Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello, My name is Teri. I am wanting to have the Lapband done, I live in Lawrenceville, GA, anyone live near me? I am insured under my husbands BCBS of FL. I have not had any luck as to being able to get this covered under his policy, any suggestions? If I have to pay for this out of my pocket I have been told it could cost up to 20K, I don't have this kind of change hanging around. I was told that Capital 1 would finance this so I called them, it would cost about 455 to 755 a month depending on credit once again I can't afford this, anyone have any other suggestions? The Dr. is S. Steinberg anyone heard anything about him?

Well...I got the call today from my surgeon's office. I have been approved by the Insurance Company. I can't believe it...I thought I would have a real fight. I am scheduled for surgery on 4/30/07. I go to the office on 4/10/07 to receive my liquid diet. I have so many different emotions right now. I'm happy, excited, scared, anxious, nervous, etc. I think right now my biggest fear is doing the liquid diet (Optifast). Did anyone else have a real problem with it? I look forward to talking to many of you while I go through this journey. :cry

Hi all! I am currently looking for lap-band options (read: most cost effective) and doctors. I have read your posts on Dr. K in Denver and I am quite impressed with what you all have said. I may give him a call this week! DollyRose :sick of insurance company :censored:

Hello! I just joined. I live in ND and am looking forward to having the lapband surgery sometime mid to end of April. Hopefully my insurance cooperates and it goes that fast. I am very, very excited with my decision and looking forward to a new life of better health. I have BCBSIL if anyone has experience with them let me know. Thanks a bunch! Tarra

What kind of foods can you have during the first week after surgery?

Hi, Im new to the boards so I thought I'd introduce myself. Im Jen. Im still in the testing phase before my procedure can be scheduled. I just made all of the appointments (one being tomorrow for the EGD) and Im excited but also freaked out. I hate needles and tubes down the throat but its all part of the process so I'll deal. Im hoping to be scheduled in May or June but we'll see. Jen

Hi, my name's Ellen and I'm having surgery on April 18th. I am just about to start my 2 week optifast pre-op diet. Right now I can't imagine how I'm going to cope on this liquid diet for so long but the thought of losing weight is really keeping me going. I can't wait!!

I'm thinking about the band but I'm really scare :success1:. Also can somebody let me know if the site where they will do the fill is visible or is it like a G tube that they place in you stomach and how long does it takes to feel normal again.

Hello everyone! I have been checking this site out for a while. It's great! Everyone seems so friendly. And wow, you all are doing so well. Anyway, my story is the same as any other. Been overweight since I was 9 and well, I have tried many different diets from a-z. I am just not comfortable with this body anymore and I am tired of not being about to buy really cheap cute clothes. Have you ever noticed, I am sure you have, that when you have to buy plus size clothing, they tack on an extra $2-5. Thats insane. Well, here is the kicker in all of this...I actually started this process about 2-3 years ago, my brain is kinda foggy, don't remember for sure. I was…

There was a health fair at a local mall yesterday and it was broadcast on the radio. I caught bits and pieces but it starting me to thinking. When you're overweight all you do is think about losing the weight. HOw the extra weight effects EVERYTHING you do. I was recently diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Something I have been so aware of. I have a strong family history of diabetes...I don't want it. I'm also headed toward hypertension. My life is a little hectic right now and as a result I eat, which leads to me to where I am. I weigh 290 pounds, my BMI is 52.2 I've begun to have little strange things happen...I know they are a result of the stress and extra weight and a …

Hello All! I have been following this website (as a guest) for a very long time now. I think it's been since 2005! I have been wanting to get banded for quite some time now but I didn't meet my insurance's standards. :think However, I should be able to go somewhere and self pay hopefully in about less than a year so I'm excited! :mad: You all have inspired me to want to become a better being (well, aside from my son..heehee). I know that sounds sooooo cheezy and cliche, but it's true. I used to think (believe it or not) that I was the only one that had problems with self esteem and food. Where I live, everyone is damned near perfect (or so they s…

hi, my name's justin and i would like to know more about the lap-band and the patients who have the surgery! :clap2:

Hello everyone - banded in 8/06 - have had a fill 10/06, ll/06, 12/06, 2/07, 3/07 and just recently have felt a slight restriction I think. Does this sound normal. Starting weight 200lbs, now I am 1/68. No loss in 1 l/2 months. Does this sound normal. Very discouraging.

Got the greenlight from CIGNA yesterday! Go under the knife on 4/9!! Can't wait!!!

I am considering getting the lap band procedure – the only problem is that it will have to be done in Lubbock, Texas where my insurance Pres has area network contracting physician. When I first met Dr. Frezza – I felt comfortable with him – but recently I have read some negative things about him - I was told my insurance that I could request an out area network physician – but it would get denied. I think there was some issues in the past with pre-op testing – but my PCP who had to write all the referrals that he requested (Psychologist Evaluation, EGD, Mamometry (performed by GI Physician), Sleep Apnea Test, H-Pylori (lab), Complete Metabolic Panel, CBC w/Diff, Chest X…

I'm scheduled for lap band surgery on April 14 with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I'm really getting nervous and I'm concerned about "what if I have problems after surgery"? What were your thoughts about aftercare and problems when having surgery in Mexico?

Hi Everybody, I'm a newbie to this board, although I've lurked here on and off for years. I am hoping to be banded this year. I am going to be self pay and had narrowed down my choices to Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Aceves (my research shows they both have loyal patients who swear by them), but out of curiosity I recently contacted the University of Florida (go Gators!), in Gainesville, to inquire if they do the surgery as well. I was told by Dr. Juan Cedan (the head of the college's bariatric department) that they were bringing in a surgeon (in three months) to teach the procedure; he told me I would have to contact him again in about two weeks for the cost as they were curre…

Hi all, I had a surgery date for GBS and decided that was not the route for me. I since have researched the band and have decided this is a better choice for me. I have met with a surgeon, attended his seminar, and will "officially" meet with him tomorrow to discuss the procedure and to get insurance rolling. I live in Pueblo, Colorado. Dr. James Smith does the procedures here. I am anxiety ridden, but feel somewhat better having made the decision to go forward. Being an emotional eater, and someone prone to anxiety and occassional panic attacks, it is needless to say I feel ...overwhelmed. I am new to Pueblo so have no friends or family here. I will get involved in a …

Hi Everyone! Just got banded on 3/29...planned the procedure as a 40th birthday present to myself. I've been told that life really starts at 40 and besides it is the new "20"! It will be the start of a long journey for me since my BMI is above 70. So far everything is going great...no pain or hunger. Had my procedure done in the Dallas area...I was home within 4hrs of having the surgery and I am looking forward to the greater things to come.

My name is Jeff Hollomon. I am getting banded on 4/5 in Blackfoot, ID. I have read as much as there is to read, but I am still nervous. Any advice going in?

Hi all thought I would say hello and hope to be joining all you bandsters here right away. I am 36, wife, mother of 18 yo boy and 12 yo girl and a full time student. I have been lurking here for around 2 weeks and finally decided to stop and settle in. I go for my pysc. evaluation and meet the surgeon on the 5th of April. I am a self payer so hopefully it wont be too long before I am can bend over and tie my shoes again!! You all seem like such a great bunch, hope to get to know some of you better.

Hey you guys my name is AmyBeth and I am from South Florida. I am hoping to get a surgery date for July or August of this year. I am currently working on the 3 months of appts that my insurance company is making me go through to get the procedure approved. I am glad I found this GREAT site it has helped me with a lot of my questions and concerns. Anyone else from South Florida?

Banded 2/26/07:o Dr. Ritter Dallas TX

My dad had lap band surgery done back in October. He has had at least 6 fills since then and doesn't seem to be even remotely full. I can't think of any foods he can't eat, and he accidentally finished off my mom's soda the other day, said it caused him no problems, then asked her to bring him one the next day (she said no). He can eat steak, oranges, pretty much anything he wants. Last time he went in for a fill, he told the doctor he thought he was "close to full," so they only did a half fill. I think he has anxiety over getting totally full. They told him he got an extra-large band, but it seems like it is taking forever to get it full, and he's about convinced …

Hello My Name Is Bernie I Was Banded On The 28th Of March From Dr. Hoehn At The Shawnee Mission Med Center

Well, the day finally came..... ; ).... not as smooth as I had wished but worth it. Hello, My name is Christina.... I was banded on 3/19/07 @ the weight of 228. My surgery was done by Dr. Clarey and Dr. Bruce (awesome team). Unfortunately, right after being released from the hosp. on 3/20 I ended up right back in only 6 hours later with a temp of 302.5. Needless to say that my family was in a panic that infection or something to do with the band had set in........ But, come to find out that I had double viral pneumonia ..... Can you believe it... I was actually happy to hear that it was only pneumonia.....ya right. Dr. Clarey & Dr. Bruce called in a great respirator…

I first want to say hello and congratulations to all for taking a step toward change. food is like a good friend that makes our time together enjoyable with laughter and endless conversations. Food is a real comedian and I've decided not to laugh at its jokes anymore because health has a better punchline. I attend my first seminar on april 14 2007 and I'm excited. I've had all my labs done, my insurance is accepted and I'm waiting on paper work for clearance etc. Thank God for this procedure because my wife is a gastric bypass patient ( 4yrs out ) and I've been there through her tough times. Every morning that you have breath give thanks because it's special and the …

Right after surgery they could not believe how fast I got up to walk around the hospital I was so nervous about the clotting. I am still on stage 2 until I go back to see my surgeon April 13th. Can anyone tell me have they felt like something is moving around in there stomach and I also hear growling noises is that normal?

I'm 25, from the Tulsa area, and i'm hoping to have surgery sometime this year. I'm using Dr. Fisher at Surgical Associates in Tulsa. I've been trying to get insurance approval since last summer. I'm choosing the lap band for a few different reasons: it's safer for pregnancy, it's cheaper, and the recovery time is less. At this point I'm really just trying not to lose hope. I was supposed to know by the end of February if I was approved, but they came up with 2 more test they wanted done before they would approve me. *Sigh* I've been doing pretty well on the low carb diet though. Have lost 12lbs so far just doing that. I looked around the site for a couple of da…

Hey everyone. Getting banded on 3/29 in Kansas City. Dr. Malley is my surgeon. Cannot wait. I have the hieght of a NBA guard but the body of an NFL guard. :biggrin1: Just looking forward to starting the new life. Hope to talk with everybody alot in the future. Have a Great day.

Hi, I have been lurking around this board for a couple of months. I live in San Jose, Costa Rica, and have lived here for 12 years. I was banded on 3/29/07. The first night i stayed in the hospital and was in quite a bit of pain. Yesterday was better, and today its alot better, although i still have some pain, its like i did 1000 situps. I am on Clear liquids for 7 days, then am allowed to progress to the mushies. I plan on sticking to the diet that my doc has given me, I am scared to death of a slipage or an erosion, i know they happen, but if i have one i dont want it to be because i didnt follow the diet. I went through what alot of people describe on t…

Hi all! I was banded on 3/12/07. So far I've lost 12 lbs. I was a little sore after the surgery, but am feeling much better now. I seem to be stuck at the 12 lbs loss. I can't seem to budge from there. I go in next week to see the doctor. Just wanted to say hi to everyone.

The purpose of my thread is to encourage all of you out there that you can do this! I had my operation on Dec. 9, 2005 and was at 272 lbs and a size 24. I am now a size 5-6 and just completed my first, and hopefully not last, triathalon about a month ago where I finished second in my class.:welldoneclap: I want you to know that the most important thing that you can do is to get moving! This operation will not do it all for you and I don't think that you can have those kind of expectations. I started slowly by going for a short walk and then made it longer and longer. I am now at the gym/pool 5 days a week at 5:45. On MWF, I go on the elliptical for 9+ miles and t…

Hi! I'm new to the board. I was banded on 3/2/07 by Dr. Spivak in Houston, Texas. I'm so happy that I finally did this for myself. I've lost 12 pounds and 9 inches so far. I had my first fill on Friday and I'm feeling great. I just wanted to introduce myself to the board. I'm looking forward to being part of the group! Thanks! Michelle

Hi, just got here. Been done since May 18th & LOVE IT!!!!!! still on Slim Fast & little bits here & there but very happy! last fill was in sept. 06, but am not hungry in the slightest. If I eat something I am not supposed to, I vommit. I know that is not GREAT, but it's working....l eave me alone...:rolleyes

Hi, My name is Jessica. I was banded Jan. 18th 2007. So far I have lost 21 lbs. I just had my first fill March 15th. I also miss my soda, but I got myself addicted to homemade Lipton Ice tea. I keep it unsweetened in the fridge and sweeten in with splenda( I actually use the Great Value walmart brand) in my glass. I drink it all day and it's 0 cal's. I actually can't stand the taste of actual sugar anymore, lol. 192/171/130

Hi Everyone, I was banded on 3/21/07 and I am doing great! I have a #10 band and I am down 9 pounds. My husband was banded on 2/28/07 with a VG band, he is down 37 pounds. It kinda all happened so quick, we saw this add in our local magazine and decided that we needed to due something about our weight my husband BMI was 35 mine was 30. So we gave ourselfs a month to try it on our own, we failed. So we met with the best surgeon we could find that Specializes in lapband, Doctor Joseph Naim, took a loan out and had the surgery, we are officially on our way to a heathier life. My husband's recovery was different then mine, he was down 2 weeks, took all his pain med's and …

Banded March 19 2007. Been lurking on the forum for the past couple weeks. THank you all for the good advice. Think I am doing OK. Had a real hard time staying on the optifast diet prior to the surgery and now cant come close to drinking 5 optifast shakes. Every day a little better. Am looking forward to the gas leaving me. Also wonder if I will ever be hungry again.

hi everyone well i am jumping off the high diving board. this has been whirlwind.... well not completely. i started investigating lapband 5 years ago when i lived in ny and decided against it. 5 years later, many diets later and still at the same weight (248 lbs)...my brother suggested i think about lap band again after seeing a special on the health channel. well after getting great advise from you guys on this website...i went to dr. spivak's seminar tonight and am having surgery friday. (i'm self pay) so i'm excited and scared. my sister in law (an RN) came with me and is already telling me i have to get up immediately and walk (ughhhh-ha!) anyway i was goin…

Hey everyone, I'm in Salt Lake City, I was banded 2/21/07 and have been using the Fill Center USA site, but this seems to have more locals for me so I thought I'd check it out.

Hello! My name is Ginger, I had Lap Band surgery on January 28th - so far I have lost 15 lbs. I've had my first fill! I feel better!! I have noticed the pain in my knees I was living with for the past two years is now going away! The only problem I have is being patient with weight loss - - - I feel as though I have been stuck at the total loss of 15 lbs for the past month and nothing is happening!! Any suggestions??:think

Hi. Just had surgery last Tuesday, March 20,2007, in Overland Park, Kansas. I have lost about 15 lbs already. I'm feeling fine, just a little sore and a little weak. Dr Nigro did my surgery. I'm really excited about the future. I weighted in at 301 on March 12. I have my 1st follow up on Wednesday, will be excited to see what I weight on their scales. Still don't have much desire to eat. Drinking enough is a problem, I have never been much of a drinker. I really am trying hard to drink up. ;

Hey guys i'm new here and have my surgery set for April 11th. I'm really excited but really nervous too. My Doctor is Dr. Beltre and my surgery is at Florida Hospital Celebration- I went to my nutrition class today and it seems like it is going to be really hard but, I ready. I have the support of my husband and family so that is good. I can't wait to read about everyone and get better insite into what is getting ready to happen in my life.

Hi I have been reading post last night and today and just now registered. I have not had any surgery yet I went in earlier this month to my Endocrine Doctor and a Gastrointeroligist and My Endocrine doctor said that Weight Loss Surgery might be the thing to help in dealing with my Diabetes. At first I was skeptical and afraid to do it. But reading on here and other websites and just learning what the whole process will be like. But I do still have questions like I love water can I still drink alot of it and how much can I drink of it I do know I can not drink anything while eating and thats okay but can I drink a sip If I need to get the food down. I also have all my teet…

Hi everyone , My name is Julie i am 30 yrs old 18 stone (252 pounds) 5ft 3 ins tall . I would dearly love to be banded i have been looking at the easyband but i am not sure where to begin i haven't even booked a consultation yet its hard to know where the best place to go for this procedure is . I am in England and ideally would rather stay in England for the op but i believe that it may be less expensive abroad . I have tryed researching and recieved tons of glossy brochures but they are all vague about prices recovery and none of them mentioned these pre op liquid diets i have found alot of information on the site already and am amazed at the success stories ( …

This is my first posting and have many questions. My ins. won't pay for the surgery and have decided to go to Mexico but I'm debating between several Docs. Any input would be greatly appreciated.:help:

Hi Everone,:hippie: Just strating I'm getting band on 4/11/07 still a little neverous. But can't wait.

Had my lap banding on 3/5/07. I was scared to death---never have been put to sleep or in the hospital for anything other than giving birth. This was a dramatic choice for me I am going to be 60 years old, lived all my life as a "fat person". I did alot of reading and internet work on lap band. I found the best lap band Dr. and support group here in NJ. They are Virtua Hospital new beginnings, nurses, classes, nutritional classes and a gym. So off I went for the procedure they ended up having to cut me about a 4 inch spot because they had trouble getting the port in the right place. I look at the scar now as my badge of courage. I have lost 35 lbs to date and feel …

Hi everyone, I just made the call and have my consultation, April 9th. I have been going back and forth so many times with the decision wether or not to get the surgery. I came close to getting the Gastric Bypass surgery about five years ago but I chickened out, then my insurance would have paid for everything, now I will have to do self pay. My biggest concern is that this will again be one of the many, many, many weight loss strategies that I have falied at. I don't have faith in myself that I will be able to do what I am supposed to do and that I will fail at this too and not to mention the financial loss this would be if I did! I have read alot on this site and i…

Hi, I was banded by Dr. Speigel on March17th, 2006. I am at my goal weight after losing 75 pounds. It is definately the best thing I have ever done for myself.