Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Only 25 more days before my banding. Im excited and a tad nervous. My friends who've been banded keep telling me not go go on one last horra before surgery but it's kinda hard. I went to the store last night and bought M&M's, 3 Musketeers, Reese's cups, and Chex mix. GROSS!!! What am I doing?!?! This week I've eaten fast food a couple times and ordered subs for lunch. Is it just me or does it seem like everyone goes through this before surgery? I don't want to gain a ton of weight before surgery but I cant help but think I wont be eating this after surgery. HELP!!!! Can someone give me some advise to help me out of this frame of mind? :hungry::angry

I am SO excited about my upcoming surgery! I have been on somewhat of an emotional roller coaster since "the date" has been set. Just wanted to join this forum to meet others going through the same experiences and for support as well. I am an insulin Type I diabetic and am hoping the lap band with help with my diabetes too. Any suggestions/warnings/words of encouragement before my surgery?? Hopefully not too many warnings though!

Hey, I am a newbie, from Phila. I am getting my surgery on August 20th. any advice?

I just received my lap band on Monday, November 5th. I'm feeling pretty good. Just still very bloated and a little sore. I'm a little frustrated since I weighed my myself and gained two pounds since Monday.

Hi all, I'm Audie. I was banded May 2, 2007. I have the 10 cc band. My starting weight was 326 lbs ... my highest weight EVER. I had a series of traumatic experiences that led to emotional eating and subsequent weight gain! I am now down in the 240s and still losing. I just got my third fill ... and let me tell ya, this site kept me from panicking about it! :clap2: At the doctor's office, the Water went down without any restriction so I really thought I had dropped a lot of money on a fill just to be able to eat whatever I wanted again. WRONG! The next morning I woke up and I could feel the restriction. I have been pretty miserable. I can only get two bit…

I paid cash for my surgery in Monterray, MX with Dr. Rodrigues $7900, and he does fills for I believe two years, but since it is not feasible to fly from West Virginia to MX for a fill, I plan to go to my Cigna approved doctor and have the fills done with Dr. Anaz in Fairfax. I paid for the surgery because I was not the full 100 lbs overweight, and I would have gotten there without intervention.

I wondering if any one tryed weight watchers when they could eat solids. I think counting calories is going to be hard do you think weight watchers will be easier?

Hey Ya'll, I'm new, still researching and found this wonderful website. I'm curious about dehydration after workouts. For example, can you still go for a 3 mile run or take a grueling one hour spinning class? With all that sweating and intake restrictions, you won't be able to inhale Water for replenisment correct?

I just wanted to introduce myself to your group. I am 26 years old and just starting on this journey. I have the initial paperwork completed and my first appt with the doctor is Dec 17 and the dietician is Dec 19. I have been told that I do not have to do any supervised weight loss, but have to go to 5 dietican appt and lose 5% of my weight. I am also lucky that I have my parents and boyfriend backing me up 100%. My boyfriend and I have already joined a gym to get this new life started.:whoo: I look forward in learning more along the way.

Hi, I am new to this forum.. and new to the lap band. I've been banded since Nov. 1, 2007 so far so good, I had it on Thursday, and returned to work on Monday. I am still a bit sore, but I'm off the pain meds.. and on to lyquid tylenol. If someone could answer this for me.. does the gas EVER go away??? It is a bit bothersome.. I have tried Gas-X and other things like it to help. No such luck! If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it greatly. I look forward to meeting new people on my journey, that are going through the same thing.

:help:This is my last find regarding Tricare insurance. I am upset right now, but hopefully they will change. They will pay for gastric bypass, but not LapBand! Go figure... TRICARE only covers morbid obesity surgery such as gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty when the beneficiary meets one of the following conditions: Is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints Is 200 percent or more over ideal weight for height and bone structure Has…

I feel like I am going to puke. Long story short: I went to a surgeon to have a large hernia repaired and he suggested LapBand to improve the success of the surgery. This is something I have thought about a lot in the past but never thought was realistic. Tonight my husband and I are going to an information session at a local hospital. And I am terrified. I have had three surgeries in the past. The first was to remove an ovary and cyst, the second and third were csections. I have two children to live for, to set an example for and I am terrified of leaving them. I must say I've spent much of the morning and early afternoon reading the many posts and looking at all t…

Hi all! My name is Stephanie, from Illinois. I weigh 256 lbs at 5 ft 3 inches tall. I've been considering Lap Band for a while but just lately got really serious about it. My blood pressure is now up, I've had sleep apnea for quite some time, my blood sugar is starting to rise, my back hurts all of the time and depression has kicked in. My doctor is giving me a referral so that isn't a problem. Paperwork is on it's way to me now, I take it back with me later this month when I attend a seminar, and will then set up an appointment to get this started. I will be definately browsing the forum for loads of info but I hope to get to know all of you. Thanks

Hi everyone I am very new to posting so please bare with me. I have a question for anyone willing to answer. How did you know that the band was the way to go for you? I just had my initial meeting with the nurse to start the process and I feel like every day if not evey hour I am changing my mind :faint:. I am just curious if anyone else felt a struggle with deciding to go this route. My family is very supportive so that does not seem to be the problem, they are happy whatever I decide, I am just having a hard time deciding if this is what I should do. I would appreciate anyones input on this. Thanks

Hi, after a difficult time and several band adjusts I am now very slowly loosing and happy with my band. :clap2:I eat a healthy diet, similar to before banding, just less of it. I would like to ask other banders how they cope with eating out. I enjoy my meals but eat them a lot more slowly than my family. I don't have a problem with this but waiters in restuarants do. Recently every member of staff in the place came and asked me if there was anything wrong with my food. I had already swopped with my husband cos his looked smaller. I found this very stressful and as we all know when we are stressed it's harder to get the food down. I feel very uncomfortable if the rest of …

I went to a seminar in October and went for my consultation a few days later. I began the process and was ectastic! It was all I could think of. I couldn't stay away from this board of fantastic information. I saw the nutrionist, had my psyc eval., signed medical releases all over town to have my records fowarded, begin the 3 month diet and excercise mandatory program, all was good and I was so happy. Now I find myself feeling very down. I am convinced that I won't get approved by my insurance co. and will have done all this just to be back where I started. Another reason is that I am not really sure I am doing the right thing on this diet and exercise progra…

Ok, I am so excited to report that I finally have my first round of consultations scheduled!! I am going in on MONDAY morning to see the nutritionist, then I will see the program coordinator mid-day, and then I will have my psych evaluation that afternoon! I am so happy. I feel like my life is about to change forever, it is finally here:) Can anyone tell me what the first consultations are like? Especially the psych eval, for some reason I am worried about that one the most, no clue why. I am also curious how it works from here. Will I have to wait forever to see the surgeon for my first appointment with him? Thankfully, I have spoken to my insurance at great lengths t…

Greetings.....I am from the Orlando FL area and have a banding date for December 11th! I am very excited and NERVOUS! I have been researching this for three years now. Everyone has told me that I won't see good results from the band because I have so much weight to loose (407 lbs), but I was not willing to opt for the bypass surgery. I am finishing up my pre-op clearances: Pulminary & Cardio. I have a breathing test Monday and see the cardio next week friday! I am VERY nervous about the cardio visit. I don't know what to expect. My EKG is normal and bp is 130/82...but I am still scared he is going to make me do a bunch of tests! I was told on the 19th I ne…

I had the lap band placed in July of 07. So far, Ive lost 33 lbs, and things are going well. I got a fill yesterday and Im thinking its too tight, because I have had an uncomfortably full feeling since, and hav'nt been able to hold down even applesauce. Any suggestions?

Hi! I haven't been banded. I am just doing research regarding LapBand. I weigh over 100 lbs. beyond my goal weight, but the gastric bypass is too invasive! I am 59, and not sure whether this is for me. Secondly, my husband has Medicare with Tricare for Life, and I am covered as his dependent (spouse) with Tricare Prime; I do not qualify for Medicare. I found Tricare Prime accepts referrals from Primary Care Physicians for GBS. However, I checked about 4 months ago about whether they approve for LapBand surgery, and was told "No, not at this time." Has anyone heard different as to whether they have reconsidered? I am curious. Does anyone know why Tricare Pri…

i'm 27 years old and feel like i've come to a decision about my life. i've determined that after 20+ years of being overweight, mostly obese, that i never want to be this way again. all past diets and programs have been moderately successful, but the results are never lasting. i lost 10-15 pounds on weight watchers, but gained it all back plus 40. in college i shed 40 pounds and got myself to a much healthier 170 pounds (felt great), but gained it steadily back over 5 years or so. i find myself at the heaviest i've ever been (260 pounds, 38 BMI) and ready to make a lasting change. my wife has alot of concerns, citing complications with surgery and the permanence of…

Today I saw the surgeon who will perform my surgery. I like her. She was very friendly, gave me a a no-nonsense over-view of the lap band procedure, and was very open to answering all of my questions. I return on Dec. 14 to meet with her again as well as to consult with the anesthesiologist. During the week of Christmas I must undergo out patient surgery to have a Vena Cava Filter placed via my femoral vein (in the groin). I have a clotting factor and the surgeon does not want to operate unless and until the filter is in place. My lap band is scheduled for January 9. What a great way to begin the new year! My surgery is being done through Penn State Hershey Medical…

Hi, I am starting my path to the lap band procedure. I sat through a seminar last November and decided to wait a bit. I am going to another seminar in December and plan to move forward with the procedure. Any suggestions or words of wisdom? Thanks! Gilta

Hello. I've been lurking these boards for a few weeks now. I have set up a consultation with the Weightloss Surgical Center in KS for May 9th. Here's the deal... I KNOW my insurence will pay for it, the question is HOW MUCH. I have BCBS of KC (for Federal employees). I would like to know if anyone here is from the KC MO/KS area that has BCBS, and what Center did the insurence cover? I would hate to pay $150 for my consultation at WTSC, just to find out they are 'out of network' or something. Could you please help me out with this? Thanks.

Hello Im new to this site.. My Name is Hershee. I Just got banded on October 29 :clap2:an have a lot of question an concerns also I need a little :help:trying to figure out this site.

Hey everyone, I just got approval on November 6 for my lapband. I am really excited. I have just been scheduled for my pre-op on November 15. I cannot wait for my new life to begin. Wich me luck!

Hi, My name is Laura I am now banded for about 3 1/2 weeks, I have lost 26 lbs so far, How great is that? I have not yet had a fill & my Doc does not do this until appox 6 weeks, but I now see myself very hungry not long after I eat. Night time not so much but during the day I am starving. Breakfast I was eating 1 package of fat free farina, I have now gone up to two. I feel so guilty doing this but if I dont I feel sick. Can anyone tell me what they are (or) were eating at this stage to keep the full. ( all meals please). Also I don't want to seem ignorant but what is BPing.. I know what it is to BP i just don't know what the BP stands for. Thanks Laura

Ha-ha. Does having the lapband (specifically the port part) hinder the "relations" part in your life. As in, can you (or your partner) see it or feel it during that time? For some reasom I have this vision of someone that has a colostomy bag (minus the bag part). Am I hopefully wrong in my assumption obvious this port thing is or isn't? Thanks again for any help!

Hello everyone. After reading these forums for a few days I called my insurance company and found out that they cover the lapband procedure (as long as it is approved by a doctor) minus a $1750 deductible. So I am in the first stages of researching and I'm going to try to attend a seminar for a couple of different doctors in my area next week. My three biggest questions are: 1. Has there been documentation of anyone ever dying during lapband surgery or from placement of the lapband? 2. How common is slippage or erosion? 3. Is the lapband left in you permanently or do you get down to your desired weight and after maintaining a while do they remove it (since I a…

I have completed all my pre-certification requirements for Lap Band surgery. By 10/30 I will have all my final clearances from the specialists, then I call to schedule my surgery date. As that date quickly approches I am starting to get nervous. I'm sure that's natural. These boards & my local support groups are great. I'm having the most difficulty changing my mind set. I'm trying to get away from my previous "diet mentality" to "a lifestyle change" way of thinking. I try to stay focus on the positives to come & not all the "what if's." The daily interaction on this site helps me realize I'm not the only one- everyone has "been here & done that" & began a…

I found out about 1 hour ago that my sugery has been approved. They have me a tenative date of 11/28/07 but that won't work with my schedule. I'm hoping 12/3/07 will be better. My surgeon only does them on Mondays and Wednesday. I am so excited. I just can't handle it. I am so surprised how quickly it was approved. I had all my appts on 11/5/07 and I got approved today! Wow! My surgeon's office said that Anthem Healthkeepers VA was fast but I didn't believe her. So now, I need my surgery date, pre-op testing, and liver shrinking diet! I am just so thrilled. Words just cannot express how excited I am. This website and all you folks have made me feel better about gett…

Hi, I'm a female in my mid-fifties, in NNJ. I'm diabetic but otherwise doing ok, preparing for banding in early January. Was told by my Dr. to get my fasting sugars in good control, so I'm working on that. I'm a classical singer and am concerned about recovery time. I'd love to hear from any singers on this site as to how long it was before you could begin performing again. Thanks so much and God Bless in your journey through this.

hello all! i am blooh from the philippines. my sister and i are thinking of lapbanding. we are scheduled to talk with a doctor in a few weeks and would absolutely love to do it for the weight loss but a big part of me (and most of my parts are big...) feels a bit scared about the food mourning. as a friend of mine who is already banded said, "I have never thought I would look forward to being overweight... but after being obese, being overweight is a wonderful thing.":rolleyes: uh, I guess a little bit about myself. i am a teacher and i have been overweight since I was 8 years old and have been obese for more than half of my life. i am currently in the 2nd quarter of my…

I was banded on October 24th, I have lost 18 pounds, but I haven't lost anything in the last couple of days. I have been experiencing low energy, not feeling like getting up and excercising. Is this normal? I hope my energy gets better. I see my surgeon tomorrow.:confused:

Hi All, I am new to this type of sites and having a devil of a time trying to figure out where and how to post. but i made it this far. i will be having my surgery on december 19, am so excited to be on this new start to my life. A little nervous, but I look forward to hearing your experiences the first weeks after surgery. Looking forward to this new journey and support from all of youl dandy deb

Hello, I have my first meeting tomorrow night with Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside. The meeting is with Dr. Stephan Myers. I don't know what to think. What do they do in a big meeting like this? I have lost my weight and just put is right back on. It has been nothing but a roller coaster for me all of my adult years. I just turned 32 last friday and I am going to do something for my self this year. I want to do this. I am 5'2 and 251 lbs. I have never been so heavy in all of my life. I don't feel well at all. I sleep a lot during the day and my father in law always makes fun of my weight. Yes, I am the only person with this much weight in his family. …

Hi, this is the first time I have ever written. I had my surgery in July. I have lost approximately 35 pounds. I am having a hard time watching what I eat. I am also sick of water. I can't believe I spent that much money to lose weight and still eat inappropriate things.

Ok, im 8 day's post op EVERYWHERE i turn somebody’s eating in my face. It seems like my parent only cooked once a week now it's like EVERYDAY. So Im trying not to visit as much, then i get the “ O since you lost 21 pounds you think you to good to visit” ( It’s only been 8 day’s) I jus do not understand !!! I no i really want to get the weight off an Im trying to be dedicated but the temptation are killing me, it's only been 8 day's if Im going through it now what’s gone happen in a week or two? :help: Also why do everyone think when you loose a couple of pound that you think your “All that” or “ Better then them” IM STILL ME!! I haven’t even reached my goal yet why is…

Hello everyone. My name is Heather and I will be getting the lap band after the new year when my new insurance goes into effect. :whoo: I have been overweight my entire life. :help: I am 30 years old, married with 4 children-3 girls and 1 boy. I look forward to the days ahead when I will be able to do outdoor activities with my children again. :clap2:

Hi Everyone!!!! My name is Anita, Im 23years old Dec 8th will be one year I've been married to the man of my dreams! I've been overweight for about 6 years now. I started gaining weight after I found out my boyfriend for almost 8 years had been cheating on me for 2 years. While I was with him, he didn't allow me have any friends and wasn't allowed to talk to most of my family memebers (cousins). So when I found out he was cheating on me, I had no one to turn to by food!! WHEN YOUR IN LOVE YOUR REALLY BLIND TO EVERYTHING!!!! Anyways enough about him!! So I've tried everything from low carb to Jenny Craig to get the weight off but nothing worked!!! This past June my mom we…

hey everyone, let me start by introducing myself because you will read alot about me during this new journey...my name is chiqui, im 39 yrs old and have been overweight 1/2 my life..... im sure some of u can relate... when i was 19 i was 119 lbs and i looked HOTTTT!!! i had dates like crazy!!! I couldnt go to a club without being hit on constantly.. back then it was annoying (what i would do to be annoyed like that again lol) as i got older....and a husband and 4 kids later.. i got bigger.....246 lbs on a 4'11'' frame... thats scary!!!!!! i couldnt believe i had gained 127 lbs!!!! my husband accepted me for me and never bothered me about any weight issues but i would …

Well, I figured I would go ahead and introduce myself. I'm 20 years old, male, and I have been overweight for most of my life. Obesity runs through my family, and it is kind of hard to cope with. As much as I want to believe, I can just watch what I eat, and exercise to lose it myself. Time and time again, I have failed, and have now have just sort of quit trying. I was talking to my mother, because I was frustrated about shopping for clothes, etc, and old sizes just werent fitting still. She suggested a lap band, whereas, she had gone the gastic bypass surgery in the past. So! I'm just kind of reading up on it. The whole slipping/eroding thing kinda freaks me o…

Hello everyone, I found this site by accident while looking for some information to share with friends. I see my surgeon on Friday. I am hoping to have the lap band procedure within the next two months. I have been going through classes since last May and have finally completed everything required by the insurance company. I am so excited and yet scared. I fully understand that my life is going to change in many ways. My biggest concern is how my family and friends are going to react to the changes that will take place. I have decided that only my children and their spouses and my boyfriend will know that I am having the surgery. Once I have gotten through the firs…

I am here. I am in limbo. Six months in and 57lbs gone, I love that part. I am enjoying where I am at, that is what is scaring me. I need to lose another 35-50lbs. I need so good modivation. It is cold in minnesota and it is hard to get outside to walk. Anyone have any words of wisedom?:help:

I had the band done last Thursday (November 1). I am having some problems with the pain from my incision areas. Other than that, I am doing great. I have lost 14 pounds since my pre-op the Monday before surgery. Any advice on anything would be appreciated. I was done by Dr. Felts in Dallas. It was a great experience.

Hello All, I'm curious at finding out how much time people were given to be off of work or how long you waited to go back. I hear that it takes 2-3 weeks but some people feel fine after less than a week.:sick I had my Band surgery on Thursday 10/25/07 and am scheduled to go back to work on Monday 11/12. So that's about 2.5 weeks. I'm not sure if I'm ready to go back yet. I'm still so uncomfortable. Please let me know. I know that everyone heals differently and pain levels all vary. I have a desk job, but it is very demanding and fast paced work. I just want to know if I'm being a big baby or not. Thanks.

Hi everyone! My husband is loving & supportive of me, but is definately playing the devil's advocate on my decision to do the lapband. I'm 56, in good health except for mobility, joint pain, feet & knee pain from my 300 lb+ weight. My BMI has been 50+ for ten years or more. I've talked about lapbanding off & on for about 5 years and he has always said no way. In August I discussed with him again & he said if our family doc gave his blessing, he would give his. Long story short, doc said he would rather I try something else first (like I haven't tried everything presented in my adult life!!!!), presented all the risks, etc. IF later I decided on th…

Hi there, I am new here and am just begining the steps to get banded. A little about me, I am 25yrs and have been overweight my whole life. Right now I am 5'8 and weigh 294 lbs but I am pretty active and healthy. I have tried everything under the sun to loose weight and nothing seems to work for me. I do work out and go to the gym and I try to eat healthy and natural but the weight just doesn't want to come off. My last go around with a diet recently was on Weight Watchers. Now I thought it was a really good program however, like the other diets I have tried, it didn't work for me. I am at a point in my life where I am ready for a giant change and I think this is the rig…

Hi Everyone, I finally got my pre-op and surgery date! Pre-op is Nov. 28th and surgery is on Dec. 4th. I will be banded by Dr. Richard at Lanier Park Hospital in Gainesville, GA. I am so excited!! I have been reading the posts on this site and would like to say that the amount of support that you have for each other is amazing. I have tried to get as much information as possible on what I will be going through. I do realize that I can't base my experience on anyone else's because we all are unique individuals. It just helps me to know what some of you have experienced so that I won't totally freak out if it were to happen to me! Any advice you have for a new band…

Hi, Passed all my pre op test and just waiting for a surgury date. I've been trying for a while to get this surgery, (looked out of my area and state) and my local hospital finally started doing Lap Bands just a month and a half ago. Hope to get it done befor the end of the year.