Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone. I was banded on 6/23/08 and my story is no different than most. I am 66 y.o. and had tried everything that was ever published to lose weight. I have been obese since age 13. My surgeon is Dr. Paul Ross of Spartanburg, SC and he is a true blessing for me:regular_smile:a kinder and more caring person could not be found! I am doing well and have been surprised by the comfort zone I am in. I need to find a way and the time to exercise (walk) more. I have osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and can only walk for 10-15 minutes at a time. I wonder if my weigh loss is comparable to others at this point in my "journey". I have lost 12 pounds in 5 weeks. Please ad…

Hi All, I was scheduled to have GB on 8/4. On 7/31 I rescheduled and changed to the band. Has anyone else been through this? I just had that "don't get on the plane" feeling. If anyone has changed their mind last minute can you tell me if you think you made the right choice? :cursing:

I have finally done it. I was banded yesterday in Temple Texas after a very long wait. I have 100 lbs to lose and can hardly wait to get started. I would love to talk with others about their experience and what I can expect in the weeks and months to come. I feel great except for the soreness in my midsection and I am already looking forward to week 2 food choices. Chicken broth and hot tea just are not very satisfying,:cursing:

Hi All, So I'm frustrated here. I got banded 16 days ago and lost 10lbs before and 10 lbs since. But I have lost nothing in the past 4 days even though I'm eating very little. It's way too early to hit a plateau. Am I being silly? :cursing: Any advice? Thanks!

Ladies, Ok, running is out for me unless I want a black eye :glare:! So I am working out on my elliptical machine and walk on my treadmill at home. I purchased the Biggest Loser DVD's (all four of them) and those are fantastic. Too many lunges for me, but I do them. I won't even try the jumping jacks (the girls are too big:ohmy:), but what are you doing for exercise. Just trying to get an idea of what is working for everyone else on there. I don't think I am losing as fast as I should be, I know I am just at 7 weeks out, but the majority of my weight loss was before I was banded. I have my second fill today, but I have never felt any restriction since I got banded. …

Just had my first fill Wednesday. 2cc, which is more than most of the users I have been reading get. They said 2 cc for first then 1/2cc after that. My stomach has been hurting since I had this done. I am having mushy foods right now and they seem to be going down fine, but my stomach just hurts. Is this normal? Please share your fill experiences with me. Thanks, Wanda:confused2:

:confused2:Ok so i am 5 weeks post op. I have done great up until this morning when i woke up with this heavy feeling on my chest that radiates around to my back with movement. As i soon set up i started to get very nauseaed. I have been unable to eat much today. I have been able to drink some protein shakes and water today but nothing more. I havent had any fills yet, I go for my first fill on monday. Im not sure whats going on with me. Has anyone had this happen to them? Any and all advice will be welcome. Thanks in advance for all ur help. This sit is awesome and very helpful.:confused2:

Hello! I am new to the site. I have been banded for three weeks now! I have been wanting this for two years and I am so ready to loose the weight! I am going in for my first fill tomorrow and a little nervous but I have heard it is not too bad. I have just been feeling hungry for about a week & a half now so I am ready to get my fill so I can loose some more!

Hi everyone, I've been looking for a forum like this for quite a while. I live in the UK and have been considering the Lap Band for a few months now. Cost was a factor, so I've been considering whether to have it done in the UK, or overseas at half the price. In the end, the aftercare was important, so I opted for surgery in the UK. I saw my surgeon a few days ago and he was happy to progress to surgery next week. However, a bit selfish I know, but I have one last blowout planned for next week, so postponed. I am now due to have the band fitted on Saturday, 30th August. I don't know whether I'm excited, or apprehensive; what I do know is that I'm ready to compl…

Hello, my name is Tawna. I am 22 yrs old, I have 2 little boys, and I have been happily married for 5 yrs. I have researhced the lapband for awhile now and I am going to see a doc on tues. I am excited, but nervous, the more I read on it the more I want it, and I am worried I won't be approved or something. Anyways it should all go okay. I am looking for someone to talk to about all the stuff to come. Thanks a bunch and I would love to hear from you.:biggrin2:

My wife is scheduled to be banded in September. She needs to loose 125 lbs. We have been married for 28 years and when my wife was ill, I have always been there for her. It is heart wrenching when a loved one is in pain and this is where I ask you all for some insight. Be patient with my writting because I want to lay down a path. She has gone through 3 cesarean births, emergency gall bladder operation and a open heart operation. That is allot of pain to deal with. We went and saw the salesman/surgeon and he said that she was a candidate for the lap band procedure. She needed to go to a nutritionist.The surgeon stated he would not let her loose to much weight befo…

Hi everyone just joined i have been looking to find some where to chat about my forth coming lapband . I have my pre op sept 8th 2008 but not sure what hapens then can anyone help please shanaz200:unsure:

Hi everyone! I'm Susan. I went to the Lap Band Seminar last night at a local hospital, and I am so excited and ready to get started!! I have seriously considered weight loss surgery for about 6 years. I am anxious to get the ball rolling... my goal is to be half the woman I am today... literally. LOL I want a better quality of life... and be able to do more with my kids and not let my weight hold me back. :biggrin:

Hey Other than wishing they had the band fitted sooner- has anyone got any regrets on having the band done or has anyone had complications & had to have your band removed?? Cheers Kel

:thumbup:Hello everyone, I recently had lap band done in 2/08 in Abilene, Tx. I have currently lost 45lbs. I don't regret doing this for one minute. I believe that my biggest obstacle has been overcoming the mental hunger with negative reinforcement. I would very much like to visit with anyone who has had this done, I have some questions and basically I just want to know if what I am experiencing other people are too! Jacobyjoy

Hi everyone, My name is Sam and I am a 24yo mom of 2 boys. I have yoyo'd with my weight for 8 years now but it was after i had my boys that it got out of control. I was 20-30lbs overweight when I got preggo with my oldest son, gained 50lbs but lost it all plus 10lbs but gained 80 back in 6 months. After my second son I gained 35 and lost it all but now have gained it all back and weigh more then i did when i was pregnant :biggrin: I am tired of being large and so that is why i am here :biggrin: I went to the drs on Monday and got a referral and my appt was set up for Oct 24th. It is a 2 hours orientation type appt. They are sending out a packet of info but can you …

Hi! My name is Julie, I'm 40 y/o and live in Kansas. Last year our insurance company okay'ed having bariatric surgery except for the fact that the hospitals that would do it were all 3 hours away. They hoped to have one closer this year that would be approved as a "Blue Distinction Center". I started calling all the local hospitals in Feburary and only one had applied. They kept me posted on the progress. I did my seminar on March 5th, they shook hands in April, I got all my paperwork and and medical records to them during this time, they signed on the dotted line in June, and I had the first of my 2 required psych appointments made at that time. I have just been send…

I'm a newbie to lap band and your site. I was banded on 7/28, and I am just starting to get my energy back. I'm having a had time finding things to eat on my "thick liquid" phase. Jello and smoothies are too sweet, and cream soups are gagging me. Also, I'm having some persistent pain under the uppermost incision at the base of where my ribs meet. Is that normal? I have been coughing alot, can that dislodge anything?:biggrin:

I got my tricare approval today!! I have a surgery date of 11 August. That is so just around the corner. I had heard that it went fast with tricare after they gave the go ahead, and they were right. I only have 1 day of pre-op diet (liquid). The lady at the surgeons office said there was a group of us that came in at the same time, so hopefully I will b meeting someone locally soon to talk to about all the lapband stuff. Well better run just wanted to chime in and say I'm one stap closer. :biggrin2:

Hello to all - I have my surgery in three weeks in India ! I have to pay for it myself and decided to have it in India. I am excited about India and like my Dr alot. So......surgery and the Taj Mahal .... who could ask for better ?! I am so freaked out by all the changes that I am going to have to make to my life - it's overwhelming. I have 200 lbs to lose, which I know is high for the lap-band procedure, but I really just need the tool. I have been told that I need permission to take care of myself. Anybody like that ?

Hello all just 2 weeks post op from being banded, does anyone else have trouble sleeping on their side at night? I go for my first fill in four weeks, and I am really nervous! I was really somewhat restricted for the first 7 days not not really to much at all! I am trying very hard to stick to my guns and just eat exactly what they have set out for me. I had my procedure done in Port Huron Hospital. I have the gas, sometimes so painful, and I feel very weak by the and of the day, but I can feel some difference in myself a little anyway so I am trying to stay positive about that. My biggest thing is not being able to sleep on my side at night, it hurts so bad feels l…

Hello everyone, I'm so excited to have found this site and what great timing. I've been in the LB program since early March. I've attended all the required meetings at the local clinic and I have lost all but one pound of the required 10 pound weight loss. My next meeting that I will attend is on August 8th and that's just to get weighed. I'm hoping that the one last stubborn pound will be gone by then. The only thing that I left to do is to see my PCP for a pre-operative exam and that's strictly for my Insurance company requirements. Once that the Surgeon's office see that i've finally lost the ten pounds,then they schedule a visit with the Nutritionist,then another vis…

I am a 24 year old mom of 2. 29 months and 13 months, both boys. I have been married for 4 years next week and never thought I'd apply for lap band or gastric bypass. I am happy with who I am BUT after having my second child, I can not lose weight (i lost all the baby weight twice - nothing past that). I am currently 265, 5'7. BMI of 41.8. My body yo-yos with 7lbs.. so I could be 257-265 at any given time. I have tried weight watchers, but have a major problem with "feeling" full. I drink tons of Water but never have the full feeling. <---- which surgery does that mean they'll reccomend? My mom had GB 5 years ago and she's kept at least 100lbs off, but she stil…

I am a 48 mother of 1, living on the East Coast of Canada. I am currently at 341 pounds. I am having an opportunity of a lifetime thrown my way. My organization recognizes my value, and wants to help me become healthy. They arranged this week for me to see a bariatric specialist, to start a program for me. I was hoping that some type of surgery would be the key - knowing that I will have to change my eating habits and life regardless. The doctor, who is not a surgeon, looked at the HUGE(his words) hernia I have(belly button from when I was pregnant), and told me not to get my hopes up. Gastric bypass would be out of the question. Lap band possibly. I'm just wo…

Hello; I am from Toronto, Canada and this is my introduction to this group. I come from a family with "weighty" issues. My Mother was heavy and lost weight through diet. My sister had gastric bypass 5 years ago and lost 110lbs. That surgery had her out of commission for a while. The risks with gastric bypass are so much more than Lapband. I believe lapband will really work for me, and I it sounds like you can right back to life with little time away from family and work. My husband and I have 2 children and 1 dog. We both work full time and I working towards a certificate at a local university for my next career. My job has involved a bit of travel and some long h…

Hi...Lapband was done on 21 July 2008. My sister and I had our surgeries the same day. Hi Leslie!! Just reviewing all of the posts and, in the meantime, doing good. I'll check back again later. :biggrin:

i'm 24 years old, i live in southern california. i have been thinking of getting this surgery for about a year now. i was always thin, but when i got pregnant 5 years ago boy did that change. i now weigh 250 lbs, and no matter what i try, it never works, and i just keep gaining more weight! i'm scared for my health. my feet are jacked up now, i can hardly put on shoes and socks. i have NO self esteem and i feel like crap.:thumbdown: i can't take it anymore. i don't know anyone that has had this surgery, and i'm hopeing you guys can give me advice and tell me your storie. thank you sooooo much in advance. my e mail is proudmomma913@yahoo.com. thank you thank you thank you!…

Looking for Old Goat Buddies just Banded or in the Process. To share are current struggle with the bulge and hopefully make it work for all of us this time. My definition of an Old Goat is a Male of Retirement age or Older just like ME in pursuit of a heather Body that’s able to wear much smaller clothes. Now about me - 70 years old, 6 foot tall since 16 till I got checked for my BMI they tell me I am only 5’ 11-3/4” BMI 42.2 WGT 309 Top WGT 333 Charts say should be under 170 Wow 190 would sure be nice. Live in Kansas City and working with The Bariatric Center of Kansas City and DR Hoehn For me the thought of possible eliminating My Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, …

Hi. I am new to the forum. I am in the process of getting scheduled for LapBand® surgery. I am currently 279 w/ BMI 0f 40. I am diabetic and hypertensive. I know this is the right thing for me to do. I have tried other weight loss methods, and they just don't work for me. My loving wife is 100% supportive. I have friends & coworkers who are also supportive. I haven't had a single negative comment from anyone that I have chosen to share this decision with. Am I a little bit nervous about it... sure. I know what it is like to recover from surgery. I also know that it means I am going to have to make a change in my lifestyle... But I knew I needed to do tha…

Hi everyone, New here and just starting the lap band journey. I have my initial consult with the surgeon on Aug. 5th. What can I expect at the initial consult? Then I'll have the psych eval...what is that like? Thanks for the info!

Hi, I am so nervous. I will be banded on Aug.6, 2006 at Cedars Sinai. I am afraid it will just be another failed attempt to loose weight. I am also scared about not being able to eat for three weeks and feeling weak and low blood sugar. I have mild or pre-diabetes and take 15 mg. of Actos daily. Sometimes I feel low and have to eat. I dont know. I have had shakes alone and felt low and needed to eat something high in carbs to feel ok. Anyone else?

Hey all, thought i would create my post so I wouldn't get that message anymore. Well, I had a health situation that prompted me to look on the amazing information conglomeration aka www for more knowledge. Anyway, I was at a conference for my business, flew, hadn't flown in years.... I did not fit in the seat well and i was barely able to buckle the belt. I sat in the very first seat of the prop plane I was on. The table comes out of the arm of the chair. It would not fit on my belly. Completely humiliating. Then, at the conference we are packed together like sardines, and I try to make myself small. You know what I'm talking about. After 2 days of poor circulation, my …

Hi Everyone, I am brand new to this site.I am currently going thru my preliminaries before being approved for surgery. I have faith that I will... I really need this surgery.I am in Houston going thru Neweigh has anybody heard anything bad about this place ?? I have a few co-workers who did the gastric by pass but no one with laps..:biggrin:

Ok, so I'm just going to my 1st mandatory seminar at Hershey Med Center on August 21st to start the process. I've done an extreme amount of research on the good and bad of having a lap band implanted and have reached my last resort, so any advice from anyone that has gone through this already would be greatly appreciated!

I had surgery on 7/1/08 and am due for my follow-up appointment on August 14 with Dr. Woodman in Memphis. I had a friend who had Lap Band performed by Dr. Woodman about a year ago, and she stated that she had a hard time getting a fill from him. I feel no restriction at all and am nervous about going back to him. Has anyone else had this experience with him?

Hi, I'm new to the site and just thought I'd tell a bit about myself. I am 20 years old and from southern Minnesota. I am a full-time EMT for a small ambulance service. I am just starting my journey to the Lap Band and have my 1st doctors consult on Tuesday August 5th (a bit nervous to be honest) I have been to conventions and am super excited to get things moving along. Hope to talk to some good people here :thumbdown: So that's me...

My name is candace. Just joined this site. I am scheduled for surgery 8/13/08. I am having pre-op testing done in the morning. I have to be there at 6:30 a.m. That would not be a problem except I have 3 children to get ready for day care also. My daycare doesn't even open till 6:30. Hope it all works out somehow. Anyway, i justed wanted to introduce myself.

:thumbdown: I'ts nice to know that there are supporters

Hi, my name is Denise and I am new to the site. I have my first initial appointment with surgeon on 8/6/08. I already had a nutrition visit and psych eval. Don't know what to expect of dr visit next week.

I had my surgery on June 30th and tom Im going fo rmy first fill . Im a little nervous but excited. Restriction was good in the beginning but I am feeling hungrary now!!! Very excited to be a part of the banders and looking forward to a NEW ME!!!:thumbdown:

july 31 will be the first day of the rest of my life and to quote weight watchers you willl be seeing less of me lol. dr kowalski of jeanes hospital in philadelphia will be doing the honors would love to hear if anyone has had any work done with him wife had bypass in march by him and lost 58 lbs so far

Hello to all you fellow banders out there! I'm new to this forum and so excited that I found you. I'll be one of the August All-Stars as I'm getting banded on August 12th in Austin, Texas. I'm excited and nervous and most of all I can't wait for the day to arrive. I live in Germany, south of Munich, with my husband, two son's and my big white fluffy dog Niko. We're on our third year of a 3 year ex-pat assignment. I'll be getting some of my fills there, so I need to find a Dr. in that area. If anyone knows of a good Dr. please send his name my way. Our permenant home is in Austin, Texas which is were I'll be getting my surgery. Dr. John Marsden will be doing the procee…

Hello everyone. My name is Amy & I have just strated the process. I have been to one overview class & had orientation on Sunday. Pending approval, I hope to get a call to see the surgeon within 2 weeks. I am nervous, excited & unsure of what to expect. The thought of surgery TERRIFIES me. I am definetly not the person who is looking for a 'quick fix' I am looking for something that will change my lifestyle. And help me to enjoy a more quality life. I tend to say I am overweight by 'default' LOL Because I do eat healthy & workout. I didn't get this way on junk food, or laziness. So that alone makes me wonder if this will even work for me. I weighed …

:lol:New here. Hi! Just found out that I have been approved for Lap Band. Surgery date is September 9th!!!!

Hi, everyone I am a new one form mass. I live in orange. I am thinking about the lap band. I have gone as far as to call the worcester weight clinic and get the paper work sent to me. I have researched the band anbd really think it is for me. I have been over weight my whole adult life and i just can't do it any more. I am getting married in june 2010 and i want to start over fresh. Has anyone heard of Dr. John Kelly out of worcester ma. I have been looking for the right doctor and i just need to know .:confused2: Thanks for listrening amanda:biggrin2:

hello all new to site and surgery is 23 days away.... any advice on getting through the pre op (liver shrinking) phase?

Hi, is there anyone out there from Ky. I am from Eastern KY. Would love to have a buddie that went to Georgetown for surgery.

Hi! This is my first post and I'm thrilled to have found this site. I have just recently (in the past couple months) decided that maybe the Lap Band is the way for me to get control again. I have tried diet after diet over the years and nothing has worked with any long term success. I am approximately 90 pounds overweight and a BMI of 38, so I feel like I would be a candidate. I live in the Chattanooga area and wondered if there was anyone else that had the Lap Band experience in this area. Also, I have Blue Cross of TN and wanted to know if anyone knows if they are covering this procedure. Any information is greatly appreciated, as I REALLY want to make a lifesty…

Hi there. I'm Leigha. I'm a new lap band patient from Arizona. I'm excited to finally be on the right track, as I didn't follow directions, at first. After my first fill, due mostly to not listening to the doctor's warnings to stay on liquid for 2 days, I experienced a serious bout of illness and acid reflux. All the Fluid had to be removed from the band. I had to go back on liquids and start taking prilosec otc, as well as a course of steroids, after my throat and stomach swelled up so painfully that I could not swallow. Once I could eat again, I immediately gained back 5 lbs before my doctor could see me for a fill. I have had another fill, and now I find I fin…

Hello! My name is Jennifer and I live in MS. I am so tired of yo-yo dieting and exercise that does nothing for me. I'm 26 and only rank a 37 BMI- I have read that the minimum BMI is 40 without any weight caused health problems. Has this been a problem for anyone else? I just wonder if there are doctors that make exceptions to the BMI rule. Also, I have no insurance anyway so I don't even know if this is possible, but I have been dreaming of lapband for a while now. If you guys can give me any info (especially about surgeons in Mississippi) I would be so grateful. Thanks everyone! Jennifer