Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

:confused:Where is better, USA, Canada or Mexico??... I mean cheaper... I'm just one step to be obese, and no diet, no pills, no depression, no having a kid around me, nada, cero!!!! Still going up and up even when I'm breathing!!!... Help!!:help:

Well Hello everybody! I was finally approved last week after a long battle with the insurance company. My surgery is set for early October with the a pre diet staring 2 weeks prior. I don't know why after so long fighting to be approved, I am starting to feel afraid. I am afraid that I may not loose the 115lb I have dreamed of loosing. I guess I am going through anxiety though it bothers me that I can personally run into people who have had the Gastro Bypas Surgery, but not the Lapband Surgery. Well I hope to write on these blogs until I meet my goal. L2L :whoo:

I attended a seminar a couple of weeks ago and have a consultation scheduled for Oct. 4. I've been fighting my weight for about 35yr. WW off/on for about 26 yr and other diets. I got up to 225 five yrs ago and lost approx 50 lbs over 16 months. I did fairly well managing the weight until about 2yr ago when menopause kicked in full force. It was as if my previous eating habits didn't matter, weight continued to go to my stomach. I'm 5' and short waisted so I look like I'm about 7mo prenant right now. I had a check-up in Aug and my weight was 252 - that's when it hit me that I wasn't just "fat" but morbidly obese and needed help. I understand that the weight didn't come on …

As I mentioned in my earlier post (just beginning my journey), I'm still in the research phase and as soon as my primary comes back I'm planning on getting the ball rolling. I would be interested in hearing from others in the western part of MA...if they've been banded yet or not, who their surgeon is/was, etc. There's just so much to learn. Thanks! :eek:

Hello, my name is Diana and I am from SC. I have not had my band put in yet, but have taken the first steps. I saw the doctor (Dr.Givens in Columbia SC). I am going for my sleep study test next week. I weighed in at 360. I have always been over-weight even as a child. My biggest fear right now--how to lose the weight and keep it off!! I have tried so many diets, from raw foods to taking pills. Oh I lost the weight..but of course it all came back. I am ready for this surgery. My head is running fast these days I am scared, emotional, feeling like I can do this without the band, second guessing myself, worrying if my husband of only 2 years will like what he…

Hello! My name is Megan and I just sent in all my information to the insurance company to see if I qualify (I better otherwise I dont know who would)! I have been lurking on the boards to get more information and I keep seeing liquid diets before surgery. Why do you have to be on a liquid diet before you have the surgery? I was hoping I could have the LAST supper :-) Ha HA:hungry:

Hi, I am new to this site, I had a band 10 years ago and had it removed 3 years ago due to slippage, Up to that point I had lost 200 pounds, My lowest weight was 143 and 3 years without the band and back up to 260! I am going to get the band again and going to see Dr Barry Greene at Shady Grove, I saw that you have to take a "test" about the surgery before he goes ahead with it, I have visions of my school days when I always went blank at test time, Has anyone had Dr Greene and what was the test like? Thanks Devon

:help: Hi. I have to lose about 40 to 50 lbs. I am 46 years old and have tried everything to lose weight. Dangerous Diet doctors (taking pills for years on and off), nutritonists, weight watchers, liquid diets, I even had liposuction done. The weight always comes back and more. My quality of life is not what it should be. Forget swimming, parties or any socializing, I am too self conscious of the extra weight I'm carrying around. This banding sounds like a dream, lose the weight and keep it off for life! I am willing to pay out of my pocket, since insurane obviously won't. Is there anyone out there who has done this surgery to lose about 50 lbs? Do you recommend i…

Hello everyone, I have been reading for awhile and finally decided to jump on in, because I am set for banding Sept. 19, and figured out that one major factor in determine my success is the support, of my fellow bander's. Big hugs go out to everyone and the success they are achieving :clap2: I have been reading, and picking bits and piece from everyone, and their success, I only hope to have the same. Also hoping my nerves calm down. I have noticed some bander's have and a lot of weight loss in a period of 4-5 months, is this to be expected, or do I really really have to work at it? I am all about changing my eating habits, because I have been watching my 3 year old, an…

Anyone have any good diet plans. I'm really picky and need to schedule a meal plan. Any suggestions? :help:

Well my Dr pushed me to RNY last Halloween Thats why I have not posted on this site . But I still get e-mails that ya miss me Well I went in Halloween at a weight of 335 lbs on a 5'9" frame As of Sept 1st I weigh 206 lbs on that same frame I 've worked out at a gym every month since surgery and have no lose skin to speak off Went from a 56 pants to a lose 38 3 xl shirt to a medium

Hi everyone, I have just received my date for surgery and am so excited. I will have my operation on 10-15-07. I have been overweight all my life and although I have fasted to a low weight before, it has never stuck. I feel so blessed! I look forward to chatting with all of you. :clap2:

Hi everyone, this is my first post and I am so glad I found this place. I am in Melbourne Australia and am strongly considering having lap-band surgery. I currently weigh 94kg or so and have had no sucess with dieting. One of my main concerns is that I am worried that once I have had the surgery i will vomit alot. can anyone who has had lap-band give me some ideas as to what to expect with the surgery? Do you tend to throw up a lot of food that doesn't go through the band? thank in advance

Hi, I'm from Queens and going for my first consultation on Sept 10 with Dr. Gobil. He is on the same team as Dr. Vohra (Dr. Vohra doesn't take my insurance, Aetna). Just wondering if any of you used Dr. Gobil and if so, how did you like him? I'm joining the Lap band :eek: :mad:

I was Banded on March 31 and my doctor used the VG 10 band. I worked out hardcore for the first three months and lost 40lbs. I keep going for fill after fill and I still have very little restriction. I have been around the same weight for 2 months. I am up to 8.6CCs. Is there something wrong with my band? I am really scared I'm failing at this and will never get to my goal. :help::cry

Hello everyone, my band date is Sept 24th and I am trying to get together a group of sept band buddies. Is there anyone out there due to band in Sept?:eek:

can anyone tell me a cost of lap band and doctors in toronto

I am scheduled for surgery on September 21st. I cannot control my excitement. I wasn't told to go on a diet, but want to at least about 5 days prior. My doctor told me just to eat yogurt after every meal. I didn't even ask why...does anyone know why? Ughh it seems like an eterenity until then. The only thing I am concerned about is being away from my two-year old. What is the normal recovery time? I am a 5'3'' 217 pound active female and I'm 33 years young. Can't wait.

Hello there, Guys and Gals! Two weeks ago I started researching everything online about having lap band surgery. In the back of my mind I kept saying, "Could this be it? Could this really be my shot of achieving my life-long dream of wanting to be thin?" After much contemplation and research, I've concluded that it could be. I've always been fat. All of my life. I won't linger on the trite details, but suffice it to say that I've never been thin. Ever. All of my siblings and my parents are thin. But not me. Anyhow........I finally got up enough gumption to call my insurance company yesterday about coverage, and was devasted to find that they don't cover the proced…

Hello. I'm a new member. Don't mean to offend anybody here, that's the last thing I want to do, because I'm thinking of getting banded and I need answers from you, but isn't this lap band gimmick a big con? I mean if you want to lose weight why not diet? If you get banded you still have to eat less and diet so why bother getting banded? Surely when your banded 'pouch' is full of food you may feel full but you must still feel ravenous because the rest of your cavernous stomach is completely empty? I want to believe that banding works but I can't see how it reduces your hunger pangs and you can't eat what you like - I mean indian curries and savoury foods. How much wi…

Hi All, My name is Carol and I live in Melbourne Australia and will be having Lab Band surgery late in November. I am 5ft 9" and nearly 120 kilos I have always been a big person and all tried diets have failed and end up putting more back on that I lost in the first place. I will be having my lapband surgery at Knox Private Hospital and would like to know how others have gone after surgery. I am extremely nervous about after the anasetic as I usually have violent vomitting. At the moment I eat very fast and do not chew my food thoroughly, I have been told that I will learn quickly as I will not like the consquences if I don't. Does anyone have any hints before h…

Hello everyone. I'm JudyH from Columbus, OH. I was banded June 5 at Ohio State University and my doctor was Dean Mikami. I had my first fill in August and so far I've lost 17 lbs. I retired from the State of Ohio 4 years ago after 30 "wonderful, funfilled" years. Right before I was scheduled to retire I went into Respiratory Failure due to obesity and ended up getting trached. I still have the trach. So besides getting healthier, when I lose enough weight, I will be able to get the trach removed. This will happen according to my Pulmonary Doctor. I'm in my early 50's and happily single. Talk to you all soon. JudyH :whoo:

Hi all, I have just come accross the site by chance...... wow what a find! Its so nice to read that others are experiencing the same as me at this time. The op was fab, appetite declined immediately but last 2 weeks or so I have been soooooooooooooooooo hungry and have regained some of the weight I had lost pre-op, starting to fear failure etc. etc. seem to have lost a lot of my positivity I just hope it all changes again tomorrow after inflation?

I am currently scheduled for Consultation for the LapBand. This seems to be the most difficult decision I have had to consider. I would be most curious to get some further insight on Post Op Patients about how they are dealing with the physical and emotional change of life. Very concerned...:help:

Hi from Scotland I am due to be banded on September 10th 07 and feeling so nervous about the surgery and anaesthetic- so glad to come across this site Maxine

:help:well im 17 years old and weigh 250 and considering the lap band procedure...im a bit scared and have been reading manyyy posts about it....but i want to ask a few questions of my own and get some of my own stuff figured out....my moms insurance covers it...I am being homeschooled for this year if i do do this so that way it doesnt interfere with school in anyway then i will go back during my next year(as a senior in high school) ok sooooo... god i dont even know where to start.... if anyone answers any of them i will be veryyyy happy! :eek: when you apply to get the lap band how long does it take for them to let you get it? do you have to lose weight first? does…

Hi all, Just want to say hello! I am in the San Diego area and applying for LapBand surgery. I am 43 years old, married, female, BMI 36. I am sure I'll have tons of ???. So far I have had my consultation, EKG, Female exams, and bloodwork. I have my psych consult scheduled, getting ultrasound scheduled. Then it is getting approval for surgery. I was able to appeal the 6 month supervised diet required by my HMO medical group. Went directly to my insurance carrier and won the appeal. Happy to be here and look forward to getting to know you!! Denise :eek:

Hi Everyone! My name is Jen and I'm being banded on 9/9. I'm from TN, mom of 4 (two human/two feline) and married to a great guy! Come visit our website at our family website Hugs!

Hello My name is Margaret and I am thinking about getting banded. I am 45 years old, married and have a 7 year old son. I need to lose about 100 pounds. I have tried every diet there is. I am considering going to Mexico and I quess I just want to know that it is safe. I do worry about fills however. How does that work? Can I get them in the States? Any advice out there? Margaret

Hi. I just joined the site and was banded March 14, 2007. I live in Northern Michigan in a small town called Grayling. My doctor is Dr. Featherstone from Traverse City, Michigan. I currently have 1 1/2cc in my band and have lost 38lbs. I'm married and have two children ages 14 and 12. I am excited to have a place to go for support.

Hi all. I got my band Aug 30th and just found this site yesterday. One question is how much did you eat after getting the band? I do not feel hungry but am able to eat about 1 4oz Protein shake in the am, about 3 oz of liquid (broth) Yummmm at lunch and another shake for dinner. Is this about normal? Looking forward to reading a lot more on here.....Dave

I have just attended a seminar on lap banding and am very eager to get the show on the road. I have tried many diets in my lifetime and all have miserably failed. At my highest weight I hit 326:embarassed:. Currently I am at 310. I have started on high blood pressure medication and just want to lose weight. I just want to be able to do more with my life. I thought I had more support but my mom now doesn't want me to have the surgery done because I had complications with my last surgery and my sister who is also overweight agrees with her. My husband surprisingly is being supportive of this surgery. He recently bought a motorcycle and I wanted to go for a ride. Nee…

Thought it would be nice to know others from Queens that have or are getting the lapband. I have my first appointment with Dr. Gobil from South Nassau Communities Hospital this coming Monday. Regards, Alfie

<p><p>Hi,</p> <p>I was banded on August 21, 2007</p> <p>I am excited about learning all about the band system from other bandits.</p></p>

I don't know what happened to my first post. Please forgive me. I have never posted on any site before, but I am really committed to my band. Thanks.

Hi Everyone! I'm A Not Too New But Now I Have Updates To Post. I Have Been Approved With Care Credit For Financing My Lapband And Now I Must Decide Between Two Doctors In Texas. I Am So Excited And Nothing Can Stop Me Now! Thanks For Listening!

My name is Heather and I am 22 years old. I am 5'3'' and weigh 290 plus pounds. I have tried many diets with effects only while on the diet. I have been doing the Alli program and have lost about 25 pounds but feel like the weight is coming back. I have seriously been considering the Lap Band System for quite some time now. My daddy died in May, and left my mom with quite a bit of life insurance money. She has since, decided to help finance this surgery for me. I haven't began the journey yet as I'm trying to quit smoking. I'm tired of feeling limited on the things I can do because of my weight. I feel trapped.

Welcome to all pre-bandsters who have surgery scheduled for the month of October 2007. We're getting to know one another on the "monthly support group" section, see the thread entitled "We are the TENaciousTENS" and introduce yourself! :huggie:

Hi, I'm new here. I was banded on 15 August 2007. I am mid way thru my 3rd week and I am very hungry. On my 2 week visit to my Dr. (Dr. Foreman, Huntsville, AL) I had lost 12 pounds. YAY~!! But, told him I was getting very hungry, and didn't feel *full* like I did the first week. My startout weight was 290 and I am 5'9". So, working on 278 now and don't know what to do. I need help with some foods to eat. My Dr. recommends solids after 6 weeks.......I'm sick of smashed black eyed peas and Lima Beans, but, I love my Protein Shakes....Using the Champion French Vanilla, s/f and decaf. mocha swiss International Coffee, w/ a teaspoon of s/f Hazelnut syrup and 3 packs…

I am having lapband surgery in about a month. 61 years old, have diabetes, and hope the surgery will eliminate the diabetes. My Dr. is Dr. Lenz in Duluth. I am trying to plan for what I need. Can anyone recommend a good, affordable protein powder?

Hi everyone: I am a new member. My surgery is scheduled for Sept 14, 2007 by Dr. Coburn in Mississauga ON. Any helpful hints before I go?

Hi everyone, I'm new to posting on the board, though I've read through many of the posts. I'm in Atlanta, GA, and will have my surgery performed by Dr. Lin from Emory Bariatrics on Sept 17, provided my EGD results from the test done last Thursday are ok. I've done my other pre-op tests, and have, thank goodness, already got insurance approval. I'm hoping to lose at least 100 lbs, but would be happier, and healthier, if I lost 150 lbs... so, there's that! I mostly just wanted to say thanks to everyone who is active on the board. It's inspirational to read the stories and the experiences posted here - I've already learned a lot! Keep it up everyone. --LifeLover

Hello! I have been through all the testing and just finished the insurance required 6 month weight loss the middle of Aug. Last week I received a letter from my ins (CIGNA) that I was denied..... My heart sank. I couldn't believe it! The letter said I had not met the requirements of the 6 month weight loss. The next day I called my case specialist and she said she only had diet info from my primary Dr for 2 months! (I'm wondering why in the world she sent it in then????) I called the Dr's office and explained the problem, then after work I dropped off letters for my Dr and her nurse at their office explaining exactly what info they needed to fax to my case special…

hi i am from okla and i am going to the dr. wed. aug. 22, 2007 to see about getting lap band i can't wait and but nervous too. what do that do the first appt. anita:whoo: 8-20-2007 235 lbs.

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am set-up to go to the Lapband Seminar on the 25th of this month. I am nervous but so excited. After reading some of your posts though I am disappointed to see that some of your insurances require such long waiting times....guess I need to call mine tomorrow and see what they require. Well I hope to get to know all of you during this journey to a new, healthier, smaller me.

Hi all, I have been a lurker here for a few months, and finally decided to join in. I had surgery in May 2003 and have really slacked off for the last year or so. I have decided to start over and join the "band wagon" again. I struggle with head hunger and am really looking to have some supportive friends on here so I can be held accountable. Being single and living alone, you really have no one to police you . Any tips, ideas, and/or thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Hi my name is Pamela and I had been very unhappy as an overweight person. I was always an obese person even as a child. In high school I was popular but I knew deep down inside I was just the "fat friend with the cute face". I graduated from high school weighing 190 pounds. I then went off to college and the freshman 15 (that is how much you typically gain during your first year of college) turned into the freshman 30. Even by the time I left college I was much heavier than I was in high school. With this being said I still was not to the point were I was fed up with my weight. I felt I could live with it and if no one else could, well that was their problem. I had…

Consult with surgeon Friday, he said I would be an excellent candidate. I have to drive about 200 miles for my appointments. Pretty nervous about the whole insurance deal after reading other posts. I have been a yo-yo dieter for more than 3/4 of my life, 2 years ago I weighed 140lbs doing the Body 4 Life program, which I really liked, just got very burned out. Today I'm 5'7/261lbs and ready for a life change!!

Hi everyone. I'm a very new newbie if you will. I'm still in the gathering information stage. I've already called the insurance company to see what their procedures are and was told that before the surgery is approved I will have to go through a 6 month course. I'm waiting to get in to see my primary, but unfortunately due to an accident, he is out of the office for a while. Even though I don't need a referral from my primary to see a surgeon, I don't feel comfortable going ahead with that until I talk to my primary, especially since he is the one who is the most familiar with me and all of my medical issues. I'm really glad I found this board. It gives me an oppor…

hello. i just signed up and my lapband surgery is a week from today. i'm on the 10 day liquid diet now. today is day 3. i've been exercising a lot more; walking, swimming, gardening, moving around more in general. i've been jumping thru hoops since february. i should have lost about 50 lbs just jumping thru all those hoops. i'm hungry yet excited to get going!