Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, my name is Julie. I am a newbie to LapBand Talk. I have done all of my preliminary doctor visits and I am now scheduled to have surgery on April 2, 07. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I am supposed to lose 25 lbs before surgery and that is a challenge. The best part of this is that I have a wonderful support system. My family and most of my friends are in full support of my decision to have the LapBand done. When I first told my fiance about it he equated it with gastric bypass. However, since then he has taken the time to learn more about LapBand and is in full support. I have spent time reading posts here on LapBand Talk prior to registering. Thanks to everyo…

I'm thinking about getting the lapband surgery and have been doing a lot of research. I'm thinking about using Dr. Ortiz in Mexico since I've only read positive info on him. However, I have been seen where a lot of people who have had LBS are having complications and that scares me since I will be self-paid and can't afford a lot of medical problems. Should I really be worried?

I think iam going crazy (smiles) Iam all done with most of my stuff just waiting for pych to send info for go ahead to my surgeons and my doctor to send a letter to my insurance and to hear from my insurance.Its been 3 weeks now and nothing.I called the insurance and they they havent recieved nothing yet ughh,i callled my surgeons and they havent got nothing yet .What should i do now , whats my next step anyone have any advice where to go from now? help nan

:help: I know I'm the New Kid on the Block, but can someone shed some light on some of the Lingo? Like what is "Sliming" and "PBing" and any other Lingo I should get to know?

Hi all, my name is Rocko. I live in Sarasota, FL. I'm 6'0, 340lbs. All my paperwork was submitted on 3/5/07 to my Insurance Company. My Surgeons Coordinator said to give it anywhere from 4-5 weeks to hear back from them. Well first thing yesterday Morning I got the call, " We've heard from the Ins. Co. your all set to go, your Surgery will be 3/27/07 (2 weeks)" Wow! It's not that I'm not Pumped! I am!!! But I was mentally preparing myself for the past month, you know, for the 2 weeks Pre-Band, all liquid, no solid food. But it's been just about 24 hours with nothing solid, and I'm still here First time in my 41yrs I've gone a day w/o solid food. I never thoug…

Hello guys, I found how to make the ticker , but not being so savy on the computer how do i get it to the web site? If its not to much to write, I would love some instructions. Thanks guys! Stacy

Hi everyone!! I got my approval for my lap band surgery a week ago and then I got a call today saying that my doctor is an out of network provider-great!! Now I'm waiting for a call from my insurance to see what I have to do about getting the approval switched over to another doctor. This is nerve racking, I thought I was soooo close, but now I don't know. I did find another doctor that's actually closer to my home within my state so hopefully the insurance company will agree with the switch and I can go from there. I have to go to a seminar on April 9, then a consultation with this new doctor on the 11th. I'm trying to shoot for surgery for the end of May, I ho…

Hi! I'm Kelly and I'm newly banded as of Valentine's Day. I had my surgery right here in Champaign, IL and I'm doing okay so far. Height: 5'3" Starting weight: 228 Surgery weight: 212 Today's weight: 212 As you can see. Since surgery I have lost nothing. My band is empty until March 29th and I am starving all the time. I am doing my best to control my hunger with lots of Water so hopefully the scale will move soon!! Nice to meet everyone!

Hi All - How exciting is it to find such a supportive community! I thought I would introduce myself. My name is Amanda and I was banded (or got my hula-hoop as my aunt would say) on February 16, 2007 in Mexico... Monterrey to be exact. My surgery was done at OCA hospital by Javier de la Garza, M.D. You can get information about the surgery, the surgeon, and the hospital at their website www.litenfree.com. My starting weight was 226.6 lbs. I did two weeks of liquids, and I am wrapping up my first week on a puree diet. I look forward to getting to know all of you:nervous

My name is Greg, I am 42 years old and I live in Orange, TX. I was banded by Dr. Hsu Monday morning. Still a little sore but feeling lots better than I did yesterday. I need to loose 140 pounds starting at 320

Hello- I was just banded on March 5. I notice that of the 4 incisions that the one where the port is happens to be very red and a little puffy. Has anyone else experionced this? am I being paranoid?

Hey Everyone; As I read the threads in these forums and posts, I am seeing something quite common. Alot of the people on here are either just being banded or have just recently been banded. Am I correct in this or am I completely out to lunch? I have been banded for 3+ years and I am not seeing too many people so far that have been banded that long. Please correct me if I am wrong. I would be interested in finding out if there are people who have been banded longer and I am just missing them or is this a pretty common? It would be kind of a neat feeling to be the oldest bandster on the block...hehehehe! I hope you are all doing well and happy days! POPT Tracey:c…

Hello to all,I was directed to this site by my doctor who says it is very informative. I agree with him.After reading through the site I was very impressed and was compelled to write on here. I was banded on Feb. 07 2007 and weighed 345 LBS pre-op. I had a complication with internal bleeding after the surgery which required me to stay in the hospital for about 7 day. I still have the band and went through the tightness feeling and swelling that most have experienced. Sleep was hard to come by as I regurgitated a lot for the first 2 weeks with acid reflux. Sleeping on my right side is still difficult as it brings acid to mouth in the middle of the night.Sleeping on m…

Hello Everyone :0) I Read Up On Lapband And Have Now Decided It Maybe For Me. Looks Like It's 99.9% Risk Free...i Go To My Seminar On April 19th...i Was Been Supposed To Attend But They Kept Canceling It. I Was Expecting To Be Banded By The Summer...hopefully I Will. I Know I Wont Reach My Goal Weight This Summer But Next Summer Hopefully I Can Be Rockin. I Am Concered About Scars...i Have Light Stretch Marks Already But I Dont Want A Major Scar Like Gastric Bypass. Pray For Me Everyone....lets Hope This Is The Answer To My Prayers Of 20yrs...i'm Tired Of Being The Laughing Stalk Or Outcast When I Go Places. I Want To Be Happy And Look Normal. Of Course Like Many Of …

Hello! I am just getting started!! Tomorrow I actually will be going to a seminar discussing the Lap-Band. I am excited, as well as very nervous. My wt as of today is 270# and I have had it i feel tired and just plain painful, I have now developed diabetes:( I hpe to loose 100lbs. I have never had surgery before and the thought does scare me a little, a co-worker from another dept that I work with had the band placed a year ago and has lost over 150lbs., and says its the best thing she has done. that does encourage me a lot. I do feel this is the safest route, my mom and aunt have had the gastric bypass, (my mom in 78' my aunt in 04') both successful with wt loss …

Hi everyone! I'm Tracy and I'm in the process of getting banded. I'm very excited as well as scared. I've been to the seminar, seen the Dr. and I am going to have my 3 evaluations this week. I'm schedualed for my first test in 3 weeks. They don't think I will have to do many of the test because I have had many of them done within the last 6 months. (if they are happy with the results/clarity of being able to read them, and if they are recent enough). I'm getting confused because I was set on the band and a few people are trying to push for the bypass. I love reading about everybodys experiences and success! Im happy for all of you! It helps to know what to expect and try…

I'm really glad I found this board. I am just starting my journey towards getting a Lap Band and find all the info here to be very helpful. Saw my family doc yesterday and he was all for it, so now I'm excited about it. eaglemom

Hi, I am having trouble finding positive support for the Lap Band surgery! I am just gettign started, I am scheduled to have surgery in the next month but when I started reading all the talk forums I am thinking I may have the wrong idea of surgery. I have read several things positive but then I hear a lot of negative also. Is POST-OP as bad as it sounds and it seems weight loss is awfully slow!@ CAN ANYONE SHED SOME LIGHT DEB

I found my surgeon through O.H. and have been banded for over 4 months now and have lost over 60 pounds. Still have 40 more to go but I hope they don't take too long. Just wanted to introduce myself and if anyone needs a good surgeon Dr. Curry is the best. www.thebanddoctor.com, give him a look if your looking for a very experienced surgeon. Nice to meet everyone. I'm on 4 different forums so not on much but just wanted to say hello. Moderator on one and it keeps you busy. Seems like you have a nice one here. Good luck everyone with your bands. Jessica

Hey everyone! I've been reading through this forum for a few months and I've learned tons from it. My banding date is set for March 26, I'm so excited. I'm being banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico, I'm self pay and I'm traveling alone since it's on such short notice. Any advice anyone can offer me would be completely appreciated... I started my preop diet today it consists of 2 protien shakes and a lean cusine in the evening. Looking forward to hearing from any of you!!!

I go for my second appointment Jan 17 and then should get banded sometime in June. I have a feeling that this is the best decision I have ever made.:clap2:

Hi, I've been reading for the past few days. I thought I would join I think this might help me alot. I've been checking on line about getting banded for about month. For the past two days I've learned more here then on line. Thanks everyone. My weight is 265lbs 5'7 I go to the doctor Mar-14 to get started again. I tried about two years ago and was turned down by the doc my weight was 230lbs than. I have IBS I was just put on meds two months ago and I put on the weight now that I can keep things in now.

Hi ! I'm from Florida and in the process of having my insurance company approve my surgery. I am so excited and cannot wait. They tell me I could have surgery as early as next month.

My doctor has done a little over 300 surgeries and I am wondering if that is enough experience or should I try someone else. Thanks for the help!

Banded in June 2004, have lost 100 lbs but for the past 2 years I have been throwing up every meal. I went to my Doctor concerning this and he sent me to a psychologist that did me no good because he kept falling asleep during my sessions. I went back to my Doctor and told him what had went on and they told me that I needed to slow down my eating and learn how to eat like I did when I first got my band, they also informed me that they did not have another Doctor or anyone that they could refer me to that could help me with my problem. I now throw up water and cannot keep anything down, my Doc has told me that there is not a problem with my band and has told me that I a…

Hi everyone, I've had Lap band surgery -- about 3 months ago, Dec 20, 2006. I'm going in for my 2nd fill tomorrow (band adjustment) - and have lost about 35 pounds. I only have positive things to say about the surgery so far for those of you asking. It's a great tool, but just that - you still have to make good food choices and exercise. Look forward to great conversations. Carolann

Hi Everyone, I'm fairly new to LBT. I have a surgery date, next Monday 3/19! Super excited :clap2: and a bit nervous. Anyhow, can anyone help with adding a ticker? :help: I went to tickerfactory.com, configured my ticker, but am having trouble adding it. Thanks!

I just got news from my insurance that I am denied. I am 32, feel very unhealthy, but apparently without being unhealthy they won't cover it. I would like to think about getting it done and paying for it-any ideas of an inexpensive doctor. I live in Michigan.:help:

I just joined this yesterday and I have really enjoyed it and it has helped so much. I do notice quite a few have had slippage and erosion of the band - How do you know when it slips or when it erodes? :girl_hug:

Hi Everyone! I'm in Tulsa, OK and considering lap band surgery. I've been lurking for about a week, and decided it's time to jump in to the discussion. I attended a seminar last night and the question was raised about slipping. The doctor said they suture the band to the wall so they don't have a problem with that. Is that pretty standard? Thanks in advance, Rose

Hello everyone! My name is Diane and I just got thru w/my pre-op appt, Im scheduled for surgery on 3/28/07. Just wondering if anyone has some words of encouragement!! Im so ready to do this! Its been a battle for the last year & 1/2 w/the insurance company. My advise on that is, dont give up!! You can win w/the ins co. It just takes time. My sister-in-law had the surgery 12/27/06 and has lost 38 lbs..I've heard alot about the post pain from gases used to inflate your stomach area stuck in your body. Does anyone know of some moves to get that out in case that happens to me?? Im just looking for some do's and dont's..Thanks everyone!

Hi everyone. It is my first time here and I am needing information about the lap band because I am seriously considering the surgery. Does anyone know of any doctors in and around Calgary, Alberta that do the lap band procedure? Thanks.

Like so many of you, I have struggled with my weight my whole life. I am serioursly considering lap band surgery and would love to hear from those of you who have undergone this procedure. I have heard that if you suffer from acid reflux this is not a recommended procedure. Any info you can provide is sincerely appreciated. Thank you!!:girl_hug:

Hi everyone. My name is Stephanie. I've been lurking around this forum for many weeks now and have finally registered! You have all inspired me with your success stories and the support you offer each other. I had started looking into the lap band many years ago, but had to wait for my insurance to catch up to the times. They're finally there (so they say) and I have my first consultation tomorrow (March 12). I'm a little nervous, but so excited it's not even funny. I am curious, though, about the psych and nutritionist visits. Can anyone tell me what to expect for those appointments? Thanks very much. Steph

:girl_hug: hi im just introducing myself , im aly from southen ireland, ive had my band in for a year now, its goin ok but not as well as expected

Hi! Just found this site and especially hoping to hear from banders in Central VA. Would love the procedure and am just beginning my research. I'm scared, ashamed, nervous, short on funds, roller coaster of emotions...maybe you know the story. Would love to hear from you! Take care!!! sami

Hello everyone! I am so excited to be a part of this forum. I have many questions about the lap band procedure. I am currently looking in to having the surgery done in Mexico. Look forward to speaking with you all soon.:girl_hug:

I did not choose that name lightly. If there's something to be worried about, I will find it. I'm due for my first Dr. appt. next week and have had more 2nd thoughts that I would have thought possible. 1. Would it be possible to have the lapband placed on, follow the doctor's orders exactly and still not loose weight. (If it is possible, I could do it.) 2. That's an awful lot of money to pay, if its possible that it would not work? Has anyone had any problems in this area? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi! I am new to the site and have not "been banded" as of yet. I went to an open seminar in Chattanooga, Tennessee with Dr. Jaime Ponce at the beginning of February. My husband and I have been researching this option for about 6 months but have been interested in it for about 2 years. ROAD BLOCK: I had my initial consultation today and found that I am too fat to do the surgery at a non-hospital medical facility. Our insurance doesn't cover it and we don't qualify for the payment plan, so we have had to come up with $14,000 for the cash pay option...okay, so we now finally have the $14,000. When I went today, I fully expected to leave with a surgery scheduled but found…

I just wanted to check in with everyone and see if they went through what I am going through today. I had my pre-op appointment with my doctor this afternoon and I also went to a visit with the bariatric psychologist who did my psych eval. I burst out hysterically crying at both appointments. I am excited but honestly mostly I am depressed and feeling like I am mourning the loss of my old life and what I will be giving up instead of what I will be gaining. The emotions come over me like waves. Though I have moments of excitement and anticipation mostly I just want to keep crying. Surely this can't be normal...

I had lapband surgery. Thursday March 8th. I have tons of questions. Please help...

I will be banded on 3-15-07, Dr. Oh will be banding me. I can't wait, but I'm scared too. It has been hard on the clear liquids before.

Hi all! I just found this forum. I had my lap band on Jan. 31, 2007. I just had my first fill of 1cc on February 7. I weighed 245 at the beggining of this journey. I use my high weight before I started jumping through all of the hoops of getting approved because I lost some weight before my surgery date. Anyway, in the whole process, I am now down to 219. So, 26 lbs. Oh, also, I am from Lawrence, KS. I am a married 31 yr. old mother of four. So far, I have not had any complications from the band. The only adverse thing I have felt is what seems to be extended fatigue. Honestly, it isn't like I had a ton of energy pre-op. Well, anyway, I am glad I found thi…

Hi everyone, I was banded on 2-26-07.I live on a wheat farm in Montana.(Big Sky Country!)I'm 51.My 2 children are grown and married,but live within 30 miles of us.So I get to see all 6 grandkids often! That's part of the reason I decided to do this.I just didn;t have the energy to keep up with them as much as I want to.Also my health. I'm taking 8-10 Rxs each morning and I'm hoping that as I lose wt.I can get off them. I am diebetic,have high blood pressure and last year had a bout with kidney stones that had to be surgically broken up and removed. I've had all the gen. surgeries- appendix,t&a,gallbladder. My pre surg.wt.was 220lbs.and after a week I'm down 5lbs. …

Hi All, I have been reading a lot of interesting information on here and I am really excited about getting started! This is great! I am really a rookie here though. I am just going for my first visit at the bariatric center on Monday, Feb. 26th. So, I'm on here trying to absorb as much info as possible. I'm married with a 13 year old daughter who is very active! I want to be active with her, so I need to get down to business here. I have gerd, a hiatal hernia, high blood pressure (controlled w/meds) and I have just been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. Yee haa! Just one thing after another. I have a birthday coming up in March and every year it seems like…

Hi everyone! I am new here and new to the idea of lap band. I went to my initial visit on 3/1/07 and was accepted to the program. So, I have started my 1st month and have to work on all of the other 'stuff'--my husband and I are looking into all the information we can find regarding Lapband before I take the plunge. So I look forward to learning from you.

Hi all! I just joined this website. I have been looking on here for a month or so. I have found everything I have read helpful. Thank you so much! I am hoping to be banded. I have gone through all the the things for my insurance company except the sleep study. That is going to be on Friday. After that they said it should take my insurance company 15 days to give me an answer. If all goes well my date is April 2nd. For now I wait! :bored Susie

5 months post op...need friends and will be a good one back.

Hello there! My name is Mike or Michael im 28 y.o and born and raised in Connecticut and now just recently moved to Oklahoma almost a year ago. I am currently 350+ pounds at 6 foot tall. Dont know my real weight because i dont have a scale to weigh that high :cry I was always overweight my entire life i have tried some random self diets nothing structured like Jenny Craig or anything of that sort. I used to play baseball in high school and college and other sports before that. Now that that is all over i really dont have that much exercise on a daily basis or in any form of regularity. Anyways i was told about this surgeory a little over a year ago and toyed with the ide…

Hello, My name is Mary and I am havingthe lap band done.I meet with my surgeon on thursday 3/8 hoiping to have the surgery soon.:nervous