Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I just found this site. I was banded May 17, 2007 and am down 85 lbs. Only 25 lbs to go but need new food ideas. Any suggestions?

Hi everyone...my name is Kristen. I live in Hummelstown PA (near Hershey) and I was banded on May 12th of this year. It took me less than six months from start to finish, so that made me pretty happy. I had my first fill this past Tuesday afternoon and by yesterday morning, I had lost 10 pounds. So, I called the doctor's office because I couldn't keep anything down - not even my own spit! So, I went in yesterday morning and he drew out all of the fluid that was in my band and there was 5 cc's in it. He said, no wonder you couldn't get anything down there! So, he put 3 cc's back and left 2 out - and oh, SO much better! :thumbup: I have two children (ages 8 & 10)…

Hello. I'm new here too.:biggrin2: I'm in the VERY early stage of this. Just went to a seminar and looking to get approved. My BMI is just under 35 but I have other health problems that may get me approved. Just found this forum and looking for more info from people that have had it done

Hi my name is Bj, I just got the lapband on monday June 9th by Dr. Monash. So far I feel pretty good, I am still sore and tired but doing alot better then I had thought I would. I am happy to be part of this site, you all have helped to answer questions that I have had, thanx.

Hi - I am new here and used the sight for info to get started on my lapband journey. I got the referral from my Tricare PCM and am waiting for the surgeons office to call and set up the appointment. I will be going through MUSC. I look forward to all the support I am sure to find on this sight. So hello for now.....:smile:

:confused2: I'm new here just wanted to say hello, "Hello"

I was wondering if anyone can actually fill your band. Is it uncomfortable? I am worried that the band itself will bother me... I know it sounds really weird but that makes me the most nervous..:biggrin:

Hey fellow banders, Just thought I would take a minute and introduce myself.... aside from banding... here is a little about me.... Always learning... reaching for a higher ground for myself. Healing, believing and opening up as much as possible in each given moment. Growing with every step, having faith in actions and my guides, my spirit, my inner voice. I've been called a peaceful warrior... I pick my battles as best I can when needed. I am a fighter and that is the first time I admitted that on paper. I love life and the journey there of. I have travelled many paths... they are beginning to merge and become clear and wide open.... I'm in midst of a growth spurt an…

any1 know or have taken a product called muscle milk before? was just wondering what it is and if it is a good high protein shake that is ok to use in the various stages of weight lose any1 know anything if so please let me know thanks

I haven't been banded yet, but hope for a late August/September date. I met with the psychologist yesterday, nutritionist next week and the surgeon for my consultation on July 2nd. My 6 months of diet will be complete in August and then it's off to the insurance company to review..:thumbs_up: I hear this can take awhile.. Has anyone been banded by Dr. Andrew Averbach in Baltimore, MD?

Hello everyone! My doctor's office just sent the paperwork to my insurance company for approval. I am anxiously awaiting there reply. Hoping to have my surgery this summer. I can't wait to start my new life and have been very excited about the success stories and support for one another I have seen on this site. Looking forward to getting to know everyone. ShelbyD

Hi, I am new! I feel very green at this forum lark but I am desperate to chat to other banded people and get some answers to my questions! I was banded last November and since then I have had 3 fills. I have lost no weight (other than the 2 stone I lost pre op) and have not felt any restriction! :thumbup: My 3rd fill was last week and I've been experienceing lots of discomfort and pain. I am a bit restricted but I am worried that I can still eat, what I consider, too much! Is it normal to feel this discomfort? It's like a mild intergestion. (By the way I can't spell to save my life!!!!)

:thumbup: Hi, im chatty2cathy. Banded on 31st may in bromesgrove.

Hi, I am excited to get started with my lap band however I ran into a very disappointing and upsetting situation with my kids. Both in their 30's and had a very negative reaction to my decision! They just dont understand why i cant do it on my own. Having yo yoed over 20 times in my life I feel I need this help to make a permeant change. Anyone else have a problem with family?:confused2:

i am not banded yet will be either in july or aug just waiting for my physc evaluation but i am trying to find a good high protein shake that is pretty good any suggestions? and also how many sugar grams each should you or do you consum in a day? i do slimfast and a brand from gnc but was wondering if the sugar content was too high any1 with any suggestions would be very much appreciated thanks

:ohmy:My name is Darie, I'm 45 and I am scheduled for surgery on June 16th. I'm a little apprehensive, but excited about it also. My doctor is Dr. Cavazos, in San Antonio, Texas. I need to lose around 90-95 pounds and am hoping that this will be a helpful tool in accomplishing that. The main thing I am worried about is postop nausea, I hate nausea!! I'm also concerned about feeling the band in my stomach, what has anyone else experienced? Is it noticeable? Anyway, I look forward to talking with you all as we go along on our weight loss journey!! Darie:smile::thumbup:

Had a ? All the insurance stuff is confusing to me. I have Anthem HMO Blue New England. I live in MASS. Is it still the same as just blue cross blue shield? Sorry if this sounds silly but like I said insurance is confusing to me. Thanks Heidi

Hello, I have surgery scheduled for next month with SBC in AZ but I'm having trouble with Aetna insurance. I started with SBC hosp while it was in network but after my conference they changed to out of network and I didn't realize this until my surgery was ready to be scheduled. Now after several very long conversations the insurance company is advising that they 'might' be able to get me in with one of their network doctors - Dr. Fang or Dr. Simpson - So would appreciate any advice. Anyone know these doctors in AZ? I need to determine if I start all over with a new doctor for 50% coverage of pay out of pocket. Thanks much JP

Hello, my name is Karen. I'm a 31 year old, happily married, mother of 2. I am scheduled to be banded on 7/30/08. I am so excited but starting to get nervous as it draws closer. It's funny, I'm doing this because I'm a mother and need to take care of my health to be around for my children. Yet I fear that I may be that statistic and die, leaving my children...oh the irony!!! I am very clear on the numbers but can't help but think in the back of my mind, "Imagine I didn't wake up?" After all the reassuring I've done; reassuring myself and my family who think there is a better way. Honestly, I've been overweight for 23 years now...if I could do it on my own, I would ha…

i have scheduled my surgery. i did a lot of research before deciding that this was the way to go. i researched the procedure itself and my surgeon. i am comfortable that this is a reasonable step to take to improve my health. i recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. i love being a mom but the 150 extra pounds i am carrying are making it hard. my feet hurt, my knees hurt (my pre-mommy job was veeeery sedentary) and i get tired fast. i need to start addressing my weight problem before he is an energetic toddler (or i will not be able to play with him or even keep up with him). in less than two months my relationship with food will change forever. i don't consi…

I i'm currently going to my first doctors appointment and all the insurance steps i need .. My lapband will be done the first week of aug and i am so excited .. so i need allllll details .. :rolleyes2: please anything to help me i'm ready to listen ....

Hi! My name is Marie. I was banded in 8/07. I have since lost a total of a whopping 120 pounds. I can honestly say that I do not regret having my surgery. I have not encountered any difficulties from the surgery or after. I am very lucky to have tons of family support and that has been a huge help!!! I had my surgery in Celebration Florida by Dr. Keith Kim of US Bariatrics. He is a wonderful MD and they have a great support system set up. I have been completely satisfied with everything done at there office. Anyway, just wanted to say hi!!!:thumbs_up:

I feel fine , Just very Gasse what can help me ? anyone have idea's:teeth_smile: What can i take ?

Hello everyone! I am glad to have found this website. Me and my close friend are preparing ourselves for the lap band. We have done our research and just patiently waiting for my approval from the insurance company. I have Aetna PPO. I have heard so many things about Aetna and their waiting procedures. It would be helpful if anyone can give me insight on how long do you usually wait for the precertification. My surgeon is going to be Dr. Bessler. I am just counting down the seconds, minutes, hour etc:smile2:. Your help will be greatly appreciated! p.s. Does Optifast spoil if not use? My nutritionist encouraged me to buy it in the beginning because i have alot of weight …

DO ANYONE KNOW HOW I NEED TO GO ABOUT GETTING STARTED/APPROVED FOR THE GBS. I HAVE BEEN SO MOTIVATED BY READING THIS PAGE. IT HAS BEEN A BIG HELP. THANKS. I AM A NAVY WIFE. MY BMI IS 43. WE ARE STATIONED IN KEY WEST,FL. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYBODY HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS TO HOW I CAN MAYBE ASK MY DOCTOR TO REFER ME FOR THE SURGERY. I AM 5'8'' 283LBS. ANY INFORMATION WILL BE HELPFUL. I AM SO SCARED:thumbup::biggrin:

Hi everyone, I've been surfing the web for a support group for lap banding and finally found this site:biggrin2: My name is Leanne, I'm 23 and from London. I am having a lap band fitted on 29th June '08. I'm really nervous (obviously) and just wanted to speak with other people who have had the surgery. I'm having my surgery at Dolan Park Hospital and my surgeon is Dr Martin Richardson. I would love to hear from anyone who has been to Dolan Park or had Dr Richardson as their surgeon. Looking forward to speaking with you Leanne x

Hey guys.. I figure I am going to have to pay out of pocket for my surgery as I have about 50lbs to lose. Any ideas on ballpark for this surgery? Also, how long between committing and surgery ? Just curious..

Hello. I was banded on May 14th. I've lost 15 lbs. since the surgery. The weight loss is slower then I expected. I was under the impression that the weight would melt very fast but not for me. Im told slow and steady wins the race.

I have just a little over 2 weeks until my surgery, April 28th! I started my journey July of last year and boy has it been a roller coaster ride getting there. Looking for any kind of feed back from others, once I learn how to navigate around this web site. My doctor is Dr. Mark Fusco/ Melbourne, Fl. :thumbup:

Hi everyone! I've been banded since 4/25/08, and have lost 19 pound in the month that followed. I am slowly learning the ropes of this thing and enjoying the process (most of the time). My doctor is Dr. Felix Spiegel in Houston. I have an appointment with the Nutritionist on Friday because now I've got the cure (the band) but I am no wiser about food, so I am looking forward to hearing what she has to say! Dr. Spiegel says as long as you keep the calories from 800 to 1000 a day you will still loose weight; it cannot fly off fast enough for me, but it's truly a huge undertaking that impacts every area of your life. Please stop by and say hello!

Good Evening Everyone, My name is Shonda I was just banned on 6/10/08... I am now home and wanted to know is there any advice that can be given to make the first few weeks more tolerable (I think that is spelled right) Thanks for all your help... Shonda

This is my first time posting although I've been here for a really long time! I really appreciate everyone's willingness to put so much info out there. It really helped me make the decision to "just do it"! I'm all set for July 3rd and went to my last education class last night. I'm self-pay and putting that initial $6,000.00 on the table was pretty scary. Told the receptionist that was a pretty hefty "co-pay! " Anyway, just wanted to say hi and I'll keep reading all about ya. Thanks again!

Hi, my name is Linda and have recently had the lapband surgery on May 21, 2008. I started out weighing in at 261 and my height is only 5/3". The surgery went well, with no complications. I did have to spend the night just because of insurance coverage. The first two weeks went really well, but now this past week, I'm struggling. I had lost down to 242lbs by the 1st of June, but am now gaining. This morning I am up to 246. Is this normal? I am watching what I eat, but I do feel that the quantity is more than I had expected I would be able to hold. I can handle a Lean Cuisine or Healty Choice entree with no problem. Is this normal? I hope someone out there can gi…

I have my consultation for Lap-band next Tuesday. I think this is a great site :thumbs_up: I am a 34 yr old mom of twins and am looking forward to getting to buddy up with others :frown:

Hello to all. Spent today getting organized for surgery on July 14th--Bastille Day! From now on I will celebrate my independence from food with the French!! Still need to do my blood work, EKG, and upper GI. I've been reading the various threads and posts here and I'm happy to join the community. :thumbs_up:

A little concerned about it -- I just don't want to fail - I have failed at many weight loss attempts and I do not want to fail at this !! Encouragement would be appreciated.:thumbs_up:

Hello, I have my pre-op exams this Friday. Not sure what to expect.:thumbs_up:

:biggrin2: Hi everyone I just joined the forum and I attended the weight loss seminar today. I wanted to introduce myself. I am 45 years old and have three wonderful kids (almost grown) and a new amazing granddaughter. I have tried many diets over the years but nothing has worked for me. I am partially disabled and have to walk with crutches due to injuries from a motorcycle accident in 1998. I am just starting my journey and I am hoping to share my experiences with others that are having the lapband procedure. I hope to get to know as many people that I can and I will be sharing my experiences in my blog if you are interested to know the details of…

:thumbup:IM NEW TO THIS SITE. I AM SET TO BE BANDED ON JUNE 24TH BY DR KURESHI IN TEXAS. I HAVE STRUGGLED WITH MY WEIGHT FOR OVER 6 YEARS NOW. I TOO SUFFER FROM POLYCYCTIC OVARY SYNDROME, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, AND BORDERLINE DIABETIC. I AM NOT WHAT SOME PEOPLE CONSIDER OBESE BY WEIGHING ONLY 225 BUT WHEN I LOOK IN THE MIRROR I SEE A SKINNY HEALTHY WOMEN ON THE INSIDE HIDDEN BEHIND THE FAT ROLLS WHO IS FIGHTING TO GET OUT. I AM DOING THIS BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT I WANT AND NEED TO BE HEALTHY. I WORTE MY CHECK FOR SURGERY ON MONDAY AND AS I WROTE IT OUT I SAID THIS IS MY CHECK FOR 20 MORE YEARS ON MY LIFE...I CONSIDER MYSELF A NEWLY WED. WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 18 MONTHS. WE …

Hi, I'm Gina and I live in Texas, and I'm in the process of having the lap band procedure done through my insurance, Tricare Prime. My surgeon will be Dr. Richard Symmonds (I found this ironic!) at Scott and White in Temple (if Tricare approves the actual surgery). I'm hoping to gain information and support from this forum, it seems like a good thing to be involved in as I go through this process. Hope to talk with some of you soon!

Hi, I am new to this forum. I was banded 3 days ago. I am having trouble drinking my protein shakes. I am not hungry which is making it hard to get them down. But I have been drinking a lot of water. I am not sure if I am suppose to "not feel" hungry, I haven't had solid food since the Saturday before my surgery. Ugh.

I'm new to this type of board. My weight has always been my problem. But I'm in need of help, and working thru this. I'm 37 yrs old, mom to 3 boys, all with chronic health issues. One has cerebral palsy, two have hemophilia B. I do not. Anyway, I've seen the PA in the bariatric surgery and am to see the dietitian tomorrow. I'm well on my way to loosing the 5% I have to loose. (12 pounds). Nice to meet you all. Teri

Hi everyone. I am new to the site and to being banded. I was banded on June 2 in Baton ROuge, Louisiana. So far pretty good....I just stay thirsty. And I have noticed in the last 2 days that I am getting hungry and 2 ounces of yogurt/pudding isn't cutting it for me. Any suggestion???:confused2:

I was Banded in July 2005. I am almost at goal but I am having alot of body issues, more so than at my largest. Just wondering if others out there are as well.

Hi, I'm fairly new to lapband land. I had my surgery on the 6th of June. I'm still a little sore but at least my bruises are starting to fade. I can't wait til I hit the mushies stage. I'm about sick of broth. I started my journey back in January but due to family emergencies, I had to put it off until April. Then I found out that all of my paperwork was lost and had to start all over. By the time I finally got all of the testing done, it was the end of May. The two week Liquid Protein diet was a killer. The shakes made me so ill. I'm still trying to learn to listen to my body when it tells me that it's full. That's been the hardest part. I am getting better at list…

Signing in from Bastrop, Tx! Well I have debated back and forth on getting any WLS for a while and finally decided the only thing I have to lose is weight! I had gone for the initial consultation in May and made a couple of appointments but then canceled them all...or so I thought. I have been praying on this decision and I kept thinking what if..what if I die..but I went to my PCP and saw her Nurse Practitioner who actually sees patients that have had WLS. She told me right now I am ok but in a year or two it probably wouldn't be so good. She said now is the time for me to do something to save myself! She gave me some great info and said that other than my weight I am pr…

I just had my band surgery June 9th. By Dr. Sonnenstein at St. Luke Hospital in Florence KY. I only had it done two days ago so I don't have much to report right now. Hope to report good results in a month or so.

I Will Be On A Soft Diet When I Return To Work And Was Wondering How You Guys Set Up You Meals At Work

Hi, I was banded on 6.10 so fat experancing some pain, I am going to try my shake now whis me luck

Woooooo! I got my insurance approval today and am scheduled for surgery on April 30. Anthem BC/BS was FAST with my approval. The surgeon's office said it would probably take three weeks for approval. It actually took ten days. My surgeon is Dr. Peter Kwon (Tri-State Bariatrics) in Middletown, NY. I've been so impressed with everything and everyone there. They recommend going to two shakes and one meal per day in the couple of weeks before surgery. Today is my first day of that. I'm so excited. It took years for me to make this decision, but I have not looked back since deciding. Yaay! Christine