Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello all, I have so many questions and I am so nervous about going for this lapband procedure - I know that it will probably let me live longer, Should all go well. I am 34 yrs old and weigh in at 315lbs - 22 stone and 6lbs. I have been overweight for most of my life. I managed to get down to 130 lbs when I was a teenager by using laxitives and throwing up. My mother is a big woman too and she developed Diabetes at 36 yrs of age - her Father had it and her sister has it two. The most awful thing happened when she got gangerene in her foot due to neuropathy in her feet - She had three toes taken away . Now just 2yrs ago they found a brain tumor and she is too il…

Hi! My name is Wendy, I'm 24 and as of today, my BMI is 45.1. It makes me cringe to type that. But that's why I'm here! I've been lurking for a loooooooong time, finally registered in April, been hanging back and doing research and finally decided, after years of weighing my options, that Banding is right for me. I took a deep breath this morning, picked up the phone, and called a doctor who comes highly recommended in my tiny town for being a WLS consult. I went to the doc and she was impressed with me. I brought along a printout of the spreadsheet I'd created listing my attempts to lose weight since 1993. I was 10 years old :cry I listed when, what, how long, how much…

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum. I guess I'm a little slower than others at getting on here haha. I had my lapband placed on December 31st by Dr. Felix Spiegel. Everything is going so well! I don't think I could've made a better choice! The office staff is so friendly and Dr. Spiegel definately knows what he is doing! Anyways, just wanted to say hello. Talk to ya'll soon, I hope.

Hi everybody, Been lurking a short time, reading some great encouraging stories about you all, so I thought it might be about time to say hi. Like most, I've been fighting the battle of the bulge for years, actually since childhood, and lately it's been catching up with me. The final straw came when my wife and I went on a cruise, and I had a hard time getting from one end of the ship to the other. Sad. We got back home, and I started the process of contacting a surgeon that a co-worker recommended, having had the lap band herself. First, we found out I had gal stones, and he removed my gal bladder. Then the adventure took a turn for the worse, as I tried to get my hea…

HI I JUST HAD MY SURGURY YESTERDAY AND AM FEELING ALOT OF PAIN BY THE PORT. I HAVE BEEN TAKING PAIN MEDICATION BUT IT DOES NOT SEEM TO WORK. HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT TO FEEL THIS?:whoo:

Hi everyone(: well, im kinda new to all this. refering to the website. not the whole weight problem bit ! haha. well, one of my friends told me about this site and thought id gve it a try, seeing as I really didn't know where to start. I am a student in Seattle, Washington I've been reading other threads and was really interested in Dr. Gonzalez. Alot of people seem to know him& trust him on here(: Im 5'3 and weigh about 250 and im only 19 :| I would really like for once to go out in public and feel comfortable shopping for clothes, or better yet feel comfortable in my OWN skin. So, if anyone who was already banded by Dr. Gonzalez can please tell me on how …

Hi to anyone out there! I had surgery by Noel Williams in Philadelphia. It was wonderful. I dropped quite a few pounds these first 3 weeks. But, I'm am starting to feel hungry! I can eat more at a seating than before? :cryIs this a common experience? I don't go back for an appointment until the second week of October. If others have experienced this, what did you do? :help: Val

I started my pre-op diet yesterday and am having surgery on September 28 in SLC. I am nervous and very excited. My journey begins to the new me.

I,M 5 WEEKS POST BANDING SO NOT HAD MY FIRST FILL YET, MUSHY FOOD AND LIQUID GOES DOWN GREAT BUT I HAVE A STRANGE FEELING IN MIDDLE OF CHEST LIKE I,V SWALLOWED A FOOTBALL:help: AND STRANGE FEELING IN MY THROAT! AND THIS IS PRE FILL REMEMBER:cry HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS?

HI everybody. First time here. I am getting banded on October 9th by Dr. Halmi in Woodbridge, VA. Just wanted to say hi to everyone. Chris

Soooo depressed after the meeting yesterday. But not giving up! I've waited this long, I can wait longer! But still...I needed something a bit more positive after this last week. They recommended a high Protein, low carb diet until the surgery, but I won't be seeing their nutritionist for at least another month, maybe 2. Anyone have a recommendation? I guess the good news is, is that I lost another 1/2 pound even with all the stress of John being in the hospital. Maybe, if I can keep losing with him going through all of this, they'll see I'm serious and give me a break? Lunie

<p>I just got off the phone with my insurance Company (Anthem BC/BS of NH) and they told me that WLS is excluded accross the board. I can appeal, but she warned me that because of the totaleclusion I was probably wasting my time with an appeal. </p> <p> </p> <p>I am extremely disappointed. I have been reading these boards, I bought books on WLS/Lap band. I have been preparing myself both mentally and physically for this journey and now I am afraid it will never happen!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them. </p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks for "listening"</p&g…

I am scheduled for my lap band surgery on October 1. I started my liquid diet today, I AM HUNGRY!!!! I've been running back and forth to the bathroom all day - I'm gonna lose at least 10 pounds from all the running!!! Dr. Christine Ren is doing my surgery. I absolutely loved her when I met her. Such a warm, caring and compassionate woman!!

:help:Hi all, I'm not new to the band, but I am just now going to start going to my Drs. support groups, problem is...I live nearly 3hrs. from his office. I'm really not looking forward to the drive, but I guess I can handle it once a month. I had heard that there was a support group in Victoria,Texas, but can't find it. Anyone out there know of a support group meeting in Victoria, Texas?

I am very excited and glad I got banded. I have lost about 10-12 pounds and I am very happy with that. I will go for a fill soon, though, because I feel like I could be restricted a bit more. I have completely changed my eating habits. I eat mostly chicken and fish. I eat very very little carbohydrates. I have lots of vegetables and fruit and I really feel great. I am told I will likely lose about half of the amount I'm overweight, i.e. 50lbs. That would be fine with me. I just got my red belt in Tae kwon do and I can't wait to get back to class and start my training for my blackbelt. I'm going to be 51 y.o. in a few weeks. Chris:whoo:

I am seriously considering lap-band...I was just wondering if anyone would be willing to share their story...how did you get to the point of having surgery? how was your experience with surgery? how tough has it been since having surgery? anything would be helpful!:help:

Hi everyone, Just wanted to share my great news I got today, my insurance approved me. So I am set for Sept. 19th. Oh yeah!!!!!:whoo: I think my scaredness has left and I am just so excited, like I won the Lottery!!!! This is my last weekend of food, gee, what to eat, first! haha :hungry:Monday, I start my liquid diet for two days, then surgery Wednesday morning. Just wanted to share my good news. Tootles, littlebugsmom

Hey all. My name is Amber. I am 32 years old and just had my Lap Band Surgery this week on 9-11. I am doing well so far....I would have to say my main complaint so far has been the gas pain in my left side since the surgery. I am so happy to have found a Lap Band forum for support!!

Hi guys, im curious to know if someone gets cancer and needs chemotherapy, what happens with the side effect of chemo? VOMITING! and also since im on the medical side, is it true that lapbanders can never have a nasal gastric tube put down their nose and into their stomachs? i would love to read eveyones views on this topic!

there's been a MAJOR twist in my situation, so not sure they'll let me get the surgery. I was in California visiting family and friends last week. Got a phone call Monday morning that my husband was in openheart surgery! So flew home and have been dealing with all of that! IF he survives all of this, he's going to be in rehab for months. Like I"m going to tell the Dr., I need to get healthy to take care of him! Do it anyway! My kids know and understand what's at stake, either way. If I had hesitations before, I have none now. I have to be able to care for my husband, and I can't do it if I can't get out of the chairs, or have the energy to push a wheelchair for him. …

I was banded in December of 2005. I had many boughts of vomitting. Finally in August, 2007, I could not even keep liquids down, I had my band deflated and it was discovered that my band had slipped. I decided on removal because of the risk of future complications and the fact that I will no longer be insured for bariatric coverage. I am about ten days into my "post-band" life and it is nice to eat and keep the food down.

I have been approved and am waiting for a date. I have made a few posts but lose my place so I'm not sure which threads I've been following. I am an emotional eater and know that I will need to make a lot of changes, not only diet. I appreciate the support found here and will keep trying to remember where I have left off. Would like to know if there are other ND's who have found this site. I wish I could meet everyone, all are so open, honest and positive. Thanks, Penny.

Hi Folks, I'm about to join so many of you on the Bandster journey. I'm scheduled for October 8 with Dr. Christine Ren at NYU. I've spent the past 9 months researching and preparing for this step. So, providing that my "good friends" at Oxford don't throw me a curve, I'll be banded 15 days from now. :clap2: Several friends and family members have asked me if I'm nervous about the surgery. My response so far is "No, I'm nervous about NOT having it. But check with me on the 7th. I may have a good case of the jitters by then." In preparation for my big day, I've spent the morning cleaning out my kitchen cabinets, removing all non-bandster food items. I called a…

<p>Hi, hope you all will,be willing to help me through this, I am waiting for approval from BCBS, hope that will be soon, The more I wait the more nervous I get. I'm not worried about the surgery itself, it the afterword, can I take the protein and fluids in,<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /> that I am supposed too. would like to have some type of connection with some network of support from day one.</p>

All, Good day! I have been reading this forum for the past several days. I am 37 years old (Male), 5'10"tall, BMI 41, a cholesterol level that is a bowling score 288, and I have had it. I have been gaining weight since my junior year of high school. (approx 20years) Since I hit 30 my weight was 210lbs and gaining. Now at 37 years old and I am pushing 300lbs and I am concerned that I am going to end up in the hospital with one thing or another (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or even worse..death) My wife has said to me....either way you will visit a hospital one day. We just had a baby girl and my outlook on life has changed. I am trying to lose weight via Weigh…

Hi, I was banded on November 7th 2006, and currently have lost 111 lbs. I am very happy with the band, however, i am still experiencing a lot of the mental issues that go along with it. I still want to eat like I used to and obviously my body won't let me do that, but overall I am very glad I had it done.

Hi! just a little note to tell everyone good luck and don't feel you have to lose your wieght over night because you will not with the band, but that's the reason that you had the band or are getting the band, losing slower will help you keep it off in the long run!!!! I can tell you I would have loved to lost all of my wieght by now but it's taking time, but that's ok! I had my band Sept.4,2003 and am down 91 pound's:whoo: I was a 100 pounds down but I am going in for a fill tomarrow Yeaaa!!! man do I need one I can just about eat any thing! :hungry: bad bad bad!!! But if i could control it I would not have had the band put on. I have gained 9 pound's in the last 6 mon…

hi All, Yes amongst the sun and surf in Australia we get fat and fattter.. I am here to find out more about Lap Band surgery. I have done some research and am pretty satisfied after 30 years of trying to lose weight that this is probably a last resort to save my life. I am giving myself one year - thats how long health care takes to pay for any pre existing health issues down here - that one year i hope to spend learning as much as I can about the surgery in order to make post op as successful as possible. I am looking forward to meeting all the success stories on the forums and also the people whp are trying. I hope it will be a productive experience for all…

Today is day 4 and im feeling good! I just feel wierd inside. Like i know there is something in there. I have been drinking my water and sipping a little soup. can anyone give me some insight on their surgery and what they felt like a few days after surgery?

Hi everyone! I am new to the site and just found out today that I am approved for the lap band.....I am very excited....and nervous. I have been looking at the post on "complications" and I guess it has got me somewhat worried. It would be horrible to have to have your band removed, but I still think that the band is the best choice for me. I would appreciate any advice anyone has to give! Thanks

Hello, I'm new to the site and it has been a great help in deciding whether lap band is for me. I have done the 'every diet under the sun' and managed to lose 5 stones under Lighterlife only to put it all back on plus 3 stone. I've come to point that I think that the band will help me to control my weight with healthy eating and exercise - I have no doubt that I have the will power to do it with the band but not enough will power to do it without the band. I was wondering - when deciding, how many people close to you did you consult? I have mentioned it to 1 best friend and they were shocked and another best friend and they are worried and think I should try anot…

Hello everyone, I just received my acceptance letter from my surgeon Virginia McGrath. I have CIGNA so I guess I have six months of doctor visits. It will be early next year before I will be banded! I am 57 and have been fighting with my weight for about 40 years. I am so sick of buying books, cd's and special food, only to give up before I really get started. I want to feel good, live longer and look good (or better). I am a fast eater and I eat way past full. I think the band will help me with that. I also have high blood pressure, a form of gout in both hips (ouch), depression, high cholestrol and hiatal hernia (man I am a mess). I just made it over the required 35 B…

Hi, I am starting a new life on Oct. 11th. Anyone else out there? I know someone is doing it on Oct. 8. Lets get together and support one another, I know I could use it. Dana Married mother of two great boys ages 10 and 8.

Hi I'm Miss Dani from Richmond,TXI am currently doing the pre certification requirements for my Insurance (Cigna PPO) I just discovered this site tonight while I was at work. I have been overweight all of my life and I feel that this would improve the quality of my life. Anyway this is a good website for information.

Please come introduce yourself at the ever-growing group of October 07 bandsters-to-be, the TENaciousTENS! We're 33 members and growing strong. Find us at: Monthly Support Groups / October 07 / We are the TENaciousTENS, or "lets get this party started", also "ROLL CALL" !

Hi everyone, I am finally looking into surgery. I will be attending a seminar on Oct. 4th I have thought about it for at least 6 years and have alot of friends that have had gastric by-pass surgery. after much thought, I have decided on the lapband. It will be great to have someone to talk to that has already gone through the procedure. I weigh 295 at 5'6. I have loss weight on diets but gain it back after a few years. I am interested to know if any of you have had surgery with Dr. Coirin or Dr. Coates in Modesto, CA. all my friends had their surgery in Fresno.

I'm getting pretty excited! :whoo: I only wish my insurance covered the procedure, but that just adds extra incentive when it comes out of my own bank account.

Hi Everyone My big day is Friday, 21st September and an so ready....have been ready since making decision early ths year....having surgery at GBMC in Baltimore....several friends had the by-pass, but I'm too chicken ! Am looking forward to not eating for awhile ! suzygayle

Hi everyone, I have been reading everyone's comments and trying to gain as much knowledge as I can about the lapband. I am about half way thru all the requirments and just found out that I have acid reflux and hyatal hernia. Has anyone had this and if so were you still able to have the l.b. surgery? I guess It matters how big it is but I am so afraid I won't be able to get my l.B. because of it:cry. I am going for the scan down my throat on sept 27 so I am just praying that it will be small enough. If it goes well, they said I was looking at November surgery. Wow, I am scared and excited at the same time. Was anyone afraid they wouldn't be able to stick with it a…

Hi, my name is Teresa, I am from Southern California and just had lapband surgery on Friday, September 07th. I am new and this is my first time on the boards. :eek:

I am a 54 yr old Grandmother of 2 active girls. I have problems keeping up with them with my 5'2" body weighing in at 231 lbs. Once I heard about the lapband, I knew that this may be my solution I was looking for. I found out that several ppl that I work with had already gone thru the procedure and some had gastric bypass. After talking to them and seeing great results, I decided to do the lapband. My surgery was Feb 16, 2007. I have been in several times for fills until the right one was for me. I still think that I need more. I don't have a lot of restriction. As of todays date, Sep 13, 2007, I have lost 16 pounds. I was down 22 lbs. I keep fluctuating up and down.…

I just got started with the whole process. I went to a Seminar on Tuesday but it wasnt from the ALSA office I am going to have do the procedure if approved. I hope I dont have to go to a seminar put on by them because thats atleast another month away. I went to the nutritionist yesterday. The nutritionist said I was a great candidate for the procedure and she is going to send over her blessing to ALSAMG, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Associates Medical Group Fresno in Clovis, CA. I called to set up the appt with the head shrinker today but she was in session so Im waiting for a call back to schedule an appt. Im 32 5' 9" 267lbs my BMI is just shy of the required 40 …

I just got banded in August. I get my first fill next week. The doctor made it sound like it was going to be completely painless but I was actually in some pain for about a week from where the port was stitched to my abdominal muscle. It was hard to get up from a low chair, go to the bathroom, bend over, etc. After about the first week I didn't really have too much pain and now it is completely fine. The only real problem I am having (besides learning to eat slowly so I don't get sick) is burping. I burp constantly, sometimes loud burps that I can't stop (can be quit embarrassing).:embarassed:

I'm glad to say that my insurance is going to cover the surgery! I thought I would have a horrible time getting approved- but it went through the first time in less than a month! OH CRAP! Now I actually have to lose another 10 pounds before surgery!:clap2::whoo:

well I just got home from my pre-op appt and i got my optifast bars and shakes that I must started as of monday sept 17 oh boy its seems like this is going to be hard but the told me after im band im on liquids for a week then mushies the second week by the thrid week im back to solid foods.i hope im able to handle it.

Hello everyone! I have been trying to get the gastric bypass for the past 5 years and recently I deceided to try again but for the lapband. Finally, I have a surgery date of October 16, 2007. In the past, I have gotten denied twice and approved twice for the surgery. The 1st approval went thru but the day right before my surgery, I had gotten a phone call from the nurse sayign that she had to cancel my surgery b/c my insurance wasn't going to pay for it after they had approved it. needless to say I was extremley devasted. the 2nd time I had gotten approved I couldn't get the surgery b/c I had just found out that I was pregnant. so 9 months later, I decided to try ag…

Hi guys...i've been a lurker for a while now and decided i better step up (and away) from the plate! I've been looking at Lap band for about a year now, making sure that understand what it entails and that I am ready to go through the process. I just finished the psych and nutritionist visit Monday and got my insurance approval Wednesday, so it is all moving very quickly. I hope to talk to all of you during this process so that I can learn and be successful. Thanks for having me! Ben Dr. Adam Smith, Fort Worth, TX

Hi everyone...I've been coming here since making the decision to be banded. My paperwork goes to the insurance company this coming week, so I should hopefully hear back in the next 30 days. Can't believe it's this close!!! My doc feels pretty confident that I will be approved and the great thing is my insurance co. pays 100% of the surgery. Wooweee! Anyone in Colorado getting banded by Dr. Michael Johnell in Greeley??? So far I've been super impressed with the staff, the doc, and the program and can't wait to start my "dare to be thin" campaign!

Hey Guys :confused: Just a short intro, then I will tell you all why I want to pull my hair out. My name is Angelica - 25, live in El Paso, TX. I have been on just about any diet you can name, but thats besides the point, I dont really need to validate my decsion to you all, because I know you understand where I am coming from. I am currently at 295.9 pounds, and I'm 5'7''. I have an awesome job, an awesome boyfriend, an awesome family, and a whole buncha awesome friends. I'm the girl who picks on herself before anyone else can. I have decided, for the most part that I will not be telling alot of people besides the ones in my close circle about my surgery unless…

Hello ppl im new here and im having my pre-op class tomorrow on sept13, so im getting closer to being banded 3weeks is coming fast it will be oct1 before i know it im so scared by excited too.:clap2::car: