Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

i am so excited about getting my lapband surgery...all i've been doing is research, research, research. I'm very interested in both pre-op and post-op info. Thanks in advance Ruthcee

well it's 4 days post-op and I now have a terrible full-blown cold. I am just miserable. Can't stop sneezing and coughing - ouch, as my left side hurts just to breathe deeply, probably from the coughing. In addition to constantly blowing my nose - suddenly I am hungry on top of it all! GAH! I am CIB or similar for the next 2 weeks and am dying to just have yogurt or a mashed potato. Finally broke out some REAL chicken soup today - minus all the good stuff. Anyone get sick right after surgery? this sucks!! MLS19 Dr. Ali Tavakkolizadeh Brigham & Women's Hospital 10-16-07

I'm looking into lapband vs gastric bypass and have my informational seminar scheduled for the end of April. One big drawback is that my insurance will definitely not pay for surgery--it is explicitly prohibited by the HMO. :eek: I've read so many different opinions on this blog but it helps to read them all to get a balanced view. My biggest fear is that the cravings will be untouched by this process. :confused2: As most of you probably know, its not about will power, but the cravings I get for carbs and sweets are overwhelming. I've been to OA and many other support groups and they all mean well, but I think there is something missing. I know they have medications that …

On June 17, 2008, a historic awareness eventwill be held in Washington, DC – the Walk from Obesity - Walk on the Capitol. The Walk on the Capitol will bring together individuals who are affected by obesity and those who care for them to Walk and raise awareness and National attention of obesity and its health and quality of life impact in/on our society. This event is a first of its kind, as individuals will be gathering at the National Mall in Washington, DC, to Walk and spread a powerful message to government of the need for expanded efforts to manage this rising obesity epidemic. The event takes place immediately after the Welcome Reception during the American Soci…

Hi everyone this is my first post. MY husband and I are both being banded in October. My surgery is on the 16th and my husbands is on the 30th. We are both very excited about our new journey together. We were wondering if anyone had their surgery done in Boston, ma. We both have enjoyed this site and we would like some feed back. THANKS:dog::dog:

Hi everyone this is goldson1 from SC and I just got my approval and surgery date. April 30th. I am scared witless, but I don't know why. I have been researching this procedure for over 2 years and I know it's what I want to do, but when the nurse gave me my surgery date, I started crying like I was on extreme home makeover and someone said "move that bus!" I have been visiting this site for about 6 months now and I love all the good vibes, and positive encouragement you guys give to each other. I also like how if someone starts getting lazy and slipping, you guys give them what for! I look forward to talking and listening to you all. Thanks :tt1:

Does anyone have an anklet rather than a bracelet? I am wondering if an anklet would be noticed like a bracelet is. Any thoughts? Thanks

:confused:i was desperate enough to sell myself on ebay

Hi I've just been introduced to the forum and have to say it looks REALLY good. I was banded Nov '07 and am doing ok. Slow but steady weight loss. I am struggling to find things to eat and am worried I 'm eating all the wrong things :biggrin: Look forward to making lots of friends on here!

:biggrin: HELLOOOO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, I'm just new to this site. I am having surgery on 21st May, I'm a bit nervous about it but eager to get it done. I was reading a few comments there and saw that I have to go on a liquid diet before the op, I wasn't aware of this so I'm glad I came across this forum as there's lots about the surgery that I'm not sure of. Thanks.

Hello all!! I'm still trying to decide if surgery is right for me. I just had my first child in feb 2007, during my pregnancy i had major blood pressure and swelling issues. Therefore i was put on bed rest the last 2 months and KABOOM!!! there went an additional 40 pounds to my already overly plump figure. I've been working on my excercise and weight loss for the past year and have only lost about 30 pounds. I am currently plateaued (sp?) at 270. I still need to lose 100-130 pounds. I'm here to check out what others think who have undergone the surgery. Specifically those in my area around Tulsa, OK. Thanks for your time. Wynd

Hello all! Denise from Millville, NJ here and this is my story. I decided to have the surgery August of last year while sitting in a hospital bed. I was admitted for an SVT attack (so scary) and it was discovered that I was also dangerously anemic. Add that to my Type II diabetes, cellulitis and horrible back pain it was obvious I was in need of a huge change or face certain disability or death in a few years. I started the ball rolling once I was discharged and after 4 months of my surgeon's office working to get me approved I was ready to go (Yay for Dr.Iqbal's office in Bridgeton!!) Next came 2 months of pre-op testing, a reschedule (to get clearance from my cardiolo…

Hi all, I am having my surgery on 21st May. Im not 100% clued up on the surgery. Could someone tell me about the fills? I know they are to help not feel hungry but do you have different levels of fill? And what exactly does it entail? Thanks Anne

Hi, I am just beginning this lapband journey. My name is Tameka, I am 27, married for 10 yrs. and have a 9 yr. old son. I have an appointment with the surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist and nurse tomorrow, April 14. I hope I will get approved!! My insurance covers the surgery 80%, guess that is better than nothing!! I currently need to lose 130 lbs. I am nervous about my appointments tomorrow!! One big thing I worry about with the surgery is excess skin!! Most of my weight is in my stomach like I a pregnant!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

i'm calondra and i was banded yesterday! i live in madison heights, virginia, but drove three hours north to reston to have my surgery done by dr. robert pinnar (so worth it!). i barely feel like i had surgery! i did low carb/high Protein liquids for one week before and i've not had any problems sipping on liquids since surgery. i was in the hospital overnight and my friend drove the three hour trip back home right after i was discharged. i had planned to stay overnight in northern va, but i felt so good, i came on home! ya'll have been a big help and encouragement to me as i've been preparing for this surgery. i'm so glad i took this step...! and i look forward to ge…

Hi my name is Tilley. I got my band August 7, 2007. My doctor was Dr. Brad Osborn from Cincinnati. I have lost 65 pounds. I feel great. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Hi my name is Carla, or JustCarla. I got my new band this last week, and I'm healing up fine. I was hungry after about 3 days, but I'm on soft foods now, and seem to be doing just fine. I have more problems with just "wanting to eat" than I actually do with hunger. I got two bits of advice from my doctor, Dr. Alana Chock at the NWWLS, 1. if you're thinking about food, take a walk. and 2. Listen to your lap band, it'll let you know. So, I'm going for walks, my dogs love that (I have 4 Chihuahua), and I'm trying to "listen" to my band. I'm new at this. I'm over 50, had my weight problems my entire life. I need to get my health in order or suffer a lot more issues! I have…

My date is getting close, April, 15, can't wait:cool2:

hello I have been a visitor on this site for sometime and really wanted to join. Im from michigan and I plan on being banded at forest barix in ypsi , mi with dr. andre nunn. I have had a consult and my pcp appt will be the 13th of this month while my pe is on the 27th. I talked to my insurance and they told me once everthing is submitted it will take a week to approve so Im really looking forward to all of this. I have been over weight all my life - since I was six and Im ready for real change. I hope to talk to more LBT members and Im anxious to see if i become a march bandster or april.

new to site - haven't had surgery yet - waiting is tough but happy to be here

I went to my first informative seminar on Lap band surgery recently. I didn't know what to expect and I was so pleasantly suprised. There was a woman there who got up and spoke about her success....she lost 235 pounds! And she looked fabulous! It was really the first time in my life that I had hope of finally losing the extra weight I've been carrying most of my life. I was so happy that I had tears in my eyes. I was sharing this story with a co-worker who's going to have Lap band surgery soon and she understood. Only an overweight person can understand this feeling. Thank you all for your postings and the great information. I hope to have Lap band surgery this summer (if…

Hello, I was banded 1/8/08 and have been dying to speak with others who had also been banded. My support group is mostly gastric patients and I can't really relate with them. I was surfing yesterday and found this site and I am so excited. Everyone in the chat room is so nice and supportive hours have gone by and I didn't even realize it. Thank you for being here!!!!:lol::biggrin2:

My surgry date is set for May 5th. I'm excited and scared. What should I expect? Thanks

Hello Everyone! The doctor office called today and informed me they had received approval for my surgery. She stated once she receive my approval code (Clueless) she will call me back and set up my consultation in a couple of days. Although I'm excited I still feel like I'm so close to having the band but yet so far from having it. I decided I would now start preparing myself for it. Any suggestions are more then welcome. Thanks for listening!

Hello Everyone! I had my lap band surgery on April 2, 2008 by Dr. LePort in Fountain Valley, California. I came upon this site and thought it could help to join a community of people who have had or are going to have this surgery. It was a decision that took a long time to decide upon, but once I did (and after the two & a half years of fighting my insurance) I was excited about getting healthy! I am trying my best to look at the whole picture and not on the little obstacles I am having. I have already lost 13 pounds, so I am excited about my progress so far. I would love to get to know more people in the same boat as me. And I am more than willing to answer que…

Man I`ll tell you it`s been a long time coming ,but I finally have Ins. approval , and a surgery date. It has taken ten months but no one sayed it would be easy. Good thing I have patients and are very pro active about my health, I now know how people can get frustrated. Everyone says be patient, but I`ve got no morbitities and dont like excuses. At least I now have dates to look forward to.:thumbup: You will learn you can catch more flies with sugar than with salt!!

There is a new man in my life. At this time he is almost as important as my husband. He is Dr Ben-David at UF. His guidance has made the transition to life with the lapband much easier. I was banded on February 18, the day after my 40th anniversary. My husbands support has made this large change in my life comfortable. I'm Jewish and Passover is next week. I'm a bit nervous about handling the Seders and matzoh. Any help out there?

Hello!! I have made the decision to have the lap band done! I cant get in until June 4th for my consult, but it is worth the wait! I have struggled with this decision for about 6 years! I went back and forth with lap band and GBP. After serious research and serious soul searching I know that lap band is for me! I would love to meet others going through this process, people that have had it done, ect! I love personal stories, they are motivating and very informative! I am Chris I am 33 years old and the mother to 2 beautiful little girls, 9 years old and 16 months old! My husband is great and very supportive too! I would to hear from going through this too......…

I'm a lurker on here, reading everything so that I can be ready for the process. I went to a seminar in February, did my psych eval in late February, my nutrition counseling in March, and everything was submitted to my insurance in late March. The approval just came through yesterday! :sad_smile: I cut out caffeine in March. My surgery is set for May 21st at 7:30 am. I had to put it off for over a month so that I can get everything set up for work so that I can be off for a few days. With the memorial day holiday the next weekend, I even get one extra day off without needing to use that day as sick leave. The worst part is that my husband absolutely needs to be at…

Hi, I was just banded in Gainesville, FL by Dr. Hipp. My surgery was done on Feb. 5th, so I am just two weeks post-op. Thank you everyone who has posted on this site, as I used it as a reference for knowing what to expect from the surgery.

Hello everyone. I'm sure this question has come up before, but has anyone had to do the 6 months of doctor monitored diet and exercise prior to insurance approval? I worry that I'll follow the rules and jump through every hoop the insurance requires and they will deny me.

Hello all im new and i love this site! I am meeting with the surgeons on May 1st wooopeee and dont know what to expect... do i really need to loose weight before the surgery? waiting to hear from all!!

Hi, I'm Stephanie. I just found out today that I am approved for the lap band. I am soooo excited. Right now I weigh about 260 and I am looking to lose about 110 pounds. Tomorrow I will go to the surgeon's office to schedule my date. Yay!

I was banded in March by Doc. Nygen and Doc. Smith of the University of Irvine, California I have lost 20lbs as of the 11th of April and I feel great.:thumbup:

Hi this is my first posting.. I was banded in March/07 in Toronto Canada, by Dr Yau athe Toronto laprscopic band clinic. To date I have lost 82 lbs. I live in northern Saskatchewan so travelling back and forth to Ontario isn't an option. I depend on the internet for my support. I just came across this site so I am hoping that I will be able to share and learn from other members

Hi I am Juanita,I had lapband surgery on 7 April at WRAMC. My doctor's name is Dr. Carmody, who is an Army Surgeon. As of today I feel wonderful. I can't wait to find out how much weight I have lost. I have not been on the scale since Monday before surgery. So far the pain has been minimum. As far as hunger goes I am not hungry, but today I am going to try and eat more. This weight loss journey is something that I am really looking forward to. I know that having the surgery is one of the best decision I have ever made. Keep me in your prayers. Those who are out their that are interested in getting the band I wish you all the best.

Good Morning Everyone! I logged onto this great site yesterday, and your support gave me the confidence to start the process! I'm Healthnet California HMO through the school district I teach for and they emailed me that they do cover the band as long as I use Sutter physicians. I have an appointment with my internist on Monday for the referral. Currently I'm 5'7" and weigh 260, so I need to loose 120 pounds. I have high blood pressure and degenerative disc disease of the spine. I've had back surgery and I am scheduled for my 8th epidural steriod injection in May. What hoops will I have to jump through to get approved? My goal is to be able to wear a fashionable dr…

I've read everything from why do people post stupid things that don't mean anything, great success stories, struggling people, modivated people - all kinds of people and the best part? I see myself if all of them. At some point in my life I've been every one of these people and now we're all together doing the same thing - attempting to take control over something that has TAKEN control over us forever. I'm so excited I can't stand it. Up until yesterday I didn't think I was ready. Scared, worried I wouldn't do what was required and not be successful. But you know what makes people successful? Honest, love, integrity & HOPE. HOPE is huge. That's why we're here right?…

Hi from Maryland:unsure: I know I should start this process but for some reason I cn not get started. My brother had it done in November 2007 and he is doing great, has lost close to 60 lbs:smile2:. :embaressed_smile:I need this, I wear a CPAP for sleep apnea, set on 13, I am a diagnosed diabetic, Type 2 for 2 years now, have GERD, High Cholestrol, hypertension, thyroid, suffer from anxiety. I take a pill cocktail in the morning and at night that could choke you. Much of this could probably be taken care of if I were to lose a significant amount of weight. I know it, everybody knows it, I think my insurance would probably take care of it because it would take …

Hi everyone. I am a Yo-Yo dieter as I seen others are. I am 5-7", 244-lbs, have had Type 2 diabetes for 11 years, have high cholesterial, BPH, and hypertension, and am taking medications for all. Now for the good side, I have been taking Martial Arts for 3-years and 10-months. I do hard workouts 3 times a week and am able to jog 2 miles--slowly but I can. As for dieting, I can usually maintain a diet for about 6-months down to 215--I should weigh around 170I have always ended up gaining it back within another 6-months. I don't care if insurance pays or not, the decision I have to make is... Will I be happy and successful if I do the LB? What are the real odds of compl…

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself! I've been a "lurker" on here for quite some time, and decided to finally take the plunge! I'm making an appointment for my first pre-op consult this afternoon! I wanted to thank everyone for their amazing honesty on this board!!!! :sad_smile:

Just wanted to introduce myself because I've been getting information from this site for the last few weeks that has really helped me. First of all I'm 35 married and mother of a 6 year old. I was banded on april 1,2008 in Houston @ University General Hospital by Dr Felix Spiegel. I was one of those people who always said I would never have that done ...well never say never. About 3 years ago I lost about 45 lbs on my own no diet pills just watching what I ate and excercising 5 times a week it took me about 11 months to lose and within the next couple years I gained it back plus. I'm really excited about the choice I've made I know that this is a tool to help me and …

I really enjoy reading this site i am on the fence wether i want to get this done or not . I really appreciate all of your honesty i am 5' 2" 215 needing to lose 75lbs . I am a chronic YO-YO dieter. I also have med issues that make me a good candidate i also have Aetna Ins . Any other advice would be great for this fence sitter .

Hi, I am just getting started with this new adventure. I hope to be banded by the end of summer. Robin :redface:

Hi everyone. I live in Pensacola, FL. I am just starting out in the process of researching this procedure. I know my insurance company excludes weight loss surgeries. I've looked around the forum and see there is a lot to read. I spent some time in the insurance and financing section. I also used the search feature. I wasn't able to find anything about the costs in my area for self pay. Can anyone point me in the right direction or has anyone paid for their own surgery in the panhandle area? Congratulations to all who have successfully lost weight. I would love to be a member of that club. I can see there is a lot to learn about the procedure and process so I will…

Hello Lap Band friends, My name is Janet and I had my lap-band done on Nov.14th. I've lost 25lbs. My surgeon is Dr. Goldstein in Marlton, NJ. He makes you have a barium swallow as you are getting a fill. Last time it took 4 weeks (from an office visit)to get a fill. It wasn't a good time for me. I was starting to get back into my old habits. I was able to eat everything! Nothing made me ill or vomit. I think I might have expanded my pouch! After the fill I was OK for about two weeks but I'm back to my old habits. I see my surgeon again on March 7th and will schedule another fill. I've started back to my support meetings but could use some help at home also. I need a lap-…

Hi, I am a 53 year old female with 2 grown sons, a husband I adore of 34 years and 3 great dogs that have not asked for my car keys EVER! I have been overweight for about 20 years and now have had 4 abdominal surgeries. One was to remove 1foot of colon and a bag was place and then the reversal. My surgeon said my abdominal walls are paper then, I do have 2 new hernias, not to do abdominal exercises. This really effects the back since my core muscles are almost non-existent and they are the ones that help support the back. This is where I may need some help esp from any one in N.C. with Medicaid. I am in the process of applying and am currently waiting to go before the ju…

Everything has gone well. However, last night I felt something shift - it almost feels as if I have something stuck and continue to swallow. Has anyone else experienced this or could this be a minor slip? I can still drink liquids and have never had any PBing or vomiting but I want to make sure this is not a sign of slippage.

I was banded on march 20 of this year and have lost 22 pounds since the band. Not sure if I am doing good, bad or otherwise compared to others this far along.:wink2: