Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi everyone, It's me Stacy again.I'm down to 7 days left before the big day. For some reason i am really getting scared about the whole mortality rick issue. I have done all the research and my Dr. seems very comfortable about it but, my little girl just keeps poping in my head. My husbsnd keeps reminding me that i am only 31, do not any health problems (YET) Do not seem to have problems with anestecia and that my BMI is not major (36.9). Seems really high to me!!!! I know in the long run this is my best option. I really do not have a choice. I guess i'm just a over pertective mother. I just Don't want her to have to grow up without a mom. But thats the whole reason for…

Hello everyone!! I am 26 and live in Sacramento California. My doctor recently talked to me about considering Lap Band Surgery, at first i freaked out a little and though "isnt that a bit over the top?" :omg: When my Dr said to me "have u considered WLS" I though "OMG I know im overweight but there are people out there far worse then me". Then I realized I weigh 291 pounds I am 5' 8 and that is extremly overweight. I have tried many diets probably since i was in about 6th grade I have struggled with my weight. I am active and I go to the gym and take classes I just have a problem with telling myself when to stop i guess.:speechles All the posts on here have really help…

I am being banded on Feb 9th by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I have read that he is one of the best in this industry. He has a book out called Lap Band For Life. I am 37 year old mother of three. I am 5'4' and weight 265. This is getting ridiculous!!! I am really excited and a little bit nervous. I have tried to loose weight so many times and always fail. It is almost sureal to think that I have an opportunity to shed this weight once and for all!! It almost too hard to believe. I've bought my broth and Jello for the post op diet. I haven't been doing so well on the pre op diet. I hope I don't get into much trouble over it. It's been really hard to diet knowing…

Hi everyone, I am new to lapbandtalk and excited to read all that is on here. There is so much information! I have just submitted all my paperwork to the drs office today, I am hoping to get approved! I have BCBS of IL - lots of steps to go through - but I am done with all that! Pysch eval and all! I just need the phone call from the drs office saying that I am approved by my insurance! I am not in a huge hurry, but so excited to get my life back! Thanks for all the inspiring stories!

I am waiting to see if my ins. will pay for my banding. Dr Szomstein in Weston Florida at the Cleveland Clinic is my Dr. I'm very excited, but have two big questions for those of you who have already been banded. I am 100 pounds overweight. I've heard that I should only expect to lose about 50% of that with banding-Is that true? Also I've heard that with banding, many people feel full but hungry at the same time-Is that true?

So my name is Jessica. I have an appointment on Wednesday with a doctor to discuss the band. I have been to a seminar and just found out that my insurance will pay for the surgery. I am only 24 but have been overweight my whole life and just want to get to experience life without having so much extra weight. I live in CT. Just wanted to say hi!

Hi everyone! I had my lap band surgery on 3/12/07 it is just a little over a month and i've lost 28 lbs. This is the BEST thing I've ever done. Why didn't I do it sooner. I go next week for my first fill. Anyone have any suggestions or anything? Also, I'm new here and how do I add my weight loss ticker to my messages??? Have a great day everyone and keep on losing!:clap2:

Hello, My name is Meltini and I am going to be having surgery on 05/07/07. I am nevous:eek: , but this site and all you nice people out there, have been helpful to calm my fears.:nervous I have found so many caring and compassionate people on this site that are willing to offer their experience, thoughts and advice. Like some of the other posts, I am nevous about having something put inside me and staying there. I do feel lucky that I have a good doctor that is an abdominal/thorasic surgeon and specializes in LAP Band and Gastric Bypass. All the medical facilities are relatively close and I have support groups to choose from. I have seen a lot of people on here that do …

Can anyone tell me how to send a private message!! I have looked, cant seem to find out how. thanks!!!

Hello, I am new to this website. The surgical group I am using has a process that I go have to go through before I get a surgery date. I have a psych eval left and do that on 5/10. I can not wait to get the surgery date. I have given up soda already and looking to do some test runs with my liquid pre op diet. I am nervous about that. I am looking forward to reading the threads on this site. I was referred here by someone at one of the support group meetings. I have lots of questions regarding post op and it is encouraging to see the great results that everyone has had. Keep it up and I look forward to adding my success story as well.

Hi everyone, my name is Rebecca. I'm getting my band on May 14. Its only three weeks away. I'm excited but I'm also really scared and nervous. This site has really been helpful with questions I have had. If anyone has any suggestions or advice on what i should be doing to prepare for my surgery i would really appreciate it.:help:

I have just been to a lapband seminar. it was very informative and little intimidating. Before I went to the seminar I look at my benefit plan document and found out my insurance will pay 50% after my deductible :clap2:, which was nice to know up front. I filled out a medical history and sent it back in. My concerns is that I don't have alot of the medical problems most folks associate with morid obesity. No diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, but the nurse at the seminar said since my bmi (49)was high enough, it may not be a problem. I have watched the lapband surgery video online and think this may be a procedure that could really help me. I am working with do…

Hi Everyone, My name is Allison and I was banded on thursday. Everything went very well! I'm 3 days post-op and feeling great. Doing well with the Clear liquids and Carnation Instant Breakfast. The hardest part has been trying to keep my 2 year old son from climbing on me. He's starting to understand. I showed him my incisions to show that Mommy has "boo-boo's". Other than that, it was a positive experience. My surgery was done in Worcester, Mass by Dr. Czerniach. I'm looking forward to dropping this weight, and I think the band was a much better option for me than the bypass. Good luck to all of you!

Hi, My name is Stacy. I am not yet Banded but will be 4/30/07 with Dr. Edward Lin From Atlanta Ga.. I have already started my 14 day pre-op diet. and it is going OK i guess. No I am only at the end of day 3 and a little hungry:think. I am very excited and also very scared. I think i am scared most about the pain after surgery. I just don't know what to exspect. I had my Gallbladder removed hope its no worse than that. Would someone please let me know there experince. Thanks a bunch!!! Stacy:omg: PS Would someone also tell me how to do those little ruler things that show your progress.

Hi all. Ive been a lurker of this site for quite a while now and finally joined tonight. Im currently researching getting the band, im very excited by it all. I dont have a appoitment yet to see consultant but soon will. Im going to advanced cosmetic surgery in Dublin. Has anyone here ever been banded there? I havent weighed myself in ages so dont know what i am but last time i did i was about 19 stone which is terrible. I am 21years old. Im about 5 foot five in height so as you can see im seriously over weight. I have tried various diets including unislim, ww, lipotrim, atkins. Nothing worked for me. I am really at the end of my tether, i feel so lonely, depressed …

Hi all. I am a future patient (current patient, future surgery) of Dr. Spivak. I've been to the seminar and have applied to insurance. Will be getting it done whether they pay or not. Having been overweight all my life (since age 8...I am now 55) I feel like I am taking control of my life FOR ONCE.

Suz, I can only tell you how it went for me at Hurley. The nurses were very efficient, helpful, and cheerful. I heard there that Dr. Farhan is very good. I had Dr. Wagner, and I thought he was very good. Whenever I needed anything, someone was there right now! I was really very surprised at how good things went there. Dont be too stressed about it!! I think you will do fine also. If it really bothers you, Maybe ask for Dr. Wagner. I was supposed to have Dr. Obeid, and after I met him, then he had some problems, and could not be there, so they asked me if I would take Dr. Wagner, I said yes. The morning of my surgery, which was last Monday, They had a cancellation, and cal…

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Hi, My name is Janine. I am scheduled to be banded on June 7. I started the process in January and February. The surgeon group I am using has a process you must go through. When my insurance approved it late March, I was hoping for at least a May date:cry . But the fact my insurance approved it and I am on the schedule, I am excited! I am a bit anxious taking the plung, but that goes away when I read the messages on the site and everyones journeys, successes and challenges! Any help you can give me would be great. I am a little concerned if I will ever get to drink wine again or coffee. if anyone can tell me if that is ok for the future, that would be great! I am no…

Hi, I am from Iowa, 41, been married to a great guy for 23 years and we have 4 great kids that I am very proud of. I have been dealing with weight issues for about 20 years. It started after our second child was born and my thyroid quit working. It took 2 years for a dr to do the right test and surgery, but by then I had already gained 75 pounds. I tried to get back into working out and dieting, but frustration always led me right back to my habits of food for comfort. About 4 or 5 years ago, I became unable to use my right leg correctly and found out I have nerve damage in my spine and so weight is a big/huge issue...no pun intended:) I have other problems because…

Hi Everyone. I have enjoyed reading all of your postings over the past few weeks. Everyone seems so kinda and willing to help. I am hoping that this forum will give me the extra support and encouragement im sure i will need over the next few months while I get used to living with my lap band. (I had a diet soda today) and this forum was wonderful bc Ithought I was the only person who had ever had a problem with soda- so it was nice to know i was not alone. So hopefully i will be able to help someone the way you all helped me today. I had Lap Band surgery on 3/19/07 at NYU hospital. I have already lost 19lbs. I think i was very lucky because I had no problems with m…

Hi. Working on my "required" 6 months of weight managment with my regular MD. Had my sleep apnea testing, my heart tested (was put on baby aspirin for chest pain) have tried to lose weight (yeah right a whopping 5 pounds in 4 months):eek: and had my appointment with the nutritionist (she tried to scared the crap out of me so I wouldn't go through with it). I have two more visits then my insurance "should" cover the lap band. I'm planning to have it done in July. I'm SCARED. :nervous I'm hoping this site will dissolve my fears and give me the confidence to get my life back. Up until age 31 I was a normal weight. (125 to 138) The thyroid then threw me a curve ball. I'm sti…

Well, I finally got up the nerve to post my introduction. I have been lurking on this site since December 2006, but was too nervous to say "Hi!". I was paranoid that if I talked about getting my band too much before it happened, I would somehow jinx myself! Anyway, after years of researching multiple WLS, including RNY, Duodenal Switch, and finally Lap Band, I finally found a medical group that would at least refer me to a WLS specialist for a consult. My old group gave me the run-around for years, saying they only supported Weight Watchers. Well, I'm sorry, but if WW had worked for me, I would have been skinny 24 years ago! Both my husband and I have been dieting for y…

Hi, my name is Rochelle I'm 28 from northern NY. I've been lurking for a while now. Still trying to decide if the LB is for me. I have 3 boys, the youngest was born in Sept. I'm now at my highest weight ever...around 240:faint: I've never maintained my weight. I started dieting when I was 13, and since then I have been either losing or gaining weight. I'm really good at losing the weight (I've lost 60 or 70 lbs. about 5 times) I just can't keep it off. As soon I reach my goal I immediately begin to gain it back. I'm afraid to put in the effort and hard work just to gain it all back again. Anyway, I really enjoy this forum and everybody's helpful advice and just wanted to …

Hi, My name is Deb, I just turned 54 on March 1. I have been married for 27 1/2 years to a wonderful guy, Jim. We live in Iowa, 17miles NW of Des Moines. I have one son, Trevor who is 22 and a wonderful kid. He is going to school to be a police officer. God gave him to us, as a true blessing, through adoption, as we could not have kids. I am an RN and currently on Short Term Disability because of pain and the need to take pain meds. I have worked at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines for 36+ years and would like to go back but I know I have to lose a lot of weight before I can go back. I am a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse and I love my babies!!! I have always had a problem…

Wow, so many mixed emotions, I was fine the last 2 days I had my filter put in and started my Liquid Protein diet. Then last night and today I have thought food, wow can I do this, what a change, will I be hungry after, will I ever eat real food again. ( like I am losing my best friend who listens to all my problems) But then I log on to here and I read such powerful positive information and comments and I am excited to be finally making this change in my life , to keep my life and actually live my life. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone on here for sharing the good and the bad. It is wonderful. Thanks Lost_secret

Hi, I'm almost 16 months post lapband. I had my lapband 12/21/05. Was surfing the web last night and decided to join this forum. I've had a few challenges along this new journey and continue to learn more about myself every day. Would love to talk with anyone contemplating surgery or freshly banded.

How's everything going? My name is Rashad and I live in Florida. My wife, son, and I are moving to Fort Worth in June. I browsed these forums a couple of weeks ago when I was trying to decide whether or not to get the band. I decided I'd do it. Mine is scheduled for June 8, 2007 with Dr. Rodriguez in Mexico. I am very excited, just ready to get it over with. I am looking forward to my "new" life. Any pointers? How has everyone here done with their Lap-Band? Do you really think it was the way to go? Thanks in advance!

Hi Group, Hogan is my name and I live here in Washington State (Renton). My insurance is through Group Health Cooperative. I very recently made the decision to have weight loss surgery having just received a referal from my PCP this week. I think I would like to have the LB surgery but still haven't made up my mind. If anyone out there is familiar with Group Health Coop. and have any advice I sure could use any Information that you might have. A journey starts with a single step so I'm on my way. I need this! It's about saving my life. :help:

:clap2: I was banded on 12-04-06 in Denver, Co. Rose Medical. I have lost 43 pds. 64 to go. Seems like a lot left, but I'm already a success! I failed so many times with diets, but Lapband works for me. 247/204/140. :help: We are collecting information from experienced Lapband recipients, for those who are considering Lapband surgery or are in the process of Lapband. The experiences you share will be in booklet form, given to attendees at bariatric seminars, medical offices and clinics. Can you help someone who is searching/struggling? All we need is your opinion and experience. First question: Since your surgery, what have you discovered about your relationship with …

This is my first post. I was banded last year by Dr. Speigal and got the 'usual' band (forgot what size/kind). I have a particularly weak esophagus. AFter initial surgery, I couldn't keep anything down. Not even liquid. In five days I was dangerously dehydrated and didn't even know it. A friend came by and took me back to the hospital. Dr. Speigal had me looked at by a Dr he met in the parking lot that day (can you drop by and see a paitient of mine?). I really don't mind that he asked a Dr in the parking lot. This is not totally unusual but not exactly professional either. Had Xray and barium swallow while both (Dr. Speigal and the other Dr) watched me for a …

Hi! My husbands work is changing insurance back to UHC & I'm so excited! I thought about lapband but that was right after I had my first child & was scared to go through it. Now that we're getting back on the insurance & I'm done having children I want to go through with it - if insurance lets me. Hoping to use this board as an educational tool & learn to be more confident with this procedure. ~Kelly

I'm researching my options, going to meeting on Monday. Lap Band looks like the way to go, need to do something, just watching life go by is not acceptable! Great infomation from postings, important to hear from the "real people" not just statistics. Thanks

I have a very strong gag reflex. I gag when I brush my teeth, and many foods cause me to gag. I don't like the feel of it in my throat. (pudding, guacamole, bananas) Many mornings brushing my teeth will actually cause me to vomit. Will this make me a poor candidate for a lap band? I'm afraid it will cause slipping. Although I don't really understand what "slipping" means. Advice?

Howdy! I went to a seminar last night with my hubby. The seminar is the first step on the road to my LB. I rushed home, completed the paperwork and faxed it in before I went to bed. I've already heard from my assigned patient advocate. She has assured me that we'll know something from the insurance company within the next 1-2 weeks. Fortunately, we've got good insurance. Whew! So, maybe we'll hear back REALLY soon. With a BMI of 43.3, plus a couple of comorbidities, I don't think approval will be a problem. I'm 42 and have been MO for 20 years. I also have Crohn's disease, but have had it under control for about 8 years now. All doctors, PCP and gastroen…

My first posting after lurking... I've been thinking about this surgery for a while but just now starting to seriously do the research. I lurk on other related Yahoo groups and hear so many stories of bad post-surgery health, taking tons of pills to make up for the loss of nutrition of not being able to eat normal quantities of food, weight gain, and scary surgery complications. This is why I'm thinking more of LapB than the bypass surgeries. I haven't gone to any support groups yet but one is coming up that I'll go to. I live in the San Jose, CA area so am just starting to research doctors. The support group I found is for patients of LapBandSF (San Francisco). One…

I looked up Aussie lapbanders and went there first, but at least I found this forum! Better late than never. I've been trying to get a lapband since my doctor told me about it when I was 16. It was young, yea, but I was already 120kgs at that point... anyway, we did all the rituals you have to do and thought that I was on the waiting list. I was about 17 when that happened, and because the public waiting list at the time was 5-8 years long, we weren't so worried about age. I found out last year that I wasn't on the waiting list at all so I got myself put on it again, met a new surgern, and now I am on the waiting list. Plus it looks like the waiting list times have c…

[Some people dream of success...while others wake up and work hard at it.] Hi Everyone! I got banded on Tuesday, April 3rd. The first 3 days were not too bad, but on day 4 I started having the gas pains in my left shoulder and neck. :thinkI used a heating pad for two days. That helped a lot. If you have any other suggestions....please let me know. Has anyone been told to do a two-week liquid diet for pre-op as well as a 2-3 week clear liquid diet for post-op? Just curious.

Hi, I had been planning to get the Lap-Band but now that I have been to the Doctors initial team (Doctor, Psychologist, Nutritionist) mtgs. they are leaning toward the actual By-Pass surgery. this is for reasons of co-morbidity +. But, they also, are telling me I have been misinformed on both procedures pros and cons. How do I find out the truth?:help: Thank you.

Hi all, my name is Rodney. I guess this is my introduction. Let's see, I'm 31 and my BMI is 49. I've been overweight my whole life. I've tried numerous diets and the common problem with all of them is that I'm never full. When I heard about the lap band I thought, sounds like my problem may have a solution. I didn't used to mind exercise until my body started to get tired and sore from carrying me around. I played sports throughout school and would love to get back into that type of stuff. I played on a church softball team a couple years ago but I was constantly in pain thanks to the extra 150 pounds I was lugging around the diamond. I guess my primary reason f…

I've 5 days post op and the last two nights have had a low grade fever 99.6. Is this normal after surgery?

Hi All, I was banded on Monday! It went well, :clap2: I woke up with very little pain, and no gas!! I found out that it really pays to work out and walk a lot before the surgery, goes better! Prayers to all having the band done this month!!

HI - My nameis AMANDA I am being banded on May 14th at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY My Dr is Tompkins. I'am very nervous but also very excited i really think having support of others that know what your going thru will be awesome. Most people around me my friend, my mom,my aunt have all had gastric by-pass and it is different than banding. I don't know alot of people that has had banding done and I am glad that i will be able to have support from people that has experienced the ups and downs first hand. Thanks

Hi, my name is Janel, and I say kind-of new but not really because I've had a band since 2003. I had a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Deol in Troy, and the surgery was a huge success and I lost an amount of weight I was happy with and life was good :clap2: Then in January of 2005 I found out I was pregnant. I was thrilled!!! I had my band emptied and my pregnancy was a breeze!! In september of 2006 I had a beautiful baby girl!! Now Isabelle (my daughter) is 7 months old, and I still haven't had my bad filled because I have gall bladder problems and I need it taken out before I can have a fill. But it gets worse.....I no longer have health insurance so I can't have my ga…

Hi! I'm a new member! I am so glad I found this website. I am still in the researching/planning phase. My insurance doesn't cover any type of bariatric surgeries whatsoever. So I would be self-pay. Does anyone know of reputable affordable lap-band surgeons in the U.S.?( I am willing to travel some but want to stay within the states.) Thanks in advance for any help!!!

I was banded on 4/12...went back to work 2 days later...so feeling decent..except...I look 8 months pregnant...how long does it take for the swelling to go down? My shoulder feels like ^@!^& OUCH...big time...way worse than the incisions! When will this go away? I'm flushed (but not a fever)....why??? At first does this seem like an out of body experience??? If you ask me today am I glad I did it...I just don't know. Is this nomal? I just spent $16,000 to change my life. I'm terrified that something will go wrong. I don't know how to find out how I should be feeling (both mentally and physically)......is my dr.'s office letting me free fall. Thanks in advan…

Hey all! I have my first consult on May 1st with Dr. Juarez In fresno, california. Im a 30 yr old Female, 302.5lbs 5'5 I have 3 beauitful daughters. Im happly married to a wonderful and supportive husband. Im hoping to fine encourgment, answers, and friends here!

I was banded on Four days ago and I can't get rid of this terrible sore throat. Everythin seems to be fine but my throat is so irratated from the tube they put down my throat. Did anyone else have this? And if so, how long did you have a sore throat? Thanks

Hello Everyone, I am new to the forum. I am very excited to have found this site. I have been lurking for several days now and I can't tell you how much better I feel about LBS since reading the posts here. I did go to one support group meeting at the hospital where I am having my surgery but most of the people there were also pre-op so it didn't help much.

Hello everyone, You know I've been using computers for half my life, but yet, this is the first time I've ever decided to join a chat forum. I'm currently living in the St. Louis area and decided last year that I would take control of my weight. Its always been an issue for me, but over the past two years things had definitely taken a turn for the worse, both physically and mentally. I could no longer walk without pain, no longer smile and woke up every day asking myself if this would be the day I'd have a heart attack (heart disease and diabetes runs in my family). So at 322 lbs I decided to take action and since gastric bypass was personally not an option for m…