Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello, I am new here. My band date is 4/8 and I have started to get really nervous and question my decision. I came here to get reassurance and so glad I did from the stories I have already read. I am still nervous but now once again excited about my decision. I am self pay so it was a very hard decision.

Just wondering anyone out there in "cyberspace" from Joliet IL that is or will be a patient of Dr. Lahmann out of Silver Cross Hospital? I've been going for my monthly weigh in's since Dec of 07, and in the process of gathering all of my paperwork and going to all of my required Dr's visit's getting cleared, but as of last Monday when my last weigh in was, they still not have said anything about a surgery date. By my records, I would think it would be in the month of May, maybe I'm wrong (6 mo of dr supervised diet) Any thought out there on this, or am I just worried for nothing....:tongue_smilie:

What a difference a week makes!! I had the lap band procedure on March 19th, and on the 20th I had some doubts on why I did it. I was sore, my stomache was bloated- I felt 9 months pregnant and ready to blow- and I was so tired. I literaly woke up today, one week out, and feel better than ever. I have been loosing weight, something I have not been able to by myself. I seem to have a new outlook on life, maybe this is all because I was able to have mashed potatoes last night instead of straight liquids. I just hope that anyone on the edge of deciding to get the lap band procedure just takes the plunge and does it. I have two young kids and was guillty about the cost…

Hello! My name is Jessica and I have been reading posts on here for a few months now and this is my first post! I have found everyone’s stories to be very helpful and encouraging. I found out yesterday that I was approved for surgery and couldn’t be more excited! I don’t know when the surgery is going to be yet though-waiting on a call from my surgeons office. I look forward to chatting with anyone and being able to share my stories!

I am looking into going to Springfield, MO. I haven't talked to anyone yet. What is the steps i need to take and do i have to sign up for anything to go to the seminar.

Hi All! I have already posted at a few other threads but figured I should introduce myself on here as well. I am Molly and I am 26. I live in So. Cal and just got my band appointment for about 2 months form now and possibly sooner. I will be getting banded with Dr. Braverman and Dr. Quebbeman in Souther California at The New Program. I am thrilled and want to say reading this website was really the final push I needed to know I could do it. I think this is such a great support system. I loved looking through the page of before and after pics ALL 80 somehting pages and seeing people's progress. It was so encouraging. I can't wait to encourage others as I go through my j…

I have tried everything in the book since I was 8 years old to loose weight. Now at 34 I am 235 pounds and have made the decision to get banded. I come from a family where hitting 300 lbs as a woman is not rare, and that scares me to death. I have my surgical consult next week and will hopefully have my surgery near the middle of May. Each and every post here has made my decision an easier one. Yes I am scared and worried, but to hear how so many people have responded so well to the procedures makes me feel better. I am newly separated and have twin 5 year olds, so the cost is going to hurt. However, I want to run around with my kids and enjoy every minute with them…

Hello, I'm going to Dr Alvarez's seminar Saturday in San Antonio!!! Thanks to this forum I have learn quite a bit and so now I am proceeding with the next step by asking questions and meeting a potential surgon before I journey down to Mexico. I hope that everyone who has had this done and wish they had asked questions before would tell me what to ask! Of course I'm sure that the usual stuff will be answered, but I know there are some hard questions, that should be asked and I what to know what they are. So, They say hindsight is 20/20 and here is your oppurtunity to help some one with you wealth of expreience. Bard4fun

Hi! My name is Mariah and I am new to LapBandTalk. I am planning on having the lapband surgery. I am waiting for my insurance approval and surgery date. My surgeon is Dr. Cirangle. I am so excited. I have been reading so many posts. This is a great site! I' ve been having a huge problem controlling my eating since my final decision. I did well for about a week, but as my as usual, when I get nervous or emmotional I overeat. I can't wait until that is no longer an option. I am hoping for a surgery date in April(hopefully mid). I've been contemplating this for two years now. I wish I had decided to follow through two years ago, but I guess I just wasn't ready. Any way I'd …

Hi guys. I have my first appointment on the 8th April with Dr Martin in Brisbane. I am 34 BMI and worried he won't accept my case. For the first time in my life, I'm trying NOT to lose weight!!! So glad I found this forum, what an amazing resource. Looking forward to sharing my journey. Clover xx

Last night I went to an informational session at Sharp Grossmont hopital in La Mesa. It was awesome. I was so embarrassed to go, because I have a lot of guilt and shame for being overweight. I was in denial for so long about my wieght and have finally woken up and realized that I have a problem and need to do something about it. Dieting just isn't even an option for me anymore; 've tried it and it doesn't work. They made me feel so comfortable and welcome. They explained that obesity is a disease and an epidemic and that surgery can help inprove your health and quality of life. That is exactly what I want! Here is where my confusion lies. I went in dead-set for the band…

Hello to all, I love to read all that you have to say, this site is the most help I have found from real people on-line. I'm really ready for this, but theres alot I need to learn. 6 mo. ago I was diagnosed diabetic and it has ben kicking my butt. All my life I have been fat but never felt the effects of it ...till this last year. I cant wait to be healthy again. I can truley say that I feel so optomistic about the New Year because getting banded will be the best grip on my lifestyle and bad eating choices and portion control. I'm being banded in a new baratric program that opened in Saginaw, MI. My Dr. is Chad Ringley and I go to monthly support groups. Dr Ringley h…

I am new to this site, so please be patient with me. I have been doing some research on the lap band surgery and have a few questions. I haven't even approached my doctor about it yet, but plan to on Monday when I have an appointment (I'm embarrassed). I don't know what he'll say. My weight loss goal is 80 pounds. He may say I don't even qualify, but I went to the dr. last week and my blood pressure was 164/104. I know my weight has a big thing to do with it. My BMI is 35 and with the health risk of high blood pressure, I worry if I don't do something, I may be at huge risk. He has told me in the past that the reason I have so much trouble losing weight is because…

Hi, my name is tonya. I just went to my seminar tonight. I am going to set up my appointment for my consult. My biggest two worries right now, is will my insurance cover this, and then will i learn to eat the way i am suppose to. I would be interested in talking to anyone who could lend support.

Hi everyone I have one month to go:smile: till I get my Band!!!! I'm a little scared that I will not lose weight because I'm Hypothyoid. I have tried EVerything to lose weight I hope these BAND is the anwer.

Hello, I am new and not yet banded! I have one more month to see my physician and then I get to go back to the surgeon and submit to insurance. I am 29, married, 2 young boys. I think this is an oppurtunity to change my life for myself, but also for my kids! I am terrified and excited! :confused2: Can I get some feed back from anyone? Good back or indifferent? How did it go for you? Do you love it? Regret it? Struggle with it? Work out regularly? How was your 2 weeks pre/post op? Any stories, feedback or ideas anyone would like to share would be welcome!! Thank you Laura

Hi all! I just set my date yesterday. I decided to go to Dr. Rodriguez in Monterrey, Mexico. I have been lurking around here for the last couple of weeks...I would like some input from people who went to Mexico on their feelings of.....not sure how to word it....how EASY it was to get my surgery scheduled. I have been reading everyone's stories from their experiences in the states...from attending a seminar, to battling insurance, getting psych evaluations, etc. Yesterday, was the first time that I had talked to the patient co-ordinator (we had exchanged one email) and when she called I told her I was ready, and she asked "How about the end of May?" (I won't have the fund…

Hi, I'm Jo. I was recently approved and have my surgery date set for April 17th. I thought it was time to come out of lurker mode. I'm married. We have 2 beautiful daughters who are 6 and 3. DH and I both work full time. I love to scrapbook. He's into hunting, fishing and now camping since he just bought a pop up tent camper for us. Feel free to ask me questions if you like. I'm sure I'll have plenty for everyone else!

Hi! I'm MJ. I'm a young one in this... I'm about to be 21, and I'm considering lap band surgery, and I'm wanting to learn as many facts about it as I can before going to my doctor... I want to know what questions to ask, and what to expect. Also, I'm hoping to find local people (within the Houston area) to talk with about lap band.

Hello everyone, Gigi from Brooklyn NY here. I'm just getting started I've been lurking for about 2 weeks and wanted to check in. It seems I will really be doing this and I'm excited. I went to my 1st info session last night and because of this site I pretty much knew a lot. Now I have 4 more info sessions to go (is that too many? I really have an embarassment of choices here in NYC and want to feel very comfortable with the team I choose.)

hey there My name is Leann and i am 34 mother of 2 girls i have not gotten the lap band, but i am looking at getting the procedure just want to find out more about it. The cost is what i am afraid of. Not sure if my blue cross will cover it. Hope i can learn and get some information from anyone willing to share take care Leann:smile2:

I read Khaliah Ali's story Fighting Weight and it was like looking into a mirror. Several years ago I considered Gastric Bypass and my therapist wouldn't give approval, my employer stopped paying for bariatric surgery and so I didn't give it much more consideration after that. The gastric surgery always scared me, a friend had the surgery over 5 years ago and she has regained weight. I've been working with my therapist and we agreed gastric bypass was too radical. But after reading Fighting Weight, I thing banding is the answer, and it helped me see that being severely obese is a medical condition along with my co-morbidities - hbp, syndrome x, pcos, depression and anxiet…

Hello! My name is Desha and I live in Southern California. I'm in the very early stages of going through the process of getting a lapband. I spoke with my doctor earlier this month about the procedure and had bloodwork done. After speaking with my doctor, it will be a long process and to make sure I'm ready, he is sending me to a lapband seminar this weekend in the area. My best friend is getting Gastric this summer so we are on a weight loss journey together. Thanks for having me here!

Hello all!!! I have MS and use a power wheelchair for mobility. Anyone one else in this type of situation? Any thoughts would be great? Dee

I am worried about the protein shakes I cant stand them now they taste like crap...I am being banded tomorrow:lol: but am concerned

Hi there. I was banded on March 18, and just started the "soft foods". Things are going great so far, but I was dismayed to find out that I don't get "adjusted" for 4 weeks. Bummer. I want to get this show on the road! I have a good 100# to drop, and about 10 medications that I hope to shed in the next year or two. I'm hoping the forum can keep me informed about personal experiences you have had along the way. I don't have any family support - I have family unsupport - so I am glad this forum is available. Thank you for being there. Mamamia

Hi, my name is Mari and I live outside of Vancouver WA (basically across the Columbia river from Portland, OR. I was banded on Dec 21, 07 and have lost 42 pounds. I have recently had my second fill. I find my eating life a bit challenging but hope to get knowledge and support from those who have travelled this road before me. I am glad I found you. Our local support group meets at a time that is simply inconvenient for me and I don't get to go and I feel that I need some folks around me who understand the whole thing. I am married and work for a doctor. My husband and my boss are truly very supportive of me and it has helped tremendously, but they just don't …

Just got insurance approved yesterday, Getting the band put in March 3rd. It has been a 6 month process and my wife is 4 months behind me.. I didn't have to do a supervised weight loss program. I did find out that I have sleep apnea and have been on CPAP for 3 months. I really sleep good now. I am stoked about being thin and healthy again. I was in the Air Force for 14 years and got out 10 years ago and put on 150 pounds!. I don't have a hard number goal but want to lose a lot. I'll take it one pound at a time. I am glad there is such a large support group here. I look forward to chatting with you all.

I am from Corpus Christi, Texas. My Fiancee and I were banded in November 07. I joined this site because my doctor recommended it.

Hello, I have been looking up information and following some of the threads on this site for a few month now but I haven't posted anything. I just received a call from my Dr.'s office informing me that insurance has approved me for surgery. :eek: I am happy, but very nervous as well.:grouphug: I don't know what else to say right now. I think I am nearly speachless.

Hi.....Im 35yo and 135kgs. Ive been looking into lapbanding for the last 2yrs. Ive finally got my date for surgery, 22 April. I have mixed feelings about it. Im excited and scared at the same time. But I cant wait to be on the right track to getting well. I look forward to reading about your journeys and getting to know you all. Danni :biggrin2:

Had my first consult with the Doctor last week. I didn't realize this would be such a long drawn out process, but I am glad to find this sight to talk to others who have had the procedure. It is fun to see progress in everyone. One day I hope to have some of that progress as well.:biggrin2:

Hello, I am from CO (orig from MI) and have my first consultation appt on the 9th of April. I have already been told by the doctors office that my insurance does cover bariatric services (she said my insurance is so good, she wished she had it.... I just hope she was not wrong about that :sneaky: I am looking forward to moving on to this new stage of my life. julie

Hello, I'm new to this board. I am preparing to have lap band surgery within the next couple of months. I have done my first consultation, and have seen a nutritionist and therapist one time each. The nutritionist is having me do the Protein-Sparing Modified Fast diet this week. Today is my 2nd day and I'm absolutely starving. It's limited to 9oz of meat per day for 5 days. I hope I can make it until Saturday because they will do a urine test to check for diet compliance. Every hour I get through feels like a miracle. Oh, the 9 oz must be divided up equally between 3 distinct meals. Otherwise, I'd just have a nice steak at dinner. I see the nutritionist and…

Hello all! I am just beginning my lap band journey. I have been researching the procedure for about a year, and have finally decided it might be the right fit for me. I have been struggling with my weight since I was about 8 years old (I am now 22) and am just no longer willing to accept living my life in misery. I have tried just about every diet there is, and have been the most successful on weight watchers. That said, every time I lose weight on weight watchers (or on any diet) I end up gaining it back within a year. I cannot seem to keep weight off for any period of time. Its so frustrating! I think the lap-band procedure can help me with this. Right now, I have a…

Well i dont think i slept more then 2 hours! My surgery is today at 9am i have to arrive a the hospital by 7am! Im so excited to finally be having the lap band , and if all goes well i should be home on thursday! Just wanted to share this moment because today will start a new beginng for me and im so ready for this new journey in life!!:sneaky:

I'm new here and I'm looking for advice, guidance, words of wisdom, support.....I have a surgery date scheduled for 4/23 and since I found out two weeks ago I can't seem to stop eating. I'm eating more than ever. Maybe I think I need to eat everything I love now because I won't be able to after. Has anyone else gone through this?:confused2:

Hi all! I'm ready to be banded next month, and starting to get anxious. I am begining as a low BMI but still have a long journey ahead. I'm nervous about the surgury/recovery process, but much more about the long term living with the band. I really want this to work! Has anyone had anything come up (after recovery) that you never expected? Bad breath, PBing in public, :thumbup: anything that was a surprise? Also, what are some good quality liquid Vitamins? Thanks!

Hey everyone! I'm new here, obviously. My husband told me about this site. He was banded 05/21/07, and I have my consultation with the surgeon 03/27/08. I'm excited and nervous. I meet all the qualifications, we just need to submit it to my insurance to get the ball rolling. I meet the 100lbs and 40+ BMI, but my insurance requires me to have 6 doctors visits in 6 months.

Hi everyone, I am not sure if it is legit, but I just received 2 emails that looked like they were from this website with this info: From: LAP-BAND® System Support Team [mailto:lapband@lapbandjourney.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:16 PM To: {I took this out} Subject: My LAP-BAND® Account Verification Click on the following link (or cut and paste it into the location bar of you browser) to create a new password: & it had a link to click on so you could "log in".................... please be careful if you get one of these, I sent an email to the Webmaster for this Website......... I'm not trying to be an alarmist, but just please use caution w…

Hi Everyone!!!! My name is Kym, I am 45 years old and just beginning the process....I am looking at about 6 months until I get my band:mad:I want it NOW!!! But, ya know we have to go through the correct procedure. I have been looking for a forum to participate in where I can learn all about what to expect. I am very excited about getting to know you all and learning stuff. I will probably have lotsa questions.

Hello from Florida.. My name is Jana.. I am 27yrs old! I was just banded on 3/6/2008 in Tampa by Dr. Dicicco! Boy is he something else! What a great group of doctors! I have lived in FL for 6 and a half years.. Originally from Oklahoma! Go Sooners! I am getting used to my new best friend the lap-band, and I am looking forward to learning and supporting all of you

Post - op 2/11/08 I've lost 24 ponds so far but I am eating more than I should. I go for a check up on 4/2/08 hopefully a fill will help. Is this a normal weight loss or not? :confused2:

Hi everyone! I'm a newbie from Houston, TX. I was banded on 11/17/05. I'm really excited that I found this site. I have been reading a lot of the posts & I find comfort in knowing that I'm not the only one out there. As for my family and friends, they are all very supportive, but cannot relate to my experiences with the band. Good luck to everyone & I look forward to hearing from some of my fellow bandsters out there!

I'm considering the lap band surgery, but I know 2 people who have had the gastric bypass surgery and gained the weight back. Anyone know the percentage of how many people with the lap band gain the weight back?

Now that I will have to start the liquid diet, can I get some suggestions as to what ones taste the best? I, unfortunetly, am not a big chocolate fan and it seems that most of them are chocolate flavored. Also, I have heard that there are "liquid proteins" available online. Has anyone tried those in beverages? Since i don't tolerate the shakes already, these may work for me if I can find ones with significant amounts of protein.

I just got insurance approval this afternoon (yes!) and I'm very excited to begin this live-changing journey! A little nervous?? You betcha! But, I've made alot of changes (diet, stopped smoking!) and I think I'll be fine. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how long they were out of work for and how long they had pain? Also, was the pain from the site of the port/incisions or from the inside? I know that everyone is different, but I just wanted to get some idea as to what to expect. Thanks so much!

Hello everyone! My name is Nicole and I have been considering a lap band for over a year now. I just made my appointment for June 16th in Monterrey MX to have Dr. Arturo Rodriquez put in a lapband!! :wink: I just had my gallbladder removed which is why I have to wait till June (it was orignially schedule for April 2nd.) Has anyone heard bad/good things about Dr. Rodriquez? I have found nothing and even my fill center here in CO has heard good things about him. I currently weigh 245 and am hoping to get down to 145 within 18 months - a weight I haven't seen since Jr. High!! I am more excited now than nervous. I work as a nurse and I am hoping the surgery will help exte…

Hey all, I have been Banded for 3 years It was done by Dr. Morand in Augusta, Maine. I went from 297 lbs. to 175 was my lowest in July and in July I had a small emergency. I was dumping protein and I had to have a ful unfill and I went up to 220 in 6 months. I am going back to the Dr's on Friday to figure out why the past 2 fills have not worked. I'm not sure whats going on, when I had my unfill I was at 2cc in a 4cc band and now I am at 1.75cc and I think they are gonna have to do an x-ray to check out if it is in a good spot! I hope nothing is wrong cause my old insurance runs out on the 31st and I will have Aetna on April 1st...I hope they can get me a good fill be…

Hi my names Mike i'm 21 years old and i've had the lapband surgery in August of 2003. I was 390 pounds and a little over 2 years i got down to 260 and i just found out that my band has a leak and i weight about 290 now. I'm in the process of getting approved by my insurance to get half of my band replaced and hopefully i can get back to losing more weight!