Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi. I am very new here. I went to my a seminar and I am so excited. I worry that my insurance will deny me because everything seems to be going so smoothly. I had a consult with the doctor and he said I should be fine not to worry. Did my sleep eval last week and have my phsc appt and nutrition appt next week. Anyone out there who can tell me what to expect at these appts? Also when do you usually get a date for surgery? Any info is greatly appreciated.

Im confused and lost as to how to even start the process of getting a Lap Band. Who do I contact first, what do I have to do, Who do I need to see or speak with? :thumbup: If someone could give me some help like steps in getting started I would appriciate it. :w00t:

Hi everyone. I just found this site while researching the procedure. My name is John. I'm 34, married, one child, live near St. Louis, MO. I am currently in the process of testing/document gathering in order to get my procedure approved by the insurance. I am using Depaul Hospital in St. Louis. My mom died last year at age 59 from heart disease but she had a lot of health problems. She just couldn't survive two heart surgeries within three months. She was badly overweight for most of her adult life. I am a mirror image of her, 6 foot 285 lbs. and I can see myself going down the same road that she did that lead to her death. I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS. I am sca…

Hey Everybody! I've been reading posts on the site for awhile and finally got approved by ins. My surg. date is Mar.12th. I'm excited but getting more nrevous. I live in Alabama and would love to know if there's a support group or something in Northwest Alabama. Thanks for all of the info and I look forward to getting to know everyone during this journey!

Hello, I have been just viewing for a while and have decided to join in! I decided last month to go ahead and just do it and self pay! I choose a surgeon went to a seminar on 2/7 met with the nutrition/coordinator on the 15th while I was there on the 15th she told me that Tricare now covers it (they are not participating) I have Tricare Prime. They told me to get a letter of medical necessity I went to my pcm at the naval hospital (she's totally against it) said it wasn't covered, wouldn't write it (I asked her to call, and she found out it was covered) she refered me to bariatric at hosp. still no letter from her though. They don't to the band sent a referral to Tricare …

Hi! I made this account a while ago and kind of forgot about it :biggrin: Saw the reminder mail today and figured this is probably a great resource, so no idea why I haven't really used it earlier! Anyway, for a little intro, I go by the nick of Freya. I'm 22, I've been battling with my weight for quite a few years now. I was reading about the lapband for quite some time and then early last year I decided I wanted this and with the doctor I started the wonderful process of jumping through hoops in the end of July 07. :biggrin: The doc is seems to have started gliding more and more over on my side seeing that I'm not just lazy or whatever they seem to think and I ha…

Hi! New to the group and am getting banded tomorrow morning at 9:30 am in Everett, WA at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery. Nervous...excited...a bit scared. But overall relieved that I'm starting on a new phase of my life. Stats: 5'5'' Weight: 229 Lise

Hi! My Name is Shannon I am new here. I was banded on April 30th 2007. I have lost 96lb so far. I have had 2 fills and 1 unfill due to band be to tight. I go back in 2 weeks to get another fill. I am very nervous because this is the first time I haven't had any resriction and I don't want to gain any weight back. Any advice?:shades_smile:

:biggrin2: Hi everyone! I've been browsing the site for the past week or so. I joined tonight because I am so impressed by the enormous amount of support that is on the site. It is truly what I need. I've been battling my weight issues for majority of my life. While I don't have any co-mobidities (yet), I have a family history and know it's only a matter of time. I'm borderline with my BMI (40, depending on what day/time of day it is). I have UHC, which I've read is a good about covering, but, I've got a consumer driven health-care plan that I doubt will. Regardless, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead of me. I'm attending my first seminar at a recommende…

I started my journey last July/August.:confused2: I did the 3 month diet and exercise plan only to basically be turned down by my insurance company saying that I wasn't fat enough. So I added 3 more monthes of physician supervised diet and exercise and resubmitted everything, plus with a written appeal letter. My problem in the eyes of my insurance company is that besides being overweight, I have no major health problems like, diabetes, sleep apenea, high blood pressure etc. I'm really freakin healthy in that regard.:cursing: But I do have acid reflux/heartburn, pitting adema, knee surgery twice and thingsthat I pointed out were recognized by the National Health Institute…

I am new to site and love it. I am scheduled to be banded on 3/26/08. I am looking forward to great new things in life.:shades_smile:

Wow!! I decided to look into doing the lapband just recently. My pcp suggested speaking to a surgeon who specializes in it and I had an appointment the next day. Im self pay so there are no insurance hurdles to jump. By the end of the two hour appt I had surgery scheduled for the 19th!!! I have two weeks to get everything done. My psych eval is tomorrow and next week I see the nutritionalist. Im very excited. My BMI is 43 right now. I have severe back problems and also have to see a spinal surgeon. Hopefully after the surgery and the weight starts coming off the back problem will resolve. My biggest concern now is that I have a trip planned for three days after …

Hello All, I am brand new to this site and I'm so happy I found it! I have been contemplating lap-band surgery for just about a year. I have gone to the informational session (twice) and have just made my appointment with my nutrionist... I am however nervous about being denied. I am about ten pounds lighter than I was last year and now that means I'm ten pounds away from having a BMI of 40. My current BMI is 39 and I don't have any co-morbidities... I am in fear of being denied. I know that I need this and that I am ready for this. As I mentioned it took me over a year to make up my mind and now that I have I'm not so sure it will get approved.... Has anyone be…

I have been reading and educating myself on this site for the last few weeks and just now decided to register. Here is a bit about me (this is long, sorry).. 24 years old, single mother to a beautiful 5 year old daughter, work in the legal field full time, full time student and am ready to start the process to getting my band!!! My problem, I chose at the end of last year to not sign up for my employers (Farmers Ins.) health insurance (UHC) and chose to just use the plan I am still under from my parents. To save money. Now that I have made the decision to get the band I learn their insurance does not cover the band but my employers did! Do I really have to wait un…

Hi, I'm Tarasa and I am new to the forums. I'm a 23 year old graduate student from Beavercreek, OH and I was banded on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008 by Dr. Curry. I am doing well and have lost 12 before the procedure and have 78 pounds to go!

Hello to all, I was banded on 27 March and right now i just want to say Hi and I will be asking alot of questions later. :biggrin:

Hello, I was just banded last Friday by Dr. Felts. I lost 6 lbs during the pre op diet and I am trying to enjoy these shakes and broth. I am not necessarily hungry but the thought of thin liquids (broth and shakes) is depressing me a bit. I feel like the options are so limited for now. Was this hard for anyone else out there??? Grace

Hi, New to the site... Ready to do this and make the commitment, but in fear of being denied... No co-morbities and only a BMI of 39... This can't be the end of it... can it?

Hello! I am new here, and haven't a clue as to what to do. Anyway, I am planning on having the lap band surgery done. I will be having it done by Dr. Argotte. Anyone had it done by him?

Hi all! I'm new to the site and just getting on my way with the lap-band. I have been medically approved and have my psyche eval on the 19th. I'm paying myself so I'm sure it will go fairly fast and I'll be banded sometime late April. Funny - banded sounds like we're a bunch of carrier pigeons! Anyway, thank God for you all. This site is going to be a lifeline for me, I can tell. My husband and I have decided to tell only a few family members about my surgery. I'll tell my sisters but I just don't want to open myself up for some of the comments and reactions that I know some of you have had to deal with. I was thrilled to find this site. You have already answered so man…

I’m getting banded March 24th and I’m really excited but I am also terrified. I know this is the right choice for me and I have thought about it for two years. Although I am secure in my decision sometimes I feel like this is too extreme and I should just give dieting one more chance but I have been dieting for 11 years. I know that the more I postpone it the more weight I will gain. I guess what I am looking for is some encouragement/support. I don’t know anyone with the lap band and although my family is supportive I don’t feel like they understand what I am going through.

Hello everyone... I am New to this and getting banded tomorrow...pretty scared right now... hoping that I am making a smart choice. I just pray that this works for me... I would hate to be disappointed. My insurance did not cover this, so I am especially frightened of the financial impact this could have if I have complications i.e. slipping, erosion. I was told to "chat" here and it looks like a great website that I hope to visit often and hopefully in a few months I will be sharing success stories too!! Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks!

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I am relatively new to LBT, I've been lurking for a couple of days and used to be active on other forums before I just got really tired of them and took a break for a while. After just starting to poke around here I really like what I see. Everything is laid out really well and stuff is so much easier to find, and they seem to be drama-free, how wonderful! Anyway about me- I'm 33, no kids (but will TTC after a year or so), I live in the Seattle area and was banded 5 months ago. I really couldn't be happier. I've lost a total of 62 lbs, 37 since surgery. I've had 4 fills and am up to 7.8cc in my 10cc APS band. I'm married, have 2 ca…

I am so nervous and excited! I thought it was meant to be that my insurance is covering it--- Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Words of advice? Things I should do, get, prepare myself....any insights would be so appreciated. Oh my tummy is doing flip flops!:redface::tongue::tongue::thumbup::biggrin:

Hi from Long Island, NY. I was banded 02/27/08 at Peconic Bay Medical center in Riverhead, NY by Dr Mehta. I am recovering well and I even plan to go back to work tomorrow. I am not hungry so the full liquid diet is not bothering me at all. I am actually more worried about eating enough food because I have no appetite. My surgery went well but I did not a bad reaction to the pain med and got sick 3 times the first night and once more before I went home on the 28th. But since I have been home I have kept everything down. I also had alot of back pain but that is gone now. I did some working this morning and it was a little uncomfortable after awhile but it was not pai…

I thought I'd take a moment to introduce myself as I hope to be spending a lot of time here in the coming months. My name is Andi and I recently celebrated my 34th birthday. I am happily married - we don't have any children at this time, unless you count our 3 cats and 4 dogs. I have been diagnosed with hypertension, sleep apnea, Type II Diabetes and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, so it is our hope that lapband will help me with many of my health issues. We started this process over a year ago when we went to our surgeon's seminar. ( Dr. Stephen Hamn - Plano, Texas) Shortly after, we had our consult and psych eval as well as nutrition counseling. The only thing stoppi…

:laugh:Hey everyone, banded for a little over a year and loving it. Starting at 311 now down to 222, just 11 more pounds and i'll have 100 pounds lost....can't wait. I have been floating around here for a few days and reading everyones post. This seems like a wonderful group of people. I need the support this site offers. The dr's want to do the operations but they need to work on the heads (mind) too. So many things running through my head, so many questions, just kind of lost here. Not knowing what my goal should be, will I ever not crave sweets, will the skin on my double chin go away somewhat? Just want to know does anyone else go through these feelings or am…

I have my consultation appt on March 11th and I cant wait to meet my doc and ask him all kinds of questions and see when I'll be able to get surgery. Sorry havent been on in awhile I've been dealing with alot of personal issues at home. I have done all the prep stuff like psych eval, sleep test, blood work, etc.:thumbup: Now I finally get my consultation appt to meet my doctor and get things rolling to be sent to my insurance company. Miss y'all bunches!!!

Hello Everyone, I'm so glad I found this site!!! I just started my LabBand journey. After many months of research and soul-searching, I've decided this is the best option for me. I'm from Oklahoma, 34 yrs old and I've fought weight all my life. Over the last 2 years I've seem to spin out of control and am now the heaviest I've ever been. I've tried everything to lose weight, but nothing seems to help. I'm hoping LapBand is the tool I need to get me on the right-track. I'm starting my nutrionist supervised diet plan on Friday March 7th (as required by my insurance company). I have to stay on this plan for 90 days before I will be approved for the proceedure. I'm v…

I was banded the end of July of 07. I have only lost 62 lbs but not really complaining about the weight loss. My problem is I think maybe I am developing an allergy to the band. Has anyone experienced an allergic reaction to the band and what were your symptoms?

Well obviously!! Any way I'm a 29 year old mommy of 3. I'm an Army wife and VERY proud of my soldier!! We are originally from South florida and are stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska!! We have been together since we were just 14 years old and I wouldn't trade a day of it!! I am done with my pre-op tests and waiting for insurance approval(Tri-Care Prime, West region), hoping for a late March surgery date. I am currently 245lbs, 5'5" tall, and have a BMI of 40.8. I found out through pre-op testing that I have fatty liver disease, so I will be on the LOVELY all liquid pre-op diet once I have a date! I am also a full time Midwifery student and am working towards my Mas…

I had an appointment with my PCP today to get a referral to be banded. My Dr. said he would write one, but I am confused on what happens from here. I know I have to call in 2 days to activate my referral, but what happens after that?? Does anyone have tricare prime that knows what's up? I'm so anxious and can't wait to find out if I will be able to have the surgery

Hi I'm Sherri....32 year old SAHM of a 3yo boy. My current BMI is 48 :eek: . I've been overweight since I was a child (around 8 years old or so) and obese most of my adult life. I've been lurking on this site for a few weeks, mostly trying to educate myself and decide if banding is the right solution for me. I'm pretty sure that it is and I'm going to a seminar on Saturday to gather the rest of the information that I need to be sure. My DH is also obese and wants surgery. I'm afraid that his intentions are less than admirable though. He has never tried to lose weight and continues to gain at an alarming rate. I'm not sure that banding is a good fit for him, but …

I am 41 years old, and have had my lapband since August 27th, 2007. Since that time, I have lost 78 lbs. Before my surgery, I topped out at 531 lbs. I joined WeightWatchers about a year before my surgery, and I managed to keep off 30 lbs. So, in essence, I have lost a total of 108 lbs., and I want to lose more. I am a student, pursuing my master's degree in teaching mathematics. I have taught a year of high school mathematics, but when my contract wasn't renewed, I made the decision to both lose weight and get my master's degree. When I am not substituting or studying, I am an on-air radio personality. I help in broadcasting/producing the local high school footb…

Hello, I've been looking at the posts on this site for a few months and now decided to join in the fun of threading. I started looking at LapBand surgery about 5 years ago. I kept telling myself I didn't need surgery to lose weight, no way would I go to that extreme. If I would only eat smaller portions, the right foods and exercise that I could/would lose weight. I've come to realize that losing the weight was only half the battle, but keeping it off was the hardest part. If I counted up all the pounds I've lost in the past 10-15 years, I bet it would equal 2-3 people. The weight has always came back. I've given in to the idea of surgery. I started my surgery mission i…

:lol:Just got my surgery approval and date in the same call on Friday and I am overwhelmed with joy. I am counting down the days and I have a million questions!

Hi, I am a 46 yr old female near Conroe Texas that will be banded 3/14 and I must say I am still quite nervous. I would love to say I'm 100% gunho but I still have my self doubting moments and fears. I've tried so many things in the past and have been so disappointed and I guess I'm just scared of going through all of this and still not seeing long term permanent results. I'm also scared because I have 2 daughters that I don't want to leave without a mother.

Dr. Keith in Norman did my band two years ago. I live northside OKC, and am looking for a support group closer to home. I understand there is a support group at Integris. Can someone tell me when, where and time? Thanks.

I really like this web site. I'll been reading everyone's posts for a few days reinforced the fact that I am making the right choice in having the lap band. I am soooOOOOoooo excited.

I finally have a surgery date...August 1st at 8:30 am (But who's counting). I'm on my way with my 6 month diet plan and I can't wait!! I hope I can hold on till then. Wish me luck!! I'll be a "Summer Bander" :eek:

Hey all. Im new to this. My surgery is sched. for Mar. 21st. Im doing well, kinda nervous. Glad i found this site! My surg. is at Cle. Clinic by Dr. Brethauer. I hope to upload some before (323 lbs.) pics soon. Anyone from round here?

Anyone getting banded this month? I am going to schedule surgery hopefully for mid month. I have had some reservations, but now am convinced I need this to help me to do what it takes to get this weight off. I know the band itself doesn't help alone, but with the reduced eating and exercise it will work. I am so excited about my new lifestyle. Also anyone reading New Earth?

:biggrin: Greetings from Tennessee! This is my first post to the site, I hope I am doing it right!!:smile2: My lap band journey started almost a year ago. In April of 2007 I finally got up the courage for the 2 hour drive to consult with Dr. Charles Morton in Nashville, TN. I cried when the nurse told me I would first have to visit with my PCP for 6 months in a row. I guess I was expecting this thing would happen over night. But just like the doctor said, I didn't gain this weight over night and it's not going to drop off over night. But I finished my visits with my PCP, and waited a couple of months to get back in for my pre-op consultation. I went that day expecting sur…

Hello everyone! My name is Deanna and I received my lap band last Friday (2/15). I need to lose 200 pounds. I am still having alot of pain in my stomach area but not from the incisions- it feels like muscle pain. I am also having difficulty in taking deep breaths from the anesthetic. All in all, I am happy that it is over and am trying my best to adapt to the liquids during the first couple of weeks. This website was recommended by a person that I attended my pre-op class with at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, OR. Her surgery was scheduled a few days ahead of mine and hopefully she is doing well. I look forward to learning lots from everyone that has gone through th…

Hello!!! I have been doing some research on weight loss surgeries and finally after talking with my liver specialist yet again (my primary doesn't believe in weight loss surgeries), we made a decision that my liver was only getting larger and so was I and I needed to take the steps now! He called the surgeon and got the ball rolling earlier this week and I go to my first informational seminar tomorrow! I was concerned about our insurance, but the coordinator that called to confirm said that if there had been problems with the insurance, she would be calling to cancel - not confirm! I am excited, but also scared to death - this means a whole different lifestyle. No mo…

Hello from Massachusetts! I am a couple months into the comprehensive process my healthcare provider requires for lap band surgery. I start with nutrition on Thursday and behavioral medicine on March 10th. I am so excited!, and I can't wait to get my surgery date. I am only 24 years old, but have been overweight most of my life. I have held myself back so much since about the 4th grade when I started to notice that I was a lot bigger than the other kids. I won't even allow myself to date or make friends because I feel so self-conscious about my weight. Right after my 24th birthday in August I decided that it was time to do what I have always wanted and shed these extra…

Hello all, I am pre-op and have my one-on-one appt with my surgeon next week ..I will be given my surgery date on Wednesday. I was wondering...what have you done to be sucessful with your band. I know all of us start out with great intentions...but what sustains them. My dh was asking me how is this surgery going to be any different than everything else I have tried? I wasn't quite sure how to answer him...I have had good intentions with all the exercise/diet programs etc that I have tried in the past. For those of you at goal or further in the journey..please share your ideas! Thanks - Michelle

hey all got banded yesterday and i dont feel all that bad.. lil discomfort as expected but nothing to major, i must admit i was expeting alot more pain, just a big thanks for every 1 writin up and answering my questions.. for any 1 bout to get it dont worry its ok.. down 5 kg dont know wat that is in lbs.. but im happy with that..:thumbup: sal :glare:

:hurray: Hi all! I am getting banded April 1 in Monterrey Mexico by Dr. Rambaut. I have been thinking about this for more than a year. I weigh 255 and am 42 BMI. Its so excieting to me to get going. I thought I would introduce myself here. I have 2 friends that I know had great success with the band and I want this to work with me in my battle of the buldge! I wasnt always fat. As a youth I could eat alot. I was also always out ridding my bike climbing trees playing dodgeball ect... NOW I am not active. I do work full time in sales and on my feet most of the day but that doesnt cut it as far as burning off anything. I love food and Im particular about what I eat. I us…

Just learned about this wonderful site and I am having a great time just browsing through it. I had my surgery on October 31, 2007 and have lost 20 lbs pre-op and 20 post. I have dropped my high blood pressure, one of my diabetes pills and one cholest. meds since the surgery. Feeling great but have been in a "slow down" for the last 3 weeks. We just started a new support group and it was great. I hope it was the "kick" I needed to get started again. I am 54 yrs old and have 5 grandchildren to keep up with. Three of them are a set of triplets and they are 3 yrs old. They do keep me active whether I like it or not. Thanks for listening.:confused: