Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, I have been reading everynight all the information I can get my hands on. I am going for my first fill Nov. 29th. I have done my five stage diet plan to a T. I'm still hungry!! I guess my biggest hurdle is in stressfull situations, I reach for food. I had my first episode last night and I'm feeling so guilty. My daughter called my up hysterical while I was eating dinner.......her car was broken into and laptop was stolen along with her pocket book. She is a college student and everthing was on it. I couldn't help her ..............so I ate a huge piece of ..Salmon... weird but I did it. I felt so sick after. It felt like a throbbing pain in my stomach. It wa…

Please, I am thinking on having the surgery done and I need information on any doctors working in Mexico. Please help me.:help:

Hi- I'm interested in keeping in touch with someone who is going to go through this also. Would anyone be interested in sharing the experience? Thanks verymuch.

Hi. I'm Glen from near Dallas. I'm getting a band after the first of the year, probably shortly after my wife gets hers in March. My hobby is photography, and I hope to turn it into a business to supplement retirement. I'm Type II diabetic and have half a dozen other co-morbidities, so if I hadn't decided to try the band, I might not live to see retirement! My 4 kids are 30, 27, and a pair of 25's, and I've been married to egorsgirl1 for 31.5 years.

I was wondering if anyone went thru Lapband Solutions/True results/AIGB in Houston (goes by diff names). They have a large network of doctors, it appears. Their texas base appears to be Dallas. How efficient were they in submitting your request for preauthorization and letter of medical necessity to your insurance company? How friendly and easy were they to work with? Were they willing to answer questions, if you called to check on the status of your "case"? How long from when they contacted you and said you had benefits and they would submit the info, until the time you heard back from your insurance company with either an approval or denial? At this point in t…

This is my first post, and I'm really excited. I started Jan '06 researching and discussing the lap-band procedure with my family doctor. I decided to move forward with my insurance requirments and did everything needed. After 7 months, I received approval from my insurance for the procedure, but they did not approve the Doctor at the bariatric clinic that I had been consulting at. Unknown to me, he had dropped my insurance. So, here I was, so excited that my insurance had approved the procedure, but no one to perform it. I decided to look at another facility in my town and found 2 doctors at a very well known hospital that was on my insurance provider list. So, here I go…

Hi, I'm a 27 yr old 5'5" 220lb female who is getting banded at the end of October. I've tried soooo many diets in the last 20 years and no matter how much i lost the weight always came back. Though I am excited to get lapband, i am scared and nervous about the unknown long term effects. i am also concerned about having a child someday, even though i read child bearing is not a problem. I hope to learn more about other people's experiences - pros and cons!

Hey Everyone! My name is Kara and I'm 21 years old. I was JUST banded October 31st (Halloween!) y Dr. Champion here in Atlanta, Georgia. I wasn't an outpatient- my doc likes his lap band patients to stay in the hospital overnight. I must say that these passed couple of days have been pretty rough on me. Really the only "excruciating" pain that I've had is where the incision was made for the sewing of the port. I knew there would be pain, but I didn't think it would be this bad. I can't move! :cry It's gotten a lot better, and it gets less sore every day. After I get by these rough next couple of weeks, I'll be all set and ready to resume my brand new banded life! I can'…

Hi... My name is Lisa and I am just starting to research the lap band. I have been overweight/obese all of my life and fighting it everyday. My two biggest fears of the banding have been 1) am I "cheating" at getting healthy? and 2)what if it doesn't work for me, then what? I have really enjoyed reading the posts and it has given me a sort of peace. I will be looking for a Dr. in the Southern California area if anyone has good referrals. Thanks for being here.

yes, i was banded 11-21-07. everything went well, i think! i went home the same day and spent the next day doing pain pills and the next day i went to a hockey game and now i am back at work! i am being kind of careful with the tummy but otherwise doing fine. i didn't tell anyone at work , thought i would after but i am rethinking that now. i did lose quite a bit of weight on the pre 10 day liquid diet. the day of surgery i was 191 from 220 even that loss made me feel good and ready to begin. my fear now is of not eating enough. i really have no appetite. i am especially afraid of the protein loss as i cannot stand a protein drink. anyway, thanks for letting me …

Hi all , My name is Aziz from kuwait living&working in germany , had my Lap Band on 11-21-2007 i hope we could share experience thru this dedicated forum and to work in parallel in getting our health back ... best wishes from kuwait just 5 days post op

Hi all – My name is John. I am 35, married with no kids and live in Kansas City, KS. I am exploring Lapband as an option. I am around 450 lbs right now and am starting to have weight related health issues for the first time. I know I need to make some radical changes if I want to stick on this rock for more than a few more years. Like most, I have tried everything in the past and have even made it to as low as 250 lbs by exercising 2 hrs a day for 18 months. Needless to say, the weight always comes back. My company starts covering 50% of WLS starting in the New Year, which makes me think perhaps this is meant to be. So, I am here to learn, and to make an infor…

hey everyone! i'm trish and i'm 20 and i'm from the poconos in pennsylvania. i'm still in the planning stages of the whole banding process but WHEN i get it done i'll be going to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, pa. my doctor will be dr. richard boorse. anyone ever heard of this hospital? it's ok if you haven't since it's kind of a small town. but it's one of 2 hospitals in pa that got named one of the 25 best places in the country for weight loss surgery. plus it's in allentown, like the billy joel song. ok, rambling...... i'm also a veterinary nursing student and i should be graduating in the spring. yay! just wanted to pop in and say hello:Bunny

Hello everyone, My name is Erin and i am just starting the process on friday to see if i am able to get banded. I am 19 and have been overweight since i was a small child, i have never been fit. I am also a full times student in college going to be a teacher. Being a bigger girl i dont have the confidence some days to face the world and being judged by all the smaller people. I just want the confidence to be me and not this chunker i see in the miror every morning. I am 189 lbs but with only a BMI of 34, yes i know you need a bmi of 35 to even be considered. I have been in weightwatchers, done the atkins diet, and every other diet there is. I have done well in t…

I'm a 34 year old male who is scheduled for lapband surgery December 4th. I'm a 'computer guy' by day and a writer by night, so I've already got a journal here started. I hope to learn from other people via this site as well as share my story and any wisdom gained throughout this adventure.

Greetings, I was just reading in some of the forums and someone said there is a video on this website of the lapband surgery. I have looked and cannot find it. Can someone give me the link? thanks, Marianelaine

I am getting a lapband done in Dec at TLBC by Dr Yau in Dec. Are there any Calgarians out there who have done the same? Any advice? What did you think of your surgery to date? Who do you go to for fills in Calgary? What hospital or clinic are they at? Will appreciate any advice! :help:

I am getting a lapband done at TLBC in Dec. Anyone from Calgary out there who has done the same? How was Dr Yau as the surgeon? Did everything turn out ok? Any advice before surgery or after? Who do you go to in Calgary for fills? How often do you fly to Toronto for post op? As you can tell I'm nervous. :help:

I haven't posted much, but here goes: In May, I started the 6 month MD supervised diet my insurance (Cigna) requires. This Tuesday is the 6 month visit, and my MD will fax his notes to my bariatric surgeon that day. I've had : endoscopy, sleep apnea, cardiac stress test, ultrasound to both legs to rule out blood clots, psyche and nutrition eval--been through it all!!! Due to gallstones, I had my gallbladdere out on 10/23, done by my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Craig Floch of Fairfiels Bariatrics. I have lost NO weight, but Doc feels I will be approved due to my BMI of 51 and co-morbidities. So now, it depends on how long Cigna takes to ok me. I'm hoping to have the lap band d…

Hi there! I am new to the board, and I am scheduled to have my band put in on November 27 (two days!). I have bought everything I need (hopefully)... and now I am anxious for the surgery. I am very worried about the anesthesia for some reason. I know it is nothing to really worry about, but I've never had surgery before and I'm scared. I'm very excited about getting the lap band put in. Over the past year I have lost 60 pounds on my own, but I decided to have the band put in for some extra support. Jenn:rolleyes:

Hi All, I just wanted to stop in and introduce myself. I just got banded this past Wednesday, November 21st. So far, things look good and I feel like I am healing nicely. My surgeon was Dr. Kelly Clinch at the Evergreen Surgical Center in Kirkland, WA. I hope to frequently visit this site to receive and give support. Take care! MeredithM:)

Hi all, First of all, congratulations to all those who've been successful with the surgery! You're an inspiration to me and I hope I will have the same success as you do. I am getting banded in Frankfurt, Germany with Dr. Weiner, has anyone heard of him? Just wondering if anyone out there has had surgery in Frankfurt before and if he or she could share some experiences with me :cool: Thank you all!

Helloooo! This is my first time on this forum and I'm very excited! I'm a little nervous because I've never had any kind of surgery before. I've been on the clear liquid diet for almost 2 weeks and I really hope this is the hardest part!! Every where I go I smell food... it's on the tv... it's in magazines... it's everywhere! I definitely find myself getting a little emotional, it feels like I'll never get to enjoy food again. And quite honestly, I really miss food right now. :rain: Couple of questions for anyone that's been banded for awhile.... :help: I heard that all beef and white bread are very difficult to digest... as well as carbonated beverages. Be…

I have been approved for my lapband. My surgery will be done on Dec 5th. My surgeon is Dr. Edward Cussatti. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I attend a support group at Good Sam Hospital in West Islip NY. Most of the people there are gastric bypass people and they sometimes seem to be down on lapbanding?? So I guess I really need to hear some of your success stories. I think that will really help me. Were you all scared before surgery?? Barbara :omg::whoo:

Hi, I am new here but I have been reading the forum for a few weeks now. I am getting banded in December by Dr. Paul Cirangle in San Fran. Has anyone on here gone to Dr. Cirangle? If so, how was he and how was your experience? I am starting out at 246 and my BMI is 37. My goal is 140-145. It is interesting to hear everyone's experiences. The hope and excitement is great to hear. I am nervous, but I hope this is the beginning of a different life for me. A healthy, active life. To hear the optimism on this forum is inspiring. Thanks for the help.

Hi everyone I am EDDY and I just had the Lap-Band surgery on thursday. I had my work done in florence, Ky by Dr. Sonnastine. Alittle bit about me. I was raised in Elizabeth, NJ which was right outside NYC. I was living large int the City, never really a problem. WEll I went to College in Murray KY; and very quickly realized the I was a Raggedy Andy in A Barbie and Ken World. . .well que sera sera. In college I did a triple major in History, Theatre, and Anthropology, I even took a dance course. I facilitated two groups a LGBT and a New Age Discussion Group, both of which I am very itrestead in. After Graduation I persued my masters degree in Public History. I l…

<p>Hello everyone, this site is wonderful! I have finally decided that come heck or high water, I MUST do something about my weight. I know quite a few people who have had the traditional bypass surgery, and have done very well. I know from researching the lapband it is safer, the lose is slower, etc. Has anyone who has already been banded wished they had gone for the full bypass? I would sure hate to have it done then wish I had done the other. I know the risks are great but so is weighing what I weigh, thanks in advance for any help. Blessing to you all.</p>

Hi my name is sara . AND i WILL BE BANDED ON DEC 21,2007 AND I CANT WAIT TO START MY NEW LIFE.

Hi, My name is Kim and I am new to this sight. I had surgery Aug. 7, 2006 in Fort Worth (Dr. Adam Smith). I have lost 32 lbs so far and looking forward to 2007! Kim 8-7-06 Dr. Smith 289 - 257 - 180 1st Fill - 9.7.06 (1.50 cc) 2nd Fill - 10.12.06 (1.25 cc) 3rd Fill - 11.09.06 (?)

Hi all, I'm beginning my 2 week pre-op diet today. The stress is beginning to build. Reading on this board I'm feeling like I'm on a faster track than most of you all. My insurance will pay nothing for this so I went to a day full of appointments on Tuesday and will be banded 12-6. I think if I had 6 months to wait I'd drive myself crazy. Thank goodness for small favors I guess. Mostly I'm in a constant state of anxious right now. I know this is the best thing. It was all my idea. I did the research, I've read up on everything, it really is what I want to do, but .... now that it's about to be a reality I'm starting to stress. I am trying to keep this fee…

I just had the Lap Band Surgery on 11-13-2007 in Denver by Dr. Kirshenbaum... What a great experience all the way around! His staff is great, he is awesome, and the hospital (Parker) was the same! I feel so good. I was afraid a bit, as we all are, but I have had zero complications and only wish I had it sooner! I had surgery Wednesday, lots of R&R that day, Thursday & Friday. After that, naps mid afternoon were all the difference in the world. I am not hungry, feel fulfilled, and am losing wonderfully... 15 lbs in 11 days since surgery, and 5 lbs in the 10 days prior! I know it will slow down but OMG!:clap2:

Looking for a candidates who has had a successful(lost wait etc) Bariatric surgery (lap band, gastric binding etc..) and wants to work from home. A Genuine desire to help & guide bariatric patients, good communication & organization skills. This position is work from home to provide information to bariatric patients on personal experience over phone & facilitate their trip to a hospital for bariatric surgery. Medical experience not needed. For more contact.

Hi. I'm female, age 39, about 5'5" or 5'6" and 185 pounds or so (approx. 31 BMI). I am curious if there is anyone out there that has been banded with a lower BMI like mine. I have struggled with my weight for the past 7 years and I just can't seem to get it under control. I'm not as active as I used to be with kids but I do get out and play tennis once a week. My weight is killing my ankles, knees and hips. If you were able to have the surgery done, did insurance pay for it? jodi

Hi everyone! My name's Heather. I'm 32, married, and no kids. I was diagnosed with lupus 10 years ago, and have had a lot of organ involvment. Luckily, I've been alright for the last year and a half...except for having to have my appendix out about 10 days ago. But I'm doing much better now. I'm here because I'm getting the lap band procedure sometime early next year. No date yet because I've still got a few things to do for pre-op. I'm getting there though. At my highest weight I was 330 lbs. I am currently at 260. I have a lot of health issues because of the weight, on top of the lupus problems. I've got type 2 diabetes, severe sleep apnea, high blood pre…

I never thought I would become apart of a forum, but here I am. I was banded on 11/7/07. The only problem I have had with recovery is having to sleep in a recliner and my tail bone is really sore. I have no regrets and I have loss a total of 20lbs. My beginning weight was 375. My goal weight is 150lbs. I have decided to set short term goals along the way. I feel very blessed to be given this wonderful tool. I have some anxiety concerning my first fill, but as with everything else I am expecting smooth sailing. I must stay positive. Being a mom of 6 I have a lot of cheerleaders. I look forward to being a part of this forum, and any advice is welcome. Surgeon: …

Hello, I'm Karen. I have had my lap-band for about a year and a half. I live in NYC and had my surgery there. I think for the most part my journey has been pretty good. I have lost 80 pounds and definitely lots of inches. I am 31 and now getting ready to head into the dating scene which is a little anxiety provoking. There are days where I have no problems with my band and other days that I feel like I can't eat anything. No matter though, I have no regrets and have lost weight and gained control that I would have never done without the surgery. I just found this web site and am so glad I did. Thanks!!! Karen from Manhattan :clap2:

Hi. I just wanted to introduce myself. It’s my first time to these boards. I just got the OK from my insurance company today for my surgery. I'm a bit nervous, but am looking forward to finally being thin. I have struggled all my life with my weight. If you can name it, I have tried it, Weight Watchers, prescription diet pills such as amphetamines and Phen-Phen, fasting… etc. The only success I ever had was with phen-phen (lost 85 lbs). But I gained it all back within 4 years. I look forward to reading these boards for inspiration and support.

Hello all. I am new to this site, so I hope I am doing this right. I am getting "banded" on November 20th, Tuesday. I know I am doing the right thing, but I am a nervous wreck. Any words of wisdom? Anyone getting this done on the same date? :help:

Hi everyone. I found this forum by a google search and I read some threads and signed up. I attended a seminar on lapband Saturday Nov 17 and am very excited to start this journey. I did find a detour however, my insurance BCBS of AL requires a 6 month medically supervised diet. UGH! So I hope to start that beginning Dec 1 and finish up July 1 and hope to have surgery by August 2008. I really wanted to get the surgery after the beginning of the year but it wasn't meant to be. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason and I will not let this get me down! So I am confused as to whether or not I should actually attempt to lose weight while on the diet. Right now I am …

Hey all, Im a newbie to this site but not to banding.. My name is Shell, Im 31 from Australia. I was banded in July 2004 and have been rebanded last week November 2007 due to slippage so im still on my liquid stage.... ohhhh sooo over it!! lol I have joined some Aussie sites and then stumbled across this one so i htought why not.. i love hearing and seeing everyones progress.. Good or bad.. In my signature i have written it in our Kg form but also converted to lbs aswell... Thanks for your time Shell xx

Hey all, it's been just over a week since I was banded and boy am I glad I found this site! I'm doing ok, my shoulder kills now and again especially at night so I'm finding sleeping a bit tough. But the brain hunger is killing me, wherever I seem to look people are eating. On the train, walking down the street, on the TV, I keep on having dreams that I've cheated and eaten something and wake up wrecked with guilt. At the moment I'm living off about 150 calories a day and I'm even finding that tough to keep down and with talk of PB and sliming I've read (I don't even want to know!!) I know this sounds crazy but I just want to chew something, ANYTHING, but physically I'm …

Gm everyone , I had the lapband surgery almost 2 yrs ago and I lost A total of 71lbs. After all that my Dr. has to go back in to raise my port and flip it back around because it had turned on it's side when it is suppose to be laying flat. Did this every happen to anyone else? if so plz tell me more about it:help: I am so afraid to have this done again.

Hello, I am looking for a highly recommended Doc in Virginia. Not sure if anyone can help me with that? This is all so new to me so not sure what to expect??? My daughter is getting married in June 2008 so not sure if I could actually get started with enough time to lose most of the weight I want about 70lbs? Can anyone tell me what I can expect to have to go through in order to make it all happen? Many thanks!

I'm so scared, confused, concerned. I know I weigh 100 pounds too much. I have seen my doctor three times, had the EKG, the blood work, the consultation. He will be sending all the results to the surgeon for Dec. 27, 2007 appointment along with his recommendation that I be banded. I haven't had any psych test or evaluation yet. I have yo-yo dieted for 25 years. My family has a bad history of diabetes. I have high blood pressure. I am worried about a sudden urge to run to the bathroom with diarrhea while I'm waiting on customers at the counter. I already had that problem with Xenical. I have only told my husband I want to be banded. None of my family knows or wo…

I am 26 years old (female) and I was recently banded (Oct. 22, 2007) and this is the hardest thing I've ever done. I knew it was going to be difficult, and that it's a tool therefore I'd have to really work at it, but I didn't expect it to be so emotionally hard. Telling the difference between real hunger and head hunger is so hard for me. I have a history of anxiety and depression and my meds (Lexapro being one of them) are getting all sorted out so I'm a bit off, which isn't helping. I had the worst 10 days after surgery and instantly regretted the decision I made. Now, I don't regret it, but I wish I new more about what to do to help me lose the weight faster, …

just want to know what kind of liquids did you guys do following the diet? i have heard of protein drinks and other protien shakes, which are the best? also, is it true that i won't lose any weight until i get a fill? or is everyone different in that aspect? i am very happy about the surgery and i can't wait. feeling nervous of course but i know that this is something that will benefit my entire family. thanks for your responses. will keep everyone updated on my progress. :ranger::whoo:

Yes, i have another question. hopeing someone can help. the first two weeks we need to be on a liquid diet, can you guys give me some suggestions as to what this may include? i know that broth, sprite, 7 up, etc. what about popsicles? any help is appreciated. also, can we start using protien poweder in our liquid right after surgery like the Unjury? can we take vitimans , like chewable ones the first 2 weeks. i just know that the first month is goign to be the hardest. I need help with anything that can make it as easy as possiable. one more question, what kind of pain medicine do they give you when you go home? hopefully something strong that will knock me out so i…

I'm Lyn, 26 from Ireland. I have at least 8st (112lbs) to lose. I keep trying and failing to lose a significant amount. Managed to lost 4st (56lbs) last year on a Liquid vitamins diet, didn't reintroduce food properly and went a little crazy, piling it all back on bar about 10lbs. Had considered lapband surgery about two years ago, then found the diet and decided to give that a shot, now I'm back to square one. Have given myself til 7th Jan to lose some weight if not will make an appointment for a consultation, just not sure where yet! It'll either be Ireland or Belgium/Prague.

i am absolutely excited!!! i can't wait. my doctor put me on my pre-op diet already and while i'm feeling a bit weak i understand that my stomach is just asking, "where's the food?" i am so looking forward to losing the weight... i absolutely cannot wait!!!:whoo:

I am new to this group I was looking in a chat room this evening for anyone who could help me and a very nice woman from LA sent me an IM cause there was a strange guy in the chat. Anyway she sent me to this site. I am 21 with a BMI of 49.8 according to the online calculators:help:. I know that something has to be done now. I have to admit I am scared and unsure. I have a husband who is 6'4 and 175 so he is a great support for healthy living but being active duty military makes it hard for him to help me. Most of my friends just dont understand. Gotta love how I always find the skinny people to become friends with. I dont want to do the fad of the week I need lon…