Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi all, I'm new to this board having originally been on the OH board presurgery. Now am looking to make new friends with others like me that are already banded and who can help me by sharing their own experiences with their bands, the good and the bad. Looking forward to meeting you! Laurel

Hello, well tomorrow is the seminar and I'm at work trying to think up things to ask, but I guess the nerves are destroying brain cells. I cant seem to think...I only got 3 questions written down... 1. In your experience have patients that have PCOS and pre-diabetic find it still extremely difficult to lose weight w/ the band? 2. How many patients have had problems w/ band and have to have it removed? 3. How many bands have you done? They sound TOTALLY LAME dont they?? I know there is tons of stuff I want to know and ask, but for the life of me I cant think of them...damn it!!! LOL Please help me!!!

No one in my life is supportive of me going to Mexico for the lap band. My insurance doesn't cover it so I can't afford it in the states. I feel so alone.

I'm so excited. I hit my first goal of 25 pounds! YEAH! :smile::tongue::smile::smile::smile:

I just wanted to drop a quick line of introduction. I'm actually glad I found this website along with obesityhelp.com My name is Erin, I'm 24 yrs old and I live in East Lansing, MI. I was banded on 08/14/06 and have not regretted my decision. My previous surgeon was Dr. Zoe Deol of Sterling Heights and after obtaining a new job I needed to find a new surgeon....forewarn to those who are close to the Owosso area and are also in the same boat as me that dr. nathan tomita is not worth your time to go and see, as he treated me like I was 5 years old in the office and I needed my mother to be in the room with me! I am now going to dr. paul kemmeter and he's wonderful! I…

I sent in my paperwork on 1/3/08 and was approved 1/10/08 with United Heath Care. I have fought with Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL for the last two years. They are so hard to deal with. When I finaly was approved by them on 12/15/07 and my insurance was changing on 1/1/08. Neadless to say I could not get sceduled that quick so I had to resubmit. Well I am approved now.

Let me start by stating, I never would have come to the decision of banding if it hadn't been for this wonderful website and all the wonderful stories everyone has shared. I was originally cleared for gastric bypass but decided I owed it to myself to try dieting one more time before permanently altering my body. Thank goodness, that is when I stumbled on this site. I am excited and dumbfounded that I actually was banded January 9, 2008 by Dr. Ervin Denham...so surreal! :eek:

I was banded today. This morning at approximately 10:30 and it's 11 p.m. central time and I feel great! I was in some discomfort when I got home but I kept drinking Water, took liquid Extra Strength Tylenol, napped and then walked around for a bit around the house. I've been moving around quite well all evening. I took the prescribed liquid pain medication around 8 p.m. (my husband had to get it filled today) but it didn't make me groggy. It just took the edge off. I was worried about getting constipated from taking it but I figure I'm only on Clear liquids today. How constipated can I get with so much liquid?! LOL! Just wanted to send out a shout out to those of y…

Hi All, just had my consultation and I'm looking at mid feb with Dr Macik. I'm looking for an excercise partner and email bud that is at the same place in the journey as me. I'm about 40 ish no kids 5-9 302 top weight and 270 ish now...already on the work out bandwagon at the Alpharetta YMCA. Very impatient waiting on insurance to respond...

Well, my financing is looking great!! Doc said I do not have to go to a seminar since I have already went to one and I have gone through this with my Mother. So I already know what the band is all about. So, I have my consultation on Wednesday the 16th. I can not believe this is going to actually happen! I have been reading all of the forums and looking at your before and after pics all week. You all look so beautiful!! Both in the BEFORE and the after pics. It is so inspiring to see how well you are all doing. I don't think there is anything that is going to stop me now. My financing was the only thing I was concerned about. Now that that has been resolved it is just …

Have been reading the different posts on site for awhile. I am having my surgery on Tues. Jan. 15th. Dr. John Pilcher in San Antonio is doing surgery. I am so nervous, really big decision. But see other people and hearing their stories is really helping. I am sure I will be asking some questions soon.

Hi All, I am so glad to have found this site! I am scheduled for surgery on 1/16 and I am more than a little nervous about it. I have never had any kind of surgery at all and I really do not know what to expect. One thing I really want to know is why do so many people try to scare the life out of you once you tell them about this? It seems I have heard more horror stories about "routine surgeries" gone wrong in the last few weeks than ever before. Not to mention those who constantly tell you of others who are failing in their weight loss Quest. So, if you have some positive advice and/or encouragement I could really use that about now. Thanks -vko

I'm officially going to my seminar tomorrow. I'm so anxious and I just want to get this done. I'm relieved to see that alot of people have not had to many problems getting approved and for the most part not to many people have to wait months and months for the surgery. I've been researching and thinking about this for about a year and my parents are giving me the money for the program, ever since then I've been on this non stop search for as much information as possible. Reading these threads have been extreamly helpful and helped me to confirm that this is the best decision I can make for myself I'm 26 and have struggled with my weight since I was 12. Its caused me alo…

:help:<p>Being banded March 4, 2008 by Dr. Murr at Tampa General Hospital. I am on dialysis 4X week. Was wondering if there are any other dialysis patients out there who have been banded and how they are doing. Looking forward to hearing from any of you who have done this.<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Hi all~ I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana on November 2, 2007. It has been slow going but I got my third fill yesterday and think I may finally be at the right restriction and am ready to get this train rolling! I have been having a hard time finding a support group in Los Angeles or north Orange County. Most the groups are formed by specific physicians and are exclusive to the patients of that particular doctor. I'd love to meet and gather with other bandsters in the Los Angeles area to share our experience, strength and hope. Is anyone out there???? XO Joni:whoo:

I have been researching this procedure for at least two years, and in August 2007 began the process to see if my insurance would pay for the procedure, after complying with all of the insurance requirements along with an appeal, they finally approved me the week before Christmas - Yea, I think? I have not actually met with the surgeon yet, Dr. John J. Gonzales in San Antonio, but I meet with him next week. I was just curious if anyone has used him and would appreciate their opinion; he is with aigb. I am apprehensive, as it appears that many are, and I have been lurking on this site for a couple of months reticent to post, now I'm thinking I need all of the allies and …

I have a friend that had the lap band done January 2006 in Pocatello, Idaho. Since then she said that Idaho does not have anyone to give fills. I need to know if this is correct. Can you tell me the names and towns of Lap Band Doctor's in Idaho? Thanks:help:

Okay so I had my surgery December the 21st 2007. I know I know right before Christmas!! But that's a totally different story!! I did okay...I was allergic to my pain pills so I had to go cold turkey on pain but I believe that it was for the best. I had my first check up last thursday and I have lost 21 lbs and I have already came of my blood pressure pills!! What a relief that was. If anything about my life was worrysome it was those blasted blood pressure pills at 19. My friends were always so nervous and worried about me and that wasn't a great feeling. Don't get me wrong it showed that they cared but I felt like a burden on them. But the not eating much thing has been …

Hi all! I'm a mom of 3 and weigh 251 pounds (5'7"). I keep telling myself I don't need surgery, but I never do it on my own. I know LapBand is safer than gastric, but how much safer? I'm terrified of dying. What's the mortality rate? I heard gastric was 1/100 deaths. That's TOO high! I work from home as a writer, so this isn't going to be a problem and I *think* insurance will cover it. My problem is just never being full. I eat large portions and STILL feel hungry. Also, I hope to find a doctor in Arlington, Texas (or Ft. Worth even) so if anyone knows of a recommendation, I'd appreciate it. I'm nervous. No health issues YET, aside from having gallbladder rem…

Just thought I would formally introduce myself now that I have a tentative date scheduled for my surgery! I will hopefully be banded on January 28th and I am very excited yet anxious. I am going to Dr. Freeman in Anniston, Alabama. Hello! *waves*

i have been to the meeting and got everything required for the surgery....have been sitting on it for 2 months now and haven't sent it in. i am so scared....i have kids, is it worth the risk.....i just cant seem to bring myself to send the papers, fear of rejection and the unknown i guess. any advice? thanks

I was banded on August 31, 200, by Dr. Fielding at NYU Medical Center in New York City. At the present time I have lost 62 lbs. I have been at a point for the last 2 weeks where I haven't lost any weight, even thought I am tight enough that I can't swallow solid foods (Fish) I am due for an adjustment next week. Any thoughts??

I had it done on 10/27/07 and have lost 30 lbs so far. It was hard since my 50th Birthday was on 11/14 and I still could not eat solid food, and then there was Thanks Given - I still have hard days when I would like to eat what I call comfort foods!

Hello everyone, I've enjoyed reading your posts so much, I figured I better introduce myself. (I've been lurking!). I am 30 yrs old, I live just outside Charlotte, NC. I've been overweight pretty much since I hit puberty. I was finally dx. with PCOS and hypothyroid in 2004. I'm taking metformin and levoxyl but I still can't get this darn weight off! I lost 30 lbs 2 years ago and it slowly came back on. I am pretty much at my highest now (255 give or take lol). I have a BMI of 45 or so. I also am dealing with high BP which I also take medication for. My main goal is to get healthy. I also am striving to be able to get pregnant which we have struggled with for about 6 yea…

Hello all! My name is Nikki and I currently live in Grovetown, GA (an area west of Augusta, GA). I had my first meeting with my surgeon yesterday. My journey has begun! I spent most of the evening filling out paperwork and discussing things with my husband but overall, I'm excited to be moving forward. Starting weight: 252 Surgery date: ?? Goal weight: 125-150

hey been a guest on this site for about a month and finally took the plung and went to my consultation with my doc after going to his talk with bout 30 others being the youngest there, thru me off and made me highly embarresed, a month later im booked in for feb 1st and very scared i wont wake up, being 24 yr old surrounded by ppl passing away from me 2 of them cause of being over weight. im 125kg today and put on 20 kg during preg and 10 kg after having him.. 30 kg is alot taking me from siz 16 to 22 im depressed n withdrawn n cranky to many will this change? readin al ur post and seein b4 n after pics im inspired by u all and ur the reason im going ahead... hope to…

you have questions, we have answers ... There is a thread for Lap-Band Surgery FAQs and References located HERE. TONS of great info. There are lots of questions/answers here too... topics covered: what is a PB? what does DH mean? what do you suggest I buy before surgery? I have a consult tomorrow, what do I need to ask the doctor? how do I get a ticker? what is a fill? I had surgery 3 days ago and am very hungry, can I eat _____ (anything other than liquids)? (short answer - not unless your doctor said you could - more than likely not) welcome to LBT!

Hi, My best friend is having lap band in the next month. I am very excited for her and support her decision. Mainly for her health and to be healthy for her family & me of course...haha to live for a long time. I never gave it any thought but recently I have been noticing stories where people who have surgery lose their friends. My best friend also has fear of losing weight changing her. Now I am terrified to lose her, I would be devestated.... it has taken so long to find that special friendship. I love her so much. I wanted to know if anyone has had similiar fears or advice to help me through her transition. Please be honest. Thank you so much for your time!!!

I had lap banding in Western Austraila in Sept 2004 so three years four months. I have lost 46.5kg quite slow but it is staying off thank God! I have 14kg more to go hope to reach gaol wieght in 2008. I have ten ml of saline fill in my band and this was inserted 1/2ml a month over a year, it is quite tight but it works for me. I can eat most things just not bread thats no real problem, and I do have some bad days. I have not thrown up for a very long time now. I seem to have gotten used to what I can eat and what I can. :clap2:

Hey! I'm looking forward to making new "band buddies"! I was recently banded on December 11th in Christiansburg, Virginia. My doctor, Charles Bissell, as well as his staff, are wonderful, to say the least! I have lots of questions and would love to chat with newly banded people as well! I look forward to exchanging questions and stories! God bless everyone!

Hey all, I am new here, getting lapband done in Mexico possibly next month. I admit I am a little nervous, about having this done. I have decided to go with a Medical Tourism company who has so far been absolutely wonderful. If anyone else is thinking about doing this from my area, please message me! Laurie:kiss2:

i had my paperwork submitted on wed to insurance and i can't wait to call tomorrow to see how it's going....i hate this waiting game!! how did u guys deal with it? any suggestions before i go insane??!! thanks

HELLO I WAS BANDED ON 12-19-07 AND I AM FEELING GREAT MY ENERGY LEVEL IS GREAT! MY DOC SAID THAT MY HEALING TIME WOULD BE VERY COMPAIRABLE TO WHEN I HAD MY TUBES TIED "BS" I WOULD SAY IT TOOK MORE THAN DOUBLE THE DAYS TO FEEL GREAT! I AM BEGGING TO GET HUNGRIER SO I TRY TO EAT WHAT I AM ALOUD TO JUST MORE OF IT AND MORE OFTEN! I WAS A SELF-PAY AND HOPE THAT I WILL NOT REGRET IT! I LOVE TO EXERCISE AND AM LOOKING VERY FORWARD TO GETTING BACK INTO MY WORKOUT ROUTINE! GOOD LUCK TO THOSE ON THE WAITING LIST! NICKY:p

I was so afraid to discuss the lap-band with my MD. He's been opposed to any talk of WLS in the past. I was all ready with the informational packet I had reciev ed at the Lapband seminar plus all I have learned through my research on line. I was shocked when he did not say "no". I went to the seminar in NYC at NYU in October. I met with the psychologist in November. When I met with the psych, he had some concerns about my very disorganized eating patterns. He wanted me to do more research and attend the post surgical group they offer at NYU. I did all he has asked, and I have started a food journal which really did help structure my eating. I was not even aware of how I…

I need a pick me up. I am very nervous. I am been having alot of pain in my legs, knees and ankles. My doctor has spoke to me about the Lapband. I am nervous in regards to the insurance denying it. My BMI is only 35, but I am on the verge of becoming a diabetic and have a irregular heart beat. Let's not forget shortness of breath and swelling of legs and ankels. My appoitment is tomorrow with the surgeon. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I don't want to be turned down. My doctor and the stomach doctor said I had a good chance. Can anybody give me a little bit more insight.:help:

Hi my name is Sherri...I'm scheduled for the lapband on Thursday January 10th @ 7am. I can't stop thinking about being put to sleep and I am terrified. Can't stop crying everytime I think about it. :cry I went and I had my hormone shot yesterday hoping that will help be not quite so emotional. I have children to raise and any time I've had a surgery in the past it's been Dr's orders, not something I've requested. Any advice on getting past these feelings? Is it normal to be so scared?

I am 12 days post-op and have not needed my CPAP machine since around 4 days out. Anyone else have similar experience? I was so dependent on that machine...I couldn't fall asleep without it. One morning I noticed I had drifted off before putting it on and slept sound. 3 weeks ago this would have been unheard of! I didn't expect relief of sleep apnea to happen so soon. Needless to say, I'm psyched!:whoo:

If it was up to me, I'd be doing it right now. Those of you who went through insurance how long did you have to wait to have it done?

:help: HI ! MY NAME IS JAN.I HAD MY LAP BAND DONE DECEMBER 2004 IN N.Y.C.W/ DR.RENN. I HAD IT LOOSENED COMPLETELY JANUARY 06. MY START WEIGHT WAS 235,BY THE SUMMER OF 05 I WAS ABOUT 205. MY PROBLEM WAS THAT I WAS THROWING UP CONSTANTLY.JUST ABOUT ANYTHING I PUT IN MY MOUTH CAME BACK UP, SO I NEVER REALLY FELT IT WORKED. EVERY TIME I WENT BACK FOR DR.VISITS I WAS ALWAYS GETTING TIGHTENED. THE DR. WOULD ASK IF I WAS HUNGRY IN THE MORNING. MY ANSWER ALWAYS WAS OF COURSE BECAUSE I AM THROWING EVERYTHING UP....I WOULD THEN BE TOLD I NEEDED TO BE TIGHTER.I THINK I HAD ABOUT 3 CC IN BY THE TIME I STOPPED GOING.I EVEN HAD THE BAND CHECKED FOR SLIPPAGE, IT WAS PERFECT. IT IS NOW O…

<p><p>Hi,</p> <p> </p> <p>My best friend is having lap band in the next month. I am so excited for her and support her decision. Mainly for her health and to be around for her family for a very long time. She has really researched both surguries, I am so proud of her. Lately I have noticed stories where people have surgery and end up losing their friends. She also has a fear of changing after losing weight. I would be devestated because I truly value our friendship. I want to know what I can do to transition for her change. Has anyone had any similiar situations or advice?? Please be honest.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank…

I just found this website. I have had the lapband since june 6th, and loving it! I have lost 40 pounds, and feel sooo much better. I have very very dry skin though. I mean my arms, legs, feet, hands, everything is dry.. guess not enough Water. It is just sooo hard to drink a lot of water. Anyone having the same problem? I found the spray Vitamins... has anyone tried them? Vitamist? Lady-Jessica

Hi, I have made a couple posts on this site, but am fairly new to it. I have gone to the first seminar and I am waiting for my insurance to approve me. The hospital where I hope to have my surgery has been doing bariatrics for several years and know what insurance companies expect, so the included a required 6 month supervised diet which include classes, books, a pedometer, nutirionits, and pysch evaluations. They require this class or some form done by your PCP. However, they want you to pay $400 for this class. And if you do it with your pcp they still make you pay the fee because in order to get the paperwork for your PCP you have to go to the first class. Anywa…

Only 5 weeks into my lap band journey, I have already found that 1. I can sleep through the night without struggling for air 2. My clothes fit me better only with 23 pds off 3. My husband is already paying more attention to me 4. I am feeling more confident 5. I can walk further than I could before the band 6. My car seat belt is looser 7. There is less stomach and more waistline appearing 8. I am starting to feel like a thinner person. Let this be an encouragement to all those who have had or thinking about the band. Good luck to you all...

I called insurance today. they said its still pending, but my surgeon's office has my tentative date scheduled for feb 26th! yea! now my nerves are really shot! i can't get the butterflies out! i can't imagine how i will feel with a concrete approval!

My surgery is scheduled for Jan 8 at 11am. That's only 12 hours away! YIKES!

Hi Everyone! I was banded about 3yrs ago in Vancouver BC. What a journey it has been! I've gone from 300lb+ to 160lb & I'm almost at my goal... 150lb! I am going in for a tummy tuck & breast lift which I'm very excited about. I am enjoying reading about other peoples journeys. :clap2:

Hi All, Just a quick note to say Hi!! I had my band put in on the 3rd Jan 2008, so I am still healing!!...

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself! I've been researching lap band for two years now, and I am ready to take the plunge. I have my first info session on January 28th,and I can't wait! I've been a "lurker" on here for quite some time, and am looking forward to joining in on the bandwagon!:kiss2:

:ranger: I have been doing a lot of research on the lap band. I will be attending a manditory seminar on the 23rd of January. The doctor I am going to use requires that all new patients go to a seminar even prior to a consult. Although I have already attended a LB seminar it was not through his office. So...I am looking forward to that. My Mother had her band placed on December 31st. She is one who if something can go wrong it will go wrong with. However, she is doing very well so far. So that is encourageing to me. I am like a mini me of my Mother. I have already begun to have some of the same ailments as her. Some due to weight, some due to age. We both have sleep a…

Hello, I had my proceedure 8 weeks ago this Wednesday, I was recovering very nicely with no problems or infections and I was cleared to do anything I wanted to physically but 1 day after Christmas my largest scar starting leaking something. I don't have fever but it's getting worse (leaking more) not better and I'm scheduled to see my doctor tomorrow. Until then I was able to walk the 10k steps daily and ride my stationary bike for 45 minutes x 5 with no porblems whatsoever. Has anybody else experienced this? I have been following all the lapband recovery protocols (food types and consistancies & exercise to the letter. I have lost 56 pounds since November 14th …