Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi there, My name is Carla and I had my LapBand surgery on January 9, 2008. My post-surgery experience has not been as smooth as I had hoped...but I'm doing alright. I was just wondering if anybody out there has had any experience with noticing symptoms of issues with the lapband, ie. band slippage or having a dialated pouches and things like that. I ate my first solid fool meal about a week ago, and noticed that I had a lot of discomfort afterwards, and I was a bit worried, considering that I haven't even had my first "fill" yet. Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

Hey folks. Been lurking around for awhile. I get mine 2/28 by Dr Green in Ft Worth. Im an RN and this site has been a real help. Hess

Hello All: My name is Ali and I am 37 years old. I live in Gahanna, Ohio which is a Suburb of Columbus, Ohio (Go Buckeyes!) I am new to the boards and am sure will have tons of questions. The reason why I started looking for weight loss procedures is due to a recent visit to my PCP. I had brought a list of "ailments" that I have been complaining of for years in the attempts to start getting these issues addressed. After speaking to him about various pains and problems I was continually having, he suggested Gastric Bypass Surgery. I am overweight, 254 LBS to be exact and am having a very hard time getting the weight off. I have been attempting to lose the weight by doing…

I have contacted my insurance and seen my primary doctor who was more than happy to write me a letter for approval with my insurance UHC. So far, so good just checking things off the list, blood work and appointment with the surgeon is next. But each day I ask myself...why can't I just do this on my own and I am very fearful about having complications. And I know it is kind of shallow of me but the thought of never having a soda again makes me sad. Are most of you out there happy you had the surgery done?

Hi all, First off, I have never posted anywhere before so this is completely new to me. A friend suggested I come to this site to learn more about the lap-band procedure (she's in the process of getting a date for her surgery). Please bear with me :smile2:). I live in the Sacramento, CA area and have decided to look into lap-band surgery. I had looked into it several years ago but was told by my doctor at Kaiser that I wasn't fat enough (I had a BMI of 42 at the time). I was under the impression that a BMI of 40 or above was pretty much a guarantee that a person would qualify. Apparently not. I've recently switched from Kaiser to Blue Cross HMO and so I'm thinki…

Hi, I just finished my Psych evaluation on Feb.4th and I think that was the last exam I need before the office visit with the surgeon. I'm getting very impatient!! I'm going to call tomorrow just to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. I was hoping to have the surgery done during our Easter vacation from school (I'm an elementary school teacher) so I would be well established in the diet before summer. It's coming awfully soon, so I don't think that's going to happen. I've watched the procedure on YouTube so many times, I feel like I could do it myself!! I'm 35 years old, around 5'4" and weigh about 262 right now. The absoulute heaviest I've ever been. I'v…

Hi everybody! I'm scheduled to get banded April 2 in Richmond, Virginia by Dr. Bautisto at St. Marys Hospital. I am so excited, but I am a smokerFor you smokers out there, did you stop smoking for 3 months prior to your surgery? If not, was the cardiologist or anybody else able to tell?

Soon I will schedule my surgery with Dr. Ponce De Leon in Sugar Land, TX. Has he done anyone else's surgery, and what was your experience?

Hello, I am new to this site and thinking about having the Lap Band done. I am going to a seminar on the 28th. Any advice???:smile2: Thank you LJ

Howdy! Well, Im getting ready to attend my initial consulation meeting with a local doctor. I never considered lap band but after attending a meeting to support my bestfriend and reading which weight loss tools others have tried...myself included...before choosing lap band I decided it could be for me. I know I'm in the very beginning of my journey but I'd like some advice to help guide my direction. First, I'd like to know if anyone has ideas on what sort of questions I should ask the doctor... Lastly, as I've read some of the threads on pre/post op and it sounds kinda scary but what scares me most is high blood pressure, type II diabetes, heart disease...and any…

I have posted before but I wanted to let everyone know what was going on. I am due to be banded on Tuesday. Yesterday(Friday) The insurance said they denied me because of my weight. I weighed 206 when I went in for my first visit and was required to lose 10 pounds. When I did that I feel below the 35 BMI so I didn't qualify anymore. I was so mad that I had gone through 6 months of testing and did everything they wanted and then I didn't qualify because I had followed their requirements. Well anywyas the doctor had a talk with my insurance MVP and they changed their minds and aproved it again. The insurance company is required to go by your starting weight. Now I am a li…

Wish me luck....I'm going tomorrow for my consultation. I've already done the seminar & it's my 1st meeting with the doctor. I have all my doctor letters to bring with weights & diets. Please cross your fingers for me that all goes well & the surgery is soon!! :thumbdown:

Hi, I am scheduled for surgery on Feb 23, and just wanted to say hello. I am a mom of 4 boys, and Im getting a little nervous.

Hello! I am having my procedure on 2/29/08. Leap DAY!!!

hi. glad i found this forum. i went to a seminar recently and decided to do the lap band. my first appointment is mar 6. lucky for me my insurance covers all but about $700. otherwise this would be impossible for me. my top weight was 383.... now i am at 367. have been as low as 313 since i got fat. i was athletic shaped until about age 33 and then i started gaining weight. my normal weight is around 215. hope to make a friend or two here.

Hi. I just got banded yesterday by Dr. Bessler at Columbia Hospital in NYC. Procedure went well - I also had a hiatal hernia fixed. The pain is minimal -actually just the bloating (gas from the procedure) that is bothersome at this point. Feels good to move around as opposed to lying down. I start mushies today - do not have to do a "liquid only" phase. I'll keep you posted on how the eating goes. Its funny, I have not had anything to eat in over 36 hours but at this point have no hunger or desire to eat. I've line up my high Protein shake (smartforme - 35g protein), a bottle of gerber 2nd stage turkey and a light yogurt. I know I have to eat them today, just not…

Hi hi My name is Ky and I was banded on the 5th of Feb I dont have alot of support so I thought I would join a forum and hopefully meet some lovely people!! I was 196kgs when I saw the surgeon. I was 187kgs at banding. I have a lonnnnnnnnnng way to go but I have a goal of 70kgs myself. My doc has a goal of 100 so we will see who is right haha I am still very sore today and cant wait til I can start exercising and concentrating on getting this weight off Hope to talk to lots of you here :glare:

I am going to my 1st appointment 2/25/08 and I am worried that I do not have enough information about past diets that I have tried. I have seen many doctors for weight lost but not since my insurance stop covering weight loss progams only surgery. I don't have any doctor information just self diet plans like slim fast and over the counter drugs, any suggestions on what to do?:confused2:

I am being banded by dr. rumbaut on march 13. He said he sutures in the front annd the back of the stomach to prevent slippage. How common is slippage? It of s seems alot of people have issues with this even though they say its not common:confused:

Hi All, I just got banded yesterday, July 19, 2007. Dr Gorecki at Methodist Hospital, in Brooklyn, was just wonderful. So far I havent experienced any pain was able to walk as soon as I came out of recovery room. I will be looking forward to any advice or suggestions from my fellow lapbanders.

i found this forum! i am planning on getting banded within 2 months, and im nervous & anxious at the same time! I am 206 and I would like to get down to 135. oh btw, my name is Angie. Hello everyone!! Any advice?

Hey yall. My name is Nina. Im 27 and am working on the 6 mth wait period and will decide at the end if I want to have the surgery. I was gonna have the gastric bypass but it is way to final. If that makes since. I dont want to drop the pounds that drastically I want a less risky and a loss of weight that will be at a slower rate that way I can work on my muscles, excesses skin, and self esteem. I dont want to go from fat to skinny over night. I think a slower weight loss is better. So Im thinking of getting the lapband but Im scared. I have had a lot of health issues. About 7 mths ago I had Congestive Heart Failure and diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy. When diagnosed I had …

Hello! I've been lurking on this board for some time, but I thought I'd FINALLY start posting and introduce myself. I'm Sarah, I'm 26, and I will be banded on 2/29!!! I live near St. Louis and my doctor is Dr. Van Wagner, MD. I have started my pre-op clear liquid diet today and so far it stinks...lol. But I'm keeping my eye on the end result and reading your posts here have really helped me along!! I'm off to read more!

Went to Dr. Currys (cincy) office today for the free seminar. I was scared that goin to it would make me not want to get it done..but its made me want it more. Him and his office folks were so nice. Right now Im debating whether or not to go the insurance route or the self pay route. Difference being having to do the 6mth supervised diet and then getting the approval. Just scares me to do that six months and not get approved. If I self pay....then its 230 a month and not sure how Id squeeze that in....Id for sure have to work a day or two more. So dh and I are tryign to decide what route to go. I say for any of you that are considering the band to …

I had my surgery on Monday, everything has been great so far except that I would gladly pay $1,000 to break wind! I am so bloated and somtimes pass tiny burps and toots that only tease me for relief. Please send some suggestions my way!:tongue2:

This is my first time on this forum. It has been interesting reading everyones comments whether to tell or not to tell. I am scheduled for surgery on Monday, Feb 25th and am scared to death. I have told my immediate family, a couple of close, close friends but am so unsure of some other close friends. I think they may just feel I am taking the easy way out.....which all of you know is not true. Just don't know what to do so I am doing nothing.:grouphug: Just told my 96 year old mother-in-law and she was great about it. Told my 50ish sister-in-law and she was full of questions and seemed judgemental. Oh well. My husband, Mom and kids have been a great support group. I …

Hi everyone. I have been looking/reading about being banded and have decided to try and hopefully have this done. I say hopefully because I have failed at dieting, but never went to a dietician and read that I need documented proof of failure:confused: I am , uh......fat! I have Aetna insurance, I plan to call my PCP, then AETNA. ANy helpful input would be greatly appreciated. As for the surgery, I look forward to a new lighter me and new lifestyle, I have had 2 reconstructive knee surgeries so I am over the fear thing... THX

thanks one and all for making this site such a rich resource of information and support. my surgery is skedded for 3/3 and i can't wait. would love to be in touch with anyone with anyone being banded on or around that date. especially those being banded by dr. roslin at lennox hill hospital in nyc. good luck everyone and thanks again for sharing your stories. gratefully yours, hungry4help

I'm even more excited now, my paperwork was sent to insurance on the 15th. I called today to check in and got GREAT news. She said "Well, everything looks good they're just waiting on one more thing" Uh-oh, I thought something hadn't been received but they are actually just waiting for verification that the hospital was in network. Well, I know it is because our insurance comes through that hospital...my hubby is an MD AT Alegent!!!!! I think this means approval will be final on Monday or Tuesday!!! YIPEE!!!!!

HI, I am new to this whole Lap Band thing. I have my consultation set for March 12th and probably surgery soon to follow. I'm really trying to do my homework on the Lap Band procedure, expectations, diet, ect. I'm finding that I'm very excited and yet very scared. Some days I think of how much better I will feel and how many more things I will be able to do with my kids/family, then there are other days when I think oh my gosh, no more bread, possibly no more red meat, ect ect... Is this normal??? Any and all suggestions, advice or experiences would be more than appreciated!

DUM!!!.... SO! Hopefully tomorrow will be my big day, I was originally scheduled a week ago and got booted cuz the hospital was in "Crisis Mode" (I'm in AZ and lot's of snowbirds here sucking up our resources! haha.. j/k birdies) AND My Dr's wife is about to have her baby anyday.. so I might get cancelled AGAIN!! I'm hoping that all the people that were sick taking up my bed last week are well.. AND that my Dr's wife had her baby already!! So Wish me luck and say prayers for me PLEASE and Thank you! :cursing:

Hello every one. My name is Stephanie Tingley and I am 39 years old. I had lap band surgery April 14, 2006. I have lost 106lbs to date. I would love to loss 30 more lbs. I live in central Indiana. I have the 4cc band and it is filled to 4cc. I am going in next week to get my band tweaked a little to see if it will help me get some more weight off. Have a great weekend. Steph

Hello everyone. I am from Wisconsin and have decieded I really need to do something now. I travel for work and things over the last few months have been getting harder (gained more weight) to travel. I am insulin resistant and am sick of taking the meds and dealing with the side effects from them. I know I am a beautiful person the way I am however I keep hearing Oprah's words in my head that she wished she would not have wasted the years being plus size. Plus my sister's closet needs to be raided because she has toooooooo many closes (she got the skinny gene). Look forward to getting to know all of you.

I am anxious to hear from anybody who can help me with my decision if to pursue the lap band procedure. :confused2: I have just started my journey as I have not seen a surgeon yet Look forward to any advise you may have:thumbup:

Hi all! I'm just wondering how you all handled telling people about the band? Did you tell everyone? What do you say when they notice your weight loss? Just "thanks". I don't think I ever want to tell my inlaws...I don't think they'll understand. The family has never had any sort of weight issue. But then...why not just be honest with them? Maybe we'll wait until after the band is in place and then they can just deal with it...if they ever have to at all anyway. Anyhow, just curious. Thanks!:biggrin:

Hello....I was just banded on 2/15/08 :smile:, and yesturday I noticed that one side of my stomach (where the port is located), appears to be slightly larger than the other side of my stomach (feeling across):confused2:. Can anyone shed any light on if this is normal or not.... I am so paranoid :tongue2: because I want this to work soooo bad, like others, I have tried every diet known to man and have not been sucessful for a long period of time.

I am SOOOO EXCITTED. AND PETRIFIED ALL AT ONCE. I got insurance approval (CIGNA/HMO). My out of pocket will be $1000.00, well worth it. i have to say I love these boards. You give me such inspiration. I am on day 2 of Optifast. I have to stay on it until Band date. I am so hungry right now, but reading these boards keep my mind off of it. Wish me luck!!

Hi everyone...I was just banded on Feb 11..doing great. I've lost 13lbs so far. But I am unsure of what exactly I should be eating. I was happy for the first week because my appetite was REALLY supressed, but now I am finding that I am getting more and more hungry.(hence the swelling is going down!!) I am still eating a full liquid diet..creamed Soups..low fat low salt, etc...drinking my fluids...having 2 Protein shakes a day. I am really sticking to the diet they recommend..but it's hard!! This site is new to me and I'm not that tech savy. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks!! Melissa

I am being banded next Tuesday and I am nervous. Can anyone give me any advise on what I can be doing before I go and what to expect in and after the hospital stay. I go back and forth on if I am going to go through with it because of the nervousness. Thanks for any help you can give

Hey everybody! I'm new here and wanted to say hi. I've not been banded but hope to be soon. I'm just checking things out.

Hi All, My name is Kelli and I live in Lexington, SC. I am married, with 5 beautiful teenage daughters. I've been lurking for a week or two, and I've enjoyed reading your posts. I've gotten a lot of good info. I'm scheduled for lap-band surgery tomorrow morning (2/19/08). My surgeon is Dr. Antonetti from Riverside Surgical in West Columbia, SC. I am excited and nervous. My hope is that my liver is normal and they can do the surgery without opening me up. Unfortunately, I did not stick 100% to the pre-op diet. I decided to tell my co-workers, family, and friends. Everyone has been very supportive, especially my husband and children. My current weight is 319 …

Hello All I am so excited to be here. I am waiting for my seminar (March 11, 2008) and then I have to wait for my insurance preauthorization. My goodness that's a LOT of waiting. I've been lurking here a while and decided what the heck, I'm just going to join this wonderful group. Have a wonderful day!

Hi Everyone, I am 9 days out of surgery. Had my banding on 2/11. So far so good. I have never been part of a group like this before but reading many of the posts has been very helpful. How long does the pressure in your chest from the band last? I can feel the pressure even when i haven't eaten for a while. I also can not sleep on my left side. The dr. said it was normal but how long will it last? I'm glad to have found this site.

Heyy everyone! I'm a newbie from Virginia. I am going for my referral appointment today, but I am concerned, because I'm not exactly 100lbs over weight.. I am 5'3" and about 220. I'm HOPING I can get approved with tricare prime! Keep your fingers crossed! I'll be sure to let ya'll know how it goes!

Only 4 more days until my lapband surgery. Very excited now. Just discovered this forum and hoping to get support when needed. I've been reading the pros and cons in several different forums and decided to start in the Newbie area. I live East of Pittsburgh in Irwin, PA. Decided to go with Dr. Courcoulas at Magee Hospital. She's wonderfully sympathetic and a good listener. She helped me make this decision. I was at Shadyside Weight Management classes for 6 months going through the gastric bypass classes and changed my mind at my last dr. appt. Just too nervous about permanent changes in my belly. She agreed I needed to be comfortable with my decision. I fee…

Hi, I have been looking for a good website to join for support and it looks like I found it. I had my lap band surgery on 9/20/07 and weighed in at 237 lbs. I had one adjustment in November. I go to my doctor this Friday (Dr. Robert Quinlan). When I weighed myself this morning at home though, I was at 210 lbs. I can tell you that I am diligent with my water intake, but I am a little disappointed at my weight loss. I thought I would be losing more by now. I am too impatient!:smile: Looking forward to sharing with everyone..... Thanks

Will someone explain this to me and why it is done?

Hello everyone. I had my surgery on Monday 2/18/08. I was very nervous although I would never tell my wife. She nearly had a nervous break down for me. I was suprised at how easily I have been able to get back on my feet and start walking for excercise. I knew that if I chickened out and didn't have this surgery that I would be dead with in a few years. The wieght was killing me with out a doubt. Now I have a new life and I can't wait to start living it. Everyone has been so supportive and it only makes me want to do whatever I have to do that much more. Everyone take care and just trust in the lord. He has always been there for me, even when I didn't notice.

hello all~ new to Everything about banding. seriously considering it. 25yrs old, 5'5, 270lbs, been big forever, live in eastern OK closest to tulsa and want to be a healthier happier me. my son just turned 1yr, and want to be around to see him grow up. advice, info, diet, etc???please help:confused:

HI, My name is Julie, I was banded 1/9/07 by Dr. Kuri. So far I have lost 110lbs and only have 10lbs left to goal, but I find myself rather stalled out, not exactly sure what I am going to do when I actually reach my goal. I was unfilled for the month of October due to gastritis, and my fill is smaller now than it was before that. But I still feel some restriction, I am sure that is contributing to why my weight loss has slowed down. I was hoping to find some motivation with a new group of people.