Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

OK, my first post! I am from Lima, Ohio. I am being banded July 8th in Cincinnati by Dr. Curry. I go June 24th for the nutrition class and then begin the pre-op diet. I am so excited!! I have been researching this for about 2 years now. I am self-pay because my insurance says that I have to join and successfully complete 1 year at 2 different weight loss places....like Weight Watchers and another place. I don't have 2 years to wait!! I qualify in every other way. So, I am waiting patiently.....trying to anyway!! I have only heard positive things about Dr. Curry but I would love to talk with anyone that's been banded by him! Thanks!

I am in the process of getting all my tests done and getting the info submitted to the insurance co. I have read several posts and it seems that alot of people are going through their dr or a specific surgeon. Has anyone gone through TR? I am in Bastrop/Austin but any info/opinions on TR would be interesting.

Hi everyone, I've been reading information on here for a couple months. I'm almost 5'8, weigh 240. BMI of 36.x, if I remember correctly! I usually weighed about 160-170 until I had my kids. I've been stuck between 207 (lightest since 2004) and up to 248 last summer. I have high choles. and I've had hypothyroidism since my last child was born in 2004. My mom is fairly thin at 5'9/170 pounds and she is already borderline type 2 and that scares me. I've joined/rejoined weight watchers many times, attempted diets, etc. I can't honestly say, "it doesn't work for me" b/c I believe it could work for me, but I just can't seem to do it. I keep telling myself that I wo…

Hi everyone.. my name is Laura.. and tomorrow marks the second week since I had my surgery. I am loving it so far, and have lost 10 pounds. I am a married mama of 3 beautiful girls, I work full time. I had to go thru 6 months of medically supervised weight loss and my husband's insurance has covered most of the procedure. I want to do the right thing and lose 80 more pounds. I am going to begin walking tonight. I am so pumped about this and am ready for this weight loss journey!

Hello, this is a wonderful site. I am considering the Lap Band. I just had my PCP office do a referral for me. I have Tricare and not sure who they are going to send me to. I have been browsing through this site for some time now and just registered! Thanks for all the valuable information here. I hope I do get approved! I know this is going to take a while since I am just in the beginning stages. If anyone has Tricare I would be interested to see how hard approval was.

I had my first information doctors visit last week. We don't know if my insurance will make me wait six months or not. I am excited!!! My BMI is 47 along with other issues, so we are sure I will be approved, but the question is how soon. I am sure I will have lots of questions, and if there is a specific support group in the Charleston, WV area, I would be grateful to hear about it.

My surgery is scheduled for June 30th. I have been so excited but I am starting to get nervous. My doctor doesn't have any pre surgery diet but I am reading alot who do and I am thinking should I be on a diet. What if my liver is too big. My husband tells me I am just getting nervous which he is right. Does anyone have any good advise for pre and post surgery. What should I expect in the hospital?

Why i must stop smoking?? Please can someone clarify this issue?? What has smoking got to do with my lapband!!1 HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP I NEED A CIGYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Hello everyone, My name is Kim and I am a new member to lapbandtalk. My question is, my BMI is 41 I guess which is on the lower side of the acceptable range (insurance purposes). What are my chances of insurance approving me?? I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, which I hear is one of the better insurance companies to have. I can't help but wonder if there is anyone else out there that had this low of a BMI without any medical conditions and was approved on the first try. I am 100lbs over weight, and according to my surgeon I am a candidate for the band. I have submitted all of my paper work and am now just awaiting a response. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!…

I have been lurking here for months. I see a notice that says "Our records indicate that you have never posted to our site before..." and since I can't figure out a way to make it go away except to post, here I am! I was banded in December 2007 by Dr. JJ Gonzalez (what a sweetheart!). I haven't lost a lot yet - for many reasons - but am finally seeing some progress! The problems are one of two types: first, I had a couple of complications. The first one was when I picked up a virus and vomited so much that my band swelled up and I had to have the Fluid removed. I was getting ready to go on a cruise, so we decided to keep it empty till I got back - huge mistake! The se…

Hello All! I am new to Lapbandtalk.com - I was recently banded in Juarez MX by Dr. Jose Rodriguez - so far so good! I am in Stage 3 purees/mushy food as of today 6/11/08 - taking it nice and slow. Including my pre-op diet a week before my surgery until today I have lost 25lbs! My energy is skyrocketing and I can hardly believe what a difference I feel! I have purchased several resource books that I have found to be useful - "The Lapband for Life" by Dr. Ortiz, "Before & After" by Susan Maria Leach and "Weightloss Surgery for Dummies". (lots of recipes and helpful hints) I am thrilled to find this helpful forum for support! Christina:wink_smile:

:cool2:Hello my name is Mel from California, im so excited! after lots of letters,drs notes, and months im finally having my surgery on July 11th. I just joined LBT today and very impressed on what ive seen and read. Im not sure how it all works yet, but if someone who has been there and has any advise ill surely appreciate it.

Just joined in and had surgery last Nov. Over one hill but hit a stand still and starting to get discouraged.. any suggestions....

Hi, I just discovered this site and decided to join. I had my lap band surgery 8 months ago.

I was banded 02/28/08 by Dr Britt. It's the best thing I've done for myself in a very long time. So far I've lost 41 lbs. I just had my 2nd fill last week...may be a little to tight. I'm having a little trouble eating. I'm chewing well and eating slow but still feeling uncomfortable. My goal will be reached when I've lost a total of 110 lbs. I enjoy reading about everyone's experiences with the band.

Hello to all!! I am so glad that I found this outlet. I was banded on the 5th of June and really need the support.

This is Sam from Melb Australia. I am considering getting banded and I would like to learn / hear from 'the converted' about how they went and what they thought of banding AFTER getting banded. I thank in advance anyone who is going to share their personal experience and information with me. Looking forward to recoprocating in due course. Sam:smile2:

I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP:help::help::help::help: I need to know that this is the right thing to do and that it does work if you work at it. Just reading alot of your posts and you seem so excited about the surgery Im a little scared!!! Need some feedback good and bad which should help me with this decision to go ahead and see a Lapband Doctor. I need to loose about 150+ pounds so any success stories or even not so successful ones will be helpful Its such a life changing decision, to break those eating habits ive had for 28 years seems sooooooo scary and hard but it is something that needs to be done..!! you can reply via my Journal THANKS BEENA:think

I am new to the whole lap-band process. I just scheduled my surgical consult and just had my pychological yesterday. I am so looking forward to no longer doing this totally by myself. I want to lose 130 pounds but would be estatic with 100 ( I weigh 260 and am 5'4"). I would like to know specifically what others experiences are with ice cream and other sweets, because in addition to overeating that is what I struggle with the most. I was told that ice cream can be eaten slowly, but I was hoping that was not the case. How do people cope and not sabotage all the hard worK? Anyway, if the insurance company is not a royal pain, I may get a date by the end of the summer…

Have had lots of major cardiac problems so I was excited when my cardiologist said he would support me if I wanted to do the lap band. But I am confused. On the support forum everyone talks about how hard it is. And my question is - is it really any easier than regular Weight Watchers? Because I have failed at that for over 30 years, so if it isn't easier after the banding I don't know if this will work. I don't drink alcohol or wine or milkshakes, and I prefer low fat ice cream, but i do like to eat alot and often. I don't eat fried foods hardly ever- bread is a big problem- I can eat a half a loaf at a sitting. Will banding help with them?

Hello this is my first post. I am 32 just got married to a wonderful man whom I am deeply in love :cursing: with in March 2008. I have 1 child and 2 step-children all boys ages 10, 12 and 15. I am interested in having the lap-band surgery done. I have my first appointment in Shreveport, LA on June 25, 2008 w/ Dr. Merriman. If there is anyone out there who can give my any insight about the Dr. and what his procedures are I would be most great-full. Thanks

I live in the Chicagoland area. I ran across this site by accident...it was link on someone's blog I was reading. I just wanted to stop by and say "Hey!" as I look around and become familiar. Take care! ~Nik:smile:

-I was just banded one week ago in TJ, Mexico -Dr. Corvala at Hospital Angeles -Everything seems to be as expected.. still on the mend... -Dr. Corvala was wonderful.. the Hospital Staff were super great.. I can't believe how beautiful the hospital was.. the rooms.. like a 5 star hotel.. and the care was "excellent"... I wouldn't even mind paying for some of the health care in my home town .. if I were guaranteed the same level of care and beautiful room.. !! -Start Weight 240 lbs :smile: -Goal Weight 140 lbs by June 6, 2009 -Height = 5'3.5"

Hello all, just looking for some help and encouragement. I was banded May 2005 and am facing revision surgery on July 15. I have had two slips in the last year so I am having to have a new band put in. I had no issues at all the first 2 yrs of being banded and lost 95lbs. I have slowly started gaining and wish to start over and get on the right track with a band that will stay in place. Does anyone know much about the AP band? That is what I will get this time. Thanks. Relxnthsun

Hi I had my lap band surgery on the 10th of June and in the process of recovering. I just wanted to say hi and hopefully catch up with others who had the lap band done around the same time. I live in Australia and my surgeon was Dr Ian Martin. I self funded my surgery and went intermediate to cut down the costs. Cheers:)

hello all, I went for my first nutrition meeting and the thought of eating only 2 to 3 oz of food for how long???? scares me. How do you deal with family and cooking for them??? it is drastic. help:scared2:

I am a new member to this site and my surgery is tomorrow @5:30am! I am so nervous and anxious. I cant wait to start my new life losing weight, and being a healthier me! I also cant wait to talk to you guys so please feel free to reply with any tips that will help my transition be a smooth one. Thanks

Hello to All! My name is Dennis, and I joined the New England Medical Center Obesity Consulting Clinic last January. I've been heavy all my life. The heaviest weight that I know I got to was 355 pounds in 2002 when I turned 50, all on a 5ft 3in frame. I suffered going to the "Big and Tall" stores for many years, and making do with whatever they had on hand in the store. When I went to the OCC in January, I weighed 304 pounds; I've been as low as 210 and as high as 304 since I initially lost a lot of weight 6 years ago. The other physical problem I've been fighting the last several years is arthritis; while I don't expect a weight loss to "cure" my arthritis, I fe…

Hello, it's nice to be here, my name is Milly and I'm due to be banded on the 23rd of June. I'm originally from Scotland but I've lived in the middle east for 30 years now. I first enquired about having a band done almost 15 months ago but I didn't follow through with it given I was still convinced I could lose 100 pounds alone. A couple of weeks ago I just woke up one day and faced facts, that no amount of trying to go it alone was going to work and that I'd ahd enough of thinking each day was going to be the day I would finally get my head around losing weight the conventional way. So off to the surgeons I went........and the rest is yet to come. I can't say that…

I live in scotland and am booking into get a lap band done in August in Brussels, can anyone give me advice about what to expect, I am very nervous about this.

For six years I tried to make myself a success story by loosing over one hundred pounds by eating right and exercise. My weight always fluctuated in the fiveyears 240 to 290, I exercised, that wasn't the problem. It was my anti-psychotics that put me here, and I feel like a bottomless pit when it comes to food. I need my antipsychotics and I realize I need surgery to help with the never feeling full, the rest I can do and achieve. I weigh right now: 267 and I am 5'8 Before I put on the weight I weighed 155 This is going to be a new year, I don't want to make it year number six of being morbidly obese I want it to be a change. I am happy I found this site, …

Hi everyone, I am planning on getting the lap band surgery. I am looking for information on doctors, cost and follow up. I live in oregon and have found a Dr. in Coos Bay. If any one had any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it Thank you.

Hi All I wrote my first post in the Florida forum on May 8th but over the last few weeks I have been discovering different forums. Since this is the Introduction section I guess I should have started posting here first. I am in my 50's have been overweight all my life and have tried many diets (who hasn't) and lost a little on each but gained back the weight lost plus more. From Jan 2006 until Oct 2007 I did manage to lose over 190 pounds with Nutrisystem but that was getting very expensive and I was getting bored with eating their foods. Since going off of their foods I have gained back almost 50 pounds so I guess I really didn't learn any new eating habits, Did I?…

Hello from Dallas! Although I've visited this site many times, I've never posted a message here....or ANYWHERE before. I was banded on May 29, 2008 in Richardson by Dr. Benavides. I am having some problems getting all of my Protein shakes in. I'm very pleased with my progress and I'm looking forward to cyber friendships with you all.

Hi everyone, I wanted to introduce myself. I'm very excited to be on this board. You all are so very supportive of each other and I know that will help me as I begin this journey. I'm Jen, I've been married almost 10 years to a very wonderful and supportive husband. We have one son together. He'll be 6 in a couple of months. I've been overweight most of my life. It's just in the last 12 years though that I've become extremely overweight. I started at around 400lbs and I'm currently at 350lbs. It's taken alot of ups and downs over the last 5 years to get to this weight. I have already talked to my insurance company and I'll need 6 months of supervised diet. …

Hello, my name is Christina and I live in Odessa, Tx and my cousin and I are getting banded together. I would love any tips for before or after surgery. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS ALOT:thumbup:

Hi, first of all, I love this site! I am making the first steps in getting the ball rolling. I'd like to know if there is anyone out there from Mississippi who has used Dr. Cummins. My primary Dr is referring me to her. I have a seminar on the 26th so I am researching as much as I can before hand. I have Medicaid and would also like to know if anyone has any experience with this. What time line am I looking at for the procedure? Thanks for all the great information already available.

I just got the pre-approval from insurance (so thankful I get some help with the cost) and I hope I'll have a surgery date in the next 2 or 3 weeks. I am hoping for 2 weeks because I will be traveling in 6 weeks and I'd like to feel pretty good on that trip. I do have a few questions but I'm not sure if this is correct or if I should post them seperately: 1) how soon after surgery would you feel like taking a plane ride with 3 kids age 5 and under? 2) I work from home, full-time, sitting at a desk. Do I really need to take a week off or do you think a couple of days might be OK, giving myself plenty of breaks and naps? Looking forward to more searches throughout …

I recently got a surgery date - July 2. I was really excited at first, but now I am scared as the date gets closer. I'm sure this is a normal, but would like someone to let me know if they felt the same way. Not sure if I am having second thoughts or just cold feet. I think just cold feet... The forum is great! I love reading all the posts and it gives me hope and encouragement.

Hi, I am Linda from Severna Park, MD. I was banded on 5/16/08 by Dr. Averbach at St. Agnes Hospital. I am one week post op and have lost 10 pounds. :blushing:

Hi, My name is Mari and I'm actually un banded. I'm here looking to find out more information. To tell u a little about my weight history, I'm actually at my highest of 215 right now but have always been overweight. At this time in my life where I ma trying to find myself, I really don't want to have to be depressed about my yo yo ing weight. I rather focus on finishing school, finding a career and finding love and eventually starting a family. I've tried several programs, and am a regular gym goer but do have a problem with my food intake. lol. I'm hoping that lapband will be a way fro me to become a healthier, happier person and keep me from acquiring the many health pr…

im trying to get all my belongings in order as far as everything i will need before i get banded i will hopefully be getting banded in july what should i purchase now for before banding that i will be using after i get banded any suggestions would be nice thank you

I was banded yesterday 06-13-08. My physician is Dr. Harold Kent at Georgia Coast Surgical. So far so good. I had a few problems during recovery (oxygen dropped and nausea was horrible. Any way, the nurses called the surgeon back in and he removed 2cc of Fluid out the band, was put on oxygen and restarted IV fluids. Nausea subsided. Today, I am still a little short of breath but getting around pretty good. The hospital staff wanted me to stay overnight, I just could not see that happening. Nothing like home sweet home. Oh, by the way. How do you add the meter and other information to the end of the posts?

I was banded on May 5, 08 and have lost about 30 lbs. I go for my first fill on 6/24 and can't wait since I keep getting hungary. Can't wait to not be hungary. I had my surgery done in San Fransico. I have to say it was not a bad experience. I am on liquid vitamins and chewables since I have had incidents of pills getting stuck. Not a pleasant experience. Good luck to everyone.

Hi my name is Will, I just found this forum on a search. i was looking for some information on a medication and a lap-band. and found this forum handy. I was approaching my mid forties and my health began to decline. and I was afraid I was going to lose the ability to do the things I love to do, I'm an avid outdoors man. I had my band placed in January of 06. At the time I started looking into controlling my weight (after all the diets) I weighted 360 lbs. the band was the best thing i ever did for myself. i set a goal for my self of 200lbs. i currently weigh 235 not far for from my goal. I will try to keep up with this forum to see how others are doing and le…

Hi, I am new to the forum but would like some help. I got my band in 2004 in Colorado by Dr. Johnell. 10 moths after I got banded I got married and was pregnant with our honeymoon baby. They took the fluid out and have not had any in since. When our son was 1 year old we got pregnant again and we now have a 26 month old and a 5 month old sons. After our first son was born they kept me empty so I could nurse. And have been pregnant and nursing since. I am still nursing but would like to get back into the diet and mind frame of the band again. I was wondering if anyone has had the band this long and been pregnant and if everything was ok. I have been having problems with fo…

I've been visiting Lapband Talk for a little while...it seems very encouraging and positive. I have been banded for a while, I did really well at first and then allowed life/family problems to distract me so I am hoping with all the support offered here to get back on track to a thinner, healthier me. Thanks for helping me already to be motivated and moving in the right direction agan.:thumbup:

Hi there! My name is Shane... I am 29 years old and I am taking charge of my life. I have decided to have the lap band and after rigorous months of pre-opt stuff... I have a date on July 14th with a surgeon to do my surgery. I am super excited.:biggrin:

I have noticed that people put there progress and dates of how things are going. Seminar, test, nutritionist ect. How do you add that to your profile. I have progress. rENEA

Hey everyone, I had my surgery on June 6, 2007, which was last Wednesday. Feeling pretty good today. At my first consultation with my Surgeon, I weighed in at 319 the most I had ever weighed. I am self pay so I asked my surgeon if I could have the surgery done the following week. He said it shouldn't be a problem as long as I started my pre-op diet that day, and was able to get my labs, ekg, chest x-ray, pft's, and psychology visit done and everything looked good, then we could go ahead with the surgery. I managed to accomplish everything by Friday, June, 29, 2007, and paid for my surgery on Monday. Wednesday I went in for surgery and was home by 4:00 PM that afte…