Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, I am so new to message boards that I don't even know if I needed to start a new thread or what but wanted to weigh in (no pun intended) and say hello. My husband & I are just about to commit to lap band surgery in Mexico. His employer opted to exclude medical insurance for any coverage of any type of weight loss regardless of morbidity risks. We had such great hopes when we were told the employer was changing insurance companies. But, again no coverage. We have been saving for over a year and a half and feel that we can't wait any longer. Getting on and off the low carb bandwagon just isn't accomplishing anything for us. My husband has been researching and de…

Hi all, I know this question has been asked and answered many times. I just cannot find it. I have some people question me at this point as to why dont I just get a mini by pass instead of having a port open in my body. Someone help me out here, what do you all think???? thanks!!!!

I live in the Richmond area. I am seriously considering the lapband. I am 5'7" and weigh 278. I've struggled my entire adult life with weight. almost two years ago my husband died after a two year battle with lung cancer (he was only 40!!) and my mother six months after him (colon cancer, after beating breast cancer!!), leaving me with a beautiful little girl who is now five years old, that we adopted from China (got her, and five mos. later he had cancer). I am trying to get my life back together but am frustrated with my weight and finding time for ME to get it off. My blood pressure, which was always excellent (even when I'm heavy) steadily rose during his illness and …

Hi all..... I'm Judi and I weigh 130 lbs. But, for some reason, my scale says differently. It says that I am 100 lbs overweight. I've been trying to convince the scale that it's wrong. But, it doesn't seem to get it. Just like my size 10 jeans. They don't realize that I own them and they have to obey me. And, there's lots of other condumdrums in my life. The only thing I can think is that an alternate Judi has taken over my life and my body. It's just temporary, I keep thinking. But, this person has stayed now for 8 years. She has cost me quite a bit of money, she is doing a number on my knees, she is ruining my health, she is tiring me out, she is ruining my …

Just taking a moment to finally say hi. My name is Judy and I live in McKinney TX. I was banded 7/22/05 by Dr. Hamn. My pre surgery weight was 250 and I am now bouncing between 188-194. I have finally started exercising and hoping this will kick start the weight loss again. It gets very frustrating when you are stuck at one weight but I have NO regrets with getting my band. I would be interested if anyone has had issues with estrogen and weight. I have tried ALL of the natural stuff and nothing is helping with those lovely hot flashes. I am on a low dose patch but my weight has come to a complete loss again and I tend to gain with estrogen. Just wondering if anyone else h…

Hello to everyone. I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ortiz next month. I have been doing research for 6 months. I am a surgery nurse myself, and I enjoyed very much their frank discussion and invitation to come early and observe. They use modern equipment, the same instrumentation in many cases that we use in our OR's. At any rate, I still have the same "butterflies" as all of you. I am so looking forward to gaining control of this last area of my life that I can't seem to handle. Thanks for listening.

Hey... I am booked for a band end of March 2007 with Dr Mumford in Toronto. Anyone have any info good or bad??

Howdy, This thread is more for my mom then myself, I've been banded since 1/24/07 and lost 28lbs so far. I feel so great and would do it all over again in a heart beat. My mom who is also over weight went to a lapband/gastric bypass seminar tonight. The doc she went to said that people benefit more form GB then from LB. He told her that only 36% of people w/ LB maintain their goal weight where as 70% of people w/ GB maintain their goal weight. The doc I went to use to do GB and now only does LB bc he said GB has so many problems and people stretch out their stomach's and then gain weight back bc you can't go in and make your tummy smaller again. My mom now isn'…

Hi Everyone, I am new to the whole Lap band thing. My weight has skyrocketted ever since I took a desk job. I really do try to get out and stay active but the older I get and the heavier I get, the less I want to do. I've never before considered having surgery to control my weight but it seems like every time I try a diet, I end up even heavier than before I started. I have no insurance to cover the surgery and don't have $16,000 to $24,000 laying around. Is Mexico an option? Have any of you had the procedure done there. At first I was like"NO WAY!" But the more I research it, the more OK it seems. Am I just being desparate? Please tell me what you know. Tim

Hi, I had my band put in on the 15th. I am doing pretty good. I'm not too hungry and don't have gas! My incisions are sore, especially the port incision. It is also surrounded in pinkish/red rather than the others, which are black and blue. I am going to call Barix in a few minutes to check on this. Today I've had half of a milk/yogurt/banana/choc. sauce shake, half of a chicken broth and a few sips of Water with lime juice. As soon as I'm finished this post, I plan to finish the broth, drink more water and have a fudge pop. I am excited to have found this site and to learn all about your experiences with the band.

I am presently waiting for my Lap band surgery scheduled for late March. I have been on the liquid diet for 12 days at present and it is a challenge. The heaviest that I can ever remember being is 500lbs and that was three years ago. Then without any warning I was diagnosed with cancer, and suddenly I realized what being over-weight meant. I had to wait for tests because the machines were not designed for someone my size, treatments had to be stronger in order to be effective and so on. So, with my wife's help I decided to lose some of my excess weight and I did, I lost over 135lbs with diet. However, last year I reached the point when nomore would come off no matte…

Hi - I'm new to this site and am glad to read about others' experiences. I am finally approved for lap band surgery. My date is 3/21/07! The pre band diet is ok since I'm losing weight on it - 3.5 lbs. in 3 days. Yippee. Palaminopaint

Finally got approval! I was kinda sweating it. I had such hang-ups early on but I got it!!! Just have a few test to finish and I'm on my way to the loosers bench!!!!!:clap2:

Hello, My wife and I are new to this site, I found it last night. We are both considering the Band. I'm 31, 287 at 5'-9". I've been battleing my weight ever since I can remember and I hate it, along with sleep issues, and hypertension. I tired the Atkins diet and it worked, but as soon as I got off the band wagon, it came back on. My wife is kinda in the same situation. She's tried the Weight Watchers stuff and other things like diet pills, but she like I, it comes back. We are both nervouse about the band, more her than I. I've read a lot on here about the issues with the acid reflux/indigestion. Is this a problem that can be handled with the right diet, o…

hi,i live in calif. my surgery date was 11-06 i've lost 41lbs. it's a struggle for me every day. is there anyone out there like me that can't lose lbs.::help:

Hi Everyone! This is my first post on this forum but I have visited many many times before. I sat for a long time today looking at before and after pictures and I want to thank you all for posting them. Hope to be able to ask and contribute to many posts. About me: Im am a teacher, married seven years to a wonderful husband, have a two year old son, was banded on 2/21/06, did NOT get filled regulary and it SHOWS. I finally began a regimen of scheduled fills every four weeks and its working. I am on my way to being a real loser:D

Hello Everyone! My name is Alexis , i am 21 years old from NJ and awaiting my first doctors appt this Wedensday! I am meeting with Dr. Bertha to dicuss Lab- Band surgery. I currently have a BMI of 45. In the past few months have had high blood surgar and High Blood pressure. I know it is time to do something. I have two children and a wonderful husband who is supporting my decison. I have done so many diets and gym memberships but i always gain it all back. I am a my heavest (256lbs) and it is very upsetting. I am very nervous about the surgery but i feel this is the best for me. if anybody has and words of encouragement or any pointers please feel free to pass them …

Next Wed. 3/14/07 is the beginning of a new life for me. I am excited and anxious about the banding. I will have it in Dalton, GA. Dr. Ponce will do the procedure and I have read and heard only good things about him. I think that the internet has made us lucky in that we can reach out, share stories and offer support to each other. I'm thankful to join the group. Wish me luck!! Felicia:)

A few days ago, I introduced myself on these boards. I have to apologize, because that day I was feeling a little down, and out. Feeling like it would be impossible for me to lose any weight, or stick to any kind of diet. I turned to these boards looking for support. Not a single soul replied. That's ok though, I'm not usually such a pesimist.. it's just that I was having a really bad day, and just needed some encouragement. I'm sorry to have come off as such a 'downer'. So, I'll try again... this time with some new (sort of positive, almost but not really) news to report. One of the presurgical hurdles that my doc makes us go thru is a cardio clearance. Good idea, sin…

Thanks for the threads, and support. After studying all I can all day, I know remember why I chose Lapband in the first place. It is the best for me, and I am ready!!!

A Lapband was installed March 16, 2007. I am taking it easy. I think that I am doing pretty good. Dr Adam Smith did the procedure.

Hello everyone.....I've finally made my decision to to have the surgery done. I went to the info session and I have my 1st appointment with Dr.Bonomo on April 10th, here in Chicago @ Mercy Hospital. I'm so excited about the surgery I can hardly sit still. Although it will be a while, I have to attend six weeks of info/support sessions and all of the pre-op testing. I'll finally get my surgery date after 6 weeks. Just to let you know you guys are heaven sent, really. There are so many things I've learned from you guys, from gas pains all the way to, how soon your sex life returned;) , I know I am making a truly informed decision. I can go on and on but I don't want to r…

i'm just in the beginning stages... waiting for approval from insurance :success1: cross your fingers! i'm so scared of not getting approved!:cry

hello everyone !!! Im Stephanie and im just starting the process on getting the lap band. i have always been big but when i had my twins it just got out of control. im a chef so that does not help b/c i eat b/c i love food :hungry: the taste, smell,feel. i dont eat b/c im sad i just love food. i have a great husband who doesnt care how big i am but of course would love a skinny wife:rolleyes: . im so tired ofthe word fat. people talking about being fat everyday its FATFATFATFAT. i want to be around for my kids and having blood pressure problems at the age of 23 isnt good. so thats why im going to get the lap band and would love anything you have to say about it.

Hi all, I finally got my surgery date! I am excited! I will be an April Bander!!! I am blessed with all the support and prayers from all of you!!!

Hi everyone! My name is John! So, I'm a bit nervous, but at the same time I'm super excited... There's a doctor in Scottsdale, AZ that it supposed to be really good, so I have an appointment tomorrow to learn about starting a new chapter. I'm dead set on getting this done and doing everything right. Now, to learn how to eat right again...:hungry: Oh, and looking at all of your before and after pictures are awe inspiring! Congrats! I hope that I can help you all as much as you help me!

Hello, my name is Michelle. I'm a 22 year old student and CNA working full time at a local hospital here in town. I just had my surgery 3-13. So, i'm three days post op. I've been walking a lot and following my doctors orders. One of my big concerns is that I am having difficulty telling whether i'm hungry or just havin some gas pains. I definetly know that these hunger pains are nothing like they were before. I'm working on full liquids now, and this morning when i tried to eat my super runny mashed potatoes, i experienced some pressure in my chest. I don't know if I was eating to fast or what. It's uncomfortable to say the least. I would really appreciate getting to kno…

Hi All! This is my first post although I have been visiting the site since Oct. 2006. I was just banded on 2/28/07 by Dr. Ponce in Dalton, Georgia. My friend and I are participating in a low BMI study. Are there any other study participants on the site? We would love to hear from you!

Hello, I had my lapband surgery in August. I've initially lost 30+ pounds. I've had 2 adjustments and am not losing. Does anyone have a meal plan they're following. My doctor basically said I could eat whatever I wanted, just smaller quantities. But I'm not losing!! Help! Duchess616

Hi My name is Chastity. I have not been banded, I am going to my first info meeting in 4 days. I have done a lot of search, and am very excited. I have been over weight my whole life and finally ready to make a real change. I did have a question. Can anyone tell me how many month before I would be able to get the band done? Just to have a idea. Any other info anyone would like to share. Thanks Chastity:)

Hi! I was just banded on March 5, and have already lost 17 lbs as of today. I'm worried that I may be loosing too fast. The ketosis "stinky breath" has defeinetely set in, which is difficult because I have to socialize with others to make money! My doctor reccomends a liquid diet for three weeks post op. I have 13 days to go. I saw that other people are eating "mushies" I would love some ight now, I read that 100 grams of cards stops the ketosis and bad breath, I also read another woman experienced it for a year. Makes me wonder would I rather be fat or not ever be able to be in the same room with another person and have this gross taste in my mouth?

Hi, my name is Alicia, but I go by Lici.. I have been thinking about getting this done but I'm a dork and a chicken! A lil bit about me I'm 23 years old, And I'm about 4"11,and 212.. I know, thats so big. It just kills me. I have tried diets and working out. But I seem to lose 10 and then stop losing and get like 20 back. But now I'm not having cylces, and that bothers me because I'm newly married and I really want kids, So I want to know A should I do it? and will it keep me from having kids. And B will my insur pay for it. I have Feb Blue. Thank you all for any and all Info. ttfn lici

I'm new to the site I have been reading treads for about 3 weeks and has had my first visit to my specailist Dr. Denis Halmi in Woodbridge VA. I have sent most of my information to the insurence company just waiting my last blood work to be sent to the insurence company Great West for approval. I'm 32 with 5 kids , 4 are steps kids but are just like the one I birth. My BMI is 40 at 230 pounds I have HBP and during my pregancy I suffered CHF, youngest child is 3 yrs old (i brith) and I just want to see him bcome a man. So, with that said I hope for the approval and safe surgery possible of 4/25 at Potomac Hospital. If anyone knows of my DR. please send info. Thanks- P.S…

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum today. I've been lurking for sometime, and I decided today I would post. :success1: My story is like so many others here, I've tried so many things over the yrs to lose the weight, lost it, gained it back, only to repeat the cycle, and disapoint myself for not being able to control myself. I've been reading about Lapband surgery for quite some time, and I finally decided that I'm going to do it! Hopefully the insurance company agrees.:nervous It is a covered benefit as long as I meet the requirements, and according to them, and the surgeon I've picked out, I do. So I sent in my first packet of info to the surgeon, and I p…

Hi - I am having surgery on april 20. My doc is not putting me on preop liquids. Is this really odd? I might try it anyway since I am very nervous about the post op liquids, how in the world will I be able to do it. Do you have suggestions about the best protein shakes, what brands etc. I have been so fortunate my process has been so easy, its been my follow through (slow on the paperwork) that delayed anything and it was almost no delay at all. Feeling optimistic about recovery I had lap surgery for appendectomy in Sept and recovery was fast and easy, hope this goes as well. Glad to be with you!

HI there, my name is Kari and I am 24 yrs old. I was banded on November 3, 2006 by Dr. Carl Sunby in Madison, WI. I had some complications and was unable to get a fill until this past monday March 11th. The biggest complication was that the larger incision got infected, and I mean infected. My Dr was worried that the band had been exposed to the air because you could see all the way through to my inside (lovely i know) and if that were the case there was a possibility for internal infections and all that. It took almost 3 months of packing wet gauze into the incision and keeping it all clean for it to finally heal. Unfortunately I have a really ugly scar now but I g…

Hey all! Love reading all the posts. I'm new here. My name is Cheryl. I've been looking into the lap-band forever and even though I've had several Dr.'s write letters to my insurance but there was some sort of exclusionairy clause and it wasn't coverred. We switched carriers this year and it's still not covered. Surprisingly my parents have offered to help me pay for it. I still can't believe it! I looked into the gastric by-pass way back but it sounded kinda scary. I'm 42 and weigh 344. I'm only 5'4''. It has definitely taken it's toll on my health. I had a partial knee replacement 2 years ago and lost 60 lbs. but was too heavy for the replacement and got le…

Could someone tell me if they felt virtually no restrictions before their first fill and if they saw a big change after the fill. I am getting filled on Friday and had my surgery on 1/16. I feel as if I can eat anything with no problems. Is this going to change? I am feeling very discouraged.

I want to have the LB surgery and have done all my research. I've decided to go to Mexico. My DH and grown children and giving me a really hard time and think I am making a big mistake. They say that I'm one of those people that "if it can go wrong...it will" and they don't want anything to happen to me. I'm not scared. I'm excited about this. However, I love my family. What can I do to make them see things the way I do? Thanks for all your support.

Hey there everyone! I am new to this group and am trying to find some support in life, let alone in lapband! I have been banded for 3+ years and have lost a total of 125 lbs. I do belong to another support forum as well, but I am finding that they are not as friendly as I would like. I am at the point in my weight loss that I am considering plastic surgery and am deeply investigating that possibility. I am hoping that I have found somewhere to come for friendship, for comfort and for answers. Well some easy answers anyways. Hi everyone and I hope to talk to you all soon. Tracey

Hi! I was banded on 2/15/07 and have lost 25.6 pounds so far. Things have been going great so far, no sickness and can tolerate any food but I'm not really feeling full. I just measure out my food and eat the portion size that I am supposed to. My doctor did put 4 cc of saline in my band about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Am I just weird or is this normal??

Hi, My name is Deanna and I am a happily married mom of 3. I am so happy I found this site. I'm looking forward to talking with people who understand what I am going through. BTW, can anyone tell me how I get my Ticker on my posts. I went to the site..created one and copied the code but I don't know how to get it on here.....:help:

Hello All ! My name is Charlotte and I live in Lake Dallas. I just got approved for lap band and hernia surgery today! My surgery date is March 19 ! Next Monday! :clap2: I'm looking forward to getting to know alot of you. I've already ready checked out the before and after pics, let me tell you those are inspirational. All of you are so brave ! Hopefully I'll be updating some weight loss soon!

I got my ticker, i did it thanks for the help!OOPs somehow i got two. Better then none!

Just taking the very first steps to the "surgery" Went to my seminar yesterday, filling out paperwork today. Reading everything I can on this surgery. The seminar was wonderful. For once, I was surrounded by people who had all experienced the same thing I had...losing weight...gaining it back, plus some...and so on and so on. My hubby is 110% for this, even tho, its totally a self-pay. He says I'm worth it. My only problem at this time is I really don't have any one else to talk with this about. I can talk with him, but he is 6'0 and skinny. So I found this forum. Will try to keep everyone informed of my progress. Actually feel like I lost 10 pounds by taking thi…

Right I'm a bit of a dumbo, I've been making a ticker at the ticker factory, but I can't get it onto my signature, it just keeps saying invalid!! Help!! Please can someone give me idiot proof instructions on getting my ticker onto my signature???? Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, just wanted to "formally" introduce myself . I'm Cate, live in New Zealand & have started my pre-op liquid diet today. My surgery is scheduled for March 28th. Looking forward to getting to know you all, Cheers, Cate :wave:

I am new here and am considering the lapband. I have an appointment to see the doctor on the 26th, but have pretty much decided that this is what I want to do. My insurance will cover the procedure, but I need to have psychological testing to determine if I will be compliant.....it seems to be a requirement for all prior to surgery. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Is this a "hard test" to pass?

Hello all: My name is Angie, I am 23 years old and from Utah and went to a free seminar on 3/6/2007 and i'm very interested in the surgery. I have about 180#'s to lose. I mailed in my paperwork on 3/8/07 so hopefully by Monday I will get a call to set up all the necessary pre op stuff. But waiting is the game for now. I'm extremely excited for this and I know that I will succeed. I am gonna have a positive attitude from here on out. Well I just wanted to introduce myself. Have a good one all. And i'll keep ya updated on my progress. Thanks

Hi everyone! I have my surgery date set! Next monday, 3/19/07 :clap2: with Dr. Michael Orris at WLIAZ. Anyone out there been banded by Dr. Orris?