Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Everyone, I am in the process of getting approved for the band. I am a little scared, excited and impatient. I have my Nut & Psych Eval tomorrow and hope everything will go well. Get to see the doc next week again to talk about my bloodwork and where we are in regards to approval(tricare). The Doc's office have been great and really helpful. I am so happy to have found this forum, it has been so helpful and full of great info.

Hello from New Jersey! I got banded on 3/25/08 and so far things are going well. I lost 16.5 pounds the first week! but I have now leveled off to a slower pace. I was banded by Dr. Beth Schrope. Her and her team operate out of Valley Hospital in NJ and Columbia Presbyterian in NYC. I am definitely in need of a fill. I already know I can put down more than the 3-4 ounces they said would be the limit but regardless, I am careful. I have had no PB'ing to date. Unlike a lot of what I read, I was only on liquids for one day following my surgery. After that, I started right on pureed food. I am supposed to do that for a couple of weeks and then advance to "soft" foods. I w…

Hi Everyone, My name is Paul and over the last decade I've gotten to be about 100 lbs overweight which is alot considering I'm not exactly tall. I put on about 60 lbs in the last year after I quit smoking. Just went to a "seminar" about different weight loss surgeries. I think the LapBand would be the one for me, but I'm still hesitant. Told the doctor I would like to try once with diet and exercise alone, but the numbers don't lie, it's not easy at all. I quit smoking two years ago and that was incredibly hard, but well worth it. However, I used the patch, Zyban, and an online support group. I feel the LapBand is kind of like one of the tools to help quit smoking.…

Hi, my name is Kathy and I live in Alabama I have an appt. for a consultation visit with a Dr. to see if I can have lap band surgery! I pray it will all work out for me so I can have the lap band surgery. But my question is about how many days would I have to be off work? Please if anyone knows please chat back. Thanks so much in advance for all your help!:smile:

Hello everyone. I am new to this wonderful forum and already I can't tear myself away from reading so many great posts! I had my lapband surgery exactly 3 weeks ago today! I did the HMR shakes for 9 days prior to surgery and lost 9lbs. Total lost in just 4 weeks is 25 pounds and already I feel so much better. Dr. Michael Hill of the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY was my surgeon and I was his first patient. I felt confident in his abilities as he has done many open WLS and the lap band is easy compared to those. He has a wonderful personality and I felt very comfortable with him, a real positive person. After surgery I felt progressively worse as my overnigh…

Hi! I'm Jennifer from Apex, NC. Looking for anyone who was banded by Duke WLSC (Dr. DeMaria or Dr. Pryor).

I am so glad I found this forum...It is such a great support... I have been thinking about the Lap Band surgery for a very long time. reading everything I could find on the subject. Knowing all along this is what I want to have done. So I attended the slide presentation Feb 14, 2008. I am going to meet with my surgeon Feb 26. Everything is moving along great...My paper work is in order. I am hoping to have my surgery in March!!!!:tt2: I will keep you updated as things move along. ~ Jewels:thumbup:

hey, well i want to start of by saying i am a 33 yr old w/m from southwest Ga. I have been a big guy all my life and am plainly just f*cking tired of it. I started my journey this past saturday by going to a seminar. I am excited, but just having to deal with the insurance company on it is stressful enough. I want this, and i need this done so badly. I have 2 darlling younguns and a very loving wife to think about,..So i have come to the realization that i can't just not worry about it anymore, casue hell it's not going away. I wish sometimes i could be like "I dream of Jeannie" and close my eyes and say "Fat be gone!!",...but thats a pipe dream. I have too much at st…

Hi everyone! It's been a while since my last post and I cannot believe that I have finally come to the point of insurance approval! I am holding my breath and should hopefully hear something in about 7-10 days! I remember finding this site back in January and reading almost everyone's posts! It gave me so much information and helped tremendously. I have seen ALL the required Doctors, been for a sleep study, attended the nutrition classes and had all my doctor recorded weights for about 4 months. I was told that I needed 6 but I am hopeful they will accept 4. I truly cannot believe the time is here and I pray that my insurance will not let me down. I have BC/BS Dir…

Hello All, I am new here as of today. My name is Jennifer and I was recently approved on 03/27 for the lap band surgery. I meet with my surgeon for the 1st time on 04/09. I am very excited and nervous at the same time. It will be a long road but I'm ready. I look forward to meeting people who are on this journey already.

Hi, My name is Susan and I had my band 6 weeks ago and have lost 30 lbs already. I never had any problems eating except I have to remember to eat slowly or I do a lot of burbing. I am so glad I did this!!:thumbup:

My insurance added Lap Band to there policy coverage I am so excited. I went to see my primary Doc today and she is scheduling a Oxygen level test to see if I need to take the sleep apnea test, Has anyone taken the Oxygen lvel test?:thumbup:

Hi all- I am getting my evaluation done this Monday (April 7) and I was researching the Internet for lap band info and discovered this site. I must say I didn't know there were so many people out there on the "band" wagon! And everyone here is so knowledgeable and friendly--it's comforting to know that I'll have scads of instant friends to help me get through the rough spots--Bless you all!:thumbup:

I've been lurking here on and off since November, and have finally worked up the nerve to post. To start, I want to tell all of you how helpful this board has been to me -- without me ever having posted anything. I am inspired by your stories and successes, and reassured by your first hand experiences and knowledge. Still -- in spite of it all -- I'm nervous as hell. Not so much about having the surgery, mind you, but the insurance waiting game is killing me. I will probably not find out if I've been approved until days before my scheduled surgery -- which is April 7. A bit about me: I'm 47, married with two children (9 and 11). I live on Long Island, pretty close to th…

I am currently going through the 6 mo. monitored diet plan. Actually I just started a week ago and I have a question... A little history -- I am borderline for qualifying for the surgery -- if I lose over 13 lbs in this 6 months, I will no longer qualify...BUT my question concerns a statement my nutritionist made last week in our first meeting. She stated that if I did not lose in this 6 months, the doctor would want to do gastric bypass rather than lapband because many people do not lose more than 30 lbs with the lapband. Is there a good place to go to find stats on this? I have no interest in gastric bypass -- the only reason I'm considering lapband is be…

Hi all; I'm from Upper Michigan and am looking for anyone in my area who has had the lapband surgery or is preparing for surgery. I am currently waiting for approval from my insurance company. I have lost 9 pounds on my own. I still need to find a therapist in my area to do the Psych eval. The closest person to do the psych eval I found is 53 miles away. If anyone is from the U.P. I would appreciate hearing from you. I really want to make sure that I'll be able to follow through with the surgery. :biggrin: oops, forgot to mention that I will be having surgery in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Hi everyone: I am a new kid on the block. I just had my banding perfomed 4 days ago and am back at work. I am a Nurse Practitioner and was just plain ol tired of trying to tell my patients to live a better life, while I continue to kill myself slowly with overeating and obesity. Like Oprah, if there would have been a pill I could have bought, I would have done it long ago. I am so thankful for this procedure, and to all of you who are still trying to decide, DO IT!!!! By any means necessary!!!! I look forward to talking with you all on this wonderful supportive website. Roslyn:rolleyes2:

Hi everyone! My name is Alli. On April 10th I will be getting the Realize Lap Band surgery here in Richmond, Virginia with Dr. Greg Schroder. Im really excited about this because I have had a life long struggle with my weight. I am almost 31 years old, and I want to be healthy!! I am currently on the liver shrinking diet, and I feel like I have already lost some weight. I have 7 more days to go on this. I am really looking forward to this new chapter in my life. I am also really scared. Thanks for listening, feel free to send advice! Starting Weight: 363 Goal weight: 130

hi all ive just joined because i wanted to hear about other people and there experiences with there lap band and to maybe make new friends on the way!:huh2:

I have went to my siminar , filled out all paperwork , and waiting on my first visit with doctor. I hope it comes soon. I am ready.

Hello from VA. I've been banded for a while but due to some health issues I'm re-starting from scratch. October 2006 my band was installed then filled the last week in Dec. I consistently lost 10 pounds per month. I'd lost 35 pounds when I had to have my band deflated for a year (nothing to do w/ the band) and gained back 33 pounds. Now I've begun my journey again. In 2 months I've lost a mere 10.5 pounds. My band was filled in mid Jan. I had another fill 2 weeks ago. I'm not doing as well this time as I did the last. I'm worried my pouch has stretched, dilated as they say because I can eat a lot more food than I used to. I feel Hot drinks or very cold drinks g…

I haven't been on here for some time now, but thought because I got my surgery date yesterday that I should get back on here and talk to you all incase I need some support and advice. You all are a great support group and I need to be in touch. I'm getting banded on April 21st.:tt2: Now that I have a date, I think I'm a little nervous.:frown: Is that normal? I've wanted this for so long and have jumped through the hoops that have been required to get it ....now I'm having thoughts of ....am I doing the right thing? I woke up this morning at 4 am and couldn't shut my head off to go back to sleep, just thinking about all this. Don't get me wrong...I'm doing it! Just want…

I have just found this forum today & feel it will be very helpful! I had my band put on November 2007 & after 3 band fills had to have it completely emptied again as it was too tight, i could not even take any Water without being sick the pain was awful. Lost 35 pounds so far but put 11 pounds back on ! I am back to having it filled again had 3cc so far await 2nd band fill, so hopefully will start to lose again. Has anybody else had the same problem ? Be nice to hear from some of you.

I'm new here. I live in California, but I am originally from Tennessee. My husband is in the Air Force. we've been out here for 4 1/2 years, and married for the same. :huh2: No kids yet. I want to get the band. I have an appointment next thursday to basically see if I am a candidate. Hopefully I can get it! can't wait to meet all ya'll

i am going to have my bandig on mon.april 7 don't know what to really expect and im a little nervous,any words of wisdom

Hi to all. I am new to this web site. I was told about it tonight at a support group. I am having my surgery in Peoria, Illinois. My appointment next week is with the Psyc and then comes my precertification and surgery date. I am anxious but nervous. I hope I do as well as alot of the people on the postings. I would like to know what the best protein drinks or powder are? thanks. Becky

hi im bill from daytona beach im se to be banded in mexico in june with dr aceves im new to the whole baning thing but have een ndoing alo of reserch it cost 16000 to have it done here so price is o high for me im looking to shat or talk with people that have gone to mexico to be banded i want to get as much info as i can my wife dont want me to go bitomexco but ive heard only good things so fr what is the post p things that go on am any info is great hope tohear from you

Hi all, I've not had much time to be a part of any forum for some time now, but realize how much I miss all the support and friendships, so here I am. I was banded in Mexoco a little over two years ago and I am a very happy bandster! This surgery has changed my life for the better in more ways than I ever imagined. The Lap Band rocks!!! :huh2:

Hi, I have a question... I previously have had open surgery for gallbladder removal, and for a hysterecomy. There is scar tissue. Does anyone know the odds for me to have the easy surgery as opposed to the open surgery. I'm told they can't tell until they try. My surgery date is May 6th. Thanks dicev:rolleyes2:

I have some fears of having the surgery done now that the date is approaching. I have heard so many people say I can't eat this or that they now have to go to the bathroom to cough-up something that they just ate. How many people actually go through this on a daily basis? I do understand that everyone is different. If anyone has had a similar experience? As for the surgery, I do understand that there could be complications as with any surgery.... Have any of you had secondary infections, or any wound leakage or any other complications with the surgery? And as far as the diet following surgery were you absolutely hungry or not? Is there anyone that has there ba…

can anyone tell me what the usual loss rate is?

Today is day three on my Protein shakes, I am doing much better then I thought I would. I do have the headaches, bad mood and my stomach feels tight. I am assuming that is because something is shrinking? But I have done very well. Thanks for everyones support. 3 days down, 11 days to go till surgery. YEAH. I am truly blessed today. My concern is I just took a week of pre-scheduled vacation, back to work for two weeks, then out for two weeks after the surgery. It sounds like everyone is back to work pretty quick. Why is my Doc making me take two weeks? Also, regarding pain....I am a recovering addict; I am wondering will I be able to do it with out any narcotics? I am o…

I am a newbie from Ontario, Canada and wanted to know if there were any bands who can talk to me about the procedure. Also where did you go and what are up and downs of doing the surgery. Thank you:smile::wink_smile:

Hello, Having surgery in 2 weeks!!!! Gotta do a 2 week liquid plan. Starting tomorrow. Anyone got any tips to make it thru??

Last Thursday I was finely banded Thank God so for its been wonderful no problems , so far, I eat just small amounts. like 1/2 cup of cottage cheese i love it , little tender but no pain . i have not had a fill yet not till 6 to 8 weeks after surger.

I'm nervous about going in tomorrow to meet with the surgeon, psych, nutritionist and scheduler...to "qualify" my BMI needs to be 40, and at 5'4" that means a weight of 233. According to my scale, I am 229. How ironic is it that I am faced with needing to gain 4 pounds overnight?!?! I've spent the last few days eating high carb & high sodium with hopes of Water retention...and as it is, my weight tends to fluctuate 2-5 lbs any given day!! I am mostly a patient person - and I have a tenacious personality. However, the thought of not being approved from the get go through my insurance is something that is causing mild anxiety. I think that once I made the decisi…

I just began my journey today at Beaumont. Royal Oak, Michigan. Anyone out there/here? I'm just curious how long the process has taken everyone ... she told me 2-4 months to get to the surgery date. I don't know why it can take me 39 years to make a decision and then all of a sudden I want to do it tomorrow but I do!

To decide if I want to be banded... I've tried almost e'thing under the sun... haven't been able to lose steadily.. the main thing is hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance due to severe PCOS....I stayed up all last night researching and reading posts on this site.. Thank you guys for your openness and honesty.. I'm going to talk to my best friend tonight about what I want to do.. The hard part will be discussing this with my fam.. My cousin died from complications of a gastric bypass in Dec 2003 at 28 and another cousin died from heart related issues after a long stint on diet drugs in Dec. 07 at 32.. so.. this is real sore spot..and they don't think I have an issue w…

:confused:Hi, I was all set to start my LapBand journey when all of the sudden a horrible gallbladder attack sidelined me. I thought I would be able to have my GB removed when I got Banded, but my surgeon said, no. He said I have to have my GB removed first. :cursing:Now I'm wondering if I should get a second or third opinion rather than go through 2 surgeries. Anyone out there had a similar experience? (I have avaided fatty foods for a month and have not had another attack since then.)

Hi everyone, Well . . . I've been researching and researching the Lap-Band procedure and am SERIOUSLY considering it but I'm SCARED to DEATH! I have 100 pounds to lose (I'd be happy with 75) and I am at my wits end on how to do it. When I read the information about the risks of having the Lap-Band on the official Lap-Band website, I got cold feet. It said that of 299 people who had the Lap-Band, 88% needed to go back in for more surgery for various complications! That's HUGE! I'm concerned about having to be off work too long and I'm afraid of the vomiting problem . . . have any of you been out w/friends or in a social setting and you can't hold food or a drink do…

broth has helped so has shakes jello

I'm new to the forum, although I got banded in Mexico a year ago and had my first fill last week. Yes, one year to the day from banding to first fill, believe it or not! I'm very proud to say that I have lost five pounds in the last seven days ... what a great start! It's been an interesting last year, and I've decided that 2008 is the year of ME. No more losing myself taking care of everyone else and lots of learning how to be kind to myself. I see finally using my band (which had zero restriction until now) as the beginning of that particular healing process. For the first time in my life, I don't feel like I'm starving and like I might have a little control …

hello! I was banded in Houston on Sept 27, 2007. I have lost about 70 # since and am loving my band, though at times I wonder if I might be a shad too tight. My surgeon, who I love, left the facilitating practice I used, and I have been trying to find him since then...and I found him...yay!! Anyone looking for Dr. Marvin... His private practice is still valid. The # is 713-520-1230. I am generally more active on another board, because I didn't find this one until recently. Howdy everyone!

:biggrin2:I am Stephanie frm AZ anyone near there?

Hi My name is Zee and I am from Jersey! I joined because I wanted to know if any-one here knew what the minimum BMI for lap banding is? I know what it is for insurance to cover it, but what If I am self pay? I wouldn't actually be doing it until the beginning of next year that is when I SHOULD have the financials for it. I have a BMI of 33. All help is appreciated.:puke:

Hello everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself! I'm 27 years old from Upstate NY. In April of last year a new friend introduced me to wls. Of course, I knew about it, I'd heard all about gastric bypass. And it scared the crap out of me so I never looked into it. At my highest weight I was 342 lbs (after quitting smoking) and was definitely a candidate but I didn't want to have my plumbing messed with. He told me about lapband...i'd never heard of it before. I knew of the old banding process but people were having those revised all of the time. So I looked into lapband and did as much research as I could over the coming months. I called a nearby hospital and got…

For years we passed on purchasing medical insurance at DHs work because we simply could not afford it, but at we are 45 now and problems are cropping up:ohmy: This is going to cost us 100 dollars a week for just the two of us (The kids are covered under the "Healthy Families" plan) and I'm not quite sure how we'll afford it, but like always, we'll manage. But I figure II need to make the most of the insurance and take this opportunity to get lap band. I mean heck, after surgery my food intake will be restricted and that will reduce the grocery bill, helps cover the cost of insurance:laugh: Our insurance is Blue Shield Access HMO with no deductable and the policy takes a…

Hi I'm Shannon. I go into surgery April 3rd. I've been on the pre-op diet for three weeks. I can't wait to get this overwith. I'm ready to start eating small multiple times a day and learning what it's going to take to lose the weight and keep it off. :teeth_smile:

I'm from Birmingham, Alabama and will be attending the seminar in mid-April for Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Miles. I've got lots of questions. I'm looking at all options including self pay if the insurance doesn't cover. Can anyone tell me if you are required to do the 6 month diet before having the surgery if your self pay. I'm right at the 40 bmi, and if I lose a few pounds I want meet the criteria. It seems like a losing battle because I know I could lose 10 or 15 lbs, but then a year from now I'll be right back where I started from plus 10 more. Any feedback is greatly appreciated:cool2:

has anyone had experience with health net paying for lap band surgery? I was approved for biaratic surgery, but when I met with the surgeon he said that he recommended the lap band for me bacause of age, and he doesn't do the surgery. I was scheduled for an appointment with the doctor that does the lap bands for this hospital, and then was called and told the doctor doesn't take health net. My case manager at health net does not know what to do. she has told me that they only have approved the surgery to be performed at this hospital. Has anyone had similiar experiences. After 3 months I am really disappointed. Nora:confused: