my insurance covers the lap band so I've made the decision to attend one of the seminars. I was just wondering if anyone has gone to ThedaClark in Neenah, WI and if they could fill me in on what to expect. Thanks so much!

I just started last month and I am setting up all my Dr appointments for clearance. I have Aetna HMO , I called them and my plan chose to include the bariatric option in the coverage. I am working with the nutrionist , I don't know if they choose the 3 or 6 month diet. I see them at the end of August. I am very excited to be getting the ball rolling !!:wink_smile:

Hello There... My name is Claudia and I'm 26 years old, I'm considering the lap band, I have a appointment with my PCP for a referral, I hope I get approval from the insurance, I really started to have weight issues after I had my daughters. I would like to know if anybody was approved from the insurance with a IBM less than 34? I'll keep you guys posted after Friday. Good Luck to all!

I want to say Hi to everyone and I look forward to exchanging stories and experiences with everyone. I have just started my journey to a better and healthier me. I have my initial consultation on July 8, 2008 in South San Francisco at the Kaiser facility. Although its 119 miles from my home in Roseville look forward to the start of my quest for health and a long life. Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Papahemi

Hi Everyone, I am 34 yrs old and very new to the idea of getting banded. I just decided to look into it last week and my first appointment is Thursday. I am very excited at the prospect of having hope to get my life back. I live in Boise, ID and am very limited in surgeon choices. My appointment is with Dr. Cahn. I am hoping that my insurance will cover my surgery but there are a lot of hoops to jump through first. Is it Thursday yet??? :thumbup: Christina

ok im a little mad here.here i am not eating anything but my protien shakes and some broccli im on stage 3 of my diet (starting 2day).i just weighed my self and gaind a half of a pound.im walking everyday for 30 min. why am i not loosing weight.my dr told me i may gain a little weight be4 i go for my first fill.god i cant wait for that fill....has anybody else gain weight b4 there 1st fill,or is it just me........what am i doing wrong let me know so i can fix it,now my stage 3 of the diet is......egg beaters,scrambled eggs,egg whites,baby food meats,tuna fish,canned salmon,non fat cottage cheese,mashed tofu,flaky fish,pureed bean Soups fruits-cabbed fruit,unsweetened ap…

I am one week banded tomorrow. It was quite an ordeal. The day of surgery was like drive threw surgery. i was operated on at 11:00 and home by 4:00. It was very smooth until the next day. I was so sick the next day - I vomited to the point I couldn't stop. I called the Dr. and he call me in some meds that only continued the process. I just stopped every med and started taking tylenol and now day 6 I am finally able to walk in small increments. I am excited that I have the band, but need to have some support that I can count on. :thumbup: