Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello! My name is Mary and I hope to have the lap Band in the next month or so. I have had a really positive experience thus far with HMO-IL and am looking forward to becoming a healthy and active person soon. I am 26 y/o and the process from surgical consult to approval for surgery by HMO-IL took less than a month. My comorbides are asthma, some joint pain, and hypertension. I, like I am sure many of you, have been overweight all my life. All through highschool I weighed approximately 210lbs but I was active in sports and the weight wasn't an issue that much, I even had a few boyfriends. When I got married (of course) I gained alot of weight on my already large frame and…

I'm 5ft 8 and 215 pounds. Tired of failng at the whole dieting thing and very interested in the lap band. Tons of questions; any Doctors in NC, outpaitent? if insurance doesn't cover - how much? any pain for discomfort after surgery?

Hi Everybody!! You have all helped me so much through this process!! I found you about three or four weeks ago, but I wasn't ready to talk because I didn't have a surgery date yet and I was really having a hard time with that. Now I have a date, 4-16-07. I'm very nervous and it's my first surgery. But I'm very reassured by all of your previous postings and the fact that I love my doctor and my family is totally there for me. Just wanted to say hello and thanks!! :clap2: Karen PS - I'm the most nervous about waking up right after surgery!! I've been told it's the worst!!

In the past twenty years, I've only steadily gained weight, no matter what diet I was on, how much I exercised - I would lose 10 pounds, then gain back 15; lose 20, gain 30...all very quickly and never changing really my eating habits. Since I was banded I've lost 12 pounds and I can't remember the last time I felt such hope! I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but this is huge for me. I haven't lost 12 pounds in 10 years! I am so excited!

Hello all, I was just banded on 2/16. A couple days after surgery, nothing I drink bothers me. I don't but i could chug my liquids if I wanted too. Certainly I don't feel any constriction even though my surgeon did put in a partial fill to make the band snug. There were reps from Inamed, the maker of the band in the operating room. I would think he did a good job in front of them!

Hey there everyone! My name is Suzie, and I am in Texas. My BMI is 43 (weigh ~275). I'm taking a pre-op pic for this page I'm having my surgery done in Richardson. Dr. Felts is my surgeon, I believe. I meet him for the pre-op on the 30th, an will have the surgery on May 7th. This happened rather quickly. Insurance approved with no problems (I use BCBS Federal), and the date came all of a sudden as well so -- YIPPEE!!!! I went researching and saw a video of what the actual procedure looks like and ... sheesh that's scary looking. My Myocel thing starts Monday, if it comes in the mail on time. I found out about it a bit late and didn't expect to get it by…

I am also new to the message board. I was banded on 04/30/07 abd had a very positive surgical experience. My doctor was very stern when it came to two weeks of a liquid protein diet prior to surgery. It appears his advice was well heeded. My BMI is down almost four points since the liquid protein diet began on April 16th. I am fortunate enough to have a great supportful spouse and kids that care. This is a jouney worth taking. JOURNEY ON!!!!!

Hello everyone, My names chris, im from the gold coast in Australia and i had my operation on monday last, it is now tuesday the next week and im feeling great, im still on liquids and im not craving food what so ever, this operation is going to save my life in the long run, i am so glad i had it done, and ive never been happier, in the first week i weighed 144.8 kilograms, i weighed myself today and i was amazed at the scale reading, it said 132.6 kilograms, i was absolutley amazed. well thats just a little bit about myself, look forward to talking to you all in the future chris

Hello.... Just joined today 5/08/07.... im 40 years old. I live in Millville NJ. Not far from Atlantic City. so I do look forward to be able to go to the beach without covering almost every part of my body.:spy: I am reading and doing a lot of research. well, to be honest, i have been for years now. ** giggle ** I dont have insurance yet, but plan of having insurance in a few months. It will be with AmeriHeath. Anyone have it? wondering how it all went as far as approval ect.... I have found the Doctor id like to use Earl Noyan, MDinHamilton, NJ. Im also a member on ObesityHelp.com for several years now. sure is nice to find a place that is all about lap band thou…

I had my first appointment this morning it was ok. Nutritionist and spychiatrist in two weeks. I am happy and worried at the same times. did anyone had to remove their gallblader before surgery?:nervous

Hi all. I've been posting in the May 2007 Bandsters thread and just now noticed this forum. I will be banded on the 14th! WOOT! Below is what I blogged for friends a few weeks ago. I think it will serve as introduction, but it's a bit long. Bear with me. BTW, the names are fake. I was born (yes, this may be a long entry! lol) one of a pair of twins. My twin sister, Jennifer, came out fat and sassy but I was just 4 lbs. 1 oz. and in 1954 that was very small indeed. What they now call intensive care nursery was then called the incubator. These days it costs about $2000 a day, but back then it was $5. I have the bill from the hospital Mother saved. They didn't let me go h…

Messed up in editing and can't figure out how to delete it.

Hi Everyone My name is Elaine from Texas. I was banded 4/24 by Dr. Felix Spiegel. I got the band to help deal with some health issues - diabetic and high blood pressure. I'm really looking forward to talking and reading the board. It always helps when you can talk with someone who's going through the same things you are. Let the journey begin. Elaine

Thank you to everyone that has answered my questions and been so friendly! I thought I should take a moment to tell my story-- it sounds a lot like many of yours. I grew up in So. California, where everyone was so obsessed with weight (think Chrissy on Three's Company). I grew up feeling fat. At 18 I was 127 lbs and too embarrassed to wear a swim suit (CRAZY!). I slowly added a few pounds every year and then put on 100 lbs with a pregnancy. I have tried and tried to loose weight, yo-yoing up and down with every diet I struggled through-- gaining back even more each time. I reached 330 lbs a little over a year ago and finally discovered I was a big as I have always felt…

I am completely new at this--both posting messages and learning about the lap band. I've seen the commercials and done some preliminary research online, but where do I start? How do I find a doctor and is there anything that I must do prior to seeing him/her? How do I know if the doctor is skilled? What questions should I be asking?

Hello all! I am still in the daydreaming phase of all of this....what finally tipped you over the edge, and made you decide to go for it? Personally, I've felt fat for most of my life. I crave food constantly. I've done WW, Jenny Craig, etc. etc. Right now I'm about 248, and totally hating it. I get out of breath, can't bend over, haven't crossed my legs in years. I've tried and failed so many times, it's nearly impossible to stay motivated. I'm close to getting engaged, and I don't want to be embarrassed at my own wedding. So - what made you do it? Thanks!!

I just logged in for the first time - I can tell this is going to be a great resource for me! I'm being banded on 4/3 by Dr. Glascock at Sartori Hospital in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I am from Cedar Falls, so it's a great blessing to live less than a mile from the hospital where my surgery will be performed. I'm optimistic about my future and would love to offer encouragment to others as I proceed down the road to better health. It would be great to hear from fellow Iowans, as well as anyone else who would care to give me advice as I'm approaching surgery. :nervous

<p><p>Hello i am new here my name is Robbie I am from TN. and haven't been banded yet. have to wait a while on my insurance. So was just checking on this surgery. Pretty excited about it. My doctor said that is shouldn't be a problem for my insurance to pay since i am 5'1" and weigh 263. My BMI is 49.7. Any advice would be appreciated, I am also scared about it. But i need to do something I have diabetes,high bp,neuropathy in my feet,gout,kidney failure,acid reflux, and she said this weight is killing me. Well it is nice to meet everyone.</p></p>and also have severe sleep apnea.

This is my first post, but I've been reading this forum for a couple weeks now. I'm submitted all my paperwork and had the tests that my surgeons office requires. I'm using Dr. John Baker in Little Rock, AR. I have Aetna insurance, and from alot of the posts I've read, I'm alittle dishearted. I'm 44, my BMI is 37 to 38, but, I have co-morbidities, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholestrol. I've fought being overweight for several years. I did turn in 5 years weights, and have letters from my heart doctor and primary care physican. I have been logging in at the gym I attend regularly since Febuary and have documentation from my dietican on our visits. I…

HI everyone, I am new at this so bear with me. I was banded on the 17th of April 2007. So far except for some minimal pain I am doing ok. I have lost 16 lbs, no fills yet and I start pureed foods on the 7th. I have enjoyed the readings and they have answered many of my questions. I go for my first fill on May 30th, which I am very nervous about. Will keep in touch. :clap2:

My insurance company approved me (90/10)!!!! Sugery will be scheduled before 6/1. I am so excited I'm about to jump right outta my skin!!! Woo! Hoo!!!!! Had the fitness consult last Friday. Started excercising already!! Ready to get 'er done!!!!

I just wanted to introduce myself. I was banded on April 26th by Dr. Ortez in Mexico. I had a great experience and highly recommend him. My sister went with me. I am anxious to be a smaller size. I lost 22 pounds on my pre-op diet and have lost another 14 since my surgery. I am going crazy on the all liquid diet. UGH........I hate it. I have a in home daycare and feed children 3 times a day and cook for my family (husband and two boys) every night. I cant wait for solid foods. Cant wait to meet everyone. Shannon

I was banded March 26, 2007 and so far everything has gone very well. I wanted to thank everyone who has posted on this site and let you know you have been a great source of information - Yes, I have been visiting for a few weeks and appreciate everyone's unique perspectives. I am down 25 lb. so far (50 - 55 to go) and just had my first fill (1.6 in a 4.0 band). Thanks again -

Hi. I'm glad I found this site. My name is Nicole and I was just banded on 5/1 in Denver, CO with Dr. Brown. Still a bit sore but I'm managing. I'm mentally done with the liquid diet, but I have one more week to go. I feel like I'm growing (at least trying to grow) a whole new relationship with food and my body. I'm listening to what my body has to say, for once. Although, it's not always sending the clearest messages. Am I full? Have I had enough? It's all new to me. Anyway, it's good to hear all of you out there. Thanks.

I am completing my last tests and waiting for insurance approval. My doctor is Dr. Glascock in Cedar Falls. Is there anyone else from Iowa (or elsewhere) who have gone to Dr. Glascock? If you are from Iowa and gone somewhere else, I would like to hear from you, too. I am getting nervous.......

Hi! I'm 330 lbs and am finally giving in and saying "I can't do this alone. I need major HELP!" I have been doing a lot of research and I think the Lap Band may be a good option for me. I have a few questions I hope you may be able to help me with. 1. Do you feel hungry and deprived on the liquid diets and using the Lap Band? 2. Does the band keep you from being able to binge? 3. Can anyone recommend a good Dr in Oregon? Thank you for your help! ~Kathy

:phanvan Hi!! I am trying to get financing, since my insurance doesn't cover it. Having great difficulty finding someone to finance this surgery. Any words of wisdom?? I want this soooooo bad!! Congrats to everyone who has had it done and is losing!!! YEAH!!!:clap2:

I have an appointment with a surgeon on May 15. I need the 15th to get here as soon as it can! I have heard so many great things from all of you that I want to get on my journey as soon as I can! GIVE ME MY BAND DAMMIT!!! However, I've heard alot about being on a liquid diet right before the surgery. This scares me. Does everyone have to go on a liquid diet? It's freaking me out a little! Hey! Where is everyone getting those really cool little avatars?

:nervous Hello from Ohio! I've been vegetarian for 52 years (I'm 56) and I'm so sick of being asked (sometimes diplomatically and sometimes not) how I could get so fat if all I eat are vegetables. Being veg. only means I don't eat meat, fish, and eggs. Everything else it fair game! I did want to pass on a communication I had with Bariatric Advantage products. None of their vitamin supplements are vegetarian--the vitamin E comes from fish oil. I'm still awaiting insurance determination and I hope to be banded the first week of June. I'm fortunate to have approval from my primary insurance guaranteed. If the second company declines coverage I'm only responsible for abou…

Hi, folks, I got a reminder email from this website saying I hadn't been active for a while. so I thought I'd pop in and give some updates. I had my first office consult with the NP on April 16 and I got my insurance approval letter in the mail yesterday. I was beginning to wonder about it because my ins. is one of those that pays as long as you are at least 100 lbs. overweight - absolutely no other requirements. Next I call the office to schedule my surgery and then they schedule all the pre-appointments - one four hour class, a physical with the surgeon, the psych eval. In the meantime I've been packing my house to move, which is a big task for a full time worki…

Hello, ....my name is Colette and I live in Tn. I am attending a seminar at Centennial Hospital in Nashville on the 19th. I have done a lot of research on lap-band, and this forum has really helped a lot. The stories of all the sucesses are just amazing and very encouraging. Can't wait until I'm a loser!

I am very new at this. Does anyone know Dr. Clark of Premier Bariatric in Indianapolis? Please reply!

I am looking into getting banded in Cedar Falls, Iowa by Dr. Glascock. He has done about 1300 bariatric surgeries, and he sounds great. I would love to hear from anyone he has banded.

I’ve kinda been lurking off and on for a few weeks while I get all my ducks in row. Now that I finally have my surgery date I’d like to introduce myself. (Don’t ask why I waited, I don’t know.) I’m Marie in Wilmington, Delaware. I’ll be banded by Dr Peters on June 27 th. And I can hardly wait! Has anyone else been banded by Dr Peters? I’m amazed at all the pre-tests and procedures he has me doing. I’ve done 7 appointments so far and have another 4 before the pre-op appointment with Dr Peters 2 weeks before surgery. Oh, and that’s not counting the blood work and chest x-ray. Well, at least I’ll know the state of my body before banding and will have more than just weigh…

Hi, I am new to the site. I am struggling with the decision of whether or not to have a lap band. My BMI is 43 and I feel like crap all the time. I am way too young to feel this old! Anyway, I am wondering about long term. I have done enough research that I know this is just a tool and not a total solution. Just let me know how ya'll like it. :help:

I first want to say hello. My name is Cayce and I went to an information session on April 18, 2007. There I filled out a packet so that the hospital could get the ball rolling on the insurance. They said that I would hear from them in 1 1/2 to 3 weeks depending on how soon my insurance company was. Anyway, on April 26, 2007, I received a call from the hospital to set up appointments. They said that the insurance covered the surgery. I was so excited. I have my first consultation visit on May 21st and my 2 hour pysche test on May 23rd. In the meantime I have to get a letter from my doctor recommending the surgery and something to say that I am able to go through surgery. I…

Hi... My name is Sherry and I live in western Virginia. I'm so glad I found this board. It's critical for my health that I have this surgery but our family has limited funds. For a number of reasons, travel overseas is not an option for me but I am free to go anywhere within the lower 48 to have the lap-band surgery done, if the price is right. Here in Roanoke, they wanted to charge me $30K to $35K and I have no insurance. That strikes me as way overpriced. I found a place in Detroit that charges $11,500 and so far that's the lowest domestic price I've seen. Can anyone recommend a good doctor and facility that might charge less? I'd appreciate your help w…

Yes I'm turning 60 and fought the fat all my days....My joints are killing me with the extra weight. I want to do all the fun things I missed through the years...like riding a bike, going for horseback rides, boating, and dancing. I want to be more of a service to others and not be encumbered by my weight. I want to enjoy walking and not feeling like I'm going to die before I find a chair. I want to be light and free feeling.....! I want to be everything I was created to be, before I die. I am truely thankful for the oppurtunity to be lap banded....I am being banded on the 8th of May. I'm nervous about the surgery, but again thankful for this oppurtunity. Shar

Hello Everyone, So here's my story....... I'm 28 years old, 312 pounds heavy and 5 days away from surgery. Being overweight is nothing new to me and I've been on what seems to be a continuos failing diet since I was about 11 years old. Being the big girl is nothing new to me and for the most part has been a major part of my identity. Over the years I've wrestled with being confident and loving myself (on the outside) regardless of my size and I do. However, I could never quite face myself, my naked self, and honestly say that I was satisfied with what I saw before me. There has always been a curiosity in me that wondered what the real me looks like up under all of th…

Hi guys, I have been mostly viewing this site and have joined a few moths ago. Have not done much talking. Now I am ready and need advice on my first fill. What iis it like and how much restriction do you really get out of it. I can basicly eat what I want now but I still feel some restriction. I have not lost what I expected thus far. It is 16 days and I have lost about 10 pounds. Is that good?

I got my first fill on Tuesday,should I be feeling any restriction yet?I am not scheduled for my secound one until July 11.How much food and how often should I be eating.I dont want to eat to much Iwant to loose some weight.I dont feel full or satisfied afte I eat,and I am starving 2 to 2.5 hours.I got 1 to 1.5 cc in my band.I need some help from others that have went through this.

How much time do you need to be off work?

In a very round about way, I finally have my surgeon consult appointment. I went to MeritCare in Fargo, ND for my info seminar in March, and had my psych eval in mid April. I got a phone call from the appointment scheduler and they couldn't get me in until JULY 24 and said surgery wouldn't be for a couple months after that. WHAT the HECK - I thought that was a long time to wait and I really wanted to get this done before my daughter starts kindergarten in late August. When I was considering having this done, I had researched both Fargo, ND and Sioux Falls, SD (we live in between) and had decided on Fargo as I have family in the area. I decided to call Dr. Thaemert's …

Hey everyone, my name is Ann and I live just outside Jacksonville Florida. I topped the scale in January at 301.5 . My goal is to be fit and fine by the time I am fifty wich is December of 2008. I loo forward to getting to know many of you. My surgery was Monday 30th April (296.5) today is day 4 for me and I feel great and have been back at work for a couple of days. A little shoulder pain - but not too bad. Everyone have a great weekend. Can anyone tell me how to get one of those "trackers'? anniemac

I had my sugery 2-09-07 went for my first fill 4-26-07 was told dr. couldnt find my port I am a little nervous about this I'm going in for xrays on 5-08-07 trying not to worry too much a little hard not to I have a great doctor Dr. Higa did the procedure and I have lost 24lbs. :rolleyes

Hi everyone, I just registered today but have been reading for a while. I live in Massachusetts and i have to go through a long process before I can even get my date(per my insurance). But after reading so much of your experiences it has given me some hope. This place is great and I am looking forward to being healthy!!!:clap2:

Hi there, My name is Stephanie, and I'm 23 years old. I am currently around 125kg. I am so sick and tired of being the way I am. I have a really low self esteem, and have tried every kind of diet possible, and nothing seems to work. I was at the gym twice a week for personal training, and had to give that up because my back is really bad. I see an endocronologist (sp? It was never my strong suit, lol), and he suggested lap banding. I flat out refused, why? Because I wanted to do everything in my own power to overcome it by myself. But nothing has worked. I am really worried that I won't be able to control what I eat anymore, I really really eat so much junk it's not…

Well, I went to the info meeting. They are very honest that even though Gastric Bypass may be faster weight loss, this is much safer. The Dr said he normally does his procedures on an outpatient basis. Is that normal? Said he only keeps them over night if they are throwing up. WOW. I was glad to know I wouldn't have to stay more than maybe 1 night if even that. I don't know much about the BMI info, but I am 57.9, that scared me and I don't even know all the details about the number, but I knew it was high. Well, here I go. The ball is rolling and I am so glad that my husband's insurance covers morbid obesity treatment. That was a huge relief. I am going to tr…

Hi everyone, I've been reading the boards for about a week now and love all of the information and discussions. I've learned so much. I looked into the lap band several years ago and at the time it wasn't being performed in my area. Now I can go to the local hospital. It's amazing how fast it has grown in popularity and availability. I also wasn't ready for it and thought I needed to keep trying to work on the reasons I overeat. Well, I know why I overeat, I'm just having a really hard time stopping. I go to a seminar on May 10th and I'm hoping they will be able to tell me if my insurance will cover it. I don't have high hopes though, because there might be an excl…

I went to my first informational meeting on Wednesday and really learned a lot about the procedure. I thought it would all scare me off, but it gave me so much hope! The office manager just called me and said that my insurance is great! I don't have to have any pre-requisites, other than a BMI of 40 to qualify!:faint: (The funny thing is I am right at 39 and she said I should just eat heavy before my next meeting and gain a couple of pounds so my BMI will raise to 40! I can do that! No problem! Its going to be a fun weekend actually trying to GAIN weight! I was so scared that I would have to jump through all those hoops most of you have gone through only to find…