Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Everyone, I am new to your site and thought I would like to jump in. I am going to be banded Aug 1st at Highland Park hospital, and was wondering if there was any last minute advice? I have thought about this for a year and still not 100% sure I want to do this. I want the weight loss, but not the change. I want to eat a steak after I lose the weight, maybe even a can of diet coke. I know these things will not happen, and losing the weight is more important, but I'm still not positive. I appreciate your words of encouragement and know in my heart this is the right thing. I need to lose 120 lbs and don't want bypass. Thanks, Steve from Chicago

Good Evening all, My surgery has been scheduled fo this Friday August 3, 2007. I am pleased to say that Aetna approved the LapBand procedure 2 days after submitting my medical history, counseling (nutritional and psychological), consultation, etc. I am both nervous and excited. Dr. Singh and Averbach (Catonsville, MD) have been wonderful and very helpful. Their billing representative (Carol) was on top of her job. I highly suggest all new candidates and people who have been denied to contact this office and begin or restart the preauthorization process. Carol is very familiar with the requirements for bariatric procedure coverage.

Hi All: I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut on September 28th, 2006, so tomorrow will be my 10-month anniversary. I am happy to report that I have lost 110 pounds thus far and am looking forward to losing more. I have had two fills in my 9.75 band and they total 2.5 cc's. For me right now, that seems to be plenty. I have a hard time getting anything down in the morning and sometimes at lunch. When dinner time rolls around, I am ready to eat, but can only do 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food. I stay away from most starches and certain meats, but I try to get in whatever Protein and veggies and fruits that I can. I also do Soups and Protein shakes so I can get the nutriti…

:clap2::clap2::clap2:HI, My surgery is scheduled for August 6 with Dr. Kam, in Ypsi MI ? Anyone Else?

I have one more week until approval. My insurance (BCBS) requires 6 months Dr supervised weight loss attempt. Started in Feb and had all the paperwork sent in thru July (that is 6 visits to me:) But they count different and need one more note from my primary to make it 6 months of visits. I talked to the office manager in claims and the review officer has gone over my records and approved everything and just needs the last note. Of course he is only there every 2 weeks! So I go tomorrow to the primary and final review on the 8th. I know I am apprroved but would really like a date...I feel like life is on hold. But at least I know it's coming! Have a great day…

Hello, I'm new to the group. Banded 3/22/07. I'm on my 4th adjustment. Just starting to see results.:whoo:

Hi all! I'm a newbie here and just wanted to let you know how helpful I have found the info posted here. I've been lurking here a few hours now (not getting much else done! LOL!) I'm scheduled for my surgery on 8-15 and I'm starting to panic that I don't have all my ducks in a row. I wanna make sure I'm prepared. I live in New Jersey and my doctor is Dr. Nussbaum in West Orange. A few friends went to him and were pleased. My mom is scheduled for a consult right after my surgery. I have a 2 year old boy that deserves a healthy mom. I'm sure I'll be posting a lot more once I have my surgery. Right now, I'm reading all I can.:bananapartyhat:

My name is Gigi, I was banded by Dr.Gonzalez in 2005. He is a very skilled surgeon and very well known in the US, my life is so much better since the surgery. I went from a size 22 to 6, my everyday life is much much better. Now I feel much more comfortable in public. Going up the stairs, long walks, and shopping is a lot easier and less tiring. For anyone out there looking for a great surgeon, check out Dr. Gonzalez at www.golap-band.com. Or www.myspace.com/lap_band;-) ;-)

Hi, I am new to the site. I am having my lap band with Dr Bauman. If anyone has used him please let me know how you liked it. Thanks!

Hello I Had Lap Band Surgery 2weeks Ago Doing Great. I Have Lost 21lbs And Feel Good.

Found out this week that I was approved for Lap-band!! Woo hoo! Surgery date is 9/20/07. I've been lurking, but now I'm out of the closet url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wSRUfY4/] [/url]

Hello I have only been pondering and reading about Lap Band so far. It will have to be self pay because my ins. won't cover it..they have an obesity surgery exclusion. Anyway, I live on the western Slope of Colorado and can not find a doc in Grand Junction, and have read of a couple in Denver. Can anyone recommend a doc and tell me about your experience and costs? thank you so much!!!:help:

Hello everyone, I live in Hartford and am having surgery at Hartford Hospital on Jan. 10th. Any words of wisdom for a newbie?

I'm new to the community, not banded yet but in the process. I have been to the first doctors appointment, have another appointment with the dietitian and physiologist next week. Tarami

Hello! I am newly banded. My surgeon is Dr. Barba from Hartford,CT. My surgery was at The Hospital of Central Connecticut @ New Britain General. Everyone was very nice. I had my surgery at 11am and was home by 8pm. The first night was painful and now I think I should have stayed. I am feeling better everyday and have had no problems. I am not hungry which is a blessing in itself! I have already had my first episode of something not going down which is unheard of while on liquids (so I'm told) but it happened with jello! I walked around and it passed shortly after. Now I know what to expect if I am not careful.No steak for me!

Hi All: I was banded on April 30th and I had my post op on Monday and lost 17 pounds. I couldn't believe it. It was so liberating to know that I am on my way to being a thinner me. It's about flippin time. Anyone else had their band done recently? Let me know how your doing. Talk soon

I am going to be banded on 9/5/07- when I did my preop labs my vitamin B-12, D, and K came back low. Has anyone else had any low vitamins prior to surgery? Thanks!

I am feeling like I am all by myself here. I had my band placed 3 weeks ago today. I have been eating soft foods for a week. I feel like I can eat way more than I thought I should be able to eat. I don't feel like I am doing very good right now. I have lost 22 pounds, but 20 of them were while I was on liquids. I feel like all the things they said I wouldn't be able to do, I can do. Yes, there are a lot of things I can't eat. yes, I can't eat nearly like I use to. I guess I am afraid I am going to ruin stuff before I get my first fill. Help me. I need encouragement and advise. Thanks.:help:

I am 32 years old and have a BMI of 47. I have been checking out this site for a while now and just wanted to say hello. I finally made the decision to have lap band done and I am so excited. I had consult with surgeon and attended the seminar in Groveport, Ohio on the 27th of this month. I am really hoping to get approval from insurance company and be banded very soon. I have bc/bs ppo so any information on how long it may take would be helpful.

Hi, my name is Stephany and I had the lap-band procedure done on May 29th, 2007 by Dr. Mueller in San Diego. My starting weight was 246lbs and I am 5'2". I am now 222lbs. I know that is a great accomplishment and I know I could have never had this success without the band. Unfortunately, I have been stuck at 222lbs for about a week now. I have went to two "fill" appontments but my Dr. wouldnt fill me because he says my weight loss is better than average. I almost wanted to cry when he denied me the last fill. To this date. . .I havent even gotten one fill. Is this normal? I have this fear that I wont lose any more weight. . .ever! HELP!:help:

This is the first I've heard. Having surgery 8/23 in Mexico, can anyone explain what Protein pre-op means?

I was originally scheduled to have my surgery on July 10th, 2007. The Surgeon rescheduled it because of high blood sugars. I am currently on meds for that and I have a new surgery date of August 27th. That day can't come soon enough. I can't wait to go shopping for my new wardrobe. I'm so excited and ready to start my new life. :whoo:

Hello eveyone. New to the site. I have the very first visit with the Lap Band doctor Aug 7th. My insurance company gave me the OK as far as coverage was concerned as long as certain criteria was met. I was just wondering how long after the initial visit with the LB doctor does the surgery happen providing all the requirements are met? I have read through a few of the cases where some people waited over a year. What is the norm? I have Highmark PPO Blue for insurance. Thanks for the input

Hi Everyone, Im not banded yet for a couple of weeks still but I am reading stuff that I do not understand. What does "sweet spot in the band" mean exactly? There are other terms that I don't understand, like PB'ing. What is that? thanks to everyone who responds. /n.:ranger:

Hi... Well, I recently (and randomly) discovered this and I'm not sure what I could take out of it but there's no harm in trying, I suppose. I'm 23 years old and I'm scheduled to have a lapband surgery this coming Tuesday. Needless to say, I'm really scared ...not just by one particular aspect of it, but of everything, from the actual surgery, to the idea of the foreign element in my body, to realistically transforming my diet or getting sick. It all seems so overwhelming.:think Any words of advice from anyone who's experienced this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I was banded almost 2 weeks ago and am doing great. This website is just priceless in helping me get prepared! I just joined today as a member, but have been reading threads and posts for quite some time. I've lost 26 pounds since starting my liquid diet, and hope to have continued success. I wish everyone on this site all the success we all deserve!

I am so excited/proud of myself today. Today was the first day that I felt like I wanted to workout today, before it kinda been a "have to" instead of a "want to." Anyway after working out I felt so good that I parked the car at home and walked most of the places I had to today. :eek: So I was wondering, once you decided to get banded what was your first moment or benchmark that made you realize that you were on the right track and making a positive change in your life? I'm still a pre-bander in the pre-liquid diet and I have already started to see small changes (both physical and mental). My first moment was when I realized my clothes started fitting comfortable,a…

Hi just wanted to know if anyone out there was having surgery on the 10th by Dr.Zapata. I'm newbe who's really excited to get a new lease on life...:clap2:

Hi Everyone, My name is Jean and I've been 'lurking' for the last month, taking it all in. Today is a special day for me, so I decided to stop lurking and start posting. The Dr's office called me today and my insurance company has approved my surgery. It's scheduled for September 4th- I'm sooo excited. My lapband journey began in january of this year when I made the call the get signed up for the hospitals WLS information session. It's been a long road since then, but now it seems it's finally coming to end. the road to a new, healthier life is about to begin for me, and I am so thankful that I've been given this second chance. I hope everyone has a good day! J…

I start my ten day pre-op diet tomorrow. I will have my surgery on August 8th. I am excited and very ready for this to happen. I got rejected by my insurance over a year and half ago to have gastric bypass done. I felt like I was worth nothing and would always be fat. But I saved my money and now did more investigation and decided that the Lap-Band would be a better choice for me. I just hope that I can do the liquid diet. I feel very determined right now but in a few days I don't know. It helps reading all the supportive comments that past lap-banders have posted. It has encouraged me too. Good luck to all and keep the positive comments coming. Nancy

:clap2:mrs kiki just got banded on 7/24/07 Dr.spivak is my doctor just wanted some banded friends

LAP BAND -- that is. DRUMROLL, PLEASE............................ I will be banded on 7/30th. I am very excited about that. It has taken about four months of seminars, doctor's appointments, psychologist, dietitian, visiting support groups, etc., and now I am finally ready. I start a seven-day liquid diet tomorrow and then surgery on 7/30. I will stay in the hospital over night and go home the next day. After that -- I am ready to start the beginning of my new life -- and that day is my birthday. What a coincidence. I am from the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. So if there are any "neighbors" out there, let me know. Keep in touch, Sheila

Hey, I was wondering if there were anyone from the Seattle/Renton Washington Area who have gone through being banded?

Hi Ive been reading this forum for a couple of weeks now. And been doing research for the last month on weight-loss surgery's And decided to go with the band. And today talked it over with my doctor who's going to get the ball rolling with the first steps. I had lost 10 pounds in the last month which was good but the visit before that i had gained 30 o.O so I think its time to get a bit more help. My major worry is Reading everyones posts I notice that i have seen very few from people as big as I am. I'm 5'7 and 440 lbs. at my highest i hit 650. But I hit a major plateau in losing and have been stuck there for 5-6 years now. Dunno yet how fast this will happen I'm…

Hi, I am a little nervous about the surgery. I've done plenty of research but still have the shakes. Can anyone tell me about their experience?

:help:I have gone to ticker.com and created my picture and when I cut and paste it says its invalid. Has anyone else had trouble? Do you cut and paste everything in the box.....that is what I did. Thanks!

I am getting a little discouraged....the first 2 weeks after surgery I lost 10 pounds. The last week and a half the scale has not moved. I am doing everything right and walking 50 minutes a day. Did anyone else experience this?

Hi, my name is Linda and I was banded on July 28, 2006 (today is my year anniversary). I live in Chicago and had my surgery at Northwestern Hospital by Dr. Nagle. I have a difficult time believing that a year has passed by so quickly and how much my life has changed. I've lost so far 45 pounds and a whole lot of inches. I have had only one fill since September and probably due for another soon. I still have restriction with eating, but my weight loss has plateaued. I love my new lifestyle and cannot believe how far I have come in a year. Besides the physical transformation, my emotional and mental health has changed so much. I more self confidence and my real perso…

Hi people were are you.I need to talk and get some of this support that i need. Lucky sevens where are you. I get banded the 30th of july and scared. shacking in my boots and scared of traveling alone. I need to to how you feel and the outcome. I am from North Carolina and i would like to chat with some of you as well. maybe you can tell me where to get the fills.

I have an appointment with a nurse with a weight loss surgery center in Sept and I cannot wait. I just have a few questions, I noticed alot of you guys are self pay. Was the surgery expense with self pay. i have insurance but I don't know if they will pay for the surgery. I am 30 years old and at about 270. I really want to loose weight but I have tried everything. I don't think I can afford the surgery if the insurance doesn't pay for it. The surgery center that I am going to requires seven months of information and appointments before surgery is that normal? :eek:

:omg::speechles:omg:Hi everyone i get banded on monday and i am scared to death. I am so nervous about going to Mexico alone, I must be nuts. I have read things about the pre-op and I still don`t know what to do. Dr.s office e-mailed me to drink clear liquids then she said I can drink ensure. that`s not clear. Maybe I`m just nervous and axiety is kicking in. I don`t know what to even bring. help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am chickening out can I get some motivation and positive feed back. I`m ready for a change but do I have to go all the way to Mexico for it. My Dr. is Huazuc. Someone please reply help is very much needed before I consider canceling. :help: :faint…

I Had Lap Band Surgery In Jan Of This Year And Am Finding That The Weight Loss Is So Much Slower Than I Expected...i Feel Like I Want To Go To A Doctor And Get Diet Pills To Help. I Have Lost Weight But It Doesnt Seem To Be Coming Off. I Still Can Eat A Lot. I'm Due For A Fill This Week And Hope This Will Take Care Of It. I've Had 3 Fills Already Since Surgery.

I am 4 days post op and am having a terrible time with Water, tea, coffee, etc. it all tastes "thick" to me and it is so hard to drink very much. Almost like Jello when it begins to thicken. I am open to any suggestions - I know i have to get my fluids in. Other than that I feel pretty good - feel tired a lot and have lots of bloating. :help: Thanks in advance!

I have been checking out the website for a couple of months. I had a surgical consult with Dr. Spivak in Oct. 2006. I wanted to have RNY done. My insurance has an exclucsion clause, so I have decided to self-pay and have lapband instead. Does anyone know if Dr. Spivak uses the new AP band? I really enjoyed his seminar and he seems to be very interested in helping you obtain your goals. Angie

A few questions here. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!!!! Has anyone had the lap band done in Arkansas, specifically Little Rock? Or in the neighbouring states? Any good recommendations? Any rumors, good or bad? How do you go about investigating doctors? I have a feeling I have to pay for this myself. How much did your operation cost? Linda:kiss2:

Hi Everyone! I'm newbie to the site, and it's been a tremendous comfort to read so many stories like mine. I went for my first surgical consultation back in May and now, three months, eight required specialist visits, and countless pokes and prods later, I'm approved and have a date with Mt. Sinai in just under two weeks. Anybody else have the dreaded monometry (sp?)? My insurance co. approved in three (3!) days, so now my fears have switched to post-op. How am I going to feel the first time I want to really eat, and can't? Co-worker whispers, how my boyfriend will react to the scars, the condescension and judgmentality of those who don't "get it", etc... Beyond…

:)Hi there my name is Melanie from Round rock texas. I just got my banding done on July the 23rd! Any advice?

I am off to be banded today! I am happy that it is here and scared at the same time. I have such high expectations of myself and hope that all will turn out great! I only lost 8 lbs on the Optifast and was very good to stick to it. Everyone has been so supportive and I thank everyone for that. Wish me well and will hopefully be able to post in the next couple of days. Here we go on the ride of a lifetime!:clap2:

Hi there. I am in the paperwork process of getting the lap band done thru St Alexius Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. If any of you have been there I would love to hear about your journey. Thanks!!

Hi new here and just waiting for date for gastric band sugery in Belgium with Dr Dillemens.SElf funded as the NHS would sooner waste money on treating the illnes caused be obesity rather than trying to cure the obesity Mike