Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Just want to say hello to everyone. I am new here, I do not have a surgery date yet. I am still doing all my testing. just went to cardiologist today and still have a bit left to do. Dr. Geiss from Syosset will be my surgeon. I have been gathering info along the way; trying to find things I can do while I am waiting, but it is so much that I sometimes get overwhelmed. if anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated. thank you

Huzzah! I have a surgery date of July 2nd! Just had my four week follow-up where I had to lose 8 pounds (actually lost 11) and was ok'd. Am hoping for an earlier date so I may begin the liquid diet earlier in hopes of a cancellation (if they ok it) but will be done by Independence Day! :biggrin2: Is this a good time to start getting nervous?

hospital wants a check for $500.00,from me personaly . then my insurance pays a percentage. the money is for support classes after surgery. i went to a hospital in mass. is this a common charge?? how much does insurance actualy cover? thanks larry:confused::thumbup:

Hi, I'm a 62 yr old female 5'3" & weigh 218 lbs and climbing! I had a double by-pass 3 yrs ago & I'm a diabetic. I think I'm finally able to consider the lap band. I'm scared to death :scared2:but I'm more scared of not doing it! I understand that my insurance may cover the cost. I hope so cause that's the only way I can afford it. I will be going to a seminar this Friday for information. This is the 3rd time I've made an appt for the seminar but this time I'm not chickening out! Any questions I should ask? Thanks Ada

I'm on a fluid diet. Started today Man bring it on I'm so tired of being fat.

Hi Y'all, I'm new to this forum, so I wanted to say HI! to all of you fellow bandies. My wife and I got banded on April 4, 2008. Surgery was a piece of cake. I didn't even need pain meds. Got my first fill on May 14 and second fill May 28. I'm having difficulties right now. Can't keep anything down, not even Water. Vomiting 2 or 3 times an hour. No sleep. But I called the doc, so I'm sure he will fix it for me. Anyways, we were the first and second LB surgeries at Baylor in Grapevine, TX. Our doc is Dr. Randall Wright. We have a lot of confidence in him, despite my present difficulties. I think this forum is a good thing. I've learned a lot in a short time. Thanks…

Hello all! I'm new here(of course :-P) My name is Louisa, and I was just banded by Dr DiBenedetto in Rochester, NY on Tuesday! I heard about this site from my roommate in the hospital, known here as Sunshinelady(hello!) Um, let's see... I'm 21 and I've been overweight all my life. I've been on every diet and weight loss program under the sun since I was 11, none worked, obviously. My highest weight was....over 400... and I am now 300lbs exactly, according to my scale(I was at 379lbs when I first went to see Dr Dibenedetto) I'm loving the whole not hungry thing, though I have to make myself eat the Jello and stuff they want me to eat(I'm not much of a sweets pe…

Ok ladies...I need some help. I've been deciding whether or not I was going to get the lapband for the past year, lurking on here and learning so much. I really appreciate the posts. I decided that it's time, finally. Here's my story...I have one and half yr old triplets (dont freak out - its not as crazy as it seems - they are highly scheduled and well behaved so that's not a concern :tt2: My questions are: how soon after the surgery will I be able to care for the children (without lifting, of course) ? will i feel ok (pain/nausea) / how soon? did you ever regret it? how quickly did you lose the weight? I went to my PCP today, he is totally on board - w…

I was banded on February 19th, 2008. In the first month I lost 15 lbs. After losing the first 15 lbs, I only lost 1 lb when I saw Dr. Abkin in the six week follow=up. I was disappointed, but I knew the lap band was not stopping my hunger. I had my first band adjustment May 20th, 2008. I'm hoping the adjustment will curb my hunger. Has anyone else had this problem?:crying:

I couldn't find a place for all of us who are on a 6 month supervised diet for insurance purposes and when we did post they always seem to get lost in the crowd. So I made a group for us all. If you are on a 6 month diet join please! Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - 6 Month Supervised Diet People Also I added a forum for us all to chat in :huh2: 6 Month Supervised Diet People :redface: - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

I live in NW Al. I am looking for a Dr close to me that will do a fill. I was banded in Tijuana by Dr. Ortiz and have had 1 fill (1.8cc). All the local Drs. (with in 2 hours drive) are either such jerks :thumbup: because I didn't use them or they want to overcharge me to the point they should be embarrassed. :tt2: Has anyone ever used Dr. Westmoreland in Murphressboro, Tn? thanks for your input

Greetings all! I was banded on March 18, 2008. I immediately gained 6lbs back after. (I had lost 15 on the liquid diet before). I have since managed to lose the 6 I had gained plus 7 more. I am not saying that is a bad amount, but I have not managed to shed the bad habits in spite of the opportunity I have received and I am thoroughly disgusted with myself. Anybody else going through this? Hope to hear!! :thumbup:

Hello, I just joined and wanted to introduce myself to you. I am a 42 year old wife and mother of 4 teenagers. I am now approx 125lbs overweight. And I am finally ready to admit for the first time in 20 years. I can't do this by myself. Looking back on one of my old journals about 3 years ago, I actually started this process of possible bariatric surgery to help me with my Quest for better health. I had the consultation scheduled, but after a month i had lost 8lbs on my own. so i called and canceled. well, i am now at least 50lbs heavier than i was 3 years ago. so what will happen to me in 3 more years? will the weight keep increasing?? For the past 3 years i've h…

does any1 know of a video that i can download to see the lapbanding procedure being performed i would kinda like to see 1 to kinda have in mind what is going to happen to me if any1 knows any please let me know thanks.:thumbup:

Hello, My name is Becky. I'm new to this site. I'm going to get the lap band surgery on June 9th. I'm so nervous. Can someone please let me know what to expect the first couple of weeks.. Thanks

Hello everyone. I am BashFul from Houston, Texas and I was banded May 16, 2008, at Park Plaza Hospital. The procedure was quick and painless.......I was up and walking within no time, eager to go home. By the end of the day I was home. The first 3 days I had no appetite, I but made my self sip on some homemade chicken broth, protein drink (Isopure-pineapple, orange and banana) very tasty. I slept most of the time but able to get up and walk on my treadmill 2-3 times a day, but not 30 minutes each, just through out the day:sleep:. This made me feel better, the walking helped me to relieve the gas on my left side. I have not been filled as of yet, so far so good:th…

I have just begun this process. I have received a packet form the hospital and now have to fill out an application and attend a meeting. I have already gotten a referral from my regular doctor. I am 100 pounds over my ideal weight. :thumbup:

:scared2::scared2:I am new to the process and I have Cigna insurance. Has anyone been approved that has Cigna? Declined? I'm right at 40 BMI with no good factors that put me at risk.:scared2:

Banded on March 14,08 starting wieght 354 down to 330 having a hard time wanting to eat at night especially.

I'm getting banded on June 9th. Just wondering do you every go back to eatting regular foods? If so about how long does it take ? I know that I won't be able to eat as much. And also what are some names for some good protien shakes? Thanks to everyone for helping me..

I'm going on Tuesday (May 27th) to get weighed and officially start off my 6 month insurance mandated diet. I can understand why it is a requirement, the nurse who I talked to at my insurance company explained that it is to show commitment and that I'm ready to make this change in my life. But still... if there's a thread out there with other people who are counting down the six months I'd love to commiserate with others at the same stage as I am!

I am pretty new to theading, blogging, I do quilt though... (lol). I was banded in CoosBay, Oregon on December 14, 2007. I have lost 44 pounds with the surgery and 98 pounds total. I seem to have a flat spot in my weight loss. While I have learned the challenges that I face as a stress eater and controling my weight loss I am very happy with my LB and would do it again. I have so much energry now........WOW! Feels great.:wink2:

Hi everyone I'm new to the site, I just recieved my approval letter, I will self pay & claim through my insurance. I am currently living & working out of the U.S. & will have it done in Singapore has anyone had any experience on this end of the world?? I'm 6'2" 325 43BMI I am looking forward to putting up my progress as I go along, I have been inspired by some of the stories posted.

Greetings everyone!! I have been reading on this site now for over 2 weeks and finally am ready to make my own contribution. I am 38 and the mother of 6 children and have finally decided to take a step in the right direction with my weight and get it off and invest in ME!! I am currently in the waiting period to see if insurance will cover this and should hear something by early next week I have done everything else that is needed just need the go ahead to schedule. I am hoping by end of June. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyones posts and look foward to sharing as I go along this new journey. How do you put your little tickers on the bottom of your posts…

Hi All, I've made the 1st step, I'm scheduled to attend an information seminar tongit for the TLC product. Unfortunately my HMO will not cover the procedure so we'll have to either pay or finance it. Thank you for all the wonderful information.

Hey all, I am new here. Just started looking into the whole process. I am signed up for a couple of free seminars in our area. But I know I am going to do this. My insurance won't cover it but my dad is so pleased with his lapband that he's gonna cover it for me!!:wink2: I am a SAHM to 5 little monkeys. All boys except for 4.:thumbup: Ages 9,6,4,4,3. I used to teach. I am married to the most amazing guy. Skinny of course!!!:biggrin: I look forward to meeting you all!

Feeling a little discouraged. I've had all the hospital work done, psych work, dietician visits and my surgery is not yet scheduled. My doctor said from the initial seminar to the surgery would be six weeks. So far, more like 12. I'm trying not to get mad about it and lash out at the doctor or his staff, but I'm really frustrated. Plus, I have bills coming in for something I haven't even had done yet! And, a question...those of you who have done or are considering lap-band...do you wish you had chosen bypass instead? I'm wondering if I should do the bypass instead. Well, I look forward to speaking with all of you along this journey. :wink2:

Hi, many of you know me from the chat room. My name is Tabetha, everyone calls me Tabby. I am a 29 year old mother of two. We are a military family and are stationed in the Hood. I have spend my entire adult life over weight and I am DONE. I hate it with a passion and it is time that something changes, so I m getting banded hopefully within the next two months. I have Tricare and was approved on Tuesday. Going through Scott and White in Temple, and so far they seem like very nice people. Have my seminar June 4th and go from there. I am double the person I want to be. My goal weight is 140 and my weight now is...278.:thumbup::wink2: God I have NEVER told anyone that. Am …

Hi - I'm Elizabeth. I just got banded on Tuesday May 20th. Sent the night at the hospital and came home Wednesday afternoon. I had my surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) in Philadelphia. My surgeon was Dr. Noel Williams. A real Top Doc. Excellent and highly experienced and recommended. I had robot assisted surgery, which is supposed to increase how fast you heal and decrease incision size atc. creating a more precise procedure. I have been taking it easy since I got home. Walking each day, even made it all the way around the block yesterdy. Yay!! I feel like I have been more sore and slower than others I have spoken with, but I am ok with that.…

I do not yet have a surgery date, but have had most of my tests done as well as my psych eval too. I was surprised to find that I am diabetic. Although I have been overweight most of my life, I have not had any health issues. Even while pregnant I always had healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Wow! It's not likely that my insurance will pay since my BMI is 39, but has done the yo-yo thing between 35 and 39 for years. I have Cigna and they require 2 years above 35 AND at least 2 co-morbidities. I have 1, the diabetes, so my doctor is working to see if the insurance will cover a sleep study. We're still going to submit, just in case we get lucky. Oth…

Hi everyone! After 6 months of jumping through hoops I'm going to have surgery on June 3. I'm not nervous about the surgery, however this evening I became very depressed. I have read other posts about people who start "grieving" about giving up their eating habits, and I thought that was absurd, but now I'm one of them. I'll snap out of it, but for now I'm just pretty mopey. I have almost 200 to lose, so I'm in this for the long haul. Send some positive energy my way on Tuesday morning - for me AND my MD! Emmie

Hello! I'm Jennifer in Houston. I have been researching the Lap Band surgery for about a year now, and lurking on this board for a little while. I went to the seminar at Methodist Hospital about a month ago. Dr. Robert Marvin will be my surgeon (hopefully, if everything goes according to plan). His office called my insurance and found out that I do have the benefit..so, today we went ahead with the next step and went to the lab to get blood work done. I have had terrible thyroid problems in my past (15+ years ago) and he did a full thyroid workup. I dont know how long until I hear back and get my first consult with him...I guess I'll hear from them when I do. I'm ex…

hello all!..... I;ve been banded since May of 2002....only ONE fill!!.....went for a second fill dec 15th...by the time I got back to the parking lot I could not walk!!....I guess when I got my fill of 1cc it broke the band!!...I found myself in surgery to fix the tubing that goes to the port!!....wow!..17,000 bucks later!!....where do I start to get the maker of the band to pay for the repair...anyone know???.....thanks!...:help: Cindy.

Okay, I have been on here asking questions. Reading alot. Getting a good feel for everything. All has been fine and dandy cuz I have been ultra busy for the past couple of weeks. No time to really really concentrate on my consult date. Well, it is tomorrow morning and it is all reality now. I have been up and moving alot today to get the stress out but still it remains. Am not taking any extra Xanax as I do not want to use it anymore than needed. (yes, we all had this talk one day) Was anyone else this nervous before just their little old consult appointment? I think it is excitement that I am feeling. REALLY looking forward to getting this ball rolling. …

I finally had my lapband done on April 29th. I started the process in October of last year. It was done in Scottsbluff, Nebraska by Dr. Forney and Dr. Holloway. I expected it to be a month or so after I was finally appproved but they scheduled me 2 1/2 weeks later. I was a little stunned, happy and nervous all at the same time. This first week has been very interesting, but I am very happy I got it done.

Hi everyone. been a while since I posted. I decided lapband is not for me but I still will come by and see what everyone is talking about. I may change my mind

Ok, taken it to the experts. I have the problem we all dream of. I do not want to eat and feel great. The problem is I am only eating about 300 calories a day. This has been for a week now. I do not feel hungry and have to force myself to eat three times and day and can only manage to get down about 100 cal at a time. It does not hurt, I do not feel sick, But I worry it is not enough and each day I keep thinking I will be able to eat a little more, but nope cant. Any idea what is a safe calorie range. I lost 20 pounds this week but I know a lot of us do the first week after the surgery. Thanks

hello. im 25 yrs old. and i truthfully weigh 398 lbs. im about 5'5 and have had only 1 minor surgery done. it was a pilonidal cyst removal. i never had surgery around my stomach before. but heard of this lap band from 2 people i know. one person had it done and is so happy that she did, and the other person is going to get it done, and can't wait. my doctor did bring up surgery for me to lose weight, at the time i was like no way.. but now.. im really considering it. since i've tried dieting and some what exercising myself, with no sucess of losing weight. read a couple of posts here and it sounds painful, but i guess the pain is for any surgery. i've had no other medical…

Hi everyone. My name is Michelle. I am 35. I live in Minnesota. I was banded on February 25, 2008 by Dr. Jeff Baker at Unity Hospital, Bariatric Center. So far I have lost 45 pounds total. I am very glad I made this decision! It is the best one I have made in a very long time. I have found alot of foods I used to be able to eat, that I can no longer eat. Beef jerky is the one I miss the most. I also am not able to eat even very toasted bread. I do not miss the bread. I am very happy to find this website. There are no Lap Band support groups where I live, only gastric bypass so I find it very hard to find people like me who have been banded.

hello my surgery is in 4 days finally i am sorta nervous an anxious i been trying to slow down eating but its been hard but i am trying have any one else did the 2 week diet or not i want to hear from both sidesi am looknie forward to the new me :huh2::lol:

I am not being done by Bagnato... but am getting my surgery in Valdosta by McCowan, who works with Burnette, who does the port placement like Bagnato. :sad: I was hoping to get information from you about port placement on the chest area. I do not wear low cut blouses, but I tend to scar badly, so I hate the idea of the port scar showing. How was it decided for the exact location of the port? Does your port scar show when you are wearing you bathing suit or bra? I know that I am just sweating the small stuff, but I just do not want a odd scar that I have to explain to people that do not know about the surgery. Thanks for you info

I was wondering I am considering the surgery I need to lose weight because I need a transplant. And I have tried everything else and at this point my life depends on it. How long can I expect to wait until I can get the surgery.

Hi all, I am trying to convince my husband that I need this surgery, prior to now, it has not been covered by my health plan...and now that it is, I need some questions answered and this looks like the best place, SO HI!!! and I am sure that this will be a haven through this process...Danielle

My name is Mary and after avoiding my weight issue my whole life I am starting this journey of l/b surgery. I'm frustrated that after finally taking the leap to get healthy and drop tonnage that my ins. is making me go through 6 months of dietician management before reviewing to approve this procedure.:sad: I'm going to be turning 40 at the time the surgery should be taking place if all goes as planned. I guess I'm mad at myself for not confronting my weight sooner. So here I am; the best is yet to come... right?:confused2:

hello my name is trudi and im new to this website i just happen to stumble on it by accident lol im in the process of going through the steps needed to get lapbanding done iv had my 6 months weight management already and waitng for the insurance to get back in touch to figure out what to do next iv been overweight almost all my adult life im almost 36 im 5 foot 3 and weigh as of today 263 i really started gaining weight after my oldest daughter was born shes 11 years old i also have a 6 year old to im defidently ready for the road im traveling but im scared that i wont be able keep up with it once i get the banding done iv always been able to lose weight mostley by star…

my doctor has memtioned the lapband for me. I am looking for information about what to expect before and after. I have two 9 year old girls and need to make a good decision the first time. I have started reading information on the procedure but want to know about the LIFE side of the process. I have mixed feelings over what I have found so far. this is a big thing for me and I don't know if I am alone in that or not.

Hello Everyone. I'm not new to this site, but I have been away for awhile, so I'll re-introduce myself. I am 62 years old and was banded 2 years ago. I've lost about 85 lbs and am at goal weight. I see that many of you are RVers and snowbirds. One year ago, DH and I retired, put our belongings in storage and hit the road. Still love it. I keep busy with counted cross stitch (I'm Stitchy ), knitting and other textile crafts.

Hi, my name is Lisa and I have just started my journey to a new and better life. I went to a short seminar and saw a doctor. My BMI is 37 but I may be able to qualify if they can find some co-morbidities. I called my insurance company today, BXBS Federal Employee Program, with the Standard Option. The woman I talked to was unable to clarify co-morbidities for me. The best she could come up with was diabetes, which I don't have, not yet anyway. My father and his brother both had diabetes, as did my mother's father. Both of my mom's parents had hypertension and now my mother has it. I am afraid that eventually I will come down with both diabetes and hypertension if I contin…

Hello everyone. This is my first time on this site and have already found some very useful information, so thanks a million! I was banded last Friday, May 23 in Memphis, TN at Baptist Hospital. My surgeon is Dr. George Woodman (who is very good at what he does but lacks any personality) and was wondering how some people have been able to return to work 3 days post-op. I don't know about anyone else, but I consider my pain tolerance to be very high but the left side of my body hurst like crazy. I am taking my pain medicine around the clock because I don't want the pain to become just unbearable. Also, my entire abdomen is so tight from gas. I wouldn't be able to go to wor…

Hi all, I am being banded on 28th May in Adelaide, Australia. I am really excited that it's only 10 days away! I started the process in September 07 so it's great to know the wait is finally over. I had heaps of questions about banding, such as vegan Meal Replacements and whether flying affects the band, but so far these have all been answered already on this forum! I have gained lots of valuable information from here so I thought I had better join. I will let you know how the banding goes :thumbdown: