Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone, I am new to Lapband Talk. I got banded on Thursday, April 17th, by Dr. Mummford, ON, Canada. I feel great . .

Hi! Anyone else from New Mexico have the AP Lap Band? I am using Dr. Bruce Applebaum in El Paso, Texas, as there are no bariatric surgeons in New Mexico. We have to go to either Phoenix or El Paso. el Paso is a lot closer. I have been approved and am looking forward to this. Just wondering if anyone else has had the AP Lap Band and/or used Dr. Applebaum. Thanks!:thumbup:

hi all, I'm new from Tampa, FL, i got banded 4/2 at Tampa General (Dr Murr) so far I've lost 13 lbs since banded. looking forward to really having success along with others on the boards. best regards, Jay B

so lets start with me... 26, 5'9 and at 285 :crying: with a bmi of 42. i started gaining weight only about 3 yrs ago after i had my beautiful baby girl. I have tried diets i just cant seem to keep the weight off, im hungry all the damn time i cant seem to get a break,.... the weight justs keep piling on. Obesity runs in my family..moms side not to mention that she also has a gentic muscle desease called central core desease thats in the legs, which i have it, and my poor daughtor has it also. I walked normal and everything you wouldnt know it until i started to walk upstrairs our get off of the floor our attempt to run stuff like that. So with the weight problem my…

Hello, I am new to lapband talk. My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd. I am super excited but also nervous!!! I cant believe the day is almost here. I am sort of scared I am not going to remember everything I need to know (despite the many checklists).

Hi! Im just starting the process to get the Lapband. My insurance just decided to cover lapband this year. I can't wait til I get the surgery and start this new journey.

I'm David Martin, a here-to-fore commercial helicopter pilot. I've lost more than 900 pounds in my life but I'm heavier than ever. For 25 plus years I carried 220 pounds on a 6' 1" frame. Now, I'm at 346 and I lost an inch of altitude. I live outside of Cleveland...Texas on 13 acres of trees and tangle. This was my 54th and hopefully final move. I'm now training for alternative certification to teach middle school math. I badly need to lose 100+ pounds and change my lifestyle to keep it there. I have high blood pressure (controlled) and obstructive sleep apnea.:cursing::cursing::thumbs_down:

i just got my surgery dat may 1st i cant wait. i been thinking about this for over a year now and i am ready to start my life over again.

I am just learning my way through the lap band forum. I just got my surgery date which is May 12th!! Although I have been thinking about this for over a year, now that I have made the decision, it is all going so fast. Lots of things to do to get ready. I start my protein drink fast May 2nd. I would love to hear from thoes who are going through this to know what to expect and which products are most appealing. I want to connect with other people going through this whole process. I hope to find encouragement and positive support. I know this is not going to be a piece of cake (no pun intended) but if I can hear how others have made it through the first few weeks then I kno…

I was banded two years ago this May. I am very happy with my lapband. I have lost 65 pounds. I went from a size 20 to a size 12. Life is good. I love trying on clothes in the morning now. They actually fit! I have no high blood pressure= no medication. I have low cholesterol now, so no medication. My sleep apnea has improved. My feet no longer swell. I am more active. It's the best thing i've ever done for myself.:crying:

Just had my first bariatric visit - my doctor has a great 6-month pre-surgery program that consists of seminars, dr visits, phys consults. Great reading on this website - I'm a binge eater and a sugar hound - and after reading some of the comments, I'm wondering if the lap band is right for me?? Once a binger, always a binger?? Will I just find more inventive ways to eat candy (melt it in my mouth) and will I eat mass quantities and hurt myself? I was told to eat 60 grams of Protein a day to lose belly fat - I'll get weight in next month. How do I know how much protein is in the foods I eat? If I actually start losing weight, will I nee the surgery? Lots of quest…

Hello, my name is Yolanda and I am morbid obese. I have really been thinking about having the lap band surgery but I'm scared and I'm not sure if it is what I need to do. Does anyone have any insight on what would be helpful? Y

Hi! I'm Tiffany. I've been reading this website for weeks now and I figured it's about time I join in. The stories and information on this site have really emboldened me to make the first step in what i've heard is a long and rewarding journey. I'm going to be making an appointment with Dr. Earl Fox as soon as business hours start next week. I don't know what steps to expect yet or even if my insurance (well.. my dad's insurance lol. 19, still living with him and going to college) will cover it. I'm so nervous and trying not to get too excited because of how many times i've been dissappointed. Oh well. I'm just going to stay positive about it and hope for the best.

Hi, my surgery date is May 5th. I can't wait, because this two week diet is a real challange for me. I'm just at the cutoff for the surgery, and a lot of people are telling me I should't do the surgery. I know, and my family knows my life long struggles. I have their support, so I'll be ok. I hope to connect with some people with the same issues that I have. I live in south Florida, surrounded by beautiful, perfect bodies. I'm hispanic, so eating around my extended family is going to be "fun". I'm optimistic so WATCHOUT!:crying:

I finally got my Banding Date for April 28. I'm on my liquid diet now. BCBS of MN required a 6 month supervised diet and I completed that. During the 6 months I worked hard and lost almost 30 pounds. I used MyDailyPlate.com to log all the food I ate during those six months. It is a great website and very helpful to track what you eat. I plan to use it once I'm banded to keep track of my protein. I'm not nervous about the surgery, but I am nervous about "Will I be successful?". I have spent the last 8 months reading all I can about Lapband and I know some people are successful and others aren't. I pray that I will be strong enough to do this for the rest of m…

:tongue_smilie: VERY VERY NEW TO THIS. HOW HARD IS IT TO GET YOUR INSURANCE TO COVER THE PROCEDURE? MY BMI IS 40 W/ NO OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS

Hi, I am Bobbi and I am 3 day post op. I was really shocked at the pain and distress that I am having but I understand this should pass. I am 49 years old and decided it was time to do or die..literly! I started my journery in January and now there is no turning back. I keep picturing myself thin and energetic. I had surgery at Countryside Hospital by Dr. Ted Small. What a wonderful man! I truely want to be one of his success stories. I am looking for information and support on this journey. Bobbi

Hi everybody! I've been lurking around here for a few months now and this is my 1st post. I live in Atlanta and am getting banded April 29th. The entire process from my intial visit to surgery only took about a month and a half. After all my variour doctor visits, it turns out the only health issue I have is the extra weight I'm carrying around. I've been heavy all my life decided it's time for a change! All your success stories here have helped motivate me to go for it. I can't wait! Current weight = 281 Goal weight = 175

Hey, not sure what to do. I feel like I am at my last straw if I want to see my 3 boys graduate from high school. I want to know from the start to finish what the surgery consists of. The good and the bad. You know the tv shows only show the good parts. Is this really a nightmare? Help! skipper from georgia

Just wanted to say hello and to introduce myself. I have been lurking here for a couple of years now and finally decided to join. I was banded on March 12, 2008 at UT Hospital in Knoxville. Dr. Matthew Mancini is my doctor and he did a wonderful job!:thumbs_down: I have lost 32 pounds and two dress sizes since my surgery!:cursing: I have had a weight problem for most of my life and finally couldn't take it any longer. I was so miserable. I researched this surgery for years and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I was a self pay and don't regret one red cent! So, anyway...howdy! :biggrin2:

Hi my name is Chelsea and I live in Minnesota and I am getting banded on May 7th:lol:, my surgen is Sayeed Ikramuddin. I have been wondering this site and I am so confused on how to do things on here so if any one can help me that would be great.

I've done lots of research on this, but not sure what the actual process is? Do I start out with my PCP and then he'll direct me where/how to go from there?

My doctor asked me today, "How did you do it?" He knows all the ins and outs of banding and patient care but as he was congratulating me on my success he wanted to know how I did things so he could share them with other patients. I was banded by Dr. Daniel Huacuz, 2 visits for adjustments, then 2 visits for maintenance adjustments from Fill Centers. From a size 22 to a size 4/6. No problems, no issues like slipped band, leaks, port flipping, pouch stretching (and this is the one he sees the most). My response was "I let the band do it's job". I added that I didn't diet, as diets don't work. I began with small steps of changing my life and lifestyle. My eating hab…

Hello My name is Samantha and this is my first time logging on to the website. I am scheduled to get the lap band on 05 20 08. I am happy but I am scared out of my mind. I don't have a very comforting doctor. He is a good doctor he just does not have very good bed side manners. Ive had my gall bladder removed(the old way), ive had two children and I have had a breast reduction so this is not like this is my first surgery. I am just scared. I am only 25 yrs old and the only health problem that I really have is that every since I had my last child my blood pressure just wont seem to go down without me taking Water pills. What can I do to calm my self for the surgery? …

Hi- I'm Gwenn. Banding is scheduled for April 30 in Los Angeles. Cedars Sinai Hospital. Dr. Kahlili. I've been on and off this forum for months while doing the prep, etc. I find it very very big and a bit overwhelming. I'm hoping to find a group that's smaller to get to know. This is great for looking up something or asking a questions, but I'd like to see some of the same people hanging out and supporting each other through this. Does that exist within the board? Any suggestions? I'll be back on Tuesday. Thanks-Gwenn

I am going to get ssi ,medicare and medi-cal soon .I have been overweight since '75,I am 40 now and am obese, bmi at least 50. I am considering Lapband.I live in Downey California. About 3 cities to the east of L.A. ;and 1 city south.I am looking for suggestions on what to do 1st.I must wait for all my insurance to kick in. I am not sure when! I think nthey will let me have the surgery because of: diabetes ,sleep apnea,congestive heart failure,hypertension and other things. How do i go about finding a place next to where i live? :blushing: I am from Montebello originally,been in Downey since '94.I take care of my nephew and parents who work part time and retired.I also wa…

I just got my referral from my family doc and am waiting for an appointment. My BMI is 43, and I am currently miserable, lots of health issues. Hope this works!!!!!

My name is Sharon and I'm hoping to have band surgery in the next few months. If I can get one last piece of paperwork by next Tuesday when I meet with the surgeon, it'll go to Aetna for approval. I frantically dieting to try to show my "commitment" and hope it goes well. I am diabetic and have arthritis in my joints, so hopefully that and 100 lbs overweight will buy me a lap-band. I'd love to find a lap-band buddy (male or female) in the Henderson area to give moral support and maybe walks. Anyone out there? :redface:

Hello Everyone !! My name is Kim. Im a 42 yr old 1st time excited grammy to be and I live in MI. I had my surgery on Jan. 9th, 08 and this wk Ill be getting my band filled for the 1st time. The delay comes from complications after surgery because the incision over my port tore when I fell after I came home, I lose feeling alot in my legs due to a back injury and at the time it wasnt a bad tear (went to ER) but after 4 more trips to the ER the incision had became about 5 inches in length and was gettin infected from bein so open. ughh Soo after several weeks of antibiotics and prayers to avoid having the port removed it is now healed nice with the exception of an ugly sc…

Let me start off by saying that I have been addicted to this site for a couple of months. I finally decided to sign up today! I initially thought about getting the lap band done but I didn't know how to go about it. One day I went to the Dr.'s for heartburn and my Dr. was busy so I got the next Dr. in line. I met Dr. Lee that day, he had had it done 6 mths. before and he totally set me up for everything. I have Aetna HMO and he gave me referrals to see everyone he went to see. I went to Dr. Storey's seminar (the Dr. that did Dr. Lee's) and spoke to the girls there. About a week after, I called his office to get an appointment and spoke to Brittney. I asked her what all I …

Yes I'm ready !! More then ever ! To ready to wait over a year to have done, but I will do whatever it takes. I have health net HMO insurance. I went to my first doctors apt yesterday where my doctor informed me that i would have to see the doctor every month for 6 months to weigh in and also show them a journal of everything that I've eaten for that month. After that is completed then I need to see a dietitian, a psychiatrist and so on and so on...it can take up to a year and a half. Is It worth it ? I've been over weight all my life. I have tried sooo hard to lose it. Now that I'm a mother there are so many things that I want to do with my children that I don't h…

Well, I finally took the plunge today. I had a consultation with a bariatric surgeon after attending the bariatric surgery center's seminar and I'm going to DO IT!!! I've been heavy all my life, tipped the scales at 299 today, my divorce will be final on May 21st, leaving me a single mom to four kids, and darnit, I am going to do this for myself. The next 20 years or so will be focused on raising my babies, but this, again, is for me. I'm tired of wearing a fat suit and having every single thing I do overshadowed by my awareness of being the fat girl in the room. I'm tired of being relieved when someone fatter than I am is around. I'm tired of not being able to sho…

Well today is my final appt. with PCP and then paperwork is sent off to insurance. I have AETNA and surgeons office tells me they are a quick approval. I've been at this since first week of January. So ready for this to be done!!

Hi my name is Lynne. I am new to this site, and thought I would introduce myself. Starting last March, I had been trying to work with my insurance company to try to get them to let me get the lap band surgery. They did not seem to want to work with me at all, so for the time being I gave up on it. My step daughter became a pest, telling me that I needed to do something about my weight because I was becoming more and more unhealthy. Finally I started researching on the internet about getting loans and such to try to pay for the surgery when I happened across an advertisement for having the surgery done in Mexico. When I researched it further, I found out that the cost was …

I am so excited; I am now waiting to hear on my insurance approval and I will be banded in June!! I have great insurance and don't expect a problem because I meet every requirement and have 4 co-morbidities. I feel confident in my choice of Surgeon and in my decision. I want to say that this confidence is in large part due to all I have learned in this forum. Thank you to all of of you who post here. Your stories, insights, struggles, and achievements have prepared me for what's ahead and I am very grateful!! Hugs, Mary in Las Vegas

Hi, all - after many months of trying to get insurance approval, I was finally banded yesterday at NYU. I came out of the surgery in very little pain...none of the shoulder pain that a lot of people have, no gas, nothing. Today, I'm home from the hospital, and I feel all sorts of pain - gas, port site pain, general soreness, etc. I know it's just going to take a little time for those pains to fade, but I'm feeling lonely and scared...did I make a mistake? Will the pain stop? Will I be able to tell when I'm full? (On these clear/thin liquids, I can't really tell if I'm full or not.) I sure do wish I could eat a burger and fries tonight. But I can't, and I won't.…

Hello everyone! I was so excited about having this done. I have researched and researched, scheduled the information seminar, I was absolutely sure this was going to be the answer to all my prayers (and believe me I have prayed about it!) today I finally got a human at the insurance company and they tell me that this is a non covered surgerical proceedure. I'm devistated. I want to just go into debt and self pay. I want this that bad. I will never drive a new car, I will work summers (usually I am off) I will give up my mulch and spring flowers....But is it fair to ask that of my family? To put the entire family in debt because I'm tired of being fat and cannot solve the …

I am brand new to this process. I haven't attended any meetings or seminars...but I had a question about having thyroid issues and having this surgery...My PCP has mentioned gastric bypass before and we've talked about it, but it was waaaay too invasive for me to follow through with...and I haven't really discussed the LP procedure with him. I've got an appt. w/ him soon though to start the discussing process. Has anyone been denied due to having thyroid issues?

Hi my name is Tess, this is my first post on the lbt. I've been reading for the past year in preparation for the surgery. I'm excited to be here! I go for my 6 week post op visit today, and am hoping to get the date for my first fill! Looking forward to meeting and chatting with everyone.

Just joined the group. Surgery is scheduled for May15 at Washington Hospital Center in DC. I am anxious to get this done and start on the path to good health and non-aching joints. Any advice is appreciated.Thanks

I was banded four days ago and have been reading the posts for the past two days. My doctor only suggested a low carb diet the week prior to surgery. A liquid diet for 48 hr. then soft foods. I had a scrambled egg for breakfast and Salmon tonight. I have lost 3lb. Has anyone else had such easy to follow instructions and had long term success with their band?

My boyfriend found this site for me....he's helping me research the lap-band, tho in my mind i already want this. I've been wanting to do something like this for a very long time. But i'll admit, this site overwhelms me! I want to be able to just go, have it done have my insurance cover it and Viola - be on the way to a new me...lol....but apparently there is a whole bunch of stuff i have to go through first - and that soooo puzzles me. Understand going to the seminar to find out about the process..and the doctor/surgery consult..and the insurance stuff. But nutrition classes and such???? It truly takes months to get this all going???? Sigh. I've waited so long t…

Hello everyone. My name is Tracey and I had the band surgery on 3/24/08 @ Cenntennial Hospital in Nashville, Tn. Dr. Dyer is my surgeon. My beginning weight before surgery was 298. I have been post-op for approxiamtely one month and have lost 20 pounds!!!!! I am so glad I had this procedure done and excited about joining this informative site.

:eek:Hi to all, I will be finally getting the lap band on 06/09. I have gotten all my clearances and I will have my upper GI on 04/29. I am so confused on the Protein drinks. I need some advice. I bought a couple of samples of unjury and will try one tomorrw. I want to know what people think of Isopure and any other ways of getting the Proteins in. I have pretty much no money ( on a really tight budget) so I don't want to spend on something that I will not drink. Please help... Paty

hi everyone~ i just got my band on april 15th. this is my first time on this site, even though i've been going through the whole process for almost a year now. i am about 5 days post op and feeling pretty good physically. i am having a hard time emotionally though. i really hope that is going to get better soon. but, i have already lost weight so i'm very excited about that. i'm glad to be here and i look forward to reading about all the good/bad things we are all going through. it's nice to know there are ppl who understand:)

Hello this is my first post so hello to all who may read this. I figured I would start here and introduce myself. I am Cinni and I have my first appointment with a surgeon in two weeks time to see if I can get myself on the public list here in Australia. I have been considering a Lap band for a while now but always told myself it was far to drastic and that if I was going to go to those lenghts then surely I could just stick to a damn diet. :thumbup::thumbup::frown::eek: Well I am now between a rock and a hard place (I feel) as diets just don't work for me. :confused3::frown::incazzato: I feel I am now faced on one hand surgery which I am petrified of and on the other…

I am very happy to find an active on-line forum for lap band patients! I'll be starting group sessions next Tuesday but this is also nice to have since I do travel a lot for my job. I was banded on 4/16/08 and hit a low last night with all the gas I was experiencing. But it helped to find the post-op forum on this site and see that this is all pretty normal and I just need to take a dramatic change one day at a time. Today I woke up with hardly any gas and the pain from the incisions has shifted to itching as they heal. That seems to be a good sign. I had my procedure done by Dr. Adam Smith in Ft. Worth TX. He came highly recommended by several people I spoke to and a c…

Procedure might help my wife. We have been round and round and round with this nagging issue for about four years. She has been battling this issue for ten more! I have been very supportive and encouraging since the get go. To further aggravate the issue I am not a MD:frown:. And I assure you all that it’s not about the looks of it! It is much more than that. And this is a WE issue for sure. I know it bothers her to the core, makes her feel uncomfortable in her own skin and feels ashamed of the shape she is in. These are the facts of the case AFAIK: -Was an athlete in high school always height weight proportionate. Were 160 on a 5'6.5" frame -At age 19 gave …

I am going to be band next month, but now I have run across a possible problem. I have a friend who was band last April and her company went to apply for health insurance and was denied her because she had lap-band surgery. I am a self pay and my company is looking for new health insurance but are waiting until I have my surgery and have some of my weight off, but if the insurance company(ies) are going to deny me coverage I'm not sure what to do. Has anyone else run across this problem or did you apply and it was not an issue. I am so confused!!!! What are your thoughts????

Been looking on this forum for a few months here, and this is one of the most friendly places I've ever come across on the internet. I've recently decided to get the Lap Band surgery done. I'm a college student, planning on going to medical school. I've been big my whole life, be it either fat or tall. I'm currently 6'4 and 320 pounds. I am so ready to be a normal weight and look normal. Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself! The name is Drew btw :tongue_smilie: