Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am 39 years old and have been struggling with my weight since about high school. Although, looking back at pictures, I wasn't really overweight until after I got married. I put on about 30lbs in the first year. I worked out every day and watched what I ate and lost most of it. Then joined the US Army and got down to 129, I was so excited and couldn't believe how good I looked and how much energy I had. About two years later I delivered a healthy 9lb boy. Unfortunatley, I was 201lbs at delivery! I suffered from toxemia and gained a lot of water weight. I think I was so depressed being so heavy that I ate and replaced each ounce of the water weight I lost with a poun…

hey everyone!!! i had the french midband placed in dec 07. i have only lost about 20lbs though. dr. de la garza in monterrey placed it. he was wonderful!!! i did my research but i had not heard of the midband until i got to monterrey. doc said that since i had so much scar tissue (from previous open RNY) the midband would be better option. i didn't know i could not get a fill for it in the u.s. i haven't has a fill yet because i would have to go back to mexico. does anyone know of a good place, somewhere remotely close to georgia to get the midband filled. thanks guys

Sorry, needed to test signature and wasn't sure where to put it?

Hi all, I just wanted to take a minute and introduce myself. I was banded on Jan 29th, 2008. I had my first fill on March 19th. I have only lost about 6 lbs since then but have been working out about 4 day a week consistantly since the fill. I have lost 4 inches in my waist and lost 2 inches everywhere else. I feel great! I am just wondering why I am not losing the pounds? Any advice or support anyone could offer would be greatly appreciate it! NO REGRETS! Angie :frown:

Hi Everyone! I have been cleared for my band and will find out next week the date of my surgery. I'm excited and scared all at the same time. I'm so looking forward to getting rid of my fat clothes, feeling good and getting in shape so, I can enjoy myself again! I am sick and tired of being overweight and limited in my activities. I am so ready to get out there and be active again! Please share your success with me, I'd love the encouragement going into this. Thanks so much! And, again, I'm happy to join you all on this incredible journey. Marie:rolleyes2:

Hello All! New to the board. I just made the decision this week to pursue banding. I am self pay so basically the only big decision I have is what Doctor/Center to choose. I would love any advice on the surgery itself or any Atlanta related advice. I am 41 years old and currently weigh 285 lbs. I am excited about pursuing this option and excited to meet people in the same boat as me :frown:

I have been overweight for years and obese for the last several years. I left the Army in 1989 and weighted 174. I work at a desk job and I have worked long hours over the last 18 plus years which has added to my weight. I also seem to eat a lot during the time our children were in the womb. I ate when my wife ate during this time which was at all hours of the day & night. I gained weight with her. She had the children (a girl in 1997 & a boy in 2000) and lost her weight. However, I did not. I have been over 250 lbs for the last at least 6 years. I can not seem to lose weight through diets. If I do lose weight, I always seem to gain twice the weight back once the …

Hello All! I was banded on 4/21 by Dr Johnson and already down 18 pounds :wink2:! I am so excited! Is anyone here from the ATL?

Hello. My name is Christine. I am 31 and a mother of three and wife to a wonderful husband. I see the surgeon on the 6th to discuss the Lap Band.:sad:I hope he will take me as a patient. My surgeon is Dr. Cahn in Boise, Idaho. I am 5 ft 5 in and weigh 280.4. My BMI is 46.7. UGH!!! I have everything my insurance wants so hopefully it will go through. I am hoping and praying for the best. I eat healthy most of the time and don't generally eat too much but I still seem to gain. It is very frustrating, so I finally had enough and decided to do the surgery. Well, I'll see y'all later. Gotta go wrangle kids. Thank you for letting me join, I don't think I could do this on my own…

Yesterday I had the first visit with my doc to discuss the LapBand... much to my surprise, she seemed very unenthused about the whole thing. She said she has had a few patients with the lapband and they are doing very well, but was very... I don't know, unsupportive I guess, though she said "yes, I think the time is coming that you need to do something" I'm wondering if that is because of the whole 6 months supervised diet thing that my insurance requires, she was sorta "well... we've never run into an insurance company that requires that before, most doctors are too busy for that". So now what? She gave me the number for the hospital near here (still an hour and a h…

Hi - I am new to this site. I've just made the decision to have the lap band done. I've done the introductory and meet with the surgeon in about 10 days. I'm excited and aprehensive. I've tried every diet known to womankind and nothing has lasted. My fear is this is just another one. I know several people that have had the surgery, some successfully, some not so. They all seem to be happy they've done it. The part I am having the hardest time wrapping my mind around is the idea of only eating 1/2 cup of food at a meal. That's about 3-4 bites. I've always loved to cook and eat and this will be such an uncomprehensible change. Fortunately I have incredible suppor…

Hi, I'm new to the forum and very glad to find such large site for lapbands. I got my lapband done in Houston with the same doctor that my sister used. She was banded on 12/12/07 and I finally got mine done on 12/21/07. I have lost 29 lbs. but hit a standstill last week as I didn't lose anything this past week. I did have alot of pain and discomfort after sugery and still have pain at the port site. My port is on the left, below my left breast just nearly right on my bra line, on top of my ribs. That has been the most painful part of my surgery. I'm hoping this will go away as it is very annoying at the moment. I'm also finding it hard to get my protein and water in each …

I wasn't sure how to "post' but i think I've got it now! For the last few weeks I've been serioulsy considering the Lap Band procedure ( I really want the easyband...). I was very much impressed with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterey, Mexico. I decided to go to a 'informative" seminar about the procedure, locally, (at a hospital in Salem, Ma.). After the seminar, I was a bit depressed about the info I heard. I know they're a hospital and have to cover themselves (or is it the insurance companies?) and I never thought is was going to be easy street. I do work out regularly and eat well balanced meals, but the restrictions were many....i.e. coffee, nsaids,alchohol,smoking etc...e…

Hello all I am new to this site. I am already banded. I started the process in Sept 2007 . You know the 3 hour seminar. Then saw the Dr in November. I weighed in at 288. I didn't look it though. Yes I heard why don't you diet,just cut back ,blah blah blah. Well It all started about 14 years ago when I was in the service. I went from 126lbs to 220lbs all in 2 years. Wow . Well after seeing the surgeon in November I thought OK easy road now. Well a prior leg injury held me up. But I finally got cleared. So on Mach 14th I got banded. Over all it was really tough. I was in such pain for 4 weeks until the stitches let go.They say they sew your flesh to your muscle so you don'…

Hi everyone! I am 32 and the proud Mumma of a very active two year old! I've been overweight all of my life but got really big during my pregnancy and haven't really been able to move past the point I am at now. I am in touch with a gal in my area that had the surgery and she has inspired me so much. I researched the LapBand last year, but wasn't really motivated. I'm a little confused about the process with insurance. I go to my first seminar May 6th, and I'm am assuming I'll get a lot of info there. Today I spoke with someone at the Weight loss center I want to go through and she explained to me that I must have a BMI above 40 - mine is 53.8. I have Aetna -…

Hello I've been reading the posts. Amazing things are going on!! I had my nutritional and medical eval yesterday. The Drs think I'm a good candidate for the lap band. I've studied everything, I know people that had the gastric bypass. I'm a bit nervous. Its a huge change. I hope it will be a good change. Currently I have diabetes and sleep apnea. I hate that CPAP machine. It's just awful. I havent told my mom that I'm having the surgery. I mentioned once to my brother that I was considering it and mom called that nite crying her eyes out. So I wasnt going to tell her. I think I will have too. My daughter says she will be too hurt if I don't and I can s…

I am planning on having surgery in April with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. Can anyone tell me their experiences with him and his staff?

I just made my surgery date 9-13-07 I am scared to deth and so dang excited I have waited for this for so long I have a wonderful Husband who has been working so hard to pay for my band and we did it, :whoo: advice and encouragement woul help.

Hello all, I've just been banded and so far seem to be OK. My calves hurt and taking deep breaths hurt. Is this normal? How long will it last?

I have PCOS and can't loss weight to save my life. Anyone out there have the band and doing good? Thanks, Shelly

Hi I am new and just starting my journey. I go for my seminar on June 2 and then have to begin the process. I am pretty sure I will have to pay myself. But i am willing to do that if I have too. Have plenty of questions BUT a learning alot going through the diffrent sites and reading the threads. I will be having mine done in Charlotte NC at New HOPE BARRIATRICS, any body had their banding done there. I AM Excited and hopeful. MY Husband is worried but I am very hopeful it will be soon. thanks everyone in advance for the support and forgive me for any foolish questions. Thin within

Hi, My name is Joe. I was banded on 4/29/08 in St Petersburg FL. I have tossed the idea around for a year, and finally made the decision a few months ago to follow thru. My surgeon was Dr Rehnke and it was performed at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. I am 55 and have a 4-1/2 year old daughter that I would like to be around for, so that was my big motivator to have it done. When I told her that I was having the surgery, she said, dad, I hope you don't lose your fat arm, it's a comfortable pillow for me. From the day that I started the Protein drinks until surgery, I have lost around 30lbs.

Hi Everyone, I am a month away from my last evaluation prior to submitting to my insurance (Aetna). My Lap Band doctor is Dr Wright (So Great) and my Nutritionist is Julie whom I think is wonderful for helping re-think a lot of my terrible eating habits. I have taken what Julie has taught me and began practicing them at home. My sons have caught on to some of the basics and have lost a few pounds on their own. Who would have taught chewing food 15-20 times before swallowing could make such an impact (wow)? I am waiting for the day when I am told that I am scheduled for the Lap Band. I hear so much about the Lap Band and all the things I will have to change before it can…

Hey I am new to this forum. I was banded 3 weeks ago and am in the all get that ticker to transfer to this site? Silly question, but I'm not really computer saavy. Thanks:cool2:

:confused2:I was banded 4/22 and since have a very strange taste in my mouth. It seems like I am constantly brushing my teeth to get the taste out of my mouth. Is this common or not?

I had my lap-band surgery 3/18/08. I have been heavy for many years, but a couple of years ago I managed to lose about 80 lbs. I gained about 25 lbs. back and so I decided to get the band. Since 3/18 I managed to lose about 32 lbs as of the 4/28. I weighed in the 28th and also got my first adjustment. I don't feel any different with or without the adjustment. I'm still hungry. I can still eat very large amounts of food if I let myself and I can chug a 20oz glass of water. It does'nt sound normal to me. If anybody has had many adjustments please tell me what it is suppose to feel like. My name is Bob and I live in N.C.. I'm 68 yrs old in June. My wife and I l…

I am in the process of sorting through some things in my life. My weight is something that I have dealt with for the past 13 years. Yo Yo diets -- no longer-- I am done with them.. I am thinking about doing the Lap Band. Tomorrow is my first consultation. I am pretty excited yet nervous. I hope that the Lap Band will finally "assist" me at putting an end to my weight loss battles. I need a lot of support right now because this is something that I have never considered. I always said I would never get a weight loss surgery! BOY! I am eating my words big time… My current weight is 247 and I also have recently been told that my cartilage in my knees has deteriorated …

I have to go back, Friday for hospital lab work and start my 2 week liquid diet. YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay with me people, I know having all of you beside me; helping, will get me through it all. D'

Hi! I am new, and posting so that silly banner at the top will go away (smile). My insurance carrier, Uniform Medical, recently announced it was adding bariatric surgery for the first time under its new plan. I don't know if that will include Lapband, or not. I am considering having Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX as a surgeon and self-pay if insurance doesn't cover. Right now, I am just here trying to gather information on side effects and how the tool works. ::wave:

Just really geting started. I am going to an informational meeting tonight in St. Louis. A friend led me to this sight so I am starting here. Will be interested in any help or referrals in St. Louis Mo.

Hi, everyone, I wanted to introduce myself. Im a 30 year old Female, in the process now for the surgery. Today I found out that they had submitted all info to the insurance company. So Im a little nervous about that and at the same time excited. I have BCBS of NC, and from what I hear they are really good with approvals. So, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi. And hope I get a lot of helpful answers to some questions, and as my experience gains, I hope to be helpful to others. :biggrin2:

I am having my lapbanding 5.5.08 and will be posting my progress They say men have more problems with the op than women

After a long journey I have finally gotten my surgery date for the Lap Band. It is on May 19th. I am sooooooo looking forward to it. Imagine that looking forward to surgery...LOL. I know this is a start of a second new life for me. The first one being a cancer survivor of lymphoma....5yrs now!!! I know this is going to work for me. After all I'm a fighter!!! This body is not going to get the best of me cause I still have the will to get myself to a thinner me!!! Looking forward to suggestions and help along the way. I have a lot of support with 4 people in my life that have had the surgery and are doing fantastic. God Bless you all!!! Fran :thumbup:

Hi my name is Kim, aka Huggie Bear, and I hear about this site last night at a lapband support group meeting. I am scheduled to have my surgery May 13, and can not wait!!! I look forward to getting to know people here and sharing and laughing and crying along with you. I hear I get to start the "fun" pre surgery diet here very soon, I guess I'll hear all about that tomorrow at my final appointment with my surgeon. Look forward to getting to know others Huggie Bear:thumbup:

Hi everyone, I am 6 days post op and doing alright. I was banded at Scott and White in Temple, Texas on 4/24/08. I have been checking this website out for a couple weeks and it has been really helpful. I am still in some pain especially at the port sight, but not too bad I am trying to quite taking the meds. I am finally starting to get hungry and that worries me, I do not want to start to overeat already!! I am like everyine else and can't wait for the weight to come off, but so far I have only lost about 8 lbs, still about 70 to go. Good Luck to everyone and let me know how your journey is going:thumbup:

Hi everyone, I have been lurking here for a long time, and so many of you have been incredibly helpful to me in this process. At first it was really hard to face my family with this idea, but you guys gave me the courage. I'm sorry I didn't post sooner, but it seems like I never knew what to say. Well anyway, tommorrow I am off to surgery and I want everyone to know that I will keep you posted on how it goes. I think I might even try this blog thing lol. This community armed me with the information i needed to seek out and prepare myself for what to expect and how to look for a credible surgeon. I am going with a non-us doctor, so I am a little scared but yo…

:thumbup:hey everyone i though this would be somthing everyone should see and read this is awsome and wonderfull i have put a link at the bottom go see it and take a look it will blow your mind thanks http://www.wltx.com/FYI/story.aspx?storyid=61475

Hey everyone! i've been lurking around here for a few months now, finally decided to join in! i just had my first appt with the doc last week and am so excited to start my new life! i will be seeing dr. warnock out of wichita falls tx. I should be banded within the next 6 weeks. i've been fat my whole life. larger now than i have ever been. its time for a change! looking forward to talking with everyone and i'm so glad that i have support through this!

Just wanted to introduce myself. Im Ashlee, was banded on 4-4-08 and im from southeast Texas. Ive been a lurker for awile but decided to go ahead and register today and say hey to everyone! Everything is going great so far, i love my lapband! I look foward to chatting with people.

:blushing: I had Lap Band surgery Fri Apr 18th. It will be 2 weeks on Friday. Holy cow. I am already starting to eat regular foods. I chew chew chew really good and the good news is that I get full sooo QUICK, I am just afraid. I know I am still healing and scar tissue is forming. I haven't gotten sick or thrown up which I know is a huge deal not to do at least in the first 2 months. Has anyone else indulged too soon post-op? Was your doctor totally upset? Is anyone out there that had band slippage or had the top part of their pouch stretched out. I feel so disappointed with myself. I was doing well. I was down 10 pounds just one week after surgery. I guess this is the ki…

Hi everyone! This is my first post and I'm so happy to have found this site. I'm just starting the process and have my 1st appointment with Dr. Geiss on Tuesday (4/15). I've learned so much by visiting here and I'm looking forward to my journey and meeting new friends here along the way. Lisa

Hi all, hope everyone is doing well. I've been overweight all my life and have tried about everything out there to lose weight. After seeing the commercials about Lap Band I thought this would be something great for me. I'm scheduled to attend my first information seminar on May 13th here in Tallahassee. Any advice or information that anyone can give me I would greatly appreciate it (where to start the process, what to expect, how to deal with an HMO for approval, etc.)

Hello. I am thankful for this website and look forward to dialogue with all of you. I was banded on April 25 and am doing just great. My biggest complaint is that my left shoulder has been hurting since the surgery. I was told by an anesthesiologist in the hospital that it is referred diaphragm pain and also from the air administered to the belly to view your organs during surgery. And, I am getting alittle bored with this liquid diet, but I have lost 9 pounds already. This is amazing for me because I cling tenaciously to weight despite being a very athletic person. Looking forward to talking with you all!

I started my journey towards Lap Band in January 2008, my surgery is to be sometime in July. I am starting to get a little nervous about what is to come. I'm doing well reminding myself eat every few hours small amounts of food to keep my metabolism up and re-training myself. I also carry a Water bottle around with me constantly so I remind myself to get enough fluids. I am going to Pittsburgh Bariatrics in Fox Chapel area (St. Margaret's Hospital) and my doctors are Dr. Means and Dr. Quinlin. They tell me that this particular place is a "Source of Excellence" in the bariatrics arena. I enjoy going to the meetings every month and have learned so much about the body …

Before I had surgery I was checking out as many protein shakes as I could since I knew they would be a big staple after surgery and I wanted to make sure I liked what I decided on not just have to endure them. I use the Medifast 55 shakes (these are for women and the Medifast 70 shakes are for men) which I like 10 times more than the Unjury and others. They just don't taste medicinal and they have several flavors, Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Vanilla, Orange Creme and Mocha (which can be heated like a hot chocolate). I'm a picky eater and these honestly just taste like real good flavored shakes. They have 15 grams protein and I add in a scoop of powdered protein to add …

Hello Group. Wanted to say hi. My name is Jake and I was banded on 4/24/08 in Houston, Texas. Need to lose about 70lbs (180lbs goal Weight). My wife is having her band done on May 7th. We are going to take this journey together.

This is my first post. I had lap band surgery on March 25, 2008 and got my first fill on April 23. So far so good. I was sooooo happy to get off of the liquids and pureed foods. I still mash my food and chew like crazy but I have lost a total of 37 pounds since I filled out the surgery application a year ago. The doctor wanted me to lose 15 pounds before surgery but I lost 22 pounds before surgery. My doctor is Dr. Jay Jan in Portland, Oregon. Lap Band is the best tool for me to lose weight. I haven't had any problems so far. Would love to hear from you'all for any tips that might help me lose some more lbs. Any good recipes? Barbara

Hello everyone, I registered at this site awhile ago but up till now really did not post anything. Well, I am excited to say that I have finally received a date for surgery. My date for surgery is May 7th by Dr.Khalili at Ceders Sinai Bariatric center here in Los Angeles. Has anyone here have the procedure done here or having done here? I guess as I learn to use this site I can do the animation of my weight journey that so may of you have. Where do you find that stuff? Thanks, Dawn On My Way!!!!!!!!!!!

howdy all, I am scheduled for surgery 4-29-2008 (tomorrow at time of this posting) I am excited and ready to lose the weight. Surgeon is Dr. Richard Carter Arlington, Texas

I went to a seminar last night on bariatric procedures. The doctor spent the least amount of time discussing the lap band procedure. He spent more time discussing gastric bypass - which I am not interested in. Well, during the discussion he said lapbands are not good for "sweet eaters" because you cant have sugar, milk, or alcohol for the rest of your life. I asked him afterwards if that is true - because to me it doesn't seem like a way to live the rest of your life. He said this is a last resort - and no sugar because then you will have cravings for it. He also said his patients have fills every month for the first year. One question asked by someone at the seminar was …