Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

It's been a big weight gain year. That's it. I can't stand it anymore! I thought that giving up eating big meals, giving up soda, giving up the various foods, etc. would make this too drastic a step. But I'm past that now. I decided to do it in January, and I just went to see my endocrinologist (no diabetes yet, thankfully), and he's on board. Now I just need to make my appointment with the surgeon (hope he calls back soon) and get the ball rolling. I live in Boulder, CO, and there are hardly any fat people here. I don't feel I can go to school reunions. I worry that I'm embarrassing my son. I hate not being able to do things. My feet hurt. I don't sleep well. I don't w…

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. Has anyone here experienced the same sort of last-minute waiting game?

Hi everyone - Introductions always feel weird, but I suppose I can't jump into spazzing out at you. My name is jen. I'm 34 and.. well, I'm fat. I've been overweight since I was a kid. I've lost 50 pounds more times than I can count, and gained it all back every time. At my heaviest, I was 260 (I'm 5'2.5"). Right now I'm struggling to get under 240. Mid-last year, my blood pressure started to creep up, and my dad was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. That's what I see in my future, and I don't like it. I started looking into the lap band last year, and now I'm on my 5-1/2 month of my 6 month doctor-supervised dieting that my insurance company (BCBSIL) requires for ap…

Have been reading this web site for the last few days, it has been helpful and interesting to hear everyone's comments and feelings. I had my lap banding on Thursday, so I am 5 days out. I actually felt better on the second day than I do now. Sounds like depending who and where you had your procedure done, post-op instructions for diets are somewhat different. Even when you research the web, different diets come up. I am on full liquids and anticipate that I will be on that for 2 weeks. I will see the physician on Monday for my follow-up. Although I have talked with my physician via phone with the following questions, I thought I would ask all of you, since you have actua…

He did mine on Sept 17th. Went ok but because of insurance reasons I had to go all the way to Decatur (1.5 hours away). I think for post-op care I can go to richardson...that is closer. Anyone else in the same boat? Megan

Hi I just wanted to introduce myself and thank everyone for the information that is posted here :thumbup:

I hope my first intro made it...lol!:crying: Tonya, IL

Hello :crying:, I am due to be banded May (with a bit of luck!). I am beyond excited! :ohmy: KW XX

Hi, My husband found this site for me and I have been reading like crazy. Thank you all for posting your progress so those of us waiting can know what to epect. I'm 42 and have had it with losing and then gaining what I lost plus some. My family is split on me having the surgery. My parents forbid me...lol (I'm a married mother of 4 and my parents forbid me gotta love it) But when it comes down to it they will support my decision. Weight has been such a huge part of my life and my whole family. A few weeks ago I was with all my sisters and we talking about the surgery, then they started talking about how much they lost, what they do to loose weight, then it dawn…

I have posted a few times, but guess I should have introduced myself on here first. I'm considering having the lap band surgery. Haven't made an appt with the doc yet, but I work for a doctor and she agrees that this would be a good idea for me since I just developed diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, etc. I've tried every diet imaginable and feel that I gain back more weight each time and now am at my heaviest. It used to be that I wanted to lose weight to meet guys, now it is more about my health, which I think is a better reason to do this. However, I also feel like a failure if I go through with this. I see these shows and read articles about people who just set the…

Hi All, Welcome to part two of our thread, the reason for this second thread is our old one has been moving further and further down the Introductions list and soon it will get very difficult to find us, and we don't want that! If you need to refer back to the old thread here is the link. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f77/hi-ireland-31912/index63.html#post779521 Keep posting:biggrin:

I just joined the site and I am just popping in to say hi and introduce myself. I have been banded for almost 2 years and have lost 120 pounds. It is the best thing I have ever done. I am 26 years old and now know I will be healthy and able to have children and live a long happy life with them! It takes a lot of hard work but the Lap Band is definately worth the money and the physical and emotional ups and downs.

I have been poking around on these message boards for a few weeks trying to get information and find out how this whole process worked for everyone else. So I thought maybe it was time to join the boards and become official ! I'm living in Iowa, a student in my 20's. I was moderately overweight my entire life, always miserable about it, but a mostly active kid/teen without a lot of health problems. As I've gotten older I've become pre-diabetic and gotten PCOS in addition to becoming much more obese. I'm not sure if I want to have children, but there's just something about being told I can't. So that's a little bit about me, and I'm hoping to meet some other people in …

Greetings, I am turning 40 in a few months and finally decided that I don't want to live the 2nd half (+more I hope) of my life having to undergo the constant struggle of losing and gaining weight. I have a consult/evaluation appt this Wed through the New Program in Long Beach/Newport Beach. I know over a dozen girlfriends who had the gastric bypass, but I am hopeful that the lap band is the right decision for me. I am 5'4" with a BMI of 39.4...am told that I need a BMI of 40 to qualify - so oddly enough I have spent the last few days not worrying so much about the food I am eating. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that 2 lbs might keep me from qualifying for thi…

Reflections on the Second Anniversary I am grateful and happy that I made the decision to be banded 2 years ago. I am not as grateful and happy as I should be, though, as my wife and daughters are quick to point out. If they are correct I would not be here writing this now but more likely dead or in a worse place than I was both mentally and physically. I, like many, tend to lock the bad up in a closet somewhere and only visit it when it suits me. I also tend to be 20% grateful for what I have and 80% jealous of what I don’t. When people congratulate me for the weight I have lost my tendency is, and always has been, to reply that yea, it’s a start, instead of …

Hi My name is Terri and I'm in the Tampa, Florida area..I had my surgery done on 2/20/08 at Tampa General Hospital by Dr. Michel Murr. I'm looking to meet others who have had this done...maybe in my area...

Well I went to the doctor last week and I just started the process so I am sure I have a long road ahead of me. My name is julie and I am 40 and live in wisconsin. I currently am 214 lbs. and 5'1. I have like many went on numerous diets time and time again. I am uncertain if I am going to go this route yet, just researching all my options at this point. My doctor told me about an oral medication as well, I refused it was Alli and have had a few friends take that and all it did was make them have to use the bathroom alot. I dont feel like living my life there. Any info would be great. congrats to all of you who have been banded and are doing well in achieving your goals.

Hi everyone, I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Melissa (Lissy), and I am at the beginning of my lap band journey. I am scheduled to take the informational seminar on April 8 in Pittsburgh, PA with Dr. Quinlin (UPMC - St. Margaret's Hospital). My insurance will only cover the procedure if I am having it done at a "Center of Excellence". I found out that Altoona Area Hospital is also one of these, so I am considering have the procedure done there instead, as it is much closer to me. Couple of questions if anyone has any insight, please chime in: 1. Have you had any experiences with Dr. Quinlin (Pittsburgh) or Dr. Newlin or Dr. Schmidt (Alt…

Hi everyone!! I've been browsing the forums today and have found so much useful information! Thanks so much for that. I've been overweight since I had my daughter (shes 4 now). I was 130 when I got pregnant and never really had weight issues growing up. I got up to 180 when I delivered, then down to 170 after. I nursed and tried to lose weight but it didn't happen. Over time I gained more and more weight. I tried to lose weight the hard way (healthy diet and exercise) but never lost much more than 15-20 pounds. I'm now up to 230 at 5'4". I've been tired for a long time. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last fall and just diagnosed with PCOS Friday (polycystic ovaria…

This is my first post so here goes... I'm trying to schedule surgery into a busy schedule. There are so many things to consider that I won't go into them here. My question is when should I expect to be back to myself after surgery? Should I plan a vacation before surgery or after surgery? Will a 10-day high protein/low carb pre-surgery diet be something I could follow while on a vacation? Or should I wait until we get back to begin that diet. The way it looks I won't have an open 2-3 weeks until mid-June so I'm wondering if I really need that much of a time block. Any advise anyone has would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi everyone, my name is Michelle , I just got my approval from Tri-West , and am just beginning the process, I go for orientation next Wed. I am very excited to get this life changing process started.:teeth_smile:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=peCCLrLaqJpfIS9ycNCaJXg&hl=en This is the link. Remember to bookmark it. All you need is a Google Account which is very simple to set up with your e-mail and a password. So far we have 100 bandsters listed who have posted their band dates in a reply to any April thread. Once you log in to the spreadsheet you may already see your name posted...click on the blue "go to live form" at the top of the spreadsheet and you will be able to update your information. Your new info will appear at the bottom of the page. I have to go in and modify the spread sheet as bandsters make changes. Good Luck to all! We all deserve to have happy an…

Hi! I am just starting my lapband weight loss journey. I have been thinking about it for several years and I'm finally doing it. My first consult is 9 April. I am nervous, scared and yet thrilled to have finally taken the plunge. I really love this site, it has answered so many questions and I am convinced that I have made the right decision.

Hi! This is my first post here on this board. I am from Federal Way, WA I have a consultation in two weeks for lapband to see if its right for me. What to expect at the consultation? I was not referred, I just called them and made an appt and they gave me one, didn't ask if I was referred. My current doctor doesn't really know me, as I have new insurance as of January 08... my employer dropped the insurance I had been on 35 years so my old doctor really knew me and my history, and he was very supportive of me thinking about lapband a few years ago but the insurance did not cover it. I still have that email when i emailed my old doc asking about it, and he did ty…

Hi there to you all..i have been living in Greece for 18 years i come form the UK...I have been thinking about a lap-band for a while now ...many years i have been struggling with my weight up and down up and down even had a tummy tuck when i lost weight but its greeping back on..i need to do something about it befrore it gets out of hand and i think this is my best soloution......I have been looking for a surgeon in Greece but thay are not easy to fins as they are in America and the UK not a lot of web sites.....if anyone knows of one please let me know Love and hugs to you all we need it Joanne

I'm in the very beginning of the lap band journey...the six month diet for medicare. I'm very anxious and want to do this asap. I'm 59 years old and want to see my grand children grow up. I want to be healthier and be able to walk for enjoyment without giving out. I've lost seven lbs and I'm walking several times a day. i have incentive, though. I admire all of you for the hard work youre doing since your bands! I can't wait to be one of you. My husband is going to do this with me and I think that will make the whole process easier. Is anyone else in Mississippi and did anyone else go medicare? 281 lbs in beginning...274 now...duweb:smile:

Hello, I was banded this past Wednesday by Dr Talbot at SIOS. I am feeling pretty good, although still a little sore. My starting weight was 214 lb, I am now 202 lbs. I am feeling really motivated at this point. My surgery was covered by my health insurance, and the gap payment ($6500) I was able to get taken from my superannuation. THe last few days I have been spending a lot of time reading posts on this site and it has been a great resource for me. Anyway look forward to reading more of your stories on here. Marianne

Can anyone give me instructions on how to put up a picture of a bulldog puppy, cute one of course, I've gotten my husband, masters in computers, and two post-teenage daughters, masters of anything computer help me and I can't get one to be accepted. Thanks for assist, brandyII.:thumbup:

Hi Everyone, I am so glad to have found this forum. I am scheduled to be banded on April 8 and I am sooo excited and sooo scared. I can't wait to talk to everyone from Florida and elsewhere. We are taking a big step in becoming healthier and feeling better about ourselves. Love to all! Alice

Hey all, I'm hopefully getting banded around the month of May. I went to the seminar in Dec and started the 6 month Dr supervised diet back then, (didn't really try until Feb) and lost 2 lbs, then a week after my birthday in Feb landed in the hospital for a day and half due to my asthma, but thought they thought it might be heart related, but after doing a bunch of tests, all's good there. After getting out of the hospital, I really started losing the weight, the first weigh in Feb a week after leaving the hospital I lost 2 lbs, then a month later which was last Monday I learned I had lost 4 lbs, and then yesterday when I went the cardic dr for a follow up, they weighed m…

I am 90% certain that I will be going with the Lap Band. I recently went to the informational meeting and the Dr. said that with RNY the hormone Ghrelin (hunger hormone) is virtually eliminated. This is not the case with the band. I am just wondering if any of you with the band already ever get hungry, but just can't eat very much? That would be torture. This is really one of my final concerns...unless anymore happen to pop up! I also just want to say thank you to everybody out there on this site. This has been my best source for Lap Band info. It is really helping make this big decision easier.

I just had my surgery last week after trying for 4 years to get insurance approval and going back and forth between the Roux-n-Y gastric bypass ands the Lap-Band. Out of the blue I got a call from the surgery center I had gone to for approval over two years ago, and she told me that my insurance now approved the Lap-Band procedure! I was so excited, and in less than three weeks, I had my surgery! I am 5'5 and weighed 242 on surgery day. I had my surgery in Overland Park Kansas, and Dr. Nighgro (sp?)was my surgeon. I did great, other than the pain from the gas after the surgery. Now I am having a little bit of pain on my left side right above my ribcage under my breast. My…

Hi ! I just found this site, and the timing is great. I see my surgeon on Tuesday, and he is the final approval I need for lap band. I am eager, and a little nervous. I think that the liquid diet will be the hardest part. Sounds like this group can answer lots of questions and give lots of support. Is there any one else here from Northwest Indiana?:biggrin2:

Hi My name is Lisa

Howdy, all! I am just beginning this wonderful journey. Looks like I came to the right place for support and companionship. Which I'll need lots of in the next weeks/months/years :smile: I am going for my first consult with my PCP on Monday (April Fools Day..how appropriate!!) to get the ball rolling. After that...who knows? I will probably attend a seminar mid-April and choose a doctor soon after. Can anybody recommend a surgeon in Western MA? I am all ears! Can't wait to get to know all of you wonderful, beautiful people!! OceanGal aka Meg Amherst MA

How do we get those neat weight tracker bars that everyone has in here?

It has taken me two years to make the decision to have the lap band surgery. Until recently, I did not have medical coverage, there wasn't a hospital nearby, and laparoscopy surgery wasn't available. Well, the stars have aligned in my favor, I'm not nearly as frightened as I was prior to learning about the laparoscopy procedure. The only thing that frightens me more right now is that if I don't do this, my weight and my fibromyalgia will do me in and I'll either be in a wheelchair or dead before I hit 60. This will not happen.

Hello---this is my first posting. I was banded on 5/1/06 by Dr. Posner in Buffalo, NY. I did a lot of research about the gastric lap band surgery prior to my own banding....now, I feel like I don't know a thing about it!! Could somebody answer a few questions ??--is depression normal ?? what is the usual meal ?? can you eat meat again ?? are the "fills" painful ??....I'm sure I'll have a million more questions. Thanks. Peggy

:thumbup:Hello everyone from Vermont!!!! My name is Heidi, I am currently waiting for my surgery on Monday March 31st! I can't wait!!!! I just wanted to stop by and say hello!

I recently met with my nutritionist and still waiting for final approval from Insurance. I realize this is very important for my health but find there is some fear in accpeting such a drastic life change. I've tried so many programs before had sucess and failure but failing here is even more difficult to handle. The food and how I have to eat for the rest of my life is something I hope I can do. It's like being at the edge of a cliff being chased and asking myself jump or get caught. Very difficult mentally not knowing if I will be successful.

Hey y’all ! I’m a newby and this is my first post. I’m 45, married for nearly 26 years, no kids and I live in central Texas. I started gaining weight after I turned 21 and it’s been an up/down battle ever since. I am not yet banded, but hope to be in the next couple of months. I found this site while doing research and it’s great. What I really like about this site is that it has given me a wide spectrum of other peoples experiences. On Wednesday I went to the mandatory "free seminar" or as I called it, the CYA chat. I suppose it did what it was meant to do and that is to make me think really hard about the surgery and possible complications. As a self-pay cli…

I'm having lap band surgery on april 22nd and I'm really nervous-am I doing the right thing? My doctors told me I pretty much had to if I wanted to live longer than 5 more years-that scared me. I do want to see my son get married and see my grandkids.I worry that I Will not be able to change my bad eating habits although I am committed to this surgery.Is it normal to have all these doubts and mixed feelings? I've told a few people about the surgery-got several different responses.I do not feel that this surgery is the easy way out -anybody ever tell you that? What is the best piece of advice you can give me to prepare myself for this great adventure?:teeth_smile::ohmy:

I am awaiting insurance approval. I had the seminar yesterday but the doctor did not address fills. He merely said that we would be returning to him regularly. What is a fill?.:smile:

Hi! I've wanted to find a site where I can make friends and talk about Lap Band issues and hopefully this is the site. I was banded four days ago on the 18th. I'm doing well I think, but still have considerable pain in my chest when I breathe deeply and I suppose that it's just the CO2 in my body still. I had the Lap Band procedure because I have severe reflux called Barrett's Esophogus and my surgeon thought that Lap Band would be the answer to my prayers. (And I would lose weight in the process which would be a bonus!) I have about 70 lbs. to lose. I've lost 4-5 so far and have had nothing to eat but broth, juice, popcicles, Jello. I've also added Protein shake…

hi there i am new to this site and am enjoying reading all the stories as im learning so much. i have made the decision to be banded and am hopeful for early oct but need help deciding where s the best place.can anyone help with recommendations.i was considering a surgeon in belgium called dr marc forquet.

Hello, I am new to this website. I was banded on Dec 28, 2007 (great Xmas gift). I started at 302lbs witha BMI of 40.5. I am now down to 257. It has been a challenge, but if I had to do again I would.

Hi Everyone, Am I ever glad I found this site. I just need some people to talk to that are not so judgemental. I have attended the free seminar, seen the nutitionist, have seen my primary doctor for five of the sixth months the insurance requires and had my psyche eval done yesterday. Off to the sugeon Monday for my one on one. So many people are telling me not to have it done. I am 45 yrs old, 295 lbs. 5'3". I have no health problems of people that are obese but that is only a matter of time. I am not kidding myself. Why would people that are my friends keep telling me not to do this? I want to see my 13 year old grow up, go to college, get married, etc. I…

Hi everyone! I have been lurking and reading posts for quite some time and just decided to go on and join this morning. I have not had surgery yet, still trying to get finances in order. I am going to use Dr. Rodriguez in Mexico going through Jessica at beliteweight. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Also can anyone reccomend a good finance company? My family totally freaked when I told them I was considering Mexico. They have all watched too many 20/20 specials. I have assured them there will be no chickens in the waiting room (I hope??)

*waves* Hi everyone. I just discovered this website... cool! My lap band process has been going on for months now... since June '07. But I'm finally scheduled and ready for surgery. My surgery is two weeks from today.. on April 11th. And I've started my liquid diet [i think this is different based on where you're getting it done? cause I've been reading in some places that some people don't even have to do it..] I'm looking forward to checking out the site a little more :biggrin2:

Aloha, I currently live in Kailua Kona Hawaii and I am interested in having the lap band procedure done. I don't know where to start. I need some guidance if there is anyone out there that has had this procedure done in kona, please assist. I am having so many health problems.:confused2: