Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Friday is my day!!!!!... I am really anxious now... Its not that I am scared about the procedure... I just want to get it over with... After waiting for so long... 3 days seem like an eternity... I have my preops tomorrow and that cause some anxiety as well. I do not know what to expect. I think I am more anxious for what is going to happen when I wake up from the anestesia... My pre-op diet is making me really tired and light headed but just 2 more days... I think this site is great because it makes me realize that I am not alone... But I need ways to release some anxiety.... maybe I should hit something Anyone has any suggestions??? Thanks

Hello friends! I am a 27 yr old single mom, from ATL, Ga. I am finally beginning my journey to get my Lap Band surgery done! I am so excited to find this site! My friends are so sick of hearing me talk about it! ( I think its because they really don't understand!And maybe because I have been talking since July 07) I am in the process of getting all of my clearances , and doing my pre-op! I have a few questions maybe you all can answer! Those of u who have had the band done, how is the loose skin? Are u loosing weight at the rate u would like? and do any of u all have any advice on making the procedure, more successful post-op? I am so excited about the procedure. and…

Hi, I'm a Journalism and Spanish major at UNC in Colorado. I am five five and weigh 250 pounds. I have been successful on diets in the past including my own, Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem and I'm ready to make it permanent!! When I approach my doctor about the lap band, she said I am much too young for such a 'drastic approach' to weight loss. Although I have saved money for co pays, I cannot afford this surgery alone. I am here looking for support, tips and life experiences of dealing with your doctor. I don't feel it's right I should have to convince a woman who has never had a weight problem (I asked ) to let me attempt to qaulify. Anyway, I cannot wait to meet …

I was just banded on Monday, and I must say it wasnt exactly like I expected. I have researched alot, and from most forums ppl say they were only down for a few days and had no problems. Its not Thursday, and I cant bend over or anything. I am in pain most of the time, and have lots of gas that just swells up in my belly. To be honest with you, I didnt think it would be this painfull. I really expected to bounce back pretty quickly. My appetite is starting to come back and I am hungry all the time. I havent and wont cheat though. I want to use this to its full advantage. I only took a week off of work, but am thinking I should have taken more time to heal. I am just ready…

I know that is a silly question but I'm not yet banded. But what's with all the protein drinks. Is it because of no food.

Hi everyone this is the day. I get banded at 9:45 this morning. I am so ready.And i am a little:scared2:

I am attending the pre-approval classes for my insurance and finding out more and more about what to expect, what to be careful of and how to find support when I need it. I will hopefully have my surgery date in May, but am working toward getting myself psyched up for this huge change in my life and am especially looking forward to posting and chatting with all of you who can give me insight and inspiration. I cannot wait until I am the one helping others and encouraging them with my tremendous weight loss. I know it is not going to be easy, but so worth every effort!

Hi Everyone, This is the first time I've been on the forum and am excited about using it. I've been banded since Nov. 1st 2007 and have noticed lately when I lay down at night, I get woke up occasionally bya tight feeling, sort of like when I've eaten a few too many bites. Has anyone every experienced this and what do you think is causing it? Thanks in advance for the help.

Hello everybody. My name is Andre and I'm from NYC. :biggrin2: It was hard for me to even type in "Lap Band Support Group" in google to kind of seek help and see what other people's experiences have been like. This is my very first time doing any research on the Lap Band and this was my first stop. For the last hour I've been reading people's posts and articles and it made me feel like I wanted to shed a tear because for the first time in my life I finaly feel like I can get help. All my life I have been a bigger person. I have been active growing up but always fat for my age (even though now I look back on my pictures and don't see a problem with my size). All the m…

Hi, everyone I am from NC I was banded on February 28, 2008. My weight was 301 on my surgery date. I was so glad to find this forum, especially when I was reading what others were saying about cheating on their post op diet. I am having the same problem and feel so terrible. I have so much support with my family and don't want to let anyone down. They are all looking forward to seeing me lose weight as so as I am. I am able to eat about whatever I was eating prior to surgery. I have no restriction and hope it will be better once I start receiving fills. Like others that have posted information I am hungry and think of food all the time, although I try not to it i…

Hi my name is sonya i'm from ohio, and my surgery is tuesday morning. I have been reading your site and find it very useful. I hope to become friends with all of you I see that some of u are still having trouble is this happening to all members on here do u find your self starting to struggle after a while? I have struggled all my life with this problem and i know there is mo quick fix but i am hoping this will allow me the help that i need to get over the hump I could care less about being skinny it's about health with me I'm 42 and starting to have health trouble and i want to get healthyfor my 2 grandchildren i want to be around when they have thier big moments in…

I have been banded for 6 weeks and had 2 fills. I read stories of what others eat and I eat way more. I have not lost any weight in 3 weeks. do you think I should go for another fil???:confused2:

Good afternoon everyone, My name is Ella and I live in Oregon. I have begun to do some serious research about LapBand and have finally decided that it is time to take back my life. I am a single parent to a beautiful 4 year old daughter. I want to be around to see her grow up. I want to be able to take her to Disneyland and not worry about fitting in the airplane seat or on the rides. I want to be able to go to a restaurant and not worry about if I will fit in the booth or not. I have been heavy my whole life and have probably tried everything out there that there is. I am finally admitting that I need help. Diet and exercise alone are not going to do it. I need …

Hello everyone. I am from Austin, TX and new to this board. I will be banded on April 8. I am excited and somewhat nervous about the whole process. I am really scared that it will not work just like many other weight loss diets I have tried. I guess I will have to try it and see. This is my last resort.

Hello, I'm new to this site. My lap band date is March 17th. I look forward to being a part of this site for lend and get support.

Hi all, my name is Christall and I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. I am scheduled for Lap Band Surgery in Mexico on May 18, 2008. I am nervous. I chose Mexico because of cost and because of others here who have had it there. I am having it done at Betancourt Medical Center. Anyone out there that has had it done there...I would appreciate hearing of your experience.

Hi, Well, I have been looking at this web site for several days, reading what eveyone has to say about the Lap band. I am 48 years old, and I am tired of being fat. I am a very happy person normaly, I love the Lord, love my family, friends and life. I have tried every diet out there. In 2003 I was at the weight of 314 and in tears when I joined Weight Watchers. I lost weight every week from June to December of 2003. My total weight lost was 67 lbs. I felt so good, but knew I still had a long way to go. One week after Christmas I let my guard down and gained 8 lbs in one week. There I lost my momentum. Then slowly over the years I have gained it back. I am now 300 again.…

Hi All! I'm so happy to have found this forum. I've been struggling with this decision for a year now and reading a few threads has been immensely helpful. It's a pleasure to be here with such motivated people. Maybe you can help me too? I'm a 27-year-old married grad student trying to get started on the lap band journey. However, I've been discouraged by almost my entire immediate family. My husband, mother and sister all warn me not to do it; hubby cites nutritional deficiencies; mother and sister just think I can lose the weight by myself. If I could do it by myself, I would have already. It ticks me off; they've witnessed my struggles firsthand, but can't support …

Hello everyone, I am just beginning my journey to a healthier me. I went for my orientation today and have my first appointment on March 19. This will begin the 6 month monitoring. I am really excited. Vickie

I feel like I should start this like an introduction at an AA (Alcoholics Anon) meeting. "Hi, my name is Lainey, and I'm overweight.".....(Everybody): "Hi Lainey, welcome". At one time I was 5'10 (well, 5'9 and 3/4, actually, but I used to round up). I am now 5'8 and something...I think my feet have flattened as well as some spinal compression. I stepped on the scale at the doctors office this Thursday and the scale read 239. I forgave it for lying. Hopefully soon, it will start being more truthful. It wasn't too long ago I had little sympathy for fat people. Throughout my twenties and thirties I was a steady 128 lbs. I modelled, some print, some runway. My mom, who w…

Hi everyone!! I am fairly new here. I just had surgery on 2/25 and I am looking to loose 120-130lbs. I have been overweight my whole life. I have tried all of the diets but my problem was that I NEVER felt full. So far the lapband has been great. I am in the "Mushy" food stage currently and I am starting to feel a little hungry after I eat. I am hoping that this is because I have had no fills as of yet. I see the Dr for my first follow up 3/11 and I will ask him about it. I have 2 wonderful kids - 19 and 16 years old and I am engaged. I am hoping to make great friends on this site to go through this wonderful journey!! :thumbup: Please fee free to contact me with any ti…

Wasn´t quite sure where to post this, but was wondering if anyone else might have this problem. I have had in the last 10 years probably 6-8 sprained ankles. In December I tore my Gastroc Muscle in my right calf, which was very painful. This evening my DH is sick, so I took him to an Urgent Care (tried 3, but all were closed! We have had a HUGE snow here). When we got back home, I stepped out of the car, stepped wrong on a mound of snow, and twisted my left ankle so hard it cracked, and I thought I was going to toss my Cookies it hurt so badly. Has anyone else experienced these types of injuries? Those who have lost weight, and did have these problems, did losing weig…

Hi my name is Dottie. My surgery date is March 17 in Cheyenne WY. My Dr. is Dr. Whitney Parnell. Has anyone else used her? My hospital is Cheyenne Regional Hospital. I am very excited, it has been a long, long road to here. Just wanted to say HI!!!!!!! Dottie

Hello, I'm 36 years old and retired from the USAF. I got hurt in Southwest Asia and had to have back surgery. They saved my back but I had other complications with nerves in my legs and arthritis set in my knees as well. I was medically retired due to this and ever since I have gained weight in a hurry. I now weigh 100 lbs more than I did before my injuries. Due to my injuries I can't exercise at the rate I used to... Prior to May 2004 I ran 3 miles a day 4 days a week and occasionally 6 mile runs on top of those ( whenever my supervisors would decide to push us) now? Now I can only walk for 15-20 minutes and have excruciating pain in my back and left leg afterwards. I'm …

Is it normal to not feel hungry or want anything to eat or drink the first few days post-op? I don't have a fill yet or anything. I try to drink my liquid diet but I just don't feel hungry and don't want to eat just because.

I'm Tamra from WV and I'm having the lap band soon! My doctor is Dr. Velcu at Louisa, KY. I'm very excited and nervous. I feel like I've been waiting forever! I started my process about 7 or 8 months ago, and it seemed like forever. So now it's here, March 11th! I must admit, I am a little nervous. I've started liquids and that's hard, but I'll survive. All advice welcome!:thumbdown:

I just started my liquid diet this morning. So far so good other than the fact that I have to pee like every five minutes. I have to stay on liquids for the next two weeks and then it will be surgery day. I am really excited and really scared too. Like I realize each time I ate something in the last week that it was my last time. I need to find something to do to occupy the time I used to spend eating or getting ready to eat. <a href="Weight Loss - Diet Ticker"> <img border="0" src="<A href="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wdOLFKT/weight.png"></a">http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wdOLFKT/weight.png"></a>

:tea: Hi, my name is Sharon. I was Banded on 2/7 by Dr Kirschenbaum in Aurora, Colorado. I had my first fill this week on Wednesday and attended a meeting where I learned about this site. Wish I had known about it before. I've lost 30 lbs since my first Dr appt in January. 20 lbs since the surgery. I'm on a journey and looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel and the sparkles in between.

I have raised all my children (30 years), put all on hold to take care of each of them. They are now on their own journeys. (Married, children, college) My husband and I have decided it is now my turn. I have been working on this for a little over a year now. I will be banded on the 24th of this month down in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz. Money was a small problem getting banded up here in the Pacific Northwest too expensive. I have been going through therapy, and a lot of other testing to make sure I am ready. I have diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. This surgery is to make me healthy. I am ready to open a new chapter in my life. Very excited!!

Hi. I was banded on 2.15.08 in Mexico by Dr. Oritz. I'm now eating solids, and I must say it's a bit strange. I think the hardest thing for me so far has been not being able to drink with eating. I'm so used to having a big iced Water while I'm eating dinner. I live in WA State, and am hoping to meet people from all over to support each other during this journey. Thanks for reading.

Hello...I have been lingering on these boards for awhile now, but this is my first post!! I am scheduled to have my first consult w/Dr Tersigni in Coos Bay on March 12th...I have been reading these boards, so I feel educated as of what to expect BUT I am wanting to ask if anyone out there has ANY regrets of getting this done??? I feel like this is finally my answer after years of unsuccessful dieting and feeling like a failure...Also I am just praying that insurance will cover this.. I have Fed BCBS..Dr Tersigni's nurse said that they are one of the easiest to get covered by. Also, my BMI is 39..I know my chances for getting approved are so much higher if it's 40..…

I just went for my second weight loss appt and getting more excited by the day.:biggrin2: Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself that I will hopefully be one of you banded guys soon.:tongue:

hi new to site im from uk and due to have my band fitted in 4 mnths and thought it would a good idea to get some support set up now:thumbup:

Hello everyone, I am new here to the forum and my journey begins today. I have wanted to get the lap-band surgery for many years but only recently joined an insurance plan that would pay for it. Otherwise I was about to pay out of pocket. (thank goodness I waited) I am excited like you wouldn't believe. I really feel the procedure will help change my life. I am a fairly social person even as a big man. I have always tried to let my size not get in the way of living. But I have to say at 40, things are getting a bit tougher and the body getting a bit beat up. I am a musician and it is getting harder to play those long gigs. Getting real sick of taking all sorts of meds…

i'm new to the forum. lost 52 pounds so far, 100 to go!

My name is Whitney, I'm almost 23 years old. I'm married to an active duty soldier who's currently deployed, his name is Matt and he's 24 years old. I'm really considering the Lap Band, because I'm tired of being so short AND being so over weight. I've tried everything, diets and weightloss pills and excerise. I don't really want to rely on surgery, but since I've been this way for so long, i don't want to rely on the lap band for the rest of my life, i want to get to my target weight then get rid of it because like i said i dont want to depend on it.

I'm thinking about lap band surgery-I have a history of being diabetic-sleep apnea and high colesterol. My weight has continued to increase no matter how much I diet. My BMI is a 36-I have Aetna insurance-but I'm not sure if they will cover it. What is the food intake like afterwards? I work 12 hour nights so I don"t eat at regular hours.

Hello all! This is my first post on this board, but I've been researching the Lap Band procedure for a long time, and have been reading this message board for weeks, so I already feel at home here. I am 25 years old and live in Atlanta, GA where I do marketing and PR for a race team. The Lap Band was introduced to me about 4 years ago by a nutritionist who recommended it to me. At the time I was still in college, and could not afford the surgery. Insurance wouldn't cover it, and my family didn't feel comfortable enough with the procedure to help me pay for it, so I had to push the idea aside. I began considering the procedure again when I saw a commercial for True…

Hi Everyone, I am so excitied to be part of the forum:smile: I am 61 and have struggled with my weight since I had my 3 children:tt1: My Husband of 34 years was killed in the line of duty 5 years ago, and I found myself weighing 300lbs. Food became everything to me:frown: I heard about the Lap Band Surgery on TV , I called the local Dr. and went to the seminar. I have gone through all my testing and am working on getting the Pre-OP weight off. I have lost 20lbs 10 more to go:wub: This is the first time in a long long time I feel hope that I can do this and become healthy & well and have self control. God Speed to Everyone:wub: We will make it:smile: …

Hello all! I just wanted to introduce myself to the forum! I've been reading a lot of the threads and it has really helped me make the decision to get the lapband surgery! Yesterday, I FINALLY finished my application for lapband surgery at Scottsdale Bariatric in AZ. It was very time consuming...took forever to complete and have backup info. Just the application is 23 pages long! But, I wanted to make sure that all the i's were dotted and t's crossed so I can have my insurance cover the surgery expense. Please keep all of your fingers and toes crossed that my insurance will approve my surgery!!!! I'm looking forward to having you all as a support during this time. And…

Hi everyone I have decided to research and if all goes ok get this procedure. I am going through all the previous posts to catch up on things that have already been asked and answered. I guess my initial question/concern is to just hear and read others' experiences with this procedure. On the top of my list of questions is: (1) Will my Tufts PPO pay for this surgery or a portion of it (2) What is the recovery period really like (3) How much are you expected to lose per month (4) Anything else I should be asking or Thanks so much - Lori

First time post! Thank you for supporting such an informative and inspiriational message board. I know that this the "Holy Grail" of sensitive subjects for so many people and to see strangers opening up to help others encourages me to keep moving forward. I am just beginning my journey and have so much info to sift through and too many questions. I was hoping to get some clarity on a few things. 1. If your insurance requires a 6 month physician supervised diet and exercise program, what does that exactly mean? Does a program like weight watchers count? Is it a prescribed program with special food? Is it a monitored thing where you get weighed in every week at…

Hi all, I have been researching the lap band procedure for a few months. I have been going to a therapist for depression about the way I look and then I learned that my insurance provider Tricare (military) covers the procedure! I am stationed in Vicenza Italy so I am going through Dr. Favretti. I am very excited for him to do the surgery, I trust him 100% considering he is one of the ones who helped make the Lap band and he has been doing it since 1993! I met for the first time yesterday and he was so nice and confident. He says he can do the surgery within the next few weeks if I like. I still need to get used to the idea and work out all the details with my husband and…

I've made the decision that I want to be banded. I was concerned because I read where someone's insurance company denied her because her BMI was over 50. My BMI is well over 50. I'm 5'1" and 300lbs. According to the BMI calculator i'm at 57BMI. I wish self pay was an option but my credit is not good and I can't afford to go that route. Does anyone have any advice? I'm glad I found this website. I was starting to feel like I was on my own in this decision. After my sister's harsh reaction when I mentioned to her that I was considering this I decided to only tell my mom and a co-worker that I was seriously conisidering this. Unfortunately my family is 2,000 miles a…

It took amost a year but I now have a date for my surgery . It's March 5 .I can't belive it . I just went to the Dr.'s yesterday to set the date . I thought they would say next month or in a few weeks .I can't wait. I'm going shopping this weekend to get everything I think I'm going to need for the surgery and the days after .

Hi! My name is Charity, I'm a 22 year old pediatric RN. I'm going to be banded by Dr. Kirshenbaum on 4/16/08. I can't WAIT! It's going to be a bit of a trip, but my boyfriend is going with me. So excited!

:confused:I’m seriously thinking about getting “banded”. I attended the information session in November 07, but was side tracked by my mother’s illness and eventual death in January. I’m 52 years old, 5 feet short and my weight has reached an all time high of 293 lbs. (I’ve never told anyone how much I weigh!!!!). I have some fear of surgery although I’ve had major surgery with no complications. I know two people who’ve been banded and are doing well. I don’t know why I’m so apprehensive, but I do know that I now have health problems that are directly connected to my weight (sleep apnea, HBP, back pain and edema). I’ve tried weight watcher more times than I count.…

WoW! I made it through surgery and so far 5 days post surgery! I was so nervous! I have had a rough go these last few days! I got the flu and was down with that for 3 days, fever, chills, no energy, gas pain TERRIBLE and last but not least nausea and throwing up! Talk about HELL! I am finally among the living today and feeling like I am going to make it - YEH!!!!:thumbdown: I am excited for my new journey and I love reading all of your posts. I had surgery in Blackfoot, ID by Dr. Avila and was very impressed with him and the staff. I came home the same day. The gas pain in my chest is finally gone (I have to say that is probably the worst part!) and of course th…

Hello everyone, So I am getting banded on Friday March 7, 2008 and my nerves are outta control. All of a sudden, I am so worried about things like, breathing tubes and anesthesia, pain afterwards. I am panicking because I haven't joined a gym yet, and was supposed to do that before I had the surgery. I'm like, oh I won't have time to do it before friday with all this work I have. I'm a social worker, so talking to all my "kids" about it, and my parents. I'm just a nervous wreck. I keep telling myself I will be fine. Anyway, any advice?

I had a dream last night that I was pregnant. It was a wonderful dream... The worst part was when I woke up, and remembered that I am not pregnant, just fat. I need to do more than want to lose weight. I need to do more than plan to lose weight. I need to do more than talk about losing weight. Bottom line... I need to actually lose weight. But how do I do that? I mean I know the basic principles... Eat less, exercise more. That's all well and good, but how does someone like ME do that? I apparently have less willpower than the average bear, and a sick emotional relationship with over-eating. I often feel completely hopeless about my situation, and it is at those ti…