Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Ok all, I finally broke down and told my mother about my surgery. When I told her she actually said, "you don't have to do that, just keep the food out of your mouth" :straight ...I was speechless, I just sat there with this blank expression on my face. Now, my mother is the sweetest person in the world, however she is a bit old fashioned. I tried to explain to her how it works, and how it will help me lose weight and keep it off. She still insists that diet and exercise will do it. Well let me tell you, I've dieted and exercised my way up to being 100lbs overweight. She finally gave up with an "if you insist" type attitude. I absolutely give up explaining this thing to p…

Hi, I am scheduled to be banded on july 7, 2008. I am very excited, but worried about my kids. I have 3 children under 4 and my husband works 10-12 hour days, 6 days per week. My mom will be with me after surgery to help with my kids but she has a bad back. My doctor says i can not lift them for 4 weeks. My twin boys just turned 2 and are use to me carrying them. Does anyone out there have any advice for me.

Hi. I am new to the site and fairly new to the lap band idea. I have been approved by my insurance to get the band once I completed their requirements...and was to be there in less than two months...and just found out that my husband's company is changing eff July 1st from Cigna to United Healthcare. VERY FRUSTRATING!!!! Can't get an a direct yes or no that United Healthcare will pay for the surgery. My BMI is 50 and I have some medical issues...but overall not as bad as it could be. So, any words of encouragement or experience would be well received and appreciated. I am determined to get it done even if I have to pay out of my back pocket. I am a nurse in Central Texas …

Hi everybody. I just registered and I wanted to say hi to everyone here. I am just beginning this journey (literally, I just called my insurance company yesterday to see if they would cover the lap band. Hahaha!) Anyway, I'm sure that I will have questions later for everyone. Off to go make an appointment with my doctor! <3

Hello everyone, i been checking this site out for a long time but never posted.. I been thinking about the band for some time now but have never been to a doctor yet. I think i reach my turning point now and a ready to go on with it. My only problem now is that im leave in the country in december for two week should i wait until i come back to looking into this further or should i continue with it now...all advice will be a great help im a little scared about the whole surgery

Being banded soon in FL. Pre-op diet quite a challenge during 4th of July festivities. Any BBQ Rib flavored protein available? Just Kidding! ANy outstanding protein shake recipes out there?

I'm still in the process of pre-surgery qualifications: seeing the cardiologist today to set up a stress-test, and seeing the psychiatrist tomorrow. When all results are back to my surgeon, my case will be presented to my insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross) for approval. So I guess I'm looking at a couple of months. After being fat for most of my 65 years, I guess I can wait a couple more months! Not happily, tho! I am so anxious to get going. I'm sure every one of you has been in this position! I can't wait to start swapping "war stories" with you as we all fight this battle together. Nice to meet you all! Lynn

Hey All! I am being banded June 10th in Yipsi. Kinda scared and have no idea what the clear liquid diet is,...any tips? Thanks!!! Stacey :biggrin:

Hi everyone! I'm new here and I'm excited to get "banded" hopefully by august this year. I do have some questions, however, and any light any of you can shed is greatly appreciated. 1.) Has anyone had any experience in getting the lap band in asia? How was the experience? How are you now? 2.) Which country (in Asia) do you think performs the best lapband surgery? 3.) How much money should I prepare for the surgery? (including hospital stay, hotel stay, other expenses, etc.) 4.) What are the other requirements pre-surgery and post-surgery? Thanks and best regards! :thumbs_up:

My name is Lisa and I was banded back in August 2004. I started out at 314 pounds and am currently down to 189. My goal weight is 167. My doctor was Richard Carter in Arlington, Texas.

I have an appointment set for July 15 with my surgeon's PA. I should recieve my surgical date at that time. I'm going to Dr Barba here in CT. Hopefully I'll recieve a surgical date for the end of or better yet early part of August. My biggest concern and the one I'm struggling with the most is that I drink all the time. I consume on average 4L a day. And I never eat without drinking and can easily drink a quart of skim milk with my meal. How do I stop that once I'm banded. Surgery doesn't bother me, pain I can live with, reduced meals???.. well okay but no drinking!!!!! Oh boy. Just the thought of it turns my mouth to cotton. Any suggestions would be greatly …

Hi! I live in BC (Lower Mainland) and have decided I want to get banded. I am awaiting my first consultation and probably a few months to surgery date. Any advice appreciated.

Hello, I was banded in January 22, 2008. I have lost 60 pounds since the surgery. I have reached a plateau, that I knew would come eventually. I am not sure what I can do more to help get over it and start loosing again. I am only 20-25 pounds from my goal weight. If anyone has suggestions please, I am open for ideas. Deb Hawkins :thumbs_up:

Hello everyone, im new to this whole thing and have my frist consult with the dr today. Any advise or questions i should be sure to ask? Thank you in advance for all your help!!! =)

Hi I was banded on 9/11/07 and I have had a lot of set backs due to surgery of removing my gallbladder and being diagnosed with NASH a liver disease. All of which is related to my weight. My starting weight was 236 at the time of surgery I lost 16 lbs after surgery but then the weight krept back. i am finally at a place where i am serious about losing weight for good. i have a 10cc vanguard band and right now i have a 8.2cc fill in it. I am so excited because i have lost 5lbs since my fill 3 days ago. Giving up food has been really hard. it was my best friend my whole life. My way of coping with everything. There are times when i wish i could eat a big hamburger and fries…

Well, the day has finally arrived. Surgery is just a few short hours away. I have visited the site quite a bit over the last couple of weeks. It has been my salvation during the pre-op liquid diet. It has been nice to hear about the ups and downs everyone has had and will continue to have over this tremedous journey. I'm looking forward to the next 40 years of my life being much healthier and able to do things I couldn't do before. My highest weight was 283 lb. When I went to the doctor for the final consultation I was down to 274.8 lb. Not good, but at least down. I'm curious to know what my weight is now before surgery after the pre-op diet. Anyone else going …

Hello everyone! I was invited to this site by a new friend and co-worker and this is my first time blogging, never mind getting ready to have surgery on July 11. It took me over 16 months to finally get approval from my insurance carrier although I have been suffering with a gazillion physical issues all stemming from my 5'2", 245 lb body. I finally got approved and have booked my surgery for 7/11. I go in tomorrow morning for my pre-admission testing and start my liquid diet and I am nervous as hell. I just hope I can stick to it and do what is right. I am worried. Help!:confused2:

New to the forum. Banded on Thursday, March 20, 2008 weighing at 97 kg (181 lbs). I had LAP band revision surgery after my band prolapsed 3 years ago and gaining a whopping 47 kg. A bit worried that this might happen again but am keeping an optimistic outlook on things. Wishing everyone good luck! Nava:rolleyes2:

hello- Has anyone gone to the Barix Clinic in NJ? Was it hard to get approved by the Dr's and your insurance? I have Amerihealth they do cover the surg. but my BMI is just at 40 w/ no other problems.

My name is Sandra. I'm a single mom of two young boys ages 13 and 10yo. I was banded 11-14-07 and have lost 30lbs since. I'm so thrilled with my results. I have absolutely no compalints. My goal is to lose 60 in total by my 1 year anniversary date. And at this rate I'm confident that I will achieve it. I work out 3-4 times per week. I also eat a lot healthier than ever before. I love my lap-band and though at first I doubted what I had done...I find taking the time to relearn eating, and even the way I think about food has helped me to cross that bump. I'm so thankful and if anybody would like to chat please don't hesitate to send me a message. Peace and God B…

:Angel_anim: So we all go about this journey hoping that it will change our life dramatically and so it has. Unfortunately, my past demons have come to haunt me and reality has set in and I am scared because the security I had with the band will be gone. Yet, I can no longer afford to play Russian Roullete. My band placed on 10-09-06 a day which I thought would change my "fat girl" image. I was honest about being a BULIMIC. I stopped 6-9 months prior to surgery. Whether or not the therapist made that known to my surgeon I have no clue, but she cleared me for surgery and I made a promise to myself that the THROWING would end. Well, I had some issues with the band and …

Hello from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am having my surgery tomorrow 6/27/08. I am a little worried about Mexico. Can anyone tell me anything about my doctor Liza Maria Pompa Gonzalez?

Hi Everyone!! I have been browsing through this site for quite some time trying to gain additional knowledge from banded patients... I've been thinking about getting "banded" for years and am getting very close to making this life changing decision. I have a question for some of you that are emotional eaters.... I never thought that I was an emotional eater until recently. People say that there are triggers to emotional eating such as depression, stress, anger etc... none of which I have in my life...... I didn't think that I fell into this category but I've been reading up on emotional eating and now I think that I do! My problem is that I just eat to eat!! I …

Hello!! I weight 229.5 pounds and my BMI is 39.4. I have dyslipidemia, joint problems, back problems, and problems with my knees. I have given my physician all my info. 11mo over the past 24 mo supervised wt loss membership to Curves and YMCA. Recommendation from my PCP, and the Pych and nutritional evals. Also labs. I spoke to my insurance company: highmark bcbs ppo(PA) today and they are saying that for predetermination for lapband it takes 4 to 6 weeks. They told me if it is inpatient it can be authorized over the telephone. My surgeon will not be back until Tues., July 1, 2008 to sign the paper work. This must be done before the office will contact the …

Hi my name is Kim....I am very excited about getting banded. My insurance has approved but I am waiting on a surgery date. My weight is at 301 so I am very much as my 'largest' . I am 30years old and I am ready for a new me…I spent my twenties ‘fat’ I will not spend my thirties ‘fat’ My goal is 200 than I will go from there. I am dedicated to myself in this process; I I have always been overweight but I am pretty comfortable in my own skin; until I hit the 250 mark and since than my self esteem has really hit an all time low. I am doing this for Me. I am doing this for my daughters. I am doing this for a better Me. I am not doing this for anyone but myse…

Hi, I am from Long Island New York and had my first visit with the doctor last week... So far I have scheduled all my needed medical appointments and started a diet on Monday.. My insurance does not require a 6 month diet but just thought it would be best to jump start. I have been heavy since I was a teenager and now I am 40. I recently injured my lower back and part of the reason it is not getting better is because I am over weight. I have dieted in the past and lost but always seem to gain it all back and few extra... So I thought the Lap Band would be a tool for me to lose weight and maintain all my hard work. Would really like to know if there is anyone …

:whatchutalkingaboutEliz I am 57 yrs old from Middletown New York Started this process in March 2008, my Md finally approved of the band for my insurance I have says have to be to be on a 6 month program to loose weight and for the band Md i have to loose 12 lbs before he will look at me to do the surgery. I have lost the 12 and more but now i am starting to gain it back again and 6 months will not be done till August. Does anyone have any suggetions to help me. thanks Liz

I'm from MN and I've just begun the process involved in order to have surgery. I had my first visit with the nutritionist yesterday. She was telling me about clogging and foods that I will probably never eat again. It was very eye opening. I'm not sure if she was telling me this because it's true or to scare me to make me think about if this is really for me or not. Any thoughts?

I just had my THREE hour consultation with my surgeon (and his staff) and it went great (other than the fact that this one ANNOYING guy asked a million questions...most of them were about surgeries that were performed 20 years ago!) The doctor (Dr. Evanson--St Vincent in Indianapolis) was smart, well spoken and FUN! Nice to see a doc with a sense of humor. Anyway, when I went to a St. Vincent bariatric support meeting, everyone was kinda questioning why on earth I would pick lapband over RnY. I felt like the odd one out (40+ people at the meeting ALL with RnY). I KNOW deep in my heart that RnY is NOT for me. I have no health problems, I exercise regularly, I don't eat s…

Hello Everyone! I wish I knew of this website when i got my lap band. Well here is my story....I weighed in at 222 and decided to change my life by getting this lap band surgery. It's been a rough and bumpy road since June 6, 2007. I was doing great the first 8 months lost a total of 50lbs but then personal things happened and I started eating like crazy and of course throwing up right after. I've only gained 10-15lbs not quite sure since I won't get on the scale again. My wonderful boyfriend is going to help me get back on track though we joined a gym together about 2 months ago but we haven't been going consistantly because my horse got sick (he is better now on t…

Hello everyone. My name is Amy, I am 23 and about 280 lbs. I have no health conditions that I know of except, BMI of 46.1, I am depressed, I get short of breath with very little exercise, and I'm starting to get back pain. I am going for a lap-band nutritional class on July 10th. I have no idea what this consists of but my doctor recomended me for it. Basically I am looking for feedback on people who have gotten the lap-band surgery, whether it be good or bad. I need help making a decision. My boyfriend doesn't seem to be to happy with the idea but I am just so sick and tired of being overweight and even though he says he's happy with me the way I am I know he would be h…

Hi everyone I am new to this site and I am happy I have found it. I have been thinking about doing the lap band surgery for a while now. A few years back I actually thought about doing the bypass surgery but never totally looked into it. I have went to see 2 dr.'s so far and I am seeing another one in a few weeks to make sure I have found the right dr. to do my surgery. There is alot of questions I have I just don't know where to begin. The one question I have is about my insurance I have Horizon BCBS of NJ. Two of the dr. I have went to say I need to pay them 1700.00 or 1800.00 up front for the nutritionist and physiological part for my surgery. This last one I went …

My daughter is 21 5ft 7 about 290 lbs. I just got off the phone with her...I am a bandster myelf 317 start 276 current 185 goal..I hope to inspire some friends and maybe my daughter one day once I have reached my goal weight. I havent been under 200 pounds in over 35 years I'm 54 yrs old now. I have briefely talked with my daughter about banding, she mentioned that she heard that you can't have children after being banded. Does anyone have Knowledge about this. At 21 yrs old I would think she would be better off being banded and losing weight..before she even considered having surgery considering the complications from childbirth and being morbidly obese. I'm not …

Hi everyone! I was banded at TLBC in Toronto Canada on April17th 2008. I am 5'2" and weighed 226lbs. when I had the surgery and I now weigh 205lbs. The surgery went well with the exception of shoulder pain from the gas which was fixed with a couple of trips to the chriropractor but I am having trouble getting the proper fill amount. I am so afraid to eat that now I am just avoiding everything except yogurt, soup, pudding, ice cream and protein shakes. I had strawberries cut up yesterday and that was ok. I was always a very fast eater so it has been a real challenge to slow down. I am also a former smoker and have rarely had a craving to smoke but recently because …

Hello everyone, I'm just sort of beginning my research. I've not quite decided to get the band yet, but, I'm getting closer. A few weeks ago I met a wonderful woman who was banded a bit over a year ago and is down 140 pounds. She was an awesome source of information and encouragement. I'm attending a seminar on July 10th at Sharp Memorial--I'm hoping the info will help with my decision and help reduce DH's fears of me having the procedure. A bit more about me, I'm 42 and the mother of 3 (an 18 y.o., a 2 y.o., and a 1 y.o.). I'm originally from L.A. and have lived in the San Diego area for 6 years. I look forward to learning all I can from the wonderful people on t…

I was banded on June 13, 2008. My first follow up appointment with my doctor is July 3. Can you tell me how much weight you have lost during the first 3 weeks after your banding? I haven't weighed myself but can tell my pants are just a tiny bit looser but don't look like I've lost any weight.

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm a 60yo mother of two, and grandmother of 4 1/3 from Albuquerque, NM. I had a Realize Lap-Band placed on 12/3/07 by Robin Blackstone, MD at Scottsdale Healthcare. She also repaired a huge hiatal hernia at the same time. Until retiring on disability due to Fibromyalgia in July, 2006, I was an RN, Certified Diabetes Educator. Now I keep myself busy with beading and counted cross-stitch. I had my second fill on 2/8, and have lost 21lbs so far, plus another 11lbs of water from the surgery. I think I finally am having better restriction now, but it's still nothing like the first 3 weeks post-op. Hope to meet more of you!

Hi Guys: I am new to this form. I had my Band surgury in January of 08, and Glad I have done it. It has been a challenge becuase I had to have two additional surgury's on my port. I have gone from a 24 to an 18 and continue to lose weight my GOAL is an 12-14.( I am 5'11) I am off all my medications, yah !!!!!! I think I have more challenges with people then the food and the surgury's. I give a thumbs up to all that have made this journey to a better and healthier life, Yes us old Dogs can learn new tricks:redface:

I have been reading about lap band and have spoken to many people. I and in the columbus area. I was thinking about going to chicago or calif for the band. If any one out there is familiar with the columbus or Ohio area for the band let me know. I do not want OSU. They are pushing the bypass and I do not want that. HELP. :confused2:

Hi, I'm Jen. The lap-band procedure was recommended to me by my endocrinologist. I'm 42 yrs old and I've had myasthenia gravis since I was 19. I've been on prednisone none stop for the last 15 or so years and it has wrecked havoc on my system. I'm overweight (ok, I'm obese), have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, and other problems that are probably related to obesity. I attended a seminar for the lap-band procedure last night. The surgeon was Dr. Richard Collier in Conroe. He seemed knowlegdable and nice enough. I probably will want to see some other seminars just to know what my options are. I found this forum on the internet a…

I have serveral co-mobities and I an schedule for a sleep study on July 5th 2008. I have high blood pressure, fatty liver, high cholestrol and possible sleep apnea, along wit hacid relux. All of the above I should qualify for lap band surgery but have to go thru the whole prsses tp get a diagnosis code they will accept. Even when the insurance company told me to have my doctor change the code. I have BCBS TX. Any help would be greatly apprecaited.

Hey is there anyone here from New Orleans or the surrounding area? Home of the Hornets and the Saints. :embaressed_smile:

Hi, I'm a newbie. I've never posted a thread...though I've read many. :embaressed_smile: I'll try not to mess it up too bad. I'm going to be banded on 2 July in Wichita Falls, TX by Dr. Warnock? Has anyone else been banded by him? It has all been a whirlwind for me. I decided that I wanted to be banded the middle of May and I had my first appt 31 May. Just a few days later, I was told that my insurance had approved me for the procedure and then I had a surgery date for a month later! After reading some of the posts here, I feel that I am quite fortunate for such a fast turn-around.

My name is Janine and I have found this site via a blog about lap band surgery. I was banded on Oct 5, 2007 and to date have lost 31.5 kilograms. I will have lost a bit more now because it has been couple of weeks since I last weighed myself. I have done really well since having my band and would recommend it to anyone who is needing this sort of help to aid weight loss. Although the band assists me to lose my weight, the process of losing weight remains hard and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to think carefully about making this decision. There have been many times when I have struggled and not traveled so well along this lap band journey. However, what I can say…

My name is Chris. I am working through the pre-surgery tests, etc. I am 60 years old and would love to be 60 years young. I can lose weight and exercise easily but am unable to sustain that so I am looking forward to lap band to give me a boost. I finally realized that I was not able to do this myself and finally surrendered. Both of my paternal grandparents, two uncles (of three uncles and one aunt) died of heart attacks in their early 60s. My father had a silent heart attack at age 61. They were all skinny and I did not have to be a rocket scientist to figure out where I was headed. I am six foot tall with a medium to small frame and I weigh 276. Co-morbid conditions (d…

Hi newbie here , just paid the deposit surgery is July 22nd so im having the what if i cant do this ? i have the support of my partner but not really - he advised me to exercise more instead! so im going into this scared i will fail yet again :cursing:

Hi everyone, I was just banded 3 days ago and am having a hard time from vomitting. I feel real hot right before I throw up. Is this normal? I talked with the nurse today and she had some nausea medicine called in for me. It could be that I am also not sipping slowly enough. Has anyone else had this problem?

...but had my lapband surgery 2 years ago on July 5th. I've lost slowly, but fairly steadily. Gone from 295 to 170. Have other health concerns that have kept me from exercising much. I had felt bad for years, but was diagnosed with ms this past December. I had to have gallbladder surgery a few months back, so got the fill removed from my band. Then gained about 10-15 pounds back. I recently got filled again. So hopefully will be back on track. I look forward to finding some folks who are going through this same experience.:embaressed_smile:

Hi my name is Luke Mayes, I was banded on 11-23-07 in Juarez MX my surgery performed by Dr. Rodriquez at hospital Angeles. So far i have lost 60 lbs. So glad i did the surgery after years of struggling with weight loss/gain. i can now say i am seeing permanent results. I am so happy with the lap band that i decided to offer post care adjustments and fills at my office in boise. What a cool thing to help other people see results like i have and encourage them in there weight loss. i will post some before and after pictures soon. thanks for letting me be part of the forum. Luke mayes Mayes Chiropractic & Day Spa

HI EVERYONE! LORYT HERE FROM SOUTH TEXAS