Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am just starting to research lapband surgery. However I dont know where to start the process. I have checked with my insurance and they will pay 100% after deductable if using certain dr.s and hospital which is fine. What I dont know is if I should start with my primary care dr. first then have him recomend me for the surgery. Do I just make an appointment with the lapband dr. Also could someone tell me just about how long with the process be before the actual surgery is scheduled? From reading some of the threads it seems as if it is going to be months before anything can be done. Also does anyone know if age is a factor. Next week I will be 60. Is that too old f…

Hello All! I am 5'4'', weigh about 195 (give or take a couple of pounds) and have a BMI of 34. Medically, I'm considered obese, but I'm a size 14 and may not look it to most people. I was fairly thin, weighing 135, until my first pregnancy. Got up to 200 lbs and never really lost that much (my son is now almost 8 years-old). I'm considering the Lap-Band surgery, but have heard that it works better with very obese patients. How true is this? Also, I'm sure the doctors should take into consideration that I have high blood pressure (which was NEVER an issue until this past year) and I experience knee and lower back pain. Also, it's uncomfortable for me to walk at a s…

If given the choice, would you have the procedure done with a surgeon who has never done one (but would have a proctor present) and it be free of charge or would you go to a surgeon who has performed thousands and be self pay??? ($8500 in mexico):help:

Hello! I'm Candi from Boston, MA USA. 26 years old and overweight my entire life and thrilled to be finally taking control. I was just recently banded 12/27/07! I was so nervous about the surgery and yet so very relieved when the time finally came to just get it over with! It was so quick I thought surely I had woken before they finished or perhaps I was *gasp* unbandable! Though I am working with a great team of doctors and nutritionist I still have questions about everything...Which surprises me because I considered myself pretty well informed! I hope to meet some great people here to fill in those little gaps where I need extra support. I'm super friendly and l…

Hello everyone!!! I was banded last year on January 18th by Doctor Paul Stanish in Merrillville, Indiana. I have lost about 65 pounds maybe more. I call myself confused because the Doctor tells me one thing, then the lady (nurse) that does all his weighing and measurements tells me to do :confused:another...so i'm so confused, I just end up doing my own thing.:smile:

Hi Everyone! I'm Katie, also from Texas. I've finally made the decision to get lapband surgery. I've been struggling with my weight since I was a kid, and it's time to do something serious. I don't have any complications with my weight as of now, but I have to do something before I do start having them. I've scheduled a consult Jan 29th, with the Bariactric Center of Dallas. If anyone has any feed back on them good/bad/otherwise please let me know. I look forward to getting to know everyone.

I am Jay from SC and I am scheduled for lap band surgery on Jan 30, 2008.:Banane42: My doctor is Dr. Rapp and I want to lose about 125 lbs.:smile:

Hello from Southern Oklahoma. I was banded on 11-14-07. No problems. Had first fill on 1-3-08. Only 1cc. Still can't feel any restriction but do seem to be eating less. Lost 32lbs. during pre-op and first two weeks post-op but have not lost any since. Looking forward to more fills.

:smile: hi all, can anyone help me, i live in north west England i am trying to find aftercare and fills seperate from the place i am having my lap-band fitted thanks Liz :myscared:li33ymint@hotmail.co.uk

Hello all, I'm just wondering if most people are having outpatient surgery or inpatient? Are most people home within 24 hours or is an overnight stay usually required? Thanks, Chaos :welldoneclap:

Hello, all. I hope I'm posting this right. I'm looking into having the lapband surgery done after the first of the year. I'm an insulin-dependent diabetic, have had 10 stents put in over the past two years and need to lose at least 60 pounds. I'm just in the "gaining information" stage. Cathy in Texas

:redface:I started my journey towards bariatric surgery the end of November 2007. I'm being worked up by James Harris, MD in Wilmington, NC. This past Friday I finished up all my preop requirements and I'm waiting now for my second appt with the surgeon...I'm somewhat undecided between which procedure that I want to have. This particular MD have done over 300 gastric bypass procedures (with a high success rate) and just started doing the lap bands. I'm curious to know if anyone out there has heard of this surgeon or been banded by him.

Hi everyone. I am from S.C. I was banded May the 5th of 07.. Can't believe it has been this long.. I have lost about 60 pounds. I haven't lost any in about last three months. I had been having trouble with stomach or what I thought was band, did doc took a look in stomach and said band was fine. I can't seem to get my band in the sweet spot.. If i get just a little to tight I hurt really bad when i eat. hurt high up.. feels it gets stuck right at bottom of thoart.. so i'm still playing around with it.. If anyone has had this before pleasae help... thanks a lot you all..

I just got my date - July 12! I'm full of anticipation and trepedation, but full speed ahead, ya know? I've been reading and don't know what the term "PB" means. Can someone enlighten me? Thanks! I've learned so much from everyone here.

My Doctor Was Dr. Barker In Dallas, although he is the best I Did Not Like The Hospital Which Was Mesquite Community. I Have Lost At Least 100 Lbs, but I Am Due For A Fill With Dr. Maese which i do about once a year.

I had surgery Dec. 31, 2007 with Dr. Ferrara in Ft. Worth. Surgery went will. Recovery was slow. The gas they pump into you is the worst. I have lost 14 pounds so far an will have my first fill on Jan. 21st. What should I expect when getting a fill?

My name is samantha and I just started the process . I am somewhat lost my pcp did not explain much of the process to get aproved by the insurance company or what I needed to have done so far I have figured it out by my self (so far so good)! I already went to the seminar ,I have a consultation feb. 7 2008 I am very excited but I dont know what to expect so I came here and this is a wonderful site alot of info . my lap band doctor is Dr. coirin in modesto ca

Just signing in for the 1st time. I was banded August 14, 2007 in Richmond VA, Dr. Bautista was my dr and my surgery was his 2nd robotic attempt. So far I've lost 48 lbs. Meeting more challenges now.

Hello my name is Heather. I live here in Wrentham Ma. Tuesday I am going to Tufts NewEngland Medical Center to start my 5 week program. I am looking into the lapband. I have been up and down with my weight for years. I have been on every diet known to man. If anyone can give me any advise about how this 5 week program works? I would really appreciate anything. Thank you so much Heather

I went to a seminar recently. I am so excited about getting the procedure done. I have alot of work to do now but in reading everybody elses replies, I am confident that everything will be OK. I am from Apharetta Georgia and I am using Atlanta Bariatrics, Dr. Hartand Dr. Johnson. Is anyone from this area of GA and did anyone use Atlanta Bariatrics?

Hi, I am new to this also. I would like to talk to anyone that knows the in's and out's about the procedure and anything really. hope to hear from someone soon. I have just started to read this forum.

Hi everyone! I'm just getting started in my journey to get the lap band. I am going for a seminar next week and hope the get the ball rolling after that. I've thought about doing this for years, and really thought I'd do it last year. However, I decided to do what I could on my own with diet and exercise. All that got me was loosing 20 lbs. and then gaining it back, with 20 lbs. more. YIKES! At 262 lbs., I'm at the highest I've ever weighed in my life and that scares the crap out of me. I don't have any health problems yet, but I know it is a matter of time. It hit me hard how far things have come when my family and I were in Disney World this November and my kn…

Hi,:typing: Just thought I'd intro myself. Banded on 26th of Jan. Weighed 116 kilos. 256 lb. (Gosh, this talk of pounds is very confusing for me!) Have lost some weight, about 10lb and was really happy with the results - but a bit disappointed that it really doesn't seem as much as much as some of the guys on here,who got banded at around the same time! :pout: Also, had a really rubbish time of it. Before op, thought it would be a quick in and out - back to life in 2 days - job. But I really went through a LOT of pain. Yesterday was the first day I had some semblance of normalness. The tummy incisions were excruciating and the gas and chest pain has only just gone …

Started the process over a year ago and was rejected by PC insurance once. Appealed the decision and finally six months ago got the ball rolling. Will have psych eval next week and then back to PC for approval. If all goes well surgery should be in March. Wish me luck.

The doctors office called me today. Apparently I am not "overweight enough" I mean sheesh come on. I am 5'7 and 230 pounds!! They said I have no health conditions so no way. That sucks. I am soooo bummed! Do you think I should try some other doctor? I mean come on I wear a size 20 that is not overweight enough??? I am really really sad about this. Need help what do I do now? Thanks In Advance Tina

Hi, I started going through the six months process in November for my insurance to approve and I am anticipating surgery in May. I am excited by all the support I see here. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can before the surgery. :smile:

This is my first visit here, I had my band done 3/07, in Odessa Tx, by Dr Davenport-I love him!!! :smile: I have lost 85lbs.

K I would first like to say to the doctors..."Who in their right mind keeps track of all their diets they have tried in their teens and young adulthood???":mad: Went to the seminar today and now I'm sitting here racking my brain on my desk trying to figure out all the diets I have ever tried in my life.:redface: I'm actually starting to get a headache from thinking :smile: I have tried so many diets I cant hardly remember them all but they said put down as many as you can, it will help get approved. I am also looking over all the stuff that they look for in the psych eval and my head is just spinning!!! Someone help please!!! :myscared:

Hello! I'm a newbie here and I am so confused! :smile: I've been researching the WLS options and there are pros and cons to all of them and I just don't know what to think. It seems that with the complications possible, that is easier to just be as I am now...uncut and unbanded (tho I know I can't go it alone in this battle). The lap band has its problems such as food blockage, band erosion, band slippage, reflux, gall stones... eeeeeeeeeeeek! :redface: The RNY has its problems too such as infection, staple rupture and non healing, dumping, gall stones...eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!:wink: Banding was my fave because its less invasive to the body, easier to recover from, …

My name is Pat and I was banded Nov 15, 2006 by Dr Bhoyrul in San Diego. I lost 40 lbs pre-op during the 6 months previous on a medically supervised diet which showed I was able to change my habits. Then since banding I have lost another 60 lbs. I feel great. And now it is no longer an all consuming STRUGGLE to keep the weight down.

I am curious. I know I have an eating addiction (don't we all). I have my first consultation next week for the band. My question is: Do you still want to consume more food even though your pouch is full? I can be an emotional eater. Do you feel like consuming food and then get frustrated with your body saying no, or do you feel as though you don't want food anymore? I am getting mixed messages from other people's threads. Some say they don't even want the food they're cooking and others seem to struggle with stopping. Any input on this? :help:

... Banded 12/11/07, 20 pounds lost! I found this site today and wish I had found it sooner! So many great suggestions and ideas. Looking forward to getting to know you! Jen

hi there! i've been reading posts on this site for weeks now. finally decided to start participating. i'm from delaware. i've attended one WLS seminar at a local surgery center. i've been reading lots of books on the lap band. this week, i sent in a huge packet of paperwork to the surgery center so they can evaluate it and see if they'll make an appointment for a consult. right now, my insurance probably won't cover a lap band so i'm saving up to be self-pay. my goal is for surgery in june. looking forward to talking with the bandsters on this site! cheers!

:tongue: Hi all, I'm michelle and I am waiting on a date for surgery.. I have posted some stuff already. all the info I have been reading is very helpful and i'M GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT. i'll be lurking around learning and making small steps to improve my life. I have a great supportive husband and a work place that supports me in my new changes to come. I work in the dental field.; I restore teeth all day. talk about yuck sometimes.. lol any way.. BMI 39.5 height 5'2 weight 216 goal 120-130 ish..? not really set one yet, I guess I have to talk to the DR to find out what he wants me to shoot for Goal wise.. talk to you all soon. M.:wink:

HI All I am new to this area, after I have been doing some reseach into Lap band. I have a appointment booked on 7th march to see Dr Keiarth in perth. It seems to long to wait. I need to know if any one can give more info on the surgery. How long will I be off work for, I do property management and only really sit at a desk all day and some driving around. Also how many times will the band need to be filled before it starts working. Also does it hurts when it gets filled up? Any help would be great. thanks JO

i joined because i needed to be with a support group of people who knew what i was going through. I am 46 i had surgery March 10, 2006 i was 308 lbs. and my body mass index was over 50. i had borderline highblood pressure, joint hip, ankle, back issues. i was a smoker also. I am now 236 lbs. my goal is 170 my doctor Dr. Marina Kurian of NYU medical center, formerly of Lenox Hill in NYC where i had the surgery done. no regrets sincerely hope i can meet people who are supportive and be supportive to others. i've had problems with junk food and finding the right fill but all in all i've been working out at home at first now at crunch fitness thanks for reading. can see a …

Hello, all. I'm new to this forum and just beginning to take steps toward actually being banded. I have researched the lap band process for years. Next week I'm attending a seminar and am very much looking forward to hearing all the details. I still need to check with my insurance carrier to see if they cover the procedure. I'm a little afraid to check, in case they don't. But, I want to do this so bad. I need to do this, in fact. I'm 46, 330 lbs at 5' 6" (there I said it!) I am so tired of being so tired. Like everyone here, I'm sure, I've tried every diet out there... have suceeded and failed more times then I can count. I'm so ready to get control of my…

Hello, Newbie here. I've been to a seminar, nutritionist, & evaluation. Now just waiting for approval. BCBS requires 6mo supervised diet but my bariatric coordinator thinks do to my previous weight loss attempts that are documented in my medical history I may not need to wait that long. We'll see. I'm getting kind of nervous. This is such a big step. I know how to lose weight. I've lost 50, 60, 70 lbs before. Many diets. I just can't keep it off. Are there many people around the forum who have had their lap bands long-term? More than a couple of years?

Hi My Name Is Elaine On Th E24th Nov 07 I Had Lap Band Surgery So Far I Have Lost Nearly 4 Stone And Doing Well. On Thursday I Had My First Band Fill I Not Hungry Between Meals AnyMORE, I Believe It Is Trial With Food To See What I Can And Can,t Eat. I Would Love To Hear From ANYONE Who Has Had The Same Surgery.

<p>Yippee!! I am home...I had my surgery on Tuesday in Monterrey, Mexico in the most beautiful and clean hospital I have ever seen. Marble floors/walls. Hardwood floors in every room and a private room with a sofa so my husband could stay with me...this and the hotel were included in the cost of my surgery...(9500.00) self pay</p> <p>My husband and I took the luxury bus to Monterrey on Sunday since we only live 45 minutes from the border of Matamoros.</p> <p>I made a friend the very first day...Carlie from Ok. Instant bond! She's my lapband BFF.</p> <p>I had all my pre-op testing on Monday am, met with all of the surgeons (who wer…

Hello everyone, my name is Jessica, I was banded on Friday 1/4/08 by Dr. Frank Felts in Richardson, TX. Does anyone have any advice?:clap2:

Hi everyone. I am interested in getting the lap band surgery, and just recently started researching the whole procedure. I am not sure what all to ask, so I have just been reviewing over what all the members here have said so far. Anything anyone wants to share about the surgery, or their results, I would appreciate. Thanks. :wink:

Hi! I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and i dont know whether to use lap band to alleviate my sleep apnea or to use UPPP or Radiodophrem (OSA surgery) to deal with the sleep apnea. My sleep doctor is saying that since i have severe sleep apnea there is a chance that even with the lap band it wouldnt help with my apnea. What do i do should i try the OSA surgery 1st or the lap band first:help::help:

Hi, I started my process in May of '07, and found LBT shortly after. Great information from you all. I have been planning on doing a self pay, a lot of money but sooo worth it when good health returns!! Then I read a post from Weedwoman who's surgery is being paid for my Medicare.:omg: I'm 7 months from Medicare, so I'm going to find out the facts and possibly save $17,000.:whoo: I'm going thru University Hospital Systems in Chardon Ohio which is a "center of excellence" as required by medicare, so we will see. I'm excited about the lap-band. I was too worried about the RNY to consider it. But the lap-band sounds so much safer, it's like an answer to a prayer. I'm …

Hi, my name is Sonya. I am doing research on this surgery. I am also researching stomach stapling. I am exploring this surgery because I have health risks associated with being obese. I am looking for a doctor in the MD/DC area who performs either of these surgeries. Any information shared will be appreciated. Sonya

hi I have been banded for 4 1/2 months now IM SO GLAD I DID IT!

Hi everyone my name is Heidi, I am 48 years old 5'5" and weigh 249. I am thinking about the lapband and wanted some info. A few years ago i thought about gastric bypass but now it seems that everyone I know who has had it has gained a lot of their weight back. To me thats not worth it. I would like to lose 100 + pounds and lapband seems like a good option. I would like to know about the long term situations of people who have had lap band. I am an active person who has no energy lately, I think I have sleep apnea, my joints hurt, and I know I coud be way more productive if Ijust lost some weight... . Is there anybody out there who can offer some advice both p…

Hi All, I will be banded on August 20th. I am looking forward to the proceedure. My doctor is Dr. Forgione in Burlington, Vermont. I am on the CIGNA health plan. (which has not been the best of support). I am married with three sons 24, 19, and 14. I graduated from college this past Dec, with a degree in elementary education. I am 47 years and will beginning my first full time teaching job the week of my surgery. How will I do it? One step at a time. I will sign my teacher's contract today and inform them of my pending surgery. Thanks for having me on board. I am sure I will be asking questions along the way. new2tch

Hello All! I am new to this site and I am looking into getting lapband surgery. I thought I would join a forum to find out more information from different people and take in their thoughts on this type of surgery. So what are your thoughts? Are you glad you had the surgery? Are you sorry? What should a newbie know before getting into this? Any feedback would be great! Thanks, Chaos

Hi everyone! My name is Kris and I live near Cleveland, Ohio. I'm 36 years old, single with no kids. I'm still in the research phase and haven't made any decisions yet. I have a seminar to attend next week and the week after I'm meeting with my general physician to talk about all my options before I go to my first consultation. Growing up I was always the skinny kid in the neighborhood. I was a size 6 until my early 20's. Since then I've steadily gained weight. I've tried every diet out there. Some worked, some didn't. I lost weight only to gain it back plus more. I've done Weight Watchers which is really the only thing that actually worked but once I stopped …