Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I've done the seminar, done the labs, done the psych, dietitian, PT and medical. Now I am waiting to hear from the sleep lab for my sleep apnea test. I'm going to Dr. Emma Patterson in Portland, Oregon. I've heard wonderful things about her, even from my own PMD. However, I haven't met her yet because she was sick the day of my seminar. I have no idea how much longer I'll be waiting. I hope it happens soon enough so I don't start getting discouraged! I was told there was approximately 50 people ahead of me. I want to be more fit and healthy. I want to touch my toes and I want to wear a strapless bra, is that asking too much? I've never been good at patience! LOL…

Hello Ladies, I'm stressing over here! I found out that my insurance co-payment costs double next year so it would be really great to have the surgery on the December 28, but I'm not sure if it's going to happen... I talked to the Lap Band Solutions office today and they said they just received my paperwork this afternoon so they'll let me know this week where they are at with the insurance.

I am sitting here with tears in my eyes because I'm reading what everyone else is writing and thinking this could possibly work for me. This is my first step...finding you. I believe my journey is starting today. I feel hope. I've wanted to be thin all my life...but now I have a little boy (7) I can't play with because I can't get down on the floor. I don't know how I could have been so stupid to let this happen to myself. Can someone tell me what I need to do? I have BCBS. How can I find out what the surgery entails, what the procedure is prior to surgery and how long you have to wait to have it done. Is there counseling, etc. Thank you so much for your kind words and …

Hi everyone! I'm from Houston and I just had my first appointment with Lap Band Solutions. If I have the surgery it will be with Dr. Frank Felts. Has anyone had a good or bad experience with him? Please let me know. Thanks! Shoegirl

Hello! I was banded on 11/15/07 in Houston, TX by Dr Richard Collier. Everything as gone good so far. I have only lost about 15 lbs. but people are already saying they are noticing and encouraging me about my weight loss. I have 100 lbs to go! But I'm on my way! I am excited about this and believe I have done the right thing with getting the lap band. I have had some pain with the healing process but not too much. I get my 1st fill on December 17th. I have been reading what other have said about getting fills. I hope I don't have problems with the fills. I don't believe my Dr is very aggresive about the fills. He wants his people to lose slowley. I will be re…

Hey everyone.... I posted a thread with some pre-op questions but wanted to say hello to everyone. I am going to be banded on 12/17. I am very scared! I have two kids and I am sure I will be fine through surgery. I don't want to be a failure. I am having this surgery done, to hopefully send my disease (Psuedo tumor cerebri) into remission and to get all of this weight off. I have a ways to go I have about 180lbs that I would like to lose. I am feeling positive about it though. I have researched the gastric bypass for about 5 years and decided against it. I am partial to the band as it is not as invasive and if I get very ill it can be taken out! I see everyone t…

Hi, everyone. My name is Linda and I've recently decided to go ahead with lap bank surgery. I have an appointment to see a recommended doctor for the first time and plan to have surgery within the first two weeks of January. I've lost and regained significant amounts of weight so many times, and I have a number of weight related health problems that are developing or getting worse. But, I want to ask all the veterans if they would go ahead knowing what they know now. Do you have any regrets? Has it been worth the considerable pain and forced lifestyle changes? I'd love to hear what you think!

This is my first post, though I have been reading the forums for a while now. I am having my first fill tomorrow and I must admit to being a little nervous. Mainly I am nervous as so many others seem to be that it won't work, or they will find something wrong with the surgery. Right now I have absolutley no restriction and have actually gained a few pounds when I was put on mushy foods. My doctor warned me that I might, and not to worry about it. But I am worrying. Did this happen to anyone but me?? Okay, I am looking for the support I really think that I am going to need since I feel that I am just getting started because I have learned more about my surgery from …

My name is Coney. I am going to get lap band. I do not have a date to be banded yet. My parents want it to be as soon as possible, hopefully before 2008. Does it take a long time to get the date set? - we are not going through insurance because I am still pretty young (18 in January). I used to be very thin before my parents sent me to an all girls boarding school at the begining of highschool where they fed us large amounts of weight gainer, fattening foods, and did not allow us excercise. I gained 70 pounds while I was there. I went from weighing 140 (a little chubby) to 210 pounds! I was released from the schol but have found it nearly impossible to lose the weigh…

Hi! I have finally decided that the lap band is the best way to go for me. I have struggled with the weight issue since my 2 daughters were born. Now is the time in my life to think about my health in the long run. My first consultation is set for December 14th. I'm kinda concerned that they will turn me down for surgery because my BMI is 39.1 They told me that they usually don't consider a person a good candidate unless they have a BMI of 40 or above. I guess time will tell!

My name is Linda and im going to start my story here. I am 37 years old and i have been overweight my entire life except a few short teenage years. I am the mother of two terrific kids and the wife of a wonderful man for 19 years now. 18 years ago my son was born and with him came an additional 90 pounds..i struggled for years to lose the weight and then when i was 29 years old i quit smoking and there came another 30 pounds. Just recently i was reflecting on my son's 18th birthday when i came to realize that i have been dieting and trying to lose this extra 120 pounds for EIGHTEEN years now......and so that is what brought me here. In the past i have tried Weight Watc…

Hi all! I live in MN. My surgery date is Dec 20. I am excited, nervous, excited! LOL! I will have 2 weeks (winter break) off from my job as a TA after surgery, so I think I made good planning choices. My dr doesn't require preop liquid diet, but I am going to do so at least a wwek prior, I think it will make my bowel cleansing I need to do the day before easier (laxitives, liquids only day before preop). Have been reading alot & am looking forward to my new life!

I am scheduled Feb 7th to have lap band. My son is not real happy with my decision and I am not 100% confident my husband is ok with this. Now i am wondering if I should cancel my appt. Any advice?

I have been waiting for over a year and I will finally be banded on December 19th!!! OMG! I am scared, happy, worried, freaking, and having every other possible emotion!!! I can wait to join everyone in the banded world. :whoo::banana:banplease::cheer2::Banane20:

Hi everyone! Long time lurker here. I can't begin to tell you how much help everyone's posts have been! I actually did my homework and found the right procedure and doctor for me. My insurance is approved and my pre-op is Wednesday. Chubby all my life and well, fat for the last 10 years, it's time to do this. I'm a professional voice over artist and while it's a great job, it requires very little movement so it's really helped me gain. I'm not a big junk food junkie, but I love to have a lot of whatever I'm eating so the lap-band seems right up my alley. With the help of all of your posts, I've already done some shopping to stock up on tea and Crystal Lite Can't …

How long does the process take from 1st vist to banding? I have insurance that will pay for the surgery :clap2:, but it doesn't become effective until 12/24/07, so I won't be able to truly start my journey until then. :cry Do I have to go see my regular Dr. first or can I go straight to my surgeon? Maybe that is something to ask my insurance company....lol. I would like to be able to plan a little. Thanks.

Hello! I will be banded in Kansas City the first week of February. I'm excited and a little nervous. I'm going to try to watch what I'm eating this next 6 weeks or so, so that I'm not in food shock come surgery day. Is this a good idea? I've been on a free for all for about a month now because I knew I'd be having the surgery. I feel gross for eating junk like it was going out of style. Is this a good plan for pre surgery?

Hi everyone! my name is charnie, i'm 49 years old mother of six and grandmother of six. just got back to little rock ar. from dallas where i met with the lbs people in richardson tx and got approved for dr. benevides to band me 12/19.....am soooo excited and nervous! anyone else being banded at that time? my goal is to lose 80lb and get back to the cutie i used to be (and still am inside). i really look forward to starting 2008 with being able to FINALLY be successful at weight loss-it has been so long --20 years! it is so encouraging to read so many positive comments by the people that post here.....:nervous

Hi, I am new here and I am very seriously considering the lap band. I do have some concerns and wanted to ask you all about them in hopes that someone would be able to answer them. Here are some concerns : 1. Lap Band could slip & cut off blood supply to parts of the digestive system. 2. Could be placed incorrectly & cause the same problems. 3. Peritonitis (sp?) from surgery itself. 4. Lap Ban could burst or break & cause damage to inferior Vena Cava or Aorta, causing severe blood loss with little or no warning. Ok, those are my husband’s concerns Here are mine : 1. Lap band leaking 2. If the band it filled to tight and you start having pains, do you…

I am scheduled for my surgery on January 22nd. :whoo:I'm so excited, but nervous too. I don't know ANYONE who has had lap band, only bypass. I really don't know what to expect. I am glad I found this site.

My name is Sherry and I just found this site. I live in New Jersey. My surgery is next week. I am excited and a little nervous. Does anyone have reccomendations for the liquid diet after surgery? Thanks, Sherry

Hey there folks. Just wanted to announce my new band -- in Wed 12/5/07. The surgery was easy as all get out, not a problem (I was scared ta death about that). Only the port is causing any pain at all, and thats not that bad. I love this forum, I have learned so much and it definitely informed me as for my decision to do it. Here's to losing this weight and starting my new life!!!:heh:

I found this great site this weekend. Not banded yet. A coworker & I have decided to go through this together. We meet w/Dr. Michel Stephan in Mesquite, TX on Weds. (6/13). If you have any exp w/this surgeon, plz respond. Many thanks!

Hi Everyone! My name is Shandra and I just found this forum last night. I am an IT Technician and I live in Texas, like my ID suggests. I'm anxious to get on w/ the surgery, but would LOVE for insurance to pay for it! I'll post my situation in the insurance forum to get more answers. It's really helped me so far b/c I'm very frustrated and unhappy with the whole process. Thanks for havin' me! Shandra TX_IT_Chick

Hi everyone ! I have been reading post here for months, and decided it is time to get to know you guys. Anyone here in MS around Southaven or Olive Branch ? I have Aetna PPO and have already completed the 6mo diet and all the doctors visits. My doc has sent off the paperwork for "APPROVAL" cross your fingers for me ! Melissa

Hi! I've had my band for a year (today!), but just recently found this forum. I would get the band again in a heartbeat, but have had a couple of complications and am looking to learn more about others' experiences. Looking forward to getting to know you all! Jeanne

Hi there! I am new to this site. I didn't know anything about it until I stumbled upon it. It is awesome! A real wealth of advice and information. I am from Texas. I am going to be banded on 12/20. I'm sure I'll have all kinds of questions, so please be patient! Thanks! :eyebrows:

Hi everyone. I'm not new to LapBandTalk but I've been away for a very long time. Since being banded I've lost 60 pounds and am still another 75 away from my goal weight so . . . a long long way to go. I left LBT during one of the unpleasant exchanges that took place and I'm hoping things are better now. I could really use y'alls support right now, my weight loss has stalled and I've actually put on a few pounds - yep, I'm eating around my band. Sigh. I don't need a fill, I'm one of the unlucky ones who get massive swelling with each fill so its very very hard to get any fill and not have to take it right back out. As it is, I get full on a small amount of foo…

Hi..my name is Tracey and I am trying to get the Lap band. I am waiting on one more thing to get insurance approval and I hope it is approved quickly. I am so excited about this life changing event. I know I can do this and this is something I really want. I hope to make some new friends and I am always looking for advice and learning from other's experiences. Look forward to meeting everyone:clap2:

Hi everyone, I've posted a few times and thought maybe an intro would be a good thing. I'm being banded on 12/17, needing to lose 80-90 lbs. I don't have a specific goal number, it's been so long since I've weighed less than 150 that I have no idea where I should be. Please tell me it's normal to be so excited one minute and completely freaking out the next. I couldn't sleep last night, just worried. I've had three c-sections and a diagnostic laparoscopy, and from those general anesthesia twice, so my brain is reasonably assured that I'm not going to DIE in surgery. Unfortunately the rest of me isn't as convinced. I was crying last night thinking that my two yea…

Hello, My surgery date has been set for 2/11/08...seems like forever but i'm sure it'll be here b4 i know. Approval was fairly easy insurance approved in 3 days--haven't had any pre-op testing yet-all scheduled for this month and January--can't wait to start this new adventure !!!!!!! Scared and excited all rolled up in one-:clap2:

Hi, I was just banded on Monday. I am doing great, the port incision and the incision at my sternum are the most sore. Just have "some" bruising. I was just wondering if anyone out there who has just had the surgery has had any "tightening" sensions at the sternum. Don't know what that is, but it is kinda worrying me! Just feels wierd... daynaloo

I was banded on 10/15/2007 and have lost 32 pounds so far. I got my first fill yesterday - 2.3cc's into a 10cc band.

Hello! I'm scheduled for surgery on 12.11.07 with Dr. Eric Pinnar of Synchrony Health in Reston, Virginia. I'm super excited about losing this excess weight and being able to set a good example and be more active with my two young children. The pre-op diet is a little rough - I definitely feel hungry a few times throughout the day, but it's worth it to make sure my surgery goes well and my recovery is as smooth as possible. Kris

Hello all! I have been reading the boards for the past couple of days and I think it is just wonderful how much good information is on here! I am just starting the process - have an appt. with a surgeon next week - and this forum has been really invaluable. I'm hoping that insurance (UHC) will pay for my surgery, as I have a BMI of 35, but also have pre-diabetes, borderline hyper-tension, high cholesterol and reflux. Unfortunately, I am not being treated for any of these things - I've never had a doctor who thought any of that was too big of a deal, I guess. But who knows what the insurance will say - all I know is they told me it would be covered at 100% if I had a…

I already posted in the thread for Feb '08 surgeries but need to introduce myself as well. This may be long, so bear with me. I am 30 years old and at my highest weight ever, which is 302 lbs. I am 5'10" so I am sure some people would be shocked if I told them what I weighed, but I need to lose a person. I have been on diets since I was 8 years old, off and on. I have done everything from Atkins to Weight Watchers. I would always lose some (the most I lost was 30 lbs) then gain it back when I stopped counting fat grams, calories, carbs, et cetera. In high school I was maybe 25-30 pounds overweight but fairly active. After I got married I really started packing on the …

Banded in Overland Park, KS at WLSC by Dr. Nigro. I had a large hiatal hernia that was repaired during the banding procedure. It takes me about 30 minutes to drink a cup of coffee and it is very uncomfortable going down. I assume that I have a lot of swelling because of the hernia and hopefully things will get better. I am a 64 yr. old male with a bmi of 36.

:whoo:Hi! I'm Jen---not quite thin yet, but I'm getting there! I was banded on August 15, 2007 and have lost 71 pounds! It's a MIRACLE!!! I am so excited about my life now. I can actually play with my son. I have about 30 more to reach my doc's goal, but 50 more to reach mine. I'd love to hear from you guys and learn of your experiences! God bless all of you! Jen<><

Hi guys! I've recently come across this forum and it has already proven to be very useful. I have just started the process in hopes of having the lap band procedure. Being so young, I feel as though I'm about to get the life that everyone else has! My doctor has helped me so much and you can tell she's really in it for me! I do have a few questions for everyone... if you don't mind any feedback would be greatly appreciated! ~I've never had any surgery - nothing, nada! I've never even had a broken bone. The most painful thing I've ever had were kidney stones. For those who have been banded... what's the pain like after the surgery. This is the root of all fea…

Hi, I am going for my initial evaluation this week, and am wondering if there is any hope for getting insurance approval. My BMI is about 36, and I have some comorbiditties, but nothing serious. My insurance does coverage the surgery, but only on approval. Anyone out there get insurance coverage in my situation? I'm just thinking I have very little hope of having insurance cover my procedure. And, as I have never been more ready for something in my life, I don't want to wait a great deal of time jumping through hoops only to hit a dead end anyway. I'd rather just seek other ways of paying and get it done now. Any thoughts anyone?

So far my experience has been positive. I have all of the worries about what this is "supposed" to feel like, and afraid I might be missing something because I'm not used to it yet. My main questions are: Is it normal to feel hungry? I am following my post-op diet 100% (I'm now on full-liquids this week), and I do feel hungry. I know I don't have a fill yet, but I was expecting to feel some restriction. How long does the pain around the port site last? Mine is feeling much better, but it's still sore. I think I'm just starting to get used to it. I would love to hear other people's experiences. I know everyone's "normal" is different, but it would be nice to "f…

Hiya everyone! I was SO happy when i found this site! So many other people who i could chat to about lap band surgery! I had my band fitted on Wednesday so as you can imagine i am dying to chat to someone and share stories! Just to let you know more about me, my name is Olivia, i'm 24 from London. I arranged my surgery with Transform and Professor Hakim performed my surgery. I would be happy to hear from anyone who wants to share stories or ask me anything etc... Feel free to contact me! Hope to talk to you soon! Liv x

Is there anyone here from the Bronx or anywhere in the City that had the Band put in?

Just found this forum while home recovering from my surgery. Looks like a great resource. Thanks to all those who put this together.

Hello I was banded in the Dominica Republic. Everything is going well. There have bee a few times I have been hungry. I think the key is to carry your protien shake around with you, so you don't get caught out somewhere and get really hungry. I have started walking 1 hour a day and am feeling fine. Rose

Now that I have luked here for a few months, I think I can start a thread. Things are now moving FAST! Almost at fan alarming speed. My loan came thru (I am privat pay), all my pre pre-op appointments are scheduled for this week (psych eval, PCP and nutritionist). I should be meeting with the surgeon next week for the actual pre-op appt. With things moving this quickly and smoothly, I hope to be banded in mid to late January. YEE HAH!! I wanted to meet with the nutrionist early. I want to get aquainted with a new approch to food. My hubby is on board with all of it but I am not sure if he REALLY knows how much this is going to change the way I look at food. The new m…

I've already had my surgery as of 11/27/07. I'm having my one week aniversary. Yea!! My wife will also be having the lap band surgery in about a week and a half. Life is good right now. So far, things have been fairly easy.:whoo:

I will be starting weight watchers as my "medically supervised diet" for BCBS of Alabama. I will go to my first meeting on Dec 6 and continue for the next 6 months! I went to my regular doctor today to make sure she can and will do the "supervision" of the diet and she said yes. I am glad b/c I really love her-she is a great doctor and a wonderful person! Anyhow I have my first consultation with my lap band doctor on Jan 16. My sister is going to-we work at the same place, we attended the seminar together as well. We are doing this journey together. I am very excited and just anxious for July to arrive!! Today I weighed in at 348 and my BMI is 57. I would like to get down…

I have been reading the post for months waiting for my approval and surgery date. I am so excited that I will starting 2008 with the lapband. This is my first post so hopefully I am doing it right. A little about myself I am married and have a very supportive husband and one daughter. I have been overweight since puberty. I did successfully lose 80 pounds about twelve years ago but of course gained it back plus more. I have Cigna insurance and it took me six months of doctors supervised visits and with high bp,sleep apnea,diabetes,gerd,hyperthyroid I was fortunately to be approved on the first try. I live in Houston Texas and use Dr. Terry Scarborough with U.T. Phy…

Hello out there! I was banded on OCT 25th and have lost 15lbs. My first fill will be Dec 18th and I am excited to be further into the process. My surgery was done by Dr Teng and all went well. I was surprised at the recovery time because it took me a full 8 days to feel like I was going to be all right after all. The surgery gasses that settled in my shoulders and neck were the worst part. I awoke the morning of day 9 and felt like a whole new person! I have followed the nutrition plan to the letter until this week. The last two days I feel like I haven't been banded at all. I am going to take a deep breath and concentrate on my intake of Water and Protein. …