Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I will be banded this Wed. 7/18. I'm a bit nervous. This site is very interesting you hear it all from this is great to I hate it. I'm banking on "this is great" I'm very motivated and have lost 14lbs on the pre-op diet. But that's pretty typical for me I get very motivated but I've always lacked the staying power. Will the band help to carry me through?

My name is Katie - I live in Wisconsin and have my "in-take" appt. next week. I'm sure I'll impress the staff with the knowledge I've gained reading here ... You guys will have me so educated and prepared, I'll knock their socks off! I have spent hours and hours (and hours) reading through the postings here... getting to know some of you and learning so much about lap banding. One minute I'm ready to beat down some doors to get it scheduled... and then I read some things that make me stop and wonder if this is really the way to go... Insurance? not sure if it'll cover... but the "team" knows how to jump thru all the hoops, so I'm right there doing what I need to do to …

HI, I am newbie and was wondering if anyone knows of any good doctors in the KC area. I would really like a woman-but any good suggestions would help. Thanks so much.:help:

Hello, I love this site, and to finally find others that can relate has aleviated some stress of the unknown. I was banded 2/28/07 (301#), did not have my first fill till 6 weeks after (291#). Saw my provider in May and I had lost 7# (284) so thought I did not need another fill. Went back in June and gained 1#, had my second fill. We decied on the 2nd fill when he asked me about restriction and portions. I told him I felt a little when I had some of a hamburger, he was appaled that I was eating bread, lol. Well, I did not know I was not suppose to at that time. So 2nd fill and no bread, can tolerate some crackers, small amounts and chew a lot. So my q…

Hello. My name is Rachel, and I am currently doing my 6 month doc supervised diet (as mandated by my insurance co.). I'm feeling a little down, though... because I cannot stick to a diet, and my eating continues to be out of control. As a part of the process, it is recommended that I lose aprox. 15 lbs. I haven't even lost one pound, and I'm 4 mos. into the process. I don't know why I overeat... I've convinced myself that I'm ALWAYS hungry, (even though I don't REALLY TRULY believe that). I think I'm addicted to food.. and I'm afraid that the band won't work. I'm 5'3, 240lbs, and DEATHLY afraid to do RNY, but maybe that's the ONLY solution for me... my doc's keep tellin…

:):):):):) Sometimes its good to smile and appreciate what you got. I challenge everyone who reads this post to stop and think about all the wonderful things you have that make you smile. I for one forget sometimes about my wonderful family and how lucky iam to have them around.... No matter what the reason we decide to get banded just know that you are you and you are loved by the ones closest to you for just being YOU SMILE AND HAVE A NICE DAY:rolleyes:

Hello all! I too have been unhappy with my weight for awhile now. I've decided recently that I wanted to go through with the lap band surgery. That being said I still have to find a doctor that will actually listen to me, and go to battle with my insurance (as I do not have many "symptoms" of being obese yet). I'd love to get any feedback on what yall did in finding the right doctor, etc. I've been inspired by all the stories and hope to be walking through my experience with yall soon!

Hi everyone, This is my first post and I am sooo excited to be at this point in my life. I have my first appt. with the surgeon July 30,2007. for consult. I received my instructions from the bariatric center (St. Mary's & Elizabeth bariatric)on what my insurance expects from me and I have sent all of the letters and information to the center. I have wanted this for so many years and I am so excited to think I might be very close to getting this done. I have been sitting back and reading the post every day and night for about a month.:ranger: You guys are great and very informative. It's so nice to know where we are headed, and what to expect with this surgery.No…

Hi my name is Myra and I had surgery on 5/7/07. I went to Mexico and my surgeon was Dr. Aceves, wow what a dish :kiss2: I havent had a fill yet, having only just got over the gas pains in my shoulder, they said I was still swollen and it would be bad for a fill. So far I have lost 23 pound, which I am really pleased with, and like others, I am losing inches so I am happy with that. I hope to get to know you all and find support as well as giving it. hugs Myra

I have my consultation for lap band August 2 and I have BCB of GA. they will pay 90% of procedure with medical necessity. I do not have years of documentation to prove that obesity is affecting my health. I do have horrible foot pain, back pain, high cholesterol, and i guess the worst is the depression i feel like i am in a trap fat because i eat and eat because im fat i know it sounds crazy. what kind of documentation was required by ins. for approval ? is it based on info specifically from bariatric surgeon ? thanks a million !

Hi everyone, been searching the net for a while to find a forum so am pleased to have found you. am feeling very alone right now and would love to hear from anyone! I privately payed for my lap band , and am 6 weeks post surgery .... i payed £7,600 at BUPA - which is a well known uk private hospital .. a big ouch to my wallet . The op went well, the hospital was great. I managed the liquid diet for 1.5 weeks (i was asked to complete 4 weeks). I came off it having an egg sandwich which went down nicely (much to the horror of my surgeon). But was starving on watery Soup. I have felt no restriction what so ever and had my first band fill 2 days ago. I asked the doctor…

Hi Everone, This is my first posting! I've been reading postings as a guest and finally decided to join. I wanted everone to know how helpful this site has been and say Thanks and Good Luck everyone! My surgery date is next Thursday July 19th.:whoo: I'm both excited and a little nervous but really ready to go! I'm really new at all of this stuff so can anyone tell me how to do the ticker thing!!???:help: Thanks again for always being there!!!!!

Hello all, I am just in the very beginnig stage of the process,I have been thinking about this for a long time, I have finally decided NOW is the time, I just told my wife about it and after alot of conversations and questions (one was "is my insurance up to date"? only kidding!)she is more afraid than I am, I have been doing alot of research on -line, I just stumbled on this site, so here I am,there are alot of great stories out there, I hope mine will be as cool! I am waiting to hear from my surgeon, for I guess will be my initial consult. Glad to be amongst others! Paul:eek:

hello, to everyone! I am new to this forum, please be patient with me. I had my band surgery june 22, 2006. my start weight was 207 and now after 1 year, I am at 166. my goal is to get to 135. does anyone know of a dr. who does fills in mexico? a dr. that is near the texas/mexico border?

I have been reading some of the posts and it sounds like you cannot drink Diet soda anymore. Is that true. I have a consultation on July 2 so I haven't be able to ask any questions yet.:phanvan

Hi guys..just got banded two weeks ago. Had some colitis..it went away..had thrush..went away..and now a small portion of my largest incision has opened...Feel down. Any advice??:help:

Hello All I am booked to have surgery on the 30th July in Perth-Dr Sue Taylor (who is very nice) and I'm having massive reservations. Major issues for me are how will I cope at work, can I cope with my young daughter, can I still fulfill my job role without really informing the whole building therefore town of my surgery? I have only 2 weeks off work post surgery and my boss is expecting me to be fully on board when I get back. Just a brief download, I work in a very male orientated job in a very remote town in Western Australia (~2000 people, av. age =9). Heaven help if I can get protein shakes up here. I even have to fly to Perth to see surgeon/dieticians etc. The diet…

I just wanted to say hello. My insurance requires 12 months of Doctor's care, prior to surgery. I've completed my 8th month of visits, and was notified that I may begin testing for my surgery! :clap2: YES!! YEA!! Woohoo!!! :clap2: I'm having health issues with my back, and not only am I wanting the surgery to better my overall health - but I hope it will improve my back pain and mobility!! I know this will be a difficult life-changing process, and I'm looking forward to using this board for support and information sharing! :help: ... Speaking of needing help (LOL) ... How do I show my ticker without showing the address??!! Thanks!

Hi Everyone I have just started the journey to a better life. I am 29 years ol and my BMI is 48. I have tried every diet out there and nothing has worked. Right now I have just started the process of getting one of the procedures done. I attended the seminar. The next step for me is picking which surgery I think best suits me, one of the bypasses or one of the bands. I am leaning toward the lapband but nothing has been decided for sure yet. I guess that is why I am here, to hear about others experiences and not be so afraid of having this done. So that is a little about why I am here. Just thought that I would introduce myself. Please let me know your experien…

I am so excited!!!!!!!!! I finally got the call this morning that my insurance approved me! I can hardly believe it! It looks like I will probably have my surgery in August. I am so anxious:clap2:, elated, nervous and scared out of my mind! I just had to tell you all! Thanks for all your support while I was waiting. It's really gonna happen! Friday the 13th isn't bad luck anymore! It has been one of the best days of my life!

I am considering Lap Band surgery. I am a mother of three and have been overweight since having children. I have PCOS and a very critical uncaring husband. He did not ask me to have the surgery, but he is not interested in me in any way. When we were dating, I weighed around 200 lbs, but was very fit. I had lost 80 lbs due to the death of my first husband and what I call the Triple D Diet, that is Death, Diet, and Depression. We became friends and then started dating. He even made the comment when we were dating that he was afraid that I would "let myself go" if he married me. To be honest, he has been nothing but a thorn in my side since we got married. He lost h…

Hello, I was banded on July 5, 2007. :whoo:Everything has went real well. Not had any trouble. Still got lots of questions. :help:Just found this site. I hope it is going to be lots of help. I Was banded in Columbia, SC at the Lexington Med Center, Dr. Strickland is my Dr. I weighed 324 and getting bigger had to do something. I feel like I have done the best thing by getting banded.

Hi. I am new to this site. Is anyone having surgery in Mexico at Betancourt Medical Hospital? I heard nothing but positive things until I got on this site. Does anyone have any actual experience with this hospital or any of their surgeons, specifically Dr. Martin Lopez Dominguez? I would appreciate any feedback. I am having lap band but very nervous now. Thanks!

Hi this is my first post and I would like to introduce myself. I am 36 years old and my lap band journey started in October of 2006 and my surgery is finally scheduled for July 23. I just started the pre-op diet. I am so looking forward to this journey.

Hello everyone. I was just banded this week and I am so happy! :clap2:

I got banded yesterday. I thought I was going to chicken out the night before..I'm very scared of being knocked out...but I didn't and I'm so glad..I'm sore and tired and strangely hungry but I'm sure this will all pass. Other than that I'm doing ok. I've been able to keep fluid down and I haven't had to take much pain meds and I've been able to get around ok. So now all I have left to do is get shrinking!!!

I am off to my first appointment with my doctor. I had this scheduled last year at this time. Found out after pre-op testing done, that my insurance didn't cover it. I was crushed. So, long story short, Today I am going back to my doc to start over again. I am hoping for a August band. I have learned so much on here. I thank god for the help from this board. Thank you so much! All about me now because my baby just finished high school and now it is mom's turn to get her life right. I can't wait to start my journey. Pray for me(those that pray). Mary

Hello, I was banded on June 12, 2007. Dr. Les Miles at MCE did my surgery. I have posted that info on Journey site. The staff were great helpers and very friendly. I go back on Thursday July 26th for my fisrt fill. According to my personel doctor I have lost 27lbs since surgery. I am very pleased.

Hello, I have been reading thru these posts for about a month now as I was considering the Lap Band -- I have made my decision to do it and have narrowed my surgeon down to either Dr Ortiz or Dr Francisco Gonzalez both out of Tijuana Mexico .. I was wondering, has anybody used Dr Francisco Gonzalez and what can you tell me about him ? I plan on having the surgery end of Sept, and taking a week off of work. My other question was -- I live in Chicago .. Can anybody tell me of a good fill dr here and what his charge is ? Any information anybody could provide would be greatly appreciated !! Thank you and I good luck to each and every one of you !

Hi all!! I'm new-obviously. My name is Lisa and I live in New Jersey. I have my first visit on June 29th and then July 3rd. I have done 3 months of research and I've come to the conclusion that this is for me. And by reading some posts I feel it works if you let it!?! I have to admit I have a mixture of emotions going on that I think are normal as with any life changing event but WOW!! I am ready for this change, ready for a new beginning but you know ther's always that question in the back of your head. I'm 25 years old and I wonder if I'm scared of surgery or if I'm scared what would happen if I don't get the surgery. All posts I've read are very positive and I enjoy al…

I was banded 1 year ago today... my family doctor weighed and measured me this morning... I'm down 90 lbs and 19" in my waist. This is the best weight loss tool ever. Tom Toronto

I have been lurking on this message board for sometime now. I started my journey in December and had to do 6 months weight and exercise program with my Primary Care Physican. My last appt with my PCP was 6/21. Yesterday I got a letter from my insurance saying I was approved. The Gastro Doc's office says that she is working on a couple of files to schedule surgery dates before me, but will be calling me in a couple of days. But probably sometime in August for the surgery. I guess instead of lurking, I can actually become a part of this group.

Hi there! I have been scanning posts as a guest for a while & finally decided to join. I don't know what took me so long. I was banded on Dec. 26, 2006 (hey, I want to find all of you other Dec. 06 folks) and am down 62 pounds (including the pre-op diet) and have about 48 pound to go. More than half way there! I wish I had found out about the band sooner! Do you all love your bands?

My name is Terran. I am 21 and a wife and mother. I work full time and I love my job. The only part of my life that I have a problem with is my weight. I have a BMI of 45. My husband is also overweight but he decided to lose the weight on his own. I am very interested in the lap band procedure and I wanted to know more about it. I have went to seminars and I am in the process of working with my insurance and my primary care physician. I also found a wonderful surgeon. His name is William McAlexander and he now works at St. Bernard's in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I would like to know more about him if anyone has any information. I am so excited to start this incredib…

my names danielle I got my lap band April 10th 2007. I live in Texas and Dr. Speigle did it. Ive lost 40 pounds as of june 4th im not sure how much i weigh now i go back the 23 of july

Hi everyone, I was banded on June 30th 2007, so it has only been 11 days. My doctor is in Glendale, CA and his name is Dr. patel/Brand Surgical cntr. They were great there, the nurses everyone. I have a question for anyone out there: I have been on liquids since the surgery but I have cheated a little. Not the first seven days, but like Monday I had a bite of my husbands chicken, and a piece of cheese. Yesterday, Tuesday I had some potatoe/cheese soup, will this affect the band in any way, or am I feeling hungry because I have not had an adjustment yet?

Hello all!! I've been banded for just over two weeks and am elated with my results so far. I got mine done in Houston by Dr. Spivak for $13,000. I don't live in Houston, but in Dallas and I will travel down for the day for my fills. Even with the price of gas it's still better for me to drive to Houston for my free fills rather than pay a local doctor to do a fill. I've currently lost 13 pounds and am hoping to reach at least 20 pounds when I go in for my fill in two weeks. Good luck to everyone and God Bless!

Hi. Just here to introduce myself as instructed. I am to be banded on July 6 by Dr. Juarez in AZ. I started the process in February. I am nervous, but excited at the same time. I really appreciate all of the information on the site, especially what to have in the house postop. Best wishes to all!

I was banded May 7 at Abington hospital. I have lost 35 pounds so far. This is the easiest thing I have ever done.

:help: I’m sick and tired of being embarrassed about my weight. :cry I'm tired of being embarrassed to go out in public and do everyday things, like go to the store. :cry I want to be able to go shopping with my girlfriends and actually be able to buy clothes in the same stores they do…. …So I’ve been really thinking about and researching the Lap-Band procedure. I have a consultation at the N.E.W Program, Dr. Quebbemann and Dr. Braverman in Newport Beach, CA. I’m not 100%, as this is a major decision, it’s not just about the money or the surgery, but I have to ask myself “I ready to really change my life/eating habits?”. And I really have to be honest wiht myself. I…

Hello Everyone! My name is Jennifer, and I live in Las Vegas. I am still pre-op, and have completed my seminar and psych-eval. I should have my surgery sometime early in Sept. I am ready to be free of food for the first time in my life!! I know it is going to be a hard journey and a long fight but I am ready. Both of my grandmothers have developed diabetes, and my mother is prediabetic, so I am very motivated to get healthy asap! I am really looking forward to getting involved with this message board... I have so much to learn, and I am sure I will have a million questions. See you around! Jen

Hi everyone! I'm excited to be part of this community; even more excited to FINALLY be healthy again. My surgery is booked for July 23, with Dr. Cobourn at the Surgical Weight Loss Center in Mississauga. I started Optifast three days ago, and I've been a little... moody ever since. My poor friends are giving me lots and lots of space. I haven't seen many other banders on here that are younger (I'm 21, myself), and it would be great to connect with some of them. I'm studying theatre, and I've realized that my weight was not only hindering my social and love life (or lack thereof), that if I want to be serious about acting, I need to be more healthy. As much as…

Hi everyone! I have so many questions. First I am a little unsure how these posts work. When I recived an e-mail it says I will not get more until I visit the form again, but if I stay signed in it doesn't know when I've been back...right? If it doesn't show me all the responces how do I find them on here then? Sorry just a little confused. Also how do you get all that info on your posts like your weight etc.? Thanks everyone! Ann

Hi Just introducing myself as the instructions say!! I had my lapband fitted on 24th April 2007 after waiting 4 years for our hospital service to pay for it!!! (the NHS) I've been obese since about age 7 and have tried soooo many diets, slimming tablets etc but normally end up heavier than when I started the diet. I have lost since the band was fitted 317 pounds start 268 pounds present. I've just had my first in fill 3ml in a 9ml band. Before the infill I felt like I could eat almost anything, but since the first infill I feel much more restricted, but am still surprised how well some things go down. My weight loss seems to be slowing down aswell. If anyone is i…

Hi everyone! My name is Wendee. I was banded June 29, 2007 in Olympia Washington by Dr. Neal. He and his team are wonderful! My mother was also banded by him in December '06. So far she has lost over 100 pounds! It's great to have someone so close that can relate . Anyway, I am looking forward to talking with you all, and good luck to everyone!

Hi, everyone. I had my Lap Band on January 30, 2007 at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tn. I guess I was a Light-Weight as I started out at 215 pounds but had struggled with weight all my life along with high blood pressure & high cholestrol, strokes also ran in my family along with diabetes. I have only lost 40 pounds and weight loss has slowed down almost to nothing in the last month. Are there any others out there whose weight loss has almost stopped after 5 1/2 months? melbasue:help:

I have not even seen a DR. in regards to this surgery but I feel I want to do it. I am scared to death tho. What can you tell me or where can I go for real info. What types of lapbands are there? How has it been for you? Does it really work? Are the lifestyle changes do-able? What are the real changes afterward? What about all of the follow-up? How often do you have to go? HOw often to refill/unfill? HELP!!!!!! Jori

I can not believe that tomorrow is the surgery. I've been waiting since January....ok really 20 years!!! I'm trying not to think about it much because if I do I'm only going to freak myself out. I just so nervous, excited, anxious, thrilled...and so much more all rolled into one!! I've had the opportunity to read a lot of posts on the board and I can not begin to tell everyone how much they have helped. Can't wait to be on that band-wagon!!

On monday I will be seeing my Dr. to discuss if I will be having a third band put in or what. I am so depressed right now. Any encouragement would be appreciated.:help:

Hi Im Betty I was banded in October 2006. I've lost 60 lbs so far I have about 15 lbs to go. I had my surgery in Mexico. Everything seems to be going really well.I found a really good doctor in Jackson Ms. to do my fills for me. Anyway just wanted to say hi and good luck to everyone:)