Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I was banded in mexico 1/25/08. Yes its very hard to stay on a all liquid diet for 5 weeks 1 pre op and 4 post op. I only had 1 bad experience while there, but for the most part it was an ok experience.

Hello everyone! I am new to all of this. I am just beginning my journey to getting band. I am attending a seminar this evening and I just wanted to see if anyone could give me some information on what goes on at the seminars. What type of questions should I be asking? Any help would be appreciated! Thank You, From Houston, Texas

So I introduced myself last week, and here I am - newly banded. I was so scared and had built it up so much in my head that I was a basket case. Well I am happy to report that it was a piece of cake. :tt1: I was banded on Wed, the 6th. I spent one night in the hospital and came home yesterday. I can't believe how good I feel and how great my incisions look (although my port is bigger that I thought). I also have had no problems getting any liquids down and am already drinking my powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury shakes (which luckily I LOVE) and had Soup for dinner tonight. …

Hi, I'm Kim and I'm in Richmond, VA. I just found out that the insurance company has approved my lap band surgery. Now I'm just waiting to schedule it. My surgeon is Dr. Brengman at St. Mary's hospital and it will probably be the second week of April. I'm finally going to be a bandster! This website is fantastic. I've learned so much from hanging around here the last few weeks. Y'all are great.

Hello everyone: I am new to this forum and look forward to getting to know some of you. If anyone has suggestions as to which discussion groups/threads to follow, I am open to suggestions. Currently, I am waiting for approval from my insurance company. I welcome all support as I hopefully begin my journey.

Hi! I'm Amanda, 25 years old from outside Memphis,Tn. Stay at home mom to a 2 year old. I'm 5'8 and weigh around 400 lbs :thumbup:, my highest weight ever (even as I typed that it didn't seem real). I've been heavy since the age of 4ish, and my weight has always been consistently heading upward and spiraling out of control. I've tried weight watchers, south beach, First Place, hypnosis, diet pills, my own don't-eat-anything-after-4pm diet, etc. Some things have worked temporarily, other diets have not. Recently (as in a few weeks ago) my best friend had the lap band surgery done and it made me take notice. I had not really considered the lap band before. So I've …

My name is Randy and I am from Columbus, Ohio. I just turned 18 in September. Right now I weight 300 lbs. and I am 5'8. When i was 17 I joined the NewU program at Children's hospital for overweight teens/kids. I have sever hemophilia which is a rare blood disease. (my blood doesn't clout without a shot) Because of my hemophilia and excessive weight I have very bad problems with my ankles and knees. I have sleep apnea and borderline high blood pressure. So once I turned 18 they decided to enroll me into the bariatrics program so that I can get lap band. I had the info session with the surgeon yesterday evening and I must admit that I am a bit more scared now. lol. Bec…

Hello all..... I was just banded on the 5th of February... had to have a hiatal hernia repair at the same time so the pain was a little more than I expected. I'm doing better (2 weeks out as of today) and am really tolerating food well with no complications. I am having hunger issues tho - trying to keep the Protein up, sugar down and drinking lots of fluids. I'm interested in chatting with others who were banded around the same time - let's do this together...... Oh - by the way - I've lost 9-10 pounds in two weeks. Amazing. Let's hope this keeps up as I introduce more solid food.

I had my surgery done at the University of Pennsylvania in Phila., PA by a Dr. Noel Williams. It was a fabulous experience. Everyone was and is so good to you. All pre-op testing and procedures were a breeze and I have nothing but good things to say post-op. Am a little nervous about having my first fill in a couple of weeks but I'm sure everything will be fine. I have lost 15 lbs to date and was told yesterday that i would probable start loosing about 2 lbs a week from now on (maybe more after my first fill). I start back on "real" food tomorrow but i'm not giving up my "soups". They seem to fill me up the best! I hope everyone has the same great results as mysel…

Hello all, had surgery on the 15/6/07 66lb off to date with a target of 44lb still to go. found it hard sometimes but holding on. Would love a glass of fizzy juice can someone tell me if its possibe to drink that. good luck to everyone :thumbup::biggrin::thumbup::ohmy::thumbup:

I made an appt yesterday my appt is 2/26/08!! I can't wait. Don't really know what to expect. It is covered by insurance they tell me and they had a lady that just had this done with the same insurance I have and she paid only 300$. I hope this is true. But we will see. If you have any advice please let me know what to expect. Thanks

I just got my financing (I took a home equity loan on my house) for the lap band. Now my friends are like -- just exercise and you will loose it. My BMI is 34 and I'm 5'10 and weight 243. Ahhh, this is a major decision...anyone else out there feel like this?

I have finally decided that the LapBand is my last option. But my PCP states that I still have to do a 6 month Physician supervised diet before insurance will even consider it. These are going to be the longest 6 months of my life. I only fear that even after I get through the 6 months my insurance is going to deny it since I am only a BMI of 40 and have no co-mobity problems.

Well it's official. I am on my way to a healthier, skinner me. Tomorrow I go to my first appointment and if all goes well I should have my surgery next month. I can't wait, I'm so excited. I went to a seminar Saturday and I have been flyin' ever since. This is really going to happen! Is there anything that I need to remember to ask tomorrow? I know that I will not remember anything when I get to my appointment. So I need to have a list! Again EKKK....

I just received notice today that my surgery has been approved by my insurance company! Surgery scheduled for March 14th!

Hello all! I am new here and will be having lap band on March 20, 2008. I am Going through TLCedge and hoping someone else here has too. I welcome all suggestions on what has helped other before during and after their sugery. Thanks BB:biggrin2:

Hello everyone. I was recently watching a show on TV called Big Medicine. There was one woman who had a "Medina Band" a few years back and they needed to remove it so she could get a GBP cause she gained her weight back. First of all, was this the first type of Lap Band? Second, the ones they use now aren't like this one are they? I was just curious cause they showed the doctor holding a band and it sure looked like the one I was shown. If anyone could clarify this information I would be very appreciative! Thanks so much

Hello Everyone My name is Vanessa and I had the lap-band surgery done Dec. 19th 2007 with Dr. Spivak. Feeling good, and have lost 25lbs so far. Was also wondering how can I get a weight loss graph like everyone else has?

Hello everyone, I am scheduled to have surgery on Feb 26. I was originally scheduled for Feb 15, but my doctor got the flu. I was all ready and at 3pm the day before, I got the call that my surgery wouldn't happen the next day. (certainly not easy to hear after all I had to eat or drink was about 4 juice boxes and a cup of broth!) Needless to say, I was not happy. But, I'm now getting back into the groove and gearing up again for the 26th. I can't wait! I'm looking forward to sharing my successes and challanges with all of you! PS...HOW DO I GET MY WEIGHT LOSS TICKER TO WORK?

I am new to this board and I am heartened to see so many success stories. I am in the process and hope to have a date soon. I live just outside of Boston and will be going to the Brigham and Women's Hospital. If anyone has advice I am open. I easpecially am interested in those who have diabetes too. Thanks!!

Sorry to bring up the subject, but anyone else having trouble with constipation. I'm not sure if it's because I don't eat as much as I used to or what. But I seem to have less frequent bowel movements. Luckily these are helped out by TOM. Is this just the way it's going to be?? :confused2:

:smile2:HI EVERYONE,MY SURGERY IS SET FOR 2-25-08.I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO MY NEW LIFE.I'M HOPING TO LOSE 100 LBS.MOST OF MY FRIENDS DONT THINK I'M THAT BIG,BUT AT 5'11" 303 I KNOW I'M BIG.ANYWAY WISH ME LUCK.

Okay so heres the deal. Im 24 years old. Ive been overweight all my life. I weigh about 260, im 5'6. I have not been diagnosed with any medical problems. How should I go about starting this whole thing up and if it wont be insured by my insurance is it even feesable to pay out of pocket?

Hey everyone! I'm new here and looking forward to my lap-band journey...i'm in Rochester NY and just begining the process...my seminar is on 3/13/08

Hi everyone. Im Amber from Chicago. I got banded 2/11/08. It went very well and pain after the first 2 days has been minimal. I have lost 17 lbs according to my scale at home but Ill confirm when I go for my 2 week check up. Look forward to talking with you all Amber

Hey there all, I haven't been banded yet but I've researched since last March and had to wait until '08 to change insurance plans. I now for some reason am hesitating to make the phone call for another consultation. My mom and husband ask me everyday if I have made my appt. I don't really have an answer. How did any of you decide this was the right thing for your lives? It is such a life altering change!

Hello Everyone, I am seriously considering the Lap Band. I am currently researching the pros and cons. I am very nervous about this but more nervous about my health. Although I have been diagnosed with any health problems I am ready to live a more comfortable and healthy life. I am glad to find this site and look forward to your support. Thanks, Monda

Hello, I am a new lapband patient. I had the lapband on Friday, February 8,2008! I used Dr. Adam Smith in Fort Worth, TX. My sister and I are taking the journey together, she had hers done the day before mine. So far everything has been going good. I have lost 13 pounds since starting the postop diet and the surgery itself. Its a great head start for me and I am very excited that I took the leap ahead and gathered the courage to do this for myself! If I can answer any questions for anyone, just ask! I wish success to all!

Hello all! I am scheduled to have the lap band surgery on 03/03/08. I'm very excited, nervous, and a little afraid. Not so much about the surgery (well a little) but more so about adjusting to life with the lap band. I'm having my surgery at KU Med Center and Dr. Niazy Selim is my surgeon. Are there any other patients of Dr. Selim's out there? Can anyone tell me what to expect? I have literature but I wanted to hear it straight from the horses mouth so to speak. Is everyone happy they had the procedure done? I'll keep reading the different threads just to hear others stories. I think it's fantastic that this site is available!!! Thanks to anyone in advance that replies b…

Well seems like most people from MA go to Beth Israel. I am going to Lahey Clinic. I haven't started my meetings yet. My PCP and I discussed this last week. He has agreed to the sugery if I qualify, I checked with my insurance and I do. So.....it's meetings, checking with my shrink she's cool and I see her next week anyway. I hope that the wait won't be too long. I am also having a sleep apnea study soon also. I have type II diabetes and wonder if anyone else has it. And how do you adjust the diet to it. If those Glucerna meals are good the liquid ones. I don't mind doing the liquid diet at all. Have any of you had problems with sagging skin. I have 100 poun…

Hi, I am a 25 year old female from NY who is in the begining stages of making a decision between lap band surgery and gastric bypass. I am open to both at the moment, just ready to make a choice and get things started. Hoping anyone out there has some advice for me!

I am being banded on 2-20. I am very excited and nervous...but I want to thank everyone on this site...the information has been so helpful!!! What is the hardest part of this journey?

Hi All! I was just banded Feb. 7, 2008 in Mobile,Al. Dr. Galloway did my surgery. Wonderful doctor. Just wanted to say Hi and let all know this site has been very helpful in any questions I may have. I have had no problems with my banding, every thing is going just fine. :wub:

I'm relatively new to LBT, but I haven't posted before. I had surgery in Mexico in mid-October. Fabulous hospital and excellent care. Since I live in LA I go back to TJ for my fills (2 so far.) I've lost 30 pounds and that's just fine with me. Maire

I'm thankful to have the opportunity to make this change in my life. I have tried on my own for the past 4 years. In 2004, I lost my father at age 67 to complications of Type II. 4 months later, I was diagnosed Type II and lost 132 lbs within a 2 year period. I began having health problems and the past 2 years have been spent having over 7 different [non-related] surgical procedures and due to near-immobility, re-gained nearly all of my loss. My brother was banded 7/05 and has lost 200+ lbs. I am proud of his progress and appreciate his support. I know that the Journey will be rough, but if I'm going to have ONE MORE surgery, I would rather it be the one with t…

HI everyone! Well I go to the Doc on Fri the 22nd of Feb for a seminar and then immediately to consultaiton afterwards. I am one of those women who fall into the - "You dont really need this surgery do you?" category. Im 5'6 220lbs with a BMI of 35.2. I still wear a 14/16, but no matter what I do - I cant seem to break this number for more than a month or 2 at a time. I want to know everything. Ive been doing alot of looking around , but still have questions. Like - *Where is your port located and is it visible through the skin? * How many incisions are there in your belly? (Ive already had a gall bladder surgery and a tummy tuck so I already have quite the scar dis…

Well after 6 months of my physicians followed diet and exercise, and being diagnosed with sleep apnea I was finally approved for Surgery last week. I am a little nervous. I just hope it all goes well. I started the liquid diet on Sat. Well I can have any sugar free pudding, sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello, broth, cream soups, cottage cheese as long as the carbs don't go over 15grams. It is going to be a long ten days well seven now. I am down 2 and half luckily. Any advice on how to get through these next few days. I know there is a light at the end of this tunnel:rolleyes2:.

Hi I am a newbie in my pre-op diet stage, will be banded on 2-25-08 Having trouble with pre-op diet, I do fine during day with my 2 slimfast optima drinks but at night I want to eat everything I see. Please tell me I'm not alone.

Well I had my first visit with the Dr on December 27th. He said I was the perfect candidate for lapband. I had my bloodwork, attended one out of two support group meetings, the mandatory appts made. I have my GI workup this week and am waiting for cardiology and sleep study to call me. Hoping to get this done in March. My surgeon told me my insurance is golden. I have Anthem Blue Cross. I'm psyched and scared but sick of being fat.:help:

I have called my insurance company and was told they do cover the lap band surgery and that I do qualify as far as weight ( BMI 38 ). I have my appointment for the seminar at the bariatric clinic and will be getting my referral from my PCP on the 25th. They did mention somthing about requiring that I have tried a 4 month weight loss program through my physician but would look at my last years history with him and possibly accept teh weight loss I have already had being monitored by my Dr. Ayway, I am excited to get things going and have realy learned a lot from all of you out there. Looking forward to chatting with you all and looking for support. Thanks :wink_smile:

Hi All, Ive been investigating lapbanding for a good few months now and I have my first consultation with Dr Chris DeBruyne in Dublin on April 3. I'm 5'10 and 244 lbs which makes my BMI around 35. I've battled with my weight most of my teenage and adult life and I think that lapbanding will be the tool that will finally let me be successful in managing it. Not sure how many Irish people use this site, I'm actually Australian but have lived here 5 years now. Hi to you all, I'm sure Ill have a bunch of questions as I go on. Look forward to getting to know you all better Simone

Hi everyone! Will be back in a while. David

HI to all. I have researched for over a year on this board and others and so many people have helped me through out. I would like thank everyone who have responded and helped me along the way. I am having my surgery in Tiajuana on March 27 by Dr. Ortiz. I have done tons of investigating and have found him to be the most reknowned surgeon around. I can't wait. If anyone has any suggestions to do before surgery feel free to let me know. Once again thanks to all!!!!

Hey everyone! I've been considering the band for about a year, started my preliminary testing last September and found out about a week ago that my insurance approved me! They are going to pay 90% (I have Blue Cross PPO) which is awesome because I could *never* afford it myself - at least not presently. My surgery date is February 4th (having it at Cedars-Sinai hospital with Dr. Nishi) and I am SO excited! I had this strange and still undiagnosed upper abdomen pain that started last fall. I had every test possible and they all came back normal and/or negative. After some antibiotics, repeated acupuncture and a serious reevaluation of my life (trying to deal with …

Im a newbie here and hope you all have some advice for me. I am approved for RNY and have a surgery date, but just found out my insurance will now approve Lap banding. Now Im not sure which surgery to have. I am leaning toward Banding because Im not sure I would like having my guts rearranged but am afraid I wont have the will power to maximize the potential of the band. I mean if I had the will power I probably wouldnt have gotten fat in the first place. Any thoughts? MaMa Motz

My name is Teresa. I have finally been approved for lapband surgery - after appealing a 12 month wait - so I have jumped that hurdle. I go for my final consultation with my surgeon the 25th and my surgery will be schueduled then - I'm very excited and very nervous. I currently weigh 243 lbs. and my goal weight is at least 140 lbs. I would happily drop more if I can. Be aware I will probably have lots of questions along the way. I'm grateful there is a place I can come too - with all that - :wink_smile:

Hi all...well, I've read your stuff for several months now and I've decided to join in on the fun. I have been researching LapBand for about a year or so now...I've always had lots of weight issues. My whole family does. At one point I lost over 70 lbs. with diet and exercise...but I got pregnant in the middle of weight loss and gained it all back plus. I'm so happy i have my kiddo...but what was up with all the weight??? :confused2: I come from a really big family and both of my parents are sick now...heart failure, diabetes...you name it. I don't want that for my kids. I thought I would never be able to afford this...but my husband just moved us away from all our fri…

hello i am new here but i have been banded since 7/31/2006 and i have went from 331 to 245 but i gained 40 lbs due to the depo shot and am now working my weight back down my surgeon is dr pecquex i live in boston and that is my story in a nut shell hello everyone:laugh:

Hello all, I attended 2 1/2 seminar at Genesis Bariatric Center in Davenport, Iowa. I was impressed by the presentation given by the program coordinator. The attendees were of all ages and sizes. We were all treated w/ respect and given hope to treat our obesity. I had tears in my eyes at times...I can actually get control over my weight w/ the lapband tool. SO.... I will take the steps necessary to be banded....hopefully in 2008. I have made an appointment w/ PCP. I will call my insurance company tomorrow. Then I will start to gather the information needed to make the appointment for the first consultation at the Bariatric Center. I have learned so much for al…

I'll be getting the band in less than 2 weeks, & I'm very nervous. I was wondering if my complusion to overeat really will be under control after getting the band, I'm a little skeptical yet still hopeful & willing to do as the doc says. But it's such a mental thing with me. I'm also kind of Having my last hurrah with food since & scheduled the surgery date...REALLY not holding back on the goodies & the portions I'll not be having later on in the VERY near future. I'm surprised that I'm not as out of control with food now that I gave myself a time period of "free reign." Weird...