Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I have been "lurking" around this site for a couple of weeks prior to my surgery, and I found that there is an answer to just about any question one may have. Thanks to all that have posted information so that the rest of us may benefit. Anyway, My doctor, Javier Herrera MD in Jacksonville, Fl. has been great so far. He does use the two week pre-op liquid diet (yikes), and I did lose 15 lbs while on it. I went into surgery at 9:30 am after a 90 minute pre-op regimine. The surgery itself is a very short duration of approximately an hour, and I was placed in post-op recovery (I'm told, I don't remember) at approximately 10:30 am. I woke back up in the room I had begun in …

Hey - glad I found this site - I am scheduled for my surgery on Monday 10/15 - scared to death. I have been fighting "something" all week - low grade temp and aches but doc thinks it's viral and said no reason to reschedule so surgery is still a go. I think my anxiety may be getting the best of me. I am a mom of 4. I have not been fat my whole life but definately since 2000 (birth of my 3rd) after that I was able to get down to a 16 but I am definately an uncomfortable 24 now! I have been on medifast since Monday and I think I lost about 5 or 6 pounds this week. I couldn't keep it up forever. Well, that's my story - my surgery is with Dr Geiss, if anyone knows him.…

Hello everybody... My name is Carrie. I was banded May 4, 2003. Dr Watkins, Kirkland, Wa. My starting wt was 245 and now 170. It has been a long time since I have been on a forum. I would like to know... How are other veterans doing at this point? I am happy to have found this site.... Happy days.. Carrie Banded 5/4/03 240/170

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.

Hi, I'm new and beginning this journey. I have been excited about the lapband for a long time and have always wanted to go forward with surgery. Recently I have read that the band may not be for people with a "sweet tooth" and I ask myself, "How many people carry the weight I do, and not like sweets?" Are there any sugar addicts out there that can comment on their cravings pre and post band? The one thing I have going for me is I am a big chicken, so if I think it will mess up my surgery I won't do it. Looking for real life experiences.... Jaeric

Hello Everyone, My Hubby is Skinnydipn42. I think I got that right. He's the one who is going for the surgery but is just waiting now for the ok from the insurence people. I've been considering this also but my doctor doesn't think I'm a canidate. My BMI is something like, 37 but getting higher every day. My right knee hurts so bad that walking is very hard, so that is keeping me from getting the excersize I need! I'm going for another shot in my knee soon. I'm 62 years old ( I'll be 63 Decemebr 11the ) and weigh about 228 pounds and am 5'5"and a half " tall. The questions that my Hubby Don had to answer , 700 plus , plus more after he came home! I don't think I…

Hi everyone! I'm new to the website. I'm considering the surgery and had a consultation this week. I qualify for both the gastric bypass and the lapband (BMI 39 with high cholesterol of 330). My doctor will support either decision I make. I'm leaning strongly toward the band because the bypass just seems too drastic and risky (and my doctor supports the decision). However, he did say that for high cholesterol, the bypass seems to do better. So my question is: (1) Have any of you had success in drastically lowering your cholesterol with the band? Other questions: (2) when you're eating, it if takes 20 minutes to get the food down or register to the brain, how do yo…

I have just started all the testing required to get approved for gastric bypass. My consultant called me today with the news that Tricare has officially started approving Lapband. Now I have a choice to make. Maybe hearing others opinions would help me. I am what you would call borderline, so I know I may hear lots of people saying why am I going through such a drastic process. Well, here goes. I was lucky enough to never had to struggle with my weight as a young girl. My weight problems didn't start until I had my 3rd child and used that dreaded depro prevara shot. I have now had 5 kids and am done! I am 5'1 and weigh 207 lbs. I have struggled with weight loss yoyo …

Guys, i want to hear from all u bandsters out there whom love to sleep on their stomachs, HOW long after surgery can u sleep on ur stomach?,,,Boy oh boy looks like im gonna have many sleepless nights after 30th October........<br /> Please people tell me ,,,, <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /><br /> IF I DONT <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Notagree" smilieid="19" class="inlineimg" /> WELL THEN ginaki will be grumpy! <br /> Also does the port sight hurt when sleeping on ur stomach?<br />

I know it's a common term on here but I can't figure out what it is. I know its not good.

The amount of time people take off after surgery seems to vary from 5 days to 3 weeks. Is there an average time, possibly due to what one does at their job? I am a therapist in several schools, and travel around town on a daily basis. I'm going to be able to modify what I carry around as needed. My plan is to be back to work 4-5 days after surgery. My doc seems to think there will be no problem. Is it mostly soreness, gas and bloated stomach I will be dealing with? I have a very good pain tolerance. Thank you.

This quesiton is for everyone. I wish I could start a poll regarding this quesiton but I don't know how? Anyway, my biggest fear about getting banded is the following: This question is for those of you who are like me and are obese because you use food to calm, comfort, stimulate, congratulation, entertain, and all done out of a lifetime habit. I am not a sit down and eat a big meal kind of person. More a grazing snacking recreactional eater who's mostly always hungry. Yes I may use food like someone who uses alcohol or drugs. I was wondering if the band is even for me if this is how I am. Of course portions are a problem and I rarely get a "full" signal …

just getting the hang of chat workings. I'm waiting for a surgery date. Jumped through all the hoops. insurance finally approved. Yahoo!

Hello my name is Jonita Lewis. I am just begining the process. I have a seminar to attend 10/16. BMI is 40.7 and i am on meds for high cholesterol. Any pointers on how to speed up the process?:help:

Hi, I had my Lapband done about 3 weeks ago. My surgeon was Dr. Tiffany Jessee in Tampa Florida. I guess I am a little disappointed at this time. I feel hungry and can eat more than I thought. I am still on pureed diet but am hungry. I haven't had a fill yet, I hope that will make a difference like when I first had surgery. Any thoughts ???:faint:

AGGHH!! I am very frustrated with the hospital that is doing my surgery. They so kindly sent me paperwork explaining that they charge a $500 non-refundable "program fee" to help cover the cost of materials and pamphlets before the surgery can be done.... I would think they could somehow include the $500 fee in with their $16,000-$22,000 surgery... Like the hospital can't afford pamphlets and materials?? Or... maybe afford to charge it in with the insurance? I already have to pay a minimum of 10% of the surgery out of pocket. (Plus I pay $120 a week to have the insurance on myself.) I just don't understand? Has anyone else had to pay a "program fee"?? I am very irritated …

I am brand new to this forum. I have been researching the band for a few weeks now after my last doctor visit. I have to say, I am already so glad I found you all! I have been reading for hours, and all I can say is WOW, and THANK YOU! I have been feeling so hopeless in a time when I should be so full of joy...I am 24 years old and married the love of my life just over a year ago. Just before that, however, I found out that I had type 2 diabetes. What a blow that was, and is everyday. I have always struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember and I am so tired of it. I have dieted and exercised for years, and now that I am completely insulin dependant within o…

Just had surgery Sept. 28th and so far have lost 22lbs.

Hi I'm a newbie not banded yet...going to Psycoloical Eval 10/15 then I will have my date and CAN"T WAIT! Ummm what is this PB I'm hearing about...sounds delightful. Anyone from West Palm Beach, FL area?

I've been lurking around for a few weeks, and finally got brave enough to register. I'm so glad I came across this mb, and I hope that everyone considering the lapband does-the exchange of info that I've seen taking place is invaluable! I'm hoping to have my surgery sometime in early 2008; there is no way I can take any time off my job during the holidays. My job? Everyone ready to groan? I'm a professional chef. Anyhow, I just wanted to say hello before I started asking questions.

hi, I had my band placed on 10-04-07. i am 1 wk post -op. i have my first visit with my surgeon on tomorrow. he was and is wonderful. his name is dr john bagnato. he has a practice in albany ga. my beginning wieght was 300lbs. this morning my wt is 277. i am on my way.:whoo:

Hi there, I have been feeling hungry after my op.....I dare not have anything beside liquid for fear that the band might be sipped. I have been crying for solid food.....any advise? Help!:help::help::help:

Hi, My name is Shandy. I am 28 years old. I will be 29 in January. I got the band in December 2006 by Dr. Spiegel. I have not had much success yet, but it is my own fault. I havn't been faithful to the diet. I am an insulin dependent diabetic so I get frustrated very quickly because my diabetes seems to make it difficult to stick to the diet and when I mess up I seem to give up all together. I just got my 4th fill so hopefully I can stay on track this time. I have only lost 15lbs since December 2006, but I need to lose 80lbs. Heres to staying on track! Shandy:scared:

Has anyone had any hair loss? Any thing to say about hair loss? Can it be prevented? Also, stretch marks. Do they always happen with weight loss? Thanks for the input. I'm scheduled to do the lap banding on 10/17. Wish me luck.

I am scheduled for Nov 9th, with Dr. Debord, Peoria IL. I am nervous and excited at the same time. I am nervous about the clear liquid diet and anxious to get on with it. I am certain that this will be the rebirth and tool that I need to reshape my life:) And my body while I am at it. Any pointers that I should know before going into surgery? I am all ears.

Hello To All!!! I am new to this group, but I read some of the posts and decided to join. I was banded in February of this year and as of July of this year, lost 42 pounds. I have been having problems with my fills and we are checking on Monday to see if there is a leak in the band. It started very slowly and the really hit after the last fill. I have a 4 cc band and have a total of 1.6 cc in fill. Hopefully this is just some crazy with me and I am losing Fluid as I hear can happen. The great part is that I have maintained the weight loss. Looking forward to any advice that anyone has and chatting with you. Best, Debbie banded 2/20/07 218/176/115 pre-o…

Hi. Just joining this forum. I was banded on 4/13 and have lost about 50 lbs. I went to Dr. Curry in Blue Ash, Ohio. Feeling Great & Very Happy!

I am a newbie also! I have done all my requirements for the lapband, now I am just waiting for the insurance. I don't know when to have my surgery. If I have it in November, I am afraid I will not enjoy Xmas. (yes one of my favorite food holidays:hungry:). I am also worried about if I did have the surgery would I stay on the diet the dr will put me on......I am so confused and I don't see any threads with the same concerns...maybe I am not ready for this surgery yet....or is this normal...is anyone else thinking of the holidays? :help:

Hi Everyone, Just found this site and love it. I am in the process of getting approval for the lap band. Hopefully will get approval by the 1st of the year??? Looking forward to exploring this site, thanks!

so, i think i have learned a lesson trial by error. i found a surgeon, i knew that lap band was covered by my insurance carrier, AETNA ppo. but what i didn't know is that the surgeon was not in my network. so, now i am waiting for the insurance company to approve a referell i had to submit asking that they treat him like he is a network provider and allow me to choose him to do the surgery. anyone had this happen? any help would be appreciated. just stressed. :whoo::help:

Hi, This is all new to me. Including the chatting. I have been on the road to getting a gastric bypass surgery. Just waiting on the Okay from the insurance company. This all start in Feb. of 2007. Needless to say I am down 70 pounds and I am now considering the lapband while the insurance continues to drag their feet. I have considered the risks factors and I'm a pretty sure this is a better options for me, although I have a long way to go. :help:

Hi. I'm nearly 49 and weight 200 or so lbs. I'm expecting to be self pay and have been looking into surgery at Harper Hospital in Detroit. It's a 5 hour drive away. Has any one used the Belite scheduling service that uses the a Detroit and Mexico location? I'm worried that I won't see dramatic enough improvements to stay motivated. Any advice?

:opps2: So I have been cruising :car: around this website, and just throwing my two bits and smiley faces every where I pleased,:blabla: but I never went to the introductions and told you who I am. Shame, shame, shame! My name is Amy. I live Canada:canada: with my husband David and 10 year old daughter Holly. I am a part-time accounting student, and full-time "go-to-coffee-with-friends" person.:tea: Currently I took the semester off to have the lap band surgery, because I am a big baby. I got the lap band for the same reason you got (or getting) the lap band- I need to lose a boat load of weight!:fish2: I hate to change my bad eating habits, because of the hunger…

I just started my wls journey. I am 22 and in college. I am in the process of starting my 6 month diet and all that jazz. I am hoping to have the lapband. My reasoning behind wanting the Lapband is that I don't think I can stand the idea of having my insides rearranged like that, and there seems, to me atleast, that there are more complications post surgery. There are several people in my family who had the RNY and all but two of them look seriously malnourished. One of the two looks fabulous, the other one has started gaining weight back. But they love their RNY's. I know right now, i do not have any comorbidities (thank god), but if i continue along a…

Hi Everybody, Found this site and it is great! I am getting banded next Tuesday the 16th. I am a little nervous and sometimes I get these highs and lows. I wonder if it is natural. Anyhoo, did anyone use Dr Felts in Dallas, Texas or lapband solutions. Thanks diva

I have not been banded yet. I have just recieved insurance approval and I am excited and apprehensive at the same time!! I just signed up for Lapbandtalk last night. I hope to meet some great people and make some friends. Dan

:car: Hi. I have had my lap band surgery almost a month ago..4 weeks this wednesday, One monthe on the 12th and I was wondering some things. My Dr. is in Mo(des peres)St. Louis area, and he is great, but sometimes I think I could get faster answers on something like this than waiting for a call later on, you know? Anyway.. I have been feeling hungry the past week...and sometimes, too hungry. I am following the diet, and eating the protien suggested, but sometimes it is not enough. And then I eat some more.. And since I have to wait to drink...boy old habits die hard sometimes! I know it takes time, and I was so proud for the first 2 weeks I lost 11 lbs...but now I feel l…

I would like some opinions and ideas about letting others know about the banding. So far the only person aware of my possible banding is my husband - he is supportive but very leery about the cost. I am wondering about others opinions of keeping it a secret at least until the band is in place. Any input would give me lots to consider - please reply if you have any thoughts on this. Donna :eek:

Hi to all Aussie Bandsters, i got my surgery date booked today:clap2: October 30th....Hooray! is it normal for all my emotions to be mixed together,, ive been so excited throughout this journey up until now ive been in happy spirits , im still excited but now with the excitement comes fear, nerves and emotions,, 25 days till my life changing surgery..... :whoo:

I keep reading about people having their surgery done in Mexico. Is this safe? How qualified are these doctors? How did you find a great doctor in Mexico? I will be self-pay and I am still trying to decide between lap band surgery and gastric bypass. Anne

I had my first weigh in 8-1-07 274lbs went on optifast lost 20lbs in 3 weeks had my went for my pre-op labs (including blood Preg. test) on 8-20-07, proceeded to have surgery on 8/23/07 1 week later I was in the ER dying from vomiting and abdominal pain they told me I was pregnant!:omg:I was so sick between morning sickness and trying to heal 2 weeks later I lost the baby, I couldn't even find an OB it was terrible last time I weighed was Oct 1 236lbs at thius point I had been on less than 500cal a day now I am on solids still no fill yet but am experiencing symptoms that sound like what PB's are? what does that stand for? I don't want to sound ignorant but this term is n…

:whoo:Hi, I joined and finaly had the time to sit down and write a personal introduction. I'm super excited to become Banded by Dr. Spivak tomorrow morning. I've been diganoses with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which makes it impossible to lose weight in my condition. The medication they put me on for PCOS is a steroid which ultimately puts weight on. The insurance won't cover my condition because they believe its cosmetic only but in the end its for a health condition. "Quakers" Insurance Company. Well I've got my presurgery stuff done called the hospital and gave them my medical history and have to report at 7:30 bright and early to start my own life. I'm so excit…

I just wanted to say HI to everyone on the site and introduce myself. I was in the chat room yesterday but realized I had never actually introduced myself yet. I am a 28 year old female from Louisiana. I had been debating having the surgery for a year or so and then last Friday went to a seminar and decided I was ready. My insurance doesn't pay for it so I am paying for it myself. I just called this morning to make my first appointment and my first inital appointment for pre-op testing is scheduled for Monday October 15th. They told me it shouldn't take too long since I don't have to wait on insurance approval. I am more than ready. I would do it tomorrow if they h…

I am scheduled for surgery in Mexico and they are offering a newly approved band. Does anyone know about a new band??

Hey all, I am new to this site so finding my way around still.. The idea of lap banding was introduced to me very recently by my GP.. I am 26 yrs old and have a BMI of 39 so im at a risk of lots of diseases.. Is there anyone here with a similar BMI with some results? Also, the surgeon recommended to me is Dr. Bruyne Christiaan.. is there anyone here with the same surgeon? Any info will be highly appreciated to help me make a decision.. Thanks

just curious, i am in the waiting process and i wanted some idea's on how long it can take before you are approved for the surgery. i know most insurance companies take their time. i have AETNA PPO. anyone else out there covered with AENTA? thanks

:whoo:Last Tuesday night I went to my first seminar. It was very interesting and exciting. The seminar is a requirement to be accepted into the program here. The next night I filled out the 11 page application. The woman who handles all the inquiries is out of the office for the next two weeks, so their response time is going to be slower unfortunately. But that's okay. I took the first tangible step toward my goal of being banded and it feels great. This will also get things rolling with the insurance company (they require that I go through a six-month program that they sponser before saying yes or no). One thing's for sure, this whole process is going to teach m…

I was supposed to go to my 1st seminar this evening with Dr Snow. But was given good advice to call first to see if they accepted medicare. He does not. Most of the Dr's that are recommended on here do not accept medicare. I was told on Baylor and Methodist Hospital were approved to do the lapband. Anyone know the Dr's from Baylor or Methodist?:help:

Hi All, I hope to be banded soon, I had my orientation on May 29, 2007 in South San Francisco ( I live in Sacramento). I have an appt. on the 2nd of Oct. with the surgeon (Dr. Alami) and hope to be given a surgery date at that time. I was 340lbs when I started and was told to lose 30lbs, of which I have lost 27. I look forward to hearing from anyone who can help fill me in on all the do's and don'ts, up's and down's and in's and out's of this whole new life that I have started. I am already much happier having lost the initial 27 lbs that I have, but I am really looking forward to breaking that 300 lb mark, its been a long time.

HI! does anyone have any suggestion on what I need to ask at the seminar? Im going tomorrow and do not know what to expect. Im already set up for a sleep study beacuse my Dr believes I have sleep apnea. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!