Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Im new here,I actaully have been thinking about the lap band for several months now.Finally got the nerve up to talk to my pcp about it.He said he doesnt have a problem with it.But we needed to have something to stand on when we go to start the process.So he put me on a 1200 calorie diet.And when I come back in 3 months we would see where to go from there.I have high blood pressure also.My BMI is 41 or 43.I cant remb..All I know is Im ready for this.Im 5 ft weigh 221.I also hope my insurance company pays for it becuase I dont have a self pay way to do it.Ive been overweight all my life.Been on pretty much every diet and pill except the alli pill.Kinda scared to try tha…

New here, also. It's been five weeks. My first fill is coming up. Truthfully, I'm nervous about my weigh-in because my weight seems to fluctuate. I guess that's normal? Should I get rid of the scale?

Hey everyone, my name is Tim, and im 19 years old. I live in Seattle, WA (kirkland actually but its close) and I'm going to get banded this coming Sunday in Mexico by Dr. Kuri. I am very excited and I want to be there NOW! I am currently 6'2" and 295lbs with a BMI of 37. (was 300 2 weeks ago but im on a personal diet before surgery) I am hoping to lose at least 100lbs. within the first year. Its great to be here and I will be very active on the forums.

Hello everyone my name is Brianna. I'm 20 years old and 277 pounds. I started a new job at a hospital as a patient care assistant where I take care of patients that have had surgery and one being the Lap Band surgery. Since I have been working there this memory of me wanting the Gastric Bypas surgery came into my mind...but then I thought to myself why not get the Lap Band since i'm still young. So now i'm in the process of working on my 6 month diet that my insurance requires, getting my doctors appts. set up, and all that other little stuff that is required before surgery. I'm soo excited to do things that me weight has stopped me from doing before. Such as playing…

I'm scared and I'm excited at the same time. I chickened out once already, before I even had the consultation.:rolleyes But I'm going through with it this time, at least get through the consultation and seminar before I decide it's for me or not for me. I go for my consultation July 31st. With Dr. George Merriman in Shreveport, LA.:whoo:

Hi everyone. I just thought I'd spend a few minutes introducing myself. My name is Aaron and I live in CT. I've been overweight since around the 2nd grade and have finally decided that enough is enough. I'm 27 years old, have an amazing wife, have an amazing family, job, toys, blah blah blah. Yet, I've never been so miserable. I think I've finally hit that point that people always talk about. The point where you can't stand something any longer. The issue is at the forefront of your thoughts 24 hours a day. It's the one thing you can't take a vacation from.....yourself!! I'm almost done with the pre-op consultations and everything else. I'm scheduled from an end…

I started reading threads from this site about two weeks before my surgery. I was on the Optifast diet and really quite miserable! After 2 days on the stuff, I decided they should rename it "Fartfast". The stuff gave me horrible gas and pimples in very strange places! I was banded by Dr. Harlan Opie on July 9th. Everything went really well and I am now on soft/liquid phase. So far the only thing I've had problems with has been scrambled eggs; again with the gas issues! I will wait a few days and try them again. To date, I have lost about 15 pounds. If you are in the Kansas City area, I would highly recommend Dr. Opie. He is personable and truly wants the best …

:omg:Hello everyone - I am new to the LBT. I was banded on May 3, 2007 and required a second surgery June 28th because my port moved:omg:. I was scared to death but luckily it has been repositioned and I got my 1st fill that day. I have been somewhat discouraged because I'm not following the food plan as instructed. My enthusiasm is very low right now . I'm planning to attend the local support group this week. Did anyone out there feel this way?

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I am so excited. I got a little discouraged for awhile, but it all worked out. I am a little nervous now, but know I need to do this because I've been dealing with this for too long. I have Kaiser insurance in Colorado, and I know the wait time can be months. The lady I talked to on the phone is sending me out some paperwork, so hopefully I will know more soon. She said I need to take an 8-week class and that right now it is about a 5-7 month wait for the class, and then she said it's about 1-2 months from the end of the class until the surgery, so overall we're looking at about 6-9 months before I get the surgery. I am hoping to lose about 40 lbs before the surgery…

I plan to have the LapBand surgery soon, but am worried about tolerating all the dietary restrictions. Someone said I had to peel fruit and vegetables to eliminate their skins. That worries me, because those skins have cancer-fighting chemicals in them. Is that true? What about other restrictions?

I just wanted to post and say hello. I found this forum through another link on the web. I have been researching the Lap-Band for several months now. I have already had my initial consultation and have been a bunch of required appointments prior to being able to schedule my surgery. At one point I decided I wasn't going to move forward and after some recent serious thought, I have scheduled the rest of my preliminary appointments and have decided to go through with it. I'm sure as time goes by I will have questions but for now I enjoy reading all of your posts.

:help: I'm a breast cancer survivor (yea! :clap2:)--had a bilateral mastectomy in 1994 with tram flap reconstruction. For those of you who are not cancer literate, I had a mini tummy tuck & the tissue was used for my "new" breasts. The procedure involves the insertion of plastic mesh in my abdomen from pubic line to breast line. My oncologist is worried that the integrity of the mesh will be compromised by the laproscopic surgery (exactly how much pressure can the mesh take before exploding?). Does anyone have any information on this subject? sillysandy:help:

Hello everyone!! I have been a lurker here for a couple of weeks but as of Monday I now have a surgery date and everything is all set to go so I thought I would introduce myself. I am 29 and am I a kiwi chick! I had my first pre op consult on Monday thinking they would just go through the procedure and give me a surgery date about 12 weeks or so in the future but no - my surgery is scheduled for two weeks away - 9 August!!! I am so scared and excited all at the same time, it just seems to be happening so fast. Tomorrow I start my two week pre op diet - just got to keep telling myself only two weeks, had my last supper tonight and all ready for tomorrow. Anyway eno…

I should be getting a call or letter about when I go in for the lap band. I've been reading up on people's comments. I need support! Can you feel the band? I hope I'm not sick the whole month after. I think I'm going crazy. I hope I'm doing the right thing.

I am scheduled for lapband surgery Friday 7/28 in Hurst, Texas. I live in Fort Worth and am 54 years old.. I am 5'6" and weigh 213 pounds. I lost my husbamd to cancer in February this year after 34 years of a wonderful marriage. I have moved to a new house, bought a new car, and now I will try to start a new more healthy life. I appreciate all the info on this site. I have learned alot and I'm anxious to "get it on"!

Anybody seen the Michael Moore movie SICKO?:omg: Man, I thought I have insurance issues. There is a man on there who accidentally sawed off the tips of his middle and ring finger. The hospital told him the middle finger would cost him $60,000 to get reattached and the ring finger $12,000. He couldn't afford both so he picked the ring finger. How messed uo is that? :faint:It really makes you think. If you haven't seen it you should. It might give you some insight into what the insurane companies really think about the lap-band surgeries. Even if you aren't a MM fan it is still a powerful film. Just thought I would share.

OK, SO I'M NEW TO HERE AND I AM NOT BANDED YET. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR MY INS. TO KICK IN AND MAYBE THEY WILL COVER ME!! SO FUSTRATED ALREADY. IF NOT I WILL BE SELF PAY, ANY ADVICE????

Hi Everyone, I am new to this form. I have my consult set up for July 26th. Needless to say I am very excited about this. I have been on diets and yo yoed for years, I am really hoping this will be a permanent sollution for me. I teach EMS education and know what weight can do to ones body. I live in Minnesota with my husband of 30 years and our 4--yes 4 dogs. We have 3 Huskeys and a German Shepard who thinks shes a Husky.

banded july 18. was not ready for the discumfort. pain subsiding slowly, but port area very painfull. i hope this passes soon, as walking is a challenge at this point. for that matter all movment is a challenge. on the bright side im not hungry.

Hi May I share something? I am a romance novelist and "conferences" are a big part of the genre. I've avoided attending conferences for a few years now. Why? Goodness...you know why! I am feeling very confident that a lap-band is for me. I know it is going to work well and that I will be another lap-band success story (and may there be many!) Because I feel so confident, I just booked myself for EPICon in March, 2008. I am about to get part of my life back that I have forsaken. The world is opening up to me once again. And I don't even have my consultation until August 9th! I read these threads and see your successes and I am jazzed to make this journey into…

I got banded on 7/10/07 and am in the liquid stage. I have been eating strictly protein shakes and want to eat. What can I expect in the next stage? Any help would be great!

Hello! I'm a 23 year old male from Oklahoma. I'm ~285 pounds and 5'9" (BMI ~41. UPDATE: Lapband doctor says I'm 5'11" in shoes... still above 40 BMI though barely). I've tried dieting many times in my life. I've been overweight for the majority of my life. I've tried my own methods of dieting like eating healthier foods, less, and general exercise. I've tried Weight Watchers, Atkins, diets suggested by doctors, and Phentermine. I have high blood pressure which is being treated by medication and was diagnosed with 'Probably' Multiple Sclerosis in January '07 after an episode of optic neuritis. The MRI was consistent with MS. I'm also taking medication for that. I have symp…

I am new to this forum and am awaiting ins approval, I love this site and it has been quite helpful in my decision for going forward with being banded. I was wondering if anyone had gone thru the procedure and have not lost anyweight or had it not work for them, not because of the usual complications but just haven't lost weight.

Hi all! I haven't been on LBT in a very long time. I was banded in 2005 and lost about 50 lbs, got pregnant & had a baby, and now I'm about to get back on the lap-bandwagon. I'm scheduled for a fill this week and I don't know why but I'm nervous about it. I let my good eating habits fall to the wayside when I got my band unfilled, and I know I will need help getting back into the groove. The good thing is, at least I haven't put ALL my weight back on, but it has been creeping up there since I had the baby so that's why I decided to go ahead and nip this thing in the bud.

Well, I'm back on the wagon! I was doing so well. Down to 179 last year and I took my eye off the prize and I'm back to 200.0 today. I'm going for a fill tomorrow and back on liquids for as long as I can stand it. This is such a great support place and I got lazy quite frankly, so here I am to reintroduce myself and get with the program. :help::help::help::help::help:

HI, My name is Teresa and I had lapband surgery on 7/17/07. I'm still on liquid diet and very hungry. Having trouble getting protein shakes in. Any advice? :help:

Hello, I am a 59 year old Newbie in California and just getting started on my journey to Lapbanding. I do not have any insurance and cannot afford to have it done in the United States, so I am wondering if anyone has had the surgery done in Mexico? If you have where at in Mexico (Tiajuana or Monterrey) and where do you go for fills when needed? Do United States doctors assist when it was done in Mexico? Thank you all in advance of any help you can give me...

Hello! I was banded on July 2, 2007...just three weeks ago...and I feel great! I was banded in Louisville, KY by Dr. Shuster. I've noticed that some people are posting that they can't eat solids for 5 weeks post-op. I just started eating small portions of solids and am doing fine with them...my doctor did not have a problem with that. I've lost 13 lbs. since starting the liquid diet one week pre-op. I've visited the site several times since surgery and really enjoy the helpful advice, support, and comments from all!

Hi everyone, I am new to your forum. I had my lap band 9/22/05 and have lost 100+. The band was the very best decision of my life. I recommend it to everyone. I have taken up weight training and exercise 6 days a week. I am however unable to get the excess skin on my stomach to budge. I am contemplating a tummy tuck. That is actually how I found the forum, searching TT's lol. I would appreciate any pics you have. I am consulting with Dr Winski next Friday and I am thrilled about it. I would love to see some of his work and hear about any experiences with him. I am hopeful that I can get my insurance to cover the procedure. What has everyone else done? I saw a few posts l…

Hi! I was banded April 6, 2007 in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz. It was a great experience. I have had 2 fills and have lost 36lbs. I have a VG band and from what I have been reading I may need another fill to get over 6cc and find the "sweet spot". 320 (start) /283 (now) /150 (goal) I look forward to learning from others. ~Michele in Arizona:)

Hi everyone. I just registered with this site. I have been reading some of the posts and have to say that I just love how everyone supports everyone. I am going tomorrow evening for my seminar and consultation with the Doctor. Dr. Spivak for those of you from the Houston area. I am getting a little nervous. It started this morning when they called to remind me about the seminar. Im sure most of you know the feeling. I compare it to the feeling before a first date. You want to do and be your best. You wonder if this could last for a life time. Will it be a good fit. Will this finally be the one thing that is perfect for you....... I look forward to getting to know people h…

:ranger:Hello! I have my Lapband Surgery tomorrow, 7/24/07. Anyone have any advise for me? I'm having it in Grand Rapids, MI. by Dr. Baker at MMPC. Please share your Lapband surgical experience. Wish you all well with your Lapbands.

Hey Ya'll. Post -op 5 Days, Dr Terry Scarough, Mem. Hermann Houston. 1st Time On The Site . 1st Time Havin My Tummy Squeezed . And First Time In Years I Feel I May Live To A Ripe Old Age. I' M 56 And This ,i Feel ,is A Life Event For Me. I Had Kidney Cancer 6 Years Ago, And With One Kidney And Boarderline Diabetic . It Was Time To Kick This Big Butt In Gear And Start Planning For The Future! Things Thus Far Are Going Great. Just Let Me Say There Is No Gas Shortage Here In Texas.......if You Get My Meaning!!!! Please Don't Be Put Off By My All Caps Typing...i'm Not Holler'n Or P%$# O*&^%. Just Something I Do. Thanks For Being Here And Thanks For Having Me!

Hello all ~ My name is Dena and I am scheduled to be banded this Saturday down in TJ Mexico, with Dr. Kuri. I've researched the Lap Band procedure for almost a year now and I am thrilled that it's finally happening! Unfortunately I don't have too much support here at home as my husband is 100% against me having this done. To put it bluntly, he wants me to stay fat so he can feel secure in our marriage. I'm not letting him get me down though, I'm doing this for myself, for my kids and most importantly for my health! I'd appreciate any and all tips, advice, especially in regards to the liquid & pureed stages. Thanks!

Hi I've heard lots of things about the "pre op diet." What is your experience? Thank you, Darragha

Hi Has anyone had surgery in Mexico? How did it go? I am going the 27th to Dr. Zapata to be banded. Are fills real expensive if you go to a different doctor? Anyone know?:hungry:

I went to my info session in about Feb, and did all the post-op work at Legacy Obesity Institute, and am on the road... had to lose 5% for insurance pre-surgery, and am going in tomorrow to verify my 5% loss. I have been researching band vs rny stuff for months and months and was feeling pretty confident about my band decision, for all the right reasons I think, and i am having a last-minute freak-out, thinking maybe the RNY feels more like a "sure bet" for eventual weight loss. I like most of the stuff I know about the band, but know there are those few people in either camp it doesn't work for, and part of my sicko-self would rather my failure be that I look pale and …

<p>Aloha all,</p> <p> </p> <p>I'm a mom to seven, work full time as a child therapist, I also run a vacation rental business, just had my last baby and thinking of banding. I'm on the research stage, so looking and reading up about banding.; Any info out there about banding and breastfeeding?? I'm still nursing my baby until she's one in December...<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/girl_hug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Girl Hug" smilieid="152" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Hi - I am being banded on Wednesday, August 1. I am a bit nervous and would like to hear from recent banders about how long the surgery took, were you starving after, and how long were you in the hospital. Also, if any rhode islanders are out there, who was your surgeon? I would appreciate any info from everyone about your experiences with this. thanks. sweetpea51:o

Just decided to get this done...Any information will be greatly appriciated..:help:

Hi everyone! My name is Christina and I just got my date for surgery scheduled today. I will be having the surgery on July 24! I am thrilled. Actually, the real joy came when I found out 3 days ago that my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) approved my surgery. It was so gratifying when they told me that my surgery had been deemed medically necessary. Until that day, the last few months have been a mixture of hope and dread. I really wasn't sure what they would say. I am a teacher and on the Active Care plan 2 and they often require 6 months of medically supervised weight loss. I have not "technically" had that but I had lots of Weight Watchers documentation (I h…

I am excited to be here! I am 36, will be 37 next month. I am a stay at home mom of 7 kids. Once upon a time I used to weigh a mere 135 pounds. Well 15 years since I was pregnant with my first child, I now weigh in at 247 pounds. :faint: I never in a million years thought I would weigh this much. I have so much excess fat around my stomach from having children. It is gross! I have never admitted how much I weigh to anyone, so this is a bug step for me! My youngest child is almost 16 months old and he is not breastfeeding anymore and my tubes are tied, so this is the right time to move forward! I have a surgical consult on July 18 and I cannot wait!!!! :confu…

hi, my name is danielle. i just recieved my surgical date which will be on aug 29th. i was wondering how was the pain s/p surgery and how long the downtime was. i am requesting 8 weeks but will probably get six. i am totally excited (it took so long to get here --all the clearances!) but, am scared as well thanks

Did any of you use financing as an option for payment? I am just curious as to what you had to do as far as that is concerned.

hi all ... i just got banded july 18th and i had assumed i was only going to have about 4 or 5 incisions and i woke up with 7. i havent gotten a hold of my doctor yet because my throat is real torn up from the air tube but if any of you could help explain this to me id reallyyyyyyy appreciate it!

Hi, Im Keith from South Jersey...and I am addicted to food...LOL I am getting the band done at Temple U in Philly. Right now I am in the process of a full liquid diet. My surgeon requires it two weeks prior to surgery to help make the liver smaller. It hasnt been too bad. I am looking forward to reading people success stories and suggestions.

Hello !!! I am new to this site and to banding. I am 5'8 and 240 lbs. I went for my first appointment on 5/7/07 and was banded on 07/17/07. I didn't expect this all to happen so fast. I'm so happy I had this done, but I'm also scared. I'm not sure what to expect. I understand the diet and food issues, but what about life issues. How has your life changed because of the band? How about family life? I have been heavy my entire life, I don't know anything else. Any advise would be great. Thanks.

I have a couple of questions if anyone out there could help. Well to start I have bcbs if il hmo insurance. I went to my pcp back in march to get info on the lap band, they told me in order for my insurance to pay for it I need to be seen once a month for one year. Then after that they can refer me to a surgeon. Does any one else have a hmo? Do you know if there is any way around see them for a year? and if not how long will it take after the year? Or would it be better for me (faster) to change my insurance to a ppo??? :help:

Hello to everyone! I'm new to all this. I have my health history and physical exam with the surgeon on August 7th. Began this whole process the first week of May and it seemed like it has taken forever to get this far. Now it feels like surgery is around the corner. They have estimated sometime in September. They said I may leave my physical with a date for surgery. I am doing this pretty much alone, I have my support person but I do not personally know anyone that has had this procedure. So, I'm glad to meet all of you and read about everyones up's and downs. I can't wait to start living my life again. Reading a lot of the stories here are very inspiring. Take…