Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

To all those who have been banded do you feel like you are eating foods equivalent to a "normal weight" person? To lose you have to eat and I wonder with the lap band are we taking in enough calories to keep our bodies from going into starvation mode and holding on to every ounce of fat? Or have you noticed that after a certain amount of time your bodies get over the shock and you start losing a small amount regularly?

Hi All, My name is Mickey, and I'm scheduled for banding on July 29th. I am pretty nervous/excited, and I might even be having a few second thoughts. No unusual for me, as I tend to change my mind alot. I look forward to getting to know you guys. Mickey:thumbup:

Yes People...you know where I'm coming from.. putting that nasty Protein mix in your broth, in your non fat sugar free yoguart, in anything you can drink or spoon down...so the doctor and nutritionists tells you, you have to do, to heal well and maintain muscle, as well as so the hair on your head won't fall out for lack of protein... The fact is since my banding on 4/29 till today, I've lost 17 lbs. that's pretty darn good. however ,the protein mix, and non fat milk.. all the milk products,.. they make me so bloated and gassy.. and nauseated... I'm struggling right now.... and chewing down anti gas tabs on somedays when its really bad. I'm on a brand of protein…

Hi, I'm off to meet my surgeon tomorrow night as a first consultation. He will decide whether or not I can have a band fitted and I;m really nervous. I'm scared he'll say no and I'll be devasted. Any one any tips on what I should say or avoid saying?:confused2:

Hi I am a new recipient of the band, June 24th. I have had few complications and am looking forward to the next stages of my new life choice. Please plant all your wisdoms upon me, they are welcomed. Thanks

Hello everyone! I have a dilemma that maybe some of you have had - my insurance requires a 40 BMI or 35 - 40 with conditions. I am a 38 w/o conditions - yet. My doctor is sending me for sleep apnea testing but I can't get in until late July for a consult and probably August for the actual test. I don't see my primary doc again until late July. In the meantime the lap band doc's office called me recently because I attended a seminar and want me to come in in mid July for my first meeting. That will include my first weigh in. My dilemma is I need to gain 12 pounds in less than 3 weeks (which doesn't sound difficult until you try it) or risk the sleep apnea testing coming …

Hello everyone! I am Jacquie and I am new to LBT. I live in OK and I am set to have my banding done in Aug! Having set the date, let me assure you, does not mean I am definately having this done! I still have TONS of unanswered questions and anxieties about having this done! #1- I am on insulin...so I have concerns about insulin during the pre-op 10 day diet and of course after surgery! #2- I only have to lose 70 pounds max.....my Dr said that with the band I will have to excercise atleast 2 hours a day to lose regular and maintain the loss for LIFE.....so my question is, if I have to work out/walk/whatever for 2 hours a day for life with the band..couldn't I just…

Does anyone have a list of questions to ask at the first meeting? I know some of them but not all... -How often do will you schedule fills -How soon can you schedule surgery -Do you have a limit on how much you fill each time (just read about someone who can only get 1 cc at a time from her surgeon) Still I would like a comprehensive list. Just don't know where to find it Thanks, first visit is on Tuesday:tt2:

Hi, I've got my band surgery booked for 9th July, so not long now. I'm from the UK and having my surgery done by Dr Dillemans in Belguim. Nervous and excited......look forward to reading all the info on this site, Mel:biggrin2:

Hello, My name is Jean and I was banded on April 17th, 2008. I have lost 42 pounds since I began my weight loss journey. This is the best thing I have done for myself in a long time. I sure don't regret having my band. I had surgery in Georgetown, Ky. Jean:thumbs_up:

I have had my band in for 1 year. My hair is still falling out and getting very thin. I have always had thick and long hair and now it is to the point I can't wear a pontail. I have done everything I was told to do including having a prescripyion for biotin 1000 mg. No one is giving me valid reasons as to why my hair continues to fall. All my nutrients are normal according to the blood tests I've taken. I have delveloped scar tissue around the port so it is difficult to fill because they cannot feel the port right away because of the scar tissue. I feel pain each time the nurse sticks the needle in to find the port. I have been in the hospital beacuse my food was stuck an…

My surgery is scheduled on July 7 with Dr. Kim in Celevbration, FL. I am scared but at the same time I am so excited. I have been on clears for 6 days now, and I feel proud becasue I've never done anytinig like this before. It is getting easier and I'm able to be more active than I was on days 1-4. I've lost 7 pounds so far. Please let me know why you are glad you had lpa band surgery. Many thanks.

Hello and thanks to all who post here - I've learned a lot, and it is so wonderful to have a community of support! I'm in Phoenix, AZ and will be banded July 25 (YAY!). Anyone on or near my date? I'll start my liquid diet in a couple of weeks, and feel nervous about how it will go. Does it mean only Protein drinks, or are there other things you can have? I've been replacing 1 meal w/ a Protein shake, but I really need to search out good options that I can take with me on the go.

Hello everyone, Well my name is Angel and I just recieved word from our insurance that they approve Lapband and I had seen the commercials almost everyday and just decided to see the doctor to see if I qualify, I did! I have been battling my weight now for 4 yrs ever since I had my eptopic pregnancy I have just been getting bigger and bigger no matter what diet or new exercise I did. Well we finally got stationed here in Jacksonville and I went to meet my new doctor and tell her everything that has been going on, we did the blood work and also found out I have PCOS which not only explains the weight gain but my infertility as well. So now I am medicated for that…

Stumbled on this website when looking for information. Looks great! A virtual support group and lots of good information. I just had my first fill a few days ago and it hasn't done anything. I was comforted to see other people sharing this same experience.

It can't come quick enough. I've been toying with this descision for 2 years now. I wished I'd have taken those steps then, I could have been most of the way there by now. Like many others, I've dieted, I've lost, I've regained and I've regained more. I now just hide myself away with shame. This has been my life since my mid twenties, I am now 47. I've hidden myself away for too long, it's now time to live a normal, active, healthy life without the usual embarasment that comes with my obesity. Your forums have been really helpful to me in making this life changing descision. Questions I've felt too stupid to ask have been asked tenfold, so either I'm normal or you ar…

Good Morning, My name is BlueRose and I am new at all of this. I have been morbidily obese though for a long time now. I have just recently found out that Medicaid will pay for this surgery now, where as before they did not. It may be changed, but as it stands right now my husband and son and I have an appointment with Dr. Bell who is in Morehead City NC, for July 10th at 10:30 Am for a consultation. This is my very first appointment and they said that I need to take with me a record of what my weight has been like for the past five years. Any ways, I was wondering if anyone had anything to tell me about this surgery that I should know or maybe ask Dr. Bell a…

Hi: I had surgery on March 27. I'm 54 years old and was the first one to have the surgery by this Doctor and in this hospital. He's a superb Doctor and took a lot of training by the best, so I wasn't worried. I was hurting more than I thought after surgery, but recovered fast and was back to work in a week in a Doctor's office as a secretary/receptionist. I lost 16 pounds in a week and only drank four ounces every four hours of liquid. After that week, I felt very nervous and stressed that I wasn't doing well, because my weight loss slowed down. I lost eleven pounds in the next 3 weeks. The next month was even slower, and I lost only six pounds, and I seem hungrier faster…

hey-my name is samantha. im 19 live in nyc and am not banded yet. im waiting for insurance to go through! so i am pretty new to this site-i think i joined last week. lol i couldn't figure out how to post something. but anyway now i do so i'll probably post like a maniac. im being banded in staten island, new york city in staten island university hospital by dr. coppa. i've done all my pre-op testing which took about 7 months so i just want the damn insurance to go through already. ok well hope to talk to some cool people. good luck to everyone!:tt2:

Greetings to all! I'm soooo at the beginning of this journey (although I feel like I've been on it forever!). I have my orientation at the surgical center on Sept 11. Already have my PCP referral and checked w/insurance. Problem (possible problem) is that my BMI is 36, so I'm not automatic. I'm very concerned about not making the grade. I have been on diets and exercise programs and beating myself up for about 17 years now, and I've had about enough. It's clear to ME this is the right path, now let's just hope my ins feels the same way. I did a little weight diary of the various methods I've tried. Made me VERY sad. SUCH a huge amount of energy I've put int…

Hi ALL, I'm getting banded July 15. My Doctor is Nelson De La Cruz in Miami. I start my two weeks of OPTI FAST tomorrow. I'm really excited and a bit nervous. I'm 40 years old. I have 2 children and a wonderful husband. I'm 5 foot 4 inches tall. My current weight is 220-YUCK! My goal weight is 145-155. M

Hi, I had my band surgery 6 days ago and this morning I woke up with a weird feeling of pressure at the back of my throat (not my stomach). It feels a little like I'm being strangled (not that dramatic, just pressure). I wasn't able to take deep breaths for a few days after the surgery and that went away; now it just FEELS like I won't be able to breathe. I drank an Odwalla Protein Drink yesterday rather than the whey-based ones I used before. Have I screwed myself up? Does anyone know what the problem might be? I also tripped last night and fell against the bed; could that have anything to do with it?

I am considering lap band surgery in the Dominican Republic. Has anyone gone there. The name of the Dr. is Dr. Lenio. I have talked to people at Global Medical Services. Anyone heard of them??

So much to learn, so much to do, so much to gain (loose) I took my Daughter shopping for clothes. Went with her into the dressing room, 3 huge mirrors. I looked up and caught my reflection. That on top of the health issues, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Fatty Liver, asthma and feet and joint pain. But I took the plung. I am not comfortable in this type of forum, but I know that my success depends on it. Any suggestions. My surgery date Sept 17. I have already lost 10 pounds, I just have to loose a little more and keep it off before surgery.

Hi, I'm to be banded on July 4 and I'm searching for a protein source I've read about on several sites for after my surgery. I live in British Columbia, Canada, and I can't find a store that carries pre-mixed, bottled Nature's Best Isopure Zero Carb clear fluid protein drinks (blue raspberry, etc.) in B.C. Has anyone seen this product at a health food store near Surrey-Langley-Vancouver area?

Hello All, I was banded last Mondy and I have been recooping all week and doing pretty well. I go back to my Doctor for a follow up on Monday, June 30. I have dropped about 12 lbs so far since I started. I am hoping to have a nice steady and healthy weight loss. Just wanted to say hello--Thanks, Disney

I am nervous about having my first fill on Monday 06/30/08...I am nervous because with a lot of hard work as eveyone else has done I am having a hard time limiting myself with what I am eating...There are times I don't feel like I have the band. I am hoping that my "new" stomach didn't stretch.....I have seriously cut down my portions but I am having a hard time not drinking with my meals. Although I have only lost 15 lbs after the band I feel like I am never going to get to my ideal weight. Has anyone felt this hopeless feeling as well ????????

:lol:MY NAME IS SIL, I,M GETTING BANDED IN OCT, DON,T KNOW THE EXACT DATE YET. ANYONE ELSE.

My friend and I took the plunge this week. After months of research and planning, she and I got our bands. Dr. Kirshenbaum was our surgeon and he is amazing, along with the rest of his office staff and the crew at the surgery center. We flew to Denver from Tennessee. My friend had an easier go of it than I did because I have asthma and don't do as well at altitude, but we both really did great. She was able to walk 1/2 a mile the next day and were both went shopping, got manicures and pedicures the day after mine. We flew home today--no problems. We had ours done at the Crown Point Surgery Center. We stayed just uo the street on Cottonwood at the Hampton Inn and Suites.…

Hi, I was just diagnosed with diabetes and need to drop a lot of weight. Can anyone tell me what to expect from the surgery? I'm also looking for a doctor in Waco,Texas if anyone has any suggestions.

I have an appointment (July 16th). My insurance has approved the surgery. I am about to start the 2 week liquid diet. I am scared and my first responce is to back out. Doctor says that if I don't do something about my weight there are severe problems in my future. I have several friends who have had it and they have learned to cheat it. I don't want to be a cheater. But will my bad habits make me one.

There is a social group for those banded and on myspace. Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - Banded MySpace Anyone that is banded and on myspace, I would love to meet you here or on myspace. You can view myspace profile at MySpace.com - Andy C - 42 - Male - Hartselle, Alabama - www.myspace.com/crowbuy . I look forward to meeting you all.

Well, I finally got the word today--Cigna approved the surgery. I am scheduled for July 1. I am still stunned. Looking forward to a week from today when I'll be post -op and healing.

Banded June 23. Would love to chat about it. Having some problems but overall going very well. General Aneseth. zaps you plus lack of nutrition. Not so hungry but would love to crunch on something. Having some major gas issues that make it uncomfortable. Taking GasX but not getting much relief. Also had hiatal hernia repair with Lap Band. I don't know if that bring other recovery issues but generally all going well.:tt2:

Have not been banded. I'm so new at this, being "banded" still makes me think of the teeny tiny metal bands they put on the skinny ankles of birds. But I'm not skinny. Far from it. I think my BMI is about 40. I'm reaching middle age and starting to worry about my health, plus it is getting harder to move around, especially at work where I need to be active and strong. No insurance coverage, so it would have to be self paid, in the vicinity of Boise, Idaho. Any suggestions on doctors in this area/prices? Thanks! peaches

Anyone up for a challenge? Challenges really motivate me so I thought we should give a shot. The challenge starts now and will end July 4th. That gives us about 4&1/2 weeks. If you want to participate, let me know and I'll add you to the list. Just list your starting weight, current weight, and your challenge goal weight. I'll also add any updates too! Good luck everyone! georgia girl starting weight: 244 current weight: 244 challenge goal weight: 234 pounds to go: 10 Leslie2Lose starting weight: 226 current weight: 226 challenge goal weight: 215 pounds to go: 11 nip50 starting weight: 193 current weight: 193 challenge goal weight: 185 pounds to go:…

Hello, I came across this site when doing research on the lap-band. I go for my consultation on the 10th of July and I am very excited. I had a stroke in March of 2007 and 8 months and lotssssssssssss of lbs later, my neurologist sends me for a sleep study. I have sleep apnea. They feel that this is what caused my stroke. Apparently I have had this my entire life and did not even realize it. I was one of those who thought only heavy people had sleep apnea..................little did I know - Lots have I learned! The only thing that worries me is that I still suffer from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) - The things I should do, from what I have read, is that you hav…

I had my lapband surgery on 6/25. It was more difficult than I expected but I am doing better now. I am 67 years old so I imagine that makes a difference:smile: I look forward to feeling normal again and losing weight so that my knees will feel better.

Hi, This is my first posting. I'm seriously considering giving myself a lap band as a birthday present to myself. I'm an expat living in Thailand, where the medical care is outstanding and reasonably priced. I'll be checking out hospitals this weekend - there are 3 that actually do the procedure. Since there aren't any books here about the Lap Band, I'm relying mostly on the Internet (though I have ordered a couple of books from Amazon) for all my information. I guess my biggest concern is longterm success and side-effects. Any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

:thumbup:My name is Vanessa and this is my first post on this site. I have been wanting the lap band since 2004 and it looks like the wait is over :biggrin2: . I will have to self pay and Dr Wagner will be my surgeon. We just got back the good news on the financing and I will be going the seminar again tomorrow night. I hope to have surgery by mid late July. My husband is supportive but extremely nervous. I told him that if something went wrong, then it was my time. I would rather go trying to get better than to die because I got bigger

Hello All, I am new to the forum and new on my lab band journey. I attend my seminar this Tuesday and hopefully soon after I will have my consultation appointment. I live in the Fort Walton Beach area in Florida. I have Tricare Prime Insurance so I am learning their process. My PCM is behind me 100%. They have referred me to Dr. Jeffery Lord of the Weight Loss Sergical Center of Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola. I am excited to meet him and get this going! Amy

Hi everyone I am having my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Joya Monday afternoon. I am excited nervous and hopefull. I would love to hear from others whop have had surgery and thier experiences and anyone else who may have questions.

Hi- ive got my date for the 11th July- but Im due to go on holiday (vacation) to Rhodes Greece on the 19th July. My surgeon isnt worried but I am now as most of mt girlfriends are very concerned. My usual travel insurance wont insure me for my band - I need some reassurance thanks Mrs lummy:unsure:

Hi Everyone, I am new to the whole idea of surgery. I want to learn what's better, the lap band or bypass. What about the sleeve, how is that different from the band? Also, I have no insurance and want to learn what centers in Mexico are credible. I am 198 lbs and 5'2". I also need to learn where to go in the US for follow-up. I live in NY and every place I checked out is very expensive. I've tried every diet in the book and I've gained 3-5 lbs a year for the last 15 years since I quit smoking. I need to do something. Thanks for your help.

Oh my gosh - I am banded! I was in-patient at St. Jowith Dr. Swatz and every thing went smashingly well. I did spike a fever oaf 102.5 the same night, so I was given IV antibiotics. I walked my heart out at the hospital, but when I got home, I felt like garbage and did nothing but sleep. Now I feel - great - though I am sleeping in the recliner. My pre diet failed miserably and my stress level went from "yeah - summer vacation" to "I have to move to North Carolina". My husband was just sent to Fort Bragg, so I have sell my house, ship out my dogs and horses, and pack everything up. I'm thinking I'll be a "single mom" for about 9 months so that I can keep my t…

I am new to this board. I am thinking about getting lap band done. I have a consultation on Thursday 7/3. I am just meeting the 100 lb requirement and have no other "health related" issues, other than the normal back aches and depression from being over weight. I am hoping they will approve me. The lady on the phone told me not to diet this weekend...haha! Oh and my name is Reeny!!

Hi, My name is Becky and I am from San Antonio, Texas. I am married and have 3 kids (15 yr. old daughter and 7 and 4 yr. old sons). I have 3 weimaraners and 3 cats so we have a full house! I just had surgery on Wed. June 25th at Foundation Bariatric Hosp. through Weight Wise. Dr. J.J. Gonzales did the surgery. I am doing good...just sore and REALLY tired of chicken broth. Looking forward to losing weight though.

Hi from Adelaide, South Australia, 3 days post-op and feeling ok, is it normal to have quite a bit of gas, mainly burping??

Hello Everybody My name is Shavone and I will be having my surgery on July 9th 2008. I live in Atlanta Ga. It's good to see a site like this so I can chat with fellow lap banders or possible prospects. I am 32yrs old, 5'5 and weigh 242. My highest weight topped off at 252. My weight has been an issue for the last ten years. I am hoping this surgery will be the added tool needed to help me achieve my goal weight. So go shead ask questions, ttul Shavone

Hello, I recently joined the forum, but was banded on December 5, 2007 and I survived w/o the Christmas and New Year's food, though tempted. I was 342 lbs pre-op and now I am 286. I look forwarding to being blessed by others and also being a blessing when the opportunity arises. Thanks, BandedToo