Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

my name is Carla, I live on the Oregon coast. I have mobility trouble so it's hard to exercise out of the water, but I do swim twice a week. I was banded in Mexico 4/10/07. I've had a hard time of it with this band. I'm down almost 40lbs. I have a hard time with drinking so much water. I do eat good food but not much of it. I know I'm going to beat this weight issue and be healthy someday. I will not ever give up no matter how slow I lose the pounds. Good luck to all with a healthly life.

hello everyone. i am *so* glad i found this site. Everyone on here seems so nice and helpful. I do tend to get a little lost while on here though I Went to the "seminar" the 25th of March . I go to my 1st Dr. appt. the Consultation May 9th .....i already know my insurance covers the surgery great .....when i called they asked what Insurance we had since that was what they said was one of the 1st steps. i told them , then they asked through what compant, i told them . they said "Oh yeah, they cover it " ...I have to say , i was doing the Happy Dance while on the phone ...... I was told to expect at least a 2 hour visit MINIMUM for the 1st initial consul…

I live not too far from Wausau, WI and am scheduled to be banded by Dr. Calvin Selwyn out of Stevens Point on 26 March 2008 - this Wednesday, which can't get here fast enough! I've been trolling this board shamelessly for a while and thought that it was finally time to put my foot out. I look forward to continuing to share everyone's experiences!

Hi! I got my lapband August 2007. Have lost 45 pounds in the 8 months since then. I thought it would be much more. I did really well the first few months, but am really disappointed in how slow it's going now.

Hi I am getting ready to meet with the surgeon on May 1st to discuss and pick the date to get my surgery done. I am almost 30 next month married not even a year and have 2 children. A 11 year old daughter and a 3 1/2 yr. old son. I am not sure on what surgery I want to have done yet. I am still contiplating that. My friend just had the band put on at the end of Feb. and thinks that would be a better choice, but told me to check this board out. So that's my story. I hope to get a lot of info and know exactly what I want.:confused2: Lisa Oh my surgeon is Dr. O'Malley Rochester NY and insurance is covering it.

Hi everyone, I have been reading this board for only a few days, but have found it to be very informative with LOTS of friendly people. :biggrin2: My story, in a nutshell...I'm 39, T2 diabetes, hypertensive and have elevated cholesterol (going on 7 years for all). I'm 5'5" and 197 lbs. I have plugged in my numbers and it says I am not eligible for the surgery. I have tried for MANY years to diet/exercise, nothing works. I am on meds for my problems...honestly, I'm feeling desperate. I get so MAD because I can't stick to a program very long, and I'm worried how everything I put in my mouth is killing me. Wow, that was hard to type out. :thumbup: I am just star…

I was just wondering how soon everyone was able to return to work. I am having surgery on Wednesday and hope to be back to work on the next Monday. I am hoping I am allowing enough time for recovery. I am an accountant so no heavy lifting ect to worry about. Any input would be greatly appreciated. thank you:rolleyes2:

I am newer to this support group, looking to get banded hopefully by end of summer. I meet with the MD April 22, and hoping I will know more about when after that appointment. Already saw the shrink, those tests were nuts, and if you weren't nuts before then, you might just be after LOL. Just wondering if anyone from this group is from Wisconsin. Thank you

I am new and just starting out. For me I wanted to become more educated and that is what this is for me. To learn thru others who have had good and bad experiences, I dont want someone to sugar coat things for me just the simple truth. I also would like to post my weight tracker on here as well.. unsure of how to do that yet.. perhaps someone could educate me on how to post it on my page.. thanks Julie

Hi! I have been wanting to get on a forum for awhile, but haven't had the time... or so I say. Anyways, I had the lapband done 3 years ago and have only lost about 40 lbs, and am gaining. I wanted to get on a forum to get some tips on how to keep up the weight loss. I had my surgery done in Mexico by Dr Ortiz (who is AMAZING, by the way) so I can't really contact him with my issues anymore. I had my last fill in Jan of 07, and as far as I am concerned, I don't think I need another one. I still get things stuck quite often, so I don't think I need it tighter. I do have a problem drinking while I eat, and I don't mean alcohol. I don't "drink" like that at all. But it seem…

Hey everyone! My name is Dan; I'm 26 yrs old from Lansing, MI. I just started my "journey" in March. I weigh 298 lbs. right now, but topped out over 300 lbs. and I freaked out. My BMI is well over 50 and I knew I had to do something as diets just don't work. After researching my surgery options I decided on the Lap-Band. I am currently enrolled in the New Beginnings program at Ingham Regional Medical Center. I have already finished my PCP, RN, Exercise & Behavioral Therapist consults. Tomorrow I get to do my dietician consult and a week later I have to have a sleep study done and see a psychologist. Then I have to attend my 8 weeks of "classes" to help prepare me for …

Hi all. I just found this board and signed right up. I'm getting "banded", which appears to be the term of choice here, next Monday, April 14. My wife is also being banded on the same day. She has a host of problems; blood sugar, thyroid, etc. I've just always been a fat guy and am ready to change. We're happy to be doing it together for moral and actual support. My mother-in-law will be "babysitting" us for the first week after surgery. Our surgeon is Dr. Frank Chae just outside Denver. We're paying out-of-pocket thanks to the (deleted) insurance companies. I'm a little nervous, but not about the procedure. My bad eating habits are life-long and this is th…

Hello to everyone. I have my appt. with Dr. on Wed. I am really nervous. I have had 2 surgeries in less than a year and I hope the surgeon will proceed with the band and not ask me to wait. I went through thyroid cancer and sarcoidosis in the past year. I am on immunosuppresants to treat everything but my blds have been ok. psych eva 3/9 Nut eva 3/28

Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself. I am in Columbus, OH, hoping to get banded through Riverside's Fresh Start program. I have been to their seminar and started on my list of tasks I have to accomplish in order to get approval...... I have already learned a lot through these boards and look foward to hearing everyone's experiences :thumbup: -Amie

Hi, everyone! After waiting for over a year, I received notification of my first appointment to start the process for Lap Band surgery. It's been a long, long wait. Three years ago, I started the process for gastric bypass surgery but backed out after going through quite a few appointments because the risks scared the heck out of me. I also know of several people who have had gastric bypass and some have also had a host of gastro-intestinal issues. They all lost a great deal of weight, but some just aren't healthy anymore despite the weight loss. So I declined continuing towards that surgery. After discussing my finding with my doctor, she suggested the Lap Band…

Just scheduled my surgery date, for 4/21. Also began the liquid diet this last monday. I am starving. A little nervous. Thinking, "What in the world am I doing?.Any good ideas on what to do during the 2 weeks of liquid? Thanks

Good Afternoon All, I have come accross the term PB many times on this forum and I assume it refers regergitated (nice term food but what does it actuallt stand for?

Hi all, this is my first time posting on this site. I'm 34 yrs. old, married and have 2 kids. I am scheduled to be banded on 5/19/08 by Dr. Lucktong in Roanoke Virginia.I very nervous but excited at the same time.:frown:

Hi All, I'm from Oz and I have been banded for 6 days now! This will be a first posting here also :confused2: I have been lurking for months and reading, reading , reading... Thanks to those that have posted the truth about the pain! Mine is getting better every day. Good luck to those that are being banded in the future. Jo

Hello, my name is Vicki and I am awaiting the approval of my insurance company. I have waited the 6 month period and am anxious to get on with my surgery. My Lap-band doctor is Dr. Michale Hodge. He is very kind and communicates well which is very important to me. I lost 14 pounds during the 6 month waiting period. I will let you know when I hear from Dr. Hodge's office as to when my surgery date is.

I'm a newcomer and learning as much as I can absorb! My lapband surgery date is set for April 19th and happily joining me to have the same surgery the same day is my sister-n-law! :thumbup: WE can really support each other and I am looking forward to that relationship with her. My Dad is scheduled for his on May 28th. :thumbup: He is staying in Atlanta for his with insurance paying, but we girls are flying to Mexico for an adventure! :scared2: I will begin the pre-diet on the 12th, and praying for a flight that is easy on an empty stomach, we will fly out on the morning of the surgery and go straight to the hospital for the testing and procedure. Prayers are all I ne…

Hello, I am totally new to this forum but I have read about it for 18 months now. I have been trying to lose weight and every year I gain more. I am a male 5'11" and weigh 245. When I asked my doctor about losing weight he put me on a 1800 calorie diet plan. If i could follow the plan I would be skinnier but I can't. I think I want to get the lapband but I am not quite obest yet so I will probably have to pay for it myself. I want to take action now before my health deteriorates. Is this the right thing to do?

Hi, everyone. I decided to join in tonight for moral support. I had my band in Louisville on 8/7/07. I have only lost around 44 lbs so far. I know that is better than gaining but I was hoping for a quicker solution..haha.. I will keep plodding away. At least I am no longer gaining.

Hi all, Just wanted to introduce myself. I am a 38 year old trying my best to get this weight off of me so that I can live life instead of just existing. My body has taken a beating from carrying all these extra pounds around and I want to get better. I am so glad this forum is here for those of us that are struggling with our weight. Nice to meet you all!!

Hi! I'm from Metro Detroit! So far i have been to the seminar met Dr. Hawasli and he awesome staff, had the most amusing time at the psych evaul. I mean how many questions about hearing voices was this guy going to ask me!!!! ahaha!! Oh and I have got the OK from my Primary Physician. So now all I have left is to meet the diectician and submit the paperwork to BCBS and I will be on my way. I am scared and excited all at the same time. Most of all i keep thinking, wow this time next year my life will have done a 360 I'm sure! I haven't told many i am doing this. I reluctantly told my mother who has spent her days since we talked trying to talk me out of it. Tol…

Hi, I haven't been banded yet, but I am researching Lapband surgery. My primary care doc suggested it since I am fat, with high BP, pre diabetic and miserable. I would appreciate some insites from those who have had the surgery. I have tried everything. Since I tip the scale at 228, I don't exercise because how can a person 100 pounds overweight manage to exercise. I used to ride a recombant bike religiously. Once I quit it didn't take long for the pounds to pile on and I haven't been able to get it off. I have tried Jenny Craig (almost went to the poor house), Weight Watchers, Medifast, Slim Fast, Nutri Systems and here I am after all that money gone still fat an…

Hi guys.i was wonderig if anyone had a hiatle hernia before surgery and if that hinderd your surgery at all? thanks for your input guys:lol:

HI my name is Rebecca, I have been lurking here for quite some time. Just reading and reading. You all have very good advice and your success stories are amazing and so inspirational. You seem very supportive of others. Thank you all for that. I went to my consultation on April 3rd and have my surgury on April 16. I met with my surgeon and 13 days later he will give me a new tool to help me on my journey. I am very excited I had to tell someone. I have only told my hubby and my best friend. Anyways I just wanted to say hello for the first time. Wishing all of you continued success. Rebecca:smile:

Hi...my name is Michi and I will be getting banded on May 6th by Dr. Hart in Atlanta. I'm so excited to see the changes in my body. The site has already provided great information. :thumbup:

Hello Everyone - The last time I posted I shared my doctor gave me her approval for surgery and refered me to a weight loss doctor in the network. I attended my first weight loss seminar on the 17th of March. I contacted my insurance company today and was told they have received all the required documentation. I should be hearing from them within the next two weeks. She also gave me my case number and told me I can call everyday to check on my status. I don't know why I'm feeling nervous because my company has weight loss in their policy. I have my psych evual on the 14th. I truly believe I'm almost there!

Whoo Who after 18 months, 2 insurance companies, and a loss of 70lbs on WW, the doctor's office just called and asked me to pick a date 4/14 4/21 or 4/28. !! I nearly fainted. I picked 4/28 cause I need time to get things ready at home. Then I asked about the pre op diet that they drilled into me 9mths and they where like no big deal about it. which has left me a little confused. I guess I should call back the office and ask for more details but they said I could use opti-fast. Help... Oh yeah how do you add those cool tickers to your sign on ..... am i just babbling ??? sorry I am kinda of exicted and scared at the same time I mean its just 3 weeks a way. :biggrin2:

Hello All, My name is Sharie and I live in the Atlanta Area. I was banded on April 1st by Dr. Hart at Perimeter Surgery Center. I am new to this forum, and I hope to learn a lot more about living with the Lapband. So far I have lost 12 lbs. I am not hungry but being around my 3 kids and husband while they eat can be somewhat annoying, but it is definitely worth it!!!!

Hello Everyone!:drool: My name is Miki and I'm in the Ft Lauderdale area. I had my surgery two weeks ago today by Dr. Paul Wizman. I am down 15.7 lbs. Just found this site today and I'm glad I did! Looking forward to learning a lot from all of you! Also looking forward to starting pureed foods tomorrow!:frown:

Hello! I am very interested in having this procedure done,I feel that this is the only thing that will work for me,:frown: however, I don't know the first step to take. Any advise. Also how do I get my insurance company invovled to see what they pay for. Does anyone have Tricare and had them pay for this?

how soon can you go back to work after the lapband?

Hi Everyone! I just got banded on 7/17/07 and am still in my recovery stage. I'm so glad I found this site so I can find answers to all my questions! I must admit I was feeling pretty low yesterday as I started to wonder what the rest of my life would be like, however, all the posts I've been reading are very positive and they give me hope for a happy lap-band life! Thank you to all! ~Mindy

Hello everyone! I havent been here in a long time, so I figured I would just start all over again and introduce myself. I was banded 8/3/06, with Dr. Eid in Pittsburgh. I was proudly down 80 pounds, but then my band wasnt tight enough, and well, I blew almost a year of loosing. I'm still down about 70, so it's not that bad, but it is still frustrating. I had a fill for the first time in a year on the 28th. Since then I've lost 10 pounds! The amount of food I COULD eat, was still small compared to what I ate before the band, but I see now just HOW much more I really was eating. I'm having a hard time adjusting mentally to the small amount I can eat no…

Tomorrow!Tomorrow! Shortly after the sun rises tomorrow morning, I will be undergoing Lap Band surgery. Holy Cow! I didn't panic, I didn't fret, I didn't falter my whole journey so far until I realized today that I will need to pack maybe a couple things for tomorrow (I'll be home by 5pm). Not only do I not know what to pack, but I AM GOING TO BE SLICED OPEN LIKE A FISH. hehe. I am very ready to do it, but I wish it were today so I was in pain already and I know how bad it is. Any last minute nerve settling/packing advice?:thumbs_up:

Hello Everyone!! I was looking on the net and found this site and I am so happy that I did. I am a 53 year old woman that currently lives in El Paso. I am having my surgery done this tuesday the 16th and I am looking forward to it and to the help it is going to give me in a search for a new healtier life!! I am hoping that I will learn from all of you the things that I will be experiancing and mostly to know that I am not the only one that has done this proceedure. Thank you all for being here. Nancy:rolleyes2:

Hello Everyone- I've never been one to get too involved with virtual groups on the internet but after several months of reading this site, I can see its advantages. I'm scheduled for surgery this Friday in Dallas and I'm very excited. Much like some of you, I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I played sports in high school which kept my weight managable but that quickly went away with the rigors of college (good and bad). I'm a single guy that hasn't changed his lifestyle much from college other than the suit and tie I wear to the office everyday. I don't look to post much but I thank those of you that do for the insight and inspiration you'll provide …

:thumbs_up: OK so I am headed to Dallas tomorrow night for surgery friday 4/11. I have cardio appt and surgeon appt thursday and then I'm ready!! It's finally here!! yeah I was supposed to have it done 3/21 but Dr. office filed my papers with another persons request cause the last names were the same. So I've had to wait. So here I go!!

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum but just have a few comments to make. I was banded on 1/19/07 and have only lost about 23 lbs since. I have exercised regularly and have already had three fills. I experience ongoing nausea and although I can't tolerate much food, less than 1000 cals. most days, still not losing weight. Has anyone else had similar experiences? My surgeon has briefly discussed the number of lap-band failures at about 15% of patients inhis practice, and about 19-20% for the general population. He may convert to bypass surgery. Just looking for anyone with a similar experience.:ohmy:

i got the call today that says that my insurance will cover the surgery 100% and i scheduled my appointments!!! that wont happen until may (since i am away at college) BUT STILL! i feel like i finally have something to be excited about! i cannot wait to be banded and share my own sucesses and struggles with you all! i am SOOO SOOO SOOO excited! good luck to everyone!!!!!!!!!

Hi, this is my 1st post. I started w/ a new primary care physician today. For the 1st time ever I've mentioned to a doctor that I would be interested in a lap band. I'm sort of nervous now that I've started the ball rolling. I want to find out as much as possible w/out being scared out of my wits. I want to loose just about 100 pounds.

Hello all, I have been reading on this site for about a month but this is my first time speaking up. My name is Greg and I am from Staten Island, NY: I have had my Overview Class, Psych Eval, Surgeon Meet and have my meeting with the Nutritionist on 4/16; at that point they will submit for my insurance approval. I am 49 and am apprehensive but excited about the prospects for the future. This site is a great support mechanism and I look forward to participating more. My goal is to enter my 50's moving in the right direction

Hi, I am new to the site. My name is Amy I live in Duncanville, TX and have a beautiful 6 year old daughter named Marissa. I am scheduled for surgery on Friday, April 11, 2008. I am a self pay because I was denied by my insurance because my BMI was too high (I know, I know....). Anyway, I decided not to fight the system (insurance) after many months of indecision to pay for it myself. I am looking forward to learning from the pros!

hey everyone! my name is emily, im nineteen and was banded 3 days ago. it's been painful, but i know that it will be worth it in the end. i've already lost 7lbs... only 110 to go! good luck to all of you!

Hi, I'm new to the forum and have so many questions. This seems to be a great place to ask questions and get support. I must admit I have mixed emotions when reading the posts. Some are so encouraging that I can hardly wait to get banded and others frankly scare me. I wonder if this will finally really work for me after over 30 years of dieting with no permanent success. My question is...Can you feel the band? How do most people feel after surgery? How soon will I be able to resume normal activities? What is the biggest challenge to being banded? Thanks for your help! Beth

Hi everyone! Although Ive been on the boards for a few months (mostly getting information) I never formally introduced myself. I am a 35yo, SAHM to 3 boys. They are 7, 5 and 3. The decision for me to even consider the lapband was a HUGE one. Ive been considering it for 2 years! Once I started the process in January, it went really quick. I was banded on 3/31. It could have been sooner, but my dh is in the military, and was on deployment. I wanted to wait until he got home. SO, he's been home the past week, taking care of me & our 3 boys. I have been walking every day for 30 minutes, and following the Stage 3 Diet. Low, and behold, 20 pounds EXACTLY this morning! I rea…

Hi Everyone - I'm from Kittery Maine. I am just getting started in the process to get approved. I'm told that if all goes according to plan I should have my banding before the end of the year. For the first time in a long time I feel excitement about the future! I will have my procedure at Maine Medical Center in Portland Maine. I have met the Surgeon at an informational meeting and will start attending a support group soon. :thumbup: