Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I have been lurking and posting on this site for a few months now. I have yet to introduce myself as a newbie. My name is Sandy and I live in the beautiful north Georgia town of Dahlonega. It's about 75 miles northeast of Atlanta. My surgery date is 12/4. I will be banded by Dr. Richard with Obesity Solutions. Surgery will be at the Lanier Park campus of Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA. I have been on my liquid diet for two weeks now. Since August 4th, I have dropped 24 lbs.! I'm excited and nervous at the same time! Any words of wisdom from you veteran bandsters will be welcomed. I really enjoy reading the posts and have learned a lot while on this…

Ok there is threads here for low BMI'ers....there is threads for High BMI'ers....what about the rest of us.... My BMI was between the lines... I am at BMI of 41 Whats yours?

And of course, now I'm not so sure. I was very excited to learn about this procedure and then went to a seminar last night and I'm not so gung-ho now. The center that was having the seminar is a surgery of excellence and has a few other awards and certifications and they seem to really know what they are doing it. After asking, I was told they did they lapband by stitching the port and the band into place so that sounds good to help against the port flipping or band slippage. It was the physician's P.A. that was there giving the talk as the doctor was stuck in the O.R. He had prevously had Roux-En-Y which I can tell you after listening about recovery time, the surger…

I would love any and all comments, tips, encouragement, support for my surgery. I am 49 (50 Jan 25th). I have a son 26 and a daughter 20. I also have a beautiful grandaughter who is 20 months old. Dr. Demarko is my surgen. I have approx 150 pounds to lose. My daughter is getting married April 26th and I am hoping to lose as much as I can until then. I know it wont come off at once and I dont expect it to. I just want to be able to keep up with my grandaughter and have a happy, healthy life with my family. My husband and family are very supportive. Especially my sisters and my mom. It would just be nice to gain some new friends here that are going thru what I am. Th…

My lap band surgery is scheduled for November 14,2007. My surgeon is Dr. Singh at St.Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. I'm starting to get a little nervous, but I have been fighting with my weight for so long, that I can't wait to be banded. Is their anyone on this forum that used Dr. Singh? Also how long will my stomach be swollen, after the surgery, can someone enlighting me?:help:

Hi all, I just found this site a few days ago and have been reading a few threads here and there. I've just started my research on Lap Band and I'm liking what I'm learning. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember and I've been on just about every diet out there. I just need a little more control than those diets can offer. So I thought I'd look into surgery. Of course Gastric Bypass was my first thought but that was a really scary thought for me. I have a few friends that went that route and are doing great but I just didn't think it was for me. But in researching that I found Lap Band. I've only had one surgery ever and that was having my Gallbladder remove…

My name is tracey I am 27 years old. I have three boys they are 6,4,2. I have been married for 6 years. I was recently banded on the Nov. 26, 2007. I got it done in Kentucky and my doctor was Dr. Geller. I haven't lost much since I got it done, just 21 pounds.

Hello on a cold December morning! My name is Arthur from Roanoke, Virginia. I am in the process of getting the lapband. I originally wanted to have the gastric bypass, however I am almost a three year breast cancer survivor (I am a man by the way) so they didn't want to do the bypass in case the cancer came back. The surgeon that did my cancer surgery also do gastric bypass and lap band so I feel good about that. My biggest concerns right now are if they lap band makes you feel like you're choking or can't swallow. I am at the point where I haven't made up my mind 100% about getting banded, however it does seem to be my best option. Six months before I was diagnosed…

So I was really bad about my eating after surgery and after liquids. I just forgot about the 60 grams of protein and stuck to non proteins. Simply they were easier to put down. I am now more comfortable with the chikcen, fish and meat. I just get whatever is softest and am good. I drink 60 grams of proteinin my shake in the morning. I've been at that for a week now. It's ok. Then I tackle the protein at my meals first. I found out that Zinc is good too. When will my hair stop this foolishness and do I get it back. I've gone from a 24 to a 16 since July. Excercise like an athelete. But this hair thing is just killing me. Am I missing anything? And when can I …

Hi everyone! :biggrin1:I am Gwenn from Atlanta, and am hoping to get banded in the next month. I am self-pay (I have Coventry, and they practically laughed in my face when I asked them if they would cover the lap-band surgery!), and have completed all of my pre-op appointments. Everything has been cleared, I am just waiting for the results of my MMPI-II test (I think I passed!). Dr. Scott Steinberg at Dekalb Medical Center is doing my surgery. I am so excited! I have a few questions, and any feedback would be helpful. 1 - I have only discussed the surgery with my spouse. I am a pretty private person, and really do not wish to discuss my bariatric surgery with fri…

I am new to this site. I went to my consultation and the Dr said the insurance company I have usually OK's this insurance, but I am fretting about it...I am so afraid that this is too good to be true. Can I really finally have a sucessful long-term weight loss? I am just so scared bureaucracy will not allow me to have this wonderful tool. One thing surprised me on this site...several people have said they are hungry after the surgery. I did not expect that. Is that something every one goes through, and if so, how do you deal with it?

Hey gang! It's my first visit and post to this forum. I have been fascinated by weight loss surgery over the years. My partner had gastric bypass 14 months ago and lost 185 pounds! I've seen his progress and great results. I talked to my doctor about this surgery. He recommended the lap band for me as opposed to the bypass. 2 years ago I had a heart attack and triple bypass. I had many complications and do not look forward to surgery. From what I can tell, lap banding is less evasive and a shorter, easier recovery. I am not sure where I am going with this... even if I follow through. I am set to attend a gastric and lap band seminar next week. I am exploring my op…

I found this forum a little over a month ago, but haven't had a chance to post much until now. Fortunately, the forum getting nudging me with "we miss you notes", so I decided to shut them up I was banded on August 22 of this year and with the 20 pounds I lost pre-op, I'm down 63 pounds to date. I was banded by Dr. Ramon Rivera in Rockland County, NY, who is connected with Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY. I highly recommend both doctor and hospital. They have a complete bariatric program that was started about two years ago. The lap band was same day surgery and Good Sam's same day unit is wonderful! I had my first fill today, since over the past month, I…

Hello all, I'm Carole, and I live in Northern Kentucky. I was just banded on Nov. 28th, by Dr. Sonnanstein. The surgery is over, and now the recovery and getting on with the loosing of weight. This has been a lifelong battle for me. I am a stay at home mom with 4 kids, so I would love to talk to anyone, compare notes, experiences, or answer anyone's questions that is getting ready. I am considered a "light-weight" since I have about 70 to 85 lbs. to loose.

Hi, I'm trying to take back control of my life. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes on St. Patricks Day. I initially got the cr@p scared out of me by the Diabetes Education Group I went to and subsequently lost 3 pant sizes. Unfortunatly fear only lasts as incentive just so long, and the pounds have been creeping [ok LEAPING] back on. I have started investigating the lap-band as a way to give me the 'extra' control I don't seem to have naturally. Am I on the right track, and has anyone had good results with getting their Diabetes under control using the Lap-band system?? I'm also 52, live in Florida, and the mother of an Asperger teenager [no stress THERE!], marri…

Hi all!!! Just did a search to find a forum where I can stop in and chat through this whole process!! Glad I found all of you!! I am not so great with the computer so it may take me a bit to get comfortable! Thanks everyone for sharing your experience so that we all may learn a thing or two!!!

He Guys! I am just getting started and I live just south of Fort Worth Texas. I am looking for a doctor in the Fort Worth area. If any of y'all are having/or had a good experience with a doctor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I would love to know their names and I can check and see if they are on my insurance! Thanks!

Hello EVERYONE ! I am yet another NEWBIE. I started my journey in June at AIGB in Richardson, Tx. I went through all the steps and tests necessary and there there was a mix up with my insurance. The original Dr I had selected, come to find out did not take my insurance... wish I would of know that ahead of time, could of saved me several months... but got it all worked out and a new Dr selected the end of October. I rec'd my approval from my insuran not even a week later....... wow that was FAST !!! :clap2:I started my pre-op diet last Wed 11/7 and my surgery is scheduled 11/29... I can't believe how fast it all came together once all the kinks were ironed out. I am …

I am waiting to switch insurances so for now I am just reading and learning..<br /> If you don't mind answering a few questions, your help would be greatly appreciated.<br /> <br /> I am a nervous picker... If I have a bump on my arm I constantly touch it or pick at it... is the port going to be something that is noticed easy? I hate to write that but that has been one of my concerns. What happens if you really really get hungry? Do you miss food during the liquid diet and how did you over come your desires? How long before you felt that the lap band was apart of you? In other words how long before you felt normal? Do you get to eat st…

Hello everyone. I have been researching LAP-BAND surgery for longer than I care to admit (would you believe nearly two years). This is my first post. About three months ago I decided it was time to get off my over-sized posterior and take action. With the full support of my PCP I started the 3-month multi-disciplinary program required by my insurance company. I continued to research local surgeons and narrowed my choice to Dr. Michael Schweitzer in Baltimore and Dr. Eric Pinnar in Reston. I attended Drs. (Dr. Eric practices with his father, Robert) Pinnar’s seminar last Tuesday evening and I had my consultation with the program director and with Dr. Eric last Thur…

Hello. I had a lap band put in in NJ in May of 2005, lost 103 pounds and was so happy to get my life back. I never planned to give up the band, but I had espophogeal swelling and pains, so went up to NJ to have the same surgeon. He had to take my wonderful band out, and I've gained over 50 pounds back since June 29th, 2006! I just bought a NuStep so I can exercise at home, but I miss my band terribly! Because I'm 66 now, I'm afraid medicare won't cover another surgery, and I'm finding that many surgeons won't take on someone my age. I'm desperate. I live in south western VA now, and lap band isn't well-known here as it was in NJ. One surgeon at UVA was so n…

Hi There - I am 34 years old and tipped the scale this week at 240. I weigh more than my husband and that is final straw. I live in Mission Viejo, CA and I am wondering if Lap Band is the solution for me. Behavior Modification has obviously failed and after years of dieting, we need to take it up a notch. I have enjoyed reading through this site so far and really look forward to connecting to people struggling with food addiction. I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on the following: - My purpose of losing the weight is to get pregnant (1st time), has anyone been pregnant while banded? - I am seeking a Doctor in Orange County and I just don't want to pick who …

Hi All, I am a new bandster banded the day after turkey day in Tijuana..I wish I could say my recovery has been easy but sometimes it's been HELL!! ..but I made it through week one WHOO HOOO I have a seroma at my port site :cry but thanks to this site I've read that it's not the end of the world, I've been putting a hot compress and a heat pad on it 2/3 times per day and it looks to be getting better I do have a question for anyone reading? :help:I have a scar that looks like it's not closing, my scars are closed with wire stitches and the one under my breast that is not getting air seems to be open still. Has anyone had this issue? I would post a pic but it see…

Hi! I'm new, and looking for any tips or words of encouragement. I'm scheduled for banding on 12-18-07! I am so excited!!!!!!!! Finally I feel like my dreams are all coming true!!! I really didn't want to tell too many people until I knew it was really going to happen. All my labs and tests and insurance approval are all done. And I'm getting more and more excited each day. See i'm a mom of 8 and my littlest is turning 2 today as a matter of fact and I decided I want to be around for quite a while and enjoy my children grow up and play with them. There are a lot of health issues that run in my family, several surrounding obesity and I don't want that for me(thank Go…

I stumbled upon the website while checking into any and all information about the lap band. I am in the process of getting things in order to have the paper work sent to my insurance company. FINGERS crossed, all will go well and we will know something soon. I am a Kindergarten Teacher's Assistant and I drive a bus for my school. I enjoy my job and kids, but cannot get into the floor and do as much as I could before. I want to change all of that. The lap band is the way I choose to go. I am looking forward to learning about this website and how it works. I am curious about the ticker and how it works. I am looking forward to meeting some of you. Theresa

I'm just getting started with the process. I always thought I'd lose weight "someday" but I think I need some help. Gain and lose, over and over :cry. My twin grandchildren were born in October :) and I want to be able to play with them and go places like the zoo and museums. I've had my initial appointment with the doctor and told him I'd done research on the internet about the lap band. He thought I'd be a good candidate. Tomorrow I have the required appointments with the dietician and social worker. My insurance should pay for everything--thank goodness. Wish me luck. I'm kind of excited. I know it's not a magic pill by any means but I think it will work fo…

My name is Sarah. I am in the early stages of a lap band "change of life." I have found a doctor, I have been to an informational meeting, and have my first appt. with the Dr. next week. It is at that meeting that I will get a comprehensive physical, and a better sense of the timeframe for this procdure. I have been obese for 17 years now and have reached the end of my rope. I think kicking my food addiction is going to be tough, but I also feel ready to change my life. I feel like a prisoner in my own body. I have several herniated discs in my neck and lumbar spine and my excess body weight is making matters chronic. I am 39, live in Maryland, am married to a great gu…

not sure what instrument I am playing yet... hi, I am Lindsay and was banded nov27th in Indiana. not even a week into this, but I feel a lot better and less hungry. since march I have lost 36 pounds [preop classes and diet] and weighed in at 204 on my surgery date. before I knew my surgery date I planned a cruise. it takes off on dec 16th. do yall think I will be okay with eating? pain? etc?

Hi, I'm Orea. I'm working toward getting banded in 2008. We are switching insurance coverage to facilitate this. I've been researching the lap band for quite a while now, and it looks like the right move for me. I'm looking forward to learning even more here.

I was banded in Richmond on 11-19-07, by Dr. Elliot. I'm still feeling hungry after eating at times, and I'm still a bit sore around my port site, especially after long active days, but other than that I'm feeling wonderful! I've already lost 17 pounds since starting the liver shrinking diet, and it is SO exciting because I can really see the results! :confused: My only question is, how long does it take the port site to stop hurting? It's bearable, I just wish it would go away already!

I just found this site 6 hours before I go to the hospital to get banded. It took 3 years of waiting for approval from my insurance company, so it is hard to believe it is finally here. I have lots of hope for success, but am a little scared now that the day is finally here. I'll report back when I get home after the procedure.

I am new to this site. Any suggestions on what a good source of Protein would be besides cottage cheese? I do seem to be able to tolerate beef products and am tired of chicken. Any menu ideas? Thanks!

Well as I see it yesterday was the beginning of my 2nd life. I've struggled all my life with weight. Until about 25, I was just big-boned and then I didn't hear that anymore and knew I was just plain fat. I have an awesome husband, 2 great kids and a super career. I believe that the time was right for me to have the band. At 36, I want to enjoy my life. I just couldn't do it on my own and sadly enough I think I was becoming depressed. I was going about life as normal but lots of the time their was this cloud over my head. With yesterday's surgery, I felt for the first time since I was in 5th grade I was on my way to being healthy and maybe even shapely:). Day 2 h…

haven't had any problems,but my weight loss is slow as I am not very active due to painful arthritic knees and hips.

I've been reading threads on this forum for about a week and have learned a lot of useful info. I went to the Dr. on Sept 7 and weighed more than I ever have in my life. I immediately went on a low fat diet and so far have lost 38 lbs. Right now everything has been sent to the ins and I'm hoping for a January banding. Ruth

I'm looking for a surgeon that will accept medi-cal and I also want to know if the recovery is as bad as a c-section is anyone else from cal!!!

Just got banded on November 14th and have lost 23 pounds so far. I feel great and am sleeping much better. My blood pressure is under control (126/78 at last check up). I had 23 staples and I have just gotten them removed. I had some trouble at first and had some doubts about what I have did but now I realize that it saved my life. Eating different will be a BIG adjustment for me because I have never given any thought to what I was doing and now I realize just how stupid I was. I look forward to losing more weight and enjoying time with my family.:clap2::clap2::clap2:

I am so fustrated I'm waiting for my ins. approval I submmitted everything on 11-9-07 and the ins. recieved it and they are reviewing it still oh my goodness how long does this take!!!! I think my doc office is annoyed with me calling everyday, sorry I'm just fustrated :faint:

I just started my pre-op. So it looks like it will be June before I can have my sx. My doc's office seems to have the insurancepaperwork thing down good. After all of the reading I have been doing on insurance pre-approvals I am glad for this. My doc's office has the best team of paperwork troops. Now I am in the 6 month waiting game. I almost got banded 6 years ago and chickened out; I wish I had not, but I think everything happens for a reason. I am in healthcare. I went thru Respiratory school and polysomnography school. Seeing patients come thru the sleep lab that were there for pre-approval got me on the wagon again and I feel like God sent them my way. I a…

I was banded yesterday. Had some pain, tried to stay away from the pain meds, but gave in at bed time. Today, my tummy is sore. Feels like I went 3 rounds with Mike Tyson. Pain seems to be subsiding a bit. Trying to walk and be good about everything.

Hi Everyone! I'm glad I found this site, I belong to another one but I'm thinking I'll like this one more (only Lap-Banders) I like that!! I haven't been banded *yet* went too my 1st seminar last week Friday and met my Banding Dr. Schram. I'm going through Barix Clinic of Holland but my surgery will be in Ypsilanti. They sent my medical letter to my insurance...... now the waiting begins :cry But I have too start somewhere right? It's going to take me a few day's to get use too the new pad..... so bare with me if I post in the wrong spots :faint: Looking forward too reading your journies!

Just joined the website. I'm awaiting banding here in Omaha, Nebraska. I have a consultation with the pulmanologist today, then if I get the green light - I should be good to go! I hope to be an active poster once I get the feeling for this website thing!

i was banded July 29/2003 in Montreal. At present i have lost 128 lbs ,am at goal weight. Feeling fine except for heartburn.

This is my first post to the forum. I just got banded on Novemeber 27, 2007 and I'm at home recovering nicely. My doctor told me I went through surgery wonderfully and so far my post-operative pain is mild. I was kind of bummed to see that I gained weight between the time I got into surgery and when I got out. But I assume thats due to Fluid swelling and distended stomach. I've already lost 7 lbs since I got home yesterday so I'm not too worried about it. I am excited and nervous about my weight loss journey. I know I have a lot of mental work to do in order to make this surgery successful in the long term. I think I am on the right track though. In the year prior to…

I keep noticing on here about all the problems that people have with their band, it kind of scares me to think that I could fail at this as well. Why if the failure rate is so high shouldn't I choose to get the bypass? Why did you choose the lap band.:help:

My name is Kimberly, I am 49, a hairstylist and I live in Santa Barbara, CA. I was Banded in Mexico by Dr. Huacuz in his clinic. I had a positive experience the entire process I'm sore and walking very slowly. I did a 10 day liquid fast before the procedure, and of course the standard liquids 2 weeks after ( I am on day 3). I do not know how much I have lost up to this point as I hate the scale. I do know that I started at an all time high of 236 lbs. I realize that I do need to look at the numbers in the near future so that I know what is happening with my body. I will walk to my girlfriends house and use her scale. That will be my goal for today. My only rea…

Hi Everyone, I have been reading these posts for a few weeks and I am still at the undecided stage of whether I want the lapband or not. I have been to the seminar given by the doctor who does the surgery and he said that you must eliminate coffee entirely from your life. I haven't seen anyone talking about coffee so I thought I would ask if anyone else was told this or if anyone still drinks coffee after banding. I would really miss my morning coffee (I drink it black). I have found out my insurance company does cover the surgery and am leaning towards it but I am still a bit reluctant. Thanks for your input in advance.

Im 25 and happy with how i look. I have been overweight my entire life. I am big, but i am sexy. I have had no trouble finding guys, and my current bf and i want to have a baby. I just had a miscarriage and went to the doctor today. He told me that i should look into some type of weight loss surgery. He said that i would die without it. Im confused because i don't really think the surgery is for me. I have lost weight and eat well and exercise regularly. I want to lose the weight naturally, to be healthy. But he basically said that i need to have the surgery. I'm so depressed. I'm scared. He said that i can lose some weight on my own but that the surgery will get me …

hi, i'm karin and i had the lapbanding done 03/07 -i am currently down almost 40 lbs. My goal originally was to lose 60 lbs the first year and it looks like i will make it. i wish i were more disciplined and could exceed my goal. but my blood pressure is way down and i don't have to take medication for that anymore!! :clap2: I had my banding done at Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti, Michigan by Dr Jon Schram.

Hey there folks. Names Jeff, from Ohio. 32, 6' 5" 429lbs -- band date of 12/5/07, and I am really nervous. Actually I think I am more nervous because of the operation, never had one before. The preop diet is a killer, on 4 SlimFast shakes a day (nothing else) for 2 weeks :faint:but only a week left. Fought with my weight as long as I can remember, and been on almost every diet known to man, even the fad lose 10 lbs in 1 day stuff :rolleyes. But I wanted to introduce myself, and say howdy, love the site and I hope to post a lot more good news!!!