Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

:help: Hello everyone! Happy Easter! I was wondering how long it took before you were ready to go back to work after your band surgery. I have read alot about the pain it looks like some of you were in. I have my surgery Wednesday and I am scheduled to go back Monday. Did I take enough time off? My work has NO heavy lifting, thank God. What should I do in preperation? I am SO excited!!

Hi, All! I just found this site today. Thank goodness for search engines! I was banded on 3/23/07. Everything went fine......except that I'm now really hungry :hungry:all the time, and don't feel any restriction. My doc won't do a first fill until 8 weeks post-op. If I had enough self control to behave for 2 months, I wouldn't have needed the band! Ha ha! Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading about others' experiences, and hopefully making some buddies here. Thanks, BJ

I was just wondering what people's time-lines were from attending the first seminar to surgery. I was planning to take everything slowly, but the more I read here, the more excited I get. I'm still going to take my time and make sure I'm ready, but I think I'll do it sooner rather than later!

Hi, my name is Dixie, I have written here a few times. I am still waiting for the band. I have gone to the seminar, 1st dr. appt., had blood work, chest xray, ekg, have to have a stress test, go to nutrition class, have 6 months of documented weight loss progress notes from my PCP. I don't know how long it'll be before I fianlly get the band. Cigna is my insurance. Wish me luck!!

Hello everyone, I’ve been considering gastric banding for sometime (I currently weigh 234lbs and my BMI is 38), however, I haven’t taken this any further than carrying out research on the internet. Although, thanks to my participation in a self-help group, my weight has been stable for the last three years and I have been abstaining from my old ‘binge’ foods of cakes, chocolate, sweets etc for a similar length of time but, while this is a vast improvement, I just can’t seem to under-eat (which let’s face it is what you have to do) sufficiently in order to lose weight. My self-help group friends are very ‘anti’ any sort of surgical options, however, I really feel th…

I have been to a seminar and really want to be banded. My spouse went with me and his is in agreement. But the money that it costs is such an obstacle to overcome. I weigh 235lbs today at 5'4" and I'm miserable. I have ridden the weight rollercoaster all my life and I want to be skinny. I have 3 children 7y/o to 15 mon. My 4 yr old says that she doesn't want to have fat elbows like me. I don't want to be an embarrassment to my children. I shop Lane Bryant trying to look my best but I'm not happy with my looks most of the time. Shopping is just a temporay fix. My husband loves me but I don't feel sexy enough to enjoy our lovemaking. I have such a supportive man …

:wave: Hello! I have been reading a lot of the postings on this site for over a month now.. My husband found this site when we were considering having the surgery done by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Aurora, CO www.lapbandrockies.com We were very impressed with him and from what we read from others who have gone to him; but, honestly, his cost was a huge part of our decision because I have to self pay. I have had my consultation with him and was very impressed with his nature and his staff. Today is the first time I have posted, because even though it is via the internet, I am… well.. shy, and it took me some time to get the nerve up to post something. :clap2: I am schedul…

Hey everyone, I'm researching the Lap Band procedure and any info is appreciated. I do not have insurance, however, I have access to the fees it will take to get the procedure done, so anyone out there who also did not have insurance and you have any info, also appreciated!!! Please share with me your thoughts, your progress, your feelings...... I am 48 years old, and I am emotionally and physically drained. I can't go on at this weight I carry around. I isolate and avoid social situations, and of course this is why I have not enjoyed a relationship with a man for the last 10 years. I know this sounds silly, but I don't want to die alone. I have no children, th…

Hi everyone. Just a quick introduction. My name is Elizabeth and I live in Scotland. I had tried every diet under the sun as I'm sure everyone with a gastric band has. I had my band fitted on the 7th of February 2007 and my first fill was carried out on the 26th of March 2007. Sadly I am only down 10lb which I lost on the pre-op diet to reduce the liver. I am disappointed by the lack of weight loss and the amount I can still eat. I have heard of people not noticing a substantial difference until the 2nd or 3rd fill so I am hopeful that it will get better. Fingers crossed. I am having my 2nd fill at the end of April and am just waiting for a date. Can't wait.

Hello, I'm a new member, and I'm considering having the LAP Band surgery at some point. Basically, right now I'm just learning a lot about what it is, how it changes the body, long-term affects, feelings of patients post-op, etc. I'm currently a college student getting my bachelor's degree, so no insurance right now. However, after college I am hoping that I will be able to have the surgery done with the aid of insurance. Anyway, anyone that would like to talk to me is appreciated, and I hope everyone has a great day! Dannielle

Im' getting band on the 4/11 and do the pre-diet right now. Boy I'm hungry.:hungry:

I have been watching the obese programmes on tv all week and have decided I need to do something.. I watched Shaw Summers on there but can not find anything on him on the internet. I would like to know who to go with - how to start etc. I read about Belgium and here but I can not decide where is best. Can someone help me. I look at the stories on here and I wish I had done it sooner.:help:

Hey all, I've been reading these posts, and so many of you refer to the "seminar." What seminar is this.... ??? Thank you!! Alaine from Wisconsin

I'm going to be banded on 4/25. I am nervous and excited. The problem is that I do not recover well from anesthesia, at all. Alot of vomitting. Did anyone get sick like I know I will. I am so worried about slippage. I talked to the doctor about it, but she did not seem to be worried. She told me to get my my records from past sugeries so she could see what was used. When I talked to the nurse for preop, she said we would talk about what is to be used the day of, wont that be too late?:cry

HI EVERYONE! MY NAME IS NIKKI AND I WAS LED TO THIS SITE THROUGH A SEARCH ENGINE. I AM REALLY GLAD THAT THERE IS A SITE LIKE THIS HERE ON THE NET! I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY WARMEST GREETING TO EVERYONE HERE. I HOPE TO GATHER SOME VALUABLE INFORMATION AND HOPEFULLY MEET NEW PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO HAVE THE SURGERY DONE TOO. I DON'T KNOW HOW I AM GOING TO GET IT DONE! HOPEFULLY, MY INSURANCE MIGHT PAY FOR IT, BUT I DOUBT IT. I HAVE A LOUSY EMPLOYER PAID HMO!! I'M GRATEFUL THAT I HAVE INSURANCE, BUT PISSED BECAUSE A LOT OF THESE INSURANCE COMPANIES DON'T RECOGNIZE OBESITY AS BEING A DISEASE!! I HAVE TRIED SO MANY DIETS THAT HAVE LEFT ME ONLY TO LOSE AND THEN GAIN MORE THAN…

A year ago, I was surgically prescreened for a complete resectioning of my stomach to reduce the size to a shape of an egg. I became so apprehensive over this permanent fix that I went into a panic mode and canceled the surgery (at Cedars, Los Angeles, CA). Blue Cross did not cover the Lap Band so it was not a choice for me. The obesity is causing knee problems, sleep disorder EPNA, diabetes, and a number of other symptoms I'm sure will all disappear when my weight is down. I awoke last month and knew that I had to go forward with it and low and behold, I was informed that Blue Cross now will cover the Lap Band. Today at Friday, April 6th at 9 a.m. I meet again with the…

:clap2: Happy Holidays! I want you all to know that Jan 8th 9am will be my special moment. This has been the biggest and best decision I've taken for a long time. I'm not afraid, I only dread the Slim Fast portion of it (10 days)... But that's ok, cause I know you've all been there and are still alive and kicking. I've learned so much by reading your posts. It helped me gain the assurance I needed to follow through and because of that I want to thank you all. My weight in Oct was 334, lost 24 and aiming for 40 for my operation. I'm from Mascouche, Québec a little town outside of Montreal and will be operated on in Drummondville by Dr Steven Miller. Will let you know how t…

I will be banded Friday the 13th (just now dawned on me that is bad luck day. HA) I am very nervous. How do you feel right afterward? I mean besides the soreness.

I am new to this group and have a surgery date May 18th, 2007 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Looking forward to all the advice you can give me.

I'm another pending lap bander. My surgery is finally scheduled for April 23 :clap2: My physician is Dr. Steven Odom at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Cobb County Georgia. I live in Newnan and want to find a support group close to me...anyone know of one?

Hi folks!!!! Would love to hear from others that had Dr Ted Small in Clearwater, Fl as a surgeon and also others that are having their surgery in April..... Would love to find a buddy to pal up with during our journey. Dawn Weight now 317

Hi all ! I just joined the bandsters group last week. I went to mexico and had Dr. Kuri do the surgery. It was a wonderful facility and he was a very good and kind doctor. I have only lost 2 and half pounds. Two of the other people that were banded same day have lost 12 and 13 pounds in same time frame so im kind of discouraged! Oh and hungry!!! After a week .. liquids leave something to be desired lol .. as im sure you will all agree . My stomach still feels really bloated and tight ... i assume this is normal??

This is my first post because I didn’t think I was ever going to get a surgery date after months of Doctors and test and more Doctors and more test. I have been lurking around this site for some time now gathering info and encouragement. It is by far the best site I have found. My surgeon is Dr. Viego Lopez in South Florida he and his staff have been great. I’m more excited then nervous. My sister had gastric bypass 2 weeks ago and tried to encourage me to do the same but I just couldn’t go that route besides it being to scary the recovery time wouldn't work for me with my 11 month old ball of energy. Glad to see other bandsters with the same surgery date as me. CAN…

hello everyone! I am having my lap-band done Wednesday by Dr. Spivak in Houston. I am really excited and nervous too as I am sure all of you were. I am proud to be a part of such a successful group! Any words of wisdom out there?:paranoid

Hi Everyone! I was just introduced to this web site and haven't had much time to read through the threads. But I will. I'm scheduled to be banded on 3/20/07. Right now I'm on my pre-op diet. I've been told that I can have fish or chicken to help curb food cravings but the rest should be liquid. I'd like to hear what others have been told about the pre-op diet. I'm really excited about getting banded. The surgery doesn't bother me (this will be my 6th surgery). The post op diet had me a bit worried until I sat down and made my own list of foods that I can have that I like. I then bought me one of those bullet mixers so I can experiment with the foods. This should be…

Hello, again I am new to this forum. I will be banded Monday in Mexico. Live in Las Vegas. I am delighted to read all the information contained in the various threads. Particularly interested if anyone out there knows Bill Wilson? If so pls communicate. Thanks.

Hi everyone, as you have probably guessed I am still debating what to do... I am 5'3" and 198lbs, diabetic, PCOS, High Cholesterol and on anti-depressants (no deadly thoughts, just burned out)... I have no energy my sugar levels are making me nuts... AAAAAAAHHHH!!! OK enough ranting and raving... Can anyone tell me what made you decide to go for the Lap Band? I had my initial consult and I really feel like this is what is going to get me back on track... :help: I tried pretty much everything under the sun and always gained back what I had lost and then some... I am unhealthy and I want my life back!!! Thanks everyone Caroline Mom to Frederic 15, Thanya 13, Chloë 7 1…

Hi there, I am getting banded the second week of May. I am so glad to have this opportunity to get off the excess weight I have been lugging around for the last 18 years! I am going through the Southern Oregon Bariatrics Center, located in Medford Oregon. My surgeon is Dr. Castillo and they just started doing the lap band surgeries in Feb. 2007. My insurance doesnt cover the cost so its a real sacrifice to come up with the money, but I know it will be worth every penny.....Any pre-op advice, encouragement, questions, etc., are welcome!

Hi all, This is Lorraine, Pat's wife. I'm writing to say that Pat is home and feeling ok. His surgery went well and aside from the terrible gas pains, he is feeling better than expected. Good luck to those who were banded today and to those getting it done tomorrow. We are hoping this is the start of a healthy new lifestyle change for our family. He's officially in band-land. Lorraine

That is my question. I have concerns...will I lose weight?, is it worth all this? Will I ever eat pizza or chips again?

:help: Hi my name is Pam , I am 39 Y.O. 5'2 and 220 lbs I take cozarr and coreg and hctz for my blood pressure I have tried every diet in the world not to mention all the things you shouldent do laxitives det pills etc...and all have had the same results loose some gain more back .I go to the docters on the 10th to see about the lap band surgery .I was wondering if any one here had any questions that they wished they would have asked before hand .also wht do they do for pain management after surgery and how long after surgery do you take pain meds (I hate pain )lol

Hello everyone! I'm very excited to have found what seems to be a great board! I was banded back in Nov. and have lost 47 lbs so far. I'm really hoping I can get a lot of support and feedback to the many questions I still have. In return I'm very happy to lend a helping hand. Thanks for having me!

:help: i am so new to this. i was banded dec 22 2006. it has been a great experience for me. I have lost 42 lbs. went for 3rd fill today, up to 2.5cc. looking for some new food ideas need recipes

I am a 36 year old mother of a one year old. I am expecting my band the last week of April. I am real excited and anxious. I am so ready to move some of this weight. I have ulcerative colitis and I have been on steroids for a while. I have gained a lot of weight the past year. I am currently off of the prednisone and I am feeling good. I know when I get some of the weight off I will feel even better. My sister had GB 28 mos ago and she has lost 160 lbs. I am very proud of her. I just wanted to tell everone HI! Please pray for me. Thanks:D

Hi there!! I'm Sandi from NW Indiana. I have just decided to get the lap-band. I turned in my paper-work and am waiting to hear what they find out from my Insurance. This looks like a GREAT site. So much needed information. I look forward to getting to know you all during my journey to a healthier me!!

Hello everyone, I am a newbie here on this board. I was banded almost 3 years ago and have been near goal for the last 2 years. I say near goal, as the lowest I have got was a 26 bmi.. currently in the high 27 bmi range. I love my band most days(more days than not). I would have never been able to lose and keep the nearly 100 lbs off without it. I am looking for an active board to call home. I recently had a tummy tuck and breast lift about 7 weeks ago and that has helped to complete the body image journey. Anyway, just wanted to stop in and say hello.

:clap2: I am soooo excited - Cannot pronounce the name of my actual surgeon but I have been corresponding with Dr. Carlos Alessedrini and he is very informative. I currently weight 262.5 with a BMI of 41 I think. My husband is so suportive of this - he's a tight wad so I was shocked he agreed to pay the money to have this done - but we have been researching for 2 years now. I was glad to find this forum so I can see what to expect. Can't wait to visit Mexico either. I'll keep all informed. sincerely, drangonfly-wings

Banded on the 6th of March, in Perth Western Australia (Dr. Padovan) I just got my first fill today: 5 cc in a 9 cc band (Swedish) Glad I did since I had plateaued at 103 kgs since a week after my surgery. I was at 114 kgs a week before surgery. For you on the American/English system it's down from 250lbs down to 226 lbs. The good news on top of that is that my sugar levels have never been better: nothing above 7 (Don't know what it is in US measures but it's good) I was on insulin and diabetes meds before the surgery and now on no meds and no insulin and my sugar levels are perfect. I forget that I just had a fill but I am reminded quickly ( a la Clockwork…

Ok, I guess it's time for my official introduction. I was banded with Dr. Spivak yesterday morning. Surgery day was the pits but today I feel great. Just minor pressure in my mid-section, and a sore throat. I have been on the site here for a few months and it's nice to finally be in band land! Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement! This site is the best.

Hi Everyone, My name is Paulette, I am 48 yrs. old and am scheduled to have surgery on May 7th. Needless to say I am very nervous. I have been going through all my testing since January of this year. Everything is done up to this point. I met with my surgeon last Wednesday and was very excited when he gave me a "date". The only catch is that he wants me to follow the South Beach Diet and keep a journal and bring it in and get weighed at least two times before my sugery to see if I can follow a diet. He said that if I haven't followed it as well as he thinks or if I should gain weight, he will cancel the surgery even if it is the day of. I totally have no problem what he …

I had my surgery this morning, and I'm feeling well, with a little pain, but not that bad. I'm keeping my liquids down, no vomiting or nothing. Ok, writing this post was enough adventure for me today. :sick :notagree

Hello. I am going to be banded by Dr. Aceves, Monday 4/9/07. I am afraid it won't work. Like everyone here (I suppose) have dieted most of my life...had success...then failure. So I initially hoped this would be the tool that would work, and now at 3:00 a.m. worrying it won't. BMI is 34 and I am 70 yoa. Most of friends and family say..."go for it" others say "Mexico?" and others kind of smile sympathetically. Ooops this reads like whining. True. But it feels good to read others fears and successes. tx. Anniejo

Hello everybody. This is my first post. I just joined today. I started my pre-op diet this week. So far so good. I nearly at my dog last night I am a bit nervous, but look forward to the operation. Glad I found this place to talk with others who have been where I am now. Phil

Hi all , i was banded last friday morning , seems to have gone ok . The doctor says she will fill the band in a couple of weeks time . Just drinking the fluids untill then ... takes a bit of getting use to

Hi Everyone, I was banded March 22 in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. I am so excited to start on this journey to lose weight. Start weight 247. Lost 12 lbs before the surgery, have lost another 8 since. i am starting to get hungry, can't wait until my first fill. I am really starting to get hungry. I decided to have this surgery as I have a new grandson. I want to be around to watch him grow up. I am glad to meet others who are going thru the same thing. :clap2:

I have been going to the Bariatric Center in Goshen , In. I started in 2005 and just when we were going for approval I lost my job/insurance because of workforce reduction. It took me 8 months to find a job and now I have insurance again and have started back to the center. They are saying in 5 months I should be ready to be banded if everything falls in place. I have been reading this board for a long time. I thank everyone of you that have post the good and the bad, so we new bee's can learn. Plus learn from our own selves when banded. I was just wondering if anyone had been banded in Goshen, IN. And if so what has been their experience. I'm excited and scared but I kno…

Just got home from 8 hours of driving round trip to the hospital, but it was worth it! I have my surgery date... April 10th. Just have to get my bloodwork and pysch eval done. All the other ducks are in a row. :clap2: Hubby on the other hand has to wait for a pre-auth since he's 61. He was told it would probably be as much as a 14 week wait! Then it could be turned down and we'd have to appeal. The hospital uses an attorney in Ca. who has had success with winning appeals. If all that fails, then we will pay out of pocket for him.

Hi Everyone, My name is Shellie, I live in Chesapeake VA. I have struggled with my weight for quite a few years. So I have finally made up my mind to loss weight, learn to control my portions and to make healthier and happier changes in my life. I have not been banded yet. Just starting the journay. I have only done: Step 1: Seminar w/ Dr. Wohlgemuth Step 2: Call my insurance which they do have the rider for surgery. But my worries are my BMI might be too low (34) but I do have other health problems: sleep apnea, hiatal hernia, high cholesterol & reflux. I have an appointment with my PCP on April 13th. Just keeping my fingers crossed! Shellie

Hi all I was just recommended for surgery 3/3/07. I am so excited and cannot wait. I know this is the right decision but I am a bit scared as well. My goal weight is 150, the average weight for a persoon is 124-159, I am 5'6". I have DDD and my right knee is working its way to bone on bone. Loosing the weight will help both.

For those of you whose insurance paid for your surgery, did it also cover the fills? I am lucky to have insurance that will pay for the procedure, but I didn't ask about the fills. I assume they are covered. I am just beginning the process of researching all this. I am so thankful to have found this site because there are always questions I seem to forget to ask at the time. What about plastic surgery after the surgery? Has anyone's insurance covered this? I doubt mine will. It won't even cover a breast reduction, which I desparately need, without some very obscure criteria. Oh well, if I have the lapband surgery, I shouldn't need a breast reducation--maybe a breast …