Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey everyone, I am looking into getting banded. I have had two friends that had it done and they are glad they did. My PCP gave me the okay and my diabetes nutritionalist is also behind me. Per my insurance I have to submit letters and medical records from all my doctors, personal trainer, and even friends to the review board. Just wondering if anyone has had to do this and what else I a can do to help persuade the review board. Thanks for any info.

Recently banded in Central NJ (USA). Lost twently prior and 20 since. Still on a liquid diet but looking forward to my first serving of scrambled eggs. Still waiting for stitches to fall off but generally feeling very well and energetic. First few days after surgery were rougher then expected but now my cloths are loose and it all seems worth it.

I am sooo nervous. My surgery date has been set for June 30...and my liquid pre-op diet begins on monday. Did I mention I am nervous? I've never tried a diet like that before and I am worried on how well I will do on it. I just hope I can be strong. I work from home with my kids and temptation will be there. But I know that I want this surgery so bad and really need to lose weight for medical reasons and to feel better about myself. My children are 4 yrs and 21 mths old so I will still have to pick up my little boy and don't know for sure yet on how much help I'll have after surgery. I am a person that doesn't get sick very often, so I feel like I'll recover faster th…

I have been sampling different protein supplements for about the past week. That is the ones I can get sample packets of. None of them taste good. In fact I start to gag before I finish them. Has anyone tried to chewable protein tablets? I have found several online sites that sell the chewable protein tablets. Any input would be appreciated.

Hey all I just came from a support group meeting in Radford Va and we gave out the web address for this site and I just wanted to put a post in here where it will be easy for anyone who goes home and looks up the site to find. The Virginia thread is kind of fun to find it is under the *usa support groups* under *virginia*. There is a TON of good information in here and a lot of GREAT support!! If ya'll have any questions or need anything just give a hollar!! Great seeing all of u at the meeting and I'll be there next meeting with my story of my surgery day!!! yay:thumbup:

Hi everyone new to the forum Had my first visit with the doctor yesterday so Im just starting Just wanted to stop by and say Hi to everyone Been looking over this site looks pretty informative:smile2:

Hi all, I am a newbie to the site and basically looking for some support on my journey to becoming a healthier person. I am a 33 year old male ready to make a serious change. I have been heavy since I was a little child . During my high school years I was able to build some serious muscle and lose a bunch of weight but as soon as the dieting and weight lifting stopped I would gain everything back and some. Weight loss has been a never ending battle for me. I have tried many diets like the Atkins,South Beach diet,The Zone, and many others with some pretty good success but it was short lived success because I would just gain back what I loss and some. I will be going to my…

:biggrin2:I am all set for surgery on June 19th! Yay! My surgeon is Dr. Jonathan Myers from RUSH University Medical Center, Chicago. My surgery will take place at the 900 North Michigan Surgical Center in Chicago. I feel so lucky to have found this excellent program. I am also very blessed to have the resources to be able to pay for the surgery without insurance :tongue2: (my company's insurance policy has a specific *exclusion* to any weight loss surgery, including gastric banding - nice how they worked that out, huh?). I will be posting a blog about my Lap-Band journey at http://www.sara7venus.squarespace.com. If anyone's interested, send me a private message with yo…

Hi everyone, Long time lurker, but I finally decided to post. I'm pre-op, have been since September of 07. The month that I finally had my consultation with my doctor, and got all the paper work I needed to be filled out I had insurance issues. Finally I am back in motion and some of my appointments have been schedule. I'm very excited to start this journey, and looking forward to a better life. See everyone around the boards lookingforself :thumbup:

I have been on l ine researching this procedure...scared to death! Wondering about testimonies-negative and positive about the effects...

Hi I am from Timberville Va and am going to get my surgery at UVA. I have been to see the doctor and he said I was a good candidate and the insurance guy said my insurance would pay for it so I am waiting on them to call me and schedule my next appointment. I have started keeping a diary and it is really hitting me what foods I will be giving up. I am ready to do it but would like to hear from others about things that might happen after the surgery-the good and the bad. That way I can be prepared. If everything goes smoothly great but if I know that it might happen, then I won't panic.

Hello! I am a newbie here and I am really thankful that I have found this forum. I have not been banded yet, but I'm on the journey to getting there. I have been married for 8 years and have a beautiful 5 year old daughter. I am a 4th grade teacher from Lexington, KY and I have struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. I have tried numerous things to try to help me, but I still keep gaining. I am now at 294 and 5'3 which puts my BMI at around 51. I don't really have a weight goal, but I would love to be able to fit into size 10/12 clothes and shop in a normal store. My weight has caused a lot of problems and I'm ready for them to be over. I have been diagn…

I want to get lapband surgey, However I found out that my insurance does not cover it. I am looking at Dr.'s in Mexico, but I want to find one that is good and professional. If anyone has been banded in Mexico, please contact me! Thanks all:redface:

Hello everyone. I have so many questions and concerns. The message board has already been very helpful to me. I'm 46 and have been considering the surgery for about an year. My bmi is 39.5, so I think I can put on the extra couple of pounds to qualify for the surgery without too much trouble. :wink2: I went to the doctor's seminar the other night. It ended up discouraging me more than anything else. The doctor who spoke is the head surgeon, and he's not very supportive of this procedure. He is top in his field in gastric bypass surgery, and he highly recommends it over Lap Band. He has surgeons in his practice that perform the Lab Band surgery though. A couple of h…

Hi. I am new to this forum and have so many questions. How is the best way to find out about Dr. Ortiz in Mexico? Thank you.:behindsofa:

Hi: I am considering lap band and have to go the self-pay route - anyone know about the DFW area - I live in Arlington-went to a Dr. Carter session but he seems expensive.

Hello! My name is Courtney. I was just banded on the 4th and so far I feel great! It's really weird feeling this good considering I just had surgery and am living on liquids. I'm glad I found this forum because it looks like a good place for support from people who are going through the same thing.

I will be banded Wednesday and I can't wait! I am looking forward to being a healthier me. I am a teacher and I hope to have enough weight off so people will notice. debbfitz

Hi everyone! I was banded on 06/02/08 and I came on this site to connect with others who have been banded and are to be banded for advice on how to cope with the changes in my life now. I'm 21 years old and I go to school fulltime. I still cant believe I was banded I feel like I'm still going through the approval process waiting to hear if I can get it. It feels like a dream. Cant wait to get to know you! ~Ally

hi everyone im new here i have had my band i beleive year and half and it was done in houston, texas . i live right now in corpus christi , but i was raised in houston. but wow this site is so big i dont no where to start:tongue_smilie:

Hi all- I have been a lurker on this site for almost a year...which is how long it took to go thru Cigna's hoops and then wait for approval. I finally got my band on June 5 and am so excited! Hungry, a little weak, sore and still very gassy - but excited none-the-less. This site has been a great resource to me ever since Sept 07 when I attended a Journey-Lite seminar. :biggrin:

Merrillville, Indiana here. 4 days on protein shakes. I am having a real hard time.

Hi, everyone. I had my surgery on June 4th. It wasn't too bad - pretty much what I expected although I do admit that it has been more painful than anticipated. It is Day 6 and my body is not so sure what it is suppose to do. Sometimes I get the growling in the gut and other times I feel the tightness (uncomfortableness) at the top of the stomach. Basically, the only thing I've decided to do is to stop drinking or eating for a bit and then it does go away fairly quickly. As a bit of a "test" this morning I tried a little bit of a scrambled egg. Tomorrow it will be okay to move to soft foods. The funny thing was that I had about forgotten how to eat. I've been on liqu…

I just found this group today. I am going to be banded soon I hope. I found out that my insurance covers the surgery and pro-ops tests, just having to pay my normal co-pays and deductibles. I have completed all the tests and paperwork. Just waiting on the OK from insurance company and I get to schedule it! Going through True Results. I am going to the Bahamas in June and I decided to wait until my return for the surgery. Did anyone else have to do the liquid diet prior to surgery? What did that entail and was it hard? Any advice on what to expect right after and also that liquid diet beforehand would be appreciated!:biggrin2:

Hello everyone! I have fallen in love with this site! I have spent countless hours- NOT doing laundry- on here. This is usually the first site in the am and last one in the pm that I visit. I just found out today that I HAVE APPROVAL!!! As I sit here with "perma-grin", I have all of you to thank. I feel completely informed and confidant that this is the right choice for me. Really the only questions that remain for me will be answered on June 24th at my orientation. I will then learn my dr's spacific guidelines and rules. I have to say, most of all I love the surgery day stories. This will be my first and I really feel like I know generally what to expect. I can't wait to…

I know this is not and important subject. But having a little fun during all this is important to me, and seeing that little ticker count down to my goal would be like a firstgrader getting a star by their name at school. I am a computer dummy. I am trying to get the cute little ticker for my signature; I have went to ticker factory...set it up, but when I try to upload it is sez invalid file or invalid url. I am sure I am doing something wrong. Can someone please talk me thru this?:wink_smile::confused2::biggrin::thumbdown:

I have my consultation on Friday. I am very nervous. I really have my heart set on this and I am afraid that they are going to find something wrong with me that will not allow me to have this surgery. #1 I had a hiatal hernia repaired about 3 years ago... I have read about people who have had it at the same time, but not after. I have read that the position of the hernia repair could impede the surgery. Has anyone had hiatal hernia surgery, then been banded? #2 I have just been diagnosed with diverticulitis. will that be a problem?

I am new to the lap banding. I am 4 days post op. Does anyone have any tips or advice for me? I don't feel hungry but I do miss the food. I feel weird eating with my family.

:sad:Hi I was banded on the 4th of June and I am very miserable. My left shoulder and neck are very painful and I am sick of strained Soup already, my body is craving for something really tasty to eat. I think I have made a big mistake. Did anyone else feel like this?

Hi. My name is NikkiH and I was banded September 2006. I really have not lost that much weight. I started out at 237 and I weigh currently 211. It seems that over the years I have tried everything to lose the weight . I thought that this was going to be the answer. Sadly, the surgery did not really help me that much. Prior to surgery I had a difficult time losing weight While the band controls my food intake the weight loss has been slow and no I am too embarrassed to go back to the doctor. Lately I have been experiencing some mid-back pain. At first I though I slept in a bad position but now I think that it could be something more. Whenever I eat anything solid it feels …

I am waiting for my surgery date on july 28th. I have been reading everything I can to prepare for this. I know the first 2 weeks are going to be rough!!! I have to go off estrogen, not take advil for knee pain and 800 calories a day. WOW! My poor husband .Does anyone have good ideas for making it through this time?

Hi, I wanted to see if there are any Bandsters in this group that have had their surgery in Evansville, In. and see how they are doing? If so, please e-mail me. Thanks, Patti

Hello Everyone. My name is Megan and I am 6 days post-op. Got the lap band done on Monday, June 2, 2008. It's so nice to find a place to talk to others who have gotten the lap band surgery done. Hope to hear from all of you! Thanks!

hey everyone. I am so happy I found this site today. I have been researching the 'band' for some time now and have found a wonderful hospital to have it done. I have had my blood tests etc done.. I have a second consult on Tuesday.. hopefully to arrange a date.. Personally I would be in on Friday!.. Anyway, am feeling really good about being in control again and taking 'care' of my band!!.. I am not telling any friends and family (aside from my Parents bless them).. so when I go home from Christmas there SHOULD be a little less of me! .. how exciting!.. I decided that this year is MY year. I have dental braces... and soon my band.. I am so excited to finally me…

My doctor mentioned I was a great candidate 4 months ago and I turned him down flat.. Part of me felt I was giving up, the other part worried about what I wouldn't be able to eat>> My fear is about being layed up and complications. My doc mentioned it again yesterday because I am bordering diabetes, and have physical limitations because of my weight,, one being a healing broken leg. I stay active, coach softball for 10-11 yr olds, run a business, swim whenever possible, play guitar hero..lol, and hiked or walked regularly before my leg accident. I would like to do these things without being exhausted, or having to sit down because of pain.. It would be nice to ha…

Hi to everyone I've been reading for ages, researching etc- I had committed once, but then had second thoughts cos I was off sick with a slipped disc (high up, almost between shoulder blades)- Then I just thought what the heck- I might just have it done, have a couple more weeks off and then go back as the new me..! so It's done now and my date is the 9th July with the Brugge boys!... I'm going through the saying 'goodbye' to certain food's stage and realising that actually, many of them I'm not going to miss at all! (Pizza- Yuck!) I have been having a laugh with some close friends over the fact that I love Cava (the drink) and they have come up with the solution of open…

The day is here and I am getting really nervous. I hope I made the correct decision. Really worried about not eating all the foods that I enjoy. Was this hard to get use to?

Hello my name is D and I have been wanting to get bariatric surgery for over 10 years. I did not get GB because I desperately wanted children and when lap-band became an accepted technique I never had the insurance that would cover it. For the last 2 years I have been doing what I can to save up to be self pay and on Memorial Day my parents agreed to go ahead and fund me because the timing seems to be perfect for where I am in my life. So I have chosen the surgery center and as of this moment I am open to whichever doctor is available to do it the earliest. The reason I am so flexible is that 2 people I trust have told me that they would trust any of the 4 to do …

I'm glad I found this site; other generic WLS sites don't have the info I'm looking for so here I am. I live in the Central Coast area of California, will be having my surgery (if all goes well with the insurance) on July 21 with Dr. Pamela Foster in Burlingame, CA. I have a question about the shoulder pain mentioned so often -- does anyone know what causes it? Does it happen to most patients? Thanks!

Hi just wanted to introduce myself....I am 50 years old have had weight issues my entire life. Just completed my nutritional visit, sleep study and psych clearance. I hope to have my next appointment with my surgeon in the next two weeks and if all goes well get the date for banding at that point. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Looking at the diet after banding I wonder if I can do it....tried to follow the diet but soon realized it was like going out in a rowboat but leaving the oars behind...I didn't have the tool to succeed ..... at this point I am practicing eating slower and not having drinks with my meals...both will be a challenge......but I am read…

I have my pre-op visit with a psychologist next week - my surgery is on 27th. What do they talk to you about during this session? Thanks

Hey everyone, I am new to this board and thought i would introduce myself. I am 35, got banded on March 28 of 2008. I have PCOS have had a hard time loosing at the rate I want. I have ony lost 6 lbs! It is really frustrating. My Dr. was Dr. Enochs in Cary NC. He and his office are wonderful and have been very supportive.

:rolleyes2:Not sure how to access all this but here goes I am having surgery June 16th lap band Pre op 6/12 on liquids doing ok it is full liquids for 2 weeks got some isopure doesnt taste so good but gets the proein in

Hi, My name is Mia and I live in NC. I Started talking about the lap band in March 08. I attended a seminar at the local hospital and was intrigued by the conversations regarding the lap band. To make a long story short, I went ahead and made an appointment with the surgeon and completed all the requirements. Last week I got my approval letter from the insurance company and my surgery is scheduled for June 26, 2008. I am so excited but worried because of the 2 week liquid diet that I must follow starting June 12. Oh boy, do I need the support now.:tongue2:

Hello, my name is Angie and i am 26 years old. I have a bmi of 41.7 and i weigh 278 pounds. I go in this thursday to meet with my doctor at the bariatric clinic for a consultation. I have not exactly told him which procedure that I wanted -RNY or lapband but after reading what i have read so far, lap band sounds the best option for me. I am sure my story is very similar to everyone else's otherwise I wouldn't be here and you wouldn't be here. I am looking to know as much as I can about this procedure before I make my decision. I don't know what my insurance will cover but i hope they will cover some. I have a future ahead of me, I graduate from college this coming april 2…

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and really all this computer chatting stuff too. Took me forever just to figure out how me make this thread then I asked my 14 year old, should have know he would know how. Anyway, I'm having surgery on Tuesday the tenth and am really excited. I never get scared of surgery. I'm scared of failure though. Been large my whole life (big boned you know) and feel like this is a last chance and can't quit thinking I will fail. Any thoughts on exercise options after not exercising in years? oh yeah how do I get the weight tracker bar thing, if I'm gonna do this might as well go all the way, thanks!!!

I am a little nervous about this. It is my first time ever participating on an online forum. I have learned so much on this site, and I finally decided I want to participate and throw my .02 cents in too. :thumbup: I am thankful to have a place to go and get the support we all need! :tongue2:

Hello everyone. As my title says I am new to the forum and nervous. I have delt with overweight since I was a teenager. At this time I am out of control. I have decided that the lap band is the best option for me. And I feel like one thing has lead to another and now things seem to be moving fast. I am going to a seminar on saturday and the actual doctor who will be doing the procedure will be there. I already know the cost it is 18,000 that covers the surgery and 1 year of visits. Also a nutritional and therapy visit at the begining. I called my insurance to see if they cover the procedure I have blue cross blue shield illinois. They said the doctor has to call them and …

I am waiting on my psych eval (already did the session - just waiting on paperwork) and I'm told my insurance will approve and I can have surgery in as little as 3 weeks! I just had my fourth child so naturally I am ready to get my body back. I love reading all the posts and am looking forward to getting and offering support! :thumbup:

Hi! I had a lapband on 5/4/07 by Dr. Korus. I did well in the beginning and had lost 60 lbs. For the last six months, I do not get filled up and have been eating much more. I have gained 10 pounds. I have had 5 adjustments with no success-the last one being on 5/13. I had an endoscopy and he thought the band might have been up a little high; however, I was the first patient he ever did with an band. I had another adjustment with barium swallow and Dr. Korus felt that the band looked fine. Does anyone have this problem and any suggestions on what I should do? I am becoming very depressed about this and really want to succeed. I have about another 50 pounds to lose…