Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, I am new to this site. My best friend had the lapband surgery in may and is doing great. Today my husband and I had our first consoltation for the surgery. He is gonna do the bypass as he is alot heavier, and has diabetes and needs to loose alot fast. I am gonna do the lapband. We have BCBS PPO of illinois, and have to see what we need to do to get approved. The doctor today told us we might have to do 6 months of weightloss with a doctor, which we have already done a whole year and now 6 months, but they dont know if it is gonna count. So i guess it will be a waiting game for a little bit till we find out what we need. At least this is the first start of o…

Hello Everyone. I'm going to be banded on August 18th. Excited and nervous at the same time. Has anyone had an experience with Dr. Juan Corvala at the Hospital Angeles in TJ, Mexico. Yes, it sounds crazy....go to Mexico for surgery....But the cost and references have been very convincing. I'm only 3 hours away from TJ and they have several doctors in our area who perform the follow-up and fills. let me know what you think Tinker:rolleyes2:

I'm Kimberly and I had my Lap band surgery on June 2, just 7 weeks ago and I'm kind of disappointed in the Lap band. I had my first fill a week ago and there is no restriction. I'm so afraid I'm going to gain the 23 pounds I've already lost. I had the surgery because I'm more then 100 pounds over weight so 27 doesn't seem like much to me. My doctor states that he will only do 1.5cc fills at a time, does this seem like to little or I'm I losing hope. My will power is falling and the band isn't helping like I thought. Can anyone help me with some of these questions?

I am getting banded in Sept 08 I am 53 I'm a pawpaw with two wonderful granbabbies so I need to be around a while longer.

Hi everyone I am 42, married, no kids, busy with 4 jobs. One of them is writing restaurant reviews. Some things are going to have to change there. I have type II diabetes, practically no "good" cholesterol and chronic pain issues that make it hard to work out. My relationship with food is somewhat self-comforting, but I am so into it as a hobby - studying regional cuisines, writing about it, photographing it, cooking, blogging...I guess if Al Roker could do it I can. Just in moderation and maybe becoming obsessed with finding the healthiest recipes or something. My Dr has been trying to get me to have the lap band for years. Although I am only 80 pounds over my id…

I am from Long Island, NY and have surgery performed yesterday. After the procedure, everything was fine with just a but of soreness. Today was the first day I could leave the hospital and I am finding I am having difficulty drinking enen little sips of water let alone yoghurt. Over a period of several hours, I drank about four ounces of water. That stayed down for a while. Several hours later with no additional intake (except saliva) I regurgatated a quantity of slime and water in excess of what I have drunks. About two hours later, same thing again. Is this normal after placement action.) You could forstall my making an idiot of myself if I have to call the doctor…

:blush:Hello Everyone! I finall got the lap band on the 7th of July, 2008. I lost 15 pounds on my own by the day of surgery. Started at 323 and on the day of surgery, I was at 308. :thumbup:Ok....so I'm feeling great and by that Friday after surgery, I was up and about doing my Holy Ghost Ho-down in my garage (light workout). :ohmy: So then I find out that the banding was only placed on my stomach, but not tightened? Why did my hair stylist tell me that???? So it makes sense and explained why I was actually feeling hunger pangs. :confused: Ok...today is the 24th and I made it to my first fill. That prick was pretty painful....oooouch! Survived it though.:ohmy: …

Hi everyone, I'm scheduled to be banded on September 30 :ohmy: and have been following the threads on this forum for several months now. The other day when I was eating raspberries it occurred to me that I've not seen anything on here about eating fruits like strawberries and raspberries with the small seeds. Can anyone do this or do I have to avoid my favorite fruits forever? :smile2: How about nuts? Thanks for all your input, I've learned so much.

I am scheduled for my lap band Aug 20 2008. I am very unsure as to whether I have maid the right choice or not. I'm afraid I won't feel full and not lose weight. I have joined here for support....to figure out if I am going to go thru it or not. I have read some of the threads and it seems people have a lot to say when it is negative feedback and not so much to say in the positive. I will keep an open mind as I learn how to navigate thru the threads. Good luck to all and may you reach your goals.

Hello, I am so glad that I found this site.I'm very excited now that I finally have people I can talk with and understand what I'm going through. I Just completed my 6 mon. with pcp yesterday and ready to move forward. Although, there are days when I get so emotional and wonder if I should really go through with this. Yall I need encouragement BAD. I really want this for myself and children.:smile2:

Hello All, I am LauraSue - living near Boston with a surgery date of 9/30. My surgeon is Dr. Hess and I am nervous about life with the lapband. I appreciate any post on your experience post surgery and after. Thank you.

Hi ya.. I am due to be having my band fitted at the end of Aug and since booking the op - i have had loads of questions and hoping you guys who have been through it could give me an honest account of what is to come. In terms of drinking alcohol- what is the situaion with that? Can you still have a few drinks and do you get drunk easier?? With food- what types of foods do you seem to struggle on- and is it rite you cannot drink fizzy drinks? Oh typical; i cannot remember my questions now- but any handy hints you have learnt since being banded would be appreciated- and congrats to you all who have lost so much its so inspiring. Take care & keep it up..:thum…

I have gone to the seminar for Lapband and had my dr. appointment today. My PCP is totally supportive. Unfortunately, the Lapband dr. does not think my insurance will cover the surgery. I have NC State Employees insurance and FEP BC/BS. The problem is that my BMI was above 35 for three of the last 5 years and the insurance requires a BMI above 35 for 4 of the last 5 years. They may reconsider if I have a co-morbidity such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The problem is that the only problem I have is my knees which are really bad. Apparently BC/BS does not consider this a co-morbidity. Any suggestions? I really want this surgery and have tried everything to lose weigh…

Hi ladies, I did it! I'm a little sore and very gassy but otherwise doing well. I will discuss my experience a little later hopefully. I'm just a little tired right now. YAY ME!

I went to a seminar this week with Dr. Billy in Thousand Oaks, CA. After the seminar I was very happy and confident with him. After calling him insurance, they said he's not in-network and would no pay for him to do the surgery. They said it WOULD be covered if I used an in-network doctor. I can't find any under bariatric when doing a search for doctors on my insurance company's website. What kind of doctor am I looking for???

Hello! I am having my band put on tomorrow(7/24) and I am very nervous! If there is anything you think I should know (that sometimes the Dr or nurses forget to tell you). Please let me know. Thank you! Kari

Hye everyone, i was just banded Monday the 21st. Since then i have had horrible bloating and gas pains. Everyone says that this is normal( hope it doesnt last long). Obviously im still on liquids and really dont feel like eating anyhow. I am a little concerned on why i gained 5 lbs during surgery and when it will come back off. I am also surprised to see how many people state that they dont lose for the first 5 weeks because it is a healing time? My Doc didnt tell me that ... is it common? Right now he has me drinking 3 Atkins shakes and nothing else but clear liquids. I can not see how i would not lose weight.... i dont know ..... if there is anyone that would be able to…

I have felt such support on LBT and certainly learned a lot but I think that I would also benefit from live - in person support group meetings. Can anyone tell me if you know of ones(s) in Ct.

I am very nervous. I have my surgery in the morning (7/24). I am also very excited. I would love to hear from someone that can tell me what to expect tomorrow (anything that the Dr or nurse forgot to tell me). Thank you! Kari

I am sceduled to have surgery on the 12th in Everett. I have 70-80lbs. to lose. Can anyone tell me how much and how fast I can expect to lose? I am sooo committed to this--whatever it takes!

Hi all. I went for my surgical consult yesterday and met with the nutritionist, the psychologist and the surgeon. My scheduled surgery date is November 24th. Wow, this is a wierd feeling, it's going to be here before I know it. Anyone have any input before surgery I'd love to hear about it. Thanks. :biggrin:

Hello all. I was banded on June 13, 2008 and had my first fill on July 17, 2008. I've only lost about 22 pounds - which seems very low compared to others. I work out 50 minutes a day five days a week and am probably eating only about 800 calories a day (protein first always!). My next fill isn't scheduled until September. I've heard that it takes anywhere from 3 to 5 filles to get to the right restriction. Should I see if I can get a fill in one month rather than waiting two more months? The weight loss has really slowed down in spite of my vigorous exercise and carefull eating. My BMI was low to begin with (36) and I really only need to lose about 40 more pounds...Any …

Hi, everyone, and congrats to all who are successfully losing weight! It can be done -- I know, cause I'm an old veteran with 140 lb loss that I kept off 10 years. An accident entrapped it, and I had to have it replaced. But I have an unusual problem: my new band is around my stomach muscles, due to adhesions from my old band making it impossible to use the regular site. This band seemsd to work backwards: with the most recent filll, it began to cause pain in the shoulder and a choking sensation on the first few bites -- but after that, it just gets better and better! After a few bites, there's no pain or restriction! Has anybody experienced this? Does anybody know howl t…

Hello. My wife has decided that this surgery is the answer for her. She goes for her psych consult and first meeting with the surgeons next week. I will be there by her side during this journey. I will support her decision and do whatever I can to make this a success. I do all the cooking so I will have to change our food to accommodate this process. My wife doing this will help me diet even though I am not getting banded at this time. I also am overweight but I cannot convince myself to get the band right now. I feel that I can lose my weight through traditional diet and exercise. In all honesty; I want to see how well it works for her first. Initi9ally my wife was a lit…

Hi there, I had my operation on Saturday 19th July and am at home recuperating. Professor Nadey Hakim of Harley Street conducted the operation and everything seems to be going well so far. Is there anyone else from London or from the UK that wants to say hi? thanks so much, Lesley

Hi everyone. I am Katie and am in the process of getting banded at BWH in Boston. I am really excited about the prospects. It's my first post, but have been reading a lot of the entries for the past week. I love all the support!:thumbup:

I've heard that you start to get really hungry when you're able to eat solid foods. Has anyone had this experience? I don't see why you might be hungrier.

does any1 else use boost high protein premixed drinks i love them i usually mix with 1 pack of carnation dry and it is so yummy i was making sure it dident have to much sugar or anything in it please let me know thanks:lol:

Let me start off by saying that i have done a large amount of research on Dr. Hadar Spivak and from what i hear i am sold. However, after seeing my PCP and talking about the lap band procedure he referred me to one of his good friends that he says is an awesome surgeon, Dr. Guillermo Ponce De Leon. I have heard very little about this guy but it doesnt necessarily mean he isnt extremely good at what he does. After telling My physician over and over about Spivak he kinda brushed it off and insisted that i go see Ponce De Leon. I am confused as to what i should do. Should i follow up with Spivak, a well known doctor in the houston area or should i go to who my Dr. recommende…

Hello, all! I have been lurking and reading for a couple of weeks now and very much enjoy all of the information. I was banded on 7/1/08 and had lost 24 pounds on the pre-op liquids. In the first few days after the surgery (while on Clear Liquids which equals "nothing") I lost another 6 pounds. After that I have lost nothing which is a little discouraging but I'm still hanging in there. My next appointment is 8/8/08 and I hope for my first fill then. I am going on vacation next week which should prove interesting. I am in south Alabama and was banded by Dr. Snow in Mobile. Good luck to everyone! Leigh 320/296/290/170 highest/day of surgery/current/goal

What a fabulous group I've discovered! My name is Kathy and I live in Corpus Christi, Texas, where the roof is leaking, the tropical rains left by hurricane Dolly are still pouring, and the wind is blowing (but it always does in Corpus!). I had my surgery on April 11. I lost 16 pounds pre-surgery (in the six months of jumping through insurance hoops) and have lost 35 post-surgery. I want to lose about 40 more (I'm 5' 2" and am at 179 now). The support group locally is on a night that I'm unavailable, so I thank you all for being here and providing answers when I need them (which you've done several times already without knowing it!). Hopefully I can return the favor …

Hi all, I just had a consultation with the hypertension clinic here in Calgary, and heard about banding for the first time. I'm 48, with a BMI of 42, drug resistant hypertension, and the added treat of the occasional bout of gout. The jury's still out on sleep apnea, I'll be getting tested for that in the near (I hope) future. I do know I have a history of "forgetting" to breath, going back to childhood. Over the past 30 odd years, I've been yo-yo-ing with diets, loosing 20-30-40 pounds, only to gain it all back, every time, with a little extra (sound familiar to anyone?). To me, jumping on the "band waggon" (a bit of Calgary Stapede humour there) seems like a God…

Hi - I'm new here & so will apologize upfront if posting in wrong place on wrong topic, etc. I'm considering banding. Am wondering if anyone here was advised to not have the banding due to psych reasons (example: doctor thinks that you won't be consistent with pre & post-op diets, etc.)? I think a huge portion of my battle with food is similar to those with drug/alcohol addictions. I definitely have a "mind-game" going on with food. What do you do if you have the surgery & afterwards the cravings & addiction mindset continue? I had a counselor once advise me against banding because it was her opinion that my problem was a "head" problem. I guess I'm wonder…

Hi Everyone - my name is Diane and I am new to the online forum thing. It seems like a wonderful way to "meet" people who have gone through or are going to have the lapband surgery. My own primary care physician would not recommend me for the surgery - he said I was not fat enough! I was 5'4" tall and weighed 262 pounds! That is obviously more than 100 ponds overweight. It was so hard just to do everyday things like walk up a flight of stairs, bend over and tie my shoes, or take my dog for a walk without being out of breath by the end of the first block! Not to mention the high cholesterol, back pain and joint pain from carrying around so much weight. However, I was dete…

im so nervous....lapband surgery date set for september 11 the day alone sends shivers but i have waited 2 years for this.anyone having this the same day contact me please....

hello everybody i am jiss from india

I just got off the phone with the insurance company and they did approve me today. Now I have to wait until I get the letter and wait to be scheduled. I talked to the doc's office and they will be scheduling me for pre-op as soon as they get the approval letter. But we are shooting for 8/1:eek::eek::frown::crying: Guess I better get started on my pre-op diet.....

So I have been waiting for this momment and when It finally came and I had I left feeling hopeless. I had my first consultation with Dr. Roslin from Lenox Hill Hospital he was highly recommended. I attended the seminar back in may and decided to go with lap band surgery. I have been exicted to finally make up my mind and go through with it. then I go to the consultation today and he barely looked at my files. and then he asked me what surgery I was going to have I said the lap band and he said "I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW MOST OF MY PATIENTS LIKE YOU AFTER A YEAR ARE NOT SATISFIED BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T LOST A GREAT DEAL OF WEIGHT" Then he says "I CAN SEE THIS HAPPENING WITH Y…

Hi! Just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I live in Alabama but I was banded by Dr. Bagnato in Albany, GA. I'm starting fresh today (new fill 3.25 ccs in a 4 cc band) as I have had a rocky beginning with my weight fluctuating. Hoping to get on the right track now.:thumbup:

:seeya::lurk5::ihih::lurk5::thumbup::thumbup::lurk5::crying::lurk5::lurk5: I AM APPROVED! I called the ins. co. today ( I have been calling 2x a day lately) and the rep. told me that the letter was being mailed today. I called surgeon's office and I have a band date of Sept.9 , holla! Thank you all for your prayers. FYI: it took approx: 2 1/2 weeks to get approval. (not bad considering they lost some of my info.)

[/url] I will be joining my band sisters on September 15!! So excited but wish my date was in August! I have my pre-op meeting on Aug. 25th. I just wanna do a little dance...make a little (I'll leave it at the dance with you guys!!)

Hi everyone! My name is Cami, I am a 38 (almost 39) year old woman, wife, mom in a suburb of Dallas. First I want to say thank you to everyone who has posted their stories or information on this site. I have been lurking for a couple of weeks as I have researched where to have my lap band surgery. I found the right fit from a suggestion on here. Your insights and experiences are so very valuable. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I am a self pay patient so everything is moving VERY quickly. I called Monday to follow up on the pricing and the next steps and as of yesterday I have met with the nutritionist and had my pre-op appointment. I will be having Lap band sur…

HI, MY NAME IS CHARITY, FROM BATH MAINE. I HAVE JUST STARTED THIS JOURNERY SINCE MARCH 26, 08. I AM GOING THROUGH THE MAINE MED BARIATRIC CENTER IN PORTLAND ME. THERE IS ALOT OF THINGS YOU HAVE GO THROUGH TO EVEN SEE THE SURGEON. I HAVE BEEN SEEING THE SOCIAL WORKER FOR ABOUT TWELVE WEEKS . I HAVE DOING ALL THE HOMEWORK THAT SHE HAS GIVEN ME AND MORE. I CAN NOT GO FORWARD UNTIL SHE SENDS IN THE FORM TO MAINE MED . I FEEL THAT I CAN TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD GETTING CLOSER TO SURGERY. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING THAT I CAN DO. IT SEEMS LIKE MY SOCAL WORKER HAS THE REIGNS. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF MONEY GOING TO HER , AND I HAVE LEARNED ALOT FROM HER ABOUT MYSELF. TH…

He was really supportive !!! I could not belive it. You never know how these things are gonna go. Happy,, confused, mad, supportive, weird... I went with him to see Batman at 9am then to Breakfast... that wasall it took... I must say that he said "just wanted me to be healthy and was not concerned about the weight". How did you break it to your honey?

GREETINGS, I HAVE FIVE DAYS UNTIL MY SUGERY AND LORD KNOWS I'M ABOUT TO LOSE MY MIND WITH THE 12LBS I HAVE LOSE IN THE LAST 9 DAYS. THIS LIQUID DIET WAS THE WORST THING EVER, I THOUGHT GIVING UP NEWPORTS WERE HARD. BUT THIS.WEPH!!!!. SHRINKAGE OF THE LIVER TO MAKE THE SURGERY EASIER HELPS. AFTER SURGERY I UNDERSTAND I WILL NOT BE STARVING BECAUSE I DID IT ALL NOW. LOOKING FORWARD TO JULY 29. GOOD LUCK ALL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can I come and play in here too? Pretty please

Hi all, I'm Bryan and I live in New Orleans. I've probably been overweight for most of my adult life, but it's only recently (say the last 6-8 months) that my weight has reached close to the 300 pound mark. I'm 6'1", and should probably weigh around the 150-160 pound range....it's been so long now that I'm not even sure anymore :wub:) I was able to lose quite a bit of weight in 2002, and managed to keep it off for about 6 months or so, but now I think it's time to try the Lapband system. I'm about to sign up for health insurance with my employer (Office Depot) - they use Aetna as their provider. Does anyone know from prior experience if Aetna covers this type of sur…

Hey all! I was banded October 31st and this is the 5th day of my recovery. Overall, I feel really energetic and back to normal. I can't even feel pain from the incisions on my belly. There's only one thing holding me back- where the port was sewed into my stomach muscles. Of course I don't expect there to be absolutely no pain so soon after surgery, but the pain is EXCRUCIATING. And I'm not exaggerating. I'm getting so frustrated bc I feel fantastic other than that. It makes it SO painful to even walk. I don't feel as if it's made any progress. My questions are: For those of you who have completely healed, how long did it take for your port incision to feel OK? Did yo…

I am gonna get banded 8/8/08,my wife was banded 1/4/08 and she is looking great i am so proud of her,I have diabetes and have had a long time controling it ,i have read up on lapband and diabetes and hope to fight this diese with this tool(lapband). My wife and i have a two year son and we hope to send many years with him. Helping us lose this weight will increase our time with and and future children and grandchildren. Just a brief summary of my family and I.

Hi. My name is Anne and I live in McKinney, TX. I'm reading all I can about banding and I'm really excited! I'm scheduled for July 14th with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico.