Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am 20 days post op. I have had very little problems so far. I am eating real food. I am looking forward to my first band filling in about 3 weeks. I would like to loose another 100 lbs. I lost about 30 lbs prior to surgery. Good luck to every one jb

HI all-- this has been a very informative site. I have had my initial visit with my doctor. My psy consult, fitness eval and nutrition consult have been scheduled. My BMI is just over 40. I was wonder if anyone out there had BCBS and if they had any trouble getting approved. Thanks:)

Hello all. I have an appointment with my family doctor this Monday, an I have an appt with the surgeon next Monday the 9th. I have some questions. My BMI is 36 and I have been reading that for this surgery if your BMI is between 35 & 40, you may qualify for surgery if you also have 2 problems, such as high blood pressure, which I do not have. The only problems are I have pain in my back and knees, will they consider this? I really want this surgery. Please inform me. Thanks. Tiff0815

Hi! Just curious to know.....I am 4 days post op and I have had multiple BM each day (liquid of course, liquid in liquid out)! HELP! Is this normal? I will call Dr on Monday but just wondering if anyone else out there has had this problem......:help: Otherwise.....I'm glad to get to know all of you and looking forward to this incredible journey!:clap2:

I was just wondering if anyone has more pain at the port site incision than the others? Also how long did it last? I just wonder although it's not great pain. I'm one of these people that always worry about everything.

Hi! Like alot of people on the boards I too have done just about every diet you can think of. I've even considered Gastric Bypass, but chickened out- I'm scared about getting my stomach cut. I started looking into the lapband when my sister scheduled one for herself (she was banded yesterday in Mexico). I currently weigh 220 and my goal weight is 140. I have a family history of diabetes and I'm prediabetic. I have tried and failed MANY diets in the past and because I am going to be self pay this diet has to work and after reading your stories I:violin: believe that it will. The one fear I have is missing food. I'm a stress eater! I'm scheduled for a s…

I found these vials that are 42 grams of protein, 3.1 ozs 176 calories, o fat , 0 sugar. they taste like liquid jello. orange is the best I drink at least three a day. Am I having to much protein or calories?

[/size]] Hi everyone, I have my surgery booked for April 27, 07. I'll start my fast on April13, the day I host a coffee morning. Luckily for me my coffee friends are all supportive and will help me along the way. We've been meeting for 18 years. My husband is on board as well and jokes about getting the surgery money back from the money we'll save on food. I started gaining weight after a car accident that prevented me from exercising alot. Now I think I'll join a gym and just DO IT.

Hello , I'm from the Uk (north). I am currently waiting to see a surgeon on the NHS. I have a BMI of 40 and borderline diabetic and pco's. Anyone who would like to chat or with any advice, stories, particularly progress stories to keep my spirits up would be appreciated. Any ideas about how long waiting lists are for NHS? H x

Hi All, Just introducing myself. I was banded on March 12th. I wrote a thread the other day in another forum to someone who is having gallbladder problems which I have had. Anyway, lost about 15 lbs so far and starting to feel pretty good. People have noticed the difference in my face. I think I just feel good knowing I've made a big step in making a difference in my life.:clap2:

I wish I could say that I found love here...I found the love of food. I guess they should be more specific about the motto. My name is Alison and I live in Hampton VA., but chose the Norfolk Surgical Group's Dr. Wohlgemuth for my surgery. I met with him for the first time yesterday (3-22-07) and am even more excited than ever to have the LapBand done. My email address is straybb@yahoo.com. Howdy from VA! Alison 5'2", 250lbs., 46BMI

Hi all! I've been trolling around in this forum for about a week now... It's the best on I've found online... everyone is so supportive and friendly! I'm glad to be a part of it. I'm in Michigan and just got back from a bariatric seminar at Beaumont Hospital in the Detroit area. I knew this already but they told me again that you need a BMI of 40+ if you want the band. (Or 35+ with complications, but I have no complications.) Anyway I really want to be banded but my BMI is 39. It would only take about 10 more pounds to qualify... Should I just eat more so I can gain the weight by the time I meet with the doctor lol?? Seems kind of like cheating, but heck, I'll proba…

Hi everyone new to the band and lovin it, just waiting for my 1st fill I am from Scotland and just found this site:)

Hi ! I am new to this board - have been reading a lot of posts - I am to be banded in Mexico by the famed Dr Ortiz on Monday, April 9th - which I've begun to regard as my second birthday ! I've been yo-yo dieting for about 25 years now - and I'm so looking forward to the end of that! I'm in the preop diet phase - which is a little tough, but I'm tougher. I'm grateful for this outlet - as I've chosen to take this journey alone - I have found the older I get the less I wish to confess. Best of luck to all of us ! :clap2:

Good evening all!! I just got banded yesterday morning and had some questions. I am supposed to be on a clear liquid diet until my doctor says otherwise. At any rate my cuts have fresh blood seeping out of them and it is just staying under the clear tape like coating they have over each cut. The blood bubbles if you will, look like they are going to burst. Is this normal? Also, I started running a lowgrade last night and today as well. My temp stays between 99.5 and 100.5. Is this also normal? I was not sent home with any antibiotics, but only pain meds. As for my medicines, I just can't get some of them to go down without a lot of discomfort. How does one h…

Just started, wt of 288 lbs. Will post photos as I progress. I am determined to do the work to reach my goal. I am having some nausea, some pain. Other than that, I am ok so far. Does anyone have any pointers? Also, where do you guys get the little icon line at the bottom of your posts that track your wt/current/goal? Thanks to everyone who has posted before and after photos, that gives me something solid to work for.

Hello, I was banded 3/14/07 and feel hopeful about my new life. I am excited to learn about this support site. My doctor is Dr. Cirangle from San Francisco,Ca. Pre Op - 200 current - 186 goal - 125 Can't wait to network with new friends....

Hello everyone. my name is Nancy and I am in the process of qualifing for the lap band. I live in Maryland and I am going to Sighn and Averbach. They sent everything to my insurance company about a week and a half ago. IM just waiting to hear from them. Can you share your lapband experences, good and bad? Anything that I should know before actually doing it? IM excited:) and scared:paranoid at the same time....I look forward to hearing from everyone. Nancy

Hi everyone :welldoneclap: My name is Lisa. I'm 37, Married and I live in a small country town in Queensland Australia. I did a lot of research into the lap band and it's effects before deciding it was for me. I was banded on the 21st March 2007. So far things are going well. I recovered fast and feel fantastic. My reasons for being banded were not only to look and feel better but to ensure I'm around for my grandkids. I already have a granddaughter Sophie who is fast reaching 2 years old. But I also have 2 younger boys aged 11 and 4. I want to be around to see their children. Starting this I was 136.2 kg and on day 9 I'm 128.4 kg. I'm almost over the liquid stage…

I am on cloud 9. I started this process on 8 short weeks ago......although I've been fighting this my whole life. My beautiful sister had LapBand and was so successful. She had her share of complications (slippage, changed to VG band after 10 mos) so I knew what I was possibly in for. I found a wonderful surgeon (Dr. David Mayer in Huntington NY) with an amazing staff who took my 4000 calls without hesitation. This was a no brainer....ahh, but to get COVERAGE! I jumped right in after my initial consult...PCP visit & letter, cardiologist (EKG & Echo), Psych Eval, Nutrition Eval, pulmonologist, sleep apnea study (yep, I have that!), endocrinolgist (I had my thyro…

I am having to do a 5 week class on eating health for life, in the 2 week now. My Doctor makes you go to it before you even meet with him. I am going to be self pay. I already know that for sure. If I stay with this doctor it will cost around $19.500. Seems alot higher then most have paid. This includes fills for a year. I will get the exact numbers in 2 weeks. I picked this doctor because 1. it is close, I don't want to pay go somewhere every time i needed a fill 2. I know lot about the doctor and all the doctors he works with, and the hospital. 3. I really dont want to go to mexico, eventhrough it is less then half the price. I really want someone close just in case…

Hi ALL, I am new to this type of forum, however think this is great. I have scheduled surgery for 6/25 and I am really very nervous, about adjusting to not eating..... I was also wondering if anyone regreted having the surgery and why, all the online research I have done I have not found any negitive feedback... not that I want to it just seems that all were happy with their decision, and I wanted to hear from some who had a different view or opinion. Thanks so much for replys,

I had banding 12. january 2007. and since then lost 22 pounds. My english is not too well but I understand more then I could write. I have been so lonelly before find this forum and I am happy that I can find so good advise and ansers of my cuestion. Hopping that you understand what I wrothe Diddi

I was banded Dec 07/06 i weight 221lbs after pre surgery diet 206 lbs and now i weight 188lbs. it feels that i will never get to were some of you are. but i will keep doing this i can and come to this site when i need some one to lift my spirts and get me thur it one day at a time. so if you are from arkansas or not and want to chat.

Hi. I am truly a novice in this discussion forum. I have not yet been banded, but plan to soon. Financing is a problem. Does anyone know of any grants available?

Hello everyone! Well...my tool is finally 'installed' - I am so very excited and pleased with the experience. I started the pre-op journey in Jan of 2006 and had my surgery this past Wednesday, 3/21. My general info: 33 y/o male; 6'3" Scripps Weight Management Program (San Diego) 385 lbs when my PCP reffered me to Dr. Lee 374 lbs when Dr. Lee referred me to Dr. Bhoyrul (surgeon) 355 lbs when insurance approved me for surgery 344 lbs on surgery day The Scripps program was INCREDIBLE. It was a great learning process as I was not even 100% certain that this was the direction I wanted to go. They provided me all of the information and support that I needed and…

Hi! I'm considering getting a lap band procedure. I am currently looking into two dr.'s: Dr. Spivak Houston, TX Dr. Speigel Houston, TX Has anyone had a good experience with either of these docs? Thanks Julie

Ive been lurking around this site for quite a long time, and now have finally plucked up courage and joined - so bee gentle! I live in Derbyshire, England and am on the waiting list to be banded.

Could someone please help a Computer dummy??? I'm trying to show my ticker in my signature but it's not working. What am I doing wrong??? Please help!

Hi , I am thinking og having surgery in Mexico but my family flipped.Need more info? Darlene

I was banded on March 15th and have since lost 12 pounds. I know its not always going to be this easy, which is why I joined this sight. I look forward to getting to know members of this community and reading all the great advice offered. I live in Southern New Jersey and was banded by Dr. Alan Brader of the Barix Clinics in Langhorne, PA. My incisions look great!!!! I couldn't ask for a better doctor. Well, thanks everyone for taking the time to read my post. Just one question-- how do I upload my weight loss ticker??? The site states to copy and past but it's not working. Please help...

hi i am joe and just got banded on 3/19/07 doctors are surgery south in morrow georgia pre band weight was 346 just looking for all the help i can get

While surfing today I found your website and think that it will be helpful in making my decision. I meet with the surgeon on Friday to discuss what type of procedure I will have and my mind is set on the lap band. I have questions for those who have had the surgery. Does the gradual weight loss of the lap band make a difference in the amount of loose skin that you have?

Hi, everyone. Just thought that I would say "hi" and let everyone know that I also am on my way to be a better me. I have been researching the lap-band for sometime know. I am going to a lap-band event on April 9th, and I'm very excited. I can't wait to share my experance with all of you. I will be posting my entire journey. I know from all the other post, I will get all I need to know through you and my docs. Thanks all for this wedsite.:welldoneclap:

:clap2: Tomorrow I get to do the EDG...not that I am all that excited about that, but I am happy to be getting this whole thing started. I have been thinking about doing this for a few years now. I tried WeightWatchers several times, putting the weight back on plus a little extra. I have been enjoying reading all the posts and I am so happy to have found this site. The clear liquid diet that I have been on since yesterday morning is going well. I thought it would be a lot harder. My BMI is 39...230 or so pounds. I really look forward to tossing out all my fat clothes which I am so sick and tired of! My Doctor is Dr. Ki Oh in Federal Way, WA...

I'm looking to you my friends, I just had my lap-band done yesterday afternoon, I did really good today, walking around alot and rolling my shoulders but my this afternoon The pain behind the breast bone is worse!! Ive taken my pain meds and hope they kick in soon. Does anyone have another idea to get rid of the gas pain?? Ive tried gas-x as well.. Please help!! Dina

Hi everyone...just found this site and although I'm British, hope you don't mind me joining you. My name is Suzanne and I was banded on 9th February 2007. I have no idea what I weighed before as I am just too paranoid to know and will know how much (if anything) I've lost on Tuesday 27th March when I get my post op check. I think I might be due a fill but to be honest, my restriction is still really good so might give it a miss...will be advised by my surgeon. I've made a ticker for my posts (if I remember to use it!) and have just put a target weight on it as I have no other information. Thanks for letting me join you. MV <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com…

hi, i am new to this website and also in the process of getting a lapband. i started investigating 5 years ago!!! and then decided not to do it. here i am 5 yrs later...many diets later and still standing at the same weight as before. i am 248 lbs and 5'8" i live in katy, tx and was wondering if anyone has any input on a doctor they used in houston, tx. i am considering to go with dr ken hollis. anyway thanks ahead of time

Hi all, today they called, and my Dr. is out on emergency family leave, and if I dont want to wait for him, well....I don't want to wait so I am having a different Dr. and ....they moved the date behind 4 days. It all is not so bad, I was just bummed for a while today. You all know how THAT date is so important!!!! But, I always believe the glass is half full, and Praise The Lord, the best medicine is a merry heart! So all look up with me. Thanks.

I am just a woman that has struggled with weight issues since as long as I can remember. I remember being teased in 3rd grade about my weight. I have been up and down weight wise and really am frustrated. The least I have weighed in adult hood is 170, the most is what I weigh now... 260:help: . I live in San Diego and have a wonderful 2 (well he will be 2 in April) year old son. The father is not in our lives and is probably better that way. I love animals, camping, bowling and many more things.

I was banded by Dr. Billlings in Edmonds, WA on December 29 and had my first fill 2 weeks ago - I have lost a total 25 lbs. Right after surgery the band was very tight and I had no trouble losing, but now feel like I can eat almost as much as before the surgery. And, I have those darn carb. cravings in the evenings. I go back to the doc. in two weeks for another fill but an afraid I will gain weight in the meantime. I have NO will power... :help:

Hey guys. My name is Lily. I recently got banded March 23th. I am from MA, but I got my sugery done at Dobbs Ferry, NY by Dr. Artuso. Nice to meet ya'll !!!! Question for Artuso's Patients I have a 4CC band. I was told that my first fill would be 1cc and then every fill after that would be .5cc. How did that work for ya'll? When did you actually feel restricted? I don't want to wait till my 7th fill to finally feel restriction and lose weight. At what fill do you actually get full quicker?

hi everybody I live in montgomery ala, my surgery date is april 26,07 i can't wait my starting weight is 225lbs and my wieight struggle feels like it goes back 225 years and I'am only 33 i go in for pre-opp april 18,07 i love this web site you learn so much and it's good to know that theres others out there going through what your going through and are at the road that your yet to travel if there anyones out there that want to help me along the way with good or bad advice please do also i'am taking off of work for ten days the first day of my vacation will be the day of my surgery i work as a retail mgr. is that enough time off? also how soon can i start excersizing? i pl…

I was banded 11/06. My experience with the band is limited to say the least. I am having a problem and would appreciate someone elses insight. I found at my last visit that the port is leaking. Has anyone else had this problem? Having had to pay cash for the procedure in the first place, I'm somewhat annoyed that it will cost me thousands more to replace the port. Information appreciated.:cry I also am not fluent with computer language and new to this part of it. Any help/information is welcome. Thanks.

Hi I had my surgery Jan 12 2007, had a rough start, but am doing great now. Have lost 25 lbs and feel great. Would love to talk about fills- had my first last week and did not get much of a restriction so will return next week and have a second one. Is this fairly normal?

Hello, I have just decided to get the lap band and I know nothing about it, only what I read, but I would love to hear about some experiences and what to expect. I have never had any kind of surgery before and I have tried all other ways to lose weight and like most people gained it all back. I am tired of the fad diets. Any insite you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. Betty (Philadelphia)

:clap2: Hello, I was just banded on 3-16-07 in mexico with Dr. Ortiz. It was a wonderful experience. So far I have lost 25lbs with the pre and post op diet.

I am known on the forum as Littleman and I am from Irmo, SC. I am in the first steps of getting ready to have my Lap-Band operation. I will welcome any advice you could give because this is new to me. Please, no horror stories, Thanks.

Hello everyone.....I am new to post here. Have been reading LOTS on this site for a couple days now. I am looking to get banded. I have had my first appointment with my surgeon in Sioux Falls, SD--anyone ever been banded there? I am seeing Dr Thaemert. I have my appointment with the dietician and behavioral specialist on April 11th. I weigh about 285 right now and am looking to get to about 160 or so. I can't tell you how much this website has encouraged me. I love hearing real stories from real people and it's really helped answer a lot of my questions. I have been jotting them down in a notebook---still looking for a lot of opinions. Hope it's ok to ask que…

I just had lapband surgery on Thursday 3-22-07 today is my 4th day. so i have just begun full liquids. Any suggestions as to how to make this easier- i am dying to just chew food.. this morning i ate oatmeal, and i just ate 2oz of sugar free/ fat free pudding- but it made my stomach upset- is that normal?