Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello everyone! I am super new to this and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Tricia, and I am a 37 year old mother of 2. My son is out of the house now and about to give my a grandbaby in October! My daughter is a teenager and very supportive of me. I smoke, which is something everyone wants me to give up...but what about the weight gain? Maybe the band will help me with that also. Has anyone else given up smoking after the band? I am very excited about going to see Dr. Spivak on Wednesday. I am also very nervous. I know I am ready for this, but if one more person asks me "Are you really sure you want to go through with it?" I think I will scream. Of course I…

Hi everyone- I am new to this site. I just joined today. I was banded on June 27, 2007 and I am so thrilled. The weight loss has been slow but I will have to learn to be patient. I have lost about 18 pounds. I think that I am in need of a support group to keep me on track. Does anyone know of any support groups in Maryland? Any help would be appreciated.

Hello, I am waiting for a date for my lapband. I am very nervous. I have read alot of your comments and I am feeling better about a few things. I have been doing a lot of research and reading blogs & forums has been a positive thing. I am getting excited and looking forward to getting my lapband in the next few weeks. How hard is the 2 week liguid diet, I am trying to do 1 or 2 days a week of just liguid & it is very hard. I am so cranky & hungry. Any tips? P:confused:

I was wondering, could anyone tell me about the different bands? Are some better than others or are they just made by different companies?

Hey everyone! I was just banded in Texarkana Texas on July 25th. This website has helped me out so much. vicki:)

Let me introduce myself. I was banded on 8/1/07, I am a married mom of an 18 yr old daughter who is a freshman in college and a 14 yr old son who is a freshman in high school. I also have 3 boxer dogs and volunteer with boxer rescue. I normally work about 45 hrs a week in a family business with my husband. I pretty much lead a "June Cleaver " existance. I am so happy to find others who are in the middle of this same adventure. I promise to keep my miserable, feeling sorry for myself complaining to myself. I had a very easy surgery and recovery has been fairly uneventful. I am going out for coffee (tea) with a girlfriend in a little bit. I hope I don't break dow…

PLEASE POST BACK! I posted once before (ABOUT Colorado docs and didn't get one post back :cry (waaaa)I need all the help I can get! I have been reading and researching lap band for a while and am getting really close to making the commitment! I have been so inspired by reading this board. But...I have some questions for you experienced banders! 1. with the drastic diet changes (I've read some can't eat any chicken, some can't eat any bread or steak) how do you cook for your families, satisfying them and yourself? 2. With the pre and post op liquid and pureed diet, how hard was it to get through? Since we all weren't overweight from just looking at food, I thought yo…

:help: Hi, just beginning the journey. I have been doing lots of research and am looking for a Doctor in or around Dallas, Texas. Has anyone had experience with Texas Lap Band Center? Also do you have to have a record of your weight for the past five years for Insurance? Any help will greatly by appreciated....TC

<p>Hello Everyone, I'm looking forward to having some help in becoming a healthier me. I quit smoking 9 years ago; cold turkey - Using the philosophy - 'Don't need them for life." I've tried to modify that RE: Food, buy looking at a slice of (fill in the blank) as a cigarette. Long story, short, here I am at 365. I don't think I can add anything to, what we all know, as the woes of weight. I Lap Band with my beautiful wife in October - Ya know, kinda want to get a jump my '08 new years resolutions. Ha. So, you see, I have one great teammate and, gathering from the posts I've read, a generous and thoughtful, staduim of support. Thanks in advance. Dylan

Hi everybody! I'm so glad I found this site. Let me introduce myself. I am a 34-year-old divorced mom of an 11-year-old girl, 2 cats and a puppy. I have around 100 pounds to lose, give or take a few. My surgery was almost a week ago, Monday July 30th. All went extremely well. Incisions are healing nicely, but it took about 4 days to get the anesthesia out of my system. I am apparently very sensitive to anesthesia. Spent 1 night in the hospital. Pain has been bearable, but liquid Hydrocodone tastes AWFUL!!! So I'm pretty much off meds now. I wasn't going to weigh until I went back for my first post-op visit, but I broke down and weighed yesterday morning. I…

:sick:help:hi everyone: I woke up with an ear infection today and my surgery is scheduled for 8/13 next week monday. Does anyone know whether taking antibiotics will interfere with the surgery at all? I figure I have to go to my primary care physician and get some antibiotics to take care of this before the surgery or suffer for the entire week which is not an option. Anyone with any information about this? Knowledge? Thanks:help:

Hi All , I just got lapband surgery friday , 2 days ago , I stayed overnight and I am home now , When I went to surgery I was 290lbs , as of this morning I am 295lbs , I havn't had anything but liquids the last 3 days , why am I 5lbs more , could it be because my stomach is swolling ?? did I even spell that right ? lol lol , anyway , I have a black and blue on my stomach and 5 holes ...................... my stomach is very sore and tender , I feel bloated , has this happened to most of you people ?? please let me know your experience on how your lapband was the first few days ?? when does the bloating feeling go away ?? why do you think I'm 5 lbs heavier ?? Thanks To …

I was banded on Thursday :whoo:and doing well overall. The only problem is that the pain meds make me nauseated (Demerol), but when I stop taking them, the pain in my chest and shoulders is unbearable. How long do people find this tightness in the chest and pain in the shoulders lasts?

Hi everyone, I am very impressed by the graphics and oictures you have all posted and hope to one day do some of the cool things i see here as well. I just visited Trying To Conceive Ticker and set up my weight loss progress ticker. Hopefully I can attach it here to join the fun. I am still nearly 2 months pre-band, so i know I am really getting a head start on this but i am so excited and anxious to be part of this wonderful weight loss revolution!

i had surgery on 7/30 but i am now experiencing pains in my shoulder down to my arm. i also haven`t lost any weight just inches. what am i doin wrong. i will stat walking tomorrow and drinking more water but the pain is so bad. please anyone have you had the same pain, will it go away, and is it normal? :help::help::help::help::help:

Hi am scheduled for surgery August 17th. I live alone and I am concerned about being able to take care of my self after returning from surgery. What is it like? Any suggestions feed back HELP suggestions I will talk to anyone. I am very nervous I have also never been on any website like this before. I am such a NEWBIE at all of this. :help::rolleyes Thanks, BMS bsavine0502@yahoo.com

Hi Guys I’ve visited this site a couple of times and you seem a friendly bunch. I’ve taken the first step and put my name down for a free information session. I have to admit that I’m feeling pretty apprehensive but so far my research suggests that this might be a good way to go. At this point I should introduce myself. I’m a 53 year old male living in Brisbane, Australia. I have always been heavy, but over the past 10 years my weight has increased and I now have a BMI of almost 40. As a result I have sleep apena, late on-set diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and minor kidney malfunction. I’ve tried traditional type diets, a couple of fad diets and my doct…

Well I had my banding op on Monday 30th July I am now in Day 4 of fluid diet. I am bruised, sore, tired and feeling a tad unsure whether this is the right thing.Yep I am moping. The Hospital was wonderful and the staff supportive, lovely and caring. The 1st 24hrs was tough as they definetly want you to be up and about pretty jolly quick. Also treat your dinner tray with suspicion as they still serve (on a clear fluid diet) jelly which is a NO NO. But now I am in a hotel, 1000's of Kms away from my family and I am feeling alone. You know when you watch TV and you see a commerical about FOOD and thats you can think about for hours to the point you can smell it. I reali…

I went to the seminar on July 18th, first appt with surgeon on July 23rd and was given list of pre op stuff to take care of (labwork, xrays, etc.) Got the call today that the insurance had approved everything and that surgery is scheduled for August 22nd! YEA! I have been reading the threads here for the past several weeks but didn't want to join in until I knew a date. Thanks for all the encouragement you all provide and for all the answers to the questions I didn't even know I had yet...lol. I will be banded by Dr Raja at SW General Hospital in San Antonio. Current weight: 334. Can't wait!!!!! Jen

Hi. I have been thinking about having the lap band surgery for a long time. I am 36 years old and I weigh 304 pounds, my BMI is 49 so trust me I know that I need the surgery because everything else I have tried has failed but the more research I do the more I wonder if I can handle it. I have read alot of your posts about the varing levels of pain after surgery. I have five children and I don't know how I would be able to care for them if I was in alot of pain. I am also concerned about the PBing that alot of you talk about. How long does this go on? Is it a permenant problem? I would really like to hear how you all cope with things like this. I think it would help me alo…

Marc from NYC here -- I have been reading all of your post and you all sound great and congradulations on all of your progress wt loss, and return of your self esteem. I had decided to do this one year ago -- and a situation came up that I could not at that time. Well I have now realized that it is no longer a choice. I am literally dying -hypertension sleep apnea and have begun an agressive saving plan to have this surgery. The irony of this is that I am in the field of medicine(as a Physician Assistant) in a small office in NYC. We serve the poor and the office does not provide benifits. I am considered to be an excellant clinician but I can not take care of myse…

<p>My daughters and sister had the lap bamd surgery 2-1/2 weeks ago and all of them have lost 12 ILBS. Dr. Arturo Rodriguez did the procedure and HE IS WONDERFUL!!! $7900.00 TOTAL. They are very nice and professional. This surgery seems to do the job!</p>We flew to Monterrey Mexico and were back home in 3 days. Nice Hotel too.

Surgery 07-13-07 Weight pre-op: 206 Current weight:192.5 (three weeks post-op) I recovered within fours days and returned to work. I lost the 13.5 pounds during the first two weeks. I haven't lost any additional the third week. I'm following the required diet, and hope to get my first fill soon. I'm already feeling better and have more energy! :whoo:

Hi all, My name is Christopher, I live and work in London, UK and was banded on 21st February 2007. My weight on the day of banding (which was my highest ever weight) was 445lbs, now almost 6 months later I have lost 94lbs and so weigh 351lbs. Having my band fitted was the single best thing I have ever done. My life feels like it is just beginning and I feel fitter than I ever have or ever thought I would. I go to the gym between 3 and 5 times a week and love exercise. I am a Registered Nurse by professional background but currently work in a mixed job, half of my time is spent working on my ward caring for terminally ill patients, the other half managing a project lo…

I had my surgery on July 20th and I can feel some soreness around the plug area. Especially after sitting all day at work. Is this normal?

Hi folks, I have had my band for nearly a year now and I still love the new life it has given me. I lost 70lbs! and most of my aches and pains. I am frustrated, however, I'm starting to gain weight back. So far I'm up 10 lbs. I have lots of trouble eating nutrious food. Most meat, vegetables, eggs.... cause me to heave. So during the day I eat Protein drinks, Protein Bars, yogurt and cheese. The trouble comes at night. I've always been a night eater and I've found that crackers desolve and go down easily so I'm back to my bad habits. I rationalize that since I'm not eating during the day, I deserve to eat at night. I know it's wrong, but...... I am having im…

:help:I received my doctors referral for the lapband. My referral was supposed to take 3 days to approve but I received the call from general sugery today to meet with the doctor to discuss if I will be accepted for the band. My husband being military makes my process different from other peoples. If there is someone associated with Tricare could someone please tell me the process from here. My appointment with general surgery is scheduled for August 21st. Thanks to all and I look forward to getting to know all of you. Good luck and best wishes. Christine

Hi -- I had my surgery on July 20 -- I'm on the full fluid diet now and go for my first fill on Aug. 27. I'm not really hungry physically, but I can't stop thinking about food -- it's everywhere -- commercials on tv, etc. Has anyone else experienced this -- does it go away?

Hi, Im fairly new to the site. Thanks to someone on this site I decided to go to Mexico since my insur. wouldnt pay and I was looking at 18,000 in the states. Im excited but a little nervous. Family is "freaking out " about Mexico. If anyone has been banded by this physician, let me know your experience, even if it wasnt good. Everything I have researdhed looks good. Thanks ahead of time and I'm happy to be joining the banded club! Tammy:tea:

My name is Jennifer and I was banded May 31, 2007 in Bryan TX by Dr. John Mason. So far I have lost 22.5 lbs. I have had 3 fills totaling up to 2.5 cc (I have 4 cc band). I didn't notice much restriction until the second fill and after the third one this week (Tuesday 7/31/07) I'm really noticing it. I am so glad that I had this procedure. It was a 2 yr journey just to get approved with my insurance since they had so many requirements, but luckily everything worked out and so far I haven't had any problems with the band.

Just so we'll know what you all are talking about, what is PBing anyway? Thanks - hope to have the band by end of Aug 07. Waiting for test results. :help: :ranger:

Hi, I am pre-op and have yet to have final approval. I've been reading the boards off and on for some time and notice a lot of issues surrounding slow weightloss and hunger. Is there anyone out there who is doing well or not having too much issue with hunger? Or is "bandster hell" going to be a part of the journey no matter what? I find myself unsure of lap band because of the level of difficulty so many seem to be having. Yet, the idea of malabsorption via gastric bypass scares me. For all of the negatives I find with the gastric bypass, they seem to have it easier. I wonder if lap band will be for me, if I am already afraid of "bandster hell". Oh, just tried unj…

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself. I was Banded yesterday, July 30. I have been lurking the boards for a wile now and this site has answered a lot of questions for me. I wanted to just thank you all. Scotty

My name is Andrea, I'm 38 and I live in the Northern Massachusetts area. I was banded on 7/23/07 @ Lahey Clinic Thus far, I'm feeling really great! I had a lot of pain in my left shoulder during the first week... but moving around and using heat on it made it feel better. I still get an ocassional 'tweak' there, but it's bearable. I'm very much looking forward to being able to hit the treadmill and elliptical machine next week! Getting back into a fitness program (pre surgery) made me realize how much I enjoyed and missed exercising. I've gotten the 'green light' to start some light weight training once I reach 6 weeks out... I want to keep as toned as possible while …

Hello, I've spent the last few days reading numerous posts and thought I'd sign up today and introduce myself. I have been riding the fence regarding the lapband procedure for some time now. My sister was banded 3 years ago and is down to her goal weight and looks fantastic....but can't hold down hardly anything she eats. She says that she has just accepted that as part of the new her. (she vomits after eating ANYTHING) Six years ago I weighed 130 lbs and thought I was overweight, considering my normal weight for years was around 107 to 110. I am 5'2" and today weigh 210 and climbing. ( i am extremely small boned and have a petite buld, so the weight really HURTS my b…

Hi everyone.. My name is Cherie and I'm new here. I found this site tonight while trying to figure out what to expect tomorrow as I am having my surgery early afternoon. I found a lot of great information thanks for the input.

I am approaching my second week since I was banded and have lost 14 lbs. I am ready to get back to eating however...tired of liquids and soft food..

Hi, I'm Candy. I am currently at 38 BMI with no medical issues, so I'm somewhat hopeful that I would qualify eventually for the LapBand. I am over 100 pounds overweight. I used to hang around 105 pounds - and because of smoking cessation 3 times over the last 5 years, I've gained weight that I have not been able to take off. I weigh 217 now. I have quit smoking again - last month and plan to make this quit a last time. Has anyone ever been in the middle of the 35-40 BMI range without medical issues and how have they handled it? I am hoping that Dr. Averbach, St. Agnes Hospital, will do the approval and banding. I think I have to go through a 6 month supervised…

First off... I would like to say hello and thanks to all of you for the wonderful support and information you all have provided that has made my decicion for the lapband surgery a informed one. I happy to say that on Friday july 27, 2007 my insurance finally approved my surgery. It took 6.5 mos for me to complete the approval process for the lapband (bypass would have only taken me 2 mos. for approval) surgery. I had to submit my medical history, counseling (nutritional and psychological), consultation, Doctor talk, attend a support class and enroll in a weight loss program for atleast 3 mos. Smart & Lite Dimensions ( Angeles and Orange County—Lite & Smart …

My name is Ada and I just got lap-band surgery almost two weeks ago and I have really no one to talk to about it so I was excited to find this forum. It's been hard because I am just feeling down, not about the surgery but I just have no one to talk to like I said. Anyway, I hope to see you all around. -Ada

I'm Michelle and I was on here a few months ago. I kinda dropped off for a bit because I got really discouraged. I didn't think I had enough co-morbidities to be approved having BMI of 37. My c/m were Hyperlipidemia Metabolic Syndrome/Prediabetes PCOS Stress incontinence Infertility Borderline hypertension and a few more minor things Anyway, I have BCBS of CA but I would be having surgery in Reno NV, therefore it had to be BCBS of NV to decide whether I'm approved or denied. Well...I got my letter today and I'M APPROVED!!!!!!! I'm sooo excited.:clap2: I will be scheduling this week hopefully and I'm hoping to have surgery the last week of Aug. It was really str…

Hello, new to this site today and am only learning to navigate. I am still in the decision stage of having this surgery. I have attended a seminar in Michigan but they require a BMI of 40 if you don't have other health issues. I'm not there yet and don't want to be. I believe I will travel to the Toronto area, which is a 10 hour drive, I know I can have my consultation over the phone, but wonder if the follow up care can be done some place closer. Any help would be appreciated. Thunder Bay is just as far, if not further for me, I'm in Sault Ste. Marie. I have read several positive posts in regards to the two main clinics in the Metro Toronto area, which has put my …

I was banded July 13, 2007 (LUCKY FRIDAY THE 13TH). I lossed 14 lbs prior to surgery. It has been almost 3 weeks and I have lossed an additional 21 lbs. I am need to lose another 30-35 lbs to be satisfied but want to possibly lose another 45. My wife wants me to lose another 20 however I been the big guy for a long time and now i want to be small. IMy procedure was done in Atlanta, GA by Dr. Edward Linn at Emory University. I have been completely satisfied. I can say at this time this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. :whoo:

Hello to all. I was banded July 5,2007. First day was a blur- lots of pain, nausea and bloating. Today is my 4th post-op day, and things have gotten better. Still lots of bruising and some bloating (Praise be to the creators of Gas-X!) but little pain. Still on clear fluids for seven days. I am so glad I did this. I'm a bit nervous (that I'll be the one person to NOT lose weight after being banded) but the journey has started..... Any other Ontario folks out there??:clap2::clap2::whoo::whoo::clap2::clap2:

My wife is going to have the LB surgery in 2 weeks. Are there ANY mates or significant other posts about what to expect as an LB care provider? This is going to change BOTH of our lives. How can I prepare to make her more comfortable? We're both a little (very) nervous. ANy help would be obliged.

I'm new to this forum - a friend who has had lap-band surgery recommended it to me. DH and I went to orientation yesterday - and we're both excited. We have to do the psych eval, go to a dr.'s talk, and visit a support group before we can schedule surgery and get final approval from HMO. I live in CA, married nearly 33 years to the love of my life have son, daughter, step-daughter, 4 step-grand-children and a grandson on the way.

Can you please let me know who was your doctor and if you had your surgery thru the New Start Program in St Louis, Missouri. I am currently in the process of getting all the paperwork done. I am almost finished... 2 more doctors to see to meet my insurance requirements and then i am off to a "new me"!!! Yea!!!! I am so excited. I tried to have this done two years ago, but my other insurance denied me.

hi every one i`m gettin banded the 30th of july and don`t have the support or help from my husband. I will also be traveling alone do i need to be concerned about going to Mexico and the doctor that is doin it which is Dr. Huazac. Any advice or pointers will help dramatically. i`m also scared that i will not be able to stick to the pre-op liquid diet. any advice is appreciated:help::phanvan

Hi! I got my lap band on July 18th. I've lost about 15 pounds so far. I feel great. The soreness is a lot better. I'm really feeling good. My Dr told me this week I could progress to baby food consistency. What kind of diet is everyone else on?

Hi my name is Joanie, I was banded on 6-28. Everything is going well. I have just one incision that hurts when I transition from sitting to standing. I am right around 1000 calories a day and feeling satisfied. The weight is not dropping at all, can't figure that out. Does it just take a while ??? :help: Joanie