Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone inLap band world. I was just banded on 3/17/08. I had a scare already but that's because I believe I may be a hypochondriac. I had so much pain in my lower right leg that I thought I had a blood clot forming. But after spending 6.5 hours in the emergency room I was told that I was okay. I am getting use to eating this liquid diet but it is difficult. I will do what I'm supposed to because I don't wan't to vomit. I am looking forward to eating some good soup in the next couple of days. The pain is finally minimized and I am doing okay. I am ready to get out of the house. I am so happy that I had this done.

Hi everyone. I'm very happy to be here. :wink2: Very excited too, even though I haven't yet been to the information seminar that the hospital I have chosen requires as the first step to getting the lap band surgery. My name is... well... That Fat Chick, or TFC. For the time being, I prefer to keep things rather anonymous in terms of my choice to have weight loss surgery. Not so much because of choosing weight loss surgery, but other things... I'm sorry, that didn't really explain it well. Anyway! I am 23 years old, and have been overweight for most of my life. By eighth grade I was 220 lbs., and currently, ten years later, I am 309 lbs. I have already done the major…

I'm really glad I was able to find this website. I had the lapband surgery in June of 2007, and I've lost a little over 40 Ibs. I know I would have lost more, but I've had several road blocks in the way. My main thing is exercise - I really don't do enough of it. I still struggle a lot with small bites and chewing, and I find myself drinking Water when I eat, because sometimes things get caught. I once choked on a piece of broccoli at a restaurant, my very first bite, and I had had my surgery for six months. I think they had it tightened to one of the tightest it can be, though. I also went through a tough break up from a long relationship literally the first week a…

Well, my first attempt at posting ended up being a reply instead of a new thread so I am trying again. Hope it works this time :wink: Hello All, You have no idea how helpful and supportive you all are to those of us lurking around this site. Thank you so much for helping me make my decision. I read Dr. Ortiz's book "Lap Band for Life" and will be going to Mexico for my surgery. Actually it worked out perfectly because I am going on a cruise out of San Diego with my daughter and granddaughter. It is a Body, Mind and Spirit cruise with Wayne Dyer and others. Since my daughter paid for my flight from Michigan I will already be in San Diego and will go for my surgery ri…

Banded 3 days ago by Dr. Speigal in Houston weight surgery date- 229 goal weight- 130 We'll see if I can get the hang of this. This site seems intimidating and confusing.

Hi! I was banded on Dec. 31st 2007 by Dr. Wilkenfeld in Conroe, TX. I have had 2 fills since then and I have lost 32 lbs so far. Last month was hard for me but I had a fill yesterday and am hoping to lost more weight this month. I have 80 more lbs to lose and I hope to do that by November (is that possible?) Anyway, I have read posts here for a few weeks before finally posting and hope to get motivation and encouragement from you guys!

Hello everyone, It's been months since I have posted anything months since leaving Kaiser. I started back lurking the boards 2 month ago when I started the process with BCBS. My scheduled the surgery date is April 16, 2008. I am extremely excited and scared at the same time. :biggrin::thumbup: The surgeon is Dr. Marc Rickford at Comprehensive Weight Loss Center in Washington, DC. I am trying to prapare myself by reading everything here to ensure I am ready and know what to expect. I will have to do 1 week pre-op liquid diet, not sure what as of yet. Take care for now.....

Every morning getting ready for work, I would ask myself - "Is today the day?" and today was the day!!!! I got the call from my surgeon's office to inform me of the approval and to schedule the surgery. I was so excited I was shaking! There was a communication mishap with the decision for me to get the Lap Band and NOT the Gastric Bypass...I quickly straightened it out. My surgeon called me tonight to confirm ONCE AGAIN that I would like the Lap Band. YES, YES, YES! I am 1000% sure that I want the Lap Band and can't wait to start my post-op journey! Thanks for listening, I just had to share! :thumbup:

Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Marisa. I live in New Jersey with my 5 and 3yo daughters, husband and three French Bulldogs. I'm scheduled for 4/21 to be banded by Dr. Feteiha at Overlook Hospital in Summit. The surgery is being covered by Aetna (thank God!), but I had to do the six month supervised wait. During that time, I've gone down from 253lbs to 235lbs. In the spirit of full disclosure, not sure how that happened, since I've not really done any hardcore dieting.... (Long winter with three bouts of asthmatic bronchitis and then a bonus round of the flu). I recently returned to school to pursue a degree in Nursing, so I'm actually working the s…

Hi y'all! Here's where I reintroduced myself, in case you missed it: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f18/re-intro-long-ramble-53786/ I've taken the first baby steps on this journey again. I called my PCM and she gave me a referral to the surgeon (which I have received but it's just for a visit), and I've been to the informational seminar (DH was sick and didn't come with me) and turned in all my paperwork. They said that it usually takes 2-4 weeks to get the approval. Next up for me is to see the psychologist and wait for the surgeon's office to phone once the insurance gives the nod (Tricare). I'm both excited and terrified. Getting a lapband has been unattainable…

I am thinking about having this done and would like to know the + and the -'s. Did you have to pay out of pocket or did ins. cover any of the cost. What is the cost of the surgery? What kind of wt loss is normal and over what period of time? Are you limited in your daily activities? Any and all information would be greatly excepted. Thanks Rick

Hi everyone, I just wanted to stop and say hi...I do not have a date yet for my band placement but should be getting it soon.....I am from Mobile, Al so if there is anyone close by that has been banded give me a shout....but I am also willing and ready to talk to anyone......I have read a lot but still have several questions....

:unsure:I have gone to my first seminar which was very interesting, I have talked to my insurance agent and was told I do qualify for the procedure and was also informed of the 6 month diet I must do with my PCP. I do have my appointment to see my PCP on monday and I guess begin the waiting game. I am wondering if I will be able to get the other required test done during this 6 month period or if I will have to wait til after 6 months to begin next steps......Does anybody know? Health Alliance is my insurance company.:thumbup:

pLEASE DON'T GO TO TIJUANA WITH DR HAUCUZ HE MADE A MISTAKE ON MY BAND.HE IS VERY NICE TO TAKE YOU THERE AND AFTER GETS YOUR MONEY HE DOESN'T HELP YOU ANYMORE. NOW I HAVE TO GO AND REMOVE OR FIX MY BAND HERE IN USA BECAUSE I AM NOT THAT CRAZY TO GO BACK THERE.

I have my initial consultation next week and have been reading through all these posts. From what I read here most people seem to eat real low carb. Is this the way that everyone eats or that you are supposed to eat to see the best results? Thanks for the help!

I've been banded for 21 months. Let me know if you have any questions. Julie

I got my exceptance package from the clinic to get the lap band. Now, I have to go on a 90 day diet before they will submit it to my insurance company. I really excited about this, and nervous.

I am new here and have been reading this board a lot lately and I just can’t figure out if the band is the best choice for me. I am 5’2” and 204 pounds. I have always struggled with my weight but in my teens to my mid twenties I was doing great weighing about 130. I developed a new female health problem on top of the endometriosis I already had from my early teens. I spent 4 years before anyone finally figured out what was wrong with me, that I had horrible fibroids. During those 4 years the doctors gave me countless different type of drugs and hormones and even to the point of putting my body into a chemical menopause for six months. Needless to say I gained weight an…

Hello, I was banded Feb 27th at DePaul hospital St Louis, MO by Dr de la Torre. If you are near or around the St Louis Area and looking for a doctor and group of people dedicated to the lap-band and other forms of weight loss. I would recommened Dr. de la Torre and the DePaul Weight Loss Group. I can not say enough nice things about them. I am going on 3 weeks past surgery and am feeling great. I have to say that my port area is still tender - especially if I am wearing tight waisted pants - but other then that - all is well. Hopefully the tenderness will get better as I loose weight and the waist band gets loose. I love this website and happy to meet everyone …

Hi all, I'm new to this board and interested in all advice. I have a surgeon, am in the ins. approval process still need to take off at least 100 lbs....already took off 65 in the last couple of years with diet & exercise,,,,,and it's REAL hard just keeping off the 65, let alone taking anymore off....who's got some words of wisdom for me?

Hello i am going to be lap banded on 4/25/08 in Schenectady NY at Ellis hospital by Dr.Panameglore. I was just wondering if anyone here had him for a doctor and if anyone has any tips for me, i'm a tad nervous this is my first real surgery. Thanks:smile:

Just a quick Hi to everyone. I just joined the forum, just checking things out. My banding is in two weeks and I am getting a little nervous, beginning to have second thoughts about going through with it. Anybody else have doubts before going into surgery? I have been reading a lot about anesthesia awareness and that really has me freaked out. I don't know, really questioning if this is the right road for me. This is my second surgery date, it was postponed on February 5 due to high blood glucose. I was ok before that date but now, I don't know. Maybe the delay has gotten to me.

Hi there, New. Surgery was 3/7/08. today was my first post-op visit. All went well. I am even allowed to have some food now. Had cottage cheese and cannot believe how full I am. This was a hard decision for anyone to make but I do not regret it. Gg:thumbup:

Hello - I am new here. My surgery date is 3/24/08. I am on my 5th day of pre-op diet. I have done really well except I need to drink more Water (only taking in about 48 - 50 oz per day). I do have the urge to cheat - cravings for Mexican food today - it's Friday and we use to go out to eat at our favorite Mexican Restaurant on Fridays - but I will make it without cheating!!! I know I will learn so much for all of you!! Have a great day, Karen

Hi I was banded january 4,2008 at Rochester General Hospital Rochester NY. I weighed 221 lbs and as of today I weigh 180lbs. So I have lost 41 lbs. My question is we are going to be moving from here to Mauldin South Carolina in July. I have found a group of doctors that work together and I want to know if anyone is familiar with them. What there opinions are of them. They are dr. Boar, dr. Cobb,dr.Carbanel located in Greenville,sc.

Hello, my name is Jonathan. I'm a 23/m from Oklahoma City, and I'm debating whether to go lap band or not. I currently am 6-0 and weigh around 375. I have a little bit of a different story, though. I used to wrestle for Oklahoma State university at heavyweight. There was a max of 275 in high school (that I hovered around) and 285 in college (that I also hovered around). When you think of a wrestler, at least from my view, you think of people who have such weight control that they can adjust to the 1/10th of a pound.. And you'd be right! When I wrestled at OSU, we would burn 5000 calories a day in workouts and practice.. So I ate all I wanted and still would keep my wei…

Anyone else out there getting banded around that same time??

I am new to this site. Tonight I am attending my first lap band seminar. I have also given some consideration to the mini gastric bypass. Still uncertain which would be better for me. I am 59 y.o., 5'4" and weigh 250 lbs. Feel very overwhelmed by my weight and I am pretty much at the point where I am ready to take the surgical risks. Has anyone else gone through the decision process of mini gastric bypass versus lap band? What factors convinced you to do one or the other? Mary

Hello all, I am from Springfield MO, 32 yrs old, 300+ pounds. I can lose weight but have never been able to keep it off. I like to eat. I am lucky to feel full after any meal maybe once every two weeks. That is reguardless of what I eat. I can go to pizza buffett and eat 20 slices and feel pretty much the same as when i entered. If any of you were similar to this before the surgery can you tell me if the band has worked for you. I am also looking into the mini gastric bypass surgery just for this reason. I know a person who had it done, and he is down over 100 pounds and still losing, but is able to sit down to a dinner and eat a 8-10 oz steak and baked potato …

Just wanted to say hello - I joined this forum yesterday, and I've already learned so much by reading some posts. I am just north of Charlotte, NC, I am married to a wonderful man, and we have two children together. I am a photographer, I specialize in engagements, weddings, family portraits & children. I started my lap-band journey in December of '08, signed up online, had my first appt. in January, and I'm almost done with all my pre-op stuff. I have 2 appts. (nutritionist & OB), and then I'll be in the insurance Que lineup. I did just find out that if I'm approved, my insurance (UHC) will cover me 100%! Very excited about that. Okay, I love to talk, but I…

Hi everyone, I have reviewed this site for a while now and am in the early stages of the whole process. I am awaiting the initial approval from my insurance company to get the consult with the surgeon. I am really excited but nervous too. I have Blue Cross of California. I was told by the insurance company that I should get an answer by tomorrow. I'm hoping they approve me although I am in good health just really fat! This waiting game is horrible! I've only been waiting for a week, it seems like forever though. I will keep you all posted. This forum is great!

I am a 25 year old male who is about 5'11 and 257 lbs. I have high blood pressure and suffer from anxiety/depression. I have UHC insurance who covers all but 150.00 of the insurance. I have been considering lap band surgery and have received a lot of negative reaction from people saying that I am not fat enough for this or that I should just diet and exercise. But people dont realize that I have been overweight most of my life. I am tired a lot, short of breath, and just feel bad overall. I am out of breath after just walking up the stairs of my apartment. It seems that no matter how much I sleep at night I feel like I could sleep more during the day. But I have read a…

Just wanted to say hello... I went to a seminar last Saturday given by Dr. Richard Collier. It was interesting to hear the intricacies of the surgery and the testimonials of others who have had the procedure done. I decided that this is something I need to do for several reasons, first and foremost being I don't like the person I am becoming. I want to live a long and healthy life and be there for my children. I want my wife to know what it's like to not have to constantly worry about me. And I want to go to Disneyworld and be able to actually ride the rides again. I found out that my insurance company won't cover the surgery, so it was back to square one for me. My…

Hi there! Sounding out from Eufaula, OK. Banded 10/22/07 and down 68.5 pounds with 85 to go. Anybody with a close band date?

Hey everyone! I have to confess to shadowing on the site for the last few days since joining. Just trying to read and get a feel for the whole band thing. I have not been banded...yet...Tomorrow I am attending an orientation at a local hospital that has a 3 month plan, supported by my insurance that educates, councils and prepares people for either gastric or lap band surgery. I have spent the last year working with my doctor and listening to his every suggestion only to have gained weight. I am now topping the scales...for me...at 265. I have never in my life weighed this much. Im nervous and excited. But mostly excited that there are some people that might actually be a…

I'm new at this and just wanted to get information on the lap band. I really want to have it done and I'm schedule to see my primary on the 1st. Do anyone know of any good surgeons in Jax,FL?

Hello All, I just had surgery on last week Thursday I seem to be doing very well. I do have some questions about the discomfort feeling in the upper part of my stomach. When and how long will it be before it goes away?

I have been fighting an ifection on top of my port for a couple of months. I should say I was banded in 2005. I had several incision infections but it all clearded up. Then I moved from Kentucky where I had the surgery back to Texas and I have not had a lap-band doctor since then. I have lost very slowly about 100lbs. in 2 years without any fills. The doctor the lapband people referred me to now isn't taking new patients and other drs. won't see people they didn't do surgery on. So my GP has been treating me for this infection. Now this wound is hurting and I'm not sure what to do. I am kind of scared!

Hello All, I just had surgery on last week Thursday I seem to be doing very well. I do have some questions about the discomfort feeling in the upper part of my stomach. When and how long will it be before it goes away?

hi all, got my lap band fitted on the 13th of march 2008 :shades_smile: still in a bit of pain, but to be expected, things are going well im on liquids for 4 weeks not got to go back for six weeks this is when i have my first band fill please say hi tell me how u getting on its great to be albe to chat with some one who knows what your going though

Hi all, I just got all of my paper work submitted and am waiting for insurance approval (fingers crossed). I was more excited then nervous until I read about all of the complications on this board! I'm still willing to go ahead w/ this surgery because I need help to make this major lifestyle change, I've lost weight before and felt great. Now that I gained it all back, I don't want my picture taken, dread going to parties, can't participate in hiking w/ the rest of the family, etc. I want my life back! My main questions: do most people see a lot of complications? and I've had knee surgery and my gall bladder out in the past, and also an upper GI. Each time I awake from …

I still have a ways to go to even know if I will be approved by ins. my bmi is 44. Any advice??? also I was reading about the pre diet anyone know what that is? I cant wait to get the process moving alittle faster.:mad2:

Hello, this is my first time on here, I would like to know a little bit about how the surgery goes, If I may tell you all a little about my sitsuation first, I'm 39 years old and I have Diabetes, Sleep apnea, High BP, and Major Depresstion, and a serious injury from work, my diabetes is out of control, I take shot's plus 3 different pills for it and can't get my blood suger under 250, I take 3 pill's for HBP, and take the largest dose there is for depresstion, I'm 6 ft 5 340lbs and worked hard all my life, but now I'm unable to work because of the injury to me on the job, My Dr. has told me he thinks I should have the Lap Band done, he told me a few weeks ago that he didn…

Hi, My name is Cindy. I had the lapband 12 hrs ago and I feel great! A little gas pain but I'm ok... excited for my new lease on life!:thumbup:

hello, i'm new to this forum. had lap band surgery feb 28th, 2008. so far i have lost 13 pounds. it has felt so great not to be hungry all the time!!! chclvr:thumbup:

Hello everyone, I started lurking on your board about 5 days ago...right after I scheduled the surgery date which is 4/22/08. :biggrin2: I am extremely excited and scared at the same time. My Anthem BC/BS would not pay so it falls all on me. I don't mind too much for it is an investment in me and I need to have the surgery. The surgeon is Fairfield County Bariatrics - Dr. Timothy Ehrlich. I am just trying to read everything here to make sure I am ready and know what to expect. I will have to do the 2 wk pre op liquid diet (Optifast) and am wondering what flavors are good. Guess I should buy 1 of each to try now just to be safe! Enough rambling....looking f…

Hi everyone! I love all the info and support on this forum. I'm not sharing my surgery with many folks so......I need to have a place to go when I need info and in turn, hopefully provide help to others. The surgery was a breeze. The recovery stinks. The trapped gas is miserable. I will just be glad to feel......normal again. I didn't take off any time to recover and my body is feeling the pain. Anyone have any soothing ideas until the worst part is over? It will be over want it? :biggrin: Thanks for the support! Lovin' those liquids in Houston!

Hey banders out there, I need your support. I got banded 1/12/07, and in the 14 months since I've lost 86 lbs. I know it doesn't seem like I'm on track with where I should be after over a year, but I'm ok with it most days. There was a 3 month span where I wasn't tight, and wasn't exercising at all, because I was recovering from a car crash. And, it took me a while to get back on track. I'm struggling a bit now, because I just had to go in for my first unfill. The week I suffered with not being able to keep even water down was the worst since my surgery. When they took fluid out, I think we were too cautious and now I am not tight enough. :biggrin: It's hard to con…

I am new to this forum and am so glad to see that there are so many people out there that are going through the same things as I am post-band. I was banded 4 days ago on March 10th. Very glad that I made the decision, but still hurting more than I expected. The gas pains are the worst! And I'm starting to get tired of the same old liquids. Ready for something with substance. Am very motivated by everyones progress that I see on here and am looking forward to that time when I get there as well. I know its just one day at a time though. This forum is great to be able to share with others who understand. Anyone out there from northeast Florida?? Give me a shout!:thumbup: …

I'm looking for a good lap band doctor in the Monroe, Louisiana area. Can anyone provide some names? Also must you have a referral from your local doctor to see one of these surgeons? Thanks. Attiecat