Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Well, I am new to this site and I have recently attended the seminar on the lap band procedure. I am scared to death to be honest . I am 32 years old and have struggled with my weight for many years now. I guess you could say I've hit rock bottom . I find it hard to play with my kids, I'm embarrased to go out to see old friends, I'm just tierd of the struggle. I decided that I wanted to make a life long change. Any advice I could get would be great. I have a consult scheduled for Aug. 28th. I pray this is the help and the answer I've been looking for. I'm willing and ready to do the work it takes and to make the changes I need to make. I just can't do it alone. I've tried…

Hi all, I'm 5' tall and went from 125pds to 198. The weight gain began 5 years ago during a nasty divorce. I developed health problems from the added weight--High Blood Pressure, severe back problems, gout, high triglacides. I have been able to lose 10pds over this last year. My BMI is 36.7. I'm on 4 medicines for the high blood pressure alone and medicines for the other problems. I take 2 antidepressents and Seroquil 300mg for bipolar 1 and PTSD. All of these medicines are a major factor in the weight gain. I heard about lapband several weeks ago and was shocked that I could have it done at 36.7 BMI, because of my medical conditions. My doc said absolutely and …

I just had my surgery August 9th in Hermosillo, MX. (My sister lives nearby) I live in Issaquah, WA and would like to know where you PNW folks go for fills. Thanks!

:clap2: After "losing" my paperwork twice I was approved for surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When the insurance co. finally received my paperwork (and with several calls from both my dr.'s office an me) I was approved in LESS THAN 2 HOURS! It happened Fri. afternoon so I have to wait until tomorrow to set my date. It will be very soon because I go back to teaching on 9/4. The dr.'s office knows this and is working with me to get it all going - maybe this week! Besides getting married and having my kids I have never been so happy!:whoo:

Hi there, I'm new to this forum. I have at this point made the decision to have the surgery done and pending cardiology check and insurance approval. I had never considered I would qualify but my surgeon suggested it in making plans to take my gallbladder out. I considered it a gift when he said I do qualify. I also have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis. My only worry is that my gallbladder will hold out AND there won't be any fluid from the gallbladder when it's removed or they won't be able to put the lapband in. I'm in total confusion as to what to eat right now - proper foods for diabetes, proper foods for the gallbladder, pro…

Just wanted to say 'Hello' from Indiana! I don't know of a single person locally that has had the lapband procedure done and am very happy to find this website! I have my first seminar on Wed. of this week and am very excited!! It's almost as if this is happening to fast! I've been overweight all my life and never before has my weight held me back, but as I get older..boy oh boy is it getting harder to do things without aches and pains....I'm hoping that the surgery helps me to be able to keep up with the kids....and would like to be able to take them to the waterpark and perhaps ride rollercosters again.... right now me+swimsuit+NO WAY!

Hey All, Thanks for the warm welcome on my first post (new guy here just banded Tuesday) You have all been very warm and supportive. I have been having some very intense in color dreams the last few nights. Is this normal for just having surgery or am I just lucky right now? Maybe it is the drugs from the surgery still - just don't know. Just curious. Will Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.

Hello, I am new to the site and new to posting online. Usually I just read everyone else's! I am set to be banded Aug 16th. I am looking foward to using the band as a tool to help me be sucessful. I want to look like I feel!:clap2: P.S. How do you put those tickers on the posts?

I was just browsing around the web and came across this website, i wish i would of came across it sooner. I was banded in the Dominican Republic by Dr. Joseph Ramirez. I've lost already 38 pounds to date and on tuesday i start eating soft solids. Im glad to see theres a place were i can relate to others and share experiences with everyone on this journey.

I had my surgery scheduled for July 30th and had to cancel. I am totally bummed. We have to take out a loan on our home equity and it will take over 2 weeks to get it done with the paperwork and appraisal, etc. Well, with having the extra time, my hubby is having a few second thoughts about the cost. He just wants me to wait until next May, after school lets out. (I am a school teacher). I just don't want to wait that long. I told him let's just rethink and decide on a day to get it done, maybe even the Friday after Thanksgiving, or something like that. Now I am just feeling so bad because I want to get this done and start losing weight NOW, not later. I think a…

Hello there was banded in Apr and having a hard time my first fill was at 1.7 and very hungry got another fill at 2.3 and that put not to get anything down at all then got a defill to 2.0 went a month more on soups only just on 15 Aug got a defill to 1.8 and cant tell yet what is happening I am losing energy I take my multivitamin and protein shakes, I even bought glucosamine liquid and calicium. I am very tired and want to seleep all day. I tried having shrimp today and it did not take. So again soups are my next resort and I am tired of soups, Is anybody else having these problems. From San Antonio, Texas:help:

Hi All, I was banded on July 9 and lost 25 pounds by my first post op appointment on Aug. 9. At that time my doc said he didn't want to do a fill because I was doing so well without it. Well I thought I would up the stakes and I started working out 5 days a week. I work three days with a personal trainer and two days I do Water aerobics. So since my doc appointment I haven't lost any weight at all. I've been tracking my calories and it seems I average about 1300 a day. Is that too much? Also, I can drink about 60 oz of water a day right now but I'm concerned that might not be enough either. Tomorrow I start school and I take glassblowing glasses so with our 90+ degree…

I want lapband really bad but United Health Care says they do not cover this......Missouri

Hi everyone! I was just banded on 8/16 & am doing surprisingly very well. I never exerienced any shoulder or back pain whatsoever & am fully mobile by now. I was banded by Dr. Carlos Lozano in Matamoros, Mexico & had an awesome experience. He is so open with his communication & he is so supportive via e-mail. This board has been so informative for me both pre & post op & I thank everyone who shares their experiences with the rest of us. Your input is really important. Thank You!!:clap2:

hi people i was wonderng what is the percentage with band slippage? what makes the band slip? are there any guarantees that it will not if you eat like you suppose to? How can we avoid are band slipping? how and why does the band erodes? how can you tell when it has eroded? your help with answering questions are greatly appreciated.

Hi, I was banded on Aug. 8, 2007-last Wed. My surgeon is David Geller from Louisville, KY. I weighed somewhere in the 296-298 range. Not exactly sure. Curious to when all normal routine can start if not already. I feel really good except where the big scar is, guess that's where my port is I had laprosopic lapband. I've been waking up with a headache every morning. Anyone have any advice as to what to expect or want to go along with me on my journey, please let me know. Right now I am taking in protein shakes, broth , sf jello, sf popsicles, juice & tomato soup. Already tired of all of this & I'm hungry!!

I got banded on July 10th and am going crazy with the protein shakes....any suggestions? Also, I am scared to death on Tuesday to start eating soft solids. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Heather:help:

Hello New Family, I'm so excited that I found this site.. Just about all my questions on the lap band have been answered from this forum... I just got approved and hope to have my surgery in the beginning of September. Has any one been banded by Dr. Adam Naaman in Houston, TX.. Any feedback would be great.. Looking forward to the journey!!! Lulu :clap2:

:ranger: Hi, This is my first post. I have been lurking a little for the past couple of weeks. I live in rural Nebraska with my very supportive husband of 42 years along with my almost 12 year old grandaughter and 2 Bischons. I attended the information seminar 2 weeks ago and have my initial evaluation on Sept. 6th. I have a BMI of 35 but several of the comorbidities. Hypertension, sleep apnea, arthritis, reflux and now plantar fasciitis and I have the big "61" coming before the month is over. It looks as though I am going to have to pay from my own pocket. Is it really worth it to go to Mexico? The surgeons in Lincoln charge $16,000 for the whole package including seve…

:eek::eek:You guys have given me so much confidence!!!! I actually have my weight on the ticker and now my photo. I have gotten through 6 days of the liquid diet and I have not cheated any at all. It is thanks to the support and encouragement I have been getting. I will really will need you guys on the 27th when I am banded

Hello fellow bandsters. I was banded July 3oth by Dr. Ortiz. Was a great experience and am doing well. I'm down 18lbs since I started. Are there any Oregon bandsters out there? I would love to get together. Also, where is the closest place for fills that use fluro? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Good luck to everyone!:clap2:

Hi there I had my surgery at Barix in Ypsilanti, MI (my fills will be done at their Holland, MI office, which is much closer for me) My Dr. is Dr. Shramm, and I am really happy with him and the whole Barix setup. Surgeries are also done in the town where I live, but the doctor doing them has only 1 year experience, and Dr Shramm was my friend's doctor 4 years ago. Also, bariatric/LB surgery is ALL they do at Barix (Ypsi is just outside Detroit) so I felt that any potential complication would be in good hands. My insurance requires an overnight stay, and I was glad they did (although I didn't get much rest with the respiratory therapist and nurses coming in every 2 hou…

So I am seriously considering the Lap band procedure. I am 35 years old and have been about 100 pounds overweight for ten years now. I am getting tired of it and can't seem to find a way to get the weight off. I have yet to read any of the posts here but I am sure that there will be a lot of information and education to be gleemed from this site. Best of luck to you all on your journeys.

I'm new to this chat room and I'm so glad that I have found you guys. It seems like a great support system. I got banded 4 wks ago today and I'm down 26 lbs. I get my first band adjustment on Monday. I'm kinda nervous about that cause I don't know if it hurts. I'm sure it is uncomfortable. I'm looking forward to chating with everyone and good luck to those who are starting there journey.

Hello alll, I was just banded yesterday Aug. 16th 07. very scary move but glad I have done it. I was so afraid I may die on the table and what my kids will think of me should I leave them in such a horrible way.But thanks God, with thier support as well as my husband by myside, I will live to tell my experience. nice to know there is such a great forum for discussion. well my weight is 260lbs starting and hope to reach my goal of 150lbs.I am trying to follow the band protocol as possible and do hope that I don't experience any adverse effects.I just have slight pain around the port site and I have slight gas which I am told is normal. Any advice will be appreciated for a …

About to be banded in Plano, Texas As a long-time lurker on LapBandTalk, I have learned a lot from those who have started this journey before me, and I figure that it is time to join and give back. I have been overweight the majority of my adult life, and after several years of "trying to do it the old-fashioned way", I have determined that I need to take advantage of all of the tools available, including lap-band to be as healthy, active, and productive as I deserve to be. I am fortunate that my insurance company had only one requirement - proof of obesity for more than 5 years - and I was approved for surgery 3 days after the paperwork was submitted. I am sche…

I'm Ruth. I was banded Dec. 26, 2006. I've lost approx. 40 lbs but none lateley. I think I expected too much of the procedure, a miracle I guess and didn't consider the fact, although I heard the phrase over and over, that this is only a tool. So now I'm trying to get back into a proactive frame of mind about this. I haven't gained weight while wallowing in my self pity, but I haven't lost either. I was only adjusted twice and I feel the restriction. I think it's perfect. The problem is me. I hope that am able to transition back into the lap band mentality, the mindfulness that I experienced earlier. I'm hoping that alot of people out there will help and inspire me. …

Hi There~ I am happy that I found this site. I have been researching the lap band for over a year now and am hoping to have my financing withing the next week or so. I am 99% sure that I am going to go with Dr. Kirshenbaum here in Colorado. I am anxious about the change, but more than ready! Like everyone, I have already paid for the band with all the different diets that I have tried. I am ready for some permanent success! I am a SAHM to 4 kids (3 boys and a girl) and I know tha I am the "fat mom" and am tired of embarrasing my kids. My goal will be 140. I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello! Brandy

My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 11th with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver! Was both an easy and tough decision all at the same time! Ok, here are my questions for you who are going or have been there! ~ Are you truly glad you were banded? ~ If you were self pay (I am) how did you pay for it? Do you have any advice about it? ~ How have you physically felt since your surgery? ~ Is it all you expected? I am so excited, but have moments of doubt, and being mad at myself that I haven't been able to get the weight off my myself. Any input? thanks!

Hi everyone. My name is Cherie. I'm 36, about 5'5" and my BMI is 52. I have just decided that the Lapband is something I want to do. I have an appt. with my regular Dr. on Wednesday. I am also scheduled for my information seminar on Oct. 3rd. It seems so far away. My insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, but there is a state mandate here in GA that if it is deemed necessary by your Dr., my insurance will cover 80%. I should be able to get the rest financed. I'm really nervous about doing it because it will completely change how I live my life. But I know I need to do it before it causes more health problems. I guess that is enough about me for now. I lo…

Hello, I am new to the forum. I am seriously considering lap band surgery. I have tried every diet known to man it seems like with always the same result: lose some weight, then gain it all back plus some. I go for the lap band seminar on August 28th in Louisville, KY. I have contacted my insurance company and I am very fortunate that it looks like they are going to pay for it if i decide to get the surgery. i think i can deal with the lifestyle/eating changes i will have to make. I just have one hang up, and thats the no drinking with meals issue. Does everyone find this extremely difficult? This may sound silly but if you eat something thats hot and burn your mouth can'…

hello from nan in Hemlock, Mi. I am sched. for banding on Sept 11. I am somewhat nervous about the procedure.

Hi all, Just found this site while scoping out the internet for info on lap-bands. A friend of mine had hers done back in May and is doing great. I had always sworn that I would NEVER EVER EVER go under the knife, especially for a weight loss surgery. But I'm at the end of my rope and don't know what else to do. I have tried Weight Watchers a BAZILLION times and have gained weight while on it several times I've tried "dieting" on my own to no avail, I've been on pills from my DR. but nothing has worked. I've been trying to soak up as much info as I can on lap-banding (preferably from people who have had it done). I'd love to hear all about the positive…

I am currently in the information gathering stage about Lap Band. What is the purpose of the pre-op diet? I have read in the posts something about the liver. Please elaborate...

Hi, I have been lurking for a bit, and finally decided to post. I have a question right off the hop. Are there any members of this board who had been Banded, that are disabled? I became paraplegic almost 2 years ago, as a result of a medical mistake. My spine was damaged by an epidural when I was giving birth to my daughter. As a result of this injury and being in a wheelchair, plus a healthy dose of depression, I have successfully gained 150 lbs. I lost weight at first, because I was so sick, but gradually, as I got a little better, my appetite have returned and then some. I ate to make myself feel better emotionally. By the time I realized what I have done, it was too l…

Hi everyone. I am totally in a state of flux as to whether to have the band surgery or not. I am a self pay who has to pay in 24 hours to go ahead for the scheduled surgery! I have not actually talked to anyone about their experiences with the band but have read lots of conversations. My concerns: are you able to have a normal life? can you sit down to dinner with your family? can you eat out with friends? Are you constantly thinking about food and how/what to eat? Then I am not so impressed with the statistics on weight loss (52% people maintain 33 % excess weight loss at 3 years ). Do many people with the band reach their goal?????

Hi there, I am a new membber and have found lots of posts on here very interesting so decided tojoin. Am currently in the beginning stage where i have realised taht ia m sick of being overweight and then yo youing all my life. SUre diets work but only for a hwile then all that fat comes back . So am currnelty deciding whether to go the Lapband or the VSG. Am leaning more towards the Laproscopic Sleever Gastorectomy (sp?) due tothe lower maintanence of it and the fact that lots of people have discussed the PB, sliming and the onoging fills. THere seems tobe more complications with the LB than VSG. Admit VSG is a little more intrusive but long terms appears to be less…

H folks, just talked to "dynamomini", banded in April 07 - she was very helpful and answered most all my questins -thank you!!! Will have my first Dr./nutritionist consulation on Sept 12th. Cannot wait to get started, although surgery is definitely not my favorite past time. But turning 50 this month, having survived cancer last year - I am ready for the big change - finally becoming slim and more importantly living slim, healthy and active:nervous Looking forward to riding and training our horses (Spanish and Sorraia Mustangs) more and longer without being exhausted for the rest of the day Also expanding my life long hobby of painting portraits with pastels (from ph…

Well this is the first time I've been able to get on since June 11th. We've been to New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho. We plan to be gone until the first of September. To date I've lost 65.5 lbs, feeling really good. We walk everyday and I try and do different exercises (leg lifts, arm curls, etc) in the rig while we drive. The hardest part is eating in restaurants. Most of the time we cook our meals in the rig, but every so often we splurge and eat out. I have found so far all the restaurants have accepted my restaurant card. Well I've got to go, just wanted to check in with you all. Have a great summer, whats left anyway.…

Hey everyone, I am a 25 year old male from New York. I weigh, as of today, 228 pounds and have a BMI of 33. Two months ago I went for several lap-band consultations, at which time my BMI was a 36 (weight was 246 I believe). I since gave Optifast a 5th try, and went down to 220, and then up to the weight I am at now. During all this I went through the hoops to get Lap-band approved. I wasn’t even 100% sure – I figured if they say no then theres nothing to think about, and if they say yes I can decide from there. I even considered going to one of two places in the U.S. that do it highly discounted for non-insured procedures. Well, in addition to the acid reflux dis…

I am a 56 year old female, BMI 40, with approx. 75 to 80 lbs. to lose. I began to show health issues, and had no luck with diets, or no will power or dedication to excercise. After review I slected the Lapband procedure. I was banded on June 20. I had my first adjustment on July 26. I have lost 17 lbs. Since the adjustment I have not lost any weight, and do no feel as full. My weight will fluctuate up and down 5 lbs. I know I have not reached the green zone and have another appointment on Sept. 6. My doctor is Ninh Nguyen, at UCI Medical Center in Orange, Ca. I don't have a lap band web site. I am wondering how many adjustments are necessary, so that I can con…

I am interested in getting the lapband and have been reading some posts here. I just don't know where to begin to go about getting it done. We currently are on Cobra for health Insurance and my spouse said to check into it before we lose coverage. We actually have BCBS of MI. I am about 100lbs overweight and need to do something. I have three kids I love with all of my heart and I'm getting scared that something is going to happen to me and I won't be around for them. Can anyone give me some tips on how to go about starting the process?? (I haven't seen my PCP in about 2+yrs). Thanks!! Tami

I have looked everywhere and I cannot figure out how to start my own journal. Good grief. Pls help.:cry

I am Going to have my surg Date set 8-16-07 For the lap band . My question is After surg how much protein can you tolerate? Do many people end up having to have a lot of supplents or are you able to eat enough on your own.

Hi, I have a question or two for you all. I am really struggling with doing this, I have told myself over and over again if I do this I will have to make changes to my eating and abide by those. Well if I have to do it then why can't I do it now? I feel I will not have the will power to change later. Does the band make it so that im really full and have no desire to eat? Also when I dont eat enough I get weak. Has anyone had that problem after banding. Im afraid I won't have any strenth. 335 6' 2" male

how do you cook for hubby and children without snacking. i find myself chewing food and spitting it out all the time. i don`t get hungry until i cook. and the days i don`t cook my husband bring favorite dish home pizza. i also find my self eating my baby cheese doodles. i need help. i have only lost 8 pounds since surgery which was done on 7/30. even before snacking i still wasn`t loosin weight. i need to know how you cook and not get tempted. i am doin 3 protein shakes a day and the fill me up durin the time and couple of hours later. please, please, i am so ready for this journey but i hav`nt had food in about an month.i need guidance. i got banded in mexico and i have …

Hello everyone! I'm completely new to this whole online support group thing, but I've heard really good things...so hear I am. I was just banded yesterday 8-14-07. I pursued being banded for about a year before actually having it done. I was approved in the fall of 2006, but the facility I was working with closed. So, on I moved to a new doctor and new program. At that point, my insurance (for some odd reason) denied me after I had been approved the first time. We fought through it and stayed as optimistic as we could. I was finally approved in early July. My doctor was Amir Heydari out of Crystal Lake, IL. The program is hosted through Centegra Medical Center…

My sister had the lapband done in march and my surgery is scheduled for August 24th. Her surgery was fifteen grand in seattle w/ one year of after care included and fills thereafter costing 75.00 each. My surgery is in Denver for 9950.00 w/ 3 months of after care included but my fills thereafter will only be 15.00 each. I can not believe the road that has gotten me here. I was an athlete in high school and college. I was a Ranger in the Army. 12 years ago I ran 10 miles in 61minutes and 4seconds. And yet here I am over 400 pounds and unable to walk a flight of stairs without a break. I watch my kids from the sidlines unable to share with them the knowledge and exp…

I've just been banded and so far am doing great. I was banded by Dr.Yau,Toronto

Hi! Love my lapband. I'm finally loosing the weight. I'm starting to feel like a Prom Queen. I'm so much happier with myself, I can hardly believe the difference that 40 pounds has made on my life, and the way I feel, physically and mentally. Glad to be banded. Done by Dr. Ren on April 25th, 2003. 5 feet 2 inches. 220/180/135