Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

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Hi all, my name is Heidi. Long time reader, first time poster (okay, second time, I just posted in the Feb 08 banders thread) I'm having surgery on Feb. 12th and nervous as heck! Well, nervous, excited, scared, and worried. What if it doesn't work for me? I haven't really told anyone except family and a close friend. Today at church I told a lady that I serve with... it was kind of exhilerating... like I wasn't ashamed as I have been this whole time. We'll see how long that last. So that brings up my first question... how many of you tell people about surgery, pre, post, whatever? What's your response to "Wow, you've lost so much weight... what's your secret…

Hi I haven't posted much but have been reading TONS of information, I attended a seminar by true results/dr nirmul saturday and also did a web based one w/ dr blackstone today, I have my diagnostic appt set up for 2-13 w/ dr nirmuls office and the paperwork is already filled out since I am self pay they told me that at the consult appt, I can set a surgery date 2 weeks later and start the pre op then..I am excited to get this started:) Hope to be talking to more of you as my band time gets closer.. Peace Tammy

My new life is about to begin! I got an official surgery date-April 10th WOO-HOO! I am so excited! I got a call today from the office scheduling me for all the other tests and appointments that are surgery related. So wonderful. I am rather surprised at how many more steps there are to all this. I've been going to that office for over a year now, every month, sometimes more than once-dietician, exercise physiologist, etc. It's neat how they are all just as excited for me as I am! They are like another family to me now! I'm sure there is so much more to learn now that it's all really gonna happen. I'm a little nervous about the liquid/mushie diets. I have quite…

Been lurking for a while, finally registered. From W. WA military family (AF) with two boys and a great great hubby. After struggling with my weight for more years then I care to remember (35yo here) I decided I needed to even out the playing field, seems the fat has ganged up on me by the dozens! I need a new team mate. My first doc refused even with bad knees, he refused to refer me. So, I switched, my new one while he doesn't favor it understood my dilemma and referred me right over! Now to jump through hoops and say what they want to hear for the next 3 months just JUST to get a one on one with the surgeon. I am really REALLY (did you read the sarcasm) loo…

Well today was my psych eval, and after I finished that I stopped at the surgions office across the street and I have my nutrition class setup for 2/4, my pre op appointment 2/11 and my surgery will be 2/25 I can believe how quick this all has happened, I went to an info session in November, then put it off until I had my wrist surgery done and recovered from, so I finally got my records on 1/3 and 1/7 the insurance approved me. I am excited and nervous. My biggest issue at this point is how much time to tell my agency I want to take off from work, I currently have off from the 25 to the end of february, I am thinking that I could say I was available for work on Friday …

hi everyone, I am still in the process of testing. My insurance requests six months of doctor supervised dieting. On my 5 month, hooray, everything else is done. I am planning on the first week in May. I am using Dr. Alan Geiss in Syosset, Long Island, Anyone use Dr. Geiss?

does any one feel hungery , i feel it wont work no other diet has ever worked worried that this wont work either, feeling discuraged:frown: please help with your feelings.

Hi I am very new to the lap band- I have my first appt with my surgeon in 2 weeks-I have investigated lap band vs bypass and really think that the band is my best option-my daughter had bypass 5 years ago and doing fab- but this one is for me I think- need to know if this really works and will I be able to have a normal life once I go on real food- looking for answers- thanks-

Hi everyone my name is Carolyn Alvarado and I'm from Texas. I'm new to this and just wanted to introduce myself.

What is the maximum recommended age to have LBS?

My name is Melanie and I'm from Georgia. I'm a SAHM with 2 kiddos and a great DH. I am thinking about making an appointment to discuss getting the lap band procedure. However, I'm sort of scared, but I feel like this is going to be what it takes for me to lose weight (I have food issues to say the least). Was it hard for any of you to take that first step of just actually going in and talking to a doctor about it? Also, did you ever get the "you're just taking the easy way out" attitude? How did you handle it? Thanks so much for any input/advice! :biggrin:

Hi, new to this, thinking about having lapband, wondering if anyone out there from Charleston, WV? Dr. Bali. I have had one meeting with the surgeon, I meet all the requirements. I have appt scheduled next week for my psych elevation. Kinda worried about several things, such as how much the insurnce will actually cover. (Aetna)the true recovery time. And I really, really don't want another "failure". Considering not telling anyone outside immediate family until after its done. The few people I have told have been very negative about it.

Hi everyone - I am having my surgery this Friday and thought I would start cleaning out my closet of all my "big" clothes. I have always taken pride in my appearence regardless of my size, so over the years I have built quite a wardrobe. Now, as I am going through all of these clothes I find myself feeling reluctant, and a bit nervous. I plan on selling what I can on ebay to pay for smaller clothes, but I can't get over the hesitation I feel. Maybe it's because of all the times I have dieted and gained back, so I'm worried this time will be the same. I know I should be overjoyed at the thought of getting rid of all of these clothes, but for some reason that's not what I…

Hello all , congratulations to you all for either making a decision or just even trying to do something about it! As for me i have made 3 appointments and cancelled them because im scared of the unknown! You will be happy to know i have finally woke up to myself and have got an appointment on feb 18th which i have every intention of attending! For all you who are banded what should i ask the Doctor that you feel you should of asked but never did! and now know from getting the band? Iam scared because I dont want to fail like all the other diets ive tried and and I know "its a tool", I know I have to work with it and i know its a life style change and I know i need t…

I have been considering having lapbad done. I am just trying to decide if the pros out weighs the cons. I thought this was a good place to get some advice. My parents are completly against. My husband says whatever makes me happy. I have been on many diets actually have loss weight. Never have been able to keep it off. I do have an appointment for a consult in March. If anyone has advice please let me know. Terri

Good Morning, Just took the first step in this journey yesterday....attended a seminar! I am looking forward to a new life....one that I control....what a concept! I am a self pay, so anticipate that the process will move fairly quickly.....not excited about spending that much money....but I keep telling myself that it's an INVESTMENT.....in ME! Looking forward to 'meeting' many of you and sharing successes along the way!

Hi, I,m new to the forum would like to introduce myself. I've been obese most of my life, I've lost in excess of 100 lbs. three times just to regain it plus extra. When I heard about the lapband I did a lot of research and figured it could be the tool I need to help me lose the weight and hopefully be able to keep it off. I am currently in the process of seeking authority from my insurance for the surgery. I'd like to know if there is any advice I need at this point, also does anyone have any information on Dr. Roger de la Torre form St. Louis. Thanks Johnc

Hi. I'm Mindy. I've been thinking about having the Lap-Band procedure done for a while now, and today I made my appointment for the education session. I go on Feb 27th. I'm very eager. I'm not exactly sure what to expect, but I know this is the road I want to take to battle my obesity. Ive tried all the fad diets. Tried weight loss shakes, pills, soups, drinks, etc. I used to take phentermine, and sure it helped for a while, but then I had two babies back to back. Cutting that med cold turkey I believe was my biggest downfall. I'm hopeful about this journey. Im at the stage in my life where Im sitting there with a fridge full of junk, looking at the things that once I lov…

I am Brandy. I am 26 yrs old. I have been married almost 6 yrs. I have 2 daughters. A 4 yrs old and a 23 month old. I am currently a Nursing Student full time. I got the LapBand on October 31, 2007. I am 3 months out and have lost 45 lbs. I had my surgery at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. My surgeon is Dr. De La Torre. He was ablsolutely wonderful. I am happy to have found this forum.

hi i'm due to get the band on feb 13- 9 days my doc made me lose x-amount of weight before he would do the opr. my question: weights off, how the ---- do i keep it off i've been trying so hard not to but nothing in my mouth. any ideas would love some support. ps i'm so excited and cant wait to get it done. was a lil scared at first but read everything on this site took away all my fairs.

Hello Everyone! I'm interested in getting the lap-band done and was referred here to get some information and some support. I had gastric-bypass surgery about 5 years ago when I was 17, but due to complications I have gained all the weight back. I heard that people like myself are prime candidates for this. Has anyone heard this before or has this happened to anyone in here? Good Luck to everyone on their journey, I hope that mine goes well too!

Hi im tanya, 29 from PA. I know my insurance covers Lapband but it states I have to have atleast 6 months of weight loss attempts documented. I see a GI nutrionist tomorrow to start the process. So do they start tomorrow at the start date or will they look at past failure with losing weight. for the past 5 years ive been trying to only regain. I have highmark blue shield. Any help would be greatly appericated!!

What cause PB? It seems I have it fillor ufill? And get this Iam hungry.:frown:

Hey everybody out there! I am a 22-year old female from B'ham, AL. I currently weigh 225lbs, standing at 5'2ft, and have a BMI of 40. I recently went to a Dr. for a weight loss program and she prescribed me Phetermine 37.5, however it has been a month and I have not lost any weight. Not to mention I have been having terrible side effects (acid reflux, migranes, moody). Ugh! I am still waiting on my lab results for my bloodwork. Anyway, I started to wonder about the LapBand surgery. I will formally begin my research when I attend a seminar 2/16/08. I have read alot of post about the BCBS of AL and requirements, but I still have more questions, if anybody can h…

Can you keep the lap band for life?:party: Or how does that work?:thumbup:

I posted and received no responses at all. So let's try this again. I have read much about liquid diets. I want to know what the diet after the puree is like. Exactly what to eat and what you can no longer eat. I hear you can't have cinnamon or peanut butter. And if you are used to drinking soda pop what do you drink instead? I have never done this posting thing before. I am looking forward to talking with others here who have had a Lapband done or those like me who are considering it. Thanks peeps.:frown:

:confused:I am researching the lap band system and am considering having it done. Have read much positive and very little negative. I am very nervous about what the diet afterwards is like. Not the liquid diet but the foods I would be eating after that. The pureed stuff and then then regular food. Can anyone tell me of their experiences? Does anyone live in Arizona USA? Is it difficult to stick to this new diet and exercise program? And do you still feel hungry a lot of the time? Tell me about the foods you can no longer eat.

Hello everyone. I am a preop patient of Dr Hugh Houston at CMCWLS (Centennial) in Nashville, TN. My surgery is scheduled for August 22.:whoo: My starting weight was 434lbs. I am so excited and anxious and scared and relieved and excited and anxious and excited about this new chapter of my life. Did I say I was excited and anxious? By the way, I am on myspace if you care to find me. MySpace.com - Lap Band Guy - 35 - Male - Tennessee - www.myspace.com/lapbandguy Also I was denied by insurance and now will be a self pay. The first time I was denied because of lack of weight loss attempts. This year I was denied because WLS is an exclusion. Self pay causes things…

Hello, Hello, I am new today to this website! I had my band put in on Sept. 18 2007. I have lost 31lbs. I have not had a fill yet. I am eating about a half cup per meal 3x day plus 2 protein drinks. I don't know if I'm eating too much or not! I have only lost 1 lb. this month. Am I in a plateau? My next visit to my surgeon is in march which will make my first fill on the 6th month out! Itis so hard to get the nutrionist to call me back. Anyone with similar progress? Thank you!:biggrin:

Hi! I'm Lisa and I haven't even looked around here yet. A friend who was banded a couple years ago gave me the link. I'm really considering it, but my insurance would HAVE to cover it. I'm 5'3" and really need to lose at least 80lb - which would still have me technically overweight but I think I'd be very comfortable there. I've been doing the yoyo thing for so many years its not funny. I can't even begin to get my head or heart into another diet because I think, "Why bother?" I mean, it always comes back on anyway.

Does anyone know if you can have lapband surgery and stay in the military? I'm afraid they won't consider me world wide qualified and kick me out.

Little bit of history: I'm 43, 304 pounds, 5'6" and sick of living this way. I have garnered a great deal of information from this website and thank all of you for your willingness to be open and truthful about your experiences. I'm currently looking into getting the band done. I went to an orientation yesterday at MMPC's Center for Health Excellence in Grand Rapids. I've been going to their weight management program since June of 2004. June-August 2004, I was on their product of Bariatrix which is similar to Optifast, however it is food (their food). The Center is a great place with wonderful support, physically, emotionally, etc. I lost 60 pounds, but have now…

Hello all! I am 13 months post op & only down 40 lbs. I have not lost a lb since May of 2007. I was actually down 50 & gained back 10. I have never been totally restricted I think because of all the horror stories that I read about being to tight. I can not stick to a diet plan for the life of me. I am addicted to carbs. I AM A RECK! I feel like such a LOSER! I thought i'd be at goal by now. I know what I need to do. SO what is stopping me????? URGH!!!!!!!!!!:tongue: Somebody pleaaaaaaase HELP me. :tt1:

Hey Ya'll, My name is Kim. I'm 29 years old, and unlike some of you I have been overweight all of my life. I had thought about having the bypass but enjoy traveling and felt in the back woods if I got into trouble it would be easier to fix with the band. I went to my first Doctor visit on Novemeber the 20th, 2007. Since then I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, hypertension, and gastric reflux. All I can say is more money in the cards for me to have the surgery. I'm a nurse and work at night, our health insurance requires a 6 month weight loss trial so i guess for me I feel like time is standing still. I go back to the doctor tomorrow and we will discuss all of…

Hi, anyone getting surgery with Dr. Aceves during the month of Feb??? I am going down Feb 6th and having my surgery Feb. 7th....Anyone going the same time as I am???? Would love to meet you if you are....let me know....

Hello All, A little about myself first. My name is Sanket Sant and i have done my PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas. Currently i work in the bay area (Fremont, California) in a company called LAM research corporation. I am 5'8" tall and i weigh around 360 lbs. I am a very active person and like to play all kinds of sports, go to the gym atleast 5 days a week (45-60 mins cardio, 30-45 mins weights) but my biggest problem is my metabolism. I have lost upto 45 pounds by just working out and eating less, but the moment i travel (part of my job) or stop going to gym the weight rebounds back like an elastic. That is when i finally am seeking …

Hi everyone. I was just banded Jan 16th here in San Antonio. It was a long tough road getting here but I finally decided to do a self-pay and I am sure glad I went ahead with it. I am 14 pounds lighter & counting! I am so glad there is a place like this where I can talk to others who understand. I look forward to talking with you all!

Hello all. The lap band surgery has just been suggested to me by my doctor. I'm going to be digging around here for more info and input. I'm really glad this site is here! I weigh 300 pounds, and should weigh in at around 148.

Hello Everyone! My name is Marie and I am 35 years old and weigh 238 lbs(It hurts to type that). I had a doctor's visit with my primary care physician today and asked him about the Lab Band Surgery. He told me that I would be a good candidate for it and that he would get the process started for me with my insurance (Blue Shield of California). I'm super excited and am hoping and praying that all goes well so I can be a NEW BANDSTER to this forum! I love reading all the post on here.. it's so helpful and has helped me feel more confident in my decision to move forward!

I love this sight. Its been the most informative of everything I have found thus far. I have spent 3 hours the past 2 days reading posts. I even read the bad stuff. I am not sure if this is "for me" yet but wanted to introduce myself. I am in the "research" phase of my journey with a BMI of 38. The LapBand certainly seems like a wonderful solution for me as I am experiencing weight related health problems. I am not sure if I "qualify" for my insurance to cover the surgery and I will not consider self-pay, too many other things to pay for in our household. I'm married to a busy Veterinarian and stay home taking care of our 3 children two girls 11 and 7 years old who a…

hi people ime new on here going for me lapbanding on 19thfeb thought ide join for insperation and possibly sum supportinfo wen needed .just started my pre 3 week fat free diet any ideas/recipes for things i can eat would be great thanx:biggrin::frown:

Hello I am new to this board, but have been checking out many posts when I can. I have my first appointment with my surgeon Dr. Forgione here in Vermont as well as the nutritionist on the 17th of January - I am very excited and look forward to meeting all of you online

Hello Everyone! My name is Marie and I am 35 years old and weigh 238 lbs(It hurts to type that). I had a doctor's visit with my primary care physician today and asked him about the Lab Band Surgery. He told me that I would be a good candidate for it and that he would get the process started for me with my insurance (Blue Shield of California). I'm super excited and am hoping and praying that all goes well so I can be a NEW BANDSTER to this forum! I love reading all the post on here.. it's so helpful and has helped me feel more confident in my decision to move forward! I would like to hear from anyone who has had the surgery done in the SE/Pearland/Pasadena s…

Hi Everyone: My name is Toni and I'm 23 years old and 315 lbs. I have been heavy and depressed sense I was 9 years old. I never wanted gastric bypass because to me it was so scary to have pieces of your anatomy actually removed :frown: I also didn't feel like I was ready for it, I didn't think I could change ... i had a lot of emotional problems. But through therapy I have come to realize that I deserve to be happy and that I'm ready to make this change in my life. I'm really excited to have this surgery. I have chosen Shasta Medical Center in Redding California to have my surgery. I have my seminar/orientation on February 5th. I just can't wait to get rolling…

I'm new to this forum. I'm researching and reading to see if the Lab Band procedure would be right for me. I keep seeing Banders refering to something called " PB-ing"? What exactly is that?. Is it something I should worry about as I continue with my "pros and cons" list???:frown:

HI EVERYONE, MY NAME IS REGINA. I MOVED TO RICHMOND VIRGINIA FROM ALABAMA IN JULY OF 05. I HAD JUST HAD 2 MAJOR BACK SURGERIES AND WAS 291 FROM JUST BEING IMMOBILE. I GOT DOWN TO 270 ON MY OWN AND COULDNT GO ANY FURTHER. SO I STARTED LOOKING INTO LAP BAND . AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS OF CHECKING INTO THAT I DECIDED TO GO WITH IT AND I HAD THE BAND ON DECEMBER 21ST OF 07. MIND YOU I JUST GOT MARRIED ON SEPT 1, 2007. AND STARTED SCHOOL ON JANUARY 7 2008. SO , SO MUCH HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS THAT I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO FOCUS ON THE WEIGHT LOSS AND I FIND MYSELF SOMETIMES HAVING THINGS I SHOULD NOT HAVE. AND I GET SO MAD AT MYSELF. I HAVE LOST 21 LBS SO FAR, BUT…

I'm from California and I had the lap band procedure in July, 2005, by Dr. Felix in Fresno. I have maintained a weight loss of 70 pounds. I was a size 20/22, and now I am a size 8 or 10. Best decision I ever made. Lately, I have been having this "growling" sound in my esphogas area, especially when I lay down. I is constant, like every 10 seconds or so. I lay on my back, elevated, and that helps, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and what helped. Thanks. Beki

:frown:I had my first appointment with the surgeon yesterday and they had to re-schedule the appointment due to emergency surgery. I was so ready to get the ball rolling. At least I can see him on the 7th of Feb. so that is not so long to wait. Just have to have patience, that is something I need towork on. I will post my progress. Thanks for listening.

Hi I'm new I'm 38 yr old mother of 3 happily married to my National Guard soldier for almost 18 years. I have had a weight problem most of my life and am currently 4'9" and weigh 215 lbs. As I'm sure everyone here has done I've been on and off diets all my life. I have sucess for awhile and then slip up and gain it all back and then some. I am just starting the process of looking into the lap band system for myself. I have Tri Care insurance which as of last year has approved lap band surgery for their customers with certain conditions. I meet the weight condition and the diet condition but I don't have any serious problems caused but the weight with the exception of mil…