Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all I'm just starting the approval process and hope to learn about what to expect and share my experience with others. I'm a 52 year old male and I have Dr Glass in Sartell Mn. Bob

I recently had the Lap Band Surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Kelly, under the care of Dr. Betancourt. It was a wonderful experience. Dr. Betancourt takes care of your every need and treats you like a best friend or family member, not just a patient. Dr. Kelly did an amazing job and checked in on me at the 5 star hotel that Dr. Betancourt put you me in. They make themselves available to you 24 hours a day. The service was the best I have seen and I do live in Canada where we have great medical services. I would highly recommend Dr. Betancourts medical facility to anyone. It is a very clean and beautiful medical clinic with the best patient care I have ever seen. The doctors sti…

Hi everyone! I have been a lurker for a long time on this board but I am having my surgery done a week from today! Yippeee!!! I just want to thank everyone here because without this place I may have changed my mind and chickened out on the surgery! Thanks! Tracy

I've been looking into lap band for a long time and finally decided to do it. It's all been a great idea theoretically, but now..it's going to happen!!! What am I doing?? I've had 2 laparoscopies for endometriosis, so the surgery part doesn't scare me. I was on Optifast for twelve weeks, so the liquid diet doesn't scare me. BUT, what if I can't fix the mental part fo me that can't figure out how to eat right? What if I can't fix the behaviors that got me here is the first place? Obviously, I couldn't fix them before or I wouldn't be logged on here now. I'm hoping it's normal to freak out like this a little. My pre-op visit is 3/19 and my surgery date is 4/3 with …

hello everyone. Found this sight while researching lap-band surgery. I would like to hear from anyone that would like to share the experience. What is the criteria? Are there doctors that will do the surgery if you dont meet the BMI. Mine is 31.6, I am 5 10. 220 lbs (last time i dared look at a scale), have battled with my weight for the past 8 years, have severe lower back pain, sleep apnea, joint aches and pains. I dont currently have insurance but am planning on getting some in the next few days. Will Insurance cover all or some of the surgery? But I could be a self pay if needed. THanks in advance for the info! And best wishes to you all!! ttbseffy

I was scheduled for gastric bypass, and the day before the surgery I backed out. My insurance only paid for gastric bypass at the time, so I felt that was my only choice. NOw they will pay for the lapband also. I already was preapproved for gastric bypasss, it took me about two months to get preapproved and get all my 5 years of weights. Anyway, I am wondering if anyone else had this same circumstance. Do you think it will take as long since I already have some documentation at ( gastric bypass ) the other doctor. The other surgery date was over a year and a half ago. Let me know

Hello everyone! I have been thinking about lap band off and on since I learned about it a little over a year and a half ago. In the middle of January I decided I was finally going to do something about it. And now here I am and I'm scheduled for surgery on March 27th. I'm super excited!

I'm new here...just checking out, thinking about getting banded. I keep reading about a PB. What is that?

Hi everyone, I'm Gena and I'm still kinda new to this forum, even though I registered a while ago. I found this forum when I first started to check everything out about being banded about a year ago. But I decided to try 1 more diet before I did anything more. So I went on the Atkins Diet in April of 2007 and stay on it till the end of Feb. of 2008. I lost around 40 to 50 lbs till October, then from November to Feburary I wasn't losing anything. I kept telling myself that I was in a slump and I'll start losing again, but nothing. So on Feb. 23rd I stopped the diet and I have made an appt. with Dr. Clark in Ellis Hospital to go to the orientation for the lapband( before I …

HELP! This is my first time to this site and not sure how things work. I am going to have surgery sometime in the next couple of months. Right now I am suppose to diet and exercise. If I could diet and exercise I wouldn't need surgery would I? It is very frustrating. I work 8 to 10 hours a day, and am sore and tired when I come home, and hungry! I live in Oregon where it rains all the time....or most of it. The only place here in this small town is Curves and I do not have exercise equipment. How do I get going on loosing and moving. I am at a BMI of 43, and it is hard to move, let alone exercise. I spend hours reading at the Lab Band site and now here. I don't find an…

My surgery is scheduled for 3/26. I have lots of questions. Many people mention being on a liquid diet prior to surgery. My doctor is asking for a high protein diet, but does not have to be liquid. Is that common? Also, will I be hungry while on the restricted liquid diet after surgery?

Hi I just signed up. I've been on here so many times reading all the posts and thought I'd finally contribute. So far I have had my pre-consult and my surgery is March 31st. It all happened so fast I was there getting info, next thing there was a cancellation and I was booked in for only 2 1/2 weeks out.I am so excited for the new life ahead of me. Currently struggling through the pre-op diet. I think I might switch to liquids. The docs has me on unlimited yogurt and cottage cheese and 1 chicken breast per day. Starting to gag on the chicken now. I know how important it is to be strict pre-op. Any suggestions on what else I can add to me pre-op diet?

Hi I just signed up. I've been on here so many times reading all the posts and thought I'd finally contribute. So far I have had my pre-consult and my surgery is March 31st. It all happened so fast I was there getting info, next thing there was a cancellation and I was booked in for only 2 1/2 weeks out.I am so excited for the new life ahead of me. Currently struggling through the pre-op diet. I think I might switch to liquids. The docs has me on unlimited yogurt and cottage cheese and 1 chicken breast per day. Starting to gag on the chicken now. I know how important it is to be strict pre-op. Any suggestions on what else I can add to me pre-op diet?

I started about a year and a half ago, trying to get weight loss surgery. I was going to do the gastric bypass. My insurance company required 6 months of classes and LOTS of tests. So, I plugged away at it. I had a stress test, EKG, sleep study, psych eval, breathing test and more. The last test was a mammogram, then I would have completed all of my requirements. Unfortunately, they found stage 3 breast cancer. I wasn't shocked, my Mom and my Sister both had it. So, I had to give up my weight loss dream and focus on fighting cancer. I had a mastectomy, 8 months of chemo and 33 radiation treatments. My prognosis isn't great, I had 7 positive lymph nodes. Strange…

Hi: I am new to this forum, but was banded last year,07/23/2008. I have lost only 36 pounds. I lost weight before the surgery, (55lbs.)so that makes a total of 86lbs. altogether. I have had 4 fills and am up to 2.3cc I am having a hard time keeping things down.I feel I should be losing faster.

:huh2:Hello everyone, I am just starting to look into Lapband surgery as an option for me. I happened to be blessed with heart disease (six bypasses at age 38), sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes. Weighing in at 270, 5’8”. I am currently taking a lot of insulin (160 units of nph and 50 regular each day) that I can not lose weight at all. I have done the diet and exercise bit. Spent a ton of money on a personal trainer and I am/was the most fit 270lb person I knew, but could not drop the weight or keep the diabetes under good control. So my exploration into LapBand surgery has begun. I would like very much to hear from others with my similar conditions who have had the band “in…

My name is Peej and I am being banded (HMO willing) on 4/22/08. I'm sailing thru getting the prereqs done so far but that hasn't stopped me from being nervous! Though, focusing on the insurance requirements has distracted me from being nervous about the actual surgery. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all. Peej

Just joined, wanted to say hi, going for surgery this Monday the 17th CANNOT wait!

ok this is my 4th day of doing the liquid diet and i have 10 days to go! it seems like forever but i know it will be all worth it so im eating like sugar free popsicles and jello and slimfast low carb chocolate shakes which are real good as long as u put 1 in the freezer like a few hours before u drink it my surgery date is scheduled for march 26th i cant wait!!

Hi All, Newbie here. Had my lapband put in on Monday, March 10th and recovering very well. Not too much pain, but still have that dang gas bubble. It likes to move around, now if I can only get it to move out.... Lost 11 pounds this week, which I think is too much. Not sure if am eating (drinking) enough. See the doctor on Monday and I guess I will find out. Michelle Surgery was done at Desert Springs Hospital, Vegas by Dr. Darren Soong. Love him.

Hi everyone, Where to start....?? I was banded on 8 November 2007. I've struggled with my weight and emotional eating most of my life. At my heaviest, which was just prior to starting the pre-op liquid diet I was 125.7kg (277 pounds). Today I weigh 116kg (255.7 pounds). So in 18 weeks I have only lost 9.7kg (21 pounds). I never realised just how much of an emotional eater I was until after the surgery. It's really quite unnerving. I have been feeding my emotional hunger with ice cream & chocolate, both of which go through the band very easily. I'm off to the surgeon tomorrow to have some more fill put in, it's pretty tight at the moment, but I think I need just a sm…

Hello everyone I am brand spankin new to everything here and have just started reaserching lap band as my Primary care physician just suggested to me I have it done haven't even had my first of 6 monthly weight appointments. I have a BMI of 38.9 with several co-morbidities. I hope to learn much more than I already have, I spent 3 days alone just reading and rereading the lap band system and it looks like a promising tool to help me loose weight and regain my health.

I've had surgery before - 2 lung biopsies, bone marrow taken and a bronchoscopy(sp?) although it's not really surgery. And I was just wondering if anyone was ever worried, panicky, extremely stressed about there surgery? I never have been the only thing that worries me is recovery - I take ages to recover, it took me about 2 months to get over my last lung biopsy and stop taking the pain meds, I know that the lap band won't be the same as that but I was just wondering how everyones experiences were with it?

Just had my initial weigh-in on Tuesday 2/5/08. Since then I've had my psych eval, nutrition consultaion and lab work w/ my family doctor. Have colonoscopy and mammogram scheduled for next week which only leaves sleep study - - - AND LOSING 25 POUNDS ON MY OWN! I was blown away! When I went to the initial seminar on Lap-Band las summer I was certain they said you had to lose 10% of the amount you want to lose before the surgery - not 10% of my total body weight! They want it off right now so I'm on a starvation diet and it's so frustrating! I haven't read a lot on this web-site to see what other doctors are requiring, but I'm curious to know if this is common. The di…

Hi had band done on the 10/03/08 so afraid it wont work as i have been over wieght for so long any one feel like this:unsure:

I have seen some words such as bump:confused: in some messages and would someone explain what they mean:confused2:. I am new to this kind of computer jargon. Thanks Elaine:eek:

Hi Everyone, My name is Ruth and I just got banded on March 6th. I went through JourneyLite in Houston and my doctor is Dr. Richard Collier. Overall, things are going very well. Of course, I have the normal surgery pain and food adjustments but I couldn't be more happy that I did this. I've lost 7 pounds already (post surgery)! :biggrin2: I'm really glad I found this forum. There are lots of great topics and great information. Looking forward to my new life! :drool:

I have just been banded a little over 2 weeks. I just want to say all the comments and ideals have really helped me. Thanks

Hi, just heard of this site and joined today. I was referred by "mamato3" ~ she was my roomie after surgery and says this site has been most helpful and help is what I need right now. I had my surgery on Jan 7 with Dr. Brengman with Richmond Surgical Group at St Mary's in Richmond, VA. I am finding it extremely hard to communicate how I feel to those around me that don't have a clue. I've called the doctor's office, but the nurse and I keep playing phone tag and the info given to me, I'm finding, is quite vague. So, I have lots of questions with little to no answers. I lost 7 pounds during my pre-op LSD diet and then gained 5 of that back during my 24 hr stay at the…

Hi, I just came across this link of a broadcast from Deluth. It was a live broadcast of a Lapband surgery. If you're squeamish you might not like to watch, but if you don't mind seeing the insides of someone, it's very interesting. St. Mary's / Duluth Clinic Health System

Hello everyone! I finally have a surgery date for March 26, 2008!! Yippee!! I have a few questions: I sleep on my stomach, will this be a problem with my port? Anyone else tan? Wondering if I will have to stop for a while after my surgery? I'm excited and nervous and glad to be finally moving forward!! Thanks for any input. Carol

I have read just a little on lap banding. I am planning to attend a seminar, but honestly I don't want to do this because someone is selling/pushing me on it. I want to hear from real people who have had it done, and how it has affected your life. My sister has had gastric bypass, and even though she has lost the weight, she hates that she has ever had it done. I have a couple of questions, please. #1 What does it mean to get a fill? Why do you have to have fills? How is that done? Is something left on the outside of your body? How costly are the fills (my insurance does not pay for them)? How often are they done? #2 What kind of diet restrictions are the…

My sister is about to go into her 'liquid diet' phase for a couple of weeks (correct me if I am wrong, she just told me tonight that she is doing this). I want to know if this is safe, are there any serious affects from getting banded? She has told me that there is a very, very, very low rate of injury. I know it is her decision, but I want to know for myself that she will be safe. How was your experience with Lap Band surgery? Thanks.

Hello All Im New...

Hi everyone! I have been lurking for a while. I finally went to a seminar on Saturday. I have been working today on getting my information together. A little about me. I am 47 a pet sitter....no there isn't that much money in it but I love it, life time successful dieter. Just 2 years ago I lost 75 lbs doing a program that was diet exercise nutrition and psychological through a local hospital. Kept most of it off until I decided to date perhaps the most miserable person in the world. I would leave his house and stop at the nearest fast food drive up every single time I was around him. Ugh why I didn't just break up long before the 9 month mark I have no clue. …

HI, I am new to the forum. I've read several entries and see how well people are progressing. I was banded 6/29/07 and have only lost about 45 pounds. I started exercising this week and hope this helps. Reading all the different experiences people have had helps too.

I am going thru the process waiting to get my approval and to get the date for my procedure. I should be sleeping now but i can't help it i am so nervous. I have lost weight before like everyone elso but keeping it off is the problem. I workout now and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but I can live without it. I want to know is the pre-op shake thing for everyone or is it if your BMI is over a certain thing? I'm sure the smaller the liver the better everything goes. Also does the amount of tummy fat have to do with the pain factor also? Where the port is once you start to loose weight can you see it poking out? Does it bother you yet? What can't you eat,…

My name is Shannan. I am new to this. I am 28 years old and having surgery on Monday with Dr. Naik in Bakersfield, CA. I'm a little nervous I guess that's normal. but I'm getting exctied too.I would appriciate any advice anyone has. Thanks:smile2: Highest/Current/Goal 264/252/185

Hello: My name is Debbie. I have been lurking for a few weeks, and I love everything I've read. I like to say that I'm blind, not to elicit sympathy, but I've found it's best for me to be open about that from the start. I have been overweight for most of my adult life, and at times, pretty depressed about it, not to mention how I think others see me. I'm terrified about having surgery; I had major surgery about six years ago, and have a terrible fear of needles. I've been known to walk out of labs because I couldn't stand the thought of the sting, which is more than that to me. I've known people who have had stomach stapling, I think, and they've gained the…

My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, March 14, 2008. Dr. Bilton, in Tuscaloosa, AL will be performing the surgery. I am excited about starting the weight loss process but am a little nervous about the surgery, being hungry, getting enough nutrition, etc. How long do people usually take to recover? Will I be able to do much physical activity next week? I have enjoyed reading the posts on the forum and am looking forward to having something to contribute.

I am getting banded on St Patty's Day in central PA. I found this forum recently and I gotta tell you, great advice. Thank you all! Maybe some day I will be one of those "old timers" helping people benefit from my success. Trying to think proactively here, otherwise, I'll lose it. Having three small children under the age of 6, I have got to get organized and be prepared for Monday. Perhaps I should get "offline" and clean my messy house. :grouphug:

I am just starting on the quest for a thinner me, and it seems as though it will take forever! I had my first consultation last month, and have scheduled an appt. for psych evaluation, a session with a dietician, and a sleep study. All of these are scheduled for April in the hope that I can maybe shorten the 6 month wait for the ins. co. At this point I'm still not sure if they will cover the surgery.

I was banded almost two years ago and am back where I started. The first few months following surgery I lost 30 pounds then it stalled. Six months later, the weight began to creep back up. I am pretty much at the weight I started with. Not more, but not less. I am active, and am watching what I eat. I know I am not perfect with the eating thing, but I don't eat nearly what I used to eat. I am really discouraged.

I was banded on 13 Feb 08, I feel great; should have done it years ago.

I was banded this past Wednesday, February 13th. I have been resting and healing, although it has been a lot more difficult and painful then I expected. I am 30 years old and I have been quite over weight my entire adult life. Before the co-mordities kick in, I wanted to take a proactive measure and get the surgery while I am still in good health. I am excited about the future and the prospect of being able to live again and enjoy life without all of the worries, stress, and insecurities of being overweight. I look forward to reading and learning from your posts.

I had my surgery in Conroe, Texas. I am 3 days post-op and I am so glad that I found this site yesterday! I've already had several of my questions answered just by reading other peoples' posts. Yesterday I was feeling really stressed and alone in this but today I am feeling a lot better about it. BTW, how do you get the weightloss ticker on your page?

Hi there, just wondering if there was anyone from south eastern MA here? I have an appointment with Glasgow and Glasgow in Norwood, just wondering if anyone has any experiences with them?? Allison :biggrin2:

:ohmy:Hello Everyone! I have never posted on any board before, but I am pretty uneducated about this whole thing. I did all my pre-op testing last May and I am finally scheduled for March 25, 2008. I am a bit nervous as I had a very bad last surgical experience delivering my twins in July 2005. I don't know why I did not anticipate doing liquid before the surgery and I have to. I am not doing too well as I guess I am not having the right attitude. I understand about the liver needing to shrink. I think I had some stupid idea that I had 2 weeks left to eat. Again, I know it is not the right thinking... So, any advice, suggestions, are welcome. I am 41 and ha…

Hi ever one Im new on this,But want'ed to check it out My Husband and I had your surgery 's on Nov.21 2007 it has been four month on the 21 of this month. And the only regrat we have is we didnt do it sooner. MY Husband has lost 34 Lbs I have lost 37 and felling sooo much better I have went from a size 22 pants down to a size 14 Cant believe it.. it has truely been a blessing form God that we had this done. if I can help any one with any ? i will try to and I pray everyone gets it done that is waiting. That wa sth elongest part to me was the waiting for aprovel once it was a proved it went relly fast with in two weeks we had surgery. we go to Dr. Schram in Holland …

Hi guys and gals! I'm new to the site and relatively new to my band. (I've had it for right about 2 months now). I just wanted to introduce myself and see whether there were other folks from the Rockies around here. A bit about myself.... Well, i'm originally from Florida and moved to Colorado a little over a year ago. After dealing with weight issues my entire life (but only having had them become a major problem since college) i finally decided it wasn't going to happen without a little help, and bit the bullet and got the lap band. Of course, with the husbands support. I got my second fill yesterday, and am stuck on fluids for the time being. I think i mig…