Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Hi Everyone, I just returned the call to my insurance company and I AM APPROVED!!! I got the message this morning, and was scared to call them back, didn't want to hear any bad news. I was shocked as I was finishing a candy bar as she said "your approved". Now, there is no turning back. I've told ppl at work (I had to schedule the time off), my partner and my family. I am totally scared now. I know this will pass, but man oh man...reality is setting in. I just wanted to post and share this info. Remind me why I am doing this! Thanks for letting me rant.

Hello every one I am new here, I am going tommorow for a consultation at TLBC Does any one know if the total price is $16,000.00 including tax or is that amout without tax? On there web site they have a section of Frequently Asked Questions: One quesetion says, How much does the laproscopicband procedure cost? there Anwser: $16,000 A little confused on that one. Thanks, Melanie

I was banded Feb. 1/07 with the Midband. I have lost 20 lbs to date and I am still on full fluids. Tomorrow, I start mushies and I can soooooooo taste it. My doctor was Dr. Yau and I have had no problems so far. I was 299 at time of banding and hope to be 180 in 2 years.

I feel like I eat all day long. Little things, but all throughout the day. So ar this morning, 2 scrambled eggs and 1 cup of cottage cheese. The eggs took me about 45 minutes to eat. The cottage cheese took me about 20 minutes. (I am intentionally eating slowly like we should be) I was banded 9-29-06 and have lost 21 lbs. I guess I feel restricted because the food goes down slowly. BUT ... I feel hungry again in about 3 hours.

My name is Helen and I just found this forum through Google. I was banded on Valentine's Day in Dallas. I figure I'll never forget my band date I started this journey at 234, and from pre-op diet to today, I have lost 9 lbs. I'm already sick of the Protein shakes and was looking for something different, which led me here. Looking forward to learning even more about this process I've undertaken :girl_hug:

Hi everyone , my husband had the band nov 26, 2006, lost weight slowly but continuously till abou the time of his first fill (1cc) I don't know what size band he has. He's still hungry. Anyway, I know this site is for bandsters, but I feel like I need to help my husband, because he has become somewhat non-compliant. I don't know what to do (?) He won't involve himself in in a forum like this ( found it for him) or go see the nutritionist,attend bandster meetings, or even keep track of his appointments. Is it possible my support for him (like preparing appropriate snacks, meals, asking if he weighed himself, reminding him to take it easy at restaurants, etc.) might make…

:rolleyes I go day after tomorrow for the information seminar; I also contacted my insurance and they do cover weight loss surgery. My doctor has written an awesome letter explaining the medical necessity for this surgery. I have also already visited a dietician. I am 5'2" and 221 lbs. and I would like to know what is usually the length of time between onset and the actual surgery. I know everyone is different but just generally speaking.

Hello everyone - I have been considering lap-band surgery for quite some time now, and am wondering who on the forum has had Dr. Leung in Surrey BC Canada for surgery, and how did it go???? Please let me know ...

Just wanted to introduce myself - I am Linda from Fort St John, BC - I was banded by Dr Chris Cobourn in October 2005 and have lost almost 100 lbs - however, it has not been without it's difficulties! In August 2006 - Dr Cobourn performed a band replacement (due to a slip) and at the same time removed my gallbladder! Since then I have had no restriction - despite numerous fills - the last time Dr Cobourn was only able to get 1 cc out of my band - which was supposed to have 6.5 cc's - he then filled with 7 cc's - restricted for a few days - then nothing! I will be getting checked on Friday but looks like I will need to have my tubing replaced as it appears to have a leak! …

Hi everyone, I was MVP of our high school soccer team and lettered in basketball and track, after getting into lifting weights in college I was a very solid 5’9” 190 in my prime. Marriage, kids, business, 15 years of ice cream and bad carbs, I slowly gained 100 lbs.... Once I got to 295 I got seriously scared and got back down in the 250's, but I just couldn’t stay disciplined in my eating. After my car accident I hurt my back. Most of the last 6 years I’ve been around 270-295. It’s difficult to work out when you are constantly hurting or straining something with the extra weight on. I was an expert skier in high college, but I couldn’t even make …

Hi everybody, just signed up and looking forward to finding "magic" in your messages. I was banded 2 days before Thanksgiving (gotta love that liquid turkey!) and been finding my way a little at a time. For my official 1st post I'd like to ask you a question... aren't you still hungry? :hungry: I am! I've only officially had 1 fill (1 fill, 1 unfill, and 1 re-fill) but I've read about how people just -- stop -- feeling the need to go for 2nd's. Does that really happen? Doug

Alright I guess I will just introduce myself. My name's Tiffaney. I am 21, in college, studying zoology and biochemistry. I live by myself, with my dog, two cats, a tortoise and a snake. I love animals, if you can't tell, I've always depended on them not to let me down, like so many people have. I had my surgery on 2-8-07. hmmm...what else.My doctor was supposed to set me up with a dietician (sp?) but hasnt done that so far, so Im kinda on my own here. I am currently on the whole clear liquid diet thing, but I am feeling so weak...any suggestions? O and to help make sure that I will get off my butt and exercise, I am getting a puppy, a bull terrier, the target dogs..they…

it's great how wonderful ya'll look after the weight-loss I'm happy with what I've lost but the thing is i've got an issue with the excess skin that i have....however here is my photos of before & after

I got banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I would love to see him for my first fill but I may have to find someone closer. Any ideas for a fill doctor in the Oklahoma area?? How much??? What is your experience with having fills by the doc??? Any info would be appreciated!!!

Hello Everyone. I'm about to have my surgery on March 1, 2007. But I'm very nervous and excited about it. I'm ready to loose this weight because I know that if I go too much longer I'll end up with a disease that will cause me to take medication until I die. So basically it's time to do what I know is right. I've viewed some of the awesome before and after pictures and it makes me want to clap my hands for all of you who have accomplished your goals. Currently I weigh 270 and I'm 5'6, my goal weight is 140 to 150. Tomorrow I begin my liquid diet, so can you tell I'm really excited (no more Krispy Kreme, no more McDonalds, and no more Papa Johns), oh well, at least …

Hi all I was banded dec 7th I have losy about 39 lbs so far..WOW..There are things that just dont want to agree with me..:omg:

Hi everyone. I would like to know if anyone had trouble keeping their pre surgery weight off? I am scheduled for my band 3/14/07. I had to loose 21 lbs before surgery and I lost 23, but I think I'm nervous eating because I know it's coming up and I have gain 3 lbs back. Did anyone else have this problem???:omg:

This is hard to write, but I think it might be just what I need to get it out. I was banded two and a half years ago. I lost 50 lbs, then stalled. I slowly let at least 25 lbs come back on. :cry I haven't had a fill in a year and a half. The last time I saw my surgeon's assistant who does the fills she proclaimed that it was obvious that I'd found my sweet spot and was doing well. I have 3cc's I believe in my 4cc band. I'm an emotional/boredom eater, and we all know that if you want to eat around the band, you will...and I have. chocolate goes right through! So does ice cream, Pringles chips, soft cheese, and for some reason...cookies. I know that I still have a ban…

:clap2: After nearly 2 years of fighting with the insurance company -- I finally had my surgery - November 29, 2006. Every day is a new and wonderful experience for me. I never knew how much more fun I could have if I wasn't carrying all that extra weight. I am down 42lbs and 2 sizes. I had my first fill on January 22nd and can't wait for my next one on Feb 19th. I live in Tampa, Fl and my doctor is Dr. Murr at Tampa General. He's a doll !!

:)hi everybody, It's a pleasure to join this website I wish u all the best:scared: and me also:D

I just now joined this message board. I live in Northern Michigan and we have been to the seminar in Port Huron. We have our doctor's appointment 2/22 and hope to get a surgery date at that time. We means my husband and I. We are both going to have the surgery done. I'm anxious to get in here and become acquainted with you all and to read through the threads.

Hello Everyone--This is the first time I have ventured to post. I had my lap band done Feb 8th with Drs Yau and Joffe in Toronto (TLBC). I have had a better than anticipated recovery to date and have just started full fluids. I have received a lot of useful information from this site and appreciate those who devote so much time in making this site a success. Shirleigh:clap2:

Hello! My name is Josette. I got banded in 2003 in Colorado by Dr. Michael Johnell. I am from Socorro New Mexico. At the time of my banding nobody in New Mexico was doing lapband. I have lost 130 pounds. I started at 281 and now weigh 151. It has been a long journey with getting sick and ending up having surgery to fix the band because of slipping. My doctor and staff are wonderful. I got into your website because now with losing all the weight I have so much extra skin that I want to get rid of. All the people I read about on this website seem like wonderful people and I like reading about them and their success.

Has anyone gone to Acuna to get banded? How was it? Anything I should be aware of?

Just wondering if there is anyone in the area that has had the lap band done.

Hi all, just wanted to see who was in the same boat as me. I'm getting banded on the 26th of feb in Boston Ma. I'm sure there are others that are going through the same fears...questions...etc. Let me know!

I am interested in banding, but a little bit put off with statistics showing that most banders only lose about 50-60% of their excess. I want to lose it all. I would love to hear from anyone happy with their doc in the St Louis area.

I am 25, banded 02/08/2007. Feeling great, on full liquids today. Dr. Samir Patel out of EHT, NJ has been the best I could ask for. I am 224.5 today, the is 10 pounds less then the day of surgery! I am glad to be going back to work tomorrow, sick of sitting around. My advice to all the newbies, MOVE!! short walks around the house or even to the mailbox and back. I have found I feel so much better after a walk. Good luck to everyone. Only 74 pounds to go!:clap2:

Hi I live in the North West of England andI am married with a son of 6 years old. I have watched this site and looked at all the interesting information they contain and now I feel I can post something about me as I had my lap band fitted on the 7th February 2007 at Droitwich Spa Hospital in Birmingham in the UK. I have struggled with my weight for the past 16 years and feel at 37 it was time to start living and become the person I alsways longed to be. My surgery went really well but unfortunatly I had a hernia that they only discovered in surgery and i had to have that repaired at the same time. I am still very tender but feeling very positive. I have stuck to …

I was banded 1/16 in Dallas. One week post op and feeling good about the decision. 270/242/175. Last week of liquids was a challege. I had my first mushy food last night. About 1/2 cup of oatmeal. Felt like Thanksgiving. Back to the liquids today, I'm afraid of messing this thing up. More later, Steve

Just wondered if there were any other UK members on here Having consultation on Satuday and surgery is booked for 11 March. Am having the telemetric band - so no port - no fills - all adjusted by computer. Can't wait. Had the gastric balloon for 6 months end 2005 but started putting the weight back and it is coming back superfast. So scared I'm going to end up heavier than before. So any other UK members.

My husband is having surgery tomorrow (2/14) and I admit to being nervous. I have not found anywhere for partners to discuss concerns/issues so while this might not be the correct forum, I have enjoyed reading the posting and looking throughout the website. If anyone can point me in another direction, I would appreciate it.

Hello All! This is my first post so please be gentle :confused: After receiving a Christmas card from my cousin out in Colorado (who looked AMAZING!!!) I called her to find out what she did to drop all that weight. She told me that she had done gastric bypass 9 months ago, and she's down about 125lbs. I'm so happy for her! I have been researching bypass as well as banding for the past few years and hearing about her success has motivated me to persue the surgery. I have an appointment on Wednesday to get a referral so I can go to the consultation at the Barix Clinic. I've read a lot about both proceedures and i've decided on the band for various reasons. …

Hello all, I am a lap band patient too. I was banded 2/28/06. I love my Doctor. His name is Dr. John Schram out of Ypsilanti Michigan. I am almost to my 1 yr anniversary:) . I have lost 68 lb and still need to loose 42. I just foun this sight and am so glad to have others to chat with about this new life style. Please feel free to e-mail me. Talk to you all real soon.

I am attending a seminar tomorrow; I have heard great things about the doctor so I can't wait to get the ball rolling. I've already been told that my insurance company has never been a problem to deal with. Aside from my BMI I also have comorbidities. I can't remember the last time I wasn't unhappy when I looked in the mirror. The thought of having a better self-image is almost unbelievable!

:clap2: Hi Everyone! Am excited to find these great places to chat to others with a Lapband. I am a very new bandee - last Monday Feb 5th, so just coming up to 1 week for me! Am enjoying a "delicious" week of fluids - trying to be as creative as I can. Great to read all the positives from so many people on here. I look forward to popping in and hearing more. Also love the before/after piccies - so inspiring! Cheers, Jude Melbourne, Australia:)

Hi. I'd just like to introduce myself. I've been reading lots of this boards for the last few weeks. I live in WA, married and have 2 children (teens). I'm just embarking on my journey. I have a tentative surgery date of April 16th in TJ at the Huacuz Surgery Center. Airfare is booked. Passport papers are sitting right in front of me. I'm really excited!:clap2: Any other bandsters in the Northwest or anyone getting banded in April who need a buddy? Okay, here we gooooooooooo!

YEA!!! got through the first step- consultation, the Dr's office has already sent the letter into my insurance now just sit and wait.. joy joy.. according to the ins the Dr's office submitted the letter with a projected surgery date of March 5. :clap2:

Hi all! Just found this site and am glad I did. I live in Canada so lucky for me this procedure is covered by my health care coverage. Has anyone else who had this done live in Alberta? What do you need to be sure you are approved? I don't have any health problems yet because of my weight but know it's just a matter of time. I'm 220 at 5"2. How long did you have to wait to get the surgery? I'm so tired of being tired and fat. I just told my husband of my intensions and amazingly I got his support so I'm really excited to get the show on the road!!:clap2:

Hi, everyone--I've been lurking on this site for a couple of months and have been so grateful to see all of the great knowledge you're providing for everyone. I finally got the courage to call a physician's office regarding the lap-band and am now scheduled for a seminar on 2/16. I spoke with the financial lady and am going to be self-pay and was told that this surgery would cost approximately $10,600 which I was floored with because I thought it would be much much more! So, my question is--what do I expect there? Does the physician doing the procedure talk or are these just his nurses/practioner/nutritional specialist? What kind of things should I be asking or makin…

ok so first off, i am only 16. I am an avid swimmer and swim up to 4 hours a day on top of running. I swim distance and I have the endurace to do a lot, but no matter what i do, the weight stays. i weigh about 265ish. theres a clinic in chicago that does teens in my situation, and my mother knows everything ive been though, shes always been the one ive came home from school crying to everyday i was made fun of. but my father (my parents are divorced) is very single minded and says that he did research on the band and says he doesnt support me in anyway doing this. he says its wrong thati am wanting to have this surgery, but all i can think of is being able to be... wel…

Hi, I was banded yesterday 2/9/07 and wanted to know if anyone else out there had it done on the same day so we can chat about what's going on. I am very excited for these first couple days to be over with, I hate having down time. I have a lot of questions, I am very greatful for this website!!!

Hi there am new to group and so excited. I am 3/4 through the process of getting approved for lap band. Our surgical group makes you go to 7 different appts befor seeing the surgon about lap band. I have done informational, support group, which I will add was not helpful as they all are gastric bypass people, seen nutritionists, physical therapists sleep study, need to go to nutritionists again, and do pshcho personality study then finally the surg. I love reading the posts. Am so in hopes that this surgery will give me a shut off valve. Hugs amy

Hi, this is my first time posting. I have been reading this site for over a year as I have been researching the lap band. I just got my approval from insurance on Friday, Feb 9th. This morning I got a call from the Doctors office that they have had someone cancel and would like to put me in for this Thursday! That is in three days! The reality of this has not sunk in yet. I barely have time to be nervous because I am in shock with how fast this is happening. I have small children at home and am feeling guilty taking the risk of what seems an elective surgery. I don't have any comorbidities but have been overweight forever. I am getting nervous just typing this …

i am still in the process of getting lap band.i was wondering how hard it was to adjust to not eating and drinking at the same time? that is one thing i am worried about.

Hello I am 6 days post op. Felling pretty good . Have some pain at port site . No vomiting

I'm attending my first seminar Tuesday. I feel like I've done the home work and am ready for the proceedure. On Wenesday I'm meeting with my primary care Dr. Then I need to select a Band Dr in the Hartford area. How long should it take to actually get to operation day?

Hello, Today I received my band from Dr. Spivak in Houston. All is going well. I've been visiting this site to gather info prior to the banding. Thank you all for posting useful infomation. I've got a lot to lose - at least 120 lbs. Since like many people, I've tried so many different diets that I'm still undecided as to what diet to follow after banding. Perhaps I should try Weight Watchers again or The South Beach diet-never tried South Beach. I'm the Primary care giver of my mom and can not get out of the house much. I really need something simple to follow since much of my time is needed to assit mom and her needs, work part time, tire easily, etc. etc. Mom's a sweety…

I was banded June 2006 and have lost 50 lbs, seems slow and not all fun but a good decision. I like the weight loss pictures at the end of messages. How do you do that? My doctor is Benivedes at the Richardson, TX surgery center. Fills still scare me. The medical crew were nicer to me before surgery than since. Bye

My name's Krysia, I'm 33, and I've finally on the losing side of WLS. Was banded with a VG band by Dr. David Rohrer in Great Falls, Montana. During the 2-week pre-op diet, I lost 12 pounds. My doc said that my band had been "primed" in surgery with 3 mLs already, since it's such a large band. One of these days, I'm going to get a scale for my house, but not today. Still feeling sore and tired. (Having 3 kids under the age of 10 will do that. ) I'm sitting here with the now finally empty glass that held my Protein drink --- it took me all morning to drink it. (Like, 3 hours, slow sipping.) And now I feel over-full. Ugh. I'll figure this out eventually.