Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

Ok...I've got 7 more days til my Lap-band!!! I Started my liquid diet last saturday and I'm down 9 pounds already!!! Can't wait for my band!!!

Hi everyone! I'm really considering getting banded I want to know how long does the process take meaning from the first consulation to the actual sugery? One of the dr. in my area requires 6 months to a year, does this sound right? Also, is there anyone here from the metro detroit area, if so any referrals?

Hi everyone, i was banded 1 year ago in sept. lost 59 lbs. am pretty much where i want to be in size. happy with the procedure. been reading some posts which got me interested in this site. new to this site, and looking forward to some support, and giving some support i hope. i am 45 years old. a very supportive family, worked with me through the whole procedure. they are great. would love to hear from some people living with the band. phyllis

Hello everyone. I just got banded on 01-31-07. Just looking around to see if things I'm experiencing are normal when I found this site.Looks like a very large group so maybe I'll learn some stuff from yall:)

I am 29 years old, I am 6'4 in tall and weigh aprox 315 lbs, giving me a B.M.I of 40. I have just recently begun the process of accumilating doctor referals to try and persuade my insurance company to pay for this. I am using Dr. Malley of Surgical Weightloss Centers of KC. I have been to the initial orientation but am waiting on my referals to schedule my first appointment face to face with the Dr. I have already decided that if my insurance declines coverage, than I will be paying cash...aprox 17,000 dollars. I have a good railroad job, and it wont be easy, but it is worth it, no matter what. I am in the early stages, but I will keep in touch!! I also welcome any fe…

I am considering Lap Band surgery and going through the pre-surgery qualification process. I am optimistic about the prospect of substantial long-term weight loss. I know quite a few people that have had gastric by-pass with mixed results and significant and even fatal complications. I don't think I would ever consider that option but I like the less invasive aspects of the Lap Band. Any advise anyone could offer a "seeker" would be welcome.

Just like to say hi to everyone....

Hi everyone, I would like to say that I am happy to have found this site. There is a lot of valuable information I may not have otherwise found out about. Thank you. I have decided to go ahead and attend a seminar to get the ball rolling. I did find out that my insurance will not cover it.:cry Kaiser:mad: They suggested paying extra for some supplement which may or may not cover the surgery. I look forward to reading your posts. It's very encouraging to read, even the bad ones help to know some of the things that I could/could not expect. indy9771

Seminar Jan 17th- 2007 Dr. Spivak- Houston Banded Jan 19th- 2007 So far soo good- no problems- liquid diet- sore around incision sites so many questions- I didn't have time for an induction diet like I have read about. So ready to be slimmer

Greetings All, I am just joining the group today. I am in the process of preparing for Lap Band surgery. I am done with my pre-op tests, I now need to have my teaching class, nutritionist visit and psych eval and then my surgery date will be set. I am hoping to lose 160 lbs. through this process. I am very excited, but would like the surgery to be over all ready. They think I should be operated on around the end of February or beginning of March. Which is not a long time to wait. My best friend had gastric bypass surgery done and had to wait 6 months from the time of the first consultation to the actual surgery. My time will probably total 2 months. I am married …

I'm hoping to be banded sometime during the summer of 2007. I would appreciate any advice. I will be having Dr. Oweis from Toledo Ohio. Any comments or suggestions about my dr. choice? Thanks!

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while , but now that things are finally starting to move along I'm gettting excited and nervous too. Last Wed I went for my first consult with the nutritionist, met one of the doctors, but not the doctor that will be doing my surgery, met the PA, and made my 2 months appt out for the next visit with the nutritionist. Since then I have scheduled a gallbladder ultrasound, and the psych eval., both of these for next week. From what I've read on my insurance coverage, I don't think I will have a problem with them paying, or doing a lot of jumping thru hoops. If I can just lose enough weight between now and my next nutrition appt I think things…

Hi! My husband has been approved and is scheduled for surgery this month. I'm thrilled for him because I know this is something he wants. I've read through some other postings about people who have not-so-supportive spouses. Is there anyone out there who can tell me what this is like from a "would-do-anything for my spouse" person? Some times a spouse can be more ojective than the patient themselves. Thank you!

I set up my chart at the ticker factory, but I can't figure out how to add it to my signature. Can anyone help? Thanks, Shelly

Hello all, I have for the past month or so been researching lapband (mainly on this site) and have posted on a few threads already. All my life I have been overweight and finally have "accepted" who I am. I am currently happy with who I am but not nececarily my weight. I have found many very encouraging posts and alot of feedback on all the questions that I have had so far. I, last week, found out my pre-op, surgery and post-op would be covered with the ok from the doctor by ND BCBS. There still will be a $1250.00 deductible but since I recently (this year) had surgery on my thumb I think that I have paid for most of it. I am assuming that ND BCBS will cover fills but…

Hi I'm new here. Looking at the posts I think maybe this is more USA geared than UK. I had a gastric balloon fitted Oct 05 for 6 months. I managed to lose about 18 kilos [was 82 kilos to start] I had the balloon removed March 06 and although I have tried really hard to stay to smaller portions I am now starting to regain the weight. Back up to about 74 kilos. I am terrified of putting it all back and some so am seriously considering the lapband. I know I am not grossly overwieight but I'm only small and really need to lose the weight is because I have high blood pressure, my cholesterol levels are also high, I suffer with arthritis in knees and hips and my mum was diab…

Hi, This is myfirst posting. I have been reading alot of the talks in this group and it has all been informing to me. I am being banded Feb 16th and am so excited. I start my two week diet Friday. There are times when I am nervous about it, but reading all of your comments make the nervousness go away. I know I can do this!!!:nervous

Hi! My name is Holli. I am Pre-Op. I am just waiting to hear from the insurance company before I can move forward or move to Plan B (Self Pay). I am originally from Michigan. Currently living in VA. I have a blog I started to work through my progress: www.hollilama-anewme.blogspot.com. I am interested in new friends going through the same things. I don't know a lot of people here (in VA) and I have chosen only to tell a few people in my life, so feel free to email me! Thanks for reading! Holli

:roll:YIPEE....got word last night that I'm approved. I've got to attend my seminar in a couple of weeks and hopefully then I'll have a surgery date. Time flies!

:clap2: Hi all just found your site, great to be part of a group of banders. I was banded by Dr.Zapata in Monterry Mexico on January 18th 2007. So far so good. I have lost 15 lbs, probably mostly water but I'm counting!! Just wanted to say hi and kudos to all of you for taking this step to a healthier life style.

Hello, I am also new. I have never done anything like this either. I got my lapband 1/16. I am two weeks post op. I have lost almost 30lbs so far but have been on a 400cal diet for the past two weeks and 800cal two weeks prior to that. I am ready for some real food. I am interested in what is to come and if anyone else has been banded lately. thanks for any input that you might have. c.m.

Hey! I'm new to the site and so happy to have connected. There is such a wealth of information. It gives me a lot of sincere feelings to know that most people want to have fun and be healthy. I'm going to Phoenix in a couple of weeks. I was there last year, 30 lbs heavier and a lot less happy. I'm so grateful. Talk to you all soon.

Hi Everyone! I just signed up on here. My boyfriend and I are scheduled for our first consultation on Feb 14th. We are going to do this together. We are going to Commonwealth Surgeons in Richmond. Has anyone else on here used them? Were you satisfied and happy? Thanks for the info! Barb :nervous

Finally got it from UHC after waiting from Jan 24 to yesterday Jan 30... To those that are still waiting please continue to wait and hang in there..if I can do it you can too. I have United Health Care PPO Choice my doctor is Dr. H. Rivas UT Southwestern.... :) :)

:nervous HI my name is Deborah Martin.I will be getting my band on FEB.14.I go tom.I guess then he will be putting me on whatever diet most people are put on before surgery.I weight 255 LBS I hope and pray this works for me.Does anyone know anything about Dr.Hargroder I have only heard the good maybe thats all there is.The day before surgery I will post my picture.Hope to hear from some of you and looking forward to it.

Hello, just wanted to talk to a few new people that have been banded. I will have been banded one year as of March 21, 2007. My doctor is Adam Smith. I have to say from the start, not happy with lap band. I have only lost 22 lbs!

hi everyone, I was banded Jan 22, 2007, starting today I get to advance my diet to full liquids. yeah! :high5:

Hello, I am new to the LBT. I have been reading as a guest for a few weeks. I am interested in the Baylor program in Dallas.... because they are in network on my BCBS plan and they come highly recommended. I have enjoyed reading the forums... Does anyone in the DFW area have experience (good and bad) with the Baylor program? I work in WI four days per week so they are going to treat me as an "out of town patient" simply meaning I attend the mandatory seminar and the consult appt. within two days, and after surgery have to stay in Texas "home" for two weeks...... Two weeks for LapBand, does sound "normal"?? Thanks to all for the info being put out there, it is so hel…

Hi room. I had my surgery on 4/7/06 and as of 1/25/07 I have lost 79 lbs. I currently have 3 cc's in my band. While I realize that I am doing well with my weight loss, I am somewhat frustrated this week as it appears that my appetite is way out of control. Anyone have any advice on this?

Hi Everyone. I joined this sight because I had the lap band on December 9, 2006. I have to date lost 21 pounds. I am, however, very discouraged by the fact that I am eating just as much as I was before. The hunger is still there and the capability to eat is still there. I am beginning to think this was a HUGE mistake. Please someone tell me this is normal. Thanks.

have been "thinking" about weight loss surgery for years - made the very first step and sent in my paperwork. Scared and hopeful at the same time. I know there is no straight answer - but how long from time you sent paperwork in to actually having the surgery? My family (my mother - who has been overweight her entire life and has serious health issues at 61 and is a nurse and my brother who is also a nurse but has not one bit of fat on him) are not being very supportive - they don't think this is the answer. My husband is very supportive and he is the one that is going to be with me forever..... glad I found this site to read and read and read.... Helena

Hi. Am seriously considering having a Lap Band but at 49 years of age I actually have never undergone any surgery of any kind so I am understandably very nervous. I have still to have a first consulation with the surgeon so am full of questions. Do I have to have a general anaesthetic? I think I weigh about 28 Stone. (In american terms thats 28 X 14........390 lbs approx?) As you can imagine, my life is hell. Full of pain, discomfort and all the usual ailments that go with severe obesity. Does anyone know about any down sides to this OP? I hear that Sharon Osborne has to have hers removed. Does anyone know why this is? Thanks. Banrion. :think

I am considering having surgery done... I have alot of questions and I dont want to jump into this without knowing what I am doing to myself first. I have seen people lose weight without doing something as drastic as having surgery. I feel like I am just being lazy and not wanting to deal with the willpower it takes to stay on a diet. My weight gain began 2 yrs ago when I quit smoking. I was able to control my hunger when I smoked now I cant seem to get eating under control like I got rid of one bad habit and changed it for another. Then I read about people on here who have had the surgery and think it sounds ok. But then I read about the gas and the pre op diet. Now i am…

Wow. I have never done anything like this before. I'm 46 5'6" 252lbs. I'm am just starting the lap band process. I have read a lot of the post and you guys sound so positive. Thanks!!! That really helps. I will be a frequent visitor. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Spark in Missouri

Hello everyone, I am a new to the whole idea of lapband. I overheard something about it on tv but I did not get the whole story. If someone could fill me in on all the pro's and con's about it. Like how much does it cost, is it easy to find a Dr., how would I even start to find a Dr.? I'm 27 single mother of two (6yr and 2 month old) I'm 5'7 and 265 lbs. I want to have energy for my kids and be there for them when they get older. I hardly fill full and when I do I'm hungry less than a half hour later. Would I be a good canidate for the whole thing or should I try something else. I was thinking about the bypass surgey but I dont really like the chance of lossing my hair, …

HI everyone I am new to ths site but not new to the band. I was banded back in 2001 but struggled and did not realy lose weight due to constant vomiting etc. I was following the band rules but still had major problems until i was diagnosed with ms that had affected my ability to swallow. gradually with the help of specialist nutritionists/speech pathologists we have worked out how to adapt the usual band rules and finally I am moving in the right direction. I feel like a born again bandster- if that makes sense. now since november I have lost 54.5 pounds!! I don't have anyfluid in the band at the moment but i'm hoping that I will be allowed to try a small fill again soo…

I am wondering after reading so many posts, if there is any particular order that one goes through to get to the banding part? Like, what are the steps? Does anyone know what steps go first. I read some see a shrink, some go to a dietitian, some do a sleep study and some go to how many consultations? Or, is it just different on everyone depending on the Dr... thanks....

Hi Everybody! This is my first post and I'm so glad you're all here for me! I'm a 55-year-old second grade teacher in Minneapolis. I'll be meeting with my surgeon in Feb. 22 to schedule my surgery for, hopefully, early April. I'd welcome any advice about what I should be doing already to prepare--both physically and emotionally. Thanks, and I look forward to learning from YOU--the experts!

Hi, I'm Susan (37 years old) and I am getting banded on 1/31 (one week from tomorrow). I can't wait. I have a BMI of 35 and 80 pounds to lose. I know that isn't as much as some people, but I admire every pound anyone can take off. I worked hard to earn the extra weight- lots of overeating and sitting. I do have thyroid issues and had a hysterectomy when I was 30 but honestly, it is my eating habits (volume volume volume) and laaaaccckkkk of exercise that got me here. But, I am so thrilled to be getting a Lap Band, this little tool is going to be the key to my success. I have tried everything out there. I am excited, and reading everything I can get my hands on... …

Hi I would like to chat with someone who reached goal 2 years ago. :clap2: I would like to know how the band is working at the present time. It's one topic I don't see on the site. Trish

Hello all!! I just began to delve into researching Lap Banding and found your forum. I was so impressed that I had to join! Looking forward to reading your posts and meeting you all as I make my journey towards a new me!

Hi all, I am new here, researching to see if the lap-band surgery is for me. Wondering if I am maybe too old, if having it done at this age would create more complications than a younger person. Anyone know?

Hello All! I just got my band on this past Monday, 1-22-07. :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I keep asking myself if I have done the right thing and then tell my self that I have done the right thing. It just happend so fast. Went to a seminar on 11-15-2006, did all the pre-op testing the following week, got a cpap machine just after New Year's along with my approval letter. Scheduled the surgery, did the 2 weeks of pre-op liquid hell diet. I just wish I could eat something. Today, 2 days post-op, I was finally able to get down 6oz of chicken broth in just under an hour. Warm liquids seeem to go down better. I'm still having pain, but no shoulder pain so far. I'm keepin…

I've been reading a lot of threads on here where people talk about how hungry they were until they got their 1st fill. I was wondering if this was the case w/ everyone? I'm 4 days post op now and the hunger pains have gone away. I'd really like it to stay that way. I'm starting to get nervous that over the next few days/weeks i'll become very hungry. I've already started weighing my self like a million times aday. I'm starting to get a little obsessed. Any one else gone through this? Any and all advice/thoughts and or ideas are welcomed. Talk care y'all

I was recently banded on Dec 26, 2006. Since December 17th (pre-op liquid diet) I have lost 37 pounds. For the last week and a half I have not lost anything and teetering between 263 and 262. I am eating about 4 ounces of food at each meal, drinking 3 8z Protein drinks (fat free skim milk with 1/2 package Carnation Instant Breakfast) throughout the day. Is it normal to get where you do not lose any weight until the band is adjusted? My first adjustment is 2/21. Is it possible that I am losing inches and not weight? Every couple of days my clothes feel looser fitting? Can someone answer these questions for me? I am a new member here and have read a few threads and…

Hey y'all My name is Ryan I am a 24 yr old house wife from Mont Belvieu Texas. I was banded on 1/24/07 by Dr. Felix Spiegel. So far so good. Only my incisions hurt and i'm pretty much back to normal. Just having a hard time chasing my 15month old around. I did have a few questions about my new diet. I was wondering how long most people were on a liquid diet after thier surgery? I've been drinking lots of Water, juice, and broth along w/ 3 slimfast a day. I am looking forward to eating some mashed potatoes. So far since Wed the 24th i've lost 9 lbs. I'm super excited. Any info or advice y'all have would be appericated tons. Looking forward to hearing back …

I was banded on Wed 1-24 by Dr. Kwon in NY State--so far so good--but I'm still having some awful gas--feels like I had a lump of peanut butter that went down too fast--it seems to be less frequent--please tell me this will stop!

I had my first fill on 1/24. I've lost 35 pounds and I'm feeling great!!!!! However, today was my first solid food after the fill and I only ate a small amount of tuna and got a terrible feeling in my chest. Has anyone else experienced this??

Hi everyone, I just got banded on Wednesday and I'm still feeling weak today. Is this normal? I haven't taken any pain medication in 24 hours but I extremely lightheaded. Any suggestions? I want to hear all of your advice and suggestions. This is like a whole new beginning for me! Thanks:help:

Hi Everyone, I am in the process of getting insurance approval. My insurance is BCBS Georgia HMO so I know it will be a fight. I hate insurance companies. My doctor is in the process of getting my medical necessity letter ready.(The first one got lost) The referral and the medical letter of clearance for surgery is at the surgeon office. I have an appointment Monday with the dietitian for a nutritional evaluation and a appointment for my psychological examine on January 31st. I am trying to get all my ducks in a row so if and when the insurance company says yes I'm ready. I know if the insurance co…