Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Good morning! My name is Kelly and on May 29th I am going to be banded! I found this site and think it is so amazing! I have learned so much here just in the one day I have been on it. Thank you to everyone for their honesty and comfort. I am happy to be here. :thumbup:

My name is Tricia, and I was banded on May 16, 2007 by Dr. Spivak in Houston, Texas. I weighed 217, and I weigh about 180 now. I wore a 18W/20W, and now, I wear a size 14. The biggest change I have experienced is with my 4 year old son who I can now run with, bounce with, and fully enjoy! I work out at the YMCA about 4 days a week, and my tummy is starting to sag. Yuck. Looking forward to the journey with my fellow "bandsters"! -Tricia:tongue:

Hello! My name is Amy and I had my lapband surgery in October 2007. So far I have lost 47 lbs. Right now I am at a difficult stage, I am having trouble getting past this phase and on to losing 43 more lbs! Any suggestions or advice?

And I'm so happy I found this site. I have so many questions. I am two weeks pre-op and having second thoughts. Clear liquids start today for the next two weeks and I'm wondering why, when the Protein shakes aren't clear. My surgery date is May 1. I'm off to find answers to my questions and probably ask a bunch more. Happy this forum is here! Francine

I am just starting this process and I love to see the success of you wonderful banded people!! I know that everyone loses at a different rate, but I am just curious where you are in journey! Thanks for sharing!!! Chris

Hello Everyone! I have been reading your forum for quite awhile. Finally, now that it is the eve of my first seminar, I decided to join this wonderful forum. I am a bit confused as to how many steps it will take for me to get a surgery date. I do know that I can make an appointment with my surgeon after I have attended tomorrow night's seminar. That is all that I was told on the telephone. My family doctor told me to call quickly because there's alot to do before surgery, can anyone estimate the time between the first seminar and their surgery? Thank you for reading my post. Kat

Hi my name is Suzy, I have been banded for 4 weeks. I live in New South Wales Australia. I am married with two wonderful teenagers. I turned forty last year and decicded enough was enough, so off I went and got banded. So far so good, have lost 11 kg andare feeling great! I haven't told too many people, but I'm sure I will in time. I look forward to making some new friends on this great site. cheers, Suzy :biggrin2::biggrin2:

Hi all, I was just told I have a date of June 5th! I'm so excited and so scared at the same time. I must have thought about calling everything off about 4 times today!! But the fact is, is that I really need the band. I'm 6 feet tall and weight 381 pounds. I am pre-diabetic and have been under going D & C's every 6 months as well as Progestrone treatment as a means of preventing my pre-uterine cancer from progressing to full cancer. My doctors have told me that everything would improve if I was to just loose the weight. Also too, I really want to have a baby or two. Did any of you go through this wishy washy prior to your surgery?

Hi, I'm currently banded, I was banded about 3 years ago by Dr. Patterson in Portland, OR. I have lost a total of 230 pounds, but due to complications I have gained almost 80 of them back (band erroded into the stomach) :huh2: This is the only problem I have run into. I am 100% positive that I would still have done this if I had seen what was ahead. Right now I am waiting to hear from my doctor to see her view on my endoscopy from last week and schedule an appointment or something.

Hello everyone i just got my date today I will be banded on April 22,2008 and I'm so happy I started this road in nov of 07:lol:

Hi My name is Melanie. I live in Elkridge, Md with my husband and 2 boys. I am scheduled to be banded on Tuesday the 22nd! I am so excited but at the same time I am so nervous to have surgery!!!! Can anyone give me any tips on how to stay calm these last 6 days of waiting????

I'm being banded in Toronto on April 18th at 2 pm by Dr Yau. I'm presently on a cottage cheese diet. Like someone said today... my anxiety level is getting higher by the minute. Lucie

Hello Everyone, :tt1: My name is Rhonda. I am new to the whole forum scene. I was banded February 27, 2008 in Orange, CA. My surgeon is Dr. David Oliak. I am a self pay. Prior to surgery I lost 10 lbs. Post surgery I lost 10 lbs the first week and have struggled keeping it off the past 5 weeks. I'm flying to CA for my first fill April 8th. It has been a very frustrating past 5 weeks to say the least. I attended a support group meeting and learned of this forum. The support group meets once a month. Right now I need all the support I can get. It has been difficult not having my doctor near by. Did I make the right decision to do the banding? I guess only time will…

Just found this group. Banded March 19, 2007 and have lost 70 lbs. Need the input and info from others. I'm retired and fulltime in our motorhome. Many temptations to eat the wrong food but I've learned it's a real head game with me. I just love food! Have learned a lot on my journey but have much to learn.:crying:

I HAD SURGERY MARCH 6TH I LOST 30 LBS SO FAR AND HAD MY FIRST FILL MONDAY. It was a strange feeling but ok. I used to get real full real quick after surgery but last week I had a really hard time staying full and not feeling hungry. I had to do 2 days liquids and now 2 days mushy before going back to normal food. I'm having a really hard time with knowing whether I'm really full. I feel like I'm waiting for some kind of sign or for everything to come back up in my throat. It's such a mind trip when you don't know the difference between being full and being hungry. I still watch everything I eat and my portions are small but I still am having problems figuring whether I'…

Just joined. 1 month into the process and 2 more to go. I can't wait to have surgery. I know it will change my life for the better. <a href="Weight Loss - Diet Ticker"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wTiHdNu/weight.png"></a>

Hi all My name is Emily and I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm totally new to all of this (just going to the 1st seminar on 4-23) I'm very excited and hope the process goes fast (since I'm impatient) and of course smoothly. I have 2 daughters Morgan will be 7 next week and Mara just turned 5. I am a single mom, I work full time outside the home so I have my plate full. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Hi my name is Stacy I am 39 and live in Houston. I had the band done in 2005 and have lost 100 pounds to date. My starting weight was 260 and today I weigh 164. It was the best thing I could of done for me and my kids. I have no regrets. I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Hello, I'm just new to the whole Lap-band surgery...I had my done on April 1st....just 2 weeks ago....I see my Dr. this Thursday, so I do not know how much I have lost...I live in Holland Mi. and had my lap-band done near Ann Arbor Mi...doing great sometimes just a little hugery...not bad...one more week of liquid and than onto puree foods...:thumbup:

Hi everyone, I just stepped out of denial and into the light about my ongoing weight problem recently and decided that there was only one option left-weight loss surgery. I, like many of you have been on every diet imaginable since I was 17; it is a list of around 10 diets or so, not to mention the seperate times I tried them again and again! I have a good friend that had LB surgery done last fall. We have the same insurance, and she is a valuable asset in knowing what to do to get the process completed. My surgeon evaluation is next Tuesday, my BMI is 40.0, and my insurance is BCBS of KC (kansas city). I am 37 years old and ready to roll... Wish me luck!! Nuali

I just want to be healthy in all actuality. So I am a 28 year old nurse who just recently graduated university with my degree in Science in nursing. In the last four years of school I have dealt with my little brother who has been diagnosed as menatlly ill, tried to finish school, met my fiance, and tried to keep my spirts up as i found that during this time I have continued to gain and gain and gain. So now, school is over, work is good, fiance is good, life is good, but I dont feel good. So savings are coming out of the bank and away I go. I was originally scheduled for surgery on the 15th of August, but like a dream come true, I got a phone call to go early, so May 30t…

Hi my name is Shari, and just had my lap band surgery yesterday. I am pretty sore this morning, but doing well. I look forward meeting all of you on this board :puke:

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Betty. I live in a small town in SW Arkansas. I'm having my surgery at Precision Surgery in Texarkana, TX. So far I love the doctors & staff there. I've attended a couple of support groups already because my boyfriend had the surgery in February. I never had considered that I could actually have this surgery until he did & then I started checking into it. I went for my first appointment last month, had a sleep study & psyche evaluation & got a call last Thursday to schedule the surgery. May 7th is their first available appointment & barring no conflicts at work I will have it that day & start my 2-week liquid di…

I was referred by my insurance company to Dr Lane in Mobile. Has anyone ever used or heard of him... any reply will be appreciated.:crying:

I just attended my first seminar in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and was told the self-pay cost was $16,500. Yikes!!! Does anyone know of other lap band clinics in the Chicago area, or Northern Illinois area, where the self-pay price is cheaper? I know it's a lot cheaper in Mexico, but I'm a little leary about going that route. I'd rather stay close to home. Why is it so darn expensive? Do you think the self-pay price will come down as doctors compete more for the business? Anyway, I'd love to find a doctor here in the Chicago area who's self-pay option is more reasonable. Please let me know if you know of anyone. I'd even go as far as Bloomington IL, Decal…

I was banded on October 4, 2007. I received my band in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Robert Rambaut. I have lost 42 lbs. so far. I am just now starting to exercise. I have had 4 fills and hope this last one will last for a while. That's my story. I look forward to reading yours.

I have been considering weight loss surgery since 2002. Since then I have gained more weight, developed diabetes, hypertensoin, restless leg and sadness. i attended a seminar last week and have an appointment with a surgeon on tyesday. I just could not make myself have the gastric bypass so I am very excited about all I've heard about the lap band. I will be seeing the surgeons at the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center. I am praying they will accept me as a patient for weightloss surgery and that things will move onlong well.

Hi, I had my lap band procedure performed March 3, 2008, I've lost about 12 pounds, what do you expect after being on a liquid diet for three weeks and gradually adding other foods. My eating habits are about to where they were before the surgery. There is nothing that I cannot eat although I chew, chew, chew and don't drink and eat at the same time. I am supposed to have my first fill on Thursday, April 17th. I don't know what to expect. Will my eating habits change drastically and the weight come off easier. I am new to the website and just want someone to talk to regarding the lap band. :huh2:

new to the forum hence the intro. My name is rabiya and I need some questions answered about the lap band...that's why I am here. Thank you for the warm welcome :confused2: i hope

Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum - but not so new to my lapband. I was banded 10/23/07 and had my 3rd fill yesterday - not sure what I'm up to in my band because my doctor doesn't like to tell you the amount he puts in. I know I'm really full and so far only warm things like coffee and Soup are actually going down. I've lost 27 pounds so far - I have a goal of 70. I did this for my health, my son, my family. I LOVE my life and I plan on being around to enjoy it for a long time - without the health problems associated with obesity. I'm so glad to have found this new 'home'. I look forward to meeting all the veteran-banders and learning all the tricks and tip…

I'm scheduled to meet with my surgeon/dietician for the first time next tuesday. Have to do the 6 month diet with family physician first so I started that april 1st. Can anyone tell me what to expect on this initial consult?? thanks:confused:

Hello, I'm new here. I am seriously considering being LapBanded. I have been 100+ lbs overweight for years. I am hesitant to try another diet because I have lost wt with diets and gained it back,then some. I am not looking for an easy solution because I know there isn't one. I have a lot to lose and came here for information and inspiration.

Hello, I have struggled with weight for years. Been on every diet and pill possible. I have been looking into this Lap Band now for a few months and have decided to call Hickory tomorrow and make an appointment. My questions: 1. what happens the first visit? 2. what will be my next steps after the first visit? 3. is there certain reasons insurance will decline the surgery? 4. how long of a wait from first visit to the actual surgery date? 5. do you really stay hungry until you get the right fill you need? 6. how long out of work? any info would be great!!! Thanks

Hi everybody- I am a mom of 2 boys, 3 and 1, have struggled with weight issues since I can remember, have a strong family history of obesity, etc......I have been researching Lap Band for quite a while and was waiting for my insurance to change to pursue anything at all. I am PRAYING that my insurance will cover a good portion if I am deemed to be a good candidate. I personally feel I am a great candidate, but am very afraid I will be just shy of the criteria for the procedure :thumbup:(. My BMI is 36-37, I don't really have comorbidities unless things like knee and back pain/problems, varicose veins and acid reflux count (not sure that those things would count). …

Hello, I have finally started taking the steps to be banded, I made my appt yesterday with the surgeon for June........ I have BCBS of RI for insurance, Any advice for a newcomer??????? I was just wondering how long the whole approval process takes and if I get approved what are the other steps that I would have to take???????????:thumbup:

I have been in the process of getting my surgery approval for two years. I recently got the approval from my insurance company, which I was very relieved and excited to hear. I am anxious to go through the process. I am on the liquid diet now, a pre-op requirement from my doctor. I am fully committed to the process. I have been overweight significantly for about 12 years now. My quality of life has declined and I need to enjoy the time I have with my 4 year old daughter. She is an inspiration to me for wanting to get the surgery. I got sick in 2005 and almost died due to my weight induced complications. I have taken a diffrent approach to looking at life. i know the…

Hi all, I'm back on the road to getting banded again. Here's the story.. I was going to get banded a year ago, and I was going to be self paid. But right before the surgery I started having financial issues, and needed to call it off. Well I'm back and ready to go at it again!! Also in that time I switched companies, so I want to try and get them to approval the procedure first. So cross your fingers!!! :biggrin:

Hi everyone. My name is Tracy Woods and I live in Houston, TX. I've been divorced for 12 years and have two children, 17 and 15. I decided in December that I would like to have the lap band procedure. My surgery was April 7, 2008. It has now been one week. I had the surgery performed at 12 Oaks Hospital and my doctors name is Dr. Hollis. Talk to ya'll soon.

:thumbup:I was banded on 4/11/08. My doctor is Dr. Felts. I havn't weighed yet, too afraid. Just wanted to say "Hi" to all my fellow banders. :huh2: oilpainter

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the huge amount of information this site has provided me with. Please forgive me in advance for asking questions that may have already been answered. I usually don't have time to log on while I'm at home and have to get on and off quickly while at work so I don't have much time to dig deep for answers. Anyways... THANKS EVERYONE!

Hey ya'll Im Kelly from South Carolina, Im a mother of 2 wonderful boys 16 and 13. Im been fighting with my weight all my life and now want to do something about it... So here I am.. I have talked to my doc that is making me appt to see about getting the lap band done. I have read alot of things about the lap band and I really think that this is for me... I would love to meet others in the same boat as me, and meet others that have had the lap band done... so this is my first big step to a new me.... Kelly

I live in MS and I am sick of this weight and trying to lose weight. Is the lapband the same as the ring about 12 years age. If anyone knows let me know. I know someone that had the ring and she sure is big now. Thanks

Hello all. My name is Jessi. Thought I would indroduce myself. I live in the Tx panhandle. Married my high school sweetie 11years ago:tt1:. We have two wonderful children. Jessalyn is 11 and Shelton is 6. I'm a full time nursing student and will graduate May 2009...wooooohoooo! I have always struggled with my weight, but when I got pregnant with Jessa @ 16, thats when the weight really piled on. :smile2: By the time she was 2 I was almost 300 lbs. Prepregnancy wt was 160. So fast forward-----> Wanted another baby really REALLY bad. Did all of the infertility stuff. Couldn't figure out why I could get pregnant @ 16 but not in my 20's. Dr told me all of my infertility pr…

Banded 11-08. Dr. David VonRueden now at St. Agnes Hospital Baltimore,Md.I in the first 3 months lost 50 lbs. Nothing the last two months. Do not have my own Lapban web sight.

Hi! i have begun the weight loss surgery process andI can't decide whether to do lap band or bypass. Can someone please help me out? I would rather do the band but I am worried about slipping and port infection. I have diabetes and hypertension, so I want to reverse these ASAP! I would love if someone could give me details on banding like how much weight you loose and recovery and such. Thanks!

Hey guys I am new to the site. Just started the journey of paperwork for a surgeon in Scottsdale Arizona. I am however a diabetic of 24 yrs. I am currently on byetta which has decreased my appetite and has helped me loose 14 pounds in the last month in a half. I am excited to venture on this journey of lapband. I attended a seminar on it. I am also glad I found this site.

:thumbs_up:hello everyone congrats to all the wonderful pics. i was banded on 3-11-08 by dr may in wichita falls tx i have not had a fill yet. my first fill will be 4-22-08. cant wait!:smile2:

Hi there. my name is helen and I am currently approved,scheduled and awaiting my surgery on the 25th of april. I will begin my fast on wednesday of this week. I am being banded by Dr.Deron Ludwig in Chico,ca. I am really excited and not nervous at all for my surgery being as I work with Dr.Ludwig on his surgical team and assist him with gastric bandings and gastric bypasses. 12 days and counting!!!

Hello , I'm pretty new in the chat room world, so forgive me while I try to figure this out. Surgery was on Tuesday. I must say I felt awful for two day afterwards. tons of naussa and so afraid I was doing damage to my self. Finally quit the pain meds because I think that was half the problem.Anyway, I'm feeling better but stil pretty sore. went grocery shopping tonight and realised I still wasnt 100% yet. Still on liguid semi soft diet. Can't figure out how in the world to get 60 grams of protein a day. Can you drink a whole shake at one time? I only do 1/2 at a time. How do you do it?

My name is James Zervios, and I am the Director of Communications for the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). The OAC is a non profit organization dedicated to educating and advocating for those affected by all forms of obesity. For more information on us, please visit www.obesityaction.org.