Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all, just stumbled upon this website and I am glad I did. I am about to get banded soon too I hope. My insurance has approved it, just have to go thru another approval from the hospital, and then I am on my way to. I went to my first informational seminar today, and I am glad because a lot of my questions were answered. I have made my appointment with the psych, so I guess it will all be downhill from there. Or maybe uphill????? I dont know! Either way I am so exited. Hmmmm, wonder what they ask you as far as the psych eval? Any input?:biggrin:

Hi all. My name is Linda and I am new to this site. I was banded on 05-16-07 and to date have lost 105 pounds. I was doing great until October, when i began to have serious stomach problems. My fill was removed in November adn i had finally decided to have it put back in and BAM the stomach problems are back. My problem only happens at night after i fall asleep. I wake up with a mouthful of bile or vomit. ( I know YUCK!). It seems to go on most of the night. I have tried harldy eating adn not eating at bedtime. Any one out there with suggestions, I would appreciate it.

Hi all! I am a 27 year old male who is 6' 1" at 310 pounds. For the most part I feel pretty healthy and don't feel that big most of the time. However, I do have consistant high blood pressure, I am on the verge of being diabetic and have diabetes on both sides of my family history, my knees for the past couple years have been hurting, my hips have started hurting, I am pretty sure I have a little sleep apnea (never had a sleep study done) I have absolutely horrendous heart burn all the time due to a hiatal hernia, I have had my gall bladder out and besides all that, I am just sick of being fat. I also have gynecomastia (think I spelled that right) which for those who …

I have my band installed on Tuesday Mar. 25, 2008. Any suggestions please send me. I can use all the support possible.

I just wanted to see if there are any other friends out there that are/had a hard time eatting after lap-band?? I am just 48 hrs out of surgery but cannot seem to want to eat! Ive tried sipping on chicken broth and just ate alittle yogurt. Is this normal?? Im up walking around just fine, its just a bad gassy feeling like I cant eat and hold it down.. Thanks for your help..

Hi everybody, well I had my surgery in October, and I'm lingering around a 30 lbs loss. I can't get passed it. I just weighed myself this morning, and I think I have lost like one pound in the last two weeks. I am happy that I got the surgery, but I get a little discouraged when I don't see the scale change. Going into the surgery, I thought that afterwards, I was going to be like this lap band poster child, I was going to do everything right, but it has been quite the contrary. Anyway, I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I just joined, and I am looking forward to meeting and reading everyones stories.

:confused2:Hello, I had my surgery on 3/14, I was released from the hospital on 3/17. I am having difficulty with what to eat (liquids) I mean drink...I really haven't had much. I feel very tired, no energy... my back is hurting pretty bad. Any suggestions for a new banded girl???:confused2:

Hello everyone, my name is Chris and I am in the process of getting the Lap Band. I have already had my consultation, nutrition evaluation and psych evaluation per my insurance. I am one of the luck ones in that my insurance will pay for 80% of my surgery. I am hopeing to have a surgery date within the next week or two, and hopefully have surgery next month. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on regarding the Lap Band and just wanted to thank everyone who posts here, you have answered a lot of questions and really given me hope. I know I can do it!!!

Hello! I am new here. I found this forum while searching for a Doc. to get a fill. I had the lap band done last July through Belight weight & doctors in Detroit. :wub: I have not had much help from them regarding my problem. We moved & due to weather & the move had not been able to make it back to Detroit since Ocotober! I am currently in Wisconsin & am trying to find another doctor in driving distance to get a fill. I have not gained any weight since October. However, I have not lost any either. Has it been too long? What does this mean for me? Will I ever be able to find a docotor in my area? Was this move the ruin of my lap band? HELP! If anyone knows a…

Hi, I'm a relatively new bandster, and I am also new to this site. I find it really helpful in answering many of my questions. I also really enjoy the chat rooms. There I have found many friendly fellow bandsters and bandsters to be. I spend hours on here, and I love it! I was banded on February 18, 2008, by Dr. Ajay Goyal, here in New Jersey at Overlook Hospital. The surgery went very well, and I hardly had any pain or gas. I was so lucky, but Dr. Goyal is an excellent surgeon and is very, very good at what he does. I was up and walking around that very night. My room was a suite, and it was absolutely lovely. I brag about how big it was, and also about the flat scr…

My doctor is at TruResults in Scottsdale, AZ. I am so out of touch with this forum stuff...no facebook, no chatrooms, etc. As computer savvy as I thought I was, I can hardly navigate this place! I am scheduled for my banding on Thursday, 3/27. I have already been through terror, mourning the loss of food, high excitement, and recently, worry as the routine cardiological consult resulted (for the first time ever) in a high blood pressure reading. Now I have to get a stress test and some other tests on Monday before clearance. I am trying to remain positive about the huge cost as well. Even though my insurance might cover it, I thought that in 8 months I could well…

Hello all! I am getting banded on Wednesday, March 26th. Everyone asks if I'm nervous and maybe I"m crazy but I'm not. I've read a lot of things on this board but I feel it will all be worth it. I look at this process as beginning a new life. The only thing I'm worried about is what eating will be like after the surgery. But I think I can deal with that. If anyone else is getting banded this week and would like to chat just e-mail me. Carol

Hello all I am new to this site and not so new to the lap band, I have two friends who both have it and have considered it for almost 2 years. But first while considering it I thought I would torture myself first and see if I couldnt once again try and lose the weight..you know the all too typical ways, pills, slimfast, starvation, weight watchers...and the list is endless! Finally Last week I talked with my dr. about it, and he said " I think you would be a great canidate for it, I will put you in for a referal!' Holy cow~!~ So now I am just weighting! I am 5'1 and I weight 203. I also am pre diabetic and have some other health issues ...so we will see!! I am 31 with 3 w…

Hi there my name is Jessica. I am new to your site. I have been hanging out on the Obesity Help site forever so I thought that I would give you guys a shot. Well I am hoping to have surgery. I had to jump through some hoops with my insurance however I am now finally going for my consultation appointment on March 24th. I have been trying to loose weight on my own and researching the different WLS since January 2005. I have lost 100 pounds but I am still a heffer on the BMI so I am looking for a tool to assist me for the rest of my journey. I love to hear about your experiences. Take Care, Jessica

Hi everyone!! I've been working with my surgeon for over a yr now to get approved for the lapband. I'm almost there!! I have to lose a few more pounds before the insurance will approve me. (strange.... I need the band surgery to lose weight, but the ins co requires me to lose weight before??? catch 22 eh?) well, I only have 2 pounds to go before I'm at their goal. I weigh in next wednesday. I'm glad to have found this site! Lots of good information. My mom (who I live with) is making me nuts sometimes about this. She's a food addict and is worried I won't be able to eat enough after the surgery (isn't that kinda the point??) Oye!! About me: I'm 38, still live at ho…

Hi everyone. I was banded on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. I am recovering nicely. Just a little sore.

New to this...Go for 2 week po visit Friday, Cant wait to see what I have lost, I am sure ready for some semi solid foods...will be good to have help and support from someone other than family and friends..:wub:

Hi, Im new to this page and I find it really interesting! I am 41 and I am having surgery soon!

I've been on this liquid diet for 5 days :frown:. My urine is starting to smell like chicken broth :frown:!!!! But, I have lost 10 pounds, so I guess chicken broth is not a bad price to pay........LOL. My starting weight was 239, and today I weighted in at 229. I guess I don't miss the chocolates too much:sad_smile::wub::sad_smile: Can someone please let me know when I'm to start the Protein shakes, and if there is one in particular that you love?? Thanks, and next time I sign on, you'll see less of me:thumbup:

Hello Everyone! I am going to be banded at UT Southwestern University Medical Center on March 11, 2008 by Dr. Scott. I am very excited and very nervous all at the same time. Does anyone have any suggestions on things to buy? Does anyone have any stories about the before and after surgery experience? Thanks guys!

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole, and I'm on the road to Lap Band surgery. :shades_smile: I just went to a seminar yesterday in New Jersey with Dr. Abkin and Dr. Bertha. I'm going to my first appointment with Dr. Bertha on April 23. I have Oxford insurance, and they will cover it if you have a BMI on 40+. I'm so excited about this, but I do have my concerns, of course. :success1: I look forward to chatting with you all and sharing my experience.

Hello! First, let me say that I am SO GLAD I found this site! I am 33, 5'3" and 230 lbs and I have been considering the whole lap band thing for about a year now. I'm still not sure if it is the right thing to do - my husband (Mr. Army, who has to work hard to GAIN weight for crying out loud!) seems to think that a treadmill and eating less will fix everything. Lets be honest, if that were the case, I wouldn't be here. But I do wonder if he has a point, am I giving up? I realize that a lap band isn't the easy way out (that would be taking up permanent residence on the couch), but it is a little embarrassing, scary, intimidating... Plus, I haven't been "thin" since…

My name is Rachael. I am 28 and have struggled with my weight since my teens. I balloned up during the last eight years. I am an emotional eater and I have been in a horrible marriage, which made things worse. i have finally gotten myself out of the situation and things are changing in my life. I have a beautiful 4 year old son, and I want to be healthy and be around for him for a long time. Right now I have GERD, Obstructive sleep Apnea, PCOS and high cholesterol, thankfully no diabetes or Hypertension---YET! I was just approved for the LapBand program that my insurance covers yesterday! Right now I am totally stoked, but nervous and a little scared too... I am really af…

I finally received a surgery date. The doctor here is so busy he is already booking into July. So my pre-op is July 10 and my surgery is July 24. They say I'll go home that day. I also have to do a 2 week liquid diet prior, with clear liquids the day before. Oh well, going to have to buckle down and do it. I think I can do this. I've never been on an all liquid diet before or any type of fast. In a book that I read on bariatric surgery(mainly gastric-bypass) the womans motto was "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." That may be mine too. Just one day at a time. I can't wait to know that every summer, I can wear the shorts that I wore last year, that is unless there too…

I have been reading here off and on for months. Finally went for my first appointment a few months ago. I am in Houston, TX and am going to True Results. My insurance will pay 80% hopefully. We are working on meeting their requirements. The insurance requires a 6 month doctor supervised diet. I will finish that in 2 months and hopefully be banded in May.

I can't believe I really did it! I had talked about doing it for years, and started the insurance approval process almost a year ago. At several points I thought to myself - "I'm just talking a good game, I can't really go thru with it." Or I'd think of reasons why I didn't really need to do it. But as the surgery date came closer, I feel like I sort of went on auto pilot, and something took over and led me thru. Now I'm 4 days into recovery, and it still doesn't seem real. It's a very weird sensation.:wub:

I have been working towards my lapband surgery for 2 years now. I was banded on Feb 8, 2008. My doctor is Dr. Timothy Eldridge. He is one really cool doctor! I am a research participant for Allergan and have received my first fill on 5 March 08 with 5cc. I am married with 2 grown children. I am now 51 years young. My decision to have the lapband was not just because of my obesity but because of my health going downhill faster than I could keep up with it. I have hypertension, high cholestrol, sleep apnea, what they call a metabolic syndrome (or the X syndrome), borderline diabetes and non-alcoholic sclerosis of the liver. My liver doctor said I was headed for the organ wa…

Hello all I'm new to the group but not new to being overweight. I checked my BMI the other day and it was 50. Yeah, really high. I had a girl on the phone from a Lap Band clinic and she was sure I was doing it wrong. Well I've very short and pretty fat :shades_smile: Ok besides that, is there anyone here from Canada as well? I hear great things on here about insurance covering costs of the band and I was just wondering if anyone from Canada has tried getting it covered by their provincial health care or other insurance? Maybe out of pocket if so, how much?

Hello everyone! I'm so glad I found this message board. I've been reading for a week or so ago and thought I would post. People are so supportive and I've learned a lot. I've been thinking about getting banded for the past couple of years and recently found out that my insurance will finally pay for it. Yippee! I have some major medical problems related to my weight and am scared at the outcome if I don't get the weight off. I went to a seminar about a month ago and saw the nutritionist yesterday. I look forward to going through this journey and getting healthy.

Hi Everyone!! :biggrin2:I am looking for any information/similar experiences that might help me. I have been overweight 24 years, and about 100 pounds overweight for 11 (with the exeption of losing weight while dieting but always gaining back). My BMI is 37.5 according to charts, since I am 67 in tall and 240 pounds. I have attended the seminar in my area. Some of the information I have read says you have to have a BMI of 40 OR be 100 pounds overweight, OR a BM<I of 35-39 with a comorbidity. I am waiting on my bloodwork now, but I don't think I have (one of the main) comorbidities, but I do have just about every other comorbidity. I'm also waiting to hear back from a b…

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site. Both my husband and I had lap-band surgery in Aug/07. We are both thrilled with the results!

I have been recently looking into the LapBand. My brother had is about 16 months ago and looks great. I will admit that my first reaction to his telling me was "this is the easy way out". But looking at myself, I realize that I have been choosing the easy way out by not doing anything. I have been overweight most of my life and now I am at the point where I have to have enough with a BMI of about 46. I broached this with my husband who thinks that if we just tried we could do it and would not support my decision. Well, we have both been overweight since we met and have made attempts but nothing has stuck. I am really looking into this procedure but wou…

wondering if their process for being aproved is difficult....... i dont have diabetes but do have a strong family history of it, 5'6 close to 230lbs, have asthma and anxiety problems from being over weight....... anyway im wondering if anyones gone through bcbc of nj........ how long the process is? ill be covered as of april 1st so was wondering if aproved how soon i could start the procedure n have a date set for anyone..?

This is only my second post but this forum has been super helpful. Been at this lapband game now for eight months & finally have gotten dates for dietician and surgeon. Man has it taken forever, a great education though. At least I`ve got agood start at losing, 35 lbs. so far. Hoping for a surgery date early April. I know pre surgery the liquid diet doesnt sound like but I`ve got some experiance with this. I broke my jaw when 16 years old & had my jaw wired for 10 wks. Lost 42 pounds though.

Hi everyone, I was banded 3/12 in Houston, TX. The decision to have lap band surgery was something I never imagined... in my wildest dreams. I have struggled with food and weight my entire life. I am not sure if I got an unfortunate slow metabolism naturally or through being forced to diet endlessly or its food addiction. Perhaps a, b and c? All I know is that I have never had a "normal" realtionship with food. A lifetime of deprivation always made me want more. Diet mentality haunts me like a wicked ghost. Good carbs vs. bad carbs, doesn't matter I like them all. Nothing but this band could stop me from wanting more. OA wasn't for me- that was just more deprivation. I …

Almost 3 months since my surgery and I've lost 30 pounds. It's not been easy though. I am hungry a lot and my port hurts when I bend over and pick something up off the floor or stretch too much. Overall, yeah it was worth it!:embaressed_smile:

I just joined this forum today, have been reading it for months. Got banded March 14, 08. I'm still on liquids and get to eat pudding tomorrow. I am very excited. My pain has been minimal, and I have not been hungry once. I have lost 10 pounds. I think because my body is eating itself. All I have had is jello, popcicles, and juice. No nausia and moving around pretty good. I don't really know all the banding lingo, but I am looking forward to getting back to the real me that I see in my mind, not the mirror. :wink2:

For months and months I have logged onto lapband talk, and have followed your journeys - both the UPS and the DOWNS!!! Today I have joined, and with the date 7 May 2008 for my band, I hope I too will be able to encourage and support you. Thank you to everybody for all the wonderful help - HERE IS TO A NEW US!!!! :thumbup: I will be travelling to Belgium from the UK to have my surgery - just booked my eurostar ticket and soooooooooo excited!!!

Hey all, Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm from Tempe, Arizona and I'm married with one son who just turned 13. Had my banding done on 2-18-08. It's going well so far but I'll be really glad when I get off pureed foods. My doctor has a pretty rigid diet plan it seems from what I've read here. I had 2-week pre-op diet that was bariatric clear liquid only with 3 Protein shakes. Then post op was bariatric full liquid until my 2 week post op. Now it's 2 ozs of pureed protein and 2 ozs of pureed veggies or fruit per meal plus 2-3 Protein Shakes. My next appointment is on 4-1 and I should get my first fill and then get whole foods the next day. Been doing pretty w…

I am new to this site. I have finished all my steps just waiting for my Dr office to get the Pre Auth from Insurance. I was wondering how soon did everyone hear back from the insurance on the pre auth.

Hello All, I can't believe I'm actually trying to make a post, but you all have made me feel so welcomed and amongst friends already, I just received my surgery date today, I am being banded on March 31st, wheww seems like a whirlwind since my 1st consultation up til now , but I am so excited and so looking forward to a healthier, happier new me, I am so thankful to have others who know what the struggle is like and for having this support that I know I am going to need along my journey, keep up the good work to you already on the journey and God bless all of you for being here for me and others like me, and I will be posting keeping you all updated as I travel along my …

HELLO ALL IN BAND LAND!!! I'M JUST BEGINNING MY JOURNEY INTO BAND WORLD. I HAVE BEEN TO THE SEMINAR AND I'VE ALSO BEEN TO MY FIRST MEETING WITH MY SURGEON. HIS NAME DR FONTANA AND HE IS LOCATED IN NORFOLK,VA. HE IS WITH NORFOLK SURGICAL GROUP. SO IF THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME OFFICE PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I HAVE TWO FRIENDS GOING THROUGH THE SAME PROGRAM AND MY BOSS AND I ARE DOING THIS TOGETHER AS A BUDDY TEAM FOR SUPPORT. I HAVE SIGNED UP FOR ALL MY APPTS. WE HAVE TO OF COURSE GO FOR A PSYCH EVAL AND MY PROGRAM HAS AN ALL DAY CLASS ON EXCERSISE AND NURITION. THEY ALSO OFFER A WHITE LIGHT SCAN. THIS SCANS YOUR BODY AND MEASURES YOUR BODY IN LIKE A SILHOUETTE AN…

Ya'hooo! I finally got my ticker up and running. :embaressed_smile:

I am nervous and excited - I'm all preop ready and I will be leaving for the hospital in an hour and then I will be starting a new part of my life! I could hardly sleep all night..... :shades_smile: I am ready for this band - I am really ready to get rid of these 'fat' clothes. Being Banded 3/20/2008 @ 11 AM Dr Haag God Bless Dr Haag:thumbup:

I am new to this forum and got banded on Wednesday. Dr Tran did my procedure at FairOaks Hospital in Fairfax, VA. I can not say enough good things about the staff there. They are great!!! I am home now and healing. A little sore and tired but other than that doing great!!

Hi everyone. I just got all of my paperwork sent in to the insurance company today and I am hoping for approval. I have heard horror stories about having to appeal a million times, and I am hoping I don't have to. I am 30 years old and I live in Tennessee. I have been overweight for about 12 years and I have tried every diet there is, and I refuse to go on another diet!! I am excited about the surgery (if it gets approved) but I am also a little scared. I am worried about how I will feel right after the surgery. I don't want to be sick, and I am not looking forward to the liquid diet. But I think in the end it will be worth it.

Hello to all! Obviously I am new to the forum. I do not currently have a gastric band; however, today I began the process by getting a surgeon referral from my PCP. I have been reading these forums for quite awhile now attempting to gain as much knowledge as possible about the procedure prior to making any decisions, and finally came to the conclusion that this is something I must do. So, a little history on my situation and the logic behind my decision. I'm a male, 35 years old with a beautiful wife and 4 wonderful children. I have had weight issues my entire life (thanks Mom and Dad) however was able to manage rather well, and stayed in very good shape in my twenti…

hi, I found this site last night and read with interest. I have been waiting a long time for the band and finally have a date April 24. Can anyone tell me what sort of condition I can expect to be in post op. I know I willhave two weeks off work, and can expect pain the first week. What I want to know is, will I have to lay on couch all day, can i walk dogs, can I dig the garden and continue renovations, can I go on holiday? how does it work? looking forward to hearing from anyone..

Hi I am Holly from Georgia. I will be getting banded on 5/12. I chose to wait until May because I am graduating from college. I guess it is kind of a present to myself. I am 28 and do plan on having children...has any one had a baby after being banded? Is there anything I should know about it??? Thank you so much!!!

Hi my name is Crystal and I had the lap band surgery on Jan 24th. I just had my first fill on Mon. March 17th. I have lost 21 pounds so far and have loved having the band I feel so much better. Even Before my fill I could only eat about half of what I used to (bringing home left overs for the next night is a great feeling) now its even less. I have been very lucky and havn't slimmed yet. I haven't started exercising yet but am going to start tonight. Its amazing that I actually feel like exercising. I am so glad I found this site I was looking for something like this to be able to talk to people who are going through the same things as I am. I look foward to talki…