Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, ya'll. Although I've been visiting this forum for a couple of weeks, this is my first post. I'm scheduled for surgery on May 14th. I'm so excited! I first talked with a doctor about Lap Band in early November about 3 1/2 years ago. It took a month or so to get through my psych and nutrition evaluations and get a referral from my PCP. We submitted the paperwork to my insurance company (Unicare) and I waited and waited. Finally on December 27, 2004, I was approved for coverage. Unfortunately my employer changed insurance companies effective the first of the year. Arghh! I begged my surgeon to figure out a way to get me in for surgery by December 31st but of…

Hi there. I have been doing my research on this site since January. I decided to schedule an appt with the surgeon in Feb, had my psych eval and sleep study in March and finally was approved. My primary ins. United Healthcare denied the request because there is an exclusion in the contract, but.. my secondary, Tricare Prime came through for me like I expected they would. I have an appt next week for my second visit with the surgeon, and at that time we will set a surgery date.

I'm a 24 year old recent college graduate and I'm scheduled to be banded on June 27th. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Patrick Yau of the TLBC in Toronto Ontario who has been one of the surgeons to introduce the laproscopic procedure to Canada about 8 years ago. I have to admit though, I'm still somewhat nervous about the surgery, not so much because of the possible complications but more so because I'm a huge needle phobic and both the pre-op blood test and the anesthesia IV are a huge source of anxiety for me. This fear has really dominated my life, at times making me avoid medical procedures like simple blood draws or getting a flu shot. So in addition to introduc…

now I know that the answers to my question are on this board somewhere....but cant find it..I met with the surgeon last week. He asked me to lose weight going forward. Well, duh if i could have done it before for longer than 2 days i wouldnt be thinking of banding ! anyway I tried slimfasts' program. I was SOOO nauseated that on the 2nd day i modified it a tad to eat more food...I know pre and post banding we go on liquid protein like medifast but the nausea it can cause (or so I read somewhere) will for me be the worse part. If you got nauseated pre or post banding, what did you find that helped ?:confused2:

Hello, I just made an apointment and put down money to start with going foward with the lapband procedure. Luckily I found out that my insurance Company ( Blue Cross of CA PPO) covers the procedure, covers 80% and after $1000.00 wil cover 100%. I am 45 years old and I wiegh 255 lbs, BMI of 36.5. I have had Type II diabetes since I was 37 and I am sick of it, it's a constant battle to keep my sugar levels down. I have lost 20 lbs. since the last 3 months I was wieghing 275. I was wondering if I will loose too much weight before surgery will my insurance not cover me. Also if and when I have my surgery I was hoping to get rid of my diabetes problem, has anybody had good re…

My insurance has an exclusion clause for WLS but will pay for the hiatal hernia operation, Can these surgeries both be done at the same time and the Surgeon work with a discount on the surgery I will be self pay for the actual WLS . Help

Good morning... I'm just starting to research the Lapband. I've been reading this forum for a few days and thought I'd just say Hi... I am going to attend a seminar in Reno in the next few weeks... I'm hoping that if I get approved by insurance that I can have the surgery in Reno rather than Sacramento... Is attending the seminar the first step or should I see my primary physician first? Thanks!

I scheduled my surgery for May 22nd. Since I am self pay, the process has been pretty quick for me. I had my first appointment yesterday. I also start the 2 weeks of Optifast tomorrow. I am starting to wonder if I am going the right thing. How am I going to get through the first 2 weeks of Optifast?

Hi, my name is Donna W. I was banded on February 13, 2007. I lost 30 lbs prior to surgery and another 30 after surgery. So, I lost a total of 60 lbs. I still needed to lose 40 more, but developed bulimea about 4 months after surgery. I am now in an eating disorder group and have stopped throwing up, but have put back on 30 lbs. I am very frustrated and mad at myself. Any body else out there struggling with the same thing or anyone who has over come it?

Hi, I did not lose any weight during my 6 month pre-surgery diet plan...in fact I gained a bit.....Will I have a probelm getting insurance approval because of this? Has this happend to anyone? Leslee

OK, this is going to sound crazy!!! Today I did my my pre-admission blood work surgery scheduled for thursday 05/08 and now I am scared out of my mind. I have been so excited about getting this surgery done now that it is here I have butterflys, or I am just a big chicken! Any words of wisdom and experience would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! Thanks! Michele

Hey there, everyone! After spending quite some time online, researching weight loss surgery, I've decided to become a member here to get some first-hand experiences and information! My name is Laura, I'm 21 and have been substantially overweight the majority of my life. I've tried it all, as early as 7th grade, but nothing has worked in the long-term. Two years ago, I was my smallest at 5'8, 229lbs. Today I'm weighing in at 345lbs. and am at the point of desperation. I'm hoping that Lap-Band may be the answer I need. I'll be around the forums, finding out more about the procedure. This is something I'm very interested in, and hope to eventually become another success …

Hello, I'm Tina. I've been lurking on LBT, have posted a few times but have not officialy outted myself...until now. I live in CT. My dr is Dr Aranow in middletown. I dont have a surgery date yet but I'm hoping to have the band done at the end of June. I go for my pysc eval on wed :thumbup:. I'm taking a deep breath and hope it all goes well. I saw my Dr last month and he told me to lose 10# before my surgery. I have lost 8 and now Im at a stand still. I am craving a frappuccino real bad. I think perhaps if I allowed myself one the craving will go away. My BFF says no its the suger I'm craving to stay away. I have not had a frappuccino or latte in three weeks. My dr sa…

I'm scheduled to meet the doctor on Thursday to discuss the first steps in this process. I've already taken some blood tests so he can have a look when im there. I'm scheduled to see Dr. Woodhead in Delta, BC. I've heard good things about him. Not to mention he's only a ferry ride from where I am. This is going to be a self-pay visit all the way thru. I have to say my timing isnt very good as I'm getting married in 4 months, but this is something I have gone back and forth with too long. Promised myself I can do it on my own, only to go back 2 steps. The money seems soo minimal in the schemes of things. 14, 000 is a large chunk to swallow though. My question to those of…

Hi All, I am new to this. I have been thinking about having the lap band procedure for a few years. But have just been more nervous than anything. Then my cousin had the surgery last April and she has lost about 50 pounds. It has given me more motivation. I am now just more sick of being overwieght and not being able to keep up with my son. I am a single mom, so to me it's everything, being able to keep up with him. Also I have been having terrible pain in my hips and both of my knees, which I know is due to the excess weight. (i'm 5'3 1/2 and 252 pounds) I really am at a point where I want to change my unhealthy lifestyle and I think the lap band will allow me to do th…

Hi there everyone! Im 18 and I weigh 328 pounds. I know... it's awful. My mom and I were doing really good, we went to our appts where they meet u and take your pic and ur weight and all that. i hadn't had 6 months of documented "dieting" proof or whatever they ask of you, so my mom and i both started working at that. well as always, i fell off the wagon and just haven't been motivated to get this process done yet. my mom just got approved for her surgery yesterday and now im super jealous and wish i was as strong as her and that i would've stuck to it too... could anyone give me motivation or your own personal sucess stories? did you have any problems like this?…

Hello Everyone! I've been coming here and reading post since February and am thankful for this site and all the people that post their experiences on her. I have learned so much and am ready to take the journey. I have been given a surgery date....JUNE 6th ! I will be banded by Dr. Garth Davis at University General Hospital in Houston, Texas. I was told that I will have to be on a liquid diet 1 wk prior to surgery, which I'm thankful that it wasn't 2 wks. I'm excited and nervous! I'm looking forward to talking and hearing from other June Bansters! I just want to say Thank You for all the support everyone offers to others... this site is truly a blessing!…

I am doing my homework to decide if banding is right for me.

Just wanted to say hi to everyone here, I am in the learning stage. I am gathering info, so I can make a life changing decision. I have to lose weight period, I can no longer "live to eat", I must "eat to live". Something is kinda funny though, how come people can easily go out and spend $20,000-$30,000 on a car, but have a hard time investing money in a healthy LIFE? I will be doing alot of reading, hope to make a friend or two along the way. :wink2:

Hello! I joined our merry band (if you'll excuse the pun) last Friday - April 25. The operation was performed here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I'm working at the moment and I'm really happy with the progress so far. My weight when I went in was 123.5kg (275.5lbs) and I'm now at 119kg (262lbs) but most of that is due to going without fluids and food for a few days I should imagine. Anyway, thought I'd join up to share my progress and draw on your advice as the months pass by. It's nice to meet you all! :biggrin2:

I'm scheduled for my first consultation in two weeks, I just saw a post saying something about giving up diet soda. Are you not allowed to drink it for pre/post op or forever? If so, anyone know why? Sorry but I love my diet coke! (I am however willing to give it up for weight loss, :tt1:)

hi there, my name is wendy, i was banded on 4-11-08 in Coos Bay Oregon. I have lost 25lbs todate. Struggling abit. But all in all doing well. Had a bit of a lull for about a week and half. But know have started to loose again. That was fustrating. Looking for some support and some people to talk with.

:confused2:I am really looking hard at having this surgery but I am afraid it will just be another waste of time and money......if I don't have the discipline to eat right and exercise now what makes me think that I will be able to do it after the surgery? But I also see how many people it has worked for, and they didn't all get fat like me unless they were binging and eating in excess before too....so what is the secret? How can I make it work for me this time?

Hello, I'm five days post op of having my five year old band replaced, in addition with a lot of scar tissue, and a hiatal hernia repaired. I was very active on another forum years ago and am looking forward to getting back into it again. I look forward getting to know you! Kim

I had lap band 5-14. I had to go to Mexico. I realize now that the fills are going to cost me more than I thought. I am looking for a doctor in Sacramento area who does fills. can anyone help me out. thanks

Hi there! I am new to the site and am scheduled for surgery on Thursday afternoon. I am soooo nervous but look forward to my new way of life. Any pre or post surgery pointers would be very helpful! Thanks!

Received my band on April 28th. Dr. Rohrer did the surgery. I am only a week into the program and have experinced the same pain problem in my shoulder. I was told it was to be expected. Guess I am normal? I need to loose about 75lbs.

I had my lap band prodedure on March 6th. I felt really good after the surgery, I had no complications other than I got tonsilitis during recovery and couldn't keep anything down. That was a pain but I feel better now. I have my first follow up appointment with my doctor this Thursday so I am excited to see how much weight I have lost. Does anyone know what is the typical amount of weight loss? I am having major issues staying just on the liquid diet, I could kill for something to chew on. I am not a fan of the protein shakes, they make me really sick so I really need to find something that I can use that will get me my protein. Any suggestions?

Hi Cher here. I was banded on April 8,2008. Just looking for discusions and tips and support from people in the same situation.

I got my band 3/11/08 from Dr. Michael Wood From ABMI at detroit medical center I was going to get my first fill today 6 weeks post op and my Dr called and told me he has a new policy and will only be doing fills once a month and so don't come in till may 31. I will be 10 weeks post op this dosn't sound right. I've lost 38 pounds since I was banded but I'm getting hungry and eating more. I called my Dr. and he told me to have will power. my surgury was $27000.00 since he got paid I feel he is blowing me off what should I do. I don't want to take a step backward

I was banded on 4/22 in Elk City, Oklahoma by Dr. Henry Horillineo. I have not lost a whole lot of weight so far, 16 lbs, but am looking forward to finally being healthy and alot smaller than I am now. I am having problems finding Optifast to buy. I found my first case on Ebay, I dont like shopping on there. If anyone can help me with where to look for Optifast, I would be grateful!!:wink2:

just approved have a surgery date of june 30th

Hi everyone, I've been looking up information slowly for the past few weeks about getting a Lap Band and finally joined here. I really like everything I've been reading about the Lap Band and am seriously considering it. The problem is that I brought it up with my serious boyfriend last night to see what he thought about me getting it and he totally doesnt like the idea. He thinks that any type of weight loss sugery is pointless and that anyone can lose weight just through serious diet and exercise. So he is not supportive of my wanting to get a Lap Band and I have no idea what to do.

Hi! Just a quick intro from me. I'm Staci, I live in Nebraska. Surgery was Sept 2003 with Dr. Thomas White in Omaha, NE. I have currently a 149.5 pound weight loss. I am a 37 year old single Mom of a 16 year old daughter Randi. We own 3 animals...two orange tabby cats, P.Diddy and Missy. And one Morgan gelding, Mooney. Just found this forum, I never knew it exsisted!! I am so excited!!!:thumbup:

I just recently heard about the lap band technique. I'm doing a lot of reading and research. You all have been very informative so far. :thumbup:

Hi everyone! Ok, first of all- let me just say that I've been "lurking" here for quite a while now- I've just decided to jump on in and introduce myself. My name is Jess, I'm from Culpeper, Virginia, and I'm newly banded on April 30. I've spent hours reading the posts here, and I'm SO glad to know that some of the things I feel are being felt by others, its great to know I'm not alone! I've felt a little guilty reading some folks posts, with the troubles they seemed to go through in getting the surgery, after the surgery, etc etc. Because thus far for me everything has been a breeze. I went for my initial consultation on a Friday in February, and on Tuesday t…

Anyone out there use Dr. Felix Speigal in Houston?? I have gone to the seminar & am waiting to hear from insurance. It has been over a week now & it is still pending. Can anyone out there tell me their experience with them & insurance?? Is this normal?? I am so ready to get this all started:)

Banded 5 years and back to my original weight. A year ago I was so frustrated that I had my band unfilled. Over the last week I noticed my band was giving me pain after eating items I normally had no problems with. Usually this pain would start 2-3 hrs after eating. It has gone from 2hrs to 1 hr to 15' to immediate pain. It would be different foods not all items I ate, but now I am on liquids only for the last week. I am sure my band has slipped but am hoping it will take care of itself if I stay on liquids and soft foods for as long as needed. I am not to happy with my Doctor and I have different insurance now that does not cover any obesity procedures. i am stil…

I am considering lap band! I weight around 193lbs. I'm 5"7 and could afford to loose about 50lbs. I'm kinda nervous about going to Mexico to have this done and then having to go to a Doctor in the U.S. I know how dr.'s can be they can be rude b/c you did not have this surgery through them. Anyone with some encouraging words please help. Is it worth paying almost $8K for 50lbs?

I am so excited now that I have finally made the decision to take my life back!!! For the past 15 years... well really probably most of my life I have battled my weight! I am successful, have a terrific family... but the one thing I have failed at is my weight! It is my biggest regret. I've tried Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers... but it just doesn't work for me. I want to eat to live... not live to eat!!! I've always been against weight loss surgery as I saw it as a failure. I mean common how hard could it be to lose weight??? WRONG... it's been my life long battle and now as I just turned 43 I refuse to be fat any longer and I'm ready to get on with my life and live it.…

I started my pre-op liquid diet today. I am scheduled for May 19 in Kansas City with Dr. Price. I am nervous and excited. So far, this liquid diet stinks. I know it will be better in a couple days. I think I will have to get out and take a walk to get my mind off of food. The dog is on a diet too, so it will be good for both of us.

Hi!! I just wanted to say hello.. I went to the seminar last night. Does anyone know approx how long it takes for the doctors office to call and schedule an appt after the seminar?:thumbup: Also, I want to thank all of you. I have learned so much just reading your input...So, Thanks!!

I am going to discuss the Lap Band with my Dr next week and have a couple of questions. Does your skin sag a lot once you start losing weight or is it OK since the weight loss is slower? How long of a process is it from the time you visit with the doctor until you actually have the surgery? What do they make you do before you can get the surgery? I am a business person and have to go to business lunches a lot as well as luncheons where they serve you a pre-selected meal. How do you deal with this? Thanks for any help you can offer.

Hi! I am just starting the process . . . am sending in my medical history and such early next week. I'm self-pay and hope to be banded sometime in June. My BMI is 38 and I have sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, joint pain, etc. I'm soooo excited. I'm so ready for this! And I'm so happy to find this forum!

I'm so thrilled I found this site.I was banded on Nov.5,2002. I was on another site which covered everything from a to z,Glad to find a site just for people with Lap-Bands! Yeh! I'm soooooooo excited!

Stress, stress, and more stress has not let me sleep. This first consult is just freaking me out. What should I expect? Do I have to take my clothes off so they can pinch my fat or poke me with a stick like a zoo animal? Will I have to endure long and endless crazy talk with a shrink? Will she/he make me talk about my feelings and sit me on a comfy couch and try and braid my hair? Seriously. I'm so nervous. The consult is not until Monday, May 5th or as I like to call it...Stinko de mayo ..lol (light chuckle). Here its about 2:52am.....and I should be asleep. Age: 25 BMI: 38. something ( dont' remember ) crazy: I could be getting there...LOL nah its just t…

Hi, I am considering LapBand. The closest city to me in Las Vegas. Does anyone in the area have a great Doctor that they could refer me to? I am a diabetic and am hoping that this could get me off insulin. Thanks!! Kim

Im looking for anyone who has got this done and lives in the Yukon.I just want to know how you paid or if you where cover? Also how the band has worked out for you.:eek:

Hello, I have been banded on April 2, 08 in Tijuana by Dr. Ortiz. Everything was great. I have only lost about 8 lbs since then. Of course, I haven't had a fill yet. I am just now noticing that I am starting to get my old appetite back, so I think it's time for my first fill. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone here and hearing the good/the bad/and the ugly. My best to all of you, Helen:cool2:

Hi Everyone, I'm new here (getting banded in two days! YAY!) and was looking around the other day and saw a picture thread of everyone's incision scars. I wanted to show my boyfriend so he would know what to expect, but now I can't find it. Sorry this is probably the wrong place for this question, but nevertheless, can anyone help me out?