Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I am so excited. I am 3 weeks out from being banded and went to the Nutricianist today. She weighed me and I lost 23 lbs. I couldn't believe it. This has been the best thing I have ever done. Hope everyone else is doing well. Karen:whoo:

Hey Everyone, Just registered. I am scheduled for surgery 9/28. Boy I'm nervious! Groovielou

Hi, im M's buddy just thought i will post to let u know that i was the convincer, then i was the one that needed convincing, so here i am convinced beware the questions are coming!:hungry:

Hi! Been read'in so many posts, I wanted to join in with you all. It's been six weeks since I was banded with a French Mid Lap Band. My Doctor and his team came from "Getbandednow.com" in Tijuana, Mexico. They are very kind and skilled professionals, trained in France. When I researched my Doctor's credentials, my mind was set at ease. I'm recommending them to do Lap Band Surgery for friends who's insurance does not cover weight loss issues. At Sanoviv medical center, in Rosarito, they have never had a staff infection. Some felt it was a "lock down detox", high end spa, medical-alternative facility. There were patients (including Doctors and health care professional…

I have wanted the lap band surgery for the last two years, but my insurance company didn't cover WLS. In September my company changed insurance companies and they approved me today!! Wooooo Hooooo!!! I'm estatic :clap2: I'm looking to get the surgery in December. I need to lose around 160lbs. I've enjoyed looking at this board. Look's like a lot of support and information going on. I'm looking forward to meeting ya'll :nervous Barb

surgery date 9/28 in Nashville TN. Dr Dyer... centennial med ctr. :whoo: ...................:nervous

Wow, it's been awhile since I've been here, so I suppose a re-intro is in order. I was banded in 2003 by the wonderful Dr. Spivak and although I've had my share of struggles, I'm still happy with my band. Here's a short update on my life, if anyone's interested. I was at approximately 260 when I was banded. I lost down to about 185 and was pretty content with that. In the fall of 2004, my dear Uncle passed away :cry and I, unfortunately, found comfort with food. At one point I had to have a complete unfill because I had pouch dilatation and I regained back up to 210. Needless to say, I felt like a failure at times and I'd longingly look at my size 14 button-fly j…

Hello, My name is Sara. IM 21, married to Josh, 28 and am considering getting the lap band. Im going to a seminar on October 2nd to get more info. If anyone has any advice for me feel free to tell me. I could use help in making the decision. I do have one question-Is it true that you cannot drink for 30 minutes before a meal and you cannot drink during a meal? Thanks guys. Ive enjoyed looking at your success stories :help:and pics!!! Message me sometime, I look forward to getting new friends.

Hi, I'm new to this whole thing. My husband and I had been talking about this procedure for quite some time but did not go forward due to no coverage from insurance. We finally decided that the cost is worth it for my health. I'm 25 and I already have high BP, high cholest, etc., etc. I just decided last week to go forward and now I am already scheduled for the procedure October 18th (LESS THAN 3 WEEKS AWAY!!!). I'm wondering if there is anyone out there with the same type of situation. I am seriously afraid of skin. I have been heavy for about 4 years, I am 25 and i have a BMI of 41. Anything anyone has to help ease some of my worries will help. I have done a lot of re…

Hi everyone. I am getting banded on Sept 25. I am self pay so process went very quickly. From initial consult to surgery will be only 4 weeks. I am 53 and tired of trying everything to lose weight. My BMI is 43.

Just joined today and will have surgery the end of October. looking for helpful hints and interested in other people's journey. thank you

Hello to all; After years of being grossly overweight and going on diet after diet and losing weight only to gain it plus 15 pounds backs within the next 6 months or so, I decided to go the route of the lap-band. I was banded on 9/14 and am now 9 days into re-learning how to take care of my health. For some reason, they didn't weigh me before surgery on the 14th, but my initial visit with them was on August 14thish, and at my follow up two days ago, I had already lost 48 pounds. I am sure I will have questions as I get accustommed and hope I can count on some help from the experienced ones here. Happy Sunday. dab

Hi all, My name is Tony Golic and I've just had the Lap Band surgery (9/20/07). My wife was banded in July and we're both looking forward to making the life changes we need to make sure we're here for a long time to come. I was banded in Charlotte, NC by Dr. Keith Gersin. When I started the process, I was 368 pounds. I'm at 350 pounds now thanks to the pre-op diet. I am looking forward to "chatting" with you all and encourage anyone to send my a private message if they need anything (advice, an ear to listen, a ride to the airport, whatever) :eek: Thanks! Tony

Hello Everyone! I am new to the site and hope to get a lot of good information here. I will be banded this Wednesday (9/26) and I am a bit nervous but know I am doing the right thing. I'm 53 years old, 4'11" and weigh 183 (down from 190 because of the pre-op diet). I have been overweight most of my adult life and can't wait to see my body slim down. I'm happily married and have two adult sons. Any advice would be totally welcomed!:clap2: Ruth

Surgery date November 29th can't wait

Hey How is everyone? I am new to the site. I was banded on Sept 7th 2007. My highest weight was 260 (at the beg. of my Liquid diet) and my weight at the day of surgery was 242. I am now weighing in at 228! I am so excited and I hope it continues on this way.:clap2:

<p>Hello everyone,</p> <p> </p> <p>I am new to the site and going through the pre stuff before surgery. I do not ahve a date yet, but I was approved by my insurance, I just have to do some last minute things like, psych eval, medical clearance form primary doc and a copy of my thyroid report form primary doc and they set me up witha date. I hope that it is before Thanksgiving, because that is when I really pig out.<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/ranger.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Ranger" smilieid="301" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Getting banded 9/27 by Dr. Nusbaum in NJ. I'm excited and a little fearful of my life post food addiction. I've always been an eater to calm myself or to enjoy the moment more (chili during football games). I truly believe though that getting rid of the weight is more important than the foods I've enjoyed. I can't wait! Current Weight 260 Target Weight 175. BMI: 38 with HBP and diagnosed sleep Apnea

Hi all, New to site...but am post-banded for a year (9-13-06)...have only lost 59lbs....(frustrating)....had a problem with fills...the first one in November 06 was a dud....doc didnt know what she was doing and didnt get any fluid in band (but she sure got paid)...next fill was in April....finally found a doc who knew how to do it....so i call that my 1st fill...lost 25lbs between then and 8-10-07 (2nd fill)...since 2nd fill weight loss has been so slow that i am wanting to kill people (lol)....only lost about 7lbs...my question is ...how do u know if your band has slipped?:help: I am so scared of this it freaks me out...I dont wont to lose my band....I fought too hard…

Just looking for a little feedback here. I just went to the seminar for the lapband surgery yesterday and found out that I MUST bring someone with me to my first doctor's visit. I'm not talking about the surgery, just the first initial contact. What gives? I am fully capable of asking the questions I need to ask and taking direction on my own. The truth is that I don't want my family to know about my lapband procedure until AFTER I have it done. I don't need the criticism and anyone telling me I'm wrong for wanting to do it (and believe me they will)...and I don't want to inconvenience my friends. I can hear me now, "Um, would you mind coming to the doctor with me …

O.k. While I'm not exactly 'Banded4Life' yet, I did get my plane tickets today for my surgery on November 9th. I'm going to Dr. Rodregiz in Monterry, Mexico and I am very nervous but trying to just maintain if ya know what I mean. :help: Starting weight about 235 and wanting to get to 145 at least!

I have just found this site and am considering the lap band...I have been reading the threads here and am very encouraged...However, I have not chosen a Dr or a clinic..was wondering if anyone here is from the midwest (USA) and would have some insight on where to go? I am taking my time and doing the research! Also, need to find out if my insurance will pay!

My name is Glenna and I had the lap band done on May 21st this year. I am from Ky and my Dr was Dr. Sonninstine. So far I have lost 53 lbs. I do have a question for some of you that had it before me. I have had 2 fills and even though I lose( 11lbs in 3 wks with first fill and 10lbs in 4wks with sec) I have never really had any restrictions.. I still eat slow and only 4oz ech meal do you think that is reason? Shouldnt I feel something? I have noticed if I do eat I get some pain in my upper back does that sound right? Any advice I could get from someone that it has been 6mths or longer I would apprecate it. Also does It sound like I am doing good 53lbs in 4 mont…

Hello, I am new to this site and new to blogging! I am hoping to have lap band surgery, and due to financial limits I am interested in having it done in Mexico. Does anyone know how I can find and research lap-band surgeons in Mexico? Anyone had their surgery there? Thanks for any information you can give me.

I was banded on August 8, 07 and have lost a total of 41 lbs to date. I had my first fill this weekend and I feel no difference so far. I will try for another one in a couple of weeks. My doctor was Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta and he was excellent. I was treated very well and would recommend him to others. It was impossible to find a fill doctor in my area (Vancouver Island, BC, Canada) so I had to travel to Washington State to have it. It becomes expensive and time consuming, but the people there were great and very supportive.

Had my band a year ago and only lost 50 lbs. I had a VG band placed. I am interested to speak to others with same band and how their weight loss is. thanks

I just got scheduled for surgery on October 19. I'm extremely excited, nervous, etc. Hardest part has been scheduling for when I'm in town long enough! One big point of nervousness for me is that I'm a frequent business traveler. Lots of grabbing meals in airports, client lunches - fancy client dinners and the like. How have people handled frequent formal dinners? I imagine that initially I'll likely have to pack some Protein shakes - but goodness, there are LOTS of steak houses we go to.

I live on the east coast, and I'm trying to self-pay to get lap-band surgery. Going out of the country is an option, but I'm really nervous about it! What have other low BMI people experienced, where did you go to get it done, and if it was out of state, was it easy to find a place to get your fills done. Thanks, and nice to meet everyone!

I'm scheduled to be banded this Friday, September 28, 2007. (Dr. Spivak, Houston) I'm excited, nervous and scared all at once. Right now I'm on a low carb diet to help shrink my liver before surgery and I'm hating every minute of it. I'm not a big meat eater at all so this is pure torture. Especially because knowing I'll be having surgery within days and won't be able to eat all the things I love, I'm wanting to go on a food tour and have a bit of everything. hehe I'm trying to get prepared for surgery by thinking ahead of everything I'll need. I already went out and bought liquid tylenol and chewable Vitamins along with all of the food I'll need for the first few d…

Hello everyone! My name is Kirstin. I live in Richmond, Va. and I am 8 weeks post op. I had my surgery 03/30/06 and I have lost since then 16 lbs. I had my first fill 05/12/06 and I am scheduled for my second fill 06/09/06. I am not losing anymore weight and I am at a complete standstill. I am having a lot of problems. 1) Excercising.... I am a single mom who works full time, I am exhausted by the time I get home. I do try to get in about 45-60 minutes during my lunch hour, but it's not high impact. 2) Waiting to drink an hour after a meal. I can usually do it, but morning time is more difficult. 3) My portion sizes.... I think I am grazing. Any other people in my …

My name is Mandy. I'm a paralegal at a law firm in Mobile, Alabama. I'm 21 years old. I'm having my lap band surgery this Monday (Sept 24)!!!!!! :eek:

Hi, Just wanted to introduce myself. Had my consult this week. Have to have a psych eval, (ins requirement) and gather medical records. Everything will then be submitted to ins. and then it's the waiting game. The only thing I'm nervous about is the possiblity of being denied. Went through that once a few years ago (different ins.). I've been lurking around here for a few weeks, and noticed that you are all very supportive of one another. I look forward to joining in as I progress through the process. Ellisa

Hey Everyone, just found this site when I was out trying to research lap-banding surgery. Seems like a great site with alot of info. I have been heavy most of my life, even through all the years of sports, excersize, and diet, I have never been able to lose weight to where I am healthy. The past several years have been very bad for me as I have put on more weight that ever before. Being 6' and 350 pounds put me in a class where something needs to be done before I start having health issues. Gastric bypass is definetly not for me as I dont like the idea of being chopped up and pieced back togethor and diet with regular excersize has not been very successful these past few…

I'am so excited, i will be banded in october of 2007. i have had several abdominal surgeries, and i was wondering if anyone out there could tell me what the recovery process is like. I dont have much time to take off of work(3 days,including banding day)so anything more experienced banders could tell me would be greatly appreciated....God bless, and keep loosing. :nervous

Hello everyone! I am new to the boards and I was supposed to be having surgery in November, but thanks to a cancellation in my surgeons schedule I am having surgery this Tuesday the 25th! I found out yesterday and already my nerves are working overtime, but I am REALLY excited!:whoo:

Hello, I will start with just a quick intro to what brought me here/about me... I am 25, my entire life I have struggled with my weight, I was a bigger kid yet still quite active until I was blessed with puberty and a large chest which plagued me and my athletic activities all through my teens. At 19 I had a breast reduction - one of the best things I have ever done! As the years went by my weight crept up and up, a few years ago I successfully lost 50 lbs through Weight Watchers and have not gained it back (yay!), however I have since fallen off the WW bandwagon and have just managed to maintain not gaining any weight or losing any either for that matter. Weight …

Hi, I'm scheduling my surgery with Dr Roumbout in Monterrey for November. I am a bit apprehensive and don't know what to expect. Has anyone out there been banded by Roumbout? pdavari:help:

Ok. After months of lurking I think it is time I say hello. My name is Monica and: I"m 24 years old- 5'3 and 264 pounds I've been miserable my whole life. Weight brings me down and I don't even feel like going out. Three years ago, I was 234 pounds and dieted until I reached 186. I was so happy and I found my fiancee and everything was great...suddenly I ballooned and now here I am 264. Since then, I've developed asthma real bad and I can't breathe. Today I went for a lung function tests and she weighted me and I cried all the way home, I'm getting up to 300 pounds, I can't...I just can't... I'm jumping on the band wagon, I can't deal with yo-yo'ing anymore. He…

Hello all, After a post that I previously had stating my various issues with my weight, I have decided to make an appointment with the doctor. It had to be one of the hardest calls to make. I was both nervous and happy at the same time. Numerous times I said....naaa...I can diet and walk my a$$ off. I can lose the weight (and put it back on). Yup....almost tricked myself into the ole diet thing as always. I want to note that people that responded back to me gave me the extra push I needed in order to see the doc. I am not doing this for anyone but myself and my family I must note. I want to live a completely different life. I am frightened and nervous as heck. …

My name is April, but you will know me as Ganuple from this point forward. I'm 29 (really...I'll be 30 in November!) . I have not yet been banded, but I am researching it. I am 5' 8" tall, 300 pounds, and have a BMI of 45.6. My DH does not want me to get banded because he is scared of complications from the surgery. I'm scared of complications from staying as heavy as I am. I have tried many diets and exercise programs and nothing seems to be working. I'm looking for all info about lap band...the good, the bad and the ugly. I'd like to be well informed and be able to explain to my DH and to my other family members what I am planning to do.

:whoo:<p>I am a newbie. I have just been approved for the lapband procedure from my Doctor in San Clemente CA. I am trying to get all the information I can before deciding the surgery. I like to drink alcohol, I need to know am I allowed to drink alcohol before and after the surgery, if so how much?</p>

I have heard mention of other months having a list of people who are being banded that month...where do you start one and how do you get on it? I am being banded tuesday, july 26, 2005. thanks

Hi everyone, I just got approval from BCBS of Illinois, HMO to go to a lap band consult at Loyola Hospital... What comes next, any info is greatly appreciate. Also any information about Loyola would be greatly appreciated too. I am so excited, so I just want to make sure I don't miss any important information... I wish everyone so much success... Always!!! Jacqui :cry

I was banded in TJ in May of this year and returned to have one fill done in July. I am a nurse and the procedure looked pretty simple, so I was thinking that for my next fill I would just do it myself. I have a 9cc midband with a 3cc fill right now. If I do try to do my own fill I would only add 1cc per fill and space them out several months apart. I have permission from work to use a sterile syringes, IV flush solution and 22g IM needles, gloves, alcohol pads and any other supplies as needed. The needle used for my first fill in TJ was a huber 22g 50mm. My questions are: #1 Is there any difference in a huber needle and a regular IM needle, as my internet research …

Hello, I am marking off the days on my calendar. It still seems unreal to me that I will be breaking free of this burden soon. I can't imagine how I will feel. I carry around 2 of me and I am VERY tired of having this extra 'person' on my back.:tired I am enjoying reading all of your experiences. You are going to be a big help, I can see. I will be reading a lot over the next few days and hope to be posting more soon. Have a great week!! :wave:

I'm checking off the days on my calender. I will be attending my senimar on the 4th, the first step, I'm getting excited, learning as much as I can. My friend is having by-pass surgery this friday, she is excited, everyone tells me not to waste my time with the lapband and to have gastric by-pass, that I wont lose that much weight. but I know this is the best option.

Hi all I am new to this forum, my name is Roxy and I am 35 yrs old. I had my band placed on August 23rd Unity Hospital Dr. Johnson and I have lost a total of 30 pounds since April and 17 since surgery. I am a single mom of an amazing 13 yr old boy, he is my life! I have lots of questions about the band and what to expect next. This is short and sweet because I don't know what else to write.

I'm trying to get my weight ticker to show up and a signature with the date banded and the doctor. I don't know why it's not saving? Can anyone help me? Thanks Jenn

Hi, I'm looking into band surgery with Dr. Kirshenbaum of Denver, CO in January. Does anyone have any advice on the best way of dealing with an out-of-state physician? How about travel restrictions and follow-up appts.? I'm also scheduled for a da vinci (robotic) hysterectomy in November and they're taking everything. Has anyone had the band placed post hysto? Should I have any reason for serious concern? Thanks Kim :car:

Hi i want to know has anybody have magnacare insurance in from nj and i want to know if anybody have this insurance and if the insunce cover for the lap-band? thank u:help: