Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

:help: Hi all, I've been reading the postings on this website for a few months now. I've really been on the fence about the lapband. Today, I weigh 268. I've been fat ALL of my life. so why am I hesitant??? This is what I've identified so far: 1) Fear of the process: This is what I found on another website--"The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed well under the skin during surgery." What does that mean???? I'm going to the seminar on Tuesday. I'm sure that the seminar will clear up a lot of misconceptions that I have. 2) Fear of success: How do I live slim...or at least slimmer? No food crutches?! Food has certainly been a friend/lover/sooth…

Hi all! I just had my surgery on 3-13-07, I am on the prescribed puree diet after being on clear liquids for three days, regular liquids for two and now the pureed. I am SO HUNGRY! I fill up when I eat but I have to eat almost two cups of food to feel it. Then with in a couple of hours I start getting hungry again. I haven't been drinkin while I eat as I understand that his can wash the food through the pouch quicker. I am a bit concerned has anyone had this problem. Could the band have already slipped? April

Hello all. Newbe here. I am from Michigan. Banded Nov. 14, 2006 at Hurley by Dr Farhan. So far it has been a great journey. I am down 40lbs without any fills. A little bit about myself. I am 59 years old, single, I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren. My grandchildren are my "hobbies" and the reason I had lapband surgery. I love doing things with them and my weight was making it difficult to keep up with them. I have seen a couple of other lapband sites but this one is really interesting the way its set up. Hope to help others on their journey and also get help when I need it. Good luck to all.

Hello everyone, I'm Pat and I got the insurance acceptance call today from Dr. Abkin's office. I live in Western, NJ and am 34 years old. Basically, I come from a fat family. My mother had GB two years ago and has done really well with it. My wife struggles with her weight, and we don't want this life for our three daughters. My girls are ages 3, 1 and 1 and they keep us busy, but I wish I had more energy to run around with them. I'm doing this surgery for them and for myself and for my wife. Nerves are starting to get me after getting my insurance acceptance. I'm scared of not getting off of the table and leaving my family...This is normal, right? I've …

Hello All, I'm Wendi from Utah, a newbie to the forum, although I have been lurking for some time (mostly enjoying everyone's awe-inspiring before and after pics, very impressive!!). I am so excited to start the banding process, and have really appreciated reading everyone's insights. I owe you all a big thank you for helping me make this important and life-altering decision and we haven't even really met yet. Let me share a little about myself. I live in Salt Lake City. I'm 36, married to an amazing supportive honey. I love to travel (I just have to say that the day I am able to get on an airplane and not worry about asking for a seat belt extender will be the…

I remember seeing a list of things to have (buy) before surgery. Can someone help me with that? Thanks! My banding is April 2nd. Can't wait!

Hi my name is Liz I am at the beginning stages can someone tell me about Aenta PPO insurance please. Thank you and God Bless all Liz of windy city

anyone from georgia?

Hello everybody! I have been checking out this sight for a while now. I find it the greatest resource I have found on the lap band. It gets down to the nitty gritty! I am having my surgery a week from today. March 29th. Whoohoo! I am doing this mostly for my kids (okay some of it is vanity) so far I haven't had the health problems related to obesity (but know they are coming) so I have been lucky. I have a 4 year old with Autism who is quite a handful sometimes and a 1 year old. I choose to have this surgery so that I could be more active and live longer. I am a bit older mom (almost 40 yikes!) and need to live as long and as active life as I can for both my kids bu…

hi.....i'm a lapband person...my surgery was nov. 14, 2005....i've lost a total of 100 lbs. /70 being since lapband surgery. i've had a revision due to slippage and am facing another surgery to place a larger band due to a second slippage.........a few problems(they don't think it's anything i've done.....probably just one of those freaky things!), but i swear it's the best thing i have ever done for myself!! i LOVE my band!! :biggrin1:

I hope somebody (many somebodies) can weigh in here with some advice. I have talked myself into and out of this surgery about 5 times in the last 3 or 4 months (I'm self pay). I'm just so unsure about making it work with my lifestyle. My story is a little bit unique. Hubby is an airline pilot, no kids, living in & loving Hong Kong (we're American expats), and travelling alot. We sometimes spend 2-4 months at a time away from home. I'm just scared to death about all the things it sounds like we can't eat - can I make this work if we're spending 2 months in Italy? Or Thailand? What are my food choices going to be? Oh yeah, and I NEVER cook at home even when I am home - …

hi! read your forum as a guest and decided to join.i'm in the process of getting the band and trying to make good, informed decisions.this seems like a good place to be!

hi!read yourforum as a guestand decided to join.i'm in the process of getting the band and trying to make good, informed decisions.this seems like a good place to be!

I am new hereand just wanted to say hello. My name is Marlene and my niece is on here also. She is Josette from Michigan. I started a journal here the other day. It would have been longer but I have been sick for almost two months and am kind of muffle headed.:sick Anyway, hello.:biggrin1:

:biggrin1: Hi everyone! I'm another new one searching for answers to see if this right for me. Like some of the others I don't have a real high BMI but it is around 32-33. Oh yes and I too have the closet full of small through xxlarge clothes. Sizes 10-12 to 18-20. Sure wish I had that money. (lol) Anyway I've been thinking about this for awhile and so here I am and here we go!

What a wonderful resource this is! Well folks, I too am going to become a 'bandster'. I have my consult tomorrow and cannot wait to make this change in my life. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Hello i am new to LBT. i have just started my process of going through the lap band surgery. I have done everything that needs to be done, now just waiting on approval from insurance. This is my main concern as i am sure you all know insurance companies dont like to let go of their money. Just a little info about myself: I am 39 years old happily married to a wonderful man who is very supportive to the lap band process, mother of two children 13 and 11 years old. I have been overweight for about 11 years since the birth of my youngest child. Baby fat never came off and i probably never tried very hard. My health is my main reason for going through this process and seco…

Hi! I'm a 42-yo male in N FL. I've struggled with my weight most of my life. I'm Type 2 diabetic, have high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol and triglycerides (imagine that!). My DH was banded on Feb 21 and after going through the entire experience with him, I decided it was my time (I had to make sure it wasn't too bad :guess). I've seen my primary care Dr and have my first appointment with the weight loss center tomorrow. I'm a little nervous - I watched my oldest sister live through stomach stapling, only to regain every ounce and more (probably double what she had lost) and I'm pretty much a chicken $%@& when it comes to pain. But if DH can do it, so can I.…

Hi everyone, I'm Batty. No, really. *lol* that's what you can call me. Anyway, I have been lurking in here for a few months now while I researched and waited to get my self pay money together. I am in Jacksonville Florida and I will be having surgery with Dr. Cywes on April 9th. woohoo!! I've been diabetic since 2000, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, yadda yadda yadda. I'm about to turn 36 this week and have 2 healthy kids aged 5 and 3. I also have a super supportive hubby who is going to try and change his eating habits along with mine. Such a sweetie. anyway,that's me. Ask away, heaven knows there is much to know. I lurk here allatime. Ba…

Hello all you Wonderful Bander's, I have had mine for 3 years on April Fool's Day 2007!! I love it. I have had many fills and unfills right now I am empty, I got an IUD in about a year ago and my band has been way to tight since then, (I guess it's my hormones) so I'm empty right now and not loosing. I have forgotten how to eat properly and could use some help and advice. I also get slimeing alot! Does anyone else here have that problem too? Top Weight 272 lbs. 2/04 Size 22/24 (mostly 24) Pre-Surgery 252 lbs. 4/1/04 lowest 186 lbs. 3/06 Current 202 lbs. 3/07 Size 14/16 (leaning more to 16) Goal is about 165 lbs. Want to be a healthy size 10. As you can s…

hellow everyone i'm new my name is sharon, 34 years old, had a mid band fitted 7th feb 07, not had a fill yet i'm strugging with it and started to over eat quite alot,last night i did'nt eat all day and i was over hungry i ate a beef sandwich (sorry now though) before i new it i had gobbled the lot down without thinking,it did'nt hurt but i felt every bit go down with great difficulty since then i have been on liquids i feel like there's a obstruction low down in my throat and discomfort in my left side of my breast and back i am terrified that i have sliped my band can anyone help me please please any information would be so much appreciated right now thank you so muc…

:mad: Hi you bands out there, My name is pretty penny I had lap-Band last Sept /06 my doctor was Dr.Pedro Kuri a very kind and a real good doctor. I recieved my first fill by Dr. Amson in Victoria B.C. Canada before xmas and waiting for another one I hope soon as Dr. Amson is very much in demand!!!! I have lost 55lbs and I gone from a size 3x to 18. I'm half there to my goal and feelin great. and looking forward to talking to you all I like the idea of support and new info to help us along in our weight loss plan Bye for now Pretty Penny

I am thinking about being banded ! I am going to a learning seminar next month. I weigh twice what I should but would be happy losing 100 pounds. I hope to learn a lot from all of you. I have P.N. and wonder if that will improve with weight loss. I am so far not testing diabetic but feel it is related. I also wonder about the fact that I have no gall bladder.Will that be an issue? When removed the bile drips directly into the stomach. Will this cause problems? I live in the Rogue valley so am interested in best doctors etc. Thanks for helping me with this Donelle:) I hope I did this right!! This is all new to me.

:clap2: :clap2: Insurance has been approved. Lap band surgery is scheduled for April 27th in Dallas, TX by Dr. Barker. After every diet program and years of struggling with my weight, finally I have hope that this will be the help I need to get about 100 lbs. off and get control of numerous health problems. I'm excited and hope I am as pleased as some of you seem to be. Always welcome good advice.

I am new and I'm not up to speed on this site. I am hoping to have the surgery soon and I have a lot of ??? I just want as much information as I can get.

Hello All, I am scheduled for lap band March 28th by Dr. Pennings. Am very nervous. Reading these postings help though. Wish me luck.

Hello, I was wondering what some of your initials stand for - PB and slime? Do I really want to know? !! But I am to be banded 4/12 so I am trying to get the most education I can, and be prepared for success on this journey. Thanks for any help with the lingo.

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site. I'm at the very beginning of my journey and have been researching the different surgeries for about a year. I've had weight problems for my entire adult life. I've tried every diet known to man. Of course none worked long term. I think the lap band is the safest and hopefully it'll be the best choice for me. My consultation is not until April 30th so I continue to get as much info as I can. I would really appreciate it if someone could answer a few questions: - Does anyone out there have experience with Dr. Anita Paula Courcoulas from the Univ. Pgh. Med. Center? (Pittsburgh, PA) - Do fills hurt? -Can you feel the port since it's cl…

Hello everyone! I just wanted to say that I am new to the forum. This is my first post :clap2: so bear with me.....I have been reading everyone's comments for about a week now and am just in the very beginning part of pre-op 'homework'. I am learning a lot and you guys have really helped with some of my questions. My first meeting with the doctor is on April 12th. In the meantime I am trying to get as much of the insurance bologna out of the way as possible. I think I am in pretty good shape so far. I am hoping to have the surgery by July or August....don't know if that will happen yet, but that is my goal. I am about 5'8 almost 5'9 and currently weigh 281 lbs. I…

Hi! I'm maziemommy. I live in Springfield Mo. I'm getting ready to have Lap-Band surgery. My Dr. is Christopher Edwards. Has anyone heard anything negative about his work? I should be having surgery this month 3-2007. Any information would be wonderful in advance. I'm excited to be part of LapBandTalk. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!

Hi my name is Julia, I'm 24 years old. I had Lapband surgery on October 2, 2007. One month prior to surgery I weighed in at 365 lbs. I have tried diets left and right since jr. high. Now six months later I have lost 125 lbs and weigh in at 235 lbs. The only problems I seem to have are that I have not had a fill, I can only really eat saltine crackers, a smoothie that consists of yogurt, milk, juice, a banana and an egg. On occasion I can get down the middle of a baked potato or mashed potatos. I can drink milk and try to often. Cheese, Creamy Peanut Butter, Lettus and most meats do not agree with me very well and most often come up. I am finding that I can't eat mas…

Hey all, my name is Chad. I am 28 years old and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I had Lap Band Surgery on Sept 27th, 2006. It has been the greatest decision i have made in my entire life. I am down 65 pounds, and I feel great! I look forward ot getting to know many of you on this forum. Chad

Hi , I'm new to the board,and wondering if anyone has Dr. Dyer from Nashville as their surgeon. I have many questions as I am waiting to get banded. I've read a lot about pre op diets and it sounds like different Dr's do different things. What is the average time to wait to get a fill after surgery? Thanks LauraG.

Ok so i am starting this thread for those of us who are WAITING.... I am g etting impatient and it is frustrating to see people that get the band within a month of starting the process. Who else is waiting on baited breath for an aproval... waht goals do you have before surgery? I probaly have to wait till june or july to be banded and it is driving me nuts...:faint: My goals: Eat more fruits and veggies quit my late night snacking ( any ideas would be helpfull) work out 3 times a week...-*

OK..SO IM READING THROUGH THE COMPLICATIONS THREADS AND HAVE TOTALLY SCARED MYSELF. IM GOING ON MARCH 30TH TO GET MY SURGERY DATE AND NOW IM SOOO SCARED. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THAT ALL IS GONNA BE OK....???!!! :faint:

Hi my name is Rhonda I had my lap band surgery on 2/20/07, I am down about 21 lbs. I am looking for some advice on how to get the most out of my lap band. Currently I haven't noticed a major difference, I am not as hungry as I was before but I still feel I am able to eat more than I am suposed to. I am working very had to stay at the max amount I am suposed to eat but I am hungry again within an hour or so. (I am still trying to figure how much of this hunger is actual hunger and not just mental) How do I get a few more pounds off before my first adjustment on the 9th of April? Looking for any sort of advice to get me a jump start here. Thanks in advance, …

Hello ...my name is Morgan and I am 47 and have steadily gained weight about 40lbs. since my last pregnancy at age 38 to top off the 70lb gain from that preganancy. Prior to that I was a normal weight most of my life but always had a few extra to obessesed over and yes had a metabolism that worked well. Those days are very long gone tho and I can't lose this much weight at this age....I tried everything ...and exercised till I was in danger of injury to 112 or so new diets. I don't have much support on my own with this proceedure and sure could some:girl_hug: some wise words from all.

Ok I'm new to this forum, and newly banded as well...(2/19) I have been on solids now for a week or so, but I am so confused about the order in which I must eat my foods...I know it's protien, greens,fruit,carbs, but what if I want a sandwich where the protien, veggies and carbs are all eaten @ the same time?! LOL I know I must sound dumb, but I seriously am not understanding that concept...and I have only lost about 22 pounds...(12 are post band) Why have I not lost weight in the past 2 weeks when I am only eating a fraction of what I used to eat...? and I am making better food choices...or so i thought. I probably only eat 800 calories & 9 fat grams or so a day... …

Hello everyone! I'm brand new to this site and I just wanted to say HI and introduce myself! I'm Jennifer, 37, in NJ, happily married with two boys (the youngest is just 6 weeks old), a veterinarian, and absolutely impatient to have my lapband surgery and get thin and healthy!! Currently my BMI is 43.4 or so and I have at least 125 pounds to lose. I can't quite figure out how I got this big... My best friend of 24 years did the research and talked to me about getting banded and I immediately knew it was for me! We made our appointment with a surgeon for Monday, March 26 and neither one of us can wait!!! It's just so exciting! We're hoping to have our surgeries together. …

Hi everybody, i'm a young woman from Germany who just found your dicussion forum. I'm very interesed where the differences between Germany and America are. Greetings, Sabine

Yay! Insurance approved my surgery! I got the letter in the mail and can't say how relieved I am. I was so worried they wouldn't accept my diet history as a doctor-controlled, results-documented regimen. It seems so silly that some insurance companies make you go on a six month supervised doctor program just to verify that you will fail. Unless for some reason you really have never thought about losing weight before and just decided this would be the easiest, but I'll bet that anyone here has a mile long list of other diets they've tried before finally even considering surgery. Thank goodness that's all (or mostly) over with. Only worry now is that they will pos…

Hi all..... I am attending my first group meeting on Monday (informational). What has the timeline been for all of you from the first formal step to the surgery? I would like to have the surgery in June. But, of course, I may be way off base. June just works into my schedule since I am at a University. Am I being at all realistic???:confused:

Hey there; Here are the pics that I said I would show you. Thanks for the support. First is current and second is late 2003 about a month before banding. Tracey

Hi I haven't been banded yet, I just found out about it about 4 months ago from my sister who is a nurse and she was telling me how several of the nurses in their hospital were going to Mexico and getting banded. Apparently they are really showing great success and getting healthier by the day. AT first I was sceptical to the entire thing-anything dealing with surgery scares me, but after some research and yes, lurking on this site, I have decided this is the tool I have been looking for. I weigh 240 (5'6") and I suffer from PCOS. I have seen doctors, hypnotherapists, done Rapid Eye Therapy and tapping, I have seen naturopath's and psychologists and I continue …

Hi I'm new here, and trying to decide if I want to persue a lap band or not. I'm 29 yrs old, 5'7" tall, 265 lbs. I have PCOS, pre-diabetes, and occasional high blood pressure. I'm very confused right now about my direction and reading about others experiences.

Hello Everyone, Fairly new, been looking around for about a week. The more I reasearh this, the more I am convienced that the band is the best option for me. I have enjoyed reading all of the threads, and appreciate all of you sharing your experiences, pitfalls and successes. I am glad I found this place. I am starting the process. I have call my insurance, looks like it will be covered, have requested that in writing. I have scheduled to attend a seminar on March 21. I have an appointment with Gyno Doc today, so will get his opinion if this is for me. Will make an appointment with my GP after that. I just have one problem and was wondering if anyone else has any sugge…

I am thinking about having the lapband procedure - I have read post regarding the bread products - I have an unusual question - I am a practicing Catholic and I recieved "Communtion" does anybody have a problem in taking and recieving commution. Has the it ever got stuck while going down - this might be a deciding factor for me?:help:

Hi everyone , My surgery was March 14th, everything is going fine so far. I have been a little sore but it is getting better everyday. There is also some bruising around the small incisions, can't wait for those to fade. I have been walking 15-20 mins. a day this seems to help with the soreness. So far the liquids have taken care of any hunger. I still seem to have moments when I can't believe the surgery is over. I feel like this is a new begaining in my life one for the better! I go back to the doctor on Thursday for my one week check. :clap2: Thanks for listening and understanding, Susan

I am going to TJ :second:to get my band on 3-21-07. My surgeon is Dr. huacuz who does his WLS at The Huacuz surgical center. I will be there for 3 nights and 4 days. I am using the inamed band and have already found a fill doctor in Arilington Wa, which will be convienent since I live in Everett Wa. I am 6ft and wigh 368, I am not sure what my goal wieght is. I have been on my pre-op diet for 3 weeks but I am not sure how much wieght I have lost since my home scale does not weigh over 300 lbs. Go Seahawks !!!

hello , hope to be sharing good news with you soon. on pre-op diet now, I am very nervous about the procedure. I guess that is normal.