Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hello all, I will be having my surgery on April 12th and I'm a bit nervous. I'll be having it in Mexico because I don't want to have to go through a year's worth of psych evals. My BMI is 39.7 and have been over weight most of my life. I'll be having my surgery with Dr. Kuri in TJ and have heard many great things about him. If anyone else has had any experience with him, please feel free to contact me. Many thanks, Nik :clap2:

I Am From Toronto Canada And I Am Wondering What It Would Cost To Have This Procedure Done In New York, Buffalo Ect.? It Costs 16,000 Here And I Would Love To Have It Done But I Do Not Know How I Would Be Able To Afford It.

I am still awaiting insurance approval, started in October, I think they have everything they need, so it should be soon I hope! Is there anybody out there that this hasn't worked for? I see so many success stories. And when I say hasn't worked, I don't mean because of slippage or problems, I mean it was in there properly with fills and didn't work.

Hi All: I am brand new at this, but I am in need of support!!! I've been told this is the place to be. I had my lap band procedure done on March 9, 2007. To date I have lost exactly 10lbs. Monday I begin stage 4, ground foods. I was wondering if anyone has any appetizing recipes to help me get through until I am able to eat solid food again. Also, in much of the literature I have read, there is very little tomato based products suggested, (V8, Tomato Sauce, etc), is there a reason for this? Can it be hard to digest or something? Well, I wish you all the very best of health and luck in your weight loss journey and I am looking forward to beginning this journey with all of…

Was banded by Dr Carson Liu last September and have gained over 20 pounds. My first and last fill was several months ago. I wanted to go back but they sent me a bill $450 for my first fill which I thought was free. I live north of San Francisco and this MD is down in LA. I would like to find an MD closer. Any suggestions? I am wishing I never spent the money on this procedure since I have gained.

Hi all! I decided to join this board after finding it in a Google search while looking for forums specifically for lap banders. After nearly three years of going back and forth to have WLS done, the day finally arrived last Thursday, March 22, when I had my lap banding surgery done by Dr. Courcoulas in Pittsburgh. I was discharged from the hospital Friday night, and I did a lot better with this than I did when my appendix was taken out 18 months ago. I'm a little sore around the incisions where the banding was put in (nothing a heating pad or a Tylenol won't handle), but other than that, I feel great. Of course, I can't bend from the waist or carry anything heavy fo…

I've been considering the lapband for several years now & have finally decided to pursue it. My doctor is urging me have some kind of bariatric procedure because I have PCOS. I have heard that my insurance, Aetna, is unlikely to approve it, but I am ready to do battle -- I think. I dread the administrative process, but I feel prepared to use the band.

hi everyone....i am in the process of getting ready for the band. my pshyc (sp?) evaluation was today. i am supposed to find out friday if they can give me a surgery date. i am currently 258 pounds. my goal weight is 135-150. is that a good goal? i have been heavy all my life (over 200 pounds since high school), but never this big. i have contemplated this surgery for over two years and i finally made the decision to just do it. my husband is all for it. we have no insurance since we're self-employed, and that means this is a huge financial move for us. i am very nervous, but soooo ready for a permanent change. i have dieted for years with the same result...los…

Hello all. I've been lurking for about a month now. I'm 22 (23 in may), I'm in my last year of college, from NC but I'm in VA for school. I'm being put back on my mom's insurance, as it will cover 80% of the cost, so I'm waiting for that. I'm hoping the wait period before surgery isn't too long, as once school starts again in August, it will be hard to get any time off. I've been reading tons on here, and you guys are very informative! I've been overweight since I can remember, tried every diet in the book, and it just doesn't work! I eat pretty well, and my work requires me to be active. My problem is eating large amounts, even when I'm not hungry. I make smart food c…

Hi I am new to this web site. I am having all the test s and getting ready to submit all the paperwork to the dreaded Insurance Co. I have an EGD tomorrow pm. I am very nervous about it. I have this vision of gagging and gaggingany advice. Help

I worked up enough courage to go to the meeting only to find out Cigna had a six month waiting period. I know time flies but it was such a downer to realize I can't do this for 6 months and then it may still be denied. Any info on this as I am new to these boards.

Hello. I want to break the ice by greeting everyone and get some understanding the positives and negatives of considering Lap Band application, to help combat obesity and live a healthier life. I have thought about it and have been doing my own thing such as walking, light weights, but it is very stressful once I lose 4 lbs. and suddenly gain back 7 in a blink of an eye. My weight has been fluctuating, and I cut back on sodas completely. Next thing is the refined sugars. That is tough! Anyhow, I am very young, with two young girls and want to have the energy I use to. I live in East St.Louis, IL. Any suggestions where to go from here on informational seminars in or…

THE WEIGHT IS NOT COMING OFF. I KNOW THAT WERE ALL DIFFFRENT BUT IVE BEEN READING THE POST AND ALNOST ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WERE BANDED IN NOV WHO HAD THE SAME STARTING WEIGHT AS ME ARE UNDE 200 WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME .:help:

This is the first time I have been to this sight and I have not been able to get off all day. I have been so insired by everyones stories, weight loss and support for everyone else that needs it (I know I do). I have been thinking real hard about getting banded, but have some questions like can you feel the port through your skin, can you still go on vacation and have fun, what about going out to a nice dinner with the hubbie? Also curious about what happens if you eat something your not suposed to or if you over eat? I guess I am nervous because I have put on over 100lbs after having my son(2 1/2) and daughter(10 months) back to back. I have never been heavy in…

:high5: :music:I'm so excited and I just can't hide it...:Banane01::Banane33::Banane12::whoo::Banane21::Banane10::Banane45::banana:bounce::becky::cheer2: Insurance approved my surgery! This waiting period has been like being pregnant, finally after all these months of waiting and waiting, baby Lap-Band is coming!:clap2: :peace:

Hi ..... I have been reading quite a few posts here, I guess lurking in the background. So I thought that I would come out and say Hi... I am starting to get a little nervous, not so much about the surgery. But maybe the pain or discomfort afterwards.I am self pay and they send you home the same day. Do they make liquid pain medication? Tylenol? Would it be childrens? Can you walk right away ? I was supposed to do a walk for MS and I don't know if 10 days is enough time to commit to a 5k. Thanks in advance for help and encouragement !! I hope I don't sound too nervous......

Hello everyone, My name is Annette. I was banded on 12/05/06. So far I've lost 50lbs and I love my lapband! :biggrin1: I was married on Valentine's Day and my new husband is now currently going through the process of becoming banded also. I can't wait to begin my new healthier life with him.

Hi Everyone! I have been interested in the LapBand for about a year and half. In the past 6 years since having my daughter, I have been battling with my weight. I don't even remember what it is like to be thin the way that I used to be. Finally this past June I went to a seminar to find out more information about the procedure. I had never in the past considered weight loss surgery an option for me until I gained an additional 50 pounds since January 2006. So, today was my first meeting with the surgeon and I am on my way to success!! My surgery is scheduled for April 24 and I am very anxious to have my "old" body back. I look forward to talking with others and…

I am new to this site. Married with three kids, two of who are grown and on there own. I am due to be banded on April 17th of this year. I have been thinking about surgery for more than 7 years now. My doctor is Dr. Fath in Seguin Texas. Just waiting out the last few weeks and then going to move onto my new healthier life. Would like to get to know more people in my area that have had the lapband done or are planning to have it done.

Hello my name is Stacey and I am new to lap band. I will be getting it done in a few weeks. And I am so excited. I am 5'5 weigh 212 and am 33 years old and I am always in pain. I have four beautiful kids and I am ready to be healthier for them and me. I have not even been swimming in six years. It will be nice to put on a bathing suit and feel good. I am not looking for a bikini just a one piece but feel good about it. And I am looking for people to support me thrue the trials that I will go thrue. Thank you to anyone who supports me.

I'm two weeks post op and don't regret a thing about my labpand. This is the best thing I could ever have done for myself. Can I get a bump!? :clap2:

Hi I am due to have my band fitted on 3rd April - in Belgium. I am so excited yet nervous (spending so much time on this site!!) Hoping to shed around 60lbs and have given myself a goal of 1 year, in 15lb increments - is that reasonable??? Would love to get support from anyone who's out there!! Speak soon!

My best friend and I are having Lap Bands in a couple of weeks, I am excited, nervous and can think of nothing else! I'm not sure how much time to take off work, I don't have a physical job so I thinking about 2 weeks? Can anyone please advise??:success1:

Hi again, just wanted to see what others have to say about carbonated beverages. I understand that I am unable to have them as they could stretch out my pouch but will I never be able to have them again??? I am suffering in "bandster hell" plus I can't have soda? "Inhumane!"I am not a coffee drinker but a Coke Zero drinker and am addicted. The Chrysal Light just isn't doing it. If there is a light at the end of the tunnell I think I could hold out, will I be able to have a pop again ever?? Thanks all and keep up the good work.

Hello, new friends. I was banded yesterday at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. My surgery was a 7:30 a.m. and I was ready to go home at 2:30 ... who knew? I thought I was spending the night. I don't have any complaints so far. Is that normal? I'm looking forward to learning lots from ya'll! H20Trude

Hello my name is Angie. I have been banded for two weeks and I,m starving if I would let my self I could eat what ever i wanted. Does this get better after the first fill.

Hello all, New to this site. I am from Toronto and was banded October 10/06. I am having trouble seeing results. Not losing as quickly as I would like to. Not eating very much however I know my food choices are not so great!!! I need to drink more water and eat healthier and excersice. I know all of this. What I don't know is how to get myself to the point where I will actualy do it. What can I eat???? I have difficulty eating protein and I can't eat salad. To me those are the two things you eat when you are dieting....Salad and Chicken....salad and chicken....salad and chicken.... Any ideas???? Also...does anyone else have a strange sensation with their teeth and gums wh…

hi there i'm tracy from Plymouth (in england) i've had my lap band a year now (i had it fitted in belgium) I am 1 and a half stones to go til my ultimate goal what i'd love to know - is does this forum have a PICTURE gallery where i can put names to faces - and look at all your weightlosses and fabulous results etc?? or is it hidden away from nosey people like me?? cheers for your help tracy x x x

I am on my way to having the lap band surgery. My surgery date is May 3 2007. I hope I don't have to stay in the hospital long. Can anybody share a lap band experience with me?

I am to be banded on March 13. I am new to this site and have very much enjoyed and learned so much from all I have read from each one of you. I am interested in hearing from someone in the St. Petersburg, FL area. Tomorrow I begin my "liquid" food. Please pray for me that I do well with my surgery. Again thanks everyone...Ya'll are so supportive to each person!!

hi everyone this is my 1st time at doing this and im going to be banded this friday worried scared

Hello, Well, I will have my surgery on 2/7, I have just started my preop diet and I am HUNGRY, can anybody help with tips and things to eat? Thanks, Daniel

I'm scheduled to get banded on Friday morning, and frankly I'm a nervous wreck. My husband is a chef and cooking together and eating is such a major part of our life. I'm so afraid that we won't be able to enjoy that anymore. I understand the need to liquids in the beginning. I learned about that in the seminar, but it wasn't until pre-op today that I learned no more breakfasts, and 3-4oz meals. I need and want to lose the weight, but I scared that I won't be able to enjoy cooking and eating again. I just about freaked when the lady at the clinic who was banded told me today that she has gotten used to eating cold foods, because she couldn't eat her meals befor…

Hello my name is Dedee and I found this forum while doing research for Gastric Banding. I figured I would hang out and see what I could learn. My history is, In 2005 I was going thru the process of having the RNY Gastric Bypass after about 6 months of support meeting and 2 of the 3 stages required for surgery approval my insurance denied me.:cry and:mad: I was devistated!!!! You see I am 5'9" and 425lbs and In desperate need of WLS. I was denied because I didnt have 3 consecutive yrs with weight DR. 8yrs of inconsecutive attempts and falures was not enough and oddly I had no medical need for the surgery. I am lucky to be in good health outher that obesity. Well I am c…

Hi all, I am new to this site and just wanted to introduce myself. I had my surgery Feb 28 and am just starting my first week of normal diet. I am very pleased with my results so far. I just happened upon this site and I am glad to be part of it. It is great to know that there is a site where we can all support each other. I look forward to getting to know all of you!

I have had the lapband for one week and I lost 15 Pounds the problem is today I realized I can eat. I ate a fish sandwich with bread from BK with no problem:help:

Hi, I am new here and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kelly. I am a 27 year old married mom of 2 young boys. I live in TN. I am currently just researching the lap band. Going to try and start the approval process this week. I've wanted to have it done for about 4 years now. I am really happy to be here, and I hope I can find some really useful information, and make some friends at the same time

I have recently attended the seminar, rec'd the med nec ltr from doctor and am working on other requirements. Please tell me I won't feel completely deprived if I do this! I've been a yoyo dieter all my life. I don't exercise because at current weight it's too tough and I end up injured. I keep saying if I can lose 20 lbs I would exercise. I'm at my top weight 235. 100 lbs over "ideal", but who's ideal anyway? I have a family with 2 small children, I"m trying to envision sipping at my meals, etc... Is the 6 weeks of deprivation worth it? After 6 weeks are you able to lead a normal life of attending meals without looking sadly at everyone else's plate?

Hi, I'm doodles. I'm a 52 year old woman and I'm looking for a lap-band surgeon closest to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. I am just now trying to look into the lap-band. Don't know hardly anything about it. If anyone can give me some help I would greatly appreciate it. I'm on Missouri Medicaid and I'm not even sure if they would cover it. I am willing to fight them if necessary. I have many health problems that would warrent the surgery. (Diabetes, Diabetic Neuropothy,High Blood Pressure, High Cholestoral, Depression, Asthma, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Acid Reflux, Sleep Disorder, Swelling in my legs) I take medication for all of these, and then some. I am 5'9.5 and I weigh 2…

Hi there everyone - I have been on here several times now as a silent observer rather than particapent. I honestly have been trying to absorbe the fact that my surgery is creeping up .... and now, here it is only 2 days away, and my anxiety is beyond words. I have been bouncing back and forth from having the bypass to the lapband for over 4 years now. I never commited until this year. In the last year and a half, I have gained over 50 pounds to my already hefty 260 pounds. This was honestly the last straw. To add more fule to this fire, I was born with Bi - lateral hip dyspasia. Having to have 10 surgeries on my hips from the age 3 - 13. Putting on weight was what I…

My Mom wants to have the lapband, but has no insurance, and is a cash patient. We live in southern california, and I found a few doctors who are willing to do the surgery for 17k, which as a cash patient is too much. Do any one of you guys know a GOOD Dr. that will do it for a cheaper price with financing? I have seen ads for 13k but they are in Florida. Thanks. JAZZYjazz

Anyone else from good ole Colorado?? Not a big deal just curious is all! :biggrin1:

:help: :help: hey guys i was banded 11-27-06 and im not doing to good :phanvan:cry 235/207/135 i have been stuck at 207 since january i havent lost or gained any weight in 2 month it stinks. i had 2 fills for a total of 2ccs in my 4cc band im trying to do the right thing, everything gets stuck all my protin but all tha fatting foods i can eat no problem. i really need help guys please help me some one :help:

Hi everyone. Has anyone had the lap done at this Long Island Laparoscopy Centre. I am from Canada and he is the closet U.S. doctor to me. The price is about 3,000. less than here. Thanks for any info you have.:help:

Hello everyone I have a question does any one know if Medicaid pays to have the lap band done Thank you for your answer:)

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone from Mi. with a lower B.M.I has had the surgery. Or if any one has had a Dr. that goes by the waist to hip measurment:confused: Thanks

hey! I am trying to figure out how to get those cute weight loss charts at the bottom - any suggestions?? I have attended the seminar, had my consult with surgeon, and made appointment for pre-op with nutrition person (due to so many food allergies) for this tuesday. That means within 7 days of my seminar, I have taken care of three requirements!! Next steps, psyc eval, attend support group meeting and insurance approval. I hope to have all of this done by April 10th (my goal). I am past ready to be banded and get on with the rest of my life.

I guess I should start by telling a little about me . I'm a 59 year old woman who was banded on Monday, March 19 in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Zapata. Of course I haven't done any weighing yet but probably will next week sometime. I've read many places about how many people don't loose the first week or so but I can't imagine that when the liquids you comsume have so few calories in them. I know I'll do fine these first 4 weeks on restricted diet but already am concerned about later. A friend was done on 1/31 and has lost 22 pounds but another friend has been over a year ago and lost only 38. I know this isn't a miracle weight loss but sure want it to work at the price pa…

Hi everyone, I was trying to find a site that i could talk about the lap band surgery and I guess Ive succeeded. I guess i have a few questions. Ive been struggling with my weight for many years thorughout highschool.Its held me back from alot of activites and social events. I never go to dances or even act girly because Im so self concious about my weight. I pretend I dont care but I really do. I started to gain weight in the 8th grade when i was diagnosed with polysystic ovarian syndrome. Its a genetic disease. My mom had it too, but she never got the full affects like i did. I used to be skinny, i was always a skiny kid. But now im 5'6 and weigh 220. The di…

Hi everyone. I have been reading this forum and doing some research for some time now. I would like to have the lap band surgery done in Toronto or close to Toronto so that the fills will be easier for me. Can any of you give me a range of prices out there. Thanks, Donna:help: