Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

My name is Jeri - I was banded 01/16/08 by Dr. Felts. Since starting pre-op diet, I have lost about 18 pounds! I am very excited to start this new life - and I am happy to have found this web site. I belong to a few other Lap Band forums - but I want/need all the information and support I can get! Thanks to all!! :rolleyes2:

Hi- I started the liquid diet today, which is not great. I am 35 years old, stay at home mom, married, 4 kids. I want to lose about 150 lbs and am excited about the procedure, but of course, a little nervous too. I was at the doctor's office the other day doing my pre-op stuff and there were two women in there who had the surgery and both raved about it :rolleyes2: If anyone is interested in "going through this together" and are having surgery soon, please let me know. Good luck to all

I am having Lap Band surgery on 1/29/08. I am excited but a little nervous about the surgery. Will some of the forum members share their experieneces? For examople, was recovery hard? How long did recovery take? To go back to work? Drive a car? What food can be eaten?

Hey everyone! I am so glad I found this website. I had my surgery in June of 06. I have lost 143 pounds so far. I have 31 more to go to reach my doctor's goal but 41 more pounds to go for my personal goal. I have not been able to attend the local support meetings. I have 2 teenage children who keep me hopping & I look after my mother who is in poor health. It is so good to know that some of the problems I am having are common. I do not know anyone here that has had lapband surgery to talk to. I look forward to talking to you. Please e-mail me sometimes. My e-mail is jennapurr03@aol.com.

My surgery is scheduled for Feb 4th! I am sooo excited! I'm nervous about all the final clearances but it looks like its ago.... I just finished reading the letter from the (I call it the "Fat Doctor") telling my insurance company about my weight loss efforts (with their office) since '99. It almost brought tears to my eyes...(especially since with all the gains and losses I'm 40lbs heavier now then when I first started) this battle has not been easy...but FINALLY I can see a rainbow - the Lapband! I know it won't be easy...I'm not afraid of hard work...especially with something to keep me from failing. I'm thankful for this website! It's good to see what to expect …

HI I am from south of buffalo and i am new to this site as well as I am just strating my journey by continuing my research on what is best for me- and finding a good doctor- if anyone is from the area and can give me some suggestions that would be great- thanks and nice to meet you all

Hi, I am new and have been researching the lap band quite a bit.. My insurance excludes wls and I will have to finance... I am thinking about Dr blackstone or dr nirmul at true results I have my seminar appt 2-2 at true results, any comments on either of these docs, I am surprised by the fact that you go home same day, I am a little freaked out by that, what if something goes wrong when I get home? I take several meds and am worried about not being able to swallow them anymore..I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and fibromyalgia. The whole food getting stuck thing freaks me out as well, and so does the thought of having a cathedar! I guess I am a big chicken …

I've been a lurker around here for a couple of months while researching lapband, finding a surgeon and scheduling a consultation. Today was my first appt with Dr. Bagnato in Albany GA. I went in with my list of questions and concerns and came out 1 hour & 45 minutes later with my decision made to schedule surgery. My surgery is Jan 30th....only 1 week away. :smile: I had already started Sugar Busters last week (as instructed by Dr. Bagnato's nurse) in case I decided to have the surgery and was pleasantly surprised at the 5 lbs already lost! But- I never want to go thru the sugar and caffeine withdrawals again.....that was awful. :smile: Anyway, just wanted to s…

Were any of you on clear liquids for 7 days prior to surgery. I have to be on low carbs and protein for 4 days then clean liquids for 7 before surgery. Any tips on protein powder?

Hi. I've been looking at this site for a couple of weeks. Its great! I have my appointment with the surgeon & shrink & dietition in 2 weeks and I am excited but worried I won't meet the insurance criteria. My BMI is 36, and I have sleep apnea and the usual joint pains associated with being obese. I'm really hoping my BC of California will cover this...I'm almost 43 and I really want a more permanent fix/change. I'm so sick and tired of this fight with my weight! Has anyone ever heard of negotiating with the insurance for a partial payment?

Hi All- I live in Lenore Idaho and was hoping there might be some Banders that I can talk with locally. I don't know of anybody who has been banded or even any that have had gastric bybass so I'm feeling all alone here. I would love to meet someone who lives close by between hear and my Dr. in Spokane. So if there is anyone who lives between Lewiston, ID and Spokane, WA please give me a shout and lets share our banding exerience. I get banded August 27th, three weeks from today! Yea! Looking forward to hearing from you:-) :bounce:

I just joined forum today and the few threads I have read, weight loss seems very slow. I am afraid that losing that slow will make me lose motivation. I can't seem to comprehend that some people have only lost 2 lbs - 20 lbs in a year! Doesn't seem worth paying $20,000? Has anyone found a place that is cheaper but SAFE?

Hey y'all! This is Ashlee in Virginia! I am so excited! I am being banded by Dr. Matthew Brengman on Wednesday, Jan 30!! I have been on my liver shrinking diet for 1 week and I have lost 14 pounds! YAHOO! I am so excited!! Has anyone else been banded at St. Marys? I am interested in hearing your experiences there... Or, if you were banded elsewhere, I would love to hear about your experience as well. I am so psyched and ready to be healthy and thin for the rest of my life!! :wink2: Ash

Well, It has been a while since I posted anything, I've mainly been reading. I have finished the 6 month process and my surgery is tomorrow, 01/21/08. I am very excited about it and at the same time its almost like being in the twilight zone (I can't believe its finally happening, it almost doesn't seem real). I've had alot of support along the way from family and friends which has made the whole process easier, and especially reading the posts on this site has been very helpful. Hopefully someone will tell me how to set up my ticker tape so that I can show my progress along the way. I'll post again sometime this week and let you know how things are going. …

Hello everyone! I was banded on 12/21/07. Maybe not such a good idea to have surgery during the holidays, but I figured if I could survive that, I could do anything. So far I've lost 18 lbs and looking forward to reaching my goal by losing 80 more pounds. This seems to be a great site! I look forward to learning a lot from others' experience.

I am getting banded on Tuesday the 29th and I am so excited for it? It will be a new day!! I am trying to get ready for my post op diet. I got some carnation breakfast drinks, some soup that is just broth and jello. What kind of protein shakes should I be getting? Are they at the grocery store or at like GNC? Plus any advice for me?

After lurking around in the shadows for a month I finally decided to come into the light. I am to be banded on 2-14-08, by Dr. David Kim at TLCEdge in Dallas, TX. I am looking forward to it, but still a little scared and full of "what ifs" Thanks for listening Doug

Hi all....I am scheduled for my orientation meeting on 2/7 and am very excited....however, I do have some questions. My BMI is 36 so I am not at the "40" mark, so what constitutes a "comorbidity"? I have dangerously high Cholesterol and Triglycerides (336 and over 900, respectively, altho I think the high triglyceride level was due to my latest failed Atkins attempt).:frown: I have gastric reflux and possibly sleep apnea as I wake up 2-3 morning per week with a migraine (I am sure I'll be scheduled for a sleep study). Also my back, knees and feet hurt so bad I can barely get around in the morning and am having a hard time staying on my feet for long hours at work. So…

Had lapband fitted in October 2007, have never felt restriction, going for 4th fill next week, thought I'd join to meet people with same issues/experiences as me. xx

Hi everyone. I had my first appointment yesterday with the bariatric advisor. This was really the first step in my journey. I loved the girls at the front desk, they were so helpful and kind. The advisor was really nice too but the only thing is that I feel like I am hitting brick walls and I haven't even begun yet! She had told me that in addition to the letter of medical necessity (which I had already gotten) I needed to have 6 months of medically supervised weight loss records! This is kind of a let down since the only plans I have been on are the ones on my own (WW, Nutri-system, Jenny craig, etc.) Apparently, BC/BS has changed their policy as of jan 08 and this …

Hi I'm Melissa and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I have been told all of my life, that I was overweight. I look at pictures of me when I was younger, and boy do I wish to be that size again. I have finally topped the scale at 335 pounds at about 5 feet 6 inches tall. I switched insurance at the beginning of 2008, so that the band would be covered. I have my first consult on January 23rd; so my journey is beginning. I predict I will have my surgery in May, once I have done my three months of nutritionalist, etc. I have also determined, I will not be informing any of my family members of my surgery. All of my family lives in NC, so it won't be too hard to conceal it. I w…

Hello, I joined a few months ago and it looks like I'm going to be banded around Valentines Day! <3 <3 I'm so excited about this. I had my psyc eval, blood work and my chest x-rays done today. My Doctor should have my results on all three by the 30th. They will then schedule my surgery and I'll have my last appointment before surgery I received my two week post op diet and its not just Protein liquids like I thought it would be. I can have 3 servings of unjury with milk or Water. If I choose water I can have 1 extra protien source with each drink. 1 meal of 4-6 oz. of very lean protein,, 1-2 c. low carb veggies, 1 large salad with 1 TBS dressing of m…

:biggrin: Hello everyone! I am new to this site and was wondering, what is PBing? I am sure I do this, because when I read different posts I can relate to conversations that use the PBing. Can anyone enlighten me as to what it means?

I called my insurance company yesterday and was advised I was approved for the procedure and was so excited. Then everything started running thru my head: What happens now?,How much longer till the procedure?,How long will I be off of work?,etc,etc,etc... Can someone please help answer some of my questions? Thanks

Hi all. So glad I found this place. I had my last consult today and everybody says I'm healthy enough for surgery. So why do I feel so sick? Hee hee--Suddenly I'm in a panic. I found the chat room ok and they helped. But due to medicare rules I've got to go about 2 and a half hours away when I have the surgery (also no date set as of yet--the docs office says they'll set it as soon as Medicare ok's it, about 2-3 weeks they say once all the paperwork is in. But I realized at 4:30 this morning that I've never actually talked to anyone who has had it done. My imagination is running overtime of course. All of the warnings my surgeon told me about back in the beginnin…

My name is Cheryl and I reside in Charlotte NC. I have attended an information seminar at CMC-Mercy and have an appointment with a surgeon on this coming Wednesday. Before my appointment though, I am attending another seminar to talk with patients who have already had the surgery through the Bariatric Center at CMC-Mercy. I look forward to asking lots of questions of both previous patients and my surgeon and have typed my questions so I don't forget anything. I have talked about the surgery with my family and close friends and they are very supportive and loving. I am thankful to have them behind me on this journey. I am 5'3-1/2" tall and weight 292lbs. I have a BMI o…

iAM NOT SURE WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHEN THEY SAY PB CAN ANY ONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW THANKS SO MUCH

Hello, just found this forum yesterday. I had my lap-band done on July 24th of 2007. So far so good. I'm never hungry, its wonderful and I have NEVER been adjusted........yet! I've lost 61lbs and have about 25lbs left to go. Waahoo, finally I can have a skinny summer....I hope. I'm very nervous though about being able to maintain my weight. Guess I'll worry about that when I actually get there. :tt1:

:)I'm new to the site and am having surgery end of January/first of February. Just starting my journey to getting my life back. Is anyone else just beginning? Waiting to hear from you.

Hi Eveyone, great site!! I just got my surgery date for 2/25 and I am scared out of my mind. Not only does the lap band scare me but I have never had surgery before so that makes it 100 times worse. I know this is the best thing for me but... I don't know I can't be completely sure. I'm so confused!!

I joined back in September, but then found that lap banding was not an option for me due to insurance coverage. The only thing they woudl cover was bypass and I was terrified to do it. Now I just heard that Tricare is now paying for lap banding . I am so excited and I calling my primary doc for a referral tomorrow. So I will be here listening and learning from all of you. I am so glad you guys are here. Mary Jo

Met with my Dr. on Friday to let her know that I'm interested in the procedure and would like to get the process rolling. She immediately tried to discourage me from getting it done. She informed that the process will take one year and that I start seeing a Nutritionist then, "see how that goes.." WTF?!!!! I'm so confused! I'm 5ft.4in, weigh 294, have too many ailments to type.....and I'm only 31. Is this normal? Has anyone had to see a Nutritionsist first? I wanted to tell her, "Lady, do you honestly believe a nutritionist is going to tell me anything new from the other diet programs I've been through?!!" Is this just a bump in the road? Or is it the first step? I…

Hello Everyone, I was searching the net for support groups with members who have had or will have the band surgery. I have still a few more steps to complete, but I am very close to getting that "date". My coordinator mentioned it looks like it might be by the end of next month. I look forward to all the topics and discussions with all of you, and I hope I can gain some valuable insight on what to look forward to. THANKS FOR THIS SITE!! :whoo:

Hi everyone, my name is Barb and I also live in the saint louis metro area (actually in St. Peters). I am 43, and I weigh 240. This is the heaviest I have ever been. I was diagnosed with diabetes almost 11 years ago. My latest hemoglobin A1-c was 9.6. My doctor has said I am showing signs of kidney disease from the diabetes. I have been overweight my whole life, and I suppose my story really isn't any different than alot of them here. I have tried and tried to lose weight. The only time I was successful was when I was pregnant with my first child at 40. I lost weight so that the day I delivered I weighed the exact same weight that I did when I found out I was pregnant. Wi…

How do you chose between Lap Band and gastric bypass. I have always wanted the bypass but my PCP wants me to get the lap band.:rolleyes2:

I have been thinking about getting the lap-band for over a year now. I finally got the courage and went to the consult last week. I have a BMI of 49, I hadn't been on a scale in months:eek:!!! Now it's just the waiting game, getting all the records from previous doctors. I just hope and pray to GOD that my insurance approves it. Has anybody out there been denied? Why did they deny it? I have BCBS.

Howdy y'all. Newbie here. Surgery scheduled for this Friday (01/25/08)! Glad I found this site - your posts have addressed so many questions I have. I haven't seen (yet) a post about not losing a lot in pre-op diet. I kind of figured I'd lose more than I have so far and am worried about my pre-op visit tomorrow! yikes Has anyone else not lost much pre-op? And if so, did they make you wait on the procedure? After taking a closer look at what I was really eating, I've made a few adjustments in the past two days - so hopefully I'll see more results in the next day or so ... but was just curious. Thanks for the great site, Shannon in Dallas

Hello everyone. My name is Gena. I'm not banded, but checking it out. found this forum while doing my homework about getting band. So I was hopeing to get some more info before deciding on this. My mother and aunt and couple of my mothers cousins had the gastric bypass before but I feel this one is much safer to have, but still doing my homework. I'm open to any advice anyone would have. I am looking to see if anyone has had this from my area. I live in Queensbury, NY. it's near Lake George area.

ok, not banded yet (my date Feb 6th yaaaaaaaa!), but i was wondering how are you treated differently by people you know, and dont know? by the way, im a newbie living in SC.

I was banded on 1/14 and am feeling great! I am just a little sore in the tummy but have lost 13 pounds and am back to work and doing great. Is it unusual to feel this good. I have had no issues eating or drinking the protien shakes. :tongue:

Hi! I am new to this site and have already fallen love with it. I was banded March 28, 2007. I have lost 100lbs. I have been very excited with the results and the new found energy I have for life. I hit a rough spot the past 2 months by loosing and gaining the same 3-4 pounds. This week I lost 6 lbs, so I hope I am getting back on track. I do not have an appointment with my Dr. until Feb. but I am thinking I may try to move it up. I really think I need a fill. I have only had to have 2 thus far. I love my band and would do it all over again. I really wish I would have done years ago. Christie

Hi everyone! This site is GREAT! I was banded recently on Jan. 10th. The first few days with restriction was pretty easy but it has been progressively getting harder to feel even somewhat full. I mostly feel a bloated feeling after I have eaten but not really the normal feeling of being full. Do you ever get the "full" feeling back or just the feeling that your pouch is full? Thanks alot guys! I appreciate your expertise.

Hi everyone, have been watching for several months. I am not banded, just going through many months of research. I am self pay like many of you and am looking at going with a WLS center in Kansas City. My biggest worry is if I have a complication and I have no money to pay for further surgery, what will happen to me. I don't know if my ins. company would cover a complication. Def. will not cover WLS. Anyway just wondering if anyone out there has heard of this kind of a scenario. thanks.

hi Iam new at this . I just got approved to see the surgern ,from my primary dr. I all ready saw the nutritionist,and phsy, what happens next?

Does anyone have any advice? I start my liquid diet in 2 days and I get my band on 2/1/08! I am also getting my gall bladder removed at the same time, does anyone have any advice!! Thank-you

Hi there! I am seriously considering LapBand. I am 30 years old with a three-year-old and one-year-old. My BMI is 42. I am 5'3" and weigh 238lbs. I have been heavy my entire life. I have been able to lose about 25lbs on WWs and Atkins but I always gain back. I have never been this heavy. I like to eat and sometimes eat when I am not hungry. So, what's it like? Will I still continue to eat when I am not hungry? I don't even know where to start with all my questions!! I guess I need to just read these forums! LOL! Well, thanks for reading my random babbling or an introduction! Hugs Helga

Hey all! I'm brand new here and wanted to intro myself. My husband and I just participated in a seminar for the Lap Band and have scheduled our consultation for this next week. I'm excited about this as I have tried every diet known with no lasting results. I'm in the D/FW Texas area. Hope to get to know a lot of you here and hope to gain tons of support and knowledge from y'all!

I am a newbie and when I eat I feel gassy, kind of like there is a lot of air that I ate with my food. I also cannot burp even though I feel like I need to. The air feels trapped. There is also alot of rumbling after I eat. Im not sure what this is from. Am I normal?????

Hi my name is Ms.Cleo an of course I am new to this site:biggrin:, I am trying to learn my way around the site so any helpful advice is great! I have been banded almost six months, I'm down 40lbs which is not a lot but its 40lbs gone! I feel really good about my band, each day is a learning experience but I'm very pleased thus far! I pray everyone out there is having a blessed monday!

I am worried that I won't get approved again. I had UHC and my employer had bariatric excluded. So, I had my hubby add me to his insurance (it is Aetna) and a large company. I know they have alot of pre-requisites, but it is better than being excluded completely. I am morbidly obese and I may have comorbidities and also have done weight watchers for 8 months in the last 1 1/2 years. I also tried Quick Weight Loss 2 different times. I am currently seeing a counselor and I am hoping all of this will be taken into consideration. I cannot get a referral from my PCP because he is totally against surgery for weight loss and believes I should just do it myself. HELLO! I have bee…