Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am Phyllis. I have been banded for over 18 months but I am new to this board. I have been spending some time on here trying to get the hang of the new format. I am a turtle and a hard head, but I keep working at it. I have lost approx 50 lbs. I am happy for each oz. lost and have accepted the fact long ago that I am not one of the lucky ones who lose, lose, lose!!!!! I live in No. VA and had my surgery at George Washington University with Dr. Brody. I have 5.5cc's in my 4cc band, and no, I am not tight. I can eat anything but bread and tough meat and, as I found out last night, lobster tails. I just discovered that you have spell check here, but I guess…

Hi everyone! I have been reading here for the past couple of days and it has really helped. So many of my questions have been answered. I am on day four (out of 14) of my Optifast, broth, and raw veg. pre-op diet. It's had it's ups and downs. I am missing real food but it keeps getting easier. I am excited to be getting the band but I hope it works as well as I want it to. My surgeon said the 'average' weight lost is 50% of what you need to lose and that is not what I was hoping for. But, I am willing to put forth more than average effort. I am really excited to have this opportunity to get back to my 'right' weight. I'm looking forward to sharing experiences with t…

I am so excited... my consulation with Dr. Cirangle is scheduled for November 5th!!! I met him at his seminar this past Saturday and told him my goal is to have this done by Christmas and he said he didn't see a problem with that (even in having to deal with my insurance). YIPPIE!!! I can't wait. I am so ready for this!!! :whoo:

Hello, My name is Debbie and I am anxiously waiting approval from my insurance company for the lapbanding. I have provided them with the necesssary 6 months of dieticians, physicians appointments, and all other requirements for this procedure. I am lucky to find this site. You have answered some of my questions pre-surgery. I was especially worried about the 10 day liquid diet I must have prior to surgery. I have noted some of the items you suggested. I must say, I am still wondering if lap banding is the right choice vs. gastric bypass. Back in 1980's I had the stomach stapling and it didn't work. I never lost my desired weight. Now, I watch the TV show Big Me…

Hey! I had my band done on the 16th with Dr Ortiz. So far I've lost 10 lbs and no other problems except for some lingering swelling! Is anyone else from Alabama or Georgia? Has anyone used Fill Centers USA? I live too far away to return to Mexico for fills and checkups.

Hi all, My name is Katie. I'm a 25 year old mom, I have two little boys. Well I guess I am here because I've been overweight forever, but I've finally gotten to a weight where I can't stand it. Right now I am at 283 lbs. It's gotten so hard to play with my boys, and my 3 year old is one active little guy. Right now I am SOO excited to get started, but I have to wait for my husbands employer to switch our insurance. Which is really good sincethe new insurance company will cover the surgery. I am jsut not sure how long I will have to wait until I can start the process. I truly hope it's not too long because I would lovethe start out the new year with a new begining and a…

hello everyone! I got banded on 10.16.07, and my doctor wants me on high protein for two weeks! I'm half way through but this is getting old because all i am having is the isopure shakes. Is there anything other then protein shakes that can give me the 60-80 grams of protein i need per day?! Please let me know thank you! -con4t

hi i am from dorset in england i am looking to get a band fitted but my doctors said the wait is very very long cut backs on nhs so i thought i would spend my savings and go private but i do not know where to start there are so many out there wanting your money and offering you the world my bmi is 42 and i am so down and out i think this is my only hope now .please if anyone out there can advise me please do as i am feeling very lost and scared i have heard so much on the net about not going to belguim to have it done because of healthrisks and mrsi etc i would prefer to get it done in england and have all the aftercare to so please if you feel you can help please feel fr…

Hey Everyone! I lost 17lbs in just over 2 weeks and now I feel no restriction and I am worried. I actually put on 1-2 lbs! I called my doctor and he wont do my first fill until 11/15/07. Anyone else have this problem? I am so hungry....urrgggg oxox kim:(

Hi everyone. I've been lurking the last few days, looking for information about the lap band surgery and how people generally feel about it. I did a little looking and discovered that my insurance WILL cover the surgery. I believe I meet the requirements of five years documented obesity (if not, it's close!) and I have a BMI of over 40. I do have to show a 6 month weight loss effort, and I'm currently on Jenny Craig, but am going to start an official six months with my doctor this week at my annual checkup. I'm not 100% sure about the surgery, but I figure I can spend the next six month carefully considering it and making efforts to lose weight so that I've got s…

hello i'm new to all of this and im haveing my surgery nov 30,2007 ihave all the feeling everyone has scared and i cant wait, all in one it helps just to read everyone else feelings. :clap2:

My journey for lap banding is just starting. I am at it wits in with my weight. I have struggled with my weight since I was in 3rd grade due to severe abuse in my home. My mother had me seen by a weight doctor at this time, but didn't address the abuse. I entered eating disorder treatment twenty years ago, lost 40 lbs, but gained it back plus another 100. I am miserable, and desire to do something about this problem. I have a supportive husband and a support group around me, ready to start the journey. Sd:omg:

Hello all I am changing my life next Tues.I am having the procedure done in Lincoln Ne.What should I expect?Im starting to get alittle nervous lol

This is my first time here. I'm one week post op lap banding and feel great. I've had no problems so far i weighed 322lbs the week before my pre op and now weigh in at 304lbs weight loss of 28lbs:clap2: . I was banded by Mr. Leeder at Derby City Hospital and wish i had been able to have this op years ago. Hope to speak to you all soon

Hi Everyone-Just had my band placed 10/17/07 & have made it through the 1st week. Is getting easier every day. It is very encouraging to know I'm not alone in this adventure. I'm so grateful that I found this site:clap2:

I just wanted to share that I am headed on a whim to an information seminar on GB and Lap Band tonight. This is my first proactive step to actually getting the surgery, well, not counting talking about it;-) I am taking my Aunt (more like a sister) with me for support. I am getting so very excited. Just wanted to tell you all thanks again for being such a motivational crowd. Thanks!!!!!

I wish I had known about this forum BEFORE I started my journey ..but I am here now My name is Susan, I am 35 and a mom to 6 little ones - Hannah(10), Logan (9), Lance (7), Hayden (4) and my TWINkies Mason & Morgan who are 2. I was banded on October 5 of this year ..and doing well so far. .I'm down 11 pounds since the morning of surgery. My surgeon is Dr Gupta at St Vincent Bariatric Center of Excellence. It took almost 10 months from start of the process to my surgery date but worth every struggle along the way. I look forward to getting to know you all! Susan =n=n=n=n=n= Mom To: Hannah, Logan Lance, Hayden, and the TWINkies Mason & Morgan =…

The plans were to get an okey from my doctor today for surgery.Pre -admission testing in two weeks. Surgery around Thanksgiving. All seemed to be going my way. NOW Found I have moderate sleep apnea. Have to wait to schedule another night with the sleep disorder clinic.Barix Clinic then wants me to be on machine for at least 6 weeks before they will even schedule me for pre admission testing. I am extremely frustrated.Seems like Nothing is going right. Can some one clue me in on this sleep apnea.:mad::confused:

Hello, This is my first post. I was banded on Aug. 9 2007, and had my first fill, on Oct. 12 2007. 1 c.c. My surgeons were Glasgow & Glasgow in Walpole, Ma. Most of my weight loss was from the 2 week liquid diet pre-op, and the 2 week liquid diet post-op. I started at 225 lbs., and I am now at 197 lbs. I did notice that I started loosing quite a bit of hair, 1 month after the surgery. So far, if I make sure I get enough Protein, I don't loose any more hair than what is normal shedding. (50g protein) Having tried a Protein Drink my hubby uses, and finding it was disgusting, I now use unjury. I find that if I use the unflavored UNJURY, and the chocolate UNJURY, …

Hello, The first part of my ride is over, 2nd to begin on 11/19/07 which is my banding date. I've been told by my nutritionist that i'd prob be on a liquid diet for 1-2wks bf surg, but my surgeon has'nt metioned it at all and the scheduler at his office did'nt say anything about it when she gave me my dates (PAT's, and surgery). Is this absolutely necs??

I'm due to be banded on Nov. 27... My Lap-band doctor is Dr. Abkin out of Morristown.... I'd like to lose about 100 lbs..... and I'm really excited at the notion that this could actually be possible for me. I like reading all the other postings of those who've done and those continuing in the struggle to maintain the weightloss, It let's me know there are others like me..... Does anyone have any good advice for someone just starting out?

My doctor suggested I try the Lapband surgery. Tomorrow, I will make an appointment to meet with the nutritionist. I have a little over 100 pounds to lose and like everyone else I've read about, I'm having difficulty losing the weight and keeping it OFF. What questions should I ask? I want to make sure I cover everything. Thanks in advance!!

My name is Lauren and i am 24 years old. I was banded on August 13th, 2007. My surgery weight was 260 and i am down to 239 as of September 1. I was banded in Long Island at Good Samaritan hospital by Dr. Cussatti.:whoo:

Hi I am new and very excited about starting my new journey. I have gone to a seminar that the surgeon who will do my surgery put on. He gave a LOT of information and papers to fill out and all. I have filled them all out and got all my information about my insurance, I had to have a 12 month evaluation. And now am ready for my 1st appointment with the surgeon. I go see him Nov. 1st. I am hoping I will know the date of my surgery then. Looking for any information and support I can get and am here to support too!

i live in south fl ..i dont know if i want to go out of the country or not.. i will be a self pay patient.. thx :help:

I was banded in august 07 and have just had my first fill 2 weeks ago, 6 mls (CC's), I was very restricted for the first week and now feel like I can almost eat anthing, the Dr said it would settle and relax but it seems a little too relaxed. Has anyone else felt this? Im having another fill in 2 weeks. Also my weightloss was very rapid whilst on fluits but has stopped now on normal foods (even though I eat very little), will weightloss be up and down till my fill is correct? If anyone can help that would be great? Lauren:help:

I would like to know some of you have dealt with your anxiety over this procedure. I have metabolic syndrome and bad genes and really feel after many failed attempts this is my goal.:help:

Hi, everyone. I am scheduled to be banded on January 21, 2008 in NYC by Dr. Christine Ren. I am planning to go back to work on January 28. Is that enough time? I don't know if I can take more time off than that.

I was born in Thailand, and unlike most Thais that are small and petite, I am not. I was adopted and grew up in a meat and Potato, eat everything on your plate family. I currently live in Hawaii. Have lived in many places all over the world, and with that came the desire to eat foods from all over the world. So now I am here and I and I am delighted to join you all. I have not been banded yet. I see the surgeon on Nov 2nd for the all clear and then I am scheduled to be banded on Nove 6th. I am nervous. Congrats to all the other newbies out there!:clap2:

So people keep saying to me that I won't be able to/I will have difficult climbing stairs (thus I need to stay with my mother for a few days instead of my house by myself) Did anybody have problems climbing stairs? Kelly

:help:Getting close to Band Day. I know the first week is clear liquids and you are suppose to take in 60grm of protein. I am having a hard time finding protein drinks of the clear kind. Any suggestions? Some people say I won't be able to keep the drink I found at GNC down. Therefore, I am looking for alternatives in case that happens. I'd prefer to go to a store and not shop online. Getting things shipped to Hawaii is sooooo expensive, especially heavy stuff, like liquid drinks and with airline security, many companies won't ship here. Cheers

:rolleyes:Attended a seminar and have had my first consultation. Ins. does cover BMI of 40 or 35-40 with one co-morbidity. I am BMI 41, and have diabetes, so I should be good to go. Have to have a psyc eval., see a nutritionist, and do 4 months of a supervised diet and exercise program, and supply health history. Once all of the above have been done, how long does the insurance co. take to make the approval decision? I have Aetna. I guess I am trying to figure out what month I might expect to have surgery. Also, the insurance company literature regarding this requirement for the 4 month supervised diet and exercise program states that they believe this will de…

Hello everyone, I found this site a few days ago and have spent hours reading this forum - fascinating! I really want to have the lap band procedure but my insurance doesn't cover it and as a single mom, there is no way I can afford it. I did apply though with several medical finance companies and was denied. I'm not sure that this will ever become a reality, but I can hope & pray. I do have some questions that hopefully aren't old - I'm 5'8 and 280 pounds and other than being overweight and I quite healthy. But, at 41, I'm sure at this rate that could change easily. I've been overweight by 10-15 pounds most of my life but once I hit 22-23ish, I've ballo…

Hi I am from Lynchburg Tn and I am currently waiting on Cigna to approve my lapband surgery. My doctor is Dr. Spaw at Baptist Hospital. How long does it usually take Cigna insurance (I'm a teacher) to approve this? All my paperwork was sent in Oct 15 from my dr. Oh and I also have PCOS. I can't wait to get this weight off me! We too tried to have a child but dr says that the PCOS and endometriosis is so bad that it might not ever work, so we chose to get healthy and let the Lord take over. Felicia

I have my banding date 11/06/07. I've been on my pre-op diet for a few days and find the Protein drinks help as my normal dieting technique is fasting. I got some unjury and do like that but just picked up some Myoplex Lite with 25 grams that is already made for the office. It tastes ok but it is lumpy! Yuck!! My question is I've told management that with my surgery on Tuesday that I would try and be back in the office on Thursday. Am I being a total optimist? Anyone out there able to return to a very sedate office position in this amount of time? Thanks.

OK I AM A LITTLE CONFUSED I HAVE LOT 18 LBS SO FAR I WAS BANDED ON 6/7/04 MY FIRST FILL WAS ON 7/10/04 OF 4CC AND TODAY I WENT FOR ANOTHER ONE AND SHE FILLED IT UP TO 5CC SO IN TOTAL IT'S 9CC DOES THAT SOUND LIKE ALOT ? HAS ANYONE OUT THERE GOING OR HAS GONE THOUGH THE SAM THING? NOW I FEEL THE RETICIONS BUT IT'S LIKE MY WEIGHT DOES OR IS NOT COMING OFF FAST ENOUGH I STARTED OUT WITH 218 LBS BEFORE GETTING BANDED NOW I AM AT 200 LBS

I feel strange writing this, I've never posted to anything before. I was banded 10 days ago on Oct. 11th in Albany, Georgia. My doctor is Dr. Bagnato. I feel very fortunate to finally be banded. I've wanted this for over 2 years, but insurance would not pay. While Dr. Bagnato was doing the surgery he also repaired 2 hernias so my recovery was a little rougher than most, but things are finally going well. I also feel that my age was another reason things wer a little rough the first week. I'm 50 and my BMI was 50, so I have a long way to go. After 10 days, I'm really starting to feel well. No nausea or hunger pains. I've also been fortunate wherein I haven't thro…

I am in the Portland Metro area and going to my first information seminar on Wednesday with Dr. Patterson. Anyone been to one of these? I think it is through Oregon Weight Loss Surgery. I have visions of being the only fat person there with 2 doctors looking at me! I will be a self pay so I am hoping for a positive experience. Also, are there support groups you attend on a regular basis? Thanks:nervous Jae

<p>Hey if anyone is interested you acn go on orlive.com and see the procedure being done from start to finish. It was so cool to watch.</p>Also any other procedure you want like tummy tuck, bypass,sleeve,and the ruen -y.

First time ever posting. I will be banded on Nov 2 along with my daughter and sister. We are all travelling to Toronto to the TLBC. We will be banded by Dr. Yau. We are still learning what to expect from reading all of the postings. Anyway we are all very excited to get started. Thanks...

This is my first visit and very excited to find this web site. I am going for my two week follow up tomorrow and excited to have made it this far. I'm not sure what problems my physician ran into during the surgery but all 7 of my incisions are on the left side of my stomach. I have read several posts of about the grumbling stomach, I'm not so worried about mine now. My surgery was done on 10-5-07 by Dr. Wayne Westmoreland I spent one night in the hospital because of low oxygen levels after surgrey, but feel fine now. I look forword to learning from everyone here.

Hi, I am 31 years old and from Edmonton Canada. I had surgery on Oct 11th. I am having alot of mixed feelings. Excited and scared at the same time. I feel like an emotional roller coaster. I am so happy I found this site.

<p>I am looking for others who have gone to Dr Rumbaut for thier lapband. I want to know about experiances by those not in his employ.</p> <p> Thanks<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Just wanted to send a shout out to everyone! New to the group. I have my first consult tomorrow and both myself and my husband are considering Lap-Band. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this is a smooth journey.

hi all am jasmin from egypt - banded last feb specifically on the vanlantine day

I was just banded on Oct 17th. I am doing pretty well but I definitely have pressure/discomfort in my mid breast bone...I really don't have much hunger probably due to the swelling but are already having urges to eat thing that I know would go down easy...Way to early to think about sabotaging (sp?) myself....Any one else having this same discomfort? I also seem to be burping quite a bit....

sorry for the dumb questions, but how do u get them to stay everytime you post?

might sound silly, but how do i put a signature or cute pics on my posts?? thank you in advance.

I am getting banded Oct. 24 and am on the liquid diet since a week ago Friday. I am having reflux and it is making me very uncomfortable. Is anyone else having this problem? I am looking forward to learning much on this site and appreciate any advice.

I am 15 years old and i have been over weight all my life. I have been searchering for a doctor that will do lap band on me for 2 years. I finally found a doc in nebraska and i had my first app. on the 18 i am approved of the surgery by the surgeon all i need to do is send all my health recordsof the last 3-4 years to the insurance company and get them to aprrove me. I am really excited about possibly getting it. I am not to worried that the insuarnce wont aprrove me becase i meet all their criteria for the surgery. Basicly time is what is holding me up. I was wonering if people who have has the surgery how it went and how much wieght they have lost. Thank you:) Dev…