Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone. I have been struggling to manage my weight for most of my life, and have been battling Diabetes since I was diagnosed during pregnancy in 2000. I've had two healthy and wonderful children (2 and 8) and a great marriage that just doesn't seem to stop getting better. For the past 5 months, I have been working out at a gym about 5x/week. It has been TOUGH. I have seen a lot of changes in my body, and my blood sugar has come down some overall. I have a lot more energy, and really enjoy the workouts. But I am not seeing a lot of weight loss, which is so discouraging. It has been VERY frustrating for me to try and fail at this so many times. I feel like I'…

Has anyone tried to do the post-op (or similar) diet before surgery to see i it worked for them that way? When I discussed the possibility of the surgery with my husband, he was strongly opposed, because he's had a few morbidly obese relatives try and fail with gastric bypass. I explained to him that my weight has been a life-long struggle, and now that I have diabetes, the stakes are very high. He seems to think that the lap band simply makes me eat smaller portions... And argued why not just eat those smaller portions? I know that is ridiculous. It's a matter of willpower and discomfort from hunger, etc. But what are the "scientific" reasons that will not work?…

A friend and I attended a weight loss metting at Emory University last week. I enjoyed the meeting and it was so GREAT to talk with other people at the forum as it made me realize how much in common many of us have. I was so pepped up after the meeting because one of the speakers mentioned United Health Care (UHC) and how great they were about providing coverage for Bariatric surgery. I work for the State of Georgia and I have the State Health Plan which consists of different plans you can choose from. I was so glad that I had chosen UHC. To my disappointment, I contacted UHC the next day thinking I was on my way and being one step closer to having the surgery when…

Hi, my name is Cindy. I am just beginning my journey into this. I went to see my doctor for my annual visit and when I got off the scale I cried. I have never in my life wieghed this much. My doctor has talked to me in the past about different procedures that could help me lose wieght but we never really talked in detail about them. This visit thou was spent talking about the lap band and how it worked. I live in WI and would have to go to Madison to have it done. My dh doesn't want me to have it done. He seems to think that I can just stop eating so much. His cousins wife had gastric bypass done a few years ago and she is having all kinds of problems. Mos…

Hi! I'm pretty new to the forum scene so I hope i'm doing this right! I go for my first appt friday the 8th and I'm not sure why but I'm really nervous. I have been doing a lot of research but it seems now matter how much i think i know... there is something else to learn! I just read about the different brand of bands and how they vary from the thickness of them to the shape they attain when they are filled. ack!!! I've always been a "heavy" person. At my smallest I weighed around 165 but that was back in high school when i was in a ballet acadamy! Since then I have gotten married, had twins that weighed 7lbs 9oz each! Yeah almost 16 pounds of baby there folk…

I will need to go back to work 5 days later, so a co-worker can have the same sx. I know recovery is very induvidualized, but I was wondering when most people go back to work. All advise is appreciated, since I am getting anxious now.

Hi Everyone, I am soo glad to have found this forum. I am considering having Lap Band Surgery and I live in Sunrise, Florida (just west of Fort Lauderdale). So far, I've only gone to one information seminar and will be going to another one next week at a different medical center. Please let me know how many of you who have recently had the procedure are doing. Is it really only 1 week out of work? I am actually transferring to St. Petersburg sometime after April and don't want to miss too much time for the procedure, so I'm interested in knowing if it really is a pretty quick recovery. Thanks for your help. Alice

Be honest now! Where are the rest of the non-exercisers??? I consider myself to be a slow looser, and who knows if I'd be loosing any quicker by adding exercise. I've lost 45 lbs lost in just less than a year, but I'm only 15 lbs. away from goal. I totally HATE exercise and have not done anything beyone my normal routine..going to work, keeping up a house, 7 grandchildren to entertain and errands all weekend. Not like I do nothing, just no extra exercise. Going in for my 13th fill on Thursday, have 3.0 cc's in my band currently. Just wondering if everyone out there is really working out and if you honestly feel it makes a big difference??

Hello, I am new to the site but have been reading in the background for months. I was just banded on 01/23 and this is much easier than I ever thought. I suppose I'm either weaker or slower than most because I have still not returned to work, still in pain, and stayed 2 nights in the hospital compared to everyone else's short stay. So my question is when do we start exercising? I've walked my dogs around the neighborhood a few times and felt uncomfortable, not really pain. However I do not want to get behind, I have PCOS and I know exercise will significantly help. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.

Hi, I enrolled today in a seminar (on feb. 13th) in NJ to get more info on the lapband. I'm very over weight and too young to be feeling this way. I'm 28 and weigh about 290 (5'5) and i really need to do something. Any advice you may be able to give would be wonderful. Thanks

Hello! My name is Lisa and I had the lapband on 1-18-08. I started walking on Monday and I don't know if I over did it but my largest incision is hurting and it's very red like it's irretated. I called the office today and they told me if there is no puss than it doesn't sound infected.......I'm very concered. They also said that I'm still in the healing process and it could be my stitches inside. Has anyone experienced this?

I'm considering the lap band surgery, but it won't be easy to get my insurance plan to cover it. I'll have to do the 6-month medically supervised diet, and hope that BCBS of IL will approve me after the diet. However, I have a $5,000 insurance deductible, and the cost of the diet (plus all the pre-op tests) will not be covered. So this is likely to cost me close to $10,000 WITH insurance coverage!!! Part of me says to skip the 6-month diet, and just have the lap band performed in Mexico, where I could get it done for about $7,500. But I'm afraid - what if there's a complication and I'm in a foreign country? Or what if a complication develops later, after I return to…

Is anyone else from South/Central New Jersey? I was just banded a week ago and I feel hunger pains. Is this Normal?:rolleyes2:

Hi I had my 1st appointment today. at True Results in Atlanta Ga, had mt ekg and blood work. my insurance will not pay. but I got Financed. and belive it or not my Lap band surgery is next wed 02/13/2008. I am so happy and I'm scared at the same time.

My name is Marie and I have been referred for the Lap Band surgery. I have already been to the siminar Jan.9. I go to my consult with my surgeon on Feb. 14. I am at my highest weight at 325lbs and look so forward to having this surgery and getting ready for my new life.

:confused: I am attending meeting on Saturday. Has anybody had lap band done in Topeka?

I am new to lapbandtalk. I am pre-op. I am just now into the 2nd month of my dr supervised diet that is required by BCBS. I am worried I will get turned down. So if any one has any good advice I am all ears and welcome any you would like to give!! LOL

I am looking into having the lapband done and was wanting information from anyone here is Southern California (Yorba Linda/Fullerton area). I really need to do something.:biggrin:

I met with my surgeon Dr. Ramanathan at Magee-Women's Hospital of UPMC on Friday. Now here comes all of the pre-op diagnostics and tests. As soon as I get them complete, insurance submitted, my OR time will be scheduled. Have UPMC insurance everyone tells me they are easy, we shall see...Excited and nervous all at the same time! Here's to a new me and a healthier life! Stats: Age: 25 Weight: 261 Height: 5'8'' Goal: Undetermined

I started my pre-op December 1, had my surgery December 6. I made it through the Holidays and am starting the New Year out 36 pounds lighter. It was easier than I anticipated. Don't miss the beer, but sure wish I could have had some shrimp. I have had no problems keeping things down. I get adjusted on January 11th and from what I hear, things change. Hopefully the Steelers will be still in the play-offs !!:clap2:

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Hello Everyone! I will be attending a Seminar soon (trying to get that scheduled today) and I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on what actually goes on at a Seminar. Are there any questions that I should ask? Do you actually meet one on one with the Dr at that time? Any feedback would be appreciated!!!!! Thanks and have a GREAT DAY!!!! :confused: ~Marie~ 238Lbs ~ Hoping to Get To ~160lbs~ Houston, Texas

Hi. My name is Stacie and I live in Ohio. I am almost 39. I have three daughters, one is 19 and the twins are 10. I was always a pretty chunky kid and slimmed down as a teen. Of course, I thought i was a cow. I remember gaining weight again in 1994 and I have been gaining ever since. It was 1994 that I bought a size 12 pair of pants...and I am now in an 18W. Ugh. About four years ago, I lost 40 pounds, but I have since gained 50 back. I weigh 35 pounds more now that I did when I had my twins in 1997. That is sooo sad. I am going to college to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant and I will start doing clinicals full-time in March and I will graduate in June. …

woohoooo SO EXCITED... got my approval and my date 26th feb... start pre op next tue.. really scared yeT excited bout the new beginings for the coming yr... and conrats to each n every 1 thats gettin it done..

Hello! I am a newbie to this site. I was banded on 12/21/07 and am looking forward to meeting people who have been as fortunate as I have been!!:confused:

hello, i just joined. i am not getting surgery, but i am thinking about it. i actually plan to call a surgeon tomorrow to get some answers but i decided to go ahead and ask some questions here to see if anyone can relate. i'm 24 years old and about 250 lbs. i am what you call a poor college student. i still live with the parents and i have a job that pays just a few bucks over minimum wage. i pay for college with loans and grants so i never ask my parents for any money. my question is, am i a candidate for a payment plan? i don't work full time so insurance is out of the question. i'm just wondering how much payment plans usually are. i have a feeling i don't make …

I'm sorta knew to the site, posted in a few threads but now it's the real deal! I had my consult with my doctor yesterday, he said I was a good canadiate which I already knew mainly because I attended his seminar as well. I have all of my testing set up for President's day. I didn't have to take off work, thank the Lord for that! *work for a school district* So after that I meet with him again to go over all the results and get everything in line for the insurance company. That's where the real journey begins! My school district hasn't included any type of WLS in our plan, so I'm sure I'll be denied right off the bat. I'm hoping that denial comes quickly so that I can …

Yesterday I went to see my GP to finally finish all my paper work required by my ins. company and the surgeon's office. My GP refuses to write a letter of support for my candidacy for Lap-Band surgery. He just does not believe in bariatric surgery. I feel like this is such a huge road block. If I had known this 6 months ago, I would have switched doctors back then. I even wrote a letter for him to sign...in case writing the letter himself would be too time consuming. I can't get over the fact that he just won't do this. He says he will provide any info I need and not stop me from doing the surgery, but he cannot put his name on something he does not believe in. …

I am scared out of my mind.. I am nervous and worried.. I guess all the feeling you have prior to a surgery:confused:.After reading different posts I worry about problems after wards too.I have been overweight for the past 13 years I need to drop 165 lbs and after trying everything this is my last option.I am also excited at the new beginning and look forward to canceling my subscription to lane bryant magazine:tongue: I cant wait for the end result.... Just scared of the beginning. Stacy

Hi! I was banded about five years ago by Dr. Charles Morton. (WONDERFUL doctor!) I started out and my BMI was 50. I set my goal to lose 150 lbs. to be at a weight I thought I could be healthy and happy with. Over three years I lost 110 lbs, but I got slack with my program (I'm embaressed truly) and stalled out. I have regained 15 lbs. of what I initially lost. The band really did change my life and give me so much of my health back and I have really taken that for granted. I am going to get a fill (first one in years) for Dr. Morton on 2/19. I would appreciate any feeback and advice anyone has to give. Thank you, Holly

Hi I was referred here by someone I met on another website. I am interested in gaining knowledge and information regarding this procedure. It has taken me more than a year to get my PCP on board with this surgery as he seems to think that diet and exercise are the only safe way to lose weight. Unfortunately, diet hasnt worked and I have no luck with exercise due to medical issues. I have so many medical issues that make this surgery a way to change my life and I am very interested in everyone elses experiences. Anyone interested in sharing their stories, please contact me. I am not sure how to start the process of finding a doctor although I have spent most of toda…

Hi! My name is Paty. I am a 36 year old single mom. I live in Parlin, NJ and I am trying to get the LapBand procedure done. My doctor is Dr. Morris Washington in Freehold, NJ. I currently weigh about 280lbs (give or take that time of the month). I am 5'4" and have been overweight all my life. I have gone through all the procedures, doctor appointments and got approval for the procedure in mid May of this year, but I changed jobs and I am just waiting for my new health card to come in so the office can ask for approval again. I hope that I can get approval soon and embark on this new life of losing weight and being healthy for once. I am tired of being so big and …

Hello to all. My name is Barb. I am from Iowa in the United States. I have been thinking about the lapband for a couple of years, and have made an appointment for an educational seminar; I go February 14th. What is next in the process. I haven't talked to my primary care physician yet. I did check into if my insurance would pay for the surgery....looks like it, but not sure. My BMI is 42, but I have no health problems. Anyone else like this? I don't want to have diabetes in the future....both my parents have diabetes now. I have knee and back problems and see a chiropractor every month. I have tried WW, Nutrisystems, fad diets, pills, fasting over the years. I do great …

Good Afternoon, My name is Larry I am 37 and have lost about 100 lbs had my surgery in Chattanooga TN in Sep of 2006. I since have moved with my company to Augusta GA so now I am in the need of a good fill dr that is willing to work with patients that had their sugery done else where. I am supervisor for T-mobile. I do exercise often in fact let me tell you about my Saturday adventure. I still am not totally familiar with Augusta GA it was a pleasant day Saturday so I deciced I would go for a bike ride and check out the park by me so I did, no problem, I thought I was riding around a small lake did not think I had rode that far, so I kept going crossed a bridge and m…

Hello Everyone, I am seriously considering having this surgery and have just started the process of contacting my insurance company for coverage, requirments, and approval. I have been lurking on the site for a few days as a visitor and have gained so much info in that short amount of time!! I can't wait until the day I can post my surgery date!! I am looking forward to getting to know everyone on the site and sharing stories.

What is the whole process for banding? I first was told to go to a seminar and I did that. I also went and met my doctor and had a physical and got my files from him for the past 18 months which really wasn't much. I filled out all the paperwork from the seminar and mailed it in and then didn't hear anything for awhile. I finally got something in the mail asking for more medical records since I really didn't have much. I am very large but to be honest, I haven't got sick that often and hardly ever go to the doctor. I just know it is coming with a father who is 65 and in and out of the hospital because of his weight issues. Anyway, the lady who handles the insurance…

Hello I am new. I have been researching this procedure for years, but as many other BC canadians have noted it is not covered by medical here. I have been twice to Dr. Lueng in Surrey but confess he did not inspire much confidence in me. As a paying customer I do have choices so am looking at US and Mexico. I would like to hear from others who have gone to us or mexico please. I find it helpful to have surgery done by those who have more experiance. Also as I am short (5ft) I want someone who is able to do the laposcopy in a short and fat space (so to speak).

Hi, There! I'm Kristi, and I'm looking into Lap-Band. I went to a Wellness fair at my work, and a surgeon (Dr. DeBarros, AZ) was there and I spoke with him. I didn't think I'd qualify - I'm 25 years old, 5'5" and 230 lbs - but he said my BMI and heartburn/snoring - possible apnea/knee pain etc. would qualify me. I've tried so many diets - WW, a nutritionist, a personal trainer, physician-monitored with Phentermine...not to mention all the crazy low-carb, cabbage Soup, grapefruit, 48-hour diet and crazy over the counter diet pills...and I just can't seem to lose consistently or keep it off. So I guess I'm just curious about where I should start. Probably one of the f…

Is there anyone here from MN. I am heavily debating on wether I should get the surgery or not. I have went through all the pre-op requirments of the insurance company and doctor and now just need to make my final selection of a date to have it. I am looking for other peoples experiences and if they are glad they went through with it or not.

Hi everyone! Has anyone heard of this Doc? RAMON MOURELO 440 N CAMINO MERCADO STE 2 CASA GRANDE, AZ 85222 . I was wondering about him because I live near Casa Grande. Do you have any Docs to recommend to me? Phoenix or Tucson area? I really like this forum. Very informative and fun and it's so great to talk with others who understand what you are going through.

Hello everyone. I "stumbled" unto this site about 2 hours ago and I can't get off of it!! It's so wonderful to have this supportive site. I am in the beginning stages of this process for the Lap band. I am excited, scared, and nervous all at the same time. I've heard horror stories and I've heard success stories. I am not detoured because I know that I need to do this for my health. After many many years of losing and gaining weight, at 35, I realize that I have to gain control!! My father, who is 62 years old and weighed over 340, had gastric by-pass surgery in May 07. He has since lost over 130 pounds and looks fantastic. When he first talked about getting this surgery,…

Hi.. I have an appt next month to see the surgeon about the lapband. I have a few concerns.Could someone answer a few questions, as the best ones to get the answeres from are from someone who experienced it. I read where you cannont eat anything but liquids for the first month. Being a severe diabetic,on insulin,and one who can crash very easy, I am concerned about that. My dr just said, we would deal w/ that if a problem ocurs. I also have servere GERD/hiatial hernia/ do they usually fix the hiatial hernia while they are inside placing the band People I know have had lap band and they seem to be able to eat most everything , except in small moderation,so Iknow Iwill …

:confused:I am 5'1" tall and weigh 280lbs. My goal weight is 130. I have gone through all of the weigh ins and even got it added to our insurance and was approved to have the surgery and was scheduled to have the surgery on January 21st. I started having 2nd thoughts and was praying that if this wasn't the right thing to do then show me a sign. My surgeon called me from his cell phone on the Sunday morning before my surgery and told me he was stuck out of town and we would have to reschedule it so of course this really scared me. My concern is the fact that I've had 5 (FIVE) major abdominal surgeries in the last 8 years and I'm concerned about tissue scarring and just the…

Hello, this is my first post but I have been coming here for awhile. I started the lapband process in August of 07. I finally got everything together that I need to submit to insurance at the end of Dec 07. My BMI is 37, I have high cholesterol, high triglycerides and am pre-diabetic. My insurance company approved me the first week of January and I have a surgery date set for 2/11/08. I am supposed to go Tuesday for my preadmission testing. Friday I got a letter from Anthem stating that the surgery is not medically necessary and they will not cover it even though it was already approved. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do next? I am so discouraged right now, …

Does ANYONE have any feedback on Dr. Fred Maese If ANYONE out here has ANY information GOOD OR BAD on Dr. Fred Maese in Dallas,Texas could you PLEASE send me the information or post it on here. I need to here from as many of you as possible. Thanks in advance. PLEASE let me know what you think, how you feel, how your surgerys went and your fills went. How was the office and staff etc. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Again.

HI all, I just found this board last night. I was going to wait to post until I found out my surgery date but decided to go ahead and join in the group. My insurance approved my surgery on 1/28 but so far no surgery date scheduled. I'm have been tempted to call to see what's going on but have so far resisted. I have already started my pre-op diet per my nutritionist instructions so hope they are able to schedule my surgery in a timely manner. I get one small meal a day and two or more protein shakes. So far I have lost a little weight. YEAH!! I am excited to start my journey as I have a lot to lose. Anywho..nice to meet everyone and I hope to make some new bandster frien…

:eek: Hi all. My name is Matt, I'm 45 and was just banded on 1/30/08. My start weight was 304 with a BMI of 43.something. Down to 282 right now. So far, each day the soreness becomes a little less; not too bad right now. But I don't want to eat anything as I keep getting nauseous. The liquids, the shakes, the jello! OMG I wanna vomit. The only thing thats been good and settled my stomach was a bowl of cream of chicken soup, which I probably wasn't supposed to have yet. Any advice?

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum thing, and just thought I would introduce myself. My name is Jessica and I am from the St. Louis area & I was banded on 1/14/08.

Hi all I was finally approved by ny insurance for a band but don't have a date yet. I am sooo ready. Please tell me it's worth it!!!

Today is day that the Lord has make it! Today at approximately 2 hours, I will begin my BAND journey, and start my new life! Good Luck to all my fellow BANDSTERS today!