Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello. I've just started researching and have lots of questions. Has any one had the procedure from Dr. Spiegle in Houston? I'm 34 & need to lose 100+. I'm not sure what my BMI is...need to find a place to calculate it. I have United Health Care Insurance...am hoping the approval time is quick. Would appreciate any information you could give. Thanks!:help:

I went to see Dr. Fielding today and got my date. i will be banded on 7/26/07.. can't wait.. Just hope the Aetna does not come up with anything else before.

I've know about the lapband for quite awhile but just a few days ago I was able to talk to someone who actually had the surgery...a doctor no less. She was just banded 3 weeks ago and can't say enough good about it and her doctor. I need to lose 100+ pounds. I have several issues interfering with weight loss and now some medical issues are beginning to surface. I'm in my late 50s, is it too late for me? I want to live to see my grandchildren's children! Any help :help::help:, advice...good and bad would be appreciated.

Hello Bansters. I heard about this web site from Lap Band Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board) which is a great site for LB support, just not as big of a site as this one. I've been reading this site a lot, but this is my first posting. I can't figure out how to update my profile to include my basic stats. I was banded Sep 2006. My top weight was 220. My current weight is 160. I had my surgery in Colorado where I live. Self paid $15,000. I once accidently got a piece of shrimp shell stuck that caused me 4-hours of violent vomitting before it finally passed. Thank the Lord no slippage. Other than that, my LB experience has been good. I wish it worked better …

Hi everyone. I'm thinking of getting the band. I've been overweight 10 years and I'm at the end of my rope. My sister-in-law got it done and it was quite successful for her. My questions: What is your story? Was it a great success or great failure? How many of you feel you can get to your goal weight? Is it really possible? Or do just a few make it and the rest hope for the best? Has anyone got it done in Little Rock, Arkansas? Any great doctors there I should know about? I really do appreciate any comments. I'm terribly depressed about my life going the way it is with this weight. Well, I don't have to explain it, I'm sure everyone understands.:help: Lin…

:help:Hi Everyone My name is Diane and i live in fla. I was just banded on june 26th and saw my doctor and all is going well. My doctor told me to start eating muchie food due to i have been so hungrey. My Great Doctors are Dr Gary Bunch and Dr Jose Erbella from the Bradenton Surgery Weight Lose Office in Bradenton Fla. Im doing good and would like to get some ideas about muchie foods and if people have been eating it meal plans im lost here . Any ideas would make me feel better and how they handled going back to work and what did they take and eat. I go back to work tomorrow and im alittle nervous. Thanks Diane My em on aol is Irishlady1953@aol.com

Hi eveyone. this is my first time to post could not fiqure it out the first time. But anyway just want to say hello. I have been banded since 03 and repaired in 05. I have since lost and regained about 30 - 50 lbs. My Dr was Bradley Needleman and had it done in Columbus Ohio. I moved from Lima to Akron last year and was not able to get in to see Dr Chylasta because of his steep price for taking someone else's patient. As things worked out, I got very sick one day and could not stop throwing up for 2 days, then I lost interest in trying to eat or drink much because of the naseau for 5 days. Went to the hospital and took test and finally called in the only band Dr here bec…

:help: Hi lapbanders, I'm still on my pre-liquid diet diet and I need some ideas or recipes on how to cookout this holiday. I can get mostly protiens but I'm not sure if any condiments or BBQ sauce is better that an other. Any suggestions..

:clap2:Hi Everyone- I will be banded in seven days. I am sooooo thrilled. I was talking to friend and I have set a goal. One day I was walking on the streets of Seattle, WA. I passed by a Dance Studio. Through the sheer curtains I could see the shadows of people dancing. It was then I knew I wanted to learn to dance. My goal: to get heathy, strong, and a pair of dancing shoes. Please keep me in your prayers. This was made possible by God and so I know that He has big plans for me. Talk to you later!

Hello everyone! I stumbled onto this site and it looks like a great resource! My operation date is July 19th (16 days!!!!) and I'm currently on three weeks of only optifast...totally sucks! If you have any threads that you think are ABSOLUTELY INTEGRAL, please let me know. This looks like a great forum, and I'm excited to be a part of it

I'm wondering if it's feasible to have lapband surgery without telling my co-workers. I'm tentatively scheduled to have it 7/27, and I would really prefer to keep it to myself for at least the first few months. Will it be obvious when I eat lunch with them as far as the way I'll eat? A group of us always eat together, and sometimes we bring in meals to share. I'd really appreciate anything anyone call tell me as to how I can keep this private. It's not really that I'm embarrassed, I just feel like they'd be watching every bite I eat, and I can do without the attention.

Hi! I am new to this board. I had Lap Band Surgery 7-6-06. So Friday will be 1 year! I am from Mississippi. Have lost a total of 103 pounds so far! This time last year, I was on liquids for pre op diet. I wore tight stretch 26/28's, or 3x shirts! Today I am wearing 18 pants and a LARGE shirt! ( usually they are XL but I just tried this one today, and voila, it fit!) I have been on OH lapband forum, but thought I'd check you out! I will update my profile sometime, just don't have time today. Also, have no idea how to upload pics. Nice to meet all of you! Jen

Hi Y'all! I first logged in during the spring when I was considering LapBand surgery. However, when my insurance carrier would approve only Gastric Bypass, I quit the site. Wonder of wonders, the insurance company has now approved LapBand for me and I am scheduled for surgery on July 18th! Since I live 50 miles away from the Dr. and Hospital, I will to have to stay overnight. I am looking forward to having the surgery and moving on with, what I hope, will be a better life both medically and aesthetically, but to be honest, I am a little frightened. I hope I am not getting into anything that I could regret later. In other words, I need some positive reinforcement r…

What a great forum you have! I’m new here and just banded last week. It was a great experience and I know it will have a great outcome! I thank everyone for all the wonderful encouragement that I get from this site! Cali

I'm new and still trying to decide on a doctor in Mexico. I don't have any insurance and can't afford it here. I'm so happy I've found you all!

I am just beginning my journey....gathering information and asking lots of questions. I have battled my weight all my life, but find myself spiraling out of control from years of yo-yo dieting. I am feeling that this is my last chance at success. Any info you can share would be great. I really don't even know where to begin! I am sure I will be approved....but worry about recovery time (I have a 4 and 8 year old....and I am a teacher who needs to return to full activity the week before Labor Day). What is the time frame for surgery approval??? Thanks everyone! You are all such an inspriation! Kelly in Michigan

I having been researching the lap-band for many years. Now that I'm very close to having it done, I'm freaking out that it will end up like all my other failed diets. I am 27 years old and I've dieted 3 times in my life. Once loosing 50 lbs, then another loosing 90 lbs, and the last diet loosing 100lbs. Once I loose all the weight, I begin to "binge" :hungry: and feel like I've deprived myself for so long. I've just now started seeing a counsoler because I beleive that this pattern is totally mental. That is why I'm affraid to spend all the money on the band, loose lots of weight, and then (like always) gain it back. I'm affraid if this is a mental thing, that I'll NEVER …

I was just looking at the 100 lb lost list and it encouraged me to make this entry. I'm looking into getting banded and I've found out that my insurance will pay....lucky me!! Since I REALLY need to lose more than 100 lbs that thread really hit home for me..WOW do I plan on being on that list!! Unfortunally for me, I'll probably have to wait to get banded because I'll have to do the dr's supervised diet thing...ugh another diet.. I'll get there....anyway "hi all" you've all been a great read! Mendy

My name is Claire. I'm 17 years old and from Louisiana. I should be scheduling my lap-band surgery very soon. I've been trying to lose weight for surgery! I'm pretty nervous that I haven't lost enough but I'm working on it. I'm some what nervous about the surgery. I know everything will work out fine. The information on this website is so helpful and encouraging. Thanks everyone!

Hi, my name is Heidi, I am 29 year old, and live in Texas. I just set my surgery date today with my doctor for July 11. I am very excited and also very nervous!

Although I have posted 2-3 times, I hadn't entered my introduction. My name is George and I just had my lapband installed on 6/19/2007 after a long, grueling 2 months of second-guessing my decision. I was having serious last minute doubts - but I went through with it anyhow. Now that I'm on stage 5 and done with the surgery, I have to say it really wasn't that bad. My pain wasn't that bad and only lasted a day or so...the worst thing was the residual CO2 gas in my stomach - it gave me excrutiating left shoulder pain. But that's gone now too. I lost 10 lbs on teh pre-op diet and have lost 15 lbs since surgery. The weight loss has slowed down, but i still lose a littl…

7 days to go So I have been on my pre-op diet for three days now. Only seven more to go. My surgery is scheduled for July 9th, a week from tomorrow at 12 noon. So I have been drinking so much fluids that my stomach feels different. I'm full but a different kind of full. My husband is getting me some sugar free hard candy so I can have the idea of chewing something. My doctor allows us to follow the South Beach diet phase 1 so I am lucky there being alllowed to consume some food pre-op, but it's pretty simple and basic and I am bored! Nothing sounds good. Even foods that are on the unapproved list don't sound good to me. The first couple days of the pre-op diet were …

I am so glad I found this website. I have been reading many of your posts for advice and information. I will be banded on July 9th. I am 217lbs with about 80 pounds to lose. I am very excited and nervous. Wish me luck!!

Hi , my name is Ashley, I'm 19, and from Chicago. I am thinking about having the lap band done. My mother had gastric bypass, and every thing worked out great for her. I am kinda scared about getting the lap band , but i am ready. I was wondering if you can feel the lap band once you have it done?

I have a very stressful job and unfortunately have become a real stress eater. The most unfortunate thing is that I give in to my cravings (mostly chocolate). I really want to lose weight and keep it off. Has anyone had lab-band surgery with similar problems? And has the lap band helped? :ranger:

:clap2:Hi everyone....I am dietingbev.. I am one month post op and doing great 25 pounds so far......This is really the best thing I could have done for myself.....Dr spiegel perfromed my surgery in houston on May 30 2007.....I want to loose about 100 mor pounds..

I am so glad I found this website. I will be banded on July 10th. I am 240lbs with 90ish pounds to lose. I am looking forward to finally suceeding for good at this weight loss thing. Pre op Diet......Has any of you had a doctor who was not real concerned about it (other than the clear liquids for one day prior to surgery)

i am seriously considering having the lapband surgery done. i am about 200 pounds overweight. other than that i am in good health. any advice from those who have had lapband surgery? my husband is very supportive of this. he said to go for it if it will make me feel better. i also want to do this so i can be healthy when i have my own children and so i am able to have children. sara97a is my yahoo screenname if anyone wants to chat. sara97a

Hi evereyone! I found this site just over a week ago and I'm sooo glad :clap2:! I'm scheduled to be banded on July 24 in Toronto and this site has been very encouraging and educational. Hearing everyone's story has helped me make my decision and feel more comfortable with what the process will be like. Thanks and God Bless!!!

So excited, am 3 days post op and doing great! really look forward to the upcoming weight loss journey... thanks to all of you for the great posts and encouraging stories, not to mention the helpful tips, hints, etc. gina

I'm having my first appt with the doctor or PA tomorrow. I hope I get a date for surgery. Paying out of pocket. Are there any others from Nebraska?

Hi, I was banded last September. I weighed at the time 120kg and I am now down to 106kg. I should have done better but some of my old habits are still there. Things like wine, chocolate and ice cream. I am trying really hard with all three and I have just started at the gym 3 times a week in the last month. I found this site because I was looking for recipes. I think if I can find healthy easy food that I can eat, I will do much better.:hungry:

Hi all, I've been reading posts for awhile now and thought I would join the group. I've been to the Lap-Band seminar in Traverse City, Michigan and it seemed like a good program with a lot of caring people but I'm leary of anyone selling their own product/service - that's why I've been checking out comments by the people who have been there and done that! They have nothing ($) to gain so will tell the unbiased truth for the most part. I have learned a lot here and am thankful for a site like this. Take care!

Going to Mexico for the proceedure, been researching the materials that the Drs have sent to me. Top 2 Doctors that look the best to me are Dr Rodriguez and Dr Aceves. Help me!!:nervous

<p>I was banded on Okt. 2006 in Slovenia. My Surgeon was Dr. Brane Breznikar from Slovenj Gradec Hospital. After the operation I lost in 6 weeks 8 kg. My pre-operation weight was 100 kg, my target weight 60 kg. After my first filling (end of Nov. 2006) I stopped loosing weight. Now my band is now filled up to 2mml.I regain almost the whole weight back. I would be gratefull for any sugestions. I am 60 years old and have problems with my feet. Thank you, Varja</p> <p> </p> <p>http://tickers.tickerfactory.com/ezt/t/wCsVJbJ/weight.png[/img]</p>

Hello All! I'm brand new to this site and scheduled for surgery on 6/25/07. I'm excited and nervous all at once I live on the border of Northern PA and NJ and my surgeon is Dr. Bertha (Florham Park, NJ). If anyone has been to him or his partner, Dr. Abkin, I'd appreciate feedback. Thanks so much! Dawn

I received approval from my insurance company earlier this week I was out of town but my doctor's office called me. I am set for 7/20. I am so excited but scared at the same time.

Hi, I'm Tammy and I'm new to this lap band site. I've glanced at some of the posts and threads and everyone is so supportive. I began my journey towards lap band on 3/6/07 with my first consultation appt and now, 4 months later, I think I have completed ALL that my insurance company needs to submit for approval!! So wish me luck all!! Good luck to all that are having their surgery and continued success to those that have been banded!

I am having severe pain in the middle of my chest, help!

My name is Rhonda. I had surgery on June 13, so far so good. I have lost 20 pounds since June 1 when I started the pre-op diet. My incisions are healed and looking good. I don't have any pain, the only problem I seem to have is a heartburn feeling in my chest and constipation. I have been eating mashed potatoes, refried Beans, pudding, and egg salad. I have had some other things that weren't on my list, but very little. I need some new suggestions for things to eat. I am tired of Soup, yogurt, Jello, pudding, mashed potatoes. Any ideas?? I had surgery at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Wagner was my surgeon. The whole crew at Hurley Hospital and…

I have been looking into banding for so long and now it seems like I need to either do it, or get over it. I am about 100 lbs. overweight and am so discouraged as I feel like I have tried everything. This just seems so drastic. Worse yet, my husband was also very over weight, but has lost about 105 lbs. in the last year with diet and exercise. I think he does not understand why that has not worked for me. Feeling selfish about spending the money too. I am just wondering if anyone else can either talk me out of going to Mexico for the band or tell me that it is worth it. I have been overweight for about 13 years, and obses for about 7 of those. I still remember fit and sli…

After a year of begging the insurance company to cover the surgery, I finally gave up and today I sent in my deposit for Tijauna. I will be flying there in two weeks! I am telling no one outside of my immediate family as I know they will try to talk me out of it. I so hope it goes well. I have lost and gained probably close to 500 pounds during my lifetime. 15 years ago I lost over 100 pounds and have since gained it all back + 30. I don't want to do it again, but I have several weight-related health issues now, and it's no longer a just matter of how I look or feel. Someone, please tell me that I'm not making a huge mistake!!!! It's so much money to spend on myse…

I'm nervous. Did anyone else have to lose weight before the surgery. EEK! I'm so nervous that I haven't lost enough weight. How is the recovery? Is the pain tolerable?

Hello all, I was banded on March 15, 2007. Surgery done in Ypsilanti, MI by Dr. Schram. To date I have lost 30 pounds. However I lost that the first month and have not lost more since then. I have had 3 fills. I think I may need another one. Any thoughts? I am sure I have overeaten the past 2 weeks. Vacation and Daughters High School Graduation party. What damage happens with overeating? Can it be corrected? Thanks in advance for replies and advice. Robin

has anyone happened to turn to alcohol instead of eating? I've read about turning one addiction into another, but can't find anybody to discuss this with. May 18, 2006 surgury date Dr. Choi, Danbury Hospital, Connecticut 65 lbs at this time of my "PLATO" Thanks, kdf:help:

Hey everyone! Getting my pre-op stuff out of the way and should be getting the band in a couple of weeks. Would love to hear from anyone who would like to tell me what they think the one thing is everyone getting a band should know. Thanks so much, can't wait to read all of your great infomation! ~Erin~

I am a 23 year old that lives in long Island, NY and I have been thinking about getting the band. My weight has been getting out of control so I started doing some research and I came across this site. I feel like I have all the information that I need to start me on my journey right here and I just want to say thank you very much to everyone one for sharing their experiences.

:help:I had a ticker factory tape installed and some how lost it. I keep trying to reinstall it and my computer say see control panel. Can someone please teach this old dog a new trick? Thanks, JP

Wow this site is inspirational.... I log on everyday now..... Hi I have been banded for over a year in London. I have not had really any significant weight loss. I had a fill earlier this year and struggled so badly with it that in the end, they had to aspirate me (take all the fill out), then I had to wait a month (where I put on all the weight I lost). I know have about 6.5 ml and for the first time feel like I really want to try and give this a go. I am so envious when I hear everyone has lost so much weight. I am struggling with snacking, although I am now fuller much quicker, I am also hungry much quicker, is this OK? I am a bed time snacker and crisps are a …

Just found website last week, banded 3-26-07, i need help in getting motivated to exercise!!! please help!!!