Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi - just found everyone today and know I am ready for some discussion with fellow lapbanders! I was banded May 1st in Mexico! I am on on finely chopped foods, this week moving up to meats so I'm feeling great! The weight is not coming off as quickly as I thought it would so I tend to get discouraged even though I know I shouldn't be! Trying to stay away from the scale right now.... Love to talk to anyone who'd like to chat!

Hi-Don't know where to start? Here goes, first off I am starting to feel hungry which I didn't think I would feel so soon :phanvan Had my surgery at Celebration, Florida-Dr Kim-I just don't want to feel hungry already :cry

Hi, I'm Andrea. I just got banded, April 30th. My main motivation for getting this done was that my father passed away (at age 52) in September mostly due to his medical problems due to severe obesity. He had severe diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Also, my mom has been obese for years and also has diabetes and high blood pressure. I am pretty healthy for my size and don't have any of those problems yet, but I know if I continue the path I was on I would end up the same way. So far I feel better about myself, I feel I look better and now I can walk further on my walks and not feel like I'm going to die from shortness of breathe. I have lost 11 pounds so …

Well I am having my surgery on May 30th my birthday and Aetna insurance came thur fast. Oh how I can't wait. And anyone who is waiting to have this done just give your insurance a call and talk to them nice and calm. That's what got mine pushed so fast. And good luck to each and everyone waiting to have this done.

hi this there anyone out there from southern ireland, ive been livin here since sept last year, and wud like to get in touch with anyone...was banded april 06 lost 4 stone now , so im at my goal.plz anyone get in touch tks....alison:clap2:

Hi all tomorrow is the big day i just found out today I'm cleared for surgury in the Am . by DR NEPOMNAYSHY at LAHEY CLINIC Its been a roller coaster I found out thursday that Anastaherlogy would not put me under becuse I was weezing .So off to Asama Dr on tuesday 22 He put me on 3 drifferant meds and today i'm breathing great and i can keep my surgery date 12 noon may 24 . It rally has not sank in yet :faint: Rebirth tomorrow I start my life the same way i satrted my old life liquids, semi liquids, solids but no dippers I hope !!!

Hi All, I've been on this site for about a week now everyday, reading threads. I am soo ready to get banded now. You all have been very helpful in making my decision to lapband. My husband has decided to do it with me. I've already talked to my insurance company, and am awaiting the paperwork from them. I've already made my first of probably many doctors appt. for the diet plan the insurance company is requiring. They are requiring us to wait six month before they approve it. They said we could do it in three months with a hospital program. Three questions: Does anyone know a faster way around this? How do find a hospital program? Can I get some input on how mu…

I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I get my ticker set up and then I am not sure where to put it. Does it go under my signature or my picture? Thanks for any help. Melissa:confused:

:help: I went today and signed a note for 14000.00 to pay for my band. I am having it done in Birmingham at Medical Center East by Dr Schmitt. Consult is on the 30th. I guess since I am having to pay all of this out, I am worrying. My question this hour is does anyone gag like I do. When I brush my teeth I gag. When I go to the dentist I gag.... I gag and Gag and gag. I started worrying that it won't work because I gag so much. This morning I worried that my cancer will flare back up and I will die before it works. Yesterday I worried that I might be allergic to the band and then I am out all of this money???? :faint: It really is horrible that we are so desperate and ha…

i really enjoy this site its so supportive good luck to all of you, i got banded April 23 2007 and i feel great, and i would do it all over again:clap2:

Flying into Monterrey for surgery on July 17th with Dr. Rumbaut. Both scared and excited. I'm ready to find my thin self again.

Hi everyone! Have been checking out the board for a while now and finally decided to sign up. My name is Heather and I am from good old California. I have been interested in getting the lapband done for about two months now since doing some of my own internet research. Only problem is I have no idea where to even start, so I am hoping to get a little info here from some experienced lapbandsters on here. I had a weight problem when I was a teenager and through some tough work finally got down to a size that I felt happy about. I got pregnant with my daughter when I was 20 and have again been heavy ever since. 7 years is way too long to keep telling people im still carry…

Looking for a great Lapband surgeon in the dc/maryland/va metro area. If anyone has any suggestions/reccomendations, I would appreciate it so much!! Thanks and good luck and health!! J2Mommi

I've been lurking a while (the way we do) and thought it was about time I did the decent thing....... So, hi! I'm from the UK, 1 week post op and feeling blinkin' marvelous.

Hi its liz im back i used to be sugarplum but i couldnt reset my pass word becuase the links sent wouldnt allow me to so ive made a new account, maybe the moderators can sort this out for other people ive had to dump my old account and set this new 1 up , any way im now sugarplum2007. Ive recently had my tummy tuck on may 17th and i know a few of you was keen to know how it went, well im 6 days post op and the results are fantastic im still very swollen and sore but im very very happy and im glad i had it done. Any way im glad to back on LBT kind regards Liz xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi, I am Stephie, I was banded on 03/06/07. I had my first fill 04/24/07, 1.2 cc's and 2nd fill on 05/10/07, .4 cc's. I still get hungry and I can still eat more than I think I should be eating. My question is, should I be only eating about 4 ounces or less and be full once I have reached my sweet spot?

this is my first time here. i am not banded yet. just went to a seminar and have been researching on my own. found this web site. there is soooooo much info here. i am writing down questions for my doctor that i did not even think about after reading on this site. thanks

Got banded on 4-5-07 in Stl, have had one fill. NEVER posted anything anywhere before...Does anyone have trouble with food getting stuck? Can this make your band slip???

Hi there. I am new to this site. I had my surgery 12/4/06. I am currently down 48lbs. So far I am just checking things out.

This is the first time I've used a web forum, but here goes.... Had lap band surgery on 5/4 with UTSW's Dr. David Provost. Great doctor and wonderful staff! This was my second attempt having the lap band. On the first try, I felled to not research the doctor thoroughly enough, and ended up spenting 11 days in total misery until the band was removed. Dr. told afterwards I was allergic to the band... funny thing Dr. Provost listened to the story and right off knew it was a prolaspe. After this second try, things have been pretty good. I wasn't too fond of have all the sweet tasting nutritional drinks, but have made myself stick with it. The diabetic nutritional drinks…

Hi All, After 5+ months and all of those crappy pre-op tests to see if I can actually have the banding I finally have a surgery date....drum roll please..... JULY 12!!!! Only 51 short days away..not that I'm counting or anything. I'm so excited and scared out of my mine at the same time!!

Hi everyone! I am Janelle and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am 27, going to be 28 in August. I weight 345 lbs and am 5'10" I am married with no children. I have two dogs, both boxers. We in the adoption process for a baby. I have not undergone LAP Band yet, but am going to see my doctor soon to start the process. Right now I am dealing with female problems first. If you have any similarities to mine and would like to become support buddies please message me back. Myspace: www.myspace.com/ohiorosejanelleres Email: ohiorosejanelleres@yahoo.com Thanks for reading!

Just wondering if this has happened to anyone else. I had my Dr. consultation today ...all set to discuss lapbanding, mind made up. The Dr. was very personable and discussed all options and my questions. But he "suggested" that the laparoscopy by pass was a better option. It had nothing to do with me personally. If he had to choose between the 2 he would do the lap bypass, overall better success rate and less complications later on. He stated that in Europe they are finding complications after 10yrs. so they are not doing as many. I walked out preauthing my ins. for lapband and we are planning on lapband but I "can always change my mind". Guess now I am second guessing ev…

My insurance (Aetna HMO) gave me one option for a surgeon in my area...GBMC Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (Baltimore, MD), David von Rueden, M.D. and Babak Moeinolmolki, MD. Their website isn't great. No patient pictures or testimonials. Just wanted to see if anyone knows anything about their practice? Thanks for the help!

Hello everyone, I was banded on 2/22/07, I am currently down 18lbs and my doctor says that I am on track. But I can't help to feel that I should be down more by now:angry I just had my second fill last Wednesday, 5/16 and I had hoped that would allow for more restriction and a more sense of fullness, but that happened only on the first day. :eek: My doc says that he put in 2cc's, but it really doesn't feel like it?? Are all bands 5cc's? Cause he said I already had 4 in there and he put in an additional 2, is there such thing as stretching the band to where it doesn't cause much restriction??:help:

Hey everyone. I was so excited to find this site. What a great information site. I went to my seninar on saturday at Medical Center East in Birmingham and went and borrowed the money today to have the lap band. Tell me what to expect, what to look forward to and I would love to have some Lap friends on this site. My appointment with Dr, Shmitt is on next Tuesday. I am so excited and scared and emotional. I felt so sad after the seminar. Ifelt like there were 100 people in the ocean and that doctor had one rope and we were all desperately trying to grab onto it!!! Thanks to all of you for sharing your info on this site, it really helps! Bamalama

I'm looking at getting the Lap Band surgery. I've had friends go to Mexico; no horror stories...actually good experiences. But, I've been given some scary information from a doc in the states about re-doing bad work. I'm looking at Dr. Rumbault in Monterrey and Dr. Kuri in Tijuana. So far I can find "rave reviews" for both, but I'd like to get a clear picture before deciding...anyone know of "bad" experiences?

Hi there, I've been browsing around for a little while, but figured I'd better jump in and introduce myself -- so, Hi, I'm MaryPat and I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Scarborough area for those who know the Toronto area ). My history seems to be similar to most I've been reading -- I've been "thin-challenged" my entire life, tried every diet plan out there once and some more times than that, tried assisted methods like weight watchers & TOPS, "medically supervised" methods with Dr. Berstein, Dr. Levy, and my family doctor -- I've lost weight, but somehow those lost pounds always seems to find me and come back with a few extra friend :phanvan. I have high …

I have Follicular non hodgkins lymphoma. The surgeon and my oncologists say that it is ok for me to be lapped since I am in remission right now. However I am still in maintenance chemo every three months for the next year and a half. I get sick for a few days after chemo. Do many of you experience a lot of throwing up??:help: Since my cancer is not curable a lot of people ask me why I bother! Of course they don't take 12 pills and 2 shots a day for their health either!

hi all I'm Joanne from skegness UK i was banded on the 14th may 07 i feel great ,only discomfort from the port area when i forget and bend down to the left side . how are you all doing ? i found the site through finding my feet good luck everyone jojozoxx

Woo Hoo!! I'm so excited!!! I scheduled my surgery this morning!! I started my pre-op diet last Wednesday (16th) and I'm already down 12 lbs!! I can't weight!!! (oops. . totally didn't mean to spell it that way, but funny that I did, so I'm leaving it!!) :clap2:

I am the newest surgeon at Cincinnati Weight Loss Center. I was banded 2-16-2006. Ihave lost 80lbs and gone from 44 waisted pants to 32, also from XXL shirts to medium shirts. I have never felt better and am here to help.:biggrin1:

<p><img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/clap2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Clap2" smilieid="217" class="inlineimg" /> I am being banded on Thursday. I am sure that this is the right choice for me but I'm getting a little nervous as the time gets closer. I've done my research & am comfortable with the band but nervous about the time immediately following surgery. What is the day of surgery really like for the patient? Are you sleepy most of the day or are you 'with it' most of the time? What can I expct? I would appreciate any help you can give me!<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title=…

Hi there. My name is Jess and I live in Oregon. I am 23 (24 next month). I am 5'5" and ~250lbs. This month I am going off depo prevera and eliminating all carbonated and alcoholic beverages from my diet. I already exercise three to four times a week (going to do more soon). On average I lose maybe a pound or two a month, but gain double that in muscle. I am considering lap band, and have been doing research on it the last couple weeks. I even got to watch it done through a streamed video. In the next week or so I'm going to be inquiring of my doctors a specialist I could get more information from. In the mean time I was wondering if there was anyone here from …

HELLO ALL, I JUST WANTED TO LET EVERY ONE KNOW WHAT MY INSURANCE REQUIRES. THE NURSE FROM THE SURGEONS OFFICE CALLED ME AND INFORMED ME THAT ALL I NEED TO SUBMIT PAPERS TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS A LETTER FROM MY PHYSCIAN.(GOT IT) THEN I NEED A psychological assessment and a meeting with our dietician for an evaluation. MY APPOINTMENT WITH THE SURGEON IS MAY 24. I AM SO EXCITED, BUT THEN I DONT WANNA GET MY HOPES UP. THEY MIGHT DENIE IT.

HI, My name is Julie. I was just banded last wednesday May 16th 07. Im feeling pretty good , but a bit discouraged. I'm really not liking the no eating thing and I got on the scale today and gained a pound. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN???Im drinking sugar free juice , tea, chicken broth and Ive ahd a couple pop cycles. Is it normal to feel some pressure in your stomach at first. I dont usually feel hungry sense the surgery, but I feel like I have drank to much, kind of uncomfortable. is that normal?? I went to Dr Ortez in Mexico. It was a great experience and everything went well . Everyone there was really nice and his team seams to do ALOT of lap bands. I would feel alot better…

Hi from a new member! I am at my heaviest ever (about 280lbs) and have suffered with clinical depression, for years. I am on and off anti-depressants, which make me put on weight, so I go on them, get mentally better, but am left with more weight, so end up depressed again. And I have lost weight over the years, only to put back more! I would love to have a band fitted, and I know this would help my self esteem and my health (swollen ankles, breathlessnes, no energy) I would like opinions from anyone please. Do I seek this operation, or should I try to conquer my depression(after 20years, I am not doing a good job) Thankyou for any help!

hi everyone I live in the uk and had a SAGB 2 years ago and have had nothing but complications. My pouch is stretched and as we get our health care free here my surgeon has refused to see me. I have now been discharged from his care and that of the dietician. I did not eat for the first 9 months as I was always sick then once I started eating I have never felt any restriction. I have 6ml in a 10 ml band but x rays show my band is very tight and tht my pouch is very enlarged. I now can eat anything and back to large amounts, I always feel hungery even just after I have eaten. Has anyone come accross this in the US? I am travelling to Florida in 3 weeks and would…

Well I got home yesterday, I feel great just in a little pain it comes and goes. I Think the worse is over. :clap2:

I thought someone might find this helpful. It's the approval guidelines for BC/BS Regence. Even if this isn't your ins. co. it's a good guideline. Policy/Criteria 1.Gastric bypass using a Roux-en-Y anastomosis with an alimentary limb of 150 cm or less, or adjustable gastric banding, consisting of an adjustable external band placed around the stomach, may be considered medically necessary in the treatment of morbid obesity when all of the following criteria are met: A.BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2; or BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2 with at least two of the following comorbid conditions which have not responded to medical management and which are gen…

We have BCBS TN and my book says it is excluded for bariatric surgeries....did anyone else have that, but still approved because of medically necesity? Just wondering.

Hi ! My name is Carol. I had lap-band surgery Jan. 23, 2007. I went on vacation in March so I had my first fill in April. Thinking it wasen't working I dieted until my 2nd fill. Wow! what a difference. I received the fill May 17 and I have so much resistence that I didn't have before. I eat because I have to and not because I want to. I get nauseatated very easy from drinking water. Before the 2nd fill I was drinking 64oz. a day. Is this normal after a fill, or is there too much saline in there. Please answer.

Got banded a week ago Wednesday. Dr. Ponce in Dalton, Ga is my surgeon. I would love to receive comments and suggestions from those experienced with the lapband. Thanks MissCarol53

Found out about this site 2 days ago, and boy what a godsent! Been thinking about the lapband for the last 2 months. Waiting to get my blood work back from my GP then will call about setting up an appt. with dr. Thinking about going with Steven Malley in Kansas. He's the owner of the Malley surgical center in Overland Park, KS. I already watched a seminar online. I'm ready to get this thing started!! So glad your all out here to help. :biggrin1:

Hi Thought i would introduce myself. I just joined LBT. I have been viewing it for a few monts. I was just banded 2 days ago in Worcester Massachusetts bu Dr. Arcand. I had a great experience ( little more pain than expected) but not too bad. I enjoy reading the posts here. It helped me prepare for the surgery. Looking forward to chating with you all. Christine:clap2:

This is my first post. I joined and lurked and read for awhile. I've gotten a lot of useful info from this forum. I am 10 mo. out and have lost 100 lbs. and it seems like the last few I want to lose are going much slower. I love my band.:clap2:

hi can someone give me advice.. i had my psych eval.done about a month ago.she said she didnt see any reason y im should not have the surgery.. i received a call from her the other day saying that in her report she recommended that i keep seeing nutritionist and go to meetings until im stable w my depression and anxiety... number one told her that i changed my eating habits... that if i do get dwn in the dumps i choose something else besides eating...... i think what i told het she turned it around.. i am on med. for anxiety very low dose though.. i am really upset..she told me that sometimes the medical team will drop you because of this but shes recommending they do…

Could anyone please help with this? I've been trying to do this for 40 minutes! :help: Thank you so much!

I was banded this past wednesday so far so good. I am having alot of trouble getting all of my liquid in. I sleep alot with the pain killer they have me on. Dr Bruce of Dayton Bariatrics was my surgeon...

Hello! I am from southwestern Virginia. I had my LapBand procedure on March 28, 2007. I went to Louisville, KY to see Dr. Vincent Lusco for my procedure. Wednesdays are my weigh day. I have lost 30.4 pounds as of today. I went Monday, May 16, 2007 for my first fill. He filled 1.8 cc. I am really happy to be on here and hope to gain a lot of support. Also, how do you get the little tickers at the bottom with your weights and BMIs? I am new to these forums. Thanks!