Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi i am Theresa I was banded on 5/5/08. I have lost 29 pounds since then. I need to find some suport groups. I hope someone can help. Thanks

I am so excited to be posting here. Just got my band this past Friday, June 27th. I'm having trouble trying to figure out how much to drink. Can't seem to fill up. Any suggestions from anyone?:lol:

How will I know if I can stick to the food program and not eat "around" the band. In the past I've never been able to stay on a healthy eating program for any length of time without "cheating" and falling off the wagon. It seems every diet I go on when something goes wrong in my life I just don't care anymore and I go off the diet eating cakes, cookies, ice cream whatever. I worry about highly densed caloric foods that take up very little space but are packed with carbs and cals. i.e... ice cream. I have a bad sweet tooth too. Could that also be a problem? I'm trying not to be negiative but I know the best predictor of future behavoir is past behavoir.

I stumbled onto this website by looking up info on smoking after the lapband. I am happy to say that I have been smoke free since my doctor told me to many months ago, but the craving is always there. Especially now that I can not eat anything, and I am so hungry. My banding was 7/24/08, last week. My BMI was 40 before the surgery date was made, but after being on the liquid diet 2 weeks before and now, I've lost 21 pounds. That will really get the weight off you, but it doesnt feel that healthy. Last week, being sore and such, I could bearly get 200 calories a day. Now that I've graduated to a step higher, I can now get my calories I need from slimfast. Take just one…

Hi there, I just found this website yesterday and have been finding my way around. I was looking to find out how people made out on their pre-op diets. I've really struggled these past three weeks and worry that I might have messed up my surgery. I was supposed to be on liquid protein diet (Optifast) and steamed vegetable. I have a BMI of 54 so I have a lot to lose. I'm only two days away from surgery but in the past 3 weeks I have cheated on and off. It's nothing like I used to eat but I have snuck in some chicken one day on my salad with real dressing, another day I ate a bag of bagel crisps with hummus and another day I had a slice of roast beef. I bought som…

I don't have my consultation until July 16th and the suspense is killing me. I'm looking for support groups in Katy Texas because I'm going to have this done even if my insurance doesn't approve it.

Hello all. I am new to LapBandTalk.com and am to be banded on July 8th. I am kinda bummed because I was supposed to be banded today but have had a fever over the weekend so my surgery was postponed. My doctor is Michael Sofronski and I live in Maryland. I will interested in talking to all who are at the same stage I am as well as you oldies who are experts at what is going to happen to my emotions and my body. Liquids are not so bad. It has been a pretty easy week for me. Hope all who are at the stage I am are also doing well with the pre-op liquid diet. Wish me luck.

Hi all! My name is Dee Dee and I am new to this forum. I was banded 6/20/08 and so far have lost an amazing 19lbs. :smile2: I am here for the same reason as many of you. Support, support, to find answers to the many questions I can think of .

Anyone getting the same treatment? When i dropped the bomb about me getting the band (which just happened June 23rd 2008)...not very many people were really supportive!!!! I always been big and sassy! but i wasnt healthy. i find people very worried about my gradual weight loss (will i go LOCO and turn in a Paris Hilton wannabe)... I just want to live longer and enjoy my life... fit into a airplane seat...go on a carnavial ride... Anyone dealing with this??? :thumbs_up:

I am considering Lap Band surgery. I have picked a Doctor, but not sure how to get started. I want to do much research before I go into my first appt. About me. I am 29, 245 lbs and 5'4. I never was an overweight child or young adult. Just bad eating habits from working and being single. I am now married with a 3 year old and a 6 month old. My 3 year old is starting in many activities and I feel like I can't play with him as much as I would like. I also don't want to be known as the "fat mom." Does that sound horrible? So, after you make an appt, what to they make you do? How long before surgery? I have had 2 c-sections and a Laporoscopy to have scar tissue removed. Wil…

Hi Everyone- I am brand new to this forum (or any Lap Band forums for that matter) and wanted to say hello. I am 9 mos post op on the 3rd of July and haven't regretted a single part of the decision to have the Lap Band placed. It's not without its struggles, as you all know, but it's been so incredibly worth it so far. This really has been the tool that I needed to get my weight OFF!!! I am in Boston, MA (had my Band placed at MGH) and would love to see if there are more Banders out there in my neck of the woods. Most of the patients at the MGH Weight Center are Bypass patients and it's been great getting to know them as well! I'd also love any general thoughts or ad…

Good Morning Everyone. I have my first visit on July 2nd with Dr. S who will be eventually performing my life saving surgury :0). I am happy to have found this site I have a lot of questions and anxiety about this entire process. I am from Spotsylvania Virginia. Looking to connect with others beginning the process or other who have been through it. I am sure there is a lot to be shared as each of you continue on your journey to be healthy. Good luck to all, I look forward to hearing from you guys.:tt2:

Hi! I was banded 6/27/08 and I'm really excited that I finally made the decision and went through with it. I'm still sore in the upper abdomen and not sleeping well since I'm a stomach sleeper. This evening all the sudden my mouth filled with saliva and I experienced a very salty taste sort of like boullion and I became a little nauseated. I managed to drink some water and didn't throw up. It occured again about 1hr later just as I lay down to sleep. Any ideas on what is causing?

Hello everyone, I was banded on June 18 by Dr. Kwon in NY. I have been doing great, recovered much quicker than I thought. I even went to a Backyaragins Live show with my 2 yr old 4 days post surgery. I have now lost a total of 30lbs...18lbs post surgery. The liquid diet is getting really boring, but I know in the long run it will be worth it...

Well, I am a 27 year old mother of two. Today is my birthday. And my wish is to have bariatric surgery this year. I was always very small until I had my children and became ill. I went from 112 lbs at twenty weeks pregnant to 230 lbs after I had my daughter. I am only four foot ten inches, so the weight is over double my Healthy weight. my weight has induced fertility problems, numbness in my hands and legs, insulin resistance, sleep apnea, and very poor self esteem with depression. I am hoping that I can find the information I need to make an informed decision about my surgery and build a support group tht I read was nessassary. Two months ago, I saw a picture of myself…

Hi Everyone, I am fairly new to the forum, and I wanted to tell everyone that I am approved with Tricare! Looks like my date is 5/23!

hello all thankyou for a great site, im sure i will find it very useful for the future. im having my lap band asessment tomorrow 1st july 08. looking forward to booking my op date.

Hi everyone, Well, I was on this board about a year ago and now I'm back, so, I'll reintroduce myself. I live in TN and am a single "mom" to my two dogs and a cat. I have been overweight all my life but really never thought about it until I joined the Army in 1995 and had to lose weight to join. While in the Army I maintained a weight around 135lbs but was still overweight by their standards and had to be "taped" at every weigh in. I'm now at the heaviest I've ever been and having severe sleep apnea (have a sleep study scheduled in two days) and not I've seemed to have developed acid reflux. I did research on the lap band (the procedure I want to get) a year …

Hi I had my band on May 27 2008 in GA my surgeon is Dr Mejias. I feel great and have lost 15lbs so far. I get my first fill o the 26th of June. I notice I can tolerate more foods at this time and Iam not feeling as full I hope this will change with my fill.

Hi, I am a newbie here. I finally agreed with my endocronologist to have a lapband. He had been suggesting gastric bypass for a couple of years, but I was afraid. I have been dieting and exercising since I was 13yrs old, with varying degrees of success. I am 54 yrs old, female, BMI 49.9 with co-morbidities, diabetes, hypertension, GERD and hip/knee joint pain. I am an ICU RN working 12 hr shifts, feeling exhausted. I was told with my HgA1C 9.9 and BMI that I have approximately 10 yrs to live. I am scheduled for the seminar 7/17 in Pittsburgh, Pa with Dr Joseph Colleti. I have a million questions. How long will I be off work or restricted with lifting? How long will i…

Hi. I just found this website. I have not had the lapband surgery. I am seriously considering it though. I think I need to lose 68 pounds because my excess weight makes my high blood pressure and high chloresterol stay high. I've struggled with obesity for many years. I want to get the lapband but don't know much about it at all. I am here to talk with other people about the lapband. Side effects? ect... Thank you.

Hello from waterlogged Iowa. I'm new to the board and hope to get a response. First some demographics... I'm 38 years old, female, Type 2 non insulin for 10 years. I'm 5'5 and weigh roughly 198. That puts me at a 33 BMI. I'm considering the Lap Band but i'm not sure if my insurance will approve me as i'm not at a 35 BMI with comorbidity. I have Wellmark (BCBS) and I plan on calling them tomorrow but i'm just wondering if anyone else has had any experience with vitals similar to mine and if anyone has any advice for me. TIA Kristina

I needed a stress test , not on the treadmill, and it was done in 2 sessions. I'm going thru clearance to get a lap band. They told me the results would go to my primary Dr. I received a call from the heart specialist today wanting me to come see him Wed. I am so scared, is this the norm for these test? I've cleared the other things except the sleep study. I thought I would have my lapband by Aug. I have a hernia in my stomach too, things are looking bleak. Have any of you gone thru this, I am 67 years old, I might have waited to long.I wish the Dr. had gave me a clue if something is wrong.

Hello, Finally after a year of doctors and insurance appeals, I have received my banding date of July 14th. Big sigh of relief. I really hope this is the tool I've been waiting for. Lots of luck to everyone just starting out.

:redface:Hello fellow banders, My name is Kathy and I am a single mother of two wonderful daughters. I have been overweight since my youngest daughter was born 14 years ago. I have constantly been on some kinda diet and I am so tired of it, so I decided to go to Mexico to get banded (it was less expensive there than in the states and my insurance would not cover it.) I have had my band since June 10, 2008. I quickly lost 17 lbs, but I have not lost a single pound in the past 2 weeks, actually I have gained 2 lbs since I have started soft foods. My first fill is not scheduled until July 19th and I am so afraid that I am gonna gain some of the weight back because I have sta…

Hey all, I was banded on Wed. June 25th. I think that I am doing pretty well overall. I have very little energy and I am hungry!! I also wanted to know if anyone had difficulty with as my granny lovingly referred to them "the back door trots" right after banding. I am worried about becoming dehydrated because I can't stay out of the bathroom! Thanks for your help!:confused2:

:frown:I have already been pre-aproved for surgery 8/20 and received my packet from doctors specifying pre-admission testing, doctor clearances & instructions for liquid diet. I knew that I would need to be on a liquid diet for at least 2 weeks before surgery but when I kept reading on I realized that they wanted you to be 15-20lbs lighter than first consult weight. The problems for me is that my consult was back in Nov. 07 and I didn't seriously start thinking about lap band until March 08. Now I have gained 15lbs more than my consult weight from November and that means I now have to lose at least 35lbs. How do I do that....complete liquid diet for as long as one…

Well, I'm getting started. I want to do this so bad. I've contacted my Dr. and will be seeing him soon to start the process. How is it getting qualified and approved by Blue Cross Insurance?

I am on my way to hopefully getting approved for LBS. I originally really wanted GBS but my Primary Care Phy, LBS, nutritionist & therapist all say LBS would be best for me. I am hoping that by coming to this site and reading all of your stories I will feel better about LBS. Thanks, Candi

Hi Everyone- I am delighted to say that I have finally landed a surgery date of July 18, 2008! Whoo hoo! What an answer to prayer! However, now that I officially have a date set...the panic has set in. I've never had any type of surgery before in my life...and I'm scared. I've also never had anesthesia. What should I expect on the day of surgery? The hours after? You guys seem to be such a great group of experts And I need all the advice I can get. Anything I should be prepared for that maybe they haven't told me? Were you guys scared before your surgery? I'm just so worried something is going to go wrong the day of surgery :confused2: Anyway-thanks in…

banded june 17th in maryville, tn. ready to find that thinner person inside screaming to come out!!!

Hi! Just wanted to introduce myself as I am new to the boards. I was banded on 5/1/08 by Dr. Arcand. After trying everything else with no success I looked into the lap-band and went through the whole program. It was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and my family. I just had my first fill yesterday and am getting used to the new restriction. I am down 28 pounds from 5/1 and I feel great!!!

Hello all - My name is Julie - I was banded on 4/8/08 by Dr. Ewing (Hackensack, NJ) - staff not the greatest - but he's very cool. I actually had a revision done - I originally had the gastric bypass March of 2004 - went from 350 to about 170 - got preggers & never lost the baby weight - when I was banded I was 240 - now Im only down to 222 - I cannot break that mark. So far I have 4cc (is that correct 4cc's not too sure) of saline in me - and personally I do not think its enough - I pretty much can have anythign if I eat slow enough - I'm starting to feel maybe this was a mistake and my destiny is to be 350lbs all over again. :frown: I mean I kninda know what Im d…

Hi, I am 42, 5'8", and used to weigh 220 lbs and rising. Every year was a little more weight, and a little more, and a little more. At age 36 I was sick of being the fat person in my circle of friends. I had a band installed in Monterrey, Mexico in 2001 by Dr. Rumbaut and worked with Dr. Fox in Tacoma, WA afterward for follow up. The weight loss was slow but steady and I got down to 160 and hit a plateau for a year. Then I went through a divorce and the stress caused/helped me lose more weight and got down to 145. Husband 1.0 was a very jealous man and wanted me to stay heavy so no one else would ever look at me. :paranoid Husband 2.0 and I got married April 1, 2006 and …

New banding March 2, 2008 two fills 29 lb lost:thumbs_up:

Just dropping in to say hi, glad to be here and I hope to meet and chat with some of my fellow bandsters from all over the place. As for me, it's been almost a year since I got my lapband installed :bored: (July 31st) and I can hardly believe how far I've come! I've lost a little bit over 100 pounds and I've still got about another hundred to go for me to be at a happy weight. I've had many ups and downs including getting my surgery covered by my insurance, to having digestion issues with the Protein and being able to exercise (walking) a lot more since the weight loss. :wink_smile: I look forward to talking to everyone!

I had my first consult last week. These next 2 months are filled with Dr's appt's, and hopefully I will be able to get a surgery date. My husband is going to Iraq in September, so let's hope I can get it done before he leaves. Cheers Janie:smile2:

Hello from KC. I was banded on 5/13/2008 and had my first fill on June 12. I have lost about 15 lbs. I really don't feel restricted but I am still very careful about what I eat. I am having a hard time drinking enough water. If I drink when I am empty I have nausea, but with the time restrictions, Not drinking half hour before eating, during eating, or one hour after, it seems to be difficult for me. :confused2: i am probable drinkng about 40 ounces a day but usually flavored. 0 cal, no caffine. I am feeling good and really have had no complaints. I am happy to have found this web site because of work schedule I can not attend the support meetings in my are…

I know I've seen several books mentioned in posts that are good sources of info. Unfortuantely, I did not write them down. Can anyone give me a list of good source of information? Thanks!!! :biggrin2:

Hi All, I finally feel like I am at the end of my dieting road. I have considered lapband surgery in the past and whimped out when it came to the crunch. I know diets don't work (long-term) for me and I can't live on this dieting rollercoaster hell any longer! But for that very reason, I am most concerned about lapband surgery: I am a HUGE eater, who is absolutely obsessed with food. I can't even hold a dinnertime conversation if i know there is yummy food still to be eaten. My biggest fear is that if i have this surgery, I may damage my body (more than the damage caused by the obesity itself) by eating more than the band will allow. Is it the case that the ban…

HI, I had the lapband on April 4th. I started at 208 lbs and am now at 194 lbs. I had 2cc's on my first fill and will have my 2nd fill on the 2nd of July. The weight isn't coming off as fast as I would like and I now find myself cheating(sweets). I'm hoping to see faster and more consistant loss after this next fill. I'd like to know what most of you eat on an average day to help me on my course. :confused2:

I am waiting, and waiting, and waiting for my surgery date!!!! It's all I can think about. I am probably driving everybody crazy that knows me. I can't help it. This consumes me right now. I'm Wanting it NOW!!:biggrin: I dont want to have to fly to Mexico, because my Insurance is covering it. I just don't understand why the patient coordinator for my Dr. cant get the led out of her (you know what). :thumbs_up: Its unbeileveable!!! I really dont understand the whole "If the Dr.'s great, why cant his staff be?" "If the Staff is great the Dr. is questionable?" I have a really great Dr. I am totally comfortable with him, I just need to be calm and not try to strangle her! I a…

I am new to signing up but not new to the forums. I have bben following them for about a year now and think it's great that there is some place to go for additional info. I hope to have my surgery sometime in the next couple months. Already went to a seminar and have my psych scheduled for next weeks. I am soooooooo happy to see that Tricare is now approved the lapband. I have been following y'alls forums and love to see all the progress everyone has made. It actually brought me to tears when all the Tricare carriers were finally approved. I am so happy for them hopefully I can be approved too. I am right at BMI 40 and right at 100 pounds over so hopefully everyth…

Hi all, I am not often a poster, but I figured that if there was any group I might feel comfortable with, this should be the one. My name is Gary. I have a marginal BMI (39) for the surgery, but enough co-morbidities to make the grim reaper drool on his scythe. Thus my HMO gracefully allowed my band. Its been 10 days and I though I am only on the liquid diet, I am chafing at the bit to expand my intake. I actually gained 10 pounds of Fluid during my 36 hours in the hospital, and lost that and another 6 or 7 in the 8 days since. Since I am only at about 500 calories, I have stopped losing, but I hope that will change with the next diet phase soon. I see my nutriti…

Hello All! I just got banded on June 20th. I joined June 12th, but did not post because I was afraid that I would chicken out and not get the surgery. For me the surgery was a breeze. There was no pain at all, only a little soreness. When I broke my foot last year I was in much worse pain. I was up and moving around directing the movers what needed to be loaded up on a moving truck (I time everything perfectly). I am very excited for my new self and life. I have already learned so much from this site, and I look forward to learning more! Erin :thumbs_up:

My scheduled lapband surgury date is July 21 with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. Can any of you my new friends give me any insight as to the experience with this Mexican adventure. Also, I had a previous stomach stapling surgury in 1992 which is now expanded, so therefore am back to the lapband concept. Is there anyone out there that has gone through the same type of weight loss surguries and has now been banded????

Hi! I'm Jaime. I'm 30, single & I was banded on Nov 8th, 2007. I had my surgery at the same place that I'm employed as a Heart Monitor Tech (Nights). I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job. When not working with patients heart rhythms, I float as the House Hospital Secreatary for the Nursing staff and doctors. Don't so much like that job, but it's money. Dr. Stephen Malley, in Overland Park, Kansas did my band. He's a wonderful doctor and he has the greatest staff in the world!! But most importantly I love my band!!! However, i'm a little frustrated by it right now. So far I've lost 61 pounds. Apparently after reading some posts, I have a weird frame & body. I'm 179 lbs & …

hello everyone, just wanted to say hi, looking for some great people with great advice, want to be really sucessful with the lap band, scheduled for august, live in pa, my question is, can anyone tell me the two most important things to live by when living with the band...thanks

Hi everybody, my name is Melissa and I'm strongly considering getting banded. I'm just starting my research over again. I look forward to being here. Take care:smile:

Hello all, My name is Ashton, I am from Virginia. I am pre-op and my surgery date is the 24 of July. I am very excited, some what nervous. This is my first time on a forum for the lap band. Well, I thought I would drop by and say hello and meet some new people. :wink2:Ash