Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

A friend from another board told me about LapBandTalk and I had to come and check it out. A forum just for us bandsters!!! What a great idea. I had my surgery on June 18, 2007 at Emory / Crawford Long Hospital. I have been heavy most of my life and all of my adult life. I'm 41 years old and procrastinated on surgery for several years. My PCP kept encouraging me to look into it and finally yelled at me about 18 months ago saying, "When your health becomes as much of a concern for you as it is for me, maybe you'll do something about it!" I have never had a doctor yell at me before. I consider that my "wake up call". Obviously my weight was more of an issue than …

hello- I'm kind of new; I was doing research on banding late 2007. I finally have a surgery date. The last time i was on lbt.com, there was a great thread on what to bring with you pre and post surgery. I will be driving to Mexico for my procedure, and I was hoping to get tips here from all the pros on what to bring with me; necessaries and those little things that will help comfort in a time of discomfort...

Can Someone Please Tell Me How To Change My Username?

Hello everyone, I am Rachel... My husand and I were talking about lap band yesterday so i was on here until about 1 am reading everyones posts. I am retyping this because i accidentally hit the back button...will type more later, but i lost about 3 paragraphs :rolleyes2: lol... Anyway, i am considering having it done in Mexico with either Dr. Ortiz or dr. aceves. I have 80 lbs i want to lose, and my bmi is 33.6, my husbands is 35 any advice? price, pain, experiences? I have had 2 c sections, does that effect the way my surgery will be done? Thanks...

Hey everybody, I have been going through this site for awhile now, I am currently waiting on my insurance to kick in so i can start the rest of the process to get my Lap-Band. Is there any helpful advice anyone would like to give. Going into the unknown it kinda scary and like other people I have used food for a comfort and woundering how I will deal with that after the surgury.

Hi, I was banded on Friday, 12/16/2007 in Tijuana, Mexico at Dr. Gonzale's clinic. My stomach swelled and I could not get anything down, therefore, the Dr. made me stay over the weekend and wait until Monday, if the swelling did not go away he would have to go in and put a bigger band in. The swelling did not go down, so he went back in. The total cost for my banding was only $6,750, the clinic was beautiful with a view of the gold course below, the staff was excellent and so was Dr. Gonzales and Dr. Alvarez. I have since had 2 fills and lost a total of 21 pounds. I can't wait to loose my goal weight and wear cute clothes again that look good!! Good luck to you all! c…

Hello to all! I have been reading posts on this site for a couple of months and now I feel like I need to touch base with folks who have been where I am going! I am very nervous about the surgery, but actually more nervous about post surgery. Did anyone feel nauseous? Was there much pain? How soon did you feel like yourself? I know I am making the right decision, but it's still a bit overwhelming! Thanks!:rolleyes2:

:closedeyes:Hi, I was banded Jan. 7, 2008. Things are going good but seem to be stuck on weight loss. Not getting a fill till Feb. 27. Hope to see more losses before then though. I am from Maryland and would love to chat with someone from this area. I live in Harford County.

Hello, I'm Michelle from Australia. 40 y.o. and a BMI of around 45. I have PCOS which has added to my weight issue and SAD which doesn't help. Winter for me is the worst part of the year. I took out insurance last year, so can have the operation anytime after 18 October this year. I'm considering around November because I can then take 4 weeks off work. I work in child care and having to bend over and pick up kids all day doesn't appeal to me just after tummy surgery lol. I am going to my GP this Saturday to get a referral, I want to meet the surgeon and get everything underway now, so I can plan for it all, that way it'll go more smoothly later on. Michelle

Just wanted to test this and say hello. This looks like the place I want to be. I go to the doctor this afternoon to start the scheduling process. Wish me luck.:rolleyes2:

Still waiting to complete the six month "supervised" weight loss program. Had everything all set even a date before the Isurance company changed the requirements for approval. now I'm in the middle of the six month period. I'm so glad to hear so many success stories. It is really encoraging.

Hello there, I am Yvonne and I live the San Francisco bay area. I'm 5'4" and 246 lbs. I have had my first consultation with my surgeon, Dr Barry Sanchez, and I've met with my nutritionist. Have appts set up with my reg Dr to get blood work set up and with a psychologist. I go see the surgeon again on Feb 21st. I'm excited about having the lapband surgery but a little scared. Its helped alot to read about others experiences. My aunt died having BGP about 5 years ago but I am not worried about that happening with me. I'll be on here from now on frequently so get in touch some time. Ciao, Yvonne

I am on here as the spouse of someone ready to be banded. We attend our seminar on Feb 23rd in Columbia, MO and I have found this web site to be very helpful so far in educating myself and my husband on what to expect. I would love to hear from anyone that has used Dr. Pitt or offer any advice or tips. My main concern is that my husband is a truck driver and I am wondering about getting in and out of the truck. Good luck to all!! leslie

Hi im Tammie from Australia and I have just had lap band done on the 22 jan. I wish i had talked to others that had it done before i had mine done but i do have a very good support group in my family but they don't know what it is like to go through so yeh it was hard and i was scared. But im 7 days post opp and im starting to feel a little more like my old self i just hope it all keeps getting better as the days past. But i still feel hungrey which i wa told i wouldn't and the pain was a shock i did not expect it to be like it was but all is getting better. :tt1:

I signed up and introduced myself a while back but didn't realy have a chance to post after that. But I am back to re-introduce myself. Im Heather, 27 (about to be 28 in march) and I am a Norcal-er (Northern California). I have been checking into the lap band for a while. I finally got up the nerve to go to my PC doctor to talk with her about the lapband. I have Kaiser and have heard horror stories about them not wanting to refer people for the surgery. So I went and talked with my doctor and to my surprise she went ahead and sent a referal for me to the San Francisco Bariatric center. I got my letter from them today explaining things and that they will be scheduling m…

I was banded 3 days ago and all I can think about is food!!! What can I do to reduce the cravings?

Oh my gosh! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I just got word today that I am approved for my LapBand surgery! I just can't believe it...I don't have a surgery date yet, but should find out this week! My journey through this has been quite an experience, and am so happy to be joining your group to share all of this with. I know I'm new here and no one knows me yet, but I look forward to meeting you all!:tt1:

Hi everyone! I have been reading posts on this site for two months, ever sice I made my appointment witht he surgon. My appointment was Tuesday and I have made the decision to be banded! I have made all of my pre op appointments for the next two weeks and hope to schedule my surgery for the end of March. Has anybody out there used Dr. Geiss in New York on Long Island?

How do youget those cute little graphs at the bottom of your signature showing your weight loss?

Hi there! I have been reading this site for quite a while now, but finally just got around to signing up. I am being banded on Feb. 6th at Reston Hospital by Robert Pinnar. I am excited beyond belief but also terrified - mostly about the surgery itself. I am not good with pain. But I am ready for my new life! I've never experienced emotions like this before. Please wish me luck! Tater

Hi, I was banded in Belgium (even though i live in England) on 5th September 2007. Since my pre-op diet, which started on 22nd august, i've lost 57.6lb (4st 1.6lb). Started at 282lb (20st 2lb), and i'm now 224.4lb (16st 0.4lb). My goal weight is 168lb (12st). Look forward to reading the posts! :wink2: Beki xxxx

I hope someone can help me with my question. I have three fills and and not losing weight. i have stayed for about 1 and half months to 2 months now. I just want to know if anyone had this happen to them. I am eating less and and eating healthy and still nothing. Can someone help me out or just tell me this is normal. thanks

My BMI is 43.9 and I have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and severe sleep apnea. I am considering lap-band but everyone keeps telling me to just eat less and exercise more. Am I stupid to spend the money, deal with the pain, and be forced into a life changing situation? I am so confused reading all these posts. Does your physician take care of the insurance red tape? How many different doctors do you have to see before they will clear you for the banding?

Hi, I was banded on 12/28/07 and just signed up to LapBankTalk.com hoping to meet some local bandsters and more importantly read some experiences and get additional insperation! I was a self pay patient, my insurance ABSOLUTELY WOULD NOT cover anything related to it. I am hoping that will give me even more motivation to continue this journey. I am just now getting into eating more solid foods and trying more things. I've lost 15 pounds so far and have my first fill on the 24th, which I'm getting a bit nervous about. Weight Loss Tickers

Hey all, I am new to this site and have found the information and discussions extremely interesting/helpful. I have recently decided that I want to be banded. I have been considering/researching for about 10 mnths and am now ready to begin my weight loss journey. Imagine my disappointment when I found out that my insurance will not pay for it so I will be a self-pay. There is a place in Oklahoma City called WeightWise that offer surgery starting at $9,995. Has anyone used them and if so can you tell me about your experience? Thanks in advance for any help or advice you may be able to offer

Hi! My husband is in the Air Force and we are stationed at Lackland AFB, TX. I was seriously considering the RNY surgery, but was too scared of the possible complications and side effects. Just this past week I found out that Tricare is now covering the lap band surgery. I had said before that if they ever did I would do it in a heartbeat. However, we will be moving this summer (more than likely) and I don't want to start the process of getting approved and then have to start it over when we move. I just hope where ever we move I will be able to find a good surgeon. Does anyone know how to look for a great surgeon in the bariatric field? Or have any tips of what…

Hey everyone, for the past week I have been reading the forums and finally registered. I have my first appointment with my primary care doc tomorrow to discuss weight loss surgery. I've been overweight all my life. I currently weigh 335 and am only 21 years young =/ I can't do this anymore, it's time for a change! I hope it goes well and i can't wait to build relationships here, everyone seems so kind and encouraging! See ya'll around soon :wink2:~

Another newbie to this site. Begining my journey into a land without doughnuts and icecream. Doctor visits going well, looking forward to chatting more as my journey unfolds.

i am new to all of this. i just had my lapband done last week. and i have so many questions but not really anyone to ask. i had a lot of post op pain and am just now back on my feet....is this normal? will i always have this indigestion feeling to my chest? can i go back to eating something besides liquids, just in smaller amts? help :help:

Well lets see where to begin..I guess I will start with the psych evaluation...it has to be done in two sessions because the guy HEN PECKS the damn keys:mad: so it is taking twice as long to type the answers I give him up. I just want to say to him "give me the damn keyboard and tell me what to type" I type 50 + words per minute. But thankfully the soonest they can get me in is Feb 1st I went to PCP doc and explained to him that I would like to have the Lap Band done and we talked about the pros and cons and what my symptoms are that validate me NEEDING the surgery. So I told him about the back pain, the tired all the time, etc. So he said since my insurance company doe…

I am thinking about getting the lapband surgery. I am a diabetic who is always fighting with weight lose. Please share your experiences as a diabetic who has had the lapband surgery. ToniRee

This is the dr. i've been speaking with. His asst. Nina has been awesome, we've been emailing practically daily. But I havent seen anyone mention this dr. from Mexico.

Hi. I'm just starting to think about LapBands and I'm glad I found this forum as a resource of information. My main question doesn't have to do with any of the physical effects of the process but about the emotional ones. I realize that the band results in major changes with the most noticeable being what is eaten and the amounts and, of course, the resulting weight loss. I'm assuming I'm not the only one who binged or ate when not hungry but when bored, sad, lonely, angry or worried, so my question is how did you deal with the habit of eating; the urge to eat when life is out of control. I have depression and have been in therapy so it's not like I'm completely cluele…

I am scheduled to be banded on Thursday, Jan.17th. I am excited, but getting nervous too. I found this site while browsing around, and it looks great! Two of my good friends, and co-workers are also getting banded the same day. I am very excited that we will have our own little support group! ~~Sara in Jackson Hole

:cool2: Hi everyone! I am awaiting approval for my LapBand. --hopefully I'll know any day now. I've waited so long for this. I'm a little nervous that I won't be approved, but I've decided to stay positive!

:rolleyes2: I had lap band surgery and have lost 120 lbs. I can't say enough good things about my doctors in Mexico... they are so kind, so personable! I've only had three fills and have dodged the diabetes bullet.

Are there any lap band patients out there who were smokers before surgery if so what did the how long did you have to wait to have surgery? Thanks to all who answer:biggrin:

:party:I just got confirmation that my financing was approved and i am so excited!! But since this is something i don't want anyone i know to know about, i don't have anyone to share the excitement with. I've read so much online and everyone seems so pleased with the results that i just cant wait to see a healthier me in the mirror. There are so many health problems in my family history and now that i am a few months short of being 40, it really scares me. I see my grandparents and now my mom too taking so many medications, its like a pharmacy in their bathrooms, i do not want that to be my future. I need to get my weight to a healthy amount so that i can do other thin…

I am new to this forum. I have been thinking about lap-band for a long time, but I have been afraid to talk with my wife about it. The other day a lap-band commercial was on TV and she asked me if I would ever want to do that. After my jaw bounced off the floor a few times I said YES!!!!! She has agreeded to go to a meeting with me in Raleigh. I am a 315 lb 54 year old white male. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. I really want to do this, BUT I AM SCARED!!!! Do any of you regret being banded? How many of you would do it again knowing what you know now? I don't want to be buried in a piano case. I don't want to have to buy clothes in the Big &am…

I have a consultation and Barix Clinic in Langhorne, PA on Thursday. I have thought about Lap-Band surgery for some time now and I am ready! I would like some feed back on the consultation and what it is like if anyone has any stories to share. Thanks and I am glad to be here!

Hi everyone, New person here attempting new tricks, heh. I'm sure I'll get used to all this . . . the smilies are cute! Well, I've been through all my pre-op testing (whew!) and I just got a letter from my doctor, I'm officially approved for the lap-band SURGERY!!!!!!!!!! Yah-hoo! I have to call the surgeon's office on Monday and get my surgery date yet though. I'm very nervous but also very excited! I just wanted to introduce myself, and say hello to everyone! I'm glad I found these forums, I'm looking forward to any help, and just general chatting with other people going through the same experiences. I've been reading up on the lap-band surgery, through the i…

Hi, my name is Mark, 19 years old and from ND. I was banded on July 18, 2007 and I'm down 115 pounds! It feels so great, I have so much more energy! I'm excited to read more on this forum.

I wish I would have found this site a long time ago! I am 30 years old and have a 10 year old son who is a type 1 diabetic. I was banded on October 5, 2007 by Dr. Lopez Corvala in Tijuana, Mexico. I have lost about 20# since surgery (not near what I would like to be at). I recently had my 4th fill, and I am now having problems with most of the foods I was eating. Not a bad thing, obviously I could have lost more. So now I am going to start a low carb diet and hope to drop all of this weight!

I am simply looking for support. It will be three years in July since my procedure. I have not reached my goal; however, I have lost 100lbs and kept it off. My issue is that I have begun reversing back to my old ways of eating. While it is true that with the band, I am restricted to how and what I eat. I admit that I have found away around the rules. Therefore, I need help! As I have mentioned, I have lost the 100lbs; however, I am unable to lose more; yet, I have not gained a pound. Also, with this new way of “breaking the rules”, I have noticed a body image shift; it is as though my body is reshaping itself. In addition, because of this, I am feeling trapped; t…

Hi! my name is patty and i am 31 years old i am the mother of 4 daughters and have been married for 10 years. i have severe asthma which has made me prendisone dependent and in and out of the hospital all the time. i am right now at 290 lbs and the only way they (my pulminolgist) say that i will see any improvement is to lose weight. but they agree until i am off the prendisone that i am in a catch-22. my asthma is so bad that i have been on disibility with it for 3+ years. so this leads me to a couple of questions: does medicare cover the surgery at all? and if so how long and what all do you have to get approved. i have a seminar this coming tuesday but i am rea…

Hi everyone, I'm new to this sight. I have my first consultation appointment 1/30 for lap-band surgery. I'm going to try and get tri-care to pay for it since they just started covering it last week!! I am very nervous and very afraid that I won't qualify. I do have one quick question for anyone that can answer: Is it typical for the doctor to make your consultation appointment if you don't meet the criteria? I just don't want to get my hopes up. Thanks and HELLO to everyone!

This site is so helpful. The doctor I have is great but they only tell you so much. Everyone here is so ready to help. Thanks to all. My surgery is 2/4/08. Can't wait. :redface:

Hi everyone, I'm considering the surgery but I'm in the process of building a house right now (we are doing a lot of the work ourselves) and was wondering how bad you feel right after the surgery. I will be self pay. I've been researching since about last July. My mom recently (Nov 9 2007) had the bypass done, (I would never consider it).

I'm brand new to band world, this is my first post, and though I thought I had done all my research I'm feeling a little uncertain at this point in post op recovery... I'm lightheaded, like I just got off a merry go round. Everything surgery wise is healing great. I'm not hungry at all... just fighting off this dizzy feeling (all day yesterday and woke up with it this morning). Any thoughts? Anyone else feel this? Boy it sure feels nice to know I'm not alone in this. This forum is amazing!!

Hello Everyone! I'm Ruby, 35 years-old, weigh 225lbs & 5' tall. I've been married for 2 years now & although he loves me for me he still supports MY decision on this new journey . My start weight at the beginning of all this was 253lbs. My highest history weight was at 267 lbs about 6 years ago. I've always been overweight. As a baby it was "oh she's so cute" as child it was "it's baby fat she'll grow out of it" well as a teenager it turned into "she needs to get on a diet". Well by the time I was 15 I was in a major self hate state, & developed very bad eating habits. Between binging & purging I became an emotional eater. At 18 I got pregnant and had a …