Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone. I've been on this site many times in the past two months, but I have never really introduced myself. I started the lap banding process 2 months ago. I am now on the final stages. I am going for my pe-op testing tomorrow 4/21 at NYU. My tenitive surgery date is 5/5 and Dr. Ren is doing my surgery. My doctors office does not feel I'll have any problems with insurance approval. Everything has happened rather smoothly and quickly. Thanks to this site and all the people that participate within it I am not even very nervous about the procedure or the aftermath of surgery. I am looking forward to all the difficult and joyous changes. I thank you all for all the supp…

Hi my name is Gina i live in So Cal. I was banded on October 31st 2007 and my Dr was Dr. Oliak. Great Dr and a wonderful staff. I have lost 23 pounds and i have 35 to go. Its been slow but due to a motorcycle accident a year ago and 5 surgery's on my knee since then i have done no exercise. so i cant complain. If asked if i would do it again, Most Definitely!!!!! I have a 10cc band and so far have had 3 fills which i now have 5.4cc and very restricted and feel great.. Good luck to all who have been banded or waiting to be band..:sad_smile:

Hi all. My name is Ruth and I'm in the beginning stages of getting the lap band. I'm waiting on insurance approval so hopefully, before the end of 2008, I'll be able to have the surgery. Has anyone else ever felt uncomfortable talking about these plans? I'm okay on a board where 'everyone's doing it', but not very comfortable talking about it with friends. Anyone else struggle with that? Ruth

I have been seriously researching the lab band surgery. I really would like to get it done. I have Aetna insurance through my hubby's employer. They do not cover bariatic procedures. So any advice? Suggestions? Im in the Liberty Missouri area, any docs, clinics, and/or hospitals recommended in the area? Please help me! Thanx :confused2:

Hi everyone! I have learned SOOOO much by lurking here the past few weeks. I don't think I could have gone through with my surgery (April 8) without all the knowledge I've gained here. THANK YOU!!! Now...where do I get one of those ticker things? I'm ready to get this band hoppin! --Michelle :rolleyes2:

I am a mother of three. I have been overweight all of my adult life. I am being banded at 9:30 am on April the 28th. My doctor is Dr. Huerta. I have lost 28 lbs since Jan 20,2008. I am looking forward to a happy and healthy life after lap band. Maria

I have been reading this forum since thinking about getting the band. First I was going to go the mexico, made an appt. for May 5th. I have no insurance so tried and tried to find credit, with no luck. Well I live in Detroit and the great lakes weight loss center is running a special till the end of May for 9,900 and the credit company they go through approved me. So on tuesday I go for my consult then I go for my surgery on April 30th. I have been very back and forth about having this done, is this the right thing, is it going to work for me, am I going to have problems, and so on. Well thanks to all the supportive people on this forum (even though it was support to othe…

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to say thinks for all the support I have found on this site. I was banded in Tijuana, Mexico by Dr. Francisco Gonzalez on Monday 4/14. As of today I have lost 7 lbs and I feel great. The surgery and the surgery center seemed wonderful. I have only had one previous surgery in the states, a tubal ligation and this was much easier. The day after surgery I flew 4 hours and rode in a car for 3 hours with no discomfort whatsoever. That night I took 1 pain pill and the next night I took 1 pain pill and that's it! I feel great. I really recommend walking ASAP after surgery. I has up and trotting down the halls within a half hour after I woke u…

I had my surgery march 27th in Louisville Ky. I have lost 16lbs since the surgery which is good.

Hi Everyone, I've been reading through the forums all day and have found a lot of helpful advise. I was banded on the 16th, I ended up having a hernia repair also (undiagnosed) and now am dealing with the gas pains. I have little discomfort otherwise and I'm looking forward to this new life ahead of me.

Babydoll is HEEERE! Dear all of you gorgeous (on the path to being thin) peoples! YOu cannot imagine my delight at having stumbled upon ur lovely forum! I got banded on the 31st of March, and on a liquid diet still.

Hi everyone. I am very new also, I woke up two weeks ago and thought enough is enough. I started researching the lap band. I have a cousin, an aunt, a best friend, her mom, and her sister who all had gastric bypass, then her husband had the same proceedure, the same doctor, and died from complications. I was completely against it and knew I would never go that route. I've tried it all, from weight watchers to the prescription weight loss drugs without success. I was disappointed with myself, I felt like a failure. I have always been heavy and in my heart I know I cannot do it by myself. The last two weeks reading your posts gave me the strength to know it's ok to really a…

This is meant to be an introduction. I am Pat in Olympia, Washington. I have been on Medifast for a week. I am looking forward to surgery 4/28. My insurance would only do gastric bypass and only after a one year preparation period. I chose to do lap band on my own nickle. I can hardly wait for this to be done. I have changed to only water and herbal teas. I am okay with the Medifast, like some things better than others. It's great to be able to read your positive posts and how much everyone has lost. I am not weighing myself constantly but can tell I must be losing some, as I am not so out of breath, walk taller and straighter. Can't wait to ditch the handicapped parking …

Hey everyone, I am new to this site and I have been thinking about having the lap-band procedure...I am schedule to see my doctor 5-20-08 and I am looking into my insurance for approval...I have tried everything, I even had a tummy tuck 12-2006 and was fine for a about 6 months and the weight came back everywhere else double except my stomach...I am every upset about this...I have an appointment with the Hurley Center in Flint Michigan....I have heard good and bad things on this site about the procedure and I am frighten about the whole thing....Help Gigi:crying:

Hello Everyone! I stumbled on to this group while looking for symptoms from post-op lap-band. After being released from the hospital on Wednesday, I spent most of the 16th sleeping. Yesterday I passed more gas than Exxon but didn't have a lot of pain. Now today.... more gas and my shoulders, back and ribs ache. My chest feels a little tight too. I feel like I just got up with a nasty hang over from drinking too much wine. It's an uneasy, weird feeling like I'm either about to fall asleep or pass out. I've been doing what the doc ordered, although it's hard to get all of the fluids/protein in... everything tastes like dirt right now. And finally, I …

Hi! I was "banded" as an outpatient on April 17th in Greeley, Colorado. I am a patient at North Colorado Medical Center. It's a "Center of Excellence" facility. Dr. Michael Johnell put in a Realize band. He used the DaVinci robot to assist him and I have five small incisions on my abdominal wall. While he was inside, he discovered a small hernia which he also repaired. I guess that's common, too. I chose this program because of the extensive pre and post op care. I know that the reason I am overweight has little to do with eating and so much more to do with emotions. I'm on day 3 of my liquid diet. I'm not sure what all the feelings are that I am having, I…

Hi everyone. I am new here. I really am not 4 sure what to do so please bare with me. I go tomorrow to talk to the dr. about getting the lap band. I have already been to his semminar. I am scared I will screw up and sabbatoge myself before the surgury. I am assuming this is a normale feeling? Congrats on ya'll for having it done and good luck to those getting ready to have it done. and how do you get the cute ticker tapes?:thumbup:

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum, just discovered it today while searching for answers to questionas about Vitamins. I had my surgery on November 15, 2007 in Richland, Wa. by Dr. Earl Fox. I'm down 68 pounds so far. I have had 4 fills with the most recent one really doing the trick. I love my new tool now, although it was hard getting used to not having the control to eat whatever I wanted at first. I do have a question about vitamins. I have been taking the Vita-4-Life multi-vitamin capsules and calcium citrate capsules since two weeks prior to my surgery. They have been working fine but I have always had trouble swallowing them. Now, with the last fill making my ba…

Believe it or not I rushed into this It's taken me almost a year and a half of work but it's over at least. This...meaning insurance approval with Cigna. I was Denied because I was shy a 40 BMI by 10 -12 pounds when I submitted everything they were looking for I jumped thru every hoop and paid out every last cent to docs. etc. but I should have know (and not listen to people on this site that said Cigna does cover with no co mobidities - NOT TRUE) they clearly state that they do not cover those under a 40 BMI unless you have grave illness that don't respond to meds.. Not only that but they will not approve any claim even related to this one in the future. Meaning if I …

Had my banding April 16th. Things went well!!! My doctor uses skin glue for closing wounds ( less scarring), and the next morning to my surprise, one incision didn't hold!!! So, Ended up with 6 sutures today!!!! All is well though!!! Alittle sore, but glad it's done. Next step!!!!! Getting to the pureed foods tomorrow!!!!!! :tt1::thumbup::tt2::thumbup:. Best of luck to everyone this April!!!!! Keep us posted!!!!!!

Hi, I just found this forum through TheDailyPlate.com. My name is Lina and I got my band on the 27th of last month. Having trouble keeping my calories in check. Either I am way low or over. I've only lost 25 lbs. so far but just that feels great. I have 85 more pounds to go. But I will get there.

:huh2: Hello Everyone! My nickname is Ducky and I am completing requirements for Lap Band surgery. My surgeon is Dr. Woodman from Memphis, TN. I am getting excited because my 6 month supervised diet (required by insurance) is complete and I am almost ready to turn in all my paperwork and wait for a date!!!:thumbs_down: I am happily married to my soul-mate and mother of one precious little boy. They are a big part of my decision for a better life. I also have fibromyalgia and would love to hear from anyone who is dealing with this disease. Hopefully, weight loss will help my pain, but I really haven't heard from anyone who has gone through this surgery and a…

Hi there, My name is Colleen. I was banded last Monday. Still tired and trying to catch up from procedure but for the most part I am functioning. Just wanted to introduce myself and hear from other people like me now. Hope this finds everyone well. Colleen

Hello everybody, This is my first time posting here, though I've read many of your threads and learned a lot from the advice and support given here. I finally got the call on Thursda from my surgeon's office that I was approved! A whole two weeks ahead of time...I was shocked. So shocked that the call caught me by surprise. I had given a lot a thought to the surgery and researched it as much as I could, but ironically I had no idea of what date I would actually want the procedure done. So there I am on the phone rambling nonsense when they asked me if I had a preferred date. Which I didn't! Has this happened to any of you out there. Finally, I ended up taking thei…

I am on my third day of optifast and feel so uncomfortable - not hungry - somach just feels thick and gross. Anyone else experience this?:tongue_smilie:

Hi, I am really trying to figure out if the lap band is for me. I am 5'11 and weight 319...that was difficult to write. I am a mom, wife, working full time out side the home and I am 44 years old. My sister died 5 years ago due to complications of obesity. I do not have diabetes, high blood pressure, I am experiencing lots of jt pain, difficulty sleeping (no apnea), I hate myself because of my weight but I cont to slowly pack on more pounds. I have 3 sons 15, 9, and 4 and I want to live to see them grow up, but even more I want to be a more active part of their lives. Was it worth it to everyone, are the side effects bad, how do you all manage the emotional part of n…

My name is Michelle, I am a Registered Nurse who had my band done a year ago here in Batesville, Arkansas. I have been obese for about 14 years and have tried every diet on the market only to lose and then gain back the weight plus some. I suffered from sleep apnea and severe hypertension(requiring 3 pills a day) as well as back aches and leg aches constantly. I didn't want the gastric bypass for fear of malabsorption and malnutrition as well as the permanency of it. Knowing that the band didn't interrupt the GI tract at all and it was reversible if need be, I chose this route. I am so glad I did, if I had it all to do over again I would in a heartbeat. I have lost a…

Hello my name is Trudy. I was banded on Dec 17th 2007, lost 44lbs so far. Didn't realise so many people have undertaken this surgery, great to see all the results. Look forward to reading more posts. :cry_smile:

I'm thinking about having the lap band surgery. Help, how do i go about starting this process?

Hi everyone. I was banded on March 18, 2008. I weighed 323 at surgery. After two weeks on my first check up I was 313. That really made me feel great. I go for a first fill on April 28, 2008. Everyone I work with says I'm shrinking, I just don't feel yet. I thought maybe a place like this would help me with the encouragement. I lost a lot of weight once with adipex, over 100lbs almost(gained it back plus more). After all that I still really didn't feel any different. I'm hoping to break the "I still look the same" habbit. My goal is not to be super skinny, I want to look healthy. I think I would be happy in the 150-140 range even with my height (5'3). I'm looking forward …

Hello everyone, I am 45 years and suffer with crippling arthritis. after my 3rd opinion, the doctors say I have to have my knee's replaced or have the bypass surgery. I have been using Alli, but he says I need to lose the weight faster if I want to be able to walk on my own, without the use of my cane or walker. I have had my knee scoped and have had a hysterectomy and second surgery 2 weeks after that due to infection and I was connecting to a wound vac machine for 3 months, I thought I would lode my mind after that!! So, I am not too excited to have more surgeries, so I need all the help I can get with this decision!! I Hate needles and cannot stand the thought …

I just spoke with my GP and he gave me the go ahead to pursue the lap band surgery. So now I have to put in the referral form in to the lapband place that I am going to. How long does it take before you get schedule for your surgery? Week, months, years? I know there are procedures but no one has ever given me a time frame. Very curious to start this new scary adventure

Hi I'm Christy and I'm a newbie to this site. I've finished my pre-op tests and I'm waiting on insurance approval. I'm a low BMI bander, just at 40, I'm being banded by DR. Greene in Rockville MD and I can't wait.

I started on the Atkins on 12-18-07, and has lost 30 lbs. My band date is February 4, 2008

I have been visiting the site for over six months but this is my first post. I am scheduled to banded on May 8th. I am very excited but scared about starting the liquid diet because I am very prone to migraines if I did not eat properly. I will be on a liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. I was wondering if anyone out there has migraines if either the liquid diet prior to banding or the restricted diet afterwards intensified their migraines. If so - how did you deal with it? Carol

Hello, I will be beginning the 10 diet on Sunday and I have my pre-op appt. on Wednesday. I will be banded on Wednesday the 30th. My doctor is Dr Eurbella. I wanted to know is there any advice out there in regards to the pre-op appt. I know I go to the hospital for tests, watch a video, return to the surgery center to meet to nutritionist, get prescriptions... Any advice would be great:) Mercedes

if my insurance doesnt cover it for me--- has anyone gotten it without insurance, know of the cost?? or payment options???

Hey everyone. My name is Jen. i live in New Jersey. I was banded by Montclair Surgical Associates on Monday, April 14, 2008. Unfortunately, I hadnt weighed myself since February 14 prior to the surgery and I think I gained some weight since then up until the banding. But I went to the doctor today and I am down 5 pounds since then, so it might be more than 5 since the surgery. Looking forward to posting here with other banders as we make progress.

I had my surgery last August-My Doctor Dr Forman-At the Barriatic Center Huntsville Alabama.Ive had three fills so far-My starting weight was 297 lbs,present weight 218.My goal is to be below 200- and Im getting close. I feel great so far-My energy level has zoomed-not to bad for:wub: a 70 yr old fart-huh

Hi. I was just banded on 4/8 so 9 days ago, I've lost 11 pounds and really have no interest in food other than cooking it. It was tough going the first 5-6 days with radiating pain around my heart to my left and right shoulders, but that has now subsided and all is right with the world. Being on a liquid diet is of concern to me. How do you get the protien in? The protein powders that I've tried are awful and will not mix. Please help.:confused2:

Hello, I'm Tanya and I am want to get the lapband done but my insurance does not cover any type of weight loss surgery. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone with not so good credit? :thumbup:

Hello all...My name is Abby, Im a 25 year old mom in Northern California. I just happened upon this forum in my search for banding info. I am currently going through the lap band process with Kaiser in Richmond (pre-op). Kaiser makes this a long drawn out process....I think mostly to weed out those who arent really committed. Every day I go back and forth as to if this is really what I want/need/can commit to...etc. My BMI is well over 50, so Im definately a canidate, but Ive had a serverely bad experience with gastric bypass (my best friend died a year after her bypass surgery from heart failure). Im just here to absorb as much info and input on this surgery and …

Hi everyone, my name is Renee and I am 36 years of age. I have not been banded yet, however I do have my appointment set for next Thursday the 24th. I am very very excited to have this done. Looking forward to chatting with you all and getting to know fellow lap banders. Renee

Hello all. My name is Brian, and I'm in the final prep stages before my surgery. I was approved by my insurance last week, and I'm now waiting to schedule my surgery. Likely within the next 4 to 6 weeks. I'm excited, somewhat scared/nervous, but mostly excited. Ready to start my new life. Both my parents were diabetics, as well as my grandparents. All overweight. My grandma and father both died of pancreatic cancer, my dad was only 54. He was morbidly obese as well, and I was most certainly on the path he lived. Which is why I've now taken the steps to improve the remainder of my life. Who knows, I may get hit by a bus in 2 years, but I can guarantee I won't be dying d…

I got the lap band done a little over a month ago. I've only lost about 10 lbs since the surgery so far. I live in Sioux Falls, SD and I really don't have much of a support group so this has been real hard for me. I know I made the right decision, I just have to get my mind on the right track.

Hi Everyone! I am brand new here and thought I should introduce myself I am a homeschooling Mama to 4 wee ones..live near Toronto..and am scheduled for my lap-band at TLBC on April 25th (wow, one week tomorrow!). I have been on my pre-op diet for 6 days now, and have lost 10lbs (woohoo!!)..am very excited to continue on this journey!! Looking forward to getting to know you all

Hi there. First I have to say this site is what finally made me OK with the thought of doing the lap band. Thanks to everyone that I have read! I got the call from the dr and my insurance will cover me. I have already done the 6 months weightloss (I tried LA weightloss for a year) so I'm off to see my PCP, get his stamp and ready to start the process. Any words of wisdom? How do you get the ticker factory stuff to show up on your site? If I'm gonna do this I want all the bells and whistles! I'm in Nashville Tennessee and I'll be going to baptist hospital if there are any fellow nashvillians out there. Thanks again for just being here!

Hard to believe, but my surgery has been scheduled for Monday, May 5. Guess I'll be drinking liquids on Mother's Day. That's OK, though. I am glad that my insurance company approved me. My doctor is Carlos Ferrari, in Houston. His office told me that I am to just watch what I eat between now & then so I don't gain any weight. No special diet for the day before surgery--just to eat a light dinner no later than 6:00pm and no liquids after midnight. WOW! Reality is starting to hit!:crying:

Hello fellow lapbanders, My name is Lisa. I was banded origianlly in 2004. At that time my weight was 250# at my height of 5 feet 5 inches. I went through the lap band procedure in Port Huron, Michigan. My initial exeprience was great. I felt the surgery was a breeze. The weight loss was slow, but I was told that up front. I did research on the lap band compared to the gastric bypass and felt that the band was the best option for me. I was having a great deal of difficulty working the long 12 hour shifts as a RN in the emergency department. I needed to do something. Well over the next two years I lost a total of 120#!!!! I was so stoked! I went from a size 22 to a size 6!…

My name is Barbara and I'll get my band on 5/9. I start the Optifast one week from today. My doc is Dr. Krishnaraj at FOSA. I'm excited, nervous, scared, committed and more. Maybe I won't feel so crazy after the surgery!:thumbup: I look forward to getting to know you all! :smile: