Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi, My name is Lori and I was banded by Dr. Michael Johnell at Northern Colorado Medical Center on Feb 15th. This was an amazing experience that I do not regret. The entire staff has been great and the hospital is top notch. I went into the surgery with alot of positive motivation. I was told to lose 10% of my weight overage which was 16# and ended up losing 19#. This was to help in removing some excess fat around the organs making it easier to do the surgery. At the time of surgery I weighed 277 and am already down to 262. I feel good generally speaking but am having some problems with constipation. I need to focus on my water/fluids to help with that. I am exercising e…

Hello everyone.... I guess I'm amazed at what I've read thus far on this site. It truly has been a great source of information and inspiring news. I want to thank everyone here for the postings, both good and bad. They are, at times, challenging, yet constructive towards my journey of better health. I've been through tests and preparation work, but yet to receive a clearing from my insurance company or a date or surgery. Keep your fingers crossed! I'm amazed by the many people I talk to about weight and food issues. After attending pre-support meetings I know that I'm just like everyone else sitting in the room. We have so much in common. And, in reading this forum, I …

I will be "Banded" at Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis on April 2nd. Close to April Fool's Day, but you all know I'm no FOOL in having this procedure. I have lots of habits to break and will need lots of support from you. Thanks for being there for all of us!

I am just so afraid of death with this surgery...................anyone else scared of that, too? or am i just being a crazy person???? (I, too, was petrified of my c-section-i swore i would die during childbirth!) i mean, the chances are soooo low, right? this surgery just seems like it is a new lease on life............a jump start to a new beginning.................. i cannot wait for my consult on 3/13. i'm anxious to see what my insurance requires. i know they pay 100%, and i know i am considered morbidly obese. i do have high blood pressure, and luckily, no diabetes yet. i did get gestational diabetes with my quad pregnancy, though. hopefully, that has r…

I had the lapband surgery on December 18, 2006. I went for my third fill today. I lost 5 lbs between the first and second fill and only 2 lbs this time. I was really expecting the weight to come off faster. Is it just because we have not found the "right" adjustment yet. I need some encouragement!! I go to the support group meetings and I hear all the stories of losing 100 lbs in 6 or 8 months! There is even one lady who is three months out and has lost 68 lbs. Is something wrong with me - will this weight ever come off??? I am so anxious.

I am very excited about my upcoming surgery. My doctor has his patients begin protein shakes 4 weeks out. For 2 weeks I am allowed only 1 meal a day and 2 protein shakes. Then at 2 weeks prior to the date, the all liquid diet begins. I am really hungry, but the excitement outweighs (no pun intended!) the hunger pains. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated.

Sooooooooooo Scared

I can't believe I'm actually posting anything. I've been stalking you guys for so long. I'm having my surgery by Dr. Landerholm in Edmonds, Washington on 3-29. I've already started the pre surgery diet (just because I wanted to get started--the doc didn't request that I do until 10 days before but I feel silly just sitting around waiting to lose weight)--anyway I've already lost nine pounds in the first week! I know it's mostly water but I havn't seen the scale respond like that for years!:clap2:

I was wondering how long people were out of work. I was banded 2/22 and am feeling o.k. the dr advised 1 week desk job 2-3 weeks for heavy jobs, I don't have a desk job but in a week i was planning on going back to work, I am a flight attendant I am worried about picking up my bags ect.am I pushing things I was just wondering by march 3rd will I feel up to goin back to work?

I'm a mom, grandma, and wife who has weighed over 250 for about 18 years. I'm 48 and now weigh 265. I chose that lap band because I don't want to be unhealthy when I loose weight. I want to continue getting all my nutrients from the things I consume. I have several co-morbidities such as, diabetic for the last 15 years, high blood pressure, proteinuria, probably sleep apnea, (haven't been tested yet), high cholesterol (when I don't take meds) to name a few. I'm really tired of taking meds and I realized that I could stroke out, or have a heart attack or something and I want to be around for my kids and my grandkids. So that is the gist of my reasoning for the surge…

Hi all, I'm so glad I found this site! I am going over Italy and Dr. Franco Favretti is going to be my surgone - has anyone seen him? I've been looking through the site and it looks like I can expect some port site soreness and shoulder pain due to gas?? For those of you who have had to get on a plane 4-5 days after surgery, how bad was the travel home??? I am very excited but as the date draws so much closer I'm starting to get butterflies. Also, does anyone know of a US doc who does fills in Northern California?

My wife and I are going to visit the surgeon on 3-5-07. We both are looking for tool to take off the weight. I have been reading about problems with the Lap-Band in the long term and am wondering if this is the best way to go? My insurance does cover this surgery so it is on to making the right decision. My wife is a diabetic, and has highblood pressure. I have highblood pressure and severe back problems from the weight. We live in the Reno area and our doctor is Dr. Kozar. Any advise would be welcomed Thank You Jim

Hi all! I visited this site a little over 6 months ago when I was doing research to determine whether or not I should be banded. Well, I chickened out last year, but not now! I was banded on 2/28/07 by Dr. Robert Powell in Richardson, Texas. Recovery has been going along pretty well. I'm glad to be visiting this site again from a new perspective. Looks like I missed a lot of drama tho! :eek: Looking forward to knowing you all better, and walking this path with you! Robin

It's time for me to make it official and introduce myself. *waves* My name is Courtney, and I'm thinking about having my stomach banded. I'm 21, and I'm from a growing town near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I've struggled with weight for most of my life - I'd have to say the issue started when I was 12. My BMI is currently 39 and I've got a history of heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure on both sides of my family. I'm not looking for a quick fix - something to quickly make me lose weight. What I am looking for is a lifestyle change - something to help my life for the better, and make my health better. I'll be calling my insurance company first thing …

Hello everyone, I'm new, my nameis Susan. I'm waiting for my surgery -March 14th. Surgery will be in Springfield, MO. I'm pretty excited and not nervous at all. I think I'm past the nervous stage and actually can't wait to be on the other side of the surgery. I've tried several protien drinks and they don't seem to bad. Hope to spend more time here and get to know you guys. Susan

Hi all, I am still researching this LapBand stuff. My consult is 3/13. I hear many of you talk about fills-what are they? Do they make you less hungry? And as for the scarring, does that ever go away? Or just fades? Thanks!

Hello, I'm new to lap band. I had my first fill today. I feel like I can still eat to much. Is that normal ?

Just wanted to drop in and introduce myself. I've been searching these forums day in and day out since I found out about them! Last weekend I went to a seminar here in my town, and I was hooked since. I've got my first appointment next Thursday with my doctor/nutritionalist/insurance chick....I'm curious to know what the next step/steps is/are?? I saw a post on here the other day, and for the life of me I can't find it! LOL I'm excited to be here...and will get my before pictures sometime this week...and then I'm off to continue on my journey! I've got quite a bit of weight to lose, I'd say I'd like to lose around 150lbs...but I have a feeling it'll be more than t…

Hi everyone, I'm very new to this and am just in the beginning phases of thinking about a lap band. I have looked at the before and after photos and you all so inspire me. I'm having a difficult time finding information on the success of the lap band with my amount of weight to lose. I am really not interested in the gastric bypass, just really scares me. Any input is so very appreciated. Thank you in advance. Tasha

I was banded yesterday in Maryland. I am a mother of two, 5'3" and weighed 230 lbs. My recent high was 254lbs. I am really excited about a final resolution of my life-long weight problem! Everyone tells me that I should follow everything the doctor says. Are there any lessons that you have learned that you think someone who is just banded needs to know? thanks. Goldie

Hi! I am new to this and have a lot of questions! I haven't even had my intial consult yet-- it is scheduled for Wednesday. I have a 35 bmi. I am cautiously optimistic that insurance will cover it. If not, I won't be able to get banded. Could someone answer a couple of questions I have? First, I 've been reading some of the discussions. What is the rationale for not being able to drink with meals. Is that a permanent thing? Also, what is BPing? I look forward to being part of this board and hope to be banded soon! Robin

hello everyone just a note to say my surgery is for tommorrow. I have been on 2 drinks aday and one little meal for dinner. I live in ny long island. The doctor has a whole wing there for surgery lapband and bypass. I have to be at the hosptial at 11;00 surgery 12;30. I have alway thought that food was my friend, but now I know that it is not so. My friend would not make my body unhealthy, and fat, and have to took all the meds I have to take. MY friend would not let me hate myself or depressed all the time. or hide myself from other people, party, beaches, family vacation the list can go on and on. My true friend will be the true happiness I will feel about mys…

May family thinks I need intervention. Everytime one of them comes into my office and sees my computer it's open to LBT, usually Rants & Raves. I started out taking in just one thread at a time. It seemed harmless enough. I found it fascinating. It was wonderful at first, reading people's thoughts and ideas. Once I mustered the courage to post openly, it felt so good to be able to state my thoughts and feelings in such an open forum. I got a kind of high from it even though my other work suffered. I vowed over and over to always be a nice, kind person, but when someone disagreed with me and threw angry barbs at me, it hurt. I found myself throwing barbs back even…

i am from victoria texas.i got banded yesterday in houston by dr wilkenfeld.

Hello fellow bandsters. I just joined today. I haven't taken the time to figure out how to get my ticker out there. All in due time. I was banded on 12/4/06. I have lost 20 lbs. It is fairly slow going, but I am finally feeling some restriction with my 2nd fill, so I hope my losing pace picks up a bit.

OK SO I WANT TO PUT THE TICKER THAT SAYS HOW MANY DAYS YOU HAVE BEEN OUT OF SUGERY!! CAN SOMEONE HELP ME!! :help: :help:

I'd like to know how you all get that ticker down at the bottom of your name. It's cool. :help: I'd like to do that. Thanks, RaShell

Morning, Browsing the interent for info on Banding. I've made up my mind that this is the best option for me and want to hear from others about their expericneces. I have yet to find negative experiences anyone have any. Seems too good to be true and want to be fully prepared with knowledge. Thanks Living Large in Ontario

Hi everyone! I have my 1st consultation with a doctor today. My PCP referred me to the Weight Management Group, through my local hospital. I have decided to go the Lap-Band route. I am hoping that my insurance will cover it. I currently weight 222 lbs and want so badly to get down to 150. I am 5' 7" and am 42 years old. I am a single mother of 2 active boys, and have tried so hard in the past 10 years to lose weight. Before i got pregnant for my youngest son (12 years old) I topped off at 135 lbs ... and even after I had him, I was down to 140... in no time. But since I hit about 32 years old... the weight has just piled on. I have tried everything, Optifast, …

Hi, I so excited to have made the committment. I have my first apt on March 1st with Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas. I live north of Dallas in Prosper. I have so many questions that I dont' know wherere to start. This forum is great and has answered a lot of my questions. I feel like you all are a family and truly care about one another. WOW! what support. For once, with all the diets and so forth that I have tried over the years my DH of 30 yers is on board with me. This is going to be greatness. Anyway, good luck to everyone. Melissa

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum but I've been lurking for about a week now. I've noticed alot of you have researched and browsed the forums for months prior to being banded. Is it too soon for me to feel that I believe the lapband can truly help me? I've seen the commercial on tv several times and ever since I found this forum I have been glued to my computer reading all of your posts. I sat with my husband to watch a movie the other night and stared at the tv but thought about the lapband the entire time. I didn't even know what the movie was about. I can't stop thinking about it and I get excited thinking about it. I've done Atkins, lost and gained back 30lbs. I'…

I am new to the group, have been giving lap band a thought. I am from Columbus Ohio, 36 and type 2 diabetic on an insulin pump. I am about 100 or so pounds over weight, and it all started after going on insulin. I have been looking into this and trying to find a good Dr in Ohio. So if anyone has one they would like to recommend, that would be great. Thanks and I am glad I found this site Jim

I am 61 and just had my surgery on Feb 16. I started this last September. My ins had me go through a 3 month program. I had to see a physcologist, a nutritionist, visit my doctor every month (and they had to have my medical records for the last 5 years), and see a phyiscal therapist every week and work out 3 times a week. I weighed 266 lbs when I started and by the time I got approval for my surgery, I had lost 47 lbs. I finished the 3 month program on Dec 21 and got approval for my surgery on Feb 1st. The ins company did not have a problem with the fact that I had already lost so much weight and I don't have any healthe problems that would qualify me. I have lost weig…

Hi, I'm a new user. I am now about 265 pounds and am scheduled to go in for my first appointment with the Oregon Obesity Institute to get all my necessary pre-ops done before surgery. The surgery is not scheduled yet, but my insurance has approved it. I'm excited to read everyone's results. Some of you loose quickly and some not so quick. I wonder which way I will go. I've been battling with mononucleosis since December and hope this won't hinder an earlier surgery date. They actually whisked me in since the seminar was only last week and I'm already scheduled for all of my pre-ops. So that's it. I'll be anxiously reading some of the posts.:clap2:

Hi, I call myself the lapbandit because thanks to the lapband I literally stole back my life from the wretched claws of morbid obesity. Obesity had me in its grasp. Pulling me slowly but surely in a downward spiral to my pre-mature death. Why? You ask. Simply because I was suffering diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and plantar fascitis and on top of all diseases my low self-esteem and depressive swings were making everything worse. One day while talking to a friend, who had undergone lapband surgery in Mexico, I heard the name Dr. Gonzalez. I contacted Dr. Gonzalez and within 20 min. of speaking with Dr. Gonzalez I knew he was the surgeon for the job. His affable pers…

Hello everyone, I'm new here and was banded on 2/15/07. I have done a lot of research online prior to surgery and have found boards such as this a great help. Since my pre-op visit on 1/31/07 I have lost 29 lbs. My brother and I were banded on the same day by same surgeon. That has made this so far short journey interesting. He of course is doing way better than me. He is a guy after all and we know they lose faster. I'll catch up to him some day. Just wait. Surgery went well and have had just a couple issues since. 1 was the gas after surgery, which wasn't terrible, but noticeable. 2 is that I've been having an achy port site the last couple days. Seems …

Hi Guys, I was banded yesterday and surprisingly feel quite well. My incisions dont hurt that much and I am getting lots of liquid down. Just a lot of gas pain, Ive been taking the advice of the forum and walking alot. Is there anything else I can do? Im very excited about this journey and cant wait to start loosing and look fabulous. Lily x

Hi, I am new to the board. I have been lurking for a few weeks. Asked some ins. questions and got great answers from someone on the boards. I have been to one informational meeting and will be going to my second next week. I also will see my PC on Tuesday and wondered what I should say to him and what I need from him to take to the surgeon for approval. Like many I have done diets, WW I reached goal 23 yrs ago , Jenny Craig reached goal 8 yrs ago, Medifast reached goal 3 yrs ago, not to mention SB, and nutrisystem (2 yrs ago & lost 2lbs in 6 wks). This last time I gained back so much I don't want to leave the house. I also have 5 sisters and two have had gastri…

I was so surprised how fast all of this is going! I had my first appt with my surgeon on Feb 21st and I was given a list with about 8 appts that I have to complete with my surgery taking place on April 3rd! My first appt is on March 1st...blood work, chest xrays, psych eval. I can't believe this! It took me so long to come to the decision that this is right for me that I can't believe it is going to be a reality in a month! Just wanted to share where I am at in my journey as each step I complete I get a tad bit more nervous! I visit this site every day for inspiration!! I know that this place will be a big part in my success!!!:clap2:

I am having my surgery tomorrow and am excited and nervous. I have a family of people that have been banded..... My dad My sister My brother My grandmother and now me..... Imagine Thanksgiving at our house we can order 1 entree and split it 5 ways...... I m 5'5 and weigh 223...... what is realistic for me to expect to lose by June 1st or by 12/31?

Hi, I'm new to the board. I'm very interested in anyone who would like to share their lap-band experience with me:)

Hi everyone! I just had my surgery yesterday.. and I am on here looking for some tips and suggestions ... also support..lol So tired and sore. The gas bubbles are the worst. What kind of protien shakes do you guys suggest? I got some but I am still looking. thanks!:mad:

Hi everyone, I am new to this board, but have been banded since Halloween, 2006! Talk about a trick or treat, right? Anyway, I am a suburban teacher who desperately needed to make some changes! Banded by Dr. Galvani, I have lost 34 pounds so far. I look forward to asking all of you veterans lots of questions and get some good advice! Thanks, Mandy:clap2:

Hello everyone, I am about 90% decided on this lap band thing, I have TONS of questions. :help: 1). I have been reading about a pre-op liquid diet. What does that consist of? 2). I live in thew Northwest Arkansas region, can anyone recommend a Dr. 3). I receive Medicare, and am also carried under my wifes insurance with Tyson Foods, does anyone know anything about thier policy on banding? I have struggled with my weight my whole life, and had dark thoughts surrounding the depression I feel at times. Life can become so dificult when your this fat. I see the little ticker thingys on everyones post and I get excited seeing all the weight people have lost.

I everyone, Love this site! I can't believe how much information is available. I was banded on 01/31/07 and life has been very good. I had a very easy surgery and recovery was easy. I was doing wash the very next day :think. I love reading everyone posts and I would like to know how people get the pretty scale (i think that is what u call it) at the bottom of the posts showing weight loss???? Looking forward to chatting with everyone. Jane

Hello from Louisiana. Been looking at lapband for about 2 years - finally got the nickels and dimes together. I'm scheduled March 9 - Can't wait!! I'll probably have a lot of questions, so...

Hi everyone. I've been gone from LBT for nearly a year and with so many new members I thought I'd re-introduce myself. I was banded in March 2005 by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey, MX. I had good success with my band, losing 70lbs in the first 7 months post op. During my 7th month post op I found out that I was pregnant with my second child. I was quite nervous that I wouldn't be getting enough nutrition for my baby with the level of restriction that I had, so I chose to have all of the Fluid removed. Well, that was the beginning of my pregnancy. As my pregnancy progressed, I found myself eating things that I hadn't even attempted in the months prior (ice cream, fast f…

Hi to you all banded 12th of the Jan

Hi, My name is Debbie, I was banded in January. I've been reading posts since before I was banded. This is a great forum, I have learned so much. And it has been great help and encouragement. So I'm a little slow, but I finally decided to register. I was banded in Nashville, TN by Dr. Charles Morton. My highest weight was 235, I'm at 195 currently.

Hi to everybody i was banded on the 12th of January2007, had my first fill 22nd of Feb. my question is when i eat i feel the food get trapped in my band area is that the full feeling you guys get. If i wait 2 mins it clears and i could carry on eating. I am still inexperienced at it all any advice lost 21 pounds including pre op diet was hoping for more :help: