Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hey All, I am 27 y/o, from Tennessee and am ready to get my lap band today! But am working through the steps and all the hoops for the insurance approval. Hopefully will be done and ready for surgery in November. Have had many ups and downs but think i have made the right decision to go forward with this. Luckily i have a good support group from my family and coworkers and hopefully will get some insight from here also. I look forward to talking with all of you.

Has anyone ever asked their doctor if it was OK to use an agent like the ones described in this article? Weighing the Pros and Cons Of New Fat-Blocking Drug Alli June 19, 2007; Page D1 The new nonprescription diet drug Alli is flying off store shelves, but most people who use it will lose very little weight and may experience embarrassing side effects. ONLINE TODAY • Forum: About 20% of people who use Alli will lose 10% or more of their body weight. But most don't lose much weight at all, and some suffer embarrassing gastrointestinal side effects. Will you try the pill? Join a discussion. Pharmacies are reporting brisk sales of Alli (pronounced like the noun …

Hello all.... My name is Jamila and I am a 22 year old college student from Connecticut, currently residing in Tallahasse, Florida for my education. I was " banded " this past May in Tallahassee. Its only been about a month a half since my procedure but definitely the best decision I could have ever made. I would love to get to know some of you all and your experiences so please feel free to send me a message or reply to my thread or whatever lol. Take care and keep losing!

If you want to understand part of the procedure for getting the lap band. You can get more on allcare.net. There is a section here that explains exactly what you will get for a psychological evaluation. This is a requirement before you are appoved by insurance. So go ahead and check it out. There is also more information on freementalhealth.com if you need it. Since I am an expert on Lap Band, you can leave me a message and I will talk to you about any issues. Thanks

Hi All, I'm Amy originally from NJ, but now living in sunny FL. I haven't been active on any of the lap band boards in years. I decided that I needed to get back to the support groups so I can continue to do well with my band. I was banded by Dr. Rumbaut in Nov 2002. I reached my goal of almost -100 in 11 months. I had a baby in July 2004 & was able to get back down to my goal weight after the baby. It took me about a yr to lose 75 lbs of pregnancy weight. Since moving to FL in 2006, I have gained about 20-25 lbs. I'm trying to get back down to my current goal which is about 20 lbs away. Amy :scalesno:

OH WOW - 7/17/07 !!!!!!!! I am so excited !!!!! Dr's Office called right now and wanted to know how i was on my appointments - Told them where i was at and she said all she needed was my shrink visit which is tomorrow and she would submit adn should have approval within a week (BC CA covers WLS as long as it's at a Bariatric Center of Excellent which Desert Regonial is) Tenative Date (Gotta pass the shrink exam tomorrow) But it's a date YEAH YEAH YEAH - :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Hi everyone. I have been searching the internet for information about the Lap-Band, and stumbled on this site. This looks like a great place! I am going to attend a seminar Saturday at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. I have been thinking about doing this for awhile, and this is the first step. I have Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc. I am 5'4" and weigh 209. Any info/support offered will be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone, I just cleared my psych eval on Monday, and meet with nutrition on Friday. I don't meet with the surgeon until Aug 8th.:phanvan Being new to this I have sooooo many questions like how long does it take to get insurance clearance, do people treat you differently after surgery,canyou ever drink alchol after surgery, and what about ur skin does it normally get saggy? If someone could help answer these i would truely appreciate it.

I am 49 years old. I am married with a 13 year old daughter I am so excited that lapband is available to me. I dont know If I could handle bypass surgery. I weigh 285. I use to be thin but after my 3rd child I developed a thyroid problem which started my weight problem. I have gained, lost and regained large amts of weight. I snore , cant sleep or lay on back without breathing problems , Im breathless, my legs swell at slightest activity. My bloodpressure is going up. I am lucky tht my BMI is around 46 so I was eligible for the surgery automatically without the need for health issues but as you can see I have few of my own. I am currently on the preop diet whcih I a…

Hopefully will be banded in early August and am really excited. From all I've read the average weight loss in a year is 50% of your excess weight. What I'd really like to know is how much weight have you lost in the first month or so? My BMI is 35-36. Much of what I've read has people with a higher BMI so I wonder if I will lose more slowly...I have about 70--80 pounds to lose to get to my so-called ideal weight. I don't even care if I get down that low. I'd be happy to lose 40, but would really like to los 60 or so.

I started looking on this site about 3 weeks before I was banded. It has been very helpful in answering questions I had concerns about. I weighed 320 at my first visit and about 316 at surgery on 5/11/07. The surgery wasn't too rough, I went home the next day and returned to work 5/14/07. After liquid diet the first week, then liquid and soft foods the next week. The 3rd week I was able to have a larger variety of foods. I had my first fill 6/12/07. I weighed 296 then. After the fill I have not been able to tell any difference, so I have to be pay close attention or I will eat to much. I thought I would be more restricted after the fill. I have to go back in 4 w…

Just wanted to say hello we are just getting started with the lap band surgery we got to the first meeting tonight and I wanted to get more information.

Ok question... has anyone had another surgery done at the same time... ie.. bladder, hernia, tubal ligation? I have a friend who jsut had a TT (no WLS) and she got her surgeon to do it for $500 cause she had a tubal ligation and bladder repair done at the same time? I heard someone else say you might get your insurance to cover the cost of the anasthesia and hospital fees if you are having another procedure done and then all you have to self pay is the WLSurgeons fees.... Any info would be great since i need tubal ligation and bladder repair is not a bad option for me (although WLS might solve this problem). I will post in insurance thread too just in case... THANKS…

I was wondering if anyone was told that they needed to loose weight before they were to have surgery? I have Kaiser and they said that everyone has to loose 10% of their body weight before surgery. I told them that if I could loose weight like that on my own, then I wouldnt need to have assistance with the lap-band. Does this happen to everyone?

Hi all! I just got banded this last Monday, June 18th with Dr. Spivak.....I am going crazy and have all sorts of emotions from being glad I did it to oh my God what the heck did I do to myself. Do you have any suggestions on how to get over this hurdle and how long it takes to get to feel like this is normal? Any help is greatly appreciated. Cat

Hi, my name is Barbara. I'm 48 years old and I am going through the program for Lap-band. Since I've just started the program, I think my surgery will be in December 2007 or January 2008 as my insurance carrier requires a 6 month program. I look forward to reading all of your post as I believe I will find lots of help here with questions and concerns.

Hi.....I am new to this forum. I had lap band on June 1, 2005. I have gained back all of my weight. I am going to a NEW doctor tomorrow to have fluid put back in my band and to get a new start. I had all of my fluid removed back in October due to problems with "Esophagitis". Has anyone had this problem. I went to the doctor for a follow up and had gained a few pounds. He chewed me out and he didn't want to put any fluid in my band. He finally put a "little" bit in. Not enough that I could tell. I never went back to him. It is now the middle of June and I have gained all of my weight back. I started Aqua Aerobics today too. This is a new beginning for me! I am…

My name is John and I am from Idaho Falls. I am 30 and had the surgery about 3 weeks ago. I have felt totally fine with no vomiting and little pain. However, I am very hungry and have cheated 3 times since surgery and had no problems. I have lost 15 lbs but am now scared because I have been able to each much more than I thought. I don't get my first adjustment for another 3 weeks. Did anyone else have this problem? I am not sure what to do. I don't want to cheat but it is getting more and more difficult not too. By the way, I appreciate this forum and look forward to learning from everyone.

I sent in my paperwork to see if I qualify on May 25, and I received a letter today stating that they need me to get a sleep study and also need a copy of my medical records regarding my PCOS. I have Kaiser insurance, and I have heard that they are hard to get approval from. I went ahead and scheduled my sleep study for July 2 and after the study I have to make an appointment for three weeks after that. As far as my PCOS, I am kind of confused because all of the information should be in my chart, so I am waiting to hear back from the lady who sent me the letter. I don't know if they need a letter from the doctor or what. Anyways, I supposedly have to get everything s…

hi i am a newbie from va i am hoping to have the sugery sometime this winter i am going to one of the classes tomorrow nite and i hope to start the process then i am excited to start . a little about me i am 32 years old and a single mom of one and i want to be able to watch her grow up my bmi is 64 and i also have paripartum cardiomyopathy i am hoping i still can have the sugery i look forward to get to know each and everyone here

<p>Hi fellow banders, My name is Courtney and i am due for my surgery on the 25th June which is only 6 days away!! Wow how exciting.... a little about myself, i am divorced with 2 kids and a beautiful supportive partner! Live in country vic and work part-time in Oncology (cancer patients) at our local hospital.</p> <p>Now to the interesting part.... sorry for all americans as i cant convert the figures but i am 174cms tall and weigh.... are you ready for this??? 147kgs <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/eek.gif" border="0" alt="" title="EEK!" smilieid="10" class="inlineimg" /> as of today.... 150kgs 2 weeks ago!! </p> <p&g…

My name is Melissa and I am 39 years old. I have two children ages 17 and 10 and I run a daycare in my home, which I've done for over 10 years. I had surgery on July 5, 2006 and my surgeon was Dr. Oldham with Bluegrass Bariatrics. I've lost about 40 lbs. and know that I need to get serious and follow the band rules because sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I'm going Friday for another fill. I made the mistake of staying too tight and had to have most of it taken out. I'm now starting to get restriction again. Good luck to each of you wherever you may be on your journey!

I've had my band for 5 years now and I love it. I lost a total of 90 lbs. over a period of a year 1/2. I had my lap band done in Mexico but I get my fill done locally in Dallas. I just found a new Protein Drink I wanted to share with everyone. Its called Isopure. It has 40 grams of Protein, zero carbs, zero fat and zero sugar, best of all it tasted pretty good. Its been the 1st protien drink that I have been able to keep down because I have my band pretty tight.

I've researched and researched the LapBand Procedure and finally went in for a consultation with Dr. Schram in Yipsilanti, Michigan a few weeks ago. He was wonderful, kind and very thorough. Currently I am in the process of insurance approval (BCBS PPO-Michigan) having gone to my family doc and psyc. evaluation just this past week. Everyone I have been in contact with regarding this procedure and process have been very supportive. Everyone also seems to think I won't have a problem with insurance approval... I have been overweight for quite a few years. I was very athletic in high school so that helped me out some, but still always much bigger than my friends. I was di…

Hi, everyone! After reading Lab Band posts for the past six months, and coming out of denial about my weight, I am ready to start the insurance process for lab banding. About me: I live in Dallas. I am a 47/y/o woman weighing 245 lbs. I am 5'6" tall. Found out in 10/05 that I have hypertension, sleep apnea, high tryglicerides, and impaired kidney function. Both parents are/were diabetic, so I'm next. I have been working out on and off for a year, and never lost a pound. Diets have not worked, either. I am embarassed, but relieved to admit all of this. The truth will set me free (hopefully). Any encouragement is appreciated! Thanks for reading this confession!

Ok so I have been posting about two weeks (seems like a long time ago) but never erally introduced myself. My name is Stacie , I am a single mom of 3 beautiful children... and i am overweight. (That so sounds like an AA meeting). I am 5-10 and 252 (weighed today at PCP's office.). I was told today by my PCP that he tried to submit for WLS and according to my ins its BMI's of 40 or more only. I have CA state insurance (Medi-cal) so off to Dr. Ortiz in MX I go. Not worried about the MX part, i can deal with that. What I am really worried about is giving up my caffeine. I either get it in a form of soda or starbucks type drinks. I suffer SEVERLY from migraines and avoiding …

<p>I am seriously considering getting banded. I have already done all the testing, except the psychological testing, which I go to next week. I am starting to get a bit anxious. I have also been thinking a lot about my social life. I am no alcoholic, but I like to go out 1-2 times a month and drink beer with my friends and family. I usually drink about 6 beers. Is this something the band will not tolerate?</p>

Hi, I just wanted to say hi to all of “ya’ll” out there. I am from the Birmingham, Al area. I currently have a consultation set up and am in the process of getting things in gear to get my band. I’ll just have to see what happens from here. Looking for info on what to expect, watch out for, and anything else that I am clueless about. Keith

My surgery is 6/25 -- i was just wondering if there are any other WV bandsters out there. I am having my surgery at Morgantown, WV with Dr. Longhi. I would love to chat with anyone that has also had their surgery with him. Thanks!!!

Hi Everyone im new at this.. im getting the surgery soon.. i just want to know what to what this like and get to know people that have had the surgery..

Well I will have the start of a new me on June 20th. Dr. Monson at MeritCare in Fargo, ND. I started the whole process on Jan. 22, 2007 and thought 6/20/07 seemed so far away. Now it is here and I still can't believe it. The only ones that know are the hubby, 3 kids, and sister. I have had enough slaps in the face with other failed weight loss attempts and felt I could not face the comments, looks, etc. from others if they knew. I have been so busy with everyday life to worry or even think about it until now...I find myself scared, nervous and excited. Please keep your fingers crossed for me and say a prayer for my family and myself... "I am jumping in with both feet and…

<p>Hi everyone. I was banded on March 21, 2007 by Dr. Bonomo in Chicago. I am 63 years old and on Cobra which would have run out before they would pay for surgery. I paid for it myself, $13,000.00 This was most of my retirement savings but the best money I every spent. Since I was 5' 2" and weighed 347, he made me go through a 16 week weight loss program at the hospital. I lost 27 lbs and then he agreed to do the surgery. That was 6 weeks ago and I lost another 26 lbs. I've only had one fill. I was due for another this week but I'm having a little trouble with the insision on my side. I eat 2 ounces of either ground turkey, chicken, tuna, salmon, white fish,…

Hi, I'm very new here. In fact it was just this morning that my doctor suggested Lap Band surgery to me due to diabeties, elevated heart rate, hip replacement and a family history of heart diease. I have registered to attented a seminar on the 31st. I'm 22 and weight 276lbs. My family is against all weight loss procedures because they believe they are extremely dangerous. My doctor said it was better to get it done young before my medical problems get out of control. I've been reading some of the posts on this and other sites and it seems I'm very young for the surgery. I was wondering at what age did you get your lap band? What are some of the effects, results, problems…

Hi, all. I've been reading posts and journals for a while, but decided to introduce myself. I'm Susan from Euless, TX. I'm just in the process of getting insurance approval for the lap banding procedure. Looks like it may be a long drawn out process. I am seeing Dr. Snow in Bedford and really like him and his staff. I guess what I've read has been mostly positive, but some of the negative things have me second guessing my choice to have the lap band. In one journal it talks about thinking about the band, what your eating, not losing fast enough like 24/7. I'm hoping it will be a tool to take my mind off of the food and hunger issue. As far as how fast l lose …

Hi all! I am totally new to this. I just scheduled my consultation today. Its something I ve wanted to do for months, but had no idea how to pay for it. Im still not sure, but am exploring some options. Anyway, I am in Colorado. I did find an online support group for Colo people, but it was REALLY clickish. Noone even sent out a hello. So, here I am. Any other Colorado people out there? Char

Hi everyone, Brand new to this web site. Am considering the surgery, but need to find out more about it. Am 65, 6' and 350. I am concerned about excessive skin after weight loss & what other problems down the road that they left out. Oh, i'm a male. Anything anyone could tell me about pros & cons would be greatly appreciated.

Hi my name is Joan, I am from NC and I am in the process. My next appt is on June 25 and we will set a surgery date at that time. I am nervous, excited and scared. I have really enjoyed just reading all the post this week and I find that I still have those emotions plus many new ones. Many of you have spoken about a pre-op diet, I met with the dietiatian last week and she explained diet after surgery but there was never any mention of a pre-op diet. I want to do this right but I am so afraid I won't get it right, what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat....You guys just keep posting and I will keep reading and maybe together I can do this. Joan Bass 265/

I'm doing research on whether the LB is for me. I'm going for a seminar tonight in Everett WA. Has anyone gone there that can relay some of their experience? I'm so excited about tonight. I'd most likely be a self-payer. My main question today is how long does it take to schedule and actually get the band?

Hello everyone!:clap2: So much has happened the past couple of weeks. I saw the Nutritionist and the Mental Health Counselor on the 4th. Both of those appointments went well. On Wednesday night, I had my Sleep Study done. That was interesting. I felt like a marionette puppet with all those wires attached to me. Come to find out according to the nurse, I have sleep apnea. And she thought it was bad enough that she thinks I'll need a CPAP machine. Oh JOY!!!!!:phanvan But I guess at least then I'll sleep better.:notagree I have to call for a follow up appointment for that. All I have left is: 1-ultrasound of the abdomen (to check gallbladder) 2-EKG 3-ECO 4-a physical f…

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this, I'm being banded next Wednesday June 20th. I keep reading about how important it is to follow the "LB Rules and Guidelines" What are they? I want to make sure I do everything correctly and you guys give the best advice... HELP Thanks

I am 3 days post op. I went to Mexico for my surgery with Dr Rodriguez. I wanted to come back here to let everyone know how my experience went. It was simply amazing!!! I had no problems with gas at all. My tummy is a little bit sore. Dr Rodriguez is the nicest person that i have ever met! His bedside manner is awesome!!! I am a nurse here in Ohio and i tell you that i have NEVER met a better Doctor. The hospital was very clean, the nurses spoke enough English that it was easy to communicate!! Just wanted to add that my hospital room had a flat screen TV and the top of the line cooling system, for those that expect Mexico to be trashy. The hotel that they put me in was to…

Hi everyone, this is my first post so bare with me. I am newly banded June 2nd/07:clap2: so far all is well and I am down 10lbs. I didn't have time to get nervous or pine over my decision I went for a consultation on Monday May 28th and was banded on June 2, I didn't do any pre op dieting, but I did get the flu the day before surgery and thought I was going to have cancel but I was much better by the morning. I paid for this on my own $15,000., has anyone had it covered by their insurance? I have submitted all the paper work and doctors recommendations to my insurance company but have not heard back as of today. I was just curious if anyone has gotten it cover by the…

I am extremely interested in having this procedure, I met with my primary care doctor who told me that I would be an ideal candidate for this procedure. I was hoping someone could shed some light on recovery of this procedure and some ways to get through the liquid diet portion afterwards, which I think will be my biggest issue. I have made an appointment to see a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Von Rueden at GBMC in Baltimore, Maryland and would like to see if anyone has had the procedure done there and had experience with this surgeon.

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum, I'm 48, from Michigan. Had my lapband surgery on May 30th. Looking forward to sharing/learning together Deb

Hi, My name is Jen I'm from o.c in ca. My surgery is sched. for 6-21-07... the first day of summer! cant wait any ideas on what to expect. I'm going to obct in mexico.

:clap2:HI MY NAME IS GALANNA, AND I AM NEW TO THIS SITE. I WAS BANDED ON 04/09/07, BY DR COTTAM WITH THE SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. I HAVE LOST 37 POUNDS TO DATE, AND THINGS ARE GOING PRETTY WELL NOW SO FAR SO GOOD.

I'm having surgery on June 25. Things have gone fairly quickly, I was quite surprised that it took my insurance company only 1 week to approve me for lap band surgery. I'm going to be out of town the whole 10 days pre-op where I can only have liquid protein so I'm packing my suitcase with Slimfast. This is going to be one fun business trip!

:help:Ok I haven't been banded yet but I have 1 more 'weigh in' on my supervised diet. First 2 months gained 4 lbs., third month lost 2, 4th month lost 9, I have to go next this Thursday and I don't think I have lost or gained, My question is this, has anyone else had BCBS of Iowa and lost and then gained during their supervised diet? I am so afraid they are going to think that I am not trying hard enough on my own so they will deny me. I am telling you the scale and I are becoming bigger enemies than ever before :angry! I bought a bike and have been riding faithfully, eating the right food, bought a bean exerciser and do that every other day. The problem is not th…

I was banded on 12/21/06. I have only lost 15 lbs so far. What is going on?

My surgury is on July 16. I am very excited. I was just approved from my insurace company today. Can't wait.