Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

:help: Hello, I'm new to this site. I need to find a Dr. that's affordable. I was going to go to Mexico & have it done, but I've been reading some bad things about geting banded in Mex. Does anyone know of any affordable good Doctors in California.

I am very curious of the # of people that have had to have their bands removed for whatever complications. I am noticing that everyone loves it until about 2 years in and then everything goes down hill from there...Not real sure I want to do this with the little info on long term affects.

Hi Everyone! I just have 5 more days to go until Iam banded I am getting so excited............. I keep reading all of your post and I know about the gas pain because my daughter just had her gall bladder out laprascopically, same amount openings and yes the dreaded gas!she stayed here with me while recouperating and the first night as the worst but by day 3 she was over that pain the first 24 hrs was the worst for her.So know now what helped her and i can try it. I just cant wait to be banded. My surgery is Monday the 14th of May and frst thing in the morning. I will keep you informed. :faint: Julie

Hello! My friend had her surgery in Mexico and had an awesome experience. She has had no complications and has lost 50 pounds so far. I have been yo yo dieting my whole life. I am 33, 5'5 and currently 180 pounds. I am wondering if they will still do the lapband on me at this weight. I know my bmi is considered in the obese range. In order to maintain this weight, I have to constantly be watching what I eat and exercising. I was even replacing two meals with shakes. I have two small children and never have any energy. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I was 220 after my daughters were born and lost some weight, but it always comes back. I was th…

Hi All, My name is Suzi and I was just banded on May 10th. I am a little achy but for the most part, I feel pretty good. The first 2 days were pretty uncomfortable and I needed the pain meds but now I am just taking ibuprofin and feel okay. I am really excited about my future weightloss and look forward to meeting fellow lap banders. Suzi

Hello everyone. My name is Carole. I'm a 38 (will in little more than a week I'll be 38) wife of 12.5 years and mom of 11 years to my amazing daughter. I had Lap-Band surgery with Dr. Krishnaraj in Dade City, FL on January 13, 2006. I was 305 at my pre-op appointment and I now weight 253. So I've lost 52 pounds. My highest weight was somewhere over 310 pounds, but I don't know how much over since my scale stopped weighing me. That was 1 month before my pre-op appointment. In October of 2006 I moved to Alabama, more than 620 miles away from my surgeon Dr. Krishnaraj and my fill doctor Dr. DiCicco and their practice with Dr. Lee Grossbard. So it has been several…

Hi, I am new to the forum. I was banded on 12/12/05 and here are my stats: starting weight 248 current weight 165 goal weight 135-140 I had sleep apnea prior to the lap band and had to use a CPAP machine. Boy did my husband LOVE that. Sleep apnea is gone now. Dr. Curry is my doctor in Cincinnati. He is the best. I just saw him today for a unfill. I have a dilated pouch. I have to go back in four weeks for a fill again. I am looking forward to reading and posting on this site. It is nice to have something like this to refer to.

Hello all ! My name is lauralee, 46, South Central Texas and am scheduled for surgery on May 18th at AIGB in San Antonio, Dr. Gonzales. My insurance approved the surgery practically overnight which from what I've read is amazing. My story is probably a very common one here, been overweight since day one, overweight child, teenager and adult. Have lost 100's of pounds over the years. The lowest I've ever been as an adult was 150 (I'm 5'3 btw) at about age 30 via Nutrisystem Program. My highest weight ever was 275 about four years ago. I dropped down to about 200 three years ago and have since creaped back up to 240. My first diet was probably around 14 or 15 years…

I am trying to update my journal, but am unable to get into it. I have not been able to access since the site changed. Anyone else having this problem?:help:

Hi! I have been reading the boards for a week or two and decided to introduce myself. I am 51, 280 lbs, BMI 43, with diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea. I am a nurse and have 2 kids, 4 dogs and 3 cats...quite a wild household. I am just amazed at the success and support in this group. I look forward to getting to know all of you. I had my 1st MD appt last week. I am in the process of scheduling the nutritionist and psychologist. I have to see a pulmonologist and have an endoscopy. And, of course, insurance has to approve. I don't think that will be a problem. I have vacation mid June so I don't want it before then. I am nervous and wondering if I am doing the right thi…

It's 4am in the morning and once again I've woken up, tears running down my face why, because I'm fat and hate myself..... I just can't go on! I've, as I'm sure all of you guys have, been on every diet possible. Lost 20-30 llbs felt great then back on again. I exercise most days, snow ski, water ski and love jogging, i'm around the 200llb mark. My big problem is food! I go for a few weeks were I eat great, little often then hit the big time pig out stage. I was diagnosed a non purging balimic a few years ago, and have big issues with food. I'm not there anymore but still go through periods of eating lots because I feel sad, fat and depressed! Is the band right for me will…

Does anyony out there have Blue Cross & Blue Sheild of Illnois? I spoke with them and they said the criteria was height, weight, Dr. orders, BMI, Thyriod test, psy. consult, and diets I have tried in the last year. This sounds too easy what is the trick? I have already completed their list, but do not want to get my hopes up too high.

Hi everyone, I'm Carolyn. I am new to the boards. I am scheduled to be banded on Wednesday May 16, 2007 at Highland Park Hospital in Highland Park, IL. Needless to say, I am very excited! I went last week to get my pre-op physical, bloodwork and chest x-ray. Everything came back good except the EKG showed that I have something called Long QT Syndrome, which is most likely being caused my a medication that I am taking (lexapro) for anxiety my disorder. My GP told me that she doesn't see a problem okay-ing the surgery, but problems could arise during my recovery if I get dehydrated, etc. I have to be watched very closely. I also had to go in yesterday for an addition…

About 1 year ago I mentioned to my soon to be husband that I was starting to think of getting a LB. Since as long as I can remember I have been over weight. I think the lowest I can remember was in High School and I weighted 175. Today I am 34, 5ft 8, and weight 308, my highest was 320. 2 years ago I went on strict Atkins and exercise and lost 70 lbs just to gain it back. After trying to many diets, Nutrisystem, Atkins, Weight watchers, even hypnosis, nothing seems to give last results. About a month ago I talked to my hubby and we decided to look into weight loss sugery. I say we because it is important that he support me, so he is going to be right along side…

Hi everyone! I don't normally join forums like this but once I saw that lapbandtalk existed, I knew immediately that I should join. I am currently undergoing the pre-surgical process for approval for lapband. In fact, my endoscopy is tomorrow :phanvan. I guess I'm a little nervous because I've never had a procedure like that done...I've never been sedated before:rolleyes I'm surprised that I'm having surgery period because I'm usually scared of EVERYTHING and I'm very fatalistic! I always imagine the worst for myself...which is one of the reasons why I'm doing the Lapband and not the Gastric Bypass. However, my life has brought me down this path and now I have to face t…

Although I have prepared for the surgery: watched the films, went to meetings, had all my test completed, etc. I am still a little scared. I guess going under the knife is just scary. And when I read of some of the complications in the forums, it just makes me wonder if I am making the right decision. Does anyone have a photo of the scars? Is the entrance to the band to have a refill visible? Just need a little pep talk and encouragement. :nervous

Hi everyone! This is a great site!! I'm new, of course, so here's my story. Had my band put in July 31,2007. A week later, my appendix ruptured. Finally was able to get my first fill in October 2007. Had 6-7 fills in the subsequent months until i was at 3.5cc ( Was told I had a 4cc ban). I had no weight loss, even after hiring a personal trainer 3 days of week and doing cardio 5 days a week! I finally insisted that something wasn't right, then, during my last fill, the np noticed a dot in my port. She said that indicated a 10cc band. I pulled out my 4cc card that was given to me by the band surgeon, and the mystery began. She put 2.5cc in (total 6cc) and sure enough…

Hello,:help: I am newbie. I am starting the process for my lap band. I have located a Dr to do the surgery. Dr. Geiss in Syossett LI. I am having a hard time locating a psychologist that takes GHI insurance to perform my evaluation. Everyone I contacted wants you to be a long term patient. The Dr has recommend one but she does not take insurance and she is charging $350 for the evaluation. Can anyone recommend a psychologist that has done this type of evaluation that takes insurance. I am looking in the NYC area or Long Island NY. Thanks in advance for any assistance.Can wait to get the ball rolling.

Hello everyone.I want to introduce myself.I am a 32 year old woman that has type 2 diabetes and currently weigh 328.This is largest that I have every weighed.My height is 5 ft 2.I have always been an over weight person.Starting from the age of 11.I have been up and down on roller coaster diets.I always loose the weight and gain it back except it is always more than what I weighed before.Everyday is a struggle for me.It is embarrasing to say this but even going to the bathroom is a stuggle because I have to get up off of the toliet.Now anytime It is getting hard for me to get up off of the toilet than I know that it is time to try to loose weight.LOL!:pout: .The last time …

Hi, my name is Kristin and I will be getting banded by Dr. Fox in Auburn Regional Medical center on May 23rd. I just found this forum today. I am really anxious and nervous. Just wanted to get some support from people that have been or going to be through the same thing. Family and friends can only support so much if they haven't been through it. I am most scared of not lossing very quickly or it not working at all. I paid for the surgery and really want it to be a success. Thanks for listening

Hi all, My name is Marlynn and I am 28 yrs and going to be banded in Monterrey, Mexico on June 7th!!! I am SO excited...I get to break free from the fat shell I've been bonded to most my life! I sent off all of my passport information yesterday, making travel arrangements today, and paying full balance in 3 more days! Luckily I have a husband who would do most anything for me, and has given me the money to do this without having to finance anything...thank God. Otherwise, I'd be waiting for school loans to be paid off. Anyway, congratulations to all that have had this procedure, and good luck to the ones going to have it done! I look forward to hearing from some of y…

Hi there I am looking to have lapband surgery... not sure where to begin! Can anyone recommend a DR on Long Island? I am open for ALL sorts of info/tips and especially pictures!! Ohhh and I would love to hear from people who have had the surgery a year ago and longer... thanks in advance!! :hungry:

Hi: My name is Marcy and I'm 38, 5 '8, 272lbs. It looks like I will be approved for the surgery in the next month or so. My question is Has anyone else struggled with the decision to have the surgery itself? I feel bad that I have to resort to being banded because I can't control my eating. I feel like if I just had enough willpower, I could be "normal" but obviously I can't since I've had weight issues off/on all my life. As others have stated, I basically have to starve myself to be a normal weight. Also what are the risks long term? I guess what I wonder is what are the long term effects of the band and will we still be banded at age 80? Will the band have t…

Hi All: Been laying low over the last 4 months reading all your helpful advice. Well today all your help paid off. I was banded at Abington Hospital in Pennsylvania. Due to ALL of you collective advice I was able to walk into that hospital today confident that it was the right decision. My insurance company said no go as it is excluded from my policy by my employer. (Aetna) For the price of a decent used car I have been able to start on down the road of a much higher quality of life. Six hours into it and feeling pretty good. I hope I can continue on your support and will be sure to respond to those who I can help. Not sure how to add in all those fancy statistics but …

Hello My name is Valerie. I was lapbanded on 5/4/2007 in Houston, Texas. I have been reading alot of forums. Every one is so helpful and encouraging. I wish I would have read this prior to surgery. Great helpful hints. I am 4 days post op. I feel wonderful today. I also have a tip about Multivitamin. You can get them in chewing gum. You chew for 5-10 mins before your meal. Val :typing:

I would like to know what information anyone has regarding this Dr. What do I need to know before going to Mexico for this surgery? I would like to know good and bad...whatever you know please share!! Thanks so much for your information:)

Has anyone ever been reimbursed by insurance after getting the surgery and having to pay for it on your own? I am just curious. I just found out that I have to pay out of pocket for a 6 mos medical assisted diet, in order for insurance to cover the surgery. It's a catch 22. They wont pay for surgery to solve the weight and health issues up front, and they wont pay for a medical assisted diet either. What up with that? Any ideas??

Hello everyone! I have been reading for a little while and am really thinking LB is right for me. BUT< since I'm the queen of procrastinators, I haven't had the guts to do anything about it...until now. I FINALLY picked up the phone and called to register for the upcoming seminar. She said the date was posted incorrectly on the internet and the correct date I have a conflict for. Disappointed, I hung up and felt like I had taken a step backwards. I didn't want to have to wait until June for another seminar! So, I had a little talk with myself....Why let other plans get in the way of making such an important step? What was more important?? I really was afraid if…

My doctor will be Stephen Wilkinson, I've been waiting for three years on the public waiting list and I'm starting to lose hope. I'm a 26 year old mum of two kids under the age of 5 who is finding it really hard to do active things with them.:tired

Hey Everyone! I was just curious if anyone has had a problem getting a clearance letter from their primary care dr? My PCD is not a fan of the lap-band surgery because he thinks that everyone should be able to loose weight on their own, which if that actually worked all of us woudn't be here in the first place!

<p><p>I had to write and let you know that i got my loan approval today!!!! I am so excited!!! I am kinda in shock though, this has stressed me for such a long time!!! I am soooo happy to share this with you. Thank you for everyone's support and i will keep you updated!!!!! Going to Mexico, WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!</p></p>:flypig:

I have been approved!!!! :dance: I got a call today from my docs office. Carefirst/BCBS approved me w/2 requirements that need to be met. (1) Psych eval and (2) 6 months documented weight loss effort. I have no problem w/either of these requirements. The psych eval will be easy to get done and the documented weight loss effort will be the year I spent at Curves. My docs office said all I have to do is bring the receipt/contract agreement. I'm also asking them to print out how often I came in (b/c you have to scan your membership card before you workout.)--just for extra info. They also said if I had any Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers logs, that would be accepta…

Hi: I'm considering getting banded. I understand the various stages of diets from liquid to reg. foods. However I am confused on a few things. Can you ever eat sugar, caffeine or alcohol again? I know these are bad for you and not working toward weight loss but don't know if I can go the rest of my life without a cookie or caffeine again. Help, I'm so nervous. Thanks, Tesma

Hi all, I've just made my first doctors appointment with PCP to try and start steps to getting banded and have some fears... I'm sure many of you have had this particular situation and concern, so I wanted to run it by you. I'm 30, 5'3", 211lbs today. Gained weight during surgeries and illness years ago (still have illness and meds, but nothing that *should* interfere with banding approval) and NOTHING has got it to come off and stay off since. At best, I lose 10-15lbs and then my body adjusts back to the weight it was despite stepping up my workouts, reducing my eating, etc. In the past couple of years, the only thing that has made my weight drop at all is…

:phanvan Hi, guys I'm new to this board. Had the Lap Band in January 6, 2004. So far, lost 18 lbs. Most of that was the first 2 months after banding. Now, no loss. It's hard to get enough exercise; I think that's the problem. Anyone else have this problem and overcome it?

Hi everyone, I was bannded four weeks ago. So far everything has gone very well. I even went to Disneyland for a week. I have lost 14 pounds. What should I expect with my first fill?

Hi all!!! I have gone to a pre op meeting and a support meeting. I meet with dietician next week and with physical therepist. Then second dietician in June. Have not been scheduled for psycologist yet but that will come. I went to support meeting last night and kind of did a flip flop about if i want to be banded or have a gastric by pass. But i did not meet anyone that has been banded. I think i have found the right place. I will be reading and lurking and learning. Glad I have found you all!!!!! My surgeon will be Dr Toder in Bangor Maine if all goes well and my insurance bcbs pays for it.

Hello! My name is Jennifer, and this is my first time visiting this site - fun! I am 30 years old, live in Boston, and am scheduled to be banded on February 6th at the Beth Israel Hospital by Dr. Daniel Jones. :thankyou: I am feeling every possible emotion known to man-kind : excitement and fear, anxiety and anticipation. I cannot wait to put the actual surgery behind me so that I can start my life, again! I wish everyone who is scheduled for surgery all the best, and I look forward to speaking with people who have already begun their journey. Woo Hoo - Go Bandsters!!!! :clap2:

I have my surgery date scheduled for June 12th. I am so excited. It seems like things change so quickly. Yesterday i didn't think i was ever gonna join you banders and today i am on my way. I am so excited to be one of you. Thanks everyone for your support!!!

Went to the Dr. on the 9th pre-op on the 11th band on the18th, only 8 more days to go.I wish it were today!

h i everyone i was wondering if after your surgery if you can still lift things..my job requires me to lift 50 lbs. will this be a problem for me?

Hey all! I don't think I ever introduced myself when I first joined this, so I'll give a little info now. My names Amber, I'm 16 and I live in Kansas. I had lapband surgery December 18th 2006, and I did *really* well, but due to age and insurance, I never got my first fill til March 2007 (I've actually taken my case clear to the state governor, met with State Representatives, and several lobbyists all involved with my case) I'm now going for my second fill tomorrow *crosses fingers* but thats still up in the air because the doctor had called tonight saying my insurance wouldn't approve but, my mom plans on us going up there anyways since its mandatory that the insurance…

I AM GETTING the BAND! No question. I have done a ton of research and I am ready. It's just the waiting process and figuring out how to pay for this that is driving me bananas! I have my appointment for "Information Session" on Monday, 5/15. I called my insurance company and they don't cover the Lap Band. So I am looking for a new insurance company. I may have to self pay, though I don't know how. How do you deal with the waiting and keep your spirits up through all this crap?!?!

I just had my lap-band surgery on Friday. I'm feeling pretty good. A little soreness and gas pressure from the gas used during surgery. I'm having a tough time sleeping on my back because I'm too sore to sleep on my side. I'm not hungry at all, so I'm doing okay with liquids. Totally grossed out on the Advantage Vanilla shake yesterday, but liked the chocolate one today. I thought I'd be able to go to work tomorrow, but now I'm thinking i will be too sore. Hope the weight starts falling off!

Just curious...if your insurance company required 6 months documented weight loss efforts, what did you provide and did they accept it? Was it Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, gym receipts, journals/logs, etc??? Thanks!

Hello from the land of 10,000 lakes! (Yes, we really have that many). I have been here to this site since Dec. but I'm finally announcing myself. I have met with my dietican once (the weight loss plan is a challenge. She has me back on an exchange system. I haven't done that in years! I'm used to points with Weight Watchers. Breakfast is real hard. I'm working on it! I did my intake and the nurse I will work with is great. Tomorrow I have my first appointment for the psychological eval. I hope to have surgery in Sept. I am already exercising- but not a half hour daily. Its more like one hour every other day. I must say this sight has been great to read as I was cons…

Hi everyone, been trying to find financing to have my lap band placed. I recently got married to a man that had a new bankruptcy in his credit history and it's killing me. Anyone got any ideas??

Had my surgery Friday 04/27/07 and I feel preety good except my throat still hurts and some pressure on my chest. My doc had to repair a H. Hernia so Im not sure if thats why I have so much discomfort in my chest or not. I will be glad when this part is over but I am so ready to start my weight loss journey. Thanks for all your posts it really helps to read them.:faint:

I am new to the site also. I posted a couple of times yesterday. Especially on the slow losers site because I thought there was something wrong with me. I was banded in Ypsilanti MI in Feb. of 2006. My Dr. was Dr. Jon Schramm and he and his staff are absolutely wonderful. He also has an office in Holland to see his patients on this side of the state. It helped me so much to read some of the threads and realize that this can be a slow process. It also helped me to take a close look at what I am eating and how much and how much excercise I am really getting. This is a terrific site! Thanks. I have a goal to be in "Onederland" by August. That is about 12 lbs. for …

Hey Everyone From SC new to this site and interested in talking to people about having a Lap Band ... I go to a Information session this week. have talked to my Ins Co and they cover lap band @ 100% with medical proof that you need it.. which I feel like I have.. Have so many questions about this .Tracy