Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I just got the brochure for the lap band yesterday.I'm reading it and it seems like you really have to watch what you eat closely.Are you allowed to have diet soda witht this band?I love steak what do you guys do about that?what about popcorn once in a while for a snack?Ever since I got the brochure I am more and more confused on whether to have this surgery done or not.I've read a lot on this site and everyone talks about food getting stuck,that scares me.I'm planning to go to a seminar 9/10 i'm hoping that helps.I understand I have to Change my eating habits but this seems so drastic especially if you want a treat onc in a while.

I am considering having surgery in October. I am quite serious since I have been overweight all my life -- more up than down. It would take a year to get to a weight through a diet plan or other just to gain it back in a shorter period of time with more to boot! I am rather disgusted with myself. My sister, who is overweight also and has watched me for a very long time do the yo-yo thing, asked why I have never considered lap banding. Well, just always thought I could do it myself. But there is much more to my weight than my will power. I have shown a great deal of will power and to no avail. Is there something I am missing, I wonder? Don't know, but I truly b…

Hi all. My name is Michelle and I come from Columbia SC. I have been obese for most of my life. Although in high school I worked really hard and became thin, for me that was about 148 pounds. When I say I worked hard I mean aerobics class during school and after school. I would drink slim fast for breakfast and lunch(with water no milk I didn't want the extra calories). Dinner for me was served on a coffee cup saucer. The food couldn't touch the sides or the other food on the plate. When I gained five pounds I freaked out and picked up a karate class unknown to me at the time I was pregnant. . I gained more than sixty pounds during that pregnancy and never lost it. Althou…

Hi All....my name is Sharon and I was banded on July 31st, 2007. Since the surgery I have lost around 13 pounds, mostly in the first week....(gotta love those clear liquids). I have not had my first fill yet, that will be coming on 9/15. I am looking forward to it, but I am also anxious because I do not know how my body is going to react, if I will have problems with foods, etc. As of right now...I have had no problems, but I am also more hungry than I thought I would be! Looking forward to reading everyone's posts and getting some much needed advice during this major change in my life... Sharon :girl_hug:

Hello everyone I'm new here. My surgery is this thursday 8/30 by Dr. Felix I am so nervous I feel sick. I think the thing that most worries me is how I will feel after surgery, Does it hurt? At the same time I wish it would hurry and get here already. My sister was going to have surgery with me on the same day but her insurance won't approve her until she finishes this supervised diet for 6mos. Now I feel alone. So if someone could tell me what to expect the day of and after it would be great I'm really scared. Thank you

Hi Everyone, My name is Barbara and I live in NJ. My sirgery date will be next week, Sept 7th. After struggling many years, especially due to health isseus and several years on high dose Prednisone to stay alive due to autoimmune diseases, my weight soared, and I am now taking my life back. I have lost weight prior to surgery and continue to lose but am really looking forward to stable weight loss with the lapband. . Now is my time. I have 7 autoimmune diseases and founded a non profit organization to help people like me about 2 1/2 years ago. My whole life revolves around helping others and now is the time to take care of myself. I look forward to hearing eve…

My name is Mark and I had my Lap Band installed in April 2006 by Dr. Felix who works in Fresno CA. I started my program at 361 pounds and by mid Aug 2007 I weigh 298 pounds. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastro-esophigeal reflux disease (acid reflux), edema (poor circulation) in lower legs, some loss of feeling in my feet, and artheritis. To say I qualified for this surgery is an understatement. The good news is that everything is currently controlled with medication and other than physical limitations inherent of being overweight, I really have full functionality and range of motion. I do not exercise like they want and my weight loss is fairl…

Hi. I'm 31, 5'8" and I weight 270.5. My highest weight was 286 after the birth of my son. I gained 86 pounds but I've always been on the bigger side. I'm in the process of going through all the pre-testing stuff. I'm also in the middle of the insurance appeal nightmare. Does anyone out there have BCBS of South Carolina? I live in WA state but my husbands company is based from there. They directly exclude the lap band from our policy and I'm trying to appeal before the surgery. Has anyone else tried this? I found a great appeal letter online at obesitylaw.com. I'm excited to be here and learn. :clap2: imak

Hi, I am Judy in Beverly Hills. I am new at this and also very excited :nervous Haven't been banded yet, my appt is in two weeks. Does anyone want to talk to me about their experience. I am really funny and sweet and hope to hear from you..:kiss2:

I was banded on May 30, 2007. Weight loss has been VERY slow so far. Although I am now either overfilled or just not used to what it's supposed to feel like to have restriction. It seems like if the food is something I can get down I can eat quite a bit of it. But if I can't get it down well I just quit and go hungry. Not sure if that's restriction or just overfill. Can experienced bandsters with restriction explain to me what it is supposed to feel like when you have restriction. And also exactly how much are you supposed to have to chew EVERY food. Even stuff that qualifies as mushies can go down hard for me even if I drink something warm beforehand.:think

Just wanted to say hi to my new friends out there in LB World! I have a sleep study scheduled 9/10/07 then Betty said it looked like she could schedule me 2 weeks from there. I'm really excited the closer it get's but a little hesitant too. I've read about slippages, leaks, gaining wt, etc. It's a little worriesome. Not banded yet, but still headed in that direction! Julie

Hello everyone in lapband world. I am new here and have not been banned yet. This past Jan my OBGYN suggested that I think about getting the lap band since I struggle so much with my weight and to avoid future risks to my health. At that time I thougth no way.. I CAN DO IT MYSELF... well I can't do it myself - I have managed to gain back the 45 lbs I lost last year is what I managed to do myself... So I have done some research and I am waiting. At this point I am waiting for my company to decide if they want to add the lap band surgery to our insurance plan. (my company uses BCBS BUT they self fund the policy so they can decide what they want to cover and what they DON'T …

I just started looking into this surgery,and i'm very interested and trying to get as much information as possible,or at least some feed back from people who have had this surgery of lap banding.I'm a nurse who works on a floor with bariatric pt.s and seen the bypass done and a few return because of nutrition risks.I lost wt.97lbs.by doing low carb but have gained back 50lbs.I "don't" want to be that person again and it scares me.I have started to talk to a surgeon I know well who would do the surgery,but of course i'm still a little on edge about it.I hope someone can help with some more advice about this surgery,I would appreciate it.

Hi! My name is Teresa. I'm 36, married and have 3 children. I was banded on July 2nd. Things are going slow but steady. I just had my first fill on Tuesday. Everything is going pretty well except for a few sliming and PB episodes here and there. Look forward to getting to know you all! hugs, Teresa

Hello all my name is Lorraine and I just had my lap band surgery aug. 24 2007 and it seems like I am hungry all the time, my stomach makes growling noises and it also feels like I have a cramp on the left side of my stomach constantly. I have started to eat like broiled fish along with the protein shakes. Am I suppose to be feeling this way?

<p>Hello Everyone. I was interested in gastric bypass but after doing research, I don't want it at all. The lap band looks like a good option, at least from everything I've read so far anyway. The problem is my insurance doesn't cover it and I don't have a lot of money. </p> <p> </p> <p>I've been overweight since I was about 20. Several years ago I exercized really hard and lost 50 pounds over a few months. But I've gradually gained it all back plus, and now I weigh about 350. I've recently started getting chronic lower back pain. It seems like the least effort makes me sweat... Needless to say, it's no fun. </p> <p> &l…

Ok I had lapband in Nov 2006 and just now logging on to this site. I wish I would have been here sooner. It's a very informative site. I started my journey 11/06/2006 at a weight of 286 and I am 5'3". I am now 100 pounds lighter. It's be quite a journey and continues to be!.

I will be banded in Detroit September 21. I am a little nervous knowing it is a lifestyle change. But I am going for it.:confused:

Hi I'm Marsha. I was banded last Wednesday and lost 10 lbs so far. I'm not feeling great. I keep getting periods of weakness. The nutritionist says I need to increase the protein. I hate the shakes, I've mixed them with milk, yogurt and fruit, but I can't take them. Any suggestions?

Hi All, My name is Dawn and I will be banded October 8th in Mpls, MN by Dr. Lederer at HCMC. I am very scared and excited at the same time. I have had a really positive experience with my dieticians, nurses and the surgeon. I have read all I could to prepare for this life changing experience, I'm more worried about the two week liquid diet I have to go on prior to the surgery. But I know I can do it!!! I will continue to read all the posts here for more information and to learn about your experiences, so keep um coming.

whats the top 3 advice you can give for us, who are waiting for 'the" day?? :clap2::whoo:

Hi, my name is Carrie. I am from Hutto, Texas. I am scheduled to be banded a week from today in Monterrey with Dr. Zapata. I am really nervous and would love to hear from people who have been banded by Dr. Zapata. I have a lower bmi, but also have a heart condition, so my surgery is a little different. I am a nurse. I have been in the OR a million times, but never as the patient. Thanks in advance for the advice and support! Carrie

Just want to see if a picture of my pooch shows up.

hello all I have been banded for a week i do hope this works. I'm still only on 4 onese A hour but i will se my doc and hopefull get some more . So can any one share what this journy might be like thanks

I can't believe it's just a month away! I scheduled it yesterday...just before I found out my Mom had to go in for a stint today. She is 61 and also obese. She went to the cardiologist yesterday and they wanted her in TODAY for a stint. She had 90% blockage in one artery. She's going to be fine but it really got me thinking about my family history of heart disease. It made me realize I was doing the best thing for myself by being banded. I don't want to have the health problems my Mom does when I am her age. I won't lie, I am scared of what's to come with the band. But it will be better than what will come if I don't do it. My 14 month old is all the motivation I ne…

Hello, I'm new to this site but not new to the band-- I was banded in Grand Rapids Mi on 3/3/06-- my storie is not great I've only lost 30 lbs. since and I've had 1 set back where they have had to open my band up-- gained 8 lbs from that trip. :help: --- I'm looking for help in what to eat and how others are doing-- I'm not sedintary but I'm not a faithfull exerciser either. I'm open for all suggestions and criticisms. :faint:Ninny

Hi everyone! I am just starting to look into the Lapband system and I was wondering if anyone had any doctor recommendations or other doctors to stay away from! Thanks for your help!

HI, I'm Traci and was banded in Mexico on 8-9-07 by Dr. Rodriguez. Everything seems to be going very well, except some concern about a hard spot in between my bra line incision and my port incision. The patient cordinator says that it is a seroma and that as long as I'm not running a fever or the spot is red, that I should not be concerned. Has anyone else had a seroma, if so how long does it take to go away, was there anything that you did to help it go away sooner. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Well the day has finally come (almost) tomorrow morning 845 scheduled to get my band I know I won't sleep tonight and it has been extremely hard to work today - but ................ This site has been full of information and encouragement - thanks to all who post:D

Hi to All, I was banded yesterday in S.F. by Dr Cirangle. I was so scared. The night was alittle rough, but today I feel good. My stomach is sore but only feels as if I worked out hard. That's been years. Was anyone else banded yesterday? I would love to hear from you. My support group is very small. My spouse and son are the only ones that know of my decision. I come from a large Italian family:hungry: My start weight was 261 we will see how it goes!

I was banded in Mexico on Dec. 5 2006. I have had 1 fill which I had to drive to Houston TX to get. That is a 6 hour drive. Now that doctor had left and I am trying to located another one who will use flouro. I am looking for suggestions.

I was banded at Fairview University in MN, by Dr. Kellogg on Feb 07. I am a mother of 3 teenagers and I have lost 30 so far and wish I had known about this group much sooner. I have never had many of the problems that I hear that people face, but my weight loss has been very slow. I have an appointment in 2 days to have my second fill. Since day one I have never been nauseated or thrown up and I have never felt full or any restriction. I am really concerned that this isn't going to work for me. My husband had a DS a month after my surgery and he has already lost 105 pounds. I know that men lose faster but I am concerned that this may have been a mistake. I am so …

I am in the early stages of this process (waiting for my cardiologist to submit the referral and paperwork) I live in Midcoast Maine and will (hopefully) be going to the Bariatric Surgery Center in Portland. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with the banding here in Maine, or with the BSC and Dr. Cobean or Wolff? Thanks, Rae

This morning I attended a lap band seminar in Richardson, and my research online led me to this site. It looks like there's an enormous amount of personal experience discussed here, so I'll be working on reading that the next few days to fill in some of the gaps and answer the questions I still have. But in the mean time, I'll jump in with my first question: I budget about $400/mo. for groceries. After your lap band, how much did your food costs increase/decrease? I'm thinking that with such restricted food intakes, most people would see significant savings each month from buying less food. Is that pretty common? Thanks in advance, everyone. I look forward to p…

Where can I find the before and after pictures posted? Thanks!

Hello. Good to meet all of you wonderful bandsters! I am so glad I found you as I need all the help and support I can get. I just had surgery 08/23 so am on the liquid phase of the diet. It's going pretty good even though I am still struggling with the psychological addiction to food. I don't watch t.v. due to the commercials on food and have to leave the room when my family eats. There are times when I am really hungry so I try to drink 4 oz of skim milk and drinking so far has done the trick of filling me up. I've scanned this site and see so many wonderful topics of interest and will be posting and sharing for you. Rumar

hi all i already posted on another thread but thought now i found introduction thread id say helllllo again. my name is nikki ,im 32 ,i live in ireland and im having band fitted on the 15th of december.(11 days:clap2: ) im hoping that the money being spent on it isnt wasted and that it works for me !! i know it will:) i will just have to make it work .Im having lapband fitted by dr jerome manceau at advanced cosmetic surgery in dublin .Has anyone else used them ??

Hi everyone - another newbie here from Ireland. I'm considering a band and have found the threads on this site amazing so far...I've a couple of things I'm grappling with a the moment and I'd love some feedback .. I'm 44, 5 foot 5 and 181 pounds (bmi of 30.4 right now) and I've also got hypothyroidism. I've always been "big" but the thyroid situation has resulted in me piling on more than a few pounds over the last couple of years. I work out 4 days a week (twice with a trainer) and have a reasonably good diet (don't do too much pigging out but when I do it's carbs not chocolate)..I've been dieting since my twenties and I'm so good at it I just can't get enough...but I…

I just got banded on Aug 21st. I have had stomach pain and gas pain in my shoulder. It has been getting better but I am a week out now and right where my port is, it feels really sore and tender and weird. I still cant sleep on my side or get up or bend over well. When I wear clothes that rub against it it feels really uncomfortable. I think I am all better except for where the port is. When does this pain go away?

Hi Everyone, My Name is Tammy and my husband is going to be getting banded. Insurance has already approved and now we are going through the pre-op portion. Tomorrow morning he goes for the upper GI and then the pshycological exam in the afternoon. I have been slowly reading the boards and especially the diet portion. I plan on going through all stages of diet with him giving as much support as I can. I don't want him feeling alone with the change of eating habits. We have 3 boys ages 10,12 and 15 that know about what is going on. The youngest has even been keeping a food diary and comparing it to his dads. :hungry: Feel free to give suggestions do you have for me.

I've put on 10 lbs in 7 mos. and too ashamed to go back to the Dr.

Hey everyone! My name is Kat. I am saving my $$$ as we speak to get my band in March. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated! I do have a few questions though... I am getting my band in Mexico. Is there anyone out there who was banded there? What was your experience? Who was your Doc? I can't get my surgery until March but want to lose weight now before hand. Can anyone give me some tips on how to get down when you're an emotional/compulsive over eater? Has anyone tried OA? :hungry: Kat:faint:

Greetings folks. I'm just under two months from getting my SAGB over in Europe. Has anybody had the omentectomy done along with the band?

Just wondering if there is anyone from MN? I am going for a pre-op appointment on 8/23/07 at the HealthEast Bariatric Care Clinic at St Joseph's Hospital. I wanted to know if anyone has gone here and which surgeon they had. Thanks for any information.:omg:

Hi all, I'm pretty new here, and I just set up my surgery date to be banded on September 11th (I know, kinda scary day, but whatev). I'm extremely scared/nervous about this whole thing. I've been unable to keep off the excess weight that just piled on in college and honestly feel somewhat sad that I have to resort to a surgical procedure in order to get healthy again. I don't want to feel this way because I am really excited about it, but there are only several people in my life that support my choice and the rest just think I should hard core workout and diet. Did anyone else have this problem with the people in your life? How do you overcome it? For now, I'm …

I'm a newbie here, not new to the lap-band. I was banded last July 12. I had dr Clinch as my dr. He's been fantastic. He tells you the way things are ( very straight-forword) kinda guy. So, far I haven't disapointed myself or him. I've lost 67 pounds so far. I feel like a new person. I've gotten so many comliments, I've only now been able to take compliments. It doesn't come easy for me to except. That's something I'm working on, that and body awareness ( excepting that I do look different ) I've been over-weight most of my life. I still have alot of things to learn from you all. I hope we teach eachother a new thing or two. Thank you, Jen:)

I was banded July 9, 2007. I am certain that this surgery is exactly what I needed to lose the weight I stuggled with since adolescence, but have recently incountered some complications that are starting to cause some anxiety. To date I have lost 30 lbs, and it hasnt been a cake walk, but it is truly exciting to see the progess coming slowly but surely. The pre-op diet for me (consisiting of 2 protein shakes per day and one lean cuisine for two weeks) was challenging, but I faced it with excitement, knowing that this was the start of my new life. I lost about 9 pounds during this time. My surgery went very well, I had the same pain and discomfort that many of you hav…

I was just advised by my sleep doctor to consider getting the lap band. I have my first appointment next week with the bariatric surgeon (Dr. Davtyan in Glendale, CA). I've been reading posts on this site since the referral last week and the posts have me wondering whether I really want to go through with this surgery. Any thoughts or comments? I currently have a BMI of 40.3 and have been diagnosed with hypertension, sleep apnea, and fatty liver. :help:

hi everyone! so happy i found this forum! I was banded a year ago, and at first everything was going gangbusters, and i lost 43 lbs. but i haven't lost an ounce since xmas, and it's all because of icecream, soup and other "easy" stuff. every morning i wake up vowing to only eat by the bandster rule book, and fail miserably by about 11 am. I there anyone out there in the same boat? Can anyone give me some kind of advice on beating this addicition? please dont give me *#*$&%&:faint: many thanks in advance

Hi all I'm from CA. Surgery is on WED Aug 29, and I wish it were tomarrow. I'm a late nite person and I'm 55 years young. So anxious for my new way of life to begin. Ive already incorperated many aspects into the day to day. Now Lets get it done! :bump2: