Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

I just wanted to say hi to everyone out here. I am 18 years old and having my sugery this comming tuesday. I am nervous only because I have never been in the hospital for my self. I have been a vistior many times, but never went in as a patient before. I have also never, to my knowlege been under anistiga(forgive my spelling, I am very bad at it.) and a little worried about that as my mom has been known to wake from it very poorly. Anyways I just wanted to say hi and let you all know a little about me. Email if you wish to chat.

So many questions going through my mind. I'm still waiting for the insurance company to approve me so I don't have a surgery date. The waiting is hard. I have my mind made up about what I have to do after surgery, ie, liquids, mushies. I'm ok with that. My questions are about losing. I'm having this surgery to help me lose weight but I have read so many posts where people are not losing weight. I'm not worried about the surgery just if it will do what it is supposed to do for me. I have emailed some people who don't lose after their surgery or lose very slowly. Is this normal? :help: I would think when you are eating such small portions that you would lose. I'm having t…

Hey All, Been enjoying reading all your blogs, and felt like it was time to introduce myself and come out of the stalker closet! I'm Cindi, and was banded 3 weeks ago by Dr. Benavides in Dallas (BTW, he and his staff are nothing short of fabulous! ). So far so good, down 24 lbs., nothin' to write home about because I have a LARGE amount to lose! Scars healing nicely, no pain, 1st fill mid-month. This is a great place...Holler, I'll be around!

Hi, I've been reading posts here for almost 6 months now and I've just recently started posting. I love to read the posts here every day, everyone is so encouraging. Alot of the posts even make me cry - like the list of things to do after you lose post I just read and posted to. Thanks to everyone for being so encouraging, I can't wait until my 6 month supervised diet is over so I can get approval to have the surgery.

Hi Everyone, :nervous I have been "lurking" for about a week now. I have found this forum to be very informational and see lots of great advice and support. Thought it was time to introduce myself. My name is Martie. i'm 39/female and I live in Virginia. I am having my surgery this Monday (feb.12) and I am getting very excited. A little scared as well. I'm on my 3rd out of 5 days of protein shakes. It hasn't been easy. I must admit. :hungry: But I am so ready for my journey to really begin. If anyone has any advice, checklists, or would like to share any info, please do. I love to hear it all. Martie banding on Feb.12,07 5'5/298

Hello Everyone -- I'm new to this site and this is my first post. Hopefully, I'll learn how to navigate around here and will find where to look for the replies! General info 'bout me....I'm seeking banding on top of bypass and would love to find others who've had both procedures. Main concern is becoming deficient in nutrients and slippage. I've faxed in my op report to Dr. Fielding's office and am waiting to hear back about initial consultation. On 3/22/04 I had bypass, lost 100, gained 30. I'm around 250 now and am 5'0" tall. I have about 125 more lbs to lose, let alone being terrified of regaining the remaining 70 I lost from bypass. I actually began to stop losing …

I have surgery scheduled with a Dr. Ramos Kelly in San Deigo/TJ Mexico next Friday. His co-ordinator Shannon made me feel so assured, but now she says that a family emergency has come up and she will not be there. She assures me that the "team" will take good care of me and all my needs. The only reason I decided to travel from Alabama to Cal. by myself was that she was gonna be with me. Now what? Has this happened to anyone else?:cry

I am in the medically supervised weight loss diet phase of the qualification process and I have been following low sodium diet my doctor insisted on and basically eating as close to natual foods as possible. Too my surprise I have lost about 5 lbs, however I still have 125 more to go. I am afraid the weight loss will hurt my chances to qualify for the surgery which I believe will permanantly help me. Should I be worried? I'm in need of some advice.:help: Thanks, -Prebander

Hi Everyone,I am new to this!

This is one of the greatest forums. I have been lurking reading and absorbing what everyone has to say about the band and decided to actually make an appointment for a consultation. My appt is monday with Dr. Criggins office in Dallas Tx. Has anyone here used him or his partner? I have ckd with my insurance (united healthcare epo) and there really isn't any hoops I have to jump through so I am keeping my fingers crossed. missy

Hi I'm new here. I have been banded for a long time and never have reached my goal. The good thing is that I only gained a little bit and was able to loose it again..plus an additional 10 pounds. I'm looking for the support I need to get to my goal. I'm soo hoping I can do it this time. The great thing about the band is its always there and ready for you to use it. I just have to do my part now. Love my band Di P.S. I love the timeline things. Where do I get them?

ok..so now that i have saved the money for the surgery im now told i need to have a stress test (echo) ...GREAT!...anyone know of a cheap cardiologist? i had my heart tested 3 years ago and its healthy...this time i dont have insurance so im completely out of pocket on this test thats required before i have lapband...ive been quotes 1300-1900 bucks! GEEZ...can a get a break here? I am located in the Far North Dallas area but willing to drive ...heck...ill go to a clinic just to get a faxed paper saying im good to go! im sooo ready to have the surgery...more hurdles to jump again...:faint:

Hi All! I'm all set for my surgery on Wednesday, Febraury 7, wish me luck! I've got a refrigerator full of sf jello and broth laced with protein powder and crystal light laced with benefiber. I'm really looking forward to the surgery. I have 3 sisters who have had bariatric surgery, the latest one was lapband. I call them my very own support group. :nervous This sight is the greatest, I've spent several evenings reading all the posts, what a lot of great information. Good luck to everybody! Mary

I got approved for my first consult! But when I'm in front of a doctor, I always forget the questions I want to ask, or even the problems I'm having that prompted the appt to begin with! So I was thinking about making a list. What questions should I ask? (Is there a pre-op question list already created?). Also, what about fills? My insurance will cover the surgery, do they usually cover the fills as well? I hate surgery and being put under, so I'm a bit nervous. But I'm hoping that since I'm hungry all-the-time (especially when I'm dieting!) that the band will work to convince me I'm really not that hungry. Although, I'm a bit nervous - I have trouble swallowing now…

Today is first full day after surgery...man I wasn't expecting to feel like I had been in a car wreck but my pain killer helps resolve a majority of that, I still don't have any regrets...I am hoping for a speedy recovery, to begin my life as a new me! I have noticed though, no one has made mention of a "On Q" catheter being placed after surgey, is this new? It's a tiny catheter placed into one of the insicion sites that slowly dispences novicane in the area of your incisions. It is temporary ....It will be removed on my 3 day post op visit. I am so very pleased to come across this forum....I makes me feel as if there are others whom I can look to for inspiration, I th…

Hi all. I have been reading on this site for several months while I was deciding on having the procedure done. I am now scheduled for surgery on February 15 with Dr. Malley in Kansas and am excited and of course nervous as well. Thanks to everyone here, it has been very encouraging and helpful. I am so excited to start this journey and get my life back. I am a mother of 3 young children; twin girls age 4 and a little boy who turns 1 this week. I am 28, 5' 11" and weigh 273 and feel like my weight is holding me back from doing so much with my children...who wants to go to the neighborhood pool when you feel like a whale, right? Well, enough for now. Just thought I wou…

I am scheduled to be banded next Friday Feb 16, 2007. I am so terrrfied. I do not want to be sick I am feeling so good now. Lost about 20lbs on the presurgery diet. Energy is good but the more I read about the side effects experienced by my fellow bandsters I get scared. I have lost large amounts of weight all of my life. But I can't seem to keep it off. I think band is so drastic for me but after having my son last year I decided to lose weight once and for all. I have the typical high blood pressure and acid reflux. My acid reflux is bad already before the band. How worst is it going to get? I think this site is great I will keep you posted as I go. And for anyone local…

looking for band buddies to compare notes with:)

Hi Band World!!! I Will Be Banded On March 5th Lets Give A Shout To The Lapband World Let Us Know Your March Date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, everyone. My name is Gene and I am currently waiting for my surgery date. I'm with Dr. Malley in KS and my surgery will be at Menorah Medical Center. I'm a 51 year old grandma currently weighing 371 and wanting to get down to 175. My grandchildren are 18 months and 3 months old and I want to be able to do things with them like take them to the park and to the pool - all the things that I can't do now because I'm an elephant! Thanks to TracyinKS for sending me over here so I can chat with fellow bandsters about our life-changing event! Gene:)

Hello all, I've been lurking for a bit and enjoying the site immensely. I've had my initial consult and I'm in the process of getting tests done before I am finally banded. No surgery date just yet. I'm currently working with Dr. Fox at SWLC in Tacoma, WA. I'd love to hear from anybody else who has had experiences with him or the facility, good or bad! Like many here, I'm tired of seriously dieting and actually exercising and watching the scale go down... then right back up again. I'm ready for a positive, permanent change- and I'm willing to put in the effort to make that happen and keep it that way. I've read good and bad on here, I'm hoping that the band …

hi all i was banded on the 31 0f jan so its been a week now iv lost 21lb so far but thats cuz i dont like blended food it all looks like sick i cant wait till i can have mashed or real food xx:faint:

:nervous Hi! I'm getting my lapband (finally) next week. I've been looking into WLS for 7 years (!!) So gosh I'm not excited at all I just feel nervous and wish it were all over and that I'd be losing already. I would love to meet some folks who have already been through this and could offer some encouragement? Thank you so much! Tina

I just had my lap band done on January 29, 2007. I just wanted to say hello.

I m off to bed for a few hours of sleep, when I wake it is off to get banded, I just had a few hours of rootin tootin phospho soda induced good time so I am sure I will sleep well, I am only 30 minutes to the hospital so I may get a chance to post tomorrow afternoon, the loads of before and after pictures have me really pumped up n ready to work, sweet dreams everybody:notagree

:help: 30 hours and counting, I m startig to get nervous

Hey y'all, I was banded on 1/24/07, I made an apt for my 1st fill. I'm going 2/26. My question is does getting a fill hurt? Does it hurt while they're putting the saline in? Does it hurt after words? And how different does it feel after you get your very 1st fill then after your surgery? Hope y'all can answer my questions. I'm sure you can every one on here is so helpful and friendly. Look forward to some responses.

Hello everyone, I was banded on 9/22/06, by Dr. Rosen at the WISH center. Dr. Rosen and his staff are at the top when it comes to experience and patient support. The Wish Center is now called LifeWeigh Bariatrics and is located in Downers Grove, Illinois. I had my frist fill in December 2006 of 1cc today, I had my second fill for an additional 1cc. I now am starting to fill a restriction. I started at 263 and now I am at 239.6. I am so glad I found this site. Anyone who like to email me please feel free, I am kamkriskort@yahoo.com

I want to thank all of you for our advice, enthusiasm and honesty. I have been watching for some time while I decided....and waited....went through pre-op testing... and waited. Now, I am one week away from making the change that I hope will give me the tool to control this demon I have fought since I was ten years old. I am 44, and a mother of 2 with my own business. It is time to take care of me now. I have a bmi of 38 and am 220. I spend every waking minute trying to win this battle through deprivation, exercise and sheer will. I have 2 grandmothers 280+ and the curse of a certified slow metabolism. I look forward to happier times. It is this forum where I have been …

Hi everyone. I just had my lap band surgery 3 weeks ago with a wonderful Doc in Monterrey Mexico. I am excited at what the future holds but I do realize that I am still going to have to do some of the work myself. I am hoping I can find support here with other people who have the band. Hope to hear from you guys.

Hello LBT, I had my lap band done on Dec.14,06 i have lost 19lbs. I am still working on eat right. I still have problems in eating really slow. I join because i need some support to help me to eat the right foods and not the fatty foods. I feel that 19lbs is just not enough. Does anyone know any sight that will give me advise on meals to help with my lap band? I will be getting my first fill on Feb. 14,07 what a great Valentine gift I will have eating broth for dinner. But it is worth it. I have only one problem right now i had this strange feeling today when i eate some ribs it kind felt like a heartburn but i kept burping and then some food came up. What can i…

Hi everyone! Im a newbie here, and would like to, first, congratulate you all on your choice to begin this new journey to a new and healthy you. I, too, am beginning that journey. Im in Minnesota, just starting the process. Im going to my 2nd info meeting tonight. I have definitely decided on the Lap Band, just havent chosen a surgery group yet. This forum is a great source of info and support. Thank you all and good luck with your journey! Any others from Minnesota ??

Hey everyone, me and my wife (seemebeme2) are new here, we just got banded Feb. 2nd, 2007, and we intend to be long time partners here, as I am sure we will have quite a few questions!

Hi everyone, I'm new on this site and have not yet had the surgery, but I am going through the preliminary hoops. I've had an endoscopy, a psychological examination, physical, and tonight I have a sleep study - all of which have to be done before I can even make the appointment. I guess the long drawn-out process weeds out the people who are looking to surgery as "the easy way out," as one of my friends put it (the gall!). I hope the paperwork diminishes after the surgery. I would love any comments, emails, advice, empathy. It seems like I've stumbled on a great forum.

:help: I'm a 69-yr old grandmother, and about 12 yrs ago I was advised that I was too old for the bariatric surgery. I'm just learning about lapband now and will be seeing my doc on Feb 9th for a referral (I hope). Both my husband of almost 49 yrs and I are rather nervous about the whole thing, but I certainly cannot go on this way. I was NOT heavy as a kid, in fact, I used to kid my mom that she gave me (what at that time was deemed) an appetizer and it had time capsules in it. Any other old-but-young folks out there? Thanks

Just curious. I will probably go to Park West Weight Loss Center. You?

I have done all my doctors visits, heart, lungs, blood work, etc. One more visit with doctor I guess for a date. Starting optifast today I need it after superbowl party yesterday. I have about 100 pds to lose and hope this is the way to go and not with by-pass. How do I know the difference?......are there people out there that feel they should have had by-pass instead or just felt like me and glad they went for labband

Hi all, I am new here and found this from reading the fourms on my Dr's web site. Love all the information out here and can't wait for the surgery date. JBT

I'm tired of being fat. I'm tired of getting fatter. I tried WW, and Slimfast and Slimquick. Is it me? Is it a matter of getting it in my head that I need to stop eating so dang much? Mind over matter? Food over Fatter? I really want to be attractive again.

Hi everyone, I’m in the process of deciding which surgeon to go with to have my lap band done. I know I need to lose weight, I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to resort to surgery, to me it's a very scary option but then so is remaining the size that I’m currently at. I need to lose at least 100 pounds before I’ll be at a safe weight to get pregnant. I'm just glad that we have this support system to help us through it all.

Hello folks... Just wanted to introduce myself a little... Had surgery 4 days ago (2-1-07). I can't help feeling a little quilty about having had the surgery. I am 32 with a BMI of 37 and high blood pressure . I have a lot of muscle mass so I carry my weight better than most. Feel like I could of lost the weight on my own, but also know I would have just gained it back. Feel like there are more deserving people than me that should have this done. I did this mostly because I want to look better and I have the money now. I should mention that I am an E.R. Nurse and know the health benifits but, Damn it, I want to look like I did before I quit smoking. My question is should …

I just learned of this site. i would like to introduce myself. My name is Lynda and I had lapband in Aug. I have since lost 60lbs. and feel great. The only complaint I have is trying to adjust to my fills. I have a problem with being able to adjust and my band getting irritated and having to remove all the fluid. Then I go back to where I left off. So I guess I am at a platueau. Wondering if anyone else has problems with tehir fillls.

Hi! I've never posted before ,but am hoping that someone can give me some help. I've had my band since Oct.2,2006, and have lost 65 pounds thus far. I had my surgery in BC Canada. I followed all the instructions - I was actually stricter with myself than the surgeon told me to be. I started on fluids and slowly progressed to purees and then soft solids.I tried to remember to chew well and take small bites. Everything was great for the first four weeks. Then I started having problems with vomitting. I see that some on this site have referred to 'productive burps'. Most of the time I don't feel nauseated - I get a sharp esophageal-spasm type of pain, need to burp a lot, and…

Hi all, I'm very new to all this but I felt like I needed somewhere to go where people can relate. I had my lap band surgury on Aug. 9th. I went to Hamot in Erie PA. I had a wonderful experience there with my surgury and the staff.That's not the problem. I was 270 when I started out. I have only lost 20 pounds since. The band itself I feel is not the result of my weight loss. It was the grueling low calorie diet I was on before surgury and the 3 weeks of liquids after. I have had 3 fills with the last one being last week. I feel the hurt when I eat too fast or too much but I can still snack away. My doctor has now prescribed an appetite suppressant for me. It gives me a l…

I just got my surgical date yesterday (it will be on March 5th) . I am very nervous,but want to go through with it this time ( backed out two years ago). I don't kow how I will keep to the liquid diet for two weeks before, since I am having the surgery because I have been unable to stick to any diet. I seem to want to eat a lot now, to make up for no eating at all for weeks. Any tips for how to get through this? Also I saw some pictures of peoples' scars (I thought there would only be one scar..I don't get why there are multiple scars)..do these heal up well? thanks for advising a nervous newbie:)

:biggrin1: Hello everyone, My name is Laura. I had my surgery May 06. I started my weight at 207lbs. The surgery was more for health problems than weight. I went in initially for gastric bypass, I had a birth defect and the doctor closed me up and I had to weight two more weeks so insurance would authorize lap band. I have lost only 30 lbs so far. I guess the worst part about the band is mornings can't seem to get much down, and waiting till I am famished so then I eat to fast and end up not keeping it down. Has anyone found anything that will jump start my weight loss again? I know I need a fill now as I can eat steak.. I am getting pretty disappointed with the ba…

Wow! I cant believe it has already been almost 2 weeks. It has been really easy so far. No gas pain, no real pain from surgery at all. I have lost about 35lbs since the preop diet that started on January 10th. Im going to list a typical day of my foods. Please give me your opinions below on whether or not it is similar to what you can eat or if its more or less,or if Im eating the right types of meals and Snacks. Any input would be awesome. Breakfast. Protein shake Mid Morning - sugar free Yogurt or a scrambled egg lunch 1/2 can or so of soup(usually campbells chunky type) Mid Afternoon - small cup applesauce dinner More Soup or turkey chili snack sugar free …

I have been reading many posts on this forum for the past week and have now decided to introduce myself. I am 27yrs old and will be banded on 2/22/07. I am very excited, nervous and scared. I have struggled with my weight for the last 5 or 6 yrs. I have come to the conclusion that this is the best TOOL to Help me lose the weight. I have a very supportive husband. I have chose to keep this a secret from most people that know me. I have not even told my parents yet. I plan on telling them soon, but I know that they will not think this is the right thing and that I haven't tried hard enough on my own. I really need the support and encouragement that I see shown on t…

What a great forum! I've made the call and am working the process. I'm wondering if anyone on this forum has used the Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, IL for this procedure? That is where I intend to pursue the procedure. I'm so ready for this! I have four horses that look at me over the fence - wondering when they're going to get ridden again.

I'll be banded on the later this month. Right now I'm on the pre-op diet. Not too bad so far.:confused: