Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I just need to vent this and get it out of my system. I am in the process of getting my insurance to approve me for lapband surgery. I am only doing what visits are necessary for preapproval since I have been told I would be responsilbe for these visits if the insurance denied me (BSBCNC). According to their policy I have to do the Dr visit, Nutritionist, Pshy eval, and 5 yr weight history for authorization. Once authorized then I would do the rest of the test. So i have done everything so far. Here I am waiting to hear something from the insurance only to find out my STUPID Dr office from 2 yrs ago has not gotten in my old records for the weight history. It has bee…

Hi there - I just stumbled upon this website and thought I'd check it out. I'm from Toronto Canada :canada:and have been banded for almost 4 years. I've lost over 80 lbs but still have another 50+ to go...:help: I am a mom of 2 kidlets - an 8 year old boy and a 5 year old girl. I teach middle school music :music:and totally love singing. Maybe I just gotta be the "fat lady?" Hello to all and looking forward to meeting you all. Jane __________________ Jane - Banded March 2003 in Toronto in the midst of SARS :faint: Starting weight 332, Present weight 250:clap2: Goal weight 198.

Still at the hospital but thought I would share that I did make it through it. The whole needle thing had me so aprehensive. But the pain post op far outweighs the pre op IV. I just had no clue. At least I didn't have to be awake for the op stuff. That IV junk is the pitts. Necessary evil I suppose. Jonathan (JBT)

Hello Everyone! I am excited to join this community and am nervous about my upcoming surgery. I just thought I would drop a line to say hi to you all. I am from Ontario, Canada. Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Mumford in Mississauga? He will be performing my surgery and if anybody has any comments, please drop a line. Thanks!

I just wanted to say hello. I have been reading like crazy in preparation for my surgery tomorrow. I'm very excited and a little nervous. The liquid diet has been very difficult for me, but I see that others have suffered through it. That gives me hope! Dr. Jayaseelan is doing my procedure at the North Texas Surgery Center. If anyone has used him, I would like to hear your experience.

im new im 22, Im curently in Temecula ca my consult is on wed. 2/28/06 im soo excieted

:nervous Hi. My name is Dawn. I am 38 years old and have been overweight all my life. I have discussed my desire to have lapband surgery with everyone I know and have gotten the "good for you" response enough times that I have come in search of people who know how I feel. The biggest step I have taken so far is to quit smoking (my surgeon won't even consult without 90 days smoke-free) and to schedule a seminar to attend (also required). I have only just begun and already the constant up and down of emotions is mind numbing. I go from feeling on top of the world (finally making a decision) to the verge of tears faster than most people can blink their eyes. The hurry …

I have my surgery scheduled for 3/12/07. I am a self pay so everything has gone more quickly than expected. I have thought about this for a long time and researched extensively but I am terribly nervous. I loved Dr. Spivak and feel really comfortable with him. I have been haunting this board and reading all the FAQ's and suggestions (trying to stay away from complications) - I don't want to scare myself.

hi..iam new to this board this is my second posting..i was just wondering if anyone else felt kind of strange after their pysch.eval.....if it felt like an in vasion of your privacy..... i just have never had anything like that done before..is anyone from ma?

Hi! My name is Kim and I live in The Colony. I am very interested in getting the lap band and was excited to see my new insurance was going to cover it! I am going to the seminar with Dr. Hamm on Friday morning. This site looks like it is going to be a very good source of support.

Hello everyone! I am a recently banded newbie here, hoping to meet and ask questions of you. I had surgery on 1/17/07 at 12 Oaks Hospital in Houston, TX. Dr. Felix Spiegel is my doctor. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an experienced / friendly surgery. To date I’ve lost 20lbs, I hope to lose a lot more after my initial fill. Have a great day! -Craig

I need to know what others are doing for exercise. I am walking 2 miles a day and will soon be able to get back in the pool. I do my walking while I am at work, during my lunch hour and then swim at night. I am just wondering, should I be eating before I go for my walk or should I eat after and how long should I wait after walking to eat? Any suggestions would be of great help. Also what other type of exercise should I do. I am going to look into some exercise DVD's.

I am tired of being tired, desparate and feeling like a failure. I see so much hope and support on this site. I am looking forward to making new friends here and finding information. Does anyone know of a great surgeon in San Antonio? So glad I found you all!

Hi im new to this site and have had a lapband done in September 2006. Im finding great trouble after going off soft diet I seem to be on fluids most of the time. The dietician recommends more solid food but at present cannot find the happy medium . any suggestions bubblelistic

hello friends.. after a 5 month struggle my insurance has given me the desires of my heart.. I will be banded tues a.m. just 2 days away.. such a relief..I just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement .... and Its myturnow...donnaco:clap2:

Hello everyone, I have just received my surgery date of 3/14/07. March 5th I go in for my work up for surgery. I have been getting ready for this surgery for 6 months and have decided to go with the banding verses the bypass. I'm quite nervous which I'm sure everyone is and am doing every thing by the book. I'am having my surgery at Saint Raphael's in New Haven by Dr. Nadzam has any one ever had him as a doctor? And would like to know your experience.

Wow after reading all of the posts on here about problems with the band I am scared to death. I am set :help: to be banded on March 7th 2007. Can anyone offere a word or two so that I actually go through with my surgery.. So many are talking about being unbanded and such ans talking about still eating Jenni Craig or Nutra system? All seems like if you have to do all of that whats the point of the band? aluckygem

:wave: Hi! I am SO glad to have found this forum!!! Well, a little about me. I'm 38, married (hubby is also going for the band), sahm of 4 daughters. And I can't WAIT to have my surgery!!! Currently I'm in the "doctor supervised weight loss" phase for insurance approval! There is no set number of months indicated by my provider, so they're going to submit for approval in early April (12 weeks of dieting). I can't get below 252 or I won't be approved because I will have a BMI of 39 and the insurance won't approve it! What a joke! So, I've lost 17 so far with medifast. But it works REALLY fast...so I'm taking weekends off and still losing nicely. So, I …

Hi, I am new to lap band talk. I am considering having the procedure and someone recommended this site. Just starting to research the procedure , but I am already very excited about it. Attending a seminar on March 14th and can't wait.

Hello My Name is Debbie from Wa. St. Just wanted to introduce myself . I was banded on Feb. 11th 2006 by Dr Watkins. I have to date lost 92 lbs and seem to be stuck at this weight. I have joined hoping to get some suggestions on menu ideas, and hopefully get some motivation to exercise I would like to lose 60 more lbs. I would also like to be of help to anyone who may need it. Happy to be a member. Thanks Debbie

I have HMO Blue Texas and called my ins to see if the lap band is covered and was told it is not a covered benefit but needed to have my pcp send a referral and letter to the medical review. She had no idea if they would cover it and I'm interested to see if anyone has had Hmo Blue Tx cover their lap band. I have type II diabetes and my bmi is 43 and my blood sugars have been running high. I have been obese my whole life I'm 30 now and have tried many unsuccessful diets and diet pills. I would really appreciate your feedback.

Hello!!!! I was banded 12-26-06. I've lost 35 lbs and went from a size 22/24 to a 18/20. I haven't seen an 18/20 for at least 10 years. It feels awesome. I've had my first fill but am struggling with losing weight since incorporating real food in my diet. I also am still learning to eat slower and recognizing the feeling of full so I don't over eat. I look forward to meeting other bandies and learning a few things!!!!

Well I have a date for surgery. I will be banded on the 8th of March. I started my ten day liquid diet today. I am excited but also a little anxious.:nervous I intend to follow the liquid diet strictly as I want to do everything I can to be successful. This morning my weight was 266, so I am considering that as my official starting point. During the time I have been waiting for my insurance approval I have spent alot of time on this site. It has been very helpful and has added to my confidence. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories. Regards, Keith

Hi Everyone, This is my first post on my new laptop - the key board is much different than my regular computer. I am in the process of going for the Lapband procedure. I have already met with the doctor and she indicated that I was a excellent candiate for this procedure. The insurance has already been approved and now I have to go to my first meeting in Mar, hopefully I can have the surgery in April. If it were up to me, I would go now. I am so fed up with failing at all diet plans. I have been trying to read everything that people have posted, its all a little overwhelming. In the paperwork they gave me gave me no indication that you have to be on a liquior diet two…

I have to admit I am having some adjustment issues right now. maybe you all can tell me if it gets easier. For starters, is "drymouth" every morning the way it is when you get banded? Is hydration always going to be as tough as it is right now or will it get easier? what happens when you work out and want to drink Water to cool off? Is sipping really going to help? I guess the drinking aspect is the biggest surprise to me after surgery - it is actually harder to adjust to (for me at least) rather than the eating. Oh, it's nearly two weeks since the surgery and my body has dropped at least 28 pounds - that's a lot faster than I expected - is this normal after the s…

Hi, I just received insurance approval for the lapband. My surgery date is March 16, 2007 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. Doctor is Dr. Troy LaMar (California Bariatric & General Surgery Associates) in Arcadia. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions as to getting prepared for the surgery?? I must say I am a little nervous. Looking forward to your responses. Chancy:nervous

Hi all, I am just trying to find out as much info as possible about this LapBand surgery. I have an appt for a consult on 3/13 with the doctor. I called my insurance and they will cover 100%, so that is good news. I am at my highest weight ever, tonight weighing 353 lbs. I feel horrible, lazy, and so blah! I can't wait to start a new life with this surgery. Hoping you guys can give me the real insight into the surgery and the aftermath. How did you all feel afterwards? Can you not eat as much as before? I want to know it all................

I will see a Dr. Gibson in northern Illinois has anyone used him. If so please give me some feedback Audrey

I went in to get banded on Feb 14th, i was so excited i did the week of the liquid diet and was ready to go, i went through the surgery only to wake up to hear that i wasnt banded instead i was told that i had a tumor on my liver - a biobsy was done it was benign and now on March 7th they are going to remove the tumor and try the band again - anyone else been disouraged like this ? please give me some hope

I live in south central Arkansas and am considering Lap Band. If anyone in this area that has had this procedure done please let me know. I know someone from this area has to have had this done. I'm waiting on insurance approval now. Thanks for any and all help.

Hi everyone. This forum has been so awesome in providing me with information and helping me to make an informed decision. I started the process just a few weeks ago and, because I'm a self-payer, was able to move quickly and have a tentative surgery date of March 19. I still have a few questions that I can't seem to find answers to. Any insights from anyone would be great: How often is more surgery required (due to erosion or other complications)? What percent of people are totally dissatisfied with the band and wish they hadn't done it? What percent of people are able to get down to their "ideal" weight and maintain it? Do you feel "normal" after the procedure-…

i am being banded tomorrow, 226 and all my supportive friends and relatives are wondering how long the surgery takes.., of all the milliions of questions i have asked, and research ive done, never thought of this one...can anyone give me some idea of what they need to expect tomorrow?

My name is Jennifer and I live in Tacoma Washington. I am scheduled to be banded on April 3. I am very nervous and am glad that I have located this forum. I have been reading posts for the last few weeks and finally decided to join because I am now officially on my way!

hi everyone im new here:kiss i havent been banded yet i should be in april im currently on optifast:hungry: yyyyyyyyyuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkk!!!!! im from australia and would love to chat to anyone!!!:eek: by the way how do i post one of the weight measure pic things everyones got????

Hello everyone! I’m new to LBT and I think is a great forum with lots of answers and support, thank you. Finally today all my papers were submitted to my insurance (Cigna). I have completed all the insurance requirements; from sleeping test, 6 month supervised diet to the nightmare of finding weight history records for 5 years. I feel exhausted and anxious:paranoid , all I do is think about if they are going to approve or deny my surgery. By the way I live in north Texas is there anyone who wants to share how to cope during this process. Well I just needed to shout out.

Hi all. I am new to LBT. I have my appointment with Dr. Singh in Albany on Thursday and hope to leave with a surgery date. I am probably looking at April. I am really excited, yet very nervous. I want to have it done sooner but am going on a family trip for Easter and am afraid I may not be strong enough for a 15 hr drive each way and to keep up with the kids. I have been fighting with my weight all my life but nothing seems to be working as i'm getting older, and can't wait to have the tool to help get it off and keep it off!

This may sound silly, but... my Dr says that I should only anticipate loosing 50% of my excess weight, which i would like to think is on the lite side. After seeing all the fantastic results from everyone posting, I was just wondering if anyone has done extra stuff besides diet and exercise. It seems that most have not given up everything and have fantastic results. I set my goal at a realistic amount but would love to know that you can continue to loose more than 50% of excess weight.

Hi everyone! I am new to the forum. I am 5'3 and weigh about 204. Dr. Miles in Birmingham seemed so sure I would get the ins to pay for my lap band. I have sleep apnea and wear a cpap. But today I found out b/c govt has declined saying my bmi was not high enough.:faint: I have a fatty liver, gerd and apnea :notagree along with my knees are giving out. Does anyone have any advise on how to help me get approved. B/c govt. started paying for the lap band in January.:heh: Thanks, MIMI:help:

Hi, I am just starting the process of deciding if the Lap-Band is for me. I feel it is the right choice, but I am VERY nervous. I'm 90% sure I will have to self pay. I have BCBS of KC and UHC insurance. I will try but was told no when even discussing having a weight management dr. However, UHC is paying for that, but due to other health issues caused by obesity. I live in KC, MO and plan to look at dr. here. I have two recs, one from my PCP and one from current "weight management" dr. I am also considering Monterrey, Mexico. Has anyone out there been banded in Mexico? The hospital looks high tech and clean! Everything I've read has been very positive. 2 years ago I was di…

I am so happy I get my band tomorrow...I am really ready and looking forward to changing my ways to be the best I can be. I will be posting before pics soon....I hope I can figure out this ticker thing.

I have only received one fill and I don't feel any restriction. I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and set up an appointment to get a second fill. I can eat whatever I want as long as I chew it well, which has included a lot of fast food. I wan to do this so badly, but I am not following the program. I started at 263 and I am 5'5. I need advice and a reality check.

Hello everyone! I’m new to LBT and I think is a great forum with lots of answers and support, thank you. Finally today all my papers were submitted to my insurance (Cigna). I have completed all the insurance requirements; from sleeping test, 6 month supervised diet to the nightmare of finding weight history records for 5 years. I feel exhausted and anxious:paranoid , all I do is think about if they are going to approve or deny my surgery. By the way I live in north Texas is there anyone who wants to share how to cope during this process. Well I just needed to shout out.

Today is day 1 of my 14 day pre-surgery Protein shake diet. I feel excited about my upcoming surgery - about the changes in my life. I'm just scared about how hungry I feel now and wondering how I'll make it anothother 13 days, not to mention after surgery. Anyone out there have to drink Protein shakes exclusively before surgery and any words of wisdom?

Has anyone had their band done at Albany Med in NY. It seems everyone went to Mexico. I am being banded 3/14/07. Only one other person in my support group has had it done, the rest are bypassers. Would like to know how it went for anyone else??? Getting a bit nervous as it gets closer.

I was banded just a week ago today 2/16/07. I am finding it more painful :sick than I thought. I feel so sick. I am having drinking 16 oz of water a day. Not to mention the intake of any protein. has anyone else had this problem? any suggestions?:help:

Hi! My name is Paty and I am 36 years old. I am trying to get my lap band surgery in May. I have everything set up with doctor appointments and the class prior to getting the approval from my insurance company. I am here to meet new friends, get advice and hopefully be satisfied with my physical being... Hope to talk to you soon!! Paty

Is there anyone on the Gulf Coast of Florida been banded? I am curious to see which doctor they used. Has anyone heard of Dr. Michael Caluda? I just received my refferal in the mail, but I do not know of this doctor and this is who they want me to see. I was originaly told Dr. Nye, in Pensacola (Whom I did research and was feeling good about), now I feel uneasy. :cry I did a search on him and found very little. His surgical clinic has a site but theres not a lot there either.. Any thoughts?:mad:

Hello all. I am living in Berlin and have an appointment with a surgeon on Monday to discuss the lap band operation. I am not sure if my insurance over here will pay for it but I still in the beginning of my investigation and I would consider paying for it myself. Is anyone else out there from Germany? I have only been in the country for a year now and haven't been in hospital but I have heard many good things about the care you get. I have been reading the forums for a couple of nights now and I noticed that there has been a lot of talk about filling. Is this when the doctor adjusts the size of the "new stomach"? Sorry if this seems to be a silly question, but I …

Hi All, I have been lurking for quiet some time and I finally decided to stop lurking and say hello. I am being banded on March 30 by Dr. Kaul in Westchester, NY I am so excited and very nervous. I have been to three seminars (due to change of doctors) I have read Weightloss Surgery for Dummies and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding by Jessie Ahroni, PhD. I feel pretty informed just excited. Congratulations to all of you, so many of you who post often have helped me make this decision and I appreciate the community you have here!

I've been reading some of the posts for the past few months and figured it was time to join. I have a surgery date :clap2: of 3/20/07. My son will be traveling with me for support, we will stay a extra 2 days, just to look around San Diego. :hungry: I will start my liquid diet on 3/09/07 and wanted to say thanks for the idea of taping the fridge door shut with duct tape, I was quite worried about how I was going to stay away from the fridge, I think this will work.. Thanks for all the support you've given me in making my decision, thru your posts, even though you didn't even know it. Kaelin's G-Ma